Dr. Akash and Victoria Bhagat dream of a world where innovative Western medicine is integrated with holistic practices. They’re making that dream come true with NeuMed. Read the story on pages 4-6.
Editor’s
Letter to the Residents
And just like that, we’re in November — planning our Thanksgiving menus, consuming all things pumpkin spice, and reveling in the cooler fall weather, finally. November is one of my favorite months (hello, Nutcracker Market!), and we’ve got a lot to show for it in this issue. Our cover story highlights innovative urgent care + IV drip therapy center NeuMed and how the power couple behind the concept is changing the face of the urgent care space. The Drunken Cyclist dishes on some great wine pairings for Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve got some actually useful decluttering tips to get your mindset right pre-holidays and to host a sustainable Thanksgiving, and we talk to a local artist who paints adorable pumpkins as a way of connecting with her late mother. November also brings us National Native American Heritage Month in which we acknowledge the cultural and societal contributions of Native Americans.
Vibrant Vision Combines Top Notch Medical Care and IV Therapy with a Modern Twist
Ever felt that humdrum of yet another medical waiting room? Or perhaps, you’ve slyly sneaked in an IV drip session after a slightly too vibrant night out? (Your secrets are sealed with us.) Enter the world of NeuMed: your one-stop, feel-better haven, sprinkling some much-needed pizzazz into the healthcare scene in Houston!
The dynamic duo at the helm of this medical revolution? Dr. Akash Bhagat, the
By Akash G. Bhagat, DO, FAAEM
ER maestro with a passion for impeccable care, and Victoria Bhagat, the IV therapy sensation who’s reimagining how we rejuvenate. They took one look at those monotonous and unfriendly clinics, the endless waits, and decided Houston deserved a brighter, happier, and just plain cooler healthcare experience. Hence, NeuMed was born, sweeping away the healthcare blues with vibrant, positive vibes.
Victoria’s journey began in the sundrenched landscapes of El Paso. She didn’t just walk through life — she sprinted, breezing through high school, embracing her nursing calling, and peppering her approach with dashes of holistic magic. “Modern medicine is essential, but hey, why not toss in some Mother Nature’s remedies to give you that wholesome healing touch?” she quips with a smile.
Meanwhile, Akash’s story started miles away in scenic upstate New York, surrounded by a family where love for numbers and nature intertwined. Tracing his path through academia, earning accolades and nurturing an insatiable curiosity, fate led him to Texas—and right into Victoria’s orbit. Their combined vision? An urgent care haven where warmth meets wellness. They listened to the community, drew plans, and NeuMed materialized, ready to charm Houston.
Off the clock, you could find Akash at CrossFit West Houston, showcasing some mean moves or embracing the ‘adventure dad’ role. Hiking with kiddos Bodhi and Bali, and maybe a scenic picnic or two, is his kind of weekend chill. And let’s not forget the rescued furry friends, Ducky and Munki, always up for some playful antics.
The decision to root NeuMed’s latest branch in Spring Branch wasn’t a mere whim. They saw the cultural mosaic, felt the pulsating energy, and Akash thought, “With its vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and burgeoning growth, Spring Branch is the perfect canvas for our vision.”
NeuMed isn’t just another clinic; it’s a haven where top-notch medical services are married to a soul-soothing ambiance. The commitment? Being there when life’s little (or big) hiccups strike, providing a blend of modern techniques and holistic wonders in the most delightful settings.
Ever woken up with an “Uh-oh, not today!”? NeuMed’s got you! Whether it’s that pesky cold, an unexpected sprain, or even those yearly physicals for school sports, they’ve got the remedies. Sexual health? Check! Last-minute prescription refills? Double check!
Worried about the insurance maze? Fear not! NeuMed is In-Network with most commercial insurance carriers. Riding solo without insurance? They’ve still got your back with easy-on-the-pocket self-pay options
($139 a pop) and neat membership plans. Open daily from 8 am-8 pm, including weekends and holidays, they’re ready for life’s curveballs. And it’s not just the hours that impress; it’s the setting. Picture dual lounges keeping the sick and well separate, in-house labs, digital x-rays, and EKGs. Plus, with a league of board-certified nurse practitioners across five (soon to be six with Montrose joining in November 2023!) fab locations, NeuMed isn’t just joining the healthcare scene; they’re jazzing it up!
Ever thought about leveling up your health with a literal ‘vitamin cocktail’? Dive into NeuMed’s world of IV therapy! With 10 bespoke, doc-crafted blends, they’re whipping up everything from Neu-Immunity for that health boost, to Neu-Start (the ultimate postparty pick-me-up), and even Neu-Mother for when there’s a “baby-on-board”. Slide into their serene suite, bask in the ambient glow, and sink into an anti-gravity massage chair as pros administer your infusion — always at a cozy, just-right temp. Fancy a nibble, a sip of zesty lemon water, or a snugly blanket? All part of the luxurious package. Cheers to wellness!
