The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes February 2016 by Lifestyles & Homes Magazines/Fort Bend Publishing

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febRuaRy 2016

2015 AIA

HOME TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Woodforest–

a Hometown for Everyone

! BENJAMIN HILL

Real People, Real Homes, Real Style…Real Woodlands Living www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com

10707 Corporate Dr #170 Stafford, TX 77477-4092

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❤ r E

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FOR THE ORIGINAL IN YOU.

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THE WOODLANDS’ FIRST LUXURY HIGH-RISE CONDOMINIUM

INCREDIBLE VIEWS 24-HOUR CONCIERGE LIFESTYLE EXCEPTIONAL WALKABILITY LOCK AND LEAVE CONVENIENCE

NOW PRE-SELLING Sales Center Open 18 Waterway Avenue Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 - 6:00 pm

713.600.5082 | TrevisoWaterway.com

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REPEAT BUSINESS DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN

37 Post Shadow Estate Drive $1,375,000

21 Waterford Lake $1,350,000

19 Southgate Drive $1,300,000

32711 Green Bend Ct. $920,000

7 Hillock Woods $850,000

26 Pebble Cove $775,000

The Next Generation of House Hunting. Find your next home on your phone or tablet. VIP code: 7138066796

Mike Seder Cell: 713.806.6796 Direct: 281.602.8823 Seder@MikeSeder.com Fax: 281.362.9496

THE WOODLANDS & SPRING 26113 Oakridge Drive, Suite A The Woodlands, Texas 77380

#1 RE/MAX® Agent in Texas #1 RE/MAX® Agent in the USA #1 RE/MAX® Agent in the World

Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

Hablamos Español • www.MikeSeder.com

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All the Care You Need Under One Roof.

L to R: Ayse Dural, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Spine; Dennis Ferrer, M.D., Endocrinology; Angela Ferguson, D.O., Cardiology; Kent Erickson, M.D., Corporate and Executive Health; Lana Hawayek, M.D., Dermatology; Nisha Sidhwani, D.O., Family Medicine; and Sophie Lung, M.D., Pediatrics.

When it comes to your health, expect MORE. Our beautiful multispecialty location offers: MORE Services – Audiology, Cardiology, Dermatology, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Endocrinology, Executive Health, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Optometry, Orthopedics – Sports Medicine, Orthopedics – Surgery, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Spine, Pulmonary Medicine/Sleep Medicine and Surgery.

24/7 Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 MONDAY – FRIDAY 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PHARMACY 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. LABORATORY 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MORE Conveniences – You’ll enjoy the convenience of an onsite Kelsey Pharmacy, laboratory, ultrasound and X-ray all under one roof, with free Wi-Fi in patient waiting areas.

MORE Access – With easy access from the I-45 South feeder road, the Vision Park community of Shenandoah offers a convenient setting with wide-open spaces and lots of free onsite parking.

The Woodlands Clinic 106 Vision Park Blvd. Shenandoah, TX 77384

The Woodlands OB/GYN Clinic 17198 St. Luke’s Way, Ste. 540 The Woodlands, TX 77384 kelsey-seybold.com

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Stay Here, Play Here and discover why Red Ledges is the best Club selection youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever make!

Red Ledges is a private mountain community just minutes from downtown Park City, Utah. Centered around family & lifestyle in an extraordinary setting, owners at Red Ledges enjoy:

(877) 733-5334 | Heber Valley, Utah | RedLedges.com Exclusively Brokered by Red Ledges Realty, LLC . Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. All descriptions, depictions, and renderings are provided solely for illustrative purposes and are subject to change. ÂŠ2016 Red Ledges Land Development, Inc.

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Medical Skin Care Chemical Peels Augmentation Breast Lifts Reductions Abdominoplasty Liposuction Body Contouring Facial Surgery Rhinoplasty Necklifts Eyelid Surgery Facial Fillers Botox Skin Tightening Cool Sculpting Spider Veins Cellulaze Clear + Brillliant Dermapen Glo Mineral Makeup Neograft Hair Restoration Ultherapy Laser Hair Removal IPL Treatments Now offering Kybella Vectra Imaging

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Established 2005 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER

DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 39,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN THE WOODLANDS Reaches trade professionals (ASID and GHBA members), area realtors, business, doctors, trade events (home-related trade shows and community events) and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce

facebook.com/WoodlandsLifestylesandHomesMagazine woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson

Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

Office Manager Linda Peterson

Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Mara Soloway Kelly Foss • Cathy Gordon Dr. Lori • Judy Latta Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel

Social Editor Whitney Montgomery

Wine Editor Denman Moody

Photographers J. Pamela Photography, Inc.

Production Manager Michael Ogrodowicz

Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel

Account Executives Marita Pratt • Kim Zeiner Amy Barker Richards Amy Ahlbrand Robinson Tracy Ray • Joe Welch Donna Sommer • Lisa Adams

ADVERTISING INFORMATION woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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Simplicity, innovation and scale are the ingredients of Thomas O'Brien's modern American style.

Century Furniture in Stock.

Meredith Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Fine Fu rn itu re, Accessories & R u g s 1751 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056-3969 Phone: 713-526-7332 â&#x20AC;˘ www.meredithodonnell.com

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Contents FEBRUARY 2016

{70}

2015 AIA Houston Home Tour Highlighting excellence, quality craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability. Interview by: Cheryl Alexander

{46}

Scene in The Woodlands Parties, galas and celebrations. See what The Woodlands’ movers and shakers are doing!

{26}

The Woodlands Events! Mark your calendars for upcoming events and activities.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

{64} All You Need is Love and Some Chocolate! Houston’s hottest, hippest Valentine’s Day sweets.

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Christine Hale & Associates 281-772-6337

REALTOR CLIENT EXPERIENCE RATING WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU! Everyone wants to do the best job they can for their clients, but how can you know what you are doing right and what you can do better? This is why it is so important for all HAR members to participate in the Client Experience Rating program. The Houston Association of Realtors has a program where clients are asked to rate their REALTOR ® based on service criteria listed below. Clients may rate their REALTOR® on how well they performed in each of the categories. This ratings model allows a REALTOR®’s client to rate the REALTOR® using a star system, with 5 stars being the best rating possible. The Client Experience Rating system then averages the scores to determine an overall rating for the REALTOR®. • COMPETENCY - Explained process clearly, ensured paperwork was correct, use of technology, negotiation skills, attention to detail, represented and protected my interests. • MARKET KNOWLEDGE - Knowledgeable of market, neighborhood and community. • COMMUNICATION - Kept me updated, responded timely, communicated based on my preference. • MY EXPERIENCE - Understood my needs, gave me personal attention, made me feel valued as a client, was on time and prompt. I would recommend this Realtor to a friend or colleague.

All Realtors are initially opted in the program and they must abide by the rules set forth by the Houston Association of Realtors to continue to participate. Realtors are given the option to “Opt-Out” of the program which means they will no longer have their ratings displayed. Every agent on my team has an outstanding Client Experience Rating and as the Team Leader, it is something I require each Realtor Associate to participate in because I understand the value and importance of having to be accountable for your performance whether representing a Buyer or Seller.

The Woodlands & Spring 6620 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, TX 77382 281-367-7770

Stacie Fontenot

Kassandra Bissett

Cheryl Littlejohn

Cissy Baylor

Sandra Pillow

Realtor Associate 936-328-0737

Realtor Associate 713-252-9699

Realtor Associate 281-793-9393

Realtor Associate 281.734.9999

Realtor Associate 281.734.3400

WeSellTheWoodlands.com

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Contents FEBRUARY 2016

In Store Now {50 DISCOVERIES} New and unique finds for your home and lifestyles.

{52 EDITOR’S COLUMN} See what we are doing on Pinterest. {52 BOOKS} New releases on decorating, cooking, health and more. {54 FASHION} What to wear now and a look at new styles for the upcoming season. {58 NEW AUTOS} Reviews of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Audi A5 Coupe.

Home Inspirations Inside &Out {80} INTERIOR DETAILS Decorate with Global Style

{86} HOME IMPROVEMENT Granite Countertops are Here to Stay

Add impact with new color schemes and textiles.

Durability and uniqueness are part of the appeal.

{82}

{90}

INTERIOR DETAIL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

RESOURCES

The Good Life {101 RECIPE} Serve Up Nutrients and Color. {102 WINE} Sparkling, White and Red Wine Winners. {104 TRAVEL} Incredible destinations for you to experience. {108 MEMORABLE WEDDINGS} Couples share their special memories.

Health & Well-Being {94} Not Smiling About Your Smile? Treatment options can help.

{98} Reduce Your Risk for Heart Problems Avoid heart attack and stroke with these measures.

{96} Cosmetic Dentistry {100} Family Health {63 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas {114} Professional Resources

More Features {60} Cupid Keeps Love Alive Area couples keep romance active beyond Valentine’s Day.

the local business climate and its leaders. {122 AROUND TOWN} Community groups and people making local news. {125 CAMPUS} Achievements and activities of area schools and students.

{68} ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI

You and the pollinators will enjoy the benefits!

Outreach programs include Gifts for Seniors, Adopt-a-Family and toy drive.

{117 BUSINESS BRIEFS} Keep up with

Columns

{93} Plant a Pollinator Garden

{121} Interfaith Holiday Giving Helps 6,000

Community News

When a Beloved Collection Can be a Burden.

{12} Luxurious homes, amenities, lifestyle — top-selling Woodforest has it all.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

{128} Historical Charles B. Stewart, Designer of the Texas Flag.

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Celebrate the Chinese New Year at The Woodlands Children’s Museum with art projects, cultural activities and lion dancers.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with The Woodlands Children's Museum, Jan. 30 Ring in the Chinese New Year at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280. The

museum will be transformed with traditional colors and decorations in celebration of the Year of the Monkey.

On Saturday, Jan. 30, the museum will host its grand Chinese New Year celebration from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lion dancers will perform, and various art projects and cultural activities will be scheduled throughout the day. The Woodlands High School Chinese Club will also be on hand to demonstrate the ancient art of Chinese writing. The event is included in the price of admission, which is $5 per person two years and older. “We always look forward to our Chinese New Year celebration at the museum,” Angela Colton, executive director of the museum, said. “It’s a great opportunity to help children discover the rich traditions in Asia, and explore the art and culture of the various countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year.” Visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955 to learn more.

CONROE CENTRAL LIBRARY BOOK CLUB, FEB. 4 The Central Library in Conroe has started an adult book club that will meet on the first Thursday of each month, from 6-8 p.m. on the first floor small meeting room at the library, 104 I 45 N. in Conroe. Join the group for tea, cookies and discussion as they read a different work of historical fiction each month. To register for this or future book club meetings, contact Lindsay McGee by phone at 936-442-7712 ext. 6252 or via email at lindsay.mcgee@countylibrary.org. To find out what book is scheduled next, visit countylibrary.org/central.htm.

CHANGE FOR CHARITY PROGRAM AT MARKET STREET Let the good times roll at The Woodlands Children’s Museum on Feb. 9, as the museum celebrates Mardi Gras with beads, masks, parades and other Mardi Gras traditions.

THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, FEBRUARY EVENTS Get in the spirit of Carnival and Mardi Gras at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280, with beads, masks, parades, art projects, music and king cake at the Mardi Gras Celebration from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The museum has selected special Valentines this year – the hard-working and dedicated American soldiers. Children are invited to let their creativity shine by making fun Valentine cards to send to the troops from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. These events are recommended for ages 7 years and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Both event costs are included in the price of admission, which is $5 per person 2 years and older.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

The “Change for Charity” program is an ongoing effort which encourages shoppers to deposit change into one of 68 non-governed parking meters within the shopping and entertainment destination. Every quarter, nickel and dime is metered to better the community and the proceeds benefit a different nonprofit organization every three months. Since its inception in 2005, the Change for Charity program has raised more than $100,000 for these organizations. For more information, visit marketstreetthewoodlands.com/change-for-charity.

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GRAND OPENING AT THE DUMP

NOW THERE’S A PLACE FOR HIGH DESIGN WITHOUT HIGH MARKUP.

A place where vintage home furnishings and unique handmade designs come direct, without the overhead and prices of high-rent stores and enormous catalogs. Eco-friendly, reclaimed woods. Same quality. Same makers. One half to one third of established prices. Now there’s a place where design has value. Welcome to The District.

THE GREENWICH SOLID ACACIA DINING TABLE Acacia is nature’s remarkably durable hardwood. Our artisan first selects each 4-inch plank of acacia by hand, then allows it to age a full 120 days to enhance its character and solidity. It is his hands who craft, sand, inlay and finish each unique table, creating a piece of singular beauty, unlike any other table in the world. 94 inches long.

$2600 AT HIGH-END STORES | DISTRICT $1174 10251 NORTH FREEWAY | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77037 | 281- 477-2250 ATLANTA•CHICAGO•DALLAS•HOUSTON•PHOENIX•PHILADELPHIA•VIRGINIA www.thedump.com | FRIDAY 10-9 SATURDAY 10-9 SUNDAY 11-7 AMERICA’S #1 OFF-PRICE FURNITURE OUTLET

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We can help you retain as much of your assets as the law allows.

“Mottled Shadow, Mottled Horses,” by Iwano Jankowski, is one of 100 palettes available in the silent auction.

TWHS PALETTES & PAINTINGS UNVEILING AND FUNDRAISER, FEB. 5

Wright Abshire, Attorneys has dedicated its practice to helping families finance long-term care for their loved ones without losing their life savings. Additionally, the firm coordinates governmental benefits, administers guardianships, prepares wills, trusts and advance directives, probates wills and administers estates.

HOUSTON OFFICE

4949 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 Phone 713-660-9595 Principal Office

FAYETTE COUNTY OFFICE

THE WOODLANDS OFFICE

1055 Deer Haven Rd. Carmine, Texas 78932 Phone 979-278-4095

3117 College Park Dr. Ste. 240 The Woodlands, Texas 77384 Phone 936-273-2773

By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available

Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire are Certified as Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation and Accredited Attorneys by the Veterans Administration. They are both Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

On Friday, Feb. 5, the sixth annual Palettes & Paintings unveiling and fundraiser will be held at The Woodlands High School (TWHS), 6101 Research Forest Dr., from 7-9:30 p.m. Attendees can bid on the 100 wooden palettes that have been transformed into works of art by students, alumni, teachers and area artists. Enjoy entertainment by the nationally recognized TWHS musicians. This event is free and open to all. “Palettes,” a silent auction, will be held from 7-8:30 p.m and includes 100 original works of art offered for sale to the general public. All proceeds will be used to grow and conserve the permanent collection of professional art on display daily at TWHS. “Paintings,” the unveiling event at 8:30 p.m., reveals the top three paintings by professional Texas artists voted on by the entire TWHS student body. Funds from the 2015 Homecoming Dance will be used to make purchases and add them to the permanent collection at the school. All other paintings are available for purchase by the public throughout the evening. These 15 artworks were selected by a student art committee. Many of the selected artists will be in attendance at the event. This year's artists are Terry Crump (Houston), Linda C. Dumas (Kingwood), Raul Gonzalez (San Antonio), Stuart Hausmann (Dallas), Carol Hayman (Austin), Marcos Hernandez (Houston), Jackie Impey (The Woodlands), Lourdes Lavalle-Gerard (The Woodlands), Maryann Lucas (Houston), Roberta Masciarelli (Dallas), Vickie McMillan (The Woodlands), Norma Moore (San Antonio), Kathryn Rabinow (Houston), Chancellor Roberts (The Woodlands) and Todd Stevens (Cypress). Show your support for TWHS Art Trust by joining "One Hundred Friends of Art," whose goal is to have 100 arts supporters make an annual donation. Membership is tax deductible and starts as low as $10. Make a donation at twhsat.weebly.com.

WOAMTEC MEETING, FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS Women on a Mission to Earn Commission (WOAMTEC), a networking organization geared towards businesswomen, meet at Amerigo’s Grille in The Woodlands from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. every first and third Wednesday. The cost for lunch is $20, all inclusive. All local business professionals are invited to attend. WOAMTEC was created in 2007 to provide a supportive environment for women who are committed to faith, family and career. Visit woamtec.com or call 866-757-2611 for information.

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BICYCLING IN THE WOODLANDS: SAFETY, HEALTH, AND THE ENVIRONMENT, FEB. 9 The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. is sponsoring a Going Green Sustainability Lecture titled “Bicycling in The Woodlands: Safety, Health and the Environment” be held at the The Woodlands South Regional Library on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Cycling is in the news in The Woodlands due to the rapid growth of people, young and old, who want other ways to get around in the community for work trips, recreation, school, shopping and socializing. Cycling helps in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, but also important to many people are the health, well-being and enjoyment that comes with riding a bike. Cycling has been a part of The Woodlands since its inception, and it continues to add to the goal of becoming a more sustainable and vibrant community. The Woodlands is officially a “Bicycle Friendly Community” as designated by the League of American Bicyclists. The Going Green program will focus on the “whys” and “how to” aspects of riding a bike, particularly focusing on bicycle safety, which is the number one priority for the Coalition and cyclists. Members of the Bike The Woodlands Coalition will present this program and host a discussion of what’s currently being done to improve cycling (as well as pedestrian safety). For more information, email info@thewoodlandsgreen.org.

LYNDA BENTLEY, PC ATTORNEY AT LAW

Family Law Former Judge 32 Years Experience

Divorce Modification Enforcement Adoption Paternity Corporate Mediation Wills Probate

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS WOMEN, FEBRUARY MEETINGS The Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) will meet on Feb. 2 for its coffee networking meeting at the Woodlands Chamber of Commerce from 8-9 a.m. in the Watertree Room. On Feb. 11, the MCABW Mixer will be held at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, 25351 Borough Park Dr. from 5-7 p.m. On Feb. 23, the MCABW lunch meeting will be held at Incredible Pizza in Conroe from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. International award-winning speaker Eric Swanson will speak on “Attitude, Think & Grow Rich.” For more information, contact Carol Gooch at 713-256-8002.

281.955.2408 • 281.257.2500 5515 Louetta Rd, Ste. C • Spring, Texas 77379 www.attorneylyndabentley.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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“Open Your Purse For Change” To Benefit The Women’s Center, Feb. 11

Committee members include (front row, l to r): event co-chairs Terry Larson, Ally Seder and Shirelle Chimenti: (back row): Deana Germany, Iram Taylor, Ayesha Fayaz, Cheryl Tyson; (middle): Betty Murphy and Denise Lipar.

The unique fundraiser “Open Your Purse for Change” will return Thursday, Feb. 11 to benefit the Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC). Co-chaired by Ally Seder, Terry Larson and Shirelle Chimenti, the elegant luncheon will kick off with a champagne reception and will feature inspirational survivor stories, a silent auction featuring gently-loved designer handbags, and a raffle of luxurious prizes from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Woodlands Resort & Conference at 2301 N. Millbend in The Woodlands. Proceeds will benefit the MCWC, which serves the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or abuse and stalking from all areas of Montgomery County and surrounding counties. Table sponsorships are offered from $2,500 up to the $10,000 level and may be purchased by contacting Ally Seder at ally@ mikeseder.com or Deana Germany at 936-441-4044 ext. 29 or deanag@mcwctx.org. Individual tickets are $150. Seating is limited. For more information, visit mcwctx.org.

Timothy Eggert, Jeff Baldwin and Sara Preisler star in Stage Right’s The Producers.

Stage Right Presents The Producers,Feb. 12-28 Stage Right of Texas, resident theatre company at the historic Crighton Theatre, presents Mel Brooks’ hilarious musical comedy The Producers Feb. 12-28. Winner of an

unprecedented 12 Tony Awards, The Producers is the musical adaptation by Thomas Meehan and Mel Brooks of the 1968 cult classic film starring Zero Mostel and

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Gene Wilder. The Producers is laugh-outloud outrageous and billed as an equal opportunity offender. A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive “Springtime For Hitler”), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. For tickets visit stage-right.org or call the box office at 936-441-7469. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and groups of 15 persons or more, $15 for youth 16 and under and for senior groups of 15 or more persons. The Crighton Theatre is located at 234 N. Main St. in downtown Conroe.

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LAKE CONROE Marseille | $1.9+mil 4/4.5 - ±4,848 sf stunning Bentwater home with panoramic lake views throughout Martha Rocks | 713.201.6269

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President of the National Art Honor Society, senior Ramsha Asim, works on her bowl.

COOPER'S EMPTY BOWLS EVENT CONTINUES HUNGER RELIEF SUPPORT, FEB. 20

Kerstin Anderson as 'Maria Rainer' and the von Trapp children (from left): Svea Johnson , Audrey Bennett, Quinn Erickson, Mackenzie Currie, Maria Knasel, Erich Schuett and Paige Silvester.

The Sound of Music, Feb. 16-21 The brand new production of The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brienon, will make its Houston premiere Feb. 16-21 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts as part of a North American tour. Ben Davis (Broadway’s Violet, A Little Night Music, La Bohème) will play Captain Georg von Trapp and Ashley Brown (Broadway’s Mary Poppins, NBC’s The Sound of Music) will play The Mother Abbess with Merwin Foard as Max Detweiler, Teri Hansen as Elsa Schraeder, Dan Tracy as Rolf and Paige Silvester as Liesl. The von Trapp children will be played by Erich Schuett (Friedrich), Maria Knasel (Louisa), Quinn Erickson (Kurt), Svea Johnson (Brigitta),Mackenzie Currie (Marta) and Audrey Bennett (Gretl). The musical introduces Jack O’Brien’s brand new discovery, Kerstin Anderson, as Maria Rainer. A student at Pace University, Anderson won the coveted role from hundreds who auditioned. This is her first national tour. The Sound of Music enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired in December 2013; 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. The beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with such songs as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and online at BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com or TheHobbyCenter.org. For more information, visit TheSoundOfMusicOnTour.com.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

The John Cooper School National Art Honor Society (NAHS) will begin its second decade of raising funds to help fight hunger in our community by sponsoring the 11th annual Empty Bowls Project on Saturday, Feb. 20 in Cooper's Student Center from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Online reservations are encouraged, but not required. This public event has helped to raise over $65,000 for hunger relief in the community over the past 10 years. Reservations are $10. Handmade bowls, created by Cooper students in grades PK-12, as well as faculty, staff, parents and local artists, will be available. A simple meal of soup, bread and water contributed by local restaurants and businesses, will be served for the admission price. "The handmade bowls come in all shapes and sizes and are for people to take home as a reminder of the fight against hunger," said senior Laura Meyer, who is the NAHS Service Chair. Faculty advisors Amy Dietrich and Emily Taylor are adding a new twist to the silent auction portion of the event. "We are taking bowlmaking in new directions –– from 3-D printed bowls, ceramic cups, and more traditional bowls (with a few bells and whistles) to water color paintings and photographs of bowls at various states of emptiness," Taylor said. Proceeds from Empty Bowls have again been designated for the Interfaith Food Pantry, with a portion earmarked for the Imagine Render Group that initiated the program worldwide. More information and a link to the online reservation is posted at johncooper.org. NAHS students are currently seeking community involvement in the event, including donations of soup, bread and water. Local artists are also encouraged to donate to the silent auction.

