February 2016 - Absolutely Katy Magazine by absolutely! Katy Magazine

FEBRUARY 2016

Katy Elks Sweethearts

KICKIN' in Katy Super Bowl Bash Tips

LOVE IS

in the Air

A hop, skip and a jump. We’re right here in West Houston and ready to partner with you in the health care of your child. With a dedicated pediatric emergency room, pediatric intensive care unit and more than 20 pediatric subspecialties conveniently located on site, we offer top care for kids, close to home. From sports medicine to gastroenterology to ENT, our specialty clinics are staffed by experts in their fields using the most advanced technology, in facilities designed specifically for children. Texas Children’s is ranked #4 in the nation by U.S.News & World Report and is the highest ranked children’s hospital in the southwest. The next time your child needs medical care, come to us. We’re all about kids. For maps and information, visit westcampus.texaschildrens.org. Texas Children’s Urgent Care is now in your area.Visit urgentcare.texaschildrens.org to find hours, location and conditions we treat.

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CONTRIBUTORS

FEBRUARY 2016

VOLUME 13

NUMBER 2

COLUMNS 16 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS

18 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT Meet Delaney Ferguson

21 FAMILY LAW

Love and Marriage . . . and Love During Divorce?

28 KIDS’ CORNER

Accept Your Kids, Even When You Disapprove

Tammy Iund and Ann Powell. Photography by Hallie Keller.

COVER STORY 10 KATY ELKS SWEETHEARTS’ Special Hearts For Special Children

For 29 years, the Texas Elks have sponsored the Texas Elks Camp for Texas special needs children. Through hard work and generous giving, Katy Elks Lodge No. 2628 and its Sweetheart Program are going above and beyond to support these children.

F E AT U R E S 12 LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Katy Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

14 VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS & TIPS

Look no further than these 10 ways make your Valentine feel special – and even more loved.

29 10 EASY SUPER BOWL PARTY TIPS Bump it up to the next level as a party host with these top tips for a touchdown of a time.

BRAIN TEASER

13 HEARTS AND FLOWERS

NEWSWORTHY 20 NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE Lady Bird Class of 2016 Senior Presentation

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE, INC.

Star Chapter Honors Senior Class

absolutely! H E A LT H Y L I V I N G 26 absolutely! Q & A

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About the Flu

absolutely! AUTO REVIEW 30 2016 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN

FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

Myles Mellor Contributor Page 13 Robin Ebrecht absolutely! Fabulous Finds Page 16 Joan Frances Contributor Page 18 Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney Page 21 Morgan Zimmermann Out & About in the Heart of Katy Page 22 Patrick Biron Birons Youth Sports Center Page 28 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 30 Cyd Wright What’s Kickin’ in Katy Page 32

absolutely! DELICIOUS 31 SWAP UP

For Big Game Day

COMMUNITY EVENTS 32 WHAT’S KICKIN’ IN KATY

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 22 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF KATY

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP Vol. 13 No. 2 February 2016

Associate Publisher, LARA BELL Happy Valentine’s Day! In this special issue devoted to love, we introduce you to two ladies who have big hearts for special needs children. Ann Powell and Tammy Iund were crowned Sweethearts by the Katy Elks Lodge No. 2628, and along with other volunteers in the Sweetheart Program, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for these children to experience the Texas Elks Camp free of charge. Speaking of sweethearts, if you need help with some extra special Valentine’s Day ideas, turn to our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on page 12 and Valentine’s Day Ideas & Tips on page 14. Also in this issue, you will meet several outstand- Dylan Milam. ing Katy students. Our High School Hot Shot Delaney Ferguson hails from Taylor High School where she is an outstanding basketball player, leader and friend. The National Charity League, Inc. Lady Bird and Star chapters recently honored their Class of 2016 seniors. These ladies have volunteered thousands of hours at local philanthropies, and we applaud them. Finally, the Super Bowl celebrates 50 years this month. Turn to page 32 for details from Cyd in What’s Kickin’ in Katy, and we have some fabulous tips for throwing a successful – and delicious – Super Bowl bash. Enjoy this issue! Absolutely! yours,

Lara Bell-Milam lara@absolutelyfocusmedia.com @larabell

Editor’s Note: Bonnie Holland Elementary School student Jace Ferrer was incorrectly identified as Jason Cai on page 23 in last month’s issue.

READER FEEDBACK

A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Lara Bell M A NA G I N G E D I T O R Sarah Bearden SENIOR AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kij AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Jennifer Elliott Molly Ellis Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Camille Hay Marinela Taylor WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza

CONTRIBUTORS M.G. Angulo Patrick Biron Robin Ebrecht Joan Frances Steve Kursar Myles Mellor Nancy L. Rommelmann Cyd Wright Morgan Zimmermann INQUIRIES 281-690-4242

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ON THE COVER: Ann Powell and Tammy Iund. Photo by Hallie Keller.

