Absolutely Katy January 2021

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2021

Out

Heart-Shaped

About

Cookie Pops

Out with the Old – In with the New:

Katy ISD BOND

Nutritional Inspiration for the New Year

$3.95

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CONTRIBUTORS

{Features}

Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 8

6 Nutritional Inspiration for the New Year

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 Volume 17 | number 1

{COVER STORY}

For many, the worthwhile challenge of enhancing physical health begins with the foods and beverages you eat and drink.

10 Katy ISD Earns

Over $1.1M through CenterPoint

neighbors what their hopes, plans and yes, resolutions for the new year are now that we can definitely say goodbye to 2020!

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Make your sweetheart something special with these adorable – and easy – valentine hearts on a stick.

{Newsworthy} 4 Out with the Old –

In with the New:

Resolutions for 2021

We asked some of our friends and

Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney Page 9

12 Heart-Shaped Cookie Pops

The Baney Family.

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Energy Incentive Program

{Columns} 8 THE CORONA CHRONICLES

10 Things 2020 Taught Me

11 Katy ISD Seeks 2021 Bond

To Address Rapid Student Growth

Feed The Hunger Katy

Provided One Million Meals to Families in Need

12 Katy ISD Agricultural

Sciences Project Center

Named after Gary Vos

I Can’t Live Without

9 FAMILY LAW

Why the spike of divorce filings in January?

{In Every Issue} 3 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 10 OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF KatY

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

Exclamation Points!

Publisher, Patti Parish-Kaminski

Bring on 2021!

Vol. 18 No. 1 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 281.690.4242 www.absolutelykaty.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

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 Moore 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 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

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 © 2021 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.

As we go to press with our January 2021 issue – mid December of the dreaded year – I’d like to tell you I know exactly what we’re doing in 2021. I do not. 2020 left such an indelible mark on literally every aspect of our lives, planning has become almost obsolete.

I’m reminded of when my babies were young, and they would ask every morning, “What are we doing today Momma?” I always had the answer to that inquiry, but if there’s one thing 2020 taught me, it’s that I really don’t have all of the answers – even for the simplest of inquiries.

Here’s what I do know. We as a community are resilient. It’s our nature as Texans to persevere, and that I know we will do so.

There’s much good news on the horizon for Patti Parish-Kaminski – Come on 2021! the coming year, and that news is indeed We’re ready! welcome. But when it comes to what I will resolve to do this year, I’m going with a simple yet profound mantra: hold on and hold on tight. Hold on tight to your family, hold on tight to your friends and hold on tight to your business. But most of all, hold on tight to your glass as you toast the new year.

Happy New Year Katy! We at absolutely! Katy appreciate you more than you know, and we can’t wait to share your great news this year. Cheers!

Stay focused,

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

READER FEEDBACK Dear Patti, Your program for The Garden Club of Richmond this morning was so witty, lighthearted and entertaining. All of us enjoyed it appreciated the laughter!

Thank you for providing the program today.

All of us benefited from your humor and levity.

We appreciate your time and energy.

I hope that you feel better soon!

Sincerely, Lynn Hewitt The Garden Club of Richmond

Love, love the jingle tree and the article.

Great job!

Elizabeth Picou Butler You are the creative, talented, and funny person I needed today! Thanks for making me smile at your beautiful tree and laugh at your article!

M’Liss Murr Heps Patti Parish-Kaminski you make this crazy world so much better! You’re the BEST! Susan Ley-Novosad

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l

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Out with the Old – In with the New: Resolutions for 2021

L

ast year was one for the record books - and unfortunately, not in the most positive of ways. But, hope springs eternal for 2021! In this issue, we asked some of our friends and neighbors what their hopes, plans and yes, resolutions for the new year are now that we can definitely say goodbye to 2020!

