KIDS EAT
FREE wishes all of our littles a happy 24-25 school year!
EVERY TUESDAY
ONE FREE KIDS PLATE PER PURCHASE OF ENTREE, SANDWICH, OR SALAD. DINE IN ONLY.
Celebrating Our First Year
Wow! Mueller Magazine is turning 1!
It has been such an incredible journey getting this magazine off the ground, but I couldn’t be prouder of all we have accomplished together.
I say “together” because this is a true community project that Mueller has embraced. When I started, I never could have imagined the support I would get from friends, family, local businesses and even Mueller folk whom I had never met.
Rarely does a day go by that I don’t receive an email or a phone call or even run into someone on the street who has an idea, comment or suggestion for the magazine. I welcome each idea and am thankful for all the new people I have met due to Mueller magazine!
In this special issue, I thought it was
important to introduce my small but mighty group of contributors. Without their help, the magazine would not happen. We all got together for a fun photo shoot so I could thank them personally for all they do for me. If you happen to see them around the neighborhood, tell them how much their contributions are appreciated!
August is also back-toschool time, which brings the excitement of a new school year. But with that can come the reality of learning loss over the summer break. Laura Yeager, the new owner/instructor at Mueller’s Kumon Learning Center shares her expertise on both overcoming and preventing the summer slide. We also check in with the experts at Thinkery to get their thoughts on the importance of kindergarten readiness for future success. And we all know that when it comes to Thinkery, learning also means fun!
Rounding out the issue, writer Carmen Gray talks with the owners of Stones Throw Studio at the Farmer’s Market. Their handcrafted jewelry is beautiful and makes for great gifts or even a special treat for yourself!
It’s a jam-packed issue that was so much fun to put together. I am humbled by the outpouring of support for our community magazine and look forward to another great year telling Mueller’s stories.
Liz Reingold Publisher
Editor & Publisher
Liz Reingold
Art Director
Sue Park
Contributing Writers
Carmen Gray
Haylee Killebrew
Photographer
Margarita Garcia Acevedo
Marketing Coordinator
Alexandra Garcia
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
Executive Editor
Richard Laliberte
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
In the Neighborhood
MARKING NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH
Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin is celebrating National Breastfeeding Month by offering free opportunities to tour the milk bank, meet other young families in the community and see and tour the famous Pumpspotting Bus. The bus is touring 15 cities in 50 days to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and normalize conversations around human milk. Mother’s Milk will be scheduling milk and cookie tours and prenatal yoga in the milk bank, and tons more! Follow Mother’s Milk on social media to learn more.
Space is limited, so please RSVP to Molly by emailing molly@ milkbank.org or calling 512-494-0800.
Dates: Thursday, August 22, and Friday, August 23
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Mothers’ Milk Bank, 5925 Dillard Circle, Austin
NEW TO THINKERY: DAILY POP-UPS
Experience the joy of playful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning through Thinkery’s popups—daily activities designed to make each visit an exciting educational adventure! Special STEAM pop-up activities are available every day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A general admission ticket must be purchased to participate.
COME ON TO KUMON
Come to an open house at Kumon Learning Center Austin–Mueller on Thursday, August 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. New families can tour the center, ask questions and participate in a drawing for a free month along with free registration.
A PLACE FOR LUXURY LIVING
The new Rivette Tower luxury apartment complex sits next to the iconic local control tower. Key facts:
• 345 new residences
• 2,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space
• Located near the corner of Berkman Drive and McCurdy Streets
• Developed by Ryan Companies US, Inc.
• Operated by Greystar.
The leasing office is now open. Stop by today for a tour and ask about leasing incentives and Mueller resident referral bonuses.
https://rivettemueller.com
737-260-7331
GET YOUR ZIP AT ZED’S
Your favorite New Zealand-style ice cream shop is now serving up coffee from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether you prefer a simple Americano, a cold brew or a chai latte, there is something for everyone. Enjoy your brew in Zed’s comfortable patio or grab it to go. Either way, enjoy the Zed’s vibes.
Ice cream hours remain noon to 10 p.m.
Pursuing His Passions
How a local student parlayed enthusiasm for writing, photography and science into an award-winning essay
As we move into a new school year, we highlight a local student right here in Mueller, Kyan Sullivan Arredondo Adams—a 17-year-old rising senior at McCallum High School. He is a creative and talented young man who has turned his hobbies into passions.
Aside from a love of photography and paleontology, Adams is an avid writer who wrote and submitted an essay about
Austin’s monk parakeet population that was originally published in The Shield, the student newspaper at McCallum High School. It went on to win awards for personal opinion columns, including a statewide honorable mention from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators and a Tops in Texas award.
