Meet The Team Lindsey Kasprzak
PUBLISHER, ART & MEDIA DIRECTOR
Leslie Henderson MANAGING EDITOR
Dawn Allen EDITOR
Taylor Smith WRITER
CONTRIBUTORS:
TRACEE EVANS CLAUDIA LAIRD W.F. STRONG RAIGAN MAYO CONROE/LAKE CONROE CHAMBER
From Our Publisher Welcome to Lone Star Local Guide! My name is Lindsey and I am so proud to not only call myself a Texan, but also a Houstonian. My family history is not only deep in the heart of Texas but deep in the heart of Houston since I’m a direct descendant of the Allen Brothers. I’m therefore very proud that my digital and print publication represents the area where I live and where my family is from. I am passionate about my community and the businesses that reside in it. Without a community, we have no place to call home and nothing to leave the next generation. I believe strongly in the power of the small business and what it represents. When you shop at a small business, you’re not only supporting your community, but you’re also supporting a family. I started Lone Star Local Guide to showcase these local businesses. I strive to fine unique small businesses, each offering something different. You may not have even known some of these companies were local to you and my hope is that I’ll be able to give them exposure and support for their businesses. Along with promoting these unique businesses, the Guide will also include informational, educational, and just plain interesting articles on various issues and topics that I hope you will enjoy. Here’s a helpful tip: every ad in our digital publication is linked directly to the advertiser’s website so no more having to write it down- just click and go! Thanks again for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you again in the next issue! Please help spread the word by liking and following us on Facebook and Instagram, where we’ll regularly post upcoming local events, news, and, of course, awesome local businesses!
Lindsey Kasprzak Download our app and have the magazine delivered to your phone!
Visit us online at:
www.LoneStarLocalGuide.com
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
LONE STAR LOAL GUIDE © 2020, all rights reserved. All editorial and advertising copy belongs solely to LONE STAR LOAL GUIDE Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is strictly prohibited. Articles are the opinions and experiences of other people and we do not necessarily approve, agree with, and/or condone those opinions.
table of
CONTENTS JULY 2020
Business of the Month North Lake Tree Service- Page 6 6
Features Squeaky Pig Food Blog - Page 5
Spring Fire Department - Page 9
5 Rio Grande - Page 13
Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber - Page 19
9 Learn From Lady Justice - Page 21
Come And Explore It - Page 25
Lone Star Local Savings - Page 32
29 Lone StarEdition Local Guide Dock Line Magazine - Atascocita AprilPage 20183 3
Lone Star Local Guide Page 4
FOODIE By: Raigan Mayo Food Blogger
Egg in a Hole Nothing more I like than a runny egg yolk and egg in a hole is one of my all time favorite ways to enjoy eggs. This recipe uses a adaption of the keto fathead pizza dough recipes. I do not know who the originator of the recipe was however this one uses flax seed, egg, and baking powder which is different than the original one. I am not able to each fish so I try and some flax seed meal any where I can to get my Omegas. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Visit my blog for more recipes!
Ingredients for the Dough 1 1/2 Cups Mozzarella, shredded 1 Egg 2 Ounce Cream Cheese 1 TSP Baking Powder 1/4 Cup Flax Seed Meal 1/2 Cup Almond Meal 1 TSP Dried Chives 1/4 TSP Salt Preheat oven to 425. Add mozzarella and cream cheese to a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 60 seconds. Stir until well incorporated. Add egg and mix until fully incorporated. Add flax seed, almond meal, baking soda, salt, chives and mix until full incorporated. Measure out mixture to 12 dough balls. Mine roughly came out to about 1 oz per dough ball. Flatten 6 of the dough bowls into any shape you want I used an oblong shape. Take a dough ball that isn’t flatten and roll into strips(trick: i use glove and rub a little oil on them to keep the dough from sticking) and lay the roll strip around the edge of the flatten dough ball. Bake about 12 minutes until bottom is brown. Pull out of oven and crack an egg in center and bake until the egg is set or not jiggling. I topped mine with a bit of parmesan. Happy baking and enjoy!
