The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes April 2015

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APRIL 2015

A Modern

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The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival FRAN BRENNAN

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THE WOODLANDS Paloma Pines Place | $1.3+mil 5/4.5 - ±5,579 sf stunning contemporary home on Lake Paloma | gourmet kitchen | infinity edge pool Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742

THE WOODLANDS E Beckonvale Circle | $670s 5/4.5 - ±4,503 sf located in Sterling Ridge | pool/spa Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742

MAGNOLIA Edgewater Drive | $1.3+mil 4/4.5 - ±6,237 sf waterfront home on ±1.18 acres Kecia Haseman | 713.515.4948

THE WOODLANDS E Beckonvale Circle | $620s 5/4.5 - ±3,907 sf master & 2nd bedroom down Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742

Welcome Home Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

marthaturner.com | 713.520.1981


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REPEAT BUSINESS DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN

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

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#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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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

)DEach FH %RG \ %UHDVRivela W & +DPlastic LU 5HVWRUDSurgery WLRQ DQG donates 5HMXYHQDWLRQ month charity. 5H10% YHDO Wof KH skincare 1HZ <RX profits LQ WKH 1toHZ <HDU 5LYHJoin OD 3ODus VWLF in 6Xsupport UJHUU\\ KDV Eof HHMontgomery Q SOHDVHG WR EH WKCounty H Ă€UVW WR SYouth URYLGH WKServices H QHZO\ UHOHDVHG 9ROXyouth PD ,QVshelter, WHDG RI MXcounseling VWW WUHDWLLQJ VLJQVand RI DJhomeless LQJ DURXQG outreach. WKH PRXWK Voluma, For is FDA approved to add volume for WKH PLG IDFH FRUUHFWLQJ WKH SUREOHP DQG QRW WKH V\\PSWRP, IRU PRUH tickets & sponsorship www.youthmc.org, 281.292.6471 natural looking results ODVWLLQJ WWZ ZR \HDUV -RLQ XV for D ´&RRO 1LJKW 2XWÂľ WR OHDUQ DERXW &RRO6FXOS SWWLQJ D QRQ VXUJLFDO HIIHFWLYH QR GRZQWLPH ZD\ IRU ZRPHQ DQG PHQ WR UHGXFH ORYH KDQGOHV PXIĂ€Q WRSVV EDFN IDW DQG RWKHU SUREOHP DUHDV 7X XHVGD D\ \ -DQXDUU\ \ VW DW 5693

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PARKGATE RESERVE 71 PINE BROOK COURT • $1,595,000 www.71PineBrook.com

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Luxury Living offered by The Kink Team

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THE KINK TEAM World Class Real Estate Service info@TheKinkTeam.com • 281.364.4828 Keller Williams Realty The Woodlands

8111 Ashlane Way - The Woodlands, TX 77382 • TheKinkTeam.com • SE HABLA ESPANOL


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Our Design Specialists have been creating

AmazingAtmospheres

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

for over 30 years

VERIFIED CIRCULATION COMMUNITY MAGAZINE NETWORK

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 • Kelly Foss Cathy Gordon • Judy Latta Dr. Lori • Denman Moody • Tish Raymond Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel

Social Editor Missy Herndon

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 Design Firm 281.494.4433 | www.TheDesignFirm.com Visit Our Showroom

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP

13013 Southwest Freeway Open to the Public — Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Saturdays By Appointment Only

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes

ALLIED MEMBER

10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com


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Christine Hale & Associates 281-772-6337

VILLAGE OF CREEKSIDE PARK

Beautiful Sought After Village Builders ''Van Gogh'' Plan Features a Sweeping Stairway in the Lovely 2-Story Entry, Study w/French Doors, Breathtaking Gourmet Kitchen w/Oversized Island, Gas Cooktop & SS Appliances Including Refrigerator, Butler's Pantry, Granite Countertops. Extensive Hand-Scraped Hardwoods, Master & 2nd Bedroom down, Gameroom, Media & 3 Bedrooms Up. Spacious Covered Patio in Back & Plenty of Room for Pool & Play. Great Upfront Location in Creekside Park Across the Street from a Pond and Walking Distance to Creekside Forest Elementary.

“We SELL MORE Because We DO MORE” Complimentary staging with every listing including furniture and accessories, if necessary. Stacie Fontenot

Kassandra Bissett

Cheryl Littlejohn

Realtor Associate 936-328-0737

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

WeSellTheWoodlands.com


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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES April 2015

70

Home & Lifestyle 58

COOPER WRITERS, ARTISTS GARNER 23 GOLD KEY AWARDS

66

“TEA ON THE LAWN” BENEFITS NEW DANVILLE

62

SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS AT MARKET STREET Family entertainment from concerts to a Fiesta

70

WATERWAY ARTS FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO WOW Event celebrates the arts, music and inspiration

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

94

BE A BUTTERFLY HERO! New campaign inspires kids and families to save the iconic Monarch butterfly

Cover photo by Fran Brennan

CURE CRAVINGS WITH SATISFYING SNACKS

OUTLOOK ON ACCENTS

Savor your next snacking session

Adding “just the right touch” to your home

18

STRYKERS CONTINUE TO ADD DEPTH TO ROSTER Baseball team inks six more players

MODERN MOROCCAN Contemporary interpretation blends age-old design with Old World details

10 STEPS TO EASY-CARE BEDS AND BORDERS Eco-friendly plants save gardening effort

93 67

Heather Abbott to share her 2013 Boston Marathon story

86

Community star dancers named for April 9 fundraiser

Students move on in National Scholastic Art and Writing Competition

60

YMCA DANCING FOR A CAUSE

118


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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES April 2015

Departments 24

HAPPENINGS Mark your calendar for upcoming activities and charitable events

42

SCENE IN THE WOODLANDS Parties, galas and social occasions with Missy Herndon

48

FASHION Dolce & Gabbana

54

THE EDITOR’S PICKS Fun suggestions from Linda Anderson

62

54

BOOKS New releases with something for everyone

56

DISCOVERIES Unique finds for your home and lifestyle

68

ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Making Old Stuff New Again

98

HEALTH & WELL-BEING The Causes of Autism and Your Risks for Bone Loss

106

WINE Dr. Madaiah Revana and His Wines

108

MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Kristen & Ryan

114

78

TRAVEL Celebrating Spring in Los Cabos

119

BUSINESS BRIEFS Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders

122

Special Promotions 52 80 88 100

Spring Fashion Interior Detail Resources Home Improvement Resources Family Health

AROUND TOWN Activities and news around The Woodlands

126

CAMPUS Read about the achievements of area schools and students

128

BACK WHEN... An Old-Fashioned County Fair

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015


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With thousands of ideas to inspire the home décor enthusiast, the Johnson Development Corp. home tour includes 10 communities in the Houston area.

KENDRA SCOTT GIVES BACK TO CHILDREN’S SAFE HARBOR, APRIL 1

“Houston’s Largest Home Tour,” Weekends in April The Johnson Development Corp. is opening hundreds of doors citywide this April for “Houston’s Largest Home Tour.”Nearly 500 homes — including more than 100 models — will be open weekends in April in 10 master-planned communities throughout Houston. Homes will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays and admission is free. Also planned during the month are unveilings of community art sculptures commemorating the 40th anniversary of The Johnson Development Corp. Master-planned communities included in the tour are Riverstone, Sienna Plantation and Imperial in Fort Bend County, Woodforest and Harmony in South Montgomery County, Tuscan Lakes and Edgewater in the Bay Area, Fall Creek in northeast Houston and Cross Creek Ranch and Willow Creek Farms in west Houston. Tour maps can be downloaded at johnsondevelopment.com.

The honorees for the upcoming gala are (l-r): Ron and Cyndi Brandt; Steve Brown and Tom and Jean Gosse, representing St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church; and Megan and Cole Pate of Strike LLC.

Habitat for Humanity Building Hope Gala, April 18 Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County (HFHMC) announced the three honorees for its 2015 Building Hope Gala, featuring the beauty, charm and elegance of the theme, “An Evening at Downton Abbey.” Set for Saturday, April 18 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, the evening will also be a time to celebrate the building of HFHMC’s 100th home in Montgomery County. The honorees to be recognized at this year’s Gala include Strike LLC, Corporate Honoree; Ron and Cyndi Brandt, Community Honorees; and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, FaithBased Honoree. “Our honorees exemplify the outstanding servant leadership that makes Habitat’s mission in Montgomery County a reality,” said Suzanne Pagel, Gala Co-Chair. “By extending their financial support, volunteer participation and executive involvement, this year’s honorees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission to build decent, affordable homes for local hard-working families.”

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

Enjoy sips, sweets and shopping on Wed., April 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Kendra Scott at Market Street–The Woodlands and 20 percent of all sales will benefit Children’s Safe Harbor. Children's Safe Harbor’s mission is to protect and enhance the life of every child who has the courage to battle sexual abuse or severe physical abuse. This nationally-accredited nonprofit children’s advocacy center is part of a nationwide effort to heal the trauma and facilitate justice for children ages 2 through 17 and their families by prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of child abuse. Alice Cangemi will be the featured guest speaker. Cangemi, who is a professor at Lone Star College–Montgomery and a former teacher and graduate of Conroe High School, recently published a novel titled The Darkness Before Dawn to caution others about child-on-child sexual abuse. She will explain how easily the abuse can occur and how just as easily it can be prevented from ever happening. Hers is a story of survival, resilience and healing. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $20,000. Individual tickets are $150. To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsor contribution levels, call 936756-4644 ext. 235 or visit ChildrensSafeHarbor.org.


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Black Label Hand-knotted Rugs

One-of-a-Kind Masterpieces 60% Off Price How does an exquisite hand-knotted rug worth $7,800 become available for $2,400? A Dump rug buyer acquires it from the artisan in northern India who weaves it before a buyer from a high-end store even knows it came off the loom. Presenting Black Label Hand-knotted Rugs. Individually hand-crafted, carefully curated masterpieces in wool or wool and silk. Each one a celebration of color and a singular work of art. One hundred and sixty of these one-of-a-kind rugs arrive at The Dump, for 60% less than they would be at a high-end rug retailer.

FAMOUS BRAND NAMES.

NEVER PAY FULL PRICE.

EVER CHANGING SELECTION.

OPEN 3 DAYS A WEEK.

Up to 80% off-price. The most respected designers and manufacturers. We can’t always use their names but you will know them when you see them.

We buy closeouts, overstocks, design samples, one-of-a-kinds, and canceled orders. All first quality, brand new merchandise at true 40--80% off-price. The stuff regular stores don’t want you to know about.

Every weekend, new items fill our showrooms. We are constantly searching the globe to bring you the best deals, but they come and go in a single weekend. Living, Dining, Bedroom, Genuine Leather and Motion, Fine Rugs, & Luxury Mattresses.

We dump all unnecessary costs. Regular stores open everyday of the week and you pay for it. We are only open Friday, Saturday, & Sunday which keeps our costs of doing business down. No fancy showroom or high pressure salespeople.

Assortment varies by store.

10251 North Freeway Houston, Texas 77037 | 281.447.2250 Fri & Sat 10am - 9pm | Sun 11am - 7pm thedump.com


THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Fitness is fun at the YMCA.

YMCA Spring Community Events YMCA Fitness Festival is Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m.– noon for ages 13+. The event is free and the community is invited. YMCA membership is not required and the event will take place at the Branch Crossing YMCA, 8100 Ashlane Way. This is a Mega Workout and an opportunity to sample a variety of classes every 30 minutes including Zumba, Water in Motion, BodyPUMP, BodyCOMBAT, BodyFLOW, GRIT and more. There will be three workout areas. YMCA Healthy Kids Day is Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m–1 p.m. This is a free event and the community is invited. YMCA membership not required and the event will take place at the Creekside YMCA, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. YMCA Healthy Kids Day is the nation’s largest health day for children, supporting the healthy growth and development of kids and families. Come dressed to play. The first 300 kids in attendance will receive a special gift. For more information on both events, call 281-367-9622.

“Four People” will become a permanent outdoor art installation.

Woodforest and Harmony Install Outdoor Metal Art Sculptures The Montgomery County master-planned communities of Woodforest and Harmony will commemorate The Johnson Development Corp.’s 40th year as one of the nation’s preeminent land developers by installing large, outdoor metal art sculptures by awardwinning sculptor Dale Rogers of Haverhill, Mass. “In recognition of Johnson Development’s 40th year, we set out to create an inspiring, visual element for our communities which families can enjoy for years to come,” notes Doug Goff, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “Four People,” a large sculpture of four figures holding hands with outstretched arms, will be unveiled as permanent outdoor art in Woodforest on April 2 and in Harmony on April 4 as part of Harmony’s Easter celebration. “The exhibit is both uplifting and uniting,” says Rogers of the 7 x 15-foot sculpture made of Cor-Ten steel. “It’s just one of those pieces you look at and feel good about.” Goff adds, “The ‘Four People’ sculpture is open to interpretation. It can be parents and children or four friends. It’s a fun, uplifting piece.” The Johnson Development Corp. marks its 40th year as the developer of three of the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities for new home sales in 2014, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting. This marks the second consecutive year the Houston-based company has landed more communities on the list than any other developer in the nation. For more information on the art sculptures go to johnsondev.com/art.

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

For an egg-cellent Easter, hop into The Woodlands Children’s Museum.

HUNT UP SOME EASTER FUN AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, The Woodlands Children’s Museum will host “Eggtivities,” an egg-decorating workshop. Visitors can experiment with different media and various dipping and swirling techniques to create their own extra special egg to take home. H-E-B and Brooklyn Café will be partnering in the event. Guests will also enjoy art projects and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras and snap photos with the holiday’s hero. “We have planned a number of creative and fun Eggtivities this Easter weekend,” executive director Angela Colton said. “Everyone is invited to join the celebration.” There is always plenty to do at The Woodlands Children’s Museum – from art and science to make-believe and magic. Located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280, in The Woodlands, the museum has a full calendar of exciting activities. Daily admission is $5 per person 2 years and older. There is no charge for children under 2. Recommended for ages 7 and under. To learn more, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955.

TEXAS TEA PARTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN TO MEET APRIL 14 Texas Tea Party Republican Women (and men!) meet the second Tuesday of each month at Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant, 5050 FM 1960. Each meeting features a prominent conservative leader, elected official or candidate, and/or law enforcement officer who provides relevant information about issues of concern. The public is invited to the April 14 meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is available for $16, or attend the meeting only with a beverage for $5. Please RSVP by calling 281-414-4243 or emailing normajeter@gmail.com.


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ATTENTION: FINAL AD PROOF JANUARY 2014 FORT BEND | HOUSTON | KATY | THE WOODLANDS | CY-FAIR o Proof all copy for errors o Check expiration date(s) o Check names, phone #, mailing address and web address

Sign and return by email or fax with your marked corrections/changes ASAP Changes and Corrections will be made according to your SIGNED ad proof

----- Minor corrections are allowed at no extra charge. Any ad redesign may result in redesign fees. ----X______________________________________________________

Date______________

EMAIL OR FAX TO 281-240-5079


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The popular Market Street Spring Fine Arts Show will be back this spring in The Woodlands.

Market Street’s Spring Fine Arts Show, May 2 Amateur and professional artists will gather to showcase their paintings, photography, metal works, sculptures, digital art, mixed media and other works of art at Market Street’s 2015 Spring Fine Arts Show on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Market Street’s Fine Arts Show remains one of the most popular art gatherings in The Woodlands where families can browse for great buys, enjoy live music and participate in artist demonstrations. Fun art activities for aspiring artists of all ages also are scheduled. The event is free and open to the public. In the event of rain, the show will be moved to Saturday, May 9. Market Street is located in The Woodlands at 9595 Six Pines Drive. For more information, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com

Proceeds from the David’s Dream Run benefit The David Center at Texas Children’s Hospital.

David’s Dream Run, May 9 The annual David’s Dream Run will be held on Saturday, May 9 at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.; the first race begins at 8 a.m. This event, hosted by David Elementary School, is held to honor the memory of David Vetter, known as the “bubble boy,” who was born with an immune disorder that robbed him of the ability to fight germs. All proceeds from the 1 mile and 5K run/walk will go to The David Center at Texas Children's Hospital. Registration forms are available at David Elementary, 5301 Shadow Bend Pl., The Woodlands, or online at david.conroeisd.net. Race day registration is also available. For additional information or to learn about race sponsorship please contact Cindy Kupfer at 936-525-7441 or davidptodreamrun@gmail.com.

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

The young residents of a poor village in the Ukraine will benefit from the Orphan’s Promise event.

ORPHAN’S PROMISE FUNDRAISING EVENT, APRIL 11 The ministry Orphan’s Promise invites the public to support a fundraising event for a small village in Western Ukraine. The event will be held on Saturday, April 11 starting at 6 p.m. at the historic Belle Rose Maison Ballroom, 15833 Old Conroe Road in Conroe. One hundred percent of the proceeds from auction items and donations will go toward the group’s Ukrainian projects. The will be a buffet dinner catered by Fielding’s Wood Grill and both a silent and live auction. Auction items include a CD and cowboy hat signed by George Strait; an NFL Texan football signed by Jonathan Joseph; vacation home packages to beaches and mountains; a Chanel cruise bag; a concert package with a backstage pass and signed guitar by Jason Aldean; a wine tour package for 16; a World War II-era typewriter and much more. The evening’s special guest is Terry Meeuwsen, founder of Orphan’s Promise. Business casual is appropriate. Admission is free, but RSVP is required by April 3. To RSVP or for more information email texasauction2015@gmail.com or call Patti Moore at 713-628-5337. For more information about Orphan’s Promise, visit orphanspromise.org. The Village is home to around 1,000 children and Orphan's Promise is working to provide a school, badly needed water well, and various farming projects to create a self-sustainable resource of food for the impoverished community.


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PROM DRESS DRIVE COLLECTS, CLEANS AND DISTRIBUTES GOWNS FOR FREE, APRIL 9-11 MW Cleaners is helping to make the wishes of young ladies in the area come true with the special MW Cleaners Prom Dress Drive Benefitting The Giving Gown Foundation. On March 7, MW Cleaners accepted donations of prom dresses and accessories at all of their Houston-area locations. The gowns collected were dry-cleaned free of charge and subsequently delivered to The Giving Gown Foundation, a nonprofit community service organization that collects donations of new and like-new formal gowns and accessories. On April 9-11, the prom dresses will be provided to area high school girls who would otherwise be unable to attend the formal events. Each girl will have a personal shopper and be able to choose a prom gown, shoes and accessories, have onsite alterations, attend a self-esteem seminar, enjoy a boutique lunch, and receive a swag bag of hygiene and beauty products. All of this is free . “You could count special moments in a person’s lifetime on one or two hands; certainly, one of those has to be your high school prom,” MW Cleaners CEO Mike Nesbit said. “Providing these gowns to young ladies that may not be able to attend prom is just a natural extension of what we do each and every day; serving others.” “The expenses can be overwhelming for some families, and we want to help these young ladies have a momentous experience,” said Cassie Miller, Co-Director of The Giving Gown Foundation. “We are dedicated to promoting confidence and self-worth, and we strive to teach our princesses that they are valuable just as they are. We anticipate the success of this drive to increase awareness for our annual Boutique Day, which will take place on April 9, 10 and 11.” For more information, visit GivingGown.org.

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER PRESENTS TOM SAWYER, APRIL 17-19

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

Ever since Mark Twain published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in 1876, movies, TV shows, and musicals have taken inspiration from the story of American boyhood. Christian Youth Theater’s version is an adaptation of the 1973 movie musical which had music by Robert and Richard Sherman. Performances run April 17-19 at the Nancy Bock Center for the Performing Arts, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands. For times, tickets and details visit cythouston.org.


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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

Northside Alfa Romeo FIAT is the Presenting Sponsor of the May 9 event.

THE PINK 5K RETURNS TO THE WOODLANDS, MAY 9 The Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA) has announced the return of “The Pink 5k” to The Woodlands on Saturday, May 9, in Creekside Park. Northside Alfa Romeo FIAT is the Presenting Sponsor. “Northside Alfa Romeo FIAT is proud to support this great community event in The Woodlands,” said General Manager Ed Paez. “The Woodlands is a community that gives back and we are honored to give back to such a wonderful cause again this year. It’s great to see a breast cancer walk of this magnitude in our area.” The Pink 5k run/walk race will start at 8:30 a.m. and the 1-mile loop, where wheelchairs and strollers are welcome, will start at 8:45 a.m. Last year The Pink 5k was a sell-out and the team expects the same for 2015. Early bird registration is open through March 31 at ThePink5k.com. Proceeds from event will help the charity’s mission to eliminate breast cancer as a life-threatening illness and to directly help women to prevent and survive breast cancer through its numerous program services. “This year the race is on Mother’s Day weekend… we can’t think of a better way to kick off celebrating your mom than honoring her by participating in The Pink 5k!” said Erica Tullis, BCCA founder and executive director. Sponsorship opportunities remain. For more information or to get involved with The Pink 5k, call BCCA at 936-231-8460 or email Info@iGoPink.org.


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ART OF MARRIAGE VIDEO EVENT AT LAKESIDE BIBLE CHURCH, APRIL 10-11

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Lakeside Bible Church will be hosting a two-day Art of Marriage Conference on April 10-11 at its campus at 18940 Freeport Dr., Montgomery. Anyone seeking to improve their marriage relationship or to learn what a Biblical marriage is like is invited. Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 10 and the program will begin at 7. The program will continue on Saturday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The cost is $39 a couple or $20 a single, which includes entrance to the conference, the workbook and material needed for the course, and refreshments/snacks. Pastor/teacher Dr. Ken Ramey says of The Art of Marriage video series, “We feel it is a worthy investment of time and money to strengthen your marriage relationship. The course gets to the heart of God’s design for marriage in a fun and interactive way and illustrates that the only way to make your marriage a masterpiece is to place it in the Master’s hands.” For more information or to purchase tickets, call 936-582-1977 or visit lakesidebible.eventbrite.com.

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Join Children’s Safe Harbor on Friday, April 10 from 6 - 11 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. for its “Betting on Courage” casino night, dinner and fundraiser. Children's Safe Harbor’s mission is to protect and enhance the life of every child who has the courage to battle sexual abuse or severe physical abuse. This nationally-accredited nonprofit children’s advocacy center is part of a nationwide effort to heal the trauma and facilitate justice for children ages 2 through 17 and their families by prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of child abuse. This exciting casino night will feature a dinner and dancing to live music by The Chinatown Band, along with an silent auction of fabulous items. The Becker Family Foundation will be honored for its long-standing support of Children’s Safe Harbor.


