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Seven Meadows February 2018

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<strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> Community News<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

Important Numbers pg. 3<br />

Babysitting List pg. 4<br />

Family Focus pg. 5<br />

Engagement Stories pg. 11<br />

Featured Recipes pg. 13<br />

Library News pg. 26<br />

Houston Events pg. 30<br />

Published courtesy of Krenek Printing, 7102 Glen Chase Ct., Houston, Texas 77095 • 281-463-8649<br />

Advertising: ads@krenekprinting.com • News: news@krenekprinting.com • www.krenekprinting.com<br />

Find us on FACEBOOK for more news & events! Find Businesses easier on our BIZFINDER at www.krenekprinting.com!


2 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Flu Prevention Tips<br />

www.sevenmeadowslive.com<br />

Principal Management Group 713-329-7100<br />

11000 Corporate Centre Dr., Suite 150 Houston, TX 77041<br />

Community Manager<br />

Erica Slater,<br />

e.slater@pmghouston.com<br />

281-896-9896<br />

Assistant Community Manager/Event Coordinator<br />

7meadowskaty@gmail.com<br />

Clubhouse Onsite office 281-394-2274<br />

23610 <strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> Pkwy., Katy, TX 77494<br />

Avalon at <strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> CAI<br />

katyavalon@gmail.com<br />

Crest Management 281-579-0761<br />

Alarm Monitoring (En-Touch) 281-225-1000<br />

Emergency Numbers Police/Fire 911<br />

Fort Bend County Sheriff 281-341-4665<br />

City of Katy Police 281-391-4848<br />

Fulshear Fire Dept. Sec. 1-8 281-346-2800<br />

Community Fire Dept. Sec. 9-11 281-498-1310<br />

Willowfork Fire Dept. 281-578-0009<br />

Info. Center, Avalon,<br />

Meadowbrook Farms Golf 281-693-GOLF<br />

Utilities<br />

Gas-Center Point 281-342-6665<br />

Water/Sewer-<br />

MUD 34-Eco Resources 281-240-1700<br />

Section 1-8<br />

MUD 35-<strong>Seven</strong> Trent 281-579-4500<br />

Section 1-9, Avalon<br />

<strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong><br />

Important<br />

Numbers<br />

Garbage Collection- Republic Ser. 281-446-2030<br />

Telephone-TXU 281-396-5000<br />

Cable-<br />

En-Touch Systems 281-225-1000<br />

Time Warner 713-341-1000<br />

Internet Service-<br />

En-Touch Services 281-225-1000<br />

Time Warner 713-345-1000<br />

Consolidated Comm. 281-396-5000<br />

Library-<br />

Cinco Ranch Branch 281-395-1311<br />

Government Offices<br />

US Post Office 281-391-3909<br />

Driver’s License- 281-391-4874<br />

City of Katy 281-232-4334<br />

Fort Bend County<br />

Motor Vehicle Reg. 281-341-3710<br />

Voter Registration-Fort Bend 281-341-3411<br />

Fort Bend County Courthouse 281-342-3411<br />

Chamber of Commerce 281-828-1100<br />

Fort Bend County EMS 281-344-3006<br />

Southeast Texas Poison Center 800-222-1222<br />

NEWSLETTER:<br />

Krenek Printing Co.<br />

Glen Chase Ct. Houston, Texas 77095<br />

281-463-8649 7102 Fax: 281-463-2425<br />

For Commercial ads: ads@krenekprinting.com<br />

News articles - news@krenekprinting.com<br />

SCHOOLS<br />

Katy ISD 281-396-6000<br />

KISD Transportation(West) 281-396-7560<br />

Holland Ele. 281-234-0500<br />

Griffin Ele. 281-237-8700<br />

Beckendorff Jr. High 281-237-8800<br />

<strong>Seven</strong> Lakes High School 281-237-2800<br />

Merrill Career Center 281-237-6300<br />

NEWSPAPERS<br />

Katy News 281-578-0595<br />

Katy Times 281-391-3141<br />

MEDICAL<br />

Fort Bend County Health Dept. 281-342-6414<br />

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital 281-392-1111<br />

Kingsland Diagnostic Center 281-579-1119<br />

Christus St. Catherine Hospital 281-599-5700<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

3


Tompkins Fine Arts Department<br />

presents<br />

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical<br />

is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. “Once upon a time, there was<br />

a little ogre named Shrek....” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero<br />

who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey<br />

and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered<br />

bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits,<br />

and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one<br />

on hand... and his name is Shrek.<br />

Irreverently fun for the whole family, on the stage of Tompkins High School<br />

Performing Arts Center, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre!<br />

<strong>February</strong> 1-2 @ 7PM <strong>February</strong> 3 @ 2PM & 7PM<br />

Students-$12 / Adults - $15<br />

Reserved Seating tickets go on sale January 15th at www.TompkinsTheatre.com<br />

General Admission Seating tickets sold in the PAC Jan 29th – Feb 2nd, 11am-1pm<br />

& at the door prior to each performance.<br />

SEVEN MEADOWS TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS LIST<br />

If you are between 12 and 18 and would like to be added to the teenage<br />

job seeker’s list, please fill out the form on our website (www.krenekprinting.com,<br />

click submissions and choose Jobseekers) with your<br />

name, birthdate (mo. & yr.), phone number, year you will graduate and<br />

the name of your newsletter/subdivision. Check the list of jobs you want<br />

on your form. Please make sure your email is correct, we send emails<br />

in the summer to make sure all the info is still good and that you want<br />

to stay on the list. If we do not hear back from you after 3 tries, we will<br />

remove you from the list until we do. Must have parent(s) permission.<br />

DISCLAIMER<br />

Neither the subdivision, nor Krenek Printing is responsible for those<br />

listed on the Teenage Job Seeker List. Please ask for and check out<br />

references if you do not personally know those listed. This is just a<br />

list of teenagers from the subdivision who wish to find part time jobs.<br />

Responsibility for any work done by these teenagers is between those<br />

seeking helpers and the teens and their parents.<br />

CODE KEY:<br />

B - BABYSITTING, CPR - CPR CERT., FAC - FIRST AID CERT., RCC - RED CROSS CERT.,<br />

SS - SAFE SITTER, SL - SWIM LESSONS, PP - PET/PLANT SITTER, P - PET CARE<br />

ONLY, H - HOUSE CARE, L - LAWN CARE, C- CAR CARE/DETAILING, T - TUTORING<br />

TEENAGE JOB SEEKER’S LIST<br />

MAY NOT BE VIEWED ONLINE<br />

AVAILABLE IN PRINTED<br />

NEWSLETTERS ONLY<br />

Tompkins High School Performing Arts Center<br />

4400 Falcon Landing Blvd. Katy, TX 77494<br />

Assistance: tompkinsboxoffice@gmail.com<br />

Become a Dental Assistant<br />

in just 10 weeks!<br />

Houston Dental Assistant School<br />

Located in Katy and Spring/The Woodlands<br />

10 Week Course<br />

Tuition $3250 • Payment Plans<br />

Training Since 1995<br />

Spring Session begins<br />

April 7, <strong>2018</strong><br />

Open House:<br />

<strong>February</strong> 16th • 4-7 pm<br />

www.hdas.biz<br />

For info packet call 281-363-0600 or email us at admin@hdas.biz<br />

Approved by the TWC Career Schools and Colleges<br />

STREETLIGHT OUT?<br />

If your streetlight is out,<br />

• go to the pole<br />

• get the number off the pole (should be vertical at eye level)<br />

• go home and go to www.centerpointenergy.com/outage<br />

• enter your information and the pole number<br />

• if you would like to know when it has been received and fixed, check<br />

the box to get the email notice<br />

And in a few days the light should be fixed. Thanks for being a good<br />

neighbor and keeping our neighborhood safe and bright!<br />

GOING ON VACATION?<br />

If you are going on vacation, and would like Fort Bend Sheriff’s department<br />

to check on your residence while you are away, call the<br />

sheriff at 281-341-4666 or fill out a Vacation Watch Form online at:<br />

www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/vacationForm.asp<br />

Report any suspicious activity to the Ft. Bend Sheriff's Department<br />

at 281-341-4666.<br />

BAYOU BELLES SERVICE ORGANIZATION<br />

Professional women from Acadiana, meet the 1 st Wednesday of every<br />

month at 7 PM, offering our members fun family activities, volunteer<br />

opportunities, annual charity gala, philanthropic youth program and<br />

so much more. Contact: Angeline Labbe’-Auzenne at www.BayouBelles.<br />

org. We welcome everyone regardless of age, race or religion!!<br />

4 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Sports Injury and Concussion Seminar<br />

Weekend warriors and young athletes are invited to learn about how to prevent and manage<br />

sports injuries and concussions. Board-certified doctors from Houston Methodist Orthopedics<br />

& Sports Medicine at West will present and answer your questions.<br />

Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6-7:30 p.m.<br />

YMCA at Katy Main Street<br />

1350 Main St., Katy, TX 77494<br />

To register for this free event, call 832.522.5522. Refreshments provided.<br />

Dr. Winfield Campbell<br />

Orthopedic Surgery,<br />

Sports Medicine<br />

Dr. F. Alex Schroeder<br />

Orthopedic Surgery,<br />

Sports Medicine<br />

Dr. P. Timothy Sprockel<br />

Primary Care Sports Medicine,<br />

Concussion Management<br />

Family<br />

Focus<br />

Why They Love Living in Katy<br />

“Our family has lived in Katy for over 30 years and we couldn’t imagine<br />

our children growing up in a better city. Katy has the hometown feel of<br />

the both small towns that Patrick and Melissa were born in. Patrick is<br />

originally from Lumberton, Texas and Melissa was born in Hardinsburg,<br />

Kentucky. People in Katy are friendly and always willing to lend a<br />

helping hand to their neighbors. Katy is “country” with all the amenities<br />

of the city and Houston is close enough that if you want to see a major<br />

sporting event, concert, theater, etc., you are able to. We love the<br />

people and pride in Tigerland!”<br />

What They Love to Do<br />

This family most enjoys the local parks<br />

in Katy, feeding ducks and being in<br />

the outdoors. They love to explore the<br />

local businesses in Old Katy, especially<br />

antique and resale shops where hidden<br />

treasures are often found. The Katy<br />

Rice Harvest Festival is one of their most<br />

anticipated events of the year, as well<br />

as the parade and the Katy Rodeo.<br />

Love is in the Air<br />

How They Express It: “Something you will hear many times a day in our home is one person will say<br />

‘Love y’all’ and you will hear all the other family members reply with ‘Love y’all.’ Levi is usually the first<br />

one to prompt this but we all do it when we want to. I think this makes our family unique because we<br />

do remind each other through our love language of what we mean to each other, daily.”<br />

Celebrating Valentine’s Day: The family gets in the spirit of this holiday by enjoying mom’s decorating<br />

in a special part of their home, and indulging in a nice meal together at home or at a restaurant.<br />

They give each other special tokens of their admiration for each other and of course, enjoy creating,<br />

crafting and delivering their Valentines.<br />

What Makes It Tick: They love reminding their family and friends about how much they mean to them,<br />

which is what Valentine’s Day is all about for this tribe. Keeping in mind how much Jesus loves them<br />

and how He asks them to love one another is also an important reflection on this holiday.<br />