Concerned about Mother Earth? NeuMed’s got that covered! With refreshing, eco-friendly touches everywhere, from lemon-infused waters in elegant glasses to their tech-forward, paperless approach, they’re ensuring that healing doesn’t come at Earth’s expense.
And hey, if you’re up for some festivities, mark that calendar! NeuMed’s big 3rd birthday Fall Festival is right around the corner. Dive into a world of fun, bouncy house slides, face paints, pumpkin patches and fabulous treats on November 11 and 12. Want more scoop? Swing by neumed.com and discover their universe. Party hats on, Houston!
Declutter Your Way to a Stress-free Holiday Season
By Liz Clearman
It’s typical to see articles about decluttering, organizing, and getting rid of your “crap” in January, but we’re approaching this from a bit of a different angle this year. No one needs to be told that the holidays are a stressful season, but did you know that a cluttered space actually contributes to a cluttered mind as well as increased stress and anxiety? No thanks. I have enough of all three in my life already, and I certainly don’t need more of any type of clutter. As a former professional organizer and a current and forever minimalist (even before it became trendy), I’m passionate about living life with only what you need and what makes you happy and getting rid of the excess. Remember: Every single thing you bring into your house is something you need to maintain, dust, take care of, buy batteries and accessories for, clean, deal with, move around, and think about. Reduce the inventory in your household, feel your stress and anxiety abate, and revel in the peaceful part of the holidays. Things you can clear out right now:
• extra sauce packets/condiments from restaurant takeout, as well as plasticware
• multiples of kitchen tools
• clothes that are stained, worn, or outgrown (recycle what you can and donate the rest)
• games and toys that your family and children no longer play with
• half-burnt candles that you won’t use again or didn’t like the scent
• papers that you don’t need (mostly everything can be scanned and filed digitally or found online)
• expired food/spices in your pantry or things that you tried and didn’t like (toss or donate to a food pantry if unopened)
• excess holiday décor that you didn’t put out last year
• extra coffee mugs and drinking glasses
• magazines and other periodicals that you’ve read and won’t read again
• multiple sheet sets (one or two sets per bed is sufficient in most cases)
• worn and ragged towels (donate to the nearest animal shelter)
• wall décor and decorative tchotchkes that no longer serve you
• expired beauty and personal care items or ones you don’t like/won’t use again
• excess cleaning products (you don’t need a separate one for every single task)
• empty storage containers, boxes, and bins (if you don’t have clutter, you don’t need to organize it)
• extra office supplies (pens, rubber bands, paper clips, etc.)
• gifts you were given that you don’t use or enjoy
• holiday obligations and events that no longer serve you and your family
Terrace is AWESOME!!!!
By Katherine L. Bryant, 3rd Grader, Terrace Elementary
Hey Spring Branch! It’s 3rd grade student reporter, Katie Bryant, coming to you LIVE from Terrace Elementary, home of the Timberwolves! We have been going strong for the past 51 years, and I want to tell you all about the awesome things that have been happening this year at Terrace.
The first thing I want to tell you about is the library because I think we have the best library ever, headed by the best librarian ever, Ms. Dolan. The best thing I like about the library is that there are so many books and fun things to do in there that I never want to leave! We have a robotics lab, a maker’s space section, a Lego wall, a wind tunnel, a recording studio (with a green screen), a book vending machine, and much more! We have special clubs everyday of the week that meet in the library, and of course, I signed up for all of them: art club, library managers (which meets twice a week), library ambassadors, and video game club.
The next thing I want to tell you about is the art room. Ms. Pirtle is our art teacher, and I love art because we have art shows each year. We get to use lots of different materials like oil pastels and acrylic paint.
I also want to tell you about the music room. We get to do musicals every year, and we get to play fun games all the time in music class. My favorite game is the Apple Tree singing game that we play. Ms. Camey is my music teacher, and she is super fun!
I am in a club after school called Girls on the Run that meets up on Mondays and Thursdays at Terrace. It is just like what it sounds like…it’s girls on the run! We are training together to run a 5K at Rice University in November. We talk about our feelings and how to express ourselves along with running, of course! Coach Haag is my coach, and she teaches Health Fitness. I love going to Health Fitness because I love to play volleyball. I think soon we will play a volleyball game!
We have amazing cafeteria workers at Terrace along with our custodian, Ms. Ramona (she is the best)! She cleans our entire school all day every day, and she is always smiling!
