Winter 20112012

Ladybird Lake Lake Austin Lake Travis Lake Marble Falls Lake LBJ Lake Buchanan
Austin
City of
Lakeway
Lakeway
Commons
Lake Travis
Tropic Tan
Roccos Grill
Wells Fargo Bank
Spa at the Lake
Cafe CastroNova
Edward Jones Lakeway Pediatric Associates
Lakeway Eye Center
Java Dive Cafe
Artisan Bistro
O Realty
Dominos Pizza
Mission Family Chiropractics
Suzie Ds
Dr. Winston Eaddy, DDS
Cristianis Jewelers
City of
Lakeway
Lakeway
Commons
Lake Travis
Luxury Nails
Finley's Barber Shop
Reids Cleaners
Fore
Lake Travis Podiatry
PakMail
Heart HR
A beautiful Hill Country setting for your shopping and dining.
Lakeway Blvd & RR 620 S www.lakewaycommons.com 512.266.3163
Visit us for the Lakeway Farmers Market Sunday 9am to 1:00pm
Blues Day Studio
Lake Travis Cyclery
Champion variation Hill Country variation
Pantone 159
Mountain Bike variation
Logo - variations
Logo - horizontal versions Logo - stand alone icons
Pantone 5477
Now Open!
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Shops Pkwy
Bee Cave, TX 78738
www.shopsatthegalleria.com
Bee Caves/Farm to Market Rd
620 S
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The Shops at Galleria
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www.axniiuairuoxis.cox
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512.415.9023
Amber Hart realtor,