Family Roster<br />

Dad: Patrick, Machine Shop<br />

Supervisor (Precision-Hayes,<br />

Sugar Land). Machinist for<br />

over 25 years, learned the<br />

trade in his dad’s machine<br />

shop in Beaumont, TX.<br />

Avid gun collector, enjoys<br />

spending time on the gun<br />

range.<br />

Mom: Melissa, Accounting (Linco<br />

Construction, Katy). Loves crafting,<br />

decorating, traveling and supporting<br />

her boys in all they do. World traveler<br />

and especially fond of Germany and<br />

German culture (spent many summers<br />

with grandparents there). Aspires<br />

to own a farm one day with cows,<br />

chickens lambs and lots of dogs.<br />

Koen: 11 YO boy. Loves to ride his hoverboard,<br />

bike and go-kart. An avid gamer, enjoys building<br />

things on his computer. Member of the National<br />

Junior Honor Society, loves joining various clubs<br />

at his school. Has played soccer with FFPS since<br />

he was four years old, has been a great way for<br />

the family to spend time together cheering him on.<br />

Aspires to be a singer and will be starting music<br />

and voice lessons in <strong>2018</strong>!<br />

Levi: 8 YO boy. Enjoys playing outside, on<br />

his computer, and with friends. Greatest past<br />

time is spent building Lego sets. Has also<br />

played soccer with FFPS since he was four<br />

and the family loves cheering him on. Straight<br />

A student, made it to the finals at his school’s<br />

spelling bee this year. Wants to own a farm<br />

with mom one day and help raise all the<br />

animals, family calls him the “animal whisperer.”<br />

Atlas: 3 month old fur<br />

boy (mini schnauzer).<br />

Although he is a<br />

fur baby, he is most<br />

definitely one of the<br />

family – he fills their<br />

hearts with such joy.<br />

We Would OVE to Feature Your Family!<br />

Community Each month, Newsletter one family | <strong>February</strong> will be chosen <strong>2018</strong> from one of our communities. To feature your family, email familyfocus@krenekprinting.com<br />

5


We live and are very active in the community.<br />

We are your Go To People for information and real estate.<br />

RECENT SOLDS<br />

RECENT SOLDS<br />

RECENT SOLDS<br />

781 Country Place Drive Unit#100<br />

20143 Emerald Mountain Drive<br />

3822 Gable Grove Lane<br />

23210 Century Plant Drive<br />

34 Spotted Lily Way<br />

27703 Gable Creek Court<br />

3003 Meadow Prairie Street<br />

21411 Creeks End Court<br />

4046 Calaway Oaks Lane<br />

6222 Hollydale Ridge Lane<br />

26414 Knobby Pines Drive<br />

5739 Caspian Falls Lane<br />

606 Wycliffe Drive<br />

23118 Sandsage Lane<br />

8214 Dusty Canyon Lane<br />

420 W 26th Street<br />

19323 Misty Cove Drive<br />

7219 Fountain Meadow<br />

20835 Cottage Cove Lane<br />

2038 Quail Grove Lane<br />

3311 Carmel Valley<br />

11703 Pureli Court<br />

7322 Fountain Spray<br />

919 Abelia Avenue<br />

27519 Stonebrook Manor Lane<br />

4222 Bandera Hollow Lane<br />

25122 Roesner Lane<br />

4107 Whitfield Court<br />

6219 Harmony Park Lane<br />

26902 Kingston Glen Lane<br />

23915 Sunset Sky<br />

19619 Chestnut Brook Court<br />

6010 Madrone Meadow<br />

26507 Marble Point Lane<br />

24527 Bella Veneza Drive<br />

8214 Purple Cornflower Trl<br />

2715 Richmond Ridge Lane<br />

7807 Breezeway Bend Lane<br />

1811 Chessgate Court<br />

20539 Cypress Gully Drive<br />

27019 Carmel Falls Lane<br />

14134 Chelseahurst Lane<br />

17103 Covey Trail<br />

3253 Rachel Lane<br />

2423 Snowy Egret Drive<br />

27723 Gracefield Lane<br />

Nicole Holmes<br />

Realtor-Associate<br />

832-434-2517<br />

NicoleRyan.Holmes@gmail.com<br />

Remax Cinco Ranch<br />

Your <strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> Real Estate Experts<br />

* Top 250 Latino Real Estate Agents in the USA<br />

* Top 500 Remax Agents in Texas<br />

* Remax Hall of Fame<br />

* FIVE Star Real Estate Agent 2008-2017<br />

Jeff Shealey, CRMS, GMA, CMHS<br />

Residential Mortgage Loan Originator - Owner | NMLS# 314912<br />

281-712-8977<br />

www.ShealeyTeam.com<br />

23108 <strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> Pkwy, Suite 100 • Katy, TX 77494<br />

Javier Tello<br />

Realtor-Associate<br />

832-549-1701<br />

jtello@TheTelloGroup.com<br />

Your Local Neighborhood Lender Specializing in Purchase and Refinance Loans.<br />

ENCOMPASS<br />

LENDING GROUP<br />

Encompass Lending Group, LP, NMLS ID # 292897, (visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org for a complete list of licensing information), 23108 <strong>Seven</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> Parkway, Suite 100,<br />

Katy, Texas 77494, 281-693-LEND (5363), is a Texas –SML Mortgage Company Licensee. This is not a commitment to make a loan. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to<br />

lender review of information. Loan is approved only when lender has issued approval in writing. Specified rates may not be available for all borrowers. Programs, rates, terms, and<br />

conditions are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Other restrictions and conditions apply.<br />

6 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


SCOUTING...<br />

NEWS<br />

Brownie GS Troop Openings<br />

For 2Nd Grade Girls-Katy Wide<br />

Troop 128006, a Katy wide 2 nd Grade Brownie Girl Scout Troop,<br />

has opening for 2 nd grade girls. We welcome new to GS, returning<br />

& existing 2 nd grade Girl Scouts. Meetings: Every other Monday,<br />

6:30-8 PM, 20000 Franz Road area. Contact Lee at gstroop128006@<br />

gmail.com for more information.<br />

Scout It Out And Come<br />

Join Cub Scouts With Pack 353!<br />

Field trips. Camping. Racing.<br />

Fitness. Friendship.<br />

Pack 353 has been keeping the Scout spirit alive since 1982. With<br />

over 60 scouts and 20 dynamic leaders, we are gearing up for a funfilled<br />

year with a wide variety of activities that help boys develop<br />

leadership skills, build character, strengthen communication skills<br />

and demonstrate good citizenship.<br />

Boys entering first through fifth grades are welcome to join us<br />

anytime throughout the year. If you would like more information on<br />

joining Cub Scouts and participating in our summertime activities,<br />

please contact our Cubmaster Randy Barras at: 353katy@gmail.<br />

com. Keeping it fun. Doing our best.<br />

Homeschool Pack 164<br />

Cub Scouts is a fun way to teach boys about character, respect,<br />

responsibility and many other traits. Pack 164 is a Christian, home<br />

school Cub Scout Pack that services the Greater West Houston/Katy<br />

area. Pack 164 promotes service to God, to country and to others.<br />

If you are interested and your son is entering 1 st through 5 th grade,<br />

please contact Jack M. Jones at 281-558-5722.<br />

Call Anytime!<br />

Local Utility Rebates Now Available<br />

TACLB019260E<br />

HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING<br />

UP TO $ 1100 REBATE<br />

$<br />

5O OFF<br />

on a New A/C & Heating System<br />

0% Interest Payment Plans<br />

Qualifying Models only. Call for Details.<br />

Must present at time of service. Expires 2/28/18.<br />

Any Repair<br />

Cannot be combined with any other offer.<br />

Must present at time of service. Expires 2/28/18.<br />

281-492-3450 myACandHEAT.com<br />

FREE ESTIMATES on New Equipment<br />

Same-Day Service<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

7


NOW OPEN<br />

richmondwestheimer_tx@kumon.com or call 832-535-2221<br />

Enroll Now and get 50% OFF on Reading Registration<br />

Valid from 2/1/18 - 3/7/18<br />

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus<br />

We are looking for volunteers 18 years old and up, be committed once<br />

a week 3-4 consecutive hours for a minimum of six months. Different<br />

assignments are available to choose from 7 AM-midnight Monday -<br />

Sunday to support patients, families and staff. Please contact us if you<br />

are interested at 832-227-1185 or www.waystogive.texaschildrens.org/<br />

ways-to-give/volunteer/.<br />

Volunteers Needed At<br />

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital<br />

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has volunteer opportunities available.<br />

Whether you are interested in working in the nursery, at our reception<br />

desk, in our gift shop or even transporting patients, we have a place for<br />

you. For more information, please contact Heather Rojas, Manager of<br />

Volunteer Services at 281-644-7581.<br />

Volunteer Opportunities<br />

For Wildlife Advocates<br />

Enjoy a rewarding volunteer experience with wildlife. Texas Wildlife<br />

Rehabilitation Coalition, Inc. is a non-profit organization, which serves as<br />

an emergency care and rehabilitation facility for orphaned, ill, and injured<br />

native Texas wildlife. Volunteers are welcome in the areas of assisting in the<br />

daily functions of the center, assisting with public education programs, and<br />

wildlife rehabilitation. Located at 10801 Hammerly, Suite 200, the facility is<br />

open seven days a week to help wildlife in need. TWRC has a mentor program<br />

in place to assist volunteers with “hands on” training for those interested in<br />

becoming permitted rehabilitators. We invite you to join our organization in<br />

saving Texas wildlife - one animal at a time. Call the center at 713-468-8972<br />

