Town Lake Lake Austin Lake Travis Lake Marble Falls Lake LBJ Lake Buchanan
Holiday 2007
Inside: Happenings on the Waterfront Pathway to Paradise A Remarkable Home
Sandra Said contemplates lake and land from atop Mt. Bonnell
A View from the Top Rough Hollow Yacht Club & Marina is one of the most prestigious clubs and special event facilities in the Austin area. The 4000 sg ft open-air pavilion rests above the marina on Lake Travis’ stunning limestone cliffs and wooded shores, offering guests breathtaking sunset views of the lake. Amenities include a luxury five-star restaurant, waterfront dining, concierge and valet services and a resort-style pool.
Call us Today to Schedule Your Next Wedding, Party or Special Event. 512.261.2288
YACHT CLUB & MARINA 105 Yacht Club Cove, Lakeway, TX 78734 [email protected] www.roughhollowyachtclubandmarina.com
The beautiful home below is located in Belvedere, nestled in the Hill Country just west of Austin. As Belvedere’s on-site weekend agent, I invite you to explore lots and homes in this special slice of paradise.
Barton Place offers yet another interpretation of heaven. Live where Austin plays! BartonPlace is a new condominium community at the center of all that’s uniquely Austin. It’s more than an address, it’s a connection to the spirit of the Capital city. Come experience it for yourself with prices starting in the high $200s. But whatever your tastes . . . from Hill Country estates to downtown condos . . . I com- mit all my resources and my expertise to helping you in your most important search! Let me help you find the home of your dreams! Call me!
“ My husband and I decided to buy a house last year, and used a realtor to help us. The realtor didn’t seem to listen to what we wanted and wasn’t available to show us houses when we were free. After a few frustrating months, we decided to stop looking for a house. Then one day I talked to Amber, and she really listened to my concerns and needs, and sent me a few emails of houses for sale. We decided to resume our search, and what a difference! Amber was totally flexible, driving all over town at all hours of the day (and night!) to accommodate our crazy schedules. She used all her re- sources to help find us a great house on a beautiful street, and now every night we pull in to our garage and say, “Thank you, Amber!!!” —Kris and Vanessa Nelson
realtor,® ba Amber Hart mobile: 512.415.9023 | fax: 512.263.0109 | www.amberharthomes.com ® “The Busy Brunette”
Waterways Magazine 107 RR 620 South, C-34, Austin, Texas 78734 SeasonHoliday [email protected] Ed i t o r /Pu b l i s h e r : Cathie Parssinen 512.785.6313 De s i g n e r : Sheila Parr [email protected] 20072005 Contributors : Jenny Jacobi, Geoff Kirsch, Tarja Settles
ABOUT THE COVER Sandra Said, dressed by Estilo, contemplates the richness of land and water from the top of Mt. Bonnell.
On The Waterfront Cover Photo by Jenny Jacobi 10–11 Live at the Lake! 12–14 Rough Hollow Yacht Club Unveiling 16–17 in-the-Water Boat Show 26 18–20 Lakeside Pavilion Party What’s Cookin’? 22 62 22-23 extravagant Food at the Peel Home 24 gReat Recipes from Little Chefs
Pathways To Paradise 26-35 home and Real Estate 40–42 wateR CONSERVATION
Charity Among Us 53 wonders and worries 54–56 austin Children’s Shelter Gala 58–59 beauty of life
The Arts 60–61 denny Freeman: Legendary Austin Musician 62–63 t he Art of Autumn 64–65 b allet Austin Guild 66 Reception for St. Clair & Bonnie 67 aR tFALL 68 t exARTS 58 16
6 Waterways | Holiday 2007 fine furniture, gifts, accessories 2422 rr 620 south, ste. a 140 (512) 263-3600 Owner: Michelle Steves Unlocking Your Real Estate Possibilities!
Joan Barry Bockenkamp, Realtor® [email protected] 512.799.2907
Rare 25-Acre Estate with Italian Villa A Builder’s Dream Lot with Fabulous on Lake Travis. Offered at $2,900,000 Topography. Offered at $67,500
Spectacular, Panoramic Views of Lake Travis Developer’s 26-Acre Paradise on the from Almost Every Room. Offered at $639,000 Colorado River. Offered at $725,000
Wonderful Live Oak Golf Course Home Exceptional Travis Landing Lot at Great on 16th Tee. Offered at $389,500 Price. Offered at $79,900 When Only The Best Will Do . . .
LiveLa kewatay Resort & theSpa hosts a serieLake!s of free concerts! story and photos by Jenny Jacobi
Bob Schneider’s Big Blue Sea ob Schneider. The man. The legend. Well, maybe not legendary like, say, Mick Jagger or Mozart. But an Austin legend, nonetheless. And B considering that music is a large part of what Austin is about, one could say that Bob is doing pretty well for himself. Although he perhaps first gained fame as the front man for The Scabs, Bob has played in numerous other bands in Austin, including Braniac, Joe Rockhead, and Ugly Americans. Now largely playing independently of The Scabs, Bob continues to garner eager support from Austinites, young and old alike. He has even generated a national (dare one say international?) fanbase, and frequently tours around the country. With Ugly Americans, he opened for Dave Matthews Band, certainly no small feat, and some of his songs have appeared in movies and in television shows. He has even appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Fortunately for Austin, though, Bob continues playing a regular gig at the Saxon Pub on Monday nights, and frequently performs at other venues and events around the city such as Antones and the Keep Austin Weird Festival. On a warm Sunday night this past August, one of these “other venues” at which Bob performs happened to be the Lakeway Resort & Spa, for the KGSR Live at the Lake concert series. With all deference to Bob, it’s hard to say which part of the experience was better: hearing Bob play, as he does so well, or enjoying the superb sensory experience that the locale itself provided. Seeing Bob play is always great. But seeing Bob play while sitting in one of the five gorgeous pools (one of which has a swim-up bar), fraternizing with friends, enjoying a beverage of choice, and watching a glorious sunset unfold behind the stage over Lake Travis and the surrounding hill country, well . . . that’s pretty much unbeatable. Apparently a significant number of others thought such an ingenious combination was too good to miss as well, because the turnout was absolutely spectacular. Just enough people to get friendly with the neighbors, not so many people that all the water in the pools was displaced. All in all, Bob’s performance out at the Lakeway Resort & Spa turned out to be one legendary concert in a series of many more legendary concerts to come next summer. Stay tuned.
10 Waterways | Holiday 2007 LiveLa kewatay Resort & theSpa hosts a serieLake!s of free concerts! Grupo Fantasma
rupo Fantasma: |groˉopo| |fantazmə|. Translates directly from the Spanish to mean G “Phantom Group.” Also refers to an Austin- native musical powerhouse that has succeeded in amassing a sizeable band of devotees including, but not limited to, The Artist Formerly (and once again) Known As Prince. Returning to the name of the band, let’s delve a little further into the latter half of the group’s moniker. One interpretation defines fantasma as “supposed spirits or disembodied souls that manifest themselves among the living in a perceptible form (for example, taking on a vis- ible appearance, producing sounds or scents, or moving objects). The belief in phantoms . . . can be found through- out the world.” An apt definition indeed. The souls of the members of Grupo Fantasma are certainly detached from their bodies mid-performance, every available ounce of energy and spirit flowing into their music. And the mani- festation of the group is nothing if not perceptible: the sounds emanating from the stage are always rump-shaking rhythms that move anyone with a pulse. Is the belief in these “phantoms” found throughout the world? Just ask the 20,000 fans in London who were fortunate enough to see the band open for Prince; or the Premios de Musica Latina (Latin Music Awards) committee that awarded Grupo Fantasma the “Best Latin Rock,” “Best Band,” and “Best Latin Rock” awards in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively; or the Austinites who have voted them “Best Latin Band” or “Best Horns” eight times over at the Austin Music Awards in the past six years or so. But enough with the credentials. As anyone who came out to this past summer’s phan- tasmagoric final concert at the Lakeway Resort & Spa for the KGSR Live at the Lake concert series knows, these guys rock. Plain and simple. Unfortunately, even Grupo Fantasma’s stellar reputation wasn’t enough to prevent some people from foregoing the concert due to some very threatening rain clouds. And rain it did. But only a little, and it was pretty difficult to avoid getting wet when the concert seats were in a pool. Strangely enough, though, Grupo Fantasma took the stage, the clouds got a little less threatening, and the party got started. Chalk it up to their fantastical and phantasmical powers.
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 11 Rockey Piazza, Haythem Dawlett; Managing Stacey Mackey of Crescent Partner, Las Ventanas Development Communities with Max Bruck Barry Kreiger and Tim Hendon
story and photos by Cathie Parssinen The Unveiling Party at the Rough Hollow Yacht Club
he pace of activity was fever- ish as contractors worked nonstop to T complete the finishing touches on the pavilion, pool area and gardens of the Rough Hollow Yacht Club in time for a grand unveiling party. The stars aligned auspiciously in the heav- ens; the certificate of occupancy was granted; and all went as it should in a perfect world to “Let the Party Begin!” The air of celebration was palpable, and a huge crowd turned out the savor the accom- plishment. It was a great opportunity for many residents to experience firsthand the luxurious set- ting for what will be an exclusive, private member club for residents of Rough Hollow and members of the Yacht Club. Do not give up hope, however, for two facilities will be available for the
Tim Hendon with daughter Maddy Rocky Navarro & Amber Hart
Michelle & Kurt Sexton
Debra Claybourne & Clarissa Hand
12 Waterways | Holiday 2007 More than just a boat store... We’re the store for your active lifestyle!
Snow Skis Snowboards
Wakeboards & Water Skis
From the best selection of boat parts to the best selection of winter and water sports gear, and everything else you need to enjoy your active lifestyle – we’re your store! More than just a boat store... we’re your active lifestyle store!
