PLACES TO GO Around the Neighborhood Pages 2-3
WEST SIDE STORIES Michael Blair
INSIDE The Settlement Home for Children
Page 4
RiverCity
VOLUME 36 ISSUE 12 - SINCE 1986
W E S TA U S T I N N E W S . C O M
Billie and Glenna Bruun
Dotty Price, Kristen Holland, Sims Holland Price
Carrie, Miles and Grant Gottesman
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Grace and Lily Donnell
Palmer Atchison and Anna Riley Elskes
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church holds Second Annual Snow Day Good Shepherd Episcopal Church holds Second Annual Snow Day On Sunday, December 3rd, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church held its Annual Snow Day event on the church grounds. Magically, about 3:30 that afternoon literally tons of snow appeared covering part of the yard half the size of a football field. This year, two areas of snow were offered so that all ages could find fun in the snow. The event kicked off at 4, and quickly proved to be what could only be described as “wildly” successful. Over 500 people attended. Hot chocolate and cookies were provided by church members and scrumptious chocolate banana and strawberry crepes were served by a food truck from Crepe Crazy and supremely sought after hamburgers from Holiday House. Ornament and holiday Christmas card making tables were jammed with joy. At 5:00 the eight-person Choral Scholars group performed a cappella in the church singing all the traditional and much-loved Christmas Carols. At 5:30 the choir moved outside and led the crowd in more Christmas carol songs. The Rev. Channing Smith led a brief service prior to the lighting of the Christmas Tree, followed by one last carol, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Mary Richards Smith, wife of Rev. Smith was the event organizer and Chief Inspiration Officer. Mary said about the event “Good Shepherd’s Advent Snow Day and Christmas Tree Lighting is now a tradition in Tarrytown. Advent Snow Day seemed to be a fun, exciting way to continue building community in our neighborhood. The snow was just part of it. It was such a joy to create a Christmas village with holiday treats and children’s activities. We are so grateful to our committee members and offer special thanks to Callie Hester, Jessica Riels, Caroline Goehring, and Amelie Sanders.” To contact the church call 512-4763523 or email info@gsaustin. The web site is www.gsaustin.com.
Hale Umstadt with the Reverend Channing Smith
Noah and Luke Liebert
Charlotte and Sarah Brayne
Reese, Tucker, Brittney and Martin Harrison
Poppy Maines
Madeline and Frances
Ari, Max and Anson
Clark, Dora Lee, Charles and Charlotte Little
Rose and Anne Wiik
Sullie and Stella Stephens
Brian, Charlotte, Caroline and Marianne Smith
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Alice, Emmaline, Lyle and Dennis Nabors
Faith, Scott and Neely Wynne Ferguson
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WEST AUSTIN NEWS
2
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Around the Neighborhood: opening CARRIE ETHEREDGE, DMD
expanding
celebrating
FLO’S WINE BAR & BOTTLE SHOP AND ALLDAY PIZZA
CITIZEN EATERY
Citizen Eatery, a vegan restaurant on Burnet Road, closed this month after 7 years of a meat-free menu and all-day breakfast. Something may be coming after the closing at 5011 Burnet Road, as owners Michael and Aimee Walden Moyer tell loyalists on social media to “stay tuned” 2
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Flo’s Wine Bar & Bottle Shop and Allday Pizza at 35th Street and Pecos were named to the 2023 Eater Awards in Austin as Best Combination that Needed to Happen. Flo’s owners Flo Clemons and Adair Belisle and Allday’s owners Townsend Smith and Daniel Sorg brought food and drink to their stylish co-location at 3111 West 35th St. in early 2023. At floswinebar.com and @ allday.atx 4
Carrie Etheredge, DMD, has relocated her dental practice across the street to 3631 North Hills Drive. The practice moved into the newly renovated building in Northwest Hills on Nov. 27. Etheredge graduated from dental school at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and studied Dentist Carrie Etheredge advanced dentistry at Fort Sill, Okla. She served as a dentist in the U.S. Army in Savannah, Ga. At austinsdentist.com and 512-345-2425 1
Citizen Eatery’s iconic giant bunny
2
LOUIS SHANKS FURNITURE Louis Shanks Furniture is closing its doors on Anderson Lane after 78 years as an Austin institution. Also closing is the San Antonio location of Louis Shanks Furniture as the chain liquidates merchandise and inventory at the two remaining stores. Louis Shanks partnered with John Stanford in 1945 to open the Congress Avenue store, and four generations of the Shanks family has been part of moves and expansions to Lamar Blvd. in 1954, to 2930 W Anderson Lane in 1974, and to stores in San Antonio and Houston in 1983 and 1995. 5
3a
Old Thousand
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OLD THOUSAND
3a Old Thousand at 4805 Burnet Road has closed, leaving only the original 3B
Old Thousand at 1000 E. 11th Street. Old Thousand on 11th will extend hours to Monday and add a brunch menu. At oldthousandatx. com and @oldthousandatx 3B
IN THE NEW YEAR!
Est. 1984
ROLLINGWOOD | DOWNTOW N
HeritageTitleofAustin.com
120823_TC_HT_Holiday Ad_11.5x10.5.indd 1
12/8/23 6:25 PM
WEST AUSTIN NEWS
DECEMBER 21, 2023
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Around the Neighborhood: UPGRADE LABS 5TH STREET 6
Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church
The Gathering Memory Care Program is held weekly at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church at 7127 Bee Cave Rd, Austin, TX 78746, on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free program for people experiencing memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease or similar dementias provides caregivers a weekly break. Attendees will spend 4 hours participating in activities and socializing with caring, trained volunteers. For more information, visit www.thegath7
WAYS2WELL 6 ways2well, located at 4613-A Bee Cave Rd Ste. #106, is celebrating one year in Westlake. ways2well offers customers a better way to manage their personal health and wellness through in-depth blood lab analysis. They treat root causes of illness to help reverse the onset of chronic diseases and provide select modalities to help you achieve health goals, boost energy, and regenerate the body. Visit www.ways2well.com for more information.
