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DECEMBER 2015
KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
Holiday Pilgrimage 2014 Highlights
PETERSON HOMEBUILDERS Presents the 2015
ASID Holiday Showhouse in The Woodlands!
Holiday Gift Guide! DANIEL ORTIZ
Real People, Real Homes, Real Style‌Real Woodlands Living www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com
10707 Corporate Dr #170 Stafford, TX 77477-4092
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THORNWOOD GALLERY
Established 2005 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER
DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 39,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN THE WOODLANDS Reaches trade professionals (ASID and GHBA members), area realtors, business, doctors, trade events (home-related trade shows and community events) and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce
facebook.com/WoodlandsLifestylesandHomesMagazine woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson
Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Office Manager Linda Peterson
Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Mara Soloway Kelly Foss • Cathy Gordon • 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
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Contents
DECEMBER 2015
{72}
Kappa Kappa Gamma Gives a Gift to Houston Holiday Pilgrimage 2014: Kappa Has Heart. Interview by: Cheryl Alexander Photography by: Daniel Ortiz
{42}
Scene in The Woodlands Parties, galas and celebrations. See what The Woodlands’ movers and shakers are doing!
{22}
The Woodlands Events! Mark your calendars for upcoming events and activities.
18
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
{58}
Nutcracker Collection Filled with Memories Brenda Hatfield’s nutcrackers cover all bases.
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COMMUNITY TRUST BANK WE ARE CHANGING OUR NAME But we’re not changing who we are.
Back Row: Russ Chase, Ned Letzerich, Preston Moore, Shauna Vazquez Front Row: Jody Proler, Paula Morris, Terri Chase, Mark Story, Brandie Vasquez
OUR NEW NAME WILL BE
OriginBankOnline.com/Hous ton
•
713.4 63.03 0 0
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Contents
DECEMBER 2015
In Store Now {48 DISCOVERIES} New and unique finds for your home and lifestyles. {50 BOOKS} New releases on decorating, cooking, health and more. {52 FASHION} What to wear now and a look at new styles for the upcoming season. {56 NEW AUTOS} Reviews of the Nissan Maxima and Lexus NX.
The Good Life
Home Inspirations Inside &Out {80} INTERIOR DETAILS Kitchen Design Winners
{90} HOME IMPROVEMENT Spruce Up Your Exterior Doors
Flair and Function shine in NKBA annual competition
Care for this important focal point before your holiday guests arrive.
{82}
{92}
INTERIOR DETAIL
HOME IMPROVEMENT
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
share their special memories.
{94} Love Your Neck Skin rejuvenation for the neck and chest.
Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands holds “First Look.”
{64} Independent Boutiques in The Woodlands
{96} Diet and Physical Activity What is the cancer connection?
{97} Cosmetic Surgery {98} Family Health Resources
Be fashionable and buy local.
{114} Giving Back Takes Heart
{68}
Chevron gives boost to Montgomery County United Way campaign.
Holiday Gift Guide!
{116} Area Writers Enrich Signatures Author Series 11th annual event to feature books of 19 local authors.
{118} Montgomery County Heart Walk a Success! Event raises $406,000 for American Heart Association.
20
of The Woodlands area restaurants.
{104 TRAVEL} Incredible destinations for you to experience. {108 MEMORABLE WEDDINGS} Couples
Health & Well-Being
More Features {62} 2016 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Preview Party
{99 RECIPES} A Centerpiece Worth Celebrating. {100 WINE} Great Values. {102 DINING GUIDE} A listing
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
{30} Peterson Homebuilders Presents the 2015 ASID Holiday Showhouse in The Woodlands
Community News {119 BUSINESS BRIEFS} Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders. {124 AROUND TOWN} Community groups and people making local news. {126 CAMPUS} Achievements and activities of area schools and students.
Columns {70} ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Collecting Advent Calendars.
{128} Historical First Montgomery County Historical Marker Awarded to Shepard Barbershop.
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AmitAvA SArkAr courteSy of HouSton BAllet
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Dancer Allison Miller and artist of Houston Ballet.
HOUSTON BALLET PRESENTS FINAL SEASON OF BEN STEVENSON’S THE NUTCRACKER, NOV. 27-DEC. 27
The ASID Holiday Showhouse will be open for visitation select dates in December.
ASID Holiday Showhouse, Dec. 5-6, 10-13 and 17-20 The Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (TGCC) of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the dates for its Holiday Showhouse located at 54 North Windsail Place in The Woodlands. This home will be designed and furnished by some of the most talented designers from TGCC ASID. The open house will take place on Dec. 5-6, 10-13 and 17-20 with the hours as follows: Thursdays – Fridays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sundays, noon–5 p.m. The showhouse will close after tours on Sunday, Dec. 20. ASID has presented showhouses across the Houston metroplex since beginning in 1975 and first showcased a home in The Woodlands in 1998. This will be the fourth Woodlands holiday showhouse and the first major renovation of an estate home. The other three showhomes in The Woodlands were new construction. A design committee works with all of the designers to maintain a flow to the home while at the same time allowing each designer to bring their own creativity to the project. This home and its setting are unique in that the land is over an acre and boasts over 300 feet of lake frontage. Additionally, the back of the home faces east, so the home is basked in light. The three-story home resembles a castle sitting amidst beautifully manicured lawns, complete with water features and bronze statues to a negative edge pool and a floating boat dock. The halls will be decked for the holidays, so you won't want to miss it. Pre-sale tickets are available for $12. Ticket prices will go up to $15 on Dec. 5. Visit asidholidayshowhouse.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets. For more information, visit asidtgcc.org/holidayshowhouse.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
From Nov. 27–Dec. 27 Houston Ballet bids farewell to Ben Stevenson’s beloved production of The Nutcracker. Created by Artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson, with designs by acclaimed designer Desmond Heeley, this ballet performance has been Houston’s premiere holiday tradition since 1987. Over 1,000,000 people have seen the production since its premiere 29 years ago and have watched in rapture as the story has unfolded before them. In 2016, Houston Ballet will premiere a new version of The Nutcracker by Artistic Director Stanton Welch, featuring all-new sets and costumes. The story of The Nutcracker has a special place in Houston Ballet’s repertory as the first full-length work to enter Houston Ballet’s repertoire in a staging by Frederic Franklin, featuring scenery and costumes by the English designer Peter Farmer. The company gave six performances in 1972 at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, and has danced the work each December without fail for the following 44 years. Houston Ballet will give 34 performances of Ben Stevenson’s version of The Nutcracker, to a live orchestra, in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. Tickets may be purchased by calling 713-227-2787 or logging on to houstonballet.org.
Holiday on 19tH StREEt, dEc. 4 Thousands are expected to stroll 19th Street located in Houston’s Historic Downtown Heights, as the 19th Street Merchants present their annual Holiday on 19th St. Enjoy food and refreshments, strolling carolers, live music and more. 19th Street has the most exciting shops Houston has to offer, featuring cool fashions for men and women, original works of art, fun and unique gifts, home furnishings and a vast assortment of antiques. The event is from 6-10 p.m on Friday, Dec. 4. The shops are located on 19th Street between Shepherd and Yale. Exit from I-10 or Loop 610.
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“Like” The Ice Rink on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheWoodlandsIceRink.
The Woodlands Ice Rink Kicks Off The Holiday Season The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, presented by Planet Ford in partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital, attracts thousands of families from across the area. This holiday season, it will again be located at the northeast corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive. The Ice Rink will open daily through Monday, Jan. 18, with operating hours Monday through Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon7 p.m. The Ice Rink will also be open during Conroe ISD school holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Weekday two-hour skate sessions are $9.50 for adults and $5 for children five and under. Weekend sessions are $10.50 for adults and $6 for children five and under. All prices include a $2.50 skate rental. Helmet and walker (children’s skate trainer) rentals also are available. A separate kid’s ice rink also will be available for children five and under. Besides its regular operating hours, The Ice Rink will host a number of promotions and special skate nights. It also offers a buy one, get free coupon available at Xfinity located on Lake Robbins Drive. For information on special pricing, events, promotions and theme nights, call The Ice Rink hotline at 281-419-5630.
Homestead House and The Salvation Army Partner for Toys for Kidz
(L-R) Captain Karen Twinney of the Salvation Army with Homestead House owners Linda and Chris Pfeiffer.
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For the third year, Homestead House and the Salvation Army of Mongtomery County are partnering to bring toys to children. This year, they are not only collecting Toys for Kidz — they are offering discounts to customers who bring in a new and unwrapped toy. To qualify, customers who bring in a new, unwrapped toy will receive 50 percent off a retail item in the store. In addition, Homestead House is offering an additional discount towards all purchases that the customer can apply towards Toys for Kidz. All floor brands are included in the discount, including Henredon, Hancock & Moore, Jessica Charles, Sherrill, Taylor King, Lexington, Hickory White. For more information, visit homesteadhousetx.com.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Carriage rides are part of the holiday experience at Market Street.
maRkEt StREEt Holiday fun The tradition, charm and romance of holiday horse-drawn carriage rides return to Market Street – The Woodlands as the perfect way to cap off a holiday evening with the entire family or as a couple.Throughout the holiday season, horse-drawn carriage rides will meander on a scenic path amidst Market Street’s twinkling lights and holiday sounds at 9595 Six Pines Drive. The carriage rides are offered to guests on a first-come, firstserve basis. For a full schedule and pricing, visit facebook.com/platinumcarriage. Another Market Street holiday tradition is “Smile With Santa” through Thursday, Dec. 24. Young visitors may have their photos taken and share their wish list with Santa, who will be located between J. Crew and Cos Bar. Santa and his set are sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital, The Woodlands. After visiting Santa, grab a patio seat at one of Market Street’s restaurants for “Luxury in Lights,” a synchronized light show performing every hour on the half hour from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Watch as Market Street’s 70-foot Christmas tree and surrounding twinkle lights perform to holiday favorites. For a full list of restaurants and stores that will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.
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Houston Public Media Hosts Downton Abbey Premiere Screenings in The Woodlands Are you eagerly awaiting the season premiere of Downton Abbey Season Six? You could be one of the lucky fans to see it a full month before it debuts in the U.S.! On Saturday, Dec. 12, Houston Public Media is hosting two free screenings of the Downton Abbey season premiere at 12 noon and 3 p.m. at Cinemark at Market Street in The Woodlands. The screenings will be hosted by the cast of Houston Public The cast of Downton Abbey. Media’s popular Downton Abbey talk show, “Manor of Speaking,” and fans will have a chance to meet their favorites. Enter the "Dress for Downton” costume contest at each screening and you could win guest passes to an upcoming taping of "Manor of Speaking.” The audience will have the opportunity to meet “Manor of Speaking” stars: Emmy Award-winning host, Ernie Manouse; Mr. Rodgers, the butler; and panelists St. John Flynn and Helen Mann. A confirmed reservation is required to attend a screening. For more information, visit houstonpublicmedia.org/downtonday.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum dishes up holiday fun with its Pancakes with Santa event.
Pancakes With Santa at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, Dec. 12 The Woodlands Children’s Museum invites children to stop by for breakfast with a special guest, St. Nick. Pancakes With Santa will take place from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280. Advanced reservations are required for all attendees, and seating is limited. Tickets are $15 for adults and $30 for children, ages 12 and younger; they may be purchased online at woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or by calling the museum at 281-465-0955. The buffet-style breakfast includes a special gift for each child, a Christmas-themed marionette puppet show, Christmas carols with Tom’s Fun Band and a photo with Santa. The event is being sponsored by The Learning Experience at The Woodlands/Magnolia. “This is a chance for children to experience the wonder of the holidays and have a more personal experience with Santa,” executive director Angela Colton said. Families can enjoy the museum until 11a.m.; it will open to the public at 1 p.m. after the event. The Woodlands Children’s Museum will be all decked out for the holidays. The calendar is full of fun activities, as well as a number of workshops for children ages 4-8. Visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org for more information.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
StaGE RiGHt pRESEntS CHRISTMAS BELLES, dEc. 4-20 Stage Right of Texas, resident theatre company at the historic Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, presents the riotous holiday comedy Christmas Belles, Dec. 4-20. The show is directed by Jim Bingham. Don’t miss the hilarious misadventures of the citizens of Fayro, Texas, as they prepare for their annual Christmas pageant at The Tabernacle of the Lamb. Despite all the chaos that ensues, the true meaning of Christmas is at the heart of this play written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, who also wrote audience favorites The Dixie Swim Club, The Red Velvet Cake War and Mama Won’t Fly. When critic David Dow Bentley III reviewed the Stage Right 2008 production of Christmas Belles, he called the show a “riotous romp” and said that the newly-ormed theatre company was “off to a rip-roaring, hilarious start.” Before you come to the show, pick up a gift for needy “seasoned citizens.” The holidays can be a lonely time for seniors with the focus on kids. Stage Right asks patrons to bring an unwrapped gift for seniors that will be donated to the Salvation Army. Last year, the group collected three large moving boxes full of gifts, and they hope to be able to do the same again this year. Gift items could be personal care items, soaps, denture care, shampoo, blankets, socks, slippers, pajamas and reading glasses. Show dates are Dec. 4-20, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and three Sunday matinees on Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at stage-right.org or by calling the Crighton Theatre box office at 936-441-SHOW (7469). Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and groups of 15 persons or more and $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.
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Visit the ASID Holiday Showhouse featuring an iconic 12,000 sq ft estate home on Lake Woodlands. This Home has been designed and furnished by some of the most talented designers from the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and renovated by Peterson Homebuilders. The halls will be decked for the holidays, so you won't want to miss it!
West Isle
Lake Woodlands
E Panther Creek
Lake Woodlands Drive Windsail Pl
N I-45
54 N Windsail Place The Woodlands, TX 77381
Woodlands Parkway
December 5-6 • 10-13 • 17-20 Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sundays: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pre-Sale Tickets through Dec.4 are $12.00; $15.00 at the door. To purchase your tickets visit
http://asidholidayshowhouse.eventbrite.com For more information, asidtgcc.org/holidayshowhouse or visit
petersonhomebuilders.com
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Is a showcase renovation on your holiday WISH LIST? It takes more than wishing to get a great home renovation. You need a guarantee that the design, quality and craftsmanship you envision will come true.
Let Peterson Homebuilders oversee your renovation or build your new custom home. Who better to trust than a company that understands homes from foundation to roof — an award winning custom home builder that collaborates with the best architects, designers, craftsmen and developers in the industry. Visit our website and view the work we have been doing in Houston’s best neighborhoods for 27 years.
Peterson Homebuilders, Inc. petersonhomebuilders.com
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LYNDA BENTLEY, PC ATTORNEY AT LAW
Family Law Former Judge 32 Years Experience
R
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tHE JoHn coopER ScHool, upcominG EvEntS The John Cooper School is now enrolling for the 2016-17 academic year. Interested families are invited to the annual Admission Open House for grades 2-12 on Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Glenn Performing Arts Center. Faculty and administrators will join admission office representatives for a presentation of the school's philosophy, curriculum and admission process. There will be ample opportunity for questions as well as a tour of campus following the presentation. The application deadline for applying to grades 2-12 for the 2016-17 school is Jan. 15. The John Cooper School National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and Cooper Art Society (CAS) students have taken the lead to help fight hunger in the community through its annual Empty Bowls Project and have raised more than $65,000 for hunger relief since its inception. The tenth annual event will be held on Feb. 20 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the school’s student center. All members of the community are invited to share a bowl of soup, bid in a silent auction, view student art, and take home a studentmade bowl as a reminder that there are empty bowls in our community. All proceeds will go toward local hunger relief efforts. Reservations are $10 and proceeds will benefit The Interfaith Food Pantry. For more information on either event, visit johncooper.org.
BaRBaRa BuSH BRancH liBRaRy, dEcEmBER pRoGRamS
281.955.2408 • 281.257.2500 5515 Louetta Rd, Ste. C • Spring, Texas 77379 www.attorneylyndabentley.com 32
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
The Barbara Bush Branch Library, located at 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, has a number of events for December. For a complete listing or for more information, visit hcpl.net. Digital Photography Tips, beginner class – Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the computer lab. Learn the basics of using your new camera. Bring your digital camera if you wish. Call 281-376-4610 to register. Community Open House – Saturday, Dec. 5 from 2-4 p.m. Everyone is invited to the library's annual Community Open House, sponsored by the Barbara Bush Library Friends. There will be musical entertainment, children's activities and refreshments to celebrate the holiday season. Santa Claus will also be a guest.
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THE WOODLANDS MALL REVEALS SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY LINEUP The merriment of the holiday season has arrived, and The Woodlands Mall is buzzing with great retailer offers at every price point, family-friendly activities and memorable holiday experiences. Signature holiday experiences this season include: Black Friday Sales Start Thanksgiving – Day, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. The Woodlands Mall opens at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to give shoppers the jump on some of the season’s best offers. Some stores, restaurants and entertainment venues at the mall may keep different hours on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. Call retailers for specific opening and closing times. Special Opportunities with Santa – Santa Claus is at the mall every day through Thursday, Dec. 24, ready to greet visitors and listen to holiday wishes of kids both young and old. His elves will be nearby, prepared to lend a helping hand and snap a commemorative photo. Find Santa on the lower level near Macy’s.
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My Time with Santa – New this holiday season, guests can reserve their visit with Santa online and save 30 percent or more with their pre-purchase of a photo package. Reservations can be made from the Photos with Santa feature on the mall’s website at thewoodlandsmall.com. Reservations are not required to visit Santa. Donuts with Santa – Santa is serving donuts on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Food Court. Along with the refreshments, kids get a chance to visit with Santa in an informal setting and listen as he reads a story. Towards the end of the party, Santa will lead all his guests to the lower level near Macy’s, where he will settle in and be ready for guests and photos. Contact woodlandsadmin@ggp.com or 281-363-3363 to make the necessary reservations. PJ Tuesdays – On Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 6-9 p.m., kids are invited to wear their pajamas for a cute, cozy photo with Santa. Santa’s elves will be on hand to capture the moment. Family Photo – While in line to see Santa,
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
guests can stop and have a quick holiday photo taken of the whole group against a festive background. The family portrait photos will be available to see and purchase when viewing the photos taken with Santa. Pet Photos with Santa – The mall hosts Pet Nights on Mondays, through Dec. 14 from 69 p.m. Cats and dogs must be on a leash or in an appropriate carrier. Animals, other than those servicing the disabled, are not allowed in the shopping center other than during Pet Night. Pet owners are asked to use the acorn entrance on the lower level by Macy’s. The Season of Giving – Shoppers are invited to choose an angel from The Salvation Army Tree and provide a gift for that child or senior citizen. Gifts can be dropped off at the Angel Tree, in Center Court near Banana Republic, through Friday, Dec. 18. Deck the Mall – This year, the mall has an extra sparkle and shine to greet Santa and all his visitors: the halls are decked with fresh, new holiday finery.
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THE WOODLANDS Netherfield Way | $5.4+mil 5/5.5+ - ±10,575 sf stunning Carlton Woods home on golf course | theatre | gym Arlene English | 713.367.7333
CLEVELAND Robin Hood | $760s 4/3.5 - ±2,480 sf large lakefront log home in a gated community | guest suite Joann Lammons | 713.824.4185
THE WOODLANDS N Emory Bend Place | $520s 3/2.5 - ±3,179 sf Grogans Forest patio home with easy commute | sunroom Katherine Brown | 713.502.3090
MAGNOLIA Water Oak Drive | $470s 5/3.5 - ±3,565 sf nearly 2 acres with water views | game room up | open plan Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742
SPRING Waterbend Cove | $440s 3/4 - ±3,822 sf Benders Landing home on ±1 acre lot with pool and spa Monica Brashear | 832.381.6742
THE WOODLANDS Wildflower Trace Place | $310s 4/2.5 - ±2,563 sf beautiful home in Alden Bridge | master up | large backyard Jenny Overstreet | 713.530.7611
Welcome Home Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.
marthaturner.com | 281.367.7637
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over 20,000 reaDy-maDe PICTURE FRAMES @
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fREE CALL-IN LAW LINE, DEC. 7 The free Law Line will be available on Monday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m. by calling 281-645-6344. Questions about general legal information and resources will be answered by volunteer attorneys from The Woodlands Bar Association. This free monthly service for residents of Montgomery County is usually offered on the first Monday of every month, unless that date is a federal holiday; if so, Law Line is offered on the second Monday of that month. This free public service is a project of The Woodlands Bar Association in conjunction with the Montgomery County United Way. Callers’ identities as well as the lawyers’ identities remain anonymous. The volunteer attorneys do not provide specific counseling, yet offer general information and inform people about their rights and options and what legal resources may be available for callers to follow through with their concern. The Woodlands Bar Association is comprised of private practice attorneys from both large and small law firms, judges and corporate attorneys and seeks to promote high legal standards, education and community service in the area. For more information about Law Line, visit WoodlandsBarAssociation.com and click the “News” tab.
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 the proceeds benefit a different nonprofit organization every three months. For more information, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/change-for-charity.
— DECEMBER SPECIALS —
10% OFF TILE CLEANS Coupon must be rendered with payment. Exp 12-31-15
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
KNITTING/CROCHETING MEETS AT BUSH LIBRARY ON FRIDAYS The knitting, crocheting and conversation group meets every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott meeting room at the Barbara Bush Library. Help make lap blankets for veterans and chemo caps for MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. For information, call 281-376-4610. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring.
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GIRL SCOUT COOKIES GET EARLY START DATE, DEC. 19 Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC), one of the largest Girl Scout councils in the U.S., will begin selling Girl Scout cookies door-to-door and digitally Dec. 19, approximately three weeks earlier than previous years. The program is the largest girl-led business in the world and teaches girls essential skills to succeed personally and professionally, including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Through the Cookie Program, Girl Scouts venture into the entrepreneurial world to learn business skills and financial literacy and earn money to fund their service oriented goals. When customers purchase a box of Girl Scout cookies, they are enabling girls to become advocates for issues they are passionate about, or they are sending a city kid from a low-income household to camp. A purchase can also send a girl overseas to learn about an archipelago or help girls purchase supplies to send care packages to soldiers serving abroad. With the new season brings the 10th anniversary of Lemonades. These savory slices of shortbread with a refreshing tangy lemon flavored icing are a customer favorite. Gluten free chocolate chip-peanut butter- oatmeal cookies, called Trios, will be offered again. The bite-size cookies will retail for $5 per package. Trios will only be available at cookie booths or can be ordered online via COCOdirect. Online orders will delivered between Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. Beginning Feb. 12, Girl Scout Cookies will be sold at cookie booths outside of grocery stores and other retail venues.
