The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes September 2015 by Lifestyles & Homes Magazines/Fort Bend Publishing

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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We’re just down the way. Get nationally ranked care at Texas Children’s Health Center, Texas Children’s Pediatrics and St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital. Our Health Centers and Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices offer convenient access to expert pediatricians, subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic services. We also partner with St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to offer newborn care from Texas Children’s specialists. So when your child needs to see a doctor, come on over. We’re right here in The Woodlands, ready to lend a helping hand. For maps and information, visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.

Texas Children’s Health Center The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way, Suite 300 The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

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AN INSPIRED LIVING EXPERIENCE FROM Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Photos and descriptions of any planned improvements, features or amenities are not an actual representation and are for illustration purposes only that remain subject to change. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. At least one resident of household must be 55 or better, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 and no one under 19 in permanent residency. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © Aug, 2015, Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The WISE C onffer e ence

/4 //4 ƽ ƽ1(1( 1)12 ƽ1 ( 111)))12)112 %% Friday Friday Oc Oct. t. 16th 8:30am – 3:30pm The The W Woodlands Marriott arriott oodlands Waterway Wa Waterway M The Wise Conf nfference is excited to bring two international speakers to The Woodlands at an incredible value. Cynthia Kersey of the Unstoppable Foundation will Keynote the event and Dr. John Demartini will g raciously appear as a guest speaker. Join over 500 other area business owners, proffessionals, and Community leaders who come together for a fun filled day focused on relationships, business growth and community involvement. Thank You To Our 2015 Sponsors

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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 • Mara Soloway 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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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Baker Fall Sale BeginS SeptemBer 10 For in-Stock and Special orderS

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Contents

SEPTEMBER 2015

{62}

The Big Easy in The Woodlands Homeowners combine industrial and New Orleans styles in this architectural beauty. Interview by: Cathy Gordon Photography by: Susan Friday Photography

{40}

Scene in The Woodlands Parties, galas and celebrations. See what The Woodlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movers and shakers are doing!

{26}

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

{92}

Memorable Weddings Fionna and Dakota share the memories of their beautiful wedding and reception.

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Contents

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Good Life {92 MEMORABLE WEDDINGS} Couples share their special memories. {98 TRAVEL} Incredible destinations for you to experience. {100 WINE} Superb new releases. {102 DINING GUIDE} A listing of The Woodlands area restaurants. {104 RECIPE} Cajun Country Caviar

In Store Now {46 DISCOVERIES} New and unique finds for your home and lifestyle. {48 BOOKS} New releases on decorating, cooking, health and more. {50 FASHION} What to wear now and a look at new styles for the upcoming season. {54 NEW AUTOS} Reviews on the Honda HR-V and Nissan Murano.

Home Inspirations Inside &Out {70} INTERIOR DETAILS Laminate Flooring

{78} HOME IMPROVEMENT The Right Swimming Pool

A consumer guide to what’s underfoot.

Build yours to fit your style.

{74}

{80}

INTERIOR DETAIL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

RESOURCES

Community News {105 BUSINESS BRIEFS} Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders. {113 AROUND TOWN} Community groups and people making local news. {118 CAMPUS} Achievements and activities of area schools and students.

Health & Well-Being {84} Your Smile Dental options that will make you smile about your smile.

More Features {56} Elaine Turner Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness Designer will donate percentage of sales of BCA collection to MD Anderson Cancer Center through Dec. 31.

{87} Leukemia Learn about this cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

{86}Dentist and Orthodontist Resources {90} Family Health Resources

PROMOTIONS {10} This month, Woodforest is opening the doors on 30 model homes to tour!

{58} Sculptor Edd Hayes’ New Project Artist recently installs The Departure.

{111} The Woodlands CVB Hosts State Conference Area amenities wow Texas representatives.

{116} Have a Significant Senior Year Make a memorable year before you leave the nest.

{107} Professional Resources (Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law)

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Columns {60} ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Toys inspire art and fashion.

{120} Historical John Wahrenberger helped Conroe flourish.

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Net proceeds from the run will benefit The Woodforest Charitable Foundation which supports local charities in the area.

Sixth Annual Woodforest Charity Run, Sept. 12 Woodforest National Bank and the City of Conroe announce the sixth Annual Woodforest Charity Run scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 at Heritage Place Park in downtown Conroe. The Woodforest Charity Run is made up of two certified runs sanc-

tioned by USA Track and Field. The Woodforest 10K starts at 7:55 a.m. and the Insperity Invitational 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. New this year, the Rocha Consulting One Mile Family Fun Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. And, returning by popular demand, the

Barkley Shoe Dash for children ages 5-7 and 8-12 will begin at 9 a.m. This kid-friendly event will be held on Simonton Street in front of Heritage Place Park. Young runners begin their race with one shoe, dash 50 yards to retrieve and put on their other shoe from a pile of competing runners shoes, then dash 50 yards back across the finish line. Additionally, all participants, volunteers and spectators are invited to enjoy food, music and family friendly activities at the Woodforest Post Race Party held in the park. “We take great pride in organizing this run and are so pleased to see it continue to grow in popularity and participation year over year,” said Patricia Brown, senior vice president of Woodforest National Bank. “Over the past five years, we have grown to 479 runners and have proudly funded over $245,000 to the Woodforest Charitable Foundation to help in the support of many local charities in and around Conroe.” Paul Virgadamo, Jr., City of Conroe administrator, added, “This run offers something for everyone, regardless of their athletic ability. The route through downtown Conroe is beautiful and an enjoyable way to promote health and fitness while raising funds for a great cause.” Register online at woodforest.com. For more information, visit woodforestcharitablefoundation.org.

Greater Conroe Arts Alliance to Honor Third Conroe Legend With Mural, Sept. 3

Accomplished heavyweight boxer and civic leader Roy Harris was the second Conroe Legend honored with a mural.

The third mural in a continuing effort to honor Conroe Legends will be unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m., preceding the First Thursday Market and First Thursday Concert. The Conroe Legends Mural Wall, featuring individuals from the area who have garnered statewide, national or international praise and attention for their professional efforts in the arts or entertainment, is located on the south side of 202 N. Main St. at the corner of N. Main and Metcalf streets in downtown Conroe. The first Conroe Legends Mural, honoring Mary McCoy for her dedication to the radio industry and celebrating her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame, was unveiled in August 2014. The second mural honoring hometown hero Roy Harris, a heavyweight boxer and civic leader, was unveiled in October. The third Conroe Legend is a local resident whose accomplishments brought, and continue to bring, international distinction to the area. Funding for the Legends Murals is made possible by donations from citizens, groups and organizations who appreciate what it takes to achieve such widespread acclaim and who agree that the honoree is worthy of recognition for continuing to shine a positive light on this area. This effort is being facilitated by The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance (GCAA). For more information, or to make a contribution to the program, contact GCAA president Annette Spikes at 936-756-5347 or aspikes123@consolidated.net.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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including Bridgeland Bill, will make special guest appearances from 11 a.m.-noon at the festival. The event is sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Howard Hughes Corporation®, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Brickman Group.

FAITH – “FIGHTING CANCER” IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANNUAL LANAKILA LU’AU, SEPT. 24

Various fun activities for kids are part of the Festival to be held at Town Green Park.

Poster Contest Under Way for The Woodlands Wildflower Festival, Sept. 26 The Woodlands Development Company has announced that entries are now being accepted for The Woodlands Wildflower Festival Poster Contest, held annually in conjunction with The Woodlands Wildflower Festival. The Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at a new location — Town Green Park in The Woodlands Town Center. Contest entries should portray a nature scene in the spirit of the Wildflower Festival. Interested parties should draw a favorite scene from nature on heavy, unlined white paper, canvas or poster board, no larger than 11 by 17 inches. Preferred drawing materials are watercolors, oils, pen and ink, pastels, crayons, colored pencils or markers. No writing should be included on the front of the artwork. Entries will be judged and prizes awarded in the following age categories: up to 4 years; 5 to 8 years; 9 to 13 years; 14-18 years; and adults (19 and over). First place prizes of $100 will be awarded in all four children’s categories. The adult first place winner will receive $300. The Grand Prize winner across the four children’s categories will be used on the official T-shirt that is sold at the festival, and the winning adult entry will become the official poster sold at the festival. Label the back of your entry with your name, address, phone number and age (for

children’s entries only). Entries may be turned in at The Woodlands Information Center at 2000 Woodlands Parkway. The deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. The winners will be notified by Tuesday, Sept. 8. This free, family-oriented event features wildflower seed packets in many different varieties, giant inflatable rides, petting zoo and exhibits related to gardening and native plants. Lovable mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone, along with mascot friends

FAITH - “Fighting Cancer” in Montgomery County provides emotional and financial support for cancer patients and their families. It also assists in educational and preventative care programs. FAITH’s goals are accomplished through generous donations from businesses, individuals and dedicated fundraising volunteers. Since 2010, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $100,000. Through its programs, nearly 500 area citizens have been assisted annually. Next on FAITH’s calendar is “Lanakila Lu’au,” which translates to “Victory Feast over Cancer.” The second annual fun fundraiser will be Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Walden Yacht Club. Paige Walford and Karen Lonon will serve as co-chairs. The “Island Casual” luau, silent auction and live auction is $100 per person or $850 for a table of 10. for event sponsorship and ticket commitments. Mailed donations may be made to FAITH -“Fighting Cancer” in Montgomery County, P.O. Box 445, Conroe, Texas 77305.

FAITH - “Fighting Cancer” in Montgomery County’s enthusiastic committee plans its second Annual Lanakila Lu’au.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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The Woodlands Show Chorus will have a free open house performance at Grace Crossing Church.

The Woodlands Show Chorus Presents “A Show Chorus Affair,” Sept. 28 The Woodlands Show Chorus presents its free open house performance of “A Show Chorus Affair,” on Sept. 28, during its regular rehearsal at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Crossing Church. The performance will be preceded by a vocal contest, “Last Singer Standing, Come Sing It Your Way” on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1:30-4 p.m. at Dosey Doe Music Café on FM 1488. The singing contest is open to women everywhere ages 12 to112. More information can be found by emailing singingcontest@thewoodlandsshowchorus.org or visiting at thewoodlandsshowchorus.org. A Holiday Show is planned for Nov. 21. The Chorus was recently coached by Becky Bartlett, a freelance choreographer from Durham, North Carolina who specializes in movement for show choirs, adult and student choral groups and music theater productions. She was impressed with the work ethic and great attitude of the 70+ members and spent the evening teaching choreography for a tune to be used by the chorus at its international competition in Las Vegas in October 2016. Chorus members responded to Becky’s inspiring choreography and lively demonstrations with renewed motivation. Bartlett spent the last four years managing performers in the theme park industry for Six Flags and Busch Gardens. Becky has a bachelor’s degree in music industry studies from Appalachian State University. She is a member of The Rich-Tone Chorus in Richland, a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International.

Betty Clipman, master director for the chorus and legendary worldwide coach, explains, “We love being a part of The Woodlands and would like to provide women singers in all areas the opportunity to perform on stage with us at the 2016 Sweet Adelines International Competition in Las Vegas. It has been such a joy to direct this chorus dedicated to excellent singing.” The Woodlands Show Chorus chartered in 2012 and has won both its regional competitions with exceptionally high scores, in addition to placing well at its first international competition in Baltimore in November 2014. Rehearsals are held Mondays at 7 p.m. at Grace Crossing Church, 105 FM 1488.

ON GOLDEN POND AT CRIGHTON THEATRE, SEPT. 11-27 Stage Right of Texas, resident theatre company at the historic Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, presents Ernest Thompson’s On Golden Pond, Sept. 11-27. The show is directed by Jim Walker. This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. He is a retired professor, nearing 80, with heart palpitations and a failing memory – but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, 10 years younger and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe,

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. The boy quickly becomes the "grandchild" the elderly couple have longed for, and as Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness – and slang – in return. In the end, as the summer wanes, so does their brief idyll, and in the final, deeply moving moments of the play, Norman and Ethel are brought even closer together. Made popular by the 1981 film starring Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn, On Golden Pond is a touching, funny and warmly perceptive study of a spirited and lovable elderly couple facing their twilight years. The show runs on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees on Sept. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at stage-right.org or by calling the Crighton Theatre box office at 936-441SHOW (7469). Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and groups of 15 persons or more, $15 for youth 16 and under and for senior groups of 12 or more persons. The Crighton Theatre is located at 234 N. Main St. in downtown Conroe.

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editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Join the Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter for child-friendly tea to decorate cookies and make a creative art project.

THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM PRESENTS THE MAD HATTER TEA PARTY, OCT. 2 The Mad Hatter Tea Party brings “Alice in Wonderland” to life at The Woodlands Children’s Museum. Join the Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter for child-friendly tea, to decorate cookies and make a creative art project from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 at The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280. The event is recommended for ages 7 years and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The cost is $5 for children ages 2 and older. Visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955 for more information.

SIXTH ANNUAL CASA SUPERHERO RUN, OCT. 3 CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County is hosting the sixth annual CASA Superhero Run through W.G. Jones State Forest on Saturday, Oct. 3. This year's event will be held on The Woodlands Christian Academy's campus and features 10K and 5K trail runs, as well as a 1K Kids’ Fun Run. The event offers complimentary food and drinks for all participants, awards for top runners in each event, finisher medals for all participants, and most importantly, lots of Superhero-themed fun for a good cause. Montgomery County native and NBC Nightly News correspondent, Jacob Rascon, will serve as the event's MC. All proceeds from the CASA Superhero Run benefit CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County and support its mission of providing an advocate for every abused child in need. Visit CASASpeaks4Kids.com, email CASARun@CASASpeaks4Kids.com or call 936-441-5437 for more information.

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TRY TO LEAVE YOUR MARK

FALL FINE ARTS SHOW AT MARKET STREET–THE WOODLANDS, OCT. 3 Professional and amateur artists will display paintings, photography, metal-works, sculptures, pottery and more at Market Street’s popular outdoor Fall Fine Arts Show scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public, the Fall Fine Arts Show at Market Street is one of the most popular gatherings for artists in The Woodlands where families can browse for great buys, enjoy live music and participate in artist demonstrations. Market Street is at 9595 Six Pines Drive. Visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com for additional information.

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Online registration is now open for the fourth annual Le Tour de Woodlands cycling event presented by Repsol USA and hosted by Interfaith of The Woodlands. More than 500 cyclists are expected to participate in the ride and space is limited. The cycling event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 17, will feature both a long course and short course to provide cycling opportunities for individuals and families. The bike ride will begin at 7 a.m. at The Woodlands Township. “We are thrilled to offer a wonderful family and individual event honoring our bicycle-friendly community, as well as bringing the community together to support Interfaith and the many programs and services we provide each day to hundreds of area residents.” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. Participants may register online until Oct. 14, after which registration will only be available the morning of the event. For more information on the cycling event, contact Aimee Newsom at 832615-8221 or anewsom@woodlandsinterfaith.org. To register for the bike ride, visit wdlndsif.ejoinme.org/?tabid=697496.

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

(L-R): Michael Hayles – Coat of Many Colors Minstries (executive director); Billy Ray Duncan – Montgomery Historical Society (board member); Allison Hewlett – Meals on Wheels (executive director); Wayne Keller-Caiden’s Hope (executive director); and Larry Daspit – Fernland Historical Park (board member).

TEXIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, OCT. 17

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.

Five Montgomery County nonprofit organizations were recently selected as beneficiaries of the 2015 Texian Heritage Festival to be held Saturday, Oct. 17, 10am-5pm. In 2014, $14,000 was given to three charitable organizations serving Montgomery County. This year, five nonprofit organizations will each receive 20 percent of the proceeds, including Caiden’s Hope Foundation; Coat of Many Colors Ministries, Inc.; Meals on Wheels Montgomery County; Fernland Historical Park; and Montgomery Historical Society. The festival is a family fun, outdoor event that depicts the era of the 1800s with shoot-outs, cannons, reenactments, Chikawa dancers and much more. Old-fashioned children’s activities, depiction of lifestyles typical of early Texas, demonstrations of pioneer crafts, pioneer/frontier musical entertainers and other events show guests what it was like for the Texians in the 1830-40s. Various dedicated groups of historic reenactors, including Daughters & Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, the Texas Army and Texas Navy set up an encampment and perform military skirmishes and an equestrian riding demonstration, Visitors also enjoy the wares of craft and food vendors.Sponsor, vendor and volunteer opportunities and more information can be found at TexianHeritage.org. (L-R) Beth Miller, volunteer store manager, and Anne Swetich, director of Outreach at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

HOUSTON OFFICE

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

FAYETTE COUNTY OFFICE

THE WOODLANDS OFFICE

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

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

By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

FAIR TRADE STORE OPEN At The Hands of Faith Fair Trade Store at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, shoppers will find coffee, chocolate, jewelry, paper items, home décor, purses, greeting cards and clothing items for sale. Often the artist’s name and country of origin appear on a tag, making it possible to envision the purchase strengthening individuals and families in impoverished areas. Regular store hours are Sunday, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The store will also be open 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning this fall. The church is located at 3801 S. Panther Creek Dr. in The Woodlands.Email Beth Miller at handsoffaith.fairtrade@yahoo.com for more information.

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

JAZZY JUNQUE STORE Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe. Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of the original cost. Jazzy Junque is seeking donations of unwanted furniture, home accessories, housewares, infant/children’s items, art, garden/patio items, jewelry, boutique clothing, collectibles and antiques. The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can also enjoy coffee drinks from the coffee bar, which will be manned by residents of New Danville. Proceeds benefit New Danville, a masterplanned 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 936441-4500 or emailing info@jazzyjunque.org.

