Mueller December 2025

Mueller

60 YEARS OF NURTURING

ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

A JOLLY HOLIDAY TREAT FROM LOCAL RECIPE BLOGGER ALIX NEWTON

Holiday Magic FESTIVE WAYS TO EXPLORE AUSTIN

PRE-ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY PIES

Made with Texas pecans, hand-pressed crust, & real butter. BIG TEXAS BOURBON PECAN

Scan & shop pies for pickup or delivery.

As the holidays approach, Mueller magazine is your guide to the most festive ways to explore Austin this season. 24 60 Years of Nurturing

St. George’s Episcopal School celebrates six decades of providing a joyful learning environment for preschoolers.

28 Celebrating 35 years Austin Classical Guitar’s 35th season was marked in memorable style at Troublemaker Studios.

4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Thanks for a Great Year!

8 WHAT’S NEW Events and Attractions 12 MEET ME AT THE MARKET Luminaria Acres

LOCAL TASTES

PERSPECTIVES

by Cynthia A. Alexander

Austin Trail of Lights is one of the wonderful holiday events we explore in this issue. Photograph courtesy of Austin Trail of Lights

As a real estate professional and proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being a part of this vibrant, close-knit community. With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, and walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special. Living here gives me an inside perspective on the area’s unique market and lifestyle, which I use to help clients make informed and confident decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the neighborhood, I’m always happy to share my expertise and enthusiasm for this amazing place we call home.

As a real estate professional and proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being a part of this vibrant, close-knit community. With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, and walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special. Living here gives me an inside perspective on the area’s unique market and lifestyle, which I use to help clients make informed and confident decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the neighborhood, I’m always happy to share my expertise and enthusiasm for this amazing place we call home.

Soud Twal

Soud Twal

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

512.787.8617

512.787.8617

soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com

soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com

aTHANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR!

AND JUST LIKE THAT, we’ve arrived at the holiday season and the final month of 2025. How did that happen? This time of year always feels like a joyful whirlwind filled with family gatherings, school performances, office parties, and festive get-togethers with friends. Amid all the hustle, I hope you can take a quiet moment to kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy this month’s issue of Mueller magazine. Austin comes alive with holiday cheer in December, and we’re your

guide to the magic! Whether you’re in search of local gifts, twinkling lights, or special performances, our writer Cristina Tangredi has all the details. We also met the folks at St. George’s School, a beloved neighbor with more than 60 years of history nurturing young minds in our community. Find out how the school is honoring its roots while preparing for the future. Ever wonder about that mysterious structure tucked behind the middle school? It’s not a warehouse. It’s Troublemaker Studios! Usually closed to the public, they recently opened their doors for a special event celebrating Austin Classical Guitar. Carmen Gray was there and shares the experience with us.

If you’re feeling inspired to whip up something sweet this season, our resident baker extraordinaire, Alix Newton, has you covered with her recipe for Candy Cane Toffee Bark. This festive treat is sure to please any crowd.

As we wrap up 2025, I want to take a moment to thank my small but mighty team for their creativity and dedication throughout the year, and to thank you, our readers, neighbors, and supporters, for being part of what makes this community and this magazine so special.

Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead.

Liz Reingold Publisher

Mueller MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher

Liz Reingold

Writers

Carmen Gray

Cristina Tangredi

Photographers

Margarita Garcia Acevedo

Marketing Coordinator

Alexandra Garcia

Social Media and Content Intern

Nicole Higgins

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O’Connell

Executive Editor

Elaine Quilici

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS

Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Mueller magazine sent you!

Crane & Holtzman

Crane & Holtzman is a boutique, full-service accounting firm providing tax, consulting and accounting services to individuals, businesses and trusts.

512.215.0057 | www.craneholtzman.com

Dish Society

Dish Society is a Mueller neighborhood favorite for locally sourced food, everyday feel-good meals, good vibes, and great company 512.623.1498 | www.dishsociety.com @dishsociety

Honest Mary’s

Honest Mary’s fuels the Mueller community with life-giving fast food—clean, chef-crafted bowls made fresh and fast. Perfect for families, busy professionals, and active lifestyles.

