Forest Magazine September 2023 Vol 7 No 9

by Dr. Holly Gregory

The

by Brooke Baugh

by Claire Brown

by Jennifer Summers

VOL 7 Number 9 - September 2023

Lodestar Relationship

Marketing and Publications, LLC

The Forest Image 2820 Chestnut Ridge Drive

Kingwood, Texas 77339

Cell: 281-381-0912

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Mike Netek

EDITOR

Pat Guard

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Layna Netek

PHOTOGRAPHY

Pat Guard

Jennifer Summer

Cara Williams

CONTENT SUPERVISOR

Mike Netek

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Taylor Netek

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kelly Thomas

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTERS

Jennifer Summers

Brooke Baugh

Claire Brown

Lauren Cash

Dr. Holly Gregory

Tiara Guard

Betty Haskins

Sarah Morrow Rotthier

“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.”

-Simone Biles

By , Attorney & Counselor at Law

It’s Fall!

Community Events

The first crisp fall breeze, the smell of cinnamon, and brightly colored pumpkins dotting front porches and lawns can only mean one thing – we’ve made it to fall. Officially the first day of fall is September 23, but after this long, hot brutal summer we all just experienced; the “cooler” fall weather is a welcome change.

I will admit, living in the Houston area, we do not get to experience fall as others in the country might, but it’s my favorite season. I love everything that is pumpkin-flavored including the popular pumpkin spice lattes and there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy outside since it is finally just a tad bit cooler.

Since we’re on the topic of fall, there are a few interesting facts you might NOT know about fall such as the autumn equinox is different each year, autumn was once known as “harvest,” and that bobbing for apples was a British invention. Also, did you know that when you notice leaves that are purple and red, that’s caused by the “anthocyanins” pigment, which is only produced in the fall when sugars are trapped in the leaves. Lots of dry weather and sunlight will lead to more sugar in the leaves, meaning the leaves will be brighter red.

Now that it is a little bit cooler outside and some trees have begun to change color, there are several events throughout the community to enjoy as a family.

EMCID’s Tricks & Treats Fall Fair

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 pm

22296 Market Place Dr., Ste. 100, New Caney, TX

This is a FREE event for the whole family to enjoy. Shop local vendors at the market, walk through a haunted house, choose from 2,000 pumpkins, watch live performances, participate in a pie-eating contest and costume contest, and more.

The Kingwood Oktoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 21, 11 am – 5 pm

Holy Comforter Lutheran Church

1901 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, TX

The Kingwood Oktoberfest will once again feature German-inspired fare such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and polka music from The Texas Sound Check Band. They will have beer from DECA Beer Company. There will also be a DJ, a costume contest for adults and children, and games and activities for all ages.

BOOFEST Kingwood

Saturday, Oct. 28, 4 pm – 9 pm

Kingwood Town Center Park

8 N. Main St., Kingwood, TX

Enjoy seasonal shopping and culinary delights along with a FREE mini pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, trackless train rides, and more!

The Village Centers is excited to announce the 2023 “Enchanted Forest” Gala, will be held on Saturday, October 7th at the Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village, located in The Woodlands.

As always, proceeds from the Enchanted Forest Gala will benefit The Village Centers’ mission to enhance the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and support them in reaching their full potential.

This year’s gala will honor local community and business leaders Pat and Ray Guard, who are loyal supporters of The Village Centers and have been instrumental in the growth of the Kingwood community. Co-chaired by Kim & Greg Fazzino, Joan & Ralph Imperato, and Layna & Mike Netek, the Enchanted Forest Gala will include silent and live auctions offering many coveted items, as well as fantastic food and drink at the new venue. The event will also feature entertainment by a stellar five-piece live band, Flight of the Keys, known for their dynamic and energetic performances. The Village Centers is one of the only organizations in the Northeast Houston area available to provide such a broad range of support and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and is a lifeline to the families who depend on the organization for their physical, mental, and financial well-being.

