2011.2.Issue

Summer 2011Ladybird Lake Lake Austin Lake Travis Lake Marble Falls Lake LBJ Lake Buchanan Austin City of Lakeway Lakeway Commons Lake Travis Tropic Tan Rocco’s Grill Wells Fargo Bank Spa at the Lake John Ryan’s Clothing Edward Jones Lakeway Pediatric Associates Lakeway Eye Center Java Dive Cafe Artisan Bistro O Realty Group Domino’s Pizza Mission Family Chiropractics Suzie D’s Dr. Winston Eaddy, DDS Cristiani’s Jewelers Finley's Barber Shop Reid’s Cleaners Cafe CastroNova Fore Lake Travis Podiatry PakMail Heart HR A beautiful Hill Country setting for your shopping and dining. Lakeway Blvd & RR 620 S • www.lakewaycommons.com • 512.266.3163 xiiiii wiiiiaxs - iaxi riavis 1,:1 iouxaxs ciossixc suiri 1oo ausrix, rx ;8;¡¡ www.axniiuairuoxis.cox ¡1:.:o¡.,o,o 512.415.9023 Amber Hart realtor, ® ba Remember these listings from the last issue? 14 Stillmeadow Drive - $529,000 MLS# 4015006 Absolutely stunning custom built home in Te Hills of Lakeway. Tis home features an incredible kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters,and custom birch cabinets with pull-outs. Other features include stained concrete foors, rounded corners, art niches, travertine in bath- rooms, built-ins, knotty-alder doors and designer lighting throughout, 4 storage closets, isokern freplace, cantera front door, covered outdoor living and so much more! 127 Crest View Drive - $309,000 MLS# 2919660 Absolutely gorgeous custom home in Lakeway! Tis home as been beautifully updated and in immaculate condition. Upgrades include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, travertine foors and more! Enjoy the private backyard with large patio and arbor. I don’t just list properties, I sell them. S O L D S O L D 10 ABOUT THE COVER 12 SPLENDOR ON THE WATERFRONT 16 LTEF GALA 24 ROLLS ROYCE AUSTIN GRAND OPENING 28 FASHION FOR COMPASSION 32 MAYBERRY MEMORIAL 34 EASTER BUNNY AT BELVEDERE 36 DISCOUNT NATION 40 MARDI GRAS 42 THE TODDLER CHRONICLES 44 WOMEN ON THEIR TOES 48 BUSINESS PROFILES 51 NEWS FROM TEXARTS 52 SING ALONGS’ ROARING TWENTIES 54 BOOK REVIEWS 56 DANCE INSTITUTE PRODUCES GRAND CHAMPIONS Waterways Magazine 604 Peterson Lane; Lakeway, TX 78734 [email protected] www.waterwaysmagazine.com EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Cathie Parssinen 512.785.6313 DESIGNER: Sheila Parr [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL: Linda Holland, Keija Parssinen, Selena Rosanbalm PHOTOGRAPHY: Brandi Nellis, Andy Sams, Darci Siiteri, Paolo Valente BLOG: www.theflyingchalupa.com 16 40 Summer 2011 28 34 ABOUT THE COVER Cover Model Holly Mills Gardner photographed by Brandi Nellis at The Reserve at Lake Travis. Read more about the cover on page 10. 56 52 Tommy Cain Peggy Duran Tom Childers Stephanie Forkel 1921 Lohmans Crossing Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78734 266-7557 - [email protected] - LaHaPro.com Commercial, Residential and Farm & Ranch Real Estate Services To View All Listings Visit: LaHaPro.com New Listings on Lake Austin The Hill Country Galleria Townhomes LakehurstLoop.com Lakehurst Loop HillCountryGalleriaTownhomes.com Starting at $295,000 407LagoVerde.com 2007 Big Horn Dr. QR CODE Each Offce Is Independently Owned & Operated. Beautiful high end three story homes to be built at The Galleria. Experience downtown living lifestyle and have the whole enchilada. Walk to the theater or one of the many restaurants, art galleries, sporting centers, clothing and jewelry stores. Downtown conveniences in the hill country! Pristine 12.5 acre development, with spectacular panoramic, lake and hill country vistas. Just minutes from Lakeway/Rough Hollow. Platted, ready to build, with paved county road frontage. We are offering 7 individual lot sales. Buy all or part. 1.5+ Acre Lots Starting at $150.000! 10 Waterways | Summer 2011 A S A “MAGAZINE JUNKIE” who reads a shameful number of mag- azines, I was inspired to create a dramatic, fashion cover set on Lake Travis for this issue. We certainly have all the ingredients to make it hap- pen. Beautiful women? Check. Landscapes of natural beauty? Check. A great photographer? Check. My goal was to find the people and the resources to help bring the enduring image on this cover to life. I didn’t have to look too far. Here is the story of the people whose energies were harnessed to produce this special cover. THE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN Cover model Holly Mills Gardner is a 7th generation Texan, a graduate of Texas State University and a Lake Travis resident. She is a former Miss Texas USA, and she is a sought-after TV personality, film star, model and an active participant in charity events. She appeared in “Miss Congeniality” and CBS’s “Nash Bridges,” and was host and associate producer for two years on ABC’s regional home and design show, “Designing Texas.” Multiple appearances on the “E!”Channel, ESPN, Versus and TNN and in commercials, music videos and TV hosting roles supplement her work for nonprofits. In 2009 alone, Holly helped to raise more than $2 million for Texas charities. She is married to Mike Gardner, and their two little boys, six-year old Hudson and four-year old Cullen, keep her “off-camera” life busy and happy. Gown by St. Thomas at The Domain www.stthomasdomain.com Hair (color and style) by Lush Salon www.lushsalonaustin.com Makeup by Laura Vojtko, Freelance Makeup Artist [email protected] Jewelry by Kendra Scott THE STUNNING SETTING Selecting the perfect spot for this shoot, from among the hundreds of enchanting, waterfront views of Lake Travis, was simplified by the dramatic, uncluttered vista offered by the magnificent lazy river pool at The Reserve at Lake Travis, where the waters of pool and lake merge through an almost seamless boundary. It provided the perfect backdrop to allow cover model Holly Mills Gardner to assume center stage. The entire pool, complete with giant waterslide, swim up bar and private cabanas, is pictured here in greater detail. Memberships in the Cypress Club at The Reserve at Lake Travis offer access not only to this luxurious pool but also to the equestrian center and the Lodge. THE GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER I spent a full day browsing websites of Austin photographers until I found Brandi Nellis of Brandi Nellis Photography LLC. I poured through her galleries of photos. I looked at her blog. I read her personal “bio.” And I was struck by that ineffable something that exposed an irrepress- ible spirit of creativity and love of life, something that propels someone beyond the technical skills of craft into a curious exploration of the hidden meanings of human transactions. And great photography is nothing more than the art of captur- ing those meanings and those transactions. Brandi came to Austin from Missouri. She grew up in a small town there and attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. She is a wife, a football mom, a Karaoke superstar, a cat person and is a passionate beach lover, and she is especially crazy about the beaches of the Caribbean. She gets charged up by bold, bright colors. “I believe life is too short to live in a world of neutrals.” Brandi will be bringing her bold, bright visions to life on future Waterways covers. This cover is her Waterways debut! About the Cover STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Apparel : Jewelry : Shoes 2127 Lohmans Crossing Road, Suite 301, Lakeway www.adornaustin.com 5975 Hiline Road • Austin, Texas 78734 512 266 3493 • eriksenmarine.com BUY YOUR BOAT FROM THE POWERBOAT EXPERTS Full Service Yard with 50 ton and 24 ton Travelifts See our Huge Inventory of Clean, Used Boats & Yachts at www.eriksenmarine.com! 12 Waterways | Summer 2011 T HE LAKEWAY Associates of the Seton Development Board held its 2011 Seton Gala at the home of Nick and Judy Renneker, who graciously opened their doors to support this annual fundraiser that benefits Seton Shoal Creek Hospital. Serving the Austin area for more than 30 years, Seton Shoal Creek offers a wide spectrum of mental health and substance abuse services to children, adolescents and adults on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Funds raised at this event are dedicated to special proj- ects and equipment purchases. Gala Co-Chairs Sharon January and Kim Nearburg selected Mandola’s Italian Market to provide catering for the event. With Lake Travis as a backdrop, couples danced under a mile high roof of stars to the music of Bahama Billy. Attendance was up from last year’s event, and Treasurer Sharon Rogers expects the Board will be able to present Seton Shoal Creek with a check for $30,000+. Splendor on the Waterfront STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Gala Co-Chairs Sharon January, Kim Nearburg Charlie and Cherie Harris Doug and Beverly Reid Annette Brown, Janet Eaddy, Charles Edwards, Winston Eaddy, Tom Broyles Catering by Mandola’s Italian Market Jaynee Lancaster, Will and Pat Smith Nick, Kim, Judy and Bob Renneker New clients enjoy $75 off Pravana Smoothing System • 30% off all Hair Services • $20 off facial By appointment only • Discounts Valid with Dolores and Trish Only Dolores Wheele Master Color & Hair Artist 512-627-2785 Trish Crandall Professional Skin & Nail care 512-627-5972 Call us for your hair, skin & nail services! Pravana Smoothing (Formaldehyde Free) • Custom Hair Color & Cuts Microdermabrasion • Facials • Waxing • Peels • Manicures • Pedicures Allure Salon 1310 RR 620 S Ste.A-9, Lakeway Bermuda? Want to get away to 809 Bermuda 901 Bermuda 809 Bermuda Total remodel, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool and spa, classic beauty 901 Bermuda 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, flexible