January 2024 WAN

PLACES TO GO Around the Neighborhood

WEST SIDE STORIES Michael Mordecai

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SOCIETY Austin Smiles 2023 Gala Page 12

VOLUME 37 ISSUE 1 - SINCE 1986

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JANUARY 25, 2024

Junior League of Austin’s A Christmas Affair 23 raises $1.2 million The 48th annual A Christmas Affair presented by Junior League of Austin on Nov. 15-19 brought in more than $1.2 million that will benefit more than 20 local nonprofits as well as Junior League of Austin’s signature programs, including Coats for

Kids and Kids in Cool Shoes.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed Nov. 15 as A Christmas Affair Day in Austin.

Sheridan Butler Binford served as chair this year, and the gala’s theme was Cosmic Holiday. The five-day

event included parties, private shopping, children’s events and more, and saw more than 25,000 people visit the event held at Palmer Event Center.

Junior League of Austin was founded in 1934 to develop and

advance women’s leadership skills and to have a meaningful impact on the needs of the Austin community. This year’s board of directors includes president Haley Gardiner, president-elect Courtney Dickey, and administrative vice-president Amy

Miller. Also, Missy Sharpe, Shelley Davis, Carolyn Ragsdale, Julia Null, Courtney Spencer, Rami Legha, Jennifer Wu, Andrea Pratt, Elizabeth Andrews, Jullie Hall, Erica Shelgren, Jennifer Williams, Sarah Covey, and Rekha Roarty.

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Sarah Bird 1. What’s something about you that not many people know?

Virtually every item of clothing I own came from a thrift store.

2. What was your first job?

When I was 12 living with my family on Kirtland Air Force Base, I regularly babysat for a family with 11 children. The first child was adopted and then, in one of those stories that sounds like a thing, but statisticians tell us isn’t, they had ten the Irish Catholic way. I pulled down a whomping fifty cents an hour.

3. If you could have dinner with three people – dead or alive, at any time in history— who would they be?

Hmmm. At this exceedingly fraught historical moment, I would love to be a fly on the wall to a conversation about whither the USA between the two presidents who saved American democracy in the past—Lincoln and FDR—and the marvelous

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Sarah Bird, Best-Selling Author. This May, UT Press will release Sarah's latest, Juneteenth Rodeo, a book of the photos that Sarah took in the late 1970s at small-town, Black rodeos.

This archive fills a gap in the documentation of the history of Blacks in the West.

popular historian, Heather Cox Richardson.

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

That’s impossible to answer, so I’m going to go with the last three songs that made me want to dance. Hey Ya by Outkast. Medecina de Amor by Raulin Rodriguez. And Cry to Me by Percy Sledge. Or was that Solomon Burke? I’d ask

Alexa, but she’s mad at me.

5. Favorite book and TV show?

Current favorite TV shows are Bad Sisters and Slow Horses.

I have a new favorite book every week, so I’ll name my two new favorite authors, Patricia Lockwood and Lauren Groff. (Yes, she is as good as everyone says.)

6. Most powerful movie you have seen.

For three years in a row my favorite movies were made in New Zealand. The psychedelically mesmerizing The Piano was released in 1992. In 1993 Once Were Warriors offered one of the first looks at the devastation of colonization. And 1994 brought Peter Jackson’s stunning debut, Heavenly Creatures.

7. Favorite place in Austin?

The women’s dressing room at Deep Eddy. Thank you Laurie Limbacher and Alfred Godfrey for creating such a dreamy space.

8. Favorite restaurant and

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watering hole Valentina’s or Styles Switch for barbecue. Radio Coffee+Beer to hang out. All the new brew pubs are fun. Peached Tortilla on Sixth has a lovely happy hour.

9. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Part of the Bird family. I was

pathologically shy growing up and the thought of “being something” in a world outside of my family utterly terrified me. Grow up? No, thank you.

10. Which living person do you most admire?

I really admire Heather Cox Richardson for giving us

O u r PAT RO N S P O N S O R S / S U B S C R I B E R S

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all much-needed context to the day’s unsettling events and doing so in a wonderfully accessible way. I also admire Lou Griffin tremendously.

Almost single-handedly and with extremely limited funds, she carried on the important observations of a troop of snow monkeys translocated from the snowy mountains of Japan to south Texas in 1972.

11. What makes you happy?

Swimming, romping with our dog Collie the Corgi, finding a bargain, books that do unexpected things, dancing, and my husband and son, George Jones and Gabriel Bird-Jones.