512.375.3906 | www.honestmarys.com @honestmarys

Nature’s Treasures

Explore the beauty of Nature’s Treasures, your iconic rock and crystal shop since 2000, and invite nature into your daily life with home and garden décor, jewelry, sage and pocket stones. 512-472-5015 | www.NTRocks.com @naturestreasurestexas

St. Austin Catholic School

Since 1917, St. Austin has partnered with families to form Christ-centered, academically strong, moral community leaders through faith, service, scholarship, and a nurturing Catholic environment. 512.886.1756 | www.Staustinschool.org

Kuper Sotheby’s

A distinguished real estate advisor and proud Mueller resident, offering expert guidance whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring the neighborhood. 512.831.6577 | www.sotheybysrealty.com @soud_twal

Origin Hotel

Discover Origin Hotel Austin, blending Texas charm with modern comfort, stylish rooms, and all-day dining from Blue Lacy right in the heart of Mueller. 512.861.1140 | www.Originhotel.com @origin_austin

Texas Mutual

As the state’s leading workers’ compensation provider, Texas Mutual Insurance Company is dedicated to protecting employees, supporting local communities, and fortifying the state economy. 512.224.3800 | www.texasmutual.com @texasmutual

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers expert cuts, shaves, and color for EVERYONE—set in a fun, familyfriendly space with our iconic poster wall and lively music.

325.268.5906 | www.Floydsbarbershop.com @floyds99atx

Mueller Silent Market

Since 2008, the Mueller Silent Market Team has specialized in Mueller and Central Austin real estate, offering expert guidance on both public and private listings.

512.913.8642 | www.muellersilentmarket.com @muellersilentmarketteam

SANTA

CATARINA

Mexican Restaurant

Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is a boutique family restaurant with homestyle cooking from South Central Mexico. Our bar features 100% Agave tequilas and Mezcales. All of our juices are homemade: no sugar added. 512.291.7154 | www.santacatarinarestaurant.com @santacatarinatx

The Herb Bar

The Herb Bar, Austin’s oldest apothecary, has served the community for nearly 40 years with teas, tinctures, organic body products, and holistic workshops focused on wellness and connection. 512.444.6251 | www.theherbbar.com @theherbbar

The Salty Sow

At Salty Sow, we serve up bold, farm-sourced Texas comfort food with a Southern twist— bringing people together for unforgettable meals and good times.

512.391.2337 | www.saltysow.com @saltysow

Thinkery

Thinkery, a nonprofit children’s museum and home to Little Thinkers Preschool, sparks joyful, playbased STEAM learning so ALL children cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

512.469.6201 | www.thinkeryaustin.org @thinkeryatx

Vaura Pilates

Vaura Pilates fuses reformer precision with athletic training in a sensory rich studio. Energize your body, elevate your mind, and awaken within.

512.481.2795 | www.Vaurapilates.com @vaura-mueller

VIO Med Spa

Feel great, look amazing at VIO Med Spa. Our medical professionals specialize in skin rejuvenation, Botox, cosmetic injectables, skin care, weight loss and body contouring.

521.900.1051 | www.viomedspa.com @viomedspa.mueller

In the Neighborhood

FIRST ANNUAL NESSY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

December 13, 1 to 3 p.m.

Help Nessy celebrate her 11th birthday! Artist Dixie Friend Gay brought Nessy to life on December 10, 2014, and Americans for the Arts honored Nessy as Mosaic Sculpture of 2015. Sponsored by the Aldrich Merchants’ Association. 1829 Simond Ave.

THINKERY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It’s that time of year when laughter, creativity, and curiosity fill the air. Get ready to celebrate the season with Thinkery’s favorite traditions, including Gingerbread Workshops and Take-Home Kits, a New Year’s Eve Celebration, and playful learning for all ages throughout the season. Get ready for the most magical and joyfully curious time of year! Learn more at www.thinkeryaustin.org.

BATCH SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE! SKETCH AND VARIETY SHOW

December 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this hilarious sketch comedy and variety show. Free admission. 3220 Manor Rd.

