Community News
Community News in Katy Texas
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 4, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Harris County ESD 48 is accepting applications for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to serve their community as firefighters until September 31.
Twice a year, Harris County ESD 48 Fire and EMS hosts a Volunteer Firefighter Academy for men and women in the area who want to give back to their community.
The course gives extensive, hands-on training in all aspects of the position, and volunteers from all walks of life are welcome and include executives, teachers, nurses, engineers, and more.
These special, selfless community leaders work alongside career firefighters to protect their neighbors in the event of an emergency.
Here’s a video from a few volunteer firefighters about why they decided to join ESD #48.
WHO THEY’RE LOOKING FOR
Volunteer Firefighters
The Academy for the class of 2018 begins December 4, and applications must be received by September 31, 2018. Print out the application and turn it in at Station 5, at 21201 Morton Rd.
Community Team Volunteers/ Teachers
HCESD #48 Public Information Officer Simon Van Dyk says that volunteer firefighters are always welcome, but there are plenty of volunteer roles in addition to firefighters.
“We are specifically looking for people with teaching backgrounds to help with our fire and life safety programs within local schools,” he says.
For more information about how you can get involved and serve the Katy community with ESD #48, contact them here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 3, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Whether you grew up attending as a child or moved to Katy later in life, most residents have heard of the infamous Katy Rice Harvest Festival. The almost 40-year event and city tradition is set for October 12-14, 2018 and plans are underway to return it to it’s original glory.
Last summer Katy residents breathed a sigh of relief with the announcement that the City of Katy would pick up the much-loved Rice Harvest Festival previously managed by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.
Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner announced that the event would go on with it’s new name, “City of Katy Rice Festival” back in June as reported by Katy Magazine. “Our goal is to bring the festival back to its original form,” says Mayor Chuck Brawner. “It will be a family-oriented event with only quality arts and craft vendors, live music, excellent food, and drinks and fun for the whole family.” The city is also teaming of up the Rotary Club of Katy.
What to expect
The event was initially created to celebrate Katy’s history and rice. Katy was the “Rice Capital of the World” and the remnants of that history can still be seen from I-10 in the form of the rice silos amongst our great commercial growth and development. The City of Katy Rice Festival will bring people together with great company, music, entertainment, food, crafts and more. The event over time has grown from a few booths and a stage and up to 300 booths and crowds up to 45-50,000.
“While we haven’t been involved in the past, we want the event to continue it’s iconic and long-lasting tradition to the city of Katy,” said Kayce Reina, City of Katy’s Director of Tourism and Marketing. “We are revitalizing it and focusing on our heritage and implementing quality standards to make this event one we can all be proud of. It has been a daunting task to put on this event in such a very short notice and having started from nothing.”
In alignment with the city’s goal they are bringing back some events sure to excite residents like the return of the popular rice cooking competition and student arts competition. They will introduce a new VIP area but all proceeds will be given back to the community in student scholarships and local charities through the Rotary Club of Katy.
The 3-day event starts the second weekend of October with the schedule as follows:
Friday October 12
Where: Avenue B and 3rd Street
When: 6pm-11pm
What: Live music, carnival, food trucks, beer garden and more.
Saturday October 13
Where: 10th Street, Drexel, 5th Street & Avenue C
When: Parade starts a 9am. See the parade map here.
What: Don’t miss a family favorite! Enjoy creative rice and Katy-themed entries. See who takes home the trophies!
Sunday October 14
Where: Downtown Historic Katy
When: 12pm-6pm
What: The fun continues with food, entertainments and family activities.
Get involved
This year’s event is possible thanks to the generous help of the Rotary Club of Katy and all the many volunteers that it takes to make this event happen. Now is the time to get involved. The official Katy Rice Festival site is currently accepting applications for venders. “We’re selecting arts and crafts made on a selective basis,” says Reina. You can also sign up to volunteer and get involved in the beloved Katy tradition.
“At the end of it all we hope for a wonderful experience for everyone involved- patrons, volunteers, venders and guests. We want people to leave with a smile on their face and talking about coming back next year,” said Reina. “I’m looking forward to showcasing what makes Katy unique and special, while paying tribute to our heritage.”
Are you looking forward to this year’s festival? Share your favorite Rice Festival memories below in the comments.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 31, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Fort Bend Narcotics Task Force seized $140,000 worth of drugs from a Katy home on the 1600 block of Katy Gap Road on Thursday.
Katy’s Jose Alberto Ochoa was arrested and charged Thursday due to this investigation.
A warrant for the address was obtained after months of undercover work where authorities were looking into a “main source of supply of marijuana ,THC extracts and other illicit controlled substances in the Katy area.”
“I am proud of our Narcotics Task Force,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “Months of undercover work paid off. We got the bad guy and took a big amount of drugs off the street.”
As a result of the investigation Fort Bend County’s Sheriff’s Office arrested Jose Alberto Ochoa, 35, of Katy on Thursday August 30, 2018 on three First Degree Felony counts of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance and a Third Degree Felony Possession of marijuana.
Authorities seized about 17.5 pounds of marijuana, 878 THC vapes, 31.3 grams of THC considerate (WAX), 4.9 pounds of THC edibles, 1 gram of THC crystal, 52 grams MDMA (molly), 25 grams of ecstasy and 45 grams of cocaine totaling a street value of $140,000.
Ochoa is currently in custody with bonds totaling $200,000.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 30, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
As the date of Childproof America’s Parent Empowerment Seminar draws closer, local law enforcement agencies are giving the group their cooperation, expertise, and support.
Tomorrow, August 31, representatives from four local law enforcement agencies will meet local press to answer questions and spread the word about Childproof America’s Back to School Parent Empowerment Seminar on September 8.
Present will be Houston Police Department Captain James Dale, Human Trafficking Unit, Vice Division, Constable Wayne Thompson, Fort Bend Pct. 3, Johna M. Stallings, Harris County D.A., and Tyler Dunman, Assistant D.A. Chief of Special Crimes Bureau, Montgomery County.
The briefing will discuss the dangers of domestic child sex trafficking in our area and give information about the prevention seminar. Police are putting the full weight of their support behind organizations like Childproof America to combat child sex trafficking and inform parents of the danger it poses to our community.
PARENT EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR
Saturday, September 8, 2018
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Wyndham Energy Corridor
14703 Park Row Dr., Houston
Parents and community members are invited a comprehensive overview of an issue recently declared a “public health crisis” by Governor Abbott. Topics include discussions about the definition of sex-trafficking, Six stages of grooming, international vs. domestic trafficking, physiochemical affects of pornography on a developing brain, and more. Guest speakers include representatives from the Homeland Security Advisory Council, Love People Not Pixels, and more. Register here.
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August 28, 2018
Katy Magazine Editors
On August 28, 2018, Katy Magazine received an anonymous letter by U.S. Mail that claims to be from a current Katy ISD teacher. The letter is an open letter to Sean Dolan, the outspoken Katy ISD critic who launched a social media campaign against Superintendent Lance Hindt, and complains vigilantly at Katy ISD board meetings. The author of the letter expresses fears of retribution by Dolan and his anti-Katy ISD supporters for stating their opinion.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
INTRO LETTER TO KATY MAGAZINE
“Hello,
I am sending the enclosed letter on behalf of many Katy ISD teacher, including myself, who are tired of the negativity being spread by Sean Dolan and his group of followers. I know that many people are following that back and forth that has been going on.
Because of the tactics that Sean Dolan and his group use, I do not feel comfortable commenting on any of his posts of posting my opinion online. Other teachers and staff members that I have talked with feel the same way.
I am sending this letter to a few different Katy news outlets. I thought it might provide some insight into the way that Katy ISD teachers are feeling. If you see fit to publish or post it, great. If not, it was therapeutic to write.
Thank you”
OPEN LETTER TO SEAN DOLAN
Dear Mr. Dolan,
First off, I would like to say that I have been an educator in Katy ISD for the past 12 years and my children attend Katy ISD schools. To be clear and upfront, I am a supporter of Dr. Hindt. I realize that for you and most of your followers the fact that I said that makes anything else I have to say irrelevant, and that you probably already marked me as just another sheep who blindly follows the district, supports bullying, supports plagiarism, and/or any of the other labels that you associate with anyone who disagrees with anything you or your followers have to say, but it is simply not true.
The fact that you and your followers do not see the irony between what you accuse others of doing and the things you are doing is completely mind-blowing.
I cannot believe some of the comments that I read from your followers during the live streaming of Katy ISD board meetings. The name calling, innuendos, and blatant disrespect is reprehensible, especially coming from a group who claims to be trying to bring awareness to bullying. I can only imagine that if the comments that are made about our board members were made about your followers’ own children, they would be on the phone with the school in a heartbeat.
Mr. Dolan, I have heard you claim that teachers are afraid to speak up because they are afraid of backlash from the district. As for me, and a steadily growing number of fellow teachers, I will tell you that the number one reason that we DON’T speak up, is you.
I know that if I were to sign my name to this letter, it would only be a matter of time before my name, salary, direct line, and other personal information would be posted on your page, with your safety net “public information” label.
You are always more than willing to meet anyone for coffee, which is all well and good when there is pure intent behind the invitation, but why in the world would I agree to that? So that our conversation can be recorded and spun into something negative? It is not my district that I am afraid of. Sadly, it’s you.
I hate that I sit here and read some of the comments on your page, KNOWING that they are false, and yet I am too afraid to stand up for something that I believe in. I am afraid to speak my mind or offer my opinion, or many times, clarifying FACTS, because I do not want the backlash from you or any of your followers. It is so sad that you have created such an unsettling atmosphere.
Are there flaws within the district? Absolutely. Are there employees who are unhappy? Absolutely. As I have said, I have worked in the district for 12 years and I also have children who attend Katy ISD schools. Have we had issues? Absolutely, but there is far more good in this district than bad. You have chosen to take the bad, publicly exploit it, and spin it so that you get to look like the hero that is going to single-handedly save the district from itself.
You have created an environment so hostile that anytime there is an issue, no matter the size, it is taken straight to social media as another mark against Katy ISD. It’s apparent, at this point, that you prefer things go wrong. It’s another feather in your election cap. I hesitate to call you an ‘ambulance chaser’ but…
The most recent issue involving transportation was, and still is, a major work in progress. My children were late to and from school every day the first week. I agree that the staggered bell times and shortage of drivers, etc. seems like it was not planned out the best way. While I was irritated and concerned that my children were home late, as a parent, I made sure not to project my agitation onto my children, because I was not going to take away from the excitement of their first day of school.
I never considered my children “missing” (they were either at school or on a bus) and would have never thought to call the police. I was actually shocked that you would suggest this. I think, in spite of planning issues, a majority of the schools, as well as the transportation offices have done a very good job keeping parents in the loop and I trust that it will get better. As of the second week of school, my children have been picked up and dropped off within 5 minutes of their scheduled times. I saw a post of yours where a mom commented about her children having to walk across a busy intersection and that there were some people that wouldn’t stop so that the children could get safely across. You made a comment about wanting to be “deputized” so that you could write those careless drivers tickets… Why didn’t you offer, with your flexible schedule and big military vehicle, to serve as a volunteer crossing guard so that those kids would be able to cross the street safely?
I’ve heard you question the district’s spending and I saw your “protest” at our teacher convocation. I’m sure that your posters were only meant to stir up emotions, because I would hope that you understand that when it comes to school budgets, money that is designated for salaries cannot be spent on school supplies, just like bond money for a stadium can’t be used to hire teachers or buy more buses.
You question the fact that teachers and staff members have the option to allot a portion of their paychecks to the Katy ISD Education Foundation, and I question why where any part of my paycheck goes is any of your business? I think it’s amazing that teachers believe so much in what their peers and co-workers are doing that they want to give back to their community. We are, in no way, shape or form, forced to or pressured to give anything. It is a choice that we make because we are proud of the work being done in our district and want to continue to enhance student learning. The Katy ISD Education Foundation is not solely backed by teacher and staff donations, but the fact that teachers and staff members CHOOSE to put a portion of their money into worthwhile projects of their fellow teachers is a GOOD thing.
Whether you want to believe it or not, in the short amount of time he has been here, Dr. Hindt has been an amazing superintendent. I only had the privilege to meet him one time, but I will tell you that many, many teachers were excited about the direction in which our district was going. It was refreshing to have a Superintendent who made himself so available and visited campuses because he wanted to be out and involved, not because it was a photo opportunity. It is truly a shame that he was not given an opportunity to accomplish the things he set out to do for our district.
I write this letter with the support of many teachers and staff members. I do not think anything I have said will change anything that you or your followers are doing. I tell my students and my children that they do need to speak up if something is wrong and I am an avid supporter of the belief that people should try to be a part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem. As teachers, and most importantly, parents, if we teach our kids to constantly look for the bad and focus on the negative, we are doing them a tremendous disservice, because that is all they will ever find. I don’t think that you are interested in seeing the good, and truthfully, changing board members and Superintendents is not the issue or the solution.
I think you and your followers will find fault with anyone that sits in those seats. the word “legacy” has been thrown around a lot lately, and looking at the list of your followers, there are some recognizable names that have a long legacy of disagreeing with most of what Katy ISD does. Our district, our school board, and our current Superintendent are actually very widely supported.
The sad part is that many of us have allowed ourselves to be bullied into silence because of you. Your initial intent may have been one thing, but the way you have gone about things is just wrong. I don’t know what you expect to accomplish by tearing down so many different parts of the district. I know that many of your requests and questions could have probably been simply handled without all the publicity but it’s evident that you thoroughly enjoy that part. Our district has so many wonderful qualities. We have devoted teachers. We have amazing students. We have outstanding programs and activities. It’s a shame that none of that seems to matter to you.
A large majority of teachers, staff, parents, community members and students support our district and those leading us, even though their jobs have been made unnecessarily difficult in the last year.
While I am very disappointed in myself for not having the courage to post or comment publicly, I will continue to support the district the best way I can. I will welcome my students eagerly, teach them, support and encourage them, love them and remind them that the most important thing they can be is kind.
It’s important to remember that if you can’t think of something kind to say, you probably aren’t thinking hard enough. “
Mailed to Katy Magazine by a reader claiming to be a Katy ISD teacher and parent who wishes to remain anonymous.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 28, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
An ongoing dispute between an iconic Katy grocery store and parents of Katy Junior High students has frustrations running high. Katy Magazine reached out to both sides in hopes of finding a positive resolution.
Katy Parents Frustrated
Last week, a Katy Junior High parent Ralph Morales expressed disappointment with Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store after the store manager contacted Katy ISD and asked them to notify KJH parents to stop using their parking lot as an alternate student pick-up area, and invited Katy parents to share their frustration. The notice also stated the police might be involved to rectify the situation which left many parents upset.
The following email was issued to Katy Junior High parents on August 23, 2018.
“Dear Parents/Guardians of Car-Riders,
The district has received a phone call from our neighbor, Brookshire Brothers, and has forwarded it to me. Ms. Fry, the store manager, expressed concern not only for the safety of the students, but the impact her parking lot being used as a pick-up area has had on her business. It has had a negative impact.
I spoke with her this morning, and she has asked that I appeal to you prior to her involving her corporate office and or the Katy Police Department to rectify this challenge. Please refrain from using that area as an off-site parent pick-up area. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.”
Dr. LeBlanc”
According to Tim Tyler with the Katy Police Department, Brookshire Brothers is well within their rights to enforce parking restrictions, and reminds citizens that if they have requested that people do not park there, it could result in a criminal trespass violation. “The parking lot is legally owned by Brookshire Brothers. If they wanted a vehicle to move and called us, than we would ask them to move,” he says.
A Harsh Decision
To Morales and other Katy junior high parents, being banned by Brookshire Brothers feels extreme considering the store that has been heavily supported by the Katy Tiger community for decades. “The lot helped alleviate additional traffic on the road and allowed for a second secure pickup for the families,” says Morales Ralph Morales who has been a customer of Brookshire Brothers his entire life. “Brookshire Brothers is well within their rights. I just wish they had asked for adjustments before banning car-rider parents from their lot. It was a harsh decision that will affect many families by increasing traffic and wait times,” Morales explains. Other parents concur and feel that there is no harm in parking in an open lot so close to their child’s school, especially since they regularly purchase groceries there.
Student Safety
Several customers posted that they have seen teens pushing each other in carts through the parking lot, running in front of cars, climbing into ice machines, and openly disrespecting patrons and store management. A store employee who wishes to remain anonymous confirmed the students that hang out in the lot and inside the store after school are causing more of a problem than the parents parked and waiting, and the decision was likely more of a safety and liability concern.
“I have been in [Brookshire Brothers] several times when the kids would get out, and one time a kid knocked me down 24 weeks pregnant, and I stood up and he ran off before I could say anything,” says Kylee M., a 2009 graduate of Katy High School and Katy mom.
Another mom, Diane W., feels that both sides have valid points, but that student safety should come first. “As a parent, I believe that it is risky to pick up a kid in a parking lot. I have seen several people pull into Brookshire Brothers at a high rate of speed,” she says.
Statement from Brookshire Brothers Corporate Office
“Thank you for reaching out to Brookshire Brothers for a statement regarding the use of the store’s parking lot in Katy.
The safety of the students, the adults who pick them up, and all of our customers is paramount to us at Brookshire Brothers.
We realize the after-school pick-up practice has been in place for a number of years. The reason we reached out to the Junior High School principal recently was due to multiple incidents since the start of the school year.
The concerns are three fold:
Motorists using the parking lot as a short cut
Unaccompanied minors without supervision in the parking lot and inside the store
Customer and vendor comments regarding safety for all
When the store leadership reached out to the principal at Katy Junior High, the intent was to come up with a reasonable solution that would safeguard everyone.
It seems that we need to revisit with the Junior High leadership team on this matter and work toward a resolution. “
Trying to Reach a Compromise
Katy Magazine has offered to arrange a meeting between Brookshire Brothers and parents from both sides to find a mutually beneficial solution for everyone. Brookshire Brothers PR representative says they will be reaching out to the school to discuss options and alternatives.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 27, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark and Katrina Katsarelis
According to chimney expert, Todd Harkrider, fireplaces that suffered water damage during Harvey or any other flood event, could be at risk for fire or carbon monoxide release.
Harkrider wants to warn Katy Area residents that at least two of the larger fireplace manufacturers – Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT) and Innovative Hearth Products (IHP), are recommending homeowners replace their fireplaces if they have been partially or fully exposed to water. The companies have also deemed fireplace warranties invalid if exposed to water.
System Malfunctions and Carbon Monoxide Risks
The fireplace manufacturers have issued statements of concerns related to fire/carbon monoxide risks associated with rusted holes and potential control system malfunctions due to water damage. One of the statements is below:
“From a safety standpoint, it is our opinion that the fireplace be replaced if any of the fireplace has been exposed to or under water. Further, we recommend that the replacement be done by a qualified service person or agency. If you have any questions concerning this matter, feel free to contact our technical department at 800-655-2008.” – Technical Support, Innovative Hearth Products
According to fireplace experts, gas log burners/controls present the same issue with the control system being submerged and warn that attempted operation may result in fire or explosion, property damage, personal injury or even loss of life. “If fireplace damage was the result of flooding during Hurricane Harvey, we recommend checking the homeowners insurance policy for any benefits related to flooding,” states Heart & Home Technologies.
Harris County Emergency Services District 48 Response
“We haven’t seen anything (chimney related fires) yet but it would make sense,” explains Simon VanDyk, Lt. Public Information Officer Harris County Emergency Services. “One thing that most people don’t know is that in the unincorporated Katy there are no residential fire codes. Home inspectors focus on building codes.” This can create a problem when people think that their home is inspected and approved but then it wasn’t inspected for fire threats.
Some inspectors agree. “The houses flooded from Harvey are now coming back online and I’m seeing, for the most part, that they’ve been rebuilt poorly,” says Jim Davis of About the House Inspection Services. “People need to focus on the overall safety of the home and not the look of the granite counter tops.”
Willowfork Fire Department started offering free fire inspections this year. Harris County Emergency Services District 48 was the first organization in Katy to offer home safety surveys in 2016 . Also residents need to take the time to self inspect their smoke alarms and keep in mind that these do expire. This year would also be the best year to install carbon monoxide detectors as an added precaution.
“Not too many people in the south use their chimney’s too much so with the unprecedented flooding we can expect to see issues that have never come up here before and it is a concern,” stressed Harkrider. This will be the first winter that we’ve experienced this potential threat. Most houses that had chimney water damage would not have been lived in and experiencing chimney use last winter. As the cold weather nears and users start up their fireplaces for the first time since the flood, potential damage and safety hazards could occur.
“I do believe that homeowners did and are missing some good info when they started the rebuild process. I think there were a lot of people that did DIY rebuild/renovations and did not document as well as they should have and are now having trouble selling their once flooded homes,” says George Huntoon, a local Katy realtor.
Bottom line people need to listen to common sense. Make sure that your house is properly inspected.
Here are some tips from the experts:
CHECK YOUR GAS STARTER
REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING FIREPLACES
INSTALL/CHECK SMOKE ALARMS TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE WORKING
INSTALL/CHECK CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
GET A FIRE INSPECTION FROM YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT
GET YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED
Special thanks to Todd Harkrider of Harky’s Chimney & Home Services for bringing this story to our attention.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 26, 2018
By Jennifer Lynn Skelton
Saturday, one year to the day that Hurricane Harvey began it’s destruction in Katy, voters said yes to a $2.5 billion bond that will fund more than 200 projects in hopes to curtail future flooding in Harris county.
Roughly 85% of voters said yes to the Harris County flood bond with 6.5% of the registered voters participating. This was the same percentage of support that was seen in early voting. Votes rarely, if ever, pass at a percentage that high. Although the improvements are for Harris county, many other communities outside will reap the benefits.
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS
Potential projects supported by bond funding include:
Channel modifications to improve stormwater conveyance
Regional stormwater detention basins
Major repairs to flood-damaged drainage infrastructure
Removing large amounts of sediment and silt from drainage channels
Voluntary buyouts of flood-prone properties
Wetland mitigation banks
Property acquisition for preserving the natural floodplains
Drainage improvements made in partnership with other cities, utility districts, or other local government agencies
Upgrading the Harris County Flood Warning System
Click here for more information and a map of improvements covered by the bond.
STATEMENT
The Harris County Flood Control District Executive Director Russ Poppe released the following statement about the election results:
“We are very excited that the voters have significantly enhanced the Flood Control District’s ability to address the flooding issues that impact Harris County by approving the issuance of up to $2.5 billion in bonds to help us implement more flood risk reduction projects in a shorter timeframe.
“We intend to make immediate use of this opportunity: Next Tuesday’s Harris County Commissioners Court agenda will include items to advance 14 flood risk reduction projects that are made possible by this new bond funding. There will be more projects in the coming months.
“Harris County residents have put their trust in the Flood Control District and we plan to work extremely hard and efficiently to turn the financial resources made available as a result of this election into the reality of reduced flooding risks across Harris County.”
HCFCD will continue to hold community meetings, such as those held to educate the public ahead of the bond, as projects begin.
TIME FRAME
The bonds will be sold in increments over at least 10-15 years, as needed for the multiple phases of each project. The actual timing of individual projects will depend on a variety of factors including environmental permitting and right-of-way acquisition.
Projects will be authorized individually for funding by Commissioners Court, based on recommendations by the Flood Control District.
TAX INCREASE
The Harris County Flood Control District anticipates that bonds will begin to be sold in 2020. Taxpayers will not see an increase until then with property taxes that are due January 31, 2021.
Frank Bruce, Harris County senior director of finance and budget stated that the increase is estimated at 1/3 of a cent per $100 valuation. This number is fluid as market conditions and circumstances change. By 2035, the anticipated tax rate is expected to double the 2.83 cents per $100 valuation.
Homeowners over 65 or that have a disabled exemption with a home valued $200,000 or less will not pay any additional taxes.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 24, 2018
By Jennifer Lynn Skelton
Nicholas Dagostino, 29, the suspect arrested for a road rage shooting on Mason Rd. that injured a Katy mom in July, was arrested two days after being released on bond, for a second road rage shooting that took place in March.
The Katy community was on edge and rightly worried as Dagostino admitted to at least five previous shootings that had not been reported after being released on bond Tuesday, August 21. The police have been actively investigating the five previous road rage incidents and asked the public for help. The SUV shown below was used in the two incidents that he has been arrested for and possibly other shootings.
On Thursday, August 23, Dagostino was arrested for a second road rage shooting that took place on March 7, 2018. He is accused of shooting a woman in the arm at a gas station on the Katy Freeway from his SUV.
All of Dagostino’s social media pages were taken down on Thursday. He had a Facebook account, Instagram and Twitter pages. Posts on Facebook were filled with hatred towards many groups including women. Prosecutors believe that this hatred of women fueled the shootings.
Dagostino’s next court date is September 6, 2018. He is currently in jail on the new charge with a bail of $250,000.
He is represented by Ken Mingledorff (although court records currently show Judy Mingledorff as the defense attorney). Katy Magazine reached out to Dagostino’s attorney for a comment. Mingledorff stated,
‘Nicholas is very very sorry for mistakingly overreacting to perceived danger.’
Dagostino has updated his address since his first arrest, stating that he now resides in the Nottingham Country neighborhood off Westgreen between Kingsland and Highland Knolls. The Nottingham address is owned by a man and woman with the same last name of Dagostino. His previous address in July was listed in the Cimarron neighborhood off Cimarron and Mason just 1/2 mile from where the shooting took place.
PREVIOUS REPORT OF ARSON ARREST
Earlier in the day on Thursday, August 23, the Harris County court clerk was reporting that Dagostino had been arrested for Arson on Wednesday, August 22. Katy Magazine reported this information as seen in the screenshot below.
After working to investigate the circumstances regarding this arrest and reaching out to Dagostino’s attorney once again, this was proven to be a mistake. Another suspect is in custody charged with this crime…not Dagostino.
Mingledorff stated,
“That was a mistaken filing according to the clerk’s Office when the bondsman checked.”
Katy Magazine will post updates as they become available in this case.
Click here for the original story and here for the follow-up story after his arrest in July.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 24, 2018
Posted by Ashley Lancaster
According to Fort Bend Country Commissioner Andy Meyers, TxDOT has given a completion date for the section of Cane Island Parkway that will open between IH-10 and FM 1463.
The road will open to traffic on Friday, August 31st and this new, direct route between FM 1463 and IH-10 will bring much needed relief to the traffic congestion through the Firethorne and Woodcreek Reserve communities.
The contractor was on schedule to have this road open well before school started, but FM 1463 is a state-owned road and the intersection tie-in has been controlled by TxDOT’s scheduling decisions.
On a related note, Phase 2 of Cane Island Parkway is already well underway, as they design the next expansion of roadway to a total of 4 lanes between FM 1463 and I-10. They are working aggressively to start the bid phase of the project in Spring 2019, and are already going through design comments with TxDOT. More progress on this road will begin in the coming months.
The new thoroughfare will make a dramatic improvement for Katy families.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 21, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
One week into school and everyone is trying to adjust to new routines. With a new school year comes the need to stay informed, communicate and organize. Katy ISD gives us easy access to all of those things and sometimes it’s just at our fingertips.
While it’s all designed to make your life easier it’s important to know your app and tech options. Technology is engrained in our lives. Smart boards assist teachers of our youngest students. While parents recall their school days of heavy, book-filled backpacks, their children access textbooks through websites or Ipads. It’s part of their school experience. Now parents and students can use district run apps and technology programs to stay informed, communicate and organize their educational experience.
HAC- Home Access Center
Who: Every parent with a child in Katy ISD is given an access code and password to their Home Access Center at enrollment.
Here you can view everything about your students KISD experience from teachers, schedules, grades, attendance, and more.
“It’s a system of record and is designed to be a parent’s one stop shop for all their information needs,” explains Kerry Rampelli, Director of Enterprise Systems. This page follows you throughout your KISD journey.
HAC is also updated in real time where the app is updated nightly. This is important to know as older students (or parents) may be anxious to get test scores.
Katy OnTheGo App
Who: Everyone with access to HAC.
This application is everything from the Home Access Center (and more) at your fingertips. From news, calendars, menus, bus routes, the new Bullying Tip Line and everything you had at HAC this app is a must for your smart phone.
“The app has many pieces and can easily be added to based on our needs such as the addition of the Bullying Tip Line this year,” says Maria DiPetta, Manager, Media Relations and Multimedia.
Learn more about how KISD is using technology to report bullying in their new campaign.
Canvas
Who: Differs based on grade level and campus. All junior high and high schools are using it to some degree. Elementary schools have access to it but only 3rd-5th use it and at some campuses.
Canvas is a learning management system that is accessed through a website and the canvas app. The link is accessed through your HAC page or your instructure, the Canvas software login.
This a great tool where teachers can post assignments, set to do lists and so much more.
When grading assignments, teachers can grade and post work but with this they can also record comments in audio and video. Teachers can also share a video of them doing a math problem so that students can easily refer to it at home and so parents can better understand the work too.
“Students like it because it gives them a to-do list,” says Darlene Rankin, Instructional Technology Director. “Students (and parents) can set push notifications for reminders based on when and how (email, text) they want to be reminded about assignments.”
This makes remembering assignments easy after long rehearsals, practice, etc. It’s never been so easy to not forget your homework!
Naviance: Career and College Planning Tools
Who: 6th grade-12th grade
Naviance is an application that evolves with it’s service based on your grade. It inventories your interests and skills and identifies where those area overlap. With this and more information, it helps students with college prep by finding a school and scholarships.
“This really helps our counselors to comb through a bunch of things and help students find what they are looking for,” said Christy Maeker, Director of Counseling Services. The program is tailored and controled by the student. Parents have access but it’s read-only.
“It really helps us to empower students to see what their future look like,” says Stacie Zimmerman, Counseling Specialist. Each campus varies in how this is introduced but junior highs cover it in social studies and in high school it is discussed in english.
Another great feature to Naviance is that graduated seniors can still have access to it and refer back to lists and interests to help them continue towards a successful future.
What about…
Now these are all the district run applications and resources. There are a lot or resources out there designed to help education communication. Some teachers or programs may use resources such as SeeSaw. Most of the fine arts programs use an application called Charms that helps students and parents stay informed on the many parts of those programs. We are now at the time of year where parents are having their curriculum nights are schools so when applications or sites are introduced, ask your questions and get ready for this academic year.
My Katy: Single Sign-on Environment
To make our lives even easier, Katy ISD gives us one place to sign on and access all of our district applications and educational resources with My Katy. So this isn’t like our social media headache where we have so many passwords to keep up with. In one login we can access all the tools we need to stay informed, communicate and organize…and with a few clicks we’re on our way to a successful academic year.
Which is your favorite application or site? Let us know in the comments.
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KATY MAGAZINE
August 22, 2018
Compiled by Jennifer Lynn Skelton
As more people continue to move to Katy, the need exists for more businesses to support the diverse community. Additionally, residents from smaller cities such as Brookshire, Sealy and Fulshear flock to Katy for their needs.
(Urban Air Adventure Park – America Ninja Course)
ENTERTAINMENT
24984 Katy Ranch Rd.
Now Open
District West at Parkway Lakes, Richmond
No Open Date Announced
25307 Kingsland Blvd.
Opening Late Summer 2018
Vortex Sports Grill and Entertainment
24757 I-10
Opening End of Year 2018
26616 FM 1093 Rd., Richmond
Opening September 2018
MEDICAL
23960 Katy Frwy., Suite 325
Now Open
Nighlight Pediatric Urgent Care
22720 Morton Ranch Rd.
Now Open
1222 Park West Green Dr.
Now Open
23230 Red River Dr.
Now Open
RESTAURANT
Katy Grand Shopping Center (99 & Grand Pkwy.)
Opening Early 2019
23119 Colonial Pkwy.
Now Open
Stableside at Falcon Landing
No Opening Date Announced
Hacienda Real Mexican Restaurant
11605 S. Fry Rd., Fulshear
Now Open
Falcon Landing
Opening early 2019
1715 S. Mason Rd.
Opening Fall 2018
23119 Colonial Parkway
Opening Summer to Fall 2018
(Mala Sichuan Bistro)
1818 Fry Rd.
Now Open
9333 Spring Green Blvd.
Now Open
Stableside at Falcon Landing
No Opening Date Announced
Stableside at Falcon Landing
Opening Early 2019
Zoner’s Pizza Wings and Waffles
25810 Westheimer Pkwy.
Opening August 2018
RETAIL/GROCERY
FM 1463 & FM 1093, Fulshear
Opening August 29
OTHER RETAIL
Grand Morton Town Center (Morton Ranch Rd. @ 99)
Opening Early Summer 2019
Stableside at Falcon Landing
No Opening Date Announced
Grand Morton Town Center (Morton Ranch Rd. @ 99)
Opening Early Summer 2019
Grand Morton Town Center (Morton Ranch Rd. @ 99)
Opening Early Summer 2019
Grand Morton Town Center (Morton Ranch Rd. @ 99)
Opening Early Summer 2019
OTHER
FM 1463 & Spring Green Blvd.
No Opening Date Announced
Stableside at Falcon Landing
Now Open
VillaSport Athletic Club & Spa
Stableside at Falcon Landing
Opening Late Summer 2019
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 20, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Beckendorff Junior High eighth grader Jasial Kalapatu got the chance to interview Houston Astros’ third baseman/short stop and 2018 All-Star Game MVP, Alex Bregman.
In the Spring, Jaisal’s mother saw a post on Twitter from SI Kids inviting students to apply to be “Kid Reporters,” and he decided to go for it. “[To apply], I needed to write a 400-word essay about an athlete or sports team in the community making a difference, and then a 200-word essay about why I wanted to be an SI Kid Reporter, and then pitch two story ideas,” Jaisal says.
GETTING ACCEPTED
Kalapatu’s main essay was about the significant impact that the Houston Astros had on the community following Hurricane Harvey. About a month later, he got the news that he made it.
After being accepted, Kalapatu, a baseball and basketball player himself, specifically requested Alex Bregman as his interviewee. “I generally pitch all the stories that I want to do, and my editor (who works for SI Kids) considers them and if she agrees with the approach, she approves them and connects with the right people at the team for scheduling,” he says. To make sure nerves didn’t get the best of him, Kalapatu says he practiced giving the interview on family members so that he would be prepared.
ALEX BREGMAN, THOUGHTFUL AND THOROUGH
When Jaisal got to Minute Maid and met Alex Bregman, he was prepared with his questions for Bregman, who he says was very agreeable to talk with. “He was nice and gave thorough and thoughtful answers. He seemed to have a lot of self-confidence, but he didn’t come across as arrogant. He was a really good person to interview. I appreciated him spending time with me despite his busy schedule,” he says. Here’s a snippet of the interview with Bregman:
How has being the All-Star Game MVP changed your life? Are you recognized more out in public?
I don’t know if I’m recognized more than before in Houston, but definitely more on a national scale. When we’re out on the road, out in the community, more people know who I am.
Where on the road has it happened?
L.A., Seattle—it’s happened in most of the cities that we’ve been to since the All-Star Game.
You grew up in a baseball family. Your grandfather was the general counsel for the Washington Senators, and your father played at the University of New Mexico. Were you always drawn to the game, or did you play other sports as well?
I’ve always been drawn to baseball. Ever since I was five years old, [when] my dad would bring a baseball card home from work, I just fell in love with the game. I’d play in the cul de sac with my mom and him, and it’s been fun.
For Jaisal’s Full Interview with Alex Bregman, CLICK HERE.
At Beckendorff, Kalapatu is involved in theatre and choir, plays basketball, baseball, and piano, and represents BDJH on the Destination Imagination team. He says if he could interview any one in history, it would be the MLB legend Jackie Robinson, the first African American to ever play professional baseball.
“I’ve always been fascinated by not only his overall game, but his humble personality and the way he never lost his cool, even when people taunted and harassed him. I think that that would be a perfect interview,” he says.
Jaisal doesn’t know what his next interview will be yet, but he’s full of ideas. Follow him on Twitter @SIKids_Jaisal to stay updated.
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KATY MAGAZINE
August 16, 2018
By Jennifer Lynn Skelton
A man was stabbed to death early Thursday morning after a fight at a home in the Tamarron neighborhood.
The woman called 911 around 4:45 am stating that her ex-boyfriend had knocked on the door of her home on Daintree Park Drive and argued with her. Before police could arrive, the ex-boyfriend came back and proceeded to argue with the new boyfriend.
The ex-boyfriend stabbed the new boyfriend to death inside the home where the three children witnessed the violence. The suspect is the father of the two youngest, a 2 and 4-year old.
Maj. Chad Norvell with the Fort Bend Sheriff’s said the ex-boyfriend was arrested after a traffic stop on nearby FM Road 1463.
No identities have been released. This is still a very active crime scene in Tamarron and on FM 1463. This part of Tamarron is in Lamar ISD, whom have not begun school, therefore the police presence won’t affect school this morning.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 14, 2018
Last week, Katy ISD sent out an email about the additional safety and security measures that will be implemented across the district. Below is a breakdown of the updated safety measures at your child’s school.
When students return to school in Katy ISD on August 15, 2018, they will be met with reinforced and updated safety and security procedures that include software for reporting bullying, more strict identification requirements for parents and visitors, mandatory student ID’s and more.
PARENTS & VISITORS
Required for entrance to any Katy ISD campus:
– Valid, current, government-issued picture ID outside of the main entrance at all campuses.
– Utilize the new controlled access camera and intercom system to present their ID.
– Present valid ID to the front desk receptionist and be logged into the tracking system.
STUDENT ID BADGES
Secondary students must now wear their ID badges at all times during school hours, while on District property. Students in grades PK-5 will continue utilizing their badges during lunch and library times. Fourth and fifth-grade students are requested to wear their badges throughout the school day, when practical. At the secondary level, failure to follow the ID badge requirement may be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.?
STANDARD UNLOCK TIMES
Controlled access systems will unlock main entrance doors at a set time each morning.
– Elementary Group 1: 7:35 a.m.
– Elementary Group 2: 7:55 a.m.
– Junior High: 8:10 a.m.
– High School: 6: 45 a.m.
CLEAR BAG REGULATION
To ensure visitor safety, along with quick and efficient entry into our event venues, Katy ISD has instituted a Clear Bag Regulation. This will limit the size and type of bag allowed at sporting events, performances and graduations held at Rhodes and Legacy stadiums, as well as the Leonard Merrell Center (LMC), and the Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Agricultural Sciences Center.
While Katy ISD encourages visitors not to bring bags if possible, the following types of bags are permissible:
Clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC bags
Clear, plastic, one-gallon, re-sealable, Ziploc-style bags
Clutch bags approximately the size of a hand (4 ½” X 6 ½”)
Medically necessary items
Visitors who bring bags that do not meet the criteria outlined, will not be permitted entrance into the venue.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ACCEPTABLE BAGS
BULLYING
– Procedures for Reporting Allegations of Bullying
– Bullying and Intervention Programs by Campus
For a full report of Katy ISD’s increased safety and security measures, visit KatyISD.org.
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KATY MAGAZINE
August 10, 2018
By Jennifer Lynn Skelton
The weekend that every parent and student looks forward to is upon us…Back-to-School Tax Free Weekend. August 10 – 12 is the time for parents to save on items such as school supplies and clothing.
The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
Many retail outlets have adjusted their weekend hours to accommodate the increased traffic including the Katy Mills Mall (see below).
Friday, 8/10 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, 8/11 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, 8/12 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Qualifying Items
Click the links before to scroll the complete lists.
Clothing and Footwear
Backpacks
School Supplies
Special Purchases
School Supplies Purchased Using a Business Account – Exemption Certificate Required
If you buy qualifying school supplies under a business account, you must give a properly completed Form 01-339, Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate, to the seller.
“Under a business account” means you are:
using a business credit card or business check and not a personal credit card or personal check;
being billed under a business account maintained by the seller; or
using a business membership at a membership-based retailer.
Items that Do Not Qualify
The following items do not qualify for exemption during the sales tax holiday:
items sold for $100 or more
clothing subscription boxes
specially-designed athletic activity or protective-use clothing or footwear
For example, golf cleats and football pads are usually worn only when people play golf or football, so they do not qualify for the exemption.
Tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits, however, can be worn for other than athletic activity and qualify for the exemption.
clothing or footwear rentals, alterations (including embroidery) and cleaning services
items used to make or repair clothing, such as fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, snaps, hooks and zippers
jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, umbrellas, wallets, watches and other accessories
computers
software
textbooks
luggage, framed backpacks, computer bags, athletic bags
Visit the Texas Comptroller’s website for complete details of the Texas tax free weekend.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 13, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
With Katy ISD schools starting this week a lot of parents are looking into before and after school care options, especially with the time changes to some of our schools.
The good news is that Katy offers a lot of options and most of these are not just a childcare program but offer curriculum enriched programs with various topics and homework assistance by certified teachers.
How to find the best program for your child?
All of these programs have their own unique curriculum and play structure. It’s always best to research to see to find the best fit for your child.
Safety- What is their pick-up procedures? What kind of CPR and training is required of the staff?
Ask about transportation- Most of these program provide transportation to local school. Be sure and see if your child’s school is one that they service. Do they use carseats?
Curriculum- Different programs focus on different curriculum. Do you want something STEM based? Language immersion? Play based? Homework assistance?
Take a tour- All of these programs listed below offer tours. This is the best way to get a feel for the program and ask your questions.
“I chose Tigerland because it’s great reputation, the majority of the staff have been there for years and the pricing is reasonable,” says Vicky Hegemeyer.
With so many choices in Katy, with a little research it should be easy to find the best fit for your child.
Local Katy Before/After School Programs:
28031 S. Firethorne Road, 281-394-5889
25935 Cinco Terrace Drive, 281-394-7737
4025 S. Mason Road, 281-828-2000
170 N Fry Rd, Katy 77449, 281-646-8330
22022 Highland Knolls Dr, Katy 77450, 281-392-2400
23060 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy 77494, 281-395-4466
26051 Kingsland Blvd, Katy 77494, 281-392-2211
19607 Clay Rd, Katy 77449, 281-492-2688
5740 FM 1463, Katy 77494, 281-394-9696
24224 Cinco Terrace Dr, Katy 77494, 281-612-7648
20817 Westheimer Parkway, Katy 77450, 281-599-1200
Ivy Kids Early Learning Center
27270 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy 77494, 281-574-0395
2707 Spring Green Blvd, Katy 77494, 346-307-6922
19919 Lakemont Bend Ln, Richmond, TX 77407, 832-595-1900
6130 S Fry Rd, Katy 77494, 281-693-77494
Katy’s Early childhood Enrichment Center
1407 W. Grand Pkwy, 281-693-1999
19814 Keith Harrow Boulevard 281-859-7300
21955 Westheimer Pkwy 281-828-2273
24007 Franz Road 281-347-5444
25950 Cinco Ranch Blvd. 281–392-1370
10602 S. Fry Road 281-392-1414
4515 FM 1463 281-347-5437
2650 S. Peek Rd, Katy 77450, 281-392-2650
22129 Kingsland Blvd, Katy 77450, 281-392-6770
2202 Fry Rd, Houston 77084, 281-578-1415
19510 Clay Rd, Katy 77449, 281-550-1610
19600 Clay Rd, Katy 77449, 832-464-7787
20144 Morton Rd, Katy 77449, 832-848-0369
My Place Early Learning Center
24034 Cinco Village Center Blvd, Katy 77494, 281-392-5900
2212 Katy Flewellen Rd, Katy 77494, 281-396-4734
1249 FM 1463, Katy 77494, 281-371-0099 (West Cinco Ranch)
1540 Peek Rd, Katy 77450, 281-693-7711 (Cinco Ranch)
21480 Park Row Blvd, Katy 77449, 281-492-7400 (North Mason Creek)
2402 Westgreen Blvd, Katy TX 77450 281-828-1600 (Kelliwood)
24936 Katy Ranch Rd, Katy 77494, 832-583-9700
940 S. Fry Rd, Katy 77450, 281-578-1505
2944 S Mason Rd, Katy 77450, 832-437-0570
5315 E 5th St, Katy 77493, 281-391-8750
Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch 22807 Westheimer Pkwy, 281-392-5055
Mark Chapman YMCA at Katy Main Street 1350 Main Street, 281-665-1213
Do you have a Katy before/after school program that you love? Tell us about it in the comments.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 9, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Short on cash? Not to worry, here’s our top 5 places in Katy to grab a cheap, delicious, quick lunch.
1. Taqueria Tex-Taco
2864 Katy Hockley Cut-Off Rd.
This well-hidden taco stand doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s a Katy favorite. You can get a gigantic beef fajita torta for $5, or try one of their yummy breakfast tacos for just $1 each.
2. Crown Pizza
6191 Hwy. Blvd.
Historic Katy’s newest pizza spot has happy hour specials every day from 2:30 to 5 p.m. with a cheese or pepperoni pizza for just $5.
3. Uberrito
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
On Mondays, a chicken burrito is just $5.
4. El Pollo Loco
390 S. Mason Rd.
A great drive through option! Get a pressed avocado chicken wrap, side salad, and a drink for $5.
5. Old Chicago Pizza
24515 Katy Fwy.
Readers tell us that their mini pizza is delicious, and only $5. They also have a wide variety of “bar bites” that are under $10.
Do you know of a great lunch under $5? Leave it in the comments!
KATY TEXAS NEWS
August 9, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
College Nannies & Tutors of Katy, a locally owned agency that provides customized childcare and tutoring, was happy to award Katy High School senior Siarah Mazariegos with their first-ever College Test Prep Scholarship.
Siarah is the oldest of four siblings and plays flute for the Katy High School Band as a section leader, serves as student council president and vice president for the National Honor Society. She hopes to attend UT Austin and major in Business, and College Nannies & Tutors of Katy has brought that dream a little closer with a scholarship that will allow Siarah to achieve the highest possible ACT/SAT scores.
The scholarship was created by Franchise owner Doina Berea and Learning Center Manager Rebecca Baker in order to give back to our local community and help a local high school student to improve on their SAT/ACT score.
College Nannies & Tutors of Katy will provide this scholarship to one outstanding high school senior in Katy ISD every year. To learn more about College Nannies & Tutors of Katy, visit www.collegetutorskatytx.com
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 7, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Photography by Hello Darlin Photography
A young Katy couple had no idea just how much people would love their photos at Texas’s most popular gas station. Once the album hit social media, true-blue Texans everywhere absolutely flipped!
Local photographer Kristina Ohl-Boyd, owner of Hello Darlin Photography, has worked with Katy couple Brooks Taylor and Trevor Waters before. “They are a really fun, flirty couple to shoot, so I knew that they would be willing to try and out-of-the-box idea like this,” says Ohl-Boyd.
Saturday began with a planned shoot in Galveston when Boyd mentioned the idea of taking some original photos in a gas station. They went to several convenience stores in the area, but were not granted permission to take pictures. “Every gas station we went to turned us down, saying that the shoot would be an insurance liability,” she says. Frustrated but determined to make her idea come to life, Kristina asked the couple if they would be willing to try again on Sunday, this time at the Buc-ee’s station in Katy. Brooks and Trevor both graduated from Katy Taylor High School, Brooks in 2017 and Trevor in 2018, and live in the area, so it was easy to plan.
A CREATIVE TWIST
“When Kristina mentioned Buc-ee’s, Trevor and I were both super excited. Buc-ee’s is a uniquely Texan treasure, so we knew it would be the perfect place to take photos,” says Taylor.