12. Best advice you ever received?

From my father: “You regret the things you don’t do more than the ones you do.” Also, I’ve always liked Thomas McGuane’s advice to young writers which goes something like, “Persistence will get you a lot farther in a writing career than talent.”

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JANUARY 25, 2024

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

JANUARY 25, 2024

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Around the Neighborhood: opening

expanding

CROP Hunger Walk is Feb. 25 at Camp Mabry, raising money for Church World Services programs for farming, clean water, and disaster help around the world. Austin’s local charities benefit also, which this year include Central Texas Food Bank, Casa Marianella, Manos de Cristo, Micah 6 of Austin, Austin City Lutherans Bread for All, Faith Food Pantry, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and Urban Roots. Entertainment begins at 2 pm with world music and dancing, with walk step-off at 2:30 pm. Donate and register to walk at austincrophungerwalk. org or call 512-332-6996

celebrating

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Suzi’s Chinese restaurant opened this month at 4805 Burnet Road, the location recently vacated by Old Thousand. Owner Suzi Yi has had long-time Chinese restaurants in Austin including Suzi’s China Grill at Shoal Creek and Anderson Lane, which closed in 2018. Call 512-291-6637 3

1 Austin Parks Foundation has awarded its 2023 ACL Music Festival Grants, including $27,000 to Clarksville Community Garden and Haskell House at 1703 Waterston Ave., just off Enfield Road. The grant will help establish a freedman’s colony heritage food garden and interpretive plan, eradicate bamboo, and make garden improvements. In total, Austin Parks Foundation granted more than $200,000 to parks across Austin. See austinparks.org/acl-music-festival-grants/

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Swedish Hill bakery closed this past weekend at its longtime W. 6th St. location and will reopen a few doors down at 1128 W. 6th St. The bakery will operate at its new site, renamed Little Swedish Hill, throughout construction at its old site of a luxury hotel with business spaces, one of which will be designed for Swedish Hill’s return in a couple of years. Little Swedish Hill will have an all-day to-go menu, a coffee bar, and will feature many Swedish Hill favorites.

Swedishhillaustin.com or 512-472-1347 or info@swedishhillaustin.com 5

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Save Muny, The Muny Conservancy for Lions Municipal Golf Course at Enfield and Exposition, will celebrate 100 years of the historic course this year. Save the dates now for Imagine Muny III gala on March 24, 19th Hole Party on May 9, Forever Green Tournament on May 10, and the 100 Year Celebration on Oct. 3. More at themunyconservancy.com or info@savemuny. com 5

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Texas State Optical (TSO), located at 2712 #118 on Bee Caves Rd in Westlake, announced in January that Dr. Lindsey Brewer has joined the practice. Dr. Brewer offers her services every Friday and some Thursdays.

She is en& ' ( ) thusiastic and ready to serve all eye care needs. Contact the TSO office to schedule an appointment (512-327-3605).

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Fajita Pete’s is coming to Westlake at 3736 Bee Cave Road near Honey Ham. Originated in Houston

by Pedro “Pete” Mora, the restaurant specializes in cooking tasty, * + % ! fresh fajitas that can be delivered straight from their grill to your table.

The opening in Westlake will take place in the summer of 2024. Visit fajitapetes.com for job openings and to see their menu offerings.

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Playa Bowls, located at 7415 Southwest Pkwy in Lantana Place, will hold its grand opening in January. The sit-down or takeout restaurant specializes in various health-focused bowls, including acai, pitaya, coconut bowls, and smoothies. Playa Bowls prides itself on providing fresh, healthy, and delicious options that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Online orders can be made at www. playabowls.com/location/austin.

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Marye’s Gourmet Pizza, located at 3663, Suite 4G on Bee Cave Road in Westlake, celebrates three decades in the Westlake neighborhood. Renowned for its homemade pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and vegan-friendly dishes, they are open SunThur 11:00 AM - 8:00 and on Fri and Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Visit maryesgourmetpizza.com to order online or make a catering request.

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New Year’s Resolutions — Compiled by Forrest Preece

I am by nature a “fretter”!

I worry about matters that I cannot control.

I am resolving to meditate

every morning, after my coffee, with the assistance of the “Calm” app. So far, it has really made a difference to my mindfulness and peace!

— Curby Conoley, Civic Leader

This year my resolution is to focus on recognizing my own value through self-discovery and personal growth. I plan on taking the time for self-reflection and self-compassion.

Taking in those moments to appre- ciate my strengths, talents, and achievements. As well as surrounding myself with positive influences and engaging in activities that make me feel good about myself.