LEARN MORE

The Mueller Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit building a strong, inclusive and connected community through events, activities, advocacy and outreach. To learn more about Mueller, visit www. muellerneighborhood.org.

TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT MUELLER

December 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come celebrate Second Sunday at the Market! There will be holiday-themed crafts for the kids, holiday music and food, and an array of great gift items to choose from.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUELLER AND SUPPORT MNA

Last chance to get these limited-edition greeting cards and note cards by Mueller resident and artist Cass Grange. Proceeds support Mueller Neighborhood Association events, activities, advocacy and outreach. Order online at www.muellerneighborhood.org/cards.

6TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY REUSE ART MARKET

December 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Austin Creative Reuse’s Holiday Art Market offers unique handmade items from 100+ local artists, makers and creatives, all with a focus on reuse materials and techniques. Free admission. 2005 Wheless Lane.

Grown With Care

For pesticide-free produce, flowers, and other treats, check out Luminaria Acres.

BY CARMEN GRAY

EVER SPLURGED on a meal at Hestia or Emmer & Rye in Austin? If so, you’ve likely tasted the influence of Randall Holt, a former member of the elite culinary teams behind these acclaimed restaurants. During his time there, Holt built strong relationships with local farmers and ranchers, sourcing high-quality produce and proteins for their menus. “I used to come to the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sunday afternoons to buy everything from the farmers for the restaurants,” he says.

It’s no surprise that his deep passion for food and sustainable sourcing eventually led him and his wife, Katie, to start a farm of their own. Just south of Austin in Paige, Texas, they’ve built Luminaria Acres, a regenerative farm that seeks to actively restore and improve the soil through practices including crop rotation and use of cover crops. The farm also has an apiary to support pollinators (and produce honey). Rooted in care and community, Luminaria Acres never uses pesticides or chemicals.

“In 2020, at the start of the COVID pandemic, Katie and I decided to sell our two-bedroom home in East Austin and buy property in the country,” Holt recalls. With a shared love of local food and a desire for a slower, more intentional lifestyle, the couple began a new chapter.

Randall, originally from New Mexico, remembers spending childhood holidays crafting luminarias, the traditional paper bag lanterns filled with sand and candles. “It felt like the perfect name for the farm,” he says. Katie, who grew up both overseas and in Texas, studied anthropology at Bryn Mawr College, where she wrote her thesis on the Reading Terminal Farmer’s Market in Philadelphia. With their combined backgrounds and vision, they’ve created something truly special.

GOT GOAT MILK?

Luminaria Acres is home to both Nubian and Alpine goats, raised with care on the land. Want to learn more about them? You can meet each goat and find out their individual backstories on the farm’s website: luminariaacres.com/meet-the-goats. The farm offers a herd share program, allowing customers to receive fresh, low-temperature pasteurized whole goat milk. This method destroys harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria along with the milk’s rich, fresh flavor. It’s perfect for drinking, yogurt-making, and almost any cheese recipe.

When I visited their stall at the Mueller Market, the offerings were nicely curated: seasonal produce, vibrant flowers, and even small-batch vinegars. I picked up a stunning pink

pear vinegar made from fruit grown right on their trees. It’s absolutely delicious. I have already used it in dressings, marinades, and even just drizzled over salads.

Other Sunday market favorites include spicy scorpion pepper pickles, a variety of raw vinegars, dried organic herbs, and chemical-free produce. Luminaria Acres is proudly pesticide-free, and their regenerative farming practices ensure minimal environmental impact.

And don’t forget to chat with Randall when you stop by. He’s not just a farmer, but a trained chef with a deep well of cooking knowledge and recipe ideas he’s always happy to share.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author and freelance writer.

A Jolly Holiday Treat

Alix Newton shares her recipe for Candy Cane Toffee Bark, a divine combination of toffee, white and dark chocolate, and peppermint.

BY ALIX NEWTON

SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH FOR gifting, simple enough for a weeknight treat, Candy Cane Toffee Bark is the ultimate holiday indulgence. Crisp toffee layers meet smooth dark and white chocolate and a refreshing peppermint crunch for the perfect balance of sweet and festive. A few ingredients, a little magic, and you’ve got a holiday classic that looks as good as it tastes.

