WESTWOOD WAVES
By Trey Kohlhausen Westwood Aquatics Director
The Westwood Waves definitely attacked the competition this season. They finished their summer league season UNDEFEATED in 2024. They were 7 and 0, the Waves got 1,282 best times, had 85 undefeated swimmers, achieved 152 BRONZE, 81 SILVER and 100 GOLD motivational time standards. All Waves enjoyed an exciting celebration of the season at our awards banquet on June 14.
After the award presentation and slideshow/video in Westwood’s dining room, the party moved to the pool area, where there was a water slide that the swimmers really enjoyed, the fun “bouncy house” was out for the swimmers to jump, then the swimmers did a raft race, a greased watermelon race and a relay where the swimmers put on heavy clothes and had to swim to the other side and pass off the clothes. The finale was a Westwood popular, as always, Soda Scramble. What a fantastic celebration highlighting a successful season.
At the Waves Banquet, Adelaide Cronin received the coveted Price Malone Award for outstanding sportsmanship and leadership. The award is given to an 11 & up swimmer who is
a team leader on the Waves. Adelaide is an excellent athlete/student and all the swimmers on the team look up to her for advice, swimming help and “fun”.
New this year, Westwood Waves hosted a GRAND PRIX swim meet. This was our new swim league’s CHAMPIONSHIP swim meet. The league was divided into the Blue Team and the Gold Team. Westwood was part of the blue team along with Austin Country Club. The gold team was Westlake CC, Barton Creek CC and the Hills of Lakeway CC. 8 & under swimmers competed and the BLUE team trailed the GOLD team all night and at the last minute, we pulled off a WIN 314 to 311. 9 & over swimmers competed on a different night and the BLUE team BEAT the GOLD team easily. Way to go BLUE!
High Point awards were given out at the GRAND PRIX event in all age groups. McAlpine Kirkland (age 15-17), William Fowler (age 9-10), Wyatt Stein (age 6 & under) & Max Bisang (age 1517) won the High Point Award in their age groups. Margot Stephens (age 6 & under), Will Opalka (age 6 & under), Madeline Pierson (age 7-8), Luke Opalka (age 7-8), Adelaide Cronin (age All Or Nothing in 2024
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Around the Neighborhood:
Southern House in downtown Austin has opened for brunch and lunch, serving daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Fixe biscuits for a late breakfast and sandwiches, burgers, salads, entrees, and sides. Fixe Southern House at 500 W 5th St continues happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and dinner nightly from 5 p.m. At 512-888-9133, fixesouthernhouse and @fixesouthernhouse. The restaurant has three private rooms with complimentary AV for special events.
Around the Neighborhood:
Memories of Nau’s
memories for a lot of people. I recently solicited some stories about this cherished institution.
Legrand Fashion House opened in Westlake at 3300 Bee Caves Road, Suite 420. The lifestyle boutique offers elevated women’s apparel and distinctive, high-style brands. Its curated collection of upscale clothing and accessories is complimented by personalized service. The store is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Visit their website at www.legrandfashionhouse.com or call 512-243-8501 for more information.
6 6 Force of Nature meat is now being sold at Thoms Market (9A), 1500 Spyglass Dr, Austin, 78746, Peoples Rx (9B) on 4201 Westbank Drive, 78746, and HEB at 701 S Capital Of Texas Hwy-Bld C, 78746. The Austin-based company aims to improve the environment and health through regenerative agriculture. Visit their website at www.forceofnature.com for further information and shopping options.
Nothing Bundt Cake has opened a new location at 5400 Brodie Lane, Suite 220, in southwest Austin. The bakery specializes in bundt cakes, which are handcrafted on-site in various delicious flavors and sizes. The store also offers a wide selection of retail items, including party supplies, décor, and gifts. Order from their new location by calling 512-387-9828 or emailing Austin-sunsetvalley-tx@ nothingbundtcakes.com.
Painted Tree Boutiques has opened at 5400 Brodie Ln, Suite 300,
— Beth Granger
Nau’s was a bridge between generations in the sense of simple pleasures of life, like candy and other oddities. This toothpick holder is a wonderful example of the kind of oddity that one could always count on finding there. Go in for a milkshake and some fries and come out with a battery-operated, bird-shaped toothpick holder for Father’s Day.
when it was still Kash-Karry and the laundromat that is now Galaxy Cafe. Nau’s always felt like CHEERS to me. As a regular, which I was for 30 years or more, I had only to walk in the door and whoever was back in the pharmacy would call
and Friday afternoons meant a stop on the way home at what one called “the little grocery store” -- all that candy, the magazines! Nau’s was the first place each of them got to sit at a table or booth (“BOOTH!”) separate from me and the other moms, just with their friends. As they got older, they walked on their own to Nau’s from Mathews, and I caught up with them a few minutes later. The heady freedom! And I never worried about them being there without me. I miss Nau’s more than I can say. I’ve found another pharmacy that I like just fine, but nothing can replace the friendliness that Nau’s provided, not to mention the trust I had in the Labay family. I know things change and blah blah blah, but dammit.
Too many memories to count. My dad introduced my sister Leigh and me to Nau’s and the soda fountain. We might have been seven and five years old when we had our first ice cream soda. We thought we had died and gone to heaven. Leigh always ordered vanillas and I always ordered chocolate. My parents loved Nau’s too. Mom always said that Mrs. Nau made the best chicken salad. We went often and seemed to sit always in the first booth.