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COVER STORY By M.G. Angulo

here is a camp in Ottine, Texas where more than 300 chil-

dren who come from different

s k l E y t Ka ’ s t r a e h Sweet Hearts Special ial for Spec Children

backgrounds, livelihoods and cultures learn the same vital lesson: Having a difference doesn’t make a difference. For 29 years, the Texas Elks – a branch of the Elks, one of the largest and most active fraternal organizations in the world – have sponsored the Texas Elks Camp that provides traditional camp activities from music, sports, bowling and art to indoor rock climbing and swimming for Texas special needs children from seven years old to 15 years old. But more than this, the children who attend this camp find solace, inspiration, encouragement and achievement through camp counselors and the featured activities. This year, funds are being raised for a trip to Sea World for the campers the coming summer, and each Friday, a graduation ceremony will be held where the camp counselors bestow upon the campers a special award for their achievements during camp.

“For the campers and their families, this is an experience that some only dream of,” said Tammy Iund with the Katy Elks Lodge No. 2628. The camp hosts seven three-week sessions each summer, and the children attend camp free of charge, because the camp is 100 percent supported by funds raised by a strategy called the Sweetheart Program, which is implemented at each of the Texas Elks lodges around the state.

Photo by Hallie Keller.

Fundraising for Children in Need

Tammy Iund.

The Sweetheart Program is a twopronged effort: It raises funds for the Texas Elks Camp, as well as the Texas Elks Grants, which also benefit special needs children. While the camp instills an empowering environment, the Texas Elks Grant program provides funding for medical equipment, procedures and the like. The families who need assistance complete the grant application, and it is submitted to the nearest lodge for review. “Last year, the Katy Lodge provided

FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

over $6,000 in grants, and this year, we will provide over $7,700,” said Iund. “Throughout the state of Texas, the Texas Elks Grant program will provide over $300,000 in assistance to children in need.” And this assistance is all because of the Sweetheart Program, Iund stressed. “The focus of the Sweetheart Program is 100 percent on special needs children,” said Iund, who was crowned the 2015-2016 State Sweetheart by the Texas Elks Association. Iund, along with all of the Elks lodges in the Gulf Coast District, made the district the highest fundraising one last year with a net of more than $119,000 topping all other districts by $40,000. She also broke the per capita record with $61 per capita with her fundraising efforts. “Each lodge in Texas chooses a person or sometimes a committee to be the Sweetheart for that lodge,” Iund explained. “This Sweetheart works hard during the lodge year to raise funds. At the end of the lodge’s year, the lodge Sweetheart turns in monies raised at District. The Sweetheart who raises the most money is crowned District

Debbie Tharp, Sarah Garcia, Tammy Iund and Cherie Guillory worked the Katy Elks booth at the 2015 Katy Rice Harvest Festival.

While she isn’t this year’s Sweetheart, Iund said she cannot imagine a time when she won’t be involved with the program. “Once a Sweetheart, always a Sweetheart,” she said.

Photo by Hallie Keller.

Sweetheart and goes on to the state convention to represent the district and lodge to compete for Texas Elks State Sweetheart.” To date, the Katy Lodge has held the State Sweetheart title more than any lodge since 1979, and nine State Sweethearts hail from the Katy Lodge. Iund, who said she has been involved with the Katy Lodge since she was 18, following in her mother’s footsteps, said it takes “a lot of work by a lot of people” to earn the title of State Sweetheart. “A Sweetheart operates best with a support system, and we have just that in Katy,” Iund said. “We call it the Sweetheart Committee. This is a close group of friends who will do whatever it takes to raise funds and awareness for the program. Without this group of friends, I could have never been crowned State Sweetheart.”

Ann Powell’s Sweetheart Plans The current Katy Elks Lodge Sweetheart is Ann Powell, who, like Iund, said being a sweetheart is in her blood. “My mother was the Lodge Sweetheart one year, so I guess it runs in the family. As a Sweetheart, we get much more out of it than the kids. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing you have helped improve the life of a child.” Powell has hit the ground running with her fundraising efforts, having already held the Lip Sync Show in September and planning for the 2nd Annual Sweetheart Dinner set for Thursday, February 11th – the largest of the Katy Lodge’s Sweetheart Program fundraisers. Sweethearts also host a myriad of dinners, drawings and fun events like a prior carnival night where volunteers took pies to the face for donations. “As we often say in the lodge, ‘It’s for the kids,’” Powell said. “My objective would be, as I am sure all Sweethearts in the state of Texas, to raise the most money I can to support this wonderful program.” In addition to the February dinner, Powell is pushing the Red Pig Program to reach her goal of surpassing last year’s record. “We have lots of red pig banks that we fill with coins,” Powell explained. “There are a lot of businesses that allow us to place them in their business, as well as a lot of lodge members who fill them at home.” Powell said the community’s support is vital to the Sweetheart Program’s success and hopes that Sweetheart functions will

Ann Powell.

Donna Powell, a past State Sweetheart, with daughter Ann Powell.

help spread the word about Katy Elks and the Sweetheart Program. “The Katy Elks Lodge and all Elks Lodges across Texas are a great place to work on behalf of the many charities the Elks support,” Iund said. “While working hard, you make lifelong friends. The smiles you see at camp graduation or the thank you notes from families who receive grants make it so worthwhile. The friends you make are like the cherry on top of the cake. It is a gift and blessing to be able to be involved in such a program.” For more information about the Katy Elks Lodge No. 2628, call 281391-2763 or visit www.katyelks. org. For more information about the Texas Elks Camp, visit www. texaselkscamp.org.