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AHA’S 21ST ANNUAL MONTGOMERY COUNTY HEART BALL, FEB. 20 The glamour of Hollywood will make its way to Montgomery County for the 21st annual American Heart Association’s (AHA) Montgomery County Heart Ball on Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The event, chaired by Tracy and Richard Wilken, is themed “Hollywood: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” KTRK ABC 13’s investigative reporter Ted Oberg will also be joining the luncheon for the second-year in a row as emcee. The $1.2-million fundraising ball and gala hopes to raise a record-breaking amount of lifesaving funds to combat heart disease. The event will feature both live and silent auctions, live music played throughout the evening by Radio Live!, a vintage car collection and more surprises. The annual black-tie event is one of the premier AHA events both locally and nationally. This year’s Heart Ball will have a major focus on CPR initiatives and achievements over the past 100 years, including lifesaving technologies the AHA has helped fund in our local hospital systems. In Montgomery County, the bystander CPR rate is only 14 percent, while the national average is 42 percent. In the last 21 years, the Heart Ball has raised more than $4.5 million for the AHA’s critical mission. Last year, more than 800 of Montgomery County’s finest philanthropists, business leaders and socialites joined the Heart Ball to help the AHA raise crucial funds for the hearts of Montgomery County. Tickets are $300 for individuals and $1,000 for couples, with remaining tables starting at $3,000. Tickets are available at montgomerycountyheartball.ahaevents.org. For more information, contact Jessica Fowler at Jessica.Fowler@heart.org.

MEMORIAL HERMANN SUPPORT GROUPS Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital provides a variety of free support groups including Mended Hearts, cancer education, cancer nutrition, yoga for cancer survivors, diabetes, stroke, weight-loss surgery and Mothers of Multiples. For more information on meetings, call 713-222-CARE or click on the “Events and Classes” link under the “Patients & Caregivers” tab at memorialhermann.org.

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FOR ANY and ALL of YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN NEEDS The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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WOODLANDS BAR ASSOCIATION 2016 FUTURE LAWYERS SCHOLARSHIPS, DEADLINE MARCH 1 The Woodlands Bar Association (WBA) will award two $3,000 scholarships to outstanding local high school students through The Future Lawyers Scholarship in Memoriam Ida G. Stewart and The Future Lawyers Scholarship in Memoriam Kevin T. Shea. This marks the fourth year that the scholarships are open to graduating seniors residing in Montgomery County (public, private or homeschool) who are in good standing and will be attending a fouryear university in the fall of 2016. Applicants must have an interest in attending law school upon completion of an undergraduate program and have aspirations of becoming an attorney. The scholarship program is intended to recognize and encourage a spirit of community involvement and good citizenship among high school students residing in The Woodlands and surrounding areas of Montgomery County, and allow the WBA to support the next generation of young lawyers in the community. The deadline to apply is by 11 p.m. CST, March 1. The recipients will be chosen based upon financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, citizenship and community involvement, demonstration of a strong desire to pursue a legal career and recommendations. For more details and the application, visit woodlandsbarassociation.com/News or email Rene Rogers at VPScholarships@WoodlandsBarAssociation.com.

CONROE CENTRAL LIBRARY BOOK CLUB, FIRST THURSDAY The Central Library in Conroe has started an adult book club that will meet on the first Thursday of each month, from 6-8 p.m. on the first floor small meeting room at the library, 104 I 45 N. in Conroe. Join the group for tea, cookies and discussion as they read a different work of historical fiction each month. To register for this or future book club meetings, contact Lindsay McGee by phone at 936-442-7712 ext. 6252 or via email at lindsay.mcgee@countylibrary.org. To find out what book is scheduled next, visit countylibrary.org/central.htm.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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14th Annual

MARCH 12-13

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Gardening Meet GardenLine Radio Show Host, Randy Lemmon.

Custom Home Building Stage Great Advice from building/ remodeling professionals. Bring your plans!

Design advice Meet Kate Smith, Color Expert from Sensational Color

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Gavin Reed plays the French horn for the ROCO Brass Quintet.

RIVER OAKS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA BRASS QUINTET TO PERFORM AT THE WOODLANDS UMC, MARCH 6 The ROCO Brass Quintet will perform at The Woodlands United Methodist Church on March 6 at 5 p.m. The church is located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr. in Spring. Tickets are $25 general admission; $10 students; $5 discount for TWUMC members. Purchase tickets at rocohouston.org/tickets. The ROCO Brass Quintet is a group within the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, a professional 40-piece ensemble founded in 2005. Performing throughout the Greater Houston area, the ROCO Brass Quintet champions modern classical music while also performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, as well as jazz. The ensemble offers a unique concert experience, sharing the intimacy, accessibility and virtuosity of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. Brass Quintet members are: Jason Adams, trumpet; George Chase, trumpet; Thomas HultĂŠn, trombone; Jared Lantzy, bass trombone; and Gavin Reed, French horn.

THE WOODLANDS SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW, MARCH 12-13 The 14th annual spring Home & Garden Show will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriot Hotel & Convention Center on March 12-13. Hours are Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. More than 200 home improvement professionals will be on hand to provide inspiration for creating or remodeling your dream home. Featured speakers include color expert Kate Smith and her design advice, and gardening expert Randy Lemmon. There also will be live cooking demos and beer and wine tastings. Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for kids 12 and under. For a full schedule of events and a dollar off show admission, visit WoodlandsShows.com.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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Clarinetist Graeme Johnson, a YTA 2014 silver medalist, earned his bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance from The University of Texas at Austin and is presently working on his master’s degree in music at Yale University.

Young Texas Artists Music Competition,March 10-12 Applications are now being accepted for the 32nd Young Texas Artists (YTA) Music Competition, hosted by the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, March 10-12 at the Crighton Theatre in Conroe. YTA celebrates and supports the Lone Star State’s new generation of classical musicians and vocalists. Applicants must be

between the ages of 18 and 32 and Texas residents or students enrolled in a Texas college, university or music school. Professional performance opportunities and $20,000 will be awarded. The musicians will compete in their choice of four divisions: voice; piano; strings; and winds, brass, percussion, harp and guitar.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Unique to YTA, a panel of five judges, all esteemed leaders in their respective disciplines, provide valuable, written critique to all competitors. Preliminary rounds of the competition, which are free and open to the public, will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 10, 11 and 12. The Finalists' Concert and Awards will be held on Saturday evening, March 12. Gold and Silver Medals will be awarded for each division, and a Grand Prize and Audience Choice award will be presented. Complete information, application forms and eligibility requirements are available at youngtexasartists.org. All submissions, including the application, required fees and materials, must be received by Dec. 31. Contact Young Texas Artists Music Competition at info@ytamc.com for more information. The annual Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala will be held the evening of the Finalists' Concert and Awards. Tickets to the gala and Finalists' Concert and Awards are available at crightontheatre.org.

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24 WATERWAY/THE WOODLANDS/TEXAS 77380

SOUTHEAST TEXAS AGLOW CONFERENCE The Dawn is Arising, Southeast Texas Aglow Conference, will be held on Friday, March 18 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Fellowship of Praise in Stafford. Rebecca Greenwood of Christian Harvest International will be the keynote speaker. Join women from every walk of life for worship, prayer and motivational messages. Tickets are $35 at Eventbrite.com. Aglow is a spirit-filled women’s ministry fellowship with groups that meet monthly for prayer, Bible studies and special events. Visit katyaglow.com for information about local meetings and Aglow International.

Profiling artistic practices bound against the conventions of figurative art, Glade Gallery highlights the diversity within contemporary art and fuels the synergy that describes the creative exchanges between American and European art today. Reflecting upon the resonances of the multifaceted contemporary art, Glade Gallery intends to unfold new approaches to the creative act, ultimately offering both the artists and the public the preferred landscape in the building of greater future scenarios. Glade Gallery, a place where art turns in the direction of your dreams.

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✤

DORU NUTA - “Youth” / 2015 bronze / size: 72” x 12” x 14”

CAKE ✤ COOKIES ✤ CUPCAKES ✤ BROWNIES ✤

Kinky Friedman

“AN EVENING WITH KINKY FRIEDMAN” BENEFIT CONCERT, MARCH 26

• Birthdays • Weddings • School & Company Logo Cookies • Corporate Meetings & Events • Platters & Catering

6777 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, TX 77382 281.298.7474 (M-Sat. 9-7) www.frostbakeshoppe.com 42

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Kinky Friedman, the colorful Texas Country singer, songwriter, humorist, cowboy and best-selling mystery writer, will be center stage Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m., for “An Evening with Kinky Friedman Benefitting Congregation Beth Jacob Galveston” at the 1894 Grand Opera House in Galveston. He will perform signature songs from his celebrated 40-year music career, plus selections from his newly released CD, “The Loneliest Man I Ever Met.” “Starting from the time he played guitar and sang around the campfire at his parents’ Echo Hill Ranch summer camp in the Texas Hill Country in the 1960s and ‘70s, to touring with such music legends as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Ringo Starr, and headlining world tours, Kinky has been a one-of-a-kind performer, often irreverent, always quick witted. He’s a talented singer, musician and raconteur combined,” said Barbara White, event and host committee chair. The event will celebrate the 85th

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anniversary of the historic Congregation Beth Jacob Galveston, the “Shul (Synagogue) by the Shore.” “The Loneliest Man I Ever Met,” Kinky’s first new studio album in 30 years, has received accolades in reviews in publications ranging from Rolling Stone and Newsweek magazines to The Wall St. Journal. The recording features three new Kinky compositions and cover songs written by Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, Tom Waits and Johnny Cash, among others. Kinky has recorded 11 albums and published 35 books, in addition to being an occasional Texas politician. Concert benefit tickets, priced from $45-$100, are available at thegrand.com/calendar.asp. The 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Post Office Street. For more information, go to galvestonshul.org or call 409-762-4545.

Librarians are preparing thousands of books at bargain prices for the SMCFOL Book Sale.

SOUTH MONTGOMERY COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE, MARCH 31-APRIL 2 From Thursday, March 31 to Saturday, April 2, South Montgomery County Friends of the Library (SMCFOL) will be holding its Annual Book Sale at the South County Community Centre in The Woodlands. SMCFOL Book Sales have been held for over 20 years. From the start, donations from the community came pouring in, and within a few years the sale outgrew the library’s meeting room space. In 2000 the Book Sale was moved next door to the South County Community Center where it has evolved to the event it has become. The sale brings the community a quality and varied inventory of books, all sold at terrific bargains. The proceeds go to support programs at the two Woodlands libraries.

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281-686-5296 l www.absolutelyoutdoors.net Serving The Woodlands and Surrounding Communities Since 1998 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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TAILS & TRAILS BENEFIT, APRIL 16

Mark Atnipp and team members ham it up on the golf course.

7th Annual Hope On The Green Fundraiser, April 11 The 7th Annual HOPE on the Green tees off Monday, April 11 at The Woodlands County Club Palmer Course and benefits The Will Herndon Research Fund. This year's golf tournament features unlimited beverages and food throughout the course, pre-game contests, fabulous Hole-In-One prizes, the Blindfold Hole, the Helicopter Ball drop and plenty of HOPE hospitality. Check-in begins at 10 am, while the driving range is open and contests are underway. The Helicopter Ball Drop is scheduled for noon, with a shot gun start promptly at 12:30 p.m. Dinner will be served immediately following the Tournament. A four player team can be reserved with a $1,000 donation. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $1,500. Online registration opens midFebruary at willherndon.org. The Will Herndon Research Fund (HOPE) was established in 2009 to raise funds for research into finding a cure for juvenile Batten disease. This effort began in honor of Will Herndon, who was diagnosed with juvenile Batten disease at age 6. This rare, fatal, genetic disease attacks an otherwise healthy child beginning with vision loss, declined cognitive skills, and seizures. Progressively, children suffer loss of memory and speech until they are mentally and physically incapacitated, eventually leaving them wheelchair bound, then bedridden. With no current treatment or cure, Batten disease is always fatal, often by the late teens or early 20s. “In the years since Will’s diagnosis, we have never been more filled with HOPE than we are now,” says Missy Herndon, Will’s mother and HOPE founder. HOPE researchers have discovered six drug compounds that could slow the progression of the disease. Two of these compounds are under further evaluations, with the anticipation of receiving approval from the FDA to conduct a clinical trial — a clinical trial that could give Will a bright, promising future.” To learn more, visit the website or call 409-454-9330.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Tails & Trails is a unique, community oriented event to be held on April 16 at the 20-acre Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, to benefit Happy Trails Rescue. The event will include a raffle and a silent auction. The park's large green space will provide ample room to showcase vendors, dogs for adoption, educational booths, law enforcement dog demonstrations, activities for children, agility dog demonstrations and delicious food and beverages. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners.The park is surrounded by a half mile of beautiful paved walking path allowing potential adopters to take dogs on a stroll for some bonding time and to better see if they are a good fit for adoption. Educational booths will focus on many of the ways to get involved with solving the serious and invisible issue of homeless animals in Montgomery County and beyond. Most people are unaware that so many animals, many of whom are loving family pets turned in to the shelter by owners no longer able to care for them, are ending up in the county shelter, which is so full that many dogs don’t even get a daily break to get out of their kennel to play or go for a walk. This issue is compounded by a booming stray animal population in Montgomery County. The shelter takes in up to 100 animals per day. In 2013, the shelter took in more than 24,000 dogs, cats, and other animals. Many of these animals wait in the shelter for an adoptive family for many months and many never make it to their "forever home." Through no fault of their own these animals never get to know a human family. For more information, call Heather Calkins, founder/chairperson Tails & Trails, at 512-579-1229.

JAZZY JUNQUE STORE Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe. Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of the original cost. Jazzy Junque is seeking donations of unwanted furniture, home accessories, housewares, infant/children’s items, art, garden/patio items, jewelry, boutique clothing, collectibles and antiques. The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can also enjoy coffee drinks from the coffee bar, which will be manned by residents of New Danville. Proceeds benefit New Danville, a master-planned community for adults with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Donations can be dropped off at Outlets of Conroe by appointment, or arranged to be picked up by calling 936-441-4500 or emailing info@jazzyjunque.org.

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Naomi Judd

NAOMI JUDD IS GUEST SPEAKER FOR “TEA ON THE LAWN” BENEFITING NEW DANVILLE, APRIL 22 Six-time Grammy award winner, celebrated songwriter, bestselling author, actress and passionate health advocate Naomi Judd has been confirmed as the guest speaker for the eighth annual “Tea on the Lawn” set for April 22 to benefit New Danville. She will share her personal story of perseverance through hardships and the life-altering power of positive thinking. Judd was a single mother and registered nurse from small-town Kentucky when she first

captured the hearts of the world performing with her daughter Wynonna. The Judds sold 20 million records, scored 15 number-one hits and received more than 60 industry awards. Most recently, the famed duo reunited and performed for sold-out audiences during their “Girls Night Out” residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Early sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are now available for the 2016 “Tea on the Lawn.” The annual luncheon benefits New Danville, a master-planned community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as the autism spectrum, brain injuries and many other disabilities. The 2016 event will be held at New Danville, which is located on 42 acres of beautiful rolling hills in Willis at 10951 Shepard Hill Road. Available now, “Tea on the Lawn” table underwriting levels range from $3,000 to $15,000. Sponsorships start at $150 for a program ad and up to $7,500 for the ladies tee sponsorship. Individual tickets go on sale April 1 at $150 per person.

As tradition has it, guests will don their finest hats and lovely frocks. Prior to the sit-down luncheon at noon, ladies will enjoy strolling leisurely through the grounds of New Danville, sipping light libations and listening to live classical piano pieces while browsing through the Marketplace of New Danville clients’ unique hand-crafted products. Marketplace ‘must sees’ include original works of art, potted flowers, distinctive writing pens, stately birdhouses, whimsical wind chimes, inspirational mosaic crosses, luscious bath and body products and fine food products. New Danville is the only community concept of its kind that offers an affordable, holistic approach to services by offering adult educational, skills training and vocational services, low-income housing and job opportunities. Residents can live, learn, work and grow emotionally, socially and spiritually in a safe, caring environment. For more information, email kathy.sanders@newdanville.org, call 936-522-8244, or visit TeaOnTheLawn.org. For more information about New Danville, visit NewDanville.org.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Scene in

The Woodlands by Whitney Montgomery FOR GALAS, PARTIES, LUNCHEONS Email: whitney@gmont.com

spending quality time with special people in your life, or even a simple hug that may literally change someone's whole day. The love and dedication that our community puts into creating the most amazing events and fundraising activities never changes. There is so much detail and planning involved and I want you to know that it does not go unnoticed or unapprecdiated. I personally thank each and every one of you for the countless hours and commitment that it takes to make all of this happen each month. A few of the events to look forward to in February are: Feb. 11: Open Your Purse for Change luncheon benefiting Montgomery County Women's Center (The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center)

Feb. 17: Crisis Assistance Center's First Annual Legacy Luncheon (The Woodlands United Methodist Church) Feb. 20: American Heart Association's Montgomery County Heart Ball (The Woodlands Waterway Marriott) Feb. 27: Chili cookoff to benefit St. Baldrick's (Northshore Park) I am excited to be out and about this month and I hope that you too will be “Scene in The Woodlands.” Keep me posted on your events for 2016 – please email whitney@gmont.com. Be the change you hope to see in the world, Whitney Montgomery

FOR SCHOOL & STUDENT NEWS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

Dear Readers,

It's February – the month of love! I am fascinated by all of the romance, love and hype that surfaces around Valentine's Day. I think we can all agree that we have one of the most loving communities. Just watching the amount of giving and support that people provide to one another makes me feel like it is Valentine's Day everyday. I appreciate all that goes into making this such an amazing place to call home and raise a family. I moved to this area in 1979 andhave grown up watching the growth and development over the years. I loved calling this home back then, and I love it even more now. I am and always will be someone who strives to better myself and others every day. One way I do this is through setting goals that will allow me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. Something you will quickly realize about me is I like to take action. My challenge for all of us this month is this: Show love to yourself, another person or a charity that is outside something you would normally do. Choose whatever love language fits your situation the best. This could be a monetary gift, an act of service through volunteering, words of affirmation for someone through a phone call or a card,

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

The Forum Luncheon More than 400 guests had the privilege to take a look inside Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands at the ForumLuncheon. Michelle Riley-Brown, president of Texas Children's Hospital the Woodlands, and Dr. Charles Hankins, chief medical officer of TCH The Woodlands, provided attendees with an update on the hospital’s progress and introduced the growing leadership and clinical teams. The luncheon featured a panel of the newly recruited physicians who will be caring for patients in this expanding community. Texas Children's Hospital the Woodlands will open its doors to outpatient care in Fall 2016 and inpatient services in 2017.

