Uptown Country Magazine

Uptown

CO UNTRY

S PRING 2017 • M A G A Z I N E

NINE TOP PLACES

SPICY TEXAS LIVING

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SPRING, TX PERMIT 600

The Knowledge You NEED. The Attention You DESERVE.

M

y name is Paulette Blackwood Tate . . . and I’m 100% confident that when you list your home with me, I can get your home sold at a price acceptable to you. Your goals and my goals are the same – Sell your home for the best possible price, in a time frame that works for you and your family with the least amount of hassle.

When it comes to something as important as your family’s home, you deserve to work with a Real Estate professional who puts your priorities first and provides you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. That’s why so many people have turned to me for almost 35 years now. I am a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Agent and was recently awarded the Million Dollar Guild award. I specialize in Luxury Homes, Acreage/Horse Properties, New Home Construction, Relocation Services and Investment Properties.

If you’re considering buying, selling or investing, work with the Real Estate Agent that brings

The Power of Knowledge to your move.

832-687-0410 paulette@pauletteblackwood.com • www.PauletteBlackwoodTate.com Tomball/Cypress Area 281-376-9900

TABLE

of CONTENTS

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d!

We love to hear from yo u!

Share your thoug ideas and gi hts, ve your feedba us ck on social med ia!

[10] Spring Festivals [14] When The Lights Go Out [16] 9 Top Places For A Perfect Family Day or Night Out [19] Roughing It In Luxury See Page 16!

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[16[

[22] Cypress Resident Chef Nicholas Competes for MasterChef Junior

Feature Story

Editor in Chief Vicki Nordquist | vicki@uptowncountrymagazine.com Editorial Director Grace Lamar

[20] After School Activities Could Include Dance

Photographer Heather Holloway

Creative Director Mike Reeves

Contributing Writers Josef Bichler | Harvey McEwan | Grace Lamar | Brigitte Barry Advertising Kristine Pirtle (832) 602-7929 uptowncountry@gmail.com

Grace Lamar (832) 349-1427 advertising@uptownmagazine.com

[24] Spicy Texas Living

Materials due the 20th of the month preceding the run date.

[27] Dance teams participate in Super Bowl 51 halftime performance [29] Grady Martin, Founder of Tomball German Festivals

READER SERVICES Mailing Address - Delivery 14351 Torrey Chase Blvd.

Suite #E Houston, TX 77014 Phone: (281) 705-9568 Fax: (281) 893-1029

Volume 1, No. 5 Uptown Country Magazine PO Box 681397 • Houston, TX 77268 • (281) 705-9568 • www.uptowncountrymagazine.net The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted October 2016 by Uptown Country Magazine. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Uptown Country Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Uptown Country Magazine is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management.

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March 25 Woodlands CrawPHish Festival

April 1-2, Houston Children's Festival

Take in the great music and food as well as good times that The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival provides.

Various activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. From FUDZÀVK UDFHV WR FRORULQJ W VKLUWV IDFH SDLQWLQJ and snow cones to climbing a rockwall. Spend an unforgettable time with your family while contributing to a great cause – a cure for Pulmonary Hypertension.

+RXVWRQ V RIÀFLDO IDPLO\ FHOHEUDWLRQ LV KHOG DQQXDOO\ in downtown Houston. The event offers a dazzling VPRUJDVERUG RI H[FLWLQJ DFWLYLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ VL[ HQWHUWDLQPHQW VWDJHV PRUH WKDQ JDPHV DQG family adventure areas.

Town Green Park, Woodlands 11am-6pm

April 8 Art Car Parade

March 27-28, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

7KH )UXLW 0RELOH D )RUG VWDWLRQ ZDJRQ VWDUWHG WKH FUD]H LQ 7UXO\ D VLJKW WR VHH WKH SDUDGH LV produced by the Orange ShowCenter for Visionary Art

The Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park kicks RII VSULQJ DV +RXVWRQ V SUHPLHU RXWGRRU ÀQH DUWV HYHQW More than 300 national artists working in 19 artistic media are juried and invited to show and sell their original art at this event.

