Mueller August 2023

HOW OUR NEIGHBORHOOD CAME TO LIFE FUN KIDS CAN LEARN FROM RAISING READERS: TIPS FROM A LOCAL EXPERT

L’Oca

d’Oro Cheers to seven years!

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTIAN REMDE

David Weekley

Shaireen Khawaja & her children

A Place to Call Home

August in Austin ... still hot, but with fall around the corner and a new school year starting, it is also a time of renewal and firsts. The start of a new school year always brings excitement and wonder. And, this school year, we are welcoming the brand-new Dr. General Garwood Marshall Middle School to the neighborhood. August is also the perfect time for me to share the inaugural issue of our very own Mueller magazine.

Although I have lived in many places in my life, I have never experienced a welcoming community atmosphere like here in Mueller. I knew this was home from the moment I arrived. I also knew I wanted to find a way to

contribute and give back to this community that welcomed my family with open arms. As a selfproclaimed magazine junkie with a career in publishing that spans more years than I care to admit, Mueller magazine just felt right. Getting to meet and know my fellow residents, many of whom have incredible stories, along with learning the backstories of many of the businesses here, has been a highlight for me so far. This first issue gives a nod to the history of the neighborhood and celebrates its future. It also features our very own dining gem: L’Oca d’Oro, which anchors the neighborhood with both incredible food and community presence. And for those parents out there who are looking for great ways to navigate Back to School, we cover that as well. With these features, along with regular columns about our Texas Farmers’ Market and ways to enjoy our community outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the magazine thus far. For anyone who would like to contribute, we welcome story ideas and photographs of neighborhood happenings. If there are any avid writers out there who would like to contribute articles, we welcome those as well. Or, if you just want to say hi, feel free to contact me at hello@muellermagazine.com.

Warm regards,

Liz Reingold Publisher

Editor & Publisher

Liz Reingold

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Photographers

Margarita Garcia Acevedo

Ryan Kutnick

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

in the Neighborhood

Happy birthday, LBJ!

We remember President Lyndon B. Johnson’s birthday on August 27. Celebrate LBJ’s birthday at the LBJ Presidential Library and enjoy free admission, birthday cake, crafts and cool air conditioning. On August 27, join us as we celebrate what would have been LBJ’s 115th birthday at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. Enjoy free admission to the LBJ Presidential Library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There’s free parking, free birthday cake, crafts and lots of cool air conditioning. Last visitor admitted at 4 p.m.

EXPLORE OUR TWO TEMPORARY EXHIBITS:

- Lady Bird: Beyond the Wildflowers

The former first lady is often associated with promoting environmental conservation and the wildflowers that brighten the country’s landscape. This exhibit adds to that legacy by guiding visitors through a comprehensive story of Mrs. Johnson’s life featuring letters, photographs, clothing and artifacts that the public will see for the first time. “Lady Bird: Beyond the Wildflowers” gives visitors more context to Mrs. Johnson’s education, family, campaign efforts, work as a businesswoman and her role as a philanthropist.

- The Lorax: Who Speaks for the Trees Now?

This family-friendly exhibit looks at Dr. Seuss’s and Mrs. Johnson’s shared interest in environmentalism. The exhibit features the original artwork from Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (TM & © 2023 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved) and explains how and why he donated it to the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. We invite you inside to explore and play-and to find ways in which you, too, can help care for the environment around us.

Johnson was born on August 27, 1908, in Stonewall, Texas. The 36th president of the United States died in 1973 and is buried at the LBJ Ranch near his birthplace.

COOL EATS FOR A HOT DAY

Nautical Bowls is now open on Aldrich Street in the Mueller neighborhood, serving açaí and other superfoods. Pick up breakfast, lunch or dinner, and cool off with an awesome healthy meal from this new-to-Austin concept!

CELEBRATING LATINE HERITAGE

Join the Community Spotlight: Mi Familia—Latine Heritage event at Thinkery on Tuesday, September 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to be a part of this fun, FREE event filled with art-making activities, music, dancing and more! The event is free, but donations are welcome.

GIFTS, DÉCOR AND MORE!

Renee’s Soirée will have its grand opening on August 26. This gift store offers jewelry, décor, accessories and more for a variety of occasions from local Austin vendors and around the world. Rachel Renee Ervin Herrera created this space for you to escape for a while and find something unique for your special celebration. Stop by for game day, a last-minute present or Texas souvenirs for your out-of-town guests. Follow @ reneessoiree on Instagram for location, hours and event information.

