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JUNE 2015
ABODE Americana A Love of Lodge Design
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Pet Photos! MIRO DVORSCAK
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x x
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Christine Hale & Associates 281-772-6337
SOLD IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS
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Our listings are selling as fast as we can put them on the market. On average, we are selling 1 home a day!
11 BONNY BRANCH ST
10438 CRESTWATER CIR
Our supply cannot keep up with the demand of buyer's looking for homes in the Woodlands area. Please call us TODAY to meet and discuss how we can get your home sold.
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Established 2005 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER
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 Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES June 2015
68
Home & Lifestyle 58
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IS AN EXCELLENT VEHICLE Performance and safety combine with comfort and tech
60
“PAW-TEREST” YOUR PET PHOTOS Our favorite purr-fect pet photos from readers
65
CONROE NATIVE MAKES HISTORY Author Robin Montgomery is a man of many adventures
68
ADOBE AMERICANA City dwelling reflects couple’s love of lodge design Cover photo by Miro Dvorscak
76
DESIGN STARS SHARE THEIR BEST-LOVED LOOKS Tips to achieve your own superior interiors!
87
IT’S ALL IN STORE AND ON THE FLOOR See what trends are underfoot
103
IMMUNIZE — ON TIME, EVERY TIME Parents need to be mindful of their child’s immunization status
20
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES June 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 Dafiti
52
THE EDITOR’S PICKS Fun suggestions from Linda Anderson
87
52
BOOKS New releases with something for everyone
56
DISCOVERIES Unique finds for your home and lifestyle
58
NEW AUTOS See the new Mercedes-Benz GLA and Infiniti QX80
66
ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Flowers Speak Volumes in Fine Art
96
HEALTH & WELL-BEING Can Cosmetic Surgery Make You More Likeable and Radiotherapy After Prostate Cancer Surgery Declining
104
WINE Great finds at all prices
106
76
THE WOODLANDS DINING GUIDE Eat out somewhere special tonight!
108
MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Allison & Clark
114
TRAVEL Fly Fishing Paradise
Special Promotions 55 84 92 98 102 119
Gifts for Dads & Grads Interior Detail Resources Home Improvement Resources Look and Feel Your Best Family Health Progress and Growth
118
BUSINESS BRIEFS Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders
126
AROUND TOWN Activities and news around The Woodlands
131
CAMPUS Read about the achievements of area schools and students
136
BACK WHEN... Birthplace of the Texas Flag
22
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
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Special June Thomas Pheasant for
Sale!
Meredith O’Donnell Fine Fu rn itu re, Accessories & R u g s 1751 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056-3969 Phone: 713-526-7332 • www.meredithodonnell.com
Exotic Wings Productions
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Sonny ‘The Birdman’ Carlin will perform with trained macaws and other exotic bird species at The Woodlands Children’s Museum on June 17.
For The Birds: Learn About Feathered Friends At The Woodlands Children’s Museum The Woodlands Children’s Museum invites children to spread their wings and spend a day learning about all things feathered. Sonny “The Birdman” Carlin from Exotic Wings Productions will bring macaws and other exotic bird species to the stage for three colorful, interactive, child-friendly and entertaining performances. The shows are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 at the museum, which is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280 in The Woodlands. Carlin has spent the past 15 to 20 years training exotic birds to do unique tricks, such as ride a unicycle, carry a flag and fly on command. He travels the U.S. performing theatrical shows and making appearances. “You won’t want to miss a performance by Sonny the Birdman,” Angela Colton, the museum’s executive director, said. “He and his feathered friends put on quite a show. It’s entertaining and educational.” The performances are included in the cost of admission, which is $5 per person 2
24
years and older. The Woodlands Children’s Museum offers a full calendar of exciting activities and a number of outreach programs for the community, including Storybook Theatre, Dr. J’s Experimental Science and Lego Time. Visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955 to learn more about the museum, its hours of operation and ways to support the nonprofit.
KNITTING/CROCHETING MEETS AT BUSH LIBRARY ON FRIDAYS The knitting, crocheting and conversation group meets every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott meeting room at the Barbara Bush Library. Help make lap blankets for veterans and chemo caps for MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. Bring items for a soldier including playing cards, books, toiletries or hard candy. For information, call 281-376-4610. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
ADULT/SENIOR GAMES, WEDNESDAYS Senior citizens can take a mid-week break at the Barbara Bush Library to enjoy games and conversation. Adult Game Mornings are held in the Robin Bush Children’s Activity Room from 10:00 a.m.noon on Wednesdays. Rummikube and Domino games are ongoing, or bring your own games. Meet new friends or bring a friend. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring. Call 281-376-4610 for more information.
CHANGE FOR CHARITY PROGRAM AT MARKET STREET The “Change for Charity” program is an ongoing effort which encourages shoppers to deposit change into one of 68 non-governed parking meters within the shopping and entertainment destination. Every quarter, nickel and dime is metered to better the community and benefit a different organization every three months. Since its inception in 2005, the Change for Charity program has raised more than $75,000 for local nonprofit organizations. For information, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.
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JAZZY JUNQUE STORE
The Illusionists - Witness The Impossible, June 2-6 The Illusionists - Witness The Impossible, the world’s best-selling touring magic show, comes to Houston for the first time as part of a 20-city U.S. tour. Presented by Society for the Performing Arts, the seven performances will take place at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. and will be held Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Having shattered box office records around the world and on Broadway, The Illusionists - Witness The Impossible is now coming to captivate Houston. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionThe cast of The Illusionists. ists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, Tickets range from $23-$78 and can be purchased online at spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4SPA or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella dances back into Houston.
TUTS presents Cinderella, Through June 7 Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, June 26–June 7 at The Hobby Center for Performing Arts–Sarofim Hall, 800 Bagby St. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that delights audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love — the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more — plus some surprising new twists. Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes. For tickets and information, visit tuts.com or call 713-558-TUTS (8887).
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe. Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of the original cost. Jazzy Junque is seeking donations of unwanted furniture, home accessories, housewares, infant/children’s items, art, garden/patio items, jewelry, boutique clothing, collectibles and antiques. The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can also enjoy coffee drinks from the coffee bar, which will be manned by residents of New Danville. Proceeds benefit New Danville, a master-planned community for adults with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Donations can be dropped off at Outlets of Conroe by appointment, or arranged to be picked up by calling 936-441-4500 or emailing info@jazzyjunque.org.
EVENTS AT MITCHELL LIBRARY Events for all ages are offered at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library in The Woodlands. Family Storytime is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. This story program is for children birth-4 years and a caregiver with an emphasis on stories and activities for toddlers. This program emphasizes early literacy skills and is a great way to meet other families with young children. Designed for children ages 3 and up, Story Club is held Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Children are introduced to new authors and illustrators and develop literacy skills, listening, thinking, participation and social skills. For more information about The Fiction Book Club for Adults, contact Emily Osburn at Emily.Osburn@countylibrary.org. Participants in the Teen Anime Club view a current anime production, talk about their favorite anime/manga series and feast on snacks. The club is for ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.
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Your home is your biggest investment, Why not capitalize on it?
Welcome to studio H+H architects, your local Woodlands Architect. Over 20 years experience in Residential and Commercial Design. From Traditional to Transitional to Modern, let us transform your dream into a reality.
REMODEL
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
WINE & FOOD WEEK 2015, JUNE 1-7 IN THE WOODLANDS Houston's Wine & Food Week, the region's largest and most comprehensive wine and food celebration drawing culinary masters and wine experts from around the world, is scheduled for June 17. This year’s theme is "The Design of Wine," all things fashionable in food, wine and fashion. Houston's first James Beard Award Winner, Robert Del Grande, is this year's inductee into the Wine & Food Week Chef of Chefs Hall of Fame. Del Grande will host a dinner in May at his signature restaurant RDG + Bar Annie, and take part in the Grand Tasting. In addition, Fashion Chef Charlotte Neuville will serve as Wizard Gourmet for the weeklong festivities. Wine & Food Week hosts scores of events with more than 500 wines, 50 restaurants, legendary wine producers and culinary personalities. For more information, visit wineandfoodweek.com.
WOMEN ON A MISSION TO EARN COMMISSION LUNCH MEETINGS, JUNE 3 AND 17 Women On A Mission To Earn Commission is a premier networking group designed to appeal to the businesswoman who is already successful and simply wants to grow her business. It is not designed for commissioned sales people only, rather, any strong female who wants to increase her company’s bottom line and overall revenue. We want to attract women who have achieved success and do not need to be taught, but rather have the knowledge to teach each other on a social and interpersonal level. The group’s philosophy is not to compete with any other networking organization, but instead to offer a pure social, stress-free networking atmosphere, where women can simply be women. WOAMTEC also offers a networking opportunity where women can focus on keeping their priorities in order of faith, family, career without feeling guilty about it! WOAMTEC meetings are the first and third Wednesday of every month from 11:30 am - 1 p.m. at Amerigos Grille, 25250 Grogan’s Park Drive in The Woodlands. For more information, visit woamtech.com or call 866-757-2611.
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LYNDA BENTLEY, PC ATTORNEY AT LAW
Family Law Former Judge 32 Years Experience
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
Summer workshop options abound at The Woodlands Children’s Museum.
SUMMER WORKSHOPS AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, STARTING JUNE 8 The Woodlands Children’s Museum is offering 11 individual weeks of summer workshops beginning June 8. Morning and/or afternoon sessions are offered for children ages 4 to 10 who like to paint, draw and sculpt. For 4-year-olds, the museum will offer “A Box of Ideas,” which explores the creative process around cardboard boxes as well as “Stamp Your Art Out,” which encourages experimentation with handmade stamps. Other options include “Storybook Art” and “Young at Art.” For budding artists ages 5 to 8, “ARTrageous Workshops” may be the key to a fun-filled summer. Enroll your child in “Art Around the World,” “Crazy about Cultures,” “Discovering Great Artists,” “Mask Mania,” “Paper Antics,” or “Scientifically ARTrageous.” “We’ve created a full line-up of creative educational workshops this summer,” said Angela Colton, executive director of The Woodlands Children’s Museum. “Children will enjoy exploring various media – and discovering new artistic inspiration.” On Friday, July 10, children 7 years and under (accompanied by a parent) are invited to help celebrate the fifth anniversary of The Children’s Museum. Have a slice of birthday cake and enjoy a day of birthday-themed art and fun activities. The museum is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280, in The Woodlands. To reserve a space and learn more about times and costs of workshops offered, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955.
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POOLS SPAS OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS Ask us about our Extended LifeTime Warranty!
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Come Visit Our Showroom 1701 Highway 6 S. Houston, TX 18623 Kuykendahl just north of Louetta www.richardstbs.com 713-777-7665
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CLASS ACT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS MARY POPPINS, JUNE 10-19 Class Act Productions will be performing Mary Poppins July 10-19 at the Nancy Bock Center for Performing Arts, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands. One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a musical. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it." Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of story, songs, dance numbers, and stagecraft. For information on tickets and performance times, visit classactproductions.org.
AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, THIRD THURSDAY The Tomball Charter Chapter American Business Women’s Association holds its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of the month at Tomball College Conference Center, 13310 Tomball Pkwy in Tomball. Networking begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Men are also invited to attend and join. The cost is $15, members; and $18, nonmembers. To RSVP, email vbutler@bjservices.com. The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.
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thE Woodlands childrEn’s MusEuM
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Kids will be entertained by three magicians all day and participate in magic-themed art projects.
“Magic day” at the woodlands children’s MuseuM, june 12 The Woodlands Children’s Museum is dedicating a day to magic – filling the schedule with magical learning experiences and exciting feats of illusion. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at the museum located at 4775 West Panther Creek Drive. “Childhood and magic go hand-in-hand,” Angela Colton, executive director of the museum, said. “Our goal is to present events that send children on a journey of discovery – and Magic Day is the perfect opportunity.” Local magicians Scott Hollingsworth, Professor Hughdini and David Hinkin will provide entertainment, and children may also participate in magic-themed art projects, such as making magic hats and wands. A special disappearing ink science demonstration is also planned for the day. The cost of the Magic Day event is included in the cost of museum admission, which is $5 for ages 2 and older. Museum members and children younger than 2 are admitted without charge. For more information about Magic Day and other events at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, call 281-465-0955 or visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.
MEMORIAL HERMANN SUPPORT GROUPS Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital provides a variety of free support groups including Mended Hearts, cancer education, cancer nutrition, yoga for cancer survivors, diabetes, stroke, weight-loss surgery and Mothers of Multiples. For more information on meetings, call 713-222CARE or click on the “Events and Classes” link under the “Patients & Caregivers” tab at memorialhermann.org.
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FEAST OF ARTISANS FARMERS’ MARKET NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS The Feast of Artisans Farmers’ Market is now held in two locations: on the first Saturday of the month at B-52 Brewing, 12470 Milroy Lane in Conroe, and on the third Friday of the month at Southern Star Brewing Company 1207 N. FM 3083 East in Conroe. The Friday evening market is open from 4-9 p.m. and the Saturday afternoon market is open from 1-4 p.m. For more information visit feastofartisans.com or the Feast of Artisans Facebook page.
WOMEN HELPING WOMEN 2 NETWORK MEETING, JUNE 16 On Tuesday, June 16 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. Monthly luncheons 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 brick-and-mortar businesses; access to all 10 WHW2N groups throughout Houston; guest blogging on a new website that links to your business; and a 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 their Facebook page.
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We can help you retain as much of your assets as the law allows.
Wright Abshire, Attorneys has dedicated its practice to helping families finance long-term care for their loved ones without losing their life savings. Additionally, the firm coordinates governmental benefits, administers guardianships, prepares wills, trusts and advance directives, probates wills and administers estates.
HOUSTON OFFICE
4949 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 Phone 713-660-9595 Principal Office
FAYETTE COUNTY OFFICE
THE WOODLANDS OFFICE
1055 Deer Haven Rd. Carmine, Texas 78932 Phone 979-278-4095
3117 College Park Dr. Ste. 240 The Woodlands, Texas 77384 Phone 936-273-2773
By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available
By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available
Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire are Certified as Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation and Accredited Attorneys by the Veterans Administration. They are both Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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INDEPENDENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT LOCATED IN THE WOODLANDS
father’s day weekend events at the san Luis resort, June 19-21
Independent Investment Management designed to protect and grow your wealth. 10200 Grogan’s Mill Road, Suite 340 | The Woodlands, TX 77380 | (281) 298-2700
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Celebrate Dad at The San Luis during the Father’s Day Weekend Big Splash Bash. Dad can start the weekend by enjoying a tequila tasting at H2o Ultra Lounge on Friday, June 19. Soak up the sun on Saturday during the Big Splash cannonball competition, where the winning dad will take home a golf bag! Prep for the Dads-only hula hoop contest with $5 draft beer from Houston-based breweries, St. Arnolds and Karbach. After working up an appetite, families are invited to enjoy a manly poolside feast of brisket and sausage. Dads are invited to wind down their day with a Gentleman’s Escape spa package consisting of a 60-minute sports pedicure, a 60-minute hot stone massage and complimentary Shiner beer from Spa San Luis. Finish off a fantastic weekend with brunch fit for Dad! On Sunday morning, Blake’s Bistro Big Bites Breakfast will serve glazed ribs, prime rib, chicken cordon bleu, a bloody mary and michelada bar, and all of Dad’s classic breakfast favorites from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For information or reservations, call 409-744-1500 or visit sanluisresort.com.
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AchieveBalance.org is a group of mental health professionals providing excellent, affordable counseling services for couples, individuals and groups. In addition to counseling by appointment, they also provide some great, free online resources. These resources are specifically: “Help Me Help My Teen,” “Surviving an Affair” and “30 Day Transformation.” The office is located at Regus Office Suites at Market Street, Ste. 8210. For more information, call 936-6972822 or go to achievebalance.org.
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2611 Interstate 45 North Spring, TX 7730 www.woodlandsunique.com 832.246.8848
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LSW515
Internationally renowned best-selling author, television host and multiple Emmy-award winner Anthony Bourdain has scheduled a July 8 appearance at Jones Hall for his “Close to the Bone” tour. Bourdain serves audiences an all new live show featuring an unyielding, brutally honest monologue reflecting on diverse culture, street cuisine and his travels to lesser-known locations around the world, followed by an open Q&A session. Currently filming the hit CNN original series Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, Bourdain brings audiences a menu loaded with lots of laughs, serious discussions and unapologetic irreverence. “I want to open the book on what I’ve learned seeking the road UN-traveled – more than I get to show you on television,” says Bourdain. The Peabody Award winner, known for getting the most out of his interview subjects who often reveal deep insights to him about local food, culture and their homeland, will have no shortage of stories and unfettered opinions to share with his audiences. Bourdain is the author of the bestselling Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, a candid, hysterical, and sometimes shocking portrait of life in restaurant kitchens that has been translated into more than 28 languages – as well as the travel journal, A Cook’s Tour, the non-fiction Medium Raw, three crime novels, a cookbook, a biography of Typhoid Mary, the bestselling graphic novel Get Jiro!, and others. The sequel to Get Jiro!, entitled Get Jiro: Blood and Sushi, will be published in October. Tickets can be purchased at spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4772 or at the ticket office at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St.
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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
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Dear Readers,
With the kick-off of summer comes one of our area’s premier events, “Wine and Food Week The Woodlands” presented by H-E-B taking place June 1-7. Come stroll Market Street on June 4 for the annual Wine Walk or join one of the most spectacular wine and culinary events in the country, the “Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase,” on Saturday the 6th at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Rendezvouers will view live Chef demonstrations, observe serious Chefs as they compete for the judges’ vote for the prestigious Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award, and watch the battle of renowned pastry Chefs for the Just Desserts Award. More than 500 wines will be offered for tasting! Check out the complete schedule at wineandfoodweek.com. Keep me posted on your upcoming events — drop me a line at missyherndon@yahoo.com, so you too can be “Scene in The Woodlands!” Please be sure to send photos original size (do not reduce for email) and include the names of all people.
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Betting on Courage Casino Night & Dinner Children’s Safe Harbor recently held its annual casino night dinner and fundraiser themed “Betting On Courage” at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. More than $285,000 was raised for the charity’s capital campaign. Children’s Safe Harbor is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center whose mission is to enhance and protect the life of every child who has the courage to battle sexual or severe physical abuse. 1) (L-R) Victoria Constance, MSPH, Ph.D., executive director of Children’s Safe Harbor, Vincent Santini, Assistant District Attorney-Montgomery County, and Susan Becker 2) Mary Neskora (second left), gala co-chair and CSH board member, with family 3) (L-R) Ryan and Holly Gruy with Marion Franke 4) Dan Michalk and Judge Lisa Michalk with Ron Leach, director of Montgomery County Juvenile Probation and CSH board president 5) (L-R) Dr. John and Jennifer Bulovas with Honey and Rex Tucker 6) Honorees Gary Becker and Susan Becker of The Becker Family Foundation 7) Russ Grimm with Byron and Leslie Ellis 8) Stan Liles, San Jacinto Child Welfare Board, and Lou Liles, CPS supervisor, with Nancy Williams, San Jacinto Child Welfare Board 9) Gala committee members: (top) gala co-chairs Mary Neskora and Sally Toppe; (bottom) Cindy Irwin, Ali May, Sharon Wade, Susan Becker, Vicki McShan, Andi Fry, Kelsi Walker, Donna Franke, Marion Franke, Catherine Canavan, Dana Salloon, Karen Northcutt, Holly Gruy and Liz Grimm 10) Lisa and Larry Powers
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Warrior Derby Gala
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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777
Warrior Derby Gala It was a hat affair at the recent “Warrior Derby Gala” benefiting The Woodlands Christian Academy. The event raised an incredible $2.6 million at its annual auction dinner, held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The proceeds will be used to construct a state-of-the-art eight-lane, 400-meter track, add synthetic turf to the football field and construct stadium seating on the school’s campus. The Woodlands Christian Academy is an independent, PreK-12th grade, college preparatory school in The Woodlands. 1) Head of School Julie Ambler and Richie Ray of Richie’s Pharmacy, presenting sponsor of the Warrior Derby Gala 2) (L-R) Warrior Derby Gala Event Chairs: Nicole Leppert, Robin Bennett, Laura Everson, Amy Young, Tania Bryngelson, Gayle Brand, Julie Ambler (head of school), Jen McDonald, Amy Torres, Candi Guilbeau, Kellie Armstrong (Director of Development) 3) (L-R) Rob and Elvira Cauthen, Jason nd Angie Blake, Nicole and Will Murphy 4) (L-R) Steve and Gayle Brand, Mari and Larry Harvey, Alison and Vernon Veldekens 5) Robin and Mark Bennett 6) Dr. Serge and Anne Marie Awasum 7) Julia Ambler and GJ Snyder 8) Stephanie and Will Perry
8) (L-R) Nicole Leppert, Brandi with Danny Watterson and George Leppert 10) (L-R) Ron and Darin Mittelstaedt with Candi Guilbeau, Bruce and Diane Kink
Giving Goes Glam VIP The fourth annual Giving Goes Glam: A Gorgeous Excuse to do Something Good Fashion Show VIP, was recently held at the BMW Houston North showroom in The Woodlands. The event, hosted by the Junior League of The Woodlands (JLTW) and Interfaith of The Woodlands, celebrated the sponsors and underwriters of the highly successful fundraiser luncheon, featuring Saks Fifth Avenue. The Woodlands Mall and Market Street The Woodlands were the presenting sponsors of the 2015 event. 1) (L-R) Julia Dell, Alison Henderson, Lonny Soza, Cindy Heiser and Dr. Ann Snyder 2) Tony and Amy Torres 3) Rob and Angela Banzhaf 4) Vicki and Michael Richmond 5) Wes and Jenny Coyle 6) Sean and DeAnn Guidry 7) JoAnne Johnson and Cathy Cole 8) Susie and Jeff Shipley 9) Bret and Angela Strong 10) Janine Jones, Melissa Rothe and Maria Bergh ➝
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TRY TO LEAVE YOUR MARK
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Style }file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
DAFITI Latin America’s largest online fasion retailer has launched its own fashion collection, the Dafiti Collection, and signed Brazilian models Alessandra Ambrósio and Marlon Teixera to embody the style of the brand. The main focus of the Dafiti Collection is to position the e-commerce business as a fashion authority in the domestic market. With a fast-fashion perspective combined with a concept of smart fashion, Dafiti Collection has eight lines in a variety of styles, encompassing nearly 8,000 products which range from clothing to footwear in the autumn/winter collection. dafiti.com
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Style }file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
Give him an unforgettable Father’s Day
DAFITI W I L L I A M H E N R Y. C O M 50
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Summer 2015 Collection
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the Editor’s
Picks Linda Anderson
Kittens Chihuahua Protects
a Charlie, the Chihuahu kitsteps in to protect the s big tens from this curiou black puppy. 3MUhirsQ .com/watch?v=vnF https://www.youtube yles & Homes! est Lif th wi eo vid Share your om styles-magazines.c email to: Linda@life
Follow Us On
On pinterest.com/LifestyleMags
Grilled Potatoes These delicious and easy to make grilled potatoes are great for summer cookouts.