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The Lighthouse Memory Care Program is held weekly at Riverbend Church at 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746, on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free respite program is offered for family caregivers with loved ones living at home with dementia. The weekly agenda provides meaningful programs with social stimulation and joyful activity while offering caregivers a few hours of respite. For more information, visit www.riverbend.com/caresupport.
Linda Dryden, Cathy Present, Leslie Smith Gray, Jenny Jopling, Dina Shoults, Shannon Elmquist, Jill Durkee, and Debbie Ward
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Hosts Festival of Trees - Home for Christmas The holiday spirit came alive at the Festival of Trees - Home For Christmas, a heartwarming event sponsored and organized by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. The goal of the event was to make the season brighter for those in need by supporting The Rathgeber Center for Families and the 2023 Angel Tree Program. Carolers filled the air with melodious tunes as guests enjoyed sweet holiday treats. Some of the dedicated volunteer groups included Kendra Scott, The Young Men’s Service League, and The Scout Guide. The Festival of Trees featured beautifully decorated trees, each lovingly adorned by members of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, board members, and dedicated volunteers. The trees were all auctioned off with proceeds benefiting The Rathgeber Center for Families and the Angel Tree Program. For more information about The Salvation Army, visit www.DoingMostGood.org.
Jayda Maret and Major Kim Feinave
Leslie Smith Gray, Robert Durkee, and Libby Box
Blake Elmquist, Bowen Elmquist, Posey Elmquist, and Shannon Elmquist
Debbie Ward
Jill and Robert Durkee
Linda Dryden
Shannon Elmquist
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Riverbend Church on Capital of Texas Highway
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Kacy Dolce
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WEST AUSTIN NEWS
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WESTSIDE
The current version of Michael Blair
Michael Blair BY FO R R E S T P R E E C E
E
ven after 22 years of writing these stories, I still am amazed at how so many people’s lives have pivoted on one decision. Case in point, the career of Michael Blair, a creative all-star in the advertising firmament.
Michael has worked on team had some serious many well-known ad camintelligence and talent, and paigns, and he has won five they won the competition. Clios, the ad business’s verAs a prize for winning, they sion of Oscars, plus a host of were invited to present their other awards. Michael and his campaign to the Houston Ad wife Ginger have been friends Club. The advertising agency of ours for a long time and McCann-Erickson had a presthe other day, I asked him to ence in the Ad Club audience, tell me about his career. and Texas Tourism was their Returning to my point account. They liked what about fate rearing its head, Michael presented and found Michael was a pre-law major him so convincing that they in the second semester of offered him a job. (So much his senior for his entering A T T H E year at the the legal profesHEIGHT University sion.) OF ITS of Houston From 1967when he 1972, he worked POPULARITY realized W E R E D U C E D for McCann that he had on the Exxon LITTER BY an extra 7 2 % O N T E X A S account and his elective to reputation as a H I G H WA Y S take before stellar creative AND IT WON graduating. talent gained E V E R Y A WA R D He decided traction. In late P O S S I B L E .” to take an 1972 he became Advertising creative direc—MICHAEL Campaign tor at a small BLAIR and Strateagency handling gy course. some banks, the The class divided into several Houston Blood Center and four-person account teams, McDonald’s regional busiand they were all assigned ness. Then he was offered a the creation of a campaign position as creative director for Texas Tourism. Michael’s at Ketchum International in
HOW TO REACH US: December 21, 2023 Volume 36 Issue 12
Publisher/Editor Bart Stephens Community Editor Anne DeVries anne@westaustinnews.com Events Editor Jamie Perkins jamie@westaustinnews.com General Manager Rachelle Topete Production Granite Media Partners Staff Writers Alana Mallard, Forrest Preece West Austin News is published once each month, on the third, fourth or fifth Thursday of each month of the year, by Verde Publishers, Inc., 5511 Parkcrest Dr. Ste. 107 Austin, TX 78731, (512) 459-4070. USPS publication number is 021-728 Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas. Annual subscriptions: In-county, $45.00; Out-of-County, $55.00. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to West Austin News, 5511 Parkcrest Dr. Ste. 107 Austin, TX 78731. Contributions: Pictures, stories and news items of interest to the residents of West Austin should be emailed to our editor at news@westaustinnews.com. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been previously published.