ba
400 Ridgetop Bend, Cedar Park, TX 78613 MLS # 2263890 $389,000
Gorgeous corner lot estate with fantastic oor plan. Grand Living with 3,721 square feet boasting
5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 5 living rooms & a beautiful back yard. The formal living & dining rooms are
placed under an impressive 2 story foyer next to the soaring staircase. Large master suite & guest
suite or study down with a private patio. Granite, GE stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with
a center island & raised bar that is open to living & breakfast rooms. Huge utility/pantry room next
to garage as well. Fireplaces in living & covered porch with: summer kitchen, dining & living areas.
Large back & side yard with thick, lush lawn. Expansive game room upstairs next to sunken media
room with French door entry. Spacious bedrooms have ample closets & full baths. Art niches, crown
molding & archways top off this lovely home. Come see the best that Cedar Park has to offer!
15900 Mary Street, Volente, TX 78641 MLS # 9803729 $1,199,000
Welcome to this exquisite custom home in Volente Texas. Enter the estate through the gate on Mary
Street & follow your private driveway up to the house. From the motor court enter into the dramatic
two story foyer that leads into the house, wine cellar, mud room and 3 car garage. Elegant archways
welcome you to the main level where you will nd a perfect open plan for entertaining. The formal dining
room accommodates up to 12 & has a custom buffet. The gourmet kitchen is sure to please the most
selective of chefs. The indoor and outdoor living rooms offer comfort and unparalleled panoramic views
of Lake Travis and the hill country. After dinner, complete the evening with drinks on your viewing deck
to soak up the sunset over Lake Travis.
Continue to the east wing to nd two bedrooms & baths as well as the laundry facilities. The front bedroom is a perfect guest suite with private bath & Juliet
balcony. The back bedroom is currently a study with a built-in desk & hutch perfect for a home ofce or teenagers room. The master suite is tucked away at
the end with a large bedroom and balcony. The master bath includes jetted tub with lake view, sit in double vanities & relaxing spa shower. Upstairs you will
nd two more bedrooms that share a Jack & Jill bath, media room with wet bar & balcony plus a hidden home theater . Below is a large game room, dining
area, wet bar, full bathroom & patio for indoor/outdoor living. Exceptional luxury, gracious living & complete privacy. Your lifestyle awaits you.
10
FIREFIGHT
14
DANCING FOR THE LIBRARY
20
GADGETS AND GIZMOS AT FARADAYS
22
TAKING YOUR HOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
24
HOT LOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
25
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
26
HATS OFF TO LAKEWAY!
30
SUNSET SERENADE
32
AUSTIN CHILDRENS SHELTER GALA
36
BUSINESS PROFILES
38
KELLER WILLIAMS CASINO NIGHT
40
BELVEDERE HONORS LTFR
42
FIRE BENEFIT AT ANGELS
43
BALLET AUSTIN GUILD KICKOFF
44
KENDRA SCOTT SPEAKS OUT
45
MY BIG FAT LEBANESE WEDDING
Waterways Magazine
604 Peterson Lane; Lakeway, TX 78734
waterwaysmag@gmail.com
www.waterwaysmagazine.com
EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Cathie Parssinen 512.785.6313
DESIGNER: Sheila Parr waterwaysdesign@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL: Joseph Vasquez, Sharon OQuinn
PHOTOGRAPHY: Brandi Nellis, Kristen B. Roedner,
Dan Gentile/Thrillist, Jay Janner
10
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32
Winter
20112012
ABOUT THE COVER
Engineer Rick Tess, Lt. Jeremy
Petersma, FF Tim Sage, Lt. Jon
Wharton, FF Zach Guest (above).
Cover photo by Brandi Nellis
Photography
42
45
10 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Firefight
STORY BY CATHIE PARSSINEN | PHOTOS BY JAY JANNER AND BRANDI NELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY
H
OMEOWNERS wanting to be near Austin but hoping to avoid
the concrete and congestion began the migration to the less
developed, natural settings of Lake Travis in accelerating num-
bers during the 1990s. Over the intervening years developers introduced
dozens of communities on expanses of land densely wooded with ancient
oaks and stately cedars and pristine views of lake and hill country, sometimes
called paradise. Also called the Wildland Urban Interface. This is a term for
a geographical area where communities butt up against, or thread through,
wildlands, generally uninhabited areas of forests, brush, grasslands or other
vegetation. Through the generous use of greenbelts, dedicated nature pre-
serves or abutments to state or national parks, developers have provided
homeowners with a sense that they have been set down in the heart of nature.
The Texas Forest Service calls this phenomenon living on the edge.
Austin reflects a national trend of growth patterns that indicate that our
built environment continues to encroach deeply into beautiful wild and
rural areas, thus creating more and more areas of wildland/urban inter-
face throughout the country. Although this is happening in every state in
the U.S., western states with naturally fire-prone lands have seen dramatic
growth in population in their wild or rural areas that has increased the
number of home losses due to wildfires. Californias dense growth through-
out areas of high fire hazard keeps its losses at the top of the list. From 1961
to 1985, home losses to wildfires in the U.S. ran from 300 to 600 annu-
ally. Since 1985, homes losses have been close to 1000 per year, with major
spikes in dramatic fire years. The urban firestorm that swept through the
Oakland and Berkeley hills in October, 1991, killed 25 people and injured
150 others, burned 1,520 acres and destroyed 3,354 single-family homes
and 437 apartment and condominium units. In 2003, Southern California
lost 5,400 homes. This is not a record to emulate, but with 2,842 homes
lost during the Labor Day fires around Austin, the parallels have made an
impression on local fire professionals.
As Lake Travis Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Robert Abbott explains, The
Wildland/Urban Interface is a huge issue here in Lake Travis. The intru-
sion of homes in areas surrounded by abundant amounts of wildland fuels,
combined with conditions of drought, set the stage for the magnitude of
events we have just experienced in western Travis County. It is remarkable
that Travis County got through an extreme fire conditionwith no rain in
nine months, high available fuels and adverse weather conditionswith
fairly minimal impact. Abbott continues, This is a wake-up call. When
its very dry, this area can be very dangerous. We now have an environment
similar to what you would find in California. From a historical perspective,
Steiner Ranch was the biggest fire we have ever had in this fire department.
Weve had large wildland fires, but we have never lost 23 houses, and with
100+ homes lost in the county in one day, no one can remember anything
comparable. For most of our firefighters, this was the biggest fire of their
career. As dramatic as it was, what happened in Travis Country pales when
compared to events in neighboring Bastrop County.
Wildfires are naturally occurring events, like floods, avalanches and
earthquakes. Communities like Tokyo and San Francisco that are prone
to catastrophic earthquakes have taken serious steps to improve building
