Survivor of Domestic Violence Reaches Out To Other Victims

While October is perhaps most recognized for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also the month of awareness of a serious issue - indeed, a disease that pervades many homes in Texas and across the country - domestic violence. The Texas Advocacy Project offers free legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Austin Citysphere received the letter below from Austinite Brenda Larcom, herself a survivor of domestic violence and a client of Texas Advocacy Project, and we are happy to share it below.

Dear Editor:

Last year, 111 Texas women lost their lives to domestic violence. The youngest was only 13 when her boyfriend killed her.

Every October, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year I think of that teenage girl who won’t go to her first homecoming game. I can’t help but think that at age 19 that could have been me.

I know I am lucky to have gotten out alive. I am a survivor. I chose to leave. You are probably asking yourself why those 111 women didn’t.

The next time you wonder that, put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself what you would do if you were forced to leave on foot, without a dollar to your name. Ask yourself what you would do if you feared leaving because you thought he would find you and kill you, or worse yet, take your children from you.

Domestic violence kills but there is hope. If you are ready to leave but are scared, there are resources available. Texas Advocacy Project and the Allstate Foundation have teamed up to make financial and legal help available to help women and their children get and stay safe. To learn more, visit www.TexasAdvocacyProject.org.

Contact:

Brenda Larcom
Domestic Violence Survivor

Hop to Hopdoddy Hamburgers This October

Austin 360 is reporting very exciting hamburger news!  According to the report, Hopdoddy Burger Bar will open up in early October and will fill the spot on South Congress vacated by Cissi's Wine Bar which closed down earlier in the year.

The brains behind the Hopdoddy burgers are Moonshine chef and Hopdoddy partner Larry Perdido.  Austin 360 says Moonshine's Chuck Smith is also on board, along with Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, the creators of the Roaring Fork, Eddie V's, and Z'Tejas.

The name mix of beer (hop) and the name given to the Aberdeen Angus cow of Scotland (doddy). 

Special burgers might include local cabrito or lamb, Perdido said, every burger using brioche-style buns baked in-house. Prices will start around $5 for a basic burger, he said, going to about $9 or $10 for specialty burgers.

The handmade approach will extend to fries made from Kennebec potatoes, ice cream for shakes, even special ketchup and mustard blends, Perdido said. Fountain sodas will use cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup.

 You'll be able to find Hopdoddy at 1400 S. Congress and is on the web here.  Click this link to read the full Austin 360 article.

Member-Owned Brew Pub Opens Its Doors, Pours Up Unique Business Model

The Black Star Co-Op Brew Pub (7020 Easy Wind Drive, Suite 100) is finally open after plenty of sweat, hard work, and determination!

Black Star, as hinted in the name, is a cooperative style - dare I say business - which is based upon community 'partners' in which customers buy in to the business as members to become part owners in the pub.  Basically, the co-operative is owned and run by the people it serves (the members).

With a special focus on local producers, the basic mission and principles of the Black Star Co-op is to foster an environment in which member-owners, as well as the general public, may realize the principles of co-operative ownership, worker self-management, education and community action through the responsible enjoyment great beer and food. 

As the first enterprise of this type, we seek to realize an alternative business model for brewpubs and to help expand the co-operative movement into new and innovative areas — both in Austin and around the world. 

Today, with an anchor position within Central Austin’s Midtown Commons center adjacent to the Crestview Metro station, and a team of architects, graphic designers, and contractors assembled to lead the build-out with overwhelming input and support from members, the “vision” of the Black Star Co-op is well on its way to becoming a reality in Summer 2010. (Black Star Co-Op web site)

The brew pub for all to share happily opened its doors Tuesday as a soft open.  Guest taps right now include 512 and Live Oak, for example, and bar grub is for sale with the kitchen pretty much in full operation.  Driving by Black Star Co-Op, which is located in Midtown Commons at the intersection of Lamar and St. Johns Avenue (along Capital Metro's Crestview MetroRail train stop), you'll be able to spot the brewing tanks sitting tall and proud inside the building.  Unfortunately, there is no beer in them just yet, but we won't have to wait too much longer at all.  (Picture: member-owners, courtesy Black Star web site)

You may notice a big difference when you pay your tab at Black Star.  We talked with a manager who told us customers need not leave a tip.  She said the mindset behind it is that all the workers, who share equal responsibility doing a number of different tasks throughout their shifts, all earn a fair wage and therefore do not need to be tipped.

