NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2021
6Annual th
2021
Tree Lighting {At LaCenterra}
EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
Celebrating the Season It’s that time of year again to celebrate the season with family and friends. And of course, celebrate Katy’s Favs in our annual Readers’ Choice survey! Congratulations to all of our winners. Check them out on page 5 and remember them as you begin your holiday shopping and start sprucing up your home for the season. There’s so much going on in our community, and we hope that you and your family will take advantage of the many family-friendly events that are happening in and around Katy from the YMCA Turkey Dash to The Great Pumpkin Round Up to the Tree Lighting at LaCenterra. There’s absolutely something for everyone to get out and enjoy the season. We are especially thankful for you this holiday season – our advertisers and readers who support us as we share the people, places and happenings in Katy. We wish you all a most blessed holiday season.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6
{COVER STORY}
{Features}
{Newsworthy}
3 ’TIS THE SEASON THE GREAT PUMPKIN ROUND-UP At The George Ranch
4 TREE LIGHTING At LaCenterra
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AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza
I T S U P P O RT A D M I N I S T R AT I V E / S A L E S A S S I S TA N T Kolton W. Kaminski INQUIRIES 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
5 6TH ANNUAL ABSOLUTELY! THE BEST READERS’ CHOICE OF KATY’S FAVORITES
This fall, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their favorites are in Katy in nine different categories: Food, Shopping, Entertainment, Professional Services, Schools, Pets, Healthcare, Auto and Home Improvement. See who won this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and congratulations to all of our winners!
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski
S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore
Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
YMCA Turkey Dash
281.690.4242 www.absolutelykaty.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406
WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza
Absolutely yours,
Vol. 18 No. 6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
4 TEXANA New Center for Advancement
{In Every Issue} 2 EXCLAMATION POINTS!
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242
ON THE COVER:
6Th Annual absolutely! The Katy Readers’ Choice of Katy’s Favorites
Published by
Subscription requests are free to Katy area addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside Katy area. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright © 2021 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
, Tis the Season
YMCA Turkey Dash
A Community Tradition 19th Annual Event to be Held at Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch Providing Fitness, Fun and Holiday Fellowship Safely for the Whole Family The Katy Area YMCA’s will host the 19th annual Turkey Dash presented by Houston Methodist West Hospital on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th. The tradition returns for 2021 with a live race that will run through the Cinco Ranch community as in years passed. There’s something for everyone: a 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Walk/Run, a 1 mile Kids’ Run and also a virtual race option. Live races will start and conclude at Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch. All registered race participants will receive a t-shirt with their race packets, and those completing their live 10k and 5k will receive a finisher’s medal. Youth participating in the live 1 Mile Kids’ Run will receive a kids’ run finisher’s medal. Five thousand participants and more than 1,500 spectators and volunteers are expected to take part in this year’s event. Race day highlights include 10K and 5K awards in age categories, a post race party featuring refreshments, local businesses, games and a Kids Fun Zone. A runners’ costume contest will be held with awards for most creative, best theme and judge’s choice. “The YMCA Turkey Dash is an annual event that brings families and neighbors together in the spirit of community. We are excited to welcome back our participants, YMCA members and neighbors to Monty Ballard YMCA for this tried and true family tradition. The YMCA Staff are working to ensure this year’s event will be fun and safe for all. Our success this year is possible because of the support of our local community, committed partners and local businesses,” said Cindy Jorgensen, District Executive Director of the YMCA. “Knowing that we are all working for the same worthy cause, and helping so many families make memories, makes this event very special.”
In addition to completing a good race, participants have the satisfaction of knowing their race fees go toward a good cause, the YMCA Be The Change Campaign. This annual fundraiser ensures that Katy families have access to Y programs and services regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/ Katy/KatyYMCATurkeyDash, email ymcaturkeydash@ymcahouston.org or call the YMCA at 281-392-5055.
Saturdays this Fall through November 27th The George Ranch is a great place for families to visit anytime of the year, but there’s something very special about the Historical Park when the weather turns a bit cooler and the days feel like fall. This year, that fall feeling will be captured in a totally new way when two semi truckloads of pumpkins, gourds and squash arrive from Floydada, Texas, to create the Great Pumpkin Round Up at the ranch.
