Celebrates 100 Years: A Legacy of History and Community LIONS MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
By Anne DeVries
On October 3rd, 2024, over 500 supporters gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lions Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as “Muny.” Hosted by The Muny Conservancy and the Austin Founders Lions Club, the event honored Muny’s century-long legacy, emphasizing its historical, civil rights, and community significance.
The celebration kicked off with the Texas Cowboys firing Smokey the Cannon, followed by a parade of historic cars and performances by the Austin High School Drum Line. The Boy Scouts of Troop 5 participated in the flag ceremony, and the Bourbonnais Trio sang the National Anthem.
Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed October 3 as “Lions Muny Golf Course Day,” declaring, “Muny has been an integral part of Austin for the past century, and it needs to be a key part of our future.” Other prominent speakers included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Austin Founders Lion Club
(AFLC) Past President Alan Ford, AFLC President Ken Crone, Muny Conservancy Board Members Volma Overton Jr. and Volma Overton III, Texas Black Caucus President and Executive Director Rudy Metayer and Scotty Sayers, Co-Chair of the Muny Conservancy.
Golf legends Cindy Figg-Currier and Mark Brooks also spoke, with Brooks emphasizing the importance of mentorship in the game.
“When you mix old and young, magic happens. Mentorship in golf teaches you more than the game—it teaches you about life,” Brooks said. Ben Crenshaw, two-time Masters champion and cochair of The Muny Conservancy, could not attend the event but expressed his undying support for the cause. “You don’t find places like this with 100 years of history ... golf, civil rights, and greenspace.” Muny was the first racially integrated public golf course in the South, making it a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement, recog-
nized by the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
The 141-acre course, established in 1924, attracts 200,000 visitors annually. It provides the most affordable and accessible golf in Austin
and is home to more than twelve public school golf teams, the First Tee of Austin, and Austin Golf Academy.
The AFLC played a pivotal role in Muny’s development. In 1924, the club secured the land,
initially building a nine-hole course that later expanded to 18 holes. The AFLC has long championed Muny’s accessibility and community role and continues to advocate for its preservation.
The emotional highlight of the event was former UT golfer George Machock’s performance of his song, “The Beauty of Muny.” Machock was a member of the 1972 NCAA University Division golf championship team, which also included Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, and William Cromwell. The historic win remains the first and only time four players from the same city (Austin) secured the title.
The Muny Conservancy continues its mission to “Save Muny,” ensuring the course remains a public treasure for future generations. Currently, the land that has been Muny’s home for 100 years is owned by the University of Texas and is leased back to the city of Austin on a rolling 5-month lease. Until a permanent solution is reached, it will remain in jeopardy of commercial development or repurposing by the University of Texas. Contributions to the cause are ongoing and can be made at www.themunyconservancy. com.
“Somme learn theiir dreams, on Mu M nyy’s s green e s, Ot O he h rs, busi s ness and d spor o t And with this little ball that’s ma m de the world smal a l, Muny gives us so much more.”
Our PATRON SPONSORS/SUBSCRIBERS
Around the Neighborhood:
Birdhouse Books and Gifts opened
Mayors Book Club 2024 reads Tommy Orange’s new book, Wandering Stars. This annual citywide reading campaign encourages a community experience through shared books. Sponsored by Library Foundation, City of Austin Mayor’s Office, and Austin Public Library. Copies of the magical realism novel of generations of a Native American family are available at Austin Central Library and branch libraries, including Howson on Exposition and Yarborough on Hancock.
Vote Early through Nov. 1, at several locations in West Austin: (4A)Westminster Presbyterian Church at 3208 Exposition, (4B) Northwest Recreation Center at 2913 Northland Dr, (4C) Riverbend Centre at 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, (4D) Ben Hur Shrine Center at 7811 Rockwood Ln, (4E) Randalls Flagship West Lake Hills at 3300 Bee Caves Rd. And on Nov. 5, vote all over Austin wherever you see a Vote Here sign.
Texas Book Festival is Nov. 16-17, centered at the State Capitol and its grounds, and spreading through the central city. The free event features hundreds of books and authors, many of the authors in conversation about writing, politics, culture, and history. Over nearly three decades Texas Book Festival has donated more than $3 million to Texas public libraries and given more than 166,000 books through Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads programs. Texasbookfestival.org for details
Upgrade Labs 5th Street held its grand opening at 1611 W 5th St #125 on September 21st. The facility provides high-tech innovations to measure fitness, establish goals, and provide solutions for improving biology. Utilizing advanced technology, they provide enhanced recovery and performance tools that help people stay younger longer with efficiency at the forefront. Founding membership rates are now available for a limited time. Free Cell Health Analysis ($50 value) and one Free Service ($55 value) are available at the end of the introductory tour. Visit www.upgradelabs.com/5thstreet/ for more information.
6 7
Movin’ Melvin Brown will perform at Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th Street, on November 8th at 8:00 p.m. The performance will showcase snippets of Melvin’s career and life, as well as Black History, storytelling, and comedy. It has received rave reviews worldwide. Known for his singing, tap dancing, and joyful expression, he comes from the very roots of “Soul” and R&B. Tickets are available at www.movinmelvin.com.
Pease Park Conservancy will hold its annual fall fundraising event at Kingsbury Commons, 1100 Kingsbury Street, on November 2nd, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event will feature Mediterranean comfort food, music, and an immersive light experience. Funds raised will support the Conservancy’s ongoing operations, maintenance, and programming of the 84-acre greenspace within Pease Park. Community members are invited to become sponsors or purchase tickets to attend. Visit www.peasepark.org/luminarium for more information.
Magellan International School invites the community to its annual International Festival on its Bull Creek Campus at 7501 North Capital of Texas Hwy on Saturday, November 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures from around the world. This year’s festival will showcase the vibrant history, culture, and cuisine of Costa Rica, Bolivia, Greece, Cameroon, Vietnam, and Fiji. It will feature interactive games, live performances, and educational opportunities for all ages.
Amanda Eyre Ward Novel To Become TV Series
West Austin author
Amanda Eyre Ward recently received news that her 2022 novel The Lifeguards has been optioned for development into a TV series by Indie studio Wiip. The series is Sue Tenney’s follow-up to the Netflix hit Virgin River, where she served as executive producer and showrunner. She will work on The Lifeguards’ TV adaptation with fellow former Virgin River writer-producer Amy Palmer Robertson. They promise that the show will be a thrilling domestic suspense series.
Combining three mothers’ points of view in a narrative tale with commentary from neighborhood listservs, secret text messages, and police reports, The Lifeguards is both a story about the secrets told to protect loved ones and a riveting tale of suspense filled with half-truths and betrayals.
“The mothers and teenage sons of The Lifeguards are close to my heart,” Ward said. “From the moment I met the team that will bring them to the screen, I knew my characters were in good hands. I’m so honored and thrilled to see the show that Sue Tenney, Amy Palmer Robertson, and the brilliant minds at Wiip will create.”