Whether you wrap it up for gifts or keep it all for family movie night (no judgment!), this is the holiday snack that disappears faster than Santa up the chimney.

Makes: 10-12 pieces

Prep time: 30 minutes

Bake: 10 minutes

Chill time: 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 200g brown sugar (1 cup)

• 225g unsalted butter (1 cup)

• 24 (approx.) Saltine/ Ritz crackers

• 350g dark chocolate chopped (12oz)

• 350g white chocolate (12oz)

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• 100g crushed candy canes

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9x13-inch baking tray with baking paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.

2. Layer on the saltine crackers along the bottom of the tray and set it aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and sugar on medium heat. Toss in a large pinch of salt then use a spatula to keep gently mixing the toffee every minute or so. After 3-4 minutes, the sugar will melt into the butter and by 5 minutes of cooking, the mixture should be homogenous

4. Continue cooking the toffee until it becomes golden brown in color and begins to bubble. Quickly remove it from the heat and pour it over the top of the saltine cracker layer.

5. Sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate over the toffee and pop the baking tray into the oven for 5 minutes to let it melt completely.

6. Use an off-set spatula to spread the melted chocolate across the top of the toffee, then place into the fridge to set for 30 minutes.

7. Melt the white chocolate until smooth then add the peppermint extract. Pour that over the set dark chocolate and spread it over quickly.

8. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the white chocolate, then place the tray back into the fridge to set for 1-2 hours, until the chocolate has hardened.

9. Once set, remove the bark from the fridge and peel off the parchment paper. Use a knife to break the bark into irregular shards.

10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Alix Newton is a Mueller-based recipe blogger and photographer. Follow her on Instagram @MyKitchenDrawer.

VOICE, GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS PIANO, UKULELE, STRINGS WOODWINDS, HARMONICA MUSİC PRODUCTİON, SONGWRITING

Your Guide to Holiday Magic

As the holidays approach, Mueller magazine is your guide to the most festive ways to explore Austin this season.

TTHE CITY IS coming alive with twinkling lights, joyful music, and unforgettable experiences. The best way to embrace the festive spirit is to get out and be part of it. From lakeside light shows to one-of-a-kind art bazaars, Austin offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your guide to the best holiday adventures happening around town this year.

MOZART’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters invites families to make new memories at its annual Festival of Lights—this year’s theme is “Heaven and Nature Sing.” Set against the sparkling backdrop of Lake Austin, this beloved event blends brilliant lights, live music, and unique performances into an unforgettable holiday experience.

BY CRISTINA TANGREDI

Mozart’s lakeside location is one to remember year-round, but during the holidays it becomes especially magical. This year, Mozart’s will continue to offer nightly reservation-based shows that will have the entire family in awe. With live music, sing-alongs, and synchronized light displays on towering LED screens, there is something everyone in the family will enjoy.

New this year, visitors can choose from bleacher seating, priority tables, private igloo experiences, or even rent a doughnut boat for a one-of-a-kind view from the lake. This year’s festival also features many unique shows, including the Water Spectacular, where world-class flyboarder and “America’s Got Talent” alum Damone Rippy brings “The Nutcracker” to life, soaring above the lake in dazzling LED suits.

Guests can sip hot chocolate, enjoy decadent sweets at the Christmas Village, and stroll through floating light displays and a tunnel of lights along the water’s edge. From December 12 through 20, the celebration continues with “He Rules the World,” a highenergy Christmas rock concert narrated by Kevin Sorbo and featuring David Gaschen, best known for his decade-long run as The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.

Running nightly from November 22 through January 3 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), Mozart’s Festival of Lights continues its tradition of blending land, water, and sky into one joyful celebration of the season. Tickets can be purchased at www. mozartscoffee.com/pages/ festival-of-lights.

AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS

One of the city’s longest-running holiday traditions returns to Zilker Park, and you don’t want to miss it. The Austin Trail of Lights will once again transform the park with more than two million lights, seventy displays, interactive attractions, food trucks, and live entertainment. The season kicks off early with the Trail of Lights Fun Run on December 6, and the official grand opening on December 10.

