December 2023 The Forest Image Magazine

December 2023

Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Huffman and Porter

The Good News From the Forest

Happy Holidays!

Elitekingwood.com | 832-777-6165 | Kingwood Dr @ 59 N.

Table of Contents

7 8 12 14 16

Know the Key Benefits of Roth IRA

by Edward Jones

Positivie Changes Coming to 529 Plans

by Sarah Morrow Rotthier

Sharing Sunday

by Kelly Thomas

Mind Matters: Five Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress

by Christina Maxwell, LPC Associate

A Full Menu of Festive Holiday Flavor

by Family Features

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Twas’ The Night Before Christmas A Holiday To Remember Market

22 26 28

Community Calendar

by East Montgomery County Improvement District December 2023

Handcrafted for the Holidays: DIY Gifts

by Family Features

Twila Carter: Friend to the Kingwood/ Lake Houston Area

by Kelly Thomas

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Houston Methodist The Woodland Hospital Earns National Recognition for Patient Safety

32

Five Tips for Getting Kids Involved in Holiday Traditions

34 35

by Family Features

Advertisers Map

December 2023

Elite Hospital Kingwood has obtained Hospital Accreditation from the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)

VOL 7 Number 12- December 2023 Lodestar Relationship Marketing and Publications, LLC The Forest Image 20665 Old Sorters Road Kingwood, TX 77365 Cell: 281-381-0912 www.forestimage.com PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR Mike Netek EDITOR Layna Netek DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Layna Netek PHOTOGRAPHY Cara Williams CONTENT SUPERVISOR Mike Netek DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY Taylor Netek GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelly Thomas EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTERS Edward Jones Kelly Thomas Sarah Morrow Rotthier Christina Maxwell Family Features EMCID Houston Methodist Hospital Elite Hospital

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AREAS OF PRACTICE: Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Probate & Estate Administration Powers of Attorney Guardianships Real Estate Transactions Business Matters Hubbard & Rotthier can help you with your estate planning needs, whether it is developing a comprehensive plan or simply addressing an immediate need.

Sarah Morrow Rotthier ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

1525 Lakeville Drive, Suite 133 Kingwood, TX 77339 www.hubbardrotthierlaw.com info@hubbardrotthierlaw.com 281-358-7035

Patrick G. Hubbard OF COUNSEL

Cathy Lang PARALEGAL

Positive Changes Coming to 529 Plans If you have children or grandchildren, you are likely familiar with the term “529 plan.” 529 plans are tax-advantaged savings plans authorized by Internal Revenue Code section 529. They are qualified tuition plans sponsored by states, state governmental agencies, or educational institutions. 529 plans have an account holder/saver (most often a parent or grandparent) and a beneficiary/student. The account holder and the beneficiary are typically different but can be the same person.

If you have questions about these plans and their benefits, risks, and investment strategies, I encourage you to do some research and also talk with a financial advisor. This is just one of many ways to help your loved ones plan for the future.

These plans are designed to encourage and facilitate saving for children’s future education costs through tax benefits on the contributions and withdrawals used for qualified higher education and certain other education expenses. There are two types of 529 plans: education savings plans and prepaid tuition plans.

In 2022, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act, which includes the following critical change to 529 accounts. Beginning in 2024, you will be able to rollover unused funds in a 529 account into a Roth IRA account for the same beneficiary without penalty, subject to the following restrictions:

One of the concerns many families have historically had is what happens to these funds if the beneficiary does not go to college or does not use all the funds in their 529 account. Withdrawals from a 529 account that are not used for qualified education expenses are subject to income tax and an additional 10% federal tax penalty on earnings. Because of this penalty, many people have (rightly) limited contributions to such 529 plans for fear of overfunding them.

If you are thinking about investing in a 529 plan for one of your loved ones, Texas offers three tax-advantaged 529 plans: the Texas College Savings Plan® (TCSP) and the LoneStar 529 Plan® (LS529), both college savings plans, and the Texas Tuition Promise Fund® (TTPF), a prepaid tuition plan; however, it is important to know that you can also select a plan from most other states (with a few exceptions).

What is Changing?