We are just about to start OM at Terrace. OM stands for Odyssey of the Mind, and Ms. Story is in charge of it. She also teaches band at our school. OM is a problem-solving competition where we have about five months to solve a long-term problem and present it at a competition. We also have to do a spontaneous competition where we have to solve a problem on the spot. I have been doing OM since I was in kindergarten, and it is great!
We have a very strong PTA here at Terrace, and they host lots of events like Winter Wonderland Carnival in December, movie night, family art night and so much more! I like that they help raise money for our school to make it better and to help us when we are struggling. Our school had a small fire outside the building in 2021, and the PTA helped to cheer us up and bought us popsicles!
We have a student council led by Ms. Vavasour our school counselor that is made up of 4th and 5th graders that come up with all of the fun things we can do like talent shows and sports teams. I want to be on this council next year, and I already have some ideas!
One more thing I want to tell you about is the school newspaper. I have been working on it all summer, and I think it is almost ready to have its first run. We have a student committee full of editors, article writers, non-fiction writers and puzzle creators. Ms. Dolan is helping us, and we are going to put out the first issue in November. It’s going to be the best!
There’s still a lot more amazing things I could tell you about Terrace, but I’ve got to run! I love my school, and I hope you do too!
Go Timberwolves!!
HPFFA’s Red Hot Gala Breaks Records
The “Red Hot Gala” celebrated a record-breaking 6th anniversary on Saturday, October 7, with the largest crowd to date and raising more than $750,000. We can declare this is our biggest year yet and we are still counting. The dream to help the Houston firefighters has become a reality. With the community’s support, we have continued to raise money, purchase equipment, provide additional training, and address the needs of firefighters and their families facing extraordinary hardships. With your support we have raised more than 4 million dollars in six years.
The event chairs, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, report that “the momentum continues to be up and we are grateful for the generous Houston community. Last year we were pinching ourselves as we celebrated a record turnout and record fundraising but as we all know, the next emotion to follow is ‘How are we going to continue that momentum’ and ‘What if we don’t?’” Well, the “what ifs” and “how” prayers were answered when Hallie Vanderhider returned for the fifth year and Bobbie Nau returned for the fourth year as Presenting Sponsors. And then the clinching moment came when that spot reserved for a third Presenting Sponsor was filled for the first time by Sonic Automotive. Make no mistake, we are beyond grateful for each of them and every single donor that has made this event a success. Having donations from $50 to $50,000 tells you that it takes a village, and We HAVE ONE! You have set the NEW record!
As is tradition the evening opened with the presentation of the flags by the Houston Firefighter Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums. The audience rose to their feet as Firefighter Joe Rice returned to the stage to sing the StarSpangled Banner acapella. I must say his best year ever! Representative Mary Ann Perez, mother of Houston Firefighter Daniel Perez, joined us again this year and gave the invocation.
We were honored to have Joel Eisenbaum, Investigative Reporter for KPRC emcee along with President of the HPFFA, Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton. Together they kept the audience entertained and engaged with their high energy. Introduction of this year’s chairs, Elizabeth & Alan Stein, followed. Alan shared his sincere thanks to the supporters, his family, and volunteers for the many hours they donated putting the event together. Elizabeth introduced the Honorary Community Partner, Ben Berg of Berg Hospitality Group who accepted his personalized firefighter’s helmet with pleasure. Presenting Sponsor Bobbie Nau received “The Axe” this year with obvious enthusiasm before being escorted off stage. Maria Moncada Alaoui accepted the personalized helmet on behalf of Sonic Automotive and Hallie Vanderhider was introduced and gifted the traditional firefighter statue before being escorted down the runway by Chief Arson Investigator Joe Trevino, a real Houston firefighter.
A very special thanks and flower presentation was made to four of the volunteers that have been with the event since 2018, working behind the scenes and in the forefront: Dee Darby, Scarlett Darby, Betty DuBose, and Laura Elizabeth Stein with an addition of Casey Mitchell this year for her many hours of support. Marty closed the initial program with a heartfelt thanks to Laura Elizabeth Stein for her dedication and countless hours of work throughout the year, not only on the gala but daily at the Local 341.
The 2023 Houston Firefighter Calendar participants once again stole the show bringing the temperature in the room UP and “HOT” it got. Strutting their stuff on the runway with heavy gear in hand made it easy to flex those triceps, biceps, lats, and six packs. It’s going to be another exciting year as the Charitable Foundation takes the Calendar to another level; supporting the work of the Charitable Foundation and supporting the Burned Children’s Fund.
