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ON THE COVER
Spring Branch resident Chelsea Wrobel uses her floral designing talents to bring joy and color to the neighborhood with her boutique, Freedom Floral (story on pages 5-7)
Photography courtesy of David Shutts. david@davidshuttsphotography.com
January feels like the longest month of the year, mentally and emotionally — it’s science, right? We’re now hurtling toward spring, and February is chock full of fun events like Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, and the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo on the very last day of the month. In this month’s issue, we feature several Spring Branch residents and their involvement in the HLSR, what Galentine’s Day is and how to celebrate it, and a list of options for spring break camps for your kiddos (registration typically starts at the beginning of February). In addition, peep our gorgeous cover and cover story featuring Spring Branch resident Chelsea Wrobel and her eye-popping floral arrangements made by her team at Freedom Floral.
Spring hasn’t quite sprung, but let our February issue entice you with hints of the longer days and warmer weather to come. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day (and Galentine’s Day), I just want to say that we here at Spring Branch Plus love our readers and hope that you have a fantastic month!
Advertising Contact: Dawn Gunther
Email: springbranchplus@gmail.com
Phone: 713.828.4604 Pink Seat Media, LLC
Black History Month
Baby Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Recess Redo
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
2 Toddler Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Energy Corridor Farmers Market
@ Briar Forest & Eldridge, 4 pm
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
Spring Branch Super Neighborhood Central meeting
@ 1560 Foley St., 6:30 pm
3 Steak Night @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
4 Memorial Villages Farmers Market
@ 10840 Beinhorn Rd., 9 am
American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
6 Spring Branch Education Foundation Sporting Clay Tournament
@ Greater Houston Sports Club, 11:30 am
Preschool Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
8 Baby Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Recess Redo
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
9 Toddler Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Energy Corridor Farmers Market
@ Briar Forest & Eldridge, 4 pm
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
Toastmasters @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
11 Memorial Villages Farmers Market
@ 10840 Beinhorn Rd., 9 am
Lovebugs Children’s Business Fair – Houston/
Spring Branch @ 7901 Westview, 10 am
Farmer’s Bazaar
@ St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 10 am
American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Houston Humane Society & TWRC Chili Cook-off
@ St. Thomas Presbyterian Church, 3 pm
Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
12 Spring Branch Community Valentine’s Day Market
@ 3105 Campbell Rd., 10 am
Super Bowl LVII, 5:30 pm
13 Tech Help Hour
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm
Preschool Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
14 Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Page Turners Book Club
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:30 pm
15 Baby Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Recess Redo
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
16 Toddler Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Warrior for Life Luncheon @ VFW Post 8790, 11 am
Energy Corridor Farmers Market
@ Briar Forest & Eldridge, 4 pm
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
Spring Branch Super Neighborhood East meeting
@ 1414 Wirt Rd., 7 pm
17 Hamburgers and hot dogs @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
18 Spring Branch Color Run @ Emnora Ln. Bike & Hike Trail
Memorial Villages Farmers Market
@ 10840 Beinhorn Rd., 9 am
Crawfish Open Championship
@ Low Tide Kitchen & Bar, 12 pm
Floral design workshop @ Freedom Floral, 2 pm
American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
20 Presidents’ Day
SBISD student holiday —
teacher professional development day
Preschool Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
21 SBISD board of trustees meeting
@ Northbrook High School, 6 pm
22 Baby Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Recess Redo
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
23 Toddler Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
Energy Corridor Farmers Market
@ Briar Forest & Eldridge, 4 pm
Resume Building: Tips, Tricks, and Templates
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 5 pm
Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
Toastmasters @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
25 Memorial Villages Farmers Market
@ 10840 Beinhorn Rd., 9 am
American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
27 Preschool Story Time
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm
28 Rodeo Houston opening day
Finding Freedom (and Faith)
in Flowers
Forget the big box stores or chain florists for your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day flowers — we’ve got a locally owned gem right here in Spring Branch. In 2020, resident Chelsea Wrobel (along with her husband, Kevin, who also has a full-time engineering career) took a leap of faith after many years of being a self-described “hobby florist” and opened up Freedom Floral, a business based on a dream. “After designing the florals for Cornerstone Family Ministries’ annual gala in February 2020, I began to trust myself more and prayerfully decided to take the leap of faith and start the business. Our name, Freedom Floral, is inspired by the biblical idea of the freedom that can only be found in Christ and the passage in Galatians 5:1 that states, ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.’ Free to dream, to pursue our God-given gifts and passions, and to do so with joy and confidence.”
