Waterways Magazine Winter 2013

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Winter 2013–2014
Ladybird Lake Lake Austin Lake Travis Lake Marble Falls Lake LBJ Lake Buchanan Inks Lake
Beautiful new showroom now open at
12703 Highway 71 West, Bee Cave TX 78738
(Across from the Hill Country Galleria
in the former Estancia Furniture building)
www.townandcountryleather.com WE SHIP EVERYWHERE
Houston: 1749 Post Oak Blvd. at San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056 713-621-3366
Living Rooms, Family Rooms and Home Theatre Seating
Modern to Traditional, Hill Country to High Rise
Come in and experience the
Chase Flooring difference, where
our everyday price is builder price!
512-360-2222
www.ChaseFlooring.com
Bee Cave Showroom:
12703 Highway 71 West
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Across from the Hill Country Galleria
512-350-2350
Austin Showroom:
2438 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
Anderson at Burnet
512-419-0002
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www.axniiuairuoxis.cox
CLHMS, ILHM, CNE
512.415.9023
Amber Hart
realtor,
®
ba
Exceptional Service with Results
Austin Business Journal Top 5 Realtor
Stop dreaming, your deep water abode awaits your arrival!
715 Cutlass Street, Lakeway, Texas—deep water on Lake Travis
Perched high above the lake with breathtaking panoramic views. Entertain in
style for the holidays and really show off your flare. 2 Story, 5,934 sq. ft. built
in 2005 on 1.008 waterfront acres. 4 bed, 6 bath, 3 living,1 dining, 3 car ga-
rage, patios off all beds. Closets to die for, elevator, wine room, putting green,
tram to dock. $2,500,000 MLS # 2005463 Available for immediate move in.
Got your 2014 resolution? Why not live in luxury?
315 & 317 Martinique Pass, Lakeway, Texas 78734–(double lot)
Located in the exclusive, gated section of Rough Hollow. Take in the tranquil
Lake Travis views from nearly every room. 2 Story, 6,850 sq. ft. on two lots to-
taling .9803 acres, built 2007. 6 bed (2 in separate guest house), 6 bath, 3 liv,
2 din, 3 car garage. Home theatre, 100% negative edge pool/spa, 2 summer
kitchens. $1,825,000—not advertised in MLS Available now.
Beautiful new showroom now open at
12703 Highway 71 West, Bee Cave TX 78738
(Across from the Hill Country Galleria
in the former Estancia Furniture building)
www.townandcountryleather.com WE SHIP EVERYWHERE
Houston: 1749 Post Oak Blvd. at San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056 713-621-3366
Living Rooms, Family Rooms and Home Theatre Seating
Modern to Traditional, Hill Country to High Rise
Come in and experience the
Chase Flooring difference, where
our everyday price is builder price!
512-360-2222
www.ChaseFlooring.com
Bee Cave Showroom:
12703 Highway 71 West
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Across from the Hill Country Galleria
512-350-2350
Austin Showroom:
2438 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
Anderson at Burnet
512-419-0002
Stunning Villa in The Reserve at Lake Travis. Overlooks Lake Travis & the
Reserve Lazy River Pool. Three Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Oversized Game
room w/ Full Bath for additional Guests. Gourmet Kitchen. Sit back & Relax
in Multiple Outdoor Living areas including a Private 10 person Hot Tub,
Fireplace, Flat Screen TV. Access to Equestrian Center, Cypress Club &
Restaurant, Tennis Courts & on Site Marina. Offered at $1,495,000
The “Best of the Reserve” Waterfront Estate Lots, Prime Location,
Perfect Orientation, 2 Deeded Lots offered separately 12 + acres main
Channel acres offered at $3,850,000 or 5.86 acres offered at $1,999,000
or combined for approximately 18 acre Peninsula Estate. The Reserve
offers Lazy River Pool, Cypress Club Restaurant & event Center,
Equestrian Facility, Fishing Pond
512-413-2712
jonilangle.com
Texas Monthly 5-Star Professional 2012 & 2013
Spectacular Waterfront Estate in The Coves on Lake Travis, 6 +
Waterfront Acres offering protection from an inlet Cove, Yet Main
Channel Frontage with Deep Water for Docking. Beamed Ceilings,
Teak Flooring, Multiple Living, Dining, 2 Studies, Outdoor Living areas
including Pool & Cascading Waterfalls. Concrete Golf Cart Path offers
easy access to the Lake front & Boat Dock. Offered at $2,450,000
10 acres Perfect for Development Potential, 3 sides backing to Barton
Creek Lakeside under new ownership by Omni Resorts, Significant
Road Frontage on Haynie Flat Road, Water & Sewer available,
Opportunities are endless, Single Family, Multi Family, Commercial.
Offered at $ 685,000
Joni Langle
REALTOR
®
Stunning Villa in The Reserve at Lake Travis. Overlooks Lake Travis & the
Reserve Lazy River Pool. Three Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Oversized Game
room w/ Full Bath for additional Guests. Gourmet Kitchen. Sit back & Relax
in Multiple Outdoor Living areas including a Private 10 person Hot Tub,
Fireplace, Flat Screen TV. Access to Equestrian Center, Cypress Club &
Restaurant, Tennis Courts & on Site Marina. Offered at $1,495,000
The “Best of the Reserve” Waterfront Estate Lots, Prime Location,
Perfect Orientation, 2 Deeded Lots offered separately 12 + acres main
Channel acres offered at $3,850,000 or 5.86 acres offered at $1,999,000
or combined for approximately 18 acre Peninsula Estate. The Reserve
offers Lazy River Pool, Cypress Club Restaurant & event Center,
Equestrian Facility, Fishing Pond
512-413-2712
jonilangle.com
Texas Monthly 5-Star Professional 2012 & 2013
Spectacular Waterfront Estate in The Coves on Lake Travis, 6 +
Waterfront Acres offering protection from an inlet Cove, Yet Main
Channel Frontage with Deep Water for Docking. Beamed Ceilings,
Teak Flooring, Multiple Living, Dining, 2 Studies, Outdoor Living areas
including Pool & Cascading Waterfalls. Concrete Golf Cart Path offers
easy access to the Lake front & Boat Dock. Offered at $2,450,000
10 acres Perfect for Development Potential, 3 sides backing to Barton
Creek Lakeside under new ownership by Omni Resorts, Significant
Road Frontage on Haynie Flat Road, Water & Sewer available,
Opportunities are endless, Single Family, Multi Family, Commercial.
Offered at $ 685,000
Joni Langle
REALTOR
®
Bella Vita Custom Homes
LIVINGBELLAVITA.COM
512-812-2000
The Design Center is located at
12600 Hill Country Blvd; Suite R-134
Bee Cave, Texas 78738
[Across from Whole Foods]
The Design Center is open
7 days a week from 10am-6pm
Monday-Saturday and 12pm-6pm on Sunday.
To Live Beautifully:
A leading custom home builder of
Lake Travis & Greater Austin
-LOT AND LAND SPECIALISTS-
-ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN-
-PRIVATE BANK FINANCING-
-CLEAN & CLEAR PROCESS-
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Cocktails, Dinner and Dancing to the Funk Factory
7:30 PM COCKTAILS • 8:15 PM DINNER • MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST
Benefiting
HelpOurWounded.org
Our mission is to help our wounded . . . and those who care for them, by providing
direct aid, resources and support—unique to their needs.
Tickets
Ticket: $100 ($50 tax deductible)
VIP Ticket: $150 ($100 tax deductible)
CIRCLE OF PATRIOTS CONTRIBUTORS
$10,000 Medal of Honor
$7,500 Distinguished Service Cross
$5,000 Silver Star
$3,500 Legion of Merit
$2,000 Bronze Star
Circle of Patriots and VIP will be invited to a cocktail party on
December 30, 2013 in recognition of their contribution.
To purchase tickets make check payable to Help Our Wounded
and send to Joan Astorino at 206 Palos Verde, Lakeway, TX
78734. Tables of 10 are available or we will seat you.
December 31, 2013
Lakeway Resort & Spa: Rio Grande Ballroom
Cash Bar
Black Tie Optional
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Dottie Stevenson at 512.266.6460.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Rosie Babin, Donna Lochow, Diane Jackson, Dottie
Stevenson, Joan Astorino, Annette Brown, Ann Neighbors
12
ABOUT THE COVER
14
THE HUMAN-ANIMAL CONNECTION
18
THE FAMOUS CHICKEN HOTEL
22
A FAMILY FORAY INTO PET OWNERSHIP
24
A DATE NIGHT PRIMER
30
THE FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
32
2013 DANCING WITH THE STARS
38
PROTECTING WATER SUPPLY
39
ON THE CUTTING EDGE: BLUE MATRIX LABS
40
DIGITAL DENTISTRY BASED IN BEE CAVE
42
BUSINESS PROFILES
44
2013 TEXAS 4000 TRIBUTE
48
CC4C MICRO-MARATHON
52
THE 8
TH
ANNUAL BEAUTY OF LIFE
56
GUARDIAN ANGEL RECEPTION
59
CANCER CAN KISS OFF
60
ASTON MARTIN GT4 CHALLENGE SERIES
62
CARNIVALE! WCGL FASHION SHOW
66
A BIRTHDAY BARN DANCE
70
THREE STORIES OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE
76
THE NATURAL EPICUREAN
78
IN THE PINK!
80
YOUNG TALENT CREATES WAVES
82
DANCE INSTITUTE TRAINS FOR SUCCESS
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: Wendi Aarons, Alan Kehr, Ginger
O’Neill, Tarja Parssinen, Jo Karr Tedder
PHOTOGRAPHY: Josh Brewster Photography,
Susan Hoermann/Evergreen Studios,
Alan Kehr, Brandi Nellis Photography,
Patti Melton-Pieszchala
Winter
2013–2014
ABOUT THE COVER
Waterways cover photographer captures fantasy and
whimsy in this shot of Jamie Leanne Steiner with
Athena at the home of Bobby and Joleen Steiner on
Lake Austin in Steiner Ranch.
18
44
70
24
48
Cover photo by Brandi Nellis; Hair by
Molly Rundle (501.840.1722) Studio Elite
at the HCG; Makeup by Jessica Murray
(512.228.6699) Studio Elite at the HCG;
Headpiece created by Flowers by Nancy,
Too in Lakeway; Wardrobe provided by
Neiman Marcus. Dress by Aidan Mattox
($440), Jewelry by Alexis Bittar: necklace
($595), earrings ($250), bracelet ($545)
Follow us on Facebook!
32
12
ABOUT THE COVER
14
THE HUMAN-ANIMAL CONNECTION
18
THE FAMOUS CHICKEN HOTEL
22
A FAMILY FORAY INTO PET OWNERSHIP
24
A DATE NIGHT PRIMER
30
THE FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
32
2013 DANCING WITH THE STARS
38
PROTECTING WATER SUPPLY
39
ON THE CUTTING EDGE: BLUE MATRIX LABS
40
DIGITAL DENTISTRY BASED IN BEE CAVE
42
BUSINESS PROFILES
44
2013 TEXAS 4000 TRIBUTE
48
CC4C MICRO-MARATHON
52
THE 8
TH
ANNUAL BEAUTY OF LIFE
56
GUARDIAN ANGEL RECEPTION
59
CANCER CAN KISS OFF
60
ASTON MARTIN GT4 CHALLENGE SERIES
62
CARNIVALE! WCGL FASHION SHOW
66
A BIRTHDAY BARN DANCE
70
THREE STORIES OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE
76
THE NATURAL EPICUREAN
78
IN THE PINK!
80
YOUNG TALENT CREATES WAVES
82
DANCE INSTITUTE TRAINS FOR SUCCESS
Here’s your chance to own a
Masters Touch Parade Home
in the 2015 Parade of Homes™
in Serene Hills. Amazing views,
large private lot!
512.999.5591
Masters Touch Custom Homes
is designing its Parade Home
for the Home Builders
Association of Greater
Austin 2015 Parade of
Homes™ at Serene Hills.
“ A testament to what can happen when
skilled, farsighted builders, designers,
and homeowners work together to
achieve a common dream.”
—Urban Home Magazine, Dec. 2011
12 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
F
OUR GENERATIONS of Steiners have added meat to the bones of a remarkable
family history which has led them on the back of this bull of a century, kicking and
twisting as they left the chute in 1899 with the birth of Buck Steiner, born near Cedar
Creek, to the flawless landing at the beginning of the second millennium. The genius of Buck
Steiner was his ability to maximize his interaction with his environment, an environment rooted
in the fundamentals of the early west: men, land and animals. The heady combination of danger,
mastery and money propelled Buck into the world of rodeo and Wild West Shows. He became a
renowned stock contractor, providing the finest bucking and roping stock for the western rodeo
that led to a career producing competitive rodeos throughout the U.S., Canada and Cuba. As
stock contractors, the athletes the Steiners promoted were all four-footed, and they received care
as exacting as that given any member of a major league baseball team. Steiner gave his stock
the advantages he knew would improve their performance: high-protein diets, and individually
tailored rotation schedules to supply the optimum amount of rest.
Whenever Buck Steiner’s business generated spare cash, he sunk it into land. He bought the
5,300-acre ranch with 7 miles of waterfront on Lake Austin at $25 an acre. The property was later
developed as Steiner Ranch. From rodeo, to International Brangus Breeders and, more recent-
ly, as restaurateurs with a world-class steakhouse overlooking Lake Travis, the Steiner Ranch
Steakhouse, the Steiner family has found a transition to modern-day exigencies that provide a
historical fit to their Texas traditions.
Steiner Traditions
ABOUT THE COVER
LINKED TO LAND AND ANIMALS
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY BRANDI NELLIS AND
SUSAN HOERMANN/EVERGREEN STUDIOS
Bella, Shane, Amy and Layna Steiner, Bobby and Joleen Steiner,
Jamie, Steely, Sid and Rocker Steiner
Arriving in the Rover on location
Jamie Leanne Steiner
Jamie and Athena
“My family’s never known anything but the
western way of life, whether it was in style or not.”
—Bobby Steiner, September 9, 1976
BUYING or SELLING
Consistent Top Producer and Real Estate Expert
Sandy Cary
Million Dollar Guild
Platinum 50 Award Winner
Texas Monthly 5 Star
Professional Realtor
Featured in Top Agent Magazine
www.SandyCary.com
512-589-1002
I take great pride in working diligently on your behalf.
—Sandy Cary
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!
14 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
T
HE MOST appropriate quote about the earliest relationships between humans and animals
might have been “Eat, or be eaten!” Early man’s challenge was to avoid becoming dinner for the
predatory carnivores that roamed his territory, while he hunted many of his same predators for
food and pelts to provide warmth. With domestication, man’s relationship with animals changed from
that of adversary to that of partner, using animals to provide eggs and milk, to till the soil and to assist in
hunting and herding.
Today, we still depend on animals for talents that we cannot duplicate. Dogs alone, as a species,
provide skills for police surveillance and disaster rescue operations, and they serve as both service and
therapy dogs.
Beyond their utilitarian value, they enrich our lives immeasurably as our pets and companions and,
above all, they make us laugh.
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY BRANDI NELLIS AND FEATURE PARTICIPANTS
The Human-Animal Connection
Lucy from Eriksen Marine
Amber Hart with Sassy, Diana Thomas with Major, Kay DaSilva with Coco, Sherry Ellenbogen with Lucy and Gigi, Jodi Gregg with Sookie,
Ryan Rogers with Chloe, Joni Langle with Tosha, Gregg Klar with Daimler, Cyndi Cummings with Blazer, Bertina Schreiber with Riley
The Masterminds Team and their pooches
Masterminds is a group of Realtors
®
representing multiple companies who meet on a regular basis to share market
trends and upcoming listings. They have been meeting for five years with great results! They are especially talented at
finding homes that will be perfect for your special pets!
