Cy-Fair Lifestyles and Homes May 2016 by Lifestyles & Homes Magazines/Fort Bend Publishing

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CY-FAIR LifeStyles & Homes

T E X A

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Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes May 2016

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Contents

CY FAIR

MAY 2016

Established 2007 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER

DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 39,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN CY-FAIR Reaches trade professionals (ASID and GHBA members), area realtors, business, doctors, trade events (home-related trade shows and community events) and the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce

founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson

Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

Office Manager Linda Peterson

Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Mara Soloway Kelly Foss • Cathy Gordon Dr. Lori • Judy Latta Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel

Wine Editor Denman Moody

Photographers J. Pamela Photography, Inc.

Production Manager Michael Ogrodowicz

Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel

Account Executives

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Stunning in Southgate Design provides livable, inviting fun. Interview by: Cheryl Alexander Photography by: Kyle Humphries, Murphy Mears Architects

Marita Pratt • Kim Zeiner Amy Barker Richards Amy Ahlbrand Robinson Tracy Ray • Joe Welch Donna Sommer • Lisa Adams

ADVERTISING INFORMATION cy-fairlifestylesandhomes.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes

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UPCOMING HAPPENINGS IN CY-FAIR! Mark your calendars for upcoming concerts, community activities and charitable events.

Katy-Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year cy-fairlifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

facebook.com/CyFairLifestylesandHomesMagazine cy-fairlifestylesandhomes.com

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

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Contents MAY 2016

In Store Now {18} DISCOVERIES New and unique finds for your home and lifestyle.

The Good Life

{20} BOOKS New releases on decorating, cooking, health and more. {22} FASHION What to wear now and a look at new styles for the upcoming season. {25} NEW AUTOS Reviews of the Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS.

{62 WINE} Red and white wines to enjoy now. {64} TRAVEL Incredible destinations await you. {66 MEMORABLE WEDDINGS} Couples share their special memories of their special day.

Home Inspirations Inside &Out More Features {26} Dreaming Tree Wines Creators include musician Dave Matthews.

{30} Water Garden and Pond Tour Event is a self-guided tour of gardens.

{42} INTERIOR DETAILS Interior Updates that Inspire

{48} HOME IMPROVEMENT Getting More from the Outdoors

Make a difference with fixes large or small.

Update your backyard living space.

{44} Home Improvement Resources

Follow this plan and prepare to be amazed

Health & Well-Being

{60} Cypress Woods HS Students Participate in Charity Kickball Tournament

{54} Learning About Lupus

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

{72 BUSINESS BRIEFS} Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders. {73 AROUND TOWN} Community groups and people making local news. {75 CAMPUS} Achievements and activities of area schools and students.

Columns

{51} All About Dahlias

Event raised $9,000 for American Cancer Society

Community News

Know the symptoms and causes.

{58} Family Health

{33} ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Kid Collectors know what’s hot and what’s not.

{80} Historical A Penny for Your Thoughts.

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Come on over. Texas Children’s is ranked fourth in the nation and best in the southwest. Lucky for you, we’re right here in northwest Houston. Our Health Centers and Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices offer convenient access to expert pediatricians, subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic services. At Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, your child can get emergency services at a hospital 100% dedicated to pediatric care. We also partner with Methodist Willowbrook Hospital to offer newborn care from Texas Children’s specialists. Whenever you need us, remember, we’re just down the way. For maps and information, visit texaschildrens.org/northwest.

Texas Children’s Health Center Cy-Fair

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus

11777 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77065 281-469-4688

18200 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77094 832-227-1000

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texas repertory theatre presents HAY FEVER, opening may 5

Spring flowers planted and cared for by Brookwood’s Citizens will be available for purchase.

spring extravaganza at brookwood community, may 5-6 Join Brookwood Community for a weekend full of fun and shopping at the annual Spring Extravaganza benefiting Brookwood’s adults with special needs. On Thursday, May 5 from 4-7 p.m. there will be complimentary appetizers and wine and champagne for purchase. On Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. visitors can shop and enjoy lunch in the gourmet Café and wine bar in the garden. For over 30 years, the Brookwood Community has offered both a residential and day program to adults with disabilities. Currently Brookwood serves 225 adults with special needs, including 115 resident adults (known as Brookwood “Citizens”) who are functionally disabled and live at Brookwood full time, and 110 Citizens who participate in the day program. An additional 16 adults and students participate in the new off-site work day program in Fort Bend County at the Grand Parkway location inside Gallery Furniture. Brookwood’s Gift and Garden Center will be filled with the Citizens’ handcrafted products, unique market items and beautiful spring flowers that were planted and meticulously cared for by the Citizens. Come shop for a good cause and let your retail dollar do double duty, just in time for Mother’s Day, graduation and end of school celebrations. This year’s event will include exceptional local vendors featuring unique home décor and gifts, clothing, jewelry, plants, food and much more. The community is located at 1752 FM 1489 in Brookshire. For more information, visit brookwoodcommunity.org or call Elisa McCann at 281-375-2173 or email her at events@brookwoodcommunity.org.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

The Texas Repertory Theatre Co., Houston’s Uptown Classic Theatre, continues its 11th anniversary “Emerging Visions” Season with Noel Coward's sparkling romantic comedy Hay Fever, from May 5 through May 28. The eccentric Bliss family -- Judith, a recently retired actress, David, a selfabsorbed novelist, and their two unconventional children -- live in a world where reality slides easily into fiction. Upon entering this world, their weekend guests are forced into close quarters with the four members of the host family, each one more eccentric than the last. Parlor games turn to rancor; romantic alliances split and reform with flippant ease. The production features Sally Burtenshaw, Lauren Dolk, Haley Hussey, Ian Hill, Joanna Hubbard and Texas Repertory Artistic Director Steven Fenley under the direction of Rachel Mattox. Regular admission is $38; senior and student discounts available. For tickets or more information call the box office at 281-5837573 or log onto texreptheatre.org. The theater is located at 14243 Stuebner Airline Rd. in northwest Houston.

Agents Under Cover Wonderweek – May 26-June 8, all day. Unlock the fun and put your agent skills to the test with all sorts of espionage-themed activities. Kids 8 and up, don’t forget to enlist at S.E.C.R.E.T. headquarters to help thwart the dastardly plans of R.I.V.AL.— a villainous league dedicated to hijacking the museum’s secrets. HOW DOES IT WORK? – Permanent exhibit. The museum’s iconic Telephone Man is now surrounded by moving air ducts, fast-rolling balls and creative contraptions as the How Does It Work? exhibit has been refueled. Encounter Amazing Airways, a 12foot towering pneumatic tube system of air ducts and diverter boxes; engineer a roller coaster using a 5-foot tower at Build Your Own Coaster; or turn an abstract idea into a physical structure with Rig-ama-jig. For more information or a full schedule, visit cmhouston.org.

Dr. Betty Devine will conduct her final concert with Houston Choral Society on May 7.

houston choral society presents REQUIEM, may 7

Start the summer off right by learning all things spy during Agents Undercover Wonderweek, May 26June 8.

may events at children’s museum of houston Fiesta de Cinco de Mayo – May 5-11, all day. On May 5,1862, Mexico defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. Today, the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Join the fiesta as the museum celebrates this event through fun, hands-on activities and performances.

In her final concert with Houston Choral Society, Founding Artistic Director Dr. Betty Devine conducts what is considered to be one of the greatest pieces ever written for chorus and orchestra. The Houston Choral Society (HCS) will conclude its season with Mozart’s stunning “Requiem” on Saturday, May 7 at The Foundry United Methodist Church, beginning at 7:30 p.m. A pre-show lecture will begin at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/students/veterans, and $10 for children ages 5 and younger. Group rates are available. Tickets are available online at houstonchoral.org or may be purchased at the door. The Foundry United Methodist Church is located in northwest Houston at 8350 Jones Road, Houston.

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Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

nam endowment dinner to feature author of “chicken soup for the soul,” may 4 Northwest Assistance Ministries has announced that Jack Canfield, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Chicken Soup for the Soul, will be the speaker at its 2016 Endowment Dinner. The event will take place Wednesday, May 4 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Canfield is an award-winning speaker and internationally recognized leader in personal development and peak performance strategies. For 40 years he has been teaching entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, and people from all walks of life how to create the life they desire. Canfield has published more than 250 books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul series which has sold more than 500 million copies in 47 languages, and The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. He has personally helped hundreds of thousands of people on six continents become multi- millionaires, business leaders, best-selling authors, leading sales professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and world-class athletes while at the same time creating balanced, fulfilling and healthy lives. Tickets are $250 per person, with tables starting at $2,500. For reservations, contact Ryan Barnes at 281-885-4608 or rbarnes@namonline.org.

old west melodrama presents Holmes sweet Homicide Old West Melodramawill unveil a new mystery dinner show that spoofs Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and explores Victorian customs, exotic diseases and cures. Holmes Sweet Homicide debuts on Friday, May 13 and performances continue Friday and Saturday evenings through May 28. The show will be held at Puffabelly’s Depot Restaurant in Old Town Spring, with dinner and a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. The performance begins at 8 p.m.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Attendees will join world-famous detective Hemlock Holmes, who has just returned from a visit to a long-lost cousin in a sanatorium in upstate New York. Unbeknownst to Holmes’ female sidekick Whatsun, the detective has brought his cousin Elmira back home with him. Whatsun is shocked and jealous of the beautiful woman with a rare mental disorder called Disrobe-a-phobia. Mystery and intrigue abound when Dr. Charles Ovary and his nurse arrive to cure Elmira – and the doctor soon becomes just as infatuated with Elmira as Holmes is. "Keep your eyes and ears open, because someone will be ruthlessly murdered at the end of the play," producer Jeannine Cole said. "It’s up to our audience to guess who-done-it."

(L-R): Mandy Kolbaba (Lola), Larry Luck (Joe Hardy), and Mark Mendelsohn (Applegate).

Old West Melodrama spoofs Sherlock Holmes.

Old West Melodrama, stationed at 100 Main Street in Old Town Spring, is the only performing group in the greater Houston area that offers melodramas and murder mystery dinner shows year-round. The troupe, founded by Joe Cole, is comprised of experienced actors and performers who enjoy interacting with the audience. For more information or tickets, call 713-3649190, email reservations@oldwestmelodrama.com or visit oldwestmelodrama.com.

hfac presents damn Yankees on the garza mainstage, through may 15 Damn Yankees, the Broadway mega-hit and winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, hits it out of the park! This award-winning musical comedy “plays” on the Houston Family Arts Center Garza Mainstage,10760 Grant Road through May 15. The Washington Senators are a bad baseball team, and fan Joe Boyd just wants them to

beat the “damn” Yankees. He wants a win so badly that he’s willing to sell his soul to the devil. When Applegate, otherwise known as the Devil, offers Boyd this exact deal, a Faustian legend comes to life. Based on the novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant, with a winning score by Adler and Ross, and a devilish book by George Abbott, this sporty musical comedy is a true American classic. Managing this team of talented players is Michael Montgomery (Director), Jennifer Stewart (Music Director), Barbara Terry (Costume Design), Amelia Templeton (Scenic Design), Ron Putterman (Lighting Design), David Dean (Sound Design) and Emily Toothman (Stage Manager). Montgomery explained, “We are bringing the 1950s back with big, bold dance numbers that will draw on musical theatre standards set by choreography legend, Bob Fosse. Careful attention is being paid to the period look with costumes, set, props, choreography and acting. It will be visually stunning and closely designed to the 1950 period. The strong dance numbers in this show also allowed us to draw on some of the city’s best dancers and some larger-than-life actors. We spent time working closely with the styling of baseball played during the period, which included professional baseball instruction and coaching as part of our rehearsal process.” Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at houstonfac.com, or by calling 281- 587-6100.

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| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Dr. Mark Henry, CFISD superintendent of schools, follows through on a swing during last year’s BF Adam Golf Classic.

annual bf adam golf classic fundraiser for cfef, may 12 The 28th Annual BF Adam Golf Classic, benefiting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF), will be held on Thursday, May 12 at BlackHorse Golf Club. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital has been generously underwriting this tournament since 2010. Returning as Platinum Sponsors for 10 years or more, are Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson and IBI Group. KME Salas O’Brien, LLC has been a Gold Sponsor since 2013. The BF Adam Golf Classic is one of the largest non-celebrity tournaments in the Houston area. Through this tournament, with the support of community business partners, the foundation has raised more than $2.6 million to provide scholarships for graduating seniors from Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. The CFEF was established in 1970 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to raise money to fund a scholarship for high school graduates in the area. Over the past 46 years, the foundation has grown tremendously through the efforts of the Board of Trustees and the generosity of the CFISD community. The foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to 1,300 graduating seniors. All contributions to CFEF are tax deductible as allowed by law. Sponsorships are available for the event. Email marie@thecfef.org for more information, or visit TheCFEF.org.

North Cypress Medical Center will host its 9th annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament on Friday, May 13 at Blackhorse Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Lone Survivor Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. The Foundation works with wounded service members and their families through health, wellness, and therapeutic support by helping them adjust to the effects of their experiences and assisting them with transition into what may be looked at as their “new normal.” North Cypress has donated $135,000 in tournament proceeds from the previous three years. “We are honored to continue to support this organization that does so much to serve the men and women of our military,” said hospital CEO and chairman of the board Dr. Robert A. Behar. Sponsorship and player opportunities can be found at ncmcgolf.com or by calling Kaci Hancock at 832-912-3692. For more information about The Lone Survivor Foundation, visit lonesurvivorfoundation.org.

knitting/crocheting meets at bush library on fridays The knitting, crocheting and conversation group meets every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott meeting room at the Bush Library. Help make lap blankets for veterans and chemo caps for MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. For more information, call 281-376-4610. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr.

cy-fair kiwanis club meetings The Cy-Fair Kiwanis Club meets on the first, second and third Tuesday of each month at 12:15 p.m. for lunch and informative programs at Hearthstone Country Club. The group sponsors children’s activities that develop leadership and good citizenship in the youth of the community. Membership is open to persons of good character who adhere to the standards of good conduct in their community and believe in and subscribe to the objectives of Kiwanis International. Visit kiwanishoustoncyfair.com, or call John Carroll (Copperfield and Hearthstone areas) at 281-463-0373 or George Crowl (Jersey Village area) at 832-467-1998.

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toyota texas bass classic, may 20-22 The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is now part of Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL, a three-day festival of events to be held May 20-22 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. In addition to celebrating the 10-year anniversary of TTBC, Toyota Texas Fest will enable the event to further its mission to help broaden the audience reach and ultimately increase the awareness and funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Toyota Texas Fest will include concerts, an outdoor festival and fun activities for all ages. “We are very excited to introduce the Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL. For 10 years, TTBC has been proud to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. We look forward to continuing this tradition through Toyota Texas Fest," said Katie Scallan, executive director of the Texas Bass Classic Foundation. Fans can expect a fun and exciting event that will offer live concerts from top country music artists, an outdoor consumer expo, the TPWD Outdoor Adventure Area, a Kids Zone and the 10th anniversary celebration of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic––the championship of professional bass fishing. All activities will be held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, but the championship fishing will take place on Lake Ray Roberts near Denton. Since TTBC’s inception over nine years ago, the partnership between TTBC and TPWD has helped raise awareness for TPWD’s conservation efforts and helped raise funding for youth and urban outreach programs. To date, TTBC has donated $2.25 million to the TPWD and will continue its support in 2016. Visit ToyotaTexasFest.com or call 1866-907-0143 for additional information.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

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Many wounded veterans participate in the 5K Walk, Run and Wheel, which will be held at Cinco Ranch HIgh School on May 21.

12th annual impact a hero weekend, may 21-23 The 12th Annual Impact A Hero Weekend is a three-day event from Saturday, May 21 through Monday, May 23. The event is hopsted by Impact A Hero, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization that provides immediate and ongoing emotional and financial support to severely wounded, post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. The weekend begins Saturday from 7:30 -10 a.m. with the 5K Walk, Run and Wheel, which will be held at Cinco Ranch High School. Participants should arrive at 6:30 a.m. Impact A Hero anticipates that more than 2,500 runners, including 50 wounded heroes and their families, will participate in the event. There will be a Family Focus with activities for kids. The cost per person is $35 until May 14, then $40 until race day. The Kids 1K race will also take place during the 5K event. The cost for the Kids 1K (age 10 and under) is $12 until May 14, then $18 until race day. The Impact a Hero Hall of Fame Gala dinner, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diamonds & Denim,â&#x20AC;? will be held at NRG Stadium on the 50-yard line on Sunday, May 22 starting at 5 p.m. A standard single gala ticket is $250. On Monday, May 23, the Impact a Hero Golf Challenge will be held at Shadow Hawk Golf Club & Black Hawk Country Club. The Individual Champions golf play is $1,250. For more information on any of the events and to buy tickets, visit impactahero.org. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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A family enjoys meandering on the Lazy River.

