September 2023 WAN

Pages 6-7

Honduras Good Works Receives $100K Challenge Grant From Rathgeber

A West Austin legend is again making headlines with his signature generosity. Dick Rathgeber, who is reported to have given over $200 million in charitable contributions, has found a new cause close to his heart: Honduras Good Works.

In its 24th year of operation, Honduras Good Works leads an annual Medical Mission Brigade that includes doctors, nurses and dentists from the USA and Honduras, along with Honduran students who translate for the team. Typically, some 2,000 rural villagers are treated through the course of one week. Other programs include scholarships for 225 children annually to attend school beyond sixth grade, in-home water filters which provide 10 years of clean water for 225 families a year, and an annual vitamin program for 2,000 elementary school children.

Rathgeber was recruited as an advisor to Honduras Good Works by Celeste Hubert so that this volunteer organization could benefit from his years of wisdom and experience in the nonprofit world, as well as his personal experience as a visitor to Honduras with his St. Martin’s Lutheran congregation. After learning more about this charity and its impact, he decided to issue a Challenge Grant: if Honduras Good Works could raise $200,000 in one calendar year, he would gift them $100,000 and christen the fund Money for Medicine.

“There’s an old saying that there’s never a good market for

bad merchandise,” Rathgeber said, “which means that there is always a good market for great merchandise, and HGW is great merchandise. Honduras Good Works has a fantastic ROI - Return On Investment - when they can treat 2000 patients in a week and educate 225 children a year. I’m proud to put my name on their roster of supporters, and encourage my neighbors and friends to do the same.”

The Rathgeber name is legendary in West Austin circles. In addition to Dick and Sara’s Rathgeber Village in the Mueller development, their names also grace the Meals on Wheels of Central Texas’ headquarters, as well as Salvation Army Rathgeber Center for Families, and the future Rathgeber Natural Resource Park, 300 acres of pristine Texas Hill Country outside Dripping Springs. He is also the author of Deal Making for Good: Smart Giving = Significant Living.

Dr. Brenda Towell, a retired oncologist and Chair Emeritus of Honduras Good Works, said , “Mr. Rathgeber’s gift will allow us to provide higher education to more Honduran children, deliver more water filters to village families, and purchase more prescription drugs so that our patients can have enough medicine to last them a full calendar year rather than the 6-month supply we currently prescribe. He is the answer to our prayers.”

Honduras Good Works encourages West Austinites to join their mission in a fun way -- the “Chip-In For HGW” annual fundraiser to be held

at TopGolf Austin on Sunday, October 29. Among the top sponsors of this event are Per Stirling Capital Management, H-E-B, Maxwell Locke & Ritter, Bartlett Sails & Canvas,

Reliable Pools and Cornerstone Government Affairs. The evening includes golf games, dinner and drinks, a silent and a live auction featuring vacation stays in The Cayman

Islands, Lake Tahoe, Puerto Vallarta and more. And the tanzanite, diamond, and Australian opal ring raffle prize is bound to be a big hit.

Visit https://www.better-

unite.com/hgw-2023-chipin to purchase sponsorships and tickets - all guests are welcome. To learn more about Honduras Good Works, see hondurasgoodworks.org.

Eagle Scout Morgan Jones earns Congressional Gold Medal Award

By Alana Moehring Mallard

Austin Troop 1 Eagle Scout Morgan Jones went to Washington, DC, with his family this summer, where he received a Congressional Gold Medal from Congressman Lloyd Doggett. The Congressional Gold Medal tied together outdoor and environmental awards he has earned and community service he performed and logged to earn the awards.

“The road was a long one,” Morgan said of working toward the Congressional Medal, “two years of service and logging. I was honored by the trip, and seeing it pay off was amazing.”

Morgan earned more than 400 hours of community service over the 24 months of working toward the Congressional Gold Medal, and logged his research and activities weekly for two years. The Congressional Gold Medal also requires 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a five-day overnight expedition. Morgan fulfilled the expedition requirement with a 12-day overnight backpacking trip in New Mexico.

Morgan also recently received a Lockhart Eagle Scholarship from the Capitol Area Council and was named a Spectrum News Scholar Athlete of the month.