Freedom Floral ExpanDS To THE HEigHTS
By Chelsea Wrobel, Owner & Lead Designer at Freedom Floral
Freedom Floral is growing! We are so excited to announce the opening of our second location in the Heights. Over the summer we bought and have been operating Relic General Store in the Heights. Behind the scenes we have been making the necessary changes to convert the business to Freedom Floral. It will have a full-scale gifts boutique as well as a floral studio, with a florist on-site full time. Located in an old house on Aurora St. with a big backyard space we hope to eventually design as a small-scale event venue, our second location will have so much charm and a personality all its own! We can’t wait to serve our existing Heights customers better through this new location in their neighborhood and are excited to get to know and serve a new community. Thank you for your continued support and for being the best community of cheerleaders for our growing business. We appreciate our Spring Branch people so much!!
Grand Opening: Saturday, November 4th
The Heights, near 610N and Yale
205 Aurora St. Houston, TX 77008
SavE THE DaTE for BEST BuDDiES CHampion of THE YEar gala 2023
Best Buddies, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is hosting the annual Champion of the year Carnival of Inclusion – A Night in Rio Gala. More than 300 attendees are expected to attend this epic event. Best Buddies’ programs empower the unique abilities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society. “I love Best Buddies because it helps people like me find a voice and create friendships,” says Jared Atkins, a Best Buddies Ambassador. “Best Buddies teaches the world to be kind to others and encourages people to be authentically themselves.”
The majority of the funds raised through the Best Buddies Champion of the Year gala stay in Texas and directly impact local programs and participants. Every year, Best Buddies nominate “champions” to participate in a friendly 12-week fundraising competition culminating in a celebration of all their hard work and lasting impact at the Gala. This year’s goal is to raise $250,000 in funds that will create programs for 1:1 friendship, leadership development and skill building, and integrated employment with competitive pay for people with disabilities. “I am a champion for Best Buddies because I want to create a more inclusive society for people with IDD and enable others to feel the love, energy, and compassion that people with IDD provide to their friends and families on a regular basis. My brother, John, is my inspiration,” says Zach Anderson, a 2023 Champion Candidate. This event will begin with a carnival cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction program, and conclude with live music and dancing.
What: Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala: Carnival of Inclusion – A Night in Rio
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm
Location: The Ballroom at Bayou Place – 500 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002
Event Chairs: Scott “Duke” Ensell and Michelle “CC” Ensell
Honorary Chairs: Logan Lester and Heidi Somers (Buff Bunny)
Honorary Emcee: Sarah Pepper from Mix 96.5
Purchase Tickets: bestbuddieschampion.org/houston
Happy national native american Heritage month!
1 Early voting, 7 am-7 pm
Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Woodlawn funeral Home Día de los muertos celebration @ Woodlawn Funeral Home (101 Antoine Drive), 3 pm
full STEam ahead! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
2 Early voting, 7 am-7 pm
Toddler Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Teen Chess Club @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
3 Early voting, 7 am-7 pm
accolades: The Texas academy awards of Child advocacy hosted by Children at risk @ Hotel ZaZa, 11 am
Cooking Chicken and Sausage gumbo @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 1:30 pm
Blood drive @ Memorial City Mall, 2 pm
Steak night! @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
Spring Woods High School homecoming game vs. northbrook @ Tully Stadium, 7 pm
4 memorial villages farmers market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am
The Tiny market @ John Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 am
recipe Swap! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm
american Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
5 Daylight Savings time ends — fall back one hour
Spring Branch Super neighborhood Central meeting @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
6 preschool Story Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
Book Buddies@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
7 Election Day
HTml Coding Class for Teens @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
8 SBiSD pre-k, elementary, and middle school early dismissal
Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
video games @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
9 Houston Ballet nutcracker market @ NRG Center, 10 am
Toddler Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
Energy Corridor farmers market @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 5 pm
Toastmasters! @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
10 Houston Ballet nutcracker market @ NRG Center, 10 am
3D printer orientation @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
11 veterans Day
farmer’s Bazaar @ St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 9 am
memorial villages farmers market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am
memorial market @ Memorial City Mall, 9 am
Houston Ballet nutcracker market @ NRG Center, 10 am
neumed fall festival @ NeuMed Spring Branch, 10 am – 4 pm
american Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
12 Houston Ballet nutcracker market @ NRG Center, 10 am
neumed fall festival @ NeuMed Spring Branch, 10 am – 4 pm
preschool Story Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
Book Buddies @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
14 HTml Coding Class for Teens @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
page Turners Book Club @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:15 pm
15 Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Board at the library @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
16 Toddler Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
17 pink friday Sale @ Freedom Floral, time TBA parents’ night out @ Splat Zone, 5:30 pm Hamburgers & hot dogs @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
18 memorial villages farmers market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am american Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