Downtown Houston / City Hall/Sam Houston Park

Downtown Houston/Smith Street continued

Memorial Park, Houston

March 31-April 2, German Heritage Festival - Tomball (YHU\ \HDU RQ WKH ODVW ZHHNHQG LQ 0DUFK IHVWLYDO goers break out their Lederhosen and Dirndls and "Go German" for the area's largest festival celebrating the heritage of the original German families that settled this area around 1840.

Old TownTomball / Train Depot 10

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April 8-9 53rd Annual Bluebonnet Festival The festival boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community. A special Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train and more.

Downtown Chappell Hill, Tx

April 22 Cy-Fair Wine Fest There will be 30 wine tasting stations, craft beer tastings at the Backyard Grill Beer Garden, culinary tasting stations with food provided by Cypress restaurants & new to this year the Eat Prime Food Market Lounge and lively sounds on the Aruba Tourism Live Music Stage.

Hwy 290@ Skinner Rd

April 29-30 Texas CrawFish and Music Festival The 27th Anniversary of the 7H[DV &UDZÀVK 0XVLF Festival, the largest and most HVWDEOLVKHG FUDZÀVK IHVWLYDO in the South, returns for one weekend of family-friendly fun featuring live music on three stages, tons of bands, hundreds of vendors, carnival rides, interactive games and activities for kids of all ages, as well as 25 tons RI WKH EHVW &DMXQ &UDZÀVK

May 6 Boys and Girls Country Spring Festival A fundraiser for Boys and Girls Country, a home for children whose families are in crisis. A family event featuring games and activities for all ages, come out to the festival and help children while having fun.

18806 Roberts Road Hockley, Tx

May 19-21 Pasadena Strawberry Festival A barbecue cook-off, a beauty pageant, arts and crafts, live entertainment, teen battle of the bands and the world's largest strawberry shortcake are all part of the Pasadena Strawberry Festival.

7902 Fairmont Pkwy/Pasadena Fairgrounds

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Old Town Spring

www.uptowncountrymagazine

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FREE ADMISSION/PARKING

4 Music Stages / 200 Street Vendors Ethnic & Festival Food, Beer, Wine Petting Zoo / Street Performers Souvenirs, Arts & Crafts, Antiques

Willkommen Y’All!!!

You do not have to be German j y this festival! to enjoy

HERITAGE CENTER • Tomball, Texas Old Town Tomball Near the Historical Train Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm 2017 Tomball German Heritage Festival + tomballgermanfestival.org + 281-379-6844 12

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When The Lights Go Out How long does it take you to feel uncomfortable without electricity?

According to a Harris Poll of 2000 homeowners, more than half would feel the strain of no electricity within seven hours. That isn't a long time, but when you are left in Houston without A/C or can not charge your phone, what begins as an irritation can soon become unbearable.

Stand By Generators are miracles of engineering that switch on automatically when your electricity shuts off, and can power everything in your house.

While most of us think of the occasional power outage as something that will pass quickly, we usually don't associate the cost of an extended outage unless we are faced with a hurricane or major storm. From food spoilage to life threatening Houston heat, the cost can mount up. A home generator can take away all the discomfort and cost and give you and your family the reassurance that you are ready when the lights go out.

Portable Generators with extension cords are the simplest and least expensive backup power system. Keep the generator at least 10 ft. from your house. The downside is you have to run extension cords everywhere you want power and you’re limited to how many things you can plug in at once With gas as its fuel source, you need to consider how long the generator can run on a tank of gas.

Which ever generator your choose, you can experience tranquility during a storm, feeling FRQÀGHQW WKDW \RXU KRPH JHQHUDWRU ZLOO SURWHFW your family and home. h To Find the Best Generator for your home, Contact

Graston Power Technologies 281-259-6500 www.grastengenerators.com

Stand By Generators are miracles of engineering that switch on automatically when your electricity shuts off, and can power everything in your house. Unlike portable generators, they're installed permanently on a concrete pad in your yard and will provide uninterrupted backup for days since they're connected directly to your home's electrical panel and powered by an external fuel supply.