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1974 and worked there until 1982. That is when GSD&M’s Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director Tim McClure persuaded Michael to join his agency. GSD&M’s account Southwest Airlines was needing more and more work, and Michael was assigned the task of producing radio and television for them. He was named creative director for their Houston office and had a highly productive couple of years. In 1984, he moved to Austin as creative director and executive producer for the agency, when its national reputation was starting to skyrocket. The GSD&M march to national prominence began happening when they picked up some coveted, major league accounts like Wal-Mart, Chili’s, Coors Light, SeaWorld, the Texas Lottery, and in 1986, the Texas Department of Transportation’s anti-litter campaign, which became an all-time advertising triumph. “Tim devised the slogan ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ and I began writing and producing most of the spots for the campaign,” Michael says. That campaign and their work for Southwest Airlines put GSD&M in the spotlight as one of the top advertising agencies in the country and they began having chances to pitch more national-level accounts. In short order, The US Air Force, Land Rover, Pennzoil, Fannie Mae, and BMW were gracing the GSD&M client roster, a feat that had the wise old heads in Austin’s advertising universe slack-jawed with amazement. Don’t Mess With Texas would be at the top of anybody’s list of campaigns to work on and it was, by far, Michael’s favorite account. The first TV spot they produced used Stevie Ray Vaughan for talent. He went on to work on more versions of the spots with Willie
STORIES
Michael and a camera crew having a serious closeup with a B-17
Nelson, Lyle Lovett, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Joe Ely Band, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, Jerry Jeff Walker, LeAnn Rimes, Christine Albert, and many others. The campaign’s effectiveness was undeniable. As Michael says, “At the height of its popularity we reduced litter by 72% on Texas highways and it won every award possible. I was truly blessed to be at the right place at the right time.” Michael with Willie Nelson on a shoot for the Don’t Mess With Texas campaign There are many intriguing stories that wheel slings a lunch sack out Michael retired from revolve around producing of his window. In a flash, the GSD&M as Executive VP, “Don’t Mess With Texas” gigantic B-17 looms up from Senior Creative Director in spots, but one of the most behind the horizon, filling 2008. But a month later, the dramatic was about the comthe screen, and heads after agency’s CEO Steve Gurasich mercial they did using a vinthe pickup while the plane’s called and asked if he would tage B-17 bomber. The spot pilot radios, “Let’s make an write a campaign for Popeyes starts with a shot of a pickup impression on this guy.” Then Louisiana Kitchen. Michael truck coming over a hump the narrator’s voiceover says, agreed and created the “Anin the road on a desolate “Something to think about nie” campaign. It lasted nine West Texas highway, cruising if you throw trash on Texas years, so he officially retired towards the camera, while highways — somebody’s goin 2017 after spending those country instrumental music ing to be watching ...” and the years enjoyably in New Orleplays. After a few seconds, audio ends with “Don’t mess ans, shooting spots. the good old boy behind the with Texas.” When Michael retired, he Michael says that the plan wasn’t totally ready to give up was for the plane to rise up film production, so he creatfrom below the horizon with ed Wholelife Films to do pro two Spitfires behind it. The bono work. He did videos for bomber made the first pass iACT, Downhome Ranch and over the camera at about Conspirare, among others, fifty feet. But the Spitfires but when COVID-19 hit in radioed Michael that the 2020, he decided it was time tail wash from the bomber to stop working. almost sucked them into the On Aug. 17, 2020, after pavement, so he told them to five months of the lockdown, leave. Then the bomber pilot Michael started writing a radioed Michael and asked poem every day and posting if he wanted him to go lower them on Facebook. He did it and Michael agreed. On the to keep exercising his crenext pass the plane flew over ativity, but mostly because the camera about 12 feet off he was looking for a way to the ground. The gun turret lift his spirits and maybe the missed the camera by maybe spirits of others. So he has eight feet. It was a stunning kept it up now for over three moment. Michael says that years. “Now I have over a there is no way to describe thousand poems, and I am in what it feels like to have that the process of culling them airplane fly over your head that low. The spot turned out for a book that I plan to put out next year,” Michael says. to be the public’s favorite, as One thing’s for sure — he’s judged at the 25-year anninot going to study for the bar versary of Don’t Mess with Michael and Lyle Lovett share a laugh exam. Texas.
To become a Patron Sponsor/ Subscriber: www.westaustinnews.com Newsroom: If you have a news story idea, a letter to the editor, question about news or photo coverage, or a school, community or sports submission, contact: editor@westaustinnews.com Ads: Monday, 5 p.m. Email: adsales@westaustinnews.com Advertising Acceptability: We will not knowingly accept any advertising that we consider potentially misleading, deceptive, offensive, discriminatory, that may infringe the rights of any person or entity. The West Austin News is not responsible for facts or omissions in advertisements, for failure to publish in a timely manner, or for any damages caused thereby. The sole remedy for failure to publish in a timely manner shall be refund. MEMBER 2023
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WEST AUSTIN NEWS
DECEMBER 21, 2023
5
Favorite Christmas gifts WEST AUSTINITES TELL OF FOND MEMORIES When I was asked about my favorite Christmas gift, I thought of Paul’s letter in Ephesians, Chapter 3, about God’s Grace being a gift. And that is a gift for everybody! As far as a traditional Christmas gift goes, the one Mary Teeple my husband Charlie gave me in December 1980 is my favorite. My dad, Thornton Hardie, Jr., had died in February that year and Charlie presented us with a certificate for a scholarship at the University of Texas in his name, knowing what Longhorn supporters we are. It has since been combined with other families’ scholar-
— Compiled by Forrest Preece
Plaque commemorating The Family of Thornton Hardie, Jr. Scholarship
ships and is a gift that keeps on giving. A plaque listing The Family of Thornton Hardie, Jr. Scholarship now hangs in the UT Ex-Students Building. It’s still fun to think about it,
Andrew Roth (right) and his cousin Steve having a great time on their Big Wheels
My favorite Christmas gift came to me on my seventh Christmas. The new rage at the time was the Tiny Tears doll. Previously I don’t recall ever praying for something for myself but on this one wish, I wore my Ginger Blair knees out. The result: I not only received one doll, I received two. They were identical except for their skin color and in my imagination, they were the best of friends. Lit-
especially since all our Teeple grandchildren are living in Austin and are huge Longhorn fans. Hook ’em, — Mary Teeple Civic Leader