A NEW OPTION FOR PIZZA AND BEER

Any day is a good day for pizza, and now we have our very own go-to pizza and draft house! Aviator Pizza opened its doors in July at 1905 Aldrich Street, serving pizza, salads, sandwiches and beer on tap. Pizza by the slice is available daily 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m.

STORE HOURS:

Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A FRESH TAKE ON GROCERIES

LAZARUS BREWING COMPANY

There is still some summer left! Come out to Lazarus Brewing Co. to enjoy cool fun on warm nights. Mondays: Trivia, 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays: Bluegrass Night.

Sprouts Farmers Market is opening Friday, September 22, at Barbara Jordan Blvd. and I-35. At Sprouts, you’ll find a fresh, healthy take on grocery shopping with great prices on fruits and vegetables; easy weeknight chef-created, onepan meals; family salads and more. Plus, discover aisles of good-for-you groceries designed to make it easy for you to go healthy your way, whether you’re looking for plant-based, glutenfree, organic or keto-friendly products. Sprouts will host a grand opening weekend celebration September 22–24. Enjoy freebies, fun and exclusive savings. Visit www.sprouts.com/mueller for all the details and a full schedule of events.

Raising Kids Who Love to Read

And why it matters…

It’s Back to School time, and that means books! As the kids head back to the classroom, you may find books strewn across the kitchen table or spilling out of backpacks thrown on the floor.  But even if you don’t have school-aged kids, what about the books sitting on the bedside table waiting to be read or those stuffed into the pool bag that were never even opened this summer?   Reading expands the mind, broadens horizons and is also a fantastic way to relax and unwind for people of all ages. The benefits are tremendous for anyone. Whether you still savor flipping the pages and turning down the corners of a paperback or if you prefer scrolling on an electronic device, reading is an amazing way to spend your free time.

We talked to Raquel Macleod, Mueller resident and owner of the Kumon Math and Reading Center here in Mueller, to learn about the benefits of raising kids who love to read.

Playing a Crucial Role

“Reading is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in academic learning and personal success. It exposes students to vocabulary, sentence structures and different writing styles. It also helps with knowledge acquisition, stimulates critical thinking,

problem-solving, imagination, creativity, and it even helps with the development of empathy and social awareness, as the students are exposed to different cultures, experiences and perspectives,” she says.

“Kumon promotes independent learning by providing students with carefully selected reading materials at their ‘just-right level.’ Students are encouraged to read and solve problems on their own, fostering selfmotivation and confidence.”

Aside from local libraries and bookstores, we are so fortunate to have multiple Little Free Library kiosks throughout the neighborhood. The Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization out of St. Paul, Minn., that strives to build community, inspire readers and expand book access in neighborhoods around the country. Its motto, “Take a book, share a book,” says it all. Just open the door and peek inside. You never know what treasures might be waiting.  And, while you’re at it, donate a book in its place. You just might spark someone’s interest and curiosity.

For more information about the Little Free Library, visit its website at www.littlefreelibrary.org.

So, as life once again starts to get hectic and you get caught up in day-to-day activities, don’t forget to make time in your day to read!

Top: The Little Free Library kiosk located on Berkman Drive. Bottom: Raquel Macleod, owner of Kumon Math and Reading Center in Mueller.

Learning Can Be Fun!

Promoting a love of learning can introduce habits that stay with your kids for life.

What do the Lorax, a 12-gallon steel drum and finger paint have in common? They all promote the love of learning through fun and can also be found right here in and around Mueller! With the kids settling back into the school routine, the carefree summer ‘fun-days’ start to fade. But what if we could keep that feeling going all year long?

Here in Mueller, and in the immediate vicinity, we are so fortunate to have a variety of resources that parents and kids alike can

tap into to stretch the imagination and fuel the brain all while incorporating the most essential element...fun!

Starting good practices at an early age will teach habits that will hopefully stay with your kids for life. The Thinkery children’s museum right here in Mueller is geared mainly to kids up to 8 years old. Children can come to the museum to experience all the hands-on, interactive activities designed to encourage them to learn through play.

“Our store offers a variety of screen-free play alternatives, books, crafts and games to keep kids’ minds active and engaged.”

- Chris Dodson, Learning Express

Learning Express owners and husband-and-wife team Chris Dodson and Dr. Vy Do, also a pediatrician at Dell Children’s Hospital.

According to Rachel Hamilton, VP of Experience, “Providing joyful learning opportunities that bolster children’s innate sense of play and wonder is key to helping them cultivate a lifelong love of learning. Learning is fun and exciting, and if children can cultivate that understanding at an early age, it will carry them through their lives helping them thrive in childhood and beyond.”