We caught up with Adams to talk about his interests and goals.
A YOUTHFUL INSPIRATION
At a young age, Kyan Adams has identified the issues that resonate with him and has worked to educate those around him. His future is bright, and Mueller can’t wait to see the incredible things he will continue to do. To read his award-winning article on monk parakeets, scan this code.
You have unusual interests and hobbies. Where did these come from?
My interest in paleontology started when I was 3 years old, along with my general love for biology, zoology, geology and other related sciences. Photography came later down the line when I took a photography class in eighth grade for fun and ended up really liking the art form.
By photographing wildlife, I combine my artistic creativity with my scientific interests. I especially enjoy animal photography. Writing came last, during high school, when I realized that—like with photography—I enjoyed the freedom I feel when I do it.
The freedom that comes with being a human is boundless: You can do anything, write anything, capture anything, draw anything.
Where did the idea for the parakeet essay come from?
The essay branched from my strong opinions on the current state and health decline of our planet. I know we must fix it and protect it. I began doing research on topics like deextinction, rewilding, Pleistocene rewilding, species reintroductions, quaternary extinction, proxy species and ecological restoration. Our world is a living balancing act, and we are weighing it down into extinction, but we can still reverse mistakes.
Ironically, even a small green parakeet can help with this balancing act. It is all connected— one life form, whether gigantic or minuscule, plant or fungi—it is all useful to the environment and the health of our planet.
What do you think you might want to do as a career?
I’m still testing the waters and I’m sure my direction won’t be a straight line, but I do want to work somewhere in the paleontology field.
If people knew one thing about you, what would you want it to be?
I want people to know that while I’m human and not perfect, I will always try my best and do my best. I will not stop or falter.
Masterful Metalwork
At Stones Throw Studio, owner Kyle Gross offers unique jewelry and custom services.
BY CARMEN GRAY
Walking by the stalls facing Branch Park Pavilion at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, you’ll find a handful of eyecatching crafts, especially at Stones Throw Studio.
The array of handcrafted metal jewelry at Stones Throw shines, beckoning you to browse the many choices available. There are earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces, all unique and in different sizes. The owner, Kyle Gross, can also create whatever it is your heart desires.
Gross started his studio in 2003. The studio was “my creative outlet through metalwork,” he says. “It began as a small part of my life but quickly grew to become my passion.”
By 2011, Gross could no longer resist its pull any longer, so he went full-time with Stones Throw Studio.
Co-Creative Craftsmanship
Gross loves working with various metals, from the classic appeal of sterling silver to the warm, gentle glow of 14-karat gold and the sleek, modern look of titanium. While rings are a specialty, you will also find
many types of earrings, pendants, bracelets and even ear cuffs; there is something for everyone!
If you don’t see something that strikes your fancy at his stall in Mueller and you have a unique idea of your own, Gross can help bring it to life.
“My custom design service allows you to collaborate with me to create a one-of-akind piece that reflects your personal style,” he says.
He has helped co-create beautiful pieces for many people, including wedding bands, meaningful pendants and earrings. Imagine wearing something special and unique that you won’t find replicated at big box stores!
Stones Throw Studio has grown over the years. No longer a tiny spot with Gross working in a corner, it has expanded to now include a team of three assistants. Together, the four artisans pour their hearts into creating beautiful, high-quality pieces that last a lifetime.
A Rewarding Experience
“My inspiration comes from everywhere— nature’s endless beauty and the precision of
geometry,” Gross says. “I even have a special line dedicated to spirit animals, offering pieces that hold deeper meaning for many.”
Indeed, a view of his creations reveals a bounty of beautiful, delicate butterflies, dragonflies and birds, along with cats, snakes, owls and all kinds of other choices.
You’ll find Gross and his jewelry at two local farmers’ markets every weekend: here in Mueller and at the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. He’s happy to chat with you about jewelry and design or just swap stories. Come discover the perfect piece to add a touch of artistry and personal expression to your life.
“As a local jewelry designer, I love being part of the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller,” Gross says. “The atmosphere is vibrant and community-centered— perfect for connecting with customers who appreciate handcrafted, unique pieces.”
He adds that the Mueller market draws a diverse crowd, giving him plenty of opportunities to showcase his work: “The lively setting and regular interactions with enthusiastic customers make it an inspiring and rewarding experience every week.”
Stopping the ‘Summer Slide’
Kumon Austin–Mueller helps students overcome seasonal learning losses and enhance their education all year round.
The sun is starting to set a little earlier and temperatures are cooling a bit. With that comes the excitement of a new school year.