One of the best gifts I ever received was a Big Wheel. My cousin Steve and I both received Big Wheels as Christmas gifts from our grandparents in 1973. While as four-year-olds, we were a little too young for bikes, the stability of the Big Wheel allowed us to tear around the neighborhood in search of our next adventure. We pretended we were motorcycle riders, or police officers (our grandfather was police chief of a small town in Michigan), and loved to race down hills, laughing with delight. Fifty years later, my cousin and I are still close. I showed him this picture and we shared a laugh at how much fun we used to have together. Some gifts make wonderful memories; our Big Wheels stand out as a great example of that! — Andrew Roth
Tiny Tears dolls
tle did I know that these two dolls would teach me two life lessons. First, I learned the power of prayer. And secondly, I later saw the wisdom of
my parents’ gifts. These two dolls were my introduction to living a life without prejudice. — Ginger Blair Author
Mark Paul, Amelia Paul, Maggie, and Amy Leftwich, ready for a ride
My favorite Christmas present is the one I just bought for our family — a 1976 Jeep CJ5. This open-sided vehicle brings our family a new perspective on life while we drive through neighborhoods. Having it has been eye-open-
ing. There is no going fast in this Jeep. MoPac demands too much speed for drives on it. We find ourselves wandering through neighborhoods like Northwest Hills, Highland Hills, Balcones, Rosedale, Bryker Woods, Pemberton,
Tarrytown, Clarksville, and of course our home base, Brentwood/Crestview, at a leisurely pace, observing things that you can’t see when you’re in a hurry. We even wave at people and they wave back! — Mark Paul Owner/Chef, Wink Restaurant
Podcast host Monica Samuels and her co-host Julie Orchid at the live podcast taping of Inside the Moms Club
West Austin Mom’s Podcast Holds Live Taping in Tarrytown By Anne DeVries Austinite Monica Samuels is a master of reinvention and is helping others do the same with her podcast Inside the Mom’s Club. The podcast has recorded over 50 episodes and is currently taping live shows nationwide. Her first live taping for the nationwide tour occurred in Tarrytown at Hearth and Stone on November 30th. A graduate of the University of Texas Law School, Samuels is spotlighting the role of motherhood and the challenges that come with it. She is also celebrating the friendships and camaraderie that support a mom through the journey. Her wit and enthusiasm are engaging, and her down-to-earth conversations entertain and inform. The idea of starting a podcast followed the success of her book Comeback Moms, which she co-authored with J.C. Conklin. The book was written to help moms navigate the road back into the workforce after taking a break from a career to raise children. During the Tarrytown taping, Samuels and her cohost Julie Orchid interviewed Actress Janine Turner, best known for her six seasons as the star of Northern Exposure, the movie Cliff Hanger with Sylvester Stalone, and her role in Friday Night Lights. They discussed Turner’s life, her experiences as a single mom, and her recently released book, The Pivot Principle: Finding Joy in Despair. Each Inside the Mom’s Club Podcast starts with Samuels’ tagline, “Here at the Mom’s Club, we believe what embarrasses you now, will make a great story later. And let’s face it, if you don’t laugh sometimes, you’re gonna cry. Join us in having a good laugh together”. Guests for the show range
Debbie Esterak, Zoomer Mom Amy Erben, and Jennifer Marsh at the podcast taping
Podcast co-host Julie Orchid and Sarah McWhorter at the live podcast taping
Actress Janine Turner with Zoomer Mom Leslie Harrell
from local friends from Samuels’ life as a mom in Austin to celebrity guests such as Turner, Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prarie fame, Susan Olsen, better known as Cindy Brady from the Brady Bunch, singer Taylor Dayne, Annetta Marion producer of the Michael J. Fox documentary Still, successful entrepreneur moms, authors and more. The podcast’s roots remain based on the friendships that Samuels formed while her two sons attended St. Andrews Episcopal School in Austin and her years as team mom for her son’s baseball teams. She commonly includes 4 of these friends, Sherrill Deering, Amy Erben, Lisa Tully, and Leslie
Harrell, in the podcast. They are nicknamed the “Zoomer Moms” and engage with the interview, asking their own questions of the guests. The chemistry between Samuels and her co-host, Julie Orchid, is delightful. Their friendship is genuine, and their conversations are relatable. Together, they create a warm and welcoming dialogue with their guests, which explores the challenges of motherhood mixed in with all of the goodness that it brings. Inside the Moms Club podcast can be found on all of the major listening platforms. More information is also available at www.insidethemomsclub.com.
SHOE REPAIR Arden Harkins, JoAnne Lewis with daughter Dru Brown and Brenda Morgan at the live podcast taping
University of Texas Interns Emily Barrett, Bella Larralde, and Dacia Garcia lent assistance at the podcast taping
AustinShoeHospital.com Co-host Julie Orchid with Actress Janine Turner and Podcast host Monica Samuels
Actress Janine Turner with podcast host Monica Samuels during the live taping of Inside the Moms Club
WEST AUSTIN NEWS
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
Magellan International School Unites Student Body on New Campus Magellan International School (MIS) brought their Kinder-5th grade students to their new 14-acre Bull Creek campus at 7501 North Capital of Texas Hwy this November. The younger students join Magellan students in grades 5-8th who began this school year at the newly renovated site. Magellan’s doors opened in 2009. They quickly grew from 47 students to more than 575 across two campuses. The move to one campus will foster a sense of community and aid families with children in various grade levels. Today, Magellan is the only school in Texas, and 1 of 4 in the country, that is secular and independent and offers the full International Baccalaureate curriculum in a Spanish immersion setting. They aim to become the preeminent multilingual International Baccalaureate school in the United States. The International Baccalaureate framework is different from traditional schools. The Middle Years Program encompasses grades 6-10, while grades 11-12 are considered the Diploma Program. MIS is enrolling its first 9th-grade class for the fall of 2024 with plans to expand each year to include grades up to 12th. Beyond the classroom, kindergarten through grade 3 stu-
Middle School students Cole W., Lauren V., Ava F., Shelby T., Wyatt W., Vivaan N.
dents are invited to participate in the Gator Step Up Program, which meets after school one day per week and teaches the fundamentals of the different competitive sports offered once they enter 4th grade. Seasonal sports are offered to 4th-8th grade students. School-sponsored clubs are also available to students at MIS. Some provide the opportunity to serve the community, while others involve competing in regional, state, and national conferences and competitions. For more information about the Magellan International School, visit www. magellanschool.org. Interested parents are encouraged to attend an information session before applying for admission.
