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NOVEMBER 2014
CONTEMPORARY
Village Chic BLAKE MISTICH
THE MISSION TO SAVE
WILL HERNDON Building on a Family Tradition... Wendell Legacy Homes
JUNIOR LEAGUE
Holiday Market BLAKE MISTICH
Real People, Real Homes, Real Style…Real Woodlands Living www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com
10707 Corporate Dr #170 Stafford, TX 77477-4092
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Ge HOt You Re r ad ME yf or
H olid ay G uest s FLOORS
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The Woodlands’ Unique Flooring Store NOVEMBER
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— ASK ABOUT OUR LIFETIME WARRANTY ON INSTALLATION — 5015 FM 2920 Suite A — 281.288.2300 16945 N. Eldridge Pkwy. #100 — 281.257.5955 24150 Hwy. 290 #270 — 281.758.2980
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www.ezfloorsonline.com
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FINALLY IN THE WOODLANDS
T: (832) 797-0374 | E: HOUSTON@TOPCRET.COM | WWW.TOPCRET.COM
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“YOU CAN PROFIT FROM MY EXPERIENCE” I work with buyers and sellers in every price range and have closed 270 homes so far this year!
118 E. Bracebridge Circle $1,225,000
82 W. Thymewood Place $925,000
6826 Antique Cedar $530,000
174 N. Wimberly Way $259,700
Mike Seder Cell: 713.806.6796 Direct: 281.602.8823 Seder@MikeSeder.com Fax: 281.362.9496
#1 RE/MAX® Agent Worldwide
THE WOODLANDS & SPRING 26113 Oakridge Drive, Suite D The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated
Hablamos Español • www.MikeSeder.com
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Medical Skin Care Chemical Peels Augmentation Breast Lifts Reductions Abdominoplasty Liposuction Body Contouring Facial Surgery Facial Fillers Botox Thermage Skin TIghtening Cool Sculpting Spider Veins Cellulaze Clear + Brillliant Dermopen Glo Mineral Makeup Neograft Hair Restoration Ultherapy Laser Hair Removal
Introducing Toni Jordan, R.N. Dr. Rivela is pleased to introduce Toni Jordan, R.N. as a new nurse injector. For the month of November, Voluma & JuvĂŠderm with Toni are 10% Off for new patients. At Rivela Plastic Surgery, our goal is to insure you a more beautiful and natural looking you at any age. Call today for a complimentary consultation and to learn more. Hablamos Espanol
281.681.3905 9191 Pinecroft Drive, Suite 150 rivelaplasticsurgery.com
#1 Plastic Surgeon woodlandsonline 2010-Present Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
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luxury living offered by the kink team
2 WINSLOW Beautifully situated on the 6th hole of the Nicklaus Golf Course, this Custom Croix mediteranean style home boasts 6 bdrms(4 dwn)great for a growing family and/or mother-in-law suite. Media & gameroom compliment the 2nd floor w/add'l 2 bdrms. Dream kitchen w/lg islands, custom teak accents, study, library & both formals make this home perfect for entertaining. Pool, spa & summer kitchen create the perfect backyard retreat. Private gated entry to the motor court; 3 car garage; many more features. $2,550,000
23 GLENSHEEN Stunning stone & stucco estate located in the prestigous manned-gated community of Carlton Woods features a wealth of convenient extras, such as double two-car garages, 2 bdrms down; wine room; custom Italian wall treatments; 3 studies; spacious master, surround sound, a whole-house generator. Kitchen is ready for entertaining. In home gym wired for cable. Backyard is private and the perfect place to relax or spend time with family and friends in stunning pool and spa. $2,750,000
9419 DEERPATH Spectacular custom cul-de-sac home sits on 1+ acres off the 9th hole of Lake Windcrest Golf Course! Stunning slate floors, neutral paint & high ceilings throughout! Large butlers pantry w/wine chiller, formal dining w/french accents & study w/fireplace! Gourmet kitchen offers highend appliances & granite island. Large master retreat. Spacious gameroom w/built-ins & balcony. Private backyard paradise includes heated swimming pool & spa w/water spill-over & lots of greenspace to explore and play! $830,000
123 SWEET GARDEN Gorgeous 4 bedroom DR Horton home in Jacobs Reserve! Hardwood flooring, high ceilings & arched entries are just a few of the notable features. Cast stone surrounds the gas fireplace in the 2-story family room. Granite counters, tile backsplash & stainless steel appliances in the gourmet kitchen. Formal dining. 1st floor master suite. Master bath w/tub & separate walk-in shower. 2nd floor large gameroom & secondary bedrooms. Spacious backyard w/covered patio & gas line for grill. $300,000
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Established 2005 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER
VERIFIED CIRCULATION COMMUNITY MAGAZINE NETWORK
DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 39,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN THE WOODLANDS Reaches trade professionals (ASID and GHBA members), area realtors, business, doctors, trade events (home-related trade shows and community events) and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce facebook.com/WoodlandsLifestylesandHomesMagazine woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson
Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Office Manager Linda Peterson
Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Kelly Foss Cathy Gordon • Judy Latta Dr. Lori • Denman Moody • Tish Raymond Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel
Social Editor Missy Herndon
Photographers J. Pamela Photography, Inc. Bookwalter Photography
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 • Jennifer Coleman Donna Sommer • Lisa Adams
ADVERTISING INFORMATION woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
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Christine Hale & Associates 281-772-6337
GROGAN’S POINT
Georgian Estate home in the exclusive neighborhood of Grogan’s Point. This beautiful home features 5+ bedrooms, 5 ½ baths, 3-car garage and 3-car porte-cochere with a traditional exterior with a modern look and feel on the interior with a sweeping staircase at the entry and breathtaking walls of two-story windows overlooking the rock waterfall swimming pool and expansive covered outdoor living area. Separate living area and bedroom upstairs, media room, gameroom, sunroom, two studies, art niches, two fireplaces, circular drive and ½ acre+ lot all add to the outstanding appeal of this lovely home.
“We SELL MORE Because We DO MORE” Complimentary staging with every listing including furniture and accessories, if necessary. Stacie Fontenot
Kassandra Bissett
Cheryl Littlejohn
Realtor Associate 936-328-0737
Realtor Associate 713-252-9699
Realtor Associate 281-793-9393
The Woodlands & Spring 6620 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, TX 77382 281-367-7770
WeSellTheWoodlands.com
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In his new collection, Jacques Garcia takes your breath away with his larger than life spirit and sense of soul. His collection is inspired and alive.
In stock and On Sale
Meredith O’Donnell Fine Fu rn itu re, Accessories & R u g s 1751 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056-3969 Phone: 713-526-7332 • www.meredithodonnell.com
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Wendell Legacy Homes Nov 14 TR_Layout 1 10/20/14 6:13 PM Page 22
Building on a Family Tradition... Wendell Legacy Homes Committed to Quality Construction and Complete Homeowner Satisfaction
T
he Wendell family has been building superior custom and estate homes in Montgomery County for over three decades. Quality construction, exceptional home warranties, and a commitment to complete homeowner satisfaction through honesty and integrity sets the Wendell standard. Under the leadership of Josh M. Wendell, Wendell Legacy Homes builds custom homes in and around Houston, The Woodlands, and throughout Montgomery County. YOUR NEW CUSTOM HOME Wendell Legacy Homes helps you tailor your home to be a unique reflection of your lifestyle. Together we design a home that is clearly your own and that fulfills your family’s needs and desires. Our homes represent authentic architectural styles with timeless designs, from the inspiration of the historic New Orleans Garden District to a traditional Brownstone reminiscent of 19th-century England; from the classic traditional American Federalist and Georgian architecture to a Craftsmanstyle bungalow, from a Tuscan-inspired villa to a breezy Galveston seaside cottage. Our company is known for its quality of construction and honest and open approach to customer service. Our entire team is committed to delivering unsurpassed selection, beautiful interior décor, attention to details, and friendly, personal customer care. A strong record of personal service is our hallmark. We strive to make the purchase and construction of your new home an outstanding experience.
THE LEGACY For over three decades, the Wendell family has been building distinctive custom and estate homes in superior designs that stand the test of time, making the Wendell name deeply respected among homebuilders in the Houston area. “I have named the company Wendell Legacy Homes to honor my father’s legacy in the business,” says Josh Wendell. “My father built homes in Montgomery County for nearly 30 years, and he was the epitome of honesty and integrity. That says a lot in our business.” Jay Wendell grew the company from a single
independent homebuilder in 1980 to a successful family-owned business with a highly dedicated full time staff, long-term relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, and a strong client base built on referrals, repeat business and word-ofmouth marketing. No advertising was ever needed to sell these outstanding custom and estate homes. Clients and trade partners came through referrals, repeat business, and Jay’s own personal commitment to integrity, quality work, and attention to detail. Jay and Josh Wendell built a reputation for personal service, quality of construction, which lead to an excellent experience for homeowners. Our high standards and dedication to customer satisfaction have made the Wendell name one customers trust for superior home construction, attention to detail, and delightful livability. Josh M. Wendell supervises every construction project, guaranteeing the same personalized care, attention to detail, and exceptional homeowner satisfaction that the Wendell name has delivered over many years in the business of residential construction. Growing up in the building industry, Josh Wendell started full-time in the family business after attending Texas A&M in 1998. He has worked his way from Assistant Field Superintindent to President & CEO in 2004. Adding to the strong legacy, we have two new partners. Our CFO is Paul Ledbetter who oversees all of our financial operations on a daily basis. Also on board is Bob Randle who is in charge of operations. His knowledge in building has spanned decades.
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THE INTEGRITY Deep respect for the Wendell name was built on a promise of customer satisfaction, transparency in costs and expenses, and an “open book” policy for every homeowner. Our costplus billing procedures allow our clients to inspect the records of their home at any time, assuring a fair and accurate accounting of expenditures and no surprises. We encourage you to request an appointment to review the books and remain entirely comfortable with the cost of your new home. Like his father, Jay Wendell, Josh has lectured frequently to students in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M University. Wendell Legacy Homes also stands behind the work invested in your custom home with an extraordinary warranty. Our high standards for quality enable us to be confident that your home
extended warranty program for any issues that might arise after the first year.
will serve you for generations to come. Our company is responsible for any warranty service required in the first year of your occupancy. Our vendors stand behind the components they provide, and we coordinate their warranty service with you. We offer a special
AND BEYOND… Wendell Legacy Homes can build a new custom home on your land anywhere in Houston and Montgomery County, in an established neighborhood, on the lake, or on acreage in the country, even Galveston. We offer a complementary homesite evaluation to help you assess the site cost, any necessary site adjustments, the building elevation, water and electric service, wells and septic systems, and more. We can help you determine the ideal plan for successful construction of your new custom home within your budget. Please call or email us today! We look forward to discussing your new home.
5115 F.M. 1488 Magnolia, TX 77354 | 281-323-4580 | Info@WendellLegacyHomes.com
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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES November 2014
78 Home & Lifestyle 66
70
73
READY, SET, HOLIDAY SHOP!
78
Junior League Market set for Nov. 21-23
Making a new home in a new style in a new neighborhood
THE MISSION TO SAVE WILL HERNDON
Cover photo by Blake Mistich
The Woodlands community has contributed millions to find a cure
86
ROY HARRIS SCORES A KNOCKOUT HONOR
91
HUMAN RIGHTS WALK 2014
FALL ZINNIAS NAMED TEXAS SUPERSTARS New Marylandica type forms “mounds of color”
92
Event and festival on Dec. 6 spearheaded by local teen
24
WELCOMING GUESTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
FURNITURE PREDICTIONS FOR 2015 Exciting trends for your home in the New Year
ROBARD’S OPENS IN THE WOODLANDS Classic American steakhouse located at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
134
VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE & SCORES Look for your favorite team
Simple tips to make your home festive and inviting
Former boxer recognized with legends mural
74
CONTEMPORARY VILLAGE CHIC
Special Promotions 60 88 98 108 122
Holiday Gift Guide Home Improvement Resources Interior Detail Resources Family Health Planning a Wedding?
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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES November 2014
Departments 28
HAPPENINGS Mark your calendar for upcoming activities and charitable events
46
SCENE IN THE WOODLANDS Parties, galas and social occasions with Missy Herndon
52
DISCOVERIES Unique finds for your home and lifestyle
54
FASHION Fendi, Valentino, Mikael D, Oscar Carvallo Couture and Handbag Finds
70
62
THE EDITOR’S PICKS Fun suggestions from Linda Anderson
62
BOOKS New releases with something for everyone
64
NEW AUTOS See the new Lexus IS and Kia Forte
76
ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Top 10 Thanksgiving Collectibles
102
HEALTH & WELL-BEING Pancreatic Cancer and Diabetes Distress vs. Depression
110
WINE Dinner of the Decade
112
92 116
Special Promotions
THE WOODLANDS DINING GUIDE Eat out somewhere special tonight!
TRAVEL Chill Out at Moody Gardens this Holiday Season
118
MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Liz & Sean
125
BUSINESS BRIEFS Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders
129
AROUND TOWN Activities and news around The Woodlands
132 Wendell Legacy Homes: Building on a Family Tradition. See pages 22 & 23
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
CAMPUS Read about the achievements of area schools and students
136
BACK WHEN... How Magnolia Developed
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Bluebonnets prepare for annual garage sale benefitting entire community.
ONLY
NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE CHAPTER GARAGE SALE
01
Daughters and their moms from The Woodlands-based Bluebonnets Chapter of the National Charity League will hold their 14th Annual Garage Sale on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus NOVEMBER Hall, 2655 FM 1488. The community is invited to shop for new and gently used items priced affordably, including clothing and shoes for the entire family; designer fashions and accessories; household and outdoor items; furniture and small appliances; and numerous books, toys and sporting goods. More than 100 families donate to the yearly sale, after which the chapter reinvests all proceeds to benefit numerous Montgomery County community organizations through philanthropic contributions and hands-on volunteerism. In keeping with that service, the chapter will again host a shopping benefit for teens served by the Montgomery County Youth Services the evening before the sale day. Visit nclbluebonnet.chapterweb.net for more information.
(L-R) Beth Miller, volunteer store manager, and Anne Swetich, director of Outreach at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.
FAIR TRADE STORE OPEN At The Hands of Faith Fair Trade Store at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, shoppers will find coffee, chocolate, jewelry, paper items, home décor, purses, greeting cards and clothing items for sale. Often the artist’s name and country of origin appear on a tag, making it possible to envision the purchase strengthening individuals and families in impoverished areas. Regular store hours are Sunday, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The store will also be open 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning this fall. The church is located at 3801 S. Panther Creek Dr. in The Woodlands. For information, email Beth Miller at handsoffaith.fairtrade@yahoo.com.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, THIRD THURSDAY The Tomball Charter Chapter American Business Women’s Association will hold its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of the month at Tomball College Conference Center, 13310 Tomball Pkwy in Tomball. Networking begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Men are also invited to attend and join. The cost is $15, members; and $18, non-members. To RSVP, email vbutler@bjservices.com. The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.
EVENTS AT MITCHELL LIBRARY Events for all ages are offered at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library in The Woodlands. Family Storytime is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. This story program is for children of all ages (birth-4 years) and a caregiver with an emphasis on stories and activities for toddlers. This program emphasizes early literacy skills and is a great way to meet other families with young children. Designed for children ages 3 and up, Story Club is held Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Children are introduced to new authors and illustrators and develop literacy skills, listening, thinking, participation and social skills. For more information about The Fiction Book Club for Adults, contact Emily Osburn at Emily.Osburn@countylibrary.org. Participants in the Teen Anime Club view a current anime production, talk about their favorite anime/manga series, and feast on snacks. The club is for ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.
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Tyler Florence.
ONLY
SIGNATURES AUTHOR SERIES LUNCHEON
07
World-renowned chef, author and Food Network star Tyler Florence will be the featured speaker at the 10th Annual John Cooper School Signatures Author Series luncheon to be held on Friday, Nov. 7 at The Woodlands NOVEMBER Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. As is an annual tradition at the Signatures luncheon, guests will have the opportunity to help raise funds for local non-profit organizations. At the 2014 luncheon, Florence will help support The Montgomery County Food Bank and The Friendship Center-Meals on Wheels by signing a chair for a silent auction. This year's unique signed chair will be a McGuire Prescott Arm Chair designed by Orlando Ortez. The chair has been generously donated by CAH Interiors, based out of The Woodlands and owned by Cynthia A. Higgins, a Texas licensed interior designer and member of The American Society of Interior Designers. The chair, valued at $2,400, is designed with a custom upholstered seat and a custom lumbar pillow in metallic linen with satin stitched embroidery design. (cahinteriors.net) The 2014 Signatures beneficiaries are both longstanding organizations in the community. The motto of the Friendship Center's Meals on Wheels program is "so no senior goes hungry." The program serves over 500 seniors countywide (thefriendshipcenter.com). The Montgomery County Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes more than 7 million pounds of food each year to low-income children, adults and seniors living in Montgomery County. Currently the Food Bank serves an average of 40,000 individuals each month (mcfoodbank.org) The Signatures Author Series is celebrating 10 years of bringing interesting and wellknown authors to the greater Houston community as well as providing a venue for visiting authors. "The continued success of this event is made possible by sponsorships at varying levels - from individual seats for $100 apiece, to table sponsorships from $1,500 to $5,000 levels," said 2014 Signatures Chairperson Wendy Hammarstrom. "Higher level sponsorships will attend a VIP reception with the author and be seated closer to some very exciting things scheduled for our event with Tyler Florence. Additional details and application forms are posted on The John Cooper School website at johncooper.org. For additional information on the Signatures luncheon and sponsorship opportunities, call 281-367-0900 x2326.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
“OUT OF THE DARKNESS” WALK AT TOWN GREEN CENTER, NOV. 1 Members of the Houston community whose lives have been affected by suicide will come together on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Town Green Center in The Woodlands for the Out of the Darkness Community Walk. Last year, more than 1,000 people joined in a celebration of loved ones lost and raised awareness for suicide prevention. This year’s event has grown to include community resource tables, vendors, and numerous ways to honor loved ones. “It is so healing to have so many people come together,” said Cindy Cline, the 2013 community walk keynote speaker and author of Always Hope. Cline turned her own pain from suicide in her immediate family into a drive to collect stories of hope and resilience for her books and motivational speeches. Those interested in attending may sign up online at afsp.org by Oct. 31 or register at the event from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The opening program and speakers begin at 10 a.m., followed by the walk. After the walk, speakers, memory displays and community resources will provide a comforting atmosphere. The event concludes at 1 p.m. “One of the things that makes our walk really special is our memorial hearts,” said Wykisha McKinney, board member for the Greater Houston Area chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and community chair of the Nov. 1 event. “We have little blue hearts with the names of loved ones that we’ve lost. We’ll have those on display.” Additionally, participants can donate to a “shoe garden” that represents the impact of losses to suicide. “It gives a visual to the statistic that six to eight people are affected by every one suicide loss,” McKinney said. “For a newcomer to the walk, the event can be surprising and overwhelming. It is such a celebratory event. We reserve time for remembrance, but it is warm and welcome. I have never felt so much love from the community in my life.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hopes to raise $150,000 at the event. For more information, visit afsp.org.
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The Fountains at Waterway Square with fireworks.
TW CVB ANNOUNCES TITLE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau announces the availability of title sponsorships for its 2015 events. These events attract nearly 300,000 people each year thereby providing businesses with a significant platform from which to promote their brand, explains Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. Title sponsors also benefit from media coverage, booth space and event signage. “Title sponsorship of our events allows an organization to elevate its profile in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States,” says Wolda. “They are a great way to reach the many new families moving to Montgomery County in record numbers.” Title sponsorships are available for events produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau including the Spring and Fall editions of Live at Night, Memorial Day Weekend in The Woodlands, Waterway Nights, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, Labor Day Weekend in The Woodlands, Trick or Treat Trail, Lighting of the Doves, International Winter on The Waterway (iWOW), The Ice Rink and Caroling on the Square. To review the submission guidelines for title sponsorships of 2015 events, go to VisitTheWoodlands.com, Public Documents section. For more information on title sponsorships, contact Lauren Trice at 832-257-6886.
SPECIAL ANGELS OF TW HOSTING GUMBO COOK-OFF, NOV. 1 The Special Angels of the Woodlands (SAW) is cooking up a delicious fundraiser. On Saturday, Nov. 1, the group will host a gumbo cook-off at Papa’s Ice House on Pruitt Road, to benefit the organization’s Adopt an Angel tuition assistance program. SAW is a nonprofit organization that provides a day activity center for adults with mental and physical disabilities. Currently, there are 33 special-needs adults attending the SAW Center who range in age from 22 to 71, live in or near Montgomery County, and who now enjoy life within their community. “On average, it costs each Angel $25 a day to attend our center. Even at this low cost, many of our Angels cannot afford this daily amount,” said Evan Besong, executive director of SAW. “The gumbo cook-off is a fundraiser for our Adopt-an-Angel tuition assistance program for those who cannot afford the daily rate.” The cook-off will also include a silent auction, raffle, face painting, photo booth and several other family-friendly activities. For more information visit specialangelsofthewoodlands.org,
FALL FESTIVAL, “HARMONY IS A GLOW,” NOV. 8 The Spring community of Harmony will host Montgomery County’s premier fall festival, Harmony Is A Glow, on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 2 – 7 p.m. when families will enjoy free children’s games, crafts, glowing goodies, DJ music and an amazing, glow-in-the-dark balloon release. Harmony is located at Rayford Road at Riley Fuzzel Road. Complimentary shuttle transportation will be provided to the festival from the parking lot of the onsite church at the corner of Rayford Road and Discovery Creek. Visit harmony-tx.com for more details. Admission to Harmony Is A Glow and all event activities are free. While at the event, families can visit each of Harmony’s fully furnished model homes for glow-in-the dark face painting, lightup necklaces, glow sticks and sunglasses, glow-in-the-dark crafts, S’mores and more. Plus, families who visit Harmony’s model homes will be eligible to win $500 cash. Just after dark, families can join the festival’s glow-in-the-dark balloon release where hundreds of balloons will fill the air as launched by children at the Harmony aquatics complex. As part of the fall celebration, families who purchase a new home in Harmony between Nov. 8 – Dec. 31 will receive a $500 Home Depot Gift Card. Buyers should consult with one of Harmony’s builder sales professionals for more information. Harmony, a master-planned community by The Johnson Development Corp., offers new homes from the $150’s - $500’s from Ashton Woods Homes, Darling Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Village Builders and Westin Homes. It also is minutes from the new ExxonMobil corporate campus as well as nearby shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Families in Harmony also attend schools in the highly acclaimed Conroe Independent School District.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
MARGARET MONTGOMERY DAR CHAPTER MEETING, NOV. 1 Margaret Montgomery Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will meet Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. at the City of Conroe C. K. Ray Recreational Center, 1203 Callahan, Conroe. The program will cover “Online Genealogy” and the speaker will be Susan Tillman. Prospective members are always welcome to attend. For information, contact Regent Tracy Olds at 281-363-0799 or email at conroemmdar@gmail.com.
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Chris and Linda Pfeiffer with the "Toys for Kidz" display in the store.
HOLIDAY TOY COLLECTION AT HOMESTEAD HOUSE Homestead House will once again be collecting “Toys for Kidz” this holiday season. All toys collected will be picked up by The Salvation Army and distributed to local Montgomery County boys and girls in need. Community members who would like to participate should bring unwrapped toys for children ages 3-12, and as a "thank you" Homestead House will give the donor 50 percent off of any retail item in the showroom. Some items are excluded. “This is just our way of thanking the community that we serve,” said store owners Chris and Linda Pfeiffer. The store is located at 201 North Pacific Street in Conroe.Toy dropoffs can be made any time during store hours, Monday-Saturday 9-6.
