Issuu

INSIDE River City

WEST SIDE STORIES Ann Ciccolella

PLACES TO GO Around the Neighborhood

INSIDE Philanthropy Spotlight Page 7

Pages 2-3

Page 4

People’s Pharmacy changes hands

VOLUME 39 ISSUE 9 - SINCE 1986

Sally Brown, Muny Conservancy board member Gigi Bryant, Jessica Bush

W E S TA U S T I N N E W S . C O M

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Muny Conservancy board member Noel Bridges, Stephanie and Erik Lopez, Marcia Macha

Scotty Sayers, Ben Crenshaw and Ed Clements speaking to the crowd

Texas Stars Rally to Save Muny at Fifth Annual Gala By Anne DeVries On September 10, ACL Live at the Moody Theater filled up with boots and bolo ties for a shared cause close to West Austin's heart: saving Lions Municipal Golf Course, known to generations of Austinites simply as Muny. The Muny Conservancy's fifth annual Imagine Muny gala drew golfers, musicians, and neighbors for an evening of cocktails, a live auction, and a concert headlined by Tanya Tucker, Wade Bowen, Jack Ingram, and Ray Benson's Asleep at the Wheel. All in service of a 102-year-old course Conservancy leaders call one of Austin's most treasured green spaces. Emceed by Ed Clements, the gala drew a crowd as broad as Muny's appeal. State Rep. Donna Howard, Austin City Council Member Marc Duchen, longtime UT supporter Kenny Jastrow, Mack and Sally Brown, and Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott were among those on hand. The stakes are more than sentimental. Muny's 141 acres sit atop a water recharge zone and shelter wildlife, along with hundreds of heritage oak and pecan trees. The course also holds a singular place in civil rights history as the first public golf course in the South to

desegregate, a legacy central to the Conservancy's mission. No one embodies that mission more than Ben Crenshaw, the twotime Masters champion, Austin native, and Muny Conservancy co-chair who first played at the course as a boy of eight or nine. "It's a safe place," Crenshaw said of those early days, recalling mothers dropping off kids for the day. "You got to play with whomever. You got to make friends, and you got to learn to play. Muny provides a respite from the bustle of life," he said, "and I think it's entirely worth everyone introducing a child to the game. It'll stay with you the rest of your life." Crenshaw credited co-chair Scotty Sayers with carrying much of the fight. "Scotty really works so hard," Crenshaw said. "He deserves special recognition." Sayers insists it's a team effort by the community, for the community. The funds raised from the gala will go directly into youth golf and course upkeep, from a new Scotlandinspired "putting green" and drivingrange expansion to fencing, tree work, and an 18th-hole regrade. Sayers offered a hopeful update on talks with the University of Texas, which owns the land Muny sits on. "We feel good and very optimistic,"

Turk Pipkin with Ray Benson

Sayers said, adding that the conservancy very much wants "to be a part of the conversation" as UT weighs the property's future. The night drew in newer supporters of Muny, including Texas troubadour Wade Bowen, a headliner for the event, who grew up in Waco, said he came to the cause through a friend. "My two favorite things in the world are golf and music," Bowen said, before joking that he'd better not "mess it up tonight" if he wanted to be invited back. Judging by the crowd's reaction to his set, he needn't have worried. That mix of star power and heartfelt allegiance paid off: the gala met its $1 million fundraising goal. A long-term lease or purchase would unlock even bigger plans. Crenshaw's own design firm, Coore & Crenshaw, has already drawn up a full restoration of the course and clubhouse. Organizers say that monetary donations are not the only avenue for contribution: residents who want to help save Muny are urged to contact the mayor's office, the governor's office, the UT System Board of Regents, and the UT administration, and let them know the time is now to save the fairways so many Austinites and individuals beyond call their own.

Muny V Gala headliners Wade Bowen, Tanya Tucker and Jack Ingram

Ben Crenshaw, Julie Sayers, Executive Director of the Muny Conservancy Shannon Provost, Julie Crenshaw, Scotty Sayers

State Representative Donna Howard, Kristen Ylana

Matt Kreisle and Muny Conservancy board member Holly Reed

Mike and DK Reynolds

Austin High Golf team member Barclay Dekinder, volunteering at the gala

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Around the Neighborhood: opening

expanding

celebrating

LOCAL FOODS

AUSTIN FLOWER CO. Austin Flower Co., a walk-in flower market at 1612 W. 35th St, celebrated 30 years of its beautiful cut flowers and house plants last month. Hard to believe it was 30 years ago that the gas station at the corner of 35th St and Jefferson transformed itself into West Austin’s go-to place when we need a little something something to fluff up our spaces. Owner and West Austinite Thomas Gay honored the late August milestone by inviting everyone for burgers and ice cream. Open seven days, Mon-Sat 9am-6pm and Sunday noon-5pm; wholesale and retail; more at 512-4516447 or austinflowers.com or @austinflowerco 1

Local Foods opened last month at 3800 N Lamar #170, Austin’s second location of the Houston-based restaurant with a robust offering of vegan and vegetarian options. Local Foods partners with Texas growers, farmers, ranchers, fishers, bakers, coffee roasters, and food artisans to provide “flavors so fresh, you’ll swear our food is flirting with you.” The crunchy chicken sandwich on a pretzel roll gets raves, and I’ve got my eye on the escabeche, a vegan side of cauliflower, carrot, jalapeno, and onion. Pluswhich, free parking in the garage, soft serve froyo, batched cocktails, full bar. Open seven days 10:45am – 9pm, with weekend brunch soon from 9am – 3pm. More at localfoodstexas.com 2

PEOPLE’S PHARMACY

THUNDERCLOUD SUBS TURKEY TROT People’s Pharmacy has a new owner and expanded services at its four locations, including our Westlake and North Lamar stores. New owner Kimberli Wiley, also owner of CPRx Pharmacy in Austin, has collaborated with Victory Medical Center to bring GLP-1s, peptides, and in-store nurse practitioners to Peoples Pharmacy. See peoplesrx.com 4

