Mueller
January 2025
IMMIGRANT STORIES SARA LAAS
TREASURE TROVES
LOCAL MUSEUMS
Rugby Rules!
The Austin Blacks
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Protecting workers, helping our neighbors and keeping Austin strong. Jeanette Ward Texas Mutual CEO and President
At Texas Mutual Insurance Company, we’re more than a workers’ comp provider. We’re part of the Mueller community – friends and neighbors who are contributing to the local economy, volunteering for causes we believe in and helping build a safer, stronger, better future for Austin.
More at texasmutual.com /community
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JANUARY 2025
Contents
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16
20
6 26 IN EVE RY ISSU E
8
4
Publisher’s Note WELCOME, 2025!
6
What’s New EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
8
Meet Me at the Market MERCADO SIN NOMBRE
26 WellnessWatch NEIGHBORHOOD BENEFITS 30 Perspectives POEMS ON HOME—OR LACK OF ONE F E AT U RES
12 16
32 Photo Op BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
Backing the Austin Blacks
Supporters like Kirk and Rebecca Risha help make Austin Rugby Club one of America’s winningest teams.
A Lifetime of Stories
After 94 years of adventure, writer Sara Puig Laas is gearing up for her latest passion project.
20 Masterpiece Meccas
O N T HE COVER
Entrepreneur Kirk Risha has played for the Austin Blacks and formed lasting team bonds since moving to the area in 1995.
The nearby Blanton Museum of Art and Harry Ransom Center offer treasure troves of art, culture and history.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Welcome, 2025!
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO
also care about giving back to the community. Writer Carmen Gray introduces us to Mueller’s own Sara Laas, whose fascinating life has been filled with many adventures. At 94 years young, she is still active and busy writing books, speaking with locals about her writing and fulfilling her passions. Her story is inspirational for all of us! Cristina Tangredi continues her look at local cultural activities that are perfect for the colder indoor season by visiting the Blanton Art Museum and Harry Ransom Center on the UT campus. Both offer an opportunity to learn and have fun, no matter your age. We also meet Lisa Dreher, a Mueller resident and mental health professional, who shares her personal family story and how the lifestyle we all enjoy here in Mueller can actually benefit our mental health. In Meet Me at the Market, we learn about the coffee and treats from Mercado Sin Nombre. Visiting them at the farmers’ market as well as at their local brick-and-mortar shop makes for the perfect way to beat the cold this winter. However you choose to celebrate the start of the new year, we hope you’ll continue to make Mueller magazine a part of it. We appreciate our loyal readers and how passionate you all are about our community publication. We look forward to hearing from many of you in the coming year. Happy New Year from Mueller magazine!
Hard to believe, but here we are—at
the start of another year. I personally am not big on resolutions. I feel that we should be constantly trying to move forward and improve ourselves every day, not just at the beginning of a new year. Regardless, I am so excited for all that the new year holds for Mueller magazine. There are some new features planned and a host of stories that I hope will inform and entertain. We start the year off right with a jam-packed issue. First, we meet Kirk Risha. He and his wife, Rebecca, not only own and run V/O Med Spa right here in Mueller, but Kirk also plays semiprofessional rugby for the Austin Blacks. This dedicated group of players enjoy their time on the field but
Liz Reingold Publisher
Mueller MAGAZINE
Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Contributing Writers Lisa Dreher, LMFT-A Carmen Gray Christina Tangredi 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 Art Director Rosemary O›Connell 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 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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Got a great image for Photo-Op? PHOTO OP
Acting Squirrely
Mueller resident Suzanne O’Malley spotted this little guy enjoying a beautiful day on Berkman Drive. Someone is ready for spring!
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Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.
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Winter Blooms
waxcenter.com
FIRST WAX FREE For First Time Guests
Mother Nature’s marvels are on full display after a cold
snap in January, as this tree at the entrance to Mueller Lake Park maintained its flowers even during the coldest part of winter. We are a hardy bunch in Texas—and so are the trees!