LAKEWAY AUSTIN SAN ANTONIO 512-266-1515 512-258-0733 210-734-8199 1106 RR 620 at Stewart Rd. 12971 Research Blvd. 141 Balcones N. 6mi. N. of Mopac on 183: Fronting IH10, just inside McNeil/Spicewood exit the 410W Loop www.sailandski.com Debbie, Jerry and Crystal Stein enjoyment of non-members. The restaurant, once completed, will be open to the general public, and the pavilion, pool area and surrounding gardens may be reserved for weddings and special events beginning immediately. In fact, two reservations were con- tracted for weddings while the facility was still under construction. Hardly surprising, for with its drop- dead views of Rough Hollow Cove and Lake Travis, the covered pavilion will provide an opulent setting for the most exclusive, private events. (See the ad on page 2!) To this end, the Yacht Club will hire its own full-time wedding and special events coordinator. For the unveiling party, Cliff and Cindy Fischer, own- ers of Mad About Shoes, presented a fashion show in the pavilion that delighted the audience with a selection of beautiful models and beautiful shoes. While the finish out of the restaurant is being completed, families who reserve the pavilion for special events will be free to select their own catering service. Careful thought is being devoted to precisely what kind of restaurant will offer the perfect match Rick Sherwood and Michele McClure for the intended clientele, and discussions are proceeding with several imminently qualified restaurateurs. Stay tuned! The Fitness Center has been built and is awaiting equipment deliveries. The Ship Store, a floating store built right on the water, will be completed in April, just as the lake opens for the spring and summer season. In short, the Rough Hollow Yacht Club was every bit as grand as the expectations that Michele & Scott Steves preceded it . . . yet another brilliant gem in the Lakeway tiara.
Kiley Nels
Tisha, Bobby and Vaughn Anderson
Linda & Rockey Piazza Mr. and Mrs. Terry Polston
Maria Wheeler Amber Hart Allison Longton Jennifer Wright Lynn Lapham Jennifer Langlois
14 Waterways | Holiday 2007 2007 . . . time moves on . . . 2008 & So Do People! Lending 31 years of professional real estate experience in FINE MOVEMENTS! Thanks for a great year,
Open Bubba Mon-Sat 10-6 512 263 0440
Have your next SHOE PARTY at Mad About Shoes! E.H. “Bubba” Breazeale, Realtor® 900 rr 620 SOuth in the lakeway cOMMOnS (512) 517-4247 [email protected] 3315 RR 620 S, #100, Austin 78738 www.madaboutshoesaustin.com www.lakewaytexas.com the epitome of luxury in the enclave at rough hollow This ultimate family home, situated on a private cul- de-sac with beautiful views of Lake Travis, is in a one- of-a kind luxury, gated community. Enjoy amenities that include yacht club membership and access to premium boat slips at the Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina, LTISD schools, and the resort lifestyle of Lakeway and lakeside living. 4bd/3.5ba/4 living areas/4 car garage FANTASTIC VIEW!
for more information about this home, contact Fred Meyers 512.351.9280 www.austincityliving.com
For information about other homes in Rough Hollow, contact Brady Baird, Rough Hollow Sales Manager, at 512.968.6937 Laree Magehee, Melissa Meunch, Elise & Mark Goldman Tammy and Loyd Reagan and their daughters
Ella and Kellie Carson In-the-Water Boat Show Joyce and Louie Raven with Karen and Clayton Raven of Boat Town at Emerald Point Marina
story and photos by Cathie Parssinen
xcept for a vibrant economy, nothing else contributes more to a successful, well-attended “In-the-Water” Boat Show more E than the presence of a variable-level lake brimming with water . . . and that was the case for this year’s “In-the-Water” event. Of course, boat dealerships will be there come rain or come shine, but the event is made by the number of interested boat-lovers who come to evaluate the newest models, to calculate the ratios between their dreams and their pocketbooks, and to exchange tales about their on-the-water (and occasionally their off-the-water) exploits. The first night’s series of invitation-only events were slammed. The various docks looked like Mopac at rush hour, groaning with traffic. No road rage here though . . . only a happy group of boating enthusiasts, enjoying a spread of toys along with compli- mentary wine and good food under the stars.
Haythem Dawlett, Amy & Tim Hendon Rose Vernon, Ray Pizarro, Terri and Colleen Vernon Michal Shea and Sean Hammond Doug, Deanna and Rod Malone of Sail & Ski Sail & Ski’s Buzz Watkins, Tim & Amy Hendon, Roger Dufee (Sail & Ski)
16 Waterways | Holiday 2007 An Austin Tradition Since 1961
Come check out our complete water recreation pro shop featuring Hyperlite, Straightline, Oakley, See our Huge Inventory of Reef, and No Fear! Clean, Used Boats & Yachts at www.eriksenmarine.com!
BOATS & YACHTS
Main Store: 4630 S. Lamar, 512.892.2220 Lakeside Store: 16405 Clara Van 512.266.1210 Buy your Boat from the PowerBoat exPerts Full Service Yard with 50 ton and 24 ton Travelifts
www.Boattown.com 5975 Hiline Road • Austin, Texas 78734 20052006 512 266 3493 • eriksenmarine.com
pecializing in South Lake Travis Waterfront, Lake View & Hill Country Properties.
16005 Edwards Drive - Many Possibilities! JoniREALTOR® Langle S Great Waterfront Weekend Retreat or Permanent Residence, South Orientation, Unique Floor Plan, Off: 512.264.1565 Storage Building, Gradual Shoreline, Large Trees Cell: 512.413.2712 [email protected] create a Relaxing Setting, Current Septic Certificate. MLS# 7111698 $749,000 20516 Queen Bee Lane - Hill Country Dream Home with dynamic Southern Exposure Lake View 3bd/ 3ba/2halfba, Study, 2 Living, game room. Upgrades throughout, Extensive Decks & Patios for Outdoor Enjoyment, Lush yard and Pool with waterfall. MLS# 1380409 $998,000 805 Janice Lane - Lake Home Extraordinaire! Coastal feeling with unique features throughout. Granite in Kitchen, Fireplace in Family Room, Versatile floor plan, Lake Access with Large HOA Park & Vineyard with-in walking distance. MLS# 6664154 $329,000
18214 Hwy 71 W • Spicewood, TX 78669 • www.beecreekrealty.com Sarah Railey with Emily Moreland
Kelly and Ronda Gray
Sid and Jamie Steiner Cosmo and Jenny Palmieri Moreland Properties Hosts
story by Cathie Parssinen Friends & Clients Photos by Joni Kost and Cathie Parssinen at Lakeside Pavilion t wasn’t the South of France but the South Shore of Lake Travis that delivered brilliant “Cote d’Azur” views for the annual Moreland Properties Client Appreciation Party I held at the stunning lakeside pavilion of Kelly and Ronda Gray. The pavilion, adjacent to the Gray’s spectacular home built by Sendero Homes, enjoys magnificent 180-degree views of deep waters on the main basin, and it is a majestic addition to a shoreline of villas that is becoming more and more reminiscent of Monaco or Juan-les-Pins. Kelly and Ronda Gray graciously make the use of the pavilion available for benefits for selected non-profits and also occasionally allow other events in return for donations to their favorite charities. Clients and friends (usually one and the same) luxuriated in this beautiful setting on the eve- ning of the brightest and largest full moon of the year.
Traci Miller, Jan Coburn, Nikki and Jim Jackson
Jerry Sisson and Lauri Nesbit
18 Waterways | Holiday 2007 CONTEMPORARY CASUALS & FINE ACCESSORIES 900 RR 620 S. Lakeway Commons Mon -Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 Sun closed (512) 263-0329
CASUALLY ELEGANT FURNISHINGS AND BEAUTIFUL GARDEN ELEMENTS
Monday–Saturday 10–6 1607 Ranch Road 620 N. Lakeway Phone: 512-266-6190
9755 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, Fl. Phone: 850-269-3211 Karen Nail, Tom and Angela Upton, Steve and Julie Kuntz
Jean Phillips and Sean Hammond
Judy Vykukal, Eunice Martin, Sue Pollard Bertina Schreiber, Brenda Bow and Jerry Lumsden
Rob McCormick, Valerie Schantz, Nina Grossman
Carolyn Hill chats with the Valencia family
Bertina Schreiber, Gina Richards, Cathie Parssinen Bill and Melinda Carroll with Terry Williams
Todd and Nina Grossman with Emily Moreland Kim Do and Joni Kost
Christine and Kenny Prater
Monica Bukta with Ginger and Paul Zanetti Carolyn and Forrest Parsons with Terri Kunec
20 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Susan Sumners
It’s Great To Do Save the Date . . . Business To Save a Child! With Friends! 24 Hour Monitoring Services Security (Installation & Monitoring) 24 Hour Emergency Service Whole House Integrated Stereo Systems Phone & TV Wiring Computer Network Wiring Central Vacuum Systems CCTC Home Automation
CaSa’S annual valentine Gala GRANITE SECURITY•SYSTEMS horseshoe Bay Marriott February 9, 2008 (512) 302-1181 6:30 pm to Midnight 12201 Technology Blvd., Suite 110 Call 325.388.3440 for tickets Austin, TX 78727 Symphony Soirée story by Cathie Parssinen photos by Jenny Jacobi
here is fun and there is fundraising, and in the case of this recent soirée held at the home of Larry and Deborah T Peel, there was both! Guests enjoyed having Larry serve as sommelier extraordinaire, offering some of his renowned cellar’s fin- est vintages, paired with an array of sumptuous hors d’oeuvres cre- ated by Joan Powell and Vicki and Jim Rado. The party hosts—Sharon Schweitzer-Robinson and John Robinson, Sherri and Gary Davis, Susie Goff Roberts and Scott Roberts, Kathlene and Dave Crist—had purchased this gourmet’s delight at the Women’s Symphony League of Austin annual Fine Wine Dinner & Auction in February. WSL Past Presidents Powell and Rado teamed with the Peels to donate this a one-of-a-kind event that was as much fun for those in the aprons as it was for the guests—and the proceeds benefitted the symphony and its children’s educational programs.
Hors d’oeuvres prepared by Vicki & Jim Rado and Joan Powell, table scape & decorations with hand-painted wine bottles display exotic mushroom pate
Joan Powell, Deborah Peel, Jim Rado, Kay & Rusty Allman and Bruce & Donna Rice Vicki Rado, Larry Peel engaged in dinner discussion Lisa Michaux Magids & Maury Magids finishing Reisling Sorbet
Greg & Christi Strmiska are all smiles after their Strawberry Panacotta
Sherri Davis, John Robinson, Lynn Nabors, Sharon Schweitzer Grilled fig w raddicchio Robinson, Mary Scott Nabors, Gary Davis on specialty bread
Debbie & Andy Stack
Kerry & Merriman Morton enjoying Chef Jim Rado preparing Gary Davis, Mary Scott Nabors, Sherri Davis, Carol Mills, Debbie Stack, Cabernet wine from the Peel cellar gourmet seafood martinis Jane Matheson (back row) Lynn Nabors, Billy Mills and Dan Matheson
22 Waterways | Holiday 2007 From Downtown Condos to Hill Country Estates AmbEr HArt is the agent to get you into your dream home.
