Welcome to the premier issue of Porter City Lifestyle, a publication showcasing the thriving community you know and love.
I am excited to assist in providing content of all things local in the New Caney/Porter area. I have lived in a few places throughout my life, but the New Caney/Porter area has always been home. I am continually amazed at the growth I have witnessed over the past few years. We are no longer a city with one, tiny Walmart. The growth has brought many beautiful things to our community including new freeways, schools, boutiques, restaurants, and a stadium with a jumbotron! Our community is full of hardworking people supporting local businesses. I am excited to be a fan on the sidelines as our community grows and flourishes.
Each month, we will strive to be your go-to source for inspiring stories highlighting people and places you may know. As you explore each issue, we hope to bring back that small-town feeling of family and community. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Now go out and make this an October to remember!
STACY LEACH, EDITOR @PORTERCITYLIFESTYLEOctober 2023
PUBLISHER
Rachel Burk | rachel.burk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Stacy Leach | stacy.leach@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Sister Sister Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery
Freedom Plumbing & Drain is your 24-hour full-service Houston area plumber. Our plumbers provide all kinds of plumbing services to homeowners and businesses. No job is too big for us. No other plumbing company comes close to our quality and professionalism! At Freedom Plumbing & Drain, our qualified techs can take care of any of your residential and/or commercial plumbing needs including:
· Plumbing Repairs
· Replacements Installations
· New Construction
· Remodeling Re-piping
Our friendly, professional and informed staff is ready to schedule your service call and assist you with any questions you may have.
Matt was incredibly personal and helpful throughout the entire process. He fixed the issue, kept true to his word on price and kept us in the loop throughout the project! Sometimes “plumber talk” can be over your head and he was patient and educated us on the issue and the repairs so we felt comfortable with the investment! All around incredible and will continue to use him in the future!“
- Courtney Cogan
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @portercitylifestyle
Hey there! Let me introduce myself. My name is Angela Hare. I am a dual certified Nurse Practitioner and owner and operator of Pout Medspa Angela LaVelle. I offer white glove aesthetic services in convenient locations, as well as the privacy of your own home. I have been in the medical field for over 16 years, with a background in cardiology, intensive care, and hospital medicine. My passion has always been, and continues to be, to help people. I started Pout Medspa Angela LaVelle two years ago and have had so much fun getting to know all of my patients. I am a wife, mother to two beautiful girls, and workout enthusiast. I enjoy being outdoors, trying new foods, concerts, and traveling.
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Kingwood Emergency Hospital is now Elite Hospital Kingwood. The new name represents the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality, personalized emergency, acute hospital care and outpatient services that meet the unique needs of each patient. Elite Hospital Kingwood is locally owned and operated, and proudly serves the Northeast Houston community. The same dedicated team of professionals will continue to provide the full scope of emergency services to adults and children, inpatient medical care as well as outpatient imaging and laboratory services.
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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Porter
Rachel Burk Porter City Lifestyle Publisher Heather Moeller | US Health Advisors
Edward Jones | Financial Advisors edwardjones.com
Anne Vickery & Associates Realty avaarealty.com
Dryer Vent Authority houstondryerventauthority.com
The Mint National Bank themint.bank
Neon Blonde Parlour neonblondeparlour.com
The Highlands by Caldwell Communities thehighlands.com
Joslin Construction joslinconstruction.com
thReading Designs & Remodeling threadingdesigns.com
Joslin Development Group joslindevelopmentgroup.com
Freedom Plumbing and Drain Services LLC freedomplumbingdrain.com
Dreambuilder Homes dreambuilderhomestexas.com
Elite Emergency Hospital elitekingwood.com
Rhoden Real Estate
Frazier’s Remodeling fraziersremodeling.com
Innovative Mortgage Jeff Hartman McIlroy Insurance mcilroyinsurancegroup.com
PuroClean of Kingwood puroclean.com
LTW Travel LLC ltwtraveldesign.com
Pout MedSpa poutmedspa.com
Childress Ranch Estates is the most recent development of Joslin Development Group. Nestled in the rolling hills of Washington County, we’ve created the premier gated community of acreage estates. Childress Ranch Estates is made up of forty-five 2+acre lots, giving privacy and seclusion in a world where it lacks. Passing through the grand, gated entryway, you’ll drive along the rolling, paved road to your home.
The 2024 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for health insurance begins November 1, 2023 and ends January 15, 2024. If you're an individual or a small business (starting at 2+ employees), reach out to Porter City Lifestyle's trusted health insurance advisors: Heather Moeller 713254-4045 or Chris McIlroy https:// mcilroyinsurancegroup.com/
When you step inside this dreamy custom home, you will be transported to a place of rest and relaxation. The beautiful and luxurious modern farmhouse was completed by Dreambuilder Homes earlier this summer and is currently for sale. Situated on more than 2 acres, this property is an oasis of solitude and serenity.