“F

or over 10 years, my father and I talked of going on a father daughter bird hunt. In October, we finally went on that hunt for his 82nd birthday. We had the most wonderful trip – bonus – we have a freezer full of pheasant to enjoy! This past year of fears, lockdown and death highlighted I have spent too much time working toward the next goal sacrificing time with family. My resolution for 2021 is to focus on spending time with my aging parents.” ~ Anna Allred

Anna and Roger Allred with Brenda Kay Phillips.

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020 had some silver linings. It demanded society and the work place do away with some time honored but needless routines and forced restructure of anachronistic habits giving way to new growth and prospects.

2021 offers new opportunities. Create/ recognize them, seize/ embrace and be grateful for them!” ~ Nancy L. Rommelmann

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Delia, Henry, Joshua, Hollie, Jacob and Hope Dibrell.

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020 has been a challenging year. Some of the best things to come out of 2020 is the amount of family time we experienced.

Our resolution for the new year is to continue spending time together as we move out of COVID-19 – more game nights, more walks, more family vacations.” ~ Henry Dibrell

Nancy L. Rommelmann

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

Jessa Arevalo and Napo Ghonda Jr.

“H

appy New Year! I intend on getting into the best shape of my life, mind, body and soul in 2021.

Jessa makes sure I keep the body goals going in the right direction. I also want to enjoy my son’s Junior year of football, and enjoy while we get out the pandemic. 2021 is going to be a great year!” ~ Napo Ghonda Jr.

Gracie Kerr, Glen and Nicki Baney, Clayton Kerr, Benjamin Baney, Melissa Kerr, Hannah Fisher and Angel Baney.

“T

he Baney family is truly excited about the new year and saying goodbye to 2020. We are planning to continue running strong Katy owned-businesses for our community. Katy Carpets ETC and Angelic Carpet Cleaning, Inc have survived by the hair on our chins, but the Baney’s are survivors. Our hopes are to keep our family support group strong, nurtured and loved and to become even better people for our community and ourselves. It takes a village, and we have a great one right here in Katy, Texas!” ~ Angel Baney

Katy Area Chamber team: Rick Ellis, Ashley DeWispelaere and Matthew Ferraro.

“A

lthough 2020 was not the year we planned for, we are grateful to our members and community for allowing us to persevere through an unprecedented year.

We are looking forward to providing our members with new and relevant programs to continue to strengthen our business community. See you in 2021!”

~ Matthew Ferraro, IOM,

President/CEO,

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce

Matthew Covault, Zoe Eckhardt, Lawren and Michael Covault, Henderson Eckhardt and Brian and Abigail Covault.

“F

or 2021, we are hopeful for a healthy, happy 2021! We are going to attempt a family resolution to be more active – all 7 of us – and spend more time outdoors doing things together. We want to stay committed to supporting our community and church and will try to do more for those in need. We are optimistically planning to travel as well fingers crossed!

~ Lawren Eckhardt Covault,

Director of Marketing – Cane Island

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l

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New Year, New You

Nutritional Inspiration for the New Year

A

new year brings new opportunities for personal changes and improvement from taking steps forward in a career to bettering personal relationships and – perhaps most common – starting on a path toward better health. For many, the worthwhile challenge of enhancing physical health begins with the foods and beverages you eat and drink.

Step one is to leave behind the habit of turning to unhealthy meals, and instead focus on dishes that call for fresh fruits and veggies like this Quinoa Salad with Orange Cilantro Salad Dressing.

Simply start with cooked quinoa and mix together with your preferred produce like orange slices, grapefruit and diced avocado. Add feta cheese, lime juice and diced red onion to bring the flavor to life and drizzle with the light, zesty dressing.

Making nutritious choices goes beyond just your meals, however. Take your commitment to the next level with beverages that don’t cancel out your effort to eat healthy. This Spiced Citrus Ginger Mocktail combines a concentrate made of orange juice, orange peel, lime juice and lime peel with zero-sugar, zerocalorie ginger ale.

These health-conscious recipes are made possible with the flavor enhancement of Zevia beverages, which are naturally sweetened with stevia and include no artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives. Ranging from sodas to organic teas, energy drinks, sparkling water and mixers for cocktails and mocktails, the zero-sugar beverages fit nearly any lifestyle including eating patterns like paleo, keto, intermittent fasting and gluten-free.

