Cypress, TX June 2024

2024 Men of Distinction

HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE

Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments including cutting-edge orthopedics and sports medicine care • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research

Letter from the Editor

Summer is here! It’s time to grab an ice-cold glass of sweet tea and delve into our annual issue devoted to the men in our lives, and our community!

We’re thankful for the men who make us all better. To the men who are leading by example, sharing wisdom, compassion and strength. To the men who love their families unconditionally and love their neighbors as if they were family. To the men who stand up for what they believe, because they know if you don’t, you’ll fall for anything. We thank you!

It is with so much excitement we share our 2024 Men of Distinction! We have such an eclectic, unique and remarkable group of men who are all passionate about the Cypress community.

We’re also delighted to introduce JP Clark of Texan Heartland. JP’s 100 pound weight loss journey led to the creation of his company selling a variety of handcrafted sauces and jams–you don’t want to miss this!

Our lives wouldn’t be the same without all the dads, fathers-in-law, husbands, sons.

Here’s to the men living life with integrity, giving back to the community and the next generation.

Cheers!

LAURA SANCHEZQUAN | MANAGING EDITOR

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Laura SanchezQuan

laura.sanchezquan@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Shannon Raske | shannon.raske@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Peggy Garner | cypress@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura SanchezQuan, Kaylee Dusang, Morgan Freeman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sunny Rajabi, Melonhead Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

inside the issue

Keep cooking when the power goes out.

SALES | SERVICE | MAINTENANCE

Now there’s a reliable KOHLER® generator to fit every home.

From 6 to 150 kW, our generators have compact footprints that fit comfortably on your lot. Whatever the size of your home, we’re with you. From engines to generators, we give the world power

We take your safety and security at home or work seriously. When you work with Texas Elite Generators, you can rest easy knowing you’re working with the best.

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Services Now Open

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital’s comprehensive cancer services are now open, offering radiation oncology, medication oncology, infusion and breast care. The Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Cypress, Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Cypress and Houston Methodist Infusion Center at Cypress are located in Medical Office Building 1, 24510 Northwest Freeway. Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is set for full operations in March 2025. HoustonMethodist.org/Cypress.

Photography

Fresh and Spicy: Curry Pizza House Serves India-inspired Craft Pizza

Located at 9814 Fry Road, Curry Pizza House opened in Cypress with a menu featuring over 15 specialty pizzas made with India-inspired ingredients, including curry veggie delight pizza and tandoori chicken pizza, as well as wings and salads. Their focus is on craft pizza, delicious curry flavors, and wholesome ingredients. CurryPizzaHouse.com

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Announces Date and Venue for its Festival of Trees

Cy-Fair Helping Hands announced its largest fundraiser, the Festival of Trees, is slated for November 9th at Lindsay Lakes. Attendees will wander through a magical forest of creatively adorned trees, accompanied by live music, refreshments, and an abundance of entertainment, including dinner and a silent auction. Discover sponsorship opportunities and secure your tickets now at Cy-FairHelpingHands.com.

Rick Corliss & son Chad

Elevate your

P Y

F A T H E R ’ S

D A Y !

Lenwood Sonnier & daughter Maddy

Chief Kenny Grayson & daughter Angela

Josh Gaddis & daughter Taylor

Vitality with Solcore Wellness in Cypress

Located at 11403 Barker Cypress Rd, newly opened Solcore Wellness was founded on the principles of comprehensive wellness and offers an extensive range of state-of-the-art therapies and services to help you rejuvenate, recover, and reach your optimal health. Services include cryotherapy, red light therapy, coldplunge, compression therapy, IV drip therapies and semaglutide weight loss. SolcoreWellness.com

Welch Dental Group Expands with new Cypress Location

Welch Dental Group has opened a second location in Cypress, their first having served Katy for over 30 years.