for more information or email the Volunteer Coordinator at coordinator@<br />

twrcwildlifecenter.org. Visit our website at www.twrcwildlifecenter.org.<br />

Pregnancy Help Center<br />

Seeks New Volunteers<br />

Invest your time by volunteering with Pregnancy Help Center<br />

of West Houston educating and supporting men and women in<br />

making healthy choices for life in sexual integrity, unplanned<br />

pregnancy and post-abortion loss. Volunteer opportunities include<br />

mentoring, facilitating small groups, administrative assistance,<br />

medical services, donation room and development. Discover your<br />

calling!<br />

For information inquire through the web site vsc@phckaty.org or call<br />

281-578-0078, Volunteer Services Coordinator. The Pregnancy Help<br />

Center of West Houston is a non-profit faith based organization.<br />

SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic<br />

Equestrian Centers<br />

Nothing else can compare with therapy on horseback. Equine-assisted<br />

activities improve physical balance and coordination, mental acuity,<br />

emotional stability and social interactions. At SIRE, we see miracles on<br />

horseback happen every day. The work of our dedicated volunteers<br />

helps guarantee that children and adults with disabilities in the Greater<br />

Houston Area will have the programs they need to live longer, healthier,<br />

more productive lives.<br />

In addition to their weekly work in the arena, many of our volunteers<br />

donate their time and talents at fund-raising events such as our annual<br />

Ride-A-Thon and the yearly Trailblazers Luncheon. Volunteers are on<br />

hand during the NARHA on-site certification and annual SIRE Show-Off<br />

and volunteers are vital to our Clients’ successes at the Top Hands Horse<br />

Show, during the Houston Rodeo and competition at the regional and<br />

state Special Olympics. Therapeutic horseback riding creates a bond<br />

of success between the rider and their horse. Volunteers are their own<br />

personal cheering section and the instructor is their mentor and coach.<br />

Clients become more empowered and better equipped to fully live their<br />

lives, each day.<br />

To volunteer, please call one of our arenas and ask to speak with a<br />

volunteer coordinator. SIRESpring, call 281-353-6160. SIREHockley, call<br />

281-356-7588. SIRE Fort Bend, call 281-344-4308.<br />

8 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


FM 1463<br />

Spring Green Blvd FM 723<br />

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!<br />

No Enrollment Fee. No Contracts. Open 24/7<br />

Membership at 2000 Locations Nationwide<br />

Private Gym Experience<br />

CHILD DEVELOPMENT<br />

BOOT CAMP<br />

SPORTS PERFORMANCE<br />

NUTRITION<br />

STRENGTH/CONDITIONING<br />

FITNESS<br />

3 Locations in Richmond<br />

7035 W. Grand Parkway South,<br />

Richmond, TX 77407<br />

SitMeansSitWestHouston.com<br />

Lakes of Bella Terra<br />

724-331-0215 (Mobile)<br />

WESTHEIMER LAKES DENTAL<br />

COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY<br />

• •<br />

• Digital X-Rays<br />

• Extractions, Crowns, Bridges<br />

• State of the Art Technology • Partials and Dentures<br />

• Friendly and Caring Staff • Senior Citizen Discount<br />

• Cosmetic Dentistry • Financing Available (WAC)<br />

S. Fry Rd<br />

Westheimer Lakes N Dr.<br />

26440 FM 1093, SUITE 340<br />

RICHMOND, TX 77406<br />

281.394.7581<br />

WWW.WESTHEIMERLAKESDENTAL.COM<br />

EXAM, CLEANING & X-RAYS<br />

FOR NEW PATIENTS<br />

ADULTS & CHILDREN<br />

EXPIRES 2/28/18<br />

WESTHEIMER<br />

LAKES DENTAL<br />

FM 1093 / Westpark Tollway<br />

LOWES<br />

KROGER<br />

$<br />

99 ZOOM!<br />

REG. $258<br />

Rose Vuong, DDS<br />

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED<br />

EVENING APPOINTMENTS<br />

AVAILABLE<br />

Whitening $ 399<br />

EXPIRES 2/28/18 REG. $450<br />

Volunteers Needed At<br />

Autumn Grove Cottage<br />

Do you enjoy spending time with seniors?<br />

Autumn Grove Cottage is an assisted living<br />

facility for individuals with Alzheimer’s or<br />

dementia related illnesses. We are interested<br />

in volunteers socializing with our Residents. We<br />

are a small cottage, close to your neighborhood,<br />

with just 16 Residents. If you would like to<br />

volunteer in a cozy, home-like atmosphere then<br />

call the Volunteer Coordinator at 281-398-6845<br />

or visit our website www.autumngrovecottage.<br />

com. Come be a part of our philosophy - “To<br />

honor our Residents and those who love and<br />

care for them.” Volunteers will need to complete<br />

a volunteer application and attend a brief<br />

training session.<br />

Become A Sunrise Volunteer<br />

Fond memories and treasured traditions start<br />

here! Enrich lives through your generous gift<br />

of service as a Sunrise Volunteer. Please call<br />

the Activity and Volunteer Coordinator for<br />

opportunities and details at 281-240-0500 or<br />

email cinco-ranch.avc@sunriseseniorliving.<br />

com. Sunrise Assisted Living of Cinco Ranch is<br />

located at 21939 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, Texas,<br />

77450. For more information, you can also visit<br />

our website at www.sunriseseniorliving.com.<br />

Volunteer Katy<br />

Meet with other local people who will gather<br />

and discuss/plan community service projects<br />

and try to figure out the best way to make a<br />

difference in our community. All volunteers<br />

welcome. Contact: Linda Wilson at 281-222-<br />

1771 or visit<br />

http://volunteerism.meetup.com/230.<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Katy Community Giving<br />

Circle Needs Volunteers<br />

The Katy Community Giving Circle is open to any<br />

resident in the Katy area who wants to make a<br />

difference by giving collectively. Our mission is<br />

to create a circle of giving in our community by<br />

collectively contributing to organizations that<br />

will benefit or improve the lives of the people<br />

in our neighborhoods. By combining members<br />

tax deductible donations of just $10 per month,<br />

we are determined to make a greater giving<br />

impact! In our first year we have been able to<br />

gift grants to 2 local organizations and we are<br />

building a community of giving friends. For more<br />

information, please visit our Facebook page<br />

facebook.com/katycommunitygivingcircle.<br />

Clothed By Faith<br />

We are looking for volunteers to join our<br />

amazing team! Please see our website www.<br />

clothedbyfaith.com for more information or<br />

email yiasmere@clothedbyfaith.org. Located<br />

at 802 Dominion Drive, Suite 100 in Katy. CBF<br />

demonstrates God’s love through the provision<br />

of gently used clothing to those in need.<br />

Houston Children’s Charity<br />

Join a group of people dedicated to improving<br />

the lives of children. If you are searching for a<br />

good cause to lend a hand to, you need look no<br />

further. Houston Children’s Charity is a 501(c) (3)<br />

non-profit organization dedicated to improving<br />

the quality of life for underprivileged, abused<br />

and disabled children who have been otherwise<br />

left behind. The scope of our support is limited<br />

only by the availability of resources. Our goal,<br />

the rainbow that we chase, is to leave no<br />

legitimate request for assistance unanswered.<br />

Do you have the time and desire to volunteer<br />

to help a great cause? We are always in need<br />

of volunteers to help throughout the year.<br />

This is a great way for school age kids to get in<br />

community service hours. Do you have gently<br />

used children’s clothing, shoes and jackets? At<br />

Houston Children’s Charity we are setting up<br />

the “HCC Closet.” All of the items donated will<br />

be given to children - not sold at a retail store.<br />

Please contact our office at 713-524-2878 or<br />

visit our website www.houstonchildrenscharity.<br />

org for more information on our organization.<br />

Standup For Kids<br />

How would you feel if you saved a kid’s life?<br />

StandUp For Kids is an all volunteer organization<br />

dedicated to saving the lives of at-risk and<br />

homeless kids through volunteer outreach efforts.<br />

Our volunteers search the streets in order to find,<br />

stabilize and otherwise help homeless and street<br />

kids improve their lives. Every day throughout the<br />

US thirteen kids die on the streets from abuse,<br />

disease and suicide. According to recent statistics<br />

Houston has up to 2,500 kids living on the streets<br />

at any given time. Texas has the highest rate of<br />

homeless youth in the U.S.<br />

StandUp For Kids needs supplies for our<br />

Houston program, which provides food,<br />

clothing, counseling and a safe environment<br />

for the homeless youth of Houston. If you or<br />

your organization would like to hold a food<br />

or clothing drive for StandUp For Kids, please<br />

contact me at HeatherE@standupforkids.<br />

org to learn more about StandUp For Kids or<br />

how you can help, visit our website at www.<br />

standupforkids.org. The single greatest need,<br />

for homeless and street kids is our continuous<br />

caring and real support. We must convince<br />

them that we care, we want them back and we<br />

want to help them get off the streets.<br />

9


FEBRUARY IS CREATIVE ROMANCE MONTH<br />

<strong>February</strong> is being Creative Romance Month and many of you may feel like that is a<br />

lot of pressure! Don’t worry though because we’ve put together a list of romantic,<br />

yet creative ideas to make the month of <strong>February</strong> full of romance.<br />

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Please support the businesses within<br />

this newsletter. It is because of their support<br />

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Share your community news with us.<br />

Non-profit, scouts, school, dated events, etc.<br />

send to news@krenekprinting.com<br />

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and mailed to the homeowners every month?<br />

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Go On A Surprise Trip. What better way to spend time together than by going on a<br />

surprise trip? Instead of just telling your partner that you planned a getaway, make<br />

them work to figure out what their Valentine’s present is. Write the name of the destination<br />

on a piece of paper and cut it up into pieces that they have to put together.<br />

If you want to really build up the anticipation, you can always give them one piece<br />

of the puzzle a day leading up to Valentine’s Day.<br />

Kidnap Them For A Day. If your partner is into fun gags, put a blindfold on him or<br />

her and drive them to your chosen destination before you take the blindfold off. It<br />

can be something as simple as a romantic dinner to their favorite restaurant or a<br />

visit to their favorite museum. Tell them little clues along the way to see if they can<br />

actually guess where they are going.<br />

Act Like A Tourist. Just because you have lived in a city for a while it doesn’t mean<br />

that you’ve visited everywhere there is to go. For Valentine’s Day, do a little bit of<br />

research about restaurants or attractions that you and your partner have never been<br />

to before. Then on Valentine’s Day, act like tourists at the place you end up going<br />

too. Don’t just rush through the experience. Really soak it all in, spend a lot of time<br />

there and just have a good time overall.<br />

Can’t Get Away For A Few Days? Book A Hotel Room. If you and your partner want<br />

to go on a vacation, but don’t have the time, consider booking a really nice hotel<br />

room for 1-2 nights. Even though you won’t actually be leaving your city, it might<br />

feel like it if you choose the right hotel. Not only should the hotel you choose have<br />

plenty of activities and amenities, but it should be in a location that will allow you<br />

to easily enjoy restaurants and shops within walking distance.<br />

Share The Romance. If you and your partner are the kind of couple that likes to outdo<br />

one another, consider trading off. On even days you could plan romantic activities<br />

and on odd days it’s your partner’s turn. This can last for only a few days, a week or<br />

the entire month of <strong>February</strong>! If you really want to wow them consider going on a<br />

day cruise on your day or going camping for the night.<br />

Source: www.blog.atlastravelweb.com<br />

NEWSLETTERS:<br />

View your newsletter online! You can<br />

read your community news on our website<br />

or download it to take with you and print.<br />

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10 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Engagement Stories<br />

featuring your neighbors!<br />

Chelsea & William<br />

What was supposed to be a family vacation to Las Vegas/the Grand Canyon<br />

the week before Thanksgiving, ended up turning into the most picture<br />

perfect proposal. The morning we were supposed to leave for the Grand<br />

Canyon, I wasn’t feeling well, and said I would stay back. However, William<br />

was very insistent that I come. I took some medicine, got ready really<br />

quickly, and we hopped into the car for our grand excursion. When we got<br />

to the Grand Canyon, it was freezing outside (to Texans of course!) and<br />

there was even some snow on the ground. It looked so magical (especially<br />

considering I have only seen snow a couple of times)! As I was getting out<br />

of the car, I noticed that one of my fake nails had fallen off (I had gotten my<br />

nails done the week prior) ON MY LEFT HAND! William’s mother had<br />

asked, “what hand did the nail fall off from?”, which I thought was a funny<br />

question to ask. When we got to the Grand Canyon, we stopped to take<br />

pictures (and get me a jacket because I did NOT plan for freezing weather).<br />

During one picture, William had bent down to sit for the picture, but in<br />

my head I was thinking “THIS IS IT! THERE IS WHERE WE GET EN-<br />

GAGED!” My heart started racing and I was so excited. But....all that was said was, “Chelsea, sit down so we can take the picture.” I was slightly disappointed,<br />

but I wouldn’t let it ruin my time. We went to go grab a bite to eat, and William and his family were asking when sunset was so we could go to one final stop:<br />

Yavapai Point. By the time we got there, I was freezing and felt like my hands and legs were going numb and was apprehensive to take more pictures. Then, in<br />

the most perfect spot, right as we were posing for a picture, William got down on one knee and showed me the most beautiful ring that he picked out himself.<br />

I didn’t even let him talk I was so in shock that I just went in for a giant hug. When his family asked what I said, I responded with, “oh he never asked!” He<br />

officially asked, I said “YES!!!!!!!”, and the rest of our “grand” love story is history!<br />

Lisa & Matt<br />

My wife and I met on a blind date – we were immediately attracted<br />

to each other. Later, when the time came, I wanted to have the<br />

perfect way to propose to her, so I conspired with my mother to<br />

create the ‘perfect day’. First, my sister, Rachel, took a picture<br />

of me at our favorite place – Castlewood State Park outside of St.<br />

Louis, Missouri. From this picture, a wooden jigsaw puzzle was<br />

created – the largest piece in the center being a sign with my special<br />

message… ‘Lisa, Will You Marry Me?’. The remaining pieces<br />

of the puzzle were randomly divided into handmade velvet bags<br />

that each had a handwritten calligraphy poem on them created<br />

by me describing a new location for the ‘Treasure Hunt’. Each location<br />

has some significance since it was a place where we had<br />

experienced something special together. At the last location, I<br />

presented her with the final piece and the diamond ring. My wife<br />

is a very special person who has given me so much…I love her.<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Violet & TJ<br />