19 Spring Branch Super neighborhood East meeting @ 1414 Wirt Rd., 7 pm
20 SBiSD holiday break
21 SBiSD holiday break
22 SBiSD holiday break
23 Happy Thanksgiving!
SBiSD holiday break
24 SBiSD holiday break
native american Heritage Day
Black friday
Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
25 Small Business Saturday
memorial villages farmers market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am
american Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
27 Cyber monday
preschool Story Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
mindfulness for Kids @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 3 pm
SBiSD board of trustees regular meeting @ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm
28 HTml Coding Class for Teens @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
29 Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Kids’ Craft Corner @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
30 Toddler Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
video Conferencing Basics
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
November 8-12, 2023 NRG Center
Wells Fargo Preview Party
Wednesday, November 8
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show & Luncheon
Thursday, November 9
Macy’s Fashion Show & Luncheon
Friday, November 10
Early Bird
Thursday and Friday, November 9-10
Early Bird hours 8:30-10AM
Good for repeat admissions for all four days
The Key to Surviving Thanksgiving
By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. (The Drunken Cyclist)
As almost all of you realize, Thanksgiving is just a couple days away and that presents a host of different emotions. For many (most?) it represents what it is “supposed” to be: A day of thanks punctuated by a fabulous meal.
For others, it is certainly a day that delivers angst, at best, and at worst downright dread. Dread since Thanksgiving for many is a poorly thought out holiday. It is unlike any other holiday since it is on a Thursday every year, which for everyone fortunate enough not to work in retail means an automatic four-day weekend. Every year.
Sure, depending on when they fall, other holidays can turn into four-day weekends, but Thanksgiving has it every single year. Now, if you are one of the really lucky few to actually enjoy spending time with your family, Thanksgiving might actually be seen as too short. But for an ever-growing segment of the population, Thanksgiving represents four days of anxiety, stress, even hell.
There are many reasons to abhor Thanksgiving: congested roads, price-gouging by airlines, exceedingly dry turkey, the Detroit Lions, I could go on (but I won’t). But for some wine geeks it has always been wine.
Yes, you read that right, some wine nerds actually dislike Thanksgiving because of wine.
Objectively speaking, Thanksgiving should be the Super Bowl of sorts for wine geeks; there are so many flavors on the table that it requires several different wines — a wine pairing task that gets wine dorks all excited.
Ah, but if it were only that simple.
A “normal” pour.
One of the, if not the, largest goals for the wine geek is to share a wine with someone who will appreciate the wine. They do not have to be a fellow wine geek, they do not even have to know the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but the geek hopes that they will at least recognize that the wine is good.
But for every relative that might appreciate his or her wine, the wine geek has two or three that are usually clueless when it comes to fermented grape juice.
And let’s face it: It’s usually a brother-in-law.
They all know that the wine geek is going to bring “something good” to Thanksgiving and they apparently think, “Well, if it’s ‘good’ I need to have a sheet-ton of it!’
No, they have no idea why it’s “good,” but they figure they better fill their glass with the stuff before it’s all gone.
The “brother-in-law” pour.
This precise scenario played out for me more than once with my family, each time when I had returned home with perfectly aged Burgundies (both red and white). And I watched in horror as a brotherin-law (who has since been divorced from my sister, thankfully) filled his wine glass as if he were pouring a beer, took one sip, then left the glass, never revisiting the wine again.
I sat there befuddled and calculated that there was about $83.29 of wine just sitting there, waiting to be poured down the drain.
At that moment, I realized it was my fault that the tragedy had unfolded thusly. I was trying to impress people with beautiful wines, and they could not care any less. Thus, like most wine geeks out there, I realized that Thanksgiving is not about the wine. At all. So get over it.
Don’t get me wrong, wine geeks are still expected to bring wine but no matter what they bring, their relatives will simply assume it’s “good.”
My advice? Don’t be a moron: Bring some inexpensive wines since most of it will end up going down the drain. Still, it should be palatable since you are going to have to drink it too (the “hiding the good bottle for yourself while serving up plonk to the rest” does not work – trust me).
Here are a few inexpensive (but good) suggestions:
Reds
Book Your Holiday Party Now To Reserve Your Spot
3-Course Lunch (appetizer, main, dessert) $25 per person
Gruet Brut and Brut Rosé ($15): Both are great, grab the rosé if you can find it since pink is more festive.
Whites
Mezzacorona
Pinot Grigio ($8): Light and crisp, always a fave.
Rodney Strong
Chalk Hill
Chardonnay ($15): Creamy and delicious, short of oaky and buttery.
