Forest Magazine - February2025

The

Forest Image

FEBRUARY 2025 Magazine

Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Huffman, Porter, New Caney and The Highlands

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Day Date Ideas to Break from 8 7theValentine’s Norm

by Family Features

Planning - Age and Other 11 Estate Considerations Sarah Morrow Rotthier

12 A Game Day Checklist: Ensure You’re Ready with Game Day Essentials

by Family Feature

14 February 2025

February 2025 Volume 11 - Number 2

Lodestar Relationship Marketing and Publications, LLC The Forest Image Magazine 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 CONTENT SUPERVISOR Mike Netek DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY Taylor Netek GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelly Thomas/Designed by Kelly

Events

16 Red Velvet for Your Valentine

by Culinary.net

Hospital Kingwood 18 Elite Article by Lauren Cash, Photography by Clark Lara Photography

of Americans are Willing to Pay More to 22 42% Support Small Businesses

by Brandpoint

24 Valentine Sudoko 27 Elite Hospital Kingwood Now In-Network with Unity Preferred Network

by Elite Hospital

30 Celebrate Kindness

by Kelly Thomas

32 Hopeful Hearts Ministry: Aiding Recovery for Survivors of Abuse

by Hopeful Hearts Ministry

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If you’re feeling pressure to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date, it may be time to veer away from tradition.

While flowers, chocolates and dinner for two is a classic, thinking outside the box can make for just as romantic of an experience.

Consider these simple date ideas to reduce stress and make your day extra special.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Take a Dance Class Learning something new together can be a great way to bond with your significant other. Research dance studios in your area and book a lesson for a night out. Many studios offer new or first-time discounts and typically have a variety of lessons available from ballroom to salsa, cha cha and more. If dancing isn’t really your thing, consider another skill-building class you can do together like pottery, cooking or painting, for example.

Recreate Your First Date Take a trip down memory lane and go back to the beginning of your relationship by recreating your first - or a favorite - date. Whether you went bowling, mini golfing, to dinner and a movie or something else entirely, reliving the past can be a special way to connect and show your partner how much you care.

Plan an Indoor Picnic If it’s too cold outside for an actual picnic, clear some space in your living room and throw down a blanket. Pack a basket of finger foods like sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fruit, a bottle of wine and dessert for a romantic meal for two in the comfort of home.

Book a Staycation A getaway doesn’t have to mean going far from home. Become tourists in town by booking a night at a nearby hotel and visiting some local landmarks you’ve been wanting to check out or haven’t experienced in a while. A simple break from routine can make for an enjoyable escape, even if you’re only a few miles from home.

Schedule a Photoshoot If the last time you had your photo professionally taken was on your wedding day or a family vacation, hire a photographer for a couples photo session, and use it as an opportunity to create fun memories together. Many photographers offer mini sessions, which only take 15-30 minutes, leaving time for a night out afterward. For an inexpensive option, have a friend take a few casual pictures or use a selfie stick to help document your date.

Cook Dinner Together Restaurants are often booked up on Valentine’s Day, so try something different this year and make a special home-cooked meal together. Whether you make a tried-and-true favorite or whip up something new, like a heart-shaped dish, you’ll bond over the experience while creating a tangible (and hopefully tasty) reward once the oven timer dings. Then dim the lights, play some soft music and light some candles to create a romantic ambience while enjoying dinner together.

Go On a Road Trip Take a day - or a weekend - and venture to a destination you haven’t been before on a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway. Even if traveling far away isn’t possible right now, exploring a town or two over allows you to check out new restaurants, stores or other attractions and get out of your comfort zones.

Find more ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.

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Common Misconceptions about Estate Planning and Probate Below are some of the most common misconceptions I encounter when talking to new clients as well as the general public. Often these misunderstandings lead to inaction and, ultimately, unintended consequences.