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.
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Email your photo and a short description to Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com
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WHAT’S NEW
In the Neighborhood New businesses continue to fuel Mueller’s growth. Here’s a look ahead to what’s in store for 2025. During 2024, Mueller saw tremendous growth. Whether it was restaurants, corporate headquarters, small businesses, standalone homes, condos or apartments, the neighborhood’s footprint expanded tremendously this past year. Now 2025 is also shaping up to be another year of growth. Here is a sneak peek at some of the new businesses set to open in the coming months.
HOPDODDY BURGER BAR
CORE POWER YOGA
The Austin-based burger experts at Hopdoddy combine unique burger creations with craft beers, all in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Located at 2005 Aldrich St., it is set to open mid-2025.
Situated along Aldrich Street in the Parkside Mueller Building, Core Power Yoga will provide yoga and strength classes for residents of all ages and fitness levels. Opening should be mid-2025.
BUDDY BEAR CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE Mueller’s own Lilla & Beth boutique is opening a second location dedicated to children’s clothing and gifts, filling the need for local retail targeting this age group. It will be located on the paseo next to Lick Ice Cream and is slated to open first quarter of 2025.
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LITTLE OLA’S BISCUITS AURA PILATES This Australian-based Pilates company will open its second U.S. studio right here in Mueller. It will be located on Aldrich Street next to Chuy’s. Vaura offers 50-minute, carefully curated, total-body athletic Pilates training classes for beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts alike. The studio is planned to open toward the end of 2025.
The latest project from Michael Fojtasek, Austin chef and head of MaieB Hospitality, this eatery will offer biscuits and coffee all day. It will be located at the spot vacated by Halcyon across from Thinkery. It is expected to open during first quarter of the year.
A BOUNTY OF BUSINESSES To learn more about Mueller businesses and commercial districts, including lists of retail, , restaurant, hospitality, corporate, healthcare and educational establishments, visit https://muelleraustin.com/businesses.
JANUARY 2025
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MEET ME AT THE MARKET
Mixing Coffee and Corn Family connections with Mexico have shaped the innovative offerings at Mercado Sin Nombre. BY CARMEN GRAY
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On a crisp Sunday morning at the Texas Farmers’ Market in Mueller, a welcoming and distinctive stall awaits as you head west on Philomena and step into the heart of the bustling scene: Mercado Sin Nombre. The name itself, which translates as “Market Without a Name” entices, as does an intriguing sign and unique beverages. Julian Maltby, one of the owners, greets you right away with a winning smile. His uncle, Michael Stimets, serves customers atole cortado (masa milk shorty) orders while Maltby explains that the espresso drink is paired with a sidecar of atole—a masa beverage made with Oaxacan bolita corn and oat milk. If you’re dairy-free, it’s a great alternative—and even if you’re not, it’s smooth and creamy! The drink reflects this business’ two loves: coffee and corn. “There’s intricacy in the coffee and the corn itself,” Maltby says. He should know; he has a personal connection to Mexico. Connections by Design
Maltby inherited his grandmother’s metate. The stone vessel, used to grind corn, dates back 130 years to a time when his great-great-grandmother used it in Mexico before the family came to Texas in the early 1900s. It’s as if this relic breathes life into his current creations, as well as his discoveries while earning a master’s degree in architecture in Mexico City in the late 2010s. He feels there’s an impactful connection between coffee and corn within architecture itself. And now he is able to share his knowledge of the two staples along with his family legacy. “Making a business out of that is really, really cool,” he says. In addition to the stall at Mueller, you can visit the brick-and-mortar Mercado Sin Nombre in East Austin’s Holly neighborhood at 408 North Pleasant Valley Road. The café, which just opened in July 2024, serves up daytime coffee and food from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Before opening the café, Mercado Sin Nombre primarily focused on coffee roasting and masa nixtamalization, sourcing
Julian Maltby (right), an owner of Mercado Sin Nombre, with his uncle and longtime head coffee roaster Michael Stimets.
ingredients directly from families, farmers and small producers in Mexico. Launching a physical restaurant felt like a natural step for the family-run business, providing an opportunity to showcase the remarkable potential of the proprietors’ ingredients. Stimets has served as head roaster since the company’s inception.
