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The Woodlands LifeStyles & Homes
T E X A
S May 2016
STUNNING REBUILD Design provides livable, inviting fun
ART BENCH PROJECT A Chat With Congressman Kevin Brady GRAND CENTRAL PARK DISTINCTIVE FOREST LIVING PHOTO BY KYLE HUMPHRIES
10707 Corporate Dr Ste. 170 Stafford, TX. 77477-4092
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Mommy Makeover for moms by moms WWW.DRKIMPLASTICSURGERY.COM SUGEN E KI M , M .D., F.A .C .S Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes May 2016
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FLOORS PROUD TO SERVE YOU
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reate a true sense of home at Woodson’s Reserve, a distinctive master plan community in North Houston located on the Grand Parkway. A place where you don’t have to choose between the convenience of city living and the comfort of natural beauty. Discover miles of spacious, unspoiled nature nestled among everything you love to see, do and experience. This is the life you deserve.
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With 340 residential properties sold in 2015 alone, you can profit from my experience! Let us prove to you why Mike Seder has been the #1 RE/MAX Agent in Texas/USA/World.
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Grand Central Park 2P May 16 DS_Layout 1 4/19/16 2:45 PM Page 10
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Empowering Future Leaders
KATY CAMPUS
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Set on an expansive 33-acre site, off I-10 at Westgreen, the new British International School of Houston campus will feature a beautiful and spacious building with extensive and unique facilities.
Our new Katy campus has a lot to offer VISIT US at the site of our new campus! Our educational approach is grounded in each student’s unique experiences, capabilities and interests. It empowers students to succeed, preparing them for college and giving them a global passport to their future. Now enrolling! • Personalized learning PreK -12 • Roots in the Houston community • International curricula founded on British values • Performing Arts Programme in collaboration with The Juilliard School • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme • Graduates are accepted to the world’s top universities and colleges
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LYNDA BENTLEY, PC ATTORNEY AT LAW
Family Law Former Judge 33 Years Experience
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Divorce Modification Enforcement Adoption Paternity Corporate Mediation Wills Probate
Established 2005 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER
DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 39,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN THE WOODLANDS Reaches trade professionals (ASID and GHBA members), area realtors, business, doctors, trade events (home-related trade shows and community events) and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce
facebook.com/WoodlandsLifestylesandHomesMagazine woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson
Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Office Manager Linda Peterson
Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Mara Soloway Kelly Foss • Cathy Gordon Dr. Lori • Judy Latta Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel
Social Editor Whitney Montgomery
Wine Editor Denman Moody
Photographers J. Pamela Photography, Inc.
Production Manager Michael Ogrodowicz
Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel
Account Executives Marita Pratt • Kim Zeiner Amy Barker Richards Amy Ahlbrand Robinson Tracy Ray • Joe Welch Donna Sommer • Lisa Adams
ADVERTISING INFORMATION woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP
281.955.2408 • 281.257.2500 5515 Louetta Rd, Ste. C • Spring, Texas 77379 www.attorneylyndabentley.com 20
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Meredith O’Donnell Fin e Fu rn itu re, Accesso ries & R u g s 1751 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056-3969 Phone: 713-526-7332 • www.meredithodonnell.com
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Contents MAY 2016
{70}
Stunning in Southgate Design provides livable, inviting fun. Interview by: Cheryl Alexander Photography by: Kyle Humphries, Murphy Mears Architects
{38}
Scene in The Woodlands Parties, galas and celebrations. See what The Woodlands’ movers and shakers are doing!
{26}
The Woodlands Events! Mark your calendars for upcoming events and activities.
22
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
{56} Dreaming Tree Wines Creators include musician Dave Matthews.
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Christine Hale & Associates 281-772-6337
GOLF COURSE – LAKE WINDCREST
Beautiful 1-Story Custom Home Fully-Fenced and Gated w/Circular Driveway On Over 2Acres Backing To the Golf Course w/Gorgeous Pool & Spa. Lovely Entry w/Walls of Windows Looking Out to the Pool Area & Covered Lanai. Open Floorplan that Flows Well for Entertaining and Features a Spacious Island Kitchen w/An Abundance of Cabinets, Split Bedroom Plan, Breathtaking Master Suite & Bath w/Oversized Shower & Jetted Tub, Study w/Built-Ins, Summer Kitchen, Outdoor FP, 4-Car Garage & Bonus Room Up!
“We SELL MORE Because We DO MORE” Complimentary staging with every listing including furniture and accessories, if necessary.
The Woodlands & Spring 6620 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, TX 77382 281-367-7770
Stacie Fontenot
Kassandra Bissett
Cheryl Littlejohn
Cissy Baylor
Sandra Pillow
Realtor Associate 936-328-0737
Realtor Associate 713-252-9699
Realtor Associate 281-793-9393
Realtor Associate 281.734.9999
Realtor Associate 281.734.3400
WeSellTheWoodlands.com
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Contents MAY 2016
In Store Now {46} DISCOVERIES New and unique finds for your home and lifestyles. {48} EDITOR’S COLUMN See what we are doing on Pinterest. {48} BOOKS New releases on decorating, cooking, health and more. {50} FASHION What to wear now and a look at new styles for the upcoming season. {54} NEW AUTOS Reviews of the Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS.
The Good Life
Home Inspirations Inside &Out {78} INTERIOR DETAILS Interior Updates that Inspire
{84} HOME IMPROVEMENT Getting More from the Outdoors
Make a difference with fixes large or small.
Update your backyard living space.
{80}
{86}
INTERIOR DETAIL
HOME IMPROVEMENT
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
More Features
Health & Well-Being
{60} Because Art Matters Art Bench Project
{90} Learning About Lupus
Woodlands Arts Council celebrates second installation.
Know the symptoms and causes.
{94} Family Health
Working on behalf of Americans. Follow this plan and prepare to be amazed.
{109} Finding Passion through Grief Amy LeCrone fights for cardiac disease education after husband’s death.
24
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
Community News {110} BUSINESS BRIEFS Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders. {115} AROUND TOWN Community groups and people making local news. {117} CAMPUS Achievements and activities of area schools and students.
Columns
{64} Congressman Kevin Brady {106} All About Dahlias!
{95} RECIPE Orange Cardamom Blueberry Crostata {96} MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Couples share their special memories. {102} WINE Red and white wines to enjoy now. {104} TRAVEL Incredible destinations await you.
{10} Venture into the Extraordinary Lifestyle of Grand Central Park.
{68} ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Kid Collectors know what’s hot and what’s not.
{120} Historical The Downtown Conroe Fire of 1911.
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The Woodlands Spring Fine Arts Show is a day of great art buys, performances and artist demonstrations.
The Woodlands Spring Fine Arts Show, April 30 Amateur and professional artists alike are invited to showcase their paintings, photography, jewelry, metal works, sculptures, digital art, mixed media and other works of art at Market Street’s 2016 Spring Fine Arts Show on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free and open to the public, the Spring Fine Arts Show at Market Street is one of the most popular gatherings for artists in The Woodlands where families can browse for great buys, enjoy live music and participate in artist demonstrations. Activities for aspiring artists of all ages are also scheduled. In the event of rain, the show will be moved to Saturday, May 7.
(L-R): Barb Jenks, principal, CHJ Wealth Management; John Sinitiere, client relations, CHJ Wealth Management; Jim Carlton, managing director, CHJ Wealth Management; and Dennis Bernhart, Coordinator Cares Program, Operation Military Embrace.
Carlton, Hofferkamp and Jenks Hosts Military Collection Drive, May 1-31 Carlton, Hofferkamp and Jenks (CHJ) Wealth Management is partnering with local nonprofit Operation Military Embrace (OME) to host a collection drive throughout the month of May, in honor of National Military Appreciation month. All donated items can be dropped off in the reception area at the CHJ office, 10200 Grogans Mill Rd., during business hours from May 1-31. OME’s detailed list of items requested by Military personnel can be viewed at CHJ’s website. Community members can also support the troops by donating money to OME to help pay for the cost of shipping care packages overseas. Checks made out to OME will also be accepted at CHJ’s office during May. “It is our honor to host this drive and be able to provide some comfort to support our Troops. We are all grateful for our service men, women and their families,” said Jim Carlton, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
“TASTIEST PICNIC IN THE PARK,” IN GRAND CENTRAL PARK, APRIL 30 Take a step back in time and enjoy Houston’s Tastiest Picnic in the Park at one of the region’s most highly anticipated new developments, Grand Central Park. The old-fashioned fun will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Grand Central Park Lake House, 715 Camp Strake Road. The event will feature picnic favorites, popcorn, cotton candy, balloon art and music. The adventurous can try an on-site obstacle course and large zipline. New home builders just announced also will be on-site offering information. Grand Central Park is located along Interstate 45 and Loop 336. Learn more at grandcentralparktx.com.
CoNRoE FAmILy ymCA TRAIL RuN, APRIL 30 The Conroe Family YMCA invites runners and walkers to explore the wilderness at its 11th annual YMCA Trail Run. The event will take place on April 30 at the Conroe Family YMCA (10245 Owen Drive, Conroe) and features a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile Kids Race for kids under the age of 14 and a special Wee Runner event for children 5 and younger. Runners will travel through the scenic, wooded trails of Camp Owen. The unpaved course is designed for all ages and skill levels and is fun for the whole family. Proceeds from race registrations and community sponsors will be donated to the Conroe Family YMCA Annual Campaign. Registration is $45 for the 5K and $30 for the 1-Mile Kids Race. Every registration includes a chipped race bib and award. Online registration is open until April 29. There will be an award ceremony for the top three winners in each 10-year age group after the 5K. After the race, runners and the public are invited to join the free "Healthy Kids Day" event. It includes a camp showcase, which gives families the chance to experience YMCA camp activities like archery and horseback riding. For more information on the event, visit ymcatrailrun.org. Sponsorship inquiries may be directed to lauren@irunproductions.com.
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Celebrate Mexican heritage and culture at The Woodlands Children’s Museum’s Cinco De Mayo fiesta.
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at The Woodlands Children's Museum, May 5 Join The Woodlands Children's Museum for its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration – complete with art projects, story times, music and dance. The celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m.--2 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 at the museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280. This event is recommended for ages 7 years and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The event is included in the price of admission, which is $5 per person 1 year and older. To learn more, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955.
Co-chairs Diane Kink and JoAnne Johnson.
moNTGomERy CouNTy uNITED WAy voLuNTEER APPRECIATIoN DAy, mAy 3 Montgomery County United Way (MCUW) has a lot to be grateful for, including the volunteers who have given their time and resources toward their mission to improve lives in Montgomery County. To celebrate, the public is invited to attend the MCUW 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue on Tuesday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Montgomery County Courthouse Steps, 301 N Main St. in Conroe. Join the annual barbecue lunch on the Conroe Courthouse steps as the MCUW recognizes its dedicated volunteers and celebrates the close of its 2015 campaign. All are welcome. No RSVP necessary. If there is bad weather that day, check for updates and rain plans at MCUW.org.
2016 Houston Go Red For Women Luncheon, May 6 Join the American Heart Association (AHA) for the 2016 Houston Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 2222 West Loop S., Houston. The annual luncheon will welcome more than 500 attendees to the Royal Sonesta to raise awareness and funds for women’s fight against heart disease. At the event, attendees will shop with local vendors expo style and enjoy a heart-healthy lunch while learning more about the Go Red for Women Campaign. The event proceeds work to prevent heart disease and stroke. Your participation will help women across America take charge of their health in one doctor visit – a single Well-Woman visit can give a head-to-heart-to-toe view of a woman’s overall health. An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by heart disease and stroke – the No.1 and No.5 killers of all women. 90 percent of all women have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and locally by the City Goes Red Sponsor, the Texas Medical Center. The event chair is Denise Castillo-Rhodes, andluncheon co-chairs are Leslie Fertitta and Amy Reeves. To register, visit houstongored.heart.org or call 832-918-4030. Individual tickets to the event are $500 with remaining tables starting at $5,000. For more information, contact Melissa Ceballos at 832-918-4049 or melissa.ceballos@heart.org find out more at GoRedForWomen.org.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
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The recently renovated Tournament Clubhouse at The Woodlands Country Club offers a picturesque view of the No. 18 green and features a main dining room that opens to an outdoor patio with lounge seating, TV and fireplace.
THE INSPERITy INvITATIoNAL GoLF TouRNAmENT, mAy 2-8 The Insperity Invitational, played annually on The Tournament Course at The Woodlands Country Club (TWCC) and this year May 2-8, was awarded the 2015 PGA TOUR Champions “Players Award,” which recognizes the tournament that goes above and beyond in the experience provided to the Champions players. The Champions Tour stated that, year in and year out, the tournament provides a level of hospitality that is unsurpassed on PGA TOUR Champions. The tournament has “the best of everything” for players, sponsors and spectators, resulting in excellent galleries, first-class amenities and spectacular surroundings at TWCC. “There is no greater compliment than to be recognized by the players for whom we host the Insperity Invitational,” said Bryan Naugle, executive director, Insperity Invitational. “From both a fan and sponsors perspective, it is the players who truly what make our event, and the PGA TOUR’s Champions circuit great. Much of this credit goes to the dedicated volunteers and the generous support from the community." TWCC recently unveiled the “new” Club with the reinvented Palmer Clubhouse, featuring stylish new dining amenities and media area with big-screen TVs; elegant private event space; refreshed outdoor dining area with fire pits and new media area; new Palmer Clubhouse resort-style pool experience; newly renovated Champions Locker Room; improved golf experience throughout the three golf courses with updated tee amenities and new golf carts; and a new private event venue with golf course views and seating for up to 300. The multi-phase reinvention project also included renovations to the Tournament Clubhouse, including the Champions locker room. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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WomEN oN A mISSIoN To EARN CommISSIoN, mAy 4 AND 18 Women On A Mission To Earn Commission (WOAMTEC) is a premier business building organization designed to appeal to the business woman who is already successful and simply wants to grow more. It is not designed only for commissioned salespeople, but for any strong female who wants to increase her company’s bottom line and overall revenue while working towards the greater commissions in life. The WOAMTEC goal is to build a positive networking atmosphere where seasoned professional business women can come together to share ideas, offer support and create solid business alliances. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at Americas (The Woodlands location) from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. All business and professional women are invited to attend.
CHANGE FoR CHARITy PRoGRAm AT mARKET STREET The “Change for Charity” program is an ongoing effort which encourages shoppers to deposit change into one of 68 nongoverned parking meters within the shopping and entertainment destination. Every quarter, nickel and dime is metered to better the community and the proceeds benefit a different nonprofit organization every three months. Since its inception in 2005, the Change for Charity program has raised more than $100,000 for these organizations. For more information, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/change-for-charity.
WoAmTEC mEETING, FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAyS
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FOR ANY and ALL of YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN NEEDS
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
Women on a Mission to Earn Commission (WOAMTEC), a networking organization geared towards businesswomen, meet at Amerigo’s Grille in The Woodlands from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. every first and third Wednesday. The cost for lunch is $20, all inclusive. All local business professionals are invited to attend. WOAMTEC was created in 2007 to provide a supportive environment for women who are committed to faith, family and career. Visit woamtec.com or call 866-7572611 for information.
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Tropical Café, Uni Sushi, 1252 Tapas Bar or any of Market Street’s signature restaurants. Every spring music concert at Market Street is free and open to the public. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Mary Neskora will be honored at the fundraising event.
Kache’ will be performing May 5.
SPRING CoNCERT SERIES RETuRNS To mARKET STREET Market Street’s popular spring concert series, featuring artists in classic rock, jazz and the best of Latin sounds, returns to the luxury shopping, dining and entertainment destination every Thursday, April 21-June 9, from 6-8:30 p.m. Market Street’s cozy Central Park once again will be the scene of the eight-week concert series when music fans can enjoy performers from the shady patios of Jasper’s, Crú –Wine Bar, Tommy Bahama
“BETTING oN CouRAGE” CASINo NIGHT To BENEFIT CHILDREN’S SAFE HARBoR, mAy 6 Children’s Safe Harbor is hosting its 10th annual dinner fundraiser, themed “Betting on Courage” at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at The Woodlands Waterway Hotel and Convention Center at 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. In addition to casino night and a dinner, there will be danc-
ing to live music along with a silent auction of items, bid board of auction items, and a wine and liquor pull. Children’s Safe Harbor’s mission is to protect and enhance the life of every child who has the courage to battle sexual or severe physical abuse. As a nationally-accredited nonprofit organization serving Montgomery, San Jacinto and Walker counties, it is part of a nationwide effort to heal the trauma and facilitate justice for children ages 2 through 17 and their families. Children's Safe Harbor is unique in that it serves children and their families all in one building, minimizing the need for children to retell their experience to multiple agencies, therefore re-experiencing the trauma over and over. From legal investigation, child protective services, forensic interviews, and medical examination, to facilitating prosecution, justice and counseling for long-term healing, it is all offered in one co-located facility at Children’s Safe Harbor. To purchase individual tickets or table sponsorship levels, visit childrenssafeharbor.org and click on the gala link.
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THE ACS PRESENTS CouTuRE FoR THE CAuSE oF moNTGomERy CouNTy, mAy 7
Liz Murray
LIZ muRRAy To SPEAK AT “WomEN EmPoWERING WomEN” EvENT, mAy 6 Interfaith Community Clinic has announced that Liz Murray will be the guest at “Women Empowering Women” from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at The Westin The Woodlands on Friday, May 6. Proceeds from the event will benefit Interfaith Community Clinic. Liz Murray, renowned author of Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard will be speaking about having been accepted into Harvard University despite being homeless in her high school years. Murray was born in the Bronx, New York to poor, drug-addicted parents, both of whom would later die of AIDS. Murray overcame in 2009. She is now the founder and director of Manifest Living and a successful motivational speaker. “We are absolutely thrilled that Liz Murray will be sharing her incredible journey. We are honored to have her as our special guest for this event which benefits Interfaith Community Clinic,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of Interfaith Community Clinic. Interfaith Community Clinic opened its doors in 1996 to meet the medical needs of the uninsured population, and in 2010 the clinic joined the Interfaith family of services. Interfaith Community Clinic is dedicated to providing quality basic medical and dental care, counseling and patient services to the uninsured. Programs are provided free of charge and are funded by the generous financial support of grants, faith-based organizations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals. For more information, visit interfaithcommunityclinic.org.
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Save the date of May 7 for the American Cancer Society’s new gala fundraiser in Montgomery County. Details are coming together for the inaugural year of Couture for the Cause of Montgomery County. This exclusive, fun-filled evening will include fabulous food, drinks and music. The evening’s main event will be a professional New York-style fashion show featuring the latest trends, presented by models whose lives have been touched by cancer. This year’s theme, Moonlight in Milan, honors the tradition of fashion as it has evolved in this beloved European city. The event will take place in the luxurious Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands. Parties for a cause, along with the generous commitments from the local community, have helped raise more than $3 million over the past 20 years in Montgomery County. Couture for the Cause of Montgomery Co. will continue the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer by helping to fund groundbreaking research, in addition to supporting acclaimed patient programs and services. Event co-chairs Shelley Rollins and Krisiti Leggett bring their considerable talent and leadership to the planning committee for this first-year event. The committee is currently seeking event sponsors and underwriters, local cancer survivors to serve as guest models, donated items to be used in auctions or swag bags, and volunteers to help achieve the fundraising goal of $175,000. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase by the general public. To learn more, contact Leigha Hughes at Leigha.Hughes@cancer.org. For the latest information, visit the page on Facebook. For more information about cancer, services and programs, visit cancer.org.
moNoPoLy TouRNAmENT To BENEFIT HomELESS WomEN vETERANS, mAy 7 The Spring-Klein Athletics Foundation, along with Ms. Veteran America semi-finalist Lavoxkeia Carnes, will host a local MONOPOLY Game Tournament on May 7 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fairfield Inn & Suites Houston North/Spring, 24485 Interstate 45 North, Spring. Proceeds from the tournament will
benefit the Final Salute to help provide homeless women veterans with safe and suitable housing. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities exist. For more information, contact Lavoxkeia Carnes at 832-415-0568×101.
GoLFING IN THE WooDS GoLF TouRNAmENT, mAy 9 Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) is hosting its sixth annual Golfing In The Woods Golf Tournament on May 9 at Panther Trail Golf Course in The Woodlands. The golf tournament will benefit the food insecure children, seniors and other individuals throughout the county with its various community programs. Breakfast will be provided to kick the day off, and lunch will be served during the awards ceremony after 18 holes of fun competition for a great cause. Sign up your foursome, sponsor a hole, or volunteer for the day by visiting mcfoodbank.org or by contacting Amanda Riddle at ariddle@mcfoodbank.org.
TWILIGHT ZoNE AT THE TWHS THEATER, mAy 7 You have just crossed over into The Twilight Zone. There is nothing in the dark that isn’t there when the lights are on. Come see for yourself as The Woodlands High School (TWHS) Theater Department presents its annual competition The Twilight Zone on Saturday, May 7 at 6 p.m. in the TWHS auditorium, 6101 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands. The shows will be studentdirected, and each grade from 8th to 12th grade will perform episodes from Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. Tickets range from $5-$10 and can be purchased at the door. For more information visit twhstheater.com.
The Woodlands children’s museum
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You can kick off your shoes at the TOMS One Day Without Shoes event, designed to increase awareness of how difficult life without shoes can be.