- the total lifetime maximum amount that can be rolled over from a 529 account into a beneficiary’s Roth IRA is $35,000; - Annual Roth IRA contribution limits apply, meaning you may have to make transfers over a range of years; - the 529 account has to have been open for at least 15 years prior to the rollover; and - the funds you rollover must have been in the account for at least 5 years to be eligible for the tax-free transfer.

The information provided in this article is general and not designed or intended to be exhaustive or case specific, and it should not be considered or used as legal advice. If you have questions regarding this article or other matters, contact Hubbard & Rotthier, Attorneys at Law at 281-358-7035. You can also visit their website at www.hubbardrotthierlaw.com.

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SHARING Sunday St. Martha’s Catholic Church Continues to Spread Joy with their Annual Event

As the holiday season approaches, St. Martha’s Catholic Church is gearing up for its beloved tradition: Sharing Sunday. Each year during the Advent season, the parish comes together in a remarkable display of generosity and community spirit to share their blessings with fellow parishes in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. What started as a vision by Fr. Tinney in the mid-1980s has grown into a cherished tradition that continues to thrive nearly four decades later.

Sharing Sunday, which falls on the weekend of December 9th and 10th this year, is a special opportunity for every St. Martha’s family to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in the community. Through this annual event, we extend a helping hand to local parishes, aiding them in distributing food and gifts to families in need, spanning across all age groups from children to adults and senior citizens.

One of the unique aspects of Sharing Sunday is the approach to gift giving. Instead of assigning specific gifts to purchase, parishioners are encouraged to select gifts for someone their own age. This thoughtful gesture allows us to connect on a deeper level, reflecting on what a person of our age would truly appreciate as a Christmas gift. The gifts are not intended to be random; they are meant to be heartfelt expressions of love and compassion.

During Sharing Sunday, as part of the offertory, each family will make their way up the aisle to the altar, presenting their contributions. This symbolic procession underscores the idea that a unified church community is dedicated to sharing their time, talents, and treasures with those who are in need. Witnessing the incredible generosity of the parishioners is a heartwarming experience and a testament to the strength of their community bonds.

Following Sharing Sunday, on the Monday thereafter, representatives from the recipient parishes gather at St. Martha’s to collect the gifts that the parishioners have so generously donated. The gratitude expressed by these recipients is profound, as they return to their own parishes, bringing joy and hope to their fellow parishioners during the Christmas season.

As we approach this year’s Sharing Sunday, let us remember the true spirit of the holiday season: giving, sharing, and spreading love within our community. St. Martha’s Catholic Church continues to exemplify these values through the enduring tradition of Sharing Sunday, and we invite all parishioners to join us on December 9th and 10th as we come together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Together, we can continue to make Sharing Sunday stronger and more impactful than ever before.

For more information contact Syvon Wetherold at syvonw@stmartha.com.

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MIND MATTERS Insights into Mental Health and Wellness CHRISTINA MAXWELL COUNSELING

Healing the whole person; mind, body, and spirit.

5 Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress The holiday season is upon us! This can be a time of joy, love, and togetherness, but, from money to family to food, those same things that bring us joy can also bring their fair share of stress and anxiety. The pressures of the holidays can sometimes feel nothing more than overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, you can navigate this season with greater ease and make it a more enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.

Set Realistic Expectations: One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is the pressure to create a mouthwatering meal, decorate a picture-perfect home, or throw the most elegant party. Remember that no holiday is flawless, and it’s okay to have imperfections in your celebrations. Set achievable goals and don’t aim for the impossible.

Christina Maxwell is an LPC Associate serving the Kingwood, Humble, and EMC areas under the supervision of Mark Cagle. She provides a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore and heal from their past traumas. Her goal is to provide support and empowerment as her clients navigate life’s challenges, develop a better understanding of themself, and create healthier lifelong habits.

Christina Maxwell, LPC Associate christina@cm-counseling.com www.cm-counseling.com 281-973-4567

Manage Your Finances: Overspending during the holidays can lead to financial stress. Create a budget and stick to it.

Consider alternative gifts like homemade presents or acts of kindness, which can be just as meaningful. Embrace simplicity by focusing on the most important aspects of the season: spending time with loved ones.

You don’t need an extravagant celebration to enjoy the holidays.

they add too much stress to your plate. Be open and honest with your communication. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let your loved ones know how they can support you and honestly communicate your needs.