— Rebecca Meeker,

Chef-Owner Lucky Lime

To continue to find purpose and joy in getting older. To not take anything or anyone for granted. To

“slow down,” just breathe, and be grateful for the life that is mine, to keep going …

— Janet Adderley, Owner/Executive Director, Adderley School

After forty-plus years facility that is the Austin History Center (AHC), in Austin, always as a a repository for all of Downtown resident and Austin’s stories. I am historic preservationist, I proud to serve as current have a stronger-than-evpresident of the Austin er conviction for that sense of place. I have de- History Center Association, the 40-year-old veloped a lifetime career support group for the and personal life advocating for AHC. As the AHC expands from the significance and preservation of Austin’s cultural heritage, the 1933 former Austin Central including our great city’s historic Library into the 1974-1978 Faulk Building, (the former John resources and rich and diverse Henry Faulk Library), making histories. a two-building Austin History Our great city is most forCenter Campus, the growing tunate to have the outstanding

public/private partnership agreement between AHCA and Austin Public Library is more important as ever. We will partner on the vision for a world-class center, benefiting every resident of Austin, now the tenth-largest city in the United States.

Every story, small or large, in Austin is important. It is crucial to know where we came from to know where we are going. I resolve to continue maximizing my efforts for preserving our city’s legacy in 2024.

— Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association

WEST AUSTIN NEWS

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WESTSIDE

PHOTO CREDIT: BRENDA LADD

Michael Mordecai

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

“A

ll I wanted to do was play trombone and baseball. I didn’t make it to the major leagues, but I play softball on Tuesdays.

The music business supports that.”

started playing at 10 and by the Michael Mordecai is a professional trombone player who time was 15 years old and in the Denton High Band himself, has established himself over he had become so skilled that five decades as the most conwhen a trombone chair came nected music booking agent in open with the world-famous Austin, doing business across North Texas Jazz Band, he was Texas and the rest of the USA. invited to fill it. That equates Like many of the people I’ve to a high school sophomore written about, his tales could pitcher being asked to take a fill a book. During a two-hour slot in the starting rotation conversation a couple of with the Texas months ago, he spun so Rangers’ AAA many engrossEVERYB ODY farm team. ing stories H A S A S T O R Y. When Miabout Austin’s I SEE MINE chael enrolled music and L I K E A M I N I - in the Univercultural scenes SERIES ... sity of Texas that I was BREAKING on scholarship, overwhelmed he decided that and realized BAD MEETS a career of perthat someCHEERS forming music, one needs WITH A along with the to preserve SPRINKLE OF them, at least D Y N A S T Y A N D requisite bus travel, was not the ones that THE FIRST for him, so he can be told.

SEASONS OF gave up his As he puts it, L O S T .” scholarship “Everybody and became a has a story. I —MICHAEL business major. see mine like a MORDECAI But he kept his mini-series ... playing skills Breaking Bad up with the Longhorn Band meets Cheers with a sprinkle and the UT Jazz Ensemble. of Dynasty and the first seaOne fateful day, a long-haired sons of Lost.” hippie named Joey Frank Michael’s musical path approached him about playing started when he decided to play trombone. “I saw the front in their rock and roll band. row of those horns in the Den- At first Michael was skeptical ton High Marching Band, and I about that idea. Then Joey played him a record of Chicago was hooked,” Michael says. He

January 25, 2024 Volume 37 Issue 1

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— and hearing that group with their outstanding trombone player James Pankow changed his life. He joined the band, called Zilker Sunday, and soon they were playing fraternity parties and rock festivals. At one point, they had created such a reputation that ZZ Top was sometimes opening for them.

Michael took off from college for a year, came back and finished his degree. Then after his mother asked him what he was going to do with it, he decided to start a management company. With $50 in the bank, he opened BBA Management, to utilize his degree.

Michael’s first big step towards his booking career happened on opening night for the Feed Lot Restaurant on 2222. Rod Kennedy had booked the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Dick Goodwin was the contractor. Dick had a playing gig at the Austin Country Club that night, so he slipped Michael $10 to make sure things went right. As it happened, when the Dorsey band’s leader was unable to do his job that night because of overconsumption of alcohol, Michael stepped in to lead the band and save the day. He had brought his girlfriend, jazz singer Liza Farrow, along and he asked her to perform with the band at one point. She belted out “Cabaret,” elicited a standing ovation, and the restaurant owner was overjoyed. Within months, Michael was booking bands all over the Hill Country — from Lakeway to Horseshoe Bay. His next career step was to start making inroads with the Austin restaurant and hotel venues. The crown jewel in that group was Don George’s Club Caravan at the Villa Capri. One day when the traveling singer booked for the club needed an emergency appendectomy and cancelled, Michael got a call to assemble a band for that night. Michael hurriedly phoned John Mills and some other players. They called the group Starcrossed, which was misspelled on the marquee as Starcrost. The club owner loved their sound and gave them a regular gig there. They added some more top players and within months, became one of Austin’s hottest bands, featuring Farrow on vocals.