While we waited for our order, Leigh and I would gravitate to the toy section. Temptation, temptation! If we were lucky, we would leave with a Magic Slate (our favorite). We eventually graduated to the magazine rack. We always got our school cigar boxes from Nau’s. It was a hard decision because there were so many, and they all had the prettiest cigar ladies and flowers on them.
The summer of 1969, I was working at the University Co-op in the mornings and at Bill Lacy’s ad agency in the afternoons. One day a fellow Co-Op employee told me that he and his dad ate breakfast on weekdays at Nau’s with John Nuhn, who was an important adman. The next morning at 7:15, I was parked in front of where Jeffrey’s is now, waiting. After Nuhn and the others entered the store, I sauntered in and sat down with them, and then started coming back each day. In late August, thanks to my familiarity with him, John’s agency took a chance and hired me, and in 1973, I landed the MRI Systems account. In October that year, MRI lured me away from the agency. Two years later, Linda Ball came to work there and I asked her out. We got married six months after that. It gives me chills to think how close I came to missing Linda, who has made my life worth living. Thank heaven for Nau’s.
— Forrest Preece
When I was at O. Henry, Barbara Benson and I would ride our bikes all over the neighborhood. Nau’s was one of our favorite places to go. We went almost every day in the summer to get 5 or 10 cent vanilla and cherry cokes … and stare at the blue glass on the shelves. I think that same blue glass was there when Nau’s closed! I remember Lambert Labay as a cute young pharmacy student helping Mr. Nau behind the Dutch door. He was always so serious and didn’t talk too much, except to remind us not to touch the merchandise! I thought that was his job! Just too many fond memories of my wonderful family and Nau’s.
— Susan Ellis
Most of my many visits to Nau’s Drugs, I watched the cooks fix my breakfast on the grill or I would show up with some politico in tow for lunch. It was the heart and soul of 1950s Austin and I felt like I was eating back in my hometown of Marion, Alabama every time. — Former Austin Mayor Lee Cooke
The late florist R.A. Lewis and his wife had a daughter named Suzanne who was an artist. She painted many Austin landmarks. Many years ago I bought this one of Nau’s. I remember
Westgate Tower for many years before they passed away. At one lunch Marilyn asked about my nonprofit efforts and I told her I was on a number of boards, and that it was taking too much of my time, when Marilyn suddenly grabbed my arm and announced, “Charles, there is a little word you need to learn, ‘NO,’ and when you use it, there are NO need for apologies.” This was over a Nau classic burger and malt, of course. The Schwartzs were fixtures at Nau’s. If you could not reach them, you could just show up at the drugstore for lunch, and there they were, holding court. — Charles Peveto
I didn’t spend much time there, but when I did, it was for getting a malt. When I heard about the closing, I was pretty shocked. On the brighter side, when they were selling everything, I purchased the shake/malt counter/cooler. They had just had it rebuilt and were ready to reinstall it when they were shut down. It has all the little pump stations for the added flavors and the soda jerk handles. I have it at my place in Lampasas. I haven’t done anything with it yet, but the hope is to utilize it in a 1950s style soda shop in part of the building across the street from the hotel I own. —
— Karen Kocher
Andy Fish
Harvey Kronberg
SBY FORREST PREECE
o how did a guy from the debate team at Bellaire High in Houston become one of the 25 Most Powerful People in Texas Politics, according to Texas Monthly in 2005? A lost transcript from Hebrew University in Jerusalem had a lot to do with it.
You see, Harvey Kronberg took classes there for his junior college year abroad in 197071. In 1972 he applied and was accepted at UT Law School. But then the UT admissions office couldn’t obtain his transcript from that year, because Hebrew University, something of a non-computerized institution at the time, had lost it. That quashed Harvey’s ambitions to be a lawyer, sent him towards another career path, and to meeting his wife, Michele. (By the way, the transcript did show up 25 years later.) This turn of events gave the State Capitol infrastructure a voice it would not have had otherwise, and Harvey is fine with the way it all worked out.
Harvey rolled with that punch, and became an auctioneer, a participant in the Renaissance Festival, and a street vendor for a while. Then he opened a place called Just Buckles, selling fancy belt buckles, on South First in 1978. That went fine until 18% interest rates came along in 1982. A few years later, he opened Austin Flag & FlagPole, which he sold in February of 2022; but that business went soft during the oil crash and S&L implosion in 1987. Harvey and Michele had to get second jobs and then in 1991, fate smiled on him.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE QUORUM
A friend had brought the Quorum Report, a newsletter for Texas statehouse insiders, out of
bankruptcy. Suddenly, he needed an editor after the person employed in that post quit, and he asked Harvey to take the job. Thinking that he didn’t have the insider political knowledge to fill the bill, Harvey declined. But the publisher called back a few days later and made an offer that was too sweet to pass up, so Harvey agreed to give the job a try.
About eight months into the job, Harvey hit his first home run with a story critical of the plaintiff lawyers’ dominance of the Democratic Party. In that era, the business lobby was effectively forced to contribute to the plaintiff lawyers’ candidates, which then filed motions against them. The business interests at the statehouse had never felt that they were properly treated by the press corps and Harvey’s article was singing their tune.