If you are looking for a cool outing for kids of all ages, the LBJ Presidential Library is running an exhibit until September 24 featuring Dr Seuss’ “The Lorax” and the lessons it teaches about environmentalism.

Explore “The Lorax: Who Speaks for the Trees Now?” exhibit with your kids along with the rest of the amazing historical library, which is right down the road from Mueller.

And if you find yourself with downtime at home, take a trip to our very own Learning Express toy store and find an at-home game, craft or project to entertain the little ones. Owner Chris Dodson explains:

“Our store offers a variety of screen-free play alternatives, books, crafts and games to help keep kids’ minds active and engaged. We encourage parents of children of all ages to come in to speak with one of our toy experts to help find the best options tailored to their child’s age and interests.”

And…it is never hard to convince the kids to go to the toy store!

So as your kids get back to the school routine, don’t forget the fun. With so many amazing options right here in our neighborhood, your kids can grow up with a love of learning that can last a lifetime!

Cheers to Seven Years!

This community-minded restaurant serves dishes and signature cocktails that are renowned in Mueller, Austin and beyond.

What do you get when you combine an affable, dedicated restauranteur with an innovative chef, mix in the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients and sprinkle in a good dose of community advocacy? In Mueller, the answer is clear: L’Oca d’Oro (The Golden Goose), which just celebrated seven years as the cornerstone of local fine dining.

Co-owners Adam Orman and Chef Fiore Tedesco have combined their talents to create this critically acclaimed Italian restaurant that continues to pile up accolades not only from Mueller residents, but also from patrons and media outlets throughout Austin and even across the state.

It started with a vision to create a comfortable neighborhood eatery that uses the freshest products from local ranchers, farmers and millers to create eclectic menus that change seasonally. “When we started the restaurant,” says Orman, “we expected Mueller to develop into a very different type of neighborhood— more like The Domain. As it evolved, though, it turned out very differently, and we couldn’t be happier. Mueller has a distinct small-town feel within the confines of a bigger city.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTIAN REMDE

Turning Challenges Around

Business has not always been smooth sailing for L’Oca d’Oro, but they’ve worked hard to turn challenges into something positive. For example, when COVID-19 forced many restaurants across the country to shut their doors, Orman and Tedesco chose to partner with Good Work Austin, a nonprofit hospitality group they helped to create, to safely open their kitchen. They produced food for those in need and helped to reduce food insecurity across Austin at a time of heightened hardship, becoming a lifeline for many people struggling during the pandemic. They never shied away from their commitment,

regardless of the toll it took on their business. They also continued to pay their staff and help them navigate the challenging times.

In addition, Orman and Tedesco have been pioneers in the push to create an equitable work environment for restaurant workers. From the day they opened L’Oca d’Oro, they instituted a 20 percent service charge on all bills to be pooled and divided among the staff. They have also provided paid sick leave. These policies help to guarantee a fair living wage and comfortable work environment. Orman and Tedesco have brought the model they instituted to the rest of the city, advocating for change across Austin.

Community outreach is a huge part of the fabric of the restaurant, but it is truly the food that sets L’Oca d’Oro apart. Tedesco creates simple yet inspired dishes with unique bold flavors from the freshest ingredients. He expresses love by cooking, which is evident in every dish turned out by the kitchen.

Stop by to enjoy a meal or grab a signature cocktail, and make sure to say hi to Orman. He loves to connect with Mueller residents. In his words, “When you dine with us, you become— if only for an evening—part of a community of kindred spirits that is reviving the lost art of togetherness.”

1 Tomato salad, colatura caramel, Spanish anchovy, toasted peanut

2 Risotto, taleggio cream, roasted radicchio, summer berry agrodolce

3 Conchiglie, gulf shrimp, fermented chile butter, colatura

4 Chicken Milanesa all Diavola, straciatella, basil

5 Panisse, sunflower-corn salsa, grilled pickled corn

HAPPY NEWS

Beginning Aug. 15, L’Oca d’Oro will offer happy hour Tuesday through Sunday, with $2 off selected wine, beer, cocktails and plates. In addition, the restaurant will be open for Sunday brunch beginning Sept. 3.

Critically acclaimed retaurant L’Oca d’Oro, which offers the freshest products from local ranchers and farmers in its eclectic menus, is co-owned by chef Fiore Tedesco (left) and Adam Orman.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KATE HELLENBECK

Above: Mueller Lake Park is one of numerous greenways that give the community its distinctively liveable character. Opposite page: An aerial view shows the airport that occupied land destined to become the Mueller neighborhood when runways and aviation facilities were relocated, making the vacated space available for development.