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These Lifestyles and Homes Magazine readers wanted to look and feel their best, and they did their homework. They chose Dr. Basu because he performs several hundred cosmetic breast and body contouring procedures each year. Dr. Basu is an elite Allergan Black Diamond provider, placing his practice in the top 1% of breast implant practices in the nation. They knew that Dr. Basu is also the top ranked plastic surgeon in Houston by Realself.com. More importantly, they reviewed hundreds of his before & after photos on his website a testament to his work. These Houstonians chose Basu Plastic Surgery. After all, it’s all about your results make your confidence shine!


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ANGEL RUN BENEFIT, APRIL 11 The fabulously fit and the casual runner each can enjoy a morning of exercise and help raise money for local scholarships during the Angel Run, set for 8 a.m. April 11 in Woodforest. The fundraiser includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run through Woodforest. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age category. Racers and supporters can enjoy an after-party in the community that will include refreshments, face painting, treats from a Kona Ice truck, a photo booth, silent auction and more. Registration is open at thedriven.net/angel-run-half-marathon. “This is the third year for the race and the first time we’ve had an after-party,” said Andrea Terna, race director. “We are so happy to be hosting the event in Woodforest and for the support they are showing us. The community’s terrain should make for a challenging and beautiful run.” The Angel Run is a commemorative race launched in memory of Kelsey Knepprath, who passed away suddenly in 2012 after

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being diagnosed with the flu two days prior to her death. The race also honors Knepprath’s sister, Sara Hartnett, a 17-year-old Montgomery High School senior who died in a head-on collision in 2008 after losing control of her car in the rain. “Kelsey and I ran together for three years and she would sometimes just break down in tears while we ran as she remembered her sister,” Terna said. “I sometimes feel the same way when I run now. I keep saying I’m going to do another marathon, but I haven’t had the heart. It’s just not the same without Kelsey.” The Angel Run typically attracts 500 racers each year, but Terna hopes the event will grow significantly. “I think back to a half marathon Kelsey and I did in College Station and it had 3,000 racers in its sixth year,” she said. “We should be able to grow our race to those numbers here in Montgomery.” Approximately $10,000 has been raised for scholarships to Montgomery High School seniors, but Terna also hopes to open the scholarship opportunities to a broader audi-

ence. “Both Maria Esquivel (also a race organizer) and I work for Montgomery ISD, so we have concentrated our efforts there, but we hope to extend the scholarship application process to seniors in other districts this year,” Terna said.

WOODLANDSMOMMY.COM SECOND ANNUAL HOMESCHOOL FAMILY EXPO, APRIL 11 The second annual family-friendly Homeschool Expo will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at the Klein ISD Multipurpose Center. The Homeschool Family Expo will highlight an interactive floor of homeschool-related programs and services throughout the Greater Houston area, including interactive science shows, Irish dancing and a mini book fair, while homeschooled students in grades K-12 will have the opportunity to participate in a Student Commerce Fair and the Family Literacy Fair. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 832-443-7291or visit HomeschoolFamilyExpo.com.


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WOMEN HELPING WOMEN 2 NETWORK, APRIL 21

Send US yoUr pet photoS PHOTOS TO BE PUBLISHED IN OUR JULY ISSUE!

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SEND BY EMAIL... editor@lifestyles-magazines.com Important: When uploading pictures on your email, be sure to click on full size, or large. Email browsers automatically reduce pixel sizes making the image unusable. OR SEND BY MAIL TO... Fort Bend Publishing Group 10707 Corporate Dr., Ste. 170 Stafford, TX 77477

Include your name, the pet’s name, (and other names of people in the picture if you wish), a brief description on why your pet is unique or special, and phone number.

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

On Tuesday, April 21 at 11:30 a.m., join the Women Helping Women 2 Network community at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, 1155 Lake Woodlands Dr. for lunch and to meet like-minded business women who love to help each other be successful. Women Helping Women 2 Network (WHW2N) is a networking group that has recently launched in The Woodlands and surrounding area including Spring and Magnolia. The group is for female entrepreneurs to connect with one another by providing an opportunity for women to meet, network, share ideas, thrive, help one another with referral business, team up for events and projects, and to learn from one another. The Facebook community already has more than 3,500 members. Women Helping Women 2 Network is a place to meet other like-minded business women, to be supported, and to also to find resources to grow a business. The mission is to provide resources, tools, education, information and training to enable women to succeed. Guest speakers are already scheduled to speak at luncheons and other events that will help with branding, and social media including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and more. The group will also offer events and workshops focused on overall health and well-being for women, how to balance business, career, and family. Monthly luncheons will offer guest presenters and networking opportunities; monthly evening meet-ups will provide a chance to network and mastermind with members; there will be smaller area specific weekly coffee meet-ups and member events to showcase your brick and mortar businesses; access to all 10 WHW2N groups throughout Houston; guest blogging on the new website that links to your business; and monthly podcast/webinar/conference call that will provide pertinent and current information on how to grow your business and other business-related topics. For more information, visit WHW2N.com or Facebook: facebook.com/groups/642299972525208.


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MCABW FIRST ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER, APRIL 23 The Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) is asking community members to try their luck and help a worthy cause. Guests are invited to roll the dice for a chance to win a car at the group's first annual Scholarship Fundraiser. The event is slated for 6:30- 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 at Volkswagen of The Woodlands, 16785 I-45 South. Tickets are $50 per person and include one dice roll. The evening will also include appetizers, raffle, silent auction and a spring fashion show by Diva Boutique. All proceeds will go toward college scholarships for female, graduating seniors from high schools in Montgomery County. "This event will be a ton of fun and will help young women pursue their dreams," said executive director Carol Gooch. The MCABW provides its members networking connections, promotional resources and educational programs, as well as leadership and growth opportunities. For more information, call Carol Gooch at 713-256-8002, or visit MCABW.org. Tickets may be purchased online or donations may be mailed to the MCABW at 13921 Hwy. 105, Ste. 130 in Conroe, Texas, 77304.

ST. MARY’S QUILT SHOW AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH, APRIL 24-25 St. Mary’s Quilt Show is set for April 24 25 at the historic painted St. Mary’s Church at St. Mary’s Way, 8227 CR 205 in Plantersville. All quilters are invited to enter quilts for this non-juried show. There will be a “Popular Vote” for one quilt and ribbons awarded by sponsors. There is no fee to enter and no monetary prizes will be given. Entrants may offer their quilts for sale. Quilts will be displayed as space allows. The public is invited to view the quilts on display on Friday, April 24 from10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visitors can walk the church gardens, visit vendors in the church hall, enjoy snacks and lunch at the Dresden Plate Cafe’ and purchase one-of-a-kind quilts. For information, visit stmarysquiltshow.com, call or text Paula Allison at 281-7432124 or email contessapaula@yahoo.com . The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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The 1957 Dual Ghia Convertible.

LA TORRETTA LAKE RESORT & SPA TO HOST CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE, APRIL 24-26

Waterways

Fairways

La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa on Lake Conroe once again will be the scene for a showcase of more than 150 of the world’s most coveted automobiles, some valued in excess of $5 million for display and auction, as Concours d’Elegance of Texas returns to the lakeside Texas resort, April 24–26. The highlight of the weekend is the Concours d’ Elegance of Texas auction on Saturday, April 25 starting at 11 a.m. when intense, rapidfire bidding is expected to total over $10 million in sales. Must-see items in this year’s auction include a 1957 Dual Ghia Convertible, one of the most sought-after vehicles of its time and one of only 101 ever built. Previous owners of these beauties included Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds and Joey Bishop. Others include a 1955 Moretti 1200 S Spyder, designed by Michelotti and previously presented at the 1955 Paris and Torino Auto Shows, a 1969 Porsche 911S, a museum-quality, 1900 Locomobile Model 2 Runabout, a 1967 Shelby GT350 “Supercharged” Fastback, and a number of other world class sports cars, pre-war classics and performance cars. La Torretta is located on Lake Conroe at 600 La Torretta Blvd., 12 miles west of I-45 on Highway 205. Guestrooms can be booked at latorrettalakeresort.com or by calling 877-286-9590. Steve and Gayle Brand (left), 2015 Auction Chairs, with Julie Ambler, Head of School.

WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2015 GALA, APRIL 25

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With plans to promote fellowship and raise funds for the school, The Woodlands Christian Academy announces the 2015 Auction and Gala theme. Julie Ambler, Head of School at Woodlands Christian said, “To visually build upon the goal of funding a track and in recognition of the Kentucky Derby that will be held one week after the auction, the 2015 Auction and Gala theme this year will be ‘Warrior Derby.’” Ambler also presented Gayle and Steve Brand as the 2015 Auction Chairs. The Brands have been active at Woodlands Christian for over 10 years. For information about sponsorships, contact Kellie Armstrong at karmstrong@twca.net.


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NEW ART EXHIBIT IN THE WOODLANDS, THROUGH APRIL 30 The next time you visit Market Street or the Montgomery County Library, take a moment and head next door to the Community Center to see the new art show in town. This exciting exhibition is put on by local artists, all members of The Woodlands Art League. Colorful, diverse and thought-provoking, this exhibit has something of interest for everyone. You will find art created in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, photography and an art installation. The show runs until April 30 at the South County Community Center, 2235 Lake Robbins Drive. For more information, visit woodlandsartleague.org.

DR. JEN ARNOLD TO SPEAK AT INTERFAITH COMMUNITY CLINIC SPRING EVENT, MAY 1 The Interfaith Community Clinic has announced Dr. Jen Arnold will be the guest speaker at the sold-out, second annual “Women Empowering Women” luncheon to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Woodlands Country Club – Palmer Course on Friday, May 1. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Interfaith Community Clinic. Standing at just 3 foot 2, Dr. Arnold has a rare type of dwarfism called Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Type Strudwick, and has undergone more than 30 surgeries. She and her husband Bill, along with their children Will and Zoey are featured on TLC's docudrama, The Little Couple, which follows their personal and professional lives and is now in its seventh season. “We are absolutely thrilled that Dr. Arnold will be sharing her incredible journey. We are honored to have her as our special guest for this event which benefits the Interfaith Community Clinic,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of the Interfaith Community Clinic. For more information, visit interfaithcommunityclinic.org.

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281.788.5925 WWW.KWCDESIGNS.COM The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777

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The Woodlands by Missy Herndon FOR GALAS, PARTIES, LUNCHEONS Email: missyherndon@yahoo.com

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

Dear Readers,

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Happy April and blessings for a beautiful and very social Spring! I hope to see you at one of the wonderful upcoming events, so you too can be “Scene in The Woodlands!” Keep me posted on your future events, by dropping me a line at missyherndon@yahoo.com. Please be sure to send photos original size (do not reduce for email) and include the names of all people. 5

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Save the Date! April 1: Kendra Scott Market Street partners with Children’s Safe Harbor, 20 percent of sales will benefit the charity, 5-8 p.m. April 10: Children’s Safe Harbor, “Betting on Courage” Casino Night and Dinner, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center, ChildrensSafeHarbor.org April 10: The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival’s Art Dash Party benefiting The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center, 6:30 p.m., woodlandsartfestival.com April 11: Wine tasting charity event, “Around the World in 180 Minutes,” benefiting Bridgewood Farms; 6:30-9:30 p.m. at MainStreet America; Bridgewoodfarms.org

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Seeds of Faith Gala


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April 20: Sixth Annual HOPE On The Green Golf Tournament benefitting The Will Herndon Research Fund of Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, The Woodlands Country Club, Palmer Course; willherndon.org April 23: 1st Annual Montgomery County Association of Business Women’s Scholarship Fundraiser: MCABW Foundation “This is How We Roll” Spring Fashion Show by Diva Boutique, 6:30 p.m. at The Volkswagen of The Woodlands, Tickets: $50, mcabw.org April 24: Tea on The Lawn benefiting New Danville, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shepard Hill Estates, TeaOnTheLawn.org April 30: Montgomery County Annual Ladies Night Out “Broadway, Light Up The Night for Kids!” 6 p.m., The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, youthmc.org May 14: WineFest “Boots, Bottles, & Bling” benefitting Montgomery County Women’s Center, 6-9 p.m., Macys Furniture Gallery, mcwcthewoodlands.org

Seeds of Faith Gala Leaping Butterfly Ministry’s “Seeds of Faith” gala raised nearly $70,000 for women suffering with Turner Syndrome. The second annual event, recently held at The Club at Carlton Woods, was a huge success! Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal served as the Master of Ceremonies and Debbie Browne, founder of Leaping Butterfly Ministry, told her story of personal tragedy and why she began the organization in support of Turner Syndrome. Browne wrote a book, Loving a Leaping Butterfly, in honor of her late daughter and works to fund a cure and provide assistance to girls. Turner Syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects 1 out of every 2,000 females. 1) Founders Debbie and Larry Browne 2) (L-R) Danielle Sokol, Uli Kuess and Matt Sokol 3) Cindy Scurlock and Carla Darnall 4) Susan Barnwell with Justin and Taryn Day 5) Pippa and Brian Williams with Alvin and Dalal Murgari 6) Dr. Charles and Amy Hankins 7) Judge Craig and Amy Doyal with tBarney Barnwell 8) Michelle and Gordy Bunch

Keynote Speaker for Spring Market on April 7th at the houston design Center's home In the City event. For more information, go to www.luxesource.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777

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John Cooper Gala

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Heart Ball Raises $1 Million! The 20th anniversary Montgomery County Heart Ball themed “Flaps, Spats, and Top Hats,” brought in more than 800 guests decked out in 1920’s attire. Gallery Furniture’s Mattress Mack was the event auctioneer and ABC 13 investigative reporter Ted Oberg was the event emcee. Philanthropists, community activists, socialites, and business leaders all dressed in their art deco finest, headpieces, jewelry, spats and Jazz suits and dined and danced the night away at the 1920sthemed event. The night raised more than $1 million, making it the highest-raising Montgomery County Heart Ball in its 20-year history. Dr. Mark and Marissa Mattauer were the evening’s Guests of Honor. 1) Alison Henderson and Cindy Irwin 2) Drs. Charles and Emma Simms 3) Natalie Moon, Kristi LeBlanc and Whitney Montgomery 4) Drs. Debbie and Steve Sukin 5) Kathy and George Gregory, Troy and Joanne Johnson and Tony and Cathy Cole

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John Cooper Gala “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” The John Cooper School recently held its annual Gala “Big Time in the Big Easy.” The event was held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and hosted 610 guests. The auction raised a record $556,000! Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters came straight from New Orleans to entertain the crowd. 1) Head of School Michael F. Maher (center) with Gala co-chairs, Shannon Wing (left) and Johnna Edone (right) 2) Thomas Markle Jewelry Raffle 3) The 2015 John Cooper Gala committee: (front row, l-r) Louise Blanchard, Katherine Nabarra, Shannon Wing, Johnna Edone, Mary-Kathryn D’Agostino; (back row, l-r) Pam Sims, Georgianna Syal, Becky Bayless and Karen Shea ➝

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777

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Five Who Share Luncheon

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Five Who Share Luncheon Volunteerism was recently celebrated as five recipients were honored and presented with the 2015 Service of Excellence Award in front of a capacity audience at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Each honoree was celebrated for their volunteerism during the 11th annual Interfaith of The Woodlands Five Who Share luncheon. The 2015 Honorees included: Barbara Cargill-Education; Sarah Coll–Youth, Neil Johnson–Seniors, Steve Sanders–Health, and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council–Fine Arts. The event benefits Interfaith of The Woodlands. 1) (Back row, l-r): Nelda Luce Blair, Mario Coll, Chairman of the Board for

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Interfaith of The Woodlands, Cindy Hardin, Steve Sanders, Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Congressman Kevin Brady. (front, l-r): Sarah Coll, Neil Johnson and Barbara Cargill 2) Sheriff Tommy Gage and Congressman Kevin Brady 3) Jerry and Ann Snyder 4) Gil and Debra Staley 5) Bev Earl and George Lindahl 6) Janine Jones and Haley Garcia 7) (L-R) Jen McDonald, Amy Torres and Amy Young 8) Vicki and Michael Richmond 9) Todd Stephens and Julie Ambler l


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Style }file

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

DOLCE & GABBANA From the Spring-Summer 2015 Collection. dolceandgabbana.com

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

THE SPARK OF DESIRE: Gucci Guilty Diamond Limited Edition The dangerous couple is back. Gucci Guilty’s lovers and the spark between them inspire Gucci’s new limited edition fragrances. GUCCI GUILTY DIAMOND casts a provocative new light. Captured within these new limited edition fragrances, is the electric chemistry between the stars of Gucci Guilty’s campaigns: actors Evan Rachel Wood and Chris Evans. Magnetically drawn to one another; exuding desire when they are together, GUCCI GUILTY DIAMOND symbolizes their intense passion. The sensual tension between Gucci Guilty’s rebel love duo is recalled in the hypnotic glint of a diamond. A covetable jewel that exudes power and beauty. Infinite points of light emanate from its facets, scintillating with promise. Its brilliance is a provocative invitation the Gucci Guilty lovers submit to temptation. The GUCCI GUILTY DIAMOND flacons create desire through their alluring design. Wrapped in lustrous gold hued metal, glass windows in an entwined G design reveal the scent within. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme’s flacon features a glass top fluidly attached to its metal base, while the profile of Gucci Guilty Pour Femme’s bottle shows a rich, amber-hued juice. Diamond crystals inset on the consummately crafted flacons glimmer with provocative promise. GUCCI GUILTY DIAMOND Pour Femme and GUCCI GUILTY DIAMOND Pour Homme feature the unparalleled olfactory makeup of heady, seductive and thrilling original Gucci Guilty scents. GUCCI GUILTY DIAMOND Pour Femme is a warm yet striking oriental floral with hedonism at its heart. Asserting its sensual presence with an opening hit of pink pepper, the scent summons with aphrodisiac middle notes including lilac and cardamom, and closes with voluptuous amber and the suggestive pulse of patchouli. Available at fine department stores. gucci.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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

“3 POINTS TO AGELESS BEAUTY” SK-II’s New Essential Power Eye Cream Age no longer matters with the new SK-II ESSENTIAL POWER Eye Cream, which targets the 3 key points around the eye to give a more youthful overall appearance. Age may be nothing but a number, but it is a number that starts to show first around the eyes – specifically, at three key points. A recent consumer study, conducted by SK-II to uncover the key factors behind a youthful appearance, showed that: • 91% of consumers thought the appearance of their eyes determined how old they looked overall • 93% agreed that eyes were the first part of their face to display signs of aging • 90% felt they look older in the evening due to fatigue and damage In the quest to counter signs of skin aging to achieve ageless beauty, SK-II presents its latest innovation to the award-winning ESSENTIAL POWER boutique – the new ESSENTIAL POWER Eye Cream. Combining revolutionary ESSENTIAL POWER technology with the specially formulated PAL-VB Complex, and Lupine-Alfalfa Extract, SK-II’s ESSENTIAL POWER Eye Cream works to ignite a chain reaction of beauty for a more youthful overall look around the eyes. Exposing the “3 points” The skin surrounding the eye is particularly sensitive to the effects of aging due to its thinness, which causes it to easily lose firmness and plumpness. The signs of skin aging are most evident in three key areas around the eye – the under eye area, the eyelid and the corner of the eye. From the results of the SK-II Akita study, the industry’s first holistic longitudinal study, which spanned over 10 years, SK-II scientists have discovered that each key area is affected by aging in different ways. Eye bags begin to sag in the 20s, eyelids develop wrinkles in the 30s, while wrinkles manifest in the corner of the eyes in a woman’s 40s. ski-ii.com

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Style }file

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

STELLA MCCARTNEY Falabella Pearlescent Shaggy Deer Cross Body Bag. stellamccartney.com

PAULA CADEMARTORI Multicolored nappa leather ‘Faye’ tote. farfetch.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Heroine Leather Shoulder Bag. net-a-porter.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY Caroline Dress stellamccartney.com

DAREEN HAKIM Le Icon - Turquoise and Gold Clutch. bluefly.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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Style }file

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

LILLY PULITZER FOR TARGET Beginning on April 18, a 250-piece collection includes apparel, accessories and more. target.com

WOODY’S FURS Woody’s Furs offers a large variety in fur, leather, cashmeres, shearling, vests, hats and accessories. Woody’s takes pride in searching all over the world for industry trends so they can offer customers the cutting edge of fashion and style. A warm and friendly atmosphere and pampering customers are their trademarks. Their intention is to make their furs as affordable as possible while maintaining the high level of quality and selection that Woody’s Furs has come to be known for. Fur storage and cleaning, restyling and remodeling of older furs into an updated look. 713-212-0300 woodysfurs.com 2050 Post Oak Blvd in Houston

ETRO Intricate Flared Geometric and Vintage Bloom Dress

CYNTHIA ROWLEY Pique Knit Flower Inlay Trapeze Dress.

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THE VINTAGE PEARL Custom handstamped jewelry with any names, dates or words of inspiration, made just for you! Enjoy 20% off your purchase of $75 or more! (Exp. 4-30-15, Cannot be combined. “HLA20”). 281-325-0169 thevintagepearl.com Sugar Land Town Square, Hwy 59 & Hwy 6

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VALENTINO Chevron silk sweater and 1973 Striped Radzimir skirt. valentino.com


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the Editor’s

Picks Linda Anderson

Eagle Jeff Guidry and His

of rehabilitatJeff Guidry's story Freedom ed nam le eag an ing how that and lth— hea to k bac inspired the r late le eag ng azi am r cancer. author to triumph ove 0O0SAgPuc .com/watch?v=HO https://www.youtube yles & Homes! est Lif th wi eo vid Share your om styles-magazines.c email to: Linda@life

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Spinach, Mushroom & Feta Crustless Quiche

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OVER 50 AND FABULOUS

COLOR YOUR HOME

Throughout their youth, females are inundated with information and advertising related to health and beauty. As they get older, however, that information becomes more difficult to find – especially as women enter their 60s and beyond. Beautiful Encore: Makeovers for Mature Women by Anne Reizer embraces aging by inspiring women to see the possibilities of combining sharp physical appearance with good health practices and mental stimulation. This combination will allow women to mature with vitality and confidence.

In her book Crafting a Colorful Home, crafter Kristin Nicholas teaches you how to make your home sing through handmade crafts and a bold use of color. She shares her secrets to selecting colors and patterns and explores the variety of crafts and decorating touches that have made her home so unique. Going from room to room, Kristin uses her own 1751 farmhouse as a leaping-off point to make your home cozy and bright, including refinishing furniture, faux finishing walls, knit pillows, embroidered curtains, crocheted blankets, painted lampshades and more.