Morgan graduated from Concordia High School, where he played soccer and baseball, and he now attends SMU to study environmental engineering. His parents are Drs. David and Jennifer Jones. His Troop 1 mentor and Gold Award advisor is Heather Ball.

“It was an amazing trip,” Morgan said of his visit to Washington this summer, “and I met so many amazing people. Meeting Congressman Doggett was amazing.”

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Caritas of Austin’s Songs of Hope Event Raises Funds for Homelessness

Songs of Hope is Caritas of Austin’s annual fall fundraising event. This year, the event provided live music by SKYROCKET!, dinner, a live and silent auction, a Fund The Mission opportunity, and more. One hundred percent of funds raised stayed local and will be used to prevent and end homelessness for

people in Greater Austin. Thanks to supporters, Caritas of Austin raised over $560,000 toward continuing to provide Austinites with stable and affordable housing. For more information about Caritas of Austin’s mission to prevent and end homelessness for people in Greater Austin, visit www.caritasofaustin.org.

Austin Smiles to Honor Austin Doctors Bill Davis and Carolyn Biebas

The 37th Annual Wish

Upon a Smile Gala celebrates Austin Smiles’ dedication to transforming the lives of children with cleft lip and palate in Central Texas and Latin America. This year’s gala is Nov. 4 at the Oasis on Lake Travis at 5:30 in the evening, just in time for sunset.

The gala takes on special significance this year, as Austin Smiles awards the 5th Annual Cullington, Fox, Beckham International Service Award to Dr. Bill Davis and Dr. Carolyn Biebas.

Davis, one of Austin Smiles founding surgeons, dedicated his career to care of children born with cleft conditions. His compassion has been demonstrated through his engagement in dozens of international medical missions and his service to children in Central Texas.

Biebas, a revered anesthesiologist in Austin, has been with Austin Smiles since its inaugural mission, and is still lending her talent and leadership on Austin Smiles’ current sites in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

The Austin Smiles community is grateful to these two individuals for making a difference for 37 years. Without their humanitarian leadership of providing safe, comprehensive, quality surgical care, many children would have gone without care. This award symbolizes Smiles’ volunteer-driven mission, honoring exceptional contributors who advance its transformative purpose.

Austin Smiles mission supports children with cleft conditions, affecting 1 in 700. Collaborating with local and international partners, it ensures comprehensive care from infancy to adulthood. Within Central Texas, over

800 children benefit from Austin Smiles social-emotional support yearly; the team conducts 3 Latin American medical missions, performing 150 life-changing surgeries annually.

To learn more about the organization and the Gala, visit www.austinsmiles.org. Your involvement paves the way for a brighter future, where every child has access to a happy, healthy and inclusive life.

Ruth Seeger

BY FORREST PREECE

Her inspirational life began in Evan, Minnesota in 1924, where she was diagnosed with deafness at an early age. She attended public schools in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota and then went to the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD) as a high school junior. After high school, she enrolled at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, where she met Julius P. Seeger, from McKinney, Texas. They married after graduating in 1949. Julius convinced Ruth to move to Austin with him and they both accepted teaching positions at the Texas School for the Deaf.

Her son Mark, who lives in the historic Judges Hill neighborhood in central Austin,

exudes pride when he reminiscences about his mother, who died in 2014. Besides her achievements in coaching and teaching deaf students, she was the first woman from the United States to compete in the World Games for the Deaf in Milan, Italy in 1957, running in the 100 and 200 yard dashes and participating in the high jump. She also competed in the mixed doubles tennis competition, earning a bronze medal for the USA.

She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame by Governor Bill Clements in the late 1980s. After she retired, she began competing in the Senior Olympics, where she won more than 300 track and field medals in the late

1990s and early 2000s. During this time, she traveled to senior games in Texas, the National Senior Games, and then some international masters’ competitions. At one time, she held the world record for the javelin for women over 80. She won her last gold medal at the Pittsburgh National Senior Games in 2005. She was later appointed as a commissioner with the Texas Commission for the Deaf.

Ruth pioneered some of the sports programs at the Texas School for the Deaf and her athletes were like family to her. Mark says, “Mom began bringing her students from the Texas School for the Deaf to compete in the Track and Field events at various World Games for the Deaf internationally in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.”

In 1969, when Mark was nine, he met Suzy Barker, her most well-recognized student, who won multiple gold medals in international competition, along with some of her other students who medaled in various track and field events.

