Mueller - August 2021 by Peel, Inc.

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Mueller Neighborhood Gets New Lower Speed Limits By Kathy Sokolic

and another 50 critically injured. Every day, 60 families are going through what my family went through. Sixty communities around those families, in pain, every day. And it doesn’t have to be this way. The City of Austin adopted Vision Zero in October 2015, which is a holistic strategy to end traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. I joined other advocates in the fall of 2016 and pushed for more changes to our streets. Since then, the City has done amazing work - increasing the number of sidewalks, lowering speed limits city-wide on busy corridors, and making engineering changes to some of the most dangerous intersections in the city. There is still much to do, but meaningful change takes time. Mueller is now the proud owner of 25 mile per hour speed limits along its neighborhood streets. While not a panacea for everything that is wrong with our car-centric city, it’s a piece of the puzzle to help prevent other crashes like what happened to my family. I cannot change what happened to our family, but together we can prevent this from happening to yours. Driving a bit slower may at times seem inconvenient, but it could save a life.

New Speed Limit Sign by Melanie Harshman

In September of 2016, my family suffered a tragic car crash here in Mueller that altered our lives forever, as well as the lives of those who witnessed it, and led me down the path of advocating for street safety. It’s kind of a weird use of your time - often no one seems to care about those who have been injured in a car crash because everyone knows someone who has. We’ve normalized this sort of trauma. In Texas, at least ten people are killed every day on our roads Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Speed Statistics, provided by Seattle DOT

If you or a loved one has been affected by traffic violence, we are here - Central Texas Families for Safe Streets at ctfss.org. Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

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Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

FRONT PORCH FLYER Mueller Annual 4th of July Parade

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Dusty Harshman Kathy Sokolic

The 2021 Annual 4th of July Parade in Mueller was a great success. Led by our local fire-fighting team in their biggest engine, residents followed along in decked-out bikes, their finest patriotic attire, and waving American flags.

EDITORIAL STAFF Greg Buford, Cynthia Cammack, Andrew Clements, Shawn Collins, Ani Colt, Luke Downs, Susan Egan, April Geruso, Drew Harris, Bart Jacob, Judith Katzman, Woody Lauland, Layla Mansuri, Dennis Mick, Sadia Tirmizi, Preston Tyree, Lila Valencia, Chrissy Yates

Steering Committee Members: Dale Cannedy Pat DiSanza - Vice Chair Edwin Dorn Ted Herr Koreena Malone Damaris Nicholson - Secretary

Ani Colt, photo by Woody Lauland

Sarah Roper-Coleman Josh Rudow Jason Sears John Thomas - Treasurer Marta White Taylor Youngblood - Chair John Wooding (Ex Officio) contact@muellerneighborhood.org muellerneighborhood.org Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Meaghan & Cody Regier, photo by Woody Lauland

Corky Hilliard and Kat Malcom, Bosco Lazar and Katalin Kiss with their children photo by Woody Lauland Bryan and Scarlett, photo by Woody Lauland Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

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A Bustling Branch Park by Kathy Sokolic

The Texas Farmers’ Market has set up shop in its new home at and around the Branch Park Pavilion. City council members stood with staff to cut the ribbon, opening the newest addition to Mueller’s bustling Aldrich Street district. The Farmers’ Market is held every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM and has vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods to meat and wine.

Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting by Kathy Sokolic 4

Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

FRONT PORCH FLYER Post-Covid Stress Disorder By Judith and Steve Katzman

It’s being called Post-COVID Stress Disorder and mental health professionals are only beginning to see symptoms ranging from traumatic to less severe. Those who suffered from COVID-19 or lost loved ones, those who treated patients and witnessed intense suffering on a daily basis, those who were essential workers and put themselves at risk - those people knew COVID-19 and exposure as a part of their daily life for more than a year. Everyone else’s daily life, while perhaps one step removed from direct exposure risk, also has potential for serious stress. News reports brought the suffering into our lives in ways too vivid to ignore. The emotional burdens, such as social isolation, job uncertainty, economic losses, and working from home while caring for children and other family members placed unforeseen burdens on us all. The stress many of us carried about the well-being of vulnerable family members far away hovered in the background. Introverts joked about having been in training for social isolation all their lives. But that group is reporting the greatest increase in depression and anxiety. We all need interactions (granted, to differing degrees) and the laughter and collaboration that come with socializing. It will be years before the total impact of COVID-19 will be clear. Since the first of the year the arrival of vaccines helped us to relax but brought other levels of concern. Do we still need masks? Can we safely be with unvaccinated people? What about children? Restaurants? Airplanes? Is this thing over or are we in the middle? What about variants? Things that may help in the meantime: • Pace your return to the world slowly. People are saying that socializing feels more tiring than it used to, like exercising an unused muscle. • Make a list of things you’d love to do. Just writing them down can create a sense of hope and optimism. • Acknowledge all the emotions you’re feeling. Anger, sadness, and fear that were not present before the pandemic may need to be explored in light of COVID-19. Recognize the parts of the past year that were good for you. Maybe you took more walks, spent more time in your head, or cooked with a partner. If you have to return to the office, that doesn’t mean you can’t hold on to those things. In acknowledging their value, you can become motivated to find space for them. In our neighborhood, take advantage of the naturally occurring opportunities to interact with others. These moments support our health. Stay mindful. Notice when you are being swept up by others’ needs to return to the “before times.” If we keep what we value in the forefront, we can make choices that create a more intentional life. This has always been true. Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Capital City Village Supports Aging In Place By Helen M. Walker The silver tsunami is upon us as baby boomers are aging and retiring in droves. According to AARP roughly 10,000 people turn 65 every day. With this large baby boom cohort, and because so many people are living longer, the number of older adults will nearly double over the next several decades - representing more than 20% of the U.S. CCV Volunteers, population by 2050. provided This social phenomenon creates by Helen M Walker opportunities for services, products, and information to meet the needs of this population. One such unique service organization is the Austin based “virtual community” the Capital City Village (CCV) founded in 2011 by a small group of forward thinking individuals. CCV is a nonprofit with the mission of “helping seniors stay in their homes and communities as long as possible, a concept referred to as Aging In Place and Community.” The mission of CCV is achieved through programs, providers, and fellow member volunteers all in service of supporting members who desire to age in place. Service providers are screened and all volunteers are background-checked. Rick, a member volunteer, has Information Technology (IT) skills and helps CCV members with various IT challenges. My own request for IT assistance with our email accounts and cell phones was promptly scheduled. Soon after Rick arrived, he quickly figured out how to address the issues and stayed for a short visit for coffee and interesting conversation with my husband and me. On another occasion, we needed help with lifting heavy plant containers. I requested volunteers with “strong backs” and soon there was a knock on our door and five young men and women donated 2 hours of time to help move heavy flower pots and boxes and to spread mulch. They also texted the next day to ask if we had any additional needs. As a CCV member, I can access up to three volunteer services per week, including help with grocery shopping, transportation, technology, and minor home fix-its. Other CCV services include referrals to member-recommended professionals, such as handy persons, plumbers, and home care providers, many of whom offer discounts to CCV members. A broad range of social activities, as well as informational programs (most free or low-cost) on healthy aging and wellbeing, timely community topics, and local resources are regularly offered. CCV membership fees are based on household income on a sliding scale. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about CCV and their supportive services for “Aging In Place”, or becoming a member volunteer, please see the CCV website at capitalcity. helpfulvillage.com or call 512-524-2709. Capital City Village was featured on KXAN's Studio 512: "Helping Seniors Feel More at Home in Life" (bit.ly/capcv). Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

FRONT PORCH FLYER The Front Porch Flyer is a publication of the Mueller Neighborhood Association, produced and distributed by Peel, Inc. At no time will anyone be allowed to use the Front Porch Flyer content, or loan said content, to others in any way, shape, or form, nor in any media, web site, print, film, email, electronic copy, fax, or other means, for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any other use for profit, political campaigns, or other self-amplification, under penalty of law, without written or expressed permission from the Mueller Neighborhood Association. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

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The MNA is an all-volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan organization that advocates for the Mueller neighborhood and focuses on building community. Playing a vital role in representing the interests of the neighborhood, the MNA strives for diversity and inclusion of all members of our community, residents and visitors alike. Being a member is a good way to learn about what is happening in our community. Becoming involved is a wonderful way to meet your neighbors. The MNA website (muellerneighborhood.org) is an excellent tool to learn about our neighborhood and how to connect with your neighbors. The website answers many questions – MNA vs POA, tips for new neighbors, membership and contact information, FAQs about pools, parks, parking, landscaping, and more. There are many opportunities to become involved with the neighborhood. Check the MNA website for descriptions of committees and their roles such as Block Captains, Neighborhood Engagement & Inclusion, Transportation & Urban Planning, Front Porch Flyer, Finance, Online Communication & Technology, Community Space Initiative, Schools, Local Business, Neighborhood Transition Planning, Aging & Neighborhood, Climate Change & Zero Waste, and Social Activities. The activities of the committees are many and varied. For example, the Transportation and Urban Planning committee keeps the neighborhood informed about building and road projects in Austin. The Neighborhood Engagement and Inclusion committee’s Equity Team has started a book club. The Climate Change committee and the Zero Waste leader help keep us updated with recycling and environmental issues. Social activities include Fall Fest, Egg Scramble and Fourth of July parade. Annual dues are $5 per resident, 18 years or older. Your dues help pay for Neighborhood events, operating costs, MNA grants, and Front Door Flyer newsletter. To join or renew your MNA membership, please complete the membership form at muellerneighborhood.org. If you have any questions about membership, please email membership@muellerneighborhood.org

Front Porch Flyer - August 2021

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Front Porch Flyer - August 2021