The 5,000 square-foot, immensely popular gas station chain, known for it’s immaculate restrooms, Beaver swag and kitschy apparel, awesome hot food and road trip -ready snacks opened a Katy location last year. As anyone from Texas will tell you, if you are on the road in Texas, you have to stop at Buc-ee’s.
“The setting was perfect because both Brooks and Trevor are Buc-ee’s veterans, and it was a great way to celebrate something that Texans are really proud to call their own,” says Ohl-Boyd.
BEAVER BACK UP
When they arrived, they weren’t quite sure what reaction to expect from management, staff, and other patrons when they began taking photos. “When we went in, I told them both that we were just going to start shooting, and wait to see if we got any push back from management,” she says. But the reaction was, in fact, the complete opposite. Buc-ee’s staff immediately jumped in to help make the shoot a success. Trevor, who was a little nervous when he arrived, instantly felt relaxed and comfortable.
“The environment was really fun, and employees were running around making sure everything was clean, keeping other customers out of the frame so we could take photos, and just helping out as much as they could,” he says. The helpfulness of the staff and the positive energy in the store yielded some adorable memories for both Trevor and Brooks. “It was an amazing day to share with someone I love,” he says. The shoot took about 90 minutes and includes photos from all over the store, including the red pick up truck loaded with plush Buc-ee the Beaver dolls.
“They let us jump in that truck and just go crazy getting as many great shots as we could. It was amazing,” says Ohl-Boyd. Even the other patrons joined in on the fun as they passed by, snapping photos for social media and praising the photographer and the couple on the creative idea.
TEXAS PROUD
The full album was posted on Hello Darlin’s Facebook page on August 5 at around 8 p.m., and so far has close to 700 shares. “I told Brooks and Trevor when we were leaving the store that this is the kind of photo shoot that goes viral. Texans love their Buc-ee’s,” she says. To her, the Buc-ee’s shoot represents so much about the heart of Texas culture and the pride that runs deep here. “What these photos really show is that you can have fun and make memories anywhere,” she says.
Indeed they do. Hello Darlin Photography has already received several requests for similar shoots at the Katy location, and Ohl-Boyd is on board, with a few simple conditions. “Buc-ee’s can call me back with a lifetime supply of kolaches and Beaver nuggets and we’ll call it even, ” she jokes.
As for Brooks and Trevor, they can definitely imagine future shoots at Buc-ee’s. They will both attend Lone Star College – Cy-Fair this fall, and Brooks is currently working at Shell Corporation through an internship she landed her senior year in high school. “We would love to come back at different points in our life and make this a tradition,” says Brooks.
BROOKS & TREVOR’S BUC-EE’S SHOOT
By Hello Darlin Photography
(Photos by Hello Darlin Photography)
If you’re new to Texas and haven’t experienced Buc-ee’s yet, stop by the Katy location at 27700 Katy Fwy near Cane Island.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 5, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD is gearing up to start school August 15 and part of that prep involves planning how to address and prevent bullying.
Anonymously report bullying on your cell
We’ve seen a world-wide increase in bullying and technology is responsible for a lot of that increase so it’s only fitting that we’re using technology to help combat it.
The Bullying Tip Line is a feature part of the Katy OnTheGo app. To access it simply download the free app. If you already have the app then it will automatically update to include the feature when it launches this month.
While the focus will be getting students to use it, parents and teachers can also make use of it. All you need is a cell phone with the Katy OnTheGo app, information to submit (the more detail the better) and a few minutes of your time. “The ease and anonymity is key here,” says Maria DiPetta, manager, media relations and multimedia for KISD. “While other methods aim to be anonymous this truly is. Schools even have designated cell phone times so when a student is on their phone no one knows if they are playing a game, checking a social media account or submitting a tip on the app.”
The new Bullying Tip Line app is being introduced to principals and administrators this week and has been in development as part of the districts strategic planning process since spring 2017. It’s release is right on schedule with the district’s goals. “The initial goal for the app is for users to familiarize themselves with it and feel comfortable using it,” says Maria. INSERT QUOTE FROM PRINCIPAL- The initial feedback is that it’s very simple to use, so much so that elementary students could do it.
The app is part Katy ISD’s Bullying Prevention Campaign. The campaign includes educational videos, events and the observation of National Bullying Prevention month. The app is just another way of reporting in addition to the anonymous boxes placed in all schools. The hope is that when students have felt uncomfortable being seen putting information in a drop box they would feel comfortable using the app. “Again it being so anonymous is key. In fact the anonymous button is always turned on and all tips will go to an inbox where the administrator for the school receives them daily,” explains Maria.
Educating students how to help
Education is key to helping the app be a success and the schools will focus on this educational process this year. This app can be most effective in addressing a bullying act when given as much detail as possible. “For example,” Maria explains, “student XYZ (full name) is bullying student ABC (full name) in 2nd period, Mrs. So-and-So’s class and they posted this on Facebook (share screenshot of social media.) From there the user could say that student XYZ follows student ABC to the parking lot and then proper people will have the information to verify, prove and prevent this incident from continuing.”
The app will also better help administrators to categorize the bullying whether it’s emotional, physical, social or technological. Some tips may require police investigation while other may be simply resolved by scheduling a sit down with the students. This will allow administrators the information to make those decisions and make sure the best solution is in play for each case.
This app will only be used for reporting. It is NOT to be used to report a crisis that would still be to call 911 or the Katy Connect Crisis Line 281-234-2326.
KISD is dedicated to addressing, preventing bullying
The district plans to track, record and follow the use and trends of the tips reported. In another step to being proactive in the current culture of bullying, KISD recently hired a Coordinator for Bullying Prevention and Student Support. The position is still new and getting settled but further proof at the seriousness that the district put on the topic.
Parents need to be part of the conversation
While the district is doing their part to address and help prevent bullying parents play a key role at home and these conversations need to start their. “Parents should talk to their children about bullying to help prevent them from partaking in it and becoming a possible victim,” says Nelda Wilson Brooks, a Katy family therapist. Parents should also be aware of their children’s social media presence.
Be sure and download the Katy OnTheGo App for many helpful features including the new Bullying Tip Line.
Are you talking to your child about bullying ahead of the school year? What kind of conversations are you having.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 4, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Parents can now enter their residential address to view the bus schedule for their child’s grade level and neighborhood.
On Friday, Katy ISD informed the public that the most updated bus schedules were available for families.
Parents whose children meet the qualifications for transportation can enter their students’ grade level and street name and find out the time and location for bus pick-up/drop-off. CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR CHILD’S BUS INFO.
ONE HALF-MILE RADIUS
Katy ISD will provide transportation to Katy ISD students who live outside a 1/2 mile radius from their campus. Parents with questions about schedules, routes, and bus stop locations can contact the Transportation Call Center at 281-396-6008, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. until August 24, 2018.
BUS DRIVERS NEEDED
Katy ISD is still actively seeking bus drivers to transport students to and from their campus. The district will provide paid training, health insurance and family assistance, and on-site childcare for children ages 18 months through fifth grade. Wages start at $16.66 per hour.Find out more here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 2, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
R.L. “Buddy” Frazier, former beloved Katy Chief of Police passed away from Alzheimers this Wednesday, August 1 on his 77th Birthday. Family and friends are set to honor this Katy legend on Sunday.
Photo from Katy Magazine feature story
Service Details
R.L. “Buddy” Frazier, former and beloved Katy Chief of Police passed away Wednesday. Family will receive friends to honor Frazier from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. this Sunday, August 5 at Schmidt Funeral Home Grand Parkway Chapel, in Katy. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. this Monday, August 6, 2018 with Rev. Steve Littlefield officiating.
A True Texas Gentleman
Called “Buddy” because of how he made people feel when they met him. He greeted people with the same personalized sense of heart and care that he dedicated to his nearly 50 years in law enforcement. Even if you didn’t get to know him, Katy is forever touched by his mark. He worked with local officials to bring Katy Mills Mall and all the development and businesses with it to this city. He worked diligently and with dedication to grow the Katy Police Department to match the city it served during some of the most major growing years Katy experienced.
“I had the honor and pleasure of working with Chief Buddy Frazier for 23 years,” said current Katy Chief of Police Bill Hastings. “He was a good friend and mentor to me. He had a great love for the police department, the employees, and the city of Katy. Chief Frazier was a mentor and a friend to all who worked with him. We will always look back on his friendship and strive to maintain the integrity, ethics and professionalism that he instilled in all of us who served under him. Rest easy Buddy. We will never forget you. The dedication that you had to law enforcement is what we will always remember and cherish.”
A Lifetime of Service
Service was who Frazier was. He served in the army before turning to law enforcement. Before coming to Katy, Frazier served in law enforcement in Dayton, Harris Country and Village Police Department. He retired from Village in 1983 but his will to serve didn’t take to retired life.
Frazier began as a patrol officer in the Katy Police Department. He worked hard and progressed up the chain until he was named Chief of Police in February 1996. He served as Katy Chief of Police for 13 years and retired in 2009.
Photo by Katy Magazine
Buddy loved Katy, its people, his family and nature. He loved the outdoors and hunting. He no doubt spent time at Katy Mill’s Outdoor World. He enjoyed his retirement years spending time outdoors and with his family and friends.
Survived By
Buddy is survived by his wife, Roberta “Robbie” Frazier; sons, Loyd E. Frazier and wife Donna, John R. Frazier and wife Denise; sisters, Melinda Smith and husband Russell, Connie Doss, and Carla Stewart and husband Ferrian; grandchildren, Robert, James, Nicholas, Bryan, Eric, and Ryan; as well as other loving family members and friends.
A Substantial Impact
Buddy Frazier made a substantial impact on Katy and its residents and will be dearly missed by family, friends, colleagues and his community.
Katy Magazine ran a feature story on Buddy Frazier in June of 2008 and enjoyed photographing and interviewing him. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Do you have a fond memory of R.L. “Buddy” Frazier? Share it with us below in a comment.
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KATY MAGAZINE
August 2, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton & Ashley Lancaster
The largest and most comprehensive renovation project in the school’s history is expected to be complete before August 15.
(Gymnasium)
A NEW HOME FOR THE RAMS
The Mayde Creek Rams will start the first day of their 2018-2019 school year in an almost unrecognizable campus. The renovations were approved in the 2014 school bond, and have a price tag of just over $51 million. According to Mayde Creek High School Principal Ronnie Edwards, they could not have come at a better time.
“Katy ISD has done an excellent job at strategically planning when a campus is in need of updates or renovations, and we were able to see the benefit of that this year,” he says. After taking a certain degree of water damage during Hurricane Harvey in August of last year, the completed changes will give fresh heart to the student body and staff.
A COMPLETE “MAYDE-OVER”
The new and improved learning areas and open spaces are literally designed to foster a positive school culture. “The design of the open spaces and flex seating in the common areas will facilitate more collaboration, and give students more opportunities to have their voices heard,” he says.
The hallways and campus infrastructure have been streamlined as well, with Mayde Creek’s back hallways being updated to connect and help students get to class faster. Additionally, a skybridge connecting the freshman center to the main campus will cut down on walking time.
The school will also integrate updated safety and security measures that are being implemented at campuses across the district. And while the ninth grade campus was not included in upgrades approved by the 2014 bond, Mayde Creek freshman will benefit from new classroom furniture, flooring, and updated paint.
A new “Genius Bar” in the school library will also be available, giving students increased opportunities for the use of technology.
(Genius Bar in the school library)
Overall, Mr. Edwards and the rest of the Mayde Creek staff are proud of the success of the project. “We have kept track and taken photos of the renovations from start to finish. It’s important for the community to get a good picture of just how much has changed and how it will benefit future Rams.”
DETAILS OF MAYDE CREEK’S MAKEOVER
Classroom Renovations to meet current program needs in original section of high school – including Science, Fine Arts, CTE, Administration, Library, Kitchen/Commons
Modify access to building – review construction of corridors to connect halls
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing upgrades/replacement
Elevator replacement
Replacement of finishes – flooring, ceiling, carpet
Renovations to Softball field to meet Title IX
Installation of Walk In Floral Cooler
Relocate Lights above Pool
Reconstruct access road around Mayde Creek complex
2017 BOND
Every school bond generally has normal upgrades and maintenance for all school campuses Additional items were approved for Mayde Creek High School on the 2017 bond.
Roofing
Athletic Turf Replacement
Scoreboard Replacement in Gyms
Technology Retrofit and Tablets
Document Cameras
Printer Replacements
PREVIOUS UPDATES
Upgrade Electrical System (1999)
Renovations & Additions: Library, Athletics, Administration & Music (1999)
9th Grade Center & Performing Arts Center (PAC) (2002)
Exterior Door Replacement (2007)
Natatorium (2008)
Central Plant (2012)
Security Vestibule (2012)
(New flexible seating upstairs)
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 1, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
As Katy ISD continues to grow, more staff is needed each year to fill open and newly created positions. For the 2018/19 school year 27 administration staff were hired.
High School employees
Kerri Finnesand, Principal, Seven Lakes High
Amy Frey, AP, Mayde Creek High
Karlyn Fuquay, AP, Taylor High
Michael Gilchrist, AP, Paetow High
Diego Linares, Principal, Raines High
Rebecca Marron, Student Support Administrator, Paetow High
Jerimain Matthew, AP, Tompkins High
Kendra Okeefe, AP, Seven Lakes High
Junior High employees
Todd Abbott, AP, Memorial Parkway Junior High
Rafael Brazo, AP, Katy Junior High*
Michelene Etzel, Student Support Administrator, Morton Ranch Junior High
Steve Guzzetta, Principal, McMeans Junior High
Kristin Harper, Principal, Seven Lakes Junior High
*Rafael Brazo was named one of Katy ISD’s campus teacher of the year for 2017/18school year as well as one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 men of 2018.
Elementary employees
Ridget Aleem, AP, Campbell Elementary
Jennifer Cruz, AP, Franz Elementary
Michelle Gaskamp, Principal, Randolph Elementary
Cheryl Glasser, Principal, Rylander Elementary
Kristin Graves, AP, Nottingham Country Elementary
Anna Hinojosa, Principal, Wolfe Elementary
Candace Hopkins, AP, Cimarron Elementary
Elizabeth Hull, AP, Memorial Parkway Elementary
Marc Kampwerth, AP, Morton Ranch Elementary
Elizabeth Paz, AP, Sundown Elementary
Erika Rodriguez, AP, Campbell Elementary
Richard Turner, AP, McRoberts Elementary
Jillian Wilke, AP, Rhoads Elementary
Latwanda Wilson, AP, Bear Creek Elementary
The staff is a combination of new hires as well as internal transfers and promotions.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 31, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
On August 1, 2018, the community is invited to attend the Harris County Flood Control Bond Barker Reservoir Community Meeting at Memorial Parkway Junior High.
The meeting will be held at Memorial Parkway Junior High at 21203 Highland Knolls Blvd from 6 – 8 p.m.
All attendees are invited to bring questions and ideas to the Barker Reservoir Open House in regards to the 2018 Harris County Flood Control District Bond Program.
The goal is to prepare an effective system to reduce flood damage for the Houston region, and community input is vital. Residents can also learn more about projects proposed for the area by the Harris County Flood Control district, and give feedback.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 30, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Here’s a check-list to ensure that you’re ready for that first day of school.
Katy ISD schools start August 15 and with less than a month it’s time to enjoy these last summer days and prepare for a successful academic year. Here’s a check-list to ensure that you’re ready for that first day of school.
Registration
This year KISD will welcome around 80,000 students. A fast growing district means evolving to better organize and meet student needs. This year ALL KISD students must register in the new Power Up computer system. New students registration is still going on. Parents of new students will still need to visit their child’s campus to present certain documents like proof or residency and vaccination records. Click here for a schedule of when you can go visit your child’s campus.
On August 1 current students will get an email sent to their parent’s current email on file. This will give parents instruction on how to register and complete annual updates.
And don’t forget to check your school’s website and/or PTA social media to see when your meet the teacher night is scheduled.
Meal Plans
Families who qualify can apply year-round for free and/or reduced meals for their Katy ISD students. Click here to view the FAQ page and fill out an application.
Parents can also open a MyPaymentsPlus Meal account to pre-pay for their students’ lunches.
Immunization Requirements
KISD follows the Texas Department of State Health Services recommendation for immunizations. See which vaccinations are required for your child’s grade level.Students can get vaccinated at their regular pediatricians office or attend one of several vaccination clinics being held around the city.
Safety and Security
You can view Katy ISD’s safety and security resources here, as well as view a list of anti-bullying programs and initiatives at each campus. As an added safety measure, all Katy ISD students in all grade levels will be required to carry and wear a Student ID badge. Call your campus to find out more.
School Supplies
Some schools make it available to pre-purchase school supplies but that time has passed. Here is a list for all Elementary schools and their supplies requirements for each grade level. For a list of required supplies for secondary schools, Junior High and High School’s, visit their individual websites.
Tax Free Weekend starts Friday August 10 and ends Sunday August 12, This is a great way to save on supplies and get excited about the new school year.
Kickoff the Fall Sports Season
The start of the school year also marks the start of fall sports. Don’t forget to see the Varsity Football Schedule and mark your calendar to go support your favorite high school.
This year both Rhodes Stadium and Legacy Stadium will only be allowing clear bags into the stadium. Make sure you are in compliance as to prevent any delays in cheering for your team.
Celebrate at Back to School Events
With all the preparation for back to school don’t forget to celebrate the new year with fun and local back to school events. Cane Island is hosting a Back to School event on August 4 12pm-2pm at Cane Island. There will be a book fair, crafts, live music, snow cones and more.
Join the fun at Katy Summer Nights: Back to School Bash hosted by the Mark A. Chapman YMCA and held at No Label Brewery on August 10 6pm-10pm.
Camp West is also hosting a Back to School Bash on August 25 at Lake West at 6pm.
Did we miss a local Back to School event? Include it in the comments below.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 10, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Beginning in August, the Katy Police Department will offer a 10-week training course for residents.
Citizens inside City of Katy limits are invited to take a 10-week course to gain an understanding of the policies and procedures of the Katy Police Department. The classes start on August 16 and will meet every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. with a graduation ceremony on October 18, 2018.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
– Students must live within City of Katy limits
– Students must be willing to submit to a criminal background investigation
– No firearms permitted in the classroom or secured areas of the police department
– Tobacco products will not be permitted in the classroom
DRESS CODE
– Collared shirts, slacks or dress pants, and proper footwear
– Jeans are permitted as long as there are no holes or tears
– NO sandals, flip flops, shorts, mini-skirts, T-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or any clothing low-cut or that would expose undergarments, or clothing with drug or alcohol-related logos or derogatory pictures or wording.
CLICK HERE for academy disqualifiers.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 29, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Eight Katy-area eateries will participate In Houston Restaurant Weeks 2018. Each establishment offers a specific menu for the fundraiser that benefits the Houston Food Bank.
Houston Restaurant Weeks is the largest annual fundraiser for America’s largest food bank, the Houston Food Bank.
It’s a month long, August 1 – September 3, dining extravaganza featuring specially priced lunches, brunches and dinners at restaurants from the Houston area.
HRW is planned by volunteers so that participating restaurants can donate 100% of the funds raised to the Houston Food Bank.
Participating restaurants make donations directly to the Houston Food Bank based upon how many brunches, lunches and dinners they sell during the event. The exact dollar amount can be found on the HRW website above the restaurant’s menu. Diners are not solicited for donations.
NOTE FOR DINERS: Please call or visit the web site of your chosen restaurant(s) to verify days of the week for meal service times for brunch, lunch and dinner.
If you are new to Houston Restaurant Weeks, this guide will help you navigate, make reservations if necessary and make sure what you order is included in the event.
2707 Commercial Center Blvd.
281-492-6900
*Reservations are not required. This $20 menu will be available at all times, 7 days a week, including weekends. Diners will also receive a free movie ticket to return an other time.
Alicia’s Mexican Grille – Katy
25725 Katy Fwy.
832-437-9671
*Lunch ($20) and dinner ($35) menu. Walk-ins welcome. When making your reservations please let the restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu.
Grazia Italian Kitchen
22764 Westheimer Pkwy.
832-437-9671
*Brunch ($20), lunch ($20) and dinner ($35). When making your reservations please let the restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu. Check with the restaurant directly for participating times and days. Walk ins welcome. Grazia was recently featured in Katy Magazine’s “The Great Katy Restaurant Explosion of 2018”.
Peli Peli – Cinco Ranch La Centerra
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
281-257-9500
*Dinner menu for $45. Please let restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu when making your reservations. Walk-ins welcome. Peli Peli’s Bacon Wrapped Scallops recently made Katy Magazine’s list of “Top 10 Brilliant Bacon Masterpieces in Katy”. Peli Peli’s Bobotie was featured in Katy Magazine’s “Katy Magazine’s Top Food Picks for 2018”.
Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille – La Centerra
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
281-347-3600
*Offering a dinner menu for $45. Reservations are required. When making your reservations please let the restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu.
The Rouxpour – La Centerra
2643 Commercial Center Blvd.
*Dinner menu for $35. Please let restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu when making your reservations. Walk-ins welcome. The Rouxpour was recently featured in Katy Magazine’s “The Great Katy Restaurant Explosion of 2018”.
20095 Katy Fwy.
281-829-0444
*Dinner menu for $35. Please let restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu when making your reservations. Walk-ins welcome.
Tobiou Sushi and Bar
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
281-394-7156
*Dinner menu for $35. Please let restaurant know that you’d like the HRW menu when making your reservations. Walk-ins welcome.
This is a comprehensive list as of July 29. More restaurants and menus can be added up until July 31. Keep checking back here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 28, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Opening photo by Troy Burleigh
On August 5, the Katy community is invited come out and say “Thank you” and “Good luck” to the brave young men and women who have enlisted in the military.
Texans Embracing America’s Military (T.E.A.M.) was formed in early 2018 by Ralph Oliver, who noticed that Katy is home to some very brave young men and women that deserve recognition for enlisting in the military. In the final moments before they leave, recruits embrace their loved ones and say tearful goodbyes. “This is why T.E.A.M. was created, to show these kids and their families that someone cares,” says Oliver.
Saying “Thank You” to Katy Recruits
On August 5, T.E.A.M. will host a send-off event for Katy teens have enlisted in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps before they head to boot camp.
Since their first send-off event in March, T.E.A.M., along with Katy veterans, first responders, families, and local organizations, has given a heartfelt farewell to dozens of recruits. Some of their partners include Harris County Sheriff‘s Office, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Katy Fire Department, Katy Police Department, Willowfork Fire Department, Waller-Harris County ESD 200, and the Department of Public Safety, among others.
On the day of the event, Katy recruits are presented by their recruiting officer on stage, and family members and friends are invited to share kind words of encouragement. Katy veterans of foreign wars come in full military dress as the honor guard proudly posts the colors, followed by a prayer by a local church leader and the National Anthem. As the group’s popularity grows, more and more community leaders and organizations are stepping up to participate.
Nora Hannusch, a T.E.A.M. organizer and representative for Harris County ESD 48, is a military mom herself, and urges the community to show up and support these families.
“We are excited when people attend an event, but it’s more than just coming to one send-off and that’s it. Each and every recruit deserves a proper farewell, so we need the community to come to every send-off,” she says.
The public is invited to come out and show their support. The next event will be on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 6206 George Bush Dr. at the Katy VFW Post at 2 p.m. In addition to their presentation, there will also be patriotically painted cars for photos, guest speakers, and up to 30 young recruits to honor.
To learn more about Texans Embracing America’s Military (T.E.A.M.), visit their Facebook page.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 27, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
A Katy homeowner shot a teen burglary suspect, John Mixon, around 1:00 am on Friday morning in the Memorial Parkway subdivision.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office said a woman saw a motion detector light come on outside the home in the 21000 block of Park Valley Drive in the Memorial Parkway subdivision near Westgreen Blvd and Highland Knolls. The elderly homeowner looked out her window and saw Mixon wearing a mask and hooded sweatshirt in her detached garage trying to break into her car.
The husband grabbed a gun and confronted the Mixon, 19, who is also a Memorial Parkway resident. The homeowner attempted to detain him before police arrived butwhen Mixon started towards the elderly homeowner, he fired and Mixon was hit in the head. The homeowners were not injured.
According to Harris County Sheriff Precinct 5 investigators, Mixon ran to a nearby home and hid behind an air conditioning unit, where a K9 officer found him.
He was flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital. His condition was initially reported as serious but the bullet appears to have only grazed his head.
There has been an increase in car burglaries in neighborhoods on the south side of Katy. Many of these have been caught on video and released to the public for help in identifying the suspect. At this time, police do not know if this suspect is responsible for other burglaries but are looking into this possibility.
The homeowners have a video surveillance system that the suspect was caught on. Below is a still shot from that video.
Mixon will be charged with felony home burglary. Mixon has a criminal history in Harris County for theft and evading arrest and is currently on probation.
Katy Magazine will release more details as they become available.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 26, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Here is a breakdown of elementary campuses in Katy ISD by their modified start time, to help you make plans for drop-off/ pick up this year.
In order to address rapid growth in the area, increased enrollment, and challenges with bus driver recruitment, Katy ISD released a modified bell schedule for students for the 2018-2019 school year in April. As you prepare to send your kiddos back to school, make sure you know your campus bell schedule.
ELEMENTARY – GROUP 1
Start time: 8 a.m.
Wolfe
5002 Addicks-Howell Rd., Houston
281-237-2250
Katy
5726 George Bush Ave.
281-237-6550
Memorial Parkway
21603 Park Tree Ln.
281-237-5850
Bear Creek
4815 Hickory Downs Dr.
281-237-5600
Cimarron
1100 South Peek Rd.
281-237-8850
Winborn
22555 Prince George Ln.
281-237-6650
Nottingham
20500 Kingsland Blvd.
281-237-5500
Sundown
20100 Saums Rd.
281-237-5400
Hayes
21203 Park Timbers Ln.
281-237-3200
McRoberts
3535 North Fry Rd.
281-237-2000
Alexander
6161 South Fry Rd.
281-237-7100
Williams
3900 South Peek Rd.
281-237-7200
Rylander
24831 Westheimer Pkwy.
281-237-8300
Exley
21800 Westheimer Pkwy.
281-237-8400
Rhoads
19711 Clay Rd.
281-237-8500
Franz
2751 Westgreen Blvd.
281-237-8600
Griffin
7800 South Fry Rd.
281-237-8700
Woodcreek
1155 Wood Creek Bend Ln.
281-234-0100
Stanley
26633 Cinco Terrace Dr.
281-234-1400
Shafer
5150 Ranch Point Dr.
281-234-1900
Randolph
5303 Flewellen Oaks Ln.
281-234-3800
Campbell
3701 Cross Creek Bend Ln.
281-234-4500
ELEMENTARY – GROUP 2
Start time: 8:20 a.m.
West Memorial
22605 Provincial Blvd.
281-237-6600
Hutsell
5360 Franz Rd.
281-237-6500
Mayde Creek
2698 Greenhouse Rd., Houston
281-237-3950
Pattison
19910 Stonelodge Dr.
281-237-5450
Golbow
3535 Lakes of Bridgewater Dr.
281-237-5350
Fielder
2100 Greenway Village Dr.
281-237-6450
Creech
5905 South Mason Rd.
281-237-8850
King
1901 Charlton House Ln.
281-237-6850
Schmalz
18605 Green Land Way
281-237-4500
Kilpatrick
26100 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
281-237-7600
Stephens
2715 Fry Rd.
281-234-0200
Morton Ranch
2502 Mason Rd.
281-234-0300
Holland
23720 Seven Meadows Pkwy.
281-234-0500
Wilson
5200 Falcon Landing
281-234-1600
Wolman
28727 North Firethorne Rd.
281-234-1700
Davidson
26906 Pine Mill Ranch Dr.
281-234-2500
Jenks
27602 Westridge Creek Ln.
281-234-4100
Bethke
4535 E. Ventana Pkwy.
281-234-4200
Bryant
29801 Kingsland Blvd.
281-234-4300
For the district FAQ and list of all grade level start times, click here.
KATY MAGAZINE
July 25, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
People continue to move to Katy at an astronomical rate and with that growth comes the need for businesses to serve the community. These establishments have opened recently or will open soon to supply the demand on the south side.
ENTERTAINMENT
2707 Commercial Center Blvd. Suite K-100
Now Open
24984 Katy Ranch Rd.
Opening August 2018
District West at Parkway Lakes, Richmond
25307 Kingsland Blvd.
Opening Late Summer to Early Fall 2018
(Pictured…Urban Air Adventure Park)
Vortex Sports Grill and Entertainment
24757 I-10
Opening by end of year 2018
FM 1093 & FM 1463, Fulshear
Opening October 2018
MEDICAL
4011 FM 1463, Suite B
832-930-7799
Now Open
RESTAURANT
S. Fry Rd. & FM 1463
Bonjour Pho
4747 FM 1463, Ste. 800
24811 Katy Fwy., Ste. 500
(Pictured…Party Box at Burgerim)
S. Fry Rd. & FM 1463
Hacienda Real Mexican Restaurant
11605 S. Fry Rd., Fulshear
Opening August 2018
222 W. Grand Parkway S.
832-913-3112
Now Open
Falcon Landing
Opening early 2019
1803 S. South Mason Rd.
26810 FM 1093, Richmond
Now Open
2643 Commercial Center Blvd.
281-394-5013
Now Open
(Pictured…Gumbo at Rouxpour)
9333 Spring Green Blvd.
Open end of Summer 2018
98 W. Grand Parkway S.
281-968-0883
Now Open
Falcon Landing
Opening early 2019
(Pictured…Stuffed Croissant and Mash Potato at The Union Kitchen)
Ursula’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
11525 S. Fry Rd., Ste. 101, Fulshear
Now Open
Zoner’s Pizza Wings and Waffles
25810 Westheimer Pkwy.
346-351-2922
Opening August 2018
RETAIL/GROCERY
S. Fry Rd. & FM 1463
FM 1463 & FM 1093, Fulshear
Opening August 2018
OTHER RETAIL
FM 1093 & FM 1463, Fulshear
Now Open
Stableside at Falcon Landing
OTHER
FM 1463 & Spring Green Blvd.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 23, 2018
By Ashley Lancaster
Katy Magazine is sad to report that Elizabeth Lugo, the mother who was struck by a car while walking with her child in a stroller has died from her injuries.
On July 20, Katy mom Elizabeth Lugo was hit by a car while walking her baby in a stroller in Villages of Bear Creek off Fry Rd. in north Katy.
The driver suffered a seizure, which presumably led to him losing control of the vehicle, and struck Lugo, throwing her into the driveway of a nearby home. The owner of the home was not present at the time of the accident.
She was immediately taken to Cy-Fair Hospital in critical condition, but tragically died just after 1 a.m. on Sunday night. The baby was not badly injured and is expected to be okay. There is no information on the status of the driver.
Check back for updates on funeral and memorial services.
KATY MAGAZINE
July 22, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
The Seven Lakes Spartans received international recognition and won Overall Outstanding program for their participation in the Best Buddies program.
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They establish global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development.
In July participants from Seven Lakes High School including President Reagan Kallina and Co-Vice President Tania Swain and their buddies flew to Indiana for the 2018 International Best Buddies Conference, where they received international recognition and won Overall Outstanding Program for their school.
This is not the first year that Seven Lakes has taken home awards for their work in the Best Buddies program. In 2016 and 2017, they were awarded Outstanding High School Chapter in Texas. In 2017, the chapter was also awarded the National Pacesetter Award and was ranked in the top 15 chapters in the nation for fundraising.
All Katy ISD high school’s have Best Buddies programs. Both participants and volunteers benefit from the program, with the participants often choosing college and career paths that specialize in Special Education or a related field.
In order for a student to volunteer with the program, they must meet certain criteria along with go through an interview process. If chosen, the commitment is for one school year.
“Receiving these awards is such a testament to the truly life changing impacts of Best Buddies! It is so humbling to be recognized on such a large scale but more than anything, empowering to be able to see how big of a difference our organization can make in the lives of our peers and our community,” states Anna Celeste Fedewa, former President.
You can request information about Best Buddies at your campus by phone.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 20, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Investigators with Harris County Constable Precinct 5 broke up a long-running organized crime ring consisting of three brothers who had been targeting commercial landscaping companies in West Harris County and other suburban areas around Houston.
After an investigation covering several months, Marcus Yanez, 34, Felix Yanez-Vallejo, 42, and Jesus Yanez, 50, were picked up on arrest warrants Wednesday. All three are facing felony charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.
The Yanez brothers have been targeting commercial landscaping companies since at least 2017. They would steal expensive riding mowers and other equipment in broad daylight as lawn care workers were tending to their duties in their customers backyards. The suspects would load the equipment in their pickup truck, at times stealing entire trailers, and quickly leave the scene.
In multiple cases, the thefts turned into aggravated robberies and assaults as the Yanez brothers turned violent when confronted by citizens who caught them in the act.
Precinct 5 investigators are in the process of linking several other similar crimes in West Houston to this organized crime ring.
All three brotherS have an extensive criminal history in Harris County that includes Bribery, Burglary, DUI, and Theft among other things. They were released on a $2,500 bond. Each requested a court appointed attorney, which was appointed to them.
If you have any information which may help with the investigation of these crimes, please let the Harris County Constable 5 Office know through their online crime tips webpage:https://constablepct5.com/index.php/online-crime-tips
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 19, 2018
By Angie Waller
Wednesday morning, in the gated section of Cross Creek Ranch, joggers spotted a 7-foot, non-aggressive alligator. While sunbathing, he became disoriented and ended up a little too close for comfort to people.
The Fulshear Police were able to wrangle up the alligator and move it to the “polishing pond” without incident. Captain Mike McCoy stated “The gator was not aggressive and was simply laying in the sun. However, he was within a gated section of a neighborhood. Therefore, for his safety and the safety of our citizens, we relocated home to a lake outside the gated section.”
This is not the first time alligators have been spotted in Cross Creek Ranch. In 2016, a 10-foot alligator was found in a home garage. That alligator was relocated but did not go quietly or without a fight.
Alligators are not uncommon to the area. With more construction, the alligators become displaced and disoriented to their surroundings. If you happen to come across one, don’t approach it on your own and call the non-emergency police or sheriff office.
Fulshear Police: 281-346-2202
Fort Bend Sheriff: 281-341-4665
Harris County Sheriff: 713-755-6044
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 16, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Cinco Ranch defensive star, inside linebacker David Gbenda, heads into his senior year with over 20 college offers on the table.
Elite college football programs are all clamoring to sign Cinco Ranch High School’s dynamic defensive star, and 4-star Texas recruit, David Gbenda (#33).
AN OFFENSIVE NIGHTMARE
Gbenda, who will graduate in 2019, has received offers from no less than 24 national football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan, and Ole Miss.
The 6’0, 212-pound inside linebacker earned his keep among the top college prospects in Texas last year, with 40 independent tackles, 16 assists, 2 sacks, and a total of 8 tackles for loss throughout the season. In their match up against Seven Lakes, Gbenda stymied the Spartan offense with an incredible 10-yard sack. Even Katy’s elite running game had more trouble than usual moving the ball against #33 and the rest of the strong side defense.
Recently, Gbenda narrowed down his myriad of college offers to a Top 10. On the list are University of Texas, Notre Dame, University of Houston, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Washington, Ole Miss, Texas Christian University, and Missouri. He is expected to make his final decision in December 2018.
THROWBACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS
As anyone knows, talent can only get you so far – you have to have the work ethic and heart to make plays happen in a district as competitive as Katy. According to Cinco’s head coach Don Clayton, Gbenda has all of that and more in spades.
“His energy, leadership of the team, and his constant commitment to improve are a throwback to the good old days of football, when people played as hard as they could, for as long as they could. He is always striving to perform at his absolute best,” says Clayton.
Gbenda himself is taking all of the attention in his stride. “It’s kind of crazy to be honest. As a freshman and sophomore, I saw others in my grade being heavily recruited and I just thought, ‘I want that and to be heavily recruited by big name programs.’ It’s so unreal, and a blessing to me,” he says. David says that the coaches at Cinco have been crucial in his success. “With the competition we face, the coaching staff (at Cinco) has helped me learn the game,” he says.
Fans can get their first glimpse of Gbenda’s skill at the scrimmage against Stratford on August 24 at Cinco Ranch High School. See the full Katy ISD Varsity Football Schedule here.
KATY MAGAZINE
July 14, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
A Katy man, who was stopped on suspicion of drug possession, is now facing felony charges of assaulting a peace officer after he struck a Precinct 5 deputy.
John Nettles, who is a Katy High graduate Class of 2012, was pulled over in the 1700 block of South Highway 6 at approximately 5 p.m. on July 11. As Nettles was being questioned, he struck the deputy in the face and tried to run. Another Precinct 5 deputy quickly caught and detained the suspect.
Nettles was found to have multiple warrants out for his arrest. Deputies also found a substance that appears to be crystal meth in his possession.
Nettles was arrested and charged with assaulting a peace officer. The deputy he assaulted was not seriously hurt.
Nettles has a long arrest record in Harris County dating back to 2012 that includes Theft, Possession of Marijuana and Evading Arrest. He is currently being held in jail without bond on three charges, two of which are previous charges due to violation of probation. Nettles has requested a public defender and his next court date is July 16 on the Evading Arrest charge from March of this year.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 12, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Katy parents – look no further for information on fall sports registration information for 2018.
BASEBALL
713-480-7456
Costs for registration are $135 for one player, $125 for each additional child, and $25 for Challenger and includes an MLB team jersey and cap. Age ranges from 4 – 18. Now thru August 24, 2018.
Registration is open until August 24, 2018. Our editors requested information on registration fees and other important details.
281-371-0887
Costs vary by age and range from $130 to $155 for players ages 4 – 18. Fees include fall season registration, hat, and jersey. Online registration is open and they will have walk up registration on Saturday, August 11 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Katy. Children 6 and over will attend try outs for team placement.
This league offers several clinics and baseball programs for players of all ages. Games and practices are on Saturdays only, and are played at schools all across Katy. Age ranges are from 3 – 13 years old and costs between $130 – $150. Registration deadlines vary based on age group, clinic, and when the league begins.
CHEERleading
1420 Katy Flewellen Rd.
281-347-4725
Beginner tumbling through competitive cheer and regular camps throughout the year, so athletes of all experience levels have a chance to learn new things. Ages 3 – 18.
Grand Cheer
25440 Beckendorff Rd.
281-371-3775
For tumblers ages 4 and up. Registration is $50, and weekly classes are $60 per month for first-time customers, and $45 per month for each additional class. Beginner through competition.
923 S. Mason Rd.
281-578-5477
Classes, workshops, camps, and programs for children ages 18 months – 18 years. Call for pricing an class schedules.
Katy Under the Lights Cheerleading
British International School of Houston
2203 N. Westgreen Blvd.
In association with Katy Under the Lights Flag Football league, kids ages 5 – 15 can sign up for seven weeks of tumbling and cheerleading instruction, sponsored by Under Armour. Registration includes Under Armour shorts and tee shirt.
In association with the Katy Youth Football league, KYF cheer is a recreational cheerleading program for kids ages 4 – 7th grade. Registration fee includes uniform skirt, top, boyshort briefs, and metallic pom-poms in addition to the Cheer Camp. As of July 1, 2018, registration is $250.
Westwood Gymnastics
23333 Taswell Dr.
281-347-2000
Try a class at no charge at their year-round gymnastics facility. They have everything from Mommy & Me classes and special needs programs to girls and boys advanced tumbling. Costs range from $73 – $205 per month based on experience level, age, and payment method.
24942 Katy Ranch Rd.
Classes start at $60 per month for ages 3 – 18 and they offer specialized training, private lessons, clinics, camps, and competitive cheer/tumbling.
FOOTBALL
CrossPoint Fall Flag
700 Westgreen Blvd.
281-398-6464
Now through July 15, registration is $130. The flag football season begins the first week in September.
This league offers several clinics and sports programs for players of all ages. Games and practices are on Saturdays only, and are played at schools all across Katy. Age ranges are from 3 – 13 years old and costs between $130 – $150. Registration deadlines vary based on age group, clinic, and when the league begins.
Katy Under the Lights
British International School of Houston
2203 N. Westgreen Blvd.
Partners with Under Armour, Katy under the lights is a 6-on-6 flag football league for kids in kindergarten – 8th grade that runs from September through November with games every Saturday night. Registration is $155 through August 17, and increased to $175, and they offer a $25 discount for siblings.
A competitive football league with programs from pee-wee flag through full-contact tackling. New this year, they are extending their fall flag division through 6th grade that includes a full 9-week schedule with the possibility of playoff games.Check their website for current registration rates.
LACROSSE
An incredibly popular sport and league, it’s worth mentioning that making a team can be tough due to limited spots and wait-listing. However, for families who want to play, registration is $375 through August 30, and goes up to $425 after that for the 2019 season. The first 16 players signed up for 4U will be placed, and the first 24 for players in older age groups. The rest will be wait-listed.
SOCCER
Fun, Fair, Positive Soccer
20150 Westheimer Pkwy., Houston
Youth soccer programs that emphasize fairness, positive reinforcement, and teamwork. No scores are kept and players all receive equal playing time. Registration is a one-time fee of $114 or two payments of $59, 30 days apart.
Youth soccer for ages 5 – 18 years old with 3-on-3, 5-on-5, 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 formats. Costs increase with age and range from $100 – $130 dollars. Teams are formed by neighborhood and school the child is zoned to. season starts the first week in September.
This league offers several clinics and sports programs for players of all ages. Games and practices are on Saturdays only, and are played at schools all across Katy. Age ranges are from 3 – 13 years old and costs between $130 – $150. Registration deadlines vary based on age group, clinic, and when the league begins.
SOFTBALL
Katy Girls Softball Association
Competitive girls’ softball for ages 4 – 18 in Katy. Registration is $160 and includes uniform, umpire fees, and field maintenance. Late registration begins August 26 and cost goes up to $200. Tryouts for 8U and up will determine team placement.
West Houston Girls Softball Association
Registration is $125 per child for 6U through Senior Division. Games played at Bear Creek Park. Opening day is September 9, 2018.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 11, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators are releasing still photos of a vehicle involved in an aggravated assault on a 39-year-old female that was shot on S. Mason Rd. on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim was shot by an unknown suspect around 1:30 pm while driving southbound on South Mason Road.
On Tuesday, July 10, 2018, deputies were dispatched to an in-progress call at Simoniz Car Wash at 910 S. Mason Rd. A female complainant advised she was shot in her arm while driving on Mason Rd. Deputies observed a bullet hole to the driver’s side window of her 4-door SUV. She was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries where she underwent surgery.
Witnesses, employees and customers, at the car-wash business stated they heard a single gunshot and observed the complainant driving into the carwash. The female stated a Ford Explorer SUV driving next to her when she was shot.
The victim told investigators she was not involved in a road-rage incident prior to the shooting.
The victim was transported by EMS to the Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in good condition.
Anyone with information on the vehicle is urged to call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-274-9210.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tips may also be sent via a text message by texting the following: TIP610 plus the information to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
Katy Magazine first reported this story on Tuesday afternoon. Click here to read the original story.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 11, 2018
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information concerning a rash of Burglary of a Vehicle in the Firethorne area of Fort Bend County.
In the early morning of Thursday, July 5, a male suspect burglarized 11 vehicles. He was able to steal gas cards, checkbooks, a knife, a lockbox that included a passport and a Social Security card.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 25 years old and about 5-feet, 10-inches tall and thin. He had dark short hair. He was wearing a dark pullover shirt and jeans and dark sneakers. He also was carrying a knapsack in which to store stolen goods.
“We have a decent photo of this guy so someone should be able to make that call and get some cash for a good tip,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls.
Anyone who has information on this crime or any other crimes is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc.
– Call (281) 342-TIPS (8477)
– Send a Text Message: Text FBCCS plus your tip to CRIMES (274637)
– Submit Online: http://www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/
Information, which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn you up to $5,000 CASH REWARD.
All calls to Crime Stoppers are ANONYMOUS.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 11, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
The newly formed Barker Reservoir Flood Prevention advocacy group looks to identify and promote immediate and substantial flood control projects in the Barker Reservoir Area, both upstream and downstream.
Marlin Williford and Wendy Duncan formed the new group, who will put on their first event this Thursday, July 12, called “Flood Control for Katy” at Kingsland Baptist Church 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Steve Robinson of Houston Stronger is the presenter for the meeting. Houston Stronger is a coalition of civic groups, business associations and active citizens from throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region dedicated to working with local, state and federal officials to implement a comprehensive regional flood control plan that safeguards our citizens and property.
Future meetings will be added as the Harris County bond election draws closer. The $2.5 billion bond is on the ballot on August 25, 2018.
Co-Founder, Wendy Duncan, said “The purpose of the event on Thursday is to educate the public about flood control solutions for the Katy area and the Harris County Bond Program as well as inform attendees about ways to connect with government leaders to promote flood solutions, and give attendees the opportunity to join the advocacy group.”
Duncan who is the current Willow Fork Drainage District Director, has been very active since Hurricane Harvey in flood control discussions prior to forming Barker Reservoir Flood Prevention. Duncan is a member of Houston Stronger advocating for flood control solutions with government officials with Robinson. Marlin is a member of the Harris County Flood Prevention Advocacy Committee and has been actively involved in Harvey and Post Harvey Flood issues and future preventative measures and solutions.
The group has created a Facebook page to interact with the community and keep them informed.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 10, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
A woman was shot Tuesday around 2 pm while driving to a car wash near Cimarron Parkway and South Mason Road in Katy.
Investigators said the woman was shot in the shoulder. She is currently in surgery and is expected to survive.
The woman told investigators that she was driving southbound on Mason Road, in a silver SUV, turning into Simoniz car wash/oil change business at 910 South Mason Road when she heard a pop and was struck by a bullet.
It is not clear where the shot was fired from but police believe it was from a passing car. Police are pulling surveillance video from the car wash/oil change business in hopes that the crime was caught on video. No one is in custody at this time.
If you have any information about this crime, please contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. As more details are released, we will update you.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 9, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Katy grocery stores continue to find ways to cater to our busy lives through the convenience of curbside pick-up and delivery. The days of fighting the crowds at grocery stores or being tempted to shop “off-list” are gone replaced with a new way of shopping. “It keeps me on budget,” says Maegen Benedetti Lane of this new way of shopping.
Katy grocery stores continue to find ways to cater to our busy lives through the convenience of curbside pick-up and delivery. The days of fighting the crowds at grocery stores or being tempted to shop “off-list” are gone replaced with a new way of shopping. “It keeps me on budget,” says Maegen Benedetti Lane of this new way of shopping.
Here’s a breakdown of some top Katy grocery stores offering a new way of grocery shopping.
KROGER
Kroger offers same day pick-up with their Clicklist online option, same-day delivery through Instacart with no charge for first-time orders. With Kroger you can use coupons and they offer substitutions that are priced lower than name brand goods. They also give you the lower price for what they substitute and if it’s higher they will give it to you free.
Kroger’s online system also does a great job of saving and suggesting past orders so reordering is always easy. Visit Kroger online.
Some local Katy Kroger locations:
Kroger
22150 Westheimer Pkwy.
Kroger
1550 West Grand Pkwy. S.
Kroger
22150 Westheimer Pkwy.
Kroger Marketplace
1712 Spring Green Blvd.
Kroger
2700 W Grand Pkwy. N.
H.E.B.
H.E.B. also offers same day, curbside pick-up and name-brand substitutions. Be careful though, at times the substituted items may leave you with a higher bill than you expected. Email alerts are sent to customers when substitutions are made, when your order is ready, and for purchase receipts. For a limited time, you can get free delivery or pick-up on your first four orders.
