Issuu

September 2018

Katy Today

FRONT COVER

MAGAZINE

Title Here Subtitle

2 / KATY TODAY /SEPTEMBER 2018

TaKe A Side Any Side NEW

LOADED FRIES + CAJUN FRIED CORN

KATY 1998 KATY MILLS BOULEVARD â€¢ (281) 392-0276

SKIP THE WAIT. ORDER @ WINGSTOP.COM

FREE

FIVE BONELESS WINGS WITH ANY WING PURCHASE

Not valid with any other specials, promotions or offers. Present coupon at the time of purchase. Valid only at all Katy locations. One coupon per customer visit. Expires 12/31/18.

SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 3

10 14 18 21

4 / KATY TODAY /SEPTEMBER 2018

Katy Today MAGAZINE September 2018 PUBLISHER Terry Schaub 281.391.3141 tschaub@katytimes.com MANAGING EDITOR Jimmy Galvan 281.391.3141 news@katytimes.com LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Sandra Boyer 254.220.6498 sandra@april-mariedesign.com ADVERTISING 281.391.3141 sales@katytimes.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Claire Goodman Valerie Sweeten CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Claire Goodman Valerie Sweeten Traci Fields

ENJOY READING

Katy Today?

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Katy Today Magazine. Please let us know what you think of our bi-monthly publication by sending your comments to tschaub@katytimes.com

NEWS TIPS &

Story Ideas

Email us at news@katytimes.com

Katy Today is a Publication of the Katy Times Newspaper â€¢ Katy, TX

11666 Katy Freeway westpointlincoln.com 281-506-0374

Lincoln Black Label

Our Ultimate Expression of Design and Personal Service Lincoln Black Label is an elevated blend of both ownership and member privileges. Choose from three exclusive and thoughtfully styled interior themes for your Continental. Select the horse racing-inspired Thoroughbred, the alpine-inďŹ‚uenced Chalet or the musically infused Rhapsody to make your Continental distinctively your own. Lincoln Black Label ownership includes Exclusive Member Priveleges, Service Pick Up and Delivery, and a 4 year/50,000 mile Premium Maintenance Plan.

To learn more and test drive a Lincoln Black Label, contact Robert Cesca at 281-506-0374 SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 5

6 / Katy Today /September 2018

Chantel Gawthrop shows how to perfectly season wings.

Good things take time: HOW ONE KATY COUPLE GREW A BUSINESS WITH PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE (and made the perfect chicken wing)

By Claire Goodman When Brandon Gawthorp finished his service with the United States Marine Corps in 1998, he new that his next venture was going to be something great, but finding a dream to pursue took time. That dream began to materialize a year later when he met his wife, Chantel Gawthorp. Brandon and Chantel worked their way through school waiting tables and managing restaurants until they had the idea to buy a restaurant franchise and open their own business. Brandon had saved the money from his military service and knew that investing in a restaurant could be a great opportunity. Getting accepted into a franchise, however, proved difficult. “I was only 24, so I kept hearing, ‘Sorry, we’re looking for someone with more experience in management’,” said Brandon. It was Chantel who had the idea to look into Wingstop as a potential business venture. Her aunt and uncle, Bernadette and Antonio Swad, founded Wingstop, which was a revolutionary concept at the time. “Back then, nobody ate wings as a meal,” explained Brandon. “It was always an appetizer. People might serve them when they watched football games, but no one ever said, ‘Let’s go eat some chicken wings for lunch’.” Brandon was skeptical at first. “I thought the concept of only selling chicken wings was weird, honestly,” he said. “But I decided to go and talk to him about business in general. I was struggling to get into the restaurant business, and I thought he might be able to give me some advice.” A week later, Swad offered to let Brandon join him for a business trip to Oklahoma. “Wingstop was a relatively new franchise at this point, so I got to go with him to see a new location that was under construction. Then I went with him

to one of his own locations in Dallas. As soon as the doors opened people rushed in. There was a line out the door, and the phones were ringing off the hook,” he recalled. He knew immediately that Wingstop was the franchise he had been seeking. But for a young man fresh out of military service, the task of getting a start-up loan was daunting. “I didn’t even have a credit card,” he laughed. “I had no credit, so I had to build it, but major credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard and Discover wouldn’t even give me a credit card.” Undaunted, Chantel came up with a clever solution to his no-credit quandary. Retail stores in the mall readily handed out store cards. “I went from store to store grabbing up credit cards just so I could have something to show on my credit report,” he said. His ingenuity paid off: two banks offered to give him loans. Wingstops real estate requirements at that time were strict. He had to find a space that was under 1,300 square feet but cost less than $2,500 a month to rent. “It was almost impossible to find a location that met their restrictions. “It took me 10 months to find my first location,” he said. “But then we got lucky and found a spot on Hwy 6 North and West Little York. That was our first location.” His finances and location were secured, but now the real work had only just begun. A second location followed quickly, before he had even had a chance to get his first location running smoothly. Another franchisee was selling his Wingstop location, and Brandon saw an opportunity to buy it. “I had to ask Chantel to quit her job so we could do it,” he said. “She would work at one location and I would work at another. For probably two and a half years straight we worked from open to close with just a few employees to help us.”