Konnor P. at a school food drive
Preschool students Novah W., Ava S., Vivian H., and Walker F. performing at the Magellan School Winter Concert Meher S. during preschool innovation time
Middle School Students Legion B., Lila H., Wyatt W., and Elise M. performing at the Magellan School Winter Concert
Magellan Head of School Scott Hibbard addressing an information Session for prospective parents
Preschool PE Coach Deborah Dudney teaching her students
Middle School Toy Drive Team Ora F., Eloise W., Naomi R., Jackson P., Millie J., and, Avni J.
MAGELLAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
THERE’S A NEW INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL IN NW AUSTIN Join us for an International Baccalaureate® education at our new state-of-theart campus. Magellan students engage in global experiences that foster international mindedness and connect classroom learning to the world. Magellan is: INNOVATIVE • DIVERSE • SECULAR
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 9TH GRADE • HS OPEN HOUSES JANUARY 10 & 31
WEST AUSTIN NEWS
DECEMBER 21, 2023
7
THE 2023 GREAT FUTURES GALA
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area Raises More Than $1.3 Million Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, board members and community advocates, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) raised more than $1.3 million at the 2023 Great Futures Gala. The gala was hosted at the JW Marriott Austin with BGCAA board members Jeanette and Walter Bledsoe serving as chairs and American Campus Communities, American Constructors, Stephanie Dismore and Fortitude Advisors serving as sponsors. The evening program featured inspiring stories from Club kids, moments of recognition for the Club staff and their steadfast dedication to Club youth and their families. Attendees also enjoyed a cocktail hour, live auction and dinner, followed by music and dancing at the after-hours party. “We are forever grateful
for the support of our Great Futures Gala sponsors and generous attendees. This event was a celebration of what BGCAA does for our community and the impact we have on our Club’s youth. It is a privilege to be able to serve all of them,” said BGCAA Interim CEO Mario Zambrano. “The funds raised during our signature event will continue to build on our program of the best afterschool care. Our goal is to always equip the community with the tools they need to write their stories and build their great future.” All dollars raised at the gala will go toward supporting critical out-of-school-time programming for over 3,000 registered Club members across the 27 Austin-area Boys & Girls Clubs. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area or to get involved, visit www.bgcaustin.org.
2023 BGCAA CDO Sunny Howard and Interim BGCAA CEO Mario Zambrano reading to Club Kids
P HO T O S C OU RT E SY O F C HA R L E S QU I N N A N D P H I L L I P F L O R E S
Dr. Ray Owens, former BGCAA Youth of the Year, Pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Tulsa
BGCAA Board Members and Gala Committee Chairs Jeanette and Walter Bledsoe
Sema and Sanay Bhirud and Tony Prescott and BGCAA Board Chair Cate Prescott
David Walsh, Giana Dipasqua, and Veronica and Brad Smith
Raj Doshi, Julius and Zenae Campbell, and Gavin Turner
James and Kay Broaddus and William and Sonja Talbott
Ray and Jillian Owens
Samuel Samarripa, Janie Samarripa, Tania Lopez, and Sammy Samarripa
Catherine and Jeff Ervin
Interim BGCAA CEO Mario Zambrano and Maria Ybanez
Interim CEO Mario Zambrano and Incoming CEO Zanae Campbell
Creed and Cassie Ford, Jim and Nancy Argent, Sonja and William Talbott, and Shannon and Jim Gatlin
WEST AUSTIN NEWS
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
20TH ANNUAL PLAYBINGO EVENT
The Center for Child Protection Achieves Record-Breaking Fundraising Success
Harmony Edwards, Marcella Hobbs, Jessi Bartek, Maddy Ghazi, Carli Holso, Sarah Miller, Sarah Miracle, and Kathleen Mulhausen
Melissa Lowe
Lori Stone-Flores, Gretchen Newman, Abby Argo, and Courtney Flores-Young
David Yoemans and Jim Spencer
Front Row: Erica Ross, Susan Hansen, Paula Boon, Bonny Jones, and Betty Boon Back Row: Hajer Cellura, Amber Esperance, Jessica Berry, Kelly Belliveau, and Lauren Knau
Amy Hornbeck and Candace Wilson
Tama Williamson, Debbie Pate, and Kristine Doggett
The Center for Child Protection hosted its 20th annual PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon at the Hilton Austin. Presented by Alpha School, the sold-out event brought together more than 1,300 Austin women and dedicated supporters, united by a commitment to ending the cycle of child abuse in Travis County. This year’s PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon broke the 2022 record by raising more than $1.2 million to support the work of the Center for Child Protection. The PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon is hosted by the Friends of Christopher Guild, a volunteer organization established out of the community’s despair, frustration and outrage over the death of two-year-old Christopher Wohlers. Celebrating 25 years, the Friends of Christopher Guild has been sustaining and expanding the safety net for abused children in Travis County through support of the Center for Child Protection. KXAN weathercaster, Jim Spencer, who has been the event’s emcee for the past 20 years, passed the torch to fellow KXAN weathercaster, David Yeomans. Melissa Lowe, a prominent member of the Center’s Guardian Angel Society, also played a significant role in making the 2023 event a tremendous success. Guests arrived dressed in their stylish Western attire, prepared to enjoy an afternoon of bingo, champagne, and the opportunity to bid on a wide selection of more than 140 silent auction packages. Eight lucky bingo winners claimed grand prizes. The Center for Child Protection is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center and the only nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children. For more information, visit centerforchildprotection.org. To stay updated on the go, check out our new Facebook page!