Summer Fun At Moody Gardens Palm Beach, May 21-Sept. 10 Moody Gardens is offering some new entertainment and traditional favorites at Palm Beach as this popular private beach attraction opens for the summer. Guests are invited to sink their toes in white sand, lounge beneath palm trees and splash amongst a variety of beach attractions. Visitors can even enjoy concerts and fireworks. Palm Beach will open weekends beginning May 21, including Memorial Day before opening daily for the summer season June 4 through August 21. As the summer season comes to an end, Palm Beach will be open weekends only August 27 through September 10, including Labor Day. Visitors can enjoy the interactive 650-foot lazy river, wave pool and two 18-foot tower slides. Other attractions include beach volleyball on regulation courts and the Aquarium Adventure play area. The Splashpad automated aquatic water feature offers interactive dump buckets, spray arches and fountains for a day of fun at the beach. Palm Beach admission is $23.95 for adults, $17.95 for children and seniors, or $55 for a season pass. Children ages three and under are free. Visitors can make it a weekend of entertainment with the popular Bands on the Sand summer concert series at Palm Beach. Beginning June 4, this live music series runs throughout the summer following each show with fireworks over the Moody Gardens pyramids and Offatts Bayou. Admission to each concert is $15 and free for kids three and under. Bands on the Sand will be held from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through August 13. Some of the area’s top local and regional bands will perform. For a complete schedule visit moodygardens.org or call 800-582-4673.

The Hobby Center Presents Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,May 31-June 5 Broadway at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street, presents Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. The musical, which will run May 31-June5, tells the Abby Mueller as Carole King. inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Shows are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $35; discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 800-982-ARTS or visit BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com or TheHobbyCenter.org.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

pink door – sporting clays charity tournament On Saturday, May 21 at 9 a.m., join co-chairs Matt Davis and Ryan van Steenis for the Pink Door – Sporting Clays Charity Tournament at American Shooting Centers – 16500 Westheimer Pkwy. The tournament is an opportunity to bring together community and business leaders, medical professionals, philanthropists and shooting enthusiasts in support of women cancer patients in the Houston community. More than 100 participants/teams will compete in a private, 10‐stand sporting clay course, as well as shooting challenges and contests throughout the day. Following the competition, guests will enjoy food and drinks. Prize drawings and top‐team prizes will be awarded. The day will wrap with an informative talk about cancer risks and prevention from Julie Rowe, M.D., oncologist at UTHealth/Memorial Hermann‐Texas Medical Center. Sponsors include BQ Catering, Professional Insights and Saint Arnold Brewing Co. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit pinkdoornonprofit.org/sportingclays or call 832727-3121. For more information, email ktankersley@pinkdoornonprofit.org.

adult/senior games, wednesdays at bush library Senior citizens can take a midweek break at the Bush Library to enjoy games and conversation. Adult Game Mornings are held in the Robin Bush Children’s Activity Room from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays. Rummikube and Domino games are ongoing, or bring your own games. Meet new friends or bring a friend. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring. For more information, call 281-376-4610.

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A TEAM OF LEADERS IN ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE AND LEADING IT.

The specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are honored to serve the growing Northwest Houston community. Left to right: Gregory M. Seelhoefer, MD, Primary Care Sports Medicine John Seaberg, MD, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Christian Schupp, MD, Primary Care Sports Medicine Travis Hanson, MD, Foot & Ankle Daniel Le, MD, Joint Replacement J. Bruce Moseley, MD, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Scott Rand, MD, Primary Care Sports Medicine HoSun Hwang, MD, Neck & Spine Alan Rosen, MD, Hand & Upper Extremity M. Nameer Sidiquee, MD, Primary Care Sports Medicine Plinio Caldera, MD, General Orthopedics

To learn more about our specialists, visit our website at houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics. To schedule an appointment call 281.737.0999.

Our services are available at: HOUSTON METHODIST ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

Willowbrook location 13802 Centerfield, Suite 300

Spring location 7105 FM 2920

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music of david bowie comes to jones hall, june 11 The Houston Symphony pays homage to late rock legend David Bowie during the Summer Series at Jones Hall opener on June 11 in a program featuring the orchestra along with a full, amplified rock band in celebration of the artist’s unforgettable sounds. Led by Brent Havens, known for his arrangements of popular symphonic rock programs, such as the Music of Michael Jackson and the Music of Led Zeppelin, the Music of David Bowie celebrates the artist’s astounding career, which spans five decades and includes an estimated 140 million albums sold worldwide, making him one of the world's best-selling music artists.

Havens will be joined by Brody Dolyniuk, a vocalist for Windborne Music’s touring shows, who will lend his vocals to an exciting program featuring the talented English star’s mega hits, like “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Under Pressure,” “Heroes,” “Rebel,” “Fame,” “China Girl” and more. The program pays tribute to Bowie who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year just two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his 25th and final studio album “Blackstar.” The concert will take place at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana Street. Tickets start at $29. For tickets and information, call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org.

wanted: texas Quilters to showcase their talents, through june 10 Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is encouraging quilters from across the Lone Star State to participate in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) 2016 Quilt Block Competition. This year’s quilt competition theme is Texas Wine and Floral – Two

Texas Treasures. This theme was chosen to celebrate two shining industries in Texas that complement each other beautifully. To participate, email gotexan@TexasAgriculture.gov or download a participant form at gotexan.org. The deadline for submissions is June 10.

cypress-tomball democrats meeting, june 16 The Cypress-Tomball Democrats monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, June 16 at Rudy’s Grill & Cantina, 11760 Grant Rd., from 6:30-8 p.m. Everybody is welcome to attend the meeting and to join this growing club, which meets on the third Tuesday of every month. The meetings foster fellowship and feature informative guest speakers. For more information, visit cytomdems.com or contact Glenn at cytomdems@yahoo.com.

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PLAINS CREEK RUG Plains Creek Rug is artfully handknotted from wool and cotton yarn and designed with an earth-toned Southwestern-inspired motif. The traditional nomadic Soumak weave of 60 to 70 knots per inch creates a brocade chain-stitched effect that emphasizes the organic nature of this rug.Hand-knotted in India. ralphlauren.com

JAY STRONGWATER PILLOW Jay Strongwater's love of the elegant but vividly bejeweled objet— whether it's meant to rest on a tabletop or the graceful curve of a woman's neck—has led him on a journey through the worlds of fashion and home furnishings. The Dutch Floral Pillow is handcrafted and embellished with Swarovski® crystals and beads. neimanmarcus.com

LILY PAD TABLE LAMP

Michael Aram Lily Pad table lamp in Natural Bronze and Marble is handcrafted, with no two pieces alike. Each piece in this collection undergoes a series of casting, filing, welding and oxidation techniques. The finish is a

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

result of a specialized patination process. Every piece is truly a work of art. michaelaram.com

SANTA BARBARA DESIGNS® Enjoy the outdoors in style! Santa Barbara Designs, makers of the iconic Santa Barbara Umbrella, recently announced its 2016 lineup of show-stopping, new shade fashions to enhance any outdoor setting. Every umbrella is a unique creation, custom crafted and individually registered. sbumbrella.com

MUSETTE SOFA

Like a musician tuning up for an evening at a best-kept-secret jazz club, the Musette Collection is a prelude to something spectacular. Underscoring your most treasured evenings, this set of perfectly eclectic furniture and accessories harmonizes a bohemian mashup of velvets and twill, from paisleys to stripes and back again and with hand-painted turned feet and handcrafted tassels. mackenzie-childs.com

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Honest Medicine introduces four lifesaving treatments that have been effectively treating – and in some cases curing – people for 25-90 years. However, for reasons of profitability (or lack thereof), these treatments have not been universally accepted. Author Julie Schopick shares the story of her husband’s illness with a brain tumor. She became his medical advocate and began writing on topics relating to health and medicine that were published in medical journals, magazines and news sources. Her mission is to empower people in their health choices.

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| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Whether hosting a party, helping out with a friend’s wedding or wishing to incorporate the beauty of flowers into everyday life, The Flower Workshop allows you to create dazzling arrangements that go beyond merely pretty and into realms of the dramatic, the unexpected and even the magical. Lavishly illustrated with full-color photgraphy, this book not only provides step-by-step instructions for more than 45 stunning projects, but also equips you with the skills to customize arrangements at home. With experience designing from the White House to the FlowerSchool New York, author Ariella Chezar walks you through a variety of small flourishes, tonal arrangements, branch arrangements, handheld bouquets, wreathes, garlands and more.

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Marilyn D. McGuire, P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW Serving Businesses, Families and Individuals for over 26 years LUXURIOUS LATHERS Nourishing oils, healing fragrances, vitamin- and mineral-rich milks, nuts and herbs: these ingredients turn a routine shower into an organic spa experience. In Pure Soapmaking, AnneMarie Faiola teaches the art of creating natural luxury soap with 32 luscious formulas that are as gorgeous as they are healthful. With organic ingredients such as blueberries, wine, vegetable juices, coffee grounds, walnut shells, essential oils and more, Faiola’s recipes will inspire health-conscious crafters to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

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EAT TO CHANGE THE WORLD The Sustainability Secret presents alarming truths about the effects of animal agriculture on the planet as one of the leading causes of deforestation, greenhouse gas production, water use, species extinction, ocean dead-zones and a host of other ills. Authors Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn uncover one shocking secret after another, and interview leading businesses, environmental organizations and political groups about the subject of animal agriculture and its disastrous effects. This book provides an indepth overview of this planetary crisis and demonstrates effective ways to offset the damage through personal dietary choices and a path to global sustainablity for a growing population.

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Style} file

Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store now.

From the Spring 2016

Fendi Collection

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

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Style

file

Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store now.

From the Spring 2016

Fendi Collection Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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celebrate mother Mother’s Day | May 8

Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.

Dial Watches

Paper-Cutting Art On Your Wrist

MAGPIES Uno, dos, tres chic! UNOde50 jewelry, now available at Magpies Gifts, is a stunning way to thank Mom for all she’s done through the years. Handcrafted in Spain, and featuring a wide range of gorgeous designs, you’re sure to find some sparkle that suits her one-of-a-kind style. See these eye-catching adornments in person at Magpies. For more information, call or visit the website. 281-277-9777 magpiesgifts.com 12344 Barker Cypress, Cypress

MOCHIDOKI Mochidoki is an artisanal ice cream company that ships its delicious frozen dessert creations to your doorstep. Mochi ice cream is a frozen, Japanese-inspired treat stuffed with ice cream and wrapped in a thin layer of sweetened rice dough. Mochidoki is made of premium natural ingredients that are locally sourced, and the treats are free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners and colors. Looking for a sweet and special Mother’s Day gift? The company’s 12-piece Mother’s Day “Heart to Heart” Collection is available for preordering starting April 4 and consists of four pieces each of these flavors: • Vanilla Chocolate Chip mochi ice cream hearts decorated with pink and white chocolate • Rasberry mochi ice cream dipped in white chocolate and finished with cranberry crystals • Strawberry mochi ice cream dipped in tie-dye pink and white chocolate then drizzed with semisweet dark chocolate Each “Heart to Heart” Collection is $40 plus shipping and includes a personalized note card and festive Mother’s Day ribbon. Call 201-933-0388 or visit mochidoki.com.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Launching its very first collection in conjunction with British paper artist Sarah Dennis, whose work combines traditional paper cutting with collage, Dial aims to transform the world of watches, making high quality pieces that bring together modern art and classic watchmaking. With just one exclusive design featuring either a gold or rose gold outer case, Dial’s collaboration with the British papercutting artist has resulted in delicate handmade butterflies and woodland features across the navy faces of each watch, with the simple cream dial complimenting the feminine design details perfectly. Using classic shades, each Dial timepiece comes with two handmade leather straps in navy and cream, allowing the wearer to switch up their style with ease, while the high quality crystal glass and Miyota movement ensures the timepieces are made to and function at the highest possible quality. Dial embraces the idea that the two most important elements of the creative process are time and space, which is precisely what it offers the artists they work with. Artists are given a blank canvas – a watch face – and they are challenged to capture a unique moment of artistic inspiration. About Sarah Dennis–Sarah's work combines traditional paper cutting with collage. Sarah's pieces exemplify the beauty of nature in fairy tales and whimsical childhood dreams, telling classic poems and folk tales through the medium of paper. Each piece is individually hand-cut using a craft knife to reveal exquisite, delicate detail within the illustration. Not limiting herself to any one type of project, she takes on a variety of work and welcomes individual requests for bespoke, hand-crafted artwork. dialwatches.com

A Gift of Beauty for Mom: SK-II’s Spring Butterfly Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence In honor of Mother’s Day, SK-II has created a new limited edition Spring Butterfly bottle of the iconic Facial Treatment Essence, dedicated to devoted mothers everywhere. Featuring fluttering butterflies that represent elegance and metamorphosis, the special edition design is symbolic of the unconditional love, encouragement, and support our mothers give us, which allow us the opportunity to grow into our best selves. Inspired by the transformative power of the mother-daughter bond, it’s the perfect gift for the woman whose unconditional love gives you the strength to soar beyond your destiny. SK-II's iconic product, Facial Treatment Essence, is a beacon of transformational beauty. The best-selling essence, often referred to as ‘miracle water’ by SK-II users around the world, was the first product offered when the brand launched in Japan more than 35 years ago, with its composition remaining unchanged. Facial Treatment Essence has been linked to lasting beautiful, ageless skin as SK-II recently discovered its landmark Skin Destiny study. SK-II found that women who start using Facial Treatment Essence in their 20s look significantly younger in their 30s and 40s, and shows that it’s never too early or too late for women to take control of their destiny and achieve the beautiful skin they’ve always wanted. The secret to lasting beautiful, ageless skin is SK-II's signature ingredient PiteraTM, which is derived from a unique yeast fermentation and made up of a delicate composition of amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and other valuable components for your skin. Available at SK-II counters and SK-11.com.

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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com

Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS

Jaguar XF | Starting price: $52,000

hen Jaguar’s XF first made its debut in 2007, it ushered in a dramatically new design aesthetic for the British car maker. Everything about the XF was thoroughly modern — ready to take on the new century in style. Now, nine years later, the XF is all new again and poised to pounce like the predatory cat for which it is named. You have to look close, but it is indeed all new. “A few screws are all that we kept,” says Mike Bradley, senior launch manager. No sheet metal is shared; in fact, a lot of aluminum replaces a lot of steel. Take a walk around and you’ll notice a different nose and more upright glass, along with LED headlights to give this mid-size sedan some more dazzle. It does have an aggressive, catlike

stance, befitting of its lineage. Everything but the doors, trunklid, and rear floorpan are made of aluminum, and as Bradley pointed out, they retained what little steel there was to help with weight distribution. Lest you worry about safety, they did strategically place some steel inserts to bolster rigidity and crashworthiness. In all, the XF is about 75 percent aluminum and roughly 28 percent more rigid than before. Driving the XF offers a dynamic experience that is everything you would expect, and maybe more. The XF is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 mated to an eightspeed automatic, yielding 340 horsepower and a solid 332 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is optional. You get a nice growl from the engine without the whine of

the supercharger, meaning interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are kept to a minimum. Shifting is quick and smooth and hits 0-60 mph in just under five seconds. The electric power steering feels lively and points the car with laser-like precision. The XF rides on a mostly aluminum independent rear suspension and a double wishbone up front. This translates into a well-balanced ride that feels tight, smooth and well balanced. Enthusiasts can opt for the XF-S, which offers the same turbocharged engine but with 40 more horses. All that supercharged power juxtaposed with the lightweight aluminum design, means the XF gets up to 20 mpg in the city and up to 30 on the highway. Inside, this Jag is a luxurious and elegant space without the opulence. Perhaps its most notable feature is the gear selector dial, which takes some getting used to but also makes a great conversation piece. A decentsized center touch screen allows access to phone, navigation and audio functions, while actual knobs located just below allow operation of the climate control system. The leather seats offer a good deal of support, and as the car speeds up, it seems the cabin shrinks down and hugs itself around you. Starting at about $52K and ranging into the mid $60s, the XF is a worthy challenger to its German counterparts.