Inspired by the seventeen-year tradition at the Dallas Arboretum, local designer Lucas Chavez has created a magical pumpkin display that will take your breath away. Chavez has spent time researching the process with Arboretum experts and pumpkin producers in West Texas to lay out a design surrounding the George Ranch House that includes a western chuck wagon, training carriage, antique plows and much more. The Great Pumpkin Round Up is the perfect place for families and visitors of all ages to take an unforgettable fall photo surrounded by pumpkins that climb structures and cascade to the ground in whimsical designs. The Great Pumpkin Round Up debuted in October during Texian Market Days and will be available for park visitors to enjoy every Saturday this fall through November 27th. The experience requires purchase of a regular admission ticket to the George Ranch Historical Park and includes the added fun of a giant haybale maze and other weekend children’s activities at the Ranch House. Come for the photos and awe and stay for a day of outdoor fun in the Historical Park where families are encouraged to bring a picnic, tour the historic homes and explore what life on the prairie was like decades ago. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch. org. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l
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, Tis the Season
NEWSWORTHY
Texana’s Center for Advancement Imagine having a diagnosis of autism and/or intellectual disabilities and just graduated from high school not knowing what to do next. What if you could take classes in subjects that interest you or get hands-on training? Texana Center’s newest program, the Center for Advancement, is a college-like setting for students with autism and/or intellectual disabilities to explore their strengths, achieve skills and prepare for competitive employment and independence. Located at the Texana Fulshear Campus, the Center for Advancement provides classes and training for teens and adults. Classes include the Social Connections Club, where members learn conversation skills and appropriate boundaries and talk about how to be safe on social media. In the virtual computer classes, students learn skills like photoshop, HTML coding and video editing for a variety of platforms. The newest class is a Culinary Class that touches on kitchen safety, knife skills, how to be a barista, baking 101 and basic food prep. This class is the perfect training to become a Texana Café Intern. The Texana Café is the retail-training center where students can get hands-on training, as well as learn to make and serve exceptional coffee and food and hopes to be open in the new year. For more information, visit www.texanacenter.com or email info@texanacenter.com.
Tree Lighting at LaCenterra
T
he annual Tree Lighting at LaCenterra holiday event is back and presented by Texas Children’s Hospital. Join on Friday, November 19th from 6 to 9 pm to officially usher in the Holiday season with this longtime community favorite. This year, the Tree Lighting festival will encompass multiple new attractions, such as: • PUCCI Café’s Winter Wonderland – A real-life snow experience complete with two XL snow slides. • Multiple community vendors on site, as well as holiday food vendors. • OMG Mobile Gaming truck and interactive activities. • Musical performance by Hybrid 7. • A very festive selfie-station to capture the perfect holiday moment. Per tree lighting tradition, Santa himself will officially light the 51ft Christmas tree in Heritage Square upon his arrival! Though pictures with Santa will not be available during the event this year, you’re encouraged to come back for Storytime with Santa where photo opportunities will be available (more details on this will be announced soon). For more information, visit www.lacenterra.com/events.
Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy FAMILY LAW
Thank you for voting!
Best Attorney/Law Firm
Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney
• Divorce Planning • Divorce (Contested or Uncontested) • Child Custody • Child Support • Complex Property Division • High Net Worth Divorce • Parental Relocations • Post Divorce Modifications • Paternity and Parental Rights • Visitation Rights • Grandparent’s Rights • Pre- and Post- Marital Agreements • Adoptions • Collaborative Law • Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation and arbitration)
Nancy Rommelmann is regularly consulted by local media for her on-air analysis about family law.
Straight Answers • Strategic Thinking • Compassionate • Experienced Memorial City Plaza – Tower Two • 820 Gessner, Suite 1630, Houston, TX 77024 (across from Memorial City Mall) www.attorneynancyrommelmann.com • Call us today at 713-622-3000 for a consultation!
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com
6 thAnnual
Favorite Brunch TIE Eggcellence Café 20950 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77442
FOOD
AND First Watch 23659 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Wine Bar The Cellar Door 829 Mason Rd #280, Katy, TX 77450
2021 This fall, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their favorites are in Katy in nine different categories:
• FOOD • AUTO • HEALTHCARE • ENTERTAINMENT • PET SERVICES • SCHOOLS • SHOPPING • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • HOME IMPROVEMENT And boy, did they come through! With 1,000 votes, readers voiced their opinions on their favorites. Take a look and see who won this year’s absolutely! The Best Readers’ Choice of Katy’s Favorites! Voting for the 2021 absolutely! The Best of Katy Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online at absolutelyKaty.com from August 1 to September 30, 2021. The results were collected and tabulated using crowdsignal.com. In the event of a tie, all winners are listed.