Around this time, Michael read Clive Davis’s book “Inside the Record Business” which predicted a merger of rock and jazz, calling it Fusion. That is exactly what they were doing with their band and their reed player John Mills (now a professor at UT) was writing original music in this genre.

That all led to a trek that could be a made-for-TV movie.

Michael and his bandmates were so sure that they were the hottest Fusion act in the country, that they bargained for studio time, made a demo tape, then set out for Los Angeles, to play it for Clive Davis.

JANUARY 25, 2024

STORIES

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0 1 Michael, John, and their piano player David drove straight through to LA for 26 hours in his van, eating at gas stations. When they got there, they checked in at a Motel 8 and Michael left for the offices of Arista Records. When he got there, he managed to get into the main office, where he encountered Diana Zuniga, who informed him that Mr. Davis’s office was in New York.

He then went to A&M Records and the security guard wouldn’t let him in. Then he went to Capitol Records, and it was the same story. But this guard gave him some useful advice. He said, “Kid, you won’t get into these offices unless you know somebody’s name.”

Back downstairs, Michael remembered when he was sitting in the Arista office and going through a Billboard Magazine, he had seen the name Grelun Landon who was with RCA. It turns out that he was part of Elvis’s contract — as long as Grelun was with RCA, so was Elvis. So he found the RCA offices and told the guard at the door he was supposed to deliver the tape to Grelun Landon. Presto! He was allowed to go up to the third floor. When Michael exited the elevator, he was standing there looking lost, and a silver-haired gentleman coming out of the men’s room asked if he could help. Yes, it was Grelun Landon, and they wound up

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going to lunch, where Diana Zuniga saw them and was stunned.

Michael asked Grelun if they should just start their own record label. He replied, “Nobody will take your label seriously unless you have three albums.” They came home, started Fable Records and produced a trilogy of albums by Starcrost, Steam Heat and 47 Times Its Own Weight. When the Steam Heat and 47 Times LPs came out, there was a line around the block at Inner Sanctum Records and they sold 800 of them. (That gave them enough money to pay the record production plant’s bill.)

Michael proved that Fable Records could produce a quality product and survive; and now he is looking forward to the 50th Anniversary of the label in 2025.

Changes he has seen? That could fill another column, but one big thing is that the pay for musicians has not gone up nearly as fast as the height of Austin’s skyline. “It’s different in Europe — those countries respect musicians and they follow through in a lot of ways.”

“I’ve had a lot of ‘Seven’ plans — seven hours, seven days, seven years — I’m now on my 77-year plan, which marks the March of Mortality.

I realize that the end is getting close. My 777 year plan hopefully leaves behind the mark of MMortality. At this point, the record company and keeping the Austin Jazz Society moving in the right direction are my ‘phone talking’ priorities.”

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The David Phillips Foundation’s “New Year’s 5K & Kids’ Mile” Annual Relay

By Anne DeVries & Alexa McGlathery The David Phillips Foundation (DPF) held its annual “New Year’s 5K Relay & Kids’ Mile” on January 6th at Pease Park. Runners of all ages and abilities participated in 5K relay events, the Kids’ Mile age-group races, the Toddler Trot, and the Memorial Mile.

The well-attended event welcomed nearly 200 participants and raised over $40,000 in donations.

DPF, founded by UT alumni Allison (Alli) Phillips and former longtime local teacher Larry Chauvin, was established in 2021 to honor David Phillips, Alli’s husband, who passed away in 2019. David

was a loving husband, a father to five children, and an active leader in the West Austin community. He was passionate about athletics, including competing in Iron Man competitions, and routinely coached his children’s sports teams.

Alli, like her husband, has a passion for fitness. She is the co-owner with Chauvin, of Austin Youth Fitness (AYF), which provides play-based curriculum at local schools. They focus on teaching kids that fitness is fun while developing proper form and technique for athletic performance they can carry throughout their lives.

Given the Phillips’ shared interest in fitness and community involvement, the focus of the DPF Foundation

revealed itself quite naturally.

