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.
The holidays always have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute we are giddy at the first day pumpkin lattes show up (OK, maybe only some of us), and the next minute we are planning our Thanksgiving menus. And if you blink…well, it flies right by.
November is always a joyous month for me. Aside from it being my birthday month, it has Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. What could be better than family, friends, football and food?
A local favorite that also embraces the joys of the season is our very own Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery. The shop’s delicious goodies can be enjoyed year-round, but there is something
MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO
special about the way its staff transforms their bakery into holiday central that really puts us all in a festive mood. Stop in this month and enjoy!
In this issue, we also meet the brave firefighters at Fire Station 14, who watch out for our community so we stay safe. Especially during the holidays, let’s make sure to show our appreciation for this dedicated crew and let them know how thankful we are for all they do.
Speaking of gratitude, Mueller resident Cristina Tangredi shares her personal thoughts about our amazing Mueller community and how thankful she is to have found a home here. Her personal essay is a thank-you to Mueller!
To round out the issue, we also share some great ideas for your family holiday celebrations. In Meet Me at the Market, we catch up with the folks at Hamilton Pool Vineyards. Their selection of wines would make a fantastic addition to your holiday table. We also check in with our local UPS Store for tips on making sure packages and gifts arrive on time and in good shape this holiday season.
So much activity and so much to do around the holidays—take some time to enjoy the season!
Liz Reingold Publisher
Editor & Publisher
Liz Reingold
Contributing Writers
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 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Mueller
Mueller’s 11th named park is now open along Zach Scott Street near General Marshall Middle School. With the opening of this park, Mueller’s four-mile hike-and-bike trail is now complete.
Within the space are tennis courts provided by Austin ISD that are available to the public when not being used by the school. There are also two public basketball courts and a covered structure that provides shade.
The park was named for Eva Carillo de Garcia, who, along with her husband, Alberto, published Austin’s first Spanish-language newspaper. She also helped found the second Mexican Methodist church in Austin.
Mueller is turning 20! Hard to believe how far we have come in two decades, so let’s celebrate! Join your fellow Mueller residents for the 20th anniversary celebration of our community. Festivities will include live music and family-friendly activities.
Saturday, November 9 3 to 5 p.m. Mueller Lake Park
Mueller’s own Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, hosted an unveiling and ribbon-cutting to celebrate completion of “Taking Flight,” the new mural at Mueller’s Branch Park Pavilion created in honor of the company’s 30-year anniversary.
Produced by local artists (from left) Ernesto and Cindy Hernandez, the mural’s design pays tribute to plant and animal life native to the Mueller area. The design also incorporates an augmented reality component that will allow viewers to use smartphones to learn more about the piece and watch the mural come to life through animation.
We all love our fur babies, and now we have a local veterinary clinic right here in Mueller.
Opened last month, Modern Animal takes a personal approach to caring for Mueller’s pets. Located at 2015 Aldrich St., it is a convenient option for veterinary care.
Join Thinkery on Friday and Saturday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. for Baby Bloomers, a special time for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers to explore, play and discover together.
To learn more about making magical memories with your little one, visit thinkeryaustin.org/babybloomers.
Hamilton Pool Vineyards and Farms offers locally cultivated vintages along with a variety of organic products.
BY CARMEN GRAY
Inside Branch Park Pavilion at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sunday you can actually buy wine before noon. Just head to the Hamilton Pool Vineyards and Farms table.
This vendor not only showcases a wide variety of Texas wines, but also boasts a symbiotic relationship between growing food for the dinner table and growing grapes for the wine glass.
In fact, Xander, one of the wine sales associates on hand, shared information about all sorts of events and classes they host at the vineyard, ranging from yoga to sound baths to farming classes. It’s clearly a much more expansive operation than just wine.
Although the 10-acre vineyard located at 25711 Hamilton Pool Road in Dripping Springs has been around for over eight years, it was recently established as a new venture between a local farmer and sommelier in the fall of 2023.
“As the old saying goes, we believe what grows together goes together,” the proprietors say, “and we are fortunate to partner with local schools, dairy farms, livestock ranges and schools to help cement a community-focused business that strives to bring excellent local ingredients and Texas wine to the greater Austin area.”
The proprietors say they are delighted to have been working with the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller for the past couple of years, and fellow vendors are both welcoming and cheerful: “Every Sunday morning feels as festive as a tailgate and as close as a family reunion!”
The market is the epicenter of Austin’s diverse cultural scene, with locals mixing in with tourists coming out to see what’s new that week or to buy an old favorite, so it only makes sense that the vineyard and farm also finds some of its best sales here.
The owners and staff are especially fond of their furry four-footed friends at the vineyard and farm, and always keep a refreshing water bowl nearby at their stand.
