Winter 2010–2011

This isn’t their home, but

they have reason to celebrate.

Ladybird Lake  Lake Austin  Lake Travis  Lake Marble Falls  Lake LBJ  Lake Buchanan
REDEFINING LAKEFRONT LIVING
ONE LIFELONG MEMORY AT A TIME

ocated on Lake Travis in the heart of Lakeway, » SEMI-CUSTOM HOMES FROM THE $280’S
the stunning 1,787-acre Rough Hollow » CUSTOM HOME SITES FROM THE $110’S
» WATERFRONT VILLAS FROM THE $400’S
community literally offers something for everyone.
» CUSTOM HOMES FROM THE $600’S
Stop by our Welcome Center for some cookies and a
WINNER:

2010
community map before touring our new models from
Coventry Homes, Grand Haven Homes and Standard
Pacific Homes, as well as our custom home sites and “BEST OVERALL
waterfront villas. COMMUNITY”

START LIVING.

To view available homes in the community, visit:

RoughHollowLakeway.com
512.617.1776
www.facebook.com/RoughHollowLakeway

Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.

Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent Resources. Powered by Legacy International Resort Properties
 Tropic Tan Spa at the Lake Java Dive Cafe Suzie D’s Cafe CastroNova

Rocco’s Grill John Ryan’s Clothing Artisan Bistro Dr. Winston Eaddy, DDS Finley's Barber Shop

Lakeway Blvd & RR 620 S • www.lakewaycommons.com • 512.266.3163

Lake Travis

Lakeway
Commons

City of
Lakeway

Austin Lakeway Pediatric Associates Cristiani’s Jewelers Lake Travis Podiatry

Edward Jones Domino’s Pizza Tower Elevator Systems, Inc. PakMail

Wells Fargo Bank Lakeway Eye Center Mission Family Chiropractics Reid’s Cleaners Heart HR

A beautiful Hill Country setting for your shopping and dining.

Will it be one of our handcrafted British supercars? Not likely. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find a super car. Because
our pre-owned inventory is always stocked with superior values on the most popular import and domestic brands. You won’t
find a better selection. And you certainly won’t enjoy a more generous ownership experience. John Eagle European. More
than you expect. Everything you deserve.

Aston Martin of Austin I Bentley Austin I Lotus of Austin

12989 Research Blvd/US 183 N -North of McNeil Road I johneagleeuropean.com I 512.401.BOND
whoever said “you can’t buy happiness”
never owned this house.

After you drive into the gorgeous private gated community aligned with majestic oaks you will
find your Hill Country dream home tucked back in a wonderful and private setting. Ideally set
on a spacious greenbelt, this home oozes curb appeal from the moment you drive up, complete
with established landscaping and mature trees. Once you set foot in the foyer accompanied by
soaring ceilings, you will find the formal living and dining rooms with rich wood floors, unique
arches, niches and a beautiful designer palette. A great combination of slate and wood floors
emits a sense of style and comfort. Step further in the open family room that features a floor to
ceiling stone fireplace, custom built in entertainment center and large windows that allow natu-
ral light to fill the room. Open to the family room is the gourmet kitchen and large casual dining
area. This fabulous kitchen boasts gorgeous limestone accents, a tile backsplash, natural wood
cabinets, breakfast bar, buffet station, large pantry and plenty of counter space. Appliances
include gas cook top, built-in oven, microwave and dishwasher. The stainless steel appliances
and granite counter tops offer a hint of modernity. Privately placed in the back right corner of
the house is the master bedroom featuring a coffered ceiling, recessed lighting and access to the
back patio. The master bathroom includes his and her vanities, garden tub, separate shower,
huge walk in closet and natural wood cabinets. Upstairs on the second level are 4 bedrooms
and 2 Jack and Jill bathrooms that all feed into a living area that can be easily be used as a game
room. Escape to the third level for billiards and fun! Outside you can relax or watch your kids on
139 Rocky Spot Drive $510,000 MLS 9843960
the playscape from the patio along the back of the home. The large, privacy fenced backyard is
every homeowners dream. If you are looking for a spacious and sophisticated home that offers

Amber Hart realtor, ba

exceptional spaces indoors and out, look no more!

512.415.9023

keller williams - lake travis

1921 lohmans crossing suite 100
austin, tx 78734
www.amberharthomes.com
512.263.9090
 Waterways Magazine

Winter
604 Peterson Lane; Lakeway, TX 78734
waterwaysmag@gmail.com

Editor/Publisher: Cathie Parssinen 512.785.6313

2010–2011
Designer: Sheila Parr waterwaysdesign@gmail.com
Contributors: Juliette LeBlanc, Keija Parssinen, The
Flying Chalupa

Cover photo by Cathie Parssinen

12
About The Cover

Lake Travis On Parade

14
In The Water Boat Show
16
Parade of Homes™ at Rough Hollow
22 Showcase at the Reserve

Community
24
Business Profiles
26
Community Profile: Haythem Dawlett

22 28 Dancing for the Library

32
Women’s Club Fashion Show
32 36
National Night Out at Belvedere
38
Where Are They Now?

42
Hill Country Vineyards and Wines

The Toddler Chronicles

45
Dumper by Digger

The Arts
48
Amy Ringholz at Austin Galleries
38 49
TexARTS Forges Ahead
50 DANCE INSTITUTE

42
28

26
 Furniture •Accessories • Design

See our Huge Inventory of

Clean, Used Boats & Yachts
at www.eriksenmarine.com!

Buy your Boat from the PowerBoat exPerts

Full Service Yard with 50 ton and 24 ton Travelifts Lakeway, Texas
5975 Hiline Road • Austin, Texas 78734
512 266 3493 • eriksenmarine.com
263-3600
Lohman’s Crossing & RR620

Hill Country Galleria

512-263-1176
www.apricotlanebeecave.com

FEATURING E.H.
“Bubba” Breazeale
JWLA
AG JEANs
BIG sTAR
VELVET HEART
LUcky
EXPERIENCE DOES COUNT!
MAx ANd cLEo
MysTREE Selling Lake Travis Area Residential
ARk & co. and Commercial Real Estate since 1976
HANdBAGs
JEWELRy
ANd GIFTs
E.H. “Bubba” Breazeale, Realtor®
Look for us with Lush
Salon’s style and fashion (512) 517-4247 • Toll Free 800-252-9606
show, Dec. 2nd, 3pm at b_breazeale@msn.com • www.lakewaytexas.com
Verdes Mexican Parilla.
 Little athletes: Ava and Mia McDonald

About the Cover

Story and photos by Cathie Parssinen

S
Carrie and Ryan McDonald
o why are Carrie and Ryan McDonald sitting by this stunning pool at the
Kristin and Tony Holt
Parade of Homes™ house built by Zbranek Custom Homes? It is not even their
house! In fact, the home belongs to Richard and Tish Williams who undoubtedly
will have moved in by the time this issue appears in print.
Carrie and Ryan are celebrating here for two very good reasons. They have three young children –
Scott, Ava and Mia – and both Scott and Ava play sports with the Lake Travis Youth Association (LTYA).
Scott is crazy about baseball, and Ava plays soccer and basketball, while Mia is their little athlete waiting
in the wings. On the evening this picture was taken, Zbranek Custom Homes and Rough Hollow pre-
sented a check for $150,000 to the LTYA. These funds will help to replenish an LTYA budget that was
decimated due to fraud by a third party financial company hired to collect online credit card payments.
This donation was the direct result of a commitment undertaken by Zbranek Custom Homes to build
a Benefit Home, a charitable building program that raises money for worthwhile causes by securing
discounts from vendors and contractors who generously agree to participate. The project also enjoyed
the enthusiastic support of Haythem Dawlett and Rough Hollow. All Lake Travis families with children
who play sports with the LTYA will benefit from the success of this remarkable undertaking.
The second reason for Ryan and Carrie’s celebration is that they are currently exploring the possibil-
ity of having Zbranek Custom Homes build them a home in Spanish Oaks. So this try-it-on-for-size toast
by the pool may be the harbinger of a Zbranek Custom Home of their own.