Honoring Families and Farmers
Maltby says Mercado Sin Nombre started as a delivery bakery and coffee bean delivery business in October 2020. Eventually, it participated in various pop-ups around Austin, serving foods like masa pancakes, ceviche/squid ink tostadas and tacos. Then the business got into the farmers’ market, where it began selling its bagged coffee, tortillas and beverages. Maltby says the stall at the Mueller market has been a success because there are so many diverse groups of people who stop by and are enthusiastic about trying new flavors and products.
When asked about the business name, Maltby emphasized that it’s not about the business itself but about honoring the families and farmers who grow the ingredients. “Thus, it is ‘without a name,’ and I really liked that concept,” he says. Currently, Mercado Sin Nombre roasts its coffees through the roasting co-op Rising Tide Roast Collab in South Austin. It produces year-round beans like the El Ritual and micro-lots, which are roasted on-site at the cafe. Other drinks served at the farmers’ market include horchata cold brews and espresso-based coffees, including one with Mexican Coke. The stall also sells beer and wine! The vibe you get from Maltby—as well as the rich and playful drinks that combine tradition with an innovative twist—is authentic and casual. “I’m hoping that we bring a new side of Mexican coffee and corn,” Maltby says—“a new way to experience it.”
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.
JANUARY 2025
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Backing the Austin Blacks Supporters like Kirk and Rebecca Risha help make Austin Rugby Club one of America’s winningest teams.
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In addition to being rugby enthusiasts, Rebecca and Mark Risha are local serial entrepreneurs who currently own V/O Med Spa, among other businesses.
Austin is well known for its high-profile sports teams, and most of us are familiar with Austin FC and our beloved Longhorns. But did you know that Austin is also home to a nationally acclaimed semiprofessional rugby team? Austin Rugby Club (ARC), also known as the Austin Blacks, was founded in 1967 and was the first club of its kind in the Southwest United States. The organization grew slowly,
but by 1978 it became the first rugby club in the country to purchase its own grounds. By 1985, the team had built its own clubhouse, and even today, the Blacks are one of only two clubs in the country that own both their clubhouse and grounds. Over the years and decades, ARC has developed a reputation for being highly competitive, with three different divisions all having played in and won their respective
national championships. This high-caliber program was exactly what attracted rugby enthusiast and Mueller business owner Kirk Risha to play for the Blacks when he moved here in 1995. “I’d known of ARC since college, and its reputation convinced me that I wanted to play for this team,” Risha says. “The rugby community is a small network. Everyone knows and supports each other.”
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Community Connections Risha and his wife, Rebecca, are serial entrepreneurs who have owned multiple businesses in and around Austin. These days, they own and run PaintEZ, a residential and commercial painting company in Austin, as well as V/O Med Spa, on Aldrich Street in Mueller (www. viomedspa.com/locations/mueller). They are active in Mueller, supporting other local businesses and the Mueller community as a whole. Rebecca, who runs day-to-day operations at V/O Med Spa, appreciates all that Mueller offers as a neighborhood. “Being a part of a community like Mueller has been amazing,” she says. “Watching the neighborhood grow into the flourishing destination it has become reinforces every day that we made the right choice to bring our business here.” Although his businesses keep him busy, rugby is close to Kirk’s heart, and he always makes time for his passion. “Most of the guys who play for the Blacks also have day jobs, but the opportunity to play, as well as the camaraderie we enjoy, makes it all worthwhile,” he says of the commitment. “We are such a close-knit group. We have even traveled to Japan, England, Scotland and Wales for competitions.”
Kirk Risha (right), with friend and teammate Mark Brewerton, appreciates the camaraderie that comes with playing rugby in a closeknit world that connects players with each other and supportive communities.
