Dr. Kristen Weibel
vows to keep Spring Branch/Memorial “4Ever Young” with fresh anti-aging techniques
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ON THE COVER
Dr. Kristen Weibel shares her passion for looking and feeling your best in 2024 with her new wellness-focused, anti-aging medical practice, 4Ever Young Wilchester. Read about her and this innovative vitality center on pages 4-6. Cover photography courtesy of Christine Sheeren with Natural Expressions Photography, naturalexpressionshouston.com. Hair and makeup by Lily Yanez with Houston Makeup By Lily.
Ministries hosts Wags & Whiskers brunch and fundraiser
Branch resident LM Shafer empowers girls with period kits
roundup of our very own HLSR volunteers in the Branch
the date for the third annual Color Run
Editor’s Letter to the Residents
GAdvertising Contact: Dawn Gunther
Email: springbranchplus@gmail.com
Phone: 713.828.4604
iddy up, y’all! The end of February into March brings about the start of one of the largest, most anticipated events in our city and beyond — the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. To commemorate the enormous number of volunteers (more than 35,000 each year) who donate their time and talents to ensure the event runs off without a hitch, we’re spotlighting nine of our own Spring Branch/Memorial residents who tell us about their HLSR volunteer work. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’ve got a little history lesson for you, as well as a primer on some lesser known — but incredibly important — Black changemakers in honor of Black History Month. Don’t forget to read the features about a woman in Spring Branch who started her own nonprofit to give menstrual kits to girls in our area, as well as another resident who paints beautiful hearts to soothe her soul after her own battles with cancer (twice) and the loss of her husband. It’s a bustling issue full of local content, so two-step over to your couch or favorite chair and settle in for some good reading! Publisher/Editor
Pink Seat Media, LLC
Unveiling the Fountain of Youth: 4EvEr Young Wilchester Transforms Lives in the Heart of Spring Branch
By Liz Clearman
In the heart of Spring Branch, nestled within the vibrant Energy Corridor, lies a wellness haven dedicated to transforming lives — 4Ever Young Wilchester, franchised by Dr. Kristen Arndt Weibel and her husband Matthew. They opened their doors on October 10, 2023, joining the ranks of six other locations in the Greater Houston Area. 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions was founded in Boca Raton, Florida in 2014 by Deniz Duygulu and Carlton Washington. The focus of 4Ever Young and Dr. Weibel, as the Medical Director and Owner, has been meticulously crafting a wellness and vitality center that redefines the aging process through a unique blend of medical expertise and aesthetic artistry.
4Ever Young Wilchester is not just a center; it’s a twofold experience encapsulated in their “Feel Your Best” and “Look Your Best” programs. The former focuses on comprehensive wellness services, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, peptides, IV vitamin therapy, medical-grade supplements, and weight loss programs. Hormones are the body’s messenger that deliver signals that affect how cells and organs work. As we age, our hormone levels decrease, impacting our
physical, mental, and sexual functioning since there are fewer hormones to deliver signals needed for the body to perform at optimal level. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) combats and even reverses the decline.
Treatment for men and women begins with a free, in-depth consultation with either Dr. Weibel or 4Ever Young’s wellness director and is followed by detailed, extensive bloodwork, a comprehensive health profile, and a full physical to pinpoint the patient’s health status and to determine if the individual can benefit from BHRT. 4Ever Young also offers bioidentical testosterone injections. The injections are immediately absorbed by the body and bypass the liver, which can be damaged by oral therapies. The center trains patients to properly inject these hormones when and where it is most convenient for them. In addition to injectables, they offer other modalities such as pellets and creams tailored to accommodate your needs and lifestyle. With all modalities, patients’ hormone levels are closely monitored throughout treatment.
On the aesthetic front, the “Look Your Best” program employs cutting-edge cos-
metic services featuring proven, sciencebased treatments such as Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, and Juvederm® injectables. Other treatments include their HydraFacial®, a gentle yet revitalizing treatment that delivers long-term skin health in as little as 30 minutes, or SkinPen® Microneedling with or without Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), which drastically encourages the body’s production of collagen to tighten and regenerate, minimize pores and fine lines, and create firmer skin.
Each program offers VIP memberships that include monthly services as well as exclusive savings on additional services as well as continued support through each patient’s wellness journey.
4Ever Young is staffed by Owner and Medical Director Dr. Kristen Arndt Weibel, lead aesthetic injector April Polk, RN, aesthetic injector Macy Heins, RN (NP in progress), licensed esthetician Alyssa Perez, and administrative staff Jada Giannotti and Elijah Grant. One of the things that sets them apart from other centers is the level of experience of their staff. They believe in continuous education and are constantly trying to improve themselves and their skills.
Driven by a passion for proactive healthcare as a board-certified emergency medicine physician, Kristen embarked on a journey to address the root causes of chronic illnesses. Post-COVID, her commitment to promoting wellness led to partnering with 4Ever Young and bringing their expertise to Spring Branch/Memorial. The center not only provides medical solutions but also empowers individuals to become the best versions of themselves, both inside and out. Following her journey, which has been a fusion of passion and specialization, she has dedicated the last two years to extensive education in hormone replacement and procedural/ aesthetic medicine, with a second board certification on the horizon in 2024. Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in the center’s ethos of delivering top-notch, up-to-date services.
It’s crucial to Dr. Weibel that she leads by example in fostering a culture of perpetual improvement and innovation within the entire team. The staff at 4Ever Young Wilchester undergoes continuous training from reputable institutions, including the Allergan Medical Institute, Galderma, and SkinCeutical. Rigorous training extends to advanced techniques with HydraFacial and SkinPen, ensuring the team is well-versed in the latest technologies. In addition to formal programs, the team actively participates in conferences, educational seminars, and handson sessions, drawing insights from sources such as MINT PDO Threads. This dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry is a testament to 4Ever Young Wilchester’s commitment to providing not only cutting-edge services but also an unparalleled level of expertise.
Choosing the Spring Branch/Memorial area as its home was not just a strategic decision for 4Ever Young Wilchester; it was a return to the roots for both Kristen and her husband. Both share deep connections with the community, having grown up in the very neighborhoods they now serve. Kristen graduated from St. Agnes Academy in the early 2000s and has been practicing in Houston as a board-certified emergency medicine physician since 2015.