Interested in joining?  Each membership is $85 with a one-time joining fee of $15.  According to Black Star's membership rules, more than one person in a household can join and incur only one joining fee. 

Pretty cool concept, really cool brew pub (you should see the inside of this place!), and I'm pretty darn sure there is some pretty great beer on the way.  Check Black Star out on the web, call them at 512-452-BEER, or just swing by.  The soft opening hours are 4 p.m. until midnight.  ACS also did an interview with president Steven Yarak back in March at the Rail 'N Ale Beer Social that you should check out!

From what we gathered walking in the doors and talking to a few of the very cool workers, some of the equipment is still being brought in and some matters are still being attended to.

Hopefully by October there will be some fresh Black Star beer pouring steadily from the taps.  In the meantime, though, we will enjoy the guest taps and be thankful for such a great establishment for Austin to enjoy.

Popular Austin Spot Re-Opens After Recent Flooding

from AustinNotes

Barton Springs Pool re-opened at 5 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, to resume its normal operating hours of 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily except for Thursdays, after being closed for cleaning after recent flooding.  On Thursdays, the pool is closed for routine cleaning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Deep Eddy Pool will also be returning to its normal operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Deep Eddy has been operating with increased hours to accommodate the closing of Barton Springs Pool.

Most of Bull Creek District Park is open again to the public.  The lower section of the park that is south of Bull Creek near Lakewood Drive will remain closed for safety and accessibility reasons.

Empower Kids to Be Safer, Not Sheltered

by Sarah and Ryan Loyd 

The recent news about a teenage girl who said she was attacked by men while she was walking to school was shocking to many parents, to be sure. I have no doubt that for many of them, the immediate reaction was to drive their kids to and from school the next day, just in case.

As it turns out, the girl recanted most of her story, and police have called off the investigation. But I hope that Austin parents, instead of throwing their kids behind lock and key in response to the big "what if", instead teach their children about what they should do in such a situation.

I asked Lenore Skenazy, a nationally-syndicated columnist and the author of the book Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe Self-Reliant Children Without Going Nuts with Worry, what she thought about the situation and how parents can prepare their kids to deal with such a situation.

Skenazy, the so-called "worst mom in America" for giving her own child the chance to ride the subway alone in their home of New York City (but with proper preparation and adequate fare money) offers several tips.  She says that parents need to teach children to be familiarized with the neighborhood.  Skenazy also says to teach them to ask strangers for help if they are in trouble.  "Since most people are NOT predators, they will help rather than hurt your child," she told the Austin Citysphere.

"Teach them they can scream, kick and run away from anyone bothering them."  She also says that teaching kids basic self-defense isn't a bad idea.

Skenazy also advises parents to make sure they have good communication with their kids so that if anything does happen, children will be more willing to come forward.  "Teach them ... that they CAN tell you if anything 'bad' happens (or is attempted) and that you won't be angry at them.  You're on their side.  Open lines of communication keep kids safer from the FAR more common threats of abuse at the hands of someone they know (a family member or family friend)."

For more on empowering kids to be safe, check out Skenazy's Free Range Kids blog or find her book online.

When events like this happen, parents should not freak out; instead, prepare them for the road ahead and teach them how to handle themselves.  You can't lock them up because they eventually grow up.  Then what?   Skenazy practices what she preaches, which earned her the worst mom in America title by the media.  Parents used to let their children go to the bus stop without a second thought.  Kids used to ride their bikes down the street or to the market by themselves.  What happened to that?

It's true: the world may not be as simple as it once was.  But responsible parenting and smart thinking by kids is the best parenting a mom and dad can give to their child(ren).  New parents ourselves, we want to protect our child no matter what.  But the old adage, "Give the man a fish, he eats for a day.  Teach a man how to fish and he eats for life" is very true here.

What do you think?  Let us know.

A Clear Mission to Serve Underinsured and Underserved in Austin

Local optometrists are giving underinsured, underserved people in Austin the chance to get a free eye exam and eyewear, as well as a diabetes screening. It's part of the Eye on Diabetes Campaign, kicking off downtown on Friday.

The outreach event will go on from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, August 27 on Colorado Street between 12th and 13th Streets. There will be a 45-foot mobile eye exam clinic, fully stocked and with local optometrists on hand to screen people for diabetes and other eye problems.

VSP Vision Care is the company behind the event. More information about the Eye on Diabetes Campaign is available on their website.