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. Visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com, for information.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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INDEPENDENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT LOCATED IN THE WOODLANDS FOURTH ANNUAL WOODLANDS JDRF ONE WALK, NOV. 7

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

The public is invited to participate in the fourth annual JDRF One Walk on Saturday, Nov. 7 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m., and the event begins at 9 a.m. The length of the walk is 5K. JDRF One Walk has a single goal: creating a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D). Help JDRF continue to fund lifechanging research for the millions of children, adults and families affected by T1D by joining in the walk. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin – a hormone essential to turning food into energy. It strikes both children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet and lifestyle. It requires constant carbohydrate counting, blood-glucose testing and lifelong dependence on injected insulin. With T1D, there are no days off, and there is no cure. That's why JDRF holds more than 200 walks across the country every year to raise money for JDRF – the only global organization with a strategic research plan to end T1D. These walks bring together more than 900,000 people who raise more than $68 million for T1D research. This success is only possible because of the support, commitment and strength of our community. For more information, call Clara Utley at 713-334-4400. To register or donate, search on “JDRF The Woodlands.”

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. The market features a wide variety of locally produced goods from local vendors and also hosts a food truck and features local musicians. For more information visit feastofartisans.com or the Feast of Artisans Facebook page.

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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777

Interfaith of The Woodlands Directory Unveiling

Scene in

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

FOR SCHOOL & STUDENT NEWS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS:

editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

Dear Readers,

For nearly the last eight years, I have been granted the great privilege and honor to work for The Woodlands Lifestyles and Homes Magazine and write this Social column. I clearly remember seeing the help wanted ad in the magazine at my parents’ home in October of 2007. Pregnant with son No. 3 and looking for an outlet for my boundless energy and love for writing, the part-time Social Editor position sounded perfect. It was no coincidence that I saw that job posting, nor that publishers Bill and Linda Anderson took a chance and brought me aboard. I absolutely loved my little “Social” job, attending events, meeting people, making new friends, and bringing awareness to charities all around Montgomery County. Month after month, year after year, I would take my photos and write this “Social” article. I loved sharing events and galas and spreading the amazing goodness that is engrained in the fabric of this community. Generosity is at the core of this town, and I am blessed to be able to see and feel it every single day. In a state of irony, the galas and fundraisers I cov-

1 2

Light the Night Kick-Off Luncheon 3

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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ered as media or an attendee became much more personal when my son Will was diagnosed with a rare, fatal brain condition in the summer of 2009. Unwilling to accept his prognosis, we waged a war with juvenile Batten Disease. With an army of volunteers, many of whom chaired and led those galas and fundraisers I had been covering for those last couple of years, we stepped up to fight a battle that had never been fought before: To support research for a degenerative brain disease and find a treatment to save my son. In the past six years, thanks to the kind hearts of our neighbors and extreme generosity of The Woodlands Lifestyles and Homes, which has allowed me to share Willâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story, we are well on our way to a discovery to slow his disease down and buy us valuable time to find something to fix him. As we wait for that miracle to unfold in the lab, the relationships I have made on this journey have provided unimaginable opportunities, allowing me to attend the finest events with the most incredible people who live in this great community. Most of all, it has given me tremendous faith in the goodness of the people God has called me to serve and of those who have chosen to serve their neighbors. Coincidence, I think not, but a blessing for sure.

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Interfaith of The Woodlands Directory Unveiling The community celebrated at Del Friscos Grille the delivery of the 41st annual awardwinning Interfaith of The Woodlands Community & Business Directory! More than 59,000 directories were delivered throughout August to local residents and area businesses. The entire Directory is also available for download or can be accessed online through The Woodlands Directory App on smartphones. 1) Kim Piland, Casey Cole and Jenni Skipper 2) Sarah Thomas, Amanda Badnek, Debbie Repka and Allison McGeever

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0680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777

Chamber Ball “Dannyopoly” 7

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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3) Lyndie Patchell and Glenda Wendt 4) Lon and DeVona Larson 5) Jerry Snyder with Lisa Baeckel

Light The Night Kick-Off Luncheon The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society held its Light the Night Kick Off Luncheon recently at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The team gathered to start fundraising for the annual walk and fundraiser on Oct. 18 at Market Street. 1) Corporate Walk Chair Jay Dreibel with Campaign Director Peggy Stevens 2) (L-R) Representing TEAM JENNIFER: Barbara Schoonover, Velta Worley, Tina Daugherty, team captain and Jennifer’s mom, Wendy Adams, Mary Halverson, Lindy Johnson, and Ena McFarland 3) Mindy Reynolds, Noemi Gonzalez and Vanessa Johnson 4) Honorary Hero Mackenzie Gee and her team 5) (L-R) Darla Haygood, Mae Vela, Brittany Hear, Maria Lausell and Tracy Ray

Chamber Ball “Dannyopoly” The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual Chamber Ball themed “Dannyopoly” in honor of outgoing Chairman Danny Schroder. The evening also commemorated the retirement of Karen Holyman after 20 years of service to the community in her role as president and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. 1) Evening honoree Danny Schroder and wife Tammy 2) Incoming Chairman-Elect Keaton McDaniel and wife Carla with retiring President and CEO Karen Hoylman and husband Rhese. 3) Bruce Tough, Dr. Ann Snyder and Amos McDonald 4) Roger and Jenny Taylor with Amy and J.J. Hollie, new president and CEO 5) David and Christen Argueta 6) Randy Lovelace and Dawn Candy 7) Angela and Bret Strong 8) James Day and Carolyn Donovan

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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0680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777

Texas Children’s Hospital Topping-Out Event

9) Julia and Scott Lile 10) Gordon and Linda Nelson 11) Commissioner James Noack and wife Lori 12) Cyndi Alverado and Ashley Byers 13) Paige and Trey Halberdier 14) The Woodlands Christian Academy represented by (l-r) Patty Bruha, Eve Allen, Kathy Montes, Nancy Sievert, Mandy Rabon, Julie Ambler, Kellie Armstrong, D’Anne Surber and Cyndee Farrra.

2) (L-R): Dr. James Versalovic, pathologist-in-chief at Texas Children’s Hospital; Dr. Mark W. Kline, physician-in-chief at Texas Children’s Hospital; Mark A. Wallace; Dr. George S. Bisset III, radiologist-in-chief at Texas Children’s Hospital; and Dr. Dean B. Andropoulos, anesthesiologist-inchief, with patients from the north Houston area and students from David Elementary School before the ceremony 3) (L-R): Mark A. Wallace; Michelle Riley-Brown; Dr. Charles Hankins; and Howard Tellepsen, president of Tellepsen Builders. 4) Visitors watch as the Promise Campaign Tree is about to be hoisted

Texas Children’s Hospital Topping-Out Event On Friday, Aug. 14, Texas Children’s Hospital and Tellepsen Builders celebrated the topping out of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands with members of the community as the hospital moves one step closer to opening its doors. To commemorate this exciting construction milestone, a Promise Campaign Tree filled with meaningful commitments from Texas Children’s employees to current and future patients of the hospital was hoisted. Following a week-long display on the rooftop, the tree was to be planted in front of the hospital in order to continue to grow with the hospital. Slated to open in 2017, the 548,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is being designed specifically to serve children and will be the only dedicated pediatric hospital in north Houston. Photo Credits: Paul Vincent Kuntz/Texas Children’s Hospital and Allen S. Kramer/Texas Children’s Hospital, and Amy Robinson 1) L-R): Dr. Charles Hankins, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands; Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital; and Michelle Riley-Brown, president of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Save the Date! Sept. 19 – 7th Annual HOPE Under the Stars benefitting The Will Herndon Research Fund and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation; The Woodlands Waterway Marriot Hotel and Convention Center, willherndon.org. Sept. 24 – Wine, Women and Shoes Event benefitting iGoPink & The Breast CancerCharities of America; The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, winewomenandshoes.com Sept. 26 – Denim and Diamonds Gala benefitting Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch; The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, pciranch.org Oct. 3 – The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Fire + Ice Ball honoring the Hometown Heroes benefitting Interfaith of The Woodlands; The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center, woodlandsinterfaith.org l

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Fine Leather Furniture for Living Rooms, Family Rooms and Home Theatre 713.621.3366 | townandcountryleather.com

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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DORIS LESLIE BLAU “Blucie” contemporary Tibetan rug is hand knotted in wool and silk. Doris Leslie Blau’s diverse selection of antique carpets and exclusive custom designed rugs bridges the gap beween art, design and architecture. dorisleslieblau.com

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN COVERED FRENCH MELON BOWL Lend an alfresco feel to your next gathering with this covered French melon bowl from the Oscar de la Renta for The New York Botanical Garden Collection. Inspired by the Garden's collection of fruits, the bowl is handcrafted and painted in Portugal by master artisans. Perfect serving piece for salads, soups and side dishes. Also makes a beautiful decorative piece. oscardelarenta.com

RAW SILK MAGNOLIA PILLOW COVER This striking pillow cover from West Elm was translated from one of their designer’s paintings onto raw silk. The Magnolia is printed on both sides. Available in two colors, slate and igloo. Square measures 20”. Zipper closure. westelm.com

19TH C. GRANDE SEMAINE DRESSAGE HORSE FRAGMENT Abandoned outside workshops in France, master models used by early 19th-century woodcarvers were turned by time and the elements into fragments, known as vestiges. Returned to service a century later, they served as models for these evocative horses. Cracks and chips in the matte white finish add to their haunting beauty. restorationhardware.com

CLAUDETTE MEDIUM TABLE LAMP With a focus on authenticity and quality Ralph Lauren produces unique pieces that are as true to form as they are to function, reflecting a refined sense of luxury and character that only improves with time. The base of the table lamp is in mercury glass and is perfect for any setting. Height: 30.25". Width: 22". Base: 9.75" Round. Shade: 8" x 22" x 15". ralphlauren.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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the Editor’s

Picks Linda Anderson

RESCUED BABY HUMMINGBIRD

magical This is a beautiful and a young relationship between mingbird. man and a baby hum expanded Be sure to read the he fed it. description on what

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On pinterest.com/LifestyleMags

DAILY VEGAN DELIGHT

TROUBLESHOOT SNAGS

The recipes in Vegan Everyday feature tempting dishes that are bold, innovative, fresh and delicious. They reflect Chef Doug McNish’s expertise and complex palate, yet he has made sure they are easy so that anyone who enjoys food – whether vegan or not – will find them a breeze to prepare and a delight to eat. The 500 recipes are varied, and most use the ingredients typically found in a vegan pantry. They will take you through every occasion and every meal of the day. There is something for everyone in search of vegan options: novice cooks, busy families and even college students.

In When Bad Things Happen to Good Quilters, Joan Ford encourages that you no longer have to fear your leaning tower of unfinished projects. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide covers every quilting emergency and is perfect for first-time quilters, skilled quilters and anyone else who needs help when a quilting project has stalled. This book can assist you through your UFO’s (unfinished objects) with helpful, clear instruction. Ford’s funny, can-do, practical, problem-solving approach is all the guidance you will need to resolve complicated setbacks.

COCONUT LIME RICE Made with coconut milk and lime juice. Vegan and gluten free.

PECAN PIE COOKIES If you like pecan pie you will love these. Try these for your next tailgate party.

APPLE TEMPTATION

CRAFTING WELLNESS

The Apple Cookbook, by Olwen Woodier, offers 125 freshly picked, apple-centric recipes for every taste. This edition features recipes from sweet to savory and from simple to show-stopping, with gluten-free options as well. Recipe chapters are broken down by meal: breakfasts and breads; drinks and snacks; salads and sides; meals; desserts; and preserving. Using Woodier’s apple recommendations with each recipe or the handy Meet the Apples chart in the back, home cooks can capture the taste of a fresh September apple harvest all year round. Enjoy recipes such as Apple Doughnuts; Apple Eggnog; Farro with Mushroom, Onion and Apple; Curried Ham with Apples; and more.

We all aspire to health and happiness, but where to start? In The Herbal Goddess, master herbalist and yoga instructor Amy Jirsa brings herbal medicine and other natural approaches to personal health together in an accessible, appealing way, giving even absolute beginners the confidence to manifest wellness in their lives. More than just a reference guide, this beginner’s book teaches readers how to take control of their own health using 12 tried-and-true, easy-to-find herbs. Jirsa explains how each typically affects the mind, body and spirit, and then encourages readers to work in depth with each herb to become familiar with its potential.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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Jo Anne Johnson Realtor 713-703-3316

DON’T BE NEEDLED The Knitting Answer Book is the classic guide hundreds of thousands of knitters have reached for every time they have a question or get stuck in the middle of a project. Now, best-selling author Margaret Radcliffe updates her must-have reference with new material, including a dozen new cast ons and bind offs; instruction on knitting backwards; advice about the new needles that are available and when to use them; tips for measuring gauge on tricky fabrics; how to make smooth stripes when knitting in the round, and more!

CARLTON WOODS – 23 NETHERFIELD WAY $ 3,498,000 MLS #68002034 8,669 SQ FT, 5 BEDROOMS, 6 FULL AND 2 HALF BATHS, 5-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE, 1+ ACRE GOLF COURSE LOT

HAVEN LAKE ESTATES – 25511 HAVEN LAKE DRIVE $ 1,090,000 MLS#32418894 6,970 SQ FT, 5 BEDROOMS, 5 FULL AND 1 HALF BATHS, 4-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE, 1.25 ACRE LOT

GLUTEN-FREE GRAINS For more than 30 years, Bob’s Red Mill has been committed to providing the very best in gluten-free flours, cereals, baking mixes and grains, ensuring the integrity of their products. In the Everyday Gluten-Free Cookbook, Camilla Saulsbury, an award-winning recipe developer and best-selling author, has created 281 recipes that showcase the health benefits of a glutenfree diet with recipes that are delicious and creative. These recipes can be enjoyed from breakfast to dinner and in between. The majority of the grains featured in this collection have been consumed, and heralded, in different cultures around the world for thousands of years.

We SERVE at the pleasure of our clients. And it shows.

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Style }file

Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store now.

Lanvin- Plastron Pendant Necklace. lanvin.com

Burak Uyan - Geometric inspired shoulder bag from the 2015 fall collection. burakuyan.com

Lanvin Flats- Ballerina flat in shiny lambskin with beaded buckle strap. lanvin.com

Dolce & Gabbana - Rose-print D-frame acetate sunglasses. net-a-porter.com

Anya Hindmarch Stickered-Up Georgiana embossed leather clutch. net-a-porter.com

Dolce & GabbanaFrom the Fall 2015 collection. dolceandgabbana.com

Stephen Dweck Turquoise agate slice necklace. liberty.co.uk.com

Sass & Bide-Metallic Messiah tailored mini dress. Paula Cademartori- Dun Dun mini appliqued leather and suede shoulder bag. net-a-porter.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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

A PERFECT BLENDING OF COLOUR AND TREATMENT laprairie SKIN CAVIAR CONCEALER FOUNDATION SPF 15 The luxuriously lightweight formula, enriched with a new peptide for increased firmness and elasticity, gives the look of a naturally flawless complexion and keeps the skin hydrated with a dewy finish. A perfectly matched concealer (designed a half tone lighter than the foundation) in the bottle cap camouflages under-eye darkness and imperfections. Both formulas support firming with legendary caviar extracts and help shield skin from aging factors. Beloved for its skin-perfecting texture and long-wearing coverage, this Concealer • Foundation is a make-up must. A flawless finish on the surface, a firming legend for your skin… this is the foundation of perfection. It’s also a complexion solution in a single package: comes with a foundation, concealer, brush and sponge. Available in 12 shades. Available September 2015 at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifthe Avenue, Nordstrom and laprairie.com.

PORTABLE ANTI-WRINKLE PERFECTORS laprairie ANTI-AGING EYE AND LIP PERFECTION A PORTER Treat your eyes and lips to luxe beauty onthe-go with Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Perfection À Porter. A chic case holds a compact with two separate compartments: an eye cream-gel in one and a lip balm in the other. This elegant accessory is a must for an anytime, anywhere beauty fix as it reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and fatigue instantly.

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Stella McCartney Wild Cat Patch Skinny Boyfriend Jeans. stellamccartney.com

Femmes Sans Peur - Astra in camel has braided topline and pointed toe. femmessanspeur.com

Burak Uyan - Bold geometric shape boot in 70s inspired color palette. burakuyan.com

Konstantino-”Erato” Oval Stone ring. nordstrom.com

Tabitha Simmons - Ginger Suede TripleBuckle Pump. neimanmarcus.com

Burberry- Orange Suede and striped cotton bucket bag. lyst.com

Bolsa Clutch- From the Mexico collection, made from one-of-a-kind hand embroidered fabric. zink.com

Oscar De la Renta-Elephant embroidered silk faille cocktail dress. oscardelarenta.com

Ashley Pittman- Mawe Dark Horn Cuff Bracelet. neimanmarcus.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com

Honda HR-V and Nissan Murano

2015 Honda HR-V | STarTING prIcE: $19,000

he HR-V is one of those vehicles that could define a segment. Mini-sized SUVs are gaining popularity among urban commuters. They’re small, agile, and get great fuel economy. They are decidedly convenient. But they are also quirky. There’s the Nissan Juke, the Kia Soul, and the Jeep Renegade. All possess good qualities, but at the same time, their quirkiness stands out like a city slicker in hill country. Enter Honda. No flash, no gimmicks, just a good-looking vehicle that does its job well. It’s the grownup in a segment filled with toddlers. The HR-V is based on the Fit platform, though it is substantially bigger. Its wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer than the Fit and 9.1 inches longer overall. Its lines are restrained

in design, giving off what is likely the most sophisticated look in the subcompact crossover category. Because it is bigger than the Fit (and naturally heavier) the HR-V needed a more powerful engine. Outfitted with a 1.8-liter engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT, you’ll get a not-quite-brawny 141 horsepower — though it is enough to zip up in traffic when needed. The HR-V comes in either front- or all-wheel drive models. If you choose the all-wheel drive version, you also choose the CVT as part of the deal. Opt for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to give yourself a little more control over seven “virtual” gears. You’ll almost forget you’re driving a continuously variable transmission.