A few days later, an executive with the tort reform lobby called him up and offered to pay for a license to do some reprints of the piece. Harvey thought they might want 300 copies of it. He was flabbergasted when they asked for 25,000 to start. “That exploded our readership. And from that moment on we were profitable.” Suddenly, Harvey had some serious visibility, and he capitalized on it.
In 1998, the owner sold The Quorum Report to Harvey and by then it was obvious that converting the distribution of the newsletter to the internet would be a necessity. Having a newsletter that arrived in subscribers’ snail-mail boxes several days or
even a week after a major event happened just wasn’t cutting it. He gave some software programmers the assignment to create a system for distributing the newsletter online and to accept credit card numbers for subscriptions. When they had him up and running online it “democratized the capitol.” At that point, every officeholder and political operative in the state “knew what the speaker knew, when he knew it.” It was a game-changer and Harvey’s subscriber base quadrupled in six months. On top of that, if he found that he had made a factual error, (understandable, since he was being inundated with information) it could be corrected within an hour. When he did that, his readers realized that he was committed to fairness.
For the first three years, he was doing it all himself. One of his best steps was the introduction of the NewsClips feature, links to the hottest 36 stories around the state in the major newspapers and other outlets. Six mornings a week, lobbyists and officeholders could instantly see what was being written in Austin, DFW, Houston, San Antonio, and the rest of the state, while they were having breakfast. Harvey adds that 60% of his readership is now on cell phones and that he has political professionals in DC and executives at bond houses in New York City looking at the newsletter.
Harvey says that he is probably now the longest serving member of the capitol press corps. He still pens a weekly column and sometimes his work is quoted on the floor of the House. But he says that his writings are “radioactive” in the Senate. He says that The Quorum Report’s pushback against Dan Patrick is largely the reason that the press in general is banned from the Texas Senate floor.
HARVEY LOOKS AT TEXAS
Speaking to the overarching current political issues in the state, Harvey cited two things that stand out in his mind First, there is the transformation of the Republican party from being pro-business and fiscally conservative to engaging in hard-nosed cultural wars. Second, since the legislature meets only 140 out of 750 days, it forces the politicians to resolve issues in a relatively short time frame. But under the new Abbott-Patrick hardline siloing of Democrats vs. Republicans, there is very little room for compromise, which leads to stalemates.
In that same vein, elected officials are being forced to put the party line of their caucus-
es ahead of the wishes of the people in their district. If they don’t do that, they will face opponents that the caucuses fund in the next election cycle – not a healthy situation for a democracy.
In Harvey’s view, the Texas economic miracle started with Governor John Connally, who realized that you cannot have a world-class economy without having a world-class higher educational system – and he took steps to make that happen. Every governor – Democrat and Republican -- through Rick Perry agreed with that premise and kept it in focus. The current fight to eliminate tenure is just one example of how things have changed in that arena.
Of course, the state needs a robust workforce and infrastructure as well. Harvey’s biggest concern now is that the state’s major elected officials are destroying the seed corn for the Texas economy. He pointed to a number of major issues: defunding public schools (in a town like San Angelo, the schools have the biggest payroll), roads which are falling into disrepair statewide, an electric grid that is not secure, and tenuous water supplies.
He says that statistics show that Texas is inching towards being purple. But he gets calls from the national press asking if Texas is investible for Democrats, and he says that he doesn’t know. “The most viable statewide candidate the party has had, Beto O’Rourke, wouldn’t get on TV and go toe-to-toe with the opposition. They need some effective leadership to take back the state.”
Jerry Gatlin
BY FORREST PREECE
Jerry Gatlin, Former VP of Global Accounts at SkillSoft, Grand Treasurer for the National Order of the Knights of the Vine, and currently day trades futures and options in the stock market.
1. What’s something about you that not many people know?
Most people know I’m a pilot, although not currently flying. What most don’t know is that I used to fly Angel Flight missions to take cancer patients to their treatments and back home again. From that, when Katrina hit, I became a Homeland Security First Responder and flew several missions in and out of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region to bring supplies and ferry other first responders in and out. Then I had the opportunity to fly a relief mission to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010.
5. Favorite book and TV show?
My favorite book has to be “Fate is the Hunter” by Ernest K. Gann, which I first read in the early '70s. For TV shows, it’s “The West Wing.”
6. Most powerful movie you have seen. Very tough to pin down the most powerful but I’d say 2001: A Space Odyssey.
7. Favorite place in Austin? The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.
2. What was your first job?
My first job was mowing lawns for neighbors but my first “real” job earning money and getting a W-2 was working as a grease monkey for Kwik Change Oil Change as a summer job when I was in high school.
3. If you could have dinner with three people – dead or alive, at any time in history — who would they be? Benjamin Franklin, Amelia Earhart, and my dad.
4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be?
That’s a tough one since I love so many different types of music. Today I would say the Beach Boys, Dave Brubeck, and Noah Kahan. Tomorrow would probably be different.
8. Favorite restaurant and watering hole Well, if it’s just a restaurant, it has to be J. Carver’s. My favorite watering hole is Wink.
9. What did you want to be when you were growing up? An airline pilot.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
Warren Buffet.
11. What makes you happy?
A great meal accompanied by great wine with great friends.
12. Best advice you ever received?
Certainly “If it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is” ranks up there, but the best piece of advice, which I received indirectly, was from the Steve Jobs’ quote “The journey is the reward.”