Don Maler, Judd Brooks, Jennifer Langlois, Phillip Jalufka, Julie Jalufka Steve Zbranek (ZCH), Chad Wilbanks (LTYA), Tony Holt (ZCH), Haythem Dawlett (Rough Hollow)

12 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

 
        Seven  for all 
Mankind
Citizens of Humanity
 True 
Religion
Joe’s
         RedEngine 
  
It Jeans
Michael Stars
         RockRevival 
Free People
 
LA Made

www.LakewayOrthodontics.com           Yellow Born Box


          Seychelles Velvet

          Havaianas 
Maternity Denim
          Testament 
Consuela
• Complimentary Initial Appointments
  
Waxing Poetic
Jeff Dykes DDS, MS
• Clear Braces & Invisalign  Miss Me 
Bobi
Board Certified Specialist
in Orthodontics for chil-
• Digital X-Rays
• File all insurance for our patients
        Seasonal  
Whispers
dren, teens and adults Lena Wald

  Bee
Cave Galleria
 of
&
Centrally located in Lakeway Shops: 512-402-0078
1007 RR 620 S., Ste. 201, Austin, TX 78734 (Office) 512-263-2993 
on historic Main St. in Marble Falls: 830-798-9323
   www.smartiepantzboutique.com

        MiMi  & 
Maggie
         Baby LuLu 
 Baby Nay 
Little Mass
 
Zaza Couture
         Cach Cach 
T H E R E S E RV E E QU E S T R I A N C E N T E R I S
now open  
Mis-tee-v-us
Robeez
         See 
Kai Run
         Yellow  Box 
C ome To u r o u r B e a uTi f u l          Wonder  Boy 
S T aT e- of- The - a r T e q u eS Tr i a n C e nT e r
        Mooshu  Trainers

Lighted covered arena • Oversized stalls w/run outs Bunnies by the Bay
English & Western • Riding lessons & Trainers for all disciplines           Belle  ame 
meeT our TrainerS
Head Trainer- Jenna Traeger - Hunter/Jumper and Dressage  
Lacoste
Kayla Potter - Hunter/Jumper and Equitation
Alexis Sblendorio - Western Pleasure and Reining  
Knuckleheads
Board before Jan 1 to receive free DueS at our
Cypress Club and Pool For A Year          Ruffle  butts

Ki ds   * 
Lelli Kelly
lake Travi S | 512.264.2456  to
Newborn * 
Size 14
T he r eSer ve a T l a k e Tr a v iS e q u eS T r i a n . C om

 In the Water
Boat Show
from sail & ski

story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen

O
n Saturday, the second day of the three day Boat Show at Carlos
n’ Charlie’s, the organizers really should have changed the name to the
“In The Water Boat and Game Show,” for with Texas leading Nebraska
17-3 at half-time, attention had definitely drifted, although only momentarily, from
the spectacular selection of watercraft to the outcome of a great game. The ultimate
Longhorn victory may even have contributed to a celebratory purchase or two. Boat
dealerships reaped the benefit of the flawless weather that contributed to a huge
turnout of boating enthusiasts.
According to Buzz Watkins of Sail & Ski, it was the best “In The Water Boat
Show” Sail & Ski has experienced since the shows began back in 2004. As he noted,
“We sold more boats at this show than we have
sold at any of their previous events since the
introduction of the shows began.” A nice sur-
prise, and perhaps a sign that consumers are
beginning to regain confidence and are starting
to spend money on the passions they may have
put on hold during several challenging years.

James Johnson, Rod Malone, Buzz Watkins,

Darrell Spraggins, Troy Triplett

14 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

Now ServiNg Lakeway/Bee Cave (Hwy 71 @ Hamilton Pool rd)

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foreiGn, doMestiC,
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second location in austin!

We stoCK oVer
500 tires
Michelin, Goodyear
Yokohamas & more

www.mcspaddenautomotive.com
Mention this ad for Free Shuttle Service
$25 off any service–first time customers
$5 off oil Change • $10 off each tire Purchase
 The 2010
Parade Of Homes™
At Rough Hollow

story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen

T
he Home Builders Association of Greater Austin has
twice selected Rough Hollow Lakeway to host the Parade
of Homes™, once in 2008 and again in 2010. The HBA also
honored Rough Hollow with an award in 2010 for the “Best Overall
Community” for its size. At this year’s Parade, seven premier custom
builders presented differing visions of home building and home design,
showcasing the very best in new products and technologies.
If you were not able to visit the Parade, we hope you will enjoy this
feature that offers just a glimpse of three of these homes: Triton Custom
Homes, Zbranek Custom Homes and VII Custom Homes. Both Triton
and VII Custom Homes deviated boldly from the standard Tuscan-style
that has so dominated both architecture and interior home design in
Texas over the past decade. Their contemporary interpretations offered
an elegant aesthetic and a clear departure from the norm. However, the
beautiful interpretation of Zbranek Custom Homes old world Tuscan
design offers a confident confirmation that, no matter what design
trends come and go, the palate for this style retains
a compelling place in the preference spectrum for
many homebuyers.

Triton Custom Homes

Go home. Find a house to call home faster
than you ever thought possible.

512-784-8600
jana@janabirdwell.com
www.janabirdwell.com
 Zbranek Custom Homes

18 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

LAkesHoRe Home GALLeRy
A Complete
Home Resource
Center at
one Convenient
Location!
* Interior Design
* Custom Cabinetry
* Home Appliances
* HDTV’s
* Home Theater
* New Construction
& Remodeling

107 RR 620 South

(Liberty Center), Lakeway 78734

LOCATED IN LAKEWAY 512-264-2999

Create a resort in your own backyard.

Pool Remodels | Arbors | Patios | Concrete Decks | Pebble Finishes | Quartz Plaster | Stone Work | Waterfalls
Retainer Walls | Covered Patios | Concrete Work | Outdoor Kitchens | Lifetime Warranties Available | FREE Estimates

512.264.1979
MeMber

www.handhtileandplaster.com
 VII Custom Homes

20 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

A Dream Yard
for Your Dream House

Your Local Mortgage

Professional
call for all your
home financing needs!

SecurityNational
Mortgage Company

Jenny Staton
Sr. Loan Officer
Ph: 512-761-6151
Cell: 409-719-6986
Fax: 888-619-3585
jenny.staton@yahoo.com
NMLS #:266593
 Showcase at The Reserve at Lake Travis
story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen
J
ust around the corner from The Parade of Homes™ at Rough
Hollow, the Reserve at Lake Travis was hosting a Community
Showcase and Home Tour of its own. Guests toured the Alura
Pointe Villa model home and wandered through amenities that hugged
the magnificent shoreline. Amenities include the full-service marina and
the Cypress Club with its expansive resort-style pool, featuring multilevel
22 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011
decks, a swim-up cabana bar, waterfalls and a lazy river. The Equestrian
Center, with its covered and open arena, and horse stables were also on
display.
Shown here is the personal home of Developer Hal Jones, built by Jeff
Turner of Jeff Turner Construction, Inc. As one might expect, given the
spectacular lot, the design of the home maximizes exterior space, creating
a paradise for outdoor living. The interiors are true to the Texas rustic style,
and the look of the expansive interior space is clean and uncluttered, allow-
ing natural materials such as stone and wood to assume center stage.
With 3.5 miles of curving shoreline, The Reserve at Lake Travis boasts
wooded home sites with panoramic lake and hill country views. Located near
Lakeway, in the award winning Lake Travis Independent School District, it is
easily accessible from Hwy 71 and Lakeway.

a Better WaY to live

Our residents enjoy large acreage home sites on
miles of shoreline, the deepest water marina on
Lake Travis, a spectacular lazy river pool and swim
park, and a state-of-the-art equestrian center.
Come experience The Reserve at Lake Travis-
where living is big.