Lone Star Local Guide Page 5
By: Taylor Smith
It’s not every day you run into someone with a true passion for trees, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Jeff LeBlanc with North Lake Tree Service. He has a zeal for everything concerning trees: how to care for them, how to trim them properly and if need be, how to take them down in the safest way possible. It all started with a few side jobs here and there helping friends and family with tree problems, in addition to working as a first responder and cutting trees for fire safety. Tree care has now grown into a full-time tree service business. Jeff gave serious considerLone Star Local Guide Page 6
ation to whether starting his business would be the best choice. He would be leaving a full-time
job with a guaranteed paycheck, and he wasn’t sure if we wanted to risk it. But once he talked to his
wife Michelle, with her full support he knew it was the right decision. “We treat our customers like family. Other companies may come out and say the tree needs to be removed, but once I get the lay of the land I might discover that it simply needs a good trim.” Jeff’s work is about doing what’s best for the customer and the tree itself. Jeff doesn’t use a bucket truck for trimming or cutting. “I don’t use a bucket truck because they can damage the property where we have to park it. We also don’t use climbing spikes because of the damage they can do to the tree.”
It’s safe to say Jeff is all about what’s best for you and your trees.
tion. Once you decide on a plan, Jeff will return and have your tree taken care of in no time at all. “It’s all about safety first with me. Being a first responder and EMT for so long it’s drilled into my head to do what is safe and efficient. Plus, I always do what I say I’m going to do. Being a small business owner, referrals are everything, and I want all of my customers to be 100% happy with my service.” Not only is Jeff supported 100% by his family but he’s reliable, trustworthy, and he does emergency tree service for all of north Montgomery County. I think you can say he is the Montgomery County Tree EMT. If you find yourself needing any kind of tree service, be sure to contact Jeff LeBlanc with North Lake Tree Service at www.TexasTreeDude.com, or 832-236-1346. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram and tell him Lone Star Local Guide sent you.u
So, what should you do if you have a tree problem? The answer is easy: give Jeff or Michelle a call and they will schedule your free estimate. Jeff will assess the issue and give you his recommenda-
Lone Star Local Guide Page 7
Lone Star Local Guide Page 8
Eight Spring firefighters Share 100 Club Firefighter of the Year Honors BY: Tracee Evans
For the second time in three
Recognized as firefighters of the
Davenport, firefighters Hernan-
years, several Spring Fire Depart-
year for their quick action are Depu-
dez, Kohl, Jeffrey Paige, Smith,
ment firefighters are sharing a ma-
ty Chief Jerod Davenport, Captains
Soliz and Captain Wilson for
jor honor from the 100 Club.
David Paige and Jermaine Wilson,
helping seven people escape
In less than two months last
and firefighters Rodger Hernandez,
the third floor of a burning Mo-
year, Spring firefighters rescued
Shawn Kohl, Jeffrey Paige, Nathan
tel 6. Captain David Paige was honored for breaking out a window to rescue a trapped mother from the second floor of her burning Spring Lakes home. Captain Paige climbed up a ladder to a window on the second floor, where he managed to break the window and pull the woman out. “By the time we got there
Captain David Paige several people from second and third story windows.
she was still semi-conscious, but Smith and Christopher Soliz. The 100 Club recognized Chief
she could still barely stand up on her own power,” Paige told the Cypress Creek Mirror. He called the 100 Club honor a great feeling and a special moment for “family and the friends.” Less than two months later, Captain Paige’s brother Jeff Paige was part of amazing sequence of rescues from the Motel 6 just off Interstate 45 and
Chief Davenport
Cypresswood. Continue on page 11 u Lone Star Local Guide Page 9
Lone Star Local Guide Page 10
Captain Paige Firefighter
Nathan Smith
Na-
life.”
than Smith told the
Smith, who has been a fire-
Cypress Creek Mir-
fighter for a few years was grateful
ror how he was sent
to be on a crew with highly experi-
in with other fire-
enced firefighters like Captain Wil-
fighters to search
son who said they pulled out pets
the building, “When
as well as people.
we were halfway through
the
third
floor we found a
For Smith and Hernandez this was largest fire of their careers so far.
man in the hallway and was
his
girlfriend
inside
“We train every shift, every tour for moments like these and
the
it was time to put all that training
room.” Smith and
and knowledge out on the field,”
his crew helped get
Hernandez told the Cypress Creek
the two out of the
Mirror.
flames by lowering
Read the Cypress Creek Mir-
them out of a third
ror
story window.
com/neighborhood/spring/news/
story:
https://www.chron.