Students Start the School Year In Style With APD

Who would have thought that Austin Police do makeovers? The Austin Police Activities League (PAL) is giving some students returning to school the chance to get a new 'do for the new school year.

The "Back to School Haircuts/Styles" day is going on today, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Salon M in Pflugerville.

It's expected that more than 100 youth will get new, free hairstyles in time to get the school year off on a positive note. They'll also receive free school supplies for participating. The children were selected from the Austin Housing Authority, AISD and participants in the Boys and Girls Club's summer basketball program.

The Austin Police Activities League works with youth through athletic, educational and wellness programs to build positive interaction with officers and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Editorial: BP Tab Being Picked Up by Taxpayers?

by Melissa Cubria
TexPIRG Advocate

BP CEO Tony Hayward said that he is brokenhearted over the Gulf oil spill. So am I. He also said BP would pay "every dime" for the cleanup, but unfortunately, you and I are actually paying a part of that tab, too.

Over the next ten years, the oil and gas industry will receive $40 billion in subsidies -- courtesy of the American taxpayer. Because of these subsidies, and despite BP's talk, you and I have already started paying, and will continue to pay for a disaster that has destroyed the ecosystem and livelihood of a region for untold years. Congress can't undo the damage, but it can make BP pay.

By improving the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid can stop sending our tax dollars to subsidize Big Oil's mistakes.

The Senate votes this week. We are working with our federation to gather signatures from Americans across the country, demanding that Sen. Reid hold BP accountable. Sign our petition right now and get three friends to join, and we will show Sen. Reid your support before the vote.

BP announced $6.1 billion in profits in April for its first quarter -- double last year's number and roughly six times the amount it has spent on the cleanup so far.

We've long opposed these taxpayer giveaways to the highly profitable oil industry, but subsidizing the oil spill is even more outrageous.

We can make BP pay for the mess it made, and we can ensure that you and I no longer subsidize or encourage the kind of irresponsible risk-taking that could lead to the next catastrophe.

I urge you to sign the petition today.

Austin Chock Full of Weekend Fun

Austin is known for its non-stop events.  Isn't it great?  The to-do lists of fun activities are endless!

This weekend, they won't be stopping for anything, and drivers beware!  Below is a list of several events, details about them, and maps of event locations. 


Taco Shack 5K and Kids Triathalon

Motorists traveling in the area of Shoalwood Avenue and Ramsey Park should expect delays between 4 a.m. and 12 noon Saturday, June 5 for the Taco Shack 5K and Kids Triathalon.  Full road closures will take place along the event route starting at 44th St. and traveling south on Rosedale Ave. and Burnet Rd., west along 40th Street, north along Sinclair and Shoalwood avenues to 49th Street, then loop back to Shoalwood Ave. via Woodview Ave.

Officers will be on hand to guide the flow of traffic across intersections and ease delays.  For those traveling in the area, alternate routes are recommended including north and south along Lamar Blvd. and Mopac, and east and west along 38th Street and North Loop Blvd.

For a complete list of street closures, click here.  For a map of street closures, click here.

Pride 5K and The Austin Gay and Lesbian Parade

The Pride 5K will take place Saturday, June 5 between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and road closures will take place along the same route as the parade Saturday evening between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Full road closures will take place during these times along S. 1st Street from Riverside to Cesar Chavez, and W. 4th from Congress Ave. to Colorado Street.  The closure on W. 4th Street will take place from 6 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

Partial closures will also be in place along the event route, which travels from S. 1st Street to Cesar Chavez, north on Congress Ave., west on 4th Street, and south on Guadalupe Street.  Officers will be on hand to guide the flow of traffic and ease delays. For those traveling in the area, alternate routes are recommended including north and south along San Jacinto Blvd. and Lamar Blvd., and east and west along Barton Springs Road and 6th Street.

Shuttles will operate from several locations around town and cost $2 per passenger. For a complete list of transportation options including shuttle services, taxi services and parking garages, please visit the Austin Pride website.  For a complete list of street closures, click here.  For a map of street closures, click here.

Night of the Bat

The Night of the Bat celebration will take place Sunday, June 6 and travelers should be aware of a full road closure along Ann Richards Bridge (Congress Avenue) from Cesar Chavez St. to Barton Springs Rd., from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

To avoid delays for travelers in the area, alternate routes are recommended including north and south along 1st Street and Lamar Blvd. Parking will be available in the City Hall Garage at 2nd Street and Lavaca.