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DECEMBER 21, 2023
17th Annual Black & White Ball Raises $1.125 Million to Support Survivors of Abuse
Black and White Ball committee members Leslie Huffhines, Beth Almost, Jen Martin, Angela Smith, Abbie Hillis, Catherine Brophy, Ali Watters, Suzanne Pierson, Melissa Nickens, and Kristen Hummel
TAP Board of Directors Chair Alison Watters
Texas Advocacy Project hosted its 17th Annual Black & White Ball, which celebrated over four decades of unwavering commitment to ending domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and human trafficking in Texas. This year’s Black & White Ball surpassed its goal, raising $1.125 million in support of Texas Advocacy Project’s mission to provide free legal and social work services that empower survivors to break the cycle of abuse. The Black & White Ball Committee members were Chair Catherine Brophy, Live Auction Chair Kristina Elizondo, Sponsorship CoChair Melissa Merhar-Parker, Marketing Chair Cathy Hale, Sponsorship Co-Chair Kaeleen Weiser, Mystery Gift Chair Leslie Huffhines, and Design CoChairs Angela Smith, Suzanne Pierson, and Melissa Nickens. Additional committee members were Alison Watters, Tanya Dorsett, Andrea Cavender, Leta Dorsett, Sarah Shrewsbury, Beth Almost, Jennifer Martin, Kristen Hummel, and James Shrewsbury.
The event brought together industry leaders from all corners of the country to unite in the fight against power-based abuse in Texas and to honor the 2023 recipient of the annual Courage Award Jocelyn Lee. The Courage Award recognizes a former survivor-client who embodies the exceptional courage that TAP sees in its clients every day. This courage motivates survivors to confront their abusers and navigate their own journey toward self-defined well-being, personal growth, and empowerment. The success of this year’s Black & White Ball emphasizes the importance of TAP’s mission, as statistics show that 40% of Texas women and 35% of Texas men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. The funds raised at the event will allow TAP to continue providing free services for survivors and work toward breaking the cycle of abuse once and for all. To learn more about TAP’s work and how you can get involved, please visit www.TexasAdvocacyProject. org.
Alison Watters and Catherine Brophy
Accenture Managing Director Jon Andrews
Steve and Sue Zbranek
Magdalena Blanco
TAP CEO Heather Bellino and Courage Award Honoree Jocelyn Lee
Travis County Medical Society’s Doc’ Noteworthy Ensemble performs Songs of the Season By Alana Moehring Mallard Docs’ Noteworthy Ensemble presented its Winter Concert recently, Songs of the Season, at The Church at Highland Park. Members of the ensemble are physicians and include director Lee Frierson-Stroud, piano accompanist Jeanne Dayton Sasaki, violin accompanist Rebecca Kim, and singers Patricia Gunter, Jim Eskew, Dierdre Rhoad, Esther Cheung-Phillips, Phillipe Busse, Philip Leonard, and Kavita Patel. The ensemble’s director, Frierson-Stroud, is an Internal Medicine Specialist and earned a degree in Music Performance in 2017 in part due to her wish to direct a choir of colleagues who love music as much as she does. Accompanist Sasaki, who also serves as vocal coach, has performed here in Austin with Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis, One Ounce Opera,
Docs’ Noteworthy Ensemble: Jim Eskew, Philip Leonard, Phillipe Busse, Patricia Gunther, Esther Cheung-Phillips, Kavita Patel, Dierdre Rhoad, violinist Rebecca Kim, Lee Frierson-Stroud, and, on an upper step, pianist Jeanne Dayton Sasaki
and Butler School of Music. “We all sing in our congregation choirs,” said Eskew, who is an Otolaryngology head and neck surgeon , “and we share a love of music and singing.” He sings in the choir at The Church at Highland Park. Eskew said the ensemble is part of Travis County Medical Society’s
Wellness Program for its members, which was organized to combat physician burnout caused by long hours, required computerization of records, and various oversight agency demands. “Research shows that small groups are dramatically helpful to fight burnout, and we have this common interest that we love to sing,” Es-
kew said. The Wellness Program also includes other small affinity groups, including an orchestra, a band, and others. Gunther recently retired from a 34-year career of OB/Gyn practice. She is an original member of Doc’s Noteworthy Ensemble and sang with the Waimea Community Choir in Hawaii.
Rhoad is a plastic surgeon whose practice is in Northwest Austin. Cheung-Phillips is also an Otolaryngology head and neck surgeon. She graduated with a theater background, but fell in love with medicine and sang her way through medical school in San Antonio. Busse is finishing his pre-medical studies. Leonard is a retired Neurologist, recently returned to his early love of music. Patel is a Pediatric Pulmonologist. Kim is a Pediatrician who practices in Kyle. Docs’ Noteworthy Ensemble will perform a Spring Concert to premiere a composition by Frierson-Stroud, and this holiday season the group performed at neighborhood events including a holiday party at Juniper Village.