“Amber Hart sells homes . . . A lot of them!”
Party trays, treats & sweets for theHolidays Order now at 512-261-8141 1200 Lakeway Drive, Suite #1 Breakfast and Lunch Mon–Sat Sunday Brunch
Order your chocolate covered strawberries inJanuary for Valentine’s Day! AmberKeller Williams Realty Hart mobile: 512.415.9023 | fax: 512.263.0109 www.amberharthomes.com Call us early to order your Holiday Hams & Turkeys! 266-7426
1700 RR 620 N. Ask about our customized catering, our smoked turkeys and our cajun-fried turkeys! Austin 78734 512.266.7426 Join us daily for eat-in or take-out! Silsbee’s Banana Bread 1. Get bananas. Get bread. 2. Just put them in the oven, a little hot, for about 10 seconds. 3. It’s done when the button on the oven beeps. 4. Take a knife and cut it. 5. Eat it!
Great Recipes from Little Chefs
Adam’s Corn on the Cob 1. Put it in a pot with butter. 2. Boil it. Brandon’s Steamed Crab Legs 3. It’s done when the timer beeps. 4. Take it out. 1. Cook them for 20 or 80 minutes in a big blue bowl 5. If your tooth is wiggly you can peel the corn off the cob. with a top. 6. Eat it with your hands. 2. Get special chompers and chomp them up. 3. They’re done when your mom comes to get you. 4. Put butter on them and they taste really good. Teresa’s Fettuccine with Herbed Shrimp 1. Buy shrimp, carrots, rice, tomatoes and some cut-up lettuce. Summer’s Chicken Nuggets 2. Mix it up. 1. Get them at the store. 3. Put it in a pan. 2. Put them in the freezer. 4. Turn the stove on 50 degrees for 45 minutes. 3. Put some on a plate. 5. It’s done when it looks good. 4. Cook them in a microwave for 16 minutes. 5. They’re done when it beeps. Kathryn’s Great Apple Pie 6. Dip them in ranch or ketchup. 1. Get flour, vegetable oil, apples and crust. 2. Put them all in a pan. 3. Put them in the oven. It should be 5 degrees. 4. Cook it for 10 minutes. Faraday’s 1st Annual Holiday Magic Baking Contest will be held on 5. Put in a stick, and if it’s wet when it December 1st. The category this year will be COOKIES! Rules for the con- comes out, it’s ready. test and entry forms may be viewed at www.faradayskitchenstore.com. Although you must be 16 in order to compete, little Chefs of all ages are welcome to sample the edible entries! Winners will receive prizes from participating vendors as well as gift certificates for Faraday’s!
24 Waterways | Holiday 2007
A Santa Fe Garden
hen a builder builds a home to live in himself, he finds himself with an animal completely different from those on W display in the “dog-and-pony” show that features current stock in the custom spec market. And so it was when Ralph and Darlene Thibodeau built their charming hill country rustic ranch home in Briarcliff. Ralph Thibodeau, AIA Architect, has enjoyed a thriving architectural practice for 28 years, special- izing in commercial and also custom residential design. He has designed car dealerships, libraries and fire stations, but he has specialized in animal hospi- tals. In fact, in 2007 the Annual Animal Hospital Design Association honored Pathway to Paradise his work with the 2007 Hospital of the Year Award HOME FEATURE for an animal hospital he story by Cathie Parssinen designed in Houston. But photos by www.homeview.net this beautiful, personal home shows his diverse talents to full advantage.
26 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Mediterranean Courtyard Homes Austintatious Living 30 Years Experience ROCKY NAVARRO, REALTOR® Lakeway mobile 512.694.5700 o ce 512.264.3700 Christmas www.RockyNavarro.com www.HomesAtLakeTravis.com Magic San Gabriel Builders Great shopping. Lots of fun . . . in Lakeway!
Join us as Lakeway Christmas Magic celebrates 11 years of holiday shopping. Over 50 booths including jewelry, clothes, toys, home accessories, food and more. Gifts for everyone on your list!
Lakeway Inn 9am - 8pm, Thursday, Dec. 6 (Free admission 6pm - 8pm
Admission: $5
Mesquite Grilled Steaks, Seafood & Chicken, Delightful Casual Dining A Gift Card for Dinner Delicate, Flavorful Pastas, Full Service Bar, from Our Family to Yours! at Rocco’s Grill . . . Private Wine Room The Perfect Present!
Book your holiday parties! Now accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve!
900 R.R. 620 South Open ‘til 11pm Thursday–Saturday 512.263.8204 www.roccosgrill.com Darlene and Ralph Thibodeau with Millie and Frankie
The home is built around a modified dog-run design, with a clear path through the expansive great room that connects French doors to the back gardens with the front entry. All of the doors in the home are constructed of knotty pine, with the exception of the front door, which was fashioned from hand-chiseled mesquite. In the course of Ralph’s business-related travels, he stumbled across a 1910 farmhouse in Comanche, Texas that was in the process of being torn down and dismembered. With his enduring commitment to recycling time-honored materials, Ralph purchased the beautifully aged, long leaf yellow pine wood floors from the farmhouse. Subsequently, he arranged to have the wood transported to Fredericksburg to be remilled. The old-world gleam they grant throughout the home is matchless. In other rooms, the Thibodeaus used stained concrete, and, in still others, they added chocolate travertine from Mexico, a perfect setting for the artful mosaics designed and installed by Darlene. Her use of sliced river rock beneath the old-fashioned tub (just visible on page 33) and the addition of old forest slate in the bathrooms continues the powerful connection between the home and the natural elements used in its construction. Ralph’s building company, Matrix Development, relies on Jim Bishop Cabinets to pro- duce high-end cabinetry for custom clients. Many of the cabinets in the Thibodeau home were built by Jim Bishop, including those in the kitchen that were painted with a red base coat and finished with a chocolate glaze. However, Ralph designed some of the cabinets him- self and, through a Mexican import company, arranged to have them built to his specifications in Mexico.
28 Waterways | Holiday 2007 633 Newport, Spicewood, Texas $498,500
This “Southern Living” home, designed & built by architect/owner, combines exquisite craftsmanship & million-dollar detailing & amenities. (See feature, pgs 26-32.) Enchanting use of fine materials, warm ambiance & stunning design. Separate guest home serves as private office or staff quarters. 3B/3.5Ba. 3288sqft. Wayne Zercher (R) 512.789.3485 Anderson Group virtual tour @ www.homeview.net/633newport
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1503 RR 620 North www.copperpalm.com 512.266.6900 While Ralph takes credit for the home’s design, Darlene is responsible for the eclectic French-country interiors. The rooms burst with the vivid colors of the south of France. Warm and inviting, this bold palette of color recreates nature’s gift of sky-blues, sunset-reds, verdant-greens and sun-yellows. The home is completely devoid of all trim. Bull-nosed walls were hand-trowelled to recreate the look of authentic plaster. Ralph’s Texas roots lent the inspiration for the construction of an old-fashioned “mud room.” When Ralph returns from a hunting expedition or a long day working in the garden, the mud room, with its comfortable old bench, coat rack and washer and dryer, provides his first point of access to the house . . . a place where he can remove his muddy boots and
30 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Hammond Associates takes great pleasure in welcoming Aurelius Sofia to our dynamic team of specialists, providing the widest variety of lending solutions and the highest level of customer service in the business. Aurelius contributes a vast store of experience and high- energy to further assist us in serving our expanding list of clients.
SeAn J. hAmmond Mention tHis Ad & Receive AuReliuS SofiA Certified Mortgage Planner / CEO Mortgage Loan Consultant [email protected] $500.00 off closing costs [email protected]
• In House ProCessIng, underwrItIng and CLosIng • Jumbo Loans • FHa, Va and ConVentIonaL Loans • Interest onLy Loans • FuLL, stated InCome and no-doC Loans • ConstruCtIon Loans • 100% FInanCIng aVaILabLe, 0 down Payment • CommerCIaL Loans
Apply online: www.loAnAustin.com 512.306.8502
907 RR 620 South #301; AuStin, texAS 78734 With so many contractors in the greater Austin area, finding the right one can be overwhelming. At D-Installer we make home improvement easy...the way it should be. Our motto is simple: You think of it, we’ll build it. We offer a full line of construction and remodeling services including...
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Knute Dussling [email protected]
Udo Dussling [email protected] greet Frankie and Millie, the Thibodeau’s two dogs who have staked an undisputed claim on the “mud room.” Amazing though it may seem, this treasured home is for sale! Why, might one ask, would Ralph and Darlene give up this personal and intimate pathway to paradise? That ques- tion has a two-fold answer. Creative people just cannot stop creating. They are subject to a force that refuses to be sub- jugated to logic. Ralph and Darlene recently fell in love with (and purchased) a nearby lot, high on a hill, with breathtaking views of the canyons and Lake Travis. And so they will defy the logic that led them to label their current home “Casa NO MAS!,” and begin yet another labor of love. And, although this home, at 3200+ sq. ft, is very manageable for a custom, these two creative empty-nesters with very busy lives also want a new home that will be just a tad bit smaller. For more information about this home, contact Wayne Zercher, Realtor ® at 512.789.3485
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 33
Spanish Oaks Bayou Bash
story and photos by Cathie Parssinen
iscovery Land Company spared no effort in its attempt to recreate the old-timey comforts and charms of bayou culture for a Spanish Oaks Bayou Bash D at the end of August. Bartenders served up drinks in pint glass jars underneath majestic oaks draped with spider webs while fiddlers played the lively tunes of bayou coun- try. Guests feasted on shrimp the size of fists, gumbo and dirty bean and rice. A real live alliga- tor greeted guests, tended by a keeper from the Austin Zoo who had raised him from the time he was a hatchling. Only the setting lacked authen- ticity for, instead of a swampy bog, the party took place a magnificent crest overlooking acres of unspoiled hill country vistas stretching to the southwest, framed by the purest of blue skies. Characteristic of the lifestyle enjoyed by residents of Spanish Oaks, the event was presented as an ultimately private affair for residents, potential home- buyers, homebuilders, realtors and others who serve the needs of homeowners.