September 2018 / Katy Today / 7

“We worked 16 to 21 hour days,” said Chantel. “Sometimes I would sleep on the potato boxes or sleep on the benches. Occasionally I even slept in the bathroom.” She added laughing, “That just shows you how clean our restaurant is. I could sleep on the bathroom floor. I knew how clean they were because I cleaned them myself.” After almost three years of working brutal hours and never taking a day off, the Gawthorps’ dedication and hard work paid off. “We were finally able to open a location here in Katy. The store on Mason Road was our first location,” he said. As Katy grew, so too did the franchise opportunities for the Gawthorps. Their Fry Road location was the next location to join their business. Brandon said, “In 2014, Cinco Ranch exploded. We were able to buy our location on Spring Green Blvd, and then we opened the one by Katy Mills.” Not long after he purchased his Katy Mills location, Grand Parkway opened. Katy, Richmond, and the area north of I-10 were all connected. Sixteen years have passed since the Gawthorps opened their first location, and their pride in their work and business is still going as strong as ever. The lessons the Gawthorps learned in their journey to franchise success directly translate to the way they make their chicken wings. They spare no effort and cut no corners when it comes to making good food. As they learned with their business, good things take time. The ingredients are all fresh and never frozen. It takes time to turn fresh ingredients into perfection. “When you order our wings, it will take 20 minutes to prepare,” Brandon said. But the wait is worth it. Other chicken restaurants often use frozen chicken and heating lamps to keep food hot. Or they fry the chicken far in advance and do a quick reheat when an order comes in. “You can taste the difference,” he added. Wingstop is centered on a simple concept: keep it simple and keep it fresh. “All we do is wings,” said Brandon. “We focus on the wings and fries. It’s a very limited menu. Since that’s all we serve, we’re able to make it to perfection.” Much like the journey they went through to establish and grow their business, making good food takes time. “Dealing

8 / Katy Today /September 2018

with fresh chicken is challenging,” Brandon stated. “You only have a few days before it goes bad. So you have to structure the way you operate your business to accommodate that. It really takes careful planning and ordering of ingredients to make sure you’re getting the ingredients you need when you need it.” The attention to quality and detail doesn’t end with the chicken wings. Wingstop also hand-cuts all their fries every day. “We go through about 2,000 pounds of potatoes per week per store,” Brandon said. Even the sauces are fresh. “We hand-make our Ranch dressing. People love it. Sometimes they’ll just come in and buy the Ranch on its own for their salads at home,” Chantel added. While Wingstop’s commitment to quality is unwavering, the menu is constantly updated with new flavors and offerings. In mid-August, the restaurant will be rolling out several new sides. VooDoo fries are hand cut fries topped with a hot cheddar cheese sauce with cajun seasoning and ranch. And cajun-fried corn will be joining the menu as well. “It sounds weird, but it’s delicious; it has fried mini-corn cobs with seasonings. It’s really good,” he added, laughing. In the end, the Gawthorp’s hard work paid off. They currently own 14 franchises, and they have perfected the art of making chicken wings. Because making fresh food to order takes time, Brandon recommends using their online order feature or their app to order food in advance for pick up. To skip the wait and order online, go to www.wingstop.com. For even more convenience, download the Wingstop app.

cial ecify ove ke ese

fresh seafood

• Shrimp •Catfish •Blue Crab •Salmon •Alligator •Flounder

•Red Fish •Snapper •Striped Bass •Crawfish tails •Frog legs • Snow Crab Legs

come take a tour!

The Market is set with fresh seafood, coolers of wine, Cajun meats & desserts. We can package your seafood & butcher your prime meats to your liking! We also offer special seafood orders when seasonably available!

ask about our catering! We offer seafood as well as bbq catering options for any occassion!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Restaurant • Catering • Seafood Market offering breakfast & daily specials

special orders

available

979-987-6077 • 9027 SE 1-10 Frontage Rd., Sealy, TX • Just 10 minutes from Katy Mills Mall on I-10!

SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 9

Local Youths Save Rhinos with Award-Winning Salsa By Claire Goodman For the most part, George, Luke and Ayden Johansson are typical kids. George, 10, loves art, hockey, Boy Scouts and playing the guitar. Luke, 13, is an avid reader who enjoys acting and football. Ayden, 15, runs track and field and cross-country and plays guitar for his school jazz band. Unlike most kids, however, the three brothers also run their own salsa company. Along with their mother, Traci, the boys create, bottle and sell their own award-winning creamy cilantro salsa called “Diablo Verde.” The salsa is sold in Katy businesses like Whiskey Cake and Ace Hardware in Cinco Ranch but is also carried in multiple stores in other cities and states. The creamy cilantro recipe has won several prestigious awards, such as first place in the Salsa Hot/X Hot category and second place in “Best New Product” by The Chile Pepper Awards. But perhaps most impressively is why they make salsa: The family does it for charity. A percentage of all sales go to the International Rhino Foundation (“IRF”), a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending the illegal poaching of rhinos. The family sells their salsas at farmers markets, in retail stores and online. They have even shipped Diablo Verde internationally. And they make every single jar themselves here in Katy. The whole enterprise began six years ago when Luke

10 / Katy Today /September 2018

became fascinated with rhinos. “I just thought they were a really cool animal,” Luke said. “So my mom said, ‘Well if you like them so much, you should read about them.’ As soon as I started to read about them, that’s when I learned what’s happening to them. They’re endangered because poachers are killing them off.” Luke first started asking friends and family to donate to IRF in lieu of giving him birthday presents. “When he learned about the crisis of these rhinos he loved so much, he just wanted to do anything he could to help them,” Traci said. “He did this for a few years, and he had a great response. One year we raised $690 for IRF. But we knew we needed to do something more. So we thought, ‘How can we do this? How can we give even more?’ That’s when the boys had the idea for the salsa.” The salsa is Diablo Verde, a secret family recipe that comes in mild, medium or hot. Traci would originally make the sauce as gifts for teachers and friends and always got a positive response. “People would try it and then ask if they could buy it. So I thought, ‘What if we sold this to benefit the rhinos?,’” Traci said. “We tweaked the recipe a little from my mom’s original recipe,” said George, “and when we knew we had it right, we started bottling it.” The boys make the salsa themselves by hand. They do everything, from chopping cilantro to adding the labels. “People always ask us, ‘do they really do everything,’” Ayden said. “Yes, we really do everything.”

September 2018 / Katy Today / 11

The family started the business less than a year ago, but they have already achieved national attention and won several awards for their product. After product development, setting up an LLC, doing a shelf-life study and creating a nutrition label, the product launched July 18, 2017. The boys first started selling their salsa at local farmers markets. The response was overwhelming. As soon as the public got a taste of Diablo Verde, orders started flying in, and local businesses bought the product in bulk. One of the businesses that features their product is Whiskey Cake. Manager Robbin Appleby remembers the first time she tried the boys’ salsa. “Whiskey Cake has a major commitment to locally sourcing everything we serve and sell,” she explains, “so sometimes I shop local farmers markets to see what great Katy products are out there. I tried Diablo Verde and I thought, ‘this is the most delicious salsa I’ve ever tried,’ and then of course I learned why they were doing it, and that made it even more fantastic. I knew right away we had to start carrying it at Whiskey Cake.” Jared Brinker, a manager at Ace Hardware agrees. “Personally, I love it. I put use it all the time and put it on pretty much everything,” he said. As word spread and orders came in, Traci started thinking of ways to mass-produce the salsa to meet demand. She quickly learned, however, that hand-making Diablo Verde in small batches was the only way to preserve the freshness and flavor of the salsa. “We tried a co-packer, but it didn’t work out. They make it in huge quantities, but it just kills the flavor of the cilantro. The thing we care most about is quality, and we won’t sacrifice that just to make things faster.” So the boys continue to make everything by hand in a commercial kitchen in Old Katy that they rent. The effort is time-consuming, and sometimes the kids have to miss out on activities so they can produce their salsa. “Sometimes it’s frustrating when your friends want to go do something, but you have to miss out because you have a tasting,” Ayden said. But in the end, it is their love for rhinos that keeps them focused on their work. “We just love them and keep them in mind always,” says George, “that’s why we do this, and we keep that in mind no matter what.” None of the boys can believe how successful their business has become. Ayden said: “Suddenly, we started getting all these orders from all over. A woman in Montana who owns ‘Tattoo Girl Wine’ carries it in her winery because it pairs with her wine.” Luke adds, “It’s funny because we’ll spend the day in the kitchen making salsa and think we’re