Molly Rundle and Georgie
Georgie’s Hair by Molly Rundle
Natalie Hammond on Romeo, Sean Hammond on Sis.
Cutting cattle in Brenham for the American Cutting Horse Association
The Masterminds Team and their pooches
Diana Thomas
512-970-4489
dianathomasrealtor.com
Grant Thomas
Let us help you buy or sell your home.
Thomas
2
=
Experience + Technology + Passion
www.LOANAUSTIN.com
512.306.8502 907 RR 620 South #301 Austin, TX 78734
YOUR HILL COUNTRY
PREMIER MORTGAGE LENDER
JUMBO, VA, FHA, LOT AND
CONSTRUCTION LOANS
KATY BLOSSMAN
Production Partner
[email protected]
SEAN J. HAMMOND
Branch Manager
[email protected]
ERIC SILVAS
Branch Manager
[email protected]
TONJA GEBERT
Operations Manager
[email protected]
JESSICA GAMEZ
Processing Manager
[email protected]
IAN CARMICHAEL
Mortgage Banker
[email protected]
16 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Susan Sumners with Jazz, Kellye Babin and Buddy
Dr. Candace Thrash with Maddie
Karen Shultz’ Valentine gets an amazing
amount of TLC!
Billy and Michelle John’s Gia loves Backyard Dreams!
Judy and Robert Harrison with the brilliant
professor, the ALWAYS erudite COACH!
Logan Duffee is a Freshman at Cedar Park
HS. He has been showing livestock since
5th grade. The twin lambs were bred from
a ewe and a buck that he raised, and both
babies have been winning shows!
Jana Church and Hal Jones are both avid anglers, inshore
and offshore. These were the biggest Redfish (over 40”)
either has ever caught, and they were released after being
photographed.
512.971.5213
[email protected]
www.janachurch.capitalcitysothebysrealty.com
Jana Church, REALTOR
®
Speci al i zi ng i n the Extraordi nary
LUXURY HOMES
WATERFRONT
INVESTMENTS
MASTER PLANNED
COMMUNITIES
TEXAS COASTAL
PROPERTIES
French Country estate on 25 acres in Angel Bay
AngelLightEstate.com Offered at $4,500,000
Pool Remodels | Concrete Decks | Pebble Finishes | Quartz Finishes | Stone Work | Waterfalls
Glass Bead Finishes l Pool Structure Repair | Lifetime Warranties Available | FREE ESTIMATES
www.handhtileandplaster.com
512.264.1979
MEMBER
Redefning Your Backyard Dreams!
Some pools were designed by Design Ecology &
The Swimming Man, Greg Smith.
L
ONG TIME Austin builder and developer Evans Weaver shares a pas-
sion for his animals that equals the passion he feels for design, landscape
and architecture…talents that fuel his professional life. His special fam-
ily of pets, pictured on these pages, includes three Mediterranean donkeys named
Ruffino, Jennifer and Emily. Ruffino has been with Evans for 13 years, and Jennifer
and her daughter Emily (born on the property) have been with him for 8 years. The
donkeys live in royal style in a rustic stable adjacent to a ‘historic’ rock barn and
shed designed and built by Evans. This unique property on Bee Caves Road, with
its magical gardens, also houses Weaver’s personal residence, studio and offices for
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY BRANDI NELLIS
The Famous Chicken
Hotel, Casa San Pollo
Nite Nite, Helen!
Evans Weaver and Sassy
Evans with Ruffino, Jennifer and Emily
paintingwithatwist.com/lakeway
512 266 2200
Private Parties & Public Classes
BYOB Art Studio
A Little bit of
PAINT
A Little bit of
WINE
A Whole lot of
FUN!
Lakeway, TX
Birthdays • Ofce Parties • Bachelorette
Holiday Parties • Girls Night Out • Date Night
512-577-2060
INTEGRITY WHEN IT MATTERS!
• Conventional/Conforming,
Non-Conforming loan
programs [Up to 3-mil]
• FHA, VA, USDA government
loan programs
• Interim Construction loans
• 1X close Construction loans
• Lot loans [Up to 2-mil]
• No Fees Refinances
At Starkey Mortgage we put the needs of our clients first!! We take
the time to listen to their goals and objectives for their transaction and
then make recommendations to satisfy those needs!!
Designed by WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146. This is not a guarantee of financing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and Regulations apply.
Serving Lake Travis and the
surrounding communities since 2006!!
Office: 512-329-9040
Cell: 512-577-2060
M. Aurelius Sofia, Sr. Mortgage Banker
e-Fax: 866-907-8228
asofi[email protected]
WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146
807 Las Cimas Pkwy., #150, Austin, TX 78746
NMLS# 316107
CALL TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR SPECIFIC NEED OR VISIT
MY WEBSITE AT WWW.MYAUSTINMORTGAGELENDER.COM!!
Samantha and Evans have a conversation!
Ruffino
Lulu
his business, Weaver Creative. Three Cochin hens (Helen, Brownie
and Sassie) share an exclusive nest in a custom-built Chicken Hotel
called “Casa San Pollo.” They roam the property at will and can often
be found sleeping on the sofa in Evans’ office!
His family of pets got smaller when his three beloved Springer
Spaniels passed, but Evans still has his elderly cat, Lulu, and
Samantha, a spunky cockatoo who keeps Evans alert and awake dur-
ing late-night sketching sessions in his studio. Both have been his
faithful companions for 15 years.
His animals are a source of great humor and provide a two-way
street for the flow of love, attention and affection. Many of Evans’ for-
mer clients come regularly to visit the animals and bring them good-
ies. As Evans notes, “Animals are good for people… they ask for little
and give so much in return.”
S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N L A K E W A Y A N D B E E C A V E
J O E C O N N O R S
C O MME R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E
T E N A N T A N D L A N D L O R D R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
B U Y I N G A N D S E L L I N G R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
512.563.5360
Shades & Shutters
Exterior Shading
Custom Draperies
Upholstery
InteriorsAustin.com 888.685.9222
BRITTANY ANTONISHEK
248.534.3863
12800 HILL COUNTRY BLVD, SUITE G-110
JUST WEST OF IRON CACTUS
NEW CLIENTS!
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for a COLOR/CUT
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22 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Metamorphosis
A FAMILY’S FORAY INTO PET OWNERSHIP
I
AM PET-RESISTANT.
This is a difficult thing to admit. An un-American thing. A cold-
hearted kind of a thing, but seeing as how I have been accused of being
cold-hearted, you can understand, can’t you? Oh, come now, be reasonable.
I’m already raising two wild things and I have to walk them and feed them
and clean up poop every day. The good news is they’re lovable and don’t shed,
the bad news is they slobber and track dirt in the house and hate leashes.
But in the same way that I get soaked to the bone every time I wear my
stupid water-resistant jacket, being pet-resistant does not mean I’m pet-
proof.
And that’s mainly because the five-year old hounds me on a daily basis
for a hound, with the next best thing being “a turtle, and when that dies then
a tortoise, and when that dies, then a fish.” (I’m slightly unnerved by the fact
that my son can so easily imagine the demise of his pets, which leaves me
wondering how he knows my poor track record with orchids so well.)
The child also happens to be bonkers for bugs, which are small and
quiet and hairless, and so that is how I decide the wee Noah will start fill-
ing the ark of my home. I’m not crazy enough to jump straight into the
Praying Mantis Egg Case kit, but why not a cup of live caterpillars that turn
into butterflies and then you release them? Are you following me here?
Pets that come with their own food, you enjoy them for two weeks, AND
THEN THEY’RE GONE. The concept is so simple, so beautiful! Until a cup
of five caterpillars—Ken, Len, Sten, Ben, and Den—arrives in a box that the
UPS man dumps on the doormat and which my son then proceeds to kick
around the house, forcing me to yell, “THOSE ARE LIVING, BREATHING
CREATURES!”
As it turns out, the author Eric Carl was right: caterpillars are very tiny
and very hungry. The first week was manageable (minus tiny hands that kept
tapping the cup, shaking the cup, and covering the air holes of the cup), but it
was evident to everyone that Den was a little slow on the uptake. Poor latch?
Reflux? As long as he was inching along, I couldn’t be too concerned.
All I know is that on the seventh day, Len climbed to the roof of the cup
like a freaking vampire and hung there. And that’s when things got weird.
Ken, Sten, and Ben followed their leader (Den decided to ascend later,
being slow and all), and then the four of them hung down in the tell-tale “J”
position JUST LIKE THE BROCHURE SAID THEY WOULD! One minute
they were caterpillars and the next, chrysalides. They had wrapped them-
selves up like tiny Tutankhamuns and hung there, still and silent on the
kitchen counter. I started having chrysalide anxiety dreams where I had
either killed them or they had emerged. Life or death, they were both equal-
ly terrifying. I had to justify the strange cup to the cleaning lady, grandpa,
the babysitter, the pizza delivery guy. “Science!” I would shrug, inwardly
re-imagining Anne Rice books (“Interview With the Caterpillar!”) and the
1987 movie “The Lost Boys” (a gang of vampire caterpillars is up to no
good, starring Cory Feldman as Den).
And then things got even weirder.
On the 3rd day of the vampire stage, I was instructed to move the chry-
salides from the cup to the butterfly habitat - to take the paper ceiling of
the cup to which they were attached and tape it to the side of the habitat.
Easy, right?
Except that when you touch the paper ceiling, their little mummified
bodies start moving and twitching and freaking out BECAUSE THEY’RE
LIVING, BREATHING CREATURES and so you try to do it fast and not
to forget to remove all the string hanging around them because the but-
terfly wings could get stuck upon emergence and they could DIE but then
Den falls off and you have to scoop his twitching body up with a spoon and
shove it on the floor of the habitat and then tape the paper to the side, where
they are all twitching so fast that the tape won’t stick and you’re whispering
“DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!” and your son is yelling, “Don’t kill them,
Mommy! Why did he fall off? Is he dead? Mommy! Mommy Mommy!”
When I’m done, I collapse on the couch, twitching and freaking out, but
it’s done! I am amazing! Look at me care for animals! I’m like Jack Hannah
in the suburban wilderness! Of course, there’s the underlying fear that I’ve
mortally injured Den and traumatized Ken, Len, Sten, and Ben, but I must
radiate calm and positivity. “This is how it’s all supposed to be,” I tell my son.
And strangely enough, it is.
All five caterpillars complete metamorphosis and emerge not as Cory
Haim with fangs and wings, but as normal butterflies. Despite all odds—the
overpowering love of a 5-year-old, the idiocy of his mother—they seem to
be just fine. They even eat the nectar I prepared! The butterflies think I’m a
great cook, despite the contrary beliefs of my entire family!
I am so dazzled with my abilities to assist fat, worm-like creatures trans-
form into beings of sheer beauty, so anxious that they live in their natural
habitat, that I bungle the release, sending them flying into the twilight air
on a wing and a Mariah Carey butterfly joke.
“It’s kind of cold - can they survive?” my husband whispers.
“It just can’t be below 55 degrees,” I hiss.
“It’s going to be 52 tonight.”
“You’ll stay in my heart forever,” my son yells to his beloved pets, while
I stand there like a mob boss who just shoved his victims into a meat locker.
Maybe I’m not cut out to have 2.5 children. Maybe I’m a 2-children-
with-friends-who-are-dog-owners kind of gal.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TARJA PARSSINEN
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24 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
CARMELA’S
What exactly is it that rings a bell, that tells we are home or that we have arrived at a
special place that makes us feel at ease? Every restaurant tries to capture the “Cheers”
effect, hoping to create powerful connections with its customers that will ensure
longstanding relationships and repeat business. Carmela’s can take great pride in
the fact that it has forged strong relationships with many of its customers. Date night
for Robin Lieberman and Bill Creech, for example, inevitably takes them out to the
intersection of Hamilton Pool Road and Hwy 12 to Carmela’s, where they find a spe-
cial environment that combines wonderful Italian comfort foods, and a chance to
visit with friends and owners, Josephine Delooze
and Diana Saadeh. They frequently join other
Lakeway couples who enjoy this special retreat
just a stone’s throw away from the busy pace of
life in the Lakeway/Bee Cave area.
Bill has ordered the “Trio,” a combination
plate that includes generous servings of lasagna,
chicken parmesan and cheese ravioli while Robin
opted for the Greek salad with grilled shrimp.
Carmela’s also offers a wonderful selection of spe-
cialty pizzas and a full range of burgers.
The bar offers an extensive list of great wines
and specialty beers.
18901 Hamilton Pool Road,
Dripping Springs
512.264.2535
IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING, date night does not mean yelling
over the din of children for another slice of pizza. It doesn’t mean returning
to a cold dinner after the kids are put to bed or crippling yourself on Legos
when you get up for another glass of wine or only having the energy to talk to
your spouse in Morse code eye blinks (one blink for ‘massage my feet,’ two
for ‘let’s watch House Hunters International’). Above all, date night does not
mean sitting at home in your sweat pants watching the movie “Date Night.”
And I know you’re going to complain bitterly when I tell you that you
need to shower and leave the house, but rest assured that shav-
ing your legs is TOTALLY optional. Besides, the most impor-
tant part of date night is the babysitter. The time has come for
you to let go of your control issues: have her come early and do
EVERYTHING. If she rocks the baby to sleep with Metallica’s
“Enter Sandman,” so be it. Besides, once you’re seated on some
cushy leather ottoman overlooking a lake with a margarita in
your hand and not a child in sight, you will thank me.
Then, of course, comes the awkward part. Having a con-
versation with you-know-who. That person you married. Aw,
look at him sitting there! He even changed out of his Pearl Jam
t-shirt from 1990 for this! For the next couple of hours, re-
learn how to chew your food slowly - food that’s not tater tots
or grilled cheese crusts. Let your voice drop the “you got the
wrong milk at the store” tone and try the “let’s pretend we’re
in Vegas!” tone.
Sometimes it’s only when you put the kids down, that you feel
like picking them back up. And with the time and space to step
back, a better you emerges. Who knows? Next time you might
even shave your legs!
PUT THE KIDS DOWN
A DATE NIGHT PRIMER
STORY BY TARJA PARSSINEN
Bill Creech and Robin Lieberman
26 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
MASTERSON’S STEAKHOUSE
Named after esteemed U.S. Marshall “Bat Masterson,” Masterson’s Steakhouse brings a lively new dining
destination to AAA Four Diamond award-winning Lakeway Resort and Spa. Offering a modern twist on the
classic steakhouse menu in a striking setting, Masterson’s sleek interior is outfitted in warm, rich woods
with contemporary designs that complement the beautiful view of Lake Travis.
Newly appointed Chef Jon Shilling culled his Texas culinary experience to create a diverse and imagina-
tive menu. Three prime choices of beef (the 18oz “War Club” Chop Bone-in Rib Eye, the 16oz NY Strip with
a side of Truffle Herb Butter, and the perfectly appointed 12oz Filet Mignon) will satisfy the cravings of the
most serious steak aficionado. Guests enjoy an extensive wine list and classic, hand-crafted cocktails at the
stunning, curved marble-topped bar, surrounded by plentiful casual seating in oversized leather chairs.
“We are thrilled to introduce a new restaurant to the resort,” says Robert Kisker, Regional Director
and General Manager of Lakeway Resort and Spa. “We worked closely with local
leaders and listened to residents to determine the restaurant they truly wanted
in their community.”
Chef’s recommendations for Date Night:
Appetizers: Smoked Gulf Oysters with Tito’s Vodka-Spiked Cocktail Sauce
For her: Seared “Day Boat” Scallops with Lobster Risotto, Rainbow Swiss
Chard and Preserved Lemon
For him: 16oz Prime Ribeye, cooked medium rare with a side of Roasted
Fingerling Potatoes and Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese
For dessert: NY Style Texas Size Cheesecake with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations recommended.