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Safer than Football? Kirk contends that there are many misconceptions about rugby. People often think it’s an extremely dangerous sport. Although it is not for the faint of heart and injuries certainly do happen, he maintains that rugby is generally safer than American football. While it’s true that rugby players don’t wear the same amount of protective gear as participants do in American football, rugby team members learn how to tackle properly to reduce injuries. Another difference between the sports is that rugby athletes play both offense and defense. Kirk admits that he doesn’t get to play as much as he used to, but the desire to play is still there. “I would like to continue playing as long as I possibly can,” he says. “It’s a great way to stay fit and have fun at the same time!” He also likes the club’s community atmosphere. That includes not only friendships between teammates but also efforts to give back to the community in many ways, including supporting youth rugby in Austin. It is gratifying to know that something Kirk is so passionate about is being passed on to the next generation. Rugby seasons run in the spring and fall, and the Blacks play on the east side of town right off of Route 183 at Burr field. To learn more about the program or to get information on becoming a player or sponsor, visit https://austinrugby.com.
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A Lifetime of
STOR I ES
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After 94 years of adventure, Sara Puig Laas is gearing up for her latest passion project. BY CARMEN GRAY
One of the oldest living descendants of the Ortiz clan from Laredo resides here in our very own Mueller neighborhood. Her name is Sara Puig Laas. At 94 years young, she has lived an adventurous life and continues to generate big ideas, write and share stories onstage in addition to being involved with a book club in the neighborhood! Laas says the experience of growing up where she could see Mexico from the backyard of her grandmother’s riverbank home lent itself to endless sources of stories from both sides
of the Rio Grande. One harrowing tale involves the great flood of 1954, when torrential rains from Hurricane Alice caused the river to crest at 62 feet. It caused all sorts of damage, knocking out the city’s only international bridge. She recalls watching as the river rose dangerously close to the terraces of her family’s home but halted just inches before reaching it. Now her grandmother’s home is owned by Webb County. On June 1, 2021, the county began leasing the space to the nonprofit Laredo Cultural
District. The area became designated as a state-recognized cultural district by the Texas Commission for the Arts. Much of the house’s story continues to be told through oral histories that can be accessed with QR codes around the property. Sara has even visited the site to tell stories in person. These days, Casa Ortiz has rotating exhibits along with artisan markets that fill its first story while the courtyard hosts live music, folklorico dance performances and movie screenings from Mexico’s Epoca de Oro.
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Sara Laas tells her stories at local venues such as the 1856 Neill-Cochran House, one of Austin’s oldest residences (above), and Casa Ortiz in Laredo, which had been her grandmother’s home.
Nudged Toward Narratives Laas’ talent and intuitive sense for storytelling blossomed at a young age. She started interviewing others when she wrote for her high school newspaper, and subsequently spent her entire life in journalism and human resources, leading her to interview thousands of people about their own stories. She lived six years in Venezuela during the Castro years; worked at a TV station in Laredo, where she was a part of the noontime news; and interviewed folks when she worked at the Texas Employment Commission. To say that she’s heard it all isn’t an exaggeration! She knows the power and importance of sharing stories. Although Laas’ work and life adventures have taken her many places, she says there is something about Austin that’s special and keeps drawing her back. She moved to Mueller in 2015, her fourth time back to Austin, and continues to tell her stories many places, including at the Neill-Cochran House for Stories on The Lawn, a local storytelling event. Laas says that “Austin is the only place to be me.” She appreciates the diversity of the neighborhood in Mueller and how Austin has become more international in recent years.
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Sara Puig Laas has had many adventures in her 94 years, and works to tell her own stories while encouraging others to share theirs.