Cecchi Chianti Classico ($15): Always stellar and underpriced.
Georges Dubœuf Beaujolais Nouveau: A good, fruity, fun wine that is meant to be consumed at Thanksgiving!
arTiSTiC CommuniTY
Event brings awareness to The pablove foundation’s Shutterbugs’ healing arts program that teaches photography to kids with cancer
An exciting, interactive live arts showcase, ARTcetera Houston, enlivened the Norris Conference Center with paintings, photographs, sculptures, and caring people. The event featured the works of local artists, who allowed the 150 plus guests to witness their creative process in action. The vibrant scene bloomed with a large-scale silent auction with an assorted mix of jewelry, fine art, photography, and themed-baskets. Guests interacted with the artists, and watched as they brought their visionary pieces to life. Delicious cuisine, cocktails, and raffles added to the lively atmosphere. Other highlights of the evening included Shutterbugs Gael and Adison sharing why Pablove’s healing arts program is so important, and a live auction featuring the works of Showcase Artists Taft McWhorter, Edgar Medina, Amy Malkan, and Lauren
Luna. The grand finale was a beautiful painting created by the four showcase artists. The piece, which was revealed to guests just before bidding started, garnered $5500!
ARTcetera Houston benefits The Pablove Foundation, a national pediatric cancer nonprofit that teaches photography to kids with cancer (Pablove’s Shutterbugs) and funds cutting-edge childhood cancer research, with innovative projects taking place at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Families impacted by pediatric cancer who are interested in learning more about how to involve their child or teen in the no-cost Pablove Shutterbugs photography program can visit: pablove.org/shutterbugs.
Photography by: Aaron Jay Photography
Jenna Scott Makes Peace with Loss Through Art
Jenna Scott is well-versed in using her talents as therapy. She’s always loved to craft and paint, and it was something she did often with her mom growing up. “It’s some of my best childhood memories,” she noted wistfully. They would paint walls, furniture, and canvases, and crafted many other things for the holidays together. These memories hold strong as Jenna suddenly lost her mom in July of 2020 when she was 39 weeks pregnant. “For over a year, I was in survival mode trying to process all that had happened and also try to figure out who I was without my mom,” Jenna said — and on top of all that, she welcomed a new baby into the family.
During this time of grief, pain, and rebirth, one of Jenna’s friends asked if she would paint an art piece for her living room. Wanting to reconnect with her artistic side, Jenna agreed, but what she discovered while painting soothed her soul. “Art helped me process my grief and figure out my identity as a motherless daughter, all while feeling so close to my mom in those moments. So, I kept painting. I have painted several canvases, a champagne bottle, charcuterie boards, pumpkins, ornaments, and more. It has been so cathartic for me and I truly enjoy it so much,” she said.
As a mom of three, she’s rarely alone — one or all of her three kids will accompany her in her makeshift dining room/art studio, grabbing a canvas (or pumpkin) to paint right alongside her. It makes her smile, she said, to see the magical love of art that passed from her own mother down to her and through to her children. “Painting has been the sweetest gift in one of my hardest seasons, and I’m so thankful to be able to share that love through my art,” said Jenna. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
By Liz Clearman
Jenna.scott113@gmail.com
Shutterbugs with Chair: Adison Freeman, Trudi Mendez (Chair), Gael Cavazos, Peyton Vasquez
Artist Taft McWhorter
Swarm the Polls on November 7th!
By Liz Clearman
We know that November is a busy month getting ready for Thanksgiving and juggling other holiday (and normal life) obligations, but here at Spring Branch Plus, we are imploring our readers to go vote in this month’s election. Early voting will have already partially taken place from October 24th-31st, but continues on into November with polls open from 7 am-7 pm on November 1st and 2nd and from 7 am-10 pm on November 3rd. Election day is Tuesday, November 7th from 7 am-7 pm.
This year, we’ll be voting on the following:
• 14 propositions to amend the Texas constitution
• 1 Harris County bond issue/proposition
• 2 City of Houston ballot issues
• Houston mayor (18 candidates)
• Houston controller (4 candidates)
• 5 Houston City Council at-large positions: Position 1 (6 candidates); Position 2 (6 candidates); Position 3 (9 candidates); Position 4 (4 candidates); Position 5 (3 candidates)
• 8 Houston City Council positions: District B (5 candidates); District C (3 candidates); District D (5 candidates); District E (2 candidates); District G (3 candidates); District H (5 candidates); District I (2 candidates); District J (2 candidates) (Candidates for Districts A, F, and K are running unopposed and will not appear on your ballot)
For a full, nonpartisan voter guide, please visit the League of Women Voters Houston’s 2023 General Election Voters Guide at houstonvotersguide.org. To view your sample ballot, go to harrisvotes.com.