They do take coupons and are good about letting you you know when they have some so you can clip. Visit H.E.B. online.
Some local Katy H.E.B. locations:
H.E.B.
25675 Nelson Way
H.E.B.
1621 S Mason Rd.
H.E.B.
6711 S Fry Rd.
H.E.B.
4950 FM 1463
Walmart
Walmart offers free pick-up daily and have great deals every week, so always be sure to check what’s happening. They are currently offering $10 off your first 3 orders for deliveries. They are also more than a grocery store so you can accomplish more shopping. They have an impressive savings catcher that keeps track with how much you’ve saved and that’s fun to see. Visit Walmart online.
Some local Katy Walmart locations:
Walmart
25108 Market Pl Dr.
Walmart
1313 N Fry Rd.
Walmart
6060 N Fry Rd.
Walmart
22850 Morton Ranch Rd.
Randalls
Randalls offers both pick-up and delivery. They are currently offering $20 off your first online order. Visit Randalls online.
People can also use apps to grocery shop like the popular Instacart and Shipt.
IS IT A GOOD FIT?
Are the meat and produce items of good, safe quality?
A common hesitation to pick-up or delivery is the concern over produce. Will it be fresh? Will it look okay? How big will it be? All pick-up/delivery options offer the chance to return and swap out. However, most readers we asked say they’ve never had an issue.
Does it cost more?
Does pick-up and delivery cost more? Yes it does. You do pay a delivery fee unless you are taking advantage of a free delivery special. Both H.E.B. and Kroger add around $11.95 to the total cost for delivery. The best way to know if it’s worth it is to determine how much extra money you spend in-store on non-essentials on a regular basis.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 9, 2018
The British International School of Houston students have achieved strong results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the 2017/18 academic school year.
The British International School of Houston’s average score this year is 5.2 base points higher than the IB global average, widening the gap between ourselves and other IB schools around the world.
One student from The British International School of Houston received full marks — the maximum score of 45 points. This is an incredible achievement for this student is only 1% of students worldwide who received full marks this year on the IBDP.
Three students achieved impressive scores of 44 points.
BISH students’ average score in the IB Diploma was 35, significantly ahead of the 2017/18 global average of 29.78 points.
22% of students achieved 40 points and above. This is the level of attainment required to gain admission to the world’s elite universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Stanford.
82% of students achieved a score higher than the IB global average.
“These are truly outstanding results and are a true reflection of our hardworking students, dedicated and nurturing staff, supportive parents and the strength of the IB programme at BISH”, Andrew Derry, Principal of The British International School of Houston said.
Andy Puttock, Education Director of Nord Anglia Education, said, “I am delighted by the outstanding IB diploma results achieved by our students this year. This excellent outcome is not only due to their efforts but also the incredible hard work put in by the school’s teachers throughout the year to ensure our children experience the best in learning.”
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, commonly referred to as the IBDP, is a two-year education programme for students age 16-19. The programme is a widely accepted and recognised qualification for entry into higher education and universities worldwide. To learn more about the International Baccalaureate you can visit their website here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 7, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Deputy Debra Albert and the kittens.
The Bag Was Moving
Harris County Deputies Diego Loucel and Debra Albert responded to a report of a suspicious cloth bag that was left in the middle of a median in a West Memorial subdivision in Katy. “The bag is moving,” a Katy resident told the dispatcher for Harris County’s Precinct 5’s office. They arrived to investigate the red cloth bag in the West Memorial neighborhood around 3 a.m. Tuesday morning.
“West Memorial is Loucel’s area but I’ve had experience with these calls and was afraid we’d find an animal,” said Deputy Albert. “As soon as we got out of the car I could hear the meowing.”
“I shined my flashlight into the bag and saw two eyes looking back at me. It was a kitten,” recalls Deputy Loucel. “Then when we looked further we found three little kittens.”
Kittens Brought Back To Substation
Albert and Loucel took the kittens back to a substation where they got food, water and lots of attention. “Once we got some food in the kittens it didn’t take long to see a 180 change in them. They went from just laying around, probably malnourished, to happy and active kittens,” said Loucel.
“We called the SPCA and they came to look at them. The estimated them around 2 months old but couldn’t take the kittens in,” said Albert. “We looked after them and played with them until an Animal Crimes deputy took them to a veterinarian.”
Available for Adoption
The kittens were all very emaciated but expected to be okay. They were taken to the Harris County Animal Shelter at 612 Canino Rd. The kittens are now up for adoption. Anyone interested in adopting the gym bag kittens can visit the shelter or call 281-999-3191.
If You Have Information
Dumping an animal is a crime. It is animal cruelty, which depending on the offense can be a felony. If you have information on who dumped these kittens, please contact the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce. Call 832-927-PAWS or visit their website.
If you see someone dumping an animal call your local precinct but also try and get some information. What does the person look like? What is the license plate number? What does the car look like? Of course, you safety is the priority but if you can safely get information to give the authorities that is helpful.
If you need to re-home an animal there are other alternatives to dumping them. Here are just some rescue/shelters in the Katy area.
Katy City Animal Control
25839 I-10, Katy, TX 77494
281-391-4740
Citizens for Animal Protection
17555 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094
281-497-0591
Special Pals
3830 Greenhouse Rd, Houston, TX 77084
281- 579-7387
“I just couldn’t believe someone had taken the time to put these three little kittens in a gym bag, drive them to a neighborhood and dump them in the middle of the median,” said Loucel. “I wish they would have given them a chance.” I’m going to continue to follow the kittens’ story.”
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 6, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Clothed By Faith, a local nonprofit organization that provides families in need with gently used clothes in a boutique setting, is urgently requesting donations – specifically men’s jeans, shorts, and t-shirts.
Fnews
“Despite our posts on Twitter and Facebook, the number of requests we are receiving is outweighing what the public is bringing us, and we need to get the word out,” says CBF event coordinator, Rebecca Earnshaw.
All donations are welcome, but their most urgent need is for men’s shorts, jeans, track pants, and T-shirts in Medium – Large sizes.
Donations can be dropped off Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 802 Dominion Dr. in Katy. After hours donations can be left in the donation bin on the side of the building 24 hours a day.
To learn more about Clothed by Faith, visit their Facebook page.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 5, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
If you’re searching for a new job, beware of the opening listed online for “Amazon Financial Analyst.” Katy Magazine shares how to tell the difference between a legitimate post and the scam.
Katy job-seekers should double check the legitimacy of one particular job opening found online recently for a “Financial Analyst” at Amazon.
Amazon is a popular job search in the Katy area because a new fulfillment center is being built and recently announced that they are hiring 400 new staff members for this location, but one listing in particular is absolutely false.
We contacted Amazon’s Corporate headquarters for an update on the situation.
“Amazon is aware of this situation, and while we do have work-from-home opportunities, this is not one of our initiatives. We are doing what we can from our side to pull down these listings,” says Kayla Hansen, Strategic Communications Specialist for Amazon.
What It Looks Like
Below is a copy of the bogus contract, sent by an “Alexander Solomon.”
What You’ll Get
Applicants who are being targeted by the scammers will receive:
Phone calls from a (509) area code phone number. In this case, (509) 320-4046.
An email of congratulations from “Solomon”, letting them know that they have been hired without any interview process at all, or with minimal phone and/or email correspondence.
Two contracts via email, one for Full-Time employment, and one for Part-Time employment.
“Candidates” are given the option to determine their work schedule, and are asked to fill out and sign the agreement and return via email.
The applicant will be asked to provide a copy of their photo ID, a photo of themselves, street address, and bank account information for “Direct Deposit” purposes.
The job offer includes a work-from-home, 1099-basis, full-time employment contract for $5,800 per month salary with 5% commission, full benefits and retirement. Hint: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
WARNING: The official procedure for Amazon Inc. new-hires is to obtain bank account information ONLY after an extensive interview process, and usually occurs during an in-person employee orientation. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you email or text message your bank account information to anyone claiming to be a recruiter or Human Resources rep.
One close-call candidate became suspicious of the offer when he was hired on the spot, and without meeting anyone either by Skype or in person. The red flag was when he was asked for his bank account information sent via email.
“Something just didn’t sit right with me, so I called Amazon’s Corporate office and was informed that this was a popular job scam, and not to give out any personal information,” says Ted Lawrence.
After his phone call with Amazon, Lawrence called the “recruiter” and informed him of what he learned. Mr. “Solomon” hung up and refused to answer or return his calls.
Hansen encourages all candidates interested in jobs at the Houston or Katy locations to visit amazondelivers.jobs to apply.
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KATY MAGAZINE
July 23 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Sean Rouse, actor, comedian and graduate of Katy High School class of 1993, passed away on June 29, 2018.
Rouse suffered a stroke followed by a heart attack, which he did not recover from. He is survived by a son, mother, father, brother, friends and the comedy community.
He was discovered at the age of 24 when he made the finals of Houston’s Funniest Person contest in 1999. By those in the industry, Rouse was described as “dark, even though he looks innocent, and likeable even though he’s highly obscene. But most of all, he’s extremely entertaining.”
Rouse was very public about his lifelong struggle with rheumatoid arthritis after being diagnosed as a teenager. Rouse said that he had pain all over but more so in his knees, shoulders and ankles in the early days. Some days he would be able to jump out of bed easily and others every movement was a struggle. No matter the pain, Rouse never complained about his arthritis or used it in his comedy.
1.3 million Americans suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. At the beginning of his career, without insurance, Rouse was spending half of his annual salary on medications to treat the symptoms. Arthritis is one of the top five most costly conditions for adults over 18 years of age.
For those that knew Rouse growing up, he was always the funny one. He was voted Class Wit/Clown of the Senior class of Katy High 1993. Friends since childhood, Billy McCaffrey was shocked and saddened by the news of Rouse’s death. “Putting a smile on someone’s face is what mattered to him most, the pain he was in didn’t matter at all.”, said McCaffrey.
Fellow comic Dave Attell wrote, “It took me a while to process the loss of Sean Rouse. He was always sick but i am still in shock. Sean was my opener for years and years. But he was a better comic than i ever could be. He was so smart and fearless. Sean could care less if the crowd cheered or walked out. It was beautiful madness..i loved him like a brother and miss him beyond words.”
Rouse’s acolades include
Actor in “Cedric the Coach” (2001)
Actor in “Men in Black” (2002)
Comedian on Dave Attell’s “Insomniac” tour (2005)
Comedian in “Down and Dirty” with Jim Norton (2008)
Comedian in “The Unbookables” with Doug Stanhope (2012)
Rouse had many standup gigs over the years that can still be watched on YouTube.
Service details have yet to be released.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 2, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Officials from Harris County and the City of Katy share their top must-knows for Katy families before celebrating July 4th.
The first step in your fireworks education is to know and understand the laws of your county. Katy is part of Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties as well as neighborhoods that are both in the City of Katy proper and unincorporated areas.
For Residents in the City of Katy
Fireworks are strictly forbidden inside the City of Katy limits. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. There are a number of Katy area events going on to celebrate the Fourth this year.
“Personally I say leave it to the professionals,” says Katy Fire Chief Warner Preston. “But if you are going to partake in fireworks (considering you do so in a legal area) make sure you are in an open area and leave the lighting of fireworks to the adults.”
Unincorporated areas in Harris and Fort Bend County
In both Harris County and Fort Bend County (outside of Katy proper) fireworks are legal as long as there isn’t a fire ban and as long as the fireworks used are legal and set off in a safe place.
So what is a “legal firework?” Basically most fireworks you can buy from a firework stand are legal. It’s always important to check and make sure that the stand you are purchasing your fireworks from is certified and licensed. They should have that documentation easily visible on the stand. If you don’t see if then ask to. You need to stay clear from venders who are selling fireworks out of a back of a pickup truck or on the side of road that do not have a certified stand. “And please use common sense,” explains Lieutenant Simon VanDyk of Harris County Emergency Services. “If your fireworks have an extra boom from other then something may not be right.”
Firework Safety Tips
1. Open Area and Distance- Make sure you are in an open area. You can be in your street but make sure you are not setting off fireworks up against a house. You cannot light fireworks off within 600 feet of a school (even if it’s not in session,) church, hospital or gas station.
2. Read the instructions- Yes, this may sound simple but it is one of the most important safety tips. “My family loves those ladybug fireworks. They spin and then shoot up in the air,” says VanDyk. “If someone failed to read the instructions they could easily get themselves and others in trouble for being too close when they shoot up.” If you have questions don’t be afraid to ask when buying the fireworks. Most of the employees at the firework stands will know all about what they are selling.
3. Not for children- Fireworks are pretty and festive when celebrating our Nations birthday but they do come with risk. Lighting fireworks should be left to the adults. Of course kids can enjoy and watch but safety should always come first.
4. When drinking- As with most holidays people enjoy an adult beverage. “Lighting fireworks is no different than having a designated driver. Alcohol will slow your reaction time and that time could result in injury when lighting fireworks,” says VanDyk. Be responsible and let those adults not drinking light the fireworks.
5. Water source- ALWAYS have a water source nearby and douse everything before throwing it out. “We will have a number of garage fires on the 5th because people tossed something in the trash,” says VanDyk. “In most cases these are responsible people who truly believed they had put out any fire but it only takes one little simmering ember to ignite a fire. It’s not out until you’ve doused it.” In this area you can’t be too cautious. Don’t be afraid to dump water on it or even soak them in a bucket of water overnight. “A fire can start up to 12 hours after you believe it is out,” cautions VanDyk.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
More pets go missing of the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. The noise and lights that we love about fireworks are stressful and scary to pets. It’s wise to bring outside pets indoors and even put them in an interior room to help minimize the sound and prevent them going through a window. As much as we love our furry babies it’s never smart to have your dog outside with you when lighting fireworks.
Have fun this Fourth of July but most of be safe. If you need to call your local authorities for help. Do keep in mind that while certain Home Owners Associations prohibit fireworks only the HOA can enforce that and not the police or the fire department.
If you are in an area that can light fireworks, which is your favorite Katy stand to purchase them from? Let us know in the comments!
Want to leave the fireworks to the professionals? Are you still looking for a Katy Fourth of July event to attend? Check out these options.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 2, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark & Ashley Lancaster
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter was named the 2018 Breakout Star, and signed an extension with the team for $72 million last Wednesday.
Katy, Texas’ Danielle Hunter proudly represents his hometown by shining in the big leagues with a new $72 million contract extension from the Minnesota Vikings.
Hunter signed with the Vikings in 2015, and his electrifying performance resulted in a 5-year contract extension for $72 million, with a $15 million signing bonus. These contract terms place him in the Top 10 highest paid defensive players in the NFL – impressive, considering that the DE is only 23 years old. On paper, his 2017 season may not look like much, with 25.5 sacks under his belt in his three seasons – but he hasn’t been a starter. The Vikings began to set him loose on the opposing offense and saw his incredible potential.
From Maverick to Tiger and now Viking
Hunter was a football and track and field star graduate from Katy ISD’s Morton Ranch High School. After he graduated from Morton Ranch he attended LSU from 2012-2014 where he was a two-year starter and defensive end. According to the NFL Network’s Peter Schrager Hunter is pegged as a “breakout star” for 2018 because of the talent that the Vikings have along their defensive front Hunter is rarely going to see double teams. He should have the ability to terrorize opposing offenses while only having to beat one guy. The other team can’t double team everyone, so the Vikings’ defensive line should have the ability to make a play on almost every snap. In football terms this is huge.
“I was shaking with excitement,” Hunter told the Vikings’ official website. “I was like, is this real.”
Hunter is an American born in Jamaica but spent his formative years in Katy, Texas where he grew to love football. Many can’t wait to see what the season has in store for this 23 year old.
The Vikings have been praised and noted for being strategic in their deals to open a window into the championship season. Could we see a Katy native in a Super Bowl game this year? From the sounds of the stats it could come to be.
The NFL season opener is September 7. The Vikings have their first preseason game on Saturday August 11 vs. the Denver Broncos. Their first regular season game is slated for Sunday September 9 vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
With the NFL Football season quickly approaching it’s time to prep your Fantasy Football roster. Are you including Katy’s Danielle Hunter in your roster? What do you think of the Vikings’ strategy to go for a championship? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 1, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
The much anticipated Spring Green/Katy-Flewellen/Cinco Trace roundabout is scheduled to open July 9 according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
For this project, parts of Spring Green (north and south), Katy-Flewellwen and Cinco Trace were extended to meet up at the two-lane roundabout. At the time of the opening, Willow Lane at Katy-Flewellen will close and a reopen date has not been set. Crossover Road will remain closed as it’s being completely redone.
The project was originally slated to begin construction in 2016 but had been delayed several times, beginning until January 2018, due to obtaining “rights of way”.
Although not everyone in the community is excited about this project citing safety concerns, traffic statistics consistently demonstrate that roundabouts are safer than typical four-way intersections. Collisions can be reduced by 50 to 90 percent when a typical intersection is converted to a roundabout.
The Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office asks residents to visit a video on YouTube , in order to familiarize yourself on how to drive through a roundabout
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KATY MAGAZINE
June 29, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
The Ballard House, which provides temporary housing in our community for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment for a serious medical condition, has just reopened at full capacity since they were flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Due to the additional guests, The Ballard House has an urgent need of donations to stock the entire home.
The items below are urgently needed and can be dropped off at The Ballard House located at 21421 Cinco Park Road.
Toilet Paper
K-Cups
Foil
Canned Soups (like you would want to eat when you are sick)
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter – take along snack crackers
Goldfish
Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Saltine Crackers
Canned Fruit
Fruit Cups
Pudding Cups (that don’t have to be refrigerated)
Cereal – Special K, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes
Success Rice – Brown and White
Canned Tuna
Bottle Water
Any other general snack items that can be taken to the guest’s doctors appt.
In addition to the urgent need above, a complete list of items needed can be found here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 29, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Harris County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the man who robbed a Cash Store on Fry Rd. in Katy at gunpoint.
On Monday, September 18, 2017 a black male subject entered the Cash Store located at 1456 Fry Road in west Harris County. The male approached the counter and asked the employees a question.
The subject then pulled a pistol from his waistband and jumped over the counter demanding the cash drawer money. He held both employees at gunpoint and told them to hand over their personnel belongings as well.
The subject then fled on foot in unknown direction from the store. He is described as a black male, 25 to 30 years old, 6 ‘ in height and weighing about 180 Lbs. He has brown colored hair and dark colored eyes, and a tattoo on his neck. Anyone with information is urged to call the HCSO Robbery division at 713-274-9210.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 26, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Friends and family of Stephen Papp, 33, are mourning after the history teacher and Morton Ranch football coach was tragically killed in a car accident.
News and sorrow is quickly spreading this week of the loss of Morton Ranch’s assistant football coach, Stephen Papp. He passed away Saturday night in a car accident. Details have yet to be released. Even though he was currently on staff at Morton Ranch, Papp influenced many young Katy athletes having spent time at Katy ISD’s Mayde Creek and Cinco Ranch High Schools prior to moving to Morton Ranch.
A cancer survivor, Papp was known for being quiet about his battle and giving his all to his students. Papp was also a World History teacher and enjoyed sharing the love of both athletics and history with his students.
“I enjoyed getting to know and work with Stephen over the past 2 years,” said Wendell Ishee, social studies teacher/Morton Ranch football coach and one of Papp’s coworkers. “He was always a willing worker and loved working with our kids and athletes. He had a brilliant football mind and was always willing to talk about schematics and situations. He worked to get the most out of his football players. He taught them toughness and accountability. I also watched him transform many athletes in pole vault during track season. I am very saddened by his death and my prayers go out to his family and friends,” he says.
Current Paetow junior and former Morton Ranch freshman football player Alex Elko tweeted Monday night: “Rest Easy Coach Papp … He was always a constant believer in everyone’s ability to obtain success through hard work and dedication … The world definitely lost a great one . I truly believe he is in a much better place. I pray that his family may find peace and understanding. Again , Rest In Peace Coach Papp.”
Stephen Papp’s funeral is scheduled for this Friday, June 29 3 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in his hometown, Kingwood.
Do you have a fond memory of Coach Papp? Share it with us below in the comments.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 26, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Katy families and businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey will have an opportunity to recover with the approval of the State Action Plan, totaling just over $5 billion dollars.
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced on Monday that the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved the State Action Plan for a ttotal of $5.024 billions dollars as part of the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery.
Affected areas in Harris County and the City of Houston will receive $2.7 billion in recovery funds, while areas outside Harris County and Houston city limits will get the remainder of $2.3 to rebuild and restore homes and businesses, and infrastructure. Here is a breakdown in fund distribution and approved programs:
1. Single Family Homeowner Assistance ($1.048 billion)
Provides funding for rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied single-family homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
2. Buyouts and Acquisitions ($275 million)
Eligible homeowners may sell their home to a local government at a pre-storm or post-storm fair market value and move out of harm’s way by relocating outside of a floodplain to a lower-risk area
3. Homeowner Reimbursement ($100 million)
Allows homeowners to be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred for repairs to their home including reconstruction, rehabilitation or mitigation up to $50,000.
4. Affordable Rental ($250 million)
Provides funding for rehabilitation, reconstruction and new construction of affordable multi-family housing projects in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
5. Local Infrastructure ($413 million)
Repairs, enhances and restores infrastructure for local communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey as part of a comprehensive long-term recovery program.
6. Economic Revitalization ($100 million)
Offers interim assistance to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Harvey through deferred forgivable loans and loans in exchange for job creation or retention. Small business within Harris County and the city of Houston will be eligible to apply for this program.
7. Local, Regional and State Planning ($137 million)
The GLO will conduct planning studies focused on disaster mitigation in the impacted areas with the purpose of promoting sound long-term recovery.
Information on Homeowner Recovery Assistance
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 21, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Available while supplies last, Katy parents can pick up a free Child ID kit on June 30. The kits are a simple, yet effective way to help families maintain vital information about their children.
WHERE & WHEN
Saturday, June 30, 2018
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Ashley Furniture
19660 Restaurant Row, Houston
Parents and caregivers can receive an important tool to share with law enforcement authorities when searching for a missing child. No purchase is necessary.
DETAILS
Individually packaged in a protective plastic sleeve, each kit contains a non-toxic fingerprinting ink strip, heavy gauge freezer-safe bag for a DNA hair sample or cheek swabs, space to record complete contact, personal, medical, and physical information, space for a 4″ x 6″ photograph, fingerprint chart, dental charts for permanent and baby teeth, and essential educational safety tips.
In 2017, there were 464,324 entries into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center representing a missing child reported to law enforcement every 67 seconds of every day.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 20, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
The rain couldn’t keep Katy’s Top 100 Men and their guests from having a great time at No Label Brewery.
Good food & good friends
Honorees on Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Men of Katy list and their guests enjoyed draft beer, live music, delicious food, and great conversation at No Label Brewery on Tuesday night.
The list is comprised of men ages 18 and up who serve their community with integrity, and includes Katy ISD students and teachers, community leaders, heroes who stepped up during Hurricane Harvey, law enforcement officials, and more.
To see photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.
Honorees who were not able to attend, or attended but did not pick up their official certificate. Please email editor@katymagazine.com and we will mail one to you!
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 20, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
With the opening of two new Katy ISD schools in the 2019/20 school year, a modification of attendance boundaries will be necessary. Three options for elementary and junior high were presented to the board at Monday’s board meeting.
Katy ISD Elementary campus #42 located in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD and Junior High #16 in the southwest quadrant located in the Cross Creek neighborhood will both open in the fall of 2019. Both will relieve overcrowding for many schools in the district.
At last Monday’s school board meeting, three attendance boundary modifications were presented for elementary and junior high.
In the northwest quadrant, the elementary schools with the largest chance of being impacted are Bethke, Hutsell, King and Winborn Elementary schools. In the southwest quadrant, the addition of Junior High #16 will possibly impact Beck, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, Tays and Woodcreek Junior High. While not all of these schools are currently overcrowded, the modification will re-align many schools to prevent future overcrowding.
Families that could be potentially impacted by proposed attendance boundary modifications will be informed of opportunities to provide input, which will include an electronic survey, email, written correspondence, and by telephone. These communications will begin June 20 and be available until November 20, 2018.
At the September school board meeting, trustees will be given the preliminary results of the survey. In December, the board will receive the final recommendations. Notification to those impacted will begin January 2019.
Katy ISD has created a page to answer questions and provide the community with the possible modifications. Click here for more information. The board was presented aPowerPoint presentation with details.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 19, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
If you’re looking for a place to top off the tank in Katy, Texas, check out this list of the top 10 cheapest stations, and the most expensive.
TOP 10 CHEAPEST GAS PRICES:
1. Buc-ee’s
2700 Katy Fwy.
Regular: $2.45
Mid: $2.70
Premium: $3.00
Diesel: $2.74
2. Exxon
1540 Katy Gap Rd.
Regular: $2.45 (Cash)
Mid: $2.99
Premium: $3.49
Diesel: $2.79
3. Murphy USA
25104 Market Place Dr.
Regular: $2.47
Mid: N/A
Premium: N/A
Diesel: $2.76
4. Costco
23645 Katy Fwy.
Regular: $2.48
Mid: N/A
Premium: $2.89
Diesel: N/A
5. Sam’s Club
20424 Katy Fwy. & Price Plaza Dr.
Regular: $2.48
Mid: N/A
Premium: $2.89
Diesel: N/A
6. Exxon
740 Katy Fort Bend Rd.
Regular: $2.48
Mid: $2.83
Premium: $3.18
Diesel: $2.89
7. Love’s
612 Pederson Rd. & IH-10 W
Regular: $2.49
Mid: $2.74
Premium: $2.99
Diesel: $3.09
8. Exxon
26150 Katy Fwy. & FM 1463
Regular: $2.49
Mid: $2.84
Premium: $3.19
Diesel: $2.85
9. Tiny’s
24346 Franz Rd. & Porter Rd.
Regular: $2.49 (Cash)
Mid: N/A
Premium: N/A
Diesel: $2.83
10. Exxon
25010 Franz Rd. & Katy Fort Bend Rd.
Regular: $2.49 (Cash)
Mid: N/A
Premium: N/A
Diesel: $2.83
TOP 5 MOST EXPENSIVE:
1. Shell
23255 Kingsland Blvd. & Grand Pkwy.
Regular: $2.94
2. Chevron
23307 Cinco Ranch Blvd. & Grand Pkwy.
Regular: $2.89
3. Chevron
1627 Barker Cypress Rd.
Regular: $2.74
4. New Crossing Katy
1350 Pin Oak Rd.
Regular: 2.76
5. Shell
5815 Ave. D
Regular: $2.69
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 18, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark & Ashley Lancaster
Katy ISD’s Seven Lakes high school ranked at number 15 in the Greater Houston Area. Keep reading to see where the rest of Katy ISD’s high schools, junior highs, and elementaries ranked.
See the Katy ISD schools that made the top 100 in elementary, junior high, and high school in the Greater Houston Area for 2018.
HIGH SCHOOL
Top 100 (Out of 191)
Seven Lakes – #15
Cinco Ranch – #25
Taylor – #37
Katy – #51
Mayde Creek – #65
Morton Ranch – #90
JUNIOR HIGH
Top 100 (Out of 335)
Beckendorff – #12
Tays – #18
Seven Lakes – #19
Beck – #29
McMeans – #35
Woodcreek – #37
Cinco Ranch – #58
Memorial Parkway – #61
Mayde Creek – # 89
ELEMENTARY
Top 100 (Out of 902)
Pattison – #29
Stanley – #31
Wilson – #37
Griffin – #48
Kilpatrick – #51
Davidson – #56
Woodcreek – #63
Jenks – #68
Holland – #72
Wolman – #73
Exley – #83
McRoberts – #90
Katy – #93
Rylander – #98
Williams Elementary came close at #101
Katy ISD has a total of 8 high schools and many often find themselves on prestigious ranking lists such as this one.
This list evaluates student performance on STAAR Reading and Math tests and campus overall performance as compared to other campuses with similar levels of poverty. It also considers performance through growth, graduation rates, and other college readiness factors.
For 13 years Children at Risk has ranked Texas area schools in hope of promoting dialogue amongst educators, communities and parents. Learn more about how they rank and see how other area schools faired in the 2018 Texas School Guide.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 17, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Susie Garza, Assistant Principal at West Memorial Junior High in Katy ISD, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in New Mexico during her return from a family vacation.
(Photo from West Memorial Junior High in November 2017)
On Thursday morning, June 14, while on the way back to Houston, the family’s car was rear-ended at a high rate of speed in New Mexico. Ms. Garza did not survive the accident. Her daughter, Andrea, who was with her at the time, was air-lifted to the hospital and is expected to survive. Garza’s other daughter, Analicia “Ana”, is by her sister’s side as she recovers.
The family had been on a road trip vacation that began June 2, 2018. Garza and her family visited national parks and other landmarks in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Canada and California.
Words From The Family
Part of the official statement from her daughters, Ana and Andrea reads:
“Susie had such a passion for people. She loved her work in education, which she began at the age of 21. She would often tell her family that she would do whatever it took to help her students succeed. It was that kind of determination and dedication that she carried with her throughout her entire career.
She had an infectious sense of humor and positivity. Her desire to help others was the guiding force in her life. Her dedication to her students allowed her to change and impact so many lives.
She was such a loving and generous person, a trait she instilled in her children. Susie also instilled in them the desire to serve their community. She always pushed us to achieve our highest potential and encouraged us at every turn.
She was the very best mother and she is and will be remembered for her unwavering love. She loved each of her friends and family fiercely. She always saw the best in people.
It is our hope, as her children, that each of us remember her for her love and try to see the best in others, as she did.”
(Photo from the Garza vacation in Seven Falls, Colorado)
A Longtime Katy Educator
Garza began her career in Katy ISD in 1996 as an ESL teacher at Mayde Creek High School. In 1997, she was promoted to Assistant Principal and has worked at Katy High, Cardiff Junior High and West Memorial Junior High, where she currently worked at the time of her passing.
A Heartbroken Community
As word broke of her passing, tributes began pouring in on social media.
Sharice Wasson-Irons wrote, “My heart is completely broken! What a huge huge loss. Our WMJH family will miss her dearly!!!”
Samantha Decker Ridenhour wrote, “Susie was an amazing AP and an even better person. Praying for comfort for the family.”
Heather Jones wrote, “Mrs. Garza was an amazing AP, she helped my son navigate Jr. High. She genuinely cared about her students. She was an asset to Katy, and West Memorial. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”
Katy ISD and West Memorial Junior High have truly lost a loving educator and leader.
Service information will be updated here at a later date.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 15, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
One Katy family had to taste a bitter reality when their son Rhett was diagnosed with high-risk leukemia. Find out how their idea to start a lemonade stand gave them all strength and hope.
Rhett Wilkins, a 7-year-old cancer survivor, and his family opened a lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research, and were named one of the Top 10 Best Lemonade Stands in the United States by NextDoor.
The Wilkins’ were a Katy family just like any other until the day their son Rhett, now 7, was diagnosed with high-risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). While he was being treated for cancer at Texas Children’s Hospital, his compromised immune system left him vulnerable to a rare fungal infection which, in combination with the cancer diagnosis, have him a 1% chance to live.
“Even the doctors were blown away by how Rhett survived when the infection, called mucormycosis, took over his body. There was no medical protocol or documented history of a child surviving this kind of fungal infection as long as Rhett did. When he pulled out of the coma, the doctors started documenting his progress and since then, several children have been saved with the protocol that save Rhett,” says his father, Chris Wilkins.
A FRESH IDEA
Rhett had overcome the odds like a true warrior, but there was still a long, long way to go. The standard course of treatment for a child with ALL is between 2.5 – 3.5 years from beginning to end depending on the treatment plan, and it’s intensity during the first year leaves children exhausted and often feeling sick. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can place a huge strain on the patients and their family.
Life had handed Rhett and his family lemons….so they decided to make lemonade.
“Rhett’s mom and my wife Lauren (pictured) came up with the idea. Lauren asked if I could build the stand, and I said I could if she would make it pretty,” says Wilkins. The entire family, including all four of Rhett’s siblings and his cousin Sydney jumped on board.
Sydney (cousin, 11), Siddalee (10), Riley (10), Peyton (7), and JJ (6) knew that they wanted to help Rhett, as well as other kids and families who were suffering in the same way. At first, their goal was to raise $1,000 every time they hosted a stand to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation. Rhett’s lemonade was requested at swim meets, gymnastics events, crawfish boils and other family events in Katy to spread the word.
SWEET & SOUR
To the family, the stand is more than just a fun activity. While in treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital for 42 months, little Rhett tragically lost eight of his friends to childhood cancer. “We want to raise money, not just for the children that have survived, but also so that every child has a chance to survive. The government doesn’t give enough to children’s cancer so we are doing it for them,” says Wilkins.
According to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, only 4% of government funding is allocated towards childhood cancer research… a number that is simply not good enough for most parents.
MORE SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT CHILDHOOD CANCER
That’s why little lemonade stands like Rhett’s are such a light in the vast darkness of cancer. To date, they have raised $5,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, and plan to continue hosting stands in Katy.
Their goal now is to raise $25,000.
They will host a stand tonight from 6 – 8 p.m. at Pine Mill Ranch Park & Splash Pad. MAP
STRENGTH THAT INSPIRES
Rhett, like so many others who have gone through similar battles, shows a resilience that is truly amazing. There really aren’t any words that can make a parent, who is watching their child suffer, feel encouraged. It’s something no one ever prepares themselves for. There is a resiliency in children that adults lost at some point in life,” says his dad.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 15, 2018
By Katrina Katsarelis
Katy Independent School District Superintendent Lance Hindt appointed Steve Guzzetta as the new principal of McMeans Junior High (MMJH).
“I am very excited to continue the success and traditions that have been established at McMeans Junior High,” said Guzzetta. “I opened the school as a teacher and coach before becoming an administrator there so I already have a deep connection with the community and a passion for the success of the students,” added Guzzetta.
Longtime Katy Educator
Mr. Guzzetta has an extensive level of experience that includes 24 years with Katy ISD. He began his career in 1994 as a history teacher and a coach at Katy Junior High (KJH). In 1995, he moved to Katy High School (KHS) and taught geography and coached for five years. In 2000, he transferred to MMJH where he taught for two years prior to be promoted to assistant principal. Four years later he was named the curriculum principal at MMJH and he served in that capacity until 2007. At this time, he was named assistant principal at Taylor High School (THS). In 2015, he was promoted to associate principal and has remained in that position for the past three years. Mr. Guzzetta holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M.
Mr. Guzzetta joins MMJH on June 18. He will be replacing Dr. Susan Rice who will be retiring.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 15. 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
An alert neighbor in Memorial Parkway called Harris County Sheriff Constable Precinct 5 when she noticed a little boy walking alone on Thursday evening past dark.
Precinct 5 Deputy Kimberly Burkett, responding to the call, made sure the five-year-old was not hurt. She then walked with him down the street, in the general direction of his home, until they found his worried mother looking for him.
There were some tears along the way, but we are happy to say the little boy is safe and sound back home tonight.
Incidents like this are not uncommon, especially in the summer with kids out of school. Below are several tips for parents and caregivers to help with wandering children.
1. Secure your home with locks/latches located at the top of doors, that children can’t easily access. Always have latches secure while indoors. The latches are available at any home store such as Home Depot.
2. Outdoor fences should have a secure gate that can be locked to avoid children getting out or unwanted people getting in a backyard.
3. Keep car doors locked so that if a child does wander, they don’t get stuck in a car. Cars are exciting and enticing places for children to get in.
4. Know your neighbors and exchange contact information. If your child has a history of wandering, inform neighbors so they can keep an eye out and contact you immediately if they see suspicious activity.
5. When your child is outside, check on them periodically. Children can very easily get lost and turned around…even children as old as 10-12 years old have been known to become lost.
6. If your child is missing, call 9-1-1 immediately. Police can help look for a child more efficiently than a parent who is emotionally upset and they have broader resources.
The citizens of Katy can always count on the Harris County Constable’s Office to be there and help when called!
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 14, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
City of Katy officials have confirmed that they will host a “revitalized” newly named event that’s not affiliated with the Katy Area Chamber’s Rice Harvest Festival.
In response to Katy Magazine inquiries, Kayce Reina, the City of Katy’s Director of Marketing and Tourism has confirmed that they will host a festival for residents in the wake of the cancellation of the Katy Area Chamber’s Rice Harvest Festival.
Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner has announced that it will host the newly named “City of Katy Rice Festival” in Downtown Historic Katy the second weekend of October. According to Brawner this will be a revitalized festival that residents, businesses, and visitors would be proud of.
“Our goal is to bring the festival back to its original form,” says Mayor Chuck Brawner. “It will be a family-oriented event with only quality arts and craft vendors, live music, excellent food, and drinks and fun for the whole family.”
Restoring the Festival’s Former Glory
In past years, the event was put on by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. This will be the first year that they will not host the festival.
In his official statement, Mayor Brawner expresses the city’s plan to revitalize the festival and bring back the original small-town charm that it has always been known for.
Sponsorship & Volunteering
More information on the festival will be released as the details are formalized in the coming weeks. The City of Katy hopes the community will support their dedication to this iconic festival. Please mark your calendars and plan to be part of the 2018 City of Katy Rice Festival.
If you are interested in getting involved via sponsorship, volunteering or for questions or comments, please contact Kayce Reina, the City of Katy’s Director of Tourism & Marketing, directly via email at kreina@cityofkaty.com or by phone at 281-391-8653.
No comment was received from the Katy Chamber of Commerce.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 14, 2018
Congratulations are in order for nineteen local Chick-fil-A Team Members selected to receive a $2,500 Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship this fall.
Each recipient not only demonstrated professional leadership, teamwork, and positive influence on the job, but also a commitment to volunteer work in our local community for the past twelve months. In addition, a personal letter of recommendation from the Owner/Operator, Rusty Wylie, was submitted for each of the outstanding award winners.
Mr. Wylie commented, “It’s a tremendous blessing to be able to recruit so many of our communities best and brightest young people. One of the most fulfilling aspects of owning three locations is the opportunity to provide leadership training at an early age, giving our young people an edge on success that translates to any future career. I’m so proud of each and every one of them.” The award winners from Chick-fil-A Mason Road, Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch and Chick-fil-A Katy Green are:
Alexis (Lexie) Borowski, Lone Star, Undecided
Sophia Bui, University of Houston, Business/Finance
Nicholas Burnside, University of Houston, Restaurant and Hotel Management
Kandace Dobbs, University of Houston, Communications
Avery Fontenot, University of Arkansas, Business
Brooke Richardson, University of Houston, Communications
Jane Akwitti, University of Texas- Austin, Pre Med Track
Savannah Alphin-McPhink, Ashford University, Applied Behavioral Sciences
Avery Connor, Steven F. Austin University, Music Ed
Ellie Farlow, Samford University, Nursing
Aylin (Selena) Morales, Lone Star, History
Fay Walkabout, University of Texas-Dallas, Neuro-Science
Fazeeah Agoro, Texas Tech, Kinesiology /Physical Therapy
David Balderas, Lone Star, Bachelor in Science
Sonya Cadena, Texas State, Physicians Assistant
Destiny Logan, Lone Star, Nursing
Madison Morel, Abilene Christian University, Nursing
Daniel Veillon, Houston Community College & Sam Houston, Criminal Justice
Jake Winegar, Houston Baptist University, Liberal Arts- Political Science
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 13, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Pedro Gamboa, of Harris County, alleged that he suffered serious injury after slipping and falling on a wet surface at the water park in Katy, Texas.
In the complaint, the plaintiff claims that he slipped and fell on a surface that was smooth and slippery while he was exiting a water slide on August 7, 2016. Gamboa claims that he suffered pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, and lost wages.
WP Ventures, LLC, acting as Typhoon Texas, is accused of negligently failing to maintain the property and provide warning signs of the condition of the floor.
The plaintiff has requested a trial by jury and seeks between $200,000 and $1M in monetary relief. He is represented by Loren G. Klitsas and Jared W. Capps of Klitsas & Vercher PC in Houston.
Katy Magazine reached out to Typhoon Texas for comment at 12:00 on June 13. Updates will be posted as we receive them.
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KATY MAGAZINE
June 13, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Amy Aguilar, Stephens Elementary 5th grader, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 8, 2018 from an asthma attack.
(Amy and her parents celebrating her last day of 4th grade on May 25, 2018)
Amy was known as a happy, loving child who would have been 10 years old on June 23. She was enjoying the summer before her final year at Stephens Elementary. On Friday, June 8, Amy passed away suddenly from a severe asthma attack.
A Loving Daughter and Sister
Amy’s parents Ivan and Yatchzel Aguilar are devastated by the loss and say Amy was a wonderful sister to her brother Ivan and sister Mia. Amy enjoyed a close bond with her entire family and enjoyed doing “girly” things were Mia and teaching her brother how to read. Amy also loved playing with her dog Luna and her favorite color was purple.
Stephens Elementary Support
Amy enjoyed going to school at Stephens Elementary so much that she wanted to go even when she was sick, according to her parents. One of her favorite teachers was Ms. Monica Melchiorre, who has been visiting with the family daily since Amy passed away. The parents say they are very grateful for her love and care of their daughter and their family. Family, friends and faith are helping the family during this very difficult time.
Children with Asthma
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people have asthma, or 25 million Americans, and it is more common in children than adults. Each day 10 Americans die from asthma with adults being more likely to die from the disease than children. It is said to be the number one reason children miss school.
Services on Wednesday
Amy will be laid to rest today, Wednesday, June 13, at 3 p.m. at Klein Memorial Parklocated at 14711 Cypress North Houston, Cypress, Texas 77429.
Please Wear Purple
The burial is open to Amy’s friends and family. The parents request that everyone wear purple in honor of Amy, as this was her favorite color. “Absolutely NO BLACK!”
How to help
A GoFundMe account was set up by a family member to help the immediate family with expenses.
KATY MAGAZINE
June 12, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
A Katy man is facing felony drug charges after Precinct 5 deputies discovered nearly 2,000 grams of illegal peyote at his home.
Alex Noorian, 31, was arrested on Monday after a reported disturbance at his home in the 2600 block of Planters House Lane in Williamsburg Colony.
Deputies obtained a search warrant for the home and found 6 pots of peyote cactus along with two jars of the drug. Peyote, an endangered species, is a Class One Hallucinogen on the same level as LSD and PCP. It is a psychedelic drug and is illegal to use, grow or sell.
In addition to 1,900 grams of peyote, deputies found and confiscated illegal mushrooms, THC wax, and 35 marijuana plants inside the house.
Noorian was arrested on felony charges of manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Noorian is no stranger to police as his arrest record dates back to 2005. In the past, he has been arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon, assault on family members and other unrelated individuals, but this is his first drug arrest.
Noorian is currently in jail awaiting his next court date on Wednesday, June 13. He has requested a public defender.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 12, 2018
Good luck to all the young men representing Katy at the Texas Boys State Convention in Austin, Texas!
Thirty-one boys from Katy-area high schools are attending the weeklong Texas Boys State 2018 convention that began June 10 in Austin.
The Katy boys are among more than 1,100 from all parts of Texas. They are learning about various forms of government and are divided into 24 cities, eight counties, and four districts. The boys are assigned to parties known as The Federalists and The Nationalists and are campaigning for various offices.
Two boys will be selected to represent Texas at The American Legion’s Boys Nation convention in July in Washington.
Members of Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 of The American Legion in Katy selected the 31 boys after interviews that followed nominations by teachers and school counselors. The post’s Boys State committee is led by Monte Ikner, with support from Bobby Steph, Ray Downs, Fred Kana, and Henry Thomas.
The boys are seniors-to-be and are listed by high school:
Seven Lakes:
Brody Ameen, Justin Ardis, Jacob DeGeurin, Alejandro Mantilla, Robert Myers, Joshua Shimbashi
Cinco Ranch:
Luke Austria, Nicholas Betts, Joshua Jung, Nicholas Pappas, Matthew Pharis
Katy:
Parker Egan, Dylan Koch, Mark Nicholson, Chandler Scott, Christopher Tucker
Faith West:
Lucas Campbell, Andrew Carrico, Joshua Romero
Mayde Creek:
Steven Garza, Joshua Brian Soriano, Alexis Zepeda
Tompkins:
Vincent Bruce, Michael Han, Sean Koo
Morton Ranch:
Terrell Gray, Alberto Hernandez, Thomas Walters
Taylor:
Michael Arellano, Jared Morris
St. John XXIII:
Thomas Reboli
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 11, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Precinct 5 deputies are currently investigating a home burglary in the Creekstone subdivision on S. Mason Rd.
At approximately 1 a.m. on June 9, the resident returned home to find that his back door had been broken and his personal belongings had been gone through. Several pieces of personal electronics and cash were missing.
Harris County officials are asking anyone with information to report it using the online crime tips page here: https://constablepct5.com/index.php/online-crime-tips.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 11, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Check out these summer fun activities, suggested reading lists, and great special offers from the Katy ISD Elementary Curriculum and Instruction department that keep kids engaged throughout the summer.
These are just a few of the outstanding summer programs available for kids in Katy ISD.
1st – 5th Grade Suggested Summer Reading List
Katy ISD Super Summer Reader Program
Katy ISD students in kindergarten through entering 4th grade can participate in an interactive summer reading group. Enroll here.
Summer Reading BINGO
Kids ages kindergarten – 5th grade can print a reading BINGO card for free and keep track of all the books they finish before the end of the summer.
Lemon Lime Adventures
Must try science activities for pre-K – 5th grade.
Modern Parents, Messy Kids
Fun kitchen experiments for kids in pre-K – 5th grade.
PBS Summer Science Projects
Grow, build, explore and think outside the box.
Mission Animal Rescue
Learn about endangered species and how to protect them.
Grocery Store BINGO
Turn grocery shopping into an opportunity to learn and have fun. Kindergarten – 5th grade.
Calculation Nation
Fun math challenges for kids of all ages.
Funbrain
Math arcade games for all ages.
Virtual Summer Camp
Computer coding to outdoor activities.
Boredom Busters
Creative, crafty ideas to download at home.
For the full list of summer activities, click here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 10, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Two new Katy companies have opened recently that cater to the special needs community. Inclusive Educational Services focuses on life skills and tutoring for younger children, while Angels Life Skills works with adolescents and adults.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Iris Guzman, a long time special education teacher has opened Inclusion Educational services to help children with Austism, Aspergers, Dyslexia, or others struggling with emotional or learning disability. Catering to preschool and school age children, the company offers academic tutoring, life skills and social skills coaching, parents’ rights consultations, guidance and support for special needs families, and other services and programs for special needs families.
Prior to opening IES, Guzman worked in Katy ISD, Spring ISD, and Alief ISD as a special needs teacher. Guzman has over 15 years of experience teaching special needs children and is also the mother of a special needs child. Her 25-year old daughter, Noriann, is a graduate of Houston Community College’s V.A.S.T. program. The Inclusive Educational Services office is currently located in LaCenterra Cinco Ranch, but the company is building a classroom center at a future location in the Falcon Ranch area. IES offers a free needs assessment. Visit inclusionkaty.com
SERVING ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS
Angels Life Skills Center opened in March to provide services for ages 13 to adult.
The center offers Day Habilitation, a person-centered program in which they give participants more choices over their daily activities, also, giving the opportunity to develop interpersonal and communication skills. Life skills training teaches daily activities such as how to do laundry, cooking, gardening, eating healthy, using proper hygiene, balancing finances, how to tell time, the date, and/or the seasons.