floorplan, recently upgraded 2006 model Bertina Schreiber REALTOR® Moreland Proper ties 512.796.5740 direct ber [email protected] www.moreland.com Resort living is closer than you think, right here in Lakeway. Please call me for more information on these beautiful properties. ® ® 14 Waterways | Summer 2011 Dee Ann Farrell, Thurman Lauret, Donna Kumar, Dotty Stevenson, Jon Parssinen, Nancy Clayton Margaret Kilgo, Glenda Foreman, Linda DeOme, Nick Renneker, Dave DeOme Gretchen Nearburg, Gil Boyd John Blackburn, Judy Renneker, Virgil and Beverly Gould Patsy Brister, Annette Brown Jack Barnes, Ron Cowles, Jimmy Nees Brad and Elizabeth Futch, Kim and Mark Nearburg Board President, Cindy Kotrady, Don Kotrady Karen Knaus, Ann Neighbors FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.LukesWings.org www.ClassicConcertProductions.com/bab www.huey091foundation.org OR CALL: Diane Jackson (512) 266-6290 LaNell Edwards (512) 261-3338 Dottie Stevenson (512) 266-6460 Starring Steve Amerson and Laurie Gayle Stephenson Wednesday, June 8 Emmaus Catholic Church 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. THE PATRIOT FUND & FRIENDS PRESENT “BROADWAY AND BEYOND” A Free Concert Luke’s Wings is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that provides travel planning and complimentary airline tickets to wounded warriors and the families of wounded warriors currently recovering at military hospitals all over the country. DONATION LEVELS Over the Radar $1500 Flying High $1000 In the Clouds $500 Takes Flight $250 VIP RECEPTION Wine, beer and dinner will follow immediately after the concert at the parish life center Cost is $75 per person. Tickets for the VIP Reception must be purchased in advance. Tere will be no ticket sales at the door. Please send your payment to: PATRIOT FUND 107 Lakeway Hills Cove Lakeway, Texas 78734 Donations Accepted to Benefit 16 Waterways | Summer 2011 T HE MOOD at this year’s major LTEF fundraiser was electric, with a crowd that seemed to be on fire, eager to bid - and bid high - on the many live auction items offered by generous donors. That fact was immediately apparent when the first auction item (dinners for 10 kids with the high school varsity football team before home games) sold for well over the breathtaking amount of $9,000. (The lucky winners of the furious bidding war were Margaret and Ray Kilgo.) Similarly, the focus of a “Raise the Paddle” bidding event, following the Live Auction, raised over $25,000 to support the SMART Board Technology Fund. SMART Board Technology allows teachers to bring more collaboration and interactivity into the classroom and, because the products are easy to use, teachers can quickly incorporate them into their teaching to transform learning and increase student engagement. The Lake Travis Education Foundation’s 2011 Mardi Gras Gala STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN & ANDY SAMS Joy and Dickie Tillman Heidi Minyen, Lindsay and Chase Kelly, Angela and Jason Buddin Katherine and Rocky Kirk, LTISD Superintendent of Schools Drs. Steve and Angie Hernandez, Leilani and Joe Connors Carolyn Murphy, Haythem Dawlett, Kelly Christianson LTEF President Tracy Henry, Margaret Kilgo Melissa Nagel, Stephen and Paige Ryan 12989 Research Blvd/US 183 N -North of McNeil Road I johneagleeuropean.com I 512.401.BOND SELECT YOURS AT THE WORLD’S NEWEST AND EQUALLY OPULENT ROLLS-ROYCE DEALERSHIP. THE MASTERPIECE THAT SAYS “I’VE ARRIVED” IS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE TEST DRIVES... Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Austin BENTLEY AUSTI N 12989 Research Blvd/US 183 N -North of McNeil Road I johneagleeuropean.com I 512.401.BOND JEEuropean WWays Summer 11F.indd 1 4/22/11 11:11:28 AM 18 Waterways | Summer 2011 All this presented a very welcome development for the Foundation, representing a dramatic turn around to the anemic revenues generated by last year’s event. According Paula Baczewski, LTEF’s Executive Director, “Total Gala proceeds were over $200,000. This represents almost a 60% increase over last year, and we hope it indicates an upward trend that will continue into the future. With the current state of school financing, our schools need our support now more than ever.” Public education is Texas, as in many other states, is certainly under the gun. All eyes are fixed on the current Texas legislative session, as Texans anxiously await the outcome of debate over a pretty disastrous House bill and one from the Senate that is not much better. For all the outstanding work the Lake Travis Education Foundation does to raise money to support District schools and students, their efforts cannot make up shortfalls in public funding. Stay tuned. Next year’s LTEF Gala will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Renaissance Austin. This year’s Gala sold out four months in advance, so be prepared to order your tickets early! Shelly Capps, Lisa Medina, Chandra Aoueillé Mike and Diane Jackson, Nancy Clayton, Margaret Kilgo, Dee Ann Farrell, Linda and Dave DeOme Mike and Holly Gardner, Sandra Fulks, Page Ballard, Krista Hester, Jim Ballard, Megan Smith, Scott Hester Dr. Danielle Grant, Creed Ford IV, Stephanie Evans Amy and Tim Hendon Lauren and Jonathan Creath Johnnie Sklar, Kat Fernandez Dr. Ryan Smith Learning Center and Childcare The Cotton Cupboard Studio Nail OAK GROVE P LAZA 1503 R R 620 N Get Your Groove on at the Grove! A boutique retail environment offering goods and services that compliment the Hill Country lifestyle! COME J OI N US ! 20 Waterways | Summer 2011 Ryan Mattingly, Amber Hart, Jana and Brian Birdwell Kristin and Tony Holt Jason and Linnann Guest Sabine and CT Hauptmeier, Cody Stringer, Davina Anglie Maria and Jack Harrigton Peter and Tammy Caciola, Jana and Kimmo Babinski Shiloh Newman, Lindsay Hayes, Monique Threadgill, Jenny Newman Regina and Vince Cotroneo Sandra and Brad Fulks Misty and Rob Estrada Phillip and Cris Jalufka James Starrs signs winning bid for the Liquid Dreams Custom Pool’s Outdoor Kitchen We will beat any legitimate pool company’s written offer by $500 & you will receive a Free Outdoor Kitchen complete with a 4 burner gas grill & refrigerator with your pool purchase! (Limited time offer, so call now to get yours!) Contact Patt Daugherty for a quote today: 512-627-4942 [email protected] www.LiquidDreamsPools.com 512-266-5666 Open 7 Days a Week 1501 Ranch Road 620 North, Lakeway, TX 78734 Shop Us Online! www.faradayskitchenstore.com Everything to Cool Down Your Summer! The Fabulous SodaStream! Hot & Cold Tervis Tumblers El Paso Margarita Mix—YUM! Zoku 7 minute popsicles! Sarah Phillips, Haythem Dawlett, Jim Phillips Todd and Nina Grossman Paul and Jeanne Beavers BRING IT ON! “Bubba” Breazeale E.H. E.H. “Bubba” Breazeale, Realtor ® (512) 517-4247 • Toll Free 800-252-9606 [email protected] • www.lakewaytexas.com EXPERIENCE DOES COUNT! Selling Lake Travis Area Residential and Commercial Real Estate since 1976 Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., #1430 Adjacent to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin 512-474-7575 12225 Bee Caves Road Bee Cave 512-263-7455 608 Gateway Central Ste 201 Marble Falls 830-693-7044 www.hcpdkid.com Hill Country Pediatric Dentistry, PA Steve Hernandez, D.D.S. & Angie Hernandez, D.D.S. • Specialists in Pediatric Dentistry OPENING A NEW OFFICE TO SERVE AUSTIN PATIENTS State-of-the-art Digital Radiography Hospital dentistry • Conscious sedation Special needs patients • Laser dentistry Interceptive orthodontics Accepting most insurance 24 Waterways | Summer 2011 J OHN EAGLE European recently added Rolls Royce to its luxury line of the legendary nameplates sequestered at their dealership on Research Boulevard. The grand opening of Rolls Royce Austin coincided with the Rolls Royce Owners’ Club Spring National Board meeting at the end of March. Owners from all over the country “rolled” into Austin where they assembled a collection that ranged from vintage (a 1919 and a 1924 Silver Ghost made their appearance) to contemporary. Owners held a food drive at Camp Mabry that benefitted the Austin Food Bank, and they were also on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Roll Royce Austin. Rolls Royce now joins Bentley, Aston Martin and Lotus among the rare offerings car buffs can find at John Eagle European. Ann Butler and her two sons Ron and Ed had a special interest in the opening. Ann’s husband, Roy Butler, owned a Rolls Royce dealership in Austin between 1970 and 1976. It was located at 6th and Lamar, where the old Rolls Royce Austin STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Nick and Lani Arguello, Matt Porter, Erin Kahn, Jeffrey and Janet Kahn, Neil Kahn Lynne Cheng Kevin Brown Mary and Steve Sawin Sharon and Michael Craig Ali and Adriana Bonakchi Ann Butler John Eagle, Sonny Morgan 1924 Silver Ghost Lindsay Morrison, Gabi Godino, Christine Amaral, Dani Godino (Victoria Beer) • High gloss epoxy floors • Showroom finish • Unparalleled protection • Many designs • Wipe away oil • Spray away dirt • Durable for 15+ years • Warranty included For the man who has everything. (512) 636-3766 • [email protected] • www.TexasToughTops.com 26 Waterways | Summer 2011 Whole Foods Market used to be. Roy ultimately sold the dealership to purchase the Coors dis- tributorship in the Austin area. Ann has owned a number of Rolls’ over the years and has a fine appreciation for the brand. Rolls Royce Austin’s first customer was none other than George Strait. Dealer Principal T.L. “Sonny” Morgan and John Eagle are confident other buyers with a discriminating taste for fine metals and the ultimate luxurious experience behind the