Their two-part mission is to support and uplift families through sports, recreation, and play and to offer support and resources to families who have lost a parent.

DPF provides after-school sports and recreation programs in AISD Title-I schools at no cost to participants. By partnering with AYF as well as other fitness providers such as Austin Skate Academy, No-Comply Skateshop, Kula Karate and others they are currently accessible to families at eight elementary schools, offering 10+ recreation programs to over 300 kids.

The “New Year’s 5K Relay & CONTINUED ON 1 3

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JANUARY 25, 2024

Women’s Symphony League Hosts 2023 Holiday Party

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The Women’s Symphony League of Austin (WSL) welcomed more than 200 members and guests to the beautifully decorated home of Wendy and Trey Lary for a festive and fun holiday party.

In addition to delicious food from Alfred’s Catering and Big O’s Pit BBQ and incredible decor in every room, attendees enjoyed entertainment provided by the Austin High School Jazz Band. The party served as a great way to announce proceeds from the Jewel Ball held in September.

WSL President Araminta Sellers announced that the organization will donate more than $313,000 to the Austin Symphony in support of music education programs that reach 50,000 K-12 students across the community each year.

The next WSL event, the 13th Annual Red Haute Luncheon and Children’s Style Show with an Audrey Hepburn-inspired theme — “Love, Audrey,” will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel.

For 70 years, the members of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin have dedicated their energy, talent, and voluntarism by providing service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The Women’s Symphony League is the largest annual financial supporter of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its educational programs. These educational programs benefit more than 50,000 K-12 students across the community each year. For more information, visit www.wslaustin.org.

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

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JANUARY 25, 2024

Shine for Rise Benefit for Inclusive Education at The Rise School of Austin This year’s annual Shine for Rise gala celebrated The Rise School’s 20th year of providing inclusive early childhood education for children of all abilities in Central Austin. The event was held at Distribution Hall with 300 guests in attendance. Shine for Rise featured live music, sponsored by the Woody & McKnight families, a museum showcasing 20 years of The Rise School, games, and auctions. The program honored community members who have been influential to the school’s history: distinguished honorees Sally and Mack Brown, Cindy Lind, Emily Greer, Donna Stockton, Bill Bayless, Al Koehler, Jennifer Beese, and Tracey Marshall.

Stories of Rise’s impact were shared with the audience, including that of Jack Shep-

herd, a classroom aide at Rise who is an adult with Down syndrome.

Shine for Rise raised over $475,000 in support of The Rise School’s annual fund, providing educational services, an inclusive model, integrated therapies, low student to teacher ratios, and tools to make learning and play accessible for all.

The Rise School is a nonprofit preschool whose mission is to provide the highest quality early childhood education to children of all abilities, gifted, traditional, and developmentally delayed, in an inclusive setting where individualized learning techniques enable every child to achieve their maximum potential. For more information, visit www. riseschoolaustin.org.

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January 30 - February 1 Tuesday - Wednesday | 10am - 6pm Thursday | 10am - 5pm 3464 Ranch Rd 620 S, Bee Cave, TX 78738 | Call for directions: (512)-999-7401

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It’s easy to sell valuables with the Nation’s Leading Estate Buyers.

WHAT WE BUY Fine Jewelry ☐ Any Age & Any Style ☐ Gold, Silver and Platinum Jewelry ☐ Broken or Damaged Jewelry ☐ Designer Jewelry

Watches ☐ Wrist Watches & Pocket Watches (Rolex**, Breitling, Patek, Omega, Elgin, Waltham, Illinois, Hamilton, etc.) ☐ Any Condition

Diamonds ☐ Loose & Mounted ☐ Damaged ☐ Any Size, Color, Styles

Sterling Silver No Need to Polish. No Silver Plate. ☐ Flatware & Serving Pieces ☐ Jewelry (Turquoise, Southwestern, etc.) ☐ Candlesticks & Candelabras

Scrap Gold & Silver ☐ Gold, Silver & Platinum ☐ Dental Gold ☐ Old Mountings ☐ Class Rings & Fraternal Pins

Rarities ☐ Military Memorabilia (Uniforms, Daggers, Swords, etc.) ☐ Pre-1950 Advertising & Toys ☐ Old Photos & Autographs (Tintypes, etc.)

Coins & Currency ☐ Gold & Silver Coins ☐ Bullion & Bars ☐ Old Paper Money ☐ Coin Collections

Fine Art & Luxury Goods We Do Not Buy China or Glassware. ☐ Original Art By Known Artists ☐ Designer Handbags (Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc.) ☐ Pens (Montblanc, Montegrappa, etc.)