GET A GREEN THUMB INDOORS

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Many of us feel like our home or office just isn’t complete without a plant or two to keep the space cheery and the air we breathe clean and fresh. Unfortunately, we all weren’t born with green thumbs; we need help not only choosing the right houseplants but also in keeping those plants alive and thriving. Now that help is at hand with Growing Healthy Houseplants by Ellen Zachos, who breaks down the often intimidating role of plant guardianship into four easy steps: accurately evaluate light, choose a plant to suit that light, use the right watering techniques and watch it grow. Thirty-one plants are profiled, so you can choose what works best for you and your home.

There is nothing more regionally specific than vegetable gardening – what to plant, when to plant it and when to harvest are decisions based on climate, weather and first frost. The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Southwest, by regional expert Trisha Shirey, focuses on the unique eccentricities of the Southwest gardening calendar, which include extreme temperatures and low rainfall. The month-by-month format makes it perfect for beginners and accessible to everyone – gardeners can start gardening the month they pick it up. This book also profiles the best 50 vegetables, fruits and herbs for the region, along with basic care and maintenance for each.


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Your home is your biggest investment, Why not capitalize on it?

GETTING SCRAPPY Your heaping piles of fabric scraps from old T-shirts and outgrown jeans, to cuttings from sewing projects and leftover gift ribbon can all be transformed into pretty projects with the help of Scraps: Stylish Stash Fabric Crafts to Stitch by Vera Vandenbosch. This book is bursting with fashionable, fantastic and unique projects to make from fabric scraps – more than two dozen in all – for jewelry, accessories and home decor. The designs are obviously affordable and fabulously kid-friendly. The step-by-step instructions, attractive photographs and illustrated templates ensure success for all ages. No formal sewing experience is required, and in fact, many projects don’t require a sewing machine.

A LOVE LETTER TO THE TOMATO Over a 30-year span, Craig LeHoullier’s passion for tomatoes has inspired him to try more than1,200 tomato varieties and introduce favorites such as Anna Russian and Cherokee Purple to the gardening world. Now with Epic Tomatoes, LeHoullier aims to share his passion with anyone who’s ever savored the sun-warmed taste of a vine-ripened tomato and wanted to grow their own. Gorgeous, full-color photography accompanies every aspect of the text, with step-by-step instructions for starting seeds, transplanting, growing and caring for tomatoes.

Welcome to studio H+H architects, your local Woodlands Architect. Over 20 years experience in Residential and Commercial Design including Project Management.

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EIGHT-LIGHT CHANDELIER This elegant beaded chandelier from the John-Richard Collection, is handcrafted of iron and clear and bronze-plated crystal with a hand-applied gold-leaf finish. The John-Richard Collection is known for its distinctive artisan-crafted furniture and accessories. neimanmarcus.com

HANDPAINTED SARDINE PLATTER This Crate and Barrel exclusive is handpainted and handcrafted in Portugal. Designer Andrew Ludick brings an awareness of natural forms in these seainspired serving pieces. Long platter corresponds loosely to the slim contours of a group of sardines. crateandbarrel.com

AQUAMARINE FLOWER BOWL Glazed in gorgeous aquamarine, this unique porcelain piece is circled with gold edged floral accents, each blossom separately crafted. Perfectly sized for a variety of uses, bowl measures 8" x 8" x 4" and comes packaged in Olive & Cocoa® gift wrap with ribbon. oliveandcocoa.com

PETITE TREAT CUPCAKE STANDS Use these darling miniature cake stands to serve special cupcakes, chocolates, cookies, or petit fours in style. Rosanna celebrates the mini celebrations of daily life–whether the wonder of aspirational travel, or the satisfaction of decorating with charming home accessories. rosannainc.com

MARTHA STEWART QUILTS Spring is in full bloom at Macy’s home department. These colorful, spring quilts will bring sunshine to any bedroom. Shown is chatham stripe, patchwork posey aqua, patchwork posey yellow, lenora, and flower crown (handcrafted collector’s edition). macys.com

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2611 Interstate 45 North Spring, TX 7730 www.woodlandsunique.com 832.246.8848

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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Cooper Writers, Artists Garner 23 Gold Key Awards Students move on in National Scholastic Art and Writing Competition

Ramsha Asim - Photography Meiya Cho - Drawing and Illustration

John Cooper School students who received Gold Key awards are (l-r): sophomore Sadie Robb and seniors Sanjana Ramesh Babu and Sara Valderrama.

C

ooper Middle and Upper School students again had a very strong presence in the regional level adjudication of the 90th Annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. Students are awarded Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mentions for their work and students who earn Gold Key awards move on to the national level of the competition. In writing, senior Sanjana Ramesh Babu won nine awards: five honorable mentions, three Silver Key awards and a Gold Key for her writing portfolio entitled “Lost.” Senior Sara Valderrama won five total awards: two honorable mentions, a Silver Key award and two Gold Key awards for her poetry, “Ostrich-Men” and “If nothing else.” Sophomore Sadie Robb won a Gold Key in the Flash Fiction category for her piece entitled “Tire.” Cooper students were also awarded 85 recognitions in the visual arts: 19 Gold, 24 Silver and 42 Honorable Mentions out of a total of 221 awarded to public and private schools in Texas. Earning Gold Key awards and moving on in competition are: Middle School students Rhyma Asim (photography) and Emily Chandler (jewelry) and Upper School students Ramsha Asim (photography), Meiya Cho (drawing and illustration), Jenna Hill (photography), Theo Jeremiah (jewelry), Grace Lawson (photography), Peri Monroe (photography), Matthew Mussalli (sculpture), Heather Scotti (photography), Sydney Shannon (design), Natalie Sos (ceramics and glass), Gina Valderrama (painting), Brandon Wohlfarth (art portfolio), Kayley Wood (photography) and Douglas Ziman (sculpture). For a full listing of students who were recognized in these competitions, visit johncooper.org.l

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Douglas Ziman - Sculpture

Gina Valderrama - Painting


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POOLS SPAS OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS

Hot Tub Nights

Come Visit Our Showroom 1701 Highway 6 S. Houston, TX 18623 Kuykendahl just north of Louetta www.richardstbs.com 713-777-7665 Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes | Xxxxxx 2015 |

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“Tea on the Lawn”Benefits New Danville Heather Abbott to share her 2013 Boston Marathon story at April 24 event

(Left) Heather Abbott will be the featured guest speaker at “Tea on The Lawn.” Abbott was standing at the 2013 Boston Marathon finish line when the terrorist bombings went off. She will share her story of courage and determination. • “Tea on The Lawn” creator and volunteer Patti Rivela will be recognized as the first inaugural honoree.

T

he 7th annual “Tea on the Lawn” will be held Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.to to raise awareness and vital funds for New Danville’s Life Enrichment and JOBS programs. New Danville is a master-planned community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as others who want to develop the skills to become as independent as possible but may need some assistance such as with transportation, money management and other skills training. This year marks New Danville 10th anniversary serving adults with disabilities. “Tea on the Lawn” will return at the stately Shepard Hill Estates at 11134 Shepard Hill Rd. in Willis, Texas, a 42-acre venue featuring a majestic turn-of-the-century-style farmhouse, a showcase for its treasured antiques and lush flower gardens. Shepard Hill Estates is across the road from New Danville, located at 10951 Shepard Hill. As tradition has it, guests will don their finest hats and frocks. Prior to the luncheon at noon, genteel ladies will stroll leisurely through the beautiful venue, sipping light libations or pink lemonade 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

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works of art, potted flowers, distinctive writing pens, stately birdhouses, whimsical wind chimes, mosaic crosses, bath and body products and fine food products. This year’s event will feature guest speaker Heather Abbott, the young woman who was standing at the 2013 Boston Marathon finish line when the terrorist bombings went off. Heather had to face an unimaginable decision to amputate a leg. She is a living testament to “Boston Strong,” and her story is nothing short of courage, determination and inspiration. This year marks the first inaugural honoree recognizing Patti Rivela as the “Tea on the Lawn” creator and chair for its first three years. As a wife, mother and artist – and a creative and enthusiastic philanthropist of her time, talents and volunteerism – Rivela will be the first to receive this prestigious annual honor by New Danville. This year’s event is expected to surpass the 2014 “Tea on the Lawn” that attracted 350 guests and raised more than $225,000. “We hope the community will continue to grow this great event by becoming an underwriter or sponsor or simply by renewing last year’s commitment,” said Kathy Sanders, president and founder of New Danville. “Such support is an investment in changing the lives of adults with dis-

abilities, and because of generous supporters, those lives are certainly being enriched. We are very proud to announce that Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy again is the Event Underwriter. Richie and CeCe Ray generously support New Danville’s mission, and we are ever so grateful for their continued sponsorship of this event.” 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. It is a special place where adults can live, learn, work and grow emotionally, socially and spiritually in a safe, caring environment. The “Tea on the Lawn” host committee has expanded the underwriting and sponsorship opportunities available for this year’s event. Available now, sponsorships start at $150 for a program ad and up to $7,500 for the ladies tee sponsorship. Table underwriting levels range from $3,000 to $15,000. Individual tickets go on sale April 1 at $100 per person. For more information about this event, email kathy.sanders@newdanville.org, call 936-522-8244 or visit the website TeaOnTheLawn.org. call 936-344-6200, visit NewDanville.org or email info@newdanville.org. l


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Waterway Arts Festival Continues to Wow Event celebrates the arts, music and inspiration

By Tish Williams ver the past 10 years, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival has blossomed into a total arts experience as unique and breathtaking as its stunning backdrop. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival has taken a familiar concept — fine art presented for sale to visitors — and expanded it, leading it to a No. 1 spot among all Texas art shows and the No. 3 ranking in the nation, according to Art Fair SourceBook. Snaking along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway, the festival encompasses a mesmerizing array of artist booths, as well stages for the performing arts, a fast-paced showcase of the art of food and a hands-on area for the cultivation of artistic creativity in visitors young and old. In turn, the festival proceeds fuel a year-long outreach program that continually reinvests in the local community through arts-based projects. “Everything here is one-of-a-kind, from the waterway atmosphere with its beauty and calm, to our community and volunteers,” says festival director Jenny Carattini-Wright. “When people come to our festival, we want to expose them to new experiences.” Beginning in this 10th-anniversary year, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will expand to a three-day format, opening for First Look Friday on April 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continuing on Saturday,

O

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The performing arts are a growing part of the festival, with musical acts interspersed throughout the waterway on different performance stages.


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

The festival features a wide range of art, including sculpture and metalworking, and is a favorite of home decorators.

April 11 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday, April 12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Tickets cost $12 per day, and visitors can buy a weekend pass for $15. The festival features more than 200 artists from 33 states and two countries who will exhibit art throughout the waterway. Artists spend the weekend sharing the stories of inspiration and influences. The Waterway Festival artists represent a dazzling array of talents that encompass drawing and painting; sculpture; jewelry; 2-D and 3-D mixed-media; clay, glass, metal and woodwork; and photography. Friday night features the popular 60-Second Art Dash party at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center, chaired this year by Interfaith President and CEO Ann Snyder. The event offers the opportunity for attendees to preview a variety of artwork donated by VIP festival artists, then later dash through the art in groups of five when their names are called at random to select a piece to take home. Austin fan-favorite Mingo Fishtrap will headline on the Palette Cafe with a blend of funk and R&B, and Houston-based Farra 8 will add a Latin flair to the musical stage. Local musical talent Kyle Hutton will bring his Real Life Real Music programming touch to the festival’s performing arts stages this year. Real Life Real Music spotlights true singer/songwriters with bonafide

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“Everything here is one-of-a-kind, from the waterway atmosphere with its beauty and calm, to our community and volunteers.”

From left: The Woodlands Waterway Festival is the No. 1 ranked art show in Texas, rated third overall in the nation. • In the Artopoly section, a variety of community organizations provide hands-on arts projects for kids of all ages. • Over 15,000 attendees attend the Waterway Arts Festival each year looking for one-of-a-kind finds.

Texas credentials, and festival acts include the Kyle Hutton Band, the Chubby Knuckle Choir, the Terri Hendrix Band featuring recording legend Lloyd Maines, as well as Seth Walker. The festival will add two new performing areas to draw visitors to the edges of the Waterway, including St. Arnold’s

West End, where the Houston purveyor will pour its craft beers, as well as the Watercolor Terrace, sponsored by Compounding Pharmacy of The Woodlands, by the south-side stairs. Artopoly will delight youth attendees once again, as local groups such as The Woodlands Children’s Museum foster

creativity in kids through an array of painting, sculpting and found-art activities. Last year, volunteers and kids worked together at Artopoly to create art squares that were specially wrapped and delivered with holiday food packages to the Friendship Center’s Meals on Wheels recipients. Two paintings done at last

Featured Artist’s Creativity Takes Flight

Brown’s birds perch on stylish paintbrushes, whisking viewers’ imaginations away on a flight of imagination.

Using found items and precise composition, Brown’s Kraken delights the eye.

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Sean Brown has art in his DNA. The son of a graphic designer dad and a mom who was a painter and potter, Brown grew up with art as an outlet for all the rambunctious creativity of boyhood. “As a young man, art was really inspirational to me. It was something I really loved,” Brown says. For him, art was just like athletics. “It kept me out of trouble.” Brown began his art career enamored of the bright colors and graffiti style of Keith Haring and other late-1980s pop artists. Working out of his Denver studio, Brown has morphed those influences with a lifelong love of fly fishing to include vibrant hues, whimsical naturalistic themes and dynamic materials that evoke an irresistible urge to smile. Brown is best known for his mixedmedia sculptures of birds. He mixes many inspirations in each delightful piece.

Brown fires his vivid bird sculptures as many as five times, reworking them until he gets the layers of color, finish and personality he wants. Channeling an obsession shared by all flyfishermen who create their own ties, Brown contrasts the slick, ceramic birds with the softness of rainbow-colored feathers. Finally, he mounts them on a stunning paintbrush perch. “A paintbrush is just a stick with hair on it, but look at them at the art store. They’re beautiful. I remember my grandfather’s wrenches from my childhood. They are works of art,” Brown says. “To me, tools are magic. The birds are symbolic of messengers who are bringing creativity to someone’s life.” As The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival’s featured artist of 2015, Brown’s vivid creations will carry forth his lifelong love of art.


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Modern artists strive for personal connections with festival-goers as they tell the story of their art.

year’s festival are being installed at the Friendship Center, and Artopoly’s good works will benefit the Meals on Wheels program again this year. “The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival’s heart is in the right place,” says 2015 featured artist Sean Brown, a Denver-based artist who wowed last year’s judges with a mix of vibrant colors, whimsical subjects and metaphorical images of intricately crafted birds on paintbrushes.”It’s about the art and the community and inspiring people to bring art into their life.” When the time comes to rest your feet and fill your stomach, a full complement of local eateries will serve up culinary delights. Russo’s New York Pizza, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Greek Food by MC, Hello Taco, Helmut’s Strudel, The Nutty Bavarian and more food vendors to come will dot the festival. Golfers can rest assured that there’s a comfy chair in the Master’s tent for any sports fans who need to catch up on the leaderboard. As another way to give back to the community, the festival offers three emerging artists a chance to show their art at the festival with the help of discounts on their booths, professional advice on the display and transportation of their art and artist mentors with experience in presenting art at shows around the country. There’s no telling what heights these emerging talents, and the Waterway Festival itself, might achieve in years to come. l

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YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE Community star dancers named for April 9 fundraiser

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he South Montgomery County Family YMCA has announced the lineup for the 3rd Annual YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE with The Woodlands Stars. This unique charity event, a spinoff of the popular television reality show, Dancing with the Stars, will be held April 9 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The community is invited to support their favorite dancer and support the YMCA’s mission. The evening will be filled with lively entertainment from community celebrities and professional dancers, live auction, fun, food and fellowship and the opportunity to dance with the stars when the dance floor opens. Affinity Ballroom of The Woodlands has partnered with the YMCA to provide the dance lessons, choreography, and dance partners for all the community stars. Celebrity emcee for the evening will be radio personality Dana Tyson with Sunny 99.1. This year’s cast includes a host of community leaders: Dana Tyson; April Callihan, Human Resources at Talisman Energy; Becky Drake, real estate agent with RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring; Stephanie Clements, Manager of Patient Experience at CHI St. Luke’s Health The Woodlands Hospital; Brooke Schmitt, American Heart Association Corporate Marketing Director for Montgomery County; Megan Lichenstein Meaux, Develop ment Manager for The Woodlands Township; Catherine Irvin, South Montgomery County Family YMCA staff and volunteer; Rosario Fernandez, stylist with the Spa at The Waterway in The Woodlands and Associate with Abydos Learning System; Brian Duval, Sports Director for Woodlands Online; Mike Karlins, Managing Partner of CPA firm Karlins, Ramey & Tompkins, LLC; Ed Jones, Executive Vice President Woodforest National Bank; and Johnny Hennigan,

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Laura Balmaceda, owner of Affinity Ballroom Studio and Community Star Greg Parsons, General Manager and Vice President of Hospitality.

community leader and past president of The Woodlands Kiwanis Club. Dancing for a CAUSE with The Woodlands Stars is a local charity event benefiting the annual YMCA Giving Campaign. Dollars raised for the Annual Campaign underwrite YMCA programs like child care, swim lessons, day camp, active older adults, sports, teen leadership and more. All of these Y services provide families in South Montgomery County with hope for a positive future and equip children with skills and core values. One hundred percent of the money raised for South Montgomery County Family YMCA stays within the local community. “No matter the size of the gift, every dollar donated to the Annual Campaign is an investment in the children in our commu-

nity,” said Regional Development Director Mark Cochran. “Thousands of stories and memories are created each day at a Y. Children experience their first swim lesson, sports activity or special camp moment at the YMCA. Families journey together through some of the most rewarding chapters of their lives while at the Y. We strive hard to turn no one away due to inability to pay. Everyone is welcomed at the YMCA. We are very excited about the 3rd Annual YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE and the opportunities it will provide us to further our mission in the community.” The 2015 event begins at 6 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. “The tables are selling fast,” states Roxanne Davis, YMCA Community Liaison/Event Director. “YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE has been an overwhelming success and the talk of the town. The evening is fun and so entertaining. Guests are eager to witness a community leader, friend, colleague or family member step way out of their comfort zone and get out on the dance floor for such a worthy cause. The majority of the community stars have no dance experience. We have added additional dancers this year to the lineup and we will also feature several group dances in the ‘Honored Dancer Category.’ These performances will be extremely inspirational and entertaining.” Sponsors for the event include Talisman Energy, Affinity Ballroom, Kroger, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, Woodforest National Bank and CHI St. Luke’s Health The Woodlands Hospital. For more information on Table Sponsors or to reserve a table, contact Roxanne Davis at 281-681-6730 or rdavis@ymcahouston.org. Seating will be limited. If you cannot attend the event, you can still support your favorite dancer with a donation and earn more votes for him or her. Yes, you can buy votes! For more information, contact your favorite dancer or the YMCA at 281-367-9622.l


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Spring and Summer Events at Market Street Family entertainment from concerts to a Fiesta

The popular Spring Concert Series returns with genres from Latin to jazz and favorites from The Beatles.

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variety of family-friendly events can be enjoyed at Market Street May through August as the shopping and entertainment destination hosts a variety of musical acts, artists, a wine walk and more this summer. Scheduled events include spring and summer concerts, a spring Fine Arts Show, Fiesta Universal, H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street, 40th Annual South Montgomery County 4th of July Parade, and the monthly Cars & Coffee for a Cause. • Concert Series – Market Street’s Spring Concert Series takes place Thursdays, April 23 through May 28 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Couples are encouraged to get to Market Street early to secure patio seating at Jasper’s, Crú –Wine Bar, Tommy Bahama Tropical Café, Uni Sushi, 1252 Tapas Bar or any of its signature restaurants. Families also can bring blankets and lawn chair to enjoy the concert from Market Street’s Central Park. The spring series includes this line-up: · April 23 — Latin Dance sounds of Mango Punch · April 30 — British Invasion and Beatles cover sounds of FAB 5 · May 7 — Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber presents Fiesta Universal

(Band to be announced) · May 14 — Smooth jazz saxophone sounds from Joseph Vincelli · May 21 — Latin Jazz and Santana Rock sounds from The Brew · May 28 — Jimmy Buffet-inspired sounds from Hanna’s Reef The June 4 performer will be announced at a later date. The Summer Concert Series returns Thursdays, July 16 through August 20, with performers to be determined. • Spring Fine Arts Show –Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., amateur and professional artists showcase their paintings, photography, jewelry, metal works, sculptures, digital art, mixed media and other works of art. Admission to the event is free and a featured performance from Rattletree Band will showcase high-energy African Marimba tunes from 5 – 7 p.m. • Fiesta Universal – Thursday, May 7 from 6–9 p.m. Market Streets joins with the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to host a celebration of Hispanic flavors, dance, music and art. • H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street – Thursday, June 4 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. visitors to Market Street can enjoy multiple wine tasting stations and hear from industry

experts as part of Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands, June 2–June 6. Tickets and additional details can be found at wineandfoodweek.com. • 40th Annual South Montgomery County 4th of July Parade – Saturday, July 4 at 9 a.m., spectators can enjoy dozens of floats, marching bands, special guests and more who make their way through Market Street as part of this annual parade. • Cars & Coffee for a Cause – First Sunday of each month, from 9-11 a.m, the Woodlands Car Club presents a collection of vintage automobiles and muscle cars. Admission is free but guests are able to make a donation to Market Street’s Change for Charity beneficiaries. For more information on any of these or other Market Street events, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com, or Facebook.com/MarketStreetTheWoodland s and on Twitter at @MarketStreetTX. Also, follow its blog for updates, fashion tips and more at blog.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com. Located across the street from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive. l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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ç By Lori Verderame

Making Old Stuff New Again Consider repurposing that keepsake

T

here are many DIY proA doorknob can be repurposed as a towel hook.

jects and repurposing options when it comes

see the light of day? Quilted squares that were never made into a full quilt? If you know

to antiques, but right off the

that you will never complete

bat, I want to warn you to know

these projects, don’t despair.

the value of your keepsakes,

Instead, frame them up and

heirlooms, and treasures

enjoy a great graphic picture of

before your start repurposing.

your crochet, quilt square or

Get a quick and easy online

needlepoint picture. Remem-

appraisal from me so you know

ber to use acid-free materials

if your piece is too valuable to

whenever you frame textiles or

repurpose. Once you know the

any antique piece. Install the

true value of your antique and

framed textiles on an interior

you are comfortable with your

wall out of direct sunlight to

plan to repurpose it, consider

prevent the item from fading

these tips to make something

and sun damage.

old feel and look new again.