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The Forum Luncheon

1) Judy and Glenn Smith 2) Melissa Stansheck, Johnna Edone and Shannon Wing 3) (L to R) Tom Abrahams, weekend news anchor at ABC13 KTRK, Dr. Albert Hergenroeder, Dr. Kristin Ernest, Dr. Susan Blaney, Dr. Michael Gleason, Dr. Carla Giannoni and Dr. Michael Hughes 4) Ralph Alexander 5) Lori and Charles Maurice

St. Judeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Carpet for Hope 4

St Jude's Red Carpet for Hope St. Jude's Children's research hospital was excited to partner with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the official 73rd annual Golden Globe awards screening gala. Before the live telecast of the Golden Globe awards, guests were given the opportunity to enjoy a live auction and dinner as they heard courageous stories from St. Jude patient families. Events like St. Jude's Red Carpet for Hope help enable St. Jude to continue to lead

the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. 1) Trey and Paige Halberdier 2) Erin Hudson, Aisha Dubose, Melody Stroud and Amanda Fortino 3) Dana Tyson, emcee from Sunny 99.1 4) Laura and Larry Slay 5) Ali Malek, Sarah Rhea, Jennifer Freeman and Renee Bear The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Montgomery County New Year's Eve Gala The Montgomery County New Year's Eve Gala was absolutely phenomenal! It was a Masquerade Ball, and guests were invited to “Unmask the New Year”. Everyone had a night full of dinner, dancing, live entertainment, casino play and a fabulous midnight fireworks show. La Torretta Resort was a beautiful venue, and I am already looking forward to next year. All proceeds from this event benefit the abused and neglected children of Montgomery County. Photo credit: Edward Matthews Photography 1) Dan Dunn, well known speed painter 2) Ted and Pat Spackey 3) (L-R) Earnest Kellow, Willis Yehl, Pat Jaggers, Terri Jaggers, Chance Laurent, Andrea Noyes, Adam Jaggers, and Tyler Case (floor) 4) Gala guests enjoying the casino 5) DJ Adam Jaggers 6) Michael Durham, Andi Durham, Hope Robinson, Shawn Hairgroves

Montgomery County New Year’s Eve Gala

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Houston Public Media Downton Abbey Preview Parties Houston Public Media Downton Abbey Preview Parties

On Saturday, Dec. 12, Houston Public Media held two preview parties in The Woodlands of the first episode of the final season of Downton Abbey. Diehard fans of the show dressed in Downton Abbey attire – circa 1920s Britain – for the “Dress for Downtown” costume contest. The cast members of Houston Public Media’s Emmy Award-winning Manor of Speaking were in attendance and hosted a Q&A session after the premiere. 1) Fans Shelley Harrington and Heidi Velez pose with Mister Rodgers, the popular butler character from “Manor of Speaking” at one of the two Downton Abbey premiere screenings held in The Woodlands. Photo: Francisco Montes 2) Christine and Kaitlyn Cargol, first-place costume contest winners at the noon screening

of the Downton Abbey premiere in The Woodlands. 3) Gwen Jackson and Sharon Cofran show off their Downton Abbey costumes at one of premiere screenings. 4) Enthusiastic Downton Abbey fans having fun at one of the Season 6 premiere screenings in The Woodlands. Photo: Francisco Montes 5) Mother and son duo show off their winning Downton Abbey style costumes at the season 6 premiere screening held at 3 p.m. (L-R) Ernie Manouse, Soledad Seman, Remy Seman and St. John Flynn. Photo: Francisco Montes 6) “Manor of Speaking” personalities Ernie Manouse and St.John Flynn pose with costume contestants at the Downton Abbey season 6 premiere in The Woodlands. (L-R) Ernie Manouse, Hayley Dickey, Stephanie Dickey, Rebekah Dickey and St. John Flynn. 7) Women who hold Downton Abbey watch parties each season meet the “Manor of Speaking” stars, Ernie Manouse and St. John Flynn, at one of the Downton Abbey season 6 premieres in The Woodlands. (L-R) Alice Callison, Ernie Manouse, MaryAnn Evans, Cheryl Hillman, Janice Macek and St. John Flynn. Photo: Francisco Montes l

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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MUSETTE SOFA Like a musician tuning up for an evening at a best-kept-secret jazz club, the Musette Collection is a prelude to something spectacular. Underscoring your most treasured evenings, this set of perfectly eclectic furniture and accessories harmonizes a bohemian mashup of velvets and twill, from paisleys to stripes and back again. With hand-painted turned feet and handcrafted tassels. mackenzie-childs.com

STRAY DOG DESIGNS TABLE LAMP Quirky and charming, Stray Dog Designs' furnishings and accessories inspire an eclectic interior of true artistry. The Allen table lamp offers the sophisticated living room a one-of-a-kind accent. Paired with a translucent hand blown glass base, the light fixture's round white shade features a hand embroidered Otomi print full of global whimsy. laylagrayce.com

MOBIL GAS PEGASUS C1940 As one of the most iconic and recognizable company emblems in United States history, the Mobil Gas Pegasus has served as the guardian to many American roadways and rest stops. This astonishing porcelain sign dates from the late 1930s, and while it does shine brightly with its original porcelain enamel, the many chips in the surface reveal the steel metal underneath, though this only serves to add to the character and authenticity of this barn-fresh piece. rejuvenation.com

CHRISTIAN LACROIX One of the most well known names in fashion, Christian Lacroix lends distinctive style to one-of-a-kind accessories. With fun splashes of color and quilted detail, Christian Lacroix shoulder bags, totes, and small goods display signature French flair. Patio Multicolore Pillow is made of cotton and feather filled. neimanmarcus.com

OSCAR de la RENTA Accented with a luminous gold trim, the Coralina oval platter is delicately painted with botanicals inspired by floral motifs on a custom gown Oscar made for Vogue magazine in 2006. An eye-catching update to your go-to serving wares, it warmly reflects the late designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dominican heritage with tropical coral notes. oscardelarenta.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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the Editor’s

Picks Linda Anderson

ws Puppy Greeted By Co

A herd of cows run a over to investigate 6-month-old Boxer puppy on her walk in the field.

bSys9Z27I be.com/watch?v=ms https://www.youtu Lifestyles & Homes!

th Share your video wi styles-magazines.com email to: Linda@life

On pinterest.com/LifestyleMags

Easy Molten Chocolate These lava cakes for Valentine’s Day require only five ingredients.

WILD IDEAS

IS THAT WINE IN YOUR POCKET?

In Grow Your Own Natural Garden, Carol Klein explains how to get the most from your garden by taking inspiration from what works in the wild. She encourages readers to identify the conditions in the outdoor space – for example, the shady corner of an urban garden mimics the conditions of woodland – and to pick the plants that flourish in these conditions. Each of the six chapters features case studies that Klein admires for the way the owners have worked with the natural habitat and each chapter ends with 30 plants for that habitat. Well-written and a visual treat.

Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2016 is the 39th edition of this iconic, best-selling gem. Fully updated and expanded with the aid of Johnson’s many trusted global contributors, this year’s color supplement focuses on Riesling, the world’s greatest white grape. It also provides current news on more than 6,000 wines, as well as regions, vintages, and growers around the world. It offers maps, grape varieties, tips on food and wine pairings, and champagne growers to look out for in 2016. The book also features tips on what to cellar and what to drink. It is quick, concise and packed solid with useful information.

BEAUTY ON THE INSIDE

Winter Vegetable Salad This salad made from steamed vegetables has a zesty dressing and makes a perfect side dish.

Upgrade your home’s charm factor with this comprehensive one-stop guide to creating custom-made soft furnishings. Hand-made Interiors shows stitch by stitch how to make beautiful pieces – from blinds, curtains, and cushion covers to bedding and simple upholstery. Learn to choose the right materials, measure, create and install each project. Clear photos and basic sewing techniques show you how to make each piece, and suggested variations help tailor each project to your own unique space and budget. Great ideas and trade secrets ensure a professional finish.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

FAMILY TRADITION Continuing in the tradition of her popular craft book Vintage Made Modern, Jennifer Casa’s Handmade Heirlooms: Crafting with Intention, Making Things That Matter, and Connecting to Family and Tradition emphasizes the significance of handmade pieces in our personal histories. The projects within celebrate the role heirlooms play in our lives and in those of loved ones. Whether sewn, knitted or crafted, these special items are more than just a hobby – they are meant to be gifted, enjoyed and handed down to future generations.

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10% OFF TILE CLEANS Coupon must be rendered with payment. Exp 2-29-16

PERFECT PASTRIES Pastries can be intimidating for home cooks and baking newbies, but once you understand the science behind the dough, the rest is easy as pie! Russell van Kraayenburg, founder of the award-winning blog Chasing Delicious, has harnessed the formula for perfect pastry in Making Dough: Recipes and Ratios for Perfect Pastries. This cookbook reveals the secret to mastering the 12 essential pastry doughs. It’s all about the relationship between the amounts of five ingredients – flour, butter, water, sugar and eggs. These ratios distinguish one dough from another, and understanding these is the first step toward perfect pastries every time.

CHALKBOARD CHATTER Ubiquitous at boutiques and cafés, on Etsy and Pinterest, in stationery and home decor, chalk lettering is hotter than ever. In The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering, Valerie McKeehan teaches readers how to create hand-drawn chalk designs. The book is also a practice space, with three foldout “chalkboards.” More than 60 lessons explain the ABCs of lettering and basic styles – serif, sans serif, and script; how to lay out a design, combine various style and add shadows and dimension; how to master more advanced letter styles and use banners, borders, flourishes; and 12 projects to show off your new skills.

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Style} file

Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.

Valentino- Valentino Garavani L’amour sandal in strass on a suede base and kid leather straps. Heart details and word “L’Amour” embellished with strass. valentino.com

Stella McCartney- Kaitlyn dress with botanical embroidery design.

Alice + Olivia- Black Cap Sleeve Darby-knit dress has rounded neckline. lyst.com

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Clover Canyon-This season Clover Canyon’s clothes conjure the fantastic with bibbed and pintucked blouses, ponchos, paisleys and sequined rainbows. clovercanyon.com

Gucci- Slingback eel pump in purple. gucci.com Armenta- Shield Drop Earrings in yellow gold, diamonds and sapphires. bergdorfgoodman.com

Miu Miu - Patent and nappa leather shoulder bag in Begonia. miumiu.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.

Alexis Bittar-Ombre Cabochon Striped Cocktail ring. neimanmarcus.com

Paul AndrewFringed suede knee boots breathe bohemian luxury into even the most dressed-down of looks. stylebop.com

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Devon Leigh- Turquoise Beaded Chain Necklace has turquoise and coral beads. neimanmarcus.com

Valentino- Valentino Garavani sandal in black and light ivory striped patent leather patchwork. valentino.com

Gucci- Animalier leather shoulder bag in brown leather. gucci.com

Oscar de la Renta- Silk Tie Neck Blouse with banded lace sleeves and Striped Tweed A-Line Skirt. oscardelarenta.com

Jose and Maria Barrera- Multi-strand bracelet in 24-karat yellow gold plate has agate, jade and crystal beads. neimanmarcus.com

Oscar de la Renta- Sequin Embroidered Lace & Printed Silk Mikado Dress from the resort collection. oscardelarenta.com

Armenta- Old World Midnight Pointed Bangle with Blue Turquoise in 18-karat gold, pave white diamonds and moonstone. bergdorfgoodman.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Valentino- Dream Catcher Necklace has a butterfly handembroidered with feathers and beads. valentino.com

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Style} file Paige Denim Soludos Shoes Nicole Miller Bella Dahl Pam & Gela Wilt 360 Cashmere and many more!

Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.

Chloe- Foster Lace-Up Wedge Sandals are crafted of camel suede kidskin. barneys.com

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Hyundai Santa Fe and Audi A5 Coupe

Hyundai Santa Fe | Starting price: $25,000

he current-generation Santa Fe was introduced back in 2013, which means it has reached the mid-cycle point. Recent touch-ups and refinements keep it fresh and updated. This Hyundai crossover is good looking, comfortable and easy to drive. It sits nicely perched among its competitors, including the Ford Explorer, Mazda CX -9 and the Honda Pilot. Perhaps the best thing going for it is its price, which is lower than most of its competitors, when you compare them side-by-side. A fully loaded Limited with allwheel drive tops out at about $41,000, as compared to a Ford Explorer, which can exceed $50,000 with options. The larger Santa Fe features seating for six

or seven, with a third row that isn't entirely too small. Larger adults might feel cramped, but for a quick trip out to dinner, the third row could come in quite handy. If you only need seating for five, the smaller Santa Fe sport model will do just fine. Starting price on the shorter Santa Fe Sport is about $25,000 and on the longer Santa Fe about $30,000. If you do you opt for the larger Santa Fe, you’ll get the 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is more than ample, accelerating at a brisk pace. EPA fuel economy is rated at 18/25 mpg. Front wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is optional. Hyundai made some calibrations and gave the electric power steering system a faster

Audi A5 Coupe

Starting price: $40,000

lot of choices exist when it comes to luxury sport coupes. Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes all have their own versions, which mean the competition is fierce. That’s good news, however, for car buyers in this particular segment. Coupes evoke a certain emotion out of enthusiasts and admirers alike, and the A5 certainly doesn’t disappoint. The Audi A5 Coupe is the embodiment of a classic sports car: long nose, short rear deck, clean interior and easy handling. Add to that Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, making it sure-footed and confident on all road surfaces, including ice, and you’ve got yourself one fine automobile. The Audi A5 is an excellent example of striking a balance between luxury, performance and everyday functionality. A

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

processor for enhanced steering. You can switch between comfort, normal and sport mode to adjust steering feel. The suspension was also given minor tweaks to increase body control in the corners. You may not notice these changes on your day-to-day drive, but you will appreciate them on longer road trips. Driving the Santa Fe is easy. The ride is comfortable – not too soft and not too trucky. Acceleration is responsive, although at times it seems to be looking for the right gear, which can affect fuel economy. It does come equipped with a standard towing package, allowing the Santa Fe to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Santa Fe’s cabin feels modern and comfortable and features are abundant. The Limited comes with standard features, such as 19-inch wheels and second row captain’s chairs, among other things. Tack on the $4,650 Ultimate Package, and you get a panoramic sunroof and eight-inch center screen with navigation, and a 12-speaker Infinity stereo. Ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and HID headlights are also part of the package. When you fold down the second and third row seats, you end up with 80 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s more space than either the Toyota Highlander or the Dodge Durango. With safety features like lane change assist and blind spot detection, the Santa Fe definitely stands out in its category. Good looks, moderate pricing and excellent handling make this vehicle tough competition.

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INDEPENDENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT LOCATED IN THE WOODLANDS turbo-charged 2.0-liter engine mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic yields 220 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 22 city/32 highway for a combined average of 26 mpg. Some reviewers have claimed that the 4-cylinder feels underpowered at times, but there is always the S5 if you’re looking for more serious speed. For the rest of us, this engine under daily driving circumstances offers plenty of pep. The A5 has zip and handles itself nimbly through city traffic, and you’ll notice plenty of people who stop and stare as you go by. It definitely holds its own on the freeway, while the cabin remains solidly quiet at higher speeds. Driver feedback feels crisp while the suspension maintains a firm but comfortable feel. And knowing that the car is outfitted with Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system, you gain confidence knowing this car can tackle most driving situations all year long. Factor in the 26 combined mpg, and that’s another excellent example of balancing practicality with luxury. The vehicle’s interior reflects the exterior with clean, fluid lines. The seats are comfortable, offering plenty of support, even after a longer drive. Striking a balance between luxury and functionality, the A5’s instrument panel is clean and easy to read, leaning more towards a sporty look. The base model comes with plenty of features, including tri-zone climate control, leather, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch screen with multi-media interface. There are a couple of options packages that will upgrade the sound system and add sportier exterior trim and adaptive headlights. With larger wheels, you’ve really got a sportylooking vehicle. The sweeping roofline does cost your rear passengers some headroom. Fortunately, the rear seats fold down, adding a bit of utility to this German luxury coupe. In the tightly competitive segment of luxury sport coupes, where bells and whistles abound, where everyone is vying for your attention, the Audi A5 is the voice of reason. It walks the line between function and luxury with enough power, enough sportiness and enough of the things that make this sport coupe the one to beat. For more information on these and other vehicles, visit MyCarData.com.l

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cupid keeps love alive Area couples keep romance active beyond Valentine’s Day By Melanie Saxton

Romance is in the air! Local sweethearts share inspiring stories… and tips on keeping true love alive! As the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.” This Valentine’s Day sentiment is exemplified by four remarkable couples, each with a unique love story.

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Keeping it Fresh SAM AND DENISE MALONE They met at a charity fundraiser featuring Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. Denise was the PR direc“We’ve been married tor and needed a host for the event. Sam obliged, and Denise loved his sense of humor. The chem25 years and still istry led to a proposal in 1989, after Sam asked her have ‘date night’ at dad's permission. “He actually offered me $5,000 to elope. True story!” quips Sam. least once a week.” Twenty-five years have flown by as Sam mastered the radio airwaves and Denise worked as marketing – Sam Malone director for the Home Shopping Network, among other ventures. When their son Jake was born 17 years ago, Denise shifted into volunteering and is one of the chairs of the Nutcracker Market. Their secret to a long marriage? “Keeping it fresh,” says Sam. “We’ve been married 25 years and still have ‘date night’ at least once a week.” They say “I love you” multiple times daily in person and via steamy text messages. Sam ditches his cell phone when he comes home to minimize distractions. Radio audiences also have benefited from their marital bliss. For years Houstonians enjoyed Sammy’s Singles mixers, which grew to 5,000 attendees and became a Valentine’s Day tradition. It sparked more than 25 marriages and the birth of 20 children, with two named after Sam! Today Sam continues his radio career and shares marriage advice each Friday morning on AM 1070’s highly popular segment, The Answer. Denise occasionally joins him on air. The goal is to set a great example for their son and others who need to hear more about happy marriages and less about celebrity break-ups and cheating scandals. Audio episodes can heard at honorthevow.com.

Laughter and Honesty BOB ALLEN AND MEGAN STEVENS CARDET KHOU-TV sports director Bob Allen has met countless dignitaries and celebrities throughout his 40-year career. But his favorite introduction was to local realtor and lifelong equestrian Megan Stevens Cardet. Her interest in art, design, travel and photography was impressive, and her efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home horses was especially admirable. “We were at the right time and place in our lives for a meaningful relationship,” says Bob. “What I want is a solid grounded base, and with Megan I have that.” Megan has been by his side throughout a medical battle that Bob describes as a “cage match” with T-cell lymphoma. Fans and well wishers have followed his diagnosis and treatments on Facebook and Twitter, noting Bob’s positivity and upbeat response: “I got this.” It helps that he and Megan focus on honesty and share the same sense of humor. “Bob is so down to earth, crazy and fun to be with,” says Megan. “I try to make sure he does what he has to do to get well, instead of what he wants to do.” Thankfully, Bob learned he was in remission this past November and looks forward to “Life is about making memories a wonderful future with Megan, his children and his grandchildren. He refers to himself as the world’s oldest Sunshine Kid and has supported the organization for children and sharing the good times with cancer since 1982. “Their strength and courage is what I’m emulating,” he says. When asked how they juggle all the demands in their busy lives, Megan replies, “We with family and friends.” both put each other first and our careers second. Life is about making memories and – Megan Stevens Cardet sharing the good times with family and friends.” The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Keeping it “Real” BO AND STACEY PORTER

“Surprise her with roses, Bo met Stacey on the first day of class at University of Iowa and was attracted to the tall, a favorite restaurant, an athletic runway model. But it was Stacey’s intellect and warm personality that captured his ice cream date, a picnic heart. Their initial encounter eventually blossomed into 19 years of marriage in the world of in the park, or a trip to a major league baseball, including an engagement story with an interesting twist. He had ordered a favorite destination.” custom engagement ring for a Valentine’s Day pro– Bo Porter posal. The jeweler didn’t have it ready in time, so instead Bo gave Stacey a beautiful tennis bracelet. She had anticipated a ring and playfully accepted the bracelet by saying, “I do.” Thankfully, the next day Bo was able to propose and slip the real deal on her finger! He admires Stacey’s love of Christ, commitment to family and service to the community. “She’s a Hall of Fame mother to our son, Bryce,” he says of the amazing woman who has been by his side as he played pro baseball, managed the Houston Astros and coached teams such as the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. They’ve opened several businesses including Real Excellence, Inc., and oversee the Stacey and Bo Porter SELF Foundation that supports programs that impact underprivileged youth. Bo’s newly released book, “Real Life EMPOWERED,” was inspired by their loving marriage. The couple keep the spark alive with good old fashioned date nights. Their advice for newlyweds? Pray together, keep communication open and honest, speak only to your spouse about your spouse, give undivided attention when your spouse needs it, have compassion and empathy, be open to changing for the better and be your mate’s biggest cheerleader. “Don’t just give gifts on Valentine’s Day and special occasions,” Bo adds. “Surprise her with roses, a favorite restaurant, an ice cream date, a picnic in the park or a trip to a favorite destination. It will send a resounding message of love.”

Warming His Heart DAN ZINDLER AND LORI FREESE

“At the end of every phone call I always tell her I love her. If I don’t for some reason, I call her back immediately!” – Dan Zindler

Lori recalls being Dan’s Facebook friend with loads of mutual friends and inviting him to a party for a client. Dan recalls meeting her in person a year and half earlier at the River Oaks Tennis Tournament, where she introduced herself. The funny part is, she didn’t remember that. Nevertheless, Dan accepted her invitation and arrived at her event with 600 in attendance. Luckily, she was standing at the entrance. By the end of the evening each thought, “Dang, you’re cute!” and the rest is history! Lori was drawn to Dan, who is Marvin Zindler’s grandson, because he’s obviously adorable, but also calm, funny, challenging and supportive. “Plus, he comes with a known and checkable history,” she says. It warms Dan’s heart that they have good conversations and understand each other. “She is creative, happy, insanely patient and she motivates me,” he explains. “Plus, she is sweet and sassy and tolerates me… the last one being the most important!” Lori owns a public/media relations firm and Dan is in real estate. They respect each other's career demands and the need for space, but also are careful to schedule time together. This mutual understanding makes everything more enjoyable, from attending events to going to the grocery store or cleaning the house as a team. “At the end of every phone call I always tell her I love her. If I don’t for some reason, I call her back immediately,” says Dan. Other little things keep the pair connected and happy on the home front, such as Dan’s unconditional love and acceptance of Lori’s dogs. Once Lori washed his car. “For a guy, that is really awesome!” he says. They believe in doing little things every day to remind each other how loved they are.

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PLANET LINCOLN

MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR Valentine’s Day chases the winter blahs away. Beautiful lamps, linens, quilts, home accessories and unique gifts are found throughout Milstead Glass & Home Decor for your Valentine. For February they are featuring Chamilia charms and bracelets. See their ad in this issue. There is always something to delight everyone. Milstead also specializes in luxurious custom frameless showers or new custom mirrors with no tear out. Find it all at Milstead Glass & Home Décor. 936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com

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GREEN LINKS Synthetic turf surfaces create wonderful entertainment and lifestyle improvement spaces. From improving your golf game to more family outdoor fun, let Green Links show you how to turn outdoor space into more usable and pleasing settings. Contact them for a consultation. 713-932-9997 greenlinksinc.com

FROST BAKE SHOPPE

KB Kasuals is ready to make your sweetheart’s dreams come true! Our second location at Hughes Landing is stocked up with goodies for your Valentine. Along with a wide assortment of fabulous clothes and unique accessories, we will tie a red ribbon on your purchases! Our staff is ready and waiting to help you pick out that perfect gift!

Make this Valentine's Day the sweetest one ever with sweet treats from Frost Bake Shoppe. They have your gifts for teachers, friends, clients, kids and sweethearts. Frost Bake Shoppe can make your special event sweeter with custom logos, color, designs, monograms and even coordinating prints and packaging options! With a couple of days notice, they can whip up the perfect desserts to fit your every need. Give them a call and let them help you. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

281-782-1006 kbkasuals.com 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd

281-298-7474 frostbakeshoppe.com 6777 Woodlands Parkway

KB KASUALS

ECLECTIC HOME "An Everlasting Gift for that Everlasting Love." Glass heart $24. Now in its 14th year, Eclectic Home has become one of Houston's destinations for affordable home furnishing, accessories and great gift ideas. Eclectic Home carries an assortment of lamps, wall décor, accent furniture and decorative accessories, all from traditional to contemporary styles. Open every day at 345 W. 19th Street in Houston. Follow us on Facebook. 713-869-1414

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Houston’s hottest, hippest

Valentine’s Day sweets are filled

And Some Chocolate! text by Cheryl Alexander

with excitement

hocolate decadence, chocolate indul-

gence, chocolate

dreams, chocolate kisses, hot chocolate -- no matter how you serve it, chocolate has the power to evoke sensuality, gratification and romance. Luckily for us all, Houston is a mecca of seductive venues and talented chefs who have reimagined the tasty treat. The chocolate lovers at Lifestyles & Homes have assembled a list of their favorites that we think are worth sharing with your Someone Special. But first, have a look at what

Prego (prego-houston.com) Cremeux is Prego's Chocolate for Lovers. This silky chocolate mousse cake with hazelnut feuilletine, chocolate and caramel sauces will have you sharing sweet kisses and melting in each other's arms.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

history and science have to say about everyone’s favorite Valentine’s Day delight. Forever, it seems, the sweet sensation has been

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associated with St. Valentine’s Day as the go-to gift with the potential to unlock the door of your beloved’s heart and send them swooning in your arms. The mere whisper of the word “chocolate” in her ear can elicit a dreamy smile and faraway look in her eyes. It’s no wonder that men have turned to the seductive power of chocolate. But is the legendary leverage offered by the dark, sweet potion actually scientific in its allure?