Mon-Thurs: 6:30 am–10 pm Fri & Sat: 6:30 am–11 pm
Daily Happy Hour: 4 pm–7 pm ($5 Well and Wine & $3 Draft Beers)
101 Lakeway Drive, Lakeway 512.261.7323
www.lakewayresortandspa.com
THE LEAGUE
KITCHEN & TAVERN
The memories of an unforgettable night with your date begin as soon as you walk in The League Kitchen &
Tavern. The ambiance will take you back in time to one of the most romantic periods in American history—the
1920’s. It’s the roaring 20’s with a twist of modern flair.
The black & white images of the famous and infamous of the early 20th century, punctuated by an 80-foot mural
of the Temperance Movement at the historic boardwalk of Atlantic City, that adorn the walls of the dining area cap-
tures The League’s essence. It is a place where guests can gather to bond over their common interests while sampling
delicious Americana cuisine, unique cocktails or a bottle of wine.
Whether it is a first date or a silver wedding anniversary, The League’s
chef-inspired menu brings couples closer together with each bite of the
delectable dish they order. The League’s youthful executive chef, Devan
Gernert, is a creative genius in the kitchen and has revitalized classic
American comfort foods by making them his own.
Chef Gernert’s signature style of transforming the ordinary into the
extraordinary can be found in each menu item The League serves, from
tasty appetizers to original salads, to the several mouthwatering entrées
and desserts.
Additionally, The League’s handcrafted burgers have become leg-
endary. The restaurant features 2-for-1 burgers every Monday night.
Nothing brings a couple closer together than bonding over a juicy,
messy burger.
If a couple needs to break the ice before dinner, The League’s bar-
tenders have concocted vintage and modern cocktails that turn awk-
ward silence into delightful conversation.
1310 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway 512.263.3279
www.leaguelakeway.com
Left: Craft cocktails
clockwise from top: Texas
Swing, The Paloma, The
Six Shooter
Double Bone-in Pork Chop
served with Yukon Mashers
27 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
PLATE BY DZINTRA
“If you’re looking for world-class, five-star cuisine for date night, you will find it at
Plate by Dzintra,” notes Tim Cardinal. He is pictured here with his fiancée, Jaime
Bush. He and Jaime have shared weekly date nights at Plate since it opened in 2008.
As Tim was planning his proposal, he knew that, right after the big moment when
the sound of Jaime’s “Yes!” was still echoing in his ears, they would head straight to
Plate to celebrate! And that is just what they did!
Dzintra Dzenis is Executive Chef and Owner of Plate by Dzintra. She moved
to Paris in her early twenties where she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
before surrendering to her true passion—the art of grand cuisine. She enrolled at the
Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned
her “Grande Diplome” and graduated
with honors in both cuisine and pastry
and spent the next 20 years in the indus-
try in Paris. In 2010, out of thousands of
participants, Dzintra was selected as a
Finalist on the Food Network’s highest
rated prime time show: The Next Food
Network Star.
Everyone who has sampled from a
menu that offers delights from all cor-
ners of the globe can give thanks that
Plate came to roost in Bee Cave instead
of some swanky corner of Manhattan!
12717 Shops Parkway, Ste. 100,
Bee Cave
512.358.4776
www.platebydzintra.com
ROCCO’S GRILL
Rocco’s Grill, owned and operated by the Piazza family for over a decade,
offers an atmosphere for date night that is both animated and serene.
Couples can enjoy a drink before dinner with the lively crowd at the bar
before heading for the intimacy of a private table for two in the secluded
wine room or opting for al fresco dining on the patio, overlooking a beau-
tiful view of Yaupon Golf Course. Rocco’s was voted “Most Romantic
Restaurant in Lakeway” in a poll by The Lake Travis View.
The magic of their first date at Rocco’s over five years ago led Kaye
and Larry Bount, pictured here, to a serious courtship with many more
date nights, many of them at Rocco’s. They were both widows and credit
Rocco’s with their serendipitous meeting. They are now happily married
and still addicted to date nights at Rocco’s!
Great menu choices for date night start off with Bella Baci (Italian
for Beautiful Kisses). This favorite appetizer of bacon-wrapped shrimp
and jalapeno is pictured here. And you can’t go wrong with the award-
winning Pepper Steak Marsala and Fettuccine Alfredo, complimented
by bread made in house daily, a selection of homemade pastas and
savory sauces.
Full Service Bar, Happy Hour 7 days a week: 4:30–7:00 pm
discounted drinks and select appetizers.
Lunch: From 11:30 am–2 pm (Mon–Fri)
Dinner: From 5–9 pm (Sun–Thurs) & 5–10 pm (Fri & Sat)
900 RR 620 S. Ste A106, Austin 512.263.8204
www.roccosgrill.com For special events & large parties contact
Ally Johnston, Event Coordinator at [email protected]
Tim Cardinal, Jaime Bush
28 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
VERDE’S MEXICAN PARRILLA
John Paul and Eloise DeJoria have been coming to Verdes ever since it opened five years ago.
They come with their extended family; they come with business associates; they treat out-of-town
guests to what they feel are some of the finest grilled specialties, spiced with the authentic flavors
of Mexico, this side of the border; but they also treat themselves to date nights at Verdes. “It is
absolutely one of our favorite places,” notes John Paul with enthusiasm.
Anyone who is familiar with the restaurant knows that the outdoor patio and amphitheater
serve as a wildly popular weekend magnet for families, but couples seeking a place to escape the
busy bustle will find that inside seating, especially during the week, offers an intimate setting for
two people eager to rediscover the pleasures of date night.
A delicious treat, perfect for a couple to share, is the Hamachi
Ceviche, a superb Sushi-grade Japanese amberjack, served with mango
pico de gallo, avocado and lime juice.
Guys will love the Chipotle Pork Chop, an all-natural, double bone-
in pork chop with a chipotle honey glaze, served with poblano mashed
potatoes. The Chilean Sea Bass, served with a
spicy Anaheim sauce and cilantro lime rice, is a
light and savory option for the ladies. Guests can
review other menu selections online!
Note the bottle of Patrón® tequila, a brand
co-founded by John Paul and the world’s top-
selling, ultra-premium tequila. “We serve an
amazing amount of Patrón® tequila,” owner Joel
Munguia notes as John Paul smiles.
16018 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin
512.263.0500
www.verdesmexican.com
Makeup: Adrienne Pitkin
Hair: Freida Kohler-Albeita
TONY C’s COAL FIRED PIZZA
Dean Martin immortalized the song, “That’s Amore,” and at Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza that is
exactly what makes their pizzas a hit with couples on a date. Each pizza that Tony C’s brings
out to the table is made with LOVE.
Each pizza that goes in its state-of-the-art coal fired oven requires a lot of attention from
the restaurant’s highly-trained pizza makers or, as they say in Italian, Pizzaioli. Every pizza
is made from scratch using the finest ingredients, from the dough to the cheese to the top-
pings. Couples can be a witness to Tony C’s pizza making process as Pizzaioli create them
behind a glass window for guests to see.
Coal fired ovens are how the country’s original pizzeria, Lombardi’s in New
York City’s Little Italy, makes its pizzas since opening in 1905 to the present.
Tony C’s is the first restaurant in the Austin area
to use coal fired ovens, ensuring the pizzas it
serves are as authentic as the original.
A couple on a date will also appreciate the wide
selection of wines Tony C’s has to offer. There are
more than 70 bottles of wine from different wine
regions in the world to choose from. Each bottle
was selected by a team of sommeliers, wine enthusiasts, and Tony Ciola himself
who is a certified wine expert. Every Wednesday Tony C’s offers bottles at half
price all day.
Besides pizzas and wine, Tony C’s menu includes several mouthwatering
appetizers, savory Italian dishes and tasty desserts. So when the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie, that’s the “Amore” you feel at Tony C’s pizza.
Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza is located at the Hill Country Galleria (next to the
Cinemark Theaters) in Bee Cave.
12800 Hill Country Blvd. Suite G160, Bee Cave 512.263.FIRE (3473)
www.tonycs.com
30 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
I
S IT SO wrong to want an amazing photograph of my family with my
extended family with everyone’s eyes open? IS THAT SO WRONG?
As the great thinker Kim Kardashian once said, “You must go
through Kris Humphries to get to Kanye West.” Who knew that Kris
Humphries was code for flesh-eating ants, blinding sun and screaming
children?
Of course, as I now stare at these glorious, serene images of flaxen-
haired angels and sunbeams, I know it was all so very worth it, especially
come holiday time when you’ll be sitting in a snow drift and we’ll be sitting
on a beach on your fridge, gloating. But back to Kris Humphries and the 8th
circle of hell.
The multi-generational family photo session is like walking over burn-
ing coals very, very slowly, 57 times, until everyone’s mouths are stretched
in grimaces that are less Hitchcock-ian and more Disney—and this is
once we’ve actually found the photographer, which takes a good half hour
because he’s busy photographing 200 other families on the beach at the
exact same time.
It’s “Where’s Waldo? The White and Khaki Edition” and that’s when
it dawns on me, as I await the return of my husband from the brave
2013 Photographer-Search-And-Recovery-Mission, that my family—
COLLECTIVE GASP!—is also dressed in white and khaki!
Under normal circumstances, I would cackle like a hyena—it’s so
Brownie Troop Leader, so Mid-1990’s-Tech-Company!—but these are not
normal circumstances. These are circumstances in which my family is try-
ing to painstakingly follow photo session clothing ordinances. We don’t
want to—God forbid—disrupt the nesting sea turtles with our brash col-
ors and patterns! And also, these photographs need to be a testament to
my family’s superiority for decades—nay, centuries—to come! We tried so
hard to be the Fresh Prince of the Family Photo Session, but alas, we’re just
another Carlton in a sea of Carltons.
It’s too late for regrets. There is nothing ahead but sand in my poor
choice of high heels.
Once the photographer has been spotted, we move as one clumsy,
sweating mass to his nook near the cattails and there, I make the fatal error.
The miscalculation that elevates the next 30 minutes from Code Red to
Code Asteroid-Inferno-Apocalypse.
“Honey, watch where you put your feet, there are ants on the sand,” I
tell my 5-year-old, having sustained several bites myself.
ANTS ON THE SAND! ANTS ON THE SAND! ANTSANTSANTSANTS!
SCREAMING! HYSTERIA!
I must get the situation under control! Which is difficult to do when my
husband is hissing to me in low tones of accusation and distress and high
tones of survival. Survival, I mutter, keep my eye on the prize! The holiday
card! The holiday card! With the whimpering 5-year-old at last raised high
in Papa’s arms above the ants, I am feeling very final-season John & Kate
Plus 8 as I steel myself for the flash of the camera.
And that’s when the photographer requests that the ladies, THE
WOMENFOLK-MINUS-NANA, sit down on the sand. On the sand filled
with thousands of biting ants. In our dresses. With sweaty legs. While the
dudes, THE MENFOLK, stand proprietarily behind, dapper, jovial, their
asses not part of the ant al-fresco. In a scene reminiscent of that high school
drill team pep rally where I was forced to smile while wearing a unitard and
doing the splits as the marching band played the school song, I force a smile
that only the contestants of “Survivor” would recognize.
After seemingly hundreds of takes and choruses of “Look here, look
here, open your eyes, stop squinting, look here, look up, ignore the sea
gull, open your eyes, stop crying,” we are instructed to hold hands and walk
through the waves, in search of the elusive image of three generations per-
fectly reflected in the ocean. Please pause and imagine that moment in the
movie “Anchorman” where the news team tries to turn around at the same
time and look coyly at the camera, but can’t do it.
Despite the aurora borealis of frizz haloing my head, there are no ants
in the water, so my smile is slightly more genuine in those photos. Also, the
end is near. Families are leaving, the beach is becoming less khakied, I can
almost taste the margarita that my contract requires at the end of modeling
sessions!
But the luck, it must be pushed. (As stated in the bylaws of life.)
Nana and Papa want a photo of themselves with all the grandchildren.
Can you believe it? The sheer audacity! The gall! To want images of their
grandchildren to treasure! (By the way, the key to treasured photographic
memories of children is to ask everyone to look directly into the sun, while
ear drums are lacerated by an inconsolable toddler.)
And then suddenly, it’s done. The photographer never yells “Fin!” and
throws his camera to his invisible assistant behind him or kisses me on both
cheeks, but he starts talking about proofs and muttering “I hope I got the
reflections” and I get the strange feeling he doesn’t want to see any of us
again. Or ever.
After taking a slow look around and assessing the damage—both physi-
cal and emotional—the family tumbleweed rolls back to the boardwalk,
white shirts dingy, khakis resembling army fatigues. The PTSD will hit
later, but at the moment everyone is giddy, elated, thrilled to have lived
another day.
Survival! Survival!
The holiday card!
STORY BY TARJA PARSSINEN | PHOTO BY MEMORY LANE PORTRAITS, HILTON HEAD
The Family Photo Session
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THE PERFECT HOLI DAY
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G
REAT fun was had as yet another star-studded cast of Lake Travis luminaries took to the
dance floor at the Starlight Terrace at the Oasis. This year’s event was presented by the Lake
Travis Chamber of Commerce and Supporting Partner, Go Dance Studio. The event raised over
$28,000, 20% of which will go to support programs at the Lake Travis Community Library. For the second
year in a row, the audience vote gave 1st place to Kristin Holt and Randy Ferguson. Sherry Ellenbogen and
Augie Gutierrez placed 2nd, and Susan Zbranek and James Heath took home 3rd place honors.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
2013 Dancing
with the Stars
Steve Zbranek, Chairman of the LT Chamber of Commerce
& Master of Ceremonies, Tracy and Sue Zbraned
Sarah Berens, Rozanne Baker, Mylie Alrich, owner of
Supporting Partner, Go Dance Studio
Kathy Kelly, Diana Thomas, Jana Birdwell
Mimi McGhee,
Kim Newton
Haythem Dawlett,
Beau Theriot
Diane and Barry Dunn, Mike and Kala Meyer
Frank and Carole Baker
René and Phyllis Campos Standing: Suzanne Stone,
Jolene Weinstein, Kathy Anglin
Seated: Shannon and Charla
Housson, Ray Weinstein,
Jeff and Cindy Langle
Kendall Phinney, Paula Pierce, Nick and Chrissie Spiropoulos
Steve and Kimberly Knaus, Melody and Barker Keith
Dyan and Pat Emerson, Brad Lancaster, LTISD Superintendent of Schools, Jaime Bush
Brad Lancaster is deliriously
happy that he is a spectator and
not a performer this year!
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34 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Will and Laura Mitchell, LT Chamber
of Commerce President
Lacy Moller, Laurie Garrick, Robin and Will Waldrip, Kelly and Nicole Peel
Seated: Abby Mureen, Linda Holland, Annette Brown, Linda Bradshaw, Cathy Rose
Standing: Chris Mureen, Scott Lindgren, Mike and Barbara Calderaro, Mark King
Chris and Kelly Wood, Candi and Jeremy Petersma Event Chair Jean Hennagin honors
coach Maureen Mulrooney
Mylie Alrich, owner of Supporting
Partner Go Dance
Theresa Lindgren, Mike Meyer
Casey Dennis, Darren Paul
Go Dance’s Jacob Green, Kimberly Brents
Sherrie Colca with
professional partner
Favian Bustos
Venus Strawn, Sharon Rogers
Laura Battle, Jim Jordan
Ride a Cowboy!
James Heath of Go Dance,
Susan Zbrannek
Tony and Kristin Holt
Your source for Cookware,
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www.FaradaysKitchenStore.com
512.266.5666
Shops at the Galleria in Bee Cave | Open 7 days a week
Feeding your passion for cooking
36 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Jim Jordan, Laura Battle
Judges Jose Garcia, Phyllis Campos, Beau Theriot
People’s Choice Winners! Two-Year Champions
Kristin Holt, Randy Ferguson
Sherrie Ellenbogen, Augie Guiterrez
Devin Monk, Maranda Lampe Favian Bustos, Sherrie Colca
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I know every square foot of Lake Travis.