By Liz Clearman
Chelsea feels strongly that floral design is one of her Godgiven gifts, and it’s something that has long been a passion of hers. Freedom Floral is the culmination of that love for flowers, a natural proclivity toward floral design, and a go-get-‘em spirit fostered by her family. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs and have worked in small businesses and nonprofit settings since I was 16,” Chelsea said. Located on Long Point, the business is a full-service florist that specializes in garden-style floral arrangements for daily delivery, events, and weddings. With a team of six designers on staff plus a network of freelance designers, they’re well-equipped to handle even the largest-scale projects.
What sets Freedom Floral apart is their floral design style, which is distinct from other flower shops in Houston due to their team of incredibly talented and creative artists and designers. “You can expect that we’ll always be pushing the envelope when it comes to floral design, and our love and passion comes through in every arrangement we make,” Chelsea noted. The business has a unique model — in addition to being a traditional flower shop where you can stroll in and pick out beautiful arrangements individually, they’re also a full-scale boutique, stocking a number of ethically sourced local brands and products and continually expanding what’s on their shelves.
Speaking of local, Chelsea is a huge believer in investing back into her neighborhood. When it came to opening their brick-and-mortar store, there was no question that the Wrobels would stay in Spring Branch, where they also reside. The unique identity and community loyalty was also a selling point for Freedom Floral’s location. Chelsea has been impressed by the way the Branch rallies around local schools to build them up and is excited about the Spring Branch Management District’s vision to build up the area with retail, restaurants, trails, and family-oriented events. “We’re all one big team working together to make our corner of Houston everything we want it to be — and that is such a fun thing to be a part of,” she said.
This journey hasn’t always come up roses, though. Chelsea launched Freedom Floral two weeks before the entire city (and state, and nation, and world) shut down due to the global pandemic, so it goes without saying that they had to wrangle some major challenges right out of the gate. Instead of being able to welcome customers in person and interact face-to-face, they had to pivot before they even had a solid base. However, Chelsea saw that as a good thing in the end, pointing out that “in a lot of ways, we can attribute who we are today to those changes we implemented strictly to make the business flourish under sudden and extremely unique circumstances. I actually think that being so new made it easier for us to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. We’d sort of never known anything else!”
What she’s most proud of throughout all of the challenges sprinkled over the past three years is the team and community they’ve built at Freedom Floral. Chelsea, a mother of three, said that there was a running joke among the employees that the business was her fourth child, so when she actually found out that she and Kevin were expecting their actual fourth child within a few months after opening, everyone had a good laugh. “With our new addition on the way, it became clear that we needed to get the business to a point where it could function without me at the helm, at least for a time. And so that became the goal we were working toward. Today, with a six-month-old baby boy on my hip at all times, I’ve never been more confident that our team can handle whatever gets thrown our way. And I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time.” Freedom Floral is located at 8209 Long Point Road. In addition to selling flowers, arrangements, design services, and boutique products, they also host floral design workshops in their design studio. Upcoming workshops will be held on February 18th and March 25th, and interested patrons can sign up at freedomfloral.com. You can follow them on Facebook at Freedom Floral HTX and on Instagram at @freedomfloraltx.
637-4477 www.freedomfloral.com
SBEF Saddles Up for Space City Rodeo Gala Benefitting Spring Branch ISD
On March 31, the Spring Branch Education Foundation’s Space City Rodeo Gala will recognize Spring Branch ISD’s long history of inspiring students and teachers to achieve their dreams. Gala Chairs Brenda Stardig and Sheri Stegent are passionate about raising the funds needed to make a difference in the lives of the children in our district for many years to come.
