Austin Founder Lions Club upcoming events

Audio Description -- Sharing the Vision! (07/02/2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Audio Description -- Sharing the Vision!

WHEN: Thursday July 2, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Luke Stollings
Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale

Awareness of Audio Description is growing -- you may have encountered it accidentally by switching to the "Audio with Description" track on a Netflix show! A new, different narrator fits in extra words to describe what's happening visually on the screen or the stage. A sighted audience might find this interesting -- or distracting -- but it can be a boon to the blind and low-vision audience.

In this presentation Luke Stollings, a volunteer audio describer with Art Spark Texas for ten years, will explain the nuts and bolts, the art and science, of audio description for live theater.

About our Speaker:

Having lived in five different Latin American countries and speaking Spanish fluently, Luke has always been fascinated with the challenges of translating concepts from one language to another. Over the course of his career, Luke worked as a ropes course facilitator, corporate trainer, bilingual elementary school teacher, and finally an online training developer. Building online training for a Texas state agency, he learned his products needed to be accessible to literally everyone - and this included people with deafness, blindness, or physical limitations that precluded the use of mouse and keyboard. Learning more about electronic accessibility led to a minor obsession with how best to describe online images in words that blind users can hear with their screen readers. So, when he learned about a workshop on "Audio Description" offered by a local non-profit, Art Spark Texas, and about the need for Audio Description at live theater, he began volunteering with them. It was a natural fit, as he'd already been volunteering as an usher for three Austin-area theaters for several years.

In addition to his volunteer work, Luke also enjoys rock climbing in his retirement, as well as traveling and pickleball with his wife of 32 years.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Independent Identity (07/09/2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Independent Identity

WHEN: Thursday July 9, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Jenna Taylor, M.Ed.
Introduced by Lion Glenda Summers

Jenna Taylor will talk about:

Her background and how Independent Identity was started
The need in Central Texas for care for adults with autism
What the program does and how many clients it serves
The plans for expanding the program in a new, larger facility at the end of the year
How Independent Identity is funded

About our Speaker:

Jenna Taylor is a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the founder of Independent Identity. She earned her Master of Education in Autism and ABA from Texas State University and a B.A. in Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Jenna has over a decade of experience teaching and providing services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities as an ABA provider and high school life skills special education teacher. She is the Past President of the Austin-area special interest group for local BCBAs, ATX ABA. Originally from Southern Colorado, Jenna is a passionate Denver Broncos fan. She enjoys spending time with her new baby boy, Reese, and has two crazy dogs—a Yorkie and a Golden Doodle. In her free time, she loves attending live music events, enjoying Mexican food, listening to True Crime Podcasts and going to the theatre. Jenna is committed to expanding Independent Identity, refining its model for growth at its current location, and eventually bringing its unique ABA-based day program for adults with IDD to communities across Austin and Texas.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

The University of Austin (07/16/2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

The University of Austin

WHEN: Thursday July 16, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

President Carlos Carvalho
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

President Carlos Carvalho will speak about the University of Austin and his experience since becoming president of this new university.

About our Speaker:

Carlos Carvalho is the President of the University of Austin (UATX). Prior to taking on this role, he spent 15 years as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, where he held the La Quinta Centennial Professorship and founded the Salem Center for Policy. A native of Brazil, Dr. Carvalho earned his doctorate in statistics from Duke University and has also taught at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His research focuses on Bayesian statistics in complex, high-dimensional problems with applications ranging from economics to genetics to public policy. At UATX, he is leading a bold effort to build a new university that stands for American principles and academic excellence.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Scouts of America (07/30/2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Scouts of America

WHEN: Thursday July 30, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Kemi Ademuyeno
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

League of Women Voters: Researching Your Ballot (08/06/2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:45:00 GMT

League of Women Voters: Researching Your Ballot

WHEN: Thursday August 6, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

LWV
Introduced by Lion Henry Welles

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Annual Lion District Governor (08/13/2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Annual Lion District Governor

WHEN: Thursday August 13, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Diane Schaule
Introduced by Lion Mark Hastings

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Dr. Matthew Hinsley: The Spirit Economy (08/27/2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:45:00 GMT

The Spirit Economy

WHEN: Thursday August 27, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Dr. Matthew Hinsley, Executive Director of Austin Classical Guitar
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

Author and community arts leader Matt Hinsley will speak about his 30 years building performance and education programs through Austin Classical Guitar. He’ll share stories of impact and transformation through music as well as lessons from his forthcoming book, his ninth, entitled The Spirit Economy.

About our Speaker:

Dr. Matthew Hinsley received the 2020 Margaret Perry Award for Excellence in Education, was a 2019 recipient of the National Guild for Community Arts Education Milestone Award for more than twenty years of community service in the arts. He was named Public Citizen of the Year in 2017 by the Texas Statewide Division of the National Association of Social Workers, and was a winner of a 2015 Austin Under 40 award. Hinsley has worked as a community arts organizer in Central Texas since 1996.