My wife and I bought a house together so when one of us dies, the survivor will own it all. This is probably the most frequent misconception I encounter. In Texas, the most common and default way people share ownership of real property is as “tenants in common.” Without getting into too much “legalese,” the important thing to know with this type of ownership is when the first owner dies, his ownership transfers to his heirs if he does not designate a beneficiary (such as via a will, trust, or transfer on death deed).

Without expressly designating a beneficiary, sometimes the sole heir will be the spouse; in other cases, title passes to the deceased spouse’s children.

This is why it is very important to decide who you want to receive your ownership interest when you die and execute an estate plan to match your wish.

I don’t own much so I don’t need a Will or estate planning. One of the worst parts of an estate planning attorney’s work is having a conversation with a family member after their loved one dies and informing them that to obtain their deceased loved one’s small amount of assets, the legal process (court costs, filing fees and attorney’s fees) will cost them more than, or a significant portion of, what they will receive. Estate planning does not have to be complex or costly. There are simple things a person can do to ensure their “smaller” assets transfer directly to their loved ones at death without unnecessary expense. If you own any property, you need to have an estate plan.

Mom owned her home before she married my stepdad, so now that she has died, we own the home and he has to move out. Half-right and half-wrong. You may now own the home, but in Texas, a surviving spouse has a constitutional right to live in the homestead they shared with their spouse after the spouse’s death, even in situations where the surviving spouse has no ownership interest in the home. This can be extremely frustrating for children of a deceased parent who now technically own the home but can’t live in the home or sell the home. Moreover, the surviving children have to make sure stepdad maintains the property and pays the insurance and property taxes and, if he doesn’t, they may be forced to pay for these things to protect the home. People who enter second marriages and live in a home owned by one or both of them need to have open conversations about what happens upon their first death and execute a plan to ensure their goals are accomplished.

I am named as the executor in my dad’s Will. Why won’t the bank give me access to dad’s account? The bottom line is that no financial institution will rely upon a Will until a court (through a probate proceeding) validates the Will and officially appoints the executor.

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.

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.

www.hubbardrotthierlaw.com We Defend Your Rights

1525 Lakeville Drive, Suite 133 Kingwood, TX 77339

info@hubbardrotthierlaw.com 281-358-7035

Sarah Morrow Rotthier ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

Patrick G. Hubbard OF COUNSEL

Cathy Lang PARALEGAL

Preparing for for game day means gathering the right gear to ensure the pregame parking lot festivities are as exciting as the game that follows.

Elevate your game-day experience with this ultimate guide of essential tailgating gear to keep your squad happy no matter the score at the end of the day.

Comfort and Convenience Items Comfort is key for a long day of tailgating, so be sure to bring the right gear to keep everyone safe and comfortable, including: Folding chairs and tables •Pop-up tent or canopy •Blankets •Portable heater •Sunscreen •Insect repellant •First aid kit •Tool set •Hand-washing station or hand sanitizer •Trash bags Cooking and Grilling Equipment No tailgate is complete without a feast, and to cook up a storm, you’ll need the right equipment,such as: •Portable grill, smoker or griddle •Propane or charcoal •Lighter and lighter fluid •Grilling tools (tongs, spatula, grill brush) •Meat thermometer •Cooler with ice •Disposable tableware, cups and utensils •Storage containers •Aluminum foil FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 12

Food and Beverages A successful tailgate is powered by delicious food and refreshing beverages. Stock up on crowdpleasers like these: •Burgers •Sausages or hot dogs •Ribs •Wings •Veggie burgers •Coleslaw •Potato salad •Chips •Dips •Nuts •Pretzels •Sandwiches or wraps •Condiments, including ketchup, mustard, mayo and relish •Cookies •Brownies •Fruit skewers •Water •Soda •Sports drinks •Beer •Wine Games and Entertainment While the game is the main event, tailgate games are a staple for pregame festivities. Consider bringing options such as: •Cornhole •Ladder toss •Horseshoes •Football •Frisbee •Portable Bluetooth speaker •Portable TV or projector •Portable generator •Coloring books and crayons •Small children’s toys Find more tips and ideas to make your tailgate a hit at eLivingtoday.com.

Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip Servings: 3-4 2 cups shredded chicken 8 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for topping, divided 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 heavy pinch dried dill 1/2 cup hot sauce 2 green onions, chopped blue cheese crumbles chips vegetable sticks Heat oven to 400 F. In bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and dried dill until combined. Add hot sauce; mix until combined.

Transfer mixture from bowl to oven-safe dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, to taste.

Bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.

Top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion.

Serve warm with chips and vegetable sticks.

February 2025 Events Music by Big Blue Thumb February 1, 2025 7 pm-11 pm Megaton Brewery 808 Russel Palmer Rd., Kingwood Kingwood Methodist Church Music Recital February 2, 2025 4 pm Kingwood United Methodist Church 1799 Woodland Hills, Kingwood Hearts of the Livable Forest Tallest Tree Award February 6, 2025 6 pm-9 pm The Nathaniel Center 804 Russel Palmer, Kingwood For more information contact: ISAgould7@gmail.com Family Promise of Lake Houston Empty Bowl Gala with Live Entertainment February 6, 2025 6 pm The Atrium Center 21575 IH-69 N., New Caney Megaton Brewery Open Mic Night With Steve, Shane & Caleb February 7, 2025 6 pm 808 Russel Palmer, Kingwood

FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 14

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcast February 7-February 16, 2025 Charles Bender Performing Arts Center 611 Higgins, Humble For more information: charlesbendertheater.com or 281-446-4140 Dad Bod Band Live at Megaton Brewery February 15, 2025 7pm-11pm 808 Russel Palmer, Kingwood The Terraces at Kingwood Ribbon Cutting February 18, 2025 1 pm-3 pm 2807 Kings Crossing Drive, Kingwood Kingwood Women’s Club Mardi Gras Ball Dinner & Dancing February 22, 2025 6 pm-11 pm Kingwood Country Club 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail The Texas Tenors February 22, 2025 7pm Charles Bender Performing Arts Center 611 Higgins, Humble Hopeful Hearts Ministry Bubbles & Baubles Gala February 28, 2025 7pm Megaton Brewery 808 Russel Palmer, Kingwood For more information: hopefulheartsministry.org

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Monthly Events SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY Holocaust Garden of Hope Tours 5 pm - 7 pm Kings Harbor 1660 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Kingwood THURSDAYS IN FEBRUARY Kingwood Farmers Market 3 pm - 7 pm Rain or Shine Kingwood Town Center 8 N. Main St, Kingwood No Sunday Farmers Market kwdfarmersmarket.com FRIDAYS IN FEBRUARY Valley Ranch Cruise-In 6:30 pm -11pm Valley Ranch Town Center 22296 Market Place Dr., New Caney SATURDAYS IN FEBRUARY Brunch at the Brass Tap 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Food, Fund and Live Music 4635 Kingwood Drive #800

1ST & 3RD TUESDAY IN FEBRUARY Kingwood Toastmasters Meeting Watercress at Kingwood 24109 Kingwood Place 2ND & 4TH THURSDAYS IN FEBRUARY Humble Noon Lions Club Kingwood YMCA Lake Houston Pkwy, Kingwood 2ND MONDAY IN FEBRUARY Lake Houston Gardeners 6:30 pm Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 2929 Woodlands Hill Drive, Kingwood WEEKLY MEETINGS Kingwood Rotary Mondays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Union Kitchen 23918 Hwy 59, Kingwood Rotary Club at Lake Houston Area Wednesdays 11:45 am - 1:00 pm Lake Houston Family YMCA 2420 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Kingwood

FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 15

Red Velvet for Your Valentine

by Culinary.net

On the sweetest day of the year, a day full of flowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessert meant for two.

It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake.

It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave. That’s right, the microwave.

This mug cake is a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one

or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you.

Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share something sweet.

This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet.

Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net.

Red Velvet Mug Cake IN GR EDI ENTS FOR ONE S E R VI N G 6 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 30 drops red food coloring 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

METHOD 1. In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended.

2. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.

3. Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered.

4. Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

5. Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net.

The Forest Image - September 2023

Hancock Whitney welcomes

Page 11

Natalie Turman

orest Magazine_Sep2023 Final.indd 11

9/1/2023 10:37:09

Natalie Turman

Senior Vice President, Private Banking With over 23 years in financial services and a Certified Wealth Strategist® designation, Natalie brings extensive expertise to managing and deepening client relationships in the Kingwood and Greater Lake Houston area. A dedicated community leader, Natalie is a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and actively supports local nonprofits.

832-357-1378 natalie.turman@hancockwhitney.com

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FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 18

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Elite Hospital Kingwood: A Local Hospital’s Commitment to Extraordinary Emergency Care.

Article by Lauren Cash and photo by Clark Lara photography A Hospital like no other!

In a medical emergency, time is of the essence. At Elite Hospital Kingwood, the mission is simple but crucial: to provide the highest quality emergency care within 30 minutes or less of walking through the doors. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical equipment, the hospital is ready to respond swiftly and efficiently to a wide range of emergencies. This ensures that patients receive the care they need when they need it most. Unlike an urgent care center, Elite Hospital Kingwood is a fully-licensed, accredited, and equipped hospital designed to handle a variety of emergencies. With 24/7 availability—365 days a year— the hospital can manage various conditions, from kidney stones to life-threatening cardiac events. They treat patients in all stages of life from pediatric to geriatric, even providing a pediatric suite for little ones visiting the facility.

Community Focused: Since opening in 2018, Elite Hospital Kingwood has become an integral part of the local community.

The hospital is not only an emergency healthcare provider but also a proud supporter of local school districts, community organizations, and philanthropic efforts. Through sponsorships and outreach programs, Elite Hospital Kingwood demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the people of Northeast Houston, and it shows! The hospital consistently ranks among the area’s highest-rated facilities in patient satisfaction.

Insurance and Access:

EASTE

X FRE

EWAY

Elite Hospital Kingwood accepts most major insurance plans as well as Medicare. This ensures that quality emergency care is accessible to the community. Jeremy Brynes, CEO states “We understand healthcare can be costly. Affordable emergency care is a top priority for us, and we remain deeply committed to providing exceptional care at 69 competitive rates. In 2023, the hospital became In-Network for Humble ISD employees and recently announced its collaboration with Unity Preferred 23330 US Hwy 59 North Kingwood, TX 77339 Health Network. Mr. Brynes continues, “Our partnership with Unity Preferred Health Network, unlocks in-network status for nearly a million people in Harris and Montgomery Counties combined, 494 making high-quality emergency care more TEXAS accessible to our Northeast Houston area. Our community deserves the highest quality emergency KINGW healthcare possible, and we will continue to grow to OOD DR meet their needs.”

For more information visit elitekingwood.com

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FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 19

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42% of Americans are Willing to Pay More to Support Small Businesses

By Brandpoint

Americans are evenly split on their shopping habits, shopping both big and small - 29% favor local or small businesses, while 29% prefer national retailers. Though price remains topof-mind for many shoppers (62%), speed is a major factor, too: 53% say they want to get an item as fast as possible, no matter where it comes from, according to a new study

by Empower, a financial services company.

Shoppers appreciate the personalized customer service (36%), high-quality and craftsmanship (34%) and locally made products (56%) found at the stores in their neighborhood. Lower prices (85%), greater product variety (71%) and more flexible return policies/warranties (64%) motivate consumers to pick big-box retailers.

Purchasing preferences Economic pressures can play a role in where Americans are shopping around: 44% report purchasing items less at small businesses due to inflation. Three-quarters of spenders say they buy online from big box stores to get better deals.

Beyond price, 6 in 10 Americans prefer to purchase gifts for others at local shops because they can find

more personal and unique options.

Three-quarters support small businesses in their town by eating at local restaurants (non-chains) and shopping for produce at farmers' markets (51%). Other local finds consumers are on the hunt for include books and media (51%) and home goods or decor (44%).