12 / Katy Today /September 2018

all caught up on orders, but then mom will come in and say, ‘Ok, we just got another huge order, so we’re coming back here on Tuesday.’” Thus far, Diablo Verde has never had a single negative response. “Everybody really seems to like it,” says George, “I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t.” Luke agrees but jokes, “Well, actually, I’ve heard there are people out there who think cilantro tastes like soap. So they’ll probably never buy our product. But there’s nothing we can really do about that.” Traci credits the local community for the success of their business. They started small and local, and it was the Katy community that helped them become who they are today. In fact, it was some of the female coaches at Beckendorff Junior High that convinced her to sell the salsa in the first place. “We started making it as a gifts for the kids’ teacher and coaches,” Traci recalls, “and they liked it so much that they started asking if they could buy it from us. They’re the ones who really convinced us that this is something we should be selling.” And once the product hit the shelves, it was Ace Hardware in Cinco Ranch manager Sandy Kite who taught Traci about running a business. “Before I met her, I didn’t even know how to do a purchase order,” said Traci laughing. As for the future of Diablo Verde, the boys already have plans to broaden the scope of their philanthropy. “Ayden’s favorite animal is the wolf, and George loves pigs,” Traci said. “One day we’d love to branch out from rhinos and help those animals, too.” And maybe one day they’ll even hire staff to help them in their endeavors. “We’re really apprehensive about hiring outside help because we’re so focused on quality, but eventually we’ll reach a point where we’ll have to hire out just to keep up with our orders.” But for now, the family does everything themselves. It isn’t always easy, Traci is careful to note. “I don’t want to paint a perfect picture. It is a business with all the demands of a business,” she said. “But they’re boys, and sometimes they’re up until 11 p.m. working, and that’s hard. Sometimes they miss out on things. But really, it’s brought us closer together as a family. This is something we do together, and we do it because we believe in a cause. And they’re learning life lessons, like work ethic and making an effective change in the world.” To learn more about the boys’ mission or to order their award-winning Diablo Verde salsa, visit www.3sonsfoods. com.

SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 13

Downtown Katy boutiques host Ladies Night Out SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS REVIVE LOCAL COMMERCE WITH SPECIAL EVENT By Claire Goodman When construction tore up the streets of downtown Katy in early 2017, small business owners knew they would see a decline in sales. It was a small frustration, but new roads would improve the city’s commerce and eventually bring more customers to their shops, so the boutique owners were unconcerned. What no one anticipated, however, was that a Category 5 hurricane would ravage the city, and construction completion would be delayed until March of 2018. What was supposed to be a minor inconvenience became a major slump in commerce. Lisa Sinsabaugh owns Dovetail Antiques, a shop that sells American and European antiques and collectables. She recalled the discouraging events of the past 18 months. “Last year was a very difficult year with the streets being under construction, and then Hurricane Harvey in the middle of it,” said Sinsabaugh. “The streets were supposed to be completed in September of 2017, but then construction got dragged out until March of this year. It has put a real damper on things here. We’re not getting as much traffic as we were before. For over a year, any time customers would come down here they would just see street closures.” The stores were inaccessible for so long, it seemed customers had all but forgotten the shops were there. The boutique owners on 2nd Street in downtown Katy knew they needed to get the word out that construction was now complete, and they were once again welcoming customers into their stores.

14 / Katy Today /September 2018

On July 26, 10 shops opened their doors for a special event to showcase their business and show appreciation for their customers. They also invited other businesses whose brickand-mortar stores were not located on 2nd Street to attend and represent their shops. Said Sinsabaugh: “We’re hoping to drum up more life into Old Katy. We just want people to know more about Old Katy. We want them to know we’re still here.” Walking through Dovetail antiques feels like a treasure-hunt. One-of-a-kind collectables are nestled among high-end finds like Fostoria glass. Sinsabaugh set out desserts, snacks and a selection of wines for her Ladies Night Out visitors. Nancy Young owns NY Texas Style, a shop that features high-fashion with Texas flair. She has been in business for 10 years, and she was excited to offer customers a chance to come by for Ladies Night Out. “Ladies Night Out is a great event for us to have down here,” said Young. “After the storm and the construction in the streets, it’s nice to open up and let people know that we’re still here, and we welcome people to come in to our community.” Young runs the business with her husband, Gerald Young. Gerald taught in Katy ISD for many years before he retired, and he loves the city and everything it offers. “Katy is a part of everything we do here at NY Texas Style,” he said, “We want to see this area thrive again.” Rey Ruiz is the owner of Ruizstudios Home Decor, a shop where country-cottage meets industrial-chic. They also sell gourmet foods. For Ladies Night Out, he set out samplings

September 2018 / Katy Today / 15

1- Country fashion jewelry at NY Texas Style, 2- Visitors to Ruizstudios Home Decor were treated to wine and gourmet foods, 3- Cathy Plato enjoys refreshments at Ruizstudios, 4- Cottage-industrial decor at Ruizstudios, 5- Linda Shirley and Letice Lynch serve up cocktails to visitors at KT Antiques., 6- Matthew Martinez plays outside his mother’s store, Hippie Princess.

of all the products they carry and served red wine to his visitors. Cathy Plato visited Ruizstudios during Ladies Night Out and enjoyed the evening immensely. “This event is great,” she raved. “Things are on sale, they have food and beverages, and you get to meet people. It’s all really lovely.” Outside the boutique Hippie Princess, Matthew Martinez played guitar and sang original songs he wrote. His mother, Lori Martinez, is co-owner of the store with her sister, Angela Jacobs. Hippie Princess sells both designer clothing and country-couture pieces to create a unique aesthetic that is equal parts big-city fashion and authentic-country verve. Martinez and Jacobs offered their customers cupcakes, sandwiches, wine and cocktails. “Tonight is a celebration Sales Rep: of Old Katy and everyone here,” said Martinez. As guests PHILLIPS, sipped wine and tried onE.Hippie Princess fashions, talk turned, as it does in small towns, to the happenings in the city. “Is it true they’ve canceled the Rice Festival?” asked one