THE MEANING OF LIFE Authentic personal relationships in life are essential to our well-being. In Robert R. Ball’s new book, Being With: Maybe This Is What Life Is All About, he reveals the profound meanings contained within the simple phrase “being with.” On the basis of both modern psychology and extensive Biblical references, this little phrase points to and expresses the fullest realization of our authentic humanity and our most compelling hopes and dreams.
CREATIVE INDOOR PLANTING
Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake Summer peaches and blueberries never looked so good!
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Indoor plants play a large role in the design and feel of a space. And for anyone without a yard or other outdoor space, indoor plants are a way to stay connected to nature. Living with indoor plants is a way to create a more calming
and natural environment in your home or workplace, which can be beneficial to your mind-set, health and overall well-being. From the owners of the successful and stylish Sprout Home gardening stores comes Rooted in Design, a full-color guide that focuses on the joy of choosing, caring for and displaying indoor plants.
WHICH CITY WINS? With a self-described dual citizenship in both Houston and Dallas, and a son in each, Carolyn Kneese set out to determine the basis of the age-old rivalry between Texas’ two biggest cities. What is it about each place that makes its citizens so proud? In Bragging Rights, she teamed up with Lynn Ashby and John DeMers, respected journalists who have worked both towns, and surveyed the people
who make each town great. What emerges is a celebration of the similarities and differences between Houston and Dallas in the voices of its people.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Plenish: Juices to Boost, Cleanse & Heal by Karen Rosen is a collection of juice recipes and cleanse programs for detox, wellbeing and vitality. Because you are what you eat, consuming fresh, raw juices is a delicious way to flood your body with nutrients, cleanse your system and cure your ills. Plenish shows you how to make over 50 expertly formulated juice blends that help detox, heal your body naturally, fuel your system, fight disease, promote mind and body wellness and lose weight in the process.
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Father’s Day Sale
Enabling All Families & Friends to Share Priceless Times Together, One Game Room at a Time.
I-45 North 26419 I-45 The Woodlands, Woodlands, TX TX 77380 The sigtheater.com sigtheater .com BILLIARDFACTORY.COM BILLIARDFACTORY.COM 281-681-8809 888-647-6611 | F Four our Hous Houston ton Locations Locations | $$867,1 ʔ '$//$6 ʔ +286721 ʔ 6$1 $1721,2 867,1 ʔ '$//$6 ʔ +286721 ʔ 6$1 $1721,2
PARTICULAR PRESERVES Preservation Society founder and recipe book author Camilla Wynne offers 100 modern recipes in her new book Preservation Society Home Preserves. With recipes for preserves that are amusing, creative and simply mouthwatering, her experience of working with some of the top chefs in the industry is reflected in these pages.Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll be comfortable making these recipes, which feature reliable, easy-to-follow, up-to-date preserving instructions, information and full color images.
PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME
— JUNE SPECIALS —
10% OFF TILE CLEANS Coupon must be rendered with payment. Exp 6-30-15
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In Colorful Stitchery: 65 Embroidery Projects to Personalize Your Home, Kristen Nicholas gives inspiration and encouragement to add exuberance to every room in the house. Nicholas’ collection opens with pillow covers in dancing colors on unexpected patterns and fabrics, such as stripes and plaids, velvets and corduroys. For kitchens, she offers a joyfully polka-dotted tea cozy or jewel-bright, purchased napkins and tablecloth creatively stitched with floral motifs. Many projects feature fabrics from flea markets and thrift shops, with complete how-tos for every design.
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CHEER THE GRAD. HONOR DAD.
GALVESTON ISLAND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU The siren song of breaking waves draws visitors to Galveston Island’s beaches generation after generation. Warm breezes and year-round temperate seas complement the city’s rich historic districts, unique attractions, and bustling shops. Galveston’s relaxed island atmosphere is only 50 minutes from Houston, yet a world away in spirit. Contact them today to plan the perfect island getaway. (Local) 409-797-5145 (Toll-free) 866-505-4456 ext. 145 info@galvestoncvb.com
SAN LUIS RESORT GALVESTON Celebrate Dad at The San Luis during the Father’s Day Weekend Big Splash Bash June 19-21! Over the course of the weekend, the resort will host a series of Dadfriendly activities, including a tequila tasting, a dad’s only hula hoop contest with $5 draft beers, a poolside sausage and brisket dinner, a gentleman’s spa package and an elaborate Sunday brunch at Blake’s Bistro. 409-744-1500 SanLuisResort.com 5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston
A D V E R T I S I N G
PLANET LINCOLN THE BILLIARD FACTORY The Billiard Factory is a family owned company that remains committed to offering customers a large, diverse product line from the top manufacturers in the home game room industry. They continually search for ways to best serve the needs of their customers through diversity and quality products, as well as superior service. Save 20% on service. 281-444-5740 billiardfactory.com.
WILLIAM HENRY William Henry is an American luxury brand devoted to the vision of creating superlative functional jewelry: crafting collections that seamlessly integrate form and function into exquisite pieces that belong to a category all their own. Pocketknives, bracelets, money clips, key chains, cufflinks, pens featuring exotic materials like fossil dinosaur, Mammoth or aerospace titanium. Whether you find them at a jeweler or their website, this brand is definitely men’s idea of jewelry. Call them or find them online. 888-563-4500 williamhenry.com
Tired of giving dad cologne? Wow him with a new truck or car from Planet Lincoln! The brand new showroom is very inviting and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. This year there are many new models including “Black Label,’’ a completely new way to customize your new vehicle. 800-261-0736 PlanetLincoln.com 20403 I-45 North, Spring
PERSONAL GOLF PRODUCTS Make golf more comfortable with your Personal Golf Products. Stay cool in the summer heat with the Personal Golf Fan’s 20 mph breeze. Comfortably carry all your belongings with the Personal Golf Tote. Never have to search for a tee again when using the Personal Golf Tee Holder. Visit the website for more information. PersonalGolfProducts.com
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ONE-OF-A-KIND DESIGNS This new line of interior and outdoor furniture is made from reclaimed tropical fishing boats. These one-of-a-kind, colorful and sustainable designs have been carefully sanded by expert craftsmen to reveal a rainbow of glorious colors peeled away from a rich and colorful past life spent at sea. The resulting furniture is highly durable and water-resistant, finished with an organic, semi-gloss outdoor varnish. wearecochic.com
HIGHBALL GLASSES All-American style. This 8-piece set of acrylic highball glasses from Martha Stewart Collection features an allover fruit motif paired with standout patterned backgrounds featuring stars, stripes and polka dots. macys.com
DRAWER ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEM Now the inside of your kitchen drawers can look just as nice as the outside of your kitchen. The DrawerDecor system is a sleek way to custom organize your kitchen drawers with modern style and a splash of color. No more utensils sliding and banging around inside your drawers. Organize your drawers and put everything in its place. kmnhome.com
HANDLED MEDITERRANEAN JAR Inspired by the vessels used in the Mediterranean for transporting grain, wine and olives for centuries, this handsome jar is artisan-crafted and imbued with a weathered finish that evokes ancient stone. restorationhardware.com
PARIS BAR STOOL Create the allure of a French sidewalk cafĂŠ with this charming and comfortable Paris Bistro Barstool. These colorful chairs derive their authentic look from a strong bent rattan frame and a neatly handwoven, all-weather seat and back. frontgate.com
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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. 6001-LHWD-JUN 0515-PA-7957
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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com
Mercedes-Benz GLA and Infiniti QX80
Mercedes-Benz GLA | Starting price: $31,300
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ith a base price of $31,300, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has but one task: to capture the conquest customer. In the automotive world, that means going after first-time small luxury SUV shoppers. That’s no small task with stiff competition from the likes of the Lexus NX, Audi Q3 and BMW X1. So, how does the GLA do it? It starts off by borrowing sleek design cues from its sister sedan, the CLA-class. Its long nose and swept-back roofline are more reminiscent of a sport sedan, so that the car-like side of this crossover’s personality shines through more strongly than its utilitarian personality. That is, until you get to the rear hatch. It does offer 17.2 cubic feet of interior cargo space behind the rear
seats, which allows one to appreciate that utilitarian side. Fold the seats down, and cargo space expands to 43.6 cubic feet, impressive for a vehicle with such a small exterior footprint. Rear passengers also get more headroom than in the sedan. Standard luxury features include 18-inch twin 5-spoke wheels, a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, tinted windows, and a 4.5 inch color instrument display. Tack on another $2,300 and you’ll start to see things like leather heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. As most entry-level luxury utes go, most GLAs will come outfitted with upgrade packages straight from the factory. The GLA’s 2.0-liter turbo charged engine does come with a healthy dose of zip.
Germans often take a no-nonsense approach to life and that is reflected in the 7speed automatic transmission. Mated together, the GLA’s powertrain delivers 208 horsepower and gets 25/35 mpg city/highway. It accelerates quickly, clocking 0-60 in 6.4 respectable seconds. That means you’re going to merge onto the freeway quite easily and you’ll feel right at home in traffic. The GLA rides on a 4-wheel independent suspension, which translates into a soft, but not wallowy, ride. The seats’ side bolsters are a nice touch, reminiscent once again of a sport sedan. As a driver, you’ll feel more connected to the driving experience, which is always a good thing if you’re a driving enthusiast, and even if you’re not. With a little push on the throttle the vehicle responds instantly, but doesn’t abuse you for doing so. This compact crossover offers an easy-to-drive personality but is certainly not bland in any way. Besides, with dramatic exterior styling, this Mercedes gets you where you’re going with flair. Standard safety features are plentiful, including 10-way airbag protection, brake assist, collision prevention assist plus, and a tire pressure monitoring system. So, with sleek styling, a zippy powertrain, and enough features to woo new generations of Mercedes customers, the GLA-class is single-minded in its task. It has some tough competition, but that is what will keep this category a popular one for years to come.
Infiniti QX80 | Starting price: $64,245
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here are always people out there who wonder if the era of the big SUV is over. Crossovers were the answer. Then hybrids. Then crossover hybrids. And yet, full-size SUVs remain some of the best-selling automobiles on the road today. Case in point: the Infiniti QX80. Formerly known as the QX56, this luxury liner is larger than a Tahoe, more opulent, and in some cases, less expensive. For 2015, the QX80 gets an updated look front and rear, as well as new 22-inch alumi-num wheels. A redesigned upper grille and a new open-mouth lower grille certainly add to the elegance of this large SUV. With LED lights all the way around, the exterior boasts a modern finish. Completing the look, the
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new front bumper houses sensors for the adaptive cruise control and front collision warning system. Inside, the QX80 is spacious, comfortable, and oh-so posh. The interior
gets a few re-finements for the new model year. A well-laid out center stack is trimmed in wood and brushed chrome accents. The Deluxe Technology Package includes elements you might
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expect, such as a 15-speaker Bose surround-sound system, new Stratford Burl wood trim, and adaptive front lighting, plus something you might not — a climate-control system with auto recirculation, a Plasmacluster air purifier, and a grape polyphenol filter. With seating for seven, there’s plenty of leather-trimmed legroom for everyone. Second-row passengers also enjoy dual video screens, located in the front seat headrests. The powertrain remains unchanged from the previous model: a robust and beefy 5.6-liter V-8 which delivers 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this beast is a 7-speed automatic transmission driving either the rear or, optionally, all four wheels. And while the interior of the QX80 feels like a luxury yacht, it is also capable of towing a small yacht itself — that is, as long as whatever is you’re towing doesn’t exceed 8,500 pounds. The QX80 rides on a full-size truck frame, so while the ride will never be car-like, it does come pretty close thanks to Infiniti's Hydraulic Motion Body Control System. In short, the system distributes force to either the outer or inner suspension using hydraulic fluid to keep the vehicle vertically straight and the ride smooth. Also new this year is the QX80 Limited, for those who need, well, more. Infiniti says the Limited is akin to a mobile man cave: dark chrome trim and wheels, three exclusive colors, ash wood trim for the interior, and leather finished in “Truffle Brown.” In addition, all of the option packages will be standard on the Limited. Overall, the Infiniti QX80 is a luxury SUV that will attract the attention of the upscale buyer. It’s large, so it has plenty of space for people and cargo. It’s also luxurious enough for commutes into the heart of the city. Pricing starts at $64,245. For more information on these models, visit mycardata.com.
Toyota Highlander is an Excellent Vehicle Performance and safety combine with comfort and tech
The Buzz: Among its other accolades, the Toyota Highlander earned a “2015 Best 3-Row Midsize SUV for Families” from U.S. News and World Report for its “best combination of interior space, safety and reliability ratings and available family-friendly features in its class.” The magazine also gave the Toyota Highlander a No. 2 ranking in the Affordable Midsize SUVs and Affordable Crossover SUVs categories. Autoblog, Consumer Guide and Kelley Blue Book also commend the vehicle for its roomy seating and headroom for up to eight people, generous cabin storage and a quiet, comfortable ride. Safety: It ranks as a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Highlander is built with the Star Safety System™, a suite of six active safety features for stability, traction and breaking control. It features turn-by-turn navigation, a back-up camera and eight airbags. The interior is nice-looking, comfortable and quiet, with air vents for all rows, storage spaces that include a center console that holds oversized items and USB charging. Upgrade to Platinum for the panoramic moon roof. The Highlander has less overall cargo space than several competitors, with 83.7 cubic feet. Still, the vehi-
cle has grown by approximately 3 inches in length and one-half inch width. That incremental widening is actually advantageous: a golf bag can lie flat without having to rest against some part of the interior, as in previous models. Standard features include hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and Toyota's Entune infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touch screen. Available upgrades offer the Entune system with an 8-inch touch screen, a 12speaker audio system and Driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver's voice to the rear passengers. The ride: The vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission that reviewers say is responsive and shifts well. Three engines are offered: a 2.7-liter four cylinder with front-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V-6 with frontor all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid. The hybrid gets better gas mileage (27 city/28 highway mpg) but the others get at least 18/24 mpg. The standard four-cylinder engine has good power, but the V6 provides greater acceleration. Price ranges from $29,655 to $47,300. Compared with its competitors, this is an excellent value for a stylish, comfortable, technological and safe vehicle with good gas mileage. l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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Paw-terest Sylvester
Lina DIY Star Wars costumes Mertle
Come on... break out of that shell. LOL!!
Lola Mardi Gras is here! Chica
Faaaaabulous!!!!
Spud
You’re a REAL party animal!
10 drinks that reduce hairballs Penny
Flounder
Very pretty
Blowing bubbles is ALWAYS fun!
Prince Mittens
Looks refreshing
Doug
Ugh! Cats are so pretentious!
Secrets to feeling well-rested Garfield
Leah
Looking chic!
Sammy
The ol’ lasagna hangover
Lulu
5 steps to hypnotize your prey
Zita and Dulce Are your allergies ready for bluebonnet season? Leah
Adorable!
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How to pose for pictures like a model Doug
Lookin’ good
Tweety
You blinked!!!!
Jaws
Whoa! I have to admit... that’s pretty scary
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Paw-terest Salsa and Chips
Bella
Oh BEE-have! Tips to recognize suspicious characters Tweety
I DO NOT want to see what you two pollinate! Bwahaha!!!
Puff-Puff
Ikko 8 ways to be merrier this year
BEE-autiful!
Max
Oh, don’t be such a Grinch!
Bikini-proof your body now
Shady
Puff Puff
You look NUTS!!!!
I’m so jealous!
Bart
That tan...I think you were out in the sun too long. Bwahaha!!!!
Brandy (dog) and Whiskey (cat) 20 steps to just get along with one another
Hailey
Tiger
You guys look like my litter box... pooped!
Cocoa
Aaaaaaaawwwww!!!!!
Maddie My favorite inexpensive stress relief techniques
Bandit (Pics) Cuteness defined!
Dulce, Maxi, Dora, Zita and Schnee
Tigger Fun craft projects using newspaper Snoopy
Places to shop for your next family living room furniture
Looking for someone? :-)
Summer stylin’ Scoobie
I must admit. That’s a pretty good disguise.
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Paw-terest Josie
Norkie Top 10 movie night snacks!
Wesley
16 yoga poses that enhance your lives Shamu
That’s a cool trick!
Taco
“I’m the most interesting dog in the world” Hahaha!!!
Gideon
Rex
Ick! Disgusting what dogs put their mouths on!
Congrats!!!! 2015 dogitarian award winner Goku
Junie and Daisy
Find the mustache look that fits YOU! (25 photos)
The no fail way of begging for food_with pics
What to look for in your next luxury dog house
Bentley
Candy Cane Pack like a professional Sylvester
You’ll never find that darn bird in there... rookie!
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Create your very own bone-burying garden today! Leah
Pretty
Louie Get your great summer look Chica
You look too cool!
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Paw-terest Lola Belle
Proper pool party etiquette Daffy
I can’t recognize Jenny after her plastic surgery either.
Chiquita
Kitty
Fun holiday accessory ideas
Quick and easy refinishing of your dining room furniture
Tweety
Lassie
Ho! Ho! Ho-larious!!!
Hey, beats being stuck in a well! Lulz!
Menino Bella Techniques to conquer car sickness
Hurley and Buffy
75 fun outdoor activities that do not involve a ball
Tyson and Shiner How to play ‘king of the hill’ Xxxxxx
Leo Apollo
Listen up! 9 reasons you must listen to your master Inspirational quotes to brighten your day
Grandma Wolf
Oh my! What big ears you guys have!
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Paw-terest Phoebe
Momma
Lil Moe
6 ways to introduce yourself to a dog you’ve just met Bear It All: Prolonging the life of your furry friend 22 quotes about trying to fit in (Be yourself) Trix
Sorry, they’re still only for kids
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Doug
Do you smell bacon?
Puff Puff
Abbie
Too cute!
Well aren’t you nosey!
Snickers
Chica
Someone needs their blankey. Bwahaha!!!!
Don’t you point that at me! LOL!
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Conroe Native Makes History Robin Montgomery
By Merry Wise r. Robin Montgomery has the distinction of writing the biographies of both of Conroe’s official “Legends” — Roy Harris and Mary McCoy. His new biography of McCoy will be released this summer, but even a cursory glance at his many accomplishments makes it clear that Montgomery himself is a Conroe “legend” as well. From small-town football star to historian, from songwriter to discovering secrets of early native American tribes, from adventurer to academic to writer — if Conroe ever produced a Renaissance man, it would be him! Throughout his travels and adventures, however, Montgomery also managed to fit in a life as devoted family man, father of four children and faith and community servant. Montgomery chuckles as he recounts where his life has taken him and credits his cousin Johnny Montgomery, a prominent doctor, for “ruining my life!” A “big man on campus” at Conroe High School, Mont gomery graduated in 1957 and turned down several football scholarships to follow in Johnny’s footsteps at his family’s behest, originally setting out to also become a doctor. He majored in premed at Sam Houston University. Laughs Montgomery, “Johnny ruined my social life! I dropped my football scholarships and my fraternity and finished in three years because I hated biology and chemistry so much.”
paul olle, the gallery of huntsville
Author Robin Montgomery is a man of many adventures Montgomery followed a different path, earning a B.A. degree in history at the University of Texas, a master’s degree in education and English at Sam Houston University, a master’s degree in Latin American studies at University of Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Oklahoma. Montgomery pursued his interest in international politics with stints in Europe, teaching a masters program for military officers and researching with NATO. He was recruited twice to work with the CIA, but declined both offers to take advantage of other opportunities. He relates with a smile, “The second CIA offer was a job as an analyst and didn’t provide enough adventure for me.” Montgomery became a professor of political science/ international relations and history. But while teaching it he was also making
it and writing about it and foreign affairs, with liberal travel thrown in along the way pursuing professional opportunities. During one of his adventures, he served as Spanish translator on an anthropological expedition to the Yucatan Peninsula during which a Mayan temple was discovered. Said Montgomery, “The main reason I went was that I heard Castro was infiltrating guerrillas into the jungle — I even wore a Che Guevara hat in case I discovered some!” However, all he came across were some shark hunters. Montgomery worked with a Mayan language translator, who would translate the Mayan speakers into Spanish, then he would translate the Spanish into English for the expedition. Montgomery is also passionate about the Bidai Indians, the original tribe found in Montgomery County. He believes these early
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COME CELEBRATE WITH US AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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ç By Lori Verderame
Flowers Speak Volumes in Fine Art Let your collection blossom
A
ll things botanical have long inspired artists. Many famous artists were also avid gardeners and used their gardens as subject matter. Impressionist painter Claude Monet (French, 18401926) and his colleague, Auguste Renoir (French, 18411911) tended flower and herb gardens at their famous artist colony of Argenteuil, France in the early 1870s. At Monet’s home in Giverny, the artist enlisted the aid of fellow gardeners to care for his famous water lily pond, which was the subject of his paintings from the early 1890s until his death in 1926. A few years ago, one of Monet’s famed water lily oil paintings, dated 1917, sold for $24.7 million. Modern artists Imogen Cunningham and Georgia O’Keeffe also were gardeners who brought their love of flowers and plants into their mature works of art. Cunningham focused her modernist photographs on native flowers, leaves, branches, etc. Her Magnolia Blossom: Tower of Jewels held the record for the highest price ever paid for a photograph at auction. Throughout her illustrious career, O’Keeffe painted desert flowers and other majestic blooms, including cactus flowers, poppies, jack-in-the-pulips and various types of lilies. As subject matter in art and antiques, different flowers mean different things. Flowers often reference the bounty of plants, herbs, flowers, trees, nuts and fruits
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Impressionist flower vase painting.
found in the New World. Flowers were highlighted in embroidered and hooked rugs made in New England during the early Colonial period. Likewise, Baltimore album quilts showed an abundance of plants and flowers when the art form peaked in popularity from 1846 to 1852. Some with embroidered flowers have sold for $40,000 to $50,000. In 17th-century Holland, realistic still-life paintings of flowers, particularly tulips, were all the rage, and the method of painting was important to artists of the period. So intrigued by the forms of the flowers, they showed little regard for a particular flower’s growing season. Tulips would be depicted in a Delft vase along with carnations, iris, hibiscus, zinnias, dahlias and roses, even if the various flowers bloomed at different times of the year. The preeminent female Dutch baroque artist of this type of still-life painting, Rachel Ruysch, painted an oil composition of Honeysuckle and Other Flowers in a Blue Glass
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
Tulip botanical print.
Vase that sold for $690,600 at auction. The color of particular flowers offers special meaning. For instance, white lilies are associated with the Virgin Mary, purity and chastity. They are the flower of choice on Easter Sunday and the feast day of the Virgin Mary. Deep orange, dark red and gold chrysanthemums were brought from China to Marseilles, France in 1789 and were hybridized in many forms. In Asia, mums are held in high esteem and associated with long life. One of the best known paintings of these blooms, Edgar Degas’ Woman with Chrysanthemums from 1865, is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The Dutch were charmed by carnations and often included them in watercolor albums documenting botanical examples. The carnation signified faithful love in marriage. Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, painted these and other flowers in wedding portraits of brides and grooms.