2015 Nissan Murano STarTING prIcE: $29,500

f cars can be considered works of art, then the Murano is a Picasso. The Murano is decidedly modern in its design, and while its lines are not the cubist disjointed lines of a Picasso painting, they do work together to suggest continual fluid movement. The Murano was a head-turner when it was first launched 12 years ago. Today, line it up next to its competitors in the mid-size SUV/Crossover category (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander) and the more athletic, back-to-the-future styled Murano definitely stands out.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Certainly, the HR-V was not intended to win any races; it was designed to move commuters about in city traffic — and it does it extremely well. Honda’s electric power steering offers excellent feedback; not too mushy and not too stiff. Combined with the well-tuned suspension, this mini-ute rides and behaves beyond its $19,000 starting price. Its agility makes it a pleasure to drive and the cabin remains quiet and comfortable. Like other manufacturers these days, Honda offers trim levels within trim levels. There’s the base LX and a myriad of features on your way up to the fully loaded EXL, with leather and navigation. Even then, the HR-V tops out at $25,480. Overall, the interior feels clean and refined. Honda’s quality is apparent in its use of materials. All models are outfitted with a 5-inch touchscreen and plenty of USB ports for modern tech needs. Steering-wheel-mounted controls, push-button start, and a rearangle camera are nice touches. This five-seater boasts a lot of cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, you get 58.8 cubic feet. Fold down the front passenger seat for added space. As a bonus, the rear seat cushions fold up if you’re looking for four feet of vertical space. With sophisticated styling and handling, plus generous versatility, the HR-V is well on its way to redefining the subcompact crossover segment.

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Inside stands out as well, with an interior design that feels open and modern, much like a conversation lounge. The expanded center console actually plays a key part in this design. It creates extra space between the two front seats, allowing passengers in the back to have a better view of what’s going on up front. Front armrests are also built directly onto the console, again, contributing to the modern feel of the vehicle. Borrowing the “NASA-inspired zero gravity seats” from the Altima, all of the outboard passengers can ride in comfort. Also adding to the enjoyment of the refined interior is a panoramic moonroof. The Murano comes in four trim levels. The base model S starts at $29,560 and starts out with BlueTooth and streaming audio, 18-inch wheels, smart key, and dual-zone climate control. For about $10,000 more, you can move all the way up to the Platinum edition, which includes everything in the other models plus 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, climate-controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel as well as heated rear seats. In between the S and Platinum, leather seats, USB ports, and Bose audio get thrown in. All Muranos are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). With that you get 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. At a time when many auto makers are opting for small turbo-charged engines, this makes the Murano seem less modern. However, when you factor in that this vehicle will get 28 mpg on the highway, it becomes obvious that Nissan made fuel economy a priority. Even the all-wheel drive model gets the same fuel economy as the front-drive version, suggesting that Nissan found ways to lighten up without having to retool for a new powertrain. Riding on an independent strut suspension up front and a multi-link in the rear, the Murano’s ride is exceptionally well-balanced for a car in this price range. Handling sits in the sweet spot of involving the driver while isolating outside noise, vibration, and harshness. The Murano offers a lot of bang for the buck. It’s a modernist’s crossover in every sense of the word. For more information on these and other vehicles, visit mycardata.com.l

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713-932-9997 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Elaine Turner Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness Designer will donate percentage of sales of BCA collection to MD Anderson Cancer Center through Dec. 31

uxury lifestyle brand Elaine Turner has announced the launch of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign starting on Oct. 1. The Texas- based accessories and apparel brand will donate 20 percent of proceeds from its BCA capsule collection to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center through December 31. Elaine Turner has created a cheetah printed scarf, charm bracelet and men’s pocket square in her signature pink to support the cause. The fun and feminine color is a common thread in the brand’s logo, stores, website and lining of handbags as a nod to the importance of BCA and giving back throughout the year. Elaine knows firsthand the importance of funding for cancer treatment centers, the support of unending research and the benefits of not only medical, but also psychological care. Elaine’s mother, Marlaine White, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47 during Elaine’s freshman year at college. Though Marlaine has had several years of remission, fighting the disease when it returned has been an uphill battle. She currently receives treatment every three weeks at MD Anderson. “The warm and professional staff at MD Anderson has been a tremendous positive force in my Mom’s recovery and ability to live with cancer. Giving back is part of my personal DNA and at the core of my business philosophy,” says Elaine Turner. “It’s really why I do what I do. I wanted to focus this year’s campaign around the many ways women and men not just learn to live with cancer, but the ways they can learn to thrive and be their best self. I created the pieces in this collection so they can have a moment of beauty in their otherwise chaotic day. I want everyone the brand touches to feel

Elaine Turner (left) with her mom Marlaine White, who is wearing Elaine’s scarf created for Breast Cancer Awareness fundraising.

beautiful inside and out, which is especially important to keeping a positive outlook while fighting this battle. I fully believe that laughter and positivity makes a huge difference.” The “feminine and feel good” collection as described by Elaine, will be sold on ElaineTurner.com, in Elaine Turner stores and through MD Anderson’s Children’s Art Project catalog and online at childrensart.org. Retail prices are $48 for the pocket square, $78 for the bracelet and $98 for the scarf. Proceeds generated will be split

“Giving back is part of my personal DNA and at the core of my business philosophy. It’s really why I do what I do. “ Elaine Turner between the Children’s Art Project and cancer research programs at MD Anderson. The Children’s Art Project was started years ago when a volunteer had the idea to create a Christmas card featuring the artwork of children being treated at the center. Through the sale of merchandise featuring these designs created by young cancer patients, the program funds important pro-

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

grams that assist pediatric patients and their families. Net proceeds from the sale of products benefit programs at MD Anderson, giving hope, normalcy and a promising future for young lives interrupted by cancer. “Elaine Turner’s commitment to supporting those touched by cancer is core to her work and we are honored to have her products included in this year’s catalog and begin what we hope will be longstanding charitable alliance,” said DeDe DeStefano, Executive Director of Corporate Alliances at MD Anderson. “Support for the Children’s Art Project and our cancer research programs is not only appreciated, but will provide us with the financial tools needed to help improve the lives of those touched by cancer.” To raise further awareness, Houston based P&R Productions will film a behind the scenes look into a day in the life of living with cancer and what the cause means to Elaine. The footage will be featured in an episode of Elaine’s Big Life, Elaine’s YouTube docu-series and will be released in October. Leaving a legacy of giving is a cornerstone of the Elaine Turner brand and belief system. Elaine opens the doors to her 10 boutiques in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Nashville and New York every week to host events in support of various charities supporting women, children and cancer. In 2014, the brand raised over $110,000 and held 318 events to fund the many causes important to Elaine and the community surrounding her stores. l

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Larger-Than-Life Waterfowl Join Flock Along I-10 in Katy Sculptor Edd Hayes creates works that grace area landscapes

Edd Hayes’ newest installation, “The Departure.”

By Melanie Saxton dd Hayes is famous for his sculptures, all dispersed around the globe from Japan to Puerto Rico to right here in the U.S. His life-size herd of 30 bucks, does and fawns in The Woodlands are often mistaken for real deer. Hayes also installed "Heron Creek” at Anadarko Petroleum, the largest known grouping of 1.5 life-size Great Blue Heron all cast in stainless steel. “The Way Home” honors two fallen Woodlands-area soldiers. Now Katy is “home” to his monumental outdoor art, which especially appeals to art lovers and fans of wildlife. A gaggle of 1.5 life-size geese sculptures with soaring wing spans can be spotted in different locations around the community — a beautification effort to show Katy as a eco-friendly community devoted to its wildlife and waterfowl heritage, recalling times when thousands of geese touched down on the Katy Prairie and fed on chaff from the rice fields.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Geese Heading West “The Landing” was the first in a planned series of bronze geese groupings for the City of Katy. Residents and commuters enjoy the display, located at the east gateway to the city — four grazing Canadian Geese and one additional goose in flight with a 9-foot wingspan! The bronze display was formally dedicated in 2011 with water drawn from the Katy Rice Water Well. The City of Katy, Katy Prairie Conservancy, Keep Katy Beautiful, the Texas Department of Transportation and other officials honored Hayes and his sculptures, which are located at U.S. Hwy. 90 and Katy Mills Drive between the Katy Railroad and a line of large rice dryers. This summer, more bronze geese have “landed” in far west Katy. In July, six 1.5 life-size geese statues, titled “The Departure,” were installed at Pin Oak Drive and I-10. Four more, titled “The Flight,” were installed at Katy Fort

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“It’s very humbling and gratifying that these heartfelt projects become a reality.” ~ Edd Hayes

Bend Road and I-10. In addition, one more goose was added to “The Landing.” Keep Katy Beautiful (KKB) used grant money for the installations. Over the past 15 years KKB has earned four Governor’s Community Achievement Awards and is dedicated to funding community improvement projects. Although a formal unveiling wasn’t feasible due to busy traffic and a lack of places to park along the feeder roads, the City of Katy is planning a downtown ceremony in the near future. Art Coming to Life Hayes is renowned for his extreme attention to detail. His largerthan-life avian art captures every nuance of the waterfowl’s anatomy, from beak to feathers to feet. People who stop and view the groupings along I-10 comment on the realism — a hallmark of Hayes’ work. Each project begins with clay sketches or maquettes – a sculptor’s small preliminary model. Often a mathematical, 3-dimensional enlargement is created through a scanning device and fed into a computer, especially for life-size and monumental art. When a maquette is complete, the figure is cut in styrofoam and layered in clay — a decade-old technology that’s still considered new. Then the sculpture is cast into bronze via the lost wax casting process, a 2,000-year-old process. The end result is a monument crafted to withstand the elements, ensuring the geese in Katy will delight generations to come. About the Sculptor Hayes is a native Texan and was named the Official Texas State Sculptor in 1988. For the last 30 years he has honed his craft, maintained a studio and gallery, and a few years ago relocated to Humble. Every sculpture has a special place in his heart, and wildlife is no exception. “It’s very humbling and gratifying that these heartfelt projects become a reality,” he says. Other works of art are in the pipeline. Currently he’s working on a large sculpture of three wild horses — a mare, a colt and a stallion. The trio will be cast in stainless steel and installed running in a fountain inside the lobby of the new Fairmont Hotel going up in downtown Austin. In fact, Hayes is often in Bastrop, near Austin, at the Deep In The Heart Art Foundry, where his amazing sculptures take form. The various geese groupings in Katy were forged at the same foundry. Learn More About the Art Form Hayes has two websites that showcase his impressive portfolio: eddhayes.com and monumentalsculptor.com. Visit them to learn more about the local sculptures in our area… and beyond! l

A sculpture starts coming to life at the foundry.

The birds begin “flocking” to their new home.

The installation begins, piece by piece.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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ç By Lori Verderame

Toys that Inspire Art and Fashion Repurposing crayons to Legos to Beanie babies

n 2014, soap bubbles, little green army men and the Rubik’s cube were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong Museum located in Rochester, New York. The Strong Museum has one of the largest collection of toys, board games, dolls, and video and electronic games in the world. To date, 56 toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, which was established in 1998. Other include the rubber duck, the stick (yes!), the cardboard box, the game of chess, Hot Wheels toy cars, the doll house, Star Wars action figures and dominoes. Anyone can nominate a toy to the hall of fame. Final selections are made on the advice of a panel of judges made up of historians, educators and others in the field of play. Thinking about vintage toys prompted me to consider how they are repurposed into new and true art forms. I found some pretty interesting collaborative efforts, mainly in the areas of craft, fashion, art and jewelry design. Crayola crayon and colored pencil necklaces are the result of a designer using a pre-fab necklace, rope or chain link to string through a group of predrilled crayons or pencils. Colored pencils can also be chopped up and strung in the manner of small scale beads to make jewelry. Legos have inspired many works of art, such as high fashion, ultra-pricey couture and

Colored pencils can be chopped up and strung in the manner of small scale beads to make jewelry.

jewelry pieces. For instance, the Chanel clutch purse ranges in price from $9,900 to $11,000 each. These Chanel purses are true works of art, hence the pricetag. The purses come in bright colors just like original Lego building blocks and feature geometric shapes. Since their introduction, the Chanel Lego purse has been seen in the hand of some of today’s trendy celebs, such as fashionistas Rihanna, Jennifer Biel, Dakota Fanning and Kim Kardashian. Legos have inspired other artwork besides purses. The Smithsonian Institution’s annual Craft2Wear event featured jewelry using Lego blocks. Actual Lego blocks are strung together into necklaces,

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

earrings and bracelets by several designers worldwide. Some are enhanced with sterling silver, set precious stones and gold leaf. Gamers should consider keeping their spare change in in a PlayStation wallet, which is inspired by Sony’s best-selling video game console introduced in 1994. Like some of its games, the wallet is hand-held. Beanie baby purses featuring the famous TY tag stuffed animals are turned into pocketbooks with clever names like Beary Bag (bear) and Hutch Clutch (rabbit). In the world of high fashion, shoes are at the forefront of today’s trends. You don’t play around when it comes to a woman’s shoe closet. I have a

pretty serious shoe collection myself. And, toys have inspired some pretty innovative high heels, such as the erector set shoes designed by Jimmy Choo. Just as erector sets prompted children to build miniature skyscrapers, you will be soaring from your ankles to your toes on urban-inspired Choo shoes. For Manolo Blahnik fans, Anna Wintour’s book Manolo Blahnik Drawings highlights his designs. You can see the wit and whimsy — some of it coming from toys — in the luscious designs of his “just can’t live without” shoe creations. Who knows… maybe during 2016 Fashion Week, we will see the introduction of Rubik’s cube knee-high boots, little green army men earrings and soap bubble wand barrettes and hair bands! l

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

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Love of The Big Easy New Orleans style meets industrial in this architectural beauty

Text by: Cathy Gordon Photography by: Susan Friday Photography Builder: TD Cox Homes Architect: DVL Custom Concepts

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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ardi Gras beads dangling from the hallway coat rack might serve as a clue. Then there are the fun, colorful art pieces from the French Quarter scattered playfully along one wall. “Yes, you could say we love New Orleans. My husband and I are from Louisiana,” says homeowner Melony Bergeron, whose 6,400-square-foot, five-bedroom gem in a gated community in The Woodlands village of Sterling Ridge leaves no doubt as to its influence. Accessories don’t provide the only hint. Its architecture gives an undeniable nod to The Big Easy. With walls of Old Chicago brick, wide-plank pine floors, an exquisite wrought iron spiral staircase and large expanses of windows punctuated in ebony frames, this home is a sweet convergence of New Orleans-meetsstreamlined-industrial. A backyard balcony curves around the home, as if to show off the dwelling’s southern, genteel figure. A large courtyard will serve as the perfect spot for the homeowner’s niece to marry in October.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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“I just need to rent the chairs, and we’ll be good to go,” quips Melony, who shares the home with husband BJ, a daughter, 15, and sons, 12 and 7. The couple lived in The Woodlands years ago, but relocated to Magnolia. They opted to move back here to be closer to their children’s activities. But where to build? “Land was the biggest deal, just finding it,” Melony says. But one day they spotted a lot backing up to a golf course, yet with a row of trees for privacy. It was the perfect spot for a two-story with backyard privacy, yet up-top views of the golf course beyond. They found inspiration in East Shore, a neighborhood in The Woodlands with New Orleans-style dwellings. “I love the homes there, and we saw details that we knew we wanted to incorporate here,” she explains. Architect Danie van Loggerenberg of DVL Custom Concepts “nailed it,” Melony says of the home’s design. “I just told him what rooms I wanted, the sizes and gave him all the information. He drew it from there. We pretty

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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PREVIOUS PAGES: Walls of Old Chicago brick and a modern barn door with expansive glass and ebony frame are some of the industrial touches in this lovely home. | A grand living room/kitchen combination shows off the architecture in this home. Neutral furnishings work well as a counterbalance to industrial elements.Two comfortable wingback chairs and a tufted-back sofa make for beautiful living room seating. THESE PAGES: A large combination living room/kitchen makes sense for this busy family. The family of five eats at the counter, bypassing the need for a breakfast room. | A fun accented wall by A Fabulous Finish makes this powder room pop. | This view from a dramatic spiral staircase shows off the perfect nook for the grand piano. “It’s the jazz area,” Melony quips. Colorful pieces from New Orleans’ French Quarter are displayed on the walls.

much built it like he drew it with only minor changes. “I told him it should have a New Orleans courtyard for sure. He played with different designs and came up with an awesome courtyard in the back and a wraparound balcony that allows for the views. I love the way it curves around the house.” Curves work in this house, giving interest to its interior. A curved nook off of a wide downstairs hallway is the perfect inset for a grand piano. And the living room television set and fireplace are set into a sweeping, curved wall of Old Chicago brick, perhaps the most stunning feature in the dwelling. “We saw a wrap-around brick wall at a hotel in New Orleans and knew it was a feature we had to have,” says Melony, as she points out another feature, an industrial barn door, its glass framed in ebony, gliding along rollers as entrance to the study. “I just love the industrial look,” says Melony whose furnishings work well in this streamlined home. Natural,

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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neutral textures provide a soft counterbalance to industrial details. Two wingback chairs and a tufted-back sofa anchor the living room. Criss-crossed ceiling beams hover overhead for a rustic touch. A round dining table mirrors the home’s soft curves. Melony found much of the furniture herself, but relied on Kristi Ziegler of Creative Impressions Design Group for some suggestions. “She found that dining table and chairs for me. I was at a loss. I really didn’t know where to get something that would work. She helped me a lot with colors and styles. She has an excellent eye.” Melony has eyes for the dining room chandelier, especially. “Oh, it’s just great!” she says of the piece, dripping in crystal beads, another reminder of the Crescent City. “It reminds me of Mardi Gras beads.” Another house feature she particularly loves is the green-stained concrete floor in the powder bath, replete with an antique textured wall faintly scribed in French fleur-de-lis. A Fabulous Finish

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

THESE PAGES: Shadows play on the balcony, revealing intricate designs in the wrought iron railing by J.D. Ornamental Iron Works. | The Old Chicago brick wall beautifully frames the dining room. A chandelier dripping in crystal beads reminds the homeowners of New Orleans and Mardi Gras beads.