Final Visual

www.lonestarfloors.com

woman. “Actually, the city is hosting it this year, and I hear it’s going to be better than ever,” replied Martinez. Ladies Night Out is imbued with a strong sense of camaraderie among the businesses. Though many of the boutiques offer similar wares, no one is in competition. The businesses celebrate one another as part of the downtown Katy community. Gloria Poe-Charr of Supernatural Massage and Traci Fields of Traci Fields Photography both have studios a few blocks away from the shops on 2nd Street, but they have tables set up inside Hippie Princess to showcase their businesses. The band of small business owners plan on hosting many more events throughout the year to remind people of how unique and fun downtown Katy really is. The city of Katy itself is growing rapidly, but Old Katy still offers the same small-town comfort is always has. “The hurricane set us back, but it didn’t stop us,” said Sansabaugh. “We’re here and always will be as long as people remember us.”

Financing Available

10009 Hwy 6 South Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-410-2796 873 S. Mason Road Katy, TX 77450 281-215-3827 24627 I-45 North Ste #A The Woodlands, TX 77380 832-261-1243

TILE & STONE • HARDWOOD LAMINATE • GRANITE • COUNTERTOPS • CARPET • BACKSPLASHES & MORE

16 / KATY TODAY /SEPTEMBER 2018

Worship

with the whole family

all people to “Inviting experience true fulfillment

“

in Jesus Christ, ONE HOME AT A TIME

SUNDAY MORNINGS 8:00 | 9:30 | 11:00 AM

NORTH KATY CAMPUS LAUNCHING AT BETHKE ELEMENTARY

STAY CONNECTED

OCTOBER 1 9:30 AM

KINGSLAND.ORG CENTRAL CAMPUS

NORTH KATY CAMPUS

Fkingslandbaptistchurch Ikingslandbc Tkingslandbc

Fkbcnorthkaty Ikbcnorthkaty

281.492.0785 | 20555 KINGSLAND BLVD | KATY, TX | 77450 SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 17

To the rescue

KATY RESIDENT COMBINES PASSION FOR DOGS, PHOTOGRAPHY

By Claire Goodman Katy resident Traci Fields has a unique way of giving back to her community: She simply takes a photograph. Fields is the owner of Traci Fields Photography, a small business in Old Katy. Fields donates her skills as a photographer to local dog rescues in order to help their dogs get adopted. As a photographer, Fields knows that a good photograph can vastly improve the chances of a dog getting adopted. As a dog-lover, she serves her community by opening her studio to animals that need help. “A good photograph really makes a difference in whether or not a dog gets adopted,” said Fields. “Pictures of them behind wire cages or cowering in a corner don’t show their personality or spirit. I clean them up and photograph them in a way that shows how beautiful they are.” Fields radiates enthusiasm for her work when she discusses the photography process. “I get to know the dog first,” she said. “I really

18 / Katy Today /September 2018

get a feel for their personality. Then I add little touches to make them even more adorable. Sometimes the girls wear pearls or the boys wear bow ties. The idea is that when someone looks at the a dog available for adoption, they don’t see a homeless animal. They see their future pet.” The photographs really do make a difference. Unlike larger businesses that gain advertising exposure for their philanthropy, Fields does not ask for recognition for her work. Her logo never appears on adoption paperwork. Her name never makes it on to event flyers. “She actually approached us,” said Tammy Livingston of Belles Buds Rescue, “and she told me, ‘This is something I do. This is how I give back. I’d like to help you get these dogs adopted.’” When asked why she donates her talent and time in such a way that does not draw in extra business, Fields said, “I feel like it’s the right thing to do. So many people in our lives help us in our path and our way. I don’t care if no one knows about what I do. A lot of people have helped me in my life, and I just feel like giving back is the right

September 2018 / Katy Today / 19

ARTS & CRAFT SHOW Sponsored by

Wallis American Legion Post 200 330 Legion Road, Wallis, TX

October 27, 2018 9:00 am~5:00 pm

October 28, 2018 10:00 am~4:00 pm

Chopped BBQ on Buns & Hamburgers Desserts & Drinks 1.00 Admission for Hourly Door Prizes

For more information call

281 743 3678

Find a trusted local dentist. We connect you with trusted, local dentists around you and the nation who are dedicated to delivering thoughtful, modern care with advanced technology.