November Friday Night Movie Under the Stars at the YMCA features an overnight family campout.
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FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE CAMPOUT UNDER THE STARS
“LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK” FOR LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY , NOV. 2 Celebrating its 10th year of walking in The Woodlands, The Texas Gulf Coast chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will hold its annual Light the Night Walk on Market Street on Nov. 2. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. with live music, children’s activities, food and family fun. The Walk will follow at 6:30 p.m. The Light The Night Walk is an annual fundraising campaign of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) that brings together families and communities to honor blood cancer survivors, as well as those lost to the diseases. The organization looks to “shine a light” on the importance of finding cures and providing access to treatments for blood cancer patients. The two-mile walk begins at Lake Robbins Drive, then heads up the Waterway, around the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and back to Market Street. Since the inception of the walk, the Montgomery County community has collectively raised $2.5 million through Light The Night Walk fundraising efforts. Last year’s walk netted more than $465,000. “This year, we want to raise more than $535,000,” said Corporate Walk Chair, Fawn Creighton, CEO of Apollo Hospital. “It is a lofty goal, but we know with the support of the community, we can raise these funds to help advance more breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients.” For more information and to register, call 832-463-3604 or visit LightTheNight.org/txg.
NOVEMBER
The South Montgomery County YMCA invites the community to its November “Friday Night Movie Series Under the Stars” on Friday, Nov. 21 at the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Amphitheater. Creekside YMCA is located at 6464 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. with games and special activities. The November event also features an Overnight Family Campout. Imagine an overnight experience in the woods with your family in a treehouse or authentic tipi. Tent camping is also available. Pre-registration required as space is limited. Families must provide all their own camping gear, food and beverages. The family friendly movie will start at dusk, approximately 6:30 p.m. Bring your picnic dinner, lawn chairs, blanket and insect repellant. Don’t forget to invite friends and neighbors. The movie is free to the community. Fresh popcorn and lemonade will be available throughout the movie. For those interested in staying overnight after the movie, families will experience a night hike, board games and craft activity. Families will need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, dinner and breakfast. Check out is 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Preregistration is required. For more information please call 832-698-1283 or visit ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county.
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COFFEE WITH THE CARDIOLOGIST, NOV. 5 CHI St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital is hosting the “Coffee with the Cardiologist” series of discussions covering educational topics presented by physicians at The Woodlands Hospital, 17200 St. Luke’s Way, at the corner of I-45 and State Highway 242. Light refreshments and coffee will be available. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 8 - 9 a.m., cardiovascular surgeon Mark M. Mettauer, M.D, will present “Life After Open Heart Surgery” in conference rooms 1-3. For more information, call 936-266-2000 or visit StLukesWoodlands.com.
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There will be lots of fun holiday activites at TW Children’s Museum.
HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM The Woodlands Children’s Museum is the place to play during the fall and winter holiday season. The calendar is full of fun activities, as well as a number of workshops for children ages 7 and under. Falltivities! – These half-day and fullday workshops for Thanksgiving are designed to delight young minds with the spirit of fall. Children may try printmaking with corn husks and pumpkins or creating artistic Thanksgiving snacks. Sign your child up for morning or afternoon sessions. To enroll in both sessions, register for the “lunch bunch.” Admission is $34 per session for members and $54 for non-members. Lunch bunch is an additional $5 per day. Check the website for times and dates or pick up a brochure at the museum. Winter FUNcation – The museum offers morning and afternoon classes for children ages 4 to 8 years old during winter break to keep those young minds active and entertained. Visit the website for times and dates of the various workshops. Parents may pick and choose courses for their children to attend. Classes are $34 for members and $54 for non-members. Pancakes With Santa – Reserve a space for 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 to celebrate the holidays over an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast buffet with all the fixin’s by Wicked Whisk. Join Santa Claus for pancakes, deliver letters to be mailed to the North Pole, create a variety of art projects and enjoy live music by Tom’s Fun Band. Don’t forget to visit with Christmas elves – Harmony the Clown and Abby the monkey. After the event, stay and play at the museum. To learn more about any of these events, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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WOMEN WHO ROCK, NOV. 7 The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center is the place for Women Who Rock’s Encore Performance on Nov. 7 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Join the United Way's Women's Leadership Council for lunch and hear guest speaker Karen McCollough, author of The Seven Women Project and former branding expert for Ralph Lauren, The Limited and her own fashion retail store. The United Way's Women's Leadership Council believes that education is one of the greatest strategies to break generational cycles of dependence.The Young Mother's Daycare Scholarship 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. Participating at the "Scholarship Sponsor" level provides one full year of quality daycare so that a young woman can begin to achieve her dreams. Seating is limited, so contact Nicole Robinson at 281-292-4155 to reserve your seat and inquire about sponsorship. PACN offers free and confidential services including ultrasounds, pregnancy and STD/HIV testing, educational programs, and support groups.
PACN'S 4TH ANNUAL SUPERHERO DASH, NOV. 8 Dust off your favorite Superhero cape and make plans to join PACN’s 4th annual Superhero Dash at Rob Fleming Park in The Woodlands on Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. -10 a.m. Form a team for this family-friendly event and celebrate moms, dad and babies with PACN. Prizes will be awarded in individual and team categories. Enjoy live music, face painting, crafts for kids and more. Each year PACN facilitates around 7,000 client visits. Their medical, educational and material programs are offered at no cost to clients due to fundraisers like the Superhero Dash. PACN also operates “It’s All Good,” a thrift store in Conroe. For more information about this event and to register your team, go to facebook.com/PACNSuperheroDash.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
The Junior ROTC (JROTC) Foundation is accepting reservations and sponsorships for its inaugural fundraiser event, a Nov. 9 dinner featuring guest speaker Lt. Col. Oliver North at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. Tables of eight and 10 are being sold for the event. Costs are $1,500 for a table of eight and $2,500 for a table of 10 located in a preferred area. Because of the interest in this event, individual tickets are not being sold. Underwriting sponsorships at varying levels are limited, but still available. All sponsors and their table guests will be invited to a VIP Underwriting Partner cocktail reception prior to the dinner that will include a private 30-minute Q&A session, a private book signing and photos by a professional photographer. The foundation hopes to raise $100,000 through the event, with all proceeds being distributed to underfunded high school JROTC programs in Houston-area schools and throughout Texas. “Funding for high school JROTC programs is being cut at an alarming rate while program sizes continue to rise steadily by 10 percent each year,” said Conrad Doss, president of JROTC Foundation. “ The budget for the Air Force JROTC program alone was cut by 20 percent from 2011 to 2014.” North is a combat-decorated U.S. Marine and has been described by President Ronald Reagan as “an American hero.” He was involved in planning the rescue of 804 medical students on Grenada and played a major role in the capture of the terrorists who hijacked the cruise ship Achille Lauro. He is the host of “War Stories” on Fox News Channel and is a best-selling author. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit jrotcfoundation.org.
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INDEPENDENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT LOCATED IN THE WOODLANDS
JDRF BENEFIT WALK, NOV. 8 Saturday, Nov. 8 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, JDRF One Walk will bring together people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D) for a walk to raise funds and awareness. Register online at walk.jdrf.org. Join a team or form your own. These walks allow JDRF to fund life-changing research, helping to lessen the everyday burden of T1D and, ultimately, create a world where Type One becomes Type None. This is the flagship fundraising event and the largest T1D event in the world. Donations help advance therapies through JDRF’s research pipeline and creates the promise to better treat and one day, even prevent and cure T1D. For more information call 713-334-4400.
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The Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) will host its monthly mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 at Pilates Body of Conroe, 804 W. Dallas St., Conroe. Esther Mullen, studio founder and instructor, will sponsor the event. The party will celebrate the anniversary of the studio's opening with giveaways - as well as the kick off the holiday season with trimming of the Christmas tree. Finger foods and drinks will be provided. "I have really enjoyed creating a larger social network through the association," Mullen said. The MCABW holds a mixer the second Thursday of each month as well as a monthly Business Builders Coffee on the first Tuesday of the month and a luncheon the fourth Tuesday of each month at Incredible Pizza in Conroe. Visitors are invited to attend two MCABW events before joining the organization. For more information, call Carol Gooch at 713-256-8002 or visit MCABW.org.
FEAST OF ARTISANS FARMERS’ MARKET, FRIDAY EVENINGS The Feast of Artisans Farmers’ Market has reopened at The Southern Star Brewery in Conroe. The market is open biweekly, on Friday evenings from 4-9 p.m.; the brewery is open until 10 p.m. The market features a wide variety of locally produced goods from local vendors. The market also hosts a food truck and features local musicians. For more information visit feastofartisans.com or the Feast of Artisans Facebook page.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
TWHS ART TRUST TAKING 2015 ART COLLECTION SUBMISSIONS, THROUGH NOV. 14 The Woodlands High School Art Trus announces that applications are now open for entry into the collection for 2015. The Art Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports The Student Art Trust Committee. The student committee is overseeing the application process for Texas juried artists' work, to add to the student-chosen and student-purchased professional art collection. The top 15 pieces will be voted on by the entire student body, around 4,000 students, and the 3 top choices will be purchased and added to The Woodlands High School Art Collection. The application deadline is Nov. 14. Artists are encouraged to submit work they are willing to sell. Artists can email questions to twhsarttrust@gmail.com. General questions can be sent to twhsat@gmail.com. For more informaabout the collection, visit twhsat.org.
TWHS FUNDRAISER TENNIS TOURNAMENT, NOV. 15 The nonprofit Woodlands High School Tennis Team Booster Club is hosting its Annual TWHS Tennis Booster Club Fall Fundraiser Tennis Tournament at The Woodlands Country Club located at 2301 N. Millbend Drive in The Woodlands on Saturday, Nov. 15. Tennis players of all ages and abilities are invited to participate. A format of Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles tennis attracts players of all different tennis playing ability levels from all around the Woodlands and neighboring communities, as well as providing a fun day of play. A $35/player fee gains you entry to the entire event. Entries are being accepted through Monday, Nov.10. Registration forms also are available at the following clubs: The Woodlands Country Club, Carlton Woods Country Club, The Woodlands Parks and Recreation, FM Tennis at River Plantation Country Club, April Sound Country Club, The Club, Bentwater Country Club, Giammalva Racquet Club, and Raveneaux Country Club, or register by emailing Kelly Taggart at kellystaggart@yahoo.com. Sponsorships are available through Lisa Anderson at lisa15anderson@icloud.com.
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“FAITHSTOGETHER” COMMUNITY GATHERING, NOV. 19 On Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m., 400 community members from 12 different faiths will gather at Lord of Life Lutheran Church located at 3801 South Panther Creek Drive, to give thanks for cultivating compassion in the community. FaithsTogether is a fellowship of religious communities which honors spiritual diversity by building relationships and understanding among people of different faiths. Over 12 different faiths and their community members gather each Thanksgiving season to honor unity and diversity as well as celebrate humanity. This year’s observance will include a community choir directed by Rob Hunt and a reception will immediately follow the program. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation of canned or non-perishable food which will be donated to a local food pantry. For more information on the FaithsTogether event, call Jan Chappell at 713-598-4879.
The Christmas comedy classic starring the Herdmans comes to Stage Right.
STAGE RIGHT PRESENTS THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, DEC. 5-21 STAGE RIGHT of Texas, resident theatre company at the historic Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, will present the hilarious heartwarming holiday classic The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson Dec. 5-21. The show is directed by Brenda Storseth. The Herdmans are six scrawny children (Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie and Gladys) who are notorious delinquents in
their community. In spite of the Herdmans never having heard the Christmas story before and in spite of never making it through a complete rehearsal, the show does go on and turns out to be, as everyone says, the best Christmas pageant they have ever seen. Every STAGE RIGHT show spotlights an organization, and they are once again partnering with The Salvation Army to share some Christmas cheer with those less fortunate. Theater-goers may bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to low income senior citizens through the Salvation Army’s Senior Holiday gift program. There will be a collection box in the lobby of the Crighton during the run of the show. Show dates are Dec. 5-21, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and three Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at 936-441-7469 or stage-right.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Crighton Theatre box office. The historic Crighton Theatre is located at 234 N. Main St. in downtown Conroe.
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Wine, Wome
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Scene in
The Woodlands by Missy Herndon FOR GALAS, PARTIES, LUNCHEONS Email: missyherndon@yahoo.com
FOR SCHOOL & STUDENT NEWS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS:
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editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Dear Readers,
As we make our way through this busy Social season and into the holidays, I hope we each can stop and give Thanks for the amazing “Good” in each of our lives. I truly believe each day is blessing, no matter the circumstance. We all are gifted in some way, through family and friends, health, love, education or employment. Our wonderful community is a gift and the peace and freedom we all have each and every day that allows us to wake up in a country that allows us to read, write and do as we please… this is a gift. This month of events, elections and holidays, I hope we can all see the “Good” that has been shared with us. I have attended countless events and I am in awe and completely humbled by the giving hearts of our neighbors and the “Good” that is among us. They show up, give of their time and resources to make a difference in our community. There are many ways to give back this holiday season, see the many opportunities below to make a difference in someone else’s life. Until next month… and don’t forget to GET OUT AND VOTE!.
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I will be out and about this month, so you too can be “Scene in The Woodlands!” Keep me posted on your upcoming events, please email missyherndon@yahoo.com.
LYNDA BENTLEY, PC ATTORNEY AT LAW
Save the Date! Nov. 2: Light The Night Walk benefiting Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Market Street The Woodlands, lightthenight.org Nov. 7: Operation Military Embrace (OME) Fundraiser supporting our military at home and abroad, The Conservatory, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., operationmilitary embrace.com Nov. 7: John Cooper School’s Signature Author Series Luncheon featuring Tyler Florence, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, johncooper.org Nov. 8: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk, The Woodlands United Methodist Church, Register at walk.jdrf.org Nov. 21-23: The Junior League of The Woodlands Holiday Market, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, jlthewoodlands.org Nov. 22: iWOW and Lighting of the Doves, Town Green Park and The Woodlands Waterway, 3-9 p.m., thewoodlandscvb.com
Family Law Former Judge 30 Years Experience Divorce Modification Enforcement Adoption Paternity Corporate Mediation Will/Probate
Wine, Women and Shoes Wine, Women and Shoes was held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, benefiting iGo Pink and Breast Cancer Charities of America. The ladies’ night out event featured a wine tasting, shoe and accessory shopping, a fabulous fashion show, a Dream closet raffle and charming shoe guys! 1) (L-R) Doreen King, Carol Gooch, Glenda Minshew and Carolyn Gray 2) (L-R) Krissie Vanyo, Amy Odom and Michelle O’Rourke 3) Amy Hairr and Meka Coxon
281.955.2408 • 281.257.2500 5515 LOUETTA RD, STE. C • SPRING, TEXAS 77379 WWW.ATTORNEYLYNDABENTLEY.COM The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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Celebration of Excellence Black and White Ball
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4) (L-R) Amy Tulley, Cresta Castillo and Allison MacEachern 5) (L-R) Sophia Higareda, Janie Ramirez and April Gonzales 6) (L-R) Alison Cravey, Courtney West and Angela Clugg 7) Lonny Soza and Erica Tullis
Our Design Specialists have been creating
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Celebration of Excellence Black and White Ball The 2014 Celebration of Excellence Black and White Ball was recently held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands. One of the most anticipated events of the year, the celebration honors the Hometown Heroes and Hometown Angel publicly for their service to our community. This year’s event was as glamorous as it was heartfelt, with dramatic black and white décor and the addition of the Black and White Lounge featuring a specialty martini, live entertainment and dancing. 1) (Back row, l-r) Honorary Chair Dr. Don Stockton and Dr. Ann Snyder of Interfaith of The Woodlands with 2014 Hometown Heroes and Angel: (front row, l-r) Amy LeCrone, accepting the Hometown Angel honor for her husband Dr. Vance LeCrone; James Huntsman for Huntsman Corporation; Bret Strong; Jeff Shipley; Brenda Mizell; and Dr. Austin Lane 2) Event Co-Chairs, Elvira Cauthen and DeAnn Guidry 3) The Woodlands Township Chairman Bruce Tough with wife Diana 4) Tammy and Danny Schroder 5) Sharon and Alex Sutton 6) Dr. Steve and Debbie Sukin 7) Susie and Jeff Shipley 8) Don and Vicki Norrell 9) Larry and Debbie Browne 10) Nelda and Jim Blair 11) Colleen Dippel, Barry and Lisa Katz and Angie Signorelli 12) Ann Wolford, Dr. Ann Snyder, George Lindahl and Kim Remy
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In The Pink A sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 women packed The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center dressed in a sea of the most beautiful shades of inspirational “pink” and some gorgeous pops of “teal” at the 14th Annual Memorial Hermann In The Pink of Health Luncheon. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, the “Pink Boutique,” a highly anticipated Kendra Scott Raffle and amazing silent auction. This year had a special touch, supporting both breast and ovarian cancer. Guest speaker and ovarian cancer survivor, Dr. Stephanie Parke wowed the crowd with her humor and charm. What an inspiration! Featured Speaker Kelly Corrigan read hilarious excerpts from her book and had the crowd laughing (and crying). The event supports breast and ovarian health programs through Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, and the funds raised focus on mammograms, diagnostic technology, education, community outreach, research and clinical trials in Montgomery County. 1) Event co-chairs, Carrie Hyman and Melissa Preston 2) Drs. Frank and Stephanie Parke 3) Iram Taylor and Johnna Edone 4) Dr. Ann Snyder and Marsha Williams 5) Trisha Callihan and Vicki Malek-Clary 6) Tammy Schroder and Coco Mahoney 7) (L-R) Shea Mueshler, Julie Comeaux, Jennifer Bulovas, Jessica Kemp Park, Kassi Foster, Angie Blake, Nicole Murphy, Elvira and Bella Cauthen 8) (Back row, l-r) Courtney Schindewolf, Tania Bryngelson, Kellie Armstrong, Julia Ambler, Jen McDonald and Carolyn Atkinson (front row, l-r) Andrea Kuvshinikov, Michelle Maggert, AnneMarie Awasum and Julie Ambler 9) (L-R) Cindy Irwin, Kathy Croom, Mary Neskora, Alison Henderson, Amy Thedinger, Tracy O’Neal, Denise Lipar, Sondra Ruhman, Soly Lachterman and Cindy Heiserl
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WISTERIA Elevate your dining experience with the casual elegance of this gorgeous chandelier. The glass makes for a truly spectacular experience— watch the light play around the room, catching on the sparkling glasses, and warming up the bone china. The chandelier is made of iron and glass with a nickel finish and comes with an eight-foot cord. wisteria.com SURREY LANE These purple-tinted water glasses are amazingly fun and playful. The handmade bubble design is unique to each
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glass. Comes in Smoke, Aqua, Cobalt, Red and Clear. Priced well for a large set, these work great as an everyday set or to liven up an outdoor meal. shopsurreylane.com LYNX GREY RUG Bands of plush New Zealand wool in warm tonal greys and soft ivory are handknotted in a complex cut and looped pile. The result is a softly muted yet rich floorscape with a highlow texture. Crafted of pure wool, this rug will occasionally shed, especially during the first few months, which is easily managed with regular vacuuming. crateandbarrel.com
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
DONNA’S HOME FURNISHINGS Donna’s Home Furnishings brings shoppers home for the holidays! These whimsical Wine Cork boxes makes a perfect hostess gift or for the wine lover in your life. Donna and Russell Dawson have created the perfect balance of medium to high-end accessories and furniture, yielding a mix of products within reach of even the most frugal of holiday shoppers. The yummy smell of Donna’s Home Furnishings signature candle and the friendly staff will warm the Grinch-iest of hearts.
Branching together Houston and The Woodlands, Donna’s is easy to access from I-45. dhfonline.com ALESSI MINI GIROTONDO APERITIF SET Stefano Giovannoni and Guido Venturini (collectively known as King-Kong) are the proud parents of the ''Girotondo'' project, a line of kitchenware characterized by the playful little man that skips through the designs. wayfair.com
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Style} file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
FENDI From the Fall-Winter 2014 collection. fendi.com
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VALENTINO From the Fall-Winter 2014 collection. valentino.com
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Style} file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
MIKAEL D From the Fall-Winter 2014 collection. MIKAELD.com
OSCAR CARVALLO COUTURE From the Fall-Winter 2014 collection. oscarcarvallo.com
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Difference!
Live the Wood-Mode
Showroom at River Bend Station • 11133 I-45 South, Suite #210 • Conroe 936-441-2221 • www.ourdesignerkitchens.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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Style} file HANDBAG finds Proenza Schouler Courier Python PS Small Courier in light blue python has flap front with hinged metal closure. barneys.com
Prada Fringed Bucket Bag Fringed Leather Bucket Bag has double handle, steel hardware, metal lettering. logo.prada.com
Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Tote Bag Iconic tote bag is sea printed calfskin with an exotic snakeskin trim. harrods.com
Tory Burch Quilted Backpack Tom Ford Leather Tote Amber Leather Tote in graphite. Grained calfskin tote accented with gold galvanized brass hardware. tomford.com
Marion Quilted Small Backpack is super-soft leather and can also be worn as shoulder bag. toryburch.com
Burberry Bloomsbury Skyline Tote Bloomsbury featuring the New York City skyline is crafted from layered leather and suede. burberry.com
Fendi Embroidered Baguette Leather Baguette Shoulder Bag in burgundy is lambskin with all-over embroidery. neimanmarcus.com
Balenciaga Cable Shopper Cable Shopper in Patent leather Gray has metallic cable handles. balenciaga.com
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Anya Hindmarch Ebury Maxi Frosties Italian-made Ebury Maxi tote hails from the brand’s covetable “Counter Culture’ collection. net-a-porter.com
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Holiday Gift Guide BOWLERO If you are looking for a great place to host a holiday party, look no further then Bowlero. The atmosphere is very inviting with the combination of rustic, vintage and modern interior. The executive chef can whip up a menu that is out of this world. How about a 5-pound gourmet burger? Wanting a sweet treat? Try out a deep fried twinkie or oreo. The chef has also created the now famous CRODO mini's, a must! 281367-1277 27000 I-45 North, The Woodlands BOWLERO.COM
WOODY’S FURS Woody’s Furs offers a large variety in fur, leather, cashmeres, shearling, vests, hats and accessories. Woody’s takes pride in searching all over the world for industry trends so they can offer customers the cutting edge of fashion and style. A warm and friendly atmosphere and pampering customers are their trademarks. Their intention is to make their furs as affordable as possible while maintaining the high level of quality and selection that Woody’s Furs has come to be known for. Fur storage and coat repair also available. 713-212-0300 2050 Post Oak Blvd. woodysfurs.com
GREEN LINKS Synthetic turf surfaces create wonderful entertainment and lifestyle improvement spaces. From improving your golf game to more family outdoor fun, let Green Links show you how to turn outdoor space into more usable and pleasing settings. Contact them for a consultation. 713-932-9997 greenlinksinc.com
MASSAGE HEIGHTS If you are in search of a gift that your family and friends and even clients would love to receive, why not give the gift of health and well being? Massage Heights at Panther Creek, in the heart of The Woodlands, offers massages as well as facials, custom-tailored to your specific needs. They are offering a holiday special — buy 3 get 1 free! 832-900-7788 4775 W Panther Creek Drive Suite 220 B, The Woodlands
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WILLIAM HENRY Buy your man a unique, timeless pocket knife. This brand was established creating exclusive and award-winning pocket knives, transforming them into a superb piece of functional jewelry for men. Today’s collections include writing instruments, money clips, cuff links and golf tools, and William Henry has grown to become one of the most admired and soughtafter brands in the world of luxury for men. Hand-forged tapestries in metal, chisel carved silver, hand-burnished gold inlay, fine hand engraving, exotic materials, and inlaid gemstones are interwoven into stunning pieces of timeless stature. No two pieces are alike. 888-563-4500 williamhenry.com
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THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB At The Woodlands Country Club, tradition and innovation blend perfectly to create a lifestyle uniquely tailored to meet the needs and expectations of every member. Why not share the gift of membership with someone special for 2014? Impeccable playing conditions, first class amenities and attentive personalized service only begin to describe the advantages of belonging to one of Texas’ finest country clubs. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit the website. thewoodlandscc.com
VILLAGE PHARMACY Village Pharmacy is pleased to unveil a new look throughout the newly remodeled pharmacy. Now while waiting for your prescriptions to be filled, you can browse the many gift items now available. They offer one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home decor items, luxurious candles and a large selection of fine wines. Village Pharmacy is your one stop shop for your healthcare items and unique designer gifts. 832-948-1012 1490 Research Forest Drive Conroepharmacy.com
OFFICIAL BAGGO TOSS GAME Baggo has been producing the best backyard games ever for over 20 years! Choose from a wide selection of themes and collegiate designs or customize with your favorite artwork, picture or logo. Perfect for tailgating, company picnics, reunions, birthday parties and more. Every durable board is assembled by hand in Hot Springs Arkansas. baggo.com
ECLECTIC HOME Gifts under $35, plus an assortment of home furnishings and accessories. Eclectic Home carries an assortment of lamps, wall dĂŠcor, accent furniture and decorative accessories, all from contemporary to traditional styles. Open every day. Follow them on Facebook. 713-869-1414 345 W 19th St., Houston eclectichome.ws
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the Editor’s
Picks Linda Anderson
, is Baby Elephant Falls Saved by Parents
falls it is After infant elephant its by d cue res tly promp this attentive parents in on video. adorable act caught u8zClRb4 .com/watch?v=s6d https://www.youtube s & Homes! yle est Lif th wi eo Share your vid om styles-magazines.c email to: Linda@life
Follow
pinterest.com/LifestyleMags
On Try these recipes on our Pinterest
Heavenly Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Perfect for Thanksgiving: 5 Fall Sangrias 62
A SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS No one does Christmas like the South, and the editors of Southern Living have outdone themselves this season with their inpirational coffee table book, Christmas All Through The South. Editorat-large Kim Cross writes, “The South may not be the only region that goes overboard for the holidays, but we like to think we do it with imitable style.” This book is meant to be read, flipped through, book-marked and shared as your holiday season is illuminated by these merry traditions.