13-14), Ava Calandruccio (age 13-14), Julia Van Houten, Sarah Kester & Jessica Ream (age 15-17), Winn Fowler (age 9-10), Clay Schlicher (age 11-12), Trep Thomas & Andy Stahlman (age 15-17), Miggs Thomas & Hayes Newberry (age 13-14) finished in the high points runner up. Way to go Waves!! The Coaches were so proud of the team. In our regular season, we swam Austin Country Club, Barton Creek Country Club, Westlake Country Club and the Hills of Lakeway Country Club. Waves coaches are Trey Kohlhausen, Sean Murray, Dakota Friel, Alec Rakoff, Cassandra Gilliam, and Saylor McWhorter. Team camaraderie was at an all time high this season as
it always is….the strength of the Waves, as many of our families say, is the cohesive spirit and loving atmosphere that we all have, swimmers, parents and coaches. The swimmers are easily motivated to swim FAST! CONGRATS on a great season!!
Thanks to all our parent volunteers who help us have swim meets! Waves parent volunteers worked extra special hard. We appreciate you all. Our Waves President, Kelley Newberry is INCREDIBLE! Thanks to her for an amazing year leading our team. Kelley helped us organize and run our Waves with over 300 swimmers and their parents. The coaches Love you, Kelley, more than you know.
UNDEFEATED SWIMMERS
Lochlan Caskey, Georgia Matson, Parker Sayers, Luke Opalka, Hailey Decareau, Daphne Turner, Charlie Clauer, David Coover, Yates Cowan, Hunt Deshields, James Donoghue, William Fowler, Winn Fowler, William Herman, Preston Johnston, Ross Matetich, Grady McIntosh, Andres Mery, Beau Opalka, Hap Polan, Charlie Schonert, Kenneth Uglietta, Vivienne Carlson, Audrey Hartmann, Genevieve Miller, Gemma Polidore, Clara Schonert, Hadley Matson, Taylor Berra, Rocco Calandruccio, Michael Collier, Collier Dipasquale, Sam Fox, Forrest Johnston, Walker Lloyd, Clay Schlicher, August Seats, Ellie Berra, Ava Calandruccio, Adelaide Cronin, Parker Laguarta, Landis Middleton, Finley Perez, Mia Piatkowski, Caroline Terry, James Fox, Hayes Newberry, Judah Schwartz, Miggs Thomas, Max Bisang, Trep Thomas, Litty Dasch, McAlpine Kirkland, Lucy Middleton, Jessica Ream, Izzy Thomas, Hannah Van Houten, Julia Van Houten
WAVE AWARD
Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade and Party in Reed Park
By Alana Moehring Mallard
Tarrytown neighborhood stepped out on July Fourth, with a parade and a great big ol’ backyard party at Reed Park.
Starting at Exposition and Windsor at Tarrytown Texaco, parade grand marshall Zach Knight led an entourage that included cars, jeeps, parasols, carts, strollers, wagons, bikes, walkers and all manner of red, white, and blue to celebrate the patriotic day. Neighbors paraded west on Windsor to Pecos where everybody wound up at Reed Park for a gigantic
party in the park with piñatas, bouncy play, music, hot dogs and hamburgers, cold treats, balloon animals, face painting, a raffle, games, vendor booths, and visiting.
Sponsors of the Tarrytown Parade and Party in the Park were Tivity Book a Chef, Friends of Reed Park, Tarrytown Pharmacy, HEB, Heritage Title, Keystone Bank, Pool Burger, Deep Eddy Cabaret, ABC Home & Commercial Services.
Thanks to Friends of Reed Park, Nikki@lemonwomanphotography, and Vicki Aycock for photos.
Celebrating the Legacy of Dean Busboom
A REMARKABLE JOURNEY IN LIFE AND MINISTRY
By Anne DeVries
After sixty years in ministry and at the age of 88, Dean Busboom, Riverbend Church’s Senior Adults Pastor, retired at the end of June. Dean’s remarkable journey in ministry and through a life focused on service and family is worthy of recognition and inspiration.
Dean’s calling to ministry began in high school after he lost his father during his junior year. During this challenging time, he found solace and mentorship from his pastor, which led him to visit hospitals and recognize the divine calling to pursue ministry. This early experience shaped Dean’s lifelong commitment to helping others, a trait further honed by his upbringing on a farm in Illinois, where he bucked hay and birthed cows.
Following high school, Dean attended Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he received a dual basketball and baseball scholarship. He played both sports for four years while securing a triple major. After starting in the ministry in Colorado, followed by Wichita Falls, Texas, he arrived in Austin in 1974. His vocational work in the city included a position at Faith Lutheran Church and Riverbend Church, and he has been an active member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church since 1994.
In 2005, Dean joined the Riverbend Church staff. Initially, he conducted research for founding pastor Dr. Gerald Mann. Over the next two decades, Dean presided over the Senior Adults ministry and officiated numerous weddings, funerals, memorial services, and baptisms, touching the lives of many.
Dean’s tenure at Riverbend was highlighted by his leadership of over 100-day trips,
including visits to prominent Texas sites, historical locations, painted churches, missions, and numerous musicals, plays, and other productions. His teaching has been equally impactful, covering topics such as Church History, World Religions, Islam, Ecclesiastes, Romans, Revelations, and a recent 3½-year study on Psalms. He cherished sharing life with the Senior Adults, engaging in discussions on worldly matters. Additionally, Dean led six trips to Israel,
providing over 170 people with the profound experience of visiting the holy sites in the region.