Asked what the bestseller is, the answer is: “It varies depending on the weather.”
During the summer, white wines and sparkling rosé are more popular. During the winter, people tend to favor reds.
For example, Gold Buckle is a red Bordeaux-like blend aged in oak for 18
months and then subsequently aged in a Bourbon Barrel for three months. The wine has won three awards at competitions. It’s a perfect pick for upcoming fall and winter special occasions, with a vanilla-forward taste and a light-to-medium flavor. A little spice at the finish rounds it out nicely.
Jamie McGuinness, one of the proprietors, has helped add to an array of dynamic events and classes held at the vineyard and farm, including the annual Fall Festival, which features live music and artisan crafts. The vineyard and farm also hosts live music each weekend, along with other seasonal events. Just stop by the table at the market to find out more about current offerings.
Even if you are not a wine aficionado, you may be interested in visiting the farm at the vineyard because of the special care the proprietors give to the 65-acre property, which includes a regenerative farm.
There is a store on-site that offers fresh produce and herbs grown using organic and biodynamic methods; organic, pastured soy; corn-free eggs; raw A-2 whole milk; grass-fed, grass-finished beef; organic, free-range, soy- and corn-free chicken; and organic pickles and ferments.
The business has cultivated an expansive network of dedicated organic and regenerative farms across Texas, united in a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future. This unique kind of collaboration allows for clients to select from a wide variety of locally sourced products in one place.
The proprietors maintain that regenerative farming is not just a practice; it’s a necessity for the future. It’s about cultivating a sustainable ecosystem that nourishes both the community and the planet.
To learn more about the store and deliveries, call or text 833-963-4110 or email info@gatheranddeliver.com.
Evolved from Austin’s first coffee shop, Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery is a local go-to for holiday treats.
Kristen Moncrief, general manager of Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery, displays a selection of the delectable delights the shop is known for.
Whether you are popping in for your morning muffin and coffee or looking for an artistically designed special-occasion cake, Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery— affectionately known as Lady Quack’s—is the place to go. Nestled along Simond Avenue facing the park, Lady Quack’s is a neighborhood favorite for sweet treats.
Although Lady Quack’s is beloved for many of us and part of our daily routines, there is no more exciting time to visit than during the holidays.
Starting in November, the shop transforms into holiday central. The smells, seasonal flavors and selections are irresistible. Whether it’s the shop’s incredible variety of pies or holiday-themed cookies for the kids, the holidays are a special time for this Austin institution.
A Quackenbush Push
Lady Quack’s is an extension of what was initially called Captain Quackenbush’s Intergalactic Dessert Company and Espresso Café, founded by Art Silver and Evelyn Talmadge in 1983.
They leased a space sight unseen on the drag across from the UT campus and started selling espresso drinks and baked goods. Captain’s was the first coffee shop in Austin!
It’s now 42 years later, and the establishment has three locations across the city. The goal has always been to provide customers with quality coffee and espresso drinks, delicious baked goods and a unique experience while avoiding artificial flavors, colors and additives wherever possible.
The Mueller location opened in 2018 when the owners realized they needed to give their cake decorators
more space to create. They also recognized that Mueller was an upand-coming area and jumped at the chance to be part of it.
“Mueller is a wonderful vibrant community with tons of options for shopping, dining and entertainment, and we are very proud to be part of it,” says Austen Sliver, operations manager. “We strive to be the go-to place in Mueller for your morning pastry and coffee, as well as afternoon and evening desserts. We’ve got fantastic treats waiting for you.”
The staff at Lady Quack’s is passionate about what they do. It’s fascinating to grab a coffee and sit by the window that separates the café from the workspace. On any given day, you can watch the talented bakers and cake decorators create the most beautiful and creative cakes and cupcakes. It’s like watching a baking show on TV but in real time!
Holiday Highlights
This particular location specializes in custom cakes, cupcakes, decorated cookies and muffins, which are available year-round, but it’s during this time of the year that Lady Quack’s embraces the season and focuses on holiday pies.
For Thanksgiving, the shop offers pumpkin, cherry, pecan, chocolate pecan, apple cinnamon, chocolate cream, coconut cream and key lime tart. Lady Quack’s takes pre-orders for pies online until November 15 and then offers some available for pick-up as well.
This time of year, the shop pays special attention to the kids. “It’s really special to watch kids’ reactions when they see our decorated cookies in the case or when they’re eating a cupcake,” Silver says. “There are less rules during the holidays when it comes to treats. Sometimes you have to cut loose, if
only for a few days—and we are here for it!”
If you want to get the kids involved in holiday preparations and let them show their creativity, Lady Quack’s offers DIY gingerbread houses and gingerbread people kits to bring home. Kids and adults alike will have a great time putting them together and making holiday memories.