Nothing Bundt Cakes (nothingbundtcakes.com) This Chocolate Turtle cake is made with rich chocolate, luscious caramel and fresh pecans. It is then topped off with Nothing Bundt’s signature frosting. The rich and luscious flavors will have you desiring more after each bite!

Surprisingly, it IS!! Recently, it was proven that the phenylethylamine (PEA) in chocolate releases the same hormone as does making love. As it turns out, chocolate not only makes the heart grow fonder, but also makes it grow stronger. Like red wine, tea, and fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate is high in flavanols,

Vallone’s (valloneshouston.com) The Chocolate Tower at Vallone's is a “chocolate lover's dream,” says Scott Sulma, the restaurant's managing partner. “True chocolate decadence made with Valrhona chocolate.” If you're going for “irresistible,” look no further.

Cacao and Cardamom (cacaoandcardamom.com) Chef Annie Rupani says, “Cacao and Cardamom's Mango Caramel chocolate drop is sweet and tangy perfection with a blend of mango, passion fruits and coconut milk enrobed in caramel and milk chocolate.” This chocolate won the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Best Bites Competition in 2014 and will likely win your lover's heart. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Araya (arayachocolate.com) Araya owner and chocolatier Stefano Zullian invites you to “Indulge your senses with the aroma and intense flavors of our handcrafted chocolates, discovering the essence of the spices, nuts, fruits or liquors within each piece that melts in your mouth.” which, according to the American Heart Association, lower blood pressure as well as bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. And the darker the chocolate, the more potent antioxidants it contains. It’s also been proven that eating chocolate produces natural opiates in the brain, which provides another explanation for chocolate’s feel-good reputation. In fact, some of the chemical compounds in chocolate act like THC (the active chemical in marijuana) and spark dopamine production in the brain. Unfortunately, the National Institute of Mental Health released research showing that a 130-pound person would have to consume about 25 pounds of chocolate to experience a marijuana-like high! Still, the aphrodisiac allure of chocolate is recorded as far back as the Aztec King Montezuma, who reportedly drank large amounts to improve his sexual performance. And the illustrious lover Casanova touted chocolate for its ability to provide energy for a night of love. Casanova, too, apparently was hip to the allure of creamy dark chocolate on women prone to cravings, as chocolate can turn on

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Sprinkles (Sprinkles.com) Do you believe in love at first sight? The love of your life could be Sprinkles Raspberry Chocolate Chip cupcakes! Sprinkles' chocolate chip-studded Belgian dark chocolate cake is topped with luscious raspberry frosting. Adorned with a pink heart, you won't need to look twice! Valentine's Day favorites are Red Velvet and Chocolate Marshmallow as well as classics Dark Chocolate and Vanilla.

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Kiran’s (kiranshouston.com) Kirin’s Chocolate Samosas are savory, flaky, homemade pastries folded into a pocket and filled with Chocolate and Hazelnut Ganache, and deep fried. Kirin’s serves this delicious, one-of-akind treat with black-salted caramel and chocolate drizzle, and its Chai Ice Cream made with Kiran's daughter’s Chai Blend and fresh berries.

Chocolate not only makes the heart grow fonder, but also makes it grow stronger. the pleasure sensors in the brain. In fact, the great lothario declared dark chocolate’s sweet, complex and sensual pleasure among the world’s finest aphrodisiacs. What better way to express your love than with a decadent, indulgent, irresistible chocolate-rich dessert for two? For those who enjoy a little visual stimulation – and who doesn’t? – feast your eyes on these local chocolate treats you can likely find just around the corner. And remember,

The Chocolate Bar (theoriginalchocolatebar.com) Aunt Etta's Cake is The Chocolate Bar's award-winning, most-requested favorite. With four layers of rich, moist chocolate cake held together and surrounded by its famous, creamy, semi-sweet dark chocolate butter cream frosting, what's NOT to love?

giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day is not only about tradition; it’s also about how chocolate makes people feel. . . ALL GOOD!! l

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ç By Lori Verderame

When a Beloved Collection Can be a Burden Tips for those who inherit a collection Duck decoys

ove is one of the most common reasons why we collect or hand down objects. Objects come with emotions. Most people will not part with a particular item or group of items if they were handed down or amassed by a loved one, family member or friend. I feel this way about my father’s nutcracker collection and my mother’s canister set. I wouldn’t part with them no matter what! And when someone stops collecting or is no longer able to collect, the collection is often handed down. If you can retain a collection for the long term, it historically will increase in value over time. Hold on to it and add to it when you can. Familiarize yourself with the collection by learning about its history and market value. For many, the love of collecting is also comforting. At other times, a collection can be a burden and present new problems. When a collection

comes to you from a deceased loved one, the situation may prove difficult. For instance, when Frank, a longtime collector of duck decoys passed away, his collection became the property and project of his widow. Irene was glad that Frank enjoyed the process of collecting throughout their marriage. But now she is in a quandry, with no children or interested relatives to take over the collection. And she doesn’t want the duck decoys. Reason #1 is that she can’t bear to display them as they prompt heartache, reminding her of Frank’s passing. Reason #2 is the overwhelming number of duck decoys now stacked in the basement. Reason #3 is that the vast collection is unfamiliar to Irene, a non-collector. She can’t identify the sculptors or the regional characteristics of each decoy. She is at the mercy of anyone with information about decoys and their market value — these

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

buyers may take advantage of her. She realizes that auctions may not be the best place to sell the collection because Frank got many of his best decoy bargains by buying at auctions. If a buyer at an auction is getting a bargain, then the person selling the decoy at auction must have lost money on the transaction. Since Irene can’t tell one wooden duck from another, she begins to worry. She doesn’t want strangers to come into the house to make her an offer on the decoys. She doesn’t know what a good offer looks like, either. If someone wants to make a killing on this collection and buy it for a song, she is in a vulnerable position. Irene doesn’t know how or if she should get into the market, and she doesn’t want to keep the collection. Like many other families of collectors, Irene never thought she’d be left alone with this vast collection.

Here are some tips for this common collecting problem using Irene as an example: • Choose one or two favorite decoys to keep in remembrance of Frank. • Get an appraisal from an appraiser who does not have any financial interest in the decoys: one who doesn’t want to sell or buy them. Be prepared to pay the appraiser for their expertise and time. • Ask the appraiser to tell you the retail value of the decoy collection, not its auction value or insurance value. • Take some time to consider the market information and then make a decision about how you will act. • Don’t be hasty. Get information so you can make a good decision. l

Dr. Lori Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.

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Call 713-369-5209 713-369-5209 to discuss how we can help with your flooring project See our video at www.GroundZeroFloors.com www.GroundZeroFloors.com contact@groundzerofloors.com contact@groundzerofloors.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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2015 AIAHouston Home Tour Highlighting excellence, quality craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability

The Kipling Residence, designed by Content Architecture for a growing family of five, allows for generous open family zones oriented to large glass walls facing the street and a courtyard swimming pool. | The structure is new and modern yet is a serene addition to the Montrose neighborhood just north of the Menil grounds.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Text by Cheryl Alexander and Tina Zulu Photography by Benjamin Hill

he American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston recently held its 2015 Annual Home Tour featuring nine area homes that represent the finest in new residential architecture as selected by a jury of experts. The twoday, self-guided tour was open to the public and offered attendees the heightened experience of stepping inside an impressive assortment of privately owned residences designed by Houston architects. Held each year, the tour features homes that are located within the Houston metropolitan area, designed by an AIA architect and completed within the last five years. The selection criteria include design excellence, quality and craftsmanship, innovative design solutions and use of materials, and sustainability. The selection committee reviewed all submittals and made a recommendation to the AIA Houston executive committee, which made the final selection of homes. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection committee is Cord Bowen of The Southampton Group; Houstonia Magazine publisher Diane Caplan; and Mark Wellen, FAIA of Rhotenberry Wellen Architects in Midland.

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“Our desire is...to present a spectrum of what is happening now — from traditional to modern, 750 square feet to 7,500 square feet, renovation to new construction — and show how these can be wonderfully different and yet each can be revered,” said Benjamin Perry, Associate AIA LEED AP of Collaborative Designworks, AIA Houston 2015 Home Tour chairman. CONTENT ARCHITECTURE: 1504 Kipling St., 4,644 square feet This residence is a new and modern yet serene addition to the Montrose neighborhood just north of the Menil Collection grounds. Designed for a growing family of five, its generous open family zones are oriented to large glass walls facing the street and a courtyard swimming pool. The courtyard also creates a buffer between the master suite and the children’s play and bedroom zones. The master suite is covered with Cumaru rainscreen siding, with large glass walls off screened balconies to the north and south sides. Fixed wood slats provide privacy on the first floor, while a sliding secondfloor panel is a privacy control between the street balcony and the study. COLLABORATIVE DESIGNWORKS: Terraces at Palm, 1525 and 1521 Palm St., 2,700 square feet. A corner lot on a wide, oak-lined boulevard in the Houston Museum District created an opportunity for street-front terraces and a unique floor plan for each unit in this townhome community. Double height spaces, split-level living rooms and monochromatic interiors are packaged into a LEED certified design. City planning requirements of a 15foot-visibility triangle led to a small park with integrated seating and plantings that provide shade. The six townhomes are grouped into pairs of interlocking sections with two opposing stucco finishes, a natural grey and a painted white, and further articulated with an anodized strip of windows and aluminum panels. Windows placement creates larger overall exterior openings, achieving a grander scale within the individual apertures and the massing of the building.

A corner lot on a wide oak-lined boulevard in the Houston Museum District created an opportunity to allow for street-front terraces and a unique floor plan for each LEED certified unit in this townhome community by Collaborative Designworks.

CURRY BOUDREAUX: 4111 Drummond St., 2,100 square feet. Lars Bang AIA, among the first of the University of Houston College of Architecture graduates, designed the Bendit House in 1952; it was heralded by local and national media and featured on the area modern house tours. Now mostly surrounded by large-scale homes that have replaced the one-story ranches,

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The house represents and yet transcends its time and place with a design rigor effectively showcasing the optimistic tenets of early Modernism. Designed by Curry Boudreaux, it is futuristic enough to be mistakenly identified as contemporary construction though it is over 60 years old. | The new kitchen is an expanded homage to the original where simplicity rules. The original paneling and millwork were stripped of paint and restored to tinted stain finishes and there is a total absence of trim and moulding.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

its design showcases the tenets of early Modernism yet it is futuristic enough to be mistaken as contemporary despite its actual years. The palette of textures and finishes creates a sense of calm, while scale and proportions provide drama. Simplicity is the overriding aesthetic, with continuous surface planes and materials from exterior to interior and a remarkable absence of trim and moulding. A contemporary roof replacement vastly improved energy efficiency; electrical and plumbing systems and the kitchen were upgraded. Original paneling and millwork were stripped of paint and restained, and a new plywood ceiling was installed to match original layout and finish. Period-correct fixtures, accessories and hardware, harvested from neighboring demolitions, contribute authentic detail. Restored, the historic house addresses contemporary issues of sustainable residential design: energy efficiency via passive solar, right-sized programming and aging-in-place suitability.

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ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS & CONSULTANTS: Heights Integral Urban Homestead,312 E. 27th St., 3,570 square feet This private residence is designed for living in a healthy, stress-reduced and sustainably responsible manner within Houston’s inner loop. The aesthetics of this Registered LEED Platinum homeplace honors Houston Heights’ historic architecture and is passive-designed for high energy performance plus solar system to become 100 percent net zero energy. The rainwater harvesting system provides 100 percent of year-round household and landscaping needs, with landscaping designed to be mostly edible. The damaged existing trees were harvested to provide the home with beautiful exposed wood interior trusses, cabinets, trim work and doors; a sycamore tree was preserved. The design accommodates the homeowner’s polio physical disabilities and desires for indoor air quality and outdoor living that surpass EPA certifications. The passive cooling component delivers comfort

This Registered LEED Platinum home by Environment Associates Architects & Consultants, aesthetically honors the Houston Heights historic architectural roots. | Much of the architectural detail was harvested from damaged existing trees on site to provide beautiful exposed wood interior trusses, cabinets, trim work and doors.

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Nine “wonderfully different” homes offered a spectrum of what is currently being designed and built in Houston.

The restoration and renovation by Kinneymorrow Architecture retains the original plan of the home, which was originally built in the 1880s, but nuances in design move the space forward to allow for contemporary function. | An operable skylight was installed at the center of the home to bring natural light into the library area.

year-round, even without power. Natural breezes produced by the linear cupola provide natural cooling. Porches, awning roofs and deep overhangs provide shade and allow open windows and porch usage during rainstorms. Cross ventilation throughout the home and purposely positioned porches and windows allow additional months of living without use of mechanical systems. It is designed for low maintenance, durability and aging-in-place. KINNEYMORROW ARCHITECTURE: 2219 Kane St., 751 square feet Located in Houston’s Sixth Ward Historic District, this home from the 1880s was originally located at 2314 Kane and relocated in 2014 to a prominent neighborhood entry point. The new owner, whose other small Sixth Ward home has no guest accommodations, turned the severely neglected structure into an office and guest house. The house is a mere 751 square feet plus the exterior porches. The restoration and renovation retains the home’s original plan while helping the space function in a more contemporary way. The missing front porch was reconstructed, and a side porch enclosed in the 1890s was restored, allowing views to the west. A skylight was located at the structure’s center. Extraneous doors were eliminated while others were improved. Millwork along the west wall provides storage and a fold-down bed. A slot cut through the three main rooms provides openness. A long bar of built-ins was inserted into this slot to serve as work spaces and kitchen. The kitchen and the enlarged bathroom convert easily into guest quarters. M+A ARCHITECTURE STUDIO: 5906 Grace Lane, 990 square feet (560 from original 2011 building and 430 in 2013 addition)

The original 560-square-foot house was an exploration in small-scale living, intended as a one-bedroom starter home. After completing the original design, the owners learned they were expecting a baby. A second bedroom/bathroom brought

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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To enlarge the feel of this small home designed by M+A Architecture Studio, expansive windows flood the house with daylight and extend the view of the living spaces into the landscape.

its size to 990 square feet. The family has since enlarged to five, all living in a small, efficient space â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one that is a transformation of one small house into another, slightly larger, small house. New concrete cast in place, steel and glass complement the original building and are connected via a floating glass bridge element used as a library and reading room. Located in a transitional inner city neighborhood, this house is an infill project on a street of small, post-World War II houses. Expansive north-facing windows flood the house with daylight. Lower scale windows to the south extend the view of the living spaces into the landscape. Quality of space and material refinement is the goal, rather than quantity. studioMET: 11333 Iris Lee Lane, 8,708 square feet Quiet and unassuming, this modern refuge in the heart of Memorial sits among soaring trees on a corner lot where stop signs, ditches and culverts signal a pace of life slower than the hustle and bustle of the busy arteries just minutes away. This private residence integrates the hard and rigid â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

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This modern refuge, designed by StudioMet, integrates the hard and rigid — brick, glass, steel, metal panels and cypress — with the malleable: ponds and organic plantings

brick, glass, steel, metal panels and cypress — with the malleable: ponds as greeters and landscape companions, organic plantings and framed views of nature. The exterior dimensions of the house disguise the spaciousness of the interior where boundaries, planes and corners seamlessly weave in and out. At almost 9,000 square feet, the residence includes an inviting double-height living space with expanses of sliding glass walls, a wing of secondary bedrooms off the main living hub, another wing for entertaining with an open kitchen/family room complemented by a summer kitchen and lanai, and a master retreat on the entire second floor with a private terrace overlooking the lap pool and tennis court. studioMET: 1134 Aurora St., 2,545 square feet This modern gabled house is half of a double-lot project commissioned by a developer client with good design sense. This two-story hybrid between a townhouse and a custom house exemplifies efficient living

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Modern in design while sensitive to context, this house and its twin, designed by StudioMet, are in dialogue with the original bungalows on this quiet street in Sunset Heights. | In the bathroom, the minimalist aesthetic underscores the materials and design, which are repeated throughout the home's interior and exterior.

spaces, complementary outdoor balconies, clean lines and sensible material selections. The plan includes an open concept kitchen-dining-living space with a patio and small green space. The upper floor has flex space, two bedrooms, a master suite and balconies overlooking the street and yard. This house and its adjacent twin are in dialogue with the original bungalows on this quiet street in Sunset Heights, just off the thriving commercial farmers market district of Airline Drive where neighbors, foodies and the city’s restaurateurs stock up on various fresh produce and spices.

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MURPHY MEARS: 2235 Goldsmith, 3,328 square feet. Located on a small lot in an older neighborhood, this new home provides a strong outdoor connection for entertaining, gardening and music. Exterior materials of face brick and stucco on the front take contextual cues from nearby houses. The brick wing, capped by a roof deck, defines the public and private outdoor spaces. A cast concrete stepping stone floats in the pool water. Living and dining areas share an open space with the kitchen but are delineated by a free-standing cabinet passthrough feature. The baby grand piano in the bay window projects outside to large Corten steel raised planter boxes. Four steel trellis structures tone down and direct sunlight at key openings and shade the terrace space facing south into the garden. Rock-salt-textured concrete exterior paving complements the mottled stained concrete floors inside and connects with grass pavers to accommodate required guest parking off the narrow neighborhood street.l

Taking contextual cues from nearby homes, this home's exterior designed by Murphy Mears includes face brick and stucco. The brick wing, capped by a roof deck, delineates the public and private outdoor spaces. | The living and dining area is defined by a free-standing cabinet pass-through feature that provides multiple framed views.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Awards of Excellence Gold Natural 601+ sq. ft.

And the Award Goes to...

was supposed to be an engineer, a biologist, or a priest. At least that’s what all the test results implied. And believe it or not, all of those interests had a hand in getting me to

where I am today. Somehow my curiosity in nature, construction, social communications and development all came together with degrees in Landscape Architecture and Floriculture at Texas A&M. Between the two degrees and my experience working for the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Excellence in Landscaping Awards Silver

oldest nursery in Houston, I had a solid foundation to start what I hoped would be the finest Landscape Architectural Design/Build company in the nation. Of course I started small, just an El Camino, some equipment and one employee… me. But over the years I have been joined by skilled artisans to create some of the most beautiful pools and gardens in Texas. As my youngest daughter said when she was 7 years old looking at the remodel of our own back yard, “Wow daddy. It looks just like a professional did it!” Gee, thanks kid. So, take a look and see what you think. Hopefully you’ll agree. -Michael Shawn Kelly, A.S.L.A

Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Excellence in Landscaping Awards Silver

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Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Awards of Excellence Silver Residential Water Feature

Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Awards of Excellence Silver Geometric 601+ sq. ft.

Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Awards of Excellence Silver Residential Water Feature

Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Awards of Excellence Gold Natural 601+ sq. ft.