wheel will follow. According to Mark Sprague, Director of Business Development for Mission Mortgage, seven billionaires and over 1,100 families with incomes worth 100 million or more own homes in a five county area around Austin. This is a promising demographic fact for the future of Rolls Royce Austin. Trey Aiken, Tracy Zbranek, Robert Collins, Tiffany Zbranek Don and Damaris Knobler Jamie Canes, Auston Curry Larry and Conchita Stringfield Bill and Bonnie Thompson Amor Forwood, Julie Siegele, Suzie Forwood, Stephen Siegele Mackenzy Mouton, Peyton Lumpkin Richard Wood MENTION THIS AD FOR $25 off any service–first time customers $5 off Oil Change • $10 Off Each Tire Purchase NOW SERVING LAKEWAY/BEE CAVE (Hwy 71 @ Hamilton Pool Rd) COMPLETE REPAIR & SERVICE FOR YOUR CAR AND TRUCK FOREIGN, DOMESTIC, DIESEL & EURO Dealer Quality Work Minus the Dealer Price Second location in Austin! Free Shuttle Service www.mcspaddenautomotive.com Certified Technicians WE STOCK OVER 500 TIRES Michelin, Goodyear Yokohamas & more WWW.AUSTINBOATS.COM 1208 R.R. 620 SOUTH • LAKEWAY, TX 78734 • PH: 263-2811 • FX: 263-9352 FOLLOW US WATCH US Supporting Environmental Innovations in Boating By the Lake, Where You Need Us Since 1974! F ACING DEEP cuts to government assistance for programs and services to the needy across the board, many non-profits turn, now more than ever, to the private sector to try to make up the shortfall. In an attempt to diversify fundraising efforts, organizations like The Austin Children’s Shelter supplement the annual gala with a growing schedule of smaller events that take place continuously throughout the year. The ACS’s annual “Fashion for Compassion” has been held for several years at Neiman Marcus at the Domain. This year, Saks Fifth Avenue hosted the event, generously donating 10% from all sales during the evening to the Austin Children’s Shelter. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they strolled through the store, visiting and shopping prior to the program. Community volunteers, fundraisers and benefactors took to the runway to wow assembled friends and supporters. Many generous individuals and organizations donated a series of items for the live auction, including a one week getaway for eight people to an estate home in Blue Waters, Antigua, offered by owners Amy and Fashion for Compassion at Saks STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN AND DARCI SIITERI Mike Gardner, Holly Mills Gardner John Patterson, Andrea Valko Amber Marie Collins, Miss New York 2011 Joe Ross Gigi Bryant Sara Hickman, encouraged by Austin Police Chief and auctioneer Art Acevado, put the pressure on John Patterson to bid on her private party! Rebecca Hardeman, Bridget Ramey Beth Stabile Jason and Chelsea Gray Blake, Blair (Miss Teen Austin) and Charlie Printy Creating lasting impressions one event at a time Amazing Events including Breathtaking Weddings! 512.478.7975 www.victoriahentrich.com Serving Lake Travis Photo by Jennifer Lindberg hair skin waxing make up threading retail therapy brazilian blowout In the Liberty Center at 107 RR 620 South, Suite 101 Lakeway, TX 78734 | 512.266.9936 www.luxeboutiquesalon.com style • sophistication • class $10 00 of 1 hour facial $5 00 of waxing or threading must bring ad in to be valid new clients only men women children Hair and make up by Mitch, Nina, Kathryn, and Cari Flintrock Falls - from the mid $300s Guard Gated, Jack Nicklaus Golf Course Affordable Luxury Homes www.BuyFlintrockFalls.com Flintrock Falls & Vistas at Lakeway Vistas At Lakeway - from the mid $200s View Condos in the Heart of Lakeway Pool, Gym, Low Maintenance & Tax Rate Exemplary LTISD & Lakeway Regional Medical Center www.VistasAtLakeway.com Professionally Marketed by Kenn Renner, Broker/Author/Speaker Keller Williams Lake Travis (512) 423-5626 call/text www.BuyAustin.com Prominence Homes 30 Waterways | Summer 2011 Stephen Sidaras. After bidding was concluded for the stay, owners Amy and Stephen spontaneously offered two more chances to bid on their villa. Each offer was sold, significantly increasing revenues for the Shelter. Auctioneer, Chief Art Acevado, kept the commentary lively…at one point gamely offering himself up to be tazed for $2000. “On second thought,” he suggested, “for $2,500, I’ll let you taze Sheriff Greg Hamilton!” No comment from the illustrious Sheriff! According to Julia Burch, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Shelter, the event netted $115,000, a most welcome contribution to the Austin Children’s Shelter’s ongoing healing work with children and young adults who have experienced abuse and neglect. Mort Topfer, John Byram Bill McClellan, ACS CEO Kelly White Stephen and Amy Sidaras Elizabeth and Sean Busch, Ryan Hagenbuch Adam, Ronda and Kelly Gray Teresa Cain, Jannis Baldwin, Elaine Coffman Dick and Sara Rathgeber Police Chief Art Acevado, Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton Emily Moreland, Matt and April Womack, Mary Waleutt Jason and Lisa Parrish Dr. John Hogg Bobbi Topfer T HE MAYBERRY Memorial held its 5th Annual fundraiser at the Lakeway Resort and Spa with a tribute to the “Fabulous 50’s.” Diane Judah Mayberry continues her relentless vendetta against the disease that robbed her of her soul mate, Bob Mayberry, a non-smoker. While lung cancer is the second largest cause of death in the U.S. (second only to heart disease), lung cancer research is woefully under- funded. For Diane, the Mayberry Memorial offers a vehicle to help change that. All funds raised benefit lung cancer research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the pioneer- ing work of Dr. Edward Kim and his team on tumor biomarker analysis. These analyses, based on the specific characteristics of the tissue biomarker profiles for each patient, determine which clinical trials will offer the best benefit. The Mayberry Memorial unveiled the establish- ment of an annual college scholarship to a deserv- ing high school senior. Applicants are judged on an essay they submit about the experience of living with a family member who has lung cancer or who has died from lung cancer. Pam Mayberry Solly awarded the first scholarship to Teresa Anderson, whose father John is battling lung cancer. Teresa will attend A&M University in the fall. Mayberry Memorial STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Steve and Lee Nagel, Avery and Hank O’Neill Larry and Mary K Oglesby Kate and Paul Steece, Rod Harrell, Debra Cleburne Hal and Kathy Lanham Ray Kilgo, Diane Judah Mayberry, Margaret Kilgo Cindy and Mike Maroney Diane Judah Mayberry, Pam Mayberry Solly, Teresa, Molly and John Anderson Vanessa Baker Auctioneer Gayle Stallings Sharon and Mike Hatch, Sue Collyer Potter Charles Webb, Catherine Berry 14360 Falconhead Blvd. #110 Austin, TX 78738 512.263.4606 Check us out at www.lushsalonaustin.com COLOR AND STYLE FOR COVER MODEL HOLLY MILLS GARDNER BY LUSH SALON Named among the Top 200 Salons in the U.S. by Salon Today! 34 Waterways | Summer 2011 T HE BELVEDERE Homeowners’ Association hatched an Easter Egg Hunt for neighborhood children in the meadow near the Amenity Center. The attending cast of characters included an appearance by the Easter Bunny and Miss Jelly Bean, who created colorful balloon animals for the little ones. Children were thrilled by the chance to get up close and personal with an adorable collection of small animals, including hedgehogs, guinea pigs, calico fuzzy lops, baby Dutch rabbits, chinchillas, Himalayan lops and baby Serama chicks in a special petting zoo. Dozens of children gathered hundreds of eggs, hoping to find the “lucky egg.” Cotton candy and a selection of fruits, cookies and cakes were served. Saula Valente organized the happy event for the neighborhood. Easter Bunny at Belvedere STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN AND PAOLO VALENTE Prize winner Sophia De Santis Miss Jelly Bean, Will Toschik Lindsay McGarrahan with Lucy, Campbell Guess and the Easter Bunny!, Elizabeth Guess The Valente family: Camilla, Paolo, Saula, Giacomo and Leonardo Hank Birdwell with the Easter Bunny Olivia Toschik Roshan Gupta Snowbell and Veronica Palmer Fiji’s Finest Natural Mineral Water Now available in local stores and for home delivery 512.574.9540 • info@aquaqpacificusa.net www.aquapacificusa.net 4515 Hudson Bend Road, Austin 78734 Distributed by Natural Resource Distributors, Inc. For free shipment on home delivery use Promo Code: Waterways5111 “Taste Paradise!” A perfect combination of mineral content, pH balance, taste and texture 512-784-8600 jana@janabi rdwel l . com www. janabi rdwel l . com I sell the finest homes, right here in Austin. Think globally, Buy Locally. 