Wiip’s Paul Lee (Mare of Easttown) and Hope Hartman (The Summer I Turned Pretty) will also be executive producers for the series. “As soon as our team read The Lifeguards, we knew it had all the elements of a truly compelling series,” Hartman said. “Amanda crafted a story that blends suspense with emotional depth, offering a chance to explore the complexities of motherhood, loyalty, and friendship.” A finish date for the production has not been determined.
Sarah Bird
I’ve
BY FORREST PREECE
During the languor of the pandemic, Sarah dug into a box of photos of Black rodeo contestants that she shot 40 years ago, along with notes she took along the way. She has turned this material into a remarkable book—Juneteenth Rodeo.
This book digs into the forgotten culture of Black men and women who engineered their own uber-competitive contests of riding and roping, with scant attention from the white world. Sarah tried to get a book or at least an article on this subject published over four decades ago. She futilely submitted proposals to a number of media outlets, but met rejection.
After that, she shoved the box full of photos and notes under her bed. It stayed there until 2020 when she donated her photo archives to the Southwestern Writers Collection where a gifted team of curators digitized the prints and negatives. Armed with the computer-based photos, she contacted The University of Texas Press. When they saw the shots and knew that Sarah would provide a world-class essay to go along with them, they greenlighted the project. Now all of us — finally! — can have a look into this largely hidden part of Southwestern culture.
Recently, Sarah and I discussed how this book came to be.
1. What was your original motivation to delve into this subject?
My decision to photograph Black rodeos was a function of my personality. As a pathologically shy military kid whose family was transferred way too much for her introverted nature, I became an observer. This inclination to watch and analyze my fellow humans predisposed me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Anthropology. When I won a
fellowship to study at the University of Texas, I chose two of the observer’s other favorite fields: Journalism and Photojournalism.
As a newcomer to Texas, I was intrigued by, and photographed, rattlesnake round ups, sorority rushes, honkytonk dance halls, and rodeos. Especially rodeos. As a child of the military, the only livestock I ever encountered growing up came in shrink-wrapped packages from the base commissary. What intrigued me was witnessing how each group remade this mainstream American pastime in their own image. How they created distinct cultures that orbited the arenas on their own unique trajectories. And the most distinct of them all were the Black rodeos.
2. I had no idea that you are such an accomplished photographer. How did you acquire such extraordinary skills?
Whatever technical skills I had I credit to the two photojournalism classes that I took at UT. Beyond that, I pointed the camera at what interested me and what interested me most was how people are shaped by the group they aspire to be part of. How they adopt what anthropologists would call the “signifiers” of that group. And boy howdy, does rodeo, and Western culture in general, have a boatload of signifiers: boots, buckles, hats, dip cups, a way of speaking, and, even, of moving.
3. How did you make your first inroads into this field?
I shot the 1974 Huntsville Prison Rodeo for a class assignment and never looked back. I was hooked on what I thought of as the “renegade rodeos,” the ones where competitors didn’t fit the mainstream definition of cowboy by not being a straight white male. I burned out the engine in my 1971 Vega Hatchback traveling to girls’, gays’, kids’, and old-timers’ rodeos. I captured charreadas along the border and Native American rodeos in Arizona and New Mexico.
I had never heard of Black rodeos until I went to a livestock auction in Clovis, NM in 1977 and a contractor there mentioned that he was bidding on bucking stock to take to Black rodeo at the Diamond “L” Arena.
4. Where were the events you attended held?
The Diamond “L,” once a legendary venue for cowboys and girls of color used to be located on far south Main outside of Houston. All the other Black rodeos I documented were located in rural outposts like Plum, Egypt, Pin Oak, Bastrop, Hempstead, Spring, and Kendleton.
5. Are you still in touch with any of your subjects?
The network definitely dissipated. Before I published the book I made it my mission to identify as many of my subjects as I could. I was dubious
about social media for this purpose, but I tried. On Facebook and Instagram pages for Black Cowboys, Black Cowboy Events, Horse, Tack & More!!, and many others, I posted my photos and asked for help in identifying the cowboys, cowgirls, and their fans. Surprisingly, I started hearing from relatives and then the actual subjects of my photos. Randy McCullough was one such source. An award-winning veteran of the soul circuit, he was a gold mine of information. He seemed to have known, and even better, remembered nearly everyone in my photos. I could barely keep up as he reeled off names, nicknames—Dynamite, Blue, Skeet, Bo Pink—and anecdotes that brought all those formerly nameless faces to bright and vivid life.
The most exciting discovery was learning that I had captured several legends of Black rodeo. I had photos of the Jackie Robinson of rodeo, Myrtis Dightman, the first Black cowboy to be admitted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. I identified Archie Wycoff who was featured alongside Muhammad Ali in the documentary “A Black Rodeo in Harlem.” I was delighted to learn that I had captured Taylor Hall, known to his fans as Bailey’s Prairie Kid, on one of his last rides before
he retired from competition.
But the biggest thrill of them all was when The Kid, now 93 years old, made a surprise appearance at the opening of the photo exhibition that was funded through a grant from Humanities of Texas.
6. Tell me about a couple of the most interesting people you met when you were doing your research.
Another of the legends was the great Rufus Green. Known as the Godfather of Black Rodeo, it was my great good fortune to meet him. Green earned the title as much for his majestic spirit and benevolent mentorship of a couple of generations of champion ropers as for his phenomenal roping skills. He followed Dightman to become among the first Black cowboys to cross the color line and earn membership in the PRCA. Like the other true, ranchraised, old-school cowboys I met, Green had a soft-spoken, courtly manner. He was quick to laugh, slow to anger, and as Green’s close friend Monroe Lawson said, “he was incomparable in his disposition.”
He was certainly incomparable in his hospitality, allowing me to spend a couple of days with him at his home
in Hempstead where I was privileged to watch his gentle way of training both young horses and young ropers. One memorable Sunday, Green invited me to join him for lunch. He held the restaurant door open and we stepped into what was obviously the after-church lunch spot for most of Hempstead. Conversation stopped dead and all eyes fixed on me. I was used to this reaction as it had happened at every small town Dairy Queen and country diner I’d ever set foot in on my travels. I was a stranger, a 5 foot 10 inch unaccompanied female one, at that. Stares were to be expected.
That time, however, the stares were for the unexpected sight of a Black man escorting a white woman into their midst. As he did with all things, Green navigated the scene with an easy graciousness he’d learned early. At the height of the Great Depression, a wealthy rancher from Victoria had spotted the young roping phenom and made Green’s father an offer: he would adopt the boy and “treat him like one of my own.” And that is what happened. I devote a fair amount of space in the book to Green’s story as he certainly was one of the most interesting people I met on what was called the Soul Circuit.
7. How has the reception to your book been?
It has exceeded all my expectations — stories in all the major Texas papers, radio and TV interviews, a grant from Humanities Texas to fund a traveling exhibition of the photos. But what has been most meaningful to me has been the reception from the communities where I photographed. So many of the children of my subjects and, in a few powerful cases the subjects themselves, have gotten in touch to express their gratitude.
National Merit announces local scholarship semifinalists for 2025 awards
By Alana Moehring Mallard
Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program were announced last month. Officials at National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 16,000 semifinalists across the nation in the 70th year of the scholarship program.