Beyond his vocational achievements, Dean’s family legacy is a testament to the fruits of his life. He has been married to his wife, Sally, for 65 years and is a proud father of four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth on the way. His enduring spirit makes him a pastor to be treasured and a man to be upheld as a role mod-
el for future generations.
Dean’s remarkable heart and wide breadth of knowledge have left an indelible mark during his 60-plus years in ministry, 50 of which were in Austin. As he retires at 88, Dean looks forward to working in his yard and resurrecting his garden. His legacy will endure, reflecting the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)
Event Raises One Million for Children
Born With Congenital Heart Defects
HeartGift’s annual Party With A Purpose took place at the JW Marriott in Downtown Austin with attendees coming together to raise more than one million dollars to save hundreds of children born with congenital heart defects. The evening celebrated more than 1,000 children’s lives saved who live in places around the world that don’t have access to specialized cardiac care. The presenting sponsors for the event were Karen and Ray Wilkerson.
2024 Party With A Purpose committee members included Kathryn and Juan Carlos Alonso, Maryann and Paul Bell, Dr. Brad Boone, Ashley and Tim Brierty, Martha and Dr. Richard Coons, Sarah and Stephen Garrison, Jennifer and John Harper, Kristy and Brad Knippa, Bridget and Cody Marburger, Jennie and Mike McIntyre, Karen and Dr. John “Chip” Oswalt, Ashley and Cal Otero, Caroline and Owen Robinson, and Andrea and Chris Wales. With this year’s theme, Giving the Gift of Childhood, HeartGift hosted a vibrant atmosphere of tables filled with toys and candy of eras gone by for guests to play with and
take home. Bigger-than-lifesize child exhibits featuring six recent HeartGift patients were on display. The exhibits were filled with images from their home countries and during their open-heart surgery journeys. Stephen Garrison, Chairman of the HeartGift Board, and Christy Casey-Moore, HeartGift Chief Executive Officer, both made remarks and shared powerful stories and videos of the organization’s mission and its young patients. In addition, HeartGift
honored several individuals as Mending Heart Heroes who have impacted, influenced and inspired to make the world a better place in their work alongside HeartGift. Honorees include Kerry and Joe Mims, Sheri and Bob Myer, and Oscar Torres. Through their multifaceted contributions, these individuals saved many children from the consequences of congenital heart defects and provided hope and peace of mind to families around the world.
Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale took to the stage to kick-
off the live auction portion of the evening, but not before some special guests joined him on stage – little Aaron from Uganda and his mom, Fredah The adorable two-year-old received his free, life-saving openheart surgery just nine days prior to Party With A Purpose and was doing extremely well. The festivities were rounded out with a special performance by country star Wade Bowen. For more information about HeartGift, visit www.heartgift. org.
PHOTOS BY TYLER SCHMITT OF THE MILL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Toast of the Town: Style and Sports with the Sarkisians
For four decades, Toast of the Town, St. David’s Foundation’s iconic series of eclectic events, has showcased the best of Central Texas with hundreds of unforgettable celebrations. While the community has evolved over the years, Toast of the Town has grown along with it, with every month of May filled with parties featuring stunning venues, sensational special guests, and celebrated chefs. The featured guests of this event: Austin’s favorite power couple, Loreal and Steve Sarkisian. Steve Sarkisian is embarking on his fourth season as head coach for The University of Texas Longhorn football team. Under his leadership, the team has returned to college football prominence with a top five ranking, earning the Longhorns a spot in the coveted College Football Playoffs. Loreal Sarkisian
Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area (BGCAA), Texas System of Care (TxSOC), and AISD ACE Austin hosted ThriveFest to support youth well-being leading up to Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week. The event took place at BGCAA’s Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus, which was also celebrating the 5th anniversary of its opening, where a large crowd of youth and families enjoyed live performances and interactive activities while exploring mental health resources. The 2024 Henry McMahon Children’s Advocacy Award was given to David Evans for his advocacy work for children with mental health needs. David served as CEO of Integral Care for over 30 years and has over 40 years of experience as a leader in behavioral health and developmental disabilities in Texas and beyond. Youth mental health was declared a national crisis in 2021, and families continue to struggle with accessing the resources they need for their children. Organizations such as Austin Child Guidance Center, Rock Springs, Austin Bat Cave, NAMI Central Texas, and CommUnityCare Health Centers brought tangible resources for families and students to ThriveFest.
Throughout the fest, there were performances from student groups such as Martin Cheer, Langford Leopards’ Dance Team, Las Comadres, and Chiquitos Salseros. In between performances, guests heard inspiring stories from distinguished speakers and mental health professionals from groups such as Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), Hope Squad, and Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns.
The Elizabeth Ann Seton Board’s (EASB) 31st annual gala raised more than $1,340,000 in support of Mother/Baby Services and The Marialice Shivers and Dell Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), at The Kathryn Frances Walker Center for Neonatal Intensive Care & Family Support, at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (ASMCA), for programs, building, and equipment needs. More than 650 attendees, including community leaders, dedicated sponsors, and guests celebrated the EASB Gala – La Dolce Vita. The gala featured a pre-event cocktail party and a lively after-party featuring The Blue Roses. The Golden Ticket Raffle brought in over $29,000 thanks to the $5,000 shopping spree prize donated by Korman Fine Jewelry. The program also included a live auction. The EASB President, Alexandra Reuvers, and Gala Co-Chairs, Wesley Joseph and Meredith Spears, greatly impacted the future of the NICU at ASMCA for all NICU babies and their families. Since 1992, EASB has raised more than $22M to support the expansion of community health centers, as well as the NICU at ASMCA and Mother/Baby services.