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Natural, neutral textures provide a soft counterbalance to industrial details.

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A serene master bedroom with fireplace and balcony access is the perfect spot for Melony to enjoy the views while practicing yoga. | A large New Orleans-style courtyard is a prominent home feature and the perfect spot for a wedding. Melony’s niece will share vows there in October.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

was recruited to apply the wall technique as well as give the kitchen cabinets a slight antique effect. And speaking of the kitchen, it’s the mainstay of this house when it comes to mealtime. Melony opted not to have a breakfast room, so this family chows down at an expansive kitchen island. “Two things we did not want — a breakfast room or a dark movie room,” Melony says. “And we couldn’t be happier. We use every bit of this house, and we didn’t need those rooms.” This house offers lots of niches for family downtime. A downstairs den, also sweeping with concrete floors stained in green, is “chill central” for their sons and daughter. “Sometimes they’ll just hang out in here when they’re not busy with something else,” she says of the daughter, an equestrian who is often off riding her horse, and sons who adore soccer and other sports activities. Her husband isn’t exactly a sedentary type either. BJ recently competed in the Ironman competition in The Woodlands and finds time to coach track at St. Anthony’s

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of Padua where their sons attend school. This, in addition to being the owner and vice president of a business. “You could say we’re a busy bunch,” says Melony, who is training to be a yoga instructor. She would love to open a studio. “It’s very calming,” she says. Her upstairs master bedroom provides serene space for her yoga and meditation. She finds a sun-filled spot that opens to the balcony and views beyond. A soft breeze filters through as if to say, “relax.” Sitting on 1.3 acres, this house blends the lines between indoors and out with its clear views from nearly every room. “That was really important to us,” says Melony. “Sitting in this living room, I can see everything outside when the kids are playing on the courtyard or doing whatever.” Their dog, Fawn, from Red Collar Rescue, is also delighted with the views, scampering from room to room with a ball in her mouth. “Things just really worked out the way we wanted them to with this house,” says Melony. “We are very happy here.” l

It’s a clear view all the way to the backyard as you enter the house. | The home is shrouded in privacy thanks to a forest area bordering the golf course, but the family still enjoys golf course views from the balcony. Landscaping by Eli Land Design; pool by Custom Pool Concepts.

The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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What’s Underfoot in Laminate Flooring A consumer guide to this popular option for your home

From Armstrong’s Architectural Remnants collection, a Woodland Reclaim laminate floor in Old Original Barn Grey. The flooring features textural, rustic, reclaimed hardwood looks in durable random width planks that are easy to install.

aminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring

product fused together using a lamination process.

This type of flooring can accurately simulate almost

anything — wood, stone, even photographs or scans of anything imaginable — by covering a photographic applique layer with a clear protective layer. The interior layer is typically composed of melamine resin and fiberboard materials. Laminate floors have grown in popularity since they were invented in Sweden in 1977 under the name Pergo and arrived in North America in 1994. Because of their durability, hygienic nature and ease of installation and maintenance, laminate floors have become a low cost alternative to

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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hardwood, stone and tile. Glueless laminate (laminate planks locked together without gluing the tongue and grooves together) was invented in 1996, also in Sweden. However, a system for holding flooring

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panels together was developed by a competing Belgian company and released a year later. Laminate flooring is typically packaged in a number of tongue-and-groove planks that can be clicked into one another. Occasionally, a pad is preattached to the backside of the planks to provide a faster installation than

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installing a pad separately and offers improved moisture and sound reduction properties. It is vital to keep laminates clean. Dirt and other particles may scratch the sur-

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face in high traffic areas. It’s also important to keep them dry, as sitting water can warp or swell them, though some brands come with water resistant coatings. Adhesive pads on the feet of furniture are also a good idea. Beware of inferior laminate products, which can look less than convincing in

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their emulation of wood or stone and

tant to consider that laminate flooring is often made with formaldehyde and as such, air quality could be a concern due to the releases of volatile organic compounds. Some floors use a chemical process to reduce and neutralize such emissions.

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between the planks). It is also impor-

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DON'T MISS THE ANNUAL REMODELERS COUNCIL CHARITY GARAGE SALE Texas Home & Garden Show Sept. 19 & 20. NRG Center

TRANSFORM

OUTDATED ROOMS

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REMODELING

Ideas that Inspire!

BRAD CARR, B-RAD STUDIOS

become separated (creating gaps

To find a remodeler, please go to GHBA.ORG The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

Sig 5 70-83 Wood Sept 15_Layout 1 8/20/15 5:06 PM Page 72

Armstrong’s Global Reclaim laminate flooring, part of the Architectural Remnants collection, in Wordly Hue.

HOW TO SELECT A LAMINATE FLOOR From stone to wood to ceramic tile, today’s laminate floors can emulate almost any surface, making them a high demand, low cost option to the real things. Laminate floors are easy to install, easy to maintain and offer terrific resistance to stains and wear. But how do you choose which one is right for you? What’s Your Style? There is no limit to the colors, textures and finishes of laminate floors. The look and feel of rare exotic hardwoods or rich stones can be achieved thanks to a highly detailed photographic process. A laminate floor can be used in almost any room of your home. It can be sensitive to excessive moisture, though, so a bathroom or covered patio is probably not such a good idea for this otherwise very versatile product. Laminate is its own flooring category and possesses its own features, performance benefits and styling. You can get a laminate hardwood floor with an oil finish or hand-scraped look; long, short, wide or narrow planks; 16-inch square tiles or stones; bricks; even photographs that you shot yourself (should you be so inclined). How Will You Install It? Installing a new laminate floor is fast, easy and not as messy as you’d imagine. Laminate is typically floated over a level subfloor. No

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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Keep Cool this Summer with a FREE A/C Check-up! My Closet. My Home. My Style. My Budget. My Life.

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24/7 EMERGENCY HOTLINE

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lbs of freon ($180 value) Free Service Call ORwith2purchase of repairs Expires September 30, 2015. Cannot be combined with other offers.

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

THE DUMP At The Dump, fashion and quality meet big savings in home décor. Every weekend you can expect to see brand name and designer pieces, all from 30-75% off, throughout a massive 150,000 square-foot showroom. The company’s buyers tirelessly scour the market for the newest trends in first quality furniture, rugs, and mattresses. Open FridaySunday 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

ABRAHAMS ORIENTAL RUGS AND FINE FURNISHINGS Feraghan Rugs are considered one of the best rugs of all the Persian Rugs. This is an antique masterpiece Feraghan rug woven circa 1880 from the area. Abrahams has one of the largest collections of fine oriental rugs in the country featuring beautiful antiques like this Feraghan to more contemporary designs and everything in between. abrahamsrugs.com 713-622-4444 2515 Bartlett St., Houston 713-963-0980 5000 Westheimer, Suite 200, Houston

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

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE A/C

MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR

WOODLANDS UNIQUE

Unique furnishings and gifts for every occasion PLUS your full service glass shop. Christmas in September: Home Décor only is running 45% off all Christmas storewide. While finding great Christmas buys, what about Christmas gifts: Farmhouse Fresh, Noodle & Boo, Yellow Box shoes, Swan Creek candles to name a few. Milstead Glass & Home Décor, It’s a Different Niche! 936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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

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nails, staples, glue or tape are required. You

growing, should it ever get wet underneath.

simply leave a fraction of an inch around the

Some laminates come pre-attached to an

perimeter of the room and click your lami-

underlayment padding.

AC3: Heavy Residential & Moderate Commercial

nate together. It locks fast and tight with almost no gaps between the pieces. Planks

tions like living and dining rooms.

Suitable for all residential applications, plus light commercial use, including hotel

Abrasion Ratings

can be cut with a hand saw or circular saw, so

An AC rating is a term used to indicate the

no special tools are required. Working

durability level of laminate flooring. These

AC4: General Commercial

around obstacles — such as floor vents, pipes

ratings are applied by an independent body

Suitable for all residential plus general

rooms and small offices.

and wall corners — often requires that you

known as European Producers of Laminate

commercial applications, including offices,

cut notches and shaped sections from the

Flooring. A series of tests are carried out in

boutiques and cafes.

planks. In these cases, a jig saw or band saw

order to assess each line of laminate flooring

AC5: Heavy Commercial

works well.

for resistance to burns, scratches, stains and

Suitable for all residential applications

Of course, the most important component of laminate is the underlayment. Like a car-

impact. Each product is then assigned an AC

plus heavy commercial applications, such

rating number. Here’s what they mean:

as public buildings, department stores, etc.

pet cushion, this is the soft subfloor that acts

AC1: Moderate Residential

as a moisture barrier, absorbs sound and

Suitable for moderate residential use,

keeps the floating floor in place. Some newer underlayments feature antimicrobial properties to keep mold from

Not all laminate flooring manufacturers

including bedrooms and closets.

go by these ratings, but most of the best ones do use them. Look on the back of the sample

AC2: General Residential

boards for the AC ratings. l

Suitable for normal residential applica-

Courtesy of the World Floor Covering Assocation

uxury L

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281-712-2035 showerdoorshouston.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

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

TOWN AND COUNTRY LEATHER Located at Post Oak and San Felipe, Town and Country Leather has Houston's finest selection of leather furniture, occasional tables, area rugs and accessories. Choose from in-stock styles for immediate delivery or custom order the configuration and color to suit your home. Check out the curated selection from quality brands like Natuzzi Editions, Bernhardt, Flexsteel and Palliser. 713-621-3366 townandcountryleather.com 1749 Post Oak Blvd at San Felipe

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

CHENE INTERIORS

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-to-order 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

DECORATING DEN

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

LEATHER SHOPPES Started in 1988, Leather Shoppes is family owned and the oldest leather specialty store in Houston. They offer the highest quality leather furniture or theater seating for your home from some of the best names in the business, American made companies who take pride in their leather furniture. Leather Shoppes continually strives to offer the best products for the best price and still give the level of service you expect. They also custom size. Come visit their 10,000-square-foot showroom. 713.690.9400 leathershoppes.com 10784 Kempwood Dr. (1-10/Beltway 8)

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

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

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 Alexandra Chair features one of the most renowned architectural motifs — the quatrefoil. It is a perfect accent addition to any room in the house. On display at Meredith O'Donnell Fine Furniture. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard

TEXAS TUSCAN FURNITURE DESIGNS

THE LIGHTING GALLERY

ECLECTIC HOME

MEREDITH O'DONNELL FINE FURNITURE

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 Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Plan the Right Pool for Your Living Style Consider many options before making your backyard investment

By Merry Wise lanning a custom swimming pool and/or spa for your specific environment and style of living is similar to planning your home and fashion styles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you want to analyze how you plan to use it as much as how you want it to look. Just as people choose fashion to suit different activities, different design considerations for your custom pool will be based on what activities you and your family enjoy. Of course, safety is your first consideration. Proper enclosures and constant supervision are a must to ensure the safety of children, pets and wildlife that may go near the pool. Many specialty safety products are available, including water alarms, laser technologies, safety covers and personal accessories such as life jackets and pool floats. Next, you begin considering all the other aspects of your poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design. Think about the current ages of your family members, and plan for the future

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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as your family grows and changes. Think about how many years you plan to stay in your home, and plan the pool to be as suitable to your future situation as your present one. Are you a young family with growing children? How many children? How many relatives, friends and neighbors might you be entertaining in the pool? Are you a family with teenagers? Are you an older couple building a pool primarily for the grandkids to enjoy when they visit? Is your family primarily adults who will be doing more sophisticated entertaining? Or will your pool just be a relaxing getaway for you as an individual or couple? These parameters will mostly affect the size, configuration and materials you select, as well as addition of items such as a spa,

slide, diving board, shallow kiddie area, tanning bench, etc. Ask yourself what features might provide the most enjoyment for your individual needs, such as whether your family will use the pool primarily for exercise, sports activities such as volleyball or basketball, entertaining adult friends and parties for kids or teens. After you’ve considered the family uses and activities, next you will want to carefully analyze the custom features you can add to a basic pool to perfect it for maximum function and fun. This would include selection of equipment, high-tech additions that can make the pool easy to operate and maintain, and visual design elements that create the wow factor you might wish for.

The average pool size is 16 feet by 32 feet, or about 20,000 gallons of pool water. If you have a large site, big family, lots of teenagers, want a diving pool, or plan to have big pool parties, you may want to design a larger pool. For safety reasons, if you choose to have a diving board, you need a length of at least 20 feet just for the deep end diving-well area of the pool. If you have a smaller site, or don’t have divers in the family, you could opt for a shallower “play pool” design, with a smaller overall size. Most families find themselves spending more time in the shallow water, and for many, this type of pool is the better choice. If your family enjoys volleyball, a good choice is a pool designed with a shallow end at each end and the deeper part in the middle and equipped with built-in anchors

Don’t Install Any Replacement Windows Without Investigating The Benefits The Marvin Window Family Has To Offer.

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FREE Consultation & Written Proposal 713-588-0440 Sold, Furnished & installed by Amazing Siding & Windows. Minimum purchase of 3 windows for discount. Offer not valid on prior or existing contracts nor in combination with any other offers or discounts. Credit approval required for financing. Different lenders have different programs and criteria. Reduced 5.99% APR and fixed monthly payments equal to 2.00% of promo purchase amount – Until Paid in Full. Ask your representative for details. Amazing Siding & Windows is not a lender. Amazing Siding & Windows is not responsible for errors or typos in this piece. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

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

TOPCRET Topcret is the world’s leading company in production and installation of high quality cement-based 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 topcrethouston.com

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

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

ATHOOME ATHOOME is an integral remodeling company with a European, modern contemporary style, offering its services for both residential and commercial, interior or exterior. We have many years of professional experience, adapting ourselves perfectly to fit your needs and life style, offering the best solution for your style and budget. Request a free quote with no obligations. 936-444-8433 athoome.com

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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

Sig 5 70-83 Wood Sept 15_Layout 1 8/20/15 5:06 PM Page 81

for a durable volleyball net. Many other quality games are available, including basketball and badminton. If your family will use the pool for a vigorous fitness program, then a lap pool might fit your style. Obviously a pool can be designed in a long, slender configuration, but sometimes the site is not really suitable for a long lap design. This issue can be easily solved in several ways. First, a swim jet can be fitted into the end of any size pool — even a large spa — and then equipped with a very powerful pump that allows you to “swim in place” against its strong current. Portable stationary swimmers also allow you to swim in place with straps that attach to your body and to the deck.

Adding a spa and heater to the pool is a great way to create your very own relaxing “resort” right in your own backyard. The maintenance factor is also an important consideration when equipping your pool. An automatic pool cleaner or in-floor cleaning system is as essential to most people as a dishwasher in the kitchen. Pool design, plumbing characteristics, proper equipment size and choice of sanitizing method and equipment also are important. With the right selections, your pool will be a pleasure to maintain. Adding a spa and heater to the pool is a great way to create your very own relaxing “resort” right in your own backyard. A spa is great for entertaining, especially for teenagers who love to chill out and visit with their friends. And best of all, you know exactly where they are! The latest in technology will add to your enjoyment of your pool. Equip it

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832-267-7399 WWW.DONERIGHTCARPETANDTILE.COM The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

EZ FLOORS 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 20680 Westheimer Parkway, #150 281-647-0777 1557 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N, #110 713-465-6741 See website for other locations.

