Absolutely! Katy Nov/Dec 2020

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2020

Exceptional Service and Quality Care

Family-Owned Katy Carpets ETC & Angelic Carpet Cleaning

Katy ISD Wins Award

5Annual th

Readers’ Choice Favorites

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Sharing the Trials, Tribulations and Turmoil of The Dreaded “C” Word

The Corona Chronicles A Digital Mini-Magazine Covering the People, Places and Happenings of Fort Bend

Published Weekly • Free Subscription

www.FortBendFocus.com Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski Flag down – 15-yard penalty: using the “C” word.

Published by absolutely! focus media

CONTRIBUTORS

Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney Page 3

November/December 2020 | VOLU ME 17 | nu mber 6

3

{Cover Story}

Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com Page 7

7 Travis Johnson DotFit and APEX Certified Nutrition Specialist Page 8

8

{In Every Issue}

Ryan Rodriguez with Angel and Glen Baney.

4 Family-Owned Katy Carpets ETC and

Angelic Carpet Cleaning Offers Exceptional Service and Quality Care

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of our community. Glen

and Angel Baney’s family is one who takes pride in doing business in Katy

for a combined 25-plus years, and they are also avid supporters of the

Katy community.

{Features}

7 ABSOLUTELY! ’TIS THE SEASON Holiday Entertaining and Dining

Thankful Thoughts and Thanksgiving

Treats

Check out the 2020 winners

{Community Events} 9 WHAT’S KICKIN’ IN KATY

{Newsworthy} 9 Katy ISD Wins 2020

TAEA District of Distinction Award

The District received the honor for providing a well-rounded education.

{Columns}

8 Did You Gain the Quarantine 15?

10 5th ANNUAL READERS’

CHOICE ABSOLUTELY!

THE BEST OF KATY’S FAVORITES

2 Exclamation Points!

3 Family Law

The Dangers of our “Social Cocktail” – Screen Time, Social Media and Psychological Manipulation

On the Cover:

Ryan Rodriguez with Angel and Glen Baney.

Photo by Alisa Murray Photography.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

1

Exclamation Points!

Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Thankfully, Life Truly Does Go On

Vol. 17 No. 6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

The world “thankful” has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Sure, I have expressed sincere gratitude throughout my life being thankful for so many things, but, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that our entire way of life could change in an instant. I didn’t know that friends and peers would become incredibly ill and some die from a flu-like virus. I didn’t know that our economy could be decimated in a heartbeat.

This year has given us a hard lesson to learn, an insidious pill to swallow. And it’s lasted forever.

But life truly does go on. In our cover story, we highlight a family-oriented couple who continue with their efforts to support our community both Patti and Tim at the Kaminski family prepandemic Thanksgiving 2019 in New York personally and professionally. Glen and Angel City at Harry Potter on Broadway.

Baney and their two family-owned businesses – Katy Carpets ETC and Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc – are true examples that life and legacy does go on. Their focus on customer service, quality products, family and community has made them a staple in the Katy community forging ahead with a lasting impact for years – and generations – to come.

Because of the pandemic, holidays will look a little different this year, but we will still have them. Travel, large gatherings, holiday traditions – they all may be a bit unconventional. But the staples – the core values – remain the same: family, faith and feasts. In ’Tis the Season, we share some holiday ideas that will help keep your Thanksgiving festive and fun, because remember, life truly does go on.

As we celebrate the season of gratitude, I encourage us all to focus on the positive – on what we do have. Get Kassidi and Kolton Kaminski. out the holiday décor, dust off the fine china and celebrate your blessings as “normal” as possible. Rose Kennedy said, “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often, but I’m well-preserved.” Our holidays live in our hearts along with our family and our faith, so do as Ms. Kennedy said and take them out for everyone to enjoy, because life truly does go on. to You! Wishing you and your family many blessings this Thanksgiving,

281.690.4242 www.absolutelykaty.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

olutely!

An abs Merry

Christmas

Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Kay Garrett A RT D IRE C T O R Grace Belleza W EB D ESI G N ER Joey Belleza S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G ER Natalee Sembrick I T S u ppo rt A dm i n i s t r at i v e / Sa l e s A s s i s tant Kolton W. Kaminski cont r i b u t O r S M.G. Angulo Travis Johnson Alisa Murray Nancy L. Rommelmann I N Q UIRIES 281-690-4242 e d i to r ia l SUB M ISSI O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Published by

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Published by

2

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242

Subscription requests are free to Katy area addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside Katy area. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright © 2020 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART O F K AT Y

The Dangers of our “Social Cocktail” – Screen Time, Social Media and Psychological Manipulation

We Miss You!