Although it’s hard to say goodbye to relaxed summer days, many kids look forward to the structure of school and all that goes with it: a fresh new start, new learning experiences and yes, studying and homework!
Different students handle the summer months differently. Some
devour books and readily spend time reading. Others are not as diligent. Regardless, most students experience at least a bit of what is referred to as the summer slide.
The summer slide, or summer loss, is an issue that many students face each new school year. It occurs when students lose some skills and knowledge that they had previously learned and retain less of material they once mastered.
“Students can lose up to two
months of reading skills over the summer, and 2.4 months of math computational skills,” says Laura Yeager, new owner and instructor at Kumon Austin–Mueller. “By sixth grade, students may have lost more than 18 months of learning.”
This stark statistic, coupled with negative lingering effects on learning associated with pandemicera school closures, has put today’s students even further behind than usual.
Boosted Learning
The Kumon program is an academic enrichment program in which students practice their math and reading every day. Supplementing their regular school-based learning with the Kumon program can help students close gaps associated with learning loss.
“I like to compare our learning program to taking your vitamins, going to the gym or training for a marathon,” Yeager says. “If you practice a little bit every day, it will get easier the more you do it.”
Kumon has been around for 60 years and can be found in over 55 countries around the world. It is based on an individualized study approach that helps improve concentration
and focus; develop perseverance; and increase confidence.
All levels in the program are incremental and built on each other.
Kumon not only provides assistance for students who need to close gaps in their education but also benefits those who excel and want to study advanced material.
Yeager, who has been affiliated with Kumon since 2017, has seen firsthand the positive effects the program has had on many different types of students.
“I have watched students who
struggled to read become fluent readers who now love reading books,” Yeager says. “I have also watched students come in at age 4 and quickly advance from counting numbers to adding and subtracting and working independently.”
Her favorite thing about the program is watching students gain confidence and independence. “So many of our students have reported that school used to be hard,” she says, “and now it is easy because of Kumon.”
An Impact on Lives
Perhaps the most persuasive commentary about the value of the Kumon program comes directly from parents who have brought their children to the center. Recently, one parent at the Mueller center shared her feelings about Kumon.
“My sons were failing most of their subjects in school and were just having a really hard time,” the parent said. “They have been enrolled in Kumon for almost two years now, and they have become straight-A and -B students.”
As the new owner and instructor here in Mueller, Yeager is excited to bring her expertise and personal touch to the Mueller center.
“I want to have an impact on more students’ lives and continue to help more kids achieve their academic goals,” she says. “The Mueller center is already established and well-run, so I have been able to hit the ground running.”
Kumon is located at 4600 Mueller Blvd. For more information, visit https://www.kumon.com/austinmueller.
Meet Your Magazine’s Team
As Mueller magazine marks its first anniversary, the publisher and staff share their love of telling the community’s stories.
BY LIZ REINGOLD
What a year this has been! It’s hard to believe, but just 12 short months ago, Mueller magazine was a fledgling publication trying to get some traction in Mueller.
Now, just one year later, it has not only taken off but exceeded expectations. As the magazine’s publisher and a Mueller resident, I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished—or more excited for what is still to come.
Mueller has rallied around our magazine and come together to embrace the concept of our community project. But the success of the magazine did not come easily and has not happened by accident. It has taken hard work and dedication.
As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the magazine, including those who have sent in poems for our Perspectives page, photos for our Photo Op page and story ideas for our publication. Having a true community voice has given the magazine tremendous authenticity.
A Hardworking Staff
In addition to the individuals who have sent in submissions, I have a small but mighty group who consistently help get each issue off the ground. They have been invaluable to me, and I want to introduce them to our readers.
Here’s a bit of background on each—along with a few words they’ve offered on what makes their community and magazine special.
“Mueller is my favorite neighborhood of all the places I have lived in Austin. I appreciate the rich diversity of the neighborhood and love its walkability. Between the shops, restaurants and our beautiful park, there is always something to do right here in our own backyard.”
Carmen Gray
Carmen is a native Texan who has lived in Austin for over 30 years. She is an avid writer who has written six short stories and several poems that have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She is also in the process of publishing her first two novels.
As a contributing writer and editor for both Mueller and Latino magazines, she has crafted a diverse portfolio that includes travel, education, arts and entertainment.
In addition to writing, Carmen teaches yoga and is a dual-language teacher (Spanish and English) at nearby Ridgetop Elementary.
“Writing for Mueller magazine has given me a creative outlet that I have so enjoyed, and it helps me stay involved with the neighborhood!”