Telling Immigrant Stories Laas has not slowed down her achievements or dreams. She has a mini-chapbook coming out called “Feeling My Way Along,” which she’s publishing through BookBaby.com with three distinct themes: things that affect women; how to use silliness and take a break when the going gets tough; and being on the observation deck. But there is something beyond all of her many activities that is in the planning stages, thanks to Laas: a world-
class museum coined the Immigrant Hall of Honor. “I sense a hunger for a story to be told,” she says about the project that she is spearheading with the help of her son. They have formed a board and envision the museum recognizing and creating respect for the many ways in which immigrants from all over the world have helped build the United States into a great nation. The goal is to have the hall housed in Central Texas and for it to be fun,
interactive and educational. They even have ideas for visitors to create their own families’ immigration stories to share. She is passionate about the Immigrant Hall of Honor project. “If I can make this happen, I’ll feel I’ve had a worthwhile life,” she says. Laas feels that now especially is the time to bring people together and build unity. If you are interested in helping or volunteering with this incredible undertaking, contact organizers at staff@immigranthallofhonor.org.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.
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Masterpiece Meccas The nearby Blanton Museum of Art and Harry Ransom Center offer treasure troves of art, culture and history.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY CASEY DUNN (BLANTON MUSEUM) AND THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER
BY CRISTINA TANGREDI
The beginning of the year is the
perfect time to discover new activities and explore two of Austin’s cultural gems just a short drive from Mueller: the Blanton Museum of Art and the Harry Ransom Center. In a community that values creativity, learning and a vibrant lifestyle, Mueller residents are uniquely positioned to enjoy these museums and experience outings that are perfect excursions for families, friends or solo adventurers. Here’s a closer look at what makes these nearby destinations so special for the Mueller public.
The Blanton Museum of Art Located in the heart of the University of Texas campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is known as Austin’s mecca
of art museums. It hosts a collection of over 21,000 pieces, ranging from contemporary to colonial art. From the moment you arrive, the museum’s redesigned grounds create an introduction to the art inside. A winding path leads you through stunning views of the Texas State Capitol, seating around the Moody Patio and striking architectural features crafted by the renowned design firm Snøhetta. These outdoor grounds also host a lot of attractions during Blanton All Day, held every second weekend of the month. During this event, families can experience live music, food, art talks and storytime sessions for children. The museum consists of two main buildings. Visitors begin at the check-in facility, where they are welcomed by an
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Admission to the Blanton is free every Tuesday, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum.
eye-catching rainbow ceiling installation made entirely of thread. This building also houses informational pamphlets about the museum’s exhibits, a gift shop and a soonto-open café. When ready to dive into the art, visitors cross the grounds to the Michener Gallery Building, home to the museum’s collection of permanent and semi-permanent exhibits. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or prefer colonial paintings, the maze of collections has something for everyone to enjoy. One standout aspect of the museum is its sensory experiences. A current contemporary installation, “Tavares Strachan: Between Me and You,” features a field of dry rice grass that fills the air with its earthy aroma as you approach the exhibit. Another must-see exhibit (through January 12) is “Long Live Surrealism!” This exhibition sparks the imagination with art that challenges reality, all displayed in a vibrant room with bright pink, cottoncandy-colored walls. The Butler Sound Gallery is an outdoor exhibit and the world’s only fully soundbased gallery. As you walk through this exhibit, you’ll experience sounds that Austinites love, including the flow of the natural springs, the rustling of oak
trees in the wind and the clicks or chirps of Austin’s bats. One of the museum’s most striking and rare features is Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” a limestone structure that is both art and a building. “Austin” has 33 vibrant stainedglass windows, a freestanding redwood totem and 14 crafted marble panels. Visitors can explore this stunning work of art with general admission. (Tip: At around 10 a.m., sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows of “Austin,” and it’s beautiful).