By Nancy L. Rommelmann PLLC Family Law Attorney

We want to know what you’re doing – a family trip, a game night with friends, virtually hanging out or whatever you’re doing – send us your favorite quarantine pictures.

Please include the first and last names of all individuals in the photo left to right, and you just might be seen in the pages of absolutely! Katy.

Submit your Out & About photos to grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

(mediation and arbitration)

Nancy Rommelmann is regularly consulted by local media for her on-air analysis about family law.

Straight Answers • Strategic Thinking Compassionate • Experienced Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney

Memorial City Plaza – Tower Two 820 Gessner, Suite 1630, Houston, TX 77024 (across from Memorial City Mall)

ph 713-622-3000 www.attorneynancyrommelmann.com Call us today for a consultation!

Family LAW ATTORNEY

Family Law

• Divorce Planning • Divorce (Contested or Uncontested) • Child Custody • Child Support • Complex Property Division • High Net Worth Divorce • Parental Relocations • Post Divorce Modifications • Paternity and Parental Rights • Visitation Rights • Grandparent’s Rights • Pre- and Post- Marital Agreements • Adoptions • Collaborative Law • Alternative Dispute Resolution

The new Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma is extraordinarily eye-opening and insightful laying out the deliberate psychological manipulation perpetrated by social media. It’s like a potent drug not ingested but consumed. Statistics show that US teens use screens more than seven hours a day on average, which doesn’t include time spent for homework and school.

In family law I increasingly see parents allow their children on their devices for very long periods of time and quite simply use screen time as babysitters.

Screen time affects developing brains. Social media manipulates your brain, preferences, interests and thus has a huge affect on one’s beliefs, feelings and life. There is correlation between how screen time affects mental health (depression, anxiety and headaches). There is correlation between the amount of screen time a child is exposed to and lower scores on language and thinking tests and thinning of the cortex of the brain, which is the area of the brain related to reasoning and critical thinking. The risks need to be assessed with screen usage and how it affects your brain.

Consider top tech world leaders are not only intent on restricting their children’s screen time, but are requiring their staff to do the same. It is well-documented that Bill Gates (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google), Evan Spiegel (Snapchat) and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) limit how much technology their children are allowed to use. Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks) has installed routers and management software to manage his children’s usage and shut off their phone activity.

It is important to develop healthy boundaries for you and your children regarding the exposure to technology.

Strategies that can be employed are digital curfew, banning devices at the family dinner table, temporarily remove an app that is overused and delete social media apps.

While there is certainly is value to screen time exposure and a variety of apps, balance is key.

While children don’t understand the risks they are taking, the adults in their life do or should.

“If CEO’s of Microsoft, Google, Snapchat and Facebook limit screen time for their children, should you?”

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

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Ryan Rodriguez with Angel and Glen Baney.

“Everyone is supposed to love, support and be there for one another,” Angel added. “And if everyone takes and no one gives, what’s left?”

The Baneys added that their philanthropic efforts also stem from the desire to serve as good role models for their children, and the reason they gravitate toward supporting so many youth groups or children-centric organizations is to set an example. “Children are our future,” Angel said. “Kids do grow up, and you have to think, what do you want them to remember? What do you want them to do?”

The Baneys do not stop at giving, though. “We recruit other businesses to give back, too,” Angel said, explaining they reach out to other business owners to encourage them to contribute to causes. Caring for the community, she explained, “takes a village.”

“We must take care of our community so that it remains the wonderful place it is,” Glen added.

That caring drive carries over into their business models as well. So synchronized are their life and work philosophies that it is almost impossible to separate the two.

Family-Owned

Katy Carpets ETC and Angelic Carpet Cleaning Offers Exceptional

Service and Quality Care

D

escribing Glen and Angel Baney as Katy-centric and family-oriented is an understatement. Not only have the Baneys owned Katy Carpets ETC and Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc. in Katy for a combined 25-plus years, they are also avid supporters of the Katy community.