2nd Annual Sweetheart Dinner and Auction

ounded February 16, 1868 in New York, the Elks, a 100 percent volunteer organization, has given away more than $3.5 billion to charitable, welfare, educational and veterans programs through its Scholarship, Veteran and Sweetheart programs since 1878. With 2,100 lodges nationwide operating under the motto “Elks Care, Elks Share,” the Elks have award an estimated $3.3 million in college scholarships a year.

The Katy Elks Lodge No. 2628 is doing its part in that contribution by hosting its 2nd Annual Sweetheart Dinner and Auction on February 11th at 6 pm at Beckendorff Farms Historic Event Venue at 28533 Morton Road in Katy. The biggest fundraiser for the Lodge’s Sweetheart Program, the event will feature a dinner, as well as a silent and live auction with Glenn Beckendorff as the auctioneer. Former Katy Mayor Don El-

der, Jr. will serve as the evening’s emcee. “This event is a big event for us,” said current Katy Elks Lodge Sweetheart Ann Powell. “For $25, you will receive a wonderful dinner and be entertained by both a live and silent auction. Other fundraising is occurring all the time,” she added. “We are constantly holding dinners and raffles and will be having activities during the Super Bowl as well.” Call 281-391-2763 for more details.

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K AT Y VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E

Love

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5 Romantic flowers 6 “Gone With the Wind,” for example 7 Flower to be kissed under 8 Helen of ___ 9 Most well-known lover of all time? 12 “Fields __ Gold” Sting 15 Rainbow shape 16 Compass heading 18 Alternative word

19 Start & go romance (2 words) 20 Drinks a little champagne, perhaps 22 “Strength, Courage and Wisdom” singer (2 words) 24 Happening! 25 React to a break-up? 28 Mariner’s direction 30 D.H. Lawrence initials 31 Cleopatra’s lover 32 Symbol

BRAIN TEASER

Down 1 Word for a loved one 2 Spring flower 3 Classic date time (2 words) 4 Oz man

Hearts and Flowers

By Myles Mellor

Across 1 Takes out 4 “Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak _____” 7 Got introduced to 9 Brazilian hot spot 10 Basic building blocks of trust 11 Kind of poodle 13 Mischief-maker 14 “Summer time, when the living is ____” 16 “The Lord of the Rings” good guy 17 A gentleman opens it for a lady 19 Did you find the right ___? 21 Romantic instrument for love songs 23 Wedding material 26 Tango or salsa 27 Taylor and Burton, for example 28 Go word for a latino lover 29 Meeting time, about 32 Banjo sound 33 Madonna’s ex 35 Watch chains 39 One of the most romantic movies of all time 41 Diamond measurement 44 Valentine’s day present 46 Leave 47 Excellent 48 Bank holding 49 Alumna bio word 50 Dearest

34 Lovely! 35 ____ head over heels for 36 Floating ___ (2 words) 37 Snack 38 “__ of a Woman” 40 “Love __ love you, baby” 42 Sharp feller 43 Where are you __? 44 ___-do attitude 45 Garden tool See answers on page 27.

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Valentine’s Day Ideas & Tips

here is no other day as Valentine’s Day when love is celebrated with so much zest. Couples wait for this day of love to indulge in romance and prove their chivalry. While some draw inspiration from romantic movies and love stories, others invent their own style of celebrating it.

If you are one of those love-struck individuals with someone special in your life, you want to make your Valentine feel special. While going out for a romantic dinner or gifting chocolates and flowers may be traditional Valentine’s Day ideas, there is always scope for doing something new. To make the occasion even more special, here are 10 Valentine’s Day tips that can make your plan an instant hit with your beloved. So, look no further for ideas to make your Valentine feel special – and even more loved.

Present your Valentine with personalized gift items that are sure to make him feel like a million bucks. It could be a piece of jewelry, photo frames, shopping vouchers or perfume. The options are virtually endless when it comes to personalizing and customizing gifts.

Try creating a treasure hunt with clues leading up to an event or a gift that you have planned.

Wake up your beloved with the sight of a love note that tells your Valentine just how much you love him. Strew them around the house and at every place you know he might look. The fact that he will find your notes of love everywhere is sure to make him feel special.

Try to take your loved one out for a fancy dinner. If you are the home bird kind, then preparing a special meal may be the best thing. Think of a candlelit dinner, talks and the perfect food. What more could the heart want? Try decorating the room with the theme of love. Heart-shaped balloons and decorations are bound to make the day seem as special as it can be.

6 7

For those who love to travel, go away on a sabbatical to a lovely destination.

8 9

Pamper your lover or even go out for a spa pampering session together. It is bound to fill the day with delight.

Relive the tale of your romance. Try recreating the moments that made you fall in love, and watch the sparks fly.

Surprise your sweetheart by preparing a “10 Reasons I Love You” Valentine’s Day breakfast. On your Valentine’s plate, leave a letter or card listing 10 reasons why you love your partner.

Create an intimate Valentine’s Day evening at home. Put on soft, romantic music to set the mood. After a hearty dinner, get on the dance floor and sway to the tunes.

Write a love poem or a love song to your beloved. This will not only make your beloved feel loved, but it is sure to melt his heart too.