GREAT GARDENS OF AMERICA Great Gardens of America, by Tim Richardson, is an authori-
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
tative and superbly illustrated celebration of the finest gardens in the United States and Canada. With insightful and in-depth information about what makes American gardens unique, to profiles of individual properties ranging from the formalism of John D. Rockefeller’s Kykuit to the highly eclectic cornerstone, this book examines the breadth, diversity and unbridled creativity of “new world” gardening.
DESIGNING PARADISES A passion for luxury and beauty propels the multifaceted work of acclaimed international architect and interior designer Robert Couturier. He admits, “I’m completely addicted to luxury. I have no ability for anything else.” In
Designing Paradises, readers witness Couturier’s dialogue between Old World elegance and contemporary design, where his masterful approach effortlessly brings eras together.
MODERN QUILTING Quilting With A Modern Slant gives artists the freedom to play with every element of the quilt, to improvise and build on the aesthetics of traditional and art quilts, and to welcome inspiration however it strikes. Tour the world of modern quilting through the stories and works of more than 70 of its most exciting artists. Along with a compelling inside look at their creations, the quilters offer step-by-step instructions on favorite improvisational techniques and projects.
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Come preview the 2014-15 collection of fine furs, leathers, cashmeres and reversibles for both men and women.
We can still restyle your fur in time for this coming cold winter as predicted Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm • Closed Sunday
2050 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, TX 77056 across from Maggiano’s and the Hilton Hotel
713-212-0300 sales@woodyfurs.com woodysfurs.com
SPINNING THE PERFECT YARN Beth Smith has been teaching the art of spinning with different breeds for years, and in her new book, The Spinner’s Book of Fleece, she shares her wealth of knowledge with spinners everywhere. She demonstrates specific methods for working with fiber from 21 different breeds to achieve the best results no matter if the project is a lacy shawl or sturdy outerwear. With this reference, spinners will have all the information they need to create the perfect yarn for each project.
WINTER WONDERLAND PUZZLES This collection of puzzle books is the perfect gift for the “puzzler” in your life. They are smart, stylish and uniquely designed. The New York Times Winter Wonderland Crosswords, edited by puzzlemaster Will Shortz, is a “musthave” for any crossword fan. The companion puzzle book Will Shortz Presents Winter Wonderland Sudoku is bound to be the book every puzzle fan will want to be seen solving this season. These two beautiful books come in a convenient portable size, perfect for carrying in your purse, briefcase or backpack.
PUTTING GREENS PLAYGROUNDS SYNTHETIC TURF LAWNS
Green Links designs and installs golf greens, game courts, playgrounds and synthetic turf lawn sur faces 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 m o s t e x p e r i e n c e d s y n t h e t i c t u r f p r o v i d e r.
w www.greenlinksinc.com ww.greenlinksinc.com
713-932-9997 713-932-9997 The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com
Lexus IS and Kia Forte
Lexus IS | Starting price: $36,500
I
n the luxury sport sedan world certain vehicle attributes are expected in order to gain entrance to the “club.” Those usually are a vehicle that generally fits the dimensions of a compact car, has sporty handling and normally needs a frontengine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Beyond that, you can find equipment choices and therefore pricing ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime. The recently introduced Generation 3 Lexus IS is a compact luxury sport sedan that is built and equipped to Lexus standards. This is not a particularly large car but is intended to fit you like a glove… just like the competitors in this class. From a purely practical standpoint, the Lexus ES sedan is
larger, more comfortable, fast, has a hybrid option available, gets noticeably better fuel economy and costs about the same… but it’s a non-sporty front wheel drive sedan. The IS is a supremely capable vehicle but very few of its owners will ever plumb the depths of its handling abilities. The vast majority of buyers choose the basic IS 250 model and use it for commuter duties, not even fully realizing what the vehicle can do. To validate that the car has high performance capabilities, Lexus also offers FSport and IS F models plus two additional engine choices beyond the entry 2.5 liter V6. For drivers with the confidence and the skills, a properly configured IS equipped with either the 3.5 V6 or 416 horsepower
Kia Forte | Starting price: $15,900
F
or buyers of vehicles in the compact sedan market there are lots of really good choices. Dozens of very fine models are the result of decades of honing and fine-tuning vehicles. Kia is a relative newcomer to the rigors of the North American auto market. Though established, the company is not content to merely run with the pack. To make headway against some well-entrenched segment favorites you’ve got to stand out and provide something new and fresh. That’s the job of the Forte. The Forte is styled to make a statement. It’s totally modern, non-conformist and quiet attractive. The shape not only conveys an “I’m different” message but also provides a lot of interior space in a compact vehicle package. The wheels have been pushed out to the corners of the car allowing a long wheelbase and a roomy cabin.
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5.0 V8 will fulfill their need for speed. So much of the appreciation of a vehicle like this is in the subtle sensory experiences the driver gets from driving the car. Lesser cars depend on engine sounds coming from tuned inductions emanating from under the hood. The proper way to enjoy the sound of an engine is to hear it from a mellow exhaust note exiting the back of the car the way the IS does it. Several of the IS’s European competitors have abandoned 6 cylinder engines and have opted to power their cars with turbocharged 4 cylinder units. Though the turbos can produce more power, they are often noisy crass devices with unseemly turbolag. Additionally, they also have annoying stop-start engine technology which is not fully developed, is very low class and only improves fuel economy by a small inconsequential amount. Kudos to Lexus for continuing to deliver very smooth V6 engines that add to the luxury demeanor and driving joy of the IS. The IS is a very fine sedan. It’s taut, well put together, has appropriate appointments for its class, looks good, feels good, drives good and sounds good. Lexus vehicles also tend to be well built requiring little maintenance and lasting a time while retaining their value. The Lexus IS is fun to drive and not mere conveyance.
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Kia has always been about the value proposition and comparatively speaking, with the Forte you get lots of car for the money. Even the base LX Forte is a proper compact with all the necessary equipment. The upscale EX adds a broad array of technology and options that just a few years ago were only available on larger, more expensive vehicles. Auto manufacturers have discovered, however, that there is a growing market for small, efficient cars that offer big vehicle amenities. That said, the EX model has several packages that include features not available on competing models. The Alloy and UVO package offers lovely alloy wheels, a backup camera and a fine infotainment system. The Technology package adds navigation, HD radio, vehicle monitoring and HID projection beam headlamps. And finally, the Premium package includes a moon roof, leather seating, power seats with memory, heated front and rear seats, ventilated/cooled front seat and even a heated steering wheel! Additionally it has keyless entry and push-button ignition start. When you lock the car and leave, the outside mirrors automatically fold in close to the body. As you approach the car with the key in your pocket or purse, the car senses your presence and the mirrors automatically fold out. Kia’s Flex Steer technology provides three settings — Comfort, Normal and Sport — and lets the driver choose how much effort it takes to steer the car. The LX is offers with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine and the EX has a 2.0 connected to a 6 speed automatic. My EX had excellent acceleration and handling, the ride was good, and the cabin was very quiet for a compact car. In my week of driving I averaged 28.1 mpg — which is very good considering the spirited driving it was subjected to — and matches the EPA rating exactly. The sticker price on my fully loaded EX was $25,515. The Forte is Kia’s worthy contender in the crowed compact sedan world, and in some areas offers equipment and technology that isn’t found on vehicles costing twice as much. It’s a smart buy. For more information on these models, visit MyCarData.com.l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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Ready, Set, Holiday Shop! Junior League Holiday Market offers unique and one-of-a-kind gifts Nov 21-23
Vendors donate a dizzying array of goods to the Preview Party silent auction. The Holiday Market proceeds fund the Junior League's good works for children, families, and education.
By Tish Williams Photos by Ruddock Photography
D
uring the mad dash of holiday shopping, there’s one experience that local buyers embrace like an old friend. The 12th annual Junior League Holiday Market kicks off with a preview party on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 20, followed by three days of “A Candy Cane Christmas” from Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Avid area shoppers flock to the Waterway Marriott to see a wide array of local merchants’ offerings in a party-like atmosphere like no other. “Last year we were packed from Friday until Sunday,” says Kim Dupaquier, cochair of this year’s holiday market with Ginny Bowles. “We have a waiting list 200 vendors long trying to get in. We work very hard in our selection process to be strategic
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Last year's Mardi Gras-theme gives way to "A Candy Cane Christmas" this holiday season.
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and provide a good mix for shoppers.” In 2013, a record 14,000 shoppers enjoyed a dizzying array of home decor, food, fashion, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items in a festive, buoyant atmosphere. Many vendors come from local hotspots, such as Marta’s Boutique in Panther Creek, The Turquoise Door in Tomball and Cha Cha’s Boutique in Spring. Others are perennial favorites that merit a visit each year with their innovative and beloved designs, such as Queen Bling’s folksy Texas-themed jewelry from Pearland or Sterling Grace’s spiritually inspired looks from Tyler. New entrants add a timely contribution to the mix, like custom iPad, iPhone and other electronics cases from All Over Your Case. If you want to see absolutely everything that’s available, the Junior League Holiday Market kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 20 with its festive preview party. A $90 ticket entitles you to the first look at the packed halls
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from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. the night before the big crowds, as well as shopping for the entire weekend. This year, preview partygoers will delight to the tunes of The Elroys. General admission tickets for shopping Friday through Sunday are available online at jlnhsmc.org for $12, as well as from any Junior League member, or for $15 at the door. The Holiday Market is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Strollers are welcome after 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and all day Sunday. The Holiday Market features a photo booth with Santa in the lobby area outside the Holiday Market — an admission ticket is not required — where shoppers can take their kids for a photo with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus and a hot cocoa bar. This year, Letters for Santa will offer kids a chance to write a letter to the jolly old elf with a guaranteed response.
Masked guests enjoy the 2013 Preview Party and get the first crack at Holiday Market shopping, complete with a musical guest, dancing and more. This year's sneak peek will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20.
“It’s important to remember that the purpose is, of course, a wonderful shopping experience, but the market ultimately funds all the great things we do during the calendar year in our community.” -- 2014 co-chair Ginny Bowles Junior League Holiday Market regulars go for the unique items that can’t be found anywhere else, the dizzying vendor displays, and favorites such as The Bake Shoppe and Cafe’s huge homemade ding dongs and the Wine-A-Rita booth that serves samples for shoppers who need to reenergize their holiday spirits. “It’s important to remember that the purpose is, of course, a wonderful shopping experience, but the market ultimately funds all the great things we do during the calendar year in our community,” Bowles says. “All the money earned goes right back into the community.” The Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties has 500 members from the Conroe, Spring, Klein, Tomball, Magnolia and The Woodlands areas. It engages in a variety of outreach efforts in the community, focussing particularly on helping area children. ➝
Over 14,000 shoppers are expected to pack the halls of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott in search of one-ofa-kind items during the weekend of Nov. 21.
The Junior League includes around 500 members and organizers who work year-round to keep the event at the top of shoppers' lists.
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Red velvet cupcakes, giant homemade "ding dongs" and Wine-a-ritas are just a few of the culinary delights available to attendees. v Shoppers return each year for unique gifts and uncommon finds.
Groups of friends flock to the Holiday Market together in an annual Southern Montgomery County tradition.
The Junior League’s Healthy Appetites Promote Positive Youth (H.A.P.P.Y.) program sends 120 hungry area kids home from school with a backpack full of food each weekend during the 36-week school year. The Junior League hosts spring and fall Literacy Carnivals, donating nearly
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1,000 books in each fun-filled event that promote reading. The Junior League supports kids at through volunteer work at St Luke’s Hospital, The Woodlands Chil dren’s Museum, with Montgomery County CPS and the Rainbow Room, as well as other efforts.
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The Junior League hosts an Impact Conference in February, bringing an inspiring national figure to the area to speak to educators who can earn continuing-education credits with attendance. In 2013, Impact featured autism-awareness advocate Temple Grandin, a Colorado State University professor and best-selling author of tales about her own autism and special understanding of animals, and in 2014 highlighted the story of Liz Murray, an author who went from homelessness to Harvard. In 2015, championship wrestler Anthony Robles will take the stage at impact to talk about his success, optimism and his book “Un stoppable,” which details the determination that drove him to become a three-time All-American and 2011 NCAA wrestling champion, despite being born missing his right leg. “We attract all kinds of people. We have stay at home moms, we have doctors, all kinds of women who want to help the community,” says Junior League President Julia Dell. “We find where their passion is, whether it’s setting up a fundraiser or working at St. Luke’s Hospital, we find their niche and go with it.” l
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Wayne and Missy Herndon with their boys, (from left) Magnus, 6; Steele, 9; and Will, 11.
The
mission save to
Will Herndon
The Woodlands community has contributed $3 million to find a cure for Juvenile Batten disease
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By Tish Williams hen Missy Herndon received the call with her son’s test results, the genetic counselor cried over the phone. That’s when it hit her that something was really wrong. Will was a normal kindergartener. When he held papers closer to his face, Missy and her husband Wayne thought he might need glasses. Then he forgot his alphabet and had to relearn it starting from “A,” but kids do silly things. When a second visit to the eye doctor returned a referral for genetic testing, they began to have some doubts. Still, the Herndons, who live in The Woodlands, looked to a diagnosis for clarity, the first step to fixing the problem and getting Will back on track. “I remember the day. The kids were at WoW Science Camp when my phone rang. Picking it up, I was quite confident they had found nothing. I thought, ‘I have this active 5-year-old.’ The genetic counselor started crying on the phone,” Missy says. “I just knew it was horrible.” Will has Juvenile Batten disease, something found in only 1 or 2 births out of 100,000 in the U.S. It was just an obscure disease they'd never heard of in the fall of 2009, but it would take Will's vision and his cognitive abilities, and change the Herndon family’s life just the same.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
Will Herndon affectionately touches dad Wayne’s beard.
At first, Missy explains, she “hit the floor.” Texas Children’s gives families a few days between diagnosis and in-person discussions so they can pull themselves together. The Herndons went in and learned the basics: their bright-eyed, loving 5-year-old would suffer vision loss, cognitive degeneration, seizures, dementia, and eventually become wheelchair bound, with a life expectancy in the late teens to early 20s. “When they tell you it's fatal... ” Wayne Herndon says, his voice trailing off. He’s a big strong guy, and he’s the researcher of the pair. “Our concern had been that he was going to go blind. Instead, ‘It’s fatal. No cure.’ ” When she got home from the clinic, Missy's disbelief turned to anger. “I thought, ‘This is not
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Around town, cars proudly bear bumper stickers with Will's name, while joggers and bikers crisscross The Woodlands with messages of HOPE on their chests. (Right) This fall, The Beyond Batten Foundation presented Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Director of the Jan and Dan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, right, and members of her team with a $1.75 million check . v (Below) HOPE on the Green's volunteer committee with the “star” of the event. v (Middle right) Nicole Murphy (right) helped Missy Herndon (left) start the HOPE effort and works tirelessly at each HOPE event. v (Bottom right) Dave Hubenak braved the mechanical bull at the 6th annual 2014 HOPE Under the Stars Gala.
going to happen!’ I sat down at my computer and I wrote out a prayer request. At first I started hand-picking the names one by one, and then finally I said, ‘Forget it! If you’ve ever heard from me before, you’re on the list,’ ” Missy says. She took one of her favorite photos of Will, with his bright smile and big, green eyes. She explained his diagnosis, asked people to pray for him, and to share her prayer request with others. Her email went viral, with friends forwarding on the tale of Will’s diagnosis to others far and wide. The Herndons received thousands of replies from across the country. “It is amazing. Even now, five years later, I’ll go to someone’s house and they'll have a picture up of Will,” Missy says. The Mission Begins The Herndons entered the next phase of their life, the race for a cure for Will. The odds are daunting — when Will received his diagnosis there was very little research in
the U.S. studying Juvenile Batten disease. Yet the Herndons quickly linked up with a family in Austin who had a child with the disease and had raised $2.5 million to start the Beyond Batten Disease foundation. Beyond Batten began work with Dr. Huda Zoghbi, the director of Texas Children's Hospital Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute. Time was of the essence and Missy reached out to her community again. She invited friends, fellow preschool parents, Junior League members, and wives of Wayne’s friends to a “what can we do” meeting, as she calls it — 80 people showed up. Within months, they had raised $220,000 through the first HOPE Under the Stars Gala, 5K races and small events to contribute to researching a cure for Juvenile Batten disease. Through the Will Herndon Fund and the dedicated Will’s Warriors for HOPE, the Herndons have galvanized the community. Around town, cars proudly bear bumper
stickers with Will's name, while joggers and bikers crisscross The Woodlands with messages of HOPE on their chests. “We went from just living with three boys doing regular things,” Missy says. “Our whole focus became saving Will.” By 2014, through efforts such as the annual HOPE Under the Stars Gala —attended by 850 supporters at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in September — the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation and The Will Herndon Fund wrote a check for $1.75 million to Texas
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(Left) A dedicated group of friends has lifted up the Herndons and supported their efforts to find a cure for their son. v (Bottom left) The 5th annual HOPE on the Green tournament in May of 2014 raised $95,000, with the help of 200 golfers, 45 sponsors and 50 volunteers. v (Below) More than 850 members of the community attended the HOPE Under the Stars Gala. v (Far bottom) Golf tourney entrants bring a colorful attitude to the event.
Children’s Hospital for Batten research. Altogether many friends, neighbors and donors from The Woodlands have contributed $3 million to find a cure. “We all thank God every day — there’s a terrible thing that happened to this family, but this is a family that’s going to put up a fight and make a difference,” says Nicole Murphy, a close friend who helped start the HOPE effort. “Some would sit back and wait, but Missy’s making it her mission in life to save him. The rest of the Batten community is blessed to have her on the front lines. No matter what she has to wake up and endure, every day she continues to get up and fight.” How the Money Matters The dollars are making a difference. Dr. Zoghbi quickly identified a group of young Italian researchers making progress with brain cells like Will's. “We have a fantastic team... that's using every approach at hand to see if they can reverse this disease,” Dr. Zoghbi says. “Basic research takes money and your support means the world to us.” Beyond Batten is also funding research to work with Alzheimer Drug Discovery Centers
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to test drugs developed for Alzheimer's that may also be able to help kids with Batten. The National Institutes of Health, as well as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's foundations, have contributed funding as well. Beyond Batten currently has 38 concurrent research projects for Batten. Missy and Wayne Herndon have learned the ins and outs of fundraising, viral marketing and neurological disorders. Now the focus is on navigating the research and regulatory hurdles as they talk about having six drugs in the discovery phase, as well as consultants who keep the research on the up and up with the FDA for speedier approval when the time comes.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
Meanwhile, Will is growing up. A fifth grader, he is now blind and has the cognitive abilities of a younger boy — but he made a smooth transition to Mitchell Intermediate School, where he spends his time learning about a new school and creating reports on animals to deliver to sixth-grade classes. As he walks around the football fields on Saturday at SCFL, the Herndons say, Mitchell kids stop him and offer compliments on his presentations. Wherever the Herndons go, well-wishers offer encouragement and prayers. “We want to make sure Will’s got a good quality of life,” Wayne says. “We want him to have those experiences that kids have. We want him to enjoy himself.” Five years into an unimaginable journey, the Herndons’ goal is to find a cure, a solution that slows the progress of Juvenile Batten disease and reverses its symptoms in Will. Along the way, they have lifted the hearts and given a purpose to so many in The Woodlands, and the community has risen to the challenge to help create hope for one young boy and his family.l
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Roy Harris Scores a Knockout Honor
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hometown hero whose accomplishments both in an out of the boxing ring have brought pride and credit to Montgomery County was honored Oct. 10 with a public mural celebrating his contributions to the community. Roy Harris is the second person to be recognized with a Conroe Legends mural, celebrating his prominence as a heavyweight boxer as well as his ongoing contributions as a civic leader later in life. The nearly 10-foot square mural depicts Harris as he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1958. Known as the Barefoot Boxer from Cut and Shoot, Harris, 81, was a four-time Golden Glove boxing champion who tallied 23 consecutive professional wins in the ring before taking on Former boxing champion Floyd Patterson for the heavyRoy Harris strikes a pose in weight title on Aug. 18, 1958. front of his new Conroe "It's a fight I should have won," Legends mural. said Harris. "I fought Sonny Liston too – should have won honor – it's something I really appreciate." that one, too." As the second Conroe Legend, Harris Friends and family members on hand for joins Texas broadcasting legend Mary the unveiling ceremony recall a lot of exciteMcCoy, who was the first to be honored by ment in Conroe leading up to the fight for the heavyweight crown. Harris’ aunt, Dorothy Brown, recalls that reporters from The subjects for the Legends all over the country came to Conroe to file Wall have received statewide, stories about the undefeated heavyweight national, or international challenger. “Dad took my brother, Jay, and me to the drive-in theater to watch the fight recognition for their on closed circuit," said Mayor Pro Tem Guy achievement in arts and Martin. "It was exciting – very exciting." entertainment and in Harris recorded a song, "Cut & Shoot, Texas, USA," in 1958. He retired from boxdoing so brought attention ing with a record of 31- 5, nine by knockout. to the Conroe area. He became a real estate broker in 1960, an attorney in 1972, and served as county clerk the Conroe Legends program in recognifor Montgomery County from 1967 to 1995. tion of her 2010 induction into the Texas "I was pleasantly surprised to see all my Radio Hall of Fame. The subjects for the kin folk here when I arrived," said Harris. "I Legends Wall are individuals who have had no idea about the mural. This is a great
COURTESY OF THE GREATER CONROE ARTS ALLIANCE:
Former boxer recognized with the second Conroe Legends mural received statewide, national, or international recognition for their achievement in arts and entertainment and in doing so brought attention to the Conroe area. "A group of local people have talked about doing something like this for a long time," said Annette Spikes, president of the nonprofit Greater Conroe Arts Alliance. "Pledges have been made and funding is being sought for the next mural, although a decision has not been made as to who the recipient will be." The murals, located on the south side of a building owned by Rodney and Joyce Pool at 202 N. Main St. at the corner of N. Main and Metcalf streets in downtown Conroe, were created by artist Theresa Thornhill of Digital Accents.There is sufficient space for two more murals – a total of four – at that location, although Spikes hopes to keep the program going beyond the first four murals. While the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance has helped facilitate the Conroe Legends mural program, Spikes said the real credit goes to area residents and businesses that contributed their time and money to make the program a reality. Generous donors for the Harris mural were Colony Ridge Land LLC, The Harris Family, Tommy and Mary Ann Metcalf, and Larry and Marsha Corley. Special thanks was also given to JDM Designs, KSTAR Radio, The Kroger Co., Rodney and Joyce Pool, Gene and Betty Wolf of Sharity Productions, Greater Conroe Arts Alliance, La Societá Medici Rinascimento, and the Friends of Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival Committee. For more information on the Conroe Legends mural series, or to make a contribution to the program, contact Annette Spikes at 936-756-5347 or aspikes123@ consolidated.net.l
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Human Rights Walk 2014 Event and festival in Town Green Park on Dec. 6 spearheaded by local teen
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ocal teen Demme Durrett is hosting the Fourth Annual Human Rights Walk and Festival on Dec. 6. Seventeen-year-old Demme Durrett has been involved in Girl Scouts for 13 years, and three years ago got heavily involved with Human Rights education in the community and abroad as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. "Believe it or not, Human Rights need to be learned, applied, and protected more readily," says Durrett, "as there are many violations of our basic rights going on right now in our own city, throughout the U.S., and of course, internationally. People need to be aware and empowered by their natural-born human rights. In general, our community isn’t as informed as we should be, and this event helps remedy that. Also, people in our community interact with people from all over the world, on a regular basis. So, it is important that we get the message out to people in our own town, but also in the countries where serious Human Rights violations are even more prevalent.” ABC13’s morning news anchor, Sharron Melton, will emcee the event with Durrett again this year. The project and event has been so well received, and community support has been so strong for the event that she was encouraged by members of the community to keep it going. "People that come to the event this year will be really inspired, and will have a lot of fun, too,” said Durrett. They will be empowered and will get a sense of helping make a difference in the world, while having a great time. In addition to all the great music, Fair Trade shopping, bouncy houses, allied human rights groups and education that we had last year, this year we are adding even more great things such as a Rock Climbing Wall, Pet Walk, more Gourmet Food Trucks and several more surprises. “A Human Rights themed collaborative Community Art Project sponsored by BAM,
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Demme Durrett will host the Fourth Annual Human Rights Walk and Festival. v Houston Mayor Annise Parker with Demme Durrett.