From local churches, schools, athletic teams, cheerleaders, booster clubs to performing arts groups, scouts and organizations like the Ballard House, the Baneys are known for their contributions. “This community is what provides our life,” Glen said. “We live here, we work here, and we are part of this community.”

COVER STORY

By M.G. Angulo

Photos by Alisa Murray Photography

4

Angel Baney.

Taking Care of Customers In their personal lives, their family and the community take priority. The same goes for Angelic Carpet Cleaning, run by Angel, and Katy Carpets, run by Glen.

“We started with the carpet cleaning business first,” said Angel. “That’s how Glen put himself through college.” Katy Carpets, Glen explained, came after he and his wife realized there was a need for a dependable flooring company in the area.

“We would recommend our carpet cleaning customers to other flooring places, and they had bad experiences,” Glen said. And that, he continued, is what led him and his wife down the path to opening their second family-owned and run business.

Each one running one of their businesses was more than a logical decision, they said. Their motivation was to offer a quality and needed service to the community they cherish.

“It’s a good way for us to take care of our customers in both directions,” Glen shared. “We want to give the best possible customer service and to offer our customers an easy and comfortable experience with the best possible outcome.”

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242

Fall Specials

Customers who choose new flooring can receive 36 months, no interest and equal payment financing; or 10% off a $2,500+ project Glen Baney and Ryan Rodriguez.

A Family-Infused Operation Identifying themselves as a family-owned business extends far beyond a catchphrase. Not only do the husband and wife run two businesses, their daughters Hannah, 18, and Nicki, 17, work the business when they are not at Sam Houston State University. Plus, Angel’s nephew Ryan, who is also in college, has worked in the family business since he was 16 years-old.

And then there is Benjamin, the youngest Baney child, who the community has gotten to know over the years. “Many of our customers have known him since he was born,” Angel said with a laugh, explaining that Benjamin accompanied his parents to work until he started school.

These days, however, Benjamin, now 11 years-old, is attending Cinco Ranch Junior High, and it will not be long before he joins the ranks. “He’ll be ready soon enough,” Angel said.

The family-infused environment is an aspect their customers love. “When customers come to us, and we help them take a look at their options, they deal with us every time,” Glen explained. “They are not going to be handed off to someone else, and they’ll never hear: ‘That’s not my department.’ They are going to see the same faces, and that is important to us.”

Katy Carpets ETC Services Katy Carpets ETC, found at 2020 S. Fry Road, Suite F in Katy, features a showroom and can meet a range of flooring upgrades including: carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, stone and vinyl. The company also offers custom area rugs, as well as quartz and granite countertops.

And when it comes to products, Katy Carpets offers a vast line including: Shaw, Mohawk, Dream Weaver, Masland, Masland Wool Carpet, Masland Area Rug, Dixie Home, Fabrica, Fabrica Wool, Fabrica Area Rug, Anderson/Tuftex, Daltile Stone Center, Southern Traditions Hardwood, Bella Cerra wood, Regal Hardwood, Craftsman Hardwood, Modern Farmhouse Hardwood, Modern Craftsman Hardwood, Daltile, Marazzi, Phenix Carpet, Godfrey Hirst wool Carpet, Floorigami Carpet, Smart Squares Carpet and Commercial carpet, LVT.

Call: 281.647.8100 Visit www.katycarpets.com.

Fall Specials

Five areas and hall for $139.99 plus tax. The area must equal 250 square feet or less Call: 281.829.2222 Visit www.angeliccarpetcleaning.com.

“We’re not a turnkey kind of place,” Glen stressed, explaining that customers can expect quality service combined with customized work from Katy Carpets. “It’s important for us to understand what a customer is looking for so we can show them a variety of options.”

Katy Carpets has earned several awards over the years, including earning Floor Trends’ Flooring Store Retailer of the Year in the Southwest Region from Floor Trends; the BBB Awards of Excellence; Angie’s List Super Service Awards; Readers’ Choice Awards in absolutely! Katy Magazine; Best Picks Service Award; the Preferred Retailer Award on City.com; and Best of Katy in The Katy Times.

Katy Carpets is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, but they also offer flexible hours by appointment. But no matter if customers visit during regular hours or schedule a convenient time, they will receive the highest degree of care. From exploring options and choosing a floor to the installation of it, Katy Carpets assists customers – both residential and commercial – every step of the way.