Brenda Stardig believes “Spring Branch ISD is a unique community, focused on excellence and meeting the needs of our ever-changing world. We want our students to see the unbounded possibilities ahead of them and provide them the skills critical to fully exploring that universe of opportunities. By supporting the Space City Rodeo, you walk alongside our students on their journey.”
Sheri Stegent adds, “Every year, this event makes a difference, and we are thrilled to be part of it! We are excited to bring the community together for this evening of fun and a few surprises. We know that together, we can raise funds to allow expanded educational opportunities for the students in SBISD.”
Since 1993, Spring Branch Education Foundation has worked alongside Spring Branch ISD to support both students and educators. SBEF partners with Spring Branch ISD and the community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare our students for the future. For the last seven years, SBEF has given more than $1 million to Spring Branch ISD annually. In 2022, SBEF also funded every SBISD teacher grant request, provided school supplies for each economically disadvantaged student at every SBISD Title I and non-Title I pre-kindergarten, elementary, and middle schools, and awarded $209,000 in scholarships to graduating SBISD seniors.
If you are interested in attending the SBEF Space City Rodeo Gala at the Royal Sonesta on March 31 or would like to support the event as a donor or sponsor, please contact Executive Director Cece Thompson at Cecilia.Thompson@SpringBranchISD.com.
About Spring Branch Education Foundation: Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. All Foundation dollars, donor designated or unrestricted, are only used to support programs that align with the Foundation’s mission by funding teacher grants, district grants and scholarships for SBISD students. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $20 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.
Sajida & Syed Zaidi
The Spirit of Texas in Spring Branch
By Liz Clearman
Part of the excitement of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the pre-rodeo festivities, which includes the wildly popular World Championship Bar-b-que Contest (colloquially known as the cookoff) held February 23-25, 2023. Lifelong rodeo-goers, Spring Branch residents, and husband-andwife team Trudy and Leslie Singleton are one of over 250 teams who participate in the famed barbecue contest each year. Their team, called The Spirit of Texas Cookers, started in 1987 and they’ve been going strong ever since, placing in the top ten in 2020 in the brisket and chicken category. In addition, Trudy placed fourth in the Dutch oven category for her “Do-nothing” cake entry. “When you’re in the top ten for
any of the entries for bris ket, chicken, or ribs, members of the bar-b-que team come and surprise you with the announcement and escort you and members of your team to the garden stage. They have the head cooks go behind the stage and then announce the winners and top ten for each category,” Trudy said. “For the other categories, the cookoff committee announces the top three, so I didn’t go back-
stage for that [the “Do-nothing” cake entry]. I didn’t know I got fourth place until we closed down the next day — imagine my surprise!”
Along with their involvement in the cookoff, Leslie has been a member of the Medical and Safety Committee for an impressive 40 years. Much like the name suggests, this committee is responsible for providing medical care to show guests when needed as well as assisting in crowd control. As if that isn’t enough of a commitment, Leslie also dedicates his time to the Donkey & Mule Committee, which is responsible for handling the setup and arrangements as well as the details for the Donkey & Mule Show and competition.
There are 110 rodeo committees ranging from Agricultural Education to Black Heritage and Carnival Ticket Sales to Winery Relations (sign me up!), and there truly is something for everyone. The rodeo operates successfully each year due to its more than 35,000 volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure that every corner of the event is taken care of. If you’re interested in joining the thousands of Houstonians and beyond that help the HLSR run smoothly, visit rodeohouston.com/GetInvolved/Volunteer to see how you can get involved in the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world.
Rodeo Houston’s School Art Committee Promotes Creativity
By Liz Clearman
When my daughter was in kindergarten, I received a letter from her art teacher that informed me that her artwork had been chosen to be a part of her elementary school’s Rodeo Houston School Art contest. As you can imagine, she was elated (and so was I). Her adorable chalk piece, titled “Rodeo Clowns,” wasn’t chosen to be a finalist, but she did proudly walk away with a blue ribbon and a huge smile. This program has been around since the mid-‘60s when it started as a Go Texan poster contest, and in 1969, the School Art Committee was officially formed to provide more opportunities for achievement. The program now boasts over 300,000 pieces of artwork that represent 130 different independent school districts as well as private and parochial schools. In 1996, the Rodeo expanded the art contest and program to include the School Art Committee’s first artwork auction, which ended up exceeding expectations to such a degree that by 2001,
Rodeo higher-ups decided that the auction needed its own committee — and the School Art Auction Committee was born in 2003.