They pride themselves in providing quality family and cosmetic dentistry to all ages. Welch Dental Group provides a wide range of services: clear aligner tooth-straightening, implants to replace missing teeth, tooth whitening, sleep apnea treatment, crowns and root canals. Sedation dentistry is offered for patients who require it, and many different PPO and DMO insurance plans are accepted. WelchDentalGroup.com

Photography by Tim Kuhlman of Align Architects | Align-Architects.com

Donna’s Gifts and Decor: Something Unique for Every Occasion

Donna’s Gifts and Decor, located at 12718 Grant Road, was recently purchased by mother-daughter duo Joi and Simoane Rodgers. The charming store specializes in a delightful mix of home decor and gifts suitable for any occasion, featuring exquisite hand-crafted soy candles and unique crocheted baby blankets. Expect exciting arrivals of new items each week to add fresh charm to your shopping experience.  Instagram. com/DonnasGiftsDecor

Our 2024 Men of Distinction

READER NOMINATED CYPRESS MEN MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH PHILANTHROPY, BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNNY RAJABI | SUNBURST PHOTOGRAPHY

Trey Patterson Owner & Dentist, Towne Lake Dentistry

I was born and raised in Houston. After graduating from Texas A&M University I completed dental school and residency in San Antonio. Since then I have been practicing dentistry in Cypress. I started Towne Lake Dentistry in 2020 and have the privilege of practicing daily with my sister, Dr. Lynsey Hackler. My wife, Kathryn, and I are parishioners at Christ the Redeemer and are the proud parents to two girls and a newborn boy.

What was your first professional job and how did it influence who you are today?

I was a dental assistant while in college. It allowed me to get comfortable with patients in pain and allowed me to see the positive influence that a dentist can have on patients.

What positive influences did you have growing up?

My mom influenced me as a child by encouraging me to be involved in many activities and to excel in my academics.

How is Towne Lake Dentistry positively impacting the community?

We are able to serve all ages for preventive or cosmetic care. I have seen kids younger than 1 and as old as 98 in one week!

What is your favorite thing about living/working in Cypress?

Cypress is a very diverse community with a very polite community. Even though we all come from different upbringings everyone gets along great and has an easy going nature.

TowneLakeDentistry.com

Adeeb Khalfe, Ph.D

Owner, Movement Evolution

I’m the owner of Movement Evolution, a strength and Conditioning Specialist, and serve as a Team Physical Therapist for the Houston Texans. I am also Lead Faculty at the Institute for Athlete Regeneration, where I travel the country to teach courses on dry needling, manual therapy, and advanced sports rehab to chiropractors, athletic trainers, and physios.

I’m a native Houstonian, went to Baylor University, and then got my doctorate in physical therapy from Angelo State University. In 2020, I opened Movement Evolution, a private practice in Cypress where we specialize in helping athletes and active adults workout and play sports without pain. My wife and I love the Cypress area and have a two year old son who keeps us on our toes!

What was your first professional job and how did it influence who you are today?

One of my first jobs was actually working at a change to: T-Mobile store. I learned some valuable communication skills there, which translate into my ability to connect with people in my current role. Every job can offer valuable lessons and personal growth opportunities.

What positive influences did you have growing up?

My parents and extended family. My parents moved from Africa to America in 1986. They had a strong work ethic but always put family first and were very active in the community; all of this gave me a great foundation of values. Growing up playing sports instilled a discipline in me that I will always have. Every coach and teammate taught me something valuable, not only as an athlete, but as a person.

How is Movement Evolution positively impacting the community?

We are not your typical physical therapy clinic. We don’t care about your insurance, or whether you’ve met your deductible. We care about the person who walks in the door. We focus on getting to know you, making you feel better quickly, and then bridging the gap between strength and conditioning rehab, and sports/performance.

Whenever we hear about a client scoring a goal after months of knee pain, or a mom who is able to run around with her kids again because she doesn’t have back pain anymore; these are the positive impacts we strive to make in the community.

At the end of the day, I want Movement Evolution to be Change to: Cypress’ primary care provider for musculoskeletal issues-–hearing success stories always makes our work worth it!