Steve Yetts, Principal Partner, Discovery Land Company; Greg Walling, Spanish Oaks Sales Associate
Ronda Gray and Paula Boon Ralph & Miles Coleman with Kim & Presli James
Brad & Jill Hale, Jan Garcia-Sotelo, Alex Whitaer, Gregg & Jennifer Mueller with Baby Rio Garcia-Sotelo Lexie & Scott McArtor, Jim & Paige Ballard, John Wright
36 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Austin’s Premiere Game Room Furniture Store Billiard & Game Tables, Theater Seating, Bars & Bar Stools, Accessories & More!
------now in bee caves next to the Backyard ------Highway 71 at 620 www.billiardfactory.com 512.263.2878 Susan & Tom Stone, Ty & Kim Detmer Scott & Suzanne Michaels with Greg Hurd of Sereno Homes
Nestled on 1,200 acres, Spanish Oaks is embraced on two sides by 15,000 acres of protected nature preserves and Barton Creek. In 2005, Discovery Land Company, an Arizona-based developer of luxury residential communities, invested in Spanish Oaks along with Hillwood Development Corp., a Dallas real estate firm founded by Ross Perot Jr., and Daniel Porter, the initial developer and owner of Spanish Oaks. Since taking over daily operations of the property, Discovery Land Company has invested $23 million in infra- structure and improvements to date and plans to spend an additional $17 million more. Daniel Porter with friend Half of the 400 lots for custom homes have been sold, and, since Discovery Land Company announced its partner- ship in late 2005, transactions totaling more than $40 mil- Ashley Michelle Murphy with Charlotte Murphy lion in real estate sales have been concluded. In addition to the lots reserved for custom homes, Spanish Oaks will offer a total of 77 pre-designed Villas, located in three distinctive neighborhoods within the Spanish Oaks community. Seven Clubhouse Villas are currently under construction by part- ner Daniel Porter and Greg Hurd of Sereno Homes. 20 Golf Villas will break ground later this year, and two other devel- opment phases were recently launched. The first includes The Preserve Villas, a collection of 19 lots dedicated to the construction of four models of spacious, pre-designed homes (priced from $1.5 million to more than $2 million). The ground breaking for the Residents’ Lodge, an indoor/out- door recreation facility and restaurant, represents the sec- ond development milestone. The Lodge, which will feature a swimming pool, sports courts, sand volleyball courts, a bar Taylor Skinner and Alyssa Taylor Hal & Leigh Ann Hawthorne and grill, a covered patio and hiking trails, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2008. Each of the many luxury communities west of Austin has a unique culture, and Spanish Oaks is no exception. According to Michael Meldman, Chairman and CEO of Discovery Land Company, “Austin is certainly the ultimate destination for many families from Texas and around the country, and Spanish Oaks offers a unique option as the first private, gated community in Austin with five-star amenities and services.”
Stacy & Shea Kellams, Shae Reilly, Bill & Sandi Gavin, Michael Reilly, Ryan & Emily Deiss
Kelly & Ronda Gray Augustine Verrengia III, Carol Verrengia, Ashton Verrengia
38 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Boomer Block Pools and Outdoor Living Natalie Farkas 20 years in the pool industry Realtor
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These are not your neighbors’ pools! The Why’s and How’s of Water Conservation story by Geoff Kirsch
ater, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink. You’d be hard-pressed to make it through high school English W without coming across that famous line. And while Samuel Taylor Coleridge penned it more than 200 years ago, in England, as part of a lyrical ballad about an ancient mariner, it still bears uncanny relevance today, in America, as part of a mounting national water shortage. Just open the newspapers. In the same year that saw rainfall of biblical pro- portions in the Pacific Northwest and rampant flooding in the Midwest, wild- fires raged across an unusually parched Southern California, fueled by hot, dry Santa Ana winds. On the opposite coast, New York’s reservoirs have dropped to record lows. And, most notably, an epic drought in Georgia threatens the water supply for millions. It is an emergency no less dire than the watery aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, albeit a far less dramatic one. You won’t see helicopters airlifting people from their rooftops, but you will see an aquarium drain its tanks. You won’t see looting, but you will see the Coca Cola bottling plant curtail its usually gargantuan output. You won’t see the roof blow off a domed stadium, but you will see a governor beg Washington for help. You’ll also see this: the decimation of Lake Lanier. Like many lakes in developed areas, Lanier serves two purposes, business and pleasure. On the one hand, it feeds a watershed encompassing parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, the city of Atlanta, and the cooling towers of a nuclear power plant that supplies electricity to 800,000 households. On the other, Lake Lanier is a recreation paradise, its 700 miles of shoreline dotted with parks, homes, and marinas. But as the drought continues, the same lake that quenches three states and attracts 7.5 million visitors a year, has seen its water level drop 14 feet, leaving many of its 10,000 private boat docks stuck in the mud. And that’s not the worst of it. Some predict it will take only 90 more days of drought to run Lake Lanier completely dry. Obviously, no one could have predicted such a lengthy draught. Yet evidence suggests water levels had been steadily dropping before the event, echoing a trend that has started to afflict many U.S. lakes, even in areas still experiencing normal rainfall. In fact, the government projects that at least 36 states will face water shortages within five years owing to a combination of rising temperatures, drought, population growth, development, waste, and excess. And the lakes region of Texas is no exception. It’s no big secret that the lakes region is experiencing rapid development. No secret either the predominant type of development: higher-end lakefront. What area residents may not know is how much water they currently use, and how much that stands to increase during the next few years. Travis County currently goes through nearly 59 billion gallons a year. Neighboring Williamson County, free from Austin’s draw, still guzzles close to two billion. And would you believe some projections expect these totals to double by 2012? Of course, exponential growth and demand for resources aren’t necessarily problems, in and of themselves . . . in areas that can sustain them. A city such as Juneau, Alaska, for instance, receives nearly 90 inches of rain a year. Its population is 30,000. The greater Austin metropolitan area, which boasts some 1.5 million people, only receives 30 inches. As it is, the area already relies on water from elsewhere (namely the Colorado River, which is so intensely tapped by the American Southwest that it no longer reaches its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico).
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Gerrie Richardson Cell 512.970.0618 Office 512.263.9090 1927 Lohmans Crossing #102 Austin, Texas 78734 The natural question, then, is how to make up this growing water defi- cit. And that’s where it becomes tricky, because for now, the Texas lakes region is just that: a region made up of lakes. Fresh water lakes, and lots of them. Hooking these lakes up to the developments springing up beside them seems a natural answer. One developer has already received permis- sion to drain part of Lake Travis for that very purpose. Yet, if there’s a lesson to be learned from the case of Lake Lanier, it’s that maybe there’s a better way: water efficiency. Water management agencies such as The Texas Water Development Board and the Lower Colorado River Authority are already taking bold steps to keep pace with municipal thirst. The city of Austin has instituted incentives for builders and homeowners to utilize water-saving plumb- ing in both new homes and remodels. Local ordinances are sprouting up regarding the use of native vegetation for landscaping—unlike non-native grasses, which require irrigation, native grasses like St. Augustine grass and buffalo grass are specifically adapted to the local climate. Towns such as Belvedere have even gone so far as to mandate rainwater harvesting. In the bathroom . . . To be sure, these are excellent starts. Any conservation effort’s success • Test toilets for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the depends on governmental support (take curbside recycling programs, for tank, but do not flush. Watch to see if the coloring appears in the bowl instance). But as we all know, larger-scale municipal initiatives tend to meet within a few minutes. If it does, the toilet has a silent leak that needs to with political roadblocks and bureaucratic red tape. As such, it becomes be repaired. more and more difficult to ignore individual responsibility for conserving • Install low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and low-volume flush toi- water. Even a 10-15 percent reduction in personal use can save not only bil- lets. On existing toilets, install a “pressure-assist” operating system, which lions of dollars, but billions of gallons—billions of gallons that can remain uses a fraction of the water under high pressure for flushing. Gone are the in the area’s lakes, where they belong. After all, you can’t enjoy the lake days of wimpy water conserving flush toilets. Pressure-assist toilets almost lifestyle if the lake has all dried up. never clog. The following are some very realistic water saving measures you can In the kitchen . . . institute in your home with little time, effort, and money. • Run the dishwasher with full loads only. Same goes for laundry—full machine only. • Use the garbage disposal sparingly or not at all, in favor of composting. A bucket with a snap lid is all takes, and you can compost many items that would gum up a disposal’s inner-workings. • Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge, rather than letting the tap run until cold.
Appliances . . . • Check all water-line connections and faucets for leaks. Slow drips can waste up to 170 gallons a day. Multiply that by 365. Then multiply that by the number of households in your community. That’s a lot of wasted water. • Insulate hot water pipes. • Use a moisture meter to determine when house plants need water. More plants actually die from over-watering than drying out.
Outside . . . • Water only when needed and don’t over-water. Soil can hold only so much moisture, and the rest simply runs off. One and a half inches of water once a week will keep most Texas grasses alive and healthy. • Water lawns early in the morning during the hotter summer months. • Water slowly for better absorption, and never water on windy days. • Don’t water streets, walks, or driveways. • Taller grass holds moisture better. Grass should be cut fairly often, so that only 1/2 to 3/4 inch is trimmed off. And you’ll have a better looking lawn. • Learn what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do best in the area and plant accordingly. Or, consider decorating some areas of the lawn with wood chips, rocks, gravel, or other materials that require no water at all.