codes to reflect the latest advances in earthquake engineering. Generally
speaking, there has been no such community recognition and planning for
wildfires as a natural hazard, even in wildland fire-prone areas. Relatively
few communities consider the threat of wildfires when creating compre-
hensive plans that guide development. For example, when a new subdivi-
sion is built into a wildland area, the community may or may not enforce
appropriate design and construction standards to ensure that the homes
being built have minimized their vulnerability to ignition in a wildland
fire. (Firewise: Community Solutions to a National Problem)
Sound building standards and codes are widely available through the
International Codes Council and the National Fire Protection Association.
Increasingly, around the nation, wildfires are burning bigger
and hotter, igniting many homes rapidly, so that whole
communities are affected. Here a home burns in Steiner
Ranch on Sept. 4, 2011. (Photo by Jay Janner/Austin
American Statesman)
irnooitic iiicti i
uois o uoi siris.
On the western edge of Austin, near the lakes, theres a unique neighborhood providing serene,
gated living with plenty of privacy but also a real sense of community. Its Spanish Oaks,
featuring a private golf club with an award-winning course and frst-class dining, the Austin
Tennis Academy, a large catch-and-release pond, miles of trails and numerous parks, and the
exemplary-rated Lake Travis schools. Its elegant Hill Country Living without the drive.
Come see for yourself, call or visit www.spanishoaks.com.
Enter at the windmill, a half-mile west of RR on Highway in Bee Cave.
Or, call -- or visit www.spanishoaks.com.
A F I REWI S E COMMUNI TY
12 Waterways | Winter 20112012
However, only 28 states have
adopted any of these model
building codes for residential
development. And of these
states, more than half have
emasculated the codes because
of concerns about cost or
because of an unwillingness to
accept regulation. Even after a
wildfire disaster, there are often
no requirements to break the
cycle by switching to the use
of fire-resistant materials and
design in a rebuilding process
funded by insurance claims and
low-interest disaster loans.
The Nat i onal Fi r e
Prot ect i on Associ at i on
(NFPA) has partnered with the
USDA Forest Service, the US
Department of the Interior and
the National Association of
State Foresters to sponsor the
FIREWISE COMMUNITIES
PROGRAM. Firewise is a
program that encourages pro-
active communities and their
homeowners to take protective
measures to reduce the risk of
being destroyed by wildfire.
The program offers a comprehensive set of principles that guide everything
from the establishment of a defensible, survivable space around the home,
to vegetative and landscaping modifications, and structural modifications
including the choice of building materials and construction design. Lake
Travis Fire Rescue and other fire departments in fire-prone areas are try-
ing to encourage developers, architects and landscapers, and the authori-
ties that have jurisdiction over the permitting of their projects, to embrace
these firewise principles at the outset as they embark upon planning new
communities. Firewise Communities suffer a lot less damage than commu-
nities that are not Firewise although they do not offer invincibility.
According to John Durham, Assistant Chief over Prevention, there are
only two Firewise Communities within the LTFR jurisdiction. These are
Riverplace and Spanish Oaks. The Savannah Point community in Steiner
Ranch is currently in the process of becoming a Firewise Community.
The Reserve at Lake Travis under the jurisdiction of the Pedernales Fire
Rescue is also a Firewise Community. The goal, says Durham, is not the
national recognition. The goal is to do the work, the mitigation. Usually
this requires neighborhoods to work closely with the local fire department
and with the Texas Forestry Service to make critical changes.
Durham met with homeowners and developer Joel Robuck of Belvedere
about a month before their fire, and they did all of the things Durham rec-
ommended. According to Assistant Chief Robert Abbott, The Belvedere
fire moved very quickly. It was a true fire fight, but we didnt have one
house lost. You can go to Belvedere and see where the fire burned around
the homes, devouring all the available fuels that werent maintained. It was
a great save for them. They lost a lot of landscaping, so they lost product
but not homes or lives. As Durham notes, Although Belvedere is not a
Firewise Community, they do a lot of things that Firewise Communities do,
and they have restrictive covenants in place that meet many firewise princi-
ples. Landscapes were manicured and managed, slowing the fires advance.
Also, the large lot sizes helped them because homes were not built right
on top of each other. Unfortunately, we saw the opposite at Steiner Ranch,
where homes are much closer together, with heavy vegetation around
them. In many cases, wood privacy fences extend out from the wildland up
to homes, providing an avenue for fire to travel up the fence to the house.
Many homes had flammable and combustible materials close to the house
that were ignited by flying embers or firebrands.
Assistant Chiefs Robert Abbott and John Durham believe the threat
going forward is very high. As Durham says, Cooler temperatures do not
mean reduced fire risk, and they can lull people into a false sense of secu-
rity. Cooler weather often brings wind and, with limited rain, risk persists.
Abbott agrees, Unless we get substantial rains, we need to buckle down for
a busy fire season.
LTFR Fire Chief Jim Linardos is a noted and experienced wildland fire-
fighter incident commander with a three-decade long career that began in
the Reno/Lake Tahoe area. From volunteer firefighter to chief, Linardos
has fought and commanded fires at the national level, and he is a member
of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Wildland Committee. He
maintains the Chief Fire Officer Designation and has graduated from the
National fire Academys Executive Fire Officer Program. He is part of an
elite group that is developing current advancements in wildland firefight-
ing. LTFR will depend on his experience and leadership since it is more
than likely that development will continue to press into wildland areas
throughout Lake Travis and neighboring areas, presenting immense chal-
lenges of defending the Wildland/Urban Interface from wildfires.
To find out more about how your neighborhood can become a
FIREWISE COMMUNITY or to learn about modifications that will protect
your property in case of wildfire:
Contact your local fire department or visit www.firewise.org and
http://txforestservice.tamu.edu
The cost of running an engine company in response to any emergency call is approximately $1200-$1800 per hour. Equipment loss on the first day of
the Steiner Ranch fire was $40,000. In additional to equipment losses, the cost of overtime payments to mobilize all firefighters ran about $60,000 per
day. It is estimated that the Steiner Ranch fire cost LTFR approximately $250,000 - $300,000 of extra expense. Final calculations may put that figure
as high as $400,000. (Photo by Brandi Nellis Photography)
High gloss epoxy oors
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For the man who has everything.
(512) 636-3766 thompson@texastoughtops.com www.TexasToughTops.com
Bubba Breazeale
E.H.
E.H. Bubba Breazeale, Realtor