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 clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

AMAZING SIDING & WINDOWS At Amazing Siding, they offer Infinity by Marvin Replacement windows for both residential and commercial properties. Infinity windows are 800% stronger than vinyl windows. Inexpensive vinyl windows are more expensive than you realize because they are really just plastic. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your home worth a quality replacement window investment? 713-588-0440 InfinityWindows.com/Retailers/ Amazing-Houston

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

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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

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Free Initial In-Home Consultation with an automatic controller, and with a few keystrokes on your smartphone while you’re out, you can arrive home to a soothing bubbling spa, hot and ready to enjoy. You can also program splashing waterfalls or color-changing lights. If you want a pool with all the wow factors that will impress your guests and create an elegant ambience for parties, the design choices and unique details you can add are unlimited. If a natural ambience is your style, it can be created with rock waterfalls, lush plantings and the lagoon look. Make sure, though, that such a setting blends properly with your home style and doesn’t look drastically out of place. Fresh additions to the natural look are fire features and fire pits. Add a misting fog system for a mystical jungle experience. If you have a very contemporary home, the Zen look may suit your design with its clean, simple lines, vanishing edges, the “wetted edge” where water appears to merge with the surrounding deck, spas that appear to “float” in the pool, and fire features and spectacular tile selections as well. Some homes will call for a more classic pool design, with columns, statuary, and sheer descent and laminar water features, often with light suffusing the water. Every year, the choices of materials available to create beautiful pools in every style get more varied, especially tile and deck materials and interior finishes. In addition to the pool itself, many homeowners are creating entire outdoor living areas, including fireplaces, televisions, summer kitchens, pergolas and gazebos, with complementary landscaping. Whatever the size and shape, whether simple or elaborate, there is a pool for everyone and every style of outdoor living! l

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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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

By Judy Latta ne of the first things people notice when they meet you is your smile. A big, bright, picture-perfect smile conveys the appearance of warmth, happiness, youth and health. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey, 99.7 percent of adults believe a smile is an important social asset, and 96 percent believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing. A study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists, however, indicates that more than one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. This is unfortunate, because a healthy smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence. The better you feel about your appearance, the better you feel about yourself. While most people do not naturally have perfect smiles, advancements in modern dentistry have made it possible to have the smile you want. The demand for restorative dental procedures has never been greater,

and a plethora of options exist for dealing with unsightly teeth. Teeth Whitening One of the fastest, easiest and most economical ways to enhance your smile is to whiten your teeth. As we age, changes in our tooth enamel and dentin cause our teeth to darken. Teeth whitening substances are designed to negate these changes, either by bleaching the teeth to lighten their color or by deep cleaning the teeth to remove the stains that are causing the discoloration. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, professional whitening in a dental office is the best method. Dentists use stronger, more effective agents than athome whiteners and are knowledgeable about how to protect the gums and mouth from these agents. The effects of dentistadministered whitening treatments can often be visible and your teeth can lighten several shades with only one visit. There are

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

also many over-the-counter methods of teeth whitening, including rinses, strips, gels and various whitening toothpastes. These are typically safe options, but the outcomes will not be as dramatic as those possible in your dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Orthodontics Many people suffer from dental alignment issues, such as misaligned teeth, overcrowded teeth, bite abnormalities and jaw problems. In addition to marring your appearance, these issues, without proper treatment, could put you at higher risk for cavities, gum disease, ear pain, headaches and chewing and speech problems. Thus, orthodontic care can be an important part of maintaining your oral health. Orthodontic treatments work by applying continuous pressure to your teeth over time to move them slowly into place. As the teeth shift, they loosen from the gum line, moving into alignment, and the bone

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around the teeth molds to support the new positioning. In the past, many people avoided orthodontics because they were not interested in having a mouth full of metal. Fortunately, however, options for straightening teeth exist today that are more aesthetic and discreet than traditional stainless steel braces. These include clear braces, which have brackets made of clear or tooth-colored materials; lingual braces, which are placed on the back of the teeth so they are not visible when you speak; and acrylic liners, which are clear removable, custom-made aligners that are nearly invisible to the eye. Dental Implants Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are connected to the jaw bone to replace missing natural tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation so a missing tooth can be securely replaced with a synthetic tooth. When you lose a tooth, the bone

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around where that tooth had been begins to deteriorate, and this leads the surrounding teeth to shift and lose stability. These shifts can cause aesthetic problems, bite issues, and, ultimately, additional tooth loss. Thus, it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Since it takes time for an implant to fuse to the jaw bone, dental implants, while the most permanent option for tooth replacement, are a multivisit, often months-long procedure. Crowns A dental crown is a custom-made cap that looks like a tooth that fits over an existing damaged or unsightly tooth or an implant to restore the tooth’s appearance, functionality and strength. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. It can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth left. It can be used

to attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.” Bridges A dental bridge is a prosthesis that fills a gap of one or more teeth missing due to decay or injury. Using surrounding healthy teeth as a foundation, a bridge consists of crowns fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap to stabilize custom made artificial teeth in between to fill the gap. According to the ADA, “Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviate the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.” Porcelain Veneers Veneers are thin pieces of a tooth-colored material attached to the front of discolored, chipped or misshapen teeth to restore the natural look and strength of those teeth. Porcelain veneers are created from several

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

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Dental Bonding Dental bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied directly to an unsightly tooth, then it is sculpted, shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Dental bonding can be used to repair decayed, chipped or cracked teeth; to fill gaps between teeth; to restore discolored teeth; and to cover a tooth’s root that is exposed due to recession of the gums. Dental bonding is a relatively simple and inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure, and it is not excessively invasive since only a very small amount of tooth enamel is removed. The procedure can usually be completed in one office visit. The downside to dental bonding is that it is not as strong as other restorative procedures so it is more vulnerable to cracking and chipping.

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Factors to Consider Related to Restorative Dentistry The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine published a primer on factors to keep in mind when considering restorative dentistry. Key points include: • It can be expensive; insurance doesn’t cover procedures considered to be cosmetic. • Materials aren’t indestructible; they are durable, but won’t last forever. • It’s important to be realistic. Cosmetic dentists are enhancers, but they can’t change the shape of your mouth or your overall appearance. • Long-term durability and appearance will be dependent on your oral hygiene. Your dental work will require the same care and attention as natural teeth. l

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Learning About Leukemia The cancer of the blood and bone marrow

eukemias are cancers that start in cells that would normally develop into different types of blood cells. Most often, leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, but some leukemias start in other blood cell types. Leukemia is often described as being either acute (fast growing) or chronic (slow growing).

Types of Leukemia There are actually many types of leukemia, but four main types: • Acute myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (AML). It is the most common type of acute leukemia and most common in people over 65. • Chronic myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (CML). Only about 10 percent of leukemias are this type. • Acute lymphocytic (or lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL). It is more common in children and teens than adults. • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It mainly affects older adults and accounts for about one-third of all leukemia diagnoses. The types of leukemia differ based on

what types of cells they start in, how quickly they grow, which people they affect and how they can be treated. To understand leukemia, it helps to know about the blood and lymph systems.

Normal Bone Marrow, Blood and Lymphoid Tissue Bone marrow Bone marrow is the soft inner part of some bones, such as the skull, shoulder blades, ribs, pelvis and bones in the spine. The bone marrow is made up of a small number of blood stem cells, more mature blood-forming cells, fat cells and supporting tissues that help cells grow. Blood stem cells go through a series of changes to make new blood cells. In this process, the cells develop into one of the three main types of blood cell components: • Red blood cells • Platelets • White blood cells (which include lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes) Red blood cells Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all other tissues in the body, and

take carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be removed. Platelets Platelets are actually cell fragments made by a type of bone marrow cell called a megakaryocyte. Platelets are important in plugging up holes in blood vessels caused by cuts or bruises. White blood cells These cells help the body fight infections. Lymphocytes These are the main cells that make up lymphoid tissue, a major part of the immune system. Lymphoid tissue is found in lymph nodes, the thymus, the spleen, the tonsils and adenoids, and is scattered throughout the digestive and respiratory systems and the bone marrow. Lymphocytes develop from cells called lymphoblasts to become mature, infectionfighting cells. The two main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). • B lymphocytes: B lymphocytes protect the body from invading germs by maturing into plasma cells, which make proteins called antibodies. The anti-

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bodies attach to the germs (bacteria, viruses and fungi), which helps the immune system destroy them. • T lymphocytes: There are several types of T cells, each with a special job. Some T cells can destroy germs directly, while others play a role in either boosting or slowing the activity of other immune system cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia develops from early forms of lymphocytes. It can start in either early B cells or T cells at different stages of maturity. This is discussed in the section “How is acute lymphocytic leukemia classified?” Granulocytes These are white blood cells containing granules — spots that can be seen under the microscope. The granules contain enzymes and other substances that can destroy germs, such as bacteria. The three types of granulocytes – neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils – are distinguished by the size and color of their granules. Monocytes These white blood cells, which are related to granulocytes, also help protect the body against bacteria. After circulating in the bloodstream for about a day, monocytes enter body tissues to become macrophages, which can destroy some germs by surrounding and digesting them.

Development of Leukemia Any type of early blood-forming cell of the bone marrow can turn into a leukemia cell. Once this change happens, the leukemia cells will not mature normally. The leukemia cells could reproduce quickly, and might not die when they should. Instead they survive and build up in the bone marrow. Over time, these cells spill into the bloodstream and spread to other organs, where they can keep other cells from functioning normally.

Acute vs. Chronic Leukemia

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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

The first factor in classifying leukemia is whether most of the abnormal cells are mature (look like normal white blood cells) or immature (look more like stem cells). Acute leukemia: In acute leukemia, the bone marrow cells cannot mature properly. Immature leukemia cells continue to reproduce and build up. Without treatment, most people with acute leukemia would live only a few months. Some types of acute leukemia respond well to treatment, and many patients can be cured. Other types of acute leukemia have a less favorable outlook. Chronic leukemia: In chronic leukemia, the cells can mature partly but not completely. These cells may look fairly normal, but they generally do not fight infection as well as normal white blood cells do. They also live longer, build up and crowd out normal cells. Chronic leukemias tend to progress over a longer period of time, and most people can live for many years. But chronic leukemias are generally harder to cure than acute leukemias.

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Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her full-time job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise. Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with 39 private fitness studios throughout the United States specializing in this unique approach. Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped 1 to 2 clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”

LEAN MUSCLES – THE KEY TO RESHAPING YOUR BODY

The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Not only does the extra muscle help burn fat and calories, muscle takes up 20% less space than fat. So a fit 140pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. Adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and Chief of Medicine Services at College Station Medical Center, explains that it’s

In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout. the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training. So you’ll not only save time, you’re going to get great results too. The Perfect Workout has 44 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston locations: Clear Lake (281) 456-3380, Cypress/N. Houston (832) 497-1121, Kingwood (281) 241-1628, Memorial (281) 724-5147, River Oaks (713) 999-5182, Sugar Land (281) 201-5309, The Woodlands (281) 245-0478

www.ThePerfectWorkout.com

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Family

Health

A D V E R T I S I N G

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Texas Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Children’s has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. For more than 50 years, Texas Children’s Heart Center, ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report, has been a pioneering leader in cardiac care, treating more than 17,000 children with congenital heart defects and performing more than 800 surgeries annually. Cardiologists and surgeons are worldrenowned leaders in pediatric cardiology, congenital heart surgery and cardiovascular anesthesiology, and offer every procedure available for the treatment of pediatric heart diseases and defects for children of all ages, including preterm and low-birth-weight newborns. Some of the services offered include cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, diagnostic 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

KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC – THE WOODLANDS Regular physical exams are your family’s frontline of medical defense against diseases. Make your family’s health your top priority by seeing the physicians at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic–The Woodlands. Many diseases, such as Type-2 diabetes, heart disease and several forms of cancer, have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages – until the disease advances and treatment options become more limited. That’s why your family needs regular physical examinations. Women should be sure to have their annual well-woman exams and, if over 40, their annual mammograms. Their clinic at The Woodlands has physicians and specialists in Audiology; Cardiology; Corporate and Executive Health; Dermatology; Ear, Nose & Throat; Endocrinology; Family Medicine; Gastroenterology; Internal Medicine; Orthopedics –Sports Medicine;

Pediatrics; and Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine. Diagnostic services include laboratory, X-ray, digital mammography, foreign travel immunizations, as well as diabetes education and onsite Kelsey Pharmacy. Make your family’s health your top priority – schedule their appointments today! 24-hour appointment scheduling: 713-442-0000 kelsey-seybold.com/woodlands 106 Vision Park Blvd., Shenandoah

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 has 44 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston locations: Sugar Land 281-201-5309, Memorial 281-724-5147, River Oaks 713-999-5182 The Woodlands 281-245-0478, Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121 Clear Lake 281-456-3380 , Kingwood 281-241-1628 ThePerfectWorkout.com

HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP Caring for patients of all ages, the physicians at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group are dedicated to providing high-quality and compassionate care for your entire family. To find the right doctor for your family, schedule an appointment online. Hablamos español. 713-394-6724 houstonmethodist.org/primarycare

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

Myeloid leukemia versus lymphocytic leukemia The second factor in classifying leukemia is the type of bone marrow cells that are affected. Myeloid leukemia: Leukemias that start in early forms of myeloid cells – the cells that make white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), red blood cells or platelet-making cells (megakaryocytes) – are myeloid leukemias (also known as myelocytic, myelogenous or non-lymphocytic leukemias). Lymphocytic leukemia: Leuk emias that start in immature forms of lymphocytes are called lymphocytic leukemias (also known as lymphoid or lymphoblastic leukemias).

The term “acute” means that the leukemia can progress quickly, and if not treated would probably be fatal within a few months. A Closer Look at Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a cancer that starts from the lymphocytes in the bone marrow. ALL is the most common type of childhood leukemia, typically diagnosed between the ages of 2-5. It is the most successfully treated type of childhood leukemia. Leukemia cells usually invade the blood fairly quickly. They can then spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and testicles (in males). Other types of cancer also can start in these organs and then spread to the bone marrow, but these cancers are not leukemia. The term “acute” means that the leukemia can progress quickly, and if not treated would probably be fatal within a few months. Lymphocytic means it develops from early (imma-

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ture) forms of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. This is different from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which develops in other blood cell types found in the bone marrow. Other types of cancer that start in lymphocytes are known as lymphomas (non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin disease). The main difference between these types of cancers is that leukemias like acute lymphocytic leukemia mainly affect the bone marrow and the blood, and may spread to other places, while lymphomas mainly affect the lymph nodes or other organs but may involve the bone marrow. Sometimes cancerous lymphocytes are found in both the bone marrow and lymph nodes when the cancer is first diagnosed, which can make it hard to tell if the cancer is leukemia or lymphoma. If more than 25 percent of the bone marrow is replaced by cancerous lymphocytes, the disease is usually considered leukemia. The size of lymph nodes is also important. The bigger they are, the more likely the disease will be considered a lymphoma. For more information about acute lymphocytic leukemia or the other main types, visit cancer.org/ cancer/leukemia.l Courtesy of the American Cancer Society

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Fionna

Dakota

Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Ryan Bumgarner Photography

The couple steals a kiss in front of the castle. • The bride’s mother, Stephanie Woodward, adjusts her daughter’s veil.

hey both grew up in Houston, went to the same Presbyterian church camps and swam competitively for club swim teams that regularly raced each other. It seems that they should have met, yet they didn’t until 10 years later, when an online dating service “matched” them up. This serendipitous connection propelled Fionna Rhian Woodward and Dakota James Phillips down the aisle on Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, in a breathtaking outdoor ceremony — in a castle, no less! Fionna attended Jersey Village High School and University of Texas-Austin, where she earned a bachelor of science in nursing. She is employed by St. David’s Hospital in Austin as a registered nurse. Dakota attended Clear Lake High School and University of Houston Clear Lake, earning a degree in history. He is a swim coach and has headed back to college to become a physical therapist.

Connecting and Courtship Their thoroughly modern romance got a jumpstart online, thanks to Match.com. “It really does work!” says Fionna of the site, which promises “more dates, more relationships, more marriages.” They met in person at a coffee shop one freezing Sunday morning and ended up staying until the place closed at 3 p.m.! With so much in common, it was hard to believe they hadn’t met before. Both of these native Houstonians ran in the same circles and now count their lucky stars (and the Internet) that they finally connected. The couple dated six months and managed to spend plenty of time together outdoors in the fresh air while pursuing their careers.

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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The bride with her attendants, who were resplendent in navy dresses and pink bouquets. • The breathtaking bride reclines on a guest’s chair. • An ornate tub offers a calm oasis before the ceremony. • A dramatic view of the bride descending the rounded staircase. • The bride’s hair and makeup is attended to before her walk down the aisle.

The magical moment occurred as they were vacationing in Sedona, Arizona during a week-long hiking trip. Fionna is not a morning person, but Dakota had her out on the hiking trail as soon as it opened. No one else was in sight as they hiked for nearly an hour. Finally they came to a clearing with an amazing view. Fionna stopped to take it all in and heard Dakota rustling in the backpack behind her. She assumed he was getting some water until he asked her to turn around. Suddenly, the love of her life was down on one knee with the ring box extended in his hand — upside down! It took her a few seconds to realize what he was holding, and she burst out laughing at the upside down box. That wasn’t the initial reaction he was expecting, and after realizing his blunder he righted the box and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes. It was perfect.

Engagement The Proposal “Dakota told me after about three weeks that he knew he wanted to marry me,” says Fionna. That was exciting and terrifying at the same time, and she asked him to wait at least six months before seriously asking the question. Sure enough, six months later, he did just that.

The couple was engaged for nine months and knew they wanted to go somewhere fun to get married, but had no idea where. They opened up the suggestions to the family. Fionna’s parents are both from England and transplanted to Houston (and April Sound on Lake Conroe during the weekends) to raise their daughters. “My mum was actually the one who suggested the Asheville, North

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The groom starts the day with coffee. • The bride admires a gift from her beloved — earrings to wear during the ceremony. • The handsome groom is surrounded by admirers, including his mother and sisters. • A proud father escorts his daughter to the ceremony.

Carolina area, and Dakota found the Castle Ladyhawke venue,” says Fionna. There was some initial joking about being married in a castle, but the website made it look amazing. After a few minutes of looking at the photos together, she turned to him and said, “I actually really love this place.” His response? “Good, because I do too!” They called the venue immediately and booked a special date — Memorial Day — which gave their guests an extra long leisurely weekend to travel and enjoy the 70 degree weather. Some might say the castle destination was also a subtle, and appropriate, nod to Fionna’s British heritage.