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot registration is open for the 36th year of the Thanksgiving Day run. And the good news is you have till Oct 1 for early turkey – I mean, early bird – registration at $25 for an actual untimed or virtual 5-mile or $30 for a timed 5-mile run/walk. Did I mention long-sleeved T-shirt? My favorite, and you’ll be doing a world of good for Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit that all proceeds benefit – more than $6M over the years. See thundercloud.com or turkey trot 2026 for registration and packet pickup details 3

CINQUE TERRE WEST ATX Cinque Terre West ATX has come to Rosedale with its flavors of Italy’s Cinque Terre region, offered by owner chef Gianba Vinzoni, who learned to love cooking while spending time with his grandmother in her kitchen. Gianba and Marlo Vinzoni relocated their Cinque Terre West restaurant – and themselves -- from California’s Pacific Palisades to Austin after the Pacific Palisades fire. Check out chef’s amazing culinary creations at cinqueterrewest.com and @cinqueterrewestatx 5

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Around the Neighborhood: opening DIRTY MARTIN’S PLACE

expanding

celebrating

YUMMY MOMMY THAI CUISINE

Dirty Martin’s Place turned 100 this summer, grilling burgers and serving shakes at 2808 Guadalupe on the Drag since 1926. Opened back when its location was in North Austin, the place was part of a bar and gas station and had just a few bar stools on a dirt floor. I ate in the back room in the 60s and 70s where there were half a dozen tables or so – what I reckon they’re calling the historic front room these days, because now Dirty’s has a really big back room with big tables. Has there ever been another place where you could tell the waitperson your order and then you get asked, “You want any fried sides with that?” See dirtymartins.com 6

Yummy Mommy Thai Cuisine is coming soon, according to the sign draped over the front of the old Pit BBQ at 4707 Burnet Rd, and online projects a September opening with the promise of nostalgic home-cooked Thai comfort food blended with bold street food energy. That Rosedale stretch of Burnet Road from 45th to 49th Street is hopping with food places these days. See @yummymommy_atx 7

NAMI WALKS CENTRAL TEXAS

SANDY’S HAMBURGERS

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 10 Preservation Austin, housed at the Mcfarland-McBee House at 3805 Red River, is celebrating 2026 Legacy Business Month during the month of October to honor “a beloved local establishment open for 20 years or more that anchors a community and epitomizes classic cool.” This year there are ten businesses being recognized: Callahan’s, The Tavern, Boggy Creek Farm, Westgate Lanes, Shenanigans, Coco’s Café, Elysium, Casey’s New Orleans Snoball, Juan in a Million, and Texas Chili Parlor. Pick up a free Legacy Business Month Passport at any of these spots or at Preservation Austin, and attend the Wrap Party Nov 4 at The Tavern to enter to win prizes. See preserationaustin.org

Sandy’s Hamburgers, beloved burger and fries and soft serve drive-in restaurant at 603 Barton Springs, celebrated 80 years recently, getting its start in May 1946. Me too, y’all, me too – Alana here, and I just couldn’t resist our mutual May 1946 birthdays. Sandy’s is open from 10am to 10:30pm every day, serving up A Taste of Old Austin with old fashioned hamburgers, a grilled chicken sandwich, BLTs, hot dogs and corn dogs, fries, and a slew of malts and shakes and cones and sundaes. Sandysaustin.com 8

NAMI Walks Central Texas steps off from the Palmer Events Center at 9am on Oct. 17. Hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, this national event unites communities to break the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and to raise vital funds for local NAMI programs. Join a team, start a team, walk without a team, but see namicentraltx. org for fundraising info – it’s a chance to do good, my friends. 9

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SINCE 1977 SINCE 1977

WEST AUSTIN NEWS

Colorado, but was pleasantly

WESTSIDE

S T O R I E S surprised that Austin had a lot

Ann Ciccolella

Ann Ciccolella BY FO R R E S T P R E E C E

hat does Austin arts mainstay Ann Ciccolella have in the works?

Let’s see, she hasfinished a staged reading of a play she wrote about John Singer Sargent’s Madame X. And she has written the libretto for a five-character opera, “Verdict of Love,” based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's final novel, which will soon be produced at the new Butler Opera Center Sept. 11-13. All this, while she is serving as artistic director at Austin Shakespeare. Without a doubt, Ann is still making her presence widely known on the Austin arts scene, where she has flourished since she came here 37 years ago. I love hearing about people’s “Aha! moments.” Ann grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, with a view of the Manhattan skyline to the east. Her dad was a purveyor of fruits and vegetables, and her parents’ involvement with the arts was mostly limited to attending Vaudeville acts.

of greenery. She wanted to get a “normal job and write plays,” but soon found out that there was an active dramatic scene in town. They were staying in a bed-and-breakfast while looking for a permanent place to live, where she found a guidebook with many listings for Austin theaters. That made her realize that she had a good chance of making a living in the arts. It wasn’t long until Ann started volunteering at Austin Circle of Theatres, and when the managing director stepped down, she took the job, which she held for nine years. When people ask her what to do when they come to a new town, Ann tells them, “Volunteer! You never know what it will lead to.” During this time, Ann was actively involved with Project Interact, a Zach Scott projectthat took a group of professional actors around Texas to put on shows for schoolchildren. They were blessed with support for this activity by the Texas Commission on the Arts, but the funding dried up. Then Alice Wilson resigned as the managing director at Zach Scott, and Dave Steakley came on board as the artistic director. Ann was good friends with Dave, and after many conversations, he convinced

her to be Zach’s managing director. She took the position and directed about one show a year, in addition to handling her administrative duties. I asked her about some of her career highlights during the eight years she held that position. She said that directing Karen Kuykendall in both Full Gallop (based on Diana Vreeland’s life) and Cabaret, which also featured Meredith McCall, were two of her favorite shows. She also enjoyed working with Fran Dorn in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and with Jill Holmes (Blackwood) and Nick Rodriguez in Masterclass. In 2008, Ann was hired to be the artistic director and managing director of Austin Shakespeare. The group was heavily in debt at that point and did not have many major donors. One way she reduced the debt was to cut back to one show a year in Zilker Park, to generate publicity and reduce the overhead costs. Within a year, she hired Alex Alford as her managing director, which she says is the smartest thing she ever did. They are still a team, and Austin Shakespeare is doing well now. Ann says that one of her favorite plays has been Macbeth, starring Marc Pouhe' and Helen Merino. They have staged it both at Zilker and in the Rollins Theatre at the Long Center. One way Ann has made