Over the course of 14 nights, the Trail of Lights will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors. It is the perfect opportunity to bring your child to Santa’s village, go on a magical date night, or simply get into the holiday spirit by admiring Zilker Park in lights! Reservations can be booked at www.austintrailoflights.org/calendar.

ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and a chance to support local artists, the

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a mustvisit. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, this beloved Austin tradition returns to the Palmer Events Center from December 15 through 21.

Blending holiday shopping with Austin’s creative spirit, the bazaar features more than 200 artists showcasing everything from paintings and ceramics to jewelry, photography, glasswork, and woodcraft. It’s the perfect place to find inspired, handcrafted gifts that tell a story.

Guests can sip seasonal cocktails or local brews while browsing the aisles and enjoying live music from performers including GRAMMY-winner Ruthie Foster, Kelly Willis, and Madam Radar— making the experience feel more like a holiday festival than a shopping trip.

Rooted in the legacy of the Armadillo World Headquarters, Austin’s iconic 1970s counterculture hub, the Bazaar continues to embody the city’s eclectic, creative soul. Half art fair, half live

music venue, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the holidays the Austin way. Tickets can be purchased at www.armadillobazaar.com.

HOLIDAY MAGIC AT FULL SPEED

You may know Circuit of The Americas (COTA) for its high-speed races, but during the holidays, it transforms into something truly magical. Peppermint Parkway turns the famous track into a drive-through winter wonderland.

Visitors can cruise along a mile-long route lined with more than six million lights, where dancing elves, festive displays, and Santa himself bring the holiday spirit to life. After the drive, head to Peppermint Plaza, open nightly and offering rides, food, live entertainment, and a holiday market—the perfect place to stretch your legs and extend the fun.

This year’s event features special themed nights, including Santa Paws Night on December 7, when four-legged family members are welcome to join

the festivities, and Healthcare Worker Night on December 22, offering special discounts in appreciation of their service. Those seeking a little extra excitement can upgrade their experience with a 25-mile-per-hour lap around the worldfamous Formula 1 track.

Peppermint Parkway runs through December 29, with the drive open from 6 to 9 p.m. and Peppermint Plaza open from 5 to 10 p.m. Whether you’re chasing lights, laughter, or just a touch of holiday magic, this is one Austin tradition that always delivers cheer at full speed. Tickets can be purchased at peppermintparkway.com.

THE WILDFLOWER CENTER, ILLUMINATED

Each winter, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center transforms into a glowing wonderland with “Luminations,” a homegrown light show that celebrates nature, creativity, and community.

Part of the display’s charm is that it changes every year, This year,

it will move throughout different areas of the Main Gardens, creating fresh perspectives and surprises around every corner. Visitors can explore the main gardens after dark, where twinkling lights, interactive installations, and hands-on activities bring the natural landscape to life in a whole new way.

Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and seasonal treats as you wander the glowing paths. “Luminations” runs December 5 through January 3 on select evenings. Tickets are $23 for adults and $13 for youth, with free admission for children under two. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended, as this beloved Austin tradition often sells out. From lights shaped like bees hanging from trees to discovering a new installation, this event offers something special for everyone—a joyful celebration of nature illuminated. Tickets can be purchased at www.wildflowercenter.org/luminations.

“THE NUTCRACKER” AT BALLET AUSTIN

A cherished Austin holiday tradition returns as Ballet Austin presents its 63rd annual production of “The Nutcracker.” It is a great event to step into a world of magic, music, and wonder as young Clara embarks on an unforgettable journey from a festive family celebration to the sparkling Land of Sweets, where she encounters the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy and the courageous Nutcracker Prince. With breathtaking choreography and ornate costumes, this timeless ballet comes to life on the stage of the Long Center’s Dell Hall, accompanied by the rich sounds of the Austin Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score live.

Whether it’s your first time or a returning tradition, Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” is sure to fill your holidays with joy, elegance, and a touch of Christmas magic. Tickets can be purchased at www.balletaustin.org.

J60 Years of NURTURING

St. George’s Episcopal School celebrates six decades of providing a joyful environment in which preschoolers can learn and grow.