Cadillac CTS | Starting price: mid $40s

f I had to sum up the 2016 Cadillac CTS in one word, that word would be options. That is to say, there is a CTS for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury, performance, or just plain old flash, there is a CTS that can satisfy. First of all, Cadillac went to painstaking measures to lighten its popular four-door sedan. At 240 pounds lighter than the previous model, it is now the lightest rear-wheel drive sedan in its class, says Cadillac. The company adds, “Every gram of material in the CTS had to justify its existence.” What this translates to

is a more agile, better performing vehicle. Fortunately for Cadillac customers, that performance comes in a variety of options. The base model starts with a 268-horsepower, turbo-charged four cylinder mated to

an eight-speed automatic transmission. It presents stiff competition for vehicles like BMW and Audi, offering both pep and growl in a highly refined package. Other engine choices include the midline 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft. of torque; as well as the heavyweight: a twinturbo 3.6-liter that delivers a whopping 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. The twin turbo, not surprisingly, is offered on rear-drive only models (AWD is optional for Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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DREAMING TREE WINES grew from an Artistic Connection

he Dave Matthews Band’s 2016 Summer Tour has kicked off and will be at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at The Woodlands on May 13. The multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning band will travel until the tour concludes on Labor Day weekend. In celebration of the tour and the band’s 25th anniversary, Dave Matthews Band Head Chef Fiona Bohane, who cooks for the entire band and crew every night on tour, is sharing a sneak peek into her Recipes from the Road. Each original recipe is inspired by the flavors and ingredients from each tour city, and is created to pair perfectly with the eco-friendly Dreaming Tree wines. Concertgoers will also be able to purchase The Dreaming Tree wines at the venue and sip favorites such as Crush, aptly named for the band’s classic hit. Dreaming Tree Wines When you get people together who share the same passion, interesting things are bound to happen. Dave Matthews and Sean McKenzie know how to create something special that not only entertains, but really hits the spot.

Dave Matthews and his partner in wine, Sean McKenzie.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

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dreaming tree wines

On tour, Fiona wowed the crew with a dish unlike anything they’d tried before — her Grilled Halloumi with Strawberries, Figs, Honey and Basil on a Red Quinoa, Zucchini and Bitter Greens Salad. At home, try pairing the dish with Dreaming Tree Chardonnay. Halloumi is a mild, firm, white Cypriot cheese made from goat or sheep milk and is especially good for cooking.

Grilled Halloumi WITH STRAWBERRIES, FIGS, HONEY AND BASIL ON A RED QUINOA, ZUCCHINI AND BITTER GREENS SALAD Serves 4-6 people

A selection of Dreaming Tree Wines.

dreaming tree wines

Dave’s passion for winemaking stretches back nearly as far as his love for music. With a winery in Virginia under his belt, Dave is no amateur, but when he chose to lay down roots in the California wine country, he knew he couldn’t go it alone. New Zealand native Sean has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft at wineries around the world. At The Dreaming Tree, Sean demonstrates his ability to preserve California’s most prestigious growing regions and their respective styles through the portfolio’s stellar lineup. Wines crafted by the pair include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Crush (a red blend) and an Everyday white. Fiona has joined Dreaming Tree Wines as its newest co-conspirator. Her Recipes from the Road pages on dreamingtreewines.com give exclusive recipes from

Dave Matthews and Head Chef Fiona Bohane.

Quinoa Ingredients: 1 lb. red quinoa, cooked 1 small radicchio, cored and chopped 1 bunch dandelion greens, red or green, chiffonade 1 bunch watercress or arugula, chopped ½ bunch Italian parsley (smaller stems included), finely chopped 2 stalks celery, diced 1 large zucchini, diced and lightly roasted (10 minutes at 400 degrees with extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper) ½ red onion, small dice 2 lemons, juiced, 1 zested ¼ cup red wine vinegar ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Mix all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste, set aside. Strawberry Fig Mixture Ingredients: ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced ½ cup fresh figs, sliced ¼ cup honey 1 bunch of basil, leaves picked, chiffonade 1 orange, juiced Mix all ingredients together and set aside while grilling halloumi. Halloumi Ingredients: 1 lb halloumi, cut into 1-inch slices 1-2 tbsp canola oil 1 lemon, cut in half Directions: 1. Heat grill over medium heat until hot. 2. Using a paper towel soaked in oil, carefully wipe grill with towel. 3. Rub the halloumi with oil and then grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until there are nice grill marks on each side. Use metal spatula to loosen the Halloumi as they can stick. 4. Transfer halloumi to a plate and squeeze lemon over the top. 5. Serve on a platter the quinoa on the bottom, then the halloumi and the strawberry-fig mixture spooned on top. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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dreaming tree wines

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| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

(L-R) Sean and Dave enjoy the fruits of their labors.

various band tours that feature the freshest ingredients and Dreaming Tree Wine pairings. Fiona pairs her mouthwatering Pulled Chicken with Blackberry BBQ with Dreaming Tree Chardonnay, her hearty Blackened Braised Brisket with Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon to elevate the meal, and her Seafood Stew with Fennel and Sun-dried Tomatoes with Dreaming Tree Crush. Check out the different recipes with their wine pairing, download your own shopping list or recipe card and make some of Dave's favorite dishes at home. About the Dreaming Tree Wines The winery is a Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing winery and uses best management practices and prerequisites covering environmental practices and socially equitable business practices. It is also part of a solar initiative that includes 17,000 solar panels spanning four wineries — the largest solar footprint in the U.S. wine industry. To date, The Dreaming Tree has proudly donated $500,000 to environmental organizations, such as The Wilderness Society and Living Lands & Waters. Dreaming Tree wines are available locally at most grocery and liquor stores. Visit dreamingtreewines.com. l

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flo resto od rat exper ion ts

We Are Your Local Neighborhood Flood Recovery Experts If your home flooded we are here to help you get your home back to normal quickly. — WE REQUIRE $0 DOWN IF WE ARE WORKING WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. — The LONGER your home sits WET, the more damage it creates. Let us get the extraction and dry out process started and we will immediately contact your insurance company and setup an appointment for an adjuster to come assess your damage together with us, the flood restoration specialists.

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Water Garden and Pond Tour, May 7-8, Set to Relax and Inspire Homeowners Event is a self-guided tour of gardens across metro area

A hidden retreat.

By Mara Soloway o you dream of turning your mundane St. Augustine lawn into a more meditative outdoor space with lovely water lilies and the sound of running water? Does the idea of sipping your morning coffee in a peaceful retreat with dancing dragonflies and swimming koi appeal to you? If so, come be inspired at the 2016 Water Garden and Pond Tour sponsored by the Houston Pond Society and the Lone Star Koi Club. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find everything from serene pools to splashing waterfalls in hidden oases tucked into backyards across the Houston metro area. The self-guided tour of 20 membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; private backyard ponds and water gardens is being held the first weekend in May on Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Half the ponds are open on Saturday and half are open on Sunday. Bring your cameras to record the featured backyard paradises for future reference.

Hobbyists enjoy having fancy Koi in their ponds.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

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One of the ponds on this year's tour.

An above-ground pond.

A lovely pond tucked away into a corner.

Yellow water lilies are a popular feature in area ponds.

The tour is spread out across the Greater Houston area from inside the Loop to the Heights to Katy to Friendswood. Some special features include a yard with a scale model railroad and bee hives; a home with habitats for turtles and parakeets; and a home with chickens, doves and a koi pond built into the side of the house with glass so you can see the fish from inside the home. Dan Cook, pond tour chairman, is a enthusiastic promoter of the joys of backyard water gardens. “We have had our pond for 20 years. We originally put it in to lessen the sound of traffic since we live close to the freeway. It really enhances our backyard and the time we spend in it,” he said. The tour is a beautiful event for anyone who just wants to visit and let themselves

soak in the restful and serene ambience these gardens and ponds offer. It is also an inspirational and educational opportunity for anyone interested in creating their own backyard retreat filled with water gardens and ponds surrounded by lush vegetation and swim-

A pond or water garden attracts wildlife and birds to your backyard, which adds to their environmental value. ming with koi. Pond owners will be on hand to answer questions about pond construction, fountains, filters, fish, water lilies, koi show competitions and more. “Our Pond Tour is a perfect opportunity

to get firsthand insight into this fascinating hobby. Talk with homeowners to get their firsthand insight about raising and keeping exotic koi, water gardening, ponds, and landscaping. Find out how they did it, how they started and learn from their experiences. They will tell you what they would do differently, their successes and failures,” Cook said. “You will also discover that their ponds are actually works in progress and are never really finished.” Each location on the tour will offer visitors something different from the others, anything from small backyard garden ponds, or patio fountains, or huge multi-pond landscapes, complete with koi ponds, waterfalls, or anything between. A pond is limited only by its owner’s imagination. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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NEW AUTOS, Cadillac CTS other powertrains) and is outfitted with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an electronic limited slip differential and larger front brakes. Obviously, as you scale up the spectrum of trim levels and engine choices, the CTS will drive and handle in proportional response. The naturally-aspirated V6 seems to be the best match for this luxury sedan, whose ride quality and performance seem both refined and well-balanced. It certainly feels agile, with little body roll in the corners. Steering feels crisp and nicely controlled. The cabin remains quiet despite the lighter weight of the vehicle, for a very solid feel. Speaking of the cabin, everything seems to converge into one point, wrapping around the passengers and finishing nicely in the center stack. The interior trim is elegant, with a nice blend of wood, leather and metallic finishes. With its brightly lit gauges outlined in shiny nickel, it almost feels downright futuristic. Bluetooth, a Bose sound system and a CUE media center are just some of the luxuries in the CTS. Four trim levels for the CTS include Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium. The CTS-V Sport comes in base and Premium trims. As for the enthusiasts out there, this year Cadillac rolled out the new CTS-V. Flash, sizzle and substance combine into one mighty fine performance sedan. It’ll hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, thanks to its mind-boggling 630-horsepower supercharged, 6.2-liter V8. And incidentally, it takes minimal driving experience to achieve those speeds. Merely engage the right settings, make sure it’s pointed straight ahead, floor the gas pedal and hold on. The turbo I-4 starts in the mid $40s, which gives you zippy performance. From there you can scale up into the low $60s for an AWD premium. And if your budget allows, my CTS-V test vehicle was priced at a stratospheric $95K... but oh what fun it is to ride! For information on these and other vehicles, visit MyCarData.com.l

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Ponds and water gardens are an ideal enhancement to your backyard.

A pond in a natural setting.

A pond or water garden attracts wildlife and birds to your backyard, which adds to their environmental value, according to Cook. “They are lovely places to go out and sit in the evening and relax and watch the fish and listen to the birds. It is very relaxing and great fun to sit at the pond.” He adds that ponds in the Houston area require no additional work in winter, just stop feeding the fish until the water gets warm enough. Ticket Info Tickets, good for both days, cost $10 and include a brochure with a description of the ponds and a map with driving directions to each home. Location information can be found on lonestarkoi.com and houstonpondsociety.org.

Advance tickets may be purchased at Nelson Water Gardens in Katy beginning April 23, which is the start of Nelson’s twoday “Garden Party” hosted by tour participants. It will feature lectures, vendors and ticket sales. Starting April 25, tickets can still be purchased at Nelsons and at any of the homes on the day that the home is part of the tour. For more information, contact Dan Cook at 713-822-5515 or dcook1838@ aol.com. The 2016 Water Garden and Pond Tour is a yearly fundraising event for the Houston Pond Society and the Lone Star Koi Club. “We are excited to show you our ponds and yards, and look forward to your visit,” said Cook. l

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ç By Lori Verderame

Dr. Lori’s Kid Collectors Young people know what’s hot and what’s not

t my public antiques appraisal events held at venues nationwide, many of my audience members are kids. Some of these kids remind me of my childhood. I was a kid who spent many a weekend touring local flea markets and yard sales with my Dad. He liked to look for old tools and military objects and he taught me about them. But the kids that come to my events collect all types of objects from fine art to movie memorabilia and more. Young people are very keen collectors. They know what’s hot and what’s not. They learn to become good negotiators, they know how to spot a bargain, and they know how to use their technology skills to sell and trade online. I often feature kids and their collections on my antiques appraisal tour. They share their knowledge of a collectible category and talk about diverse collections ranging from Star Wars toys to vintage pottery. Meet a few of the kids that follow me and are at the core of my Kid Collectors programs: During the early years of my tour, I met Carly, age 5, who came to my event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by her mother and older sister, she brought a medal that she found in her grandpa’s button jar. What Carly had found was a Native American peace medal that Lewis and Clark gave to the Indians during their expedi-

One of the children from Dr. Lori’s Kid Collectors program.

tion under the auspices of the Jefferson administration. My evaluation of her valuable piece of Western history was the impetus for a childhood filled with the joy of collecting. Carly returned to my program years later to show me a Frederic Remington sculpture of a busting bronco that she bought at an auction, which she added to her growing western art collection. Six-year-old Asaya from Virginia Beach, Virginia, bought an autographed poster of Pete Rose from a thrift store. Asaya loves baseball and although he was unfamiliar with the former Cincinnati Reds slugger, Asaya liked the piece so much

that it started him on his way as an autograph collector. He even asked for my autograph to add to his collection. I met Ethan, age 11, at my show in Baltimore, Maryland. He told me that he and his older brother collect “unusual objects” from flea markets and thrift stores, explaining, “If there is something that I have never seen before, I buy it and then search online to see if I can find something similar. It’s like solving a mystery.” I thought that was great for creative learning and as a fine collecting method. Ethan brought me a Medieval revival, base-metal relief sculpture of an equestrian from the 1870s worth $500.

The architectural object was interesting and unusual. Emily, age 12, brought a painting by a well-known regional artist to my appraisal event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and we became fast friends. I asked Emily why she collected paintings, and she commented quite intelligently and enthusiastically about the composition, brushwork, execution and formalist properties of the painting like a true art historian. I was so impressed with her command of the field’s vocabulary and knowledge that I asked how long she had been collecting. She replied that she studies art in school and has been collecting for a few years. When she is not helping out around the farm, Emily adds to her growing art collection with some pretty valuable pieces.l

Dr. Lori Ph.D. antiques appraiser and awardwinning TV expert, Dr. Lori Verderame is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s international hit TV show Auction Kings and appears on FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, or call (888) 431-1010.

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STUNNING IN

Southgate Urban design provides livable, inviting fun Text by Cheryl Alexander Photography by Kyle Humphries, Murphy Mears Architects Architecture by Walter D. Murphy, Jr. AIA, Murphy Mears Architects Construction by Keeland Associates, Inc. Landscape Design by Alisa Dawson Interiors by Marlys Tokerud and Courtney Blair, Tokerud & Co. Landscape Installation by Moss Landscaping

eil and Kris Thomas have called Houston home for a long time. Married in 1984 after meeting in law school (he is a partner practicing public law at Norton Rose Fulbright, she is a lawyer employed by the federal judiciary), their first home together was an apartment. After that, they owned homes in the Heights and Candlelight Plaza before finding their current lot in Southgate in 2001. Back then, however, the house on the lot was completely different. The Thomases lived in and remodeled the original 1,700square-foot house over the ensuing 10 years, adding on a 700-square-foot twoâ&#x20AC;?story addition to the back of the house. Then disaster happened: severe drought caused the pier and beam foundation of the original house to separate from the slab foundation of the two-story addition, which pulled the walls apart. Though they considered all their options, they rebuilt on the same lot because they love the neighbors up and down their street, as well as the neighborhood and the location near Rice University, Rice Village, the Museum

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THESE PAGES: A mixture of paving textures framed by mature Live Oak trees greet those arriving at this Southgate home. | Rock salt finish concrete paving connects street and front door. | The dining and living spaces are defined and connected by a free-standing cabinet. Leucos Lighting over the dining table. Target sculpture by Gregory Johnston, "Lemans Gulf 917," 2012, automotive enamel on aluminum.

District, Hermann Park Golf Course and downtown. So the couple decided to tear down the house in December 2011, and for the next two years, they lived in a rented house nearby while they built a new house. Finding an architect was easy. Neil said, “We knew we wanted Walter Murphy to be our architect because of his body of work and because we have been friends for many years – we used to drive to Santa Fe, New Mexico for skiing trips at Christmas time.” Kris added, “We also knew we could not be trusted to achieve a coherent look for walls, furnishings and finishes on our own, so Walter suggested we meet with Marlys Tokerud. We loved everything Marlys and her associate, Courtney Blair, suggested.” The couple instructed the architect and designer to help them achieve a finished home that would be comfortable to live in, easy to care for and provide a good space for their books, parties and business-related events. Additionally, Neil wanted a study; Kris wanted a garden; and both wanted four bedrooms. For the aesthetic, they opted to fuse modern with traditional. The new home provides all of those details along with a strong connec-

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THESE PAGES: The kitchen window frames the fig tree saved from demolition. Cabinets by WoodMode Brookhaven Cabinets. | A modern powder room offers a glimpse of the outdoors. Window by Milgard Windows. Plumbing fixtures and hardware by Elegant Additions. Paintings by Greg Skol are "Juniper Ridge" above; "Still Water Morning" below. | The definition of interior and exterior are blurred and reflected in the stained concrete floors. Floor by Dungan Miller Design, Ltd. | Small upper windows modulate west afternoon light over the fireplace. Oceanic Bluestone fireplace surround from Thorntree. Painting above fireplace is "Sandia from Golden" by Ted Larsen| Hans Wegner wishbone chairs from Kuhl-Linscomb surround the custom 4' X 9' dining table made of reclaimed pine designed by Marlys Tokerud and built by Rick Hauser and David Miller. The painting is "Western Tanager" by Matt Mitchell. The cabinet on the left gives a glimpse through to the living room.