KiDS’ mEalS HoSTS 15TH annual HarvEST lunCHEon
Funds raised support nonprofit’s work to end childhood hunger in Houston
Kids’ Meals, the nation’s only nonprofit with a mission to end childhood hunger in Houston by delivering free healthy meals, year-round to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children, is excited to host its 15th Annual Harvest Luncheon. On Monday, November 13, 2023, supporters are invited to the Marriott Marquis Houston for a heartwarming afternoon to raise critical funds to combat childhood food insecurity in Harris and Montgomery Counties.
Collegiate athlete, entrepreneur and author, Inky Johnson, is set to deliver a thought-provoking and inspiring keynote address. Chairing this year’s luncheon are Elizabeth & Wyatt Hogan, Marie Louise & David Kinder, Leigh & Jack Kins, Beth & Chase Robison and Kim & Kyle Schuenemann. As part of the luncheon, Kids’ Meals will honor longtime supporters and volunteers including Earl Hesterberg (2023 Burrell Legacy Honoree), Kate Dearing Fowler (2023 Golda & Gil Honoree), Julia Gutierrez (2023 Volunteer of the Year), Chevron (2023 Corporate Honoree) and Shell Exploration & Production Company (2023 Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year). In addition, KPRC 2 meteorologist, Khambrel Marshall, will emcee.
“We could not do the work we do without the support of our incredible volunteers, donors and partners. It is because of their unwavering dedication that we are able to not only deliver healthy meals, but hope, to thousands of children every year,” said Beth Harp, Chief Executive Officer of Kids’ Meals. “Our annual Harvest Luncheon is our single largest annual fundraiser and a time for our ‘Hunger-Free’ Family to come together on behalf of the hungry children of Houston.”
The annual Harvest Luncheon has grown to be one of Houston’s premiere fundraising events, attracting over 1,400 guests each year. Guests are encouraged to arrive early at 10 a.m. to shop at the curated Harvest Market and sip mimosas. The market will showcase a collection of unique items offered by a select group of vendors. Following the market, the luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Kids’ Meals typically delivers approximately 6,700 free healthy meals each weekday to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschoolaged children across 52 greater Houston-area zip codes. However, this is the first year that Kids’ Meals is on track to deliver more than 2.1 million free healthy meals, which is why the luncheon is a tremendous cause for celebration. To learn more about Kids’ Meals and the 15th Annual Harvest Luncheon, visit harvestluncheon.org.
Co-Chairs Stephanie Pancioli and Kristin Thomas welcomed approximately 750 guests to the Spring Branch Education Foundation Style Show and Luncheon Una Giornata di Moda on Friday, September 15 at the Marriott Marquis Downtown. The event raised more than $205,500 for SBEF programs, including over $6,140 contributed during the event to support Project School Supplies, offering critical educational tools to economically disadvantaged students throughout Spring Branch ISD. This year’s attendance and total broke records, raising nearly 50% more for SBEF grants and school supplies than last year.
Stephanie Pancioli is grateful for the continued support of the Spring Branch ISD community. “As Co-Chairs, Kristin Thomas and I are both humbled and thrilled by the support we saw for the children and staff of Spring Branch ISD. This is always a popular event, but this year, you could feel the excitement in the room. Everyone was united in their mission to help our district, and they showed up in a big way, with their generosity and their love for SBISD. Thank you to each and every person who supported this event. You have truly made a difference.”
Since 1993, Spring Branch Education Foundation has worked alongside Spring Branch ISD to support both students and educators. SBEF partners with Spring Branch ISD and the community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare our students for the future. For the last eight years, SBEF has given more than $1 million to Spring Branch ISD annually. In 2023, SBEF also funded every SBISD teacher grant request, provided school supplies for each economically disadvantaged student at every SBISD Title I and non-Title I pre-kindergarten, elementary, and middle schools, and awarded $319,500 in scholarships to graduating SBISD seniors.
