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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Insurance group expands in Austin

• Austin native leads Clemson team

• A deep-dive into the life of James Michener.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

— Muhammad Ali

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which iconic Austin eatery is known for its doughnuts, especially the "Texas-Sized" one?

A) Gourdough's

B) Voodoo Doughnut

C) Ken's Donuts

D) Round Rock Donuts

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The large-scale music festival held every fall in Zilker Park is A) Austin City Limits Music Festival.

News

💼Business

New apartment building in East Austin to become boutique hotel. (link)

Insurance group expanding in Austin to serve private equity, tech companies. (link)

🏒Sports

Austin native, former Westlake quarterback to lead Clemson against Texas. (link)

Texas to face Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff. (link)

🏦Finance

California-based Colovore eyeing $500M data center in Hutto. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Texas Longhorns Womens Basketball vs. LaSalle Explorers Womens Basketball
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Tue • Dec 17, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Texas Stars vs Grand Rapids Griffins
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, TX
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Adam Curry's Boostagram Ball Live
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Mon • Dec 16, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Zeal and Ardor
The Mohawk-Austin, Austin, TX
Tue • Dec 17, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🔴 A Drag Queen Christmas
Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Austin, TX
Mon • Dec 16, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban winter wonderland in Austin with ice architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Austin Historical Events

1929 - Howson Community Center established.

In 1929, the Howson Community Center was established in Austin, Texas, with the aim of providing a central hub for community engagement and social activities. The center was founded with the vision of fostering a sense of unity and support among the residents of Austin, offering a space for people to come together, connect, and participate in various recreational and educational programs. From its inception, the Howson Community Center has been dedicated to promoting a strong sense of community pride and belonging, serving as a vital resource for individuals and families in the area.

Over the years, the Howson Community Center has evolved to become a cornerstone of the Austin community, offering a wide range of services and programs to meet the diverse needs of its residents. From fitness classes and sports leagues to educational workshops and cultural events, the center has continued to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for those it serves. With a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the Howson Community Center has remained a beloved institution, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together in the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support.

As a testament to its enduring legacy, the Howson Community Center stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit, embodying the values of unity, compassion, and empowerment. Through its unwavering dedication to serving the people of Austin, the center has left an indelible mark on the fabric of the community, enriching the lives of countless individuals and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Austin's cultural landscape.

Famous People From Austin

James Michener - Author

James Albert Michener (1907-1997)

James Albert Michener, a prolific American writer, was born on February 3, 1907, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Abandoned by his parents, he was taken in by Mabel Michener, a poor widow who raised him with limited means. Despite his challenging upbringing, Michener's life journey led him to become a celebrated author and a great friend to aspiring young writers at the University of Texas at Austin.

Early Life and Upbringing

James Albert Michener was born on February 3, 1907, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He was abandoned by his parents and was taken in by Mabel Michener, a poor widow who raised him with limited resources. His foster mother's dedication and hard work left a lasting impression on Michener, shaping his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Literary Career and Success

Michener's literary career was marked by prolific output, with over 40 books to his name. His works often centered on long, fictional family sagas set in specific geographic locales and incorporating detailed history. His dedication to storytelling and historical accuracy earned him widespread acclaim and established him as a prominent nineteenth-century writer.

Connection to Austin, Texas

In his final years, James Michener settled in Austin, Texas, where he became a great friend to aspiring young writers at the University of Texas. He and his wife endowed the Michener Center for Writers, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and support emerging literary talent in the region.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

James Albert Michener's legacy extends beyond his literary achievements. His dedication to nurturing young writers and his contributions to the literary community in Austin have left an indelible mark. His commitment to storytelling, historical accuracy, and supporting emerging talent continues to shape the literary landscape in Texas and beyond.

Key Achievements of James Albert Michener:

• Prolific author with over 40 books to his name, including long, fictional family sagas set in specific geographic locales.

• Endowed the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, leaving a lasting legacy for aspiring young writers.

• Dedicated to historical accuracy and storytelling, earning widespread acclaim and recognition as a prominent nineteenth-century writer.

• Remembered as a great friend to aspiring young writers and a supporter of the literary community in Austin, Texas.

James Albert Michener's life story is one of resilience, dedication to storytelling, and a commitment to nurturing emerging literary talent. His impact on the literary world and the community in Austin, Texas, remains significant and enduring.

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