Call (888) 787-1112 for any item-related questions.

No appointment necessary.

R E C E I VE A 20% B O N U S When you trade for store credit*

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION No appointment necessary.

Over 700 5-Star Reviews!

“Last week I sold some jewelry I no longer wanted and my husband sold a coin. [The specialists] were very professional and pleasant to deal with. They immediately put one at ease. I thought the prices we got were very fair. Great experience!”

-Kathleen G

*Exclusions apply. **We are not an authorized Rolex dealer nor are we affiliated or endorsed by Rolex, Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries.

WEST AUSTIN NEWS

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JANUARY 25, 2024

AUSTIN SMILES WISH UPON A SMILE GALA 2023

Celebrating the Countless Lives Changed Over the Past 37 Years Austin Smiles – The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation proudly hosted its 37th Annual Wish Upon A Smile Gala in the Starlight Terrace at the Top of the Oasis on Lake Travis. This annual event raises critical funds for the life-changing mission of providing surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and palate both in Central Texas and Latin America.

With over 350 attendees, the Wish Gala celebrated a record-breaking number of sponsors, showcasing the growing support from the local community for Austin Smiles’ transformative mission. The evening unfolded with philanthropy, camaraderie, awards reception, live and silent auction, raffle, dancing, and joy.

Gala Co-chairs Patrice Emrie and Michelle Mattina worked alongside the Wish Upon a Smile gala planning committee. Allison Miller from CBS Austin served as the emcee.

During the gala, Austin Smiles announced the new Gala Cochairs for next year’s 38th Annual Wish Upon A Smile Gala: Patty Johns and Michelle Jones. The event ended with entertainment from the iconic Dale Watson.

This year’s award recipients for the 5th Annual Cullington, Fox, Beckham International Service Award were Dr. Bill Davis and Dr. Carolyn Biebas, recognized for their outstanding contributions in cleft care.

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

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

A highlight of the evening was when one of Austin Smiles local children and peer advocate, Isaac Spradling, courageously got up on stage to speak about his experience of having a cleft lip and palate, and the impact that Austin Smiles has had on his life. Isaac shared with the audience the importance of Austin Smiles mission through his point of view with his involvement in Camp Amigo and with other local social and emotional programs.

One in 700 children is born with a cleft lip and/or palate.

Austin Smiles, in collaboration with local and in-country entities, aims to develop a continuum of care to identify and treat these children as early as possible. Each year, the team conducts 2-3 medical mission trips to Latin America, performing over 50 life-changing surgeries and offering postsurgical support, dental services, and speech therapy to close to 150 children born with cleft lip and/ or palate per trip. In Central Texas, Austin Smiles provides no-cost social and emotional programming, speech therapy, patient advocacy/referrals, preventative dental care and other wraparound supports to over 800 patients annually. To learn more, visit www.austinsmiles. org.

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

JANUARY 25, 2024

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Nutcracker Petite showcases Tarrytown Dance’s youngest dancers

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NEW YEAR’S 5K & KIDS’ MILE CONTINUED FROM 6

Kids’ Mile” hosted by DPF is a yearly event designed to celebrate the beginning of the new year through physical activity and community participation.

The relay race includes teams of participants, each member running a portion of the 5K distance. The event emphasizes not just competition but camaraderie, health, and the foundation of love upon which DPF originated.

Honoring her husband through the race, Alli Phillips

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stated, “When someone dies, their love doesn’t die, nor does your love for them.” Establishing an initiative to foster community, healthy-active living, and family represents the life of David Phillips. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in Austin for many years to come.

Visit www.davidphillipsfoundation.org to volunteer, donate to their cause, become a community partner, or learn more about the David Philips Foundation.

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Tarrytown Dance presented its seventh annual Nutcracker Petite ballet at St. Andrew’s Dell Fine Arts Center on Dec. 9 and 10. This year’s performances showcased a cast of 125 dancers, from ages 4 to 14. Tarrytown Dance’s youngest ballet dancers starred in three soldout shows, all of which received rave reviews from the audience.

Leigh Simmons, director of Tarrytown Dance, created a shorter version in 2017 of the holiday Nutcracker ballet to better accommodate the young performers, giving them the opportunity of dancing their dream roles in this classical holiday ballet.

The talented Denise Rodriguez and Madeline Mass did an outstanding job with the choreography, and worked countless hours with the dances.