JoIN THE WooDLANDS CHILDREN'S muSEum FoR TomS oNE DAy WITHouT SHoES, mAy 10 The Woodlands Children’s Museum is joining forces with TOMS, a conscientious shoe retailer, to help make the world a better place – one foot at a time. By going barefoot on TOMS One Day Without Shoes, scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, the museum and TOMS hope to increase global awareness of how difficult life without shoes can be. Angela Colton, executive director of The Woodlands Children’s Museum, said shoes are just a symptom of a larger problem. “This is about so much more than what you wear on your feet,” she said. “By simply sharing sensory experiences with children, we hope to focus on the issues of children whose basic needs are not met and how their lives change when receiving something so many of us take for granted.” Providing children with shoes can help meet school uniform requirements, enabling them to attend school regularly, she said, explaining that wearing shoes and practicing good foot hygiene also helps prevent the spread of the debilitating disease podoconiosis, which is caused by going barefoot in certain soils. The museum is encouraging children to participate in the small sensory walk, make T-shirts and have their toenails painted with a complimentary mini-pedi being offered on TOMS One Day Without Shoes. In addition, children can participate in a collaborative footprint painting project that will be sent to TOMS upon completion.The event is included in the cost of admission, which is $6 per person 1 year and older. The museum is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280. Visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955 for more information. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Old West Melodrama spoofs Sherlock Holmes.
oLD WEST mELoDRAmA PRESENTS Holmes sweet Homicide, mAy 13-28 Old West Melodrama is preparing to unveil a new mystery dinner show that spoofs Sherlock Holmes mysteries – and explores Victorian customs, exotic diseases and cures. Holmes Sweet Homicide debuts on Friday, May 13 and performances continue Friday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, May 28. Attendees will join world-famous detective Hemlock Holmes, who has just returned from a visit to a long-lost cousin in a sanatorium in upstate New York. Unbeknownst to Holmes’ female sidekick Whatsun, the detective has brought his cousin Elmira back home with him. Whatsun is shocked and jealous of the beautiful woman with a rare mental disorder called Disrobe-a-phobia. Mystery and intrigue abound when Dr. Charles Ovary and his nurse arrive to cure Elmira – and the doctor soon becomes just as infatuated with Elmira as Holmes is. "Keep your eyes and ears open, because someone will be ruthlessly murdered at the
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end of the play," producer Jeannine Cole said. "It’s up to our audience to guess whodone-it." The show will be held at Puffabelly’s Depot Restaurant in Old Town Spring, with dinner and a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. The melodrama begins at 8 p.m. Old West Melodrama, stationed at 100 Main Street in Old Town Spring, is the only performing group in the greater Houston area that offers melodramas and murder mystery dinner shows year-round. The troupe, founded by Joe Cole, is comprised of experienced actors and performers who enjoy interacting with the audience. For more information or tickets, call 713-3649190, email reservations@oldwestmelodrama.com or visit oldwestmelodrama.com.
TRANSFoRmING RECyCLED mATERIALS DEmoNSTRATIoN AT HABITAT RESToRE SHoP, mAy 17 Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County will host a free demonstration by Dan Phillips entitled “Transforming Recycled
Materials Into A New Home” on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at its ReStore home improvement resale shop located at 9407 S.H. 242 in Conro. Renowned as one of the most creative home builders, Dan Phillips, a trained architect from Huntsville, has built affordable homes for low-income families and individuals using recycled, donated and salvaged building materials for over 15 years. For more information about ReStore, visit Facebook.com/HabitatMCTXReStore or call the store at 936-441-5888.
KNITTING/CRoCHETING mEETS AT BuSH LIBRARy oN FRIDAyS The knitting, crocheting and conversation group meets every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott meeting room at the Barbara Bush Library. Help make lap blankets for veterans and chemo caps for MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. For information, call 281-376-4610. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring.
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Participants in last year’s Angelman Walk.
Angelman Syndrome Foundation to Host Annual Walk, May 21 Step up and step out to help find a cure! The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) invites the public to participate in its annual walk on Saturday, May 21 in The Woodlands to raise funds to improve the quality of life for individuals with Angelman syndrome – a severe, neurogenetic disorder. People with Angelman syndrome don’t talk, have a hard time walking and using their hands, and will need someone to take care of them for the rest of their lives. Since Angelman syndrome shares symptoms with several other disorders including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Rett and Prader-Willi syndromes, any research progress toward treating and curing symptoms has the potential to positively affect more than 12 million people. Angelman syndrome occurs in one in every 15,000 live births and exhibits symptoms such as: developmental delay; lack of speech; seizures; inappropriate laughter; and walking and balance disorders. The walk will take place at Rob Fleming Park located at 6055 Creekside Forest Dr. in The Village of Creekside Park. Funds raised will advance the awareness and understanding of Angelman syndrome through education and information, research and support. Over 450 participants are expected to turn out at this year’s walk. Participants are encouraged to register in advance online at angelman.org (click the Walk tab for the Houston walk) or by calling 1-800-432-6435. They can also register the day of the event. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the 5K walk starts at 9 a.m. For more information about the Walk, email debrasukin@yahoo.com. For more information about the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, visit angelman.org. (L-r): Lucy Gomez, Director of Programs and Services Interfaith of The Woodlands; Interfaith of The Woodlands’ 2016 Woman of Distinction, Cindy Harlan; Leslie McPherson, Family Services Manager, and Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.
Interfaith of The Woodlands And ICC Honor Women of Distinction at Luncheon, May 27 Interfaith Community Clinic will honor Kathy Thompson as its 2016 Woman of Distinction, and Interfaith of The Woodlands will honor Cindy Harlan as its 2016 Woman of Distinction at the annual Women of Distinction luncheon on May 27 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The event celebrates the accomplishments provided by volunteers to local organizations throughout the year. Kathy has been a devoted volunteer for Interfaith Community Clinic since 2003, assisting individuals and families with eligibility of the clinic’s dental and medical services and providing additional information needed for community resources in Montgomery County. Cindy Harlan has been with Interfaith for over 10 years. In 2015, she dedicated over 700 hours to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Cindy currently volunteers in the Interfaith Food Pantry on a regular basis spending up to five days a week preparing groceries for distribution, shelving donations and orienting new student and adult volunteers when needed. For more information call 281-367-1230 or visit woodlandsinterfaith.org.
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A family enjoys meandering on the Lazy River.
SummER FuN AT mooDy GARDENS PALm BEACH, mAy 21-SEPT. 10 Moody Gardens is offering some new entertainment and traditional favorites at Palm Beach as this popular private beach attraction opens for the summer. Guests are invited to sink their toes in white sand, lounge beneath palm trees and splash amongst a variety of beach attractions. Visitors can even enjoy concerts and fireworks. Palm Beach will open weekends beginning May 21, including Memorial Day before opening daily for the summer season June 4 through August 21. As the summer season comes to an end, Palm Beach will be open weekends only August 27 through September 10, including Labor Day. Visitors can enjoy the interactive 650-foot lazy river, wave pool and two 18-foot tower slides. Other attractions include beach volleyball on regulation courts and the Aquarium Adventure play area. The Splashpad automated aquatic water feature offers interactive dump buckets, spray arches and fountains for a day of fun at the beach. Palm Beach admission is $23.95 for adults, $17.95 for children and seniors, or $55 for a season pass. Children ages three and under are free. Visitors can make it a weekend of entertainment with the popular Bands on the Sand summer concert series at Palm Beach. Beginning June 4, this live music series runs throughout the summer following each show with fireworks over the Moody Gardens pyramids and Offatts Bayou. Admission to each concert is $15 and free for kids three and under. Bands on the Sand will be held from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through August 13. Some of the area’s top local and regional bands will perform. For a complete schedule visit moodygardens.org or call 800-582-4673.
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HERoES FoR FREEDom BENEFIT GoLF TouRNAmENT, JuNE 6 Golfers, sponsors and volunteers are invited to support the servicemen and women who have sacrificed for our county in the Heroes for Freedom Golf Tournament to be held June 6 (the “D-Day” anniversary) at The Woodlands Country Club - Palmer Course. Registration opens at 10 a.m. and shotgun start is noon. Dinner and auction, awards and live entertainment begin at 5:30 p.m. in the new Palmer Course banquet facility. The celebrity host for the event is actor Burton “Bubba” Gilliam, best known for his role as “Lyle” in Blazing Saddles. Proceeds benefit Wounded Warrior Project. Visit cmpeventplanner.com to register your team. For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, email Cindy Bryson at golfcmp@gmail.com or call 281-380-2153.
JAZZy JuNquE SToRE Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe. Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of the original cost. Donations can be dropped off at Outlets of Conroe by appointment, or arranged to be picked up by calling 936-441-4500 or emailing info@jazzyjunque.org.
WINE & FooD WEEK 2016, JuNE 6-12 Thousands are expected to flock to Wine & Food Week, celebrating A " New York State of Mind" at the 12th annual extravaganza held June 6-12. The region's largest and most comprehensive culinary and wine event draws culinary masters and wine experts from around the world. An epicurean extravaganza with more than 10,000 participants each year, Wine & Food Week features scores of events with more than 500 wines, 75 restaurants, legendary wine producers and culinary personalities. A myriad of education classes, chef demonstrations, cookbook author events, and casual to fine wine-and-dine experiences round out the week. For information and a complete schedule, visit wineandfoodweek.com or call 713-557-5732.
— MAY SPECIALS —
10% OFF TILE CLEANS Coupon must be rendered with payment. Exp 5-31-16
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Scene in
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by Whitney Montgomery FOR GALAS, PARTIES, LUNCHEONS Email: whitney@gmont.com
FOR SCHOOL & STUDENT NEWS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Giving Goes Glam
Dear Readers,
April showers have truly brought us some beautiful May flowers! Have you seen the fabulous bluebonnets? The flowers are a reminder to me that Mother's Day is fast approaching. Being a mom is one of the biggest blessings in my life. The job of a mom can literally encompass so many roles – a nurse, a counselor, a taxi driver, lifeguard, secret keeper, personal shopper, and so much more. I have been honored to meet some amazing moms in this community and I am always overwhelmed by their compassion – not only for their own children, but for all children. My mom is a strong woman who taught me independence and the value of a dollar. My mother-in-law is a woman who has served our community for many years and taught me the value in volunteering. I am thankful for these women and I hope that my children will learn these same lessons from me. Thank you for being such a family oriented community. For all the mothers out there – have a happy Mother's Day and take time to do something that celebrates you. Each month as I write this journal, I always reflect on the people I have been introduced to over the last few months. I am thankful I have been able to be a part of such wonderful events and I look forward to being out and about this month. I hope that you too will be “Scene in The Woodlands”. Keep me posted on your events – email whitney@gmont.com. Be the change you hope to see in the world, Whitney Montgomery
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Giving Goes Glam More than 760 guests gathered at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center for the fifth annual Giving Goes Glam. Junior League of The Woodlands, Inc. and Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted the Fashion Show & Luncheon. Over $280,000 was raised, benefiting the many programs and services offered by both organizations. The event featured an incredible raffle and silent auction including items from local participating retailers, a Kendra Scott Balloon Pop, and a Sip and Shop for guests to shop their favorite boutiques. A portion of the proceeds from the Sip and Shop was generously
donated back to Interfaith of The Woodlands and Junior League of The Woodlands. Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230. The Junior League of The Woodlands is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educa-
tional and charitable. For more information, visit jlthewoodlands.org. 1) DJ Don Vaughn 2) Angie Gibbs and Lauren Andre 3) (Back row) Michael Knight, Amy Murphy, Tyler Dickenson, Millie Fitzpatrick; (Front row) Johnalynn Leivovich and Denise Bod 4) Ann Snyder and Elvira Cauthen 5) Natalie Moon and Amy Weber 6) Models taking the runway 7) (Back row) Christine Winston, Tracie Mann, Danielle Bruce, Julie Bell, Janet Acosta and Sandra Novak; (front row) Bella Eni, Christen Kaufman, and Sondra Ruhman 8) Wayne Herndon, Missy Herndon, Libra Thompson, and Scott Thompson The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Bach, Beethoven and Barbecue Gala The annual Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala once again met its goal of raising $100,000, which will be used to benefit the ongoing programs provided through the Young Texas Artists Music Competition. Held on March 12 in a Texas dance hall-themed tented pavilion outside the Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, the gala’s sell-out crowd enjoyed Texas-style barbecue and live entertainment by Bill Mock and The Highway 105 Band. Honorees for the evening were the late J. Ross Martin III and his brother Guy Martin, two gentlemen each repre-
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senting a unique devotion to fostering excellence in up and coming musical talent. As part of the gala, those attending joined many of the area’s music lovers, nearly filling the Crighton Theatre where they experienced award-winning classical music as the finalists performed for a panel of highly qualified jurists at the Finalists' Concert and Awards. For more information about the Young Texas Artists Music Competition, visit youngtexasartists.org. For information about sponsorship opportunities for future events, contact Susie Pokorski at susiepokorski@gmail.com or 936-756-7017.
1) Emelyne Bingham, artistic director of Young Texas Artists Music Competition; gala co-chairs Tim and Shana Arthur; Susie Pokorski, chair and executive director of YTA; and the competition's Master of Ceremonies St. John Flynn, arts and culture director of Houston Public Media. 2) Silver Medal winner double bassist Peng Wang stayed for the After Party to jam with the band. 3) YTA Artistic Director Emelyne Bingham 4) Sandy and Guy Martin 5) Carl Howard and Lady Lyn Howard 6) Bill Mock and The Highway 105 Band
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Couture for CASA of Montgomery County
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Couture for CASA of Montgomery County The second annual Couture for CASA hosted by Xcel Realty, Avalon Insurance Agency, and Nations Lending Corporation was a huge success, bringing in over $11,000 for CASA of Montgomery County. It was a night full of glamour and fun as local community members took to the runway modeling designs by Trina Turk, Elaine Turner, and Kendra Scott. The event was
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held at Mercedes Benz – The Woodlands and was a memorable night for all who attended. For more information on how you can get involved with CASA, please visit casaspeaks4kids.org. 1) Judi Foster and Susan McCormick, CASA staff 2) Bill Merchant, Kathleen Merchant, Melissa Williams, Kurt Williams 3) Laura Smith and Lisa Combs 4) Elise Banks, Miss International 2016 and Whitney Montgomery, Mrs. Southeast
International 2016 5) Robert McCutcheon, Becky McCutcheon, Cheryl Sellers, and Christen Meyers, CASA advocate 6) Heidi Hall and Rodney Anderson, owner of Crescent Moon Wine Bar 7) Jan, Whitney Montgomery, BJ Whetsone, Kristen Blanchard, Amy Hair, Mitzi Fox, Jacob Pedigo, Amy Lampman, Bud Montang, Melissa Williams, and Jaclyn Schlembach
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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777
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Habitat for Humanity VIP Event Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County recently hosted a VIP event to honor its committee members and amazing sponsors in preparation for the annual gala. The 2016 Habitat Gala, “ames Bond: License to Build, “ was held April 23 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, a faith-based nonprofit ministry, works
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towards bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. In an effort to facilitate decent, affordable homes in partnership with those in need, Habitat for Humanity provides permanent housing solutions to very low-income working families, helping them to become homeowners and break the cycle of poverty. For more information, please visit HabitatMCTX.org. 1) Karen Nauman, Amanda Poole, Ann Wolford, Deidre McKee
2) David Anderton, Kris Westbrook, Bill Walters, and Brandon Heidel – event sponsors with Revenew International 3) Jackey Impey and Nikki Wolfe 4) Megan and Cole Pate with Strike – Diamonds Are Forever Sponsor 5) Gary Lach, Karen Lach, Amy Lach, Bryant Lach, and Allison Piccirillo 6) Mike Larson and Bob Milner, owner of The Woodlands Mercedes Benz 7) Refinished furniture as auction fundraiser l
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CARLTON WOODS Netherfield Way | $4.9+mil 5/5.5+ - ±10,575 sf a wine-centric dining experience Arlene English | 713.367.7333
LAKE CONROE Marseille | $1.8+mil 4/4.5 - ±4,848 sf stunning Bentwater custom home Martha Rocks | 713.201.6269
STERLING RIDGE Player Point Drive | $1.7+mil 5/5.5+ - ±5,993 sf 7th hole Gary Player Golf Course Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742
LAKE CONROE Wedgewood Drive | $1.4+mil 4/4.5+ - ±6,031 sf updated Bentwater lakefront home Martha Rocks | 713.201.6269
MAGNOLIA Edgewater Drive | $690s 5/4.5 - ±4,318 sf waterfront | gated community Kecia Haseman | 713.515.4948
MAGNOLIA Anglers Way | $650s 3/3.5 - ±3,286 sf waterfront gem in Old Mill Lake Maya Fasthoff | 832.643.4466
GROGANS FOREST S Mews Wood Court | $540s 3/2.5 - ±2,682 sf 1-story near Market Street Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742
LAKE CONROE Lake View Drive | $480s 3/2.5 - ±2,269 sf waterfront home with pool on lake Kecia Haseman | 713.515.4948
VILLAGE COCHRANS E Sunny Slope Circle | $420s 3/2 - ±2,460 sf David Weekley 1-story | pool Debbie Callan | 713.558.2270
marthaturner.com | 281.367.7637 Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.
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PLAINS CREEK RUG Plains Creek Rug is artfully handknotted from wool and cotton yarn and designed with an earth-toned Southwestern-inspired motif. The traditional nomadic Soumak weave of 60 to 70 knots per inch creates a brocade chain-stitched effect that emphasizes the organic nature of this rug.Hand-knotted in India. ralphlauren.com
JAY STRONGWATER PILLOW Jay Strongwater's love of the elegant but vividly bejeweled objet— whether it's meant to rest on a tabletop or the graceful curve of a woman's neck—has led him on a journey through the worlds of fashion and home furnishings. The Dutch Floral Pillow is handcrafted and embellished with Swarovski® crystals and beads. neimanmarcus.com
LILY PAD TABLE LAMP
Michael Aram Lily Pad table lamp in Natural Bronze and Marble is handcrafted, with no two pieces alike. Each piece in this collection undergoes a series of casting, filing, welding and oxidation techniques. The finish is a
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result of a specialized patination process. Every piece is truly a work of art. michaelaram.com
SANTA BARBARA DESIGNS® Enjoy the outdoors in style! Santa Barbara Designs, makers of the iconic Santa Barbara Umbrella, recently announced its 2016 lineup of show-stopping, new shade fashions to enhance any outdoor setting. Every umbrella is a unique creation, custom crafted and individually registered. sbumbrella.com
MUSETTE SOFA
Like a musician tuning up for an evening at a best-kept-secret jazz club, the Musette Collection is a prelude to something spectacular. Underscoring your most treasured evenings, this set of perfectly eclectic furniture and accessories harmonizes a bohemian mashup of velvets and twill, from paisleys to stripes and back again and with hand-painted turned feet and handcrafted tassels. mackenzie-childs.com
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Blinds & Shutters Custom Window Treatments Wall Coverings | Fine Furniture Accessories & Lighting | Area Rugs
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the Editor’s
Picks Linda Anderson
Kittens Chihuahua Protects CONTAIN YOUR PLANTS
a Charlie, the Chihuahu kitsteps in to protect the s big tens from this curiou black puppy. 3MUhirsQ .com/watch?v=vnF https://www.youtube yles & Homes! est Lif th wi eo vid Share your om styles-magazines.c email to: Linda@life
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With award-winning garden designer Nancy J. Ondra, gardeners of all levels and budgets can transform drab front steps, patios, decks and balconies into fabulous decorative masterpieces. In her latest book, Container Theme Gardens, Ondra has designed 42 foolproof gardens for every style, function and taste –– each using only five perfectly matched, easy-to-grow plants which she pairs with complementary contianers of all sizes, shapes and materials. Gardeners only need to determine light conditions, pick a theme and plant their garden.
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RAW PERFECTION
Grilled Potatoes These are delicious and easy to make! Grilled potatoes are great for summer cookouts.
Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake Summer peaches and blueberries never tasted so good!
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Sushi isn’t tricky to make so long as you have the right utensils and instructions and the patience to get acquainted with the various techniques. The Complete Guide to Syushi & Sashimi, by Jeffrey Elliot and Robby Cook, provides all the information needed to get started –– from ingredients and knives, to equipment, fish butchery, plating techniques, making perfect rice and more. With full color throughout, lots of recipes, a userfriendly wire -bound hardcover, 500 photos and hundreds of tips, this book is the go-to guide for sushi and sashimi lovers, novice and experienced alike. All it takes is some practice and in no time at all, you’ll be making sumptuous sushi that will wow everyone.
LESSONS IN ARRANGING Whether hosting a party, helping out with a friend’s wedding or wishing to incorporate the beauty of flowers into everyday life, The Flower Workshop allows you to create dazzling arrangements that go beyond merely pretty and into realms of the dramatic, the unexpected and even the magical. Lavishly illustrated with full-color photgraphy, this book not only provides step-by-step instructions for more than 45 stunning projects, but also equips you with the skills to customize arrangements at home. With experience designing from the White House to the FlowerSchool New York, author Ariella Chezar walks you through a variety of small flourishes, tonal arrangements, branch arrangements, handheld bouquets, wreathes, garlands and more.
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Jo Anne Johnson Realtor 713-703-3316
LUXURIOUS LATHERS Nourishing oils, healing fragrances, vitamin- and mineral-rich milks, nuts and herbs: these ingredients turn a routine shower into an organic spa experience. In Pure Soapmaking, AnneMarie Faiola teaches the art of creating natural luxury soap with 32 luscious formulas that are as gorgeous as they are healthful. With organic ingredients such as blueberries, wine, vegetable juices, coffee grounds, walnut shells, essential oils and more, Faiola’s recipes will inspire health-conscious crafters to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
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EAT TO CHANGE THE WORLD The Sustainability Secret presents alarming truths about the effects of animal agriculture on the planet as one of the leading causes of deforestation, greenhouse gas production, water use, species extinction, ocean dead-zones and a host of other ills. Authors Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn uncover one shocking secret after another, and interview leading businesses, environmental organizations and political groups about the subject of animal agriculture and its disastrous effects. This book provides an indepth overview of this planetary crisis and demonstrates effective ways to offset the damage through personal dietary choices and a path to global sustainablity for a growing population.