Sales have consistently exceeded $1 million every year since the art auction’s inception. The program gives students in grades pre-K through 12th the opportunity to display their love of and skill in art, earn scholarships, travel to summer workshops, and possibly have their creations displayed during the Rodeo for thousands of patrons to see. Each year, the Art Committee chooses 72 creations from Houston-area schools that are then auctioned off at the Rodeo. Last year, SBISD had three students who were chosen as winners for the art auction: Alina Du with her painting “Small Talk,” Renae Wang with her painting “Untamed,” and Sophia Cornell with her colored drawing “Sixteen Seconds.” Not surprising given the immense amount of talent we have in the district, and hopefully our students will make just as impressive of a showing in this year’s auction, which will be held on March 12th
For more information, please visit rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/School-Art-Program.
Trudy and Leslie Singleton
“Small Talk”
“Untamed”
“Sixteen Seconds”
By Liz Clearman
If your boots are looking a little rough, it might be time for some TLC before you head to the rodeo to show off your western duds. Since 1990, Rodeo Boot and Shoe Repair has been a staple in the Spring Branch community for reliable, quality shoe repair. Owned by native Salvadorans Yunuen Rivera and her father, Manuel Rivera, they started out at 8315 Long Point after Manuel learned the ins and outs of the shoe repair business from a dear friend of his and decided to open his own cobbler business. In 2014, they moved inside the Fiesta grocery store on Wirt and Kempwood, where they established a long-standing customer base over eight years before realizing they needed to move back to a more accessible location. In August 2022, they settled on a location back over on Long Point. “It took many months to find the spot, but we’re glad we did. Not only do we have our old customers coming back slowly, but we’re also getting to meet a lot of new customers as well,” said Yunuen.
Celebrate your Valentine’s Day At Low Tide Tuesday, February 14
Rodeo Boot and Shoe Repair lives up to its name — they work on all types of shoes such as boots, dress shoes, athletic shoes, and orthopedic shoes for men and women. They’re skilled at changing out shoe color, heels, soles, and tips on high heels, and they also will shine, deep condition, and stretch your shoes and boots for the perfect look and fit. However, their repertoire goes beyond footwear. Yunuen said that they’ll fix zippers, purses, duffel bags, and other leather goods, and that they also sell brand new boots, hats, and other western wear accessories and gear while continuing to work on expanding their retail selection. Whether you’re looking for a shiny new pair of rodeo boots or want your own well-loved pair given a little spit-and-shine, Yunuen and Manuel would love to welcome you into their world.
The shop is located at 8700 Long Point, Suite 102 and can be reached at 713.253.1170. Follow them on Instagram at @rodeobootandshoerepair and on Facebook at Rodeo Boot and Shoe Repair.
Spring Break Camps 2023
By Liz Clearman
It’s hard to believe that we’re already thinking forward to spring break when it feels like the holiday season just ended, but time flies and here we are (hold your breath because we’ll be talking about summer camps before you know it). For parents who work full-time and need camps during SBISD’s spring break (March 13-17), or for those who just want to let their kids get out some energy while they’re on break, we’ve got your back with a quick list of spring break camps in and around the Spring Branch area. (Disclaimer: SB+ does not guarantee that the camps listed are available. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Please check with each individual camp for details.)