From (l) to (r): Alyssa Perez, Elijah Grant, Dr. Kristen Weibel, Matthew Weibel, April Polk, RN, Jada Giannotti.
Not pictured: Mehnaz Alvarado (marketing and administration), Macy Heins, RN
Matt, an integral part of the 4Ever Young Wilchester journey, brings his own unique background to the table. With shared roots in the Memorial/Spring Branch area, Matt’s commitment to the community is evident not only in the business venture but also in the active roles both he and Kristen have chosen in organizations like Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA). As parents to three wonderful children — Hagen, Landon, and Bailey — they find joy in contributing to the community they call home.
The decision to establish 4Ever Young Wilchester in the heart of their hometown reflects not just a business strategy but a genuine desire to give back and create a positive impact. Both Kristen and Matt’s personal and professional lives are intricately woven into the fabric of Spring Branch, and this intimate connection is mirrored in the core values of the center. The community’s strong bonds and the invaluable life lessons it imparts — respect, community, service, and support — are not just principles embraced by 4Ever Young Wilchester but integral aspects of their own lives.
What distinguishes 4Ever Young Wilchester is not just its state-of-theart services but the level of experience
of its staff. Dr. Weibel leads a team committed to continuous education, ensuring they stay at the forefront of advancements in wellness and aesthetics. The center’s focus on fostering closer relationships with patients and prioritizing preventive and holistic approaches further sets it apart from others in the field.
Dr. Weibel said that “the challenge lies in making the community aware of our presence and readiness to serve.” Be sure to save the date for the center’s Grand Opening on March 1, marking an exciting milestone, At the grand opening, 4Ever Young Wilchester will host a block party alongside neighbors RH Dentistry and Slowpokes. Despite being in its early days, 4Ever Young Wilchester anticipates overcoming this hurdle and becoming an integral part of the Spring Branch community. It’s a celebration not just for the center but for the community that 4Ever Young Wilchester is proud to be a part of.
4Ever Young is not merely a wellness center; it’s a commitment to rewriting the narrative of aging and promoting a proactive and holistic approach to your well-being. Driven by passion, expertise, and a sense of community, this center is poised to become a beacon of vitality in Spring Branch, inviting individuals to embrace a healthier, more vibrant future.
By Liz Clearman
Not Just a Hallmark Holiday: Why We Celebrate Valentine’s Day
February 14th is a day for love, flowers, and candy, and for some of us, completely ignoring the “Hallmark holiday” that is Valentine’s Day. The history of the holiday, however, is a bit murkier. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom are considered martyrs. Lore tells that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome when Emperor Claudius II decreed that marriage was illegal for young men as he felt that unmarried males made for better soldiers. Valentine was not a fan of this edict and continued to perform marriages in secret; he was discovered not long after and put to death by the emperor. Another saint, Valentine of Terni, was a bishop who was also beheaded by Emperor Claudius II. (Calm down, Claudius. I’m seeing a pattern here.) Stories suggest that this Valentine might have been killed trying to help Christians escape Roman prisons and that he actually sent the first “Valentine” greeting to a young girl he fell in love with who visited him while he was imprisoned, signing it “From Your Valentine.” Awww.
Adding another layer to the historical uncertainty, many believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February to commemorate the anniversary of (one of the) St. Valentine’s death, which likely occurred around A.D. 270, but others stick to the story of the feast day of St. Valentine’s being placed in the middle of the month to “Christianize”and counteract
dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as Roman founders Romulus and Remus. Members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at the sacred cave where it was said that the infants Romulus and Remus were cared for by a she-wolf, or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat for fertility and a dog for purification, stripping the goat’s hide, dipping it into sacrificial blood, and slapping women and crop hands with the goat hide. Yes, it sounds incredibly cringey, but apparently Roman women were hopeful to be hit by the hides as it was supposed to make them fertile in the coming year. After the slapfest took place, the young, single women in the city would place their names in a large urn, where the city’s bachelors took turns choosing a name and pairing with the woman they chose.
Lupercalia was outlawed in the 5th century due to being “un-Christian,” and Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day during that same time frame. But why the association with love and hearts? During the Middle Ages, it was believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, adding fodder to the idea that Valentine’s Day was a day for romance. The day was first mentioned in poet Geoffrey Chaucer’s work “Parliament of Foules,” and the oldest known Valentine in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after he was captured at
Will You be My Wine for Valentine’s?
By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. (The Drunken Cyclist)
Normally, I love fielding questions about wine, from “What is better, Cabernet or Pinot?” to “What’s the best cheap wine?” I normally welcome them all (as long as you are also willing to be served a side dose of sarcasm). But. There is one question that comes up this time of year that I abhor: “What wine should I pair with chocolate for Valentine’s Day?”
Ugh.
My problem with the question is twofold. First, I am not a big celebrator of Valentine’s Day. At all. In fact, I don’t think I have observed it in any way (other than a brief “Happy Valentine’s Day!”) since the third grade when I gave Deanna Miller a Valentine’s Day card and a Tootsie Roll pop and she gave me, well, nothing. From that day forward, I decided that it was a dumb “holiday,” and I would therefore boycott it in perpetuity.
The second reason I dread the question? I don’t think wine and chocolate go together. At. All. Sure, there are some wines that might not be as bad as others when it comes to pairing with chocolate, but in my mind, it just doesn’t work so we should stop trying to force that round wine bottle into that square chocolate box.
Instead of celebrating the “holiday” with a singular bottle of wine and a few globules of dark decadence, I suggest you make an evening of it and fete your flame with an entire meal and a couple wines.
Nothing starts off a celebration better than bubbles and while Champagne still dominates the category, there are numerous other alternatives. I would also opt for a rosé sparkling wine, since, well, you can. All the following wines would serve as perfect aperitifs or pair wonderfully with just about any appetizer from oysters to a Caesar salad to deviled eggs.
NV Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs Rosé: Retail under $20. Made mostly with Pinot Noir (90%), this is fruity and floral with impeccable balance and verve. It comes from the Carneros region of California and wonderfully represents the warm days and cool nights of the appellation. 93 Points.
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2019 Nino Franco Faìve Rosé Brut: Long before Rosé Prosecco became a thing, Nino Franco was producing this blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) in the Veneto region of Italy. Bright, but short of boisterous, this wine bursts with red fruit and pear and just a hint of fresh rose petals. 91 Points.