Favorite Grab & Go Meals HEB 6 Locations in Katy Favorite Delivery Uber Eats ubereats.com Favorite Pub No Label Brewing Company 5351 1st St, Katy, TX 77493
Favorite Happy Hour & Martini The Local Bar 22756 Westheimer Pkwy #190 Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Margarita & Mexican Food Lupe Tortilla 703 W Grand Pkwy S Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Steakhouse Anthonie’s Market Grill 9108 FM 1489 Simonton, TX 77476 Favorite Pizza Grimaldi’s Pizzeria 2643 Commercial Center Blvd Suite C390, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Burger Joy Love Burgers 1801 N Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Italian Restaurant Antonia’s Cucina Italiana 2001 Katy Mills Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Favorite BBQ TIE Spring Creek Barbeque 21000 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 AND Rudy’s BBQ 21799 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450
Local foodies spoke up loud and clear voting for their favorite eateries – yum! Favorite Specialty Restaurant Papa Gyros 23255 Kingsland Blvd Katy, Texas 77494 Favorite Frozen Treats Creamistry 24515 Katy Freeway Ste 850 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Bakery TIE Ooh La La Dessert Boutique 23920 Westheimer Pkwy Katy, TX 77494 AND Proud Pie 3522 Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Healthy Eatery Local Table 22756 Westheimer Pkwy Ste 100 Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Food Truck Big Burger World 6078 N Fry Rd Suite C, Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Caterer TIE Spring Creek BBQ 21000 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 AND
Favorite Seafood Babin’s Seafood House 21851 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450
Midway Barbeque 6191 Hwy Blvd #302A Katy, TX 77494
Favorite Coffee Bar Proud Pie 3522 Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450
Favorite Fast Food Chick-Fil-A 6 Locations in Katy
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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy
Comprehensive, compassionate and cutting edge care for women of all phases.
CARE SERVICES HEALTH
Same day appointments! Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
Ann Bertles, MD Board Certified Ob/Gyn
Adolescent Gynecology
Routine and High Risk Obstetrics Wellness Exams & Contraception
Evaluation & Treatment of Pelvic Pain Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms
Preconception & Infertility Counseling Amanda Smith, PA-C
4D Ultrasound in Office
Competitive Cash Pricing
628 South Peek Rd., Katy, TX 77450 832.437.9690 (p) | 832.437.9694 (f) www.myobgynofkaty.com
When it comes to healthcare, check out these Katy’s favorites from doctors to dentists. Favorite Hospital Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital 23900 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Doctor Dr. Ann Bertles 628 South Peek Rd., Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Dentist TIE Dr. Allen Walker – Old Town Katy Dental 1796 Avenue D # A, Katy, TX 77493 AND McKaskle Family Dentistry 1437 FM 1463 #200, Katy, TX 77494
ER AUTO S VICES
Favorite Orthodontist TIE Dr. Ralph Brock - Brock Orthodontics 1437 FM 1463 STE #100, Katy, TX 77494 AND
When it comes to auto services, car enthusiasts aren’t shy about voting for their favorites. Favorite Auto Dealer BMW of West Houston 20822 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Auto Repair Smith’s Auto Repair 5114 E 5th St, Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Auto Services Auto Check – Cinco Ranch 2205 Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450
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Forrest Orthodontics 23922 Cinco Village Center Blvd #250 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Dermatologist & Plastic Surgeon Houston Dermatology & Plastic Surgery 3030 South Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Wellness Progressive Women’s Care 628 South Peek Rd., Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Eye Care Eye Logic Eyecare 9722 Gaston Rd #170, Katy, TX 77494
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com
Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy
It’s a Sweep! Winner All 3 Magazines 3 Years Running
11627 FM 1464 l Richmond l 281.277.7888 l safaritexasballroom.com
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l
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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy Favorite Pet Store Pet Supermarket 1711 Spring Green Boulevard Katy, TX 77494
RTAINMENT ENTE
Favorite Day Care/ Boarding Services Canine Country Club 1440 Katy Gap Rd Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Grooming Rover Oaks Pet Resort 24250 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77494
From theatres to outdoor recreation, readers got serious about voting for their favorite entertainment! Favorite Movie Theatre Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 2707 Commercial Center Blvd Suite K-100, Katy, TX 77494
PET SERVICES
With the holidays around the corner, have your four-legged friends taken care of at Katy’s finest!