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281-863-9200 8111 Ashlane Way - The Woodlands, TX 77382 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Style} file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
From the Spring 2016
Fendi Collection
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
Dial Watches
Paper-Cutting Art On Your Wrist Launching its very first collection in conjunction with British paper artist Sarah Dennis, whose work combines traditional paper cutting with collage, Dial aims to transform the world of watches, making high quality pieces that bring together modern art and classic watchmaking. With just one exclusive design featuring either a gold or rose gold outer case, Dial’s collaboration with the British paper-cutting artist has resulted in delicate handmade butterflies and woodland features across the navy faces of each watch, with the simple cream dial complimenting the feminine design details perfectly. Using classic shades, each Dial timepiece comes with two handmade leather straps in navy and cream, allowing the wearer to switch up their style with ease, while the high quality crystal glass and Miyota movement ensures the timepieces are made to and function at the highest possible quality. Dial embraces the idea that the two most important elements of the creative process are time and space, which is precisely what it offers the artists they work with. Artists are given a blank canvas – a watch face – and they are challenged to capture a unique moment of artistic inspiration. About Sarah Dennis–Sarah's work combines traditional paper cutting with collage. Sarah's pieces exemplify the beauty of nature in fairy tales and whimsical childhood dreams, telling classic poems and folk tales through the medium of paper. Each piece is individually hand-cut using a craft knife to reveal exquisite, delicate detail within the illustration. Not limiting herself to any one type of project, she takes on a variety of work and welcomes individual requests for bespoke, hand-crafted artwork. dialwatches.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Style} file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
Stephen Dweck- The Five-Strand Turquoise Link Necklace has brushed sterling silver links and freeform turquoise stones. neimanmarcus.com
Dolce & Gabbana- The medium Sicily Bag in printed Dauphine Leather is embellished with exclusive cross stitched floral embroidery. dolcegabbana.com
Gucci- Studded leather platform pump. gucci.com
Stella McCartney- Chain-trimmed cat-eye acetate sunglasses in a bold monochrome marble-effect pattern and contrasting soft blush. net-a-porter.com
Oscar de la RentaFloral Broderie Anglaise Cross-Neck dress highlights the shoulders with sensual allure. oscardelarenta.com
Gucci- Silk chiffon gown with tiger print silk. gucci.com
Carole Shashona- Orange Women’s Soaring Goddess Bracelet lyst.com
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Proenza Schouler- Two-tone calfskin leather bucket bag with tiered fringe in Dune/Black. neimanmarcus.com
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
A Gift of Beauty for Mom: SK-II’s Spring Butterfly Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence In honor of Mother’s Day, SK-II has created a new limited edition Spring Butterfly bottle of the iconic Facial Treatment Essence, dedicated to devoted mothers everywhere. Featuring fluttering butterflies that represent elegance and metamorphosis, the special edition design is symbolic of the unconditional love, encouragement, and support our mothers give us, which allow us the opportunity to grow into our best selves. Inspired by the transformative power of the mother-daughter bond, it’s the perfect gift for the woman whose unconditional love gives you the strength to soar beyond your destiny. SK-II's iconic product, Facial Treatment Essence, is a beacon of transformational beauty. The best-selling essence, often referred to as ‘miracle water’ by SK-II users around the world, was the first product offered when the brand launched in Japan more than 35 years ago, with its composition remaining unchanged. Facial Treatment Essence has been linked to lasting beautiful, ageless skin as SK-II recently discovered its landmark Skin Destiny study. SK-II found that women who start using Facial Treatment Essence in their 20s look significantly younger in their 30s and 40s, and shows that it’s never too early or too late for women to take control of their destiny and achieve the beautiful skin they’ve always wanted. The secret to lasting beautiful, ageless skin is SK-II's signature ingredient PiteraTM, which is derived from a unique yeast fermentation and made up of a delicate composition of amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and other valuable components for your skin. Available at SK-II counters and SK-11.com. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com
Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS
Jaguar XF | Starting price: $52,000
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hen Jaguar’s XF first made its debut in 2007, it ushered in a dramatically new design aesthetic for the British car maker. Everything about the XF was thoroughly modern — ready to take on the new century in style. Now, nine years later, the XF is all new again and poised to pounce like the predatory cat for which it is named. You have to look close, but it is indeed all new. “A few screws are all that we kept,” says Mike Bradley, senior launch manager. No sheet metal is shared; in fact, a lot of aluminum replaces a lot of steel. Take a walk around and you’ll notice a different nose and more upright glass, along with LED headlights to give this mid-size sedan some more dazzle. It does have an aggressive, catlike
Cadillac CTS
Starting price: mid $40s
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f I had to sum up the 2016 Cadillac CTS in one word, that word would be options. That is to say, there is a CTS for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury, performance, or just plain old flash, there is a CTS that can satisfy. First of all, Cadillac went to painstaking measures to lighten its popular four-door sedan. At 240 pounds lighter than the previous model, it is now the lightest rearwheel drive sedan in its class, says Cadillac. The company adds, “Every gram of mater-
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stance, befitting of its lineage. Everything but the doors, trunklid, and rear floorpan are made of aluminum, and as Bradley pointed out, they retained what little steel there was to help with weight distribution. Lest you worry about safety, they did strategically place some steel inserts to bolster rigidity and crashworthiness. In all, the XF is about 75 percent aluminum and roughly 28 percent more rigid than before. Driving the XF offers a dynamic experience that is everything you would expect, and maybe more. The XF is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 mated to an eightspeed automatic, yielding 340 horsepower and a solid 332 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is optional. You get a nice growl from the engine without the whine of
the supercharger, meaning interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are kept to a minimum. Shifting is quick and smooth and hits 0-60 mph in just under five seconds. The electric power steering feels lively and points the car with laser-like precision. The XF rides on a mostly aluminum independent rear suspension and a double wishbone up front. This translates into a well-balanced ride that feels tight, smooth and well balanced. Enthusiasts can opt for the XF-S, which offers the same turbocharged engine but with 40 more horses. All that supercharged power juxtaposed with the lightweight aluminum design, means the XF gets up to 20 mpg in the city and up to 30 on the highway. Inside, this Jag is a luxurious and elegant space without the opulence. Perhaps its most notable feature is the gear selector dial, which takes some getting used to but also makes a great conversation piece. A decent-sized center touch screen allows access to phone, navigation and audio functions, while actual knobs located just below allow operation of the climate control system. The leather seats offer a good deal of support, and as the car speeds up, it seems the cabin shrinks down and hugs itself around you. Starting at about $52K and ranging into the mid $60s, the XF is a worthy challenger to its German counterparts.
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ial in the CTS had to justify its existence.” What this translates to is a more agile, better performing vehicle. Fortunately for Cadillac customers, that performance comes in a variety of options. The base model starts with a 268-horsepower, turbo-charged four cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It presents stiff competition for vehicles like BMW and Audi, offering both pep and growl in a highly refined package. Other engine choices include the midline 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft. of torque; as well as the heavyweight: a twin-turbo 3.6-liter that delivers a whopping 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. The twin turbo, not surprisingly, is offered on rear-drive only models (AWD is optional for other powertrains) and is outfitted with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an electronic limited slip differential and larger front brakes.
Obviously, as you scale up the spectrum of trim levels and engine choices, the CTS will drive and handle in proportional response. The naturally-aspirated V6 seems to be the best match for this luxury sedan, whose ride quality and performance seem both refined and well-balanced. It certainly feels agile, with little body roll in the corners. Steering feels crisp and nicely controlled. The cabin remains quiet despite the lighter weight of the vehicle, for a very solid feel. Speaking of the cabin, everything seems to converge into one point, wrapping around the passengers and finishing nicely in the center stack. The interior trim is elegant, with a nice blend of wood, leather and metallic finishes. With its brightly lit gauges outlined in shiny nickel, it almost feels downright futuristic. Bluetooth, a Bose sound system and a CUE media center are just some of the luxuries in the CTS. Four trim levels for the CTS include
Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium. The CTS-V Sport comes in base and Premium trims. As for the enthusiasts out there, this year Cadillac rolled out the new CTS-V. Flash, sizzle and substance combine into one mighty fine performance sedan. It’ll hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, thanks to its mind-boggling 630-horsepower supercharged, 6.2liter V8. And incidentally, it takes minimal driving experience to achieve those speeds. Merely engage the right settings, make sure it’s pointed straight ahead, floor the gas pedal and hold on. The turbo I-4 starts in the mid $40s, which gives you zippy performance. From there you can scale up into the low $60s for an AWD premium. And if your budget allows, my CTS-V test vehicle was priced at a stratospheric $95K... but oh what fun it is to ride! For information on these and other vehicles, visit MyCarData.com.l
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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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DREAMING TREE WINES grew from an Artistic Connection
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he Dave Matthews Band’s 2016 Summer Tour has kicked off and will be at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at The Woodlands on May 13. The multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning band will travel until the tour concludes on Labor Day weekend. In celebration of the tour and the band’s 25th anniversary, Dave Matthews Band Head Chef Fiona Bohane, who cooks for the entire band and crew every night on tour, is sharing a sneak peek into her Recipes from the Road. Each original recipe is inspired by the flavors and ingredients from each tour city, and is created to pair perfectly with the eco-friendly Dreaming Tree wines. Concertgoers will also be able to purchase The Dreaming Tree wines at the venue and sip favorites such as Crush, aptly named for the band’s classic hit. Dreaming Tree Wines When you get people together who share the same passion, interesting things are bound to happen. Dave Matthews and Sean McKenzie know how to create something special that not only entertains, but really hits the spot. Dave Matthews and his partner in wine, Sean McKenzie.
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dreaming tree wines
We can help you retain as much of your assets as the law allows.
A selection of Dreaming Tree Wines.
dreaming tree wines
Dave’s passion for winemaking stretches back nearly as far as his love for music. With a winery in Virginia under his belt, Dave is no amateur, but when he chose to lay down roots in the California wine country, he knew he couldn’t go it alone. New Zealand native Sean has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft at wineries around the world. At The Dreaming Tree, Sean demonstrates his ability to preserve California’s most prestigious growing regions and their respective styles through the portfolio’s stellar lineup. Wines crafted by the pair include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Crush (a red blend) and an Everyday white. Fiona has joined Dreaming Tree Wines as its newest co-conspirator. Her Recipes from the Road pages on dreamingtreewines.com give exclusive recipes from
Wright Abshire, Attorneys has dedicated its practice to helping families finance long-term care for their loved ones without losing their life savings. Additionally, the firm coordinates governmental benefits, administers guardianships, prepares wills, trusts and advance directives, probates wills and administers estates.
HOUSTON OFFICE
4949 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 Phone 713-660-9595 Principal Office
Dave Matthews and Head Chef Fiona Bohane.
FAYETTE COUNTY OFFICE
THE WOODLANDS OFFICE
1055 Deer Haven Rd. Carmine, Texas 78932 Phone 979-278-4095
3117 College Park Dr. Ste. 240 The Woodlands, Texas 77384 Phone 936-273-2773
By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available
By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available
Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire are Certified as Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation and Accredited Attorneys by the Veterans Administration. They are both Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Live Outdoors!
On tour, Fiona wowed the crew with a dish unlike anything they’d tried before — her Grilled Halloumi with Strawberries, Figs, Honey and Basil on a Red Quinoa, Zucchini and Bitter Greens Salad. At home, try pairing the dish with Dreaming Tree Chardonnay. Halloumi is a mild, firm, white Cypriot cheese made from goat or sheep milk and is especially good for cooking.
Grilled Halloumi
BEFORE
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WITH STRAWBERRIES, FIGS, HONEY AND BASIL ON A RED QUINOA, ZUCCHINI AND BITTER GREENS SALAD Serves 4-6 people Quinoa Ingredients: 1 lb. red quinoa, cooked 1 small radicchio, cored and chopped 1 bunch dandelion greens, red or green, chiffonade 1 bunch watercress or arugula, chopped ½ bunch Italian parsley (smaller stems included), finely chopped 2 stalks celery, diced 1 large zucchini, diced and lightly roasted (10 minutes at 400 degrees with extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper) ½ red onion, small dice 2 lemons, juiced, 1 zested ¼ cup red wine vinegar ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Mix all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste, set aside. Strawberry Fig Mixture Ingredients: ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced ½ cup fresh figs, sliced ¼ cup honey 1 bunch of basil, leaves picked, chiffonade 1 orange, juiced Mix all ingredients together and set aside while grilling halloumi.
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Halloumi Ingredients: 1 lb halloumi, cut into 1-inch slices 1-2 tbsp canola oil 1 lemon, cut in half Directions: 1. Heat grill over medium heat until hot. 2. Using a paper towel soaked in oil, carefully wipe grill with towel. 3. Rub the halloumi with oil and then grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until there are nice grill marks on each side. Use metal spatula to loosen the Halloumi as they can stick. 4. Transfer halloumi to a plate and squeeze lemon over the top. 5. Serve on a platter the quinoa on the bottom, then the halloumi and the strawberry-fig mixture spooned on top.
dreaming tree wines
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(L-R) Sean and Dave enjoy the fruits of their labors.
various band tours that feature the freshest ingredients and Dreaming Tree Wine pairings. Fiona pairs her mouthwatering Pulled Chicken with Blackberry BBQ with Dreaming Tree Chardonnay, her hearty Blackened Braised Brisket with Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon to elevate the meal, and her Seafood Stew with Fennel and Sun-dried Tomatoes with Dreaming Tree Crush. Check out the different recipes with their wine pairing, download your own shopping list or recipe card and make some of Dave's favorite dishes at home. About the Dreaming Tree Wines The winery is a Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing winery and uses best management practices and prerequisites covering environmental practices and socially equitable business practices. It is also part of a solar initiative that includes 17,000 solar panels spanning four wineries — the largest solar footprint in the U.S. wine industry. To date, The Dreaming Tree has proudly donated $500,000 to environmental organizations, such as The Wilderness Society and Living Lands & Waters. Dreaming Tree wines are available locally at most grocery and liquor stores. Visit dreamingtreewines.com. l
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Because Art Matters Art Bench Project Woodlands Arts Council celebrates second installation of art benches with artists, underwriters
“Bean” by artist Valerie Theberge.
Photography by Amanda White and Brenda Gottlieb he Woodands Arts Council (TWAC), through its community outreach arm, Because Art Matters, celebrated the installation of six new art benches on or near The Woodlands Waterway that were created by artists for the second phase of TheWoodlands Art Bench Project. “We are very excited about adding six more unique and creative benches this year,” said TWAC board member and project chair, Theresa Terrell. “We are pleased to be extending this project that contributes artistic vibrancy to our community.” A private celebration to debut the new installment of art benches was held on March 8 in honor of the artists and underwriters, with TWAC board and committee members, community leaders and special guests in attendance. The public is now invited to stroll along The Woodlands Waterway or take a Woodlands Trolley to the various locations to enjoy six new pieces of public art that also serve as benches. The bench underwritten by Mitch, Peggy, Nicky and Pat Hausman, is located along The Waterway at Waterway Square; a second, underwritten by Village Medical Center, is comfortably nestled on a
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“Bean, ”artist, Valerie Theberge; underwriters, Gayle and Todd Kuoni.
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Two artists attended the debut: John V. Weber from Galveston and Elizabeth Akamatsu from Nacogdoches.
“On the Bayou,” artist, John V. Weber; underwriters, Peggy and Ray Wilcox.
walkway from Waterway Square to Town Green Park and a third, underwritten by Gayle and Todd Kuoni, is located at Town Green Park Northwest. The three remaining new benches will bring benches for the first time to Town Green Park, south of the water basin; these benches are underwritten by David and Brenda Gottlieb, the Shedden Family and Ray and Peggy Wilcox. Each bench was designed specifically for its location. Artists were asked to submit a résume and their vision of an art bench at the identified sites, and over 70 designs were submitted from artists nationwide and around the world. The six finalists were selected by the Art Bench Project committee for each of the locations and were asked to proceed with three designs for their designated bench. The final
"Stardust," artist, Elizabeth Akamatsu; underwriters – David and Brenda Gottlieb.
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The public is invited to stroll along The Woodlands Waterway or take a Woodlands Trolley to the various locations to enjoy six new pieces of public art that also serve as benches.
"Family Tree Bench," artist, Don Lawler; underwriter , Village Medical Center.
“Umbrella Tree,” artist, Dan Skaggs; underwriters , The Shedden Family. “Mipenipa,”artist, Chris Miller; underwriters, Mitchell, Peggy, Nicholas and Patrick Hausman.
“Umbrella Tree” by artist Dan Skaggs.
designs were chosen by each underwriter. More information and map locations are at woodlandswaterwayartscouncil.org. “The Woodlands Arts Council was proud to offer these benches to the community in time for our 11th annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, held along the Waterway, April 8-10,” said TWAC President Amy Lecocq. “The Bench
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Project is one of the many ways the Council furthers its mission to provide regional, cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts.” The benches will be donated to The Woodlands Township, which will take care of maintaining them.l
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A Chat with Congressman Kevin Brady Public servant works on behalf of his community and all Americans Text by Melanie Saxton Photos provided by Congressman Kevin Brady’s office
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he name Kevin Brady resonates with families in The Woodlands for several reasons. First, you might see him at the 50-plus Town Hall meetings he hosts every year to stay in touch with those who live and work in the nine counties of District 8. Brady has been a state lawmaker and U.S. Congressman for two decades, and during the recent March primaries was endorsed by former Governor Rick Perry as a pro-family, pro-life, pro-small business conservative. He won his reelection bid in 2016 and is continuing his work as chairman of the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. But many know Brady personally as a friend and neighbor. He shops at the local grocery store. You may see him at extracurricular events at his sons’ schools. If you are a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Parish, you’ll likely chat with him on Sundays. Longtime residents recall that he lived in the area when it was mostly forest, well before the Waterway was built. His early work with the Chamber of Commerce helped put The Woodlands Township on the map.
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Family Man Fatherhood is everything to Brady, who experienced the devastating death of his own father at the tender age of 12. He watched his mother hold the family together while she worked full time and raised five children. Brady remains close to his two sisters and two brothers to this day, and all of them have inherited their mom’s intense work ethic. In 1992, he met his wife Cathy, a native Houstonian and former banker. They looked forward to starting a brood of their own, and thanks to adoption were able to do just that. The couple are proud parents of 17-yearold Will, an 11th-grader who attends The Woodlands College Park High School. He was joyfully welcomed at 10 days old, followed by younger brother Sean, a seventh-grader at Knox Junior High who was adopted a day after birth. The Bradys celebrate every childhood milestone and enjoy raising their boys in The Woodlands. Will is an avid fisherman, state champion angler and young entrepreneur who sells his own custom fishing lures. Sean is a major caretaker of Scout,
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Presenting a 25th anniversary congressional commendation to Silver Rock Productions, a small business in The Woodlands.
Standing second from the right in a group of Republican ball players at Nationals Stadium in Washington, D.C. Greeting Texans outside the U.S. Capitol.
the family dog who has an interesting backstory. Scout joined the Brady household after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on people and pets north of Houston. This unplanned furry addition came about when Brady was invited to judge a dog show benefiting displaced animals. He couldn’t attend due to other recovery obligations, but Cathy was able fill in. Imagine Brady’s surprise when she brought home a scruffy terrier in need of a forever family. “Good thing I wasn’t asked to judge a boat show!” Brady quips. The Lighter Side of Politics Today Cathy Brady is active at church, volunteers for The Woodlands Children’s Museum, and also holds down the fort while her husband keeps racking up airline miles — now numbering more than 2 million — during his weekly commute to Washington D.C. She also roots him on as he plays for the Republican Party’s
Congressional baseball team each summer. Since 1909, this Republican vs. Democrat showdown has been enjoyed by thousands. Team members sport the uniform of their home state and districts. This year, fans can watch the fun on June 23 at Nationals Park for $10 a ticket. Brady works on behalf of the community, implementing needed resources such as the VA clinic he created in 2007 and successfully expanded. In November, he attended the ribbon cutting and opening of a brand new Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic, which is part of the VA’s plan to expand health care services for veterans in the area. He also looks forward to promoting the nationwide Congressional Art Competition each spring, especially to the talented high school artists of District 8. The District’s winner, along with winners across the country, have their artwork hung in a special display in the U.S.
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Brady is up to bat.
Brady attending a congressional hearing.
Capitol. More than 650,000 high school students have participated since 1982. Fairness for Teachers, Firefighters and Public Servant Retirees As Ways and Means chairman, Brady has one of the most influential roles in government regarding taxes, tariffs, trade, Social Security, Medicare, welfare programs and health care policy. Right now he is focused on correcting a wrong that began in 1983: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). As he explained to employees of the Lone Star College System on April 6, the rationale for implementing WEP was to make the Social Security system more fair. But instead, it punishes those who have had jobs both inside and outside of the Social Security system. Basically, those who begin a second career at a public agency, or work an
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With Senator Jim DeMint.
With Officer Jeffrey Marshall at Lone Star College.
outside job while employed by a public agency, are penalized. “Retired public servants are losing hundreds of dollars a month because of the unfair way that Social Security has been calculated the last 33 years,” says Brady. “I’m proud to be leading the way on legislation to restore fairness, so that our teachers, first responders, and other civil servants have the retirement security they deserve.” The problem is that WEP is based on an arbitrary and outdated formula. It does not account for those who, over the span of a lifetime, work different jobs at different times. Some have first and second careers. Some may work two or more jobs in both corporate America and in public service. Some police officers and firefighters work extra jobs. Teachers may work part time while school is out in the summer.
Most people know that when you work in corporate America, Social Security is withheld from your paycheck. But what they may not know is that if you become employed by the state, you lose most of those Social Security contributions. The state offers alternatives to Social Security, such as the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), which means that newly onboarded public servants must give up their Social Security earned over a lifetime and start a new retirement plan from scratch. Likewise, police, firefighters, teachers and other public servants who work second jobs do not benefit from their Social Security contributions. The Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act “There are no good surprises at retirement,” says Brady, who is leading legislation to restore fairness so that teachers,
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“I’m proud to be leading the way on legislation to restore fairness, so that our teachers, first responders, and other civil servants have the retirement security they deserve.”
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– Congressman Kevin Brady first responders and other civil servants have the retirement security they deserve. “If you have worked for it, then you have earned it,” he adds. His new law will restore money to retirees, something he’s been looking at for a decade. Last year he co-authored the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2015 — also know as HR 711 — with Democrat Richie Neal of Massachusetts. This bipartisan effort is of monumental interest to all who are affected by WEP. Those who oppose HR 711 believe Brady should wait for overall Social Security reform. Others believe that HR 711 will place too great a burden on Social Security. But Brady's goal is not to harm the current Social Security system, but rather find an approach that helps people going forward. In other words, retroactively restoring all lost benefits for all Americans over the last 30 years would cripple the system. Few legislators would vote for such a measure. The key is to find a common sense solution that improves the income of retirees, but also establishes a new tax system going forward that will help future generations retire securely. Brady believes that HR 711 will be successfully passed in committee and reach the House floor. He is hopeful that it will be signed into law this year and encourages citizens to support the measure by emailing, faxing their support and posting on the congressman’s Facebook page. His mission is to help his constituents, as well as citizens across the nation, retire in the manner they deserve. Local police organizations, firefighter unions, teachers groups and 13 other states, including Ohio and Massachusetts, support HR 711. To contact Congressman Brady, visit his online links, kevinbrady.house.gov and facebook.com/kevinbrady. To learn more about HR 711, visit congress.gov and search for HR 711. l
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ç By Lori Verderame
Dr. Lori’s Kid Collectors Young people know what’s hot and what’s not
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t my public antiques appraisal events held at venues nationwide, many of my audience members are kids. Some of these kids remind me of my childhood. I was a kid who spent many a weekend touring local flea markets and yard sales with my Dad. He liked to look for old tools and military objects and he taught me about them. But the kids that come to my events collect all types of objects from fine art to movie memorabilia and more. Young people are very keen collectors. They know what’s hot and what’s not. They learn to become good negotiators, they know how to spot a bargain, and they know how to use their technology skills to sell and trade online. I often feature kids and their collections on my antiques appraisal tour. They share their knowledge of a collectible category and talk about diverse collections ranging from Star Wars toys to vintage pottery. Meet a few of the kids that follow me and are at the core of my Kid Collectors programs: During the early years of my tour, I met Carly, age 5, who came to my event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by her mother and older sister, she brought a medal that she found in her grandpa’s button jar. What Carly had found was a Native American peace medal that Lewis and Clark gave to the Indians during their expedi-
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One of the children from Dr. Lori’s Kid Collectors program.
tion under the auspices of the Jefferson administration. My evaluation of her valuable piece of Western history was the impetus for a childhood filled with the joy of collecting. Carly returned to my program years later to show me a Frederic Remington sculpture of a busting bronco that she bought at an auction, which she added to her growing western art collection. Six-year-old Asaya from Virginia Beach, Virginia, bought an autographed poster of Pete Rose from a thrift store. Asaya loves baseball and although he was unfamiliar with the former Cincinnati Reds slugger, Asaya liked the piece so much
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
that it started him on his way as an autograph collector. He even asked for my autograph to add to his collection. I met Ethan, age 11, at my show in Baltimore, Maryland. He told me that he and his older brother collect “unusual objects” from flea markets and thrift stores, explaining, “If there is something that I have never seen before, I buy it and then search online to see if I can find something similar. It’s like solving a mystery.” I thought that was great for creative learning and as a fine collecting method. Ethan brought me a Medieval revival, base-metal relief sculpture of an equestrian from the 1870s worth $500.