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tion to the outdoors, which enhances the Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests in entertaining, gardening and music. The face brick and stucco on the front took their cues from the nearby houses and Rice University to keep this more contemporary structure in context with the older neighborhood. The orientation of the home on the narrow deep lot allows the back yard to be graced by prevailing breezes and be shaded by the two-story wing in the afternoon. The single-story brick wing, with its roof deck and trellis, separates the public from private outdoor spaces. Rock salt textured concrete exterior paving connects with grass pavers to accommodate guest parking off the narrow neighborhood street, which makes for easier entertaining. Guests are directed to the front door by the subtle geometry reflected in the auto court and entry that continues into the

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Concrete stepping stones float in the pool water linking the interiors to the garden outside.

THESE PAGES: A long narrow reflecting pool and fountain add drama to this outdoor space. | The master tub deck transforms into a bench seat for the shower. Plumbing fixtures and hardware by Elegant Additions. | The view south from the roof deck shows off the private garden below. | A steel trellis casts morning shadows on the stained concrete floor. | Glass sliding doors bring definition to the outdoor living spaces.

garden and long, tapering reflecting pool. A fountain produces soothing background noise. Concrete stepping stones float in the pool water linking the interiors to the garden outside. According to award-winning architect Murphy, several notable design features provide uniqueness and drama to the home, and also gained the home distinction on the 2015 AIA Houston Home Tour: •Multiple axes in the floor plan form a procession through the long narrow site and home, providing points of inter-connectivity among the varied spaces. •To save space, the living room serves as a library accommodating the Thomas’ primary book collection and as a music room with the piano framed by a large bay window. •The bay window looks east to large raised Corten steel planter boxes. Three gal-

vanized steel trellis structures cantilever off the east facade, modulating sunlight at key openings. A fourth trellis shades the terrace space facing south into the garden and frames the view from the study. •A large free-standing cabinet defines the living room from the dining room but provides a framed view to both. This passthrough counter is lined with black mill finish steel plate complete with handwritten marks from the factory still intact. •A stucco wall structure forms a “summer kitchen” space located on the east property line opposite the covered outdoor dining space and the kitchen. The stucco walls morph into an outdoor shower enclosure open to the sky. Energy efficiency was a consideration, too, in the concept of this home’s design. For example, glass is kept to a minimum on the west façade, and covering the back Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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as they freely move from inside to out during the day. portion of the main wing of the house is a fiber Access to the garden To accommodate their activity, a stained concrete floor is a step outside the cement horizontal rain screen on furring strips kitchen and across proved to be a smart choice. It works well for that provides ventilation through the skin. the reflection pool. entertaining, too. Additionally, Galvalume finish steel roof panels The master suite and bath provide comfort, luxury reflect a large portion of the sunlight. The Thomases say the result of their original vision is better and a distinctive aesthetic. A large picture window and highthan anything they ever imagined and that every space in the placed windows on the walls of the bathroom, bedroom and house is constantly used. Kris said, “We have events at our home closets offer interesting views and lighting effects — one creates fairly often and the entire downstairs flows easily between the a rainbow prism in the shower. They also enjoy their own sepabackyard patio and the dining room and living room, especially rate lavatories in the master bath so they don’t get in each other’s since visually the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring the way every morning. As for favorite spaces inside, Kris loves her closet. She said, “I outside in and vice versa.” And what is remarkable about their kitchen? This couple who cooks together said they love having insisted on extra lights in the ceiling, so I can easily see my clothes drawers deep enough to store pots and pans. The kitchen also when dressing, plus it is a nice large space.” Neil’s favorite is his study simply because it is where he has a whole room entirely to provides quick access to the outdoor dining and food garden. Kris said, “Neil and I both like to garden, so Alisa Dawson himself. And their kids? The couple says that since their kids made four large raised beds for us. They are made of steel so are grown and live away from home, they like the dining room they would rust and develop a nice patina. Alisa landscaped the because they get to eat there when they visit. The Thomas’ new home, though borne from a natural disaster, backyard with a large rectangle full of Muhly grass that turns pink in October and waves in the wind, which is an effect we now more effortlessly fulfills the needs and desires of their just love.” The couple has two Arbequina Olive trees that produce lifestyle in a way the previous home did not. And with a little olives. Additionally, because they have two dogs, they made sure insight and vision, paired with a lot of effort by a team of professionals, the couple was able to stay on the lot they love, in the to include a large rectangle of grass for their use. The dogs were a consideration in the floor plan downstairs neighborhood they love in a brand new home that they love. l

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Interior Updates that Inspire Make a difference inside your home with fixes large or small

Beautiful, intricate styling meets innovative heating technology with this Primo see-Through gas fireplace from Heat & Glo.

By Mara Soloway ur innate sensibilities tell us when the visual beauty of our interior settings needs improvement. Look around at yours. Are they ready for all the changes that the warm seasons bring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; longer days with lots of activities, visitors from far and near, and the sensations of beauty, growth and new life? Here are some ideas for changes large and small that you can make to bring beauty and new life to your interiors.

Replace an outdated sofa, chair or recliner Is your seating past its prime and just not comfortable any more? Replacing a piece of furniture is a perfect way to make an upgrade that will add emphasis. We can exptect to replace a sofa every 7-15 years, according to elledecor.com

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Have a seat in your worn sofa and begin to imagine the room with new furniture styles in new fabrics and color options. Once you start visiting furniture stores, you can examine the pieces youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re considering. There probably have been some innovations in construction and materials since you last shopped for furniture. Do some planning: know the dimensions of rooms and existing furniture. If you are budgeting, start with one or two pieces in the rooms where you spend the most time. Give your home a pillow update Updating accent pillows is likely the least expensive purchase you can make. What is the right amount to have, and what colors and patterns make a room look its best?

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According to “Here’s How to Master the Throw Pillow Mix” by design writer Becky Harris on houzz.com, “There are no hard and fast rules; it’s really about switching things up until you find the right combination and arrangement.” Harris’ categories include a pattern plus one solid color, a bold and a small pattern, a base of primary colors, several patterns in the same color palette, a theme (e.g., tribal or florals), and, thankfully for the indecisive, the “It Just Works” category in which she advises, “If the spirit grabs you, toss the formulas out the window and just have fun.”

Have a seat in your worn sofa and begin to imagine the room with new furniture styles in new fabrics and color options.

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Add original artwork and/or paintings Does your entryway need some color? Is the impact wall in your living room a little bland? Select the walls in your home that are most visible and begin imagining them displaying art. But not every wall – it actually helps a room feel clutterfree when some wall space is kept blank. If you aren’t an art aficionado, don’t fret. The Houston metropolitan area abounds with art galleries, art fairs and even coffee shops where you can get ideas of the plethora of art styles and color schemes in which you can invest. Pack a visual punch with a large eyecatching abstract swirl of colors or keep it peaceful with a mountain scene. Whatever your taste in art, make the arrangements on your walls impressive but make it your own. Update or replace old light fixtures and lamps There’s a decorative side to lighting and a functional one. And there’s the consideration of which space you’re

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CY-FAIR ADVERTISING

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THE DUMP Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off-price outlet for high-end furniture, handmade mattresses and fine oriental rugs is right here in Houston. The outlet opens at 10 a.m. every Friday with an ever-changing selection of closeouts, overstocks, design samples and one-of-a-kind opportunity buys from top designers. They Dump the frills, pretense and costs of regular stores, and voila! You get high-end home furnishings at 30 to 70% off price. 281-447-2250 Thedump.com 10251 North Freeway, Houston

ABA POOL SERVICE AND REPAIR HOUSTON HOME IMPROVEMENT Houston Home Improvement Construction has been building patio covers for more than 20 years. This company will transform any backyard into a cool, shady retreat while adding value to any home. This entertaining addition will be designed to keep the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original architecture and made to look like it was in the original planning of the home. Fully insured and a member of the BBB. Katy-Fulshear Home Improvement Construction was awarded the Gold Star Award in 2005. Rated A1+. 281-686-9059 hhipatiocovers.com

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For over 15 years, ABA Pool Service and Repair has provided the highest quality service and repairs to The Woodlands and CyFair areas.They specialize in Tile Cleaning, Plaster, Heaters, Pumps, Filters, Lights, Salt Systems and Weekly Maintenance. ABA Pool Service and Repair always provides professional, prompt and affordable services. Call today to schedule an appointment for all of your pool needs. 281-924-7724 abapools.com

BACKYARD POOL SPECIALISTS Backyard Pool Specialists has been designing and constructing beautiful swimming pools, patio covers, summer kitchens, fireplaces and landscaping for over 30 years. The owners believe in a hands-on approach to creating a beautiful backyard living area for you to enjoy year round. Their personalized customer attention from design to completion has earned them hundreds of loyal, satisfied customers. Call for a complimentary in-home consultation or visit their website. 281-890-3040 bpspoolshouston.com 11115 Mills Rd., Suite 102, Cypress

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The Carlin Chaise Sofa offers style and comfort to spare and can be used in an upscale or a casual setting, depending on your home. Its dark block feet and low arms, along with six toss pillows and chaise seating, are comfortable and inviting. • The Wheat Flare Table Lamp is handblown in West Virginia exclusively for Rejuvenation by Blenko Glass Company. The design is reissued from Blenko's 1956 catalog and also uses American-made shades. The shapes and colors of these pieces made them highly collectible mid-century icons.

thinking about – that new artwork might require you to rework your light sources to enhance the piece. Decorator Cecil Hayes suggests in 9 Steps to Beautiful Living that you start with an assessment of existing light levels and light exposure. “Walk through your room several times at different times of the day. Does it have lots of natural light or is it dark?” she writes, adding to not be concerned if the space is dark. You can always add more lighting; she feels that low light levels aren’t necessarily bad: “Light – or lack of it – can be used to create a mood.” Fixtures come in an endless number of varieties – floor lamps, scones, chandeliers, track lighting, etc. – to match every decor and every personal style, from decorative, eclectic, nostalgic and more. Added to those considerations is the type of light bulb and the light spectrum they emanate. We have a big learning curve just to let there be light! Update your fireplace Even with mild winters, our homes are built with fireplaces to evoke comfort and nurture gathering. Our eye is naturally drawn to the fireplace and the mantel when we enter the room, making them one of the best spaces above which to put that new artwork. If your fireplace area isn’t visually up to being a supporting player for what you display on or above it, consider giving it an upgrade. This can be as simple as painting the bricks or stone, especially if a collage of colors in the bricks makes it hard for the art pieces to stand out. Traditional fireplace surrounds (mantel, legs, headers and trim) can be added or replaced with new ones made of wood, faux wood, tile, stone and cast concrete. Mix it up – have a marble mantel with stained wood legs. The hearth can also be upgraded

Hancock & Moore's Estate Chair by Jessica Charles comes in 200 coverings, including those with the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year: the cool tranquil blue Serenity and the Rose Quartz, making them a nice complement for more dramatic fabrics. They are built by hand in North Carolina.

with fireproof tiles. What about inside the fireplace itself? Have a professional install a gas-burning fireplace if you like the romance of a roaring fire but not the clean-up involved with burning logs. Window treatments Like artwork, window treatments can add warmth or vibrancy in contemporary or classic styling. It can be a daunting design challenge to get the right mix of window blinds, curtains, Roman shades, cornices, shutters and valances. Study style and fabric options online and in magazines to find the look you want. Some of the current trends include high-tech options that allow you to control window blinds with a remote, a light switch and online; organic and green materials like natural woven shades in wood, bamboo and matchstick; pops of color that tie into the room’s other elements; luxe fabrics such as silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede as embellishment; and the sleek lines of flowing drapes with chrome hardware. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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CY-FAIR ADVERTISING

DROPSHADE.COM From the smallest solar shade to giant patio drop shade systems, Dropshade has what it takes to create innovative and effective shade products. Our crews manufacture thousands of shades every year! Dropshade is family owned and operated, and our tradition, integrity and superior customer service have made us a leading manufacturer of sun control systems. We are continuously the No. 1 choice of both contractors and homeowners when it comes to their shading needs. Visit our website for more details or call for a free quote! 281-407-0830 dropshade.com

MIRROR LAKE Remember this!!! Hoping that a pool contractor can give your family a fun backyard resort is a bit like hoping the cattle rancher can plan your daughter’s wedding. Your reception plans may include beef but this guy is not qualified to orchestrate your daughter’s big day. It’s the same for your backyard. Get a landscape architect, someone who knows all facets of pool, patio and planting design. Then you’ll be living the Garden Lifestyle! Find out more at the website. 281-350-0515 MirrorLakeDesigns.com

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Since 2003, MC Construction has specialized in turning the dreams of its clients into reality. They bring personal attention, creativity and professionalism to every job. With several years of experience, quality and customer satisfaction is their #1 priority; they are committed to making your dreams come true as a registered, insured contractor. Call today for a consultation! 281-391-8090 mcconstructionllc.com

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TEXAS CUSTOM PATIOS They custom design and build patio covers (attached and freestanding), outdoor kitchens, screened porches, room additions, decorative patios, decks and more. The latest trends and products will transform your backyard but maintain your home’s original architecture and add value, beauty and function all year. Well known for their exceptional professionalism, seamless construction and excellent workmanship. Texas Custom Patios is a BBB Gold Star winner. Call for a free consultation or view their project portfolio online. 281-265-1994 texascustompatios.com

SCL METAL WORKS Specializing in wrought iron doors, wine doors and gates, stair railings, balconies and iron inserts made by skilled artisans. New construction and retrofits. Their doors are investments for your future! Family owned and operated in Cypress. 832-498-2362 sclmetalworks.com

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RENOVATION STATION Renovation Station, Houston’s newest decorative showroom, proudly announces the start of business in Cypress. Crestwood Construction has partnered with Renovation Station to service all of your home building and remodeling needs at one convenient location! Their experienced designers can help you select the right product to fit your personal style. Come see their showroom with the newest styles and design ideas from their quality brand products. Servicing homeowners, contractors and design specialists, they sell fine custom cabinets, hardwood, laminate, carpet, tile and more. If they don't stock it, they will find it for you! Bring your remodeling or new construction plans to the showroom. 281-246-3004 renovationstationcypress.com

HILTON ROOFING Do you know if the recent severe weather damaged your roof?? There have been many storms in the area that may have caused hail damage to your roof that cannot be seen from the ground. Let us inspect the roof and handle the claim for you. We will tend to all your needs from start to finish with your insurance company. If we can’t get the money from the insurance company, you aren’t obligated to do the roof with us. We will make sure of that! Call us now for a free roof evaluation! 1-855-854-ROOF (7663) HiltonRoofing.com

Baker Furniture describes its Churchill Loveseat as a true loveseat — at 61 inches, it's just the right length for the end of a bed or a large foyer. Visual continuity is accented by the exaggerated saddle arm, exposed wood legs and loose box cushion back.

Install a new picturesque window Do you have a beautiful garden but don’t have a window from which to view it? Consider installing a window that will let you gaze upon it when indoors. This can be a DIY project if you are experienced with home repairs, but then again, that’s why window companies exist with qualified window installers who will make the cut in your drywall, remove the insulation, make the cut in the siding, fit the window in properly, clean up, etc. If not installed correctly, water and insects can enter the gaps, ultimately damaging the home’s structure. If you have a sliding window already in place, projection windows that extend out at various angles – known as bow and bay windows – are features in new home construction. New windows should enhance the look of your home and be energy efficient. Popular frame materials are vinyl and aluminum, wood and clad-wood, each of which have pros and cons. Add interest to your ceilings While we might not pay that much attention to ceilings, they have a big impact on rooms. The craftsmen on thisoldhouse.com offer several ceiling improvements that are easy and effective ways to give a room a face-lift. These include: ceiling medallions; pressed-tin panels that complement older

homes but don’t provide good acoustics; wallpapering, which the site says is “by far the most versatile treatment discussed here;” suspended-grid ceilings to cover exposed pipes, ducts or electrical connections; layered drywall, which helps define boundaries between rooms; and paneling to give a cottage look. Take a color inventory One of the 10 Stylists’ Secrets to Make Your Home Look Great on oprah.com is to conduct a color inventory, brown in particular. Stylist Olga Naiman cautions us that we “shouldn’t have more than three or four brown items in any room, including wooden floors or dark carpets.” Brown quietly takes over because it goes with any color scheme and hides stains, but “too much of it could be making the place look dated and, well, lair-like.” The solution is to choose three or so items to keep and either paint or reupholster in colors Naiman likes: spillcamouflaging neutrals like olive green, khaki or gray. Remove any pieces that don’t get upgraded. *** For more design ideas, consult an interior decorator and visit area furniture stores and home accessory stores. Some furniture stores have interior designers on staff to help you with your decisions. l Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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Getting More from the Outdoors Great options to update your backyard living space

By Merry Wise ere comes the sun! And with the warm weather comes inspiration to create new spaces or improve on others for full enjoyment of your home. In our area, we are blessed with the ability to enjoy outdoor living almost the entire year, and focusing on creating your outdoor room adds value and enjoyment to your home. Making the investment in a posh home exterior will pay off in greater pleasure in your home now and higher resale value later if you choose to sell.