Source: www.mydearvalentine.com

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High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

Meet Delaney Ferguson

“S

triving for excellence, meeting the challenges of today, preparing students for tomorrow...Taylor High School lives up to its motto: Taylor Made for Success.” This pledge is reinforced every school day as teachers and administration encourage diversity and individuality. James Taylor High School in Katy Independent School District has a defined and accurate goal for all students: to make them a success at whatever they endeavor to do. Students take different paths throughout their high school experience to achieve individual fulfillment. One senior who has accomplished her goals these past four years is Delaney Ferguson. Delaney has been engaged in playing basketball all four years of high school. She has always been an aggressive player, scoring doubledigit points as a freshman and sophomore. She has been a member of the varsity basketball team the past two years and plays the post position. The team practices 11 to 12 hours a week. Delaney’s friendships with her teammates are strong. They all look out for one another on and off the court. They are a family and are committed to doing the very best they can for the school and for one another. They have played well at tournaments in the past few years. As a leader and team player, Delaney plays with confidence and commitment. She said, “As a leader, my team’s success is solely on me. If my team is successful, then I know I have done my job, but if not, then I have failed them. We work together

Delaney

as a unit to play basketball the best we can. This is what camaraderie is all about and why I enjoy playing this sport. Basketball is a physical sport of course, but it’s the mental challenge that keeps my team and me on the court having the most fun. To figure out which way a player may go and how to stop the opposing side, the strategies we use to be sure we are passing the ball and where we should be all require teamwork and knowing each other really well.” One value Delaney lives by is dependability. “Being dependable is very important to me. When someone needs something, they can always count on me to do it. From school work to friendships and even at home, I consider myself true to my word, and I will do everything in my power to follow through with what I say I will do.” Delaney’s favorite teacher at Taylor is Adena Sealock, her French II teacher. “She is a fun teacher. All of her students know she enjoys teaching by her positive attitude and great disposition.

She always finds ways to make the lessons more interesting. I look so forward to coming to her class every day. Mrs. Sealock helps us understand what we are doing and why. She is always available to help and continues to push her students to be the best they can be.” One thing Delaney will treasure the most about her high school experience is, “The people I have surrounded myself with during this senior year. The past three years have been a growing time for me as a person. Friendships are so important, but just like any time of discovery, I had to figure out who my true friends are. I will treasure these friends for a lifetime.” Delaney is still undecided on the college she will attend in the fall but will major in physical therapy. Congratulations on your commitment to success Delaney, and good luck as you take the next step to your future.

“From school work to friendships and even at home, I consider myself true to my word, and I will do everything in my power to follow through with what I say I will do.” – Delaney Ferguson 18

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NEWSWORTHY

National Charity League Lady Bird Class of 2016 Senior Presentation National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.) Lady Bird Chapter proudly honored the 2016 graduating class at its Senior Presentation Ceremony at the Westchase Marriott on January 31st. The 18 seniors and their mothers volunteered more than 4,628 hours at Katy area philanthropies over the past six years. This is the first class that has completed all six years with the Lady Bird Chapter since the chapter was formed in 2010. The Lady Bird Chapter’s total philanthropy hours have surpassed 5,700 hours so far this year in support of their philanthropies. NCL, Inc. is a national non-profit, mother-daughter service organization. Some of the 21 philanthropies that National Charity League, Inc. Lady Bird works with includes the Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Eternal Food Ministries, Keep Kids Connected, Willow River Farms, Project Linus, Neighborhood Kidz Club, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and more. Congratulations NCL, Inc. Lady Bird Chapter Class of 2016! Haley Wakeham, Katherine Gerken, Anna Bowman, Stevie Clewett, Tristin Trevino, Kara Killinger, Lauren Ramsey, Cairn Timko, Payton Haas, Kendall Rollins, Kaelyn Compas Echiverri, Melissa McDonald, Meredith Reese, Rebecca Dillon, Samantha Evans, Kendall Pogue, Hannah Skeen and Skylar Devers. Photo by Kevin Hoehne.

Taylor Watson, Dana Barker, Sarah Staines, Kaylee Buchanan, MacShayne Walpole-Molinar, Stefanie Chang, Cydney Varner, Brenna Smith, Cami Squires, Claire Sullivan, Kaycee Swierc, Sarah-Kate Fowler, Caroline Black, Sarah Roberts, Cassidy Lovett, Anna Miller, Christine Butterfield and Kaitlin Everhard. Photo by Nikki Guest.

National Charity League, Inc., Star Chapter Honors Senior Class On Sunday, January 17th, National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.), Star Chapter honored members of its graduating class at the chapter’s Class of 2016 Senior Recognition and Presentation. At the event, the 18 young ladies, known as Ticktockers, were honored for their service to the community, which included volunteering more than 3,000 hours at local philanthropies over the last six years. “It has been a pleasure to watch these girls grow into confident, young adults ready to embrace the world,” said NCL, Inc., Star Chapter President Mary Kay Yu. “We congratulate them on their accomplishments and are excited to see what the next chapter will bring for each of them.” NCL, Inc., Star Chapter currently has 292 members and provides hands-on volunteer service for 29 philanthropic organizations in the local community. Among these philanthropies are the Westview School, the food pantry and resale shop of Katy Christian Ministries, Citizens for Animal Protection; Society of St. Stephen - Home Delivered Meals, American Red Cross and more.