42 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Includes main house, garage apartment and air- conditioned workshop 4200 Pedernales Canyon Trail: $725,000
Lake Travis Waterfront 349 Coventry: $789,000 Lake Travis Waterfront in beautiful, gated community 1200 Rustic Lane: $750,000 Peggy Schatz
Keller Williams at the Lake ® 23526 Highway 71 W Spicewood, TX 78669 54 unrestricted acres with 2 homes, 512-461-8266 creeks, ponds, pastures and Highway 71 frontage www.peggyschatz.com 2510 Fall Creek Road: $1,870,000 Turtle Center story by Cathie Parssinen | photos by Lisa Lowell
just think he’s beautiful! They’re really very, very dark, leafy lettuces, squash and, occasionally, a bit of fruit. She’s grateful to pretty . . . gorgeous really. And look at her! She’s my friend, a the Lakeway Randalls for their generous contributions of boxes of outdated “I real sweetheart! Isn’t she pretty? Oh look there! Aren’t they vegetables and fruits. darling?” She could be talking about a litter of puppies or kittens but, in Because it is critical not to mix species or even tortoises from different fact, Lisa Lowell is showing me her Turtle Center and is pointing out some continents, The Turtle Center bought well over $3000 of brick to create sep- of her beloved tortoises. She demonstrates a remarkable fluency with the arate enclosures in which she has tried to replicate a wild environment. She scientific nomenclature that formally identifies the various species she grows native grasses, mesquite and prickly pear and has created innumera- shelters. She has Chaco tortoises from Paraguay; Russian tortoises from the ble hiding places from palm fronds and other natural materials to create cool Eurasian steppes (born “escape artists,” she notes); Star tortoises from the sanctuaries to protect her tortoises from the Texas heat. Winter presents yet Indian subcontinent; Box turtles native to Texas; African tortoises from the another difficulty. The native box turtles can winter outside. Lisa brings in Saharan desert, including one named Peanut that may eventually grow to mounds of mulch, and when the turtles burrow deep inside to hibernate, the be 150 lbs.! Brown Mountain tortoises from Burma . . . and then there are heat of the decomposition keeps them from freezing. Waterproof heat pads Rebecca and Mike, Redfoot tortoises from South America. set beneath an insulated enclosure protect the non-hibernating species at This amazing collection seems to defy the fact that Lisa Lowell is not in temperatures of 40 degrees and higher. When it dips lower, Lisa must bring the business of collecting. Her Turtle Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that pro- all the tortoises into her heated garage, lit with active UV lights. She would vides “rehoming” services for turtles, accepting tortoises surrendered from love to keep them outdoors year-round and plans to build a greenhouse. For their owners for any reason. She keeps them until she is sure they are healthy this reason, she cherishes tax-deductible donations. and then offers them for adoption. She does not charge an adoption fee but Fact: Tortoises are not maternal. They guard their eggs for a few hours she does interview the adopter and visits to survey to the proposed new home. at most, and the box turtles have been known to eat their own young. She keeps some species for use in tours and education projects. As a partner Fact: Tortoises don’t swim and can sometimes drown although they in the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), headquartered at the Fort Worth Zoo, enjoy walking and sitting in water. she also holds assurance colony tortoises. TSA is a partnership network for Fact: Tortoises in the wild are declining at alarming rates; especially in sustainable captive management of freshwater turtles and tortoises. Asia where people relish eating the meat and the eggs. Only 1 of 100 will Most of the Turtle Center tortoises are strictly herbivorous, but some, survive to adulthood. Populations in Africa are also endangered. like the native box turtles eat a little bit of meat . . . crickets, worms, grubs, The Turtle Center offers programs focusing on education, protection baby mice (pinkies), even carrion if they find it. Most of the tortoises like and conservation to groups and individuals during which Lisa emphasizes prickly pear and, as a treat, the pink fruits from the cactus. Lisa feeds them her main rule: Never ever take a turtle or tortoise out of the wild!
www.turtlecenter.org 512.906.6322
44 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Now taking Charter Member Reservations
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Contact Stephanie A. Taylor for information and reservations at (512) 633 5311
®, TM and SM are licensed trademarks of Sotheby’s International Realty Affi liates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Offi ce is Independently Owned and Operated . Except Offi ces Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated. Familial Relationship. hen Gary Quick of Dillard’s Department Stores addressed the 300 ladies gathered for the W monthly meeting and fashion show of the Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway at the Lakeway Resort and Spa, he began his remarks with his legendary sense of humor. “I have been intro- duced as the manager of Dillard’s Barton Creek,” he noted. “In fact, I am not the manager . . . although everyone knows I should be!” He polled the audience to see who was wearing Dillard’s (quite a num- ber of ladies were), and he asked how many in the crowd had been to see the new Dillard’s at the Hill Country Galleria. When only a smattering of hands went up, he teasingly remarked, “Ladies! You need to get a life!” Before turning the podium over the fashion com- mentator, he summed up his fashion overview with the following statement, “If we don’t have it . . . you don’t need it.” Each of the Linda French Sherry Bennett Sherry Gardner models sporting fashions by Dillards selected her own outfit, and Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway. . . story and photos by Cathie Parssinen Bedazzled by Dillards! Diane Jackson
Terri Jones Sherry Bennett Michela Gilmore Beverly Gould Barb Arvay
Terri Fitset Candy Francis Nancy Hopper Bethany Shine Sheila Sommer
46 Waterways | Holiday 2007 A Starting Line-Up That Goes To Bat for You! Covering All the Bases for your Real Estate Needs!
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the runway was bursting with diver- LaNell Edwards, Joyce Botta, Marian Pedley, Margrit Tartella, Jean Dula, Michele Steves, Dottie Stevenson Mary Anne Marquis sity, from jeans and Double D western wear to cocktail attire and full-length evening gowns. A select troupe of Women’s Club members performed a dance routine, choreographed by Dottie Stevenson, that also enlivened the program. And Lakeway’s favorite Santa (Steve Witt) was also present, asking the traditional question about whether or not the ladies had been “good” (although I don’t recall any of them sitting on Santa’s lap! . . . hmm).
Marie Drury and Rusty Bowman Stacey Hurley and Cherie Brown
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 47 Dee Ann Burns and Debbie Snetzer Kitty Cat models
Gayle Laminack
Dottie Stevenson, Donna Luchow, Linda Swann, Gretchen Nearburg
l-r: Janice Armstrong, Gretchen Jeanne Anne Klein, Santa (Steve Witt), Nearburg, Jody Berry and Gretchen Nearburg
Debbie Snetzer, Diane Jackson, Carol De Cardenas
Pat Doucet, Margie Neuenschwander, Glenda Cheesman, and Dotty Hord
WCGL President, Lana Brown with Event Chair, Sharon Rodgers and Betsy Smith Debbie Snetzer
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holiday collection in store now Casa Romee
ladies’ clothing, accessories & gifts in lakeway plaza 1310 rr 620 south, suite a-6 tue-sat 10am to 6pm 512.263.2420 l-r: Carmen Vences, Maria Castillo, Crystal Vega, Yaneli Garcia, Maria Guadalupe Garcia, Maria Vences, Azeret Vences, Aaron Vences, Alfredo Godinez, Uriel Moreno, Genaro Morales, Cristian Arellano, Luiz Solano, Alex Lopez
Quince Años!
story by Cathie Parssinen | photos by jay’s Studio
roud parents, José and Celia Vences, hosted a festive party at the Creekside Pavilion in Driftwood to celebrate the Quince Años P of their daughter, Azeret. Rooted in Hispanic tradition, the rituals that surround a daughter’s 15th birthday are invested with all the magic of time-honored rites of passage common to many cultures and many eras. This point of transition from little girl to young woman marks an eclipse that occurs when childhood is overshadowed by the bright promises and responsibilities of adulthood. In a poignant moment, José Vences presents Azeret with “the last doll” (see photo at left) before they enjoy a celebratory dance together.
Deacon Jesse Martinez of Emmaus Catholic Church, conducted a mass and offered a blessing to Azeret.
Aaron, Celia, Azeret, José and Emmanuel Vences
Azeret dances with her grandfather, Ismael Garcia
50 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Scanty BedHead PJ Salvage Tepper Jackson The Cat’s Pajamas Couture Tees & Loungewear CicciaBella Needham Lane NiteSweatz Kathryn
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512-263-0101 or 512-970-7872 • www.thepjshop.com Get your shop on with us! A Christmas Affair: Nov. 14th–18th Lakeway Christmas Magic: Dec. 6th Business Profile
s Lush Salon approaches its 2nd year anniversary, owners Bobby and Vanessa A Baker (talented hair artists themselves with a combined 15 years experience in the Lake Travis area) are pleased with the steady growth of their business. That growth has resulted in the Candace Rutter expansion of staff to seven full-time stylists. Shelley Ohnstad grew up in Dallas and has lived Bobby and Vanessa share two fundamental priorities that guide their busi- a South Austin girl from the age in Austin for three years. She was ness model. The first relates to the provision of the highest level of professional of 3, had been a freelance stylist introduced to Vanessa and Bobby expertise at the cutting edge of style and technique for hair care. In addition focusing on weddings and proms by a mutual friend and joined Lush to previous training, Lush requires its own in- prior to joining Lush. “When my Salon just two weeks after it opened. house training before any stylist assumes a chair. friend, Candace, began raving She is married to Lee Rutter, Youth The goal is to make sure that all stylists can serve about Lush, I decided to check it Minister at the Lakeway Church, all clients with any service with equal assurance out for myself, and I really loved and the couple is expecting their first and expertise. The second priority that informs what I saw.” Shelley found a child in December. business at Lush stems from the fact the Bakers home for her creative talents and view their business as a family, and the rules that said, “Sign me on!” guide behavior among its members are based
Owners Bobby & Vanessa Baker on a dynamic of positive energy, harmony and a liberal measure of happiness. “Our relationships with each other are tight-knit, and the climate and culture we have created is very special. It nourishes each of us and our clients as well,” explains Bobby. “We’re not only interested in creating fabulous hair, we also want every client to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere we have established,” adds Vanessa. Community residents, Bobby and Vanessa have been active donors to the Lake Travis Education Foundation, The Cattlebarons’ Ball and to Rexanna’s Susan Antonishek Foundation. TIffany Richey had been a top stylist in Beverly Hills also originally from Dallas, has at the Allen Edwards Salon (for- a graduate of Lake Travis High School and a long- been in Austin for five years. She merly Jon Peters) but traded the glitz time resident of Lakeway, trained at a well-known happened to chat with Vanessa of Beverly Hills for the “feeling of Austin salon and is finishing his apprenticeship at while waiting in line for a table country” she found when she moved Lush. His grin is infectious and his shampoos are at an Austin restaurant and com- to Austin. She saw the Lush Salon positively additive. He will receive his own chair at plimented Vanessa on her hair. sign from 620 and, sight unseen, Lush in December and will be turning heads with When Vanessa confided that she had a strong premonition that this his work! and Bobby owned a hair salon, was where she wanted to work. Tiffany told her she was a stylist Premonition became fact as Susan too! They exchanged cards, and joined the growing staff at Lush. Aaron Fischer the rest is history.