Day care, before/after school care and summer care are available Monday through Friday 6am – 6pm. Angels Life Skills is located at 20829 Kingsland Blvd Suite D. They accept volunteers from the community that want to work with special needs individuals. To find out more information, you can contact them at 281-717-4870.
These two organization join others in Katy servicing the special needs community such asWe Rock The Spectrum. Katy ISD has the highest percentage of special needs students (9.9% totaling 7,805 students in the 2017/18 year school year) in the Houston area surpassing Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Cy-Fair ISD due to the exceptional education.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 9, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
The popular sporting event has been held at Firethorne in past years. In 2018, the master-planned community Cane Island will host the swim, bike, and run, and introduce new events for athletes to compete.
Cane Island, a 1,100-acre master-planned community on the north side of IH-10 knowing for their exceptionally creative amenities and easy access to Katy Freeway via Cane Island Parkway, will now be home to the 25th annual Katy Triathlon.
The Rotary Club of Katy will present this beginner friendly event that includes a 500-meter swim, 14.8-mile bike race, and 3-mile run. New this year are the duathlon and aquabike events.
The race will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 6-11 AM. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 8, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Meet the Katy family behind the heartwarming story of simple, fatherly affection that has gone viral on social media.
Jim Porterfield (left) with his children and son-in-law
“As some know my dad is mentally and physically handicapped and so especially now that he’s older he’s unable to work or earn an income but he’s been saving his pocket change for the past month for some reason and I thought nothing of it until I came home and found this today,” tweeted his daughter Morgan, a graduate of Taylor High School and former THS Expressions member.
This sweet, simple act of kindness and fatherly affection has gone viral on social media, being picked up by news outlets across the country. The tweet has gotten over 50K retweets and has been shared by People, DailyMail, and more. We got in touch with Morgan to find out more about her father and their family.
The Accident
In 1981, railroad worker and Katy father of four children, Jim Porterfield, was in a head-one collision with a drunk driver that almost killed him.
Porterfield spent 6 weeks in a coma and underwent a total of 13 surgeries to treat severe head and bodily injuries that included a subdural hematoma, multiple lacerations, and shattered bones. Skin grafts, pins, and bolts were necessary to keep him alive and repair some of the damage – but nevertheless, Jim was left with severe physical and mental disabilities.
“He is unable to brush his hair, teeth, or eat with his dominant hand,” says his daughter, Krista on the family’s GoFundMe page, which they started to raise money to help pay for medical expenses.
Defying the Odds
Doctors said that it was unlikely that Mr. Porterfield would live, let alone walk again, but he defied the odds and not only survived, but lovingly raised and cared for his four children, despite his limitations. He worked in a file room at an oil and gas company in Houston for over 30 years, paying the bills, and providing for his kids the way a good father does.
He was laid of from his job in 2017, and the medical bills have become overwhelming for the family to handle. Not yet eligible for medical care, his children are scraping by to make ends meet. It’s been tough, but even during hardship, Jim is finding little ways to show his children how much he cares.
“My dad has always told me how blessed he is, and tried to teach me to help others and do everything for the glory of God…he’s my hero and the most kindhearted and loving man you’ll ever meet,” says Morgan.
Morgan will start school at Sam Houston State University in the fall, and her younger brother, Evan attends Memorial Parkway Junior High.
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KATY MAGAZINE
June 8, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Katy Fire Department Chief Richard Payne retired Thursday from the department after 20+ years of service.
Chief Richard Payne was hired by City of Katy after volunteering, 20+ years ago.
The “final call” is a tradition among first responders such as firefighters, police and EMS when they retire. Payne was presented with a helmet. Watch the full video of City of Katy Fire Chief Richard Payne’s final call, at 13:10 on Thursday, June 7, 2018, here.
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service to the Katy community!
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 7, 2018
Out of its 67 campuses, Katy Independent School District is proud to announce that this year, 21 were named a Texas Honor Roll School by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE).
“What a great way to end the school year by receiving this prestigious recognition. This distinction speaks volumes of the great things happening in our schools. It takes a village to educate a child and our superstar staff and students should be proud of the work they have accomplished,” said Christine Caskey, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer.
The 2017-18 Texas Honor Roll includes…
ELEMENTARY
Alexander Elementary, Davidson Elementary, Griffin Elementary, Holland Elementary, Jenks Elementary, Kilpatrick Elementary, McRoberts Elementary, Pattison Elementary, Shafer Elementary, Williams Elementary, Wilson Elementary, WoodCreek Elementary
JUNIOR HIGH
Beck Junior High, Beckendorff Junior High, Cinco Ranch Junior High, McMeans Junior High, Seven Lakes Junior High, Tays Junior High, WoodCreek Junior High
HIGH SCHOOL
Cinco Ranch High School, Seven Lakes High School
After an extensive analysis of student data, these Katy ISD schools were clear leaders in getting students to grade level and beyond.
The 2017-18 Texas Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle and high schools that consistently demonstrate high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in student outcomes over time and a closing of the achievement gaps. For high schools, Texas Honor Roll recognition includes college readiness.
This year, the program recognized 729 higher performing schools across the state. These schools become an accepted example to other school districts seeking to learn and replicate the best practices employed at these campuses. The Katy ISD schools will be provided with a banner to display at their campus.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 6, 2018
Amy Lookabaugh & Katrina Katsarelis
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most luxurious homes for sale right now in Katy, Texas.
Take a look at these sprawling, beautifully-decorated resorts style homes that are practically in your own back yard. And all of them are for sales as of June 1, 2018. Click the links in the titles to see the amazing photos for yourself!
2715 Silverhorn Dr. (Above)
Price: $2,300,000
Very rarely does an estate property of this type come available in Katy. Spectacular home sitting on over 1 acre of grounds complete with a tennis court, putting greens, refreshing pool with elevated hot tub, pool house with entertaining spaces, expansive yard and planting areas, circular drive with gate and motor court area with a 4 car garage! You will find the most luxurious amenities including an owner’s retreat with sitting area and fireplace along with its own workout room. Generous bath with glass block shower, spa tub and enormous dressing closet spaces. Additional features include wine room, downstairs secondary bedroom with full bath & craft room. Upstairs is a formal study, children’s study nook, dry sauna, children’s game room, and formal game room with wet bar adjacent to the home theatre room. The exterior breezeway provides access to the enormous guest suite with private bath, living area, and additional storage. VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
2. The Castle on Sparrows Ridge
Address: 1727 Sparrows Ridge
Price: $1,975,000
This opulent corner, cul-de-sac home with stunning lake views to two sides, a circle driveway, large fountain and an INFINITY pool is situated on a rolling 1/2 acre lot. The large covered back patio and outdoor kitchen lends itself to perfect outdoor venues. Inside find a soaring tower, winding staircase, two master retreats and a high end epicurean kitchen with Thermador & Bosch appliances. Guest quarters, media room, and flex room. The pad for this new construction home did not flood during hurricane Harvey. VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
3. Parklake Village Palace
Address: 19807 Almond Park
Price: $1,880,000
Brand NEW, never lived in architectural masterpiece in one of Katy’s prestigious gated communities! Panoramic water view from everywhere in the home. Dramatically high ceilings and open concept living. Marble and hard wood floors, glass railing, exotic granite, Viking appliance package, custom cabinets, wood accents, and onyx: only the highest quality materials. Gorgeous curved INFINITE edge pool, outdoor living room with accordion doors, outdoor kitchen, and so much more. The epitome of modern luxury! VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
Address: 2406 Ivy Run Ct.
Price: $1,875,000
Exquisite Mediterranean resort style home in the exclusive Lakeforest of Kelliwood!!!! Safe and secure with a 24/7 manned guard gate. This luxurious lakefront home sits on a 3/4-acre lot and boasts 5 spacious bedrooms each with its own en-suite bathroom. The elegant master suite features a sitting area, carved-stone fireplace, and a stunning master bath retreat. The magnificent gourmet kitchen has an extra-large island perfect for entertaining and is equipped with top-line professional appliances: Wolf range and double oven, Subzero refrigerator and freezer, Bosch built-in cappuccino machine, and two Bosch dishwashers. All living areas offer expansive views of the lake. The backyard oasis includes a summer kitchen and fireplace, an extensive covered patio area, and a 20-person cocktail spa with waterfall. The 4-car garage has built-in cabinets and a staircase to attic. Exceptional residence with timeless design and elegant sophistication throughout. VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
5. Cane Island Retreat
Address: 7338 Palmetto Springs Trail
Price: $1,779,000
This grand Mediterranean style 7,052 square foot custom home includes 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath and is absolutely breathtaking! Located in newly developed community of The Estates at Cane Island. Enter to a double wrought iron staircase & large paned windows boasting gorgeous views of a heavily forested, custom lit rear yard. The gourmet kitchen has Viking appliances and a large center island which is open to the family room. An additional staircase leads up to the second-floor game room, theater room and secondary oversized bedrooms (each appointed with walk in closets of course!). Other amenities include: smart pantry for stress free deliveries, large utility room, 3 car garage, pool bath and a 23,036 square ft homesite. VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
Address: 2610 Morganfair Ln.
Price: $1,700,000
Amazing outdoor living space and lakeview! Outdoor kitchen has travertine, gas stove, grill, fridge, dishwasher, bath with sink, toilette and shower, 4 outdoor fire pits, heated pool and spa, custom lighted basketball court. Large balcony off of the game room overlooks this beautiful outdoor oasis. The home features french drains, two french doors, two built in desk, two indoor fire places, granite, marble, tile, and laminate flooring. Two iron staircases and a rod iron front door, front marble staircase, all stainless steel appliances, sub zero fridge, intercom, alarm system, satellite, utility room with lakeview, circular extra wide driveway, custom cabinets in the garage, custom shelving in attic, separated dedicated circuits, amazing landscape lighting, fruit trees, and even more space to build or renovate. One bedroom is made into a gym with wall to wall mirrors. Two master bedrooms on the first floor! VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
Address: 143 August Lakes Dr.
Price: $1,649,900
Magnificent property built by SSH Custom Homes. Situated on 1+ acre in the desirable August Lakes gated water sports community. This breathtaking residence features panoramic lakefront views and boasts extraordinary living spaces both indoors and out. Premium interior finishes include custom iron entry door, natural stone, decorative wood beams, climate controlled wine bar, three car detached garage, backyard oasis, and much more. Boat dock and neighborhood boat membership included. VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
Address: 26603 Meadow Ln.
Price: $1,290,800
Breathtaking Custom Home on 1.633 acres that is truly a one-of-a-kind piece of property in Katy! The home has 27 foot high Cathedral ceiling in the living room with a gorgeous view of the expansive backyard. The outdoor living area is a must see and has a beautiful pool and hot tub, 2/1 guest house, outdoor kitchen, fire pits, surround sound, and more. The home also has commercial grade security camera system, electronic gates, and lights along the back of the property with 220 voltage x3 in the backyard. And the best part? No homeowner’s association! VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
(Photo by Sabrina Casas, Sabrina Casas Photography Studios, LLC)
9. The Jewel of Emerald Court
7511 Emerald Meadow Ct.
Price: $1,199,000
Welcome to this IMMACULATE 5 bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath custom Mediterranean beauty in the gated community of Avalon at Seven Meadows! Step inside the double door entry to a magnificent foyer with stunning chandeliers, travertine flooring and lake views! Formal dining off entry offers exquisite chandelier, travertine flooring, wood shutters and wrought iron entry to wine grotto. Gourmet kitchen with Wolf appliance package, subzero refrigerator, and 6 burner gas cooktop. Kitchen also offers oversized island with lovely leather finish granite countertop! Family room features sparkling chandelier, cultured stone fireplace and beautiful columns. Spacious master suite offers gas log fireplace, wood floors, relaxing sitting area, beamed ceiling, and access to covered patio! In-law/Guest suite also on the first floor. Enjoy movie nights in the upstairs media room with theater style seating! Relax on the covered patio that features an outdoor kitchen while enjoying breathtaking lake views! VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
10. A Beautiful Horizon
27318 Horizon Bay Ln.
Price: $1,284,900
Gorgeous stone and stucco 2-story Partners in Building Model Home on a large 14,747 sf lot in Cinco Ranch Northwest. Backyard oasis with pool, spa and large covered patio. Grand double glass entry doors that opens to the two story entrance. Gourmet island kitchen features stainless appliances, double ovens, custom cabinetry, high end granite, tile backsplash, and walk in pantry. Custom lighting all throughout! You don’t want to miss an opportunity to view this gorgeous home or even design your own floor plan and build a custom home in the last section of Cinco Ranch. VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME
Thank you to Amy Lookabaugh of Cinco Ranch Realty Group for participating in this story!
Editor’s Note: All of these homes were for sale as of June 1, 2018.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 2018
After taking hundreds of nominations over the past several weeks, we are excited to present the 2018 list of Katy’s most prominent, influential, inspirational, successful, and charitable men who are leading the way in Katy. (Consider yourselves all #1 because these are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.)
TOP 100 KATY MEN’S MIXER TUES. JUNE 19, 6-8 PM
Top 100 men and their guests are invited to attend a fun, casual mixer event held at NO LABEL BREWERY. Free entrance and beer for Top 100 Men. Their invited guests are also welcome but will be charged $10 for entrance (covers up to 3 beers). This is an exclusive event for Top 100 Men and their invited friends/guests. Visit KATY MAGAZINE’S Facebook page event to RSVP or email editor@katymagazine.com for questions or additional details.
1. Monty Ballard, philanthropist and YMCA namesake
2. Tim Barker, pastor of Katy Community Fellowship
3. Justin Beckendorff, Waller County Commissioner
4. Frank Bielec, cast member on TLC’s Trading Spaces
5. Nic Black, good samaritan and Harvey hero
6. Jay Bobo, teacher of the year, Miller Career and Technology Center
7. Tom Bolin, First Baptist Church former pastor and longtime Katy icon
8. Jeffrey Brashear, Municipal court judge, US Naval veteran, Katy native
9. Sgt. Brian Brawner, Harvey hero, Harris County District 4, Blue Light Letters
10. Chuck Brawner, City of Katy Mayor
11. Rafael Brazo, teacher of the year, Seven Lakes High School
12. Bob Bryant, former fine arts director of Katy ISD and school namesake
13. Doyle Callender, former City of Katy Mayor
14. Bill Callegari, former State Representative
15. Don Clayton, head athletic director, football coach at Cinco Ranch High School
16. Lee Crews, Katy ISD chief operations officer
17. James Cross, principal of Cinco Ranch High School
18. John Curley, teacher of the year, Seven Lakes High School, father of cancer survivor
19. Andrew Derry, principal of British International School of Houston
20. Brett Donaldson, owner of Grand Vision and philanthropist
21. Ryann Donaldson, owner of Grand Vision and philanthropist
22. Duran Dowdle, Mayor pro tem, City of Katy
23. Jerry Edmonson, senior pastor of The Fellowship
24. Don Elder, former City of Katy Mayor, Board of Directors for Metro
25. Keith Garvin, KPRC reporter
26. Andrew Gaston, teacher, LaCrosse coach at Taylor High School
27. Glen Ginter, longtime Katy dentist and community volunteer
28. Stan Goss, executive coach, Visions events leader, and community volunteer
29. Austin Hansen, author, philanthropist, and volunteer
30. Chris Harris, City of Katy council member
31. Bill Hastings, City of Katy police chief
32. John “Hawk” Hawkins, 268th District County Associate Judge and former Asst. DA Fort Bend County.
33. Constable Ted Heap, Harris County Precinct 5
34. Lance Hindt, Katy ISD superintendent
35. Dr. Zachary Hodges, President Northwest College, HCC
36. Fabol Hughes, former City of Katy Mayor
37. Ken Janda, founding member and volunteer, Katy ISD Education Foundation
38. Mo Jeloudarzedeh, charitable giver, owner of Mo’s Place
39. Gary Joseph, head athletic coordinator, football coach at Katy High School
40. Sam Jow, teacher of the year, McMeans Junior High
41. Andy Kahan, victims’ rights advocate
42. Bobby Katsabas, owner of Snappy’s and community icon
43. John Micah Kerber, teacher of the year McDonald Junior High
44. Lance LaCour, Katy Area EDC president and CEO
45. Bill Lacy, Katy ISD board of Trustees
46. Jim Leggett, senior pastor of Grace Fellowship UMC
47. David Loesch, Katy Rotary and president of WWBF
48. Kevin Luce, Harvey hero and charitable giver
49. Don Massey, Community volunteer and Harvey hero
50. Don McCoy, Fulshear Chamber of Commerce President
51. Mike McGown, pastor of Parkway Fellowship
52. Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Commissioner
53. Jose Morrillo, business owner and philanthropist
54. Dan Naef, president of Cane Island
55. Johnny Nelson (posthumously), longtime Katy Icon and namesake of Katy Heritage Museum
56. Sage Northcutt, famous UFC Fighter, outspoken Christian, Katy native
57. Ralph Oliver, Harvey hero, founder of Texans Embracing America’s Military
58. Twaski Parker, teacher of the year, Mayde Creek Junior High
59. Richard (Dick) Phillips, University of Houston
60. Steve Pierson, former City of Katy council member and avid volunteer
61. Richard Piwonka, Teacher of the year, Morton Ranch High School
62. Robert Powell, Harvey hero, Grand Lakes rescue and rebuilder
63. Zachary Randolph, Katy teen fired for paying for police officer’s dessert
64. Rory Robertson, passionate school, sports, and community volunteer
65. Jay Rodriguez, Morning Show Co-Host, SUNNY 99.1
66. Brian Royo, owner of No Label Brewery
67. James Ross, GM of Katy Mills
68. Ryan Rush, Senior Pastor Kingsland Baptist Church
69. Heath Rushing, Memorial Hermann Hospital CEO
70. Bobby Sanders, OTHS teen leadership teacher and head basketball coach
71. Luis Santiago, Katy ISD police officer and Teddy Cops program coordinator
72. Hank Schmidt, former City of Katy mayor and community icon
73. Mike Schofield, State Representative
74. George Scott, Katy ISD Board of Trustees
75. Matt Schomburg, avid community volunteer and business owner
76. Fred Shafer, lifelong educator and Katy ISD school namesake
77. Dr. Jim Siebert, Chief Meteorologist for Fox 26 News
78. Roman Soto, MCHS grad, professional concert cellist
79. Ernest Stevenson, Teacher of the year, Opportunity Awareness Center
80. Nolan Stillwell, Culinary artist, Owner of Sweet Heat Jam Co.
81. James McCoy Taylor, Katy native, musician, contestant on The Bachelorette
82. Cyril Thomas, Entrepreneur and philanthropist
83. Jeff Thompson, Katy rotary
84. Constable Wayne Thompson, Fort Bend County Constable
85. Obra Tompkins, career educator and Katy ISD school namesake
86. Alex Tsounakas , Owner Snappy’s and community icon
87. Lt. Simon VanDyk, PIO, Harris County Emergency Services District #48 Fire Department
88. Downy Vickery, Prosperity Bank and community philanthropist
89. Ted Vierling, assistant superintendent of operations, Katy ISD
90. Hendrik Volschenk, Harvey hero, Texas Game Warden
91. Evan Vourazeris, Katy actor on Netflix’s hit series, Ozark
92. Russell Wilson, Katy Fire Chief and named Texas Fire Chief of the Year
93. Lewis White, Attorney and community philanthropist
94. Robert Willeby, Community advocate and volunteer
95. Tom Wilson, career educator and Katy ISD school namesake
96. Ray Wolman, career educator and Katy ISD school namesake
97. Mark Wiley, President of Hope Impacts
98. Rusty Wylie, CFA franchisee and philanthropist
99. Dr. Ed Young, Second Baptist Church senior pastor
100. Dr. John Zerwas, State Representative and MD
TOP 100 KATY MEN’S MIXER TUES. JUNE 19, 6-8 PM
Top 100 men and their guests are invited to attend a fun, casual mixer event held at NO LABEL BREWERY. Free entrance and beer for Top 100 Men. Their invited guests are also welcome but will be charged $10 for entrance (covers up to 3 beers). This is an exclusive event for Top 100 Men and their invited friends/guests. Visit KATY MAGAZINE’S Facebook page event to RSVP or email editor@katymagazine.com for questions or additional details.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 5, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Katy families who are struggling financially and have children in the district ages Pre-K through 12th can register to receive free school supplies for the 2018 – 2019 school year.
The first day is school is stressful for all children. For disadvantaged children and families, that stress is magnified when they have to go without essential items like binders, pencils, and backpacks.
Katy Christian Ministries is now taking registration information for Katy ISD students ages Pre-K through 12th grade to receive school supplies for the upcoming school year.
FAMILIES MUST:
– Be active clientele of Katy Christian Ministries
– Live within Katy ISD limits
– Students must be actively enrolled in a Katy ISD school
Call 281-391-9623, Monday – Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. to register and get more information.
SPECIAL INVITATION:
In addition to the Red Apple donation drive, students at Bear Creek, Sundown, Stephens, Mayde Creek, Hutsell, Rhodes, Franz, and Schmalz elementary will receive an invitation to the “Operation Backpack” event at the end of the summer.
DONATE:
For those who wish to donate to Katy families in need, CLICK HERE.
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Katy ISD Votes on Anti-Bullying Job Position, Teacher Salary Increases, Administrative Staff Changes
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 30, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
On Tuesday, May 29 the Katy ISD Board of Trustees held their monthly regular board meeting. Many changes and additions were approved. All agenda items below were approved 6-0, as George Scott was not in attendance.
2018-19 Teacher Salary Increase
School Board Trustees approved a $1,230 pay increase for all teachers, which is an average of 2%.
Non-teacher personnel will receive a 2% increase of the midpoint of the 2017-18 non-teacher pay ranges.
New Assistant Superintendent of Operations & SLHS Principal
Ted Vierling was announced as the new Assistant Superintendent of Operations. Mr. Vierling has 20 years of experience in Katy ISD. His service includes four years of teaching and two years serving as an assistant principal at Mayde Creek High School and two years as an assistant principal followed by five years as the principal at Beckendorff Junior High. For the past seven years, he has served as the principal at Seven Lakes High School.
Mr. Vierling is a graduate of Katy High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education Leadership from the University of Houston. Mr. Vierling’s will begin his new position on July 1, 2018.
For those who have not had the pleasure of working with Mr. Vierling, his name might sound familiar as his speech entitled, “Why not? ” , at this year’s Seven Lakes High school graduation ceremony was highly praised across social media.
On Wednesday, Superintendent Lance Hindt appointed Kerri Finnesand as the new principal of Seven Lakes High School (SLHS). Ms. Finnesand has 22 years of experience in education. Her service includes five years of teaching, three years as an assistant principal, two years as an intermediate principal and 13 years as a principal at all three levels. Ms. Finnesand holds a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master of Education from the University of Houston.
Finnesand will join the Spartan family on May 31.
New Position – Coordinator for Bullying Prevention & Student Support
The Board of Trustees approved a request to create 35 new positions for the 2018-19 school year including a Coordinator for Bullying Prevention & Student Support. This position will be under Ken Gregorski, Deputy Superintendent.
The district has been researching to create this position for the past few months. In looking at Katy ISD needs, HR looked at the entire nation in creating the duties and requirements. Once again, Katy ISD is innovative in this area as not many districts in the United States have this -type of person on-staff. The position open now for applications. Gregorski stated that they are casting a wide-net in order to get the best fit, including but not limited to educators, counselors, and law enforcement.
New Position – Staff Attorney
A staff attorney position was added to work under general counsel. The position will help provide better access to counsel from the campuses, especially for KISD’s special education population.
Families move to Katy ISD for their special education program. Over other area top school districts (Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Cypress Fairbanks ISD), Katy has a higher percentage of special education students, 9.9% that totals 7,805 students in the 2017/18 year school year.
The entire meeting agenda, minutes and video can be found here. The next work study meeting will be on Monday, June 18, 2018 and regular school board meeting will be Monday, June 25, 2018.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 4, 2018
State Representative Mike Schofield is currently accepting applications for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) for the 2018-2019 academic year.
ABOUT TASSP
TASSP is a scholarship for students entering college in the Fall of 2018, providing scholarship funding toward undergraduate education at any Texas university with an active ROTC program. The Texas Legislature created the TASSP to encourage students to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States or members of Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Merchant Marines. “I am honored to play a role in finding a young leader who wants to serve our country, and helping that dream become a reality” said Schofield.
ONE STUDENT CHOSEN FROM EACH STATE
Each year, each state senator and state representative may nominate one student to receive an initial conditional scholarship. Following nomination, the Higher Education Coordinating Board determines the award amount based on available funding. These annual awards may make a difference in the life of a high achieving student. Who can apply? To be eligible, applicants must enroll in a Texas public or private accredited institution of higher education, commit to four years of training through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, and plan to enter the Armed Services upon graduation.
Nominees must meet two of the following four academic criteria:
• Be on track to graduate or graduated high school with the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) or the International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
• Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Achieve a college readiness score on the SAT (1070) or ACT (23)
• Be ranked in the top one-third of the prospective high school graduating class
Non-freshman students can apply for the scholarship if they:
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution of in which the student is enrolled;
• Continue to be a member of a ROTC program; and
• Have not earned a baccalaureate degree or a cumulative total of 150 credit hours, including transferred hours.
CONTACT
Eligible students are encouraged to contact Rep. Schofield’s office at (281) 578-8484 or at Sharon.Slover@house.texas.gov to receive an application. Applications will be accepted through June 29, 2018. More information about the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program can be found at www.hhloans.com.
Mike Schofield is the State Representative for Texas House District 132 in Katy and Cy-Fair. Mike was named “Freshman of the Year” in the Texas House for his work in the 84th legislative session.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 1, 2018
A total of $64,800 was raised for the ministry to perform critical, life transforming work in the Katy/West Houston community.
Katy Christian Ministries serves 12 local zip codes, providing emergency assistance to families and individuals who find themselves in crisis or financial difficulty.
These services include Flood Relief assistance, rental and utility assistance, a long list of critical services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and a Food Pantry for those needing supplemental food and personal care items. Seasonal programs like Red Apple School Supplies, and Santa’s Sleigh help families provide extra school materials and Christmas gifts to their children when the money just isn’t there.
“KCM relies on the community to provide the resources that allow us to serve those in need. The annual Golf Tournament is a major source of income for our organization, and we are very pleased with the continued support we receive, both in volunteers and in contributors. Through 19 years of this tournament we continue to increase the overall donations and revenue (this year was one of the best!) Thanks to all that have supported and contributed to this effort.” – Kent Black, KCM Board President.
Commissioner Andy Meyers was the title sponsor for this year’s event, and Parkway Fellowship claimed the Platinum Sponsorship. “It is truly an honor and a blessing to be able to work in partnership with Katy Christian Ministries. I will continue to be a strong advocate and promoter of the organization. Thank you for all the effort and ministries that your staff accomplishes to make Katy a better home for our citizens.” – Commissioner Andy Meyers, Ft. Bend County, Pct. 3.
122 Golfers turned out to support KCM and enjoy a beautiful day of golf and fellowship for a great cause. This was our first year at the beautiful Weston Lakes Golf Course, and golfers enjoyed grilled burgers, Silent Auctions, a Raffle for a 65” Smart TV, a steak dinner, and awards for the tournament winners.
“I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of love and support by everyone involved. I’m thankful for the opportunities to come together with a purpose, in a unified mission of transforming lives right here in our own community,” says Deysi Crespo, Executive Director of KCM.
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Source: CrimeStoppers of Houston
Posted by Ashley Lancaster
A $5000 reward is being offered for information on two males involved in aggravated robbery at a convenience store near Sundown on Fry and Saums Rd.
During the morning of Monday, May 7, 2018, two suspects robbed the victim in the 2200 block of Fry Road in Harris County, Texas. During this incident, the suspects entered the convenience store. One of the suspects, a white male with his face partially covered with a light red cloth, wielded a gun at the store employee and demanded money and cigarettes. The other suspect, a black male, placed the stolen money and items into a bag. The suspects exited the store with the money and fled the scene.
Suspect #1: White male, wearing a light red cloth partially over his face, a black jacket, and tan pants. This suspect was armed with a handgun. (Pictured above)
Suspect #2: Black male, wearing a black beanie, and a white sweater.
Video surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects during the robbery.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous.
Reference: HCSO #18-72019
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 30, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Katy Unites celebrates Katy ISD by using social media avenues to tell positive, encouraging stories.
(Teachers at Kilpatrick show support for Katy Unites)
POSITIVE VIBES ONLY
Katy Unites began as a conversation between community members in mid-May, when people felt that an anti-Katy ISD movement created controversy and attracted negative, national media attention.” People felt it was time stop the cycle of untenable, counter-productive, and aggressive conversations. The group felt that, the use of anger and personal attacks to address bullying only increased the bullying exponentially .
“The cycle just had to stop, so we decided to try something different”, says community member and group co-organizer, Melissa Nixon.
A CLEAR VISION
In order to be successful, Nixon and other co-founders knew it was important to have a clear vision and goal for the group. Some of their goals include:
Celebrate the people and programs in Katy ISD that are making a positive difference.
Inspiring others
Create an environment that encourages creative, productive talks to address the challenges in Katy ISD.
HOW TO JOIN
There is not an “official” membership to join. Interested persons only need to follow the group on one of their social media avenues…Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and awebsite (still under development). The group has periodic face-to-face meetings to organize the direction of the group and plan for the future. Meeting information can be found on Facebook. Katy Unites states “We welcome anyone in our community who wants to help celebrate our successes to join Katy Unites.”
Katy Unites plans to be a consistent and permanent movement celebrating and sharing moments in Katy ISD and the love many community members have for the #1 district in the Houston area.
“The focus is to put more energy and power in our successes because we believe a positive focus encourages positive results,” says Nixon.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 29, 2018
Students who are interested in researching what colleges in the area have to offer can attend a college fair at Cinco Ranch Library.
Students who would like to have more information on area colleges are invited to attend a special “College Fair – PLUS!” at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library on Monday, June 25.
Representatives from colleges and universities will be on hand to share information about their programs with current high school students and their parents or guardians. Students will have the opportunity to learn about educational opportunities available at the colleges, as well as admission requirements, financial aid, student housing, and more.
TEXAS
Stephen F. Austin State University
The Art Institute of Houston
Texas Women’s University
University of Houston – Clear Lake
University of Houston – Downtown
University of Texas – Dallas
University of Texas – Tyler
OUT – OF – STATE
Auburn Universtiy
University of Denver
University of Louisiana at Lafayatte
University of South Alabama
University of Missouri
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
PRESENTATIONS
Finding Your College Fit, 1 – 1:40 p.m.
Admissions 101: How to Apply, 1:40 – 2:20 p.m.
Financing Your Education, 2:20 – 3:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Call 281-395-1311 for more information.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 29, 2018
Jennifer Skelton & Ashley Lancaster
Opening photo by Christy Murphy Photography
Friends and family of Peggy Brown Buffa share memories and messages of love in the wake of her passing on May 24, 2018. Read on for tributes and service information.
A Beloved Mother & Friend
She held many titles in her lifetime – caring daughter, faithful follower of Christ, and loyal friend. She took great joy in each of their cheerleading competitions, supported them in every endeavor and became known by many as the best team mom.
Above all, Peggy was most proud to be a mother to her two beautiful daughters, Kelly and Kaitlyn. Kelly is a teacher at West Memorial Junior High in Katy ISD and Kaitlyn graduated this past weekend from Cinco Ranch High School.
Peggy was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in both lungs in October 2017 but anyone who knew Peggy knew that this diagnosis didn’t stop her fight. She fought hard through several forms of chemotherapy before passing away on Thursday, May 24.
TRIBUTES
Kate Ober wrote “Peggy Brown Buffa the most beautiful and loving soul went to heaven yesterday… She was a mom to me when my mom could not be, she encouraged me when i needed it the most, she loved on me always, she was truly a remarkable woman! Thanks to Kaitlyn Buffa being on my team so many years at Prodigy, Peggy was the team mom… and let me tell y’all she was THE BEST cheer mom anyone could ask for! She had the best corny mom jokes, she encouraged the team like no one else, she took care of us when we got hurt, she always helped the nerves go away back stage at competitions, she TRULY believed in each and every one of us!! Peggy Buffa, thank you for everything you’ve done for me… words will never be enough for your beautiful soul! My heart breaks knowing i will never get to hear you speak again or hug you again but i know you’re dancing with Jesus right now and you’re pain free! This is not our forever home, I will see you again! I love you forever and always!”
Douglas Brown wrote “I lost my sister today. She was an incredible mother who loved her daughter’s dearly. Rest in Heaven, you will be missed.”
Charlotte Elliot wrote “Peggy you are an amazing mother and now a angel watching over us. We are truly blessed having you and your family in our lives, you are a role model a strong beautiful mom a teacher showing us anyone can do anything. You have filled so many hearts with laughter, tear,s joy and happiness. Dear lord please give the girls, family and friends the peace and comfort during this time and need. We love you Peggy Brown Buffa”
SERVICE INFORMATION
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 1, followed by a service at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Church of Christ chapel, 900 Echo Lane, Houston, Texas 77024. After the celebration of Peggy’s life, a burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery at 1101 Antoine, Houston, Texas 77055. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear navy and maroon in honor of Peggy’s favorite colors.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS
Due to mounting medical expenses and to help with the loss of income, Peggy’s friend Jessica Wright, set up a GoFundMe account on May 16, 2018. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Peggy’s honor may be made to the GoFundMe Account in support of Kelly and Kaitlyn and to alleviate medical expenses from Peggy’s brave battle with cancer.
Condolences may also be left on the Woodlawn Page or Peggy’s Facebook page.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 24, 2018
Katy ISD is proud to announce the top two students from each high school who are ranked highest academically in their respective graduating classes.
These students have worked extremely hard from the very first day of their ninth grade year until the last day of their senior year. Many of them are now moving on to prestigious colleges and universities throughout the nation. The 2017-2018 valedictorians and salutatorians are:
CINCO RANCH HIGH SCHOOL
Shreya Budhiraja – Valedictorian
Subhiksha Srinivasan– Salutatorian
KATY HIGH SCHOOL
Marie-Anne Barron – Valedictorian
Piper Mackenzie Harris – Salutatorian
MAYDE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
Arman Thomas Yazdian– Valedictorian
David Liu – Salutatorian
MORTON RANCH HIGH SCHOOL
Penelope Nicole Meranio Gadia – Valedictorian
Kelly Tseng – Salutatorian
SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
Anusri Dharmendra Shah – Valedictorian
Dennis Liu – Salutatorian
TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL
Sachi Khemka – Valedictorian
Hachem Bey El-Murhbi – Salutatorian
TOMPKINS HIGH SCHOOL
Viraaj Singh Punia – Valedictorian
Rohit Ramesh Kamath – Salutatorian
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 22, 2018
In order to address growth in the healthcare industry in Katy, University of Houston Katy campus plans to provide more nursing programs in the near future.
In the Katy area, the healthcare industry continues to be one of the fastest growing industry sectors with thousands of jobs added over the past several years.
Filling an Industry Need
To help meet the needs of the growing industry, the University of Houston is doing its part to ensure qualified nursing candidates are prepared to staff open positions. Dr. Kathryn Tart shared information about the UH College of Nursing programs and its strong commitment to offering nursing education in the Katy area. In the coming years, the nursing program in the Katy area is expected to grow with degree programs offered by the UH College of Nursing following the completion of the new UH-Katy campus at I-10 and Grand Parkway.
“The healthcare industry is projected to add over 5,000 jobs in our labor area and we are thrilled to see UH College of Nursing growing its nursing education programs in our area to meet industry needs.,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.
New Members of the Katy EDC
Several new members were introduced at the meeting including Associate members Experis – Manpower Group, Liberty Mutual, Smart Financial, Martinez Nestor Marinacci, Johnson Controls and Texas Operations and Professional Services – Tops Water. May membership renewals recognized included Board of Governors members Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, British International School of Houston and CenterPoint Energy. Strategic Partners Costello, Inc., Cross Creek Ranch, Community Impact and Wood Creek, LLC. along with Associate members Beraht Envelope Systems, GEICO, Goya Foods, Integrity Bank, Kingham, Dalton, Wilson, LTD., Powers Brown Architecture, Rooms to Go and Steadfast Development Company were recognized as well.
Texas Children’s Hospital West served as the breakfast sponsor for this month’s meeting. Kara Abrameit, Director, and Matt Timmons Campus Director shared information on Texas Children’s which is a worldwide leader in pediatric healthcare. You can find more information on Texas Children’s here. For more information on Katy Area EDC, please visit katyedc.org.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 23, 2018
Katy residents in Harris County whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Harvey, there will be an open house to determine allocation of funds for everything from individual home repair to community infrastructure improvements.
The Harris County Community Services Department invites residents who live within the borders of Harris County, but outside Houston City limits to one of a series of open houses.
The Harris County Community Services Department invites residents who live within the borders of Harris County, but outside Houston City limits to one of a series of open houses. Various locations and dates have been selected in unincorporated Harris County and small cities in Harvey affected areas. Residents will have the opportunity to view kiosks showing types of services the County could potentially offer.
“While the funding has not yet arrived, public feedback is critical as we develop and prioritize our plans. We want to identify the issues that may be unique to your corner of the community,” said Daphne Lemelle, Director of Housing and Community Services, Harris County Community Services Department.
Possible services range from individual home repair to community infrastructure improvements. Residential feedback is crucial as plans are targeted to best meet the needs of individual communities within unincorporated Harris County.
For Katy Residents:
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Weekley Community Center
8440 Greenhouse Rd.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 23, 2018
The Lutheran Education Association of Houston (LEAH Schools) is proud to announce Mr. Tim Wainright as the next Head of School at Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy beginning July 1, 2018. He replaces Mrs. Judy Gerber who will be retiring at the end of June.
Mr. Wainright has served at Second Baptist School (SBS) in Houston since 2014, most recently as the Head of Secondary Education (middle school and high school). Prior to SBS, Mr. Wainright served as a teacher and administrator in Houston area public schools. He and his wife Angela have two daughters.
Committed to Christian Education
Mr. Wainright shared, “During my career, I have developed collaborative frameworks inside of six very different school communities. My educational philosophy is deeply rooted in an unwavering belief that the quality of any school is determined most by the quality of the teachers in the classrooms as well as the quality of the teacher / student relationship. Additionally, I believe that independent Christian education represents one of the most valuable opportunities to not only provide students access to the salvation of Jesus Christ, but I believe students who are educated in independent Christian schools represent the restorative leaders who will protect the future of the United States.”
Westlake Preparatory Lutheran School
23300 Bellaire Blvd, Richmond, TX
Lower School: (281) 341-9910
Upper School: (832) 586-9130
Westlake is a member of the Lutheran Education Association of Houston (LEAH Schools) along with Lutheran South Academy, and Lutheran North High School.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WESTLAKE WILDCATS HERE.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 23, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
On Tuesday during rush hour evening traffic, a Katy driver hit another car and drove off.
A woman, who was the driver of the pictured white mustang, hit a small, black car as she was entering Grand Parkway from Westheimer Parkway on Tuesday at 5:15pm.
The cars were traveling northbound on Grand Parkway. After she hit the car, the mustang took off. A good Samaritan called 911 and followed the Mustang providing information to the police. The good Samaritan caught up to the Mustang and honked to get her attention thinking she might not have known that she hit someone. The woman refused to pull over and got aggressive. As she got aggressive, the 911 operator asked her to cease following the hit-and-run driver.
If you have any information about the incident, the driver of the small, black car that was hit, or the driver of the mustang, please contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 20, 2018
Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt addresses the school shooting in Santa Fe and what the district does on an ongoing basis to protect our schools.
Dear Katy ISD Parents, Staff and Community,
Today, all of us at Katy ISD are saddened at the senseless loss of lives after the tragic events at Santa Fe High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santa Fe community.
As a parent and Katy ISD superintendent, I want to reiterate to our Katy ISD community that we stand in solidarity with the community of Santa Fe ISD. We also take this opportunity to reiterate to our parents and community that Katy ISD has a robust emergency protocol. Regularly, the Katy ISD Police Department, along with officials from every campus address emergency situations and conduct the appropriate emergency preparedness drills. While classes and activities will proceed regularly, there will be an increased presence of Katy ISD police officers at our schools.
What occurred in Santa Fe is a reminder to parents and teachers of the crucial importance of maintaining an open line of communication with students. We know that the number one deterrent to any threat is an open dialogue between parents, students and staff as they have first-hand knowledge when it comes to keeping our schools safe.
Also, we understand that the students may want to talk. Please know that personnel at our campuses will be available to speak to students who may need to be supported in the wake of the recent events. Additional information concerning our district-wide safety and security resources can be found here.
Thank you for support,
Lance Hindt, Ed.D.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 19, 2018
Partners in Building has joined the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island where the custom homebuilder will offer one-of-a-kind luxury homes on 100-foot homesites.
A four-time Builder of the Year winner and six-time Best Custom Home award winner as presented by the Texas Association of Realtors, Partners In Building presents Cane Island homebuyers with the opportunity to design a luxury, custom home based on their unique needs and lifestyles.
“Our approach is based on ‘thought’ per square foot rather than price per square foot,” explains Paul Womack, vice president – marketing for Partners in Building. “We design a home the way a homebuyer wants it.”
Partners in Building has been active in the Katy area for quite some time, according to Womack, who adds Cane Island’s resort-style feel and direct accessibility from Interstate 10 give it a major leg up for buyers seeking a luxury custom home.
“The community offers perhaps the best location and amenities for the custom homes we build,” he says.
Partners In Building is expected to complete a showcase home in Cane Island by the end of the year when it will open daily for public tour.
The 2016 Greater Houston Builders Association Community of the Year, Cane Island offers first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers and active empty nesters new homes starting in the mid-$200’s by CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers, Taylor Morrison and Trendmaker Homes. Eleven fully furnished models homes are open daily.
The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive gated section of luxury custom homes on half-acre homesites.
Residents enjoy unlimited access to the Cane Island Amenity Village and its 24-hour, two-story fitness center, yoga studio with 200+ on-demand videos, lap pool, family pool with poolside cabanas and water play area, café, loft with comfortable seating and outdoor fireplace and glass-enclosed Conservatory, ideal for private events.
An award-winning arrival experience features a three-acre lake with seven, 30-foot fountains and the impressive Living Arches, custom-made steel sculptures with thousands of individually controlled, programmable LED lights in glass leaves that change colors and patterns for the seasons.
To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the roadway directly into the community.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 17, 2018
Kaitlyn Sheroke, a senior at Katy Independent School District Seven Lakes High School (SLHS), has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal Scholastic Writing Award for her short story titled Sirenia.
Kaitlyn will be traveling to New York City to be recognized during the annual Carnegie Hall ceremony on June 7.
“We are over-the-moon proud of our young scholar who has been a student in Katy ISD since her elementary school days,” said SLHS English Department Chair Pam Cannon. “Kaitlyn’s writing is more than just an assignment, she pours out her heart into each and every one of her pieces. The SLHS Spartans are proud to see her work receiving the national attention it deserves,” added Cannon.
To receive this award, students must first go through regional judging in order to advance to national review. This year, Kaitlyn along with nine other Katy ISD students became regional Gold Key participants. The history of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is known for its rich notable alumni, like Sylvia Plath and Joyce Carol Oates, who have gone on to write a variety of contemporary works of literature which are read around the world.
After graduation, Kaitlyn will be attending Baylor University.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 17, 2018
The sporting and outdoor recreation stores, headquartered in Katy, Texas, announced their new CEO yesterday.
Hicks has been appointed Chairman and CEO. Departing CEO J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.
“I grew up in Houston with Academy, and I know this company is special because of our mission, values, and people. Our philosophy of making sports and outdoors accessible for all for less is differentiated in today’s retail market, and our focus on our customers will continue to drive our success,” said Hicks. “The Board and I are extremely grateful for J.K.’s leadership, the senior team he’s built, and how he’s helped position the company for future growth.”
“Academy Sports + Outdoors has one of the best teams in retail, and it’s been an honor to serve alongside this team for the past several years,” said Symancyk. “I know I leave Academy in good hands and am confident that the company will continue to put the customer first as we’ve always done.”
Hicks has been a member of the Academy Board of Managers and brings over three decades of senior merchandising, marketing and operational experience in the retail industry. During his six-year tenure as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker, he helped develop and deliver on a plan that reversed three years of negative same store sales, generating significant financial return and shareholder value.
Prior to Foot Locker, Hicks served in leadership positions at several major retail companies, including J.C. Penney, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network and May Department Stores. Ken graduated from the United States Military Academy located in West Point, NY and served in the U.S. Army. He also earned a Masters of Business Administration with highest distinction from Harvard Business School. Hicks, a long-time Academy customer, grew up in Houston and has deep roots in Academy’s hometown region.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 16, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Katy woman who allegedly stole more than $200,000 from a youth hockey league.
While budgeting for the league, the president of the Interscholastic Hockey League for teens 13-18 years of age noticed discrepancies. He told deputies that he confronted Michele Bernier, the treasurer. He also said the suspect admitted withdrawing money from the league’s bank account since she became treasurer in 2013.
Michele Bernier said she took the funds because of her family’s financial hardship. League officials determined that since Bernier became the league treasurer she had stolen $223,327.
The club’s president told Sheriff’s Office Detectives that Bernier, who had hired an attorney, offered $45,000 in restitution, but the league rejected the offer.
The loss won’t affect the league because insurance will take care of the missing money.
Michele Bernier, 51, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning and is being held in the Fort Bend County jail on a $224,000 bond. She is charged with a felony that carries a punishment of up to 99 years.
Bernier is a Canadian citizen so she must also surrender her passport. She has lived in Katy at least since 2010 when she bought a house in the Seven Meadows.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 16, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
On Tuesday afternoon, a man on a motorcycle allegedly struck the driver’s side mirror of a green sedan on Katy Freeway before speeding off.
A Good Samaritan in Katy who witnessed the man on the motorcycle smash a motorist’s driver’s side mirror near IH-10 and Westgreen posted the above photo to Facebook.
“To the person in the bright green sedan who had their driver’s side mirror smashed on I-10 near Westgreen by the p***** off motorcyclists, I tracked him down for you. He had no reason to smash your mirror like that. I hope you track him down and that he broke his hand when he punched your mirror.”
The hit and run incident is still under investigation.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 15, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
On Monday, Mayor Brawner and the City of Katy passed a resolution for Katy’s Heritage Museum to be named after former Katy mayor and city administrator, Johnny Nelson.
Nelson passed away surrounded by loved ones in January 2018. He served as mayor from 1983 – 1987.
After retiring from his role as city administrator (1994-2014), Nelson became the curator for the Katy Heritage Museum.
The honor, therefore, of having the museum re-named in his honor, is another way that his friends and loved ones keep his legacy alive.
His wife of 51 years, Paulette, was at City Hall to see the resolution pass.
There will be a re-dedication ceremony on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 15, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
According to Constable Ted Heap’s office, a man was charged with evading arrest after jumping in a lake to avoid a warrant.
Deputies from Precinct 5 were dispatched to Driver Green Lane in Lakecrest to serve Brian Thomas, 51, with an arrest warrant for child support. When they arrived, Thomas ran out of the back door.
He was pursued to a lake behind his home, where he jumped in and swam whole deputies persuaded him to come out. Twenty minutes later, Thomas gave in and was arrested and transported to Harris County jail.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 14, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Katy High softball and Tompkins baseball both won their matchups over the weekend and advance in their bids for a state title.