“We also offer free in-home consultation, estimates and measurements,” said Glen. “Customers deserve an easy and transparent experience, and that is what we provide.”

synthetic fiber and natural area rug cleaning, porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tile and grout cleaning, car carpet cleaning and the option to clean, protect and deodorize upholstered furniture.

“We also offer carpet stretching and repairs, wood refinishing, air duct cleaning and even emergency water extraction,” Angel said, adding that Angelic Carpet Cleaning services residential and commercial customers.

What Customers Have To Say: “Glen was great. He explained everything they would do in detail.

Unlike another Katy floor company, he showed up on time and always kept me in the loop! I will never use anyone else. They even did a follow up to make sure l was satisfied.”

– Neil Hearne Glen Baney demonstrates the new EPA fogging system.

And during the time of the pandemic, Angelic Carpet Cleaning’s disinfecting and sanitizing COVID-19 service, which is a fog that kills airborne and surface viruses, is a propitious option.

“The process kills SARS, AIDS and COVID 19,” Angel said.

Angelic Carpet Cleaning has also garnered awards, including Readers’ Choice Awards, Best Picks Service Award, preferred retailer award on City.com and the Best of Katy in The Katy Times.

Ready to Serve Glen Baney.

Angelic Carpet Cleaning Services Just like Katy Carpets, Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc. strives to meet a variety of needs. Also found at 2020 S Fry Road in Katy, Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc. offers carpet cleaning,

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Glen and Angel Baney.

Glen and Angel ensure the community that they are open and operating as usual. But, both of them recognize the unusual times this year has presented.

“We’re doing everything we can to help in any way we can,” they said.

“Give us a call. We’re taking appointments that will meet the needs of our customers because providing them with the most satisfying experience is our goal.”

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242

“I worked with Glen on a timesensitive issue for a trade show we had coming up. He handled all my needs, and pointed me in the right direction to get exactly what I needed even though they specifically couldn’t handle this particular issue I had, he spent time helping me. They went above and beyond. I will do business with them in the future for sure.”

– James Garrison “I can’t say enough good things about Angel, Glen and their team.

They did an awesome job at my store, working with a very tight schedule to accommodate my needs. They went above and beyond to do the job while not interfering with our business operation. Thank you!”

– Schakolad Chocolate Factory “They did an excellent job of cleaning our carpets and rugs. They were careful with how they moved their equipment in and out of the house and were very knowledgeable and friendly. The cost was reasonable, and they were able to schedule us quickly. We will certainly use them again and highly recommend their services.”

– Jen Clouse

, Tis the Season

Thankful Thoughts and Thanksgiving Treats

By Alisa Murray

T

his holiday starts the busy season for all of us, and this year is a special one. It is a year to be remembered for everything we lost and found. Many of us lost our loved ones, lost our businesses and lost all sense of control. Some of us came close to losing our minds! Some of us reflected and took stock of what was missing and found that much of what we thought we needed we never really did.

As we all come together virtually for special times with those we love or prepare for our families a magnificent feast in person, this year I am getting creative from my usual fare of baked turkey and homemade dressing. That green bean casserole recipe has been overplayed as my family leaned into home isolation with requests of Thanksgiving food in the middle of a hot summer in an attempt to feel all warm and cozy during this quarantine. So, I have changed things up a bit and plan to surprise them with something fresh – something new – and get this season ending of 2020 on its albeit crippled leg off to a festive start!

Here’s what’s cooking in the Sweet Life Kitchen this holiday season!

Thanksgiving 2020 Selections Smothered & Suffocating Turkey Balls with Garlic Butter Wildly Jazzed Up Pilaf with Cranberries and Herbs

Delectable Duchess Potatoes

Simply Divine Turkey Gravy Texas Corn Pudding

“Slap your Mama” Broccoli & Gruyère Casserole

The Dizzy Fizzy Spicy Rum Punch Chocolate Torte and Apple Crisp Pie

The Dizzy Fizzy What you’ll need: • 1 cup of Pumpkin Puree • 5 cups of Fresh Apple Cider (You should be able to find fresh apple cider at your local farmer’s market.)