Because Art Matters, is a welcome addition that we are very excited about this year. All participants will be able to contribute to an art project that will be displayed in the community to remind and inspire us that we are all responsible for making the world a better place and it starts by simply knowing, honoring, and supporting everyone’s basic human rights.” She continued, “We are wanting as many people as possible to be a part of this. The walk is part of the worldwide International
“We want to help stop Human Rights abuses and violations and it starts with Human Rights education.“ – Demme Durrett Walk for Human Rights event. We want to raise awareness about Human Rights education and collect as many signatures as possible on the Petition that will be given to governments to actually encourage implementing the Declaration of Human Rights as was intended since 1948 when the United Nations adopted it. We want to help stop Human Rights abuses and violations and it starts with Human Rights education. We want to get over 5,000 signatures on the petition this year and we need everyone
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
coming out with their friends and family to make that happen.“ Dec. 6, the date set for the Walk and Festival coincides with International Human Rights Day, the day set aside to honor the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations back in 1948. Durrett’s website for the event, HumanRightsWalk.org, includes some engaging video on the Story of Human Rights and people can begin enlightening themselves about Human Rights at the website. All the details about the walk and festival can be found there as well. Durrett, a senior at the John Cooper School in The Woodlands, was honored in 2012 with the Girl Scout Gold Award for this project and was further honored in September when she was chosen as the United States of America Youth Ambassador for the International Human Rights Summit in Brussels, Belgium. Durrett was also honored by receiving a Proclamation from the mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, proclaiming Human Rights Walk and Festival Week. The Human Rights Walk and Festival event will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Town Green Park in The Woodlands. Durrett is also looking for more volunteers and sponsors to help with the event. Visit HumanRightsWalk.org and register online to attend. The event is free. For more information, contact Demme Durrett at info@humanrightswalk.org.l
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ç By Lori Verderame
Top 10 Thanksgiving Collectibles From platters to parade memorabilia, it’s all valued n the autumn of 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians celebrated the autumn or harvest feast together. The harvest feast was a longstanding event in Native American culture and it occurred long before the Pilgrims reached Plymouth, Mass. Today, we call that celebration Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of the times when families reunite to take part in age-old family traditions. While most families enjoy a feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and the trimmings, we also enjoy the objects that remind us of coming home at holiday time. Kitchen collectibles are those items that stir memories like canister sets, mixing bowls, holiday china, hand painted tea sets, seasonal tablecloths and matching napkins, ceramic floral centerpieces, special crystal goblets, well-worn casserole dishes, etc. The antique and vintage kitchen objects that make holidays special can have collectible and monetary value, too. Here are the top 10 Thanksgiving holiday collectibles that you can find in your mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen and beyond: 1. Turkey platters of Staffordshire or Limoges china. These platters are typically of blue/white ceramic or full color featuring an image of a dressed turkey at the center. They date from the mid to late 19th century to the present day and remain highly collectible. 2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade memorabilia. Whatever I am doing on Thanksgiving morning and wherever I am spending
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Tucky, a Steiff turkey toy stuffed animal.
Thanksgiving in any given year, I do not miss this fabulous American event. The longrunning parade is an American tradition with celebrity guests, decorated floats, marching bands, high flying character balloons and Santa Claus. The employee-organized parade debuted on Nov. 27, 1924 and its long and diverse history offers collectors various types of parade memorabilia. 3. Steiff turkey toy. The German stuffed toy firm Steiff is best known for its antique mohair teddy bears dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The toy maker also produced many other types of stuffed animals from the mid1900s. The 1950s era Steiff turkey toy named Tucky is a sought after Thanksgiving collectible toy. 4. Pilgrim Barbie doll. As you know, Barbie comes in many forms, but at holiday time, Mattel made sure Barbie was the hostess with the mostess.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
Collectible Barbie dolls exist in the Thanksgiving hostess style and the ever popular Pilgrim Barbie, too. 5. Authentic antique Native American baskets. These Thanksgiving collectibles are very pricey for those made in the Eastern, Southwestern, and Pacific Northwestern United States including Alaska. Ranging in value well into the several thousands of dollars for one good example, antique Native American basketry by the Haida tribe and others are quite collectible and valuable. 6. Thanksgiving-related salt and pepper shakers. Turkey, Native Americans, and pilgrim salt and pepper shakers by various makers such as Napco, Spode, Goebel, etc. Holiday tables worldwide are enlivened by the addition of small scale collectible salt and pepper shakers in the form of various Thanksgiving-related figures. 7. Presidential Turkey pardon memorabilia. Paper announcements, TV news footage, and newspaper reports from the White House regarding the annual pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey remain a holiday collectible favorite. 8. Toleware holiday trays. Metal trays with images of turkeys, teepees, and all the trimmings are popular offerings at antique shops and flea markets in the autumn. They range in value from $25 to $75 depending on size, image, and condition. 9. Table Talk pumpkin pie tins. While Table Talk pie tins have a strong collectibles interest in the New England states, the rest of the global collecting
market gets into the act at Thanksgiving time. These tin pie plates dating back into the 1900s are not going to bust your wallet and they make fun holiday collectibles for the Thanksgiving buffet table. 10. Norman Rockwell’s Freedom from Want (Thanksgiving Day) color poster, circa 1941-45. This famous image features a family sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner. Rockwell’s image was based on President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech and has become synonymous with the American Thanksgiving feast since World War II. The reproduction poster in good condition from the World War II era is worth $125 to $200. This Thanksgiving, as you collect new memories and give thanks for family and friends, remember that your favorite antiques will remind you of crisp autumn days with loved ones. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! l
Dr. Lori Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.
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Making a new home in a new style in a new neighborhood Text by Cheryl Alexander Photography by Blake Mistich Construction by Keith Malloy Construction Architecture by Travis Mattingly Interior Design by Talbot Cooley Interiors
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arried for 19 years, the Coneleys know what they want and what works for their family. Though Clay, who works for an energy investment bank, and Stacy, a busy stay-at-home mom, loved their previous 3,800 square foot, custom-built French Country style home in Briar Bend, the couple began to feel the pressure to move as their two boys (Chase, 12, and Jackson, 10) were getting to the age where schools and neighborhoods were becoming more important. They wanted to build another custom home, but undeveloped residential lots are extremely hard to find. However, Clay got wind one day that a parcel of land that was formerly corporate-owned real estate had sold and was being developed as residential lots, so he moved quickly to find and purchase just the right spot — a 22,000-square-foot lot on a brand new street in the perfect neighborhood. Because the couple had formerly enjoyed a wonderful experience with their builder, Keith Malloy, they knew they wanted him on their team this time around as well. They liked the fact that Keith is a hands-on builder who oversees his projects onsite. Plus, they knew his response time was prompt and reliable and that he was also open
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to their ideas about the floor plan and how they wanted their home to flow. The couple had also successfully worked with Talbot Cooley Interiors on their previous home, so the design element of their team was firmly in place. The couple’s last home was much smaller in comparison to their new home, and since they had already developed the confidence in Talbot, they were more willing to let her take the reins on their new home. The designer’s input early on was crucial in regard to selecting paint colors, cabinet styles, countertop surfaces, and other ele-
PREVIOUS PAGES: The family room boasts a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams and large windows which flood the space with natural light. Custom crafted furniture personalizes the décor to the homeowner’s taste. Club chairs with pillows appliqued by Mary McDonald, Schumacher; cocktail table with silver leaf finish; day bed and bolsters, fabric by Lee Jofa; stools, fabric by High Fashion Home; sofa by Kravet; sofa pillows by Schumacher; Louis Philippe mirror from Round Top; and rug from Creative Flooring. } This grand home’s light-colored stucco is warmed with light slate-colored shutters and accented with steel doors and windows. THIS PAGE: The entry sets the stage for simple elegance. The wooden aged lanterns are from Aiden Gray and the mirror and iron table is a custom piece. An uncluttered foyer allows for an unobstructed view through the home. } An antique mirror backsplash frames the bar area while the brick barrel vault ceiling is the crowning feature. The area is accessorized beautifully with a contemporary drum light fixture. } The breakfast area utilizes antique mutton chairs from the couple's previous home. Drum light fixture by Jonathan Adler. } Dinner guests are comfortable and close by the chef in this keeping room adjoined to the kitchen. Custom club chairs are covered with Eggplant velvet fabric from High Fashion Home and a custom cocktail table is crafted out of reclaimed wood.
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Clay and Stacy both agree that the keeping room area adjoining the kitchen is their favorite part of the house.
THIS PAGE: The light and bright kitchen, awash in whites and muted grays, is inviting to the entire downstairs with open archways leading to adjacent spaces. The custom pantry door and Calacatta marble island are statement pieces. Hardware by Lighting Inc. Hardware & Plumbing and light fixtures by Restoration Hardware.
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ments. “Talbot and I tend to gravitate towards the same look,” said Stacy. “If there was a time that I was hesitant about a suggestion, she would say ‘trust me,’ and I always ended up loving the result. Talbot is extremely practical — she was open to using items I already had, leaving them in their current state, or having them recovered or repainted, so they could be incorporated into the new house. Her excitement was infectious throughout the project as it progressed and each room unfolded. I had definite ideas in some areas, which Talbot was always willing to hear so that she could help bring everything together.” “The result of the Coneleys’ home was extremely rewarding,” Talbot said. “Our goal was to create a sophisticated, timeless look that was comfortable and functional for their family’s everyday life, and we accomplished that.” Because the couple was moving towards a more contemporary vision, an oversized
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paneled steel front door and large steel windows provided the clean line element that the exterior of the house needed. The entire back of the house filters in light through these windows and doors, which allows for lots of natural light. Once inside, the home’s entry is open, bright and welcoming. The combination of the iron door, the light stone floors, the wooden aged lanterns and the iron and mirror table provides the space with unique elements that create the perfect balance. The unobstructed view through the back of the house beckons friends and family to make themselves at home. Although hard to choose, Clay and Stacy both agree the keeping room area adjoining the kitchen is their favorite part of the house. Stacy said, “It truly is the hub of our household. The island is always in use, whether preparing a meal, doing homework, or hanging out with friends watching the football game.” Stacy wanted lots of
THESE PAGES: The elegance of this dining room is firmly established in the grand dining table from Restoration Hardware and chandelier from Boxwood Interiors. Custom furnishings and accessories finish the space. } French sliding doors, found in Round Top, open to Clay’s study just off the entry. The doors are hung on a metal rail and provide an excellent contrast to the smooth plaster walls, and also hint to the masculinity of the workspace inside the room.
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natural light in this space so she could enjoy looking out into the backyard and pool area. To achieve a light and fresh look in the kitchen, a crisp white paint was used on the cabinets to coordinate with the honed Calacatta marble countertops. To offset the white, a rich charcoal gray paint was chosen for the island to balance the room. “In addition, I added four deep eggplant-hued velvet swivel chairs to bring in another element of warmth and tie everything together,” said Talbot. Adjacent in the breakfast area are antique mutton chairs from the previous home recovered in Sunbrella fabric so they would be functional, yet practical for everyday use by the couple’s young kids. A new modern drum fixture by Jonathan Adler was installed overhead to pull together the contemporary look overflowing from the kitchen. The result: an inviting, comfortable place to gather. Stacy also enjoys the serenity of her master bath. She said, “I love my master bath because it’s very simple, yet elegant, and represents my little escape from the stresses of everyday life. I always look forward to a
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good soak in my tub after the kids go to bed.” The design concept of the master bath, according to Talbot, was to create a sophisticated, elegant place to retreat. The Cararra marble floors and countertops underscore the luxury of the room, and the built-ins allow for beautiful, functional storage, which keeps the countertops minimalistic and clean in the aesthetic. As the team began to develop a plan for the family room, they wanted to do something unique on the built-in cabinet door fronts so a lacquered, high-gloss paint was used to create a more modern flair. To finish, and personalize the space, Talbot Cooley Interiors custom-made every piece of furniture and the pillows (two club chairs, daybed, sofa, cocktail table, stools) using fabrics from Schumacher, Lee Jofa, George Cameron Nash, and High Fashion Home. Accessories were purchased from a variety of stores including Area, Bliss Home and Design, and Round Top. Stacy had always wanted a cathedral ceiling, so that element was integrated here along with exposed wooden beams. The dining room is sophisticated luxury
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THESE PAGES: The star of the master bath is the white Carrara marble on both the floor and countertops. Hardware by Lighting Inc. Hardware & Plumbing; plumbing fixtures from Morrison Showroom; light fixture and sconces by Lighting, Inc. } The powder bath is all glam with wallpaper by Schumacher, a marble sink from Round Top, plumbing fixtures from Morrison Showroom and a reupholstered stool with fabric from Lee Jofa.
with pale lavender Venetian Plaster walls. A custom-made tiered chandelier decorated with smoky rock crystals from Boxwood Interiors hangs above the table. This fixture is not only the homeowners’ favorite part of the room, it is also a conversational piece when entertaining. Additionally, the space includes several custom pieces (console, mirror, and sconces) designed with an old world finish. Both Clay and Stacy have their own personal work spaces that reflect their own per-
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sonal style. In Clay’s study, the vaulted ceiling and custom-made zinc desk speak to the masculine energy. As well, the sliding French doors, hung on a metal rail, remain open until there is a conference call or need for privacy. Since there were no girls in the family, (besides the homeowners’ golden retriever, Lilly), Stacy wanted her office to be very bright and “girly.” Pink and green paint achieved a feminine energy and a green geometric pattern was stenciled on the wall. A hot pink chair adds a fun pop of color and coordinates with the custom white and pink linen Roman shade. The game room is the boys’ favorite because they can play Xbox, air hockey and lounge around on the L-shaped couch or watch the big screen TV. Their personal spaces are extra special, too. There’s a loft in Jackson’s bedroom where he can go up to read or play with Legos. Since Chases’s room did not have a loft, Talbot suggested a hanging rattan chair to add interest and to provide a great place to read or listen to music. Though building a new home and moving a family is always a challenge, this family accomplished creating a brand new style of living in a brand new neighborhood and managed to do it in a chic, contemporary way that suits them perfectly.l
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Welcoming Guests for the Holidays Simple tips to make your home festive and inviting By Janine Godwin, Organizing Designer amily and friends gathering together during this time of year creates memories that will last a lifetime, and surrounding yourself with those you love is the heart of the holiday season. Inviting guests into your home is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays, and making them feel welcome is a way to show them how special they are to you. Whether planning a simple gettogether, a party, or extended stay, the primary concern of any hostess is the comfort of her guests. Preparing a home for the holidays doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task if you plan realistically. Trying to overdo it to impress shouldn’t be the main focus at this time of year. Simple comforts or adopting the “less is more” theory can make a huge impact. Let’s look at some ideas that can make a home welcoming to all who enter. The first area of your home people see upon arrival is the outside. The front door is the predominant feature, and this is where a beautiful wreath can be displayed. Two matching planters or small cone-shaped trees on either side of the door or walkway add punch, and can easily be decorated with holiday colors that reflect your home’s style. Artificial trees are equally as beautiful as the real versions, and can be used year after year, which is a cost-effective alternative to live trees. A grouping of lanterns can also be used in place of planters and still look inviting. It’s a classic design without all the bells and whistles, yet conveys a festive touch. Inside, the home takes far more preparation, but some steps that can be done don’t have to be extensive. First
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Fresh flowers and heirloom ornaments make interesting place settings.
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and foremost, clean the house. This is an obvious step, but there is no need to go overboard by cleaning every single room or closet. Focus instead on the public areas where people will gather: bathrooms, then any bedrooms that may be used by overnight guests. This is a perfect time to clean carpets, as nothing holds dirt and odors worse than carpeting. If time is an issue, a good thorough vacuuming and a spray of fabric deodorizer can do the trick. Vacuum soft furnishings like sofas and chairs, and add festive pillows for a pop of holiday cheer. Check the entry closet to see if there is hanging space for guests’ coats, and do the same for guestroom closets to make sure there is hanging space for clothing. A guest closet only needs about 18 inches of free hanging space for guests, so there is no need to do an entire closet clean out. If space is limited, a pretty over-the-door hook is a good alternative. Attaching a pretty tag to the hook with a personal message is a lovely way to welcome guests. Linens are another terrific way to spruce up a bedroom or bathroom. A new comforter and shams for example, will update and brighten up a space in very little time, and can easily transform a dated or bland room into a cozy, inviting retreat. If bed sheets have been on an unused bed for several weeks or months, wash them, and spray with linen spray; likewise if they have been stored in a closet. Linen spray is easily made by adding a few drops of essential oil to purified water and mixing in a spray bottle. Not only will this freshen the sheets, but it will also reduce wrinkles if the sheets are placed directly from the dryer to the bed.
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
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Take a cue from a hotel and think what makes a stay comfortable. Fresh new towels are affordable and will make a huge impact to a guest’s comfort. In the bedroom or bathroom, place a pretty basket filled with travel-sized toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hand cream, shampoo and conditioner, a comb, a razor and body wash. Top it off with a hair dryer, and even the most discerning guest will be impressed. Don’t overlook the hallway powder room–pretty holiday-themed hand towels and a small floral arrangement are simple, yet effective touches. The kitchen is another area that can set the holiday mood. Use holiday dishes and serving ware through the entire season, and not just for one or two days. Bring out the crystal glasses that are family heirlooms, find those beautiful silver candlesticks and add them to your table. Enjoy those treasures that don’t see the light of day most of the year and brighten up your space. Possessions are meant to be used and enjoyed, so have fun and create your own vignettes in key focal areas of the kitchen. A wreath or garland can be incorporated into the décor, as can tree ornaments. Place some favorite ornaments in a bowl or on a platter, and use as a centerpiece. Ornaments don’t have to be limited to only the Christmas tree; use them wherever you want a touch of sparkle. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Spending an inordinate amount of time trying to create a photo-quality home can add undue stress to a season that is meant to be spent relaxing and enjoying the company of the people we love. Simple touches that show thoughtfulness about guest comfort are far more important than all the extras. The holidays only come around once a year, and giving the gift of time to your loved ones is far more important than attending to every detail that may not be noticed.l
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832-267-7399 WWW.DONERIGHTCARPETANDTILE.COM The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
TOPCRET MIRROR LAKE “Architects of the Garden Lifestyle.” With over 30 years of experience in landscape architecture and design, Mirror Lake has been creating outdoor garden spaces that become extensions of your home. Whether for entertaining or relaxing, grilling or swimming, Mirror Lake continually achieves and surpasses clients’ expectations for garden living. Reclaim your outdoor spaces through Mirror Lake’s award-winning designs and installations. 281-350-0515 MirrorLakeDesigns.com
Topcret is the world’s leading company in production and installation of high quality cement-based coverings on floors, walls, bathrooms, countertops, pools, stairs and walls commercially called Microcement and Baxab. Topcret was born in Spain in 2003 when concrete specialist engineers solved the problem of cracks and low adherence to walls and ceilings. They mixed cement products with some chemicals and called the new product Microcement. In 2014, the product family is completed with Baxab, very similar to Microcement, but with a stronger surface and better durability that makes it almost indestructible. 832-797-0374 topcret.com
RICHARDS TOTAL BACKYARD SOLUTIONS One of today’s hottest trends is outdoor living areas! Envision your dream and watch it evolve. How much entertaining do you do? Imagine the atmosphere at your next gathering in your new backyard! Richards takes pride in their approach to accommodate your wants, needs and desires, while incorporating them into a design, offering their knowledge and still keeping your budget in mind. 713-777-POOL (7665) richardstbs.com 1701 Highway 6 South, Houston
STUDIO H + H ARCHITECTS With a passion for design and construction, studio H + H architects will work with you to achieve a project that you can be proud to call your own. With over 20 years experience in residential, commercial, religious and educational facilities, they understand that you can hire anybody to complete your dream project… why not hire a local Woodlands licensed Architect to help you do it right. Whether your project is starting from an idea sketched on the back of a piece of paper, or an existing structure that needs remodeling, studio H + H architects can turn your dream into a reality. C. Thomas Hinton, AIA, LEED AP, Principal. P 281-681-1244 C 832-724-9726 studioHHarchitects.com
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DESOLA GLASS, ART & FRAME GALLERY Shower Yourself In Luxury...with the hottest trends in shower enclosures. Heavy frameless glass enclosures lend a clean, upscale look that is easy to maintain while greatly enhancing the look of your bathroom and therefore adding to the value of your home. DeSola Glass has become the Houston area’s #1 source for glass shower enclosures. Their beautiful showroom offers the customer a huge variety of glass and hardware styles to choose from. 281-712-2035 desolaglass.com 7770 Louetta Road, Spring
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
DONE RIGHT With over 40 years experience in floor cleaning, Done Right is able to provide you with the best cleaning services available. Their success is based on a few solid principles that they enthusiastically endorse: - Consistent, quality service experiences with guaranteed satisfaction - Responsive and reputable cleaning services available 24/7 - Superior equipment - Highly trained staff DoneRightCarpetandTile.com 832-267-7399
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Fall Zinnias Named Texas Superstars TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO BY ROBERT BURNSX
New Marylandica type forms “mounds of color”
Fall zinnias have all the colors gardeners love to see in autumn — oranges, apricots and yellows, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Research horticulturist.