Gingerbread house kits can be pre-ordered only from December 1 to December 15. Gingerbread people kits can be pre-ordered but can also be picked up in-store from December 1 to December 24.
Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee and Danish pastry or ordering a specialty cake or a pie for your holiday table, there is something for everyone at Lady Quack’s. A trip to this local bakery may be the perfect way to give you the lift you need during the hectic holidays.
Highly trained and innovative first responders can handle everything from bomb threats to kitten rescues.
BY CARMEN GRAY
We have a stellar group of firefighters that keep our neighborhood safe at 4305 Airport Blvd. It’s Fire Station 14, Battalion 6, which lies within District 9. On a recent sunny afternoon, four team members who work at Fire Station 14 sat down for an interview.
As a plaque displayed proudly outside indicates, the station opened in September 1952. Since then, it has had several upgrades—including being equipped with a crash truck apparatus—that provide fire coverage for the municipal airport complex.
The station supports firefighting and crash rescue operations for incidents involving aircraft, and fire personnel and equipment serving the airport also operate under Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
There are only four such specialty rescue stations in Austin, and Fire Station 14 is one of them. It means that in the event of floodwater, hazmat, bomb threats and heavy rescue missions, this station is equipped and trained to service such needs.
The engine at the station is equipped with 600 gallons of water, and there are a total of 33 people who serve at this station spread out through three distinct shifts.
There is an ABC sequence of shifts, each involving 11 people per shift, including a captain. Capt. James Garee has received awards including the Meritorious Service award from a rescue mission
on January 2, 2019, involving a stranded motorist in a tree during torrential rainfall and flooding on a near-freezing day. It’s clear that he takes his job seriously and that he has been a longtime Austin resident. Firefighter David Brooks brings out a special tool that one of the station’s own firefighters invented. It’s an improved version of an ax and is used all over the country, even by the military. He and the other firefighters on duty explain that firefighter Chris “The Rock” Moren—a surfer originally from San Diego—came up with the idea, drawing it on a napkin.
Asked what the squad deals with mostly in the Mueller neighborhood, fire specialist Dan Hatcherson notes that things are pretty tame overall. The most common issues involve calls about animal rescues such as saving cats from storm drains and nests of ducklings. There are the occasional emergency calls and natural gas checks, but in general, Mueller is a relatively quiet neighborhood in comparison to nearby I-35, for which the station responds to calls about car wrecks.
The firefighters’ experiences offer a window into steps that local residents can take to help ensure that first responders can do their jobs most effectively.
Firefighter Justin McCance notes that the best thing citizens can do to help out during an emergency is to ensure, if you are in a car being overtaken by an oncoming firstresponder vehicle, that you don’t just stop in the middle of the street. This causes numerous concerns and headaches for firefighters. Instead, remember to pull over and stop so that you remain out of the way of first responders who are trying their hardest to save someone else.
If you are interested in learning more about fire safety and firefighting in general, there is a City of Austin program called Pass the Torch, which provides participants with an opportunity to learn about fire service and emergency medical services in a safe, controlled learning environment during weekend sessions over approximately three months.
The program, which is taught by experienced Austin Fire
Department (AFD) firefighters, is designed to provide participants with a preview of the AFD Academy and increase awareness about career opportunities in fire service.
Next time you pass by the station on Airport Boulevard or walk by the back of it off of James Wheat Street, remember how lucky we are to have such a well-trained group of people who keep our neighborhood and
surrounding area safe.
If you are so inclined, dropping off treats for the station’s firefighters is always welcome—but be sure to park in the back, not off of Airport Boulevard: As always, safety first!
Local UPS manager Jules Alcindor offers advice on making sure gifts arrive intact and on time.
The holiday season can be stressful. There never seems to be enough time to go to all the gatherings, prepare your home for festivities and find the right gifts for all the people in your life. Then, once you find all the right gifts, how do you manage to get them shipped on time and in good condition?
Jules Alcindor, manager at our very own neighborhood UPS Store, shares his tips for getting all your holiday packages to their destinations easily and efficiently.
“As the holiday season approaches, getting your packages shipped on time is essential,” he says. “To avoid the holiday rush, it’s best to send your gifts immediately after Thanksgiving or during the first week of December.”
If that’s not possible, the following guidelines can help meet a few essential goals.
For guaranteed delivery by Christmas, here are a few key deadlines to remember:
• UPS 3-Day Select shipments should be sent by December 19.
• UPS 2nd-Day Air should be sent by December 20.
• UPS Next Day Air should be sent by December 23.