The architectural object was interesting and unusual. Emily, age 12, brought a painting by a well-known regional artist to my appraisal event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and we became fast friends. I asked Emily why she collected paintings, and she commented quite intelligently and enthusiastically about the composition, brushwork, execution and formalist properties of the painting like a true art historian. I was so impressed with her command of the field’s vocabulary and knowledge that I asked how long she had been collecting. She replied that she studies art in school and has been collecting for a few years. When she is not helping out around the farm, Emily adds to her growing art collection with some pretty valuable pieces.l
Dr. Lori Ph.D. antiques appraiser and awardwinning TV expert, Dr. Lori Verderame is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s international hit TV show Auction Kings and appears on FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, or call (888) 431-1010.
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STUNNING IN
Southgate Urban design provides livable, inviting fun Text by Cheryl Alexander Photography by Kyle Humphries, Murphy Mears Architects Architecture by Walter D. Murphy, Jr. AIA, Murphy Mears Architects Construction by Keeland Associates, Inc. Landscape Design by Alisa Dawson Interiors by Marlys Tokerud and Courtney Blair, Tokerud & Co. Landscape Installation by Moss Landscaping
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eil and Kris Thomas have called Houston home for a long time. Married in 1984 after meeting in law school (he is a partner practicing public law at Norton Rose Fulbright, she is a lawyer employed by the federal judiciary), their first home together was an apartment. After that, they owned homes in the Heights and Candlelight Plaza before finding their current lot in Southgate in 2001. Back then, however, the house on the lot was completely different. The Thomases lived in and remodeled the original 1,700square-foot house over the ensuing 10 years, adding on a 700-square-foot two�story addition to the back of the house. Then disaster happened: severe drought caused the pier and beam foundation of the original house to separate from the slab foundation of the two-story addition, which pulled the walls apart. Though they considered all their options, they rebuilt on the same lot because they love the neighbors up and down their street, as well as the neighborhood and the location near Rice University, Rice Village, the Museum
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THESE PAGES: A mixture of paving textures framed by mature Live Oak trees greet those arriving at this Southgate home. | Rock salt finish concrete paving connects street and front door. | The dining and living spaces are defined and connected by a free-standing cabinet. Leucos Lighting over the dining table. Target sculpture by Gregory Johnston, "Lemans Gulf 917," 2012, automotive enamel on aluminum.
District, Hermann Park Golf Course and downtown. So the couple decided to tear down the house in December 2011, and for the next two years, they lived in a rented house nearby while they built a new house. Finding an architect was easy. Neil said, “We knew we wanted Walter Murphy to be our architect because of his body of work and because we have been friends for many years – we used to drive to Santa Fe, New Mexico for skiing trips at Christmas time.” Kris added, “We also knew we could not be trusted to achieve a coherent look for walls, furnishings and finishes on our own, so Walter suggested we meet with Marlys Tokerud. We loved everything Marlys and her associate, Courtney Blair, suggested.” The couple instructed the architect and designer to help them achieve a finished home that would be comfortable to live in, easy to care for and provide a good space for their books, parties and business-related events. Additionally, Neil wanted a study; Kris wanted a garden; and both wanted four bedrooms. For the aesthetic, they opted to fuse modern with traditional. The new home provides all of those details along with a strong connec-
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THESE PAGES: The kitchen window frames the fig tree saved from demolition. Cabinets by WoodMode Brookhaven Cabinets. | A modern powder room offers a glimpse of the outdoors. Window by Milgard Windows. Plumbing fixtures and hardware by Elegant Additions. Paintings by Greg Skol are "Juniper Ridge" above; "Still Water Morning" below. | The definition of interior and exterior are blurred and reflected in the stained concrete floors. Floor by Dungan Miller Design, Ltd. | Small upper windows modulate west afternoon light over the fireplace. Oceanic Bluestone fireplace surround from Thorntree. Painting above fireplace is "Sandia from Golden" by Ted Larsen| Hans Wegner wishbone chairs from Kuhl-Linscomb surround the custom 4' X 9' dining table made of reclaimed pine designed by Marlys Tokerud and built by Rick Hauser and David Miller. The painting is "Western Tanager" by Matt Mitchell. The cabinet on the left gives a glimpse through to the living room.
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tion to the outdoors, which enhances the Thomas’ interests in entertaining, gardening and music. The face brick and stucco on the front took their cues from the nearby houses and Rice University to keep this more contemporary structure in context with the older neighborhood. The orientation of the home on the narrow deep lot allows the back yard to be graced by prevailing breezes and be shaded by the two-story wing in the afternoon. The single-story brick wing, with its roof deck and trellis, separates the public from private outdoor spaces. Rock salt textured concrete exterior paving connects with grass pavers to accommodate guest parking off the narrow neighborhood street, which makes for easier entertaining. Guests are directed to the front door by the subtle geometry reflected in the auto court and entry that continues into the
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Concrete stepping stones float in the pool water linking the interiors to the garden outside.
THESE PAGES: A long narrow reflecting pool and fountain add drama to this outdoor space. | The master tub deck transforms into a bench seat for the shower. Plumbing fixtures and hardware by Elegant Additions. | The view south from the roof deck shows off the private garden below. | A steel trellis casts morning shadows on the stained concrete floor. | Glass sliding doors bring definition to the outdoor living spaces.
garden and long, tapering reflecting pool. A fountain produces soothing background noise. Concrete stepping stones float in the pool water linking the interiors to the garden outside. According to award-winning architect Murphy, several notable design features provide uniqueness and drama to the home, and also gained the home distinction on the 2015 AIA Houston Home Tour: •Multiple axes in the floor plan form a procession through the long narrow site and home, providing points of inter-connectivity among the varied spaces. •To save space, the living room serves as a library accommodating the Thomas’ primary book collection and as a music room with the piano framed by a large bay window. •The bay window looks east to large raised Corten steel planter boxes. Three gal-
vanized steel trellis structures cantilever off the east facade, modulating sunlight at key openings. A fourth trellis shades the terrace space facing south into the garden and frames the view from the study. •A large free-standing cabinet defines the living room from the dining room but provides a framed view to both. This passthrough counter is lined with black mill finish steel plate complete with handwritten marks from the factory still intact. •A stucco wall structure forms a “summer kitchen” space located on the east property line opposite the covered outdoor dining space and the kitchen. The stucco walls morph into an outdoor shower enclosure open to the sky. Energy efficiency was a consideration, too, in the concept of this home’s design. For example, glass is kept to a minimum on the west façade, and covering the back The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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as they freely move from inside to out during the day. portion of the main wing of the house is a fiber Access to the garden To accommodate their activity, a stained concrete floor is a step outside the cement horizontal rain screen on furring strips kitchen and across proved to be a smart choice. It works well for that provides ventilation through the skin. the reflection pool. entertaining, too. Additionally, Galvalume finish steel roof panels The master suite and bath provide comfort, luxury reflect a large portion of the sunlight. The Thomases say the result of their original vision is better and a distinctive aesthetic. A large picture window and highthan anything they ever imagined and that every space in the placed windows on the walls of the bathroom, bedroom and house is constantly used. Kris said, “We have events at our home closets offer interesting views and lighting effects — one creates fairly often and the entire downstairs flows easily between the a rainbow prism in the shower. They also enjoy their own sepabackyard patio and the dining room and living room, especially rate lavatories in the master bath so they don’t get in each other’s since visually the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring the way every morning. As for favorite spaces inside, Kris loves her closet. She said, “I outside in and vice versa.” And what is remarkable about their kitchen? This couple who cooks together said they love having insisted on extra lights in the ceiling, so I can easily see my clothes drawers deep enough to store pots and pans. The kitchen also when dressing, plus it is a nice large space.” Neil’s favorite is his study simply because it is where he has a whole room entirely to provides quick access to the outdoor dining and food garden. Kris said, “Neil and I both like to garden, so Alisa Dawson himself. And their kids? The couple says that since their kids made four large raised beds for us. They are made of steel so are grown and live away from home, they like the dining room they would rust and develop a nice patina. Alisa landscaped the because they get to eat there when they visit. The Thomas’ new home, though borne from a natural disaster, backyard with a large rectangle full of Muhly grass that turns pink in October and waves in the wind, which is an effect we now more effortlessly fulfills the needs and desires of their just love.” The couple has two Arbequina Olive trees that produce lifestyle in a way the previous home did not. And with a little olives. Additionally, because they have two dogs, they made sure insight and vision, paired with a lot of effort by a team of professionals, the couple was able to stay on the lot they love, in the to include a large rectangle of grass for their use. The dogs were a consideration in the floor plan downstairs neighborhood they love in a brand new home that they love. l
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Interior Updates that Inspire Make a difference inside your home with fixes large or small
Beautiful, intricate styling meets innovative heating technology with this Primo see-Through gas fireplace from Heat & Glo.
By Mara Soloway ur innate sensibilities tell us when the visual beauty of our interior settings needs improvement. Look around at yours. Are they ready for all the changes that the warm seasons bring – longer days with lots of activities, visitors from far and near, and the sensations of beauty, growth and new life? Here are some ideas for changes large and small that you can make to bring beauty and new life to your interiors.
O
Replace an outdated sofa, chair or recliner Is your seating past its prime and just not comfortable any more? Replacing a piece of furniture is a perfect way to make an upgrade that will add emphasis. We can exptect to replace a sofa every 7-15 years, according to elledecor.com
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Have a seat in your worn sofa and begin to imagine the room with new furniture styles in new fabrics and color options. Once you start visiting furniture stores, you can examine the pieces you’re considering. There probably have been some innovations in construction and materials since you last shopped for furniture. Do some planning: know the dimensions of rooms and existing furniture. If you are budgeting, start with one or two pieces in the rooms where you spend the most time. Give your home a pillow update Updating accent pillows is likely the least expensive purchase you can make. What is the right amount to have, and what colors and patterns make a room look its best?
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According to “Here’s How to Master the Throw Pillow Mix” by design writer Becky Harris on houzz.com, “There are no hard and fast rules; it’s really about switching things up until you find the right combination and arrangement.” Harris’ categories include a pattern plus one solid color, a bold and a small pattern, a base of primary colors, several patterns in the same color palette, a theme (e.g., tribal or florals), and, thankfully for the indecisive, the “It Just Works” category in which she advises, “If the spirit grabs you, toss the formulas out the window and just have fun.”
Have a seat in your worn sofa and begin to imagine the room with new furniture styles in new fabrics and color options. Add original artwork and/or paintings Does your entryway need some color? Is the impact wall in your living room a little bland? Select the walls in your home that are most visible and begin imagining them displaying art. But not every wall – it actually helps a room feel clutterfree when some wall space is kept blank. If you aren’t an art aficionado, don’t fret. The Houston metropolitan area abounds with art galleries, art fairs and even coffee shops where you can get ideas of the plethora of art styles and color schemes in which you can invest. Pack a visual punch with a large eyecatching abstract swirl of colors or keep it peaceful with a mountain scene. Whatever your taste in art, make the arrangements on your walls impressive but make it your own.
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Update or replace old light fixtures and lamps There’s a decorative side to lighting and a functional one. And there’s the consideration of which space you’re 3815 FOnDren rD. | HOusTOn, TX 77063 (beTWeen riCHMOnD & WesTPArk) The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
THE DESIGN FIRM For almost 40 years, The Design Firm has been Houston's most acclaimed interior design agency. Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, their philosophy has propelled them to be the watchword of interior design, not only in Houston, but across the U.S. Stop by and visit TDF's coveted studio boasting over 25,000 square feet and featuring 11 custom designed show rooms. Find them on Houzz, Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 281-494-4433 thedesignfirm.com 13013 Southwest Freeway
MEREDITH O' DONNELL FINE FURNITURE Meredith O' Donnell Fine Furniture has too much inventory and summer stock has already shipped. The store and warehouse really need to clear it out! Take advantage of their dilemma and get top-of-the-line furnishings for the lowest prices EVER seen! Product includes Trosby, Baker, Hickory Chair, Hancock & Moore, Councill, Century, Theodore & Alexander, John Richards, and on and on. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard
DECORATING DEN Let Decorating Den Interiors design your dream room in the comfort of your own home! From design to product selection through installation, they’re with you every step of the way. Jennifer Jones – Serving The Woodlands (Sterling Ridge, Carlton Woods, Alden Bridge, College Park, Indian Springs), Jacob's Reserve, Conroe. 281-357-0511 Jennifer Jones decoratingden.com
JOYSTIX CLASSIC GAMES AND PINBALLS Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs has been the leader in Arcade Game and Pinball sales and rentals since 1987. Come visit their oneof-a-kind showroom located downtown across from Minute Maid Park. Their new and classic arcade games and pinball machines are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. The perfect finishing touch to any Gameroom, Home Theater, and Man Cave. 713-224-2225 joystixgames.com 1820 Franklin St., Houston 77002
ANTHOLOGY LIGHTING Anthology Lighting is a new and exciting lighting showroom serving Magnolia, The Woodlands, Tomball and Conroe. With a large selection of gas and electric lanterns, crystal chandeliers, vintage and modern style lighting, lamps, ceiling fans, lamp shades and much more, Anthology Lighting has all of your decorative lighting needs covered. Showroom now open. 281-298-5200 AnthologyLighting.com 32411-A FM 2978 at Eygpt Lane
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WOODLANDS UNIQUE Woodlands Unique is the third service-oriented home décor store opened by the Harkey family. The store provides an amazing selection of clocks and gifts like those offered at Woodlands Clocks and Gifts, (WCG) which opened in 2000. That store was followed by Southern Home Furnishings (SHF) in 2004 and became the go-to place for unique quality furniture. The success of WCG and SHF prompted the opening of Woodlands Unique in November 2014. In addition to designer-inspired gifts, home furnishings and décor, Woodlands Unique offers shoppers a creative selection of women’s apparel and accessories. 832-246-8848 woodlandsunique.com 26211 I-45 N, The Woodlands
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The Carlin Chaise Sofa offers style and comfort to spare and can be used in an upscale or a casual setting, depending on your home. Its dark block feet and low arms, along with six toss pillows and chaise seating, are comfortable and inviting. • The Wheat Flare Table Lamp is handblown in West Virginia exclusively for Rejuvenation by Blenko Glass Company. The design is reissued from Blenko's 1956 catalog and also uses American-made shades. The shapes and colors of these pieces made them highly collectible mid-century icons.
thinking about – that new artwork might require you to rework your light sources to enhance the piece. Decorator Cecil Hayes suggests in 9 Steps to Beautiful Living that you start with an assessment of existing light levels and light exposure. “Walk through your room several times at different times of the day. Does it have lots of natural light or is it dark?” she writes, adding to not be concerned if the space is dark. You can always add more lighting; she feels that low light levels aren’t necessarily bad: “Light – or lack of it – can be used to create a mood.” Fixtures come in an endless number of varieties – floor lamps, scones, chandeliers, track lighting, etc. – to match every decor and every personal style, from decorative, eclectic, nostalgic and more. Added to those considerations is the type of light bulb and the light spectrum they emanate. We have a big learning curve just to let there be light! Update your fireplace Even with mild winters, our homes are built with fireplaces to evoke comfort and nurture gathering. Our eye is naturally drawn to the fireplace and the mantel when we enter the room, making them one of the best spaces above which to put that new artwork. If your fireplace area isn’t visually up to being a supporting player for what you display on or above it, consider giving it an upgrade. This can be as simple as painting the bricks or stone, especially if a collage of colors in the bricks makes it hard for the art pieces to stand out. Traditional fireplace surrounds (mantel, legs, headers and trim) can be added or replaced with new ones made of wood, faux wood, tile, stone and cast concrete. Mix it up – have a marble mantel with stained wood legs. The hearth can also be upgraded
Hancock & Moore's Estate Chair by Jessica Charles comes in 200 coverings, including those with the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year: the cool tranquil blue Serenity and the Rose Quartz, making them a nice complement for more dramatic fabrics. They are built by hand in North Carolina.
with fireproof tiles. What about inside the fireplace itself? Have a professional install a gas-burning fireplace if you like the romance of a roaring fire but not the clean-up involved with burning logs. Window treatments Like artwork, window treatments can add warmth or vibrancy in contemporary or classic styling. It can be a daunting design challenge to get the right mix of window blinds, curtains, Roman shades, cornices, shutters and valances. Study style and fabric options online and in magazines to find the look you want. Some of the current trends include high-tech options that allow you to control window blinds with a remote, a light switch and online; organic and green materials like natural woven shades in wood, bamboo and matchstick; pops of color that tie into the room’s other elements; luxe fabrics such as silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede as embellishment; and the sleek lines of flowing drapes with chrome hardware. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
HOMESTEAD HOUSE Located in Historic Downtown Conroe, Homestead House is Houston’s major resource for TOP BRAND NAME furniture and accessories, such as the newly added Chelsea House, Henredon, Hancock & Moore, Taylor King, Tommy Bahama and more. Their “In Home Design Service” assists clients in choosing pieces that best suit their needs. Beautiful accessories, rugs, and large selection of mattresses make them a one-stop shopping experience! Visit their website for additional resources and map. 936-756-3360 homesteadhousetx.com 201 N. Pacific Street, Conroe
CHAMPIONS LIGHTING Established in 1976 and located in the Barnes & Noble/Randall’s Center, this showroom offers some of the most unique lighting around. Along with one-of-a-kind restored antique lighting, they have chandeliers, lamps and home accessories to fit any budget. They offer a great selection for consumers who don’t want to be “average,” and a very personalized, white glove builder and retail experience. Stop by and see what makes them different! 281-440-5339 championslighting.com 5211 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston
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THE DUMP
MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR
America’s off-price outlet for high-end furniture, handmade mattresses and fine oriental rugs is right here in Houston. The outlet opens at 10 a.m. every Friday with an everchanging selection of closeouts, overstocks, design samples and one-of-a-kind opportunity buys from top designers. They Dump the frills, pretense and costs of regular stores, and voila! You get high-end home furnishings at 30 to 70% off price. 281-447-2250 Thedump.com 10251 North Freeway, Houston
Mother’s Day is May 8th. Tell your Mother how special she is with a gift or gift certificate from Milstead Glass & Home Decor. The store is bursting with possibilities; beautiful lamps, linens, quilts, home accessories, charms, Swan Creek Candles, Farmhouse Fresh soaps & lotions to name a few. There is something sure to delight everyone. No matter what your need, you will want to make time to shop, Milstead Glass & Home Décor. 936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com
CHENE INTERIORS WAREHOUSE FRAMES ‘N GALLERY This family owned business was established in 1982 and offers over 20,000 ready-made picture frames. They also have an inventory of over 1,000 styles of custom frame mouldings up to 40% off. A professional staff assists customers in appropriate custom framing design selections for all types of art work, photos, diplomas, prints, and sports items. Hundreds of original oil paintings and framed mirrors are displayed in the 20,000-square-foot warehouse showroom, at very competitive pricing. Ph: 713-974-6000 Fax: 713-974-6006 warehouseframes.com sales@warehouseframes.com 3815 Fondren Rd., Houston
Chene Interiors can handle any of your home remodeling needs. We are specialists in "aging in place." From a simple shutter or blind to a whole home makeover, we are the experts you need for your next project. Our contractors are licensed and insured and experts in their fields. Your job will be supervised from conception to completion. We are on the job for you daily. Your total satisfaction and referral to our next client is our goal. Call today for your in-home consultation. 281-364-1744 or 281-660-0703 sue.chene@gmail.com cheneinteriors.com
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MELANIE KING DESIGNS Creating your dream home begins like most — on the back of a napkin, or if you are further down the road, with your builder and architect. This can be streamlined with a designer and architectural designer on hand. Melanie King Designs provides full-service interior design including residential, commercial, and remodeling. 832-647-9203 hello@melaniekingdesigns.com melaniekingdesigns.com 18 Augusta Pines Drive, Ste. 133E, Spring
GLADE GALLERY Figurative art is truly timeless but is currently experiencing a tremendous resurgence in today's art world. By nature it is universally appealing — figurative art provides a mirror for our individual selves while leading us into a sense of connection to the universally shared human experience. There are few galleries in the Houston/Dallas/Austin area that feature this remarkable genre. Focusing on internationally established artists, Glade Gallery intends to bring the finest global expressions of contemporary figurative art to The Woodlands and the tri-city area. Dragos Tapu, Gallerist: 1-832-557-8781 Dragos@GladeGallery.com
Baker Furniture describes its Churchill Loveseat as a true loveseat — at 61 inches, it's just the right length for the end of a bed or a large foyer. Visual continuity is accented by the exaggerated saddle arm, exposed wood legs and loose box cushion back.
