Daily Archives: 04/19/2009

(Community Matters) Didn’t realize Benjamin Markovits had released the second novel – A Quite Adjustment – in his trilogy.  Benjamin’s the son of our next door neighbors, UT law professors Inga & Dick Markovits.

(Community Matters) While leading in the polls the Austin American Statesman endorsement represents an undeniable win for Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken in the close race for mayor

. . . . we believe McCracken, 43, has the vision and leadership to move Austin forward and urge voters to elect him the next mayor.

McCracken has a plan for the future that calls for investment in clean energy and biotech and digital businesses. He has helped lead the Pecan Street Project, which is working to attract clean-energy business to Austin. He is vigorously pursuing the next step in Austin’s future.

McCracken has a broad view of what Austin needs and how City Hall should manage in a budget crunch.

(Community Matters) The spiritual voice of the civil rights movement and one time Bob Dylan fiance, Mavis Staples rocked the St. James’ sanctuary last night in a benefit concert for St. James Episcopal School.

Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, Mavis Staples

St. James’ Episcopal School is a pre-K and kindergarten, Montessori-based program predominantly serving children in East Austin. They seek to inspire thinking that leads to academic achievement and prepare children for life as leaders, problem solvers, and self-reliant individuals with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. ABPorter.org was a sponsor of last night’s event.

Father Bill introducing the band, Yvonne Staples far left

Thinkwell CEO Carl Tyson, Margaret Keys & Steven

Prior to the concert, Margaret Keys hosted Carl Tyson, Steven and me for dinner – they were our guests to the concert. Meg Schwartz of Spoon & Co cooked a fantastic dinner, including vegan offerings for ST’s new diet as well as exquisitely marinated filet for me and Carl. Margaret’s and Meg’s attention to detail and planning of every little detail for a dinner is inspiring. oh yeah, and those chocolate ganache, cream pastry tartlets . . .

(Community Matters) I lived on Mt. Bonnell most of my first 16 years in Austin. Often helped Sarah serve beers during rush. Even after helping, I still had to pay. She’d sometimes yell at me, though always with a crooked smile

(Community Matters) Much fun attending the Townlake YMCA’s Healthy Kids Fair and signing up kids for our Lemonade Day. Marion Cimbala, Leigh Christie, Peter Frey & plenty of other volunteers simultaneously attending fairs at other locations, signing up kids to learn about business while earning money.

In Houston last year (their second), kids ran 11,600 lemonade stands earning $1,300,000 and donating $220,000 to charity. May 3rd in Austin. More information here.

volunteers, Chi Nguyen & Misty Harrison

The GAP encourages its employees to volunteer. They’ve been super helpers. Today, two from the GAP came and helped me at the Y.

Austin Ventures’ Chris Earthman & his youngest son

dads, lots of dads with kids today

and moms. Connected with Lydia Ortiz and her two children.

Jason Daniel, YMCA Youth & Family Program Director

Jason Daniel was one of my undergraduate students. A former gymnast, he’s long been engaged in youth development. Worked on a class consulting project for Leadership Austin. Loved reconnecting.