Mueller May 2024

FUN AND FRIENDSHIP FOR MUELLER MOMS

TAI CHI

BUILD BALANCE AND STRENGTH

BLOOMING BUSINESS PLANTAS EL REY

Heartfelt Care for Kids

The Merry Month

May is typically filled with celebrations of all kinds—weddings, graduations, end of school year and, of course, Mother’s Day!

This issue, we celebrate our very own Dell Children’s Medical Center for all that it does for children in need here in Mueller, in Central Texas and for kids around the country. The hospital facility is state-of-the-art and growing. We are so fortunate to have it here.

With May being a celebration of mothers, we feature our very own posse of proud mamas: Moms of Mueller. This special group, born out of COVID, consists of moms who lift each other up and support each other as they navigate parenthood.

We also look back at last month’s eclipse and how it captivated us all in Mueller.

In Life Outdoors, we learn about the ancient art of tai chi and the group that meets to practice it in Mueller twice a week. They truly celebrate the mind/body connection and the health benefits associated with this meditative martial art.

Rounding out the issue, in Meet Me at The Market, we talk with the folks at Plantas El Rey to see what’s in bloom!

With so much going on all month, enjoy whatever it is that you will be celebrating!

Liz Reingold Publisher

Editor & Publisher

Liz Reingold

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

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

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.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

In the Neighborhood

TANIGUCHI PARK MARKS ITS GRAND OPENING

Catellus hosted a small, private gathering for the grand opening ceremony of its 10th named park, Isamu Taniguchi Park The park spans nearly one acre of land and features an open lawn, garden area, community table and covered space with a terrace and restrooms that overlook the park. The opening welcomed such honored attendees as councilwoman Leslie Pool and Evan Taniguchi, grandson of the park’s namesake, Isamu Taniguchi, and featured a traditional tea ceremony presented by the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSE VALLADARES

LIGHTS, CAMERA, COOKIES!

Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery and the Paramount Theatre are teaming up to celebrate 50 years of the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series! Not only will Lady Quackenbush be unveiling series-themed cookies (such as “Jaws”) throughout the summer, the cakery is also an exclusive destination for picking up the full film schedule. Grab a coffee and study up on close to 100 films you can see in the 108-year-old movie palace on Congress Avenue from May to September.

CHUY’S IS HERE!

Austin’s iconic Tex-Mex favorite has opened its doors here in Mueller! Located at 2027 Aldrich St. across from Branch Park, the restaurant is serving up its classic queso, tacos and margaritas Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with happy hour on weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.

MUELLER WELCOMES MICHAEL’S

Craft-crowd favorite

Michael’s, located in the Mueller Regional Retail Center, 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., has opened its doors to our Mueller neighborhood. Popular for art supplies, yarn, framing and more, Michael’s will appeal to the DIYers among us!

STILL ROCKING THE PARK

This spring’s Rock the Park season is in full swing. There are two more opportunities this season to rock with our Mueller friends and neighbors: • Friday, May 17 • Friday, June 7 • Music starts at 6:45 p.m.

A Blooming Business

BY CARMEN GRAY

Reymundo Gutiérrez shares a green thumb with his wife and children at the family-run Plantas El Rey.

If you happen to walk by the end of the stalls at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Philomena Street before turning into the bustling pavilion, you’ll likely see the contagious smile of Maria Gutiérrez among the brightly colored flowers in bloom at Plantas El Rey.

Plantas El Rey is a family-owned business started by Gutiérrez’s father, Reymundo Gutiérrez. He worked for a local greenhouse in 1989 before buying land in Kyle, where he began growing his own plants, drawing on knowledge and experience acquired from his work at the nursery.

In 2012, he decided it was time to start Plantas El Rey, and he began selling his products at a handful of markets in Kyle and Buda.

Always looking to expand the business, Reymundo, his wife, Rita, and their three daughters—all of whom help run Plantas El Rey—set their sights on the Mueller Farmers’ Market.

It turns out that having a spot in Mueller was a very good decision, as it is by far the most successful market where they sell their goods.

Seasonal Success

Plantas El Rey is a seasonal stand in Mueller. You’ll find herbs such as lavender and rosemary as well as succulents like kalanchoe and aloe.

On a perfect spring day, you’ll also find bright yellow fuzzy celosias, purple pansies and signature pink bougainvillea, which is featured in the Plantas El Rey company logo.

In addition to all of this, the family also sells vegetable starters like tomatoes and green beans. They are at the Farmers’ Market selling their healthy, beautiful plants for affordable prices from March until early November. Then they spend the winter months growing more plants for the year. Reymundo dedicates all of his time to his business, which is why Plantas El Rey is as successful as it is. He has aspirations to expand eventually to a brick-and-mortar location in the future.