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38 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
A
LONG WITH many other regions in the State, Central Texas is feeling the pain of the
drought combined with the mismanagement of our water supply. Lake Buchanan and Lake
Travis are the two primary sources of drinking water for over 1.5 million people in the Hill
Country, including the City of Austin. Right now the lakes are at 35 percent capacity, with a combined
storage of 712,912 acre-feet (keep this number in mind). LCRA’s total commitments and reservations
are 522,781 acre-feet (also an important number).
Let’s do the math. If we don’t get rain, 712,912 divided by 522,781 equals 1.36 years of water supply
are currently in our reservoirs. Now this may be a little simplistic, assuming no inflows/rain and that
100% of LCRA’s contracted and reserved water is being used, but it still puts our water shortage into
perspective.
How did we get here? On top of being in a drought since January of 2008, in 2011 LCRA released
over 433,000 acre-feet of water to irrigators down basin to flood rice-lands. To put that amount of
water into perspective, it could have supplied the City of Austin for almost 3 years. Another key issue
that drives the misallocation of our water supply is the price disparity. Down basin irrigators pay at
most $6.50 per acre-food for raw stored water, while firm customers or domestic users pay $151 per
acre-foot for raw stored water. Simple economics says as price goes up, demand comes down. This
rule can drive conservation. As long as LCRA puts a 96% discount on raw water and free run of river
for down stream irrigators, they have no incentive to conserve.
What can YOU do? Donate and volunteer to help Central Texas Water Coalition (CTWC). CTWC’s
largest expenses are water attorney fees and hydrologic research needed to take on these important
issues and make a change. CTWC is a non-profit 501c4 organization that is dedicated on working for
creative water solutions and fixing key problems with how our water is currently being managed.
Some of CTWC accomplishments include the Emergency Drought Orders for 2012 and 2013 in place
that helped protect firm domestic customers and keep drinking water in our lakes. TCEQ is currently
working on updating LCRA’s Water Management Plan to include inflow data from 2008 to 2013. This is
largely due to the numerous public comments they received from CTWC and its supporters.
To find out more about Central Texas Water Coalition and donate, go to
www.CentralTexasWaterCoalition.com.
STORY BY JO KARR TEDDER, PRESIDENT OF
THE CENTRAL TEXAS WATER COALITION
PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Protecting Water Supply
Dorothy Taylor, Izzy Neusch, Steven Pomikahl (all with CTWC)
Sail & Ski Yacht Club hosted a fundraiser for the Central Texas
Water Coalition to raise money to help them in the fight to
amend the LCRA Water Management Plan so that it better
protects our water supply and firm customers.
Terrel Cass, President of the Friends of CTWC, David Lindsay,
Secretary and Member of the Board of CTWC The Lohmanns Crossing Band
39 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
B
LUE MATRIX LABS, established in November 2012, is a
new, cutting edge company, headquartered here in Austin that is
driven by product innovation and development. The company’s
founder, Kendall Harter, who also serves as CEO, has established four oper-
ating divisions that market innovative products within the casual furniture,
food and beverages, home appliances and toys categories.
In 1994, Kendall Harter founded Envirocon Technologies, which revolu-
tionized the automatic dishwasher detergent industry with the world’s first
environmentally friendly dish additive, Lemi Shine, which Harter invented.
He created a niche in the cleaning products industry that had never before
existed. A consummate innovator, Harter is poised once again to revolu-
tionize several genres of consumer products simultaneously.
While launching five companies at the same time might seem impos-
sible to most people, if you consider his resume, his quiet confidence is
understood. As an expert motocross racer, former Marine and professional
pilot, it is clear that fear and failure are not in his vocabulary.
Blue Matrix Labs has multiple patents pending based on Harter’s prod-
uct innovations. Two examples of such are an out of this world line of toys
that have garnered global demand as well as a futuristic residential and
commercial kitchen appliance that will undoubtedly exert a major impact
on both national and global markets in the food industry.
Other whimsical products include the Austin original, patent pending,
SHAGS. Mr. Harter is reintroducing the classic bean bag chair in a new,
ultra-plush form, as well as SHAGS Wags, the world’s first pet bean bag.
SHAGS.com is where you will find all of the bright colors of chenille micro-
fiber bean bags that are currently available, with other SHAGS products in
the pipeline. According to Harter, “SHAGS has a product personality that is
perfectly Austin, and Austinites agree!”
Yet another division, Paradise Beverage Company, houses Pirate Energy,
whose product line of energy shots with
cocktail-inspired flavors such as Pina
Colada, Mojito, Margarita and Hurricane
ties into the company theme of islands,
get-aways and good times. Pirate Energy
is set to launch in November 2013. The
brand’s mantra is “THE PARTY STARTS
HERE!”
Blue Matrix Labs Senior Vice
President, Jeff Carpenter, is charged with
implementing the company’s go-to-mar-
ket strategy. With a wealth of experience
as a former vice president who lent his
talents to an impressive list of major food
companies, Mr. Carpenter will play a key
role in implementing the execution plan
for the company’s innovative products.
Among other tasks, he will focus on creat-
ing mass appeal and fine-tuning market-
ing campaigns to premier national and
global accounts handling promotion and
distribution.
“Our roots are in Austin and every-
thing this city represents…is at the funda-
mental core of Blue Matrix Labs. Texas is
a place we’re proud to call home, and we
look to create a place on the map as a proud Austin success story. By the
end of 2014, with all aforementioned products launched and more on the
horizon, we will directly impact hundreds of jobs in Texas and beyond. We
have assembled a world-class team of sales, admin-
istrators, industrial designers and marketers that
make this vision possible. The infrastructure we are
building is pretty significant, as well as the impact
we will have on various consumer product catego-
ries,” Harter notes.
Harter’s vision for Blue Matrix Labs is to offer
products that are not only radically unique and
different, but that also solve existing problems
for consumers. “We are an innovation company…
‘Innovation in Motion’ is our motto. We revolution-
ize various genres by creating products that no one
has ever seen before. As a company and as a team,
our goals center on excellence and exceeding our
customer’s expectations of what is possible.”
On the Cutting Edge
BLUE MATRIX LABS
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN | PHOTOS BY CARLOS RAMIREZ
Kendall Harter,
Blue Matrix Labs Founder and CEO
Kendall Harter, Blue Matrix Labs Founder and CEO; Kim Scott (Operations); Alicia Noack (Design);
Stephanie Marshall (Accounting); Ali Goodwin (Marketing) and Jeff Carpenter, Senior Vice-President
Jeff Carpenter,
Senior Vice-President
One of the leaders of the industry is Dr. Todd Ehrlich. Dr. Ehrlich has been on
the forefront of digital dentistry for 15 years and is a consultant for the biggest
and most innovative companies in dentistry. His passion for high-tech den-
tistry has given him the opportunity to lecture across the U.S. and internation-
ally. He completes live patient demonstrations at the annual American Dental
Association meeting where thousands of dentists discover the attributes of
digital dentistry. As in any industry, dentistry benefits by going digital. Dr.
Ehrlich explains:
“Patients want the best technology, and I believe digital dentistry is the way to
go. We no longer need impressions or two visits to complete our crowns and
veneers. We simply scan the teeth into a computer, design the restorations in a
computer program, and then mill them. It is simple, fast, and extremely accu-
rate. The best thing is that the patient does NOT have to come back. No tem-
porary! Done! My favorite cases are our one-day makeovers: veneers in a day!”
CAD/CAM milling machines make the crowns, veneers, and onlays.
Digital cosmetic makeover without tooth preparation or anesthetic. Dr. Ehrlich demonstrates digital dentistry at the ADA Convention.
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY BRANDI NELLIS AND SMILE DESIGNS
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
IS BASED RIGHT HERE
IN BEE CAVE.
Todd Ehrlich, DDS
11813 Bee Caves Road
Bee Cave, TX 78738
www.smiledesignsbeecave.com
(512) 263-8332
Digital dentistry also includes techniques for diagnosing: X-rays. Digital x-rays have
come a long way and most dentists are using them, but what makes Dr. Ehrlich stand
apart is that he utilizes three-dimensional x-rays much like a CT scanner. This allows
him to digitally plan dental implants and diagnose tooth problems that are very dif-
ficult to see on traditional x-ray views. He is one of the few general dentists in the US
to even have this capability.
Dr. Ehrlich and his wife Kristine opened their practice in Bee Cave in 2000 when
there was not a lot of activity out here. He explains,”I remember driving through the
area and thinking that this would be a great place to live. The day I saw the ground
break for the HEB in Bee Cave, I knew the area was going to explode, and it did! I
am glad to call the area my home and help my neighbors with the highest technol-
ogy in dentistry.”
Digitally milled ceramic crown in one visit.
Custom digital restorations by Dr. Ehrlich.
42 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
GO DANCE
When Mylie Alrich was an 18-year-old waitress, a co-worker, who loved
the dancers in the khaki ads GAP was airing at the time, suggested they
learn swing dancing. Mylie agreed, and they signed up for a class at the
Go Dance studio on Burnet Road and Hwy 183. Within a year of her first
lesson, she became a trained instructor herself. A few years later, at the
tender age of 23, she bought the studio. Thirteen years later, Mylie is the
owner of the original studio, now located in Northcross Mall, and a second
studio that opened in November in Lakeway at Discovery Point on FM 620
South. A third studio will open in South Austin in the first quarter of 2014.
Mylie invited Shaidri Alrich, VP of Operations, and Susan Kirklin, VP of
Dance (five and 12-year veterans of the business respectively) to join her as
co-owners this year. “I am looking forward to the next phase of Go Dance
history, in the company of these fantastic women whom I have known and
respected for so long.”
The Go Dance staff of over 30 instructors offers professional lessons in
social and competitive dance. Go Dance teaches over 20 different partner
dances, with Two-Step, Salsa and Swing being the most popular. Private
instruction is also available for engaged couples learning steps for their first
wedding dance, as well as for dads of brides needing a brush-up before that
important dance with their daughters.
Mylie loves the fact
that Go Dance offers
instruction for adults of
all ages and all skill levels.
She emphasizes that any-
one can learn to dance. In
fact, she once gave lessons
to a man in a wheelchair!
Participants can sign up
for lessons singly or in
groups for a fun night out.
Mylie states that, with
encouragement and pro-
fessional teaching, even
reluctant husbands love
the lessons. Go Dance will
also host weekly dances
where students can bring
friends and practice danc-
ing in a social setting.
Thei r new 4, 500
square-foot studio, with
spectacular views of the hill country, will offer free group classes until the
end of the year, and a complimentary private lesson is always available for
new students.
“We’d love to have you come in and try a group class or private lesson
and see if it’s right for you. Experiencing it is the best way to see how dance
brings joy into the lives of so many people!”
512.339.9391 www.godancestudio.com
GATSBY’S MENSWEAR
Gatsby’s Menswear is a locally owned and operated menswear store locat-
ed next to Barnes & Noble in the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave. This
spacious, upscale specialty store opened September 1, 2013 and, in a few
short months, has already built a following among customers looking for a
refined yet relaxed shopping environment offering a full service collection
of menswear.
Gatsby’s features many top name designers specializing in everything
from sportswear to suits, tuxedos and shoes. Casual sportswear by Tommy
Bahama, Robert Graham, Thomas Dean, Italia and Quieti offer classic
good looks designed to be worn with the very popular, unconstructed Ibiza
sport coats. Southern Tide, with its mantra “Get on Board…Ride the Tide!”
has introduced a new, smart preppy line that is extraordinarily popular
with high school and college students and, according to Gatsby’s General
Manager Shannon Claybough, with their sisters and girlfriends as well! And
Gatsby’s currently has the exclusive Austin distributorship for johnnie-O.
The new west coast prep answer to Southern Tide, johnnie-O is at the cut-
ting edge of hip. All these top brands complement the extensive designer
jean collections from AG, 7 for all mankind, and Citizens for Humanity.
Covering you from head to toe, Gatsby’s also features casual and dress shoes
by Allen Edmonds, Cole Haan, Johnston Murphy, and Hush Puppies.
A wide selection of designer suits by Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and
Ralph Lauren are included in Gatsby’s Wardrobe Sale which includes 2
suits, 2 shirts, 2 ties all for $750. Alterations are included! Remy leather
coats, and a wide assortment of sweaters in cashmere, merino wool and silk
from Raffi are great for holiday parties, and the Gatsby’s Gift Card simpli-
fies gift-giving and eliminates worry and stress!
Cesar’s Custom Tailor shop is available on-site, offering free alterations
for all in-store purchases as well as services for outside alterations.
Come in and meet Shannon Claybough, General Manager and Partner
and his wife Francis, and sales specialist Austin Atchley. Shannon has a
wealth of experience spanning 2 decades selling fine menswear in an inti-
mate boutique setting, first in San Diego and now here in Austin.
512.243.8808 www.gatsbysmenswear.com

Entrepreneurial Spirit Thrives in Lake Travis
BUSINESS PROFILES BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Shannon Claybough
Mylie Alrich
43 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
INTERIORSAUSTIN
Six years ago, Del and Emily Callman moved their successful Dallas win-
dow treatment business to Spicewood, Texas because they loved the beauty
of the area. Now they’re making the Hill Country even more gorgeous with
the design expertise, knowledge and highly-rated customer service they
offer at InteriorsAustin.
Drawing on their 30 years of experience, as well as Emily’s degree in
Interior Design, the Callmans will find the perfect interior and exterior
window treatments for your home. Whether you have new construction
that needs light-controlling window treatments, or you’re looking to fresh-
en up your décor, InteriorsAustin provides everything from the full line
of Hunter Douglas products to shutters and custom draperies. “Trying to
purchase window treatments from a big box store can be confusing, and
the level of service is minimal,” says Del, “but while we’re competitively
priced, we offer the personal attention and wide variety of products that
discerning customers are
really looking for.”
InteriorsAustin knows
how important scenery and
outdoor living are to Austin
homeowners, and for that
reason, they also specialize
in exterior shading. They
will expertly help you find
the perfect motorized roller
shades that will block the
sunlight but not the view.
They recently installed four exterior shades and a motorized awning on a
house overlooking Lake Travis and created a peaceful, comfortable patio
atmosphere for the residents. With that kind of result, it’s no wonder that
InteriorsAustin is the choice of so many high-end developments in the area.
In addition to residential commercial and window treatments, Del
and Emily are also a full-service design and remodeling company. They’ve
redone kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, and once they even converted a
closet into a gorgeous poker room, complete with full-bar and lit cabinets.
InteriorsAustin offers custom headboards, upholstery, flooring and any-
thing else clients in the Austin, Lakeway and San Antonio area may need to
make their home look and feel wonderful. As Emily puts it, “There’s really
not much we can’t do.”
Relationships are important to the Callmans, and they will do whatever
they can to make sure the customer’s journey from planning to completion
is an effortless one. It’s why their client list includes celebrities and sports
figures, but it’s also why InteriorsAustin earned the much-sought-after
A-rating and Honor Roll ranking on Angie’s List.
Call InteriorsAustin and set a time to visit their Spicewood showroom
or arrange for them to come to your house. With their wide selection of
window treatments, keen eye for style and a dedication to customer service,
Del and Emily are certain to improve not only your home’s outlook but your
own as well!
888.685.9222 www.interiorsaustin.com
TOWN AND COUNTRY LEATHER
Town & Country Leather owners Eric and Karen Salem, longtime residents
of the hill country, love the Bee Cave/Lakeway community and area so
much that they recently opened their third retail leather furniture show-
room at 12703 Highway 71 West, across from the Hill Country Galleria.
The Bee Cave store joins the original Town & Country Austin showroom
on Anderson Lane, as well as their Houston store located in the Houston
Galleria district. The Salems took
great care to maintain the integ-
rity of their new store’s historic
limestone building, a fixture in
Bee Cave, and made only neces-
sary changes when updating it.