Women’s Symphony League of Austin Announces Royal Court at Annual Jewel Tea
In celebration of the 69th Annual Jewel Ball, the Women’s Symphony League of Austin (WSL) unveiled its Royal Court participants on May 17 during their annual Jewel Tea held at the home of Stacy Toomey. The 2024 Jewel Committee, chaired by Jennifer Bell and Meredith Presley Wood, had the privilege of selecting this year’s Royal Court.
“We are honored to announce this group of exceptional individuals from families who have demonstrated unwavering support to ASO,” Bell and Wood said in a joint statement. “We are delighted to welcome these remarkable families to join us for the highly anticipated Jewel Ball events in September!”
This year’s Royal Court includes: Her Royal Majesty, the Diamond Queen Kathryn Rose Tully, Daughter of Knight and Mrs. John David Tully Escorted by Mr. John Tyler Jones, Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor Jones and Grandson of Deputy Lord Chancellor and Mrs. John T. Jones; Princess Annabelle Katheryne Kuehl, Daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Joel Todd Kuehl and Granddaughter of Lord Chancellor XXXXVI Robert A. Shoop and the late Shay Shoop, Escorted by Mr. Christian Miguel Hellmund Son of Knight and Mrs. Miguel Hellmund; Princess Mary Margaret Dahl McCracken, Daughter of Knight and Mrs. Dax McCracken and Granddaughter of the late Lord Chancellor XXXVI Jeran Hooten and Mrs. Janet Hooten and Great-Granddaughter of the late King Brio IX and Mrs. Joe D. Hooten, Escorted by Mr. Hub William Bechtol, Son of Mrs. Kathryn Scarborough Corbitt and Mr. Joshua Patrick Corbitt and the late Hub Nance Bechtol, and Grandson of Knight and Mrs. Steven Don Turnquist; Princess Audrey Elizabeth Rose, Daughter of Knight and Mrs. Sean Christian Rose, Granddaughter of Lord of the Privy Seal and Mrs. William F. Kemp, and Great-Granddaughter of the late Knight and Mrs. Horace Guy Spiller, Escorted by Mr. Sheppard Riley Tyler, Son of Knight and Mrs. Marvin Craig Tyler; Princess Fiona Adelle Rubiano, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Shropshire and Granddaughter of Deputy Lord Chancellor and Mrs. John T. Jones, Escorted by Mr. Johnny Ty Hoisington, Son of Mr. and Mrs. David Hoisington and Grandson of Knight and Mrs. Van R. Hoisington.
WSL is delighted to have a wonderful group of Visiting Jewels and Escorts: The Pink Sapphire of Waco Duchess Mary Elizabeth Barnhill, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Bryon Barnhill Representing the Waco Symphony Council, Escorted by Mr. Alexander Colgin Dietz, Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Dietz, Jr. Representing the Waco Symphony Council; The Ruby of Dallas Duchess Catherine Bradford Hunt, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Zimri Hunt, Representing the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League; The Blue Sapphire of Lubbock Duchess Taylor Olivia McCall, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Michael Stangl and Mr. and Mrs. Damon
McCall, Representing the Lubbock Symphony Guild, Escorted by Mr. Preston Schmid, Son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Schmid, Representing the Lubbock Symphony Guild.
This year’s Jewel Ball events are chaired by Mary Love and Sullie Stephens “Each September, these events serve as WSL’s largest fundraising effort for our beloved Symphony Orchestra. Not only do they provide vital financial backing, but they also uphold a cherished tradition that enriches the cultural fabric of our city. It’s through these events that we ensure the Symphony’s enduring place in the heart of our community,” according to Love and Stephens.
The highlight of the Jewel Ball festivities is the 69th Annual Jewel Ball, themed “Night of Illusions,” which will be a dazzling blacktie evening at the Palmer Events Center on Saturday, September 21. Entertaining over 1,000 guests, the event features a presentation of the Royal Court and Junior Royalty, live and silent auctions, live music, a speakeasy, and a casino. Past WSL President, Pamela Bell is the honorary Jewel Ball Chair, she is recognized for her more than 50 years of tireless dedication and service to the organization.
WSL’s Fashion Luncheon, “Enchanté Couture,” takes place the day before Jewel Ball on Friday, September 20 at Palmer Events Center. As a tribute to her long-standing commitment to the WSL, Sidney Jones has been named as the honorary Fashion Luncheon chair. Charlotte Blackmore and Amanda Powell are the Fashion Luncheon Chairs. Festivities begin with the annual Soirée Dansante, a semi-formal dance for 9th and 10th grade high school students. This year’s event, “Twilight Masquerade,” will take place on September 15 at the JLA Community Impact Center and is chaired by Amy Hajdu and Caron Hutchison
The funds raised by the Jewel Ball events support education programs for the Symphony that will reach 50,000 K-12 students across Central Texas over the next year. These programs include Young People’s Concerts, which introduce children in the 4th to 6th grade to the wonders of symphonic music each year, and ASO’s annual High School Concert tour that travels to area high schools, showcasing outstanding band and orchestra students from each school, who play side-by-side with ASO musicians.