Salon Coordinator for Lush, grew up “Nobody else touches my hair! I love it there.” in the east Texas town of Grove. His —Mary K Oglesby westward bound trajectory began with a move to Houston where he worked for several upscale salons. He came to Brad Latimer “It’s kind of like walking into Cheers Austin 2 ½ years ago, and he will lend for a haircut!” his organizational skills to the smooth —Mac Richard operation at Lush. “There’s never any second-guessing about how “So many people ask me where I get my hair my hair will look. I just relax and kick back, done that I have a stash of Vanessa’s cards. knowing I’m gonna look wonderful when I When I’m traveling folks are always disap- walk out.” pointed to learn they have to go to Bee Cave, —Ani Piazza TX to get ‘my hair!’” This chair’s for you! —Susan Burton “It’s like coming in to hang out with friends . . . plus I walk out looking great!” 512.263.4606 | Of f 620 S a t t h e e n t r a n c e t o Fa l c o n h e a d —Michelle Wood
52 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Que Maravilla Honorary Chairs Liz & Senator Kirk Watson Jaweed & Rebecca Metz and Meredith Cooper (center) Sponsors Matt & Deborah Mathias Que Maravilla! 5th Annual Wonders & Worries Gala!
story by Cathie Parssinen | Photos compliments of wonders and Worries
ue Maravilla! (What a Wonder!) This vibrant Latin American theme provided the inspiration for the 5th Annual Wonders & Worries Gala hosted Q at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion in Creedmoor. Sponsors Jerry & Denise Conway The genesis for Wonders and Worries originated with Co-Founders Meredith Cooper and Board Member, Lori Cooke Melissa Hicks who saw a glaring and unmet need for support services, counseling, psy- & Auctioneer Bill Ball chosocial support and compassion for families torn asunder by the wrenching impact of Texas Disposal Systems owners Bob & Kay Gregory a devastating diagnosis and the potential loss of a loved one to terminal illness. The mission of Wonders & Worries is to help children and families who are coping with chronic and life-threatening illness. They strive to alleviate the emotional and cognitive impact a parent’s illness has on his or her chil- dren and to help those children gain effective coping and com- munication skills that they may use to deal with a crisis that has physical roots but that also spills over into every aspect of family life. All services provided by Wonders & Worries are provided free of charge and are available to both English and Cliff & Mary Sorrell, Jeff & Donna Simmons Spanish-speaking families. Jessica Dameron, Steve Bassett, Ted Gray, Jr. & Kathy Gray, Event Chair The evening featured a lively schedule of events including cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, “closest to the hole” and skeet shooting, a dinner catered by 2Dine4, live and silent auctions and dancing to music by Memphis Train. For more information about Wonders & Worries or to find out about volunteer opportunities, visit Sponsors Jeff & Donna Simmons, www.wondersandworries.org. President of Gracy Title Company
Wonders & Worries Board of Directors (l-r): Richard Paddock, Vice President; Dave Anderson; Debi Meyer, Secretary; Michelle Lee, MD; Lori Cooke; Meredith Cooper, Executive Director; Dee Vargas; Rosemary Douglass; Pete Hayes; Mike Reynolds.
Susan Bartlett, Barbara Dewey, Martha Nalepa
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 53 A Season in Bloom Bridget & Andy with yorkie pup
2nd Annual Austin Children’s Shelter Gala Raises $425,000!
story and photos by Cathie Parssinen
Season in Bloom!” How apropos a title not only for the Gala itself but also for all that is happening in the “A Austin Children’s Shelter “garden.” As any one who has dabbled in the garden knows, a profusion of blooms is an outcome of immense passion and a lot of hard work. Soils must be tilled and amended with nutrients; products are often needed to deter pests and curb disease; Ronda & Kelly Gray Top Gala Sponsors Cosmo & Jenny Palmieri and a balanced amount of sunshine and water is essential. Sticking a plant
Jim & Kam Morrie Brent & Tammy Buckman Jim & Page Ballard Sherri & Travis West
54 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Seven for all Mankind Citizens of Humanity True Religion Joe’s Wendy Miller Salon James Jeans Lakeway’s Premier Stylist Red Engine Tag 512.680.8404 • 512.266.4045 Paige It Jeans • Beautiful new Salon Miss Me overlooking Lake Michael Stars Austin 3 Dots Matt & Nat • Formerly of JOSE Free People EBER SALON & LA Made Trained at VIDAL Yellow Box SASSOON in L.A. Born Seychelles • Private Personal Emily Ray Hair Artist attention Judith Jack Havaianas Maternity Denim
Beautiful Hair with Wendy Miller! Complimentary Consultation Bee Cave Galleria of Shops: 512-402-0078 on historic Main St. in& Marble Falls: 830-798-9323 MiMi & Maggie Baby LuLu Baby Nay Sweet Potatoes Little Mass Ralph Lauren Cach Cach Mis-t-v-us Zutano Robeez See Kai Run Yellow Box Jade Jeans It Denim Mooshu Trainers Manhatten Toys Bunnies by the Bay Seven for all Mankind * Newborn to Size 14 *
Direct: 512.785.3505 www.realestatelaketravis.com Kids in the ground does not create a garden in bloom, something the directors and and Richard Topfer. The largest gift to date is the $2.7 million from Dick staff of the Austin Children’s Shelter, its many volunteers and patrons know and Sara Rathgeber that includes the donated land. The second largest gift all too well. But “master gardener” Gena VanOsselaer has harnessed a pas- is a $1.5 million from Bill and Pat Munday. Other leadership gifts include sion for her mission and, with incredible patience and skill, is about to see the $1 million from the Beaumont Foundation of America, $700,000 from results of the fruits of this labor of love. A 12.9 million dollar capital campaign Martha Kutscher and Dr. Kathryn Kotrla, $650,000 from the Michael and is well underway to fund a new campus on a 13 acre site adjacent to the for- Susan Dell Foundation, $500,000 from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, mer Robert Mueller airport, generously donated by Dick and Sara Rathgeber. $500,000 from Kym and Bob Wunsch, $500,000 from the Topfer Family With five residential cottages for children and three support buildings, the Foundation, $250,000 from Susan and Gary Farmer, $250,000 from the new facility will be able to provide emergency shelter, residential treatment Lowe Foundation, $250,000 from Deanna and Jeff Serra, and $100,000 care and family-based services for children removed from their homes due to from Beth and Frank Stabile. abuse or neglect. This “The Shelter is well-positioned for expansion to meet the increasing need Executive Committee Member, Beth Stabile, Frank Stabile, Lisa Parrish expansion of facilities to care for more children, and we believe that it is imperative for members of will allow the Shelter the community to support their efforts,” stated Bill Munday, who was among to raise annual services the first supporters of the campaign. “These children are part of the future to children from 300 to of Central Texas and deserve a chance to become successful, contributing approximately 580. members of society. Pat and I are excited to be a part of the future plans of the The capital cam- Austin Children’s Shelter.” paign committee, “This is an exciting time in the history of the Shelter,” said ACS Executive chaired by Gary Farmer, Director Gena VanOsselaer. “We have been given an incredible opportunity has raised nearly $10.1 to expand not only our facilities but also the services we offer children as well million in leadership as their families. The donation of land opened a door to new possibilities, gifts. Members of the and we are now prepared to rise to the challenge before us. The challenge,” campaign committee VanOsselaer states, “is to help more children who need it and offer support to include Lee Walker help to strengthen families. Our annual gala provides substantial funding to as honorary chair, support critical programs but also a platform of hope through which we can Mary Scott Nabers, share the heart of the Shelter’s mission and its successes with our supporters.” Wes Peoples, Dick Visit www.austinchildrenshelter.org to learn more about the gala and Rathgeber, Beth Stabile capital campaign.
Ben & Gudrun Skoldeberg Pat & Bill Munday Pat Stark and Cristyl Murphy Top Gala Sponsors
Suzanne Carson and Karen Peoples
James Patton, Mia Solis, Kara Patton, Susan Hansen, and Eric Solis
Keynote Speaker Judge Jeanne Meurer with ACS Executive Director Gina Board Member Victoria VanOsselauer Reed-Fenimore
Laura Bechtol surrounded by friends!