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 Austin Shakespeare catch a second wind and thrive is by thinking outside the box and bringing theatre into different settings. For instance, they did a version of A Little Night Music in the Rollins Theatre with a 12-piece orchestra. They also did a staged reading of Wolf Hall with period costumes along with music and dance. Last year, they did a junior project with the Austin Symphony at the Long Center, which brought in 14,000 fifth graders to see Midsummer in Marfa: A West Texas Fairy Tale, a bilingual, multi-genre theatrical and musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream. It blended classical symphonic music, mariachi, Latin dance, and reggaetón. (Now that’s variety!) “We do have a wonderful board and our president, Sue Breland, is very active in the community, which is a big help.” Ann added that they recently took a musical turn by using local singers, including Pamela Hart, in a 1940s hit parade fundraiser at Parker Jazz Club. They also use the Chez Zee Gallery for shows. Ann also loves to talk about their Young Shakespeare productions, which use actors aged 13 to 19 and were staged for a long time at Richard Garriott’s Curtain Theatre. This year, they were at the Scottish Rite Theatre on Lavaca for these shows. They staged The

Merchant of Venice there this June, and they loved using the theatre’s gorgeous backdrops. Ann notes that one of the actors from their past productions performed on Broadway. They also did a young people’s version of The Odyssey at the Long Center, which Ann wrote, and her adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull. They have also used Shalom at the Jewish Community Center for Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt. During the year, Austin Shakespeare goes into the schools, and the company gets the students on their feet reading parts. They are coming back to Parker Jazz Club, as well, with “Ragtime Piano & Songs” on Oct. 11, including performers Roderick Sanford and Kara Bliss. There are 80 theater companies in Austin these days, and competition for donor money is stiff. Austin Shakespeare used to be able to count on funds from the City of Austin, but that’s no longer a given. High-tech companies are coming to town, but in those circles, interest in the arts isn’t overwhelming. For Austin Shakespeare, the average donation is $250, which means they have to appeal to a wide variety of audiences. “Survival is the name of the game,” Ann says. But as The Bard put it, “Sweet are the uses of adversity.”

One magical day, Ann bought a ticket to a Broadway show, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. She sat there in her balcony seat, mesmerized, and told herself she wanted to beinvolved in the dramatic arts for the rest of her life. After earning an interdepartmental degree in Dramatic Literature, History of the Theater,and Cinema at NYU, Ann set about starting her career. “Directing, stage managing – I was doing whatever I could do to make a buck!” During this time, she had shows on OffOff-Broadway andalong the East Coast. At one point, she ran her own company called Renaissance Theater. In 1989, Ann’s partner, Tara Smith, took a position with the University of Texas philosophy faculty, and they moved here. Looking down from the airplane flying in, Ann had expected to see red rocks like

HOW TO REACH US: June 18, 2026 Volume 39 Issue 6

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Ann savors a cup of tea while thinking about her next project. This photograph was taken in London while she was having lunch in the restaurant at Harrods.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

WEST AUSTIN NEWS

Dr. Tom McHorse to be honored for 50 years of service to Volunteer Healthcare Clinic Dr. Tom McHorse has worked for 50 years to expand access to health care and ensure seniors can safely stay in their homes through work at Volunteer Healthcare Clinic and advocacy through the Travis County Medical Society. He will be honored on Feb. 12 for his service at a gala celebrating the clinic’s 60 years in Austin. McHorse, a longtime gastroenterologist, has been a volunteer physician for the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic since 1976 and served as the

clinic’s Medical Director since 2026, just recently stepping down. He continues to serve on the clinic’s board. During his tenure, patient access for primary care has expanded significantly, with the clinic now providing over 4,600 patient visits annually from volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists and translators to medically uninsured adults and children in our community. McHorse and his wife Kay are Charter Members of Capi-

Dr. Tom and Kay McHorse with their children and grandchildren

tal City Village, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to helping seniors safely remain in their homes and avoid social isolation. He was the founding chair of the Travis County Medical Society’s Project Access, offering pro bono medical visits and specialty care to indigent residents, and has served at the medical society’s president. McHorse has led a life of service, including medical mission trips with Tarrytown Methodist, board members of

local organizations, and Cub Scout leader. The McHorses have been married 59 years, and are the lucky ones who have their three sons and their families all in Austin. Volunteer Healthcare Clinic is hosting Have A Heart For Dr. McHorse on Feb. 12 the Austin Club – a milestone celebration honoring McHorse and the clinic’s 60th anniversary, and tables, sponsorships, and tickets are available at www.volclinic.org as well as complete information.

Dr. Tom McHorse has served Volunteer Healthcare Clinic for 50 years, and will be honored on Feb. 12.