Carnations are also carved into Dutch-style corner linen hardwood cupboards, a traditional gift to newlyweds setting up housekeeping. On today’s market, the old master paintings are worth far more than the antique Dutch cupboards. As flowers speak volumes, you can highlight some of your favorite blossoms by collecting art and antiques with flowers in focus. Happy collecting! l
Dr. Lori Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s Auction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.
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Abode Americana City dwelling reflects couple’s love of lodge design
Text by: Cheryl Alexander Photography by: Miro Dvorscak Architecture and Interior Design: L. Barry Davidson Architects, AIA General Contractor: Stephen Friedman, Pyramid Construction Consulting Structural Engineer: Structural Consultants, Joe Monteith
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he union of W. Robins Brice and Leslie Barry Davidson in 2003 resulted from a series of commonalities that brought the two of them together. They were marginally acquainted because their sons were friends when growing up. They both lost their previous spouses only seven months apart. They lived in the same neighborhood. They are both established professionals who love books, travel, entertaining, cooking, animals and family time. And their home reflects their camaraderie on all these levels. When the couple started to look for a home, they found a lot nearby where the previous house had already been demolished, and began to design their forever home. They didn’t have to look far for a designer and architect: Leslie has been in business as an architect for 37 years and is president of her own firm.
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PREVIOUS PAGE: The Big Room of this home features stone from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennylvania and Texas, including a custom fireplace surround. Additional warmth and the “lodge” aesthetic come from the Douglas Fir plain sawn beams and vertical grain Douglas Fir ceiling boards. The slate floors are from Thorntree. The family dog Emma is the official greeter. | This Americana-style abode is constructed with stucco and stones to achieve a “lodge” aesthetic, both inside and out. THESE PAGES: The front entry features a Galvalume standing seam roof, stone watertable, three-coat plaster exterior walls above the watertable and Pennsylvania flagstone exterior paving. | The dining room design was given special consideration in order to showcase the exquisite French fruitwood furniture, including the large dining table and French chairs and commodes, all heirlooms from the homeowner’s mother. | The library features lighted niches for reference books, comfortable window seats as well as other seating options where guests can enjoy music from the grand piano or admire the Jack Wilkinson Smith painting. | In the powder bath, a unique wall covering brings nature indoors. Hickory interior grade siding from Barkhouse.com was literally unrolled on plywood to create this effect.
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“I was thrilled to have Leslie design our home, and lucky for her, I understand very well the value of compromise,” said Robins, an attorney at The Caroline Center for Dispute Resolution who specializes in mediation and arbitration. As in any custom build, Leslie was focused on several key elements in her role as architect: maximizing space and budget, achieving the desired aesthetic and showcasing the family’s personality. The home’s lot is city-sized, which means it is not overly large — 60 feet by 120 feet. Leslie explained, “To build a goodsized home on a lot this size and shape, you must give up privacy or find ways to
be creative in order to achieve a retreatstyle aesthetic.” They have a corner lot, so the couple decided to situate the house facing east rather than west and install a wall around their garden to afford a bit more seclusion. They decided on a linear shape to maximize space. The couple’s travels to favorite national parks served as inspiration for their aesthetic choices. Specifically, rustic lodges with an Americana feel. “It’s where we are comfortable,” explained Leslie. “We enjoy environments that revere and evoke an appreciation for nature and the natural world. We wanted our home to reflect that.” And like the lodges the couple love, The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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THESE PAGES: The breakfast room is articulated from the Big Room and kitchen with passthrough doorways and counters which provide more seating. In the background, the bookshelves house the couple’s cookbook collection. | The kitchen is spacious and warm with a large prep island with a chopping block surface. The countertops are Tropical Green honed granite and the cabinets are Douglas Fir. | The mud room offers a place to shake off the day and boasts Southern-style painted 1 x 6 horizontal wood paneling, a slate tile floor and a Shaker-style bench.
their home has an abundance of wood, stone, high ceilings and natural light. Natural materials surround the dwelling inside and out. The wood of a beautiful warm Douglas fir forms the doors and windows, and as well, many of the ceilings and beams, while the vintage oak floor sports a darker stain. The stone selections reflect the “greige” tones truly reminiscent of mountain cottage hideaways. The couple steered clear of the more common white, hill-country limestone, opting instead for a darker blend of stones from Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Oklahoma, with about 10 percent of the stone from Texas. The stone floor is a brushed, finished Mongolian slate that blends perfectly with the stone walls and fireplaces. Rich, deep green veins run through the soft green marble countertops. An even softer shade of sage ties each room to the next evoking a forest-like environment. The most naturally rustic finish in the home can be found in the powder bath, which is literally paneled with bark. Whole pieces of bark were unrolled onto plywood backing and installed as “wallpaper.” The result is breathtaking and unique. All of the large common areas accommodate their blended family and love of entertaining. In the Big Room, the ceilings soar to 25 feet. To avoid creating a closed-in feeling with such high walls, they punched out windows in the upstairs hallway that are framed with farm house shutters—“Juliet windows,” said Robins — that can be opened or closed to accommodate for noise levels or light. The breakfast room and kitchen just off the Big Room are articulated by pass-throughs and counters to provide extra seating or more serving space. The butler’s pantry permits even more efficiency during events. Leslie said, “Because we have friends and
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Their home has an abundance of wood, stone, high ceilings and natural light.
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family here often, we know they always want to be near the kitchen, so we opened up the spaces like something you’d find in a vacation home.” Each area facilitates function and comfort. There is ample seating and room to move about. Since the couple frequently cooks together Leslie and Rob collaborated on the kitchen. He explained that the kitchens were small in their other homes. Now when they cook together, they don’t bump into one another and they have room for family and friends to gather round. Another design consideration was accommodating the couple’s massive library. The two are avid readers and both came to the marriage with extensive book collections. Almost every room is designed with built-in bookshelves. In the formal library, which features a grand piano, window seats and comfortable chairs for reading, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cabinets grace the walls. As a custom finish, the bottom shelves are lit and tilted to better display Bibles, hymnals and reference books. Next to the library is the couple’s study where they each have a desk and shelves for books they are currently working from or reading. In the breakfast room are housed the cookbooks; in the Big Room are the couple’s fiction and gardening books; in the upstairs gallery, along with an impressive magnet collection from their travels, are the couple’s photo albums, travel books and travel journals; and in the grandchildren’s playroom is a collection of children’s books compiled from both Robins’ and Leslie’s childhoods and books from when their children were young. “The bookshelves were an integral part of my design,” said Leslie. “I wanted them to be at once architectural, functional and pleasant. Along with the color palette, the bookshelves bind the spaces together.” The size and shape of the dining room was a special consideration of the design. Not only did the room need to be big enough for a table that seats 12 (or 16 with the extra leaf), it also needed to accommodate and showcase the other furniture. Every piece of furniture and art in the room is an heirloom from Leslie’s mother. Each
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THESE PAGES: The butler’s pantry provides extra prep and storage space, and doubles as a serving counter when the couple entertains large crowds. Countertop is Tropical Green granite, honed. | There is ample counter and cabinet space in the laundry room. Kade, the family cat loves the cozy area. The Okite solid surface and farm sink finish the look. | The upstairs gallery pays homage to the couple’s love of travel. Here are their travel books, journals and photo albums. Douglas Fir bookshelves tie each room to the next. The shuttered Juliette window overlooks the Big Room below.
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is exquisite, and the room’s design highlights the treasures. The room also features a beautiful chandelier and fireplace, one of the home’s five. The master bedroom, too, has custom touches. Just outside the bedroom is a reading nook where one can either get up early or stay up late reading without bothering the other. The gentleman’s closet also has a second entrance much for the same reason. He can actually get up in the morn-
ing, read, shower, shave and dress without ever having to disturb his wife, who may have a chance to sleep in. Another special feature of this home is the guest space. Though they do have guest rooms in the main house, there is space above the garage with its own entrance, sitting room and kitchen for out-of-town visitors. Guests are free to visit with the family, while maintaining a level of privacy and ease of entry and exit.
The couple achieved their goals in the design and execution of their dream home. In addition to building a spacious home, they’ve successfully integrated their personality as a family and their love of nature. “This home is truly representative of us as a couple. It is our refuge, our lodge. We can come home and be who we really are.”l
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Design Stars Share Their Best-Loved Looks Tips to achieve your own superior interiors!
Abby Vasek: Wolf Creek Lodge Guest House By Cheryl Alexander very design project is as unique as the person who designs it. Each project has its own function, flair and feel. With this in mind, we asked some lead designers to share their favorite projects, detailing how they collaborated with the clients, what they used for inspiration and why they loved these particular spaces and projects. Interior design has never been so much fun or so informative!
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ABBY VASEK This designer’s style is rooted in the rustic beauty of the Texas Hill Country, blending organic elements with sleek modern lines to create rich, inviting spaces with layers of interest. She describes her unique design style as “Luxurious comfort. Livable and refined.” Her accomplishments include creating a successful manufacturing and design business called Maggie N Me; previously being Neiman Marcus product designer; co-founder of LuxeRED, a luxury Real Estate Design firm; and an HGTV Design Star. Abby is a multimedia celebrity on HGTV and CBS, and continues to contribute to other television, radio, and live audience performances. She is an author, blogger and commentator on topics of design, real estate and success. Set Design for Great Day Houston Abby frequents the KHOU 11 Great Day Houston show with Deborah Duncan to offer new tips and insights into style and design. One of her segments featured Design Trends of 2015, and the set was created with loads of texture and color. Since layering patterns and texture is key to creating a dynamic, rich environment, the design included a weathered, moss green painted and mirrored screen for a backdrop. In front, a contemporary sofa table holding exotic animal horns and agave plants is layered against a seating arrangement which features chairs upholstered in the Pantone color of the year, Marsala. A petrified rock table with chrome legs (a big trend next year) sits between the two chairs. “By mixing primitive elements with a contemporary spin, we achieve a new
Free Initial In-Home Consultation
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Showroom Closed www.cheneinteriors.com 281-364-1744 • 281-660-0703 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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level of contrast and interest that makes design in 2015 so much fun!” said Abby. The Wolf Creek Lodge Guest House A unique ranch home in Wimberley was converted into a Guest House for visiting tourists and large get-togethers. The goal of the homeowner was to give this rustic ranch home a modern update while preparing it to function as a rentable lodge. Throughout is the designer’s unique signature; her design style fits the personality of the Hill Country while still providing several “wow” factors. The lodge is constructed with timbers originally handlogged in the 1820s to build a barn in Gettysburg, Pa. The ax marks are still visible on each timber. They hold great history, most notably by housing Confederate troops before the famous battle of Gettysburg. Vaulted wood ceilings and hand-laid stone floors that run the length of the lodge give it a grand but rustic feel. A tiger oak door opens to a large master suite,
beautifully decorated with an unconventional but jaw-dropping headboard. The art, including the headboard, facilitates the rustic transformation into an upscale, chic-ranch vibe. The color scheme and inspiration come from years of working in midwest Texas ranch and hacienda-style homes in the surrounding areas of Abilene.
doesn’t match your existing style, but you love it, get it! As a designer it is in my professional opinion that an unexpected pop of something unlike the rest of the room’s style is what keeps things interesting!” abbyvasek.com
KARI WHITMAN Designer’s Tip: “Balance and patience are key to successful design. Don’t be in such a hurry that you purchase a ‘good enough for now’ piece when you can save up for something you truly love and need that can become a building block in your home for years to come. I find in our consumer culture we often look for the fast and cheap option and wonder why it never seems to come together in the long run. Not only are we working from unsustainable pieces but there’s no love invested. The love you feel for each and every item is what will make it truly a unique home. And remember, if it
Kari Whitman, celebrity interior designer, is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. Kari Whitman Interiors is a high-end, residential and commercial “one-stop-shop” design and construction firm, with offices in Los Angeles, New York City and Aspen. Kari’s firm has done projects all over the world, including Europe and Asia. Clients have flocked to her firm for her trademark timeless, elegant and eclectic style. Kari fashions spaces for her clients that reflect their personality, affinities and needs. Her work has graced 14 covers and over 100 articles worldwide. From athletes
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to actors to royal families, or even a modest Juice Bar, no job is too big or too small for Kari’s firm. She is also the founder of Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue (aceofheartsdogs.com) a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from Los Angeles County shelters the day they are scheduled for euthanized. Dallas Breakfast Room This is a room of surprising finds and bold ideas. Kari removed a whole wall in order to open the space and make it feel larger. The dining table was found in Italy, and all of the seating is reupholstered, mid-century vintage. The felt carpet from Liora Manne was originally selected for the floor, but as the room came together, the carpet ironically ended up on the ceiling! The couture flatware storage cabinet, produced by a Los Angeles-based artist, is 10 feet long by seven feet high. This client’s affinity for couture clothing made this room quite an unexpected showpiece, along with the large blue horse painting by Lutz. While shopping with the client, the two saw the horse hanging in a very high-end clothing store, but it was not for sale. “After begging and pleading, and paying more we should have,” said Kari, “it became a successful piece in this hip, funky breakfast room.” Designer’s Tip: “Buying timeless pieces is always the best way to go. Something you can change slightly, move to another room and use for another lifetime. I feel that the best investment is to spend your money on lighting and art, as there is no wear and tear and can be relocated to other areas of your home to create a new aesthetic.” kariwhitmaninteriors.com
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The Design Firm: Elegant Sitting and Dining
KARA WUELLNER The Design Firm was founded in 1979 by Eric and Kara Wuellner to design and install custom-finished atmospheres that optimize the living environment. Since 1979, over 1,000 manufacturers are represented. Each client receives a team of designers collaborating on their home. Since their clients represent so many different styles, a design team of 10 is used to capture their look. Client priorities may be color, room function, allocation of funds, elegance and beauty. The Design Firm’s clients have worked hard for years and can now bring their home up to the level of design they’ve always wanted. The
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Firm’s showroom houses 12 custom-finished atmospheres as examples, and they are known for creating dramatic atmospheres with skillful use of color. Elegant Sitting & Dining The client uses this area for living and dining purposes, which designates it as an area for entertaining. Friends and and family can come together for food, wine, game nights and more. This multi-purpose room is anchored by its symmetrical aesthetic and luminous charm. Fabulous accessories add to the allure and broaden the focus of the room. The muted buff backdrop pro-
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The Design Firm: Casita Guest Retreat
vides an ideal palette for bold contrasting hues. Cerulean-hued throw pillows, bright, saffron-tinted figures and a splash of crimson provide playful pops of color. The glass and wrought iron table blends with the hanging gilded mirrors in the background. Combined with the pair of elegant, mirrored chiffoniers, they provide depth and glamour to the setting. The client loves the transformation of their one-dimensional alcove into a swank, multifaceted space, ideal for fun feasts and festive parties. Casita Guest Retreat The Casita Guest Retreat is a dwelling conducive to tranquility and relaxation.
Ochre tones were paired with Arcadian textures and vermillion accents to achieve the rustic aura the client desired. The luxuriant space boasts alpine ceilings, ideal for oversized furniture, and lofty window treatments, which enhance the space’s sizeable proportions. The custom-designed sofa is upholstered in warm, white textured velvet and intensified dark carvings for contrast. The window treatments match the sofa in tone, maintaining the neutral element of the room. The Spanish armchair, upholstered with an antique hand-woven Killian rug, is a bold and artful addition to the room and plays to the luminous painting hanging above it. The nesting tables supplement
other textures in the room, as they are lacquered in edged sheets of German silver. Placing the furniture at angles added energy and an overall illusion of space to the room. In short, The Design Firm fulfilled the client’s desire for a provincial escape. Designer’s Tip: “For projects big or small, we recommend working with a designer in order to plan appropriately for time frame and costs. Starting a project with the big picture in mind gives a better understanding of how to tie together individual pieces to create an amazing atmosphere.” thedesignfirm.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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Tiffany Brooks: The Entertaining Room
TIFFANY BROOKS This designer first demonstrated her talent when she was offered the opportunity to stage model homes while working in property management. After one of her modelhome designs won an award, she decided to follow her passion for interior design fulltime. A wife and working mom, Tiffany says she loves interior design and describes her style as “classic with a twist,” mixing traditional pieces with a little rock ’n roll. She is the Season 8 winner of HGTV Design Star and the host of HGTV’s newest show, Most Embarrassing Rooms in America. The Entertaining Room Inspiration for this room came from the homeowner whose style had transitioned from traditional to industrial to modern. Tiffany wanted the design to reference all of these style phases. Initially the focus was on purpose, exploring the family’s hobbies and what they love to do: entertain. Furniture was revamped to create a multitude of seating zones with items that did not necessarily
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WILLIAM STUBBS match and with each piece playing a different role: the coffee table is rough and worn around the edges; the chest in the far corner is aged with refinement; the tulip table and bench give a nod to the hip vibe of the ’60s; and the chairs are space-age and futuristic. Goth chairs found at an online flash sale proved a big risk, as they were fragile and old. They definitely needed some TLC to live in a home with three young kids, but in the end, they turned out to be the favorite piece in the room. Rich navy drapery became the springboard for the color scheme. The homeowner’s photography was used to create a stunning gallery wall. A mix of high and low pieces were utilized to add character. Designer’s Tip: “I typically love spaces with a neutral background and surprises of color throughout. I always try to compose a space with a neutral backdrop and make the star players as colorful as possible.” yaydecor.com
William Stubbs was named to “AD 100,” Architectural Digest’s list of the World’s Top Designers and Architects. He is president of William W. Stubbs and Associates, a 25-year-old international interior design firm based in Houston whose recent projects have taken him around the world to Kiev, Moscow, London, Hawaii, Acapulco and Palm Beach. His award-winning designs have included renovations of historical buildings, private homes and estates, vacation retreats, commercial multi-family properties, community housing projects for the elderly and most recently, the interior design of a large corporate jet. Newport Coast Residence A second home was purchased and remodeled around an extensive contemporary art collection. The dominant feature is a 1970 Roy Lichtenstein work of art. Furnishings were selected to have a classic contemporary feel with very little color and pattern that let the art be the room’s star.
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imum comfort and tactile appeal. The floor is a dark handmade terracotta, which is key to keeping the light scheme grounded. Designer’s Tip: “Stunning interiors can also function and be comfortable. I start the process with a great furniture arrangement that creates the per-
Corona del Mar Living Room This home design was inspired by its location — oceanfront — and the owner’s two teenage grandsons. A second home, it needed to take on a dressed-up beach appearance. While everything is light in color, all the fabrics are Sunbrella for maximum durability. The antique French fireplace provides an anchor for the living room, and custom mirrored doors hide technology and extend the magnificent view. The color scheme is a reflection of the view and at night gives a happy tone to the room. All fabric and furnishings have max-
fect function. The perfect function supports what a client wants to do in a room. I focus on the relationships supported in a space — party for 8-80, a couple home alone, feeling warm and cozy, reading a book by yourself. Comfort, comfort, comfort. After I achieve the function I move to the color and style.” l wwstubbs.com
William Stubbs: Newport Coast Residence The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 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
MEREDITH O'DONNELL FINE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES & RUGS Clean lines and immaculate tailoring are trademarks of Baker Furniture’s Thomas Pheasant collection. Classic inspiration bridges traditional to modern design. In stock and on sale at Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture, Accessories & Rugs. 713–526 –7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Blvd.
large selection of mattresses make them a one-stop shopping experience! Visit their website for additional resources and map. 936-756-3360 homesteadhousetx.com 201 N. Pacific Street, Conroe
CHENE INTERIORS
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
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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
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
THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
DONNA’S HOME FURNISHINGS Mirrors are a decorator's best friend — a well-placed mirror makes the most of a room's natural light, enhances views, opens a small space, and adds personality to your decor. At Donna’s Home Furnishings, you’ll find an exquisite collection of one-of-a-kind oversized mirrors to liven up your home. Large mirrors create the illusion of space and reflect back light, making cozy interiors feel bright and spacious. Featuring stunning heirloom quality hand-crafted details and striking design, these are unique statement pieces. Visit the showroom or make an appointment with one of their design experts to see for yourself. 936-228-8786 dhfonline.com 5629 W. Davis St., Conroe
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
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
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.
THE WOODLANDS DRAPERIES & DESIGN 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
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
WOODLANDS UNIQUE
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
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
WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY 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
MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR Milstead Glass & Home Décor has unique furnishings and gifts for every occasion. June is the month for graduations, weddings and showers. You are sure to find a memorable gift for any occasion in our boutique. Making updates this spring? Make them effortless with custom frames from Milstead Glass. They have 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, A Different Niche! 936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com
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ANTHOLOGY LIGHTING Anthology Lighting is a new and exciting lighting showroom serving Magnolia, The Woodlands, Tomball and Conroe. With a large selection of gas and electric lanterns, crystal chandeliers, vintage and modern style lighting, lamps, ceiling fans, lamp shades and much more, Anthology Lighting has all of your decorative lighting needs covered. Showroom now open. 281-298-5200 AnthologyLighting.com 32411-A FM 2978 at Eygpt Lane
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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It’s All in Store and on the Floor See what trends are underfoot from the World Floor Covering Association By Leah Gross-Harmon hether soft or hard surface, Mother Nature is definitely influencing the future looks of flooring. Especially popular are “weathered” and “worn” looks showing up in every category. You might think that this goes against the grain of our hightech world — seems in this day and age we'd be populating our homes with high tech, sleek designs — but that is definitely not the case. The uber-connectedness and instant gratification of our culture have us hankering for interior spaces that bring about peace and serenity and promote reflection, physical ease and visual delights. Scouts and experts at the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) have scoured TISE, one of the home market’s top international trade shows, and have been working hand-in-hand with manufacturers from around the world to deliver the latest and greatest products and trends in flooring. One trend born of the movement toward gray and weathered products is the rise of industrial and “rustic elegant” looks that are popping up in all flooring categories. This look strikes a tension between the raw and refined, masculine and feminine. In flooring this trend is seen in the juxtaposition of organic elements like hardwood or stratified rock with burnished, smooth metals, concrete, stones and tiles — think smoked and charred surfaces with smooth, surfaces that glisten like brilliant white alabaster marble. It is a way to add both natural and modern touches to any space. Gray, the new beige, appears in
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Veranda Oak from the top-selling Reclaimé Collection of high quality laminate planks.
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full flower in every flooring category from manmade to natural. Combined with the weathered looks are hues that range from desert to ocean. These calming colors — such as camel, sand and sepia — bring warmth and character to interiors. At the opposite end of the spectrum, eye-catching, oversized geometrics and classic patterns larger in scale than normal are being seen in carpet, area rugs and tiles. For more information on the specific new trends in each category, read on.
Quick-Step high-quality laminate planks: (top) Nickel Oak combines the interest of hardwood graining with the sleekness of ceramic tile.
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LAMINATE TRENDS One does not necessarily think nature when thinking laminate. But thanks to technology that is all changing. Wear layer height and next generation embossing techniques are lending themselves to products that are the next best thing to nature — and more affordable! In addition to its convincing natural looks, today’s laminate is highly durable and versatile — two characteristics that are not so prominent in laminate’s
naturally occurring cousin, hardwood. The next generation of laminate offers a wear-layer that can be as thick as 12 millimeters. This presentation lends convincing texture depth on the surface, helps eliminate echoes and adds to the products’ ease of maintenance — they can now be damp-mopped without issue. Latest presentations, as in the hardwood category, include boards in soft-scrape looks that are up to 7.5 inches wide and 72 inches long with ridges on the surface that carry over the edge of the planks. Manufacturers have also addressed the need to ensure consistent board heights so there is no variation. Today’s laminate offers another benefit unique to this category: one can now combine the look of multiple types of wood species in one presentation. Historically this look has never been possible as every species of hardwood expands and contracts at differing rates. Using laminate, one-of-akind presentations that have never been seen before are now possible.