NV Gosset Champagne Grand Rosé Brut: Retail $75. I had to throw champagne on the list, and this is one of my favorites. From the sexy almost egg-shaped bottle to the luscious fruit driven elixir inside, this wine exudes “special occasion” without requiring a new mortgage. 95 Points.
For the main course, you almost have to go red on Valentine’s Day. Maybe it is just me, but Pinot Grigio just does not scream (or even subtly whisper) “love” or “passion.” Sorry. No, on the night marketed, er made for lovers, you need to tap your inner redness. While it makes most sense to have these wines with heartier fare (particularly red meat), it is your date’s night, serve a meal with her (or him) in mind. Here are a few suggestions.
2019 Ridge Zinfandel Benito Dusi: Retail $36. From a classic producer and a legendary vineyard, this wine from Paso Robles is sure to delight. Quite dark in color but rather light in heft and approach, this is precisely in my Zinfandel wheelhouse: great fruit, fantastic acidity, lovely spice, and incredible depth and length. 93 Points.
2019 Sosie Cabernet Sauvignon Charlie Smith Vineyard: Retail $75. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. While most of the love for California Cabernet is directed about 20 miles east and across the Mayacamas Mountain range, the Moon Mountain District in Sonoma County is producing some fantastic Cabernets at a fraction of the cost of its Napa neighbors. This dark, almost brooding wine is fruity, yes, but also complex and intriguing: layers of fruit, spice, earth, tartness. 94 Points.
2019 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes: Retail $120. OK, this one might be a bit hard to find, but worth searching out. From the oldest winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in Southern France, it is incredibly rich and decadent, but also refined and elegant, this was one of my top-rated wines of 2023. 98 Points. So, there you have it, a few wines that would make for a memorable meal. And oh yeah, each of these wines might do quite well with chocolate, too (milk chocolate for the bubbles, dark chocolate for the reds), if you are determined to try to prove me wrong.
11am-9pm Fri-Sat: 11am-9:30pm Sun: 12pm-8pm
Black History MoNtH: Lesser Known Historical Black Figures
By Liz Clearman
Black History Month is upon us, so take a moment to learn about some names you may not have heard — but who have made massive contributions to race relations, the LGBTQIA+ community, politics, medicine, electronics, civil rights, and most every aspect of our society. For more in-depth reading, please visit cnn.com/ interactive/2021/02/us/little-known-black-history-figures/.
• Garrett Morgan invented multiple things including a revamped sewing machine, a hair straightener for African Americans, the precursor to gas masks used in WWI, and the traffic light, all with a grade-school education.
• Dorothy Height fought both sexism and racism during the civil rights movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s, becoming one of MLK Jr.’s key advisors.
• Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was a professional cyclist who battled racial prejudice but set several world records.
• James Armistead Lafayette joined the Continental Army as a slave in the 1780s and was dispatched as a spy, posing as a runaway and joining the British army in Virginia. He was later freed but took the last name Lafayette as a tribute to the French general.
• Amelia Boynton Robinson was beaten by Alabama state troopers, and a photo taken of that moment during the Bloody Sunday march in Selma helped push the civil rights movement into existence, also leading to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. She was honored by former President Obama in March 2015 in Selma, passing away five months later at 104.
• Gerald Wilson was a bandleader and composer-arranger who worked with greats such as Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald, and he is best known for recordings on the Pacific Jazz label, which redefined big band music.
• Josh Gibson, also known as the “Black Babe Ruth,” was credited with hitting almost 800 home runs spanning a 17-year baseball career. Because he was Black, he was never able to join the major leagues, playing for the Negro Leagues instead.
• Eunice Hunton Carter was a social worker and prosecutor whose work on the ground was responsible for the downfall of mob boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano in the 1930s. She was the first African American woman in New York state to serve as assistant district attorney.
• Charles Richard Drew is known as “the father of the blood bank.” He became the first Black student to earn an M.D. from Columbia University, where he studied the science of blood transfusions and discovered how to separate plasma from blood, making it possible to store blood for a week. He also pioneered the bloodmobile.
• Constance Baker Motley became the lead trial attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund after attending Columbia Law. She wrote the legal brief for Brown vs. Board of Education, and was the first Black woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Paul Robeson was an athlete, actor, author, lawyer, singer, and activist. After leaving the New York City law firm where he worked after law school due to racism, he pursued a career in theater, becoming best known for the titular role in Shakespeare’s “Othello.”
• Poor and uneducated, Fannie Lou Hamer became a civil rights leader, riveting the crowd with her testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention on voting while Black in Mississippi. Her powerful voice, both speaking and singing, helped push other Black residents to register to vote.
• Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman enrolled in an aviation school in Paris in 1921, making her the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license. The Postal Service issued a stamp in her honor in 1995.
• Max Robinson became the first Black person to anchor the nightly news in 1978, working his way up to become one of three co-anchors on ABC News’s “World News Tonight.”
• You can thank Frederick McKinley Jones for our modern refrigeration system. Working as an auto mechanic while teaching himself electronics, he patented a refrigeration system in 1940 for vehicles, busting open the possibilities for transporting perishable foods and medicine. He earned patents for over 60 inventions before his death and received the National Medal of Technology posthumously.
• Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, to join the New York City Bar Association, and to become a judge. She served on the bench for 40 years and was known for her compassion in the courtroom.
• If you’re familiar with the Stonewall Inn protests, you’ll recognize the name Martha P. Johnson, the pioneer of transgender activism and a figurehead in the gay rights movement. She was said to be one of the first to resist the police in the raid on Stonewall Inn, and later opened a shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth.
• Gil Scott-Heron’s contributions to poetry, activism, music, and the spoken word led to the moniker of the “godfather of rap,” having his music sampled in multiple present-day rappers’ songs. He’s best known for his poem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”
• Fritz Pollard was the first Black football player for Brown University and led his team to the 1916 Rose Bowl. After his Army service in World War I, he played for the Akron Pros in the American Professional Football Association — the precursor to the NFL. His football coaching career landed him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
• Daisy Gatson Bates, president of the Arkansas NAACP in the late ‘50s, is most known for organizing the group of Black children dubbed the Little Rock Nine when they walked into Central High School. She was a major player in the NAACP’s strategy to desegregate schools and later worked for the Democratic National Convention.