The return or warranty policies at big chains offer financial peace of mind for many (49%), while shoppers are looking for electronics and appliances (92%) and sporting goods (81%) at national retailers.

Baby Boomers (41%) and Gen X (31%) are more likely to prefer shopping locally, while Millennials and Gen Z are more flexible - 42%

and 46%, respectively, say they have no preference. Gen Xers spend the most per monthly average across both local and big chain stores, followed by Millennials, while Gen Z and Baby Boomers report lower spending overall.

Average monthly spending at local small businesses, by generation: Gen X: $113 Millennials: $110 Gen Z: $96 Baby Boomers: $88 Average monthly spending at big chain stores, by generation: Gen X: $379 Millennials: $338 Gen Z: $298 Baby Boomers: $259

The Allure of Small Businesses More than a third (35%) are willing to pay extra at a local store for a product they could also buy at a big chain. On average, consumers are comfortable paying up to $14 more, with 10% ready to spend over $30.

Convenience is another important factor, especially for younger generations.

Over half of Gen Zers (56%) would shop "small" more often if faster shipping options were available.

Online platforms like Etsy have also gained traction. About half of Americans (51%), including 54% of both Gen Z and Millennials, use these channels to support small businesses.

Best of both: 29% of Americans prefer big chains, 29% favor local small businesses; 82% of Americans say they shop at both big chains and small businesses for different items.

53% want to get items as fast as possible, no matter where they come from.

Half of Americans say bigger chain stores offer convenience (56%) and more loyalty programs or rewards (51%).

3 in 5 (61%) prefer to buy gifts from small businesses because they can find more unique and personal options.

Additional reasons shoppers value small businesses include locally handcrafted products (56%), building relationships with owners (39%), and personalized service (36%).

The Allure of Big Chains Big chains attract shoppers with competitive prices, convenience, and loyalty rewards.

Gen Zers are the most likely to seek rewards and discounts - 61% prefer shopping at national retailers to take advantage of these perks. When shopping online specifically, Gen Xers (79%) are more likely to buy from chain stores because of deals offered.

Methodology Empower commissioned an online survey of 1,009 Americans in October 2024.

Eating at local restaurants (75%) and shopping for produce at local farmers' markets (51%) are ways consumers support their local economies.

Monthly spending at local small businesses averages $106, with Gen X ($113) and Millennials ($110) splurging more.

VALENTINE sudoku Use the numbers 1 to 9 to complete the Sudoku.

Only use each number once in each row, column and grid.

6 5 1

8 8

6

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2

1

9

4 7

6 4 6 8 4

5

9

4 8

2 3 4 5

9 5 1

Answers on page 29.

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1 9 5

Don’t know what to do next?

We do!

Elite Hospital Kingwood now In-Network with Unity Preferred Network:

Millions to receive In-Network coverage beginning in 2025 Elite Hospital Kingwood Expands Access to Quality Healthcare: Partners with Unity Preferred Network to Serve Local Families The partnership brings affordable emergency and medical care to Northeast Houston residents starting January 2025 Kingwood, TX, Jan 1, 2025 - In a significant move to expand healthcare access for Northeast Houston families, Elite Hospital Kingwood has partnered with Unity Preferred Health Network (UPHN), making quality emergency care more affordable for millions. Starting January 1, 2025, residents can access Elite’s comprehensive emergency services, inpatient care, and diagnostic services as an in-network provider.

The Unity Preferred Health Network, a national PPO, serves approximately 4 million members across Texas, including nearly a million in Harris and Montgomery County combined. Major employers participating in UPHN include AT&T, IBM, Boeing Co., Mutual of Omaha, Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods, the PGA, LPGA, Major League Baseball, Toyota, and Wells Fargo. Members are encouraged to verify their coverage and network status directly with their employer or benefit administrator.