Local semifinalists include Zachary Gutierrez, Josh Hiller, and Grigory Shatsman of Anderson High School; Donovan Fox and Charles Mounce of Austin High School; and Emy Chen, Graham Randle, and Camilla Vandegrift of McCallum High School. Also, Gavin McBride of Brentwood Christian School; Keri Collins of Regents School; Cole Preston of St. An-
drew’s Episcopal School; Nash Dahl and Bo Morton of St. Michael’s Catholic School; and Chris Chang, Adelaine Leslie, Kevin Li, Simon Meyers, Susan Moseley, Zachary Prager, Alejandro Seal, Audrey Wan, and Claire Wan. Nearly 7,000 scholarships will be announced in the spring after National Merit Finalists are announced, paying out approximately $26 million in scholarship awards. This announcement of 16,000 semifinalists represents about one percent of high school seniors in the U.S., the highest ranking students in each state. National Merit Scholars will be announced beginning in April and running through July.
A Night of Celebration and Impact
THIS YEAR, AUSTIN SMILES CELEBRATES 38 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING
Austin Smiles - The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation is hosting its 38th Annual Wish Upon A Smile Gala on November 9th at the stunning Starlight Terrace at the Oasis on Lake Travis for an unforgettable evening. The event begins at 5 pm and is dedicated to raising critical funds to support Austin Smiles’ mission of providing surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and palate, both in Central Texas and across Latin America. Guests will enjoy the best sunset in town, dinner, an open bar, a live auction and a special performance by Austin’s best, Bob Schneider. This year’s Gala Co-chairs are Patty Johns and Michelle Jones. The event will be emceed by Allison Miller from CBS Austin and Victoria Pineda will return as the Auctioneer.
The gala takes on special significance this year, as Austin Smiles awards the 6th Annual Cullington, Fox, Beckham International Service Award to two incredible Medical Volunteers: Dr. Rick Parker & Barbara Powell. Together these two individuals have helped transform the lives of hundreds of children born with cleft lip and palate since the organization’s inception. Dr. Parker has been instrumental in Austin Smiles’ growth, volun-
teering his time both locally and abroad, and playing a pivotal role in the creation of the Central Texas Craniofacial Program. Barbara Powell, a certified surgical technologist and longtime professor, has been a cornerstone of Austin Smiles, helping to mentor and recruit volunteers while continuing to participate in annual mission trips. These two are true change makers in the world, and they have made a difference in the lives of many individuals not only on medical mission trips but through their leadership and passion for healthcare here in Austin.
This year’s gala promises to be a spectacular night filled with fun, philanthropy, and a cause that changes lives. A special luxury raffle with a trip to Mexico and a Diamonds Direct necklace. The online auction features oneof-a-kind items and experiences, from getaways to exclusive local experiences, offering something for everyone. Anyone can participate in the online auction and raffle. Your participation directly supports Austin Smiles’ ability to provide life-changing surgical care to children in need. Every bid and every ticket purchased helps the organization get closer to their goal of transforming more lives.
One in 700 children is born
with a cleft lip and/or palate, which impacts their ability to communicate intelligibly, receive proper nourishment, and their overall quality of life. Austin Smiles, in collaboration with local and in-country entities, aims to develop a continuum of care to identify and treat children as early as possible. In Central Texas, Austin Smiles provides wraparound support and social and emotional services to over 800 children annually who are undergoing surgery at Dell Children’s and Texas Children’s Medical Center. Each year the team takes 3 medical mission trips to Latin America where they perform over 50 life changing surgeries per trip and provide wraparound support such as dental and speech services – bringing the total number of children served per trip to around 100.
The Gala is not just a celebration of the past 38 years but also a call to action for the future. By attending and supporting this event, you help ensure that more children born with cleft lip and palate receive the life-changing care they deserve. For more details on the online auction, raffle, donations, or to learn more about Austin Smiles, visit www.austinsmiles.org. Your support helps create a brighter, more inclusive future for children in need.
CREDIT: KIARA HENRY
Texas Advocacy Project’s Black & White Ball to Aid Domestic Violence Survivors
The 18th Annual Black & White Ball, hosted by Texas Advocacy Project, was a night of elegance and empowerment that brought the Austin community together for a life-changing cause.
The sold-out event raised a record-breaking $1.159 million to support TAP’s mission of providing free legal and social work services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and human trafficking across Texas.
This milestone event featured gourmet dining, live entertainment, dancing, a live auction, and Mystery Gifts, where attendees had the opportunity to take home curated surprises. The highlight of the evening was the presentation
of TAP’s prestigious Courage Award, honoring a TAP client whose personal story of strength and resilience serves as an inspiration to survivors everywhere.
The Black & White Ball stands as a beacon of hope for survivors and a reminder of the community’s power to create a future free from fear and violence. The unrestricted funds raised at this event ensure TAP’s ability to meet the increasing demand for free legal and social services for all survivors, regardless of their background.
Texas Advocacy Project’s mission is to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Texas. For more information, visit texasadvocacyproject.org.
CHRISTMAS AT THE RETREAT
PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US AT THE RETREAT YO U
What better way to spread cheer than by planning a memorable Christmas party for your team? Come enjoy the magic of The Retreat in the beautiful Texas Hill Country—an idyllic spot for celebrating the season, boosting team spirit, and making unforgettable memories.
The holiday season is upon us! for Both small gatherings & big celebrationS
From outdoor adventures and team-building activities to karaoke by the bonfire, or a white elephant gift exchange followed by a themed dance party—The Retreat is a one stop shop for your holiday bash of any size. Our skilled culinary team can create a festive menu that suits your team's tastes, from tasty
holiday hors d'oeuvres to delicious plated dinners. Not to mention our onsite hospitality staff will handle the planning, details, and execution so you can sit back and enjoy.
Our calendar is filling up quickly, so grab your preferred date now for a holiday experience you won’t forget. Just head over to our website and send us an inquiry: www.texasretreat.com/contact-us book your retreat christmas party today!
Assistance League of Austin has announced the donation of a new book van, affectionately named Alvan, to the Austin Independent School District to enhance the district’s summer reading program. Valued at $55K, Alvan will serve as a resource for students in Title 1 schools and areas of East Austin where access to reading materials is limited.
For the past ten years, the Book Bus program has aimed to combat what educators call summer slide, where students experience a decline in reading proficiency during the summer months. Studies suggest that children need to read five books during summer break to maintain their reading levels. This initiative focuses on students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, but books are available for all ages, from birth to 18. Students who visit the program choose their own books.
“Research indicates that summer reading is crucial to closing the achievement gap, particularly among low-income students,” said Shannon Pearce, AISD Library Coordinator. “By providing access to high-interest, new books, we empower students to keep reading over the summer and prevent the loss of progress they made during the school year. This year, we’re excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Book Bus program alongside ALA’s 50th birthday with this important initiative.”
The Book Bus program will run throughout the summer, traveling within the AISD district boundaries to ensure that the van reaches communities in need.