The Harry Ransom Center This internationally renowned humanities research center at the University of Texas is surrounded by oak trees and a grassy lawn, and houses a collection of nearly 1 million books, 42 million manuscripts, 5 million photographs and 100,000 works of art. Visitors can explore treasures such as Frida Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird,” Gabriel García Márquez’s manuscripts and notebooks, and Albert Einstein’s unpublished notes on general relativity. The collection also includes Jack Kerouac’s notebook documenting the creation of his novel “On the Road,” the Gernsheim Collection of groundbreaking photographic art and one of only 20 complete copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Each piece invites curiosity and offers a unique connection to the past. If you are a film lover, the center also houses fascinating personal items like Robert De Niro’s archive of scripts, costumes and props, and E.E. Cummings’ wooden paint box. These items help visitors connect with the creative process and the minds behind some of history’s most significant achievements. The Center also provides educational
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EXPLORE ONLINE Ready to experience these incredible destinations for yourself? For more information on the Blanton Museum of Art, visit www.blantonmuseum.org. To learn more about the Harry Ransom Center, visit www.hrc.utexas.edu.
programs that bring its collections to life for students and educators. On-site classrooms accommodate up to 31 students, while virtual sessions make the materials accessible to larger audiences. Educators can work alongside Ransom Center staff or lead their own sessions with curated materials, creating opportunities to explore the humanities and encourage critical thinking. For those seeking a deeper dive, a cozy reading room is available for reservation, offering a quiet space to explore the collection through research. Living in Mueller means having these cultural treasures practically in your backyard—don’t miss the chance to explore and enjoy them! Cristina Tangredi is a communications professional dedicated to creating community-first communications, and has over seven years of experience in nonprofits, government agencies and PR firms.
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Did You Know? Only the moms who donate to a milk bank are saving lives of fragile babies in neonatal intensive care units and the community.
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Quality Work & Quality Service It’s Tax time! Let your neighborhood CPAs be that strategic partner to help you plan and maximize your savings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for personalized, expert guidance.
For more information on becoming a donor, scan the QR code or visit milkbank.org. We are standing by to talk to you!
Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin
Get to know us and our services at: CraneHoltzman.com contact@CraneHoltzman.com 512-215-0057
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WELLNESS WATCH
“The larger your beloved community, the more you can accomplish in the world.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
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Bright Lights, Small City A local therapist gives up small-town life and discovers the surprising benefits of a home in the neighborhood. BY LISA DREHER, LMFT-A
When our family decided to move back to our hometown of Austin after six years of country living in the piney woods outside of Smithville, we ran up against a few obstacles. Envisioning city life after enjoying our tight-knit, small-town community and the whisper of the wind through the trees was difficult. I ruled out Mueller almost instantly at the start of our yearlong search. Moving from what felt like our own private nature preserve to a compact community in the middle of a city was a stretch for me. I remember uttering sarcastic comments along the lines of “If I can throw a ball badly and hit my neighbor’s house, it’s not a neighborhood for me,” and “Who would want to live that close to so many people?!” Finding ourselves weary and running out of options a year later, on a whim I drove through Mueller again.
The Joy of Connection Through the veil of seeming desperation, I started to rethink my earlier position. On a tree-lined street that was walking distance to a pool and a park stood a house with a newly staked “coming soon” sign. We had a contract on that house by the end of that week. In the coming months, I would gradually realize that there is so much more to Mueller than its convenient location and awesome amenities. My grief over losing Smithville’s smalltown vibe was quickly replaced by a joyful astonishment that Mueller was its very own small town in the big city. In the months that followed, the beauty of this rich and vibrant community unfolded before my eyes. Our neighbor’s children welcomed my own into their playgroups. Community message boards reconnected us with old college and family friends that we were
surprised to learn lived only blocks away. Friendly smiles and waves met us anytime we opened our garage door. Our family found ourselves surrounded by a different kind of peace: the joy of belonging and connection to the richness of community and the diversity that Mueller provides. We found ourselves more physically active as a family than we ever did out in the country. My kids were in the alley daily playing with neighbors and school friends. ( Just like boxes can be more appealing than the toys inside of them, apparently alleys are more appealing than a heavily wooded backyard with a treehouse.) Parenting became immensely easier, from carpooling to playdates. I found myself with space and free time to reinvest in my own career, first as a parenting coach and then attending graduate school to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.