Repurposing is a fun way to integrate antique pieces into a contemporary home and to

Tip 1: Repurpose something that is a multiple for greater

enjoy the process of sprucing

impact. If you have many dis-

up something old. l

similar items, you can always make them seem like a group by uniting them with a uniform paint color. You can also unite related objects by putting them together in a re-purposing project. For instance, if you have a

Tip 2: Go all the way! Don’t be

playroom, a grandparent’s den,

bunch of old doorknobs or door

afraid to really change an

or a dining room. Be sure you

handles, repurpose this group

antique. For instance, if you

know what you are doing when

of similar objects. For instance,

love your grandmother’s high

repairing and refinishing

take the group of mix-matched

chair buta would really like to

wooden pieces and search

Dr. Lori

glass, porcelain, or metal door-

put it to good use in your home

online for helpful hints.

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.

knobs and install them in your

instead of just having it sit in a

guest bathroom to create use-

corner as a display piece,

Tip 3: Re-think the scraps. Do

ful, vintage towel hooks.

remove the arms and tray and

you have a cedar chest filled

Arrange the group of door-

re-purpose the high chair as a

with old textile pieces like parts

knobs on a wall near the tub or

child’s chair. It will look cute in

of crocheted afghans? Needle-

shower as handy hooks.

a corner of a kitchen, a child’s

point pictures that will never

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015


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Apply today! Be YOU and Belong. Stop by the Woodlands Member Center at 1410 Research Forest Dr., Shenandoah, TX 77381 TDECU.org/mortgage 800.839.1154 x4614 Credit approval required. Certain terms and conditions may apply. Additional loan options available for primary residences, second homes, investment properties and refinances. We require the Truth in Lending, Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 closing statement from the competitor for comparison purposes in order to receive the $250 if we can’t meet or beat your qualified rate. Visit TDECU.org/mortgage for complete requirements. Offer cannot be combined with any other TDECU Mortgage offer. 6004.4-LHWD-APR

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Modern Moroccan Riad

Text by Cheryl Alexander Photography by Fran Brennan Interiors by Suzanne Duin, RID, ASID of Maison Maison Construction by D.L. Doyle Construction, Jim Bob Taylor, Superintendent Architecture by Kurt Aichler Landscape by Prewett and Read Pool by Monarch Pools Finishes by Segreto Finishes, Leslie Sinclair

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W

hen Patrick and Pam Cohan decided they were ready to make a change in their living environment, they were motivated by a few factors. “We are now empty nesters and we wanted to create our forever home,” said Pam, “and we desired a different aesthetic altogether.” The couple had lived in their 1950s ranch-style home for 11 years and preferred a more contemporary style that offered more light, higher ceilings and more open spaces. They began looking around in the area, but were continually struck by what was lacking in each of the properties they toured. “We kept returning to the fact that although these properties were spacious and luxurious, none of them was in ‘our’ neighborhood near our close friends, favorite restaurants, our history,” said Pam. So after searching for six months, realizing what they would have to sacrifice by moving, and determining that they had been looking at other people’s ideas of what they wanted, the couple decided to stay put, demolish their old construction and start from scratch on their current piece of property. The first person they called with the news was Suzanne Duin, their friend and trusted interior designer. They met with her and the architect in what was formerly the sunroom of the ranch-style home.


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Contemporary interpretation blends age-old design with Old World details

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PREVIOUS PAGES: The upstairs patio in true Moroccan style overlooks the grand courtyard and pool area and features large dramatic railing, breezy curtains and bold color. Drapery is Perennials from David Sutherland; Cathedral table is Aidan Gray from Maison Maison; Lamps are Peter Sardelis with custom shades and MM Outdoor furniture from Patio One. | The entry boasts a stunning view to the home’s inner courtyard THIS PAGE: The courtyard pool is the focal point of every room in the house. Landscape design by Prewett and Read; zero-edge pool by Monarch Pools, Bevelo gas lanterns. | Grand banquette designed by Duin. The intricate nail-head pattern on bottom perimeter was designed to resemble a 19th century paisley shawl border. Custom-designed sconces and window screen. Gilded table and vintage monogrammed velvet pillow from Maison Maison. | A 19th century Louis Phillipe marble-topped chest from Maison Maison and a 19th century guilded mirror from Marburger Farms, bring a touch of Old World romance in the entry. Antique angel sculpture is from the homeowner’s collection. Plaster walls by Segreto enhance the groin vault ceilings. Limestone tile floor by Materials Marketing.

Patrick said, “I sketched a rough design of our dream home on graph paper. In the middle of the property was a swimming pool and every room of the house opened into that central space.” Suzanne had just returned from a trip to Morocco, so when she saw Patrick’s sketch, she was immediately struck by how much it resembled the Moroccan Riads she had toured on her trip. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard.

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Just like Patrick’s concept of his and Pam’s future home, Riads are inward focused, which traditionally allows for family privacy from the outside world. As such, rooms typically have windows and balconies looking back inward to the courtyard rather than outward facing. This keeps the focus on the courtyard as the center of all house activities. The courtyard is invariably square or rectangular in shape, set around the sahrîdj, a fountain, or in the case of the Cohan home, a zero-edge pool.

The importance of the sahrîdj in the Riad cannot be understated. Water is a potent symbol of life in desert lands and as such is valued as sacred. It represents the vital life force of the house. Thus, the courtyard is the focus of the house and the water element is the focus of the courtyard. Entrance to these houses is a major transitional experience and encourages reflection because all of the rooms open into the central atrium space. The Cohan home is no exception. As soon as guests step into the foyer of their home, the stunning view into their inner sanctum is breathtaking. Patrick explains his fascination with the courtyard. “Our outdoor space is literally like the other works of art in our home. As clouds pass over during the day and as the gaslights flicker during the evening, an aesthetic is created that evokes a response. The space is as visual as it is functional,” he said. A huge theme of much of the couple’s art and collectibles is water-related. In fact, Patrick grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, on Lake St. Clair. His library showcases 42 reproductions of Unlimited Hydroplanes and other nautical memorabilia. The


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Several rooms in the home are accented with century-old, reclaimed French beams overhead.

A commissioned Pointillism painting by Martyn Bouskila hangs over a custom fireplace featuring inlaid Texas Lueders limestone bricks on a chevron pattern by Alkusari Stone. Custom drapes by Le Gracieux. Exquisite wide-plank flooring is vintage French white oak, fabricated by Custom Floors Unlimited; custom rug by Matt Camron Rugs and Tapestries; Dennis and Leen sofa in Glant fabric from Walter Lee Culp; Gregorius Pineo nesting tables from Walter Lee Culp; vintage Fortuny bolsters; Suzani throw from Uzbekistan. Moroccaninspired custom window screens are custom-made. The impressive Moroccan-inspired ceiling, designed by Duin and executed by Segreto Finishes, is hand-painted and stenciled. The antique French chandelier is from Kevin Stone Antiques in New Orleans. Custom chairs by Neal and Co.; drapery fabric is by Jim Thompson from Walter Lee Culp. Antique Tabriz rug from Matt Camron Rugs and Tapestries. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 | 73


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Cohans also boast almost as many nautically themed original works of art throughout their home. Moroccan Riad ceilings are painted with natural pigments such as saffron (yellow), poppy (red), and mint (green). Intricate trim, called gebs, join walls and ceilings. In the Cohan home, this is evident most dramatically in the dining room. Because the ceilings are so high (14 feet), the architecture presented a design challenge, so Suzanne, the designer, came up with a solution from her travels in Morocco where beautiful painted ceilings are bountiful. Suzanne’s design effectively dropped the ceiling and added balance and beauty to the space. Leslie Sinclair of Segreto Finishes took the technical role to bring it to life using a variety of quatrefoil stencils. The antique, jewel-toned chandelier above the dining table set the color palette for the entire house. The ceiling is finished in soft saffron, which is also reflected in

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the floor to ceiling drapery. Within a Riad, the surfaces contain remarkable degrees of ornamentation and handcrafted arts. This element can be observed in several of the smaller windows of this exotic abode, where instead of etched glass or blinds, the couple opted for intricately carved wooden lattice moucharabieh screens to filter the light and create vivid shadows throughout the day. Additionally, the couple imported authentic Moroccan chandeliers and sconces, which involve complex wrought ironwork and marked Moroccan features. These items were all custom-made in Morocco specifically for this project. Complex geometric tile work, called zelige, is customary in Riads and can be seen in this home’s guest bathrooms. The colorful, patterned tile work sits in lovely contrast to the smooth, neutral walls. A vivid use of jewel-toned color is utilized in the Cohan’s powder bath. The

The powder room is truly a “little jewel box,” a style favored by the home’s designer. From the Venetian plaster walls by Segreto Finishes to the 19th century French antique chest that houses the bronze sink, Duin achieved an elegant design. Moroccan custom window screen. Gilded mirror, sconces, and chandelier are all 19th century. French limestone countertop. | The loggia features diamond plaster walls by Segreto Finishes, custom sconces by Peck and Company, antique runner from Matt Camron, and 19th century seascape art from the homeowners’ collection.


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rich-hued walls are finished in gleaming, polished Venetian plaster and accented with bronze and gold hardware and antique cabinets and accents. The home, too, reflects the couple’s preference for Old World European décor. For example, the use of 100year-old French oak wide plank flooring and large chateau-aged limestone tiles on the floors throughout the home, along with the exposed wooden beams reflect this preference. Several rooms in the home are accented with centuryold, reclaimed French beams overhead. The couple has collected numerous European antique furnishings, which are prominent pieces in most of the rooms All these elements work seamlessly to provide an Old World design. Pam’s love of the fleur-de-lis pattern is evident in subtle features throughout the home. From the stencil on the dining room ceiling, to corner inlays on the massive formal dining table , to delicate intricacies in the chandeliers, sconces

and tile work, the tiny stylized lilies favored by the Old World French designers are cleverly used within the décor and finishes. Her fondness of cherubs and angels can be seen in the couple’s collection of religious art, most of which is displayed in the dining room. A large part of the couple’s art collection reflects the preference of iconic Old World religious themes, especially angels and cherubs. Pam said, “I have always been drawn to very old images and sculptures of beautiful religious pieces, so we wanted to display them in really special ways in our new space.” So what about the home is modern, you may wonder? Well, the exposure to the exterior spaces for one thing. Whereas in an ancient Riad, there may not have been any outward facing windows at all, that is not the case in this home. “Allowing in as much light as possible was one of our inspirations,” said Pam, “so we have floor to ceiling windows in almost every room on both inte-

Patrick’s library was specifically designed to showcase his large collection of Unlimited Hydroplane model boats. Additionally, the room’s dimensions reflect the couple’s desire to display the antique rug from the wife’s maternal grandmother’s home. A custom coffee table houses a collection of Garwood memorabilia.

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A spa-like “his-and-her” master bath is luxurious and soothing in neutral tones. The painting is from the Orson Welles estate. The cherubs were gifts from husband to wife.Plumbing fixtures from Hollywood Hardware; Inlay table from One Kings Lane; custom vanity chair from Maison Maison; Tile from Architectural Design Resource; sconces from Visual Comfort.

rior and exterior walls.” The result is a home that is flooded with natural light and draped and accented with luxurious and colorladen fabrics. The couple also utilized the outward-facing exposure to create outdoor spaces on the exterior of the home that are almost at interesting as the inner courtyard. Each outdoor area becomes a moment of expression and an opportunity to frame surrounding beauty within the scope of a window frame. Additionally, the home’s kitchen is a testament to modern technology and design. Every drawer is well-appointed and perfectly situated for its purpose. The main kitchen, which is open to the great room and part of the larger interior entertaining space, is completely functional while remaining absolutely aesthetic. Nothing is offensive to the eye or out-of-reach to the hostess. On the other hand, the butler’s pantry, just behind the main kitchen and completely out of sight once the sliding doors are closed, is home to the more intricate details of large scale cooking and cleaning. A silver service closet stores pieces that are less used and more delicate. On the opposite end of the great room is the bar area which conveniently has refrigerator drawers, ice machine, wet bar, full wine refrigerator and warming drawer. The

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custom-designed banquette is a favorite respite for guests while entertaining Downstairs is also home to two master suites — the couple’s rooms, which fill one entire side of the courtyard and feature an expansive master bath. A deep, soaker tub, a two-sided walk-in shower and private his-and-her toilets define this modern spalike space. The custom-designed his-andher closets by Programme Martin are every modern woman’s dream. Within the bed-

In the warm and inviting guest room, drapery from Donghia frames the French doors that open onto the upstairs deck overlooking the courtyard. Chair is Aidan Gray from Maison Maison; antique needlepoint pillows and rug from MM; vintage lamps from James and Jeffery Antiques in West Palm Beach withcustom shades from MM; bed and nightstands from Restoration Hardware.


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room, continuing elements of Moroccan design motif are displayed in the bedding from Longoria Collection and the drapery valances. So as not to mar the beautiful walls or obstruct the lovely views, the couple decided to hide the television inside a large, antique tooled leather trunk of Spanish origin. A remote control opens the trunk and lifts the TV to viewing level. The second bedroom suite on the opposite end of the home, was designed to be multi-functional with first floor convenience. Upstairs are three more bedrooms, one of which currently serves as a workout space. The other one is their grown-up son’s room. He is a musician who lives in Nashville, but visits often. Patrick, too, is a musician, so the couple also has a music room upstairs which houses Patrick’s impressive electric guitar collection, a drum set and other instruments. The upstairs rooms open to a lovely balcony

that overlooks the courtyard pool area. During parties, the band plays from this upper deck to entertain the crowd below. The couple retained a few of their former pieces which were used in their new home. In Patrick’s library is an Oriental rug that was given to the couple as a wedding present from Pam’s mother. “My grandparents lived in Courtlandt Place, and this rug was given to my mother who passed it on to us. It has a lot of sentimental value. We actually designed the library to fit this rug.” Pam also proudly displays two magnificent crystal lamps which belonged to her mother on the nightstands in the couple’s master bedroom, and the breakfast room table is a piece the couple decided to retain. This unique, fresh modern home effectively fuses contemporary design with Moroccan influence and Old World elements, successfully retaining the charm of the neighborhood and reflecting the personality of the occupants. l

The custom headboard depicts the couple’s ‘house logo’ monogram created for them by their designer and executed by Segreto Finishes. The vintage lamps, updated with custom silk drum shades, belonged to the wife’s mother and hold sentimental value. The antique tooledleather trunk at the foot of the bed hides the TV which can be raised for viewing with a hydraulic lift. Zebra silk velvet fabric from Scalamandre.

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Outlook on Accents Adding “just the right touch� to your home

The Curl Tide flip-top table by Stanley is perfect for small spaces. It features one glide storage drawer and one flipout top with four pullout extensions with heavy distressing.

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By Melanie Saxton room filled with furniture is one thing, but a living space artfully decorated with accents is quite another! Interior environments need a blend of textures, hues and contrast pieces to create an extra layer of beauty in living areas and bedrooms. Whether sophisticated and elegant or festive and fun, accents can add “just the right touch” to your home. Here we share concepts from some of our favorite brands.

A

Urbane and Sophisticated Not pretentious, but rather “refined,” is one way to describe the luxurious sensibility of the Barbara Barry collection by Baker Furniture. “To work closely with the company's skilled artisans and create with more luxurious materials than before is incredibly rewarding," she says of her elegant home furnishings. The Baker Historic Charleston collection is also noteworthy for its rich wood tones and luxurious craftsmanship. Other brands also elevate the interior of homes. Thibaut’s sophisticated Wyndham Ottoman in Cabo Cotton is another beautiful accent piece. Lexington’s Tower Place collection offers the Aston Round lamp table – a modern statement piece with brushed rose gold hardware. Rustic and Reclaimed Eco-friendly and authentic, re claimed wood has been trending for some time in both traditional and contemporary spaces. This year is no exception as homeowners continue to bring nature indoors. Unlike other woods, the reclaimed and recycled variety has a backstory. It may have once been a hand hewn beam, a barn door, a railroad tie, or even a barrel from an old winery. Remilling and refinishing resurrects these items into conversation pieces.➝

NEW ITEMS ARRIVING

Free Initial In-Home Consultation

CHENE INTERIORS DRAPERY • UPHOLSTERY • REMODELING • FLOORING • GRANITE • TILE

Showroom Closed www.cheneinteriors.com 281-364-1744 • 281-660-0703 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

THE DUMP At The Dump, fashion and quality meet big savings in home décor. Every weekend you can expect to see brand name and designer pieces, all from 30-75% off, throughout a massive 150,000 square-foot showroom. The company’s buyers tirelessly scour the market for the newest trends in first quality furniture, rugs, and mattresses. Open Friday-Sunday and certain holidays only. Also, shop their weekly flash sales online at The Dump Shop (shop.thedump.com) 281-447-2250 thedump.com 10251 North Frwy, Houston

WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY 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

THE LIGHTING GALLERY The Lighting Gallery has been providing custom lighting to the Discriminating Homeowner, Designer, and Builder for over 40 years. The Lighting Gallery boasts a superb selection of chandeliers, exterior light fixtures, ceiling fans, lamps artwork and decorative mirrors. They invite you to visit their 10,000- square-foot showroom and see for yourself the difference The Lighting Gallery can make in illuminating your home. 281-444-9299 lightinghouston.com 6265 Cypress Creek Pkwy.

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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

Windows of Opportunity specializes in custom-made drapery, upholstery, and bedding. They have numerous distinctive styles and a large array of fabrics and trims, so you can find the best fit for your home or office. Their professional designers will help guide you through the decision-making process from the first thought to the finished touches. They also specialize in window tinting — protect the inside of your home without obstructing your outside view. Check out their website for more information and design ideas. 936-321-5454 windowsofopp.com

TEXAS TUSCAN FURNITURE DESIGNS Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs offers furniture collections made exclusively with exotic, recycled and repurposed hardwoods to create beautiful conversation pieces for your home, office or commercial project. The furniture is inspired by nature, the grandness of Texas and the charm of Tuscany, all rolled into one unique look. If you are looking for furniture and home accessories that tell a story, that fills your room with comfort, then you will love the warm collections of Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs, where living authentically begins. 713-426-5556 281-292-5536 texastuscanfurniture.com 26207 Oak Ridge Dr. Suite A, The Woodlands


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The handsome Box on Chest from Baker is versatile enough to offer storage and style in a variety of settings. Long, lean and classic. Three little words sum up the styling of this casual Wayne Manor ottoman from Klaussner. Tufted details are highlighted by the shaped wooden legs.

The Bernhardt Eaton Square Mirror boasts a leather-wrapped outer frame with nailhead trim and double-needle stitching.

From Hooker, the Mélange Union Jack 3-drawer chest celebrates America's roots and chivalrous style with a painted flag front.

The Jenna Bench from Jessica Charles is upholstered in zebra print with silver stud detail.

Red, white and blue! The Utopia chair from Hancock & Moore has an interesting twist on Americana. From the New Bohemian Collection by Universal Furniture, The Artsy Etagere has a workbench metal frame and five wood shelves.

The Moderne Credenza, designed by Thomas Pheasant for Baker, offers a simple but dramatic quartered mahogany field, and an architectural stepped cove molding over recessed doors.

One example includes Dovetail Furniture’s Westminster dining table with a reclaimed elm base and smoked wood finish. Americana Americana is on the rise – generally a collection of red, white and blue fabrics and artifacts that symbolize our unique and historic traditions. Hancock & Moore’s “Iconic

Americana” collection is an excellent example that debuted at High Point Market. But certainly other colors combine well with this décor, and interior designers can skillfully introduce surprising applications. For instance, Americana can bridge pop culture, Native American design, Texas pride, Western nostalgia, and primitive. Hooker’s Melange Fifi vanity chair in document fos-

sil fabric fits this eclectic panorama. And in a twist on Americana, fans of British décor may enjoy the Mélange Union Jack 3-drawer chest with a painted flag front! Pops of Color From lamps to upholstered benches to ottomans, vivid colors are popular in room settings. They add excitement to a side The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

HOMESTEAD HOUSE 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

THE WOODLANDS DRAPERIES & DESIGN MEREDITH O’DONNELL FINE FURNITURE Everyone needs a great retreat and that starts with a wonderful bed to curl up and relax. Hand carved French style King size bed, in stock, at Meredith O'Donnell Fine Furniture. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard

homesteadhousetx.com 201 N. Pacific Street, Conroe

The Woodlands Draperies & Design is a full service design firm specializing in designing and providing the most fashionable draperies and custom window treatments for your home or office. They also provide professional remodeling services, additions/add ons and customizing of your home, patio and exterior features. Every design project and window treatment is exquisitely made-toorder and they don't start working until they've discussed all design details with you. They want to bring your ideas to life in a way that's convenient, efficient, and suitable to your budget. Let them help you explore the possibilities and express your individual style. 281-617-6713 WoodlandsDraperies.com

CHENE INTERIORS WOODLANDS UNIQUE

MOTHER'S AFFORDABLE MAIDS Mother's Affordable Maids offers a wide range of cleaning services. They proudly clean with environmentally-friendly products that are safe for you and your family and pets. Bonded and Insured, also an Anglies List Service Award Winner, rest assured you will be happy you trusted your home or apartment with Mother's Affordable Maids. Order online and type in LIFESTYLE25 to save $25 off your first cleaning. 832-696-6243 mothersafforablemaids.com

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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

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


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DECORATING DEN 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. Cathy Salyers – Serving Spring and The Woodlands (Glennloch Farms, Windrose, Woodforest, Creekside Park, Panther Creek). 281-353-0133 Cathy Salyers 281-357-0511 Jennifer Jones decoratingden.com

Enhance the Beauty of Your Home!