Haylee Killebrew
Haylee is a devoted stay-athome mom who thrives as both a homemaker and gardening enthusiast. As a relative newcomer to the Mueller neighborhood, she’s excited to plant roots in our warm and welcoming community.
Writing is one of Haylee’s passions, and she is excited to be able to contribute to Mueller magazine. You can often see her zooming around the neighborhood on her bike with her daughter Dottie in tow!
“Mueller
magazine plays a crucial role in uniting everyone by sharing engaging stories and capturing the vibrant essence of our neighborhood. Joining Mueller magazine feels like a full-circle moment for me, allowing me to help showcase what makes our community so special. I’m thrilled to bring our community’s stories to life through Mueller magazine!”
Alexandra Garcia
Alexandra is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, studying public relations with a minor in business administration. She is Mueller magazine’s marketing coordinator.
When not busy studying, Alexandra enjoys diving into a good novel, working on her own writing or watching movies with her dog and family. She is a proud Austinite who has embraced growing up near Mueller. She appreciates how lively the community is— always buzzing with activity.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has played a part in the success of Mueller magazine. In my mind, that is each and every Mueller resident and business.
I look forward to continuing to be one of the voices of Mueller and telling stories that entertain and inform our readers. Here’s to many more years together!
The Power of Pre-K Learning
Education at home helps kids succeed, especially when combined with a program like Little Thinkers Preschool at Thinkery.
Is your child kindergartenready? Childhood learning and experiences from ages 3 to 4 can have lasting effects on future successes in school—and may even have an impact on children’s adult lives.
Kindergarten readiness is crucial to a child’s educational development. Yet in Central Texas, only 50 percent of all children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. For children from households with low income, that number drops further, to 38 percent.
Many factors can contribute to a child’s ability to succeed in the kindergarten environment—from in-home enrichment to learning in a preschool.
The experts at Mueller’s own Thinkery children’s museum share tips and strategies for parents to help give kids a leg up before kindergarten. Learning at home, during playtime and even while going about everyday activities can contribute to a child’s education and preparation.
Hands-On Instruction
Combining at-home learning with organized learning in a preschool environment creates an ideal scenario for kindergarten preparedness.
Thinkery’s Little Thinkers Preschool (LTP) is Austin’s only museum-based preschool, and it provides unique learning opportunities for 3- and 4-year-olds. Learning goes beyond the walls of a traditional classroom at LTP and extends into all of Thinkery’s gallery spaces and even into Mueller Lake Park.
Children are introduced to concepts as they show readiness, and all activities are designed with the child’s individual needs in mind. Through a multisensory, hands-on approach, children are introduced to:
• Language development and pre-reading concepts
• Early science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) concepts
• Developmentally appropriate social studies units
• Pre-writing and fine motor activities as well as large muscle activities
• Music
• Social-emotional development
The curriculum is designed by LTP educators and guided by Texas prekindergarten guidelines. Educators take learning objectives and tailor them to meet the needs and interests of each class so that learning is childled. The program is designed to be:
Culturally responsive: Learners see themselves and their culture reflected in their experience.
Inquiry-rich: Curiosity is key to deep, engaging learning experiences. Educators and learners ask questions and seek answers together.
Socially-emotionally engaged: Experiences offer opportunities for self-reflection and regulation, acknowledging that learning is a social act.
Joyful: Play is fun. Learning experiences at LTP offer opportunities for surprise, silliness and laughter.
Little Thinkers Preschool introduces children to a variety of educational concepts using a hands-on, fun-based approach to learning that can set the stage for future achievement in school and beyond.
An Individualized Program
LeKeisha Harding, Thinkery Director of Equitable Evaluation and Inclusive Research, is also a former LTP parent. She has two sons who went through the program and knows what motivated her to trust her sons to the LTP program.
“I want to raise my kids to feel a deep sense of confidence and joy in their learning journey,” she says. “Before even thinking about what type of adults they’ll become, I want them to embrace learning as a lifelong adventure filled with humility and challenges.”
Harding says the LTP program met and exceeded her expectations. “As a mother of a neurodivergent child, having various modes and methods of learning is crucial,” she says. “The intentionality behind the way Little Thinkers Preschool catered to my child’s needs was invaluable.”
She points to the importance of special accommodations, individualized education program meetings, speech pathology sessions to meet his goals, designated areas in class, solid routines and well-trained educators supporting
his neurodivergence.
“Thinkery and LTP became familiar ground where the staff—through their caring and loving approach—connected with both of my kids,” Harding says. Kindergarten preparedness is critical to future success. Whether you focus mainly on home-based learning, a more organized preschool program or a combination of both, remember to infuse the fun!