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Love and Marriage . . . and Love During Divorce? By Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney

Katy’s Water Damage and Steam Cleaning Experts

Many readers enjoyed this from last year, and I think it’s worth the read again.

ou’ve heard the phrase, “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage,” but can love be shown during a divorce?

Consider the following ways to love while going through a divorce: 1. Love yourself:

Take care of yourself. Do healthy activities that make you feel good about yourself (exercise, get involved with your church or spend time with good friends). Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t indulge in addictive behavior. Spend your energy on positive pursuits that allow and promote personal growth. Daily evaluate your motives and actions and hold yourself accountable to honorable behavior, which actually results in you gaining power with your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

2. Love your children:

Children don’t want to be in the middle of a divorce. Be sensitive to your children, their needs and what they are going through. Give them the gift of your time and undivided attention during this difficult time. Show the other parent respect while in the presence of the children.

3. Love your soon-to-be ex-spouse:

Okay, maybe it’s difficult to show love to your soon-to-be ex-spouse, but you can show respect and be nice. Take the high road. Don’t be petty. Do the right thing for the right reasons, particularly as it relates to your children who are subject to the divorce. Your children deserve to see this behavior from both of their parents. This is hard work at a personal level, due in part to the mix of emotionally charged issues that come up throughout a divorce, but do the “work”…you won’t regret it. “There needn’t be ‘broken’ families, defined by divorce decrees and the like. Families can be defined and bound by love and other matters of the heart.”

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ph 713-622-3000 www.attorneynancyrommelmann.com Call us today for a consultation! www.absolutelykaty.com l FEBRUARY 2016

High school students from three Houston area schools – Katy ISD’s Miller Career Center Culinary Program, Cy-Fair ISD Culinary Academy and Westside High School Culinary Academy – participated in the 10th Annual Landry’s, Inc. Iron Chef Competition at The Galveston Island Convention Center. During the event, the students met with Landry’s, Inc. chefs and top executives to gain valuable insight into a career in the hospitality industry. The Iron Chef Competition is an annual culinary contest in which the company’s most talented executive chefs from coast to coast compete for the title of “Landry’s Iron Chef.”

By Morgan Zimmermann

OUT & ABOUT

Photo by Michelle Watson.

morgan@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Chef John Baker with students Lauren Simmons, Aaron Kalenda, Caroline Curtis, Nancy Alvarado and Chef Chelsea Gumm.

IN THE HEART K AT Y

Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary School fourth grader Shay Morris decided to forgo receiving birthday presents at her recent 10th birthday party and instead asked guests to bring donations. In doing so, Shay collected over 100 items that she took to Star of Hope. While Shay was there, she also received a guided tour of the facility. Shay told the tour guide, “It makes my heart happy to be able to come out and donate.” Way to go Shay!

Star of Hope’s Courtney Hill Khorrami and Shay Morris.

The unveiling of the James Williams Elementary Patron Wall at Katy ISD’s James Williams Elementary honored all of the school’s generous patrons. Second graders sang the school song, and refreshments followed. Tess, Jack, Sophia and Ben Stephens.

Julie and Anita Pickett.

Laura and Allison Wolfe.

P.J. Reeves.

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Firethorne kindled the spirit of the season with a “Christmas Around the World” Holiday Party. A uniformed flight attendant greeted “passengers” at the front door of the Visitor Center, where they were “whisked away” to a destination brimming with international food buffets and drawings for a variety of gift prizes.

Bethany McCade welcomed guests against a passport stamped backdrop.

Tom Gunnell and Janet Theis.

The first baby born this year at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital was Aaron Jacob Payan, born to proud parents Edgar and Mariana and big brother Cristian. Aaron weighed 5 lbs. and 15 oz. and measured 18.5 inches when he came into the world at 3:25 am on January 1st. Welcome to the world, Aaron!

Brenda Campbell.

Aaron Payan.

Robert White, Mary Jo Jasperson, Wayne Meyer, Pam Roberson, Vicki Welsch, Janet Burkett, Christine Cardiff and Randy Carr.

Mariana, Edgar and Aaron Payan.

Go Katy! Senior football players celebrated their State Championship win.

Meet Katy’s littlest fan, Lillian Marie Wagner.

Kris Perez, Corey Griffin and Jon Letter.

Colton Walker and Noah Lopez.

www.absolutelykaty.com l FEBRUARY 2016

OUT & ABOUT

Orangetheory Fitness launched its seventh Houston area location in Cinco Ranch with a VIP Grand Opening party on January 4th. Throughout the evening, hundreds of guests had the opportunity to sign up for an Orangetheory Fitness membership, pre-book classes and enter in a variety of raffles, including Snap Kitchen gift cards and Orangetheory Fitness water bottles. The newest studio opened for classes on January 5th.

IN THE HEART K AT Y

Jim Potesta, Kathy Vallejo and Jared Matthews.

Marty Reichenthal and Charlotte Morales.

Morton Ranch High School teachers Diane Delacruz, John Martin, Marina Ealy and Sarah Thomas cheered on their fellow teachers and staff as they played reindeer games after their holiday luncheon.