Since 1953, the members of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin have dedicated energy, talent, and volunteerism by providing service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The Women’s Symphony League is the Symphony’s largest annual financial supporter of educational programs for children. More than 50,000 children benefit from the innovative educational programs of the Austin Symphony Orchestra each year. For more information, visit www.wslaustin.org.
PHOTOS BY JETTER PHOTOGRAPHY
St. Michael’s Prep*
At St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School, we believe that a fine arts education is essential education. Whether in PreK-4 or Seniors in Upper School, all Prep students grow in curiosity and self-expression through our innovative and robust arts curriculum. While studying music, dance, visual, and dramatic arts, students not only improve their technical skills and talents, they also grow in confidence while performing for a wide variety of audiences.
St. Michael’s Prep embraces the arts with a focus on both each individual student’s development as an artist, as well as the development of that artist within a coordinated ensemble, choir, cast or team. As early as 3rd grade, students begin to explore their interests through elective classes; students choose from many of the traditional performing arts courses such as choir, symphony, theater and dance, and later are introduced to exciting elective courses such as “SGTV News” student-led production,
Cinematic Editing, Stagecraft, Intro to Painting, Modern Band Labs, Advanced Architecture and more.
As educators and professionals, our outstanding faculty endeavors to spark the imagination and creativity of our students every day, so that at every age, they are prepared for their journey of discovery and enrichment. We invite you to learn more about an extraordinary St. Michael’s Prep experience for your child. Learn more at sgs-austin.org or smca.com or contact us at admissions@smca.com
St. Michael’s Prep INDEPENDENT • TRANSFORMATIVE • INNOVATIVE Where Integrity, Courage and Excellence thrive.
* After almost 4 decades of educating high school students, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy legally unified with St. Gabriel’s Catholic School on November 16, 2022, creating the only Pre-K - 12th grade independent Catholic school in Central Texas. The Boards of Trustees of both schools boldly
2024 ADMIRALS CLUB ROYALTY
THE QUEEN AND HER ROYAL ATTENDANTS
Queen Hannah Elizabeth Parks
Princess Markley Mae Alexander
Princess Brinley Elizabeth Burns
Princess Frances Lorraine Lewis
Princess Mary Caroline Nelson
Princess Elisabeth Catherine Peeler
DUCHESSES OF THE COURT
Duchess Sara Elizabeth Christ
Duchess Edith Elle Cockrell
Duchess Sydney Kay Conrad
Duchess Tatum Lynn Cox
Duchess Vaille Addison Crenshaw
Duchess Jennie Camille Genung
Duchess Sara Makenzie Gill
Duchess Ava Caroline Haberer
Duchess Michelle Marie Iglesias
Duchess Katherine Porter Kettler
Duchess Elizabeth Yvonne Landrith
Duchess Ava Lee Leadbetter
Duchess Lillian Frances Lewis
Duchess Julia Marie Marco
Duchess Dylan Michelle Milam
Duchess Elizabeth Radcliffe Reckling
Duchess Bridgette Black Riddle
Duchess Katelin Campbell Robison
Duchess Katherine Lee Thomason
Duchess Louisa Marguerite Youtt
August 2-4 2024, marks the 63rd Admirals Club Coronation Ball weekend. In addition to honoring the Austin Royalty, the Admirals Club will present 20 visiting Duchesses from communities throughout our great State of Texas and beyond.
The annual cocktail party will be hosted at The University of Texas Alumni Center. Afterwards, The Austin Royalty, our visiting Duchesses and their Escorts will enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lady Bird Lake.
On August 3, 2024, the ball will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel with a seated dinner along with wonderful music provided by The Little Big Band. Following the presentation, guests will be treated to dancing to the sounds of the Limelight Band from Dallas, Texas.
2024 ADMIRALS CLUB ROYALTY
Princess Markley Mae
from the House of Alexander
Daughter of 2nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Mrs. James Kyle Parks. Hannah attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Health and Society with a Business Minor and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Hannah’s escort is Mr. Charles Whitaker Teeple, son of 1st Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Mrs. Bryan Whitaker Teeple. Whit attends The University of Texas.
Princess Brinley Elizabeth
from the House of Burns
Daughter of Admiral and Mrs. John Simeon Burns III of Austin. Brinley attends Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing a degree in Economics and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Brinley’s escort is Mr. Christopher Herd Holland, son of Admiral and Mrs. Chistopher Loe Holland of Austin. Herd attends The University of Texas.
Daughter of Admiral and Mrs. Richard Randolph Alexander of Austin. Markley attends the University of Georgia, where she is pursuing a degree in Business and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Markley’s escort is Mr. Jack Lancaster Singleton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sharman Singleton of Austin. Jack attends the University of Colorado Boulder.
2024 ADMIRALS CLUB ROYALTY
Princess Mary Caroline
from the House of Nelson
Princess Frances Lorraine
from the House of Lewis
Princess Elisabeth Catherine
from the House of Peeler
Daughter of Admiral and Mrs. William Robert Peeler, Jr. of Austin. Elisabeth attends the University of Georgia, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations with a Fashion Merchandising Minor and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Elisabeth’s escort is Mr. Jackson Benjamin Hanson, son of Admiral and Mrs. Benjamin Michael Hanson of Austin. Jackson attends Middlebury College.