By Robert Burns hat really got the Texas Superstar board members excited about fall zinnias were some new series, including the marylandica types that form disease-resistant “mounds of color,” lasting until frost when planted in late summer, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Research horticulturist. “These are very colorful plants that we’re promoting for fall use,” said Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research ornamental horticulturist and head of the Texas Superstar board, Overton. “They have all the fall colors you like to see: oranges, apricots and yellows.” Texas Superstar plants undergo extensive tests throughout the state by AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturists, Pemberton said. To be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must not just be beautiful but also perform well for consumers and growers throughout Texas. Superstars must also be easy to propagate, which should ensure the plants are not only widely available throughout Texas but reasonably priced, as well, he said. Fall zinnias and chrysanthemums have
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similar attributes and can be used in much the same ways, Pemberton said. But whereas chrysanthemums may only flower for several weeks, and then only if the weather is cool, fall zinnias tolerate Texas heat well and will display color until the first frost, if properly watered and fertilized.
To be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must not just be beautiful but also perform well for consumers and growers throughout Texas. Strictly speaking, the “marylandica type” refers to a distinct species, Zinnia marylandica, he noted. Marylandica types include the Profusion and Zahara series, Pemberton said. They bloom prolifically and grow as tall as 12 to 18 inches. Individual flowers are as large as 2.5 inches in diameter. “Mounds of color” refers to the marylandica types, which tend to be more compact or bushier than standard zinnia varieties, he said. This bushy characteristic
makes them ideal for mixed borders, beds, cutting gardens, containers and what are known as “cottage gardens,” a rustic style featuring a mixture of ornamental and edible plants. And while standard zinnias can be susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, the marylandica types are highly resistant, Pemberton said. Gardeners can pinch off or prune young plants of the standard types to encourage bushy-ness, but this is not required for the newer types, he said. Placing the plants so they get good air circulation or flow will further help prevent fungal leaf diseases. Usually, fall zinnias of all types begin showing up in Texas garden centers in September, he said. They are usually available in 4-inch and larger pots for transplanting to the landscape. “You can also get them in large containers that can be used as patio plants. They’re fun to use in mixed containers with other things for fall, such as ornamental grasses or ornamental peppers such as NuMex Twilight, which was named a Texas Superstar several years ago.” Another nice feature to all the zinnia types is they are big attractions for pollinators, such as butterflies, according to Pemberton. They actually bloom more proficiently in full sun, he said. They need full sunlight for a half day or more, and will thrive as long as they have moderate water and are planted in a well-drained site or container. Plants can be “deadheaded” — spent flowers pinched off — to promote further blooming and maintain plant appearance, Pemberton said. “Dying flowers retain some color, and there’s generally not a lot of deadheading involved, but you can safely do that if you wish.” Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. More information about the Texas Superstar program can be found at texassuperstar.com. l
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Furniture Predictions for 2015 Exciting trends for your home in the New Year
By Ruth Towns hat can we anticipate for trending home and furniture design in 2015? One prognosticator is the High Point Market in North Carolina – the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world. Bringing together furniture and accessory manufacturers, importers and retailers each spring and fall, High Point Market builds up excitement and gives us a glimpse into the future of design. The High Point Market spring event in April helped predict trends that became apparent last month at the October market. Ultimately, the industry has geared up for a new year with remarkable selections for every taste, with some strong underlying themes.
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From The Barbara Barry Collection for Baker, Barbara Barry’s signature style and soft color palette brings a chic and calming atmosphere to dining rooms. Her Oval X Back Chair is elegant with sweeping lines, wide stance, and "structural harmony." The chair features a refined wood frame and inset upholstered back. Additional finish and upholstery options available.
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Social Perspectives Want to be a furniture aficionado? One way to gauge trends is to take advantage of a vast amount of inspiration available right at our fingertips on social media. For instance, High Point Market showcases news on Facebook, plus tips from style-spotters who also post and curate their favorite looks to special Pinterest boards. This is a resource for pros, but certainly gives homeowners a glimpse into the exciting world of furniture and design. Likewise, Century Furniture’s Ideabook-Volume III is available on its Facebook page. In addition, Thibaut Design shares its latest selections, as does Vanguard Furniture, Baker Furniture, Hancock & Moore, Stanley Furniture, Klaussner Home Furnishings, and many more. These fresh perspectives predict what we can anticipate well into 2015 and beyond.
COME SEE OUR NEW ARRIVALS
Classics are Forever Don’t be shy about considering everything on a show floor, including more established furniture styles. Notably, showrooms are keeping on hand an inventory of tried-and-true perennial furniture favorites. The fact is, classics seldom go out of style. A beautiful highend sofa, regardless of manufacturing date, can easily “trend” simply by adding fashion-forward throws and pillows in the latest fabrics and patterns. Consider adding smaller and unique furniture pieces as conversation starters, such as an unusual accent chair or side table. Tables, cabinets and shelves can also be decorated with novel accoutrements in a mix of timeless and thoroughly “new.” This helps homeowners avoid an all-out “fad,” and instead ensures a personalized look with designforward concepts.
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Pillow accents bring a kiss of nature into the living area. The Klaussner Living Room Ashworth traditional upholstered sofa has T-shaped down cushions, rolled arms and turned spindle legs for effortless comfort and longevity. Klaussner Home Furnishings.
The low-slung Larsa Chair from Baker is fitted with a loose back cushion and seat cushion, expertly upholstered by Baker to fit tight to the frame. The back cushion sits proud from the upholstered back support. A geometric arm style is incorporated into the chair design and is supported by two straight front legs and slight saber back legs.
Gorgeous in grey! The 84" East Lake Sofa by Vanguard Furniture with turned legs is shown with two welt border cushions and standard back pillows in feather Lux with knife-edge welt. Available in other colors and upholstery choices.
Timeless, yet trending in blue, the Paula Deen Home Sofa with Chaise Lounge features English arms and turned legs paired with comfortable and cleanly tailored T cushions. Part of the Paula Deen Home Collection by Paula Deen by Universal.
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Chinoiserie and sunshine! The Bedford Chair from Thibaut is shown in Luzon Fabric in grey and lemon with a large oriental print. Draperies in Halie in Grey and Lemon.
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Design Interpreter Cheryl Hucks notes, “Blue is going to the ‘in’ color,” as are “shades of pink, large florals and soft brass.”
The Elliant Bookcase features sliding glass doors with a vertical lock, six wooden shelves, and four drawers. It combines authentic refined French design with utility.
Distinct Trends Chinoiserie is more popular than ever. In fact, artistic influences from the Orient have been with us since tourists visited Asia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Decorator Katie Ridder noted in Elle Décor that, “Chinoiserie brings worldly sophistication to a space.” Touches of exotic accents were certainly evident at High Point Market, and our favorite local showrooms may already be offering upholstery with intricate patterns and motifs. The general rule of thumb is to add interesting ambiance without overwhelming the living space, as the Chinoiserie is generally bold and notably different. Much like Chinoiserie, geometric patterns are all the craze. You’ll find them
in a variety of colors and dimensions on walls, bedding and cushions, often muted against colorful backgrounds. Not surprisingly, you might also find yourself flashing back to large florals and even plaids, although today’s designs are a far departure from the garish patterns of the ’60s and ’70s. Modern trends favor sophistication, purpose and strategic placement of bolder elements. In fact, interior designers are hired by homeowners to make sense of a wide-open field of décor. During the spring High Point Market, Liz Gray noted on blog.hgtv.com that real and faux animal hides abounded, many going past their natural form. “From herringbone patterns to metallic accent pieces to a bright metallic zebra print,
Y HOLIDAU SE O H OPEN 8 & November 7 m p 6 m a 10 TH
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The Jourdan Buffet By French Heritage is shown in a cherry/mahogany wood with soft turquoise finish and silver accents featuring two push-latch doors and classic curves.
the materials add softness, texture and shine to everything from rugs and pillows to chairs and ottomans,” she says. Interestingly, the trend continues into 2015 with the look of Shagreen, or shark and stingray skin. Faux materials may be preferred due to obvious concerns about the environment and species endangerment. As an alternative, grey hues, especially paired with yellow, continue in popularity… although every imaginable fabric and pattern choice can be found in showrooms.
FAUX FINISHES CABINETS CEILINGS WALLS
KWC DESIGNS KARI CAMPBELL
281.788.5925 WWW.KWCDESIGNS.COM 96
Colors Galore! Those who consider color when laying out living spaces can visit Pantone’s Facebook page. In fact, anyone can Google PANTONE® VIEW home + interiors 2015, which notes nine key trend palettes, plus individual color and material direction. According to High Point Market, we can expect “extremes of cacophonic color clashes and matchy-matchy monotony.” This indicates that neutralon-neutral will trend in lockstep with wilder fabrics, which can be tied together with thoughtful planning of primary, secondary and tertiary patterns. “The color wheel, color harmony, and the context of how colors are used,” are important concepts explained on colormatters.com.
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Pick a color, and very likely you’ll find it in fall and winter selections, from sofa cushions to glass vases. Design Interpreter Cheryl Hucks notes, “Blue is going to the ‘in’ color,” as are “shades of pink, large florals and soft brass.” Metallics such as gold and bronze are also strong influences. Kim Darden Shaver of Hadley Court states that “pink, coral, melon, sable, cocoa and terra cotta and a host of passionate pastels in fabrics and accents were one of the big surprises that set the stage for color trends for 2014, 2015 and 2016.” The busier or more colorful the patterns, the more energy jumps into a room. Those who love dramatic effect can utilize darker and bolder colors (black and white qualifies). Less complicated or larger patterns create more peaceful environments, as do neutrals and softer hues. The Question Is… Homework and defining your tastes is paramount before you purchase new furniture. It really can make the difference between a room you simply tolerate and a room you love. What are your favorite colors? What are your favorite patterns? What are your favorite forms? What type of ambiance do you want to achieve? It really is a matter of deciding what speaks to you and then creating a home interior reflective of your tastes. If you want to bring the outdoors in, plenty of fabrics, colors and patterns can draw Mother
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OpENINg
November 2014
Coming Soon! • Woodlands Unique • 26211 I-45 North • The Woodlands, TX
SEASON OF STYLE event
It’s time to decorate your windows for the holidays. Save with mail-in rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas window fashions, September 16-December 16, 2014. Ask for details
SEPTEMBER 16-DECEMBER 16, 2014
on qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions
EXTRAORDINARY DRAPERIES | UPHOLSTERY BEDDING | SHUTTERS | BLINDS | SHADES TINTING | WALLPAPER
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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
DONNA’S HOME FURNISHINGS Sofas are not one size fits all. The sofa is a staple of every living room, den or family room. Livable yet luxurious, comfortable yet chic, Donna’s Home Furnishings’ quality sofas are designed and built with 8-way hand-tied spring system, sinuous wire spring backs, custom spring down cushions, premium filling materials and traditional hand craftsmanship frames unsurpassed in the upholstery industry! Visit their Showroom or contact one of their design experts. The Art Of Upholstery: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TguhNE-3lPY 936-828-3788 dhfonline.com 5629 W. Davis St., Conroe
DESIGNER KITCHENS
SOUTHERN HOME FURNISHINGS
MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR
With the latest ideas and expertise in innovative kitchen design and fine cabinetry, their experienced kitchen designers will work with you to achieve both beauty and function in the kitchen of your dreams. Designer Kitchens uses state-of-the-art kitchen design software that enhances the step-by-step design process in a collaborative effort to produce a thoughtful and beautiful kitchen design in 3-D photorealistic color images. Visit their showroom to see "The Difference." 936-441-2221 ourdesignerkitchens.com River Bend Station I – 45 & Crighton Rd., Conroe (Exit #83)
Southern Home Furnishings is a one-of-akind, family-owned furniture store specializing in quality furniture and unique home accessories since 2004. Their friendly and talented staff can help you create rooms to satisfy varied tastes and budgets. They also provide affordable, professional in-home decorating services. Stop by and see the fabulous selections available such as Bernhardt, Flexsteel, Hekman, Howard Miller and Rowe. Great deals can be found on discontinued items and patterns in their clearance outlet. 281-419-8688 shfurnishings.com 25403 I-45 North, The Woodlands
Fall is in the air and Milstead has so many new seasonal accessories. They are celebrating November with 25% off all Fall décor and 40% off clearance including lamps, pictures, clocks and more. Christmas is filling the store! Visit to see their beautiful lamps, linens, quilts, home accessories and unique gifts throughout the boutique. There is something to delight everyone. No matter what your need; a quick gift, a bottle of local wine or just the right home accessory, you will want to make time to shop Milstead Glass & Home Décor.
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936-321-3300 milsteadglass.com 710 Honea Egypt Rd., Magnolia
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The promise of an experience unlike any other Home Furnishings & Accessories Preston Bench from Thibaut Fine Furniture in Rinca printed fabric in Coral; Pillows in Rinca printed fabric in Aqua, Green, Blue, Plum, and Navy.
Nature into your living environment. Ditto for vases, pottery and even wood pieces. If you favor ornate hand carved wood furniture? Many manufacturers specialize in detailed high-end headboards and footboards, not to mention handcrafted trunks, coffee and end tables. Not all of us can fully wrap our minds around the hundreds of thousands of products on the market. To avoid costly mistakes and confusion, why not consult a professional on a show floor? They are trained to help consumers make the right choices and can provide guidance and direction, not to mention product backgrounds. You might also consider hiring an interior designer who can pull together a custom look (without the pitfalls). One thing is certain… there is something for everyone trending on the market right now. What an opportunity for families to turn houses into homes with the perfect furniture! l
345 W. 19TH ST HOUSTON HEIGHTS 713.869.1414 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 1pm-5pm
moving sale
final days sale ends
nov. 26th Help us clear out the inventory as we prepare to move to our new location.
25403 I-45 North • Suite A The Woodlands, TX 281-298-5200 frenchmarketlighting.com The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
THE DUMP At The Dump, fashion and quality meet big savings in home décor. Every weekend you can expect to see brand name and designer pieces, all from 30-75% off, throughout a massive 150,000 squarefoot showroom. The company’s buyers tirelessly scour the market for the newest trends in first quality furniture, rugs, and mattresses. Open Friday-Sunday and certain holidays only. Also, shop their weekly flash sales online at The Dump Shop (shop.thedump.com) 281-447-2250
MEREDITH O'DONNELL FINE FURNITURE Holidays too much for you? Curl up in bed – like this wonderful hand carved French style King size bed in stock at…Meredith O'Donnell Fine Furniture. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard
thedump.com 10251 North Frwy, Houston
TEXAS TUSCAN FURNITURE DESIGNS FRENCH MARKET LIGHTING French Marketing Lighting is currently having a showroom sale! Due to a move into a brand new state-of-the-art building in Magnolia which will also offer a wide variety of art and gift items and also a much larger selection of lighting options. They have searched for products that place a premium on style, quality and value. Jeff and Michelle are thirdgeneration lighting experts! 281-298-5200 info@frenchmarketlighting.com 25403 I-45 North, Suite A, The Woodlands
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Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs offers furniture collections made exclusively with exotic, recycled and repurposed hardwoods to create beautiful conversation pieces for your home, office or commercial project. The furniture is inspired by nature, the grandness of Texas and the charm of Tuscany, all rolled into one unique look. If you are looking for furniture and home accessories that tell a story, that fills your room with comfort, then you will love the warm collections of Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs, where living authentically begins. 713-426-5556 281-292-5536 texastuscanfurniture.com 26207 Oak Ridge Dr. Suite A, The Woodlands
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FRENCH COURTYARD French Courtyard is brimming with holiday accessories, ornaments and gorgeous gift items. Delectable foods are available for tasting and purchase. Fill a Holiday Gift basket with wonderful items throughout the store. French Courtyard is a treasure trove of beautiful new furnishings, accessories, gift items and quality consignments. One visit to French Courtyard and you will make it your “go to shop” for the holidays and every day! Like them on Facebook. 281-363-1800 frenchcourtyard.com 27326 Robinson Rd.
CHENE INTERIORS Chene Interiors would be honored to create a space you would be proud to call home, whether it’s a remodel or full replacement. With their 30 years of design expertise coupled with extraordinary contractors, your project will be completed in a timely, professional and cost-efficient manner. From redesigning a new kitchen or bath to something as simple as new blinds or window treatments they have the experts to do it. They offer a large design studio for home furnishings and accessories as well as a custom fabric library. Open Tues–Friday 10-5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. Call for a free quote! 281-364-1744 cheneinteriors.com 253 Sawdust Rd., Spring
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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING
DECORATING DEN Let Decorating Den Interiors design your dream room in the comfort of your own home! From design to product selection through installation, they’re with you every step of the way. Jennifer Jones – Serving The Woodlands (Sterling Ridge, Carlton Woods, Alden Bridge, College Park, Indian Springs), Jacob's Reserve, Conroe. Cathy Salyers – Serving Spring and The Woodlands (Glennloch Farms, Windrose, Woodforest, Creekside Park, Panther Creek). 281-353-0133 Cathy Salyers 281-357-0511 Jennifer Jones decoratingden.com
THE LIGHTING GALLERY The Lighting Gallery has been providing custom lighting to the Discriminating Homeowner, Designer, and Builder for over 40 years. The Lighting Gallery boasts a superb selection of chandeliers, exterior light fixtures, ceiling fans, lamps artwork and decorative mirrors. They invite you to visit their 10,000- square-foot showroom and see for yourself the difference The Lighting Gallery can make in illuminating your home. 281-444-9299 lightinghouston.com 6265 Cypress Creek Pkwy.
MELANIE KING DESIGNS Creating your dream home begins like most — on the back of a napkin, or if you are further down the road, with your builder and architect. This can be streamlined with a designer and architectural designer on hand. Melanie King Designs provides full-service interior design including residential, commercial, and remodeling. 832-647-9203 hello@melaniekingdesigns.com melaniekingdesigns.com 18 Augusta Pines Drive, Ste. 133E, Spring
THE DESIGN FIRM The Design Firm is considered one of the top interior design firms as well as a truly unique home decor store. Their focus is to create a custom design that represents the client's personal style. The Design Firm's affordable services will allow your budget to go further than expected. 281-494-4433 thedesignfirm.com
BILLIARD FACTORY Billiard Factory is a family owned company that remains committed to offering customers a large, diverse product line from the top manufacturers in the home game room industry. They continually search for ways to best serve the needs of their customers through diversity and quality products, as well as superior service. Save 20% on service. 281-444-5740 billiardfactory.com
KWC DESIGNS Are your kitchen or bath cabinets showing signs of wear? Are they out of style? Instead of replacing them why not update them with one of KWC’s beautiful faux finishes? Call for a free estimate. 281-788-5925
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Pancreatic Cancer What’s new in research and treatment
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he American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for pancreatic cancer in the United States are for 2014: About 46,420 people (23,530 men and 22,890 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. About 39,590 people (20,170 men and 19,420 women) will die of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the U.S., and accounts for about 7% of cancer deaths. The average lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer is about 1 in 67 (1.5%). Research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer is under way in many medical centers throughout the world.
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Here’s an overview from the American Cancer Society on what’s new: Genetics and Early Detection Scientists are learning more about some of the changes in DNA that cause cells in the pancreas to become cancerous. Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA2, p16, and the genes responsible for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) can increase a person’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Researchers are now looking at how these and other genes may be altered in pancreatic cancers that do not seem to be inherited. They have discovered that pancreatic cancer does not form suddenly. It develops over many years in a series of steps known as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia or PanIN. In the early steps, such as PanIN 1, there are changes in a small number of genes, and the duct cells of the pancreas do not look very abnormal. In later steps such as PanIN 2 and PanIN 3, there are abnormalities in several genes and the duct cells look more abnormal. Researchers are using this information to develop tests for detecting acquired (not inherited) gene changes in pancreatic cancer pre-cancerous conditions. One of the most common DNA changes in these conditions affects the KRAS oncogene, which affects regulation of cell growth. New diagnostic tests are often able to recognize this change in samples of pancreatic juice collected during an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). For now, imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), ERCP, and genetic tests for changes in certain genes (such as KRAS) are options for people with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer. But these tests
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are not recommended for widespread testing of people at average risk who do not have any symptoms.
RX & COMPOUNDING
Treatment The major focus of much research is on finding better treatments for pancreatic cancer. Improving surgery and radiation therapy are major goals, as is determining the best combination of treatments for people with certain stages of cancer. Surgery Surgery to remove pancreatic cancer (most often a Whipple procedure) is a long and complex operation that can be hard both for the surgeon and the patient. It often requires a hospital stay of a week or more, at least in part because of the long incision made in the belly. A newer approach now used at some major medical centers is to do the operation laparoscopically. For this approach, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the belly instead of one large one. Long, thin surgical instruments and a tiny video camera are then inserted through these cuts to do the operation. One advantage of this surgery is that people often recover from it more quickly. But this is still a difficult operation. Surgeons are looking to see how it compares to the standard operation and which patients might be helped the most by it. Radiation therapy Some current studies are looking at different ways to give radiation to treat exocrine pancreas cancer. These include intraoperative radiation therapy (in which a single large dose of radiation is given to the pancreas in the operating room at the time of surgery) and proton beam radiation (which uses a special type of radiation that might do less damage to nearby normal cells).
Visit Our Newly Remodeled Pharmacy! Featuring: Unique Stunning Gifts! Voluspa • Jack Black • Antica Pharmacista • Lenni Navarro Jewelry
1490 Research Forest Drive
832-948-1012 conroepharmacy.com Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm • Sat: 9am-3PM • Sun. Closed The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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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, 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 104
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Chemotherapy Many clinical trials are testing new combinations of chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer. Studies have looked to see if combining gemcitabine with other drugs would help patients live longer. For example, adding capecitabine (Xeloda) to gemcitabine seems to help some patients. The combination of gemcitabine, irinotecan, and celecoxib (an arthritis drug) also shows promise. Other studies are testing the best ways to combine chemotherapy with radiation therapy or newer targeted therapies. Targeted therapies As researchers have learned more about what makes pancreatic cancer cells different from normal cells, they have developed newer drugs that should be able exploit these differences by attacking only specific targets. These targeted therapies may provide another option for treating pancreatic cancer. They may prove to be useful along with, or instead of, current treatments. In general, they seem to have fewer side effects than traditional chemo drugs. Looking for new targets to attack on cancers is an active area of research. Growth factor inhibitors: Many types of cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer cells, have certain molecules on their surface that help them grow. These molecules are called growth factor receptors. One example is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Several drugs that target EGFR are now being studied. One, known as erlotinib (Tarceva), is already approved for use along with gemcitabine. Anti-angiogenesis factors: All cancers depend on new blood vessels to nourish their growth. To block the growth of these vessels and thereby starve the tumor, scientists have developed antiangiogenesis drugs. These are being studied in clinical trials for patients with pancreatic cancer. Drugs that target the tumor stroma (supporting tissue): Pancreatic cancer does not always respond well to chemotherapy. This is partly because of the cancer cells themselves, but another reason might be the dense surrounding supportive tissue (stroma) in the tumor. The stroma seems to form a barrier that helps protect the cancer cells from the effects of chemo drugs. Researchers are now looking at drugs that attack the stroma directly to help break it down. This might allow chemo or other drugs to be more effective. Some of these types of drugs are now in clinical trials. Other targeted therapies: Many drugs targeting other aspects of cancer cells are now being studied for use in pancreatic cancer. Some of these drugs, such as sunitinib (Sutent), have several different targets. Immune therapy Immune therapies attempt to boost a person’s immune system or give them ready-made components of an immune system to attack cancer cells. Some studies of these treatments have shown promising results. Monoclonal antibodies: One form of immune therapy uses
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Diabetes Distress vs. Depression: Are people with Type 2 being misdiagnosed?