MovementEvo.com

I grew up in Amarillo and attended Texas Tech. My wife, Kris, and I moved to Cypress in 1998. She went to work as a fourthgrade teacher, and I was hired as a teacher/coach at Cy-Falls High School. Our daughters, Katelyn and Karlee, attended school from kindergarten through high school in CFISD. Both are college graduates of Texas Tech University; Katelyn works in the Cancer Research Lab at the University and Karlee is graduating from Nursing School in August. My wife is retired from education and is an owner of Cypress based My Simply Chic boutique. After coaching at Cypress Falls HS from 1998 to 2015, I moved into the CFISD Athletic Department as an Associate Athletic Director. After 30 years in education I will be retiring in June and going to work for the Cypress based business consulting firm TVI MarketPro3 and CEO Will Allen. It has come full circle for me, as Will is a former player from Cypress Falls. What positive influences did you have growing up?

Kirk Eaton

Associate Athletic Director, CFISD

My biggest influences in my life were my parents, Mac and Shirley. My dad was the first college graduate in his family and went on to work as a Federal Agent and retired as a county judge. My mom is one of the most positive people I’ve ever been around and like her I am a true optimist. I’ve grown the most as a person because of my wife and daughters. I understand more than I thought I ever could about love, grace, and mercy because of them. What is the best advice you’ve received and who was it from?

Some of the best advice I ever received was from former CFISD Superintendent Mark Henry. We were discussing how big the scope of our job was in the Cypress community. He told me the key was to make sure all people matter in CFISD. It feels like our world is becoming more cynical and divided every day. Once I stopped worrying about a person’s political alignments, background, or differences my experiences started changing. I began to be a servant leader that effected more change for those around me. How is role with CFISD positively impacting the community?

CFISD Athletics oversees 14,000 student athletes, 700 coaches, and over 4,000 athletic events. Our department has established a foundation centered around academic excellence, athletic excellence, and community support. Athletics in our community is more than just a game, it is about using competition to teach “life” to our student athletes.

@steel_coach

I am a native Texan from San Antonio and lived four years in Corpus Christi before moving to Houston in 1982.  I have lived in the Cypress area since 1985. I have a BS in Business and Commerce from the University of Houston-Downtown and an MBA in Financial Management from Westwood College

My beautiful best friend and wife Liz and I have two grown children and five grandchildren.  The grands range in age from 17 to 2-1/2. They keep us busy and we love attending all their events.

I have had several careers including 21 years in the industrial safety distribution sector as VP of Quality & Operations for North America; 3 years as Plant Manager in a high-end graphic packaging business; Ten years in higher-education as a college Campus President and Regional VP and serving Cypress as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for the past 11 years.

Liz and I are very active at Cornerstone Methodist Church where we have served since 1997.  I currently serve on the board

Rick Skinner Financial Advisor,  Edward Jones

for the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce and served the previous seven years on the board for Shield Bearer Counseling Centers.

What positive influences did you have growing up?

Some of my most influential people in my life growing up were my Dad, Mom and Grandmother and several coaches. My Dad never said go make straight A’s or be the star athlete but always do your best in everything you do and I continue to live by that advice and I shared it with my children and grandchildren. It has served me well.

What is the best advice you’ve received and who was it from?

In line with what my Dad shared with me, the best advice I received early in my career was from the famous coach Lou Holtz. 1) Do the Right Thing 2) Do the Very Best You Can 3) Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated.  My best lessons in life are patience and perseverance. Never give up.

How is your role with Edward Jones positively impacting the community?

At Edward Jones our purpose is to partner for positive impact - to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. I love what I do to help people reach their goals and improve their lives and those who they love.

What is your favorite thing about living/working in Cypress?

The people of our awesome community. It has a small town feel even though we are approaching a million people in this unincorporated area of northwest Houston. We love it here. No matter where we go, we run into people we know.   EdwardJones.com

Jonathan Chang

Pastor of Discipleship, Cypress Bible Church

I’m a son of Taiwanese immigrants and love all things Houston, pop culture, and authentic Chinese food. My wife is Jennifer and we have two children, Jade (16) and Jonathan (14). I like to call myself an old school ‘Cypress-ian’ as I grew up in Ravensway and went the route of Wee-Wuns, Millsap, Arnold, and Cy-Fair. The only time that I have been away from Cypress was to attend Baylor University. I received my Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2017 and am beginning the process of entering into doctoral studies from the same. What positive influences did you have growing up?