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Veranda Oak’s “cerused wood visual” lends a soft, time-worn artistry to a room.
TILE AND STONE TRENDS Ever affordable and everlasting porcelain is taking cues from today’s tech age while simultaneously finding inspiration in the past. Intricate geometric patterns and mosaics found throughout history in civilizations spanning the globe are making their way onto the floors of tomorrow in a multitude of shapes and sizes — ovals, triangles, chevrons, honeycombs, hexagons, marquise and pencil tiles, to name just a few. The weathered and worn look has also been very popular in this category. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, the warmth and natural texture of wood can be convincingly recreated in a tile format. “Faux Bois” can be installed in wet rooms and
It's easy to see why 54 percent of homebuyers are willing to pay more for homes with hardwood floors: they infuse homes with warmth, character and timeless style. kitchens without issue. This year manufacturers are showcasing wood looks in longer planks of 36 inches to 48 inches, as well as parquet formats in geometric patterns. Say good-bye to the linear tile looks of yesterday. Another element that is changing in tile is the surface treatment. Long recognized for sleek, smooth surfaces, tiles of tomorrow show subtle texture variations, beveling and embossing — even sleek matte finishes are making a comeback. In addition to wood, tile made to look like other elements including fabric, metal, even that industrial material associated primarily with outside spaces — concrete, are on the rise. Textured tiles are particularly striking when paired with a matte finish. One may think that little can be done to elements perfected by nature over hundreds of thousands of years, but natural stone offers some new presentations in 2015. These include unique shapes, etched surface treatments and pairings with other elements. For those on a budget, just a hint of natural stone adds luxury to affordable porcelain in any finish. Newer looks include pencil-cut stone tiles paired with metal, wood looks or matte finish porcelain. Offset the look with complementary grout or match the grout to the tile for an understated effect.
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The Quick-Step flooring “Tuxedo Pine” from the Envique Collection launching this summer is an extraordinarily textured replication of “fire charred” wood.
HARDWOOD TRENDS Hardwood floors continue to be one of the most sought-after home decor elements. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 54 percent of homebuyers are willing to pay more for homes with hardwood floors. It's easy to see why. Hardwood flooring infuses homes with warmth, character and timeless style.
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Nature’s patterns are revealed to soften any décor. Au naturel wood provides perfect flooring for a warm, casual, yet luxuriant living space. Wood sourced and manufactured in the USA leads the pack. Classic Oak is the top seller, followed by Maple with its clean look and subtler graining. Not surprisingly, rugged and warm browns are dominating the category, from
ebony to leather to honey golden. While dark floors make a statement and help highlight a room’s other features, they show dirt and wear and can require more maintenance than lighter products. Understated weathered gray and muted metallic shades also remain a best seller as they offer a great base and are not overpowering. These finishes also mask imperfections and dirt so are great for high traffic areas and families. There is a new trend towards flax and blond colors, and even whitewash is making a comeback. This style development seems to be driven in part by the gray trend, with consumers seeking to add light as well as well as modernity to the home. With the sweeping popularity of gray looks across all flooring categories, it’s no surprise that the reclaimed trend of timeworn floors continues to thrive in the hardwood category. You’ll find significant variation between planks as well as distress marks in these trendy, eco-friendly floors. Some are salvaged from old beams and antique flooring, or logs reclaimed from rivers and lakes. This wood is in high demand and very short supply, and hence prices can be high. To achieve a similar effect but at a lower price, today’s hand-scraped woods and machine-distressed woods are worth a look. Another product in the reclaimed wood category that continues to rise in popularity is the charred wood look. This flooring is inspired by the Japanese process known as Shou Sugi Ban. This ancient Japanese technique dates back to the 18th century and was traditionally used on siding as a natural sealant to protect wood from decay, pests, wind, water, sun and fire. It takes the reclaimed look one step further, offering presentations with cracked, charred surfaces in a spectrum of colors from light ash to dark charcoal. Who said everything has to be in a straight line in wood? Intricate patterned wood floor installations were the hallmark of wealth and status back in the day. You had to be able to afford the artisans then, but today’s consumers can take advantage of 2015 technology. Now
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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
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
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
ALLEGIANCE ROOFING Allegiance Roofing is the roof repair and replacement specialist for Katy, Fulshear 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
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PROFESSIONAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE Homeowners can rely on Professional Building Performance Inc. for routine maintenance on their HVAC systems, as well as same day service for emergency repairs and replacements. They service all types of residential heating and cooling systems, and can work with customers who are in the design and building phase of a new home to offer eco-smart solutions for HVAC needs. 281-606-1620 myhvachouston.com
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
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SYNERGY DE SIGN & BUILD, INC. CARPET AND AREA RUG TRENDS Here’s something you don’t hear very often in the world of flooring: according to fashion sources around the globe, today’s top clothing designers are pulling from a world of interiors — including carpeting — for tomorrow’s fall fashions. Yup, you heard it here first. Inspiration for the runways is being found — to some degree — on floors. Fashion designers today are referencing fabrics and motifs that usually find their home in a chic living room for tomorrow’s blouses, dresses and overcoats. In addition to inspiring what a new fashionable generation may find itself wearing, soft surface flooring is on the rise in homes today. Priced to fit every budget from low-end to luxury, today’s understated carpets and rugs are adding to a relaxed outlook for 2015. In addition to the classic looks, distressed and striated patterns are popping up in almost every rug and carpet collection. One of the great things about these patterns is that they are very forgiving in your home. The striated look helps hide blemishes and dirt until you have time to clean them, and the distressed looks — well, they’re already distressed, so you don’t have to worry about the added wear from your family. Along with these forgiving patterns, you’ll also see a heavy influence from nature. From actual natural materials like wool and sisal to nature-inspired patterns like animal prints, insect wings and natural textures, if you’re a nature-lover, you’ll also love 2015’s soft floors. Unlike most carpets and hard surfaces, area rugs are all about color, pattern and texture. At the Surfaces floor covering show, area rugs kept pace with current trends spanning other categories in the form of distressed motifs, nature inspired looks — including animal skin prints such as antelope — and striated rock forms, large scale geometric designs, Greek looks and new rugs made to look old through vintage processing and aging techniques.➝
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
EZ FLOORS
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
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
SUPERIOR BUILDING SYSTEMS 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
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Superior Building Systems is a designbuild General Contractor specializing in riding arenas and commercial building projects. For nearly half a century Superior Building Systems has focused on delivering superior levels of quality, value, safety and service to every client on every project. Complete satisfaction is their ultimate goal. phone: 830-579-4447 fax: 830-256-4447
If soft surface design is taking some inspiration from the past, one thing is for sure: carpet fiber is not. In response to growing consumer demand, today’s new carpet and rug fibers are some of the softest, most durable and stain-resistant you’ll find. This year consumers will find carpet that boasts permanent, built-in stain resistance that never washes or wears off thanks to new technology, as well as new tufting processes that allow for multi-shade depth. And, with a push toward more eco-friendly materials, technology has helped advance fiber combinations that are as comfy as your favorite pillow. Now man-made fibers offer the look of wool with the durability and price point of nylon. No doubt with these advancements, 2015 will see carpets emerge from the background of the room to the focal point. About WFCA The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), the official sponsor of the annual Surfaces tradeshow, is the floor covering industry's largest advocacy organization, representing floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America. The WFCA is a recognized leader in marketing research and industry programs for flooring professionals. In addition, it publishes the only retaileroriented trade periodical, Premier Flooring Retailer. On the consumer end, in addition to an ongoing consumer focused flooring awareness public relations program, it operates the highly successful and award-winning consumer flooring website, WFCA.org, which provides unbiased information about every type of floor covering and connects customers to members’ retail stores. The WFCA also influences public policy affecting the floor covering industry and consumers. For more information about the WFCA, visit WFCA.org and WFCA-PRO.org. l
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
CLOSET FACTORY RICHARDS TOTAL BACKYARD SOLUTIONS Since 1987, Richards has been creating beautiful outdoor living areas for families all over the Greater Houston area and beyond. You want a backyard resort? They have all the experience, knowledge, expertise, and creativity to bring your visions to life; while accommodating your wants, needs and budget. NOW two locations!
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
713-777-7665 (POOL) RichardsTBS.com 1701 Hwy 6 South, Houston 18623 Kuykendahl, Spring
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. AnthonySylvanWoodlands.com
ABA POOL SERVICE AND REPAIR
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
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
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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Can Cosmetic Surgery Make You More Likeable? Study finds facial rejuvenation could change how people perceive your personality
By Judy Latta e have all heard the adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” which encourages us to not pass judgment on others based on their outward appearances. Ideally, of course, this seems like good advice since first impressions are superficial and not necessarily indicative of what exists beneath the surface. Sometimes books with unadorned or worn covers are the most interesting and beloved. Given human nature, however, is this advice actually realistic? According to Forbes Magazine, a first impression is made within the first seven seconds of seeing someone. A report of the American Psychological Association says, “It's no secret that people often judge each other based on immediate intuitions. We make split-second judgments of strangers all the time.”
W
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Facial Profiling and First Impressions Facial profiling is a cognitive mechanism we use to gather information to make inferences about a person’s personality and character based on visual cues observed in their facial expressions and features. When you initially encounter another person, your brain subconsciously begins collecting optical data about that person to form opinions regarding his or her personal attributes, such as friendliness, approachability and trustworthiness. Like it or not, first impressions matter, and one of the primary contributors to the image we project to the world is our facial appearance, particularly in this day and age of ubiquitous social media. This begs the question: Could cosmetic surgery to improve one’s facial appearance
lead to better first impressions related to one’s personality? A study conducted by a research team, led by Dr. Michael Reilly, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington D.C., seems to indicate that the answer to this question is yes. The team found, through this firstof- its-kind study, that in addition to sporting a more youthful appearance, women who undergo certain facial rejuvenation procedures are often perceived by others to be more likeable, attractive and feminine, and to have better social skills following the surgery. This study, published by the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in its Facial Plastic Surgery publication, included a four-year analysis of pre-operative and post-operative photographs of 30 Caucasian female patients who underwent specific facial cosmetic surgery procedures, including facelift, upper eyelid-lift, lower eyelid-lift, eyebrow-lift, neck-lift, and/or chin implant. Some of the patients received only one of these procedures, while others received two or more. Each of the patients was photographed with neutral, resting facial expressions, both prior to surgery and following recovery. Six different online surveys were generated using these photos. For the analysis, 170 study participants rated the pre-operative and post-operative photographs of the patients on a seven-point scale regarding personality traits, including aggressiveness, extroversion, likeability, trustworthiness, risk-seeking, social skills, attractiveness and femininity. In order to avoid recall bias and direct before- and-after comparisons, participants did not see both a patient’s pre-operative and post-operative photographs in the same survey. Additionally, the participant raters did not know if the patients had received plastic
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look and feel your best A D V E R T I S I N G
SGK PLASTIC SURGERY SUGENE KIM, MD, FACS Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sugene Kim is recognized as TOP Doc by the H Texas magazine and realself.com and is a Black Diamond Provider by Allergan, Inc. As the medical director of SGK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kim approaches each unique case with the utmost patient care and safety while striving to enhance the full potential of each person to achieve beautiful, natural appearing results. Dr. Kim and her staff offer an on-site AAAASF certified surgical suite, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized, comfortable, private experience from the initial consultation to surgery, recovery and beyond. Whether you are looking for non-invasive procedures such as BOTOX and fillers or for surgical procedures in the New Year, come find out why SGK Plastic Surgery has become the premiere plastic surgery office in the greater Houston. 281-363-4546 drkimplasticsurgery.com 4185 Technology Forest Blvd., Suite 150, The Woodlands
RIVELA PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Lucian J. Rivela, M.D. has served clients not only here, but globally. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is also a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He prides himself in offering his clients some of the most innovative procedures available in his field. In addition, both Dr. Rivela and his wife Patti are huge believers in "giving back." They have participated in medical missions in Guatemala and Peru repairing cleft lips and other deformities, with the charity "Agape In Action." Local charities see donations from the Rivelas all year long in various ways, including 10% of profits from skincare treatments EVERY MONTH. As the Woodlands area's largest provider of Botox and Juvederm, Dr. Rivela and his amazing staff are honored to be chosen as the first to be performing the newly released Voluma. Voluma is the first filler of its kind to be approved by the FDA for correcting mid face volume loss from aging and is just the thing to make your holiday just a little fuller and bright. Please call for more information on any of Rivela Plastic Surgery's rejuvenating procedures or to schedule your complimentary consultation. 281-6813905 rivelaplasticsurgery.com 9191 Pinecroft Dr., Suite150, The Woodlands
MCHUGH PLASTIC SURGERY DR. THOMAS P. MCHUGH Well known for his extensive expertise and compassion, Dr.Thomas P. McHugh is one of the area’s only physicians who will personally inject his patients. This aspect of his med spa sets him apart from his competition. In addition, he is internationally renowned and board certified in plastic surgery. He has been in practice for more than 25 years. Dr. McHugh strives to give a personal touch to cosmetic surgery — prior to the procedure, during and through the aftercare. He wants all of his clients to feel comfortable, secure and completely satisfied with their results. 281-444-3733 mchughplasticsurgery.com
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surgery, and were not aware of the purpose of the study. Significant Findings The team of four researchers found that, of the eight traits evaluated, four of those traits (likeability, social skills, attractiveness, and femininity), produced statistically significant improvements after cosmetic surgery. Changes in scores for perceived trustworthiness, aggressiveness, extroversion, and risk-seeking were not statistically significant when comparing pre and post-operative scores; however, there was a trend toward improvements in perceived trustworthiness. The research team observed that having a lower eyelid-lift resulted in the most favorable personality trait reviews. This is fitting, according to Dr. Stephen S. Park, President
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid-lift, has been the third most-requested surgical procedure for women this past year. of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). “The eyes are one of the first things we focus on when interacting with someone, so it makes sense that this facial feature was particularly influential in participants’ personality perceptions,” Dr. Parks says. “Eyes are extremely expressive as our primary way of showing emotion and can have a large impact on resting or neutral facial expression.” According to the most recent AAFPRS annual member survey, blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid-lift, has been the third most-requested surgical procedure for women this past year. Most plastic surgeons agreed in the survey that they believed patients wanted this surgery as a means to look less tired and more alert. Face-lifts resulted in the second most favorable personality trait reviews, the team reported. Dr. Reilly explains, “If the corners of someone's mouth are turned down at rest, they are not going to be judged to be as likeable or as socially skilled since it appears that they are sad or angry. If the cheeks are
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full and high, they are going to be perceived as much happier." According to the AAFPRS survey, rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, has been the second most requested surgical procedure for women this past year. It should be noted that for this study, none of the surgical procedures had a statistically significant negative effect on a patient’s perceived personality. While some patients received increased scores for the attributes of aggressiveness and risk-taking after surgery, those traits were not categorized in this study as undesirable. Dr. Reilly says, “Some might say [those traits are] negative, but others may want that look.” According to a release issued by Georgetown University announcing this study, these findings are due to more than just superficial human preferences. “The importance of facial appearance is rooted in evolution and studies suggest that judging a person based on his or her appearance boils down to survival,” Dr. Reilly
This idea of facial profiling has been around for a long time, but applying it to the field of medicine is relatively new. One of the stated objectives of the Georgetown study was to introduce the concept of facial profiling to the surgical literature.
explains, “Our animal instinct tells us to avoid those who are ill-willed and we know from previous research that personality traits are drawn from an individual’s neutral expressions.”
The Research Team Georgetown University Medical Center is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care. The patient care component of Georgetown’s mission is delivered through the nonprofit, community-based MedStar Health organization. In addition to Dr. Reilly, the study’s coauthors include Jaclyn A. Tomsic, MD, DMD, and Steven P. Davison, MD, DDS, of Georgetown’s School of Medicine and the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital; and Stephen J. Fernandez, MPH, of the MedStar Health Research Institute. l
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Although radical prostatectomy (RP)
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Pain Relief Physically clinical trials, two done in Europe and one in the United States, have demonstrated that postoperative radiotherapy (RT)
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In the U.S., the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and American Urological Association (AUA) recommend offering adjuvant RT to patients with adverse pathologic features found at the time of surgery. To investigate how available evidences were being implemented, researchers from the American Cancer Society and Massachusetts General Hospital led by Helmneh Sineshaw, MD, MPH of the American Cancer Society analyzed data from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a national hospital-based cancer registry database that captures data on approximately
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Fewer than 10 percent of patients at risk of recurrence received postoperative radiotherapy within six months of surgery in the U.S. The data showed that receipt of RT after RP decreased steadily between 2005 and 2011, from 9.1 percent to 7.3 percent. And while RT use was higher in younger patients and in those at highest risk for recurrence, overall rates of utilization remain low, with fewer than 20 percent of patients in subgroups most likely to benefit receiving RT. The authors say declining utilization of RT could be due to multiple factors including patient preference, physician and referral bias, concern for toxicity, lack of a consistent survival benefit seen in the updated randomized trials, or a growing preference for “salvage radiation,” done if a patient’s PSA rises in the weeks and months after surgery. Nonetheless, the authors say additional effort is needed to ensure patients are counseled regarding their options and available evidence “The declining trend in the utilization of postoperative RT calls for the attention of clinicians to make appropriate referrals to radiation oncologists or clinical oncologists when appropriate,” they write. Prostate Cancer: Signs and Symptoms Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. But
THE PLACE TO HEAL 832-660-4838 25222 Grogan’s Mill Rd. The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.REDACU.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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Family
Health A D V E R T I S I N G
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 stimulates 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. Six Houston area locations: Sugar Land 281-201-5309, Memorial 281-7245147, River Oaks 713-999-5182 The Woodlands 281-245-0478, Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121, Clear Lake 281-456-3380 ThePerfectWorkout.com
HAMILTON VEIN Did you know that venous reflux disease affects both men and women? This is no myth. Many people believe that it is only a woman’s issue when in reality men suffer from it too. Vein disease is so common yet men and women alike suffer because they (and sometimes even their doctors) often do not consider vein disease as a possible source of their symptoms. Symptoms range from feelings of achiness, heaviness, cramping and restlessness in the legs to swelling, skin rashes and discoloration, and even open sores called venous ulcers. Patients may experience symptoms but may not have visible signs like varicose veins, which often leads to a misdiagnosis. Since vein disease is a medical condition, procedures are generally covered by insurance. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have discomfort in your legs, a free consultation by a vein expert can determine if venous reflux is present. Vein procedures are highly effective and minimally invasive, meaning little to no pain with immediate relief of symptoms. Call to schedule a free consultation at Texas’ leading vein clinic. 281-565-0033 hamiltonvein.com
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HOUSTON METHODIST 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 the 10th year in a row, Houston Methodist has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, and is one of only four Houston companies ranked. For more information or to schedule an appointment at one of Methodist’s locations, visit the website or call. 713-790-3333 houstonmethodist.org
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 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 Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
more advanced prostate cancers can sometimes cause symptoms, such as: • Problems passing urine, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night. • Blood in the urine • Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction) • Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones • Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord. Other conditions can also cause many of these same symptoms. For example, trouble passing urine is much more often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) than cancer. Still, it’s important to tell your doctor if you have any of these problems so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. l Courtesy of The American Cancer Society
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Prevent What’s Preventable And Immunize – On Time, Every Time Parents need to be mindful of their child’s immunization status By Dr. Julie Boom, Director, Infant and Childhood Immunization at Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research, and Rachel Cunningham, MPH
A
s children everywhere wrap up the school year and embark on summer adventures, parents need to be mindful of their child’s immunization status. We were strongly reminded of the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases when one of the nation’s treasured vacation spots, Disneyland, became the site of a measles outbreak that spread across the United States. From Dec. 28, 2014 to April 24, 2015, 147 people from seven states contracted measles as a result of exposure at this favorite destination. Sadly, the rising rate of measles in the U.S. began prior to the Disneyland outbreak. After a record low number of measles cases in 2004, the U.S. has experienced a gradual increase of this potentially deadly illness with 668 cases occurring in 2014 alone. Given the generally high vaccine coverage in the U.S., you may be wondering why a measles outbreak occurred. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals who contracted measles were unvaccinated. Despite the overwhelming body of scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, some parents continue to mistakenly believe that vaccines are harmful and unnecessary, thus delaying or foregoing vaccination altogether. This is especially worrisome because families with similar attitudes and beliefs regarding vaccines are known to cluster geographically resulting in pockets where disease outbreaks are likely to occur. Among the reasons given by parents who delay and/or refuse vaccines, the erroneous belief that vaccines cause autism is one of the most common. However, this simply isn’t true. Vaccines do not, nor have they ever, caused autism. The now-debunked theory that vaccines play a role in autism was first introduced in 1998 when a British physician published a study based on 12 patients and suggested
Some parents may believe that their vaccine choices only affect their child but this is simply untrue. that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine caused autism. Following its publication, parental vaccine concerns increased dramatically and rates of MMR vaccine uptake decreased precipitously in England. Measles outbreaks subsequently occurred throughout the United Kingdom. Soon after, a flood of research evaluated the theory that the MMR vaccine caused autism and dozens of studies were conducted that compared children who did and did not receive the MMR vaccine. No differences were identified and the MMR vaccine was exonerated as a cause of autism. Moreover, in 2004, the Institute of Medicine reviewed the evidence and found that the “evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism.” After the MMR-autism association was debunked, attention turned to thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines. Since the 1930s, thimerosal has been safely used in vaccines; however, as a precautionary measure it was removed from most vaccines in 1999. Today, the only vaccine containing thimerosal is one type of influenza vaccine. Furthermore, numerous peer-reviewed studies examined whether receipt of a thimerosal-containing vaccine caused
autism. No association was found. Also, in 2004, the Institute of Medicine reviewed the evidence and found that the “evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.” Lastly, some parents believe that vaccines contain toxins and that the recommended vaccine schedule calls for too many vaccines too soon. This is simply not the case. Although children receive more vaccines today than ever, the immunological challenge is minimal. For example, 30 years ago children received seven vaccines which contained more than 3,000 immunological components. Fortunately, vaccines have improved and children now receive 14 v accines that contain about 160 immunological components. Furthermore, the immunological challenge from vaccines is miniscule compared to what infants encounter ever day in their natural environment. In truth, the current immunization schedule is designed to protect infants when they are most vulnerable. Delaying and/or refusing vaccines only leaves infants susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases during the most vulnerable period of their life. Some parents may believe that their vaccine choices only affect their child but this is simply untrue. After all, diseases spread from person-to-person therefore, the choice that one parent makes can affect the health of another child. For instance, measles is such a highly contagious disease that 90 percent of individuals who have not been vaccinated will contract the disease if they are exposed to it. Thus, leaving one child unvaccinated poses a risk to that child and others. In addition, we vaccinate not only to protect ourselves but to protect those who can’t protect themselves. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing disease. Simply put, vaccines work and without them we will continue to see the gradual reemergence of diseases such as measles. Please make protecting your child through vaccination a priority. Prevent what’s preventable and immunize – on time, every time.l
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
More Winners for Dinner Great finds at all prices Tom Gore in his vintage truck at Tom Gore Vineyards.