Visit zevia.com/recipes to find more nutritious food and drink solutions.

Quinoa Salad with Orange Cilantro Salad Dressing Yield: 2 cups Dressing: 1/2 Cup Zevia Orange Soda 1/4 Cup Lime Juice 1/2 Cup Olive Oil 1 Cup Fresh Cilantro 1/2 Avocado 1 Teaspoon Garlic Quinoa Salad: 1 Cup Quinoa

Leafy Greens (optional) 1 Orange, Cut into Pieces (optional) 1 Grapefruit, Cut into Pieces (optional) 1 Lime, Juice only 1/2 Avocado, Diced (optional) 1/4 Cup Feta Cheese (optional) 1/4 Cup Diced Red Onion (optional)

To make dressing: In food processor, pulse orange soda, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, avocado and garlic until consistency is smooth.

To make quinoa salad: Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool. Once quinoa is cool, add to bowl with orange pieces, grapefruit pieces, lime juice, avocado, feta cheese, and diced onion – all as desired. Top with orange cilantro salad dressing.

Source: Family Features.

Photos by Getty Images.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

Spiced Citrus Ginger Mocktail Yield: 1 mocktail Concentrate: 1 Cup Fresh-Squeezed

Orange Juice 1/2 Cup Fresh-Squeezed

Lime Juice 1 Orange Peel 1 Lime Peel 1/2 Teaspoon Black

Peppercorns,

Lightly Crushed 5 Cardamom Pods,

Lightly Crushed 2 Cinnamon Sticks,

Lightly Crushed Mocktail: 1/3 Cup Concentrate 1 Can Zevia Ginger Ale

Ice

Lime Wedge, for Garnish

(optional)

Orange Wedge, for

Garnish (optional) To make concentrate: In small saucepan, combine orange juice, lime juice, orange peel, lime peel, black peppercorns, cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks. Bring to boil over high heat then turn to low; simmer until liquid has reduced by half, 3-4 minutes. Let cool and strain out solids. Transfer to glass jar and store until ready to use.

To make mocktail: Combine concentrate with ginger ale over ice.

Garnish with lime wedge or orange wedge, if desired.

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10 Things 2020 Taught Me I Can’t Live Without

As Seen In

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

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

B

ack in October, I wrote about the 10 lessons I have learned during COVID. It seemed fitting since it was my birthday and a time for reflecting. As the holidays came upon us – so incredibly quickly – I found myself once again reflecting. And yes, much of it had to do with thinking of gifts for my friends – what did they not have that they couldn’t live without? So, I decided to put together my list of must-haves from 2020 – the things that I learned I absolutely cannot live without.

Leggings: Were it not for these splendid spandex superstars, I would likely be naked from the waist down. You see, as I grew during 2020, my leggings grew right along with me.

They’re quite magical and an absolute staple for your ever-expanding wardrobe – and waistline.

Wine: Now I encourage you to remember that wine is made from grapes. Grapes are a fruit. Fruit is good for you. You’re welcome.

My Girls: You know the ones I’m talking about. The ones that when they pick up the phone, and you simply say, “Giiiirrrlllll,” they know exactly what you are talking about. Men do not have that superhero “spidey sense;” it’s solely reserved for women.

Netflix: Between the Tiger King, Ozark and Orange is the New Black, the absurd and macabre truly kept Tim Kaminski and I engaged in a mutual activity. You see, he adores mindless television; I prefer to read. Mr. Kaminski likes to garden; that precious Lucas Chavez sends me all of the flowers I need, and I don’t have to get dirty. But when you add that *itch Carol Baskin and her penchant for feeding husbands

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Delivery Services: In 2020, literally everything could be delivered to your door, and I’m all about it. My nephew Nicholas even sent me wine delivered to my door for my birthday.

See #2 – the importance of wine. And yes, Nicholas is my favorite.