Seek Support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or family for support. Sharing your feelings and concerns can provide relief, and they may offer valuable advice or assistance. If the holiday stress becomes too overwhelming or triggers anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide valuable guidance and support during this time.

The holidays can be a magical time, and by implementing these strategies, you can Prioritize Self-Care: Don’t forget to take care reduce the stress that often accompanies of yourself. Make time for self-care activities it. Remember, your mental well-being is a top priority, and it’s okay to adjust your like meditation, exercise, or simply taking a approach to the holidays to ensure a more moment to breathe. It’s crucial to recharge peaceful and enjoyable season. your mental and emotional batteries in times of stress.

Establish Boundaries and Communication: Set boundaries with family and friends to protect your mental well-being. It’s okay to say no to certain events or commitments if

To learn more helpful strategies to use around the holidays, read my blog at: https://cm-counseling.com/blog-3/

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A Full Menu of Festive Holiday Flavor

By Family Features

Cooking up a successful holiday gathering calls for everyone’s favorite recipes. From the centerpiece main dish to fresh salads and appetizers, roasted sides and baked sweets, you can take seasonal get-togethers up a notch by mixing traditional classics with newfound favorites. Consider this full-fledged menu of flavor to give guests a memorable holiday experience from beginning to end and find more festive recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Fresh Flavors for Holiday Festivities With the festive season arriving, bring together family and friends for a delicious feast you can feel good about serving. One standout recipe is this Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad that pairs fresh, leafy kale with roasted sweet potatoes and tender Cornish game hens for a truly elegant meal.

Elevate your cooking during the holidays with inspiration from Fresh Express and its more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient readyto-eat salads like the Sweet Kale Chopped Kit. It’s a perfect blend of a nutrient-dense salad mix of leafy kale, green cabbage, shredded broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as crunchy pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, topped with a tasty poppyseed dressing. Visit FreshExpress.com to discover more fresh, easy and healthy recipes for the holiday season.

Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 4 1 package (6 ounces) stovetop stuffing 2 cups chopped apples, divided 4 Cornish game hens (20 ounces each) 1/2 cup butter 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 package (10.9 ounces) Fresh Express Sweet Kale Chopped Kit Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Add 1 cup apples and fluff stuffing with fork; cool 15 minutes.

Remove anything inside hens, rinse cavity with cold water and pat dry.

In small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Remove from heat.

Fill cavity of each hen with apple stuffing.

Place hens in 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish. Tie legs together and tuck wings under. Baste with butter mixture.

Bake 50-60 minutes, or until thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 165 F and stuffing temperature reads 165 F. Baste with butter mixture every 15-20 minutes.

In bowl, toss sweet potatoes with remaining Italian seasoning and olive oil.

Arrange in single layer on sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt, to taste.

Bake with hens 25 minutes, or until tender. Remove from oven and cool. Tent hens with foil and let rest 10 minutes.

Place greens from salad kit in large bowl. Add remaining apples and sweet potatoes; mix well. Toss with salad dressing. Add toppings; toss to combine.

Serve Cornish game hens with sweet potato kale salad.

A Festive, Everyday Side Dish While the busy holiday season can be loads of fun, you still need to get dinner on the table between parties. When you find yourself in a pinch this holiday season, squeezed for time and searching for a quick solution for dinner, turn to an easy side dish that can appease everyone. Potatoes are a nearly unanimous favorite.

Make putting dinner on the table a breeze with a solution like little potatoes from The Little Potato Company, which can help bring holiday happiness to mealtime. Ready in as little as 5 minutes, they come pre-washed and require no peeling or cutting, making them the perfect time-saving solution for the holiday season.

Ideal for this Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes recipe, these little potatoes are a tasty, fresh whole food that you can feel good about serving. Ready in half an hour with minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, it’s a perfect side dish for any occasion. Visit littlepotatoes.com for more information and holiday inspiration.

Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 1 1/2 pounds The Little Potato Company Little Potatoes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Preheat oven to 400 F. In large bowl, toss little potatoes with oil, salt and pepper until coated.

Spread potatoes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 30 minutes, or until tender.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Tip: For extra holiday flavor, add paprika, garlic and fresh herbs.

Get Creative with Delicious, Decorative Cookies A decadent holiday meal isn’t complete without a sweet dessert to cap off the evening.