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esearchers have long understood there is a strong association between diabetes and depression. But new research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 74th Scientific Sessions® earlier this year shows that symptoms of depression in people with type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced through interventions for “diabetes distress,” suggesting that much of what is being labeled as depression may not be a co-morbid psychiatric disorder after all, but rather a reaction to living with a stressful, complex disease that is often difficult to manage. A second study, of patients with type 1 diabetes, emphasizes the potential importance
DEC. ISSUE
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| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
of treating depressive symptoms regardless of their cause: It found that the greater depressive symptoms a patient reported, the higher that person’s mortality risk. Diabetes distress v. depression “Because depression is measured with scales that are symptom-based and not tied to cause, in many cases these symptoms may actually reflect the distress that people are having about their diabetes, and not a clinical diagnosis of depression,” said lead author Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D, ABPP, Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Fisher and his team developed measures of diabetes-specific distress that reflect whether a person had been feeling worried about a variety of problems associated with living with their diabetes, such as hypoglycemia. They also asked patients to fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire to measure depressive symptoms. Those who reported high levels of distress and high levels of depressive symptoms were assigned one of three interventions, all of
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which were designed to reduce the distress associated with managing diabetes, rather than symptoms of depression. One group took part in an online diabetes self-management program. A second participated in the online program, and received individual assistance to problem solve issues related to their diabetes distress. A third was provided with personalized health risk information and then sent educational material about diabetes through the mail. All groups received personal phone calls during the course of the project. All three interventions significantly reduced distress as well as depressive symptoms over a 12-month period, and patients maintained those reductions over the course of the study. Overall, 84 percent of those scoring above 10 on the PHQ8 (maximum 27, with 10 being moderate depression) reduced their levels of depression to below 10 following the interventions, Fisher said. Reductions were evenly distributed for all three interventions. “What’s important about this,” said Fisher, “is that many of the depressive symptoms reported by people with type 2 diabetes are really related to their diabetes, and don’t have to be considered psychopathology. So they can be addressed as part of the spectrum of the experience of diabetes and dealt with by their diabetes care team.” Depressive symptoms associated with higher mortality A second, unrelated study that analyzed data from a cohort of people with type 1 diabetes in the Pittsburgh area, the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study (EDC), showed why it is so important to recognize depressive symptoms in people living with diabetes: Those who exhibit the highest level of depressive symptoms are most likely to die prematurely. In this study, the Beck Depression
Inventory was used to measure depressive symptoms such as low mood, losing interest in doing things, loss of appetite, feeling worthless and having suicidal tendencies. Participants in the study had been diagnosed with diabetes as children between 1950 and 1980, and were first studied in 1986. They are now in their 25th year of follow-up as part of a large, prospective cohort study. “For every 1-point increase on the Beck Depression Inventory scale, participants showed a 4-percent increase in risk for mortality – after controlling for other factors that might increase the risk of death,” said Cassie Fickley, the lead author who analyzed these data as part of her PhD degree. “These data are very consistent with earlier findings from EDC which showed that
greater depressive symptomatology predicted the incidence of heart disease in this cohort,” said Trevor Orchard, MD, M.Med.Sci., FAHA, FACE, Professor of Epidemiology, Medicine and Pediatrics at the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, and the EDC study principal investigator. The earlier analysis was conducted by Cathy Lloyd, Ph.D, a co-author on the current paper, and currently a senior lecturer at the Open University in the UK. Lloyd noted that “the data are relatively unique as the consequences of depression in type 1 diabetes are an understudied area of research.” For more information, call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. l
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you...
ARE YOU READY FOR A CHALLENGE? Breathe Pilates is a fully-equipped boutique studio located in The Woodlands. We offer private and semi-private instruction, as well as group classes, to fit your schedule and personal fitness goals. Each of our instructors is Comprehensively Certified through Body Arts & Sciences International (BASI), and we are dedicated to tailoring each session to our clients’ needs. Pilates focuses on improving strength, stability, flexibility and mobility of the spine and core to achieve a balanced body. Form and quality of movement is paramount to us, and we welcome you to come in and feel the difference at Breathe!
Breathe Pilates 25236 Grogans Park Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380
281-298-5277 BreathePilatesStudio.net The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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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. Texas Children's has completed a $1.5 billion expansion, which includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; and Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston. 832-824-1000 texaschildrens.org
THE PERFECT WORKOUT Many people – especially women – have a fear of “bulking up” like a bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. The research studies indicate that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. Over time, this results in arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, a slower metabolism, and buying larger clothing sizes. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your metabolism, as well as sculpts your legs and arms. And since muscle is denser than fat, strength training helps make your body smaller, firmer, and more shapely. The Perfect Workout’s personal trainers specialize in a revolutionary strength training method that stimulates all of these remarkable changes throughout your whole body from just two 20-minute training sessions a week. And they guarantee you’ll get results. Four Houston area locations: The Woodlands 281-245-0478 Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121 Memorial 281-724-5147 River Oaks 713-999-5182 Sugar Land 281-201-5309 ThePerfectWorkout.com
HOUSTON METHODIST Houston Methodist is coming to The Woodlands in late 2015.The new hospital, which will be the eighth in the Houston Methodist system, will offer The Woodlands community a full service, acute care hospital capable of delivering services similar to what is available in the Texas Medical Center. 713-790-3333 houstonmethodist.org
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Pancreatic Cancer injections of man-made monoclonal antibodies. These immune system proteins are made to home in on a specific molecule, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is sometimes found on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells. Toxins or radioactive atoms can be attached to these antibodies, which bring them directly to the tumor cells. The hope is that they will affect cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone. For use in pancreatic cancer, these types of treatments are available only in clinical trials at this time. Cancer vaccines: Several types of vaccines for boosting the body’s immune response to pancreatic cancer cells are being tested in clinical trials. Unlike vaccines against infections like measles or mumps, these vaccines are designed to help treat, not prevent, pancreatic cancer. One possible advantage of these types of treatments is that they seem to have very limited side effects. At this time, vaccines are available only in clinical trials.
Improving surgery and radiation therapy are major goals, as is determining the best combination of treatments. Drugs that target immune system checkpoints: The immune system normally keeps itself from attacking other normal cells in the body by using “checkpoints” – molecules on immune cells that need to be activated (or inactivated) to start an immune response. Cancer cells sometimes find ways to use these checkpoints to avoid being attacked by the immune system. Newer drugs that target these checkpoints have shown a lot of promise in treating some types of cancer, and are now being studied for use in pancreatic cancer. Individualization of therapy Some drugs seem to work better if certain types of mutations can be found in the patient’s tumor. For example, erlotinib may work better in patients whose tumors have a particular change in the EGFR gene. This concept is an area of intense study. There might also be some gene alterations that affect how well gemcitabine will work in a particular patient. Identifying markers that may predict how well a drug will work before it is given is an important area of research in many types of cancer. New treatments for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) Many pancreatic NETs have receptors for somatostatin on their cells. These tumors can be treated with octreotide and other drugs like it. Newer drugs that use a radioactive form of octreotide have been shown to shrink some tumors and keep others from growing in early studies.l
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SHOP SMALL
Saturday, Nov. 29 These Small Businesses Welcome You! ONE
SMALL BUSINESS PURCHASE CAN MAKE A
BIG DIFFERENCE!
Donna’s Home Furnishings, 5629 W. Davis St., Conroe The Lighting Gallery, 6265 Cypress Creek Pkwy., Houston Billiard Factory, 12740 S. Kirkwood, Stafford Meredith O’Donnell, 1751 Post Oak Blvd., Houston Homestead House, 201 North Pacific St., Conroe Village Pharmacy, 1490 Research Forest, Dr., Shenandoah Milstead Glass & Home Decor, 710 Honea Egypt Rd., Magnolia French Market Lighting, 25403-A I-45 North, The Woodlands French Courtyard, 27326 Robinson Rd., The Woodlands Eclectic Home, 345 W. 19th St., Houston
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
DINNER of the DECaDE PRISCILLA DICKSON
FABULOUS DISHES, PERFECT WINE PAIRINGS
Denman Moody (center) with the evening’s star chefs: (l-r) Daniel Boulud, Jerome Bocuse, Thomas Keller, and Richard Rosendale.
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his $5,000 per couple dinner benefiting the Sheriff’s Foundation, held on Sept. 29, 2012 at the amazing home of Deana and Larry Blackburn — 153 guests seated downstairs — was such a classic, I’m reproducing one of the articles about it here. The lineup of chefs — probably unrivaled in the world that evening — were the chairman, president and vice president of the Bocuse d’Or Foundation, Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jerome Bocuse respectively, and the 2012 contestant from the U.S. to the Bocuse d’Or International World Cuisine contest in Lyon, France, Master Chef Richard Rosendale, executive chef at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. I will focus on the wine pairings (which I did my best to perfect) with the fabulous dishes created by the chefs. The appetizers from Richard Rosendale: Warm Gougere, Beef Carpaccio and Truffle Aioli, Crisp “Pont Neuf” Potato, Whipped Cream Cheese, Nori Powder, Smoked Duck, Coconut Rice Cake, Hoisin, Enokitake Mushroom, Tuna Tartar, Ginger Bavarian, and
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Soy Gelee, Melon and Chorizo Pops, Midori Pudding, Vanilla Salt, and Assorted Grape and Goat Cheese “Truffles.” For such an array of tastes, I selected Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee Sparkling Wine 2004, Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and Decoy Napa Valley Red Wine 2010. The Gloria Ferrer is from the Freixenet stable of wines, and is named after the owner’s wife. It is a noticeable step above the lovely Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut both in taste and price, and competes favorably with Brut Champagnes priced $15 to $20 more per bottle. Toasty elegance. Duckhorn has been making superior Sauvignon Blanc since 1982. This one has bright citrus flavors along with layers of tropical fruit and excellent acidity. Great for pairing with hors d’oeuvre. The Decoy is a new wine made with about equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and is about the best wine of its type I’ve found in its price range. It is round, plumy (from the Merlot) and has a subtle power and long finish from the Cabernet Sauvignon. A slam dunk choice for an all-purpose red.
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
Jerome Bocuse’s dish was Maine Lobster, caramelized porcini, Chef’s garden mesclun salad and black truffle vinaigrette. The matching wine here was the actual introduction to the Houston market of the new Barons de Rothschild Champagne. I guess the different branches of the Rothschild family got tired of purchasing someone else’s Champagne to serve with their great wines, so they decided to make their own. So, for example, you’ll probably get this at either Lafite or Mouton —whichever you happen to visit for dinner in the future! They’ve come straight out of the gate with a triple--crown winner (three different styles) in this case the Brut. It has a “strong, assertive opening that leads to a well-rounded wine — powerful yet restrained…” It shows off beautiful notes of pear, hazelnuts and toast, and the complexity begs not only for hors d’oeuvre, but also for appetizers — in this case seafood! The next course was Thomas Keller’s Dover sole “a la grenobloise,” Romanesco cauliflower, Meyer lemon and brown butter mousseline. The pairing was Far Niente Chardonnay
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2010 — perfect. Gil Nickel set out to create a Corton-Charlemagne look-alike and has pretty well succeeded. In fact, I wrote about his first Chardonnay, the 1979, which I tasted at the first Far Niente tasting in Houston — at the Houstonian — in 1980. This wine actually has aromas of Meyer lemon, along with figs and a hint of honeysuckle. It is elegant and persistent, enhanced by good acidity and minerality — qualities of many great wines. Daniel Boulud’s entrée was a Duo of Texas Beef: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Carrot, and Roasted Wagyu Tenderloin, Five Peppercorn Sauce, Lilliput Capers, Nasturtium Salad, paired with Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Eisele Vineyard 2009 and Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Syrah 2007. The Eisele Vineyard — subsequently sold to the group which owns Chateau Latour — has had accolades and fame since the ’70s, with the Phelps Eisele Cabernet being one of Robert Parker’s and my favorite wines. This gorgeous ’09 Araujo Eisele is almost 100% Cabernet, and it “…exudes rich and ripe aromas of bramble, wild raspberry, black cherry and scorched earth with notes of lavender, dried rose petals, sage, bay laurel, loam and bittersweet chocolate.” I guess at over $300 a bottle, it should be rather complex and delicious. And it is! Very rare juice. The Lewis Syrah ’07 comes from Napa mountain vines in low-vigor volcanic soils. It is a northern Rhone look-alike with very ripe, rich fruit, and with balancing acidity and oak. The flavors are peppery/blackberry/sirloin strip, with notable structure and balance. Although there were two desserts each from chefs Keller and Boulud, the primary ones for pairing with the dessert wine were “Tarte au Chocolat”, Tahitian vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce from Keller, and Caramelized honey crisp apple Napoleon and Granny Smith ginger sorbet from Boulud. In the unlikely event anyone had room for another bite, Keller added Cinnamon sugar beignets and French Laundry Garden strawberry melt aways, and Boulud added Passion Fruit/Raspberry gelee
and Coconut macarons! The wine: Dolce Napa Valley 2006 — Once again, we visit my late friend Gil Nickel, founder of Far Niente. For Dolce, he wanted to produce a dessert wine at the same quality level of appreciation as the most famous dessert wine in the world, Chateau d’Yquem from Sauternes in Bordeaux. I conducted two blind tastings in the late ‘90s of Dolce and Chateau d’Yquem, with the Yquem — which needs more age — about three vintages older (one was ’93 Dolce vs. ’90 Yquem). In both tastings, Dolce won by a good margin. Every vintage of Dolce has a fascinating bouquet with even more beautiful fruit than most wines from Sauternes — at least early on, when most people drink the wines. The ’06 has layers of enticing, delicious, sweet, caramel/butter-
scotch flavors. Rich in taste and exhilarating in the long, memorable finish — especially when paired with desserts like these — it’s easy to tell this is one of the great dessert wines of the world. l Denman Moody is the former publisher of Moody’s Wine Review, which the Washington Post said was “...certainly the best publication in this country for tracking the state of rare and exotic wines.” He was also the contributing editor on rare wines for the International Wine Review in New York from 1984-1990. He is an author, freelance wine writer and wine consultant. Denman is the Texas broker for the wines of Dr. Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, N.Y. TheAdvancedOenophile.com.
A message to Woodlands advertisers... If a magazine publisher tells you that all or a portion of their circulation is mailed, you have the right to request a proof of mailing. Publishers are given a Postal form 3602 by the U.S. Post Office. This form is a proof of mailing. If the publisher doesn’t want to provide this form, ask yourself... what are they trying to hide? If I was trying to market my company, I would want proof of mailing. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes magazine will gladly provide a postal form 3602. As a mailer, we certify that what we say we mail is accurate and truthful.
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DINING GUIDE AmericAn
BArBecue
19th Hole Grill & Bar 202 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-363-2574
Corkscrew BBQ 24930 Budde Rd. Spring • 832-592-1184
3B's Restaurant 466 Rayford Rd. #107 Spring • 281-419-3553
Country Time BBQ & Fixins 25330 Richards Rd. Spring • 281-298-7455
Baker Street Pub & Grill 25 Waterway Ave. #100 The Woodlands • 281-362-7431
Dickey's Barbecue Pit 10700 Kuykendahl Rd. The Woodlands • 281-298-8422
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse 19075 I-45 #600 Shenandoah • 936-273-7100
Mama J's BBQ & Grill 26710 I-45 Spring • 936-273-9444
Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-362-1678
Pappas Barbecue 27752 Interstate 45 N. Conroe • 281-363- 2647
Black-Eyed Pea 1330 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-367-7143
Pit Master BBQ Cafe 343 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-419-3644
Buffalo Wild Wings 19075 I-45 #100 Shenandoah • 936-273-7777
Spring Creek BBQ 19099 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-271-0251
Cafe Express 9595 Six Pines Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281.298.2556 Fuddruckers 2290 Buckthorne Place The Woodlands • 281-367-1343 Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro 24 Waterway Ave. #125 The Woodlands • 281-203-5600 IHOP 25619 I-45 Spring • 281-367-6626 Jasper's 9595 Six Pines Dr. #900 The Woodlands • 281-298-6600 Jerry Built Burgers 1335 Lake Woodlands Dr. #B The Woodlands • 281-367-2874 Panera Bread 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-363-1056 Rookies Sports Bar & Grill 305 Sawdust Rd. #B Spring • 281-362-9610 Salata 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-465-0775 Skeeter's Mesquite Grill 4747 Research Forest Dr. #420 The Woodlands • 281-364-1094
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Stadia Sports Grill 9595 Six Pines Dr. # 1110 The Woodlands • 281-298-1818
Fukuda Sushi 25701 I-45 N. #3 Spring • 281-419-8980
TGI Friday's 1105 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-296-8252
Genghis Grill 9300 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-363-4745
The Counter 9595 Six Pines Dr. # 1000 The Woodlands • 281-231-2147
Kim Son Cafe 1701 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-9444
The Egg & I 1644 Research Forest Dr. #100 The Woodlands • 281-419-8333
Tsukiji Japanese Cuisine 24 Water Way Ave. #100 The Woodlands • 281-298-1888
The Woodlands Dining Room 2301 North Millbend Dr. The Woodlands • 281-364-6292
Masa's Sushi & Robata Bar 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands • 281-298-5688
Tommy Bahama 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-292-8669
Pei Wei Asian Diner 19075 I-45 S. Shenandoah • 936-271-9217
AsiAn/cHinese/ susHi
Pho Be 314 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-465-9598
Bei Jing Chinese Restaurant 409 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-363-2308
Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar 9420 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-273-0023
Benihana 1720 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-292-0061
Thai Cottage 3105 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-271-0771
Chi Japanese 27100 I-45 N. Oak Ridge N. The Woodlands • 281-419-1166
UNI Sushi 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-298-7177
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
Thomas Barbecue 25312 I-45 Spring • 281-364-1177
FrencH/cAJun La Madeleine 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-5826 Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 Interstate 45 S. Conroe • 936-321-4200 Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen 9595 Six Pines Dr. #1120 The Woodlands • 281-419-4242 Tewbeleaux's Sports Bar & Grill 2907 Rayford Rd. #101 Spring • 281-292-3600
mediterrAneAn/ europeAn/ lAtin AmericAn Américas 21 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands • 281-367-1492 Bombay Sizzler 202 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-465-8383 Euro Bakery & Cafe 5010 Louetta Rd. Spring • 281-257-3023
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Guri do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse 1400 Research Forest Dr. Shenandoah • 281-907-4146
Carrabba’s Italian Grill 25665 I-45 N. Spring • 281-367-9423
Ristorante Tuscany 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-367-9797
Chuy's Restaurant 18035 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-321-4440
Sitar Cuisine Of India 25701 I-45 N. Spring • 281-364-0200
Greek Tony's Pizza & Sub Shop 432 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-292-4313
Russo's New York Pizzeria 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 281-273-6060
El Bosque 19073 I-45 Shenandoah • 936-321-9860
The Goose's Acre Bistro & Irish Pub 21 Waterway Ave. #140 The Woodlands • 281-466-1502
Grotto 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-4252
The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant 373 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-367-0114
Freebirds World Burritos 1640 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-8011
Yucatan Taco Stand 24 Waterway Ave. #160 The Woodlands • 281-419-6300
La Trattoria Tuscano 4223 Research Forest Dr. Spring • 281-419-2252
Via Emilia 10700 Kuykendahl The Woodlands • 281-465-9555
La Lupita 20 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands • 832-510-2111
itAliAn/greek Amerigo's Grille 25250 Grogans Park Dr. The Woodlands • 281-362-0808 Brio Tuscan Grill 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-465-8993 Buca di Beppo 19075 I-45 S. Shenandoah • 936-321-6262
Luca & Leonardo 20 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands • 832-510-2110 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3041 I-45 N. Conroe • 936-539-5200 Pallotta's Italian Grill 27606 I-45 N. Conroe • 281-364-9555
mexicAn/tex mex 1252 Tapas Bar 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-1260 Alfonso Mexican Restaurant 3126 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-298-8032 Chipotle 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands • 281-296-2772
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands • 281-296-2303 Lupe Tortilla 19437 I-45 S. The Woodlands • 281-298-5274 Mama Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant 8000 Hwy. 242 Conroe • 936-273-3220
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UPCOMING PREVIEWS DECEMBER 2014
DINING GUIDE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
‰ Home Improvement ‰ Holiday Spruce Up ‰ Dream Kitchens 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
send us your
school news! Send us news about sports, academic accomplishments, and fun events! editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Pallotta's Mexican Grill 2211 Rayford Rd. Spring • 281-362-1114
Landry's 1212 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands • 281-362-9696
Taqueria Arandas 25598 I-45 N. Spring• 281-419-3582
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 I-45 S. Conroe • 936-321-4200
dessert/teA/ coFFee Chocolate Passion 1520 N. Frazier St. Conroe • 936-539-6585
Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-362-1678
Cheesecake Factory 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #302 The Woodlands • 281-419-3400
Charley's Grilled Subs 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #2162 The Woodlands • 281-465-4333
Gigi's Cupcakes 4747 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands • 281-651-5637
Honey Bee Ham & Deli 4747 Research Forest Dr. The Woodlands • 281-364-9200
Pie Town Dessert Shop & Cafe 19075 I-45 Frontage Rd. Shenandoah • 936-321-3336
Jason's Deli 1340 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands • 281-419-0100
Rao's Bakery & Coffee Cafe 6915 Cypresswood Dr. Spring • 281-251-7267
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 1508 Research Forest Dr. The Woodlands • 832-585-0610
Teavana 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. (The Woodlands Mall) The Woodlands • 281-298-1127 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
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sAndwicHes/ deli/wings
| The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014
Katz's Express 19075 I-45 #116A Conroe • 936-321-1880 McAlister's Deli 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands • 936-271-1888 Philly Cheesesteaks 19153 I-45 #A Shenandoah • 281-465-0311 Potbelly Sandwich Works 9595 Six Pines Dr. #930 The Woodlands • 281-292-6652 WingStop 1510 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands • 281-363-9464
steAkHouses 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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Robard’s Opens in The Woodlands Classic American steakhouse located at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
Robard’s can seat 128 indoors or offer al fresco dining on the outdoor patio.