“That was when I began to understand the significance of her personal contributions and leadership in the field of women’s athletics.” Mark says.

That was also the same time when the American-Statesman recognized Ruth as one of their Outstanding Women of the Year. Seeing her picture prominently displayed on multiple pages of the Sunday newspaper made him even more aware of the magnitude of her accomplishments. Ruth was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in the late 1980s and the Texas School for the Deaf named their gym after her. Accolades came her way, but she was a humble leader, did not like to be recognized, and preferred that the students she worked with receive the recognition.

In 2008 her memory had begun to fail her, and she was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Despite her cognitive decline, her athletic ability remained robust, and friends and family helped to ensure she continued to participate in as many Senior Games as possible until the competition was no longer something that she could enjoy. Her friends (“family”) at the Senior

Games — fellow track and field athletes — stood by her side at meets where she was throwing the javelin and shot put or competing in long jump and high jump events.

Mark says that he loved how she imparted “life knowledge” to so many of her girls that she coached during her 37 years of teaching physical education at the Texas School for the Deaf. Many of the female students were boarded at the school away from their families. “Mom often found herself not only being her students’ coach, but their counselor, their mentor, and sometimes a necessary confidant when it came to matters of learning the facts of life.”

Many of her former students, even today, approach Mark when he visits the TSD campus at homecoming events — sharing stories of how Ruth helped them navigate life and imparted values that helped to shape who they became. “Those are

the fondest memories of Mom – how she helped to set the expectations high for her girls at the Texas School for the Deaf,

that practice enhances the outcome, and that success requires effort and dedication over long periods of time.

Sportsmanship was also paramount with her and genuinely congratulating competitors on a successful win was something that carried over to people she touched. “Fairness was also a word that resonated in many conversations with Mom, and if something was not fair, it was not right. And fairness was something worth fighting for,” Mark says.

showing them that they could accomplish anything, and that they could be proud young women who were deaf.”

Ruth transferred her life lessons to Mark. He learned

Now that both his parents are gone, Mark often reflects on their lives and the rhythm of their relationship over the years. His father took a back seat with his own career in the 1950s and 60s so that Ruth could pursue her own athletic dreams as a young woman competing and coaching. Then in the 1970s and 80s, Ruth stepped back so that Julius could pursue building his real estate business and earning a graduate degree in psychology from the University of Texas. Mark loved attending summer day camps at Camp Crenshaw on Lake Austin while his dad was studying at UT. At the same time, Ruth would be with her student athletes traveling to national training camps in preparation for the Olympic Games.

Ruth and Julius also believed in giving back to the community, pursuing a variety of civic activities with groups such as Sertoma, and volunteering during their retired years at the Texas School for the Deaf with fundraising efforts for sports, the arts, or needs of the students. They also provided assistance and advice regarding halfway homes for deaf clients with multiple disabilities when they were discharged from the State Hospital and schools as adults.

Mark says that his father was very proud of Ruth’s accomplishments and often had to coax her out of her humility to accept recognition and praise. “Deafness was never a ‘thing’ for either of them — they lived their lives to the fullest.”

Ruth Seeger lived much of her life in Austin, had a lasting effect on the Texas School for the Deaf, and was internationally renowned for her athletic achievements.

Around the Neighborhood: openingexpandingcelebrating

West Austinites Robbie and Tom Ausley will receive Texas Freedom Network’s Faith and Justice Award at its Oct. 17 Liberty Luncheon. Robbie and Tom work with social justice programs in Austin and with their congregation at First United Methodist Church at 12th and Lavaca. See tfn.org for information about Texas Freedom Network’s programs.

Zilker Eagle, Zilker Park’s beloved kiddie train ride, comes back all spiffed up in late fall after being out of operation since 2019. The Lou Neff roadwork for the new turnaround is done, all new railroad ties and rail is installed, the train depot renovations at 2131 ½ William Barton Drive are complete, the train tunnel improvements have been made, and train prep and testing is ongoing. Zilker Eagle is a project of Austin Parks Foundation and sponsors CapMetro, ACL Fest, Bill Wood Foundation, Moreland Properties, Woom, Frankie Jean, GoodPop, and Tejemos Foundation. See Zilkertrain.org or Zilker Eagle Mini Train on Facebook.