18200 Flagler 7825 Lynchburg BELVEDERE S O L D S O L D S O L D Centrally located in Lakeway 1007 RR 620 S., Ste. 201, Austin, TX 78734 (Office) 512-263-2993 Board Certified Specialist in Orthodontics for children, teens and adults www.LakewayOrthodontics.com • Complimentary Initial Appointments • Clear Braces & Invisalign • Digital X-Rays • File all insurance for our patients Jeff Dykes DDS, MS 36 Waterways | Summer 2011 Discount Nation STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN S O WHAT’S UP with recent mention of Jeffrey’s Bar and Restaurant and Hudson’s on the Bend in The New York Times? It wasn’t a question of celebrity chefs or exotic menu offerings that propelled these two high-end, iconic Austin restaurants into the focus of national news. What sparked notice was their remarkable entry into the social coupon marketplace with summer buys of Groupon promotions. Think back for a moment to the scene in the film Gigi when Aunt Alicia asks Gigi to identify the gems in her priceless jewelry collection. Alicia holds up a ring with a yellow stone, and Gigi ventures a guess…topaz? To which Aunt Alicia draws herself up in self-righteous indignation and says, “A TOPAZ??!! Not among my jewels!” (It was a yellow diamond.) The response to the Groupon buys by Jeffrey’s and Hudson’s on the Bend prompted the same kind of shocked reaction among customers and many business analysts about the unprecedented fact that two restaurants, with significant brands to protect, would resort to the steep discounts of Groupon. Those reactions joined the frenzied debate over the merits of Groupon and other social coupons that are playing out in an intense conversation primarily among small business owners and, to a lesser extent, among consumers across all media forums, including The New York Times. MP Mueller is President of Door Number Three, a boutique marketing firm in Austin that assists small businesses. In her Times article about Groupon and small businesses, she interviewed Jeffrey’s owner, Ron Weiss about his experience with his Groupon buy. Weiss and his wife Peggy have owned Jeffrey’s for 35 years and, with the exception of happy hour specials for food at the bar, have never discounted. Weiss told Mueller that Jeffrey’s sales had declined over the past two years and that he decided to run the Groupon promo- tion as a means of counteracting a slow August, when many of his regular customers leave town on vacation. The discount offered a $75 tab for $35. 3,000 Groupon customers bought the deal, good for three months. Assuming that each purchaser would bring a com- panion, Jeffrey’s (which seats 130) faced the daunting prospect of servicing 6,000 Groupon customers, in addition to its regular customers, within 90 days. The fact that many Groupon purchasers wait until the last minute to redeem their coupons simply added to the challenge. In an email response to the Times story, K. McClung, Jeffrey’s General Manager, noted that, with less than three weeks remaining before the expiration date, over half the 3,000 coupons had not yet been redeemed. McClung acknowledged that the over- whelming crush at the end made it impossible to deliver the full “authentic Jeffrey’s experience.” In fact, Jeffrey’s had to extend the redemption date in order to honor their commitment to Groupon customers. However McClung was happy with the guests Groupon brought, noting that most spent more than the coupon and tipped appropriately. Owner Ron Weiss summed up the financial impact as a break even venture, perhaps with Jeffrey’s coming out with a little extra. He added that he hopes that, with the emerging economic rebound, he won’t have to try discounting again. Two-year old Groupon, the current darling of recent internet startups, boasts 60 million subscribers (and, according to Slate, aims for 150 million by the end of 2011), annual revenues of $760 million, making it the fastest growing web company ever, and $1 billion in venture capital. In December 2010, Groupon declined a $6 billion takeover offer from Google. TechCrunch, a group-edited blog about technology startups in the web sector, reported expecta- tions for Groupon to raise annual revenues to a figure between $3 and $4 billion through worldwide operations in 2011 and projected gross revenues for the group buying industry in the U.S. to grow its gross revenues by 138% from $1.1 billion in 2010 to $2.7 billion this year. The Groupon business concept is simple. Participating businesses offer severe discounts (50-85%) on their products or services 38 Waterways | Summer 2011 which Groupon blasts via social media to its enormous customer base. A certain number of buyers are needed to trigger each deal. For its trouble, Groupon takes 50% of the discounted price for each sale. After the first trial, businesses may negotiate with Groupon on the percentage split for subsequent Groupon buys. Groupon also charges its merchants the full cost of credit card expenses for all sales. Groupon’s success has spawned dozens of imitators at both the national and local level, each of them eager to replicate Groupon’s profit formula. In addition, heavyweights like Groupon and Living Social, the daily deal aggregator Local Offer Network tracked 90,000 deals across 322 buying sites since January 2010 and found an additional 117 new sites in the first quarter of 2011. LAKE TRAVIS DISCOUNT DEAL SITES Two of these new companies, FreeBeeDeals and HomeBoyDeals, are based in Lakeway. Both groups hope to reach out to local nonprofits with offers to contribute to fundraising efforts, in return for assistance building subscribers for the sites. In her article, “The Groupon Paradox: How its coupon business could eventually cripple the merchants that rely on it” (Slate, March 23, 2011), Esther Dyson noted that the same privacy issues that have dominated online business have been absent in the “Groupon world” that “appeals to the consumers’ lust for deals and discounts.” Most consumers “opt-in” to Groupon, so the issue of privacy has essentially become a non- factor. It is uncertain whether the goal of generating new revenue streams to support their good works will inspire local nonprofits to provide lists of email addresses of their members and donors to these local deal sites. The Lake Travis Education Foundation follows a strict privacy policy and does not share any information obtained from members or donors, but perhaps other groups will be more receptive to sharing information or, alternatively, to promoting the sites to its members who can then contact the sites on their own, if interested. FreeBeeDeals, owned by Steve Sawin, will offer consumers a wide range of discounts from local businesses in many categories. CEO of HomeBoyDeals, Scott Robinson notes that HomeBoyDeals will have a “hyper-local” perspective and a more exclusive focus that will concentrate its daily deal discounts on home products and services for homeowners, a category that is underserved by other group buying sites. There is no question that Groupon, combining a muscular subscriber base and steep discounts, delivers customers. However, differing perspec- tives and a number of variable calculations come into play for each business that determines both the short and long terms impacts and benefits for small business. Mueller and many other analysts believe businesses need to look at social coupons as a marketing effort designed to expose the business to new customers and not as a profit center. The 50% taken by Groupon off the already steeply discounted price needs to be viewed as an advertising cost. Her caution to businesses is to “run your numbers internally” to be sure your business can afford this advertising expense. According to Mueller (and many other analysts), “Social coupons work best for businesses with empty seats or inventory that would otherwise go unfilled.” The Austin Lyric Opera and the Round Rock Express have both used social coupons to fill empty seats. These are organizations that benefit from economies of scale. Personal services, however, do not benefit from economies of scale. You can only do one facial or one hair cut at a time. Businesses hope the advertising they run through these social coupon promotions will give them the opportunity to convert new customers into repeat customers who return, in theory, at full price. The repeated com- plaint about the majority of social coupon customers is that they come for the deal and then leave for deals offered by others. Jay Goltz, another business editor from The New York Times Business Section, estimates that as many as 90% of Groupon customers will not return, no matter how good the service or experience. Nevertheless, the remaining 10% of customers, receptive to the efforts of a staff well-trained in conversion strategies, is a valuable asset, if the business can afford the experiment. Both Esther Dyson of Slate and Randy Mark, CEO of Mind Body Partnerships (a lead generation and conversion program for San Diego’s health, beauty and wellness practitioners) came to similar conclusions. Dyson compares what is happening with social coupons to what happened years ago to the airline business in the U.S. Online aggregators Expedia and Travelocity opened the market. The leading airlines, in an effort to maintain control over the distribution of their services to customers, responded with the establish- ment of Orbitz. Orbitz became a monster in its own right, too powerful for the airlines to control, and now American Airlines is battling it out with Orbitz over control of its own customers. As Dyson notes, “Airline tickets are hard to sell on any basis other than price. Thanks to Groupon, merchants may face a similar, but perhaps even more damaging, fate. Prices are likely to erode as consumers come to expect deals. They will wait for sales to buy, and merchants will find themselves competing ever more fiercely. Meanwhile, merchants’ brand power will be eroded, as consumers look to Groupon (as they do to Orbitz) rather than to the merchants themselves, for the best deals.” Randy Mark, in a Spring 2011 White Paper, points out that social coupon sites conduct a sale of merchant services at liquidation prices. Customers are delighted and simply move on the next merchant willing to make the same “Faustian” bargain. “The insidious problem is that as they (social coupon deals) engage more and more health, beauty and wellness practitioners in a ‘race to the bottom,’ the 50-85% discount is debasing pricing norms in the mind of the consumer.” Dyson, however, believes that the impact of the Groupon sales force is educating thousands of merchants about how to incorporate the effective use of e-mail marketing and