"They" say that after a storm, comes a rainbow....it turns out that "they"<br />

are correct. I met my fiancé, TJ, about 20 years ago. Nothing became<br />

of it, except seeing the familiar face from time to time throughout the<br />

years. On July 15, I ran into the familiar face, yet once again. Except this<br />

time, it was God's timing and we were engaged on September 16. He is<br />

the biggest teddy bear with the kindest soul. He is the happily ever after<br />

that me & daughters needed for so long.... We will say "I do" on 2/11/18. 11


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MARDI GRAS 1/6-2/13/18<br />

FUN FACTS:<br />

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?<br />

• More than 500,000 king cakes are sold each year in New Orleans<br />

between January 6 th and Fat Tuesday.<br />

• The king cakes include a tiny plastic baby doll inside; the person<br />

who finds the doll is declared “king” and must buy the next<br />

cake or give the next party.<br />

• The metro area’s 37,000-plus hotel rooms are traditionally<br />

95% filled during Mardi Gras weekend.<br />

• An economic impact study released by the University of<br />

New Orleans estimates that Mardi Gras generates over<br />

$840 million annually.<br />

• The largest of about one dozen Mardi Gras supply houses in<br />

New Orleans sells an estimated one billion pairs of beads for<br />

a Mardi Gras season.<br />

• The super parades of Endymion and Bacchus, feature a combined<br />

total of 67 floats, 60 marching bands and more than 250 units.<br />

Their 4,200 members toss more than 1.5 million cups, 2.5 million<br />

doubloons and millions of beads.<br />

• One of the most photographed objects in all of Mardi Gras is the<br />

Boeuf Gras float in the Rex parade. Since the Middle Ages, the<br />

bouef gras (fatted bull) has been the symbol of the last meat eaten<br />

before Lent.<br />

Courtesy: neworleanscvb.com<br />

GARDENING TIPS FOR FEBRUARY<br />

FLOWERS<br />

• Plants to set: Alyssum, Calendula,<br />

Canterbury Bells, Carnations, Columbine,<br />

Cornflower, Daisies, Delphinium,<br />

Hollyhock, Larkspur, Lobelia, Nicotiana,<br />

Pansy, Petunia, Phlox (Louisiana),<br />

Shrimp Plant, Snapdragon, Stock and Verbena.<br />

VEGETABLES<br />

• Plant beets, broccoli (plants), brussel sprouts (plants), cabbage<br />

(plants), carrots, cauliflower (plants), celery, chinese cabbage<br />

(plants), chives collards (plants), endive, kale, lettuce (leaf and head),<br />

mustard, onions (plants), parsley, garden peas, radishes, rutabagas,<br />

spinach, tomato (seeds) and turnips.<br />

TREES AND SHRUBS<br />

• Finish all transplanting, get everything in the ground for a good<br />

spring spurt of growth. Transplant balled and burlap, container-grown,<br />

bare-root deciduous evergreen trees, shrubs, roses and<br />

vines while still dormant.<br />

• Finish pruning roses. Weed and cultivate lightly all beds. Replenish<br />

mulch as needed.<br />

• Control early spring insects like thrips on glads and aphids on young<br />

tender growth. Spray with Malathion, Diazinon or Orthene.<br />

• At the end of <strong>February</strong>: peach, apple and pear fruit must be thinned<br />

to insure quality production at harvest.<br />

• Give groundcovers a haircut. They will spread faster.<br />

• Divide daylilies, daisies and other perennials now.<br />

12 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


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and egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.<br />

Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture almost<br />

comes to a simmer and thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and<br />

black pepper to taste.<br />

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine in boiling<br />

water, stirring occasionally, until nearly cooked through, about 7 minutes.<br />

Drain.<br />

Stir parsley, 1 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano and cream mixture into the<br />

pasta. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for a few minutes until thick.<br />

LIGHTER CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO<br />

You could make this on National Fettuccine Alfredo Day <strong>February</strong> 7 th !<br />

INGREDIENTS:<br />

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts<br />

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth<br />

4 cloves garlic, minced<br />

ground black pepper to taste<br />

2 cups heavy cream<br />

2 egg yolks<br />

salt to taste<br />

1 pound fettuccine<br />

1 sprig chopped fresh parsley<br />

2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided<br />

DIRECTIONS:<br />

Combine chicken breasts and chicken broth in a saucepan over medium-high<br />

heat. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for 5<br />

minutes. Turn breasts, cover and simmer another 5 minutes. Remove from<br />

heat and let sit with the cover on for 15 minutes.<br />

Remove chicken breasts from the broth and set aside to cool, reserving<br />

the broth in the saucepan. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut<br />

into bite-size slices. Return the chicken broth to medium heat and cook<br />

until reduced to 1 cup. Stir garlic, black pepper and heavy cream into the<br />

reduced broth; bring to a simmer and remove from heat.<br />

Whisk egg yolks in a bowl until smooth. Beat 1 tablespoon of the warm<br />

cream mixture into the eggs until thoroughly incorporated; repeat until<br />

about 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture is used. Whisk the warm cream<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Fold chicken and 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano into the pasta mixture to<br />

serve. Source: allrecipes.com<br />

CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES<br />

You could make this on National Cream Cheese Brownies Day Feb. 10 th !<br />

INGREDIENTS:<br />

1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />

1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />

1/4 teaspoon salt<br />

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips<br />

5 tablespoons shortening<br />

1 cup white sugar<br />

3 eggs<br />

3 tablespoons cream cheese<br />

2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />

1/2 teaspoon almond extract<br />

1/2 cup chopped almonds<br />

Cream Cheese frosting - optional<br />

DIRECTIONS:<br />

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 9 inch square<br />

baking pan.<br />

In top of a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stirring<br />

frequently until smooth. Pour into a large bowl and mix in sugar, cream<br />

cheese and eggs. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in flour,<br />

baking powder and salt. Fold in almonds and pour the batter into pan.<br />

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until toothpick inserted<br />

near the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan before cutting into bars.<br />

Add Cream Cheese frosting if desired. Source: allrecipes.com<br />

13


14 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Front row (L-R) - Ema Rhea, Amy Rhea and Maris Baughman. Middle Row (L-R) - Ashley Nighswander, Abby McKasle, Nykol Pratt, Audrey<br />

Pennington, Laura Campbell, Lindsey Mumey and Payton Hanks. Back Row (L-R) - Alexis Champagne, Ella Vincent, Paloma Ames-Zuniga,<br />

Abby Bender, Amanda Saxman, Emma Bordeaux, Claire Fortier, Devan Andres, Bailey Gatz and Jordyn Jones. Photo is taken by Nikki<br />

Guest Photography<br />

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE EVENT HONORS GRADUATING SENIORS<br />

The National Charity League, Inc., Azalea Chapter honored its graduating seniors at its annual Senior Recognition in early January at<br />

the Sugarland Marriott. At the dinner and dance, attended by family and friends, chapter members celebrated the accomplishments<br />

of each of the girls in the Azalea Class of <strong>2018</strong> and recognize her contributions to the community during her six years of service in The<br />

National Charity League (NCL) program. The seniors are students at Cinco Ranch High School, <strong>Seven</strong> Lakes High School, Taylor High<br />

School, Tompkins High School and Faith West High School.<br />

The mission of the NCL is to foster mother daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service,<br />

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Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

15


Above is a picture of the Taylor High School Expressions with Director Kevin Riehle, Marsha Smith (retired Taylor counselor),<br />

Gail Land (Founder of Taylor Expressions) and Mary Kelly (retired educator and parent) from the beginning days of the Taylor Expressions.<br />

KATY AREA RETIRED EDUCATORS (KARE)<br />

On December 6, 2017, Katy Area Retired Educators (KARE) held their Christmas Luncheon at Midway Barbeque, with the Taylor High School<br />

Expressions performing a variety of Christmas Carols. Many thanks to Midway Barbeque who is hosting KARE meetings until the Merrell<br />

Center is restored. For more information about the Katy Area Retired Educators check out our website at www.localunits.org/KARE/.<br />

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YES, YOU!<br />

This time of year, the 100 or so high school exchange student programs<br />

in the U.S. are beginning to seek host families for the coming academic<br />

year for both one semester and full academic year students.<br />

About 28,000 students come to the U.S. each year for youth exchange<br />

programs of varying lengths. Not surprisingly, their motivations vary.<br />

They want to improve their English-speaking skills. They want to establish<br />

their independence from their parents. They want to see the America<br />

of Hollywood and the streets of New York. If they don’t have siblings,<br />

they would like one. They want to share the beauty and complexity of<br />

Japanese or Italian cooking. They want to play American football and<br />

be on the cheerleading team. They want to travel and see new places.<br />

They want to live life as an American teenager.<br />

I think cultural exchanges, including hosting high school exchange students,<br />

offer benefits far beyond being “a good citizen.” Beyond actually<br />

learning about another culture and how things might be done differently<br />

on a daily basis, it challenges one’s assumptions about other cultures,<br />

teaches communication skills and helps develop patience and flexibility.<br />

Few experiences can teach you - and your children - the small but critical<br />

differences between cultures as living with someone from another<br />

country.<br />

The benefits to America children - both our own children and others<br />

who are attending school with exchange students - are significant in<br />

ways that are difficult (if not impossible) to quantify. It’s not something<br />

adults often think about. Even school administrators don’t always think<br />

through how exposure to other cultures can benefit students in their<br />

districts. Think about communication for just a moment. Although<br />

your children will, of course, speak English to their exchange student,<br />

the potential for miscommunication is huge when you are talking to<br />

non-native English speakers. The processes of learning how to re-shape<br />

16 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


your thoughts, speak more clearly and make sure what you intend to<br />

say is what is heard are important skills. Think about your assumptions<br />

about other cultures - your assumptions and those of your children<br />

and their friends, about another country’s foods, habits or attitudes.<br />

Think about relationships and learning how to adapt, become more<br />

cooperative and developing an ability to be flexible.<br />

You *do* have something to offer.<br />

Many families tell me they can’t host because “we aren’t a good host<br />

family.” People assume they must be outgoing, that they need to be<br />

a family that travels a lot or that they must be a family that goes to<br />

museums, events and activities all the time. People assume that it is<br />

critical for a host family to live in a big city so it will be “fun” for a teen,<br />

that it is important to provide a student with his or her own bedroom<br />

or that they must live near the high school. Many people assume you<br />

must have a high school student in your home in order to host a high<br />

school exchange student. The list of “why we’re not a good family” goes<br />

on, but most of these pre-conceptions simply aren’t accurate. Is it nice<br />

to travel with your student? Of course, because it’s fun to share your<br />

city, your state or your country’s beautiful places. But not everyone<br />

travels much. Is it nice to live next to the high school? Of course. But<br />

let’s face it, most people don’t. Is it “fun” for a teen to live in the city?<br />