As the #1 ranked team in the Texas as well as #8 in the nation, the Katy High School softball team is headed towards another state playoff game for the second time in 4 years. After winning the match up with Ridge Point on Friday in the 6A regional quarter-finals double header, the Tigers (36-1) will face Kingwood (33-9) in the semi-finals this week.
Game one against Kingwood will be on Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm at Katy. Game two is at Kingwood on Friday, May 18 at 6:00 pm. If a third game is needed to break a tie, it will be held immediately following game two on Friday.
No. 7 state-ranked Tompkins (25-8) baseball team, had some ups and downs over the weekend but came out on top over Westside. This is the first time the falcons have advanced to the regional quarterfinals. They will face Cy Ranch (26-6-2), whom they fell to last year.
The games will be played on Saturday, March 19 at Tompkins.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 13, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
In an effort to improve the process of reporting abuse and save innocent animals from cruelty, Crime Stoppers of Houston and Community Partners collaborated and created a city-wide animal cruelty task-force and reporting hotline in Harris County.
“With over 50 law enforcement agencies in Harris County, citizens often do not know where this type of abuse can be reported.” says Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. “The council’s goal was to make it easy for citizens to report animal cruelty and neglect to the correct agency, thereby helping animals in need as quickly as possible. This also would free up resources that were incorrectly getting the calls.”
This taskforce offers two ways citizens can make an animal cruelty report –
By calling the reporting hotline 832-927-PAWS. This new hotline will speed up response times and minimize duplication of efforts across the county. The Harris County Animal Shelter call center has committed staff resources to field calls to this number.
By submitting an online intake form online at www.927PAWS.org. The taskforce secured a partnership with drumBEAT Marketing and their website, www.Best4Pets.org. drumBEAT Marketing donated the time and service necessary to create this one-stop website where citizens can report animal cruelty through an online intake form and acquire information on all issues pertaining to animal welfare.
The following things can be reported to the taskforce:
Neglect
Abuse
Hoarding
Torture
Dog Fighting
Through education, awareness and continued collaboration, the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce is dedicated to not only protecting the animals, but also making our city a safer environment for all.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 12, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Do you know the answer? From a powerful love spell to a touching tribute, Katyites are guessing the meaning of the roses, wine, and beautiful gifts mysteriously left on a country road north of Katy.
A Mother’s Day Weekend mystery has come to light after drivers spotted a display of long-stemmed red roses, champagne, and perfume on a golden platter in the middle of Neuman/Stalknecht Road near Morton Road.
Theories on what it could mean are swirling on social media that include remembrances, witchcraft, and more , but the question still stands – what are they for?
Check out some of the theories and let us know if you can solve this Katy Mystery!
Tribute to a Lost Loved One
Many people believe it’s a tribute to a mother or wife lost in car accident ahead of Mother’s Day.
“A couple of old google map photos shows a cross in the field just behind the double arrow street sign. I’m curious to hear this story as well,” B. H.
To me it looks like s memorial to a beloved partner who passed away. Likely a wife or bride to be. 2 glasses of Champaign, roses and other gifts of red….touches my heart and makes me sad for the one left grieving,” C.S.
Witchcraft
“I manage spirituality and it seems like an ‘amarre’, it’s a kind of witchcraft, for the beyond, not in this life. It is not good that, don’t touch it!!!!!! No reason to touch it!!!. I recommend not to go through that street. If someone destroy that, with the car or in any way, is very bad.” S. O.
“It’s not a memorial for a mother or a son, definitely it’s witchcraft. The red candles, the apple, the ribbons over the candle, everything are witchcraft things,” S. O.
“As heartfelt as I think I’d like to believe my gut tells me this is witchcraft. I am waiting for someone to chime in. The ribbon around the apple is concerning,” M.C.
A Spiritual Offering
“Looks like an offering to La Santa Muerte,” T. D.
Do you know what it means? Email us!
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 12, 2018
Katy’s Alexis Preston and Jay Patel win dream Disney wedding After Hurricane Harvey devastates home and car.
In honor of the upcoming royal nuptials of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and ABC’s Good Morning America teamed up on a national search for a couple worthy of a wedding with all the royal accouterments.
About the Couple
Alexis and Jay were engaged at Cinderella’s Royal Table two years ago and dreamed of getting married in the Magic Kingdom, but never thought it would happen. The couple had lost their home and car during hurricane Harvey, and without flood insurance, there would be no money to pay for a wedding. Alexis meet Jay at Morton Ramch High School in 2007 and they started off as friends. “I sat behind him so we kind of formed a friendship,” says Alexis. They met up again during college and have been inseparable since. Ironically, Alexis is currently a teacher at Morton Ranch High School.
The Royal Treatment
Alexis wore an elaborately beaded wedding gown from Kleinfeld , and arrived princess-style in Cinderella’s Glass Coach, pulled by six white ponies. Royal trumpeters, joined by Major Domo (from Cinderella), flower girls and page boys, heralded her arrival. Some women accessorized with fascinators – fancy headwear commonly worn by the English on festive occasions.
See the video below courtesy of ABC News.
The Wedding Day
According to Disney, was the first time a wedding was filmed live in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The couple were surrounded by 50 friends and family members as they said I do. That night, the couple was treated to a wedding night stay in the opulent Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom. From there, the newlyweds were sent off on an unforgettable honeymoon in England and France, courtesy of Adventures by Disney.
“It’s been a hard year,” Alexis told GMA. “So it’s such a blessing to get married at my favorite place in the world.”
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 12, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
At around 4:30 p.m., a gray sedan flipped onto its side on Katy Mills Blvd. & Katy Fort Bend Rd.
The vehicle appeared to be a gray sedan. Three young men around 17 years old were
sitting on the curb without any obvious injuries, while sheriffs and firefighters attempted to pull a fourth out of the car. More updates as this story develops.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 11, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton and Katrina Katsarelis
Superintendent announces retirement and board votes yes to pursuing litigation at last night’s meeting.
Proceeding with Lawsuit
At last night’s meeting, the board of trustees voted unanimously to hire outside counsel to pursue litigation for defamation against the superintendent, board members and other employees of Katy ISD that have been harassed in the last few months.
The school board is going forward with a lawsuit to protect the district’s reputation. Several board members stated that the bullying accusations were debilitating for students, faculty and Hindt even affecting hiring of candidates.
An attorney for the district said it’s for that reason they feel it’s necessary to spend what they need to pay for outside counsel. Attorneys would file defamation lawsuits on behalf of the district.
Hindt Announces Retirement Amid Heckling
Dr. Lance Hindt became emotional as he announced his plans to retire as of January 1, 2019. As he announced his plans to retire, a small group of hecklers began cheering and heckling loudly. One of the hecklers yelled “Merry Christmas!”
While some heckled, there were many supporters in the room appearing dismayed and some even began crying. Hindt stated that his highest professional honor was to come back to the place he was raised and become superintendent, but he has to put his family first now.
Click to watch video
“In light of an organized and relentless and dishonest smear campaign against me, I cannot remain as superintendent of Katy ISD. My family is now my number one priority. They are innocent bystanders. This malicious campaign against me is hurting them severely and I cannot allow it any further,” Hindt said. “I love Katy. But there is a vicious ugliness in the ruthless attacks that I and others have endured. My prayer is this community, the silent majority, comes together and never allows something like this to happen again.”
“My wife and my children, they need me,” Hindt said. “In light of an organized, relentless and dishonest smear campaign against me, I cannot remain superintendent of Katy ISD while fulfilling those duties and still fulfill my sacred duty as a husband and father.”
See the Katy ISD video recording here.
Each board member addressed Dr. Hindt after his resignation expressing love and respect for Dr. Hindt. Many apologized that these attacks on him and his family have led him to resign but understood his decision. As each address was read in the board meeting, those who support Dr. Hindt were shocked and moved to tears. Those in the community that don’t support him, continued yelling out from the audience and heckling during the entire meeting.
Vendetta Against Hindt
The campaign against Lance Hindt was initiated by a Katy ISD dad and internet marketing professional named Sean Dolan. Dolan started a social media page called, “A Better Legacy” under the guise to stop bullying but many noticed right away it seemed more like a Lance Hindt hate page. Prior to his accusations against Lance Hindt, Dolan surreptitiously recorded meetings with Katy ISD teachers. One of the recordings that Dolan openly posted on social media involved girls in his son’s class pouring Fruit Loops cereal in Dolan’s son’s backpack. When Dolan didn’t like the outcome of his son’s “bullying” situation, many Katy ISD supporters believe that Dolan, who some has been referred to as a “media pimp” used his internet and social media marketing background to cyberbully the superintendent to quit. Dolan was in attendance at last night’s meeting
Others in Fear of Cyberbullying
The board members told the story of how people in the community (the board did not give any names) have been scared into silence. Most people in the community support the superintendent and Katy ISD but after seeing how Dr. Hindt and his supporters were relentlessly attacked, they have been scared to come forward with their support.
Supporters of Dolan feel that he is bringing things to light in the district that need to address and the group plans to make as much noise as is needed to have their concerns addressed. Many of Dolan’s social media followers don’t live in Katy ISD but heard about the bullying controversy on social media and on news stations.
One of the overall sentiments stated by the board members was “Enough is Enough” of the attacks and cyber bullying that has cast a negative light on our community. It’s time to take a stand against all forms of bullying.
In anticipation of the lawsuit, Dolan has started a gofundme page in an attempt to raise legal fees.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 10, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Say “Thank You” to mom by taking her to one of these events in Katy on Mother’s Day Weekend.
Saturday, May 12
Mother’s Day Card Paw Drawings
Patsy’s Pet Market
11 a.m.
Fur-children can paint a special picture for their human mommas on an 8.5 x 11 canvas and create a lifelong memory.
Mother’s Day Social
Olive Garden
12 p.m.
Celebrate mom and socialize with other ladies with delicious Italian food and drinks.
Mother’s Day Zumba Party
Be Fit Studio
10 a.m.
Get fit and have fun on Mother’s Day with a 90-minute Zumba session. Non-members can attend for $5.
Sunday, May 13
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
Drix Restaurant and Lounge
10:30 a.m.
Treat mom to a special day of food and fun for all she does at Drix. Brunch is only $21 and includes their regular buffet items PLUS baked ham, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and more. Call 281-371-2749 for reservations.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Salt & Pepper Restaurant
9 a.m.
Enjoy special menu items and live music from Katy’s Savannah Adams. Reservations not required.
Mother’s Day Mimosa Bar
11 a.m.
Midway BBQ
All moms deserve mimosas! Head over to Midway BBQ for great food and refreshing drinks starting at 11 a.m.
Mother’s Day Celebration
Pane e Vino Trattoria and Pizzeria
11 a.m.
Shower mom with love at Pane e Vino with an exclusive menu created by the chef.
Single Mom’s Lunch
Second Baptist Church – West Campus
12:15 p.m.
Single moms deserve to be celebrated. After the service, bring the kids out to the playground while the SBC family treats mama to lunch.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 9, 2018
By Ashley Lancaster
This week, Harris County law enforcement conducted a “clean out” of the bridge near Rudy’s BBQ near Mason Road and IH-10. Local organizations are currently seeking alternatives to displacement and jail for Katy’s homeless.
(Opening photo is of an underpass in the Houston metro area)
This morning, Katy residents noticed Harris County police clearing out a homeless encampment underneath a bridge near Mason Road, filling huge dumpsters to the brim with trash, clothing, bicycles, and other items left there after homeless men and women in Katy were removed.
The individuals living there were given warning that the clean up was going to happen there, in addition to other inhabited areas of Katy. The problem though, is that these men and women often have nowhere to go, and so end up migrating to similar places in the area for shelter. Sometimes Katy’s homeless are placed in jail for lack of a better alternative.
Tina Hatcher, founder and director of Hope Impacts, which provides hope to homeless, helpless, and under-resourced people in Katy, is passionately advocating for a long-term solution to the problem, believing that simply moving the homeless, or placing them in jail, only perpetuates a vicious cycle.
“What good does it do to identify a problem without a solution? They have no place to go where they are not at risk to be evicted again. There are not enough shelters to hold all the homeless,” she says.
According to Hatcher, who knows many of these men and women on a first name basis, not all are addicts or criminals. Some have been the victim of circumstances outside of their control, and most are on housing lists, just waiting for a chance to get a job and get off the streets.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect as human beings,” she says.
Hope Impacts has helped 60 homeless men and women re-build their lives and get to work in the last three years, but Hatcher knows that a more permanent solution is needed.
“My vision is to have some property where we can offer affordable housing, job opportunities, community, and real help. Community First in Austin is a good model of real solutions of how to help the chronically homeless. Its a model I would love to see implemented here near Katy. Offering real solutions to a bigger problem than just one small group of people that are affected by homelessness. Lets be part of a solution to social injustice instead of just pointing out the problems created by it,” she says.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 8, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Frank Bielec, the wise-cracking, fan favorite cast member who starred in all eight seasons of the original series (200 – 2008), is returning to TLC’s Trading Spaces for the reboot – and with a completely different goal.
In a 2018 reboot, many members of the original cast are returning, including Katy’s very own Frank Bielec. Frank was a hit with fans of Trading Spaces because of his uncanny comedic timing, talent, and work ethic.
“It was very easy going back to the show. It was as if we left the room and came back in a moment later,” says Bielec.
Returning members from the original TS cast include Gen, Hildi, Ty, Carter, Vern, Doug, Laurie, Amy Wynn, and show host, Paige. In addition to the veteran cast, there are three new designers, and two new painters joining in the fun.
As far as design goes, Bielec says he is no longer concerned with creating “pretty” rooms. “I am focusing on… how to make a home functional and safe. Editing your space. Most importantly, getting rid of things you don’t need. Never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse,” he says.
Creating functional, practical spaces is Frank’s main priority. “I have never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse, where we are going, the Lord will provide, so I don’t stress over paint color,” he says.
When he’s not working with the TS crew, Frank and his wife run a business called Mosey n Me, a site where they sell handmade quilting patterns.
Check out Trading Spaces on TLC Saturdays at 7 p.m. CST.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 7, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
This week, local businesses are showing their love and appreciation for the teachers and nurses that sacrifice so much time to caring for others with free and discounted products and services. Check out where to get them in Katy.
NURSES
Today, May 7, nurses can get a free sandwich at the Mason Road, Cinco Ranch, and Katy Green locations when they present their badge or ID. Here’s some more great freebies and discounts this week:
-Tuesday: Teachers (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
– Wednesday: Military and Veterans (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
– Thursday: Police & First Responders ( 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Nurses can get half off their total check on Tuesday, May 8 with their ID.
Cinnabon (Katy Mills Mall)
Now through May 12, get one free classic roll, Minibon Roll, or four-count Bon Bites with a badge.
Chipotle
On June 5, nurses can present a valid work ID and get BOGO bowls, salads, tacos or burritos.
TEACHERS
On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, teachers can present their ID at the Mason Road, Cinco Ranch, or Katy Green locations and redeem a free sandwich from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. But that’s not all! They have a special treat for nearly everyone this week:
– Monday: Nurses & EMT’s (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
-Tuesday: Teachers (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
– Wednesday: Military and Veterans (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
– Thursday: Police & First Responders ( 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Michael’s
Teachers can get 15% their entire in-store purchase
Teachers can get half off their total check on Tuesday, May 8 with their teacher ID.
Teachers get an additional $1 Happy Hour prices every Tuesday.
Chipotle
Teachers and faculty get a buy-one-get-one deal on Tuesday, May 8, from 3 p.m. to close with a valid ID.
Texas Roadhouse
Teachers can get 10% off their meal every Tuesday with a valid school ID.
Barnes & Noble
Teachers get a 20% discount on qualifying purchases when they are a part of the B&N Educator Program.
Cicis Pizza
Teachers get a free adult buffet at the pizza chain Tuesday with a valid school ID.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch)
Teachers can present their school ID and get 15% off a dine-in purchase and take out orders Monday, May 7 – Friday, May 12.
Raisin’ Cane’s
Bring your ID inside on Tuesday, May 8, from 3-8 p.m. for a free box combo.
Did we miss a great deal? Email us!
The murder of Belinda Temple is a crime that has been looming over Katy for more than 19 years. May 3, David Temple was back in court to ask the judge for a speedy trial.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 6, 2018
Jennifer Skelton
In a case that has seen more twists and turns than a Texas roller coaster, State District Judge Kelli Johnson granted a continuance on the murder trial of David Temple but also scheduled the trial, should it occur, for either Nov. 2 or February 2019.
Defense attorney, Stanley Schneider, who is demanding a speedy trial and is refusing to agree to continuances. “We’re disappointed that the trial court granted the state’s motion for continuance,” Schneider said after the brief hearing. “We want to go trial. David is innocent.” A motion was filed to dismiss the case because David is not receiving a speedy trial, which he is guaranteed.
WHO IS BELINDA TEMPLE?
Belinda Temple was a beloved Katy High School special education teacher, mom to a 3-year old little boy, and wife of David Temple. At the time of her murder on January 11, 1999, she was pregnant with the couple’s second child…at little girl to be named Erin.
She grew up in Nacogdoches. After graduation, she attended Sam Houston State University where she met David Temple. The two dated throughout college. After, they were married in 1992 and she moved to Katy, Texas (David’s hometown).
Belinda was a devoted mother and teacher.
WHO IS DAVID TEMPLE?
David Temple was a star athlete on the Katy High football team. He went on to play football at Sam Houston State University where he met Belinda Temple.
David was a coach and teacher at Alief Hastings High School. From the outside, things appeared happy in his marriage and family life but after his wife was murdered, authorities learned that David was carrying on an affair with a co-worker, Heather Scott.
Although, David and Heather told authorties that their affair was new and didn’t mean anything, they went on to wed a few years after the murder.
CONVICTION
David was arrested in 2004 for the murder of Belinda. There was never a piece of forensic evidence connecting him to the murder. The case was a circumstantial one. The district attorney, Kelly Siegler, hoped that all the circumstantial evidence would add up to murder in the jury’s mind.
The trial began three years later in 2007. To the delight of the prosecution and many who had followed this case for eight years, David Temple was convicted of the murder of Belinda Temple and sentenced to life in prison.
CONVICTION OVERTURNED
David Temple appealed his conviction to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. After losing two appeals, Temple was granted a new hearing to find out if he should have a new trial. Judge Larry Gist found that Temple’s constitutional rights were violated because of the misconduct of prosecutor Kelly Siegler. To this day, Siegler defends her decisions in the Temple case.
Temple’s attorneys argued that county prosecutors violated the law by withholding significant evidence about an alternative suspect and other information that could have cast doubt on his guilt…36 facts that the prosecutors should have turned over or turned over too late for the defense to successfully be able to analyze and use it.
Judge Gist’s findings were only a recommendation and David would have to wait longer for the decision of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In a split decision in November 2016, they agreed with Judge Gist. David’s conviction was overturned and he was granted a new trial. David was released on bond in December of 2016.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Prosecutors have not decided if they will move forward with a re-trial. The special prosecutors were appointed after the Harris County District Attorney’s Office recused the office, saying there were too many conflicts of interest with the district attorney Kim Ogg.
Evan Temple was raised by David’s second wife, Heather. He maintained a close relationship with his father. They have led a private life but by all reports, Evan was able to have a normal, happy childhood the best he could due to the circumstances.
Belinda Temple’s family still believes that David Temple is guilty of the murder of their daughter and her unborn daughter, Erin. David Temple’s family supports him and believes in his innocence…they have gone bankrupt fighting for his freedom for 13 years.
The case is considered closed, but many think justice was not served and that the killer is still out there.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 5, 2018
Katy Magazine Editors
Katy ISD has announced the results for the 2018 school board election for position 6 and 7.
Congratulations to Dawn Champagne and Susan Gesoff for being elected to represent Katy ISD on the Board of Trustees.
About Susan Gesoff (Position 6)
Susan won the position with 3,324 votes versus 2,182 for Scott Martin.
Susan Gesoff is married to husband Glen and they have lived in Katy for 13 years. The couple has three daughters Katie 24, Carly 21, and Kelly 18, who all graduated from Seven Lakes High. Susan is a former Katy ISD teacher (2006-2012) who has also volunteered in her children’s schools and with the theatre and choir booster clubs at Beckendorff Junior High and Seven Lakes High. She also volunteers with the National Charity League. She currently works as an Engineer at BP.
About Dawn Champagne (Position 7)
Dawn Champagne won the position with 3,025 votes versus 2,629 for Don Massey.
Dawn, her husband, Brett, and three children have lived in Katy for 17 years, currently residing in Kelliwood. Their three children attend and/or graduated from Taylor High School. Dawn has volunteered in Katy ISD for over a decade at the school and district level. She also volunteers at her church, St. Peter’s UMC, and other organizations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Consumer Science Degree and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from University of Houston.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 5, 2018
By Katy Magazine Editors
City of Katy council has announced the results for the 2018 council elections for Ward A, Ward B and At-Large positions.
Congratulations to Janet Corte, Councilman Durran Dowdle, and Chris Harris for being elected to represent the City of Katy.
About Janet Corte (Ward A)
Janet and her husband have lived in Katy for 29 years and love this town! They have raised four children that attended KISD schools. Janet is an active member of First United Methodist Church, providing support to the young group, Sunday school and confirmation classes. She has been a working mother while her children were growing up, working as an IT Consultant. In her career, Corte has been responsible for projects from inception through closure including project estimating, scheduling and planning, adherence to schedules and project scope, and client communication. She has volunteered in our community for many years as her children’s Girl Scout troop leader and volunteered in the children’s school including President of Project Graduation for the Katy High graduating class of 2004.
About Councilman Durran Dowdle (Ward B)
Councilman Dowdle has 30 years experience in the Construction, Operations & Maintenance industry and has been employed by KBR for over 20 years, currently as a Project Manager. He and his wife, Terri, have been married for 34 years. They have two daughters who graduated from Katy High School, and two grandchildren. Councilman Dowdle served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment before being appointed to the Convention & Tourism Bureau prior to being elected to City Council. He has been in construction and maintenance for 35 years, managing people, projects and budgets. Councilman Dowdle has a history of service in this city, volunteering as a coach, at church, at public events, and at KISD. Councilman Dowdle is finishing up his second term on the City of Katy council and if elected, the third term would be his last due to term limits.
About Chris Harris (At Large)
Chris and his wife Danielle have lived in Katy for 12 years, although Danielle, who teaches 7th grade Math for Katy ISD, grew up in Katy. Their three kids are third-generation Katy residents. Chris Harris played an instrumental role in organizing Hurricane Harvey relief. Not only did he organize matching student and adult volunteers with individuals in need of “mucking” out their homes, but Chris drove around delivering food to the homes of whomever needed it. Harris also helped set up temporary relief center for Katy Christian Ministries, after KCM was damaged during the hurricane. As a member of the Katy Development Board, a historical marker was placed at Katy Elementary.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 5, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Third through fifth grade members of the Kindness Crew are on a mission to spread joy and friendship to every student at Bryant Elementary through easy, fun, and uplifting weekly challenges.
Once a month, students from third, fourth, and fifth grade meet with the school counselor at Bryant Elementary to talk about what is happening in the lives of Bengals, including setbacks and successes.
Each member of the Kindness Crew has input in creating weekly challenges. The entire campus competes, and students can nominate each other to be recognized for showing acts of extreme kindness.
Every Monday, the Kindness Crew greets students showing up for the day with a high-five and a “Good Morning!”
“They line the entry way to the school, getting kids motivated to start their week off right,” says Assistant Principal Lindsay O’Leary.
This month, they created motivational posters for students that will be taking the STAAR test.
“To have the Kindness Crew be models for our younger Bengals has gotten my 2nd grade class excited about completing kindness challenges. When they see those older students are motivated each week to do something kind for others, they want to follow along, which brings our whole school together,” says second grade teacher, Christi Elrod.
One of the favorite challenges so far has been the “Talk to Someone New” Challenge, where kids are encouraged to say hello to a student they have never met.
Bryant Elementary staff hopes that the Bengals’ example will inspire other Katy ISD campuses to join in. “The culture of kindness we have here at Bryant has really been in large part to the intentional importance our counselor and administrators have placed on being kind to others. There is not just a “beginning of the year push” to have students exhibit kindness, but a purposeful, sustained effort to keep kindness on the hearts and minds of our students and faculty,” says Elrod.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 4, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
With over 8,000 special education students currently enrolled at Katy Independent School District, a familiar face will now be the new Director of Compliance for Special Education.
Gwen Coffey’s new role was formally announced to the public by the Katy ISD Board of Trustees during the monthly board meeting.
Coffey is currently the principal at Roberta Rylander Elementary. As part of her new endeavors, she will direct the district’s special education program to ensure the provision comprehensive services for students with disabilities. She will also work to individualize educational plans that meet the needs of all students with disabilities and ensure compliance with state, federal and local requirements.
“My belief is that our students are our most valuable resource. Increased student learning and achievement are my passion,” said Coffey. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with our Katy community to help increase achievement for all students.”
Ms. Coffey’s educational experience extends to several professions within school campuses. She began her career in 1997 as a teacher in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two years later she joined the Katy ISD family as a teacher at Golbow Elementary where she taught both general education and special education for six years. Her next endeavor was as a counselor at Huggins Elementary at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. Following that, she was a middle school counselor for one year at Bammel Middle School in Spring ISD, which lead to her taking the assistant principal position at that school. However, Ms. Coffey knew that Katy ISD was her home and decided to come back as an Assistant Principal at Cimarron Elementary.
Ms. Coffey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, a Masters of Education in Counseling, and she is currently in obtaining her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University. Coffey will begin her new endeavor in June 2018.
Here is the list of prominent, influential, inspirational, strong, and charitable women who are leading the way in Katy. (Consider yourselves all #1 because these are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.)
KATY MAGAZINE l MAY 2018
By Katy Magazine Editors
1. BEVERLY ALLEN
Development Manager of Christ Clinic
2. DIANE ALLEN
Anti-Sex Trafficking Champion
3. KATHY ALT
Executive Director of Ballard House
4. YVONNE ARCENEAUX
Parks Director for Willow Fork Drainage District
5. ERIN BALLARD
Philanthropist and Volunteer; Namesake of Ballard House
6. GIGI BETHKE
Katy Educator and School Namesake
7. REBECCA BLACKMON
VP of Prosperity Bank and First Woman in the Katy Rotary
8. JOY LEE BOLIN
Longtime Katy Resident and Volunteer
9. MARTHA BROWN
Katy ISD KEYS Mentor and Katy ISD Partners in Education
10. FELICE BRYANT
Katy Educator and School Namesake
11. MISSY BUNCH
City Secretary, City of Katy
12. KAY CALLENDER
Keep Katy Beautiful
13. AMY CAMPBELL
Special Needs Advocate and Katy ISD Namesake
14. Dr. CHRISTINE CASKEY
Chief Academic Officer, Katy ISD
15. KRISTEN COWAN
Founder of Smilin’ Rylen Foundation
16. CHRISTA CLIFTON
Memorial Hermann Executive and Community Volunteer
17. DEYSI CRESPO
Executive Director of Katy Christian Ministries
18. CHRIS CROCKETT
Education Advocate and Community Volunteer
19. CARRA DANIELS
Principal of Beck Junior High
20. KEIKO DAVIDSON
Katy Educator and School Namesake
21. GINGER DEWBERRY
Katy Search and Rescue Champion in Hurricane Harvey
22. MINDY DICKERSON
Paetow High School Principal
23. PEGGY DIMMICK
Director of Katy’s Fussell Senior Center
24. MARIA DIPETTA
Katy ISD Media Relations and Multimedia Manager
25, FATIMA DONALDSON
Artist, photographer, and arts philanthropist
26. TAMARA DORE
Owner of Katy Budget Books
27. LORI DOUCET ALEXANDER
Nottingham/Kelliwood Fry Road Tree Activist
28. WENDY DUNCAN
President of Willow Fork Drainage Ditch
29. COURTNEY DOYLE
Katy ISD Board of Trustees
30. DANA DUSEK
Baby Gowns for Eternity
31. DIANA ELDER
Katy FFA champion and volunteer
32. REBECCA FOX
Katy ISD Board of Trustees
33. ANNIE GERHARDT
President of Cinco Ranch Ladies Club
34. KAYE GOOLSBY
Political activist and national grassroots chair for Ted Cruz, and others.
35. SHARON GRAF
Social Media Liaison for Harris County ESD 48 and Search and Rescue at TEXSAR
36. DR. LISA GRAHAM-GARZA
Local dentist and founder of Autism Rescue Angels
37. REBEKAH GREGORY
Boston Marathon bombing survivor, amputee, writer, and speaker
38. DR. ANDREA GROOMS
Katy ISD Chief Communications Officer
39. SALLY GUPTON
Assistant Principal of Creech Elementary
40. ELIZABETH HANSON
Past president of the RWCK and Cinco Ranch Ladies Club
41. SUSAN DENISE HASTINGS
Katy Christian Ministries Crisis Center Director
42.TINA HATCHER
Founder of Hope Impacts
43. PATTY HENSON
Director of the Katy High Bengal Brigade for 34 years
44. KATHRYN HINDT
Teacher and First Lady of Katy ISD
45. LORA HODGES
ELA Instructional Coach at Exley Elementary
46. BONNIE HOLLAND
Associate Superintendent, Administration, Governance and Legal Affairs, School Namesake
47. SAMANTHA HOLSOMBACK
Entrepreneur and avid volunteer
48. NICOLE ISTRE
Owner and founder of Katy’s Early Childhood Enrichment Center, and early childhood education trainer and consultant
49. LESLYN JACKS
District Wide Elementary Teacher of the Year and Katy Elementary Music Teacher
50. KAREN JAGGERS
Autism advocate and owner of Stokan Jaggers & Associates
51. EFFIE KATSABAS
Co-owner of Snappy’s Restaurant
52. TYLER KAY
Mural Artist
53. MICHELLE LACOUR
First Lady of the Katy Area EDC
54. PATTI LACY
VP of the Board for Katy Christian Ministries
55. GAIL LAND
Retired music educator and avid volunteer
56. KELLY LITVAK
Anti-Sex Trafficking Champion, founder of Childproof America
57. CARRIE LOWERY
Principal at Bethke Elementary
58. EUBERTA LUCAS
Principal of Creech Elementary
59. ANITA MANCINI
Director of Katy Cowgirls
60. ANNIE MEEKS
District wide Rookie Teacher of the Year
61. LISA MARIE
Golf Celebrity
62. DR. DOREEN MARTINEZ
Principal of Memorial Parkway Elementary
63. KERRI MCCURDY
Established Moms to the Rescue during Hurricane Harvey
64. STEPHANIE MCDANIEL
Founder of Graeme’s Superheroes
65. DR. IMELDA MEDRANO
Principal at Seven Lakes JH
66. LINDA MERRELL
Retired educator, avid volunteer, on the board of Katy Cares
67. KRISTIN MILLER
Arts Advocate and Volunteer
68. KATHRYN MILLS
Educator and Hurricane Harvey Book Club Founder
69. ABI MORTON
Founder of Clothed By Faith
70. DAWN MORTUS
Founder of Keep Kids Connected
71. CHELSEA MUESSE
Widow of Jordan Muesse
72. JOAN MURRAY
Author, missionary, speaker, pastor.
73. ANNE MURRAY-REARDON
Cancer survivor and volunteer
74. SHARI NIGHTINGALE
Founder of Lindsay’s Light, speaker, and relationship violence educator
75. ERICA NOWELL
Cancer survivor and now a Cancer Nurse Practitioner
76. JENNIFER PIERCE
Chick-fil-A Marketing Director and Community Volunteer
77. LARISSA PLUNTO
Community Relations Director for Congressman Michael McCaul
78. KAYCE REINA
Tourism and Marketing Director for the City of Katy
79. LILY ROGERS
Social Services Director, Katy Christian Ministries
80. DR. SUSAN RICE
McMeans Junior High Principal
81. JENNIFER ROYO
Co-Owner of No Label Brewery and Philanthropist
82. CHERYL SAGE
Entrepreneur and Early Childhood Education Expert
83. MANDY SANDLIN
District Wide Teacher of the Year and OTHS Teacher
84. SANDY SCHMIDT
Keep Katy Beautiful
85. ABBIE SCHOMBURG
Special Needs Advocate, Katy Wolfpack coach
86. PATTI SHAFER
Katy Educator and School Namesake
87. SUSAN SMITH
Business owner, philanthropist, and community volunteer
88. MARSHA SMITH
Vice President of KARE (Katy Association of Retired Teachers) and avid community volunteer.
89. PATSY STANLEY
Katy Educator and School Namesake
90. DR. MELINDA STONE
Principal at WoodCreek JH
91. MELANIE SUKOLICS
Business owner, avid volunteer, Harvey hero
92. JANET THEIS
Katy ISD Partners in Education and Katy ISD Education Foundation
93. ASHLEY VANN
President of Katy ISD Board of Trustees
94. RHONDA WARD
Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services
95. CHAKILA WHITE
VP of DaVita Healthcare and Volunteer
96. TARA WILSON
President of the Board of Directors, Katy ISD Education Foundation
97. CINDY WINGO
President of RWCK
98. JAMIE WOLMAN
Former Katy ISD educator, Keep Katy Beautiful board member, and school namesake
99. DR LORENA ZERTUCHE
Bear Creek Elementary Principal
100. SYLVIA ZERWAS
Wife of Rep. John Zerwas
We solicited nominations from community leaders and readers on social media venues and through email to compile these 100 Top Katy Women of 2018!
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 3, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Rain or shine the Katy Wild West Brewfest has become a yearly tradition in Katy. This event will feature 150+ Specialty Craft Brewers from various locations all around the country while featuring over 600 individualized craft brews!
BeerYeit.com has awarded the WWBF the “#1 event in the Country” two years in a row for both 2016 and 2017. What makes this event special and unique is that 100% of the profits are donated to local charities.
NOT JUST FOR BEER ENTHUSIASTS
This event is not just for the beer drinker. In addition to the multiple beer gardens, there are also game zones, food and music throughout the event.Many levels of tickets are available including the “Designated Driver” and VIP – No Beer” for those choosing not to drink. For those that do want to enjoy one of the many beer options, tickets begin at $35 for “General Admission”.
WWBF features 6 covered zones that includes bands, DJ’s, tables and chairs, and great beer all day!
The bands/singers that are set to perform are Kaos, Nervous Rex Band, Horizon, Nathan Quick Band, Cooper Wade & Unchained Freight, Cowboy Diplomacy, Jelly Ellington and The Powell Brothers.
HELPING OTHERS
The Wild West Brewfest is proudly hosted by the Katy Rotary Club of Texas. In the past, this event has given back to many local organizations.
Camp Hope
West Side Homeless
Taylor High School
Katy Christian Ministries
Armor of Hope
In addition, after Hurricane Harvey, an additional $10,000 in funds was allocated to help the organizations helping those affected.
WHEN AND WHERE
Launch Party – Friday, May 4th 2018 7:00pm to 10:00 pm
Come out Friday night to the Katy Mills Mall (on the east side at the H&M entrance) to have some great food, great music and hand-selected beers from the “Purveyor of Intoxicating Liquids!” The focus is on local breweries. Grab your hotel room quickly for this one, and stay the night Friday and party all day Saturday at the WWBF with us!
Get your tickets for the Launch Party here.
Original Wild West Brewfest – Saturday, May 5th 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
With over 80 Brewers each bringing a minimum of 4 taps/brands come find out why we are the most sought after to visit Brewfest in the country. Children welcome.
Get your advance tickets here.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 3, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
The parcel of land left vacant for so long at the northeast corner of Pin Oak Road and IH-10 will become The Villages at Katy.
Eighty-four acres of land just north of IH-10 will soon become the mixed-use development, The Villages at Katy.
It’s proximity to the energy corridor, multiple master planned communities like Cane Island, and countless area amenities make it the ideal spot for new businesses looking to expand in West Houston. The master plan includes retail, residential, hotel, office and civic space.
During a memorable gathering at the Leonard E. Merrell Center, Katy Independent School District Superintendent Lance Hindt, along with Board of Trustees, honored the “Of the Year” employees.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 2, 2018
Among those recognized were: District-wide Campus Teacher of the Year, District-wide Rookie Teacher of the Year, Principals of the Year, Nurse of the Year and Counselors of the Year.
District-wide Elementary Campus Teacher of the Year
Leslyn Jacks is the Music Specialist and Director of the Choir program at Katy Elementary (KE). Since joining KE her choirs have doubled in enrollment and she has directed more than 30 performances leading to a record number of her students continuing their music courses at the junior high level. This year, her and her students performed just six weeks after Hurricane Harvey spreading joy through music and demonstrating the resilience of the Katy Community. Jacks is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018.
District-wide Secondary Campus Teacher of the Year
Amanda Sandlin is a psychology teacher at Tompkins High School (OTHS). Through her lessons, Sandlin seeks to bring the content alive for her students. Her greatest goal is for them to gain skills to succeed outside the classroom. She utilizes the study of positive psychology to help her students lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Sandlin is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018.
District-wide Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year
Annie Meeks is an English Language Arts (ELA) and social studies teacher at Stephens Elementary (USE). She may have just begun her teaching career this year but she has made an impression with her tenacity and ability to build relationships. She believes that in a world full of technology and distractions, it is important to find ways to better maintain students’ focus. Meeks is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018.
District-wide Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year
Rebecca Calfee from Mayde Creek Junior High (MCJH) began her career this year as an eighth grade social studies teacher. Calfee is a product of Katy ISD and she sets her students up for success through detailed lesson planning. Her preparation and skillset set her apart from others as she gives the impression of a seasonal veteran, rather than a first-year teacher. She spends her extra time tutoring her students and makes a point of attending student activities outside of her classroom to show support.
District-wide Nurse of the Year
Kim Cromie, from Bonnie Holland Elementary (BHE), moved from California to Maryland and was involved in a Head Start program as the Health and Safety Administrator. This opportunity ignited her love of working with children and families. That is when she went into nursing school. When she and her husband moved to Katy she was given the opportunity to be the campus nurse at BHE. She knew she had finally found her calling. Besides keeping students healthy, Nurse Cromie also mentors other nurses in Katy ISD.
District-wide Elementary Counselor of the Year
Susan Coventon has spent the last 21 years in education at Katy ISD. Even though she started out as a teacher, she realized her calling was in counseling. She is currently the school counselor at Nottingham Country Elementary (NCE) where she dedicates her time to guide students in their journey toward healing and success. Coventon’s experience is widespread and includes training of trainers in crisis prevention & preparedness as well as mental health. You will find her volunteering at Bo’s Place, offering grief-counseling support for children and their families.
District-wide Junior High Counselor of the Year
Jodi Darcey has been a counselor at Katy ISD for six years and a district lead counselor for the past three. She is currently at WoodCreek Junior High where she uses her skills, coupled with the desire to help others to connect with students and staff. Through guidance, character building, individual and group counseling coupled with parent education and counselor collaboration, Darcey knows everyone can succeed.
District-wide High School Counselor of the Year
Glynn Guynes from Katy High School began his career in Katy ISD in 2007 as a counselor at Katy High School (KHS). In 2012, Guynes started serving in the roll of KHS Lead Counselor and as District Lead Counselor. That year he was also named the KHS Support Staff Member of the Year. He serves as a mentor to new counselors and coordinates the new counselor orientation.
District-wide Elementary Principal of the Year
Stephens Elementary Principal Stephanie Vaughan has demonstrated great leadership not just at her current campus but also at Sundown Elementary and Franz Elementary where she previously excelled in her passion for education. In March 2007, Vaughan opened the newly named Ursula Stephen Elementary (USE) as their principal and she has been there for the past 11 years. Her commitment to educational excellence and student achievement can be seen in the numerous recognitions the campus has received.
District-wide Secondary Principal of the Year
Mindy Dickerson currently serves as the principal of Patricia E. Paetow High School. Her passion is teaching the whole child. She believes very strongly in both adult and student learning through choice, as well as basing decisions on what is best for learners. Her career in Katy ISD began as an elementary school teacher. During her tenure as principal at Beckendorff Junior High (BDJH), the campus received the Texas and National Schools to Watch distinction for teaching the whole child and providing a great learning experience tailored to middle school students. Dickerson is one of Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Katy in 2018. Read about her here.
Congratulations to all Katy ISD “Of the Year” employees!
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 27, 2018
The Katy ISD Police Department in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications.
According to the DEA, pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. Needles or sharp objects will not be accepted and any liquids must be in prescribed containers. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
“The majority of teenagers who are abusing prescription drugs usually get these medications from family and friends or simply by taking them from a family medicine cabinet,” says Chief of Police Robert Jinks. “Through take-back programs people have a better option to dispose of old drugs,” adds Jinks.
Date/Time
Saturday, April 28, 2018
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Drop Off Location
Mark L. Hopkins Law Enforcement Center
20370 Franz Rd.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 29, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
The groundbreaking ceremony for High School #9 and Junior High #16, located in Cross Creek Ranch, will take place on Monday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.
The new junior high and high school are located a few blocks away from Amy Campbell Elementary opening August 2018. Click here to read about Amy.
Junior high #16 is scheduled to open August of 2019 at a cost of $54,920,468 as voted on by the Katy citizens on the 2017 Katy ISD Bond.
High school #9 is scheduled to open July 2020 at a cost of $206,074,464 as voted on by the Katy citizens on the 2017 Katy ISD Bond. This high school will have the district’s competition natatorium.
The Groundbreaking ceremony is located at 27500 Fulshear Bend Dr, Fulshear, TX 77441. Click here for map.
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KATY MAGAZINE ONLINE
April 30, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
John Paul’s Landing Park, named for Pope John Paul II, is now open in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD on West Road between Grand Parkway and Katy Hockley Road.
With more than 850 acres, John Paul’s Landing is one of Harris County Sheriff Precinct 5’s biggest parks. Currently, the park surrounded by fields of grass and trees but not for long. In the next 5 to 10 years, this area will be filled with houses and families. In 2019, Katy ISD elementary school #42 will open, servicing this area, which will include the subdivisions of Elyson and Morton Creek.
Located on West Road, between Katy Hockley Road and Grand Parkway, the park features three separate entrances accessible off West Road. The three areas are only accessible by a walking trail within the park.
At 24202 West Road and 24502 West Road, both areas offer the same option although not identical. Families can enjoy a nice day on the playgrounds, 2.6 miles of walking trails or by throwing a party in reservable picnic pavilions. To make reservations call (281) 531-1592 or email pct3parks@pct3.com.
The third area, located at 24002 West Road, includes a 150-acre, stocked lake. A walking trail weaves around the lake. Fishing is permitted following the freshwater fishing rules of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. According to the signs at the lake, it is stocked with Bass, Catfish, Crappie and Sunfish. In addition to providing an opportunity for sport fishermen, the lake at John Paul’s Landing Park will be linked to Langham Creek and help mitigate downstream flooding.
Hours of operation are 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
John Paul’s Landing Park, named for Pope John Paul II, is now open in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD on West Road between Grand Parkway and Katy Hockley Road.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 30, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
With more than 850 acres, John Paul’s Landing is one of Harris County Sheriff Precinct 5’s biggest parks. Currently, the park surrounded by fields of grass and trees but not for long. In the next 5 to 10 years, this area will be filled with houses and families. In 2019, Katy ISD elementary school #42 will open, servicing this area, which will include the subdivisions of Elyson and Morton Creek.
Located on West Road, between Katy Hockley Road and Grand Parkway, the park features three separate entrances accessible off West Road. The three areas are only accessible by a walking trail within the park.
At 24202 West Road and 24502 West Road, both areas offer the same option although not identical. Families can enjoy a nice day on the playgrounds, 2.6 miles of walking trails or by throwing a party in reservable picnic pavilions. To make reservations call (281) 531-1592 or email pct3parks@pct3.com.
The third area, located at 24002 West Road, includes a 150-acre, stocked lake. A walking trail weaves around the lake. Fishing is permitted following the freshwater fishing rules of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. According to the signs at the lake, it is stocked with Bass, Catfish, Crappie and Sunfish. In addition to providing an opportunity for sport fishermen, the lake at John Paul’s Landing Park will be linked to Langham Creek and help mitigate downstream flooding.
Hours of operation are 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 29, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
The groundbreaking ceremony for High School #9 and Junior High #16, located in Cross Creek Ranch, will take place on Monday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.
The new junior high and high school are located a few blocks away from Amy Campbell Elementary opening August 2018. Click here to read about Amy.
Junior high #16 is scheduled to open August of 2019 at a cost of $54,920,468 as voted on by the Katy citizens on the 2017 Katy ISD Bond.
High school #9 is scheduled to open July 2020 at a cost of $206,074,464 as voted on by the Katy citizens on the 2017 Katy ISD Bond. This high school will have the district’s competition natatorium.
The Groundbreaking ceremony is located at 27500 Fulshear Bend Dr, Fulshear, TX 77441. Click here for map.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 18, 2018
With just weeks to go before elections for Katy City Council, the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island will host a candidate forum on Thursday, April 19 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Moderated by State Representative Mike Schofield, the City of Katy Council Candidate Forum will take place in Cane Island’s Amenity Village multi-purpose room, 2100 Cane Island Parkway. The event is open to the public.
Each participating candidate will present a two-minute opening statement followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session and a two-minute closing statement.
The at-large candidates will participate from 6:30 – 7 p.m., Ward A candidates from 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Ward B candidates from 7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the roadway directly into the community.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 18, 2018
Katrina Katsarelis
The Katy ISD police is warning parents and students about a recent stranger danger incident.
Police are cautioning parents after a Taylor High School female student was approached by a man on her way to school. The student said the man insisted on giving her a ride.The student says she was walking along Kingsland Boulevard Tuesday morning when an older Hispanic man in a tan truck asked if she needed a ride.
The student said she told him “no,” but that he wouldn’t give up. The man drove off, then came back around and asked her if she needed a ride again. She called her mother and stayed on the phone with her until she made it to the school safely.
The student said he was driving an older model tan Chevy pickup truck and described the man as hispanic, in his 40s or 50s with slicked black hair, gray facial hair and wearing a black T-shirt and navy blue pants.
If you have information about this case, please contact the Katy ISD Police Department.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 19, 2018
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
Jennifer Skelton
We asked position 7 Board of Trustees candidates Dawn Champagne and Don Massey some questions to help voters learn more about these Board of Trustee candidates.
ABOUT DAWN CHAMPAGNE
Dawn, her husband, Brett, and three children have lived in Katy for 17 years, currently residing in Kelliwood. Their three children attend and/or graduated from Taylor High School. Dawn has volunteered in Katy ISD for over a decade at the school and district level. She also volunteers at her church, St. Peter’s UMC, and other organizations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Consumer Science Degree and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from University of Houston.
Why did you choose to run?
I feel that this is the next step for me. I am ready to be a voice for our community of students, parents and teachers. I have spent a vast amount of my time during the last 16 years as a full time volunteer with not only Katy ISD, but also with Scouts, my church, and National Charity League. I am there, nearly on a daily basis, with the people most important to the district: the children and teachers.
What qualifies you for this position?
I have a vast amount of experience working with parents, teachers and children and a broad understanding of our district because of my involvement not only with my kids’ schools but also with numerous community organizations. I would speculate that about 80% of my time is spent working with parents, teachers, administrators or children. I know these people (parents, teachers and children), and these are the people that the decisions made by the school board affect the most. I am with the people who are directly involved in the day to day occurrences at our schools. I understand what the people of our district need, because I am with them on a daily basis.
What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?