AISD is committed to providing a curated selection of new books, allowing students to select titles that resonate with their interests, thereby enhancing their motivation to read.
“Alvan, coupled with our annual $5K donation for new books since program inception, represents our dedication to literacy and equity in education,” added Linda Noy, ALA President. “We believe that every child deserves access to books, and this initiative is a step toward closing the reading gap that disproportionately affects students from different income levels.”
For more information about the Book Bus program and learn how you can support literacy initiatives in Austin, see austinisd.org/library-media-services/ buford-the-book-bus
Assistance League of Austin is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that donates to the Austin community through various philanthropic programs. For 50 years, ALA has worked to support children and their families. To learn more, visit assistanceleague.org/austin/
Paragon Prep Celebrates New Campus with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On September 26th, Paragon Prep School marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new campus located at 7944 Great Northern Blvd. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offered fun-filled activities for the entire family, making it a day of celebration for both the school and the local community. The new state-of-the-art campus, which serves Pre-K through eighth-grade students, was showcased with tours of its innovative learning environments. Families and community members had the opportunity to meet the school’s dedicated teachers and staff. At the same time, children enjoyed activities such as face painting, a petting zoo, balloon animals, and playground time. Local vendors and restaurants provided delicious food, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Key figures in attendance included members of Paragon Prep’s parent company, Spring Education Group, with CEO Michael Collins, Regional Director Michael Anna, and Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth Kelly Woods present to commemorate the occasion. Eric Hale, Manager of Education and Workforce Policy at the Austin
Chamber of Commerce, also joined the festivities, highlighting the school’s growing presence in the Austin community.
Founded in 1997, Paragon Prep is a private, nonsectarian school known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment that fosters strong partnerships between students, parents, and teachers. Beyond the classroom, the school emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities, offering various sports, the arts, and community service opportunities.
Paragon Prep Head of School Lindsay Hay expressed her excitement about the new campus: “We are thrilled to be opening our new, state-of-the-art elementary and middle school to the Austin community. This beautiful new building provides us with the space to welcome even more families and will enhance the educational experience for our students, including dedicated spaces for technology, art, and music.”
Families interested in joining the Paragon Prep community can find more information on the school’s website at www.paragonprep.com.
Rotary Club of West Austin donates school supplies backpacks
The Rotary Club of West Austin (West Austin Rotary) in August donated backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Wooldridge Elementary School. Rotary members and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards students shopped and filled the backpacks.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a leadership training program for young people offered by Rotary clubs and districts around the world. The program focuses on leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to help participants develop skills like decision-making and positive values. This year, West Austin Rotary sponsored four AISD
High School students to the District 5870 Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp held in early July — Ashley Mankinen, Fox Redmond, Ben Reiff, and Lily Steinhauser.
Partners in the annual backpack program for Wooldridge Elementary include TyRex Group of Austin who donated backpacks and provided volunteers for the project and Target.
Rotary Club of West Austin invites new members who want to help make changes in the community and in the world. “West Austin Rotary is the center of service in our local community,” said Bruce Cardwell, president of Rotary
Club of West Austin. “Members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. A primary service program is an outreach suite of projects for Austin’s Wooldridge Elementary School.”
Rotary Club of West Austin was founded in Austin in 1953 with a mission to put service before self. West Austin Rotary Club members meet for lunch and a program on the first three Thursdays in each month at noon at Casa Chapala Restaurant and Cantina, 9041 Research Blvd., Austin 78758 and also through public Zoom access. Visit rotaryclubofwestaustin.org for more information.
By Anne DeVries
West Austin has become home to Dave Asprey, the Father of Biohacking, and with his arrival comes a new wave of health optimization. Asprey, a wellness innovator, recently attended the grand opening of Upgrade Labs 5th Street at 1611 W 5th, offering a unique approach to achieving longevity, performance, and recovery enhancement utilizing specialized technology.
Biohacking, a term coined by Asprey in 2004, is the art and science of controlling biology by changing the environment in and around the body. Asprey’s personal health struggles, including weight issues, immune challenges, and brain fog, sparked his journey into biohacking, leading him to develop methods to improve physical and mental performance. His work has since inspired countless others to optimize their health and well-being.
Universally considered the “Father of Biohacking,” Asprey’s techniques and lifestyle provide him with remarkable personal energy. Best known as the creator of Bullet Proof Coffee, Asprey has captured enormous respect from dedicated biohackers. He has a hugely successful podcast called The Human Upgrade, a coffee company, and is a best-selling author. His prolific entrepreneurial spirit has generated numerous life-enhancing products and two types of experiential biohacking facilities: 40 Years of Zen, a five-day immersive neurofeedback experience located outside of Seatle, Washington, and Upgrade Labs (a franchise), with
seven locations in the U.S. and one in Canada.
When asked why he chose Austin as his new home, Asprey shared, “Austin feels like Silicon Valley did in the mid-90s—there’s an incredible energy here. People are consciously working on themselves, and there’s a strong interest in health and fitness.”
He praised Austin for its vibrant community, focus on organic food, and welcoming nature.
Upgrade Labs 5th Street is owned and operated by Drs. Natalie and Billy Ledbetter. With extensive medical backgrounds and personal experience as biohackers, they are passionate about bringing the life-changing practices and technologies offered at Upgrade Labs 5th Street to the Austin community. Natalie shared that she is most looking forward to “seeing people feel better, have more energy, and become more of who they want to be.”
Longevity experts often see the sense of community as a critical component of a
long and happy life. With this in mind, all Upgrade Labs are designed to foster connections as a community hub, complete with a coffee bar featuring Asprey’s own line of remineralized/mold-free and tested Danger Coffee. “Every Upgrade Lab becomes a community meeting place,” he said.
Asprey’s move to Austin is part of a more significant trend of health-conscious individuals and innovators gravitating to the city. Host to an annual Biohacking Conference, founded by Asprey and now in its tenth year, he looks forward to the next one, which will be held in Austin in 2025 from May 28-30. Topics range from nutrition and fitness to brain enhancement, sleep optimization, and the latest biohacking technologies.
Asprey’s philosophy of optimizing health with effi ciency is detailed in his latest bestseller, Smarter Not Harder. The book focuses on strategically maximizing physical and mental performance and provides information on the technology and science behind the equipment available at Upgrade Labs 5th Street. He dedicates his book to “every drop of sweat that didn’t get the results you expected.”
With his new home in Austin, Asprey is poised to impact the city’s health and wellness culture. His presence, alongside Upgrade Labs 5th Street, offers Austinites the opportunity to explore biohacking and enhance their own well-being.
Visit www.upgradelabs. com/5th-street to learn more about Upgrade Labs 5th Street, or stop by their welcoming facility and grab a cup of Danger Coffee at the coffee bar.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas’ A Night Under the Stars
Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Long Center H-E-B Terrace to celebrate Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas’ A Night Under the Stars. The evening raised funds and awareness for the ongoing, urgent need for birth control, STI testing and treatment, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and other essential sexual and reproductive healthcare for Texans who often face barriers to accessing that care.