The Wedding Castle Ladyhawke is located in Tuckasegee, North Carolina and transports visitors to a bygone era. In this current century, the venue might be considered more novel than traditional, but it provided a majestic setting for a classic wedding. The lawn overlooked a beautiful mountain range, emblematic of the couple’s love of the great outdoors. In another fitting tribute to nature, the groom was surprised as Over the Rainbow played during the processional. The bride’s eyes welled with tears, knowing the song was special to him. She was happy her father was there to hold her up, and by the time she

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

reached the groom (who doesn’t cry easily), she had an even harder time keeping it together, especially when she saw the tears in his eyes. “I was so emotional that holding Dakota’s hand during the ceremony felt like my lifeline,” says the bride. Their first kiss as a married couple was comforting and exciting all at once. Floral and décor: While Mother Nature provided much of the décor, the bride incorporated various pink-hued roses mixed with white roses and greenery to complement her navy theme. Flowers decorated the church aisles and were used in the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages.

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The view was the perfect “extra touch” during the exchange of vows. • The couple's sweetheart table was framed by a rustic stone fireplace. • Guests enjoyed the old world ambiance at Castle Ladyhawke. • The luscious cake was so dense that the cake cutter bent when the couple cut the first piece!

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Attendants: Officiant Jacqueline Weiks provided the couple various ceremonies and writings from which to choose. They were encouraged to write their own additions, which made the moment even more special. The bride’s parents, Mike and Stephanie Woodward, joined the groom’s parents, John and Kay Phillips, in witnessing the union. The couple chose to keep their bridal party intimate, with family only. For this reason, and because the groom doesn’t have brothers, they had their sisters stand by them as attendants. The bride’s twin sister Alyssia and older sister Sabrina served as bridesmaids. Dakota’s two sisters, Jessie and Ryann, were also bridesmaids in lieu of groomsmen. Attire: The bride wore a stunning Saison Blanche Couture sheath gown with a sheer bateau neckline and sweep train, with

The newlyweds walk back down the aisle… and into their future. • Guests frolicked on the dance floor with the bride. • Father and daughter danced to Rod Stewart’s version of Have I Told You Lately. • Three friends rewrote My Sharona and sang My Fiona with blow up guitars.

Swarovski crystals and stones beaded and embroidered throughout. Her mother altered the dress slightly and added the bustle using a button from the bride’s grandmother’s dress — which served as her “something old.” Her “something new” was a pair of earrings she received from the groom the morning before the ceremony. Her “something borrowed” was sentimental — the veil, made by her mother for her older sister’s wedding. Her

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

“something blue” was her sapphire engagement ring. To complete the ensemble, the bride wore shoes previously broken in, which her dance instructor advised. Bridesmaids picked their own short navy dresses and shoes, each just a bit different to show off their personalities. The groom wore a tailored black suit with a vest, navy tie and pocket square to complement the bridesmaids. Both fathers and the couple’s brothers-in-law wore pink ties and boutonnieres. Top wedding moment: After the ceremony and before the reception, the bride and groom had a few precious minutes to themselves. One of the bride’s best friends very thoughtfully set out two glasses of wine and a plate of cheese and crackers. It was a small gesture, but meant so much and allowed them to calm down and have a bite to eat.

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(Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law) ‰ Fall Fashion The Reception The reception was indoors, where guests soaked up the splendor of Old World charm. The deep wood hues of the rafters were set off by soaring ceilings, stone accents, tapestries and stained glass windows. Floral and décor: Arrangements of hydrangeas, golden rod and pink bell flowers adorned tabletops, which were covered in navy and white linens. A full meal was a must — a large serving of the main course of salmon ensured no one would go hungry. The Cake: The three-tiered chocolate, vanilla and chocolate cake was frosted in buttercream. The delicious confection was so dense that the cake cutter bent and had to be replaced with a large vegetable knife! Top Reception Moments: The couple’s first dance was to Damien Rice’s Blower’s Daughter. The bride and her father danced to Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart. The groom and his mother danced to My Wish by Rascal Flatts. A carefully crafted playlist

kept the dance floor hopping. Three of the bride’s childhood friends wrote a song for her by reworking My Sharona by The Knack into My Fionna and performed in front of all the guests with inflatable guitars! “It was hilarious and surprisingly well-written,” notes the bride. The bride wrote thank you cards to each of the guests. “I know it wasn’t easy or convenient, so I wanted them to know how much we appreciated them being there with us and being such a big part of our lives,” she said. The Exit: Sparklers lit the exit to the shuttles, which took the guests to and from the venue. The Honeymoon: The couple postponed their honeymoon until August to balance work and school. A trip to Boston and the Cape Cod area allowed them to relax on the beach and eat delicious seafood. l

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3:00 PM

Sig 6 84-101 Wood Sept 15_Layout 1 8/20/15 4:54 PM Page 100

ç By Denman Moody

author, The Advanced Oenophile

Superb New Releases Vintages to pair with everything from burgers to salad

ROSE WINES: Charles & Charles Rosé Columbia Valley 2014 — This is the result of Charles Beiler’s experience in making rosé in Provence, and Charles Smith’s vast knowledge of winemaking in Washington State. The 2014 is the most delicious and complex to date. Exceptional value! $12 J. Lohr Gesture Grenache Rosé Paso Robles 2014 — Made from 100 percent Grenache specifically harvested at a lower sugar level to produce a rosé — not the saignee method. Fresh raspberries in the bouquet followed by a supple and luscious taste. One sip begs for another. $18 Crossbarn Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014 — Crossbarn is Paul Hobbs’ innovative winery dedicated to the production of great wines at affordable prices, using sustainable vineyard practices and traditional winemaking techniques. A third excellent vintage in Northern California has assisted in the production of a wine with beauty, depth and quality. “…aromas of white tea, tangerine blossom and Rainier cherry.” Lovely finish! $18 Clos de Capelune Cru Classé Rosé Cotes

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de Provence 2014 — One of the most classy and elegant rosés produced anywhere, this is a blend of 35 percent Grenache, 30 percent Cinsault, 20 percent Mourvèdre and 15 percent Rollo. Made from an exceptional 12 hectare plot on the highest vineyard in the Cote de Provence (449 meters). Beautiful color and hue, and almost ethereal, engaging taste and finish. I believe I could start each evening after a hot day with a glass of this wine and some hors d’oeuvres! $65 WHITE WINES: ROCCA SVEVA Soave Classico 2013 — Made from 100 percent Garganega with bright fruit of apples and melon. Excellent balancing acidity and intriguing almond finish. Perfect match with goat cheese salad with beets. Only 12.5 percent alcohol. $15 Kunde Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Magnolia Lane 2014 — Established in 1904, Kunde is one of the “must” visits if ever in Sonoma County. Every member of the winery staff is trained and practices sustainable farming to the nth degree. One of the

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

goals of the Kunde family is to leave the entire operation — and it is huge — in as good or better shape for the next generation than it was in the generation before. This crisp and citrus-styled wine has “…lovely aromatics of honeysuckle and a beautiful pure melon and lemon zest character on the palate.” $16 Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc Carneros 2014 — All estate grapes. A wine of verve and brightness. None of the too-much grassiness or grapefruit that bring down some Sauvignon Blancs. Fruit in harmony with acidity. Perfect match with fried oysters at La Vista. $18 Decoy Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 2014 — Made by talented winemaker Dana Epperson, this is 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc, aged 100 percent in stainless steel to preserve the tropical and citrus flavors. In the vineyard, grapes were picked at different levels of ripeness, which has added beneficial dimensions to the wine. $20 Talbot Chardonnay Kali Hart Monterey 2013 — The second spectacular vintage in a row for the Santa Lucia Highlands, and a

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ç By Denman Moody

author, The Advanced Oenophile

stunning offering for this pioneer (for the area) estate winery. Rich, bright tropical fruit is complemented by refreshing acidity. Named after Rob Talbott’s youngest daughter. Who knows, Kali Hart may be making Kali Hart Chardonnay some day!! An exceptional value. $20 Duckhorn Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013 — A combination of the finest Napa vineyards, coolest Napa regions and French oak barrel fermentation with lees stirring, has resulted in one of the best Napa Chardonnays at this price point. Luscious, and perfect with both Danish Havarti on a triscuit before dinner and with chicken spaghetti with a rich cream sauce for the entrée. $35 MacRostie Chardonnay Carneros Sangiacomo Vineyard 2013 — Steve MacRostie has been working with grapes from this vineyard since 1987. He says the depth of his relationship with the Sangiacomo family (third generation now), is reflected in the quality of this offering. Approachable and alluring, this wine displays excellent fruit flavors with subtle and spicy notes. Only 12 barrels produced (about 24 cases per barrel). $44 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Carneros Hudson Vineyard 2013 — This stunning winner comes from a prized 3-acre plot inside Houstonian Lee Hudson’s Carneros vineyard. The long, cool 2013 growing season “…ultimately provided lovely aromatics and pure, varietal flavors,” states winemaker/co-owner James Hall. Aged in 50 percent new Burgundian French oak and bottled without filtration. An expression of both richness and elegance. $55 RED WINES: Dominios de Castilla Ribera del Duero Crianza 2012 — From one of my favorite wine-growing areas, this 100 percent Tempranillo gives more than a hint of what a $30-$50 Ribera tastes like. Deeply colored with cherry and blackberry flavors and notes of sweet tobacco, this is a “must buy” at this price. Aged 14 months in American and French oak. $13 Los Vascos Carmenere Grande Reserve Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Colchagua 2012 — This may be the best value in all of Carmeneredom! A tiny bit of

funky Carmenere smell makes this one of those wines to be prized by members of the cognoscenti who find an esoteric imperfection perfect! Dark fruits and coffee tones. Rich and satisfying. Excellent with a cheddar cheeseburger, and I will soon try one with a wedge salad with blue cheese, bacon bits and tomato slices. $16 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2012 — Produced by the Flash Détante process and fermented in a combination of 75-yearold concrete tank and 60-gallon oak barrels for a year, hence greater complexity and a unique, patented vertical flavor profile. A delicious, full-bodied Zin with blackberries, vanilla and hint of toasty oak. The winery recommends BBQ, zesty pasta, pizza or juicy burgers. $20 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2013 — Made mostly from Alexander fruit, this almost-perfect vintage has resulted in one of the top Cabernets available at this price point — exactly what Duckhorn Winery is trying to accomplish with the entire Decoy line. Although a sizzling match with a sizzling steak, I found it perfect with a cheeseburger brought home from Pappas Burgers. $25 Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2013 — From Sonoma County’s first carbon neutral winery, and one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley (1968)! Harvested under ideal conditions, this food-friendly gem has aromas of cherries and roses. Aged 13 months in small French oak barrels, it has developed a floral, baking spice character, and finishes with a flair. The winery recommends roasted pork loin or wild mushrooms over polenta. $25 On Point Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2013 — A second fantastic value from Fulcrum winery. A blend of two famous Sonoma Coast vineyards: Gap’s Crown (rich and lush flavors) and Sangiacomo (cherries, smoke and earth). Aged for 15 months with 18 percent new oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 282 cases produced. $36 Amici Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 — A blend from five top vineyards in Napa Valley, this was aged 20 months in 50 percent new French oak. It is 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 11 percent Merlot, 3 percent Cabernet Franc and 1 percent Petit

Verdot (I guess for a hint of P.V. perfume). This awesome 2012 vintage is again displayed here with black fruits, earth, coffee and cocoa. The tannins are tender, and the finish is something to sigh over for about 30 seconds. $45 Masi Agricola Costasera Amarone 2011 — The flagship of the Masi Agricola stable (same family ownership for 250 years). Big, bold and rich, with the telltale hint of raisins, this unique wine was recently a perfect match with rack of lamb (which can sometimes overpower a lighter red). If you’ve never tried an Amarone, this quintessential stallion is a good place to start. Also works well with strong, but not stinky cheeses. $65 Goldeneye Pinot Noir The Narrows Vineyard Anderson Valley 2012 — This is the coolest of Duckhorn Winery’s estate vineyards, as well as the lowest-yielding at just over 1.5 tons per acre. In fact, it was too cold in 2011, thus no bottling! “This spectacular vintage showcases the earthy, primal qualities we love about this site,” says winemaker Michael Fay. Lovely, dark and deep — perfect with grilled salmon or roasted chicken on a snowy evening. $82 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands 2012 — Aged in 75 percent new oak and held back for a year in bottle, this is the final Patz & Hall release from the supercallafragilistic 2012 vintage. From the coveted Pisoni “Old Field” plot, this is the most rich and powerful Patz & Hall wine. Although it sells out quickly, and needs the extra year in the bottle before ready, “…the truth is, we could probably sell it right out of the barrel,” says co-owner Donald Patz. $90l

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

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

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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Flavorful Sides for the Win Much like a star quarterback, grilled foods get all the glory when it comes to tailgating, but the often overlooked side dishes are the supporting players that help drive your menu to victory. Whether you're tailgating in the parking lot or hosting a "homegate" in the backyard, plan a well-rounded menu with a wide range of sides. To be sure your sides and appetizers get the play time they deserve, rely on bold flavors that keep guests coming back for more. These tips from the makers of Tabasco Sauce will help create a flavorrich spread that makes you the fan favorite. • Stay ahead of the game. Plan ahead by prepping appetizers and chilling drinks beforehand. This allows plenty of time for the ingredients to blend and develop perfect crowd-pleasing flavors. • Change up your lineup. Upgrade traditional tailgate fare with healthier and tastier versions. This Cajun Country Caviar is a delicious take on a tasty tailgate dip that incorporates protein and fresh, seasonal vegetables. Then take it up a notch with some Tabasco Original Red Sauce to make sure it's the MVP of the party. • Make a pass on budget, not flavor. Inexpensive cuts of meat, such as drumsticks, flank steak and brisket, can make for delicious football fare. Be sure to season well and offer variety of flavor combinations to really impress. • Give veggies some play time. Skip the side salad and throw your favorite veggies, such as corn, zucchini and lettuce, on the grill. The uniquely smoky flavors from the grill can transform everyday basics into applause-worthy apps in minutes. For more ideas to heat up your menu, visit tabasco.com.

In large mixing bowl, combine blackeyed peas, chives, parsley, lime juice, olive oil, salt and Tabasco Sauce. Add additional salt and lime juice to taste. Using knife, slice off tops of carrots on bias. Using mandolin, shave thinly from top to bottom; place in ice bath for 5 minutes. Remove and place on towel to dry for 5 minutes; add to bowl. Using mandolin, shave radishes thinly; place in ice bath for 5 minutes. Remove and place on towel to dry for 5 minutes; add to bowl. Slice avocado from tip to tail to open; secure pit, twist and remove. Score each side vertically 3 times and horizontally 4 times. Using a spoon, remove avocado from rind and add to blender. Add salt, lime juice and cilantro; blend until smooth. On large serving platter or in wide bowl, spread avocado mixture in wide, thick circle. Pile black-eyed peas mixture high in center. Serve with corn chips. l Family Features

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ing products including the latest styles in chandeliers, wall scones, kitchen and bath lighting, LED lights, custom outdoor gas and electric lanterns in various metals, on-trend ceiling fans and alluring outdoor landscape lighting, as well as home accents. For more information, call 281-298-5200 or visit AnthologyLighting.com.

Jeff and Michelle Ber, owners of Anthology Lighting in Magnolia, present adonation to Isabel McDanel for Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County.

‹ Habitat for Humanity Receives Donation from Anthology Lighting Grand Opening When the newly constructed Anthology Lighting store in Magnolia held its weekendlong grand opening this summer, owners Jeff and Michelle Ber wanted to donate a portion of the profits from sales to benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. Recently, the Bers presented a $1,000 contribution to Isabel McDanel, Habitat’s director of development . “We were very honored to be contacted by Michelle and Jeff Ber and learn that they wanted Habitat for Humanity to benefit from the grand opening for Anthology Lighting,” said McDanel. “It is heartwarming to experience the generosity of local business owners who think of those in need, and we are thankful for their support in our program and community we serve.” “We are proud to give back to Habitat for Humanity as they do such important charitable work to help those who need a ‘hand up’ toward affordable decent housing which lends stability to family life,” said Michelle Ber. The 5,000-square-foot showroom is conveniently located at 32411 FM 2978 near Egypt Lane, between Woodlands Parkway and FM 1488. The Bers previously owned French Market Lighting on I-45 North between Woodlands Parkway and Sawdust Rd. By expanding to their new location, the owners have now nearly tripled their retail space and service offerings. Anthology Lighting offers residential light-

‹Keaton McDaniel Named Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce announces Keaton McDaniel has been named Chairman of The Chamber’s Board of Directors for the 2015-2016 fiscal year beginning in September. McDaniel will

replace Daniel Schroder, who served as Chairman for the 2014-2015 term. "Keaton has such a wealth of experience in The Chamber and The Woodlands. We could not be more fortunate to have him serving as our next Chairman,” says J.J. Hollie, the Chamber’s new president and CEO. “I have worked with Keaton on many occasions and look forward to working with him even more. McDaniel has served in The Chamber for 15 years. Currently, he serves as a Board member and vice president of Committed Volunteers. In 2001 he started the Young Professionals Network and has been team leader for both the Golf Tournament and The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival. "I am very humbled and excited to be elected as the 2015-2016 Chairman of the Board," he said. McDaniel has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones for nearly 20 years. He and his wife Carla have lived in The Woodlands for 16 years. They are active in the community and have volunteered with many local events.