For a complete list of street closures, click here.  For a map of street closures, visit this page.

Americans Set Aside Memorial Day to Remember

More than 5,000 service men and women have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since the invasion began in 2003.  An interactive CNN map lists the fallen one by one, their hometowns, and the location of their death in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of the 1,771 U.S. and Coalition casualties in Afghanistan, central Texas' brave heroes forever remembered include:

• Specialist Bobby Pagan, killed in Kandahar province (Austin)
• Lance Cpl. Matthew Reza, killed in Kandahar (Austin)
• Sgt. Jaime Gonzalez, Junior, killed in Kabul (Austin)

Pagan, one of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with a bomb in Zhari district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan on February 13, 2010. 

Relatives close to him remember this soldier as a kind person who would help anyone.  He leaves behind a fiancee and a loving family. 

• Spc. Joshua Ray Farris, 22, killed in Wardak province (La Grange)
• Lance Cpl. Cody Robert Stanley, 21, killed in Helmand province (Rosanky)
• Maj. Thomas Gordan Bostick, Junior, 37, killed in Nuristan province (Llano)
• Capt. Paul Pena, 27, killed in Kandahar province (San Marcos)
• Capt. Joshua Stewart Meadows, 30, killed in Farah province (Elgin)

Many more laid their lives down in Iraq, including 12 men from Austin, three from Pflugerville, three from Round Rock, one from Cedar Park, one from Spicewood, and one from Center.

Aside from the extended weekend and time together with family with a bar-b-q and beer, Memorial Day is an official federal holiday celebrated on the Monday of May to remember U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.  It's formerly known as Decoration Day and first honored Union Soldiers of the American Civil War.  The day expanded following World War I.

For one family in Ohio, Memorial Day is year-round.  The Van Doren brothers say it's not a duty, but rather a privilege to place flags at the grave sites of those who sacrificed their lives to serve the United States in battle.  CBS' Bill Geist has the story.



Watch CBS News Videos Online

To Be Frank, It's Delicious

Frankly, this place has been on my radar for quite some time.  I would suspect my mouth's been watering for months upon months.  Yes, I wanted the perfect occasion and time to visit Frank, Austin's premier gourmet hot dog joint.  This isn't just your average hot dog stand, you know.

Frank is located at 4th and Colorado in beautiful downtown Austin, Texas.  You'll know exactly where it is by the huge name written across the historic but updated structure the restaurant is located within.  And, from our experience, you'll also pass by it half a dozen times before finding a place to park.  But don't worry, the franks are worth it.

We entered and was surprised to see how busy the place was at 2 o'clock in the afternoon!  The hostess said there'd be a 20 minute wait.  We sat down on this old blue booth seat situated just past the bar, up against the wall.  I went for a quick diaper change - of our son, that is - during the wait.  For families, and especially fathers, there is not a changing table in the very nice and clean bathroom.  But no worries.  We made do by tucking ourselves away in a stall with a louvered door and plopped ourselves down on the toilet.  I made do with changing the tyke upright, and it actually worked well.

Skip all that, and we're back to the blue booth seat, but the wife was already seated at a table!  Hey, not bad considering how crazy it was in there at the time.  I opened my menu and became overwhelmed.  Despite studying the menu online quite a few times before coming, I still found myself confused for my upcoming order.

The waiter, however, helped me narrow my selection.  In fact, he encouraged me to get TWO dogs instead of just one.  After all, why limit myself to just one.  This seemed like a time to go all out and be creative with my hot dog daring self.  I ended up with a Chicago Dog (poppy seed bun, 100% Vienna beef, pickle, tomato, onion, day-glo relish, sport peppers, celery salt, mustard)  and the Beer Soaked Brat (Hudson’s local brat, kraut, spicy deli mustard).  The wife had a plane dog and dressed up with relish and caramelized onions.

Can I just say - wow.  I believe my exact words after biting into my Chicago dog was, "I don't think I've ever had a hot dog this good."  The beer brat, well, it was good.  But my favorite was clearly the Chicago dog.  The flavors really blended well together and provided just the right amount of spicy, and I love spicy.

We didn't have any beer, but I had a diet coke and the wife had a tea.  Plus, we got an order of waffle fries with a spicy dry rub sprinkled across them.  They came with a small cup of ranch dressing, which we could have used more of, but the dry rub was good on its own too.