coupons and that, in the long run, these businesses will figure out how to do this for themselves. “Merchants may well use intermediaries to reach consumers, but they are unlikely to hand over such a huge share of the revenues.” By simply offering their new Groupon customers an independent deal providing the exact same discount they received from their Groupon buy, every merchant could immediately elimi- nate the 50% fee charged by Groupon (or other social coupon sites). In fact, Groupon does not disclose its rate of repeat sellers. Groupon president, Ron Soloman claims 95% of merchants work with the company again. However, Utpal Dholakia, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, published a research report based on interviews with 150 businesses in 19 cities and 13 product categories that ran Groupon promotions between June 2009 and August 2010. Of those interviewed, 42% said they would not run another Groupon. Remember that Ron Weiss of Jeffrey’s said that, with the improving economy, he hopes he won’t have to try discounting again. Many of the local merchants I have interviewed have said that they might consider a Groupon for slow periods like August when so many of their regular customers abandon Austin on vacations to cooler climates. Merchants are becoming savvier in controlling Groupon purchases: requiring reservations, capping numbers of purchasers to limit the effects of an uncontrollable surge, limiting purchases to new customers or, in the beauty industry, limiting the offer to new staff trying to build a client list. And, in slow periods, the revenue bump can be a welcome respite. An online ad for Groupon says, “Groupon! It’s like doing Austin at 90% off!”…a prospect that may delight any consumer but that causes a shudder of dread in the heart of any merchant who hopes to receive fair value for services provided in the long term. Create a resort in your own backyard. www.handhtileandplaster.com Pool Remodels | Arbors | Patios | Concrete Decks | Pebble Finishes | Quartz Plaster | Stone Work | Waterfalls Retainer Walls | Covered Patios | Concrete Work | Outdoor Kitchens | Lifetime Warranties Available | FREE Estimates 512.264.1979 MEMBER 40 Waterways | Summer 2011 G LENDA FOREMAN AND Pat Doucet graduated in 1951 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, and the rituals of Mardi Gras have always assumed an important role in their histories. This special Mardi Gras celebration, now an annual Lakeway event, took root when Glenda and Pat decided to recreate the traditions of their past by throwing a Mardi Gras party for their many friends. They chose the Alligator Grill in South Austin (then owned by Glenda’s son Doug) to host the first party in 2003. In subsequent years they asked other friends to join them as hostesses, and the party invitation list has grown as well. Guests were spoiled with étoufée and pecan pies and with the infectious music of the Charles Thibodeaux Zydeco Band whose hi-tempo tunes inspired hours dancing by the packed house of revel- ers who truly “Let the Good Times Roll”. Joann Anderson, Nancy Bain, Ernie Clay, Pat Doucet, Glenda Foreman, Barbara Helmueller, Karen Knaus, Martha Kubala, Ann Neighbors and Pat Smith hosted this year’s party at the Lakeway Activity Center. Mardi Gras STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Martha Kubala, Anita Fisher, Carol Roettinger, Melanie Morrison, Gigi McKeever, Ernie Clay, Joann Anderson, Pat Smith Martha Kubala, Marie Drury Jackie Lloyd, Carol Mitchum, Jan Collier Gretchen Nearburg, Dottie Stevenson Zoe Burns, San Dufaud Dala Campbell, Adriana Tiller Betsy Smith, Pat Smith, Nancy Bain, Ernie Clay Charles Thibodeaux Zydeco Band Glenda Foreman, Peggy Boyd [email protected] • 512 263-1795 • www.achievempt.com 1310 Ranch Road 620 South Suite B-10 Lakeway, TX 78734 Lakeway Plaza – by Ciola’s Restaurant • Neck, Back and SIJ pain • Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot Injuries • Tendonitis, Bursitis, Arthritis • Post Motor Vehicle Accidents • Pre and Post Surgical Conditions • Chronic Joint & Muscle Pain • Headaches • Movement System Impairments • Sports Injuries • Muscle Imbalances Leilani M. Connors, PT FAAOMPT Director PHYSICAL THERAPY – LAKEWAY • Quality New Home Construction by Carter Bruce LLC • Quiet Street in Apache Shores • Close to Park, Boat Ramp & Day Docks • Oversized Garages, Perfect for Boats & Boating Equipment! • Granite Countertops, Stainless Appliances, Modern Open Floorplans • Acclaimed Lake Travis Schools! Buy Now and Personalize Your New Home! 2903 Chisholm Trail Single story, 2127 SF, ($275,000) 2905 Chisholm Trail 2 story, 2364 SF, Upstairs Lakeviews! ($300,000) Charlotte Brigham, MBA Austin Luxury Specialist (512) 423-5707 [email protected] CharlotteBrigham.com Live the Hill Country, Lake Lifestyle! YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR PAMPERING NEEDS! Corner of 620 & Lakeway Blvd. 512.263.7611 www.spaatthelake.com Open 7 days a week! • FACIALS • COUPLES MASSAGE • BODY TREATMENTS •LASH EXTENSIONS • MANICURES & PEDICURES • FULL-SERVICE KÉRASTASE HAIR SALON 42 Waterways | Summer 2011 I KNOW WHAT I want this year. And I’m appealing directly to the First Star on the Right and the laws of Scratch ‘N Play Lotto. With a strong appeal to Hillary Clinton. For my village. Because I’m village-less. My son is being raised WITHOUT A GODDAMN VILLAGE and it is criminal. There are no federally funded programs to support the village-less. There are no caffeine stamps to get us through the day. There is no St. Vincent de Village-less, bringing a free hour of childcare for the needy. No. We are alone. Without family, either immediate, extended, or even post-holiday belly dis- tended. We are small-business owners operat- ing exhausting, but fulfilling enterprises that break a few child-labor laws, force us to pony up health and dental for every employee, and pay us in direct deposits of dirty diapers. And love. We’re also paid in love, but that cur- rency is so 1964. The point is, however, that we create a faux-village using an elaborate system of friends and playgroups and babysitters and school. Mine, for example, includes a jerry-rigged series of pulleys and levers—specifically, a tower of Lever 2000 soap boxes, a mouse-trap, and a toaster oven. And it’s all fun and games—Look at you! You’re amazing! Who needs a village!—until someone gets sick. Or you just can’t get dinner on the table. Or you’re overwhelmed. Or lonely. And then it collapses in a heap of mucus and fast food containers. Because the fake village doesn’t want to deal with that shit. In fact, the bylaws in the preschool handbook specifically state: “We do not deal with that shit. Especially pink eye. Or Hand, Foot & Mouth. That shit is nasty.” But I recently had a taste of the village—the TRUE village—and was reminded of how intoxicating life could be: “Honey, why don’t you go to the gym while we take Chalupa to the park?” “Shall I make my turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes for Christmas dinner?” “Don’t you do a thing! I’ve got the dishes and the laundry!” Then BAM! The village disappeared in a cloud of Jet Blue fumes, and I was dumped like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka’s chocolate river going THIS IS DELICIOUS! I’M SWIMMING IN CHOCOLATE! MORE! I WANT MORE! WAIT WHY AM I BEING SUCKED UP IN A CHUTE AND EJECTED FROM THIS MAGICAL CANDY HEAVEN WHY WHY OH WHY? But I heard from a guy who knows a girl who did Peace Corps in Thailand whose cousin is a U.S. Customs official that says there’s a black market mail-order-village service. You heard me. Mail-order village. Like a mail-order bride but forget the bride and order the family. Word on the street is that the woman playing the part of your mother cooks you dinner at least once a week. Like lasagna and beef stew and food that’s warm and took at least an hour to prepare using an oven. She’ll frequently come over for coffee. To make sure you’re okay. BECAUSE SHE’S YOUR MOTHER. And then? She’ll watch the kids while you run errands or do nothing. Alone. Your father-figure will be adept at playing trucks and monsters and taking care of all home-maintenance issues. He’ll go grocery shopping because he knows you hate it. And because he’s addicted to Costco. Don’t forget to order several sisters. Set up a rotating childcare system. Gossip and clothes-swapping included. Throw in a brother for wrestling with the nieces and nephews. He’ll take the kids camping. Introduce them to meditational yoga. Might I recommend a gaggle of aunts and uncles? Specifically a crazy Dear Hillary: I Need a Mail-Order Village THE TODDLER CHRONICLES Our author, the creator of The Flying Chalupa blog, is just an ordinary gal who navigates motherhood and struggles to maintain her sanity. Look for more of The Flying Chalupa’s Toddler Chronicles in the next issue of Waterways Magazine. Can’t wait for the next issue? The chaos awaits you anytime at www.theflyingchalupa.com. 263-3600 2422 RR 620 SOUTH SUITE A140 LAKEWAY, TEXAS Furniture Accessories Design WATERFRONTS | GOLF COURSE HILL COUNTRY | DOWNTOWN Diana Thomas 512-970-4489 dianathomasrealtor.com I am your LAKE TRAVIS real estate specialist! I work, live and play here . . . I Sell AWESOME Texas! Aunt Bertha and an Uncle Louis with former addic- tion issues? They spice up the holidays and add character to gatherings. These are the people who will encourage you to go to a movie with your husband! Who will provide companionship during the monotonous moments of baby-rearing! Who will pick up the prescription when you’re lying dead by the side of the playground! They will be your In Case of Emergency number! Village-less of