Project Transitions recently named Leah Baker executive director. Baker graduated from Texas State University and joined Project Transitions as interim ED in 2022. Project Transitions began in the 1980s at the height of the AIDS epidemic with support groups and a residential hospice facility. Today Project Transitions provides hospice and recuperative care for people with AIDS as well as supportive housing. See projecttransitions.org or call Leah at 512-454-8646 to get involved. And be sure to go shop and donate at the new Top Drawer Thrift at Airport and 51st St.

Korman Fine Jewelry, now on Burnet Road, celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a client party on Sept. 30. Larry and Kat Stokes bought the long-time Austin business in 2017, and continue Rusty Korman’s local tradition as an upscale full-service jewelry boutique. Korman Fine Jewelry is at 5011 Burnet Road, with plans to move the summer of 2024 to a new, larger location designed by Michael Hsu at 29th Street and Lamar, the site of the former University Cyclery.

NAMI Central Texas announces its new director, Javier Valdez, who comes to NAMI from Austin’s HealthStart Foundation where he was executive director, and who has served on boards for local and national nonprofits. NAMI Central Texas, part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, brings support groups and educational classes to adults living with mental conditions, as well as to families, teachers, schools, workplaces, and faith communities. NAMI Walks, Sept. 30, gives supporters a chance to raise money and their voices for mental health and NAMI Central Texas. Information at namicentraltx.org for classes and advocacy, office at 4110 Guadalupe St. or info@namicentraltx.org

Around the Neighborhood:

openingexpandingcelebrating

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High School Football Memories

Before the 1962 football season, hopes for the Austin High Maroons were dim. Inexperienced on offense and defense, several seniors would start, but many were first-year starters. The “experts” picked McCallum to win the district championship and opined only Temple or Waco could challenge the Knights. Austin High would finish near the bottom, they said.

The Maroons surprised everyone with a tough, stingy defense and an efficient offense featuring strong running and effective occasional passing. With two games remaining, McCallum, Temple, and Austin High were tied with 5-1 records. Austin High had the most difficult path with games in Temple and against the Knights. Temple would tie for the championship by beating the Maroons.

The Temple Wildcats dominated Austin High everywhere but on the scoreboard. Two star Wildcats runners roared up and down the field, but the Maroons kept them out of the end zone for most of the game. Austin High quickly answered the Temple TDs with a 22-yard run and a 43-yard pass and nursed a 14-12 lead into the last minute. On the final play, the Maroons scored on a 30-yard interception and eliminated Temple 20-12. McCallum was heavily favored in the game for all the marbles at House Park. Austin High threatened several times but did not score, and McCallum lost seven fumbles. The Maroons’ TD was a wingback pass to its talented end, and its hard-hitting defense kept the Knights scoreless and made its 7-0 lead the final score.

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Liz James Designs, located at 4407 Bee Caves Rd. Building

5, Suite 511 in Westlake, recently

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Young at Heart is now hosting their senior adult activity group in the Student Center at Riverbend Church, 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy.

The over-55 local community is invited to attend from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays. A hot meal is provided on most “first” Thursdays for a $5 contribution, and participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch on other Thursdays in the month. Attendees enjoy board games, occasional pickleball access, and friendly conversation at the weekly gatherings. Contact LMUDMargy@aol.com or call 512-517-1777 for more information.

Introduced JOHNNY + JAMES GIFTS as a compliment to their jewelry designs. The unique gifts provide local customers with a complete shopping experience, offering men’s and women’s shirts, wine totes, coolers, coffee table books, original art, Pecos tables, and more. The showroom is open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. M-F. Visit their website at www.Lizjames.com for more information and to view some of their latest creations. 512-535-7885.

As usual, despite a 0-39 win-loss football team two hours away from becoming 0-40 (a state 4-A record), the Mighty Pirate stadium in Vidor was packed for Homecoming. Girls sporting giant mum corsages with glittered black and gold ribbons dangling as long as their short hemlines. Boys in neckties and Sunday shoes coated in liquid shoe polish anxiously lined up as part of The Royal Court to be presented on the field at halftime and the public announcement of who among them would be crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

The 1962 season, predicted to be dismal for Austin High School, resulted in a district championship for the Maroons. Loyal Forever! — Jim Raup AHS Class of 1963 and starting quarterback for the games mentioned here. In the Austin High/Temple game, he scored on the 22-yard run (he says that touchdown was a major miracle) and threw the 43-yard touchdown pass.