A Vision Come to Life

From repurposed airport to thriving community, Mueller has come a long way.

Whether you say Myoo-lar, Mill-er or Muh-lar, there is something we can all agree on—Mueller is an incredible community to call home. With our proximity to downtown, the airport and UT, Mueller is known around Austin as a diverse and sustainable model community.

Most know that Mueller sits on what was once the original Austin airport. When the city outgrew the airport and the new one was being relocated, the city worked in combination with local citizens, outreach groups and councils to develop what was to become Mueller. The first family moved into a yard home on Emma Long Street in 2007, and, from that point on, the neighborhood has grown steadily.

The city’s vision became a reality when it partnered with Catellus, the developer that played an integral part in Mueller’s growth. We talked with Brian Dolezal, VP of Mueller Marketing and Communications at Catellus, to get his take on the past, present and future of Mueller.

BEHIND THE NAMES

Did you know that all the streets in Mueller are named for prominent Austin leaders and legends who represent the history and culture of Austin? You can see the complete list of the namesakes for each street on www. muelleraustin.com.

What were some of the goals you had for the community when you started? How has the evolution of the community met/exceeded these goals?

In 1996, the City of Austin appointed the Process and Goals Task Force to outline the community’s goals well before any development began. This group of highly engaged citizens established six goals that remain a crucial part of Mueller’s redevelopment today: fiscal responsibility, economic development, East Austin revitalization, sustainability, compatibility with the surrounding community, and diversity and affordability.

Over Mueller’s 20-year redevelopment history, each one of these goals has been achieved. For example, under the goal of neighborhood compatibility, the site plan placed greenways around much of Mueller’s perimeter and created several entrances into the community

so surrounding residents could easily access the public parks and Aldrich Street offerings. Under the economic development and East Austin revitalization goals, Mueller has brought not only public parks, but also several restaurants, a grocery store and many job opportunities to East Austin residents.

What are you still hoping to accomplish?

We have a few more parcels to develop and a few more parks to build. Beyond that, we want to ensure Mueller’s residential and commercial property owners are in a strong position to manage all there is to manage at a community with the scale and complexity of Mueller. The Transition Committee, led by Mueller residents, is learning about how Mueller is governed and how it operates to prepare to take on these responsibilities and educate others for the time when development ends.

Above, from left: The Alpha Building, with office space above and retail below, is a neighborhood cornerstone. Aldrich Street Corridor connects Aldrich Street with Simond Street and park space. Mueller Lake Park includes not only water features but a dragon sculpture. Opposite page, below: B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, in the shadow of the Diamond Building, is one of numerous local eateries.

What is the one thing you are most proud of about Mueller today?

There are so many aspects of Mueller that are worth celebrating, but I think Mueller’s parks are at the top of most people’s lists. Some of the parks are engineered to collect and filter stormwater, and all the parks are masterfully designed to be different from the next.

On any given day, you can see people walking, jogging, pushing strollers, being pulled along by eager puppies on leashes, participating in a boot camp or Little League practice, posing for a quinceanera or graduation photo, dancing, exploring public art, flying a kite, throwing a football, barbecuing or simply resting on a bench or blanket. Mueller’s parks have become wonderful gathering spots for people of all ages and backgrounds.

With homes, apartments, retail businesses, restaurants and even corporate headquarters now dotting the landscape, Mueller has become one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Austin. Those of us who already live here know firsthand why that is.

Bring on the Babkas!

To kick off our monthly column covering Texas Farmers’ Market, we chat with the owner of Babka ATX.

How lucky are we to live in Mueller and have Texas Farmers’ Market right in our backyard? With over 120 vendors featuring fresh produce from local farmers and artisan products from around the area, every Sunday Mueller becomes a destination for people all around Austin and beyond. Every farmer, rancher or agricultural producer at the market is growing what they are selling, using sustainable practices and treating their animals humanely. Not surprisingly, many of the vendors have fascinating back stories. Each issue we will highlight one vendor, so our readers get to know the people behind the products!

Let’s start on a sweet note. Who doesn’t love fresh baked goods? Maybe it’s a bite that is unfamiliar and new to you, or maybe these conjure up memories of your childhood. Either way, once you taste Babka ATX, you will be hooked!

Sharing a Taste of Home

Babka ATX is a woman-owned bakery that creates all-natural, decadent babkas right here in Austin. It is the passion of the owner, Sariel Brummer, who relocated to Austin from Israel several years ago. When she arrived, she realized that babka

wasn’t as familiar here as in her home country. In fact, many had never tasted or even heard of the treat that she had grown up loving. She perfected her grandmother’s recipe and set out to share a slice of her homeland with the people of Austin.    There are sweet and savory varieties that come in the traditional loaf as well as her signature bite-sized mini packages. No matter your taste, there is a flavor for you.