America, let us stand together and bring the mail-order village out from under the cloak of secrecy! You shouldn’t have to buy a family the way you buy an illegal, knock-off Louis Vuitton purse from a sketchy, dank basement in Chinatown! No! You should be able to order it from the back of a Marie Claire magazine! You should be able to order it from 3:00 am infomercials! You should be able to win it on a game show! So Oprah? If you’re reading? Instead of giving away Chrysler LeBarons and iPads, how about a village? Do it for the tired (mothers)! The poor (fathers tired of listening to mothers bitch)! The huddled masses (of children yearning to play with their cousins)! To the Nanny, Babysitter & Playgroup Unions: Don’t mess with me on this. I’m pretty sure someone in my village will know kung-fu. 44 Waterways | Summer 2011 Women on Their Toes STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN A T THE 17TH ANNUAL Women On Their Toes Spring Luncheon, Ballet Austin Guild honored 11 outstanding volunteers from Austin’s vibrant non-profit community. Once a year, Ballet Austin Guild reviews dozens of nominations and honors a select few from among the thousands of volunteers who play such a critical role in our community. Their résu- més are diverse, and their histories are always impressive. And the level of their contributions, measured through the sheer numbers of hours donated to the causes to which they are devoted, inspire a level not only of awe but also of gratitude for their service. The Hyatt Regency Austin hosted this year’s celebration of honorees. Tyler Sieswerda, KVUE anchor, served as Emcee. Guest Speaker Janet Sue Rush, a pre-eminent public speaker, business consultant, author and Fortune 1000 seminar teacher, spoke to the audience following the presentation of honorees. Former Ballet Austin Guild Presidents: Becky Herrington, Margaret Herman, Glenda Patterson, Jennene Mashburn, Louise Crowley, Robin Smith, Chris Hester Carol Sawin, Tammy Harding, Sheri Watts, Emily Moreland Sharon Wilson, Jane Parker, Sonia Wilson Peggy Gunn, Mollie Davis, Teresa Long Ballet Austin Executive Director, Cookie Ruiz Chris Hester, Center for Child Protection Honoree Mary Herr Tally Eric Groten, Center for Child Protection Honoree Maria Groten Ballet Austin Guild President, Janet Harris, Guest Speaker Janet Sue Rush lakeshorehomegallery.com 107 RR 620 South (Liberty Center), Lakeway 78734 512-264-2999 LAKESHORE HOME GALLERY A Complete Home Resource Center Mention this ad for a complimentary gift. The Frog Pad Home Appliance Store | Greystone Farm Custom Cabinetry | Interior Selections Interior Design | Atlas Audio Video 46 Waterways | Summer 2011 Here is the list of the 2011 honorees: Sandra Batlouni Autism Society of Greater Austin Carolyn E. Dyer, Marathon Kids Maria Groten and Mary Herr Tally, Center for Child Protection JoAnn H. Jentz, Assistance League of Austin Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Sammy’s House Dee Kurtzer, Heart House Austin Judith Lindfors, Meals on Wheels and More Lauren Paver, Impact Austin Eileen Van Den Berg, Helping Hand Home for Children Nancy S. Young, Women’s Symphony League of Austin Renee Namvar, Nancy Ramirez, Margie Burciaga, Ginny Burciaga, Susie Kowalski, Angela Attal Mohan, Katherine Johnson Impact Austin Honoree Lauren Paver, Jenny and Gus Paver Robin Smith, Paulette and CB Hagar Lance Avery, Rose Betty Epps Christi Cuellar, Brooke Holmes Becky Herrington, Heart House Austin Honoree Dee Kurtzer Iris and Barney Groten Cindy Fegley, Sherri Davis Charlene Strawbridge, Pat Harris, Nancy McCoy Veronica Meewes, Helping Hand Home for Children Honoree Eileen Van Den Berg, Lorelei McDevitt Pam Nelson, Nancy Hopper Elsa Decker, Debbie Novelli VI SI T US ONLI NE! WATERWAYSMAG. COM READ PAST ISSUES! NOMINATE A FORMER LAKE TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE FOR OUR ‘WHERE ARE THEY NOW’ PROFILE JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT 48 Waterways | Summer 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Thrives in Lake Travis BUSINESS PROFILES BY CATHIE PARSSINEN AQUA PACIFIC The “aha!” moment occurred when Jeff Cullen and his wife, Natalia Koneva- Cullen, were flying over the Siberian region of Russia on their way to visit Natalia’s family in Novosibirsk. They looked down on a vast landscape dot- ted with thousands of lakes, a natural treasure in a world with diminishing supplies of fresh water. After a professional career in corporate aviation, Jeff Cullen was ready for a change and eager to investigate other business opportunities with a mass appeal. The Cullens were aware of the growing consensus that water will supplant oil as the world’s most valuable resource, as the global demand for water increases. Their own preferences as consumers led them to an exploration of the bottled water industry. “We shop water. Like many other Americans, we would never think of drinking municipal water, the water that comes out of the faucet. For us, it’s a question of taste.” According to Jeff, over 55% of all bottled waters on the market are just bottled municipal water. The Cullens research revealed very few sources of natural water worldwide. One of these is in Fiji, an archipelago where, for millennia, continuous tropical rain fall is filtered through layers of mineral-rich volcanic rock and sand to a vast underground aquifer. During this process, the water is infused with health-stabilizing mineral properties that give it a smooth, refreshing taste. The Cullens were approached by one of Fiji’s promising bottlers and are now the sole distributors of AQUA Pacific (one of the finest natural mineral waters in the world) for the 49 continental states and Mexico. AQUA Pacific also offers Tropical XTC, a tropical, liquid energy drink made from the Fijian plant noni, as well as various flavors of sodas called POPS, sweetened with Fijian cane sugar. A sparkling mineral water is under development. The Cullens are working on green initiatives through partnerships with environmental programs that will create financial incentives for consumers to recycle AQUA Pacific bottles. AQUA Pacific is available at several Lakeway area stores, and home deliveries can be ordered through the website www.aquapacificusa.net. CREATIVE CONSULTANTS Victoria Hentrich has a 30-year résumé in event planning and production that has garnered accolades in Austin and beyond for the spectacular events she has been hired to orchestrate for an illustrious clientele that includes, among others, James Michener, the Queen of England, Willie Jeff and Natalia Cullen Photo by Jerry Hayes Nelson and Ladybird Johnson. She was responsible for planning the grand opening of the Long Center and has played a prominent role in planning any number of dazzling charity events that distinguish the social giving scene in the Austin community. She was featured in 2006 in an article titled “Behind the Parties: Meet the planners who create unforgettable evenings in Austin,” Glossy Magazine, Austin American Statesman. A Boston native from a large Italian family, Victoria moved to Austin and worked for a time as a teacher. In the 1980’s she created an award-winning catering business. Realizing that she had a knack for conceptualization and design, she began a transition into event planning and production and has never looked back. She has forged critical alliances with exceptional providers of key services during her long history in event planning in Austin. Her daughter, Jennifer Hentrich, is an important part of this mother- daughter team that brings bigger than life events to Austin. Creative Consultants specializes in weddings, special parties, grand openings, galas and corporate events. Victoria knows instinctively how to “wow” an audience. She has specialized in out-of-the-box events for 30 years, and whether she serves 5 or 5,000 guests, with a big budget or a small one, she is confident she can transform any event from the ordinary to the magical. Creative Consultants have planned many Lake Travis events and parties and, as Victoria notes, they look forward to providing expanded services to our growing area. PARMIDA HOME With its opening just before the holidays last year, Parmida Home joins a growing list of retailers who have decided the Hill Country Galleria offers an envi- able demographic in a community with strong potential for growth. Parmida presents 10,000 sq. ft. of eclectic collections for distinctive home living. Settings of luxury seating for relaxing or entertaining fill the store, along with dining room tables laden with dinnerware, stemware and flatware that appeal to tastes from casual to elegant. Designs by Padma Plantation, in bam- boo, rattan and abaca, recreate the ambience of the island lifestyle. The owners of Parmida Home have combined fine home furnishings with a premium gift store, offering not only home accents but also bath and body essentials, candles and fire pots, imported oils, coffees, teas and chocolates, gourmet rubs and sauces, picnic baskets, barbeque tools, and wine and cheese accessories. The scope of merchandise presented is extensive. Parmida Home has stores in Denver, Dallas, Kansas City (Missouri), Dayton and Chicago. Store Manager Leslie Archer, who has years of experience in the home furnishing industry, feels the unique concept of Parmida Home and the diversity of its offerings set it apart from the crowd and make it a go-to place to satisfy a variety of customer needs. Leslie Archer SignatureBridalSalon.com 512-892-5000 12717 Shops Parkway Ste #200 Austin, TX 78738 Signature Bridal Salon is central Texas’ premiere full service bridal experience offering the latest in designer wedding gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, formal social wear and bridal accessories. Serving Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake, Spicewood and Marble Falls. Austin’s Exclusive Retailer for Simone Carvalli Bridal and Bridesmaids 30 YEAR HISTORY AS A HAIR ARTIST CUT & COLOR SPECIALIST BOOK YOUR CUT AT REGULAR PRICE & RECEIVE YOUR SECOND CUT FREE! LESLIE ARCHER WELCOMES NEW CLIENTS AT STRANDZ SALON! (near Flores) For your appointment, call: 530.588.6234 SIGNATURE BRIDAL SALON Ashley Schwaegel opened Signature Bridal Salon at the Bee Cave Shops at the Galleria in June 2008 when she was just 24. She attended Lake Travis schools from kindergarten through 8th grade but, when her dad received a job transfer, the family moved to Lubbock, where Ashley attended high school and later graduated from Texas Tech University. Ashley entered the wedding scene when she began working in various Lubbock-area bridal stores at the age of 17. She laughs as she recalls that during university lectures, her notebooks were full of sketches about the bridal store she intended to own one day. She returned to Lake Travis after gradu- ation and decided to open a 5,000 sq. ft. bridal store of her own. It was a gutsy move for a 24-year old. Signature Bridal Salon is the only bridal store conveniently located to serve the huge area of southwestern and western Travis County and also other communities in neighboring Burnet County. Location has been a vital part of the Salon’s success. Ashley selects designer lines that are moderately priced and couture line such as Maggie Sottero, Simone Carvalli, Jasmine Couture and Essence of Australia. These strategic decisions have made Signature Bridal a valuable resource for the great majority of brides who want to crown the experience of a lifetime with a beautiful gown at an affordable price, purchased with the assistance of a caring salon staff. In addition to offering over 300 bridal gowns to choose from, Signature Bridal Salon also carries selections for the mother-of-bride, the bridesmaid and flower girl, prom dresses and pageant gowns, tuxedo rentals, jewelry and hair pieces, veils and garters, shoes and evening bags, gloves, invitations and bride and bridesmaid gifts. With 1,000 sq. ft. of storage space, Signature Bridal offers gown storage before the event and on-site alterations. Since the Salon’s grand opening, over 800 brides have become Signature Brides. Ashley also has experience as a wedding coordinator, and her store offers coordination of wedding events, in addition to personalized day-of services. Ashley was married in 2009 (gown by Signature Bridal, of course), and she and her husband Bobby welcomed their newborn son Grant in February of this year. Ashley has bold dreams for the future. She hopes someday to establish her salon in a building that will offer her brides a panoramic view of the hill country, or perhaps to host a reality TV program devoted to brides. “Why not?” she asks. Why not, indeed. Ashley and Bobby Schwaegel 50 Waterways | Summer 2011 W ITH THE IMPENDING arrival of summer, Lakeway may be heating up and slowing down. TexARTS, however, still has plenty of spring in its step, thanks to a tremendously successful season-ending show, a few organizational changes and some exciting youth summer programs! TexARTS’ April production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, the Fats Waller Musical, was an instant and critical success. Performances were sold out from opening night through closing weekend. The Austin Chronicle declared cast members Judy R. Arnold, Dorothy Mays Clark, Rodnesha Green, Quincy Kuykendall and Devere Rodgers “polished profes- sionals.” Their performances garnered acclaim from critics and patrons alike. This final show of TexARTS 2010-2011 Off-Broadway Series had audiences spellbound from the first chord and left the community anticipating more professional shows in the future. The middle of May will bring a number of significant changes for TexARTS, one of which is the official renaming of the studios. TexARTS’ collection of classrooms, offices and studio theatre space will no longer be called the Keller Williams Studios. The name will change to TexARTS Doherty Family Studios, in honor of Mike Doherty whose dedication to the organization has been and continues to be an integral part of keeping the TexARTS mission alive. Another unveiling set for mid-May will be a complete company rebrand. For the past several months, TexARTS has been working with local ad firm MOSAK on a new and improved look for the TexARTS brand. Both parties are optimistic about its reception in the community and eager to implement the forthcoming changes. TexARTS has a wide array of delightful summer camp options for all student levels! Students aged 2-6 can enjoy themed mini camps, ages 3-12 can attend half-day or full-day camps, and ages 7 and up can par- ticipate in The King and I musical theatre intensive or the Coppelia ballet intensive! Some of Austin’s most impressive and experienced instructors will teach these classes. There is something to spark the creative imagination of every child this summer at TexARTS. Keep your eyes peeled - TexARTS will be announcing the 2011-2012 Off-Broadway Series soon! For more information or to register for summer programs, visit www.tex-arts.org or call 512-852-9079 x104. TexARTS STORY BY SELENA ROSANBALM PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEXARTS T HE OASIS on Lake Travis has long been an icon for both local and world-wide visitors enjoying this ‘sunset capital of Texas’. Now, a select few will also be able to call The Oasis home. Mirasol at The Oasis, an exclusive 30-home luxury community, is now underway. Home sites offer stunning lake and canyon views, and each home is bordered by the heavily wooded natural preserve area that entirely surrounds it. A gated hilltop enclave, Mirasol at The Oasis features homes from the $800’s to over $1 million, with a number of residences nearing completion and available to tour. Buyers can also have one designed especially for them by Waterford Custom Homes, the premiere builder at Mirasol. Bringing over 20 years of residential building expertise to Mirasol at The Oasis, Waterford Custom Homes is currently building a 3,781 square foot showhome for the community - priced at $1,161,000 - that will grand open in June. The home features a number of luxury appointments throughout, including an elaborate swimming pool and outdoor living areas overlooking the vast natural preserve area. Special financing has been arranged that will allow approved buyers to purchase a home at Mirasol with as little as 5% down. As part of the overall Oasis master plan, those living at Mirasol can enjoy the numerous restaurants and new shops there, and then literally walk home to luxury, privacy and exclusivity. The community has the feeling of a true ‘lakeside getaway’, yet it is only 16 miles from downtown Austin, offering easy and convenient access to a number of business and shopping areas. In addition, Lakeway and the new Hill Country Galleria are both a short drive from the community. To reach Mirasol at The Oasis, take 620 to Comanche Trail, just north of the Mansfield Dam. As you enter The Oasis area, turn right on Monte Castillo Parkway and enter the stone archway. For more information or a personal appointment, call Pamela Longton, Broker at 512.294.2580 or visit www. MirasolOasis.com. STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Mirasol at The OASIS NEWEST GEM ON LAKE TRAVIS NOW UNDERWAY MIRASOL AT THE OASIS 52 Waterways | Summer 2011 T HE SING ALONG Group of the Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway has established a creative bar that it seems to raise a few notches with each suc- cessive production. The group’s originality, from concept to implementation, and the high-spirited musical interpreta- tions of talented members continue to delight the apprecia- tive audience they find in our community. The Spring Show, held at the City of Lakeway Activity Center, transported the crowd to the musical legacy brewed up during the period of the “Roaring Twenties.” Pat Smith conducted extensive research on the epoch, and narrator Wilson Smith did a masterful job as he painted a portrait of the exuberant post-WWI era, “Roaring Twenties” Inspire Sing Alongs STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Sweet Georgia Brown: Susan Sullivan, Donna Ferrie, Janice Armstrong Whiffenpoof Song: Tom Sullivan, Mike Hahn, John Hughes Bye Bye Blackbird: Lana Brown, Zoe Burns, Barbara Helmueller Sheik of Araby: Jerry Hietpas, Judy Walker Varsity Drag: Maryleeann Bryan, Pat Smith Take Me to the Land of Jazz: Carol Crowe, Pat Hydanus, Kathy Wilson Ain’t We Got Fun: Gigi McKeever, Rick Wilsey How ‘Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm: Bob Dolezal, Joann Anderson 53 Summer 2011 | Waterways distinguished by phenomenal industrial growth fueled by fur- ther development of the automobile and “talkies.” Both had far-reaching economic impacts. Urbanization, prohibition, bootlegging, the rise of a gangster culture, the development of jazz and changing roles for women all played a part in the sweeping alterations to American life and culture. And that culture came alive through a presentation of the great popular songs of the time. Greeters in the Lobby got the show started early, and Shirley Cox, Pat Smith and Delores Dolezal need to take a bow for the fabulous cos- tumes. The backstage crew did its magic as well. The big question is… what will they dream up for next year’s Spring Show? Sister Suffragettes: Glenda Foreman, Diana Hall Frankie and Johnny: Joyce Dickinson I’m