MEMORIAL HERMANN SUPPORT GROUPS Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital provides a variety of free support groups including Mended Hearts, cancer education, cancer nutrition, yoga for cancer survivors, diabetes, stroke, weightloss surgery and Mothers of Multiples. For more information on meetings, call 713222-CARE or click on the “Events and Classes” link under the “Patients & Caregivers” tab at memorialhermann.org.
m m
3 3
I INTERIORS • NEW NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION and andREMODELS REMODELS NEW CONSTRUCTION and REMODELS
VACATION HOMES COMMERCIAL and RESIDENTIAL C C
FOR ANY and ALL of YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN NEEDS The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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INDEPENDENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT LOCATED IN THE WOODLANDS
(L-R) Beth Miller, volunteer store manager, and Anne Swetich, director of Outreach at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.
FAIR TRADE STORE OPEN
Independent Investment Management designed to protect and grow your wealth. 10200 Grogan’s Mill Road, Suite 340 | The Woodlands, TX 77380 | (281) 298-2700
Follow our market views at www.chjwealthmanagement.com
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 5:307:30 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.
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 866757-2611 for information.
ADULT/SENIOR GAMES, WEDNESDAYS Senior citizens can take a mid-week break at the Barbara Bush Library to enjoy games and conversation. Adult Game Mornings are held in the Robin Bush Children’s Activity Room from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays. Rummikube and Domino games are ongoing, or bring your own games. Meet new friends or bring a friend. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring. Call 281376-4610 for more information.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
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PUTTING GREENS u PLAYGROUNDS SYNTHETIC TURF LAWNS
The Company in the Alley Theatre’s A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas.
ALLEY THEATRE PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THROUGH DEC. 28 Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd invites the Houston-area community to the theatre’s 28th production of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas, staged in the newly renovated Hubbard Theatre at 615 Texas Avenue. Michael Wilson’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns this year with a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. The production instills a powerful message about redemption and holiday spirit. Houston’s seasonal favorite has been seen by nearly one million adults and children. This year, Alley Associate Director James Black directs this colorful, comical and music-filled production. Tickets are now on sale and start at $26. Discounted tickets are available for any student, regardless of age, with a valid student ID for $16 for designated performances in designated sections. Tickets can be ordered online (alleytheatre.org) or by phone (713-220-5700). Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. This show is recommended for general audiences, children six and older.
Green Links designs and installs golf greens, game courts, playgrounds and synthetic turf lawn surfaces for your home, ranch and business. We integrate these with landscape designs to create inviting environments. With more than 600 installations, we are the region’s most experienced synthetic turf provider. Contact us for a consultation.
www.greenlinksinc.com
713-932-9997
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS AchieveBalance.org is a group of mental health professionals providing excellent, affordable counseling services for couples, individuals and groups. In addition to counseling by appointment, they also provide some great, free online resources. These resources are specifically: “Help Me Help My Teen,” “Surviving an Affair” and “30 Day Transformation.” The office is located at Regus Office Suites at Market Street, Ste. 8210. For more information, call 936-6972822 or go to achievebalance.org.
Draperies | upholstery Custom Window Treatments renovations and remodeling interior Design services Outdoor Drapes
Woodlands
DRAPERIES & DESIGN 281.617.6713 WoodlandsDraperies.com Schedule Your First FREE In-Home Consultation
The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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The Woodlands Children’s MuseuM
We can help you retain as much of your assets as the law allows.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at The Woodlands Children’s Museum with art projects, cultural activities and lion dancers.
CELEbRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
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.
Ring in the Chinese New Year at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280. The museum will be transformed with traditional colors and decorations in celebration of the Year of the Monkey. On Saturday, Jan. 30, the museum will host its grand Chinese New Year celebration from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lion dancers will perform, and various art projects and cultural activities will be scheduled throughout the day. The Woodlands High School Chinese Club will also be on hand to demonstrate the ancient art of Chinese writing. The event is included in the price of admission, which is $5 per person two years and older. “We always look forward to our Chinese New Year celebration at the museum,” Angela Colton, executive director of the museum, said. “It’s a great opportunity to help children discover the rich traditions in Asia – and explore the art and culture of the various countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year.” Visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955 to learn more.
JAZZY JUNQUE STORE
HOUSTON OFFICE
4949 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 Phone 713-660-9595 Principal Office
FAYETTE COUNTY OFFICE
THE WOODLANDS OFFICE
1055 Deer Haven Rd. Carmine, Texas 78932 Phone 979-278-4095
3117 College Park Dr. Ste. 240 The Woodlands, Texas 77384 Phone 936-273-2773
By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available
By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available
Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire are Certified as Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation and Accredited Attorneys by the Veterans Administration. They are both Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe. Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of the original cost. Jazzy Junque is seeking donations of unwanted furniture, home accessories, housewares, infant/children’s items, art, garden/patio items, jewelry, boutique clothing, collectibles and antiques. The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can also enjoy coffee drinks from the coffee bar, which will be manned by residents of New Danville. Proceeds benefit New Danville, a master-planned community for adults with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Donations can be dropped off at Outlets of Conroe by appointment, or arranged to be picked up by calling 936-4414500 or emailing info@jazzyjunque.org.
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MIDNIgHT IN PARIS - NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE SAN LUIS RESORT The San Luis invites you to ring in the new year at “Midnight in Paris,” an all-inclusive evening of music, food, celebration and more. Attendees will enjoy an awardwinning chef’s four-course meal, generously hosted premium bar, entertainment by Password Band, champagne toast, balloon drop, party hats and favors. Interested parties can book luxurious overnight accommodations and two extravaganza event tickets from $599 per couple. The New Year’s Eve celebration event is $199 per person. For more information or to book your tickets, call 409-744-1500.
NORTHWEST PRIVATE SCHOOL PREVIEW, jAN. 31 The Northwest Private School Preview will be held on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 3-5 p.m. This free event will give you the chance to visit with representatives from more than 20 private, independent and parochial schools of the greater northwest Houston area representing all grade levels. The preview will be held in the Schindledecker Building at D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA located on 19915 SH 249 at Cypresswood Drive. Attendees will receive a chance to win a $500 tuition voucher to use at one of the participating schools.
LIBRARY ONLINE ACCESS TO FREE MUSIC AND AUDIOBOOKS Montgomery County Memorial Library announced public availability of thousands of music albums and audiobooks, all available for mobile and online access through a new partnership with hoopla digital. MCMLS card holders can now download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com to begin enjoying thousands of artists — from major record companies and publishers — available to borrow for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablet and computers. Montgomery County Memorial Library System is the sixth library system in the state of Texas to partner with hoopla digital. Current partners include BiblioTech, Houston Public Library, Abilene Public Library, Brazoria County Library and Denton Public Library. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Scene in
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The Woodlands by Missy Herndon
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Montgomery County Youth Services Annual Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic and Gala
FOR GALAS, PARTIES, LUNCHEONS Email: whitney@gmont.com
FOR SCHOOL & STUDENT NEWS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
DearReaders,
Happy Holidays and blessings for a Happy New Year! It has been such an honor to write The Scene In The Woodlands column for the last eight years! I have met so many wonderful people, attended the most amazing events and witnessed the true spirit of generosity. From the manicured streets, shopping and restaurants, parks and paths to the incredible events, the Waterway and the trolleys, our area is unique in so many ways. Above all these world-class amenities, the people of our great community truly stand out as our area’s most valued assets. Helping others is engrained in this community. How blessed are we to live in a town where people are the priority and taking care of each other is a part of daily life? Words cannot express the feeling of gratitude for the love and kindness so many of you have shared with my family over the last six years. Who would have ever imagined that the gal covering the fundraisers and publicizing the good work of local charities would have to start one herself to save her very own son. In a twist of irony, so many of those very same people she photographed would turn around and support her efforts and foundation? My heart swells when I think of how grateful I am that God put us right here, in The Woodlands, at the perfect place, unknow-
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ingly prepared for the journey that lay ahead. Thanks to the support of The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes, and the wonderful supporters in The Woodlands, friends, family and neighbors, we are on a path to clinical trial to help my Will. A child given a fatal prognosis is on a journey of HOPE, thanks to you. Our family is eternally grateful!! So as I move forward with my full-time role at Interfaith of The Woodlands and believing and sharing HOPE to help Will, I want each of you to know that writing this article was an absolute joy and an incredible honor. I am sad to move on, but so excited to welcome Whitney Montgomery as the new Social Editor. With a humbled and appreciative heart, thank you for reading this column and I look forward to seeing you out and about in the Scene in The Woodlands with Whitney! Missy Herndon
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
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Montgomery County Youth Services Annual Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic and Gala Proceeds from this event benefiting Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) help provide vital programs that help strengthen families and give children a bridge from challenges today to achievements tomorrow. MCYS is committed to youth and their families through human services and mental health programs. Congratulations on another successful event! 1) (L-R) Ed Jones, EVP Woodforest Natoinal Bank, and Alex Sutton, former MCYS board member and co-president at The Woodlands Development Company 2) 2015 Masquerade Gala Honorees – Patti and Dr Lucian Rivela
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20680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777
Fire and Ice Ball VIP Party 1
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2015 HARAS Cup Event
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JOIN US FOR OUR ~ ~ ~ ALL DAY ~ ~ ~ HOLIDAY PARTY
3) (L-R) Former NFL player Billy Joe Dupree; Ann Liguori, golf and tennis correspondent for CBS Sports Radio Network; Greg Freede, MCYS board member and golf tournament director 4) (L-R) Nina Rivela, actor Brett Cullen and Carmen Rivela.
AND MONICA HAFF DESIGNS JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW!
7 ~ ~ DECEMBER 10 - 8 TH
AM
FREE GIFT WRAPPING 15% OFF PURCHASE
Fire and Ice Ball VIP Party Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted its annual VIP Party for the Celebration of Excellence Gala honoring the 2016 Hometown Heroes. The event was held at Del Friscos with the picturesque Hughes Landing as a beautiful backdrop for the presentation to the four individual and one Corporate honorees. The Fire and Ice Ball Gala was a huge success honoring Heroes’ service to our wonderful community and raising funds for the many community programs and services of Interfaith of The Woodlands. 1) (L-R) Honorary Chairs Penny and Paul Layne with Dr. Ann Snyder 2) Hometown Hero Honoree Mario Coll and wife Sarah 3) (L-R) Missy Herndon, event Co-Chairs DeAnn Guidry, Elvira Cauthen and Amy Young, Shannon Stephenson, Nicole Murphy and Stevi Venable 4) Carla and Keaton McDaniel 5) Todd and Sarah Stephens 6) Hometown Hero Honoree Ally Seder and husband Mike 7) Shannon and Jason Mills
2015 HARAS Cup Event Haras Cup, the most important working Equitation Championship in the United States, was held locally in October. This amazing three- day event raised $200,000 benefiting Kids’Meal Houston, a charity providing meals for pre-school age children living in poverty. The weekend consisted of the “Horsey Crazy Fashion Show,” an “Equestrian Dream Soiree,” and the Haras Cup Hat Derby. Learn more about Haras Cup and the Kids’ Meal charity at harascup.com or kidsmeals.org. Photo credit: Fulton Davenport (Captions on page 46)
PM
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Profiling artistic practices bound against the conventions of figurative art, Glade Gallery highlights the diversity within contemporary art and fuels the synergy that describes the creative exchanges between American and European art today. Reflecting upon the resonances of the multifaceted contemporary art, Glade Gallery intends to unfold new approaches to the creative act, ultimately offering both the artists and the public the preferred landscape in the building of greater future scenarios. Glade Gallery, a place where art turns in the direction of your dreams.
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DORU NUTA - “Prince Leopold” (detail) / 2015 oil on canvas / size: 79” x 55” The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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0680 Westheimer Pkwy. #150 — 281.647.0777
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Scene in
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by Whitney Montgomery FOR GALAS, PARTIES, LUNCHEONS Email: whitney@gmont.com
FOR SCHOOL & STUDENT NEWS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Dear Readers,
Let me introduce myself – My name is Whitney Montgomery and I am honored to be your new Social Editor covering the social events in The Woodlands area. I have grown up in The Woodlands since 1980 and my husband and I are blessed to raise our three children in such a wonderful, giving community. This is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year with all the excitement of the holidays. There are so many fun things to enjoy. Take a break to visit the breathtaking Christmas tree in Market Street, visit Santa in The Woodlands Mall, enjoy the Lighting of the Doves, or spend time making memories at The Ice Rink. I challenge everyone this holiday season to generously share your time and donations to bless others. There are so many opportunities to give back, and here are just a few examples: adopt a family for Christmas, help stock a food pantry, donate clothes/coats for the women’s shelter, participate in a toy drive, or simply prepare a meal for someone to remind them they are loved. I am looking forward to what this next year has in store. Do you want to be included in a future “Scene in The Woodlands”? Please contact me as I begin preparing dates for my 2016 calendar. Send the details of your events to whitney@gmont.com. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours, Whitney
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Women Who Rock 3rd Annual Luncheon
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1) Francisco Rivera, Connie Zubizarreta, Ana Weber, and Michael Lillelund 2) Horse and rider 3) Ligia Uriarte, winner of the Hat Derby 4) Judy Nichols 5) (L-R) Carmina Zamorano, Juan Pablo
Women Who Rock 3rd Annual Luncheon Montgomery County United Way held its annual Women Who Rock luncheon on Friday, Nov. 6. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott was rocking with hundreds of women (and a few men). This event gathers women's leadership members to recognize and celebrate some of the most philanthropic and service-oriented women in our community. Together they have raised funds to sup-
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
port the Young Mother's Daycare Scholarship, which provides an opportunity for a young woman to further her post-secondary education while her child is being cared for in a safe and quality environment. For more information, contact Nicole Gauthier at nicole@mcuw.org. 1) (L-R) Baranetta Andrews, Mary Lou Langone, Lisa Haley, Beth Bailey, Christine Thoms-Knox, and Gentry Brann 2) (L-R) Peg Welbes, Mo Walker, Jeanne Toth, Gennifer Kelly, Nelda Blair, Vicki Hitzges, Rhetta Bobo, Julie Martineau 3) (L-R) Carol Gooch, Tammy McRae, Stella Alvarado, Gennifer Kelly, Robin Fielder, Stephanne Davenport 4) (L-R) Melissa Young, Bev Earl, Julie Martineaul
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STEPPED BRIDGET RUG Couture Craft. Knotted by hand from lustrous banana silk with natural jute accents. Neutral and variegated colors and simple patterns let the craft speak for itself. These rugs are the strong silent type—a fab foundation for your floor that is packed with style. Each one takes a craftsman 4-6 weeks to make. jonathanadler.com
SNOW DAY HOLIDAY PILLOW A joyful snowman greets a snowy day with outstretched arms in this whimsical design by Joan Anderson of A&B Designs. Standing out white against a red felt background, the snowman is detailed with hand-guided machine embroidery. Pillow reverses to solid red. Decorative pillows include your choice of a plush feather-down or lofty down-alternative insert at no extra cost. crateandbarrel.com
AMANDA BRISBANE ORANGE BLAZE GLASS BOWL The Orange Blaze Glass Bowl, an exclusive of Neiman Marcus, is a floriform bowl by artist Amanda Brisbane, who has been hailed as the United Kingdom's foremost sandcasted-glass artist. neimanmarcus.com
SAN VINCENT SANTOS Saint Vincent de Paul was a Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving the poor and is the patron saint of charitable societies. This rustic statue commemorates him, cast in lightweight resin with a hand-painted finish. Add him to your collection in honor of his extreme generosity and compassion. This San Vincent Santos is a hand-painted depiction of the charitable Saint Vincent. Showcase solo or alongside other religious iconography. wisteria.com
ELSIE TABLE LAMP Because occasionally you need a little backup to light up the room. The Elsie, with its bold glass globe base, is certainly up for the task. Turquoise glass base. katespade.com
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Written by American songwriter James Lord Pierpont for Sunday-school children to perform at an 1857 Thanksgiving concert, “Jingle Bells” is now an irreplaceable part of Christmas traditions around the world. Jingle Bells: A Magical Cut-Paper Edition, Niroot Puttapipat’s exquisite edition, with his silhouetted illustrations both bold and delicate, follows a sleigh ride across a snowy landscape. Featuring scenes that change on every spread and a stunning 3-D pop-up at the end, this holiday keepsake captures the thrill of a winter adventure and the magic of the season.
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Style } file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
Oscar de la Renta- Multi Swarovski Crystal Pave Tulip Necklace is set in light Russian gold and embellished with pavĂŠ crystals. oscardelarenta.com
Fendi-3Jours sienna red soft calfskin shopping bag with contrasting multicolor raw edges. fendi.com
Gucci- Satin wrap wedge in pink satin. gucci.com
Fendi - Crystal-embellished cat-eye acetate sunglasses. net-a-porter.com
Gucci- Patent leather pump in red. gucci.com
Missoni- Knitted skirt in salmon pink. missoni.com
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ETRO- Stretch jersey printed dress is finished with contrast black panel at waist. stylebop.com
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
Tory Burch-Embellished small shoulder bag in suede and smooth leather is Moroccan style with semi-precious lapis stones. toryburch.com Clover CanyonThis season Clover Canyon’s clothes conjures the fantastic with bibbed and pintucked blouses, ponchos, paisleys and sequined rainbows. clovercanyon.com
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Alexis BittarLucite double-Sided Link Station Necklace has clear cabochon accents. neimanmarcus.com
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Style } file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
Stella McCartneyAlana Dress from the Green Carpet collection in black lace and floral print silk. stellamccartney.com
Fendi- Crazy Carats stainless steel topaz watch with white diamond bezel. neimanmarcus.com
Missoni- Short-sleeved dress with small ruff high neck, slightly rolled at the waist, in knit with embossed stitch. missoni.com
Oscar de la RentaRadzimir & Duchess Satin Strapless Cocktail Dress has a sensual back cutout. oscardelarenta.com
Armenta- Sueno Cross Enhancer with Diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold. bergdorfgoodman.com
Miu Miu - Multi-color metal and crystal earrings. miumiu.com
Valentino GaravaniLove Latch pumps in red and black leather and patent leather. farfetch.com
Fendi-Baguette peach calfskin shoulder bag is decorated with crystal buckle and logo. fendi.com
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Alice + Olivia- Black Hollie High Neck Embellished Short Flare Gown has strategically placed embellishments. lyst.com
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Style } file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
Fendi-Rust orange wool shirt with leather details and camel trousers. fendi.com
Fendi-Long red double-breasted coat with rust-orange collar and contrasting horizontal insert. fendi.com
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Call today for your appointment! 130 Vintage Park Blvd. Ste. K Houston, TX 77070 www.browningsmiledesign.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com
Nissan Maxima and Lexus NX
NIssan Maxima | STarTING prIcE: $32,500
S
ince 1981, Nissan has sold 2.9 million Maximas in the U.S., which means as four-door sedans go, the Maxima has been a force in the American landscape. For 2016, the Maxima gets a major redesign both inside and out. The new exterior is at once bold and conservative. Heavily sculpted and chiseled lines are a striking contrast to its more understated front and rear ends. The front fascia represents a nice balance between modern design and a little bit of glitz, and unique 19-inch alloy wheels add even more flair. It certainly stands out among its competitors such as the Toyota Avalon or Chrysler 300. Nissan has always referred to the Maxima as a 4-door sport sedan. This year, the company upped the horsepower just a bit to
solidify that claim. What lies beneath the hood of the new Maxima is a 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers a solid 261 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 22/30 city/highway. Engineers reduced weight by 82 pounds through the use of more aluminum and highstrength steel, which also increased torsional rigidity by 25 percent. This adds up to be a lean, mean, fuel-efficient driving machine. So, how does it drive? In a word, tight. Many full-size sedans are plagued with that wallowy, pillow-like ride quality. That’s great if you’re regularly driving parade routes. But the Maxima is designed for those who like to engage with their car. The ride quality is solid and dynamic with just the right
Lexus NX | STarTING prIcE: $35,000
T
he crossover segment remains ever popular and Lexus has added to its luxury lineup with the entry-level NX. Though it is built on an entirely new platform, the NX does share some architecture with the Toyota RAV4. Lexus tells us that the NX consists of 90 percent new parts and is 20 percent more rigid than its Toyota counterpart. Beyond Utility, the NX is touted as tech-savvy. Lexus Corporate Marketing Manager Brian Bolaine says the NX is a blend of energy, technology, and modern style. Driving one, you can easily see that this vehicle holds true to those claims. Like so many other carmakers, Lexus has turned to a small turbo-powered engine for this vehicle. The 2.0-liter turbo yields 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It is definitely quick and the NX’s small size adds to its nimbleness and agility. Mated to a 6-speed transmission, you can opt for either front- or all-wheel drive models as well. You can also opt for the
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amount of road feedback to let you know you’re in control of the situation. In fact, the Maxima almost seems to handle better under — dare I say it — a lead foot. The CVT has been tuned to behave less like the gearless transmission it is and more like a traditional transmission. Nissan’s Xtronic software takes into account six different variables — accelerator-pedal position, road grade, acceleration and cornering g’s, road speed, and braking g’s — that factor into how the CVT reacts. The driver can also select Normal and Sport modes. In other words, the Maxima is quite pleasurable to drive, and does in fact handle like a sport sedan. Inside, the Maxima offers refined styling and can get downright luxurious. Inspired by fighter jets, designers tilted the 8-inch center touch screen seven degrees toward the pilot... errr, driver. If the tilt of the screen isn’t enough, get your navigational direction via the 7-inch display located between the speedometer and tachometer. The flatbottom steering wheel is a unique and sporty touch. The platinum edition boasts mahogany trim and supportive, beautifully quilted leather seats. Ranging in price from about $33,000 to just north of $40,000, the Maxima is fun to drive no matter the trim level. With a solid 21-year reputation, the Maxima will no doubt be around for a long time to come.