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LEARN. PLAY. GROW. Spring Programs at the Katy Family YMCA Y spring programs offer the perfect opportunity to make playing and learning a family goal. Youth and Teen Sports Before and After School Care Swim Lessons

Join and enjoy the member rate for your spring programs. Register today at ymcahouston.org.

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FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

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Submit your info today and have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine. If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Blushing Brides, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent/s reside in Katy area. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos.

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absolutely!

& QA

It’s “ah…ah…ah…fluuuu” season, and the sounds of sniffles, sneezes and coughing have been echoing through the Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus emergency center walls! Caring for a sick child is not always easy or straightforward, so here are some flu basics to help your family get through this flu season.

EXPERT: Dr. Katherine Leaming-Van Zandt, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, answers some of the most common questions about the flu.

WHAT IS THE FLU?

The flu is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The annual flu season typically starts in the fall and ends in the early spring, with peaks occurring from November to March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between five and 20 percent of the United States population gets the flu, and as many as 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. Sadly, 141 children died from the flu and flu-related complications during last year’s flu season.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU?

Most children with the flu will develop fever, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, muscle and body aches and fatigue. Although many will recover within seven to 14 days, some children may develop flu-related complications, such as ear or sinus infections, pneumonia, dehydration, worsening chronic medical symptoms and even death. Some people are at a higher risk for developing flu-related complications requiring hospitalization. They include: • Children younger than two-years-old. • People, including children, with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, neurological conditions (i.e., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, seizure disorder), chronic lung disease (i.e., asthma, cystic fibrosis), heart disease, blood disorders (i.e., sickle cell disease), endocrine disorders (i.e., diabetes mellitus), kidney and liver disorders, metabolic and genetic disorders and those with a weakened immune system (i.e., cancer). • Women who are pregnant or postpartum, within two weeks of delivery. • Adults older than 65 years-old.

The Flu Q:

WHERE SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD IF HE IS SICK?

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY CHILD FROM CATCHING THE FLU?

Most healthy children with mild symptoms can be safely treated at home. Parents should provide their ill child with fever and pain-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, plenty of fluids and lots of rest. However, if a child is at high risk for developing flu-related complications or exhibiting worsening symptoms, he should be taken to the pediatrician, urgent care or emergency center.

There are a number of ways parents can help decrease the spread of flu and prevent their children from getting sick, including: • Getting their child a flu vaccine each year. • Covering their child’s nose and mouth with a tissue while sneezing or coughing. • Throwing away tissues immediately after each use. • Encouraging frequent and proper hand washing. • Cleaning surfaces in the home and toys with a household disinfectant. • Discouraging kids from sharing drinking cups, utensils, toothbrushes and towels. • Keeping ill children at home until he is no longer contagious or without fever for at least 24 hours. Each year, the influenza virus causes mild to severe disease in children of all ages. Although most children can be safely observed and treated at home, if your child ever develops worsening or severe symptoms, such as rapid or increased work of breathing, pale or bluish skin color, persistent vomiting, significant dehydration or decreased or minimal responsiveness, please seek immediate medical care. Texas Children’s Emergency Center at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus is open 24/7 and Texas Children’s Urgent Cares clinics have evening and weekend hours.

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.

FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

Paul S. Metz, DDS, MD • Shelley Seidel, DDS, MD John Orfanos, DDS, MD

6, 12 & 18 Month Photo by Simon Gentry. Pictured is Brit Wallis.

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r e n or n

C Bir ’ rick t s a id By P

Accept Your Kids, Even When You Disapprove

e have a saying at the gym: “Praise the child, punish the behavior.” Put another

way, we should always accept a child for who they are but actively disapprove behavior when needed. This is an incredibly difficult distinction but can be even more challenging when dealing with our own children. Let’s be honest – it’s just way easier to lose our patience with our own kids than others’, blurring the lines between how we view them and how we view their choices. Fundamentally, children require acceptance to live a happy and fulfilled life. If a child feels that he will only be accepted because of what he accomplishes, chooses or avoids, there are negative, scientifically documented consequences that can last a lifetime. Conversely, children who feel assured of their acceptance have higher grades, take leadership positions amongst their peers and are exponentially less likely to bully other children. Richard Lavoie, an expert in child social behavior, said, “The number one need of any human is to be liked by other humans. But our kids are like strangers in their own land. They don’t understand the basic rules of operating in society, and their mistakes are usually unintentional.” Children who don’t feel accepted are more likely to have depression, anxiety, poor grades, experiment with illegal substances and seek out unhealthy relationships later in life. Your child desperately needs to know at his core that he is acceptable to

you, especially during those times when he doesn’t succeed, makes mistakes or falls short. An easy way to describe this is unconditional love. Parents need to always be an advocate for their children. Make sure you prioritize them and that they know they are your priority. Stand up for them as long as that acceptance doesn’t blind you toward bad behavior, because after all, they are just children. All of that is very different from approval. Acceptance is all about the child as a person, but approval is all about their choices and behavior. For example, the following are actions you should always disapprove with your child: • When they lie. • When they disrespect others. • When they abuse drugs. • When they hurt others. Disapproving of these actions should be framed in a loving way if possible, such as, “I love you so much, it makes me so disappointed when you make bad choices.” It takes purposeful parenting to walk the fine line between approval and acceptance, but if you apply this correctly, you might even one day hear your kids say that famous phrase, “I want you to yell at me – just please don’t be disappointed!” If you have a topic or question you’d like covered or simply want more information, e-mail Patrick Biron at patrick@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

Easy

By Michelle Lynn Buckley

Super Bowl Party Tips L

et’s be honest. If it came down to bare essentials, you could have a successful Super Bowl party with a big screen television, a bowl of chips and a room of pals. But, wouldn’t it be nice to bump it up to the next level and be the party of the year? Here are the top 10 tips for a touchdown of a time.

