Mike and Andy’s crew are also releasing a documentary about their jump over Mount Everest. | Photo courtesy of Triple7
Former Navy SEAL Officers Mike Sarraille and Andy Stumpf started the year off setting skydiving world records.
The pair jumped in seven continents in one week, but the records are “really not what matters,” according to Austin resident Mike. The skydiving expedition was part of Triple 7, an adventure to raise money for families of fallen service members.
Starting in Antarctica and ending in Australia, the team set threerecords from Monday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 15:
Fastest skydiving trip on six continents, beating the previous record of 8.5 days
Fastest tandem skydiving trip on seven continents, slashing the previous record of seven months
Fastest seven-continent sports skydiving record, beating the previous six-month record
“Stories of the fallen are meant to put a smile on your face, not sorrow. There was a time for sorrow, and we’re past that,” Mike said. “I loved the men and women I served with more than I hated the enemy, and not all of them came home. It’s our duty to take care of not only their families, but also make sure that their stories never die.”
After serving for 20 years across 10 combat deployments, Mike’s mission is many-fold: to honor fallen service members, help veterans transition out of service, and to raise $7 million to fund 1,400 scholarships for Gold Star Families with the Folds of Honor Foundation.
Just 30 minutes after jumping out of a plane in Miami on Wednesday, Jan. 11, Mike told ATXtoday he jumped in honor of late commander Bobby Ramirez.
“We don’t celebrate our victories, nor do we suffer losses for too long,” Mike said. “It’s right now, that is special enough. We’re just taking it one jump at a time.”
The fundraising efforts are not yet over — the team has raised $483,000+ so far and is still accepting donations.
DAC Night: Glow in the DAC | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 7-9 p.m. | Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Free | Using paint, makeup, and props, explore glow-in-the-dark photography and make your own glow-in-the-dark art pieces to shimmer in the dark.
Thursday, Jan. 26
The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $25.50-$49.50 | Experience Pink Floyd like never before at this laser show.
Prixmo, Dodo, Foxtales | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Hotel Vegas, 1504 E. 6th St., Austin | $10 | Catch three local bands for one at this late-night show.
Friday, Jan. 27
Eddie Taylor 100th Birthday Celebration | Friday, Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | Antone’s Nightclub, 305 E. 5th St., Austin | $17 | Celebrate alongside Larry, Tim, Demetria, and Brenda Taylor.
The Big Bash | Friday, Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave., Austin | $13-$20 | Laugh along with the theatre’s “powerhouse” improv comics.
Y’all Out Boy | Friday, Jan. 27 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | The Concourse Project, 8509 Burleson Rd., Austin | $20 | Catch this local punk and emo cover band live.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Central Texas will be home to a new power plant, built by the Lower Colorado River Authority, to support the Texas electric grid. The plant, which is intended for use during high-demand periods, is expected to be completed in 2025. ⚡️(KVUE)
Civic
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a $35 million contract with Mobile Loaves & Fishes, using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The money will cover 640 units at Community First! Burleson Village, and upgrade amenities. (KXAN)
Biz
Longhorn students, faculty, and staff can now get H-E-B groceries delivered to campus, including classrooms and dorm rooms. Customers will place an order through the H-E-B app, then delivery will be coordinated through Austin-based delivery app Favor. (KVUE)
Development
A contractor has been confirmed for springtime construction on the second phase ofWaterloo Greenway. Located at the southern tip of Waterloo Greenway, The Confluence will join Rainey Street, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, and Brush Square Park. 🍃
Austinites
Happy Birthday to 100-year-old Bill Behen and 101-year-old Bob Turner. The pair, who live at Longhorn Village, served in WWII. (KXAN)
Susan and Michael Dell have been generous. The couple earned the title of No. 16 “Most Generous Givers” in the US according to Forbes, having given away more than $2.4 billion throughout their lives. 💸
Ranked
Austin is the most prepared place in the US for a “smart city” future, according to a study from ProptechOS. With plenty of green infrastructure, tech jobs, and internet companies headquartered here, Austin’s future looks bright. 🧠
Eat
Don’t just eat better — eat the best.Sunbasket’smeal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefsstraight to your front door. Bonus: ATXtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveriesand more when they sign up. 🍽️ *
Wellness
If one of your 2023 goals is to create more time for self care and relaxation, an acupressure mat is a must. The mats are designed to stimulate pressure points to relieve tension, decrease stress levels, and increase circulation. This ProsourceFit full body mat includes neck support.*
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The Texas Stars are part of the American Hockey League, a developmental league for the National Hockey League. | Photo by Tim Watkins
You know what they say, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and we’re not about to let you miss your shot at playing hockey in ATX.
We may not have icy lakes or snowy winters, but the spirit of hockey is alive and well, even hundreds of miles from its northern birthplace.
Chaparral Ice | 2525 W. Anderson Ln. Learn to play hockey on this NHL-regulation rink, which also hosts figure skating lessons.
Texas Ball Hockey | 3918 Gattis School Rd. Either join this street hockey league (meaning sans skates), or try it out on Sunday for pick-up games.
Texas Pond Hockey Club | 9402 United Dr. Kids and adults alike can sign up for lessons in hockey, figure skating, curling, and broomball at this academy.
More of a spectator? Catch the Texas Stars, an affiliate of professional NHL team the Dallas Stars, play on ice at the H-E-B Center.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Figi.
Editor’s pick: I have some good news for my prospective homebuyers — you don’t have to compete with 64% of your fellow audience members. According to our poll, 57% already own your home and 7% aren’t looking at all.
Editorial:Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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