My dad, Francis Chang, is a significant influence in my life. He showed me why and how a consistent walk with Jesus gives you strength to navigate life. He showed me the importance of loving your wife in a selfless manner and that being a parent was hard work, but worthy work in how he helped raise me and my two sisters. He demonstrated to me the importance of having a good character along with a strong work ethic. What is the best advice you’ve received and who was it from?

My friend Jack Martin challenged me over fifteen years ago that when being part of a church (even the local community) our purpose isn’t only take or consume, but to serve and help build-up. That resonated with me and transformed the way I approach and think about life.

Recently, this season of life has had its ups and downs, but my friend Mike McGinty (a missionary to Japan) encouraged me with the Japanese phrase, “Ippo Ippo” This means step-by-step. Everything in life is about taking little steps instead of huge leaps. Little steps eventually

become the size of huge leaps. Trust that God will lead you and guide you, step-by-step.

How is your role as Discipleship Pastor at Cypress Bible Church positively impacting the community?

Having lived in Cypress my whole life, I truly feel comfortable asking friends and strangers; “How is your soul?” As a pastor (with many shortcomings) I truly try to emulate how Jesus would love people and live among people. That is why it is important to me to not just ask the stereotypical, superficial questions.

What is your favorite thing about living/working in Cypress?

I love that I am still living and serving in my hometown. I have loved watching Cypress grow in size and diversity while still maintaining the feeling of being a small town (especially the food scene). I believe God’s calling for me to work at Cypress Bible Church allows me to minister in a community that I love deeply.  CypressBible.org

What was your first professional job and how did it influence who you are today?

When I was first hired as a teller, initially, it was just a different kind of job…new challenges and vocabulary. But I learned pretty quickly that I liked it and there were opportunities to grow. I also liked the professional environment and wearing slacks, dress shoes, and a dress shirt to work. After several months in that position, my boss went on vacation for a week. When she came back, she had a mountain of things on her desk to catch up on. I took the initiative to learn and she taught me a lot. The next time she went on vacation, she came back to a much smaller pile of things. Later that year, she nominated me to the management training program, and that was the start of my 27-year career in financial services.  The biggest lessons I learned; make yourself indispensable, take the initiative, look for gaps and provide solutions, and work harder and longer than others…those lessons have served me well throughout my life.

What positive influences did you have growing up?

I had the best parents possible…very smart, kind, multi-talented, hard-working, and good role models.  They encouraged creativity,

Cameron Dickey

President & CEO, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union

individuality, and self-confidence while giving us a framework of love, right and wrong, empathy and faith. My parents were examples of people who worked hard, stretched themselves by trying new things, and had strong work ethics.  They also questioned things, pushed for changes when needed, and helped people when they were struggling. My Mom and Dad and all that they taught us are absolutely the biggest positive influences in my life.

How is your role at Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union positively impacting the community?

I have the honor of leading Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution owned by our account holders.  Our organizational vision statement is to; “Write good into the life stories of those around us.”  While the actual vocabulary of that vision is only about five years old, the underlying values of empathy, community engagement, and recognizing that every person has a story that we can positively impact with intentionality and kindness… that has been a part of CFFCU from the very beginning. This is what makes Cy-Fair FCU such a positive force for good in our community.

What is your favorite thing about living/working in Cypress?

Cypress is a BIG area with a lot of people, but it has some wonderful qualities that feel like a small town. My kids and I have said repeatedly over the last eleven years, moving to Cypress changed our lives in so many positive ways.  After eleven years in Cypress and at Cy-Fair FCU, my favorite thing about living and working here is that I no longer know where the credit union’s vision and my own personal vision diverge.  They’ve become one and the same…to write good into the life stories of those around us.