Hot Stuff: Fire Pits Harking back to the happy days of summer camp, adding an outdoor fire pit surrounded by comfy seating will enable your family to make fun memories. There are many appealing fire pit options on the market today. You can go sleek and

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

modern with a snazzy fire enhanced by colored beads. Or you can go rustic right down to the tree stump! Yes, there actually is a fire pit available made from a concrete tree stump so real you would swear it housed squirrels in the not-so-distant past. The addition of a fire pit is something your family will enjoy for years, from making sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores to sitting around it swapping ghost stories and laughter. Perhaps this is the year to ditch the tired bargain patio furniture for an upgrade. Patio furniture has become more sophisticated and durable than ever before, and the choices in materials and colors are absolutely lush. From go-with-everything neutrals to a splash of color, simply adding new patio furniture will make your outdoor space your go-to spot for entertaining family and friends.

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keep those unwanted visitors at bay while you and your guests play.

Look Out for a Cook-Out Go big and go home — to a total living outdoor paradise! Adding a summer kitchen complete with high-end grill, sink, bar, fridge, and lots of counter prep space could give cooking for your family a whole new vibe! Everything seems to be more fun and more delicious when cooking outdoors, and it seems much easier, too. The grills available are ever more simple to operate and clean and produce excellent results. Having a summer kitchen space will make entertaining a breeze. Staying Cool is a Breeze Speaking of breezes, there are some unique ways to add climate control to your outdoor venue. A screened or open porch, gazebo, tropical palapa or awnings all add

welcome shade. Consider adding ceiling fans for a more pleasant ambiance as well. There are outdoor mist systems to cool you off or add a mysterious effect, and there are even very effective mosquito fogging systems to

Fun Factors: Music, Media and Games Your outdoor living room can also be equipped with an outdoor television, so the family can enjoy watching the big game poolside. But it’s a good idea to house this equipment inside a weather enclosure made to protect it from the elements. The best kind will also have a built-in fan to distribute heat outside. And do consider adding a distributed audio sound system. The speakers no longer have to look like “speakers”! There are outdoor speakers that look like rocks to blend in with your pool’s rock waterfall, or contemporary

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cell • 281-391-8090 office Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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Wood fences are great screens and good as a privacy option. Metal fencing can add a more open and elegant look while also serving as a good security detail. Childproof fencing for pool areas is an excellent addition as well. Some of this fencing can even be installed so that it can be removed temporarily for adult parties or for use by grandparents only when the grandkids are visiting.

globes, for example. And what could be cooler than swimming underwater and listening to the sounds of whales and dolphins? Underwater speakers are great fun and sound travels well through water. Another way to amp up the “cool” factor is to add an outdoor ping pong and/or pool table. Some tables provide both games. Many of the outdoor pool tables also “flip their top” and double as elegant dining tables! If your area is large enough, you might also want to add a sport court for volleyball, basketball or tennis. The more entertaining your space, the more it encourages your teenagers and their friends to want to stay at the house with all the fun — and your supervision, of course. In the Swim of Things Of course, nothing says summer enjoyment in the Houston area more than adding a swimming pool and/or spa to your outdoor space. Even the smallest space can be equipped with water, and if you want the option to swim but space is limited, a swim spa is a good option. Pools have become increasingly simple to care for over the years, too, and energy efficient components also make them less expensive to operate.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

The newer variable speed pumps are a very useful energy upgrade for swimming pools and spas. These pumps offer an excellent savings on energy costs for operating your pool, and are quieter as well. All Hands on (the Updated) Deck To update what’s underfoot, consider upgrading any deck areas. Old concrete patios or decks can be redone with realistic coatings that look exactly like stone or brick, or you can have these areas resurfaced with materials that will give them a whole new look. Pavers, slate, stone, all kinds of materials and many techniques such as stamped concrete can be used to enhance these areas. The addition or renewal of a wood deck is also a good way to completely update your outdoor space, and there are materials impervious to weather that simulate wood, but last much longer and are easier to maintain. Fencing for Privacy and Safety Fencing can also be an excellent upgrade. Whether you want to hide an unwanted view, enhance your yard with a decorative fence, or perhaps create a child barrier for your pool area, there are some excellent choices that will add security, beauty and value to your property.

Light Up Your Night Life Evenings in your great outdoors can become even more magical with proper lighting. Path lighting, uplighting of trees and other landscape features, and unique color-changing lighting for pools and spas all make a big difference for a more beautiful space after dark. Color-changing lighting for pools is available that can be retrofitted into the older, traditional light niches, too. One company even has a new product coming out that interfaces with your computerized technology to project pictures of your choice onto the pool walls! Refresh the Landscaping Choose some new plants to add color and texture at varying times of the season for a constant, colorful display throughout the months you will be spending the most time outdoors. June is the month to use such colorful and long-lasting choices as crepe myrtle, vitex and parkinsonia. The variety called "Montrose Purple" is an especially vibrant choice for intense color. Hardy standbys for our area also include oleander and gardenia, and of course creamy white gardenias will infuse the space with a lovely fragrance as well. Other great choices for summer are lantana, salvia, and black-eyed Susan. As September arrives, add container gardens to your outdoor space. Good plants for these that will add splashes of color include crotons, snapdragons, dianthus, mums, marigolds and petunias. A spring and summer spruce-up can provide many years of added enjoyment. The fun your family makes in your upgraded home resort will turn that outdoor investment into a priceless future memory.l

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All About Dahlias! Follow this plan and prepare to be amazed “American Dawn” from Longfield Gardens, is a modern dahlia that’s been bred for amazing color, abundant flower production and sturdy stems. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.

ahlias provide some of the garden's biggest and most spectacular blooms. The flowers come in a rainbow of colors and many different styles and sizes, and all are excellent cut flowers. One of the best things about dahlias is how abundantly they bloom. The plants begin flowering in midsummer and produce more and more flowers each week, right through the fall. Just plant the bulbs in spring and prepare to be amazed! STEP 1 — KNOW START WITH A BETTER BULB It’s easy to see the difference in a quality dahlia when you compare two plants side by side. Dahlia tubers are graded by size. Grade #1 tubers are the largest size available. The photo shows a grade #1 tuber on

Soil: Most plants, including dahlias, grow best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. To improve the quality of your soil, add compost and an all purpose fertilizer at planting time. Avoid planting in areas where the soil is soggy or compacted. When to Plant: Dahlias tubers are planted in the spring after all danger of frost is gone. Fill 6-inch or 8-inch pots with growing mix and plant one tuber per pot. Put the pots in a warm, sunny place until the plants are several inches tall and the weather outside is warm.

the right and a smaller, #3 tuber on the left. Larger tubers give you a fuller plant with more stems and more blooms. STEP 2 — PLAN PLAN FOR SUCCESS Dahlias are incredibly easy to grow. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results. Sun and Shade: Dahlias are sun-lovers and need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. The more sun they get, the better they'll bloom, so it's best to plant your dahlias in the sunniest location you can. Zone: Dahlias are only winter hardy in zones 8-11. Planted in the spring, they will grow quickly and the plants will be blooming by mid to late summer. (The USDA Hardiness Zone map puts the Houston metro area in Zone 9A .)

WHERE TO PLANT DAHLIAS Flower Gardens: Dahlias bloom from late summer through fall and hit their stride as most perennials are starting to fade. Consider each dahlia variety’s ultimate height when placing them in your borders, with tallest ones in back, mid-size dahlias in the middle and border dahlias up front. Entryways, Patios and Decks: Decorate your home and welcome guests with a brilliant display of dahlias. Border dahlias are ideal for containers. The compact, bushy plants stay just 18-inches tall and cover themselves with flowers from midsummer to frost. Along Fences or for Screening: Dahlias can be functional as well as decorative. Full size varieties can be planted along a property line to add privacy. They can also be planted in pots to enclose a space or in a garden to screen an unwanted view. Vegetable Gardens: Dahlias are great companions for almost any vegetable. Just plant them at the same time you're planting tomatoes and peppers. When you harvest your dinner, you can also harvest fresh flowers for your table. Cutting Gardens: Dahlias are fabulous cut flowers, and just a few plants will give you armloads of blooms. Planting several different flower styles will give your bouquets a professional look.

Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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Many gardeners treat dahlias as annuals. The spectacular blooms come in a rainbow of colors andmake excellent cut flowers. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.

STEP 3 — GROW PLANTING IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3 1. Dig a hole to 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil. 2. Set the tubers in the hole with the stem facing up. 3. Replace the soil and water only if the soil is very dry. Sprouts will appear in 2-4 weeks. TIPS FOR GROWING DAHLIAS • Choose a sunny spot. Dahlias bloom best in full sun. • To give your dahlias the best possible start, improve the soil by adding compost and an all purpose (5-10-5) granular fertilizer when planting. • Dahlia tubers should be planted 4-6 inches deep. Position the tubers so the sprouts are facing up. If there are no sprouts, plant the tubers horizontally. • Once your dahlias are 8-10 inches tall, start fertilizing them with liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. • Pinching dahlias when they are about 10 inches tall will give you bushier plants with more flowers. • When the first flower buds appear, cut back a couple of the tallest stems. This will help the plant fill out and produce more flowers.

Dahlias In Containers Few plants can compete with the flowering power of dahlias. These easy-togrow, heat-loving summer bulbs bloom non-stop from midsummer through fall, and with each week, their flowers keep getting bigger and better. While most dahlias grow 3 to 5 feet tall, border dahlias are much more compact. At just 15 to 20 inches high, they are an ideal height for growing in pots and planters. Don’t let their small size fool you. These low-growing dahlias flower with the same incredible energy as their full size cousins. The perfectly formed, brilliantly colored flowers keep decks, patios and entryways, looking bright and fresh all season long. After evaluating many different types of border dahlias, we have found that Melody and Gallery border dahlias produce the biggest blooms and the most flowers.

INSPIRING COMBINATIONS SUPPORT YOUR DAHLIAS If you are growing full size dahlias, they should be staked to support both the stems and the flowers. Use at least one sturdy, 6foot-tall stake per plant. Drive the stake into

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

A border dahlia is a bushy plant with a dome-shape top. On its own, a single plant will nicely fill a 10-inch to 12-inch planter. Pots of this size are easy to move around, so you can add splashes of color

whenever and wherever they're needed. In a larger pot, two or three border dahlias will give a nice, full look. You can stick with a single variety in each pot or combine several different colors. Here are some sun-loving container plants that make good companions for border dahlias: Coleus Verbena Creeping Jenny Lantana Liatris Sweet Potato Vine Million Bells Elephant Ears Dahlias are high-energy plants that need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the more flowers they produce. In southern areas, dahlias appreciate a little shade from hot afternoon sun. Dahlias will not tolerate freezing temperatures and they dislike cold soil. Don’t put them outdoors until all danger of frost has passed.

PLANTING AND CARE IN CONTAINERS Dahlias have vigorous root systems

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Dahlias are great companions for almost any vegetable. Just plant them at the same time you’re planting tomatoes and peppers.

the ground 8 to 10 inches deep. Inserting the stakes at planting time means you won’t damage the plant or tubers later in the season. As the stems begin to grow, tie them to the stake every foot or two.

Plant the tubers 4-6 inches deep, stem up, in well-drained soil.

Here a colorful combination of dahlias make a beautiful arrangement.

When plants are well established and 5 to 6” tall, start fertilizing them twice a month.

STEP 4 — AFTERCARE CARING FOR DAHLIAS AFTER THEY BLOOM Many gardeners treat dahlias as annuals. When the season is over, simply dig up the plant and the tubers and add them to your compost pile. If you want to save your dahlia tubers for the next growing season, here’s how to do it: • When the foliage begins to lose its color or is killed by frost, cut off the stems to within 6 inches of the ground. Wait about a week before digging to give the tubers time to develop next year’s sprouts, also called “eyes.” Label each plant so you can identify it next spring. • Dig around the plant and gently lift the tubers from the ground, using caution as

that need plenty of room to develop. Each border dahlia tuber will need a 10-inch to 12-inch diameter container or 2-gallon pot. Larger containers can accommodate more than one dahlia tuber or some other types of plants. Pots should always have a drainage hole on the bottom to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged. Here’s how to pot up a border dahlia. Fill the container a little more than half way with good quality potting mix. Find the place where the tubers come together, which is the base of the old stem. Set the tubers on the soil with the stem area on top. It should be at least 5 inches below the top of the pot. Cover the tubers with about 2 inches of soil and water well. Put the pot in a warm, sunny place where it will get six or more hours of sun each day. As the tubers start to grow, you can gradually add more soil until the pot is almost full.

the tubers are fragile. Allow the entire clump to air dry for a week (protected from rain and frost). This gives the tubers time to toughen their skin for winter storage. • Trim back the stems to 1 inch and remove any fine root hairs from the tubers. Tag the base of the stems so you can identify the tubers later. • Place each clump of tubers into a pot, bucket or bin and surround them with sand, sawdust or vermiculite. If you are putting multiple clumps in one container, layer them so they don't touch each other. Store the container in a cool (40-50°F), dark place. Check the tubers monthly to make sure they are not rotting (too wet) or shriveling (too dry). Adjust the humidity accordingly.

Article and images provided by Longfield Gardens (www.longfieldgardens.com) and reprinted with permission.

Once the plants are well established and 5 to 6 inches tall, start fertilizing them twice a month. When the first flower buds appear, cut back the tallest two or three stems to about half their height. This will help the plant fill out and increase total flower production. During the growing season, removing faded flowers will stimulate growth and keep the plant looking its best. Dahlias should not be overwatered. It’s best to let the top couple inches of soil get fairly dry between waterings. TIP: Dahlias dislike cold weather. Though a chilly, early summer night won't kill them, it can set them back by several weeks. Pamper your young dahlia plants by keeping the pots in a warm, protected place until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 60s.l

Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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upus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. WHAT IS LUPUS? In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto” means “self”) and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better).

More facts about lupus: • Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot “catch” lupus from someone or “give” lupus to someone. • Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above. However, some treatments for lupus may include immunosuppressant drugs that are also used in chemotherapy. • Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive. • Lupus can range from mild to lifethreatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life. • Research by the Lupus Foundation of America estimates that at least 1.5 mil-

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Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her full-time job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise.

Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with 56 private fitness studios throughout the United States specializing in this unique approach.

In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout.

Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped 1 to 2 clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”

LEAN MUSCLES – THE KEY TO RESHAPING YOUR BODY

The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Not only does the extra muscle help burn fat and calories, muscle takes up 20% less space than fat. So a fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. Adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and Chief of Medicine Services at College Station Medical Center, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone

density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training.

JOYCE RECLAIMS HER YOUTHFUL FIGURE

54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40’s life’s stresses caught up with her, and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce. Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20-minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!” The Perfect Workout has 56 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston area locations: Clear Lake (281) 456-3380, Cypress/N. Houston (832) 497-1121, Kingwood (281) 241-1628, Memorial (281) 724-5147, River Oaks (713) 999-5182, Sugar Land (281) 201-5309, and The Woodlands (281) 245-0478. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com

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lion Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there are no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus. • More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country. • It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus. • Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children and teenagers develop lupus, too. Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44. • Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians.

• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus. COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS Because lupus can affect so many different organs, a wide range of symptoms can occur. These symptoms may come and go, and different symptoms may appear at different times during the course of the disease. The most common symptoms of lupus, which are the same for females and males, are: • Extreme fatigue • Headaches • Painful or swollen joints • Fever • Anemia (low numbers of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or low total blood volume) • Swelling (edema) in feet, legs, hands, and/or around eyes

• Pain in chest on deep breathing (pleurisy) • Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose • Sun-or light-sensitivity (photosensitivity) • Hair loss • Abnormal blood clotting • Fingers turning white and/or blue when cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon) • Mouth or nose ulcers Many of these symptoms occur in other illnesses. In fact, lupus is sometimes called “the great imitator” because its symptoms are often like the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems, Lyme disease, and a number of heart, lung, muscle, and bone diseases.