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2.5-liter hybrid, which gets 35 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the city. The NX rides as you would expect from Lexus, with a quiet cabin and smooth operation. There is definitely a sporty feel to the NX by way of handling. Steering feels crisp and it handles curves like a sports car. Though compact, the NX carries a curb weight of 4,021 pounds, which is quite beefy. The turbo goes from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which isn’t light-up-the-track fast, but fast enough for everyday drivers. Tack on the F-sport trim, which tightens up the suspension and adds paddle shifters, and you’ve got yourself an engaging drive. Overall, the ride quality is pleasant with just a touch of sportiness. Both the exterior and interior design reflect each other: bold, aggressive, and compact. The NX was designed to capture the younger crowd, and it shows. The exterior features arrowheadshaped LED daytime running lights and body so aggressively sculpted, it almost looks angry. The interior instrument panel is busy, but intuitive. Notable features include an on-board charging station for your cellphone and a new touchpad control, which acts and feels just like the touchpad on your laptop. You can swipe, pinch, and zoom for intuitive navigation around the myriad of apps and offerings available on the display screen. The seats are body-hugging, doing a good job of holding one in place. And the back seat feels just roomy enough for two grown adults. Fold the seats down and you get about 54 cubic feet of cargo capacity, so throw a mountain bike back there and head for the hills. The NX is also capable of towing 1,500 pounds. Pricing ranges from the mid-30s for a front-wheel drive turbo, to the mid-40s for an all-wheel drive hybrid. Whatever trim you choose, this compact crossover is built for fun. For information on these and other vehicles, visit mycardata.com.l
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Nutcracker Collection Fills Home with Memories
Brenda Hatfield’s collection ranges from religion to cultural icons, from personal sentiment to sports By Mara Soloway Photos by Amanda White
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hen Brenda Hatfield of The Woodlands went nuts over nutcrackers, she went all in: at last count, she has 150 collected over the last 27 years or so. It’s been an adventure, finding them at unexpected historical sites. Her collection contains many with personal significance. “I really liked them. They just became a very special part of Christmas to me, and especially so, when my husband, Jim, started searching for them for me,” she said. While she does have some upscale nutcrackers that are made, like those by Kurt Adler, Steinbach, and Nutcracker Village, Brenda’s tastes gravitate to the ones that bring meaning to her life. “When I get my Christmas nutcracker collection out, I remember where I got them and who they are from. It has become a nice ritual with my son, Dallas, to pull out the boxes and start arranging them and fill the shelves each year.” Dallas has a few of his own, like sports-themed nutcrackers. Brenda also creates new ones by altering existing ones. “I am proud of the ones I have put effort and creativity into, and it makes them more special to me and my children,” she said. She has made her son a Lego nutcracker. She also made a sorority girl and Highland Girl for her daughter when she was a part of drill team, which is meaningful to Brenda because she was a highstepper at McCullough, the first high school in The Woodlands. “We were the first graduating class in 1979. I also have a Highlander Brenda Hatfield decorates for Christmas with her 150 nutcrackers.
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football player, and now my son plays Highlander football.” Her daughter, Lauren, got married this year, so Brenda will make her a bride nutcracker using items from her wedding and from her dress. Some of her sentimental favorites are her Nativity scene and cultural nutcrackers that represent different countries, cultures or eras, with Cleopatra (her favorite), Caesar, a Geisha girl, an Eskimo, a Viking, a Matador, and a 1950’s girl with a hula hoop and poodle skirt. Others include Noah and his Ark and Elvis. “Some of my first ones that started my collection that are dear to me are Charlie Chaplin, a pirate and police and firemen. I am partial to my A&M Aggies nutcracker, that I got for my daughter, Taylor, and definitely partial to my three different sizes and types of Dallas Cowboys nutcrackers. We are huge Cowboys fans!” Jim has also found her ones that represent some of her favorite places that she has
The Highland Girl that Brenda created has significance for one of her daughters and herself: both were members of the drill team in high school. | Brenda’s nutcrackers that represent cultural icons include Elvis (bottom shelf, centered in back), along with movie characters, such as those from The Wizard of Oz and Toy Story (second shelf from the bottom).
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“I am proud of the ones I have put effort and creativity into, and it makes them more special to me and my children.” — Brenda Hatfield visited, such as the Eiffel Tower and Venice. Brenda creates a group of movie nutcrackers, including the Star Wars characters, Shrek, Buzz and Woody, Pinocchio and Gepetto, and The Wizard of Oz figures. Of course, she has the characters from The Nutcracker. She also creates an America shelf with Uncle Sam, the two political parties, the Statue of Liberty, an Indian and a Pilgrim, and representatives of all the Armed Forces.
She bought her George Washington nutcracker at Mount Vernon, one of her favorite places visited on a family vacation. Sadly, this coincided with President Reagan's funeral procession in Washington, D.C. “It was so profound and made us so proud to be there to witness such an amazing and historical event.” Last year while the family was at The Alamo, Brenda unexpectedly found a Davy Crockett nutcracker in the gift shop,
which is priceless to her because she is one of his descendants. Brenda’s collection has inspired several others to start their own collection after seeing hers. “I find one I can give them to help them build their own collection. Just the other day, my grandson was so happy to share that he likes collecting them. too. I know just the perfect one I want to give him at Christmas.” l
The Nativity.
Brenda is a descendant of Davy Crockett.
A pharoah, Cleopatra and a geisha.
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Your one destination for all your gift needs!
2611 Interstate 45 North Spring, TX 7730 woodlandsunique.com 832.246.8848
The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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2016 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Preview Party Featured artist, poster unveiling, art show and performances at Mercedes-Benz Showroom
(L-R): The 2016 Woodlands Waterway Festival featured artist Julia Gilmore was on hand for the unveiling of the 2016 poster designed by Maureen Donelan who is pictured with WWAC President Amy Lecocq and Festival Director Jenny Wright.
M
ercedes-Benz of The Woodlands partnered with The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council (WWAC) on Oct. 27 to host a “First Look” evening reception in their showroom that offered a preview of the 2016 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (WWAF) that will be held April 8, 9 and 10, 2016. “It was a wonderful way to preview the art, sounds, tastes and vibes of what our 11th annual festival will be,” said WWAC President Amy Lecocq. “We would like to thank Bob Milner and
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Mercedes-Benz for hosting our kick-off.” In attendance from Montreal, Canada, was the 2016 Festival’s featured artist, Julia Gilmore, who helped unveil the Festival Commemorative Poster designed by local graphic designer Maureen Donelan using Gilmore’s art. Representatives from The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council were also on hand to present a cumulative total of $34,000 to six charity partners who provided volunteers at the 2015 festival. Guests had the opportunity to view and
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purchase from a Teacher Art Show that featured 40 works by art teachers from Conroe Independent School District, The John Cooper School and Sam Houston State University. The evening also featured visual and performing artists, including a string quartet from the Sam Houston State University School of Music, aerial arts performances by students from The John Cooper School Aerial Dance Company and a performance by Aqua Drums. Sponsors for the evening included
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(L-R): Festival Director Jenny Wright, Ann Mcalpin (CASA of Montgomery County), Bob Milner (Mercedes-Benz), Leslie Williams (Pavilion Partners), Nick Wolda (WWAC board), Francesca Riddick (The John Cooper School), Amy Lecocq (WWAC President), Angela Coulton (The Woodlands Children’s Museum), Abby Salazar (The Woodlands Art League), Kerry Conkling (Conroe Art League), Jan Lucas (Ann Marie Hopkins Art Alliance) and Grace Reagan (The John Cooper School).
“It was a wonderful way to preview the art, sounds, tastes and vibes of what our 11th annual festival will be.” – WWAC president Amy Lecocq (left) Julia Gilmore in front of her work at the 2015 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, after being named the 2016 featured artist. • Under the direction of Elizabeth DeMonico, students from The John Cooper aerial arts and dance team performed. Pictured on the silks is Allison McWilliams, while Dana Hammarstrom spots.
Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse, Stella Artois, Dripping Springs Vodka, Mark West Wines, A Touch of Class, Nick’s Fish Dive and Oyster Bar, Russo’s Pizzeria and Edible Arrangements. A Giving Wall displayed the many ways the WWAC brings art into the lives of seniors, students and others through their educational outreach programs and raised approximately $12,000. For more information on the festival, visit WoodlandsWaterwayArtsCouncil.org.l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Your Go To Stores for Inspired Fashion
Independent Designers + Independent Boutiques = Personal Style
KB KASUALS, Hughes Landing – This distinctive, upscale boutique brings Californian and New York edgy style to The Woodlands. Pictured is co-owner Sherlynn Burks. By Kerry Duncan | Photography by Amanda White casual, contemporary style to The Woodlands along with Texas warmth and hospitality. Browse the racks of lightweight cottons, cashmere, fall sweaters or a fabulous vegan leather vest while sipping on complimentary champagne. Their delicate unique jewelry is designed in-house. The excellent website states “simple is the new black.” At Christmas, the shop will have some reasonably priced gifts, including jewelry, all of which can be gift wrapped while you catch a coffee on the block.
nizations. Prices range from $20 to $950. Their goal is for everyone to “walk out feeling beautiful.” The sportswear selection is unique, and the dresses, tops and wraps are sensational. The full clothing collection is appropriate for juniors to 60. At Christmas, free gift wrapping will be provided, along with small gift items from inspirational stationery to jewelry and fair trade items. Come to the regular afterhours jazz nights. In January, the clothing range will include infants to tweens.
ARMARIO de la BELLA, Creekside Village
MARTA’S, Panther Creek
KB KASUALS, Hughes Landing kbkasuals.com This boutique is brand new to The Woodlands, independently owned by a young entrepreneur who opened her first boutique in River Oaks at age 23. Her confidence, warmth and style are reflected in the beautiful upscale boutique – serene with distinctive, elegant decor. KB Kasuals brings Californian and New York edgy,
armario-de-la-bella.myshopify.com This means “the beautiful closet” and the name fits perfectly – the “closet” of clothes is exquisite. The array of unique outfits is dazzling, sourced from all over the world, including Europe. The owner, a former model and CPA, donates 10 percent of the profits to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit orga-
I
t’s the holiday season with so many festive events to attend and gifts to buy! The malls are busy, so why not go to one of the independent boutiques in The Woodlands? There you will find distinctive clothes and gifts, personal service and a blissful shopping experience. To say the least, you will be wearing something unique and supporting local businesses. Check out each store’s website for directions, opening hours, special events and enjoy shopping without the crowds. Happy Stylish Holidays!
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martasclothing.com The eye-catching window display draws you in to the store; it is changed frequently with contemporary seasonal clothes and colors. Marta’s is larger and brighter than most boutiques. New customers will find a delightfully welcoming, inviting shop with a large variety of trends and designers, beautifully laid out in the current winter colors. Regular customers are greeted as
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ARMARIO de la BELLA, Creekside Village – Large French doors connect the welcoming seating area and the clothing area. Arimi de Saiti will assist you.
colors. Marta’s is larger and brighter than most boutiques. New customers will find a delightfully welcoming, inviting shop with a large variety of trends and designers, beautifully laid out in the current winter colors. Regular customers are greeted as friends. The shop keeps a Rolodex of customer’s likes and sizes, or those of a loved one to surprise with an outfit. Marta’s is the sole supplier of the full Brighton Hearts
collection (with Brighton Tree Decorations this Christmas) and has a wide range of accessories such as jewelry, purses and shoes. Free gift wrapping is offered year ‘round, including Christmas. Grateful customers have exclaimed, “You saved me a trip to the mall!” and this is “a hidden treasure.” Mother and daughter can shop together with the wide range of styles and sizes.
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE, College Park mainstreamboutique.com/newsite/Texas/ woodlands-texas-franchise This boutique has been the owner’s lifelong dream and you can tell. The clothes in lovely colors are invitingly placed around the store with coordinated outfits to give you style ideas. The vibe is casual, classy and contemporary wear – you will stand out in the crowd. Amongst other designers,
MARTA’S, Panther Creek – This delightfully welcoming bright boutique has a large variety of trends and designers. Pictured is Jodi Milstead, manager.
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MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE, College Park The casual, classy and contemporary apparel here will make you stand out in the crowd. Pictured is store owner Michele Barnum.
the racks glow with flashes of cobalt and red. For Christmas, the shop will have luxe fabrics such as velvets, sateen and sequins. From Black Friday on, they offer a free item of jewelry from their Christmas trees and save $5 with your reusable Willa bag. Willa is a separate collection of reasonably priced cocktail outfits for a chic night out. A new WILLA store opened at Hughes Landing in November. Em&Lee stock shoes, boots, purses; fringing is a hot trend. Let the children play with the toy basket while you try on some outfits.
front desk glows with tempting jewelry. The shop, where “trendy collides with classic” and “contemporary with sophisticated,” carries a wide range of stock includ-
ing Hudson jeans, Joyous and Free, Usindo and exclusively Joseph Ribkoff. Diva’s stocks everything from accessories and casual items to outfits for cocktails or a cruise, in sizes from 2 to 14. Come in before an event and leave dressed to impress. Diva’s provides free gift wrapping at Christmas. On Dec. 9, between 11 a.m.-3 p.m., visit for a book signing of The Magic Gingerbread House by Pam Franks; 20 percent of the proceeds will go to charity. l
DIVA’S BOUTIQUE, Research Forest shopdivaboutique.com Diva’s decor mirrors the warmth and character of the charming owner. The glass
DIVA’S BOUTIQUE, Research Forest– In this shop, “trendy collides with classic” and “contemporary with sophisticated”. Store owner Doreen King will help you to dress to impress.
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EM & LEE, Market Street Dana Marts, manager, will help you coordinate the perfect outfit.
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Cy-Hoops Invitational at Berry Center, Dec. 10-12 Beaumont Ozen and Dallas Kimball high schools met in the championship game of the 2014 Cypress Hoops Invitational, with Ozen walking away with the title trophy.
One of the state’s best basketball tournaments returns to Cypress with a new name, as the sixth annual Houston Methodist Cy-Hoops Invi tational, benefiting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF), takes stage Dec. 10-12. Houston Methodist signed on as the named partner for the tournament through a multi-year agreement with Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and Houston Methodist West Hospital. The foundation’s goal is to create a premier high school basketball tournament that engages the community, promotes the sport of basketball, fosters community spirit and raises funds for student scholarships and staff development grants to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Games will be played at the Berry Center, Cy-Fair High School, Langham Creek High School and Cypress Woods High School, with a bracket and game times to be released after the Thanksgiving holiday. The championship game will be played at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road). The tournament will again be loaded with talent, including some of the top teams in the state of Texas and the 10 CFISD boys’ varsity basketball teams. The 2014 tournament champion, Beaumont Ozen, was the UIL Class 5A state runner-up; while 2013 tournament champion, Galena Park North Shore, was Class 5A (now 6A) state champion. Sponsorships are available. Visit the CFEF website at TheCFEF.org or contact executive director Marie Holmes at marie@thecfef.org.
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6777 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, TX 77382 281.298.7474 (M-Sat. 9-7) www.frostbakeshoppe.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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JOYSTIX CLASSIC GAMES AND PINBALLS
THE BILLIARD FACTORY Enabling all friends and families to share priceless times together, one game room at a time. It is our pledge that the Billiard Factory will work hard to earn your business, striving to provide our customers with the highest quality products and top-notch Customer service. 281-444-5740 billiardfactory.com
Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs has been the leader in Arcade Game and Pinball sales and rentals since 1987. Come visit their one-of-a-kind showroom located downtown across from Minute Maid Park. Their new and classic arcade games and pinball machines are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. The perfect finishing touch to any Gameroom, Home Theater, and Man Cave. 713-224-2225 1820 Franklin St., Houston 77002 joystixgames.com
KB KASUALS KB Kasuals is excited to have opened its second location in Hughes Landing. KB Kasuals carries a wide assortment of fabulous clothes and unique accessories. Stop by their Holiday Open House on Monday, December 7 — they are giving 15% off of purchases and offering gift wrapping. 281-782-1006 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd. kbkasuals.com
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
ALL OUT OFFROAD For over 20 years, the team at All Out Offroad has rebuilt vintage models and tricked out newer cars, trucks, jeeps, and SUVs with the latest and greatest accessories. All Out Offroad now has three convenient locations in Richmond, Stafford and Pearland, with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experts to help you. Come in today and check out what the man in your life really wants for Christmas. alloutoffroad.com Richmond: 708 Hwy 90A, 281-341-9494 Stafford: 13261 Murphy Rd., 281-499-3806 Pearland: 2720 Westminster St., 281-485-7003 Spring/Woodlands: 6445 FM 2920, 832-717-3855 DFW: 6920 NE Loop 820, 817-849-5777
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SAKOWITZ FURS The hottest fashion trend this winter is the fur vest. It is warm and fuzzy fun that will spice up any outfit. Perfect for Texas weather, a vest will go with everything in the closet. Dress it down with Jeans and boots or Dress it up with a suit. You can go sleek with a black sheared mink vest or fluff it up with a fox. Sakowitz Furs has a huge selection at great prices. 713-622-7947 Sakowitzfurs.net 5026 Westheimer, Houston
PLANET LINCOLN Planet Lincoln is excited to offer this Holiday Special. Come out to test drive a brand new MKX or MKC. They are excited to offer a special pricing for leases on these two exceptional vehicles, MKX $469 & MKC $279. They will deliver & put a big red ribbon on it! 20403 I-45 North, Spring. 888-242-5059 planetlincoln.com
THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Woodlands Children's Museum is the perfect place to spend the day. Kids can play and learn through discovery in an environment that provides multicultural experiences. Give a gift of membership this year and enjoy the museum all year long! woodlandschildrensmuseum.org 281-465-0955 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280, The Woodlands
ECLECTIC HOME FROST BAKE SHOPPE If you are looking to make the Holiday Season brighter for your family, friends and clients, look no further! Frost Bake Shoppe can make your special event sweeter with custom logos, colors, designs, monograms and even coordinating prints and packaging options! With a couple of days notice, they can whip up the perfect desserts to fit your every need... give them a call and let them help you! Open on Woodlands Parkway Mon-Sat 9 - 7. frostbakeshoppe.com 281-298-7474 6777 Woodlands Parkway
Now in its 13th 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. 345 W. 19th Street, Houston 713-869-1414 eclectichome.ws
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ç By Lori Verderame
Collecting Advent Calendars ‘Tis the season for the countdown to Christmas
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rom the Latin term adventus, Advent means “the arrival.” For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection for Christians in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is believed that the period of Advent has been observed since about the fourth century A.D. In the early days of observing Advent, the timeframe lasted from the feast day of Saint Martin on Nov. 11 until Christmas Day on Dec. 25. Similar to the springtime season of Lent, Advent once included a six-week-long fast for believers; however, that has since been discontinued. By the sixth century, Advent no longer had a fasting ritual, and the season was reduced to only four weeks. Today, the season of Advent is a time of devotional prayer and anticipation of Christmas. Like many holiday collectibles, objects relating to Advent, such as wreaths and candles mark the days leading up to Christmas. Advent wreaths, a circle of evergreens symbolizing eternal life, are widely used. The four red candles represent the four Sundays of the Advent period, and a fifth white candle in the wreath’s center is called the Christ candle. The Christ candle is the last one to be lit on Christmas Day. Quite possibly the most recognized tradition is the popular Advent calendar. For many collectors, the chronological countdown to Christmas Day comes in the
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Advent calendar as a freestanding house.
form of an Advent calendar of antique or vintage paper, lithography, felt, painting on canvas, or mixed media. The calendar is popular with children, many of whom spend the greater part of December patiently awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus and counting down the days by opening doors of an Advent calendar. According to legend, the first known Advent calendar was handmade in 1851. By the 1880s, the Germanic tradition of the Advent calendar began to spread across Europe to North America. Typically made of printed images on paper or cardboard, Advent calendars boast 24 small numbered doors to be opened daily in anticipation of Christmas. Snow covered houses, holiday scenes and winter wonder-
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
lands were common imagery used as the backdrop for the miniature doors. Each door is opened to reveal a holiday image, a Bible passage, a piece of candy, or a small gift starting on Dec. 1 and continuing until Christmas Eve. The “father” of the modern Advent calendar was a German printer named Gerhard Lang, who produced small colorful, religious images on paper and cardboard from his Munich printing office. Each image corresponded to 24 days in December up to Christmas Eve. Circa 1908, Lang produced the first Advent calendar with cardboard doors that opened to reveal an image. Throughout much of the early 20th century, Advent calendars were exchanged as gifts around Thanksgiving in
anticipation of Christmas. When it comes to value of Advent calendars, the characteristics you should look for are its condition (good, with no rips, tears or stains), design (intricate patterns or images of a winter scene or holiday events in bright colors), and the printmakers (famous ones are Lang, Sankt Johannis and others). Advent calendars have evolved from lithograph printed images on cardboard to free-standing dollhousestyle collectible calendars with hinged doors to hide small gifts, money or candy. Some of these contemporary holiday collectibles are made of pressed board, masonite and even wood. Expect to pay $50 to $500 for some of the traditional paper Advent calendars and several thousand dollars for handcrafted ones. Happy holidays! l
Dr. Lori Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s Auction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.
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713-224-2225 JOYSTIXGAMES.COM The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Kappa Kappa Gamma GIVES
A Gift to Houston
Floor to ceiling windows on the curved wall overlook the expansive estate, while an ornately ornamented and stately Christmas tree – one of 12 in the home – anchors the room, embellishing the existing gold decor. The rustic nativity theme is balanced with bold, red blooms, gleaming mesquite floors and mahogany crown molding.
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Text By Cheryl Alexander | Photography By Daniel Ortiz
Holiday Pilgrimage 2014: Kappa Has Heart
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he 2014 Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Pilgrimage, a gift to Houston that is held every other year since 1941, gives us a much-anticipated glimpse into the gracious homes and fabulous Christmas decorations of some of the city’s most insulated neighborhoods. Yet hidden behind the fragrant swags and beautiful wreaths lies something much more important: the Pilgrimage provides resources for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Charitable Foundation of Houston. This philanthropic arm of the fraternity has donated more than $3 million over the years, providing many charitable organizations in Houston with funds for programs, facilities, equipment and scholarships. The mission of the Foundation and its support of the city is the heartbeat of the Pilgrimage. The biennial home tour provides a fun way to dress everything up in the finest holiday décor. With the infusion of culture, industry and finance that make Houston such a rich and diverse city, we’ve seen just about everything in the way of holiday
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
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Everything about this front entrance makes a statement, from the abundance of trailing green garland to the oversize red Christmas balls, and poinsettia wreaths. The bold “X� pattern on the large front doors is a theme that is repeated throughout the home. | The grand scale of the living room is enhanced with gilded ornaments and ribbon, along with a mantel overflowing with Christmas stockings. The large mirror is adorned with angels proclaiming the good news of the season.
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These pages: The nutcrackers standing sentinel just inside the front door welcome guests and guard the bounty around the home’s first Christmas tree, decked out in Christmas red, green and gold. | The dining table is decorated with the homeowner’s fabulous angel collection and heirloom china. Tiny, gold leaf Christmas trees and gold balls create festive place settings. | Sleek interiors with a monochromatic color scheme highlight this contemporary home. The mercury glass trees and wreaths reflect the light and glitter of the holiday decor. | Pops of vibrant orange from the Hunt Slonem paintings in the room served as the inspiration for the tree decorations. | The elegant and minimalist living room is focused around the large fireplace and another one of the three Hunt Slonem paintings in the home. A softly lit corner tree, along with simple holiday accessories and the homeowner’s Santa Claus collection, bring cozy Christmas cheer.
ornamentation. Aluminum trees, flocked trees, beer bottle trees, pink and blue trees — you name it, it’s been done here. But a Christmas tree covered in fresh orchids? That’s just one of several decorative spins on the holidays that were on view to fuel the festivities. Four exceptional homes were decked to the hilt indoors and out, and open for touring. Located in River Oaks and Memorial, the houses were individually decorated by the floral designer of the homeowner’s choice. Shasta Drive Home Floral design by Walter Gutierrez Christmas enthusiasts loved the Lloyd home in Memorial, built in 2000 by Jeff Griffis, that featured close to a dozen trees indoors and out, decorations courtesy of Walter Gutierrez. The home, filled at Christmas time with a plethora of holiday fun, features notable repetitive design elements that the homeowners absolutely love, starting with the mahogany and glass front doors. The “X’s” and “O’s” are subtly carried throughout the home on doors, railing and furniture. Smooth marble floors and a tall nutcracker, the first of a collection standing sentinel throughout the home, beckons guests inside. There, one of 12 trees in the home is bejeweled in Christmas red, and lavish decoration extends up the custom stair rail. In the living room, the main tree stands more than 20 feet tall. Decked out in gold ribbon and the homeowners’ extensive collection of jewel-toned ornaments, this particular tree is reflective of the room’s exquisite furnishings. In the dining room, the table is set for Christmas Day’s feast with the couple’s angel collection as the centerpiece. Throughout the home, the floral designs and ornate Christmas trees provide an abundance of holiday spirit.