• 2 cups of Non-Pasteurized Fresh Orange Juice • 1.5 cups of Spiced Rum (Recommended: Chairman’s St. Lucia Rum) • 2 bottles of Chilled Champagne • A collection of your choosing of the following:

Star Anise

Crisp Sliced Apples and Oranges

Plums or Cranberries For the topping: • 2 cups of Heavy Whipping Cream • 1 tablespoon of Homemade Vanilla Extract • 1 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon What You’ll Do: • Combine in a bowl the puree along with cider, rum, juice and dissolve the pumpkin puree.

• Add into the bowl the champagne and the assortment of fruits and spice.

• Whisk the cream, vanilla and cinnamon until cream has formed.

• Pour into glasses, top with cream and enjoy!

For complete recipes and tutorials on all of these dishes and more, go to Alisa Murray on YouTube.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

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, Tis the Season

Did You Gain The Quarantine 15?

How to get rid of those extra pounds and maintain before the holidays!

By Travis Johnson DotFit and APEX Certified Nutrition Specialist

S

ince the middle of March, many of us were under statewide restrictions, and we all started to be a little less active. Gyms were closed. Parks were closed.

Trails for running and biking were closed. So, if you gained weight during this quarantine, you were not alone. This weight gain has been recently been referred to as “The Quarantine 15.”

All of our habits changed quite a bit as we went from hustling and bustling to spending a lot more time at home.

Spending time at home had its benefits as some of us were more productive when it came to work, and we were able to spend more time with the family. It kind of reminded me of how it was in the 90s. If you did get out, you saw more people outside walking the neighborhood. We spent time eating at home and enjoying the company of the kids. It was kind of refreshing.

On the other hand, this refreshing time of enjoying being at home for a bit helped all of us move a lot less, which caused many of us to gain weight. It was not hard to abandon our active lifestyle and healthy eating in exchange for binge watching Netflix and snacking on everything we could get our hands on.

But with the holidays quickly approaching, we need to get back on track and start focusing on making changes again.

It’s extremely important to focus on living a healthier life by being active and eating healthy, as studies show that being overweight and out of shape makes us more prone to disease, as well as other health issues. This worldwide pandemic that we have had to deal with since the start of 2020 has really shed more light on being healthy. This virus had and continues to have a terrible impact on everyone in one way or another, but many who are unhealthy, overweight and out of shape were highly susceptible to catching the virus. So now, we need to focus on living a heathier lifestyle.

Here are a few ways we can get back on track and focus on making changes in our body:

1

Get moving and stay moving.

Start by just getting in a walk every day after dinner. If you typically are more active, then slowly get started back to being as active as you were before. Find something you enjoy doing, like playing tennis, riding your bike, jogging or just playing outside with the kids. Just find something active to do on a daily basis.

8

Travis Johnson, DotFit and APEX Certified Nutrition Specialist.

2

Be more mindful of your food intake.

3

Limit your alcohol consumption.

4

Get a nutrition specialist.

Food plays a huge part in the changes our bodies make.

At times it may be easier to just get take out, but it might be healthier to cook a quick healthy meal at home. Plan out your dinners for the week and go grocery shopping accordingly. If you are prepared for your weekly meals, you will do better at watching your portion sizes.

A poll on WebMD showed that 21% of Americans and 17% internationally blamed weight gain on alcohol consumption. Also, per WebMD, alcohol in moderation (one or two drinks a day) is associated with less weight gain. Drinking four or more drinks a day are associated with an increased risk of obesity.

So, be mindful of your alcohol consumption to minimize your risk of gaining weight.

I hear it all the time: “My food is fine,” or “I eat healthy.”

I also hear how hard people are having reaching their goals.

Once someone finally gets started with their own personalized meal plan, they are more likely to reach their goals. If you have a nutrition specialist, create a plan just for you. It will be individualized, and it will be easier to follow and maintain.

These tips will help you and your family get back on track to reaching your goals. This is the best time to get fit and stay fit as maintaining a healthy weight should also help lessen our stress levels – especially during the stressful holiday season.

Visit https://fitfor18.com/nutrition-fitness-training/ for more information and helpful tips.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

, Tis the Season

What’s Kickin’ in

for the

Katy

Holidays!

Benefiting The Ballard House Saturday, November 7th The Ark by Norris 21402 Merchants Way Katy, TX 77449 The Katy Sip N Stroll is back with enhanced and rigorous safety protocols in place. Due to COVID-19, attendance is capped at 35% so tickets are expected to go quickly. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.sipandstroll.com.