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Decorate with Global Style Add impact with endless possibilities of color schemes and textiles from around the world

Exotic embroidery, primal colors and lots of tassels and beads define style and add interest to design accessories. â&#x20AC;˘ The jewel-toned wall and Moroccan-style mirror are unexpected surprises in an outdoor courtyard. Fusing them with the wrought-iron bench and topiary bushes brings balance. â&#x20AC;˘ Bold color on at least one wall can serve as a backdrop for incorporating multicultural style and modern flair.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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By Kate Smith hether you travel abroad or simply appreciate global style from the comfort of your own corner of the world, adapting cultural color schemes and design elements can transform your indoor and outdoor spaces. A blend of cultural traditions with contemporary influences can reinvigorate both your life and your living space. Cultural colors of the past and present have depth, intensity and richness. These hues can effortlessly blend into your home. They are naturally warm with golden undertones reminiscent of textile colors with roots close to home or from places like the Middle East, Mexico, the Mediterranean and South America. These are colors that look as if they were once bright and intense but have now mellowed a bit with age. They are vibrant enough to catch your attention and lift your spirits. Colors right for today coming from around the world – past, present and future – include deepsea turquoise, hillside green, curry orange and golden yellow, and they look

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

THE DUMP MEREDITH O'DONNELL FINE FURNITURE The Thomas O'Brien's Century Furniture collection fuses modern with traditional. On display and on sale at Meredith O'Donnell Fine Furniture. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard

America’s off-price outlet for high-end furniture, handmade mattresses and fine oriental rugs is right here in Houston. The outlet opens at 10 a.m. every Friday with an ever-changing selection of closeouts, overstocks, design samples and one-of-a-kind opportunity buys from top designers. They Dump the frills, pretense and costs of regular stores, and voila! You get high-end home furnishings at 30 to 70% off price. 281-447-2250 Thedump.com 10251 North Freeway, Houston

DECORATING DEN

WOODLANDS FABRICS & INTERIORS Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors’ new design studio is now open, and their design team is ready to help you cover your windows in style! From Hunter Douglas window coverings to roman shades, shutters, custom draperies and more, they work with any budget to help turn your house into the home you deserve. 281-419-0419 woodlandsfabrics.com 11133 Interstate 45 S. #150, Conroe

ANTHOLOGY LIGHTING Anthology Lighting is a new and exciting lighting showroom serving Magnolia, The Woodlands, Tomball and Conroe. With a large selection of gas and electric lanterns, crystal chandeliers, vintage and modern style lighting, lamps, ceiling fans, lamp shades and much more, Anthology Lighting has all of your decorative lighting needs covered. Showroom now open. 281-298-5200 AnthologyLighting.com 32411-A FM 2978 at Eygpt Lane

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Let Decorating Den Interiors design your dream room in the comfort of your own home! From design to product selection through installation, they’re with you every step of the way. Jennifer Jones – Serving The Woodlands (Sterling Ridge, Carlton Woods, Alden Bridge, College Park, Indian Springs), Jacob's Reserve, Conroe. 281-357-0511 Jennifer Jones decoratingden.com

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

Decorate with Global Style

JOYSTIX CLASSIC GAMES AND PINBALLS Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs has been the leader in Arcade Game and Pinball sales and rentals since 1987. Come visit their one-of-a-kind showroom located downtown across from Minute Maid Park. Their new and classic arcade games and pinball machines are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. The perfect finishing touch to any Gameroom, Home Theater, and Man Cave. 713-224-2225 joystixgames.com 1820 Franklin St., Houston 77002

WAREHOUSE FRAMES ‘N GALLERY This family owned business was established in 1982 and offers over 20,000 ready-made picture frames. They also have an inventory of over 1,000 styles of custom frame mouldings up to 40% off. A professional staff assists customers in appropriate custom framing design selections for all types of art work, photos, diplomas, prints, and sports items. Hundreds of original oil paintings and framed mirrors are displayed in the 20,000-square-foot warehouse showroom, at very competitive pricing. Ph: 713-974-6000 Fax: 713-974-6006 warehouseframes.com sales@warehouseframes.com 3815 Fondren Rd., Houston

MELANIE KING DESIGNS Creating your dream home begins like most — on the back of a napkin, or if you are further down the road, with your builder and architect. This can be streamlined with a designer and architectural designer on hand. Melanie King Designs provides full-service interior design including residential, commercial, and remodeling. 832-647-9203 hello@melaniekingdesigns.com melaniekingdesigns.com 18 Augusta Pines Drive, Ste. 133E, Spring

CHENE INTERIORS Let Chene Interiors transform your worn out spaces into functioning, inviting spaces. They offer free initial in home consultation. You supply the problems; they supply the ideas and solutions. Thirty-two years of design experience is at your disposal.They can supply any of your needs from a simple wood blind to a complete kitchen or bath remodel. Their licensed and insured contractors will be expertly supervised to accomplish your goals in a timely manner. Their service is completely turn key. They are there with you from start to finish. Your complete satisfaction is their goal. So call today for an in home consultation. 281-364-1744 or 281-660-0703 cheneinteriors.com sue.chene@gmail.com

as at home in your home as they do in their native setting. Intermingling colors and patterns from other cultures with your current style will give your home a global perspective while maintaining your personal design point of view. These hues allow you to be creative and individualize your interior décor. Putting these colors together in unexpected pairings updates these time-honored hues. If you want to make a bigger impact, add these jewel tones to walls, furnishings or window treatments. Making a daring statement against a traditional backdrop creates a higher level of intensity and richness. Surfaces that reflect light emphasize the drama of bold colors. You can also push the reset button on the design of your home with your accent colors against a neutral scheme. Found in everything from architectural elements to occasional pieces, neutrals are a strong foundation for any design style. Neutrals that work best with these bolder colors are inspired by natural elements. From stone that surrounds cities, to sand at the beach,

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

Lifestyles & Homes Since 1987

HOMESTEAD HOUSE

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Located in Historic Downtown Conroe, Homestead House is Houston’s major resource for TOP BRAND NAME furniture and accessories, such as the newly added Chelsea House, Henredon, Hancock & Moore, Taylor King, Tommy Bahama and more. Their “In Home Design Service” assists clients in choosing pieces that best suit their needs. Beautiful accessories, rugs, and large selection of mattresses make them a one-stop shopping experience! Visit their website for additional resources and map. 936-756-3360 homesteadhousetx.com 201 N. Pacific Street, Conroe

WOODLANDS UNIQUE Woodlands Unique is the third service-oriented home décor store opened by the Harkey family. The store provides an amazing selection of clocks and gifts like those offered at Woodlands Clocks and Gifts, (WCG) which opened in 2000. That store was followed by Southern Home Furnishings (SHF) in 2004 and became the go-to place for unique quality furniture. The success of WCG and SHF prompted the opening of Woodlands Unique in November 2014. In addition to designer-inspired gifts, home furnishings and décor, Woodlands Unique offers shoppers a creative selection of women’s apparel and accessories. 832-246-8848 woodlandsunique.com 26211 I-45 N, The Woodlands

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

GLADE GALLERY Figurative art is truly timeless but is currently experiencing a tremendous resurgence in today's art world. By nature it is universally appealing — figurative art provides a mirror for our individual selves while leading us into a sense of connection to the universally shared human experience. There are few galleries in the Houston/Dallas/ Austin area that feature this remarkable genre. Focusing on internationally established artists, Glade Gallery intends to bring the finest global expressions of contemporary figurative art to The Woodlands and the tri-city area. Dragos Tapu, Gallerist: 1-832-557-8781 Dragos@GladeGallery.com

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Decorate with Global Style

Go global in your home decor by adding pillows with a variety of colors and from a variety of places in with your current style. â&#x20AC;˘ The palettes and colors provided by cultural textiles can bring happy inspiration to your decorating genius.

From India or Turkey, to Morocco and Mexico, the color scheme possibilities are endless and as diverse as the cultures that spur your creativity. Look to both new or old designs. Let the patterns and color palettes be your inspiration for an indoor or outdoor living space with global style.

Earthy neutrals and vibrant hues are elegant when paired with platinum, copper, bronze or gold. to sunsets over the desert, these hues speak to our desire to relate to the world around us. Earthy neutrals and vibrant hues are elegant when paired with platinum, copper, bronze or gold. The same combination of colors happily pair with the crafts, natural wood and cultural colors for a more casual space. Choose a few of the colors that make you smile to be the feel-good factor that makes you happy to be home.

Kate Smith is the author of a new eBook, {FRESH} Color Schemes For Your Home Exterior. She will offer design advice at The Woodlands Spring Home & Garden Show in March at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. For more information and discount coupon visit WoodlandsShows.com l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Why Granite Countertops are Here to Stay PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTERN MARBLE, GRANITE & TILE, LTD.

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

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By Kathleen M. McCoy ranite continues to be the preferred choice for kitchen countertops nationwide. According to the NKBA 2014 Kitchen & Bath Style Report, a stunning 91 percent of respondents specified granite when designing new kitchen countertops. Deanna Carlton, Kitchen Design Group, echoed these statistics when she indicated, “Nine out of ten consumers prefer natural stone.” Emeil Soryal, Kitchen & Bath Etc., shared, “It is easy to understand why granite remains popular. It is unique.” Both designers highlighted the fact that granite is 100 percent natural, durable, easy to maintain, and available in hundreds of colors and textures. Granite is also versatile — from subtle whites to deep blacks, and everything in between, there is a variety of natural granite to complement any design style. Here are four great reasons that show why granite remains the most popular countertop choice.

1. Granite Countertops Instantly Increase Your Home’s Value. Have you ever watched a home improvement or real estate show on television? You’ll notice that the first thing consumers look for in a kitchen is granite countertops. While other countertop materials may mimic the look of granite, they pale in comparison to the real thing. Consumers love the natural beauty and durability of granite countertops. They add a sense of luxury to any kitchen. Although the housing market is recovering in the United States, it is still very much a buyer’s market in many regions. This is good news for homeowners who have installed granite countertops in their kitchens. Recent reports by Remodeling Magazine estimate that sellers can expect a 80.3 percent return on investment on their

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

2. Granite Countertops are One-of-a-Kind! Each granite slab is unique; no two pieces will ever look exactly alike. Granite countertops are often compared to pieces of art — they are one-of-a-kind; a priceless addition to your home regardless of your design style. Whether you prefer a dramatic stone with prominent veining and a vibrant color, or a more subtle stone with minimal veining in a neutral black, white or gray, there is a type of granite to meet your need. Most stone companies give you the option to choose the slab your countertop will be cut from, allowing you to see exactly what will be used in your home. 3. Granite Countertops are Resistant to Heat, Stains and Etching. Some people worry that granite is too high maintenance for their kitchen. Not true! Granite is one of the hardest materials on Earth, making it resistant to staining and etching. It is also heat resistant, although using trivets is recommended. After each meal, just wipe down your countertops with a soft cloth and gentle cleanser such as a mild dish detergent. If you want more protection, ask your stone provider about recommended sealers — many can be applied in about 10 minutes and come with a lifetime warranty.

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4. Granite Countertops are an Affordable Long-Term Investment. Countertops are an integral part of the design and functionality of any kitchen. You’ll use them daily, so why not choose a countertop material that will stand the test of time? People have been using granite for centuries

Granite is 100 percent natural, durable, easy to maintain, and available in hundreds of colors and textures. because of its beauty and durability. Granite countertops are strong enough to last a lifetime. Worried about the price? Many varieties of granite are comparably priced to other countertop materials and are likely to last longer than most manmade options. It’s a fact: Granite is here to stay. Granite countertops create a classic look that will stay stylish for years to come, and are durable enough to withstand the activities of daily life. With granite, you can rest assured that your countertops will keep your kitchen looking lively and remain a stunning focal point in your home. For more information, visit usenaturalstone.com. l

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

GROUND ZERO FLOORS ABSOLUTELY OUTDOORS The expert landscape architects and designers at Absolutely Outdoors can assist with every aspect whether a pool and spa, landscape design and installation, outdoor kitchen or all of the above. They will meet and exceed your expectations in every way. Let Absolutely Outdoors turn your “dream yard” into a reality. 281-686-5296 absolutelyoutdoors.net

MOONLIGHTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING Moonlighting Outdoor Lighting is a local family owned company. Their goal is not to highlight the beauty of their fixtures but to highlight the beauty of your home. They don't want your neighbors to say "Oh, they put up some nice lights", they want your neighbors to say "Wow, what a beautiful home!" and not even think about their lights. If you give them a chance, they would love to shine a little light on you. 832-510-4949 moonlightingofthewoodlands.com

Ground Zero Floors LLC is a dust free tile and flooring removal company that uses proprietary equipment and processes, which is safer, cleaner and faster than traditional flooring removal services. Ground Zero Floors’ dust free process will help protect those that are young or elderly and/or those that suffer from respiratory illnesses. For further information please call or visit the website. 713-369-5209 groundzerofloors.com

ABA POOL SERVICE AND REPAIR For over 15 years, ABA Pool Service and Repair has provided the highest quality service and repairs to The Woodlands and Cy-Fair areas.They specialize in Tile Cleaning, Plaster, Heaters, Pumps, Filters, Lights, Salt Systems and Weekly Maintenance. ABA Pool Service and Repair always provides professional, prompt and affordable services. Call today to schedule an appointment for all of your pool needs. 281-924-7724 abapools.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

DONE RIGHT With over 40 years experience in floor cleaning, Done Right is able to provide you with the best cleaning services available. Their success is based on a few solid principles that they enthusiastically endorse: - Consistant, quality service experiences with guaranteed satisfaction - Responsive and reputable cleaning services available 24/7 - Superior equipment - Highly trained staff DoneRightCarpetandTile.com 832-267-7399

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

MIRROR LAKE STEWART LAND DESIGNS A full-service company with a staff of degreed landscape designers and horticulturists, Stewart Land Designs has built a reputation based on impeccable client service. They are a complete Design/Build company offering a turn-key operation. From design consult to construction commence they work with clients to create an outdoor living environment which meets the clients’ needs and desires. The Stewart Team has years of combined experience in creating distinctive environments that unite practical function with aesthetic appeal. 281-251-1725 stewartlanddesigns.com

Remember this!!! Hoping that a pool contractor can give your family a fun backyard resort is a bit like hoping the cattle rancher can plan your daughter’s wedding. Your reception plans may include beef but this guy is not qualified to orchestrate your daughter’s big day. It’s the same for your backyard. Get a landscape architect, someone who knows all facets of pool, patio and planting design. Then you’ll be living the Garden Lifestyle! Find out more at the website. 281-350-0515 MirrorLakeDesigns.com

EZ FLOORS TEXAS CUSTOM PATIOS They custom design and build patio covers (attached and freestanding), outdoor kitchens, screened porches, room additions, decorative patios, decks and more. The latest trends and products will transform your backyard but maintain your home’s original architecture and add value, beauty and function all year. Well known for their exceptional professionalism, seamless construction and excellent workmanship. Texas Custom Patios is a BBB Gold Star winner. Call for a free consultation or view their project portfolio online. 281-265-1994 texascustompatios.com

EZ Floors has the flooring and countertops to finish any remodeling project. Luxurious carpet in the bedroom. Elegant hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms. And timeless tile in the kitchen, bath and entry. They highly value your complete satisfaction with their products and service. Their philosophy is very simple: if you are pleased with your shopping experience, they are confident you will share it with others and continue to use EZ Floors for all your floor covering needs. ezfloorsonline.com 5015 FM 2920 Suite A 281-288-2300 16945 N. Eldridge Pkwy. #100 281-257-5955 24150 Hwy. 290 #270 281-758-2980 See website for other locations.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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the staff at

Lifestyles & Homes would like to say

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank youâ&#x20AC;?

to the law enforcement men and women who risk their lives daily to protect us.

You are appreciated! May God Bless you and your families.

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Plant a Pollinator Garden You and the pollinators will enjoy the benefits! By Melinda Myers Provide pollinators with shelter A monarch butterfly from predators and the weather. hether planting a garon a Tithonia. Include a variety of trees, shrubs den, enjoying the and perennials. Leave patches of beauty of your landopen soil for ground nesting bees scape or sitting down to a delicious and some leaf litter to shelter some meal, you have bees, butterflies butterflies, bumblebees and other and other pollinators to thank. The pollinating insects. Supplement efforts of these essential members natural shelter with commercial or of our ecosystem are responsible homemade nesting boxes. You’ll for much of the food and beauty find do-it-yourself plans online we enjoy each day. from various educational sources. Unfortunately, pesticides and Puddles, fountains, birdbaths habitat loss are threatening their and even a damp sponge can proexistence. But you can do somevide needed water. Include water thing to help by turning your garfeatures with sloping sides or add den, backyard or balcony into a a few stones to create easier pollinator’s habitat. access. Or sink a shallow conPlant a variety of flowering tainer of sand in the ground. Keep plants that provide nectar and it damp and add a pinch of sea pollen throughout the season. salt for the butterflies and bees. Planting masses of natives, herbs Maximize your efforts by teamand other pollinator favorites – ing up with your neighbors. like sedum, zinnias, alyssum, cosTogether you can create a larger mos, and columbine – will attract more diverse habitat that provides these beauties to your landscape. pollinators with the resources they Include a variety of day and night need to thrive. blooming flowers in a variety of Your efforts will be rewarded colors and shapes to support the with greater harvests, beautiful widest range of pollinators. But flowers and colorful birds and butdon’t let a lack of space dissuade Your efforts will be rewarded with greater terflies visiting your garden. you; even a window box of flowharvests, beautiful flowers and colorful birds ers can help. and butterflies visiting your garden. Keep your plants healthy and Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author blooming with proper care. Match and columnist Melinda Myers has more the plants to the growing conditions, prothan 30 years of horticulture experience. She has writrotten fruit. And be sure to provide trees, vide needed water and fertilize with an ten 20+ gardening books, including Small Space shrubs, parsley, dill and other plants that organic nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite Gardening and Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She caterpillars, grubs and the immature stage (milorganite.com) when needed. You’ll prohosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: of other pollinators prefer to feed upon. Put mote slow steady plant growth that is less Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the away the pesticides and tolerate a few holes susceptible to drought and pests. Plus the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV in the leaves of their favorite plants. With slow-release low nitrogen won’t interfere and radio segments. Myers is also a columnist and a diversity of plants, you can easily overwith flowering that is essential to the health contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Visit look the temporary leaf damage. Plus, this is and well being of our pollinators. melindamyers.com, for gardening videos and tips. l a small price to pay for all the benefits they Supplement pollinators’ diets with a bit of bring to the garden.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Not Smiling About Your Smile? Options exist for treating unattractive, misaligned and missing teeth

By Judy Latta ne of the first things people notice when they meet you is your smile. A big, bright, picture-perfect smile conveys the appearance of warmth, happiness, youth and health. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey, 99.7 percent of adults believe a smile is an important social asset, and 96 percent believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing. A study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists, however, indicates that more than one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. This is unfortunate, because a healthy smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence. The better you feel about your appearance,

the better you feel about yourself. While most people do not naturally have perfect smiles, advancements in modern dentistry have made it possible to have the smile you want. The demand for restorative dental procedures has never been greater, and a plethora of options exist for dealing with unsightly teeth. Teeth Whitening One of the fastest, easiest and most economical ways to enhance your smile is to whiten your teeth. As we age, changes in our tooth enamel and dentin cause our teeth to darken. Teeth whitening substances are designed to negate these changes, either by bleaching the teeth to lighten their color or

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

by deep cleaning the teeth to remove the stains that are causing the discoloration. According to the AACD, professional whitening in a dental office is the best method. Dentists use stronger, more effective agents than at-home whiteners and are knowledgeable about how to protect the gums and mouth from these agents. The effects of dentist-administered whitening treatments can often be visible and your teeth can lighten several shades with only one visit. Many over-the-counter methods of teeth whitening exist, including rinses, strips, gels and various toothpastes. These are typically safe options, but the outcomes will not be as dramatic as those possible in your dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office.

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Orthodontics Many people suffer from dental alignment issues, such as misaligned teeth, overcrowded teeth, bite abnormalities and jaw problems. In addition to marring your appearance, these issues, without proper treatment, could put you at higher risk for cavities, gum disease, ear pain, headaches and chewing and speech problems. Thus, orthodontic care can be an important part of maintaining your oral health. Orthodontic treatments work by applying continuous pressure to your teeth over time to move them slowly into place. As the teeth shift, they loosen from the gum line, moving into alignment, and the bone around the teeth molds to support the new positioning. In the past, many people avoided orthodontics because they were not interested in having a mouth full of metal. Fortunately,

however, options for straightening teeth exist today that are more aesthetic and discreet than traditional stainless steel braces. These include clear braces, which have brackets made of clear or tooth-colored materials; lingual braces, which are placed on the back of the teeth so they are not visible when you speak; and acrylic liners, which are clear removable, custom-made aligners that are nearly invisible to the eye. Dental Implants Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are connected to the jaw bone to replace missing natural tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation so a missing tooth can be securely replaced with a synthetic tooth. When you lose a tooth, the bone around where that tooth had been begins to deteriorate, and this leads the surrounding

teeth to shift and lose stability. These shifts can cause aesthetic problems, bite issues, and, ultimately, additional tooth loss. Thus, it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Since it takes time for an implant to fuse to the jaw bone, dental implants, while the most permanent option for tooth replacement, are a multi-visit, often months-long procedure. Crowns A dental crown is a custom-made cap that looks like a tooth that fits over an existing damaged or unsightly tooth or an implant to restore the toothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance, functionality and strength. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), â&#x20AC;&#x153;A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. It can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when

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Love Your Smile A D V E R T I S I N G

GUY M. LEWIS, D.D.S. These days, it seems like nothing lasts forever. So the fact that Dr. Guy M. Lewis is celebrating 30 years of practicing dentistry is something worth talking about. Not only has Dr. Lewis been creating beautiful smiles for many years, he is also consistently ranked by organization and peers alike as one of the best. One of the reasons that Dr. Lewis is so sought after is because he maintains a commitment to staying on the cutting edge of dentistry in an effort to ensure that his patients receive the best care and service he can offer. That’s why, when he found that existing non-prep veneers did not meet his standards, he developed his own G. Lewis Veneers. Each G. Lewis Veneer is an ultra-thin non-prep veneer that requires little or no removal of the natural tooth structure, so the procedure can be done without shots in most cases. That’s definitely something that has patients smiling! Dr. Lewis has created beautiful smiles for patients from the greater Houston area and all over the

there isn’t enough tooth left. It can be used to attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.” Bridges A dental bridge is a prosthesis that fills a gap of one or more teeth missing due to decay or injury. Using surrounding healthy teeth as a foundation, a bridge consists of crowns fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap to stabilize custom-made artificial teeth in between to fill the gap. According to the ADA, “Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviate the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.”

world. Call the office today to achieve the smile of your dreams. 281-36-SMILE lovethatsmile.com

SCOTT YOUNG, D.D.S. Scott Young and his staff are dedicated to providing their patients with complete oral health

The better you feel about your appearance, the better you feel about yourself.

and aesthetic needs. Offering life-changing procedures from Zoom laser whitening, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, or mercury-free white fillings. Dr. Young is a 1999 graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He continues to attend the prestigious Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) in Nevada; the world’s foremost authority on cosmetic dentistry. Only 1percent of the nation’s dentists embrace and implement LVI principles and philosophies. To start a relationship that will change your life, trust Dr.Young, your Woodlands Cosmetic Dentist. 281-367-5559 woodlandsdentistry.com 6769 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite G

HUGHES & COZAD ORTHODONTICS At Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics, we are honored to provide our patients with a lifelong gift of a beautiful and functional smile. The latest technology allows our team to perform high quality orthodontic treatment in a faster, more efficient manner by utilizing the Suresmile System, Invisalign, and self-ligating braces. The team at Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics is dedicated to providing superior customer service for patients of all ages in a fun and friendly environment. Call today for a complimentary consultation. hughescozadortho.com 10393 Kuykendahl Road, The Woodlands 281-681-1118 1100 Rayford Road, Ste. 400, Spring 281-466-1414

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

Porcelain Veneers Veneers are thin pieces of a toothcolored material attached to the front of discolored, chipped or misshapen teeth to restore the natural look and strength of those teeth. Porcelain veneers are created from several thin layers of ceramic which replace the original tooth enamel. They are produced in a dental laboratory and then fitted to your teeth in your dentist’s office. To apply a veneer, a small amount of your natural tooth enamel must be removed to make room for the new layers, which are attached with a resin and hardened with a high-intensity light. Since each veneer is custom-sculpted, they are very natural looking, and since the impacted teeth remain mostly intact as compared to those treated with crowns and bridges, veneers are a popular option for smile restoration.