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The Pilgrimage provides resources for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Charitable Foundation of Houston.
Inwood Drive Home Floral design by Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson Design The sleek, contemporary Mithoff home was built from 2011 to 2013, under the direction of architect Martha Bute of Bute King Architects. The smooth limestone exterior reflects the modern dramatic and functional interior. Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson dressed up the monochromatic taupe interior color with lots of live, fragrant greenery and blooms. The front hall showcases the Mithoff’s flocked tree adorned with white lights, raffia and goldleaf burlap ribbons, ornamental birds and other ornaments, including a mix of moss, twig and glass. The colors — pink, gold, light red, green and amber — coordinate with the artwork next to the tree. Greenery and matching ribbons are woven throughout the staircase. Topiaries and spheres made of magnolia, oregonia and other seasonal herbs decorate the dining room table. Mercury trees and finials add a glamourous garnish to the space, and red ornaments transform the wine room to an artis-
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These pages: This inviting family room features plastered walls by Segreto Finishes and Brunschwig & Fils fabrics. Live greenery is the perfect holiday backdrop. A collection of Christmas fairies and elves play on a Ferris wheel. | Large entry features vintage wood floors and beams, elaborate iron railings that complement the dramatic stairway, Santa Claus and a16-foot Fraser fir decorated in a reindeer theme. Live trees, fresh flowers and fragrant greenery reflect the warm character of the home.
tic ornamental space. The festive vibe continues in the adjoining bar, which is flanked with metal topiaries twined with gold and silver metallic. A collection of feather topiaries, along with gold and amethyst flowers and accessories, create a subdued holiday mood. Country Lane Home Floral design by Ben Shamooelian of River Oaks Plant House The Johnson home in Memorial, built in 2004 by Goodchild Builders and interiors by JJDesign Group, was filled with fresh flowers to make what was already a fabulous home even more amazing. Ben Shamooelian of River Oaks Plant House provided not only the floral designs, but also all the Christmas trees. Upon entry, a tall perfectly shaped, fresh and fragrant Fraser fir was a sight to see with glitterygolden ornaments and 10,000 lights that
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created a breathtaking look. “We made the home an even more elegant, classy and fun-filled Christmas home by using traditional holiday materials, like lots of Christmas trees all over the house, life-size deer and Santas and lots of garland and greenery,” Shamooelian said. “We also infused the home with fresh cut white flowers to give the decorations a classic and traditional Christmas aesthetic. It is always our belief and inspiration to use more of the fresh and real decorations and a minimal use of faux decors.” In the family room, the family’s nutcracker collection took center stage during the holidays, while in the living room, a mechanical Ferris wheel and elves were a delight to everyone who saw them. Moving through the home’s other spacious rooms and outdoor spaces, the lush Christmas floral designs merged seamlessly with the family’s traditional holiday décor.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Chevy Chase Drive Home Floral design by Donna Senter of The Senterpiece Extraordinary is the norm at the Wade home in River Oaks, a classic Tudor designed by the Russell Brown Company and built in 1934. Though it was remodeled by the previous owners and recently updated by the current owners, its existing structure honors the history of the home while accommodating the Wade’s art collection. Following an Asian motif, the house required something unique for its holiday decor, which is where and why the orchid tree made its debut. Floral designer Donna Senter, of The Senterpiece, said, “We went room by room and made complementary florals allowing the existing art and design to determine the holiday floral design.” Rather than utilizing traditional floral arrangements, this home’s existing décor
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These pages: Ornate Asian interiors, including the red lacquer walls in the library of this home, call for subtlety of holiday decor, which here is limited to simple wreaths hung with simple ribbon and an airy floral arrangement. | A linear centerpiece with a variety of natural elements, including blooms and willow stems, spans this dining table and complements the dramatic Chinoiserie chandelier.
beckons more linear and sculptural floral designs, such as landscape elements. “Most traditional floral arrangements are very dense with bunches of flowers and greenery,” said Senter. “The aesthetic in this Asian-themed home suggested more light-filled, loosely arranged designs. Rather than fill the containers with lots of flowers and greenery, we used really dramatic and bold florals sparsely and filled in with rocks and other abstract shapes.” Throughout the home, the holiday floral design combines Asian themes with fresh organic decorations, including sugar pine cones and touches of fresh flowers. The focus of the large tree was the beautiful live phalaenopsis orchids woven throughout the branches.
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Honoree Last year’s biennnial Holiday Pilgrimage Home Tour also honored one of its members, Dr. Stephanie Coulter, director of the Texas Heart Institute's Center for Women's Heart and Vascular Health. The biennial Holiday Pilgrimage Home Tour has raised more than $3 million to benefit local charities since its inception in 1941, and 2014 marked the first time in the event’s history that a Pilgrimage Honoree was named. “We are very excited to have this added new dimension and put the spotlight on Dr. Coulter, who is such a champion for women’s heart health,” said Pilgrimage cochairs Kim Hillin, an alumna from the University of Texas, and Kim Martin, an alumna from Baylor University.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Dr. Coulter was a Kappa Kappa Gamma member at Texas A&M University. As the director of the Texas Heart Institute’s Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health, she is pioneering research in an under-studied field — cardiovascular disease in women. Dr. Coulter earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. She then interned in internal medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, and completed a fellowship in general cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, the teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. She began practicing in 1991. “Our goal at the Texas Heart Institute is to make a significant impact on human suffering and the escalating costs associated with heart disease in women, and we’re well on the road with research and programs underway,” Dr. Coulter said. The theme of last year’s tour, Kappa Has Heart, was a nod to Dr. Coulter, the organization’s heart for philanthropy and a reminder of the reason for the season: supporting causes closest to the needs in the communities right here in Houston. From 2014 to 2016, the foundation offered support to Amazing Place, Baylor College of Medicine/Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics, BEAR (Be A Resource for CPS Kids), The Brookwood Community, Camp for All, Children 4 Tomorrow, Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer, Houston Aphasia Recovery Center (HARC), Nehemiah Center, Inc., The Rose, Wellsprings Village, The Women's Home and Yellowstone Academy. The 2016 Holiday Pilgrimage chairs are Bridget Wade and Andria Frankfort; the next home tour is scheduled for December 2016. Charitable organization that wish to benefit from the tour should apply for the grant in spring 2016. Visit the Kappa Kappa Gamma Houston Alumnae Association homepage — houstonkappas.org — and click on “Houston Foundation,” then “Apply for a Grant.” l
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Kitchen Design Winners Set High Standards PHOTO BY SUKI MEDENCEVIC, DESIGNER ELINA KATSIOULA-BEALL
Flair plus function shine in NKBA annual competition
3RD PLACE LARGE KITCHEN
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wide range of kitchen styles garnered awards at this year’s National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Competition – from Moroccan flair, elegant touches of French Provincial, a rustic farm look and feel, a cake baker’s dream, a 1940s Cape Cod appearance and more! While the winning stylings are eclectic, the kitchens all have some facets in common: increased efficiency and function, remarkable character and new and beautiful focal points for the homes. Nearly 25 inspiring winning projects were recognized at the awards ceremony held in Las Vegas prior to the opening day of the 2015 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Winners from across six main kitchen and bath categories and 10 specialty
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categories were recognized at the ceremony for their talent and expertise. A panel of eight experts evaluated nearly 300 entries for projects from across the U.S. and Canada. Consumers also had a say, choosing the People's Pick Winner, featured on HGTV.com. The kitchen competition categories are Small (less than 150 sq. ft.), Medium (150-350 sq. ft.) and Large (more than 350 sq. ft.). This year’s competition was sponsored by (Diamond:) Jenn-Air, (Platinum:) DuPont Surfaces, GE Monogram, and Waypoint Living Spaces; (Gold:) Delta Faucet and The Home Depot; (Silver:) HGTV, SieMatic, Wellborn Cabinet, 20-20 Technologies, RevA-Shelf and Hafele. As we have for several years, Lifestyles &
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Homes once again is bringing you fresh kitchen ideas. Whether you are going to build new, remodel or just want inspiration, feast your eyes on these beautiful and innovative spaces. Watch for the NKBA Bath Design winners in our next issue. PEOPLE’S PICK and 3rd PLACE, MEDIUM KITCHEN Leslie Kalish, CID, CfYH LMK Interiors Lafayette, Calif. Co-designer: Jennifer Hobson Rustic Farm-Style Flair — A couple with a young child desired an open farm-style kitchen that accommodates everyday family living and creates an ideal space for entertaining guests. Utilizing three different
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cabinet finishes and a mix of feminine and masculine materials, the designer created warmth, texture and harmony in the kitchen. A large, elegant island opens up to the family room, and a rustic farm table in front of the island serves as a cozy spot for family dining and entertaining. Cabinet door panels discreetly conceal some of the built-in appliances, keeping the warmth of the cabinetry as the main focal point of the room. Low storage innovations enable the child to access the kitchen items with ease and safety. As a reclaimed 100-year-old barn wood adorns the ceiling, large white trestles add texture and beauty, while anchoring the entire space. A custom hood behind the range is the main focal point of the kitchen, and an attractive bar area makes room for casual entertaining. Glass doors, open shelving and a farm-style sink not only retain the farmhouse ambiance, but also add balance to the bar area. The designer balanced the simplicity of the rustic atmosphere with the elegance of modern style, perfectly embracing the clients’ vision for their home. 1st PLACE, LARGE KITCHEN Brigitte Fabi, CMKBD Drury Design Kitchen & Bath Studio Glen Ellyn, Ill. The Moroccan Marvel — To create a functional living space conveying a love of cooking, art and life in general, the designer drew inspiration from the homeowners’ private collection: a stunning Moroccan antique door from a trip to Marrakesh. A custom steel “I” beam was fabricated and installed to allow for an open concept in the century-old home. Interior walls within the original space were eliminated, allowing for greater traffic flow, natural light and efficiency. A banquette features a sofa and eight seats with cushions used to emphasize the Moorish textures and furniture styling. Custom veneer panels creating the banquette area was hand-stained on site and made to match the walnut cabinetry. A custom refrigerator/freezer door features glass panels with hand-etched designs. The Moorish arch around the range area
Beautiful Reflections Lighting Up Your Holiday With Style
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www.cheneinteriors.com 281-364-1744 • 281-660-0703 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
was created using a laser cutout of the shape and covered with a dimensional vein-cut marble, and a custom walnut borders the edges. This eclectic kitchen housing many focal points and contrasting textures, serves as a functional, multifaceted space for the busy, city family!
THE DUMP America’s off-price outlet for high-end furniture, handmade mattresses and fine oriental rugs is right here in Houston. The outlet opens at 10 a.m. every Friday with an ever-changing selection of closeouts, overstocks, design samples and one-of-a-kind opportunity buys from top designers. They Dump the frills, pretense and costs of regular stores, and voila! You get high-end home furnishings at 30 to 70% off price. 281-447-2250 Thedump.com 10251 North Freeway, Houston
MEREDITH O'DONNELL FINE FURNITURE From upstate New York to the hills of North Carolina to the west coast of California, the U.S. has always made beautiful hand-built furniture. This American Mission collection and more is in stock and on sale at Meredith O'Donnell Fine Furniture. 713-526-7332 1751 Post Oak Boulevard
WOODLANDS UNIQUE MELANIE KING DESIGNS Creating your dream home begins like most — on the back of a napkin, or if you are further down the road, with your builder and architect. This can be streamlined with a designer and architectural designer on hand. Melanie King Designs provides full-service interior design including residential, commercial, and remodeling. 832-647-9203 hello@melaniekingdesigns.com melaniekingdesigns.com 18 Augusta Pines Drive, Ste. 133E, Spring
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Woodlands Unique is the third service-oriented home décor store opened by the Harkey family. The store provides an amazing selection of clocks and gifts like those offered at Woodlands Clocks and Gifts, (WCG) which opened in 2000. That store was followed by Southern Home Furnishings (SHF) in 2004 and became the go-to place for unique quality furniture. The success of WCG and SHF prompted the opening of Woodlands Unique in November 2014. In addition to designer-inspired gifts, home furnishings and décor, Woodlands Unique offers shoppers a creative selection of women’s apparel and accessories. 832-246-8848 woodlandsunique.com 26211 I-45 N, The Woodlands
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
2nd PLACE - LARGE KITCHENS Peter Ross Salerno, CMKBD Peter Salerno, Inc. Wycoff, New Jersey Co-Designer: Julie Connors; Robert So A Touch of Elegance — In order to best cater to the client’s request for a unique, formal kitchen filled with character and personality, the designer found products from around the world to incorporate into the space. The kitchen had a four-foot hallway from the foyer to the garage on the right side, which was removed to accommodate a full refrigerator and freezer and also open up adequate space to fit two 100-inch islands. The family room and the kitchen were connected by the old hallway, which, when removed, opened up the kitchen to a family room with a beautiful paneled archway that is centered with the stove, the two islands and the dramatic mirrored ceiling. The detailed rosette ceiling in the center of the room features inset antique mirrors framed in acanthus leaf moldings. The center ceiling medallion is embellished with a blue crystal chandelier. The stove wall has multiple focal points including the blue La Cornue stove, a reclaimed tin hood, two curio cabinets and a 2 ¼-inch-thick concrete counter top with a silver gray finish to match the hood. The archway leading into the family room is paneled and finished to match the cabinetry. On both sides of the arch, the designer centered two tall China cabinets with curved mullion doors. Elegant crafting and exclusive detailing enable every wall in this stunning kitchen to serve as a focal point on its own. 3rd PLACE - LARGE KITCHENS Elina Katsioula-Beall, CKD DeWitt Designer Kitchens Pasadena, Calif. Co-designer: Maria Alaverdyan The Cake Baker’s Dream — The client’s dream was to own a kitchen well-equipped for painting, sculpting, baking and decorat-
1st PLACE -MEDIUM KITCHENS Amy Yin Amy Yin Interiors, LLC Short Hills, New Jersey Co-designer: Emily O’Keefe, CKD, CBD; Chris Papaleo, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB Heart of the Home — Inspired by the historic wooden window screens from the client’s ancestral home, the design of the kitchen cabinetry’s fretwork came into place. This design motif is repeated on a different scale in the kitchen’s marble backsplash, and its curves are echoed in the silhouette of the glass pendant lighting. To achieve an inviting, updated style, gleaming white counters were balanced with gradations of warm gray cabinetry, walls, and trim. Black granite insets in the backsplash complement the black gloss enamel range, which serves as the anchor of the room. Mixed metals, mirrored accents and the mother-of-pearl insets on the backsplash provide jewellike surprises throughout the kitchen. The huge island with a seamless counter holds adequate room for family and friends to dine or help with meal preparations
BEST KITCHEN WINNER
1ST PLACE LARGE KITCHEN
PHOTO BY PETER RYMWID ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGNER PETER ROSS SALERNO
ing cakes, opening up to the views outside. This led to the design of an all-white, airy kitchen with playful splashes of fuchsia and green and subtleties evoking the client’s favorite “Alice in Wonderland” theme. The former kitchen is now a spacious eating area with an expanding glass table that often doubles as an additional cakedecorating work station. In the former butler’s pantry spot now sits a triangular kitchen featuring two peninsulas stemming out of the oven and refrigeration wall. The prep and cook peninsula holds the range top and prep sink facing the folding French doors that open the living space to the garden and the views outside. The bake and decorate peninsula next to the ovens uses the front counter space to mix the dough and land the baking pans, while the backside houses all cake decorating supplies. The back wall of the kitchen triangle houses the refrigerator, double ovens, warming drawer and microwave, while a deeper counter in-between features a roll-up backsplash which conceals a roll-out commercial espresso maker. White cabinetry and counters keep the look light supported by a few splashes of color. A Fuchsia baker’s hutch with open shelving displays a bake ware collection and a focal wall is lined with recycled oval fuchsia glass tile. This pristine kitchen is truly a baker’s dream that takes the client’s hobby to the next level!
PHOTO BY ERIC HAUSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGNER BRIGITTE FABI
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2ND PLACE LARGE KITCHEN
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PHOTO BY JOHN HAYES, DESIGNER LESLIE KALISH
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THE PEOPLE’S PICK
3RD PLACE MEDIUM KITCHEN
and also engage in hobbies. Furthermore, carefully planned base cabinet storage makes access to everyday items easy for even the family’s 4-year-old. With upgraded luxury appliances, extensive counter space and seating for four at the island, this gourmet kitchen offers a peaceful, modern and luminous setting to spend that quality time with loved ones. 2nd PLACE -MEDIUM KITCHENS Claire J. Reimann, AKBD Jason Good Custom Cabinets Inc. Victoria, British Columbia Modernism Revived — A marriage between the lush kitchen space and the spectacular views outside, this design embraces simple white materials with wood accents echoing the natural surroundings. Removing all existing partition walls to achieve one large open living area, the designer deployed durable countertops and a simple cabinet style for a modern look. Since the large island required a material without a seam, the designer incorporated a neolith porcelain countertop which is 100 percent recyclable and composed of all natural materials. American Walnut with a flat sliced
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
grain match was specified for the eating bar on the island as well as some of the storage areas. Lining up perfectly with the center of the range hood fan are three central skylights that bring ample natural light to the island, minimizing the need for electricity during daytime. Stainless steel countertop with a seamless welded sink provides an exceptionally durable and hygienic surface, and an oversized industrial faucet at the main sink makes a style statement while facilitating water efficiency. Bright and spacious, catering to modern conveniences, this magnificent kitchen complements the essence of the sprawling beauty outside. 1st PLACE - SMALL KITCHENS Corey S. Klassen, CKD, CBD Corey Klassen Interior Design Vancouver, B.C. A Timeless Transition — Designed to appeal to a single client who works from home and loves to entertain, this small kitchen features a clean, contemporary and functional space for socializing, dinner parties and day-to-day use. The vertical space borrowed from the dining area makes room for a wall-oven, and adding more storage space addressed the functional needs of this kitchen. The cleanup center has increased capacity, containing a single dish drawer to the
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CARPET • TILE/STONE • AIR DUCT • UPHOLSTERY right of the sink and a functional trash bin to the left. The cooking center is at the heart of the kitchen with an induction cooktop and pop-out hood-vent above. Recessed lighting was added throughout the space and task areas were enhanced with under cabinet lights. Custom color walls and tall cabinets in white match all the finishes and the custom bench seat. Accented by natural walnut open shelves and contrasted by the newly matched parquet floor, wood tones repeat the natural theme with the customized basket weave marble tile in the backsplash. Earthy engineered quartz creates a strong, linear working surface. The kitchen adorns a timeless look for the future of the residential investment, truly reflecting the client’s sensibilities to light, color and textures. WINNER - GREEN DESIGN Adrienne Dorig Leland, CKD Dorig Designs LLC Eau Claire, Wis. Retro Farmhouse Aesthetics — It was only natural for this environment-conscious family to reduce, reuse and recycle with their remodeling project. The homeowner’s original kitchen that lacked storage, counter space and a dishwasher was reorganized by moving the refrigerator closer to the cooktop and sink, clearly defining a work zone and separating it from the path of travel from the foyer to the family room. Shifting the living room doorway made room to move the fridge to the same wall as the cooktop and also provided a better layout for the island. A fossil art from Green River Stone was placed above the sink as a focal point. Energy consumption was reduced by switching from fluorescent tracks to LED can lights and under-cabinet lighting. The Energy Star rated Big Chill fridge and Kitchen Aid dishwasher further reduce energy consumption. Since all of the farmhouse’s electricity is generated from solar panels on-site, the switch from a gas stove to an induction cooktop was a sensible one. Many parts of the kitchen were reclaimed and repurposed – the
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Ask about FREE ADVERTORIAL OFFER with Ad Purchase For Advertising Information, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 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
THORNWOOD GALLERY, LLC Nestled in the heart of Houston just one block West of Kirby Drive between Richmond and Alabama, Thornwood Gallery has earned a reputation of providing high quality artwork by international, national and local artists for homes and businesses. Their extensive inventory represents a wide variety of styles from abstract to impressionism and realism. 2643 Colquitt St.,Houston 713-528-4278 thornwoodgallery.com
281-444-9299 lightinghouston.com 6265 Cypress Creek Pkwy.
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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
THE WOODLANDS DRAPERIES & DESIGN
THE LIGHTING GALLERY The Lighting Gallery has been providing custom lighting to the Discriminating Homeowner, Designer, and Builder for over 40 years. The Lighting Gallery boasts a superb selection of chandeliers, exterior light fixtures, ceiling fans, lamps artwork and decorative mirrors. They invite you to visit their 10,000- square-foot showroom and see for yourself the difference The Lighting Gallery can make in illuminating your home.
DECORATING DEN
GLADE GALLERY Figurative art is truly timeless but is currently experiencing a tremendous resurgence in today's art world. By nature it is universally appealing — figurative art provides a mirror for our individual selves while leading us into a sense of connection to the universally shared human experience. There are few galleries in the Houston/Dallas/Austin area that feature this remarkable genre. Focusing on internationally established artists, Glade Gallery intends to bring the finest global expressions of contemporary figurative art to The Woodlands and the tri-city area. Dragos Tapu, Gallerist: 1-832-557-8781 Dragos@GladeGallery.com
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
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
PHOTO BY SUKI MEDENCEVIC, DESIGNER ELINA KATSIOULA-BEALL
PHOTO BY JASON KARMAN, DESIGNER COREY S. KLASSEN
2ND PLACE MEDIUM KITCHEN
PHOTO BY JAMES NETZ PHOTOGRAPHY LLC, DESIGNER ADRIENNE DORIG LELAND
3RD PLACE LARGE KITCHEN
PHOTO BY JOSHUA LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY, DESIGNER CLAIRE J. REIMANN
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1ST PLACE SMALL KITCHEN
more efficient kitchen that stands in harmony with the retro farmhouse aesthetic.