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

WHERE I’M COMING FROM BY FO R R E S T P R E EC E

Max Sherman

A Testament to Wind and Stone by Max Sherman

Max Sherman, former dean of the LBJ ing the boys to their respective destinies. School, is a West Austin icon and a gifted It’s not long until both twins exhibit excepauthor. His latest novel, “A Testament to Wind tional musical talents, and by the time they are and Stone,” is entertaining, with plotlines that in their late teens, they are studying at top-flight traverse music, creativity, love, the wonder of schools. One, Archer, becomes a composer nature, Vietnam, and the conflicts in the Middle who draws his inspiration from the sounds of East. How Sherman cattle on North Texas ties it all together ranches, the wind might strike some whistling along rocky readers as fantastical. terrain, and other But then I look at my sources, such as a man placing an employhe hears playing blues ment ad for a local guitar, and the poverty software company in he sees in small towns the Dallas Morning on a bus ride home News in 1975, Linda from New York City. Ball accepting the His twin Ari, who was job, and marrying me adopted by the Jewish six months later, and family, becomes a conI have to agree that ducting prodigy and sometimes “art imiattracts international tates life.” attention. Taking that Along the way, thought one step furboth boys fall in love ther, it’s hard not to with talented womsee this book as a meten. After a series of aphor for how idyllic entertaining twists the world would be and turns, they both if humans could hear wind up in Israel for the sounds of nature a concert that is an and reorder them into international event music that transcends featuring their mother religion, politics, as the pianist. (And “A Testament to Wind and Stone” by Max national boundaries, no, they are not aware Sherman and war. that she is their mothThe book begins in Amarillo. Doctor Tom er at first.) In a deft narrative turn, the orchesBrewer’s patient, Karolina Strapovic, a world-re- tra Ari assembles for this concert has a variety nowned Czechoslovakian pianist, has delivered of Middle Eastern instruments mixed with the twins and has put both of them up for adoption. usual winds and strings. More than that, and I’d His attorney friend Daniel James helps with the be spoiling the plot. process. Since the next couple on the adoption One quote by Daniel, the attorney, sums it list said they would not accept twins, a search up: “. . . when I realized that Karolina was combegins to find another family to take the second ing here to play Archer’s music, I had to pause child, and it is quickly successful. As it happens, and think that maybe, just maybe, there is a one couple is Jewish, the other is Protestant. higher hand at work. Perhaps it’s truly about the How to decide which boy goes to which couple? power of love and the power of music.” The doctor puts slips of paper in a Mason jar, The book is available at BookPeople as well draws them, and gives them to his nurse, sendas an audiobook on Audible.

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Lawrence Wright

Author

1. What’s something about you that not many people know? As a young man I spent two years teaching in Cairo, Egypt, and on the side worked for an Egyptologist. 2. What was your first job? Washing dishes and scooping ice cream at Goff ’s in Dallas. 3. If you could have dinner with three people — dead or alive, at any time in history —who would they be? Benjamin Franklin, AJ Liebling, and Nora Ephron. 4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be? Bill Evans, Gene Harris, and Floyd Domino 5. Favorite book and TV show? “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich,” and “The Sopranos" 6. Most powerful movie you have seen.

Lawrence Wright (Photo credit: Kenny Braun)

10. Which living person do you most admire?

“Schindler’s List"

Marcia Ball

7. Favorite place in Austin?

11. What makes you happy?

Hike and bike trail

Grandchildren

8. Favorite restaurant and watering hole 68 degrees 9. What did you want to be when you were growing up? Forest ranger

12. Best advice you ever received? From a witch named Starhawk: “We witches have a saying: where there’s fear, there’s power."

WEST AUSTIN NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Preservation Austin: Honoring Those Who Protect Austin’s Heritage Every city has buildings that hold its memory. In Austin, one nonprofit has spent decades making sure those places, and the people who care for them, are celebrated. Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. Its goal is a future where historic places play a meaningful role in everyone’s life. Programs like Legacy Business Month and its Grants Program highlight what makes Austin unique and give everyone a chance to help preserve our shared history. In September, the nonprofit has announced the twelve winners of its 66th Annual Preservation Merit Awards. Established in 1960, the juried program honors the hard work and visionary approaches of those preserving Austin’s heritage, from the restoration and careful expansion of beloved residences to the rehabilitation of Austin institutions. “This year’s award-winners

PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT represent such an incredible range of preservation projects and preservation legacies across our city,” said Lindsey Derrington, Preservation Austin’s Executive Director. “Austin’s creative, passionate, and innovative preservation community is stronger than ever, and we’re excited and honored to share these stories with our community.” Each year, professionals from the preservation, design, and nonprofit worlds serve on the jury and select exemplary projects with community impact. The 2026 Preservation Merit Awards Jury included Cindy Black of Rick & Cindy Black Architects; Jamie Crawley, Texas Main Street Architect and Design Lead at the Texas Historical Commission; Hannah Rangel, Vice President, Built Environment, at

the Downtown Austin Alliance; Ted Siff, Principal of Creating Common Ground; and Erin Waelder, Director of Donor Communications for Paramount & State Theatres. Winners span preservation awards for additions, rehabilitations, and restoration, along with a Stewardship Award and Special Recognition Awards honoring the citizens and organizations who have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Austin’s unique legacy. Honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Preservation Merit Awards Celebration at Central Machine Works on Tuesday, November 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening is the only one of its kind to honor the everyday Austinites working to preserve Austin’s heritage in diverse, exciting, and unexpected ways.

Red River Cultural District Photo: Lauren Grover

Starling House Photo: Jenn Rose Smith

MEANINGFUL WAYS TO GET INVOLVED ▲ Attend: Merit Awards Celebration, November 10, 6–9 p.m., Central Machine Works ▲ Tickets: $100 for members, $125 for non-members ▲ Sponsor: Sponsorship opportunities available now ▲ Learn more: preservationaustin.org

McDermott Carriage House Photo: Kensey Wiggins

Haynes Delashwah House Photo: Likeness Studio

Save the Good Stuff Photo: Emma Hussey

Kevin Keim, the Charles Moore House and MooreAndersson Compound Restoration

PRESERVATION AWARDS E. 14th Street Preservation Award for Addition Starling House Recipient: Maggie and Patrick Buckley Preservation Award for Addition Spectre Offices Recipient: Jordan Jaffe Preservation Award for Rehabilitation Cosmic Saltillo Recipient: Cosmic Hospitality Group Preservation Award for Rehabilitation Haynes-Delashwah House Recipient: Daybreak Hospitality Preservation Award for Rehabilitation McDermott Carriage House Recipient: The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Preservation Award for Rehabilitation + Sustainability Texas French Bread Recipient: Murph Willcott and Carissa Ries Preservation Award for Rehabilitation