Just Wild About Harry: Karen Knaus, Jim Sommer I Wanna Be Loved By You: Jody Berry Tea for Two: Carol Roettinger, Mick Carrier The Cell Block Tango: Linda Bradshaw, Julianne DeBower Anything Goes: Karen Decker Five Foot Two: Linda Swan, Jim Sommer, Mary Ann Cohen Show Me the Way to Go Home: Art Brecher, Bill Dowd, Jim Fleming, Lloyd Troeltzch My Man: Melanie Morrison 54 Waterways | Summer 2011 T WO DAYS AGO, I met a woman who had recently evacuated from Libya, where she had lived with her family for the last several years. She was visiting the school where I work as Director of Admissions, to see if it might be a good place for her daughter to start school in the fall. The family had just arrived in the States after a month living in Malta, where they had hoped to ride out the violence before return- ing home to Tripoli. Unfortunately, the situation worsened, and what had started as a few sniper rounds fired in the street erupted into a full-fledged civil war. In Tripoli, she was a school teacher, working in an international school where the children of oil workers from all over the world attended. She said that before they evacuated by ferry, the school’s faculty and their families camped out inside the school building for three days, terrified for their lives. I’ve been following events in Libya closely, reading articles and looking at hundreds of photos. As with the events in Egypt and Tunisia and Bahrain and Yemen, I am riveted by what is happening there--people rising up against oppression and corruption after decades spent under the thumb of a brutal, delusional, and self-serving dictator. Even though I have friends in the Gulf that I’ve been in communication with about what’s unfolding, I found it utterly remarkable that there, in my office, in the middle of a Midwestern state, was a woman who had seen the events firsthand, whose young child points at Qaddafi on the television and says, “There’s the angry man again.” The world is a frightfully small place. Her husband is Libyan and her family has much at stake in the uprising. They left the house they were building, which was just months from being completed. They left everything they owned in their apartment. Now, the landlords of Tripoli are threatening to dump their possessions out in the street, and the thousands of people who fled will lose their photographs and their clothing, their furniture, their pots and pans. What a violation. What loss. Still, they are alive. “I hope they are flying the old tricolor flag when we return,” was how she gracefully conveyed her political leanings. Qaddafi’s flag is solid green. Today, I finished Hisham Matar’s debut novel, In the Country of Men. Now living in London, Matar grew up in Libya. For all of the citizens who desire change, I am glad that there is art to expose, so starkly, so power- fully, just why that change is necessary. Matar’s book does it beautifully. Here’s the review that I posted on Goodreads: In this deceptively simple debut novel, Hisham Matar explores the effects on one family of life under the tyrannical “Guide,” Qaddafi. Suleiman, the book’s nine year-old narrator, shares both the mundane and devastating realities of a Libyan childhood, from cruel games with the neighbor boys to field trips to Roman ruins to the gradual disappearance of all of the men who are important to him--his father, his best friend’s father, and various other “uncles” who are arrested for their involvement in the resistance. Suleiman’s relationship with his mother, Najwa, is particularly poignant, as they grow close in his father’s prolonged absences, developing an intense dependence on one another as Suleiman struggles with nightmares and Najwa must grapple with the uncertainty of her husband’s fate. Najwa is a beautifully compli- cated character who protests her husband’s dangerous idealism out of common sense--it disrupts their life together. The common sense with which she views their situation is at times frustrating- -she’s a female character who puts family before freedom--but it is at all times compassionately rendered. After all, she’s a rebel in her own right--someone who resisted her arranged marriage as a teenager and suffered brutal beatings for it. Now, she can’t live without her husband, drinking her way through their days apart with the help of the baker, who provides the illegal alcohol. BOOK REVIEW Keija Parssinen is a graduate of Princeton University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she received Truman Capote and Michener-Copernicus fellowships. Her first novel, Against The Kings of Salt, will be published by Harper Perennial in January, 2012. When the world arrives at your doorstep Babies Children Families Seniors Prom Weddings www.brandinellis.com 512.394.1255 Taking signature portraits in Austin for over 11 years The book’s climax comes with a grisly description of a televised public execution that is so detailed and so believable, I had to put the book down for a few minutes to regain my composure. While the child’s voice was often a powerful device, at times it felt clunky, as the reader is meant to understand what is happening but the narrator does not. I was most often moved by the prose towards the book’s end, when Suleiman is older and living in Egypt. There, as a young man, he distills his feelings about his family and the events happening in Libya with greater clarity and meaning. Matar’s father was disappeared by the Qaddafi political apparatus years ago, and the pain and uncertainty of that experience resonates on every page of the book. Anyone seeking a better understanding of the violence in today’s Libya would benefit by reading “In the Country of Men.” JUNO’S DAUGHTERS Lise Saffran’s debut novel, Juno’s Daughters, made me want to buy some Birkenstocks, let my hair mat into dreadlocks, and pack my suitcase for the islands of the Pacific Northwest. The narrative, which is a delight from start to finish, follows the story of Jenny Alexander and her two teen-aged daughters, beautiful, bold Lilly and shy, reflective Frankie. After leaving behind a tumultuous life on the mainland, Jenny settles on remote San Juan Island, where she incorporates herself with the small, motley community of neo-hippies who inhabit the island year-round. There, she raises her girls in relative peace until a beautiful stranger comes on the scene and disrupts her equilib- rium. He’s set to play Trinculo in the island’s summer production of The Tempest, but it’s his role as the object of both Lilly and Jenny’s affections that moves the story forward. Saffran’s prose is precise and lovely, and she renders the physical setting of the island deftly and vividly; if you read to be transported, Juno’s Daughters will take you away. Impressive, too, is Saffran’s ability to create complex, emotionally rich characters whose struggles are constructed compassionately yet critically. We identify and sympathize with the characters, but we also see their flaws. That kind of authorial honesty is what makes reading novels such a gratifying enterprise—we get to experience the characters’ mistakes, to dip our toe in the fast-moving river that carries them along down their ill- and well-chosen routes. We are not asked to judge or to pity. We are merely asked to care, and with Saffran’s engross- ing story, care we certainly do. 56 Waterways | Summer 2011 Dance Institute Produces Grand Champions STORY BY LINDA HOLLAND 57 Summer 2011 | Waterways 58 Waterways | Summer 2011 T HE WOMEN’S CLUB of Greater Lakeway marshaled all able-bodied troops at the Vista Ballroom at the Lakeway Resort and Spa for a touch of southern hospitality at The Magnolia Ball. Co-Chairs Mary Reese and Leanne Dupay and dozens of volunteers orchestrated a festive evening that included cocktails, dinner and dancing to “Oldies But Goodies” by The Fabs. An outstanding dinner of filet mignon was, by all accounts, one of the best meals members have enjoyed in recent history, and Chef Jeff Axline, Sous-Chef Mike Massaro and Head Waiter Chuy received a round of applause as they walked among the tables visiting with guests. As President Jody Berry commented, “Chef Jeff is fabulous. He has been providing won- derful meals each month at our Women’s Club luncheons. It has been years since we’ve had a good Chef at the Inn, so we’re all thrilled.” Magnolia Ball STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN Paul Cornett, Sue Heilig Don and Cindy Kotrady Ben and Dee Ann Farrell Ball Co-Chair, Mary Lee Reese Ball Co-Chair, Leanne Dupay Margaret and Ray Kilgo Sue and Rick Wilsey Tom and Gigi McKeever, Karen and Bob Knaus LaNell Edwards, Dennis Wallace, Donna Kumar Bob and Blanche McHugh, Tim and Pat Doucet Nick and Judy Renneker Sharon and Tom Rogers Lila and Jim Woods Linda and Dave DeOme Annette Brown, Mary Lee Reese Maryleeann and Richard Bryan Ward and Barbara Beebe Marie and Richard Drury, Fred Newton, Bobbie Caldarelli, Pat and Tim Doucet President, Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway, Jody Berry and Bob Berry Spanish Oaks 4708 Almirante Cove $1,350,000 The Waterfront 1 Water Front Ave. $850,000 New! Rocky Creek! 17200 Rush Pea Circle $535,900 Spicewood Estates 10800 Chateau Hill $349,900 Falconhead 4017 Vail Divide $549,900 Volente Waterfront Lot! $695,000 The Hills 9 Club Estates $699,000 Flintrock Falls 306 Golden Bear $534,900 Flintrock 108 Cabo Del Sol Ct. $1,095,000 Dedicated to the Extraordinary... The Exceptional... The Unique... Million Dollar Guild Member Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist 13420 Galleria Circle Austin, TX 78738 www.SandyCary.com mobile: 512.589.1002 Sandy Cary

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