WHITE WINES Tom Gore Vineyards Chardonnay California 2013 — “Great wines start in the vineyard.” Tom Gore has worked in the family vineyards from the time he learned to walk, working the harvest alongside his dad, a grape farmer. For the 2012 vintage, Gore test-marketed 10,000 cases, and because of the instant favorable reception, burst onto the market with 75,000 cases each of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay is a beauty with lovely tropical fruit flavors and a kiss of toasty oak and toffee. Under-priced. Over-delivered! $13.95 Charles Baur Vin d’Alsace Pinot Blanc 2012 — Elegant, with white flowers. Aged on the lees for 10 months. Should drink well for up to 10 years. Run by second and third generation winemakers Armand and Arnaud Baur, this is a delightful find. I don’t know Armand, but Arnaud’s knowledge and credentials are beyond impressive! $14.50 Benziger Family Winery Chardonnay Sonoma County 2013 — Implementing Certified Sustainable Farming methods, the result is an elegant offering with hints of peach and pear, accompanied by a full and refreshing finish. A Chardonnay with class and breed — and under-priced. $16 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay
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Sonoma County 2013 — Fermented in 100 percent French oak barrels with wild yeast, this is an artful blend of grapes from 21 vineyards, many of which have been under contract with Landmark for decades. On the palate, “…flavors of quince, pear blossom, apricot and pie crust…” Another harmonious offering from this consistently excellent value. About as good as it gets at this price point. $22 OTHER GREAT VALUES Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Regional Collection Marlborough 2014 — Clean and crisp. 12.5 percent alcohol. A steal at $13; Trinity Oaks Chardonnay California 2014 — The Trinchero family will plant a tree for every bottle purchased. Easy-drinking with or without food. $15; Alois Legeder Pinot Grigio 2013 and Chardonnay 2013 — Each a good find. From Alto Adige. Each $15; Charles Baur Vin d’Alsace Riesling Cuvée Charles 2013 — Crisp, dry, citrus with good acidity and minerality. $19; Migration Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2013 — Hard to believe, but even better than the 2012; Jordan Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2013 — Bright, elegant, peach, with balancing acidity/minerality. $35; Frank Family Chardonnay Carneros 2013 — Fresh tropical fruit, sweet vanilla and pear. $35
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
Kaiken winemaker Aurelio Montes Jr.
SPARKLING AND STILL (Rosé) Valdo Vino Spumante Brut Rosé — A startling encounter for anyone expecting an Asti Spumante look-alike. Although labeled “Brut,” this wine tastes more like a “Natural,” with no discerned residual sugar, which in a Brut is generally in the 1 percent range. A great find for one looking for a truly dry, but titillating and juicy sparkler. Only 12 percent alcohol. $15 Lucien Albrecht Cremant D’Alsace Brut Rosé — Made in the strict Champagne Method with 100 percent Pinot Noir, this is a sparkler with fresh, rich strawberry flavors and impressive mouth feel, and is a perfect accompaniment to smoked salmon on a little toasty with crème fraiche, capers and a squirt of lemon. $21 J Brut Rosé Russian River Valley — A very successful blend of 66% Pinot Noir, 32 percent Chardonnay and 1 percent Pinot Meunier. All estate fruit. Pink salmon hue, intriguing bouquet and elegant raspberry flavors. Perfect with truffle mousse (paté). Also works well with chicken dishes. $38 Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone Rosé — a fabulous introductory wine to the Cotesdu-Rhone from M. Chapoutier. Deep pink in color, this pretty young lady dances across the palate sprinkling essence of raspberries and cherries as she goes. This pretty blend of Grenache, Syrah and
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
Brian Rudin, Canvasback winemaker. • Greg Stach of Landmark Vineyards • Mike Benziger of Benziger Family Winery.
Cinsault is a perennial winner. $16 Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel 2014 — Once you stumble past the name, you will find an exciting, beautiful pink wine with “…lush, ample body, freshness and balance, with bright flavors of red berry fruit and ripe peaches.” Consistently at the top tier of rosé wines. A “must try.” $24 RED WINES Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon California 2012 — Like his 2013 Chardonnay, over-delivering on quality. Black currants with tones of dark chocolate, this mediumbodied, fruit forward wine is aged for 16 months in French and American oak and would sell out at double the price. $13.95 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir South Island 2013 — From cool-climate vineyards in Marlborough, Central Otago and Nelson, this meticulously made wine was aged in a combination of new and old French oak for 8 months prior to bottling. Strawberries, cherries and spice. A great value. Try with a mushroom risotto! $14.99 Mark West Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2013 — Suddenly I find that in addition to its decent $10 California appellation Pinot Noir, this winery procduces some excellent higher-priced wines, which soar above the former. This one has dark cherries, excellent balancing
acidity and a hint of forest floor/ mush rooms. The Russian River Valley appellation is just as good. Each only $20. K Vintners Syrah Wahluke Slope Milbrandt Vineyard 2013 — The Milbrandt name pretty much assures quality grapes. Winemaker Charles Smith makes some huge Syrahs. Here is a big, winning red at a bargain price. Try with prime rib! $28
Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone Rosé dances across the palate sprinkling essence of raspberries and cherries as she goes. CANVASBACK Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2012 — In Duckhorn’s continuing, successful quest to be one of the best wineries on the planet, it has gone to the celebrated Red Mountain Vineyard in Washington State. It is surprising to me that there are still vines for lease or purchase in that unique location. This wine attains Duckhorn’s goal of a wine that expresses the depth, structure and sophistication of this exciting appellation. A tremendous first offering with perfectly ripe fruit, intensity and persistence. $45 Kaiken Mai Mendoza 2008 (current release) — “A perfect collaboration between
climate, soil and the artistic skills of winemaker Aurelio Montes.” On the color and bouquet alone, I knew this was something special. Luscious in the mouth. Long, memorable finish. On par with the $100 single vineyard wines of Achaval Ferrer and Revana’s Corazón del Sol Soleando. Almost a perfect Malbec. $65 Palazzo Right Bank Red Wine Napa Valley 2009 (current release) — This beauty has been a success since introduced by Scott Palazzo in 2003. Mostly Merlot “power and strength, silky texture and beautiful layers of rich cherry and blackberry fruit,” Cabernet Franc which adds “brightness, acidity and floral notes” and a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon which contributes “earth and cocao/expresso bean to the finish,” this wine is a consistent winner. Scott is equally well-known for his over-the-top Cabernet Franc. $70 l 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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DINING GUIDE AmericAn
BArBecue
19th Hole Grill & Bar 202 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-363-2574
Corkscrew BBQ 24930 Budde Rd. Spring • 832-592-1184
3B's Restaurant 466 Rayford Rd. #107 Spring • 281-419-3553
Country Time BBQ & Fixins 25330 Richards Rd. Spring • 281-298-7455
Baker Street Pub & Grill 25 Waterway Ave. #100 The Woodlands • 281-362-7431
Dickey's Barbecue Pit 10700 Kuykendahl Rd. The Woodlands • 281-298-8422
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse 19075 I-45 #600 Shenandoah • 936-273-7100
Mama J's BBQ & Grill 26710 I-45 Spring • 936-273-9444
Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-362-1678
Pappas Barbecue 27752 Interstate 45 N. Conroe • 281-363- 2647
Black-Eyed Pea 1330 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-367-7143
Pit Master BBQ Cafe 343 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-419-3644
Buffalo Wild Wings 19075 I-45 #100 Shenandoah • 936-273-7777
Spring Creek BBQ 19099 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-271-0251
Cafe Express 9595 Six Pines Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281.298.2556 Fuddruckers 2290 Buckthorne Place The Woodlands • 281-367-1343 Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro 24 Waterway Ave. #125 The Woodlands • 281-203-5600 IHOP 25619 I-45 Spring • 281-367-6626 Jasper's 9595 Six Pines Dr. #900 The Woodlands • 281-298-6600 Jerry Built Burgers 1335 Lake Woodlands Dr. #B The Woodlands • 281-367-2874 Panera Bread 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-363-1056 Rookies Sports Bar & Grill 305 Sawdust Rd. #B Spring • 281-362-9610 Salata 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-465-0775 Skeeter's Mesquite Grill 4747 Research Forest Dr. #420 The Woodlands • 281-364-1094
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Stadia Sports Grill 9595 Six Pines Dr. # 1110 The Woodlands • 281-298-1818
Fukuda Sushi 25701 I-45 N. #3 Spring • 281-419-8980
TGI Friday's 1105 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-296-8252
Genghis Grill 9300 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-363-4745
The Counter 9595 Six Pines Dr. # 1000 The Woodlands • 281-231-2147
Kim Son Cafe 1701 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-9444
The Egg & I 1644 Research Forest Dr. #100 The Woodlands • 281-419-8333
Tsukiji Japanese Cuisine 24 Water Way Ave. #100 The Woodlands • 281-298-1888
The Woodlands Dining Room 2301 North Millbend Dr. The Woodlands • 281-364-6292
Masa's Sushi & Robata Bar 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands • 281-298-5688
Tommy Bahama 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-292-8669
Pei Wei Asian Diner 19075 I-45 S. Shenandoah • 936-271-9217
AsiAn/cHinese/ susHi
Pho Be 314 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-465-9598
Bei Jing Chinese Restaurant 409 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-363-2308
Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar 9420 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-273-0023
Benihana 1720 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-292-0061
Thai Cottage 3105 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-271-0771
Chi Japanese 27100 I-45 N. Oak Ridge N. The Woodlands • 281-419-1166
UNI Sushi 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-298-7177
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Thomas Barbecue 25312 I-45 Spring • 281-364-1177
FrencH/cAJun La Madeleine 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-5826 Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 Interstate 45 S. Conroe • 936-321-4200 Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen 9595 Six Pines Dr. #1120 The Woodlands • 281-419-4242 Tewbeleaux's Sports Bar & Grill 2907 Rayford Rd. #101 Spring • 281-292-3600
mediterrAneAn/ europeAn/ lAtin AmericAn Américas 21 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands • 281-367-1492 Bombay Sizzler 202 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-465-8383 Euro Bakery & Cafe 5010 Louetta Rd. Spring • 281-257-3023
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Guri do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse 1400 Research Forest Dr. Shenandoah • 281-907-4146 Sitar Cuisine Of India 25701 I-45 N. Spring • 281-364-0200 The Goose's Acre Bistro & Irish Pub 21 Waterway Ave. #140 The Woodlands • 281-466-1502 Yucatan Taco Stand 24 Waterway Ave. #160 The Woodlands • 281-419-6300
ItalIan/greek
Via Emilia 10700 Kuykendahl The Woodlands • 281-465-9555
MexIcan/tex Mex 1252 Tapas Bar 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-1260 Alfonso Mexican Restaurant 3126 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-298-8032 Chipotle 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-296-2772
Amerigo's Grille 25250 Grogans Park Dr. The Woodlands • 281-362-0808
Chuy's Restaurant 18035 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-321-4440
Brio Tuscan Grill 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-465-8993
El Bosque 19073 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-321-9860
Buca di Beppo 19075 I-45 S. Shenandoah • 936-321-6262
Freebirds World Burritos 1640 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-8011
Carrabba’s Italian Grill 25665 I-45 N. Spring • 281-367-9423
La Lupita 20 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands • 832-510-2111
Greek Tony's Pizza & Sub Shop 432 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-292-4313
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands • 281-296-2303
Grotto 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-4252
Lupe Tortilla 19437 I-45 S. The Woodlands • 281-298-5274
La Trattoria Tuscano 4223 Research Forest Dr. Spring • 281-419-2252
Mama Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant 8000 Hwy. 242 Conroe • 936-273-3220
Luca & Leonardo 20 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands • 832-510-2110
Pallotta's Mexican Grill 2211 Rayford Rd. Spring • 281-362-1114
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3041 I-45 N. Conroe • 936-539-5200
Taqueria Arandas 25598 I-45 N. Spring• 281-419-3582
Pallotta's Italian Grill 27606 I-45 N. Conroe • 281-364-9555 Ristorante Tuscany 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-367-9797 Russo's New York Pizzeria 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 281-273-6060 The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant 373 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-367-0114
DeSSert/tea/ coffee Chocolate Passion 1520 N. Frazier St. Conroe • 936-539-6585 Cheesecake Factory 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #302 The Woodlands • 281-419-3400 Gigi's Cupcakes 4747 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-651-5637
Pie Town Dessert Shop & Cafe 19075 I-45 Frontage Rd. Shenandoah • 936-321-3336
Philly Cheesesteaks 19153 I-45 #A Shenandoah • 281-465-0311
Rao's Bakery & Coffee Cafe 6915 Cypresswood Dr. Spring • 281-251-7267
Potbelly Sandwich Works 9595 Six Pines Dr. #930 The Woodlands • 281-292-6652
Teavana 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. (The Woodlands Mall) The Woodlands • 281-298-1127
WingStop 1510 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-363-9464
SteakhouSeS The Woodlands Gourmet Bakery & Cafe 9950 Woodlands Pkwy. The Woodlands • 281-298-9684
SeafooD Babin's Seafood House 19529 I-45 Shenandoah • 281-296-8829 Crabby Daddy Seafood & Steakhouse 25186 I-45 The Woodlands • 281-296-2722 Landry's 1212 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-362-9696 Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 I-45 S. Conroe • 936-321-4200
SanDwIcheS/ DelI/wIngS Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-362-1678 Charley's Grilled Subs 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #2162 The Woodlands • 281-465-4333 Honey Bee Ham & Deli 4747 Research Forest Dr. The Woodlands • 281-364-9200 Jason's Deli 1340 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-0100 Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 1508 Research Forest Dr. The Woodlands • 832-585-0610
Bob’s Steak & Chop House 1700 Research Forest Dr. Shenandoah •281-292-2627 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #305 The Woodlands • 281-362-0103 Kirby's Prime Steakhouse 1111 Timberloch Place The Woodlands • 281-362-1121 Perry's Steakhouse 6700 Woodlands Pkwy. The Woodlands • 281-362-0569 Robard’s Steakhouse 125 Autumnwood Way The Woodlands • 281-364-6400
Beer / wIne Acqua Lounge Waterway Marriott 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-367-9797 Crescent Moon Wine Bar 440 Rayford Rd. #115A Spring • 281-364-9463 Cru Wine Bar 9595 Six Pines Dr. #650 The Woodlands • 281-465-9463 Crush Wine Lounge 20 Waterway Ave. #200 The Woodlands • 281-362-7874 GenuWine Tasting Room 6503 FM 1488 #401 Magnolia • 832-934-2675 (CORK) Wolfies 25550 I-45 Spring • 281-298-9653
Katz's Express 19075 I-45 #116A Conroe • 936-321-1880 McAlister's Deli 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-271-1888
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Allison
&
Clark
Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Katie Lamb Photography
A
llison Heather and Clark Needham met quite by chance one year out of college. She loves champagne, chandeliers and dinner parties, while he favors boots, beer and breakfast tacos. Proving that opposites do indeed attract – and stay attracted — they fused her sense of elegance and his more rustic preferences at their storybook wedding on Sept. 27, 2014. After attending Clements High School,
Allison graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in public relations. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She later graduated cum laude from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston with a B.S. in nursing. Allison is a registered nurse in the Neonatal ICU at Texas Children’s Hospital. Clark was valedictorian at his graduation from Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Texas A&M University and later earned his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Rice University. He works as a product engineer at Alcon.
The glowing bride on her special day. • Allison and Clark pose for an outdoor engagement photo. • A tender moment during the day. • The bride and her maids don robes and boots. (Next page) The bride’s mother and sister Emily help provide the finishing touches. • The bride in her gorgeous Pronovias of Spain gown. • Allison’s essentials: Jimmy Choos and Chanel. • The bride has on her makeup and jewelry and is just about ready to put on her dress!
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Introductions and First Date The couple met after Allison started her first job downtown, and Clark was in grad school. They crossed paths when they went out two-stepping with mutual friends at a midtown country bar. Clark asked Allison out to a sushi restaurant a few weeks after their country dancing encounter and ordered himself an appletini to make sure she had a sense of humor. It surprised her but didn’t steer her away!
Courtship During four years of dating, they traveled to Europe and Destin, Florida with the Heather family and to Puerto Rico with the Needhams. Plenty of fun couples' trips landed them in Cabo San Lucas, Colorado, Santa Barbara, Austin and the wine country of Fredericksburg. One of their most
unique trips was to New York City where Clark was a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. “We didn't become millionaires, but we did meet Meredith Viera, which was just about as good,” says Allison. The couple also had fun with friends participating in lots of themed pub crawls and music festivals. They raised money for multiple sclerosis and successfully finished the BP MS 150 bicycle ride from Houston to Austin. They even made peace with their college rivalries as Allison attended Aggie football games, and Clark supported Longhorn football by wearing a white shirt to UT games.
Proposal Allison and Clark became engaged on a gorgeous Texas fall day after a picnic on top of Enchanted Rock amidst sweeping views
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The Wedding
of the Hill Country. They celebrated with winery tastings after enjoying the special moment with each other and sharing the exciting news with family and friends. “It was a truly perfect day that we'll remember and cherish forever,” notes Allison. She was so excited to soon be marrying Clark that she couldn’t sleep that night.
Engagement They were engaged just over 11 months and had a vision of what kind of wedding they wanted, but the planning process was quite consuming both emotionally and time-wise. To add to the pressure, Allison and Clark bought a new house in Houston and closed 10 days before the wedding.
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The couple’s generous friends and family gave them several showers. Allison’s bridesmaid and long-time friend, Lindsey Coffman MacLeod, and her mother, Sunday Coffman, threw a kitchen-themed shower in Sugar Land. The Needhams hosted a nice shower in Brenham, where many of Clark’s relatives live. The bride’s sister Emily Heather, Courtney Noonan Post (her bridesmaid and sorority sister), Donna Phillips (a family friend) and their spouses threw a fun “Stock the Bar-B-Q” themed party.
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The couple achieved their vision of a rustic, elegant, Texas-chic and Christ-centered wedding surrounded by loved ones at the limestone chapel of Briscoe Manor — a reflection of their Texas roots and both of their personalities. They infused many of their opposite personal touches that were also reflective of their families and loved ones. “It is easy to lose to sight of the true purpose of the day amidst all the planning,” says the bride. “But the ceremony was one of the most special parts of the day and truly represented us.” Their mothers lit unity candles as they walked down the aisle, symbolizing two families becoming one. During the ceremony, the bride's cousin read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and vocalist Stephanie Spratt performed “In Christ Alone” and “My Beloved.” Attire: The bride wore an elegant mermaid gown designed by Pronovias of Spain with a scalloped hem with a sweetheart bodice covered in delicate rebrodé lace with a chapel-length sweep train. The bride completed her ensemble with a beaded and crystal belt worn at her waist, a custom-made cathedral length veil and Jimmy Choo glitter lamé peep-toe flats. The bride’s “something old” was the ruby ring that her late paternal grandmother was given when the bride’s father was born; it passed to the bride’s mother when the bride was born. Her “something new” was a pair of Nadri earrings, her “something borrowed” was lace from her mother’s wedding gown wrapped around the bridal bouquet, and her “something blue” was an embroidered maiden name and wedding date monogrammed inside the skirt of her wed-
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Handsome groomsmen stand with the groom. • The groom gets help with his boutonniere. • The groom watches his bride walk up the aisle. • The proud father escorts his daughter to the altar. (this page) Cups with succulents adorn the reception area. • The groom’s oversized cake was decorated in Lone Star and Texas A&M themes. • The scumptious cake had three tiers of buttercream and strawberry filling. • The place settings and floral arrangements were exquisite. • Guests could enjoy signature drinks topped with a monogrammed stirrer. • Vases of dusty miller, Queen Anne’s Lace, succulents and white O’Hara roses adorned tabletops. • Two adorable flower girls did a splendid job.
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floral pew markers consisted of white hydrangea, pink majolika spray roses, Queen Anne’s Lace, white stock, seeded eucalyptus and senorita roses each tied with an elegant heavy blush-colored ribbon. A large, rustic, wooden cross adorned the center of the altar with a cascade of white hydrangea, pink majolika spray roses, white stock, seeded eucalyptus, senorita roses and Queen Anne’s Lace. The two candelebras on either side of the altar also were embellished with these floral arrangements. A rustic wood-framed chalkboard with elegant hand-lettering
gifted his bride a David Yurman heart bracelet. The bride notes that the youngest of her flower girls — a 2-year-old — was encouraged to face the crowds with the help of gummy bears, and held one in her hand all the way down the aisle. This precious moment occurred just before Allison and her father walked down the aisle, which was a nerve-wracking and overwhelmingly happy occasion all at once, especially when the bride saw her handsome groom standing at the end of the aisle. Walking back down the aisle as husband and wife was also a top moment.