WINNER GREEN DESIGN
cabinetry was built by a local cabinet shop from old wormy chestnut shelves rescued from a warehouse. The stained glass found at a local salvage shop was originally from an Arts and Crafts home. The booth seats were
made from old pews and the table from old silo wood. Since composting was part of the clients’ lifestyle, the designer built a pull-out made to fit their compost bin. The clients now enjoy a
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the nonprofit trade association that owns the KBIS®. With nearly 14,000 member companies representing more than 60,000 individuals, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since its founding in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide. For more information, visit NKBA.org or call 1800-THE-NKBA (843-6522). l
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
STAR FURNITURE Star’s enduring commitment to style and quality at an affordable price is why generations of Texans trust Star to furnish their homes. Having the largest selection of fashionable home furnishings in the state isn't the only reason folks shop here! The talented staff of design experts can help you transform an ordinary room into a space you’ll love. Whether it’s a custom sofa, a fine rug, or an entire home makeover, their complimentary in-store design service will offer you an affordable solution for your next decorating project. starfurniture.com Sugar Land/Fort Bend: 19660 Hwy 59 S. 281-342-7827 Katy/W. Houston: 16666 Barker Springs Rd. 281-492-5494
WOODLANDS FABRICS & INTERIORS MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR Unique holiday gifts and home decorations are abundant in the Home Décor shop. Add beauty to your home this season with our luxurious, custom, frameless showers or choose a custom frame to enhance a mirror, wall or special picture. Don’t miss 25% off on Christmas items this month in the Home Décor Shop. 936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com
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
WAREHOUSE FRAMES ‘N GALLERY
FRENCH COURTYARD French Courtyard is brimming with all things Christmas this time of the year! The holiday decor is second to none in the area as far as unique gifts & holiday decorations go, including French holiday adornments. Custom Floral Designer on site to make your floral arrangements out of this world. Come "Sip & Shop" at their open house Dec.4th-5th. 27326 Robinson Road, The Woodlands. 281-363-1800 frenchcourtyard.com
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
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
This family owned business was established in 1982 and offers over 20,000 ready-made picture frames. They also have an inventory of over 1,000 styles of custom frame mouldings up to 40% off. A professional staff assists customers in appropriate custom framing design selections for all types of art work, photos, diplomas, prints, and sports items. Hundreds of original oil paintings and framed mirrors are displayed in the 20,000-square-foot warehouse showroom, at very competitive pricing. Ph: 713-974-6000 Fax: 713-974-6006 warehouseframes.com sales@warehouseframes.com 3815 Fondren Rd., Houston
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Happy Holidays
Sip & Shop DECEMBER 4TH-5TH HOLIDAY SPECIALS Custom Floral Designer on site to create your perfect piece Like us on Facebook!
281-363-1800
Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 1-5 December Only 27326 Robinson Road • frenchcourtyard.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Spruce Up Your Exterior Doors Care for this important focal point before your holiday guests arrive
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efore guests arrive for the December holidays, homeowners should take stock of their home exterior doors to renew and beautify them to assure years of long-lasting beauty and service. “Entry doors are like other key features of the home because they require routine maintenance,” says Chris Maulucci, a technical sales manager with Therma-Tru Corp. “Owners of fiberglass doors enjoy reduced yearly maintenance efforts, but there is still a checklist of items to inspect and adjust periodically on any door.” To help homeowners in knowing what to look for to maintain their entry doors, Therma-Tru has created this checklist: • Clean the exterior and interior of the door with a mild soap and water solution. • Inspect the weatherstrip and door bottom sweep for wear, and replace as needed. • Inspect the door’s corner sill pads for wear, and replace as needed. • Check and maintain all the door's sealants. Inspect the finish of the door and frame.
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• Reapply paint (for a painted door) or topcoat (for a stained door) as needed, which usually depends on the amount of outdoor exposure the door receives. • If needed, adjust the sill cap on the door. • Check and adjust the adjustable strike plate for the door as needed so that the weatherstrip is properly compressed when closed. • Check the security of the door’s hardware and tighten screws as needed to prevent looseness. • Seal the sill cap (the hardwood cap only) with a solvent based sealer, like linseed oil or an oil-based stain. • Lubricate door hinges as needed. Just as important as the checklist of “what to do” for yearly door maintenance is the list of items that homeowners should not do. Therma-Tru offers this list of “don’ts” related to door maintenance: • Don’t leave the door unfinished. Doors must be finished (either painted or stained).
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
• Don’t paint over a stained woodgrain door without using a compatible primer first. • Don’t use lacquer-based paints on doors. • Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean doors. A mild soap and water solution is all that's needed. • Don’t use a pressure washer on door exteriors to clean them. • Don’t clean the brick around the door with muriatic acid as it will mar the finish if any splashes onto the door. • Don’t use caulk to fill in worn weatherstrip. Instead, replace the weatherstrip. • Don’t adjust the sill cap too tightly. This can cause the door's bottom sweep to bind. • Don’t change out a doorlite (the glass insert in the door) without using an adjustable torque screw gun placed on the proper setting for the size of the doorlite. • Don’t drill holes or screws into the door to hang wreaths or holiday decorations.
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My Closet. My Home. My Style. My Budget. My Life.
$ What to Look for in a New Door “If, while performing your annual inspection, it becomes apparent that you’re in the market for a new door, consider one made of fiberglass,” says Maulucci. “A solid fiberglass door is up to four times more energy efficient than a solid wood door, plus you get the benefits that fiberglass has to offer, including resistance to rot, rust, dents and weather.”
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“A solid fiberglass door is up to four times more energy efficient than a solid wood door, plus you get the benefits that fiberglass has to offer, including resistance to rot, rust, dents and weather.” Another factor to consider is what’s on the inside of your door. The dense polyurethane foam used in the core of Therma-Tru fiberglass doors helps the doors achieve high thermal performance values. According to Maulucci, homeowners choosing to add decorative glass to their Therma-Tru fiberglass doors can also count on energy-efficient features. The company's triple-pane construction of most doorlites and sidelites creates both a strong thermal and acoustical barrier. And, factory-coated Low-E glass, available as an option for clear glass, also delivers exceptional energy efficiency. In cold weather, the Low-E glass helps reduce the loss of heat by reflecting the heat back➝
Custom Closets. Home Offices. Murphy Beds and More...
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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 5015 FM 2920 Suite A 281-288-2300 16945 N. Eldridge Pkwy. #100 281-257-5955 24150 Hwy. 290 #270 281-758-2980 See website for other locations.
CHENE INTERIORS 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
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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DONE RIGHT CARPET & TILE GREEN LINKS Synthetic turf surfaces create wonderful entertainment and lifestyle improvement spaces. From improving your golf game to more family outdoor fun, let Green Links show you how to turn outdoor space into more usable and pleasing settings. Contact them for a consultation. 713-932-9997 greenlinksinc.com
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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
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 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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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
CLOSET FACTORY STEWART LAND DESIGNS A full-service company with a staff of degreed landscape designers and horticulturists, Stewart Land Designs has built a reputation based on impeccable client service. They are a complete Design/Build company offering a turn-key operation. From design consult to construction commence they work with clients to create an outdoor living environment which meets the clients’ needs and desires. The Stewart Team has years of combined experience in creating distinctive environments that unite practical function with aesthetic appeal. 281-251-1725 stewartlanddesigns.com
GARAGE EXPERTS Garage Experts is a locally owned company that specializes in garage makeovers. They do epoxy floor coatings, custom cabinets, and garage storage solutions. Garage Experts’ products are made in America and everything they sell is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Call today to schedule your free estimate and take back your garage! 281-761-7720 GarageExperts.com
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
inside the home. In warm weather, LowE glass reflects the sun's rays off of the glass, helping keep the interior of the home cool.
MOONLIGHTING OUTDOOR LIGHTING Moonlighting Outdoor Lighting is a local family owned company. Their goal is not to highlight the beauty of their fixtures but to highlight the beauty of your home. They don't want your neighbors to say "Oh, they put up some nice lights", they want your neighbors to say "Wow, what a beautiful home!" and not even think about their lights. If you give them a chance, they would love to shine a little light on you. 832-510-4949 moonlightingofthewoodlands.com
Benefits of Fiberglass Doors According to the American Archi tectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), fiberglass products are known for their reliability, customization aspects for style design, and energy efficiency. Fiberglass doors have an abundance of features outlined by AAMA at aamanet.org; search for fiberglass product reliability. Constructed as a complete system of components, Therma-Tru fiberglass doors are designed and engineered to work together for lasting performance, security and energy efficiency. Multipoint locking systems that engage a series of locks at several places on the frame, plus the adjustable security strike plate that can withstand up to three times the force of a standard strike plate, are key factors in creating a dependable ThermaTru entry door system. Therma-Tru fiberglass doors are also available with the exclusive Tru-Defense door system. This system integrates specific components engineered and tested to deliver outstanding protection in all kinds of weather conditions. l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Love Your Neck Skin rejuvenation for the neck and chest By Judy Latta ost of us obsess over our complexions, the most visible part of our bodies, and would never forget to pamper our faces with meticulously selected cleansers, exfoliators, sunscreens, toners and moisturizers. Why, then, do so many of us fail to devote the same attention to our necks and chests, also a sensitive and highly visible area of the body. Premature signs of aging can appear on the neck and chest due to care and lifestyle issues such as neglect, sun damage, harsh cleansers, excessive dead skin cells, dehydration, poor diet, smoking, repetitive motions and lack of exercise, as well as from uncontrollable factors such as heredity, gravity, environmental conditions and stress. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), caring for your neck area is one of the best ways to defy your age because it is a body part where signs of againg can develp quickly. “The skin there is thin and contains less supportive collagen compared to your face,” notes the Academy.
firmer and clearer. Finally, as it is with your face, it is vitally important that you protect the skin on your neck and chest from the sun and elements. Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB rays is the best method for preventing premature aging of the face, neck and chest. If you can, stay out of the sun, particularly during midday, or if you have to go into the sun during peak times, cover your neck and chest areas to protect them when possible.
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Common Signs of Aging on the Neck and Chest Many different structural changes can occur in the neck and chest area as we age, such as the formation of fatty deposits under the chin, known as double chin; excess fat and skin droop in the lower face, known as jowls; loose skin; deep wrinkles across the neck; deep wrinkles down the chest, particularly in the cleavage area; and the protrusion of the vertical cords in our necks. The neck and chest can also undergo color and tone changes as we age, such as redness, dilated blood vessels, rough skin and brown spots from sun damage. Additionally, according to the AAFPRS,
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current technology is also taking a toll on our neck and lower face in the form of a relatively new condition dubbed “tech neck.” Plastic surgeons and dermatologists have noted that patients are experiencing new wrinkles and sagging jowls specifically related to the repetitive motion of looking down at their smartphones. “With such thin skin on the neck, looking down at your phone constantly can cause collagen and elastin to break down and lead to deep wrinkles and sagging,” says Stephen S. Park, president of AAFPRS. Prevention So how do you prevent premature aging under the collar? A good rule of thumb is that whatever skincare regimen you use for your face, you should also use for your neck and chest. The first step should always be a mild cleanser to remove dirt, grime and toxins, and to give you a fresh slate to work with. Most people use a specialized, mild cleanser for their faces, but use their regular body soap on their sensitive necks and chests. Next, a good moisturizer and occasional exfoliation will help the skin on your neck and chest to stay healthier, softer,
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Treatments While healthy living, good skin care and prevention from overexposure to the sun are the best methods of protecting the skin on our neck and chest areas, most of us have not been as vigilant over the course of our lives as we should have been and are now facing the long-term effects of damaged skin. Fortunately, modern science has provided us with a range of options, both surgical and non-surgical, as well as prescription and non-prescription, for treating the aesthetic effects of aging. The following are some common treatments often recommended by dermatologists and/or cosmetic surgeons for necks and chests that are in need of refreshing. Surgical Treatments: Necklifts, liposuction, chin augmentation, procedures to tighten neck muscles, and the removal of excess skin are all surgical solutions available to rejuvenate the aesthetics of the neck area. The most complete and long-lasting treatment is a lower rhytidectomy, also known as a neck lift, a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the jawline and neck. It addresses problems such as double chin, jowls, loose neck skin, and deep wrinkles. According to the AAFPRS, “Upper Neck
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Pain Relief Physically Mentally lifts and neck tightening procedures are becoming increasingly popular for women to get rid of telltale ‘turkey waddle’ ” (loose skin under the chin). Laser skin resurfacing: Through laser resurfacing, skin imperfections such as wrinkles and age spots on the neck and chest are vaporized using pulsating beams of light. The laser beam removes the outer later of damaged skin, the epidermis, and stimulates the underlying layers to promote the growth of healthy skin cells and collagen fibers. Injections: Technically known as botulinum toxin, botox is injected into particular areas of the neck and chest to paralyze wrinkle-producing muscles and nerves. The effects generally last about three months and then skin reverts to its previous form, requiring regular injections to maintain the benefits. Dermal fillers, or “wrinkle fillers” as they are often known, are substances that are injected into creases in the skin to plump-up the skin’s surface to reduce wrinkles. Fillers can be human fat from your own body, collagen or other natural or synthetic substances. Most dermal fillers work only temporarily, thus regular injections may be needed to maintain the benefits. Microdermabrasion: This method of skin refinishing exfoliates, or scrapes away, the top damaged layers of skin on the chest. Peels: Also called derma peeling, this is a solution that is applied to your chest to remove the damaged layer of skin. Chemicals and other solutions are used in different combinations and dosages to create light, medium or deep treatments depending upon your needs. Prescription treatments: Two common topical cream treatments for damaged skin that are available only with a prescription are Hydroquinone and Tretinoin. Hydroquinone is used to fade over-pigmented skin and improve clarity. Tretinoin increases collagen production to reduce wrinkles and discoloration. Non-prescription treatments: A wide range of overthe-counter remedies are available for treating the skin on the neck and chest. Some common ones are Retinol for stimulating the generation of new skin cells, Alpha Hydroxin Acid for removing dead skin cells and Alpha-Arbutin for skin lightening. Natural remedies: Some homeopathic remedies such as soy and coconut oil can help soften and smooth skin, and some herbs such as red clover are believed to work as cleansing agents for detoxifying the skin after sun exposure. For information on these and other possible solutions to improve signs of aging on your neck and chest, make an appointment with your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. l
Dr. Hyun Jong Kim L.Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D. Acupuncturist, Herbalist Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Address the cause not just the symptoms Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Dizziness, Fatigue, ADD, ADHD, Sinus Allergies, Insomnia, Skin Problems, Diverticulitis, Infertility, Menopause...
THE PLACE TO HEAL 832-660-4838 25222 Grogan’s Mill Rd. The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.REDACU.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Diet and Physical Activity What’s the cancer connection?
H
ow much do daily habits like diet and exercise affect your risk for cancer? Much more than you might think. Research has shown that poor diet and not being active are 2 key factors that can increase a person’s cancer risk. The good news is that you do something about this. Besides quitting smoking, some of the most important things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk are: • Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life. • Be physically active on a regular basis. • Make healthy food choices with a focus on plant-based foods. The evidence for this is strong: Each year, about 589,430 Americans die of cancer; around one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying too much weight. CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT Getting to and staying at a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including those of the breast (in women past menopause), colon and rectum, endometrium (the lining of the uterus), esophagus, pancreas, and kidney, among others. Being overweight can increase cancer risk in many ways. One of the main ways is that excess weight causes the body to produce and circulate more estrogen and insulin, hormones that can stimulate cancer growth. WHAT’S A HEALTHY WEIGHT? One of the best ways to get an idea if you are at a healthy weight is to check your Body Mass Index (BMI), a score based on the relationship between your height and weight. Use our easy online BMI calculator to find out your score. To reduce cancer risk, most people need to keep their BMIs below 25. Ask your doctor what your BMI number means and what
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action (if any) you should take. If you are trying to control your weight, a good first step is to watch portion sizes, especially of foods high in calories, fat, and added sugars. Also try to limit your intake of highcalorie foods and drinks. Try writing down what and how much you eat and drink for a week, then see where you can cut down on portion sizes, cut back on some not-sohealthy foods and drinks, or both! For those who are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight has health benefits and is a good place to start. BE MORE ACTIVE Watching how much you eat will help you control your weight. The other key is to be more physically active. Being active helps reduce your cancer risk by helping with weight control. It can also help improve your hormone levels and the way your immune system works. More good news – physical activity helps you reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, too! So grab your athletic shoes and head out the door! The latest recommendations for adults call for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week, or an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
week. This is over and above usual daily activities like using the stairs instead of the elevator at your office or doing housework. For kids, the recommendation is at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity activity each day, with vigorous intensity activity occurring at least 3 days each week. Moderate activities are those that make you breathe as hard as you would during a brisk walk. This includes things like walking, biking, even housework and gardening. Vigorous activities make you use large muscle groups and make your heart beat faster, make you breathe faster and deeper, and also make you sweat. It’s also important to limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, or other forms of screen-based entertainment. Being more physically active than usual, no matter what your level of activity, can have many health benefits. EAT HEALTHY FOODS Eating well is an important part of improving your health and reducing your cancer risk. Take a good hard look at what you typically eat each day and try these tips to build a healthy diet plan for yourself and your family: • Choose foods and drinks in amounts that help you get to and maintain a healthy weight. • Read food labels to become more aware of portion sizes and calories. Be aware that “low-fat” or “non-fat” does not necessarily mean “low-calorie.” • Eat smaller portions when eating high-calorie foods. • Choose vegetables, whole fruit, legumes such as peas and beans, and other low-calorie foods instead of calorie-dense foods such as French fries, potato and other chips, ice cream, donuts, and other sweets. • Limit your intake of sugarsweetened beverages such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks. • When you eat away from home, be
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A D V E R T I S I N G
SGK PLASTIC SURGERY
especially mindful to choose food low in calories, fat, and added sugar, and avoid eating large portion sizes. • Limit how much processed meat and red meat you eat. • Limit your intake of processed meats such as bacon, sausage, lunch meats, and hot dogs. • Choose fish, poultry, or beans instead of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb). • If you eat red meat, choose lean cuts and eat smaller portions. Prepare meat, poultry, and fish by baking, broiling, or poaching rather than by frying or charbroiling. Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day. • Include vegetables and fruits at every meal and snack. • Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. • Emphasize whole fruits and vegetables; choose 100% juice if you drink vegetable or fruit juices. • Limit your use of creamy sauces, dressings, and dips with fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products. • Choose whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereals (such as barley and oats) instead of breads, cereals, and pasta made from refined grains, and brown rice instead of white rice. • Limit your intake of refined carbohydrate foods, including pastries, candy, sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals, and other high-sugar foods. LIMIT ALCHOL INTAKE IF YOU DRINK People who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than 2
drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. The recommended limit is lower for women because of their smaller body size and slower breakdown of alcohol. A drink of alcohol is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor). In terms of cancer risk, it is the amount of alcohol, not the type of alcoholic drink that is important. These daily limits do not mean it’s safe to drink larger amounts on fewer days of the week, since this can lead to health, social, and other problems. REDUCING CANCER RISK IN THE COMMUNITY Adopting a healthier lifestyle is easier for people who live, work, play, or go to school in an environment that supports healthy behaviors. Working together, communities can create the type of environment where healthy choices are easy to make. We all can be part of these changes: Let’s ask for healthier food choices at our workplaces and schools. For every junk food item in the vending machine, ask for a healthy option, too. Support restaurants that help you to eat well by offering options like smaller portions, lower-calorie items, and whole-grain products. And let’s help make our communities safer and more appealing places to walk, bike, and be active. THE BOTTOM LINE It has been estimated that as much as one-third of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are related to diet and activity factors. Let’s challenge ourselves to lose some extra pounds, increase our physical activity, make healthy food choices, limit alcohol, and look for ways to make our communities healthier places to live, work, and play. l Courtesy of The American Cancer Society
SGK Plastic Surgery is a premier plastic surgery practice in The Woodlands. Recognized as a black diamond provider by Allergan, Inc., SGK Plastic Surgery is in the top 1% of implant providers in the nation. Dr. Kim and her unique team are proud to serve their clients and patients with utmost care and exceptional results. SGK Plastic Surgery provides a safe and confidential care to its surgical patients in the AAAASF-certified surgery center located within SGK Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sugene Kim is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with a strong reputation as a warm, caring doctor. She takes the time to listen to your goals and explain your options. As a busy mother of two young boys, she understands the challenges moms face post-pregnancy. Whether you desire to improve your post-pregnancy figure with a Mommy Makeover, contour your body after weight loss, or freshen up your look around the holidays with non-invasive treatments such as BOTOX and fillers, Dr. Kim and her dedicated team have the expertise and experience to meet your goals. 281-363-4546 drkimplasticsurgery.com 4185 Technology Forest Blvd., Suite 150 The Woodlands
MCHUGH PLASTIC SURGERY DR. THOMAS P. MCHUGH Well known for his extensive expertise and compassion, Dr.Thomas P. McHugh is one of the area’s only physicians who will personally inject his patients. This aspect of his med spa sets him apart from his competition. In addition, he is internationally renowned and board certified in plastic surgery. He has been in practice for more than 25 years. Dr. McHugh strives to give a personal touch to cosmetic surgery — prior to the procedure, during and through the aftercare. He wants all of his clients to feel comfortable, secure and completely satisfied with their results. 281-444-3733 mchughplasticsurgery.com
RIVELA PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Lucian J. Rivela, M.D. has served clients not only here, but globally. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is also a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He prides himself in offering his clients some of the most innovative procedures available in his field. In addition, both Dr. Rivela and his wife Patti are huge believers in "giving back." They have participated in medical missions in Guatemala and Peru repairing cleft lips and other deformities, with the charity "Agape In Action." Local charities see donations from the Rivelas all year long in various ways, including 10% of profits from skincare treatments EVERY MONTH. As The Woodlands area's largest provider of Botox and Juvederm, Dr. Rivela and his amazing staff are honored to be chosen as the first to be performing the newly released Voluma. Voluma is the first filler of its kind to be approved by the FDA for correcting mid face volume loss from aging and is just the thing to make your holiday just a little fuller and bright. Please call for more information on any of Rivela Plastic Surgery's rejuvenating procedures or to schedule your complimentary consultation. 281-681-3905 rivelaplasticsurgery.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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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
HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL Houston Methodist is opening in The Woodlands. Houston Methodist is building a new 187-bed hospital in The Woodlands. The 470,000-squarefoot hospital, located at the intersection of TX 242 and I-45, is slated for completion in 2017. The medical campus also includes a 150,000-square-foot medical office building scheduled to open in early 2016, and will include a Breast Care Center. The hospital will also provide specialized care in cancer treatment, cardiology, neurology, women’s health, orthopedics and sports medicine, and offer a corporate wellness program. For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report recently named Houston Methodist Hospital the Best Hospital in Texas, with national rankings in 11 specialties. For the 10th year in a row, Houston Methodist has been named to FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list and is one of only four Houston companies ranked. For more information or to schedule an appointment at one of their locations, call or visit the website. 713-790-3333 houstonmethodist.org
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
“Active Living after Breast Cancer” Promotes Improved Quality of Life Free program for survivors offered by MD Anderson and Kelsey-Seybold
T
he battle against breast cancer can take a tremendous toll on a woman’s body, but it is important that they know the fight does not end when they enter remission. Research has shown obvious, tangible benefits to maintaining an active, physically fit lifestyle following a breast cancer diagnosis, including a decreased risk of recurrence, lower incidence of cancerrelated deaths, and an improved overall quality of life. Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in the Houston area, affects more than 2,000 new patients each year in our area. Fortunately, current treatments have improved survival rates, which leads to an increasing number of breast cancer survivors in the region. However, despite compelling evidence, the vast majority of breast cancer survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. Unfortunately, limited resources are available to assist the growing population of survivors in addressing physical activity needs, particularly among low-income and medically underserved populations. To address the issue, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in partnership with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, now offers an evidence-based program — “Active Living after Breast Cancer” — in The Woodlands area designed to offer support resources and promote a physically active lifestyle for breast cancer survivors. The program, funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, is free to all participants. “A program like this can help women who’ve had breast cancer connect with other survivors, get more active, and feel more healthy and energetic,” said Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., director, Center for Energy Balance in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. “Also, survivors who are more physically active after diagnosis have been shown to have a lower risk
of cancer recurrence.” “Active Living after Breast Cancer” is a 12-session program that teaches breast cancer survivors simple ways to be more active and provides support and service navigation for survivorship issues, explains Lizette Martinez, program coordinator. The program is offered to any and all women in The Woodlands area with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer who are not currently being treated with chemotherapy or radiation. The program trains participants to increase physical activity through lifestyle modifications, such as walking during a lunch break or taking the stairs instead of elevators. The goal is to gradually increase their physical activity over the course of the program and teach them to reward themselves for improvements along the way. Patients report making meaningful changes to maintain higher levels of physical activity and proper nutrition following completion of the program. Delivered in group sessions by trained health educators, the program also incorporates a cancer survivorship component to provide breast cancer-specific information and community resources. It provides an opportunity for women to share their struggles and triumphs together with others who have made similar journeys. Armed with the training and resources provided by “Active Living after Breast Cancer,” Woodlands breast cancer survivors can take the appropriate steps to improve their fitness, health and quality of life. A group based in The Woodlands is currently underway at the South County Community Center, with further classes planned in early 2016. Women interested in learning about the program and registering for the session nearest them may contact Lizette Martinez at lmartinez8@ mdanderson.org or call 713-442-1216 or 713-442-1231. l
A Centerpiece Worth Celebrating
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Nothing brings family and friends together quite like a full holiday meal menu. Whether creating an entire festive feast from scratch or looking for a tasty dish to take and share, these dishes aim to fill up the table and keep the seats around it full as well. From a tender, juicy attractive main dish to a zesty twist on a holiday favorite to sweet treats that bring holiday cheer, dinner through dessert offer tastes sure to please.