The Village currently serves approximately 200 clients through a day-program, engaging outings and activities, residential living facilities, vocational training programs, and more. These programs are designed to help Villagers expand social and life skills, personal wellness, job skills, and critical thinking – all while becoming more involved in the community and securing meaningful employment whenever possible.

The Enchanted Forest Gala is an exciting opportunity to support The Village Centers and be a part of their transformational work. Make a difference in the lives of individuals with IDD and their families by attending the gala, being a sponsor, or participating in the silent auction, made available to the public via mobile bidding.

For tickets, sponsorships, silent auction registration, and more, visit www.thevillagecenters.org/2023gala or contact Claire Brown, Development Manager, at cbrown@villagelac.org or 281-358-6172.

The Village Centers’ mission is to enhance the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and support them in reaching their full potential.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins!

Story by Jennifer Summers

Pumpkins are not just for Halloween anymore. They come in so many colors; bright orange, yellow, teal, terracotta, or white pumpkins – they are so versatile when decorating your home for fall and/or Halloween.

You can paint real pumpkins in bold colors or use foam pumpkins to create interesting displays around your home. But the looming question is – do you decorate for fall? Do you decorate for Halloween? Or do you decorate for fall and incorporate some Halloween, so you still have décor throughout November? decided many years ago to decorate for both occasions so that I have plenty of time to enjoy my fall and Halloween decorations as well as pumpkins. Once October 31st passes, I will put up my Halloween decorations but leave my pumpkins and fall decorations throughout the house.

There are plenty of ways you can decorate for fall. One of the most popular colors to decorate with this fall is honey. Honey is a perfect complement to the warm tones of fall. For those who choose to go the traditional route with orange pumpkins and fall colors and aesthetics such as leaves, turkeys, ghosts, and more – this color fits right into your color schemes.

Others may choose different colored pumpkins to fit their personalized color palettes if they have a more modern décor scheme such as Farmhouse or French country décor. Green, teal, blue, and white colored pumpkins are popular with that palette. A bright white pumpkin is rare and is often associated with the Casper variety. They typically glisten a bit more when they have a candle inside and placed on the front porch as decoration.

In addition to pumpkins, items like chunky blankets, earthy table centerpieces, and natural furnishings such as rattan will bring a rustic feel into your home for the changing of the seasons. Sometimes, a few new pillows and a cozy throw blanket in a neutral fall shade can help update your living room and bedroom.

Regarding Halloween décor, this is where you can get a little more creative and think vintage for 2023, like black lanterns with flickering candles that resemble antique oil-based lanterns, dusty oil paintings, and witch’s cauldron serving bowls for your Halloween soiree.

Incorporate natural elements like pumpkins, cornstalks, haybales, and autumn leaves into your decor scheme. Make a statement with spooky exterior decorations like oversized spiders, skeletons, or large outdoor Halloween wall art.

In the end, décor themes come and go, so the most important thing is that it is your house, so decorate it how you like and enjoy it.

Justus W. Thomas, M.D.

Houston Eye Associates, Kingwood

Focusing on providing the highest quality care for patients, Houston Eye Associates serves Kingwood and its surrounding communities with its office along the Highway 59 corridor.

The physicians, optometrists, and employees at Houston Eye Associates strive to bring top-notch patient care by going above and beyond with patient care, teamwork, integrity, and accountability. Houston

Eye Associates is a team of board-certified ophthalmologists and board-licensed optometrists with advanced fellowship and specialty training in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry.

Houston Eye Associates provides a variety of services such as comprehensive eye exams, LASIK, and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, corneal conditions and disorders, retinal disorders, adult strabismus, cosmetics, pediatric ophthalmology, and ocular inflammation, to name a few. They also offer full-service eye and vision care, including routine eye exams, prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses, pediatric eye exams, or sports eye exams. The optical shops offer a wide range of eyewear, specialty contact lenses, and premier sunglasses.

At the Kingwood location, Dr. Justus W. Thomas specializes in advanced technology laser cataract surgery, refractive surgery, SMILE LASIK, and surgical and medical treatments of the cornea. Dr. Thomas is proud to offer the very latest refractive surgery technologies available, including lens-based and laser refractive procedures.