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WHAT CAUSES LUPUS? Many (but not all) scientists believe that lupus develops in response to a combination of factors both inside and outside the body, including hormones, genetics, and environment. Hormones Hormones are the body’s messengers. They regulate many of the body’s functions. Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus. While men and women both produce estrogen, its production is much greater in females. Many women have more lupus symptoms before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy when estrogen production is high. This may indicate that estrogen somehow reg-

ulates the severity of lupus. However, no causal effect has been proven between estrogen, or any other hormone, and lupus. And, studies of women with lupus taking estrogen in either birth control pills or as postmenopausal therapy have shown no increase in disease activity. Genetics No gene or group of genes has been proven to cause lupus. Lupus does, however, appear in certain families, and certain genes have been identified as contributing to the development of lupus, but these associations alone are not enough to cause the disease. This is especially evident with twins who are raised in the same environment and have the same inherited features yet only one develops lupus. Although, when one of two identical twins has lupus, there is an

increased chance that the other twin will also develop the disease (25 percent chance for identical twins; 2-3 percent chance for fraternal twins). Lupus can develop in people with no family history of lupus, but there are likely to be other autoimmune diseases in some family members. Certain ethnic groups (people of African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Island descent) have a greater risk of developing lupus, which may be related to genes they have in common. Environment Most researchers today think that an environmental agent, such as a virus or possibly a chemical, randomly encountered by a genetically susceptible individual, acts to trigger the disease. Researchers have not

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Their obstetrical services include prenatal coun-

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• Cold or a viral illness • Exhaustion • Injury • Emotional stress, such as divorce, illness, death in the family, or other life complications • Anything else that causes stress to the body such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth Seemingly unrelated factors can also trigger the onset of lupus in a susceptible person. Scientists have noted some common features, including: exposure to the sun, infection, pregnancy, childbirth, or drugs taken to treat an illness. If you are diagnosed with lupus, you play an important role in helping your doctor manage your disease. Listen to your body, ask questions and stay involved.l Courtesy of Lupus Foundation of America

identified a specific environmental agent as yet but the hypothesis remains likely. While the environmental elements that can trigger lupus and cause flares aren’t fully known, the most commonly cited are ultraviolet light (UVB in particular); infections (including the effects of the EpsteinBarr virus), and exposure to silica dust in agricultural or industrial settings. Other examples of known environmental triggers include: • Ultraviolet rays from the sun • Ultraviolet rays from fluorescent light bulbs • Sulfa drugs, which make a person more sensitive to the sun, such as: Bactrim® and Septra® (trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole); sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin®); tolbutamide (Orinase®); sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®); diuretics • Sun-sensitizing tetracycline drugs such as minocycline (Minocin®) • Penicillin or other antibiotic drugs such as: amoxicillin (Amoxil®); ampicillin (Ampicillin Sodium ADDVantage®); cloxacillin (Cloxapen®) • Infection

Send US yoUr pet photoS PHOTOS TO BE PUBLISHED IN OUR JULY ISSUE!

“OMG!!! It’s back! We’re SO EXCITED!!!”

SEND BY EMAIL... editor@lifestyles-magazines.com Important: When uploading pictures on your email, be sure to click on full size, or large. Email browsers automatically reduce pixel sizes making the image unusable. OR SEND BY MAIL TO... Fort Bend Publishing Group 10707 Corporate Dr., Ste. 170 Stafford, TX 77477

Include your name, the pet’s name, (and other names of people in the picture if you wish), a brief description on why your pet is unique or special, and phone number.

Deadline: MAY 1, 2016 Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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Cypress Woods HS Students Raise $9,000 for American Cancer Society Thirty teams participate in annual charity kickball tournament

Thirty kickball teams consisting of 15 students each helped raise $9,000 for the American Cancer Society.

(far left) Cypress Woods High School junior Kyle Rovello gets ready to play some kickball at the school’s eighth annual charity kickball tournament on March 5. v (left) A Cypress Woods student prepares to kick a ball during the tournament.

Text and photos by Matthew Ramos, Cypress Woods HS

ypress Woods High School students raised $9,000 for the American Cancer Society through the eighth annual charity kickball tournament on March 5. Thirty teams consisting of 15 students each donated $300 to raise funds for the spring event that brings the entire Wildcat student body together. During the lunch break, Cypress Woods’ spirit leaders known as the “Wild Things” played a game against the LIFE Skills students with mental and physical disabilities. In the second year of this game, the LIFE Skills students defeated the Wild Things 33-

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

0 in the first inning by mercy rule. Fighting cancer has become important to the Cypress Woods community, as 11thgrade assistant principal Jacob Chacon recently lost his wife, Jessica, to a four-year battle with cancer. In the wake of this loss, a group of students whose kickball team was sponsored by Chacón re-named their team “Team Jess” in her memory. “The kickball tournament is one of my favorite events each year because it's such a fun environment,” said senior student Oakley Arave. “This year was extra special, though, because it was for a cause near and dear to my heart and I know all the money

raised is going to do a lot of help paying for cancer research.” The kickball tournament is something Cypress Woods students look forward to every spring, and many teams create bonds that last throughout high school. “The kickball event really brings us together as students and gives us a fun event that supports a good cause,” said junior TrevorBordelon. The most important aspects of this competition are supporting a good cause and sportsmanlike competition. “It was so much fun seeing everybody playing the game and seeing Mr. Chacón so happy when Team Jess won,” said senior Hayden Price. l

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ç By Denman Moody

author, The Advanced Oenophile

Denman Moody was the Editor and Publisher of Moody’s Wine Review for six years and Contributing Editor on Rare Wine for International Wine Review in New York for six years. He has published or had published over 400 articles on wine, including The International Wine and Food Society Journal in London, Revue du Vin de France in Paris and The Robb Report in Malibu. He is or has been a member of The International Wine and Food Society, Confrerie SaintEtienne d’Alsace, The German Wine Society, Commanderie de Bordeaux, Chaine des Rotisseurs, Les Amis d’Escoffier and The Knights of the Vine.

Wines to Enjoy Now Reds and whites to please the palate, and restaurant recommendations MacRostie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2014 — From different, well-known vineyard sites, including the Estate Wildcat Mountain, this underpriced gem exhibits fresh pineapple and lemon nuances, along with minerality and a refreshing, long finish. $25

WHITE WINES Cupcake Chardonnay Monterey County 2014 — Winemaker Jessica Tomei knocked it out of the park with this best buy. $10 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen Of Hout (South Africa) 2014 — This was sent to me as a reasonably-priced, excellent wine that one could find at Randall’s. So true! Invigorating. Peaches and honeysuckle. A great buy. $13.99 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay Arroyo Seco 2014 — From a perfect vintage, this is a remarkable wine with excellent natural acidity, made with classical Burgundian techniques including 25 percent new oak. $14

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Tom Gore Chardonnay California 2014 — One of the best with the California appellation — usually have to step up to Carneros, Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast to find one this good. Crazy, low price. $15 Mt. Beautiful Pinot Gris North Canterbury (Australia) 2014 — “The opulent palate combines stone fruit, apples, juicy ripe pears, and a touch of floral honey…” What else do you need to know? Stunning new find! $18.99 Santowines Nykteri (Greece) 2014 — A wine of substance — 14 percent alcohol and excellent acidity with a hint of citrus and pear and good minerality. $25

RED WINES Qupe Syrah Central Coast 2012 — 100 percent Syrah from vineyards in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo. Weather perfect in 2012 for long, slow ripening. Fruit forward with supple savory and spice flavors along with refreshing acidity. Try with a prime rib! A best buy. $19.99 Carmel Road Pinot Noir Drew’s Blend Monterey County 2013 — This is Drew Barrymore’s certified sustainable Pinot made by winemaker Kris Kato. It exhibits cherry, spice and everything nice. Probably over-qualified, but I enjoyed it with a turkey and Swiss sandwich! $26 Palivou Vineyards Nemea Single Vineyard Selection (Greece) 2012 — 100 percent Agiorgitiko, the oldest and most noble Greek varietal. A full-bodied red, with violets in the bouquet and blackberries with a hint of cocoa on the palate. Concentrated and balanced. A surprise! $26 Keenan Merlot Carneros 2012 — Blackberry jam and spice! A lovely mouthful! Try with anything from a chick-filet to roasted duck! $32

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ç By Denman Moody

author, The Advanced Oenophile

Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Napa Valley 2012 — Vineyard manager Mariano Navarro heads up a laborintensive, painstaking job each year working on thin, rocky soils and steep slopes at 1,800-foot elevation. Iconic winemaker Chris Carpenter has crafted a gorgeous Cab, loaded with flavors of blueberries and violets, supplemented with tender tannins. $75 Paraduxx Rector Creek Napa Valley 2012 — The best, primarily Zinfandel blend I have encountered. Beautiful, sweet mouthful. Paraduxx is a new stallion in the Duckhorn stable. $80 Duckhorn Merlot Rector Creek Napa Valley 2012 — “Attractive blueberry and allspice aromatics. Velvety structure and refined character highlighting classic notes of spicy plum.” Along with the Duckhorn Merlots from Carneros, Atlas Peak, as well as the Three Palms, Merlot just doesn’t get any better than this. $95

RESTAURANT KUDOS To Brennan’s, for its extremely effective kitchen upgrades, quality and professionalism of the staff, and the innovations from Alex Brennan-Martin and Carl Walker’s world-class memorable meals. To Helen Restaurant for its wildly successful Greek restaurant on Rice Boulevard, owned by Evan Turner, who is also the sommelier. We enjoyed elevated Greek cuisine joined by specially selected Greek wines from Anathasios Parparoussis’s winery, which went perfectly with our food selections. I recommend all four of the wines we tasted: Les Dons de Dionysos Sideritis 2014; Nemea Reserve 2010 (100 percent Agiorgitiko); Taos 2010 (100 percent Mavrodaphne) and Muscat 2010! To The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen in Austin for opening another location. The Lakeway Grove is reputed to have one of the highest grossing bars in the state, sometimes doing what others do in a full day by 4 in the afternoon! The new location at 800 W. 6th

pretty much has it all. Matt Behrendt’s wine list is a designer list at decent prices, which he has meticulously put together after hours and hours of tastings each week. There were TEN set of flights of three wines for under $20 — an example being an excellent Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (that I had never heard of), Jenny Wagner’s killer Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc and a top Sancerre!! The food is excellent, and at least three managers and a couple of waiters looked in on us with comments like, “If it’s not right, let me know.” “NEW YORK, NEW YORK” COMES TO WINE & FOOD WEEK Enter a New York “state of wine” June 6-12 during Houston’s Wine & Food Week. The 12th annual culinary and wine extravaganza, themed “New York, New York”, will showcase 75 restaurants and more than 500 wines from around the world. Visit wineandfoodweek.com for details and the full schedule of events. l

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Enjoy Fun-Filled Days and Lazy Nights at The Woodlands Resort this Summer An enchanted oasis minutes from Houston, but worlds apart

s temperatures begin to heat up in Texas, so does the fun at The Woodlands® Resort. Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston and set among 350 wooded acres, this fully renovated resort is the number one choice for families throughout Texas looking for a nearby respite from the traditional urban experience and a place to have a whole lot of fun! A WATER OASIS FULL OF THRILLS AND PLACES TO CHILL In the summer months, The Woodlands Resort is alive with excitement centering around the property’s Forest Oasis Waterscape™. Located within a vast poolside environment surrounded by three luxurious guestroom buildings, towering pines and the lush forest, the spectacular Forest Oasis Waterscape has been designed to provide a fun and refreshing experience for the entire family. Opened in July of 2014 as part of the Resort’s $77 million renovation, a thousand-and-five-foot lazy river provides riders with a relaxing nine-and-a-half minute trip surrounded by lush landscaping. As riders enter the river, they are greeted with a mosaic by Houston artist Denise Liebl celebrating the beauty of native wildlife in The Woodlands. Guests may also stop during their trip along the lazy river to get out and enjoy a refreshing ride down the Resort’s plunge slide, landing in the lazy lagoon pool.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Just around the corner from the lazy river, more fun is to be found in the rest of the Forest Oasis Waterscape – ranked as one of the best pools in the nation – boasting a lagoon-style pool, two-story waterslide tower, flowing waterfalls, splash pad with pop fountains and underwater music and murals. Kids can relax poolside in the evening and take in a dive-in movie, shown nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Families can bask in the volume of kid-centric activities and amenities offered throughout the day, and whether dining poolside at Cool Water Cafe or in The Woodlands Dining Room, the Resort’s flagship dining locale, leisure guests will find themselves blissfully entertained exclusively within the Resort. HIT THE LINKS OR THE COURTS For the golf enthusiasts, the Resort features two on-property championship golf courses, Panther Trail™ and The Oaks. Both incorporate all the ingredients for exceptional golf — deep woods, glistening waters, exceptional fairways and pristine greens. With tree-lined fairways and challenging elevations, the courses allow golfers of all skill levels to test their talent and grow their game. For tennis lovers, the Resort features a world class tennis center with 21 first-rate clay and hard court playing surfaces.

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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Searching for inner-peace, relaxation and rejuvenation? You will find it at The Woodlands Resort’s full-service day spa and fitness center. With a variety of nature-inspired treatments for both men and women including body wraps, facials and a variety of pampering for the hands and feet, the stress of everyday life will melt away at The Spa. Signature offerings include the Yellow Rose Mud Wrap, the Sunflower Salt Scrub and the soothing Green Tea Pedicure. In keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere, the Resort also offers Petite Spa services for those ages 6-12 that include manicures, pedicures, and facials. The Spa staff at The Woodlands Resort is highly trained at the art of delivering a restorative experience within a serene and peaceful environment. Rediscovering an appreciation for nature and its beauty is not hard to do at the Resort and throughout The Woodlands community. With over 200 miles of hike and bike trails through the southern reaches of the Texas Piney Woods, families can marvel at the unending canopy of trees and the varying species of birds. With more than 100 Texas parks and several lakes, guests can take time to enjoy nature in its purest form on foot or on a rented bicycle from the Resort with a guided map to find your way. ACTIVITIES & DINING FOR EVERY AGE AND TASTE The Woodlands has many amenities and dining options to entertain and delight staycationers. Experience perfection at one of the best restaurants in The Woodlands. Set on site at The Woodlands Resort, on the edge of the lake surrounding the 18th green, Robard’s is a classic American steakhouse offering an extensive menu of USDA prime grade, dry-

aged steaks and chops, seafood and chef-inspired specials. The main dining room at Robard’s boasts warm contemporary style, a stunning 8-foot long raised fireplace framed in dark bronze metal, 14-foot windows and 20-foot vaulted wood-beamed ceilings with custom chandeliers and skylights. Every table in the restaurant has expansive views of the 18th green of the Panther Trail™ golf course. For those looking for a casual dining experience featuring amazing global cuisine or simply having an after-dinner drink, The Bistro at The Woodlands Resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a lakeside view. The comfortable lounge boasts an inviting atmosphere with an adjoining game room featuring pool tables and multiple large TVs. With more than 400 upscale retailers, dining destinations and galleries, The Woodlands Town Center offers an endless array of kid-friendly sights and eats. Market Street, Hughes Landing and The Woodlands Mall are just a short complimentary ride from The Woodlands Resort and offer some of the finest restaurants and shopping in the area. Diners can overlook The Woodlands Waterway where you can enjoy kayaking or a Waterway cruise. If you time your visit appropriately, you can be a superstar in your teen’s eyes by surprising them with tickets to see any number of popular musical talents this summer at the nearby Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion — everyone from Twenty One Pilots to Dixie Chicks and 5 Seconds of Summer to Lynyrd Skynyrd will be performing live. With room packages to suit any occasion, The Woodlands Resort makes vacationing this summer easy, affordable and most of all, fun. Summer vacation is closer than you think. To plan your getaway today, visit woodlandsresort.com or call 866-882-9996. l

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Rachel

Roshan

Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Kelli Durham

A beautiful bride on her special day. • The happy couple steal a kiss under the veil.

even years after meeting in graduate school, Rachel Callahan and Roshan Gummattira finally began dating. Eventually their long-distance relationship led to two lovely wedding ceremonies, each with a different cultural theme. Rachel attended Lamar High School in Houston, earned a BBA in marketing at the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from University of Texas-Austin. She’s an investment advisor at Callahan Advisors. Roshan attended Taylor High School in Katy, earned a BS in chemical engineering and a master’s in electrical engineering at Rice University and an MBA from University Texas-Austin. He is managing director of Gulfstar Group. The couple enjoyed spectacular wedding celebrations at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston, and the ballroom of the Omni Hotel.

In the Beginning In 2006 Rachel and Roshan first noticed each other in the same MBA class at UT-Austin. They remained friends after graduation and talked on the phone, occasionally bumping into each other at weddings, football games and holidays in Houston.

Courtship Their friendship grew into a long-distance romance. Rachel lived in Dallas and Roshan lived in San Francisco. Both were ultimately drawn back to their Houston roots, with Rachel relocating in 2013, joined by Roshan in 2014 (he is a No. 1 fan of the city of Houston.) He soon knew that he wanted to marry Rachel.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

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The Catholic Ceremony

Proposal Roshan suggested a pre-Valentine’s weekend trip on Feb. 6 to Austin — the city where they first met. He made reservations at the Hotel Ella and treated Rachel to a huge bouquet of roses and a bottle of champagne. She had no clue that he planned to propose and was caught off guard when he popped the question on the balcony! They quickly called their families to announce their engagement, and everyone acted surprised at the news. Little did Rachel know that everyone was in on the proposal, and the next morning she walked into the Four Seasons-Austin for brunch and spotted all their family members waiting at the table!