E. Swede Hill House Photo: Casey Dunn

Spectre Offices Photo: Chase Daniel

Pathways at Rosewood Courts Recipient: Austin Housing Authority and Austin Affordable Housing Corporation Preservation Award for Restoration

Pathways at Rosewood Courts Photo: Jake Holt

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS Save the Good Stuff Recipient: Save the Good Stuff Special Recognition Award for Craftsmanship Cultural Currents: Preserving the Stories, Sounds, and Spirit of Red River Recipient: Red River Cultural District Special Recognition Award for Education + Media & Scholarship Emily Little Recipient: Emily Little Special Recognition Award for Public Service

STEWARDSHIP AWARD Charles Moore House and Moore/Andersson Compound Restoration Recipient: Kevin Keim Stewardship Award

WEST AUSTIN NEWS

“WALLERING”

AROUND

AUSTIN’S

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

HISTORY

BY M A R T H A H A R T ZO G

THE HOLLAND BROTHERS: A SUCCESS STORY Untold stories with complicated relationships abound in all of history. The city of Austin and the State of Texas are no exceptions. Take the Holland brothers, for example: William H. Holland (1841-1907) and Milton Murray Holland (18441910), along with their father, Bird Holland (1815-1864). The lives of these three Holland men reflect the complicated relationships of the 19th century. Bird Holland came to Galveston, Texas, apparently in the 1830s, from Tennessee. By 1840, he was in Austin, Texas. His older brother, Spearman Holland (1802-1872), arrived in Texas via Mississippi in 1842, where he established a plantation near Marshall, Texas. Bird Holland had a long-time relationship with Matilda Beck, an enslaved woman who lived near Marshall at the plantation of Bird’s older half-brother, Spearman. This relationship produced a number of children from the time Bird arrived in Texas until 1852, a period of over twenty years. Laws would have prohibited him from marrying the enslaved mother of his children. Prior to 1860, two of the sons that the union produced—William and Milton— were freed by Bird Holland (in a process called “manumission”) and sent to be educated at the Albany Manual Labor Academy in Ohio. From about 1850 to 1863, Albany, Ohio, served as an important station on the Underground Railroad. At the time, the town was a regional educational hub as well as a safe place for free Black Americans. The Academy accepted African American students, and this is where Bird Holland placed his sons and paid for their education. Bird Holland had a prominent career in Texas. He served in the Mexican War (1846-1848), as captain of Company F., part of Col. George T. Woods Second Regiment. After the Mexican War Bird Holland served as chief clerk and assistant secretary in the Texas State Department. In 1858, he married Matilda Rust in Austin, but she died, possibly in childbirth, the same year. Texas passed the Declaration of Secession February 1, 1861. Bird Holland was appointed Secretary of State on March 16, 1861.

He served until November, 1861, for only nine months, until he joined the Confederate Army in the great struggle known as the American Civil War. Bird’s two sons, living now in Ohio at the Albany Institute, would join the federal army, as part of what was called the United States Colored Troops (USCT). The older of the two sons, William H. Holland, about 20 years old when the war broke out, joined the Sixteenth United States Colored Troops (USCT), organized in Nashville, Tennessee, but including Ohio men. William H. participated in the battles of Nashville and Overton Hill in Tennessee and in the pursuit of John Bell Hood to the Tennessee River. (Interestingly, this author had two great grandfathers and three great-great uncles who served in Hood’s Texas Brigade, a Confederate unit.) William H.’s brother, Milton M., only 17 in 1861, was a little too young to enlist when the war broke out and worked as a shoemaker for the Quartermaster Department of the Army. He had probably learned that trade at the Albany Manual Labor Academy. In June 1863, he joined the Fifth United States Colored Troops in Athens, Ohio. His leadership qualities were obviously recognized as he rose to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. He fought in the famous Battle of the Crater, in Virginia. In September, 1864, During the engagements at Chaffin’s Farm and New Market Heights, near Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate Capital, various units of the USCT were called into action. USCT units were led by White commanding officers. At New Market Heights, all of the White officers were killed or wounded. Milton Holland assumed command and led the Black troops in battle. They fought heroically. The casualties were enormous, with the USCT losing one of every three men. On April 6, 1865, the Congressional Medal of Honor was awarded to fourteen African Americans who were engaged in the offensive. Sergeant Major Milton Holland was one of the recipients and the first African American born in Texas to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Milton Holland in uniform wearing his Congressional Medal of Honor, from the American Battlefield Trust Post February 23, 2026

While one son was fighting in the Union Army and the other waiting until he was old enough to join, Bird Holland joined the Confederate Army, serving as adjutant for Colonel Richard B. Hubbard’s Twenty-second Texas Infantry. The Twenty Second was part of Walker’s Texas Division. “Walker’s Greyhounds,” so named because of the long marches they endured, saw action in Arkansas and Louisiana. These states, along with Texas, were part of the Trans-Mississippi Department, comprising the states west of the Mississippi River. In April of 1864, the Union forces, under General Nathaniel Banks were moving north in Louisiana in an attempt to invade Texas from the Shreveport area with the goal of taking over Texas’ valuable cotton and beef production. Walker’s Greyhounds were sent from Arkansas down to Louisiana to be part of the Confederate defense of Texas. At the Battle of Mansfield MARTHA EXPLAINS THE TITLE Here’s why I am calling my column “Wallering Around in Austin’s History.” Partly, it’s a tribute to Edwin Waller, the man who led the planning of Austin, and partly it’s a joke on me. All I ever seem to do is “waller” around in history, not just Austin history, but about all history. “Waller” is how we in Texas pronounce “wallow.” Like in “hog waller.” When you consult the dictionary, you see that “wallow” is a verb meaning to roll about or lie in; to luxuriate or revel in; to flounder about; to billow forth. That’s all I seem to do these days in the always-absorbing realm of what went before.