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CONTACT US TODAY TO BROWSE OUR SELECTION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE STANDBY GENERATORS.

LIFE IS BETTER WITH POWER! Top Generator Service and Sales in Harris & Montgomery Counties, Texas SERVICING: HOUSTON – GALVESTON – SPRING – TOMBALL – HUMBLE THE WOODLANDS – MAGNOLIA – MONTGOMERY – CONROE KINGWOOD – KATY – SUGAR LAND – PEARLAND – AND MORE… Grasten Power Technologies performs both residential and commercial backup power generator installs and repairs. Based out of Magnolia, Texas we service the entire Houston area for every brand of generator including Generac®, Kohler®, Cummins®, and Briggs & Stratton®.

Automatic Standby Generators Request a FREE quote!

281-259-6500 + info@grastengenerators.com 32111 Tamina Rd., A • Magnolia, Texas 77354

9 Top Places For A Perfect Family Day or Night Out Spending time out with the family can be a fun experience and with so many great places around – why wait. To help you plan your family time, here are some places you don't want to miss.

1.Aerodrome

Who says ice skating is just for kids? Bring out your inner child and spend a evening of fun gliding across the ice with your kids. It doesn't matter what your skating skill is, just being together on the ice and having fun is all that counts. Don't miss the theme nights and holiday parties that are promoted throughout the year.

Admission: $8.00 Skate Rental: $4.00 www.aerodrome.com

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2.Stone Moves Stone Moves has something for climbers of all DELOLWLHV ZKHWKHU LW¡V \RXU ÀUVW WLPH WR FOLPE D ZDOO or you’ve been climbing for years, it is a perfect activity for the whole family to get off the couch and exercise together while having fun. Daily rates are $14 excluding equipment rental. www.stonemoves.com continued

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3.The Showboat Drive-in 7KLV LVQ W MXVW D PRYLH ² LW V DQ H[SHULHQFH *R EDFN LQ WLPH ZKHQ WKH ZKROH IDPLO\ SDFNHG LQWR WKH FDU IRU D QLJKW DW WKH GULYH LQ :DWFK D PRYLH RQ D ELJ VFUHHQ XQGHU WKH 7H[DV VN\ 2SHQ HYHU\ ZHHNHQG \RX FDQ HQMR\ WZR PRYLHV IRU WKH SULFH RI RQH $GXOWV NLGV XQGHU IUHH www.theshowboatdrivein.com

Park, the Star Cinema Grill also has special screening for families with babies or children with $XWLVP &KHFN WLPHV DQG PRYLHV RQOLQH DW www.starcinemagrill.net

6.Stageworks Theater 4.Tropical Treats No place has tropical treats for the whole family like Bahama Bucks. From irresistibly delicious Sno creations to extremely satisfying Island Smoothies. %XFN V PHQX KDV PRUH WKDQ JRXUPHW à DYRUV of island-inspired world famous SnoŽ – ribbons of VRIW à XII\ VKDYHG LFH 6HYHUDO ORFDO ORFDWLRQV WR choose from. www.bahamabucks.com

5.Star Cinema Grill $ JUHDW WDNH RQ GLQQHU DQG D PRYLH DOO LQ RQH place. A dine-in-theater concept that offers your IDPLO\ QLJKW RXW ÀUVW UXQ ÀOP UHOHDVHV DQG DQ H[WHQVLYH PHQX IRU GLQQLQJ /RFDWHG LQ 9LQWDJH

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Stageworks Theatre produces eight original or established theatrical works (dramas, comedies, and musicals) each season which are entertaining for the whole family. The Garza Mainstage seats approximately 150 people and was awarded "Best Gem of a Theatre" by the Houston Press. www.stageworkshouston.org