JUST A FEW BLOCKS outside Mueller, tucked into the far end of Cherrywood, St. George’s Episcopal School is celebrating 60 years of nurturing young hearts and minds, a milestone few early childhood programs manage to reach. Known for its play-based curriculum, vibrant sense of community, and commitment to inclusivity, St. George’s has become a treasured cornerstone for several generations of families. But to understand the full scope of its impact, we have to go back to where it all began with a surplus army chapel and a visionary priest.

In 1950, Bishop John Hines saw potential where others might have seen a pile of lumber. His young congregation had just acquired land in

what was then a remote part of North Austin. When he learned that Camp Swift, a decommissioned military base in Bastrop, was selling surplus buildings, he made a bold move. He purchased and relocated a small army chapel. That chapel became the foundation of St. George’s Episcopal Church.

As the parish community grew, so too did its ministry. Among the earliest and most enduring expressions of that spirit was the formation of a preschool in 1966. Founded by Nora Garcia Loran, the school was one of the first initiatives to grow from the church’s mission. Loran brought a unique perspective shaped by her work in England’s wartime playschools, where

she learned that play wasn’t a break from learning. It actually was learning.

Loran’s idea resonated deeply with parents and parishioners alike. The school began modestly, with just a few classrooms and a handful of families, all pitching in to get things off the ground. But it quickly blossomed into something more. By the late 1970s, enrollment had expanded to include infants through pre-K, and the demand for space and staff prompted a longterm partnership with the church to share facilities. The school now serves more than 120 families each year, welcoming children as young as six months old and offering a beloved summer camp for kids through first grade.

NURTURING THE WHOLE CHILD

At the heart of the enduring success of St. George’s is its unwavering commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. That vision is now shepherded by Head of School Jerri Thompson, M.Ed., who took the reins in 2014. Under her leadership, St. George’s earned its prestigious 4-star Texas Rising Star designation and full accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), benchmarks that speak to the school’s excellence in curriculum, safety, and professional development.

But Thompson’s most visible legacy is the school’s extraordinary nature playground. This 30,000-square-foot outdoor learning environment is designed to stimulate all five senses.

More than just a place to burn off energy, the nature playground is the centerpiece of a curriculum rooted in discovery and independence. Here, children climb, dig, build, and explore in ways that support and foster emotional growth and confidence. It’s the kind of space where a child can safely take risks, make choices, and learn to navigate the world, all in a day’s play.

“Our curriculum is built around the developmental milestones of each age,” says Thompson. “Every classroom is designed to meet the needs of the children within it, from infants just beginning to explore the world to pre-K students preparing for kindergarten. It’s about recognizing that every child is a gift, and it’s our job to unlock their natural curiosity.”

HIGH STANDARDS FOR STAFF

This philosophy extends beyond the students to the faculty and families as well. Every classroom has both a lead and assistant teacher, exceeding state requirements and ensuring individualized attention. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development associate’s degree and have at least three years of classroom experience. Staff are encouraged to pursue continuing education and supported in reaching that goal.

“It’s hard to put into words how much effort our teachers pour into each day,” says Thompson. “Many of our students are with us from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. That’s a full day for anyone, let alone for a toddler who’s still learning how to use the bathroom or express their emotions. Our teachers are creative, patient, and tireless. They’re teaching kids how to be in the world.”

As St. George’s looks to the future, the school is focused on expanding both its physical footprint and its community impact. Short-term goals include growing the alumni network and strengthening partnerships with community organizations like SAFE Alliance. Plans are also underway to broaden the school’s programming by adding year-round kindergarten classes and upgrading facilities to support that growth, all while maintaining its hallmark quality and spirit.

A PLACE OF JOY

Even with all its accolades and ambitions, what makes St. George’s truly unique is something quieter and deeper: the sense of belonging it offers to everyone who walks through its doors. Rooted in the inclusive values of the Episcopal tradition, St. George’s welcomes families of all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures, a reflection of Austin’s evolving landscape and the school’s commitment to serving as a place of joy and transformation.