Favorite Veterinarian TIE Fulshear Animal Clinic 29810 FM 1093 G Fulshear, TX 77441 AND Cinco Animal Hospital 24210 Westheimer Pkwy #300 Katy, TX 77494
Favorite Live Entertainment Mo’s Place 21940 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Man Cave Growler USA 1443 FM 1463 #100 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Kids’ Entertainment, Sports Recreation & Fitness Gym Katy Gymnastics and Sports Performance 22570 Franz Road Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Country Club The Club at Falcon Point 24503 Falcon Point Dr Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Event Facility Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407
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SCHOOLS
Favorite College/Technical School Houston Community College – Katy Campus 1550 Foxlake Dr Our readers don’t trust their Houston, TX 77084 kids to just anyone. From preschool to college, check out Favorite Private School their favorite child care and TIE educational facilities. Faith West Academy 2225 Porter Rd Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Day Care AND St. Peter’s Early Childhood Mirus Academy Development Center 5561 3rd St 20775 Kingsland Blvd Katy, TX 77493 Katy, TX 77450
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com
Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l
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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy
SHOPPING
’Tis the season to shop ’til you drop! Check out these favorite shopping spots. Favorite Gift Shop Beau Kisses 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard #A130, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Antiques Shop KT Antiques 5614 2nd St, Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Bargain Shopping Once Upon A Child 344 Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Grocery Store H-E-B Texas Grocery 6 Locations in Katy
Favorite Photographer Country Park Portraits 24530 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Developer Johnson Development Corporation 13131 Dairy Ashford, Suite 210 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Custom Home Builder Daybreak Custom Homes 24614 Kingsland Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Real Estate Agent Chris Hiller 22762 Westheimer Parkway, #430 Katy, TX 77450
SSIONAL SERVICES PROFE
Whether it’s building a home or ordering flowers, leave it to these favorite professionals! Favorite Attorney/Law Firm Nancy L. Rommelmann, PLLC 820 Gessner, Suite 1630 Houston, TX 77024
Favorite Bank/Credit Union Brazos Valley Schools Favorite Real Estate Company Credit Union Chris Hiller Team - Keller Williams 25525 Katy Mills Parkway 22762 Westheimer Parkway, #430 Katy, TX 77494 Katy, TX 77450
K D’s
FLORIST & GIFTS 281.391.1132
Favorite Health Food Market Sprouts Farmers Market 23105 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494
Full Service Flower Shop in Olde Towne Katy Serving Katy, West Houston and Surrounding Areas • Weddings • Funerals • Birthdays
Favorite Jewelry Store TIE C J David & Co. 300 Mason Rd #103, Katy, TX 77450
• Special Occasions • Any Occasions
AND Amber’s Designs Fine Jewelry 722 Pin Oak Rd, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Spirits Store Dandy Liquor 25681 Nelson Way #140, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Shoe Store Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse 5000 Katy Mills Cir #201 Katy, TX 77494
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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you to the Katy community for your overwhelming support and recognition!
Order Nationwide and Worldwide Delivery are available.
24/7
kdsfloristandgifts.com • katyfloristandgifts.com 5315 Highway Blvd
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com
Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy Thank you for voting us your 2021 Favorite Real Estate Agent In Katy!
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l
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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy Favorite Heating/Air Conditioning Services Polar Express AC & Heating 2011 Holly Manor Ct, Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Insurance Agency Matt Schomburg – State Farm 814 East Avenue Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Financial Services Ben R. Shull CPA LLC 410 W Grand Pkwy S #385, Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Florist KD’s Florist & Gifts 5315F Highway Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Salon Milano Nails & Spa 1443 FM 1463 #300 Katy, TX 77494
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IMPROVEMENT HOME
Favorite Plumber The Katy Plumbing Company 1704 Avenue D, Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Home Improvement TIE Katy Kitchen & Bath 1002 Airline Dr, Katy, TX 77493
From appliances and flooring to landscaping and design, check out readers’ go-to services for making their homes beautiful. Favorite Appliance Store Home Depot 3 Locations in Katy Favorite Gardening/ Landscaping Company Enchanted Gardens 6420 FM 359 Road, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Pool Services Brite Water Services 1702 Heights Dr, Katy, TX 77493
AND Advanced Handyman & Remodeling Services 5518 5th St, Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Flooring Store Katy Carpets, Etc. 2020 South Fry Road, Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Interior Designer The Design Source 3644 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Carpet Cleaning Service Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc. 2020 South Fry Road, F, Katy, TX 77450
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com
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