All in all, great dining experience.  I've never paid that much for hot dogs before (and the prices aren't even that bad!) but they were darn good and well worth it.  I highly recommend Frank for any occasion, but especially a hot, shiny day.  You can cool off with a cold one and kiss your cares away with a wiener or two!

I previously said I waited for the perfect opportunity to come in, but the best time to hop on in is when it's least expected, and when you're with the ones you love.

ACS gives Frank: 4 out of 5 spheres!

Whip Yourself if you Haven't Tried the Whip In

Is it a convenience store?  Is it a restaurant?  Is it a liquor store?  Yes!

Just whip in to the Whip In and satisfy any number of desires, from a pack of gum to a bowl of Indian food or a six pack of good, quality beer or wine.

Friday evening, the family and I headed directly there after our daytime obligations had been fulfilled.  We were looking to fulfill our bellies and hopefully get a little entertainment value at the same time.

A quick order returned a quick response time.  The bowls and our glasses of tea, which are refillable by self-service, landed on our table with authentic aromas and a cozy, warm family atmosphere that can only be provided by this south Austin treasure.  The tables in the cafe are arranged close to each other, and there aren't that many.  The room is intimate and charming, separated by a tall partition to close it off from the beer and wine side of things.

Friday, the group Ragavatar, created by world music performer, composer & recording artist Rick Henderson, took the stage.  Henderson's web site says the Ragavatar is "a constantly evolving venue for a variety of musicians from diverse cultural and stylistic backgrounds."  This evening, Henderson was joined by a guest, as he played the sarode, a 25 string fretless lute.  It's one of the most popular instruments of  north Indian classical music, according to Ragavatar's web site.

Perhaps the best part of the dinner, aside from looking at my beautiful family and feeding the little tyke, was the people watching opportunities.  I'm especially talking about an elderly Indian woman, whose son played percussion on the small, make-shift stage.  She seemed entrenched with the music as she closed her eyes, lowered her head, and nodded from side to side at intervals which really spoke volumes about the journey she was on.  I can only imagine how the music moved memories of her heritage and days as a little girl.

The food was great; we shared the butter bourbon chicken and potatoes and the vegetarian selection chana dal.  Plus, we spent half what we shelled out the first time we visited Whip In.  The reason: we didn't drink any beer this time around.  Then, for an after dinner excursion, just pack up your belongings and head on over to the convenience store side to peruse the beer selection.

If you haven't had the chance to whip in to the Whip In just yet, you need to try it soon.  Personally, it has all I ever could ask for - Indian food, beer, a comfortable place to sit and a place to park (a hidden lot is around back if the front is full).  If you're an Austinite, you know how hard parking is to come by.

ACS gives Whip In: 4 out of 5 spheres!

Hey Cupcake Fans, There's a New Flavor in Town - GET 15% OFF!

Be sure to check out a special offer below from Hey Cupcake! exclusively for ACS readers!

Specialty cupcake shops are a dime a dozen.  But all it takes for the Capital City's own Hey Cupcake! to steal your sweet tooth might perhaps be the whipped cream cupcake injections patrons can get for free for the asking, the  positive energy that oozes from sugared-up staffers at any of the five different locations in Austin, or the signature sprinkled pink cupcake atop the silver stream trailers that seem to say 'come eat me.'

However, now there's another reason to love the tiny treasures: a new flavor that's none other than a delectable combination of strawberry cake and cream cheese strawberry icing.  Hey Cupcake! calls it Sweetberry, but really, they just need to forget the formalities and call it an orgasm in your mouth!  Don't worry, no one will judge.

In an electronic announcement to cupcake fans everywhere, the "bakers and slingers" (that's who signed the communication) said it's the first time in years that a new flavor is being added to the mix.  Sweetberry will hit shop cases Friday - although, it would be safe to assume they won't be there for long.  The reason - according to insiders - is there's been a lot of requests for a strawberry flavor.  The bakers must have been very busy formulating the recipes, test batches, and icings to create the cosmic (get it - out of this world) cupcake!

ACS Extra: Learn More About Hey Cupcake!
Find Hey Cupcake! on Facebook
They Twitter, too!

Mapping the Future in Austin

In the next 30 years, a whopping 750,000 people will move to Austin.  And why not?  It seems as though families and singles alike can find a number of appealing aspects to enhance their lives.  Music, culture, nature... it's all here.