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he Howard Hughes Corporation announced that Robard’s — an upscale, classic American steakhouse offering an extensive menu of USDA prime grade, dry-aged steaks and chops, seafood and chef-inspired specials — opened Oct. 20. Located on the grounds of The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Robard’s will pay tribute to Howard Robard Hughes, Jr., a man who went after bold experiences and pursued perfection in his work. This pursuit for perfection will be represented in both the culinary offerings as well as the luxe details found in the restaurant’s design and decor. “The perfect steak starts with the perfect cut,” said Executive Chef Sammy Holmes. “We start by preparing the USDA prime grade beef at our in-house butchery and smokehouse. We then utilize our signature dry-aging technique to preserve the best qualities of the beef. The result is a steak prepared to perfection, exact to order.” Besides the perfect cuts of meat, Robard’s will also boast an interactive fresh seafood bar, a 1,100 bottle glassed-in wine cellar, local hand-picked craft beers on tap and an in-house bakery that crafts from-scratch breads, pastas, desserts and pastries. Robard’s atmosphere will be cool and classic, reflecting the height of Howard Hughes’ filmmaking career in the 1930s with a nod to Prohibition era glamour and a touch of modern style and sophistication. The main dining room at Robard’s will boast warm contemporary styling, a stunning 8-foot long raised fireplace framed in dark bronze metal, 14-foot windows and 20’ vaulted wood-beamed ceilings with custom chandeliers and skylights. Every table in the restaurant will have expansive views of the 18th green of the Panther Trail™ golf course. The 60-foot titanium granite bar in Robard’s Lounge will feature a fresh catch seafood bar with an interactive experience for guests.
Chefs will prepare seasonal seafood dishes upon order, including house specials such as Lobster Parfait with a Lemon, Avocado and Vodka Cream; Deviled Eggs and Caviar; Yucatan Shrimp with Lime Tomato Relish, Avocado and Sweet Chili Sauce; and a fresh seafood flight. Two private rooms will be available for events and functions. The Legacy Room will seat 12 and boasts a unique community-style, bar height dining table made from reclaimed wine crates, a wall of windows and expansive views of the green. The Premiere Room will seat 30 and features white tablecloth seating in round, elegant red leather chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water features on the 18th green. The restaurant will seat 128 indoors, and just outside Robard’s Lounge, guests will be able to dine and relax alfresco on the large outdoor patio with a stacked-stone firepit. “Robard’s will be an experience to savor,” said General Manager Chris Perry. “Guests can expect highly acclaimed cuisine, uncompromising service and a warm contemporary setting with views unrivaled anywhere else in The Woodlands.” Although Robard’s is housed on the resort’s grounds, it will stand independently with its own drive and valet at 125 Autumnwood Way in The Woodlands. Robard’s Lounge will open at 4 p.m., Monday - Saturday, with daily social hour specials from 4 pm to 6pm. The dining room will open from 5pm to 10pm Monday - Thursday and from 5pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant and bar will be closed on Sunday. The restaurant’s two private rooms are also available for holiday parties. For reservations, call 281-364-6400 or visit robardssteakhouse.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. l The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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Chill Out at Moody Gardens this Holiday Season From ICE LAND to the Ice Age to the Festival of Lights, there’s cool fun for everyone
oody Gardens will transform into the premier holiday destination this season with the debut of two new exhibits: ICE LAND: Ice Sculptures with SpongeBob SquarePants, and the educational Ice Age. Both exhibitions will open Nov. 15, joining the ever-popular Festival of Lights to make Galveston a true Winter Wonder Island. As the only holiday ice exhibition on the Gulf Coast, ICE LAND’s amazing display of magnificent ice creations will add a frosty new addition to the holiday attractions this year. A skilled team of 20 professional ice
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carvers from Harbin, China, will take 900 tons of ice and transform them into majestic marvels ranging from holiday-themed sculptures to a wide range of scenes featuring the beloved underwater characters from SpongeBob SquarePants. Courtesy parkas will be distributed to each guest. Visitors can witness these works of art within a 28,000-square-foot insulated tent structure located on the property through Jan.4. “We are very excited to bring such a unique experience to south Texas,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO,
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who added that carving giant ice sculpture scenes and holding them at nine degrees outside on a sub-tropical island is a significant logistical challenge. Admission to the exhibition is $26.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors and $15.95 for children. Once guests return their courtesy parkas from ICE LAND, they can enjoy Moody Gardens’ 13th annual Festival of Lights packed with holiday magic. Beginning Nov. 15 through Jan. 3, start a tradition with the largest holiday lighting event on the Gulf Coast with more than one million lights, the
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area’s only outdoor skating rink and the thrilling Arctic Ice Slide. On Nov. 15, Santa Claus will parachute in and flip the switch to officially kick off the holiday season on Galveston. Live entertainment including choirs, musicians and dancers will be a part of the opening day festivities. From there, visitors can walk the trail of more than 100 sound-enhanced light and animated displays with holiday music. Guests can then grab an inner tube and plunge down the Festival’s Texas-sized, 100-foot-long Arctic Ice Slide. Food Drive Fridays will also offer the opportunity to enjoy the Festival and get a special discount to help those in need this holiday season. Bring a non-perishable food item every Friday throughout the Festival and receive a two-for-one Festival admission. The food will be donated to the Galveston County Food Bank. Admission to the Festival of Lights is $8.95, including ice skating admission. Guests can bring their own skates or skate rental is available for $7 with the purchase of a Festival of Lights ticket. Tickets to the Aquarium Pyramid®, Rainforest Pyramid®, MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater, Discovery Museum, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and Arctic Ice Slide are available for just $7 each with a Festival ticket. Arctic Ice Slide Passes are available for $7 for two slides, $20 for 10 slides and $25 for all day extended fun and excitement at one of the Festival’s coolest attractions. Other special events for this year’s Festival of Lights include the Holiday Gift Market on Nov. 28-29, a Holiday Half Marathon and Family Fun Walk, and “A Magical Christmas 2014” dinner and show starring Master Illusionist Curt Miller and Friends. ICE LAND hotel packages are also available starting at $229 per night, plus taxes. Call 1-888-388-8484 for hotel reservations and information about special holiday and group event packages. Moody Gardens also presents the new Ice Age from Nov. 15 through May 10 at the Discovery Pyramid. Ice Age is an exciting and educational exhibition that invites you to travel back in time to discover a frigid world, covered in ice and occupied by mammoths, saber-toothed cats, bears, gigantic birds, cave people and more.The exhibition features life-sized animatronic animals, real fossils — some of which can be touched by guests — and cast skeletons set within elaborate Ice Age scenery.
Characters from SpongeBob SquarePants are featured in the new ICE LAND exhibit at Moody Gardens.
Smilodon and cast skull are among the exhibits in the new Ice Age event at Moody Gardens.
The exhibition begins 2.5 million years ago when the Earth witnessed a major environmental disruption, one that led to dramatic evolutionary changes to Earth’s life forms and forever shaped human history. Guests then travel through galleries exploring the Megafauna, or giant Ice Age animals; the Ice People, including Neanderthals and Cro Magnons; the Tar Pits, the death traps of the Ice Age creatures; and the Megafaunal Extinction, exploring the theories for why many animals of the Ice Age became extinct. The exhibition closes with poignant discussion topics about Earth’s fragile climates and the possible return of the Ice. The Ice Return Gallery explores the prediction for another
glacial period; how global warming might tip the balance of nature in a more dangerous direction; and what people can do to help the planet. Ice Age was created by Imagine Exhibitions and Aurea Productions and is curated and advised by renowned vertebrate paleontologist Dr. Gregory M. Erickson, a leading expert on the biology of extinct organisms, mammals and dinosaurs in particular. Ice Age is open daily. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors and $8.95 for children. For more information on all these attractions and to buy tickets online, visit moodygardens.org or call 800-582-4673. l
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Liz
&
Sean
Text by Melanie Saxton Photography by Nikki Guest
F
rontier Fiesta, a University of Houston (UH) tradition, brought sweethearts Elizabeth Ann Butts and Sean O’Day Piper together. Their journey eventually took them from college to the Julia Ideson Library for a spectacular wedding and reception with plenty of custom flair. Liz graduated from Cinco Ranch High School and earned a Bachelors of Business Administration-Finance at UH. By day she’s a Treasury Manager at Par Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries. By night, she pursues her creative passion — a cake decorating business called Liz Bakes Cakes (lizbakescakes.com). Sean graduated from the Health Careers High School in San
The couple capped off a day of engagement photos in front of a beautiful sunset at Rice University. • The wedding and reception were held at the historic Julia Ideson Library. • Engagement photos included furry family members, of course! • The groomsmen pose behind the groom.
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Antonio and earned a Bachelors of ScienceBiology at UH. He later graduated from Rice University with a master’s in Bioengineering and is a Regional Sales Associate for Affymetrix.
First Date Liz was a senior when she met Sean at Frontier Fiesta. Sean was a UH alum. Her sorority and his fraternity had paired up to put on a variety show. “I thought he was quite attractive and connected on Facebook that night,” says Liz. They went on an official first date at the Chocolate Bar a week later and indulged in delicious treats. They talked until the restaurant closed. Not quite ready to part, Sean took Liz to a pub, The Harp, and chatted some more.
Courtship Shortly afterwards Sean and his roommate moved to Liz’s apartment complex in the same building, one floor up. “I think that’s what the sealed the deal for us,” says Liz. “We were constantly together. It was easy!” The pair dated over five years and attended many UH football games, where Sean still runs the tailgates for his alumnae chapter. The couple adopted Maverick, their male border collie puppy. “This was the start of
The bridal bouquet featured the bride’s favorite hues. • A beautiful lineup: The bride and her maids. • The Julia Ideson Library offered a spectacular venue. • The groom escorts the ladies to their suite after the ceremony. • The bride’s beautiful shoes perch on a library table. • The photographer posed the wedding rings on an appropriate library title.
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The bride and her father begin their walk down the aisle. • A cellist entertained guests during the ceremony and cocktail hour. • The bride’s father about to give his daughter’s hand in marriage. • The beaming newlyweds head back down the aisle. • A stunning view of the regal room during the ceremony. • The couple shared a private moment among the library’s extensive book collection.
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our little family,” says Liz. Their second border collie, Kinsey, was adopted from Border Collie Rescue Texas. In 2010 Liz auditioned for the Aeros’ Hockey dance and cheer team – the Aero Dynamics. Sean was beyond supportive as she practiced and performed at games. “He LOVES to cook, and I never had to cook at all!” she says. Both found time to volunteer with All Border Collie Rescue in Houston and to this day frequently foster puppies. “It’s just a joy. Often on weekends we take the dogs to my parents’ house in Katy to play in their yard and pool,” Liz says.
The Proposal After 4.5 years of dating, Liz thought Sean might never propose. But one special day he took her to
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the Museum of Fine Arts, found a private spot, got down on one knee, and explained that he didn’t want to call Liz “his beautiful girlfriend” anymore… but rather his beautiful wife. Next came a stealth engagement party at the Federal Grill, where Sean surprised her with friends, family, and his parents and brother who flew in to attend. “It was simply the perfect evening!” she exclaims.
Engagement A week after the proposal Liz and Sean and their dogs vacationed at her parents’ beach house in Gulf Shores, Ala., just soaking up sun in between bursts of rain and processing the fact that they were heading down the aisle soon. It was time to focus on wedding planning!
The Wedding With August 9, 2014 fast approaching, Liz envisioned a classic, vintage venue. The historic Spanish Renaissance-style Julia Ideson Library in downtown Houston was ideal. She incorporated favorite hues of pale pink and gold in an evening ceremony and cocktail reception, complete with valet parking. Attire: Her light gold satin Maggie Sotero gown was overlaid with white lace and beads. The dress boasted a modest bust line with a gem-encrusted brooch and keyhole back with a button closure and moderate train. The cathedral length white veil was adorned with dainty lace. Badgley Mischka shoes in light vanilla gold had peep toes embellished with jewels matching the broach on the bust of the gown. Custom-made bridesmaids dresses in champagne chiffon were intricately beaded with modest sweetheart bustlines and sheer backs. The groom wore a jet-black Hugo Boss suit with a
CATERING TO PARTIES, WEDDINGS AND YOUR NEED FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING. Let the wedding professionals at Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands cater to your every need. From stylish soirées to elegant dinner affairs, Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands is the perfect intimate setting for memorable celebrations. At Hyatt, no detail is too small for your special day. For reservations call (281) 203-5005 or visit www.hyattmarketstreet.com Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.
hyattmarketstreet.com (281) 203-5005
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Planning a Wedding?
HYATT MARKET STREET HOTEL The luxurious Hyatt Market Street Hotel, nestled in the area’s leading shopping, dining and entertainment destination, is the premier wedding and event venue of The Woodlands. From rehearsal dinners to seated wedding receptions, Hyatt Market Street provides an unforgettable experience for you and your guests with intimate spaces and contemporary surroundings. Say “I Do” at Hyatt Market Street. For more information, please visit the website. marketstreetthewoodlands.hyatt.com
NOW HIRING
Advertising Sales Associates
Ú
Fort Bend Publishing Group is looking for energetic Sales Associates to sell advertising in its Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes and Houston area publications. Sales experience is a must. Great earning potential! Send Resume to: Linda Anderson Linda@lifestyles-magazines.com
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The baker bride’s hand-made cake was a work of art. • The groom’s cake (also made by the bride) featured sports ... and border collies! • A fun glamour pose for the glamorous couple.• Sealed with a kiss! • The groom shares a dance with his mother.
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white shirt and pale pink paisley tie. Groomsmen wore jet-black suits with mismatched pink ties provided by the groom. Floral and Décor: The bride carefully selected every decoration to complement the beautiful library. A tall 27-inch by 8.5inch floor vase was decorated in a floral topper of white hydrangeas, faith roses, charming unique roses, blush pink stock and Esther roses. Candles descended the staircase. “When I finally saw the room fully put together, I couldn’t have been happier!” says the bride. Her cascading bouquet consisted of white hydrangeas, Esther roses, pale pink faith roses, Tibet white roses, pale pink lisianthus and pale pink stock. Bridesmaids carried faith pale pink roses and baby’s breath. The Bridal Party: The bride’s uncle William Voelker officiated. Parents of the bride Stephen and Lee Anne Butts joined parents of the groom Danny and Joan Piper to witness their children exchanging vows. Best friend of the bride Kayla Agudo served as the matron of honor. Bridesmaids included sister-in-law Kathryn Butts and friends Sarah Baker, Heather Jacobson, Samantha Kinsman, along with former Aero Dynamics teammate Taylor Palmer. The groom’s brother, Danny Piper, served as best man. Groomsmen were the bride’s
twin brother Patrick Butts, along with fraternity brothers Paul Viscontini, Scott Zamir and Ryan Lloyd, as well as longtime friend Hill Ojeda. Top Wedding Moments: The bride remembers how sweet, yet agonizing, it was to walk so slowly down the aisle with her father. “It fights every instinct you have!” she says. The groom wrote their vows, and reading them to each other amidst so many familiar faces made the ceremony extra special — especially Sean’s quip about opening their home to family and friends, and not just homeless dogs!
Everyone had a great time on the dance floor. • A special father/daughter dance. • The Spazmatics put on a spectacular show at the reception.
The Reception Fan-folded escort cards and gold doilies wrapped on vases added custom touches, along with white hydrangeas, charming faith pale pink roses and blush pink stock centerpieces. White linens accented the long tables with sheer pink runners and a matching overlay for the round tables. The Cakes: As a professional baker, the bride knew exactly how to create her fourtiered cake covered in off-white marshmallow fondant. The bottom white cake layer was filled with raspberry preserves and almond pastry cream. It was iced in her very popular vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream. The next two tiers of decadent dark chocolate cake had a hint of coffee and were
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UPCOMING PREVIEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
DEC. 2014
‰ Holiday
Gift Guide 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
WRITERS NEEDED
for The Woodlands area
•Golf articles •Feature articles •Interior Decorating features •Stories about local kids Send resume and writing samples to: Linda Anderson Linda@lifestyles-magazines.com 124
Mr. and Mrs. Piper take their leave from their most wonderful day.
filled with dark chocolate truffle ganache. The top tier was a special pineapple cake filled with preserves. She finished her masterpiece with a clean, simple piped beaded border and cascading pale pink fantasy flowers with gilded edges. The groom’s cake was made of his favorite buttery yellow cake and dense milk chocolate buttercream frosting. The bottom hexagonal tier was paneled with either a UH or a San Antonio Spurs logo — his two favorite sports teams. The second tier was round and wrapped in the Houston skyline. Two custommade figurines of Maverick and Kinsey perched on top. Top Reception Moments: When the band walked through the reception hall and entered the stage, the best part was the bride’s mother’s reaction. “She didn’t feel they were an appropriate band for a formal event, so the look on her face was PRICELESS when the level of excitement went over the top!” says the bride. Liz fondly recalls that her husband sang along during their first dance to “Give It All We Got Tonight” by George Strait. They opted against dance lessons and just “winged it” as a carefree way to kick off the evening. Liz had not danced with her father since the father/daughter dance of her senior year in high school, but he was light on his feet as they danced to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. She’ll also never forget how Sean and his fraternity brothers serenaded her in the middle of the dance floor right after the garter toss.
The Honeymoon The couple hit the major tourist destinations in Seattle for two days, then took the Amtrak Cascades train up the coast to Vancouver for a four-day visit. They saw the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, whale watched, hiked to the waterfall in Squamish, and took a gondola ride to the top of a mountain. Their last day was spent in Seattle amidst wine and beer tastings, plus dinner and a cabaret performance at The Pink Door.l
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Brooks Valls
David Argueta
‹Gracepoint Homes Gracepoint Homes has hired local real estate veteran Brooks Valls as its vice president of sales and marketing. In his new role, Valls will oversee Gracepoint Homes’ sales force and develop marketing strategies to support the company’s expected growth during the next year. “Gracepoint is on target to expand to 10 communities during the next 12 months, each featuring a unique theme and product,” Valls said. “It is exciting not only to work with my old colleagues from Emerald Homes, but also to help establish a market niche in Houston’s bustling housing market for this very distinctive product.” Valls previously worked in various positions with McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc., (MHI), where over 15 years he held positions as Houston region sales manager, sales training manager and director of marketing. He also served as marketing director and as a sales counselor at Emerald Homes. Valls entered Houston’s residential real estate market was in 1980 as a sales counselor for General Homes. A native Houstonian, Valls has won numerous industry sales and marketing awards, including several PRISM awards from the Greater Houston Builders Association and a Texas Star Award from the Texas Association of Builders. Gracepoint Homes builds in five Houstonarea communities, four of which are being developed by the builder. For more information, visit gracepointhomes.com.
‹CHI St. Luke’s Health CHI St. Luke’s Health announced that David Argueta has accepted the role of President of The Woodlands Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, and the Springwoods Village facility, which is currently under development. Over the past nine months, Argueta played an integral role in managing these facilities, initially named Chief Operating Officer for The Woodlands Hospital, then
assuming the Interim President role in July. “In a relatively short period of time, David gained the support and confidence of The Woodlands Hospital Board of Directors, medical staff leadership and employees,” stated Michael Richmond, Chairman of The Woodlands Hospital Board. Argueta brings an impressive and diverse background to this role, with 10 years of experience with BaylorScott&White in Waco, Texas, where he served as Vice President of Operations after three years as Operations Administrator for physician services, including the development, construction, and operation of a $20 million regional cancer center and a $4.5 million ambulatory surgery center, as well as recruiting more than 60 physicians. “We are pleased to have David serve in this important role for CHI St. Luke’s,” stated Michael Covert, President and CEO of CHI St. Luke’s Health. Argueta earned a B.S. from Baylor University and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the Robbins Institute for Health Policy and Leadership at Baylor University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Board Certified in Healthcare Administration.
‹Donna’s Home Furnishings Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, announced Donna’s Home Furnishings as a finalist for the 26th annual ARTS Awards. Donna’s Home Furnishings, a family owned and operated business, offers high-end lines in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Donna’s Home Furnishings is a resource for design and community, providing on call interior designers as well as charitable tendencies. The ARTS Awards, presented each January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, recognizes top manufacturers, retailers, designers and sales representatives from across the world. The 26th annual ARTS winners will be revealed during a gala event on Friday, Jan. 16 and will recognize excellence in 27 different categories. “The finalists this year create the fullest, most robust slate we’ve had in years across all categories from top manufacturers and retailers to designers and sales representatives,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “We congratulate all of the finalists and
look forward to celebrating their achievements at the industry’s premier event in January.” The finalists submit a digital presentation to a panel of distinguished judges. Digital submissions vary based on category and may consist of product development, marketing, merchandising or company differentiation examples. In November, the panel of judges will convene in Dallas for two days to review each individual or company submission. Once all components of judging are complete, a designated accounting firm will tabulate and secure the scores until the winners are announced in January. “We are so grateful to be nominated. This is a testament to the hard work and effort we continue to put into the store since opening last year. We offer shoppers the rare mix of medium and high-end anchor lines as well as one-of-a-kind pieces at affordable prices and are proud to create a niche in our industry,” says Donna Dawson, co-owner and founder of Donna’s Home Furnishings.
‹Johnny Was Clothing Boutique Market Street will add another first-to-market retail destination in 2015. Boho chic Johnny Was will open its first Houston-area store and second Texas location when it joins the upscale shopping, dining and entertainment destination in spring 2015, offering beautifully crafted, flowing clothing and unique accessories. Six distinct collections will be showcased at the new store, including The Johnny Was Collection, which offers the ultimate in Boho chic. JWLA is made with the quintessential California surfer chic in mind while the Biya collection presents timeless, stylish and eclectic silhouettes that are both bold and distinctive. Pete & Greta bring lifestyle basics with and edge while 4 Love and Liberty caters to the fashion-forward sophisticate. Finally, 3J Workshop feminizes the traditional menswear shirt with fine workmanship and fit. Market Street continues to debut first-tomarket stores among its more than 70 luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants. Those who opened their first Houston-area locations at Market Street include Trina Turk; Vineyard Vines; Calypso St. Barth; Madewell; Allen Edmonds; The Boardroom Salon for Men and Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store.
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BRANDON VOS
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New homeowner Staff Sargent Michael Craven, center, with Jeanne and Richard Filip, founders of Texas Sentinels Foundation.
‹Texas Sentinels Foundation Presents Home to Disabled Veteran Staff Sargent Michael Craven has become the 15th American hero to receive a home from Houston-based Texas Sentinels Foundation Inc. Craven was serving as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in Iraq in 2011 when the vehicle in which he was riding was hit by a triple-array Explosively Formed Penetrating device. Despite his severe injuries, Craven is now able to walk as a result of several major surgical procedures, but recovering from his wounds will be an ongoing and daily process. The Texas Sentinels Foundation, in conjunction with Bank of America, stepped in on Sept. 11 to present a mortgage- and debt-free home in Pearland to Craven, giving him the ability to fully concentrate on his recovery and studies while attending college with ultimate plans to acquire a real estate license. The nonprofit Texas Sentinels Foundation was founded in 2007 by Richard Filip, owner of RE/MAX The Woodlands and Spring, as well as other RE/MAX franchises throughout the state, and his wife, Jeanne. The couple formed the foundation to acknowledge the dedication of American soldiers whose personal sacrifices and heroic deeds are among the most vital steps necessary to ensure that freedom and security are available to all Americans. Aimed at assisting soldiers receiving combat injuries during their military service in Iraq and Afghanistan post-Sept. 11, 2001, the foundation has no lack of applicants, receiving about one request through its website each day, Richard Filip said. A majority of the applications come from veterans being treated and rehabilitated at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, who hear about the program from veterans the foundation has helped or through the nonprofit’s outreach efforts. For more information or to apply, volunteer, donate money or goods, or to hire a sentinel, visit texassentinels.org.