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Pain Relief Physically Mentally Dr. Hyun Jong Kim L.Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D. Acupuncturist, Herbalist Doctor of Oriental Medicine

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Dental Bonding Dental bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied directly to an unsightly tooth, then it is sculpted, shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Dental bonding can be used to repair decayed, chipped or cracked teeth, to fill gaps between teeth, to restore discolored teeth and to cover a tooth’s root that is exposed due to recession of the gums. Dental bonding is a relatively simple and inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure, and it is not excessively invasive since only a very small amount of tooth enamel is removed. The procedure can usually be completed in one office visit. The downside to dental bonding is that it is not as strong as other restorative procedures, so it is more vulnerable to cracking and chipping. Factors to Consider Related to Restorative Dentistry The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine published a primer on factors to keep in mind when considering restorative dentistry. Key points include: • It can be expensive; insurance doesn’t cover procedures considered to be cosmetic. • Materials aren’t indestructible; they are durable but won’t last forever. • It’s important to be realistic. Cosmetic dentists are enhancers, but they can’t change the shape of your mouth or your overall appearance. • Long-term durability and appearance will be dependent on your oral hygiene. Your dental work will require the same care and attention as natural teeth. l

THE PLACE TO HEAL 832-660-4838 25222 Grogan’s Mill Rd. The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.REDACU.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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Seven Healthy Heart Measures May Reduce Heart Failure Risk At 40, men and women have a 1 in 5 chance of developing heart failure in their lifetime

eople scoring well on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 checklist for a healthy heart are less likely to develop heart failure, a condition that reduces blood and oxygen flow to the body, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation: Heart Failure. Life’s Simple 7 encompasses seven measures that people can use to rate their heart health and take steps to improve it. The seven measures are: manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, get physically active, eat better, lose weight and stop smoking. Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Offspring Study. To evaluate the association between the Simple 7 and

heart failure, they followed 3,201 participants, average age 59, for up to 12.3 years. During that time, 188 participants developed heart failure. Researchers found for each one-point higher cardiovascular health score, there was a 23 percent lower risk of developing heart failure. Those scoring in the middle third cut their risk of heart failure nearly in half compared to those in the bottom third. Those in the top third reduced their risk even further. “Even though there is awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, many people don’t act on those messages,” said Vanessa Xanthakis, Ph.D., senior author and assistant professor of medicine and biostatistics at Boston University. “This

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

study points to the importance of knowing your numbers and speaking to your doctor about improving your score on each health metric and trying to get as close to ideal status as possible." Previous research has shown that improvements in these measures reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the American Heart Association’s Statistical Update, at 40 years of age, men and women have a 1 in 5 chance of developing heart failure during their lifetime. Researchers also found an association between poor heart health measures and unhealthy changes in the heart’s structure and function, known as cardiac remodeling. These changes, measured at the beginning of the study, appeared to put people at greater risk for heart failure later in life. However, after adjusting for cardiac remodeling, low scores in the seven heart health factors remained predictors of heart failure. Authors noted two limitations of the study: most participants were white and of European ancestry, and their Life’s Simple 7 score was assessed only once, at the beginning of the study. The message of the study for patients was nevertheless strong, said Matthew Nayor, M.D., lead author and a cardiology fellow at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “This is a useful metric for a healthy lifestyle that may not only help you reduce your chances of heart attack and stroke, but also of developing heart failure in the future.” The National Institutes of Health funded the study. The Life’s Simple 7 measures are: MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure is a major risk fac-

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Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her full-time job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise.

Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with 49 private fitness studios throughout the United States specializing in this unique approach.

In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout.

Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped 1 to 2 clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”

LEAN MUSCLES – THE KEY TO RESHAPING YOUR BODY

The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Not only does the extra muscle help burn fat and calories, muscle takes up 20% less space than fat. So a fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. Adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and Chief of Medicine Services at College Station Medical Center, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone

density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training.

JOYCE RECLAIMS HER YOUTHFUL FIGURE

54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40’s life’s stresses caught up with her, and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce. Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20-minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!” The Perfect Workout has 49 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston area locations: Clear Lake (281) 456-3380, Cypress/N. Houston (832) 497-1121, Kingwood (281) 241-1628, Memorial (281) 724-5147, River Oaks (713) 999-5182, Sugar Land (281) 201-5309, and The Woodlands (281) 245-0478. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com

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Family

Health

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Texas Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Children’s has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and

tor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys, which keeps you healthier longer.

operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. For more than 50 years, Texas Children’s Heart Center, ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report, has been a pioneering leader in cardiac care, treating more than 17,000 children with congenital heart defects and performing more than 800 surgeries annually. Cardiologists and surgeons are world-renowned leaders in pediatric cardiology, congenital heart surgery and cardiovascular anesthesiology, and offer every procedure available for the treatment of pediatric heart diseases and defects for children of all ages, including

CONTROL CHOLESTEROL High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you can control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.

preterm and low-birth-weight newborns. Some of the services offered include cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, diagnostic and cardiac imaging, adult congenital heart disease treatment, congenital heart surgery, cardiac nursing, cardiac critical care and heart transplantation. For more information please visit the website. texaschildrens.org/heart

THE PERFECT WORKOUT

REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.

Many people – especially women – have a fear of “bulking up” like a bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. The research studies indicate that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. Over time, this results in arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, a slower metabolism, and buying larger clothing sizes. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your metabolism, as well as sculpts your legs and arms. And since muscle is denser than fat, strength training helps make your body smaller, firmer, and more shapely. The Perfect Workout has 49 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slowmotion strength training method, including these Houston locations: Sugar Land 281-201-5309, Memorial 281-724-5147, River Oaks 713-999-5182 The Woodlands 281-245-0478, Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121, Clear Lake 281-456-3380

GET ACTIVE Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. EAT BETTER A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy – for life!

Kingwood 281-241-1628 ThePerfectWorkout.com

KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC - THE WOODLANDS Did you know that heart disease can be a hidden disease? It’s true. Heart disease can progress so slowly you might not even know it until serious complications arise with the some of the worst possible medical outcomes. February is American Heart Awareness Month – a good time to have your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other health indicators checked for evidence of cardiovascular disease by Dr. Angela

LOSE WEIGHT When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, you lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better, too.

Ferguson or Dr. Rupa Puttappa – our cardiologists at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic –The Woodlands. Schedule an appointment for an exam and also take the opportunity to ask about lifestyle strategies you can practice for a healthier heart, a healthier way of life and a healthier you. Call for appointments, and learn more at the website. (See our ad in this issue.) 713-442-0000 kelsey-seybold.com/woodlands 106 Vision Park Blvd., Shenandoah

STOP SMOKING Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.l Courtesy of the American Heart Association

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Serve Up Nutrients and Color Roasted Winter Veggies and Tri-Colored Potatoes Preparing healthy and appealing foods does not have to keep you in the kitchen all day long. Recipes using versatile, heart-smart canola oil â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the healthiest cooking oils in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are ideal for any festive meal. With its neutral taste, light texture and high heat tolerance, canola oil ensures that flavorful seasonings and ingredients remain the starring attraction on your dinner table, as in this dish of roasted vegetables. For more information and more recipes, visit canolainfo.org and find CanolaInfo on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Servings: 10 1 1/2 lbs tri-color potatoes, quartered 1 lb Brussels sprouts, cut in half 1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped 1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped 2 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise and sliced 2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4 cup chopped rosemary 1/3 cup canola oil 2 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic powder

Heat oven to 400 F. In large roasting pan, place vegetables. Add rosemary, canola oil, salt and garlic powder, and stir to combine. Cook about 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender.l Family Features

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ç By Denman Moody

author, The Advanced Oenophile

Denman Moody was the Editor and Publisher of Moody’s Wine Review for six years and Contributing Editor on Rare Wine for International Wine Review in New York for six years. He has published or had published over 400 articles on wine, including The International Wine and Food Society Journal in London, Revue du Vin de France in Paris and The Robb Report in Malibu. He is or has been a member of The International Wine and Food Society, Confrerie SaintEtienne d’Alsace, The German Wine Society, Commanderie de Bordeaux, Chaine des Rotisseurs, Les Amis d’Escoffier and The Knights of the Vine.

Sparkling, White and Red Wine Winners Memorable meals in every choice

ROSE SPARKLING WINE: Casal Garcia Medium Dry Rosé Sparkling Wine Espumante de Vinho Verde Portugal non-vintage — Sprightly, pretty strawberry flavors with just the right touch of natural, residual sugar for sipping by itself or with hors d’oeuvres. Crazy good stuff. $10 Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige Brut non-vintage — Successful use of the saigneé method — about 20 hours of maceration on destemmed Pinot Noir. Enticing, delicate salmon color and vibrant taste. Try with smoked salmon on little toasts with crème fraiche, capers and a squirt of fresh lemon. $80

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Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2006 — Only the 40th vintage rosé released since 1920, this is the first complete effort by chief winemaker Benoit Gouez. “Powerful, expansive and gracious.” Try with hors d’oeuvres or a chilled seafood appetizer. Or even a seafood or chicken entrée. $88 WHITE WINE: Aveleda Vinho Verde Portugal 2014— From a family winery operated since 1870. Exciting, new find from a blend of Loureire and Alvarinho (Albariño). Impossible to stop after one sip! $12 Kottmeir Pinot Grigio Alto Adige Sudtirol

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Italy 2014—Excellent rendition of this varietal. Fresh and satisfying. $14 MacRostie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2014 — One of the best in its price range. Excellent fruit/acid balance. Also, a top destination for a tasting with their new tasting room!! $25 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2014 — Striking balance between richness and elegance, enhanced by the addition of 17% Semillon. Try with hors d’oeuvres or Fried oysters! $28 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2014 — Another great perennial winner from 40% Napa County, 60% Sonoma County. All vineyards are either estate or small, family-owned. Delicious. $30 Lynmar Chardonnay Quail Hill Russian River Valley 2012 — Every vintage is a winner for this Quail Hill offering. Fabulous tasting room experience, with picnic lunch available at certain times. Call ahead. $50 Albatross Ridge Estate Chardonnay Carmel Valley Monterey County 2013 — Certainly the most delicious Chardonnay I’ve had from Carmel Valley. From a 1,250’elevation vineyard, farmed with organic and sustainable practices. A new wine for me and a big surprise! $55 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Carneros Hyde Vineyard 2013 — Larry Hyde’s vineyard was planted in 1981. The wine is elegant and enticing — aged in 45% new Burgundian barrels and bottled without filtration. Try with red snapper topped with fresh crabmeat. $60 RED WINES: Beso de Vino Old Vine Garnacha 2014 — From Carinera, Aragon, Spain, fanciful label with el toro sipping a glass of red wine. Try with a roast beef sandwich. Best buy! $10 Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon 815 California 2013 — From what Joel calls a vintage of a lifetime, this is a great bargain. Blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries. Complex and powerful beyond almost anything at this price point. A bacon cheeseburger should do nicely. $15 Colpetrone Montefalco Sagrantino 2011 — Sagantino is a native varietal of Umbria, enjoying a resurgence in the last 20 years

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or so. Aged 12 months in French oak, followed by two years in bottle prior to release. Delicious red fruits with a hint of vanilla. Try with roasted meats and game. $30 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013 — Wine maker Janet Myers has done a good job with this stunning 2013 vintage. Chocolate-covered cherries with intensity and concentration of flavors. $44 Paraduxx Syrah Howell Mountain 2012 — An intriguing and successful blend of Syrah and Grenache, this beauty comes from an 1,800’-elevaton vineyard and rivals many Chateauneuf-du-Papes in the same price range. Try with a roasted prime rib. $55 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Chenowith Ranch Russian River Valley 2013 — From one of the prime locations in Russian River Valley, this vineyard was planted by iconic vineyard manager Charlie Chenowith. Patz & Hall has exclusivity for this site. Each vintage seems better than the last! $60 Benovia Pinot Noir Sonoma County Cohn Vineyard 2013 — Not just old vines, this vineyard was planted in 1970! The gnarled vines yield barely one ton per acre, organically farmed. Only 350 cases produced. $70 Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Wine Howell Mountain 2012 — “This wine frames the robust fruit character of Zinfandel with the struc-

ture and depth of Cabernet Sauvignon,” says Don LaBorde, wine maker. Best Zin/Cab blend I’ve tasted to date! Deep, dark and hedonistic. $80 Cardinale 2012 — A combination of top vineyards in seven of the most prized appellations of Napa Valley, including Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain, Spring Mountain, Stag’s Leap, St. Helena and Yountville, the complexity of the individual vineyards is reflected in this stylistically complete wine. $250 Tasting from Abagail Adams Collection I was pleased to join a small group of professional tasters in Houston, sampling Beth Adams’ stable of wines. My favorites, and all recommended are: El Libre Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 $9.99; El Libertador Malbec Mendoza, from 20 year-old vines 2012 $16.99; Wolf Family Vineyards Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011 $40; Moffett Merlot and Moffett Petite Verdot 2011 $45 each; Pedras Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012, only 93 cases produced $75; Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2012, made by Robert Pepi from a winery that has been producing since 1977 $68; August Briggs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2012, only 700 cases produced $40; August Briggs Zinfandel Old Vines Napa Valley 2011 $35l

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Las Residencias Golf & Beach Club Where you really do get what you want

Villa Ocean Views

By Noelle Valentine f world-class golf, pristine beach-front vistas and easy travel from Houston define your idea of the perfect getaway, then Las Residencias Golf and Beach Club is a destination that will give you exactly what you want. Las Residencias is a Private Residence Club devoted to golfers and their families. Located adjacent to the world-renowned Casa del Mar Golf Resort and Spa, the Club is nestled on the beach side of the Cabo Real master planned community in Los Cabos, Mexico. Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula in the state of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos encompasses the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo as well as the 15 mile coastal corridor that lies between the two. Still considered the “Marlin Capital of the World”, the area’s economy was initially founded on sport fishing which remains robust and world famous. These days, however, with an enviable collection of designer courses (more than a dozen) the area has also become the “Golf Mecca” of Latin America and attracts both National and International enthusiasts. Situated irresistibly on the sparkling shores of the Sea of Cortez, Las Residencias Golf and Beach Club offers luxury beachside living in a golf community with privileged access to gracefully appointed private residences on the coveted ocean front. Designed and built to accommodate the most discerning clientele, the 20 luxurious Villas feature panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and are only steps away from the Cabo Real golf course, the Suenos del Mar Spa, gym,

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gourmet restaurants, a private beach club and a host of local activities. With Villas spanning 1700 to 3200 square feet and positioned to take full advantage of unrivaled views, the Villas are offered in one, two and three bedroom configurations all of which include a weekly allotment of “cart fee only” golf rounds to be played on the member’s choice of three spectacular courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr. A perfect blend of Mexican architecture, modern technology and tranquil charm, Las Residencias Villas are designed and furnished to reflect the elegant sophistication that is expected by Members and their Guests. Spacious floor plans celebrate Cabo’s lively indoor-outdoor lifestyle while the uninterrupted vistas of the Sea of Cortez and the long sweep of white sand beaches provide the day’s backdrop. Each Villa delivers expansive ocean view terraces with heated plunge pools, expansive living room and dining areas, exquisite master bedrooms and guest quarters, marble floors, full walk-in laundry room, Wi-Fi, and plasma TVs with US Satellite channels. Gourmet Italian kitchens boast granite countertops and come equipped with a full array of Miele appliances with sleek design, superior engineering and German precision. Two Lighted tennis courts, convenient parking and the adjacent Casa Del Mar Golf Resort and Spa provides members and guests with restaurants, a newly completed Sports Bar, Spa, Fitness Center and Beach Club/Sun Deck, all of which elevate the quality of the experience and leave nothing to be desired. Members

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Spectacular Golf Experience

and guests also enjoy significant discounts on food and beverage as well as spa services at the Casa Del Mar Hotel. With a mission meant to combine the comforts of Private Residence Club membership with the legendary service and amenities that are hallmarks of Grupo Questro’s Casa Del Mar Golf and Beach Resort, management services by Casa del Mar ensure that everyday living is a pleasure. And concierge service allows members to enjoy the royal treatment including daily housekeeping, in-residence dining and pre-arrival arrangements. PLAY UNFORGETTABLE GOLF! Las Residencias Golf and Beach Club members enjoy “cart-fee only” access to three of Los Cabos’ finest golf courses operated by Questro Golf included in their membership: Cabo Real, Puerto Los Cabos and Club Campestre. Cabo Real Golf Club – This extraordinary golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and which hosted two PGS Senior Slams, gained worldwide recognition immediately upon opening and is highlighted by its spectacular ocean front holes. The dynamic natural beauty of this course is found in the unique blend of canyons, mountains and ocean golf it offers to players as well as the opportunity to sometimes watch breaching whales just yards away.

Trent Jones said, “I attempted to create a high-quality course to look as though it had been entirely designed by the landscape itself, in which each hole provides an ocean view.” The result is a layout that blends into the environment so that desert hues, fairways and greens, hills and mountains and the ocean all coexist in harmony. Club Campestre – Offering incomparable beauty on and off the course, Jack Nicklaus has created a design that takes advantage of the diverse landscape of the Baja California desert, combining a wide variety of natural elements and placing lush green carpets in the middle of desert arroyos and giant cacti. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra del La Laguna Mountains, Club Campestre features undulating fairways, elevated greens and

amazing views of the Azure blue Sea of Cortez and the beauty of the Sierra de la Laguna from every hole. It is also one of the first golf courses in the area to feature paspalum grass, a drought resistant variety that flourishes year-round in hot, salt-air climes producing a thick emerald green carpet-like surface that serious golfers love. Here too, practice facilities are second to none and the expansive pro shop, modern restaurant and full service locker room facilities complete the equation. When you’re not playing a full round, take advantage of the Club’s private lessons and group clinics. Puerto Los Cabos – If you’re looking for a golfing experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, look no further than Puerto Los Cabos where you can play a front nine designed by Greg Norman and a

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Villa Interior

Casa Del Mar

back nine designed by Jack Nicklaus. This course will truly challenge your game with its variety which reflects the varying philosophy of two of the game’s greatest legends. For example, Norman’s greens offer long sweeping breaks while Nicklaus’ greens are multidimensional and feature multiple breaks. A round at Puerto Los Cabos is also a culinary dining experience. PLC features an “All Inclusive” approach to golf with fresh food made to order at each comfort station (Palapa) as well as an open bar featuring National and International drinks. At the end of the day, a round at Puerto Los Cabos will provide memories to last a lifetime. THE RESORT If your needs don’t require a Villa or if you are not quite ready for membership, then you might just find your Zen at Casa Del Mar Golf resort and Spa, an exclusive five-star authentic Mexican resort hotel, designed in a truly 16th century Mexican hacienda style. Ideally located in the master-planned Cabo Real community, the amenities at Casa del Mar Golf Resort and Spa include six fresh water pools, the beach club-sun deck, eight tennis courts, the sumptuous Sueños del Mar Spa by Mex-Sun, two gourmet restaurants, three bars and lounges and miles of white sand beaches to explore. Upon

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arrival, guests are pampered with impeccable, executive class concierge service tailored to both anticipate and suit every need and to allow families to enjoy the many world-class activities and attractions in Los Cabos. THE SPA The newly refurbished Sueños del Mar Spa by Wet Sun, spanning nearly 5,000 square feet, provides a haven for ultimate tranquility and rejuvenation. Every detail is an important part of the experience, and every sense is indulged, from the rituals that accompany each treatment to the use of exclusive premium products. A visit to the spa will make any stay at the Villas or the resort a wonderful and relaxing experience that will soothe your mind, body and soul. Grupo Questro, the leader among property developers in Los Cabos and one of the most dynamic corporations in Mexico, is the owner, developer and operator of Las Residencias Golf and Beach Club at Casa del Mar and is today shining new light on luxury properties in Los Cabos, offering property owners and visitors a destination where you really do get exactly what you want.l www.lasresidenciasgolf.com 1-800-606-8429

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APRIL 6 - 10, 2016 APRIL 6

APRIL 8

APRIL 10

ALL IN THE FAMILY A LANGE TWINS VINTNER DINNER

FOR THE LOVE OF BOURBON & CHEESE

BISTRO BRUNCH

TASTING MASTERY

APRIL 7 ON THE ROCKS BARTENDERS CHALLENGE

THE GRAND TASTING

sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com 713 - SIP - WINE (747 - 9463)

APRIL 9 SIP & STROLL AT IMPERIAL

The 13th Annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is where more than 75 chefs and restaurants, create original dishes with their signature touches. Over 2,600 bottles of wine will be poured, tasted and paired at the five-day fun-filled event. The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is produced by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, and all proceeds support a permanent scholarship endowment. Individual tickets range from $40 - $150, and a three-day VIP pass is $225. Event details and ticket purchases are available online.

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Kimberli

Sam

Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by DC Stanley Photography

imberli Eve Bowman and Samuel Jack Bishop’s union proves that true love can sneak up on a couple when they least expect it! The Katy couple were married on June 13, 2015 by Houston attorney and spiritual scholar Mark Lanier at The Stone Chapel, followed by a joyous celebration at Northgate Country Club. Kimberli is a New York native and graduated from Greenville (Illinois) High School and University at Buffalo in Amherst, New York, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is a business development consultant. Sam graduated from Victoria (Texas) High School and earned a journeyman electrician certification as well as several other certifications. He is chief operating officer of LJ, LLC, a property management firm.

Introduction and First Date Kimberli and Sam met in 2012 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. They were introduced by mutual acquaintances as “the friend from New York” and “the alligator wrestler.” Of course, Kim asked Sam how he became an alligator wrestler, to which he responded, “Well, really because the race car driving was beginning to take up too much of my time.” She laughed and said, “Okay, I’ll bite… so you’re a race car driver?” Sam replied, “Yes, because the bull riding was getting to be too hard on my body.” Kimberli thought this was either the best pick up line she’d ever heard or Sam was the coolest guy she knew. They went out the following night and enjoyed music at clubs on the rodeo grounds, followed by a seemingly never-ending conversation at the Armadillo Palace. Kimberli learned that Sam really was

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The wedding ceremony took place in the gorgeous Stone Chapel in Houston • The happy couple at the beach for an engagement photo. • “I Do” appliques adorn the soles of the bride’s satin shoes • The couple enjoys an engagement moment in the great outdoors. • Bridesmaids surround their bride before she slips into her wedding gown. • Centerpieces for the head table complemented two-foot trumpet vase arrangements and were made from bridal bouquets. • The bride and her mother peek out from underneath the veil.

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a cowboy, race car driver and alligator wrestler…and a generous tipper. Suffice it to say, she was smitten – and so was he.

Courtship For three years the pair timed their relationship around weekends, but talked on the phone for at least an hour every evening. They spent time at Sam’s ranch in south Texas and on his grandfather’s boat on the Atlantic Ocean off the Maine coast. They also traveled frequently to New York and went to Las Vegas for Kimberli’s birthday, among other adventures.