Sure. But nice people who have the desire, capability and emotional<br />

intelligence to be a host family live everywhere.<br />

for an American teen. They can play on the soccer team or have a role<br />

in the school play no matter where they live and no matter what the<br />

composition of their host family.<br />

The key to hosting a student is not in who is in your family, but who<br />

you are as people. Good host families are people who want to share<br />

their own culture and community and learn about someone else’s.<br />

Good host parents look to give their families a glimpse of the world<br />

and introduce them to new customs and cultures.<br />

STS Foundation is currently looking for host families in our area. If<br />

you are interested in hosting a student and enjoying this enriching<br />

experience, please contact Vicki Odom at 832-455-7881 or email me<br />

at vicki.stsfoundation@gmail.com for more information.<br />

The truth is, there is no typical American host family, because there is<br />

no single “typical” American family. American host families have teens<br />

and don’t have teens. They have young children and toddlers. They<br />

have children who are now grown and living elsewhere or no children<br />

at all. They have dogs or not, large homes or small ones. Single parents<br />

are families, as are grandparents. American families live in large<br />

cities, suburban areas and in small communities. The students are not<br />

here to travel, have a tour guide, just have “fun” or to have an easy<br />

life with a five-minute school commute. They’re here to go to school,<br />

learn about our country, live with a family and to learn what life is like<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

17


T<br />

E<br />

X<br />

A<br />

S<br />

JOIN US FOR THE $50,000 GSEC<br />

SHOW JUMPING GRAND PRIX<br />

The Olympic sport of Grand Prix show jumping blends the excitement of thoroughbred<br />

racing and the thrills of downhill Slalom skiing! Horse and Rider combine as a team<br />

providing a level of excitement that is unmatched in most other sports.<br />

FEBRUARY 24TH, <strong>2018</strong><br />

PRE SHOW- 6:30PM, GRAND PRIX - 7:30PM<br />

PARKING $10<br />

Great Southwest Equestrian Center<br />

2501 S Mason Road<br />

Katy, Tx 77450<br />

Katy, Texas<br />

GSWEC.com<br />

For event information contact Val Garza (210) 870-4584<br />

Artwork: “Leap of Faith” © Joanna Zeller Quentin www.MoosePantsStudio.com<br />

18 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


DATED EVENTS<br />

GRAEME’S RUN 5K & 1 MILE WALK<br />

<strong>February</strong> 10, <strong>2018</strong><br />

No Label Brewery<br />

Registration 8:30 AM, Run Starts at 9 AM<br />

Family Entertainment: Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Food Trucks,<br />

Raffle, Chris Boise and Righteous Cause Band<br />

Register & Learn More: www.graemessuperheroes.org<br />

*All funds raised benefit The Children’s Heart Foundation<br />

MARVEL COMIC - BLACK PANTHER MOVIE VIEWING<br />

Acorn to EXcellence is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded<br />

to promote interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and<br />

Mathematics), entrepreneurship and business related fields. Acorn<br />

to EXcellence in association with the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Iota<br />

Phi Lambda Sorority will host a movie viewing event for the highly<br />

anticipated Marvel Comic ‘BLACK PANTHER.’ During the reception<br />

meet the “community superheros and sheroes” comprised of<br />

professionals, athletes and business people who have made an<br />

impact to society.<br />

This will be a fun-filled event for adults and children. Special guests,<br />

private reception, door prizes and more! Tickets are tax deductible<br />

and are $20, which includes reception, seating, drink and popcorn.<br />

Purchase tickets at https://blackpanthermovie.eventbrite.com.<br />

The reception and movie viewing will be held at the Regal Grand<br />

Parkway 22 Cinemas at 7301 Grand Parkway, Richmond, TX on Sunday,<br />

<strong>February</strong> 18, <strong>2018</strong>, 2-6 PM. Sponsorship opportunities are available.<br />

Help to positively shape the direction of our youth through the richness<br />

of this movie and give them motivation to dream big! Contact: Donna<br />

Mitchell at acorntoexcellence@gmail.com or 832-844-8265.<br />

SPORTING CLAY TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER<br />

Benefiting The Ballard House (501©3)<br />

Once again, The Ballard House will be having its annual Sporting<br />

Clay Tournament Fundraiser at the Westside Sporting Grounds<br />

(Brookshire, TX) on Saturday, <strong>February</strong> 24, <strong>2018</strong>.<br />

Executive Director, Kathy Alt states, “This is an important time in<br />

the life of our organization after being effected by Hurricane Harvey.<br />

The Ballard House is still rebuilding and will reopen soon and be<br />

even bigger and better than before due to all the hard work of our<br />

volunteers and people in the greater Katy area.”<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Sporting Clay Tournament is tremendous in helping to raise the<br />

necessary operational funds to keep the doors open at The Ballard<br />

House. Teams compete with their shooting skills for fun and fundraising<br />

to benefit this great cause. Teams and individuals can register on the<br />

website or by calling the number provided. Lots of sporting activities<br />

are planned throughout the day with the tournament starting at 9<br />

AM and concluding with lunch and a program. The Ballard House<br />

provides a safe, family-friendly environment and home-away-fromhome<br />

for those undergoing life threatening illnesses and treatment in<br />

the Houston area, all at no-cost. Patients come to The Ballard House<br />

from all over the United States and World. If you would like more<br />

information about this topic, please contact Mary Raines at 281-804-<br />

8414 or email at mary.raines@att.net.<br />

JOIN US FOR THE $50,000 GSEC SHOW<br />

JUMPING GRAND PRIX<br />

FEBRUARY 24, <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Olympic sport of Grand Prix show jumping blends the excitement<br />

of thoroughbred racing and the thrills of downhill Slalom skiing!<br />

Horse and Rider combine as a team providing a level of excitement<br />

that is unmatched in most other sports.<br />

PRE SHOW- 6:30 PM<br />

GRAND PRIX - 7:30 PM PARKING $10<br />

Great Southwest Equestrian Center<br />

2501 S Mason Road - Katy, Tx 77450<br />

GSWEC.com<br />

For event information contact Val Garza 210-870-4584.<br />

1 ST ANNUAL REIGN OVER<br />

CANCER WALK<br />

FEBRUARY 25, <strong>2018</strong><br />

Due to the massive flooding the Katy<br />

community experienced as a result of<br />

Hurricane Harvey and the continued<br />

efforts to recover from the devastation it<br />

caused, the Reign Over Cancer (“ROC”)<br />

Walk has been postponed until Sunday,<br />

<strong>February</strong> 25, <strong>2018</strong>. The walk will be held at<br />

Cane Island and will begin at 2 PM. Plan to stick around after the walk<br />

to enjoy complimentary food and beverages, music and family-friendly<br />

activities.<br />

The ROC Walk will recognize people in the community currently<br />

undergoing cancer treatment, highlight survivors and raise money<br />

to fund GEST Foundation grants. Register as an individual or a team<br />

online at www.GESTfoundation.org. Proceeds from the ROC Walk will<br />

provide grants for services including grocery delivery, home cleaning,<br />

home wound care, transportation or even counseling to help with the<br />

internal wounds that come with facing the news “you have cancer.”<br />

The walk will be fun for ALL ages, so grab your family and friends and<br />

join us at the beautiful Cane Island for an afternoon of fun while raising<br />

money for a very important cause.<br />

Registration for the ROC Walk is still open and we encourage everyone<br />

to sign up! Register now at www.GESTFoundation.org. For up to<br />

19


the minute race information and updates, follow us on Facebook.<br />

Sponsorship opportunities for the Reign Over Cancer Walk are still<br />

available! We have several options to fit all marketing needs and budgets.<br />

Contact Aaron or Michelle Perzan at 956-832-9187 or 956-832-1988.<br />

For more information about the GEST Foundation, Inc., how to donate<br />

or become a walk sponsor or how to submit a grant for financial<br />

support, please contact Michelle Perzan at 832-377-1367, 956-832-9188<br />

or email via at michelle.perzan@gestfoundation.com.<br />

2 ND ANNUAL KATY TASTE FEST<br />

www.KatyTasteFest.com<br />

Katy Taste Fest, the city’s first festival for foodies will again be held<br />

at Villagio Town Center March 24, <strong>2018</strong>, 11 AM-2 PM. The festival<br />

celebrates all things food from some of the best Katy restaurants. It is<br />

a foodies’ paradise with emphasis on food, family and fun. The festival<br />

will focus on celebrating the diversity of the local restaurant scene with<br />

bites from 30 local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, beer/wine,<br />

a large kids zone, live entertainment and a silent auction. Fun for the<br />

whole family! Our inaugural event was a HUGE success with more than<br />

800 attendees and raised more than $13,000 for our local non-profit<br />

partners. We aim to exceed that number in <strong>2018</strong>!<br />

NEW: This year’s event will feature a VIP Jazz Brunch: This is an<br />

opportunity to discover your new go-to favorites while savoring<br />

comfort foods you’ve loved for years. We have something for everyone<br />

from adults to kids. Katy Taste Fest has partnered with several local<br />

nonprofits that focus on abused, neglected and abandoned children<br />

including Katy Cares, Krause Children’s Center and Armor of Hope<br />

Foundation. Details and ticket information will be available on<br />

www.KatyTasteFest.com.<br />

About Katy Taste Fest: Katy Taste Fest aspires to turn tasters into diners.<br />

The festival explores the city’s diverse dining scene by sampling tastes<br />

from local restaurants. Attendees can enjoy cooking demonstrations,<br />

live entertainment, a silent auction and family-friendly activities for<br />

food lovers of all ages. Katy Taste Fest supports several local charities<br />

that focus on vulnerable children, including Katy Cares, ZOE, Krause<br />

Children’s Center, Helping Kids Ministry and Armor of Hope Foundation.<br />

CALL FOR ARTISTS:<br />

BAYOU CITY<br />

ART FESTIVAL<br />

MEMORIAL PARK <strong>2018</strong><br />

Bayou City Art Festival,<br />

produced by Art Colony<br />

Association, Inc. (ACA), is<br />

inviting artists from around the<br />

country to submit applications<br />

and have the opportunity to showcase their art at the nation’s premier<br />

spring outdoor fine art event Friday-Sunday, March 23-25, <strong>2018</strong>.<br />

ACA produces Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the spring and<br />

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the fall. Now entering its 47 th year,<br />

ACA has provided a venue for over 20,000 artists to showcase their<br />

work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. Patrons have<br />

the opportunity to personally meet the artist, view original works and<br />

purchase world class art. The festival benefits local non-profits and<br />

features music, food, beverages, entertainment, a Children’s Creative<br />

Zone and much more for people of all ages to come and enjoy the city<br />

and the festival.<br />

Twice a year, over 1,000 qualified applicants from 19 different disciples<br />

submit their applications to be reviewed by the ACA jurors. For each<br />

festival, a new juror panel is invited and consists of artists, collectors<br />

and industry professionals. The panel of five to seven jurors are<br />

selected based on their specific interests, professional knowledge and<br />

20 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


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background with the festival. Only 300 artists<br />

will be selected to exhibit at the <strong>2018</strong> Bayou<br />

City Art Festival Memorial Park. Cash Prizes<br />

are awarded for “Best in Show,” second and<br />

third, as selected by on-site judges. Ribbons<br />

are awarded for “Best Booth” and all winners<br />

receive jury exempt status for two years as well<br />

as priority booth placement.<br />

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are<br />

available. For more information, please visit<br />

www.artcolonyassociation.org. For updates on<br />

social media, follow the official event hashtags<br />

#HouArtFest and #BCAF, like the Facebook page<br />

or follow on Twitter and Instagram.<br />

THEATER/ ARTS<br />

KATY VISUAL &<br />

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER<br />

(KVPAC) www.kvpac.org<br />

2501 S Mason Rd., Suite 290, Katy, TX 77450<br />

Season Tickets, including all new FLEX<br />

Packages, are on-sale now to lock-in the best<br />

price and choice seat. Pre-Sale Show Tickets<br />

are $15 Adults and $12 Seniors. Tickets<br />

increase by $3 at the door. Group rates are<br />

available at www.kvpac.org or in person. For<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Katy audience members who seek an evening<br />

at the theater, they can look to Encore Players<br />

as a source to enjoy the theater in their own<br />

home town without the long commute or<br />

high cost involved with heading to one of<br />

downtown Houston’s theaters. Katy Visual &<br />

Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is a non-profit<br />

arts education organization helping artists<br />

find their light since 2001.<br />

THE HOUSTON CHORAL SOCIETY<br />

For more information, please visit the HCS<br />

website at www.houstonchoral.org.<br />

MILDRED’S UMBRELLA THEATER CO.<br />

MAINSTAGE SEASON<br />

All Shows at Studio 101,<br />

1824 Spring Street #101, Houston TX 77007<br />

WELL By: Lisa Kron <strong>February</strong> 1 st -3 rd at 8 PM<br />

MORE INFO/RESERVATIONS:<br />

www.mildredsumbrella.com,<br />

info@mildredsumbrella.com or 832-463-0409.<br />

STAGEWORKS THEATRE<br />

SPELLING BEE - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM,<br />

Sundays at 3 PM, January 19-<strong>February</strong> 11, <strong>2018</strong><br />