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7. Boomers Northwest Houston's favorite place for fun has something for everyone; it's like having an amusement park in your own backyard! From Mini Golf to Go Karts, the attractions are sure to keep the fun going. There is even a brand new Rock Wall for an extra dose of fun! Located next to Willowbrook Mall, you can wind down with some old fashion window shopping. www.boomersparks.com/houston

8. iT'z

,W V KDUG WR SLFN ZKDW WR GR ÀUVW DW L7 ] %RZOLQJ %XPSHU &DUV 0RQNH\ -XPS 9LGHR *DPHV DQG more is all packed into one fun facility. And you won't go hungry while having a great time with WKHLU EXIIHW RI SL]]D SDVWD VRXSV DQG VDODGV www.itzusa.com

9. 2nd Saturday at Tomball Depot 2nd Saturday at the Depot is a family oriented event held on the second Saturday of every month.

From themed arts and crafts, to games, music and D PRYLH XQGHU WKH VWDUV RQ WKH JLDQW LQĂ DWDEOH screen, 2nd Saturday is fun for the entire family. &KHFN RXW WKH FLW\ FDOHQGDU IRU DOO WKH VSHFLDO QG Saturday events www.ci.tomball.tx.us h 18

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ROUGHING ITIn Luxury

Cooking outdoors has been around since the ÀUVW KXPDQV OHDUQHG KRZ WR FRRN ZLWK ÀUH IRU DW OHDVW D PLOOLRQ \HDUV :KHQ ZH PRYHG WKH NLWFKHQ LQGRRUV LW ZDV D UHYROXWLRQ DQG PRVW IDPLOLHV VDZ LW DV D OX[XU\ 1RZ ZH DUH UHWXUQLQJ WKH NLWFKHQ WR WKH RXWGRRUV RQFH DJDLQ LQ RXU RZQ EDFN\DUGV 7KH H[SORVLRQ RI RXWGRRU NLWFKHQV DQG SURGXFWV ZKLFK EHJDQ DERXW WHQ \HDUV DJR KDYH WUDQVIRUPHG D PXQGDQH EDFN\DUG LQWR SDUW\ FHQWUDO $ SODFH ZKHUH WKH IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV FDQ JDWKHU DQG \RX FDQ W KDYH D SDUW\ ZLWKRXW IRRG 7RGD\ V outdoor kitchens KDYH HYROYHG IURP D VPDOO FKDUFRDO JULOO WR IXOO IHDWXUH VPRNHUV ZLWK EXLOW LQ JULOOV and there are SURGXFWV WR ÀW

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After School Activities Could Include Dance After school activities, can include everything from music lessons to martial arts.

Many young people, both male and female, dream about having a career in dance. Many of them start out on this path by entering dance competitions through a local dance company. Dancing competitions give hopeful dancers the opportunity to display their talent and socialize with other dancers.

I think that dance lessons and programs are fantastic for kids for many reasons. • Dancing is a great physical activity that uses many major muscle groups. • Dance can help coordination and balance. • Dance, especially ballet, can help with posture and grace. • Dancing is fun, especially when it is to music you love. Plus, you can make friends. ‡ /HDUQLQJ WR GDQFH ZLOO JLYH NLGV FRQÀGHQFH ZKHQ they go to dances at school or with friends.

There are several dance styles that are accepted and allowed for dance competitions. These include ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop and tap. Learning new routines can help with memory. All the routines are performed in front of a group of judges who rate the GDQFHUV EDVHG RQ WHFKQLTXH H[SUHVVLYHQHVV DQG ÀWQHVV Dancers preparing for ballroom dance competitions, hip hop dance competitions or jazz dance competitions to name a few, spend many months practicing the techniques, de-

veloping impressive dance routines and most of all workLQJ RQ WKHLU ÀWQHVV $OO RI WKHVH IDFWRUV ZLOO FRPH LQWR play when it comes time for performance as the judges look at various attributes to determine if the dancer deserves the chance to move on to the next round.