Dreambuilder Homes is a family-owned, local custom home builder rooted in a solid foundation of honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
ARTICLE BY KATELYN VOELKEL
With a track record going back over twenty years, they continue to prove their ability to provide custom building solutions that meet the unique needs and dreams of each of their clients.
The Dreambuilder Home family still lives in the same area where they grew up, and takes great pride in improving their community, along with many others in the Greater Houston Area and East Texas. With two decades of experience, they are experts in plan development, design and construction. Their latest project is proof of their dedication to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail!
This gorgeous 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom modern farmhouse is the perfect place to raise a family. Stepping through the solid wood, custom front doors, you're greeted by warm, hardwood flooring throughout most of the home, but elegant tile flooring in all the bathrooms and laundry room has been selected for that special touch. The premium shaker cabinetry and marbled quartz countertops are just some of the many luxurious touches
that make this home truly special. Gold and matte black fixtures add a touch of sophistication to every room. Attention to detail and unique design elements complement perfectly with the floor plan to provide a truly stunning space.
The master bathroom is what dreams are made of! With double vanities including tons of storage space, exquisite tile in the oversized shower, a large freestanding soaker tub, and premium gold fixtures, no detail was spared to turn this master bathroom into a work of art. A true adult sanctuary when needed!
“The Dreambuilder Home family still lives in the same area where they grew up, and takes great pride in improving their community, along with many others in the Greater Houston Area and East Texas.”
This home boasts a beautiful open floor plan with a kitchen built for entertaining, including a concealed walk-in pantry next to the refrigerator. The gold, touch-activated faucet makes clean up a breeze which pours into a coveted deep farmhouse sink. The custom-built cabinets, beautifully crafted by Texas Built Cabinets, were painted with Sherwin Williams Green Onyx and provide ample storage space for all your kitchen needs. Last, but not least, the large kitchen island offers additional seating space and is the perfect place to gather all your family and friends and enjoy their company whenever the season is right.
With a 1.5 story floor plan, this home also includes a bonus room with a full bathroom above the oversized garage! It is the perfect space for a workout room, children's play room, or bunk room.
Dreambuilder Homes is blessed to have some of the best trade partners in the industry and their team is committed to making their clients' dreams come true. They are currently building two custom homes for local families and you can keep up with their progress on Instagram and Facebook!
Montgomery County playing sports, which allowed him to learn the virtues of coaching and teamwork from a young age, and it’s reflected in his commitment to his community. With the continued growth seen over the past ten years, the commissioner’s job is one of patience, planning, and performance.
The sound of footprints break the silence as he steps towards the turf. No one else is present; just the coach and his field. Deliberating over the upcoming season, he is filled with hope that the team will show up ready to plan, practice, and perform. Coaching is an opportunity to pour into those ready for molding… and patience, along with steadfastness, is key. Commissioner Matt Gray grew up in East
Commissioner Gray is no stranger to the development that Porter and New Caney has seen since his childhood. Driving to Humble for dining and shopping was the norm, because EMC lacked the opportunity Humble afforded with places like Deerbrook Mall, Chili’s, or Asian City. He played EMC sports, as most children from the community do, and learned teamwork and goals. After graduating from New Caney High School, Commissioner Gray was accepted to Sam Houston State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and earned a Project Management Professional accreditation.
“My love and desire for East Montgomery County to be a resilient county for my kids to live, work, and play is the legacy I want to leave.”
Commissioner Matt Gray steps up to the plate
During a successful career in the oil and gas industry, his position taught him how to plan global multimillion-dollar projects and manage dayto-day operations. He credits his O&G experience as the reason he’s able to successfully complete the day-to-day operations as County Commissioner in a business fashion.
“I have deep roots in this area, and I was told at a young age to go out and make a difference. My love and desire for East Montgomery County to be a resilient county for my kids to live, work, and play is the legacy I want to leave.”
Commissioner Gray still feeds his virtues of patience, planning, and performance with active hobbies such as fishing and hunting, but since adding a family to the mix, you may also see him on the sidelines at an EMCSA little league game wearing a coach’s hat, jogging around the neighborhood, or maybe enjoying some chips and queso from La Casita in Porter.
In his experience, leaving his hometown to venture off to college, then learning to navigate life in the real world is something Commissioner Gray believes every young adult should try. Experiencing the change needed to thrive in a new city, with new surroundings, and different vibes will inevitably cause growth… and growth is what is needed to flourish in most any life scenario.
Porter and New Caney are flourishing now! This community is estimated to double in size over the next ten years, and the local officials must plan for what will be needed in 50 years to address the future for success. As one of the most prevalent and important tasks to date for many in our community, Commissioner Gray approved a drainage study for Precinct 4 (Porter, New Caney, and some surrounding areas). When completed, this project will identify areas prone to flooding and provide a drainage mitigation plan for the county drainage crews to implement. After the devastation of Harvey in 2017 was realized, the area then experienced more flooding from a random Tuesday rainstorm in 2019 that may have caused more damage to some than Harvey. This study will allow the county to identify those specific flood-prone locations and ensure steps are taken to execute an effective drainage plan for years to come.