• Photographer Gordon Parks was also a jazz pianist, musical score composer, author, and co-founder of Essence magazine. His novel “The Learning Tree” was adapted into a 1969 film, making him the first African American to direct a movie for a major studio. His direction of “Shaft” paved the way for the film genre known as Blaxploitation.
• Ella Baker, inspired by her grandmother’s stories about her life in slavery, became an organizer in the NAACP and co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which MLK Jr. led. Her activism earned her the title the “mother of the civil rights movement.”
• Audre Lorde was a librarian and poet whose work called out racism and homophobia and she founded a press house that published the work of Black feminists. She also served as the state poet laureate of New York.
• Howard Thurman is best known for writing the book “Jesus and the Disinherited,” a book that had a profound influence on MLK Jr. He became the first African American pastor to travel to India and meet Mohandas Gandhi, fusing the philosophy of nonviolent resistance with the civil rights movement.
• The first Black person in the nation to earn a Ph.D. in economics, Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander went on to earn a law degree, also becoming the first Black woman to pass the Pennsylvania bar and practice law in the state. She was later named to President Harry Truman’s Committee on Civil Rights and President Jimmy Carter’s White House Conference on Aging.
• Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black man who was arrested for homosexuality and served more than two years in federal prison, convinced MLK Jr. to adopt nonviolence as a form of protest. He helped co-found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and his organization of the March on Washington in 1963 brought more than 200,000 peaceful protestors to the nation’s capital.
• Althea Gibson became a force to be reckoned with at the age of 12 when she won her first tennis tournament. She became the first African American to compete in the U.S. National Championships (now U.S. Open), the first Black player to win a Grand Slam tournament, the first Black champion in the history of Wimbledon, and became the first Black player on the LPGA tour at the age of 37.
• Albert Murray was an essayist and social critic, his work changing the way people talked about race by insisting that the Black experience was central to American culture and that Black and white people are “inextricably bound to one another.”
Source: cnn.com
TThe Crucial Role of Camps to Nurture Our
Children’s Well-Being
By Mike McDonell, President, Kidventure
his year Kidventure will celebrate 30 years of providing summer camps in Houston. Over those three decades, much has changed. But the one thing that has remained steadfast is our children’s need to be active, feel secure, be among friends, and thrive as part of a community that fosters happiness. That need is greater now than ever before.
Today, our kids are experiencing more anxiety and depression. The amount of physical activity in their life has declined, and their interaction with their peers has decreased, while their attention to technology –increased. This is why camp is such a powerful force in the lives of our kids.
Camp transports our kids to a place of wonderment, where they are free to be themselves and explore their world. Camp is designed to celebrate one another and provide what we all need most — each other. At camp, we take risks, we learn about ourselves, and out of that we grow in confidence and self-esteem. At camp, we learn to value one another, not just for what we have in common, but also for what makes us so unique. We do all this while having fun.
As we commemorate three decades of Kidventure’s commitment to providing enriching camp experiences, it is evident that the power of camp remains as vital as ever. In a world increasingly characterized by challenges to our children’s well-being, Kidventure Summer Camp stands as a beacon of hope and an opportunity for children to be their best.
WHAT: 8th Annual Be An Angel Purse Bingo
WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 2024. Doors and vendors open at 5 pm, games begin at 7 pm
WHERE: Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045
CHAIRMAN: Jessica Forsdick
EMCEE: George Lindsey, 100.3 FM “The Bull”
BINGO
CALLER: Marty Drake
HOW: Individual Seating $150
Reserved Table for 10 $1,500
Sponsorships: $2,500 and $5,000
For information: Katie Clark, 281.219.3313 or katiet@beanangel.org
WHY: Guests play bingo to win high-end designer handbags. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, swag bags, and raffle items plus local pop-up shops
WHO: Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children with special needs by providing adaptive equipment, hearing devices, select services, and support programs. Improving the Lives of Children with Special Needs Since 1986.
713.234.0067
HHOUSTON, TX (Spring Branch)
spriNg Break caMps 2024
By Liz Clearman
ere we are, again — talking about spring break camps when winter is looming. Yes, it may seem early, but spring break for SBISD schools is March 11-15 this year, and if you need childcare or just want to let your kiddos burn off some energy over the holiday break, signing up early is paramount. Most of these camps are near the Spring Branch/Memorial area, but some are a bit outside of our zip codes. (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.)
Bach to Rock Memorial: ages 4-17, half days (9 am-12 pm or 12 pm-3 pm) or full days (9 am-3 pm). 9079 Katy Frwy, Ste. A. bachtorock.com/memorial/sign-up/camps
Duncan Family YMCA: ages 5-11, 7 am-6:30 pm (before/aftercare options available). 10655 Clay Rd. ymcahouston.org/programs/childcare-and-camps/holiday-camp
Halter Inc.: ages 5 and up, 9 am-1 pm. 17410 Clay Rd. halterinc.org/copy-of-life-coaching
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: ages 4-12; 9 am-12 pm for age 4, 9 am-3 pm for ages 5-12. 4501 Woodway Dr. houstonarboretum.org/programs-trips/childrens-programs/camps/spring-break
Just Play Sports: grades K-6th, 9 am-12 pm; grades 5-10, 1 pm-4 pm. 10510 Westview Dr. justplaysports.net/programs/camps-memorial
Kidventure: ages 3-5 & grades 1-5 (check individual camp locations for age availability), 8 am-3 pm (aftercare options available). Various locations. kidventure.com/spring-break-camp
Lifetime Fitness at City Centre: ages 4-11, 9 am-4 pm (half-day & before/aftercare options available). 815 Town & Country Blvd. lifetime.life/locations/tx/city-centre-houston/kids-and-family/camps.html
Magic Moments Stable: ages not specified, 9 am-4 pm. 1726 Upland Dr. magicmomentsstable.com/camps
Rise at The Warehouse: ages 5-12, 8 am-4 pm (before/aftercare options available). 2323 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. risewarehouse.com/camp/rise-camp
Texas Rock Gym: ages 7-17 (5-6 years old allowed w/ older sibling), 7:30 am-6 pm. 1526 Campbell Rd. texasrockgym.com/spring-camps
Places that have previously offered or have spring break camps indicated on their websites, but no information was available as of publication: Birons Gymnastics: birons.com/camp-programs
Idea Lab Spring Branch: idealabkids.com/programs/day-camps
King Daddy Sports: kingdaddysports.net/tennis-camps
Splat Zone: splathouston.com
The Little Gym of Memorial: thelittlegym.com/texas-houston-memorial/
save the Date!