Grammy award winner Gina Chavez performed along with Austin favorite DJ Mahealani. Advocate Ryan Hamilton spoke about his family’s recent perilous healthcare journey and encouraged other men to speak out on the need
for accessible, safe healthcare for pregnant Texans. The evening was led by event co-chairs, Erika and Andrew Levack, and their outstanding committee members. Dr. Diana Weihs and Women Partners in Health received the 2024 Robbie and Tom Ausley Leadership Awardee for their ongoing advocacy for sexual and reproductive healthcare in Texas. Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas provides trusted, evidence-based sexual healthcare and education while advocating for reproductive justice, care without judgment, and access to healthcare for all. For more information, visit www.plannedparenthood.org/ planned-parenthood-greater-texas.
That’s where Maravilla @ The
gourmet
and
adventures create an environment for
and
experiences. Book a tour and take it all in.
BY FORREST PREECE
Grae Baker
Head of School, Austin Montessori School
1. What’s something about you that not many people know?
I’m strangely adept at interior design.
2. What was your first job?
My grandfather was a plumber, so my first summer job in high school was working for him. I was really excited to learn and apply home plumbing skills. It turns out that he had just signed a contract with Perdue Farms, so all I did that summer was construct and repair drinking systems for chickens in 500-foot-long chicken houses -- not a particularly transferable skill set, unfortunately.
3. You can have dinner with three people – dead or alive, any time in history— who would they be?
Leonardo da Vinci, Hypatia, my grandfather
4. What’s on your music playlist?
My music playlist is all over the place! You’ll find everything from Phish to 80’s music to Vivaldi. My sweet spot is late 50’s/early 60’s soul and R&B. Also, now that my daughter Kamryn is a little older and into music, Taylor Swift tends to make a lot of appearances on the list.
5. Favorite book and/or TV show?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy for books. TV show would be a tie between Ted Lasso and Stranger Things. Lasso is such a feel good show and Stranger Things watches like a chronicle of my childhood in the ’80s
(without the monsters).
6. Most powerful movie that you have seen?
The Shawshank Redemption
7. What makes you happy?
Swimming. I swim laps daily -- this is my zen, happy place that I can’t live without.
8. Favorite place in Austin?
A tie between the greenbelt and the Lady Bird Lake hike/ bike trail.
9. Favorite restaurant in Austin?
Numero28, right around the corner from Ballet Austinan authentic Italian pizzeria.
10. What living person do you most admire?
Our school’s founder, Donna Bryant Goertz. She lived her vision and created a school that made a difference in the lives of thousands of children while also contributing signifi cantly to the global Montessori movement.
11. Best advice you ever received?
A quote from Winston Churchill -- “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
Like most survivors, SusieCakes
Founder Susan Sarich focuses on finding joy in everyday life. Spreading joy is literally her business, which is why she partnered with Susan G. Komen to put a sweet, pink spin on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Texas-based Sarich survived two bouts of breast cancer between 2020 and 2023. Today, after multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, she is cancer-free and using the SusieCakes x Komen line to raise awareness for early detection and prevention with one goal: A World Without Breast Cancer.
Through October 31, SusieCakes bakeries will donate $1 to Komen for every cupcake sold from the SusieCakes x Komen collection. These vanilla and chocolate desserts feature pink buttercream frosting and decorative ribbon stencils and can be ordered in the bakery or online. In addition, SusieCakes is shipping a SusieCakes x Komen cake nationwide and donating $5 from every cake sold to Komen. Each cake can display an inspirational message, perfect for celebrating a survivor, honoring a loved one, or supporting the cause.
“Each purchase is a chance to give back while savoring the desserts you love,” Sarich says. “Grab a cupcake, share it with a friend, and make Breast Cancer Awareness Month a little sweeter, one bite at a time.”
SusieCakes has two Austin locations: 3267 Bee Caves Road and 1111 West 6th Street. It is a classic all-American bakery offering nostalgic, homemade desserts that take you back to your childhood.
Handcrafted daily with the finest ingredients, each treat is inspired by beloved recipes from founder Susan’s grandmothers, Mildred and Madeline.
Upcoming seasonal offerings from SusieCakes include Halloween, with spookythemed full-size and mini-cupcakes, sugar cookies, cakes, cookie cakes, and cupcake and cookie decorating kits offered through October 31st; National Candy Day (in partnership with See’s Candies) November 1-3; and Election Day, featuring red and blue cupcakes, star-frosted sugar cookies, and donkey and elephant cakes November 4-5. For more information, visit SusieCakes. com.
SusieCakes Puts a Sweet, Pink, Joyous Spin on Breast Cancer
Jenna Bush Hager Headlines WSL Austin’s Enchanté Couture Fashion Luncheon
Best-Selling Author and NBC’s TODAY Co-Host Jenna Bush Hager headlined the Women’s Symphony League of Austin’s (WSL) 2024 Fashion Luncheon: “Enchanté Couture.” This highly anticipated event, held at the Palmer Events Center, is an annual benefit for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Hager discussed life as a first daughter, her new book, and her role as a co-host.
“Texas has a way of instilling in you a deep appreciation for community, resilience and the power of the arts. Whether through writing or conversations on TODAY, I strive to bring a bit of that Texas spirit to everything I do. The Women’s Symphony League of Austin embodies these values, using music to bring people together and make a difference, and I’m proud supporting them by being part of this event,” Hager said.
With an “Enchanté Couture” theme in mind, fashion show producer Sue Webber of Webber Productions hosted a
runway show featuring designs by Mackenzie Brittingham. A true Texan, born and raised in Dallas, Makenzie has a lifelong love for the arts and fashion. She established Mackenzie Brittingham Designs in the spring of 2016, focusing on couture bridal fashion. Over the past ten years, she has expanded her expertise to luxury evening gowns and furs,
catering to mothers of the bride or groom, debutantes and party-goers.
The luncheon, hosted by Chairs Charlotte Blakemore and Amanda Powell, welcomed more than 400 attendees and included a raffle and a marketplace for shopping. All proceeds benefitted the Austin Symphony Orchestra. For 70 years, the members
of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin have dedicated energy, talent, and volunteer hours to provide service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. More than 50,000 children benefit from the innovative educational programs of the Austin Symphony Orchestra each year. For more information, visit www.wslaustin.org.
FOOTBALL MEMORies
— Compiled by Forrest Preece Fun Football Stories From Days Gone By
In one of my glorious memories of SMU, I was the “Doll” of the SMU “96 Guys and a Doll” Mustang Band! Vividly, I remember lining up with the band to play and cheer the football players out of their locker room and on to the field. Leading the group was our Coach Hayden Fry with a great big smile coming toward me. He always gave me a little “pinch” on my upper arm with a wink from his eye! I later learned that he was a very superstitious man and he was doing
When Tudey and I were seniors at Austin High, the football team had a game against Corpus Christi Ray High School, in Corpus Christi. I was a Red Jacket, and both the Red Jackets and the cheerleaders were on one bus to go to the game, while the football team was on another -- little did we know, Tudey and some of his friends had chartered their own bus to the game as well. The weather was very rainy that day, and our bus arrived late to the game, which had already started by the time we got there. We disembarked to find Tudey and his friends had taken our place on the sidelines, acting as cheerleaders for Austin High, leading chants, and pumping their fists in the air. It was hilarious, and had us all laughing. Unfortunately, the Austin High principal got wind of their escapades, which may or may not have involved the generous consumption of adult beverages, and didn’t find them quite as funny. That Monday, he summoned Tudey and Peter Barbour to his office via the allschool intercom and gave them a serious tongue-lashing. Truth be told, though, he probably thought it was funny, too!