Adjacent to their showroom is a
beautiful new Chase Flooring store.
Eric and Karen brought Town
& Country Leather to Bee Cave
because they realized that consum-
ers had very limited options when
shopping for furniture in this area.
“We have so much business in
our Anderson store from people
who live out here, and we wanted
to make it more convenient for
them,” Karen explains. Their new location has already seen brisk business.
Town & Country Leather boasts the largest selection of leather furni-
ture in central Texas, and they feature traditional, modern and transitional
styles for your home. Their staff of leather experts can help you determine
which of the several different grades of leather, available in 50 different col-
ors, is right for you, whether you’re a pet owner, have small children or just
need something that will look amazing in your family room, living room or
media room. “From hill country to high-rise, it’s all Texas Style.”
Furniture can be custom-ordered to your preferred grade and color of
leather, with a short 4-6 week wait time. However, everything they have in
the showroom is readily available, in stock and can be delivered within days.
“If you need it now, you can take it now,” says Eric. He adds that they don’t
have the prohibitive markups that are typical of certain high end retailers,
and their prices are comparable to any department or big box store.
Town & Country Leather also boasts an impressive collection of careful-
ly selected decorative accessories, lighting, rugs and tables. They showcase
many beautiful, one-of-a-kind paintings, pillows and succulent and cacti
arrangements, all handmade by Karen. Future plans for Town & Country
Leather are to add more lighting and patio furniture and turn the store into
the Bee Cave Design Center.
Visitors to the store will be delighted to see that Karen and Eric have
installed a fun bar area, so local beers and wines can be enjoyed while shop-
ping. They will offer a $100 coupon for original art and accessories with the
purchase of leather furniture to any customer who mentions Waterways
magazine!
512.350.2350 www.townandcountryleather.com

Entrepreneurial Spirit Thrives in Lake Travis
BUSINESS PROFILES BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Karen and Eric Salem
Del and Emily Callman
O
N AUGUST 24, a triumphant crowd of 400 gathered at the
Austin Music Hall to hail the return of the 2013 LIVESTRONG
Texas 4000 Team from Alaska and to celebrate the 10th
Anniversary of the ride at the Tribute Gala. Texas 4000, a nonprofit orga-
nization dedicated to preventing and fighting cancer, was created in 2003
by cancer survivor Chris Condit (BS ’04, MS ’11). The annual banner event
for each team of dedicated University of Texas students is the 4,000+ mile
ride from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. It is the longest, annual
charity bike ride in the world and, to date, Texas 4000 has raised more
than $4 million in the fight against cancer.
In their mission statement, members consider the Texas 4000
a journey that takes “grit, determination, and support.” And that is
why they consider it a metaphor for the battle against cancer. Why do
they ride? “Our mission is to share hope, knowledge and charity from
Texas to Alaska and beyond. We share hope by letting those touched
by cancer know that people like us are riding for them and are deter-
mined to eliminate the disease. We share knowledge by bringing
life-saving information about cancer prevention to communities
large and small. We share charity by making a commitment to sup-
port cancer research and leading the charge in overcoming cancer.
We ride for those fighting cancer. We ride in memory of those lost
to cancer. We ride in support of those caring for loved ones suffering
with cancer. We ride to a future without cancer.”
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY PATTI MELTON-PIESZCHALA
Texas 4000 Tribute
The 2013 Texas 4000 Riders
arrive in Alaska!
The 2013 Riders celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the
Texas 4000 at the Austin Music Hall Tribute Gala!
Jen Garza, Texas 4000
Executive Director
Guest Speaker, Kimberly Mineo
(Pfizer Oncology)
Winning Big!
2013 Riders Michelle Han and Brittany Petty
Headpiece by:
Flowers by Nancy, too!
Providing Floral Arrangements for every
occasion since 1989.
1208 RR 620 South, Lakeway, TX 78734
512.263.1266
Makeup by:
Jessica Y Murray
Studio Elite at the Hill Country Galleria
512.228.6699
Book online at jessicaymurray.com
Hair by:
Molly Rundle
Studio Elite at the Hill Country Galleria
501.840.1722
Creati ng the Cover
LOOK
A CUSTOM HOME IS DIFFERENT FROM
ANY OTHER HOME. UNIQUE, LIKE YOU ARE.
Building in these
Austin Communities:
The Canyons at Lake Travis
From the $500s, 512-266-8557
Crystal Falls – Priced without Lot
From the $400s, 512-585-8312
Cimarron Hills – Priced without Lot
From the $600s, 512-585-8312
Steiner Ranch
From the $550s, 512-263-9906
Bella Montagna
From the $600s, 512-263-9906
Estrella Crossing
From the $400s, 512-868-8474
Teravista
From the $400s, 512-255-4588
Build on Your Lot
Throughout Greater Austin
From the $300s – Priced without lot
NORTH – 512-585-8312
SOUTH – 512-333-2337
WHAT CUSTOM REALLY MEANS
46 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Meanie Jardon, Eliza Livingston, Gaye Fulton, Maria Turner
Jen Sarver (Barton Hills), Christi Jordan (Bee Cave), Pat Herron (SW Austin),
Jen Garza, Exec. Dir., Bridget Schatte (Lakeway), Teri McBride
Joe and Amy Berti, Talaya and Kenny Frazier
Founder of the Texas 4000, Chris Condit, Mandy Condit,
Jen Garza, Bridget and Jimmy Schatte
Bridget Schatte, Jan Eulenfeld, Tracey Koshnick
Jim and Lorna Nolen, Nancy Brown, Ed Novess, Bridget Schatte
Christi, Clora and John Jordan
Ed Novess,
Nancy Brown
Don Cash
Ocknee Bego, Pat Herron
seated: Jose Gallegos, Caroline Suh, Diego Farias;
standing: Julius Zerwick, Gitanjali Bhattacharjee
The 2013 riders who are pictured here included 69 University of Texas
college students, representing many different majors, fitness levels and
backgrounds. Each of them has a unique and personal tie to cancer. Up
until 2013, riders followed two routes to Alaska, one through the Rockies
and the other through the Sierras. 2013 riders forged a third route through
new territory, adding an Ozarks team to the Rockies and Sierra teams. They
raised $468,000 for the fight against cancer.
Each team spends 19 months training and preparing before ever leaving
Austin. The 2014 team was selected on November 1, 2012 and includes 89
students. Having met their first big fundraising goal of $1,500 per person,
team members received their bikes in late October. The 2014 team has
already raised $248,000 and eagerly awaits their turn to ride.
47 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
48 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
W
ATERWAYS readers may remember our Winter 2012-2013 cover story about Talaya
Frazier and the Cheyanna Foundation that was established to champion children with
rare and undiagnosed conditions. One year later, Talaya’s nonprofit (renamed Cheyanna’s
Champions for Children or CC4C) has dramatically expanded its reach and visibility.
Pictured here is the CC4C Micro-Marathon held at the Hill Country
Galleria on September 22. Nearly 300 registered runners showed up
to run the 2.62 mile route along the hike and bike trail. They included
friends and families and the high school teams and booster clubs that
have adopted a child as an honorary member of their group. As part of
a new program initiated at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic
year, CC4C reached out to athletic directors at each of their 10 chil-
dren’s districts to ask them to allow the children to become honorary
members of a high school team or booster of their choosing. Every
school contacted embraced the program with enthusiasm. The teams
and booster clubs also manned cheer stations for the individual child
they championed at the Micro-Marathon. The Hays Highsteppers, the
Bowie Silver Stars, the Lake Travis Cavalettes, Cedar Park Baseball,
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
CChampions4Children
Micro-Marathon
Josh ran the entire course, along with his Champions, the
Cedar Park HS Timberwolves Football Team
The Bowie Stars HS Drill Team
are Champions for Kayleigh!
LTHS Cavalettes are Champions
for Torrence!
Presenting Sponsor the
late Sterling McCall
Josh with CC4C Founder,
Talaya Frazier and Ben King,
Emcee Extraordinaire!
CC4C Champion Marathoner,
Desiree Ficker
Torrence with LTHS student
Garrett Booth
LTHS Cavalette Director Abigail Payne, Haley Hopkins, Lexi Cox, Malia Bybee, Mackenzie Phillips, Liliana Mechura, Faith Meyer,
Jaime Gibbs, Alexa Sanford, Daniela Kayser, Melanie Ripple, Estephy Mitre, Asst. Director Laura Truett
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
50 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Football and Band, Lake Travis Football and Baseball, Round
rock Basketball, and Westlake Football and Cheer are the cur-
rent championing teams.
The nonprofit has an active fundraising arm to solicit
donations to assist family’s expenses not covered by insur-
ance. A portion of the proceeds from the Micro-Marathon
were used to buy critical pain patches for Josh. They are pro-
hibitively expensive, and they are not covered by insurance.
CC4C was able to provide tickets for Garrison to return to
Johns Hopkins for a continuation of the life-altering treat-
ments he received there last summer.
But the establishment of the high school program has
been a stroke of genius. The special care and devotion these
high school students are showering on their children has had
a truly magical effect, providing joy and lifting the spirits of
children whose rare diseases have imposed so much suffering
and misery.
The Hill Country Galleria hosted the event.
CC4C Executive Director Sherrie
English with Garrison and his father
Ghandhi receives balloons from
the Westlake Chaps HS Football
Team and Cheer Squadwho are
his Champions.
back: Robyn Alcorta, Talaya Frazier;
front: (kneeling) Sarah Marshall, CC4C
Board Chairman, Kayleigh, Caleb
Cheyanna Frazier, Haley, Skylar Salle Pro Athlete Joe Berti with Drew
The Westlake HS Athletic Department decided that all Chap HS teams will champion Ghandhi. When his current
Champions, the Chaps HS Football Team and Cheer Squad, close their season, other teams (basketball, baseball,
soccer, etc) will step forth as his Champions!
Carter with Shawn Nixon, LTHS Football
Bee Cave City Council members,
Michelle Bliss and Kara King
Award winning custom
home builder and remodeler
BBB & Angie’s List
www.tlaneyspindler.com
512-263-9993
Homes, Pools, Outdoor Living Areas,
Additions, Stone Work, Concrete Work,
Decks, Coolstone Patios, etc.
“New or Renovations”
Well-known local tailor, Cesar,
will be on-site providing outside
alterations and FREE alterations
for all Gatsby’s purchases.
at the Hill Country Galleria next to Barnes & Noble
12701 Hill Country Blvd, Suite O-130 512.243.8808
GATSBY’ S I S YOUR DENI M
HEADQUARTERS!
AG, 34 Heritage, Citizens of Humanity,
7 For All Mankind®, Lucky Brand Jeans for Men & Women
CARRYI NG TOP DESI GNERS
Sportswear, Suits and Tuxedos
SOUTHERN TI DE j OHNNI E- O
TOMMY BAHAMA ROBERT GRAHAM
THOMAS DEAN MI CHAEL KORS
CALVI N KLEI N RALPH LAUREN
REMY LEATHER GI TMAN BROS.
COPPLEY CUSTOM MADE SUI TS AND SPORTCOATS
MENS SHOES BY ALLEN EDMONDS, COLE HAAN,
JOHNSTON MURPHY, AND HUSH PUPPI ES
52 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY PATTI MELTON-PIESZCHALA
The 8th Annual
Beauty of Life
T
HE FRIENDS of Hospice Austin hosted the 8th Annual Beauty of Life ben-
efit on September 20 at the Hilton Austin Hotel. Lexus of Austin, The Boutique
on Stonelake, Texas Oncology and Texas Breast Specialists were the generous
Presenting Sponsors for the 2013 event. Dinah Barksdale and Leslie Timmerman Co-chaired
the morning events that included Boutique shopping from booths displayed by Beauty of
Life Fashionista Partners and a silent auction. Brunch and a Keynoted Address from Lauren
Weisberger followed. Wesberger is the author of “The Devil
Wears Prada” and “Revenge Wears Prada.” A raffle, book
signing and more shopping followed her address, with 20% of
her book sales benefitting the Hospice Austin Fund.
Marjorie Mullinax;
Executive Director,
Hospice Austin
The Beauty of Life Committee
Co-Chair Leslie Timmerman,
Author Lauren Weisberger,
Co-Chair Dinah Barksdale,
Emcee Carl Stuart
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54 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Kerri Smith, Amy Ashton, Rebecca Rajnoch representing Presenting Sponsor Texas Oncology
Lauren Dyck, Kerianne Oliver
Emcee Carl Stuart
Brooke Anderson, Whitney Walker (Bay Hill Design)
Karen Atkinson, Angela Helmer, Joyce Schauberger, Karen Teneriello,
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Keynote Speaker Lauren
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Co-Chairs Leslie Timmerman
and Dinah Barksdale
Debra Smith, Meredith Cummings
One look at the size of this year’s Beauty of Life Committee,
pictured top left, and a review of the program, with its two-page
list of sponsors at all levels, table captains, and board members,
shows the outpouring of support for the faithful work that Hospice
Austin does in this community. Each of us knows countless fami-
lies that have turned to Hospice Austin for relief from the physical,
emotional and spiritual pain faced in caring for a loved during the
final months of serious illness. The compassionate care, education
and bereavement support provided by Hospice Austin is world
class. One of the oldest and largest hospices in Texas, the orga-
nization is nationally recognized for its work in end-of-life care.
For more than 30 years, Hospice Austin has put all its resourc-
es back into helping patients and their families, providing care to
all, regardless of their ability to pay. Once again, Hospice Austin
provided more than $2.7 million in charity care last year.
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56 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
T
HE CENTER for Child Protection is a nationally accredited chil-
dren’s advocacy center that provides the first stop for children in
Travis Country who are suspected victims of sexual abuse, physical
abuse and neglect, or who may have witnessed a violent crime. The Guardian
Angel Society is a support organization whose members make a pledge to
give $1,000 or more annually for a period of three years.
As Executive Director, Michael Torres reported that the Center sees
nearly 800 children in Travis County annually. Dean Leipsner, a longtime
Guardian Angel, spoke about the repeated requests from the Center to give
them with a photo of himself and his wife Kristi to hang on the Guardian
Angel wall. He came to understand the importance after Michael Torres
explained to him that the wall of hundreds of photos of Guardian Angels is
the first thing children see when they enter the center. They are told that all
the people in the pictures are now watching out for them, and they will make
sure they will not be hurt again.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Guardian Angel
Society Reception
The reception was hosted at the home of Rob and Claudia Hutton.
Amy and Mark Coplen
Rich Berman, Jarryt Nolen, Gabriel and Brittany Kritzin Linnie Phebus, Kristin Salyer, Katheryn Lott
Event Chairs Tama Williamson and Shayla Thompson, Hosts Rob and
Claudia Hutton, Event Chair Christi Lowin
Creed and Cassie Ford
Dean and Kristi
Leipsner
Michael Torres, Executive
Director of the Center for
Child Protection, Michelle
and Pete Zogas
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Linnie Phebus, Kristin Salyer, Katheryn Lott
58 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Christi Lowin, Rob Hutton, Claudia Hutton, Tama Williamson,
Executive Director Michael Torres
Karen Shultz, Claudia Hutton Bill and Venus Strawn
Tanuj and Nidhi Nakra
Michele and Jud Wyatt Glen Sheets, Andrea Cavender Cassie LaMere, Luttie Butler,
Kristin Salyer
Ludi and Britt Skinner
Craig and Traci Briscoe
Tama Williamson,
Steve and Krissy Harvey
Trey and Khanh Cobb, Mike Shultz Maxine Roberts, Bill Lindner
R
IGHT BEFORE they closed their doors for good, Carlos n’ Charlie’s hosted
a benefit organized to raise funds to partially defray some of the astronomi-
cal expenses of ongoing treatments for Torrence, a Lake Travis 4
th
grader at
Serene Hills Elementary, who has been battling a brain tumor since she was 18 months
old. The fundraiser took place just before family headed back to Dallas for Torrence’s
fourth series of chemo treatments.