1-11 ac r e hom e s ite s

$199 k - $1 m + 4 lak e travi s
512.264.2456
r e s e rv e a t l a k e t r av i s . c o m
Hal Jones Development reserves the right to make changes without notice. No guarantee is made
that the proposed features will be constructed, or that if constructed, will be of the number and
type described. These materials shall not constitute an offer in any state where prior registration
is required. Void where prohibited by law. For unimproved lots at The Reserve at Lake Travis,
obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No
federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of these properties. WARNING: THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED,
OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.
 Entrepreneurial Spirit
Thrives in Lake Travis
Story by Cathie Parssinen

T
he recent groundbreaking for Real Del Lago shopping center south of Walgreens on RR 620 is one more example of the fact that Lakeway
and Bee Cave continue on an aggressive course of business expansion. New medical practices, retail shops and restaurants proliferate. Old-
timers may look around and ask themselves, “Who ARE these people?” Periodically Waterways tries to answer that question by featuring local
businesses, some new and some restructured, in our Business Profile feature. Below we unveil the people behind the DBA’s in our neighborhood. Read on
to learn more about where they came from, how they got here and what they do!

ADORN HOME & BODY Kathleen Ibanez Stephens,

Denise Stone, Susan Ibanez
Brent and Kim Charlet fell in love with Texas over the course of many sum-
mers spent in Columbus attending Pine Cove Family Christian Camp. They
come to Lake Travis with their three children from Zachary, Louisiana, and
they couldn’t be more delighted with their decision to begin a new adven-
ture in the Texas Hill Country. While Kim is passionate about fitness and
fashion, Brent brings a wealth of experience gained working in a 10,000
square foot family
retail operation near
Baton Rouge that
offered antique and
new interiors, cus-
tom furniture and
flooring made from
recycled wood. Their
interests will merge
at their new store,
APRICOT LANE: A PERFECT FIT!
ADORN HOME &
Kathleen Ibanez Stephens graduated from the University of Texas with a
BODY, at Lakeway
degree in Communication and promptly began a career in outside sales,
Centre II, off
where she pounded the pavement selling phone systems. She learned pretty
Lohmans Crossing
quickly that her heart was not in it and took a more creative position at the
near RR 620 South.
Art Institute of Houston as a Career Service Advisor, helping graphic design
They intend to
graduates find their first jobs in design. Still, something was missing. After
present a unique
marriage, a baby, and a StrollerFit business, Kathleen moved from Houston
collection of antique
to the Hill Country where she and her mother, Susan, decided to open a
and new pieces for
business together. For Susan was also looking for something engaging to do
the home that reflect
with her time and talents after a 25-year career as a Spanish teacher. She
the French influ-
needed something to supplement her active community life and her tennis
Cara Lane, Brent, Kim, Anna Beth and Charles Charlet ence of their South
game! Apricot Lane was the perfect career fit for both of them, combining
Louisiana roots as
Kathleen’s love for fashion with Susan’s business savvy. Mother and daugh-
well as an eclectic
ter set off on their retail adventure together in April 2009, with the opening
mix of European and contemporary one-of-a-kind items. Brent is espe-
of Apricot Lane in the Hill Country Galleria.
cially excited to offer a selection of hand-forged, French style iron table
Denise Stone, Store Manager and Fashion Party Coordinator, offers the
bases in several sizes with 100-year old antique, reclaimed wood tops.
welcoming smile that greets store customers. She comes from a background
While Brent addresses the “Home,” Kim will take care of the “Body,”
in interior design and owned her own home gift store in Dripping Springs.
showcasing an assortment of moderately priced women’s fashions, from
Her fashion sense and warm disposition endear her to Apricot Lane fol-
casual to dressy casual and fitness wear. She will also stock an abundant
lowers. Kathleen and Denise do all the buying while Susan works behind
selection of accessories that will include purses, shoes, jewelry and scarves.
the scenes doing the not so glamorous but very important work that keeps
Along with their distinct Louisiana accents, they bring the contagious
Apricot Lane running smoothly.
excitement of newcomers that look at this area through new eyes, and their
“Apricot Lane Boutique is a store you can run to when a dinner, a date
enthusiasm offers a refreshing reminder of the many pleasures and advan-
or a party presents you with the unavoidable fact that you must find some-
tages available here. ADORN opens in mid-November.
thing special to wear – today!” says Kathleen.

24 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011


Barrett Johns, Billy Johns
H & H TILE AND PLASTER
Billy Johns, a Lakeway resident, moved to Austin from Fort Worth in 2004
to establish a separate and independent offshoot of H & H Tile and Plaster,
a well-respected subcontracting company for pool and homebuilders in the
Fort Worth area since 1983. Now located on Hwy 12 near Hamilton Pool
Road, the main focus of business for H & H is pool finish out and the cos-
metic transformation of exterior space.
As subcontractors for pool builders and homebuilders, H & H offers the
expertise, labor and materials for all the components that beautify pools
and backyard gardens. These include tile and plastering work, coping, hard-
scapes, natural stone waterfalls, rock decking and weeping walls. According
to Billy Johns, “We are the only certified Central Texas-based applicator
for Beadcrete , a unique glass bead interior finish for pools. The stand-out
®
quality of our workmanship, our communication and outstanding service
are rare among subcontractors.” These assets have led to an expansion of
work for H & H not only in Austin but also throughout Texas, New Mexico,
Louisiana and Oklahoma. A superior record of work has made them a pre-
ferred subcontractor for homebuilders participating in Parade of Homes™
across Texas, including this year’s Parade at Rough Hollow.
While new construction provides the major thrust of work, H & H also
specializes in renovations and upgrades to pools and exterior space with
homeowners and also with Realtors on make-ready-for-sale projects.
®
Raymond and Dianne McSpadden with their daughter Emily
Steve and Anne Marie Pyle, Gary Chambers, Lori Anderson, Lee Woody, Misty and Rob Estrada
LAKESHORE HOME GALLERY
Lakeshore Home Gallery is a new Lakeway business that combines the forc-
es of several pre-existing local businesses, with derivative functions relating
to home improvement, to establish a design and resource group in a single,
convenient center. Participants in this new group are The Frog Pad Home
Appliance Store, owned by Steve and Anne Marie Pyle; Greystone Farm
Custom Cabinetry, owned by Rob and Misty Estrada; Interior Selections,
owned by Lori Anderson; and Bailey Allen Interests, owned by Gary
Chambers and Lee Woody. All are experts in what they do and have vast
experience in their respective fields.
Pooling the talent and resources of all facets of interior design, custom
cabinetry, home appliances, HDTV’s, home theater, and construction and
remodeling. Lakeshore Home Gallery will present local consumers with a
multitude of options and solutions for home beautification. As Rob Estrada
notes, “There’s not one thing we can’t do to address the issues of the aging
home in desperate need of a face lift or a new look.” Lakeshore Home
Gallery will also offer an invaluable turnkey resource to help homeowners
and Realtors with the critical, market-ready transformation of homes for
®
sale. This service is essential to give a “for sale” home a competitive edge in
a challenging marketplace.
The group is currently redesigning space for their showroom at Liberty
Center at 107 RR 620 South in Lakeway in preparation for a December
grand-opening.
MCSPADDEN’S AUTOMOTIVE
Raymond McSpadden has spent a lifetime working on cars and trucks. Beginning at a
small shop in Buda in 1983, he joined a large, nationwide chain in Austin in 1989 where
he quickly earned recognition as their #1 automotive technician. After serving as General
Manager for several years, he founded his own company on South Congress and has
never looked back. Offering complete bumper-to-bumper repair and service for cars and
trucks (both foreign and domestic), McSpadden’s Automotive recently opened a sec-
ond location at 14422 Hwy. 71 West near Hamilton Pool Road. Raymond McSpadden’s
Christian beliefs guide a business model that places great importance on the trust and
integrity that, along with service and quality, define all his dealings with every customer.
Raymond intends to create a “boutique” garage with an emphasis on customer comfort
and convenience. He already offers a shuttle service and, in most cases, a complimentary
detail comes with every repair visit. He also plans to proceed with some cosmetic upgrades,
such as the installation of wood flooring and a remodel of the office and waiting room.
Raymond and his wife Dianne have four children, and they are excited to be a part
of the growing community of businesses serving the greater Lakeway/Bee Cave area.
Winter 2010–2011 | Waterways 25
Community Profile