YMCA Turkey Dash November 9th - November 29th Participate in the 18th annual Katy Area YMCA Virtual Turkey Dash on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re a veteran runner or participating in your first race, there’s an event for you, including a virtual 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Run and feature a new event, the Katy YMCA Turkey Hunt, a scavenger hunt. Dress up for races, and enter in the costume contest with awards. For more information, visit www.ymcahouston.org/turkey-dash.

Katy Market Day Saturday, December 5th 10 am to 5 pm Historic Downtown Katy Enjoy 80 vendors, food trucks and a petting zoo at this holiday-themed, free community event. For more information, visit katymarketday.com.

Candy Cane Market Saturday, December 5th 11 am - 5 pm Cane Island Amenities Village 2100 Cane Island Parkway The Candy Cane Market is the place to shop for the holidays! Shop with vendors and enjoy delicious food and spirits. Plus, a visit from Santa. For more information, visit @TheRealCraftwivesofKaty on Facebook.

Annual Holiday Luncheon Thursday, December 10th 11:30 am - 1 pm Networking: 11:30 am Luncheon: Noon - 1 pm The Cafe at Brookwood 1752 Farm to Market 1489 Brookshire, TX 77423 For tickets, visit KatyChamber.com.

High Net Worth Individuals Only For large, permanent life insurance policies • $5,000,000 plus for estate planning / legacy / charitable / business buy-sell agreements • Dramatically lower cost • Utilizing leverage and the time value of money Please call for a complimentary consultation:

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Also specialize in long-term care insurance l Visit www.texascare.net

NEWSWORTHY

Katy ISD Wins 2020 TAEA

The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced its 43 winners for the 2020 District of Distinction Award and among the list of honorees is the Katy Independent School District. The District received the honor for providing a wellrounded education that advocates and integrates a visual arts curriculum that inspires creativity and reaches all of its learners.

“It is an honor that Katy ISD is part of the top four percent of districts in the state of Texas to earn such a prestigious honor this year,” said Assistant Director of Fine Arts Mitzi Jones. “Through art our Katy ISD students have been able to express their creativity, which inspires them to excel in and out of the classroom,” added Jones.

TAEA is the leading advocate for visual arts in Texas. This is the second year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria. For the 2020 award, Katy ISD was among more than 1,000 other districts eligible to submit documentation that met the 12-point rubric over the 2019-2020 school year.

The rubric examines a district’s visual art program when it comes to participation with the TAEA, exhibitions, and contests as well as other elements such as community engagement in the visual arts through field experiences, community service and collaboration with other content areas. Even more so, TAEA was impressed and proud of Katy ISD’s level of participation in the visual arts learning experiences for all its grade levels despite the many educational challenges faced due to COVID-19.

Katy ISD, along with 42 other districts, will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting as part of the TAEA Conference on November 21st. The event will be held virtually this year.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

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5 thAnnual Favorite Wine Bar: The Cellar Door 829 South Mason Road, #280 Katy, TX 77450

2020 This fall, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their favorites are in Katy in nine different categories:

• FOOD • HOME IMPROVEMENT • AUTO • SHOPPING • ENTERTAINMENT • SCHOOLS • PETS • Healthcare • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES And boy, did they come through!

With 1,000 votes, readers voiced their opinions on their favorites.

Take a look and see who won this year’s absolutely! The Best Readers’ Choice of Katy’s Favorites!

Voting for the 2020 absolutely! The Best of Katy Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online at absolutelyKaty.com from August 1 to September 30, 2020.

The results were collected and tabulated using crowdsignal.com.

In the event of a tie, all winners are listed.

Favorite Brunch Black Walnut 23233 Cinco Ranch Boulevard Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Pub & Martini: MKT Distillery 5373 1st St Katy, TX 77493

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FOOD

Favorite Happy Hour: Chuy’s 21300 Katy Fwy Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Margarita & Mexican Food: Lupe Tortilla 703 W Grand Pkwy S Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Steakhouse: Anthonie’s Market Grill 9108 Farm to Market 1489 Simonton, TX 77476 Favorite Pizza: 1000 Degrees Neopolitan Pizza 24600 Katy Fwy Ste 800 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Burger: Smashburger 3 Locations in Katy Favorite Italian Restaurant: Tie Carabba’s Italian Grill 6501 S Fry Road, Suite 600 Katy, TX 77494 AND Da Vinci Ristorante Italiano 6455 S Fry Rd #100 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite BBQ: Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q 21799 Katy Fwy Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Seafood: Fish City Grill 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, #140 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Specialty Restaurant: Tiger Noodle House 2 Locations in Katy

Local foodies spoke up loud and clear voting for their favorite eateries – yum!