Install a new picturesque window Do you have a beautiful garden but don’t have a window from which to view it? Consider installing a window that will let you gaze upon it when indoors. This can be a DIY project if you are experienced with home repairs, but then again, that’s why window companies exist with qualified window installers who will make the cut in your drywall, remove the insulation, make the cut in the siding, fit the window in properly, clean up, etc. If not installed correctly, water and insects can enter the gaps, ultimately damaging the home’s structure. If you have a sliding window already in place, projection windows that extend out at various angles – known as bow and bay windows – are features in new home construction. New windows should enhance the look of your home and be energy efficient. Popular frame materials are vinyl and aluminum, wood and clad-wood, each of which have pros and cons. Add interest to your ceilings While we might not pay that much attention to ceilings, they have a big impact on rooms. The craftsmen on thisoldhouse.com offer several ceiling improvements that are easy and effective ways to give a room a face-lift. These include: ceiling medallions; pressed-tin panels that complement older
homes but don’t provide good acoustics; wallpapering, which the site says is “by far the most versatile treatment discussed here;” suspended-grid ceilings to cover exposed pipes, ducts or electrical connections; layered drywall, which helps define boundaries between rooms; and paneling to give a cottage look. Take a color inventory One of the 10 Stylists’ Secrets to Make Your Home Look Great on oprah.com is to conduct a color inventory, brown in particular. Stylist Olga Naiman cautions us that we “shouldn’t have more than three or four brown items in any room, including wooden floors or dark carpets.” Brown quietly takes over because it goes with any color scheme and hides stains, but “too much of it could be making the place look dated and, well, lair-like.” The solution is to choose three or so items to keep and either paint or reupholster in colors Naiman likes: spillcamouflaging neutrals like olive green, khaki or gray. Remove any pieces that don’t get upgraded. *** For more design ideas, consult an interior decorator and visit area furniture stores and home accessory stores. Some furniture stores have interior designers on staff to help you with your decisions. l
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Getting More from the Outdoors Great options to update your backyard living space
By Merry Wise ere comes the sun! And with the warm weather comes inspiration to create new spaces or improve on others for full enjoyment of your home. In our area, we are blessed with the ability to enjoy outdoor living almost the entire year, and focusing on creating your outdoor room adds value and enjoyment to your home. Making the investment in a posh home exterior will pay off in greater pleasure in your home now and higher resale value later if you choose to sell.
H
Hot Stuff: Fire Pits Harking back to the happy days of summer camp, adding an outdoor fire pit surrounded by comfy seating will enable your family to make fun memories. There are many appealing fire pit options on the market today. You can go sleek and
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modern with a snazzy fire enhanced by colored beads. Or you can go rustic right down to the tree stump! Yes, there actually is a fire pit available made from a concrete tree stump so real you would swear it housed squirrels in the not-so-distant past. The addition of a fire pit is something your family will enjoy for years, from making s’mores to sitting around it swapping ghost stories and laughter. Perhaps this is the year to ditch the tired bargain patio furniture for an upgrade. Patio furniture has become more sophisticated and durable than ever before, and the choices in materials and colors are absolutely lush. From go-with-everything neutrals to a splash of color, simply adding new patio furniture will make your outdoor space your go-to spot for entertaining family and friends.
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keep those unwanted visitors at bay while you and your guests play.
Look Out for a Cook-Out Go big and go home — to a total living outdoor paradise! Adding a summer kitchen complete with high-end grill, sink, bar, fridge, and lots of counter prep space could give cooking for your family a whole new vibe! Everything seems to be more fun and more delicious when cooking outdoors, and it seems much easier, too. The grills available are ever more simple to operate and clean and produce excellent results. Having a summer kitchen space will make entertaining a breeze. Staying Cool is a Breeze Speaking of breezes, there are some unique ways to add climate control to your outdoor venue. A screened or open porch, gazebo, tropical palapa or awnings all add
Fun Factors: Music, Media and Games Your outdoor living room can also be equipped with an outdoor television, so the family can enjoy watching the big game poolside. But it’s a good idea to house this equipment inside a weather enclosure made to protect it from the elements. The best kind will also have a built-in fan to distribute heat outside. And do consider adding a distributed audio sound system. The speakers no longer have to look like “speakers”! There are outdoor speakers that look like rocks to blend in with your pool’s rock waterfall, or contemporary
welcome shade. Consider adding ceiling fans for a more pleasant ambiance as well. There are outdoor mist systems to cool you off or add a mysterious effect, and there are even very effective mosquito fogging systems to
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
EZ FLOORS EZ Floors has the flooring and countertops to finish any remodeling project. Luxurious carpet in the bedroom. Elegant hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms. And timeless tile in the kitchen, bath and entry. They highly value your complete satisfaction with their products and service. Their philosophy is very simple: if you are pleased with your shopping experience, they are confident you will share it with others and continue to use EZ Floors for all your floor covering needs. ezfloorsonline.com 5015 FM 2920 Suite A 281-288-2300 16945 N. Eldridge Pkwy. #100 281-257-5955 24150 Hwy. 290 #270 281-758-2980 See website for other locations.
STEWART LAND DESIGNS A full-service company with a staff of degreed landscape designers and horticulturists, Stewart Land Designs has built a reputation based on impeccable client service. They are a complete Design/Build company offering a turn-key operation. From design consult to construction commence they work with clients to create an outdoor living environment which meets the clients’ needs and desires. The Stewart Team has years of combined experience in creating distinctive environments that unite practical function with aesthetic appeal. 281-251-1725 stewartlanddesigns.com
TEXAS CUSTOM PATIOS They custom design and build patio covers (attached and freestanding), outdoor kitchens, screened porches, room additions, decorative patios, decks and more. The latest trends and products will transform your backyard but maintain your home’s original architecture and add value, beauty and function all year. Well known for their exceptional professionalism, seamless construction and excellent workmanship. Texas Custom Patios is a BBB Gold Star winner. Call for a free consultation or view their project portfolio online. 281-265-1994 texascustompatios.com
ABA POOL SERVICE AND REPAIR For over 15 years, ABA Pool Service and Repair has provided the highest quality service and repairs to The Woodlands and CyFair areas.They specialize in Tile Cleaning, Plaster, Heaters, Pumps, Filters, Lights, Salt Systems and Weekly Maintenance. ABA Pool Service and Repair always provides professional, prompt and affordable services. Call today to schedule an appointment for all of your pool needs. 281-924-7724 abapools.com
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DONE RIGHT GARDENMANIA WHOLESALE & RETAIL NURSERY Gardenmania Nursery is located just four minutes away from The Woodlands. We sell a variety of plants, shrubs, flowers and trees as well as mulch, mixed soil, fertilizers and essential items for your garden. We provide Landscape Design and deliver, plant and install everything! 832-521-3433 gardenmaniaus.com 27611 FM 2978 Road, Magnolia
With over 40 years experience in floor cleaning, Done Right is able to provide you with the best cleaning services available. Their success is based on a few solid principles that they enthusiastically endorse: - Consistant, quality service experiences with guaranteed satisfaction - Responsive and reputable cleaning services available 24/7 - Superior equipment - Highly trained staff DoneRightCarpetandTile.com 832-267-7399
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Quality Lighting Since 1976 globes, for example. And what could be cooler than swimming underwater and listening to the sounds of whales and dolphins? Underwater speakers are great fun and sound travels well through water. Another way to amp up the “cool” factor is to add an outdoor ping pong and/or pool table. Some tables provide both games. Many of the outdoor pool tables also “flip their top” and double as elegant dining tables! If your area is large enough, you might also want to add a sport court for volleyball, basketball or tennis. The more entertaining your space, the more it encourages your teenagers and their friends to want to stay at the house with all the fun — and your supervision, of course. In the Swim of Things Of course, nothing says summer enjoyment in the Houston area more than adding a swimming pool and/or spa to your outdoor space. Even the smallest space can be equipped with water, and if you want the option to swim but space is limited, a swim spa is a good option. Pools have become increasingly simple to care for over the years, too, and energy efficient components also make them less expensive to operate. The newer variable speed pumps are a very useful energy upgrade for swimming pools and spas. These pumps offer an excellent savings on energy costs for operating your pool, and are quieter as well. All Hands on (the Updated) Deck To update what’s underfoot, consider upgrading any deck areas. Old concrete patios or decks can be redone with realistic coatings that look exactly like stone or brick, or you can have these areas resurfaced with materials that will give them a whole new look. Pavers, slate, stone, all kinds of materials and many techniques such as stamped concrete can be used to enhance these areas. The addition or renewal of a wood deck is also a good way to completely update
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
Upcoming JUNE
F Real Estate & Development t Ask abou
our
FREE
ORIAL ADVERT R OFFE
urchase with ad p
F Professional Resources Finance, Law, Insurance
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Outstanding Markets Over 210,000 Homes Monthly THE WOODLANDS • KATY-FULSHEAR HOUSTON • FORT BEND • CY-FAIR To reserve space, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com
DROPSHADE.COM
MIRROR LAKE Remember this!!! Hoping that a pool contractor can give your family a fun backyard resort is a bit like hoping the cattle rancher can plan your daughter’s wedding. Your reception plans may include beef but this guy is not qualified to orchestrate your daughter’s big day. It’s the same for your backyard. Get a landscape architect, someone who knows all facets of pool, patio and planting design. Then you’ll be living the Garden Lifestyle! Find out more at the website. 281-350-0515 MirrorLakeDesigns.com
From the smallest solar shade to giant patio drop shade systems, Dropshade has what it takes to create innovative and effective shade products. Our crews manufacture thousands of shades every year! Dropshade is family owned and operated, and our tradition, integrity and superior customer service have made us a leading manufacturer of sun control systems. We are continuously the No. 1 choice of both contractors and homeowners when it comes to their shading needs. Visit our website for more details or call for a free quote! 281-407-0830 dropshade.com
MOSQUITO SQUAD MOONLIGHTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING
to find a remodeler, please go to GHBA.ORG To find a Houston Remodeling Guide, please visit these locations: BMC | BISON • Ferguson • Pella • Daltile Cabinets & Designs • Detering Co. Sliding Door Co. • The Design Firm • Gulf & Basco Morrison Supply • Sherwin-Williams Natural Stone Gallery • Factory Builder Stores By Design Interiors • MS International Venetian Blind/Carpet One • Ark Concrete
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Moonlighting Outdoor Lighting is a local family owned company. Their goal is not to highlight the beauty of their fixtures but to highlight the beauty of your home. They don't want your neighbors to say "Oh, they put up some nice lights", they want your neighbors to say "Wow, what a beautiful home!" and not even think about their lights. If you give them a chance, they would love to shine a little light on you. 832-510-4949 moonlightingofthewoodlands.com
The original and most trusted mosquito eliminator for over 10 years, Mosquito Squad specializes in the elimination of mosquitoes from outdoor living areas. Our barrier spray treatments are pet friendly, and protect your family from mosquitoes for 21 days. Traditional and organic treatments are available for reoccurring or special event treatments. 713-766-0708 MosquitoSquadHouston.com
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Upcoming JUNE
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Outstanding Markets Over 210,000 Homes Monthly THE WOODLANDS • KATY-FULSHEAR HOUSTON • FORT BEND • CY-FAIR your outdoor space, and there are materials impervious to weather that simulate wood, but last much longer and are easier to maintain. Fencing for Privacy and Safety Fencing can also be an excellent upgrade. Whether you want to hide an unwanted view, enhance your yard with a decorative fence, or perhaps create a child barrier for your pool area, there are some excellent choices that will add security, beauty and value to your property. Wood fences are great screens and good as a privacy option. Metal fencing can add a more open and elegant look while also serving as a good security detail. Childproof fencing for pool areas is an excellent addition as well. Some of this fencing can even be installed so that it can be removed temporarily for adult parties or for use by grandparents only when the grandkids are visiting. Light Up Your Night Life Evenings in your great outdoors can become even more magical with proper lighting. Path lighting, uplighting of trees and other landscape features, and unique color-changing lighting for pools and spas all make a big difference for a more beautiful space after dark. Color-changing lighting for pools is available that can be
retrofitted into the older, traditional light niches, too. One company even has a new product coming out that interfaces with your computerized technology to project pictures of your choice onto the pool walls!
To reserve space, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com
Refresh the Landscaping Choose some new plants to add color and texture at varying times of the season for a constant, colorful display throughout the months you will be spending the most time outdoors. June is the month to use such colorful and long-lasting choices as crepe myrtle, vitex and parkinsonia. The variety called "Montrose Purple" is an especially vibrant choice for intense color. Hardy standbys for our area also include oleander and gardenia, and of course creamy white gardenias will infuse the space with a lovely fragrance as well. Other great choices for summer are lantana, salvia, and black-eyed Susan. As September arrives, add container gardens to your outdoor space. Good plants for these that will add splashes of color include crotons, snapdragons, dianthus, mums, marigolds and petunias. A spring and summer spruce-up can provide many years of added enjoyment. The fun your family makes in your upgraded home resort will turn that outdoor investment into a priceless future memory.l
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Learning About Lupus When the immune system goes wrong
upus is a chronic, autoimmune dis-
difference between these foreign invaders
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer.
ease that can damage any part of the
and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto”
Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnor-
L
body (skin, joints, and/or organs
means “self”) and creates autoantibodies
mal tissues that grow rapidly and spread
inside the body). Chronic means that the
that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These
into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an
signs and symptoms tend to last longer than
autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain,
autoimmune disease, as described above.
six weeks and often for many years.
and damage in various parts of the body.
However, some treatments for lupus may
WHAT IS LUPUS?
symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and
are also used in chemotherapy.
remissions (the symptoms improve and
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV
you feel better).
(Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or
Lupus is also a disease of flares (the In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs.
More facts about lupus:
include immunosuppressant drugs that
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Normally our immune system produces
• Lupus is not contagious, not even
Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune
proteins called antibodies that protect the
through sexual contact. You cannot
system is underactive; in lupus, the
body from these invaders. Autoimmune
“catch” lupus from someone or “give”
immune system is overactive.
means your immune system cannot tell the
lupus to someone.
• Lupus can range from mild to life-
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Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her full-time job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise.
Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with 56 private fitness studios throughout the United States specializing in this unique approach.
In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout.
Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped 1 to 2 clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”
LEAN MUSCLES – THE KEY TO RESHAPING YOUR BODY
The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Not only does the extra muscle help burn fat and calories, muscle takes up 20% less space than fat. So a fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. Adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and Chief of Medicine Services at College Station Medical Center, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone
density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training.
JOYCE RECLAIMS HER YOUTHFUL FIGURE
54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40’s life’s stresses caught up with her, and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce. Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20-minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!” The Perfect Workout has 56 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston area locations: Clear Lake (281) 456-3380, Cypress/N. Houston (832) 497-1121, Kingwood (281) 241-1628, Memorial (281) 724-5147, River Oaks (713) 999-5182, Sugar Land (281) 201-5309, and The Woodlands (281) 245-0478. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com
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Pain Relief Physically Mentally
threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life. • Research by the Lupus Foundation of America estimates
Dr. Hyun Jong Kim L.Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D. Acupuncturist, Herbalist Doctor of Oriental Medicine
that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there are no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus. • More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are
Address the cause not just the symptoms Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Dizziness, Fatigue, ADD, ADHD, Sinus Allergies, Insomnia, Skin Problems, Diverticulitis, Infertility, Menopause...
reported annually across the country. • It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus. • Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children and teenagers develop lupus, too. Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44. • Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians. • People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus. COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS Because lupus can affect so many different organs, a wide range of symptoms can occur. These symptoms may come and go, and different symptoms may appear at different times during the course of the disease. The most common symptoms of lupus, which are the same for females and males, are: • Extreme fatigue • Headaches • Painful or swollen joints • Fever • Anemia (low numbers of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or low total blood volume) • Swelling (edema) in feet, legs, hands, and/or around eyes • Pain in chest on deep breathing (pleurisy)
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• Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose • Sun-or light-sensitivity (photosensitivity) • Hair loss • Abnormal blood clotting • Fingers turning white and/or blue when cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon) • Mouth or nose ulcers
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It's OK to talk about it.
TM
Many of these symptoms occur in other illnesses. In fact, lupus is sometimes called “the great imitator” because its symptoms are often like the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems, Lyme disease, and a number of heart, lung, muscle, and bone diseases. WHAT CAUSES LUPUS? Many (but not all) scientists believe that lupus develops in response to a combination of factors both inside and outside the body, including hormones, genetics, and environment. Hormones Hormones are the body’s messengers. They regulate many of the body’s functions. Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus. While men and women both produce estrogen, its production is much greater in females. Many women have more lupus symptoms before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy when estrogen production is high. This may indicate that estrogen
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been proven between estrogen, or any other hormone, and lupus. And, studies of women with lupus taking estrogen in either birth control pills or as postmenopausal therapy have shown
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no increase in disease activity. Genetics No gene or group of genes has been proven to cause lupus. Lupus does, however, appear in certain families, and certain genes have been identified as contributing to the development of
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lupus, but these associations alone are not enough to cause the disease. This is The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Family Health A D V E R T I S I N G
environmental elements that can trigger
TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Texas Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Children’s has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. For more than 50 years, Texas Children’s Heart Center, ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report, has been a pioneering leader in cardiac care, treating more than 17,000 children with congenital heart defects and performing more than 800 surgeries annually. Cardiologists and surgeons are worldrenowned leaders in pediatric cardiology, congenital heart surgery and cardiovascular anesthesiology, and offer every procedure available for the treatment of pediatric heart diseases and defects for children of all ages, including preterm and low-birth-weight newborns. Some of the services offered include cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, diagnostic and cardiac imaging, adult congenital heart disease treatment, congenital heart surgery, cardiac nursing, cardiac critical care and heart transplantation. For more information please visit the website. texaschildrens.org/heart
lupus and cause flares aren’t fully known, the most commonly cited are ultraviolet light (UVB in particular); infections (including the effects of the Epstein-Barr virus), and exposure to silica dust in agricultural or industrial settings. Other examples of known environmental triggers include: • Ultraviolet rays from the sun • Ultraviolet rays from fluorescent light bulbs • Sulfa drugs, which make a person more sensitive to the sun, such as: Bactrim ® and Septra® (trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole); sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin®); tolbutamide (Orinase®); sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®); diuretics especially evident with twins who are
• Sun-sensitizing tetracycline drugs
raised in the same environment and have
such as minocycline (Minocin®)
the same inherited features yet only one
• Penicillin or other antibiotic drugs
develops lupus. Although, when one of
such as: amoxicillin (Amoxil®);
two identical twins has lupus, there is an
ampicillin (Ampicillin Sodium ADD-
increased chance that the other twin will
Vantage®); cloxacillin (Cloxapen®)
THE PERFECT WORKOUT
also develop the disease (25 percent
• Infection
Many people – especially women – have a fear of “bulking up” like a bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. The research studies indicate that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. Over time, this results in arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, a slower metabolism, and buying larger clothing sizes. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your metabolism, as well as sculpts your legs and arms. And since muscle is denser than fat, strength training helps make your body smaller, firmer, and more shapely. The Perfect Workout has private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slowmotion strength training method, including these Houston locations: Sugar Land 281-201-5309 Memorial 281-724-5147 River Oaks 713-999-5182 The Woodlands 281-245-0478 Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121 Clear Lake 281-456-3380 Kingwood 281-241-1628 ThePerfectWorkout.com
chance for identical twins; 2-3 percent
• Cold or a viral illness
chance for fraternal twins). Lupus can
• Exhaustion
develop in people with no family history of
• Injury
lupus, but there are likely to be other
• Emotional stress, such as divorce,
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
autoimmune diseases in some family members. Certain ethnic groups (people of
illness, death in the family, or other life complications • Anything else that causes stress to
African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native
the body such as surgery, physical
American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific
harm, pregnancy, or giving birth
Island descent) have a greater risk of
Seemingly unrelated factors can also
developing lupus, which may be related
trigger the onset of lupus in a susceptible
to genes they have in common.
person. Scientists have noted some com-
Environment
mon features, including: exposure to the
Most researchers today think that an environmental agent, such as a virus or
sun, infection, pregnancy, childbirth, or drugs taken to treat an illness.
possibly a chemical, randomly encoun-
If you are diagnosed with lupus, you
tered by a genetically susceptible indi-
play an important role in helping your
vidual, acts to trigger the disease.
doctor manage your disease. Listen to
Researchers have not identified a spe-
your body, ask questions and stay
cific environmental agent as yet but the
involved.l
hypothesis remains likely. While the
Courtesy of Lupus Foundation of America
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celebrate mother Orange Cardamom Blueberry Crostata
PLANET LINCOLN Lincoln is proud to announce a new way to have a custom vehicle. "Black Label" is now available at Planet Lincoln. When you arrive at the brand new state-ofthe-art showroom, you are treated like family. What a great way to WOW Mom this year — surprise her with her very own custom luxury vehicle. They even deliver to your door! 800-261-0736 planetlincoln.com 20403 I-45 North, Spring
MOCHIDOKI
Preparation time: 10 min Total Time: 1 hr 5 min • Servings: 6
1 Pillsbury™ refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box ½ cup orange marmalade 2 tbsp Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
Mochidoki is an artisanal ice cream company that ships its delicious frozen dessert creations to your doorstep. Mochi ice cream is a frozen, Japaneseinspired treat stuffed with ice cream and wrapped in a thin layer of sweetened rice dough. Mochidoki is made of premium natural ingredients that are locally sourced, and the treats are free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners and colors. Looking for a sweet and special Mother’s Day gift? The company’s 12-piece Mother’s Day “Heart to Heart” Collection is available for pre-ordering starting April 4 and consists of four pieces each of these flavors: • Vanilla Chocolate Chip mochi ice cream hearts decorated with pink and white chocolate • Rasberry mochi ice cream dipped in white chocolate and finished with cranberry crystals • Strawberry mochi ice cream dipped in tie-dye pink and white chocolate then drizzed with semisweet dark chocolate Each “Heart to Heart” Collection is $40 plus shipping and includes a personalized note card and festive Mother’s Day ribbon. Call 201-933-0388 or visit mochidoki.com.
¼ tsp ground cardamom 2 cups fresh blueberries 1 egg yolk 1 to 2 tbsp coarse white sparkling sugar
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10-inch pan with sides with parchment paper. Unroll pie crust in pan. In medium bowl, mix preserves, flour and cardamom. Carefully fold in blueberries. Spoon mixture over crust to within 2 inches of edge. Fold edge of crust over filling, pleating crust as necessary. In small bowl, beat egg yolk with two teaspoons water. Lightly brush crust edge with egg mixture; sprinkle with sugar. Bake 17 to 23 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving.
KB KASUALS KB Kasuals is excited to be celebrating its 1st year anniversary this May! The staff is ready to help you pick out your perfect Mother's Day or Graduation Party outfit. This personal attention to detail is what makes shopping at KB so special! On May 12 from 5-8 p.m., come celebrate our anniversary with us! 281-782-1006 KBKASUALS.COM 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd.