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Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany, located at 3736 Bee Caves Rd #4 in the West Lake Hills near Honey Ham, celebrates 20 Years in Westlake this Fall. Owned and operated by Mary Ann Benson, a proud grandma & former school teacher, Kinda Krazy Kids & Kompany offers unique clothing, toys, educational & developmental games, books, gifts & more. They also offer gift registries, gift certificates, monogramming, and free gift wrapping. Specials will be offered in November to celebrate the occasion. www.kindakrazykids.com.

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The second quarter of play against a predominantly Black high school team from Port Arthur ended, royalty was crowned on the 50-yard line and the rest of the halftime show was lights out— literally—a Homecoming featuring the band with lighted ankles marching, twirlers tossing torches as batons, and pep squad members with glowing pompoms, while our UIL Sweepstakes Award-winning Vidor High Marching Band performed the best of Sousa ending with fireworks, but not quite the finale.

In the open pasture east of the goal post and beyond the fence, another light show drew attention for the proud

crowd—a giant burning cross, compliments of the local Ku Klux Klan, celebrating the long and notorious heritage of a place where no people of color are ever

welcome or ever safe, then and now.

— Kerry Tate Entrepreneur. Moore-Tate

and TateAustin PR (formerly)

Forever Green “Save Muny” Tournament and Party

By Anne DeVries

On Friday, September 15, the Save Muny Conservancy held its annual Golf Tournament and Party to generate funds to support the iconic Lions Municipal Golf Course, known to most as “Muny.” Since 1937, the city of Austin has leased the golf course from the University of Texas for public use. A long-term plan to secure the property from being developed is still pending.

The Muny Conservancy was created to preserve, restore, and enhance the 141-acre Lions Municipal Golf Course, which hosts over 60,000 rounds of golf annually and is the home course to a dozen middle and high school teams.

Built in 1924, Lions sits on a water recharge zone and preserves some of the oldest heritage oaks in the city. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 and is considered the first desegregated golf course in the South.

Contributions to the Conservancy are used to support oak preservation, scholarships for the Austin Junior Golf Academy, and other course needs.

Long-time friends Ben Crenshaw and Scotty Sayers are co-chairs on the Muny Conservancy Board of Directors and were on hand at the after-tournament barbeque. The duo presented tournament awards and thanked attendees for their continued support.

“The reason we do all of this is because we love this place and it has been a great

part of our lives. Muny is the lineage of Austin golf, and it means a lot to people”. Said Ben Crenshaw, two-time Masters champion and Hall of Fame golfer.

Sayers is encouraged by the support of city officials, stating “

“Mayor Watson is working as hard as he can to get UT engaged to save the entire 141 acres”.

The plan for Muny, once it is saved from potential development, is to restore the historic course. World-renowned golf course architects Coore & Crenshaw will lead the work. New public areas for community events will be added along with a museum to teach the relevance of Lions to civil rights history.

Jimmy Hughes, winner of the tournament’s longest drive and member of the tournament team that placed 4th, summed up what Muny means to him in a single word: “everything.” Hughes spent his summers growing up at Lions. Each summer day, his mother would drop him off to play golf along with his three brothers.

“Muny provided magical memories to myself and my family,” he said.

The year 2024 is special to the Save Muny Conservancy and all of its supporters as the beloved course turns 100 years old. The annual Imagine Muny Gala commemorating 100 years of Lions Municipal Golf is scheduled for March 24, 2024. Stay current on all Muny news and events by visiting www.themunyconservancy. com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Ice Ball Gala Raises Over $1 Million

It was the coolest, hottest time in Austin, as a crowd of over 700 friends and supporters gathered for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ 19th Annual Ice Ball Gala held on Saturday, August 26 at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin. Extravagant attire, fun activities, exciting trips and auction packages, and generous hearts created an evening to remember as attendees raised more than $1.1 million to support kids in our community.