Principle dancers this year include Eliza Turner as Clara; Zadie Beavers as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Rory Goldman as the Nutcracker Prince, Penelope Walston as the Snow Queen, Lily McKay as the Mouse Queen and Rose Queen, Shaw Dodson as the Rose Queen, and Adelia O’Neill as Lead Arabian and Clara’s Understudy.

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P HO T O S B Y P E G G Y K E E L A N

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

14

JANUARY 25, 2024

Seton Development Board Gala Raises More Than $500,000 for Women’s Health The Seton Development Board’s “Winter Wonderland for Women’s Health” raised more than $500,000 in support of women’s health capital, programs, and research at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin.

The event, which took place at the Four Seasons Austin, gathered community leaders, dedicated sponsors, and guests. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful cocktail party on the lawn of the Four Seasons, an elegant dinner, and an inspiring program.

The Seton Development Board President, Yuni Steen,

and Gala Co-Chairs, Lucy Reagan and Amelie Wilson Sanders, led the event, wel-

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coming friends–both new and old–of Ascension Seton.

Since its inception in

variety of Ascension Seton services and projects, including The Marialice Shivers and Dell Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), at The Kathryn Frances Walker Center for Neonatal Intensive Care & Family Support, Ascension Seton Breast Care Center, state-of-the-art imaging equipment, and much more. Seton Development Board is dedicated to improving the lives of Central Texas communities by supporting the work and vision of the Daughters of Charity Healthcare Ministries through fundraising, education, and community advocacy with the

1977, the Seton Development Board has raised more than $16 million dollars to fund a

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Ascension Seton Foundation.

To learn more, visit www.supportseton.org/events/seton-development-board-gala.

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Senator Sarah Eckhardt Inspires Girls’ School Students

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On Jan. 10, the Girls’ School of Austin welcomed Texas state Senator Sarah Eckhardt onto campus to speak with students about her distinguished career in public service. The first woman elected to represent District 14 in the Texas State Senate and the first woman to serve as Travis County Judge, Senator Eckhardt provided an empowering example for Girls’ School of Austin students developing their own leadership skills.

The event, moderated

by Girls’ School 8th Grader Coco Kim, consisted of a brief presentation about Senator Eckhardt followed by an interactive Q&A, during which students asked questions about Senator Eckhardt’s job, campaign process, and her insights into important issues affecting Texans today.

“I was so anxious for Senator Eckhardt’s arrival, mainly because I knew her visit was an important one for the school,” admitted Kim, who spent weeks preparing for the event.

“But once Senator Eckhardt and I sat down in our chairs on stage, I immediately felt a sense of ease. She has a way of making you feel comfortable while teaching you something new.”

For Rebecca Yacono, Head of School at the Girls’ School of Austin, Senator Eckhardt reminded her of the importance of girls’ education and developing a diverse skill set.

“When Senator Eckhardt talked about being a minority as a woman in politics, she served as a really strong reminder of why we still need a girls’ school,” Yacono said.

“She also made these great ties to interdisciplinary relationships in our education. It’s not just about learning to be a public servant — it’s about learning to speak in front of an audience, to use math for a campaign strategy, to connect with others. And all those messages were really profound.”

“Interviewing Senator Eckhardt was definitely one of the highlights of my middle school

experience,” Kim added. “I truly enjoyed our conversation, and I believe the rest of my school did, too.”

Eckhardt was elected to the State Senate in 2020.

After receiving an LBJ School Master of Public Affairs and law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998, Eckhardt worked for eight years as an Assistant Travis County Attorney. In 2006 she was elected to serve as a Travis County Commissioner; in 2015 she was elected as the Travis County Judge presiding over

the Commissioners Court for another 5 years.

Established in 2002, the Girls’ School of Austin is the city’s first independent school for girls from kindergarten through middle school.

The school is dedicated to providing an academically challenging education for girls in a community that fosters creative learning and personal excellence. The school’s campus is located in Tarrytown with 150 students, a faculty of 29, and a growing record of student achievements

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

JANUARY 25, 2024

15

10th Annual Rock The Red Kettle Event at ACL Live Struck a Powerful Chord The 10th Annual Rock The Red Kettle event at ACL was a vibrant evening filled with live tunes, a gourmet dinner, and shared love for serving the local community. The evening included a live auction

by The Cowboy Auctioneers.

The spotlight shone on Lee Brice and Elle King who, for the first time, joined forces in an intimate acoustic set. With touching stories about family life and the meanings behind their music, the audience was reminded how powerful community can be. A Rock the Red Kettle favorite, Zac Wilkerson, was back on stage as the opening act for the night.