Haythem Dawlett at Rough Hollow

Haythem Dawlett
story by Cathie Parssinen
photos compliments of Legend Communities
and Cathie Parssinen

A
s a principal partner of Legend Communities, Haythem
Dawlett has distinguished himself for many years with a legendary record
of giving. And Lakeway, the home of Legend Communities Rough Hollow
and Tuscan Village, has not been the only beneficiary of Dawlett’s largess. Gifts
spearheaded by Dawlett have flowed to nonprofit organizations and philanthropies
in the greater Lake Travis community and in Austin as well. Good for business?
Undoubtedly. However, giving on this scale usually reflects a motivation to support
not only immediate charitable causes but also much larger, often interconnected
needs that will impact Lakeway families far into the future. In 2009, the Lake Travis
Chamber of Commerce nominated Haythem Dawlett as “Citizen of the Year.”
According to the Council on Foundations’ Abbreviated History of the
Philanthropic Tradition in the United States, “Philanthropy has strong roots in reli-
gious beliefs, in the history of mutual assistance, in democratic principles of civic
participation, in pluralistic approaches to problem solving and in American tradi-
tions of individual autonomy and limited government.”
The Lake Travis Independent School District leads the list of recipients of
major donations by Haythem Dawlett. Some of these contributions were given
directly to the District. This was the case with the $45,000 gift to the LTISD Athletic
Department for equipment, a gift that was spread over several years from 2008
through 2010. Dawlett’s substantial gifts to the Lake Travis Education
Foundation provide an indirect benefit to the District. For five years,
Rough Hollow Lakeway has assumed the role of Presenting Sponsor of
the Crystal Ball, LTEF’s major, annual fundraising event, with annual
contributions of $25,000. He has been a major sponsor of the LTEF
golf tournaments and in 2007 supplemented his Presenting Sponsor
donation to LTEF with an addition $25,000 contribution to the ROPES
Course.
Dawlett, on behalf of Rough Hollow Lakeway and Tuscan Village,
served as Honorary Chair and Diamond Sponsor in 2009 and Emerald
Diamond Sponsor in 2010, donating a total of $35.000 to A World For
Children, a faith-based, non-profit child placing agency licensed by the
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide foster
care for abused and neglected children.
By severely discounting the price of the homesite in The Bluffs at
Steve Zbranek (Zbranek Custom Homes), Chad Wilbanks (LTYA),
Tony Holt (Zbranek Custom Homes), Haythem Dawlett (Legend Communities) Rough Hollow, Dawlett teamed with Zbranek Custom Homes to col-
laborate on a project to build a Benefit Home that generated
a $150,000 donation to the Lake Travis Youth Association.
This donation alleviated much of the financial distress the
organization suffered after being defrauded by a third-party
financial company hired to collect payments from members.
On behalf of Legend Communities, Dawlett has also
pledged land (with an estimated value of $1 million) for the
Lake Travis Community Library.
In addition to these major grants, Haythem Dawlett has
been an instrumental sponsor for dozens of community
events and projects, from the Green Santa program to the
ClubCorp Charity Golf Classic, benefiting CASA of Travis
County and MDA Augie’s Quest.
Haythem Dawlett at He is Legend Communities’ legendary citizen.
the 2008 Crystal Ball Haythem, Pierce and Grant Dawlett, Tracy Henry, LTEF President

26 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

1st Place Winners
Tammie Rucker and
Police Chief Todd
Radford

story and Photos

by Cathie Parssinen A sell-out crowd holds court at the World of Tennis

Stepping Out for the Library

3
60 passionate fans recently thronged center court at the World of Tennis in the Village of the Hills
to witness an incomparable match-up. Although it wasn’t a match between Nadal and Federer they came
to see, the footwork on display was just as impressive as eight local pairs battled for supremacy on the
dance floor. The sold-out event, based on the TV phenomenon “Dancing With the Stars,” benefited the Lake Travis
Community Library (LTCL) and grossed $104,000, including $13,000 from auctions and a generous $50,000
donation from the Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis.
Donna Luchow, Karen Schultz
According to Sharon Rogers, Vice-President of the LTCL
Sonny Chadwick and Animal Control
Board of Trustees and a key organizer of the event, “We need
Officer Andrea Greig
to raise a million dollars before we can proceed with con-
struction. We now have $514,645 in donations and pledges.”
This amount includes a $50,000 donation by Joyce and Jon
Champeny, an $80,000 check from the Friends of the Lake
Travis Community Library, given in support of the Capital
Campaign, and the net amount generated, after expenses, by
this event. Excluded from this figure is the key donation of
land for the library (with an estimated value of $1 million)
pledged by Haythem Dawlett and Tuscan Village.
The fast and furious verbal give-and-take between MC Dave
Kelliher and the three judges was racy and hilarious. Judge
Annette Brown had the crowd in an uproar when she pleaded
with Police Chief Todd Radford to “lock her up and take her
away,” following his sexy performance of a Rhumba Bolero with
partner Tammie Rucker that won them first place. For volun-
teer or giving opportunities visit www.laketravislibrary.org

Jamie Clayton and Jon Hupp

Tennis Director Dennis McWilliams and Laura Battle

Mary Ann Funk, Ray Kilgo

Judges Bill Strong, Annette Brown and Glenn Lee

28 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

 The Perfect Gift
IGINAL DA
OR YS

E
TH

PA
A gift you know she deserves this holiday season—
a gift certificate from Spa at the Lake!
www.spaatthelake.com
512.263.7611 | 620 & lakeway blvd | open 7 days a week

We Sell AWESOME Texas!

WATERFRONTS | GOLF COURSE | HILL COUNTRY | DOWNTOWN

We work, live and play here . . .

Lynn Robin Diana Thomas

512-736-8822 512-970-4489
lynnrobin@sbcglobal.net dianathomasrealtor.com

We are your LAKE TRAVIS real estate specialists!

 Michael Hilgers, Juliette LeBlanc

Linda and Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme

Erin Pepper,
Lynn McWilliams

Tammy Rucker, Meagan Kelly

Pat and Tim Doucet

Anne and Tom Hilbert Ray Kilgo, Nancy Clayton, Ben Farrell Pat Cowles, Sun Ann Anderson
Cyndy and Don Kotrady

Jean and Sam Edwards

Larry and Kaye Blount

Mike and Diane Jackson

Debbie and Rodney Gamble

Kennah and Robby Armitage

Mayor of The Hills Doug Lindgren and Kathy Lindgren Margaret Kilgo, Sharon Rogers

30 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

 Lake Travis’ Cooking Source for Holiday
Entertaining & Great Gift Ideas!

Shop Us Online! 512-266-5666 Open 7 Days a Week

www.faradayskitchenstore.com 1501 Ranch Road 620 North, Lakeway, TX 78734
 Barbara Roberts Dee Ann Burns Paula Tye

Passport to
Fashion
story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen

T
he Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway recently presented Passport To Fashion
to a sell-out crowd at the Rio Grand Ballroom at the Lakeway Resort and Spa. Dillard’s
Hill Country Galleria offered fashions modeled by members “in good standing.” And
stand they did. In heels. And boots. In HIGH heels and boots! And they walked confidently
down the runway in those high heels and boots, and not one of them fell to the floor! They did
themselves proud.
Barbara Beebe, Jody Berry, Linda Swan, Sue Heilig

Maria Roos Jackie Elliott Dottie Stevenson Amy VonAndrian

32 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

Bee Waxed is a proud donor to

BABY, it’s cold outside!