(512) 517-4247 Toll Free 800-252-9606

b_breazeale@msn.com www.lakewaytexas.com
EXPERIENCE DOES COUNT!
Selling Lake Travis Area Residential
and Commercial Real Estate since 1976
2012 LAKE TRAVIS FIREFIGHTERS
ASSOCIATION CALENDAR
Avai l abl e at Busters BBQ, Caf Lago,
Two Hot Mamas and other
l ocal busi nesses
80% of the proceeds from the sale of calendars will
be donated to St. Baldricks Foundation, a charity that
funds research to nd cures for childhood cancers.
20% of the proceeds will go to the Lake Travis
Fireghters Association Benevolent Fund.
2012 Calendar
January 2012
14 Waterways | Winter 20112012
T
ABLES DRAPED in red and black, the signature colors of Lake Travis, welcomed guests as they
assembled on the courts at the World of Tennis for the 2011 Dancing with the Stars, a Gala Benefit for
the Lake Travis Community Library. An impressive lineup of contestants, with weeks of practice behind
them, was eager to take to the dance floor and ready to wow the crowd. MC Dave Kelliher and Judges Bill Strong,
Annette Brown and Glenn Lee, delighted the crowd with their comic give and take. Dancers Dottie Stevenson and
Mike Topel swept the Peoples Choice award for First Place. Jamie Clayton and Jon
Hupp took Second Place, and Steve Zbranek and Jennifer Kloss walked away with
Third Place. The event netted $37,000, an amount that will be added to the Library
construction fund.
For volunteer or giving opportunities visit www.laketravislibrary.org
Dancing for the Library
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Diane Judah Mayberry, Mike Hutton
Drs. Steve and Angie Hernandez
Maggie Calbert, Jackie Lloyd
standing: Steve Pyle, Misty and Rob Estrada, Jim and Julie Lavende
seated: Deborah and Johnny Sheldon, Anne Marie Pyle, Cindy and Marc Pollack
Tim and Amy Hendon
Nick and Judy Renneker Gretchen Nearburg, Gil Boyd
Shari Mack, Misty White, Brenda Dashner, Connie Pahey
SignatureBridalSalon.com
512-892-5000
12717 Shops Parkway Ste #200
Austin, TX 78738
Signature Bridal Salon is central Texas premiere full
service bridal experience offering the latest in designer
wedding gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses,
formal social wear and bridal accessories. Serving Lakeway,
Bee Cave, Westlake, Spicewood and Marble Falls.
Austins Exclusive Retailer
for Simone Carvalli Bridal
and Bridesmaids
With GRATITUDE for
your BUSINESS
Diana Thomas
512-970-4489
dianathomasrealtor.com
I am your LAKE TRAVIS real estate specialist!
I work, live and
play here . . .
Happy Holidays
Central Texas
Pediatric Dentistry
1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd.,
#1430
Adjacent to Dell Childrens
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
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
State-of-the-art Digital Radiography
Hospital dentistry Conscious sedation
Special needs patients Laser dentistry
Interceptive orthodontics
Accepting most insurance
16 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Kristin and Tony Holt
Marsha Kelliher, Gala Co-chair Sharon Rogers
Sharon Wichterich, Sharon Rodgers, Laura Hopkins
Carla Phillips, Karen Frey Cindy and Don Kotrady
Salsa Sponsors Ray and Margaret Kilgo
with Paula Tye (standing)
Lakeway Police Chief Todd Radford and wife Tina
Bob and Niece Laws
Don and Karen Michalik
Linda York, Jennifer Foster
Allison and Marge Matsen
Some people think success doesnt have a face . . .
O
512.263.7611 | 620 & LAKEWAY BLVD | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
A gift you know she deserves this holiday season
a gift certificate from Spa at the Lake!
www.spaatthelake.com
The Perfect Gift
T
H
E
O
R
IG
INAL
D
A
Y
S
P
A
Susan, Tracy, Steve, Sue, Tiffany and Steven Zbranek (kneeling)
Amber Hart, David Abril
Johnnie Marable, Marianna Judith Loughery
First place winners Mike Topel, Dottie Stevenson
Judges Bill Strong, Annette Brown, Glenn Lee
Laurie Gantt Smith, Mark Moy
Yes it does!
O
Realty
NOW RECRUI TI NG
Real Estate Services
www.ORealtyServices.com
(512) 614.6655
900 Ranch Rd. 620 S. Suite A-109 Austin, TX 78734
Faradays Gadget Expo
Introduces Great Gift Ideas!
STORY BY SHARON OQUINN | PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
T
HIS FALL, the focus is all about bringing fun into your kitchen. With the dozens of brand new
items weve brought in recently, in addition to more than 5000 items we regularly stock, Faradays
Kitchen Store is overflowing with fun gifts, tools and ideas to make your holidays holly and jolly!
From Mastrad, we have the new Chips Maker, which lets you make delicious and fat-free potato chips in
just 3 minutes right in your microwave. You could also use apples, pears, carrots, sweet potatoes or mangos
for an exciting variation- play with different spices and flavors! Fun, quick and easy, this makes an excellent
gift for the snack lover in your life.
Elaine Kay is a brand new line of stationery products, designed and
produced right in Austin. The artist has designed a lovely assortment
of products for the kitchen, including shopping lists, recipe cards and
wine markers. Give your gift-giving a local flair this year!
At Faradays, youre sure to find the perfect present for your spe-
cial cook, whatever their age. Best of all, we are locally owned and will
match any competitors price.
Located in beautiful Lakeway, Faradays team is here to make this
holiday season the best ever!
Stop by or shop faradayskitchenstore.com to complete Santas list.
1501 RR 620 North - 512.266.5666 - Happy Holidays!
Ethan Hamme, Messermeister
Elaine Kay Card Line, designed by an
Austin artist & printed in Austin!
Creed Bearden, Mastrad Sales Rep
Tony Curtis-Wellings with customers
John Asmus, OXO Sales Rep, sporting onion goggles!
Sharon OQuinn
Natalie Peery, Melissa Curtis-Wellings
Mastrad Microwave Chip Maker
263-3600
2422 RR 620 SOUTH
SUITE A140
LAKEWAY, TEXAS
Furniture Accessories
LIghting Design
22 Waterways | Winter 20112012
THE FROG PAD
Every home owner who has ever shopped for a new appliance, big screen
TV or refrigerator/freezer can relate to the happiness experienced when
using the new item but no one looks forward to being up sold or pres-
sured while shopping for it. That is all a thing of the past at The Frog Pad
Home Appliances which is owned by Lakeway residents Anne Marie and
Steve Pyle and located in Lakeway within Lakeshore Home Gallery. Not
only do you have a friend in the business, you also have the buying power
of 4000 national retail stores with a combined purchasing power of over $4
billion dollars with Nationwide Southwest. Anne Marie and Steve are in the
business because they love the relationships they build with their custom-
ers and the process of creating a wonderful living environment in each of
their homes. They are also happy to be a local and personalized provider of
high demand appliances and tvs such as Theremador, Bosch, Miele, LG and
many more. Their footprint may be smaller than the BIG BOX locations
but their buying power is equal to or better than theirs. The Frog Pad is a
member of a powerful national buying group that will assure that they can
provide the combination of great shopping experience with the ability to be
competitive as well.
INTERIOR SELECTIONS
Include a builder, an architect, and an interior designer before you embark
on a new home construction or a major remodel. Many homeowners believe
that an interior designers job begins when the construction crew is finished,
but experts in the field know that bringing an interior designer in early is the
best way to ensure a successful project. Lori Anderson, a licensed interior
designer with Interior Selectionslocated in Lakeway in Lakeshore Home
Gallerylikes to be consulted at the blueprint stage. Designers can often add
to the architects vision and offer an important perspective for space plan-
ning. When a designer comes in at the early stage, they are able to make sure
all the finishes and permanent fixtures coordinate to give the house a richer,
more pulled- together look. Some people may not think they can afford an
interior designer, but the biggest savings they provide is preventing costly
decorating mistakes. With a designers help you may not make mistakes
along the way that youll have to go back and change later.
GREYSTONE FARM
Many properties in the area are older homes with great views or yards or
the perfect location . . . but hopelessly dated. Quite common is the notion
of bringing in a painter to refinish existing cabinets to provide an updated
look. However, painters doing on site finishes typically use an oil based or
latex household paint which cannot measure up to professional finishes. At
Greystone Farm we use only pre-catalyzed lacquers or conversion varnish-
es in a dust-free environment to achieve a lasting and warrantied finish.
Additionally, though many people may dream of owning custom cabi-
nets, not everyone has the budget to use custom for their entire home. At
Greystone Farm we now offer a semi-custom cabinet line which will enable
home owners to
meet their budget.
Go custom in the
kitchen and mas-
ter suite . . . maybe
the master closet
or library . . . then
semi-custom in the
remainder of the
home. The possi-
bilities are endless.
Our new semi-cus-
tom line offers 24 door styles, eight wood species, eight stains, five paints
and three glazes. We will help you make your selections and put them in a
3D design for you to visualize the final outcome. As always, all drawer boxes
have dovetail corners, full under mount guides and full extension capabil-
ity. Wood species offered are cherry, rustic cherry, hickory, rustic alder,
rustic hickory, maple, oak and poplar.
ATLAS AUDIO VIDEO
We strive to bring our world into your hands. Whether it is home automa-
tion, a newly designed and installed home theater, a new home construc-
tion or remodeling project, our team can go onsite and develop a solution