WEST AUSTIN NEWS
DECEMBER 21, 2023
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ChampionsTX cheer and dance students sparkle at Austin’s Trail of Light The holiday spirit was brought to life this season at Austin’s annual Trail of Lights by the ChampionsTX gymnastics and cheer show teams. These young athletes have been hard at work the past few months perfecting their routines, and have brought so much joy to the community with their performances. On Dec. 12, coaches and athletes showed up for Trail of Lights festivities filled with excitement to debut their holiday routine on stage in front of a live audience, kicking off their performance season and building confidence to perform in front of a crowd. Nearly 50 athletes from ChampionsTX performed at the event; one of its biggest performances. The Hot Shots (Kindergarten), Mighty Mights (1st Grade), Super Stars (2nd Grade), Power Stars (3rd Grade), Team Ex-
treme (4th Grade), and CCA (Kindergarten- 5th Graders) showed off their dance, tumbling, and high flying stunts to the holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Their joy on stage charmed the crowd and warmed the hearts of friends, families, and strangers alike. ChampionsTX family is proud of the young athletes, and are thankful for the support of coaches and parents for making this event happen. Since 1995, ChampionsTX has been building “All Around Champions,” which includes teaching athletes the importance of being involved in the community and the commitment it takes to be on a team. The Show Teams bring pride to their coaches every day through their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm, Merry Christmas from Champions TX.
Champions athletes and coaches, back, Iris, Emmeline, Coach Sammi Rouse, Coach Georgia Redwine, Coach Kahla Archibald, Coach Frederike Hirdler; front, Kennedy, Hadley, Palmer, Leela, Mabel, Poppy, Clara, Dylan, and Kathleen
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Hardeman and Hill families with kids; back, Reese, Primrose, Penelope; front, Margot, and Lily
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Brenda Thompson (Note – Back in the early 1990s, I was writing a marketing column for Austin Business Journal and Brenda sent me a fan letter. We have been friends ever since.) 1. What’s something about you that not many people know? I’m one of those people who became obsessed with birds in mid-life. I’ve always loved nature and wildlife, and about six years ago I decided to prioritize that when traveling; I’ve been to the Galapagos Islands and the upper Amazon in Peru since then, with lots of birdwatching around the U.S. and in my own back yard(s). (My West Austin neighbor Sam McClure has helped plan many of these trips!) 2. What was your first job? My first job was at a Burger King in Cedar Falls, Iowa. All my high school friends worked there too, and we whiled away the hours creating combinations of menu items that sound disgusting when I think about them now. (The vanilla shake mixed with orange soda
I’M
COMING
DECEMBER 21, 2023
FROM
Public Relations Consultant, Brenda Thompson Communications
BY FO R R E S T P R E EC E
vious question): Aimee Mann, Neko Case, Maggie Rogers
during the years she was at Seton as executive vice president and chief operating officer, in various community organizations, and as a personal friend. So since the late 1980s she’s been a mentor and role model for me in many aspects of life. Of the incredible people I’ve been fortunate to know, she stands out as someone with the highest integrity, intellect, values, care for the less fortunate, and gift for relationships. She was one of the first people I sought out when I came back to Austin and her wise counsel is as invaluable for me now as it was in my first job in public relations working for her.
5. Favorite book and TV show? Station Eleven, Breaking Bad 6. Most powerful movie you have seen. Schindler’s List. I also thought of Tower—possibly because of your connection. And of course then I thought of many others. Brenda Thompson
was good! The ham sandwich with tartar sauce, French fries, and 10 slices of cheese not so much.) 3. If you could have dinner with three people – dead or alive, at any time in history— who would they be? I’m going to narrow this down to authors, otherwise you will never receive my answers. Hilary Mantel, Walt Whitman, and Alison Bechdel. 4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be? (Slightly easier than pre-
7. Favorite place in Austin? In the last year since I moved back to Austin (from LA where I lived for five years) it’s been the relatively unknown and private greenbelt for the Long Canyon neighborhood where my sister and brother-in-law live. I walked my dog there every morning for months and appreciated the peace and quiet, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife (the more unusual included a porcupine and tarantulas). Also, I love living in the Deep Eddy neighborhood again (I last lived here in the mid90s).
Brenda in the Galápagos Islands, 2017
8. Favorite restaurant and watering hole Jeffrey’s is always amazing whether in the bar or dining room. 9. What did you want to be when you were growing up? An entomologist 10. Which living person do you most admire? Dr. Patricia Hayes, who
I first got to know when I interviewed her for Austin Magazine when she originally came to Austin as the new president of St. Edward’s University. Subsequently, I was lucky to work with her for eight years that were a major highlight of my career and life, as public relations/communications director at St. Edward’s. Since that time I’ve associated with her in other capacities:
11. What makes you happy? My dog Mochi, my best friends and getting to be back in the same city with them, and my sister Alicia and her family who live here, and being out in nature. 12. Best advice you ever received? “Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.”