Kristin Thomas & Stephanie Pancioli
WHErE To volunTEEr BEforE
or on
THanKSgiving
DaY
While volunteering shouldn’t be a thing we do just during the holidays, there’s admittedly something about this time of year that nudges most of us to help those who are in need. If you’re looking for somewhere to donate your time and/or money this year before and on Thanksgiving Day, here are a few options for you and your family. Make sure to visit the websites of each organization to learn about volunteer requirements and sign-ups. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Day Super Feast hosted by City Wide Club of America
• Help serve thousands of families a Thanksgiving meal at the George R. Brown Convention Center
• Shifts are from 7 am-12 pm, 12 pm-4 pm, and 2 pm-6 pm
• citywideclub.com/43rd-annual-super-feast
Operation Turkey Houston
• Help smoke turkeys, get other food prepared, and sort toiletry and clothing donations at the Turkey Tailgate on November 22 anytime from 6 am-8 pm
• Assist in loading and delivering meals to housebound, unhoused, or in-need families on Thanksgiving Day (November 23) from 8 am-12 pm
• operationturkey.com/locations/houston
Meals on Wheels & Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
• Make phone calls to housebound seniors on Thanksgiving day starting at 9 am to wish them a happy Thanksgiving — from the comfort of your own home!
• imgh.org/thanksgiving
Kids’ Meals
• Donate money to Kids’ Meals to ensure that they can continue to feed hungry kids in Houston (just $2 gets a meal delivered)
• Decorate (holiday-themed is great) and deliver standard brown paper bags to the facility — they’re used to package meals for kids
• kidsmealsinc.org/holidayhope
Houston Food Bank
• The Food Bank is closed on Thanksgiving day, but volunteer opportunities abound as the last two months of the year are especially tough for food-insecure families
Iknow that “sustainability” sounds like a useless buzzword, but hear me out — it’s critical to think about how our actions affect the environment. While thinking about the planet as you’re preparing for hosting Thanksgiving might feel unnecessary or counterintuitive, take a look at some of these tips to make your holiday dinner greener.
Opt for “real” plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. If you don’t have enough of your own, consider borrowing from someone or buying secondhand at a thrift store. At the very least, try to buy paper plates and eating utensils that are compostable.
In that vein, if you’re the one who typically hosts the holiday dinner, purchase reusable servingware. For example, if you normally use a disposable aluminum pan for your turkey, look into buying a roasting pan to reuse each year. If you rotate hosting with others, pick who will buy what and simply pass the serving dishes back and forth.
Pare down your menu. Pick your favorite dishes, beverages, and desserts and leave the rest out of the plan.
Give guests reusable containers for taking food home. That way, they can wash and reuse after they’re done.
Eat those leftovers (or freeze them). Ensure there’s little to no food waste — give guests some to take home, eat the rest in the days post-Thanksgiving, and freeze anything you’re not able to consume in time (save veggie and meat scraps for homemade stock). Even better, if you compost, be sure to put whatever won’t get eaten into your bin.
Reuse décor you already have and go outside for the rest. While it’s tempting, resist the urge to buy a bunch of new stuff or at least go thrifting to see if you can find any gems. Nature’s a great decorator, too — pinecones, leaves, and branches can make a gorgeous, earthy tablescape.
Invest in some battery-operated candles for ambience. No need to buy new candles just for Thanksgiving dinner — look into buying some realistic-looking, reusable options. I have several and the flickering light is mesmerizing.
Buy your turkey locally instead of purchasing from a chain grocery store. When you buy local, you reduce your carbon footprint and help support a family business — a win-win. Try Ragin’ Cajun Spring Branch, Feges BBQ, or KP’s Kitchen for a delicious — and much easier — alternative to doing it yourself.
novEmBEr CElEBraTES Native americaN Heritage
By Liz Clearman
During the month of November, the nation honors American Indian and Alaska natives for their culture, traditions, and importance to society and history. In May of 1916, American Indian Day was first recognized in New York when Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode on horseback to 24 states seeking approval for a day to honor his people. Sixty years later, President Gerald Ford declared October 10-16 Native American Awareness Week, and in 1986, Congress passed a resolution petitioning President Ronald Reagan to call November 23-30 American Indian Week. Congress continued calling one week during the fall months Native American Indian Heritage Week until 1990, when it passed a joint resolution signed into law by President George H.W. Bush declaring November Native American Indian Heritage Month.
The purpose of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 577) was to recognize America’s original inhabitants and their contributions to both our nation and the world as well as acknowledging Native Americans’ role
in assisting early European colonizers and the Founding Fathers — but this perspective was largely Eurocentric and didn’t quite hit the mark on acknowledging that our nation was built on the backs of Native people. Ultimately, Congress chose the month of November to honor Native Americans as this month concludes their traditional harvest season and is a time for celebration and giving thanks, and in October of 2021, President Joe Biden officially declared November National Native American History Month (NNAHM).
With 574 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. and others still advocating for recognition, Native Americans constitute approximately 2.5% of the U.S. population, with 71% living in metropolitan areas. As much of their history has been forgotten or swept under the rug, it’s vital to remember — and celebrate — indigenous people and their culture. To our indigenous friends, we see you and we honor you. Happy National Native American History Month!