Just make sure the only hair you’re wearing is on the coat!
Thanks to all our wonderful clients for two great years!

bee waxed skin care

shops at the galleria

12918 shops parkway, suite 400; bee cave
phone: 512.402.9500 contemporary casuals & fine accessories

www.beewaxedskincare.com 900 RR 620 S. Lakeway Commons

Mon–Fri 10–6 Sat 10–5 Sun closed (512) 263–0329

Proudly Opens
a New Location
in Bee Cave!
Family Owned & Operated for over 70 Years!
Fine Diamonds & Gemstone Jewelry
One-of-a-Kind Pieces
Complete Watch & Jewelry Repair

512.288.5457
Bee Cave
830.997.2559
Fredericksburg
12400 Hwy 71 W, Ste 708, Bee Cave
(In the Bee Cave HEB Shopping Center, next to Starbucks)
 The concept of the show reflected the fact that members of the
Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway are travelers…in fact globe-trotters,
and they want chic fashions in fabrics that travel well with a minimum
of fuss.
President Jody Berry congratulated Co-Chairmen Barbara Beebe and
Sue Heilig, and the dozen committee members who assisted them, for
the presentation of a beautifully organized event.

Dottie Stevenson Leanne DuPay

Susan Bowers

Glenda Goff

Tyra Brewer

Carol Mitchum Amy VonAndrian Linda DeOme

34 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

November Opening in Lakeway!

Apparel : Jewelry : Shoes

2127 Lohmans Crossing Road, Suite 301, Lakeway

512.263.1400

Lush sALon And ApriCoT LAne presenT

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512.263.4606
Check us out at www.lushsalonaustin.com
 Ashley, Chase and Greg Miller, Jana and Hank
Colin Woodworth Birdwell, Barbara Miller Jim and Veronica Palmer Saula Valente awards raffle prize to Will Waldrip

Robyn and Will Waldrip

Co-hostesses Karen Schultz, Saula Valente

El, Kelly and Eva Runkle

Fall Social
story and Photos
by Cathie Parssinen

N
ational Night Out is a unique crime/
drug prevention event sponsored by the National
Association of Town Watch. Designed in part
to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community
partnerships, Texans marked the event in October. The
Belvedere Homeowners’ Association celebrated the occasion
in style, with a visit from the Sheriffs’ Department and a fire
engine. Saula Valente and Karen Schultz hosted the party
for neighbors, and Saula decorated the Belvedere Amenity
Center in a Mexican theme, complete with arts and craft
activities for children.

Brinkley, Christine, Gentry and Ridge Barker

Kristen Koester Tracy Miller, Holly Davis

and Townsend

Raj and Vinita Gupta

Libby Hagy, Kim Fossum, Kelly Runkle

Rick and Sharon Johnson

36 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

 Hill Country Pediatric Dentistry, PA
Steve Hernandez, D.D.S. & Angie Hernandez, D.D.S. • Specialists in Pediatric Dentistry

OPeninG A new OFFiCe TO SeRve AuSTin PATienTS

Central Texas
Pediatric Dentistry
1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd.,
#1430
Adjacent to Dell Children’s
Hospital in Austin
512-474-7575

12225 Bee Caves Road

Bee Cave
512-263-7455

608 Gateway Central

Ste 201
Marble Falls
830-693-7044
www.hcpdkid.com

State-of-the-art Digital Radiography

Hospital dentistry • Conscious sedation
Special needs patients • Laser dentistry
interceptive orthodontics
Accepting most insurance
Where Are They Now?

Jessica Youngblood
Di Napoli
story by Keija Parssinen
photos courtesy of jessica youngblood di napoli

W
hen Jessica di Napoli (née Youngblood), graduated from Lake Travis High
School and entered the University of Texas at Austin in 1999, she thought she knew
where her studies would lead her—to a position at the Center for Disease Control
researching infectious diseases. As she completed her pre-med requirements, she also began explor-
ing her interest in foreign languages, signing up for summer study abroad sessions in Lyon, France,
and later, Rome. “Those were life-changing experiences that led me to change my major and career
plan from microbiology with the aim of working in disease research to foreign languages,” Jessica
says. “I fell utterly in love first with France, then, and above all, with Rome. I discovered a love for,
and skill in, learning foreign languages.”
Piazza di Spagna by night
After double majoring in French and Italian, Jessica
returned to Rome, where she became certified to teach English.
She lived there for three months, navigating the narrow streets,
negotiating the mad traffic, savoring the incredible food, and
further cementing her love of the city. In 2004, she returned to
Austin to spend time with her family before they moved away
from the area, and in 2005, she started graduate school at UT,
this time in Romance Linguistics.
But her passion for languages hadn’t stopped delivering its
life-changing experiences just yet. During a routine visit to the
Italian table, where UT students meet periodically to converse
in Italian for a few hours, Jessica met Edoardo Di Napoli, a
Ph.D. candidate in the Physics Department. They were married
in December 2006, and, after finishing their respective degrees,
the Di Napolis moved to Rome. Once in Rome, though, Jessica
discovered that visiting a place and calling it home are two dis-
tinctly different experiences.

Italian family celebrating Ferragosto in Tuscany: Anna Di Napoli,

Felice and Grazia Di Napoli, Antonino Vulpes, Gianni Vulpes,
Edoardo and Jessica Di Napoli, Alessandra Vulpes

Jessica and Edoardo

38 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

 Portofino

Jessica with her sister Karen (Youngblood) Thurmand and brother-in-law

Ty at their wedding rehearsal in May 2009. Bryan, Texas

Jessica with her parents, Ken and Marie Youngblood

“Life in the Eternal City is fascinating,” she says. “There are always things to
do—exhibits, museums, archeological sites to discover, concerts, excellent food—
but it is also insanely busy and stressful. Rome is full of traffic, people, everyone
in a hurry, lines everywhere, slow bureaucracy. After a while it weighs on you.
Many of the things that make Rome charming for visitors—narrow streets, rem-
nants of history everywhere, noise—are a nightmare for residents of the city. Life
in Rome requires infinite patience, which I soon discovered I did not have!”
While in Rome, she got a job with International Studies Abroad, planning
cultural activities and field trips for visiting students. “I enjoyed helping students
adjust to life in the city that I loved. As the only American on staff, I was an
important point of reference for my students.” One thing she’s particularly proud
of? Earning an Italian driver’s license on the infamously labyrinthine streets of Rome. And thanks to all of the trips she organized for students, she became a
practiced tour guide for visiting family and friends. After three years in the city, however, Jessica and her husband decided it was time for a change of pace.
“Rome takes everything you have in you, and at a certain point, I decided I could not give anymore. Rome will always be in my heart and soul. She is my
second home, after Austin of course. But there is a limit to everything.”
In fall of 2009, Edoardo accepted a post-doctoral position in Aachen, Germany, and Jessica has started work on a PhD in phonetics. Thanks to her facil-
ity with languages, she’s learning German at a rapid clip. Even though she and Edoardo are adapting to their new country, she misses much about Italy,
especially the cuisine. “I was extremely spoiled in Italy in terms of food. Now, I’m trying to get used to not being able to find mozzarella di bufala, pizza
bianca, good pasta, and salami. I always laughed at those Italians who brought food back to the US with them when they went on trips to Italy, but now I
am totally going to do the same thing.”
Though food has a prominent place in Jessica’s
memories of Italy, she also finds herself yearning for the
mountainous landscape of Northern Italy, where she
and Edoardo spent vacations skiing and hiking in the
Dolomites. “They are absolutely stunning. You can ski all
day without ever doing the same trail. In summer, you can
take hiking trails through mountain passes, past World
War II sites.”
Like any true adventurer, Jessica looks ever forward to
new lands and new experiences. For now, the Di Napolis
hang their hats in Germany, but with an entire continent
sprawled out before them and beckoning, the fates only
know where they will settle permanently. And this Lake
Travis globetrotter wouldn’t have it any other way. “Being
in Europe has given me the chance to travel a lot and
to explore different countries, languages and cultures. I
love it. I miss my family and friends back in the US, but
I thrive on the challenge of life abroad. Nothing can be
Morning fog in the Dolomites
taken for granted, and everything is to be discovered.”