“That was defi-
article/Spring-Cypress-Creek-
nitely one for the
Firefighters-named-15320855.
books,”
Smith
php#photo-18672249https://
added calling it a
www.chron.com/neighbor-
“career
and
hood/spring/news/article/
you
Spring-Cypress-Creek-Firefighters-
may never get to
named-15320855.php#photo-
be a part of in your
18672249u
fire”
“something
Lone Star Local Guide Page 11
Lone Star Local Guide Page 12
By: W.F. Strong
of that majestic church. When he
that could be so. How do you get
discovered that I was from South
Rio Grande from Guadalquivir?
Ten years ago I was touring the
Texas, he asked me, in perfect
He said, “Guadalquivir is a Span-
great Catedral de Sevilla, in Spain,
British English, “Did you know that
ish distortion of the Arabic, mean-
when I got into an unexpectedly
your river there in Texas is named
ing “the brave river” or “the great
informative conversation about
after our river, the Guadalquivir?”
river.” So, when the original cow-
Texas with an 80-year-old guide
I said I didn’t understand how
boys of Andalucia from southern Continue on page 15 u
Lone Star Local Guide Page 13
Lone Star Local Guide Page 14
Spain settled in northern Mexico,
Some say Álvarez de Pineda
him. Many believe it is fake, but
they thought the river looked like
first named the Rio Grande, El Rio
the Guadalquivir, so they called it
de Las Palmas, in 1519. But oth-
We do know that explorer Juan
the “Rio Bravo.”
ers say he was really at the mouth
de Oñate called the river El Rio
Well, that was one more ori-
of the Pánuco River near Tampico
Grande in writing in 1598. Strange-
gin story to add to many oth-
– much farther south in Mexico –
ly, Cabeza de Vaca crossed it 70
ers that claim to tell how the Rio
not the Rio Grande. But we have
years earlier on his wild trek across
Grande River, or the Rio Bravo – as
to consider the Pineda Stone as
Texas and Mexico, but never men-
it is known on the Mexican side –
evidence, which was found deep
tioned the river at all.
got its name. I can’t speak for or
in the sand near the mouth of the
The river has also been called
against the veracity of the guide’s
Rio Grande in 1974, with his name
Rio Grande del Norte and Rio
story, but as a story, it’s interesting,
etched on, along with the num-
Bravo del Norte. Today, we know
which is the first rule of stories.
ber of men and ships he had with
Continue on page 17 u
just as many feel it’s real.
Lone Star Local Guide Page 15
Lone Star Local Guide Page 16
for sure that it is called the Rio
ville to Rio Grande City, but 175
otic parrots fly in screeching flocks
Grande on the Texas side, and the
river miles.
through the wild palm orchards
Rio Bravo on the Mexican side. At
The river is to Texas and north-
– places you can sit and chan-
one time it was certainly brave
ern Mexico what the Nile is to
nel the words author John Graves
and grand, with steamboats pilot-
Egypt. It is quite simply life itself,
wrote about a different Texas
ed by Texas legends like Richard
and always has been. And there
river: “If you are lucky and rever-
King and his business partner Miff-
are still quiet, isolated spots along
ent, and hush for a moment the
lin Kenedy, who traveled 130 miles
the river. Ones where I found my-
doubts in your head, sometimes
inland all the way to Rio Grande
self looking north across the water,
God will whisper in your ear.”
City, and in a rare case, all the
even though I was not on the Mex-
way to Laredo.