March 1
grand opening of 4ever young @ 13210 Memorial Dr., 4-7 pm
all Month
Black History Month
1 i9 sports basketball clinic begins (four weeks) @ Spring Woods Baptist Church (i9sports.com)
toddler time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
teen chess club @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
spring Branch super Neighborhood central meeting @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
stratford playhouse’s “42nd street” @ SHS, 7:30 pm
2 groundhog Day
3D printer orientation @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
Boots & Heroes kickoff party presented by VFW post 8790 & auxiliary @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
steak Night! @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
spring Woods High school safari players’“shred the Musical” @ SWHS, 7 pm
Memorial High school theatre’s “into the Woods” @ MHS, 7 pm
stratford playhouse’s “42nd street” @ SHS, 7:30 pm
3 Hlsr Houston Metro go texan committee | spring Branch/ Memorial subcommittee clay shoot @ American Shooting Centers, 9:30 am the tiny Market @ John Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 am american shuffleboard tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
sbmd-2023-sbplus-jan10-feb-final.pdf 1 1/11/24 10:59 AM
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
spring Woods High school safari players’“shred the Musical” @ SWHS, 7 pm
stratford playhouse’s “42nd street” @ SHS, 2:30 pm
spring Woods High school safari players’“shred the Musical” @ SWHS, 7 pm
Memorial High school theatre’s “into the Woods” @ MHS, 7 pm
stratford playhouse’s “42nd street” @ SHS, 7:30 pm
5 Houston Food Bank school Market @ Spring Woods Middle School, 4:30 pm
sBisD board of trustees special meeting @ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm
7 Baby time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
8 early dismissal for sBisD elementary schools (parent/ teacher conferences)
toddler time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
energy corridor Farmers Market @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 5 pm
yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
toastmasters! @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
9 early dismissal for sBisD elementary schools (parent/ teacher conferences)
10 Happy lunar New year!
Farmer’s Bazaar @ St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 9 am
lovebug’s children’s Business Fair @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 10 am
Buttercup’s tavern @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm
american shuffleboard tournament & Queen of Hearts
Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
13 Happy galentine’s Day!
page turners Book club
@ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:15 pm
14 Happy Valentine’s Day!
Baby time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
kids’ craft corner @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
15 toddler time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
8th annual Be an angel purse Bingo @ Bayou City Event Center, 5 pm
spring Branch super Neighborhood east meeting @ 1414 Wirt Rd., 7 pm
16 parents’ Night out @ Splat Zone, 5:30 pm
Hamburgers & hot dogs @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
17 paws for literacy @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2 pm
american shuffleboard tournament & Queen of Hearts
Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
19 presidents’ Day
No school for sBisD
sBisD board of trustees special meeting @ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm
21 spring thing Market
@ Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 3:30 pm
Video games @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
22 spring thing Market
@ Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 9 am
toddler time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
energy corridor Farmers Market @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 5 pm
yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
toastmasters! @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
23 spring thing Market
@ Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 9 am
Hlsr BBQ cook off 2024 @ NRG Stadium, 3 pm
24 american shuffleboard tournament & Queen of Hearts
Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm
26 Mindfulness for kids @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 3 pm
Houston Food Bank school Market @ Spring Woods Middle School, 4:30 pm
Book Buddies @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4:30 pm
sBisD board of trustees regular meeting
@ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm
27 Blake shelton @ Houston livestock show & rodeo opening Day
28 carly pearce @ HLSR (Armed Forces Appreciation Day) Board at the library @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm
29 For kiNg & coUNtry @ HLSR
toddler time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am
www.safewaydriving.com
50 YEARS
DRIVERS
scHool Market serVes spriNg BraNcH area FaMilies
Freshness, sustenance, and big hearts. All are evident at Spring Woods Middle School in Spring Branch ISD as it serves as a hub for free distribution of groceries and home goods, provided by the Houston Food Bank (HFB). The School Market is open to the entire Spring Branch community, and families who wish to participate must obtain an HFB identification number from a volunteer on the SWMS site the first time they visit. The number can also be used at any other Houston Food Bank distribution center.
According to Dr. Jose Herrera, Instructional Specialist and School Market organizer at Spring Woods Middle School, “Feeling the warmth and joy at events such as our School Market at SWMS, not only provides a muchneeded service to our neighbors and friends, but also beautifies our community and the soul, while fostering a profound sense of
Tuesday, Feb. 27: Blake Shelton (Opening Day Presented by Texas Capital)
Wednesday, Feb. 28: Carly Pearce (Armed Forces Appreciation Day Presented by Crown Royal)
Thursday, Feb. 29: for KING + COUNTRY
Friday, March 1: 50 Cent (Black Heritage Day Presented by Kroger)
Saturday, March 2: Hardy
Sunday, March 3: Ivan Cornejo
interconnectedness and shared humanity.”
Volunteers are essential to the operation, and SWMS has been fortunate to have Luis Guillen on their team, who has helped recruit members from the National Honor Society (NHS) at Spring Woods High School. More than ten NHS volunteers have committed to serving at the Market throughout the school year, while SWMS counselors have also recruited some eighth-grade students to serve at the School
Market, providing them a chance to give back to the Spring Branch community. Guillen noted that the volunteers are learning to be compassionate leaders while modeling to the future generation of students the importance of community service.
“Growing up in this community, I am in continuous awe of the generosity of our phenomenal SBISD staff and community members who give their time and resources to support our community and help our neighbors,” added Herrera.
To read more, please visit springbranchisd. com/news and find the post on the School Market from December 8, 2023.
Upcoming SWMS School Market dates
February 5th
February 26th
March 4th
March 18th
April 8th
April 22nd
Monday, March 4: Hank Williams Jr. (First Responders Day Presented by BP America)
Tuesday, March 5: Oliver Anthony
Wednesday, March 6: Jelly Roll (Community Day Presented by TC Energy)
Thursday, March 7: Luke Bryan (Volunteer Appreciation Day Presented by Phillips 66)
Friday, March 8: Major Lazer
Saturday, March 9: Lainey Wilson
Sunday, March 10: Los Tigres del Norte (Go Tejano Day Presented by Fiesta Mart)
Monday, March 11: Whiskey Myers
Tuesday, March 12: Bun B (All American Takeover)
Wednesday, March 13: Nickelback
Thursday, March 14: Zac Brown Band
Friday, March 15: Jonas Brothers
Saturday, March 16: Brad Paisley
Sunday, March 17: Eric Church
The GhosT-WiTh-The-MosT is CoMiNG To housToN
It’s showtime! BEETLEJUICE, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, will make its Houston premiere March 5 to 10 as part of Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center 2023-2024 Season.
Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
BEETLEJUICE is directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Director of Warner Bros. forthcoming TOTO, the animated musical film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark’s 2017 book) with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong); a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown (“Castle Rock”) and Tony and Emmy Award® nominee Anthony King (“Robbie”); music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul (Joan of Arc: Into the Fire); and choreography by Connor Gallagher (The Robber Bridegroom).
BEETLEJUICE features scenic design by three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton); costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers); lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Kinky Boots); sound design by Tony Award winner Peter Hylenski (Moulin Rouge!); projection design by Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen); puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry (The Lion King); special effects design by Jeremy Chernick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), hair and wig design by Drama Desk Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe; make-up design by Joe Dulude II; associate director is Catie Davis and associate choreographer is Michael Fatica; casting by The Telsey Office.
Producers for BEETLEJUICE include Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and NETworks Presentations. Tickets start at $40. Available online at TheHobbyCenter.org or BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com, and in person at the Hobby Center Box Office (800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002).
Pat Cleveland Models Vogue at 50th Anniversary of Versailles ’73
Pat Cleveland dazzled at the 50th Anniversary of Versailles ’73 which celebrated this iconic moment in history. Versailles ’73 took place November 28, 1973, in France. It was a unique fashion show that showcased French and American designers, marking a significant turning point in the fashion industry. Organized to raise funds for the restoration of the Palace of Versailles, French designers, including Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin, showcased their elegant and traditional designs, while American designers Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Stephen Burrows introduced a fresh and innovative approach to fashion. This clash of styles forever changed the perception of American fashion on the global stage.
Co-hosted by Rosalina Lydster and Alexis “Fly” Jones at SE7EN, the evening began with the premiere of “The Girl from 7th Avenue,” winner of International Fashion Film Award 2022, directed and written by Antonio Contreras. Featuring Cleveland, the first African American supermodel in a Paris haute couture show, and one of the first to grace the cover of a fashion magazine, the film tells the story of Cleveland’s rise in the fashion industry. A brief Q&A session with Cleveland and Contreras followed, as guests dined on an exquisite selection of prime-aged New York strip and pan-seared organic king salmon.
Guests were then transported back in time for an informal “Then & Now” fashion show with looks by renowned designer Stephen Burrows, the first African American designer to showcase in Paris, Project Runway star Chasity Sereal, Nicholas Phat Nguyen of Mysterious by NPN, and famed designer Le Thanh Hoa. Co-directed by Kim Moh and Rose Walker, models fascinated the crowd in their historical and contemporary styles.
The event was filmed for a documentary that will celebrate the history of fashion. Proceeds will help fund internships for University of Houston students, providing the opportunity to work on the documentary with the filmmakers. To close the evening and to keep the celebration going, VIP guests received a bottle of Keplinger Versailles Wine signed by Pat Cleveland.
In the crowd: Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, DJ Warner of Keplinger Wines, Tim Thorn, Marc Harvey, and Thao Nguyen.
Photography by Torry Sledge.
Thing Market has been a beacon of generosity, raising over 1.5 million dollars for underser ved women and children in Spring Branch, in Houston and throughout the world.
inistries
Benefiting those in need by shopping the Market is phenomenal, but that’s not the only way to help - immerse yourself in the thrill of giving by par ticipating in our silent auction, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to the par tnering organizations suppor ted by Spring Thing Market. The excitement is building, and this Feb Febr uar y we’re thrilled to embark with you on this jour ney of compassion, continuing to bless those in need through the vibrant and impactful Spring Thing Market at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Memorial, Wednesday Febr uar y 21st through Friday the 23rd.
The “Bow Wow West” themed event will feature a celebrity pet fashion show produced by Todd Ramos, a silent auction, delicious lunch, and more and will be hosted by Brunch Co-Chairs Shirin and Saeid Alavi
Guests and four-legged furry cowpokes are invited to enjoy a Rootin’ Tootin’ fun and inspiring program emceed by Casey Curry honoring longtime Animeals supporter Greater Good Charities, an organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to
All the details for this special event can be found at SpringThingMarket.org. Come and shop The Market With A Mission!
Guests can purchase tickets or a table for ten that includes additional benefits to support Animeals and Interfaith Ministries. Sponsorship levels
Models “vogue” at 50th anniversary of Versailles ‘73
Antonio Contreras, Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, Rosalina Lydster
By Liz Clearman
Inspiration for creating art comes in varying forms, and that has proven true over and over again for native Houstonian Karen Murdock. An artist, author (her books include “Endangered Species and Friends” and “Operation Ooh-Rah for Tah-Tahs Cookbook: How to Win the War in Your Kitchen,” which raised money for wounded Marines and cancer awareness), both breast and kidney cancer survivor, and proud Mom of former U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Dohman, she was drawing with crayons as a two-year-old with the prodding of her sister and cousins. At age nine, she won her first art contest, prompting her mom to enroll her in art lessons. She sold her first oil painting at the tender age of 12. “My mom would often say [of my love for art], ‘If something stood still long enough, she would paint it.’ I don’t think she meant that literally … well, maybe!” laughed Karen.
She began painting hearts as a business venture in 2020 — aptly naming her company Healing Hearts with Art — right before the pandemic hit and sent many small businesses scrambling. In addition, Karen’s past battles with cancer made her immune system more susceptible to COVID, so she made the difficult decision to shutter selling her art until things stabilized. Now, despite battling heart issues (not the kind she paints), she’s determined to continue creating and moving forward with what she loves to do. “I have always loved to paint,” Karen said. “I had been an accounting manager for over 20 years and it was time for me to do something creative for a living. You can’t be creative with numbers. Well, you can, but the outcome isn’t good!”