1-800-SMILEGEN SmileGeneration.com

Making Lives Better Through Print Use Promo Code: CHOP10 to Save 10% Off Online Orders

thing to do. I love dogs and want to help them. ” Her desire to help animals in need is so strong that when she began co-hosting an event designed to support commerce in Old Katy, her first consideration was how she could use the event to help local dog rescues. “Big Paws Big Winnings” was her solution. In June, she invited several small, local businesses to converge on Fifth Street in downtown Katy and showcase products and talents. She also invited animal rescues and shelters to bring their adoptable dogs to the event so they could gain exposure and meet potential families. “Not many people know about the businesses on Fifth Street,” said Fields, “so I started brainstorming ways to get the community more involved in the small businesses here. So we decided to throw events that were free and fun for the public. And while we were at it, we decided to help dogs. We thought, ‘People need to be educated on adoption and fostering. What if we have rescue groups join us?’ This way we show the people what we’re all about here and help some dogs at the same time. It’s a win-win.” Grace Mercy Love German Shepherd Rescue attended Big Paws Big Winnings. Vice President Kellie Donoghue said, “When we went up to her to thank her for putting on such a fun event, she offered to take pictures of our rescue dogs to help aid adoption for free. She’s fantastic. She hosted a benefit for us and then offered to help us out even more. I couldn’t believe it.” While Fields’ philanthropy makes a huge impact on the lives of rescue animals and their adoptive families, she confesses that it’s not completely altruistic. She also does it for the fun. “I love photography,” said Fields. “It’s my passion as well as my art. And I love that I can use it to help dogs in need. I get to play with them. I get to dress them up. I get to help them find loving homes. Being able to use what you love to help others is my favorite part of what I do.” To learn more about Traci Fields and her photography work, visit www.tracifields.com.

ONLY $59

AC Tune Up, Water Heater Flush or $59 off any repair! Expires 5/31/18 Not combinable with any other offers

20 / KATY TODAY /SEPTEMBER 2018

Call Today!

281-394-0031

Wetlands mirror a darkening sky on the Katy Prairie at sunset. Our most cherished outdoor escapes are in jeopardy as KPC works against the clock to protect our wide-open spaces, rare plants, precious birds, wildlife, local food, and recreational opportunities for all.

KATY PRAIRIE CONSERVANCY WORKING TO PROTECT WILDLIFE By Valerie Sweeten The Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) is place where the landscape thrives, and educational opportunities are diverse. With over 20,000 acres currently protected, Katy Prairie Conservancy has been working to protect the prairie for people and wildlife since 1992. This nationally accredited non-profit organization is committed to land protection and conservation. Come get acquainted with some of the innovative activities designed to share their message and engage visitors. On Sept. 29 from 4-6 p.m., adults and children, ages 12 and up, are welcome to register for a unique experience with Pinot’s Palette-Katy creating the gorgeous serene painting of hummingbird taking one last drink at twilight. This mobile class, Painting on the Prairie with Pinot’s Palette, welcomes picnic food and drinks during the outdoor class under a covered cement area. Seating is limited, and registration is re-

quired. Fee is $35 per person. Register at www.pinotspalette. com/katy/event/251935. Class will be held at Katy Prairie Conservancy Indiangrass Preserve at 31950 Hebert Road in Waller. If you can’t make this one, save the date for Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to Putting Down Roots Prairie Planting. Admission is free. For this event, volunteers will work together to transplant native prairie plants in order to restore 55 acres of reconstructed prairie habitat. Lunch, snacks, and door prizes will be provided, but outside food is welcome for those with dietary restrictions. All ages are welcome. Register at www. katyprairie.org/kpcevents. Katy Prairie Conservancy is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, native grasses and wildflowers while offering important benefits to the region. Ali Dodson, advancement director of Katy Prairie Conservancy, said the Katy Preserve is the right prairie in the right

September 2018 / Katy Today / 21

Sandhill cranes soar across the Katy Prairie sky as seen through the binoculars of birding enthusiasts. Today’s and tomorrow’s adventure seekers have a place to go thanks to a vast preserve system of protected lands.

22 / Katy Today /September 2018

place where protected lands play an important role in outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and flood control. Events such as Hurricane Harvey brought to light a need for new regional approach to flood control Dodson explained. However, KPC’s nature-based solutions, such as land preservation and restoration can help. “The protection and the restoration of tallgrass prairie and wetlands on the Katy Prairie Preserve can play a crucial role in the region’s flood control. Local studies show that restoration of lands to deep-rooted, dense-growing native prairie grasslands can hold more water than most other types of vegetation. In addition, these prairie grasslands can also slow the rate of runoff and dissipate large volumes of water through evaporation,” Dodson said. Katy Prairie Conservancy hosts numerous events on the prairie according to Dodson. There are also two areas open to the public. “Come out and see for yourself the rich and vibrant Katy Prairie Preserve,” said Dodson. “It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy nature.” For more information, go to www.katyprairie.org.