Although to the viewing audience dancing looks like a fun and entertaining activity, it is quite physically demanding on the dancers themselves. Most organized events start out with regional competitions. These are usually held in a community center and allow dancers from the area to come and showcase their talent. Those dancers who make the top of the list are then allowed to participate in the national competition and end up vying for the position of best dancer in the country.

The dance participants are put into categories based RQ WKH W\SH RI GDQFH WKH\ DUH GRLQJ WKHLU SURĂ€FLHQF\ level, as well as whether they are entering individually or as part of a dance group. Your local dance company director will help you decide what is best for your child and what program they should be in.

Although dance competitions focus a lot on the dancer’s ability to apply the techniques effectively, the spirit of the competition really lies in the dancers having the experience of learning from others in the ÀHOG &HUWDLQO\ HYHU\ERG\ LQ WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ ZRXOG ORYH to become the winner, but the greatest victory is being able to gain some experience by listening to the critique of the judges as well as observing the dance techniques and attitudes of other dancers. h

(832) 717-0400 16121 N. Eldridge Suite 2 Tomball, Texas 77377

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C O M E A N D J O I N U S AT T H E

AERODROME Ice Skating Complex NOW ENROLLING SPRING & SUMMER LEARN TO SKATE COURSES & 3 DAY SUMMER CAMPS Public Sessions Birthday Parties Skating Classes Ice Hockey Figure Skating Broomball

281-847-5283 www.aerodromes.com 8220 WIllow Place Dr. N. Houston

DUST FREE TILE REMOVAL ZERO DUST! ZERO MESS! GUARANTEED!

CAPTURES DUST AS IT REMOVES TILE! • The patent pending DustRam® system captures dust at the source in every step of the removal process, so the dust cannot contaminate your home!

• Most removals take just 1 day and you do not have to move out of your home or pay for multiple cleanings because it is DUST FREE! • Prepare for NEW flooring without the mess of traditional demolition.

713.369.5209

Call to discuss how we can help with your flooring project.

See our video at www.groundzerofloors.com contact@groundzerofloors.com www.uptowncountrymagazine

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The kids are back for Season Five of the hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, which premiered Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Judges Chef Gordon Ramsay and Chef Christina Tosi welcome the latest crop of junior home cooks to the MASTERCHEF JUNIOR kitchen, Nicholas, age 9 from Cypress was there to compete for the MASTERCHEF JUNIOR trophy and the $100,000 grand prize.

After a nationwide search, 40 of the best junior home cooks between the ages of eight and thirteen have been chosen for their ÀQDO WHVW ² D FXOLQDU\ EDWWOH LQ WKH 0$67(5&+() JUNIOR kitchen in front of Chefs Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi. Only the 20 best chef-testants who prove they have the chops to take home the trophy will move forward and earn a MASTERCHEF JUNIOR white apron. Nicholas is hoping that his signature dish of shrimp scampi will make him the winner.

This season, the kids will face exciting challenges, including completing a challenge from First Lady Michelle Obama; cooking a meal for

PRUH WKDQ Ă€UVW UHVSRQGHUV MASTERCHEF JUNIOR’s Ă€UVW HYHU YHJDQ FKDOOHQJH IURP guest judge Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theoryâ€?); and cooking for other VIPs, including Julie Bowen (“ Modern Familyâ€?) and Muppets “Miss Piggyâ€? and “Swedish Chef,â€? until one talented kid is named America’s next MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, taking home the MASTER CHEF JUNIOR trophy and $100,000 grand prize.

In the season premiere episode, “The Quest for an Apron Part 1,â€? 40 junior home cooks, including Nicholas headed to Los Angeles ready to compete for a MASTERCHEF JUNIOR apron. In each culinary showdown, four chefs UHFHLYH D XQLTXH FKDOOHQJH ² IURP VWHDN WR VFDOORSV to cupcakes. Two lucky winners from each group earn an apron and a chance to move on, while two head back home. The competition is tougher than ever as Gordon and Christina separate the best junior chefs from all the rest. h Photo: Michael Becker / FOX. Š 2017 FOX Broadcasting Co.