Favorite Frozen Treats: Creamistry 24515 Katy Fwy #850 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Bakery: Proud Pie 3522 Mason Road Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Coffee Bar: Serene Beans 5609 3rd Street Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Healthy Eatery: Salata 3 Locations in Katy Favorite Food Truck: That’s My Dog 22635 Morton Ranch Road Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Caterer: Spring Creek BBQ 21000 Katy Fwy Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Fast Food: Chick-Fil-A 6 Locations in Katy Favorite Delivery: Door Dash DoorDash.com Favorite Grab & Go: HEB Meal Simple 3 Locations in Katy

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy Favorite Heating/ Favorite Appliance Store: Air Conditioning Services: Lowe’s Polar Express A/C & Heating 2 Locations in Katy 2011 Holly Manor Court IMPROVEMENT Katy, TX 77493 Favorite Carpet Cleaning Service: HOME Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc. 2020 South Fry Road, F From appliances and flooring to landscaping Katy, TX 77450 and design, check out readers’ go-to services for making their homes beautiful.

Favorite Gardening/ Landscaping Company: Enchanted Gardens 6420 Fm 359 Road Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Home Improvement: Texas Custom Patios 11391 Meadowglen Lane Houston, TX 77082

Favorite Pool Service: Katy Pool Techs LLC 565 South Mason Road Suite 149 Katy, TX 77450

Favorite Flooring Store: Katy Carpets Etc. 2020 South Fry Road Katy, TX 77450

Favorite Plumber: The Katy Plumbing Company 1704 Avenue D Katy, TX 77493

Favorite Interior Designer: Neighbor Interiors 2717 Commercial Center Boulevard, Suite E200, Katy, TX 77494

ER AUTO S VICES When it comes to auto services, car enthusiasts aren’t shy about voting for their favorites.

Favorite Auto Dealer: Ford Autonation 20777 Katy Freeway Katy, TX 77450 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

Favorite Auto Repair & Services: Christian Brothers Automotive 5 Locations in Katy

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy Favorite Gift Shop: TIE Beau Kisses 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard #A130 Katy, TX 77494 AND

SHOPPING

AND Plato’s Closet – Katy 577 Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450

What’s Poppin’ Popcorn 1326 Pin Oak Road Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Antiques Shop: KT Antiques 5614 2nd St Katy, TX 77493

Favorite Bargain Shopping: TIE Katy Mills 5000 Katy Mills Circle Katy, TX 77494

’Tis the season to shop ’til you drop! Check out these favorite shopping spots.

Favorite Jewelry Store: James Avery Jewelry 20260-D Katy Freeway Katy, TX 77449

Favorite Spirits Store: Favorite Favorite Health Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods Grocery Store: Food Market: 6 Locations in Katy H-E-B Texas Grocery Trader Joe’s 3 Locations in Katy 2717 Commercial Center Favorite Shoe Store: Boulevard DSW Designer Show Warehouse Katy, TX 77494 RTAINMENT 24600 Katy Freeway, Suite 300 ENTE Katy, TX 77494 From theatres to outdoor recreation, readers got serious about voting for their favorite entertainment!

Thank you for voting us The Best Kids Entertainment!

Turning kids into ninjas one obstacle at a time!

Favorite Movie Theatre: Tie Cinemark 19 and XD Favorite Fitness Gym: 1030 W Grand Pkwy N Tie Katy, TX 77449 YMCA at Katy Main Street AND 1350 Main Street Katy, TX 77494 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 2707 Commercial Center Blvd AND Suite K-100 Katy, TX 77494 ESN Health Personal Favorite Live Entertainment: Fitness Training 22756 Westheimer Mo’s Place Parkway #160 21940 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77450 Katy, TX 77450 Favorite Country Club: Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club 23230 Meadowbrook Farms Club Drive Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Kids’ Entertainment: USA Ninja Challenge Katy Favorite Event Hall: 22564 Franz Road Safari Texas Ranch Katy, TX 77449 11627 FM 1464 Favorite Sports Recreation: Richmond, TX 77407 Katy Gymnastics and Sports Performance 22570 Franz Road Katy, TX 77449 Favorite Man Cave: Growler USA 144 FM 1463 Katy, TX 77494

Classes Parties Camps 22564 Franz Road, Katy 77449 281.394.1986 • ninjakatytx.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy

2020

It’s a Sweep!