Send Invites. Send these out early. As soon as you say “go” on the party being at your place, send out a “save the date” text, email or tweet.

Prepare Ahead. Everyone knows the stress of that early guest ringing the doorbell when you’re sweeping the floor and moving furniture. Don’t let that happen! Make sure to prepare ahead of time. That means clean the house, set out chairs, place serving platters out on the table or counter – do everything but bring out the food. This will greatly reduce your stress and make sure that you are ready to go before the pre-game coverage starts.

Add Décor. What separates a dime-a-dozen party from a memorable one? Décor! Bring in the big guns and make it festive. Skip balloons and go for linens and tissue poms in team colors. Linens are easily rented, and you can make your own poms. No need for candles or flowers. This is a football game, not a wedding! Banners are also a great addition.

Spice up Pools. Half of the Super Bowl fun is the accompanying pools! Make it even more exciting for guests by buying a couple of prizes, such as a bottle of whiskey or movie passes, for the big winner at the party. Put them on display so people know what they’re playing for.

Beverage Diversity. Most guests will be in beer mode, so have iced tubs ready to go. Make sure you have plenty of options available, including a non-alcoholic punch, lemon-lime infused water and soft drinks. To up the ante, create a signature drink with a football name to greet guests upon arrival and get them in the game mood.

Babysitter. Your friends will think you’re an absolute genius! Hire a babysitter from a certified agency who will provide games and fun for the younger kids who haven’t quite developed a love of the game yet. Kid-proof a room in your house and let guests know that their kids are welcome, and they can sit back and enjoy the party.

Favors. Yes, it is enough to feed guests, but it’s that much nicer when you send them home with something. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but a football cookie for the ride home, a keychain or a beer koozie are wonderful “thank you for coming” gifts. Place in a bowl by the door, and you’re good to go!

Photo Booth. You’ll really impress guests and give them a memento in photo form by setting up your own photo booth. Clear an area near the front door and hang a colorful cloth, a banner or even streamers to create a backdrop. Encourage guests to mug for the camera when they arrive. Add a helmet and football for props, and watch the fun begin!

Dessert. Sweets are a must for any party. Consider setting up a candy display in team colors. Bake cookies and cupcakes to set out during half-time when guests will start craving sugar. Think easily accessible, handheld sweets for less stress on your part.

Team Menus. Make the menu planning easy, and base it on the hometown of the teams. If you have a little extra in the budget, consider contacting your favorite local restaurant and see if they could deliver some of your favorite dishes in party form.

Source: NFL.com

www.absolutelykaty.com l FEBRUARY 2016

absolutely! AU a bTsOo lRuEt eVlIyE!W A By U TSteve O R EKursar VIEW

2016 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN T

he all-new 2016 MINI Cooper Clubman is the answer for parents who long to own one of these iconic sports cars but also need space and cargo room that most families demand. The new Clubman is longer and wider than its predecessor with a roomy enough interior to transport five relatively comfortably without any of the fun parts for which MINI is known. Driving one will assuredly make you one of the cooler parents in the carpool lane. The Mini began life back in 1959 as a cleverly designed small car manufactured by the British Motor Corporation. The car quickly became one of the defining symbols of the hip culture in 1960s

London. Performance versions of the little car were also very successful on the rally circuit. However, due to economic reasons, the brand became part of a group that was sold in 1994 to BMW. In 2000, the German carmaker rejuvenated the brand as MINI but made sure to keep the car distinctive, fun to drive and just plain fun. The new Clubman is available with two different powerplants. The base model, with an MSRP of $24,100, has a 134 hp, 1.5 liter inline three-cylinder twin turbo engine. Mated with the manual six-speed transmission, estimated EPA fuel economy is 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. If you need a little more sports car in your Clubman, then the Cooper S can deliver with a 189 hp, 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder twin turbo engine. This larger engine definitely delivers a lot more fun with just a slight drop in fuel economy getting 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The interior may not rival a full-size SUV, but compared to the other MINI models, the Clubman is in its own class.

FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

With four doors and room enough for several suitcases behind the back seat, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll easily be able to get the kids and all of their stuff to school and to practice. The split rear doors allow for easy loading, and they look cool too. Some interior design features might seem a bit quirky at first, but being different is a hallmark of the MINI brand. The new Clubman is sure to bring so many new devotees to the brand simply because of its four doors and a roomy interior. But, this is no ordinary family sedan. This car is still all MINI. Follow Steve Kursar at KursarOnCars. blogspot.com.

absolutely! DELICIOUS

Swap up for Big Game Day

hicken wings, guacamole and cheesy dips are America’s top choices for most big game day menus, but the same recipes year after year can get tiring. Forget the same-old spread, and surprise your guests with a little more taste and pizazz this year. Put these tips into play for a winning combination your team can celebrate.