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. 281-298-5200 AnthologyLighting.com info@anthologylighting.com 32411-A FM 2978 at Eygpt Lane

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281.617.6713 WoodlandsDraperies.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

DONNA’S HOME FURNISHINGS Historically, the bench was the preferred seating for mass audiences at large public meetings. Elegant yet simple, the bench has now secured its place as a must-have furnishing and has found its way into almost every room in the house. Combine with dining chairs to create ample seating around the table, stage a welcoming scene with a bench in your home’s entry, or place one at the foot of your bed. At Donna’s Home Furnishings you’ll find a wide selection of benches in the perfect style for completing your look. Visit their showroom or make an appointment with one of their design experts. 936-228-8786 dfhonline.com 5629 W. Davis St., Conroe

MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR

THE DESIGN FIRM The Design Firm is considered one of the top interior design firms as well as a truly unique home decor store. Their focus is to create a custom design that represents the client's personal style. The Design Firm's affordable services will allow your budget to go further than expected. 281-494-4433 thedesignfirm.com

Don’t miss 25–50 percent off selected items during Milstead’s April storewide sale. Milstead Glass & Home Décor offers unique furnishings and gifts for every occasion. Make your updates for spring effortless. Milstead Glass features custom frames with over 1,000 choices. Give bathroom mirrors a new look with no tear-out or mess. Refresh your artwork. Custom frames can be used in so many ways to update your home interior. Custom frameless showers are their specialty. Milstead Glass & Home Décor, It’s a Different Niche! 936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com

MIRRORCLE FRAMES Are you tired of looking at those plain, builder grade mirrors? Mirrorcle Frames offers a simple and affordable solution to tear out and replacement! Their unique process frames the mirrors you already have, saving you time, money, and frustration! In addition they offer FREE In Home Design Consultations! 281-305-2574 MirrorcleFrames.com

KWC DESIGNS Are your kitchen or bath cabinets showing signs of wear? Are they out of style? Instead of replacing them why not update them with one of KWC’s beautiful faux finishes? Call for a free estimate. 281-788-5925

ECLECTIC HOME Now in its 12th 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. 713-869-1414 eclectichome.ws 345 W. 19th Street, Houston

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table, fireplace mantel or wall, while juxtaposing against the wood tones of furniture. Wildwood offers a variety of lamps that can illuminate a living space with light as well as brilliant hues. At times, furniture itself may be a colorful room element. Jessica Charles’ new “Pretty in Pink” collection creates a lovely pop of color, while Klaussner Furniture’s Craven Collection offers upholstery in an assortment of colorful stripes. Leather Accents Leather may be forever… but isn’t just for sofas anymore. Since it can be dyed, leather is a potential addition to almost any room and may appear on accent tabletops, lamp stands, and as decorative trim on lampshades. We find it on picture and mirror frames, such as Bernhardt’s Eaton

Square leather-wrapped mirror – a handsome wall accent piece. Leather Italia also has a fine offering of leather chairs and recliners in interesting hues. Other Inspirations Showroom floors are filled with inspiring and surprising home furnishings. This certainly benefits homeowners who seek accent pieces that are far from ordinary. When a piece of furniture is uniquely designed, it can become a conversation piece and focal point. In the case of Paula Deen’s River House writing table, the sawhorse design and two metal storage bins will surely evoke comments. Another interesting piece is the Curl Tide flip-top table in Stanley Furniture’s Coastal Living Resort collection. This piece has a well-worn, laid-back look in sandy

linen beige finish with heavy distressing – a true stand-out piece. Suiting Your Own Style Many brands offer fabulous accent items, and homeowners are fortunate to be able to pick and choose. But identifying precisely what is needed in each room may require help. Interior designers, for instance, can elevate the decorating experience with their expert eye and attention to detail. They are also masters at scale, color combinations, and room layout. So don’t hesitate to call on an expert if you feel overwhelmed or have questions. And certainly, the sales staff on showroom floors can also be of great assistance. The goal is to define your personal aesthetic while incorporating delightful design into your home. l

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Keep it Looking as Gorgeous as the Day you Bought it!! Ask About SHOWERGUARD Protected Glass. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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10 Steps to Easy-Care Beds and Borders Eco-friendly plants save gardening effort

Flower Carpet Yellow (left), Red (right) and Pink Supreme (foreground) add summer-long color to the garden.

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arden beds and borders, artfully filled with a colorful tapestry of flowers and foliage, are very much back in vogue. But unlike the traditional perennial beds and borders, which were labor intensive and peaked mainly in spring, today’s garden plots are filled with eco-friendly plants designed to perform better, require less care and offer year-long interest. Typically, they combine tough, flowering

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perennials with hardy shrubs, bulbs, grasses and other foliage plants, with a new twist on the look emerging each season. Here are 10 simple tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating eco-friendly garden beds and borders: 1. Select eco-friendly, low maintenance plants. Investing in low maintenance plants that are drought tolerant and require no harsh


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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

STUDIO H + H ARCHITECTS 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

SHOWER DOORS OF HOUSTON With over 25 years of experience, Shower Doors of Houston designs and installs high quality shower enclosures, custom fit to your shower or tub. No matter the design, framed or frameless, they provide the very best in products and service. They work with homeowners, builders, designers, architects and remodelers. They provide high-quality custom shower glass at a competitive price with quick and courteous installation. Call or go online for a quote or to schedule a free consultation. Shower Doors of Houston is an accredited BBB business. 281.220.6886 houstonshowerdoors.com 1655 Townhurst, Ste. 190, Houston

With a passion for design and construction, studio H + H architects will work with you to achieve a project that you can be proud to call your own. With over 20 years experience in residential, commercial, religious and educational facilities, they understand that you can hire anybody to complete your dream project‌ why not hire a local Woodlands licensed Architect to help you do it right. Whether your project is starting from an idea sketched on the back of a piece of paper, or an existing structure that needs remodeling, studio H + H architects can turn your dream into a reality. C. Thomas Hinton, AIA, LEED AP, Principal. P 281-681-1244 C 832-724-9726 studioHHarchitects.com

ABA POOL SERVICE AND REPAIR GOLD STAR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION At Gold Star Design and Construction customer service and quality craftsmanship is their biggest priority. From the smallest project to the largest and most complex remodel, Gold Star will provide professional and sincere customer service. Gold Star specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, home repair, complete interior design and remodels as well as custom cabinets. Call today for your free consultation and estimate. 281-206-7274 or 281-832-5163 goldstardesignandconstruction.com 10815 Warwana Road, Suite 302, Houston

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DONE RIGHT CARPET & TILE 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

For over 15 years, ABA Pool Service and Repair has provided the highest quality service and repairs to The Woodlands and CyFair 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


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Garden filled with Volcano phlox and other easycare plants. Mulched with both inorganic and organic materials.

Heavily mulched garden filled with Volcano phlox and Flower Carpet rose, the original “eco rose.”

To create season-long color, select flowers that last for long periods of time and then add in more seasonal color.

(Left) With their horizontal growth habit, Flower Carpet roses are great for softening hard landscape elements, like this rock wall topped by the low-growing Flower Carpet Coral. • Flower Carpet Pink Supreme and Salvia May Night.

chemicals to perform will pay for themselves ten times over. 2. Create a framework. Shrubs are often thought of as stand-alone plants, but when interspersed throughout a bed or border, they add “framework” and structure. Shrubs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, foliage types, bloom time and colors and much more. The University of Illinois offers a great deal of helpful information for selecting shrubs for your home on its site urbanext.illinois.edu/shrubselector/.

3. Spread the love. To create seasonlong color, select flowers that last for long periods of time and then add in more seasonal color and spread these long bloomers throughout the garden. For instance, in most areas of the country, Salvia “May Night” sends out 12-inch purple/blue blooms starting in early spring and continues to bloom all summer long. Flower Carpet, the original “eco rose” blooms from late June through October and comes in a variety of colors. Garden writer Doug Oster’s favorite longbloomers is Corydalis “Canary Feathers,”

which is filled with bright yellow blooms from April until October. Space these long-bloomers throughout your beds and then fill the areas in between with more partial-season bloomers such as spring-blooming bulbs and early summer blooming Siberian iris, Oriental poppies and peonies; low-maintenance mid-to-late summer bloomers include daylilies (the Stella-type rebloom for even longer color), phlox paniculata (Volcano phlox is a great option because it reblooms if deadheaded), achillea, campanula, coreopsis, asters and The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

ANTHONY & SYLVAN® POOLS “For nearly 70 years, Anthony & Sylvan has designed and built quality swimming pools for 370,000 families across the nation. What sets our company apart is an unwavering commitment to you. Our promise is simple: We will build the pool of your dreams with the highest level of professionalism, service and workmanship and back it up with a lifetime structural warranty. Let’s get started. Anthony & Sylvan Pools. Built for life.” Visit the website for more information.

CLOSET FACTORY Put the experts to work for you and create a space specific to your needs and lifestyle. From simple storage solutions to spectacular room improvements, Closet Factory can enhance your closet, office, media center, pantry, garage and more. Make arrangements for a free in-home consultation with a Professional Design Consultant and be on your way to making life easier and more organized. 281-886-8777 closetfactory.com

AnthonySylvanWoodlands.com

RICHARDS TOTAL BACKYARD SOLUTIONS One of today’s hottest trends is outdoor living areas! Envision your dream and watch it evolve. How much entertaining do you do? Imagine the atmosphere at your next gathering in your new backyard! Richards takes pride in their approach to accommodate your wants, needs and desires, while incorporating them into a design, offering their knowledge and still keeping your budget in mind. 713-777-POOL (7665) richardstbs.com 1701 Highway 6 South, Houston

follow us: www.twitter.com/closetfactory

ALLEGIANCE ROOFING

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

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Allegiance Roofing is the roof repair and replacement specialist for The Woodlands and surrounding areas. As certified Certain Teed SELECT Shingle Masters, they pride themselves on getting the job done efficiently and effectively. As a full service roofing company, their technicians are ready to tackle any roofing problems you may have. Allegiance has an established history for over 10 years; is licensed and bonded; is affiliated with the BBB as an A Plus accredited member; and offers free inspections and estimates. 281-232-9100 Allegianceroofing.com

SYNERGY DESIGN AND BUILD Enjoy your backyard to the fullest! Have Synergy Design and Build bring YOUR backyard dream to life. They guarantee to be in budget and on time. The goal of Synergy Design and Build is to make the entire process as enjoyable as possible. Through each phase of the design consultation, permitting process, material selection and construction, their team of specialists will serve you in every capacity. Schedule your in-home design consultation today. 281-363-1222 synergydesignandbuild.com


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PUTTING GREENS u PLAYGROUNDS SYNTHETIC TURF LAWNS

Flower Carpet Coral and boxwood make an ideal low-maintenance border.

Green Links designs and installs golf greens, game courts, playgrounds and synthetic turf lawn surfaces for your home, ranch and business. We integrate these with landscape designs to create inviting environments. With more than 600 installations, we are the region’s most experienced synthetic turf provider. Contact us for a consultation.

www.greenlinksinc.com The white flowers of Flower Carpet roses look heavenly in the border and make your landscape really pop. These low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, easy-care roses are offered by Tesselaar Plants.

hardy mums. And don’t forget the silver! Silvery-blue artemisia comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes and adds a constant neutral tone to any garden, blending with almost any other color. 4. Don’t underestimate the power of white. White can be used to break up otherwise clashing colors and helps to soften harsh edges. Try combining white-variegated or whiteblooming plants with contrasting shapes, like Volcano® phlox or Snow Storm agapanthus (the only agapanthus to survive the Dallas Arboretum’s heat). White blooms often show up even in the dark and as an added bonus many, such as flowering tobacco, brugmansia and moonflower are quite fragrant in the evening air. 5. Create a backdrop. “A tall flowering hedge at the back creates a canvas for the rest of your ‘art,’ ” says Anthony Tesselaar. He suggests Fairy Magnolia® Blush, with its dark-green, compact foliage and masses of russetcolored buds followed by heavenly

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

EZ FLOORS MIRROR LAKE 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

TOPCRET Topcret is the world’s leading company in production and installation of high quality cementbased coverings on floors, walls, bathrooms, countertops, pools, stairs and walls commercially called Microcement and Baxab. Topcret was born in Spain in 2003 when concrete specialist engineers solved the problem of cracks and low adherence to walls and ceilings. They mixed cement products with some chemicals and called the new product Microcement. In 2014, the product family is completed with Baxab, very similar to Microcement, but with a stronger surface and better durability that makes it almost indestructible. 832-797-0374 topcret.com

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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 Parkway, #100 281-257-5955 24150 Hwy. 290, #270 281-758-2980 1557 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N, #110 713-465-6741 17111 West Road, #105 281-656-2224 20680 Westheimer Parkway, #150 281-647-0777

DESOLA GLASS, ART & FRAME GALLERY Shower Yourself In Luxury...with the hottest trends in shower enclosures. Heavy frameless glass enclosures lend a clean, upscale look that is easy to maintain while greatly enhancing the look of your bathroom and therefore adding to the value of your home. DeSola Glass has become the Houston area’s #1 source for glass shower enclosures. Their beautiful showroom offers the customer a huge variety of glass and hardware styles to choose from. 281-712-2035 desolaglass.com 7770 Louetta Road, Spring

scented, spring flowers. Limited space? Use a few pieces of ornamental fencing material to create your backdrop. 6. Make it mow-friendly. When creating new beds, stay away from sharp angles and tight corners. Straight lines or broad curves look best and are easy to keep mowed. One of the easiest ways to plan (and test mow-ability) for new beds is to lay out a garden hose to form your border, making certain the curves are smooth and gradual enough to mow around easily. 7. Choose a range of heights. “Go tall in back; medium in the middle and low in the front,” says Tesselaar. “But don’t line them up like a school photo. Think of overlapping drifts.” 8. Include evergreens, ornamental grasses and foliage plants for year-round color and texture. “Festival Burgundy cordyline, for instance, has become a favorite for warm-climate gardeners with its cascading mass of grass-like, bright-burgundy leaves spouting from a short central base,” says Tesselaar. Ornamental grasses add color and texture all year long, as do a variety of evergreens. 9. Select plants with strong form and color. “One or two kinds are enough, and repeat them throughout the border,” says Tesselaar. “For instance, try the tall, broad-leaved, colorfully foliaged Tropicanna cannas for season-long interest and a dramatic effect that looks great in any combination of plants.” 10. And finally, never underestimate the value of mulch! Applying mulch is ultimately the most important time-saving and labor-saving measure you can take. Regardless of the type of mulch used, it helps to hold in moisture and discourages weeds. Organic materials include grass clippings, shredded leaves, pine needles, shredded bark, wood chips and newspaper. As a bonus, organic mulches enrich the soil as they decompose. Inorganic options range from black plastic and landscape fabric to stones and gravel. Information on the plants shown here can be found at tesselaar.com.l


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Strykers Continue To Add Depth to Roster Baseball team inks six more players

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he Woodlands Strykers announce the signing of Blake Glauben from Rhodes College, Ian Kobernick from Kalamazoo College, Jake Crain and Rainer Ausmus from Tulane University, and two players from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Justin Perales and Jared Jordan. Texan Blake Glauben is a native of Bellaire. Blake is a 5’10’’ junior at Rhodes College. Last year Blake was one of the aces at Rhodes, pitching 110.1 innings with 78 strikeouts. Blake made 19 appearances with 14 starts and posted a 6-5 record with a 2.28 ERA. “We are looking forward to adding Blake to our staff. He is a competitor and will give us good innings,” says Stryker Assistant GM and Head Coach John Villarreal. Ian Kobernick is a native of Huntington Woods, Mich. Ian is a 5’9’’ sophomore outfielder at Kalamazoo College. Last year as a freshman Ian appeared in 42 games and led the team in hits with 52. He posted a .377 batting average in a 138 plate appearances. “Having guys on your team like Ian is great,” says Villarreal. “He is a table setter and adds a spark to your lineup.” Jake Crain is a Texas native out of Pearland. He is a 6’0’’ left-handed freshman pitcher. Jake was a two-year letter winner at Pearland High School. He pitched and played first for the Oilers helping the team to third place finish in the Texas 5A State Playoffs with a 37-6 record. Jake posted a 1.1 ERA in 70 innings with 80 strikeouts and one no hitter during his senior season. Rainer Ausmus is a Texas native out of Spring. Rainer is a two-year letter winner at Klein High School. He helped the Bearkats to a 19-9 record and an appearance in the bi-district state playoffs during his senior year. He was also a Texas Region Honorable Mention in 2014. “We are excited to welcome Jake and Rainer to the Woodlands Strykers. They will be great additions to the pitching staff,” says team owner Ramiro Lozano. Justin Perales is native of Corpus Christi and a 6’4’’ junior first baseman. He transferred to Texas A&M Corpus Christi from McLennan Community College. Perales hit

.280 and drove in 25 runs during his time at McLennan. “We are very excited to add a bat like Justin’s to our lineup. He will bring a lot of pop,” says Villarreal. Jared Jordan is a native out of Royse City. Jared is a 6’1’’ right-handed sophomore pitcher and appeared in five games out of the bullpen as a freshman. “Jared is a good arm that will help out our bullpen or give us a start if we need him to. We look forward to what he will bring to our staff,” says Villarreal. The Strykers players will kick off their 2015 campaign with a six-game home stand starting on Thursday, May 28 at 7:05 p.m. against the two-time defending TCL champion Brazos Valley Bombers, followed by two games against the East Texas Pump Jacks and the Acadiana Cane Cutters, respectively. For the Strykers season to be a success,

the team is looking for families that would like to become a “host family” and open up their homes for some of the players, who will need a bed and bathroom along with light meals before they head out to the park. “Our players enjoy the gratitude of families opening their homes as they realize it makes their time with the Strykers more enjoyable,” said Villarreal. For more information about this opportunity or to get season tickets, contact John Villarreal at 832-922-0061 or javillarreal11@yahoo.com. For more information about the Strykers, visit woodlandsstrykers.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also call 713-253-7464 or 832-922-0061. All games are played at Strykers Stadium on the campus of The Woodlands Christian Academy, located on College Park Drive.l

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MONTHLY CIRCULATION: Over 210,000 Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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Be a Butterfly Hero! New campaign inspires kids and families to save the iconic Monarch butterfly

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he majestic Monarch butterfly is in decline and needs your help. National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is giving away 10,000 Butterfly Heroes Garden kits to help save the Monarch butterfly. NWF’s new Butterfly Hero Campaign, launched March 4, asks people to submit a photo of themselves making the international sign language sign of the butterfly on NWF’s Butterfly Heroes website, at: nwf.org/butterflyheroes. By taking the pledge, participants will be mailed a free kit (while supplies last) and if entered by May 15, are eligible for a chance to win a trip for four to Walt Disney World. Botanical Interests is supporting the campaign with a donation of native milkweed seeds. "We can each be a part of saving the Monarch butterfly. The simple act of planting milkweed with your family provides Monarchs with a place to lay their eggs, and helps ensure this iconic species has a future," said David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation.

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A Monarch alights on a zinnia .

Office 281-206-7274 • Owner Cell 281-832-5163 SHOWROOM/CABINET SHOP 10815 Warwana Rd. • Houston 77043 Ste. 302 Pollinators, a group which the monarch butterfly is a part of, are mostly responsible for all the food that we eat. While Monarchs are found across the United States — as recently as 1996 numbering some 1 billion — their numbers have declined by approximately 90 percent in recent years, a result of numerous threats, particularly loss of habitat due to agricultural practices, development and cropland conversion. Degradation of wintering habitat in Mexico and California has also had a negative impact on the species. Monarch butterflies spend winter in Mexico or Central and Southern California, and then migrate north in spring into neighborhoods across the U.S. They need places to rest their wings, drink flower nectar, and lay their eggs on milkweed which their baby caterpillars eat. Monarchs are losing this habitat, and without it the Monarch cannot survive. NWF is asking that people across the country to plant milkweed to preserve the Monarch’s habitat. Learn more about NWF’s Monarch protection efforts at NWF.org/Monarchs and nwf.org/pollinators.

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Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants for their baby caterpillars to eat.

NWF’s Garden for Wildlife program encourages responsible gardening that helps pollinators and other wildlife thrive. It encourages planting with native species like milkweed and discouraging chemical pesticide use. With nearly 200,000 locations and growing, NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitats and Community wildlife Habitats recognize individuals, schools, groups and whole communities committed to providing habitat for wildlife, including pollinators. Each of the nearly 200,000 certified locations provides food, water, cover and places to raise young. This makes

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yards, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, campuses, parks, farms and other community-based landscapes into wildlife sanctuaries. The Butterfly Heroes Campaign is organized by NWF and is a part of a number of programs designed to inspire people to get outdoors, help wildlife, and become more aware of the nature in their neighborhood and community Milkweed for Monarchs Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly species. As such, milkweed is critical for the survival of Monarchs. Without it, they cannot complete their life cycle and their populations decline. Indeed, eradication of milkweed both in agricultural areas as well as in urban and suburban landscapes is one of the primary reasons that Monarchs are in trouble today. The good news is that planting milkweed is an easy way that each of us can make a difference for Monarchs. There are several dozen species of this wildflower native to North America, so no matter where you live, there is at least one milkweed species naturally found in your area. Planting local milkweed species is always best. You can collect your own seed or purchase seed or plants to add to your garden, or any landscape in your community. Three species have particularly wide ranges and are good choices in most regions: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), and butterflyweed (A. tuberosa). The latter two are highly ornamental and widely available via the nursery trade. Texas is in the South Central Region for milkweed species. Those native to the state are Green Antelopehorn milkweed (Asclepias viridis); Antelopehorns milkweed (Asclepias asperula) and Zizotes milkweed, (Asclepias oenotheroides). Learn more about NWF’s Monarch protection at: NWF.org/Monarchs and nwf.org/pollinators. For more NWF news, visit: nwf.org/news. l

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The Causes of Autism The developmental disorder is the fastest growing

B

ased on parent reports – including parents representing the National Autism Association — sharp regression occurred in their children directly following immunizations. While many parents can provide detailed accounts of regression in their children following vaccination, other parents have reported autism in their unvaccinated children. More sparsely, parents report swift regression following an illness, use of antibiotics and random chemical exposure, such as carpet cleaning. Though published mainstream science fails to acknowledge a causal link to any of these specific exposures, it’s important that parental accounts be carefully considered. Most researchers do agree that environmental factors play a role, though there is no one cause of autism identified by mainstream science. In identical twins who share the exact same genetic code, if one has

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autism, the other twin also has autism in nearly 9 out of 10 cases. There are cases where one twin has autism and his/her identical twin with matching genetic codes does not. It’s important that environmental exposures are considered among all cases, especially cases of regressive autism. A recent review of the world’s medical literature suggests that underlying biochemical abnormalities are likely involved in environmental susceptibilities and the development of autism, including mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, methylation problems, transsulfuration issues and toxicity. AUTISM AND GENETICS According to officials at the National Institutes of Health, while there is most likely a genetic predisposition, there must

also be an environmental component to autism. The rapid rise in the rate of autism over the last 20 years cannot be attributed solely to genetics. CONTRIBUTING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS The theory that parental practices are responsible for autism has long been disproven. While mainstream science discounts vaccinations as a cause, members of the National Autism Asso ciation feel vaccinations have triggered autism in a subset of children and that an overly aggressive vaccination schedule coupled with toxic adjuvants in vaccines could affect individuals who have a family history of autoimmune disorders specifically. As with any medication, adverse events do happen, and vaccinations are no exception. Research to investigate, and reduce, adverse


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Pain Relief Physically events in immunized individuals is currently nonexistent. The National Autism Association believes that vaccinations and other environmental exposures can trigger or exacerbate autism in some, if not many, children, especially those genetically predisposed to immune, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Mainstream research has identified other contributing factors, including: • Pesticide Exposure: Scientists think that chemicals in pesticides may adversely affect those genetically predisposed to autism, leading them to develop the fullblown disorder. • Parental Age: A study found that women who are 40 years old have a 50 percent greater risk of having a child with autism than women who are between 20 and 29 years old. • Pharmaceuticals: Babies that have been exposed to certain pharmaceuticals in the womb, including SSRIs, val-

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Autism is preventable and treatable, not a hopeless condition. proic acid and thalidomide, have been found to have a higher risk of autism. • Freeway Proximity: A study found that children born to mothers who live within a 1,000 feet of freeways have twice the risk of autism. • Limited Prenatal Vitamin Intake: Women who reported not taking prenatal vitamins immediately before and during a pregnancy were twice as likely to have a child with autism, one study found. It’s important for parents to do their own research into the various causes that are being investigated. The National Autism Association believes that families should have access to all information including environmental insults, vaccines and genetics. The association also believes that because the onset of autism is triggered by an environmental factor, or combination of factors, autism is preventable and treatable. Environmental research holds the key to finding the cause and developing effective treatments for those affected. If you are a parent seeking detailed information on vaccine safety, the National Autism Association recommends visiting the National Vaccine Information Center website, nvic.org. For more informations about autism, the National Autism Association’s website is nationalautism.org. What is Autism? • Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3. • Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function. This results in individuals with autism

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typically having difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. • Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous co-morbid medical conditions which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders and more. • Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region or socioeconomic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the incidence has climbed to an alarming one in 68 children in the U.S. • Autism itself does not affect life expectancy, however research has shown that the mortality risk among individuals with autism is twice as high as the general population, in large part due to drowning and other accidents.

• Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and in some cases completely overcome. Autism Facts and Stats • Autism now affects 1 in 68 children. • Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. • About 40 percent of children with autism do not speak. About 25 – 30 percent of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood. • Autism greatly varies from person to person — no two people with autism are alike. • The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last 20 years. • Comorbid conditions — ones that often are associated with autism — include

Family

Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, bowel disease, persistent viral infections, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep- tococcal Infections (PANDAS), feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune and autoimmune disorders and neuroinflammation. • Although autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, it is the most underfunded. • A 2008 Danish study found that the mortality risk among those with autism was nearly twice that of the general population. • Children with autism do progress — early intervention is key. • Autism is preventable and treatable, not a hopeless condition. l

Health

A D V E R T I S I N G

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 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 worldrenowned 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 preterm and low-birth-weight newborns. Some of the services offered include cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, diagnostic

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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 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’s personal trainers specialize in a revolutionary strength training method that stim-

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

ulates all of these remarkable changes throughout your whole body from just two 20-minute training sessions a week. And they guarantee you’ll get results. Four Houston area 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 ThePerfectWorkout.com

HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL THE WOODLANDS Houston Methodist is coming to The Woodlands. Houston Methodist is building a new 193-bed hospital in The Woodlands. The new 470,000square-foot hospital, which will be located at the intersection of TX 242 and I-45, is expected to be completed in 2017. For more information or to schedule an appointment at one of their other locations, please call or visit the website. 713-790-3333 houstonmethodist.org


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here are many health problems that may increase your chance of getting osteoporosis. If you have any of the following diseases or conditions that can cause bone loss, talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep your bones healthy. In some cases, when you treat a health problem that causes bone loss, you can also improve your bone health. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (nof.org) shares this list of diseases and conditions that may cause bone loss: AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is a form of arthritis that is associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis. Steroid medicines, which are used to treat RA, can also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Lupus. People with lupus may need to take medicines, including steroids, to control their symptoms. These medicines can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Multiple sclerosis Ankylosing spondylitis DIGESTIVE AND GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS Celiac Disease. People with celiac disease have trouble digesting foods with

gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. People with celiac disease also have problems absorbing nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. Celiac disease doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. Ask your doctor if you should have a test for celiac disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Different forms of IBD, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause bone loss. Steroid medicines are often used to treat these conditions, which can also contribute to bone loss. People with IBD may also have trouble absorbing the calcium and vitamin D needed for healthy bones. Weight Loss Surgery. Weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass surgery can help people lose a large amount of weight in a short period of time. This weight loss may lead to bone loss. These procedures can also interfere with the body’s ability to properly absorb the vitamins and minerals needed for bone health. Gastrectomy Gastrointestinal bypass procedures ENDOCRINE/HORMONAL DISORDERS Diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.


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While type 1 diabetes seems to cause the greatest amount of bone loss, people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of breaking bones. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands (two pairs of small glands located behind the thyroid in the neck) produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).

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If you have any of these diseases or conditions that can cause bone loss, talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep your bones healthy. Having too much PTH causes bone loss. This condition is more common in women after menopause. A simple blood test can detect this problem. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to weak muscles and fragile bones. Bone loss can also occur if a person takes too much thyroid hormone medicine for an underactive thyroid. Cushing’s syndrome Thyrotoxicosis Missing Periods. If you are a young woman and don’t have regular periods, this could mean low estrogen levels. There could be many reasons for this, such as exercising too much or eating so little that you become too thin. Other causes of irregular periods could include disorders of the ovaries or pituitary. Loss of estrogen and extreme thinness can harm bones and affect other body systems. Young women who don’t have regular periods should talk to their healthcare provider about their bone health. Premature Menopause Testosterone and Estrogen Levels in Men. Testosterone protects bone. Very low levels of testosterone suggest that there is an underlying disorder that needs to be evaluated. Estrogen levels in men are also important. Low

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MAY ISSUE

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A message to Woodlands advertisers... PLEASE REVIEW IT. If you’re advertising in a local Woodlands magazine and the publisher’s rate card doesn’t include print circulation or how many magazines they direct mail, you need to ask questions. I would want to know these answers if my company was paying for ads in this publication.If a magazine publisher tells you that all or a portion of their circulation is mailed, you have the right to request a proof of mailing. Publishers are given a Postal form 3602 by the U.S. Post Office. This form is a proof of mailing. If the publisher doesn’t want to provide this form, ask yourself... what are they trying to hide? If I was trying to market my company, I would want proof of mailing. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes magazine will gladly provide a postal form 3602. As a mailer, we certify that what we say we mail is accurate and truthful.

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levels of these hormones can lead to bone loss. A number of factors can cause levels to be low, such as an eating disorder or drinking too much alcohol. A blood test can tell you if your hormone levels are normal. HEMATOLOGIC/BLOOD DISORDERS Leukemia and Lymphoma. Many of the medicines, including chemotherapy, used to treat these two forms of cancer can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Multiple Myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow. Its first symptoms may be back pain and broken bones in the spine. Blood and urine tests can detect the problem. Other forms of cancer that affect bones or bone marrow can also cause broken bones. Sickle Cell Disease. People with sickle cell disease may need to take medicines, including steroids, to control their symptoms. These medicines can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Blood and bone marrow disorders Thalassemia NEUROLOGICAL/NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) reduce mobility. People with these conditions are more likely to be inactive, fall and have low vitamin D levels. Spinal cord injuries MENTAL ILLNESS Depression. Research suggests that people with depression are more likely to have low bone density or osteoporosis. This link is probably due to multiple factors, including the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) medicines. More studies will help us better understand the relationship between depression and osteoporosis. Eating Disorders. In women with anorexia nervosa, estrogen levels decrease to such an extent that men-


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strual periods either become irregular or stop. This drop in estrogen can cause bone loss and osteoporosis. In addition to causing low estrogen levels, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders can lead to bone loss in both females and males for other complex reasons. CANCER Breast Cancer. Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used to treat women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. Because these medicines reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, they can lead to bone loss and broken bones. Prostate Cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy is commonly used to treat men with prostate cancer. Because these medicines reduce the amount of male sex hormones in the body, they can lead to bone loss and broken bones. OTHER DISEASES AND CONDITIONS AIDS/HIV Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema Female athlete triad (includes loss of menstrual periods, an eating disorder and excessive exercise) Kidney disease that is chronic and long lasting Liver disease that is severe, including biliary cirrhosis Organ Transplants. People who have organ transplants must take medicines to prevent their bodies from rejecting their new organs. Some of these drugs can weaken bones. Polio and post-polio syndrome Poor diet, including malnutrition Scoliosis Weight loss This list may not include all of the diseases and conditions that may cause bone loss. Talk to your doctor and ask if any of the conditions you have may be causing bone loss. l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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ç By Denman Moody

author, The Advanced Oenophile

Dr. Madaiah Revana and His Wines In the top echelon of wine celebrities

The beautiful Alexana Estate in Oregon.

Dr. Madaiah Revana

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here are attorneys, businessmen and physicians who dip their toe into the wine business. Dr. Madaiah Revana has gone all in. His first foray came in 1997 when he decided he wanted a seven-acre vineyard just north of St. Helena on the main thoroughfare in Napa Valley. He soon found out one needed 10 acres to build a winery (it’s now 40 acres!) Determined to have that piece of property and a winery thereupon, he went to work on his contiguous neighbors, and against all odds, one sold him four acres including a house. In an interesting financial twist, he later sold the house for nearly what he paid for the original seven acres. Revana’s good fortune continued as he was able to acquire the services not only of one of the top vineyard managers in Napa Valley, Jim Barbour, but also one of the wine superstar consultants, Heidi Barrett! Although his Revana Cabernet Sauvignon has always scored in the 90+ range, the big Kahuna rolled in for his 2007, which received acclaim as the fourth best wine in

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the world in the Wine Spectator Top 100! Since then, Heidi has departed, but Thomas Brown, who makes high ‘90s and even 100s for Schraeder, is now his consultant! Revana Cabernet Sauvignon is on some of the best wine lists in the United States. On a trip to Oregon in 2004, Revana set his sights on making an Oregon Pinot Noir. In 2005, he was able to acquire an 80-acre forest with 16 acres of vineyards, and since he had met Lynn Penner-Ash, certainly one of the best winemakers in Oregon, he worked out a deal for her to be his consultant. Since he purchased the gorgeous property, he has added 40 acres of vineyards and built a Leeds-certified winery. The 2010 Alexana Estate Pinot Noir Revan Vineyard was rated #17 in the world in the “Wine Spectator Top 100.” Not being content with national winemaking fame for Revana Family Winery in Napa Valley and Alexana (named after his daughter) Winery in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, he then ventured to Mendoza, Argentina, where the greatest

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015

Malbecs in the world are produced. He planted a 10-acre vineyard in 2008, another seven acres in 2011, and in 2014, he completed a winery there. Of course, who will be surprised to know that of the top two or three winemakers in Argentina, his consultant is one of them — Achaval Ferrer! The wine is called Corazon del Sol Malbec, and the entry level wine is a very good value — similar to Ferrer’s entry Malbec. $28. The super-premium 2012 Corazon del Sol Soleando is seductive and beguiling, and about as good as Malbec can achieve, and is priced at $105. Perfect with grilled meats. The currently released Alexana wines, along with short notes and retail prices are: 2013 Alexana Pinot Gris Willamette Valley — top accounts are Jasmine Restaurant at Bellagio and the The Wynn Golf Course, among others. Just tasted on March 1 with a crab cake at La Vista. Pure with hints of honeysuckle and pears, and only 12.9 percent alcohol $28; 2012 Chardonnay Willamette Valley — 2012 is the best vintage in the Willamette Valley in the last 25 years!


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Aged in new French oak (35 percent ) and the rest in stainless steel, it is an elegant offering with complexity and restraint. Try with red snapper $40; Alexana Estate Pinot Noir Revana Vineyard — Aged in French oak (37 percent new). Bouquet of dark cherries, toast, spice and a hint of vanilla in the finish. Try with roasted chicken or duck with cherry sauce. $58 There are two other Pinot Noirs available only at the winery, but one, which just received a 95 rating, is the 2012 Pinot Noir Signature Series, which is my favorite, and the 2012 Pinot Noir Pommard Clone, which is my wife’s favorite. Each is at the top of the Pinot Noir chain, and only a couple hundred cases of each available. Finally, Revana has added another Cabernet to his stable in Napa. It is the 2012 — one of the all-time great vintages in Napa Valley — Revana Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir Series. The blend is 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 percent

vineyard, it may be the best Revana has ever made. It may achieve the highest score for Revana to date — 98? Each of the Cabernets begs for a beef tenderloin! $150 With prestigious wineries producing world-class wines in California, Oregon and Argentina, Revana can count himself among the top echelon of wine celebrities in the world. For further information, please visit revanawinery.com, alexanawinery.com and corazondelsolwinery.com.l

Merlot and 3 percent Petite Verdot. It tastes of cherries, cedar and a hint of sweet tobacco, and has a beautiful finish. $105 The most famous of all his wines is the Revana Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, in this case the 2012. It is made from 100 percent estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and because of the fantastic vintage conditions, along with Thomas Brown having several vintages under his belt with this particular

Denman Moody is the former publisher of Moody’s Wine Review, which the Washington Post said was “...certainly the best publication in this country for tracking the state of rare and exotic wines.” He was also the contributing editor on rare wines for the International Wine Review in New York from 1984-1990. He is an author, freelance wine writer and wine consultant. Denman is the Texas broker for the wines of Dr. Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, N.Y. TheAdvancedOenophile.com.

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Kristen

&

Ryan

Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Elise Bennett Photography

and Molly Blair Photographer

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yan Yoho and Kristen Marino’s wedding can best be described as a festive fusion of Katy and Cajun! Ryan is a Cinco Ranch High graduate and met his future wife while attending Louisiana State University. Kristen is a native Louisianan who dreamed of tying the knot at the same church in which her parents and grandparent had taken vows. Their dream nuptials blended this family tradition with rustic touches in the perfect ceremony and reception. After graduating as a petroleum engineer and accepting a position at LEAM Drilling in Houston, Ryan moved Kristen to Katy. Kristen is a St. Michael The Archangel High (Baton Rouge) graduate who attended Aveda Institute and National Laser Institute to become licensed as an aesthetician and laser technician. She is employed with Ageless Med Spa in Katy.

First Encounter Ryan was working as a part-time bartender at Daiquiri Cafe in Brusly, La. when Kristen spotted him. She mentioned to her girlfriend that she thought he was goodlooking, and handed him her phone number as she left so he could give her an update on the LSU game. Soon they were dining and hanging out with friends. “It felt right from the beginning,” notes Kristen of their 2009 encounter.

Courtship

The blissful newlyweds. • It’s a three-generation tradition to marry at St. Michael The Archangel Church in Louisiana.

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The couple attended multiple LSU football games in Death Valley and LSU baseball games at Alex Box Stadium, as well as Saints football games at the SuperDome in New Orleans. About three times a year they visited a beach house in Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa, Fla., and once went deep sea fishing out of Florida on the opening day of red snapper season. They made a trip to Disney World during Christmas in 2013 and spent many a Fourth of July skiing and tubing on Flase River in New Roads, La. Most importantly, they traveled back and forth to Katy to see Ryan’s parents and grandparents until they permanently relocated back to Katy.


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A pretty pose. • Kristen and Ryan at the rustic venue. • The bride’s wedding essentials. • The spectacular wood beam ceiling in the church. • A beautiful bride. • The bride’s hair was perfect. • Mother of the bride Paula Marino shares a special “champagne moment” with her daughter the morning of the wedding.

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Picture perfect: the bridal party surrounds the bride and groom. • Kristen shares an emotional moment with her sister-in-law and mother Paula before the ceremony. • Ryan’s mother sends him off with a peck on the cheek. • A proud father escorts his daughter down the aisle. • A handsome groom awaits his bride-to-be. • The groom and his grandfather share a moment before the ride to the church.

The Proposal The couple had always joined the bride’s family for an annual beach trip, and for years Kristen’s mother had wanted a professional photographer to capture their fun on the beach. Their next trip was scheduled a few weeks after Ryan’s ring-shopping excursion at Tiffany & Co., and he asked Kristen’s father if it would be okay for him to propose at the beach during the photo shoot. The set up was perfect, because Kristen is close to her family and hoped that they could somehow be a part of the proposal. On the day of the photo shoot, Kristen had a sneaking suspicion that something was up. “I noticed that Ryan and my dad were spending a good amount of time together,” she recalls. In fact, she found them outside by Ryan’s truck smoking cigars, which they always did when celebrating something! She mentioned to her mom and sister-in-law, “I think I might get engaged tonight!” Her mother was convinced they would be getting engaged the following September on a trip with friends to Punta Cana. Her sister-in-law, however, had Kristen put on eyelashes “just in case.” They arrived at the beach and started taking pictures… and nothing happened. Then as the photo shoot wrapped up, the photographer said, “Kristen, we’re going to take one last picture of you and Ryan, so turn and face the

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The beautiful cake bore an “M” by mistake! • The ecstatic couple celebrate on the dance floor. • The groom’s LSU “Death Valley” cake boasts an oil derrick on the 50-yard line. • Ryan anticipates his “first look” at his bride before the ceremony. • A customized Scrabble board honors the wedding couple.

water.” Kristen heard her niece gasp in the background… and turned to see the man of her dreams on one knee holding a ring. She started yelling “YES!” before he could even ask “Will you marry me?” It was an amazing surprise, and the photographer captured everyone’s reactions, hugs and tears. Ryan grabbed champagne from his truck and popped the bottle right there on the beach. Then the entire family headed to Kristen’s favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate one of the best moments of her life!

Engagement The couple did a lot of traveling between

Louisiana and Texas. Kristen had an engagement party plus two showers in Louisiana, and bachelorette lingerie party at L’Aberge in Lake Charles with all her bridesmaids. She also had two showers in Katy hosted by her mother-in-law and and her maid of honor, plus wedding dress fittings on several Saturdays in Rice Village. Her mom drove to Houston for every single fitting.

The Wedding The couple incorporated Tiffany Blue as their main color. It was important that the bride’s southern roots were showcased in lace and rustic touches, including the open fields next to the church and a levee across the road on the Mississippi River. A beautiful November 21, 2014 wedding St. Michael The Archangel in Convent, La. was followed by a reception at Parc 73 in Prairieville, La.

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and Tabitha Tate served as bridesmaids. Karrigan Marino, the bride’s niece and godchild, was the flower girl. Doug Hoffman stood as best man and was joined by groomsmen Trey Marino, Marcus Lasseigne, Justin Cox, Trae Renevier, and D.J. Barry. Cross Marino, the bride’s nephew, was the adorable ring bearer. Bouquets and Floral: The bride’s bouquet was a nosegay design consisting of white hydrangeas, pink Geraldine roses, white eskimo roses, pink Sophie roses, white lisianthus, and accented with seeded eucalyptus. The bridesmaids’ nosegays were a smaller version of the bride’s. Church arrangements consisted of six large white urns and pedestals with 1,000 mixed colors of roses using the same varieties as the bouquets, with the addition of white Virginia roses and various greens, such as Italian ruscus, springer rye and trailing ivy. Top Wedding Moments: The couple exchanged letters the morning before the ceremony. Then the bride recalls waiting endlessly in the limo in front of the church, while the bridal party exited to meet her inside. Finally, her father knocked on the window and the limo driver opened the door. Her father helped arrange her dress and held her arm as the doors opened for the walk down the aisle. “I remember telling my dad that my heart was coming out of my chest, and he told me it’s going to be okay and how much he loved me,” says the bride. Then came the moment when the couple exchanged vows, and the happy tears flowed!

The Reception

Attire: The bride wore a Paloma Blanca lace and tulle strapless gown with a lace tunic bodice and illusion sweetheart neckline. Lace appliqués cascaded down the flare tulle skirt with a sweep train. A cathedral white tulle tiered veil and Badgley Mischka peep toe Petal Pumps in white satin with rhinestones completed the ensemble and served as her “something new.” She carried her grandmother’s rosary in her bouquet as her “something old” and “something borrowed,” and also wrapped pieces of her mother and mother-in-law’s lace wedding dresses around the stem of her bouquet. Her sister-inlaw made a blue flower for her lace garter as the “something blue.” The bridesmaid’s floor length v-neck dresses by Bari Jay were in Tiffany blue and had Bella Chiffon flowers on the halter. The groom wore a black tuxedo with a white vest and bowtie. Groomsmen wore black tuxes with black vests and bowties. Bridal Party: Father Phil Spanno of Baton Rouge officiated the ceremony. Parents of the bride, Samuel J. Marino, Jr. and Paula B. Marino, joined the groom’s parents, Gary and Lori Yoho, in witnessing their children’s vows. Aimee Marino served as matron of honor and Emily Snyder as maid of honor. Lauren Crutchfield, Kayla Brassett, Alicia Hanzo

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The couple was eager to dance the night away. But first, Kristen exchanged her pumps for silver glitter “Bobs” shoes so she could move comfortably during their first dance to “One and Only” by Adele. “It was was amazing,” she exclaims. “I was so happy, everyone was staring at us, and the lights were only on us.” It was a surreal moment she had dreamed about her whole life. She danced with her father to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland — a tender and emotional moment for them both. The groom danced with his mother to “The Man You’ve Become” by Molly Pasutti. Décor: The room was filled with white tablecloths and Tiffany Blue table runners. Décor included freestyle reception table arrangements in cylindrical glass vases, all in various heights consisting of pink oriental lilies, pink snap dragons, pink Sophie roses, pink Geraldine roses, white eskimo roses, white lisianthus, curly willow, Italian ruscus, and seeded eucalyptus. The serving table and the bar used the same variety of florals in larger sizes and heights. A romantic outdoor fireplace surrounded with candles warmed guests. Custom favors were Tiffany Blue Koozies that said: “To love, laughter and happily ever after, Kristen & Ryan, 11-21-14.” The Cakes: The bridesmaids’ bouquets were displayed on the cake table surrounding the four-tiered wedding cake with rotating flavors of strawberry and white. It was decorated in lace pipe work with a topper of delicate design of white eskimo roses and pink Sophie roses with seeded eucalytus. The bride notes a funny backstory — the cake had her maiden initial on it instead of “Y” for


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‰ Summer Home Improvements ‰ Update Your Interiors (Left Page) Mr. and Mrs. Yoho embrace after the ceremony. • (This Page) The groomsmen toast the new husband. • The bride had a great time on the dance floor. • The couple enjoy a romantic candlelight moment.

Yoho, because the bakery confused the initial due to her parents placing the order under their last name! The one layered groom’s cake was chocolate with buttercream icing decorated in “Death Valley,” the LSU football field. An oil derrick on the 50-yard line commemorated the groom’s career as a petroleum engineer, as well as him being a diehard LSU football fan. “Seriously, he bleeds purple and gold,” says the bride. Top Reception Moments: Being introduced for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Christopher Yoho was an awesome experience for the couple, as well as the nonstop dancing. The Exit: The newlyweds made their exit as guests waved sparklers with tags that said “Let love sparkle, Kristen and Ryan.” They rode to L’Aberge Casino in a Rolls Royce to prepare for the honeymoon travels abroad.