Daughter of Admiral and Mrs. Derek Scott Lewis of Austin. Frannie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Health & Society and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Frannie’s escort is Mr. Luke McCullough Thompson, son of Admiral and Mrs. Lance McCullough Thompson of Austin. Luke attends The University of Texas.
Daughter of Admiral and Mrs. John Corley Nelson of Austin. Mary Caroline attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations in Communications and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Mary Caroline’s escort is her brother, Mr. Jack Corley Nelson. Jack attends The University of Texas.
VISITING ROYALTY
Duchess Sara Elizabeth Christ
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michael Christ of Houston. Sara attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Sara’s escort is Mr. Hunter Wilton Loveless, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilton Loveless of Houston. Hunter attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Sydney Kay Conrad
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erich Bradley Conrad of Houston. Sydney attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Sydney’s escort is Mr. Robert Woodson Lydick, Jr., son of Ms. Holly Heath Lydick and Mr. Robert Woodson Lydick of Fort Worth. Robert attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Vaille Addison Crenshaw
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Casey Hopkins Crenshaw of Houston. Vaille attends Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing a degree in Finance and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Vaille’s escort is Mr. William Hartmann Husted, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Bowie Husted of Houston. William attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Edith Elle Cockrell
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dashiell Cockrell II of Houston. Ellie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Art History and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Ellie’s escort is Mr. Alexander Charles Finkelstein, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Paul Finkelstein of Houston. Alex attends Texas A&M University.
Duchess Tatum Lynn Cox
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Pendleton Cox of Houston. Tatum attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in International Relations and Global Studies and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Tatum’s escort is Mr. Harrison Glauser Witcher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark William Witcher of Houston. Harrison attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Jennie Camille Genung
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Allen Genung, Jr. of Houston. Jennie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Health & Society and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Jennie’s escort is Mr. Mason Michael Bregenzer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Charles Bregenzer of Houston. Mason attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Sara Makenzie Gill
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Taylor Gill of Houston. Makenzie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Finance and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Makenzie’s escort is Mr. Garrett Dean Hotte, son of Ms. Michelle Martin Hotte and Mr. Steve Jude Hotte of Houston. Garrett attends Texas A&M University.
2024 VISITING ROYALTY
Duchess Ava Caroline Haberer
Daughter of Mrs. Miles Bradley Haberer and the late Mr. Miles Bradley Haberer of Dallas. Ava attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Interior Design and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Ava’s escort is Mr. Gantt Harrison Walton, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Gantt Harrison Walton of Dallas. Harrison attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Katherine Porter Kettler
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kyle Kettler of Houston. Katherine attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Human Dimensions of Organization and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Katherine’s escort is Mr. Bennett Charles Odegard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Anders Odegard of Houston. Bennett attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Ava Lee Leadbetter
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wallace Meshad of Atlanta, Georgia. Ava attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Ava’s escort is Mr. Griffin Champlin Spencer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Charles Spencer of Austin. Champ attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Michelle Marie Iglesias
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Owen Iglesias of Houston. Mimi attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Mimi’s escort is Mr. Kenan Kana Oldham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kenan Oldham of Houston. Kenan attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Elizabeth Yvonne Landrith
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Donovan Landrith of Houston. Elizabeth attends the University of Georgia, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Elizabeth’s escort is Mr. Caden Wilson Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doak Doubet Brown of Houston. Cade attends Texas Christian University.
Duchess Lillian Frances Lewis
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Scott Lewis of Paris, Texas. Lilly attends the University of Arkansas, where she is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Lilly’s escort is Mr. Miller Alan Marks, son of Admiral and Mrs. Alan Edward Marks of Austin. Miller attends Colgate University.
Duchess Julia Marie Marco
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Neil Marco of San Antonio. Julia attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Bilingual Education and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Julia’s escort is Mr. Teel Kleberg Sabom, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Terry Sabom of San Antonio. Teel attends The University of Texas.
2024 VISITING ROYALTY
Duchess Dylan Michelle Milam
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Andrew Milam of Houston. Dylan attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Dylan’s escort is Mr. Cole Joseph DeGiacomo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. DeGiamcomo, Jr. of Austin. Cole attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Bridgette Black Riddle
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Hubert Riddle of Fort Worth. Gigi attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Textiles and Apparel and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Gigi’s escort is Mr. William Calhoun James, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Andrew James of Fort Worth. Billy attends the University of Oregon.
Duchess Katherine Lee Thomason
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee Thomason of Dallas. Kate attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Kate’s escort is Mr. Robert Louis Marshall III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Louis Marshall II of San Antonio. Robert attends The University of Texas.
Duchess Elizabeth Radcliffe Reckling
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Sterling Reckling of Houston. Elizabeth attends the University of Mississippi, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Elizabeth’s escort is Mr. Charles Donald Kugle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Herrell Kugle of Houston. Charlie attends Texas A&M University.
Duchess Katelin Campbell Robison
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Chase Robison of Houston. Kate attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Kate’s escort is Mr. Luke Sanders Wroten, son of Dr. and Mrs. Eric Sanders Wroten of Fort Worth. Luke attends Washington & Lee University.
Duchess Louisa Marguerite Youtt
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilson Youtt of Houston. Louisa attends the University of Mississippi, where she is pursuing a degree in Business and is a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Louisa’s escort is Mr. William Titus Mengwasser, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Phillip Mengwasser of Houston. William attends Texas A&M University.
Admirals Club Royalty 2024