on April 8th, while leading his regiment, Captain Bird Holland was killed. His body was identified among the fallen, and the following year, it was returned to Austin. He lies now in Oakwood Cemetery. The Post War Years saw successes for both of Bird Holland’s sons. In 1867, William H. entered Oberlin College in Ohio, attending for two years. He then returned to Texas, where he emerged as a prominent leader in the movement for the rights of African Americans. He taught school in various counties, including a free school in Austin. He was appointed to a position at the Austin post office. In 1873, he served as a delegate for a Colored Men's State Convention gathered at Brenham, led by a Republican party leader. In 1876, at the end of Reconstruction, William H., then a teacher in Wharton County, won election to the Fifteenth Legislature as a representative from Fort Bend, Waller, and Wharton Counties, serving three years. During his legislative term, he sponsored the bill providing for Prairie View Normal College (now Prairie View A&M). He was a delegate to the Republican national convention in 1876 and again in 1880. William H. Holland was instrumental in the 1887 establishment of the original Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute for Colored Youth. Governor Lawrence S. Ross appointed Holland to be its first superintendent on August 15, 1887. He served in that capacity for ten years, and then served

Institute for Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Colored Youth (1897). Courtesy of the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind. Image available on the Internet and included in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 again from 1904 until 1907. He died in Mineral Wells on May 27, 1907, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, here in Austin, the same cemetery as his father. In 2018, the City of Austin changed the name of Jeff Davis Avenue to William Holland Drive. Milton M. Holland moved to Washington, D.C. not long after the war ended, where he worked in the United States Treasury Department. He later became Chief of Collections for the

Sixth District. He studied law at Howard University and worked in banking and insurance. He was a founder of the Alpha Insurance Company, one of the first African-American owned insurance companies. He died in 1910, at his farm near Silver Springs, Maryland. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington, D.C., as befits a Medal of Honor winner. There are so many questions embedded in this complicated

W. H. Holland’s legislative portrait, 1876-1879, from the Legislative Reference Library of Texas

W. H. Holland as Superintendent of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute, The Legislative Reference Library of Texas

story. What prompted Bird Holland to free his sons and pay for their education in Ohio? It was not uncommon for enslaved persons to be granted their freedom due to ties of blood or sentiment or for services rendered, but it was still a difficult process. Provision for the young men’s education was a further testament to Bird’s hopes for them. What did Bird’s wife Matilda Rust think about his children by a woman also named Matilda? What did Bird think about his sons joining the Union Army? What did his sons think about their father? What did Matilda Beck, the mother of his many children think about Bird Holland? Many of his descendants through Matilda Beck do not hold him in high regard. Contemporaneous memoirs and letters are needed to unlock these secrets. But the story suggests that a caring father prepared his sons for freedom and that these efforts bore fruit with high achievements by both sons. The story of the Holland brothers is a success story.

SOURCES

“The Battle of Chaffin’s Farm and New Market Heights.” American History Central. https://www. americanhistorycentral.com/entries/battle-ofchaffins-farm-and-new-market-heights/ Find-a-Grave entries for Bird Holland, Milton Holland and William Holland www.findagrave. com Handbook of Texas Online: entries for Bird Holland; Milton Holland; William Holland, Spearman Holland, https://www.tshaonline.org/ handbook/entries/ Markin, James W., “Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed September 20, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/ handbook/entries/texas-blind-deaf-and-orphanschool/ “Medal of Honor Valor Trail,” Bio and photograph of Milton M. Holland. American Battlefield Trust’s Post, February 23, 2026, https:// www.facebook.com/americanbattlefieldtrust/ posts/medal-of-honor-recipient-milton-holland/ (accessed 9/20/26). “William H. Holland,” The Legislative Reference Library of Texas, www.lrl.Texas.gov/ legalleaders/members

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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Hyde Park High School

Football-2026

Senior Crawford Moffitt (QB, #3) leads the tunnel run-out at the start of a home game. Sophomore Carson Young (DB, #13), Senior Phoenix Smith (DB, #9), Senior Noah Nixon (CB, #17), Senior Garrett Gunnoe (WR, #10)

Junior Tom Burgess (RB/WR) Senior Crawford Moffitt (QB, #3)

Junior Tucker Scholla (LB, #8) prays with Senior Phoenix Smith (DB, #9)

Panther fans cheer on the Panthers at a home game on Hyde Park’s Texas Field

Senior Malachi McNeely (RB, #1)

Senior Xander Duncan (Kicker & Wide Receiver, #5)

Senior Houston Shaw (ATH, #4) runs in a touchdown covered by Senior Xander Duncan (K/WR, #5)

The Hyde Park Panther Football team is already hitting its stride for the 2026 season. They are looking forward to the stands filling with Panther Pride and fierce competition in the coming weeks. Hyde Park’s football program centers around the school’s four core values: Biblical Worldview, Christ-Centered Culture, Excellence, and Community. The team culture extends beyond thefield and weight room, with weekly bible studies, team lunches, and pre-game prayers serving as consistent cornerstones throughout each week of the season. Senior players lead a small-group Bible study on Wednesdays that is open to all team members. On Thursdays, the team gathers for a meal and hears a devotional message from Hyde Park’s Bible teacher to encourage them in faith and brotherhood. Each week culminates with Friday Night Lights, preceded by team prayer time before taking the field. Together, these elements create a unified team that celebrates wins, shoulders losses, and supports each other on and off the field.

“Hyde Park Athletics is unique because we view sports as a mirror for life,” says Louise Swain, Athletic Director. “We take wins and losses as greater lessons to point us back to our Creatorwhich motivates us towards excellence on and off the field. Panther Football starts with foundational truths, carries on with strong coaches, and trickles down to committed athletes.” The Panthers are also committed to the highest standards of excellence. Players are hard atwork in the weight room with new strength and conditioning coach Tiger Jones between field practices and school to perform their best. They focus on nutrition, hydration, and mobility throughout the week to stay on top of their health and wellness. They maintain their schoolwork with focus and discipline. And they leave it all on the field during practices and at games. Hyde Park Football is making its mark as a program focused on building young men of strong faith, undeniable skill, and unbreakable community. Come out to support the Panthers this fall as they make their district run.