What started as a small social media venture at the end of 2020 has grown to a presence at multiple area farmers’ markets, coffee shops, local grocers—even all Central Market locations in Austin, Houston and Dallas! Despite her newfound success, one thing hasn’t changed: Brummer’s love of what she does. “Persistence, resilience, maintaining a high-quality standard and creating joyful team spirit have been the keys to my success,” says Brummer. “It’s all about spreading babka love and bringing joy and comfort to Austinites and Texans alike.”

You can find Babka ATX outside on the Aldrich Street side of the market, but come hungry. With so many flavors to choose from, you won’t be able to stop with just one!

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SARIEL BRUMMER

Market-goers line up for babkas—a traditional Israeli treat—from Sariel Brummer’s Babka ATX stall at Texas Farmers’ Market in Mueller.

Backpack Facts

5 1 2 3 4 5

ways to keep kids’ packs on the right track

Backpack Awareness Day is September 21. It’s an important day to observe, especially if you have a schoolage child. Out of the 79 million-plus kids who wear backpacks to school, more than half are hauling around an unsafe amount of weight. Doctors end up treating thousands of young students each year for problems related to backpack use. Here’s how to keep your child from becoming one of those statistics.

Pick the Right Pack

Make sure your child’s pack has padding to help protect the back from sharp items or sharp corners. Be sure shoulder straps are padded and wide. You’ll also want a waist belt so the shoulders don’t have to handle all the weight.

Keep It Light

Convince your child to carry only what’s absolutely necessary for the day, and leave the extras at home. Doctors say that children should not carry backpacks any heavier than about 10 to 15 percent of their own body weight.

Wear It Well

The backpack should be the right size for your child’s age. Shoulder straps should fit snugly against the back. The bottom of the backpack shouldn’t go lower than four inches below the waist.

Pack It Right

The backpack should have individual compartments so the weight can be spread around, with the heaviest items closest to the back and the lighter ones further toward the outer edge.

Look Out for Trouble

At the first sign of your child experiencing back or neck pain, stop and ask yourself, “Is it the backpack?” Talk to a doctor or occupational therapist. Find out more about Backpack Awareness Day at aota.org/conferenceevents/backpack-safety-awareness-day

Splish Splash!

Despite the heat, Mueller offers ways to stay active while keeping your cool.

The calendar may say it’s almost fall, but for those slogging through the Austin heat, it is still very much summer! Tips for beating the heat and keeping cool can be summed up with one word—water!

One of the best ways to make sure our bodies and minds function optimally in the heat is to keep hydrated. The amount of water each person should consume per day varies by several factors, including gender, age and weight, but one rule of thumb is to try and drink half an ounce for every pound you weigh. If your activity level is high or you spend extended time outdoors, you may need to increase that amount. And don’t forget to keep your pets hydrated as well. Like humans, they can suffer from dehydration.

Heat-Friendly Activities

Despite the high temperatures, it’s important for both adults and kids to stay active. Leave outdoor exercise for when the weather turns cooler. Instead, turn to your local pool. Here in Mueller, we have two neighborhood pools, Ella Wooten and John Gaines, that provide relief from the heat for avid swimmers, families and fitness buffs alike.

If swimming laps isn’t your thing, consider Aqua Yoga. It’s offered at John Gaines Pool by Katherine Winge, owner of Aqua Yoga and an instructor. Winge loves to promote good health and is passionate about what she does. “Aqua Yoga is a fun and accessible form of yoga,” says Winge. “It allows us to practice balancing poses without fear of falling, with little to no weight on hands and knees. And it helps to reduce inflammation and increase circulation. Both beginners and experienced yogis are welcome.”

Looking for something quick and easy to keep kids cool while they play? Pop over to the Splash Pad in Branch Park. It’s a simple treat that kids love and an opportunity for you to relax or visit with friends. It’s a win-win!

Bottom line: While the weather is still scorching, keep lots of water on hand— whether it’s to drink, swim or splash!

THE SCOOP ON AQUA YOGA

Aqua Yoga classes are held at John Gaines Pool on Thursdays: July through August, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

September through mid-October, 10–11 a.m.

Pool space is limited, so online registration is required. Reserve your spot at www.katherinewinge.com/mueller

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVDEO

The Splash Pad in Branch Park makes it fun to keep your cool.

Beauty Multiplied

At Mueller Lake Park, this reflection of nature’s quiet splendor was captured by Ryan Kutnick.