that exceeds your expectations and provides you countless hours of ease
of use and entertainment. Located inside of the Lakeshore Home Gallery
you can test out our home theater as well as automation solutions to see
how appealing it is in your home. Not only do you add to the value of your
home, you also improve your quality of life and can entertain in your home
for years to come.
107 RR 620 South (Liberty Center), Lakeway 78734
512-264-2999
lakeshorehomegallery.com
Lakeshore Home Gallery Takes
Your Home to the Next Level
Paul Gomez, Atlas Audio Video; Anne Marie and Steve Pyle, The
Frog Pad; Misty and Rob Estrada, Greystone Farm; Lori Anderson,
Interior Selections; Cara Yotter, Showroom Manager
Call Us!
512-263-3669
Bring Paradise Home!
GreenScapes
L ANDSCAPI NG & POOL S
www.GreenScapesAustin.com
15% OFF
all services until
Feb.1, 2012
*Some restrictions may apply
5 Water Saving
Techniques...
Proper Mulching
Turf Reduction
Group plants by
watering needs
Low water-use plants
Use drip irrigation
ADORN
Youll see the great pop of color that enlivens fall and winter
fashions at Adorn in jewel tones like emerald green, purple and
orange. Burnt orange and coral tones are also popular. Short
tops that flow but hit at the waist are all the trend and are
layered over a great selection of colorful camis. If its flirty
and feminine, youll find it at Adorn. From LT to UT, they
have you covered! 2127 Lohmans Crossing Road, Suite 301,
Lakeway www.adornaustin.com
SUSIE DS
This gem of a boutique has a great
assortment of coats and jackets in a
variety of weights and lengths, with
beautiful detailing. Look for
an irresistible collection of Jimmy
Crystal readers as well as a new line
of sportswear by Jamie Sadock.
From cocktail to casual, Susie Ds
has something to add just the right
touch to celebrate our cooler days
and nights! 900 RR 620 S. Lakeway
Commons (512) 2630329
Whats Hot for the Holidays
What looks are in for the holidays this year? Two boutiques in the know provide a teasing peek!
25 Winter 20112012 | Waterways
T
HE NEWLY OPENED restaurant in Lakeway, The League Kitchen and
Tavern, is NOT conceptualized based on the Sean Connery flop, The League of
Extraordinary Gentlemen. However, co-owners Tony Ciola and Creed Ford IV are
quite the extraordinary gentlemen.
Ciola, 27, and Ford, 31, are both alums of Lake Travis High School and although both never knew each other in high school, they both had a passion for
excellent food. So when they finally met later in life, they decided to share their passion to others by opening a restaurant together.
Ciola and Ford are not newcomers in the restaurant business. Ciola, who is a third-generation restaurateur, has successfully opened and managed
several restaurants including the legendary Ciolas and Tony Cs Coal Fired Pizza at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Caves.
Ford, on the other hand, is the son of Creed Ford III, co-founder and CEO of Carinos Italian,
and Lynn Ford, owner and CEO of Texas favorite barbecue joint, Rudys Country Store and
Bar-B-Q. Additionally, Ford is the principal at Pictoric Media Group, a digital marketing firm
specializing in the restaurant sector.
As far back as Ciola can remember he always worked to some degree at his familys restau-
rants, while Ford, armed with an accounting degree from Texas A&M, immediately worked for
his father at Carinos Italian as a financial analyst after graduation.
While both were on different career paths, fate stepped in and they met while the Fords
were having dinner at the former Ciolas at Lakeway Plaza on 620. Little did they know that
years later, both Ciola and Ford would be opening The League Kitchen and Tavern at the same
site they first met.
Ciola and Ford are students of history when it comes to food and found intriguing the lack
of identity American cuisine had amongst Americans. They decided to bring back a little taste of
early 20
th
century American fare, but add modern touches to them. As soon as guests step into
The League Kitchen and Tavern they are transported back in time into a different era. They are
greeted by a large black and white mural right out of the time of the Prohibition Era. The walls
are adorned by black and white posters of the leagues of the 1920s, which celebrates a time
when folks enjoyed their food and drink as much as the conversation around the table.
The missing pieces of the puzzle were hiring the right chef and general manager to over-
see the operations who understood what The League is about. After an exhaustive search, the
duo brought an up and coming stalwart of the countrys most famous restaurants, Chef Devan
Gernert, whose kitchen experience included Nobu Dallas and Bolla restaurant of the luxurious
Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa in Dallas. They also hired Clifford Abrahams who was a former owner of
an award-winning restaurant in Colorado as director of operations.
Together, the four came up with a delectable menu of appetizers,
entres and desserts. Some of the items guests will find are timeless
classics such as Chicken Pot Pie, Fat Tire Fish and Chips, Grilled
Ribeye with Crispy Onions and Au Jus on the side, among other dishes
that have been reinvented ensuring every bite of any dish is filled with
flavor satisfying all types of palettes from the simple to the compli-
cated.
As Ford explained matter-of-factly, The League isnt simply a res-
taurant, its a lifestyle.
And that it is, it is a place if Sir Sean Connery walked through the
door would simply say in his distinct Scottish accent, extraordinary.
The League Kitchen and Tavern is open Sundays through
Thursdays from 11am-10pm and on Friday and Saturdays from 11am-
11pm. It is located at 1310 Ranch Road 620 South at the Lakeway Plaza.
Guests can like The League on Facebook at http://facebook.com/
leaguelakeway or at http://leaguelakeway.com for the latest updates.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Now Playing:
THE LEAGUES EXTRAORDINARY
GENTLEMEN
STORY BY JOSEPH VASQUEZ | PHOTOS BY DAN GENTILE/THRILLIST
Creed Ford IV, Tony Ciola
A
N EXTRAORDINARY collection of hats and facinators adorned guests at the eagerly
anticipated Womens Club Style Show and Luncheon. This years fun event was beautifully
orchestrated by Co-Chairs Carmen Bantly and Sherry Bettis, assisted by a great commit-
tee of volunteers. Dillards Hill Country Galleria once again provided Style Show fashions for 28 of
the Womens Clubs lovely members, who took proud ownership of the runway. There is something
to be said for the transformative impact of a sassy new outfit. Hats off to Lakeway and to the grand
benefits of retail therapy!
Hats Off to Lakeway
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Lynn McIntire
Event Co-Chair, Carmen Bantly,
President Maryleeann Bryan, Event Co-Chair, Sherry Bettis
Gigi McKeever, Murielle Hodson
Jody Berry Mary Ann Funk, Diane Breazeale
Patsy Brister, Jane Benasutti
Gretchen Nearburg Linda Swan
512. 266. 8100
1603 Ranch Road 620 N.
Lakeway, TX 78734
www. 620chiropractic. com
Your health & wellness
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providing exceptional care . . .
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Our sta includes two chiropractors,
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Accepting new patients.
Gracious living, numerous
architectural details, and inspiring
views are all highlighted in this
Randy Rollo Custom Home.
An inviting courtyard leads into
a well designed entry overlooking
the pool and lake. Featured is a
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Check us out at
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All donors received a free
shampoo, cut and style.
Lush Salon proudly partnered with the
SISTERHOOD Ministry of Lake Hills
Church with an event to provide hair
donations to those experiencing hair loss
due to cancers and other illnesses.
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30 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Sunset Serenade
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
T
HE WOMENS CLUB of Greater Lakeway jump-started the 2011-2012 season and welcomed
new members with a gathering at The Oasis. Ordinarily, the Womens Club welcomes new mem-
bers with a fall tea. Co-Chairs Sharon Gilmore and Linda Kephart decided invitations to this years
event should include not just members but the men in their lives as well. In view of the coed nature of
the get-together, a full bar and fajita dinner replaced the traditional tea and crumpets! The Womens Club
of Greater Lakeway is one of Lakeways most active organiza-
tions, with 25 separate interest groups. Maryleeann Bryan steps
forward as this years President and will lead the Club through
another very busy year. 1st Vice-President, Nancy Clayton has
assembled a schedule of interesting programs for the monthly
meetings that take place the fourth Monday of every month from
September through May, December excepted.
Loyd Smith, Vicki Taylor, Shelley Smith,
Kitty and Mike Lichty, Dave Taylor, Ed Metcalf
Co-chair Sharon Gilmore,
President Maryleeann Bryan,
Co-chair Linda Kephart
Linda and Dave DeOme, Janice and Tom Armstrong
Karen Morter, Sue Combs
Paul Cornett, sue Heilig, Linda Swan
Leona Renfroe, Bill Cobb
Don and Peggy Hilbert
Jody and Bob Berry, Maryleeann Bryan
Phil and Annette Brown
32 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Austin Childrens
Shelter Gala
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
T
ECHNICALLY, they were at the Hilton Austin but, in spirit, A
Season of Dance transported guests at the 2011 Austin Childrens
Shelter Gala to an exotic Moroccan bazaar in the heart of the mys-
terious Maghreb. Gala Co-Chairs Shannon Schmitz and Andrea Valko and the
Shelters Mia Washington (known as the Queen of the Gala) pulled out all the