Follow Plantas El Rey on Instagram @plantasel.rey or find them on Facebook under Plantas El Rey.

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.

A wide variety of plants are available at Plantas El Rey. Opposite page, top left: Reymundo Gutiérrez prepares trays of plants; top right: Maria Gutiérrez helps a customer make selections.

Heartfelt Care for Kids

Dell Children’s Medical Center ranks among the best hospitals of its kind in the country.

It’s an unmistakable sound in Mueller—sometimes once a week, sometimes once a day, sometimes even more often. It is the sound of a familiar yellow helicopter bringing a child to Dell Children’s Medical Center for care.

Seeing and hearing the chopper can be jarring, as it means a child is in urgent need of medical attention. But it also means that child is being taken to one of the finest children’s hospitals in the country.

Aside from being an anchor here in Mueller and a beacon of hope for families, Dell Children’s is on the cutting edge of new technologies and medical breakthroughs.

The medical center is the only comprehensive children’s hospital and Level 1 trauma center in the region. Its goal has always been to provide the best care possible to children from Central Texas as well as from other places around the country.

Michael Wiggins is the president of Dell Children’s Medical Center.

An Expanded Cardiac Unit

This year, Dell Children’s made tremendous strides in cardiac care for its patients by doubling the size of its cardiac critical care unit. The unit went from 24 to 48 beds, with six of those beds being dedicated solely to heart transplants.

The need for complex pediatric cardiac care has been increasing, and Dell Children’s has stepped up to meet that need as the only pediatric heart transplant facility in Central Texas.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the accomplishments of our Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease over the past five years, and both the reputation of our cardiac surgeons and specialists, along with our willingness to take on the most challenging, complex cases, have made this a destination program,” says Michael Wiggins, president of Dell Children’s.

“The growth of the program, the need in the community and the fact that we continue to attract patients nationally and internationally has necessitated this expansion.”

The new cardiac care unit, along with numerous other state-of-the-art facilities and renowned medical professionals, puts Dell Children’s in a category with the most elite pediatric medical centers in the country.

Close to Home

Regardless of the hospital’s national recognition and standing, Mueller as its home is not taken for granted. The hospital strives to take part in community-wide events such as Rock the Park and makes tremendous efforts to connect with local residents.

“Families from 48 states and several international locations traveled to Dell Children’s Medical Center for care last year,” Wiggins says. “Though families are willing to travel thousands of miles to reach Dell Children’s for care, I am thrilled that our

neighbors in Mueller have convenient access to that care so close to home. Mueller is growing, and so is Dell Children’s. We want to meet all of your needs for pediatric care.”

We are fortunate to have this incredible facility in our backyard offering our families the best care for our children. We hope that none of us will ever need the services offered at Dell Children’s, but knowing the facility is right here means everything.

So, the next time you hear that helicopter making its way to the hospital, take comfort in knowing that there is a child who is about to receive the best medical care possible.

Clinical providers, staff and other stakeholders gathered recently for the dedication of a newly expanded Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease at Dell Children’s Medical Center.

MOM Is Calling

Four women turned bonds they forged during the pandemic into an expanding community group called Moms of Mueller.

A group of mothers in Mueller has stumbled upon a concept that has taken off and become an incredible part of our local community: Moms of Mueller (MOM).

Leah Cullis Arvelo, Joyce Denison, Libby Leahy and Ashmi Patel—all accomplished professional women—recognized

that often the most challenging but rewarding job of all is being a mom. Their children went to preschool together, so these moms knew one another, but it wasn’t until 2020 that they became closely bonded. COVID-19 presented tremendous child-rearing challenges, but this group of mamas came together and

supported each other, turning the trials of this period into triumphs.

“We discovered that the parks, patios and community spaces of Mueller provided an ideal setting for our friendships to flourish,” Arvelo explains. “In turn, our families thrived, supported by this strong network of like-minded moms.”

Above: Attending many Moms of Mueller events are founders (from left) Ashmi Patel, Libby Leahy, Joyce Denison and Leah Cullis Arvelo.

A Growing Circle

Once life returned to normal, the women realized they had inadvertently created something valuable, and they decided they wanted to extend their nurturing support system beyond just their small circle.

“We wanted to invite more mothers to join our community and experience the bonds of deep friendships and family that we’ve come to cherish,” Arvelo says.

Mueller was the perfect community in which to launch this experiment. With so many families in the neighborhood, the friends were confident that other moms could benefit from the support and friendship of women with similar experiences.