“We are thrilled to join the Unity Preferred Health Network, making high-quality emergency care more accessible to our community in Northeast Houston,” says Jeremy Brynes, CEO of Elite Hospital Kingwood. “This collaboration ensures that more individuals will have access to in-network, high-quality, life-saving services when they need them most. We remain deeply committed to providing exceptional, affordable care in our community.”

For Northeast Houston residents, this partnership means greater peace of mind, knowing they can access Elite’s award-winning emergency care without the burden of out-of-network costs. Local families covered under UPHN can now choose Elite Hospital Kingwood for everything from routine imaging to critical emergency services, ensuring they receive the highest quality care close to home.

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

FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 27

b u l C s en' m o W d o o w g Kin

Krewe de Bon Femme

KINGWOOD WOMEN’S CLUB PROUDLY PRESENTS THEIR 4TH ANNUAL KREWE DE BON FEMME

Mardi Gras Ball FEBRUARY 22, 2025 6:00PM - 11:30PM

Kingwood Country Club $125/Person

6:00PM - 7:00PM Cash Bar FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 28

7:00PM Dinner & Dancing

Happy New Year!

Stop in for a cup of coffee with the Kingwood Team!

Kingwood branch 1910 W. Lake Houston Pkwy.

Kingwood, TX 77345

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Celebrate Kindness

By Kelly Thomas

As we approach February 2025, two significant events invite us to embrace and celebrate kindness: Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week from February 9 to 15, and Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17. While both occasions aim to foster compassion and generosity, they differ in scope and timing.

At School: •Create and exchange friendship bracelets with friends and family. This simple gesture fosters connection and shows appreciation.

•Invite someone to lunch who usually eats alone. This act can make someone feel included and valued.

At Home: RAK Week is an annual celebration that spans from •Write a heartfelt note or letter to a mentor, teacher, Sunday to Saturday and always includes Valentine’s or someone who has made a positive impact in your life, Day on February 14. This connection to Valentine’s expressing gratitude and appreciation for their support and Day emphasizes love, compassion, and the spirit of guidance. This shows recognition and appreciation for their kindness. The week encourages schools, workplaces, influence. and communities to spread kindness through thoughtful •Organize a fun game night to spend quality time with gestures and meaningful actions. family or friends. Shared activities strengthen relationships and create joyful memories.

On the other hand, RAK Day is observed on the same •Create “Kindness Coupons” that can be redeemed for date every year: February 17. It serves as a standalone acts of kindness, like helping with chores, offering a hug, or day dedicated to celebrating and encouraging acts of spending quality time together. This encourages ongoing kindness. Unlike RAK Week, RAK Day’s date does not kindness within the household. shift based on the day of the week or other calendar considerations.

At Work: •Leave anonymous kind notes on coworkers’ desks.

While RAK Week and RAK Day provide focused Unexpected positivity can brighten someone’s day and opportunities to practice kindness, the ultimate goal boost morale. is to integrate these behaviors into our daily lives. By •Organize a group to clean up common areas in the consistently performing acts of kindness, we contribute workplace, like the supply room or break room. A tidy to a more compassionate and connected world. environment contributes to a more pleasant and productive workspace.

For more resources and ideas on how to participate •Write a thank-you note to a coworker for their hard work. in Random Acts of Kindness Week and Day, visit the Acknowledging efforts fosters a supportive and appreciative Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s official website work culture. at www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week.

In the Community: Remember, every act of kindness, no matter how small, •Write thank-you cards to local firefighters, police officers, has the potential to make a significant impact. Let’s use and other community heroes. Expressing gratitude to those these occasions as a springboard to make kindness the who serve enhances community spirit. norm every day.

•Organize a volunteer day with friends or family at a community center. Collective efforts can address community Ways to Practice Random Acts of Kindness needs and strengthen social ties.

Kindness can be expressed in various settings, each •Encourage others to use reusable water bottles and offering unique opportunities to make a positive impact. lunch containers to reduce waste. Promoting environmental responsibility benefits the entire community.

FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 31

Hopeful Hearts Ministry:

Aiding Recovery for Survivors of Abuse When Shannon Carr founded Hopeful Hearts Ministry in 2012, it was with a very specific purpose – to aide in the long term recovery for survivors of abuse. She wanted to encourage survivors of all ages, genders and races to speak out about the abuse they endured, knowing the more we talk about it, the better chance the cycle will be broken.

Survivors are often shamed into being quiet, made to feel guilty so they won’t tell, or belittled into believing they deserve what has been done or said. They begin to believe they don’t matter. Hopeful Hearts Ministry works to help survivors recognize that they do matter, and they are not alone.

Hopeful Hearts Ministry gives survivors a VOICE through one-on-one peer ministry. Peer counselors meet with survivors in person or via FaceTime/ZOOM for out-of-area clients. In peer ministry, we encourage life-sharing conversations and offer helpful, emotionally healthy tools to help guide the healing journey. Methods, plans, goals, timelines, and accountability coupled with prayer help survivors confront their past trauma and move forward at their own pace. They also offer health sessions in breathing and stretching at the Kingwood Community Center on the first and third Monday of each month and are free to the public.

Hopeful Hearts Ministry is a faith-based 501©(3) that strives to offer services to survivors at no cost. Executive Director, Tamara Lexow, says her dream is to offer multiple retreats each year, offering survivors of all types of abuse intensive healing. “We are seeing more survivors reach out every month – and it’s not just from child abuse or domestic violence. We have people calling us who have endured abusive bosses in the workplace, spiritual abuse from a church leader, and emotional manipulation from parents or even grown children. We want to help survivors of any abuse learn to see the value of setting boundaries and sticking with them. That kind of work takes time, love, and patience.”

You can learn more about Hopeful Hearts Ministry by visiting their website www. hopefulheartsministry.org, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or listen to the Hopeful Hearts Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. Follow them to learn about upcoming book studies, events, and retreats.

Hopeful Hearts Ministry will be holding their Bubbles & Baubles Gala at Megaton Brewery on Friday, February 28, 2025. Sponsorships and tickets are available at www. hopefulheartsministry.org.

FEBRUARY 2025 - PAGE 33

February 2025 Advertisers Map 1 - Bubbly Paws 30129 Rock Creek Dr. Suite 650, Kingwood 77339 2 - Darst Funeral Home 796 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood 77339 Number: 2 3 - Elite Hospital of Kingwood 23330 US Highway 59 North, Kingwood 77339 4 - Houston Methodist Comprehensive Care Center-Kings Harbor 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive Bldg. 6 Ste. 201, Kingwood 77345

9 - The MINT National Bank 1213 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood 77339 10 - Plains State Bank 19404 Kenswick Drive, Humble 77339 11 - Radiant Facials 2620 Chestnut Ridge Dr, Kingwood 77339 12 - REMAX Associates Northeast 2940 Oak Street, Kingwood 77339 13 - Sullivans Advanced Paint and Body Shop 22500 Tx-494 Loop, Kingwood 77339

5 - Hubbard and Rotthier Attorneys at Law 1525 Lakeville Drive, Kingwood 77339

14 - Unique Bathroom & Kitchen Showroom 22672 Ford Road, Porter 77365

6 - Kingwood Big Band- Strawbridge United Methodist Church 5629 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood 77345

15 - Webb Gallery 5311 FM 1960 East, Humble 77346

7- Kingwood Family Dentistry-Dr. Scott Mosby DDS 2420 North Park Drive, Kingwood 77339 8 - Lakeside Floors 12118 FM-1960, Huffman 77336

16 - Three B’s on the Green 20700 Mills Branch Dr, Porter 77365 17 - Jewel Pools & Outdoor Living 796M Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood 77339 18 - Third Coast Bank 1910 W. Lake Houston Pkwy., Kingwood 77339

The MINT National Bank is happy to have partnered with J’s House in Kingwood. J’s House is a Kingwood based organization that focuses on providing love, healing, and family to kids in crisis. Find out more about this wonderful organization at www.jshouse.org.

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