JANUARY 2025
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WELLNESS WATCH
Wellness by Design During my studies, I conducted an environmental analysis of the Mueller neighborhood, focusing on the impacts of walkable communities. My findings highlighted a strong link between neighborhood design and residents’ mental and physical wellbeing, reflecting my family’s experience that environmental factors significantly affect health at all life stages. Walkable neighborhoods such as Mueller promote physical activity, social interactions and recreational
play, contributing to enhanced mental health for residents. Well-designed communities facilitate walking, biking and outdoor activities, which reduce stress, lower chronic disease risk and improve cognitive function. They also foster social connections through parks and communal spaces, addressing loneliness and isolation—key factors in mental health issues. These benefits apply to all age groups. For children, safe play areas are crucial for development and emotional health.
For adults, walkable access to work and recreation alleviates daily stress, boosts mood and enhances work-life balance. Older adults gain mobility and independence, preserving social ties and mitigating mental decline. As a mental health professional, my appreciation for what Mueller offers to its residents has only continued to grow. Life is hard enough, but having a safety net of a supportive community in which to belong, play and connect softens the edges.
Lisa Dreher, LMFT-A, is a psychotherapist specializing in individual and couples therapy at Presence Wellness. She enjoys empowering clients to have healthier relationship dynamics with themselves, in committed relationships and as parents and caregivers.
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Reach
virtually EVERY home in Mueller with your business message.
Mueller
To advertise, contact Liz Reingold at Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com
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PERSPECTIVES
Home and Homelessness Teacher Jim Parker asked Creative Writing students at St. Francis School for poems on that theme. Here are two.
The Lucky Ones
I Have a House
Before the tan walls and brown siding at the threshold Must lay in what a lucky one calls a “home” And if not, What pervades the lack of what is owned? The situation may feel alone. Though a problem of a greater question: “Why is there not a home?” Is there nothing for one to grow, Or is it the place that had been sown? What sorrow must exist without an abode For no where you can call Home.
I have a house
By Azure Dimka
Azure Dimka is in seventh grade and is interested in writing, history and bouldering. He is working on a dystopian novel titled “The Worker.”
By Olivia Louis
It’s white stucco walls And a concrete floor It’s big glass windows And a wood front door It’s a cement driveway And a shady carport It’s a grey metal roof And a yard of a sort I have a home It’s time with my mother Coffee for two It’s walking the dog Getting mud on my shoes It’s late Sunday mornings And the burnt ends of bacon It’s dinner at the table And good conversation It’s the boiling kettle And the smell of old books It’s the comfort of a hug And my cat underfoot It’s drives with my dad And my abuela’s perfume It’s hearing the words I love you Olivia Lous is an award-winning poet who is considered the eighth grade poet laureate. She is an avid reader who also loves history.
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St. Francis School Excellence • Diversity • Values Excellence without exclusivity, a place to excel!
INTERIORS & ARCHITECTURE WWW.KREEVESPHOTO.COM
Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3-5) through 8th Grade Admissions Open House and Tour at 9:00 am ( 1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/15, & 5/13) Register via our website using the QR code below.
Apply & Tour Apply today for ‘25 – ’26 enrollment! Come experience our culture, meet our people and hear about programs.
300 E. Huntland Dr. www.stfrancis-school.org
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Premier Flooring Services for Commercial & Residential Spaces
512.551.2050
www.redriverflooring.com info@redriverflooring.com @redrivercontractflooring
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PHOTO OP
Bird’s-Eye View
Two members of Mueller’s abundant bird population do their best to bask in a low-slung sun, seeming to keep an eye out to make sure there’s no “fowl play” in the neighborhood.
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.
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New Year, New Home, New Possibilities.
Hilary Herrin ®
Resident & Realtor info@muellersilentmarket.com 512.913.8642
We live here. We work here. We know Mueller.
Mueller Silent Market Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
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