New Gutter Installation, Leaf Covers, Pine Needle Covers

RAIN GUTTERS Free Estimates

281-492-1991

www.katykustom.com Mention this ad for free splash blocks with installation.

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We specialize in epoxy floor coatings found in garages, warehouses, machine-shops and patios for all residential and commercial sites. When It comes to epoxy, we’ve got you covered!

The Epoxy Flooring Specialists of Texas.

Angie’s List “A” Rated Company.

Super Service Award 2015, 2016.

281-771-1999

Free Estimates

www.epoxyfloorshouston.com

Purchase Money Loans: Primary, 2nd Homes & Investment Property Refinances: Cash Out or Lower Your Term

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Spicy Texas Living There is something about living under the Lone S Star Flag that breeds a different kind of Texan.

Big vision. Bold strokes. Brash thinking.

It’s no wonder that our homes need to reflect our Texas heritage of living large and spicy. Here are the businesses that can spice up every inch of your home – from the smallest closet to a backyard oasis.

Meet and connect with the special people on the next page that can make your Texas dream come true.

Artek Painting & Construction

Artek Painting & Constructio n

832-256-7963 www.artekremodel.com For over 20 years Houston customers have trusted Artek for their home and business repairs and remodeling needs. Along with the years of experience, we are fully insured for your protection. Artek is very proud to be a member of your community and our goal is to provide the most reasonable prices and the highest level of experience possible. Large or small, residential or commercial, our primary goal is to make your experience as pleasant as possible while Artek turns your vision into a reality.

Aquascape Pools & Spas 281-351-1800 www.WeGetYouWet.com e s acp A qua s & l o Po Spa s

If you're looking for ideas and resources to create an incredible yard you can "escape" to, you've come to the right place. We build and install custom swimming pools, spas, waterfalls, fountains, sprinkler and irrigation systems in the greater Houston, Texas area. As one of Texas' premier custom swimming pool and spa contractors and builders, we also remodel swimming pools and spas to suit your tastes.

Carrie Davies - Decorating Den 281-719-0741 wwwcarriedavies.com Interior decorating is my passion. I love working with my clients to help them make their home and lives more beautiful. When I come to your home, I bring an extensive array of products for the home furnishings market covering all styles from classic traditional to modern contemporary. I will show you samples of custom window treatments, bedding ensembles, floor covering, wall covering, accessories, lighting, upholstered furniture and case-goods so you don't have to run around town!

Carrie Da Decora vies ting Den

Maggie Vazquez – REALTOR Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty 832-314-3145 Maggie z Va z q u e

“Whether negotiating the right price for your new dream home or guiding you through the sale of your existing home, Maggie Vazquez will help you get the most out of your Real Estate transaction. Specializing and living in the Cypress area for years, she knows THIS market and wants to make your new home dreams come true!

Call today for your Real Estate questions….”

Magnolia Ponds 281-686-1264 www.magnoliaponds.com

Magnolia Ponds

Ponds create a natural ecosystem in their defined environment. One pond in one backyard may not seem very important, but when you have a thousand similar backyard ecosystems functioning simultaneously, there ís truly a positive impact being made on the environment. The population of pond creatures has been declining sharply for many years now. Ponds restore habitat not only to pond life but also birds that have also been driven from many of their natural wetland habitats, which they need so desperately to survive. Your pond will provide a safe haven for these creatures and add a welcome diversity to our stressed suburban environments.

Pierce Pools 832-401-9952 www.piercepoolsco.com

Pierce Pools

If you are looking to enhance your quality of life and make your backyard an oasis, a swimming pool or outdoor living area by Pierce Pools is for you! Pierce Pools and Outdoor Visions, a locally family-owned and operated business, is proud to serve residents in many beautiful communities including Tomball, Magnolia, Montgomery, Cypress and The Woodlands, Texas.