Shipping on time is only half the battle. In order to get your packages to their destinations successfully, they must also be packed properly. Here are a few tips directly from UPS to get the job done right:
• Use a sturdy box: Pick a rigid box that’s rated for shipping and has all its flaps intact. Avoid cereal or shoe boxes.
• Pack securely: Wrap all items separately and use cushioning materials to protect them. Double box fragile items, with cushioning around the inner box.
• Use the right tape: Select strong shipping tape to seal the package. Avoid duct tape or painter’s tape, which could cause the box to open during transit.
• Use the right label: Apply a label with clear delivery information and return details. Include a duplicate address label inside the package.
• Add signature: Include the “signature required” service for packages with significant value.
It’s helpful to be organized and ready to go when you arrive at the UPS store with your packages. At this time of year, the store can be busy and lines can be longer, but there are things you can do to make the process as efficient as possible when you get to the store.
• When preparing your packages, make sure everything is well organized, especially if you’re shipping multiple items.
• Have your labels and addresses ready for quick processing.
• If you’re packing fragile items, make sure to use plenty of bubble wrap and extra tape to keep your packages secure.
Alcindor gets a smile on his face when he talks about the holiday season. “This is what we wait for all year long, and this is what we do best,” he says. “At our UPS Store, we offer a variety of services to make holiday shipping stressfree. Whether you need professional packaging, custom shipping options or mailbox and printing services, we’re here to help. Visit us to ensure your packages arrive safely and on time!”
So, when the holidays seem overwhelming and there don’t seem to be enough hours in the day, take a step back and let the professionals lend a hand. You will be glad you did!
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• 34% of the 2024 graduating class accepted into specialized High School programs St. Francis School 300
A recent Mueller resident reflects on the joys of discovering a strong, welcoming community.
BY CHRISTINA TANGREDI
Home is more than just a place; it’s a feeling, a community and a sense of belonging.
For my partner, Jimmy, our dog, Coda, and me, the search for that true sense of home has been a long-held dream. Now, as we settle down in Mueller, we’re finally experiencing the reality of what it means to have a place to truly call our own in a community that has already captured our hearts.
Our story began in the summer of 2016 when we met in New York. With Jimmy being from Ireland and me from Massachusetts, we spent three years navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship. Despite the excitement of traveling to meet in new places, we both started longing for something more—a place where we could build a life together rather than just visit one another.
In 2018, we decided to make Austin our home base. The vibrant culture, warm weather and welcoming community made it an easy choice. However, renting kept us on the move, never quite allowing us to feel settled. We loved the city, but the transient
nature of our living situation left us longing for something more permanent, something that truly felt like home.
Fast forward to April 2024: Our dream of finding a place to truly settle down led us to purchase a townhome in Mueller.
From the moment we moved in and were greeted by our neighbors, Mueller felt like a place where we could not only find a home but also build a strong sense of community and connection.
Each morning, we would walk Coda, taking him on a new route and uncovering hidden gems throughout the neighborhood. These morning walks became more than just a way to enjoy the sunshine; they were an opportunity to greet familiar faces and feel connected to our community.
Strolling through the parks and weaving through the charming streets quickly became a cherished part of our daily routine, each walk offering a perfect blend of nature and city life.
What truly struck us about Mueller is its strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place where neighbors greet you with a
smile, and where borrowing a cup of milk isn’t just a favor but a chance to connect.
This neighborhood is more than just a cluster of houses; it’s a close-knit network of people who genuinely care for one another, creating the warm and welcoming environment we had been searching for during our years of moving from one rental to another.
Mueller has offered us not just a place to live, but also a platform to engage and become part of something bigger.
Receiving our monthly Mueller magazine has always brought us so much joy and excitement, and I saw sharing our story as the perfect opportunity to become a deeper part of the community. Through this, I hope to connect with others and contribute to the vibrant narrative that makes Mueller such a special place.
Beyond just being a house, our townhome in Mueller represents the start of a beautiful new chapter for us. It’s a chapter defined by the community that surrounds us, the small moments of connection and the realization that we’ve finally found the place we can call home.
...is thankful for our community
Poem by Holly Ann Berent
The antlers transitioned, battered and worn, Quite suddenly shifted, showing strength while reborn.
Swiftly adapting, as steadily shedding, Released from their pedicles, grasping no more, They left the vague life they had known from before.
Remnants, dissolving and dusty, then mixed with earth’s dregs, Compounds now the cure, The cure that began on that damp woodland floor.
They emerge charged with vigor as the Buck Moon prevails, Fresh guides shine a beacon to The baffling forest of circuitous trails.
Nick Loquens, who frequents Mueller Lake Park, knew where to take his parents when they recently visited from the United Kingdom for a stay in the area. In fact, the family walked Mueller Lake Park regularly, taking in waterloving wildlife, including this cormorant.
Have