Stageworks Theatre is located at<br />

10760 Grant Road, Houston, Texas 77070.<br />

Website: www.stageworkshouston.org.<br />

NATURE PROGRAMS FOR<br />

PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN<br />

SATURDAYS IN NATURE<br />

This program is held on the fourth Saturday<br />

of each month at the Edith L. Moore Nature<br />

Sanctuary, held between 1 and 4 PM. A guided<br />

nature walk will begin at 2 PM. No reservations<br />

required. Donations are encouraged. This is<br />

a “whole family” program; parents or other<br />

adult guardians should participate with<br />

their children. Park in the Memorial Drive<br />

United Methodist Church parking lot at 12955<br />

Memorial Drive, enter the nature sanctuary<br />

through the marked gate and proceed on the<br />

path to the log cabin. Upcoming programs<br />

include January: Migration - Craft: Flying<br />

Duck. <strong>February</strong>: We Love Wildlife - Craft:<br />

Animal Valentines.<br />

The Titmouse Club<br />

The Titmouse Club is a nature program for<br />

children ages 2 ½ to 5 sponsored by the<br />

Houston Audubon Docent Guild. The program<br />

is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday<br />

morning, 10 to 11 AM, from mid-September<br />

until mid-May at the Edith L. Moore Nature<br />

Sanctuary, 440 Wilchester Boulevard. Each<br />

week features a different nature theme and<br />

may include nature talks, stories, hands-on<br />

activities and walks in the woods. For more<br />

information, go to www.houstonaudubon.org<br />

and look under Audubon Docents. The cost<br />

is $5 per child per session or a 5-session card<br />

can be purchased for $20. The child must be<br />

21


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accompanied by an adult during the program. Park in the Memorial<br />

Drive United Methodist Church parking lot at 12955 Memorial Drive,<br />

enter the nature sanctuary through the marked gate and proceed on<br />

the path to the log cabin. Upcoming programs include:<br />

<strong>February</strong> 6 th & 7 th : Art in Nature<br />

<strong>February</strong> 13 th & 14 th : Animal Valentines<br />

<strong>February</strong> 20 th & 21 st : What Do Animals Eat?<br />

<strong>February</strong> 27 th & 28 th : Nature Detectives<br />

March 6 th & 7 th : Gardening for Kids<br />

March 13 th & 14 th : (no mtg. - Spring Break Camp)<br />

March 20 th & 21 st : Butterflies & Moths<br />

March 27 th & 28 th : Animal Babies<br />

After School Nature Explorers Club<br />

Nature Explorers Club is designed for school-age children (ages 6-10,<br />

K-5 th ) who are interested in investigating the natural world. Each month<br />

we will explore a different ecology topic, focusing on our own native<br />

plants and animals. We will make a craft to take home, go on a nature<br />

hike, dip-net for fish and tadpoles in the ponds and get to know the<br />

plants and animals of the Bayou City! Fee/reservations are required.<br />

Reserve your child’s spot at www.houstonaudubon.org. For more<br />

information contact Bethany Foshee, Docent Programs Coordinator,<br />

bfoshee@houstonaudubon.org or 713-932-1639. Upcoming programs<br />

include:<br />

<strong>February</strong> 15 th : Wildlife Valentines<br />

March 22 nd : Baby Animals<br />

OWL PROWLS<br />

Houston Audubon Docent Guild sponsors 4 owl prowls for the 2017-<br />

18 season. Owl prowls begin with a lively program on owls including<br />

an opportunity to meet live, rehabilitated owls followed by a walk in<br />

the woods in search of wild owls. For more information, to reserve<br />

and pay online go to www.houstonaudubon.org. Owl Prowl dates are<br />

<strong>February</strong> 2, <strong>2018</strong> and March 9, <strong>2018</strong>. Owl Prowls start at 7 PM, end at 9<br />

PM and begin in the log cabin at the Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary.<br />

The fee is $12 for adults and $8 for children (ages 6-17). All prowlers<br />

must be at least 6 years of age and there must be at least one adult<br />

present for each two children. Dress for walking in the woods and the<br />

weather. Please park in the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church<br />

west parking lot at 12955 Memorial Drive or the Sanctuary’s small lot<br />

at 440 Wilchester. Pre-registration is required and there is a maximum<br />

number of participants for each prowl.<br />

COMMUNITY HEROES<br />

VOLUNTEER TO BE AN EVERYDAY HERO<br />

Volunteer firefighting is<br />

one of the most rewarding<br />

experiences you’ll ever<br />

have. Community VFD<br />

offers free fire training and<br />

volunteering is a great<br />

way to make a difference<br />

personally while having<br />

a positive impact in your<br />

community. Volunteers can<br />

fight fires, drive apparatuses, extract patients from vehicles at<br />

accident scenes, etc.<br />

Community VFD also provides emergency medical services (EMS)<br />

and provides opportunities for individuals with a Texas EMS<br />

certification to serve their community.<br />

Visit www.communityvfd.org<br />

or email Chief Steve Fowler at sfowler@communityvfd.com.<br />

22 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


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IMPORTANT DATES & HOLIDAYS IN <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

FEBRUARY OBSERVANCES & FUN FACTS<br />

<strong>February</strong> is observed as:<br />

• Black History Month<br />

• National Children’s Dental Health<br />

• American Heart Month<br />

• National Wise Health Consumer<br />

• Parent Leadership Month<br />

Birthstone: Amethyst<br />

Fruit & Veggies for <strong>February</strong>:<br />

• Oranges<br />

• Star Fruit<br />

• Calabaza Squash<br />

• Chayote Squash<br />

• Bitter Melon<br />

<strong>February</strong> Flower: Violet<br />

Astrological Signs: Aquarius and Pisces<br />

Holidays:<br />

2/2: Groundhog Day<br />

2/13: Mardi Gras<br />

2/14: Ash Wednesday<br />

2/14: Valentine’s Day<br />

2/16: Chinese New Year<br />

2/19: Presidents’ Day<br />

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Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

23


School<br />

News<br />

KATY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT<br />

WWW.KATYISD.ORG<br />

IMPORTANT DATES<br />

<strong>February</strong> 16 th -<br />

Early Dismissal for Campus Professional Learning<br />

<strong>February</strong> 19 th -<br />

District Professional Learning Day - Student Holiday<br />

KATY ISD FRANZ ELEMENTARY<br />

CELEBRATES NEW SPARK PARK<br />

Waving “Thank You” signs and singing along to a melodious gratitude<br />

song, the Franz Elementary (FES) Choir officially dedicated<br />

their new SPARK Park, which is now available for public use during<br />

non-school hours and on weekends.<br />

This park is a collaborative effort between Katy ISD, FES parents,<br />

students, staff, the PTA, as well as local entities, who together<br />

contributed to the SPARK grant, which was just under $130,000.<br />

Fundraising efforts included a $5,000 donation from the PTA and a<br />

week-long of SPARK fundraising activities at the school, that included<br />

taping the principal to a wall, crazy hair day and water games that<br />

included popsicles, of which $2,150 was collected. Other funding<br />

included $1,000 from the West Harris County MUD #7, $1,000 from<br />

Raintree Village Homeowner’s Association and the design work was<br />

paid for by Katy ISD. SPARK contributed $116,000 from The Kinder<br />

Foundation and Houston Endowment park desert initiative.<br />

The park includes a concrete trail, sensory play panels, musical instruments<br />

and four bollards covered with tiles painted by students<br />

and staff. When visitors walk through the park, they will notice a<br />

variety of trees, which include Monterrey oaks, Mexican plums and<br />

anacua trees. In total, 34 trees were donated by Trees for Houston.<br />

Principal Sylvan shared, “It has been said that ‘A true community is<br />

not just about being geographically close to someone or a part of<br />

the same social network.’ It’s about feeling connected and responsible<br />

for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community and<br />

everyone plays a crucial role.”<br />

“We hope during the break, you will come and enjoy this park,”<br />

added Ashley Vann, Katy ISD Board of Trustees President.<br />

SPARK, an organization created in 1983 to increase park and recreational<br />

spaces in the Greater Houston area, has helped to turn<br />

underutilized school playgrounds into neighborhood parks at more<br />

than 200 locations. This is the third SPARK Park at a Katy ISD school.<br />

CINCO RANCH HIGH<br />

FOUR KATY-AREA ROBOTICS TEAMS ADVANCE TO FIRST LEGO<br />

LEAGUE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT<br />

The Cinco Ranch Junior High gym echoed with the sound of cheering<br />

as the CRyptonite robotics team from Cinco Ranch High School (CRHS)<br />

hosted their seventh annual FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition<br />

of Science and Technology) LEGO® League Katy Qualifier robotics<br />

tournament. Of the 24 teams competing, four from the Katy-area and<br />

two others earned a coveted “Golden Ticket” to advance to the FIRST<br />

LEGO League Texas South Region Championship Tournament, which<br />

was held January 27, <strong>2018</strong> at the British International School in Katy<br />

(www.fllhouston.com/previewchamp).<br />

FIRST LEGO League is an annual international robotics competition<br />

for students from 4 th to 8 th grade in teams of two to ten members. The<br />

teams create and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology<br />

to solve as many pre-determined missions as possible in a 2 ½ minute<br />

time period. They also research a real-world problem and create and<br />

present a solution to judges, all while demonstrating core values, such<br />

as having fun, gracious professionalism® and coopertition®. CRyptonite<br />

is a FIRST Robotics Competition team from Cinco Ranch High School<br />

that builds more advanced robots to compete in international competitions<br />

for high school-age students. The team is dedicated to developing<br />

engineering, problem-solving and teamwork skills. In addition to<br />

organizing and running the Katy Qualifier, CRyptonite members who<br />

were previously on FIRST Lego League teams helped coach three of the<br />

Katy-area teams that are advancing.<br />

According to Bella Riffle, CRHS senior and fourth year CRyptonite team<br />

member, who was Student Coordinator for the tournament, “CRyptonite<br />

is dedicated to developing the next generation of scientists<br />

and engineers and this tournament helps support that goal.” To this<br />

end, a Rookie Coach Award was given to Alex Dial for his work with the<br />

Computerized Coyotes team from Beck Jr. High. Dial, a second-year<br />

member of CRyptonite, was a on a FIRST LEGO League team at Beck.<br />

Added Kyna McGill, first year CRyptonite member and announcer for<br />

the qualifier, who also mentored an advancing team, “FIRST taught me<br />

many valuable lessons about teamwork, project management and more<br />

and motivated me to continue in robotics. Several team members are<br />

using this knowledge to help develop and give back to younger teams.”<br />

24 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Qualifier Award Recipients<br />