Master of Ceremony Ron Bill & Marcie Rodriguez and Alison & Mike Costello Oliveira; Anchor, CS 42 KEYE
56 Waterways | Holiday 2007 be beautiful this holiday season! Now offering advanced, non- invasive skin treatments for a healthy glow, including Microdermabrasion, Ultrasound and LED therapy! the perfect gift A gift you know she deserves— a gift certificate from Spa at the Lake! Available online at www.spaatthelake.com
512.263.7611 | 620 & lakeway blvd | open 7 days a week Divine Designs by Dao
Fashion Darling, Chloe Dao The Beauty of Life
story and photos by Cathie Parssinen | PHOTOS OF MAYA BY CHRIS HUBNER
es Amis de Hospice hosted grant, Chloe Dao, her parents and her seven sisters left Pakse, Laos in 1979 the 2nd Annual Beauty of Life at the and resettled in Houston, Texas. Chloe herself was inspired by how much L Renaissance Hotel, and beauty was her parents had achieved in America, despite their limited knowledge of abundantly evident. A beautiful crowd, eager English. Their accomplishments convinced her that the door was wide open to spend dollars to support Hospice, strolled for her to achieve her own aspirations. After all . . . this was America! among tables laden with beautiful fall fash- Viewing her first episode of CNN’s Style with Elsa Klensch at the age of ions, jewelry, shoes and accessories assembled 10 ignited Chloe’s passion for fashion and design, and she took the first step by many of Austin’s favorite boutiques and toward fulfilling her dreams when she graduated from the Fashion Institute merchants. At the brunch that followed, MC, of Technology in New York City with a degree in pattern making. She left Lance Avery Morgan, publisher and editorial New York in 2000 and returned to Houston to open her own store, Lot 8, director of bRILLIANT Magazine, introduced named for the eight Dao sisters . . . sisters who encouraged Chloe to apply to fashion designer Chloe Dao. Dao was the compete in “Project Runway 2” in 2006. “It was possibly the hardest thing Maya Hubner 2006 winner of Bravo’s Emmy-nominated TV I ever did,” she noted. She won the hearts of America with her spontane- show, “Project Runway 2,” and with brush- ity, honesty and lack of pretense, but it was her brilliant display of techni- strokes full of a sense of joy, amazement and great good humor, she created cal skills, business savvy and creativity that convinced judges Heidi Klum, a beautiful portrait of her extraordinary history. As a first-generation emi- Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and special guest judge, Debra Messing, to vote
58 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Mary Dugas (L) and Meredith Davis (R) with Allison Seale, Miss Austin USA
Hospice Executive Director, Marjorie Mulanax Dale Dewey and Event Lynn Meredith and Bobbi Topfer Jackie and Calvin Smith, Anna Anami Chair, Karen Landa
her the final winner. As such, Chloe Johanna Adkins and Jennifer Hollers was awarded $100,000 seed money to invest in her design business, a 2007 Saturn Sky Roadster, a spread in Elle Magazine and a mentorship with Banana Republic. Chloe’s latest fash- ions were on display for all to see . . . sleek, sexy and, above all, beautiful. Chloe’s story of exuberant energy, boundless talent and professional tri- umph provided a beautiful testament to the promise of the American dream. But assembled guests heard another story that morning, and, although very different, it too was Beth Stabile and Bianca Cheng a story of talent and triumph. Chris Hubner spoke calmly about his Sal Lopez, James Armstrong, Sarah Jane Bay, and Larry Connelly th Penny Burck and Patty Hofpauir, daughter, Maya, a 13-year old 8 grader at Kealing Middle School The Garden Room in Austin. Maya spent countless hours painting and writing poetry. Like the 10-year old Chloe, her life was filled with her passions and future dreams. Her favorite place in the world was the flower garden at the Zilker Botanical Gardens. Those dreams were cut short by her diagnosis with childhood leukemia and her death last year on June 27th. Chris shared the immeasurable impact Hospice Austin had on Maya and his family as they struggled to come to grips with Maya’s heartbreaking confrontation with terminal illness. Death, like life Vanessa Reich, Sherry Watts, and Sandy Cary with all its richness, provides the ultimate platform, and Hospice Austin helps patients and their families approach the final dive with strength, compassion, independence, respect and dignity. As a non- profit, Hospice Austin ploughs all its resources into providing care for all, regardless of ability to pay. And the funds raised by this year’s Beauty of Life contribute to that effort. Lisa Parrish and Lisa Nosek
Jaquelyn St. Martin and Katelyn Roach from fashion sponsor, The Garden Room Chris Hester, Jennifer Carnes, Susan Platt
Sherry Davis, Sharon Schweitzer, Charlie Wharton, Priscilla Hill
Erin Hager, Maria Groten, Stacy Garcia, Randee Hainline
Cindy Busby, Debbie Novelli Farrell, Golden Underwriter Susan Hackney, Jane Driscoll & Decorations Chair
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 59 Stevie Ray Vaughan and Denny Freeman Photo by Susan Antone
Denny Freeman Photo by Andrew Stearns Denny Freeman: The Austin Legend You’ve Never Heard Of story by Tarja Settles t’s common knowledge that Austin is the “Live Music trees and beautiful girls. With so many places to get Capital of the World,” but the city’s rich musical history, specifi- out of, Austin was the place to get to.” I cally the blues, is foreshadowed by the two luminary forces that put There just weren’t enough people in Austin to put Austin on the music map: Antone’s, the legendary blues club, and Stevie Ray a band together. It wasn’t until Jimmie and Stevie Vaughan, the legendary musician. In fact, a huge cast of characters created Ray Vaughan and Doyle Bramhall followed Freeman the blues revolution in the capitol city in the 70’s and 80’s, and one of these from Dallas that the creative juices started flowing. is Denny Freeman. Denny . . . Who? At that point, though, people weren’t listening to the Denny Freeman is the “Where’s Waldo” of the blues scene . . . every- blues. “In 1969 we wanted to play the blues. Cream where and nowhere at once. He blends effortlessly into each musical project, broke up and Hendrix died, and nobody wanted to making his true discovery almost impossible. And since Freeman has never hear it but that’s what we wanted to do.” They would been one to seek discovery, he remains contentedly in the shadows of his- have jam sessions, focusing on a sound that was tory, a history that spotlights all the Austin legends, as well as Taj Mahal, “authentic and lowdown,” but Austin lacked a true venue that attracted the Blondie, and Bob Dylan. legends and excited the public. It was in Dallas, Texas in the 1950’s that Freeman first heard the blues Until one fateful day in 1975 that altered the course of their future. “I was and picked up a Stratocaster guitar. “Me and my friend would go to teen on 6th Street with Stevie Ray Vaughan and we ran into Clifford Antone and dances every Friday night and . . .there was a band with this guy that looked he said he’s opening a blues club. Since we were part of the local band scene, like Elvis and he played lead guitar.” The sound that came from that gui- it was easier for us to get gigs there.” Antone’s was a huge success, keeping tar . . . and the swooning girls . . . had a big impact. Denny started playing all the Austin bluesmen in business and allowing Denny and “the gang” the and kept it up through college but never looked at music as a career until he freedom to let loose. Jimmie Vaughan was in The Fabulous Thunderbirds, wound up in Austin in the late 60’s, where he finally decided to “ruin him- which was the house band that opened the shows, and Denny and SRV were self” as a musician. According to Denny, “Austin was paradise in ’69 and ’70 in The Cobras, which played on Sundays and opened for bands. In the 80’s, for a long-haired single dude. It was a cool, small university town with lots of Denny played both guitar and piano and backed up some of the biggest names
Denny Freeman, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Rogers Denny Freeman Photo by Susan Antone Photo by Steve Karnavas
60 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Taj Mahal, Larry Fulcher, Denny Freeman
The Cobras 1976 (Joe Sublett, Rodney Craig, Stevie Vaughan, Alex Napier, Denny Freeman Photo by Billy Cross
roll chick that would sneak into clubs where all of us played”) and Clem Burke from Blondie. Both of them Denny Freeman, James Brown, Joe Sublett helped him write the song “Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room,” on Blondie’s latest album, “No Exit.” Denny left LA in 2004, and today his home base is in Dallas . . . when Paul Ray And The Cobras 1975 (Denny Freeman, Paul Ray, Rodney Craig, Alex Napier, Stevie Vaughan) he’s not touring with the man, the Photo by Watt Casey, Jr myth . . . Bob Dylan. How he came to in blues: Buddy acquire “the ultimate job” with one of Guy, James Brown, the most important artists, he doesn’t really know. “I think my name kept John Lee Hooker, coming up since the road manager was a friend of mine. But they called me Jimmy Rogers, and and asked me to audition, and it’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Denny has been with Dylan, or “the boss” as he calls him, for three Buddy Guy and Denny Freeman Otis Rush, to name years now, which includes 11 tours and the “Modern Times” album. Denny Photo by Susan Antone a few. But it was the obscure musicians describes the expertise needed to play with Dylan, “You need to know more that meant the most to Freeman, especially Lazy Lester and Hubert Sumlin, than just the blues and I feel like I’ve spent my whole life preparing for this who was Howlin’ Wolf’s guitar player. Although Sumlin and Freeman became without realizing it.” buddies, Freeman didn’t get close to any of the musicians he backed up, “I More than ever, Freeman is at the top of his game and continues to listen didn’t have much interest in making friends. Hearing and playing was enough and learn from the masters, especially their works from the late ‘40’s through for me.” the mid ‘60’s. “The best blues had been recorded by then and some of the best The designation of Austin as a blues town finally stuck, due to “a very jazz. I’m still discovering stuff I haven’t heard . . . it’s never-ending.” But don’t small group of people with a like mind. We were this elitist little thing and our make the mistake of calling him a “blues guy,” a label he feels is “dead end, two or three bands were interchangeable.” The players at that point included limiting.” Instead, he prefers to see himself as simply a guitar player. Denny’s Denny, Jimmie, SRV, Doyle, Paul Ray, Louanne Barton, Angela Strehli, and own albums . . . and there are four of them . . . display of range not only of a mix of others. The stars were aligned, magic was being made, and it was a blues but also of rock ‘n roll, jazz, old R&B, and soul. He also has a soft spot time of exuberant, history-making music. Denny, always one to downplay, for the ballad, which is evident in the song “Melancholy Valentine” on his says, “I don’t want to exaggerate the importance of what we did, but it was latest album “Twang Bang.” cool.” Don’t let him fool you. What they did defined the cultural landscape of As for the current state of blues, Freeman is rather, well, blue. Musicians a city, and it continues to do so over three decades later. today are missing the point. They’re sincere but generic. “They didn’t grow By 1989 this unique group of gifted musicians began drifting in different up hearing what we heard. The Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Cream. The guys directions and, like all good things, the moment of magic ended. For Denny, did their homework; they knew the blues history. They had a thorough who had returned briefly to Dallas to take care of his mother, his world turned understanding and allowed us to go somewhere else with it.” While Denny upside down with a confluence of life-altering events in 1990: Stevie Ray is wary of listening to blues live today, he acknowledges that there are some Vaughan died; Jimmie Vaughan left the Thunderbirds; and Freeman’s moth- good young artists out there and he empathizes with their struggle for suc- er succumbed to cancer. “I could’ve returned to Austin but, by ’91-’92, what cess, admitting that “everything’s harder than it used to be. Live music has was special there had run its course. People we had backed up at Antone’s changed. It isn’t as important as it used to be.” were dying, and even Antone’s wasn’t the same. I couldn’t afford to not work. Of course, success for Denny Freeman has always been measured on a I needed to go somewhere and do something.” humble scale. Despite a resume that boasts connections to a stunning number So Denny went to Los Angeles, where he toured with Jimmie Vaughan on of musical giants; despite helping to found the Austin blues scene; despite the his first solo album and then with blues great, Taj Mahal and The Phantom fact that bits and pieces of his creativity have found their way into our musi- Blues Band. “After Taj made a couple of records, he put together a band from cal subconscious; Denny is oblivious to his own impact. “I haven’t pursued a the sessions but his guitar player left to play with John Fogerty. I was with living being me,” he says. He reflects on the early years in Austin with Stevie Taj for 6-7 years, and I think eventually he just realized that we were the most Ray, Jimmie and Doyle, pushing the boundaries and finding their sound, “In expensive, whiniest outfit.” It was a great gig for Freeman. He made good my mind, we’re still just the kids. We’re not the real guys, the heroes.” money, saw the world, and toured during the release of Taj’s Grammy win- Hate to break it to you Denny, but you’re the real deal. ning album, “Shoutin’ In Key.” LA was also where Denny met Austin’s Kathy To order Denny Freeman’s albums and find out when you can hear him Valentine of the Go-Go’s (whom Denny describes as “a tough little rock ‘n live in Austin, visit his website at www.dennyfreeman.com
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 61 Austin Angels Hostess Donna Stockton-Hicks with sculptor Damian l-r: Rebecca Browne, Jou-An Hou, Jessica Mathaes Priour and Paula Priour The Art of Autumn . . . An Umlauf Celebration Event Co-Chairs: Karen Landa & Mike Reese story and photos by Cathie Parssinen he magnificent gardens of Donna Stockton-Hicks’ and Steve Hicks’ Pemberton Heights home provide an incom- T parable setting for one of the largest privately-owned collec- tions of Charles Umlauf’s sculptures. The Hicks generously opened the doors to both home and garden to 250 devoted supporters for the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum’s second biennial “The Art of Autumn” fundraiser. While Austin Angels provided an evening of classical music, guests enjoyed premium wines selected by Twin Liquors, a sumptuous buffet offered by Ruth’s Chris Steak House and, most importantly, a magi- cal chance to stroll leisurely through the lavish gardens to view the sculp- tures in this inspirational setting. Proceeds from the event, hosted by the Umlauf’s Board of Directors, are dedicated to revitalizing the Umlauf’s popular wedding area. Wedding rentals pay for a large portion of the museum’s operations and allow the Umlauf to restrict donations and membership fees to the muse- um’s well-recognized educational programs. In a new space overlooking the upper pond, a stunning new trellis and low stone walls, planned in the redesign by Big Red Sun, will offer an elegant backdrop not only for weddings but also for dance performances, plays and poetry readings that also use the Garden. Two new seat- ing areas (one donated by Sarah and Ernest Butler and the other by the Molly Gottlieb Family) and an elegant stone staircase have already been completed. For more information about the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum visit www.umlaufsculpture.org.