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Linda@lifestyles-magazines.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Shannon Mills

Noemi Gonzalez

‹Interfaith Names Shannon Mills Manager of Communications & Publications Interfaith of The Woodlands is pleased to announce Shannon Mills has been promoted to communications and publications manager for the organization. Mills brings more than 16 years of nonprofit experience to her new position where she will oversee all aspects of Interfaith’s communications, publications and resident services, including the award-winning Community and Business Directory. “Shannon’s leadership is an asset to Interfaith and I know she will take all of Interfaith’s communications and publications to the next level. I am thrilled to have her in this position,” shared Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of the Woodlands. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas and has extensive experience in business and marketing, including sales and website development. She is an avid supporter of many community organizations serving as past president of Junior League of The Woodlands, Inc., The Woodlands Advisory Council Member for Texas Children’s Hospital, National Charity League – The Woodlands Chapter, and the HOPE Beyond Batten Disease/Will Herndon Foundation. Shannon is also a past board member of The Montgomery County Women’s Center.

‹Noemi Gonzalez Named Marketing Director of Market Street – The Woodlands Market Street – The Woodlands has named Noemi Gonzalez the marketing director for the premier shopping and entertainment destination. In this position, Gonzalez will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening relationships with retailers and the business community and representing the

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shopping destination in the media and the local community. Most recently, Gonzalez served as marketing director at The Woodlands Mall, where she was responsible for overseeing marketing, retailer communications, public relations and event planning. Prior to joining The Woodlands Mall, Gonzalez assisted with public relations efforts at Neiman Marcus in the Galleria. “Noemi has a proven track record of success in building relationships and greatly enhancing offerings to the local community,” said Market Street General Manager Jenny Taylor. “She will be a great fit for Market Street, and we are looking forward to her joining our team.” A resident of The Woodlands, Gonzalez serves as a member of Junior League of The Woodlands, The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Marketing Committee, Interfaith of The Woodlands and Because Art Matters. She holds a bachelor’s degree in consumer science and marketing from the University of Houston.

A member of the Houston SPCA barn team cares for one of the 200 neglected horses that have been turned over to the SPCA.

‹Charlotte’s Saddlery to Help the “Conroe 200” Neglected Horses The story of the "Conroe 200" has prompted many to help these severely neglected horses. Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Sponsor, Charlotte's Saddlery, has partnered with the Houston SPCA to support the ongoing needs of these recovering horses. For anyone interested in helping the SPCA care for these animals, Charlotte's is collecting donations of needed items at their Houston, Tomball and Austin locations. The most requested items are halters, lead ropes, large rubber ground feeders, 8-quart

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

feed buckets, muck bucket carts, muck buckets, “no chew” wood spray, equine sunscreen (for white horses), manure forks, apple-flavored electrolytes, hoof moisturizer, durasole, keratex hoof products and detangler (Cowboy Magic preferred). Monetary donations, too, are welcome. Charlotte's is delivering the donated items multiple times each week to the Houston SPCA. No gift is too small for this great effort. Drop off your donation at any Charlotte's Saddlery location. Items from the list are also available for purchase at Charlotte's with a 20 percent discount. To learn more about Charlotte’s "Conroe 200" efforts, visit charlottes-saddlery.com. Contact csadd@charlottes-saddlery.com or phone 800-231-6530 for more information.

‹3D Video of Conroe's Grand Central Park Now Available An all-new, three-dimensional animated concept video that immerses viewers in the sights and sounds of Conroe’s Grand Central Park is now available at the community’s new website, GrandCentralParkTX.com. Viewers will find themselves heading down the tree-lined sidewalks of Grand Central Park’s vibrant Town Center while shoppers browse in quaint shops and boutiques and cars pass by amidst the sounds of pop fountains, festival gatherings and other outdoor activities. The five-minute video then hovers above the trees of Town Center before heading over to 336 MARKETPLACE, a regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination, and Grand Central Park’s luxury patio homes, town homes and single-family residences on beautiful wooded sites. The new website also offers a new masterplan map of the 2,046-acre community, information on schools in Conroe ISD and a look at the unique, natural amenities and special lifestyle of Grand Central Park. Visitors to the website can go to the Find A Home page to join the community’s VIP e-mail list for up-to-date information including Grand Central Park builder selections planned for the end of summer 2015. Construction of new homes will begin in early 2016 in the village to be known as Grand Central Park West at the northwest corner of the master-planned community, where residents will enjoy immediate access to Loop 336 and nearby I-45.

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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law

TAYLOR MORRISON BONTERRA AT WOODFOREST Taylor Morrison Bonterra at Woodforest is building a memorable community experience for its residents. A neighborhood is about more than just homes. In Bonterra at Woodforest, it’s about building a sense of community with neighbors through year-round events celebrating the best that life has to offer. Helping to build those connections will be the approximate 10,000-square-foot clubhouse planned to include a grand event space, catering kitchen, fitness room, spa treatment room, and resort-style pool. From traditional holidays to wine tastings and resident excursions, Bonterra is focusing on providing its residents with the best possible experiences. For more information, visit the website. bonterra55.com

HARMONY

GRAND CENTRAL PARK A new, three-dimensional concept video presenting the sights and sounds of Conroe’s Grand Central Park is now available at the master-planned community’s new website. Viewers will head down the tree-lined sidewalks of Grand Central Park’s vibrant Town Center while shoppers browse in quaint shops and boutiques amidst the sounds of pop fountains, festival gatherings and other outdoor activities. While at the website, visitors also can join the community’s VIP e-mail list for up-to-date information including Grand Central Park builder selections planned for the end of summer 2015. GrandCentralParkTX.com

Perry Homes and Westin Homes have opened three spectacular model homes in Harmony where the two Houston homebuilders will add new homes in the Spring master-planned community’s newest neighborhoods, Harmony Woods and Harmony Pines, including several on prized, cul-de-sac lots. Harmony’s collection of 11 model homes is open daily. In addition to new homes available for immediate move in, Harmony offers the convenience of two onsite early childhood education facilities, the all-new Barefoot Park and aquatics complex, and year-round events planned by a Community Lifestyle Director. Plus, Harmony’s location at Riley Fuzzel (soon to be accessible by the extended Grand Parkway) and Rayford Road is minutes from major employers. To start your Harmony experience, visit the website. Harmony-Houston.com

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

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

JO ANNE JOHNSON & ASSOCIATES The team at Jo Anne Johnson & Associates is focused on providing superior customer service with integrity, market expertise, and personalized care. Genuine commitment has afforded Jo Anne and her Realtor partners, Cathy Cole, Allison Berry and Ann Dee Brahms, the opportunity to build lifelong relationships with their clients. They know you have a choice in real estate and sincerely welcome the opportunity to EARN your business. Call or visit their website today. 281-863-9200 JoAnneJohnsonAssociates.com

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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law

GRACEPOINT HOMES LAKESIDE COVE Gracepoint Homes is giving buyers a unique opportunity to own a luxury villa along the shores of Lake Harrison near The Oaks Golf Course in the heart of The Woodlands. The builder has Mediterranean-styled attached and detached villas available in Lakeside Cove, a gated neighborhood near The Woodlands Town Center, Market Street and other popular destinations. Home prices are from the $670,000s and landscape and exterior home maintenance are included, allowing owners to travel without worry. For details, visit the website. gracepointhomes.com

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

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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Woodforest continues to introduce new neighborhoods and model homes, as development moves forward in this popular South Montgomery County community. Builders are now offering homes in the development’s “south district,” located along Woodforest Parkway South. Six neighborhoods are planned, three of which are open with homes priced from the $420,000s to more than $1 million. Several model homes are open in the south district, and Darling Homes will debut a new model there this month. Gracepoint Homes is working on a new model home as well. South District models will be open during Woodforest’s showcase home tour in September. For details, visit the website. woodforesttx.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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Outside the Neonatal ICU, in the area where Wolf Park will be located, are John and Paige Wolf (center) with staff from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, including COO Justin Kendrick; Neonatal ICU and Pediatric Medical Director David Weisoly, D.O.; and Elizabeth Kutchback.

‹Neonatal ICU Receives $20K Donation Toward New Park Area The new Wolf Park at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital is in the planning stages to be located in a courtyard off Medical Plaza Drive in front of Medical Plaza 1, near the Neonatal ICU and Family Birth Center. Wolf Park will be secure and fenced with access through the hospital. The park, that was part of the 2014 Employee Campaign, will feature a playground, picnic tables, lighting and more over time. “The Wolf Park is named after the Wolf family in honor of all their donations and support,” shared Director of Children’s Services Elizabeth Kutchback, RN, BSN. “The park would be open to pediatric patients and other children, but also a place for Neonatal ICU parents to take a break nearby and for staff and visitors as well.” Since 2012, the Wolf family has presented the hospital with $37,000 toward the Wolf Park project, and this year their seventh annual Jack Wolf IV Memorial Golf Tournament raised an additional $20,000 for the Wolf Park. Since the golf tournament’s inception, more than $107,000 has been raised for the hospital’s Neonatal ICU and related projects. John and Paige Wolf’s son, Jack, was born prematurely on May 5, 2005, with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The tournament is held in memoriam of Jack who passed away from OI, and funds raised each year benefit other families with babies in the NICU. The couple has since had two children at MHTW, Max and Remi.

EDP Partners take a firsthand look at The Port of Houston on a recent bus tour.

‹The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Tours the Port of Houston The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) toured the Port of Houston on Friday, July 10, as one of its many industry tour events. As one of the world’s busiest ports, the Port of Houston is an economic engine that produces jobs and economic prosperity for the local and state economy. The Port of Houston's economic activity helps keep Texas the nation's top exporting state. For the past 13 consecutive years, Texas has outpaced the rest of the country in exports. In 2014, Texas exports totaled more than $289 billion, up from nearly $280 billion in 2013, according to annual trade data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The state’s exports out-performed overall U.S. exports, which only grew by 2.4 percent to $1.62 trillion in 2014 from $1.58 trillion in 2013 EDP CEO Gil Staley says, “It was a terrific opportunity for our partners to experience a behind-the-scenes tour of this incredible asset in the Houston region. We recognize that regional growth and success contributes to our success and the success of Texas.” EDP partners represented in this tour were Bayside Printing, U.S. Representative Kevin Brady’s office, The City of Oak Ridge North, The City of Shenandoah, Community Impact Newspaper, Efficient Wealth Management, Fidelity Investment, Gallagher Benefit Services, Houston Methodist Hospital, Integrity Bank, Jones Walker, Texas State Representative Mark Keough, Linscomb & Williams, LJF Marketing and Waste Connections. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law

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

GRACEPOINT STILLWATER Stillwater, a new development minutes from Interstate 45 just north of The Woodlands, has opened an information center at 15601 Koenig Lane in Conroe. The center will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, offering details on the various neighborhoods and conceptual plans of the Lowcountry home designs that will be available in the 188-acre development. Residents will enjoy The Woodlands schools and proximity to W.G. Jones State Forest, which borders Stillwater. For details, please visit the website. stillwatertx.com

CHRISTINE HALE RE/MAX THE WOODLANDS & SPRING

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

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MORNING STAR BUILDERS Morning Star Builders is an award-winning custom home design/build company in the Houston area. Morning Star brings the expertise of creating custom homes to create your luxury home renovation. If you are looking for a professional team with 15 years experience to make your home renovation project a reality, visit the website or call for a design consultation. Morning Star Builders is a member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program and the Greater Houston Builders Association. 832-304-2310 HomesByMorningStar.com

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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

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The Woodlands CVB Hosts Successful State Conference Representatives from 100 Texas cities are “wowed” by area’s amenities during three-day event

(L-R) At the opening reception for the conference were Greg Parsons,The Woodlands CVB director; Marla Roe, TACVB chairman; Dave Byerly, TACVB president; Nick Wolda, TWCVB president; Bruce Tough, The Woodlands Township chairman, and Fred Domenick, TWCVB vice chairman.

he eyes of the Texas tourism industry were squarely upon The Woodlands as hundreds of convention and visitor professionals gathered in August for the 2015 annual conference of the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (TACVB). Hosted for the first time by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the three-day conference at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center was attended by representatives from about 100 Texas cities. “Hosting the conference is by far one of the most significant milestones in the history of The Woodlands CVB,” says Gordy Bunch, chairman of the organization dedicated to promoting travel and tourism to The Woodlands. “It certainly boosted our efforts of positioning The Woodlands as a premier Texas leisure and convention destination by showcasing our hotels and amenities to some of the nation’s most

respected travel professionals.” Bunch also spoke as a panelist on one of the conference’s educational sessions regarding the relevancy of CVBs in Texas. “When longtime travel professionals are wowed, you know you’re doing something right,” he added. Marla Roe, executive director for Frisco CVB and TACVB chairman, echoed the success of the conference. “TACVB had one of our largest attendances at the annual convention. The attendees love the walkability of The Woodlands and I know we would like to return in the future.” Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands CVB, said, “Everywhere I went while at the conference, someone was talking about how impressed they were that a place so close to a large, urban area can have such a unique destination appeal. We really turned some heads.” The annual TACVB conference comes as business and tourism continues to pay big

dividends for The Woodlands. This year, The Woodlands Township forecasts hotel tax revenues for 2015 at $7.5 million, up from its original projection of $7.2 million. Last year, The Woodlands generated $6.7 million in hotel tax, funds which reduce the community’s dependence on property tax. Moreover, in 2014 more than 142,000 guests were tracked at The Woodlands Mall and Market Street information and guest services desks, and 78 percent of them noted that their residence is outside The Woodlands. Wolda adds in terms of convention delegates, The Woodlands CVB has tracked about 225,000 guests and visitors per year. With a new Embassy Suites opening in Hughes Landing and a new Westin opening in Waterway Square, both by early 2016, the positive impact of travel and tourism in The Woodlands is expected to climb.l

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Tom Cox Sr. and his wife Marion, who lost her battle wiht breast cancer three years ago.

‹Gracepoint Homes President Honors Mother with Marion Community The Gracepoint Homes’ development of Marion is much more than one of the firm’s best-selling communities, it's a loving tribute to the mother of Gracepoint Homes president Tom Cox Jr., where every facet of the development – from streets to the names of floor plans – has a meaningful family connection. The community, located in Shenandoah less than a mile from Interstate 45, is named after Marion Cox, who lost her eight-year battle with breast cancer three years ago. Cox had purchased the land for the development shortly before his mother’s death.“We buried my mother in a cemetery near the land I had purchased, and when I saw the fleur-de-lis on her memorial, it came to me that developing a community in her honor would be agreat way to memorialize my mother,” he said. Cox not only named the community Marion, but he also gave the development and architecture a New Orleans theme, in honor of his mother’s birthplace. Streets in Marion – McGoey Circle, Marion Place and Lily Landry Court – also have family ties. “McGoey is my mother’s maiden name and Lily Landry is my grandmother’s name before she married,” Cox said. “We even named the floor plans offered in Marion after my mother’s two daughters and four granddaughters.” A huge magnolia tree sits in the center of Lily Landry Court and bears a plaque at its base that is a tribute to Marion written by Cox’s father, Tom Cox Sr., a longtime resident and custom builder in The Woodlands. Even the community’s park, Reed Park, is named after a son of one of Marion’s favorite nieces who died of cancer as a child. “Mom’s whole purpose was her family,” Cox said. “It’s been therapeutic for me to build this community in her honor.”

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Father Tom says he is proud his son has created such a long-lasting tribute. “What he has done is outstanding,” he said. “I get emotionally charged every time I drive into the community and see the Marion logo, which is her signature. My wife would have been so proud of him.” Another tributeto Marion Cox can be found in all Gracepoint model homes — framed artwork from the Craft Circle, a fundraising group in The Woodlands. “My mother was a member of the group for more than 20 years,” Cox said. “Each year, I purchase a piece for one of my models at the group’s annual auction in memory of my mother and to create awareness for the organization.” Fittingly, the grand opening of Marion was held Nov. 6, which is Marion Cox’ birthday. More than half of the community’s 44 homes have sold since then.“Sales in Marion are doing very well,” Cox said. “It’s gratifying that so many people want to live in surroundings that my mother would have loved and want to nurture their families in a community inspired by family.” Gracepoint Homes is the developer of Marion and also the exclusive builder. Prices are from the $650,000s. For more information, visit gracepointhomes.com.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Director Chris Nunes at the Riva Row Boat House in The Woodlands.

‹Township's Chris Nunes Earns National Recogntion The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently selected The Woodlands Township Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Nunes to receive the National Distinguished Professional Award. The NRPA will publicly present the award during a special reception at its 2015 annual conference in Las Vegas on Sept. 17. Each year, NRPA national awards are pre-

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

sented to individuals and agencies across the U.S. to honor their efforts – both professional and personal – in the field of parks and recreation. Recipients are chosen for 10 excellence awards in a variety of topics, including professional and voluntary service, programming, leadership, research and public outreach. The National Distinguished Professional Award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field through their leadership, research, advocacy, community outreach and program development. “This is well deserved and a credit to the entire Parks Department operation,” said Don Norrell, president and general manager of The Woodlands Township. The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department coordinates thousands of recreation programs and manages more than 130 parks, 205 miles of pathways and 14 aquatic facilities.

‹Final Opportunities Remain in The Reserve At Grogan’s Mill Few David Weekley Homes remain in The Woodlands-area community of The Reserve at Grogan’s Mill. This gated community offers luxurious homes priced from the high $600s and a low 2.2 percent tax rate, with square footage ranging from 1,800 to more than 4,700. Two homes are ready for immediate move-in and several homes are ready for move-in soon. Lawn maintenance is included. Located adjacent to The Woodlands in nearby Shenandoah, The Reserve at Grogan’s Mill’s convenient location just off I45 provides immediate access to shopping, The Woodlands Medical Center, major employers and the future Grand Parkway. While enjoying outdoor activities at the private park within the community, as well as hiking and biking access to The Woodlands Waterway and the nearby The Woodlands Club Championship Golf Course, homeowners also enjoy energy-efficient EnergySaver Homes backed by the Environments For Living Program’s heating and cooling energy usage guarantee. In The Reserve at Grogan’s Mill, homebuyers are near fine dining and entertainment venues in The Woodlands Market Street and The Woodlands Mall. Students attend Conroe ISD schools.