The Safety and Security of our children is #1. I don’t want our kids being scared to go to school! I want to help build a stronger relationship with the community at large. The school district is the center of the community, and therefore all community members should be heard. I want to make sure that all kids are given equal opportunity. I want to make sure that we maintain great communication between parents, teachers and staff. Good communication is key to all problem solving.
Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?
I think that I am more qualified because I have lived in Katy for 17 years and have volunteered, on a continuous basis, with the schools in Katy ISD, and many other community organizations. I understand the daily struggles of teachers, parents and students. I know what it’s like to run a carnival, to decorate for 8th grade dances, to raise $60,000 for project prom, to find volunteers for every single event there could ever be at every level of schools, to work with kids in every capacity you could imagine, and much more! And, I know what it’s like working with administration of every level. I have gotten along with the principals and assistant principals at every level. I am not only experienced, I am passionate, I am knowledgeable, I have a history of leadership within the district, and I have been very active in our community at large for 16 years.
Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?
-Taylor HS: president of the PTO, 2016-present; VP of Project Grad 2017/2018; Counselors’ volunteer coordinator 2014-2016; Project Grad 2014/2015 committee; Choir chaperone to nearly every event since 2011.
-Keys Mentoring 2014-present.
-Katy ISD Bond Committee 2017.
-Secretary Katy ISD Council of PTAs 2016/2017 (5) McMeans JH: PTA Board 2012-2016 (Fundraising VP, Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) VP, band director’s aide, choir teacher’s aide, 8th Grade Dance Coordinator; Volunteer of the year 2015/2016.
-Exley Elementary: PTA Board 2008-2013 (President, 1st VP of Programs, VIPS VP)
-PTA Officer Training: 2008, 2014 and 2015.
-Leadership Katy 2010/2011 and 2016/2017.
Any final comments?
I am a Texas native. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Consumer Science Degree and I have a Masters of Business Administration from University of Houston as well. When I am on the Katy ISD School Board, I will be an advocate for you. This is not a stepping stone for me to go on to something else later. Being on the Katy ISD school board is what I want to do. I will not just go along with the flow. I will vote and stand up for what the community wants. I am ready to listen to all parents and teachers and am willing to work on behalf of everyone in our community to grow excellence. Please visit me on my FB page at Dawn Champagne for Katy ISD Board of Trustees.
For more information about Dawn Champagne, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/160538218075918/
ABOUT DON MASSEY
Don and his wife Carrie, married for 12 years, have three children that attend Katy ISD schools. Don has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice, and was previously a law enforcement officer before becoming General Manager at Kay Mills and now COO at Rothchild Commercial. Don Massey was named one of Katy Magazine’s 2017 People of the Year for his efforts implementing Katy Mills as an emergency station for Hurricane Harvey rescue efforts, pet rescue , and FEMA.
Why did you choose to run?
My family and I have been super blessed by Katy and Katy ISD and we love to serve our community. I have a heart to serve the community and since the position of School Board is a volunteer position, it is a perfect match for my experience and allows me to Serve the entire Community. My goal is to help Katy ISD continue to be the best School District in Houston and Texas.
What qualifies you for this position?
My unique experience as a Law Enforcement Officer and Business Leader gives me the skills needed to address the real issues facing our schools today. Safety and Security along with Financial Accountability are the highest levels of priority for our district. As a former police officer and as the GM at Katy Mills, I have the real life experiences to address today’s issues. As an Officer, I have worn the badge, I have arrested bad guys and I have saved lives. As a COO and GM, I have managed multi-million dollar budgets and built collaborative relationships with many community stake holders. I think this combination will be a great addition to the skills that are already on the School Board.
What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?
My main focus is on Safety and Security for our Students, Teachers, and Staff. I would address this by challenging the way we use CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) for our schools. Some of the items that we can explore are: 3M Safety Film, Bollards and Advanced Door Locks. The 3M film will slow down an active shooter offering our emergency responders precious time to save lives. Using bollards at entrances and raising the fences throughout the district will also slow down active shooters. All of these are items need to be implemented or explored quickly to deter an active shooter in our schools. I also would hold our administration accountable for the policies that are in place. Oversight and governance are the responsibility of the board and I will take that responsibility seriously.
Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?
I have a great deal of respect for my opponent for her volunteer service, but I believe that my community relationships, business strengths, and law enforcement leadership make me the best candidate. With all of the school shootings and violence in schools, my law enforcement background and expertise is a much needed asset to helping the board implement new and innovative programs to protect our children. The world is changing and I want Katy ISD to be forward thinking and proactive. I also have a reputation for “action” and “innovation” and for successfully and quickly implementing programs that make Katy a better place. An example of this is Katy ISD’s Simon Youth Academy, which is a smaller more hands-on learning center at Katy Mills that is helping at-risk Katy teens get their diplomas and graduate. Not every child in Katy ISD learns the same way and we have to meet children where they are so we can help them succeed.
Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?
I spearheaded bringing the Simon Youth Foundation to Katy ISD to help at-risk students graduate from high school and reduce drop out rates. This was only possible by bringing multiple organizations together including Katy ISD, Katy Mills, Simon Property Group, and the Simon Youth Foundation.
I have also volunteered in the following capacities:
– Katy ISD Strategic Design Committee.
– Superintendent’s Round Table.
– Career and Technical Education Advisory Board.
– Miller Career Center Mentor and Internship Host.
– Katy Elementary Advisory Board and PTO.
– Leadership Katy 2014.
– The 2014 Bond Committee.
Any final comments?
I will take my position very seriously and plan to do all I can to take care of our students, teachers and staff and ensure they have the resources and support needed to help prepare our children for the future. I will also be proactive in helping to implement safety and security measures to keep our schools safe from violence; whether it’s violence from outside intruders or other students. It would be my honor to serve the Katy community as a Katy ISD Board of Trustee. Please Vote Don Massey for Position 7.
For more information about Don Massey, visit https://www.facebook.com/Massey4Katy/
EDITOR’S NOTE: We ran a similar Meet the Candidates story for Susan Gesoff and Scott Martin, position 6 on Tuesday, April 17. CLICK TO READ
HOW TO VOTE
EARLY VOTING IS APRIL 23 – MAY 1: INFORMATION HERE CLICK
ELECTION DAY IS MAY 5 – VOTING INFO HERE CLICK
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Katy Magazine News
April 15, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Starting April 20, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will travel the state restocking thousands of catfish at their “Neighborhood Fishin'” destinations. Find out where you can fish in Katy!
Throughout the season, each of the lakes designated as a TPWD “Neighborhood Fishin'” spot will be repeatedly re-stocked with channel catfish. There will be a break during the month of August due to the heat, but the re-stocking will continue through early November.
FISH IN KATY
Mary Jo Peckham Park
5597 Gardenia Ln.
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
281-496-2177
FISHING RULES
– Anglers may keep up to 5 fish per day without a minimum length limit.
– Children under 17 can fish for free.
– A fishing license is required for all adults.
PURCHASE A LICENSE
– Academy Sports & Outdoors
23155 Katy Fwy.
– Bass Pro Shops Katy
5000 Katy Mills Cir.
– Dick’s Sporting Goods
24600 Katy Fwy.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 16, 2018
Katrina Katsarelis
Katy ISD has compiled a great list of camps for Katy ISD students entering 7th to 12th grades. We’ve divided it up by local band camps, University band camps, and instrument specific band camps.
KATY band CAMPS
Katy ISD Junior High Band Camp – Tompkins High School – July 16-20
For all Katy ISD band students entering grades 7-9.
The cost of the camp is $130 and will include a T-shirt if registered by June 5.
Email kisdbandcamp2018@gmail.com or click for registration form.
The Bocal Majority and Operation Oboe – Tays Junior High – June 18-21, 2018
Full day commuter camp for oboe and bassoon students entering grades 7-12.
UNIVERSITY Band Camps
Sam Houston State University Junior High Band Camps—June 10-14, 2018
Full day camp with housing available for students entering grades 7-9.
Texas State University Summer Band Camp —June 10-15, 2018
Full day camp with housing available for students entering grades 7-12.
Stephen F. Austin Middle School Band Camp —June 10-15, 2018
Full day camp with housing available for students entering grades 7-8.?
?
Baylor Summer Middle School Band and Orchestra Camp—June 24-30, 2018
Full day camp with housing available for students entering grades 7-9.
University of Houston Cougar Band Camp—July 8-12, 2018
Full day camp with housing available for students entering grades 7-12.
Texas Tech Band and Orchestra Camp—July 8-14, 2018
Full day camp with housing available for students entering grades 7-12.
Instrument Camps
?As we learn of other instrument-specific camps, we will post information here
Brass Only Band Camp? – June 7-9, 2018
Full day commuter camp for brass students entering grades 7-12.
The Bocal Majority and Operation Oboe—June 18-21, 2018 @ Tays JH
Full day commuter camp for oboe and bassoon students entering grades 7-12.
Floot Fire?—June 25-29, 2018 (Memorial) or July 16-20, 2018 (The Woodlands)
Full day commuter camp for flute students entering grades 7-12.
Tomball Trombone Institute — July 16-20, 2018
Full day commuter camp for trombone students entering grades 7-9.
April 17, 2018
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
Jennifer Skelton
We asked position 6 Board of Trustees candidates Susan Gesoff and Scott Martin some questions to help voters learn more about these Board of Trustee candidates. We will be running a separate piece featuring the candidates for Position 7 (Dawn Champagne and Don Massey) later this week.
ABOUT SUSAN GESOFF
Susan Gesoff is married to husband Glen and they have lived in Katy for 13 years. The couple has three daughters Katie 24, Carly 21, and Kelly 18, who all graduated from Seven Lakes High. Susan is a former Katy ISD teacher (2006-2012) who has also volunteered in her children’s schools and with the theatre and choir booster clubs at Beckendorff Junior High and Seven Lakes High. She also volunteers with the National Charity League. She currently works as an Engineer at BP.
Why did you choose to run?
I am passionate about public education and children. Katy is a wonderful place to raise a family, live and retire and I want to serve the community by applying my skills and experience for the benefit of Katy ISD students. I was inspired to run this year in particular, because we became empty nesters which left me with more free time in the evenings and weekends that could be dedicated to a worthy pursuit such as this.
What qualifies you for this position?
I have over five years of ‘front line’ teaching experience in Katy ISD, so I truly understand what it is like inside the 21st century classroom for students and teachers. I have a 30 year employment history in technical industries where I have developed skills related to safety and compliance, budget management, policy development, and planning and performance. On a personal level, I have successfully raised three high-achieving children who were educated by Katy ISD.
What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?
Katy ISD is a premiere district with a stellar record of achievement, however, safety is a challenge for all districts in America, and I will encourage reasonable and effective solutions to further protect our students and staff from random acts of violence. I am focused on academics and will support continuous improvement around STEM and Career and Technical Education, as well as further differentiation for Gifted and Talented learning. Finally, I will strongly encourage the district’s efforts to address the unfair state finance system and student assessment schemes with a goal to keep more of our tax dollars here in Katy and reduce the testing burden on our students and teachers.”
Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?
Respectfully, while each of us brings professional skills and knowledge, I have vastly more hands-on, practical experience in Katy ISD, having been a professional educator and having raised my children through every grade right here. I see the role of board member as one of service to the community, not a stepping stone to a future political career.
Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?
I was a member of the parent/teacher organization at Alexander Elementary, Beckendorff JH, and SLHS for many years. I volunteered with the theatre and choir booster clubs at Beckendorff and SLHS from 2005 – 2017. In addition, I volunteered for numerous school events over the many years our girls were in Katy ISD.
For more information about Susan Gesoff, visit https://www.facebook.com/susanmgesoff4KISD/
ABOUT SCOTT MARTIN
Scott Martin is a Texan by birth, moving to Katy in 2014. Since that time, he has jumped into the community volunteering his time as a Sunday school teacher in his neighborhood of Nottingham at St. Peter’s UMC. Scott’s wife, Samantha, grew up in Katy in the Bear Creek area attending Bear Creek Elementary and Mayde Creek Junior High and Mayde Creek High schools. The couple has 5-year old twins that will be attending Pattison Elementary in the fall. Scott graduated from University of Michigan Law School and serves as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Southern District of Texas.
Why did you choose to run?
I decided to run for the school board because I know we can do better. I am passionate about our community and focused on the future of KISD.
What qualifies you for this position?
I am a product of a Texas public school. I am also a proud parent. In my career as a public defender, I have found great satisfaction in helping others. I believe that these experiences qualify me to serve the Katy ISD community as a trustee.
What changes and improvements do you hope to implement?
My priorities include: (1) ensuring more choice, and greater transparency, in any bond election; (2) ensuring that everyone has a neighbor on the Board, through the creation of single-member trustee districts; (3) finding common-sense solutions to our bullying problem; and (4) finding a “two-way immersion” program for bilingual education that is cost-effective and can be made available at campuses across the district.
Voters can learn more about my ideas for KISD on my website (www.scottmartin4kisd.com).
Why do you think are you a better candidate than your opponent?
My opponent lives in an area that is already represented on the Board by two trustees, and has stated that she opposes the creation of single-member trustee districts. I support the creation of single-member trustee districts because I fully appreciate that many areas of our district are underrepresented on the Board, and that this has to change.
I am also concerned that my opponent has not publicly disagreed with anything the Board as said or done. This tells me that she is not the independent voice that the voters are looking for. I am that independent voice.
Have you volunteered in the Katy ISD school district before and if so in what capacity?
I am a children’s Sunday School teacher at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Recently, I volunteered as a t-ball coach at the Monty Ballard YMCA
Any final comments?
I am grateful to the voters for their many thoughtful questions concerning the issues I have raised during this race. We all want what is best for our children, and for KISD. Together we can make it happen!
For more information about Scott Martin, visit http://www.scottmartin4kisd.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: We will be running a similar Meet the Candidates story for position 7 later this week.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 10, 2018
Score some great deals at Cane Island’s annual community-wide garage sale on Saturday, April 14, 2018.
Cane Island will host one of the area’s biggest community-wide garage sales of the spring when driveway after driveway in the Katy master-planned community of new homes presents bargains on electronics, toys and games, sports equipment, household items and more on Saturday, April 14 from 8 a.m. – noon.
With many of the community’s residents expected to participate, Cane Island’s Community Garage Sale promises to be a great opportunity to pick up deals on unique finds and everyday items. Shoppers can park their cars and walk from house to house or they can park conveniently in front of each driveway.
All sales are final with prices for items made at the sole discretion of each garage sale participant. The event is rain or shine.
For a complete list of participating homes, go to www.CaneIslandLife.com.
To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the roadway directly into the community of new homes.
The 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, Cane Island features traditional homes and lifestyle patio homes from the mid $200s, including those available for immediate move in, by CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Taylor Morrison and Toll Brothers.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 11, 2018
Jennifer Skelton
Many Katy residents noticed and were concerned about the huge police presence in the Grand Parkway/99 and Franz Rd area this past Saturday. They took to social media to attempt to find out what was going on. The answer was tied to an earlier mystery from March, that played out on social media, as well, and local news stations, when white domes were moved to an open area of land off Grand Parkway. The mystery to both questions has been solved.
Photo: HRH Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia with Secretary of Energy and former Governor Rick Perry at the SABIC event in Katy
Saudi Basic Industries Corp., the Middle East’s largest petrochemicals maker, said on Saturday that it plans to build a Katy headquarters for its operations in the Western Hemisphere, a project that would boost its Houston-area headcount from 400 to 1,000. The company plans to complete the expansion within two or three years.
On Saturday, Mohammad bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia spent the day in Katy and Houston. First stop was meeting with former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Jim Baker.
Next up, was a visit to a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood of Harold Park, where 176 homes where destroyed by Hurricane Harvey’s flooding. Aramco, a Saudi owned gas company that is headquartered in Houston, donated $3.7 million to Habitat for Humanity for Harvey relief.
Last stop was to Katy to meet guests at the event under the big white domes that now are placed off Grand Parkway and Franz Rd.
SABIC’s future location is on the land located Franz Road and Grand Parkway.
At the beginning of March, after the mysterious domes caused many a debate on social media, the company released this statement.
“The Houston area is home to SABIC’s Americas Region Head Office as well as research and innovation centers, including land we own on Franz Road. Site preparation is underway for a SABIC business event to take place in mid- to late March on the land. In recent months, we have taken steps to clear debris from the site and increase security. We have recently erected some temporary dome-like structures to create a venue for the upcoming event, and expect to keep them up for about a month.”
KATY MAGAZINE
April 11, 2018
A technical issue, shortly after the STAAR test began on Tuesday, kicked out many students across the state including Katy ISD.
The delay in service persisted for about 20 minutes, the TEA said.
“We believe no student information was lost during this time. We are still collecting data on the issue – there were about 1,000 school systems statewide that had a least one student who experienced the disruption,” said DeEtta Culbertson, with the Texas Education Agency.
More than 1,200 school systems were testing at the time, she said.
Katy ISD released the following statement Wednesday afternoon.
Dear Katy ISD Parents/Guardians,
As you may be aware, STAAR testing began yesterday across the state of Texas including at all our Katy ISD campuses. Unfortunately, soon after the test administration began, the Educational Testing Services (ETS), which is the state’s vendor for the STAAR exams, reported that a state-wide disruption to its server had caused multiple outages to its online system. These outages impacted students taking grades 5 and 8 reading, grades 4 and 7 writing, and English I. As a result, many students were inadvertently kicked out of the testing session and/or were unable to log back into the ETS system.
In addition, some students experienced the assessment “freezing” and had to temporarily log off and log back into the system. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and ETS were immediately notified of these disruptions. Students impacted by the outages were allowed to have missed time added back to their time limit.
Katy ISD is not currently aware of any students losing their responses. However, we are working with the TEA and ETS and will be reviewing any testing trends once results are released to the district.
Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to monitor this situation which has impacted districts across the state. We will update our parents with any additional information that comes to our attention.
Katy ISD
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 12, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Katy area citizens over the age of 18 are invited to join Crime Stoppers of Houston for a free presentation that will shed light on the victims of human trafficking, profile traffickers, and explain how to report and prevent abuse.
According to DoSomething.Org, the average age of children who enter the sex trade are between 12 and 14 years old.
“Human trafficking is a reality that many people come face to face with every day, in fact there are an estimated 313,000 human trafficking victims in Texas alone. Education and awareness are paramount to protecting yourself and your families. We hope many parents across the city will join us on April 25 as we shine a light on the second largest criminal industry that is strategically targeting young people. Exploiters can be anyone and they have various methods of recruitment and control tactics,” says Crime Stoppers of Houston Marketing Director, Tania Cruz.
The free presentation is 45-minutes long and will bring human trafficking out of the shadows, educate the public, and prevent children and families from being victimized in the future.
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 25 from 7 – 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Legacy Stadium
1830 Katyland Dr., Katy, TX 77493
To learn more, visit crime-stoppers.org.
Katy ISD’s Teddy Cop program needs our help to finish out the year with every special needs child having their own Teddy Cop.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 6, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
Officer Luis Santiago founded the Teddy Cop program in Katy ISD in 2016 and runs the program. The bears (buddies) are purchased from Build-a-Bear with their unique outfit matching our local Katy ISD Police’s uniform. Katy ISD has 36 elementary schools with a special needs program totaling over 1,000 students.
The Teddy Bears, along with the interaction between the officer and the child, builds a trusting relationship as well as building rapport with the parents. Officer Santiago selflessly gives of his time fundraising and interacting with the children but as you can see by the smile on his face, these children give much more to his heart than he could ever give to them. He has a love for people and the children that have helped this program grow and succeed.
Less than 150 bears (at 4 elementary schools) are left to reach the goal of every elementary special needs child in Katy ISD having their own Teddy Cop.
Donations come from many different businesses, Katy ISD school PTA’s and individual contributors. Teddy Cops is so close to its goal this school year. Click here to make a donation for Teddy Cops to reach each special needs child this year. Donations can also be made to any Katy elementary school as well as Build A Bear at Katy Mills Mall.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 6, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
In response to Katy Magazine’s article published on March 31, 2018 in regards to mail loss, customer complaints, and unsatisfactory service at the Katy Pin Oak Mail Annex, Postmaster Terri Taylor responded with a letter detailing their plan to improve service and efficiency at this location.
The following is the response we received from Terri Taylor, Postmaster, Katy Main Post Office:
April 06, 2018
Katy Magazine News Editor
605 A Park Grove Dr. Katy, TX 77450
“Dear Editor,
This letter responds to a recent article, regarding reports of unsatisfactory customer service and other issues at the Katy Annex Post Office. We value our customers and appreciate the opportunity to provide some additional information.
The Postal Service strives to provide excellent service. We are disappointed whenever we discover we’ve fallen short of that goal, and it appears that has happened in Katy, TX. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by our customers. Whenever the Postal Service becomes aware of unsatisfactory service or issues, we take steps to resolve them as quickly as possible. (CONTINUED)
Local management is committed to addressing the specific issues brought to our attention in the editorial and we continue to work with our customers to resolve their concerns. Some specific actions we are taking immediately in Katy include: ensuring phone calls to the Katy Annex are answered promptly; deploying additional resources to ensure all mailbox keys needed by customers are provided as soon as possible; and working to make improvements in our national 1-800-ASK-USPS number and handling of concerns directed by phone or online at usps.com.
In addition, proactive steps are being taken now to reinforce the importance of providing prompt, professional, and courteous interactions with all customers. Refresher training is being given to managers, supervisors, and all employees at the Katy Annex, to ensure customers who visit this location – or with whom we communicate via phone – are served in a professional manner. We contine to monitor the growth in the city, and in the mail volume, to ensure all deliveries are current, accurate and timely.
The Postal Service continually develops innovative ways to improve our service. One offering that may be of interest to your readers is Informed Delivery. This free and optional notification service gives residential consumers the ability to digitally preview their letter-sized mailpieces and manage their packages scheduled to arrive soon. Sign-up is easy at: https://informeddelivery.usps.com.
The core mission of the Postal Service is to provide prompt, reliable, and efficient service to all communities we serve. We appreciate being made aware of issues and will work as hard as we can to make improvements. Thank you again for the opportunity to share this information with your readers.
Sincerely,
Terri Taylor
Postmaster, Katy Main Post Office
Email: Terri.T.Taylor@usps.gov”
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Preparations for the Katy ISD 2018 Teacher Fair are underway. Administrators from all Katy ISD campuses will be available to talk to educators who aspire to become part of this growing school district.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 8, 2018
“Some of the best teachers from across the country can be found at Katy ISD,” says Human Resources Coordinator Katye Shields. “Providing quality education to students begins with valuing the role of an educator. Our district is looking for teachers who not only inspire students in a classroom, they mold them into future legacies.”
Each year, Katy ISD enrolls close to 2,000 additional students and it’s expected to open up several schools in the coming years. No pre-registration or fee is required. Participants must show proof of certification and it is recommended that participants complete an application on the Katy ISD website in advance. Click here.
What: Katy ISD invites new interested individuals as well as current district employees to attend the 2018 Teacher Fair.
Where: Leonard E. Merrell Center
6301 South Stadium Lane
Katy, TX 77494
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018
Elementary Campuses: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Junior High & High School Campuses: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Job Fair is only open to teachers. If you would like to apply for current openings at Katy ISD, visit their website to apply now. Current openings include bus driver, food service, maintenance, Asst. Principal, Aides, and Clerical. For current openings, click here.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 31, 2018
Katy Magazine Editors
After multiple reports of unsatisfactory service and mail delivery at the Katy Pin Oak Mail Annex for USPS, Katy Magazine reached out for answers and basically got nowhere. What can Katy postal customers do?
The Katy Pin Oak Annex, located at 1331 Pin Oak Road, has received numerous community complaints from residents in reviews and all over social media. The majority of complaints are lost, undelivered, incorrectly delivered, difficulty of getting mailbox keys, extremely delayed mail, hang ups or no answers at the facility, and a lack of customer service primarily at the Katy Annex location.
We noticed an extensive amount of posts and complaints on social media describing numerous unpleasant encounters, bad customer service, and lost/delayed mail reports from Katy residents and decided to make some calls, and the results were…frustrating.
REVIEWS AND COMPLAINTS
On Google Reviews, the Katy Annex has a rating of 1.3 with approximately 130 one-star reviews out of 142 total reviews. Katy Magazine also received all negative complaints when we posed the question on social media.
Just tried to pick up a mailbox key for a new house. First time I was there, they said the key is not ready and ask me to come back again in 2-3 weeks. I called a week later to check on the status, the staff answered the phone not even familiar to the name community. After I clarified the name of the community, she told me the key is not available without even ask my address!…” R. C.
Keep losing our packages, or they are delivered to the wrong mailbox in our subdivision. My mailman only delivers every few days at this point. S. V.
Worst customer service I have ever experienced in my life. I called this post office today to get a few details to resolve a situation with my mail. The “supervisor” I was dealing with on the phone said his name was “Paul”, although I highly doubt that is his real name. When the conversation turned south between “Paul” and I, I asked him to speak to his boss. He told me it was not necessary and refused to give me any phone number or email address to anyone that is his superior. He then proceeded to hang up in my face, and then ignore the next two calls I tried to make! . J. J.
Worst Customer service i have ever received, While waiting, i witnessed a lady ask to speak to the supervisor, Mrs. Twitty, Not sure of spelling because she had previously ignored her calls and hung up on her. The supervisor decided it was a good idea to IGNORE the lady who requested to speak with her and she didnt not even leave her office to come address the situation. Extremely terrible way to handle a customer service issue. If this was a Private owned business she would be fired immediately. R. F.
KATY MAGAZINE ATTEMPTS TO REACH A REPRESENTATIVE FOR COMMENT
On Monday, Katy Magazine editors took some time exploring options on the best way to contact the Postmaster General to file a complaint or ask for assistance.
By Location Phone
When we called the number provided on their site, the phone rang 20+ and was disconnected with no option to leave a voicemail. Couldn’t even get them to pick up the phone.
By Hotline/Customer Service Line
We called 1-800-ASK-USPS, and there is no option available to file a complaint or speak to customer service. When we looked online, complaints on mail delivery are routed back to the customer service page (below).
Via Email
Next, we sent a message through the USPS “Email Us” option – requesting a call back from the postmaster/manager to offer feedback on possible causes and creative solutions to the problem.
UNPROFESSIONAL RESPONSE RECEIVED ON TUESDAY
On Tuesday, we finally received a call from a representative claiming to be from the Katy Annex. The caller ID said USPS. When questioned about the various complaints and difficulty reaching anyone, the representative declined to comment further and refused to give her name. The representative also refused to give us another name or contact info for the Postmaster or any other supervisor.
REACHED OUT TO HOUSTON CONSUMER AFFAIRS
After more research, we dug up the name of a Houston Consumer Affairs representative and left a message on Thursday, March 29.
PHONE CALL WITH USPS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, NIKKI JOHNSON
On Friday, March 30, 2018, an editor poke to the Strategic Communications Specialist Gulf Atlantic/Houston Districts, Nikki Johnson.
Ms. Johnson informed Katy Magazine on March 30 at 12:30 p.m. that a response would be issued as soon as possible addressing the concerns of residents who use the Katy Pin Oak Annex as their primary postal location. In the phone interview, we were also told that the District Manager for Houston would be notified.
UPDATED 3/31 at 8:56 AM:
STATEMENT FROM USPS REPRESENTATIVE NIKKI JOHNSON RECEIVED
“The Postal Service strives to always provide the best possible service to our valued customers. We apologize for any unsatisfactory service that may have been experienced by customers served by the Katy Annex PO. In this specific case, local management is committed to making improvements in service, including improving communications, and ensuring that all customer interactions are positive and professional. We will continue to work with customers to ensure every effort is being made to meet or exceed their expectations. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we continue to successfully resolve their concerns. Customers are reminded that, if they need assistance, they can also contact our national Customer Care Center by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or they can visit our website at www.usps.com/help” Nikki Johnson, Strategic Communications Specialist Gulf Atlantic/Houston Districts
Katy residents can also contact the Postmaster General by mail. Here are a few tips on how to effectively send a letter to the Postmaster General at the U.S. Postal Service Consumer Advocate Office, Megan J. Brennan:
CONTACTING THE POSTMASTER GENERAL
Address:
United States Postal Service
Office of the Consumer Advocate
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, D.C. 20260-2200
Salutation/Correspondence:
The proper way to begin the letter is:
“To The Honorable Megan J. Brennan,
Dear Madam Postmaster General,”
Body Text:
The more detailed the description of the problem, the better. Mailing/delivery complaints are less likely to reach the office of the Postmaster General themselves.
MORE IDEAS FOR SPEEDING UP MAIL DELIVERY
“I discovered Informed Delivery by USPS from other Army families….I get an email every morning with scanned pictures of what mail is expected to be delivered that day. It might help with at least figuring out where the hold-ups are in the process,” Katy resident, N. H.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 2, 2018
The Katy Independent School District was well represented during the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) 56th Annual Conference. The Communications Department took home 14 star awards for their outstanding work in communication, branding and school public relations. Katy ISD competed against 1,331 other entries from several school districts in the region and won five gold, five silver and four bronze recognitions.
“Our Communications Department does an outstanding job keeping our parents and community informed and up to date on District initiatives, activities and programs,” said Dr. Lance Hindt, superintendent of schools. “They represent the needs and voice of our school community in this day of instant communication. Their collaborative efforts with campuses, departments and administration ensures that the information most important to our community is being shared and discussed across multiple platforms,” added Hindt.
“Every day, the experience, passion and enormous creativity of our team ensures there are opportunities for our community to learn about student and staff accomplishments, as well as engage in decision-making processes impacting our students,” said Dr. Andrea Grooms, Chief Communications Officer. “These recognitions affirm our commitment to ongoing and transparent communication with Katy ISD stakeholders,” added Grooms.
The recognitions include:
Gold Star:
2017 Student Excellence Event Program
Stockdick Junior High Branding
Bryant Elementary Logo
Welcome Home Dr. Hindt Convocation Video
Katy ISD Update – January 2017
Silver Star:
2017 of the Year Program
Bethke Elementary Dedication Program
Cast Away Video Script
Heigh Ho Video Script
State of the District Prezi
Bronze Star:
Superintendent Keynote Speech at Katy Chamber of Commerce, Teacher of the Year Celebration
Jenks Dedication Program
K9 Officers Marcel and Juno Video
Superintendent’s Message – April 2017
Every day the Katy ISD Communications Department works to disseminate information to over 77,000+ students, their parents, community members and other stakeholders across the Katy community.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 2, 2018
According to one Katy-area teen, a man approached her at a bus stop near Memorial Parkway Elementary on Thursday at around 6:40 in the morning.
The Memorial Parkway Junior High student was standing at the 21300 block of Park Brook when she said that a man in a dark-colored pick up truck rolled down his window and said, “Hey, it’s chilly outside. I have a jacket inside the truck if you want to get in.” At that point, she ran away.
No other details were provided about the man or the truck.
Katy Magazine reached out to the district communications department as well as the Katy ISD Police department for an update on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.
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Looking for the purrfect date night? Drop off your elementary age children (6 years+) for a night of animal themed fun & games!
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 30, 2018
The CAP staff and volunteers provide activities and entertainment on March 30 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm, while you enjoy a three hour well deserved night off!
The cost is a $15 donation per child. We’ve even got dinner covered with donation by Papa John’s! No reservation required.
Citizens for Animal Protection, CAP, strives to encourage the curiosity, optimism and exuberance of children — traits often found in our furry pups and kittens! Help your child discover the joy and wonder of befriending animal companions while in the company of other kids that share their natural love of pets. All proceeds raised benefit the many homeless pets cared for at the CAP Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center.
FEATURED ANIMAL ABOVE
Animal ID: 38089896
Breed: Retriever, Labrador/Cur, Black-Mouth
Age: 6 months 12 days
Gender: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Tan/White
Location: Doggie Domain
Free prom dress event for all Katy ISD girls on Thursday, March 29th at Cinco Rach High School from 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 28, 2018
Prom season is upon up and with seven high schools, Katy has hundreds of girls out shopping for the perfect dress. Prom can be an expensive event and one Katy group is hoping to help parents and teenagers by giving away FREE Prom dresses.
Kim Noska and Jennifer Skelton each began receiving donated formal dresses after Hurricane Harvey devastated much of Katy. Their goal was to make sure that no girl had to miss her homecoming due to finances. During this process, Noska and Skelton joined forces eventually receiving over 1,500 dresses, plus shoes and accessories, as well as some men’s wear.
In the fall, over 500 Katy ISD girls wore dresses to Homecoming from this effort. The group received over 300 dresses that would be more suited for Prom so the women decided to save the dresses and offer them in the spring.
All of the dresses are in excellent condition and in fact, many have never been worn and still have the tags attached.
This one time event, on Thursday, March 29th from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm at Cinco Ranch High School is open to ALL Katy ISD students.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Skelton.
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A memorial benefit to honor Jordan Muesse is being held this Saturday, 3/31/18, 11am-4pm, at Seven Lakes High School.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 30, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
Jordan Muesse, was tragically killed in a work-related accident on January 30, 2018. He was a 25-year old, graduate of Seven Lakes High School and was a life-long resident of Katy.
Jordan was general manager and co-owner of Premier Offroad and Performance in Katy Texas, where he used his artistic ability which surfaced early in life and applied it to designing trucks/car modifications/customizations, for which he won several awards.
His childhood sweetheart and wife, Chelsea Muesse, discovered shortly after Jordan’s death that she was pregnant. She is expecting identical twins (due October 2018; arriving September 2018). “He truly was (an amazing man) and it’s amazing at how many lives he has touched through our story”, says Chelsea.
A memorial benefit held in Jordan’s honor/memory this Saturday, 3/31/18, 11am-4pm, at Seven Lakes High School (their alma mater; Class of 2011). This has been organized by the custom truck/car community in the greater Houston area.
Benefit will include…
*a truck/car show, which is open to all participants
*food, drinks
*bounce house for kids
*raffle
*Memorial t-shirts and decals will be sold
*music
Click here for benefit details ; please take note of the specific designated use of the parking areas at SLHS.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Chelsea and her twins. Click here.
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Chidi Onunkwo, 17, led police on a high speed chase Saturday morning, ending when he struck a Nissan driven by Adorn Strambler, 60.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 25, 2018
Jennifer Skelton
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 25, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
Police in Rosenburg attempted to stop the 2012 red Ford mustang around 6:00 am for a traffic violation. Chidi Onunkwo, sped off and led police on a high-speed chase. The mustang had been reported stolen earlier Saturday morning after a carjacking in Houston.
After running several red lights and reaching speeds of 83mph, the mustang hit a Nissan driven at the intersection of Shiller and State Highway 6. Onunkwo fled the scene but was caught by police and taken to the hospital for his injuries.
Adorn Strambler, who was driving the Nissan, was killed. She was a 26-year employee of the City of Houston in the paralegal department.
Chidi Onunkwo was formally charged with murder on Sunday where his bond was set at $250,0000. His next court appearance is Tuesday, March 27th.
Onunkwo lists his address at the Waterstone Apartments in Cinco Ranch. Although he is of school age, we are unsure if he is a current Katy ISD student.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 22, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
A list of Easter services, family events, and more in Katy, Texas.
Easter Services
Kingsland Baptist Church
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Central Campus
20555 Kingsland Blvd.
3, 5, & 7 p.m., 6:30 Spanish Service
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Central Campus
20555 Kingsland Blvd.
8, 9, & 11 a.m.
North Katy Campus
4535 E. Ventana Pkwy.
9:30 a.m.
Bear Creek Baptist Church
5901 N. Fry Rd.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
6 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
8:15, 9:30, & 11:00 a.m.
2700 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., Houston
Friday, March 30, 2018, Good Friday Service @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018 , 9 & 10:45 a.m.
Central Baptist Church
2855 Greenhouse Rd., Houston
Friday, March 30, 2018, Good Friday service @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2018 , 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018 , 9 & 11 a.m.
Easter program and service.
Crosspoint Community Church
700 Westgreen Blvd.
Friday, March 30, 2018, Good Friday service @ 6 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2018 , 6 – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018 , @ 9:30 & 11 a.m.
Current Christian Church
26600 Westheimer Pkwy.
Friday, March 30, 2018, 4 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2018 , 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018 , 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Cinco Ranch Campus
22765 Westheimer Pkwy.
8, 9:15, & 10:45 a.m.
Katy Main Street Campus
Sunday, April 1, 2018
1350 Main St.
9:20 & 10:45 a.m.
Katy’s First Baptist Church
Sunday, April 1, 2018
600 Pin Oak Rd.
9:30 & 10:45 a.m.
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Sunday, April 1, 2018
22101 Morton Ranch Rd.
10:30 a.m.
Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Original Campus
2655 S. Mason Rd.
7 a.m. Sunrise Service, 8:45 & 10:45 a.m. traditional service.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
North Campus
19407 Park Row, Ste. 180, Houston
9 & 10:45 a.m.
Holy Covenant United Methodist Church
Sunday, April 1, 2018
22111 Morton Ranch Rd.
7 a.m. Sunrise service, 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. traditional service
Westpark Campus
27043 FM 1093 Rd.
Saturday, March 31 @ 4:30 & 5:45 p.m.
Sunday, April 1 @ 7:45, 9, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
North Campus
Raines High School at Rhodes Stadium
Sunday, April 1, 2018 9, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
Second Baptist Church
West Campus
19449 Katy Fwy., Houston
Friday, March 30 @ 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 31 @ 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, April @ 9:30 & 11 a.m.
Easter Bunny Pictures
Cane Island
2100 Cane Island Pkwy.
Saturday, March 31, 2018 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hop in for a picture and crafts with the Easter Bunny in the conservatory! The easter bunny will also hand out easter eggs to the children. This event is for Cane Island Residents only.
Katy Mills Mall
5000 Katy Mills Cir.
Neighborhood 6 in front of American Eagle
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 2018, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Easter Weekend Fun & Events
Easter Egg-stravaganza
Blessington Farms
510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton
Saturday – Sunday, March 24 – 25, 2018
Saturday – Sunday, March 30 – 31, 2018
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A continuous egg hunt throughout the day, photos with the Easter Bunny, Easter game and strawberry picking.
Chick-fil-A Preschool Playhouse: Easter Party
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch
23860 Westheimer Pkwy.
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Chick-fil-A Mason Road
369 S. Mason Rd.
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate Easter with us by decorating a salt dough Easter ornament. Enjoy sparkle dough, singing, dancing, Easter stories and more.
Chick-fil-A Family Night : Easter Fun
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch
23860 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Chick-fil-A Mason Road
369 S. Mason Rd.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join them in celebrating Easter by making a colorful paper egg and sampling our New Seasonal Frosted Sunrise. Plus, complimentary balloon animals and face painting by Sweet Honey the Clown.
Easter Egg-Stravaganza at St. Peter’s UMC
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
20775 Kingsland Blvd.
5 – 7 p.m.
They will have food trucks, face painting, and Stations of the Cross coloring posters throughout the entirety of the event. At 6 p.m. we will gather in the Sanctuary to hear the Easter story and have a brief time of worship. At 6:20 p.m. they will break into age groups for Easter Egg hunts. We will also have beeping eggs for visually impaired children.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Diane Winborn Elementary
9 a.m.
Join Holy Covenant UMC for an Easter party and egg hunt with games, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and more.
Family Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Mark A. Chapman YMCA at Katy Main Street
1350 Main St.
There will be Easter bag decorating, popcorn and even a visit from the Easter Bunny! Registration for the event begins at 9:30 am, with the first Easter egg hunt starting at 10:30 am. This event is open to all members of the community.
Journey to the Cross Family Walk-Through & Lord’s Supper
Friday, March 30, 2018
Kingsland Baptist Church
20555 Kingsland Blvd.
5 – 8 p.m.
This brief, hands-on journey is for Preschool and Children’s families to gain a better understanding of the events that led up to Jesus’ultimate sacrifice. Interactive stations will encourage discussion and participation for the entire family. The Lord’s Supper is a come-and-go,powerful way to remember the sacrifice that Jesus offered for us on the cross. Personal Lord’s Supper guides will be provided to walk you through this intimate time of reflection personally or with your family.
Baskets & Bunnies
Katy City Park
5720 Franz Rd.
Bring your families out to celebrate Easter during Baskets and Bunnies at Katy City Park! Kids can enjoy bounce houses, animals at the petting zoo and crafts while they wait to visit and have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny!
Easter Egg Hunt
Nelson Water Gardens
1502 Katy Fort Bend Rd.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
9 -11 a.m.
Open for kids of all ages. Bring a basket and hunt for eggs and prizes. Lots of chances to win shopping sprees at Nelson’s and other stuff.
Journey Across Asia
Central Green Park
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
1 – 3 p.m.
An amazing cultural experience as Dance of Asian America takes you on a Journey across Asia exploring various countries through dance and movement. Don’t miss this fun event for the whole family! Picnic and lawn chairs welcome.
Sunday Brunch Buffet
Drix Restaurant & Lounge
1850 S. Mason Rd.
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reserve your table now for our famous Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet. In addition to regular buffet items, we will be adding holiday favorites like baked ham, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail and more. The price per adult is $16 and don’t forget to ask about our mimosa specials. Kids 4 and under eat free.
Free Kids Meal
PDQ Cinco Ranch
23703 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Hop to it and get a free kids mean with the purchase of any meals, bowl, or salad on Easter Sunday.
?Easter Service & Free Community Party
Crosspoint Community Church
700 Westgreen Blvd.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Revel in the moment in history when hope was fulfilled and every heart offered the comfort of knowing Jesus was, in fact, exactly who he said he was. We will celebrate after second service with a free family carnival that will include bounce houses, music, food, balloon artist, face painters and more.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 21, 2018
Harris County Constables Office Precinct 5 Public information Officer
As part of the new Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce, deputies in Precinct 5 rescued seven pet cats and launched a criminal investigation into the remains of three others discovered inside an abandoned Bear Creek home.
Precinct 5 deputies were called on Monday by a neighbor who saw one of the carcasses through a window and noticed a foul odor coming from the home in the 15600 block of Fern Basin.
Sgt. Charles Jantzen, who heads up Precinct 5’s Animal Crimes Unit and the new Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce, coordinated the safe removal of seven severely malnourished cats. The home’s interior was covered in urine, feces and, in one room, the skeletal remains of another cat.
The results of Sgt. Jantzen’s investigation will be turned over to the Harris County District Attorney’s office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.The surviving cats are being evaluated by a veterinarian. The Houston Humane Society will take over the recovery process while awaiting a court hearing on their legal custody.
Precinct 5 encourages anyone who suspects animal cruelty to report it to the new Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce at 927paws.org or 832-927-PAWS.
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March 21, 2018
The new elementary will be located in the Cross Creek Ranch subdivision and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2018.
The Katy ISD School Naming Selection Committee presented their recommendation for the naming of Elementary #41 at the Board of Trustees Work Study Meeting this week.
The school is proposed to be named after retired educator Amy Campbell. This campus, located at 3701 Cross Creek Bend Lane in Fulshear, TX.
The public forum will take place today, Wednesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in the Katy ISD Board Room, located at 6301 S. Stadium Lane. Community members are invited to participate in this forum and provide input regarding the proposed names.
After the forum, the Katy ISD School Naming Committee will reconvene to review input and provide their final recommendation to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on Monday, March 26.
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Caleb “Dees” Lane, a freshman at Tompkins High student, was killed while on Spring Break in Provo, Utah.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 22, 2018
by Jennifer Skelton
Caleb and his family moved to Katy in 2016. They were originally from Utah.
Caleb was home visiting family during Spring Break, when he was hit by a car on Friday, March 16th. After the doctors determined that Caleb no longer had brainstem activity, the family made the selfless decision to donate various organs to save others. Caleb was able to gift his liver, a kidney and pancreas, and a single kidney to three strangers. He gave his corneas and the gift of sight to two individuals. He also gave tissue to research studies.
According to the beautiful tribute page created to honor Caleb, he loved math, physics and engineering. He loved it so much that the last three summers he attended UVU prep, where he was able to study the subjects further.
Caleb was a kind and giving soul. In his short time in Katy, he made an impact on those that knew him. So much so that on Wednesday, March 21st, students wore blue to school in his honor.
Caleb leaves behind a sister, Hannah, and parents Kim and Jason, all of Katy.
Caleb’s memorial service will be held Friday, March 23, 2018 at 4 PM at the Provo Rec Center in Provo, Utah.
To read more about Caleb’s life, visit the page created in his honor. (Click here)
Friends and family started a GoFund Me to help the family with expenses. Click here.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 16, 2018
A massive recall is in effect for pacifier and teether holders because national safety experts say the product pose choking hazards.
The recall was issued Thursday night. The name of the product is called Dr. Brown’s Lovey pacifier & teether holders.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a snap can detach from the pacifier’s ribbon, posing a choking hazard for young children.
RECALL DETAILS
This recall involves Dr. Brown’s Lovey pacifier & teether holders. The holders were sold in eight styles:
Giraffe
Zebra
Turtle
Reindeer (Special Holiday Edition)
Frog (Special Holiday Edition)
Spring Bunny (Special Holiday Edition)
Deer
Bunny
Only holders with the following lot codes are included in this recall: RICH0615; RICH0715; RICH0815; RICH1215; RICH0516; RICH0616; RICH0716; RICH1116; RICH1016; RICH0916; RICH1216; RICH0317; RICH0417; RICH0517; RICH0617; RICH0717; RICH0817; RICH0917. The lot codes are printed on the tag attached to the holder.
Consumers can confirm lot codes included in the recall at www.drbrownsbaby.com/recall-lovey.
WHAT TO DO
Consumers should immediately take the recalled holders away from young children and contact Handi-Craft for further instructions to receive a replacement product or comparable merchandise of equal or lesser value.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES
The firm has received a total of 67 reports of the ribbon fraying and the snap detaching. No injuries have reported.
SOLD AT
Bed Bath & Beyond
H-E-B Grocery
K-Mart
Target
Toys ‘R Us/Babies ‘R Us
Wal-Mart
Various stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from August 2015 to March 2018 for about $10
CONSUMERS MAY CONTACT
Handi-Craft toll-free at 833-224-7674 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/ and click on Recall Information for more information.
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The Online Psychology Degrees national website recently recognized one of the University of Houston-Victoria’s graduate special education programs as among the best in the nation.
Katy Magazine News
March 18, 2018
The UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development’s Master of Education in Special Education with an applied behavior analysis concentration was ranked 17th nationally in the website’s 2018 Top 30 Master’s in Behavioral Analysis Online list. The applied behavior analysis concentration is one of three options UHV students pursuing a master’s in special education can study.
When choosing programs for the ranking, the website considered programs in applied behavior analysis, human behavior, special education and criminal justice as well as general psychology programs that offer a specialization in behavioral analysis. From there, the website considered accreditation, accessibility, job training and coursework.
The coursework for the program has been vetted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which means students are taking courses that will prepare them for the national certification exam to become board-certified behavior analysts.
In addition, the online accessibility offers an advantage because most of the students are professionals already working in clinics or the classroom. That means many of the students already are in a position where they can get their supervision hours at their current place of employment.
University of Houston Victoria Katy campus, located at 2002 W. Grand Pkwy, offers face-to-face programs as well as many online classes for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 19, 2018
Katrina Katsarelis
Katy ISD high schools received 12 nominations in everything from Best Leading Actress to Best Orchestra. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 17.