The Owner, Chad Pierce, has been in the construction industry for over 15 years. He has built a quality reputation and is known for the high level of energy he will personally give to your outdoor addition. He has transitioned many a Texas backyard into an oasis of relaxation and will do the same for your property.

Epoxy Floors Houston 281-771-1999 www.epoxyfloorshouston.com

Epoxy Floors Houston

Nothing gives your garage or shop floor a “Look At Me” shine like epoxy flooring. But more than just being beautiful, it has benefits that continue for years. Not only can it instantly transform your boring concrete into a great looking floor, but it protects your floor in numerous ways. All that dust that you track in from your garage, actually comes from small dust particles that your cement floor sheds. Epoxy, being a coating, seals the dust and covers over minor cracks in the cement.

Because epoxy, unlike a paint cures unstead of dries, it gives your floor a rock hard base that won’t be harmed by dropped tools or kids tossing bikes over. With many colors and textures to choose from, the garage can be the place where it’s fun to work and play in again.

Dance teams participate in Super Bowl 51 halftime performance

D

ance team members representing the Cy-Fair Brigade, Cypress Lakes Sterling Stars and the Jersey Village Gold Dusters participated in the Super Bowl 51 halftime performance at NRG Stadium on Feb. 5.

Selected groups began rehearsing for the performance in the evenings gs at various Houston area stadiums, including cluding NRG stadium. In total, students udents attended six rehearsals leading ading up to the event.

As part of the performance requirements, students and directors were required to sign nondisclosure statements prohibiting them from discussing or sharing haring information regarding the halftime www.uptowncountrymagazine

performance, which featured recording artist Lady Gaga.

“When Joyce Pennington asked me to participate in Super Bowl 51, I was totally blown away,” said Courtney Nelson, Gold Dusters director. “This invitation afforded our students the opportunity to do what they love, see professionals in the entertainment industry, how they work and to be a part of the cast for one incredible show!

“Besides the halftime performance, we were then asked to be among the three schools that created the pre-game visuals. Being within 100 feet of President and Mrs. Bush, the award-winning cast of Hamilton and Luke Bryan allowed our students to act out many of the life-long lessons that dance/drill team teaches: professionalism, profe work ethic and determination to give 100 percent at all determinatio times! I am truly grateful and thankful to our da dancers and all of the time devoted to this event, our they d a administration for giving us tremendous support and our community for showing us how proud they are of these young ladies!

This T has been a dream come true true!” h

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COUNTRY 27 MAGA ZINE

No matter how long you've lived in your home, I think it's always fun to “shake things up a little bit” and give your home a fresh new look!

CARRIE DAVIES Decorating Den Interiors OWNER DESIGNER: Voted – Best Interior Designer 4 years in a row!

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cdavies@decoratingden.com www.carriedavies.com 281-719-0741

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Grady Martin, Founder of Tomball German Festivals

By Brigitte

Grady Martin is a man passionate about the German history of Tomball, its people and sustaining the German language and culture. Every year, he plans and organizes both the Tomball German Heritage Festival and the German Christmas Market to celebrate German culture with festival attendees throughout Texas.

A self-proclaimed “German Texan,â€? part German, English and Scotch-Irish, Martin was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, moved to Bogue Chitto, Mississippi DQG Ă€QDOO\ UHORFDWHG DQG VHWWOHG LQ 7H[DV when he was 28.

His wife, Sandy, was born in Germany.

They met in Houston on Election Day 1986 and married in 1989. Together, they share a love for the German culture.

Martin owned his own commercial URRĂ€QJ FRPSDQ\ IRU \HDUV XQWLO KH sold it and retired at the age of 66. From there, he began to devote more time to the German Heritage Festivals.

7KH MRXUQH\ IURP 7RPEDOO¡V ÀUVW *HUPDQ +HULWDJH )HVWLYDO 17 years ago to today is interwoven with his fondness for the German culture, Tomball’s German descendants and the development of the Tomball Sister City Organization.