My Mother: It really is true; mothers know everything. Mine does, and if she doesn’t, she just makes it up. Sound familiar?

Books: Thomas Jefferson said, “I cannot live without books.” I get it.

When everyone or everything is on my nerves, I just curl up with a good book. I really can tune everyone and everything else out with a good book. And if folks still try to bother me, I just begin reading to them from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. They scatter like cockroaches.

Hair Tint: Y’all know what that is, right? It’s the amazing aerosol that you spray on your roots to make them magically turn from gray to brown….to red….ish. Unfortunately, it washes out, but you can get a can as big as a can of WD-40 – delivered – and it will last you a minute.

Tim Kaminski: Now I know y’all think I forgot about Mr. Kaminski, but I had to put him last on the list. Otherwise, he’ll get all full of himself and impossible to deal with on the daily.

But we had some grand adventures last year, and despite me donning leggings every day, he still came home at night.

And yes, I too believe his eyesight is failing.

So, what will make my must-have list for 2021? Only time will tell, but I’m hoping that I can wean my way out of wearing leggings every day. But don’t hold your breath on that one.

The “Big Three” of things I cannot live without: wine, leggings and books – and wine. to tigers into the mix, it’s truly must-see tv. Plus, my admiration for Ms. Baskin’s creativity has kept Mr. Kaminski on his toes – and I get flowers.

My Babies: Mostly because I am not doing that “giving birth raising teenagers” thing again. Been there, done that. My babies are young adults, and watching them navigate last year was so incredibly fulfilling and downright interesting. Now it’s been a minefield but fortunately without permanent disasters.

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Stay Informed . . .

Stay Engaged . . .

Stay Focused . . .

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Free Subscription Emailed To Your Mailbox Weekly www.FortBendFocus.com

Why the spike of divorce filings in January?

By Nancy L. Rommelmann PLLC Family Law Attorney

S

Family LAW ATTORNEY

tatistics show that filing for divorce is significantly higher in the month of January. Reasons for this include not disrupting the “family” holidays during November and December.

It’s common for people to reflect on their lives at the end of a year and at times perceive their unhappiness is attributable to their spouse and seek divorce to remove their pain. Some counselors advise you that the best time to seek a divorce is when you have a clear understanding about what your needs are and who you really are. If you partake in addictive behavior (alcohol, drugs – prescriptive or illegal – pornography, etc.), then likely your spouse is not your problem. You need to work through your issues with a competent counselor and then assess your marital relationship to honestly determine if it truly is the source of your unhappiness. Then, determine whether filing for divorce is the right path for you.

My recommendation when considering divorce is to first put serious effort into rebuilding your marriage. It’s more rewarding and likely cheaper!

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

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How to rebuild your marriage?

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If divorce is the path you choose, then prepare yourself for divorce by doing the following: 1. Create a list of all of your assets and debts, with supporting documents.

2. Take an inventory of all personal property.

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4. If you don’t have much of a credit history, start your own credit history, and open credit cards in your name only.

5. Get a copy of your credit report to insure that your spouse is not dissipating marital assets on significant others. If you are concerned that your soon to be ex-spouse might borrow money in your name, you might want to sign up for a credit monitoring service.

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

Katy Independent School District Superintendent Ken Gregorski announced new leadership for several schools and district departments. During the December board meeting, five individuals were announced, along with their new leadership roles.

O F K AT Y

Dr. Frederick Black, Principal of Morton Ranch Junior High.

Amanda Weaver, Principal of Mayde Creek Junior High.

Damon Archer, Executive Director of Fine Arts.

Kevin Tabor, Deputy Chief of the Katy ISD Police Department.

Kelley Kirila, Principal at Miller Career and Technology Center.

Safari Texas awarded donations to two community charities: Second Mile Mission and Katy Christian Ministries.

NEWSWORTHY

Second Mile Mission received a $10,000 donation.

Carol Tralie, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Director of Advancement Sheena Abraham and Safari Texas owner Allison Wen.