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The Honeymoon The couple honeymooned at Sandals Grande Antiguian in Antigua. They relaxed at a beach front Rondoval room with three butlers for eight amazing days and seven nights before returning to Katy and their respective careers. l

Ask about FREE ADVERTORIAL OFFER with Ad Purchase For Advertising Information, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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Celebrating Spring in Los Cabos Mexico’s premier destination for first-rate fun and year-round sun

Quivira Golf Club

By Elizabeth Anthony f you’re looking for a sun-drenched springtime destination featuring ethereal beaches, lush accommodations, superb dining, great sport fishing, stunning golf courses and more, Los Cabos is the place you want to be! Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos, Mexico extends an unbeatable combination of innate beauty and world-class amenities. Plus, Cabo is only a two-hour flight from Houston, making it an easily accessible tropical destination with warm weather year-round. The airport is close to many lush hotels and villas and residential communities and will soon be one of Southwest Airlines’ stops once their International terminal opens at Hobby Airport. Los Cabos presents a dramatic desert landscape embraced on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the Sea of Cortez. “El Arco” (the arch), an iconic rock, marks the place where these two bodies of

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water magnificently merge. Located in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos is the name which encompasses several distinct areas.

destination of southern Baja. Luxury villas and spectacular resorts line the coast and have been aesthetically constructed into the hillsides.

Cabo San Lucas When most people think of Los Cabos, they think of Cabo San Lucas, the vibrant, bustling city with its legendary nightlife, the luxury villas of Pedregal and resorts which overlook Médano Beach. Cabo San Lucas, or simply “Cabo” as it is often called, is located at the end of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Here, you’ll find Cabo’s marina, where fishing boats, water taxis, sunset cruises and luxury yacht charters depart throughout the day. Overlooking the rock formations of Land’s End, including “El Arco,” Cabo is also known for attracting every kind of traveler, including families, couples, and party-loving, luxury-seeking vacationers who expect the very finest. Today Cabo is the foremost tourist

San Jose del Cabo Approximately 20 miles away lies tranquil San José del Cabo, with a charming historic downtown, romantic restaurants, arts district and beachfront resorts. San Jose del Cabo retains the look and vibe of an authentic Mexican town. With its shady main plaza, mission church and narrow winding, cobblestone streets, you can slow your pace in San José del Cabo strolling amid the colorful colonial buildings, perusing small art galleries and boutiques and dining at one of the many intimate restaurants. It is an atmosphere that manages to be both laid-back and sophisticated. The first community in Los Cabos, San José del Cabo was formerly home to the

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Quivira 5th Hole

Cabo Shoreline

Pericú tribe, the stop for Spanish galleons and a hiding place for pirates. Now famous for its authentic atmosphere, lovely architecture and picturesque quality, this colonial town is perfect for honeymooners and those seeking a more traditional Mexican getaway. Accommodations range from graceful private villas overlooking the Sea of Cortez to awe-inspiring resorts. Along the sunlit expanse known as “Hotel Zone,” luxury resorts line the glistening sands. During November through June, the Art Walk on Thursday evenings is a great cultural experience and opportunity to visit the numerous galleries of San José del Cabo. The Tourist Corridor The Tourist Corridor is a 20-mile section of beautiful, sprawling beaches, world-class golf courses, villas and luxurious resorts linking the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Its captivating beaches invite relaxation, beautiful snorkeling and diving in protected bays, and excellent surfing in other spots. The gorgeous bays of Santa Maria and Chileno invite visitors to enjoy lovely beaches and gentle waters. You won’t find the density of shops, nightlife and restaurants here that you will in either Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, but you will often find seclusion, tranquility and exclusivity. Moreover, The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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Cabo Real Golf Course

the highway means you’re just minutes from all of the best activities in Los Cabos. You’ll find magnificent accommodations along the Corridor. Luxurious resorts offer first-class service, lagoon-like pools, classy beach clubs, on-site spas and gourmet restaurants. You’ll also find some of the most beautiful villa rentals in Los Cabos here as well. Golfing in Cabo San Lucas Beyond the beaches and fine accommodations, golf is a huge draw to Cabo San Lucas. The spectacular courses make this stretch of landscape a golfer’s dream. You can enjoy a round as you admire the views offered by either the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez and keep an eye out for migrating whales which pass offshore during specific months. Cabo Real — A Questro Golf property, this showpiece of a 2,800-acre resort and residential project with 3.2 miles of beachfront, Cabo Real Golf Club features a multithemed, target-style course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The recent reversal of the club’s nines has greatly enhanced the flow and drama of the course. Host to two PGA Senior Slam events (1996, 1999), Cabo Real offers an unforgettable, well-balanced

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test of golf. Jones and his design team artfully contoured the green complexes and containment mounds to mimic the shapes of the richly hued mountain peaks in the Sierra de la Laguna that frame the course. Puerto los Cabos — Another Questro Golf property, this course tucked within a 2,000acre master-planned resort community a short 10-minute drive from San Jose del Cabo, Puerto Los Cabos features a rare

Beyond the beaches and fine accommodations, golf is a huge draw to Cabo San Lucas. The spectacular courses make this stretch of landscape a golfer’s dream. composite design by two of the sport’s most legendary figures—Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. Both layouts are carved into rolling desert foothills with the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains as a backdrop and all 18 holes perched high above the Sea of Cortez, the pristine coastline and the resort’s marina. Quivira Golf Club — Upon its October 1, 2014 opening, Quivira Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, promptly secured

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its place as one of the most beautiful courses on earth; it dazzles at every turn. Created as an exclusive amenity for guests of the Quivira community and Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas. This worldclass layout offers dazzling views and breathtaking drops from tee to fairway. In a destination revered for its unique oceandesert-mountain setting, Quivira offers more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos, with views of the Pacific from every hole. Presenting a championship-caliber test from the back tees, Quivira has multiple sets of forward tees to enhance playability. The topographical variety of the holes—from cactus and arroyos to dunes and cliffs--is unmatched. The club was selected as the "Best New International Course" of 2014 by GOLF Magazine in its January 2015 issue and as Golf Inc.’s 2014 Development of the Year. You’ve got to visit the comfort stations for great food and drinks… holes #5 and #8. Adventures in Baja California Sur If golf is not your game, not to worry. You can also enjoy all types of water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, boogie boarding, waterskiing, snorkeling, diving and parasailing. Equipment can be rented at Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, which also offers the


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safest swimming in the area. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving are excellent for all levels near the arch. For a memorable must-do Cabo activity, hop aboard a sunset cruise to view and photograph the iconic arch at Land’s End and gorgeous views of Cabo San Lucas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Whales are migrating now. Head out with the experienced crews and captains to view these magnificent creatures as they make their annual migration along the beautiful Los Cabos coastline. Awe-inspiring luxury whale-watching cruises aboard a boat or yacht with all of the amenities at an affordable price is something you and your family will never forget.

The Best Time to Visit With 360 days of sunshine, there is really no bad time to be in Cabo San Lucas. High season runs from November to May - which is when the prices are the highest. Christmas is the busiest time in Cabo. Spring Break (mid-March) tends to be very popular for college students and families. Carnival (February–March) is also bustling. Low season is June–Mid-November. Los Cabos was hit by Hurricane Odile in September 2014 as the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. However, only 17 days later, Los Cabos was already back in business. Airport, cruise ship port, streets, marina,

beaches and water are now all clean and open. Restaurants, fishing charters, tour operators, grocery stores and shops are reopened, and locals say that they’ve never seen Cabo so clean. Los Cabos is a great way to celebrate the coming of spring. Great weather, great beauty, great golf, great sport fishing, great beaches, great sunsets, great romance and great resorts make this vacation destination Mexico’s premier place for first-rate fun and year-round sun! www.quiviraloscabos.com www.questrogolf.com l

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s g n i v a r C e r u C atisfying with S s Snack When a snack attack hits you, your mood may influence the flavor you crave. Taking a more mindful approach will let you savor what you eat and give you a more satisfying snack experience. Mindful eating is all about being more aware of what foods you choose - such as the connection to your senses and emotions. Being more conscious of snacking habits can help you make smarter, well-balanced choices and be more intentional with your snacks to be sure you’re truly answering your craving.

Hone in on your senses of taste and touch with these ideas so you can sit down and savor your next snacking session:

Sweet

• Enjoy the natural sweetness of fruit with a parfait by layering your favorite fruits with plain or vanilla yogurt and topping with a handful of granola. • Top a slice of banana bread with a smear of rich, creamy spreadable cheese, such as The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss, and add a crunchy protein punch with walnuts.

Salty

• Slice a potato in paper-thin pieces and bake in a single layer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping half-way. Sprinkle with a dash of sea salt before serving either alone or with dip. • Jazz up plain popcorn with an assortment of lightly salted nuts and dried fruit.

SOURCE: THE LAUGHING COW

Crunchy

• Dip pretzel sticks in a light coating of melted chocolate (roll in crushed nuts while chocolate is still wet for extra crunch). • For a fresh take on traditional veggies, top mini bagels with a creamy sun-dried tomato and basil spread, such as the Creamy Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Flavor by The Laughing Cow, and add your favorite veggies (cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper, mushrooms, etc.) for a delicious white pizza.

Creamy

• Treat your taste buds with a richly flavored cheese spread, such as those available from The Laughing Cow, smeared over a thinly sliced baguette or multigrain muffin. • Mash an avocado with a dash of salt, pepper and garlic; add a squeeze of lime juice and some diced tomatoes for an instant guacamole dip to enjoy with corn chips or tortilla wedges.

For more satisfying snack suggestions, visit www.thelaughingcow.com. (Family Features)

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plishments of the other nominees, I’m quite honored just to be considered for this award,” said Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township.

Bruce Tough

Deborah Spoon

Allison Berry

Patricia Thacker

Ann Dee Brahms

Paola Gorman

‹Chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Nominated for Award The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Chairman Bruce Tough has been nominated for the Houston Metropolitan Area Public Official of the Year award. The 4th Annual Public Official of the Year Ceremony was held on March 6, at the University of Houston Hilton - Waldorf Astoria Ballroom. This award recognizes the work of Houston metropolitan area public officials, who through their accomplishments and tireless efforts, ensure the public’s everyday needs are addressed and the public good is served. Alumni, staff and students of University of Houston’s Master of Public Administration Program gather and rank the nominations for the annual award. They look for examples of public officials who addressed a particular public challenge in an ethical and collaborative way in the previous year. This year, five finalists were selected. These individuals exhibit qualities consistent with those espoused by the MPA Program – trust, accountability, performance, ethical decisionmaking and crossing jurisdictional boundaries to solve problems. Other finalists for this year’s award are H.D. Chambers, Superintendent for Alief Independent School District; William Frazier, Managing Attorney for the Office of Child Protective Services for Harris County, Chris Reed, City Manager for the City of Nassau Bay; and Francisco Sanchez, Liaison/Public Information Officer for Harris County. “Considering the dedication and accom-

‹Jo Anne Johnson & Associates Adds Two Elite Agents Jo Anne Johnson & Associates, a top producing real estate group with Keller Williams in The Woodlands, has announced the addition of two elite agents to its team. Allison Berry, listing partner, and Ann Dee Brahms, a buyers specialist, will support the growing demands of the team’s business. “We are fortunate to add the excellence of these agents to our team. They are highly respected in the industry and sincerely valued by their clients. Allison and Ann Dee exceed the standards of client service, which fit the core values of our business. We will continue to keep our focus on what truly matters most – our clients. Our team will certainly benefit from their expertise, but more importantly, our clients will benefit from their experience and integrity,” said Jo Anne Johnson, founder and team leader of Jo Anne Johnson & Associates.

‹CISD Board of Trustees Names Principals The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the principals for three schools. Deborah Spoon was named Principal of Cox Intermediate School; Patricia Thacker was named Principal of Armstrong Elementary School; and Paola Gorman was named Ford Elementary School Principal. Deborah Spoon began her career in education 19 years ago in Conroe ISD as a special education aide and has held positions as a special education teacher, Language Arts teacher, and school counselor prior to becoming an assistant principal. For the past six years, she has served as assistant principal at Cox Intermediate School. In thanking the Board, Spoon said, “I actually started my journey at CISD as a student. I am a product of CISD in the first graduating class of McCullough High School. So I’m very proud of that. I also started in CISD as a paraprofessional so being named principal is very surreal. Thank you for that.”

Patricia Thacker has been Interim Principal of Armstrong Elementary since July 2014. “I’m extremely excited and honored for this opportunity,” Thacker stated. She continued, “Armstrong has held a special place in my heart these past five years and I’m excited to continue working with the students, the parents, the community, and the staff at Armstrong.” Prior to serving in campus administration at Armstrong Elementary, Thacker was a math teacher and district mathematics coach. Paola Gorman began in education as a Pre-K teacher. She then went on to be a bilingual teacher for third and fourth graders before transitioning to a district bilingual and ESL instructional coach, and has been an assistant principal since 2013. In addressing the Board, she said, “I want to thank you for this opportunity. It’s a privilege to be here tonight and I’m very humbled and honored to be named the principal of Ford Elementary.”

‹CRAVE's New Concept Opens Six years ago, Houston-based CRAVE cupcakes owners Elizabeth Harrison, Peter Cooper and Brad Dorsey catered to Houstonian’s cupcake cravings by opening one of the city’s first cupcake shops. Two years later they captured the hearts of West University residents when CRAVE debuted a second location. Recently, the trio hope they did the same with The Woodlands community by introducing an equally tantalizing concept that opened at 2501 Research Forest Drive on March 2. A new concept for The Woodlands, CRAVE represents a multifaceted dining venue with both fast casual and dining options. Envisioned to serve as a gathering place that would appeal to the various needs and tastes of businesses, hotel guests and residents in and around the Woodlands, CRAVE offers continuous food and coffee service from morning to evening in a comfortable and stylish space that encompasses indoor and alfresco seating. The venue merges their popular cupcake offerings with a barista-style coffee counter and pastry service. Guests can enter CRAVE through one of two indoor areas that merge at the front.

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‹Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Allocates 2014 Funds

(L-R): Blake Wilcox; Faith Bailes, realtor relations director for Woodforest; and Jeff Morris.

‹Woodforest Names Top Realtors Woodforest’s top Realtors of 2014 share more in common than multiple sales in the South Montgomery County development. Both are also residents of Woodforest. Jeff Morris with RE/MAX The Woodlands and Spring sold the most homes in Woodforest, the third year he has led in community new-home sales. His achievement was closely followed by Blake Wilcox with Blake Wilcox Properties, who has become one of the community’s greatest champions since moving there in 2013. “Our friends see how much we like it here and want to be part of it, too,” said Wilcox who has sold to several friends and previous neighbors. Wilcox said it’s the community’s family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming neighbors and proximity to Woodforest Golf Club that has resonated with his buyers. “Our neighbors are the best part about living in Woodforest,” he said. Wilcox and Morris accounted for more than $6 million in new-home sales in Woodforest during 2014. Other Realtors recognized for multiple sales in the community include David Flory with RE/MAX Professional Group and Brian Mathieson with Keller Williams Realty The Woodlands and Magnolia. The firm selling the most new homes in Woodforest last year was Keller Williams Realty The Woodlands and Magnolia, with 67 sales. RE/MAX The Woodlands and Spring ranked No. 2 among Woodforest’s top-selling real estate offices, with 35 sales. “Realtors contributed heavily to our success in 2014, assisting in 333 new-home sales in Woodforest last year,” said Virgil Yoakum, general manager of Woodforest. “Without their belief in Woodforest, we would not have been able to be listed among the nation’s 20 top-selling master-planned communities for a third consecutive year.”

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The Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health committee has announced 2014 net proceeds of $620,000. These funds, combined with $33,000 left over from previous years, will infuse more than $650,000 into breast and ovarian cancer resources for the community. “Our friends, neighbors and colleagues have done it again – thanks to their generosity, we surpassed 2013’s fundraising by $80,000,” said Andrea Alexander, 2015/2016 co-chair of the Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health committee. “On behalf of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and the In the Pink of Health committee, Andrea and I want to thank our supporters,” added Karey Miller, 2015/2016 co-chair. “They can trust that their donations will be dispersed to deserving entities that serve women battling breast and ovarian cancer.” The major beneficiaries of the 2014 funds include: $450,000 – Cancer survivorship center affiliated with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands set to open this year. The center will offer a variety of classes and support groups for all cancer survivors; $55,000 – The Breast Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital for educational and support services, and other special needs, including Radiant Wraps; $52,500 – Interfaith Community Clinic to fund mammograms and transportation to medical appointments for local underserved women; $45,000 – The Rose, a local nonprofit that provides access to screening, diagnostics, and treatment services to any woman regardless of her ability to pay; $12,500 – Angel Flight, a nonprofit charitable organization of pilots, volunteers and others who arrange for free air transportation for any legitimate, charitable, medically related need; $1,000 – Judith L. Robinson Foundation to assist in its mission to increase awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms; $37,000 - A reserve fund for emergent needs identified throughout the year. “The funding received from In the Pink is critical to the women who are patients at the Interfaith Community Clinic. These are uninsured women who would otherwise have no access to breast wellness exams,” said Dr.

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Ann Snyder, President & CEO of Interfaith Community Clinic. “In the Pink funds donated to the Clinic allow these women to receive mammograms, ultrasounds and screenings that could ultimately save their lives. In the Pink funding also enables the Clinic to provide travel vouchers for women with no means of transportation to have access to mammograms. We are extremely thankful for In the Pink’s incredible partnership.” Representatives from several of the organizations, including Interfaith Community Clinic, will make presentations during the next several months to educate the 2015 Committee about their specific plans for the funds. In the meantime, planning for the 15th Annual Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Luncheon is well under way. The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, visit inthepinkofhealth.org.

‹The J. Beard Real Estate Company Represents Lease for Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors The J. Beard Real Estate Company, LP, has recently executed a 7,000+/- square foot long-term lease for Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors at River Bend Station in Conroe, TX. The tenant was represented by Lindsey McKean of The J. Beard Real Estate Company. River Bend Station’s landlord was represented by Jared Dubin with Interra Properties. Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors specializes in creating beautiful home interiors, offering distinctive collections of fabrics, accessories and furniture made in America and around the world. Designers are available to assist with any interior design projects of any size, local or worldwide. Attention to detail and an unparalleled commitment to customer service sets Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors apart. Headquartered in The Woodlands, The J. Beard Real Estate Company, LP, is a commercial real estate leasing and brokerage firm that offers services which encompass leasing, brokerage, site acquisition, property management, development, consulting, and landlord/tenant representation services. Lindsey McKean


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Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen, located beneath the Hyatt Market Street, is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. For additional information, visit schillecis.com.

‹Grand Opening of The Woodlands Reserve and The Lakes of Shadow Creek

The substitute personnel of CISD.

CISD Substitute Personnel Honored The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees realizes many individuals make positive contributions to campus life and campus climate by regularly acknowledging these individuals as Ambassadors for Education. On Feb. 17, the Board of Trustees recognized and honored substitute personnel and showed their appreciation by presenting Ambassador Awards to 15 substitute teachers from across the District who support campuses through their dedicated service. Individuals recognized were: Kimberly Weatherson, Austin Elementary School; Gene Liga, Birnham Woods Elementary School; Debbie Harbin, Broadway Elementary School; Bonnie Hunley, Giesinger Elementary School; Beth Ringwold, Hauke Academic Alternative High School; Penny Ward, Kaufman Elementary School; Terry Parkening, Mitchell Intermediate School; Monte Myers, Oak Ridge High School; Deb Stuart, Ride Elementary School; Sonia Ostrander, San Jacinto Elementary School; Quentin Haynes, Travis Intermediate School; Mary Hoskins, The Woodlands College Park High School; Mitchell Alton Wicker, The Woodlands High School Ninth Grade Campus; Richard Matlock, Washington Junior High School; Carole Castillo, Wilkinson Elementary School.

‹Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen For the fifth consecutive year, Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen in Market Street has been voted “Best Creole or Cajun in The Woodlands,” according to readers of community website Woodlands Online. Readers also ranked their favorites in categories such as service providers, schools, doctors and entertainment. The winners can be found at WoodlandsOnline.com. “We are so thankful to our loyal guests for helping us achieve this top ranking,” says Wayne Schilleci. “It means a lot to our family and employees.” Family-owned and operated, Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen offers elegant, New Orleans-style favorites such as Blackened Tilapia, Cajun Fettuccine Alfredo, Jambalaya, Po Boys, Fried Catfish and Seafood Gumbo. In addition to the variety of creole-inspired starters, salads and sides, Schilleci’s features authentic New Orleans Bread Pudding, Beignets and French Press Coffee.

Two new North Houston luxury custom communities, The Woodlands Reserve and The Lakes of Shadow Creek, officially opened on March 5. The newly completed LEED certified model homes for each project will be open daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The Woodlands Reserve, a 55-lot gated community is being developed by The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Howard Hughes Corporation. Houstonbased Frankel Building Group (FBG) is the selected custom homebuilder. The Woodands Reserve is the only available new, custom neighborhood in the front of The Woodlands, exceptionally positioned within the established Village of Indian Springs off of Gosling Road and Woodlands Parkway. The Lakes of Shadow Creek, a 44-lot, custom community is conveniently located just three miles from the future Exxon Campus and two miles from the Village Creekside Market, and is zoned to highly rated Klein ISD. The Lakes of Shadow Creek is also close in proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment in The Woodlands Town Center.

‹Woodforest To Welcome Kiddie Academy Kiddie Academy, a nationally recognized leader in education-based child care, has obtained a 2.1-acre parcel of land along Fish Creek Thoroughfare for a new location in Woodforest, the community’s first child care center. Construction on the 10,500-squarefoot facility is expected to begin this summer, with the child care center opening in early 2016 for children ages six weeks to 12 years. The Academy will offer full- and part-time care, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs. Families may begin registering their children this fall. For details, contact woodforest@kiddieacademy.net .