They put their heads together and tapped into their various strengths and talents. Arvelo handles social media and communications, Patel provides operational support, Denison handles finances and Leahy is the self-proclaimed director of fun.

Celebrating Modern Motherhood

After significant planning, the foursome put their idea into motion about a year ago.

They began to partner with local businesses, particularly women-owned concerns, and spread the word on social media. They coordinated social gatherings with an eye on educational components as an important part of each event. Their first event, a happy hour at Fairways Cantina, attracted a whopping 68 women, and they have not looked back.

The organization currently reaches about 200 women throughout East Austin (predominantly but not exclusively in Mueller), and they have engaged more than 100 different women to attend events.

The close-knit leaders plan at least one event a month. Among upcoming events are a pedal party downtown in June and a one-year anniversary celebration in September.

“Our goal is to create a network of mothers— celebrating the modern journey of motherhood,” says Arvelo. “We create hyperlocal experiences that celebrate life in Austin.”

They hope to continue to grow their membership and reach additional businesses that look to partner with them on this journey.

The group welcomes moms in Mueller and East Austin to join them. You can find more information at https://momsofmueller.com or on Instagram @momsofmueller.

Totally Awesome!

With a location in the moon’s full shadow, Mueller made a party out of the total solar eclipse.

The entire country was captivated by the total solar eclipse that occurred in April. Since Austin was right in the path of totality, the city went eclipse crazy, with thousands of people from around the country flocking to the area. Mueller, as expected, embraced the event and turned it into a feel-good community party.

Residents could be found hanging out with their neighbors in courtyards, side yards and front yards of their homes.

But it was in Mueller Lake Park where the party was really happening. Residents and visitors alike showed up sporting lawn chairs, coolers and special solar glasses.

A Festive Atmosphere

Any excuse for a party and Mueller is there for it! Even though totality lasted only 1 minute 37 seconds, people started showing up hours in advance.

Schools were closed, and people of all ages, from families with young children on up were on hand.

Music from eclipse-related playlists blasted, people had picnics and consumed beverages and you could even find some paying homage to the spiritual side of the event by doing yoga right in the park.

The Moment of Totality

Even though the weather was cloudy, there was still plenty of opportunity to experience the event.

Regardless of whether you were all in on the experience or even a bit of a skeptic, feelings about it afterward seemed to be consistent across the board: The universe is an amazing thing to behold, and having the opportunity to experience this occurrence firsthand was aweinspiring and incredible.

Since the next total eclipse in the United States will not be until August 23, 2044, when Austin will not be in the path of totality, this was potentially a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us to share with our neighbors and friends. It was wonderful to see Mueller turn out for it!

Meditation in Motion

Members of the Mueller Tai Chi Group meet on the greenway to enjoy low-impact exercise, community and peace of mind.

BY HAYLEE KILLEBREW

In the serene setting of the southwest greenway outside Wildflower Terrace, a unique community gathers twice a week to practice tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art known for its soothing and therapeutic movements.

Dubbed meditation in motion, this practice offers more than just physical exercise; it fosters balance, peace of mind and a sense of community among participants.

Tai chi originated in ancient China and is now practiced worldwide for its health benefits. Unlike more vigorous forms of exercise, tai chi focuses on gentle, flowing movements that are both meditative and physically engaging, making it particularly appealing to older adults seeking a lowimpact but effective regimen. Known to improve balance, flexibility and strength, tai chi also contributes to mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.

Building Community

Since its inception in 2012, the Mueller Tai Chi Group has become a staple of local culture, providing a supportive environment for seniors to maintain their health and socialize.

The group meets every Tuesday and Friday—at 9 a.m. during warmer months and 10 a.m. as the weather cools. Though primarily aimed at residents 55 and older, the group warmly welcomes members of all ages, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect.

The group benefits from the diverse backgrounds and styles of its volunteer leaders, Joy Stone, Preston Tyree, Jackie Fox and Truda Stransky. Each brings a unique approach to tai chi, catering to varying physical capabilities and preferences to ensure that everyone can participate comfortably at their own pace.

Stone, a former math teacher, applies her patience and clarity of instruction to lead the group effectively. Her commitment to continually evolving her teaching methods through ongoing education in tai chi techniques is a testament to her dedication. Tyree, with his philosophy that tai chi

“adds years to life and life to years,” focuses on the longevity benefits of the practice. Fox and Stransky introduce additional styles, enriching the group’s routines and offering fresh challenges to members.

The resilience of this group is evident as they meet, come rain or shine. In adverse weather, they simply move sessions inside the community center or the community terrace at Wildflower Terrace. This adaptability highlights the group’s community bond and determination to maintain their practice.