stops to provide generous supporters of the Shelters mission an evening to
remember.
As CEO Kelly White noted in a recent message, We live in a time of ongo-
ing economic downturn, shrinking government funds, and fewer philanthrop-
ic dollars that have to be stretched to meet ever growing needs. The Austin
Childrens Shelter already has to raise almost 70% of its annual operating
budget from the community, almost $4 million in 2011, creating additional
burden in an already difficult time. I see that in order to survive, to meet our
mission and to provide even greater opportunity for improving the lives of
children, youth and families, we will need to be incredibly nimble and think
about a broader continuum of care; about a system that has no wrong door for
kids and families; and one that thinks always about the next generation and
ending the plague of abuse and neglect.
Christi Davidson, Diane Johnson,
Gala Co-chair Shannon Schmitz
Joanie Schoener Bentzin, Susan Wise
Sean Salak, Shana Kidd, Bridgit Ramey, Bruce St. John
Rebecca Hardeman, Henri Koleman Sandra Benkova, Gala Co-chair Andrea Valko
Ronda Gray, Gina Pounds
ACS Board Chairman Matt Womack, April Womack, Tracy and Bob Henry Dick and Sara Rathgeber
style sophistication class
hair
skin
waxing
make up
threading
retail therapy
brazilian blowout
In the Liberty Center at 107 RR 620 South, Suite 101
Lakeway, TX 78734 | 512.266.9936
www.luxeboutiquesalon.com
Photos by Heike Murphy
I have been seeing Zhara for over ve years. I followed her to Luxe
as she is absolutely the best and one of the few estheticians I know
who practice the art of threading. My eyebrows are perfectly arched
and groomed and my skin has never looked better as a result of her
facials and the wonderful Eminence Organic Skin Care products she
has transitioned me to. I would highly recommend anyone putting
themselves in Zharas expert hands. Sue Rachlin
NAMED
AMONG
THE TOP 20
SALONS
IN THE U.S.
by Salon Today
menwomenchildren
Sandra Benkova, Gala Co-chair Andrea Valko
Dick and Sara Rathgeber
34 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Blue Lapiz Silk Dancers Mark and Jocelyn Johnson, Jennifer and Mark Mouritsen
Janet and Jeffrey Kahn, Matt Henrey
Chris and Alexis Guggenheim, Erin and Chas Vergauwen
Dave and April Fitzgearld,
Janetha Rogers, David Gainey
Jamie and Dana Wills, Merriman Morton, Mary Scott Nabers
Jay and Rebecca Turbeville, Jeff and Lisa Rhodes
CEO Kelly White
35 Winter 20112012 | Waterways
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36 Waterways | Winter 20112012
620 CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Ryan Smith started 620 Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Lakeway
three years ago. He came here from Kauai, Hawaii with the goal to build
a premier destination for health and wellness for the Lake Travis commu-
nity. He has just completed a move into his new expanded location in the
Oak Grove Plaza next door to
Body Wise Gym and Faradays
Kitchen Store.
Dr. Ryan has been in practice
for ten years and is a graduate of
Palmer College of Chiropractic.
While at Palmer, he studied the
Gonstead system of chiropractic
which is widely considered to be
the gold standard of chiroprac-
tic care. This highly effective
method is used to identify prob-
lem areas systematically and
to work to restore the body to a
more natural state. It has been
shown to be very beneficial for
people with serious migraines,
neck, arm, back or sciatic pain.
In addition, Dr. Ryan is very well
known to be able to help those
who have suffered from chronic pain that has failed to respond to standard
treatments of care.
The health and wellness centers approach is to get your body well, and
once well, keep it well. The 620 Wellness Center has two chiropractors, an
acupuncturist, a physical therapist, a naturopath and two specialized mas-
sage therapists. The new center has experienced such rapid growth that it has
recently acquired more space for a planned expansion that will bring more of
the best holistic-minded practitioners to Lakeway. Each practitioner in the
Center has earned the distinction of providing exceptional care and, in turn,
getting exceptional results. 512.266.8100 www.620chiropractic.com
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Thrives in Lake Travis
BUSINESS PROFILES BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
BEANSPROUT PEDIATRICS
Dr. Danielle Grant is proud and excited to offer Beansprout Pediatrics to
Lakeway and the surrounding communities. After falling in love with the
Lakeway community, Dr. Grant relocated here to offer a full-service pediat-
ric clinic to children and adolescents.
Beansprout Pediatrics offers complimentary prenatal visits, routine
newborn care, well child care, back to school and sport physicals, com-
prehensive diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, ADHD consultation and
management, minor
wound care, allergy
management, and
many other services.
The new state of
the art office provides
separate well and sick
waiting areas, vibrant
exam rooms, and
friendly office staff at
their convenient loca-
tion on the corner of
Lakeway Blvd. and
RR 620 (first floor of
the American Bank
Building).
Dr. Grant attend-
ed medical school
at the University of Connecticut and completed her pediatric training
at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is board certified in
Pediatrics and has been named Chief of Pediatrics for the highly anticipated
Lakeway Regional Medical Center. She is the proud mother of three. She
enjoys being a member of the Lakeway community and is committed to
provide excellent pediatric care to the families here.
512.610.7030 beansproutpediatrics.com
Dr. Danielle Grant
Dr. Ryan Smith
2127 Lohmans Crossing, #300
Lakeway
512.266.1715
Fine Diamonds
and Exquisite
Custom Jewelry
Designs by Robert Harrison,
Certied
Master Bench Jeweler
HARRISON JEWELERS
With the opening of Harrison Jewelers in the Lakeway Town Centre II,
Lakeway now has a Certified Master Bench Jeweler with over 40 years expe-
rience designing and crafting fine custom jewelry. Robert Harrison was the
fifth Texan to achieve the Master Bench designation and the first in Austin.
Candidates for the certification are required to construct a certain number
of pieces according to drawings sent to them by Jewelers of America, which
also sends them the silver, 18kt yellow gold, platinum and stones to be used
in the fabrication.
Once Jewelers of
America has graded
the pieces, the stones
are removed and the
metals are melted
down to be used
again. The reason
Robert Harrison still
has the original piec-
es he submitted for
his exam is because
he scored such high
marks in every cat-
egory that Jewelers
of America wanted
to use his pieces as
examples for other
candidates. So when-
ever they need them,
Robert returns them.
Robert Harrison
is President-Elect of
the Texas Jewelers
Associ ati on, and
past President of
t he Associ at i on
of Pr of es s i onal
Jewelers. But beyond
the certifications and
the service to the
industry, it is pas-
sion for the creativity
involved in the custom process that distinguishes Robert Harrisons work
sitting on the bench. He is ably assisted by Lake Travis longtimer Johnny
Coultrup, former owner, along with his mother, of The House of Harriet and
John near Serendipity and the Cactus Garden on Hwy 71. Johnny is a gradu-
ate of the Gemological Institute of America and does custom stone cutting for
Harrison Jewelers, specializing in the Lone Star cut (the state cut of Texas)
on topaz (the state gem of Texas) and other specialty cuts. Both men are
founding members of the Austin Jewelers Breakfast Club.
Robert Harrison and his wife Judy are also longtime Lake Travis resi-
dents and are happy to have moved their business closer to their home.
Robert Harrison, Johnny Coutrup
T
HE HOUSE was packed for Keller Williams Casino Night, an event that raised money for
victims of the recent fires and welcomed other beneficiaries of outreach programs supported
by Keller Williams charitable efforts. Keller Williams Lake Travis Market Center adopted
Betty and David McCartney of Joplin, MO, after their town was struck by the devastating tornado of May
22. The McCartneys, like so many others, were severely impacted. One of the things Keller Williams did
(post adoption) was to deposit $5,000 into the McCartneys checking account. The McCartneys drove
from Joplin to Lakeway to be present for Casino Night and
to personally express their gratitude for the assistance.
Last year, Keller Williams raised $17,000 to help to
pay for an operation for the son of Chad and Abigail Head,
who was suffering from spinal bifida. Teak and his happy
parents were also present to celebrate. As Abigail told me,
This is our miracle baby!
It is not only Keller Williams agents who rally to sup-
port these good works. Many associated businesses, whose
well-being is tied to that of real estate, turned out to sup-
port these worthy causes.
Keller Williams
Casino Night
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Tony Brodie, Team Leader for Keller Williams Northwest Market Center; Kathy Neu, Ris Johns, Event Chair; Betty
and David McCartney of Joplin, MO; Mary Lynn Gibbs, Team Leader for Keller Williams Lake Travis Market Center;
Tony DiCello, Keller Williams International
Chad, Teak and Abigail Head
Laurie and Kyle Nunnalee
Judy Bowen, Melinda Carroll, Lindsay Kelley, Phyllis Avery Elaine Garner, Heidi Schoonover, Bill Bradshaw, Sheri Watts
Larry and Melinda Carroll, Gene and Susan Arandt
Mary Tenant, President and COO of Keller
Williams International; Rise (accent) Johns
Victor Thompson, Krys Aitala
Grant and Yvette Gibbons
Crail Bench, Joey Lazeren
Dan Cornwell and Victoria
Beasley (The Canyons at
Lake Travis) with Co-Chair
Amber Hart (center)
achievempt@gmail.com

