Education

Where sports and learning come together

Austin school offers new vision for education Photography by Gaby Guajardo For Austin resident Cyndie Jensen, watching her sons Aksel, 12, and Marshall, 9, transform from restless students to eager learners has been nothing short of remarkable. "My boys play competitive soccer, but honestly, they're happiest when they're doing anything active," she said. "As parents, we think physical activity is just as important as academics." The Jensens found their educational home at Texas Sports...

Life + Culture

Beyond Christmas

Austin's diverse winter celebrations Article by Julie Royce Winter brings the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Beyond the Trail of Lights and Zilker Holiday Tree, the capital city is home to many cultures and traditions. Las Posadas Austinite Ruth Rosales fondly recalls the tradition of families and communities celebrating Las Posadas in her native Mexico. "The children gather together and go from house to house, singing the traditional song 'Canto Para Pedir Posada' while holding...

Travel

Spreading joy

Ways to help older adults combat loneliness during the holidays Article by Julie Royce Christmas morning has arrived. In the chaos of wrapping paper flying everywhere, children's screams of delight echo throughout the living room. At the same time, exhausted parents clutch their cups of coffee trying to wake up enough to enjoy the moment.  Now in their 70s, Town Square NW clients Margaret and Mindy recall memories like this of their childhood as they sit in the park of the midcentury-themed...

Life + Culture

Less stressful holiday travel

Tips for making your way through Austin-Bergstrom airport Article by Julie Royce Navigating Austin-Bergstrom International Airport during the busy holiday season requires planning and patience for a smoother experience.  After two consecutive record-setting years, airport personnel expect this holiday season to be hectic at the airport. Nearly 2 million passengers departed from Austin last December, according to the airport’s website.  The busiest holiday travel period is Dec 14-28, with the...

Arts + Culture

Brightening Christmas

Blue Santa continues spreading joy to Austin families in need Article by Lisa Ogle | Photography by Dave Creaney and Willie Cochran Maria Frias and her husband didn’t have the resources to provide a Christmas for their four children, including one with a disability, when she reached out to Blue Santa several years ago. “This program started out of compassion for the children,” said Scott Stephens, board president for the nonprofit Austin Police Operation Blue Santa, which provides toys and...

Life + Culture

The glider pilots of Bergstrom

Airmen played vital role in Austin's WWII military contribution Article by A. Monique Taylor During World War II, a unique and daring group of military pilots flew missions that put them directly in harm's way, often without any means to defend themselves. These were the Troop Carrier glider pilots, men tasked with flying unarmed, engine-less aircraft called gliders into battle zones filled with enemy fire. Their planes were so dangerous and vulnerable that they often called themselves...

Food + Beverage

On the side, for a crowd

Presenting your new go-to recipes for Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving potlucks Article and Photography by Ramona Cruz-Peters Mini Spinach Quiche Ingredients 2 circles prepared pie crust dough 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cups chopped spinach 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 eggs 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder Pinch cayenne Directions Spray 24-cup mini muffin pan...

Shopping

Gifting made easy

We have something unique for everyone on your list Article and Photography by Ramona Cruz-Peters 1.      Milam & Greene Triple Cask Bourbon Warm hearts this holiday season with a batch of three hand-selected straight bourbon whiskies from Milam & Greene: premium Texas Bourbon for a pop of spice, Kentucky Bourbon for hints of vanillas and fruits, and vintage Tennessee Bourbon for structure and tannins. It’s the perfect whiskey for sipping or enjoying in a cocktail. Order at...

Life + Culture

Bridging the gap

From military leadership to community advocacy Article and Photography by Alyssa Cohee Native flowers add pops of color to the landscaped grounds of the nonprofit Patriots’ Hall in Dripping Springs. Visitors can sit back in a blue Adirondack chair in the shade of a patio, with a nearby American Flag fluttering in the wind.  Patriots’ Hall is the fruition of Founding Board Member Kathryn Chandler’s dream. An homage to her father, a Vietnam veteran, the 10-acre campus provides a retreat and...

Entertainment

Mixing beats, blending cultures

Indian American DJ brings Bollywood music to Austin’s growing multicultural nightlife scene Article and Photography by Aradhya Bharti In the dark but upbeat Cedar Street Courtyard in downtown Austin, over 600 people — many in their 20s and about two-thirds of Indian descent — dance to a fusion of western beats and music from all parts of India. Anupi Chandiramani, owner of Austin-based events company Ananya Creations, hosts and DJs events, such as weddings, birthday parties and Bollywood...