Dr. Thomas attended medical school and completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, in Nashville, Tennessee where he was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship. During this time, he was active in organized medicine and participated in basic research in molecular physiology, biophysics, and clinical research in ophthalmology.

He completed a three-year ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas-Houston. While at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Thomas participated in research in the field of laser vision correction (LASIK), investigating corneal ablation surface smoothness via electron microscopy with various LASIK platforms for which he received the best resident research project award. During his final year of residency, Dr. Thomas was chosen by the faculty to serve as Chief Resident and was selected as the most outstanding resident in ophthalmology by his peers. Following residency, he completed an additional year of training in the field of Cornea and External Disease of the Eye at the Baylor College of Medicine, with an emphasis on ocular surface disease, corneal transplants, refractive surgery (LASIK), and advanced cataract surgery. He routinely attends national and international clinical and scientific meetings focused on the latest updates in Ophthalmology.

Dr. Thomas is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is currently a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Medical Association, the Harris County Medical Society, the Texas Ophthalmological Society, and the Houston Ophthalmological Society. He has also served on the executive committee of the Houston Eye Associates as well as the board of directors for the Houston Eye Associates Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides over a million dollars a year of surgical and medical eye care for the under-insured population in Houston.

In his spare time he volunteers as a board member and contributing/ traveling surgeon for Benevolent Missions International and the Houston Eye Foundation. He has performed sight restoring surgery on multiple medical mission trips to Central America and is a member of Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Houston. Dr. Thomas and his wife, Elsa, were blessed last Christmas with a beautiful baby girl. Dr. Elsa Rodarte is a board certified neuroligist at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and specializes in movement disorders.

Top 4 Under 40 Area Leaders

Tammy Carpenter

1 Partnership Lake Houston

The face of Methodist Hospital - The Woodlandsodist in Lake

Houston Tammy L. Carpenter, born and raised in Conroe, is known for her strength, resiliency, and perseverance, attributes she credits to her parents. A Conroe High grad, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Baylor University. Initially working in adoption, foster care, and hospice, she transitioned to business development. Today, Tammy serves as a business development specialist-physician and community liaison for Houston Methodist-The Woodlands Hospital. Unique in her role, she represents the hospital in the Lake Houston Community, focusing on physician engagement, outreach, and building referral networks. Actively involved in Partnership Lake Houston, Tammy enjoys networking and gaining new insights from monthly luncheons. As a board member, she collaborates with experienced community leaders, finding it a valuable learning experience. Twelve years ago, she chose Kingwood for its sense of community, now calling it home alongside her husband, Ben, and their three dogs. Now 40, Tammy views her “4 Under 40” recognition as a significant acknowledgment of her growth and contributions.

Joel North

Appreciating the Little Things in Life

Joel North began his journey at Baylor University as a premed student, intending to become a physician. However, a transformative experience during a hospice internship altered his path. While volunteering, Joel bonded deeply with patients, especially one without family. Observing hospital procedures and systems, Joel’s passion shifted towards improving healthcare quality, efficiency, and accessibility. When he later revisited the hospice, the gratitude and vulnerability of the patient he’d befriended solidified his commitment to enhancing care coordination.

Growing up in Houston and graduating from Katy High School, Joel acquired both his bachelor’s and MBA from Baylor. His professional journey has been primarily with HCA Healthcare. Starting with an internship at Cypress Fairbanks hospital during his Baylor years, he later transitioned to the Kingwood campus in 2019, initially as an assistant administrator and then as the chief operating officer the following year. HCA Healthcare Kingwood’s collaboration with the Partnership paved Joel’s way into the Lake Houston community. He praises the Partnership for not just supporting businesses but uplifting the entire community. Reflecting on his past, Joel recognizes the significance of “small” events. He recalls assisting his father, a neighborhood coach, in shaping young minds. Although once seen as trivial, these experiences equipped him with foundational leadership skills. Besides his father’s influence, Joel lauds the guidance he received from HCA Healthcare leadership, emphasizing community involvement and standard-setting.