FROST BAKE SHOPPE Make this Mother’s Day the sweetest one ever with sweet treats from Frost Bake Shoppe. They have your gifts for teachers, friends, clients, kids and sweethearts. Frost Bake Shoppe can make your special event sweeter with custom logos, color, designs, monograms and even coordinating prints and packaging options! With a couple of days notice, they can whip up the perfect desserts to fit your every need. Give them a call and let them help you. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 281-298-7474 frostbakeshoppe.com 6777 Woodlands Parkway
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Rachel
&
Roshan
Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Kelli Durham
S
A beautiful bride on her special day. • The happy couple steal a kiss under the veil.
even years after meeting in graduate school, Rachel Callahan and Roshan Gummattira finally began dating. Eventually their long-distance relationship led to two lovely wedding ceremonies, each with a different cultural theme. Rachel attended Lamar High School in Houston, earned a BBA in marketing at the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from University of Texas-Austin. She’s an investment advisor at Callahan Advisors. Roshan attended Taylor High School in Katy, earned a BS in chemical engineering and a master’s in electrical engineering at Rice University and an MBA from University Texas-Austin. He is managing director of Gulfstar Group. The couple enjoyed spectacular wedding celebrations at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston, and the ballroom of the Omni Hotel.
In the Beginning In 2006 Rachel and Roshan first noticed each other in the same MBA class at UT-Austin. They remained friends after graduation and talked on the phone, occasionally bumping into each other at weddings, football games and holidays in Houston.
Courtship Their friendship grew into a long-distance romance. Rachel lived in Dallas and Roshan lived in San Francisco. Both were ultimately drawn back to their Houston roots, with Rachel relocating in 2013, joined by Roshan in 2014 (he is a No. 1 fan of the city of Houston.) He soon knew that he wanted to marry Rachel.
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The Catholic Ceremony
Proposal Roshan suggested a pre-Valentine’s weekend trip on Feb. 6 to Austin — the city where they first met. He made reservations at the Hotel Ella and treated Rachel to a huge bouquet of roses and a bottle of champagne. She had no clue that he planned to propose and was caught off guard when he popped the question on the balcony! They quickly called their families to announce their engagement, and everyone acted surprised at the news. Little did Rachel know that everyone was in on the proposal, and the next morning she walked into the Four Seasons-Austin for brunch and spotted all their family members waiting at the table!
Engagement A stunning view of the nuptials. • The bride with her flower girl. • The groom relaxes with the guys. • Bridesmaids watch as the bride finalizes her outfit.
Over the next eight months, the couple planned their wedding. Rachel’s brother proposed to his girlfriend, leading to joint wedding excursions, bridal shows and dress shopping in Dallas. The incredibly busy year included double engagement parties, wedding showers and bachelor and bachelorette parties. Rachel and her mother also worked on wedding projects together. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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The Hindu Wedding The groom’s mother and father are from southern India, and the whole Gummattira family was essential in recreating traditional wedding elements. The Kodava ceremony started early Friday morning at Safari Texas Ranch, followed by a celebratory lunch and dancing. The groom’s family had shopped for wedding attire in India, including a beautiful red and gold sari for the bride and jewel-toned saris for the bridesmaids. Family members also wore saris as well as the traditional men’s Kodava dress, reflecting a military tradition. Cherished rites such as Baale Birud, Ganapathy Puja, Dampathi Muurtha and Ganga Puja were incorporated in the ceremony. Since another full wedding awaited the next day, the rehearsal dinner was skipped. Instead, out-of-town guests experienced a Texas fajita party at Wild West.
The Catholic Wedding The bride envisioned classic and timeless elegance, as though the elements of her wedding would look like they were still in style 50 years in the future. The full Catholic mass featured a cantor, organist and trumpeter. As the bride and her father walked to Trumpet Voluntary, she smiled at her groom as a beam of light shone down on him at the altar. Attire: The Carolina Herrera droppedwaist ball gown was made from a silk Mikado with a jewel-embroidered mesh illusion neckline and a tailored pleated skirt. The bride carried an embroidered handkerchief in one of the pockets. She wore a satin-edged, cathedral length veil and Kate Spade shoes with ivory bows and sparkly heels. “Something old” was her Mother’s pearl earrings, “something new” was her dress and veil, “something borrowed” was a family heirloom tiara that would transform into a necklace for the reception after-party. “Something blue” was a handkerchief with blue embroidery. Bridesmaids wore Bill Levkoff navy long chiffon gowns with a pleated sweetheart neckline, sheer cap sleeves, key-hole back with bow and A-line skirt. The groom and groomsmen wore black tuxedos with ivory vests and bowties. Wedding Party: Father Alvin A. Sinasac officiated as parents of the bride, Thomas and Francis Callahan, and parents of the groom, Kaveriappa and Pushpa
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The wedding party shares the joy of the big day. • The bride wore pretty peep toe bridal shoes and carried a bouquet that contained callas. • The bride gave her beloved customized gold cufflinks. • The bride’s tiara converts into a necklace. • Proud parents wish their children well.
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Beautiful floral arrangements adorned the head table. • The glorious wedding cake had five tiers. • Special florals adorned the bride and groom’s chairs. • A romantic first dance • A groom’s cake with flags showing where guests live. • Family and friends joined the band on stage. • Guests danced the night away.
Gummattira, watched their children exchange vows in a double-ring ceremony. The bride’s sister, Sarah Callahan, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included the bride’s cousin Kathleen Ackerman, sisterin-law Malori Callahan, the groom’s sister Rashna Gummattira, and friends of the bride Kathleen Harken, Virginia Russell and Suzanne Winters. Teresa Schmidt, cousin of the bride, was flower girl. Daniel Arizpe served as best man. Groomsmen included brother of the groom
Thomas Callahan Jr. and friends Kenneth Brunette, Jamie Kerr, Paul Megler, Jonathan Sarley and James Rapp. Floral and Décor: The church was decorated with two arrangements of white lilies on either side of the altar. The bride carried a bouquet of white calla lilies and freesia. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of calla lilies, freesia, anemones, Queen Anne’s lace and peonies. Top wedding moments: The couple sat next to Father Al during the ceremony and
looked out at the smiling faces of the audience. Father Al gave a wonderful homily and incorporated elements of the Hindu ceremony from the day before, which he had attended in full Indian attire. The bride and groom received a round of applause after exchanging rings and kissing. It was pouring rain after the ceremony, but the wedding party piled into a bus and drove to the groom’s alma mater, Rice University, for photos under a beautiful covered archway while holding umbrellas. The
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The Hindu Ceremony
skylight in the bus started leaking and rain flowed in until the groomsmen fixed it with towels and T-shirts. They made a quick pit stop at Chick-Fil-A and received stuffed cows as a parting gift.
The Reception A “tailgate party” for guests filled the gap between the ceremony and reception in the Palm Court of the Omni. Televised football games, sliders, hot dogs, candy bars and a popcorn machine entertained guests. High tea was also served at 4 p.m. with a wide selection of crumpets. Floral and Décor: Guests received welcome bags with an “R & R” sticker as they checked into the hotel. Each contained snacks, Dr Pepper, a note from the bride and groom, and two different types of tissue paper (one with shamrocks representing Notre Dame, and one with owls representing Rice). Guests were also treated to toffee favors from Lambrecht Gourmet Toffee in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
The couple wore traditional Indian wedding attire. • The stage is set for the nuptials. • The groomsmen await the groom’s arrival. • The bride wore red and black bangles and traditional gold jewelry • Traditional Indian appetizers were served in martini glasses. • The Hindu ceremony would not be complete without Ganesha overseeing the ritual • Cousins dance in anticipation of the groom’s arrival.
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The bride and groom sit as the Hindu wedding rituals are performed.
A slide show of the couple’s childhoods and a guest book set amidst many family engagement and wedding photos were displayed in ballroom, which was transformed into a tropical paradise with 33 tables displaying unique arrangements. Orchids hung from the bride’s and groom’s chairs and the room was awash in special lighting. Gold chargers sat on tablecloths of eggshell Waldorf damask. The head table was covered in an ivory Italian crush cloth. Cake tables and high boys were covered in champagne sequin cloths. Guests sat on gold Chiavari chairs with ivory cushions. Several bars were set up throughout the room and a GoPro camera was attached to a champagne bottle so that guests could stop and leave a message. The Cakes: Five round and hexagonal tiers were iced in white buttercream with gold “pearls” covering the top layer and dripping down the side, with a few shamrocks tucked in. For the pre-reception cocktail hour, guests stopped at the groom’s cake table to pick up escort cards containing a glittery toothpick flag emblazoned with their name. They placed their toothpick flags in the cake (decorated with the State of Texas), and by the end of the cocktail hour the groom’s cake was full of flags from all over the world.
Top Reception Moments: The best man toasted “Two Aces who should never be split.” The groom, a blackjack player, got a kick out of that. Guests were treated to prime rib, paella, an entire buffet of Indian food and campechana served in martini glasses. The bride slipped into her pink “wedding” Toms and waltzed with her groom to Anne Murray’s Could I Have This Dance? Father and daughter waltzed to When Irish Eyes are Smiling. Then the band invited fathers and daughters onto the floor, including the groom’s father and sister, for a rendition of James Taylor’s How Sweet It Is. Guests danced to Frank Sinatra and modern pop. Children, the bridesmaids and the bride were invited up on stage and band members went out on the dance floor. By the end of the night, they were playing music and dancing on the tables!
The Exit Guests threw orchids during the grand exit, and the couple went upstairs to change clothes for the after-party. They took the elevator back down to the lobby expecting that most guests would have left, but everyone was having a lot of fun, and the party eventually moved to the bar.
The Honeymoon The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon that included flights to Fiji and New Zealand before returning home to work and live in Houston. l
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Outstanding Markets Over 210,000 Homes Monthly THE WOODLANDS • KATY-FULSHEAR HOUSTON • FORT BEND • CY-FAIR To reserve space, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
Denman Moody was the Editor and Publisher of Moody’s Wine Review for six years and Contributing Editor on Rare Wine for International Wine Review in New York for six years. He has published or had published over 400 articles on wine, including The International Wine and Food Society Journal in London, Revue du Vin de France in Paris and The Robb Report in Malibu. He is or has been a member of The International Wine and Food Society, Confrerie SaintEtienne d’Alsace, The German Wine Society, Commanderie de Bordeaux, Chaine des Rotisseurs, Les Amis d’Escoffier and The Knights of the Vine.
Wines to Enjoy Now Reds and whites to please the palate, and restaurant recommendations MacRostie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2014 — From different, well-known vineyard sites, including the Estate Wildcat Mountain, this underpriced gem exhibits fresh pineapple and lemon nuances, along with minerality and a refreshing, long finish. $25
WHITE WINES Cupcake Chardonnay Monterey County 2014 — Winemaker Jessica Tomei knocked it out of the park with this best buy. $10 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen Of Hout (South Africa) 2014 — This was sent to me as a reasonably-priced, excellent wine that one could find at Randall’s. So true! Invigorating. Peaches and honeysuckle. A great buy. $13.99 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay Arroyo Seco 2014 — From a perfect vintage, this is a remarkable wine with excellent natural acidity, made with classical Burgundian techniques including 25 percent new oak. $14
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Tom Gore Chardonnay California 2014 — One of the best with the California appellation — usually have to step up to Carneros, Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast to find one this good. Crazy, low price. $15 Mt. Beautiful Pinot Gris North Canterbury (Australia) 2014 — “The opulent palate combines stone fruit, apples, juicy ripe pears, and a touch of floral honey…” What else do you need to know? Stunning new find! $18.99 Santowines Nykteri (Greece) 2014 — A wine of substance — 14 percent alcohol and excellent acidity with a hint of citrus and pear and good minerality. $25
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
RED WINES Qupe Syrah Central Coast 2012 — 100 percent Syrah from vineyards in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo. Weather perfect in 2012 for long, slow ripening. Fruit forward with supple savory and spice flavors along with refreshing acidity. Try with a prime rib! A best buy. $19.99 Carmel Road Pinot Noir Drew’s Blend Monterey County 2013 — This is Drew Barrymore’s certified sustainable Pinot made by winemaker Kris Kato. It exhibits cherry, spice and everything nice. Probably over-qualified, but I enjoyed it with a turkey and Swiss sandwich! $26 Palivou Vineyards Nemea Single Vineyard Selection (Greece) 2012 — 100 percent Agiorgitiko, the oldest and most noble Greek varietal. A full-bodied red, with violets in the bouquet and blackberries with a hint of cocoa on the palate. Concentrated and balanced. A surprise! $26 Keenan Merlot Carneros 2012 — Blackberry jam and spice! A lovely mouthful! Try with anything from a chick-filet to roasted duck! $32
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Napa Valley 2012 — Vineyard manager Mariano Navarro heads up a laborintensive, painstaking job each year working on thin, rocky soils and steep slopes at 1,800-foot elevation. Iconic winemaker Chris Carpenter has crafted a gorgeous Cab, loaded with flavors of blueberries and violets, supplemented with tender tannins. $75 Paraduxx Rector Creek Napa Valley 2012 — The best, primarily Zinfandel blend I have encountered. Beautiful, sweet mouthful. Paraduxx is a new stallion in the Duckhorn stable. $80 Duckhorn Merlot Rector Creek Napa Valley 2012 — “Attractive blueberry and allspice aromatics. Velvety structure and refined character highlighting classic notes of spicy plum.” Along with the Duckhorn Merlots from Carneros, Atlas Peak, as well as the Three Palms, Merlot just doesn’t get any better than this. $95
RESTAURANT KUDOS To Brennan’s, for its extremely effective kitchen upgrades, quality and professionalism of the staff, and the innovations from Alex Brennan-Martin and Carl Walker’s world-class memorable meals. To Helen Restaurant for its wildly successful Greek restaurant on Rice Boulevard, owned by Evan Turner, who is also the sommelier. We enjoyed elevated Greek cuisine joined by specially selected Greek wines from Anathasios Parparoussis’s winery, which went perfectly with our food selections. I recommend all four of the wines we tasted: Les Dons de Dionysos Sideritis 2014; Nemea Reserve 2010 (100 percent Agiorgitiko); Taos 2010 (100 percent Mavrodaphne) and Muscat 2010! To The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen in Austin for opening another location. The Lakeway Grove is reputed to have one of the highest grossing bars in the state, sometimes doing what others do in a full day by 4 in the afternoon! The new location at 800 W. 6th
pretty much has it all. Matt Behrendt’s wine list is a designer list at decent prices, which he has meticulously put together after hours and hours of tastings each week. There were TEN set of flights of three wines for under $20 — an example being an excellent Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (that I had never heard of), Jenny Wagner’s killer Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc and a top Sancerre!! The food is excellent, and at least three managers and a couple of waiters looked in on us with comments like, “If it’s not right, let me know.” “NEW YORK, NEW YORK” COMES TO WINE & FOOD WEEK Enter a New York “state of wine” June 6-12 during Houston’s Wine & Food Week. The 12th annual culinary and wine extravaganza, themed “New York, New York”, will showcase 75 restaurants and more than 500 wines from around the world. Visit wineandfoodweek.com for details and the full schedule of events. l
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Enjoy Fun-Filled Days and Lazy Nights at The Woodlands Resort this Summer An enchanted oasis minutes from Houston, but worlds apart
A
s temperatures begin to heat up in Texas, so does the fun at The Woodlands® Resort. Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston and set among 350 wooded acres, this fully renovated resort is the number one choice for families throughout Texas looking for a nearby respite from the traditional urban experience and a place to have a whole lot of fun! A WATER OASIS FULL OF THRILLS AND PLACES TO CHILL In the summer months, The Woodlands Resort is alive with excitement centering around the property’s Forest Oasis Waterscape™. Located within a vast poolside environment surrounded by three luxurious guestroom buildings, towering pines and the lush forest, the spectacular Forest Oasis Waterscape has been designed to provide a fun and refreshing experience for the entire family. Opened in July of 2014 as part of the Resort’s $77 million renovation, a thousand-and-five-foot lazy river provides riders with a relaxing nine-and-a-half minute trip surrounded by lush landscaping. As riders enter the river, they are greeted with a mosaic by Houston artist Denise Liebl celebrating the beauty of native wildlife in The Woodlands. Guests may also stop during their trip along the lazy river to get out and enjoy a refreshing ride down the Resort’s plunge slide, landing in the lazy lagoon pool.
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Just around the corner from the lazy river, more fun is to be found in the rest of the Forest Oasis Waterscape – ranked as one of the best pools in the nation – boasting a lagoon-style pool, two-story waterslide tower, flowing waterfalls, splash pad with pop fountains and underwater music and murals. Kids can relax poolside in the evening and take in a dive-in movie, shown nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Families can bask in the volume of kid-centric activities and amenities offered throughout the day, and whether dining poolside at Cool Water Cafe or in The Woodlands Dining Room, the Resort’s flagship dining locale, leisure guests will find themselves blissfully entertained exclusively within the Resort. HIT THE LINKS OR THE COURTS For the golf enthusiasts, the Resort features two on-property championship golf courses, Panther Trail™ and The Oaks. Both incorporate all the ingredients for exceptional golf — deep woods, glistening waters, exceptional fairways and pristine greens. With tree-lined fairways and challenging elevations, the courses allow golfers of all skill levels to test their talent and grow their game. For tennis lovers, the Resort features a world class tennis center with 21 first-rate clay and hard court playing surfaces.
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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Searching for inner-peace, relaxation and rejuvenation? You will find it at The Woodlands Resort’s full-service day spa and fitness center. With a variety of nature-inspired treatments for both men and women including body wraps, facials and a variety of pampering for the hands and feet, the stress of everyday life will melt away at The Spa. Signature offerings include the Yellow Rose Mud Wrap, the Sunflower Salt Scrub and the soothing Green Tea Pedicure. In keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere, the Resort also offers Petite Spa services for those ages 6-12 that include manicures, pedicures, and facials. The Spa staff at The Woodlands Resort is highly trained at the art of delivering a restorative experience within a serene and peaceful environment. Rediscovering an appreciation for nature and its beauty is not hard to do at the Resort and throughout The Woodlands community. With over 200 miles of hike and bike trails through the southern reaches of the Texas Piney Woods, families can marvel at the unending canopy of trees and the varying species of birds. With more than 100 Texas parks and several lakes, guests can take time to enjoy nature in its purest form on foot or on a rented bicycle from the Resort with a guided map to find your way. ACTIVITIES & DINING FOR EVERY AGE AND TASTE The Woodlands has many amenities and dining options to entertain and delight staycationers. Experience perfection at one of the best restaurants in The Woodlands. Set on site at The Woodlands Resort, on the edge of the lake surrounding the 18th green, Robard’s is a classic American steakhouse offering an extensive menu of USDA prime grade, dry-
aged steaks and chops, seafood and chef-inspired specials. The main dining room at Robard’s boasts warm contemporary style, a stunning 8-foot long raised fireplace framed in dark bronze metal, 14-foot windows and 20-foot vaulted wood-beamed ceilings with custom chandeliers and skylights. Every table in the restaurant has expansive views of the 18th green of the Panther Trail™ golf course. For those looking for a casual dining experience featuring amazing global cuisine or simply having an after-dinner drink, The Bistro at The Woodlands Resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a lakeside view. The comfortable lounge boasts an inviting atmosphere with an adjoining game room featuring pool tables and multiple large TVs. With more than 400 upscale retailers, dining destinations and galleries, The Woodlands Town Center offers an endless array of kid-friendly sights and eats. Market Street, Hughes Landing and The Woodlands Mall are just a short complimentary ride from The Woodlands Resort and offer some of the finest restaurants and shopping in the area. Diners can overlook The Woodlands Waterway where you can enjoy kayaking or a Waterway cruise. If you time your visit appropriately, you can be a superstar in your teen’s eyes by surprising them with tickets to see any number of popular musical talents this summer at the nearby Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion — everyone from Twenty One Pilots to Dixie Chicks and 5 Seconds of Summer to Lynyrd Skynyrd will be performing live. With room packages to suit any occasion, The Woodlands Resort makes vacationing this summer easy, affordable and most of all, fun. Summer vacation is closer than you think. To plan your getaway today, visit woodlandsresort.com or call 866-882-9996. l
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All About Dahlias! Follow this plan and prepare to be amazed “American Dawn” from Longfield Gardens, is a modern dahlia that’s been bred for amazing color, abundant flower production and sturdy stems. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.
D
ahlias provide some of the garden's biggest and most spectacular blooms. The flowers come in a rainbow of colors and many different styles and sizes, and all are excellent cut flowers. One of the best things about dahlias is how abundantly they bloom. The plants begin flowering in midsummer and produce more and more flowers each week, right through the fall. Just plant the bulbs in spring and prepare to be amazed! STEP 1 — KNOW START WITH A BETTER BULB It’s easy to see the difference in a quality dahlia when you compare two plants side by side. Dahlia tubers are graded by size. Grade #1 tubers are the largest size available. The photo shows a grade #1 tuber on
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Soil: Most plants, including dahlias, grow best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. To improve the quality of your soil, add compost and an all purpose fertilizer at planting time. Avoid planting in areas where the soil is soggy or compacted. When to Plant: Dahlias tubers are planted in the spring after all danger of frost is gone. Fill 6-inch or 8-inch pots with growing mix and plant one tuber per pot. Put the pots in a warm, sunny place until the plants are several inches tall and the weather outside is warm.
the right and a smaller, #3 tuber on the left. Larger tubers give you a fuller plant with more stems and more blooms. STEP 2 — PLAN PLAN FOR SUCCESS Dahlias are incredibly easy to grow. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results. Sun and Shade: Dahlias are sun-lovers and need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. The more sun they get, the better they'll bloom, so it's best to plant your dahlias in the sunniest location you can. Zone: Dahlias are only winter hardy in zones 8-11. Planted in the spring, they will grow quickly and the plants will be blooming by mid to late summer. (The USDA Hardiness Zone map puts the Houston metro area in Zone 9A .)
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
WHERE TO PLANT DAHLIAS Flower Gardens: Dahlias bloom from late summer through fall and hit their stride as most perennials are starting to fade. Consider each dahlia variety’s ultimate height when placing them in your borders, with tallest ones in back, mid-size dahlias in the middle and border dahlias up front. Entryways, Patios and Decks: Decorate your home and welcome guests with a brilliant display of dahlias. Border dahlias are ideal for containers. The compact, bushy plants stay just 18-inches tall and cover themselves with flowers from midsummer to frost. Along Fences or for Screening: Dahlias can be functional as well as decorative. Full size varieties can be planted along a property line to add privacy. They can also be planted in pots to enclose a space or in a garden to screen an unwanted view. Vegetable Gardens: Dahlias are great companions for almost any vegetable. Just plant them at the same time you're planting tomatoes and peppers. When you harvest your dinner, you can also harvest fresh flowers for your table. Cutting Gardens: Dahlias are fabulous cut flowers, and just a few plants will give you armloads of blooms. Planting several different flower styles will give your bouquets a professional look.