Josh and Susan Stivers and Tom and Whitney Nelson, co-owners of Cross Fit Hive,
conducted a Cross Fit Challenge for Torrence. They sold 30 competition tickets, each for
teams of two, for $100 apiece, raising $3,000 for Torrence. Josh’s company, Platinum
Wealth Advisory, then matched that amount dollar for dollar.
The Lake Travis Cavalettes are Torrence’s Champions, and Torrence was back from
her treatments in Dallas in time to participate in the CC4C Micro-Marathon at the Hill
Country Galleria.
The growth of Torrence’s tumor has affected her vision. One of the things that she
really wanted to do before she loses all vision was to go to Disney World and see the
expression of her little sister Marley’s face when she saw Tinkerbell. The family was able
to make that trip this summer, and the visit with Tinkerbell was everything they had
hoped it would be.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Cancer Can Kiss Off!
Teresa Tolbert, Christa and Kevin Hoffarth
and Charlie, Jimmy Schaidt
Torrence with Talaya Frazier
(Cheyanna’s Champions4Children)
Lou, Paula and Faith Gallendo
Erin Blankenship, Jaimie Flash
Michelle Zogas, Cindy Davis
(both from LTlov)
Heather and Geoff Wakefield
Tara Magnarini, Emily and Frank Nading, Vinnie Magnarini, Holly and
Darren Noak (center front)
Josh Stiver, Alissa Magrum, Tom Nelson Sara Beem, Kathy Richards, Brandi Boucvalt,
Chantell Gonzales
Hans and Ethan Kahler, Tres Howland, Debbie and Emily Kahler
Event organizers Holly Noak,
Karen Mechula
Sharmae Erickson, Serene Hills Elementary
School nurse; Torrence Spence
Lily Faith James Marley Spence,
Reagan McCleane
60 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
T
HE RACING Group-Aston Martin Racing North America (TRG-
AMR North America) announced the launch and the schedule for
the 2014 Aston Martin GT4 Challenge Series of North America
in October. Through this very exclusive program, the purchase (through a
dealership) of their own Aston Martin Vantage GT4 ($259,000) that has
been upgraded to racing specifications and is track legal will entitle 30
sportsman drivers to compete in a series of eight races at some of the most
prestigious road courses throughout North America.
According to TRG-AMR North America CEO Kevin Buckler, “This series
will without a doubt capture the heart, dreams and passion of our Aston
Martin racing drivers. It will reflect the sophistication and performance of
the brand and provide memories of a lifetime in a competition that will be
fun, but challenging.”
The Series begins April 11-13 at the Braselton, GA track and is followed
on May 16-18 with a competition at the historic Watkins Glen International
Raceway in New York. The Virginia International Raceway
hosts the drivers’ series June 6-8, and on July 25-27, the
GT4 Challenge will join the “Summer Classic” at Circuit
Mont-Tremblant, one of Canada’s most scenic race venues.
Drivers hit the course at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
on the Monterey Peninsula on Labor Day weekend, where
they will get a chance to drive the special “Corkscrew” sec-
tion of its track. The season continues in the fall with stops
at Road America on October 10-12 in Elkhart Lake, WI and
then on to Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fl on
November 21-23. One additional race will be added to the
circuit, and many are hoping that Austin’s Circuit of the
Americas will take that last slot!
Aston Martin has always been a brand that connects the
organic link between the ultimate in luxury lifestyles with
motorsports. So the GT4 Challenge Series fully intends to
provide a fantasy lifestyle experience off-track that will more
than match the fantasy of becoming a race car driver at these storied race
tracks. From drives on 17 Mile Drive at Pebble Beach to lakeside barbecues
at Elkhart Lake, drivers and their guests will experience the finest in exqui-
site food and wine events throughout each racing weekend.
Pictured on this page is an event jointly organized at the Circuit
of the Americas by Lisakay Foyle, GT4 Challenge Series Director, and
Sonny Morgan, Dealer and Principal at John Eagle European in Austin.
Customers interested in buying a Vantage GT4 and participating in next
year’s Challenge Series had an opportunity to take several laps around the
track, some as passengers and others as drivers, to measure their level of
interest.
According to Aston Martin The Americas Regional Director Julian
Jenkins, “This new GT4 Challenge Series to run across North America is
the next step in…reinforcing the link between our road cars and their race
car heritage.”
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
The Aston Martin GT4 Challenge
Series of North America
Janet La Barba, Bruce and Donna Rice
Len critcher
Sonny Morgan, Dealer/Principal at John Eagle
European Austin, Kenneth Greenberg, Managing
Partner at TRG-AMR North America
Paula Pierce, Kevin Buckler, CEO of TRG-
AMR; Bonnie Johnson, Kenneth Greenberg,
Managing Partner of TRG-AMR
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62 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
O
NCE AGAIN, the Lakeway Resort and Spa hosted the Fall Fashion
Show presented by the Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway. Jane
Benasutti, President of the WCGL, began her opening remarks
with the following welcome to guests at the October meeting, “Well, here you
are again, surrounded by 270 of your closest friends!” There may have been
270 members in attendance, but the 2013-2014 WCGL boasts a whopping 455
members, including 43 new members. After conducting the business of the
monthly meeting, attention turned to the presentation of the ever-popular
Fashion Show, featuring the latest looks provided by Dillard’s. Sharon Rogers,
Empress of Cool, single-handedly created the unique Carnivale table settings
and also the name tags. Jane Benasutti thanked Sharon for the artistic talents
she has so generously lavished on the club and its activities for so many years.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Carnivale!
2013 WCGL FASHION SHOW
Queen of Carnivale, Brooke Toeller
Barbara Biebe and Jodi Berry &
the extraordinary name tags!
Empress of Cool, Sharon Rogers Nancy Conte
WCGL VP Kitty Lichty,
WCGL President Jane Benasutti
Linda Swan, Sandy Barbari, Judy Donohue, Nancy Conte, Mary
Babbini-Haase, Nancy Bain, Dottie Stevenson, Joann Anderson
Razzle-Dazzle!
Joann Anderson Mary Babbini-Haase
Choreographer, producer/
director of Dottie’s
Follies, Dottie Stevenson
A Muse at every table,
compliments of Sharon Rogers
63 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
Jane kicked off the show with a tongue-in-cheek tribute (also compiled by Sharon!) to the
unique sense of style attributed to Texas women: “We sometimes get teased in Texas about our
fashion sense…our big hair, the description of our dress as fashion road kill, the idea that our
women have more plastic in them than you would find in a Honda, and the fact that we are so
designer oriented that the bags under our eyes have designer labels on them.” Laugh if you must,
but the polished fashion looks displayed on the runway at this year’s style show could not have
been more elegant.
Gretchen Nearburg flawlessly produced and directed the show.
Before the show, Dottie’s Follies provided entertainment with a sassy dance routine to Razzle
Dazzle, choreographed by Dottie Stevenson.
At the end of the show, guests were treated to a royal appearance by the Queen of Carnivale
(aka Brooke Toeller) who appeared in an authentic Queen’s costume her mother, Dottie
Stevenson, bought when the family lived in New Orleans, where celebration of Carnivale was an
annual rite of passage.
The ever-debonair
Gil Boyd gives Cherie
Harris a hand up!
Diane Jackson
Nancy Clayton Ty Brewer Glenda Engert
Joan Peterson
Sue Cornett Donna Kumar
64 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Sharon Gilmore
Joyce Botta
Suzie Leggio Karen Decker
Kim Nearburg
Barbara Bembry
Annette Brown
Jeanne Ann Klein
Pat Smith
Joan Astorino
Julianne DeBower
Bobbie Calderelli
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66 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
L
AKEWAY celebrated its 50th birthday with a two community
parties on October 5 at the Lakeway Activity Center. A free
Family Celebration kicked off at high noon, as children of all
ages enjoyed all manner of games, including a bean bag toss, football
toss, a moonwalk and hula hoop contests. Face painting and storytelling
made for some happy little ones. The dunk tank must have been added to
amuse the adults who clearly relished seeing their illustrious Mayor, Dave
DeOme, Police Chief Todd Radford, Lake Travis ISD’s Hank Carter and
Russell Maedgen take repeated dunkings!
The sold-out Josey Ranch BBQ and Barn Dance, pictured here, fea-
tured Buster’s BBQ and the tunes of Doc and the Cruisers. Later in the
evening, the crowd heard reminiscences from mem-
bers of some of Lakeway’s pioneering families, includ-
ing the two children of Pierre Caselli, the first Food
Services Manager at the Lakeway Inn. Allison Blocker
Russell and her sister, Betsy Blocker Nalle, daughters
of Lee Blocker, one of the three founders of Lakeway in
1963, also spoke of growing up in those early days. It
was an evening for the history books!
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
AND PATTI MELTON-PIESZCHALA
A Birthday Barn Dance
Dottie Stevenson, Linda Swan, Jody Berry, Jane Benasutti, Nancy Clayton, Sue Ann Anderson, Annette Brown
Jerry and Hamil Cooper
Pat and Mike Hydanus
Brooke Toeller, Cathie Parssinen,
Dottie Stevenson
Max and Glenda Engert celebrate
their 1st anniversary!
Susan Bryce, Joe Giardina, Sandy Barbari Dee Ann Burns, Chairwoman of the Lakeway 50th
Anniversary Committee, Annette Tyson, Chair of
Lakeway’s Birthday Parties
Gretchen Nearburg, Ann Neighbors
Linda and Dave DeOme,
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68 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
Charles Edwards, Bruce Harris
Mike and Brooke Toeller
Jim Banks, Cathie Parssinen
Michael and Sherry Bettis
Bill Hawkins (Director of Video Tribute), Valery Caselli Dubov, Chris Caselli, Allison Blocker Russell, John Russell, Annette
Brown (Producer of Video Tribute), Betsy Blocker Nalle, Dee Ann Burns, Rick Nalle, Anna-Brita Stevens, Mayor Dave DeOme
Pistol-packing mama...lay that pistol down!!!
Dottie Stevenson, Gil Boyd
Ray and Margaret Kilgo
Jack and Mary Barnes
Chuck and Carlene Denman
Julianne DeBower, Mary Anne Marquis
Cherie Harris, Patti Melton-Pieszchala, Bonnie Thompson
Steve and Sheryl Kelly Nick and Judy Renneker,
Margaret Kilgo
Marlene and Rolf Lagerquist Mary Ann Funk, Donna Kumar,
Joann Anderson, Barbara Bembrey
69 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
Plain Beauty
A DRIVE THROUGH THE MIDWEST
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALAN KEHR
T
HIS TRIP was through the central plains and years in time. Along the way, we went through
Oklahoma and Kansas and once again were reminded of the beauty of the plains. North Platte,
site of my class reunion, was enduring an adventure—the flood crest from the rains in Colorado
arrived while with us. In my youth, we frequently hiked along and in the river. The channel is often several
hundred yards wide, with streams meandering through it infrequently reaching the knee in depth. Now,
the water blasting under the bridge was several feet deep, full channel width, muddy, and smelled of fuel.
Next stop on the journey was St. Paul, MN where Lori and I met, courted, married, and started our
family. It was a chance to hike for hours in our old neighborhood with the memories inspired by the walks
and to visit Minnehaha Falls.
On our way home, we stopped in New Ulm where I spent many a week in my early career doing produc-
tion experiments at a manufacturing plant there. It’s still a lovely small town, much updated since those
early years. After lunch with retired friends, we visited the locally called “Hermann the German” monu-
ment that overlooks the town.
Wending our way home, we stopped at The Grotto in West Bend, Iowa. It’s an amazing place, built
from rock, precious stones, and shells—the life work of a priest started in 1912 and a lovely work of art with
walkways through the structure providing intimacy with the sculpture.
The next day, we stopped in Winterset, IA to see the Covered Bridges of Madison County. A delightful town
with flowers bringing life to the streets. The lady in the Visitor Center was upbeat and helpful with directions
and maps. She suggested lunch at the Northside Café, saying that the fourth stool from the door is where Clint
Eastwood sat during the movie. Dining there was like a trek back to childhood—a gigantic roast beef sandwich
with mashed potatoes and an ocean of gravy (we’ll walk a few more miles next week). Near nirvana.
“Why are the bridges covered?” you ask. Ahh! The things you learn through travel. Wood flooring was
expensive in the 1800s and weakened over time by rain and sun, while the wood for the siding and roof was
inexpensive and protected their investment. Little did they realize that a century and a half later their frugal
designs would cause the massive restructuring of myriad magnetic particles on countless memory cards.
We made it home in time for Lori to visit The Thrift Shop and put together Halloween costumes based
on Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, “The Birds.”
www.hermannmonument.com
www.westbendgrotto.com
www.madisoncounty.com/index.php?page=the-bridges
Alan and Lori Kehr in their Halloween costumes,
based on the film The Birds
70 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
A
DECADE AGO in a cover article in the New York Times Magazine, author Lisa Belkines
profiled a group of hugely successful, highly educated, well-paid professionals who, with
supreme self-confidence, decided to abandon their high-powered positions on the fast track to
professional success to stay at home to parent their children.
Belkines called the phenomenon that governed their decision
to leave the workforce the “Opt-Out Revolution.” A firestorm
of controversy surrounded the conversation that took place in
the media at the time.
A decade later, Judith Warner, revisited the subject for the
same magazine. In her August 7, 2013 article, titled “The Opt-Out
Generation Wants Back In,” she describes the climate in 2000 as
one in which the economy was strong and the culture “set the
tone for an aspirational mothering style of child-centered devo-
tion.” Nearly 40% of respondents to the General Social Survey
indicated they believed a working mother was harmful to her
children. According to Warner’s findings, by 2010, with recov-
ery still slow, a phenomenal 40% of mothers assumed the role of
family breadwinner. By this time, fully 75% of Americans agreed
with the statement that “a working mother can establish just as
warm and secure a relationship with her children as a mother
who does not work.”
According to Warner, “…after decades of well-publicized academic inquiry into the effects of maternal
separation and the dangers of day care, a new generation of social scientists was publishing research on the
negative effects of excessive mothering: more depression and worse general health among mothers, according
to the American Psychological Association.”
Again, according to the Warner article,. “Sylvia Ann Hewlett, an economist and the founding president
of the Center for Talent Innovation in New York, surveyed thousands of women in 2004 and after the finan-
cial crisis in 2009. She has found that roughly a third of “highly qualified women” leave their jobs to spend
extended time at home. Most of the women, Hewlett found, stayed home longer than they had hoped. Eighty-
nine percent of those who “off-ramped,” as she puts it, said they wanted to
resume work; but only 73 percent of these succeeded in getting back in, and
only 40 percent got full-time jobs. “It was distressingly difficult to get back on
track,” Hewlett told me. In addition, the women Hewlett surveyed came back to
jobs that paid, on average, 16 percent less than those they had before. And about
a quarter took jobs with lesser management responsibilities or had to accept a
lower job title than the one they had when they left.”
The entire article is a fascinating read on an always relevant subject. It is
apparent that the world cannot stop talking about women and the work-life
choices they make, and sometimes the world can’t stop judging them either.
Waterways is not here to judge but to share and celebrate the choices of three
women in our community who shared their stories with us.
Julie Oakley is the Finance Director of the City of Lakeway. Under her ten-
ure, Lakeway collected four consecutive Leadership Circle Gold Awards from
the Texas Comptroller’s Office, earning rave fiscal audit reviews.
Danielle Grant, M.D., attended Baylor University’s Pediatric Residency
Program at Texas Children’s Hospital and received her certification if Pediatrics
in 2008. She opened her Pediatric Practice in Lakeway in 2010.