Proposal October 31, 2014 was a lovely fall day along the Texas coast. Sam prepared to teach Kimberly how to fish off the pier and went back for some fishing gear. Kimberli stood on the dock watching the sun sink below the water line. She heard him return, but was mesmerized by the view. He said nothing and just waited on his knee for her to turn around. When she did, he had a ring in hand and asked her to marry him. Sam recalls “the longest recorded response time” before Kimberli collected herself and said yes!

Engagement The couple faced seven-and-a-half months of crazy and joyous wedding planning, and during this time they settled in Katy. The bride’s parents, who live in Spring, as well as the bride’s aunt, Jen Evans, helped make the dream wedding a reality. Two of the bride’s best friends, who would each be in her wedding, got engaged about the same time. They threw parties for each other and also shared a bachelorette weekend in New Orleans.

and glamorous ceremony. She fell in love with Stone Chapel, an ethereal replica of a sixth century Byzantine chapel built by Mark Lanier. Attire: The bride’s “something old” was her mother’s cathedral length Spanish Mantilla veil purchased in Niagara Falls, New York in 1969. It complimented her “something new” — a classic V-neck, sleeveless, ivory matte satin Pronovias gown with pockets that made her feel like Grace Kelly! A cinched, ruched waist and Swarovski crystal belt accented the full pleated skirt and perfect bow with long tails in back. A cathedral train later transitioned into a French bustle for the reception, creating an illusion of a blushing bride simply floating across the dance floor. Her “something borrowed” was a $20 bill tucked into her bouquet by a family friend just as she entered the church. Her “something blue” was a pair of navy blue satin peep toe shoes by Caparros with a gorgeous

The Wedding Kimberly envisioned an elegant, traditional

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brioche accent. The matron of honor placed “I Do” sparkly stickers on the arch of the soles. Bridesmaids wore navy blue silky taffeta strapless floor length gowns with ruched waistlines, and jewelry and gold shoes of their own choosing. The groom wore a black Calvin Klein tuxedo with a notched lapel and satin trim on the jacket, with a white shirt, navy blue paisley vest and tie, black patent leather shoes and red socks completing the ensemble. Groomsmen wore black Calvin Klein tuxes with notched lapel and satin trim, with navy blue vests and ties, white shirts, black socks and black patent leather shoes. Bridal Party: Mark Lanier officiated the wedding in front of 220 guests. In attendance were the bride’s parents, Beverly and Max Bowman; the mother of the groom, Marjorie Bishop, who resides in Texas; and father of the groom, Timothy Bishop, who resides in Maine.

In a touching moment, the proud mother adds the boutonniere to her son’s lapel. • The groom and his groomsmen strike a pose! • The handsome groom adjusts his cufflinks. • The lovely two-tiered wedding cake included feathers and flowers. • The head table seated 25 guests. • Gold charger plates and carefully arranged flowers complimented the overall color scheme. • The groom’s cake channeled a sea theme in a nod to time spent on the shores of Maine.

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Matron of honor Catherine Kelsey Novosad served with bridesmaids Amy Ellis, Laura Schaub, Meta Marin and Kimberly Rawson. The bride’s niece Hannah Grace Bowman served as flower girl. Best man Ricky Zack served with groomsmen Samuel S. Bishop, Timothy Bishop, George Bishop and Bryce Bowman. Ushers included Cole Evans, Dylan Hamel, Adam Hatfield and Michael Hatfield. Floral and Décor: Lanterns, candles and tall candelabras adorned the chapel, which, true to its name, is built entirely of stone with giant arched windows leading up to hand-painted ceiling cupolas brilliantly depicting stories from the Bible. Top Wedding Moments: The bride’s mother helped her into her dress, and her father spent a special 30 minutes with her prior to the ceremony. A string quartet played a mix of traditional and pop music as guests arrived. The groom and groomsmen walked in to the strings playing “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top. Soloist Clark Robison sang “One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story to complete the prelude and begin the processional. The groom was emphatic that he did not want to see his bride until the giant wooden doors of the chapel opened and her father walked her down the aisle. When the doors opened, the bride’s eyes adjusted to the sunlight, and she saw her groom’s face and smiles from her wedding party, as well as guests. The bride’s aunt and uncle read scripture and poetry during the ceremony. Her mother and Clark Robison sang a duet of the “Wedding Prayer” while the couple lit a unity candle. Mark Lanier read a list of five things the couple had written about the other, which caused laughter, gasps and a precious moment when each spouse reacted to what their beloved said.

The Reception The celebration at Northgate Country Club was themed in hues of navy and gold accents. Navy was a choice in honor of Sam’s blue eyes. The gold emphasized the country club’s old world elegance. Floral and Décor: The venue was filled with magnificent flower arrangements of blue and white hydrangeas and white roses. Gold charger plates and navy napkins on champagne linens were set against a back-

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A string quartet played during the ceremony. • The newlyweds only have eyes for each other. • The bride tickled the ivories in a lighthearted moment before the ceremony. • Time to celebrate at Northgate Country Club! • The happy couple hit the dance floor.

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drop of floor to ceiling windows, green trees and gorgeous gold chandeliers. Coordinating centerpieces and large mirrors adorned tabletops, and the head table seating 25 boasted five unique floral arrangements. The menu was printed on shimmery blue paper and placed at the head of each place setting. It included a special note to guests letting them know that they were among the most valuable people walking the face of the earth. A silver platter served as the guest book and is now displayed in the couple’s home. The Cake: The bottom of the two-tier round cake was iced in blue with diamond quilted butter cream and gold sugar pearls. The top tier was decorated in gold and white striped butter cream icing with a very thin

navy blue ribbon tied around the middle. The feathered rose cake topper was created by a family friend. Top Reception Moments: DJ Johnny J packed the dance floor. The addition of lounge seating in the middle of the room was a hit with guests who needed to catch their breath! Props were placed around the venue for anyone wanting to take fun selfies and post them to #finallybishop. The couple danced to Maroon 5’s version of “The Way You Look Tonight.” Father and daughter danced to Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl.” Mother and son danced to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” which finished with both engaged in a energized air guitar exchange! The whole room watched as the bride’s parents danced to “Honkey Tonk BaDonka Donk.” The Exit: The newlyweds ran down the winding staircase as guests waved glow sticks. They hopped into a waiting car chauffeured by dear friends, forgetting to bring a bottle of champagne. Thankfully, a valet rounded up a bottle and two glasses!

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The Honeymoon Mr. and Mrs. Bishop spent one week at the resort Riviera Maya. But first, the bride forgot to pack two items for the trip to Mexico. So the chauffeur stopped at an HE-B in The Woodlands, and the couple, still in their wedding finery, joined other midnight shoppers for 15 minutes of hilarity before finally making it to the hotel! l

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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law

HARMONY Harmony is north Houston’s premier masterplanned community at Rayford Road and the Grand Parkway (Riley Fuzzel) where residents enjoy a number of conveniences including two on-site early childhood education centers, perfect for busy, onthe-go families. Located just a few blocks from magnificent new homes, an all-new Primrose School and a Children’s Lighthouse, opened in 2014, present award-winning curricula and enrichment programs in caring, age-appropriate environments. Learn more about life in Harmony by visiting one of the community’s spectacular model homes, open daily, or visit the website. Harmony-TX.com

WOODFOREST Woodforest has again ranked among the nation’s 20 top-selling developments for a fourth consecutive year, according to annual lists recently released by two independent research firms. Woodforest was tied for the No. 19 spot on a list compiled by Robert Charles Lesser & Co (RCLCO) and was tied for No. 20 on the tally released by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. The South Montgomery County development recorded 415 homes sales in 2015. Twenty builders currently offer homes priced from the $190,000s to the millions in Woodforest. For more information, visit the website. woodforesttx.com

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A modern masterpiece that will rise 23 stories, Treviso at Waterway Square will provide 84 condominium owners an unparalleled lifestyle in the sought after heart of The Woodlands. Explore what’s to come at The Woodlands’ first luxury highrise by visiting the beautifully appointed, waterfront sales center at 18 Waterway Avenue, where you can browse finishes and floorplans. Check the website’s press section for updates on seasonal happenings ranging from exclusive pop-up shopping to cocktail events. trevisowaterway.com

CARRUTHERS & CO. REAL ESTATE GROUP

LYNDA F. BENTLEY, P.C. ATTORNEY AT LAW For more than 27 years, Lynda Bentley’s office has handled family law cases in the courtrooms of Houston and surrounding areas. Her experience is critical, because judges have a great deal of discretion when making decisions. She understand the judges she works with and how judges think, because she was one. She knows their habits in terms of making decisions. This allows her to present her cases based on each client’s needs. but also emphasizing the issues important to the judges who will determine the final outcome. Her knowledge of all the factors in play allows her to do what is right for you in your divorce or family law case. 281-955-2408 attorneylyndabentley.com 5515 Louetta Rd., Ste. C, Spring

TREVISO TOWER

TDECU In 1955, a group of 10 founded TDECU with $5 each. They then made their first loan – for a $35 refrigerator. Sixty years later, their mission hasn’t changed. They recognized their 200,000th member and made over $1.3 billion in new loans in 2014, while continuing to provide their members with access to affordable, convenient credit. They’re proud to continue the founders’ legacy and look forward to serving TDECU members for the next 60 years. 808-839-1154 x 4614 TDECU.org/mortgage

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

As a multi-million dollar producer with Coldwell Banker, United Realtors, Kristie Carruthers and her team can assist you in getting the best selling price out of your current home while achieving the best deal for your new one. · Proprietary tools and marketing strategies · Interior design experience to assist in staging · Superior negotiation skills · Specialists in luxury homes · Neighborhood-level expertise Contact us NOW for your free home listing evaluation. Call or text Kristie: 832-515-3712 CarruthersAndCompany.com

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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law

GRACEPOINT HOMES RED LEDGES Located just minutes from Park City, Utah, the private 2,000-acre community of Red Ledges offers an exhilarating lifestyle to keep owners entertained both on property and nearby. Owners at Red Ledges enjoy two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, Jim McLean Golf School, Cliff Drysdale Tennis School, Private Ski Lounge in Deer Valley, Equestrian Center, Swim & Fitness Club & Dining. For more information, call or visit the website. 877-733-5334 RedLedges.com

Gracepoint Homes understands the demands of today’s families to maximize and creatively use space. They design floor plans that offer more “actual” square footage than any other builder. Gracepoint Homes has move-in ready luxury and affordable luxury homes featuring a variety of architectural styles and price ranges available in Lakeside Cove, Marion, Lily, Wright’s Landing and Grand Marion. 281-681-0400 gracepointhomes.com

THE MIKE SEDER GROUP CHJ WEALTH MANAGEMENT Investing seems to be more complicated each day. Trying to determine what makes markets move can drive you crazy. All the noise can distract you from focusing on your goals. At CHJ Wealth Management their role is to deal with the nuances of today’s markets while you focus on enjoying your life. Stop by for a visit to discover how being independent allows them to focus on your goals. Please contact them at the number below. 281-298-2700 chjwealthmanagement.com 10200 Grogan's Mill Road, Suite 340, The Woodlands

THE MCCLUNG TEAM The McClung Group wants to be your “Realtors for Life” by exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships. Their team has over 50 combined years of experience, with a strong background in marketing and negotiating in their clients’ best interests. Their comprehensive marketing plan maximizes exposure with professional staging and photography, print media, digital marketing and a strong online presence. They strive for 100% customer satisfaction and look forward to working with you and your referrals! 281-656-5750 team@themcclunggroup.com Keller Williams Realty 8111 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands

Nobody knows the real estate market like Mike! He lists and sells homes in every price range, works with multiple relocation companies as well as international clientele. Mike is bilingual (English and Spanish) and has been selling real estate in The Woodlands for 37 years. He's been the No. 1 Re/Max Agent in Texas for 9 years and is the No. 1 Re/Max Agent in the world! He recently became a team, The Mike Seder Group, and attributes his success to surrounding himself with great agents and repeat business from satisfied clients. Call Mike for an exceptional home buying/selling experience! 281-602-8823 mikeseder. com Seder@mikeseder.com 26113 Oakridge Drive, Suite A, The Woodlands

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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law

GRAND CENTRAL PARK Home buyers curious about the live-work-play development of Grand Central Park will have two upcoming opportunities to visit the Conroe community and receive more information. Those interested can “Come Learn S’More about Grand Central Park” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the community pavilion. S’mores will be served and updated information available. Plus, prospective buyers can “Pop In and Hear the Latest about Grand Central Park” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 12. The public also will want to watch the community website for news of Houston’s Tastiest Picnic in the Park happening in the development this April. grandcentralparktx.com

HERITAGE TEXAS PROPERTIES Heritage Texas Properties is a company deeply entrenched in upscale markets, with 16 office locations throughout greater Houston, the surrounding counties, and the Texas Hill Country, each representing a multitude of luxury lifestyle choices. The expertise of their team crosses every threshold, from close-in luxury markets like River Oaks, Southampton, West University, Tanglewood, and Memorial, to far reaching country properties – and the ultimate in luxury, The Woodlands. Wherever life takes you, call on them. Haley Garcia: 936-447-9625 heritagetexas.com 8505 Technology Forest Place, Ste. 803

PELICAN BUILDERS WHITNEY BANK Whitney Bank is making the home-buying process quicker and easier with our 29-Day Mortgage Promise.* We promise an efficient mortgage experience: With your help, our goal is to close your loan in 29 days or less. We’ll help you navigate the entire process, providing guidance at every step. We promise regular communication and will keep you informed of the progress of your loan. Whitney Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. *Loan closing in 29 days dependent on timely submission of customer documentation. Jamie Bell: 281-610-5449 Dustin Kramer: 281-419-9780 whitneybank.com

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Pelican Builders, Inc. is a residential development company based in Houston. The principals and management of Pelican Builders have extensive experience in single family, townhome and high-rise residential building and development and have been active in the Houston area for more than 30 years. Trademarks of this team are excellence in concept, quality construction and careful attention to the needs and desires of its buyers. With current projects in Houston, The Woodlands Area,The Texas Medical Center and Sugar Land, Pelican Builders offers a combination of elegance and affordability in each of its communities. To learn more please visit the website or call Barbara Fredricksen or Becky Shannonhouse. Barbara: 281-528-5638 Becky: 281-433-8361 pelicanbuilders.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

CHRISTINE HALE RE/MAX THE WOODLANDS & SPRING A longtime resident of The Woodlands and native Houstonian, Christine and her team of experienced agents provide their clients with the highest level of service when helping them sell or purchase a home. Her team of professionals consistently earn awards for being in the Top 20 in the State of Texas. They pride themselves on superior customer service and go above and beyond to make sure every client is completely satisfied long after the transaction is completed. Christine’s team stands true to their slogan, “We Sell More Because We Do More.” Cell: 281-772-6337 Direct: 281-362-2514 WeSellTheWoodlands.com 6620 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands

WRIGHT ABSHIRE, ATTORNEYS, P.C. Wright Abshire is an award-winning team of elder law attorneys led by Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire. For two decades, the firm has dedicated its efforts to the legal needs of senior citizens and people with disabilities: helping seniors obtain nursing home Medicaid eligibility to preserve assets and income; assisting disabled family members with special needs trusts to attain or maintain public benefits after receiving an inheritance or personal injury settlement; and attaining VA Aid & Attendance for veterans. The firm has the expertise and empathy to accommodate the unique needs of its clients. Both Wright and Abshire are Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. 936-273-2773 3117 College Park Dr., Suite 240 The Woodlands wrightabshire.com

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Woodforest, a project of The Johnson Development Corp., is one of the nation’s top-selling masterplanned communities for a third consecutive year.

the district, worked with district personnel and various consultants to review the current and future needs of CISD. The committee was charged~with making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to address those needs while impacting the tax rate as~minimally as possible. Members of the 2015 District Facilities Planning Committee recognized were Cody Bartlett, Ted Bell, Belton Byrd, Brad Chappell, Jeff Clark, Paul Cote, Bryan Fowler, Linda O’Dell, Rick Hatcher, Frank Ildebrando, Stacie Jahn, Rob Koester, Kim LeJeune, David Matos, Tammy McCutchen, Joe Michels, Scott Moore, Chad Patterson, Lynda Sasser, Danielle Scheiner, Gil Staley, Dexter Upshaw and George Waggoner. Deputy Superintedent Dr. Chris Hines introduced the members to the Board of Trustees for recognition. Additionally, trustee Ray Sanders presented each member with a plaque.

‹Woodforest Again Ranks Among the Nation’s Top 20 MPCs Woodforest has again ranked among the nation’s 20 top-selling developments, according to annual lists recently released by two independent research firms. Woodforest was tied for the No. 19 spot on a list compiled by Robert Charles Lesser & Co and was tied for No. 20 on the tally released by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. The South Montgomery County development recorded 415 homes sales in 2015. “This is the third consecutive year Woodforest builders have sold more than 400 homes in the development and Woodforest has ranked among the nation’s 20 top-selling communities,” said Virgil Yoakum, general manager of Woodforest. “In addition to our location, the wide array of housing we offer has contributed to our success. Buyers can find something for everyone, from townhomes to multimillion-dollar mansions.” There were five Houston developments among the top 20, including Woodforest’s sister community of Riverstone in Fort Bend County. Both are projects of The Johnson Development Corp. “The competition was close across the

nation with only a handful of sales separating No. 14 to No. 20,” Yoakum said. “Texas continues to have an exceptionally strong housing market, with more developments than any other state on either list.” Woodforest opened several new neighborhoods in 2015, including releasing more than 200 homesites in the development’s “south district.” More neighborhoods will debut this year, Yoakum said, including Pine Island, a 100-acre gated, walkable neighborhood of classic architecture and nostalgic streetscapes. Twenty builders currently offer homes priced from the $190,000s to the millions in Woodforest. More information is available at woodforesttx.com.

‹Conroe ISD Facilities Planning Committee Recognized The Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees gave special recognition to the 2015 District Facilities Planning Committee at a recent meeting. The committee, comprised of 23 community members from all geographic areas of

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(L-R) Don Norrell, JJ Hollie, Fred Domenick, Gordy Bunch, Jeff Long, Dr. Ann Snyder, Greg Parsons and Nick Wolda.

‹The Woodlands CVB Names 2016 Board of Directors and Officers The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, which positions The Woodlands as a destination for group, business and leisure travel, has announced new officers for 2016 including Gordy Bunch as chairman, Jeff Long as vice chairman and Dr. Ann Snyder as secretary/ treasurer. As volunteers, the officers serve with four others to comprise The Woodlands CVB Board of Directors.Those other individuals include Fred Domenick, general manager for The Woodlands Waterway Marriott; JJ Hollie, president and CEO for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce; Don Norrell, president and general manager for The Woodlands Township; and Greg Parsons, vice president of hospitality for The Howard Hughes Corporation. The board sets policies and recommends the budget for the CVB’s marketing programs and sales outreach. Reprising his role as chairman for the third year, Bunch is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, named Entrepreneur of the Year for the Gulf Coast for 2015 and founder, president and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG). Bunch launched TWFG in The Woodlands with $10,000 capital in 2001. Today, it ranks in the Top 30 of the 38,000

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largest insurance agencies in the nation. The Woodlands CVB welcomes new to the Board members Jeff Long and Dr. Ann Snyder from The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. Long is an engineer who came to The Woodlands from California and is retired from municipal government and public works. He has volunteered for other community organizations and committees including The Woodlands Community Association board of directors (where he served as president), the Design Standards Committee, Joint Ad Hoc Cost Recovery Committee and Election Committee. Snyder and her husband, Jerry, have called The Woodlands home for 26 years. She is the President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic, a position she has held for more than a decade. Snyder has devoted countless hours to giving back through her service on numerous boards. She not only was the first woman president of The Woodlands Rotary Club, she was named one of Houston’s 2015 Most Influential Women. Bunch noted, “New in 2016, The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau will shift away from the production of community festivals and

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

events to a defined focus, which will realign the organization with more traditional goals of a Convention and Visitors Bureau, maximizing hotel occupancy. I look forward to the input and experience both Ann and Jeff will surely bring to the board.” Technology plays a major role in this new plan as the CVB is developing a concierge style mobile app to elevate the experience of a visitor while in The Woodlands, which in turn will encourage repeat visitation. In addition to the app, the CVB is enhancing its website with more visitor-friendly features like an itinerary builder and an interactive visitor guide. A new convention incentive program will be launched in 2016 to help drive new convention business to The Woodlands market. The CVB will continue to offer added benefits and services to organizations and meeting planners who book their conventions to The Woodlands. Bunch added, “Along with the other CVB board members, I am dedicated to successfully promoting The Woodlands as a destination for leisure, convention and business travel in 2016 and beyond.” For more information, call 281-363-2447 or go to visitthewoodlands.com.

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‹Conroe ISD Earns Meritorious Budget Award

Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital has been collectively recognized with three other Memorial Hermann Health System hospitals as one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health.

‹Memorial Hermann Named One of 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals Four Memorial Hermann hospitals have been collectively named among the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in an annual national study conducted by Truven Health Analytics. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital have been named among the Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® five times and the 50 top Cardiovascular Hospitals seven times. The Truven study, now in its 17th year, singled out 50 hospitals that achieved superior clinical outcomes in this critical area of hospital care. Like the Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® study, the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals survey uses rigorous processes to calculate and measure hospital service lines which leverage industry-leading, risk-adjusted methodologies developed and maintained by Truven Health scientists over many years. The Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study measures eight key performance areas: risk-adjusted mortality, riskadjusted complications, core measures (a

group of measures that assess process of care), percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, and wage- and severity-adjusted average cost. The study has been conducted annually since 1999. “The outstanding dedication these four hospitals have shown to patient safety, patientcentered quality care and positive outcomes has become part of the Memorial Hermann Health System culture,” said M. Michael Shabot, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Memorial Hermann Health System. “Truven is known for establishing the highest benchmarks attainable and recognizing only those who can meet extremely high standards. We are extremely proud of these hospitals in doing so.” For the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study, Truven Health researchers analyzed 2013 and 2014 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) data, 2014 Medicare cost reports, and 2015 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data.