Commissioner Gray is 'coaching' EMC to be great. He is reviewing the current state of our community, creating a plan for the expected growth, and focusing on current projects that need immediate attention. He is also a family man that loves spending time with his wife and kids. He’s a great example to them, and to every reader of hard work, persistence, dedication, planning, and performance. His virtues of effort have also resulted in the opportunity to look back on what he's been able to accomplish thus far and see the molding of a growing and thriving community.
Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.
• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.
• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.
• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.
• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”
• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”
• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”
• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”
• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”
Read on for some of Chef Kyle’s favorite recipes.
Yield: 6 servings
• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin
• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice
• Salt, pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.
4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.
5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.
6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.
9. Serve and enjoy!
CHEF NOTES:
• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.
• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Yield: 6-10 servings
• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed
• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.
4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
6. Enjoy.
8 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE
ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDAEvery woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.
It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.
Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.
Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.
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The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!
Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.
Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.
Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.
Our team has one goal in mind when you sit down. We want you to leave feeling better than when you arrived. NBP is all about self-love, confidence, and having fun in the meantime. Through continuing education and our passion for hair, we promise to always leave you in great hands! We offer a variety of services:
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Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.
Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.
Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup iced cold water
Filling:
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Caramel sauce
• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans
Crust:
(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)
Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.
Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONESThis take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sliced sourdough bread
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces Brie, sliced
• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam
• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced
• Arugula
• Thinly sliced ham, optional
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
New Caney Community Market
VALLEY RANCH TOWN CENTER | 11:00 AM
Opened the 1st and 3rd Sunday from 11AM-3PM. Shop from over 60 local vendors that offer produce, meats, honey, baked goods, artisan made goods and so much more! newcaneymarket.com
OCTOBER 12TH
Commissioner Matt Gray’s Round Up
GRAY’S ROUND UP BULL SALLAS PARK | 5:30 PM
Family friendly event with special guest Sundance Head. Meal included with your $10 ticket. Doors open at 5 PM. Please visit www.mattgraypct4.com for tickets.
OCTOBER 14TH
Autumn Jubilee
BULL SALLAS PARK | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00 AM
This fun-filled event features a variety of activities for the whole family! Get to know your community and participate in the Cornhole Tournament, Silent Auction, Car Show, Chili Cookoff & Pumpkin Contest. There will be line dancing, square dancing, martial arts and more! Carnival hours are 9AM-3PM
OCTOBER 20TH
26452 SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD, PORTER, TX | 7:00 PM
Kick off the Fall concert series with The Fab 5 - The Beatles Tribute Band. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out on their social media for more information on more events. backpewbrewing.com
OCTOBER 21ST
EMCID's Tricks & Treats Fall Fair
22296 MARKET PLACE DRIVE, STE. 100, NEW CANEY, TX | 10:00 AM
Fall Fair returns for the second year. Shop local vendors, pick your perfect pumpkin from over a selection of 2,000, wander through the haunted house and more! This is a FREE event from 10AM - 4PM and will be a scary good time.
OCTOBER 21ST
21875 ZION DR., PORTER, TX 77365 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Come out and celebrate the community’s 200-acre nature preserve. There will be live music, food and drinks, Fall family activities and prizes. RSVP thehighlandspartyinthepreserve.eventbrite.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Porter
SUMMIT SCOUT PROGRAM
FOOD & DRINKS
SATURDAY, OCT. 21 | 11 AM-2 PM
WALKING & BIKE
PAVILION
FALL FAMILY ACTIVITIES
We are celebrating! Our community’s 200-acre nature preserve is now open and full of exciting things to explore! That means great fun in the great outdoors for the whole family! Discover the wonders of The Preserve, from lakes to trails, and more. Plus, tour models by 13 esteemed builders and come home to The Highlands, where life shines brighter.
R SVP thehighlandspartyinthepreserve.eventbrite.com
I grew up thinking there was nothing special about Porter/New Caney. However, now that I'm older and raising my children here, I see all the things that make it unique and worthy. Plus, there's joy in the nostalgia of what once was.
When I'm running on fumes, a Chocolate Abuelita from Sweet Lattes by Gaby is my go-to. If you haven't had her coffee, you are missing out! Any day of the week, I'll take chips and queso from La Casita. You don't have to ask me twice. When I'm not out meeting the folks that make our community so great, you can probably find me in Hawaii. It's my safe haven. I'm also an adventure seeker, I like to do something new and exciting on every trip. Hiking is my release - it's about the journey, not the end... Proof to myself that I am strong and courageous. My husband and I enjoy live music and traveling to new venues to listen. Which brings me to my most valuable position - not magazine owner or traveler: it's Mom.
This publication is a labor of love; if you see me around, please say hi!