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Many gardeners treat dahlias as annuals. The spectacular blooms come in a rainbow of colors andmake excellent cut flowers. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.
STEP 3 — GROW PLANTING IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3 1. Dig a hole to 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil. 2. Set the tubers in the hole with the stem facing up. 3. Replace the soil and water only if the soil is very dry. Sprouts will appear in 2-4 weeks. TIPS FOR GROWING DAHLIAS • Choose a sunny spot. Dahlias bloom best in full sun. • To give your dahlias the best possible start, improve the soil by adding compost and an all purpose (5-10-5) granular fertilizer when planting. • Dahlia tubers should be planted 4-6 inches deep. Position the tubers so the sprouts are facing up. If there are no sprouts, plant the tubers horizontally. • Once your dahlias are 8-10 inches tall, start fertilizing them with liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. • Pinching dahlias when they are about 10 inches tall will give you bushier plants with more flowers. • When the first flower buds appear, cut back a couple of the tallest stems. This will help the plant fill out and produce more flowers.
Dahlias In Containers Few plants can compete with the flowering power of dahlias. These easy-togrow, heat-loving summer bulbs bloom non-stop from midsummer through fall, and with each week, their flowers keep getting bigger and better. While most dahlias grow 3 to 5 feet tall, border dahlias are much more compact. At just 15 to 20 inches high, they are an ideal height for growing in pots and planters. Don’t let their small size fool you. These low-growing dahlias flower with the same incredible energy as their full size cousins. The perfectly formed, brilliantly colored flowers keep decks, patios and entryways, looking bright and fresh all season long. After evaluating many different types of border dahlias, we have found that Melody and Gallery border dahlias produce the biggest blooms and the most flowers.
INSPIRING COMBINATIONS SUPPORT YOUR DAHLIAS If you are growing full size dahlias, they should be staked to support both the stems and the flowers. Use at least one sturdy, 6foot-tall stake per plant. Drive the stake into
A border dahlia is a bushy plant with a dome-shape top. On its own, a single plant will nicely fill a 10-inch to 12-inch planter. Pots of this size are easy to move around, so you can add splashes of color
whenever and wherever they're needed. In a larger pot, two or three border dahlias will give a nice, full look. You can stick with a single variety in each pot or combine several different colors. Here are some sun-loving container plants that make good companions for border dahlias: Coleus Verbena Creeping Jenny Lantana Liatris Sweet Potato Vine Million Bells Elephant Ears Dahlias are high-energy plants that need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the more flowers they produce. In southern areas, dahlias appreciate a little shade from hot afternoon sun. Dahlias will not tolerate freezing temperatures and they dislike cold soil. Don’t put them outdoors until all danger of frost has passed.
PLANTING AND CARE IN CONTAINERS Dahlias have vigorous root systems ➝
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Dahlias are great companions for almost any vegetable. Just plant them at the same time you’re planting tomatoes and peppers.
the ground 8 to 10 inches deep. Inserting the stakes at planting time means you won’t damage the plant or tubers later in the season. As the stems begin to grow, tie them to the stake every foot or two.
Plant the tubers 4-6 inches deep, stem up, in well-drained soil.
Here a colorful combination of dahlias make a beautiful arrangement.
When plants are well established and 5 to 6” tall, start fertilizing them twice a month.
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STEP 4 — AFTERCARE CARING FOR DAHLIAS AFTER THEY BLOOM Many gardeners treat dahlias as annuals. When the season is over, simply dig up the plant and the tubers and add them to your compost pile. If you want to save your dahlia tubers for the next growing season, here’s how to do it: • When the foliage begins to lose its color or is killed by frost, cut off the stems to within 6 inches of the ground. Wait about a week before digging to give the tubers time to develop next year’s sprouts, also called “eyes.” Label each plant so you can identify it next spring. • Dig around the plant and gently lift the tubers from the ground, using caution as
that need plenty of room to develop. Each border dahlia tuber will need a 10-inch to 12-inch diameter container or 2-gallon pot. Larger containers can accommodate more than one dahlia tuber or some other types of plants. Pots should always have a drainage hole on the bottom to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged. Here’s how to pot up a border dahlia. Fill the container a little more than half way with good quality potting mix. Find the place where the tubers come together, which is the base of the old stem. Set the tubers on the soil with the stem area on top. It should be at least 5 inches below the top of the pot. Cover the tubers with about 2 inches of soil and water well. Put the pot in a warm, sunny place where it will get six or more hours of sun each day. As the tubers start to grow, you can gradually add more soil until the pot is almost full.
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the tubers are fragile. Allow the entire clump to air dry for a week (protected from rain and frost). This gives the tubers time to toughen their skin for winter storage. • Trim back the stems to 1 inch and remove any fine root hairs from the tubers. Tag the base of the stems so you can identify the tubers later. • Place each clump of tubers into a pot, bucket or bin and surround them with sand, sawdust or vermiculite. If you are putting multiple clumps in one container, layer them so they don't touch each other. Store the container in a cool (40-50°F), dark place. Check the tubers monthly to make sure they are not rotting (too wet) or shriveling (too dry). Adjust the humidity accordingly.
Article and images provided by Longfield Gardens (www.longfieldgardens.com) and reprinted with permission.
©2016 Longfield Gardens
Once the plants are well established and 5 to 6 inches tall, start fertilizing them twice a month. When the first flower buds appear, cut back the tallest two or three stems to about half their height. This will help the plant fill out and increase total flower production. During the growing season, removing faded flowers will stimulate growth and keep the plant looking its best. Dahlias should not be overwatered. It’s best to let the top couple inches of soil get fairly dry between waterings. TIP: Dahlias dislike cold weather. Though a chilly, early summer night won't kill them, it can set them back by several weeks. Pamper your young dahlia plants by keeping the pots in a warm, protected place until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 60s.l
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Finding Passion Through Grief Amy LeCrone fights for CPR and AED education after the death of her husband from cardiac arrest The LeCrone family.
By Michelle Mason early two years have passed since Woodlands-area Orthodontist Dr. Vance LeCrone died from an unexpected cardiac arrest while working at the gym. Since his death, his wife Amy LeCrone has turned her grief into passion – joining this year’s American Heart Association’s Montgomery County Go Red for Women Luncheon to help fight for more Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness in Montgomery County. “There is no question that I feel Vance driving me to support the AHA’s CPR initiatives,” said Amy. “I was stunned to learn that Montgomery County only has a 14.6 percent bystander CPR rate. I want to see that our citizens have opportunities for events with the training they would need if they were to encounter a situation like Vance was in. Bottom line, your knowledge can be lifesaving and could be someone’s chance for survival.” At the time of Dr. LeCrone’s cardiac arrest, he received immediate bystander CPR, but was not given a shock by an AED machine until paramedics arrived “This tragedy has given me a new perspective on the importance of CPR and AED awareness; what bystanders need to under-
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stand is the critical role they play in the time someone is down before emergency personnel arrive on the scene,” said Amy. “A bystander’s quick response can really change the victim’s outcome and possibly save a life.” The AHA has identified five critical links to the Chain of Survival of cardiac arrest victims, which is immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and the activation of the emergency response system, early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions and rapid defibrillation. A strong Chain of Survival can improve the chances of survival and recovery for victims of heart attack and stroke. “People go through life not thinking they will ever be in a situation where they need to render help to someone and have this knowledge,” said Amy. “Think about this, we could all drive a car in our sleep once we are all well trained. But can you say the same about our knowledge of CPR and AED awareness?” In just a few months after her husband’s death, Amy hosted a mass CPR training for he Woodlands community in December 2014. With the help of Hunter Orthodontics and local friends, family and volunteers she was able to train over 200 people on the AHA’s CPR Anytime Kits utilizing HandsOnly CPR. Hands-Only CPR has been shown to dou-
ble or triple the victim’s chance of survival with two lifesaving steps: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. “The hard and fast chest compressions are key and we need to make sure the AHA’s method is more widespread and known,” said Amy. Sadly, 70 percent of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t how to administer CPR or they’re afraid of hurting the victim, and 64 percent of Americans have never even seen an AED machine, said the AHA. “As far as the AED, it literally tells you what to do. You do not have to be trained or know how to use it. It will completely walk you through the process,” said Amy. Engaging the community is key to educating more people in lifesaving skills like CPR and AED usage, and it is the reason why Amy is passionate about sharing her personal journey at this year’s luncheon. “[I hope] to inspire as many people as possible to get CPR trained (and keep getting trained) and to feel confident to make a quick decision to locate and use an AED,” she said. It’s a lesson her husband would have wanted her to teach. “I’m still here to live for someone who can’t. Part of the healing and learning to move forward in my journey post loss is finding something positive to put my energy into,” said Amy. “There has never been any hesitation. I know what Vance would want me to do.” Funds raised at the Montgomery County Go Red for Women Luncheon will directly impact the AHA’s CPR Guidelines, which are updated every five years to help healthcare professionals save countless lives using the science-based research provided by the AHA. The Montgomery County Go Red for Women Luncheon is set for Friday, May 13 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. To join Amy LeCrone and the AHA at the luncheon, visit montgomerycountygoredforwomen.heart.org. l
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(L-R): Van Weldon, owner and farmer of Wood Duck Farm; Cindy Pullin, foster kinship director of Angel Reach; Lelia Lee, brand ambassador of CHJ Wealth Management.
Ashleigh McHenry
Julia Cudd
‹Montgomery County Food Bank Welcomes Two New Hires Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) has welcomed two new members to its staff of dedicated individuals with the like-minded goal of ending hunger in Montgomery County. Ashleigh McHenry is the new marketing and communications coordinator and Julia Cudd is the new SNAP-Ed coordinator. McHenry will be taking on the challenge of increasing brand awareness, engaging new and returning volunteers and increasing donor revenue for Montgomery County Food Bank through all marketing and communication efforts including print, digital, terrestrial media and through various events in the community. As the SNAP-Ed coordinator, Cudd works closely with the other departments of MCFB and Feeding Texas in promoting healthy eating throughout Montgomery County. With a degree in food science and nutrition from Sam Houston State University and over six years of experience in child development, she has a strong passion for helping the community through food education by sharing healthy cooking strategies, shopping on a budget and specific approaches to child, pregnancy and adult nutrition. Many new opportunities for volunteers, donors and sponsors are or will be available this summer and fall at MCFB. For more information, visit mcfoodbank.org.
‹Carlton, Hofferkamp and Jenks Partners with Wood Duck Farm to Aid Food Pantry Carlton, Hofferkamp and Jenks (CHJ) Wealth Management partners with local Wood Duck Farm during the Spring growing season to donate farm fresh vegetables and fruits to Angel Reach’s food pantry. Van Weldon is the owner of the Wood Duck
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Farm, located in Cleveland, which practices sustainable growing techniques and operates a CSA program through much of the year. Angel Reach was founded in Conroe as a nonprofit organization by foster and adoptive parents Sandra Carpenter and Deborah Zempel. Their goal is to break the generational cycle of abuse, neglect and homelessness so that the lives of current and former foster youth can be enhanced. “When our staff volunteered at Angel Reach this past Christmas, they noticed the absence of fresh vegetables and fruits available at the pantry,” said Jim Carlton, managing director and chief investment officer of CHJ Wealth Management. “We thought it
would be a wonderful opportunity to partner with a local farm with an established CSA program to help us donate farm fresh food to Angel Reach. We hope this is the beginning of our three small organizations joining together to make a big impact in our community, this is the essence of our Cares Program. I am proud this is the inaugural partnership with our community.” The CHJ Cares Program is a year-round giving program dedicated to making positive and meaningful contributions throughout the community. Visit chjwealthmanagement.com for more information about The Carlton, Hofferkamp and Jenks Cares Program, Angel Reach and Wood Duck Farm.
The interior of the KB Kasuals women’s apparel store in The Woodlands.
‹KB Kasuals Celebrates 1st Anniversary in Hughes Landing In May, KB Kasuals is celebrating its first year in The Woodlands with an anniversary party open to the public. The event takes place Thursday, May 12, from 5-8 p.m. at the boutique, located at 1950 Hughes Landing, Suite 1175 on the retail level of One Lakes Edge Luxury Apartments. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop the latest in women’s contemporary fashion while enjoying cocktails, small bites, sweets and surprises throughout the night. There are also planned trunk shows scheduled for the evening. Owned by Krista and Sherlynn Burks, KB Kasuals has two retail locations in Houston and a thriving e-commerce site selling popular women's fashion brands such as Nicole Miller, Pam & Gela, AG Jeans, Equipment, Wildfox, Bella Dahl, Paige and LNA. The boutique is open daily — Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
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The new Lakes Edge Boat House in Hughes Landing offers kayak rentals on the waterfront of Lake Woodlands.
‹New Kayak Rental Facility Now Open in Hughes Landing
‹Builders Announced for Conroe's Grand Central Park
The Lakes Edge Boat House is now open on Lake Woodlands, offering single and tandem kayak rentals. This new facility is located next to the One Lakes Edge apartments at 1970 Hughes Landing Boulevard, just a short walk from Whole Foods Market, Restaurant Row and the Lake Woodlands Boardwalk. Nestled right on the edge of the water, kayakers visiting Lakes Edge Boat House will be able to have easy access to Hughes Landing, Northshore Park and more than 200 acres of open water to explore. This new facility currently offers six tandem kayaks that rent for $20 for the first hour and four single kayaks that rent for $15 for the first hour. Each additional hour is $5 for both single and tandem kayaks. Lifejackets and paddles are included in the rental price. As the second rental facility of kayaks on Lake Woodlands, the Lakes Edge Boat House works in partnership with Riva Row Boat House, which has been in operation since 2009. While this new facility currently offers only kayak rentals, Riva Row Boat House has more robust offerings, including stand-up paddle boards, group outings, events and private instruction. The new Lakes Edge Boat House is open from 9 a.m. until sunset, with the last kayak out one hour before sunset, and is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Lakes Edge Boat House can be reached at 281-210-2065, and more information on this new rental facility can be found at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/lakesedgeboathouse.
With many of its roads and thoroughfares now complete, Conroe’s Grand Central Park has entered its next phase by announcing its collection of homebuilders offering traditional, single-family homes, lifestyle townhomes and patio homes on 350 wooded sites. Coventry Homes, Darling Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Perry Homes and Village Builders will add new luxury homes in Grand Central Park’s West Village at the northwest corner of the masterplanned community where residents will enjoy immediate access to Loop 336 and I-45. The first sections of new homes also are all within a five-minute walk to magnificent, natural settings of parks and open space. Model homes by each Grand Central Park homebuilder will open later this year. Darling Homes, the first new homebuilder to sign on at Grand Central Park, will bring
its Signature Patio Collection to the community where new home buyers can chose floor plans from 2,400 – 2,900 square feet featuring open-concept designs with uniquely crafted architectural features, spacious living areas, private master suites and expansive covered porches. Drees Custom Homes, the nation’s seventh-largest private new home builder, will present a collection of luxury, villa-style homes featuring gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites and designer touches. Village Builders will offer its stylish, featurerich Vintage Villas Collection while Coventry Homes will present spacious, luxury townhomes featuring its Built Around You program where buyers can further customize their new home to meet their specific needs. Perry Homes and David Weekley will offer a variety of plans featuring gourmet island kitchens, family rooms, formal dining rooms, inviting master suites, spacious secondary bedrooms, game rooms and media rooms. Looking ahead, Grand Central Park will host the third in a series of on-site information gatherings, “Houston’s Tastiest Picnic in the Park,” on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. when guests can visit with representatives of each homebuilder. Part of Houston’s Largest Home Tour presented by The Johnson Development Corp., the free event will include picnic favorites, popcorn and cotton candy, balloon art and music while the young and young-at-heart test their skills at an on-site obstacle course and large zipline. Families also will receive picnic baskets, while supplies last, to fill with sandwiches, chips and cookies. Drees Custom Homes, one of Grand Central Park's new home builders, will offer a collection of luxury, villa-style homes featuring gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites and designer touches.
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County Judge Craig Doyal speaks at the annual Montgomery County Employee Service Awards Ceremony.
‹County Officials Honor Employees with Service Awards Montgomery County held a special ceremony March 31 in the Commissioners Courtroom to honor 103 employees who have served the county for 15 or more years. Roughly 100 employees, their supervisors and friends and family crowded the courtroom for the ceremony, which started with an invocation by Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack, the pledges to the flag by Sheriff Tommy Gage, and short remarks by County Judge Craig Doyal. A total of 103 employees have served 15 years or longer. The ceremony is planned each year by the Montgomery County Employee Committee; Lori Stafford chairs the committee, and helping organize the ceremony and coordinate the awards this year was Patti Werner, in the Office of County Judge. Four employees honored who had served 35 years: Marie Moore - Precinct 4 County Commissioner's Office; Terri Strozier - Lone Star Convention Center; Lt. James Fleming - Sheriff's Department; and Pat Hamm (recently retired) Adult Probation. Nine employees were honored who served 30 years: Amanda Whittington 284th District Court; Gwen Holmes - Sheriff; Mike Heimer - TX AgriLife Extension Serv.; Kay Lee - Veterans Service; Deputy Bryan Dubose - Constable Pct. 1; Sgt. Randy
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Sanson - Constable Pct. 1; Mark Mooney County Engineer; Patricia Bowdoin - District Attorney; and Regina Staggs (retired) District Attorney.
‹Gracepoint Homes Launches Build on Your Lot Program Gracepoint Homes, a luxury and affordable luxury homebuilder, has announced the launch of “Gracepoint Select Build on Your Lot” program. This new program, launched in response to customer interests in the homebuilder’s home designs and construction capabilities, enables customers to choose from hundreds of architecturally timeless and proven home designs to build a home that suits their budget, lifestyle and homesite. Gracepoint Select offers a wide variety of floor plans and architectural styles including New Orleans-inspired garden homes, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Craftsman, Bungalow and Prairie or Lowcountry inspired homes. After choosing the architectural style and floor plan, customers work with a dedicated design team to personalize their home design without the worry, cost or wait of working with an architect. A team of homebuilding experts guides and supports customers throughout the entire process. The portfolio of home designs offered by Gracepoint Select was originally designed by Danie van Loggerenberg, an interna-
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tional, award-winning architect. His firm, DvL Custom Concepts, works exclusively with Gracepoint Homes to provide an innovative approach toward integrating energy efficiency with beautiful, modern yet architecturally timeless design options. Gracepoint Homes built a home for Senator Tommy Williams and his wife on their land. They chose Gracepoint Homes to build on their lot because of the quality and craftsmanship Gracepoint Homes commits to throughout the building process. “We chose Gracepoint Homes to build on our property because we knew of the quality of their homes –– great materials, subcontractors and processes –– and we could tour the model homes to experience it firsthand. Their great homeowners warranty also was a deciding factor,” said Williams. Gracepoint Homes is one of the premier homebuilders in Houston and surrounding areas, such as The Woodlands, Conroe, Shenandoah, Spring and Sugar Land. Home designs currently in market are priced from the $250s to the $1M+ and range from 2,500 to 4,000 square feet. More information can be found on gracepointhomes.com/buildon-your-lot.
‹Model Homes Now Open at Northgrove at Spring Creek Recognized for the best in Texas homebuilding, Toll Brothers unveils two professionally decorated model homes at the new NorthGrove at Spring Creek master planned community in Magnolia in southern Montgomery County. The model homes showcase must-see California-lifestyle architectural elements in a naturally pristine North Houston locale for homebuyers seeking an address close to it all but tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Northgrove at Spring Creek is accessible to the Grand Parkway and other major routes. For more information, visit TollBrothersatNorthGrove.com.
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The Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2016.
‹LMC Class Gets Insight into Healthcare in Montgomery County The Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) Class of 2016 recently explored healthcare in Montgomery County at their Healthcare Session, sponsored by CHI St. Luke’s Health The Woodlands Hospital. Session Director and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Marketing Director Linda Nelson welcomed the class to the session and gave an overview of the day’s events before Walter Wilkerson, Jr., M.D. presented the history of healthcare in Montgomery County. Freddy Warner with Memorial Hermann Health System presented the class with legislative healthcare updates. The class then got a look into the issues facing hospital CEOs in Montgomery County with the CEO panel, consisting of David Argueta of CHI St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital, Matt Davis of Conroe Regional Medical Center, Melinda Stephenson of Kingwood Medical Center, Dr. Debra Sukin of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, and Josh Urban of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Each CEO spoke on a different topic, giving insight to real concerns and issues they face. The class also had the opportunity to tour CHI St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital, before learning about the role healthcare centers play in the community from Dr.
Ann Snyder of Interfaith Community Clinic, Cindy Sunday Powell of Pregnancy Assistance Center North, Dr. Stephen McKernan of Lone Star Family Health Center, and Evan Roberson of Tri-County Services. The day ended with Leadership Series facilitated by LMC alumni. For more information,visit LMCTX.org.
‹Conroe North-Houston Airport Receives TxDOT Award Conroe North-Houston Airport, located 10 minutes from Grand Central Park, has been named General Aviation Reliever Airport of the Year for 2016, good news for those considering the Conroe master-planned community for a new home or a future new office location. Grand Central Park is located at Loop 336 and I-45 in Conroe. Presented by the Texas Department of Transportation, the award is a major step toward cementing the airport as a nearby convenience for future residents and businesses considering Grand Central Park for a corporate headquarters, campus setting or other office use, says Shannon League, , Director of Marketing for the 2,046-acre property. “Our proximity to two airports is a major selling point for companies looking at Grand Central Park,” says League. “It’s also a big plus for home buyers.”
Grand Central Park Conroe North-Houston Regional Airport services 62,000 annual flight operations, including 2,500 jet operations annually. Its soon-to-open U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility will serve as the northernmost customs clearing facility in the greater Houston area, another positive for corporations looking to relocate operations to the area. Moreover, the new facility will enable international flights to take off and land directly at the airport, eliminating extra stops at Houston Hobby or George Bush Intercontinental Airports. The newest master-planned community by The Johnson Development Corp., Grand Central Park is being developed to create a walkable, mixed-use, master-planned community amidst a forest preserve where corporate campuses, hotel and conference center, restaurants, retail and new luxury homes come together to create a distinct, urban feel. Coventry Homes, Darling Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Perry Homes and Village Builders will add new patio homes, villa-style homes, townhomes and single-family homes in Grand Central Park’s West Village at the northwest corner of the masterplanned community where residents will enjoy immediate access to Loop 336 and I-45. Go to GrandCentralParkTX.com for details or Facebook.com/GrandCentralParkTX.