The Reception ding gown. Bridesmaids wore floor-length, crinkle chiffon Amsale dresses in varying necklines in the beautiful color “Pacific.” The groom wore a classic black tuxedo paired with a white shirt and black bow tie, black cowboy boots and argyle socks to match the bridesmaid dresses. Each groomsmen wore a classic black tuxedoe paired with a white shirt, black buttons, a black bow tie, argyle socks given to them by the groom and patent leather black shoes. The Bridal Party: The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Charles Brinkmeyer, a great-uncle of the groom who had married the groom’s parents, James and Alicia Needham of Corpus Christi, 30 years prior. The parents of the bride, Bruce and Susan Heather, have been Sugar Land residents for more than 25 years. Emily Heather, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Lauren Kasper Alletag, sorority sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Kate Olson Wright and Courtney Noonan Post (both sorority sisters of the bride) served as bridesmaids, along with college friend Laura Sollers, sister of the groom Lauren Needham, and Lindsey Coffman MacLeod, a high school friend. Lindsay’s daughter, Layne MacLeod, and Natalie Anderson were the adorable flower girls. The groom’s brother, Kent Needham, served as best man. Groomsmen included grad school friends Allan Henslee, Robert Langsner, Matt Kyrish, Richard Thibault and Joe Hoffmann, as well as high school friend Paul Geffert. Décor: The bride carried a bouquet of dusty miller, Queen Anne’s Lace, succulents, white O’Hara garden roses, white freesia, anemones, Eskimo roses and seeded eucalyptus wrapped in lace from the bride’s mother's wedding dress. The church
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Generations of family wedding photos were displayed in the reception foyer of the Briscoe Manor ballroom honoring those who had passed and were present lovingly in spirit. The newlyweds were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Needham and, just as they had on their first date, they two-stepped to “Memories of Us” by Keith Urban. The bride and her father had taken dance lessons, but jointly decided to simply sway to “Daughter” by Loudin Wainwright III and laughed the whole way through. The groom danced with his mother to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Then guests helped themselves to baskets of flip-flops by the dance floor labeled “Bless your Soles.” Floral and Décor: Guests signed a square of the couple’s “guest quilt” as they entered the reception, commemorating the night with a piece the couple will use in their home forever. Rugged burlap runners and wooden farmhouse tables were mixed with elegant blush, champagne and ivory linen-covered tables all adorned with mercury glass votives, candles and lush floral arrangements. Reception centerpieces welcomed guests in front of the chapel. Top wedding moments: The bride prepared for the big day at her parents’ house and childhood home, treating each bridesmaid to an up-do and styling. “Seeing my dad for the first time after I was in my dress was emotional and brought more happy tears than I expected,” she notes, and adds that she presented him monogrammed cuff links and a handkerchief with a sweet message on it. The couple opted for a “first look” before the ceremony, which immediately quelled their nerves and reminded them of the reason for the day. They embraced one another and exchanged sweet words. The groom
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included tall princess vases composed of the same flowers that decorated the church plus curly willow flowing out of the top. Each place setting had a hand-lettered menu tucked inside a napkin with a rosemary sprig peeking out, which were individually cut by the bride’s mother the week of the wedding. Cocktail hour tables beneath strings of lights in the courtyard were replaced with wine barrels that held centerpieces of boxed succulents, which were planted by the bride and her family the week of the wedding. Guests found their tables via escort cards written in elegant calligraphy pinned on a burlap-inspired board outside of the entrance to the reception. Another wood-framed chalkboard displayed the bar menu alongside antlers, custom monogrammed napkins and koozies. The fireplace mantel in the bar lounge displayed a light-up “LOVE” sign, handmade as a true labor of love by the groom. The signature drink of Texas Tea (tea plus vodka and lemonade) was served in a mason jar and garnished with a lemon and a custom drink stir with the couple’s
(Left page) A lively crowd surrounded the couple on the dance floor. • The “LOVE” sign made by the groom illuminated the reception. • The couple two-stepped for their first dance. • Guests were treated to late-night snacks. • (This page) The newlyweds exit amidst a flurry of petals. • And they’re off! The couple made their exit in a vintage Rolls Royce.
monogram. Guests enjoyed custom wedding monogrammed koozie favors and Whataburger “what a wedding” to-go taquitos upon departure. The Cakes: The cakes sat on a rustic door supported by wine barrels. The bride’s cake was a three-tier buttercream wedding cake with strawberry filling and a floral cascade including succulents and anemones. The groom’s cake was an oversized Texasshaped red velvet buttercream cake with fondant details including a surfboard in Corpus Christi (an ode to the groom’s favorite sport and pastime), a Texas A&M symbol over College Station, a Rice symbol over Houston, and an engagement ring over the Enchanted Rock area (the couple’s engagement site). Displayed next to the cake were photos of the groom surfing in Costa Rica and of the couple on their engagement day. Top reception moments: While dancing with all of her guests, the bride stopped for a moment and looked around the room and saw all of her loved ones celebrating. According to the bride, “It was a once in a lifetime feeling to have all of your favorite people together in one place, celebrating such a joyous day.” The Exit: The couple made their escape in a vintage Rolls Royce.
‰ Floors & Countertops ‰ Dream Kitchens
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JULY 2015
Honeymoon The newlyweds spent seven blissful days on the beautiful beaches of Antigua. l
‰ Progress
& Growth 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 | June 2015 |
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Fly Fishing Paradise Grab your basket and pole and get yourself to Jackson Hole
Snake River Sporting Club Fly Fishing
By Elizabeth Anthony ackson Hole, Wyoming, is a singularly beautiful, special place – unlike any destination in the world. Located along the border of Wyoming and Idaho, Jackson Hole is the valley floor between the Teton Mountain Range and the Snake River. The name “hole” was used by early trappers or mountain men, who primarily entered the valley from the north and east and had to descend along relatively steep slopes, giving the sensation of entering a hole. These lowlying valleys are surrounded by mountains and contain rivers and streams, which
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were good habitat for beaver and other fur-bearing animals. Though many tourists love to ski the area during winter months, summer in Jackson Hole offers unbeatable weather and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. For climbers, hikers and nature lovers, the nearby Grand Teton National Park is an absolute nirvana. The towering mountains of the Teton Range stretch 40 miles and include eight mountains over 12,000 feet. Keep in mind, too, that Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance is only 90 minutes away, and another 45 minutes or so to reach
Snake River Sporting Club Riding Trails
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Old Faithful. Whitewater rafting, golfing, kayaking, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, stagecoach rides and horseback riding provide some of the nearly limitless summer entertainment possibilities. Fly fishing in Jackson Hole is described by the area’s most seasoned guides as a truly magical experience. In fact, few locations worldwide compare to Jackson Hole’s combination of breathtaking scenery, legendary fishing, and accessibility for all skill levels. Whether you’re an expert angler on a Jackson Hole fly fishing pilgrimage or wanting to cast a fly rod for the first time, you’ll share
Snake River Sporting Club Fishing
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Snake River Sporting Club Clubhouse Living Area
in the magic of the valley and surrounding waterways, enjoy exploring the numerous world-renowned fishing options and pursue the revered fine spotted cutthroat trout in its only native habitat, the majestic centerpiece, Snake River. Snake River Sporting Club, Jackson Hole’s premier private club and residential community, offers such opportunity. Opening doors to non-residents and non-members for the first time, the Club is partnering with Orvis and Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School to host the newly launched Orvis Fly Fishing School – Jackson Hole, the renowned outfitter’s first such school in Wyoming. Orvis, a U.S. company founded in 1856, provides authentic products, knowledge and experiences that define and enhance distinctive country lifestyle and sporting traditions, with unsurpassed innovation and expertise in fly fishing. Now the industry leader, along with its friends in Jackson Hole, is offering a series of 10 two-day intensive classes, combining classroom programming and “on-stream” instruction led by Orvis Fly Fishing Instructor Spencer Morton and open to fly fishing enthusiasts from around the globe. ORVIS FLY FISHING SCHOOL – JACKSON HOLE Starting in July, the two-day courses run throughout Summer and Fall 2015. They offer an in-depth exploration of fly fishing fundamentals and techniques, including tying essential knots, choosing gear and tackle, proper fly selection, reading water and currents and general entomology. Taking
Clubhouse Dining Room
advantage of the Club’s premier and private access to six miles of Blue-Ribbon fishing on the Snake River, each student will receive an exclusive hands-on lesson with personalized attention from an expert instructor, for both beginner and expert levels. Pricing is $489 per student and includes use of top-notch fly fishing equipment and meals at the Snake River Sporting Club’s Clubhouse. “Jackson Hole is a hot-bed for fly fishing,” says Scott McEnaney, Orvis’ Eastern endorsed operations director. “This is Orvis’ first foray into Wyoming and we identified two great partners in Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School and Snake River Sporting Club. We are excited to host the schools at the Sporting Club — it’s the ideal location for our newest outlet.” SNAKE RIVER SPORTING CLUB Located just south of the confluence of the Snake and Hoback rivers in Jackson Hole, Snake River Sporting Club is a private club and residential community for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking the spirit and lifestyle of the American West. The Club is a 20-minute drive from the town square and 30 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, the only airport located within a national park – making travel to the area as unique and awe-inspiring as the destination. With more than six miles of private access to the “Wild and Scenic” designated Snake River and 3.5 million acres of the BridgerTeton National Forest bordering the Club, it is Wyoming’s foremost outdoor adventure playground. A plethora of pursuits can be
enjoyed throughout all four seasons – from blue-ribbon fly fishing, trail rides on horseback, canoeing and championship golf the majority of the year to snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing, skating and Heli-Skiing in the winter months. Snake River Sporting Club’s 800 acres of diverse Western terrain provide members and owners a comprehensive Jackson Hole experience right in their own backyard. Club Amenities Snake River Sporting Club offers a variety of membership options catering to local residents, second homeowners and infrequent but regular visitors from across the U.S. who enjoy indoor and outdoor amenities for all ages. Tom Weiskopf Golf Course: Snake River Sporting Club’s beautiful setting at the base of the mountains is matched by an expansive Tom Weiskopf-designed masterpiece, which offers multiple sets of tees for all levels of play. The award-winning golf experience at Snake River Sporting Club blends the natural landscape with a varietal design that weaves through native pines, cottonwoods and willows just yards from the Snake River. Water Activities: Fly fishing, canoeing and kayaking – With private access of up to six miles of the Snake River and personal guide services, a first class fly fishing experience awaits at Snake River Sporting Club. Flies, fishing gear, apparel and additional sporting equipment are available for sale and rent at the member Sport Shop
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Snake River Sporting Club
inside the Clubhouse. The Club also features a beautiful lake as well as ponds that can be used for kayaking, canoeing and even paddle boarding. Land Activities: Equestrian, mountain biking, hiking, and more – Endless hiking opportunities and mountain bike trails are accessible on property and throughout the bordering Bridger-Teton National Forest. Snake River Sporting Club’s eastern boundary is shared with 3.5 million acres of the protected land with the Martin Creek trailhead sitting just across from the member Clubhouse. Members of Snake River Sporting Club also have access to Snake River Bend Ranch, which shares the Club’s north boundary. Lush ranch land leads to groomed riding trails running throughout the property and into the surrounding forest. Hourly and full day guided trail rides are offered throughout the property, and the Club’s 440-acre equestrian facility offers premier boarding opportunities for the avid rider. A 3-D archery course weaves throughout the ranch property, as does an 18-hole Frisbee golf course located on a club-owned island in the Snake River. Clubhouse: Located in the heart of Snake River Sporting Club, the member Clubhouse provides unparalleled views of the Snake River and surrounding mountains. This expansive 26,000-square-foot gathering center entertains a contemporary western decor designed by acclaimed local firm, WRJ Interiors, and includes a Sports Shop, restaurant and grill room, exercise facility, locker room facilities and a furnished outdoor deck
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Snow King Resort Pool
for dining and relaxing amongst the beautiful scenery and native wildlife. Adjacent lawns can be utilized for small or large events and Club administration and concierge services are available to members. LODGING Participants of the Orvis Fly Fishing School – Jackson Hole can take advantage of special rates offered by Snow King Resort. Located in the heart of Jackson Hole, Snow King Resort is the town’s largest full service, year-round resort offering comfortable Western lodging at the Snow King Hotel and luxurious accommodations at the Grand View Lodge condominiums. Snow King provides a variety of amenities and extensive conference and catering facilities. Six blocks from Jackson Hole’s Historic Town Square, Snow King sits adjacent to the Bridger-Teton National Forest with spectacular mountain views and the hotel’s own Snow King Ski Area, which opened in 1939 as Wyoming’s first ski resort. Snow King is also gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and provides easy access to the area’s many recreational opportunities. Guests enjoy western hospitality and “Tip of the Hat” service at the newly renovated Snow King Hotel. Dining Options Taking cues from its surroundings and inspired by local traditions of ranching and game hunting, Haydens Post offers a sophisticated yet approachable menu of Mountain West regional cuisine served in a lively atmosphere with scenic, 280-degree views of the
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surrounding mountains. Signature dinner entrees include Coffee-Rubbed Elk with huckleberry juniper jus and fingerling-cauliflower purée; Dutch Oven Bison Brisket, stout-braised and served with sweet potato mash and tobacco onions; and Rustic Vegetable Pot Pie featuring seasonal local vegetables, mushrooms, fresh herbs in a flaky pastry. A vast offering of hand-crafted cocktails, local craft beer selections and numerous beers on tap, as well as a vast selection of wines by the glass round out the Wyomingfocused experience. Haydens Post serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, as well as a Happy Hour menu. Spa Services Relax, rejuvenate, and recreate at the Snow King Resort’s top notch spa services. Comprised of the Clip Joint, a full service hair salon; Olga’s Day Spa, offering a multitude of body and skin services to soothe and indulge; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and an outdoor hot tub and pool. Learn to fly fish, hone your skills with the world's best fly fishing instructors or simply enjoy the scenery in an outdoor lover’s paradise. With Orvis and the Snake River Sporting Club, you can take your outdoor experience and knowledge to the next level. To enroll in the Orvis Fly Fishing School– Jackson Hole, visit orvis.com/schools or call 866-531-6213. For more information on Snake River Sporting Club, call 307-200-3114 or visit snakeriversportingclub.com.l
Conroe Native Makes History CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65
Montgomery is passionate about the Bidai Indians, the original tribe found in Montgomery County.
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Fort Bend Publishing Group is looking for energetic Sales Associates to sell advertising in its Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes and Houston area publications. Sales experience is a must. Great earning potential! Send Resume to: Linda Anderson
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Schools & Learning Centers 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 | June 2015 |
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‹Trendmaker Homes Launches New Lending Service in Texas
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Finger Lakes Region of New York www.drfrankwines.com
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Zak Hudnall
‹Zak Hudnall Named Leasing Agent for TWDC The Howard Hughes Corporation recently announced that Zak Hudnall has been named as Leasing Associate for the company. Hudnall will handle commercial retail leasing for The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC) and Bridgeland, wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Howard Hughes Corporation. In this role, Hudnall will be responsible for leasing sites in The Woodlands Town Center, including The Waterway Square® District and Hughes Landing®, as well as Creekside Park Village Center and Lakeland Village Center in Bridgeland. Prior to joining The Woodlands Development Company, Hudnall was an Associate with Colliers International where he specialized in landlord representation. He is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Association of Montgomery Country (CREAM) and an active member of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Hudnall is also a member of The Association of Former Students – Texas A&M University and a member of The Century Club. Hudnall graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M University, holding a Bachelors of Science in Finance and Real Estate. “Zak has a vast knowledge of the local retail market,” said Rip Reynolds, Director of Leasing & Commercial Land for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “He is a welcome addition to the commercial team at The Woodlands and Bridgeland, especially as we continue to add retail, dining and entertainment developments to these two award-winning, master planned communities.”
Trendmaker Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group, announced the launch of TRI Pointe Connect as its in-house mortgage company, making Texas one of the first four states in the nation to offer mortgage services through the new company. Formed as a joint venture between Trendmaker Homes and imortgage, a division of loanDepot LLC, TRI Pointe Connect opened its doors in Texas following launches last month in Arizona, Colorado and Washington. It is anticipated that TRI Pointe Connect will continue to expand and operate in eight states. Imortgage is one of the nation’s top five nonbank retail mortgage lenders whose imortgage builder platform has produced the highest customer service scores of all U.S. lenders, as measured by Eliant in 2014. “We’re always looking for new ways to make purchasing a Trendmaker Home easier for our buyers,” said Will Holder, president of Trendmaker Homes. “Providing a service that personalizes the financing experience, and enables communication between all parties, ensures a smooth process from beginning to end.” The rollout of TRI Pointe Connect in Texas follows less than a year after one of the largest mergers in homebuilding history, wherein Quadrant Homes and four other builders became part of TRI Pointe Group in the company’s 2014 merger with Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company (WRECO). The merger made TRI Pointe Group one of the top 10 largest public homebuilders by market equity capitalization in the United States. TRI Pointe Connect is the company’s first lending service and will be launched across all six TRI Pointe Group homebuilding brands. TRI Pointe Connect will offer an integrated team of mortgage loan consultants on-site in the Houston area market, who will provide personalized service, competitive rates, and a wide portfolio of mortgage products to TRI Pointe home buyers — all intended to make the home buying process simple and smooth. “We look forward to a successful relationship with Trendmaker Homes, and are thrilled to roll out TRI Pointe Connect in Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Washington,” said Dan Pena, senior vice president of imortgage.
progress and growth A D V E R T I S I N G
Area Citizens Receive Governor’s 2015 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Jessica Middleton of The Woodlands and Terry Theall-Jones of Tomball were presented with awards during the Governor’s 2015 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award program recently. Both awards were presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Oliver Bell and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston during a ceremony in Austin. Middleton received the Pathfinder Award, which is given to an individual or group that has demonstrated leadership qualities in their volunteer service and made significant contributions to the welfare of victims. She volunteers much of her time as a victim impact specialist in the Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programs at the Goree Unit (Huntville) and Hightower Unit (Dayton). Theall-Jones was presented the “Religious Service” award. She first volunteered in a correctional facility 18 years ago and found the experience very rewarding. She then started Truth and Compassion Ministries as an outreach project with three other women who volunteered once a quarter to visit a prison. A year later they were ministering to three or four units once a month. Truth and Compassion Ministries now has 42 volunteers who run a faith-based life skills class called Quest for Authentic Manhood, an Adults Relating to Kids (ARK) parenting class, a class discussing the Seven Areas of Life Training (S.A.L.T.) and Voyager classes. Marriage and anger management seminars are now part of Truth and Compassion Ministries as well. The outreach program has also been instrumental in assisting with offenders’ needs at the Stringfellow Unit in Rosharon.
THE KINK TEAM From starter homes to luxury estates, The Kink Team has been dedicated to delivering world class real estate service in The Woodlands area for almost a decade. Their use of advanced technology, top notch customer service, attention to detail, and a national real estate referral network second to none through Keller Williams Realty Mastermind Groups keep The Kink Team as one of the top producing real estate teams in the industry. They ranked No. 1 in Keller Williams Woodlands Market Center and have been recognized by Houston Business Journal as one of the Top 10 Houston Residential Realtors®. 281-364-4828 TheKinkTeam.com
Whitney Bank is proud to help Houston grow, with innovative products such as their fixed-rate, One-Time Close Construction loan that combines construction and permanent financing into a single closing, saving homeowners time and money. Our experienced bankers will guide customers through the entire process, from prequalification to closing. Call The Woodlands mortgage lenders below. Whitney Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval. Member FDIC. Jamie Bell: 281-610-5449 Dustin Kramer: 281-419-9780 whitneybank.com
DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES David Weekley Homes now has three model homes open in Liberty Branch, a community located in the Village of Creekside Park in the Woodlands. These model homes – The Ardell, The Springdale and The Chiswell – are great examples of the awardwinning David Weekley home designs that will be available in this unique community. Liberty Branch has the best of both worlds: a small-town feel with modern-day conveniences. Homebuyers in Liberty Branch have five distinct David Weekley design styles to choose from: Classical, Craftsman, Mediterranean, French and English Tudor. 281-249-7790 davidweekleyhomes.com
TDECU In 1955, a group of 10 founded TDECU with $5 each. They then made their first loan – for a $35 refrigerator. Sixty years later, their mission hasn’t changed. They recognized their 200,000th member and made over $1.3 billion in new loans in 2014, while continuing to provide their members with access to affordable, convenient credit. They’re proud to continue the founders’ legacy and look forward to serving TDECU members for the next 60 years. 800-839-1154 x 4614 TDECU.org/mortgage
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progress and growth A D V E R T I S I N G
GRACEPOINT HOMES - LILY
THE WOODLANDS RESORT
Experience The Woodlands Resort, just 30 minutes north of Houston, where kids enjoy hours of entertainment at the signature Forest Oasis Waterscape™ with waterfalls, twisting two-story waterslide, underwater murals, live music, s’mores at dusk and dive-in movies. Other resort amenities include two, on-property golf courses, a full-service spa and fitness facility, 194 miles of nature and bike trails, and 21 tennis courts and Lazy River. 866-882-9996 woodlandsresort.com
Gracepoint Homes has opened a model home in Lily, a new gated development of courtyard home designs near The Woodlands.Homes in Lily feature open-concept great rooms and generous porches and balconies overlooking central courtyards. Pricing starts in the $590,000s in Lily, off Wellman Road in Shenandoah minutes from Interstate 45.To celebrate the model grand opening, Gracepoint Homes is giving away a Big Green Egg ceramic grill to those buying a home through June 30. For details visit the website. gracepointhomes.com
LYNDA F. BENTLEY, P.C. ATTORNEY AT LAW
For more than 27 years, Lynda Bentley’s office has handled family law cases in the courtrooms of Houston and surrounding areas. Her experience is critical, because judges have a great deal of discretion when making decisions. She understand the judges she works with and how judges think, because she was one. She knows their habits in terms of making decisions. This allows her to present her cases based on each client’s needs. but also emphasizing the issues important to the judges who will determine the final outcome. Her knowledge of all the factors in play allows her to do what is right for you in your divorce or family law case. 281-955-2408 attorneylyndabentley.com 5515 Louetta Rd., Ste. C, Spring
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PULTE HOMES
Pulte Homes is now offering $10,000 in Option Upgrades in its Life Tested® home designs at The Woodlands –Wyatt Oaks. This limited time offer expires on June 30, 2015, with the purchase of a one- or two-story home priced from the mid $300,000s. The Woodlands–Wyatt Oaks features seven floor plans ranging from an estimated 1,785 to 2,904 sq. ft., featuring three to five bedrooms and up to four and a half baths. For information call or visit the website. 866-211-0962 pulte.com/thewoodlands
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
CHJ WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Investing seems to be more complicated each day. Trying to determine what makes markets move can drive you crazy. All the noise can distract you from focusing on your goals. At CHJ Wealth Management their role is to deal with the nuances of today’s markets while you focus on enjoying your life. Stop by for a visit to discover how being independent allows them to focus on your goals. Please contact them at the number below. 281-298-2700 chjwealthmanagement.com 10200 Grogan's Mill Road, Suite 340, The Woodlands
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something good in store. The new Lolli and Pops will be located on the lower level near Dillard’s and will be the company’s 13th store with more opening in 2015.
‹Strykers Add A Pitching Duo
Gracepoint Homes has opened a new model home in the gated neighborhood of Lily near The Woodlands.
‹Gracepoint Homes Opens New Model Home in Lily Gracepoint Homes has opened a new model home in Lily, a new development in Shenandoah that features courtyard home designs and rear alleyways. The grand opening was held on May 16. The 3,776-square-foot Azalea plan showcases the courtyard home design found in all of the eight homes crafted specifically for the neighborhood. Like the Azalea, all of the designs feature generous porches and balconies, open-concept great rooms, kitchens defined by centerpiece islands and upstairs master suites. Several of the designs also feature private studies or guest suites detached from the home and accessed via the porch. “Indoor and outdoor living blend seamlessly in these signature floor plans, with walls of downstairs and upstairs windows overlooking the porch, balcony and courtyard,” said Tom Cox, Jr., president of Gracepoint Homes. “Buyers will be impressed as they walk through front doors or entry gates to see the spacious designs.” Homes are priced from the $590,000s in Lily, which is located off Wellman Road in Shenandoah just minutes from I-45. Only 62 homes will be built in the 12-acre community, which is being developed by Gracepoint Homes. Rear alleyways help preserve the streetscape within Lily and residents will enjoy a community park. Young residents will attend schools in the Conroe Independent School District, including Lamar Elementary, Wilkerson Intermediate, Knox Junior High and The Woodlands College Park High School.