As Executive Director of Austin Classical Guitar (ACG), Dr. Hinsley has raised more than ten million dollars in support of broad concert, community engagement, and educational programming, building the nation’s largest classical guitar nonprofit organization. In 2015 he joined the faculty at the University of Texas College of Fine Arts to teach courses in arts entrepreneurship and business management in the arts. In 2021 Hinsley opened ACG’s first concert and creative learning center in central Austin, called The Rosette.

Dr. Hinsley is founder and a lead author of the ACG curriculum and music library that, paired with extensive direct service, has transformed classroom guitar education in public schools across the United States reaching tens of thousands of students. The curriculum, which is now used internationally, is in service in over fifty Austin-area schools including for-credit programs at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, multiple Juvenile Justice centers, forty-five Texas districts, and forty US states.

Dr. Hinsley was trained as a classical guitarist and vocalist at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin. He has written eight books including Form & Essence: A Guide to Practicing Truth, Classical Guitar for Young People, Creativity to Community: Arts Nonprofit Success One Coffee at a Time, and the film-optioned fantasy series Tinder & Flint.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

AISD Volunteer Opportunities (09/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:45:00 GMT

AISD Volunteer Opportunities

WHEN: Thursday September 3, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Sandra Grimaldo Hernandez
Introduced by Lion Jean McArthur

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

The Austin Sound: A History of Live Music in Austin Part 2 (09/10/2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:45:00 GMT

The Austin Sound: A History of Live Music in Austin Part 2

WHEN: Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Billy Brookshire
Introduced by Lion Regina Budet

What is the Austin Sound? It’s roughly a blend of country, folk, rock, gospel & blues. In 1991, Austin officially adopted the motto: ‘Live Music Capital of the World’. But the story goes back much further. Live music has always been in Austin’s roots. In the beginning, all music in Austin was live, a hearty blend of hymns, spirituals, beer-hall tunes, folk songs, cowboy ballads, tribal chant, and more. It drew its inspiration from diverse influences and many cultures. This presentation will explore the roots and evolution of the current Austin Music Scene. We’ll talk about the factors, personalities, venues, and events contributing to live music here in Austin that continue to foster live music in The Live Music Capital of the World.

This presentation will be Part 2 and will start in the 1960s.

About our Speaker:

Billy Brookshire is a training consultant, public speaker, and tour-guide in private practice. He has presented workshops throughout the US and Canada. He has served as President of the Intergovernmental Training Council, the Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the International Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired; and he is a past Chair of the Governing Committee of the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field. In addition, he narrates for the Talking Book Program & has served on the boards of All Blind Children of Texas and the Austin Tour Guide Association. As an Austin Tour Guide, he designs and conducts custom tours of beautiful Austin, TX. For more information on the Austin Tour Guide Association, check out: http://www.austintourguides.org/. He is also the award-winning author of 'Loving Me: A Guide to Creating and Presenting Workshops on Self-Esteem'.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Truth in Media (09/24/2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Truth in Media

WHEN: Thursday September 24, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Dr. David Ryfe
Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Interfaith Austin (10/01/2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Interfaith Austin

WHEN: Thursday October 1, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Nahid Khataw
Introduced by Lion John Nyfeler

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

World of Honey Bees (10/15/2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:45:00 GMT

World of Honey Bees

WHEN: Thursday October 15, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Nona Evans, Co-founder & Beekeeper, Texas Sassy Bees
Introduced by Lion Regina Budet

In World of Honey Bees, we'll explore the fascinating lives of honey bees and discover why these tiny insects have such an enormous impact on our food supply. Together we'll meet the queen, workers, and drones, follow nectar's journey from flower to honey jar, and uncover the remarkable organization that keeps a colony thriving.

Whether you're curious about bees, interested in gardening, or simply love honey, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of nature's most extraordinary communities.

About our Speaker:

After a 30-year career in the food world, Nona Evans co-founded Texas Sassy Bees. She is a passionate advocate for honey bees and pollinator education. Since becoming a beekeeper in 2019, she has enjoyed sharing the wonder of the hive with audiences of all ages. Through Texas Sassy Bees, Nona mentors school bee clubs and beginning beekeepers, offers classes, presentations, and hands-on experiences that help people discover how bees support our food supply, ecosystems, and everyday lives.

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!

Judge Elisabeth Earle (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:45:00 GMT

Judge Elisabeth Earle

WHEN: Thursday November 12, 2026 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX

Building 626 [map]

Judge Elisabeth Earle
Introduced by Lion Jack Pierce

About our Speaker: more info coming soon

Lunch is available for $15.00 Please register so we know how much to order.

Assorted sandwiches: Turkey & Gruyere; Turkey & Provolone; Roast Beef and Swiss; Smoked Ham & Swiss; Curried Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad
Sandwich with Gluten Free Bread (Turkey & Provolone and/or Smoked Ham & Swiss).
Chef Salad with ham & turkey or Greek Salad (vegetarian)

All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato. Mustard and mayo on the side.

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday

We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.

Drive slowly on Campus!