Winter 2010–2011 | Waterways 39

 Jeanne Cottle of
Pleasant Hill Winery
in Brenham

Bethany Jelks and Monica Willey representing

the Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood

Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction Jennifer Beckmann and John Hollein from
Perissos Vineyard and Winery
story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen Ed and Susan
(with information from the Texas Department of Agriculture) Auler, owners

F
of Fall Creek
or thousands of years, rivers and streams nourished grapes that grew wild throughout many Vineyards
areas of Texas. In the 1600s, Spanish missionaries planted vineyards near what is now El Paso, and in the
late 1800s, European immigrants used cuttings they brought from their homelands to start vineyards across
South and Central Texas. Among these was Italian immigrant Frank Qualia who settled in Del Rio and established Val
Verde Winery, the oldest bonded winery in the state, with 127 years of continuous operation by four generations of the
same family. Prohibition effectively annihilated this infant industry that in 1900 had 25 wineries.
Despite a rocky beginning, the Texas wine industry has experienced a phenomenal expansion in recent decades. 160
standard and boutique wineries now operate in eight federally approved Viticultural Areas, and production has soared
from 50,000 gallons bottled in 1982 to more than 2.4 million gallons today. Research by Texas Tech University,
Texas A&M and the University of Texas fueled this remarkable growth, as did the introduction of drip irri-
gation, the formation in 1970 of The Texas Grape Growers Association (now known as The Texas Wine and
Grape Growers Association) and the serious interest, beginning in 1983, of the Texas Department of Agriculture
(TDA). The TDA’s involvement includes marketing strategies to promote Texas wines through tastings, com-
petitions, trade shows and other high profile events such the Texas Fall Fest and Wine Auction featured here.
Susan Auler, co-owner of Fall Creek Vineyards, founded the Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction, after being
approached by Joe Reardon, Marketing Director of the Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott. Reardon was con-
vinced that the Hill Country Wineries would provide an ideal destination for visitors to the area and asked
Susan for her help in hosting a wine and food event at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott. As the same
time, Susan was trying to raise funds for a KLRU TV documentary, The Wine Roads of Texas, based on
Wes Marshall’s book by the same name. The first festival, co-chaired by Auler and Reardon, was held at the
Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott, with proceeds dedicated to the film project. Susan Auler has chaired all sub-
sequent annual events, designed to spotlight great Texas wine, food, chefs and restaurants and to raise funds
for Texas wine research, as well as for deserving charities. This year’s event was held at the Lakeside Pavilion
in Marble Falls, with proceeds benefiting CASA.
In addition to her role as founder of Fall Fest, Susan and her husband Ed Auler were also the found-
ers of the Texas Hill Country Wine Region, applying for
Rich and Pat Kaczmarski with Bill Rives and receiving the formal appellation for the area from the
from Fall Creek Vineyards
federal government. Wines and Vines recognized Susan
Bill Friedhof from Llano Estacado in Lubbock
Auler in the “Top 50 people in the world wine industry.”

Pat Clayton, Georgean Springer, Tracey Cicardo, Bonnie Smolken,

Delores Stiver, Vicki Summitt, Diane Sherman

40 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

By the Lake, Where You Need Us Since 1974!
Supporting
Environmental Innovations
in Boating

Visit us at the 2011 Austin Boat Show Jan 20–23

1208 R.R. 620 SOUTH • LAKEWAY, TX 78734 • PH: 263-2811 • FX: 263-9352
FOLLOW US WATCH US
WWW.AUSTINBOATS.COM

Twin Liquors is your local gift-giving destination! Treat anyone from your boss to your in-laws
with that perfect bottle of wine or a Twin Liquors gift card, complimentary gift wrapping included. We also
have an array of gift baskets, like the Tito’s Texas Original, The Texas Two Step featuring Becker Wines,
and more, including beautifully crafted custom baskets too!

Online at TwinLiquors.com

Marketplace at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave 512-402-0060 • Four Points, 620 @ 2222, 512-331-2881

We also have locations in Lakeway, Bee Cave, Marble Falls and Dripping Springs!
 Perissos: A Greek word found in the Bible meaning exceed-
ingly abundant, beyond what is expected, imagined or hoped for.
Seth and Laura Martin do live an abundant life, surrounded by
their five children, two dogs, three horses, two cats and 16 chickens
on a stunning property in the picturesque Hoover Valley between
Kingsland and Burnet. The estate includes 12 acres of vineyards,
planted with 5,000 vines, and a stone farmhouse winery and barrel
storage facility.
Their journey to this dream landscape and their vineyard and
winery began as a hobby when they started growing grapes at their
home in Austin. They planted test vineyards around the Austin
area and began processing the grapes into wine in their garage! A
passionate hobby soon became something else altogether, as they
began to dream about starting a commercial vineyard and winery.
They found the mineral-rich, decomposed granite soil they were
looking for in the farmland and rolling hills of Hoover Valley.
Eight years ago, the Martins began their research with a test
“library block” of experimental vines. Originally, they started
with thirteen different grapes in 26 rows of test boxes, focusing
on grapes from the southern Mediterranean basin, in an attempt
to discover which grapes would thrive in this terroir. The big
winners have been the Aglianico (a southern Italian grape),
the Touriga (from Portugal) and the Tempranillo (from Spain).
Dolcetto, Rousanna, Viognier and Petit Sirah have also done
extremely well.
Perissos is a grower and a producer that is committed to mak-
ing its wines from 100% Texas-grown grapes in order to produce
wines of great quality, character and sophistication. With a certi-
fied sommelier on staff, Perissos welcomes visitors on Saturdays
and Sundays from 12-5 pm all year and seasonally on Fridays. This
destination vineyard, set between Longhorn Caverns and Inks
Lake, boasts a setting that is at once intimate and inspirational…
well worth a Hill Country drive.

7214 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611

512.820.2950

42 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

Ed and Susan Auler established Fall Creek Vineyards in 1975. It is
named after spectacular Fall Creek that runs through the Auler family ranch
and empties into the Colorado River at the site of the magnificent Fall Creek
waterfalls. On a trip to France in 1973, Ed Auler was struck by the similarities
between French wine country and certain areas of the Hill Country that might
make it ideally suited to growing wine grapes. That inspiration led the Aulers
to purchase a 400-acre growing site with sandy loam soil on the northwest
shores of Lake Buchanan. The terroir offers a warm day-cool night growing
season with prevailing breezes off the lake to cool the vineyard.
It has been said that the Aulers are arguably the first family of Texas
wine. Ed Auler was the first to bring serious wine growing to the Texas Hill
Country, and his efforts secured the “Texas Hill Country” appellation in
1989. Susan Auler has worked tirelessly to increase visibility and educa-
tion in the Texas wine industry, promoting Texas wines across the country.
She has founded several key wine events, including the Texas Hill Country
Wine and Food Festival and Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction.
Fall Creek has been at the forefront of the Texas wine industry in terms
of both sales and awards. Not only is it the third largest winery in sales
in the state but also its wines have received countless awards in state,
national and international competitions. Fall Creek is the only Texas win-
ery to receive a BEST BUY from Wine Spectator. Their wines hold a trea-
sured place at inaugural dinners for the Governor, Speaker-of-the-House
and Lieutenant Governor of Texas, as well as at the tables of three U.S.
Presidents and assorted world leaders.
Fall Creek Vineyards is especially proud of the production of MERITUS,
a super-premium red wine that has been hailed by noted wine critics as “the
best wine made in the state of Texas.” MERITUS is not produced every year
but only in those years when optimum conditions yield the finest grapes.
Only seven vintages have been released: ’96, ’99, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’05 and ’06.
The 20,000 sq. ft. winery, surrounded by vineyards in all directions,
has an expansive, trellised patio that invites visitors to bring a picnic lunch
or an assortment of breads and specialty cheeses to complement their wine Mark Your Calendar!
tasting. 7th Annual Texas
Self-Guided Art & Wine Trail
in the Texas Hill Country Fall Fest & Wine Auction
1820 CR 222, Tow, TX 78672 October 2011
Nov 20 & 21, 2010
325.379.5361 • Mon-Fri 11-4, Sat 11-5, Sun 12-4