For information about the LTP program and to request a tour, visit www.thinkeryaustin.org/preschool.
FUN-FUELED EDUCATION
Learning can be fun, but the opposite is also true—and may be more important to kids of all ages: Fun can be learning.
Here are a few suggestions to disguise learning as home-based enjoyment or even entertainment for school-aged children.
• READ with your child every day to create bonding moments, especially during bedtime stories—a beautiful opportunity to enhance children’s skills. Curate book selections to align with topics your child is learning about each week at school, further enriching their learning experience.
• ENGAGE your little ones by involving them in activities such as writing grocery lists, shopping together and checking off items. These activities support fine motor skills, early literacy and math, and foster a healthy sense of participation in everyday tasks.
• CREATE letters out of play dough to work on early literacy skills like letter identification.
• BREAK OUT the dice for a fun, interactive way to grow early numeracy skills like number identification and simple addition.
At-home learning through play and everyday activities around the house are an important part of kindergarten preparation that can be reinforced in an organized preschool program.
10 Tips for a Healthy Trip
How you and your family can stay well while on the move
When warm weather comes, the urge to travel can be strong. But many experienced wanderers can remember trips that were marred by ill-timed bouts of sickness, not to mention the stress inherent with leaving home for extended excursions. Here are expert tips for how you and your family can stay healthier on the road.
1 KEEP CALM AND MAKE A LIST. If you’re stressed or anxious about travel (or simply want to ensure you don’t forget something essential), create a checklist and plan ahead. Don’t leave anything for the last minute.
2 LOOK INTO YOUR LODGING. Most places provide public information about how they clean their rooms and what their sanitization practices are.
3 PACK A SMALL FIRST-AID KIT. Include adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes, gauze and over-the-counter medications you may need, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), along with medications for motion sickness and allergies.
4 REMEMBER YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS. Also carry a list of current medications, medical conditions, vaccination status and your treating physicians.
5PLAN FOR VIRTUAL CARE.
It’s a good idea to find out whether your primary care physician offers telehealth in case you need a doctor while you’re away and you’d prefer to speak with your regular provider. Visit your online patient portal if you have one or call your doctor’s office for details.
6 GET VACCINATED.
Consider inoculations not only for COVID-19 but also for diseases that are prevalent at your destination. Find advice from the U.S. State Department at www.travel. state.gov and from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www. cdc.gov/travel. Regulations can change at any time, so it’s best to do this right before you leave.
7 WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN.
This was a very important step long before the pandemic era, and it continues to be an essential health practice. Research shows that handwashing results in significant reductions in cases of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses.
8 STAY HYDRATED. Use bottled water if you’re traveling out of the country.
9 MOVE AROUND ON LONG RIDES. Staying in the same position for hours at a time can bring the risk of swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues. Stretch and take walking breaks, and consider wearing compression socks or stockings.
10 PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE. When on the road, have a routine, maintain a comfortable environment and refrain from eating or drinking three hours before bed. Don’t take sleep aids unless you’ve done so before and know what side effects they have on your body.
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Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade Excellence without exclusivity, a place to excel
• Low student-to-teacher ratio
• Middle School Honors Track
• High School credits available
• 34% of the 2024 graduating class accepted into specialized High School programs
PERSPECTIVES
Moving to Mueller
Poem
by
Jacquie Shillis
Stuff we need
Stuff we want
Stuff to move stuff
Stuff to sit on
Stuff to sleep on
Stuff to look at
Stuff to listen to
Stuff to work with
Stuff to play with
Stuff to store stuff
Stuff to wear
Stuff to eat
Stuff to cook with
Stuff to clean with
Stuff to build with
Stuff that holds memories
Stuff that holds stuff
Paper stuff
Wood stuff
Metal stuff
Fabric stuff
Plastic stuff
Natural stuff
Artificial stuff
Living stuff
Stuff that needs to be put together
Stuff that needs to be taken apart
Stuff that fits nicely
Stuff that who knows where it will go
Stuff, stuff, stuff
Moving stuff and more stuff
Each pickup truck load bulky and heavy
The goal of an empty house and a full apartment
Stifled by the stuff that seems to multiply at the point of departure
As quickly as it does at the point of arrival
I dream of the day
A normal day
In which I only ponder
What to do with my time
Without thinking about What to do with the stuff
Experience inspired Mueller resident Jacquie Shillis to reflect on moving and the sometimes overwhelming emotions that go with it.
make a summertime splash, especially in this shot captured by Mueller resident Lillian Klatt— an image that raises the question: Where would we be without pollinators like this honeybee?
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.