512 263-1795

www.achievempt.com
1310 Ranch Road 620 South Suite B-10 Lakeway, TX 78734
Lakeway Plaza by Ciolas Restaurant

Neck, Back and SIJ pain

Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot Injuries

Tendonitis, Bursitis, Arthritis

Post Motor Vehicle Accidents

Pre and Post Surgical Conditions

Chronic Joint & Muscle Pain

Headaches

Movement System Impairments

Sports Injuries

Muscle Imbalances
Leilani M. Connors, PT FAAOMPT
Director
PHYSICAL THERAPY LAKEWAY
5975 Hiline Road Austin, Texas 78734
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Lakeway Resort & Spa
512.264.1979
MEMBER
Belvedere
Honors LTFR
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
W
HILE NEWER fires that erupted over the Labor Day
weekend were still burning or smoldering, the commu-
nity of Belvedere honored firefighters from Lake Travis
Fire Rescue for their heroic efforts containing the fire that broke out
in Belvedere on July 27. Sparks generated by some construction work
ignited a fast-moving blaze that could have had disastrous consequenc-
es. Firefighters Patrick Moore and Jason Lee of LTFR were among the
first to arrive on the scene. They and other members of LTFR worked
quickly and relentlessly to try to gain control. According to Asst. Chief
John Durham, the situation exhibited extreme fire behavior, including
crowning. Miraculously, despite
ferocious winds, LTFR did not lose
one home to the fire.
On behalf of the community of
Belvedere, Karen Schultz present-
ed LTFR a check for nearly $5,000,
and Sheila and Andy Capewell
donated a check for $300 derived
from a percentage of sales from
their store britgolf in Bee Cave.
Chris Wood, Ryan Sandlin, Nick Biagini (of
LTFR), britgolfs Sheila and Andy Capewell,
LTFR Matthew Brake
Patrick Moore and Jason Lee (of LTFR)
Patrick Moore and Jason Lee (of LTFR)
Karen and Riley Rudy
Sophia De Santis, Daisy Palmer,
Jacob Godwin
Ryan and Jeanne Sandlin, Chris and Kelly Wood,
Matthew and Leslie Brake, Peter Webster
Jim and Veronica Palmer
Jody and Mark De Santis, Amy Chase
Karina and Robert Machnacki
Amber Hart and Mary Lynn Gibbs from
Keller Williams LT Market Center with
Karen Schultz, Event Chairman
We will beat any legitimate pool companys written offer by
$500 & you will receive a Free Outdoor Kitchen complete
with a 4 burner gas grill & refrigerator with your pool
purchase! (Limited time offer, so call now to get yours!)
Contact Patt Daugherty for a quote today: 512-627-4942
patt@liquiddreamspools.com
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42 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Fire Benefit
at Angels
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
O
WNERS Mary Blumer and Sara Schulman welcomed huge crowds at their
popular roadhouse, Angels, for a benefit to raise money for victims of the
Pedernales-Spicewood wildfires and to honor firefighters. The wildfire was
one of the worst the Pedernales Fire Department has ever battled, with losses double
those suffered at Steiner Ranch. The fire destroyed 6,400 acres and 65 structures,
including 45 homes. The three children in the photo to the left are among those whose
homes were lost. According to Joni Langle, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, close
to $25,000 was raised. Most of the money raised will go to help victims of the fire, and
a small amount will go to help the department with equipment replacement. The losses
suffered by neighbors have inspired acts of kindness and generosity within this close-
knit community as well as throughout neighboring communities.
Benefit organizers Bonnie Bilawsky, Mercedes McCloughan,
Chrissy Redd, Dawn Madigan, Joni Langle, Kristal Robichaux,
Kathy Anglin, Anne Lyon, J. Carol Parsons
Lt. Wade Schmidtzinsky, District Chief Walter Groman, FF Jared Irvine,
Engineer Chase Westerman, FF Mike Barker, FF Ryan Collity, Engineer
Stuart Castro (from the Pedernales Fire Department)
Katy and Blake Atkins, Camryn James
Les Paul Guitar donated by Titos Vodka Waitress Jessica Snyder (All wait
staff donated their wages for the day.)
Angels Co-owner Mary Blumer, Lillian Beck, Event Organizer
Joni Langle, Angels Co-owner Sara Schulman, Katy Atkins
Sheriff Scott James, Rita James,
Mary Blumer, Rebecca Atkins
43 Winter 20112012 | Waterways
Ballet Austin Guild Kickoff
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
M
EMBERS AND friends of the Ballet Austin Guild gathered at The Oasis with directors,
staff and dancers of Ballet Austin to kick off the unveiling of the new season that opened
September 30th with the world premiere of The Mozart Project, a work through which
Artistic Director Stephen Mills continues his exploration of the musical genius of Mozart. The Guild
mobilizes volunteers to support and promote the interests of Ballet Austin
through educational programs, outreach, fundraising and special events.
The Ballet Austin Guilds annual rite of pre-season passage exhibited
plenty of anticipation and enthusiasm among the crowd of ardent sup-
porters who have exulted as Artistic Director Stephen Mills elaborates
his creative vision and continues to guide Ballet Austin to new heights of
artistic prominence.
For more information about the 2011-2012 Ballet Austin season and
to purchase tickets, visit www.balletaustin.org.
To inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit
www.balletaustinguild.org.
Dancers Michelle Thompson, Ashley Lynn Gilfix
with Guild member Chris Hester
Guild President Jennifer Canaday, Robin and Kim Smith
Ballet Austin Executive Director Cookie Ruiz
Beth Brand, Daphne Konderla, Mike Stotts, Sandy Cary, Gayle and Scott Hamilton,
Margaret Herman
Dancers Kirby Wallis, Anne Marie
Melendez, Chelsea Renner
Betty Oltorf, Dancers Brittany Strickland and
Elise Pekarek, Lorelei and Patrick McDevitt
Dirk Jameson, Raymond Keith Crowley,
Glenda and Charles Patterson
Justin and Brianna McKinney
Guild members
Louise Hein,
Kathy Taylor
Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills with Ballet Austin dancers
44 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Kendra Scott Speaks Out
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
T
HE COURTYARD at the Renaissance Austin hummed with activ-
ity as guests at the Sixth Annual Beauty of Life sipped mimosas and
enjoyed boutique shopping prior to the luncheon and program. In
a spellbinding account, Keynote Speaker Kendra Scott told of her struggles
in 2002 to gain recognition for her fledgling jewelry business. One boutique
owner said to her, I tell you no, and you
consider it a suggestion! Today, Kendra
Scott Jewelry is a global, multimillion-
dollar label carried by top retailers like
Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Henri
Bendal and more than 1,000 specialty
boutiques worldwide. Philosophically,
Scott is guided by Family, Fashion and
Philanthrophy. Her passionate support
of Hospice Austin stems from witnessing
the devoted end-of-life care her stepfa-
ther received from Hospice.
Catherine Steffano, Toni Yancer, Judy Roessner,
Dawn Crouch
Keynote Speaker, Kendra Scott
Loren Gialiotti, Carolyn Lewis
Cara Abazari, Kathy Taylor
Stephanie Hamm, Marilyn Godwin Dee Dee Schmeisser, Carla Ferreri, Ane Urquiola, Kristin Salyer
Nancy Scanlon, Andrea McWilliams
Patty White, Pat Stark
Tracey Sorenson, Karen Watford,
Carol Mitchum
Julie Young, Rhonda Wingo
Pat Hughes, Debbie Novelli Farrell
Sherri West, Teri Potts Pamela Hardt, Joy Schauberger
Chandler Ware, Rita Kreisle
My Big Fat
Lebanese Wedding
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
CATHIE PARSSINEN
T
HE SEDUCTIVE thrill of the invitation to attend the end-of-summer wedding of
the daughter of Thomas and Maha Hanna in the mountains of Lebanon was simply
too much to resist. And so, as the violence of the Arab Spring turned to summer,
with Syria in flames to the east, Mubarak on trial in Egypt, Qaddafi on the lam in Libya, and
other countries teetering on the brink of major upheaval, Jon and I flew to Beirut, a place rav-
aged by an epic, 16-year civil war of its own from 1975 to 1990. We had spent a magical hon-
eymoon year in Lebanon in 1973-74 and, along with the magic, witnessed the beginnings of
the rise of sectarian tensions that would plunge Lebanon into bloody conflict not long after
we left. And now, we had the chance to rekindle our old love affair with Lebanon that began
36 years ago when Jon was doing post-doctoral work at the American University of Beirut.
Roman ruins at Baalbek
Our guide tells us this is a statue of Cleopatra and the asp
Danny Nyberg, Giovanni and Sebastian Hanna
Benita Aro, Rana Hanna
Jon Parssinen, Sebastian, Thomas and Joseph Hanna