Engagement A stunning view of the nuptials. • The bride with her flower girl. • The groom relaxes with the guys. • Bridesmaids watch as the bride finalizes her outfit.

Over the next eight months, the couple planned their wedding. Rachel’s brother proposed to his girlfriend, leading to joint wedding excursions, bridal shows and dress shopping in Dallas. The incredibly busy year included double engagement parties, wedding showers and bachelor and bachelorette parties. Rachel and her mother also worked on wedding projects together. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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The Hindu Wedding The groom’s mother and father are from southern India, and the whole Gummattira family was essential in recreating traditional wedding elements. The Kodava ceremony started early Friday morning at Safari Texas Ranch, followed by a celebratory lunch and dancing. The groom’s family had shopped for wedding attire in India, including a beautiful red and gold sari for the bride and jewel-toned saris for the bridesmaids. Family members also wore saris as well as the traditional men’s Kodava dress, reflecting a military tradition. Cherished rites such as Baale Birud, Ganapathy Puja, Dampathi Muurtha and Ganga Puja were incorporated in the ceremony. Since another full wedding awaited the next day, the rehearsal dinner was skipped. Instead, out-of-town guests experienced a Texas fajita party at Wild West.

The Catholic Wedding The bride envisioned classic and timeless elegance, as though the elements of her wedding would look like they were still in style 50 years in the future. The full Catholic mass featured a cantor, organist and trumpeter. As the bride and her father walked to Trumpet Voluntary, she smiled at her groom as a beam of light shone down on him at the altar. Attire: The Carolina Herrera droppedwaist ball gown was made from a silk Mikado with a jewel-embroidered mesh illusion neckline and a tailored pleated skirt. The bride carried an embroidered handkerchief in one of the pockets. She wore a satin-edged, cathedral length veil and Kate Spade shoes with ivory bows and sparkly heels. “Something old” was her Mother’s pearl earrings, “something new” was her dress and veil, “something borrowed” was a family heirloom tiara that would transform into a necklace for the reception after-party. “Something blue” was a handkerchief with blue embroidery. Bridesmaids wore Bill Levkoff navy long chiffon gowns with a pleated sweetheart neckline, sheer cap sleeves, key-hole back with bow and A-line skirt. The groom and groomsmen wore black tuxedos with ivory vests and bowties. Wedding Party: Father Alvin A. Sinasac officiated as parents of the bride, Thomas and Francis Callahan, and parents of the groom, Kaveriappa and Pushpa

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

The wedding party shares the joy of the big day. • The bride wore pretty peep toe bridal shoes and carried a bouquet that contained callas. • The bride gave her beloved customized gold cufflinks. • The bride’s tiara converts into a necklace. • Proud parents wish their children well.

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Beautiful floral arrangements adorned the head table. • The glorious wedding cake had five tiers. • Special florals adorned the bride and groom’s chairs. • A romantic first dance • A groom’s cake with flags showing where guests live. • Family and friends joined the band on stage. • Guests danced the night away.

Gummattira, watched their children exchange vows in a double-ring ceremony. The bride’s sister, Sarah Callahan, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included the bride’s cousin Kathleen Ackerman, sisterin-law Malori Callahan, the groom’s sister Rashna Gummattira, and friends of the bride Kathleen Harken, Virginia Russell and Suzanne Winters. Teresa Schmidt, cousin of the bride, was flower girl. Daniel Arizpe served as best man. Groomsmen included brother of the groom

Thomas Callahan Jr. and friends Kenneth Brunette, Jamie Kerr, Paul Megler, Jonathan Sarley and James Rapp. Floral and Décor: The church was decorated with two arrangements of white lilies on either side of the altar. The bride carried a bouquet of white calla lilies and freesia. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of calla lilies, freesia, anemones, Queen Anne’s lace and peonies. Top wedding moments: The couple sat next to Father Al during the ceremony and

looked out at the smiling faces of the audience. Father Al gave a wonderful homily and incorporated elements of the Hindu ceremony from the day before, which he had attended in full Indian attire. The bride and groom received a round of applause after exchanging rings and kissing. It was pouring rain after the ceremony, but the wedding party piled into a bus and drove to the groom’s alma mater, Rice University, for photos under a beautiful covered archway while holding umbrellas. The

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The Hindu Ceremony

skylight in the bus started leaking and rain flowed in until the groomsmen fixed it with towels and T-shirts. They made a quick pit stop at Chick-Fil-A and received stuffed cows as a parting gift.

The Reception A “tailgate party” for guests filled the gap between the ceremony and reception in the Palm Court of the Omni. Televised football games, sliders, hot dogs, candy bars and a popcorn machine entertained guests. High tea was also served at 4 p.m. with a wide selection of crumpets. Floral and Décor: Guests received welcome bags with an “R & R” sticker as they checked into the hotel. Each contained snacks, Dr Pepper, a note from the bride and groom, and two different types of tissue paper (one with shamrocks representing Notre Dame, and one with owls representing Rice). Guests were also treated to toffee favors from Lambrecht Gourmet Toffee in Little Rock, Arkansas.

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

The couple wore traditional Indian wedding attire. • The stage is set for the nuptials. • The groomsmen await the groom’s arrival. • The bride wore red and black bangles and traditional gold jewelry • Traditional Indian appetizers were served in martini glasses. • The Hindu ceremony would not be complete without Ganesha overseeing the ritual • Cousins dance in anticipation of the groom’s arrival.

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Upcoming JUNE

F Home Improvements F Surfaces: Floors, Countertops & More F Real Estate & Development F Professional Resources (Finance, Law & Insurance) The bride and groom sit as the Hindu wedding rituals are performed.

A slide show of the couple’s childhoods and a guest book set amidst many family engagement and wedding photos were displayed in ballroom, which was transformed into a tropical paradise with 33 tables displaying unique arrangements. Orchids hung from the bride’s and groom’s chairs and the room was awash in special lighting. Gold chargers sat on tablecloths of eggshell Waldorf damask. The head table was covered in an ivory Italian crush cloth. Cake tables and high boys were covered in champagne sequin cloths. Guests sat on gold Chiavari chairs with ivory cushions. Several bars were set up throughout the room and a GoPro camera was attached to a champagne bottle so that guests could stop and leave a message. The Cakes: Five round and hexagonal tiers were iced in white buttercream with gold “pearls” covering the top layer and dripping down the side, with a few shamrocks tucked in. For the pre-reception cocktail hour, guests stopped at the groom’s cake table to pick up escort cards containing a glittery toothpick flag emblazoned with their name. They placed their toothpick flags in the cake (decorated with the State of Texas), and by the end of the cocktail hour the groom’s cake was full of flags from all over the world.

Top Reception Moments: The best man toasted “Two Aces who should never be split.” The groom, a blackjack player, got a kick out of that. Guests were treated to prime rib, paella, an entire buffet of Indian food and campechana served in martini glasses. The bride slipped into her pink “wedding” Toms and waltzed with her groom to Anne Murray’s Could I Have This Dance? Father and daughter waltzed to When Irish Eyes are Smiling. Then the band invited fathers and daughters onto the floor, including the groom’s father and sister, for a rendition of James Taylor’s How Sweet It Is. Guests danced to Frank Sinatra and modern pop. Children, the bridesmaids and the bride were invited up on stage and band members went out on the dance floor. By the end of the night, they were playing music and dancing on the tables!

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The Exit Guests threw orchids during the grand exit, and the couple went upstairs to change clothes for the after-party. They took the elevator back down to the lobby expecting that most guests would have left, but everyone was having a lot of fun, and the party eventually moved to the bar.

The Honeymoon The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon that included flights to Fiji and New Zealand before returning home to work and live in Houston. l

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(L-R): Reginald Lillie, Gail Schubot and Keith Barber.

‹Schubot Honored for 10 Years of Service at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Board of Trustees Gail Schubot, immediate past vice chair and trustee of the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Board of Trustees, was honored for her years of dedicated service at a reception on March 24 held at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Reginald Lillie, chair of the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Board of Trustees and Keith Barber, CEO of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and senior vice president, Houston Methodist presented Schubot with a plaque in honor and expressed their appreciation for her commitment to serving the community.

Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Perry Homes and Village Builders will add new luxury homes in Grand Central Park’s West Village at the northwest corner of the master-planned community where residents will enjoy immediate access to Loop 336 and I-45. The first sections of new homes also are all within a five-minute walk to magnificent, natural settings of parks and open space. Model homes by each Grand Central Park homebuilder will open later this year. Darling Homes, the first new homebuilder to sign on at Grand Central Park, will bring its Signature Patio Collection to the community where new home buyers can chose floor plans from 2,400 – 2,900 square feet featuring open-concept designs with uniquely crafted architectural features, spacious living areas, private master suites and expansive covered porches.

Drees Custom Homes, the nation’s seventhlargest private new home builder, will present a collection of luxury, villa-style homes featuring gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites and designer touches. Village Builders will offer its stylish, featurerich Vintage Villas Collection while Coventry Homes will present spacious, luxury townhomes featuring its Built Around You program where buyers can further customize their new home to meet their specific needs.

‹New Kiddie Academy Breaks Ground Local business owners Caroline and Mark Mascarenhas were joined by family, friends and Deacon Lupe Trevino of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church to celebrate the groundbreaking of Kiddie Academy of Longenbaugh-Cypress, coming soon to the Cypress area.

Executives from The Howard Hughes Corporation and construction team members welcomed CVS/pharmacy at an official ribbon cutting ceremony at Lakeland Village Center in Bridgeland.

‹New Tenants in Lakeland Village Center in Bridgeland Drees Custom Homes, one of Grand Central Park's new home builders, will offer a collection of luxury, villa-style homes featuring gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites and designer touches.

‹Builders Announced for Conroe's Grand Central Park With many of its roads and thoroughfares now complete, Conroe’s Grand Central Park has entered its next phase by announcing its collection of homebuilders offering traditional, single-family homes, lifestyle townhomes and patio homes on 350 wooded sites. Coventry Homes, Darling Homes, David

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Executives from The Howard Hughes Corporation recently announced the addition of five new tenants at Lakeland Village Center in Bridgeland, an award-winning master planned community in Cypress. Active Life Dentistry, Bridgeland Homeowners Association (HOA), Marble Slab Creamery, Nails of America and RE/MAX Professional Group are the new retail tenants at Lakeland Village Center. They joined the recently opened CVS/pharmacy, the anchor retailer. Cypress-based Active Life Dentistry has leased 2,920 square feet to open its fifth office with dental services ranging from general dentistry to highly advanced cosmetic dentistry. The Bridgeland HOA has leased 2,559 square feet for the organization to serve residents of Bridgeland. A 1,127-square-foot Marble Slab Creamery, specializing in ice cream and a variety of desserts, has also been announced for the center. NOA Houston 10, LLC has leased a 3,567square-foot site for Nails of America, a full-service salon which offers manicures, pedicures and waxing. There are 15 Nails of America locations throughout Houston including eight sites in The Woodlands. RE/MAX Professional Group will open a 2,985-square-foot real estate office. Retailers are expected to begin opening in mid-summer 2016. Learn more at Bridgeland.com.

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local delphian chapteRs eXploRe memoRial paRK conseRVancy masteR plan Members of two Northwest chapters of the Houston Assembly of Delphians were introduced to the recent Master Plan for Memorial Park on March 23. Conservation director Nicholas Butler provided a comprehensive and congenial history of the park, introducing the group to its largely unknown usage for training of soldiers during WW I â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thus the name Memorial Park. Butler presented large aerial photographs taken of Memorial Park, military Camp Logan, pre-drought tree canopy, post-drought canopy and the Master Plan in progress, and discussed the usage of this park, twice the size of Central Park in New York. He then guided the group's precinct bus through the park, pointing out the areas of change in progress, the 30 miles of hiking trails, and many of the young native trees recently planted. Delphian chapters meet all over greater Houston, providing ongoing learning for women through bimonthly seminars (such as the current seminar on Memorial Park), and dedicating themselves to providing scholarships for deserving students at the University of Houston and U of H/Downtown. For more information, visit delphianhouston.org. cy-hope names new BoaRd memBeRs Cy-Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing hope to kids who are economically, relationally, or spiritually disadvantaged in Cy-Fair, has named its new board members. Joining the Cy-Hope Board of Directors are Rev. Mark Klein of Klein Funeral Homes, and Benny Agosto Jr., a partner with Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend of Houston. Agosto frequently speaks to students on the importance of jury service and the Constitution of the United States. Also joining the board is Scott Vrana of Consolidated Mills, a food contract packing company. Vrana is active in the Cypress Chamber of Commerce, as well as Cy-Fair ISD. Keith Barber, CEO of Methodist Hospital Willowbrook, also joins Cy-Hope with over 16 years in hospital administration. Joining the Advisory Board are Kenny Baldwin, the founder of Spring Spirit Baseball, and Linda Creswell, Human Resources Director for Cy-Fair Medical Center. Cy-Hope serves as a catalyst to bring needs and solutions together, bringing hope to at-risk children so they will grow into edu-

(L-R): Conservation Director Nicholas Butler shares the history of Memorial Park with Delphian members Dixie Matthews, Mary Ann Dendor, Susan Bell and Betty Little.

cated and productive citizens. Cy-Hope strives to rally the entire community together including businesses, education, churches,

civic organizations, hospitals, and individual volunteers to advance the goal of making life better for kids in Cy-Fair.

(L-R): Dick White, Kenny Scianna, Vicki Scianna, Marie Maxwell, Kathi Schmidt (Executive Director),Jack Duran, David Beck, George Parker and Lauren Black.

Reach Unlimited Begins a new season of gRowth During the beautiful spring-like afternoon of Feb. 26, representatives of Reach Unlimited put shovels to the dirt to break ground on Part One of the greatly anticipated expansion to Reach Unlimited Learning Activity Center. Part One will include a teaching greenhouse, enabling Reach clients to participate in another opportunity to learn job skills. In addition, Part One will include a sports field for Special Olympics events and create more parking for the growing complex. The much-needed addition will add 49,000 square feet to the existing center. Now serving over 300 clients a week, Reach will be able to increase enrollment. For over 30 years, Reach Unlimited has provided excellent services for intellectually and developmentally disabled folks in the northwest Houston area. Through 22 Family Group Homes located from Spring Branch to Tomball and in the Reach Learning Activity Center, clients are encouraged and inspired to live to their full potential. Reach continues to rely on the support of individuals, families, organizations and the community as they begin this new season of growth. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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Dr. Mark Henry (left) superintendent of schools; and Darcy Mingoia (right) CFISD Board of Trustees president, present a check worth $52,250 to Adrian Dominguez, chair of the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.

Fair Medical Partners, Edgenuity, El Pollo Loco of Copperfield, GameTime Playgrounds, Green Mountain Energy Company, Knapp Chevrolet, Members Choice Credit Union, NextCare Urgent Care, Page, Raising Cane’s and Sport Clips. In-kind sponsors: Lone Star College-CyFair and Bull Shirts. Food trucks on-site were Berry Ices, Custom Confections, Kona Ice, PDQ, Purfekcatch and Skye Café.

Live-action superheroes helped bring the “Superheroes for Kids” theme of the Superintendent’s Fun Run to life.

sUpeRintendent’s fUn RUn Raises oVeR $52,000 foR cfef Approximately 5,000 community members converged on the Berry Center and Towne Lake on Feb. 27 for the third annual Superintendent’s Fun Run, a fundraiser that is expected to generate more than $52,000 for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF). With the theme “Superheroes for Kids,” the fun run featured participants wearing superhero attire to illustrate the life-changing work of the CFEF and educators throughout Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. The event featured a 5K, a 1-mile run and a family walk that took place in and around Towne Lake and Lone Star College-CyFair. Vendor booths, food trucks, bounce houses, pictures with superheroes, a rock wall and a toddler dash made the day special for the whole family. The six-piece progressive country band “Sawdust Road” provided the musical entertainment. “The community and our employees are incredible,” said Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools. “They show up for a good cause. This event is going to provide a lot of additional scholarships for the CFEF. And

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

three years in a row we’ve had good weather, so we’re doing something right. “When we started this, it wasn’t a goal of ours to ask local businesses and vendors to do anything, but they came to us and said they wanted to be a part of it,” Dr. Henry added. “We’re glad they did because it just makes it an even better event. The primary focus of the fun run is to raise money for scholarships for students who graduate from CFISD. The second is to bring the community together and have a ‘small-town event’ where we get to know each other better. I think it was a success.” The fun run was again underwritten by Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, with platinum sponsor North Cypress Medical Center.The following additional sponsors helped make the event possible: Gold sponsors: Community Impact Newspaper, First Choice Emergency Room, Memorial Hermann Cypress and Towne Lake, A Caldwell Community. Silver sponsors: Bridgeland, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, Cypress Creek Lakes and Woodforest National Bank. Bronze sponsors: Avanti Senior Living, Cy-

(L-R): Jill Burtner, Nina Belk and Donna Rubli wore vintage finery to the fundraising luncheon.

cwjf and canceR fighteRs of hoUston “petticoats and paRasols” fUndRaiseR It was a winning day in the fight for funding cancer research and the volunteers of Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum (CWJF). Cancer Fighters of Houston’s annual fundraising luncheon was held at the Houston Racquet Club and featured the CWJF vintage style show “Petticoats and Parasols” highlighting women’s fashion and American history. The performance provided an entertaining and informative program for Cancer Fighter members. This CWJF Community Outreach program is available to community groups and can be scheduled by calling 281-379-1391. Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum is a nonprofit assistance organization and recognized chapter of Junior Forum, Inc. This growing women’s group is dedicated to providing volunteer services to the communities in North Harris and South Montgomery counties. For more information on joining or donating to CWJF, visit cwjuniorforum.org.