CyFairFCU.org

We extend a special thanks to Paul Miller and The Union Kitchen Towne Lake Boardwalk for hosting our photoshoot. TheUnionKitchen.com

Bringing Saucy Back - Yeah!

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

The Love of Tex-Mex Sparks a Healthy Salsa

After seeing himself in pictures from his step-daughters wedding in July of 2022, JP Clark knew something had to change. At over 340 pounds, JP’s favorite daily ritual was eating 2-3 breakfast tacos at Mex Taco House in Cypress. But as JP made changes to his lifestyle, including exercising and eating more healthily--he also gave up the daily breakfast tacos.  “As I neared 100 pounds in my weight loss journey, I wanted to bring the tacos back into my life. I started making tacos at home... but I missed the red sauce from Mex Taco House.” JP recalls. “One day I went back and asked them what the sauce was called, and they told me it's an Arbol sauce."  Even though he didn't really enjoy cooking he immediately began researching and experimenting. It took numerous attempts to create the recipe he loved. Excited, he put some in his wife’s Tupperware, took it to work and shared it with his colleagues who had traditionally visited Mex Taco House with him every week. They came back the next day with glowing and excited reviews from their families.

JP made another batch, this time, putting it in the bottles he had purchased on Amazon–rather than continuing to give away his wife's Tupperware! His plan was to give it away to his co-workers again and even told his wife he had no plans to sell it. But about 15 minutes later, he posted a picture on Facebook in the Cypress Area Foodies And Fooding group; sharing how great Mex Taco House's Arbol sauce is, and how he was proud of what he’d made. That post ended up having several people asking to buy it.

“The next morning, on July 3, 2023 (exactly one year and one day after he realized he needed to lose weight), JP woke up at 4am, thinking; “Okay... I'll sell it.” With a professional background in compliance as well as being a stickler for doing things right, he formally started a business and went through the process of learning and meeting all the required regulations.

“I

think the first and most important thing I want people to know is how grateful we are for our customer’s patronage thus far.”

Naming his LLC. Texan Heartland because; “it inspires the traditional values and essence of Texas. It creates a sentiment of home, family, and friends.” JP shares. A couple days later JP sold his first two bottles to a stranger–who is now a friend–in an HEB parking lot. “I still have that $20 bill taped to the back wall of my desk!”

Encouraged by the exceptionally positive feedback from that first customer, JP sold his sauce to friends and co-workers and would talk about it everywhere he went…at the dry cleaners, the auto shop, the grocery store.  After changing jobs in August of that year, his market base  suddely disappeared. Heeding the advice of his very first customer, he participated in his first farmers market–the Bridgeland Farmers Market in September 2023 where he sold his 100th bottle.  “By early January of this year we sold our 1,000th bottle, and last month, we sold our 2,000th.” JP said.

Originally it was JP doing all of the cooking, and his wife helped with the farmers markets. Expanding to two booths this year, he has also been able onboard someone to share the workload amidst their growth. “Now the goal is to take the operation commercially so we can ship our products, and sell wholesale to restaurants and other vendors.” JP says.

“I think the first and most important thing I want people to know is how grateful we are for our customer's patronage thus far.” JP shares.  “Our customers have many choices, both from other farmers market vendors as well as in the grocery stores.  We have a good product, but so does virtually all of our competition,” JP acknowledges. “If we can honor the trust the public places in us–and treat our customers with the respect we ourselves would want to be treated–then I think we have the recipe for a successful business.”

TexanHeartland.com

Tee Time with Jack Golf

Five

STAFF WRITER

Jack Golf is a lifestyle apparel company created by five friends and former-athletes who got sick of overpriced and dull golf apparel. Jack Golf aims to provide the best quality apparel with style. They’re bringing something creative, stylish and affordable to the game of golf; polos, visors, golf towels and head covers.

“It all started out when Cameron hand stitched a hat in his garage; and then wore it to the golf course the next day. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. After a few cocktails at our favorite Mexican restaurant, we decided to create Jack Golf Apparel.” recalls Brandon.