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Katy ISD Earns Over $1.1M through CenterPoint Energy Incentive Program The District has received over $1.1 million for taking steps to save energy throughout its campuses and facilities, as part of the CenterPoint Energy SCORE (Schools Conserving Resources and Energy) Program.

Last year, the District once again awarded the #1 Leading Top Performer title, a recognition held for the past four consecutive years among all K-12 school districts in the Region 4 area. In addition, Katy ISD set a new record by receiving its largest payment yet of $458,048.

Katy Christian Ministries received a $10,000 donation. Volunteer Coordinator Jeannette Trejo, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Executive Director Deysi Crespo and Safari Texas’ Allison Wen.

“A portion of these funds are reinvested into the energy program, while the majority goes to the general operating fund (GOF) which supports students and teachers,” said Ted Vierling, Katy ISD Chief of Operations. “In addition to this program, Katy ISD will pursue Energy Star Certifications for our schools in 2021,” added Vierling.

The SCORE Program, which started in 2006, incentivizes and encourages K-12 school districts to reduce peak electricity demand (kW) and/or reduce energy consumption (kWh) through energy efficiency projects and equipment upgrades. Through this program, school districts are provided with rebate checks from CenterPoint Energy that reflect their energy savings strategies. This is one of many financial initiatives implemented by Katy ISD aimed at practicing good stewardship with taxpayer dollars.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

Katy ISD Seeks 2021 Bond to Address Rapid Student Growth As families continue to move west of the Houston Metro area to enroll their children in the fastest-growing school district in Texas, the Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees is discussing a Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) coming together to review capital needs in consideration of a May 2021 Bond Referendum.

Located within 181 square miles and serving more than 84,000 students at 71 campuses and facilities, Katy ISD is the sixth-largest school district in Texas known for its high academic performance, its award-winning staff and its highly sought out school programs, among other extra-curricular activities. On average, Katy ISD is enrolling an additional 2,400 students every school year with a projected enrollment of more than 100,000 learners by 2027. Enrollment increases are taking place most significantly in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD, where new communities are being developed and are expected to flourish within the next decade.

The CBAC’s planning and review of capital needs will include reviewing enrollment projections, the need for new schools and facilities to address capacity limitations while paying close attention to renovations and component replacements necessary at aging campuses and buildings. Within the brick and mortar schools, additional areas affecting the growing student popula-

Feed The Hunger Katy has Provided One Million Meals to Families in Need

On December 10th Feed The Hunger Katy reached a milestone by packing one million meals in 2020.

Feed the Hunger is a Christian mission organization that helps people in spiritual and physical need. Headquartered in North Carolina, Feed the Hunger equips their members to feed spiritual hunger with tools like Bibles, bicycles and micro-enterprise projects. Physical hunger is met through the provision of nutritious food, clean water and emergency aid and relief. The organization seeks to meet these needs in three target audiences: (1) at-risk children in America and overseas, (2) those in crisis situations, such as refugees and victims of natural disas-

NEWSWORTHY

tion are technology upgrades and safety and security projects to support learners and staff needs. Katy ISD has a history of approving bonds, which dates back to at least 1994. In 2017, school community voters approved a $609,204,553 bond with a no tax rate increase. It provided for six new schools, a major comprehensive renovation at one campus, component replacements, expansions and safety and technology improvements among other items. Katy ISD anticipates being able to deliver once again on a zero tax rate increase.

Due to the District’s safety protocols, only three socially distanced, in-person CBAC meetings will take place during the process. Committee members will have the opportunity to review, vet and decide upon the capital projects to be included in the school district’s bond package, should they determine a need to recommend a referendum. During the bond meetings, staff will provide in-depth background information associated with long-range needs, demographics and finances, which will allow the CBAC to finalize a bond package to present to the Board of Trustees on Monday, February 8th during a Special Board meeting.

For additional information about the CBAC and the bond creation process, visit katyisd.org/sites/bonds/Pages/default. aspx.

ters, and (3) ethnic groups that are just beginning to be reached with the message of Jesus.