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NEW OPENINGS
Market Street in The Woodlands.
‹ Club Monaco to Open in Market Street The Woodlands Market Street in The Woodlands will soon welcome its newest high-fashion boutique, Club Monaco, where the international retail brand will open its second Houston-area store featuring modern, yet timeless clothing and accessories for women. Expected to open in June, Club Monaco’s Market Street store will showcase the brand’s collection of tops, knits and tees, jackets and vests, jumpers, dresses for day and night, skirts and shorts. Shoppers also will find an impressive selection of sandals, heels, flats and boots along with scarves and wraps, handbags and jewelry. Club Monaco burst onto the retail scene in Toronto in 1985 and since then has emerged as a global fashion player with stores in Beverly Hills, Boston, Miami Beach, London, Sweden, Canada and Hong Kong. The opening of Club Monaco is another big win for Market Street, the shopping, dining and entertainment destination in The
Woodlands known for its line up of first-tomarket or second-location stores among its more than 70 high-fashion boutiques and gourmet restaurants. Retailers making their Houston-area debut at Market Street include the Boho chic clothier Johnny Was, Trina
Children’s Lighthouse has purchased land in Woodforest for a 13th Houston area learning center. Construction is expected to begin next month.
‹Children’s Lighthouse Acquires Land in Woodforest Children’s Lighthouse has closed on a 1.85acre parcel in Woodforest for a new facility expected to open this fall. Located at 2183 Woodforest Parkway West, the property is near Stewart Elementary
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in Woodforest. Construction is anticipated to begin next month on a one-story facility that will be approximately 10,500 square feet. Children’s Lighthouse is the second childcare center to purchase land in Woodforest. Kiddie Academy obtained a 2.1-acre site last year also near Stewart Elementary and
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Turk, Vineyard Vines, Allen Edmonds, The Boardroom Salon for Men, Alex and Ani, and Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store. Tiffany & Co. and Tumi are among those choosing Market Street for their second Houston-area store.
recently started construction on a facility. Founded in Fort Worth in 1997, Children’s Lighthouse holds a Franchise 500 designation by Entrepreneur magazine and can be found in eight states. The Woodforest location will be the company’s 13th Houston-area center and will offer infant care, preschool programs, kindergarten and lesson plans for school-age children. Children’s Lighthouse is the newest addition to Woodforest’s growing number of resident conveniences. A CVS Pharmacy opened last year in the community, and the Church at Woodforest, part of The Woodlands United Methodist Church, has started weekly services at Stewart Elementary before it begins construction of a church in the development. Woodforest is ranked among the nation’s 20 top-selling developments. It is located approximately seven miles west of Interstate 45 and five miles north of The Woodlands. Prices are from the $190,000s. For more information, contact Infowoodforest@childrenslighthouse.com.
Woodlands Community Presbyterian ChurCh.
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(L-R): John Bracken, MCYS executive director; Keith Gordon, director of information services of Waste Connections; and Dan Altom, owner of The Woodlands Young Learners Academy and MCYS board chair.
McYs announces Bridge Builder awards Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) recently honored community and MCYS leaders with the presentation of the 2015 Bridge Builder Awards at their annual meeting. MCYS executive director John Bracken named Adriana Richey as MCYS Staff Bridge Builder, while Scott Haney and The Church at Creek’s End were named MCYS Volunteer Bridge Builder and Waste Connections as Community Partner Bridge Builder. The recognition was given for their exceptional service to MCYS and the community. Michelle O’Rourke, MCYS chief development officer, nominated Adriana Richey, MCYS development coordinator of events and communication, saying “Adriana has an inventive way of storytelling that speaks of how a client was helped, why someone volunteers or why someone is committed to be a part of the MCYS staff.” Scott Haney and members of The Church at Creek’s End youth group volunteer for the MCYS BridgeWay Youth Shelter, a co-ed, short term shelter program for youth ages 10 – 17 in need of a temporary place to stay. The group was nominated by O’Rourke due to their efforts helping out at the shelter two Saturdays a month. Waste Connections’ Keith Gordon, director of information services, accepted the Community Partner Bridge Builder Award. Waste Connections has been a regular sponsor of the MCYS annual golf tournament and gala as well as a participant of the MCYS annual holiday project via their annual Bike Build. In addition to their volunteer efforts, the group has donated more than $100,000 to MCYS from the Waste Connections’ annual Golf Classic for Kids. The Bridge Builder Award recognizes those who contribute their time, talent and/or treasure to MCYS during the nomination year in a way that supports and reflects the vision of being “A Child’s Bridge from Challenges Today to Achievements Tomorrow.”
A group from The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church joined 99year-young resident Warren Johnson (center) who brought his own trash-grabbing tool. The group filled 10 30gallon bags.
township greenup event attracts 900 volunteers On April 9, The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department hosted its annual GreenUp event to join the statewide effort to keep Texas beautiful in the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off. Almost 900 volunteers joined together at various parks throughout The Woodlands to help keep the community free of litter. The Township provided gloves, trashbags and grabbers for the cleanup effort. “It always amazes me how the residents of this community come together to help make The Woodlands such a special place,” said Kathie Herrick, environmental services coordinator for The Woodlands Township. “Each year, the participation grows and the event becomes more popular. We are so thankful to all those who volunteer their time to such a worthy cause.” The annual GreenUp celebration concluded at Northshore Park with entertainment that included a presentation by Jack Golden, the comical performing arts personality who helps children learn the importance of the environment. Juggling clowns on stilts also added to the festivities.
(L-R): Jill Burtner, Nina Belk, and Donna Rubli wore vintage finery.
cwjf and cancer fighters of houston “petticoats and parasols” fundraiser It was a winning day in the fight for funding cancer research and the volunteers of Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum (CWJF). Cancer Fighters of Houston’s annual fundraising luncheon was held at the Houston Racquet Club and featured the CWJF vintage style show “Petticoats and Parasols” highlighting women’s fashion and American history. The performance provided an entertaining and informative program for Cancer Fighter members. This CWJF Community Outreach program is available to community groups and can be scheduled by calling 281-379-1391. Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum is a nonprofit assistance organization and recognized chapter of Junior Forum, Inc. This growing women’s group is dedicated to providing volunteer services to the communities in North Harris and South Montgomery counties. For more information on joining or donating to CWJF, visit cwjuniorforum.org. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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(L-R): Andrea Alexander, In the Pink of Health co-chair; Sarah Dorenbach, The Rose; Aimee Friend, Judy’s Mission Ovarian Cancer Foundation; Dr. Ann Snyder, Interfaith of The Woodlands; Karey Miller Bancroft, In the Pink of Health co-chair.
MeMorial herMann in the pink of health supports local woMen’s health initiatives Memorial Hermann’s In The Pink of Health, established to raise funds to reduce the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer and assist survivors in their journey, has announced 2015 net proceeds. “We are thrilled to have raised a recordsetting $675,000, which will provide resources, treatment and support to overcome breast and ovarian cancer in our community, and support all survivors along their journey through Canopy, a Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Herman The Woodlands Hospital scheduled to open this spring,” said In the Pink of Health co-chairs Andrea Alexander and Karey Miller Bancroft. The funds will directly support local organizations that are dedicated to cancer survivorship and women’s health issues including breast and ovarian cancer. The major beneficiaries of the 2015 funds include: Cancer Survivorship – $400,000 to support Canopy, a cancer survivorship center affiliated with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital that offers a variety of classes and support groups for all cancer survivors; Interfaith Community Clinic – $55,000 to fund underserved women and support education and outreach; Judy’s Mission Ovarian Cancer Foundation – $11,000 to assist in their mission to increase awareness of ovarian cancer in Montgomery County; The Rose – $50,000 to provide access to screening, diagnostics and treatment services to any woman regard-
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less of her ability to pay; The Breast Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands – $40,000 to support educational services provided to newly diagnosed patients and radiant wraps for women who are undergoing treatment, among other things. Founded in 2001, In the Pink of Health has raised over $4 million. The 16th annual In the Pink of Health Luncheon is scheduled to take place on Oct. 14 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
MontgoMerY countY food Bank hosts food fairs As part of Montgomery County Food Bank’s (MCFB) mission to provide nutritious meals to hungry children, adults and senior citizens of Montgomery County, the group hosted a food fair at Woodforest Stadium in the Tamina community on Saturday, April 2. The event was open to any member of the community who does not have regular access to nutritional assistance. Like a market on wheels, MCFB’s food fair program is a traveling pantry that delivers nutritious food, including fresh produce and non-perishable items, provided by the food bank with the generous support of sponsors. This food fair served approximately 550 families, or about 1,100 individuals. “Being able to volunteer our time and efforts with the Montgomery County Food Bank to sponsor a food fair is an amazing opportunity to help families in need in our community,” said Jeannie Crowell, CEO of Cimarron and this food fair’s sponsor. “The food fairs couldn’t happen without the generous groups of volunteers, like Student Community Ambassadors, The John Cooper School, The Woodlands Christian Academy, The Woodlands Girls Lacrosse Team, Interact and student council groups from schools in our community. Along with many more groups they all contribute to the success of each food fair.” Interested volunteers can call Nicole at 936-539-6686. MCFB is also in need of sponVolunteers sors for future food prepare food fairs. Interested sponfor distribution. sors can call Jada at 936-271-8822. March’s food fair at Woodforest Stadium, MCFB served 2,153 individuals and 608 families. Of those served, 1,061 children went to bed with full stomachs due to the efforts of MCFB and FaithsTogether teams. MCFB’s next food fair will be on May 14 from 9:30 a.m.- noon at Ed Rinehart Park, 21845 Leonard St., New Caney For more information, to book a tour or volunteer at the MCFB facility, visit mcfoodbank.org.
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Grace Reagan
Sadie Robb
Grace Lawson
CoopeR STuDenT HeADS To CARneGIe HALL AS nATIonAL FInALIST FoR SCuLpTuRe - Grace Reagan, a junior at The John Cooper School, has earned a
Reagan’s winning sculpture "The Last Straw."
national recognition in the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a Gold Medal for her sculpture, entitled "The Last Straw." Approximately 320,000 works of art and writing were submitted to this year's competition and only the top one percent has been awarded at the national level. Reagan and her teacher, Visual Arts Department Chair Bob Mosier, have been invited to an awards ceremony at the world-famous Carnegie Hall on June 2 and will attend with students from around the country who will be recognized. Also achieving national recognition were two juniors awarded Silver Medals: Sadie Robb for her short story, "Chasing Trains," and Grace Lawson, for her photograph, entitled "Life and Liberty." Since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have recognized students in grades 7-12 from across the country. Noted recipients include Andy Warhol, Sylvia plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford, Lena Dunham and filmmaker Ken Burns, who will receive the Alumni Achievement Award this year's ceremony in New York City.
P R O M O T I O N A L
ACSI ReGIonAL JR. HIGH SpeeCH MeeT ReSuLTS - The ACSI Jr. High Regional Speech Meet took place on March 11, hosted by Rosehill Christian School. It was a great time of fun, competition and fellowship as the school welcomed 11 other schools throughout the region. Students in grades 7-8 competed in 10 different categories, and each student was allowed to enter up to four events, with a maximum of three entries per event per school. The top three presenters in each category that also scored an average rating of “superior” from all three judges received gold, silver, and bronze medals. The RCS medalists were as follows: Scripture Memorization and Application – Chloe Geil (7th grade) Gold and Kelly Bartlett (7th) Bronze; Humorous Poetry – Abby Turney (7th) Bronze; Humorous Reading – Anna Alexander (8th) Silver; Dramatic Reading – Sara Thomas (8th) Gold (perfect scores); Puppets (in teams) "Cover 2 Cover," Silver – team tembers: Amanda Delanater (8th), Caleb Salazar (8th), Samantha Strange (7th), Sara Thomas (8th) and Abby Turney (7th); and "The Kooks of Gizzard," Bronze – team members: Brooke Knighten (8th), Claire nabors (7th), Ashley Shaver
(8th) and Lela Torres (8th); Dramatic Costumed Monologue – Chloe Geil (7th) Gold and Shelby Dupree (8th) Silver; Original Speech – Sara Thomas (8th) Silver; Visual Aid – Lela Torres (8th) Silver and Brooke Knighten (8th) Bronze.
SUMMER FUN & Learning BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUSTON
Annie Perry
SAopCS STuDenT TAKeS SIxTH In SpeLLInG Bee - Annie perry, fourthgrader at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, placed sixth overall in the third through fifth grade category of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Spelling Bee. Annie advanced as the first place participant in the SAOPCS Bee, competing against the top contenders of the 51 PreK3 through eighth grade schools in the Archdiocese.
A new state-of-the-art facility opens in Katy in August 2016 serving students Pre-K through 12th grade. The purpose-built campus spans 33 acres and features modern learning spaces, numerous science labs, an aquatic center, extensive sports facilities and a performing arts center designed in collaboration with The Juilliard School in New York. With roots in the Houston community and international curricula founded on British values, the school promotes a high quality education and outstanding college placements year after year. No matter where they come from, students leave better prepared, with a global passport to their future and access to the world’s top universities. Visit the website or call to learn more! 713-319-5048 bishouston.org
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craig hartley
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ducts, hosts and broadcasts this major spelling bee competition annually. “We are so proud of all the students that competed in our spelling bee today – they’ve all worked so hard to get here,” said Lisa Trapani Shumate, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “It’s an honor to conduct and televise this highly competitive academic competition that showcases so many of their talents beyond vocabulary and grammar.” For more information on the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, visit houstonpublicmedia.org/spellingbee.
craig hartley
(L to R) Connie Hill, Houston Public Media’s director of interactive education; Lisa Shumate, HPM’s associate vice president and general manager; co-champion Nihar Janga from Austin; co-champion Shourav Dasari from McCullough Junior High in Conroe ISD; Ernie Manouse, HPM’s content producer; and Capella Tucker, HPM’s director of content. (L to R): Co-champion of the 2016 Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, Shourav Dasari, takes a celebratory photo with his parents and his proud sister Shobha Dasari, a former spelling bee champion. State Champion Paxton Martin took 1st place in Printmaking/2D Mixed Media.
SpRInG Co-CHAMpIon To CoMpeTe AT SCRIppS nATIonAL SpeLLInG Bee - After competing in 14 rounds with 53 total spellers from 42 Texas counties, Shourav Dasari, a Spring resident and seventh-grader at McCullough Jr. High in Conroe ISD, and nihar Janga, an Austin resident and fifth-grader at River Ridge Elementary in Leander ISD were awarded cochampion titles from the 2016 Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. The two spellers will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 22-27 in Washington, D.C., with an allexpenses-paid trip to “Bee Week.” “Guaguanche” was the winning word for Dasari in the Houston bee, the nation’s second-largest local spelling bee. The bee went on for more than four hours and was broadcast live on Houston Public Media TV 8 and streamed live online.
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“I’m excited and proud to represent Houston,” said Dasari. “I hope I can do my best in Washington, D.C.” This is Dasari’s second time to compete; he tied for third place in the 2014 Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. This will be the first year that Dasari competes at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, where he will be speller No. 233. He will join hundreds of contestant spellers from across the country at the 89th national bee, aiming for the victory and prizes worth more than $30,000. The bee will broadcast live nationally on ESPN during “Bee Week.” Participating spellers in the 2016 Houston Public Media Spelling Bee included 25 girls and 28 boys ranging in age from 9 to 14 and in grades third through eighth, representing 1,130 schools in Texas. As part of the organization’s commitment to education, Houston Public Media (HPM) con-
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
RCS STATe TAppS ART ReSuLTS The Rosehill Christian School (RCS) Art team had a strong showing at the TAPPS State Art Meet, which was held April 4-5 in Waco. The competition was very strong with more than 600 entries in the RCS classification. Art teacher Kathleen Hughes expressed pride in the attitude and effort demonstrated by the students, many of whom were freshmen. The team also demonstrated their servant’s hearts by volunteering to keep time for speech events, which tremendously helped not only RCS speech competitors, but the entire state speech meet. TAPPS officials running the meet repeatedly noted RCS students’ exceptional behavior, service and professionalism. As a team, RCS Art placed 12th overall out of all TAPPS 2A schools. Individual results are as follows: Printmaking/2D Mixed Media – Paxton Martin, 1st place (State Champion); Senior Portfolio – Hunter Juneau-Kepp, 4th place and Mei Ling Valdes, 8th place; Seek & Sketch (Color) – Chloe Tribe, 7th place; Photography (Color) – Chloe Christmas, Honorable Mention.
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Monica Gumina with trustee Datren Williams.
National Art Honor Society member Jack Whitney pours soup for a guest at The John Cooper School's 11th Annual Empty Bowls event.
Cooper’S empTy BoWLS projeCT raISeS reCorD amounT for hunger reLIef - The
Conroe ISD BoarD of TruSTeeS reCognIzeS STaTe ChampIonS - The Conroe Independent
John Cooper School chapter of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) hosted a successful 11th annual Empty Bowls Project on Feb. 20, raising a record-breaking $12,000 for the Interfaith Food Pantry. Dr. ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, and missy herndon, Interfaith's director of programs, attended a Lower School assembly at The John Cooper Lower School on March 2 to thank the school community and the event organizers. Lower School students create a large percentage of the handmade bowls for the event each year and Snyder shared with them the impact of their generosity. Cooper students in Prekindergarten through Grade 12, plus faculty, parents and staff, created bowls for guests to take home from the luncheon that featured a simple lunch of soup and bread and a silent art auction. Snyder shared her gratitude that over the past eight years, Cooper's Empty Bowls Project has given over $60,000 to the Interfaith Food Pantry and this year's donation brings the total to $72,000. The Imagine Render Group, a nonprofit organization, founded the Empty Bowls Projects that now take place globally.
School District Board of Trustees gave special recognition to three State Champions at the Board meeting on March 22. monica gumina, a sophomore at The Woodlands College Park High School, won the 2016 6A Girls’ 100-Yard Freestyle State Championship at the Texas Swim Center in Austin on Saturday, Feb. 20 when she finished the race in 50.21 seconds. That same day, Victoria hunt, a junior at The Woodlands College Park High School, won the 2016 6A Girls’ 100-Yard Breaststroke State Championship when she finished the race in 1:03.91 seconds. The Woodlands High School College Park principal, Dr. mark murrell, introduced these young women and her coach, rachel Banes. Also recognized at the meeting was The Woodlands High School’s Lucie nordmann who won the 2016 6A Girls’ 50-Yard Freestyle State Championship at the tournament when she finished the race in 23.09 seconds. She also won her second consecutive 6A Girls’ 100-Yard Backstroke State Championship when she finished the race in 53.34 seconds, .04 seconds faster than her 2015 state championship time. The Woodlands High School principal, gregg Colschen, introduced Lucie and her coach, Kent Kirchner. After presenting the students with their plaques, trustee Datren Williams commented, “It is such a privilege to see such fine student athletes. You represent our district in such a great way. We’d just like to say thank you.”
Victoria Hunt with trustee Datren Williams.
Lucie Nordmann with trustee Datren Williams.
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The Downtown Conroe Fire of 1911
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any of the buildings in downtown Conroe are just over 100 years old due to a devastating fire on Feb. 21, 1911 that destroyed most of the buildings downtown. They were comprised of wood, a readily available commodity, but unfortunately a fire hazard. The city's leaders were determined to quickly began rebuilding structures out of brick that still stand today. Previously, a fire in 1901 destroyed numerous wooden structures in the original town of Conroe, which had begun in the northeast quadrant where two railroad tracks intersected. The downtown area relocated after the 1901 fire to the northwest quadrant. Montgomery County built its courthouse and jail out of brick there. The Conroe Hotel Avenue Z (today Pacific Street) and the Banks Griffith & Son bank building were also constructed of brick. Businesses were constructed out of wood, including The Corner Drug Store, Capitol Drug Store, the Post Office, Madeley Meat Market, Exchange Saloon, various attorney offices and residences above the businesses. These wood structures crowded against each other along Chambers (today North Main) and Simonton streets. Aware that the buildings were too crowded, the City Council began discussions on establishing “Fire Limits” in December 1910. Concern became a reality around 1:30 a.m, Feb. 21, 1911, when a fire began in the Capitol Drug Store, a wooden structure located on Chambers Street across the street from the brick Courthouse. When the fire was discovered, an immediate alarm — the boilerfueled whistle at the Santa Fe roundhouse — went out to citizens and the volunteer fire department, which had a two-wheeled hose cart that was pulled by hand. The fire hose was immediately set up, but a lack of water pressure caused the firefight to be abandoned. A sense of panic spread through the town as desperate business owners worked to empty their wooden buildings. Northerly winds swept the majority of the fire southward along Chambers Street to Simonton Street where the fire migrated eastward toward the I&GN railroad tracks. Fire embers blown across Simonton Street spread the fire southward to the Santa Fe Railroad tracks, sparing most of the Conroe Hotel constructed of brick with a flat wood roof. Men were on top of the roof of the hotel putting out the fire with wet blankets. The fire did not impact the nearby Conroe Depot, which ironically
Buildings still standing after the 1911 fire include the Courthouse, the old bank building and where Carter Drug is now located. A historical marker in front of the Montgomery County Courthouse commemorates the fire.
burned in 1981. Businesses to the north of the Capitol Drug Store building also caught fire, basically causing the demise of that entire block of wood structures. Estimated total loss from the fire in 1911 costs was $150,000. Losses included 65 buildings, mercantile inventories and personal belongings. Much of the loss was covered by insurance except for five buildings owned by G. F. Crooke. The “Fire Limits” ordinance was adopted on February 23, 1911. It required wood buildings to have fire-proof materials cladding within one year. The ordinance was amended in March 1912 for buildings to be constructed of brick or stone. The day after the fire, salvaged inventories were for sale on the County Courthouse square and along the railroad tracks. Nick and Kate Carnochan lost their restaurant and home, but were back in business within a few days using tents erected on wood floors. Their restaurant was aptly called “The Phoenix;” it was the first business to rise from the ashes. By February 1912, 20 businesses had reopened in brick buildings. More businesses were to come. The little town of Conroe was beginning to flourish with new brick business buildings and industry. The 1911 fire in downtown Conroe and the prompt response to its destruction by Conroe residents shows the resilience of Texans as they settled, struggled and prospered in southeast Texas. Despite the tragedy, the resurrection of stately brick business buildings provides current visitors with a picture of a bygone era. These buildings have been preserved to reflect a period in the 1910s of Texas architecture in a concentrated four-block area of downtown Conroe. l
The Montgomery County Historical Commission provides the content for this page. For information on the commission and its efforts, visit montgomerycountyhistoricalcommission.com. 120
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016