When in doubt, go with a traditional treat that’s perfect for sharing: cookies.

These Ornament Cookies can be shaped any way you like to celebrate the holidays. The royal icing adorning these festive favorites is made with powdered sugar and meringue powder; just use food coloring to add a personal touch.

For more than 120 years, Domino Sugar has helped millions bake special recipes like these cookies made with non-GMO, vegan, kosher and gluten-free Golden Sugar that’s free flowing and easy to scoop, spoon and pour. The sugar retains a hint of molasses flavor, giving it a golden color and providing a perfect way to add less processed sweetness to your loved ones’ favorite desserts.Find holiday recipes, baking tips and more at dominosugar.com.

Ornament Cookies Prep time: 25 minutes plus 1 hour to decorate Cook time: 20 minutes Yield: 2 dozen cookies Cookies: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4teaspoon salt

Royal Icing: 4 cups Domino Powdered Sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder 1/3 cup, plus 2-3 tablespoons, warm water, divided desired food coloring To prepare cookies: In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; beat until well combined.

Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour and salt; beat until just combined.

Dump mixture onto lightly floured surface and divide in half. Shape each half into disks and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Working on lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thick. Cut cookies using ornament-shaped cookie cutter.

Place cookies on prepared pans and bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool at room temperature.

To make royal icing: In large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder and 1/3 cup water. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat 8-10 minutes, adding 2-3 tablespoons warm water, as necessary. Icing should be stiff enough to hold peak when tested.

Color royal icing with food coloring and decorate cookies.

SUZANNE NOONAN MURPHY 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

suzanne@noonanmurphyteam.com Direct: 281-361-2247 Cell: 281-610-7308 2940 Oak Street Kingwood, TX

Merry

CHRISTMAS

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Forest Image Worship Directory Second Baptist Church - North

Saturday | 6 PM Sunday | 9:30 & 11 AM

Holy Comforter Lutheran Church

Sunday | 8:15 & 11 AM Wednesday | 6 PM

Saturday 6PM & Sunday 11AM services are a modern worship experience featuring powerful music from the Elevate Band. The Sunday 9:30 Am service features an exciting, energetic mix of tradiotnal and contemporary music led by full choir, orchestra and prasie team. All services feature a compleling message by Pastor Craig Reynolds.

Sunday in person worship at 8:15 & 11 AM. WOW Night is Wednesday at 6 PM for dinner, Bible study and worship. Livestream is available via Facebook, YouTube and our website Sundays at 8:15 AM. Discover Your Faith, Grow in Community, Live God’s Mission. That is the pathway for deeper discipleship. Everyone is welcome...changing lives ones person at a time.

22770 Hwy 59 N, Kingwood, 77339 713-465-3408 www.second.org

1901 Woodland Hills Dr, Kingwood, 77339 281-358-6500 www.godeeperwithchrist.org

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The Forest Image - September 2023

25 Page 11

Handcrafted for the Holidays

Unique DIY gift ideas to celebrate the season

By Family Features If spending hours scouring store shelves or browsing countless websites for the perfect gift for everyone on your list seems like a daunting task, opt for a more personalized approach: a handmade gift.

DIY mason jar gifts can be easy and affordable solutions when gift lists are running long but time is running short.

Plus, crafting something for loved ones this holiday season can show them just how much you care.

From canning and crafting to storage, drinkware and even gardening, Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jars can be used in a myriad of ways, including creating simple yet endearing homemade gifts. Designed to honor the unsung hero of the garden, the honeybee, the collector’s edition canning jars feature a unique bee and honeycomb design and highlight the important role these pollinators play in growing foods people love to preserve and enjoy.

Available in sets of four, the versatile, BPA-free jars come with bands and SureTight™ lids that seal for up to 18 months, making them perfect containers for hand-crafted holiday gifts like this Holiday Cookie Mix Jar, which features all the ingredients needed to bake a batch of cookies even Santa couldn’t resist. Or share the joy of the season with Handmade Holiday Snow Globes that allow the recipient to shake up a little Christmas spirit anytime he or she desires.

Find more DIY holiday gift ideas at ballmasonjars.com.