Shining Stars Luncheon Empowers Foster Youth Foster Angels of Central Texas’ annual Shining Stars Luncheon was held at the Hyatt Regency with more than 600 guests in attendance, all in support of an organization that empowers children and youth in the foster care system to thrive despite the challenges they face. Funds raised at the event go directly to meeting the essential needs of those in foster care across Central Texas. The event kicked off with an exciting $100,000 challenge match, funded by Lina and Matt Flake, the Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation, and the Topfer Family Foundation. Attendees enthusiastically stepped up and met the match,

and sponsors contributed more than $400,000. The luncheon was presented by H-E-B and H-E-B Tournament of Champions and was chaired by Danielle Delgadillo and Lina Flake. Keynote speaker Ryan Steam captivated the crowd with a dynamic blend of storytelling and music that elicited both laughter and tears. He described how he persevered through foster care, homelessness, addiction, and profound loss. His military experience took him to Afghanistan twice and strengthened the hardearned perspective of hope and healing that he carries today. Steam’s message of resilience and believing in yourself left a lasting impact on everyone.

The program also recognized three Resilience Honorees, foster youth who have faced difficult circumstances and built their resilience with the help of supportive people and organizations. As short videos shared each of their stories, the audience stood to applaud every honoree. Foster Angels serves children and youth from birth through age 26. Since 2010, the organization has supported more than 50,000 children and young adults in foster care across 30 counties. Their goal is to give those in foster care the same opportunities all children deserve to learn, grow, and thrive. To support Foster Angels, visit www.fosterangelsctx.org.

Foster Angels Executive Director Terry Quinn, Claire Richards, Susie Jastrow, Terry Matthews, Julie Wilson, Betty Sue Newton, Barbara Pitts, Penny Burck, Lolla Page, Jeanne Vier, Sonja Holt, Michelle Brock,and Nancy Harper

Megan Cavazos, Hannah Hajjar, Jennifer Welch, Ainslie Tatum, and Ashley Southerland

Co-Chair Danielle Delgadillo, Foster Angels Executive Director Terry Quinn, and Event Co-Chair Lina Flake

H-E-B Senior Director of Public Affairs Heidi Post and Foster Angels Executive Director Terry Quinn

Foster Angels Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus Ted Oakley and Co-Founder Sarah Smith

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Austin Business Journal Honors St. Michael's Prep Head of School Colleen Lynch

with 2026 Women in Business Award In recognition of years of exceptional leadership, countless lives changed, and relentless dedication to Austin students and families, St. Michael’s Prep Head of School Colleen Lynch was recently honored as a 2026 Austin Business Journal Women in Business Awards recipient. The annual awards program honors outstanding women in Central Texas who have forged their own paths and developed distinctive approaches to leadership. Honorees are recognized as inspirational women who have overcome obstacles, solved complex challenges, thought creatively, mentored young talent, and made a meaningful impact within their organizations and community. Since beginning her career as an educator in 1992, Lynch has transformed countless lives through her leadership, inspiring teachers, students, and parents alike. At the heart of her leadership is a deep belief in the dignity of every individual student and the responsibility of schools to know, challenge, and support each child as they discover their capacity to make a difference in the world. “At St. Michael's Prep, we are more than a school,” said Head of School Colleen Lynch. “We are a force for good, a community of purpose, and a beacon of Catholic education in

Austin and beyond. Rooted in our core values of Integrity, Courage, and Excellence, we are committed to forming students who think deeply, act justly, lead humbly, and serve joyfully. In my role as Head of School, I have the privilege of serving alongside our faculty and staff to ensure our mission while encouraging success, confidence, and a lifelong passion for learning in each of our Warriors.” Lynch leads with a strong combination of strategic vision, humility, and heart. Her approach to leadership begins with a simple but powerful conviction: every person has inherent dignity and deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged to grow. That belief shapes how she leads her school, develops and mentors colleagues, and builds a community committed to preparing students not only for academic success, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and service. Lynch's recognition as a 2026 Women in Business Award recipient celebrates both her individual leadership and the broader impact of a career devoted to education. Her commitment to forming confident, compassionate, lifelong learners continues to inspire the St. Michael's Prep community and advance its mission to ensure every Warrior is #PreppedforLife.

PAR-TEE OC TO BE R 29 , 20 26

• FA IR M AR KE T

inment, t of mystery, elegance, enterta Step behind the mask for a nigh sion mis a e while supporting and giving back! Celebrate in styl res for kids across Central Texas. futu r hte dedicated to creating brig rs and t all four of our charitable partne Your attendance helps suppor us. join to e cod QR serve. Scan the the children and families they

St. Michael’s Prep Head of School, Colleen Lynch, engaging with students between classes

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Ignite Ball: A New Name, New Mission for BBBS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ (BBBS) annual fundraising gala, formerly known as the Ice Ball, was reimagined and renamed for 2026 to better reflect the organization’s mission-focused future. The new name, the Ignite Ball, represents igniting the potential of young people and creating a greater, lasting impact across Central Texas. The event, chaired by Sarah and Zachary Carroll, was held at the JW Marriott and welcomed supporters for an evening that included dinner, inspiring speakers, an exciting live auction, and Fund-a-Friend pledges. Nearly $700,000 was raised to support BBBS’ community-based and school-based youth mentoring programs. Lauren Petrowski served as emcee, bringing warmth and energy to the event as she reflected on her experience as a Big Sister. The 2026 Matches of the Year – Big Brother