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‹Woodforest Golf Club Woodforest Golf Club has announced the opening of its brand new Clubhouse. The 17,000-square-foot Clubhouse includes fabulous dining, a conference area and an expanded Golf Shop that displays all the latest in apparel and equipment. The state-ofthe-art Clubhouse features a 5,000-square-foot wraparound veranda overlooking the golf course. In addition, Woodforest is excited to unveil a new one acre “Members Only” practice facility. The Clubhouse makes use of modern energy efficient design concepts, but also evokes the lodge style of Clubhouses of the past. The furnishing choices are best described as casually elegant, while remaining comfortable for the everyday golfer. The enhanced Sandbaggers Grille dining area is the centerpiece of the new Clubhouse. Not only is it large enough to comfortably accommodate Woodforest’s daily golfers, but it can also adequately seat a 200 player golf tournament. The full-service restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Designed by the PGA's own Steve Elkington, Woodforest Golf Club features 27 holes on a spacious course carved through the majestic pines and towering oaks of Northwest Houston. Woodforest’s greens have received statewide and regional recognition as the best in Houston. Woodforest Golf Club recognizes the importance of giving back and in 2013 alone, raised over $1,000,000 for charity events. Woodforest is open for daily fee play seven days a week. Individual and Family Memberships are available.
Lakeside Hospital five-year employees, (l-r): Scott Reeves, Chief Facility Engineer; Lisa Williams, RN, Director of Patient Care; Julie Blow, RN, Director of Perioperative Services; John Fackler, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon; Diane Freeman, RN, MBA, Assistant Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; Chantal Reed, RN, Perioperative Nurse; Debra Staley, Manager Marketing & Community Relations; and Rolly Deocampo, RN, Manager Inpatient Care.
‹CHI St. Luke’s Health Lakeside Hospital The medical team and staff at CHI St. Luke’s Health–Lakeside Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, celebrated its fifth anniversary Sept. 29. Lakeside Hospital offers specialized care in orthopedic medicine, including total joint replacement, spine surgery, sports medicine, interventional cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and 24-hour emergency care. It is affiliated with Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, and all of its physician partners are board certified in their medical specialty. “I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished in five short years,” said Diane Freeman, RN, MBA, Assistant Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Lakeside Hospital. “Teamwork is a huge part of our success and I am so grateful to be involved with this incredible hospital.” Since its opening, Lakeside Hospital has consistently rated in the top five percent in the country on publicly-reported patient satisfaction scores, and has been voted by Modern Healthcare magazine as a “Best Place to Work in Healthcare” three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013. The hospital recently received the 2012-13 Texas Hospital Quality Improvement Award, which recognizes hospitals that have undertaken quality initiatives to improve outcomes in patient care, and have improved their performance on specific national quality measures. Lakeside Hospital currently has 140 employees.
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(L-R) Gil Staley, Steve Head, Brad Thompson, Frank Holmes, Heidi Carney, Don Norrell, Alex Sutton, Michael Maher, Garry Watts, Stuart Lapp, Nathan Cook, Karen Hoylman, Steve Pate, Shane Frugé, Steve Pilgrim, Paul Oman, Josh Urban.
‹The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) has announced the newly appointed board members for its 2014-2015 term.The new board members include Stuart Lapp of Petroleum Wholesale as chair, Terry Sellers of Gallagher Benefit Services as vice chair, Debra Sukin of Houston Methodist Woodlands Hospital as secretary, Heidi Carney of Prosperity Bank as treasurer and Jan Sieving of Repsol USA as immediate past chair. Other board members include Steve Berry of Waste Connections, Nelda Blair of The Blair Law Firm, Nathan Cook of McKesson Specialty Health, Shane Frugé of Northwestern Mutual, Steve Head, Ph.D. of Lone Star College System, Frank Holmes of Sam Houston State University, Karen Hoylman of The Woodlands Area Chamber
of Commerce, Mike Karlins of Karlins, Ramey & Tompkins LLC, Mayor James Kuykendall of City of Oak Ridge North, Mark Lashier of Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., Michael Maher of The John Cooper School, Brett Martin of One Source, Don Norrell of The Woodlands Township, Paul Oman of BOI Consulting, Steve Pate of Strike LLC, Steve Pilgrim of Entergy Texas, Michael Richmond of Woodforest National Bank, Mike Shultz of Consolidated Communications, Alex Sutton of The Woodlands Development Company, Brad Thompson of Wells Fargo, Bruce Tough of The Woodlands Township, Josh Urban of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, Mayor Garry Watts of City of Shenandoah and Virgil Yoakum of Woodforest Development, Inc. The Economic Development Partnership is dedicated to promoting the economic development of The Woodlands Area
through the support of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses that can bring opportunities to the area. “With unprecedented growth in membership, we are thankful for the support of the business community with our economic development efforts. I am personally grateful to have served with those Board Directors whose terms have ended, and would like to welcome our newest members joining the board. We are privileged to have a Board composed of the best executive leadership in our area for the advancement of economic development,” said Gil Staley, Chief Executive Officer of the EDP. The EDP is a public/private partnership with 73 funding partners active in the organization. For further information visit their website, edpartnership.net or call 281363-8130. The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership is located at 9320 Lakeside Blvd, Building 2, Suite 200.
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Memorial Hermann The Woodlands affiliated Cardiac Electrophysiologist Rajesh Venkataraman, M.D. and partner Ramesh Hariharan, M.D. implant the leadless pacemaker into patient Judy Berry Weeks.
‹Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital
Members of the Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2015 got a look at the Apache helicopters at the Lone Star Executive Airport as part of their exploration of infrastructure in the County.
‹The Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2015 The Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) Class of 2015 recently explored infrastructure in Montgomery County at their Infrastructure Session sponsored by Entergy Texas. The Session, held at the San Jacinto River Authority, gave the class a look into the inner workings of the county. The day was planned by Session Director Brent Sherrod (LMC Class of 2000), Managing Partner of American Civil Engineering Services, LP with the assistance of Erich Peterson (LMC Class of 2012), with Jones & Carter. The day began with LMC’s Leadership Series focusing on leadership development led by several LMC Alumni including Melanie Bush, Rob Koester, Erich Peterson, Steve Scott, Vicky Shelledy and Vic Tarasik. Class members then spent the morning hearing presentations from Doug McCormick of Entergy Texas, Jace Houston of the San Jacinto River Authority and Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner and County Judge-Elect Craig Doyal. The class then toured the Lake Conroe Dam before heading out to Galaxy FBO at the Lone Star Executive Airport for lunch and class project discussion. Following lunch, the class toured the airport tower and got a look at the Apache helicopters, then returned to the Galaxy FBO for a tour followed by a presentation by Greg Hall, Jr. of the City of Conroe. The class also toured the Southwest Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Conroe. Leadership Montgomery County (LMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to developing and enhancing current and future leaders of Montgomery County. The goal is to educate and inform candidates about major community issues, while inspiring and motivating individuals to exercise their leadership skills to benefit the community. LMC is a joint project of the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber, the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber, and the Magnolia Parkway Chamber are also participating Chambers in the LMC program. Class participants are chosen by application process in June of each year. For more information about Leadership Montgomery County, visit LMCTX.org.
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Doctors affiliated with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital recently were the first in southeast Texas to implant a leadless pacemaker directly into a patient’s heart via a non-surgical procedure. “This pacemaker has revolutionized the treatment of cardiac rhythm conditions,” said hospital affiliated Cardiac Electrophysiologist Rajesh Venkataraman, M.D. “The benefits to the patient are exceptional, including a lower risk of infection, a quicker recovery where the patient is ambulatory within hours, and less time in the hospital. Another advantage is cosmetic. Since this pacemaker is placed directly in the heart and doesn’t require leads, the patient can forego the unsightly and uncomfortable pacemaker pocket in the chest wall.” More than 4 million people worldwide have an implanted pacemaker or other cardiac rhythm management device, and an additional 700,000 patients receive the devices each year. Unlike conventional pacemakers that require a more invasive surgery, the Nanostim leadless pacemaker is designed to be implanted directly into the heart via the femoral vein. According to St. Jude, the manufacturer of the device, the elimination of the visible lump and scar at a conventional pacemaker’s implant site, in addition to the removal of patient activity restrictions, will potentially improve the quality of life for patients with this technology by allowing most to continue living active, uninhibited lifestyles.
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(Front row, l-r) Darcy Douglas, Jennifer Smart, Anita Phillips, Marilyn Kasmiersky, Karrie Golden, Sondra Himmer, Dr. David Gottlieb, Amy Hegemeyer, Kim Marling; (Back row) Dorothy Gibbons, Jeanne Gillen, Judy Deyo, Steven Lightfoot, Armin Weinberg, Vicki Richmond, and Charlie Marling.
WOODFOREST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION DONATES $49,000 TO EIGHT CHARITIES During the Charity Partnership Breakfast hosted by Woodforest Charitable Foundation (WCF) at JASPER’S restaurant in The Woodlands, $49,000 was donated to representatives of eight local charities. Recipients were Darcy Douglas, Development Manager, Texas Children’s Hospital; Jennifer Smart, Manager, Children’s Miracle Network; Anita Phillips, Clinic Manager, Interfaith Community Clinic; Marilyn Kasmiersky, Director of Business Development and Karrie Golden, Director of Operations, Lone Star Family Health Center; Sondra Himmer, Vice President of Development & Communications, Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch; Dorothy Gibbons, Executive Director, and Jeanne Gillen, Board Member, The Rose; Judy Deyo, Executive Director, and Steven Lightfoot, Senior Development Director, TOMAGWA Health Care Ministries; and Armin Weinberg, Executive Director, Life Beyond Cancer. The Woodforest Charitable Foundation is creating a legacy of commitment to those in need by providing funding to qualifying 501(c)(3) charities. The Foundation was created by Woodforest National Bank in 2005 as a direct result of its desire to support and invest in the communities in which it serves. For more information, call 832- 375-CARE (2273) or visit the foundation’s website at WoodforestCharitableFoundation.org.
TIP2TOE AT MEMORIAL HERMANN IN THE PINK OF HEALTH LUNCHEON The Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health committee recently held the first-ever "Tip2Toe" Fashion Raffle as part of the Memorial Hermann In The Pink of Health luncheon. Nine exclusive boutiques each offered an entire "Tip2Toe" outfit (valued at a minimum of $1,200) for the raffle. Attendees could purchase one ticket for $20 or six tickets for $100 for a chance to win their outfits of choice. Donating stores were: Cakewalk Style, Calypso St. Barth, Elaine Turner, Etcetera, Jonathan Blake, Kate Spade, Rare Trends, Royal Street and Trina Turk. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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(L-R, top row): Nicole Robinson Gauthier, Sharon Anderson, Rebecca Olsen, Summer Darnell, Dr. William Parks, Zach Yeglin, Barbara Martinez, Dave Hastings; (bottom row): Sallie Rainer, David Baker, Emily Artificavitch, Casey Cole, Kim Modlin and Julie Martineau.
PACESETTERS HIT RECORD BREAKING NUMBERS A $6 million dollar goal for the 2014 Montgomery County United Way Campaign (MCUW) is the largest campaign goal set to date. Kicking off the season with a bang, United Way employees, volunteers and concert attendees enjoyed live entertainment from the Dena Blue Band provided by The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau at Waterway Square on Saturday, Sept. 27. Throughout the concert, MCUW employees thanked attendees for their support and handed out Live United balloons and temporary tattoos to children. During intermission, Julie Martineau, MCUW president, took the stage and spoke about the needs that Montgomery County residents are facing and how MCUW is focusing on education, financial independence and health and wellness to effectively address those needs. Sallie Rainer, president & CEO of Entergy Texas Inc. and 2014 Annual Campaign Chair, followed Martineau by introducing Pacesetter Company representatives and revealing the dollar amount raised by each. At the end of the presentation, Rainer announced that through the collective effort of the Pacesetter companies, Montgomery County United Way will start the 2014 campaign with an amazing $1.875 million. The 2014 Pacesetters Company list includes philanthropic heavy hitters such as Entergy Texas, Inc., The Woodlands Development Company, SWBC Mortgage, Anderson Ford, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, CHI St. Luke’s –The Woodlands Hospital & Lakeside Hospital, Montgomery County United Way, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Praxair, CB&I and H-E-B. For more information, contact Julie Martineau at Julie@mcuw.org.
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BMC Lawrence Mimbs was recently promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
LOCAL NAVY MAN PROMOTED Chief Boatswain’s Mate Lawrence Mimbs, from Kingwood, and the son of Allen and Margaret Sanders of Kingwood, receives his Gold Fouled Anchors and joins the ranks of the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) during a CPO Pinning ceremony on United States Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown Sept. 16. The CPO Pinning is a time-honored tradition that serves as the final event for CPO 365 Phase II training.
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(Front row, l-r): Kelley Bean, Becky Feaster, Gail Johnson, and Susan Ashley; (back row): Cherry Calender, Betty Byrd, Beverly Pritchard, Jennifer Breshears, Pegi Ivancevich, Jay Hendon, Ronee Schneider, Paula Grigsby, Pat Williams, and Pat Spackey.
HERITAGE TRAILS CHAPTER, DAR ATTEND FALL FORUM More than 640 Texas Daughters who are members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution were in attendance at the Doubletree Hotel in Austin for the annual Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution Fall Forum. Pamela Rouse Wright, State Regent of Texas 2012-2015, presided during the weekend, which was full of special events, awards ceremonies, workshops, and special surprises. Special guest for the Fall Forum was Houston's own Lynn Forney Young, President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Heritage Trails DAR member Pat Williams was in attendance with her husband Al Williams, whose ancestor was previously listed on the monument, as his Revolutionary ancestor is buried in Texas. Heritage Trails member Jennifer Breshears served as a Page during the Dedication ceremonies. Friday night's Star Spangled Supper honored outstanding members and chapters who received first place recognition at the NSDAR Continental Congress held in Washington D.C. in June of this year. All of the TXDAR District Directors and State Chairs were introduced in a special presentation on Friday evening. Heritage Trails DAR members serving as State Chairs are Pat Spackey, Texas Flag Committee; Pat Williams, Chapter Achievement Committee and Beverly Pritchard, Texas Scholarships committee. For information on the TXDAR, visit txdar.org. For information on the Heritage Trails chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, visit texasdar.org.chapters/Heritage Trails.
(L-R): Attorney Karen West, one of the original founders of Law Line in 2009 and former WBA president, with Julie Martineau, president of MCUW, and attorney Angela Speight, director and president of the WBA, as they review legal resource materials.
FREE “LAW LINE” STILL GOING STRONG AFTER FIVE YEARS Navigating legal issues can be intimidating for a lot people. For residents of Montgomery County who have legal questions, a Law Line is offered as a free community service for legal assistance on the first Monday of each month. This free public service is a project of The Woodlands Bar Association (WBA) in conjunction with the Montgomery County United Way. The WBA’s volunteer attorneys are on the line at 281-645-6344 from 5 to 8 p.m. to provide general legal information and guidance about legal resources. The identities of the callers, as well as the volunteer lawyers, remain anonymous and all calls are confidential. The WBA is comprised of private practice attorneys from both large and small law firms, in-house corporate attorneys and local judges. WBA members seek to promote high legal standards, education and community service in the area. The Law Line offers a local community service opportunity for members to share their unique legal skills to provide service to others. The WBA had the talent and United Way had the phones and front office personnel to route the calls. It remains a win-win for both organizations,with Montgomery County residents really being the big winners. For more information, visit WoodlandsBarAssociation.com and click the “News” tab. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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TWHS STUDENT RECEIVES GRANT - Sarah Kaplan, a
Sarah Kaplan displays a few of the pillows she made for cancer patients.
Woodlands High School Junior and Member of National Charity League, The Woodlands Chapter, applied for and received a Grant from The Woodlands Chapter of National Charity League to make fleece tie pillows for MD Anderson's cancer patients. MD Anderson is one of the Philanthropies that NCL, The Woodlands Chapter supports. Members of the chapter make fleece tie blankets to provide a bit of comfort and warmth as patients are receiving chemotherapy. Sarah decided to make pillows as she saw a need for something that provided a little more support for the neck, lower back, head and arms. Sarah made all of these pillows in honor of a family friend who was battling cancer last summer.
Armstrong Elementary Interim Principal Patricia Thacker (far right), with students (l-r) Alexander Galicia, Adalyn Nunez, Clifton Love, David Giron, Anthony Lopez, Lillian McNamara pose with representatives from Kroger.
CONROE ISD RECEIVES OVER $35,000 IN SCHOOL SUPPLIES - Conroe ISD received over $35,000 in school supplies through the Stuff the School Bus school supply campaign sponsored by Cox Media Group Houston and Kroger. During the annual 3-week-long, school supply drive, Kroger stores in the Houston area sold school supply kits containing basic supplies such as paper, pencils and markers. This year, Conroe ISD was selected as one of five recipient districts. Armstrong Elementary students and staff thanked representatives from Kroger on behalf of the District in a schoolwide assembly. Over 4,000 kits were distributed to students and campuses across the district.
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Cooper Kindergartner Marc Valle and his dad, Christopher Valle, enjoy reading together at the Fabulous Fathers event.
COOPER SETS ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES - Admission Open Houses for families interested in information about PreK4 and Kindergarten at The John Cooper School for the 2015-16 school year is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower School. Parents are invited to meet with administrators and teachers to learn more about the curriculum and programs offered at the independent, college preparatory day school that is currently celebrating its 27th year in The Woodlands. The admission application deadline for Pre-K4 through Second Grade is November 14. For more information, visit johncooper.org. Kindergarten students at The John Cooper School invited their dads to the annual Fabulous Fathers event on the morning of Sept. 18. The students presented their dads with a handmade tie to wear for the special occasion and enjoyed reading together and sharing activities typical of their school day.
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(L-R): Douglas Ziman, Sara Valderrama, Adam Golightly, Alexandra Coughlin, Brian Lue, Shannon Klein and Srikar Nalluri.
SEVEN OF COOPER'S 88-MEMBER SENIOR CLASS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS - Head of Upper School Joe Broccoli announced at a September
Samantha Thomas and Kyle Kontor, the 2014 Homecoming Queen and King.
WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HOMECOMING - The
weekly assembly that seven members of The John Cooper School Class of 2015 have been selected as Semifinalists in the 60th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Alexandria Coughlin, Adam Golightly, Shannon Klein, Brian Lue, Srikar Nalluri, Sara Valderrama and Douglas Ziman will continue in the competition for approximately 7,600 Merit Scholarship awards, worth more than $33 million, that will be offered next spring. These Cooper students are among 16,000 Semifinalists named from across the nation. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements in order to advance to the Finalist level of the competition and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
Woodlands Christian Academy Homecoming was celebrated in grand style on Friday, Oct. 3 with a rousing 1950’s themed pep rally and an exciting football game against St. Joseph Catholic High School. The Warriors came away with a thrilling 48-34 victory and remain undefeated to date. During halftime of the football game, the festivities were highlighted by the crowning of the 2014 homecoming queen, Student Council President and senior cheerleader Samantha Thomas, and the homecoming king, senior football player Kyle Kontor. Sam Thomas has been a student at Woodlands Christian since 2005. She has been accepted at Harding University with plans to major in Chemistry and subsequent enrollment in the Harding School of Pharmacology. Kyle has been a student at Woodlands Christian since 2007. He plans to attend Texas A&M in Fall 2015, pursuing a dual major in Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering. Nominated by faculty and voted on by the entire high school student body, the Homecoming King and Queen must exhibit characteristics of a Warrior – spiritually, academically, physically and socially. The Homecoming Dance was Saturday night and included music, games and class competition between freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
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vaRSity fOOtball SChEdulE & SCORES CanEy CREEk datE
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Rhodes
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Thorne
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BYE WEEK
THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
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Young artists from The Woodlands Children’s Museum search for their tiles.
Principal Becky Page and Assistant Principal Melissa Hammond pose with the school sign announcing the National Blue Ribbon Honor.
GIESINGER ELEMENTARY RECEIVES NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON HONOR - Giesinger Elementary
GONE FISHING AT NORDSTROM IN THE WOODLANDS - Young artists were recently invited to find their fish at the new Nordstrom location in The Woodlands Mall. The Woodlands Children’s Museum hosted a tile-painting party with an “Under the Sea” theme on April 26 led by professional artist Charlie Bigger. The 200 fish-shaped tiles they created have been installed in the kid’s wear department in the new Nordstrom store. On Saturday, Sept. 6, the retailer held a special event for the children who participated and their families. During a fun morning party, complete with entertainment and treats, the artists were able to see their work on display. Proceeds from the tile-painting event benefited The Woodlands Children’s Museum.
Logan Barr, a student at Deretchin Elementary, shows off his artwork, "The Red Snapper," to Sean Clark.
Laura Chaffee, a student at College Park, poses with Dr. Stockton and her artwork, "Feline Friendship."
was one of 25 Texas schools recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Sept. 30 as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2014. The announcement was made live via the Department's USTREAM channel and was viewed by recognized principals, teachers, and students assembled across the country including the students and staff at Giesinger. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. Giesinger Elementary was recognized for overall academic excellence. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. “It is an honor for Imogene Giesinger Elementary to be named a National Blue Ribbon High Achieving School. This award represents the dedication of our teachers, staff, students and parents. It is a privilege to be the principal of this school. Our school has achieved a standard of excellence over the years. These academic milestones validate Giesinger’s belief that ‘All Means All,’” said Principal Becky Page. The Department will honor 287 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 10-11 in Washington, D.C. In its 32year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on just under 7,900 of America’s schools.
DISTRICT ART SHOW HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT TALENT - On Sunday, Sept. 14, Conroe ISD hosted a District Art Show at the Dean L. Sadler Administration Building in Conroe. The show featured student artwork from each campus highlighting the outstanding visual arts programs in our schools and community. Conroe ISD’s art program provides a quality, sequential and cumulative learning experience for all students. Student artwork has been featured in numerous periodicals and art books. The art show allowed families and members of the community to preview the exhibit which will be on display until August. The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes | November 2014 |
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Sponsored by 281-350-0515
How Magnoia Developed
The Magnolia Railroad Depot, recognized by the Texas Historical Commission • The first doctor’s office • An early post office • The historical plaque.
By Char Schneider e all know about the “Austin 300,” but how did Texas grow from there? There were the oil strikes and the cattle drives, but it was the railroads that really made it all possible. Initially, railroads grew from north to south. This direction had fewer problems; for the most part there were no rivers to cross and tracks could go around large obstacles. In 1872 the International and Great Northern Railroad began north-to-south operations through Montgomery, the oldest town. It also served Willis, which was the second largest city, and Conroe. Daccus and Splendora developed because they were trade centers and shipping points. In 1879 Splendora was established as the eastern county center on the old narrow gauge called Houston, East and West Railroad. By 1889 the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad completed east-to-west service. It also bypassed Montgomery. East- to-west railroads were not as easy to build. Most of the streams and rivers run north to south; therefore, an east-towest route had to cross many waterways. While the narrow gauge railroad was later abandoned, it did cross Montgomery County in an east-to-west direction connecting Splendora to Magnolia. Originally called Melton, Magnolia later changed its name to avoid confusion with another town. After the railroad arrived the town began to grow, and by 1905 there were
W
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even excursion trains to Galveston passing through Magnolia. In 1909 the Magnolia area was also known as Mink Prairie. In 1902, warranty deeds for construction of a depot were let. The International and Great Northern Railroad operated through the area as an independent unit of the Missouri Pacific Railroad until 1956. On Jan. 1, 1997 the Missouri Pacific merged with Union Pacific which still operates in Magnolia today. The Magnolia Railroad Depot was preserved through the efforts of the Magnolia Historical Society and by daughters and granddaughters of former depot agents. The depot was moved to its present location in October 2005 to make way for a road expansion. Because of the relocation, it is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. However, it was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission with an official historical medallion in 1999. The museum complex has been expanded to include an early post office, the first doctor’s office, a barbershop, a Blacksmith Assoc. facility, an antique sawmill and a red caboose. The depot was made habitable without affecting the historic integrity. The Depot Museum is a centerpiece for community gatherings. On Feb. 25, 2013 the depot was listed in Union Pacific’s Train Town Registry. The depot is open on weekends from 10 to 5.l
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Mirror Lake
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