But to accommodate the growth, jobs will most certainly have to also be a part of the picture.  It's expected that 300,000 positions will open up in the next three decades.

Planning will be a priority of city leaders, who will be hosting a mapping exercise for none other than students who may be a part of the landscape of the city when they grow up.  Similar to the popular exercises in recent public forms, which gets attendees themselves involved, the mapping assignment will incorporate active participation Wednesday.  Imagine Austin staff members will be on hand during two morning sessions beginning at 9:15 and three afternoon sessions starting at 12:15.  The event will be held at Stephen F. Austin High School.

Beer to Soothe Your Independent Soul

Today, we loaded up the car and headed to south Austin for our first First Saturday event. The drive wasn't bad once we got off I-35 and its typical crazy busy weekend rush.


View Larger Map

Review

The day was perfect with lots of sunshine and what looked to be an enthusiastic crowd. But when we got to the table to get our wrist bands at 1:40 p.m., they'd already run out! We were told they only handed out enough wrist bands for the amount of beer being given out. I was told we should plan to arrive earlier next time (they open up at 1).

We'd driven all the way out, and I wasn't leaving without a beer. I marched up to the line, waited for 15 minutes or so, and when I reached the bar I told the man serving beer that my wife and I drove all the way out to enjoy some Independence brews. He heard the desperation in my voice and gave me some beer. I got the Saison, and I asked for the Freestyle for the little lady.

At this point, I was feeling a little better about the day and the trip, although admittedly still a little upset about the wrist band situation.

The beer: excellent. Let me just put it this way, I left wanting more Saison and when I went to Spec's to find it, they didn't have it.  Nor did Grapevine Market.  I'm wondering if it's even out in full force. The only thing we could find on it was a description from the Draught House in Austin: Cool, refreshing Belgian style summer beer from Austin's own Independence Brewery.  It's a light pour with a fruity palate and tastes like it came straight from Heaven.

We also tried (just two more!) the Bootlegger Brown and Amber, both of which were also excellent.  Here are the descriptions. 

Bootlegger Brown

Smooth, chocolatey, and easy-drinking.... Brewed with the finest two-row barley and Belgian chocolate malt, Bootlegger has a distinctive, chocolatey flavor. Bootlegger is medium-bodied and filtered for a clean, laid-back finish.

Amber

A special blend of malted barley - lightly to darkly roasted - creates layers of toasty sweetness, balanced by the citrusy notes of Vanguard hops. Burnt orange with a laid back finish, this is the beer of Austin.

Freestyle

Crisp, light-bodied, and refreshing, Freestyle is inspired by Texas summer days spent at our favorite swimming holes – hanging out with friends at Sculpture Falls ...playing hooky at Lake Travis ...doing freestyle jumps off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool. Freestyle is the taste of summer in Texas.
Brewed with the finest two-row pale malt and American white wheat, Freestyle has a crisp, dry flavor followed by a slightly sweet malt finish. It's light and refreshing, like a pilsner brewed as an ale. This could also be called a blonde ale, but since it plays fast and loose with classic beer categories, we call it Freestyle.

Jasperilla

Brilliantly golden, Jasperilla is a unique take on an old ale. Biscuity malt flavors meld with subtle plum and berry notes, produced by a special blend of English Old Ale and Chico yeasts. Brewed once a year, and aged for six months prior to release, the Jasperilla is smooth despite its 9% abv.

Overall

The Jasperilla has been one of my favorites for a while and I don't have it often.  When I went to pick up some Independence brews at the store, I picked up a Jasperilla.  I also got the Stash IPA, which I didn't taste at the brewery.

I like Independence a lot.  It's my second favorite Austin brewery, behind Live Oak which has a broader appeal on my tastes.  Independence makes great beer, but I'm just not a wheat person, and I find myself turning away from brown ales a lot also.  I was a little upset about the wrist bands, but we got some samples and walked away with a shopping list.  I just can't get that Saison out of my head!

ACS Extra

The band on stage at First Saturday was the Green Mountain Grass band.  They provided a great atmosphere for the patrons.  Here they are from a performance in 2008.  Check it out.

Celebrate Earth Day In Downtown Austin

The Austin Nature and Science Center invites families to come out for Earth Day on April 24th, for an interpretive hike at the Zilker Nature Preserve's trails. Staff will introduce families to some of the resident wildlife, help participants search for frogs and toads, and enjoy the woods and meadows at the center.