ican side where enormous can-
This article was edited for broadcast by Texas Standard producers for the Texas Standard radio program on Apple podcast
Though the river, once half-a-
yon walls rise toward the heavens
mile wide at some points, certain-
2,000 feet overhead. Where ex-
ly earned its name, now we might call it El Arroyo Valiente, or Courageous Creek, because, along its 2,000-mile journey from Colorado to the Gulf, it’s often no bigger than a creek. So, many cities and towns along its bank pull water from it that is a mere trickle of its former self. No wonder Will Rogers once said that the Rio Grande is the only river he “ever saw that needed irrigation.” And down toward the mouth, the river is incredibly crooked, like an enormous water moccasin sunning itself in lazy loops and curls. Gen. Zachary Taylor said his soldiers believed it was so crooked there seemed to be only one shore. I can attest to this myself. I once rode my motorcycle along the northern trails that follow the curves of the riverside, but my eyes told me otherwise. It’s terribly disorienting. Riverboat pilots said it was 100 horse miles from BrownsLone Star Local Guide Page 17
Lone Star Local Guide Page 18
Lone Star Local Guide Page 19
Lone Star Local Guide Page 20
We are blessed in Montgom-
ed to a member of the Associa-
(JJAEP), a renovated Pre-Adjudi-
ery County to have some excep-
tion for a lifetime of service to the
cation Juvenile Detention Center
tional leaders. Some of our de-
Probation Association.
and Counseling Services Unit.
partment heads are recognized
Ron Leach has dedicated 37
In addition to his exception-
across the State and Nation for
years to the Criminal Justice and
al professional resume, he has
their exceptional work. Recently
Community Corrections fields. He
served on several community or-
one of our own was recognized
started his career as a certified
ganizations, such as President of
for his exceptionalism.
Police Officer, worked as a Cor-
Montgomery County Children’s
On June 5, 2020 the Montgom-
rectional Officer for the Texas De-
Safe Harbor. He has received sev-
ery County Adult Probation Direc-
partment of Criminal Justice. In his
eral accolades throughout his ca-
tor, Ron Leach, was presented
Community Supervision career, he
reer, honors such as Montgomery
with the Charles W. Hawkes Life-
has served as a line officer, Court
County “Employee of the Year”,
time Achievement Award, which
Liaison Officer, Supervisor, Assis-
“Boss of the Year”, and “Depart-
is the Texas Probation Associa-
tant Director and Director of both
ment of the Year”. The Montgom-
tion’s highest honor. The award is
the Juvenile Probation Depart-
ery County Board of Judges was
presented in memory of the late
ment and the Adult Probation De-
honored to make a formal presen-
Charles W. Hakes, a past President
partment of Montgomery County.
tation on behalf of the Texas Pro-
of the Texas Probation Association
As a director, he oversaw a num-
bation Association which would
and the former Chief Probation
ber of projects ranging from the
have made the presentation at
officer for Jefferson County. This
creation of the Juvenile Justice
their annual meeting this year
award, created in 1998, is present-
Alternative Education Program
(cancelled due to COVID 19).u
Lone Star Local Guide Page 21
Lone Star Local Guide Page 22
Lone Star Local Guide Page 23
Lone Star Local Guide Page 24
Tomball By: Lindsey Kasprzak
biggest in Texas. I have to say, if that farmers’ market doesn’t have it, you don’t need it. Y’all, they have everything from fresh veggies, farm fresh eggs, cheese, breads, soap, wine, and so much more! They open up at 9 am and go till noon which is plenty of time to do all the shopping you need--and did I mention they have wine? Just checking. Once you’ve done your weekly fresh market shopping, you’ll want to head over to Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue for a mouth-watering Load up the family and the leder-
packed my bag, grabbed my friend
meal.
Amy, and headed to what another
We got there a few minutes be-
A few months ago, I wrote a Face-
friend calls “West Texas” in search of
fore they opened and got in line. Now
book post asking you, my followers,
why everyone is crazy about Tomball.
I know what you’re thinking: standing
which Texas town you wanted me
We started our Saturday with
in line is for the birds. But hear me out,
to explore next--and the number of
some local shopping at the Tomball
they have complimentary beer while
responses for Tomball was huge. So, I
farmers’ market which I learned is the
you wait! GOD BLESS TEXAS!!
hosen, we’re heading to Tomball!