A member named Ani has been instrumental in ensuring that the greenway is well-maintained, advocating for regular mowing to facilitate outdoor sessions.

An Open Group

One cherished aspect of the Mueller Tai Chi Group is the breaks and social interactions woven into gatherings. Before, during and after sessions, members enjoy social time, which has become a treasured component of their experience. These moments allow members to deepen friendships, share personal stories and offer

Haylee Killebrew began writing for Mueller magazine shortly after she moved into the community in 2023.

support to one another, enhancing the group’s sense of community.

The Mueller Tai Chi Group extends an open invitation to all residents of Mueller and beyond to join its sessions. Emphasizing that tai chi celebrates differences and meets participants where they are physically, the group stands as a beacon of therapeutic movement and peace of mind.

In a world that often values speed and productivity over wellness, the Mueller Tai Chi Group provides a vital counterpoint, emphasizing slow, intentional movements and mindful interactions.

For residents of Mueller and nearby neighborhoods, this group not only offers a way to stay active but also a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, find mental clarity or simply meet new friends, the welcoming members of the Mueller Tai Chi Group are ready to guide you on your journey to wellness. Join them on the greenway and discover the transformative power of tai chi.

Let’s Celebrate Watermelon!

This seasonal favorite makes a star ingredient in a salad that’s bursting with healthy nutrients.

BY BRANDI KEY

Aside from being delicious, watermelon is great for you and has tremendous health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, which supports skin and eye health. And since it is 92 percent water, watermelon is a great way to hydrate.

How do you know if a watermelon is ripe? When choosing a watermelon, look for one that is firm, feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot on the underside. If the spot is white or pale in color, it was picked too early and will probably not be ripe.

At Dish Society, each spring we bring back our fan favorite, Watermelon Strawberry Salad.

Pair ripe, juicy watermelon with refreshing strawberries, crispy cucumbers, shaved red onion, arugula, fresh mint and creamy goat cheese, finishing the salad with a sprinkle of tajin. All these flavors combined make each bite a little different, and you can pick and choose ingredients to eat together. The pops of fresh mint and fruity tajin pull everything together.

At right is our recipe if you want to give it a try at home.

WATERMELON STRAWBERRY SALAD

Servings: 4 to 6

LIME

VINAIGRETTE

(yields 3/4 cup)

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• 1 pinch sugar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

1. Place the lime juice, vinegar, salt and sugar in a mason jar, cover with the lid and shake aggressively to dissolve the salt and sugar.

2. Add the olive oil to the jar. Cover and shake again to emulsify.

3. Chill in the refrigerator while prepping the rest of the ingredients.

SALAD

• 2 quarts watermelon, diced 1/2 inch 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 1/4 inch

• 1 pint strawberries, sliced 1/2 inch

• 1/2 red onion, peeled, halved and sliced into 1/8-inch half moons

• Kosher salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

4 ounces arugula

• 4 ounces goat cheese, cold and crumbled

• 12-15 mint leaves

• Tajin

1. Place the watermelon, cucumber, strawberries and onion in a large mixing bowl and toss gently to combine.

2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the chilled vinaigrette and toss to combine.

3. Lay the arugula out into piles on a large platter.

4. Distribute most of the sliced onions and place evenly on the arugula, then pile the watermelon mixture evenly over the top.

5. Crumble the goat cheese over the ingredients, tear the mint leaves over the salad and then sprinkle lightly with the tajin to evenly season all the fruits and vegetables.

Brandi

Key is chef at Dish Society and brings her culinary talents to every meal she creates.

PERSPECTIVES

The Worm Moon

Poem by Holly Berent

The thaw was not welcome

The rebirth too cold

The light was too bright Earth’s soil hard to hold

Onto jagged, unbalanced attempts to reach

A life which lay latent

Mired in mumbled regrets

Full of torn up beliefs

Still it bored, wormed its way

Through tenuous cracks

Followed the tracks which Caused thick scabs to shed

As toxic bindings released

Reviled by the stamina

It took to survive

But did lead to the place

Where the warmth touched the chill

Icy edges to melt

To emerge Start anew

Holly Berent enjoys sewing, weaving, painting, cooking, writing poetry, playing the piano and gathering with neighborhood friends. A resident of Austin for over 25 years, she now lives in Mueller with her dog, Remy.

Calling

Mueller poets writers!and

The new Perspectives department is for YOU! Send us your poems and short essays (max 350-400 words) to share with your Mueller neighbors. Send submissions to hello@muellermagazine.com.

Beauty

the Wing

A delicate butterfly busily feeding on the nectar of a beautiful flower expresses the wonder of nature in full bloom here in Mueller by collecting pollen, carrying it to other plants and propagating new life.