Activities will be ongoing from noon to 4 p.m. If you plan on going, wear comfortable shoes and bring an item from nature to trade at the Naturalist Workshop.

This is the Austin Nature and Science Center's 50th year. It's located at 301 Nature Center Drive on the western edge of Zilker Park.

Big Bass Nets Big Payday For Texas Fisherman

A big catch netted a Texas fisherman with more than just a good fish story - he also won more than $6,000.

Sam Callaway of Corpus Christi caught a 13.34-pound largemouth bass, making the fish the 500th eligible for the Toyota ShareLunker program. Callaway will collect $500 a pound for the catch, for a total of $6,670.

Jim McDaniel of Cedar Park just missed the big payoff. McDaniel caught Toyota ShareLunker 501 from Lake Austin, weighing 13.01 pounds.

The ShareLunker bass are used for a selective breeding program by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Some of the offspring from the program will be used to restock Texas lakes. Anglers who catch a bass weighing more than 13 pounds can submit their fish to the program, and win a free replica of their fish, ShareLunker clothing and recognition at a banquet. In addition, the angler who catches the largest fish of the season (which ends April 30) receives a lifetime fishing license.

For more information on the Toyota ShareLunker program and how you can participate, visit this website.

Team of Public Safety Officers Hits the Gridiron For Kids

The Central Texas Wolf Pack Public Safety Football Team will face off against the Cleveland Warriors Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Toney Burger Activity Center.

The Wolf Pack is part of the National Public Safety Football League. Teams in the league raise money over the course of the season to benefit local charities. The Wolf Pack is a non-profit, semiprofessional football team made up of members of about 15 different public safety agencies in Central Texas, and raises money to support the East Austin Community YMCA. All players are full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, or EMTs. They pay dues to be a part of the team and provide their own equipment.

The money raised helps to support programs that give at-risk kids the opportunity to play in organized athletics. For the season schedule and more information about playing with or sponsoring the team, visit centraltexaswolfpack.com.

Salvation Army Doing the Most Good in Austin

Imagine, jeans for $10.  Shirts average $15.  Shoes, dresses, shorts and accessories are all available under one roof but won't break the bank like a big department store.  In a recession, retail outlets like Goodwill and the Salvation Army Family Stores provide affordable clothing for families strapped for cash. 

Austin's Salvation Army is extending a special thanks to the Capitol City community for shopping and its locations.  Because of it, the organization known for its Christmas-time Red Kettle, is able to support men and women who need a little extra help.

Thursday, the Salvation Army of Austin announced on Twitter that 115 men were clean and sober at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in South Austin.  Salvation Army leaders also said 258 souls, including one new mom with 3 children, had a place to sleep at the downtown shelter.

The Salvation Army is always in need of donations.  Supporting those in need is a year-round effort.  During the Downtown Emergency Shelter week of March 29 - April 4, the Salvation Army fed more than 5,000 people and housed more than 1,500 people.

Doing the Most Good

The Salvation Army's Doing the Most Good campaign is a way to keep the continuous support it receives from people throughout the year.  According to the organization's web site:

Our goal for the future is simple. With your continued support, we will continue to Do the Most Good with your contributions of money, time and resources. Whether it's providing basic services of soup, soap and shelter or perhaps guiding someone's life through the difficulties of addiction, job search and finding affordable housing...we will be there. Seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you would like to register for the upcoming Doing the Most Good lunch, Rebuilding Lives, click here.

Pet of the Week: Duke Needs a Home

Duke, the basketball team, is the popular team that just won the NCAA Final Four, earning the title of National Champions.  Duke defeated a lesser known team, Butler, by a narrow margin Monday night.  Duke's win over Butler is another reason why the Duke program has so many fans and support from across the country.

But another Duke, this time the dog, is hoping he will be just as popular with people of central Texas as he looks for a new home.

Duke is up for adoption through Austin Pets Alive!, which is an organization that works tirelessly to find pets good homes.  It advocates for animals just like Duke who are perfectly adoptable, but often may need special care because of previous conditions.

On its web site, Austin Pets Alive! explains that Duke almost had no hair when volunteers first met him because of a condition called entropian.  This caused his eyelids to roll in and his lashes to scrape against his eyes every time he blinked.  Doctors operated on his eyelids through a surgery, and now all of his hair has grown back because of a hypo-allergenic diet.

Be sure to check out Duke, and the video below, because he's in need of a home... no, a family... to love him and care for him like he deserves.