Pork Crown Roast with Garlic Herb Rub A stunning main dish is the centerpiece of any holiday meal, and a pork crown roast can lend an extra special touch to this year’s celebration. Find main dishes, sides and desserts, as well as a variety of holiday meal packages to fit any size gathering, at OmahaSteaks.com. Prep time: 30 minutes • Cook time: 2 hours, 30 min. Total time: 3 hours • Serves: 12-16
1 1/4 cup 2 tbsp 1/3 cup 1/4 cup 1/4 cup 2 tbsp 1/2 cup 2 lbs 1 lb
Omaha Steaks Pork Crown Roast kosher salt coarsely ground black pepper fresh garlic, peeled and finely diced thyme, leaves removed from stem and coarsely chopped rosemary, leaves removed from stem and coarsely chopped sage, leaves removed from stem and coarsely chopped plus 2 tbsp olive oil baby red potatoes, halved fresh pearl onions, peeled and halved
Thaw roast completely and remove plastic packaging. Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare rub by combining salt, pepper, garlic, herbs and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Mix 2 tablespoons of rub with remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss with potatoes and onions. Liberally rub all sides of roast with remaining rub, including in between bones. Put any excess rub on top. Place roast on foil lined sheet pan and spread potatoes and onions around sides of roast. Cook on center rack of oven for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 35 minutes for a 9-pound roast, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F in the middle. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting away string and slicing between bones for 16 even portions. Serve with roasted red potatoes and pearl onions in natural au jus.l Family Features
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
Great Values Tastings with Republic, Chamelion and more winners with dinner
Former Houstonian Tim Thornhill, COO of Parducci/Moniker.
I: The quality of Rioja wines started accelerating in the ’90s, and they are still on a roll. In a recent tasting hosted by Republic National Distributing Company, here are my favorites, all recommended: Bodegas Palacio, Milflores Blanco 2013 $15; Glorioso Crianza 2010 $16.50; Bodegas Ontañon Crianza 2011 $16.50; Bodegas Antaño Reserva 2007 $13.50; Montecillo Gran Reserva 2007 $32; Marques de Riscal Proximo 2010 $10; Marques de Riscal Reserva 2005 $20; Artadi Viñedos y Vinos Viñas de Gain 2011 $26; Artadi Viñedos de Viños Tempranillo Valde 2011 $26; Palacios Remondo Blanco Placet 2011 $40; Palacios Remondo Propiedad 2010 $42; Bodegas Faustino Gran Reserva 2001 $34; Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2007 $36; Torres Altos 2012 $15; Bodegas Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria Blanco 2012 $17; Bodegas Valdemar Gran Reserva 2005 $32; Viña Equia Crianza 2009 $13 II: Recent tasting of selections from Chamelion Distributors, my favorites, all recommended: Small Vines Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2013 $46 and Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2013 $48; Hugo Family Cellars Grenache/ Syrah “Misceo” Napa Valley 2010 $28;
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The McBride sisters, owners of Truvée Wines.
Hélène Seillan of Cenyth.
Muscardini Cellars Fortuna Red Blend BWise Vineyards $55 and Chamizal (88% Zinfandel/12% Petite Sirah) 2012 $48; Trombetta Family Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2012 and 2013 $42 each; Macauley Chardonnay Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch 2013 and Petite Sirah Napa Valley 2012 $42; Saffron Fields Pinot Noir Yamill Carlton 2012 $48 and Heritage Clones 2013 $48; Zyme, II Bianco Veneto 2014 $25; Paternoster Aglianico Del Vulture Synthesi, Basilicate 2011 $24; Saddleback Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013 $27 and Rancher Red Oakville Napa Valley 2012 $27; Fort Ross Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Sea Slope 2012 $34; Nimrod Kovacs Furmint (primary grape of Hungary’s Tokaji) 2011 $23 III: Recently tasted winners with dinners — three Whites and six Reds: Truvée Chardonnay Central Coast 2014 —The debut wine of Robin and Andrea McBride, sisters who grew up apart in New Zealand and California, and were reunited by their father’s last wish. This is the bestvalue Chardonnay I’ve tasted from the Central Coast. Flavors of citrus and “delicate notes of tropical fruit.” Fried shrimp with tartar sauce. Great value. $15 Moniker Chardonnay Mendocino
County 2013 — From the owners of Parducci Winery, and primarily from the Estate Vineyard along The Russian River Valley. An addition of Viognier and French oak aging really perks up this wine with charm and approachability. Bright and refreshing. Sliced turkey sandwich. Underpriced. $16 Miner Chardonnay Napa Valley 2012 — “Crisp apple and ripe melon fruit with subtle citrus flavors.” Interesting by itself, it blossomed with Alaskan Cod with tartar sauce. Full and rich. The 2011 Miner Chardonnay Napa Valley Wild Yeast is also a great find. Perfect with La Vista’s crab cakes! $32 and $48 respectively. Chateau Artix Minervoise 2011 — Perfect example of my comment in The Advanced Oenophile that the Languedoc area is a treasure trove of excellent wines — mostly reds — for under $20. Deep color with alluring nose and depth of flavors, primarily from Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Beef stew. $15 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2013 — Attractive bottle design. A class act with blueberries, spice and everything nice. Perfectly ready to drink with lovely fruit and supple tannins. Flank steak. $26 Experience Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
pepper. I’m guessing her dad was her mentor here, as this first effort is beguiling and first-class. Veal Marsala. $60 By the way... here’s what I will be enjoying on New Year’s Eve: Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, always outstanding and in the top two or three nonvintage sparklers. Tasting more like a late disgorged top-of-the-line $100+ wine, this has long been one of my favorites. $65 l
Travis and Catherine Vale of Experience.
Valley 2012 — Artisticly alluring label, which I admired for some time before opening the bottle. Rich taste of blackberries, black currants and baking spices, excellent balance and long finish. From sight to smell to taste to finish, all components in harmony. Bacon cheeseburger. $28 Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 — Cuvaison purchased the Brandlin property high up on Mt Veeder in 1998. The Brandlin Famiy had been farming there since 1926! Beautiful raspberry and black cherry flavors with tender tannins. For a treat, visit www.brandlinvineyard.com and click on the short video. The message is short but sweet. Great wine at the right price. Rib eye. $60 Guarachi Family Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Sun Chase Vineyard 2013 — As a wine importer, Sam Guarachi has always dreamed of his own “hand-selected, ultra-luxury wine from California.” Here it is!! Rich, enticing and redolent of black cherries. Roasted duck with cherry sauce. $60 Cenyth Sonoma County Red 2010 — One of the top winemakers anywhere is Piere Seillan, who makes, among other wines, Verite, which sells for $390 a bottle at release. This is the first release for his
Dave Miner, founder/owner of Miner Family Winery.
daughter Hélène. It is a right bank Bordeaux look-alike with 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby color with lovely fruit flavors with a hint of spice and white
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 Tsukiji Japanese Cuisine 24 Water Way Ave. #100 The Woodlands • 281-298-1888
AmericAn 19th Hole Grill & Bar 202 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-363-2574
UNI Sushi 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-298-7177
3B's Restaurant 466 Rayford Rd. #107 Spring • 281-419-3553
BArBecue
Baker Street Pub & Grill 25 Waterway Ave. #100 The Woodlands • 281-362-7431
Corkscrew BBQ 24930 Budde Rd. Spring • 832-592-1184
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse 19075 I-45 #600 Shenandoah • 936-273-7100
Country Time BBQ & Fixins 25330 Richards Rd. Spring • 281-298-7455
Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-362-1678
Dickey's Barbecue Pit 10700 Kuykendahl Rd. The Woodlands • 281-298-8422
Black-Eyed Pea 1330 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-367-7143
Mama J's BBQ & Grill 26710 I-45 Spring • 936-273-9444
Buffalo Wild Wings 19075 I-45 #100 Shenandoah • 936-273-7777
Pappas Barbecue 27752 Interstate 45 N. Conroe • 281-363- 2647
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
Masa's Sushi & Robata Bar 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands • 281-298-5688
The Woodlands Dining Room 2301 North Millbend Dr. The Woodlands • 281-364-6292
Pei Wei Asian Diner 19075 I-45 S. Shenandoah • 936-271-9217
Tommy Bahama 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-292-8669
Pho Be 314 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-465-9598
AsiAn/cHinese/ susHi Bei Jing Chinese Restaurant 409 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-363-2308 Benihana 1720 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-292-0061 Chi Japanese 27100 I-45 N. Oak Ridge N. The Woodlands • 281-419-1166
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
Sakekawa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (2 locations) 4221 Research Forest Drive and 6777 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands • 281-298-9188 Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar 9420 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-273-0023 Thai Cottage 3105 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-271-0771
Pit Master BBQ Cafe 343 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-419-3644 Spring Creek BBQ 19099 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-271-0251 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
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Euro Bakery & Cafe 5010 Louetta Rd. Spring • 281-257-3023
The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant 373 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-367-0114
Gigi's Cupcakes 4747 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-651-5637
McAlister's Deli 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-271-1888
Guri do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse 1400 Research Forest Dr. Shenandoah • 281-907-4146
Via Emilia 10700 Kuykendahl The Woodlands • 281-465-9555
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
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
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
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
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 Katz's Express 19075 I-45 #116A Conroe • 936-321-1880
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
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The Jewel of the Golden Isles Sea Island offers visitors Southern hospitality that never goes out of style
The Cloister’s Main Entrance
By Noelle Valentine ea Island – a private, coastal Georgia resort island – is an exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt Southern hospitality. Home to two of the Top 10 resorts in the continental U.S., as recognized in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards three years in a row, the destination boasts four Forbes Five-Star experiences – The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant – along with a vast array of adventures and experiences, Sea Island entices families, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh and recharge. It is the only resort in the world
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to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for seven consecutive years. Sea Island lies off the southeastern coast of Georgia, halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida, and is surrounded by five miles of private, pristine beach on the Atlantic Ocean to the east and separated from St. Simons Island on the west by the largest salt marsh on the eastern seaboard. The resort is a one-hour drive from both cities’ international airports. Four miles away, McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport welcomes private aircrafts. Delta Airlines services the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, 14 miles from Sea Island, through its partner, Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Sea Island transporta-
The Cloister’s Solarium
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Cloister’s Colonial Lounge/lobby
tion is readily available from all airports. While there are a number of reasons to love Sea Island, we’ve put together a list of the top five, counting down: 5. Southern Hospitality. Experience the South at its finest — the Sea Island Service team epitomizes southern hospitality. As soon as you arrive, the staff members go out of their way to welcome you and do whatever they can to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable stay. As you step into the lobby and are escorted to your finely-appointed, spacious, elegant accommodations, you’ll feel as though you’re taking a step back in time. Everyone is beyond courteous. After the first meeting with a staff member, you’ll be happily surprised to find that they always call you by name. Maintaining an exact attention to detail that can only be achieved by an award-winning staff, your stay will be managed by a single point of contact dedicated to ensuring that all aspects of your getaway are flawless. 4. The Natural Beauty. Originally planted by former President Calvin Coolidge in 1928, the live oaks all over the island are now more than 80 years old and simply gorgeous — as are The Cloister’s gardens, golf courses and five miles of private beach. Coolidge wasn’t
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Cloister Ocean Residences
the only notable politician to add to the luxury hotel’s landscape; Margaret Thatcher, Gerald Ford, Tony Blair and Dwight Eisenhower and many more have planted trees in the lush, verdant landscape. As well, the fertile marshland and coast attracts masses of animals. You’ll discover the flora and fauna of the island’s maritime forest, marshes and beach with opportunities galore for birding and shelling, and the hotel even offers an adopt-a-nest program for the native loggerhead sea turtles. 3. History. The Cloister hotel has a long history dating back to the 1920s — when Palm Beach trailblazing architect Addison Mizner designed it — and has welcomed guests for over 80 years. With its opening in 1928, Bill Jones and automobile magnate Howard Coffin created “a friendly little hotel” on the southern coast of Georgia. In the decades that have passed since Sea Island’s first guest, much in has changed while much remains the same. In 2006, an extensive rebuild replaced the historic building with all with the same charm, charisma and meticulous attention to detail of the property of yesteryear. Though the resort has evolved through the years, the simple traditions that define Sea Island
have been preserved. The same children who once played on the shore years ago now bring their children and grandchildren to play on the same beach. Over the years, The Cloister also has played host to presidential figures and European royalty. The Sea Island hotel was the venue of the G8 Summit in 2004, with George H.W. Bush and other world leaders in attendance. Continuing the pattern with other previous venues of the G8 meeting, the island is remote, easily secured and has luxurious accommodations. 2. Activities and Amenities. Whether you’re 5 or 55, there is plenty to do at this Five-Star hotel, from swimming, fishing and boating (relax on the hotel’s own Cloister Belle yacht) to horseback riding, skeet shooting and squash, tennis and golf. The Sea Island Golf Performance Center is one of the resort’s signature experiences. The state-of-the-art facility offers an indoor video studio, 300 yards of teeing area, target greens, short-game areas and an exclusive club-fitting service. Sea Island Golf Club’s three 18-hole championship courses – Seaside, Plantation and Retreat – are situated on breathtaking landscapes.
Cloister Ocean Residence Living Room
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Five-Star Spa - Water Atrium
Spa Fountain
Avenue of Oaks
Seaside (Par 70; six tee areas; 5,048 to 7,005 yards; 120 to 141 slope) – Situated at the southern tip of St. Simons Island, Seaside is the pinnacle of links golf. A true links-style course – linking the sea to the land – features 15 holes flanked by captivating views of the Georgia coast’s diverse landscapes. Offering Sea Island’s most demanding layout, Seaside is the host venue for the PGA Tour’s McGladrey Classic. Plantation (Par 72; six tee areas; 5,194 to 7,058 yards; 122 to 136 slope) – Unfolding from a forest of ancient live oaks, cedars and Georgia’s lush, long-leaf pines, the Plantation’s treelined layout brandishes breathtaking ocean views, plentiful lakes, expansive fairways and liberal sight lines between holes. The Rees Jones-designed course tempts both the experienced and novice player with a tiny hint of danger lurking in the course’s tidal creeks and lakes. Retreat (Par 72; six tee areas; 5,082 to 7,106 yards, 117 to 135 slope) – When Davis Love III and his brother Mark began renovating the Retreat Course in October 2000, they knew they had a difficult task. Fusing the players’ preferences from the previous design, the brothers created a distinctively dramatic design. The green complexes successfully combine slope, sand bunkers and undulations that challenge golfers to find a wide variety of shots. For unique activities you’ll only find at The Cloister, play a game of bingo unlike any you’ve seen at the local VFW hall. At The Cloister, bingo games are upscale, popular family affairs held in the ballroom. You may be on a secluded private island, but the best amenities are at your fingertips. Georgia’s only Five-Star restaurant and spa call The Cloister home. You easily can spend the day being pampered at The Cloister Spa. Unwind in the leafy garden atrium on your comfy chaise lounge, soak in the pool where the gushing waterfall drowns out any stresses, or reflect and relax in the onsite labyrinth. 1. A Home Away From Home. Sea Island is a home away from home for discriminating travelers and young, modern families, who have made the Sea Island Tradition their own. The Cloister Ocean Residences – Those who are looking to own a piece of this exceptional island destination will find their home away from home at The Cloister Ocean Residences, a shared ownership opportunity. “It’s a smart way to own and enjoy the best of Sea Island, with all the amenities and benefits of a Five-Star resort and none of the worries of maintaining a vacation home — all at a fraction of the initial and ongoing costs,” says Randy Burgess, project director for The Cloister Ocean Residences, who touts the $100,000 value of the Sea Island Club membership that comes with the purchase. The Cloister Ocean Residences are a private, gated oceanfront enclave overlooking an expansive beach. The commu-
The Lodge at Sea Island
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nity blends 22 elegantly furnished one-, two- and three-bedroom residences just steps from the beach. These residences are designed to free their owners from the high expenses and maintenance worries of traditional vacation homes. Owners enjoy one-fourth undivided, deeded interests in fully furnished and maintained residences, with a guarantee of one week each month. A complimentary Chairman’s Club membership for three years in 3RD HOME offers the ability to exchange weeks for vacations at thousands of other luxurious destinations worldwide. Visit www.3rdhome.com for more information. “The Cloister Ocean Residences are much more than an oceanfront real estate purchase; they provide a lifestyle of quality time spent with family and friends, creating special memories and a legacy for generations to come,” says Burgess. Shares start at $375,000 and go to $1.1 million, with an average of $700,000. If a simple vacation is more of what you desire, rental opportunities abound. Select a place from any number of the luxurious, well-appointed options available. For more information, visit www.cloisteroceanresidences.com or call 844-842-8317. The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club – The AAA Five-Diamond, Forbes Five-Star Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club caters to guests seeking ultimate privacy and luxury. The intimate 40-room hotel and golf clubhouse offers expansive ocean views, and is surrounded by the emerald fairways of The Sea Island Golf Club. The stunning accommodations offer the feel of a classic English country manor with hand-crafted Oriental rugs, spacious marble baths with deep-soaking tubs and rainhead showers. Sea Island Cottages – Renting a cottage on Sea Island is a treasured tradition for many of the resort’s frequent visitors. Of approximately 600 privately owned Cottages on Sea Island, 150 are available for rent. Each is uniquely designed, providing guests with a selection of styles and décor from which to choose. The homes range from three to eight bedrooms and most residences offer beach, salt marsh or tidal creek views. Rental of the Cottages includes complete access to dining, golf, spa, and resort privileges at The Cloister and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. Those wanting to own a second home and be a part of the Sea Island lifestyle have many options. Sea Island Properties can provide information about housing options. With interest rates at all time lows, it’s a great time to look for lots, residences, condos and shared ownership properties. From quaint smaller cottages to estate-size oceanfront compounds, you can choose from Dune, Forest, Ocean or River Cottages. Ocean or Beach Club residences offer 3-4 bedrooms, just steps from the Sea Island Beach Club. Beach Club suites offer 1- and 2-bedroom floorplans. The River Club Townhomes offer 2-5 bedroom floorplans. The newest of the Sea Island resort offerings are The Cloister Cottages. They have 4 bedrooms and are approximately 4,000 square feet with gourmet kitchens, screened porches and a plunge pool. Contact Sea Island Properties at 912-638-5161 or visit www.seaislandproperties.com. Renowned for its hospitality, unique location and opportunity to create lasting and ongoing memories, Sea Island has been creating lifelong traditions for discerning travelers and offering real estate ownership opportunities since 1928. Experience Sea Island at www.seaisland.com or call 855-231-6761. l
Beach Club Pool
Inshore Fishing
Hunting at Broadfield
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Meghan
&
Scott
Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Morgan Lynn Photography
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core one point in the international romance department for University of Georgia sport scholarships. Meghan Gibbons — a young woman born and raised in The Woodlands — and Scott Alpine — a young man born and raised in New Zealand — met precisely because each ended up at the University of Georgia on such a scholarship. The rest is a happily-ever-after love story. Meghan attended the John Cooper School and played on the first and only state championship soccer team at The Woodlands High School. She also grew up playing for the Challenge Soccer Club and is now one of its trainers. She earned a business degree in marketing with a soccer scholarship at University of Georgia and works in aviation sales at Flight Aware in Houston. Scott Alpine attended St. Kentigern College in New Zealand and earned a degree in housing and consumer economics at University of Georgia while on a golf scholarship. He is a licensed pilot as well as a real estate agent at New Western Acquisitions in Houston. This past May 30, they tied the knot at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, Robb Chapel, followed by a dream-come-true reception at Chandelier Grove, an exclusive 15-acre orchard in Tomball.
Introductions and First Date Meghan and Scott had many mutual sports friends and were introduced the fall of 2010. They ran into each other at study halls and tutorials. The group of friends used “Hey Tell,” a popular voice messaging app, to stay in touch. Meghan and her friends loved listening to Scott’s adorable accent. They eventually went on a casual first date at Mirko, an Italian restaurant in Athens, Georgia. From there it was “game on,” and the two became inseparable.
Courtship They dated for just over three years, making multiple trips home to Houston for the holidays and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. They flew to New Zealand four times and also studied abroad together to earn college credits, visiting seven cities and four countries. The couple also loved Georgia football games in the fall and sorority and fraternity date nights in the spring. Scott injured his leg and had to take a break from golf, and joined the club water polo team. An absolutely stunning bride poses in her gown. • Aisles adorned with flowers frame the couple at the altar.