Her initial inspiration was a child named Abigail who wanted to be a police officer, but was diagnosed with terminal cancer, cutting her lifelong dream short. Karen, knowing time was fleeting, decided to write a poem about the brave little girl, but felt like she needed cover art to complement her writing, so she drew small hearts along with Abigail’s badge number (she had been sworn in as an honorary police officer) and titled the poem “The Girl Who Wanted to Wear Blue.” Sadly, Abigail passed away before Karen could read the poem to her, but Karen knows she’ll never forget the first hearts she ever painted for such a special person, “who was such an amazing angel (even before she got her wings),”she remembered fondly.
Abigail wasn’t Karen’s only inspiration. Her late husband, Andy, who she met on a flight to the U.K., was the love of her life. “We had such a beautiful love story!” Karen gushed. “It was like something you see in the movies. I’ve been told that so many times when I tell our story.” When he passed away in 2015 due to a heart disease that had gone undetected, she was devastated, but has been uplifted by her artwork, her “Fur Herd” consisting of four dogs and one cat, and her best friend and roommate, Yeshiva Dunn. “My biggest inspiration now is fulfilling my dream. I have always dreamed of making a difference in the world. I love painting; it’s my Zen time. I want to make the world a better place by filling it with my hearts! I paint each one [of my hearts] with a prayer and lots of love because I want the person who receives my heart to know and really feel just how special they are in life and to those who love them,” Karen said.
Custom orders are available upon request. You can email Karen at heartblessings@myyahoo.com or call her at 832.396.7377. “Life is so very short. Always, always, always tell your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and friends how much you love them,” said Karen. Perfect reminder for the month of love and hearts.
Empowering Futures: think pink Delivers sanitary kits and Dignity to young Women
By Liz Clearman
If you’re a period-having person, you are painfully aware of how overwhelming it can be — navigating the seemingly endless sea of menstrual products; dealing with cramps, moodiness, bloating, headaches, and backaches; and the ever-present feeling of wanting to crawl into bed and hibernate until it’s all over — just to go through it again less than a month later. Wash, rinse, repeat. Not to mention, period products are expensive, often prohibitively so for those who are under-resourced, low income, or homeless. It’s not easy being a woman, but from the tender age of somewhere between 10-13, we learn to deal with it and move on about our lives. However, not everyone has the luxury of period-specific education or being able to afford menstrual products.
Enter LM Shafer, a Spring Branch resident and ordained pastor with the United Methodist Church, who realized just how important dignity was for all girls and women and founded Think Pink Inc. in 2003. A 501(c)(3) organization that serves communities throughout both Texas and Kentucky, Think Pink is a ministry for females that focuses on providing resources for parents, moms, young women, and partner organizations. While they hold camps throughout the year, their dignity project is handing out sanitary kits to young women throughout the Spring Branch/Memorial area — in fact, the organization partners with nurses and Communities in Schools in 20 SBISD schools, putting together kits with tampons, pads, and deodorant. In addition, Think Pink provides reusable bags to homeless women that include things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine products, among other things.
“Caring for and encouraging girls is my heart and passion. I love to connect generous people to the needs in our community,” said LM. Think Pink focuses on four virtues that make up the word “Pink”: purity, integrity, nobility, and kindness. “Our dignity project provides something they [young women] need but also allows them to be confident. Any woman knows the woes of not having the sanitary items needed when a certain time comes around,” she said. While LM finds great joy in connecting people with their needs, she noted that the biggest inspiration is the girls themselves.
“Being a girl is hard and when I see one overcoming obstacles and seeing herself through God’s loving eyes, that’s it for me. I was once that girl, bogged down by the weight of the world. I grew up in a broken home and lived a life that felt like a super sad Lifetime movie. But, there were women in my life who cheered me on, encouraged me, and helped me overcome the obstacles.” It’s not all serious, though. In a recent conversation with someone about what her nonprofit does, they joked that Think Pink is like a tampon broker. “It made me laugh,” she said.
If you are interested in connecting with LM and helping out young women in the area, please reach out to her at Lmshafer@girlsthinkpink.org and visit their website at girlsthinkpink.org.
Say Howdy to Spring Branch’s Roundup of Rodeo Volunteers
By Liz Clearman
Kelly Limbaugh, Vice Chairman of Wine Entries, Wine Competition Committee; Vice Chairman of Administration, Winery Relations Committee
“My team is responsible for processing the wines entered into the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. We verify entries for accuracy, organize the wines into classes and flights, then pour the wine for the judges. We are a double blind competition. The job requirements for the Winery Relations Committee are maintaining the volunteer roster, committee communications, coordinating committee meetings, and recording hours. I started on the Wine Garden Committee in 2010 and moved to the Wine Competition Committee in 2013.” Kelly’s husband, CW MacLeod, is a captain on both committees.
Wendy Echeverri,
Assistant Captain, Rodeo Merchandise (“Merch”) Committee
“I am part of the volunteer teams that work the NRG Center HLSR-branded merchandise like shirts, mugs, pins, hats, etc. Inside the Center we help Rodeo attendees purchase items of which the proceeds all go back to the Rodeo scholarship programs. Our volunteers work the register and help booth customers get sizing as well as help our Distribution team restock items. We help new volunteers get trained, feel welcome, assist volunteers with any procedure questions, and close out the cash registers at the end of the shifts. I’ve been on the Merch Committee since 2018 and it’s an excellent way to help the local students wanting to show their livestock and receive scholarships for higher education.”
Marie Ruelas,
Houston Metro Go Texan Committee (Spring Branch/Memorial)
“The main responsibility of our committee is to increase awareness of the Rodeo through special pre-show Go Texan functions and to raise money for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo four-year
scholarships awarded by the show to graduating high school seniors. We try to focus on Spring Branch; however, it’s open to all Texans. Our events have included a whiskey tasting at the William Price Distilling Company in July 2023 and the Boots & Boos Dance in October 2023 at VFW Post 8790. Our Clay Shoot is scheduled for February 3 at American Shooting Centers, while our Crawfish Boil is scheduled for April 13 at Texas T Tavern. The new location for the whiskey tasting is Yellow Rose Distilling in July and the Boots & Boos Dance will be at the VFW Post 8790 in September. My job is to volunteer, help on the day of the events and promote them, and help with the decorating.”