Chris Sarvadi Mission is His Mantra

Chris Sarvadi, a 36-year-old graduate from Cabrini University, initially aspired to be a television journalist in Texas. However, after numerous unsuccessful applications, he found himself working at the Nathanial Center in Kingwood, an establishment owned by his uncle. Starting from basic chores, Chris quickly rose to the position of general manager. His entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there; he co-owns Megaton Brewery, adjacent to the Nathanial Center, and Wasteland Paintball Park in Cleveland, Texas.

Born in Carrolton, Texas, and a Carrolton Christian Academy graduate, Chris was always destined to return to Texas post-college. Although Dallas was off the table due to his girlfriend (now wife) Vicky’s preference, they settled in Kingwood, closer to his family members, with their two dogs.

Entrepreneurship runs in Chris’s blood. His father, Michael Sarvadi, helmed the family’s industrial oven business, while his uncle, Paul Sarvadi, founded Insperity. Influenced by such entrepreneurial spirit and family support, Chris emphasizes the importance of a mission-driven approach to business. He believes success comes from passion and surrounding oneself with the right team, rather than just chasing money.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey cemented Chris’s commitment to Kingwood. Transforming the Nathanial Center into a distribution hub during the crisis highlighted its community-centric mission. Chris, a “4 Under 40” awardee, is also a board member of the Partnership, where he appreciates the mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders. He sees the Partnership as a platform to enhance both the community and individual businesses. importance of a mission-driven approach to business. He believes success comes from passion and surrounding oneself with the right team, rather than just chasing money.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey cemented Chris’s commitment to Kingwood. Transforming the Nathanial Center into a distribution hub during the crisis highlighted its community-centric mission. Chris, a “4 Under 40” awardee, is also a board member of the Partnership, where he appreciates the mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders. He sees the Partnership as a platform to enhance both the community and individual businesses.

Megan Waldrop Passion for Community Outreach

Megan began her journey as a Physical Therapist in 2008, completing her doctorate from Texas Woman’s University while managing family life and commuting. After nearly a decade, she chose to prioritize her family, emphasizing the importance of raising compassionate children. Although her youngest is just three, she’s dedicated to nurturing her family for the foreseeable future. However, Megan’s hiatus didn’t deter her commitment to the community. Originally, as a physical therapist, her goal was to restore people’s regular lives. This dedication evolved into community service. She played a pivotal role in founding Lake Houston Outreach, a non-profit dedicated to the local community and fostering servant leadership in young individuals. Megan’s involvement extended to Project Mammogram, serving various roles, from social media chair to its current chair in 2023.

Beyond these endeavors, Megan is actively engaged with local schools, taking roles in PTA at Humble ISD’s Riverwood Middle School and Deerwood Elementary School. She’s deeply rooted in her church, leading the women’s ministry, guiding 4th-5th graders, and serving as the lay leader at Lakeside United Methodist Church.

Megan has set ambitious goals for the next five years, aspiring to elevate Project Mammogram luncheon’s attendance to 800+ members and make it a recognized name locally. Presently, Project Mammogram annually offers 500-600 services and detects 6-12 cancer cases. Megan is optimistic that with increased awareness and growth, more women will have access to crucial mammogram screenings.

The Clubs of Kingwood Charity Classic Casino Night

Friday, September 15

$150 Per person

6:30 p m Contact Kelly.Paull@invitedclubs.com for Sponsorship opportunities or use the QR Code

Join the Fun and Make a Difference

Timeline: Join us for lots of fun in the Lakeview Ballroom with Casino Night, Drinks, DInner and Silent Auction.