— Deborah Teten
— Curby Conoley
PHOTOS BY JETER
The Refugee Collective: Supporting Refugees and Building Community
By Anne DeVries
For 15 years, the Refugee Collective, formerly the Multicultural Refugee Coalition, has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for refugees resettling in Austin. Founded by two Liberian refugees, Johnson Doe, and Paul Tiah, alongside two American women, Meg Erskine and Sarah Stranahan, the organization has evolved into an impactful force, offering opportunities for employment, food procurement, English language classes, and assimilation into the Austin community.
The two primary arms of the Refugee Collective are the Textile Studio, located at the 8th Street Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Austin, and the Organic Farm, near Elgin.
Coupled with small business community partners, the enterprise employs refugees in the area, partners with small businesses in Austin to build community, and provides food to local refugees. By combining traditional skills with modern markets and employing refugees in fair-wage jobs that are both dignified and environmentally conscious, the Refugee Collective is a model for outreach.
The Refugee Collective Textile Studio is a creative space where refugee artisans craft beautiful items like tea
additional funds are not raised.
The Refugee Collective works with local businesses (community partners) in their textile and farming endeavors, such as Texas Roselle, Lucky + Dog, Major Darling, Trophyolog, Este Restaurant, Johnny Bee Good Honey, and Newton Supply Company. The community partnerships support the Refugee Collective’s mission and bring awareness to refugee challenges.
towels, totes, fanny packs, dog products, and other textiles using upcycled fabrics, organic cotton, and natural dyes from food waste products and cultivated plants. Traditional block printing, sewing, and embroidery are used in their work.
The Refugee Collective farm is another vital part of the organization’s framework. Through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, the Refugee Collective grows organic vegetables for local subscribers and families in the refugee program.
Members of the Austin community can subscribe online at the Refugee Collective website to purchase weekly or bi-weekly CSA locally-grown vegeta-
bles, with pick-up spots around Austin.
The farm program also offers land to recently arrived refugees, allowing them to cultivate culturally desirable crops such as Afghan leeks and hibiscus. Last year, the farm donated over 70 CSA vegetable bags each week to refugee families in AISD. This program is in jeopardy of being discontinued if
The Refugee Collective is hosting a special fundraising event on October 27th at its farm near Elgin to celebrate its work and raise funds for future projects. Attendees will experience a farm-to-table dinner featuring local favorites from Lenoir Restaurant and Abby Janes Bake Shop, including hibiscus cocktails. The evening will offer farm tours, a natural dyeing demonstration, and a chance to engage with the Refugee Collective community. Proceeds will support the Refugee Collective’s ongoing mission to provide job training, skill set application, food access, and fulfilling livelihoods for Austin’s refugee community. Tickets for the event and more information about the Refugee Collective, the CSA organic vegetable subscription program, and products offered by their community partners can be found at www.therefugeecollective.org.
Hundreds Paddle Lake Austin for Flatwater’s 15th Annual Dam That Cancer
latwater hosted its 15th annual Dam That Cancer event.
FThis year, over 230 participants paddled 21 miles across Lake Austin to raise over $1.4 million for Flatwater, surpassing their goal by over $93,000. After completing the 10-hour paddle, Flatwater invited the community to celebrate the 2024 participants with a post-paddle party at the LCRA Redbud Center. Since its inception in 2010, Flatwater has covered over $8.5 million worth of therapy for Central Texans touched by cancer — the equivalent of over 70,000 hours of therapy. For more information, visit flatwater.org
Five students from Regents School of Austin have been named 2024 CLT10 National Award Winners, marking the highest number of winners from any school in the Classic Learning Test (CLT) program’s history. The National Award Winner students include Jared Ashford, Noah Ledbetter, Ella McKanna, Owen Mezger, and Harrisonne Wu.
The CLT10 National Award recognizes the top 50 students in the nation—those who scored in the top 1%—for their exceptional performance on the CLT10, taken by thousands of high school sophomores each year. In addition to receiving the prestigious award, each winner will be granted a $2,500 scholarship to a CLT Partner College.
In addition to the five National Award winners, Regents School also had 12 regional scholars, including both current
juniors and sophomores, who ranked in the top 5% of all CLT10 test-takers across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Regional Scholar Award winners include: Brooklyn Alexander, Joseph Batchelor, Rylie Chiles, Ryan Collins, Asher Heidler, Vivienne Issa, Logan Kendall, Tyler McKinney, Grant Schleicher, Beatrix Taylor, Chloe Tseng, and Luke Wood.
“These students have not only demonstrated remarkable academic achievement but also reflect the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Dan Peterson, Head of School. “We are humbled by this accomplishment and give glory to God for His work in the lives of our students, their families, and our entire Regents community.”
Founded in 2015, CLT offers academic assessments for Grades 3-12 that evaluate
reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics. The “classic” in Classic Learning Test refers to its use of classic literature and historical texts for the majority of reading selections on its exams. By engaging students with this meaningful content, CLT assessments offer a more edifying testing experience and reflect a holistic education, emphasizing critical thinking and reasoning skills.
The CLT10 recognition underscores Regents School of Austin’s mission to provide a classical and Christian education founded upon and informed by a Christian worldview, that equips students to know, love, and practice that which is true, good, and beautiful, and challenges them to strive for excellence as they live purposefully and intelligently in the service of God and man.
Regents School of Austin Celebrates Historic Achievement
2024
THE WOMEN’S SYMPHONY LEAGUE OF AUSTIN’S 69th Annual Jewel Ball
“Night of Illusions”
The Women’s Symphony League of Austin thanks the community for 71 years of collaborative support of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Since 1953, the members of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin have dedicated time, energy, and talent to provide service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its music education programs. The Women’s Symphony League is the largest annual financial supporter of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and over 50,000 K-12 students benefit from the innovative educational programs of the ASO each year. To learn more, visit WSLaustin.org.
Her Royal Majesty, the Diamond Queen KATHRYN ROSE of the House of Tully
Annual Jewel Ball Fundraiser Benefits Austin Symphony Orchestra
The Women’s Symphony League of Austin (WSL) with Honorary Chair, Pamela R. Bell, hosted the 69th Annual Jewel Ball, Austin’s preeminent black-tie affair, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Palmer Events Center.
This year’s Jewel Ball Co-Chairs, Mary Love and Sullie Stephens, and their committee created a magical evening “A Night
of Illusions” that celebrated and recognized the Diamond Queen and four princesses from Austin, honoring the support of local families for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The WSL also invited outstanding college-aged young women from across Texas to represent their communities as duchesses of the Visiting Jewel Court.