Friends' Fresh Take on Golf Apparel

ARTICLE BY CYPRESS

LIFESTYLE

Jack Golf Fall Big Tex Polo

Jack Golf Diamond Derrick Polo in Navy

The friend group of five all played college athletics including baseball, football and golf. Each carrying a competitive nature, golf is how they continue to stay competitive and connected in life and with each other. Founding owners are Brandon Finken, Cameron Goff, Seth Patterson, A.J. Ferries and Jeff Welch.  All five men are happily married with a combined nine children between the five families. The men of Jack Golf extend a special tribute of gratitude to their wives. “Without these women in our lives we would all be nothing. Here’s to you Carson Finken, Laura Goff, Ashley Patterson, Cassie Ferries and Kate Welch for letting us pursue our dreams and passions.”

JackGolfApparel.com

Jack Golf Uno Club Cover

Jack Golf Bluebonnet Hat in Maroon, also available in maroon and orange.

2

DR. LYNSEY HACKLER

DR. TREY PATTERSON

a Summer EMBARK ON ADVENTURE

Pack your bags, hit the road, and make memories that will last a lifetime

ARTICLE BY MORGAN FREEMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELONHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Schools out and summer is here. If your kids are already complaining about being bored or can’t get their faces away from the screens, it might be time to shake things up. Cypress Lifestyle is ready to deliver the adventure! We took a short roadtrip to Lake Conroe in search of some family-friendly adventures your kids will be talking about for the rest of the summer.

SAIL THE HIGH SEAS OF LAKE CONROE ON THE JOLLY PIRATE SHIP

A single mast stands out against the sky when you make the turn off Highway 105 and peer down the road toward the water. This is the moment your kids will point and yell that they can see it. A pirate ship awaits, moored in the harbor, its flapping skull and bones flag promising a day of adventure.

Inside the shop where passage may be purchased, pirate goodies hang upon the wall. If you’ve come dressed for your voyage like foolish land lovers, then eye patches, hooks, pointed hats, swords (of the foam variety), coin purses, beards, and even full costumes are available to buy and make your own.

Once you have secured passage, your party of adventures will make their way across the floating dock to board the Jolly Pirate Ship itself. Be sure to point out all the piratical details to the younger sailors: rope

ladders, crow’s nest, bright yellow port holes, rifles lining the ship’s upper deck, and, of course, the captain’s wheel.

After your cruise is underway, you’ll be off on a search for the treasure hidden by Isaac Conroe, the town and lake’s namesake. While I don’t want to spoil too much of what awaits you on the seas, you can expect a rambunctious pirate crew, cannon fire, mermaids, a duel, and perhaps even someone walking the plank.

The Jolly Pirate Ship Adventure, created by 1097 Watersports, is located at 14970 Hwy 105 W Montgomery, TX 77356. During the summer months, the ship sails every day except Monday. Tickets are $47 for children, $37 for adults, and children under two years of age are free. For those voyagers over the age of 21, two drinks are included. All other sailors have access to unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. 1097Watersports.com/JollyPirate

TAKE A TRIP TO MARGARITAVILLE

Margaritaville might not be the first place you think of when brainstorming locations where the whole family can enjoy themselves, but Lake Conroe’s recreational resort has just as much fun to offer kids as it does adults.

When you enter the lobby, don’t forget to look up. A chandelier constructed from Margarita glasses hangs from the ceiling. The bright Key West colors, enormous flip-flop sculpture, and tropical plants immediately spark the anticipation of the fun to come. Word of warning, your kids will see the water slides and giant splash bucket on your way in, so that will probably be your first stop after you check in or purchase your day pass.

With the hotel to your back, head left, and you’ll find three pool areas where the whole family can have a blast together. A splash zone boasts two water slides perfect for smaller kiddos, and a giant bucket that pours heaps of water down on those lucky enough to be standing underneath. The next pool over features two large water slides for those families looking for a thrill. Don’t worry. There are chairs and cabanas available at this pool for parents to watch over their kid’s twentieth time down the slides. Once your family is ready for a break, between these two pools, you’ll find a lazy river perfect for whiling away the day.