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‹ Grand Central Park Announces Plans for First New Homes The first new homes in Conroe’s Grand Central Park will include luxury patio homes, townhomes and single-family residences on 350 beautiful wooded sites, according to the development team for the 2,046-acre community by The Johnson Development Corp. Construction of new homes will begin in early 2016 in the village to be known as Grand Central Park West at the northwest corner of the master-planned community, where residents will enjoy immediate access to Loop 336 and nearby I-45. The 350 home sites represent the first six sections of Grand Central Park’s residential community where more than 500 home sites have been strategically planned, all within a five-minute walk to natural settings of parks and open space. “The residential component of Grand Central Park will offer a variety of luxury, lifestyle homes suitable for just about any buyer,” notes General Manager Virgil Yoakum of The Johnson Development Corp., who adds that new homes with a decidedly urban architecture are planned in future neighborhoods. Grand Central Park’s new homes also will be in close proximity to 336 MARKETPLACE, a regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination within Grand Central Park expected to open in late 2016. Yoakum says new homes in Grand Central Park West will appeal to professionals working at nearby corporate headquarters of Anadarko, Baker Hughes, Maersk and the new ExxonMobil corporate campus which is less than 10 miles south of the community. Grand Central Park is 10 miles from Lone Star Executive Airport and 30 minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Residents also will be minutes from Conroe Regional Medical Center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, Texas Children’s Health Center–The Woodlands, and Houston Methodist Hospital, opening in The Woodlands in 2017. Home builders for Grand Central Park West and the timing of their model home openings will be announced by the end of summer 2015. To sign up for updates on Grand Central Park via email, go to GrandCentralParkTX.com.

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(L to R): Elizabeth Jones, Gail Johnson, Darrian Chaney, Desirae Deeton, Kathryn Lewis, Collin Page, Megan Proulx, Abigail Purdes and Ronee Schneider.

HERITAGE TRAILS CHAPTER, NSDAR, PRESENTS DAR GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS During the recent DAR Good Citizens meeting held at the Cypresswood Country Club, the Heritage Trails DAR chapter presented its annual awards to outstanding high school seniors. The students were selected because of their outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, and service to their community. The awards were presented to the students by Ronee Schneider, regent of the Heritage Trails DAR chapter and Gail Johnson, chair of the Heritage Trails DAR Good Citizens committee with the help of Elizabeth Jones of the DAR chapter's Good Citizens committee. As each student was presented with their award, they gave a speech about their future plans and their involvement in high school. The students receiving the awards were: Darrian Chaney (Westfield High School); Desirae Deeton (Wunsche High School); Kathryn Lewis (Providence Classical School); Collin Page (Klein Collins High School); Megan Proulx (Spring High School); Abigail Purdes (Klein Oak High School). Students receiving the award who were unable to attend were: Megan Dobbs (Rosehill Christian) and Aaliyah Robertson (Dekaney High School). The DAR Good Citizen program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship and is open to all high school seniors in public or private schools. Each winner was presented with the DAR Good Citizens pin, certificate, wallet recognition card and a monetary reward. For information about membership, contact registrar Becky Feaster at RLFbaskets@comcast.net. (L-R): Dr. Craig Livingston, professor of history at Lone Star CollegeMontgomery; Earl Becker, a client of Camp Hope (with his service dog, Rusty); Kelsey Ryland, LSCMontgomery student and member of the college's Military History Club; Jeff Fiore, LSC-Montgomery student and Military History Club member; and David Maulsby, executive director of PTSD Foundation of America – Camp Hope.

LSC-MONTGOMERY MILITARY HISTORY CLUB RAISES FUNDS FOR CAMP HOPE The Military History Club, a student organization at Lone Star College-Montgomery, recently raised more than $400 with its "Race to the Sea" fun run, commemorating an event from World War I. The funds were presented to the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Foundation of America's Camp Hope, which is dedicated to combatting PTSD in the military community, giving back to those who have given of themselves so selflessly, and increasing public awareness of PTSD. For more information about the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Foundation of America, visit ptsdusa.org. For more information about the LSC-Montgomery Military History Club, contact Dr. Livingston at craig.livingston@lonestar.edu.


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Bev Earl

John Feuerstein

Dr. Ann K. Snyder

Susan Vreeland-Wendt

WOODLANDS WATERWAY ARTS COUNCIL WELCOMES FOUR NEW MEMBERS Four new Woodlands Waterway Arts Council (WWAC) board members bring extensive experience and expertise to the growing non-profit organization that supports the visual and performing arts in Montgomery County. WWAC Council President Cindy Hardin announced the appointment of Bev Earl, John Feuerstein, Dr. Ann K. Snyder and Susan Vreeland-Wendt. “I am grateful to have such involved and experienced community leaders joining us to further the mission of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council,” Hardin said. “Each new member brings a wealth of experience, expertise and talent to our organization.” The new board members join current WWAC board members: Cindy Hardin, President; Amy Lecocq, Vice-President; Deb Spiess, Secretary; Mike Bass, Treasurer; Richard Burket; Elissa Fletcher; Sonya Hillman; Kimberly Lacayo; Jerry MacDonald; Joe Michels; Cindy Moss; Theresa Nassif and Nick Wolda. Bev Earl is the owner of Corporate Incentives, Inc. a full service promotional products company in South Montgomery County. A longtime Woodlands resident, Earl is a past Chairman of the Board of the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Interfaith Board of Directors and Interfaith Child Development Center School Board. Her many accolades include being named Volunteer of the Year by Montgomery County United Way, a

Hometown Hero for The Woodlands and Woman of Distinction by Interfaith of the Woodlands. Earl also works on Operation Phantom Support and National Community Neuroscience Foundation. John Feuerstein is Manager of Business Services for Hunting Energy Services, a global products and services company serving the oil and gas industry. An avid proponent of the arts, Feuerstein Coordinates and manages the annual Hunting Art Prize competition, one of the largest painting and drawing art competitions in the country that is open to Texas artists who are 18 years of age and older. A Woodlands resident for many years, Feuerstein has been an active community volunteer for many years through Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County and with St. Anthony’s Bread Food Pantry. Feuerstein travels extensively for work and brings with him a passion for art of all kinds. Dr. Ann K. Snyder is President and CEO of Interfaith of the Woodlands and the Interfaith Community Clinic. Dr. Snyder served on the Conroe Independent School District Board for 15 years and two terms as President of the Board and is a Past Chairman of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Snyder serves on CHI St. Luke’sThe Woodlands Board, Grand Island Foundation, CISD Education Foundation, Education for Tomorrow Alliance Board and

also is on a variety of advisory and committeelevel capacities. Dr. Snyder has been the recipient of numerous accolades and honors; among them as a Hometown Hero of The Woodlands, Montgomery County Woman of Distinction, South Montgomery County People of the Year, Rotary International Service Above Self Award, The Woodlands Chamber Citizen of the Year and has received awards from local chapters of Rotary, Junior League and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Conroe ISD named an elementary school in Snyder’s honor that opened last fall. Susan Vreeland-Wendt recently retired from a 30-year career in marketing at The Woodlands Development Company. She now devotes her time to marketing consulting for select clients and volunteering opportunities. Vreeland-Wendt has been involved in The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival since its inception, serving on the Festival Committee and now as a WWAC board member. She also assists Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County with public relations, and was a member of the 2014 Distribution Committee for the Montgomery County Community Foundation. A Hometown Hero of The Woodlands, Vreeland-Wendt has served as a board member for The Woodlands Community Association, and in volunteer capacities for Interfaith, Montgomery County United Way, New Danville and The Friendship Center.

(L-R): Randy Reid, Catherine Giegerich, Mary Hersey, Josh Urban, Julie Martineau, Dr. William Parks, Justin Kendrick and Edmund Lee.

MEMORIAL HERMANN THE WOODLANDS DONATES MORE THAN $100K TO MCUW Julie Martineau, President, Montgomery County United Way, was presented with a check from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital representing $100,872 which was raised during their 2014 United Way Campaign. Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, long-time advocates and supporters of the work of Montgomery County United Way, once again served as a Pacesetter company producing outstanding results with support from leadership and the efforts of their UW campaign co-chairs. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | April 2015 |

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Artists Jackie Impey, Joella Guaraglia-Wheeler, Shae Skidmore, Carolina Dalmas and Kim Wallace display their doors at the “Special Reveal” during the Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity Gala Kick-Off Party.

PAINTED DOORS HERALDS THE UPCOMING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 2015 GALA Painted doors are popping up in displays all around South Montgomery County heralding the upcoming 2015 Building Hope Gala, “An Evening at Downton Abbey” set for Saturday, April 18 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel. Inspired by how Habitat for Humanity transforms lives by making the dream of home ownership a reality for deserving, low-income families, area artists have turned plain, salvaged doors into beautiful works of art with the support of The Woodlands Art League. A total of eight doors will be auctioned off at the Gala to raise funds for Habitat’s mission. Similar to the Cow Parade that was held in Houston in 2001, these original painted doors are currently ‘on parade’ at locations throughout South Montgomery County. The parade began with three of the doors on display at the Gala Kick-Off Party held at The Woodlands BMW on Jan. 28. The doors set the room abuzz with excitement, as they were part of the evening’s “special reveal.” Each of the displayed doors received a pre-Gala opening bid at that event. Next, six of the doors were displayed at three Anadarko Petroleum Corporation buildings in The Woodlands, and currently doors can be seen at five Woodforest National Bank locations in The Woodlands and Conroe. Other upcoming display locations include St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, The Woodlands United Methodist Church and Strike, LLC among others.

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The artists participating in this year’s Doors Project include artists Jackie Impey, Carolina Dalmas, Kim Wallace and Chris McBee of The Woodlands; Shae and Shirley Skidmore of Cypress; and Joella Guaraglia-Wheeler of Spring. Each of the artists is well known in the area for their unique, creative talents, having received numerous accolades for their art. Additionally, one door is the creative collaboration of art students from McCullough Junior High School in The Woodlands, under the direction of art teacher Cindy Moss. “I have greatly enjoyed working with the talented artists participating in the Doors Project again this year,” said Shelly Sauer, Doors Project Chairperson. “They have selflessly spent many hours creating beautiful artwork for the benefit of Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity. The doors truly are pieces of fine art that would look wonderful in a home or corporate setting.” The public is encouraged to see the doors on display in the community or at hfhmctx.org. Read about the artists and the inspiration behind their pieces. For more information about Habitat for Humanity, the Doors Project and the upcoming Gala, contact Isabel McDanel at Isabel@hfhmctx.org.

Kiki Koymarianos (Keller Williams Realty), Glenda Minshew (Plan Ahead Events the Woodlands) and Carol Gooch (MCABW).

WISE CONFERENCE BENEFITS AREA NONPROFITS The women’s organizations of The Woodlands met Wednesday, Oct.15 for the benefit of helping themselves, helping each other and helping some essential causes, at the second annual WISE Conference, an acronym for “Women Inspiring Supporting Empowering.” The three women’s organizations — the Business Women’s Forum, the Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW), and the WOAMTEC (Women on a Mission to Earn a Commission) chapters of Cypress, Conroe, Magnolia, Spring, and The Woodlands — were instrumental in filling the ballroom at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, with 400 in attendance. The WISE Conference committee is comprised of members from these organizations to ensure that their respective objectives or met. In truth, most are members of two, and in some cases, all three organizations, which all belong to the Montgomery County Women’s Council of Organizations. In a county where several municipalities are in close proximity to each other, it’s just wise to be affiliated with all the resources at your disposal for the purpose of marketing your business. Organizing the conference for the second year was the owner and Director of Events, Glenda Minshew, of Plan Ahead Events - The Woodlands. Minshew assembled a marquee of influential speakers who not only shared their success stories, but the methodologies they used to achieve success. Benefactors for this year’s conference include the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance, a nonprofit that assists families in times of crisis, and Dress For Success, also a nonprofit, that helps prepare disadvantaged women for the job market.


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(L to R: ) LMC Chairman of the Board James Stilwell, Members of the hospital CEO panel: David Argueta, Debra Sukin, Melinda Stephenson, Josh Urban, Matt Davis, Linda Nelson and LMC board member Melissa Young.

LEADERSHIP MONTGOMERY COUNTY CLASS OF 2015 LEARNS ABOUT HEALTH CARE ISSUES The Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) Class of 2015 recently explored healthcare in Montgomery County at their Healthcare Session, sponsored by Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Session Director Linda Nelson welcomed the class to the session and gave an overview of the day’s events before Walter Wilkerson, Jr., MD presented the history of healthcare in Montgomery County. Freddy Warner presented the class with legislative healthcare updates both on a local and national level. The class then got a look into the issues facing hospital CEOs in Montgomery County with the CEO panel, consisting of David Argueta of CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, Matt Davis of Conroe Regional Medical Center, Melinda Stephenson of Kingwood Medical Center, Debra Sukin of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, and Josh Urban of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Each CEO spoke on a different topic, giving insight to real concerns and issues they face. The LMC class learned about the role healthcare centers play in the community from Dr. Ann Snyder of Interfaith Community Clinic, Cindy Sunday Powell of Pregnancy Assistance Center North, and Dr. Stephen McKernan of Lone Star Family Health Center. The class toured Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, including the TIRR Inpatient Unit. Class members were able to see neuro patients receiving cutting edge therapy. The class also toured the OR where Dr. Blevins, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

demonstrated the hospital's new MAKO robot used for partial knee or hip arthroplasty. The class then heard from Evan Roberson of Tri-County Services, Randy Johnson of Montgomery County Hospital District, and Dr. Michael Bublewicz of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital ER. The day ended with Leadership Series facilitated by LMC alumni. Leadership Montgomery County is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to developing and enhancing current and future leaders of Montgomery County. The mission of LMC is to prepare emerging and existing leaders to understand local issues, grow their leadership skills and connect with others to better serve Montgomery County.

THE WOODLANDS’ RICHIE CHAMPION COMPETES AT HSLR In 2013, when Richie Champion rode in his first HoustonRodeo event, he was thrilled just to be a competitor in the ranks of the top bareback riders in the world. This year, Champion is a million-dollar cowboy, having pocketed $1.1 million in the largest one-day payout in rodeo history last year at The American. This year’s HLSR performances also come on the heels of his first National Finals Rodeo and his first top-five finish in the world standings. Champion said, “I was just having fun – just a guy at the rodeo. Now it’s my business, my career, and I’m learning to treat it like business.” After winning the HLSR SuperSeries I on

March 5 and moving on to the semi-finals in mid-March, Champion will no doubt continue to make his hometown friends and family very proud of his accomplishments.

The Conroe ISD Transition Fair was well attended and informative.

CONROE ISD PARENT RESOURCE CENTER HOSTS TRANSITION FAIR The Conroe ISD Department of Special Education Services Parent Resource Center hosted the 11th Annual Resource and Transition Fair on Thursday, March 5 at College Park High School. Over 400 parents and students were able to meet with the experts to help prepare for the transition from high school to college and/or the work force. Approximately 75 vendors from colleges, vocational certificate programs, local daily job training sites, residential communities, estate planning/guardianship, and vocation agencies all were in attendance. In addition, students and parents had the opportunity to connect with community agency support and learn about recreational and social opportunities for all ages. For more information on Conroe ISD’s Parent Resource Center, visit specialedu.conroeisd.net/parent.

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A Destination Imagination team from Bush Elementary gets ready to compete.

Conroe ISD Destination Imagination Teams Advance to State The Destination Imagination (D.I.) Regional Tournament took place Saturday, Feb. 28 at Oak Ridge High School. Approximately 170 teams participated, with 135 of the teams being from Conroe ISD. Seventeen Conroe ISD teams advanced to

the D.I. State Tournament, which will be in Dallas on April 10-11. “We are so proud of how all our CISD teams applied their critical thinking and problem solving skills to tackle the D.I. Challenges. These skills will benefit them

port Catholic education. It is a day of family fun that includes a 5k USA Track and Field Association sanctioned race, the David K. Guite Memorial 1k Family Fun Run, Catholic School Parade and Post Race Party. The goal of Steps for Students is to raise awareness of the importance of a Catholic education and provide Sacred Heart Catholic School at the 10th Annual Steps for Students event. much needed resources for Catholic schools. SACRED HEART RAISES OVER “We are so proud to be a part of this won$50,000 FOR STEPS FOR STUDENTS derful tradition that unites all of us together,” Raising more than $50,000, Sacred Heart said Deb Brown, Principal. “Supporting eduCatholic School recently joined over 10,000 cation is near and dear to our hearts and participants and more than 60 schools in the bringing this type of platform for our schools Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to come to encourage families and communities to together and support Catholic awareness get involved is absolutely a blessing for all of and education at the 10th Annual Steps our children.” for Students. Sacred Heart kicked off a local campaign Steps for Students is an annual archdiocein November setting the school’s first-ever san-wide event where all school and parish goal for the event at $40,000. Led by a small communities can come together as one to supcommittee and challenged by a competition

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throughout their academic career,” stated Conroe ISD Gifted Programs Specialist Chris Reichelt. Schools with teams advancing to State: Academy of Science and Technology – 6 Teams; Broadway Elementary – 3 Teams; David Elementary – 2 Teams; Grangerland Intermediate; Knox JHS – 2 Teams; Tough Elementary – 2 Teams; Travis Intermediate D.I. is an extraordinary, extracurricular competition where student teams, grades kindergarten through 12, solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at competitive tournaments. D.I. has a high alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Additionally, the program is in more than 30 countries, and every year more than 100,000 students across the U.S. participate. In Texas alone, the program reaches over 16,000 students annually. Texas is divided into 16 D.I. Regions. Teams work from September until early spring to solve their challenge. Teams then take their solution to a regional tournament to be appraised. State tournament winners will attend Global Finals in May.

between Brown, Father Philip Wilhite and Father Oscar Dubon to see who could raise the most support, the school engaged the students and the families into the event formulating several activities, including student incentives, top fundraising prizes and the first annual spaghetti dinner for the local community. Several students will get to throw a pie at their favorite teacher for raising donations and for reaching the $40,000 goal, the whole school earned a free day off school. “This has been a humbling experience for all of us and we are so fortunate to have our school and parish communities come together and surpass our goal,” said Development Director Beth Istre. “I am amazed daily by the kindness and generosity of others and honored to be part of such a remarkable and dedicated staff and group of volunteers at Sacred Heart.” The 264 registrants were students and parishioners who fundraised for Sacred Heart. While Brown just beat out Father Philip for top donations raised ($11,400 and $9,700), Father Oscar was the first of the three to cross the finish line at the Steps for Students 5k race.


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(Front row, l-r: ) Kabir Jolly, Kate Fisher, Jessica Young, Olivia Goodridge, Kate Burns and Cooper science teacher John LaBonte; (Back row:) Cooper science teacher Stef Groves, Bethan Holloway-Strong, William Cooper, Bea Portela, Sammy Hari, and Aimery Methena.

Cooper Middle School Student Scientists Qualify for State Competition Twenty five Middle School students from The John Cooper School qualified to continue in competition at the Science Engineering Fair of Houston by placing in the top five at the local EfTA SCI://Tech Competition. Based on results of the Houston competition, held on Feb. 28, five Cooper students will now continue in competition at the state level. Kabir Jolly placed first (engineering/transportation) with "Windmill Blade Design: Creating More Electricity." Placing second at Houston were Kate Fisher (engineering) with "Recycled Materials: An Insulated Bottle Brick," Kate Burns and Olivia Goodridge (botany/environmental/zoology) for "Ocean's Deathbed," and Jessica Young (environmental science) for "Holey Grail of Natural Gas." Bethan Holloway-Strong placed third in the chemistry category for "This Is To Dye For." These students will compete at the state level in the Texas Science and Engineering Fair to be held in San Antonio, March 26-29. "This year was the start of a revised approach to the seventh and eighth grade science fair curriculum," said science faculty member John LaBonte, who teaches with

Stef Groves. "Students have taken the skills covered in class and demonstrated their knowledge of the scientific process. Each of these budding scientists showed perseverance throughout the project and demonstrated a comprehensive scientific approach to their work. We are very proud of all of them." Students were also given special recognitions at the Houston competition. Sammy Hari was given a special award in the chemistry category for "Old" Recycled Oils to "New" Biodiesel" and Aimery Methena for "Magnetic 'Force' on Oil Spill Clean-up" in the environmental category. Awarded honorable mentions were Bea Portela (botany) for "Duckweed: A Viable Bio-Indicator?" and William Cooper (social science) for "Facebook Battle: Positive vs. Negative Posts." Students who also qualified for and competed in the Houston science fair were Ale Chow, Tierney Gregory, Unity Hag, Daniel Floris, Vandana Venkatesh, Harrshavasan Congivaram, Emily Cooper, Katie Evans, Lisa Alexander, Ashley Wu, Rishi Wahi, Jared Ramirez and Rohan Zakharia.

SAOPCS students join those in service at Houston Food Bank.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CATHOLIC SCHOOL SUPPORTS HOUSTON FOOD BANK - Several students from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School joined together to help support the Houston Food Bank’s MLK Day – Day of Service, sponsored by Shell. The students worked 2.5 hours taping boxes, sorting food, loading boxes or breaking down boxes. The food was used in the backpack program for children who are at risk of not eating over the weekend.

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ç By Char Schneider

Sponsored by www.MirrorLakeDesigns.com 281-350-0515

An Old-Fashioned County Fair

Scenes from the fair: The goat hill, the gateway, and newly hatched chicks.

I

f you have always lived in a large metropolitan area, where you have to search the “back 40” for the animals at the fair, you will love the great experience at the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo. This year’s event will be held April 10-19 at the Fairgrounds in Conroe. The Montgomery County event is known as the best small county fair in the state of Texas. This is the 58th year for the fair, which supports the youth with scholarships. It has everything you could possibly want in a fair: competition, awards, rodeo, BBQ competition, a Fair Queen, carnival rides and lots of food, as well as a petting zoo, non-animal competition for both youth and adults, and a country store. The fair began by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Division as “Field Days” , literally in someone’s field. Over the years it moved to different farms and ranches and different events were gradually added. By the 1960s it began to resemble the current fair. By 1965, it had outgrown Candy Cane Park in Conroe, which was only three years old. The auctions were held at the Cow Palace, a barn east of Conroe. But by

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1967, the area around the Cow Palace was too small for the expanding Junior Livestock show. The show was moved to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in 1968. By 1977, the Livestock Show had become a “baby giant” of the Chamber of Commerce. They spent 1978 organizing and incorporated the Montgomery County Fair in 1979. It has continued to grow. In 1985, the fair offices were moved to the fair grounds. Over the years a few more permanent buildings and barns have been added. There are currently two livestock barns and an Exhibit building. The fair opens with a two-day rodeo sanctioned by the Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Association. Approximately 1,000 junior exhibitors of animals and an equal number of junior exhibitors in the non-livestock division compete for scholarships. There is also an adult division for non-livestock competition. A calf scramble was added in 1991. Since 1993,more than $1.5 million has been awarded in college scholarships. There are special days for children, senior citizens, and special education students. And the best part: it is free to get in on Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16. See you there!l


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Mirror Lake 33 years of award winning pools, patios, and plantings

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