Winter 2010–2011 | Waterways 43

 The owners of McReynolds Winery, Gerald (Mac) and Maureen McReynolds moved to Austin after Maureen com-
pleted a Ph.D. in Biochemical Genetics at the University of Chicago. After post-doctoral work at the University of Texas at
Austin, Maureen and Mac moved to Palo Alto where Maureen took a position at Stanford University. With the vineyards
of Napa at their doorstep, the McReynolds fell victim to the irresistible allure of wines and winemaking…and wine tasting!
Maureen took winemaking courses at UC Davis, and Mac engineered equipment for vintners. They eventually returned to
Austin where Maureen began a 30-year career with the City of Austin. Their interest in wine making, however, survived
their farewell to Northern California.
In 1982, Mac built a small winery in Cypress Mill, set up all
the equipment and made the first batch of wine for the winery
owners…who thanked him for his hard work by dismissing him.
Several years later, in an ironic twist of fate, Mac and Maureen became the owners of the same
winery after it was offered at auction by the bank. At that point, they began their wine adventure
in earnest. A serious accident in Australia left Mac with severe memory loss and three years of
intensive therapies and re-education. While Mac was still recovering, however, he produced a
Shiraz from grapes he bought in West Texas that won first place at the Texas State Fair!
The McReynolds produce 2,000 gallons of wine
a year. They planted their own vines three years ago
and this year celebrated their first harvest. They
welcome guests at their ranch style tasting room on
Friday through Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday from
12-6 pm or by appointment. This charming small
vineyard and winery sells wines on site and at festi-
vals and farmers’ markets.

706 Shovel Mountain Road, Cypress Mill, TX 78663

830.825.3544 • www.mcreynoldswines.com
South on 281 past Round Mountain to RR 962
East on 962 (6 mi) to Shovel Mountain Road.
Turn left for ½ mile to Winery

It was standing room only at the Lake Travis Winery

when over 80 people gathered to be the first to see the Rick
Hodgins collection on August 30. It was a grand event with
everyone enjoying wine and cheese while viewing his beautiful
still life’s. Rick is the latest in a series of local artists that display
their art in the Winery Gallery. An Oklahoma native Rick now
resides in Hudson Bend with his wife Sherron. Rick paints in oils
and watercolors. He started watercolor painting under the tutor-
age of Gerald Brommer of California. He has also studied with
numerous American artists and extensively with David Leffel of
the Art Students League of New York. His paintings are in private
and commercial collections throughout the United States and
Europe. He is a member of the Oil Painters of America and G.A.S.
He is represented by the Gallery at Round Top, Texas, The M.A.
Doran Gallery in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Buffalo Trails Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
It was also a special night for the Winery as it was the Début of their new name “Lake Travis Winery.”
“We wanted to have a name that was more descriptive of our business and presence in the Lake Travis
Community” said Carleton Bates co-owner. “We are still affiliated with D’Vine Wine with the same staff
and the same great wine.”
Lake Travis Winery makes all of their wines right there on site from high quality juices imported
from California. They have created an “Artist Collection” of five of Rick’s favorite wines which feature his
paintings on the label. The evening was capped
off with an auction of one of the paintings to
benefit Rural Art Foundation. Rick’s paintings
will be on display (and for sale) through the
end of October.
Lake Travis Winery is located at 1501 RR
620N next to Faraday’s Kitchen Store. Call
266-8040 for more information.

44 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

The Toddler Chronicles
Our author, the creator of The Flying Chalupa blog, is just an ordinary
gal who navigates motherhood and struggles to maintain her sanity.
Look for more of The Flying Chalupa’s Toddler Chronicles in the next
issue of Waterways Magazine. Can’t wait for the next issue? The chaos
awaits you anytime at www.theflyingchalupa.com.
Dumper By Digger
The job before you is a tricky one, but you’re a skilled driver and
I believe in you.
Your mission: to unload your contents in a narrow, water-filled shaft.
As foreman, I will assist as necessary to ensure that the job is completed
and that we leave the site in pristine condition. The last thing we need is
that damn Toilet Environmental League getting all up in our asses.
This is one union that will wipe its own ass, is that understood?
Let’s begin.
First, make sure your dump truck is full and your water tank is at a
maximum.
Alright, now backhoe your loader up to the potty.
Great job, son. How’s the FM working in that truck of yours? Let’s find
some tunes to encourage the unloading process. Hmm…seems we’re in a
dead-zone. I would like to personally lead you in a rendition of “Wheels On
the Bus.” No? “I’ve Been Working On the Railway?”
Hang on there, partner, your wheels are slipping. No, dammit, there’s
no monster down the hole. Now I have to call in the tow-truck.
There you go. Now use that emergency brake while I wash my hands,
would you?
Well, look at that! The water tank is emptying nicely. Perfect aim. Now
what about that dump truck? No one likes a saggy dumper. Let’s plow that
puppy and be on our way.
Here it comes….aaaaand….payloader! Right down the tube!
Hot damn, you’re steam-rolling it! I’ve only seen that maneuver once
in my life and it involved laying asphalt, but son, today you are paving the
yellow shit road!
Now let’s use the crane to reach the toilet paper.
Hold up, where do you think you’re going? When the job is done, we exca-
vate the site in a clean and orderly fashion—hey! Don’t walk away from me!
Oh, no. NO!
The dump truck does NOT dump its load on the floor! Or on the new
bath mat! Or on the floor next to the bath mat!
Larry, we’re gonna need backup. Bring in the heavy rescue truck—and
the forklift while you’re at it. Do you copy?
That was ballsy, but I’m impressed. You take pride in your abilities.
And that’s where it all begins.
Lemme check for skid steer marks.
Okay, you’re good.
But you’ve got a ways to go until you’re ready for a big-rig.
Ten-Four. Over and out.
Did Someone Say “Mimosa?”
Birthdays for children under three.
Also known as blessed events where you can throw yourself a party.
Where the child has no idea what a birthday is or why he’s wearing an
outfit that makes him look like the cover model of Yachting Digest.
Where you have the sure-fire recipe for Adult Social Occasion Magic. If
you actually enjoyed planning adult social occasions.
Which I don’t. They give me the willies and they suck the life-force out of me.
And since I’m currently running low on life-force, I’d like to preserve
what little I have.
But you gotta do something to commemorate the day that the heavens
opened and a shirtless Mikhail Baryshnikov did split leaps around the pre-
cious newborn while Sir Elton John performed a serenade. Right?
I mean, everyone’s doing it. And because you’re the type that caves to
social pressure, you should too.
Presenting the Fool-Proof Guide to Birthday Planning:
1. Keep the guest-list small. It’s not called ‘last-minute.’ It’s called ‘selective.’
2. Acquire a co-host. Co-host = 50% less work for you = 50% less blame
if and when the party travels south. Towards hell.
3. Make husband do grunt work. Husband + Co-Host = 25% work for you.
4. Start the email invite with the word: MIMOSA.
5. End the invite with the reminder: MIMOSA.
6. Greet the guests at 10 a.m. with a MIMOSA.
7. Have gracious friend bring bouncy house. Shove kids in bouncy
house, so you can chat with a MIMOSA in hand.
8. Have pizza and cupcakes ready to avoid toddler meltdown.
9. Have MIMOSA ready for you, just in case.
10. When 1:00 p.m. arrives, bid guests adieu with the gracious offer of a
ROAD SODA. Each child bursts into simultaneous tears and guests
leave in a mass explosion of light and screaming and highly combus-
tible gas. Like the Big Bang. With diapers.
11. Avoid cleanup. Out of MIMOSAS? Open a bottle of CHARDONNAY.
So there you have it. The Chalupa’s 2nd birthday. Fun was had.
Moments were made. My little boy got his first bike. He expressed supreme
disgust at cupcakes for the second straight year. He screamed with delight
every half hour for the entire duration of the party. He didn’t push or throw
sand or give a hoot where the heck his parents were.
And just as we did last year, my beloved co-host and I clinked our
MIMOSA glasses together and said, “We did it. We survived another year.”
Still jubilant over the magical success of my Adult Social Occasion—
what a mother I was! What an event planner!—the family and I attempted
to run some errands the next day.
While in a furniture store, the sales lady asked the Chalupa’s age.
“He’s two years old today!” I proudly told her.
“Oh,” she clucked sadly, “Out shopping on his birthday!”
I narrowed my eyes at her. Yes, I thought, and on Christmas, we make
him clean the chimney.
Bitch needed a mimosa.
Winter 2010–2011 | Waterways 45