Insider tip: If you need a break from the afternoon sun, there is an arcade located inside that has excellent air conditioning.

Margaritaville also offers plenty of opportunities for you to get beyond its shores and out onto the lake. Kayaks, paddle boats shaped like flamingos or pelicans, and boats are available for rental. You can also take a sunset cruise on their party barge.

Margaritaville Lake Resort is located at 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, Texas 77356. Day Passes can be purchased for $59 a person (children under five are complimentary). The day pass includes access to water parks, pools, a private beach, an arcade, mini golf, and sporting courts. For more information on the resort, visit: MargaritavilleResorts.com

HIT THE WATER WITH LAKE CONROE BOAT RENTALS

Having a blast on the water takes the lead in Lake Conroe's list of activities, and there's something for everyone, even if you don't have your own boat! Numerous boat rental services in the area cater to weekenders and vacationers alike.

Check out these options:

1. Freedom Boat Club Lake Conroe and Nautical Boat Club: These membership-based boating clubs grant you reservation privileges to a diverse range of boats, minus the hassles of ownership.

2. Nauti-Dayz and Jet-Ski Lake Conroe: Rent various types of boats and jet skis on a daily basis.

3. North Lake Conroe Paddling Co.: Offers kayak rentals and guided tours, including wildlife-spotting trips along the serene northern shores of Lake Conroe .

If your kids are already complaining about being bored or can’t get their faces away from the screens, it might be time to shake things up.

Art Therapy

Art therapy helps people to use creativity and selfexpression to support their mental health.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves atthesame time.”

- Thomas Merton

“Art allows us to engage our senses and connect with our most authentic self”

- Amy C

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

-

VARIOUS DATES IN JUNE AND JULY

Kidtastic Park Summer Camps

Kidtastic Park | 25410 Highway 290, Suite B-8 | 9:00 AM

Summer Camps offer a unique blend of educational activities and exciting adventures. Engage your child’s curiosity through our diverse curriculum, including Reading/Writing, Math/Science, Art, and Critical Thinking. Our experienced instructors create a stimulating and nurturing environment where children can develop new skills, explore their interests, and make lasting memories. KidtasticPark.com

JUNE 15TH

Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour

Memorial City Mall | 10:00 AM

Barbie is living the dream and cruising to a city near you! Come check out the new Dreamhouse Living Tour with exclusive merch only available on the Barbie Truck Tour! Memorial City Mall near California Pizza Kitchen between 10am-7pm. Facebook.com/BarbieTruckTour

JUNE 15TH

Geroge Strait: The King at Kyle Field

Kyle Field | 161 Wellborn Rd, College Station | 6:30 PM

George Strait to headline concert at Kyle Field featuring Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman. The only Texas tour stop! 12thMan.com

JUNE 15TH-28TH

Vacation Bible School

Various Cypress Churches | 9:00 AM

Lots of fun and adventure for pre-school and elementary-aged kids, check out these offerings in the community for VBS this month. Second Baptist Church | June 15-18 | Second.org, Cypress Bible Church | June 24-28 | Cypress Bible.org, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church | June 17 - 21 | Goodchurch.us/VBS, St. Aiden’s Episcopal Church | June 24 - 28 | AidansChurch.org

JUNE 17TH-20TH

West Stables Summer Camp

West Stables | 12300 West Drive | 9:00 AM

Summer camp full of horseback riding adventures and wild activities! Activities include: Riding horses of course, learning horsemanship and safety, bracelet making, bathing horses, competitions and contests, water games and more. Ages 5 and up. Monday- Thursday 9-1pm. WestStables.com

JUNE 22ND

Momma-Palooza

Spring Chateau | 4010 Farm to Market 2920 | 12:00 PM

Join fellow moms for a special community event. Enjoy workshops, speakers, and activities tailored to your needs, along with the chance to support local women-owned businesses. A day of connection, empowerment, and fun, all for free! Momma-Palooza is an event for moms by moms to showcase resources, services, businesses, and products that will enrich the lives of families and moms. MommaPaloozaHouston@gmail.com