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Proposal Scott had already moved to The Woodlands and was living with Meghan’s parents while she finished an intern-
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Maids surround their bride the morning of the ceremony. • The bride’s attendants add a bit of laughter to the occasion as they attend to every detail. • A whimsical and lovely gown adorns the bride. • An emotional bride reads a note from her beloved. • The bridal gown hangs resplendent. • The mother of the bride glows with happiness.
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ship in Atlanta. Meghan was supposed to drive straight back to Texas to join Scott, but he suggested they meet in New Orleans, a place he had never visited. They toured the French quarter, ate beignets and explored Bourbon Street. Scott made reservations at Doris Metropolitan Restaurant and planned to have a horse-drawn carriage drop them off at Jackson Square. Unfortunately, what had been a beautiful sunny day in New Orleans turned into an drenching summer shower. In lieu of a carriage ride, they took a cab. Then it suddenly stopped raining. The tourists had cleared out due to the previous downpour, and the couple stood alone facing a church. Scott got down on one knee and proposed. “It was beautiful!” notes Meghan, who, of course, said yes.
Engagement They flew to Croatia after the proposal to meet Scott’s parents for an extended engagement celebration. They spent seven days on a boat, and Meghan studied wedding magazines while Scott helped with a complicated guest list involving nearly four dozen New Zealanders who would fly to Texas. Scott began working that fall, and Meghan began working that spring, so they had ample free time for dedicated wedding planning.
The Wedding
On his way to the ceremony with his groomsmen close behind. • The groom pulls on one of his signature socks. • Groomsmen reminisce over a funny moment at the rehearsal dinner. • Chalkboard signs add a personal flair.
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The bride envisioned an elegant ceremony in the church and a rustic venue for the reception, both with an abundance of flowers. Pastor Mark Sorenson officiated as the parents of the bride, Jim and Melissa Gibbons, joined the parents of the groom, Dave and Deirdre McAlpine, watching the ceremony. Attire: The bride’s Monique Lhuillier champagne silk beneath a white Chantilly lace overlay gown had a subtle sweetheart neckline and beaded appliques from the Bliss Spring 2015 Collection. The bottom was layered in kremlin fabric with horsehair trim. A Vera Wang veil with matching horsehair trim, a beaded belt, and a Jimmy Choo “Baxen” wedge peep toe pump in nude/gold completed the ensemble. The “something old” was the white glove that the bride’s grandmother had worn on her own wedding day, pinned inside the bride’s gown. The “something new” was her gift from the groom — diamond earrings. The “something borrowed” was her mother’s diamond tennis bracelet.
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Bridesmaids wore Monique Lhuillier long strapless dresses in chiffon with flower detail on the bodice and empire waist, custom made in the color Slate. They all wore Kendra Scott drop earrings and their own nude pumps or strappy heels. The groom wore a charcoal suit and matching vest, Georgia bulldog socks, Allen Edmond “Strand” cap-toe oxfords and matching belt, and a purple and grey striped tie. Groomsmen wore Hugo Boss slim-fit charcoal wool suits, and the same socks and shoes as the groom, and matching belts and grey ties. Bridal Party: Nicole Locandro and Kylie Cook served as maids of honor, with Sara Ellis, Emily Dunlap, Nikki Hill, Madeline Barker, Lauren Tanner and Sarah McAlpine serving as bridesmaids. Grayson Bullard was the flower girl. Brian Carter and Sam Sherning served as best men, joined by groomsmen Wes Gibbons, Jacob Gibbons, T.J. Mitchell, Joey Garber, Jim Sheffield and Neil Wethington. Hudson Bullard was the ring bearer.
Place cards are surrounded by lovely flowers. • Let the merriment begin! • An exquisite venue awaits the guests. • The couple cuts the extraordinary cake. • The ring bearer and flower girl play air guitars.
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A proud father dances with his gorgeous daughter. • Fun with sunglasses! • The newlyweds enjoy a romantic first dance. • Celebrating happily ever after. • The groom and his mother share a moment on the dance floor.
Floral and Décor: J Low Events decorated the church entrance with two large flower arrangements, and every other pew had flower arrangements with greenery. The bride favored white and purple hydrangeas, white peonies, white and purple freesia, white and purple lisianthus and white spray roses. Top Wedding Moments: The couple opted not to do a “first look,” so the bride enjoyed seeing her groom’s expression as she headed toward the altar. “I think my dad and I must have both been a little nervous, because we walked very quickly down the aisle!” she says. They exchanged traditional vows, and the crowd cheered as they kissed.
The Reception J Low Events staged different elegant looks within the venue, changing them as
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events changed from cocktailing to dinner and to dancing, all done without guests noticing. The event planner also worked with the couple to incorporate personal touches into their celebration, including a “Georgia Bulldog” on 14-foot ice bar with two shot luges on the end in the shapes of Texas and New Zealand. The groom’s love of candy and Moscow Mules (Australian ginger beer — his specialty drink) shone through, and the Moscow Mule mugs were engraved with the couple’s wedding monogram. A cigar bar offered handrolling on-site. A custom backdrop photo booth displayed the wedding date and monogram. Music and dance floor items entertained guests, including purple, grey and white dancing sandals, blow up guitars, light-up tambourines and sunglasses. Floral and Décor: The bride loved that there were flowers everywhere from floor to ceiling, accenting the old architecture and wooden beams of Chandelier Grove and flower chandelier above the dance floor. White snap dragons, white and purple stalk, sweet pea, vendella roses, white garden roses and Sterline roses were scattered throughout. The head table was covered with beautiful white lace and beaded linens with two charger plates, one clear with the rim covered in rhinestones/crystals, and one in silver with light silver designs around the edge. The menu sat on the charger wrapped in a purple napkin. The guest tables were decorated in matte silver linens and alternating centerpieces with high flower arrangements in silver holders and low arrangements surrounded by vintage candleholders. Everyone was seated on Chiavari chairs. A chalkboard artist created all of the signs, and photos from the couple’s engagement served as the guest book, with blank spaces for signing names. The Cakes: The white-on-white, six-layer wedding cake was iced in buttercream icing with purple and white flowers between the layers. The groom’s red velvet cake was shaped like New Zealand, draped with the country’s flag, and decorated with an airplane above his home town pointing towards the U.S. and flying a “Just Married” banner.
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Giving Back Takes Heart County United Way Days of Caring campaign gets boost from Chevron Phillips Chemical volunteers (above) Volunteers from Chevron Phillips Chemical pose with horse Zorro for a group photo after completing new signs for Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch’s sensory trail. v (below) Chevron Phillips Chemical volunteers show they have “heart” during the MCUW fundraising campaign.
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t all started with a boy, a horse and a desire to change the world. When Chanda DeBoyes, an employee of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips Chemical) in The Woodlands, signed up to participate in Montgomery County United Way’s Days of Caring program through her company she had no idea of the impact their service would have not only to the nonprofit organization, but on the life of her 7-year-old son, Trahan. The pair was assigned to Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch, a local equestrian therapy center and Montgomery County United Way partner that focuses on personal advancements for people, particularly children, with the use of therapy
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horses. While riding, a client responds to the horse’s rhythmic movements, which stimulate the muscular and nervous systems. This promotes change in the rider’s strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, social skills, behavioral responsiveness, sensory processing and confidence. DeBoyes and her son spent the day painting signs with inspirational messages for the clients while other volunteers helped build fencing for the horses. Some of the kids even had the opportunity to meet Zorro, one of the veteran therapy horses retired from racing after being rescued and rehabilitated. DeBoyes, who is an accountant in Chevron Phillips Chemical’s finance department, discovered that participant tuition covers less than 10 percent of the actual operating cost of the ranch. As a number-cruncher, this statistic was eye opening, and further motivated her to help. Following their day of service at the ranch, Trahan asked his mother when they could come back and help because he had made his own personal discovery. “Mom,” he said, “the more we help, the more kids the ranch can help.” Her son’s simple, but poignant statement stopped DeBoyes in her tracks. She looked at her son and said, “You are exactly right.” DeBoyes shared her story and
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Trahan DeBoyes meets Zorro for the first time.
her son’s perspective during Chevron Phillips Chemical’s recent United Way fundraising campaign in hopes of inspiring an increased spirit of giving and her message seemed to do just that. This year, employees from The Woodlands and Conroe contributed more than ever before, raising nearly $400,000 when matched for Montgomery County United Way and its community partners like Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch. Chevron Phillips Chemical has been a United Way pacesetter in Montgomery County since 2004 and is the secondlargest campaign donor in the county. “As a company, Chevron Phillips Chemical understands the importance of supporting its neighbors by giving back to the community,” said CEO Pete Cella. “This year though, it’s been touching to see the increased gift of time, in addition to money, given by so many of our employees here in Montgomery County.” Besides giving time at Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch, more than 200 employees and family members participated in Montgomery County Food Bank’s Sort to Support challenge across three days, sorting more than 51,000 pounds of food expected to provide nearly 43,000 meals to residents in Montgomery County. Employees also participated in MCUW’s annual “socks and undies” drive for low-income children going back to school and collected more than 1,500 pairs of new socks and underwear, helping approximately 300 students in need.l
They did it! • The couple makes their getaway to a future of bliss.
Planning a Wedding?
Top Reception Moments: After one lesson to learn a box step, the couple opted instead to “wing” their moves! Their first dance was to “Take the World” by Johnny Swim. The bride and her father danced to Tim McGraw’s, “My Little Girl.” The groom and his mother danced to “Stand by Me” by Ben E King. The band played great classics and everyone, including the groom’s grandfather, “got down!” The bridesmaids danced on stage and threw flower petals all over the dance floor! The bride and groom sang “Don’t Stop Believing” on stage with the band. The couple also “Called the Dawgs” as is done at Georgia football games. The bouquet and garter toss were also entertaining. Waffle Bus and Oh My Gogi food trucks arrived on the lawn for late-night snacks. The Exit: Mr. and Mrs. Alpine walked out through a sparkler tunnel and left in a classic Rolls Royce.
J LOW EVENTS J Low Events is a boutique event planning company specializing in premier weddings, special events and venue consulting in The Woodlands and Houston area. With over a decade of planning experience, Jennifer Lowrance has the ability to coordinate everything from soup to nuts, as well as venues, décor, food, entertainment, and everything else that goes into planning and executing all types
The Honeymoon
of events. So, if you’re looking to have an
The well-traveled couple plan a belated 10day Maldives honeymoon in spring 2016. They live in Houston’s museum district with Dakota, their German shorthaired pointer who appeared in some of the bridal photos and also in a picture frame displayed by the groom’s cake. l
event with flair, something out of the ordinary, and one where absolutely nothing will fall through the cracks, call Jen at J Low Events. It will most definitely be an affair to remember! 713-962-7022 jlowevents.com info@jlowevents.com
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Area Writers Enrich Signatures Author Series 11th annual event to feature books of 19 local authors Author Gillian Flynn
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ineteen authors from The Woodlands and surrounding areas will round out the literary lineup at the 11th Annual Signatures Author Series to be held on Friday, Dec. 4 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel. The 2015 keynote address will be given by Gillian Flynn, author of the runaway hit, Gone Girl, an international sensation that spent more than 100 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was made into a major motion picture. Flynn’s other well-known books include Sharp Objects and Dark Places. The annual Signatures event is sponsored by The John Cooper School Fine Arts Council and also features a VIP book signing and the Visiting Authors portion, featuring the literary talents of authors who will be on hand to discuss, sign and sell their books before and after the luncheon. “Every year we seek to also highlight the talented authors who live in our immediate community,” said Patty Black, who chairs the Visiting Authors portion of the event. “We are very pleased to have put together a well-rounded group of talented authors who represent a variety of genres.” This year’s Visiting Authors will encompass adult and adolescent fiction, poetry,
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self-help, finance and history genres, as well as creative cookbooks and a holiday book for children. In adult fiction, author Pete Fusco offers up Church of Martyrs, the story of an expriest’s involvement with seven statues of early Christian martyrs abandoned in a Catholic church. Pretty Enough For You author Cliff Hudder teaches at Lone Star College–Montgomery. His story follows a “n’er-do-well” immigration attorney who is attempting to juggle an angry wife, an inscrutable stalker and an obsessed girlfriend as he tries to unscramble an unsolved murder case. (cliffhudder.com) The Fajitas and Beer Convention is the story of Manolo and Salvador, who unintentionally end up in a wealthy American border town neighborhood where 10 Mexican gardeners work. Each man tells a tale with its own plot and moral lesson. Author Roger Rodriguez teaches English and sociology at Lone Star College –Montgomery. For those looking for nonfiction, Dean Harman (harmanwealth.com), founder and CEO of Harman Wealth Management, offers Win by Not Losing: Why Wall
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Street’s Conventional Wisdom Fails Investors–And How They Can Do Better. A Woodlands resident, Harman is frequently quoted in national media and has testified before the U.S. Congress about the financial services industry. A history professor at Lone Star College–Montgomery, Craig Livingston’s first book, From Above and Below: The Mormon Embrace of Revolution, 18401940 won the 2014 Mormon History Association prize for best book in international history. In the self-help genre, Corinne Weber’s personal memoir, Where the Monster Weights shares her journey to recovery from an eating disorder. (corinneweber.net) In Thru Thick and Thin: Facing Obesity thru the Eyes of a Loved One, Dana M. Rosser (facingobesity.com) educates people on how to support a loved one’s challenge with obesity, one of the largest epidemics in this country today. According to author and resident of The Woodlands, Anne Reizer, mature women do not often hear “You look sensational!” Beautiful Encore: Makeovers for Mature Women (beautifulencore.com) suggests that looking good is not just a superficial endeavor; it can lead to confidence and success in all facets of life. Taking a more spiritual direction, Robert Spruce and Sherri Petrek, who both live in The Woodlands, explore new relationships between men and women in A Journey of New Person, Harden Not Your Heart (journeyofanewperson.tateauthor.com). Two poets will bring their works to the Signatures Visiting Authors lineup. In Postcards Home, Dede Fox (dedefox.com) invites reader to thumb through a photo album of favorite places and compelling images, from Texas and beyond. Award-winning poet and 2011 Texas State Poet Laureate, Dave Parsons, offers Reaching for Longer Water, a collection of his most compelling poems from his previous four collections hailed by poetry luminaries. (daveparsonspoetry.com) Several authors will feature books to capture the imaginations of young adults.
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Belle Whittington (bellewhittington.com) returns with Monarch, the third book of her Cicada trilogy, which is preceded by Cicada and Firefly. She promises that this final installment will “end the trilogy with a bang.” Finding Paris is Joy Preble’s (joypreble.com) latest novel for young adults. Preble is the author of the Dreaming Anastasia series and the Sweet Dead Life series for young adults. A former figure skating coach and resident of The Woodlands, Kristin Rae’s (kristinrae.com) first young adult novel is Wish You Were Italian. In Clueless In New Orleans, Adventures In Adolescence, Jack Saux (jacksaux.wix.com/jacksaux) takes us on a journey into adolescence in his sixth novel for young adults. Kim O’Brien, an English teacher at Lone Star College– Montgomery, is the author of seven romances and a series of nonfiction picture books for children. Her first teen mystery, Bone Deep, is about a teen who discovers romance and danger as she strives to solve a mysterious disappearance. (kimobrienbooks.com)
This year’s Visiting Authors will encompass adult and adolescent fiction, poetry, self-help, finance and history genres, as well as creative cookbooks and a holiday book for children. For families with young children getting ready for the holidays, Woodlands resident Pamela Franks offers The Magic Gingerbread House, the story of a very special Christmas when five of Santa’s elves come to live in a newly built gingerbread house. (magicgingerbreadhouse.com) Franks also has a Dec. 9 signing at Diva Boutique in The Woodlands and a Dec. 10 signing at Texas American Title. Two cookbook authors will be part of the Visiting Author segment of the Signatures event. Teenage foodie Joshua Weissman (slimpalate.com), who lost over 100 pounds by “turning from trendy diets to real food” returns with The Slim Palate Paleo Cookbook, based on his sensible, yet still indulgent, philosophy of eating for health and happiness. Lynn Wilson, a military spouse for 38 years, collected recipes and party ideas while traveling the world with her husband and compiled them into At Ease – A Salute to Creative Entertaining. A portion of Wilson’s book sales will go to military family programs. (ateaseentertaining.com) “The continued success of this event is made possible by sponsorships at varying levels, ranging from individual seats for $150 apiece to table sponsorships at $5,000, $3,500 and $2,000 levels,” Hayes added. “Higher level sponsorships benefit from attending a VIP reception with the keynote speaker. “We have had sell-out audiences the past few years, so I would encourage guests to register online early.” Reservations can be made online at johncooper.org. l
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Montgomery County Heart Walk Makes Great Strides Event raises $406,000 for American Heart Association
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hunderstorms, wind, and a cold front did not stop nearly 4,000 Mont gomery County residents from walking and running in the 2015 Mont gomery County Heart Walk on Nov. 7 at Aon–The Woodlands. The event, sponsored by Aon–The Woodlands, and chaired by Chris Payne, the executive vice president and general manager for Aon–The Woodlands and Jeff Gordon, the vice president for Kiewit Energy Group, raised $406,000 for the American Heart Association. “I am proud of all of our sponsors who helped us reach this milestone in the Montgomery County Heart Walk,” said Payne. “It’s significant to note how many people stayed and not only walked but ran the Heart Walk in the rain. That shows how passionate Montgomery County is for heart health and for the American Heart Association’s (AHA) mission.” “I am overwhelmed by the support our Heart Walk received this year,” said Gordon. “It’s amazing to watch our community band together to support this amazing cause and organization. I’m proud to say that I will be returning next year as the 2016 Montgomery County Heart Walk chair, and I cannot wait to see how we can explore new goals this coming year.” Aon–The Woodlands came in as the top fundraising company raising over $65,000, with TETRA Technologies following in second place with $58,532 raised. As Rookie Company of the Year, Newfield Explorations reached well over its goal and raised $25,000 for the fight against cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The crowd was greeted by TV personality Rebecca Spera of ABC 13, who joined the Heart Walk as emcee, despite being eight months pregnant. Spera’s energetic and vibrant personality kept the crowds spirits up as they stood with umbrellas in hand listening to every word about the American Heart Association’s mission and
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The AHA’s Lauren Trice (left) with Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Michael Sanson (far right) and his family.
impact in the community. Daisy and Julie from Gold’s Gym-The Woodlands also broke through the rain to empower walkers with a Zumba routine that kept everyone on their toes excited to hit the route. Unfortunately, the first-ever Kid’s Dash was cancelled because of the weather, but that didn’t stop kids from enjoying their Heart Hero bandanas and finisher’s medal. Kids also got to take home their very own Teaching Garden plant. The American Heart Association’s Teaching Garden Program helps kids understand the importance of growing their own fruits and vegetables. The Heart Walk’s Teaching Garden was provided by Kiewit Energy Group. Also honored was Craig Cox from Aon– The Woodlands who was awarded the coveted Lifestyle Change Award for his inspiring and significant weight loss story.
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Chris Payne, co-chair and executive vice president for Aon–The Woodlands, Congressman Kevin Brady, and Jeff Gordon, co-chair and vice president for Kiewit Energy Company.
Michael Sanson, a youth pastor for Woodland’s Church, and an active AHA volunteer won the first-ever Volunteer of the Year Award. After losing his father in January to a heart attack, Sanson took it upon himself to make sure he was helping the AHA educate others on their risk for heart disease and stroke. “He and my mom have invested so much over the years in the lives of kids and their families and for me, it’s been a privilege to continue what he’s done,” said Sanson. “It’s been an eye opening opportunity to be able to each and every day continue his legacy.” The top walkers included Margi Parker who raised $12,135, Chris Payne who personally raised $9,438, and Pat Shea who raised $8,150 in honor of his dad, Jim, who just celebrated his 70th birthday despite having bypass surgery 15 years ago.l
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Heath Melton
Jim Carman
Mitch Gruberg
‹Expanded Leadership Team For The Woodlands And Bridgeland Master Planned Communities The Howard Hughes Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC), have announced the expansion of the leadership team for its master planned communities, The Woodlands and Bridgeland, due to the high level of activity stemming from great interest and demand in the award-winning communities. Heath Melton has been named the new vice president of master planned communities, residential development while Jim Carman has been promoted to vice president, master planned communities commercial development and Mitch Gruberg has been promoted to vice president, commercial development. Melton will be responsible for residential development in The Woodlands, Bridgeland and the future development north of The Woodlands. Melton was most recently the director, land development for Taylor Morrison in its Austin Division. He also performed in a general manager role for Travisso, LTD which is a joint venture with Toll Brothers to develop a 2,100-acre, 3,000-lot, master planned community. Melton has a bachelor of science degree in business management/systems engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Melton will be based in The Woodlands and report directly to Tim Welbes, co-president of The Woodlands Development Company. Carman joined the company three years ago and has held senior project manager and director level positions within the organization. Most recently, Carman was responsible for leading teams on retail, multi-family and hospitality projects within the Hughes Landing development in The Woodlands. In his new role, Carman will be responsible for directing and managing commercial development projects in The Woodlands and Bridgeland. Carman brings domestic and international
experience to the projects. Prior to joining The Howard Hughes Corporation, Carman was a senior project manager for Tivoli Village in Las Vegas. He received his bachelor of science in civil engineering as well as a master of engineering in construction engineering from Texas A&M University. Gruberg joined the company in 2000 as the director of building development. In his new role, Gruberg will be responsible for managing commercial development projects in The Woodlands and Bridgeland. He has over 25 years in construction management experience specializing in office, retail, hotel, medical
facilities, financial institutions and airports, and has managed all aspects of development, tenant improvement and capital improvement projects. Prior to joining The Woodlands Development Company, Gruberg was a project manager for Gensler in Houston. He received a bachelor of architecture from Syracuse University and is a registered architect in Texas. Both Carman and Gruberg are based in The Woodlands and will continue to report to Peter Doyle, executive vice president strategic development for The Howard Hughes Corporation.
(L-R): Travis Null, son; Kailey Null, daughter; Dr. Curtis Null; and his wife, Tanya.