Swap Up with Sausage. Transform typical dishes by swapping sausage into recipes, such as chili and nachos, which typically incorporate ground beef. The built-in flavor lends great taste and convenience to these dishes. Instead of chips and queso, add brat sausage to nachos to make “brat-chos.” Or, give this MVP Chili recipe a try! Use Unexpected Ingredients. Many dips and sides prominently feature the gooey goodness of cheese. Put a fresh spin on these dishes with high-quality, sophisticated options that feature more robust flavors, such as pungent blue cheese, smoked Gouda or tangy goat cheese. Sweeten up Your Spread. To mix in sweet with the savory options, find a spot on the table for some fresh fruit flavor. Favorites such as fruit salad, fruit pizza or fruit kabobs can make for a delectable treat to accompany the rest of your game-day fare. Mix It Up. Smoky flavors and bourbon are trending upward in kitchens, backyards, bars and restaurants across the country. Combine the two for a creative spin to your beverage spread. Seep Johnsonville Fully Cooked Smoked Brats in bourbon for about a day to extract smoky and savory flavors, and mix the bourbon for a modern twist on the Manhattan cocktail. Find more creative recipes to spice up your game-day spread at Johnsonville.com.

MVP Chili Ingredients: 2 Packages of Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausage Links (use mild links for less spicy chili) 1 Large onion 3 Cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons chili powder (use mild chili powder for less spicy chili) 1/4 Teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper

1 Bottle (12 ounces) dark beer or one cup beef stock 1 Can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 2 Tablespoons tomato paste 1 Can (15.5 ounces) red kidney beans 1 Can (15.5 ounces) black beans 1-1.5 Cups corn (frozen or fresh off the cob)

Directions: 1. De-case sausage and sauté in large pot; use wooden spoon to crumble sausage as it cooks. 2. Once sausage is nicely browned, stir in onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin and continue cooking until onion softens, about 5 minutes. 3. Add beer or broth and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. 4. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste and allow it to simmer, uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on medium-low, stirring occasionally. 5. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. 6. Finally, stir in beans and corn. 7. Let this come to a simmer, and it’s ready to serve! Can be prepared a day ahead.

Source: Family Features

www.absolutelykaty.com l FEBRUARY 2016

What’s Kickin’ in

Katy

By Cyd Wright

ebruary in Katy is kickin’ with plenty to do! From Super Bowl mania to high school performances, rodeo and more, we are absolutely! sure you will find something you love to do this month! February 2nd Groundhog Day

February 4th – 7th Oklahoma! Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 pm Sunday at 2 pm Taylor High School Performing Arts Center 20700 Kingsland Boulevard Presented by the Taylor PlayMakers, this production is known as Rogers and Hammerstein’s landmark of the American musical theatre. For more information and ticket prices, visit www.taylorplaymakers.com.

February 4th – 6th Into the Woods 7 pm Tompkins High School Performing Arts Center 4400 Falcon Landing Boulevard Mark your calendar for an enchanted evening as the Tompkins High School Fine Arts Department participates in its first Tommy Tune Awards with the musical production Into the Woods. Advanced tickets are $12 or $15 at the door. Visit www.tompkinstheatre.com for more details and to purchase tickets.

February 5th National Wear Red Day National Wear Red Day for Women is a massive national public awareness day the first Friday each February, urging women, people from all walks of life, businesses, towns, schools, the media, buildings and landmarks to “go red” and “glow red” to bring attention to the leading killers of women – heart disease and stroke. For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org. February 6th Katy Half Marathon 6:30 am Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy Mills Circle The 2nd annual Katy Half Marathon is now part of the Bayou City Half Marathon Series. The race includes distances for athletes of all ages and skill levels with a half marathon, half marathon relay, 5k and a kids 1k race. For more information and registration details, visit www.katyhalf.com. February 7th 3:30 pm Kickoff Super Bowl 50 Are you ready for some football? Throw a party with family and friends to celebrate 50 years of Super Bowl fun! Check out www.nfl.com/superbowl/50 for details on the big game. February 10th Ash Wednesday

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS E-mail cyd@absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Include the event date, time, location and a short description of the event.

FEBRUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelykaty.com

cyd@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

February 13th 9 am – Noon Cans for a Cure Tradition Bank 550 Pin Oak Road Benefiting Keep Kids Connected, this event encourages participants to drop off aluminum beverage cans for recycling. Proceeds from recycling cans go to purchase Netbook computers for kids battling cancer or other life threatening illnesses to help them stay connected with family and friends. For more details, visit www.keepkidsconnected.org.

February 14th Happy Valentine’s Day February 15th Presidents Day February 17th – 20th 73rd Annual Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo L. D. Robinson Pavilion 6301 South Stadium Lane The Katy ISD Future Farmers of America (FFA) Livestock Show and Rodeo Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation consisting of Katy area business leaders, current and former FFA parents and other volunteers. This rodeo supports agricultural education and is held in conjunction with the school district’s annual FFA livestock show. Visit www.KatyISDLivestockShow.org for a schedule of events.

KELLY CHAMBERLAIN 281.582.3984

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Memorial Office 14340 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77079 281.493.3880

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Katy Office 23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., # 200 Katy, Texas 77494 281.493.3880

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