Davina Stringer is a 4th Grade Teacher and also serves as Team Leader at
Lake Travis Elementary School. She is hoping to continue with an Educational
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
We thank each of them for their incredible gifts to our community!
Work / Life Balance
INTRODUCTION BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
INTERVIEWS EDITED BY WENDI AARONS
PHOTOS COMPLIMENTS OF PARTICIPANTS
“ There is in every true woman’s heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the
broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour
of adversity.” —Washington Irving
“ Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life
by smiles, not tears.” — John Lennon
“ The real success of our personal lives and careers
can best be measured by the relationships we
have with the people most dear to us—our family,
friends, and coworkers. If we fail in this aspect
of our lives, no matter how vast our worldly
possessions or how high on the corporate ladder
we climb, we will have achieved very little.”
—Mary Kay Ash
Julie Oakley
Davina Stringer
Dr. Danielle Grant
71 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
JULIE OAKLEY, CPA
Describe your work and your life’s journey since you graduated
from college.
I began my career in public accounting, working many hours, which is typi-
cal of a staff level accountant. During tax season, we were required to put in
55 hours per week, minimum. As a career-driven professional, I could work
these unlimited hours because I was a single person with late-twenties ener-
gy. But then I got married and had two children within the next three years.
What are your secrets to “having it all”? What has allowed you to
manage a busy family life and a successful career? What support
systems have been indispensable to you?
I love my family and enjoy spending time with them, but the other side of
me enjoys a long day of mental stimulation that lasts until my brain ‘hurts’.
I need both of these things to ‘have it all’. I’m also blessed to have an amaz-
ing husband who says his mission in life is to take care of us and to make my
life easier in whatever way he can. Also, my bosses at the City of Lakeway
are the most understanding, family-appreciating people I have ever met.
I have respect for Steve Jones and Chessie Zimmerman because they are
very experienced, intelligent and great managers of personnel. Technology
helps, too. Being able to stay connected on my laptop, iPad, and iPhone
makes running to a basketball and football game possible.
What are some of the struggles you faced along the way?
One struggle I have is feeling guilty about not doing enough for my chil-
dren. I come from a home where my mother was a stay-at-home mom or
she worked only part-time when I started school, so there’s a sense of guilt
that comes with putting my kids in daycare and not being at home with
them. However, what I have come to realize is that my children are going
to be just fine because they have a mother who loves them immeasurably. I
will do whatever I can for them, yet I can still balance a career.
I do believe there are still some social pressures women face because
of the idea that a working mother cannot take care of their children like a
stay-at-home mother. I know that all women and their individual situations
are different, and I believe we should respect each other without judgment.
We should help one another any way we can when it comes to the crazy
schedules associated with raising a family.
What childcare resources did you use?
I utilized several different daycares throughout the years for the kids. I real-
ly liked Primrose because they had cameras and I could go online and watch
the children. The staff would even put the camera on them when they were
babies taking a nap. It always made me feel better to see them.
What are the most enjoyable parts of your day?
I enjoy taking my children to school in the mornings. This is time when we
can talk about the day ahead and how blessed we are to have it. We listen to
the Mandisa song, “Good Morning,” and rap with Toby Mac every morning.
It lifts our day to start it out together. Another time I enjoy is when I put the
kids to bed at night. Yes, I still tuck-in the 13 and 14 year olds and we read a
short devotional and a scripture together. We talk about the day or anything
else that comes to mind. All is well with the world when they are tucked in
and sleeping peacefully.
Do you have any advice for young woman looking for work-life
balance?
My advice to a young woman looking for a work/life balance is to find an
employer who appreciates the love you have for your family, to use technol-
ogy to stay connected to the workplace when your schedule gets crazy, and
to connect with others you can call on just in case a meeting is running late
and a child needs to be picked up.
Portions of this interview have been edited for clarity and length.
Tailgate Party! Julie with Aaron, Ainsley,
Hannah, Keegan and Phoebe
At the Llano Trail of Lights:
Julie and James with Aaron,
Keegan, Ainsley, Phoebe and
Hannah
At the McDonald Observatory, Ft. Davis
72 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
DR. DANIELLE GRANT
Describe your work and your life’s journey since you graduated
from college.
I was born raised in Norwalk, CT and attended Boston College where I grad-
uated with a BS in Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude. In 2005, I graduated
from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine with high honors
in all disciplines of medicine, then I attended Baylor University’s Pediatric
Residency Program at Texas Children’s Hospital where I was Neonatology
Chief Resident in 2008. I was also board certified in Pediatrics in 2008 and
then practiced as a physician in Rockwall, Texas from 2008-2010.
I met my husband, Shannon, in college and we’ve now been married
for 12 years and have three beautiful children aged six, four and three.
We visited the Lake Travis area for vacation often and fell in love with the
area. We realized it was underserved medically, and that there were a lot of
incoming young families, so we decided to open our practice in Lakeway in
2010. We received a great response from the community and have earned
a well-respected reputation throughout the Hill Country and Austin areas.
In September 2013, we relocated to a larger office and now have
three providers, including myself, Dr. Brian Temple and Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner Jesse Zaitchik. I am also a clinical assistant professor for the
University of Texas Medical Branch.
What are your secrets about “having it all”? What has allowed
you to manage a busy family life and a successful career?
I have support from my husband, family, friends, co-workers and a trust-
worthy nanny. Throughout college and medical school, I was blessed to
have a wonderful family that supported my desire to become a physician.
My parents sacrificed a lot to send me to a good university, and my family
offered a ton of emotional support along the way. I can remember nights
when my mom would sit with me at the kitchen table and quiz me for my
oral exams.
My husband and I were married right before I started medical school.
At that time, he worked in New York City while I attended medical school
in Hartford, Connecticut.
We had a modest home in
a town equidistant to both
cities, making our com-
mutes less than desirable.
Since then, we have both
sacrificed career opportu-
nities at different times in
our lives to support one
another’s ambitions.
What childcare resources did you use?
I had my first child during my residency and it was then I then learned the
importance of a good, trustworthy nanny. There were days that I would be
away from home and my newborn for 30 hours at a time.
Six years later, I have three children and my own practice, and my sup-
port systems are more important than ever. We now have some family that
lives close by, and another nanny that helps us juggle our busy lives.
What support systems have been indispensable to you?
A supportive husband, family, nanny, co-workers and friends have been the
key to juggling it all. I have also expanded the practice and hired on a partner.
This has been a tremendous help in giving me time to spend with my family,
and it also helps to have someone I trust to share clinical and business
What are some of the struggles you faced along the way?
Nights away from my family, especially during residency, missing out on
our childrens’ activities because of work and also missing out on my hus-
band’s work dinners and trips because of obligations at the office.
What are the most enjoyable parts of your day?
I have a wonderful job and thoroughly enjoy being a pediatrician. I spend my
day taking care of the most adorable patients and see them from the day they
are born up until they go to college. I have some patients that even come back
from college, and it’s hard for me to ask them to move on to an adult physician.
The other part of my day that I enjoy is coming home to my three chil-
dren and husband. Since moving to Lakeway, I also have made a wonderful
network of friends and found the sport of tennis, which provides a much-
needed balance to work and home life.
Do you have any advice for young woman looking for work-life
balance?
Find a career that you love. Lean on family and friends for support. Do not
be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Take time to care for yourself – find
something that you personally enjoy, whether it be exercise, sports, music,
etc. And if faced with challenges along the way, have the perseverance to
achieve your goals.
Portions of this interview have been edited for clarity and length.
Shannon Grant,
Shaye, Dayne,
Dr. Danielle Grant,
Quinn
Dr. Danielle Grant with Shaye, Dayne and Quinn
Dr. Danielle Grant with Shaye, Quinn and Dayne
73 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
DAVINA STRINGER
Describe your work and your life’s journey since you graduated
from college.
Fifteen years ago, with a young toddler in tow, I opened a childcare/pre-
school in an effort to meld work and life. This provided a comfortable
income and the ability to do something I felt passionate about, while also
allowing me to be available to my own child.
As the business grew, my real estate needs did, too, so I obtained my
Real Estate and Mortgage Broker’s license to capitalize on the relocation
of the daycare. When my daughter started school, I devoted more time to
developing my brokerage, which culminated in the sale of the preschool. I
enjoyed working in real estate, but the time demands took a toll on family
life. Being available to clients, outside of regular work hours, meant missing
time in the afternoon and on weekends with my daughter. The fact that
my then-husband was depressed and struggled with stability in his career
placed a great deal of family and financial pressure on me. This was very
hard on our marriage.
After an amicable divorce, I adopted my son and made the choice to be a
single parent to two children. I often felt the conflict between the demands
of my business and my desire to be the “perfect” mom. I was never afraid of
hard work, but this was different. My mind and heart often battled for pre-
cedence, as there were only so many hours in a day. Work was my passion
but family was my heart. The result was a ton of guilt.
When the California real estate industry morphed from helping people
achieve “The American Dream”
to negotiating short sales and
foreclosures with lending insti-
tutions, it became a career with-
out joy for me. Transitioning
out of it and into teaching was
a slow process that involved a
move from California to Texas.
I then met and married the
most wonderful man I’ve ever
known, and I began to find joy
in things other than work, like
volunteering at my children’s
school. This led to substitute
teaching there, and to later
becoming a certified teacher.
I have served, in some capac-
ity, at Lake Travis Elementary
School, for six years.
However, while I love
teaching, I also enjoy learning.
I earned my Master’s degree
in Educational Administration with Principal Certification (while pregnant
during my final year of grad school), and have recently applied to Texas
A&M University’s distance learning program for an Educational Doctorate
in Curriculum and Instructions.
What are your secrets about “having it all”? What has allowed
you to manage a busy family life and a successful career?
The secret to having it all is knowing that you will never have it all. You’ll
always feel like you’re making a sacrifice somewhere. The kitchen needs
to be cleaned, but you also have to respond to an important email. The
laundry isn’t folded, but you have a work deadline approaching. However,
instead of trying to be everything to everyone, you have to find balance.
Staying mentally positive is my greatest secret to “having it all” and manag-
ing a busy life. My smart devices are also priceless tools.
What support systems have been indispensable to you?
My devoted husband, my understanding children, loving in-laws, loyal sib-
lings, incredible friends, and my phenomenal fellow staff members at Lake
Travis Elementary school.
What child care resources did you use?
Two of my younger siblings were my sitters for my oldest kids during the
times that I had to work outside of school hours.
Our new addition, Brylynn, comes with me to work because Lake Travis
Elementary houses the Child Development Center (CDC) for the children
of district employees. I cannot say enough good things about Laurie Adams
and her team of teachers at the CDC. I truly am blessed with the best of both
worlds---having a career that I love with my little one close by.
What are some of the struggles you faced along the way?
Having to redefine myself on a new career path.
What are the most enjoyable parts of your day?
The “ah-ha” moments that come from student learning, as well as my own
learning, seeing my 10-month-old baby girl’s face light up, and hearing
about my children’s school and social life activities during our nightly fam-
ily dinners.
Do you have any advice for young woman looking for work-life
balance?
1. Marry a good man. 2. Always be thankful. 3. Decide to be happy, ahead
of time.
Portions of this interview have been edited for clarity and length.
Davina with baby Brylynn, Mariah,
Derrick, and husband Cody
Davina and Brylynn
Davina with Mariah
and Brylynn
Derrick, Mariah
and Brylynn
74 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
The Art of No
STORY BY TARJA PARSSINEN
FOLLOW HER BLOG AT WWW.THEFLYINGCHALUPA.COM
T
HE TODDLER has discovered NO. True, he’s
been saying it for a few months, but now he answers
75% of all questions with a deliberate refusal.
It is amusing as a serious and thoughtful response to
“Can you give daddy a hug?,” but it is maddening as a loud
and hysterical response when things need to be accom-
plished or we are running late or I look at him the wrong
way or big brother touches him or his waffle is soggy. The
latter response is almost always followed by a tantrum: the
outrage and screaming and gaspy, hiccupy crying jags that go
on interminably, that I had almost—but not really—forgotten
from his big brother.
At this point, the thought bubble above my head contains
an expletive or I’ll whisper it under my breath and then turn
the radio on very loudly.
But as much as I hate the constant battle, a part of me
admires the little chap. I mean, he’s discovered NO—the
most liberating word next to YES! It only took me three
decades to embrace NO and even now, the conflict of it—
whether real or perceived—always makes me uncomfortable.
Itchy. Nauseous. Panicky. It is a discomfort that I practice
daily, so I won’t lose it from disuse.
I say NO to fundraisers and play dates and birthday par-
ties and door-to-door salespeople and volunteer requests
and chaperoning field trips and organizing soccer team
snacks because what I’m really trying to say, of course, is
YES. Yes to me. Yes to me and my husband. Yes to space and
needs and wants. Does that sounds selfish?
I’m pretty sure I said NO just like any normal toddler
striving for independence, but at what age did I lose it? At
what age did my will to please become more dominant?
YES is just so easy, it makes parents and teachers happy,
it’s encouraged and taught to every child because NO is just
so difficult and annoying. And yet isn’t NO beautiful? Isn’t
it awesome? Examining it from a new perspective, I see
strength, power, individuality. I like making people happy,
still do, always will. But now I’ve put myself in the equation
and strive for balance.
At the end of the day, my son and I aren’t that different.
I experiment with NO everyday too, a sly smile on my face.
The difference is that I’ll only tantrum if chocolate is on
the line.
75 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
M
Y MOTHER maintains that IF YOU CAN READ, YOU CAN
COOK! (all caps = Julia Child voice.)
So it would appear that I’m illiterate when it comes to
words like “basting” and “sautéing.” As a child, I would watch my sister
make mud pies and bat stews, her ingredients comfortably surround-
ing her—Tabasco sauce, sand, spices, peanut butter, cereal, rocks, the
usual. I believe my main concern at the time lay with cartoons and the
whereabouts of my after-school snack. Obvious indication of the chef I
was destined to be.
Come now. Don’t judge. I didn’t eschew making food entirely.
I ran several successful lemonade stands and there was the restau-
rant that I co-owned with my sister, “Tree Top Cafe”—dishes whipped up
out of thin air! Literally. I can still sing the theme song. And of course,
there was my high-school stint at the Michelin-starred “Pizzas ‘n Cream”
and my annual contribution of cornbread—aka the gravy sponge—to our
Thanksgiving dinner.
As an adult, I fended quite well for myself—bagelscerealpasta—until
I met my husband and then ohmaga, I am totally going to cook for you
because COOKING = LOVE. Which, after a disastrous Paula Dean mac ‘n
cheese incident (weird because I was the mac ‘n cheese master in college), I
amended to TAKE-OUT = LOVE.
At some point, I descended into The Time Of Less Take-Out And More
Of Me Making An Effort. A time that my husband doesn’t remember at all
until forcibly asked, “Remember all that risotto I made? REMEMBER?”
And then, of course, he remembers.
Making an effort in the kitchen is overrated, however, and I believe that
my husband’s co-worker and lovely wife (not loved ones, per say, but let’s
not nitpick) would agree based on the effort I made for them a few years
ago. Why I didn’t hire Tyler Florence or fly my mother in to cook for us
like a normal person is beyond me, but probably had something to do with
proving my worth as a woman and wife.
The meal that night? Fasoulia Bil Zeit—a Middle Eastern dish of spicy
green beans and tomatoes, chicken with sweet-and-sour sauce, and rice.
What could be better than combining Middle Eastern and Chinese food?!
If our guests could have spared a few words in between chewing chicken
leather and dousing the Fasoulia fire in their mouths, I believe they would
have said, “More rice.”
Wait! Stop, you say! That’s the worst meal you’ve ever cooked? Really?
Alas, dear reader, choosing the worst in a sea of mediocrity is terribly dif-
ficult and also, you assume I cook much more than I do and lastly, I think
we can all agree that a colander is a hat. No? Well then surely a zester is a
bar of soap.