Conroe Independent School District has received the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International’s Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for excellence in budget presentation during the 2015–2016 budget year. The MBA program promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation and enhances school business officials' skills in developing, analyzing and presenting a school system budget. After a rigorous review by professional auditors, the award is conferred only on school districts that have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria. This is the 16th year the district has received such a distinction from ASBO. ASBO Director of Certification and Recognition Programs Vee Boehringer noted that, “[this] is a true reflection of the district’s commitment to fiscal integrity.” In addition to receiving the MBA, the District received the state’s highest rating of “P” for “Passed” under the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (FIRST) demonstrating the quality of Conroe ISD’s financial management and reporting system, the Texas Honors Circle District Award for receiving a five-star rating from the Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST) for having high academic standards with spending efficiency five years in a row, and a 1-1 rating from Education Resource Group for Academic and Financial Performance eight years in a row. For more information, visit asbointl.org/MBA.

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(L-R):LMC Executive Director Sarah Rhea, Justice Trey Spikes, J D Lambright, Steve Williams, Judge Claudia Laird and Judge Mike Seiler. .

‹LMC Class of 2016 Enjoys Government Session with Alumni The Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) Class of 2016, along with LMC alumni, enjoyed a day hearing the latest updates in national, state and local government at the recent LMC Government Session. The session, held at the Conroe Tower, was directed by Steve Williams, assistant city administrator and chief financial officer for the City of Conroe. Each year, LMC alumni are invited to the Government Session to meet the class, visit with other alumni and hear updates from their government officials. Conroe Mayor Webb Melder welcomed everyone to the session over breakfast sponsored by Glen Bernstein and Vic’s Precision Automotive. The class and alumni heard from U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady via video from Washington D.C., followed by a Q&A session with Brady’s district director Todd Stephens. Afterwards, they visited Commissioner’s Court

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to hear a presentation from County Judge Craig Doyal and Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador. Senator Robert Nichols and State Representatives Mark Keough, Cecil Bell, and Will Metcalf gave perspective into government at the state level. On the municipal level, leaders including Paul Virgadamo, city administrator for the City of Conroe; Greg Smith, city administrator for the City of Shenandoah; Jack Yates, city administrator for the City of Montgomery; Nick Wolda, director of community relations for The Woodlands Township; 435th District Court Judge Mike Seiler; County Court at Law 2 Judge Claudia Laird; County Attorney J D Lambright; and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Trey Spikes. The day ended with the LMC Leadership Series, facilitated by Chad Patterson and LMC alumni.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016

‹Larry Harvey Appointed to EfTA Board of Directors HFG Wealth Management, a comprehensive financial planning and wealth advisory firm in The Woodlands is pleased to announce HFG Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Larry Harvey, has been appointed as a Board Member to the Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA) for the 2015-2016 term. EfTA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the business and education communities in Montgomery County. With innovative programs focused on science, technology and career preparation, EfTA has become the portal through which business leaders can access and strengthen local education. The vision of EfTA is to equip every student with the knowledge and skills to be career and college ready. EfTA programs serve students in Montgomery County with a focus on students in the Conroe Independent School District, as well as local private school and homeschooled students.

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Interfaith Holiday Giving Helps 6,000 Outreach programs in The Woodlands include Gifts for Seniors, Adopt-a-Family and holiday toy drive

Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and the fourth-grade honor choir from Snyder Elementary.

he holiday season was a very busy time at Interfaith of The Woodlands with staff and volunteers spreading holiday goodness and cheer to more than 6,000 people of all ages. Each year, Interfaith provides holiday outreach programs to those in need. Interfaith’s Holiday GIVING Programs provide families, children and seniors with gifts and food to make their holiday season special. These programs help to ease some of the stress of the season for families experiencing financial crisis. Many individuals, families, congregations, organizations and other groups generously donated time, funds and gifts. “Through Interfaith’s Holiday GIVING Program, including Adopt-A-Family, Interfaith’s Holiday Toy Drive, Gifts for Seniors, and Senior parties, Interfaith is able to spread joy to a large number of individuals in our community during the busy holiday season,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president

and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. Each family that was adopted received gifts, food from the Interfaith Food Pantry and clothing vouchers to the Hand Me Up Shop. As in previous years, all qualified families and seniors were adopted by residents throughout the area. Each year, The Woodlands Central Fire Station hosts Interfaith’s Holiday Toy store, which offers families an opportunity to come in and go shopping at no cost. The parents were able to select toys so their children would have a wonderful morning to wake up to during the holiday season. “Being a single parent financially, I wasn’t able to buy gifts this year, but Interfaith stepped in during the holiday season and made a big impact on my family,” shared a mother looking for gifts for two of her children. “They went above and beyond to make a difference for my kids. I do not know what I would do without Interfaith.”

Through the Gifts for Seniors program, Interfaith Senior Services make a difference by providing special gifts to local seniors. Interfaith also hosts festive parties and events seniors attend. “A lot of the people don’t have family so this is their family, and we are just so grateful to Interfaith for hosting such a wonderful events for us,” said Barbette Knobloch, a senior client. “We are thrilled to be able to make an impact in so many lives this holiday season while continuing to help fulfill Interfaith’s mission of building a more loving and caring community through service,” shared Dr. Snyder. Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services in The Woodlands and the surrounding area. For more information or to become a volunteer, call 281-367-1230 or visit woodlandsinterfaith.org.l

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THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL NAMES FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), a nonprofit organization, has appointed four new members to its board – Heather Dickens, Sue Burke Harrington, Dr. Maria Holmes and Mary Anne Whitney. The Council’s mission is to provide regional cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the visual and performing arts. The 19-member board is comprised of artists, teachers and community leaders who all share a passion for the arts and culture in our community. Dickens has combined a successful professional career in telecommunications and finance with years of volunteer work in The Woodlands. She has assisted with finance for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and served

The four new members of The Woodlands Arts Council’s Board of Directors are (l-r): Dr. Maria Holmes, Mary Anne Whitney, Heather Dickens and Sue Burke Harrington.

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as co-president of the Fine Arts Council at The John Cooper School where she has been active since 2000. Dickens has also volunteered with the Montgomery County Women’s Center. Harrington has been an artist since childhood and has shared her passion for art through teaching, both on the college and secondary level. She also teaches smaller classes at her art studio and at Archway Gallery in Houston. She works primarily in acrylics and mixed media on canvas. Her art has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums across the country and abroad. Holmes is the associate dean of the Honors College at Sam Houston State University. For the past 13 years, she has been a devoted volunteer for numerous organizations in The Woodlands and Huntsville. At SHSU, she continues her commitment to service, particularly to college students, through teaching, counseling and fundraising. Whitney is vice president of finance for Waste Connections in The Woodlands in addition to being an avid volunteer. She served as treasurer of the Fine Arts Council for The John Cooper School in The Woodlands, and also served on several school and church boards in Sacramento, CA for many years. “We are thrilled to add these brilliant and dedicated women to our board,” said Amy Lecocq, president of The Woodlands Arts Council. “They bring tremendous talent to our team and will help us expand our reach in the corporate, educational and art circles in the region.” The Woodlands Arts Council’s primary goal is to establish and support meaningful programs in the performing and visual arts to create a strong and vital arts presence in Montgomery County and the neighboring region. TWAC produces the annual The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, ranked among the top three juried fine arts festivals nationwide. Because Art Matters, the year-round community and educational outreach arm of TWAC enhances the emotional, academic, physical and cultural wellbeing of youth, seniors and those with special needs by using the power of the visual and performing arts. For more information, visit woodlandswaterwayartscouncil.org.

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providers, dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, as well as translators and support personnel work together to provide patient care. Programs are provided free of charge and are funded by the generous financial support of grants, faith-based organizations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals.For more information, please view interfaithcommunityclinic.org or call 281-364-7889 For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230. INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS CEO DR. ANN SNYDER TO STEP DOWN IN APRIL Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic have announced that Dr. Ann Snyder will be leaving her position as President & CEO effective April 1, 2016. Snyder has been with Interfaith of The Woodlands since 2004 and she shared with the Board of Directors that she is proud of all that Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic have accomplished and wants to focus her energy on other endeavors in the community as well as her family. “Interfaith is operationally very sound and positioned for continued success and the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership team have laid out a vision for the company that will guide Interfaith for many years to come, and this gives me great confidence about Interfaith’s future success,” she said. “Dr. Ann Snyder has been instrumental in carrying out Interfaith’s mission of building a more loving and caring community through service. She will leave behind a legacy of dedication and excellence,” said Interfaith of The Woodlands Board Chair Ray Sanders. Interfaith’s Executive Committee is conducting a search for a new President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic. Interested applicants may apply online at woodlandsinterfaith.org under Careers. Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. Interfaith Community Clinic opened its doors in 1996 to meet the medical needs of the uninsured population. As the needs of the community have grown, so have the services offered at the clinic. Today, the clinic continues to provide quality basic medical and dental care, counseling and patient services to individuals in need. A volunteer staff of licensed physicians, nurses, medical

MARKET STREET ANNOUNCES 2016 CHANGE FOR CHARITY PARTNERS Four Montgomery County charities will benefit from the thousands of dollars in change inserted in Market Street’s voluntary parking meters throughout 2016 as the beneficiaries of the Change for Charity program held by the shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Every three months, a new Montgomery County nonprofit organization will benefit from the program, which collects the coins

deposited into Market Street’s 68 voluntary curbside parking meters. “We are proud to continue to partner with local charities that make a difference in our community,” says Noemi Gonzalez, marketing director at Market Street. “Our shoppers have contributed more than $100,000 to the Change for Charity program since its inception.” The program’s first-quarter beneficiary, Lone Star Animal Welfare League, specializes in Labrador Retriever rescue and adoption in Texas. United States Veterans Initiative, the program’s second-quarter recipient, is a private nonprofit organization providing housing, employment and counseling services to our nation’s veterans. Market Street’s Change for Charity thirdquarter beneficiary, Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), works in conjunction with local and state officials who are in place to create a safer environment for abused children. The fourth-quarter beneficiary, The Will Herndon Research Fund, raises awareness and funds to accelerate the research to find a cure for Juvenile Batten Disease.

THE JOHN COOPER SCHOOL’S 11TH ANNUAL

EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT Established in 1988, Cooper is an independent, college preparatory day school for Grades PK4-12.

HELP FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 PROCEEDS BENEFIT INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY

ENJOY A SIMPLE LUNCH, THEN KEEP A BOWL AS A REMINDER THAT THERE ARE EMPTY BOWLS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT NEED TO BE FILLED. RESERVATIONS ONLINE – WWW.JOHNCOOPER.ORG The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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(L-R): John Bracken, Montgomery County Youth Services; Rob Koester and Gil Staley.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY UNITED WAY HOSTS “LONE STAR LEADERS” FOR EARLY MORNING COFFEE In an effort to show appreciation for the early morning commute, Montgomery County United Way recently hosted its leadership donors to free coffee and pastries at The

Coffeeshop Company on I-45 just south of Woodlands Parkway. Warming up a cold, January morning, attendees enjoyed delicious morning brew and an array of sweet muffins and danishes in the eclectic and warm coffee shop environment. For those that wanted to linger a bit,

some great networking opportunities presented themselves. The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership CEO, Gil Staley stopped by to mingle among the crowd, as well as MCUW Board of Directors members Peggy Colsman of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and Rob Koester with Consolidated Communications. Montgomery County United Way President Julie Martineau, Vice President of Investor Strategies Nicole Robinson Gauthier and several other key staff members were also on hand to greet the leaders and thank them for their support. The Coffeeshop Company provided the venue and donated the coffee and pastries. MCUW Lone Star Leaders are donors that give $1,000 or more each year. To learn more about Montgomery County United Way or how to become a Lone Star Leader, contact Nicole Robinson Gauthier at Nicole@mcuw.org or visit mcuw.org.

(Back row, l-r): Barbara Feigin, Steele Herndon, Missy Herndon, Will Herndon, Wayne Herndon and Mike Feigin. In front is Magnus Herndon.

(L-R): Dana Pritchard, The Woodlands Car Club; Maris Blair, Conroe ISD Foundation; and Noemi Gonzalez, Market Street.

CHECK PRESENTED TO LIGHTS OF HOPE WINNER The votes are in for the first-ever Lights of Hope outdoor lighting décor event in which 11 participating charities competed for $10,000, including Interfaith Ministries of the Woodlands, Helping A Hero, Susan G. Komen, Bread of Life Ministries, Houston SPCA, New Danville, Bridgewood Farms, Relay for Life, Hope (Beyond Batten's Disease), American Heart Association and Friends of Texas Wildlife. Each of the 12 showcase homes were decorated in a theme reflective of the charities’ mission. Visitors to MainStreet America voted by donating a $1 or more. All donations are given directly to each of the participating charities. The winning charity was HOPE – The Will Herndon Fund (Beyond Batten’s Disease), which collected $30,625 in votes and donations. Second place was Bridgewood Farms and third was Friends of Texas Wildlife. The 2015 Lights of HOPE campaign raised more than $78,000 for area charities. Mike and Barbara Feigin presented a $10,000 check to Missy Herndon, which will support Will Herndon’s fight to find a cure for Batten disease. Batten disease is a rare, fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that usually begins in childhood.

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MARKET STREET DONATES TO CONROE ISD FOUNDATION As part of its Change for Charity initiative, Market Street recently donated more than $4,000 to the Conroe ISD Foundation. The funds were raised by Market Street patrons during the third quarter of 2015 and will assist graduating seniors pursuing a career in teaching with college tuition, fees and book expenses. Since the program's inception, Market Street patrons have raised more than $100,000 for local charities. Four Montgomery County organizations are selected each year to receive a percentage of the funds collected from Market Street's 68 parking meters during a three-month period.

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(Front row, l-r): Simon Lioznyansky, Logan Payne, Marlow Grace Leahy, Molly Blanchard and Ellie Adams; (second row): Missy Herndon, Nishika Prasad, Suri Yang, Lexi Stupek, Ana Del Angel Aguilar, Milla Signorelli, Annabelle Boyd and Dr. Ann Snyder.

COOPER THIRDGRADERS WEIGH IN A HEFTY DONATION FOR INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY Third grade students at The John Cooper School sponsored a food drive on campus in November, and when the final numbers were in, learned that they had collected 1,544 pounds of food for the Interfaith Food Pantry. Students created posters and volunteered to spread the word during car line in support of the service project. Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith, and Missy Herndon, Interfaith's director of programs and services, met with students on campus to thank them for their efforts, bringing them an oversized thank you card. For more information, go to johncooper.org.

(L-R): Faculty member George Albritton, eighth grader Paige Cromley, seventh grader Rebecca Juranek and faculty member Walt Steadman.

EIGHTH-GRADER WINS COOPER GEOGRAPHY BEE - Each year, students in schools across the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee the National Geographic Society. The annual Geography Bee is an academic competition that includes participants in grades five through eight who are posed questions on culture, economics, current events, politics and geography. Twelve students from The John Cooper School participated in the school-level Bee on Dec. 18 by placing first during elimination rounds in their history classes. Of those, eighth-grader Paige Cromley was determined to be the school-level winner and seventh-grader Rebecca Juranek was runner-up. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | February 2016 |

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TWHS Cross Country State Championship team.

THE WOODLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONS HONORED The Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees gave special recognition to the 2015 UIL 6A Cross Country State Championship Team and Individual State Champion from The Woodlands High School at their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The team had a great season which culminated in winning the school’s 18th state championship, the first since 2010. Five of the team’s members placed in the top 11 positions including State Champion Daniel Golden and State Runner-Up Noah Wells. The team claimed the Class 6A State Championship in Round Rock on Saturday, Nov. 7. Golden won the 2015 UIL Class 6A Boys' Cross Country State Championship with a time of 16:17.06 to be crowned State Cross Country Champion with a pace of 5:13 per mile. Team members include: Golden, State Individual Champion; Wells, State Runner-Up; William Hunsdale; Matthew McClellan; Nicholas Enochs; Matthew Henderson; and Nick Hawley. The coaching staff consists of head coach, Juris Green, and his assistant coach, Chris Bails. The Woodlands High School Principal Gregg Colschen introduced Coach who spoke about the team’s tremendous season. Trustee Melanie Bush congratulated the team and presented them with a plaque.

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Former NFL player and Notre Dame player Mike McCoy visits with St. Anthony students.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA STUDENTS GET A VISIT FROM MIKE MCCOY - Mike McCoy, former NFL player and Notre Dame player in college, visited the students of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic school in The Woodlands. McCoy shared his experiences as a professional athlete and as a man of faith, recounting his personal relationship with God for the students. Letting them know that with hard work and with a strong faith that all things are possible. For more information on Mike McCoy, visit championsfortoday.org. For information on St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, visit staopcs.org.

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A D V E R T I S I N G

private schools & learning centers THE JOHN COOPER SCHOOL The John Cooper School is an independent, PK12, college preparatory school, located on 43 acres set aside for an independent school by Woodlands founder George Mitchell. The school opened in 1988 and has grown to become one of the premier independent schools in the Houston area. Cooper provides a challenging and comprehensive academic program by combining traditional educational practices with innovative programs. Small classes, personal attention, excellence in academics, the arts and service to others, characterize a Cooper education. Cooper began its 27th academic year with 1,201 students, breaking an enrollment record for the 16th consecutive year. Facility growth continues to enhance educational opportunities. The 50,000square-foot Rock Math Science Center, scheduled for completion in summer 2016, will span three stories and include science and math classrooms and laboratories, a computer lab, robotics classroom, outdoor roof garden and a135-seat lecture hall. 281-367-0900 johncooper.org One John Cooper Drive, The Woodlands

The HLSR event Association featured approximately 650 student art pieces portraying a western theme.

CONROE ISD WESTERN ART SHOW The Conroe Independent School District Western Art Show competition was held on Saturday, Jan. 9 at Oak Ridge High School 9thGrade Campus. The event, sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Association, featured approximately 650 student art pieces portraying a western theme. Conroe ISD students in grades K-12 across all 60 campuses were showcased in the display prepared by District art teachers for judging by a team from the HLSR Association. Twelve students had their artwork selected for exhibition in the Hayloft Gallery at the NRG Center for the duration of the rodeo. These students are now eligible for a variety of scholarships and program opportunities as a result of their efforts. The following students won awards: BEST OF SHOW: High School – Katrina Cumanan, Caney Creek HS; Junior High – Abby Bonzon, McCullough JH; Elementary – Belinda Rodriguez, Anderson Elementary. GOLD MEDAL: High School – Jessica Zhang, The Woodlands College Park HS; Marion Nece, Oak Ridge HS 9th; Junior High – Vinnie Tombari, McCullough JH; Elementary – Craig Prentice, Giesinger Elementary. SPECIAL MERIT: High School – Kallista Mertins, Oak Ridge High School 9th; Kayla Whipple, Oak Ridge High School; Helen Wang, The Woodlands HS; Chloe Pascual, The Woodlands HS 9th; and Morgan Newsoroff, The Woodlands College Park HS.

Second grade choir students sing the line "Let every heart, prepare him room..." from the traditional holiday song, "Joy to the World."

UPCOMING PREVIEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

MAR. 2016

These Kindergartners from The John Cooper School are thinking about the toys and candy they would get as an elf, singing "I Want to be an Elf."

K-2 COOPER STUDENTS BRING MUSICAL HOLIDAY CHEER Kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade students in Jackie Leon's music classes at The John Cooper School shared their talents at a December concert before school got out for the winter break. Their sweet voices and choreography put everyone in the holiday spirit. The John Cooper School is an independent, college preparatory school in The Woodlands for students in Pre-K through Grade 12.

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TOR ICA L S I H Sponsored by

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Charles B. Stewart, Designer of the Texas Flag

harles B. Stewart was one of the founding fathers of Texas and the designer of the Texas Flag that we know today. He was born on Feb. 6, 1806 in Charleston, South Carolina, to Charles and Adrianna (Bull) Stewart. In the early 1820s, he studied medicine in South Carolina and received his pharmacy license in 1825. On a trip to Cuba in 1828, he formed a trading partnership between the United States and Cuba. Stewart moved to New Orleans in 1829 where he was an importer of coffee and other goods. While in New Orleans, he met Stephen F. Austin and, in spring 1830, moved his business to Brazoria, Coahuila Y Tejas, Mexico. When Santa Anna took over the Mexican government, he imposed severe restrictions on the settlers including imposition of import duties. The Colonists began to rebel. In 1832, Stewart joined Francis Johnson’s command and fought at the Battle of Velasco. In 1834, Stewart was appointed secretary of the Judicial District of Brazos, and in spring 1835 he moved to San Felipe de Austin where he opened a pharmacy. He became a physician licensed by the Mexican government on May 4, 1835. Stewart was a prominent leader among the colonists and was a member of the Consultation of 1835. After the Consultation was adjourned and the provisional government had been established, he was appointed executive secretary to Governor Henry Smith. When the Texas Independence Convention was called to meet at Washington-on-the Brazos on March 1, 1836, Stewart was elected a delegate. The convention lasted from March 1-17. At the convention, Stewart took a prominent role and served on the committee to draft a constitution for the new government of the Republic of Texas. On March 6, the Alamo fell. On March 8, Stewart obtained permission from Judge James Hall, of the Municipality of Washington, to leave the convention and travel to Lake Creek Settlement. W. W. Shepperd performed the marriage between Stewart and Shepperd’s daughter Julia on March 11. Stewart then returned to the convention to complete his duties in writing the Constitution of the Republic of Texas and the Declaration of Independence.

He was the first delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Texas and, in doing so, he and the other signers signed their death sentence if captured by Santa Anna. Stewart was at the Battle of San Jacinto with Sam Houston and acted as a translator. After the battle, when he returned to his home in San Felipe de Austin, he found his business and merchandise in ashes. He moved to Lake Creek to work with his father-in-law, W.W. Shepperd, and re-establish his medical practice and pharmacy. Together they developed the town of Montgomery. In 1839, Stewart and others were appointed to form a committee to create a new national flag. Stewart’s original freehand drawing of the flag of the Republic of Texas is in the Sam Houston Library and Research branch of the Texas State Archives. President Mirabeau B. Lamar signed the drawing approving this as the flag of the new Republic of Texas. In 1997, the Texas Legislature, by House Resolution 1123, declared that Montgomery County, Texas was the Home of the Texas Lone Star Flag because Stewart lived there in 1839 when it was designed and adopted. l

The Montgomery County Historical Commission provides the content for this page. For information on the commission and its efforts, visit montgomerycountyhistoricalcommission.com. 128

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