Seta Khachadourian, Sebastian Hanna, Ara Hanna, Danny Nyberg, Benita Aro, Maha Hanna, Rasha Seyf, Clarissa,
Joseph and Giovanni Hanna, Sonia Khachadourian, Thomas Hanna, Anwar Shaheen, Jon Parssinen, Elizabeth
Shaheen, Sami, Nour, Sina and Jude Seyf, Rana and Garo Hanna
46 Waterways | Winter 20112012
We stayed at the nearly 100-year old Massabki Hotel in Jdita just off the main road
between Damascus and Beirut, not too far from Zahl, and drank beer in the elegant gar-
den on the banks of the Chtaura River. We feasted on abundant plates of mezza with cloudy
glasses of arak mixed with water. We joined an extended family of 27 relatives of the bride on
raucous bus expeditions through the Lebanese mountains, listening to Arabic love songs and
telling offensive jokes in several languages. We visited the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek.
We stopped for a hike through an orchard of succulent honey figs and picnicked among the
cedars and pines of the Shouf Mountains at an ecological reserve and sanctuary. We danced
the dubka at every opportunity (some of us rather poorly). We partied several times until 4
a.m. And, in the climactic coup de grace, we filled St. Anthonys Maronite Church in Zahl to
bear witness to the vows exchanged between Tony Rouhana and Fabiola Hanna in a joyful
ceremony that provided the organizing principle for all the other things we did!
It was fitting that a wedding should be the cause of our return to a place we fell in love with
as newlyweds ourselves. For $60 per month, we had lived in isolated splendor in a spacious
four bedroom villa in the Druze mountain village of Baissour with an orange and white cat
named Pork Chop. The villa was situated on an acre of land planted with trellises of grape
vines, terraces of artichokes, and peach, almond and fig trees, overlooking one of Lebanons
legendary mountain wadis. The reason for the cheap rent was because the villa had no central
heat. In fact, it had no heat at all, unless you counted the pot-belly stove in the kitchen that
burned packages of fuel-drenched wood chips and the effects generated by running in bed
between icy sheets for twenty minutes. At 2,400 feet, we had several snow storms and long
periods of very frigid weather that winter, but when we arrived in September, it was quite
simply paradise. Jons commute back and forth to the University was nearly an hour each
way, but the cost of an apartment in Beirut would have been 20 times what we were paying for
this seat in heaven, so we quickly adapted to the service system of taxis shared with multiple
passengers, shuttling up and down the mountain and developing nerves of steel as we dealt
with a Lebanese road culture of all-out war.
Rana Hanna
Mona Malaeb, Maha Hanna, Nadia Malaeb
The Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve at Ramlieh
lunchtime!
ripe figs
Giovanni and Joseph Hanna with Arab bread
47 Winter 20112012 | Waterways
In fact, our arrival in Lebanon was preceded by a visit with close friends in
Amman, Jordan, and we had travelled by service from Amman to Beirut. It was
mid-September, 1973, and the main highway through Syria was clogged for miles
and miles with tanks, light armored vehicles and buses full of soldiersa sobering
sight. Jon speculated that Syria must be conducting military training exercises. We
didnt think too much about it, and we passed over the border into Lebanon without
incident. A couple of weeks later, from our beautiful terrace, we watched with hor-
ror as Israeli and Syrian warplanes fired missiles at each other in a series of raging
dogfights. It was October 6th and the Yom Kippur War was unfolding right above
our heads. One of the planes was hit and the pilot parachuted out before his plane
crashed. As we watched him drift slowly down, we saw all the men in our neighbor-
hood grab their guns and peel out to find the pilot. Fortunately, he was a Syrian
Druze so there was great rejoicing among our villagers, who ended up driving him
back to Jebel Druze in Syria.
Because we also wanted to revisit our village, we tore ourselves away from the
wedding festivities to make the hour-long car trip from Jdita to Baissour. We knew
there would be changes after 36 years and, in fact, the sleepy little village we knew
had been transformed. The open fields that provided a spacious setting for the homes
on the old upper road were now teeming with new homes, coffee houses, shops and
even apartment buildings. Our old friend and neighbor, Yusuf (Joe) Dakour, his
wife Rida, daughter May and daughter-in-law, Boutheina, made a grand fuss over
our visit and prepared an enormous feast. The last time we saw May, she was nine
years old and her baby brother Tariq (Boutheinas husband) was just an infant. Both
May and Boutheina teach English in private schools. Tariq works in Saudi Arabia, as
does one of his brothers-in-law. It seems nearly every Lebanese family has members
working somewhere in the Gulf, still a huge job generator for the region. We walked
across the street to take a look at our old villa which is uninhabited and has fallen
into complete disrepair. The structure remains untouched. It is still owned by the
same family (Joes relatives) but, ironically enough, they now live in Texas, although
they visit Baissour regularly. Someday they will tear it down and rebuild. In these
mountain villages, no one ever sells inherited land. May took us for a drive through
the neighboring Druze villages. We saw many beautiful new villas, including that of
the Druze minister, Ghazi Aridi. Signs of prosperity are everywhere in these bustling
mountain villages, and the magical, rural experience we enjoyed has been replaced
with a new paradigm.
Fabiola Hanna, Tony Rouhana
Maha Hanna, Souad Rouhana, Thomas Hanna
Anas Malaeb, Fabiola Hanna, Mona Malaeb, Maha Hanna, Heba Malaeb
Sami and Rasha Seyf Rana Hanna, Aro Hanna, Akram Shaheen
Jon Parssinen, Thomas Hanna Danny Nyberg, Sebastian Hanna Giovanni Hanna
48 Waterways | Winter 20112012
Fleeing from the Ottoman campaign that victimized
Christian minorities and resulted in the Armenian
genocide of 1914, the families of Thomas and
Maha Hanna found sanctuary in Syria and
Lebanon. Their hometown, Zahl, is a Christian
town of 320,000, stunningly situated on the hills
surrounding the Bardouni river valley. Zahl boasts
over 60 churches. 75% of them are Catholic, and
15% are Maronite. While Christianity made its way
to Lebanon from Nazareth in the time of Christ,
the 4th century Syriac monk Maron founded the
Maronite Church, and most of its members trace
their ancestry to the Syriac peoples. Maronites
remain one of the principal ethno-religious groups
in Lebanon.
Fabiola and Tony Rouhana
Brothers Tony and Charbel Rouhana
Maid of Honor, Clarissa Hanna
The first dance
Thomas Hanna, father of the
bride, with his daughter, Fabiola
Maha Hanna, Souad Rouhana
49 Winter 20112012 | Waterways
Our daughter Keija has written a post
about our return to Lebanon on her blog,
Quarry Heights Writers Workshop, titled
In which I admit, finally, that my parents
are cooler than me She included this
picture of me on our rooftop terrace and
refers to me as dearest adventuress!
I LIKE IT! She goes on to applaud the
bravado of our trip, taken in our quieter
sunset yearswhoa! Who IS SHE
TALKING ABOUT?
Although the civil war ended over
two decades ago, it left its share of scar
tissue, and Lebanon is still not incident-
free. Thomas and Maha Hanna, like
many Lebanese, have roots and family
both in Lebanon and the U.S. and will
probably divide their time between the
two. Surrounded by a community of old
friends within their ethnic stronghold in
Zahl, they are clearly at ease and enjoy
a sense of security. At the same time,
they are keenly alert to disturbances in
their environment. And Thomas sister
and brother and their families who live
in Aleppo and Homs have their own
concerns and apprehensions about what
will happen to their situation in Syria.
Maha and her parents are U.S. citizens,
and Thomas will attend his own citizen
swearing in ceremony this fall. Their four
children have attended university at UC
San Diego and San Diego State University
and have advanced degrees or are cur-
rently working on them. They are fluent
in English, French and Arabic and are
clearly global citizens who will make valu-
able contributions wherever they live.
Our Baissour villa, 2011
Sisters-in-law Boutheina Aridi and May Malaeb
Their children
May and Dr. Anis Malaeb and their son
Jon Parssinen and Yusuf (Joe) Dakour, 2011
Rida and Yusuf Dakour with May (right) and the babies, 1973 Jon Parssinen
Cathie Parssinen
Our villa in 1973