OPEN SUNDAYS! Salata Mason Road

1230 N. Mason Road, St. 200 Katy, Texas 77449 (281) 394-9292 • Mon - Sat 11 am - 9 pm • Sun 11 am - 5 pm

order online @ salata.com

00042 - Mason Road_TX_MagazineAds.indd 3

Katy

Foreign & Domestic Auto

Family owned and operated since 1989

281-392-1683

1229 Ave. B | Katy Texas 77493

6/13/17 5:34 PM

DTP-Realty.com

Chris Dahl Broker

Fran Dahl Team Leader

5308 Second St, Katy, TX 77493 Owned and Operated by Local Residents David and Fran Dahl

281-391-3245 fran@dtp-realty.com

SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 23

Create your own pizza from over 40 fresh ingredients! Heath Bryan Coleman of Texas, DDS, PLLC and Associates – General Dentistry Blake Lindsey, DDS & Chris Kimmel, DDS

PLUS! Wings, build your own salad, and cheesy bread!

Brick oven delicious! Thank you for voting us #1 Pizza in Katy!

2018

Turn Your Discomfort Into a Brand New Smile

Unlimited Toppings 1 Flat Price! From Scratch Dough!

$2.00 OFF with this ad 24600 Katy Freeway

(NEXT TO DICKS SPORTING GOODS)

Katy, Texas • 281-574-1087

UHV is here for you. As part of the UH System, UHV offers quality degree programs at an affordable price in Katy and Victoria or online degrees that you can earn from anywhere. Complete your bachelor’s degree as a transfer student or earn your master’s degree at UHV Katy, 2002 W. Grand Parkway N., Building 2.

Contact UHV now for more information at (361) 570-4848 or (281) 396-3700.

VICTORIA • KATY • ONLINE

BeAJag.uhv.edu

24 / KATY TODAY /SEPTEMBER 2018

Full Dentures in Just * One Day!

*in most cases

Katy | 23225 Kingsland Blvd #300, Katy, TX

CALL TODAY! (281) 990-3370

The Preferred Institution for Speech Pathology Services The clinic offers speech-language pathology services for all ages. Thorough evaluation and treatment are provided for a variety of conditions and disorders, including: ◆ Articulation Disorders ◆ Oral-Motor Disorders ◆ Developmental Language Delay ◆ Learning Disabilities ◆ Fluency Disorders including Stuttering and Cluttering ◆ Voice Disorders ◆ Aphasia and dysarthria resulting from stroke or other neurogenic conditions ◆ Parkinson’s Disease - Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) ◆ Dysphagia or swallowing disorders ◆ Memory or cognitive decline secondary to head injury, stroke, dementias, and Alzhiemer’s ◆ Accent Reduction and communication enhancement

Our Mission The Speech Clinic is to be the preferred institution for speech pathology services. Clients will choose us because of our result oriented and cost-effective services provided with caring and compassion to maximize the potential of our clients.

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Evening and weekend appointments are also available thespeechclinic@hotmail.com

www.thespeechclinic.net

Our clinicians are licensed and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They are highly trained and competent, and have many years of experience in providing therapy to both children and adults. The Speech Clinic was established in January 2000, by Kausar Zafar. It is conveniently located between Fry Road and Mason Road in West Houston. The clinic is comfortably furnished to accommodate both adult and pediatric clients. The atmosphere is calm, friendly and professional. The office staff is very courteous, efficient and knowledgeable.

The Speech Clinic 430 Park Grove Lane • Katy, TX 77450

281-579-1515 FAX: 281-579-1524

September 2018 / Katy Today / 25

“A Premiere Health Care and Rehabilitation Center” Each Detail at Grace Center Care Has Been Planned With Our Clients in Mind

Services

Invisaligg Elite Premier Provider Braces for Children & Adults Complimentarr Consultations Most Insurances Accepted

24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care Luxurious Private and Semi-Private Accommodations Choices in Social and Recreational Activities held in comfortable common areas Post-Hospital and Post-Surgical Care Pharmacy Services Family Counseling Individualized Care Planning Regular Health Assessments Cable TV, Phone and Wireless Internet Private Family Dining Room available Fine Dining adapted to individual diet needs Beautiful landscaped courtyard with water features Nursing Provider

281-394-1300

23553 West Fernhurst Drive

! e l i Sm

Katy, TX 77494

www.gracecarekaty.com

1260 Pin Oak Rd. Suite 208 Katy, TX 77494 ••••• KCCortho.com 281-392-0888

SPECIALIZING IN SPINE HEALTH

Katy¹s Premier Gymnastics Center since 1978

★ Sign up now for ★ Gymnastic Day Camp! 281-578-5477

Less Invasive Spine Treatment Options Available, Featuring The Latest Techniques To Improve Neck And Back Pain

DANI S. BIDROS, MD, FACS, FAANS Board Certified by the

American Board of Neurological Surgery

Main Office: 2222 Greenhouse Rd, Ste 1100A • Houston, TX 77084 Satellite Location: 915 Gessner Rd, Ste 300 • Medical Office Bldg 3 • Houston, TX 77024 Ph: 281-529-6626 • Fx: 832-288-5967 • WestHoustonBrainandSpine.com

• • • • •

Katy KIPS Gymnastics Club is the Leader in Katy Gymnastics! Celebrating 40 years this year! Gymnastics School Age Boys & Girls Preschool Gymnastics Boy’s Gladiators USAG Xcel Teams; Bronze, Silver Gold, Platinum and Level 7 Optionals

Katy KIPS Gymnastics Club

• • • • • •

Competitive Teams Moms & Tots Adult Gymnastics Open Gym Birthday Parties Field Trips for Daycares

923 S. Mason Rd • Katy, Texas 281-578-5477 • www.KatyKips.com

SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 27

Where art comes alive

KCPAC OFFERS VARIETY OF CLASSES AT THEIR NEW LOCATION IN FULSHEAR

‘Young Frankenstein’ is one of the many productions at KCPAC.