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Homemade Holiday Snow Globes Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jars Hot glue gun Hot glue sticks Foam cubes Plastic holiday-themed figurines Glycerin Water Red, green or blue glitter Remove lids from jars. Using hot glue gun, glue foam cube to inside of lids then glue figurines to foam cubes.

Place 1 tablespoon glycerin in jars then fill with water. Sprinkle glitter in jars.

Seal jars by placing lids over mouths of jars and screwing rings onto lids. Flip jars over so figurines are right side up. Shake for snow globe effect.

Holiday Cookie Mix Jar 1 Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 3/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt crushed walnuts crushed pecans white chocolate chips holiday-themed bow In jar, layer granulated sugar and brown sugar.

In bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to jar on top of brown sugar. Then layer crushed walnuts, crushed pecans and white chocolate chips.

Seal jar. Wrap top of jar, just below lid, with holiday-themed bow.

Twila Carter: Friend to the Kingwood/Lake Houston Area Houston City Council At-Large Position 3

Meet Twila Carter, a beloved member of the Kingwood community with a heart full of warmth and a passion for making a positive impact. Twila’s journey is one that truly resonates with the spirit of giving back, and it all began with her humble beginnings. As a child, she faced tough times and relied on welfare, which instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of community support.

One of Twila’s proudest accomplishments is raising her two sons, Justin and Travis, who both graduated from Kingwood High School and share her commitment to community service. In 2021, Twila retired from her role at the Astros Foundation, where she played a pivotal role in its growth. Under her leadership, the foundation received numerous awards and recognition, and its revenue increased by over $60 million. One of the highlights was the Astros Foundation receiving the prestigious Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence in 2017, the highest honor in Major League Baseball for charitable efforts.

Meet Twila Carter, a true spirit of the Kingwood community with a heart of warmth and a passion for making a positive impact.

She’s not just about “being something”; she’s all about “doing something” to uplift those around her.

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Twila’s legacy of giving back can be seen in the Astros Foundation Volunteer Corp, a grassroots movement that blossomed into a force of over 3,000 volunteers dedicating over 20,000 hours annually to serve the Houston community. But Twila’s commitment doesn’t stop there; she’s also actively involved in organizations like The Texas Council on Family Violence, USO Texas, and The Houston Police Foundation, just to name a few.

Her passion for helping others extends to her role as Vice Chair for the Texas Council on Family Violence and Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center. She’s also an advisory board member for the Houston Area Women’s Center and has been a dedicated former board member of Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA).

When you meet Twila, you’ll find her to be honest, consistent, and persistent in her pursuit of making Kingwood and Houston a better place to live. She’s a proud Kingwood resident and a regular attendee of Kingwood United Methodist Church.

In Twila Carter, we have a shining example of how one person’s commitment and kindness can make a world of difference in our community. She’s not just about “being something”; she’s all about “doing something” to uplift those around her. Twila Carter is a true local hero, and we’re fortunate to have her as a cherished member of our community.

Some of Twila’s Achievements: “The Patriot Award” from nationally known non-profit organization Helping A Hero, placing her in the company of esteemed recipients like Joanne Herring and Chuck Norris 2022 Texas Children’s Hospital “Community Champion” Honoree Inclusion in the 2021 Houston Chronicle’s “Houston’s Most Fascinating People of 2021” Recognition by the Harris County District Attorney’s office in 2020 for her work related to Domestic Violence Being named one of the “Top 30 Influential Women of Houston” in 2017 The “Inspire Women’s Businesswoman of the Year” in 2016 The “Kingwood Women of Achievement for Community Service” in 2014 The “State Community Service Award” from the Texas Daughters of the American Revolution in 2013

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Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Earns National Recognition for Patient Safety The Woodlands, Texas — Nov. 8, 2023 – Houston

Methodist The Woodlands Hospital has earned an ‘A’ safety rating in Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care.

To see Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

“This recognition is an outstanding achievement that demonstrates our dedication to safety, quality, service, and innovation in the delivery of patient care,” said Debbie Sukin, executive vice president of Houston Methodist, chief executive officer of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “National recognitions like this would not be possible without every member of our medical and hospital staff committed to achieving our mission of unparalleled every day.”

About Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital: Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Montgomery County and the North Houston region by delivering exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers 293 beds and access to the most innovative care. A $250-million 2022 expansion project added 106 beds, medical/surgical extension and women’s services spaces along with nine operating rooms. It also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns A, B, C, D and F letter grades to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. Hospital ratings are based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peerreviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

Houston Methodist The Woodlands is a comprehensive stroke center, an orthopedic center of excellence by DNV, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit as well as a Level III maternal care unit, and has achieved Magnet Designation for nursing excellence from the ANCC. Houston Methodist The Woodlands is also ranked No. 1 nationally out of 181 members in the Complex Care Medical Centers cohort in the 2023 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking.

For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/ thewoodlands.

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5 TIPS FOR GETTING KIDS Involved in Holiday Traditions The holiday season is a magical time of year filled with cherished traditions that bring families together. And while gift-giving is one of the most beloved customs (especially for children), it can sometimes overshadow the true spirit of the season. Here are a few festive winter activities that focus on quality time together and spreading joy. By incorporating these tips into your holiday traditions, you will create lasting memories, instill valuable lessons and celebrate the joy of giving with your family.

1

Spread Joy with Kid-Created Cards. According to a recent survey from AmericanGreetings. com, nearly 90% of Americans say that season’s greetings bring them joy; and 92% say they specifically enjoy kids’ homemade cards. This year, eliminate the stress of planning holiday cards—and teach kids about spreading cheer—with the Creatacard app for iPad.

The easy-to-use app from American Greetings allows kids to create, color and customize cards using virtual tools, including markers, photo frames, stamps and and stickers. Once complete, the greeting can be sent via email, text, or on social media. It’s a simple, cost-effective and personalized way to teach them about bringing joy to others.

2

Quality Time in the Kitchen. Kids love sweet treats, so start involving them with baking and decorating traditional holiday goodies. In addition to being an excellent way to spend time together as a family, the tradition teaches them cooking basics, like reading recipes and measuring ingredients. Be sure to make it fun with plenty of frosting and sprinkles, or even add some competition with a decorating contest.

You can also pair this activity with a cozy movie night or deliver treats to neighbors and family members to teach the importance of kindness and giving.

3

Deck the Halls. A perfect holiday tradition for the whole family to get involved in is the Christmas tree. Whether it’s a trip to pick out a real tree, or setting up an artificial one, you can make it an adventure from set-up to decoration. Plus, crafting homemade ornaments each year is the perfect kid contribution. Not only will they take pride in their creations, but each year will spark a bit of holiday nostalgia.

4

Interactive Christmas Countdown. According to a recent survey, what do 94% of Americans say increases the excitement of the holiday season? Advent calendars. But this year, skip the paper versions and get the whole family engaged with the interactive Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. The unique virtual calendar offers breathtaking illustrations of a fictional English country estate with exciting features unlocked daily in December. From a scavenger hunt to music, daily gifts, animated stories, books, games, creative activities, puzzles, and so much more, there, there’ something for everyone to enjoy and look forward to each day of the season.

5

Teach the Spirit of Giving. While it can sometimes be easier to do the holiday shopping yourself, involving kids in gift-giving can teach them the thoughtfulness behind selecting meaningful gifts. If you have a large family, consider a Secret Santa where everyone shops for one specific family member.

This is also a good opportunity to help kids make homemade gifts with more sentimental value. For an added lesson, explain how to follow a budget and count money when at the store.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Farknot Architect / Jacquie Lawson

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Atascocita 77346

2 Brian A. Leatherwood Edward Jones AAMS® 2273 Northpark Drive Kingwood 77339

11 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 2929 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood 77339

3 Christina Maxwell Counseling 2218 Northpark Drive Ste: 110 Kingwood 77339 4 Daniel P. Hemberger Edward Jones 2218 Northpark Drive Ste. 110 Kingwood 77339 5 Darst Funeral Home 796 Russell Palmer Road Kingwood 77339 6 Diana G. Van Horn Edward Jones CFP® 20121 W Lake Houston Pkwy, Ste. 800 Kingwood 77346 7 Don R Gaddy Edward Jones AAMS 12230 W Lake Houston Pkwy Ste. 185 Humble 77044 8 East Montgomery County Improvement District 22296 Marketplace Dr. New Caney 77357 9 Felicia Cumby Edward Jones AAMS®, CRPC® 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive Kingwood 773451525 Lakeville Drive Kingwood 77339