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Happy Holidays fromWest Austin News
from the
WEST AUSTIN NEWS
DECEMBER 21, 2023
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Texas Book Festival’s First Edition Literary Gala Writes a Successful Chapter By Forrest Preece On Thursday, Nov. 9, The Texas Book Festival hosted a spectacular gala in the Fairmont Hotel. Many nationally known authors were seen in the crowd, toasting the festival, which would be providing free access to its array of panels and presentations on Nov. 11 and 12. Over 700 guests filled the ballroom. Among the literati in attendance were Elizabeth Crook, who received the 2023 Texas Writer Award and her husband Marc Lewis; Stephen and Sue Ellen Harrigan; Sarah Bird and George Jones; and Lawrence and Roberta Wright. Also seen were Texas Book Festival Board Chair Gigi Edwards Bryant and husband Sam; Ray Benson and Marsha Milam; Carmel and Tom Bor-
ders; Tracy and Patrick Parker; Darryl and Donna Tocker; and Dr. Lisa Doggett, who has recently published a well-received autobiographical book, and her mother Dr. Libby Doggett. Other notables included Wendy Davis and husband, Alan Schoenbaum; Noah and Kyle Hawley; H.W. Brands and Julie Gold; Douglas and Anne Brinkley; and National Book Award Finalist Nana Kwame Adjeh-Breneh. Crook addressed the crowd after dinner, and writers Ann Patchett, Steve Inskeep, Roger Reeves and Abraham Verghese also made remarks. All the speakers emphasized the importance of libraries and literacy. Gala Chairs Anne Campbell and Lauren Smith Ford said that the event raised more than $800,000 from
sponsorships, tickets, auction and “paddles up” donations. The Texas Book Festival runs several impactful literary and literacy programs throughout the year and across the state. Since its founding, the TBF has donated more than $3.5 million to Texas public libraries and given more than 162,000 books to students in Title I schools through its Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads programs. The Texas Book Festival also presents Lit Crawl Austin and year-round literary programming. The TBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is proud to present the Festival free of charge, thanks to the generous support of corporate sponsors, foundations, and individuals who believe in the power of reading to change lives.
Lauren Smith Ford and Anne Campbell, Gala Co-Chairs
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WEST AUSTIN NEWS
Author and playwright Larry Wright with moderator and Westminister resident Joann McKenzie
DECEMBER 21, 2023
Larry Wright with Westminster residents Carole Sikes and Max Sherman
Westminister book festival hosts author Larry Wright Westminster retirement community hosts its own annual book festival with New York Times best-selling authors. This year Westminster welcomed Larry Wright, West Austin’s Pulitzer
Prize winning author and playwright who discussed his newest best-seller, Mr. Texas, and his New Yorker magazine profile on the transformation of Austin. Every seat was taken at the festival to hear resident Joann McKenzie
moderate a lively discussion with Wright on topics ranging from Texas politics, to the Middle East, big-tech and Austin’s explosive growth. Other storied authors who have appeared at the Westminster festival
include Elizabeth Crook, S.C Gwynne, Skip Hollandsworth, Mark Updegrove, and the late Don Graham, who penned a narrative about the making of the classic film Giant. With dozens of published authors
and poets in house, Westminster also gives its residents a chance to sign and sell their books at the festival, including The Westminster Journal, a book of poetry and prose, fiction and nonfiction works written by residents.
West Austin Churches Offer Memory Care Programs to the Community By Anne DeVries Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church (WHPC) is in its 22nd year of offering a once-a-week outing for individuals coping with the challenges of memory loss. The program, called The Gathering, is supported by church staff and volunteers. Similarly, Riverbend Church is in its second year of hosting a once-a-week program called The Lighthouse. Both programs provide a break for caregivers while their loved ones socialize and engage in activities with a caring group of volunteers. Helping families navigate life transitions for individuals diagnosed with memory loss, which can be progressive, is a sorely needed outreach. Programs are designed to engage attendees with community activities that comfort, stimulate, and bring joy. Sharon Butler is the director of the Lighthouse program, which is held each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Riverbend Church. Butler creates each week’s agenda, which includes interesting activities and a meal. She also began the common practice of building a storyboard for each attendee that shares the timeline of their life and memories, stating, “It’s a wonderful therapeutic tool because when folks are having a moment of agitation or are lonesome, we can take them to their storyboard and look at them.” Assisted by volunteer Jan Harry, who finalizes the completion of the storyboards, they are displayed each week for attendees to revisit and reminisce. The Gathering program, held at WHPC each Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., started in September 2001 and was founded by Debbie Wilder. Each week, a different theme includes décor, conversations, devotionals, music, entertainers, slideshows, crafts, and food that center around and spark memories, smiles, and laughter. The volunteers are integral to bringing the themes to life. Director LuCinda Chiles and Parish Nurse Diana Stoller oversee The Gathering. Chiles stated, “I credit the program’s longstanding history to the dedicated and caring volunteers as well as to the support of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church.” Families of all faiths and denominations are welcome in Austin Area Memory Loss Respite programs. In addition to Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church and Riverbend Church locations, programs are offered at Emmaus Catholic Church in Lakeway and Bethany United Methodist Church on Anderson Mill Road. A complete list of Central Texas memory loss respite programs, caregiver support groups, and resources can be found at www.ageofcentraltx.org and www.txalz.org. For more information about The Gathering at WHPC, please email thegathering@whpc.org, or for The Lighthouse at Riverbend Church, email sbutler@riverbend. com.
Volunteer Jan Harry works with Lighthouse attendee Larry Buttler stuff bears for the Threads of Love Ministry at Riverbend Church
Gathering attendees Betty Ehlers, Cile Ramey, Dee Pokluda, and volunteer Inga Farshler with Santa
Volunteer Julie Eaton with Lighthouse attendee Eddie Zamora at a sock hop event
Volunteer Cynthia Everist with Lighthouse Director Sharon Bulter and volunteer BJ Robinson
Pumpkin Decorating at The Gathering with attendees Blanca Ramirez, Nina Gayheart and volunteer Nancy Bratton
Gathering volunteer David Enloe and attendee Bill Cosby celebrating grandparenthood
Lighthouse attendee Frank Lauryssen and volunteer Shari Gary Lane enjoy a sock hop event
Volunteer Shari Gary Lane assists Lighthouse attendee Dr. Drew Sawyer with his storyboard
Art at the The Gathering with attendee Ross Tedter and volunteer Ellen Salem