‹Dr. Null Named Conroe ISD Deputy Superintendent for Schools The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Curtis Null as deputy superintendent for schools at its October meeting. Null, assistant superintendent of secondary education, is assuming the position currently held by Dr. Chris Hines, who will transition to deputy superintendent of operations for Conroe ISD in January. “I appreciate the vote of confidence and the opportunity that lies before me. When I first came to this district 15 years ago, I could never have imagined my journey would lead me to work and serve with so many great people,” stated Null. Null has 15 years of experience in education, serving 13 years in Conroe ISD, where he has served as assistant superintendent of secondary education, principal of Conroe High School, principal of Peet Junior High School, assistant principal at Knox Junior High School and athletic trainer at The Woodlands High School. Null received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, master’s degree from the University of Florida, his mid-management certification and superintendent certification from Sam Houston State University and his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston. Null’s wife Tanya is a kindergarten teacher at B.B. Rice Elementary; his son Travis is a sophomore at Conroe High; his daughter Kailey is a seventh-grader at Peet Junior High. His dad, namesake of Michael R. Null Middle School in Sheldon ISD, is a retired administrator who substitutes as an administrator for Conroe ISD, and his mom is an ARD facilitator at Oak Ridge High School. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts. The WWAC fulfills its mission by producing The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival annually in April, through its outreach programs through “Because Art Matters!” and by promoting public art through The WWAC Art Bench Project. The 2016 Festival will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 8, 9 and 10.
‹Conroe ISD Receives Highest Financial Rating
(L-R): Maureen Donelan, Beverly Haak and Jenny Wright with 2015 award-winning poster.
‹Woodlands Waterway Arts Council Wins at International Festivals & Events Association The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council recently accepted four prestigious Pinnacle Awards from the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). The IFEA awarded the WWAC Gold for its Sponsorship Brochure, Silver for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Program, Silver for the Friends of the Council Brochure and a Bronze for the Festival Poster. The awards were presented on Sept. 21 during the 20th Anniversary of the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony held at the IFEA’s 60th Anniversary Convention & Expo in Tucson. “We were thrilled to be recognized by this pre-eminent organization where we competed along with many of the most outstanding festivals and events,” said Amy Lecocq, president of the WWAC. Our development director Wendy Paynter, festival director Jenny Wright and Because Art Matters director Kayleen Barton collaborated with our graphic designer Maureen Donelan to masterfully create the winning entries. We also wish to thank Wright’s Printing for their partnership and the excellent quality of print work over the years.” The Pinnacle Awards draws entries from among the world’s top festivals and events. The WWAC is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide regional, cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that
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Conroe Independent School District officials announced at the October board of trustees meeting that the district received a rating of “P” for “Passed” under the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The rating is the state’s highest, demonstrating the quality of Conroe ISD’s financial management and reporting system. “We are very pleased with the rating. This was our thirteenth year to receive the highest possible rating and the district had a perfect score,” said Darrin Rice, Conroe ISD executive director of finance. Created by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, FIRST was designed to encourage Texas public schools to manage their financial resources better in order to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. The primary goal of School FIRST is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts’ financial resources, a goal made more significant due to the complexity of accounting associated with Texas’ school finance system. The Texas Education Agency converted Schools FIRST to a two-tier rating system of either “P” for “Passed” or “F” for “Substandard Achievement” for the 2014-2015 rating year. Prior to the 2014-2015 rating year, the Schools FIRST accountability rating system assigned one of four financial accountability ratings to the Texas school districts, with the highest being “Superior Achievement,” followed by “Above-Standard Achievement,” “Standard Achievement” and “Substandard Achievement.” Conroe ISD achieved the rating of Superior Achievement for the 2013-2014 rating year and the 11 years prior. To review the final 2014-2015 FIRST ratings for all districts and charters (plus view final FIRST ratings from previous years), visit tea.texas.gov.
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(L-R) Gil Staley, W. Mark Meyer, and Heidi Carney, Secretary of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors.
‹The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Hosts Quarterly Partner Luncheon The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) recently held its Quarterly Partner Luncheon at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The presenting speaker was W. Mark Meyer, managing director and co-head of research for energy investment and merchant banking firm, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., LLC. For the past 11 years, the EDP has held its luncheons for Partners to keep them informed of important issues facing businesses today. Past topics have included Economic Development, Regionalism, State of Education, Law Enforcement Update, Center for Houston’s Future Scenarios 2040, Anadarko’s Current and Future Projects, State Economic Development and Tourism, Banking Executives Update, Life Science Update, State of our Economy, Local Tourism and Healthcare. Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, said, “It was a privilege to hear Mr. Meyer provide his expert opinion on the outlook of the energy sector. As our largest employer group, energy significantly impacts our local economy. It’s no doubt that the decline in oil prices has affected us, however, Mr. Meyer’s comments offered encouragement that oil prices will become better, sooner.”
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(L-R): LMC Chairman of the Board Rob Koester of Consolidated Communications, Lone Star College – Montgomery President Dr. Rebecca Riley, Sam Houston State University President Dr. Dana Hoyt, LMC Executive Director Sarah Rhea, and SHSU – The Woodlands Center Executive Director Dr. Janet Mullings.
‹Leadership Montgomery County Class Learns About Education The Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) Class of 2016 recently explored the various aspects of education in Montgomery County. The Education Session was sponsored by McKesson, the Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce and Vic’s Precision Automotive. The day was planned by session directors and LMC graduates Dr. Lisa Meeks of Houston Baptist University and Dr. Janet Mullings of Sam Houston State University – The Woodlands Center. The day began with LMC’s leadership development series led by Chad Patterson and LMC alumni. Class members then spent the morning with a superintendent panel that included Dr. Genese Bell of Splendora ISD, Kenn Franklin of New Caney ISD, Tim Harkrider of Willis ISD, Dr. Beau Rees of Montgomery ISD, Dr. Todd Stephens of Magnolia ISD, and Dr. Don Stockton of Conroe ISD. The class heard about the many opportunities for higher education in Montgomery County and the region from Sam Houston State University President Dr. Dana Hoyt and Lone Star College – Montgomery President Dr. Rebecca Riley. A student panel consisting of two students from SHSU – The Woodlands Center and two students from Lone Star College – Montgomery offered the class a look into student perspectives on higher education in the county. Following lunch, the class toured Lone Star College – Montgomery, before heading to The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. At the training center, the class heard from a private school panel that included Julie Ambler of The Woodlands Christian Academy, Rosemary Brumbelow of Esprit International School, Rebecca Coates of The Woodlands Methodist School, Dr. Linda Ellis of Center for Teaching and Learning, and John Strecker of The John Cooper School. The day ended with a look into other types of education in the county with a tour of the training center and presentation by Rick Windham, deputy chief of training for The Woodlands Fire Department.
‹Six Artists Chosen as Finalists for Art Bench Project The Woodlands Arts Council has announced that six artists have been selected as Finalists in The Woodlands Waterway Art Bench Project 2015-2016. The artists hail from across the United States: Elizabeth Akamatsu, Nacogdoches, Texas; Don Lawler, Stephensport, Kentucky; Chris Miller, Calais, Vermont; Dan Skaggs, Laguna Beach, California; Valerie Theberge, Washington, D.C.; and John Weber, Galveston, Texas. The artists’ designs reflect the unique features of each bench site. Four of the benches will be located in and near Town Green Park, one will be located along The Woodlands Waterway across from the Koi Pond and one will be installed at Waterway Square. The bench mediums include granite, limestone, mosaic, powder-coated steel, copper, stone, stainless steel and cypress. Construction on the benches will begin and they will be installed by March 2016. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council is sponsoring the Art Bench Project as part of its mission to promote the arts in the community. WWAC is a nonprofit corporation and will sponsor the weekend of arts April 8, 9 and 10, at the 2016 The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival as well as many arts outreach programs throughout the year for children, seniors and people with special needs or circumstances. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Darrin Rice (center) with wife, Julie, and son, Jake.
‹Darrin Rice Named Conroe ISD Chief Financial Officer The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Darrin Rice as chief financial officer at their October meeting.
“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to be the CFO for Conroe ISD,” began Rice, executive director of finance, as he addressed the board. “I have worked in the finance department for Conroe ISD for the
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015
past 25 years. I started as the internal auditor, transitioned to be director of finance, and now have the honor and privilege to lead the best finance department in the state; I am truly grateful.” Aside from working as a public accountant for one year, Rice has spent the entirety of his career serving in Conroe ISD. He received his bachelor of business administration with a major in accounting from Sam Houston State University and obtained the classification of certified texas school business official from the Texas Association of School Business Officials. Rice is assuming the position currently held by Dan Cox, who will retire in December after serving as Conroe ISD CFO for the past 13 years. In his statement, Rice said, “I would especially like to thank Dan Cox for his leadership and guidance over the last 13 years. Dan has been a great mentor to me, and everything that I have learned from him has not only helped me get to this point, but will continue to guide me in the future.”
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NEW OPENINGS (L-R) Owner Ahmed Ramadan presented a check to Nicole Minor, executive director of Pangea Network, along with Julia Renner, Coffeeshop Company international trainer.
Attorney Paige Jones (standing center) assisted Conroe residents Todd McCoy, a detective with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and his wife Brooke and their 4-year-old son Evan.
‹The Woodlands Bar Association Lends Volunteer Lawyers to Helping Heroes Members of The Woodlands Bar Association (WBA) recently volunteered their time for Helping Heroes when they provided free will and estate planning document preparation for first responders and their spouses. Held Sept. 26 at the Montgomery County South Regional Library, the program benefitted Montgomery County peace officers, sheriff’s departments and police stations. Through drafting basic wills and other estate planning documents, the volunteer attorneys were able to assist more than 100 first responders in organizing important records for themselves and their families. Sponsors supporting the day-long event with supplies and refreshments included Cherry Creek Mortgage Company and Brooklyn Café in The Woodlands. The nonprofit WBA was founded in 2006 to promote and develop the legal profession in The Woodlands, to provide networking and continuing legal education opportunities for its members and to provide community service in areas where the members use their unique legal skills to provide service to others. Its 372 members include judges, private practice attorneys from both large and small law firms and corporate attorneys. Visit woodlandsbarassociation.com for more information.
‹Coffeeshop Company Makes a Splash By Giving Back Austrian coffeehouse culture is now available in The Woodlands at Coffeeshop Company. Contrary to a “grab and go” outlet for a caffeine fix, Coffeeshop Company invites guests to sit and linger in the Viennese tradition that regards coffee as a catalyst for good conversation. Owner Ahmed Ramadan was introduced to Coffeeshop Company in his travels abroad, where the firm has 300 locations in 30 countries. He was convinced that the U.S. needed to be added to the list. “After visiting Coffeeshop Company in my travels, I was inspired to bring this rich coffeehouse tradition to my hometown so others could enjoy it,” he said. Ahmed and his wife Nana, longtime residents of The Woodlands, own Ditco Tile, which sits adjacent to Coffeeshop Company. Ramadan is passionate about Coffeeshop Company creating a sense of community and an atmosphere where people want to linger over exceptional coffee and traditional European pastries and sandwiches. “Part of building community is giving back to support important work being done by our neighbors who are making a real difference in the world.” In October, Ramadan donated $3 to Pangea Network, a local nonprofit organization, for every “like” the Facebook page received. The resulting183 new likes translated to a $549 donation to Pangea to advance its mission to empower women,
youth and communities in Kenya and at home. “That $549 will pay for two education workshops for 25 women each,” Nicole Minor, executive director of Pangea Network, said. Coffeeshop Company invites you to enjoy its dine-in service; it also has a drive-through for those on the go. 26819 I-45 South, The Woodlands 832-616-3944 facebook.com/coffeshopcompanyus
‹ Alex and Ani Jewelry Boutique Now Open At Market Street Jewelry retailer Alex and Ani is now part of the collection of luxury boutiques and upscale dining options at Market Street. The store opened its doors next to the Luke’s Locker. The Rhode Island-based jewelry boutique is known for beautiful, meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories meant to empower women. The Market Street location will be the first in Texas. All Alex and Ani jewelry is made from recycled parts and scraps and all items are manufactured in America from sustainable materials derived from eco-friendly processes. The boutique also features scarves, totes and handbags. 9595 Six Pines Dr., #1150, The Woodlands 401-633-1486 facebook.com/alexandaniwoodlands
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(L-R): Jay Dreibelbis, president and COO of Woodforest National Bank; Cathy Nash, president and CEO of Woodforest National Bank; Larry Abston, vice president of corporate audit for Anadarko Petroleum Company and Habitat Board president; Patricia Brown, Sr. vice president of Woodforest National Bank and Habitat Board vice-president.
Habitat for HuManity builds new and exPanded “restore” HoMe iMProveMent resale sHoP Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County announced the construction of its new ReStore building, thanks to $1 million in donations from Woodforest National Bank and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement donation center and resale store that sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, appliances and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The ReStore concept reduces sub-standard housing, helps improve living conditions, and is environmentally friendly by re-purposing items for reuse and recycling. Proceeds from the sale of donated items are used by Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County towards its mission of building homes, community, and hope. The new ReStore is located on four acres at 9407 S.H. 242 in Conroe. Built by SLI Architects Group, Inc., the shop features 20,000 square feet of air-conditioned and heated space, which is a significant expansion from the original 5,000-square-foot building. The new site has expanded outdoor and indoor storage and retail floor space, as well as 81 paved parking spaces and two covered dedicated drop-off spots for donations. “This is such an exciting time for us especially as we mark the 10th anniversary of our ReStore with the construction of this new building,” said Barbara Smith, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. The new and improved ReStore location will be ready to begin serving the community in early January. Contact the ReStore at 936-441-5888 or visit HabitatMCTX.org.
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(L-R): Luncheon Co-chairs Andrea Alexander and Karey Miller, Joan Lunden, and Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Josh Urban.
MeMorial HerMann in tHe Pink of HealtH luncHeon More than 1,250 women and men recently descended on The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center donning their best pink (for breast cancer) or teal (for ovarian cancer) attire – or a combination of pink and teal in the case of keynote speaker Joan Lunden – to attend the 15th Annual Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Luncheon. Attendees were inspired by speakers who shared their journeys of survival from breast and ovarian cancers. The importance of early detection was stressed, as funds raised from the luncheon provide mammograms to underserved women in greater Montgomery County through the Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Those in attendance were also the first to hear about Canopy – a new cancer survivorship center supported by In the Pink funds. Canopy is currently under construction and set to open on the Memorial Hermann The Woodlands campus in early 2016. To learn more about cancer programs at the hospital, visit memorialhermann.org/locations/the-woodlands/ cancer-center/ or call 713-222-CARE (2273).
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(L-R): Scott Kidd, Conroe ISD trustee; Ron Leach; the Honorable Judge Mary Ann Turner; Kayleen Barton; Bruce Gusler, deputy director of the Juvenile Justice Center; and Dr. Don Stockton, CISD superintendent.
art outreacH PrograM seeks to enricH tHe lives of at-risk students The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees gave special thanks at their October meeting to the Honorable Judge Mary Ann Turner and master srtist Vickie McMillian for sharing their love of art with students in the Montgomery County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program and Detention Center. Students at the center worked with the Turner and McMillian to complete the piece entitled "The Way it Should Be" as part of the community outreach program BAM! Because Art Matters. BAM! is the community and education outreach arm of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, a nonprofit organization that was formed to provide cultural enrichment through the arts for residents. They believe art education plays an essential role in developing young people’s minds and the lives of the elderly as well as those with special needs or who are at-risk. BAM! reaches out to schools and residents with meaningful art programs and encourages people to actively engage in the arts. Ron Leach, director of the Juvenile Justice Center, introduced Kayleen Barton, director of Because Art Matters, who was there on behalf of McMillian. Barton shared about BAM! and introduced Judge Turner who will display the artwork in her courtroom.
Librarians introduce Baxter the Bookworm to preschoolers in hopes of encouraging readers.
cyPress-woodlands Junior foruM/baxter tHe bookworM Local preschoolers recently joined Baxter the Bookworm and his helpers for a morning of literacy fun at Malcolm Purvis Library in Magnolia and Barbara Bush Library in northwest Houston. Besides sharing a story, children enjoyed a craft and snack along with a copy of the book as a door prize. The signature program of Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum (CWJF) hopes to advocate reading and the love of books to preschoolers through this twice-a-year program. An additional Baxter event will be held at each library this spring. Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum is a nonprofit assistance organization and recognized chapter of Junior Forum, Inc. This growing women’s group is dedicated to providing volunteer services and philanthropy to enrich the communities in North Harris and South Montgomery counties. For more information, call 281-379-1391 or visit cwjuniorforum.org. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | December 2015 |
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Sacred Heart Catholic School students and members of the Boy Scout troop and Cub Scout pack 1517 salute Veterans.
SACRED HEART CATHoLiC SCHooL HoNoRS VETERANS - Sacred Heart Catholic School recently welcomed community veterans to the school's third annual Veteran's Day celebration featuring an honor guard presentation by Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 1517 and a TAPS trumpet dedication by students Thomas Farrell and Troy Horn. "I look forward to our Veteran's Day celebration each year because it gives the students a sense of pride and shares a part of our hearts with the community and our veterans," said Principal Deb Brown. After Pack 1517 escorted and posted the national colors, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and Retired Sacred Heart librarian Stuart ormsbee led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas flag. Afterwards, Brown then led the assembly in prayer and honored the local veterans with a tribute and dedication from the Veteran’s Day Proclamation. Each grade level participated in the celebration. The PreK-3rd grade students made posters and decorations honoring the veterans with vibrant works of art for the dedication event. The fourth through eighth grade students were assigned a Veteran's Day essay contest. The three winners––fourth grader Marie Ashby, fifth grader Annie Johnston and seventh grader Lily Collora––all stood and read their essays to the audience attributing many words of honor and patriotism. After all veterans and active military were asked to come forward and introduce themselves, the Sacred Heart choir performed a medley of patriotic songs and finished with the crowd joining them to sing A " merica the Beautiful." Following the ceremony, a brunch was hosted by the Sacred Heart Parent Teacher Organization.
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(L-R): Dr. Mark Weatherly, Christopher Dyer, Chance Plumle, Luis Villarreal, Jose Munguia and John Husbands.
CoNRoE HiGH SCHooL STuDENTS RECoGNizED AT BoARD MEETiNG - The Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees recognized Christopher Dyer, Jose Munguia, Chance Plumlee and Luis Villarreal at the Oct. 20 board meeting for their selfless actions in helping a stranger in need. On Sept. 10, these four Conroe High School students walked across the street to assist a truck that had run out of gas in the middle of the road on a rainy afternoon. The driver of the truck waved Dyer over and asked for a push out of the road. Dyer was quickly followed by fellow CHS students and friends Plumlee and Munguia. Villarreal observed what the three were doing and joined them. The actions of these students embodies the type of caring citizens Conroe High School and Conroe ISD strive to produce. Dr. Mark Weatherly, principal of Conroe High School, introduced the students to the board of trustees. Board President John Husbands presented each student with a plaque and a pie.
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Jack Whitney during a costume fitting for his role as the Prince in Cooper's production of Cinderella.
CooPER JuNioR SiNGS iN NATioNAL CHoiR AT GRAND oLE oPRy - Last year Jack Whitney sang in Nashville thinking it was a "once in a lifetime" experience. Not so. For the second consecutive year, Whitney, now a junior, was named to the All-National Honor Ensemble sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and sang on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry House stage. Whitney qualified as a tenor for the 2014 choir and sang as a bass in the 2015 choir. He was one of two students selected from Texas. Whitney joined 673 students from 49 states and U.S. territories who showcased their musicianship in concert at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on October 29. Whitney was among those named "best of the best" out of approximately 2.5 million students nationwide that competed in local, district and state music competitions. Whitney, who has been singing in the John Cooper School choir since the eighth grade, qualified to audition for a place in the mixed choir by being named to the TPSMEA All-State Choir last year. "What makes this especially noteworthy is that Jack has qualified for this national honor in two different voice classifications," said choir director Rae Moses. "He is a terrific ambassador of The John Cooper School, and a perfect example of the 'whole child,' recognized for his academic, athletic and artistic endeavors." Whitney planned to attend workshops and rehearsals in Nashville for three days leading up to the concert.
CoNRoE iSD STuDENTS CELEBRATE WALK To SCHooL MoNTH - Many Conroe ISD schools participated in International Walk to School Month during October. The observance gives children, parents, educators, and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event that celebrates the many benefits of walking. International Walk to School Month began in the United States in 1997 as Walk to School Day, a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need to walkable communities. Today, thousands of schools across America and in more than 40 countries worldwide celebrate Walk to School Month every October. Numerous Conroe ISD schools held their own Walk to School Day where walking or riding a bike to school was encouraged. Although the planned day was focused on walking, all forms of active transportation to school, such as bike riding, were encouraged.
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First Montgomery County Historical Marker Awarded to Shepard Barbershop
S
ince 1912, five generations of local Conroe men, their sons and grandsons needing a haircut or a shave have sat in the chairs of what is now Shepard’s Barber Shop at 116 Simonton Street in downtown Conroe. On Oct. 13, the Montgomery County Historical Commission dedicated the first Montgomery County Historical Marker at the barbershop, which is considered to be the oldest barbershop in continuous use in Montgomery County, possibly the oldest in Texas. The fire in February 1911 destroyed much of the downtown Conroe area; within months the city started to rebuild from the ashes. Pete West, who was on the first City Council of Conroe, and his son John Henry “Jack” West, who later became the third Mayor of Conroe during the 1930’s oil boom, lost their two-story building on the corner of Main and Simonton streets. They started rebuilding the Corner Pub building within months of the fire, using brick this time instead of wood. Jack’s wife, Susie, had a cousin, Willie Mae, who was engaged to Henry Williamson, who had lost his barbershop in the fire. Jack and Susie wanted to help Willie Mae and Henry, so Jack and his father used leftover building materials from the rebuilt Corner Pub to build a little building behind theirs that Henry could use to start his new barbershop. For years this building was known as the “Little Jack West Building.” The building was completed in December 1911, and Henry set up his barbershop in January 1912; he and Willie Mae were married in October 1912. Henry operated his barbershop from 1912 until he sold the business to Stovall Thomas in 1938, who sold it to Warren Stubblefield in 1968. Bobby Shepard began as a barber at the shop in 1959 and in 1971 purchased the business from Warren and began leasing the building from the West family. In 2000 he purchased the building from the West heirs and restored the exterior in 2007 through a City of Conroe grant. Leon Apostolo began his career as a barber in this shop when he was 17 years old. He purchased the barbershop business in 2013 when Bobby retired. Bobby still owns the historic building. The shop’s walls hold a priceless collection of historic photos of old Conroe buildings and of the town’s notable personalities, such as an original poster of the world boxing championship fight between Floyd Patterson and Cut-N-Shoot’s Roy Harris in 1958. Visit the shop, and walk back in time to see the history of Conroe and days gone by. l
The Montgomery County Historical Commission provides the content for this page. For information on the commission and its efforts, visit montgomerycountyhistoricalcommission.com. 128
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The shop at 116 Simonton Street in downtown Conroe. ❖ Barbers Stoval Thomas, Dalton Hearn, Bobby Shepard and Sam Brannon and shine man Jesse Mayers in July 1960. ❖ The wall of historical photos and posters. ❖ Bobby Shepard and Leon Apostolo, who has owned the barbershop since 2013, show off the historical plaque. Montgomery County judge Craig Doyal attended the dedication, along with members of the Commissioner's Court, Conroe Mayor Webb Melder, and State Representative Will Metcalf, among others.
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