12 Her Healthcare and Health In Progress 23802 US Highway 59 North Kingwood 77339 13 Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine-The Woodlands Porter 77365 14 Hubbard and Rotthier Attorneys at Law 1525 Lakeville Drive Kingwood 77339 15 Imperato -Fazzino Real Estate Group- REMAX Associates Northeast 2940 Oak Street Kingwood 77339 16 Jim Carranza- Edward Jones AAMS® 700 Rockmead Drive Ste.165 Kingwood 77339 17 Keaton M. Uresti Edward Jones 12 North Main Street Kingwood 77339 18 Elite Hospital of Kingwood 23330 US Highway 59 North Kingwood 77339

19 Kingwood Family Dentistry-Dr. Scott Mosby DDS 2420 North Park Drive Kingwood 77339

29 Second Baptist Church 22770 US Hwy 59 Kingwood 77339

20 Lakeside Floors 12118 FM-1960 Huffman 77336

30 Sullivans Advanced Paint and Body Shop 22500 Tx-494 Loop Kingwood 77339

21 Lance Jones-Edward Jones 2815 West Lake Houston Parkway Ste.108 Kingwood 77339

31 Suzanne Noonan-Murphy Realtor REMAX Associates NE 2940 Oak Street Kingwood 77339

22 Latynia Moore-Livewell Psychological And Counseling Service Kingwood 77339

32 Tom Stegner-Edward Jones 4429 Town Center Place Kingwood 77339

23 Mike Byers II -Edward Jones 1707 F.M. 1960 Suite A Humble 77338

33 Unique Bathroom & Kitchen Showroom 22672 Ford Road Porter 77365

24 Mike Kevlin- Edward Jones AAMS® 2855 W Lake Houston Parkway, Ste.111 Kingwood 77339 25 Opera Leggera 804 Russell Palmer Kingwood 77339 26 Plains State Bank 19404 Kenswick Drive Humble 77339 27 Radiant Facials 2620 Chestnut Ridge Dr Kingwood 77339 28 Robert A. Sitton Edward Jones AAMS® 18455 WLake Houston Parkway Ste. 150 Humble 77346

34 Veranda Restaurant 2820 Chestnut Ridge Drive Kingwood 77339 35 Webb Gallery 5311 FM 1960 East Humble 77346 36 Tachus- Fiber Internet Kingwood 77339 36 Tachus- Fiber Internet Kingwood 77339 37 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 2929 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood 77339

Elite Hospital Kingwood has obtained Hospital Accreditation from the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) Kingwood, TX, November 9, 2023 – Elite Hospital Kingwood is proud to announce it has been surveyed by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and has successfully met the requirements for Hospital Re-Accreditation by demonstrating compliance with CIHQ Standards and the Conditions of Participation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This recognition reflects the hospital’s continuous commitment to safety and quality patient care.

Elite Hospital Kingwood was subjected to a rigorous unannounced onsite assessment, the CIHQ team toured the hospital, reviewed medical records, observed care practices, and interviewed staff and patients.

“CIHQ’s goal is to partner with hospitals to improve the care provided in our communities,” states Richard Curtis, Chief Executive Officer of CIHQ. “CIHQ is proud to recognize Elite Hospital Kingwood for achieving accreditation.”

Jeremy Brynes, CEO of Elite Hospital Kingwood added, “CIHQ has changed the stereotype of what accrediting surveys are to so many in the healthcare industry. Our

hospital delivers healthcare the way it should be. We offer many of the same services found at big, overly busy hospitals but with a pristine and comfortable location, low wait times, and efficient, highquality care. Our successful re-accrediting survey demonstrates our commitment to delivering on that promise.”

For more information, please visit www.elitekingwood. com.

More About Elite Hospital: Elite Hospital Kingwood delivers healthcare the way it is meant to be. Elite Hospital Kingwood is located at 23330 US Highway 59 North in Kingwood, Texas. Opened in 2018, it is a fully licensed and CMSaccredited hospital. It provides the full scope of emergency services to adults and children, inpatient medical care as well as outpatient imaging and laboratory services. Elite Hospital Kingwood is recognized as a Best Places to Work by the Houston Business Journal and as a Best Places to Work in Healthcare three years in a row by Modern Healthcare Magazine.

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