According to Martin, in 1996 Christian Tiews was working at Salem Lutheran Church and began translating archives from German settlers that started the church in 1851. His wife, Lula, born in Telgte, Germany, noticed “many similarities between Tomball and her hometown.� Some of Tomball’s original German settlers came from North Rhine-Westphalia. Telgte is in North Rhine-Westphalia. “Tomball was the doorway to the Texas-German Belt. German farmers came to Texas to buy good land for a dollar an acre,�

Martin said.

In 2000, the Tomball Sister City Organization or ToSCO, was IRUPDOO\ HVWDEOLVKHG ,W LV D QRQ SURÀW RUJDQL]DWLRQ ´IRUPHG for the purpose of the establishment, sponsorship, promotion and support of cultural, business, educational, diplomatic and other exchanges with Tomball’s sister city – Telgte, Germany.�

Martin is the president and his wife, Sandy, is the treasurer.

They both work as volunteers.

ToSCO sponsors exchange students each year from Telgte, Germany. To date, the organization has sponsored a total of 56 exchange students from Telgte and eight Texas students to Telgte. There is no German heritage required for Texas students. They simply need enough interest in the German language and the culture, Martin noted.

Martin said he “always knew he wanted to learn to speak *HUPDQ Âľ ,Q RQ KLV Ă€UVW WULS WR *HUPDQ\ KH GLG QRW speak one word of German. He told a story of a handshake agreement over a beer with his brother-in-law Klaus to learn German and in turn, his brother-in-law would learn English.

Upon returning, he enrolled at Lone Star College and took German courses followed by private lessons for three years.

Martin takes pride that he won the bet and can speak German.

After the trip to Germany, both he and Sandy were excited about “anything German.�

Martin founded the Tomball German Heritage Festival. www.uptowncountrymagazine

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Both he and Sandy are co-chairs of the festival. The German Fest, as it is called today, began in spring 17 years ago to raise money for 40 students from Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball to travel to Telgte. ToSCO sponsors the German Fest each year. “People didn’t realize Tomball was a Texas German town in this area. We lost our complete identity before we started having the German Festival. I was looking for something to raise a little money, bring something to the community and raise awareness of German culture,â€? Martin said. ,Q WKH Ă€UVW 7RPEDOO *HUPDQ +HULWDJH )HVWLYDO ZDV D Ă DWEHG WUDLOHU with an Oompah band and no vendors. “There were more people in the band RI Ă€YH WKDQ SHRSOH WKDW VKRZHG XS Âľ Martin chuckled.

The next three festival years were the same with very little money available.

In 2004, former Tomball Mayor “Hap�

Harrington, helped the German Fest get a boost under his leadership when the city council approved the selling of beer at the festival.

The goal was to take baby steps each year to grow the festival.

Each year at the end of the festival, Martin would put the excess money accumulated and put it toward next year’s festival.

The years 2004 to 2008, the German Fest began to get bigger overall in vendors, food, entertainment, festival space and festival attendees.

Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan approached Martin in 2009 and asked him to try a German Christmas Market. The Tomball German Christmas Market and Festival now has an average of more than 200 vendors each year. In 2016, it was ranked #5 nationally for top German Christmas Markets in the U.S.

by Travelmag.com.

The biggest revenue source for both festivals are the vendors since admission is free to both events.

Martin said he will continue working with both the German Fest and Christmas Market “as long as he can� but he already has a plan. The Tomball City Council has agreed to let him train a replacement so the festivals can continue every year. “I don’t work for a salary. It’s been like a calling for me. I’ve always felt like I am supposed to do this,� Martin said.

2017 Tomball German Heritage Festival March 31st, 6 pm to 10 pm April 1st and 2nd, 2017 10 am to 10 pm.

Old Town Tomball, Texas Free admission and parking Free Shuttles Sat. and Sun. from Tomball Regional Hospital For more information, visit: www.tomballgermanfest.org/tomball-sister-city or www.tomballgermanfest.org March/April 2017 •

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