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Hopper Middle School eighth-grade student Khalia Gillette’s Sharpie and watercolor design earned her first place in the 2016 River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash T-shirt Art Contest. Gillette’s design will be featured on the front of the t-shirts given to thousands of volunteers participating in the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas each spring.

HoppeR MS STuDeNTS Sweep TRASH BASH T-SHiRT ART CoNTeST Students from Hopper Middle School swept the top three honors in the 2016 River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash T-shirt Art Contest, founded by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The contest, held for the past three years, allows students in grades 1-8 to submit a design illustrating the effects of litter on area waterways. The first place winner’s design is featured on the front of the t-shirts given to thousands of volunteers participating in the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas each spring. The following Hopper eighth-grade students placed in the contest: Khalia Gillette used Sharpies and watercolors to create her first-place bayou cleanup scene; Alessandra Garcia

Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash T-shirt Art Contest,” said Dawn LaGrou, Hopper art teacher. “All three of the artists have been a part of the art program at Hopper for three years. They are currently in our Art 1 program and continue to amaze me with their skills and dedication to their talents. Khaila, Alessandra and Zachary are definitely three reasons I enjoy work each and every day.” Founded in 1994 by the HGAC and TCEQ with seven sites and 3,000 volunteers, Trash Bash has grown to 15 sites across the Galveston Bay Watershed with an average of 4,500 volunteers annually. Since 1994, more than 98,000 volunteers have collected nearly 2,100 tons of trash and more than 9,600 tires while cleaning more

Hopper eighth-grade student Alessandra Garcia used colored pencils to create her second-place lake cleanup scene in the River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash T-shirt Art Contest.

used colored pencils to create her secondplace lake cleanup scene; and Zachary Roshong used colored pencils to create his third-place river cleanup scene. The Hopper students will receive cash prizes, framed artwork and a certificate. All

Hopper eighth-grade student Zachary Roshong used colored pencils to create his third-place river cleanup scene.

winning students were honored at the White Oak Bayou Upper Trash Bash site, Bang Elementary School (8900 Rio Grande Dr.) on April 2. “I am extremely honored to be the teacher of three art students who are proudly representing Hopper Middle School in the 2016 River, Lakes,

than 1,100 miles of shoreline. In 2015, 4,384 volunteers, half under the age of 18, cleaned 162 miles of shoreline, collected 37.4 tons of trash and recycled 1.3 tons of collected materials at the 15 cleanup sites. For more information, visit TrashBash.org.

Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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(L-R): Emme Enojado, co-editor-in-chief; Audrey Gray, culture editor; Columbia Scholastic Press Association executive director Edmund J. Sullivan; Julia Ryza, co-editor-in-chief; and John Sanchez, managing editor. Elizabeth Cook

CooK HoNoReD AS AN ouTSTANDiNG SeNioR AT uNiVeRSiTy oF ALABAMA - The University of (L-R): Angela Attia, Hunter Woods, Brianna Baiza and Sabrina Sommer.

Cy-FAiR NewSpApeR wiNS SiLVeR CRowN AwARD AT CSpA CoNVeNTioN Cy-Fair High School journalism students won two awards for their student- produced publications, one of which was recognized at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Scholastic Convention, held March 16-18 at Columbia University in New York City. Cy-Fair’s 2014-2015 student newspaper, The Reporter, won the Silver Crown award, which current editors and returning members accepted at the recognition ceremony. Presented to only 20 percent of entrants, the Crown Awards are the highest recognition given by the CSPA to a student print or digital medium for overall excellence. The Reporter was one of 14 schools nationwide to receive the Silver News Print Crown. “It was such an honor for my students to be among the 20 percent who receive this prestigious award nationwide,” said Lillian Harris, Cy-Fair publications adviser. “Attending the awards ceremony at Columbia University and hearing the Cy-Fair High School student newspaper, The Reporter, announced in New York City for the Silver Crown was absolutely incredible.” Prior to the CSPA convention, the 2014-2015 Cy-Fair yearbook, The Bobcat, won the Gold Medalist Certificate. Medalist critiques contain standards developed by CSPA to offer specific instruction on how to improve student work, and The Bobcat earned the top distinction. Cy-Fair students also won individual CSPA Gold Circle awards for their work on the 2014-2015 Reporter: Graduate Natalie Berry won second place in the Single News or Feature Package, Double-truck or Special Section Design category; the Reporter staff won third place in the Typography: Overall look of the entire paper category; and junior wafa Kazmi won a considerable mention award in the Entertainment reviews category for “Mosquitoland.”

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

Alabama National Alumni Association honored Houston resident elizabeth Cook as a 2016 Outstanding Senior during an April 16 alumni luncheon held on the University campus. She is one of 11 out of approximately 4,400 graduating seniors to receive the honor. The award recognizes students in the senior class who have excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, shown strength of character and maturity and demonstrated exceptional hospitality towards guests and friends of the University. Nominations are accepted from student organizations, deans, department heads, University administrators, alumni, faculty and friends. Honorees are chosen by a selection committee of the National Alumni Association. Cook is a 2012 honor graduate of Cypress Creek High School in Cy-Fair ISD. She will graduate from The University of Alabama in May with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She has already accepted a position with ExxonMobil in The Woodlands. In college, Cook has been active in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, where she led a successful bid to host a regional student chapter conference, and the Society of Women Engineers. She also conducted undergraduate research, assisting in the formation of spherical magnetic nanoparticles and developing a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, Cook has served as a mentor, tutor and volunteer for both campus and community organizations.

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SMiTH MS STuDeNT’S ART wiNS SeCoND pLACe iN CiTywiDe CoMpeTiTioN Smith Middle School seventh-grade student Christen Lee won second place in the Bayou City Art Festival (BCAF) Art in the Middle Middle School Art Competition. Lee’s artwork, The Hideout, was chosen by 30 finalists by a panel of judges as the runner-up in the contest, which received more than 300 total submissions from 15 school districts. All 30 finalists’ artwork will be displayed at the BCAF in Memorial Park, April 29-May 1. Lee will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the festival on May 1 at 1 p.m. “Christen is such a talented artist,” said Smith art teacher Savannah Hyams. “I was more than ecstatic when she was chosen as a finalist and won second place in the contest.” For more information and to see Lee’s artwork, visit artcolonyassociation.org/ middle-school-art-competition-1/.

STuDeNTS BeAuTiFy CFiSD CAMpuSeS oVeR SpRiNG BReAK - The Cypress campus of Second Baptist Church continued its support for CFISD schools by conducting campus beautification projects at CFISD schools throughout spring break. The church, which reached out to five CFISD campuses in 2015, partnered with local Home Depot and Lowe’s stores to give back to four elementary schools from March 14-17. More than 20 students from the Second Baptist Church (SBC)–Cypress youth group kicked off the effort at Duryea Elementary, then continued each day at Sheridan, Horne and Hemmenway elementary schools, respectively. The students trimmed trees and hedges, weeded and mulched beds, planted shrubs and flowers and powerwashed sidewalks during the service project. At Hemmenway, they also replaced nets on soccer goals and donated outdoor trash cans. “We had a lot of students last year who wanted to be a part of it and got their hands dirty. We had tons of teachers and administrators tell us how appreciative they were of the way the schools looked,” said Drew Clayton, SBC-Cypress junior high pastor. “When we were looking around this year, we spotted several schools that we thought we could improve. CFISD has treated us excellently over the years and we wanted to keep the relationship going.” Several of the workers were CFISD students

Smith Middle School seventh-grade student Christen Lee’s artwork, The Hideout, won the second-place award in the Bayou City Art Festival Art in the Middle contest.

who experienced a reward from giving back to fellow students in the district. “It’s pretty cool because one of the schools we [worked at] is Horne, and that’s a school that most of my friends went to,” said Aaron Xu, Cypress Falls HS sophomore. “This work can benefit future people that might be taking my place. It’s my community, so I can see the actual result.” Local businesses lent support to the project. The Lowe’s Katy store on I-10 donated two pallets of mulch, while the Home Depot stores in Katy, Copperfield and Cypress donated three pallets of mulch (one from each store). “We are grateful for community partners like Lowe’s, Home Depot and of course Second Baptist Church–Cypress, whose hard work and contributions will ensure that thousands of students and staff have beautiful campuses to return to,” said Leslie Francis, director of marketing and business relations. Aragon Middle School eighth-grader Tate

Students finish off the landscaping around a newly planted shrub at Horne Elementary School.

Grant said the satisfaction comes from helping other students. “I hope these kids that go to these schools come back and see that their schools look better than when they left,” Grant said. “It’s not for me; it’s for them.” Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

Siobhan PhotograPhy

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(L-R): Sarah Carlat, Laura Palmer, Coach Donna Benotti, Kathryn Palmer and Esha Dewan.

Cy-FAiR GiRLS CApTuRe 17-6A GoLF CHAMpioNSHip - The Cy-Fair High School girls’ golf team completed a Bobcat sweep of district titles with a two-round score of 648 (335-313) at the District 17-6A Golf Tournament, held April 4-5 at Cypress Lakes Golf Club. The Bobcats qualified for the Region III-6A Golf Tournament, set for April 11-12 at Eagle Pointe Golf Club (12450 Eagle Point Drive) in Mont Belvieu. The golfers who comprised the total were Grace Ni (78-75—153), Sarah Carlat (84-76—160), Laura palmer (8577—162), Kathryn palmer (88-85—173) and esha Dewan (91-86—177). “I was so impressed with the team’s successful scores. We had three golfers produce their best scores during the district tournament,” said Donna Benotti, Cy-Fair head golf coach. “They were under great pressure at district to produce the best scores; what more could a coach ask for? This is a great group of girls, and as always we have had an absolute blast this season. This team has captured my heart and worked really hard to accomplish our team goals. I am super proud of them.” Cypress Woods High School was the runner-up with a two-round score of 669 (340329) to also qualify for the regional tournament. Wildcat golfers were Gurleen Kaur (69-73—142), Allie Nutt (91-86—177), Kaley Martin (83-86—163), Reese winn (97-87—184) and Jordyn Hudson (10494—198). Kaur’s score was the best individual score of the tournament by an 11-stroke margin. The two individual medalists who

| Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016

also qualified for regionals are Nikita patel, Cypress Ridge High School (93-81—174); and Kelly Swanson, Cypress Creek High School (91-86—177).

Cypress Lakes High School student Julie Jeukeng won first place in the Poetry Interpretation competition of the Texas Forensic Association State Championship.

Cy LAKeS’ FiRST-pLACe AwARD HiGHLiGHTS TFA STATe CHAMpioNSHip - CFISD students had a strong showing at the Texas Forensic Association State Championship for speech and debate, including a first-place finish by Cypress Lakes High School. About 220 Texas private and public schools of all sizes, from 1A to 6A, were represented at the tournament, held in Austin March 10-12. Students participated in preliminary rounds of competition in a variety of speech and debate events in front of judges who evaluated their performances for both

content and style. Those with the most successful results moved forward to elimination, advancing to be among the best of the best in Texas. Cypress Lakes senior Julie Jeukeng beat out the competition to be named the 2016 Texas state champion in Poetry Interpretation and earned a $500 college scholarship for her accomplishment. Jeukeng performed a selection of poems about the experiences of being an African immigrant. Her speech and debate coach, Miranda McDonald, said the piece had personal significance for Jeukeng, who moved to the U.S. from Cameroon, Africa, when she was 8 years old. Jeukeng said: “I have a strong connection to it because it is similar to my story. When I first came to America, I dealt with the shock of not only such a different culture but also discrimination. I was able to overcome these struggles.” About her experience at the state tournament, she added, “Meeting new people, creating unforgettable memories, winning a grand prize for the first time and making my team proud are some things I will remember for the rest of my life.” Cy-Fair senior Cameron McConway also placed third in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Jersey Village senior Hannah wisterman was a finalist in Original Oration, placing sixth. Students in Lincoln-Douglas Debate were asked to discuss whether or not the United States should promote democracy in the Middle East. McConway, who is coached by debate teacher perry Beard, had to research and prepare both the pro and con sides of the issue. She was the only public school student in Texas to reach the semifinals of this event as the other competitors advancing to this level were all from private schools. In Original Oration, students presented a memorized 10-minute motivational speech on a topic of their choice. Wisterman’s speech addressed the problem of emotional invalidation, which her debate teacher Regina Jennings explained is when people’s feelings are not accepted for what they are but instead judged, ignored and rejected. Students earned qualification to this tournament by accumulating points for their successes at local meets from September through February. Due to its rigorous qualification process, the Texas state championship is recognized as one of the most difficult in the country for speech and debate, said Stacy Thomas, CFISD humanities curriculum coach. CFISD had 59 students from eight high schools earn qualification.

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The Pope fourthgrade team performs a scene for the video shown to students at a STAAR pep rally.

SCHooLS CReATe MuSiC ViDeoS To MoTiVATe STuDeNTS FoR STAAR - Staff members at three CFISD elementary schools have created humorous music videos to help motivate and encourage their students for the 2016 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests, which began on March 29. Staff at Ault Elementary School, whose “Let It Go” STAAR parody video from 2014 generated more than 250,000 views, released their third straight video this year, a parody of Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” called “Test Skills.” “We were brainstorming a possible song to use and I was in the car listening to Kidz Bop radio,” said Meredith Akers, Ault assistant principal. “A commercial came on with ‘Bad Blood,’ and it started, ‘You know we got prob-

Cypress Woods High School junior Judy Labib’s photograph, Tok Tok, earned a Gold Key Medal in the national Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Cy wooDS STuDeNT’S pHoToGRApH eARNS NATioNAL SCHoLASTiC GoLD Key - Cypress Woods High School junior Judy Labib is one of 50 Harris County students to win a national Scholastic Art & Writing medal, announced by

lems, We know how to solve them,’ and I said, ‘Hey, this could be good.’ ” A few staffers penned STAAR-themed lyrics, and Akers recorded the vocals the week before spring break. The administrative team recorded the choreography and lip syncing on March 10, and Akers edited the video over spring break. Rennell Elementary School created its first STAAR video in 2016, a parody of Adele’s hit single “Hello” called “Hello STAAR.” Teacher Sherry Johnson wrote the lyrics, and music teacher Kristi Shepherd recorded the footage. The vocals were recorded by Shannon perry, a former counselor at Reed Elementary School and

current recording artist. Shepherd’s husband, paul, edited the video, which featured all Rennell staff. The fourth-grade team at Pope Elementary School created a STAAR video for the second straight year, blending both “Hello” and Silentó’s “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” in a video called “Watch Me.” Fourth-grade teachers Ashley Borak, Jennifer Lopez, Brandy Breaux, ericka Good, Brandi Rios, Marci Glasson, Jennifer Valladares, Courtney Bennett and Stephanie Tippit collaborated on the recording, and music teacher elaine waier edited the vocals and video together for the final product.

the New York Nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers on March 14. Labib’s Photography entry, Tok Tok, earned a Scholastic Gold Key Medal. Gold Key Medalists are invited to a ceremony in New York City’s Carnegie Hall on June 2 with appearances from award-winning filmmaker and commentarian Ken Burns, along with other surprise celebrities. Labib had advanced from a regional competition sponsored by Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), after which her work was exhibited at art exhibits and celebrations in Houston. “Being selected for such a high honor means that I am part of a legacy that many young artists have cherished,” Labib said. “Receiving the award has boosted my confidence in my artwork and has revealed to me

that with hard work comes merit.” Area teens including Labib competed among 320,000 art and writing entries across 29 different categories. Through the 2016 Awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarships. Past winners include Robert Redford, Andy warhol, Truman Capote, John Lithgow, Joyce Carol oates and Sylvia plath. “We’re extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our teens and their teachers,” said Andrea Segraves, HCDE coordinator for Scholastic and director for the Teaching and Learning Center at HCDE. Work from more than 1,000 students will be exhibited from June 2-12 at several prominent New York galleries. For a complete list of the awards for Harris County teens, visit hcde-texas.org/Scholastic. Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |

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OR ICA L T S I H — BY FRED COLLINS —