Deneylia “Dee” O’Canas, Carnival Ticket Sales Committee
“I have been with the Carnival Ticket Sales Committee for 10 years. Our committee sells discounted (half-price) carnival packs and we solicit donations for the community that are directed to the Rodeo’s Educational Fund or are used to purchase half-price carnival packs for active military and charitable organizations in the area. We are one of the few committees that have raised over $100 million in support of the Rodeo. I have made lifelong friendships through this committee while providing funds to support our youth by providing scholarships.”
Dawn Williams, Tours Committee
“This is my third year on the Tours Committee, which is all about education! We are an education-based committee that provides tours for groups that are visiting the HLSR. These groups include school children, international guests, corporations, and dignitaries. Our committee educates children and adults on the importance of agriculture in the Texas economy through tours of AgVenture. We provide tours in the NRG Arena, NRG Center, and the outdoor areas like the carnival and The Junction. We also give directions and assistance to field trip groups that attend the show.”
Cindy Tipton, Rodeo Express Committee
“Parking sounds so boring but it’s what was available when my friend was looking for one more member for her team. I had always wanted to be involved but never knew how to get my foot in the door. I honestly had no idea that there were perks to volunteering. We get a gold badge that gets us into all the concerts for free. Directing traffic is easy, but can also be dangerous. This is a serious commitment. If you miss a shift, you must make it up. If you miss two or more (without making up your shifts), you can’t volunteer again! It’s easy work and the friendships you make are lifelong. I take my whole four weeks vacation around Rodeo which is also during spring break, so I get to take my grandkids to the carnival.”
Lauren Taylor, Speakers Committee
“I’m a fourth-generation Spring Brancher, and have served on the Speakers Committee for 11 years, where I teach elementary school kids how to rope, and a lot of adults, too. I’ll also be one of the announcers for this year’s Rodeo Parade. My fun claim to fame is that I keep rescue horses in my backyard! My family has had horses in Spring Branch since the 1950s.” This committee is responsible for contacting business groups, service clubs, area schools and other interested organizations to offer speaker services to their members to promote interest in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and share information regarding agriculture, education, entertainment, and Western heritage. The committee also hosts Rookie Boot Camp annually, providing information on the history, purpose and different aspects of the Show for new volunteers.
Mara Heidemann Bonilla, Rodeo Express Committee
“Howdy! I proudly volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on the Rodeo Express Committee. A Spring Branch native, educator, and resident, I play a key role in assisting people as they journey to the Rodeo grounds from the satellite parking lot
@the.refinedhome
at OST (Old Spanish Trail). At this location, you have the option to ride the buses to the Rode or take the Metro Rail to the dropoff right outside NRG and enter from there. I find great joy in my position with the HLSR because I have the privilege of helping numerous individuals create lasting memories on their way to and from “The Greatest Show on Dirt.” Being a part of this committee is particularly special to me, as I work alongside fellow Spring Branch natives who share the same passion. As I embark on my seventh year with Rodeo Express, I can genuinely say that my enthusiasm for the Rodeo is unwavering!”
Monica Nugent, mother of Olivia Nugent, senior and Spring Branch FFA president
“My daughter has been active in Spring Branch FFA for eight years (since she was in fifth grade) and is currently the chapter president. She is showing two livestock projects at HLSR this year and also competing in public speaking. She is showing her Brahman heifer for the second year in a row, is raising broiler chickens for the first time, and will be competing in the public speaking event for her third year. She is also showing her heifer at the San Antonio Livestock Expo (SALE) in February. For the SBFFA Chapter Show & Sale in February, she is showing a steer, her heifer, and her broiler chickens. My freshman son is also active in SBFFA (broilers and a pig), but is not showing at HLSR. He will be participating in the San Antonio Shoot-Out at SALE, competing in shooting sports.”
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SUPPoRTING THE NExT GENERATIoN oF ENTREPRENEURS
Could a ten-year-old invent the next Über? Find out at the Lovebug’s Children’s Business Fair, showcasing children’s entrepreneurial genius! On Saturday, February 10th, 2024 from 10am-1pm, the 9th annual Lovebug’s Children’s Business Fair in Spring Branch will host 60 booths with over 150 young entrepreneurs at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 7901 Westview. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC to shop handmade items made by kids.
Children create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. The children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers, and any parent seen selling to the customer or promoting the child’s product will result in disqualification from the competition.
This event is sponsored by the generous support of our donors and volunteers, who all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation. Whether an entrepreneur is famous, like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these entrepreneurs are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities.
“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s business innovators and leaders. The Children’s Business Fair gives students the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers,” said Jeff Sandefer, founder of the Acton School of Business, one of the sponsors of the fair.
Trophies and medals will be awarded for “Best Business Idea,” “Best Spokesperson,” and “Best Business Display.”
Here’s a (notably funny) write-up of the event by Spring Branch’s unofficial mayor Kyle Pierson, who was tapped to be a judge at the 2023 Lovebug fair.
Stephanie Walton, event coordinator, turned and asked me, “How should we introduce you as a judge?” “The moderately handsome failed restaurateur?” “I don’t think so.” I’m pretty certain Stephanie took issue with the “moderately handsome” part. I was invited to judge the Lovebugs Children’s Business Fair today at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It was an amazing turnout with over 60 entrants. There were soaps and cake pops and crocheting galore! I was judging the “Best Sales Pitch” category so I got to speak with all the kids.
Matteus over at Rockin’ Music-Themed Crafts gave me a guitar lesson. (He taught me to strum an Amin chord. Very slick that guy. Most kids would go with a major chord, but not
Matteus. He knew that the minor key lends an air of mystery.) I met Tristan, who does woodworking and uses a lathe to make gen-u-wine magic wands. The young men at Crustacean Creations took seashells and then painted and decoupaged them. It’s a mystery how 10 year old boys know what decoupage is. (It’s not actually. I asked them and they told me they learned about it on YouTube.) Crafty Cookers Sushi made “sushi” out of rice krispie treats, Swedish fish, and fruit roll-ups. Very clever. And Sarah, Annie, and Lizzie at Krazy Kebabs sold me a Kandy Kebab for breakfast. You just can’t beat candy for breakfast. And “on a stick” is just about the perfect way to serve everything! There were stress balls and geegaws and crocheting and ohsomuchosweetiedelishesness as far as the eye could see. I had a wonderful time and meeting so many young entrepreneurs just warmed my cold dark heart.
For more information, please visit childrensbusinessfair.org/houston-springbranch.