Sponsorships:

Title Sponsor $5,000 (Limit 1)

Casino Sponsor $2,500

Wine Sponsor $2,000

Table Sponsor $1,500

6:30 p m Cocktail Hour

7:00 p.m. Dinner, Program & Silent Auction (select beer & wine included with dinner, cash bar available)

Make checks payable to: ClubLife Charities

1 Brian A. Leatherwood

Edward Jones AAMS®

2273 NorthPark Drive

Kingwood 77339

2 Briana Prucha

Edward Jones

1710 West Lake Houston Parkway

Ste.190, Kingwood 77339

3 Dana R. O’Toole AAMS

Edward Jones

900 Rockmead Drive Ste. 104

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 HornEdward Jones CFP®

20121 West Lake Houston Parkway, Ste.800, Kingwood 77346

7 Dr. Holly Gregory, Houston Dental Implants

19502 McKay Blvd. Suite 202

Humble 77338

8 Dr. Justus W. Thomas

22659 US-59 Suite 100

Kingwood 77339

9 East Montgomery County

Improvement District-

Tricks and Treats

22784 Highway 59

Porter 77365

10 Felicia Cumby

Edward Jones AAMS®,CRPC®

4501 Magnolia Cove Drive

Kingwood 77345

11 Fountainwood at Lake Houston 17990 West Lake Houston Pkwy. Atascocita 77346

12 Fran Fennie

REMAX Associates Northeast

2940 Oak Street Kingwood 77339

13 Her Healthcare and Health In Progress

23802 US Highway 59 North

Kingwood 77339

14 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church & School

1901 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood 77339

15 Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine

The Woodlands Porter 77365

16 Hubbard and Rotthier

Attorneys at Law

1525 Lakeville Drive

Kingwood 77339

17 Imperato -Fazzino Real Estate Group

REMAX Associates Northeast

2940 Oak Street

Kingwood 77339

18 Jim Carranza

Edward Jones AAMS®

700 Rockmead Drive Ste.165

Kingwood 77339

19 Keaton M. Urestl

Edward Jones

12 North Main Street

Kingwood 77339

20 Kelly Polasek

REMAX Northeast Realty

2940 Oak Street

Kingwood 77339

21 Elite Hospital of Kingwood

23330 US Highway 59 North

Kingwood 77339

22 Kingwood Family Dentistry

Dr. Scott Mosby DDS

2420 North Park Drive

Kingwood 77339

23 Kingwood Methodist Church

1799 Woodland Hills Dr.

Kingwood 77339

24 Lakeside Floors

12118 FM-1960

Huffman 77336

25 Lance JonesEdward Jones

2815 West Lake Houston Parkway

Ste.108, Kingwood 77339

26 Mike Byers II

Edward Jones

1707 F.M. 1960 Suite A

Humble 77338

27 Mike Kevlin

Edward Jones AAMS®

2855 West Lake Houston Parkway, Ste.111, Kingwood 77339

28 Plains State Bank

19404 Kenswick Drive

Humble 77339

29 Radiant Facials

2620 Chestnut Ridge Dr

Kingwood 77339

30 Renove Medical Spa

850 West Lake Houston Pkwy. #170

Kingwood 77339

31 Robert A. Sitton

Edward Jones AAMS®

18455 West Lake Houston

Parkway Ste. 150, Humble 77346

32 Second Baptist Church

22770 US Hwy 59

Kingwood 77339

33 Sullivans Advanced Paint and Body Shop

22500 Tx-494 Loop

Kingwood 77339

34 Suzanne Noonan-Murphy

Realtor REMAX Associates

Northeast

2940 Oak Street

Kingwood 77339

35 Tom Stegner

Edward Jones

4429 Town Center Place

Kingwood 77339

36 Trey Hill

Edward Jones

1546 Kingwood Drive

Kingwood 77339

37 Unique Bathroom & Kitchen

Showroom

22672 Ford Road

Porter 77365

38 Veranda Restaurant

2820 Chestnut Ridge Drive

Kingwood 77339

39 Warrens Southern Gardens

1675 Northpark Drive

Kingwood 77339

40 Webb Gallery

5311 FM 1960 East

Humble 77346

Number: 40

41 Tachus- Fiber Internet

Kingwood 77339