Cory Morrow was honored for his years of dedication

and support of The Salvation Army’s mission. He was presented the highest award from The Salvation Army, The Other’s Award. Special guests in attendance at this year’s Rock the Red Kettle event were The Salvation Army’s Texas Division Commanders, Lt. Colonels Penhale and Captains Parrish.

As the largest non-profit provider of family emergency shelter in Central Texas, The Salvation Army serves more than 12,000 people annually with shelter, addiction rehabilitation, clothing, meals, holiday support, and direct client assistance. For more information, visit www.DoingMostGood.org.

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

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WEST AUSTIN NEWS

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DeJoria honors mother with donation to community center at Transfiguration

By Alana Moehring Mallard The parish of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on St. Stephens School Road off Bee Caves Road recently celebrated the ongoing construction of its community building with a blessing of the foundation.

“This will be a community center where everyone is welcome,” said parish council president George Gianakopoulos, “everyone in the community.”

Gianakopoulos said the building project received a generous donation from John Paul DeJoria, who attended Transfiguration’s annual Austin Greek Festival in May and donated $500,000 in honor of his mother, who cherished their Greek Orthodox faith heritage. “He talked with me about his humble beginnings,” said Gianakopoulos, “and about how important it is to him as an adult to support his community for the greater good with

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a center that will educate children and youth.”

Transfiguration has welcomed several groups over the years as the community used its facilities, including Texas National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve units based at nearby Bee Caves Armory, West Lake Fire Department, and Viata Hotel during overflow events. Community theater group kidsActing currently has regular classes and performances

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at Transfiguration.

The new building will be able to serve the community as a central hub for events and volunteerism with its commercial kitchen, spacious banquet hall, multiple classrooms, bookstore, and generous meeting spaces.

Transfiguration’s annual golf tournament, its annual Greek Festival, and a yearly gala have provided funding for the new construction, Gianakopoulos said, and the Greek

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Festival and golf tournament both draw many non-parishoners from the Austin community. This year’s tournament will be on Oct. 14 at Shadow Glen Golf Club, and the Greek Festival hosted by Transfiguration spans Memorial Day weekend, this year May 24, 25, and 26.

Father Vasileios Flegas is Proistamenos of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church and Father George Bithos is second priest.

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Hyde Park High School Coach Named to 75th Anniversary Reese’s Senior Bowl Team

By Anne DeVries and Alexa McGlathery NFL legend Phil Dawson arrived as the new head football coach at Hyde Park High School (HPHS) in 2022. His impact has already been noted in team size, which has risen from 27 boys in 2021 to 58 for the 2023 season. Enthusiasm within the HP community is evident as the football program builds back from a dip in performance and student participation.

Phil Dawson is a former professional American football placekicker with a notable National Football League (NFL) career. Dawson’s career spanned over two decades, beginning in 1998, after he graduated from the University of Texas, where he holds 13 UT records. Dawson is best known for his 14 years with the Cleveland Browns. He was one of the team’s most consistent players, receiving a stellar reputation and earning himself a spot

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as the 7th most accurate kicker in NFL history.

HPHS proudly announced that their new football coach has been named to the 75th Anniversary Reese’s Senior Bowl Team. Members will be honored at halftime of the all-star game.

Players for the game will include draft prospects from around the country who were selected to showcase their talent for coaches from all 32 NFL teams.

Dawson’s coaching theme for

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HP is “chase your best.” Referencing Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do work with all your heart, as if for the Lord and not for man,” he feels that if “he can tap into that, we can figure out how good we are going to be as a team.” He strives to motivate the team to work their hardest daily. “Every day presents an opportunity to do your best, whether in a game, at practice, or off the field,” Dawson said.

HP Senior Quaid Jackson,

a defensive back for HP football, shared, “I was thinking about leaving the school, but after listening to Coach Dawson give an inspiring speech, I decided to stay and play on his team.” Jackson further shared that Dawson made Hyde Park Football “feel more like a real team.”

Offensive lineman Hudson Fitzpatrick shared, “Coach got in our heads to flip our mindset.

Before him, we were lackadaisical; now, we want to be more serious.”

HPHS is embracing their new coach with enthusiasm for his skill set as a coach, community leader, and mentor to the young men of their football program.

The 75th Anniversary Senior Bowl will kick off at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday, February 3, 2024, and will be televised on the NFL Network. Tune in to watch Hyde Park High School’s football coach, Phil Dawson, be honored along with 40 other NFL football legends.