Becky Tulbah with Event Chair, Melinda Kirchoff
Publicity Chair Elain Patten with David Patten
Richard and Jamie Connell
46 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011
Marta and Kristin Chase Mark Williamson, Haythem Dawlett, Sheriff Greg Hamilton Kara and Kerem Ozen
4th Annual
Diamonds in the
Rough Gala
story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen
I
t was shocking to learn that in 2009 the state of Welcome remarks by Melissa Ravenscroft
Texas led the nation of child abuse deaths. Every year
the Texas Department of Child Protective Services (CPS)
removes hundreds of children from the homes of their bio-
logical parents due to abuse and neglect. While CPS has some
foster care homes, the number of children that need homes
far outstrips the state’s ability to provide them. A World For
Children (AWFC) is a faith-based, non-profit child agency,
licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services, that provides foster care for such children.
Founded in 1997 by Paul and Sharon Willis, A World For
Children has a total of 11 offices throughout Texas and is cur-
rently serving 900 abused children in 360 foster homes across
the state. Since its inception, AWFC has provided care for over
7,000 children. The organization realizes that these children
need far more than can be provided for by the per diem allot-
ment offered by the state. There must be something extra,
something given to help them experience the full joys and
the magic of childhood, something that will transform them,
as founder Paul Willis notes) from foster kids into real kids.
AWFC is committed to trying to provide some of these extras.
This past year, for instance, A World For Children hosted an
Extravaganza Day, hosting 1,700 AWFC family members to a
trip to Fiesta Texas.
Amy and Tim Hendon
Laura and Fred Southard Guest Speaker Erin Berry
 Bonnie and Rick Brackeen

Chris Hester, Sherri Patten Kamille Girton, Melinda Kirchoff

Karina Castello with lab auction puppy

The goal of the Diamonds in the Rough Gala is to raise money to pay for all
of the “extras.” The largest of the organization’s galas is the one held in Austin
at the Four Seasons.
In her welcome remarks, Melissa Ravenscroft described her personal
“world for children” as the dinner table where she was privileged to sit with
a real mom and a real dad and three siblings. At that table, every night, she
experienced the rich and intimate joys of family. And that is the world and
those are the experiences that A World For Children tries to recreate for chil-
dren in its care. Remarks by foster child Erin Berry, whose husband Brent Mark and Stephanie Groutas

plays for the San Antonio Margeaux and Seth Thompson Netsy and Dacen Delapaz
Spurs, and by foster child Leslie Baird, Kala Meyer, Chrisie Rochow Jack and Barbara Krings
Jonathon Brown provided
inspirational descriptions of
their own personal journeys
as foster children.
For more information or
volunteer opportunities visit
www.aworldforchildren.org

Craig and Kimberly Cherico Melanie Rustenbeck, Karen Benson,

Christine Ray, Tammy Parker, Tiffany Retra

Kimberly Stiles, Connie Web, Sally Daneshjou, Betty Landreth Ellie Hall, Carroll Humphrey

David and Wendy Lowery, Jessica and Stephen Putonti,

Lesa and Bill Rossick, Donna and John Escover

Winter 2010–2011 | Waterways 47

 Nathan and Farrah Chelstrom, Richard Pedro, Christy and Chad Mahagan

Artist Amy Ringholz, Richard Pedro

Austin Galleries owner, George Attal, Amy Ringholz

Amy Ringholz at
Austin Galleries
story and Photos by Cathie Parssinen

A
ustin Galleries recently honored master animal por-
trait artist Amy Ringholz with a display of her latest work.
In addition to Austin Galleries, Ringholz’ work is found in
Lauren Adams, Sarah Foltz galleries in Jackson Hole, Santa Fe, Park City, Steamboat Springs and
Scottsdale.
Selected as one of Southwest Art’s “21 under 31 Emerging Artists of 2005,” Ringholz has been
featured in dozens of solo shows and was recognized as a Gold Medal Established Artist in the
“Best of Jackson Hole” award by Jackson Hole News & Guide in March 2010. In May 2010, she
was nominated to the “Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Artist.”
Enriched and inspired after a three-month sabbatical performing volunteer work in South
Africa in 2009, Amy is excited about her new collection of works. “I want to capture what I have
seen and learned and to allow my animals to tell stories of tradition, dreams, symbolism and of
coming together. I am moving from portraiture toward relationships and storytelling.”
Set apart by her atypical color combinations and bold, saturated colors, Ringholz’ palette
blends earth tones with “cartoon/crayon” hues. The artist will spend several months this winter
living and painting in Austin.

Meg Horaniy Amy Lindner, Dan Green Ronnie Martinez, Melinda Welwood

48 Waterways | Winter 2010–2011

 2009 Nutcracker

Edie Elkjer as Louise in Always...Patsy Cline

TexARTS Forges Ahead

Story by Juliette LeBlanc
photos compliments of TexARTS

T
exARTS Co-Founder Todd Dellinger has taken a professorship at Rider College in New
Jersey and continues to serve as an advisor to TexARTS. Co-founder Robin Lewis will continue
to teach TexARTS’ Musical Theater Academy, in addition to his involvement with the Musical
Theater program at Texas State University. New faces and new talent step forward to supplement and
build on the vision for the future, inspired and developed by TexARTS’ founders. Among them is new
Producing Artistic Director, Robert Armitage. Robert is honored to join the TexARTS’ family and offers a
wealth of onstage and offstage experience to continue TexARTS’ journey in new and exciting directions.
His wife, Keenah, also brings incredible dance experience and teaching skills to work with children. Both
Robert and Keenah, along with TexARTS’ Academy Director, Megan Bettis, & Vince Sandoval, performed
at the Lake Travis Library Benefit, “Dancing with the Stars.”
TexARTS’ management has assembled an impressive faculty.
Résumés include participation in 15 Broadway shows, 10 national tours, Radio City Music Hall, Disney
World, Tokyo Disneyland, 3 feature films and numerous ballet companies around the country. In addition,
TexARTS hosts auditions for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and, most
recently, for the lead role in Billy Elliott. Several TexARTS students have auditioned for Broadway. One of 2009 Nutcracker
them, Andy Richardson (who played Winthrop in TexARTS’ production of Music Man at the Paramount)
was chosen to star in Mary Poppins on Broadway.
After an extremely successful run of “Always…Patsy Cline,” TexARTS is busy rehearsing
Selena Rosenbalm at Patsy for upcoming presentations for Lake area audiences. With four different productions in four
weeks, December launches the holiday season for TexARTS. From December 3–19, Holiday
Cabaret, the next installment of the Off-Broadway Series, brings heartwarming Christmas
favorites to life with glittering panache, as performances by Broadway guests and Austin
favorites light up the stage.
On December 11th, a spirited performance of HOLIDAZZLE: On With the Snow! by
TexARTS’ students enlivens a selection of the brightest holiday hits! TexARTS’ talented Youth
Ballet Theatre will present the 3rd annual performance of The Nutcracker, at St. Michael’s
Catholic Academy, on December 18th and 19th, as special professional guests perform along-
side TexARTS’ youth in this traditional family hallmark. Not to be missed! Also back by popu-
lar demand is New Year’s Eve with TexARTS. Come ring in 2011 in style with a spectacular
evening of fun featuring professional performers, including Austin favorite Matt Wilson. Eat,
drink, dance and be merry with TexARTS! RSVP today, as space is limited.
For more information visit www.TEX-ART.org or call 512.852.9079.

Winter 2010–2011 | Waterways 49

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