Casey and Little Brother Chris, and Big Sister Sahara and Little Sister Ana – shared their stories, giving guests a firsthand look at the power of a consistent, caring adult relationship and reminding the room why this work matters. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin, and Manor Mayor Dr. Christopher Harvey joined the festivities, each issuing proclamations declaring the day "BBBS Ignite Ball Day," a meaningful nod to the community-wide impact of the BBBS mentoring mission. Auctioneer TK – once a Little Sister herself – led a thrilling auction that featured exotic getaways to Mexico, Portugal, and Iceland. Offerings also included a ski vacation in Park City and a specially curated in-home culinary experience with dinner prepared by Austin’s Chef Danny Kievit. In addition, the silent auction included more than 40 packages, among them a

guitar signed by Willie Nelson. BBBS Central Texas President Christina Snell said, “Changing the name from Ice Ball to Ignite Ball was intentional. We wanted the event to reflect where we are going as an organization– more mission-focused, more energized and even more committed to igniting the potential of young people across Central Texas. And that’s exactly what this night felt like. Seeing Bigs, Littles, families, volunteers, community leaders, and donors all united around this mission was incredibly moving. The generosity of this community will help us create more life-changing mentoring relationships, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we ignited together." To volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit bigmentoring.org. Photo Credit: Ricky Clack

Mayor Kirk Watson and BBBS Central Texas President Christina Snell

Big Brother Casey and Little Brother Chris

Big Brother Reid and Little Brother Braylyn

Lauren Petrowski and Event Co-Chair Sarah Carroll

Kyle and Amanda Kraft, Event Chairs Sarah and Zachary Carroll and children

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

“There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch” Supports People’s Community Clinic The Four Seasons Hotel was the setting for this year’s “There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch,” the signature fundraiser for People’s Community Clinic. More than 400 guests attended the 30th annual luncheon, which raised over $620,000 to support People’s mission of providing high-quality, affordable healthcare for thousands of Central Texans. The afternoon featured speakers from both the healthcare industry and national media who offered fresh perspectives on health education in today’s ever‑evolving digital world. The speakers included Michael Mackert, Ph.D.,

Director of the Center for Health Communication at UT Austin, and award‑winning journalist Emily Ramshaw, co-founder and CEO of The 19th, who also served as the event's emcee. Turk Pipkin presented the 2026 Neil Kocurek Award for Health Advocacy to Ray Benson for his tireless work and long-standing commitment to expanding healthcare for underserved Austinites. A founding member of the band Asleep at the Wheel, Benson has received multiple Grammys and numerous other music awards. In addition to his musical accomplishments, he is

People’s Community Clinic CEO Matt Balthazar and Susie Jastrow

widely recognized for his health advocacy and philanthropic endeavors. Benson currently serves on the board of St. David’s Foundation, and he is a founding board member of both HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) and the SIMS Foundation, which provide affordable healthcare and mental health services for local musicians. He is also a former patient at People’s. Benson’s dedication to the Central Texas community reflects the very heart of People’s mission: showing up for neighbors with care, compassion, and quality healthcare.

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners whose generosity made this year’s luncheon such a tremendous success. Raising more than $600,000 is a powerful reflection of the community’s belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, and it reinforces our commitment to serving Central Texans with dignity and respect,” said Matt Balthazer, CEO, People’s Community Clinic. Since 1970, People’s has served thousands of Central Texans in need. For more information, visit austinpcc.org.

Janet Walkow, Nona Niland, Lacey Warren, Ray Benson, Lindsey Leaverton, Lora Livingston, and Marina Sifuentes

Ray Benson and Emcee Turk Pipkin

Marsha Milam and Ray Benson

Ray Benson, Joy Arthur, and Turk PipkinSayers

Karen and Brian Burgess

Michael Mackert and Emily Ramshaw

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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Paddle-Boarders Raise $1.6 Million for Flatwater’s Dam That Cancer On June 8, 225 paddlers, 3,750 donors, sponsors, partners, and countless volunteers came together for Flatwater’s 17th Annual Dam That Cancer, presented by Tyler’s. The event raised a staggering $1.6 million to fund more than 15,300 hours of mental health therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families impacted by cancer. The event draws both firsttime and experienced paddlers, each committing to raise $3,000 and paddle-board 21 miles to support those navigating one of life’s most difficult journeys. Some paddle in honor of a loved one with cancer or in memory of someone they have lost; others paddle because they understand that cancer affects far more than physical health. Paddlers launched from Mansfield Dam around 7 am and spent about 10 hours on the water in Austin’s familiar, grueling heat and humidity to reach Tom Miller Dam on Lake Austin.

Carey Kepler and Amy Thiel

A celebratory Post-Paddle party followed, marking another successful event supporting Flatwater’s mission. A professional ukulele player and DJ Abe greeted guests, and Tito’s, Lick Ice Cream, Maudie’s, and Garbo’s Lobster food truck were on hand for hungry paddlers and supporters. Through Tyler’s, several vendors who donated paddler swag set up shop to sell to party-goers. Travis Holler, a 5 year paddler, said, “Dam That Cancer is arguably my favorite Austin tradition: a long, tough day on the water for an incredible cause that touches nearly all of us. After hours of paddling, there’s nothing better than commiserating with my fellow paddlers over a few beers and celebrating what we all just survived together.” Now in its 17th year, Dam That Cancer continues to unite the Flatwater community in support of Central Texans on cancer journeys. To learn more about Flatwater, visit flatwater.org.

Executive Team Members Callie Atkins, Jessica Lombardi, Becky Morales, Alexander Noren, Dolores Laparte-Litton, Jenna Noons, and Alyssa Cornett

Flatwater Executive Director Alyssa Cornett

Katie Joyce

Matt Lutz, Mark and Jessica Garza

Zae Rukhus and Stacey Malone

Chelsea Hardee and Flatwater Executive Director Alyssa Cornett

BUILDING AUSTIN TOGETHER BUILDING AUSTINATTOGETHER ONE CLOSING A TIME ONE CLOSING AT A TIME Est. 1984 ROLLINGWOOD | DOWNTOWN

Est. 1984

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