As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, St. George’s is looking forward to a future with purpose and hope. It’s reaffirming its commitment to nurturing not just children, but families, educators, and community partnerships. And in doing so, it continues to honor the vision found in a relocated army chapel all those years ago: that with love, faith, and opportunities to learn, children will grow and thrive.

Celebrating 35 Years

Classical Guitar’s

BY CARMEN GRAY

Jseason

JUST OFF OLD Manor Road, behind General Marshall Middle School, sits an unassuming warehouse many Mueller residents might overlook. Yet behind those plain walls lies a working film studio complete with the full set of Iron City, the sprawling dystopian world built for Robert Rodriguez’s 2019 film “Alita: Battle Angel.”

On September 27, that unique setting became the site of Austin Classical Guitar’s 35th season celebration. Troublemaker Studios, rarely open to the public, offered the space for the event, transforming its cinematic streetscape into an atmospheric stage. Guests dined on paella and sipped sangria while celebratory performances from

the Austin Flamenco Academy and Crockett High School’s Mariachi de Oro filled the air. The evening culminated with a mesmerizing set by world-renowned flamenco guitarist Grisha, ACG’s 2025–26 artist in residence, who officially launched the organization’s new season, “Spark.”

The celebration offered a rare glimpse into one of Austin’s most iconic creative spaces and into the story of how a homegrown filmmaker helped anchor part of Hollywood in Central Texas.

Troublemaker Studios was founded by Robert Rodriguez, a San Antonio native and University of Texas at Austin alumnus, whose work helped define the city’s modern film

identity. Rodriguez credits his UT film professor, Charles Ramírez Berg, with shaping his cinematic perspective and fueling his independent spirit.

A STRIKING LOCATION

Walking through the Iron City set today, the scale of that vision is striking. The cobbled streets and fauxmetal gates frame colorful shopfronts and building facades, covered with multilingual signage advertising cafés, healers, and scrap merchants. The result is a world that feels both ancient and futuristic. It is truly an immersive illusion of a society rebuilt from ruins.

When “Alita: Battle Angel” was filmed there, its $200-million budget made it the most expensive production

ever shot in Texas. That achievement stands out in a state that continues to lag neighboring New Mexico and Georgia in attracting productions with competitive film incentives.

The Texas Film Commission, founded in 1971, once helped make the state a powerhouse for production. Between 1970 and 1990, nearly 350 films were shot across Texas, bolstering local economies as crews spent on lodging, catering, and services. But over the past decade, as other states increased their financial incentives, Texas’s competitiveness has waned.

In 2014, the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program operated on a $95 million budget, offering rebates of up to 20 percent on qualified in-state expenditures. Two years later, legislators cut that figure by more than half. The result was a gradual migration of film productions elsewhere, with a few notable exceptions.

SUPPORTING TEXAS FILMMAKING

Filmmakers like Rodriguez and fellow Austinite Richard Linklater have continued to keep their cameras rolling in Texas. Since reorganizing his company as Troublemaker Studios in 2000, Rodriguez has filmed at least portions of every project in the state. In that light, “Alita: Battle Angel” stands as both a spectacle of science fiction and a statement of faith in Texas filmmaking.

The rare peek inside Troublemaker Studios made Austin Classical Guitar’s event an unusual treat. Beneath the glow of the Iron City lights, guests celebrated the intersection of two of Austin’s great creative forces: music and film.

For many attendees, the evening offered more than a concert; it revealed an alternate world tucked quietly into the Mueller neighborhood, a reminder that in Austin, imagination often hides in plain sight.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author and freelance writer.

PERSPECTIVES

Holiday Blues

BY CYNTHIA A. ALEXANDER

For those of you who are sad I’m talking about sad with the holiday blues pretend you have wings and you can fly away or just go ahead be a brother, surge and consider the raven in the air Does he worry tremble or even give a care no! no! that bird doesn’t worry he doesn’t worry about anything he works hard builds his nest takes his rest from all the best and then he sings papa’s got a brand-new nest so you say what is there to sing about about your life, you fool, your strength your second chance a chance to be an eagle. A chance to take your mind anywhere, any place you want, and nobody can touch that. Nobody.