Birons Gymnastics: ages 3-14, half/full days not specified. 10225 Katy Freeway. birons.com/camp-programs
Duncan Family YMCA: ages 5-11, full days. 10655 Clay Rd. ymcahouston.org/programs/childcare-and-camps/holiday-camp
Halter, Inc.: 5 years old and up, half days. 17410 Clay Rd. halterinc.org/copy-of-life-coaching
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: ages 4-12, full and half days. 4501 Woodway Dr. houstonarboretum.org/spring-break-camp
Kidventure: ages 3-5 and K-5th grade, full days. 4210 Bellaire Blvd. or 3600 Brinkman. kidventure.com/houston-summer-camp
Rise at The Warehouse: ages 5-12, full days. 2323 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. risewarehouse.com/camp/rise-camp
Splat Zone: ages 8-12, full days. 11260 Hempstead Rd. splathouston.com
Texas Rock Gym: ages 7-17 (will take ages 5 & 6 with sibling in camp), full days. 1526 Campbell Rd. texasrockgym.com/spring-camps
Places that have previously offered spring break camps, but no information was available as of publication:
Bach to Rock Memorial: bachtorock.com/memorial/sign-up/camps
Club Westside: clubwestside.com/camps/
Idea Lab Spring Branch: idealabkids.com/programs/camps
Magic Moments Stables: magicmomentsstable.com/camps
Spring Branch Dance Arts: springbranchdancearts.com/home.html
The Art Cellar of Houston: artcellarhouston.com
The Little Gym Memorial: thelittlegym.com/HoustonMemorialTX/parties-camps/camps
Spring Branch FFA Annual Show & Sale
The sweet sounds of the farm can be heard from a 17-acre plot located deep in the heart of Spring Branch ISD. It is here that Spring Branch FFA (SBFFA) students learn “the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations, even in hours of discouragement,” as expressed by E. M. Tiffany in the FFA Creed. SBFFA is a student-led organization with the goal to make a positive difference in the lives of its members by developing their potential for growth, leadership, and career success through agricultural education.
This unique program has been offering growth opportunities beyond the classroom for over 70 years. It truly has something for everyone, with leadership and career contests ranging from job interviews to meat judging, shooting sports through our Clay Crushers team, to raising a livestock project for a major show or our very own annual show and sale. Livestock projects
include heifers, steers, pigs, lambs, goats, turkeys, broilers, and rabbits and these projects range in length from six weeks up to two years. Through one or all of these Spring Branch FFA experiences, students sharpen their strategic and critical thinking, time management, and public speaking skills and prepare themselves for future endeavors.
One of the best ways to see these students in action is at the annual show and sale. For students raising a livestock project, this event is the pinnacle of months of dedication and effort. We hope you will join us in support of SBFFA and these students at the 45th Annual Spring Branch FFA Show & Sale on February 9-11, 2023! The Agricultural Center is located at 1905 Brittmoore Road and more information about this three-day event can be found online at sbffaalumni.com/ showandsale or by contacting Sarah Bernadac at sbffa.alumni.president@gmail.com. We hope to see y’all at the barn!
Abby Green, ShayleighThomas, Emily Valicek, Skylar Leonhardt. SBFFA Sporting Clays Tournament
Thomas Babinek, Kayden Nickel, Sarah Ryan. LDE District Competition
Katie Brackin, Luke Potosky
Try Galentine’s Day InsTead
By Liz Clearman
Galentine’s Day, a relatively new holiday made popular by the goofy and loveable “Parks and Rec”character Leslie Knope, gained notoriety in 2011 about a year after the 16th episode of the now cult-classic show aired in 2010. It’s a great opportunity for those who either revel in or lament their singlehood — or maybe just those who want to pay homage to their girl gang — to gather over brunch, mimosas, and female friendship, in contrast to the more romantic implications of Valentine’s Day. It’s celebrated on February 13th each year and was quickly embraced by businesses who jumped at the opportunity to offer spa packages as well as brunch or happy hour deals to those eager to step back from the roses and chocolates trope of the season. Keep an eye out for fun Galentine’s Day-themed events to pop up, or create your own by inviting your best gal pals to get pedicures, have brunch at a local restaurant, or share a bottle of prosecco at a wine bar. Take inspiration from Leslie Knope herself who said it best: “Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
Sounds like a winner to me.
SPRING BREAK CAMP