That being said, I do make a great chicken nugget. Critics ages 4 and
under agree.
In conclusion, making your partner in home-economics class do every-
thing does not pay off. Unless you have learned how to make your life part-
ner do all the cooking and then it pays off in dividends of grilled salmon
with peach salsa over a bed of spinach.
Addendum: After I read this post to my husband, he stoutly declared
the fasoulia “meal” to definitely not be the worst. Apparently, I “cooked” at
least two other meals that had to be thrown out after one god-awful bite,
but because he’s a man who knows that sleeping on the couch isn’t nearly as
comfortable, he just can’t seem to remember what those meals were.
STORY BY TARJA PARSSINEN
FOLLOW HER BLOG AT WWW.THEFLYINGCHALUPA.COM
THE WORST MEAL I EVER COOKED
Stick a Fork in It
76 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
E
ATING IS no longer a simple thing, from farm to fork. Industrialized agriculture, food
modifications and processing, and products shipped worldwide mean science and govern-
ment regulatory bodies find it difficult to keep up with the new foods being introduced.
Despite our affluence, this country suffers from some of the worst health statistics in the world. Foods
rich in calories and low in nutrients glut the shelves in our supermarkets.
I wanted to become a professional chef, but more importantly, a
chef who understood ingredients and could prepare healthy meals.
I traveled from South Carolina to Texas to enroll in The Natural
Epicurean. This culinary arts school in Austin is unusual because it
offers five approaches to healthy eating: vegetarian, vegan, raw, mac-
robiotic and Ayurvedic cuisine. These distinct disciplines are often
taught separately in specialized schools but they are rarely offered
together in a single program.
Each of these time-tested paths offers insights into healthy eating.
Some are holistic and explore lifestyle choices and stress levels and
other key elements of well-being. Studying these diverse approaches,
each with the wisdom of a carefully designed philosophy, reinforces
the importance of keeping an open mind. In addition, each specialty
provides a rich assortment of ingredients, recipes and techniques to
please any palette or dietary prescription.
STORY BY GINGER O’NEIL | PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
The Natural Epicurean
BECOMING A CONSCIOUS CHEF
Summer fruit with pomegranate seeds
Graduate Fereschta Zamani
Student Ellen Rodriguez, Chef Marco
Ellinger, student Darleen Staheli
Chef Inge Bothma, graduate Ginger O’Neil
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Cashew Cream
and Chipotle Aioli
Ginger O’Neil with Salade Nicoise
Thank You gifts from the “Gather” event
Pesto samples
The Natural Epicurean is exclusively plant based, focusing on the most sustainable and healthful diet for the individ-
ual and for the planet. In traditional schools, vegetarian cooking often takes a lesser role to the preparation of meats and
dairy. The delicious vegetarian recipes I tasted at The Natural Epicurean provide compelling evidence that a healthier,
plant-based diet is a convincing choice.
Food fears and fetishes are common. From fad diets and cleanses to the latest news on what to shun or embrace, we have
become a nation of confused consumers. The media bombards us with conflicting information. From low fat, low carb, to
high protein diets, many follow drastic regimes to lose weight or get fit, sometimes eliminating whole food groups. These
diets are unhealthy and can’t be maintained for long without leading to nutritional imbalances and illness.
My studies at the Natural Epicurean convinced me that, while no one diet fits everyone, there are simple guidelines
to follow that should be universally observed. Buy local, organic produce that uses good farming practices and is quickly
transported to maintain nutrients. Be diverse and eat a lot of different colors and varieties of food groups. Eat fresh foods
rather than leftovers. Avoid processed foods, as they contain a Pandora’s box of harmful preservatives and questionable
contents. Read labels and become familiar with harmful contents. Choose a good cooking method that will preserve nutri-
ents or enhance their digestibility. Avoid “extreme” foods full of fats and sugars. Use non-hydrogenated oils and cook with
them at the correct temperatures. Avoid genetically modified foods. Many common fruits and vegetables are GMO unless
marked organic. Although it is hard to believe, the buyer must beware, as many poor quality foods are readily available.
The curriculum at The Natural Epicurean studys “food as medicine.” Poor nutrition leads to disease, the breakdown
of the digestive system and the inability to absorb nutrients. We learn about healing foods that are nutrient dense and
detoxifying, and about probiotics that rebuild the healthy bacteria needed for digestion. We develop menus for major
illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer that help reverse those conditions. We learn substitutions for diets that
are gluten- free or free from nuts, dairy, soy products, etc. The body is a complex chemistry
lab. While it is resilient, without the consistent correct fuel, imbalances lead to illness.
My studies at The Natural Epicurean, taught me that good nutrition makes a big differ-
ence in the quality of life. While many of us are dedicated chefs and foodies already, we see
our role as inspiring the adoption of healthier eating habits. Few graduates of The Natural
Epicurean follow the traditional chefs’ careers unless it is in a specialized restaurant or
involves catering with natural, healthy menus. Many become nutritionists, personal chefs,
or entrepreneurs developing unique products and businesses that promote health and
healing. Regardless of career paths, the caveat remains the same, use healthy ingredients,
remain informed, and never compromise flavor, quality, or variety in our cuisine.
Robert Watts, Hilary Kaufman Ryan Town, Shalee Sucher
Liz Gelinas with Vegan cheese platters
78 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
K
OMEN AUSTIN kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Lake
Travis with a Pink Ribbon Party generously hosted by the Lakeway Resort
and Spa and organized by Karen Shultz and Karina Machnachi. One of a
series of forums held throughout Central Texas during the month of October, guests
heard from a medical panel of breast health experts who spoke of the latest devel-
opments in breast health and breast cancer research. Speaking of genetic testing for
people with family histories of breast cancer, Dr. Andrea Campaigne advised any-
one considering testing to have a firm plan about what to do with the results, once
learned. Three-year survivor, Amy Weldon gave advice to others in treatment: Rely
on your medical team and stay away from the internet.
T
EXAS IS a strong leader in the number of companies owned
by women, according to The 2013 State of Women-Owned
Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express
OPEN. Texas ranks second in the nation, behind California, with more
than 737,300 women-owned businesses and estimated sales for 2013 of
$114,928,700. The increase in the growth of women-owned businesses in
Texas from 1997 to 2013 is a phenomenal 93%.
The Doncaster store at the Hill Country Galleria hosted an event for
local members of Texas Women in Business who donated gently-used
professional attire to benefit Dress for Success Austin. Both the store and
TWIB are active partners with the nonprofit. Doncaster, a leader in luxury
apparel, has a strong presence providing distinctive collections for the pro-
fessional woman, drawing inspiration from both contemporary trends and
timeless classics.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY PATTI MELTON-PIEZCHALA
Pink Ribbon Party
Dress for Success
at Doncaster
Karina Machnachi, Shannon Ekland
Zana Pogue, Store Manager Jackie Anderson, Asst Store Manager Lynn Shaver,
Katherine Scattergood, Rosa Palacious
Terry Morper, Melody Kump (1 of 13 founders of Tx
Women in Business) Joyce Stephens
Carol Hall, Kathryn Vuicich
Ashley Stokowski, Michelle Zogas, Barbara Stokowski, Sue Norcia
Dr. Kirk Koester, Dr. Kristen Koester, 3 year survivor Amy Weldon,
Dr. Carsten Kampe, Dr. Andrea Campaigne, Dr. Staci Hix-Hernandez,
Komen Austin Exec. Dir. Christy Casey-Moore
Mary Davison, PJ Todd
Komen Austin Executive Director,
Christy Casey-Moore. Mondie
McFaddin
Erin Jolly, Cassie LaMere
Komen Board Member
Karen Shultz, Mary Weber
79 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
B
EVERLY REID, a 17-year breast cancer survivor, initiated a fundraising golf tourna-
ment to raise money to support the Susan G. Komen’s Foundation for breast cancer
research and support over a decade ago. The Lakeway Ladies’ Golf Association has
partnered with Beverly to sponsor the Rally for the Cure tournament that is held at the Hills of
Lakeway every year. Vivian Craft joined Beverly as Co-chair several years ago, and the two of
them and their dedicated committee members have built an enviable base of very generous spon-
sors and donors in the local community. This year they are just pennies away from having raised
a whopping $10,000 for the cause. Take a bow, Beverly!
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS BY PATTI MELTON-PIEZCHALA
LLGA Rally for the Cure
The Hills of Lakeway hosted
Rally for the Cure
Diane Jones, Jane Rushbrook,
Linda Meyer, Cathy Shoe
Co-Chair Beverly Reid (2nd from l) with
her Committee members, Sharon Rogers,
Carolyn Henry and Margret Reese
Mary Land, Sandy Walsh
Marcia Clark, Mary Charron, Linda Waggoner, Brenda Starr Jessica Weekly, Lynn Shaver, Anita Farrell
Margret Reese, Kathy Skinner
Brenda Starr, Linda Waggoner
Agnes Nowakowski, Mary Mearig
80 Waterways | Winter 2013–2014
ROCKER STEINER: 2013 WWA JUNIOR BOYS
WAKEBOARD WORLD CHAMPION
Nine-year old Rocker Steiner began wakeboarding solo when he was only three years old. Given that
extraordinary start as a toddler, his rise to preeminence in the sport should come as no surprise. He
won three first place finishes at Performance Ski & Surfs Gravel Tour in Orlando, Florida. He won the
World Wakeboard Association Reserve National Championship for Junior Boys. And he won first place
in the Junior Boys competition at Wake Games, also in Orlando. On August 15–18, he also competed
at the 2013 Rockstar WWA Wakeboard World Championships in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin where
he won the World Championship for the Junior Boys Division. It could possibly be something in his
DNA. Grandfather, Bobby Steiner was crowned World Champion Bull Rider at the 1973 National Finals
Rodeo, and dad, Sid Steiner, was the NFR 2002 World Champion Steer Wrestler. They came along to
help him haul his hardware home!
JACE FOREST: IJSBA 2013 AM
FREESTYLE JETSKI WORLD CHAMPION
27-year old Jace Forest, who was born in Austin and grew
up on Lake Travis, has become the 2013 International Jet
Sports Boating Association AM FREESTYLE JETSKI WORLD
CHAMPION. Jace competed on October 11th at Lake Havasu,
Arizona against 14 of the top amateurs from around the world,
including the then-current champion from Great Britain.
Following the competition of October 11, Jace officially entered
the pro-ranked World Competition on October 12th. Jace was
riding his 900 cc powered ski against at field of 15 other rid-
ers, most of whom were competing on more
powerful 1200 cc engines. Amazingly, given
this disadvantage, Jace placed 6th overall in
the field of 15 riders.
Jace captured the 2013 IJSBA National
Title after competing in seven cities through-
out the US this summer.
When Jace is not in training on Lake
Travis, he performs aerial stunts at ven-
ues like Universal Studios and the Calgary
Stampede in Canada.
Jace’s local sponsors are Lakeside Marine
Services, Lakelife Docks, West Beach Marina
and Austin Jet Skier.
Young Talent Creates Waves
81 Winter 2013–2014 | Waterways
STEELY STEINER
Steely Steiner is in the 6th grade, and she has just
begun participating in competitions sponsored by
the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association. Like
her brother Rocker, Steely also benefits from
advantages she has received from her own unique
genetic and historic legacy. Both her mother,
Jamie, featured on our cover, and her grandmoth-
er, Joleen Steiner, were champion barrel-racers,
and both competed and placed in National Finals
Rodeo events. Steely has already won numer-
ous youth races as well as open races where she
competes against adults. Athena, the beautiful
Palomino Steely is riding in these photos was
purchased earlier this year, and Steely is just now
bonding with her and learning how to ride her to
maximum advantage.
Steely’s great-grandmother, Beverly Steiner, was born in Marfa,
the daughter of rancher William Bunton, and she was taught to
rope and ride at an early age. She met Tommy Steiner when they
were both students at the University of Texas at Austin, and, like
Steely’s own parents and grandparents, their courtship and mar-
riage was driven by the early childhood experience of a western
heritage and rodeo that they both shared. There are a wealth of
family traditions to uphold!
GRACEE STREET: TEEN
TRIPLE THREAT
Gracee Street won the role of young Cosette in
ZACH Theatre’s recent production of the epic musi-
cal Les Misérables. Although this was Gracee’s
first appearance at the ZACH, she has been acting,
dancing and singing for a decade. She was an early
member of Tex-ARTS in Lakeway, where her tal-
ent was quickly recognized. Her credits with Tex-
ARTS’ theatrical productions include The Wizard
of Oz (Dorothy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss
Flanneery), Suessical The Musical (Mayzie), Alice
in Wonderland (Caterpillar), The Aristocats (Scat
Cat), Annie (July) and Cinderella (Anastasia).
She appeared in a Uno Cero Dos production of
Television Dreamland as Angel. She is a member
of Tex-ARTS’ Broadway Company and also of Tex-
ARTS’ Youth Ballet Theatre where she appeared in
The Nutcracker as Clara and in Sleeping Beauty as
Young Aurora.
Last spring, Gracee and her father Shane went
to see Cheap Trick at an Austin City Limits con-
cert. From her seat in the audience, she held up
a big sign asking if she could come on stage and
sing Surrender with the band. “I know the words!”
her sign said. You can see her with Rick Nielson
at right!
Gracee Street singing Surrender
with Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick at
Austin City Limits Live
Roberto Araujo (Thenardier), Gracee Street (Young Cosette),
Will Sendera (Gavroche), Mercy Bovik (Young Eponine)
D
ANCE INSTITUTE is known as the Center for Excellence in Dance Training.
Now 5 years old, the dance school can boast 8 National titles, 1 Runner-up
Shoot Out Championship and 2 National Shoot Out Championships. Studio
owner and director, Linda Holland, feels that while dance instruction is fun and can be
social, it should also provide the student a path to success for achieving important per-
sonal goals. Students’ goals include recreational dance, cheerleading, drill team, competi-
tive dance, college scholarships and a profession in the dance world.
Dance Institute’s training is based on strong classical ballet, traditional jazz technique,
contemporary, hip hop and tap. The school develops students who are well rounded in all
styles of dance, thus arming them with competitive and commercial strengths as they
move forward to achieve their goals. Lead by director Linda Holland, Dance Institute
has a strong, experienced faculty including Gay Pollock, former owner of the Fusion
power house, Bad Boys of Dance Pretty Girl Jordan Lombardi and the very talented
Kelsey Oliver. The inspired talents of Shaping Sound’s Nick Lazzarini and Joey Arrigo, as
well as guests from Cincinnati Ballet, Kansas City Ballet and Richmond Ballet, Step Up
Revolution’s star Misha Gabriel and the incredible Bad Boys of Dance constantly infuse
Dance Institute with powerful new energy. “Even classi-
cal ballet companies require dancers to have experience in
other forms of dance such as contemporary and modern
dance,” explains Director Linda Holland.
Dannon O’Brien came to DI as a fledgling Hip Hop stu-
dent and in 2 ½ short years successfully made it to the Semi
Finals of “So You Think You Can Dance.” He is currently on
scholarship at Marymount Manhattan College in New York
City. Many of DI’s students are currently on the Vandergrift
Legacies Drill Team.
Holland notes that in two short years, DI’s strong cur-
riculum can transform young dancers into polished young
professionals. Train with the best and reach your full poten-
tial. Dance Institute is currently accepting registrations for
students ages 3 & 18. For information about classes, visit
danceinstitute.com
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
PHOTOS COMPLIMENTS OF JOSH BREWSTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Dance Institute Trains
for Personal Success
Dannon O’Brien in 2013 Dannon O’Brien in 2011
Clarisse Rosenthal with Jordan Hall, Allison Ladner,
Gianna Vallone, Laura Parrish, Andrea Patriarca
Clarisse Rosenthal in 2011 Clarisse Rosenthal in 2013
Natalie Wong in 2011 Natalie Wong in 2013
®
®

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