“We were honored to chair this year’s
Jewel Ball, continuing this cherished Austin tradition that benefits the Austin Symphony Orchestra. It is with great pride that we celebrate the families of our Royal Court and their commitment to the arts in Austin. The funds raised by the Jewel Ball support education programs of the Symphony that will reach 50,000 K-12 students over the next year,” said Love and Stephens.
Guests enjoyed cocktails, presentation of the Royal Court, a delicious dinner, live auction, and a raffle, featuring a Benold’s Jewelers 18K yellow gold wrap style necklace with diamond clasp, photobooth sponsored by The Mach 1 Group, casino games sponsored by Mr. Mike
and Mrs. Sarah Heidler, late night dancing to the Love & Happiness Band, and silent auction.
Heidler
Her Royal Majesty. The Diamond Queen Kathryn Rose of the House of Tully escorted by Mr. John Tyler Jones
WSL Jewel Ball Chairs Mary Bell Love and Sullie Stephens, WSL President Stacey McLeod Brewer
Janet Hooten, Princess Mary Margaret Dahl McCraken, Jennifer Hooten McCracken, Knight Dax McCraken
Preston James Schmid, Christian Miguel Hellmund, Hub William Bechtol, John Tyler Jones, King Brio LVIII Van R. Hoisington, Johnny Ty Hoisington, Sheppard Riley Tyler, William Henry Dietz III, Alexander Colgin Dietz; Taylor Olivia McCall, Annabelle Katheryne Kuehl, Mary Margaret Dahl McCracken, Kathryn Rose Tully, Audrey Elizabeth Rose, Fiona Adelle Rubiano, Catherine Bradford Hunt, Mary Elizabeth Barnhill
King Brio LVIII Van R. Hoisington and Mrs. Jeanne Hoisington
Griffin Tyler, Cooper Tyler, Hallie Varner Tyler, Sheppard Tyler, Valerie Tyler and Knight Craig Tyler
Alyssa Muir, WSL President-elect Ashley Hyten Reischman, Amanda Powell, Brooke Morgan, Elizabeth Doughtie and Crystal Dutton
Diamond Queen Kathryn Rose Tully and Princess Audrey Elizabeth Rose
WSL Past President Katie Kaighin and Chancellor Jim Kaighin
Jewel Ball Images by Jetter Photo Company
Reggie Bell McFarland, Jewel Ball Honorary Chair Pamela R. Bell, Henry N. Bell IV, WSL Past President Jennifer Bell
YiShaun Yang, Squire Alexander H Yang, and Jonathan Yang
Knight and Mrs. Gordon Moore
2024 Jewel Ball Honorary Chair
Pamela R. Bell
By the time Pamela “Pam” Roberts Bell joined the Women’s Symphony League of Austin in 1972, she was already a seasoned symphony volunteer!
Having been raised by a mother involved in the San Antonio Symphony League, Pam’s talents were a natural fit for its Austin counterpart. Since that day, Pam has been a kind, dedicated, and generous leader in the Women’s Symphony League. After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law, Pam founded a law practice with her beloved late husband of nearly fifty-nine years, Lord Chancellor LIII, Henry N. Bell III. The Bells have two children, Henry N. Bell IV and Reggie Bell McFarland, and three grandchildren, Henry N. Bell V, Jack McFarland, and Tennie McFarland.
Pam’s involvement with the Jewel Ball is impressive: she has been a member of the Jewel Committee since 2001; her daughter Reggie was a multiple junior royalty participant and a Princess in 1991, A Night in Monaco, and her son Henry IV was also a multiple Junior Royalty participant and escort at several Jewel Balls; all three grandchildren have been Junior Royalty participants; she served as Auction Chair at several Jewel Balls; and she and Henry III served as Host Couple for many years.
It was during her 2001 tenure as the President of the Women’s Symphony League that Pam experienced perhaps her most memorable –and certainly her most challenging - Jewel Ball. The Jewel Ball that year, Night on the Nile, had long been scheduled to take place during what turned out to be the aftermath of 9/11. With great sensitivity and tact, the Jewel Ball went on as originally planned, and it was a success in large part due to Pam’s thoughtful and delicate leadership during that entire year. In addition to her significant roles contributing to the success of the Jewel Ball, and to her Presidency, Pam has been a faithful volunteer and leader of
Louise Elizabeth Bagley
Alexander Michael Dargahi
Hoermann
Emery Farryn Abbott
Ainsleigh
Jenna Bush Hager — beloved Texan, best-selling author, and co-host of NBC’s TODAY — headlined the Women’s Symphony League of Austin’s (WSL) 2024 Fashion Luncheon: “Enchanté Couture.”
This highly anticipated event was hosted on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. Hager discussed life as a first daughter, her new book, and her role as a co-host.
“Texas has a way of instilling in you a deep appreciation for community, resilience and the power of the arts. Whether through writing or conversations on TODAY, I strive to bring a bit of that Texas spirit to everything I do. The Women’s Symphony League of Austin embodies these values, using music to bring people together and make a difference, and I’m proud supporting them by being part of this event,” Hager said.
With an “Enchanté Couture” theme in mind, fashion show producer Sue Webber of Webber Productions hosted a runway show featuring designs by Mackenzie Brittingham. A true Texan, born
and raised in Dallas, Makenzie has a lifelong love for the arts and fashion. She established Mackenzie Brittingham Designs in the spring of 2016, focusing on couture bridal fashion. Over the past ten years, she has expanded her expertise to luxury evening gowns and furs, catering to mothers of the bride or groom, debutantes and party-goers.
Luncheon Co-Chairs Charlotte Blakemore and Amanda Powell welcomed more than 400 attendees to the event. In addition to the conversation with Jenna Bush Hager, the event included a raffle for a Givens Plastic Surgery Package, generously sponsored by Victoria Givens, MD, as well a Chloe “Marcie” handbag donated by WSL Member Kelsey Smith of Neiman Marcus. The shopping marketplace featured numerous vendors, including: American Duke Co., Clay House Candles, House of Shan, KMC Handbags, Lady Kennedy Designs, Mackenzie Britting ham Designs, Mignonne Gavigan, The Quiet Culture, Spring Frost Boutique, and Sunshine Tienda. All proceeds benefitted the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 FASHION LUNCHEON SPONSORS
▲ Sidney Jones, Family and Friends
▲ AT&T
▲ Mrs. Henry N. Bell III
▲ Laurée and Corinne Moffett
▲ Meroney Public Affairs & Susan Roth Consulting, LLC
▲ Elizabeth Blakemore, Jeanne Hoisington, Jill Powell
▲ Stacey McLeod Brewer
▲ Amanda Powell and Charlotte Blakemore
▲ Women’s Symphony League Presidents
▲ Mia McCord
▲ Heritage Title
▲ Roarty Law Firm
▲ WSL Red Haute 2025 Co-Chairs and Friends
▲ Krewe of Couture
▲ Fashion Loving Friends
▲ LCRA
▲ St. David’s Healthcare
▲ Becca McMullen
▲ Sarah’s Table
▲ Adrienne Barclay/Perkins Law Group
▲ McKnight Title
2024 Luncheon Honorary Chair
Sidney Jones
Native Texan, arts patron, and the Honorary Chair of the 2024 Fashion Luncheon, Enchanté Couture, Sidney Jones has spent the past several decades bringing her elegant joie de vivre to myriad roles in the Women’s Symphony League of Austin. Sidney spent an idyllic childhood “behind the Pine Curtain” of East Texas, where she fondly recalls her early exposure to classical music via a nearby Louisiana Public Radio station.