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(L-R): Dana Pritchard, The Woodlands Car Club; Bill Smith and Dolfia Hearn, Community Partners of Montgomery County; Jenny Taylor, Market Street.

MARKET STREET CHARITY DONATES TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY As part of its Change for Charity initiative, Market Street recently donated more than $3,500 to Community Partners of Montgomery County. The funds were raised by Market Street patrons during the second quarter of 2015 and will assist local children and their families with necessary items such as hygiene products, cleaning supplies, clothing, food and school supplies. 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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Dr. Ann Snyder; Interfaith board member Kate Laukien; Shannon Mills; Bonni Horan, Interfaith board member; Roche Coleman, senior pastor of Impact Church of The Woodlands and Interfaith board member Dr. Debra Sukin.

COVER OF 2015 COMMUNITY & BUSINESS DIRECTORY UNVEILED The cover of the 41st edition of the Interfaith of The Woodlands Community & Business Directory made its debut during a special unveiling on Aug. 4 at Del Frisco’s Grille. With more than 75 guests in attendance, the cover was unveiled, revealing a stunning photo of the entrance of Interfaith of The Woodlands building.

“The cover is absolutely beautiful and Ted Washington took a beautiful photo of the building. We are excited to be able to once again provide this incredible resource to the residents and business community,” shared Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. Interfaith annually publishes the official information and resource directory, which provides a community guide to area residences

Jac and Jill (on the left) discussing how technology has improved their T1D lives with Representative Kevin Brady.

LOCAL KIDS REPRESENT AT 2015 CHILDREN’S CONFERENCE Jac and Jill Johnson were recently selected to represent Houston at the 2015 Children's Congress in Washington, D.C., and it was an experience they will never forget. “It was so nice to take a disease that causes us so many struggles,” said mom Kellie, who accompanied the twins, “and turn our experience of type one diabetes (T1D) into a positive one. Jac and Jill were amazing advocates. I

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was so impressed with their articulation and passion as they spoke.” The girls shared their perspectives of living with T1D and expressed the importance of funding research and technology to improve their lives and the lives of so many others. They had the opportunity to meet other children, young adults and even celebrities that live their same lives and share their same stories. They were moved to see the delegates all together and to realize that they are not alone in this fight. The local family met with U.S. Representative Kevin Brady. He asked the girls questions regarding T1D and what can be done to help. They showed him their scrapbooks and even showed him the devices that keep them alive by distributing insulin 24/7 and their continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that reports

| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015

and businesses. Directory information can also be accessed online by visiting woodlandsdirectory.com or through The Woodlands Directory smartphones app. Fifty-five thousand directories have already been distributed to local resident households and area businesses, and again this year, the directory was delivered with a supplement which includes valuable coupons from area businesses. Proceeds from the directory directly support Interfaith Programs & Services. For more information, call 281-3671230 or visit woodlandsinterfaith.org. To obtain your free copy, stop by Interfaith of The Woodlands located at 4242 Interfaith Way during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

their blood sugar levels. The twins thanked Rep. Brady for supporting the Special Diabetes Program and for extending it for two more years. This gives $300 million towards research, the advancement of technology and one day a cure for T1D. He also asked Kellie questions on what she sees in their future and how advancements have helped their family. Because seniors currently don’t have medicare coverage for CGMs, Jac and Jill described how they would feel as 65-yearolds who didn't have access to the technology they have today. The family also attended a Senate hearing entitled,"Diabetes Research: Reducing the Burden of Diabetes at All Ages and Stages." The witnesses included some extraordinary children with T1D; Habib Zaghouani, Ph.D. (researcher for T1D); Griffin Rodgers, M.D. (National Institutes of Health); and Bob Amato, member of Athletic Hall of Fame at Providence College, who has lived with T1D for 67 years. For more than 11 years, Kellie has stressed the importance of her family’s mission. She now reports, “As a mother of type one diabetics, I can tell you that so many advancements have been made. I used to dream of a day that my girls and our family would not have to battle this disease. I can assure you, that time will come, quite possibly very soon.”

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(L-R): Austin Reed, Luke Crumley, Elyssa Johnson and Jackson Greenwade.

TOWNSHIP AQUATICS DIVISION WINS AT REGIONAL, STATE AND NATIONAL COMPETITIONS A team from The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division took a second place overall finish at the 2015 Texas State Lifeguard Championship in College Station. In order to qualify, teams must place in the top three at a sanctioned competition. Two teams from The Woodlands Township qualified for the meet by placing first and second at the Gulf Coast Aquatics Association Texan Guard Shootout in Houston on July 20. This year’s accomplishment follows an overall finish of third place in 2014 and six State Championships in the last decade. These State titles were won in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. This year’s aquatics team consisted of Luke Crumley, Elyssa Johnson, Jackson Greenwade

and Austin Reed, and was coached by lifeguard coordinator Caroline Pierce. Also, more than 30 young swimmers from The Woodlands Township’s Texas Amateur Athletic Foundation swim teams qualified to compete in the State Games of America in Lincoln, Nebraska. Four families chose to attend and compete in various events, and these swimmers represented the Township in the Olympicstyle opening ceremonies parade. Of the swimmers who competed, Jason Sharer brought home one gold, one silver and one bronze medal; Jamil Staten won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal; and Isabelle Irani earned two gold and two silver medals. For more information, call 281-210-3800 or visit thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools.

(L-R): Jamil Staten, Isabelle Irani and Jason Sharer.

JEFF MAGGERT WINS CHAMPIONS TOUR'S SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC Jeff Maggert won the Shaw Charity Classic on Aug. 9 for his third Champions Tour title of year, birdieing five of the last six holes on the front nine in a four-stroke victory. The 51-year-old Texan entered the round two strokes behind playing partners Miguel Angel Jimenez and Colin Montgomerie, and closed with a 6-under 64 at Canyon Meadows to finish at 16-under 194. The three-time PGA Tour winner also won major titles this year in the Regions Tradition and U.S. Senior Open. He won the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic last year in his debut on the 50-and-over tour. "I’m a late bloomer maybe," Maggert said. "Twenty-five years of playing on the tour, and I had a lot of close calls, a lot of chances to win a few majors. I thought I would have won a dozen times on my career, but I didn't. So in some regards I feel like I've still got a lot to prove to myself and my golf game." Maggert was born in Columbia, Missouri, and was raised on a golf course in The Woodlands. He graduated from McCullough High School and from Texas A&M University, where he was an All-American member of the golf team.

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How to make it your most significant year so far GraDes are important Don’t slack off, even in the second semester. Many universities look at second-semester grades and will rescind a scholarship if your GPA sinks dramatically. Your grades this year could be the difference between a scholarship or not.

take as many aDvanceD level courses as possible Hope to be able to “test out” of them before starting your college freshman year. This would be a great head start and could help lighten the course load in college.

take a personality or occupational assessment

Get a part-time job Get an idea of how the workplace functions. But while part-time jobs are a valuable life experience and a chance to earn money, grades should never suffer. Don’t let a boss over-schedule you.

Better understand yourself and your best career matches.

Don’t take yourself or your situation too seriously Laugh often. Look forward to tomorrow, but enjoy today.

establish a spirit of community service Get started volunteering now to make it a lifelong commitment. In school or out, there is always something that needs to be done, whether it will benefit one person or a whole community.

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if you make a mistake, Don’t Dwell on it. Examine your behavior to see what you can learn from the mistake. You didn’t set out to do something wrong. Better to learn at this young age than later in the School of Hard Knocks. Talk to your parents about these kinds of situations — they’d love to help you if you let them.

reaD as much as you can for fun Once you hit college your reading time will be occupied with textbooks, which is completely useful but not exactly relaxing.

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High school seniors, can you believe it – your last year of high school has just begun! Before you get into that “I'm so over senior year” mode, we want to share some ideas to help you make the most of this momentous time. Life after high school will never be the same – you’ll gain new responsibilities, have new life experiences and generally feel the pressure of recurring change. Have a memorable year before you leave the nest!

take chances You may not ever get the chance to ask that guy/girl out again, try out for that play, run that race... so do it now. In other words, don’t be afraid to take some risks... if nothing else, you'll create some good memories by doing so. Remember the wise words from Andrew in The Breakfast Club (a movie appreciated by high schoolers in the 1980s): “We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that’s all.”

Go to prom or an alternative prom

apoloGize to someone you treateD poorly

Prom may not be your thing, but celebrating the end of high school is something that no one should miss. Either go to prom in an epic way or throw an alternative bash with your BFFs. Why miss an opportunity to dance the night away with your friends?

Take this time to make amends to anyone you have mistreated. Offer an apology, if not in person then with a letter or email. The person will likely appreciate it, and you will feel a lot better about yourself going forward.

keep a bloG or online scrapbook Chronicle both everyday and special moments during senior year. You’ll appreciate it later when you want to reflect on those meaningful events.

say thank you to everyone who supporteD you in hiGh school You couldn’t have done it alone. Tell your favorite teachers, friends, the lunch room ladies and anyone else how much they meant to you.

focus on fitness If you don’t exercise, start. Try out for different sports. College freshmen traditionally gain a moderate amount of weight, so it’s a good idea to begin a workout regimen now with the stress level of senior year. This way, you’ll be in the habit of doing it from now on.

clean up your social meDia presence

even thouGh hiGh school can be clique-y, you have to be your own person Date whoever you want, even if your friends don’t think he/she is cool enough. Something might seem unpopular to the masses, but does it make you happy? Get involved in a school club or activity or attend a school event you normally wouldn’t. It’s your last chance to explore the world with this particular group of classmates.

Whether you’re going to college or starting a new job, chances are that someone will look you up online. Does your social media presence show your best “you” to the world? If you don’t want a professor or boss to see a photo or comment, hit delete.

be prouD of yourself Whether you loved or hated high school, you should feel proud of this accomplishment! The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | September 2015 |

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alexander fine portraits

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(L-R): MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital patient Elise; Camp For All President and CEO Pat Sorrells.

Camp For all 2U Hosts Indoor Camp For Ut m.d. anderson CHIldren’s CanCer HospItal For one week in mid-July, Camp For All and MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital teamed up to host an indoor camping experience for patients at the Children’s Cancer Center. Camp For All 2U and MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital are committed to making a difference in children’s lives with a motto of “It’s not just camping, it’s changing lives.” Camp For All 2U brought the best of its outdoor camp experience indoors to children and teens with cancer who are treated in the Children’s Cancer Hospital, as well as their siblings. More than 100 MD Anderson inpatients and their siblings enjoyed Camp For All 2U indoor camp. The camp experience gave the inpatients an opportunity to learn and build life skills such as independence, decision-making, and problem solving. Camp For All helps children and adults with special needs and challenging illnesses discover life through learning what they can do, as opposed to what they can’t. Camp For All creates and provides life-changing experiences through a passionate and professional staff, cutting edge facilities and innovative programming. Working in collaboration with 63 other non-profits, Camp For All enriches the lives of more than 10,000 children and adults and their families throughout the year. For more information, visit campforall.org.

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(L-R): Trustee Scott Kidd, Ellyana Long and Coach John McCarthy.

(L-R): Coach Juris Green, Adrian Piperi, Coach Gary Madore and Trustee Skeeter Hubert.

CONROE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOGNIZE STATE CHAMPIONS - The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees gave special recognition to two athletes from The Woodlands High School (TWHS) at the June meeting. Both students won 2015 UIL State Championships in Austin in May. Ellyana Long, a junior, won the Class 6A Girls' High Jump State Championship with a jump of 5’6”. Ellyana’s best jump of the season was 5’9.5”. Trustee Scott Kidd presented Ellyana with a plaque on behalf of the Board. Adrian Piperi, a sophomore, won the Class 6A Boys' Shot Put State Championship with a throw of 65’5.25”, a personal best, and the Class 6A Boys' Discus Throw. His throw of 188’2” went nearly three feet farther than the second place winner. Adrian received his plaque from Trustee Skeeter Hubert. Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Curtis Null introduced the student athletes, and coaches from TWHS expounded their talents.

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MEMBERS OF JOHN COOPER SCHOOL CHOIR SING BACKUP WITH FOREIGNER - Eighteen members of the Upper School choir from The John Cooper School, a college preparatory PK-12 independent school, sang on stage with the legendary rock band, Foreigner, on July 22 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Cooper choir students joined the band to sing backup to their classic #1 hit, "I Want To Know What Love Is" toward the end of the set and prior to headliner Kid Rock taking the stage. The opportunity is part of Foreigner's educational outreach in conjunction The Grammy Foundation which provides funds for high school music programs to support music education. Foreigner contributes to this effort by donating funds and having a local high school perform with the band. Choir Director Rae Moses was contacted last spring about the potential for students to sing with the band. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to sing in an amazing outdoor venue with a classic rock band," Moses said. The Grammy Foundation

(L-R, top row): MHTW CEO Josh Urban, Lyle Lee, Nicole Steiner, Alexandra Hird, Samantha Oliveria, Phyllis Ang, Maria Paz, Eleanor Shaul, Amy Woelfel, Laura Plaza, Louis Osawa, and Brianna Stevens. (Bottom row): Jessica Grosshans, Sana Khan, Alejandra Resendiz, Jordon Rice, Phoebe Ho-Stone, Taimur Siddiqui, Kinsey Felton, MHTW Junior Volunteer Program Coordinator Wanda Dever, Amanda Verett, Kendall Thomas, Catherine Giegerich, Nathan Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Souza, Sarah Shah, Alexis Holsten, and Luis Espinola.

Members of the John Cooper School choir perform with Foreigner in The Woodlands.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY AWARDS $35K IN SCHOLARSHIPS - The Auxiliary at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands (MHTW) Hospital recently held its Junior Volunteer Banquet to recognize graduating high school seniors and out-going officers. Each year, part of the funds raised by the MHTW Auxiliary through the Sweet Charity Gift Shop and sponsored special event sales is applied to the scholarship fund. The graduating high school seniors of the

MHTW Junior Volunteer Program represented schools from The Woodlands, Conroe, Klein, Tomball, Spring and more. This year, the MHTW Auxiliary rewarded 22 graduating high school seniors with $35,000 in scholarships. In order to apply for the scholarships, the junior volunteers must be a member of the program for two years, have accumulated 140 hours per year, and must participate in two outside community service events that represent MHTW.

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

John Wahrenberger: A Conroe Founding Father

Inside Wahrenberger Store in 1946, with John Carson Wahrenberger in the suit. v Above: Wahrenberger’s wooden store before the 1911 fire. v Left: the brick store circa 1913.

John Wahrenberger

t a time when a small, seemingly inconsequential sawmill community served as the intersection of two new major railroads carved out of a big thicket of virgin timber — home to deer, wolves and bears — an enterprising young man of Swiss descent was drawn to the area with a vision of what this young town of Conroe might someday become. Within a very short time, he would become one of its leading and most prosperous citizens. John Wahrenberger was born in 1862 in Travis County. He was orphaned by age 7. He moved to Montgomery County in 1886 and worked as a store clerk in the town of Montgomery for a few years. In 1889 he moved to Conroe and was one of the supporters of the successful efforts to move the county seat from Montgomery to Conroe in May 1889. Until his death at age 72 in 1933, Wahrenberger served in many civic capacities for Montgomery County and for Conroe, including district clerk and deputy sheriff. He earned a law license, although there is no evidence he practiced. He served on the Conroe ISD school board and on the first Conroe city council in 1905. He was instrumental in starting the First Methodist Church of Conroe. He has also made quite a mark on the business scene. Wahrenberger was first employed by the mercantile firm of Carson, McKibben & Co. in what was then Conroe's first business district. He married his boss’s daughter, Mittie Carson, in June 1889, and they had two children, Agnes and John. Both children became active and distinguished citizens of the city during their lifetimes.

By 1890, Wahrenberger had started his own mercantile business and in 1894 acquired ownership of Carson, McKibben & Co. He constructed a handsome two-story wooden general mercantile store at what was then the corner of Chambers (Main) and Paddock (Davis) Streets. For decades, it was recognized as one of the finest mercantile establishments in Southeast Texas. After the fire downtown in February 1911, Wahrenberger tore down his old store and opened his new two-story, 7,800square-foot brick store for the great sum of $20,000. Over the next 50-plus years, Wahrenberger’s was recognized as perhaps the premier department store in Conroe and throughout Montgomery County. By the early 1900s, Wahrenberger branched out with a lumber yard and planing mill. In June 1913 the Conroe Courier called it “one of the most extensive businesses of its kind in the State of Texas.” Wahrenberger also opened one of the first gasoline stations and the first funeral home in Conroe. In 1914 he was the first president of what would become First National Bank. He built the Witherspoon Hotel, later to be known as the McGee Hotel. Today, his stately 6,600-square-foot, 11-room Victorian family home across the railroad tracks at Phillips and First Street is now the popular Heather’s Glen wedding chapel. Wahrenberger is buried with his wife Mittie in the Oakwood Cemetery. His influence as a founding father and leader in the early development of Conroe can never be forgotten. l

The Montgomery County Historical Commission provides the content for this page. For information on the commission and its efforts, visit montgomerycountyhistoricalcommission.com. 120

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