Harvey & Ruthie Ford with Ann & George Attal
62 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Board Member, Harvey Ford
Tana & Bill Taylor
Bill Andrews with Candice & Randy House
Kevin & Sandra Usleman
Diane Williams and Joanne Abdo
Vickie Roan & Larry Teague
Jennifer & Brad Greenblum with Terry & Patrick O’Daniel Connie & Allen Green Karen Landa & Dale Dewey
Larry Satterfield, Wendy George, Alicean & Charles Kalteyer, Ruth & Phil Kohlhaas Board Members Marcia Williams and Charlotte Boyle
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 63 Ballet Austin Kicks off the New Season
story and photos by Cathie Parssinen
upporters of Ballet Austin Guild welcomed the beginning of a new Ballet Austin season at a glorious garden party at the home of Ronda and Marshall S Wingo. Excitement continues to build at the prospect of yet another leap forward with the opening of the Ballet Austin’s Butler Dance Education Center, further confirming recognition of Ballet Austin as a leading innovator among professional, urban dance com- panies. The 2007-2008 Season is fittingly titled “Dreams . . . Realized.”
Cord & Anne Shiflet with Kathy Taylor Ballet Austin Presents “Dreams . . . Realized.”
Dec 1-23 The Nutcracker Feb 14-17 New American Talent/ Dance Apr 3-13 Cult of Color: Call to Color May 9-11 Don Quixote
Lee & Kim Walinsky
Marshall & Rhonda Wingo, hosts; Kathy & Randy Taylor
Executive Director Cookie Ruiz
Donna David; Chris Hester; Stephen Mills, Ballet Austin Artistic Director; Drs. Angie & Steve Hernandez Stephanie Whitehurst
64 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Susan and Clint Hackney Monica Pottorff and Bob Fabbio
Daphne Konderla, past President and current Parliamentarian; Kathy Taylor, President; Marianna Dydek, Glenda Patterson
Hekk Wotkyns, Becky & Dick Herrington, Margaret Herman
Doug Reid, Sandy Cary, Gayle Hamilton, Janet Eaddy, Carol Sawin
Catherine & John Moragne
Gary & Cindy Fegley, Dean & Mo Greenwood
Fa-la-la-abulous! Gifts? Oh Yeah!
At the Bee Cave Galleria of Shops RR 620 South and Hwy 71 512.904.9002 Susan & Robert Mueller
George Attal
Ann Attal with Hannah Melton
Linda St. Clair, George Attal, Karen Bonnie, Pete Little Chief Austin Galleries’ Reception Honors
Rachel & Emmett Melton St. Clair & Bonnie story and photos by Cathie Parssinen
t a joint reception at Austin Galleries honoring animal portrait art- ists Linda St. Clair and Karen Bonnie, the collection of their new works fused Aseamlessly, despite the fact that St. Clair’s reputation is based on works that focus on anthropomorphic portrayals of roosters, cows and other barnyard animals while Bonnie devotes herself to the animals of the American wilderness . . .wolves, bears and, of course, horses. Bonnie notes, “I see horses as heroic, powerful, fun- loving and affectionate beings, and I try to express this to the viewer in my work.” Themes of pride, as well as those of love and motherhood, dominate St. Clair’s depic-
John and Ella Hicks tions of colorful rural scenes featuring farm animals. As she reflects, “I feel that for many people, landscapes are important to resurrect Yolanda Figueroa, Cindy Wendling, Lois Olmeda, Kari Blachly memories of a time when urbanization was not near- ly so pervasive, when people were more at ease with nature. Animals take on a special meaning.” The appeal of her paintings connects people with a more simple time. Both artists live in the west, St. Clair in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Bonnie in a century-old ranch house in southern Colorado where she lives with her Cheyenne husband Pete Littlechief, two wolf hybrids, two horses and a dog. Patrick Landrum, Carol Sawin, Clint Sawin
Jay & Cheryl MacBride Jim and Soni Bollemeyer Renay & Stephen Roberts
66 Waterways | Holiday 2007 Virginia Grumbles Linda & Steve Swann with Janet Wright Ann Neighbors
Susie Fowler of the Shade Tree Potter
ArtFALL story and photos by Cathie Parssinen he 2nd Annual ArtFALL, presented over a three-day weekend at the Lakeway Resort and Spa, featured a number of new, local artists as well as many that already enjoy T community recognition. The event is one of many that are produced under the TexARTS umbrella of programs for the visual and performing arts. Janet Wright and Rick Hodgins served as Co-Chairs for the art show. Each year, the City of Lakeway chooses a work to purchase for the City, and this year the honor went to Susie Fowler of Shade Tree Potter. She can be seen at left with the beautiful piece that will now adorn City Hall.
Martha League-Calhoun with daughter
John Bihick with his portrait of Jeff Blank
Police Chief Gordon Bowers Ros Hill Barbara Schaefer with her living sculpture and Susan Bowers Ursula Overdiek, Hang Ups Gallery; Amy Jones; Brian Lyon
Bill & Julie Strong and Rick and Sharon Hodgins
Holiday 2007 | Waterways 67 From Tadej Brdnik, star of the internationally Todd Dellinger, Co-Founder & Executive Director of TexARTS, acclaimed Martha Graham Shirley Jones, TexARTS’ Board Member, Janet Wright Dance Company, who worked with TexARTS kids in Lakeway and at UT, to guest artists and performances scheduled for the spring semester, TexARTS continues to provide unrivaled experiences for Lake Region and Austin youth and audiences.
News from TexARTs story and photos compliments of TexArTS
exARTS hosted the American film Shirley Jones with TexARTS Musical Theater Academy Students musical legend and TV icon Shirley T Jones in concert at the Riverbend Center on September 21st. From her first appear- ance onstage, for which she received a standing ovation, to the last notes of her signature closing song, “When You Walk Through a Storm,” the delightful Ms. Jones charmed the audience. Jones sang many of the songs she made famous in per- formances in OKLAHOMA, THE MUSIC MAN and CAROUSEL, demonstrating the unique qual- ity and talent that made her a star more than 50 years ago. The highlight of the evening occurred when TexARTS Musical Theater Academy stu- dents joined Jones onstage for the performance of “Oklahoma” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” These are the moments that make the TexARTS Meg Gillentine as experience so special. “Lola” with Broadway Star, Matt Bogart as TexARTS hosted the only Central Texas audition for this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Joe Hardy Day Parade opener, and 18 TexARTS students were chosen to participate. This spring, TexARTS students will perform at the Rollins Theater of the new Long Center in SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, LIVE!, a musical featuring popular educational songs from the Saturday morning cartoons of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Several will also perform at the Paramount with Broadway guest artists and Austin professionals in TexARTS fully staged production of DAMN YANKEES, a rousing American Classic, with a light-hearted baseball theme sure to entertain the entire family. It will be the first TexARTS show to be included as part of the Paramount season. New permanent studios being developed by TexARTS at the Lohmans Crossing Shopping Center will allow for a much-expanded roster of classes for all ages. These will include a complete ballroom component for youth and adults, acting classes, visual arts classes, private and semi-private voice coaching and a host of “conservatory-style” advanced technique classes for teens and beyond. A broader vision for the space would include a 99-seat flexible studio theater for intimate ensemble performances with great appeal. Shows such as FOREVER PLAID; GOLF, The Musical; ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE would be part of the “Lakeway Studio Performance Series” and would complement the larger productions that TexARTS will continue to mount in Austin. Among these will be a glittering Broadway-style musical version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, already on the Paramount schedule for the 2008 holiday season! Visit www.Tex-ARTS.org for current news and future plans and be sure to use TexARTS’ ad in this issue to try an introductory class for free!
68 Waterways | Holiday 2007
Home, Home on the Range.
We get it. Listing and Selling Central Texas Properties
70 Waterways | Holiday 2007