Teams which won awards in the individual phases of the competition<br />

and received a Golden Ticket to compete in the FIRST LEGO League Texas<br />

South Region Championship Tournament in January were:<br />

• Champions Award - Banshees (Team 31103): Houston (rookie team)<br />

• Programming - Beck-O-Bytes (Team 15593): Beck Jr. High, Katy<br />

• Research - Brainiac Maniacs (Team 25108): Girl Scouts of San Jacinto<br />

County, Katy (Elementary age)<br />

• Presentation - Symbiotes (Team 30582): Beck Jr. High, Katy<br />

(rookie team)<br />

• Innovative Solutions - Cyberwolves (Team 13764): Beck Jr. High, Katy<br />

• Strategy and Innovation - Computerized Coyotes (Team 34795):<br />

Beck Jr. High, Katy (rookie team)<br />

Other awards presented at the tournament were:<br />

• Teamwork - SLJH1 (Team 21405): <strong>Seven</strong> Lakes Jr. High, Katy<br />

• Mechanical Design - Memorial Parkway Eagles Two (Team 27461):<br />

Memorial Pkwy Jr. High, Katy (rookie team)<br />

• Inspiration - Sabercats (Team 24061): Smith Middle School,<br />

Cypress (rookie team)<br />

• Gracious Professionalism - Bulldog Bots (Team 35602):<br />

Richmond (rookie team)<br />

• Robot Score - Brainiac Maniacs (Team 25108): Girl Scouts of<br />

San Jacinto County, Katy (Elementary age)<br />

For more information, please visit www.team624.org.<br />

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SEVEN LAKES BEST BUDDIES<br />

<strong>Seven</strong> Lakes High School Best Buddies hosted their Thanksgiving and<br />

Holiday parties in November and December. Participants got to enjoy<br />

snacks, dancing and crafts. The Best Buddies program, in high schools,<br />

fosters one-to-one friendships between high school students with<br />

and without IDD. The Best Buddies High Schools program helps break<br />

through social barriers at an important time in a young person’s life.<br />

For more information, go to www.bestbuddies.org.<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

25


Library<br />

News<br />

BEST BUDDIES MASQUERADE GALA<br />

AND FASHION SHOW<br />

Reagan Kallina and Alyssa Tran represented<br />

<strong>Seven</strong> Lakes High School Best Buddies at the<br />

Best Buddies Masquerade Gala and Fashion<br />

show held in downtown Houston in November.<br />

They walked the runway wearing fashions<br />

provided by Elaine Turner. The event brought<br />

in over $230,000 - money that will be used<br />

to help Best Buddies Texas expand in local<br />

elementary schools, middle schools and high<br />

schools in <strong>2018</strong>. Best Buddies is the world’s<br />

largest organization dedicated to ending the<br />

social, physical and economic isolation of<br />

the 200 million people with intellectual and<br />

developmental disabilities (IDD). For more<br />

information and how to become involved, go<br />

to www.bestbuddies.org.<br />

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES (FBCL)<br />

Public Information Office - 281-633-4734<br />

www.fortbend.lib.tx.us<br />

FAMILY READING CLUB - THROUGH-MARCH 3 RD<br />

This six-week program is designed to encourage families to read, learn and have fun together.<br />

Families participate in the program by reading books and completing optional “challenges”<br />

that can be done at home. All Fort Bend County families are eligible to participate. Families<br />

who complete the program by reading 36 books - 6 books per week - are eligible to receive<br />

a book bag for the family and will have their named entered into a drawing for a $50 dining<br />

gift card, donated by the Friends of the Library. Each branch library will have a drawing for<br />

the gift card on March 5 th . A single registration is required for each participating family.<br />

An adult (parent or guardian) is asked to register the family online by going to the library’s<br />

website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) and clicking on the “Family Reading Club Sign-Up” image.<br />

Families may also register at one of the libraries in the Fort Bend County library system.<br />

Upon registering, families will then have their own online page on which to record their<br />

books or reading time. There is no charge to join the Family Reading Club. The program is<br />

sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries and the Friends of the Library organizations that<br />

support the county library system.<br />

26 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Air Conditioning Contractors of America<br />

CINCO RANCH BRANCH LIBRARY (FT. BEND CO. LIB.)<br />

2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy, TX 77494, 281-395-1311,<br />

Hours Mon. 12 Noon - 9 PM, Tues. 10 AM - 9 PM, Wed. 10 AM - 6 PM,<br />

Thurs. 10 AM - 9 PM, Fri. 12 Noon - 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM, Sun. Closed.<br />

To register online for any classes at the library’s website (www.fortbend.<br />

lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Cinco Ranch Branch Library” and<br />

find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at<br />

281-395-1311 or by visiting the library.<br />

SPECIAL EVENTS<br />

• INCOME-TAX-PREPARATION ASSISTANCE - Mondays, 1-5 PM,<br />

Meeting Room. Representatives from the AARP will provide free income-tax-preparation<br />

assistance for low-income taxpayers. Patrons<br />

should bring the following information to the session if possible: photo<br />

ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse and all dependents; last year’s<br />

tax return; W-2, 1099s and any other compensation received in 2017; unemployment<br />

compensation statements and any other documents that<br />

are necessary to complete your return. This service is free and open to<br />

the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Income-tax forms are not<br />

available at the libraries, but patrons may use the libraries’ computers<br />

and printers to download and print out the forms from the IRS website,<br />

www.irs.gov, during regular library hours. A library card is needed to<br />

use the printers and the cost to print is 10¢ per black-and-white page.<br />

• CHESS DAY @ THE LIBRARY - Saturday, <strong>February</strong> 3 rd , 10:30 AM-2:30<br />

PM, Meeting Room. People of all ages and skill levels - from beginners to<br />

advanced - who are interested in playing chess, are invited to practice<br />

their strategies while playing against others in a relaxed, stress-free<br />

environment. Learn a new chess move (or two) during this come-andgo<br />

activity. Experienced players will be on hand to provide tips and<br />

assistance. A limited number of chess sets will be provided, but players<br />

are welcome to bring their own sets as well.<br />

• HEALTHCARE AND YOUR RETIREMENT - Saturday, <strong>February</strong> 10 th ,<br />

10:30-11:30 AM, Multi-purpose Room. Leslie Corley, a financial advisor,<br />

will talk about the steps investors should take to prepare for healthcare<br />

costs after retirement. Get tips on ways to prepare for Medicare and longterm<br />

care costs while maintaining a healthy retirement-savings account.<br />

• JOB & CAREER ACCELERATOR DEMONSTRATION - Monday, <strong>February</strong><br />

12 th , 12 noon-1 PM, Computer Lab. This easy-to-use online resource can<br />

help job-hunters who are searching for a job or a new career. Learn how<br />

to create professional resumés and cover letters, get detailed and current<br />

information on a variety of occupations, match personal interests<br />

and skills with a desired career, improve interviewing skills and much<br />

more. The database includes detailed information on more than 1,000<br />

different occupations and matches interests and skills with possible<br />

careers. It also provides more than five million up-to-the-minute local<br />

and national job postings. Reservations required.<br />

• JOB-SEARCH SURVIVAL WORKSHOP - Monday & Tuesday, <strong>February</strong><br />

12 th and 13 th , 5:30-8:30 PM, Multipurpose Room. This workshop is<br />

designed to help all job-hunters, from those applicants applying for a<br />

position at a fast-food restaurant to executives looking for a position in a<br />

large company. The tips that are presented can help any applicant plan<br />

a more efficient job hunt and make a more favorable impression. Learn<br />

how to write a better resumé, research prospective employers, interview<br />

for a job, improve non-verbal skills, make a great first impression, network<br />

and much more. Reservations not required. Late arrivals welcome.<br />

Different topics each night. Refreshments are provided courtesy of the<br />

Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library.<br />

• ANCIENT EMPIRES-GREECE - Saturday, <strong>February</strong> 17 th , 1-3 PM,<br />

Multi-purpose Room. In this second of three programs on Ancient Empires,<br />

former architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will talk about the<br />

roles that topography, mythology and science have played in the history<br />

and development of Greece. She will talk about the country’s city-states,<br />

philosophy, drama, art and architecture of the classical period, as well<br />

as Alexander the Great, the conquest of Asia Minor, Persia and Egypt<br />

during the Hellenistic period. She will also touch upon Mycenae, the<br />

Trojan War and Homer.<br />

• COLLEGE FAIR - Thursday, <strong>February</strong> 22 nd , 6-7:30 PM, Meeting Room.<br />

Representatives from colleges and universities will be on hand to share<br />

information about their programs with current high school students<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

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27


and parents or guardians. Learn about educational opportunities<br />

available at the colleges, as well as admission requirements, financial<br />

aid, student housing and more. For a list of colleges that will be here,<br />

check with the library.<br />

• GREYHOUND PETS OF AMERICA - Saturday, <strong>February</strong> 24 th , 10-11 AM,<br />

Meeting Room. Jessica Ford from Greyhound Pets of America/Houston<br />

will discuss the history of greyhounds. She will also talk about their<br />

care, their suitability as pets and the adoption process. Learn more<br />

about this breed of dog, their needs, energy levels and personalities.<br />

• ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES: All computer classes will take place in<br />

the Computer Lab. Reservations are required.<br />

MS Word Survival Basics: Tuesday, <strong>February</strong> 6 th , 10 AM<br />

MS Word: Intermediate: Tuesday, <strong>February</strong> 13 th , 10 AM<br />

MS Excel Survival Basics: Thursday, <strong>February</strong> 15 th , 10 AM<br />

MS Excel: Charts: Thursday, <strong>February</strong> 22 nd , 10 AM<br />

Introduction to Facebook: Monday, <strong>February</strong> 26 th , 12 Noon<br />

MS PowerPoint Survival Basics: Wednesday, <strong>February</strong> 28 th , 10 AM<br />

Open Computers Lab Q&A: Friday, <strong>February</strong> 16 th , 12 Noon, Learning<br />

Lab. (reservations not required)<br />

EVENTS<br />

• LITERARY LUNCH LEAGUE BOOK CLUB - Wednesday, <strong>February</strong> 7 th ,<br />

12 Noon, Conference Classroom. The book to be discussed is News of<br />

the World, written by Paulette Jiles. Those attending are invited to<br />

bring a lunch, if desired.<br />

• CINCO RANCH NIGHT READERS - Thursday, <strong>February</strong> 15 th , beginning<br />

at 7 PM, in Conference Room. The book to be discussed is At the Water’s<br />

Edge, written by Sara Gruen.<br />

• BRIDGE NIGHT @ CINCO RANCH - Tuesdays, <strong>February</strong> 6 th and 20 th , 6-8<br />

PM, Multi-purpose Room. Bridge players of all ages and skill levels - from<br />

beginners to advanced - are invited to practice their strategies and share<br />

tips while playing against others in a relaxed, stress-free environment. On<br />

the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesdays of every month, the library will provide a fun,<br />

relaxed setting where Bridge players can gather to sharpen their skills<br />

and share their love of this popular card game with others.<br />

• ESL CONVERSATION CIRCLES - Fridays, <strong>February</strong> 9 th and 23 rd ,<br />

1-2 PM; Multipurpose Room. Fort Bend County Libraries presents a<br />

program for individuals of all nationalities who would like a place to<br />

practice their English language and conversation skills. The “Conversation<br />

Circles” provide an opportunity for non-English-speaking people<br />

to gather in a relaxed setting and discuss topics of their own choosing<br />

while practicing their English skills.<br />

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS teens grades 9-12<br />

• YA: VALENTINE CARDS - Wednesday, <strong>February</strong> 7 th , 4-5 PM, Conference<br />