Sidney moved to Austin, where she matriculated at The University of Texas, and where she married Deputy Lord Chancellor John T. Jones in 1976. The Joneses have two children, John “Taylor” and Stephanie Lynn, and grandchildren Fiona Adelle Rubiano, Elle Jones, and John Tyler “Ty” Jones. Volunteerism is shared interest for the Jones family, and, from a very tender age, Taylor and Stephanie grew up helping behind the scenes for the Jewel Ball. Taylor went on to be an escort at three Jewel Balls, and Stephanie was a Princess at the 1991 Jewel Ball, A Night in Monaco. Additionally, Sidney and John have supported the Jewel Ball by graciously performing Host Couple duties for more than 30 years. The Joneses have particularly enjoyed acting as a Host Couple, as it is something they could do together. And as Honorary Chair of the Fashion Luncheon, Sidney continues her immense contribution to the Women’s Symphony League.
“It is a privilege to be able to represent what the Ball stands for, and it is extremely rewarding to spread the word about the mission and purpose of the Austin Symphony Orchestra,” Sidney said. At this year’s 69th Annual Jewel Ball, Night of Illusions, the Jones family will be supporting its third generation of participants, when Fiona follows in her mother’s footsteps as a Princess, and when Ty follows in his father’s footsteps as an Escort.
Sidney has contributed her talents to many placements and leadership roles during her dedicated tenure in the Women’s Symphony League of Austin. Sidney found her numerous Board and Executive Board positions to be amongst the most rewarding, because she got to be a part of leading the organization and in helping to shape its future. And as far as sheer fun, Sidney’s most enjoyable placement was her several years in the role (and top hat!) of Phil Harmonic in the Women’s Symphony League’s own singing group and elementary school music education program, Simple Simon.
“It was incredible to watch the children’s faces as they heard the music,” explained Sidney.
Photography by Jetter Photo Company
Mela Sarajane Dailey & Jenna Bush Hager
ASO Board President Linda Butler van Bavel, Sarah Butler, Celeste Hubert
Robin Hancock, Sabrina Brown, Jenna Bush Hager, Leslie Ward
Fashion Luncheon Co-Chair Charlotte Blakemore, Fashion Luncheon Honorary Chair Sidney Jones, Jenna Bush Hager, Fashion Luncheon Co-Chair Amanda Powell
Princess Audrey Elizabeth Rose, Princess Fiona Adelle Rubiano, Princess Annabelle Katheryne Kuehl, Duchess Mary Elizabeth Barnhill, Jenna Bush Hager, Diamond Queen Kathryn Rose Tully, Duchess Catherine Bradford Hunt, Duchess Taylor Olivia McCall, Princess Mary Margaret Dahl McCracken
Amanda Shoop Kuehl, Princess Annabelle Katheryne Kuehl, Missy Harris, Marion More
Christy Merritt, Christy Werner, Leigh Richards
Steven A. Martin, Jenna Bush Hager, WSL President Stacey McLeod Brewer
Lisa Tully, Jenna Bush Hager, Elizabeth Kemp Rose
The Women’s Symphony League of
AUSTIN — The Women’s Symphony League of Austin (WSL) hosted its annual Soirée Dansante event on Sunday evening, September 15, 2024, at the Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center.
With the theme, “Twilight Masquerade,” more than 240 Austin-area 9th and 10th graders enjoyed a night full of dancing, hanging out with friends, silent disco, casino games, prizes and more. Chaired by WSL members
Hosts Annual Dansante
Amy Hajdu & Caron Hutchison, the exciting event honored the 10th grade Belles and Beaux to be presented in the Women’s Symphony League’s 69th Annual Jewel Ball “Night of Illusions” on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“As the next generation of the WSL, these incredible young people are the future of our organization. With Twilight Masquerade, we aimed to create a magical, unforgettable evening where they could support the arts and
build lasting connections,” said Hajdu and Hutchison. “We are excited to see how they will continue contributing to WSL’s legacy for decades to come. Their energy and creativity give us so much hope for the future!”
Jewel Ball events are WSL’s largest fundraiser each year for the Austin Symphony Orchestra through the generous support of the following donors:
Ally Medical
Caron and Matthew Hutchison
▲
▲ One Ingram Group
▲ Past Kings: King Brio LVI & Mrs. James D. Green Jr., King Brio LII & Mrs. George D. Gibbs, King Brio LIII & Mrs. Andrew R. Heller, and King Brio L & Mrs. Charles J. Roesslein in Honor of King Brio LVIII
GILDED BENEFACTOR
▲ 5G Ranches
▲ Mr. Steven Albright & Mrs. Stefanie Albright
▲ Elizabeth T. & Tyler K. Andrews
▲ Mr. Jon Sprencel and Mrs. Courtney Graeber
▲ Mr. and Mrs. Bob Guthrie
▲ The Hale and Swayze Families
▲ Hughes Arrell LLP
▲ Knight and Mrs. T. Justin MacDonald
▲ Knight and Mrs. Dax P. McCracken
▲ Knight and Mrs. Christopher Moose
▲ Ms. Elizabeth V. Newman
▲ Princess Audrey Elizabeth Rose Family
▲ Roxan Coffman Properties
▲ Lord Chancellor XLVI Robert A. Shoop
Family and Mr. & Mrs. Joel Todd Kuehl
▲ Shanley Price, LLP
▲ Mr. & Mrs. Payton Spreen
▲ Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Taylor
▲ Knight & Mrs. John D. Tully ▲ Vazquez Law Firm
DAZZLING DONOR
▲ CLINFINITY
▲ Knight & Mrs. John Thomas Walters
UNDERWRITERS ▲ CRN Law/Julia Null ▲ FASTSIGNS - Burnet Rd. ▲ Mr. Mike Heidler and Mrs. Sarah Heidler
Love, Tito’s
The Mach 1 Group
Amy and Joshua Baer
Stacey and Joel S. Brewer
Amy and Christopher A. Hajdu
Becca and Michael McMullen
Holly and Walter C. Wukasch
Holiday on 7th
Designs
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Soirée Chairs Amy Hajdu, Caron Hutchison Nicky Duewall, Celeste Hubert
WSL President Stacey McLeod Brewer, WSL President-Elect Ashley Hyten Reischman
Photos by Nicky Duewall
Sandy Alcala, Meagan Moll, Julia Null, Brooke Morgan, Shawna Kelso, Denise Lehe
69th Annual Jewel Ball Chairs, Mary Love, Sullie Stephens