Packathon Coordinator Regina Alexander, along with a team of dedicated volunteers and committee members in Katy, made it their goal to pack one million meals in 2020. The meals they packed have been shipped all over the globe, and have also made a huge impact locally in the Katy community. By providing meals to other nonprofits in the area, including Katy Christian Ministries, Hope Impacts, Compassion Katy, Attack Poverty, Eyes on Me and Children Like Loni, they have been able to bless thousands of needy families with healthy meals and spiritual needs.

They are not stopping there. They have another Social Distance packathon coming up on February 25th – 28th, where they hope to pack upwards of 600,000 more meals. Feed the Hunger is allowing families to come together to participate in a “Mission Trip” in their own backyard.

“Hunger has no ears,” so people have a difficult time hearing the Gospel when they are hungry. A Packathon is a two-hour, hands-on service opportunity for anyone ages five to 105. It is a truly rewarding event and will bring people together in a way the community may have never seen before.

To be a part of what God is doing right here in Katy, visit www.feedthehunger.org/katy/.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l

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NEWSWORTHY

Katy ISD Agricultural Sciences Project Center Named after Teacher

Heart-Shaped Cookie Pops

M

ake your sweetheart something special with these adorable - and easy - Valentine hearts on a stick.

Perfect for little sweeties, your kids will love this fun-filled activity making valentines to share.

Katy ISD former Agricultural Sciences Teacher Gary Vos.

Just in time for the 2021 Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approves the naming of the Agricultural Sciences Project Center as the Gary A. Vos Project Center.

Vos’ love for agricultural sciences and FFA began during his high school years. He realized that he could combine his enthusiasm for agriculture and his passion for teaching and become an agricultural science teacher. He began his teaching career with Katy ISD in 1981, where he taught at both Taylor and Mayde Creek high schools before spending his remaining 20 years as an agricultural sciences teacher at Katy High School. Vos was an instrumental part of the continued success of the FFA chapters in Katy ISD. He instilled the importance of responsibility, determination, leadership and accountability in all students that he encountered. Most weekends, he could be found shuttling students around on buses to conventions and contests and loading up the cattle trailer to haul animals to the local livestock show. He, as well as several other teachers, laid a foundation of hard work and dedication to students, parents and the community, that continues today. This foundation has contributed to making Katy ISD one of the premier FFA programs in the state of Texas. Under his leadership, the District saw state wins among their Leadership and Career Development Events teams, as well as numerous champions in the show ring.

After 25 years of service to Katy ISD, Vos retired from teaching in 2006. He and his wife, Angela, continue to support the students of the Katy ISD Agricultural Sciences Program by sponsoring calves in the Katy ISD Rodeo Calf Scramble the years following his retirement.

Vos received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 from Sam Houston State University. The same year that he married his wife. Before moving to Katy, the two taught in Cleveland ISD and Willis ISD. In 1978, he received a Master’s in Vocational Education from Sam Houston State University.

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Ingredients 1 Package (16 oz) Pillsbury™ Ready To Bake!™ Refrigerated Sugar Cookies (24 cookies) 24 Flat Wooden Sticks with Round Ends 1 Container (1 lb) Vanilla Creamy Ready-to-Spread Frosting Assorted Small Candies, or Candy Sprinkles or Nonpareils, if desired 10 Yards Red Curling Ribbon

1

Heat oven to 350°F. On work surface, cut each cookie in half, and arrange into V-shape with 3/4 inch space between dough pieces on top, slightly pressing bottom halves together to form V. Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart; insert wooden stick into bottom of each, overlapping sticks as necessary.

Bake 12 to 16 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.

Spread frosting on one side of each cookie; decorate with candies. Tie 18 inches of red ribbon into bow around each stick next to cookie.

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Expert Tips: Be creative with decorating, and use your favorite Valentine candies or sprinkles. Or, add food color to your frosting and make a fun assortment!

Make “conversation heart” pops by adding special messages piped with frosting.

Courtesy of Pillsbury.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.absolutelykaty.com

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