Following are the Katy ISD schools that received nominations:
Best Leading Actress nominee:
Caylie Howard from Obra D. Tompkins High School as Fiona from Shrek The Musical
Best Supporting Actor nominee:
Ryan Kearton from Obra D. Tompkins High School as Donkey from Shrek The Musical
Best Supporting Actress nominee :
Glendaliris Torres-Greaux from Mayde Creek High School as Daniela from In The Heights
Best Featured Performer nominee:
Nick Januhowski from Obra D. Tompkins High School as Pinocchio from Shrek The Musical
Best Orchestra nominees:
Cinco Ranch High School for The Music Man
Obra D. Tompkins High School for Shrek The Musical
Best Scenic Design nominee:
Mayde Creek High School for In The Heights
Best Costume Design nominee:
Cinco Ranch High School for The Music Man
Best Lighting Design nominee:
Mayde Creek High School for In The Heights
Best Musical Direction nominees:
Mayde Creek High School for In The Heights
Obra D. Tompkins High School for Shrek The Musical
James E. Taylor High School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the only Katy ISD participant in the awards that did not receive any nominations. The awards are limited 45 high Houston Area high schools not all Katy ISD high schools participate.
The Tommy Tune Awards Program celebrates the educational value, artistry, and community of high school musical theatre in the Greater Houston area.
Judges are an approved panel of qualified performing arts professionals that is assembled to adjudicate the 45 high schools participating in the TTA. They have extensive backgrounds in professional theatre and performance in the capacity of directing, choreography, acting, musical directing, design, dramaturgy, arts administration, technical theatre, arts education, theatre production, etc.
For more information on the nominees end up coming awards presentation, visit www.tuts.com.
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In light of the recent violence in Austin, Texas involving bombs placed inside unsolicited packages, Harris County Sheriff’s Office is urging citizens to be extra cautious when accepting and opening mail. At this time, there is no evidence or indication of danger of this kind in the Katy community.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 14, 2018
Posted by Ashley Lancaster
A Statement from HCSO
“As a matter of normal operations, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is always monitoring local, state and national affairs when it concerns the safety of our citizens. Our department along with other local agencies, are staying vigilant with the current situation in Austin, TX as they relate to suspicious packages.
As of this time there is no indication or evidence to suggest any danger from these types of incidents is imminent within our community. If any suspicious and unsolicited packages arrive to your home, please inquire with all of your family members and ensure no one is expecting the delivery. Business owners should also check with employees for any boxes or freight that may be delivered unexpectedly.
If you encounter any suspicious packages and believe that you are in danger, STOP immediately. Do not open or move it; leave the package and call 911 immediately. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone: if you “see something, say something!”
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Spring is in the air – and by that we mean tree, grass, and ragweed pollen is coating every surface with a fine yellow dust. Here’s a look at pollen counts for the week in Katy, Texas so you can prepare.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 12, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Pollen Levels:
High – between 9.7 and 12, strongly affects people who suffer from allergies to the pollen types of each season. Symptoms will be more severe.
Medium – between 4.9 and 9.6, will cause symptoms for people who suffer from allergies to the pollen types of the season.
Low – between 0 and 4.9, will effect very few individuals who suffer from allergies.
Monday – 10.4
Tree Pollen – High
Grass Pollen – High
Ragweed Pollen – Low
Tuesday – 9.7
Tree Pollen – High
Grass Pollen – High
Ragweed Pollen – Low/ None
Wednesday – 9.0
Tree Pollen – High
Grass Pollen – High
Ragweed Pollen – Low/ None
Thursday – 8.6
Tree Pollen – High
Grass Pollen – High
Ragweed Pollen – Low/ None
Friday – 9.2
Tree Pollen – High
Grass Pollen – High
Ragweed Pollen – Low/ None
Turning 40 is a benchmark birthday for many women in the United States. While a pessimist might view it as a signal that their glory days are over, more and more women are optimistic about the milestone, seeing it as a kickoff into the best years of their lives. But one thing is true for all women – health needs and preventative wellness routines should begin to change at age 40.
Katy Magazine News
March 7, 2018
“For some women, they have health history or specific reasons to begin mammography before age 40. But for the average woman who has never had a breast screening, we recommend she begin a routine annual wellness mammogram, starting at age 40,” said Dr. Stephen Rose, chief medical officer, Solis Mammography. “Simply put, women in their 40s have the most to gain from being proactive about early detection. Major studies have shown time and again that in addition to saving lives, early detection offers greater quality of life as treatment at earlier stages is less invasive and less costly.”
Home of the “Peace of Mind” Mammogram
CLICK to Schedule An Appointment
Solis Mammography is expected to complete nearly 1 million procedures in 2018. Making them the nation’s largest independent provider of breast screening services. With this, Solis Mammography has some of the nation’s most comprehensive research data supporting its claim that women should begin annual mammography starting at age 40. This is in contrast to some confusing and conflicting advice from various media and non-physician-led organizations.
“While it’s true that breast cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years, this should in no way deter a woman from participating in the benefits of annual mammography,” said Solis Mammography CEO James Polfreman. “The fact is that cell growth replicates at a faster rate in younger tissue. So, the younger you are, the more important it is to find any anomaly earlier. Research and technological advances in mammography have led to an all-time high in survival rates from breast cancer diagnosis. This tells us we’re on the right path, and annual mammography is a key part of that success story.”
Four compelling reasons to begin annual mammograms at 40
1. The numbers. According to the American Cancer Society, 20 percent of all breast cancers are found in women under 50. If the cancer is found early, in what is known as stage zero or stage one, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. Simply stated, early detection is the closest thing to a cure, and mastectomies are no longer the first line of defense.
2. Women in their 40s have the most to gain. “Today’s high-quality screenings benefit 40-year-old women the most,” explained Dr. Rose, a radiologist with more than 25 years in the field of breast screening specialization, involved in several published national studies. “Advancements like 3-D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis), and breast specialization have a significant impact on the quality of the mammography result. Today, we know one mammogram isn’t the same as another. It’s important to know what to look for in your provider to ensure the most accurate results.”
3. A chance for women to take charge of their health. Conflicting recommendations from some non-physician led organizations have suggested a “reasonable trade-off” to the “fear, anxiety and stress” of a “false positive” (otherwise known as a recall for additional images) is to delay annual screenings for five to 10 critical years. This advice encourages a foolhardy “Russian Roulette” approach to monitoring breast health. It suggests no alternative to mammography; instead suggesting screenings be ignored entirely. The studies and clinical evidence are clear. Early detection provides women with the greatest opportunity for long-term survival and quality of life through the least invasive treatment when caught at the earliest possible stage.
4. Treatment is an option; knowledge is not. Instead of focusing on overdiagnosis as the problem, the real question at hand is overtreatment. With the advancement of medicine and less invasive treatments, women have more options for success. And in some cases, patients may opt not to treat at all, rather to monitor changes over time. These are discussions a woman can and should have with her doctor AFTER getting all the facts. Avoiding the facts is not a solution.
Pea versus walnut: Why mammograms help with early detection
Dr. Rose suggests thinking of a pea versus a walnut, when considering why early detection is so important. The average size of a lump found in a woman who gets regular annual mammograms is the size of a pea. The size of a lump found by a woman who does only occasional self-exams is the size of a walnut.
“Imagine the difference in treating the pea versus the walnut. It’s the pea that gives us our best options for treatment,” Dr. Rose advised. “Put simply, the larger the lump, the more invasive and costly the treatment options become, and the more risk that is associated with long-term outcomes.”
Weekly updates on violent crime in Katy, Texas.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 13, 2018
compiled by Jennifer Skelton
Assault with Deadly Weapon
20700 Block FAIR WALNUT WAY
Mar 9, 2018 around 9 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault
37XX S MASON RD, KATY, TX 77450
Mar 9, 2018 at 8:25 pm
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault
19600 Block BUCKLAND PARK DR
Mar 9, 2018 around 4 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Theft from Person (including Purse Snatch)
32XX LAUREMONT LN, KATY, TX 77494
Mar 9, 2018 at 1:30 pm
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault Family Violence
65XX EMERALD CANYON, KATY, TX 77450
Mar 9, 2018 at 12:40 pm
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault
19500 Block RIVER BOTTOM RD
Mar 9, 2018 around 8 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
03/09/2018 02:03 AM
23000 Block BENBURY DR, Katy, TX 77450
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Marijuana
03/09/2018 12:49 AM
22700 Block HOCKADAY DR, Katy, TX
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Marijuana
03/08/2018 08:00 PM
500 Block S FRY RD
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Child Neglect, Abandon, Non-Support
03/08/2018 03:56 PM
2600 Block LEOPARD CT, Katy, TX 77449
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
03/08/2018 02:41 PM
19300 Block GAGELAKE LN
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Synthetic Narcotic
03/08/2018 01:30 PM
23100 Block KATY FWY
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Marijuana
03/08/2018 12:53 PM
1700 Block BROOK GROVE DR
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Missing Person
25XX KITTANSETT, KATY, TX 77450
Mar 8, 2018 at 5:30 am
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Robbery of a Individual
03/08/2018 04:40 AM
2000 Block WESTBOROUGH DR
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Driving Under the Influence
03/07/2018 09:46 PM
1100 Block KATY GAP RD
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Aggravated Assault
03/07/2018 02:15 PM
23900 Block KATY FWY
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
BURGLARY
107XX SPRING GREEN, KATY, TX 77494
Mar 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Marijuana
24400 Block FRANZ RD
Mar 7, 2018 02:00 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Sexual Assault Other (Child)
100 Block ASHEBORO DR
Mar 7, 2018 12:00 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Cocaine or Opium
20900 Block KATY FWY
Mar 7, 2018 10:27 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
2000 Block S MASON RD
Mar 7, 2018 10:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Sexual Assault Other (Child)
3600 Block LAKES OF BRIDGEWATER DR
Mar 7, 2018 10:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
19600 Block HUNT LAKE LN
Mar 7, 2017 7:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Aggravated Assault
1300 Block FRY RD
Mar 7, 2018 12:43 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
21600 Block PARK DOWNE LN
Mar 6, 2018 9:54 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
21100 Block KINGSLAND BL
Mar 6, 2018 5:59 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
19400 Block MONTCLAIR MEADOW LN
Mar 6, 2018 4:00 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Aggravated Assault
261XX PORTFIELD CT, KATY, TX 77494
Mar 6, 2018 at 2:30 pm
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Terroristic Threat
Mar 6, 2018 9:00 AM
24700 Block GRAND HARBOR DR
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
24400 Block KESTREL VW
Mar 6, 2018 6:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault
5700 Block GREENHOUSE RD
Mar 5, 2018 10:00 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
700 Block WILD HORSE VALLEY RD
Mar 5, 2018 9:48 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
300 Block COBIA DR
Mar 4, 2018 9:25 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault Family Violence
41XX LUONG FIELD CT, KATY, TX 77450
Mar 4, 2018 at 9:00 pm
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Aggravated Assault-Family
20000 Block N NAVAHO TL
Mar 4, 2018 8:47 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
100 Block BAKER RD
Mar 4, 2018 7:00 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of Synthetic Narcotic
19300 Block CYPRESS ARBOR DR
Mar 4, 2018 around 4 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
19300 Block LONG LAKE DR
Mar 4, 2018 2:34 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Assault Family Violence
33XX S FRY RD, KATY, TX 77450
Mar 4, 2018 at 12:00 PM
(Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
22000 Block KATY FWY
Mar 4, 2018 11:15 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Driving Under the Influence
22500 Block CLAY RD
Mar 4, 2018 4:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Driving Under the Influence
6500 Block GREENHOUSE RD
Mar 4, 2018 2:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Terroristic Threat
24000 Block FRANZ RD
Mar 3, 2018 11:20 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Driving Under the Influence
100 Block W GRAND PARKWAY S
Mar 3, 2018 06:53 PM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Driving Under the Influence
KIETH HARROW BL & OLD GREENHOUSE RD
Mar 3, 2018 2:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
Simple Assault (Family)
22200 Block CIMARRON PW
Mar 3, 2018 02:00 AM
(Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
*This report consists of three reporting agencies so the reader will notice some differences between the City of Katy, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. (Parenthesis refers to the reporting agency.)
**City of Katy does not report location of event.
Editor’s Note: This report does not include crimes such as theft, auto theft or criminal mischief.
Katy Area Economic Development Council President/CEO Lance LaCour has been named to the Texas Economic Development Council Board of Directors. LaCour replaces Paul Davis, former Pasadena Economic Development Council Director.
Katy Magazine News
March 9, 2018
LaCour will serve the remainder of the board term vacated by Davis with the appointment ending in October 2018.
About Mr. LaCour
Since 2005, LaCour has led Katy Area EDC. Under his leadership, Katy Area EDC has received several awards from Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) including Economic Excellence recognition (2016) and the Community Economic Development Award (2014) for communities over 250,001 in population. The EDC was also recognized by Site Selection Magazine for being part of Top 20 Deals in North America.
About TEDC
TEDC is an Austin-based, statewide, non-profit professional association dedicated to the development of economic and employment opportunities in Texas. TEDC is a one-stop shop for ideas, information, and influence and is the largest state association of economic development professionals, volunteers, and elected officials in Texas. The goal of the organization is to bring new investment and jobs to Texas.
For more information on Katy Area EDC, please visit katyedc.org.
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Applications are now being accepted for The Arc of Katy’s 2018 Summer Day Program that will provide a fun, memorable summer for individuals age 16 and above with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Katy Magazine News
March 6, 2018
The Arc of Katy, a non-profit organization that provides programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 16 and above, offers three summer sessions, each with excursions, crafts, life skills, games… and much more. The cost is only $35 per day and each participant receives an Arc t-shirt. Visit The Arc of Katy website at thearcofkaty.org for more information and registration.
Day Programs
The Arc of Katy, located at 5819 Tenth Street, Suite C in the downtown Katy area offers a Day Program from September through May for individuals transitioning out of high school and a Summer Day Program for those 16 and above. The Arc of Katy Day Programs stand out for its highly trained, experienced staff, the majority having transitioned from public school settings with experience in providing services to students with disabilities. All participants of the Day Programs must be members of The Arc of Katy which also includes opportunities to participate in monthly socials. One of the goals of The Arc of Katy is to provide opportunities for its participants to be socially engaged with their peers and members of the community. The Arc of Katy participants not only enjoy life but are part of life as well.
Summer Fun
Participants in The Arc of Katy Day and Summer Programs have the opportunity to participate in the Be Strong Swim and Exercise Program. The program began with the desire from parents and staff to keep participants “moving” and as active as possible. For those who do not get a great amount of physical activity at home or have problems with muscle strength, participating in the Be Strong Swim and Exercise Program can help keep their weight in check and improve balance and muscle strength.
Water Aerobics or Water Therapy is available as well as use of exercise equipment such as stationary bikes, treadmills, weights and various muscle strengthening equipment. Participants in the Be Strong Program are always accompanied by staff when using the exercise equipment or participating in the swim program.
Visit The Arc of Katy website at thearcofkaty.org or call 832-754-9802 for program information.
Katy mothers and daughters who share a uniquely close bond can audition together for a new documentary.
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March 6, 2018
Katy Chamber Announcement
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Executive Board Members
Executive Committee members and officers will provide guidance and leadership to the organization and help shape its direction for 2018. Terms for each committee member and appointed officer will last through 2018 with new appointments taking place in 2019.
Katy Area EDC also welcomed several new Board of Governors members to begin the year as well. Caroline Champion of Houston Methodist West Hospital is new to the board this year. Champion serves as the Director of Business Development and Services Lines at Houston Methodist West. Marc Deer, President of Capital Real Estate, will represent the organization. Capital Real Estate focuses on Industrial real estate services and Deer has been working in the area for 12 years.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 22, 2018
Katy ISD announces Jaime Shipley as the new principal for Elementary School #41, which is set to open in Fall 2018 in the Cross Creek Ranch subdivision.
Ms. Shipley has 19 years experience in education including nine years as a building principal. Her administrative experience began as an instructional facilitator at Carrollton-Farmers Branch in 2006. Shipley became an elementary assistant principal at Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) in 2008. The following year, she was promoted to building principal in GCCISD and remained there for four years. In 2013, Shipley became the principal of Schmalz Elementary in Katy ISD and has led the campus for the past five years.
She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary and Early Childhood as well as her Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Baylor University.
“I am excited about leading the way for a new school and a new legacy. We, as a staff and community, will build the foundation together so students have unparalleled learning experiences,” says Principal Shipley.
On Saturday, January 20, American Legion 164 invites citizens with well-loved American flags to drop them off at sites all over town to be disposed of with dignity.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 9, 2018
According to the United States flag code title 4, chapter 1, section 8, “(k)The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Retire flags with dignity
Citizens who own an American flag that is no longer fit for display can drop them off at four locations on Saturday, January 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Snappy’s Cafe & Grill
5803 Hwy. Blvd.
Katy Hardware
559 Pin Oak Rd.
Lowe’s
19935 Katy Fwy.
Katy Elks Lodge
1050 Katy Fort Bend Rd.
American Legion Post 164 will dispose of the collected flags during a special ceremony later in the year.
Two of the nation’s top-selling homebuilders are coming home to Cane Island.
Taylor Morrison and Highland Homes have announced plans to join the award-winning west Houston master planned community where both will add new family homes in Cane Island’s second phase.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 9, 2018
Cane Island
Homesites from 60 – 80 feet
Taylor Morrison, ranked number seven among the nation’s 100 top-selling homebuilders, will add new family homes on 60-foot Cane Island homesites while Highland Homes, number 21 in the 2017 rankings, will build new family homes on 55- and 80-foot homesites. New model homes by Taylor Morrison and Highland Homes, both fully furnished and expertly decorated, are expected to open in the spring.
Cane Island’s other phase two homebuilders will be announced in the coming weeks. The second phase of the community of new homes spans just over 100 acres with more than 250 homesites.
Community has easy access to Interstate 10
The addition of Taylor Morrison and Highland Homes comes just after Cane Island celebrated its new direct accessibility to Interstate 10 via the extended Cane Island Parkway. Since the opening of Cane Island Parkway at Highway 90 in late October, new home sales in Cane Island are up 20 percent from the previous year.
“No question the opening of the parkway into Cane Island was a game-changer for the community,” notes Dan Naef, president of Cane Island developer Rise Communities, the GHBA’s 2017 Developer of the Year “The addition of Taylor Morrison and Highland Homes certainly enhances our momentum heading in the 2018.”
Cane Island Parkway ultimately will be extended through the community’s second phase north of Franz Road.
The carefully planned, 1,200-acre community officially opened in the spring of 2015 offering convenient I-10 access minutes west of the Grand Parkway, proximity to major west Houston employers and Katy ISD schools, including the all-new Bryant Elementary.
Since then, the 2016 Greater Houston Builders Association Community of the Year has attracted first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers and active empty nesters with new homes starting in the mid-$200’s by CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes. Eleven fully furnished models homes are open daily. The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive gated section of luxury custom homes on half-acre homesites.
World-class amenities
Residents enjoy unlimited access to the Cane Island Amenity Village and its 24-hour, two-story fitness center, yoga studio with 200+ on-demand videos, lap pool, family pool with poolside cabanas and water play area, café, tree house, loft with comfortable seating and outdoor fireplace, event center with commercial kitchen, and glass-enclosed Conservatory, ideal for private events, with a seasonal wall of fresh flowers.
More impressive features
The community’s award-winning arrival experience features a three-acre lake with seven, 30-foot fountains and its impressive Living Arches, custom-made steel sculptures with thousands of individually controlled, programmable LED lights in glass leaves that change colors and patterns for the seasons.
For more information on Cane Island, go to CaneIsland.com or call (281) 725-6555. Also follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Twitter and Instagram @CaneIslandKaty.
Canyon Gate couple will also spend seven months in jail for human trafficking and falsifying government documents
A Cinco Ranch couple who forced a Nigerian woman to work nearly 20 hours a day taking care of their home and five children without pay for two years was ordered Friday to pay her more than $121,000 in restitution. Chudy Nsobundu, 57, and his wife Sandra Nsobundu, 49, also were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas to seven months in jail and seven months of home confinement, plus three years’ probation.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 6, 2018
by Katrina Katsarelis
Harsh working conditions without pay
According to court documents, the nanny was expected to work every day from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and was not permitted to take breaks. She claimed she was only allowed to eat leftovers and was only allowed to drink milk that was leftover from the children’s cereal bowls. She was not allowed to take hot showers or leave the residence except to walk the children around the block a maximum of twice a day. Court documents also state the couple consistently yelled at, scolded and berated the victim for moving too slowly or failing to care for the children in the manner they wanted. The Nsobundus regularly threatened to send the nanny back to Nigeria if she did not comply with their labor demands. The couple prevented the nanny from leaving their home by taking away her passport and threatening her with physical and mental harm.
The Nsolodus, who are naturalized U.S. citizens originally from Nigeria, recruited the woman there with the promise of a $100 monthly wage which was never paid during the time she worked for them in their Canyon Gate home from September 2013 to October 2015. “The defendants knowingly caused a false visa application for the victim to be submitted to the Department of State with numerous pieces of false information, said the statement from federal prosecutors.
Falsifying legal documents and misrepresentations
To help get the nanny into the country, the Nsobundu’s also made false claims on government documents. The false claims included the woman’s incorrect date of birth, (identifying her as 20 years older than she was), and that she was married when in fact she was not. The documents also stated the nanny was traveling to the US to attend her niece’s graduation and a written letter falsely stating that Chudy Nsobundu was her brother.
Chudy Nsobundu was convicted of knowingly making multiple material misrepresentations under oath on the visa application to increase the chances of the nanny’s visa being accepted and to hide the fact that she would be working for the Nsobundu family as a housemaid and nanny under conditions not in compliance with U.S. labor laws. Prosecutors said he submitted the application under oath, knowing the application contained these material misrepresentations.
In September 2013, Sandra Nsobundu took the woman to the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, to obtain her visa. Sandra Nsobundu gave her a letter to provide to the consular officials which indicated she did not speak English well and that she would be traveling to the U.S. for her niece’s graduation. Sandra Nsobundu gave the woman a picture of Chudy Nsobundu and the family and told her to tell the officials that he was her brother. The nanny is not a relative of Chudy Nsobundu and is not married. The spouse listed on her visa application is the Nsobundus’ driver in Nigeria.
The nanny reached out for help and was rescued following a tip to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Her name has not been released.
Allan McNeill, a former cafeteria worker at a Seven Lakes High School, was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 5, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
McNeill, now 53, was charged and arrested in October 2016 after the FBI seized electronic evidence from his home, including a laptop with approximately 200 explicit images of child pornography.
A four-year district employee
Although McNeill had been an employee of the district since 2012, there is no evidence that any students were involved in his crimes. The FBI was alerted to the presence of child porn through an email account associated with McNeill. His employment with Katy ISD was terminated shortly after his arrest in 2016.
A guilty plea and sentencing
On January 4, 2018, McNeill plead guilty to felony charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Receipt of Child Pornography, and will serve just over eight years in prison.
Simon Property Group is pleased to announce that James Ross was recently appointed General Manager of Katy Mills.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 5, 2018
By Ashley Lancaster
In his new role, James will oversee the financial, marketing and operational performance of the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas.
A history with Simon Malls across the U.S.
No stranger to Simon, James has previously managed Liberty Village Premium Outlets in New Jersey and Gaffney Premium Outlets in South Carolina. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Philadelphia Mills. Before his career at Simon, he was a Merchant Analyst at Best Buy’s Minneapolis headquarters.
Optimistic about continued growth in Katy
“Through James’ experience, dedication and leadership, Katy Mills is positioned for continued growth as a premier shopping destination,” said Gregg Goodman, President of The Mills. “He is a proven performer and we are looking forward to having his fresh perspective on the Katy Mills team.”
James is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the Carlson School of Management. He lives in Katy with his wife, son and two dogs.
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The Katy high school graduate and OU running back will not be charged with sexual assault according to Cleveland County District Attorney, Greg Mashburn.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
December 14, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
Anderson, 21, who graduated from Katy High School in 2015, was accused of raping a woman in her apartment. She filed for a protective order after alleging the leading rusher forced her to have intercourse with him on November 16, and that she feared for her safety.
Mr. Anderson’s attorney has called the accusations, “patently false.” And today he was exonerated, after having cooperated with Cleveland County and the Norman Police Department. Late last week, Anderson submitted to and passed a three-hour lie-detector test, administered by former FBI polygraph examiner, Bill Brown.
“We want to make sure that sexual assault victims feel comfortable coming forward,” said Mashburn.
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The Katy Tigers gave us the details on what Katy coaches talked about with Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M’s new head coach on Tuesday afternoon.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
December 6, 2017
By Ashley Lancaster
Aggies in Tiger Land
According to Jon Joseph, new head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, Jimbo Fisher (formerly Florida State University), stopped by the Tigers’ field house with two staff members at 2:30 p.m.
“They came to say hello to see committed player Seth Small and were able to meet and watch Deondrick Glass,” says Joseph. Glass, now a junior, was offered by Florida State during his freshman year.
Giving Kudos to the Katy Program
While there, the Aggies staff also met all the Katy coaches, but Coach Fisher has visited Katy High in the past. “He says not much has changed, and he commented on how well the Katy program is run and how successful it is, and the plan is to get the Aggies to the championship every year like Katy,” says Joseph.
Talking X’s and O’s
There was a brief meeting between Gary and Jimbo, and a 30-minute conversation with coaches Fisher (A&M), Banks, Price, and Joseph (KHS),” he says. The Tigers say Fisher was incredibly nice and the visit went well. After the meetings, they all went out and watched the Tigers practice for their upcoming playoff matchup against the North Shore Mustangs this Saturday at 2 p.m. at NRG.
Fisher and staff ended the day meeting teachers, people, and coaches at KHS, “He told the coaching staff to come up to A&M to visit, watch practice and talk X’s and O’s whenever they want.”
The Memorial Parkway Elementary (MPE) Choir officially kicked off the dedication ceremony of their new SPARK Park, which is now available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, Texas
December 4, 2017
Collaboration between the district, city, parents, and staff
This park is a collaborative effort between Katy ISD, MPE parents, students, staff, the PTA, as well as local entities, who together contributed to the SPARK grant in the amount of $129,331. The park includes a concrete trail, sensory play panels, modular playground equipment, an amphitheater and other amenities. When visitors walk through the main entrance of the park, they will notice the school mascot, a panther, as well as 26 new trees from Trees for Houston.
“Our area was considered a park desert because there are no local parks where children could go to play,” said Assistant Principal Sharlu Melville, who led the effort to create the park.
Benefiting everyone, not just students
“With this park, we are benefiting not only the school and its students, but also strengthening this community and its families,” added Ashley Vann, Board of Trustee President.
SPARK, an organization created in 1983 to increase park and recreational spaces in the Greater Houston area, has helped to turn underutilized school playgrounds into neighborhood parks at more than 200 locations. This is the third SPARK Park at a Katy ISD school.
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After Hurricane Harvey, Ms. Forney put pen to paper and outlined a comprehensive plan to meet the immediate needs of the Cardiff faculty and staff who were hardest hit by the storm. Thus was born the “CJH Boots on the Ground Initiative” which consisted of a group of volunteers who cleaned out flooded homes, delivered food to work crews and collected donated items. She went even further by reaching out to non-profit organizations to sponsor families and support them as they worked to get back on their feet. Because of Ms. Forney’s detailed planning, communication skills and her dedication to the community, many families received the help they needed after the storm.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
Thanks to the SPARK Program and contributions from the local community, this park will be available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends. It features modular playground equipment, walking trails, picnic tables, outdoor music equipment and learning spaces.
The park will be open for public use during non-school hours and one weekends, and will feature modular playground equipment, walking trails, picnic tables, outdoor music equipment, and learning spaces.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Cheerful volunteers and community members at Holy Covenant UMC serves 1600 meals, provides clothing, books, and bibles to Katy families on Thanksgiving Day.
People who responded to the invitation for a free Thanksgiving meal, were greeted with hugs, offers of prayer, and music that warmed the heart, then their tummies were filled with traditional Thanksgiving favorite foods followed by a distribution of donated books, bibles, blankets, coats, clothing, diapers/wipes, and non-perishable food items, that helped to ease the struggle of tough times, even if it was only for a day.
A long-standing Thanksgiving tradition
This year’s community Thanksgiving celebration, hosted by Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, saw record numbers of guests come through its doors. The weather was deliciously cool and sunny, which set the scene for a beautiful outreach that was taking place both inside and outside the HCKaty campus. The tradition began in 2003 with Antioch Church and has been hosted by multiple church communities throughout the years.
Randalls provided the Katy Community Feast with all the necessary turkeys and Midway BBQ supplied all the ham. Good Ole boys cooked the turkeys at no charge with a nominal fee for slicing and packaging while Westside Chevrolet contributed financially. Other goods or services contributed by local Katy businesses are as follows: children’s books from Katy Budget Books, Spanish bibles from Lifeway Christian Store, racks and hangers from Brammers, multiple breads and bagels from Panera Bread, piano music by renowned musician, Steven Jones, and photography services from Photographyfray. Most of these Katy businesses have supplied services, goods, or funds every year since the start of this annual outreach for which the steering committee is so very grateful!
Bible donations, fun for kids, and meals delivered
In 2017, twelve Katy churches supplied the funds, side dishes, and volunteers in ministry needed to make the 2017 feast possible. Those churches include: Alief Baptist Church, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, The Church at Cane Island, Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, First Baptist Church of Katy, First United Methodist Church of Katy, Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church, Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, Kingsland Baptist Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, and Trinity Baptist Church. There are some individual and classes from within the churches that provide goods, such as the Rejoice Sunday School Class at FUMC. They used their funds to purchase 35 bilingual bibles for donation. The Katy Community Feast has always been blessed by the services of Boy Scout Troop 557. Since 2011, those boy scouts and their supervising adults have directed traffic, received side dish donations as they are dropped off at the church, and assisted guests with carrying of packages to their cars.
A Kidz Corner was in full swing during the event. Acorn turkeys were crafted, pin the tail on the turkey games were played, and colorful drawings were made by many of the children who dined in or passed through. Two talented face-painters delighted the younger guests by creating their favorite design atop their smiling faces.
Most people in need of a Thanksgiving meal this year found out about The Katy Community Thanksgiving Feast during their visit to Katy Christian Ministries. Others may have learned of it through flyers distributed at the KCM Food Pantry, Christ Clinic, The St. Vincent de Paul Society at Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, and Texas Children’s Pediatrics. Additional Feast invitations were posted in the local Katy newspaper and social media. People were asked to call in and pre-order their meals. Participants were invited to dine in, pick up meals to go, and if homebound, to sign up for meal delivery.
Help from nonprofit agencies for clothing donations and more
Five Katy non-profit agencies were on site this year to provide information about their services and answer any questions. They included: Christ Clinic (Lara Hamilton, Executive Director) Clothed by Faith (Abi Morton, Executive Director), Hope Impacts (Tina Hatcher Executive Director), Katy Christian Ministries (Deysi Crespo, Executive Director & Lily Rodgers, Social Services Director), and Pregnancy Help Center (Jeannie Z, Executive Director and Norma Zubiate, Volunteer Coordinator). Tina Hatcher has been bringing some of Katy’s homeless to the feast and distributing meals later in the day since 2013. Rona Lee, with Clothed by Faith, has been a part of the steering committee since 2015. Clothed by Faith sets up their large operation at the host church the day before and then on Thanksgiving Day is able to help address the clothing needs of those in attendance!
This Feast Day saw a flurry of activity from start to finish. The first family arrived at 7:30am and the last ones to be served came late at 2:45pm! Meal orders exceeded 1600 this year and the clicker count indicated that there would not be enough food to feed everyone. However, just as with the story of the loaves and fishes, no one left unfed! Leftovers were shared with the Krause Center. God is good all the time!
Katy, Texas is a special community. What makes it even more special is when businesses, churches, individuals, and organizations unite to serve a common good. people who responded to the invitation for a free Thanksgiving meal, were greeted with hugs, offers of prayer, and music that warmed the heart, then their tummies were filled with traditional Thanksgiving favorite foods followed by a distribution of donated books, bibles, blankets, coats, clothing, diapers/wipes, and non-perishable food items, that helped to ease the struggle of tough times, even if it was only for a day. However, the reassurance that there are neighbors that love you, that reach out to care for your needs, and provide resources that can help you through the days ahead, gives hope, hope that feeds the soul.
Solis Mammography’s ‘Help Us Help Houston’ campaign will benefit the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund through screenings and donations.
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The popular Texas gas station chain will offer free car washes to celebrate being recognized by Guinness of World Records.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
November 14, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
On Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 10 a.m., the global authority on record breaking, Guinness World Records, will be in Houston to recognize Buc-ee’s 255-foot-long car wash in Katy,which is just shorter than a football field. The car wash is part of thenew Buc-ee’s 56,000-square-foot store that opened in September at Katy Freeway and Cane Island Parkway.
In addition to its length, the Buc-ee’s car wash in Katy has a state-of-the art vacuum station and 21 blowers. Cars are actually dry upon exiting the car wash tunnel – eliminating irritating water streak marks that occur after some car washes.
Katy ISD superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt along with members of the school board, Katy Elementary School staff, Mayor Chuck Brawner, and State Representative Mike Schofield were among those in attendance for the unveiling of the new historical marker at Katy Elementary School, the site of the first schoolhouse in Katy.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
November 10, 2017
By Ashley Lancaster
Katy Elementary, “The Original”
The original property, a small one-room house, was established in 1898 and slated by the founders of the town to be used for public education. The current Katy Elementary campus was built in 1965, renovated in 1989 and again in 1995. Today, students play on the same location as the original playground. The first school bell from 1909 still hangs in the main entrance of the campus.
A tribute to Katy’s legacy
All of Katy Elementary’s students and staff were in attendance for a special ceremony that included opening remarks from Katy ISD School Board president Ashley Vann who stated, “The legacy this school has created is why Katy ISD is a destination school district. The legacy started here.”
School principal Beth Grimet introduced and recognized those individuals who were responsible for organizing the event, including the Katy Elementary PTO leadership board including Mrs. Monica Oldham, Stephanie Richter, Carrie Singletary, Brandi Traylor, Jennifer Bradley, Nessa Gutierrez, and Kristel Meadows; assistant principal Ashley Pierce, and Mr. Chris Harris, “without whom,” she states, “today would not have been possible.”
Former Katy Elementary teachers and staff, Katy ISD namesakes, and Katy ISD legacy families and children were also recognized. Chris Harris, who did the research and footwork to have a marker placed at the school presented an informational slideshow for kids and adults, giving everyone present a history of the site where Katy Elementary now sits.
State recognition
Mayor Chuck Brawner read the proclamation, while Texas state representative Mike Schofield read the offical historical marker, said a few words as well, “In a growing city like Katy, its important to be mindful of our past. The Beckendorffs, Mortons…these aren’t just names on roads, they are the people who built this place. This school is where education in Katy began, and it has gone from a few dozen families in 1898, to over 300,000 people. We received from them, and future generations will received from us.” Superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt closed the ceremony.
Those Katy kids
The ceremony ended with a fun, campus-wide performance of the school song, “Katy Kids”, before students were released to their classrooms, and invitees were led outside for the unveiling ceremony and reception to follow.
Katy ISD Police Department is sponsoring the 15th Annual Santa Cops Program, aimed at helping families that may be experiencing hardships by providing gifts and clothing for their children during the holidays. This year, the program anticipates an increased number of families in need due to the devastation caused by Harvey.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
November 13, 2017
As in the past, generous sponsors are needed. Every year students, community organizations as well as district employees make this program a success. The Katy ISD Police Department welcomes any and all who would like to participate. If you or someone you know would like to donate and help children this year, please send an email to santacops@katyisd.org.
Sponsor information will be sent out around the third-week of November. After Harvey, the outpouring of love and generosity has been heartwarming and the Katy ISD Police Department would like to continue the community’s support throughout the upcoming holiday
Here is a compilation of this week’s top crimes November 4-11. Certain incidents such as car burglaries, theft, and criminal mischief were not included in this list.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
November 12, 2017
Breaking & Entering
100 Block BAKER RD
Burglary Commercial Business
Nov 11, 2017
around 10 AM
Sexual Assault
2400 Block MASON RD
Sexual Assault Other (Child)
Nov 10, 2017
around 10 AM
Disorder
KATY FWY & KATY FORT BEND RD
Evading Detention or Arrest
Nov 10, 2017
around 8 AM
Sexual Assault
19800 Block SAUMS RD
Sexual Assault Other (Child)
Nov 9, 2017
around 2 PM
Disorder
22600 Block SMOKEY HILL DR
Harassment
Nov 9, 2017
around 11 AM
Disorder
800 Block S MASON RD
Criminal Trespassing
Nov 8, 2017
around 6 PM
Assault with Deadly Weapon
3000 Block NORTH FRY
Aggravated Assault
Nov 8, 2017
around 5 PM
Breaking & Entering
21100 Block KINGSLAND BL
Burglary of Habitation
Nov 8, 2017
around 11 AM
Drugs
24300 Block AYSCOUGH LN
Possession of Marijuana
Nov 8, 2017
around 10 AM
Robbery
19100 Block KATY FWY
Robbery of Business
Nov 7, 2017
around 11 PM
Robbery
20800 Block KATY FWY
Robbery of Individual
Nov 7, 2017
around 8 PM
Sexual Assault
2300 Block SEAHORSE BEND DR
Sexual Assault Other (Child)
Nov 7, 2017
around 9 AM
Assault
18200 Block TREE FORK LN
Terroristic Threat
Nov 6, 2017
around 5 PM
Breaking & Entering
2000 Block WESTBOROUGH DR
Burglary of Habitation
Nov 6, 2017
around 12 PM
Sexual Assault
23900 Block KATY FWY
Sexual Assault Other (Adult)
Nov 6, 2017
around 8 AM
Breaking & Entering
3000 Block WALNUT SPRINGS DR
Burglary of Habitation
Nov 6, 2017
around 2 AM
Disorder
24500 Block KATY FWY
Criminal Trespassing
Nov 5, 2017
around 2 PM
Drugs
S MASON RD & KATY FWY
Possession of Marijuana
Nov 5, 2017
around 3 AM
Drugs
200 Block MASON CREEK DR
Possession of Marijuana
Nov 4, 2017
around 11 PM
Robbery
2900 Block GREENVALLEY TRAIL DR
Robbery of Individual
Nov 4, 2017
around 9 PM
Breaking & Entering
300 Block DOMINION DR
Burglary of Habitation
Nov 4, 2017
around 3 PM
Breaking & Entering
18300 Block KINGSLAND BL
Burglary of Habitation
Nov 4, 2017
around 12 PM
Drugs
3000 Block BARKER CYPRESS RD
Possession of Cocaine or Opium
Nov 4, 2017
around 9 AM
Cane Island and the Real Craftwives of Katy invites residents out for synchronized holiday lights, photos with Santa, food trucks, craft beers, live music, snow globe fun, great shopping and more seasonal fun.
KATY MAGAZINE – Katy, TX
November 9, 2017
More than 60 local vendors presenting holiday gift finds of jewelry, clothing and accessories, items for the home and more will gather at Candy Cane Market with the Real Craftwives of Katy on Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Keep Reading)
Free and open to the public, Candy Cane Market will be hosted in the Cane Island Amenity Village, 2100 Cane Island Parkway, where families will enjoy live music, food trucks, craft beer from Katy’s very-own Growler USA and free photos with Santa.
While at Candy Cane Market, individuals can take a free photo inside Cane Island’s life-sized snow globe, the perfect way to send holiday wishes to friends and family.
Photos in the snow globe will continue in the Cane Island Amenity Village throughout December where visitors also can enjoy a nightly holiday light display of twinkle lights synchronized to holiday music. For dates, times and more information, go to www.CaneIsland.com or call (281) 725-6555.
To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway straight into the community.
Cane Island features traditional homes and lifestyle patio homes from the mid $200s, including those available for immediate move in, by CalAtlantic Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Coventry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
November 9, 2017
The Katy ISD Partners in Education’s 15th Annual Food for Families has launched and the community is invited to support Katy ISD families in need this holiday season. Food for Families is an annual campaign that since 2003 has helped thousands of Katy ISD students and their families with grocery gift cards. Every Katy ISD campus identifies students in need of assistance, and the gift cards are given to those students before winter break. This long-standing program has helped thousands of families and Katy ISD Partners in Education hopes to this year touch even more.
Donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. The deadline to donate is December 7. To make a contribution online please click here. To donate via check, please remit to “Katy ISD Food for Families” and mail to Partners in Education: Katy ISD ESC, 6301 South Stadium Lane, Katy 77494.
Food for Families, a Katy ISD Partners in Education yearly initiative, unites our Katy ISD staff and community in holiday support for select students and their families. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact Tammy Stringer, 281-396-2645, tammyrstringer@katyisd.org.
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Dewberry Farm, located on 115 acres just west of Katy, has a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and 20 acres of Christmas trees. The Fall festival runs through mid-November. Choose and Cut Christmas trees are available November 24 – December 10.
Visit DewberryFarm.com for more information, or “Like” Dewberry Farm on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to receive updates.
This Katy tradition kicks-off the holiday season with the lighting of LaCenterra’s spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree. Santa Claus will make his holiday season debut on a firetruck driven by The Willowfork Fire Department.
Katy ISD’s original elementary campus, built in 1965, will receive a historical marker on Friday, November 10, 2017 to celebrate it’s history and the many Tigers who have pass through it’s hallways.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
November 6, 2017
Historical marker being given
Katy Elementary (KE), along with its community and students, is honored for being recognized with an historical marker as the first schoolhouse site in Katy. The original property, a small one-room house, was established in 1898 and slated by the founders of the town to be used for public education.
Educating Katy students since 1909…
The current Katy Elementary campus was built in 1965, renovated in 1989 and again in 1995. Today, students play on the same location as the original playground. The first school bell from 1909 still hangs in the main entrance of the campus.
Katy ISD Election Day is November 7, 2017, with a $609M bond referendum on the ballot. Read on for polling locations by county, early voting results, and bond details.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
November 7, 2017
By Jennifer Skelton
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Katy ISD has a bond on the ballot for $609,204,553 that includes six new schools (one high school, two junior highs and 3 elementary schools) to alleviate overcrowding and to keep up with growth in the southwest and northwest quadrants of the district. The full bond includes…
74% – Six new schools
9% – Component replacements
5% – Technology
4% – Buses, portables, fuel tank replacements
3% – Fielder Elementary comprehensive renovation
3% – Safety and security
2% – Expansions for Raines and Katy High
Katy ISD was recently voted the #1 school district in the Houston metro area and is 2nd in growth in the state of Texas adding 2,800+ new students yearly.
Early voting numbers shows 7,374 votes were cast towards the bond broken down by 4,177 from Fort Bend County; 2,880 coming from Harris County; and 188 coming from Waller.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – KATY, TX
The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island now can boast of a location “from I-10 in a minute” with the opening of Cane Island Parkway at Highway 90, a major step for the community of new homes now in its second year.
NOVEMBER 6, 2017
Motorists can now take the paved, four-lane north/south boulevard from Interstate 10 directly to and from Cane Island.
A major selling point for Cane Island
“One of our chief selling points is proximity to the Katy Freeway,” notes Lawren Eckhardt, director of marketing for Cane Island, the 2016 GHBA Community of the Year. “It’s particularly important when it comes to reducing drive times to the Energy Corridor and other employment centers.”
The new intersection of Cane Island Parkway and Highway 90 also offers a four-way traffic signal and a new railroad crossing.
Homes from the mid-200s
Cane Island features traditional homes and lifestyle patio homes from the mid $200s, including those available for immediate move in, by CalAtlantic Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Coventry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes. Twelve fully furnished models homes are open daily.
The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive gated section of luxury custom homes on half-acre homesites.
For more information on Cane Island, go to CaneIsland.com or call (281) 725-6555. Also follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Twitter and Instagram @CaneIslandKaty.
The entrance into Cane Island from the newly extended Cane Island Parkway, now open from I-10 all the way into the master-planned community.
Katy students hold fast to their faith, share testimonies, and pray over the district and their community at Rhodes Stadium on October 15.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, Tx
October 16, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
On October 15, approximately 200 high school and junior high-aged Katy students participated in Fields of Faith, a youth-led event where students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral rally point where a community can come together.
Fields of Faith
In Katy, the familiar and historic Jack Rhodes Memorial Stadium served as the meeting place for what was to be a truly touching and inspiring night for young people and adults alike.
Youth in prayer
The kids, who come from different schools and churches all over the city, prayed for our country, for our national, state and local leaders, for unity in the nation, for all of our schools, teachers and administrators. They also shared their personal testimonies and encouraged and shared their faith with each other. There was a live band to lead them in worship, and volunteers and pastors from Powerhouse, First Baptist Church of Katy, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes all came together to organize the event and make hot dogs for the kids to eat, provide an inspirational message, and close the evening in prayer.
“It is so important for young people people to be encouraged to live their faith and share their faith with others,” says Pastor Robert Burdette.
Looking forward to Winterfest 2018
While Typhoon Texas managed to avoid damage from Harvey’s flood waters, the same can’t be said for the decorations and lights used for the park’s holiday celebration, WinterFest. Stored offsite in a nearby facility, decorations and lights for WinterFest were damaged due to flooding, leaving the waterpark with no choice but to cancel this year’s event. “We tried to save as much as we could, but the damage was just too much,” said Typhoon Texas General Manager Evan Barnett. “We’ll certainly look at all options for 2018.”
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TREES ARE PRICED BY SIZE – VISIT DEWBERRYFARM.COM/TREES for HOURS & DETAILS
The good news
As for the waterpark, it re-opened to big crowds about a week after Harvey’s landfall with no reported damage from the storm. Typhoon Texas completed its second season weeks later in September. “It was another terrific summer season for the waterpark,” Barnett added. “As always, we’ll use the off season to look at ways to enhance every aspect of the Typhoon Texas experience.”Season passes for Typhoon Texas’ 2018 season are now on sale TyphoonTexas.com. For the latest updates, go to TyphoonTexas.com. Also follow Typhoon Texas at facebook.com/typhoontexas and on Twitter and Instagram @TyphoonTexas.
Courtesy of Kaplan PR
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
October 9, 2017
Katrina Katsarelis
To prevent future Katy Area flooding, Congressman Michael McCaul wants to direct the Army Corp of Engineers to build a third reservoir that was planned, but never built.
Congressman Michael McCaul, whose constituency encompasses much of Katy’s Harvey flooded areas, says a third reservoir is needed to protect Katy Area homes from future flooding.
Congressman Michael McCaul is proposing a bill to direct the Army Corps of Engineers to begin work on a reservoir in the Cypress Creek watershed, to protect the millions of residents who live between the existing Addicks and Barker Reservoirs.
The new Cypress Creek Reservoir would be built in a region where the Corps had previously planned, but failed, to build a levee.
The reservoir would go in the Cypress Creek watershed, upstream from the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. McCaul says he’ll make certain the next Harvey aid bill includes language directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin work on the project.
Early estimates put the cost of the project at about $600 million. Under McCaul’s plan, much of the money would come from Corps and FEMA funding. But he says the main reason for putting the project in the Harvey supplemental is speed. Experts agree with McCaul that the reservoir is badly needed.
LET YOUR SENATORS KNOW
The following is a post from a concerned Katy area citizen urging other Katy residents to take action and let their wishes be known to their Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz:
Reposted from Concerned Katy Resident Chris Hairris
PLEASE SHARE!!! And help!!!
We need the 3rd reservoir built around the Cypress Creek in the North Katy area as a start to strategically STOP our area’s flood control issues. The land is there AND UNDEVELOPED but this issue must be moved fast before the land is lost making the flooding issues worse.