The Strykers are proud to announce the signing of Jerry Murillo and Raul Baduel. Jerry is a freshman catcher/pitcher from McLennan Community College and Raul is a freshman pitcher from Frank Phillips College. Murillo is a native of Houston. He stands at 6’0’’ and went to St. Pius X High School. He was a four-time all-district selection and twotime all state selection and has appeared in 18 games for McLennan this year, posting a .182 average with one homerun and four RBIS. Murillo has also made seven appearances on the mound with eight strikeouts and one save in 8.2 innings pitched. Baduel is a native of Venezuela. He is a freshman pitcher at Frank Phillips College with 11 games – 10 of them being starts. He has posted a 4-2 record in 43 innings pitched. He has recorded 19 strikeouts and an ERA of seven. Head Coach John Villarreal states, “We continue to build our roster with quality players. We are very excited to welcome both Jerry and Raul to the Strykers.” For more information about the Strykers, visit woodlandsstrykers.com.
‹David Weekley Homes Named Nation’s Largest Privately-held Home Builder
‹Houston’s First Lolli and Pops to Debut at The Woodlands Mall This summer, The Woodlands Mall introduces a new Lolli and Pops store to the city of Houston. Self-proclaimed and affectionately known as purveyors of sweetness, Lolli and Pops offers unique sweets from all over the world, including chocolates from Madagascar, sour belts from Spain, sodas from Japan and much more. The Lolli and Pops store is designed to delight its guests, bringing wonder and joy to all ages. From the English apothecary to the good old-fashioned American ice cream parlor, the retailer has found inspiration from sweet sources of all sorts to build a store that truly enchants the senses. The Woodlands location will feature 1,960 square-feet of space devoted entirely to delicious treats and sweet gifts. Filled with collections of confections from wall-to-wall, the retailer offers candies sourced from worldwide famed producers as well as local Texas artisans. Choices change daily, depending on batch size and availability but there is always
David Weekley Homes, which is headquartered in Houston, has announced its ranking as the largest privately-held home builder in America and 16th overall, according to BUILDER Magazine’s BUILDER 100 list, published May 7. “We are honored to have again achieved this coveted spot on the BUILDER Top 100 list as the nation’s largest privately-held home builder,” said David Weekley, company chairman. “David Weekley Homes is experiencing outstanding growth and we would not achieve such great success if it were not for our committed and talented Team Members.” David Weekley’s growth allows it to continue its purpose of “Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives” for more customers in each of its markets. The company operates in 20 cities across the coutnry. Homebuyers can have confidence buying from David Weekley Homes because of its longstanding reputation for delivering quality homes, customer satisfaction and warranty service. The BUILDER 100 list is compiled from data collected by Builder magazine via survey of the nation’s top builders. The BUILDER 100 (and the Next 100) list is comprised of both private and public builders and identifies the top home builders in America by annual closings, and provides information about gross revenue, rate of change year over year and what products they build and where.
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progress
A D V E R T I S I N G
growth
GRACEPOINT HOMES
TRENDMAKER HOMES
WOODFOREST
Gracepoint Homes can be found throughout Montgomery County, selling distinctive homes in prime developments near popular entertainment and employment areas. Gracepoint Homes is developing two communities in Shenandoah, the New Orleans-themed Marion and the newly opened Lily. Home prices start near the $600,000s in both. Gracepoint offers homes from the $250,000s in Wright’s Landing in Spring and from the $700,000s for Southernstyled homes in Woodforest. Plus, Gracepoint is developing Stillwater, a new Lowcountry community in Conroe near Interstate 45 that opens this summer. For details, visit the website. gracepointhomes.com
Trendmaker Homes is the exclusive new home builder in Conroe’s Barton Woods! Since 1971, Trendmaker has been a leader in Houston’s luxury home market. Trendmaker creates homes that are both beautiful and functional, combining high-end finishes with features designed to make your life easier. Trendmaker is committed to delivering a superior homebuying experience. That experience starts in their model homes where what you see is what you get. Trendmaker models showcase unique architectural elements, designer materials, and practical living features – most of which are already included in their home prices! Robert Rabson: 936-441-4155 trendmakerhomes.com
Woodforest continues to increase its new hometown amenities, with a day care coming soon and new neighborhoods now selling. Kiddie Academy is expected to open in Woodforest early 2016 serving children ages six weeks to 12 years. Plus, neighborhoods are opening in Woodforest’s “South District” along Woodforest Parkway South, expanding the development’s many housing choices.Opening this year in the South Montgomery County development is a CVS Pharmacy and the Woodlands United Methodist Church also has purchased land in Woodforest. For details, visit the website. woodforesttx.com
MIKE SEDER Nobody knows the real estate market like Mike! He lists and sells homes in every price range, works closely with relocation companies and international clientele. Mike is bilingual English/Spanish and has been selling real estate in The Woodlands for 36 years. He's been the #1 Re/Max Agent in Texas for 8 consecutive years and is currently the #1 Re/Max Agent in the World! In 2013, The Houston Business Journal named him #1 Real Estate Agent in Houston overall for number of closed transactions and dollar volume. Mike attributes his success to repeat business. Call Mike today for an exceptional home buying/selling experience! 281-602-8823 Office 713-806-6796 Cell mikeseder.com Seder@mikeseder.com 26113 Oakridge Drive, Suite D, The Woodlands
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WRIGHT ABSHIRE, ATTORNEYS, PC In Commemoration of the Declaration of Independence, Freedom from Great Britain and the tyranny of King George III, Wright Abshire Proudly Presents an Appearance by General George Washington, an American Hero, at the South County July 4th Parade. Celebrate our nation’s birthday with them! Wright Abshire is an award-winning team of elder law attorneys, dedicated to helping seniors obtain long term Medicaid eligibility while preserving their life savings. Their areas of law include Medicaid planning, estate planning, supplemental needs trusts, advance directives, guardianship and probate. Both Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire are Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. 936-273-2773 wrightabshire.com 3117 College Park Dr., The Woodlands
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
WESTIN HOMES For 20 years, Westin Homes has been a leader among Houston homebuilders offering the very best in quality and design. They have earned a reputation for building elegant, high-quality homes in some of the most desirable communities in Houston. With both distinct and refined details, they create the perfect balance of beauty and function. They take pride in delivering the highest levels of satisfaction to every customer. Whether their homeowners are moving to Houston from another country or from a neighborhood nearby, they are looking for a home that is comfortable, timeless, and affordable. Westin-Homes.com
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‹Conroe ISD Earns Platinum Leadership Circle Award Conroe ISD has earned a Platinum Leadership Circle Award from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The District scored 23 of 23 possible points on the rating’s criteria which focus on online financial transparency. In order to receive the Platinum Award, Conroe ISD demonstrated a level of transparency above and beyond expectations by providing clear, consistent pictures of spending and sharing information in a userfriendly format that allows taxpayers to easily drill down for more detail. “Financial transparency and efficiency is very important to Conroe ISD,” stated Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton. “Using taxpayer dollars responsibly and providing easy access to our detailed financial information is essential.” The Comptroller of Public Accounts launched the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle program in December 2009 to recognize local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. Conroe ISD has received the highest Leadership Circle Award in each of the six years.
Exceptional Performance Award for the second consecutive year In addition to its presence in The Woodlands, Darling Homes offers new homes in several of the most sought-after masterplanned communities of Fort Bend, Kingwood, Spring, Montgomery, Humble, Cypress, Fulshear and Richmond. Established in 1987, the company builds high-quality homes combining custom details, home design options and flexible floor plans.
‹New Host for The Woodlands Idol Competition The annual Woodlands Idol, the popular local amateur singing competition that has showcased hundreds of musical hopefuls since 2007, has a new host. Donna Wick Public Relations – a.k.a. Wicked Publicity – has taken over the duties previously held by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. Ashley Byers, director of Special Events for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “Over the years, this event has gradually changed from a Chamber event focused on
promoting our own members to more of a community event. To ensure the spirit of the competition kept up its increasing community involvement, the board of directors at the Chamber felt that The Woodlands Idol event would better further thrive under another organization. Donna Wick Public Relations was, we decided, the perfect fit.” Donna Wick, CEO of Wicked Publicity, likewise feels that the area will experience a whole new competition event, with greater community involvement, upscaled sponsorship opportunities, larger prizes and higher stakes. “As a Woodlands-based public relations and publicity firm that enjoys strong relationships with area businesses and media outlets, we are excited to host a competition that caters to our core strengths,” she said. The competition is based in Montgomery County but has applicants from all over Texas. Singers voted through the preliminary and semi-final rounds perform in the final round; the winner takes home a substantial prize package. Preliminaries begin in September. Visit thewoodlandsidol.com for details.
‹Darling Homes Named The Woodlands' 2014 Builder of the Year Darling Homes has been named 2014 Builder of the Year for The Woodlands as presented by The Woodlands Development Company for selling the most new homes in Texas’ most celebrated master-planned community. With new homes in The Woodlands from the $400’s to the $700’s, the luxury homebuilder’s award-winning designs feature inspiring gourmet kitchens, spacious family rooms, media rooms with state-of-the-art home theater systems, game rooms, spacious master suites, glorious master baths, guest casitas, private courtyards and more. “Our success in The Woodlands is due in large part to our outstanding construction team and our commitment to making the home buying process enjoyable and easy,” notes Sue Wood, community sales manager for Darling Homes in The Woodlands. Wood also was honored with The Woodlands Development Company’s The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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progress and growth A D V E R T I S I N G
HARMONY
The first all-energy-efficiency neighborhood in the Texas Hill Country is under way, and two specs homes will be open for tours in early summer 2015 at Comanche Trace. On 1,300 acres, with 27 holes of championship golf and abundant amenities for gracious living, Comanche Trace is a master-planned community located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country that is continually ranked as one of the best in the country. Homes from $250k to $2mil+, Lots from $69k to $200k+. For Stay & Play booking, available listings, and property tours, visit the website. 877-467-6282 comanchetrace.com
Several leading home builders have initiated presales of new, single-family homes in three new neighborhoods of Harmony, the fast-growing Spring master-planned community by The Johnson Development Corp. at Riley Fuzzel Road and Rayford Road. Perry Homes, Westin Homes, Darling Homes and Highland Homes are pre-selling new luxury homes with open living and entertaining spaces, gourmet kitchens, inviting master suites, media and game rooms, spacious secondary bedrooms and outdoor summer kitchens. Ashton Woods and Village Builders also will add new luxury homes in the community. To learn more about life in Harmony, go to the website. Harmony-Houston.com
HERITAGE TEXAS PROPERTIES
CHRISTINE HALE RE/MAX THE WOODLANDS & SPRING
COMANCHE TRACE
Heritage Texas Properties is a company deeply entrenched in upscale markets, with 16 office locations throughout greater Houston, the surrounding counties, and the Texas Hill Country, each representing a multitude of luxury lifestyle choices. The expertise of their team crosses every threshold, from close-in luxury markets like River Oaks, Southampton, West University, Tanglewood, and Memorial, to far reaching country properties – and the ultimate in luxury, The Woodlands. Wherever life takes you, call on them. Haley Garcia: 936-447-9625 heritagetexas.com 8505 Technology Forest Place, Ste. 803
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A longtime resident of The Woodlands and native Houstonian, Christine and her team of experienced agents provide their clients with the highest level of service when helping them sell or purchase a home. Her team of professionals consistently earn awards for being in the Top 20 in the State of Texas. They pride themselves on superior customer service and go above and beyond to make sure every client is completely satisfied long after the transaction is completed. Christine’s team stands true to their slogan, “We Sell More Because We Do More.” Cell: 281-772-6337 Direct: 281-362-2514 WeSellTheWoodlands.com 6620 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
GRAND CENTRAL PARK
Conroe’s incredible new 2,000 acre mixeduse community blends nature with urban, serenity with excitement and work with play, creating a whole new life experience. The vibrant neighborhood, just 4 miles north of The Woodlands, will encompass traditional homes, town homes, and urban architecture. There will be opportunities for office space, retail, conference center and hotel accommodations. Grand Central Park will include shopping, dining and a walkable living lifestyle in a unique pristine, wooded environment. For more details visit the website. grandcentralparktx.com
JUSTIN MCCLUNG, REALTOR® THE MCCLUNG GROUP
The McClung Group wants to be your “Realtors for Life” by exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships. Their team has over 50 combined years of experience, with a strong background in marketing and negotiating in their clients’ best interests. Their comprehensive marketing plan maximizes exposure with professional staging and photography, print media, digital marketing and a strong online presence. They strive for 100% customer satisfaction and look forward to working with you and your referrals! 281-656-5750 team@themcclunggroup.com Keller Williams Realty 8111 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands
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relocating to the area,” says Harmony Realtor Relocation Manager Faith Bailes, who says 2014 new home sales in Harmony were up 92 percent from the previous year. Harmony offers two on-site early childhood education facilities, a Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center and a new Primrose School opening this summer. Its all-new Barefoot Park features an aquatics complex with resort-style pool, splash pad, fountains and a shady, tree-lined playground. Children in Harmony attend schools in the Conroe Independent School District. Residents also enjoy a year-round schedule of festivals, community events and other neighborhood gatherings planned by a community Lifestyle Director.
‹ Anthony & Sylvan Pools Earns Angie's List Award
Elementary Teacher of the of the Year, Jamie Straughan with Dr. Stockton.
Secondary Teacher of the Year, Sabrina Pomales with Dr. Stockton.
‹2015 TSTA-Conroe ISD Teachers of the Year The Conroe Chapter of the Texas State Teacher Association (TSTA) held their “Salute to Education” Banquet on May 5 at the Lone Star Convention Center to honor outstanding employees, teachers, and volunteers who make a difference in the lives of students and provide a positive influence on the culture of the schools they serve. Humanitarians of the Year, Teachers of the Year and Friends of Education were recognized at the annual event. During the evening, Jamie Straughan, a fifth grade teacher from Deretchin Elementary, was named Conroe ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Sabrina Pomales, a teacher at The Woodlands High School Ninth Grade Campus, was named Conroe ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.
‹New Homes in Harmony Several leading home builders have initiated pre-sales of new, single-family homes in three new neighborhoods of Harmony, the fast-growing Spring master-planned community by The Johnson Development Corp. Perry Homes, Westin Homes, Darling Homes, Highland Homes are now pre-selling new luxury homes in Harmony Pines, Harmony Oaks and Harmony Woods. Ashton Woods and Village Builders also will add new luxury homes in Harmony Oaks. Combined, the six home builders will add 300 new homes in the Spring master-planned community ranging from 2,000 - 4,900 square feet priced from the $270s to the $600s. Plans will include open living and entertaining spaces, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, inviting master suites, media and game rooms, spacious secondary bedrooms, outdoor summer kitchens and three-car garages. Perry Homes will offer two different home series in the new Harmony neighborhoods. Located at Riley Fuzzel Road (soon to be replaced by the extended Grand Parkway) and Rayford Road, Harmony is located minutes from the new ExxonMobil corporate campus, Haliburton, Baker Hughes and other employers. “Harmony remains popular with Spring residents in the market for a new home as well those
Anthony & Sylvan Pools has earned the coveted Angie's List Super Service Award – reflecting an exemplary year of service – provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014. This is the second year in a row the company has received the honor. "The foundation of our corporate culture is superb customer service and being honored by Angie's List two years running reinforces our commitment to our current and future customers," said Mitch Martinez, Las Vegas General Manager of Anthony & Sylvan Pools. "We will strive to continue in this same vein and hope to be awarded the Super Service Award for 2015." "Only about 5 percent of the pool sales, construction and installation companies in Las Vegas have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award," said Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks. "It's a really high standard." Angie's List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an A " " rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie's List, pass a background check and abide by Angie's List operational guidelines. Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie's List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.
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(Front row, l-r): Phyllis Stehm, Carson Williams, Lynne Williams, Richard E. Williams, Regent Tracy Olds, Sheronna McMahon; (back row): Judy Weidner, Justin Williams, Amy Williams, Kinsey Williams, Lauren McMahon, Virginia Murray, Roselane Polnick, Trish Wunderlich and Bobbie Jackson.
Margaret Montgomery Chapter Celebrates Richard E. Williams, DAR Medal of Honor Recipient The Margaret Montgomery Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Texas Society DAR has honored Richard E. Williams with its highest award, the Medal of Honor at its 2015 State Conference. Williams was at work as a district manager in the General Services Administration, on the first floor of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building when the truck bomb exploded, less than 100 feet away on April 19,1995. Tons of rubble crashed down on him causing multiple severe injuries. He was found by a rescue worker, rushed to a hospital, and kept alive by extensive, emergency surgery. After returning to work many months later, he wanted to do something for everyone that was involved with this tragedy. That opportunity came two years later with the concept of a memorial and museum where he served in several leadership roles with distinction on committees involved with the development of the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum. Williams conceived a message of hope and healing that as a result of a senseless act, survivors can rise to achieve, live, and go on in life. His work for the various committees of the Oklahoma Memorial Committee, for the World Trade Center Survivors’ Network, The Living Lessons project and his public speaking engagements throughout the United States, has promoted his own personal healing and perseverance to go on in life, as well as for new generations who study the personal struggle of those affected by life’s great tragedies.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
(L-R): Jenny Taylor, Market Street - The Woodlands; Denise Mathews, Humane Society of Montgomery County; Missy Haggerty, Humane Society of Montgomery County; Dana Pritchard, The Woodlands Car Club; Kathy Scoles, Humane Society of Montgomery Society and Gary Louie, Humane Society of Montgomery County.
Market Street preSentS More than $1,800 to huMane Society of MontgoMery county As part of its Change for Charity initiative, Market Street recently donated more than $1,800 to the Humane Society of Montgomery County. The funds were raised by Market Street patrons during the first quarter of 2015. Since the program's inception, Market Street patrons have raised more than $100,000 for local charities. Four Montgomery County organizations are selected each year to receive a percentage of the funds collected from Market Street's 68 parking meters during a three-month period.
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Bob Abendschein of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and outgoing MCUW Board Chair presented Forestier with the award stating that “Hector was a man of his word both personally and professionally” and that it was “his honor to recognize his friend” as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year.
(L-R): Michele Riley-Brown, President & CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus; Dr. Jennifer Arnold; Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of Interfaith Community Clinic,;and Dr. Debra Sukin, President and CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.
Flag Park ceremony participants.
Dr. Jennifer Arnold Guest Speaker at Event for Interfaith Community Clinic Dr. Jennifer Arnold encouraged guests to “Think Big” at the second annual “Women Empowering Women” luncheon held on May 1 at The Woodlands Country Club-Palmer Course. The sold-out event raised more than $115,000 for Interfaith Community Clinic. “We were so honored to have Dr. Arnold as our special guest for this event for the Interfaith Community Clinic. She was incredibly inspiring and is truly a remarkable woman. The guests were equally excited to hear her motivating words of strength and encouragement,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of the Interfaith community Clinic. Standing at just 3 foot 2 inches, 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 docu-drama, The Little Couple, which follows their personal and professional lives and is now in its seventh season. The show has proven to be an invaluable method to break down barriers and educate people around the country about people with disabilities. More than 200 guests attended the luncheon and were able to meet Dr. Arnold before and at the conclusion of the event.
(L-R): Julie Martineau, MCUW President; Hector Forestier, Manager, City of Willis; and Bob Abendschein, 2014 MCUW Board Chair.
WilliS city Manager recognized aS Volunteer of the year During the Montgomery County United Way (MCUW) 2015 annual meeting held at Sam Houston State University – The Woodlands, City Manager Hector Forestier was honored as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year. As a loyal volunteer, advocate and donor for many years Forestier has successfully led and encouraged participation in workplace campaigns, volunteer opportunities, served on the MCUW board of directors, served as a member of the campaign cabinet, served as the treasurer and is currently a member of the financial independence impact council. Always going above and beyond the call of duty, Forestier has also supported and nurtured outreach initiatives that help to convene the Hispanic population to increase awareness around education of resources.
daughterS of the republic of texaS participate in flag raiSing cereMony Recently, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and community leaders tood part in the fifth annual Flag Raising Ceremony at the Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park. The ceremony, which was in observance of San Jacinto Day, became a tradition each year, as the flags are replaced to keep them in perfect condition. The unveiling and dedication ceremonies of the park took place on April 21, 2011, which was the vision of artist Craig Campobella, who created the Texian Statue and the Bronze Bust of Charles B. Stewart, which are surrounded by the 13 Historic Flags. The 13 flags raised represent the flags that flew during the Texas Revolution and the volunteer armies making the Republic of Texas Independence possible. The Flag Raisers for the ceremony and the flags that were flown are as follows: Coahuila y Tejas (1821-1836) – Martha Sanchez Haydel; Mexican Tricolor 1824 (18351836) – Johnnie Burleson; Flag of the Texas Navy (1836) – R.A. Mickey Deison; Alabama Red Tover (1835-1836) – Rodney Pool; New Orleans Gray (1835-1836) – Ernest Coker Jr.; Come and Take it (1835) – Commissioner Mike Meador; Dodson Lone Star (1835) – Harold "Hutch" Hutcheson; Troutman Flag (1836) – Virginia Murray; Goliad Flag Severed Arm (1836) – Paul Vigadamo; San Jacinto (1836) – Denton Florian; First Flag of the Republic (DeZavala)(1836) – Herbert "Kix" Lamp; Second Flag of the Republic (Burnett) (1836) – Pastor Anthony Shelton; and The Lone Star Flag (1839) – Pat Spackey.
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future of our communities by expanding the horizons of our children today. Heather and Terri, we are most grateful.” As WWAC celebrates 10 years in the community, Because Art Matters celebrates six of those years awarding teachers the honor of the award. This year also marks the first year a teacher has won outside of CISD.
Winners in the 2015 Dr. Gottlieb Outstanding Teacher in the Arts Award at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. Participants in The Petal for a Purpose bike ride.
Two Local Teachers Honored at The 2015 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Two teachers from Conroe Independent School District (CISD) and Montgomery Independent School District (MISD) were awarded the 2015 Dr. Gottlieb Outstanding Teacher in the Arts Award at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (WWAF) in April. Terri Sanders, of Hauke Alternative Academic High School and Heather Orr, of Montgomery High School, were each presented with a $2,000 award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to arts education and to honor personal sacrifices. The awards were designed to honor two teachers in visual arts and performing arts who have demonstrated excellence in their field, exceptional leadership and a high level of dedication to students by creating an environment that excites and stimulates the students toward self-expression through the arts. “The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council (WWAC) through its educational and community outreach arm, Because Art Matters, is pleased to honor such outstanding art educators in our community,” says Cindy Hardin, president of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council. “These teachers are truly inspirational as they transform students' lives through the arts.” Sanders is the 2015 visual arts winner and has taught in CISD for over 18 years. As an Art I-IV and cross-curriculum teacher for at risk students, she has instilled a love of the arts in students who have not had experience with art since early school years. Sanders creates a
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bridge between community involvement and campus outreach by forming partnerships and finding avenues to share her student’s art. In 2014 she also participated in and met the requirements to become a Because Art Matter’s year-round Master Artist. As part of this new and emerging community outreach program, Sanders and seven other Master Artists will work with community organizations and schools to create community collaborative art projects and murals through WWAC and the Because Art Matters programs. Orr is the 2015 performing arts winner and has been a UIL Choir Sponsor for the past 20 years and teaches choral at Montgomery High School. Known as a “one-of-a-kind” choir director, Orr uses her creativity and enthusiastic teaching to drive students to move forward with their talents while providing lessons of integrity, confidence, teamwork and dedication towards a common goal. Highly involved in the community, Orr serves for several professional music organizations and fosters the arts through outreach performances. “A great teacher is a powerful force and catalyst for positive growth in the lives of our youth” said Kimberly Lacayo, Because Art Matters chairperson. “The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council’s Dr. David Gottlieb Excellence Awards is one small way we can recognize the mentoring and guidance provided by these exceptional visual and performing arts educators who enhance the
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
nearly $600,000 raiSed at annual boyS and girlS country Spring feStiVal Bicycles, super slides, fun rides and great food were all a part of Boys and Girls Country’s 37th annual Spring Festival and inaugural Petal for a Purpose bike ride on May 2 that raised approximately $598,819. Over 3,500 visitors attended the festival and more than 100 cyclists participated in the bike ride. Proceeds from both events will go toward funding expenses to care for the 88 children staying at Boys and Girls Country and the 14 young adults in the College and Career program. Boys and Girls Country is a home for children whose families are in crisis and are in need of a place to live, as their home life has been disrupted. “Boys and Girls Country provides stability and structure for children, keys to a child’s success, which is why we are more than pleased with the money raised this year,” says John Nesser, Spring Festival co-chair. “Most of these kids have experienced a rough start to life because of family crises such as homelessness, abuse or neglect.” “When children come to live at Boys and Girls Country,” says Cynthia Nesser, John’s wife and Spring Festival co-chair, “there is so much they need. It costs $139 a day to provide a home, food, medical care, clothing, ‘round the clock Teaching Parent Staff, and after school tutoring and counseling. The first three months are critical. In three months we spend $12,510 helping a child transition to our home. So the dollars we raised on Saturday are critical to their care.”