Classroom. Teens in grades 9-12 will create custom Valentine’s<br />

Day cards for friends and family.<br />

• FREE SAT PRACTICE-TEST SESSION - Saturday, <strong>February</strong> 10 th , 10:30<br />

AM-3:30 PM, Meeting Room. A representative from Princeton Review will<br />

administer a practice test to college-bound students in grades 9 through<br />

12. This practice test will prepare students for the actual SAT test. The<br />

scores on this practice test will only be shared with the student; they will<br />

not be sent to any educational institutions. Bring two #2 pencils and a<br />

non-graphing calculator if available. Registration is required.<br />

• YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUB - Wednesday, <strong>February</strong> 14 th , 4-5 PM,<br />

Conference Classroom. Teen readers will have the opportunity to<br />

meet with others who share the same love for great books and have a<br />

lively discussion on the reasons a book or its characters were liked or<br />

disliked. Those attending are invited to talk about Every Day, written<br />

by David Levithan.<br />

• YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY COUNCIL - Wednesday, <strong>February</strong> 28 th , 4-5<br />

PM, Conference Classroom. At this monthly meeting, teens in grades<br />

9-12 are invited to express ideas organize upcoming activities and<br />

suggest new programs and books that would be of interest to young<br />

adults at the library. Earn volunteer/service hours and meet new friends<br />

while helping to shape the future of library services for teens!<br />

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS<br />

(The library is unable to accommodate daycares and school groups<br />

at these activities.)<br />

28 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


• Mother Goose Time: Tuesdays<br />

at 10:15 AM, provides<br />

caregiver/infant activities<br />

and songs especially designed<br />

for the youngest<br />

book-lovers, from age 1<br />

month to 12 months.<br />

• Stories & Play: Tuesdays<br />

at 2 PM, for children from 1<br />

to 3 years of age. Children<br />

will be treated to a story and<br />

then have open play time.<br />

• Toddler Time: Wednesdays<br />

at 10:15 AM and Thursdays<br />

at 10:15 AM and 11:30<br />

AM - offers caregiver/child<br />

activities, stories and songs<br />

for older babies, from 12 to<br />

36 months of age.<br />

• Story Time: Wednesdays<br />

at 11:30 AM. Age 3-6, where<br />

they hear stories, watch<br />

movies and participate in<br />

age-appropriate craft activities.<br />

• Pajama Night Story Time:<br />

Tuesdays at 7 PM - gives<br />

families an evening option<br />

for the activities presented<br />

during the daytime.<br />

• Family Story Time: 1 st<br />

Saturday of the month at<br />

10:15 AM. All ages welcome.<br />

• Kinder Korner: 2 nd and 4 th<br />

Wednesday of the month<br />

at 4:30 PM. A time for kindergartners<br />

to enjoy stories,<br />

movies, crafts and other<br />

activities.<br />

• After-School Breaks: 1 st<br />

and 3 rd Wednesdays at 4:30<br />

PM. Crafts, movies and stories<br />

for school-aged children<br />

in grades 1 through 3.<br />

• Creative Connections: 4 th<br />

Saturdays at 2:30 PM. Activities<br />

for children in grades 4<br />

through 8.<br />

• Minecraft Monday: <strong>February</strong><br />

26 th , 4:30 PM. Minecraft<br />

challenge for students in<br />

grades 4 through 8. Reservations<br />

required.<br />

All programs are free and<br />

open to the public. For more<br />

information, call the Cinco<br />

Ranch Branch Library at<br />

281-395-1311 or the library’s<br />

Public Information Office at<br />

281-633-4734.<br />

L-R, front row: Alyssa Reyher, Hailey Pausky, Karin Iligan and Paige Henrick.<br />

Back row: Bella Adams, Lauren Rothe, Dana Sheehan, Laci Gratkowski, Mayowa<br />

Olibale, Bridget Thompson and Coach Jerrick Cabrales.<br />

FO1 VOLLEYBALL<br />

Coming off the heels of their victory at the AAU National Championships in<br />

Orlando last season, FO1 Volleyball’s 15 Black Team came away with another<br />

victory at the FAST Warm Up Tournament here in Houston. This was the first<br />

tournament of the year and our local girls came away with seven straight victories<br />

to finish in first place.<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

29


HOUSTON AREA EVENTS AND ROAD TRIPS<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

<strong>February</strong> 2 nd -13 th - Mardi Gras Galveston. If you’re looking for a<br />

unique Mardi Gras experience in <strong>2018</strong>, grab some beads and hit the<br />

beach! Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration<br />

in the United States, offers the unique chance to experience sand<br />

between your toes and gorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the<br />

revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island<br />

during carnival season. The island’s 107 th Mardi Gras celebration,<br />

is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees for 30+ concerts,<br />

parades, balcony parties and several elegant balls. At Mardi Gras!<br />

Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas’s largest Mardi Gras<br />

celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be<br />

thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the<br />

elaborate parades, headliner performances, family events, feasting<br />

and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style.<br />

For more information, visit www.galveston.com/mardigras/.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 7 th - The Houston RV Show is now the largest in Texas with<br />

over 600 units on display. This includes Motorhomes, Travel Trailers,<br />

Tent Campers, Fifth Wheels and Van Conversions. Recreational<br />

Vehicle related vendors representing campgrounds, resorts, parks<br />

and RV supplies. The Annual Houston RV Show will be in the NRG<br />

Center Halls C, D, E. Parking rate in the past was $12 per space, cash<br />

only. For more information, visit www.guestservices@nrgpark.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 8 th - Texas Monthly 2 nd Annual Whiskey Affair. A premium<br />

whiskey tasting event that will highlight up to 50 brown spirits and<br />

celebrate the whiskey lifestyle with delicious chef pairings, couture<br />

cocktails and live music provided by Doc Watkins, owner of Jazz, TX.<br />

Texas and international brown spirits makers will serve straight pours<br />

and cocktails from their portfolios with spirit seminars led by Texas<br />

Monthly Editor in Chief Tim Taliaferro and Wine & Spirits contributor<br />

Jessica Dupuy. The event will also feature up to ten award-winning<br />

chefs and mixologists serving dishes to compliment a wide array of<br />

whiskies. For more information, visit www.texasmonthly.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 9 th -11 th - Texas Home and Garden Spring Show. Houstons’<br />

Premier “One Stop Shopping Opportunity” for all your home &<br />

garden needs. From Windows and Doors to Ceilings and Floors over<br />

700 experts, products, services and ideas all under one roof. Adult<br />

Tickets are $10, Seniors and Military $8 and children 14 and under<br />

free. For more information, visit www.guestservices@nrgpark.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 9 th -11 th - Tristar Collectors Show. Your trusted source for<br />

sports autographs, trading cards and collectibles. Tristar will be held<br />

in NRG Arena, Hall C and D. For more information, visit<br />

www.guestservices@nrgpark.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 17 th - <strong>2018</strong> Lunar New Year Festival. This year’s Lunar New<br />

Year Festival is from 10 AM-4 PM at the Chinese Community Center,<br />

9800 Town Park Dr., Houston 77036. Free Admission & Parking.<br />

For more information, visit www.ccchouston.org.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 22 nd - 24 th - Houston Livestock Rodeo Cookoff. More than 250<br />

teams, led by barbecue aficionados, compete in the World’s Championship<br />

Bar-B-Que Contest. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can<br />

enjoy several public venues, including The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que<br />

Saloon and the Chuck Wagon. Plus, the carnival is open, for wild rides and<br />

fun games. The Miller Lite Stage at The Garden features some of the best<br />

up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-<br />

B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music and has an outside patio for<br />

visitors to enjoy. Inside the saloon is the Chuck Wagon, where visitors can<br />

pick up their complimentary sliced beef sandwich with chips and beans.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 24 th - Rodeo Run. Run for a cause! Proceeds from the event<br />

benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational<br />

Fund. The 2017 Rodeo Run had more than 9,500 participants in the<br />

wheelchair race, 10K race and 5K fun run/walk. Since 1988, nearly $5<br />

million has been contributed to the Rodeo. For more information,<br />

visit www.rodeohouston.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 24 th - Downtown Rodeo Parade at 10 AM. Every <strong>February</strong><br />

since 1938, the nation’s fourth largest city is transformed from<br />

a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western<br />

heritage. Decorative floats intermingle with thousands of men and<br />

women on horseback to fill the streets with hoof beats and marching<br />

bands. Enthusiastic Houstonians join out-of-town spectators to line<br />

the streets and sidewalks to be involved in one of Houston’s most<br />

popular celebrations! For parade route, street closures and parking<br />

information, visit www.rodeohouston.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 24 th - Love tribute bands? Love food trucks? Join us for<br />

the 2 nd Annual Texas Classic Rockin’ Food Truck Rally presented by<br />

Shiner Beers. Our goal is to not only be the biggest food truck rally but<br />

one of the most amazing rockin’ roll shows the Gulf Coast has ever<br />

experienced! Come out early to get your grub on with ALL YOU CAN EAT<br />

samples from all of your favorite food trucks from Noon to 3 PM, while<br />

supplies last. Vote for your favorite gourmet food truck as they compete<br />

for the Grand Champion of the Texas Classic Rockin Food Truck Rally<br />

title and all the bragging rights that come with it. Come prepared to<br />

rock! There will be an amazing lineup of bands. The event will be at the<br />

Galveston County Fairgrounds. General Admission is $20, kids under<br />

12 are free. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for the show and no coolers<br />

are allowed. For more information, visit www.texasfoodtruckrally.com.<br />

<strong>February</strong> 25 th - It’s official! The Houston Kosher Chili Cook-off is now<br />

the largest kosher food event in Houston. The 8 th Houston Kosher Chili<br />

Cook-off will be held at the ERJCC. There will be MORE cooking teams,<br />

MORE food, MORE money raised for local charities and MORE fun! At<br />

12 PM, the public is invited to sample chili, mingle, enjoy children’s<br />

activities, listen to music and simply have a great time in an outdoor,<br />

festival atmosphere. The event will conclude with the selection of the<br />

winning chili by celebrity judges. So, don’t miss this “hot” event! For<br />

more information, visit www.houstonkosherchilicookoff.com.<br />

30 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | Community Newsletter


Our Realtor team has been the top<br />

team in Cinco Ranch for over 20 years<br />

and the top team in Firethorne and<br />

Cross Creek Ranch since communities’<br />

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When you need a Realtor team, go with<br />

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Closed over 540 transactions 2016 and $190,000,000 in production 2016<br />

#1 Team in Cinco Ranch for over 20 years<br />

#1 Team in Cross Creek Ranch & Firethorne since 2009<br />

Top 25 REALTORS: 1996 - 2016<br />

Ranked #5: Gross Dollar Volume of Closed Sales - 2016<br />

Top 50 our of 2 million active Realtors in the US<br />

Ranked #69: Number of Closed Transaction Sides for 2014<br />

Ranked #85: Closed Volume for 2014<br />

Prism Award Winner 2005<br />

Realtor of the Year<br />

Ranked #4 for RE/MAX Teams in Texas for 2016 (over 5,500 agents)<br />

Ranked #17 for RE/MAX Teams in the US for 2016 (over 51,000 agents)<br />

Ranked #30 for RE/MAX Teams World Wide for 2016 (over 89,000 agents)<br />

Circle of Legends<br />

Inducted into the Exclusive Hall of Fame<br />

Distinguished Luminary Award<br />

RE/MAX Grand<br />

281.347.2200 (office) · 281.347.2272 (fax)<br />

www.TheFranklinTeamInc.com<br />

Jimmy.Franklin@thefranklinteaminc.com<br />

Community Newsletter | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

31


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