The night’s fundraising total included the announcement of a $250,000 gift to launch an agency endowment fund named in honor of longtime BBBS supporters Connie and Bill Nelson. Another highlight of the evening was the introduction of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ new CEO, Kedrick Jeffries. Following this announcement, the Ice VII award was presented. Past awardees Connie and Bill Nelson presented this year’s prestigious award, given to individuals who have had an important impact on both the agency and on the Ice

Ball gala, to long-time supporters Lori and Mark Ramseur.

“It takes a village to create an event like this. We are grateful for the phenomenal leadership and generosity of this year’s gala Chairs, Pamela and William Hurley, as well as the efforts of the Ice Ball Host Committee, our Executive Board, BBBS’ internal team, and our remarkable friends and volunteers who all came together to create a magical event that will make it possible for even more children to achieve their greatest potential,” said Albert Swantner, Chair, BBBS Board of Directors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas serves nearly 800 children in Central Texas every day. For over 50 years, they’ve matched children, ages 6 and above, with caring adult mentors. BBBS’ mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Last year, more than 96 percent of the children served by BBBS remained in school and avoided early parenting.

Catholic School celebrates start of school year

COMMISSIONING MASS

St. Gabriel’s + St. Michael’s Catholic School welcomed the start of the school year, celebrating the historic and formal unification of the two schools. Students in Pre-K 3 to 12th will now attend one independent and Catholic school. Students, faculty, families, and friends gathered for an annual Commissioning Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin. Following Mass, founding family members Mary Shanahan and Rhonda Paver shared memories and inspiration of the creation of both St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in 1984 and St. Gabriel’s Catholic School in1999. Shanahan and Paver also formally installed Colleen Lynch, Head of School, as well as the 2023-24 members of the Board of Trustees.

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Prior to the first home varsity football game of the season, St.Michael’s vs. Wheaton Academy in Chicago, students and families from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools enjoyed Back to School Bash activities and celebrations. From some of Austin’s Upper School favorite food trucks and Kona Ice, to face painting, games, and bouncy houses, students and families celebrated a new school year.

Students in the Modern Band Lab performed contemporary rock and pop songs during the Back to School Bash

St. Gabriel’s + St. Michael’s Catholic School offers students opportunities to grow in fairth, friendship, service, and academics with its independent and innovative programs with applications for the 2024-25 school opening on Oct. 1. Visit sgs-austin.org and smca.com to learn more about St. Gabriel’s pre-K 3 to 8th grade programs and St. Michael’s 9th to 12th grade programs.

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Dam That Cancer Paddlers Go 21 Miles to Fund Therapy for Cancer Support

Flatwater hosted its 14th annual Dam That Cancer event on Monday, September 11th.

This year, 230 participants paddled 21 miles across Lake Austin to raise over $1.3 million for Flatwater, with 100% of the funds supporting the mission to cover the cost of mental health therapy in the wake of cancer.

The paddlers surpassed their $1.3 million fundraising goal this year by over $80,000. After completing the 10-hour paddle, Flatwater invited the community to celebrate the 2023 participants with a post-paddle party at the LCRA Redbud Center.

Since its inception in 2010, Flatwater has covered over 60,000 hours of therapy for those affected by a cancer diagnosis. For more information, visit www.flatwaterfoundation.org.

Kacy Dolce, a 7th generation Texan married to a 6th generation Austinite, comes from generations of real estate brokerage, title, land use, and land/property investment. As a double major in Marketing and Business from Southern Methodist University and master’s level work in the MBA program at St Edward’s University, Kacy brings a greater understanding of the business of real estate. In today’s challenging real estate market, now more than ever, you can rely on Kacy to bring proven experience when buying, selling and investing.

WHERE I’M COMING FROM

Suzy Balagia BY FORREST PREECE

1. What is something about you that not many people know?

I took Swahili in college.

2. What was your first job? My first job was as a volunteer for Congressman J.J. “Jake” Pickle during one of his re-election campaigns where I dipped in green paint the famous “Pickle Pins” that he distributed and were worn by his many supporters as a true “badge” of honor. My volunteer job evolved into a full paying position on his campaign staff for a number of years.

3. You can have dinner with three people — dead or alive, any time in history — who would they be?

Gloria Vanderbilt to hear stories about her childhood, how her childhood experiences molded her, and what encouraged her to develop and plan her own successful career.