2 68 / K a t y T o d a y / S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8

By Valerie Sweeten Learning the ﬁne arts is a continuous journey, and that’s where Encore Arts/Katy Visual Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) comes into play with fall classes offering a wide variety of instruction and experiences. Coming off a very busy summer, children who attended classes at Encore Arts/KVPAC explored Van Gogh, Minecraft, Dramatic Scene Study, Acting, Playing the Perfect Villian, and participated in The Addams Family-The Musical production. Encore Arts/KVPAC, which recently moved as a result of Hurricane Harvey, is now located at 7926 FM 359 in Fulshear. Their dedicated management team has a full schedule onboard for the area with dynamic arts-based classes and events all starting Sept. 12. Registration is currently underway. A minimum of three enrolled for all art and theatre classes is required. This fall’s lineup has something for every age group. Join KinderMusic with Whitney Shelton on Wednesdays with Foundations for 0-1 year old at 11:30 a.m., Level 1 for 1-2 year old at 9:30 a.m. and Level 2 for 2-3 year old at 10:30 a.m. Looking for art? There are classes for that also in all age ranges, including adults. On Wednesdays, ﬁnd classes for 1-2 year old at 10:30 a.m. and 2-3 year old at 11:30 a.m. Ages, 6-18, can come after school once a week Monday through Thursday. A shuttle from Huggins Elementary to their location for after school art classes is being arranged. There will be an additional fee for shuttle costs. Adult classes, ages 18+, will be offered in the afternoon and evening. Times for these are dependent on professional artist schedule availability. Home school art classes are also available for $150 per month for ages, 6-13. These are held on in the Mixed Media Studio during the day on Tuesday and Thursday. Children can take on stage methods with a assortment of theatre classes. For $85 a month, Story Book Theatre Classes are available for children ages, 1-2 and 2-3, on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Ages, 3-5, are scheduled for Tuesday/Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. for $150 a month. Open Enrollment Theatre for Jungle Book with rehearsals is held one night a week. Dates to be determined as of yet. There is also Open Enrollment Theatre with a Christmas Theme available as well. Both of these are $450 each. The company is an audition only performance group with rehearsals once a week in the evenings. Fee for this is $550. Gregory Magyar, Executive Artistic Director, said many of Encore’s instructors are professional artists with degrees in Arts and Theatre. Encore Arts is a place where the arts come alive. “Encore is a fun creative outlet for children to learn skills while making new friends who have similar interests,” he said.

www.EliteWomensCareCenter.com

Elite Women’s Care Center is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered, high quality care that is available from female adolescents to postmenopausal women. Through efficient use of modern technology, we are able to offer exceptional, personal care in a comfortable atmosphere. Our goal is to foster a doctor-patient relationship that facilitates respect, trust and compassion. Through preventative counseling and education, we strive to promote the health and wellness of women in our community.

Services Include: ● Prenatal Care ● Menopausal Treatment ● Contraceptive Management

● Sexual Disfunction ● Cervical Dysplasia ● Adolescent Gynecology ● Preventative Care

Call for an appointment today

281-579-9900 Elite Womens Care Center Dr. Torri Pierce Enka Robinson, APRN

18400 Katy Freeway • Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77094

SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 29

cookiedelivery.com

S E RV I N G S E V E N LO C AT I O N S T H R O U G H O U T T H E H O U STO N A R E A ,

with number eight coming this fall! cookiedelivery.com

30 / KATY TODAY /SEPTEMBER 2018

Monday to Saturday: 11:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m

Rolls - EggRolls Rolls - BanhMi - Wings SpringSpring Rolls - Egg - BanhMi - Wings

Desserts

and Drinks...

Pho - Crushed Rice - Vermicelli - Salad

24811 Katy Freeway, Ste. 100. , Katy, TX 77494 | 346-387-6544 Front of PGA Superstore - Proximity to Typhoon Texas Waterpark SEPTEMBER 2018 / KATY TODAY / 31

Celebrating 10 years with over 10,000 patients serviced!

A Hug Away Healthcare, Inc. 1203 Avenue D, Katy, Texas 77493

832-437-1983 |

Fax 281-605-1307 www.AHugAway.com | info@AHugAway.com Medicare/Medicare Replacement Plans, Medicaid/Commercial Insurance Member of Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice and accredited with The Better Business Bureau.

Remember... we are always just A Hug Away!