Continue on page 27 u
Lone Star Local Guide Page 25
Lone Star Local Guide Page 26
tique stores, art galleries, and more. We first stopped by the DaVinci Art Gallery where you can see local artists show and sell their work. The gallery was full the day we walked in, but we were quickly greeted with a smiling face and information on what the gallery offers. It’s full of all different styles and mediums and is sure to make you appreciate the talents of local artists. Once we were done in the gallery, we walked around the corner and did a little boutique and antique shopping, enjoying the oddly nice weather that we really don’t see here in a Texas June. But after walking around for a while it was time to Once you get inside to place your order, you’ll be greeted by some friendly Texas faces happy to help you make your best choice, because the menu is a kaleidoscope of options! My friends and I got the Tejas top picks, but the table favorite were the burnt ends and jalapeño and blue cheese stuffed sausage. It’s the kind of food that makes you cry until someone puts more on your plate, but we had more to taste over in the chocolate section and had to save room. Now if you have a sweet tooth, get ready for the Tejas truffles! These little sweet nuggets of chocolate goodness will knock your boots off! My favorites were the salted caramel and the peanut butter ball which I’m still daydreaming about, but they have a favorite for any palate. So, what else is there to do in Tomball besides farmers’ markets and barbecue? Plenty! Once you’re full and need to walk off your meat coma, head across the street where you’ll fine boutiques, an-
Continue on page 29 u Lone Star Local Guide Page 27
Lone Star Local Guide Page 28
hit the local watering hole which is
reason is Tomball locals love and are
for sure Fire Ant Brewing Company. I
very proud of their town. They feel for
quickly realized that Fire Art Brewing
their town the way Texans feel about
is the local hang out, and if you ever
our state.
have questions about Tomball head
I learned more about Tomball by
since they have so much to choose
over, park it at the bar and start ask-
visiting with another local who owns
from--plus their impressive bourbon
ing questions.
Goat Maddness, purveyor of goat
selection with everything from Boss
My friend Amy and I were enjoy-
milk products, soaps, lotions, etc. I
Hog to Rip Van Winkle which are a
ing our flight of tasty beers, when a
recommend you visit the “Goatman.”
must for any bourbon fan.
local couple shared the best places
He has my vote for Mayor of Tomball!
Amy and I were actually still a little
to go, the owners of local business-
We then made our way to Bonfire Grill
full from the barbecue feast earlier,
es and how wonderful Tomball is. It
where once again we were greeted
so we shared the charcuterie board
then dawned on me why everyone
with big Texas smiles.
which was full of fresh cheese, meats,
wanted me to explore Tomball. The
Bonfire was my pick for dinner
Continue on page 31 u
Lone Star Local Guide Page 29
Lone Star Local Guide Page 30
nuts, and fruit. It was enough that we
The very best thing on the menu in
didn’t even finish it.
my opinion are the beignet fries. Holy
As we sat at the bar we got to watch them make fire oven pizzas,
beignet y’all! I will be dreaming of those till I have them again!
pasta for other guests, and grilled
Now if sweet isn’t your thing in
steaks that made you question if you
the morning, they have plenty to
were really full or maybe you have
choose from. They even have good
room for one more meal. Let’s just
ol’ biscuits and gravy. Amy and I also
say, Bonfire has something for every-
shared the beignet fries, and had
one and if you happen to be there
a Texas Bowl and a Louisiana Bowl,
on a beautiful day, sitting outside is
which were full of country goodness.
a great place to enjoy the fresh Tomball air and hear a little live music.
After filling up on good country cookin’, we had to get something to
The next morning, we decided to
take home to our kids because you
get a bite to eat before heading out.
know that’s the first thing they ask
We made our way over to TaD’s for
when you get back
some Cajun cooking.
from a trip: “Did you get me
TaD’s has quite the breakfast
anything?” We headed right over
menu, full of good southern favorites.
to Craving Kernels which is the lo-
cal candy and gourmet popcorn shop. Craving Kernels has the biggest selection of popcorn I’ve ever seen! Y’all, you name it and they have it. I ended up getting the cheesecake, peanut butter and the all-time Texas flavor, Dr. Pepper. Craving Kernels will certainly have me as a repeat customer. So what did I see in Tomball? Tomball has so much to offer if you want to spend a nice day with the family, a girls’ shopping day, or even a mini road trip to experience a local brewery. Tomball is a hidden gem full of wonderful and welcoming people, and you may just want to sit down, crack a beer and chew the fat!u
Lone Star Local Guide Page 31
Local Savings
Find all these coupons on our app!
Get Our App In The App Store and On Google Play! Lone Star Local Guide Page 32