Jackie Robinson to learn how he continuously found the strength, determination, courage and patience to play in the major leagues against all odds and succeed.

James Garner, one of my favorite actors growing up, on his inimitable easygoing and confident style, and of course, his movie star looks.

4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be?

Frank Sinatra, Chicago, The Beach Boys

5. Favorite book and TV show?

I love most political biogra-

phies, including Robert Caro’s books on LBJ. Seinfeld reruns are my favorite TV show, along with Dateline.

6. Most powerful movie you have seen?

“All the President’s Men”

7. Favorite place in Austin?

Anywhere there is a skyline view of downtown, to the Capitol, to the UT Tower.

8. Favorite restaurants?

Matt’s El Rancho, West 34th Street Café, Jeffreys, Fonda San Miguel, Bartletts and Dirty’s, just to name a few.

9. What did you want to

be when you were growing up?

An elementary school teacher. We grew up across the street from Lucile Roquemore who was our second-grade teacher, mine and my brothers’. We all loved and admired her, and I wanted to be like her.

10. Which living person do you most admire?

Without getting political, I have a great amount of admiration for President Obama.

11. What makes you happy?

Being with, and beaming about, my family, my brothers, sisters-in-law and their children, and their children’s children.

Being with my friends who are the greatest friends anyone can have, many of whom I have known since childhood and who have always been there to support me.

Having the chance to make a difference in people’s lives through my volunteer work. Watching UT win championships, no matter the sport.

12. Best advice you ever received?

“God answers all prayers, but sometimes his answer is ‘no.’”

Lambert Labay died on September 13, surrounded by his family. For many West Austinites, his name will always be intertwined with memories of Nau’s Drug Store, the warm and inviting pharmacy and soda fountain at the corner of West 12th Street and West Lynn, which was his life’s work. It was a place where generations of people had their prescriptions filled, bought a magazine or a newspaper, then stayed for a malt, a hamburger, and chats with neighbors. Nau’s was a town hall, a gathering place for conversation, smiles and laughs. For an increasingly fragmented world, the store was a landmark and a blessing -- and presiding over it all was Lambert’s kindly presence from his pharmacy

counter in the back. In spite of the increasing competition from nationwide drugstore chains, Nau’s maintained its small-town business model for decades. His story was a true momand-pop tale. After graduating from Ganado High School, he entered the Corps at Texas A&M and then he went on to attend the University of Texas where he received a B.S. in pharmacy and soon became employed by Hilton and Eleanor Nau at Nau’s Enfield Drug in 1963. While working there, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Dildy. They were married on June 22, 1968, and the enterprising couple purchased the pharmacy in 1972. Lambert operated it until he partially retired in 2016, at which point his daughter Laura assumed the

leadership of the store.

Lambert was born on January 2, 1940 in Victoria, Texas to Ludmilla Kaspar Labay and Steve Labay Sr. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Labay and children Laura Labay and Russell Labay and by his sibling Pauline Leopold of Nada. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve Labay, Sr. and Ludmilla Labay and his siblings, Johnny Labay, Tommy Labay, Joe Labay, Dolores Adler, and Stephen “Steve” Jerome Labay. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on October 14th at St. Austin’s Church, 2026 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78705. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

The Women’s Symphony League of Austin Hosts Annual Soirée Event

The Women’s Symphony League of Austin (WSL) hosted its annual Soirée Dansante event for Austin-area high school students on Sunday evening, September 10 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

With the theme “Denim and Diamonds,” more than 180 Austin-area 9th and 10th graders enjoyed a night full of dancing, hanging out with friends, a museum scavenger hunt, casino games, prizes and more. Chaired by WSL members Nicky Schroeder Duewall and Meredith Presley Wood, the exciting event honored the 10th grade Belles and Beaux to be presented in the Women’s Symphony League’s

68th Annual Jewel Ball “Under the Texas Stars” on Saturday, September 16. The 2023 Soirée Dansante raised several thousand dollars through the generous support of its sponsors. For 70 years, members of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin have dedicated energy and talent to fulfilling our organization’s mission: providing service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its education programs, which reach more than 50,000 K-12 students annually. The Women’s Symphony League is the largest annual financial supporter of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. To learn more, visit https:// wslaustin.org/.

PHOTOS BY AMY REINARZ