Winner All 3 Magazines 2 Years Running

11627 FM 1464 l Richmond l 281.277.7888 l safaritexasballroom.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy

SCHOOLS

Favorite Day Care: TIE Tiger Land Child Care Center

5315 E 5th St Favorite College: Katy, TX 77493 Houston Community College Katy Campus AND 1550 Foxlake Dr Houston, TX 77084 Children’s Learning Adventure

24224 Cinco Terrace Dr Favorite Technical School: Katy, TX 77494 Miller Career & Technology Center Favorite Private School: 1734 Katyland Drive Faith West Academy Our readers don’t trust their kids to just anyone.

Katy, TX 77493 2225 Porter Road From preschool to college, check out their Katy, TX 77493 favorite child care and educational facilities.

Favorite Veterinarian: Tie All Pets Animal Hospital & 24-Hour Emergency Care 24221 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77494

PET SERVICES

Favorite Pet Store: Tie PetSmart 24600 Katy Freeway Suite 500 Katy, TX 77494

AND

AND

Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic 20701 Kingsland Blvd #105 Katy, TX 77450

Pet Supermarket 1711 Spring Green Boulevard Katy, TX 77494

With the holidays around the corner, have your four-legged friends taken care of at Katy’s finest!

Favorite Day Care/Boarding Services & Grooming Rover Oaks Pet Resort 24250 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77494

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy

Thank you for voting us your 2020 Favorite Real Estate Agent In Katy!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Katy

SSIONAL SERVICES PROFE

Whether it’s building a home or ordering flowers, leave it to these favorite professionals!

K D’s

Florist & Gifts 281.391.1132

AND Johnson Development Corporation 13131 Dairy Ashford Suite 210 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Custom Home Builder, Real Estate Agent & Company The Chris Hiller Team – Keller Williams 22762 Westheimer Parkway, #430 Katy, TX 77450

• Funerals • Birthdays • Special Occasions

Favorite Salon: Milano Nails & Spa 1443 FM 1463 #300 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Bank/ Credit Union: Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union 25525 Katy Mills Parkway Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Financial Services: Ben R. Shull CPA, LLC 410 W Grand Pkwy S #385 Katy, TX 77494

CARE SERVICES HEALTH

• Any Occasions

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you to the Katy Community for voting for us!

Order Nationwide and Worldwide Delivery are available.

24/7

kdsfloristandgifts.com • katyfloristandgifts.com 5315 Highway Blvd

Favorite Law Firm: Nancy L. Rommelmann, PLLC 820 Gessner, Suite 1630 Houston, TX 77024

Favorite Hospital: Houston Methodist West Hospital 18500 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77094

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Favorite Insurance Agency: Matt Schomburg – StateFarm 814 East Avenue Katy, TX 77493

Favorite Plastic Surgeon: Favorite Doctor: Houston Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Dr. Shelley Ferrill 3030 South Mason Road 23144 Westheimer Parkway Katy, TX 77450 Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Dentist: Heather Thompson DDS 21681 Kingsland Blvd Katy, TX 77450

When it comes to healthcare, check out these Katy’s favorites from doctors to dentists.

Serving Katy, West Houston and Surrounding Areas • Weddings

Favorite Florist: KD’s Florist & Gifts 5315F Highway Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Favorite Developer: TIE Cane Island 2100 Cane Island Pkwy Katy, TX 77493

Full Service Flower Shop in Olde Towne Katy

Favorite Wellness: SO Nutrition – Stephanie Ouellette, MBA, RDN, LD 21815 Oak Park Trails Dr Katy, TX 77450

Favorite Orthodontist: Jennings Orthodontics 26440 Farm to Market 1093 #B100 Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Spa: Massage Envy 4 Locations in Katy

Favorite Dermatologist: Katy Dermatology 24612 Kingsland Boulevard Katy, TX 77494

Favorite Eye Care: Mann Eye Center 750 Westgreen Blvd Katy, TX 77450

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

. . . for voting us “Katy’s Favorite Developer” once again!

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