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Woodlands Christian Gala Raises $2.6 million
(L-R): Nicole Leppert, Robin Bennett, Laura Everson, Amy Young, Tania Bryngelson, Gayle Brand, Julie Ambler, Jen McDonald, Amy Torres, Candi Guilbeau, Kellie Armstrong.
The Woodlands Christian Academy has reported that their annual auction and gala, The Warrior Derby Gala, grossed $2.6 million. The event was held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott in April. The proceeds will be used to construct a state of the art eightlane, 400-meter track, add synthetic turf to the football field and construct stadium seating on the school’s campus. “I am grateful to this year’s auction committee for their tireless efforts and I am humbled by the overwhelming generosity and support from the community,” said Head of School, Julie Ambler.
allows seniors to have fellowship with their friends and stay active. It’s good for them and it’s good for our community,” shared Dr. Ann Snyder, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. All activities offered at the South County Community Center are free of charge and anyone age 62 or older can participate. The average attendance for many of the activities
interfaith of the WoodlandS hoStS Spring luncheon for SeniorS Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted a large Spring luncheon for more than 150 local senior residents on April 20. The South County Community Center’s activity room was filled to capacity and decorated with fun spring décor, as guests enjoyed a full pasta lunch, dessert, games and music provided by local DJ. “Interfaith’s Senior Services Team are excited to put together these luncheons and all of the activities offered. This
is between 80-90 participants, and a hot meal is also offered courtesy of The Friendship Center. Bingo games are held every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m., and the book club, fitness, and arts and crafts are offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays at 10 a.m. Seniors do not need to pre-register in order to participate. The South County Community Center is located at 2206 Lake Robbins Drive.
L-R): Dr. Ann Snyder; Phil Platt, Director, Workforce Services – Financial Aid Call Center for Interfaith of The Woodlands; and Missy Herndon, Director of Programs & Services for Interfaith of The Woodlands. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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vational program supporting at-risk youth in the Montgomery County Juvenile Justice System, in early April. More than 75 at-risk youth participants, ages 12-17, from the Montgomery County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center and Montgomery County Youth ServicesBridgeWay Youth Center participated in the series of workshops. The drumming sessions, conducted by world-renowned percussionist Dan EggerBelandria, better known as “Dan the Drummer,” introduced percussion instruments and drumming styles as a creative way to communicate, express emotions and manage stress. This opportunity served as a powerful, interactive experience of rhythmic collaboration where participants explored self-awareness and artistic expression. “The Drumming is the Difference Program definitely benefitted our program simply
Theresa Roemer (l) with a client. • One of the gowns from the collection.
Theresa Roemer True and Real Trunk Show Held Theresa Roemer held a trunk show of the stunning collection of her spring/ summer fashion apparel line, Theresa Roemer True and Real, on May15-16 at the Roemer house in The Woodlands “Every woman deserves style and comfort. With the right pieces we can buy smarter and buy less while having interchangeable pieces,” said Roemer. The line encompasses figure flattering materials like Ponte knit with ideal pieces like the perfect go-to pants and skirt every girl always reaches for, with the flawless top and seamless dresses, each in three or four colors to build multiple looks. The simple line is designed for women to add their own embellishments to an uncongested canvas with statement jewelry and fashion add-ons to make each outfit pop. local food pantry receiVeS More than 2 tonS of grocerieS During a recent team-building session, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands (MBOTW) employees visited the nearby Costco, where they loaded up grocery carts with 5,500 pounds worth of food and household items before delivering them to the Food Pantry of Interfaith of The Woodlands. MBOTW co-owner and general manager
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Bob Milner said approximately 80 employees from his showroom took part in the team session, which began with the delivery of printed invitations to Mercedes owners throughout The Woodlands area for a choice of a free massage or car detailing. Milner said the session culminated with the trip to Costco, where his employees filled their shopping carts with items for the local food pantry. “Our team was so enthusiastic that we even had some of the Costco people loading up baskets for us,” said Milner. Earlier in the day, Milner had alerted Dr. Ann Snyder of Interfaith of The Woodlands that the MBOTW team would be dropping by that evening with a donation. She was waiting for them when they arrived with what turned out to be a donation of approximately $6,000 worth of much-needed staples to stock the pantry shelves. “We here at Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands are excited about the active role we can play in the community through helping organizations like Interfaith,” said Milner. becauSe art MatterS inSpireS at-riSk youth through druMMing WorkShop The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council and Because Art Matters recently sponsored “Drumming is the Difference,” a moti-
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015
Youth incarcerated at the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center receive instruction and some life lessons with Dan The Drummer.
because many of our at-risk youth have very minimal opportunities to experience any aspect of the arts, especially those that are specifically aimed at their participation,” says Bruce Gusler, deputy director, Montgomery County Juvenile Justice Center. Youth participants from all three organizations experienced positive feedback from participants after their involvement in the “Drumming is the Difference” workshop. “I had a good time learning how my attitude can affect my behavior, and how, if I prioritize my values, I can bring myself to do the right thing and make the right choices. It was also a lot of fun to play the drums,” says Tom, a workshop participant.
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Mason Milliman with his selected artwork “The Side of a Sunflower.”
FOURTH-GRADER’S SUNFLOWER SELECTED FOR GOVERNOR¹S GALLERY - Each year, the First Lady of
hensive training in D.C. designed to equip Ambassadors with the tools they need to become advocates for the often misunderstood disorder. Reese, joined by his grandfather, Virgil yoakum, will educate his peers and local community on how to promote understanding and acceptance of TS and its symptoms by presenting to schools, clubs and community centers. Yoakum is the vice president and general manager of Woodforest Development, part of the Johnson Development Company. National Advocacy Day is a crucial component of TSA’s Youth Ambassador Program, which empowers youth to improve public speaking skills while spreading awareness for TS. Youth Ambassadors meet with politicians, appear in the media and assist with fundraising and awareness raising campaigns, among other activities. “I decided to apply to become a TSA Youth Ambassador because I want to help others with TS as well as raise awareness among the general public,” said Reese.
Reese Wilson and his grandfather Virgil Yoakum recently visited Washington, D.C. to advocate for Tourette Syndrome awareness.
Program Founder Jennifer Zwilling, now 24, says, “The goal of this exciting program is to educate children all over the country about TS, a widely misunderstood disorder. We are following the motto ‘think globally, act locally’.”
Texas selects student artwork for the Governor's Gallery at the state Capitol. This year, First Lady Cecilia Abbott selected John Cooper School fourth-grader Mason Milliman's painting entitled "The Side of a Sunflower" to be among the 10 selected from the Texas Art Education Association's Youth Art Month Capitol Exhibit to hang in the Governor's Gallery for one year. The exhibit showcases works of art from students in PK through Grade 12 from throughout the state of Texas. Approximately 50 school districts were represented in the exhibit that ran from March 8-22 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
LOCAL TEEN ADVOCATES FOR INCREASED TOuRETTE SyNDROME AWARENESS - The national Tourette Syndrome Association, (TSA) announced this year’s Youth Ambassador Program inductees. The teens were selected to participate in the Association’s Ambassador training and 8th annual National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill from March 23-25. These teens, both with and without Tourette Syndrome (TS), lobbied representatives in Washington, D.C. to raise funds and awareness to combat bullying and misconceptions surrounding TS. Among this year’s chosen Youth Ambassadors is Reese Wilson, 14, from The Woodlands who completed a compreThe Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | June 2015 |
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difference,” added Principal Deb Brown. “Unfortunately, too many families are affected by cancer each year, and we are honored to be part of such a truly unique organization that thrives from empowering children supporting each other while making a real impact on cancer research and the programs made available through Alex’s Lemonade Stand.”
Amanda Heineman Sacred Heart Catholic School fourth-graders, Father Oscar, Principal Brown and volunteers raise more than $2,000 serving lemonade and cookies for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Sacred Heart Raises Money for National Cancer Foundation for Children Not only have the Sacred Heart Catholic School fourth-graders declared war on cancer, they have raised more than $2,000 in two days to help fight a battle this year for one of their own. Sacred Heart alumni, Eva Clouse, was diagnosed in January with cancer, and this year’s third annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand has been dedicated to her and the funds raised will be donated in honor of Eva Clouse to the National Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). Sacred Heart began its Alex’s Lemonade Stand tradition three years ago to support the national ALSF after reading The Lemonade War book in language arts and researching how they could help empower children and make a difference through fundraising and service projects in the local community. According to fourth grade teacher Brenda Schafer, it has become a rite of passage for the fourth-grade students at Sacred Heart to participate in this tradition that has been embraced by the local community and church parish. “Each year, the students get more excited because they know it’s their turn to help and prepare the Lemonade Stand and raise funds to help support childhood cancer research,” said Schafer.
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The national ALSF began when Alexandra A " lex" Scott was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer, after her first birthday. When she was four and bravely fighting for her own life, she told her parents she wanted to set up a front yard lemonade stand and raise money to give to doctors to help find a cure for all childhood cancer. Her first “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” began a tradition that would spread across American and give hope to those fighting for a cure. As news spread and after Alex passed away in 2005, her parents founded Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to continue sharing Alex’s vision and to help raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes and research into new treatments and cures. Since Alex set up her first lemonade stand in 2000, the AFLS foundation and children across America have raised more than $100 million to help fund more than 475 cuttingedge research projects, create a travel program to help support families of children receiving treatment and develop resources to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer. For more information,visit alexslemonade.org. “We could not be more proud of our students and their determination to help make a
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WOODLANDS ALUM WINS FIRST PLACE IN INTERIOR DESIGN COMPETITION - Amanda Heineman, a senior in the School of Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin and a 2011 graduate of The Woodlands High School, won First Place in the 2014 Student Design Competition of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). IIDA is the premier professional organization for licensed interior designers worldwide. The 2014 Student Design Competition challenge was Achieving Workplace WellBeing through the Evolution of the Open Office. Amanda earned a $2,500 scholarship for her award-winning design project. She will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design. This summer she will begin her interior design career at Gensler in Houston. In addition, Amanda is being recognized for the third consecutive year as a college scholar at The University of Texas at Austin, She also won first place in the IIDA Austin Student Design Competition and received a scholarship from ASID Texas.
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Science Department Chair Dr. Tina Davies with 2015 John Cooper School Valedictorian Brian Lue.
Hospital part-time during the school year, and for most of last summer, learning lab protocol and at times, running experiments. "I'm grateful for the opportunity I am gaining by working in the lab," he said. "I've learned how unpredictable, rewarding and fun research can be." Lue plans to pursue the study of biomedical engineering at California Institute of Technology this fall.
(L-R): Pastor Randy Reeves, Scoutmaster Joe Perugini, Eagle Scout James Robinson and Dr. Jon Rawson.
James Robinson Earns Eagle Scout Award Boy Scout Troop 1772 gathered with family, friends, and community members to celebrate James Robinson who earned the rank of Eagle Scout. James has been a Boy Scout for almost 10 years and started at the first level of Bobcat in kindergarten and now has achieved the highest level of Eagle Scout. James attended the High Adventure Camp of Sea Base in the Florida Keys last year. James is planning on going camping and hiking to the mountains of Philmont in New Mexico this summer. He is a member of The Order of the Arrow and has earned numerous merit badges and held many leadership positions in the troop. In addition he has also earned both the Bronze and Gold Eagle Palm Awards. The Court of Honor started with the posting of the colors by fellow scouts and opening words by Scoutmaster Joe Perugini. “I commend and congratulate this young man for reaching the rank of Eagle Scout,” Perugini said. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, scouts must meet a number of criteria, including earning 21 merit badges, serving six months in a troop leadership position and planning, developing and giving leadership to a service project for any religious organization, school or community, among other requirements. James chose to build a shade structure at the Woodlands Church prayer fountain for his Eagle Scout project. "Being the first person to welcome you into this world, I knew God had an amazing plan for you James." said Dr. John Rawson.
Pastor Randy Reeves offered a “heartfelt congratulations” to the new Eagle Scout and spoke about the significance of his achievements as he reflected upon James' life as he grew up at Woodlands Church.
COOPER VALEDICTORIAN AWARDED FOR GENETICS ARTICLE - Brian Lue, who has been named the valedictorian for The John Cooper School Class of 2015, was recognized by the American Society of Human Genetics on April 25 for his submission to the DNA Day Essay Contest. Lue's essay on the regulation of alternative splicing tied for third place in the nationwide essay contest that challenges students to examine human genetics beyond what is typically taught in the classroom. Lue's essay described the regulation of alternative splicing and how defects in this process can cause disease, as an example of the evolving definition of a gene. He was awarded a prize of $400 and his teacher, Dr. Martina Davies, was given a $400 grant to be used for genetics materials. "Brian's curiosity and his initiative to seek out amazing educational opportunities have continued to astound us ever since he came to Cooper," Davies said. "We look forward to groundbreaking discoveries from him someday." Lue moved to the United States from Taiwan and began attending Cooper four years ago. He has been actively involved in the school's Ethics Bowl team that participates in competitions regionally and last year, qualified to compete nationally. Lue has been working in a microbiology lab at MD Anderson
Second grader Isa Perez De Arenaza is assisted from the altar after placing a crown on the statue of Mary.
SAOPCS CELEBRATES MAY CROWNING - St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School celebrated the “Crowning of Mary” on May 1. The celebration was led by a procession of the most recent first Communicants of the school who first received the sacrament on April 25. Following the ceremony, the students participated in the Mass as readers of the petitions, gift bearers, lectors and Psalmists. Worship music was led by the school’s Mass choir and band members.
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(L-R): Jodie Gill, Karen Fearon, Amy Dietrich, Jan Stevenson, Bob Mosier, Kayleen Barton, Jamila Musa-Carr, Meg Garrison, Jayla Ash Davis and Denise Hayes. Not pictured, but also contributors to the auction, were Lesia Streckfuss and Emily Taylor.
Faculty Art Silent Auction Benefits Because Art Matters Cooper visual arts faculty members are also considered "artists-in-residence," because they are artists who work in a variety of mediums. Jayla Ash Davis, Amy Dietrich, Karen Fearon, Bob Mosier (department chair), Jamila Musa-Carr, Jan Stephenson, Lesia Streckfess and Emily Taylor as well as French teacher Jodie Gill, each contributed an original piece of art to a Silent Auction that was held in conjunction with The John Cooper School's Fine Arts Festival on April 25. The annual Festival, sponsored by the school's Fine Arts Council, is a full-day celebration held on campus to highlight student work in the visual and performing arts with performances, exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Festival co-chairs and Council Co-Presidents Meg Garrison and Denise Hayes opened the Festival at a brunch held for Cooper's patrons of the arts. Proceeds from the Faculty Art Silent Auction benefitted Because Art Matters (BAM), the community and educational outreach arm of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council. The auction raised $1,235 to enable more schools and residents in the area to be able to actively engage in the arts through programs provided through Because Art Matters. Director Kayleen Barton attended the Festival. "We believe that art education plays an essential role in developing young people's minds and the lives of the elderly as well as those with special needs or who are at risk," Barton said. "We encourage people to actively engage in the arts... Because Art Matters!"
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John Cooper School students Jessica Young (left) took third place at the state level in the Exxonmobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair in the earth sciences category, and Kabir Jolly took fifth place in the energy and transportation category.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS PLACE IN TOP 5 AT STATE SCIENCE COMPETITION - Five Middle School students from The John Cooper School competed at the state level at the Exxonmobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair that was held in San Antonio, March 26-29. Eighth grader Jessica Young's project, "Holey Grail of Natural Gas," captured third place in the earth sciences category and seventh grader Kabir Jolly took fifth in the energy and transportation category with his project, titled "Windmill Blade Design: Creating More Electricity." Fellow students who also qualified to compete, Kate Fisher, Kate Burns, Olivia Goodridge and Bethan Holloway-Strong, as well as their teachers, Stef Groves and John LaBonte, also had the opportunity to tour ITM, guided by Klaus Weiswurm, who holds several patents. According to Groves, they learned about robotics and the need to "think outside the box." "This was the final competition step for our Middle School students for this year," Groves said. "We do have a 10th-grade student, Kaitlyn Ramirez, who competed in the international science fair in May. We are very proud of all our students and their efforts toward the science fair projects this year."
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Inkblots is one of 30 schools recognized nationally and only one of three in Texas recognized by the NCTE. “It is definitely an honor to receive recognition,” said Shannon Klein, 2014 Inkblots editor-in-chief. “We don’t like to stay confined to what we’ve always done so we use the feedback we get each year. We look to see who also did well and we do a book exchange. This year we even skyped with a school in Chicago to trade tips and ideas and ideas.”
(L-R): Inkblots staff members Meredith Brus, 2014 Editor-in Chief Shannon Klein, Samuel Hodges, Olivia Morris, Sanjana Ramesh Babu, Maci Billiot and Claire Cromley.
ART & LITERARY PUBLICATION COLLECTS CSPA NATIONAL HONORS - For the first time in the publication’s history, the 2014 issue of Inkblots, The John Cooper School’s art and literary magazine entitled “Echoes and Aftershocks” won a prestigious Silver Crown award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). The association announced its top awards for scholastic publications at the 91st annual Scholastic Convention on March 20 at Columbia University in New York City. A total of 1,203 newspapers, magazines and yearbooks and digital publications issued during the 2013-2014 academic year were eligible for judging in the 2015 Crown Awards Program. “They awarded 39 Crowns to printed high school magazines,” said Peter Elliott, faculty advisor for Inkblots. “Of those, only four were awarded to schools in Texas.” CSPA also features spreads from the 2014 issue of Inkblots on their Student Review website, and the judges have selected the cover and three spreads to feature on the compilation DVD that is distributed to all members. The summary CSPA offers about Inkblots reads, “The Reader is immediately drawn to Inkblots’ color and design. The staff marries art and text on each spread with special attention paid to the different shades of gray employed in the artful layouts. Of note is the utmost care that is taken to accurately render 3D art in a 2D format.” “We have been honored by other
national organizations over the last few years, but a Crown Award from CSPA is, in many ways, the pinnacle of achievement,” concluded Elliott. Inkblots also continues to elicit highest praise in the form of critiques. CSPA gave the magazine a Gold ranking for the seventh consecutive year with three All-Columbian honors for Essentials, Verbal and Visual. “We received an almost perfect score from Columbia (Scholastic Press Association) when the association has made the rubric harder, and that’s incredibly impressive,” said Elliott. CSPA also recognized three individual pieces with Gold Circle Awards. Emily Beckler ’14 earned third place in traditional fiction for “Red Branches of the Willow” and considered merit in traditional fiction for “Shattered.” Molly Garrison ’14 earned third place in experimental fiction for “Inside the Jaws.” The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) gave the annual publication AllAmerican honors for the fourth consecutive year with four Marks of Distinction for Content; Writing and Editing; Photography, Art, Graphics and Typography; and Layout. The publication’s first-ever entry with The American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) earned a first place ranking. For the fifth consecutive year the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines presented the 2014 edition with its highest award.
Jasmine Diaz’s winning artwork.
STUDENT WINS 2015 GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM ART AWARD - Conroe High School ninth grader Jasmine Diaz placed first in the 2015 George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Art contest. The theme this year called for submissions to reflect energy use: past, present or future. Students in grades K-12 throughout Texas Education Service Center Region VI were invited to participate as well as students in 15 counties in Region VI. Jasmine was honored at the Awards Ceremony on April 9 held in the Annenberg Presidential Library Conference Center in College Station. Her artwork will be displayed in the Bush Library and Museum’s classroom for a year. Conroe High School Ninth Grade Campus students Daniela DeAnda and Adriana DeLaGarza placed second in the contest and received trophies for their efforts.
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Sponsored by www.MirrorLakeDesigns.com 281-350-0515
Birthplace of the Texas Flag
By Char Schneider ix Flags of Texas” is not always a reference to the amusement park. The term originated from the fact that the state of Texas has flown under six different flags or governments. The first national flag was from Spain, which had control of Texas from 1591 to 1685, and again from 1690 to 1821. France had control from 1685 to 1690. In 1821 Mexico was formed and broke away from Spain. Mexico remained in control until 1836 when Texas broke away and formed its own country. The Republic of Texas was a country until 1845, when it joined the United States of America. In 1861, Texas joined the Confederate States of America, but by1869 Texas was back to flying the U.S. flag. Johanna Troutman (17 years old at the time) is considered the “Betsy Ross” of the Texas flag. She was born in Crawford County, Ga. in1818. When she died in Georgia in 1879 she had never set foot in Texas. It wasn’t until 1913 that Texas Governor Colquitt requested that her remains be moved to Texas. Johanna sewed the battle flag for the Georgia Battalion of Volunteers in 1835. It was flown over Velasco, Texas. In January 1836, it was taken to Goliad
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and served as the First Volunteers’ flag of the Republic after the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. Originally, the flag was a blue star on a white flag with the words “Liberty or Death” at the bottom. During the Goliad battle the flag was torn to shreds. While this flag was used during the battles with Mexico, it was later modified. In 1839 the Lone Star flag as we know it today became the official flag of the Republic of Texas. Several politicians played with sketches of a new flag, but the third version sketched by Charles Stewart became the official flag. Mirabeau B. Lamar signed the original sketch by Charles Bollinger Stewart, who had created it on a piece of linen. The flag stands for bravery (red), purity (white), and loyalty (blue). Dr. Charles B. Stewart was a resident of Montgomery County. The pledge to the Texas flag (which all of our children have learned) was adopted by the 43rd Legislature. In 2007, it was edited to the current pledge. When both the U.S. pledge and the Texas pledge are recited, the state pledge is said last. “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”l
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