An action item is being prepared by Michael McCaul for the US Congress. This item is his top priority. But our Senators must know it is priority to move it from the US Senate.
Please write our US Senators John Cornyn, and Ted Cruz to show your support of the construction of the Cypress Creek Reservoir.
Below is a sample letter that you can use or alter as you see fit.
Also included are links to the contact page for the following Senators
John Cornyn, US Senator for TX
Ted Cruz, US Senator for TX
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz,
In the US Congress Authorization for Hurricane Harvey Relief, please include $350 million to be allocated to the building of the 3rd reservoir for Cypress Creek in North Katy, Cypress and Tomball. This 3rd Reservoir was included in the original plans in the 1940’s when the Barker and Addicks Reservoirs were built. The 3rd reservoir was never completed. The Harris County Flood Control District and Texas Water Development Board issued a study which was completed in 2015 named the Cypress Creek Overflow Mitigation Plan. The study determined that the Cypress Creek Reservoir would cost $350 million and would save billions of dollars in potential flooding as well as save many lives. We are seeing the devastation of our area in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey due in part to the absence of the Cypress Creek Reservoir.
My formal request is to fund the 3rd Reservoir to contain the Cypress Creek Overflow in the Hurricane Harvey Authorization. The anticipated budget for this project is approximately $350MM.
Thank you for your time and the efforts you give to serve our state and country.
Sincerely, Your name
For more information on Congressman Michael McCaul, visit
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
October 7, 2017
Katrina Katsarelis
A special announcement from TxDOT about the widening of 99 from 1093 to I-10.
PUBLIC MEETING OCT 24
The purpose of the meeting is to gather public input and receive comments on the proposed SH 99 widening. The project is located in Harris and Fort Bend Counties, Texas. The meeting will be an open house format so the public may come and go at their convenience, and staff will be available to answer questions.
Where:
Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Boulevard
Katy, Texas 77494 (Map)
When:
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017
Open House: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m
Project Description:
The proposed project would include:
Widening the existing SH 99 from a four-lane divided highway to a six-lane divided highway
Adding a center cable median barrier and modifying several ramps.
The project may require additional right of way (ROW) for corner clips; however, the locations where ROW may be required have not been determined at this time. Displacements associated with the proposed project are not anticipated. The purpose of the project is to improve mobility within the study area.
Downloads:
Contact:
TxDOT Houston District
Public Information Office
(713) 802-5072
Dress them up now and submit your Katy kids’ photo for Katy Magazine’s Official Halloween Costume Contest on or before October 30 at noon
Get ready! It’s Katy Magazine’s first ever Katy Kids Photo Costume Contest! We will be showcasing winners and honorable mentions on Halloween Day! (This means you’ll need to get us this year’s costume photo by Oct. 30 at noon).
WHO CAN ENTER
This contest is for kids ages 2-12
HOW TO ENTER
1. Post or email your child’s BEST PHOTO IN COSTUME. You can post in the comments below, post or in the Facebook comments when we share this post, OR email your best photo to editor@katymagazine.com. DEADLINE: October 30, 2017
2. LIKE KATY MAGAZINE’S Facebook Page to complete your entry if you haven’t already.
CATEGORIES AND PRIZES
Four Main Winners
BEST OVERALL $25
MOST CREATIVE COSTUME $15
SCARIEST COSTUME $15
CUTEST COSTUME $15
Ten Honorable Mention Winners
Honorable Mentions: Your photo will be showcased in our COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURE which will be posted and shared on Halloween Day.
RULES
Must live in Katy ISD boundary areas and Like/Follow Katy Magazine and be between 2 and 12 years old. Group/theme photos may win, but prize must be shared among winners. Photo must be from this year, 2017.
WINNERS & HONORABLE MENTIONS
Winners and Honorable Mentions will be showcased in our news feed and on social media on HALLOWEEN DAY. Watch our Facebook! Winners may pick up their prizes after Halloween between at our offices.
DETAILS? Email editor@katymagazine.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, Texas
October 2, 2017
The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island will host its Fall Model Home Showcase, open to the public with free admission every weekend in October, when its 11 model homes are decorated with amazing holiday-themed settings.
Get decorating ideas
Bibbs & Burnett Realty and Design Partners will decorate an entry, kitchen, family room, entertaining space or some other area in each Cane Island model home with a magical look and feel for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years. “If you’re looking for decorating ideas for the holidays, this is the place to be,” says Lawren Eckhardt, Cane Island’s director of marketing.
Open from noon to 6PM
Cane Island’s patio homes and traditional model homes are conveniently located within the community with signage directing visitors to their location. Hours for Cane Island’s Fall Model Home Showcase are Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 6 p.m. with some models open until 7 p.m.
$5000 gift card giveaway
As part of the Fall Model Home Showcase, those who sign a contract to purchase a new Cane Island home in October will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $5,000 gift card to High Fashion Home, a premier destination for home furnishings, fashion and gifts.
Visitor cash prize drawing
Visitors to the showcase also can stop by the Cane Island Welcome Center to enter into a weekly $250 cash prize drawing.
Getting there
To reach Cane Island, the 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community. MAP IT
About Cane Island
Cane Island features traditional homes and lifestyle patio homes and traditional homes from the mid $200s, including those available for immediate move in by CalAtlantic Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Coventry Homes, Shea Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Toll Brothers.
For more information on Cane Island’s Fall Model Home Showcase, call (281) 725-6555. Also follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Twitter and Instagram @CaneIslandKaty. Visit www.caneisland.com
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
September 26, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
The family of Taylor High School’s injured star defensive end and Texas A&M commit, Max Wright, opens up about surgery, recovery, and plans for college.
An injury late in the third
During last week’s match up against Fort Bend Austin, Mustang defensive end and A&M commit Max Wright left the game late in the third quarter complaining of a “muscle cramp” and did not make a reappearance.
Late Saturday, an MRI confirmed that Wright had suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
True to form, the faithful football player encouraged his friends, teammates, and followers on Twitter with inspirational bible verses. And faith will play a huge role in the months to come while Max prepares for his big comeback with the Texas A&M Aggies.
Surgery on the books
“Honestly, we are heartbroken that he will miss his senior year but are seeking to believe and trust that God has bigger and better things in store for Max down the road,” says his mother, Cydney Wright.
According to Cydney, Max’s surgery is scheduled for October 5 by Dr. Walter Lowe, and he is already working out and attending physical therapy at Memorial Hermann Ironman. “He is ready to tackle this head on and feels incredibly strong!” says Wright.
Continuing to lead
As a team captain, the 6’4″, 270 lb. athlete will continue to lead his team from the sidelines while continuing to focus on rehab and recovery and preparing to play college football for the Aggies.
The Wright family would like to thank the Katy ISD community for their outpouring of love, support, and prayers.
(Photo by Sara Isola)
“We are truly grateful for all the love , prayers and support from the Texas A&M coaches and families as well as all our family and friends! Max is amazingly strong and his determination has proven that he can handle adversity and with God’s help he will be back stronger than ever and ready to hit Kyle Field when he reports to College Station after graduation. Setbacks bring amazing comebacks! Thank you for your continued prayers! Gig’em and Go Mustangs!”
September 22, 2017
Katy ISD says no make up days will be added over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks, but there will be four extended early release days
A Message to Parents from Katy ISD
As many families and staff continue recovery efforts in our neighborhoods, homes and community, we are also slowly but surely getting back on track with the business of teaching and learning across Katy ISD campuses. As you know, our students lost two weeks of instructional time as a result of Tropical Storm Harvey. However, because the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will be waiving up to 10 instructional days, there will be no need to extend the 2017-18 instructional calendar, or to modify the Thanksgiving, Christmas/winter, and spring breaks.
Our Curriculum Department has worked diligently over the past few weeks to realign and restructure the curriculum unit plans to ensure that all state standards will be taught this school year. As such, there will be no gaps in the taught and tested curriculum.
Also, to ensure that our students receive the full benefits of the Katy ISD learning experience, we have identified means to regain lost instructional time to deliver additional support to students.This includes providing enrichment resources for our families, supplementary study opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) students, and extending four early release days to full days of instruction.
Enrichment Resources for Families: Online instructional enrichment activities developed by our Curriculum Department are available for parents or guardians to work with their child(ren) at home. These enhanced learning activities are ungraded and optional, and are available on the Katy ISD Curriculum & Instruction web page. Each core subject area will be covered for the remainder of the school year. These subjects include language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Support for Advanced Placement (AP) Students: Additional study opportunities will also be offered to students preparing for the May 2018 AP exams. Review sessions and resources are currently being developed and will be shared with students, and published on the website later this Fall.
Extending Four Early Release Days: The 2017-2018 instructional calendar included six “early release” days that are typically designated for professional development, teacher preparation, and parent conferences. Four of the previously designated early release days (Oct. 9, 20, Feb 16, April 13) will be extended to full instructional days. This is designed to allow students more time in the classroom, as well as to serve the needs of so many of our families who are displaced by Harvey and depending, now more than ever, on the daily routine of school to bring a sense of normalcy to their child(ren)’s lives. We understand that October 9 and 20 had been set aside for parent/teacher conferences at many campuses. However, in lieu of the in-person conferences, parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers by email and/or phone. Parents should also continue to monitor their student’s progress on theHome Access Center. Friday, December 15 and Thursday, May 24 will remain “early release” days since final exams are given on those dates.
Thank you for your understanding as we move forward with these post-Harvey initiatives to recapture lost instructional time and to provide additional support to our students and families. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
September 22, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
On September 11, 2017, the Katy ISD Education Foundation launched an initiative to provide support for Katy ISD families and staff that were impacted by the flooding from Hurricane Harvey by collecting donations from the community.
The response was overwhelming. In just four days, the foundation had raised approximately 50 percent of their original goal. As of this morning, the total funds raised was $56,249. The new goal – $75,000 to be given directly back to men, women, and children right here in Katy ISD who lost homes, personal possessions, and who need it most.
Individual donations can be made in any amount, no matter how big or small, or the foundation provides options to donate up to $2500 at a time for those who are willing and able.
The fundraiser will close on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Click here to contribute.
“While the district is in a strong position to support facility recovery, the real need we see lies with the families in our community,” says Superintendent Lance Hindt.
Go to katyisdeducationfoundation.org for more information.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
September 20, 2017
From Katy ISD Communications:
On Tuesday, September 19, 2017 parents and guardians of the Taylor High School Football Team were notified that their head coach was placed on administrative leave till further notice. The leave is unrelated to his role with students.
In his absence, Katy ISD Assistant Coach Joe Sheffy will be taking his place in leading the Taylor High School football team this season. Sheffy is a certified, highly experienced individual who is well versed on the needs of the team.
Katy ISD is committed to its students and will do everything necessary to ensure their continued success during this period. Because this is a personnel matter the District is unable to provide additional information.
Katy, TX News (September 15, 2017) – In June, the Katy Area Economic Development Council conducted a survey focused on the Katy area workforce. The survey, which was organized in partnership with the newly created Katy, TX Human Resources Networking Group, was formulated to gather information from human resources managers/recruiters and business leaders on workforce trends in the Katy area.
Approximately 21 companies representing over 3,300 employees in industries ranging from energy to healthcare took part in the voluntary survey which was open to all Katy area companies. The information gathered will provide useful data for benchmarking and workforce development purposes.
Overall, the survey highlighted numerous workforce trends in the Katy area. Respondents made it clear they believe the Katy area provides strong access to a quality labor force, both skilled and non-skilled. Most of the surveyed companies expect employment growth over the next five years with new jobs requiring highly-skilled employees, particularly in the technology sector. Turnover and absenteeism were noted by companies as being low as well. Please click here for the survey report.
“The information provided will be valuable moving forward as we seek to further enhance the Katy area business climate and labor pool,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.
Katy Human Resources Networking Group organizer Lorna Hall of Pepperl+Fuchs added, “We are pleased to be part of the growing Katy Area Economic Development Council, which was instrumental in helping us understand Katy and all of the opportunities available in this community.”
Katy Area EDC would like to thank all of the companies that participated as well as the Katy, TX Human Resources Networking Group for its support of the project. Special thanks go to LaCenterra and Katy Mills Mall for providing prizes to be awarded to two survey participants via random drawing.
For more information on Katy Area EDC, please visit katyedc.org.
September 11, 2017
Harris County Fire Chief says, “Thank You” to Katy ISD for their relief and rescue contributions.
All of Katy Stepped Up
In a recent press release expressing his sympathies and to all families and residents who suffered water and wind damage from Hurricane Harvey, Harris County Emergency Services Fire Chief (Dist. 48) Jeffrey S. Hevey gave his sincerest thanks to several local organizations who stepped up to help rescue people from flooded areas in both HCESD No. 48 and FBESD No. 1.
Among those listed were the Katy ISD Police Department, Katy ISD campuses, and Katy ISD Department of Transportation (school buses).
Katy ISD Stands Out
During the six days of the storm and continued flooding, the district opened it’s doors at Cinco Ranch High School and Morton Ranch High School to accept 4,000 displaced residents and donations for families in need. Katy High School served as the main operating headquarters for U.S. National Guard and other military while they carried out rescue and relief missions all over south Texas. Katy ISD bus drivers bravely volunteered to drive district vehicles into high water to rescue 450 people trapped by flood waters. Katy ISD police officers faithfully, dutifully served their community in every necessary capacity during the storm. During a time when roughly 15,000 students and 2,600 Katy ISD employees were directly impacted by the storm and subsequent flooding, the impact that the district had on relief and rescue efforts is truly inspiring.
Below is the full list of the partners and agencies named by Chief Hevey:
– Powerhouse Church (Shelter)
– Katy ISD Police Department
– CrossPoint Church (Shelter)
– Westlake Fire Department
– Harris County Sheriff
– Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office
– Harris County Office of Emergency Management
– Fort Bend County Sheriff
– Precinct 5 Constables (Harris County)
– Precint 3 Constables (Fort Bend County)
– Texas Department of Public Service (State Troopers)
– MIdland, Texas Police
– Webb County Sheriff
– Dallas County Sheriff
Katy, TX News (September 8, 2017) – Neighborhoods surrounding Bear Creek Elementary suffered severe flooding last week. While the school was left intact, the local service provider has placed restrictions on water usage, as nearby lift pumps, along with the waste water treatment plant were compromised by the storm.
These restrictions will limit the school’s access to water and waste treatment. As such, Bear Creek Elementary students and staff will be transferred to Paetow High School, located at 23111 Stockdick School Rd., Katy, TX, for the reopening of schools on September 11. Paetow is Katy ISD’s newest high school which opened its doors this fall to two grade levels – freshman and sophomore classes. The elementary students will be housed in the east tower of the campus, currently unoccupied by secondary students.
Transportation for all Bear Creek Elementary zoned students will be provided, should they need it. Information regarding routes, pick up and drop off times/locations will be emailed to parents before Monday.
In the meantime, operations crews have completed their mechanical and electrical assessments, which met all standards. Since there was no flood water intrusion within the building, Bear Creek students and staff will be returning to a safe and secure learning environment once restrictions are removed by the local service provider.
“Students and staff are our highest priority during this recovery process,” said Superintendent Lance Hindt. “Though the relocation for Bear Creek students is temporary, multiple Katy ISD departments are working vigorously to make this a smooth transition for everyone, both now and when students and staff are able to return to their school.”
Katy ISD closed the district on August 25 in anticipation of Hurricane Harvey. Following the storm, the District announced that 16 campuses had been impacted by flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. One campus, Creech Elementary took on several feet of water and arrangements have since been made for students and staff to be relocated to the University of Houston Cinco Ranch campus while repairs are being made at the school. Bear Creek Elementary will be the second school to relocate as a result of Tropical Storm Harvey. The remaining 14 schools have cleared building assessments and will reopen in their home locations this Monday.
Schools reopen across Katy ISD on September 11.
Katy, Texas News (September 7, 2017) – The Tide Truck is here and toiletries too!
Procter & Gamble’s mobile laundry unit – is currently on the ground in Richmond to provide free, full-service laundry services to the residents who have been affected most. Tide Loads of Hope will collect, wash, dry and fold laundry free of charge. The P&G team will also be distributing P&G products free of charge directly to residents such as Crest toothpaste, Head & Shoulders shampoo, Ivory soap, Gillette razor and shaving products, Old Spice body wash, Oral-B toothbrushes, Pampers diapers, Pantene shampoo and conditioner, etc.
Beginning today, September 7th, up to 100 loads of laundry per day (two loads per household) will be collected from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
H-E-B
110161 W Grand Parkway S
Richmond, TX, 77407
Katy, TX News (September 7, 2017) – Free pasta dinner for those impacted by hurricane or anyone in need.
Hooray for Whole Foods! They are hosting a free, family style pasta dinner for those affected by Hurricane Harvey, first responders, and their families, and anyone in the community who wants to join.
Dinner includes pasta with marinara sauce, salad, bread and bottled water.
Whole Foods Market Team Members and volunteers will be serving dinner to the community from 5 to 7 p.m.
Whole Foods Katy is located at 6601 S. Fry Road, Houston, TX 77494
Katy, TX News (September 7, 2017) – Local dance studio will donate 100% of proceeds to Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High teachers.
On Thursday, September 7 Connolly Dance Arts will host a Dance – A – Thon event from 5 to 10 p.m. to give Katy families a chance to dance out all the stress caused by Hurricane Harvey and connect with their neighbors. The best part? One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit teachers at Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High, who lost so much when their schools were affected by the flooding.
Registration is from 4 to 5 p.m., and the cost is $20 per contestant and $60 per family. They also accept $20 gift cards to Target, HEB, and Amazon. There will be a DJ, bake sale, and refreshments.
K.T. Connolly, owner of Connolly Dance Arts, says, “Even if you don’t want to participate, we invite everyone to come out and support these amazing Katy teachers!”
Connolly Dance Arts is located at 22760 Westheimer Pkwy., #300.
281-693-1232
September 7, 2017
By Ashley Lancaster
- Volunteers to put together grocery orders
- Breakfast Food
- Cereal and Oatmeal
- Granola Bars
- Protein Bars
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Bread
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Boxed sides
- mac and cheese
- shelf stable milk
- Juice (not Gatorade)
- Chunky soup
- Chili
- Snack foods
- Canned meat
- Volunteers (age 14 and up) to help replenish shop supplies
- Reusable bags for Clients to take home clothes in
- Underwear (Girls underwear size 2 & 3) , BRAS (especially in the L – XXL sizes), girls socks, mens underwear (all sizes), women’s underwear (all sizes)
- Zip Lock Bags (gallon)
- PROTEINS – Peanut butter, canned meat, etc.
- Pasta, spaghetti sauce
- Sponsor a family in Katy/Greater Houston for $10 a month
- Donate new and gently-used clothing, or give $10 now.
- Volunteer and show love to those in need.
September 5, 2017
Sixteen Katy ISD schools were impacted by flooding that took place last week in the surrounding neighborhoods. Two district campuses, Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High, saw more extensive damage than other campuses. While Bear Creek Elementary sustained minor water intrusion. The damages and repairs include:
Beck Junior High
The campus is being assessed by operations crews and is being evaluated and remediated for damage due to water intrusion through the building’s roof, skylights and a construction site within the building. Mechanical and electrical systems, as well as air quality and mold testing, are being conducted throughout the building. These tests will determine if the school is ready to reopen on Monday, September 11.
Operations crews have begun the building assessment, which includes air quality/mold testing and a number of other safety reviews. Conditions near and around the campus have prevented our crews from fully assessing the building. Katy ISD is working on a plan to relocate students and staff and will notify families of the alternate campus site by the end of the day on Wednesday, September 6.
The campus sustained minor water intrusion within the building. Operations crews are testing mechanical and electrical systems to ensure a safe return for students and staff. Evaluation and repairs to the damaged structure are expected to be completed by the end of the week, in time for the return of students on Monday, September 11.
KATY MAGAZINE – Katy, Texas
September 5, 2017
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders visited and took photos with a group of Soldiers aiding the Hurricane Harvey relief at a responder support camp in Katy, Texas on Sep. 4. The Department of Defense is conducting Defense Support of Civil Authorities operations in response to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. DSCA operations are part of the DOD’s response capability to assist civilian responders in saving lives, relieving human suffering and mitigating property damage in response to a catastrophic disaster. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hubert D. Delany III / 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Courtesy Texas Military Department News
Katy, TX News (September 1, 2017) – The Katy community of Cane Island has opened its Amenity Village event center, converting it into a temporary dorm for Katy first responders, some of whom had been sleeping in a nearby parking lot.
Beds have been set up and showers in the community’s fitness center are available. Meals also are being served. The Cane Island Amenity Village is located at 2100 Cane Island Parkway, just north of Interstate 10. On Site Contact: Dan Naef, 702-581-1956.
Katy, Texas News (August 29, 2017) – Peli Peli Restaurant is stepping up in the chaos created by hurricane Harvey to fuel first responders as they attempt to save families affected by the devastation of the flood.
Their Cinco Ranch restaurant, located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch and directly across from Torchy’s Tacos, is currently open and working to prepare hot meals for rescuers.
“Basically, we’re going to cook every bit of food on our shelves to feed Katy’s finest,” says Thomas Nguyen, co-founder and partner. If they run low, Nguyen says that they are asking Katy families who want to help to swing by with food for them to cook and prepare for Coast Guard, National Guard, FEMA, firefighters, volunteers, police, EMT, and others. “If we run out, we invite residents to donate food for us to prepare – our kitchen is ready and our doors are open. We’ll even make sandwiches.”
For first responders in a hurry, Nguyen says not to worry about coming inside. Just call 281-257- 9500 or 832-259-2448 and someone will run a hot meal out to the curb.
Today only, they will also be offering hot meals to first responders at their I-10 and Campbell location.
If you know of a Katy business offering assistance, supplies, or services to those in need, email us!
Katy, TX News (August 27, 2017) – Here are a few important advisories, alerts and notes from Harris County.
HIGH WATER LOCATIONS
There are over 177 high water locations across Harris County on Houston Transtar. Click link for more info.
Check out their Flood Warning System to see what we see. Click “channel status” on the left and you will see that most of our bayous and creeks are RED and out of bank.
Red= out of banks
Yellow= near top of bank
Green=still ok
TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN – SAUMS ROAD RESCUE
You can get swept away in as little as six inches so it’s not worth driving through.
Here is a rescue that took place last night at Saums Rd. Driving to your drowning is one of the most common ways flood deaths occur. It’s not worth it. Stay put!
USE 911 ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES
First responders are being dispatched to over 1,000 (and growing) rescues at this time. Some water inside is better than being outside. So, please stay put. If water is rising to Stay safe, this is seriously nothing to joke with!
DO NOT GO INSIDE ATTIC- GO ON YOUR ROOF
Please heed to the advice emergency officials. It’s devastating sitting in this emergency operations center listening to the thousands of calls coming in to get rescued. DO NOT attempt to leave, just stay put. TRUST US you wont get very far. More rescue boats are coming but the list is long. DO NOT go into attics, you will get TRAPPED! Get on roofs. As soon as day breaks it will be easier to rescue you!
If waters are rising and it’s absolutely necessary, please go onto your roof. We will get to as soon as we can. DO NOT GO IN YOUR ATTIC.
IF WATER IS IN YOUR HOME
We understand water is in homes, but only call 911 with life-threatening emergencies. Our 911 call center is inundated with requests, not allowing true emergencies to get thru. If you are dialing and it is a true emergency, STAY ON THE LINE. A dispatcher will get to you ASAP.DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME. Stay put.
Harris County Flood Control District 713-684-4000
Red Cross Houston 713-526-8300
1. Road Closures
2. River/Creek Flood Gages
3. Electricity Outage Tracker
4. Harris County Rainfall Map
Here’s the latest on the hurricane as it pertains to Katy
Although it’s been downgraded to a CAT 1 Hurricane, we are definitely not out of the woods. Street and flash flooding expected for the next few days.
Meteorologists are expecting 12″ inches of rain today with a total of 30″ over the next few days.
Harvey is expected to stay on Hurricane status through Saturday night and high winds may happen through Sunday.
Flooding expected around bayous and river basins Brazos, Colorado,etc.
Harvey is a tornado-happy Hurricane and we may have on/off tornado watches until 1 PM today or later. TORNADO PREPARATION LINK
WHAT TO DO NOW
Stay put. Don’t be on the roads.
If you must be on the roads, don’t drive in water. Cars have been carried away in just six inches of water.
Use 911 only for emergencies.
Katy Kindness Tip: It’s a great idea to check on your neighbors and friends who may be shut-ins, single moms, or senior citizens.
Thank you to David Thelan for sending us these important links
Katy, Texas News (August 25, 2017) – Overnight, Harvey slammed ashore and has downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. But that doesn’t mean Katy is out of the woods. Reduced wind speeds and persistent rain mean that we are still in for potentially disastrous flooding and possibly fast moving tornadoes.
POSTED: 9:00 AM.
UPDATED SAT 8/26, 7:00 AM
Weather stations reported up to 6″ of rain in the last 12 hours, with the Mayde Creek area at Greenhouse Road overflowing at its banks.
Water in this area will feed into the Barker/Addicks Reservoir, and it’s a possibility that roadways nearby could flood.
PRELIM Rainfall Reports for Katy area:
*Fort Bend County*
SSE Katy 4.47 in
SE Katy 3.41 in
*Harris County*
Katy 1.0 NNE 3.62 in
NE Katy 2.68 in
E Katy 2.00 in
SPORTING EVENTS
HOUSTON TEXANS are discussing playing next Thursday’s game against the Cowboys in Arlington.
DYNAMO & DASH games have been cancelled for the week.
HOUSTON COUGARS are practicing in Austin in preparation for the season.
UPDATED 9:30 PM
*Prelim High Wind Reports from NWS Houston*
SSW Katy 24 MPH
NE Fulshear 24 MPH
ENE Stafford 22 MPH
ENE Fulshear 21 MPH
NNW Pecan Grove 21 MPH
First Colony 20 MPH
SSE Katy 17 MPH
W Mission Bend 17 MPH
NW Richmond 17 MPH
SE Katy 16 MPH
N Pecan Grove 16 MPH
W Mission Bend 16 MPH
SE Katy 13 MPH
ENE Brookshire 32 MPH
W Katy 23 MPH
– Harris County –
NWS is showing “potentially devastating” flood threats and intense rainfall amounts as Harvey inches closer. If you haven’t already, please take last minute precautions for water, shelter, and food.
UPDATED 6:20 PM According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Harvey is now classified as a Category 4.
WATER ? available at Brookshire Bros on Franz Rd. as of 6:30 pm.
UPDATED 12:15 PM
COLD PLAY CONCERT HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN POSTPONED – ANNOUNCED 12:00 Noon.
WATER PALLETS AT SHELL STATION – Shell Station at Avenue D and Franz has water pallets for $7.99 as of 10 AM
ALL YOUTH SPORTS POSTPONED- All KYF events and activities are cancelled due to the storms this weekend.
WATER AT HEB – Highland Knolls and Mason Rd. Possibly just restocked. (8:55 AM.)
KROGER 99 & MORTON RESTOCKING – A reader reported that Kroger at Morton and 99 is restocking water and other items that are out right now. (8:40 AM).
WATER AT TRADER JOE’S – LACENTERRA
A reader reported that there is water at Trader Joe’s, LaCenterra as of 8:20 AM.
THE LATEST UPDATE – FLASH FLOOD WATCHES
As Hurricane Harvey heads toward the Texas coast, the National Hurricane Center is warning Texans to be ready for “life threatening flash flooding”. Katy will not be impacted by surges because we have no coastal areas, but will need to be on alert for flash flooding. Katy could also experience heavy winds and rains. Flash flood watches are in effect possibly through Monday. Heavy rain is projected and the hurricane is reported to be “very close to reaching Category 3”.
WATER AT HEB AND SOUTH FRY
There was a lot of water stocked at HEB South Fry Road as of 6:30 AM. Lines already forming.
KATY ISD AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CLOSED
All Katy ISD campuses and school facilities are closed today. According to a statement from the school district, “While Hurricane Harvey has yet to touch ground in the Katy area, the National Weather Services is predicting an extreme weather event. As such, we have chosen to err on the side of caution to ensure the safety and security of our students, families, staff and community.”
HUNKER DOWN KATY AND CHECK ON EACH OTHER
If you do not have to drive, stay put. Make sure you have water and rations for a few days. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors, seniors, and shut ins!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
– Charge your phones now.
– Stay put during the storms.
– If you must drive, DO NOT drive through water.
– Never bypass road closure signs. The roads have been closed because of serious danger or flooding.
KATY MAGAZINE will continue to update this page specifically for Katy as new events take place.
Katy, TX News (August 24, 2017) – Several Katy ISD Varsity football scrimmages have been rescheduled due to tropical storm Harvey’s anticipated landfall on Friday afternoon.
Current Katy ISD Varsity Football Scrimmage Schedule:
- Katy High School
8/25 @ 7:30 a.m.
vs. Clear Springs/Paetow HS
Legacy Stadium - Cinco Ranch High School
8/25 @ 1:00 p.m.
vs. Stratford
Cinco Ranch High School - Mayde Creek High School
8/25 @ 9:00 a.m.
vs. Aldine Davis
Rhodes Stadium
Katy, Texas News (August 23, 2017) – According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm Harvey has now reformed into a tropical depression and is anticipated to bring 10″ – 15″ of rainfall to the Texas coast through the weekend beginning on Friday. With flooding, property damage, and personal safety at stake, here are some helpful tips and links to keep you prepared in the event of an emergency.
- National Weather Service – @NWSHouston
- City of Katy Office of Emergency Management – @CityofKatyOEM
- Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office – @FBCSCO
- Harris County OHSEM – @ReadyHarris
- Waller County – @wallercountyoem
- Katy ISD – @KatyISD
- Katy Magazine – @KatyMagazine
- Your child’s campus Twitter account
- 7-day supply of non-perishable food and manual can opener
- 7-day minumum supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
- First-aid kit
- NOAA Weather Radio or battery-operated radio
- Batteries
- flashlight
- Restock/ refill necessary medications
- bottled water
- Cash
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
- Clean, dry clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags
- Photo copies of all necessary ID’s insurance, prescriptions, credit cards, and a copy of one utility bill
- CD or photo copies or important documents
- Pet carriers, leashes, pet food, shot records
- Map showing county roads and highways
- White distress flag
- Toys and games for kids
- List of family and emergency phone numbers
- Hurricane Preparedness
National Hurricane Center - Supply Kits
Texas Prepares - Evacuation Routes
TxDOT
Follow the rule, “Turn Around Don’t Drown.”
Follow National Weather Service at @NWSHouston for updates on Harvey as it develops.
Keep an eye out for storm-related hashtags on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-speed on storms as they progress. #HouWX #TXWX #Harvey
Review your area’s hurricane evacuation map every year and watch for traffic updates to make the best decisions if an evacuation is needed.
Remember the evacuation assistance hotline, 2-1-1.
- Always obey evacuation orders without hesitation, secure your home before leaving, and take pets with you.
Katy, TX News (August 22, 2017) – With a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees called a November 2017 bond election for the 239-project bond package presented by a community-led committee this past July. The total bond package is $609.2 MM and would have no impact on the school tax rate.
The Community Bond Advisory Committee’s (CBAC) package focuses on meeting existing and near-term needs as the District continues to grow by 2,800 student annually and older campuses show signs of aging. It’s a growth bond that directly affects students, with 74% of the bond allocated for new schools. The improvements proposed for existing campuses will ensure that classrooms adequately support the curriculum and meet legislative requirements across the district.
The bond package is comprised of six new schools, a comprehensive renovation of Fielder Elementary, repairs and replacements for components like school kitchens, roofs, floors and intercoms at 61 campuses and facilities, facility expansions at two schools, and safety and security upgrades at 40 campuses. Students across the entire district will likewise benefit from technology network improvements. The CBAC also included funds for new buses as well as fuel tanks and portable buildings to replace existing aging ones.
The bond touches every quadrant of Katy ISD, from the far northeast to the lower southwest. The last day to register to vote is October 10 and Election Day is November 7. Click here for more information on the bond package.
Katy, TX News (August 15 2017) – After nearly 15 years of publishing award-winning local content in a printed format, Katy Magazine is excited to announce the launch of Katy’s first, all-digital magazine designed to be viewed on phones and iPads. This decision comes after extensive market research, which shows that while print readership continues at a steep decline industry-wide (3%) digital readership has grown to an unprecedented rate (40%).
“In the past few years, we’ve seen more engagement and interaction on our social media stories and posts and less and less response in our print issue,” says Matt Katsarelis, Katy Magazine’s publisher. “We know our readers spend a lot of time on their phones and devices so we are meeting them there.”
Katrina and Matt Katsarelis are husband and wife publishing team who originally moved to Katy in 2000 from Silicon Valley, California. Before making the leap, they studied studied several highly successful digital-only magazines in large metropolitan markets across the U.S and created a platform that would suit Katy readers well. “We know our readers don’t want to click through five screens to get through one story so all our stories are scrollable and super easy to navigate,” says Katrina Katsarelis, publisher and editor-in-chief. “We are so excited to be able to connect directly with our readers who can now share, comment, post photos, and email us directly from the stories.”
Local businesses will benefit from Katy-specific, highly targeted animated ads, in content that closely matches their market demographic. “The ads are designed to be elegant and non-intrusive,” says Katrina Katsarelis. “They’re actually beautiful and are about local companies so they’re also interesting.”
Katy Magazine will be promoting the issue and the stories themselves by way of their popular social media venues. Katy Magazine is known for having one of the top social media presences in Katy with 35,100 Facebook likes, 15,300 Twitter followers, and 6000 Instagram followers.
In between the monthly Katy Magazine themed issues, Katy Magazine will to share up-to-date news items using the digital format, and will continue to share events, community jobs, and resources for the community.
To view Katy Magazine’s stories and features, click here.
Follow Katy Magazine:
For more information email: Katrina Katsarelis, Katy Magazine
Katy, Texas News (August 14, 2017) – Baker Katz recently announced that they will be opening two new, 6,500 SF locations in the Houston area, one in Katy at the intersection of IH-10 and Katy Fort Bend Road. The new location will be close to popular spots like Katy ISD’s Legacy Stadium, Typhoon Texas, Katy Mills Mall, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Katy, TX News (August 11, 2017) – First Service Credit Union is using a “Waffle Tour” to show appreciation to public servants in Katy for what they do for the community.
August 24 has been designated National Waffle Day, and in connection with that special day, the whole week of August 21-25 has been proclaimed Waffle Week in Katy. First Service is planning a multi-day event in the city to deliver free delicious and fresh-made waffles to educators and first responders.
In conjunction with the Waffle Tour, Katy Mayor Charles Brawner is issuing the proclamation and will make a formal presentation at the main Katy fire station, at 1417 Avenue D at 8 a.m. on August 23. That coincides with a First Service Waffle Tour stop at the station.
The Waffle Tour is First Service’s way of lifting up and encouraging those who put others’ lives before their own, as well as recognizing and thanking those who encourage, inspire and teach the children of Katy.
The Waffle Tour will get an early start with stops at Cinco Ranch Junior High and Cinco Ranch High School, where teachers and support staff will be served free waffles. First Service will visit these schools August 15 as the staff prepares for the start of the new school year.
During the actual Waffle Week, August 21-25, the Waffle Tour will visit each fire station in Katy, along with the police station and Katy ISD’s police department. At each stop, everyone on duty will be offered delicious, fresh-made waffles topped with a choice of syrup and powdered sugar or Nutella, bananas and sweet cream.
The Waffle Week Tour will finish up on August 24 with visits to local businesses in Katy including the First Service branch off the Katy Freeway at Grand Parkway.
“The Waffle Tour is a fun way for us to let these local heroes know how much we appreciate, value and respect their work,” said David Bleazard, President of First Service Credit Union. “We hope that this small but tasty gift will encourage them as they continue to serve the community.”
About First Service Credit Union
First Service Credit Union provides financial services that enhance its members’ lives. It has eight full-service branches in the Houston metropolitan area. It was founded in 1977 by employees of a premier engineering, procurement, construction and services company, and is now community chartered to serve anyone in the Houston area. For more information, visit FSCU.com.
Katy, TX News (August 9, 2017) – The Katy Fire Department was honored today as a recipient of a Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant awarded for Fiscal Year 2016 from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The SAFER Grant was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720).
The City of Katy is working diligently to build a second fire station adjacent to Katy Mills Mall near Interstate 10 to continue to provide the best response and protection to their residents, businesses and schools. “With the explosive growth in the City of Katy, both in commercial and residential, we have to be proactive to keep our high standard of excellence in public safety,” says Mayor Chuck Brawner. “Furthermore, it allows the City to maintain a very low ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating, which helps our citizens save on insurance premiums.”
Fire Station #2 is in a prime location for critical emergency response and protection. Its location will allow for faster reaction to the southern part of the City and the Katy Fire Department’s response area. “To comply with NFPA 1710 and ISO standards and recommendations, staffing the fire engine at the new station would require 16 new firefighters,” explains Fire Chief Russell Wilson. “With the support from Congressman McCaul, the SAFER Grant has helped us secure funding for this extremely important project.”
This afternoon Congressman Michael McCaul was present to congratulate the Katy Fire Department on being awarded $2,181,579, to be received over a 3-year period, that will be used for the hiring of all 16 new firefighters the City needs for Fire Station #2. The Katy Fire Department was selected from thousands of applicants to be one of only 163 SAFER Grant recipients from across the United States and one of just eight awarded in Texas. “This is a big win for our community and the result of Fire Chief Wilson’s, City Officials’ and our first responders’ hard work and determination,” says Congressman McCaul. “I am proud to see their efforts rewarded with this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to seeing the great work Katy will do with this Grant.”
For more information on the City of Katy, visit www.cityofkaty.com.
Katy, TX News (August 7, 2017) – Rise Communities, developer of the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island, has won the prestigious Developer of the Year Award from the Texas Association of Builders. The award was presented at the association’s 2017 Star Awards program, part of the Sunbelt Builders Show in Dallas. “When the top minds in home construction and real estate development give you a thumbs up, that’s certainly speaks volumes for the quality of our work,” says Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities.
Katy’s Cane Island, the 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, also was recognized with Star Awards for Best Billboard, Best Website and Best Television Commercial. Last year, Cane Island was recognized with Star Awards for its Livings Arches arrival experience as Best Community Feature, Best Showroom Sales Center and Best Sales Brochure by a developer.
Established in 1992, the Star Awards are the only statewide tribute to excellence in the home building industry, showcasing the work of Texas real estate professionals in more than 100 categories.
Cane Island offers new luxury homes from the mid $200s to the millions, including those in gated sections and on prized cul-de-sac homesites. Residents enjoy a resort-style Amenity Village along with easy access onto Interstate 10 via the Cane Island Parkway. The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood with Houston’s first street pantries.
For more information on Cane Island and its selection of move-in ready homes, go to CaneIsland.com.
The Living Arches in the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island
Katy, TX News (August 7, 2017) – Seven Lakes High School Best Buddies President, Anna Celeste Fedewa, and co- Vice President, Reagan Kallina, represented their chapter at the 2017 Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Indiana this summer.
The SLHS chapter was awarded Outstanding High School Chapter in Texas for the 2nd year in a row, the National Pacesetter Award and was ranked in the top 15 chapters in the nation for fundraising. Fedewa and Kallina were also only of 9 students chosen to have a position on the Friendship Walk committee where they brainstormed with others and will aid in planning next year’s fundraising walk. “Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver (pictured), Best Buddies is a vibrant international organization that has grown from one original chapter at Georgetown University to more than 2,300 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of over 1.1 million people with and without intellectual and developmental disorders. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in over 50 countries around the world.”
Courtesy of Seven Lakes High School
Katy, TX News (August 4, 2017) – Isaiah Brodie of Katy, Texas, will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 16, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square Video presentation. The featured photographs highlight children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, reminding the world in a very big way about the contributions and milestones of people with Down syndrome. These collective images promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
The photo of Isaiah, who happens to have Down syndrome, was selected from over 2,000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Almost 500 photographs will appear in the video, which will be shown in the heart of Times Square.
Isaiah is pictured in his Houston Texan jersey with his parents at a Texan game.
The Times Square Video presentation kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The video presentation will be followed by the 23rd Annual Flagship Buddy Walk in New York City. This year, Buddy Walk events will be held in more than 275 cities across the country, as well as select international locations, in and around October with over 325,000 people participating around the globe. For information about the NDSS Buddy Walk Program, visit www.buddywalk.org or call 800-221-4602.
ABOUT NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive programming to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families with four main areas of programming which include: the National Advocacy & Policy Center, the National Buddy Walk® Program, Community Outreach and Resources and Public Awareness. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. For more information visit www.ndss.org.
Katy, TX News (August 4, 2017) – Christ Clinic, a charity medical clinic in Katy, has announced the selection of Lara Hamilton, RN as its new executive director. Hamilton, who served as the interim executive director, will fill the vacancy created by former director Kara Hill’s departure to join the Christus Foundation. The selection was made by the Christ Clinic’s board of directors in July.
Hamilton, a registered nurse, has been with Christ Clinic since 2012 and has been involved in patient care and clinic operations. Her five year experience cultivating and maintaining relationships with both patients and volunteer providers will be valuable as she leads the clinic in providing quality healthcare to the uninsured in the Katy community.
“I am humbled and excited to serve as the executive director of Christ Clinic,” remarks Hamilton. “My vision for the clinic is to provide medical care to the underserved in our community in a safe and welcoming place without judgment. Our goal is to make patients feel valued and to experience God’s love and healing grace through our actions. We want to empower people to take control of their health and supply them with the necessary tools.”
Christ Clinic provided care to over 5,000 patients in 2016. The clinic offers ongoing primary care, health promoting classes, mental health support and an after-hours walk-in clinic. The nonprofit clinic operates independently of government or insurance funding and relies overwhelmingly on charitable donations from local churches, businesses and individuals.
The clinic will host it’s 6th annual “Breakfast for a Blessing,” on September 22, 2017. This event will raise funds to provide health services for thousands of uninsured patients in the Katy area.
To find out more about supporting Christ Clinic or about the upcoming event “Breakfast for a Blessing,” please visit www.christclinickaty.org.
Katy, TX News (August 2, 2017) – Parents, students, staff, and other community members, as well as media outlets, are invited to join Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt and the Board of Trustees for the official dedication of Mike Johnston Field and Legacy Stadium. Katy ISD namesakes and local officials will also participate in the celebration.
The Mike Johnston Field at Legacy Stadium was approved by voters as part of the 2014 Katy ISD bond. The facility will provide students and the community with a state of the art multipurpose second stadium to serve more than 77,000 students, and community members, across the district. This year, athletic and fine arts teams from eight high schools will benefit from this new facility.
The dedication ceremony will include special performances by all high school bands and choir directors.
Where: Legacy Stadium
1830 Katyland Drive
Katy, TX 77493
When: Thursday, August 17
2:30 – 4:45 p.m. – Community & Media Tours
(Call to schedule a tour)
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Stadium Dedication Ceremony
MEDIA CREDENTIALS REQUIRED FOR TOURS AND CEREMONY ACCESS.
Katy, TX News (August 1, 2017) – Beginning on October 1, 2017, Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy will open their doors for families on the north side of Katy. Services will be held at Bethke Elementary, 4535 E. Ventana Pkwy. in the Ventana Lakes subdivision.
This development comes hot on the heels of KBC celebrating 40 years of serving Christ and helping people reach true spiritual fullfilment at their original campus at 20555 Kingsland Blvd. near Taylor High School.
For more information about Kingsland Baptist Church, their service times, events, ministries, and more, visit kingsland.org.
Katy, TX News (August 1, 2017) – Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released SAT scoring data for Houston area high schools in 2015, and three Katy ISD high schools ranked within the top 10 highest overall performance scores in the region.
The schools and their combined SAT scores from 2015 are listed below:
7. Seven Lakes High School: 1689
- Katy ISD
- Math: 585
- Reading: 558
- Writing: 546
8. Taylor High School: 1662
- Math: 569
- Reading: 552
- Writing: 541
9. Cinco Ranch High School: 1656
- Math: 578
- Reading: 547
- Writing: 531
Also mong the top 10 were schools from Clear Creek, Houston, Spring Branch, and Fort Bend ISD.
This information can be verified on the Texas Education Agency website.
Katy, TX News (July 28, 2017) – Teachers and staff of Katy’s ISD’s new Bryant Elementary School pause for a group photo during a recent get-together at the Cane Island Amenity Village Event Center. Residents of the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island will attend the all-new school located at 29801 Kingsland Boulevard.
Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – NAI Partners is pleased to announce that VAHLE Inc., a world-leading manufacturer of mobile electrification products with over 100 years of innovation and tradition, is the latest tenant to break ground at West Ten Business Park, a premier master-planned business park located on Interstate 10 and Cane Island Parkway in Katy, Texas, that John Simons and Holden Rushing of NAI Partners are marketing on behalf of Parkside Capital.
On Monday, July 10, VAHLE Inc. employees joined Rusty Monk, President of Contractors, Managers and Technologists Inc., Booker White, General Superintendent, and Jerry Acosta, Project Architect of Acosta Architecture L.L.C., to officially break ground on a new US headquarters – a 40,000 square foot office building and warehouse that will accelerate the distribution of mobile electrification & automation solutions across the globe and serve more than 700 companies in the United States and Mexico.
VAHLE Inc. President, Scott Gardner, kicked off the ceremony with a toast to the collaboration and continued partnerships between local businesses.
“We’re ecstatic to begin this new chapter and are proud to partner with people who constantly push the envelope and fuel this project with ambition, innovation, and creative solutions to problems,” said Gardner about the partnership with Acosta Architecture L.L.C and Contractors, Managers, and Technologists Inc.. “Selecting Acosta Architecture and C.M.T. Inc. will allow VAHLE to create a modern and extensive facility geared towards further growth and expansion.”
In addition to Acosta Architecture L.L.C and C.M.T. Inc., VAHLE Inc. attributes much of their excitement for this development to the community they are joining.
“So many of our employees live in Katy and want to dedicate their time outside work to their community,” said CFO Evelyn Clark. “We can’t wait to put our stamp on Katy and pour into a community that’s already been so gracious to us.”
The new office building will feature a 20,000 square foot warehouse and a large demonstration room for clients to witness VAHLE’s intelligent power, data, and positioning solutions in action. This 7.7 million dollar project’s estimated completion is Fall 2018 and will allow the small, family-owned company to expand personnel and bring more jobs to the Katy area in logistics and sales job functions.
Will Condrey of Cushman & Wakefield represented VAHLE, Inc. in the land sale. Mr. Simons and Mr. Rushing of NAI Partners represented Parkside Capital.
To learn more about VAHLE Inc. or follow the building development, follow VAHLE Inc. on Facebook and LinkedIn and visit www.vahleinc.com.
For additional information on land sales at West Ten Business Park, please contact NAI Partners’ John Simons or Holden Rushing at 713.629.0500.
Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – Katy’s Cane Island will conclude its Summer of Fun and Music with RadioKaty as the master-planned community of new homes hosts three music performances in August – all free and open to the public – including two at its Back to School Bash and school supply drive on Saturday, August 19.
Cane Island’s August live music schedule features the folk and pop sounds of singer/songwriter Allison Bishop on Friday, August 4 from 7 – 9 p.m. Guests also can enjoy fine wines from Haak Winery available for purchase.
The music series wraps up Saturday, August 19 from 2 – 6 p.m. as Cane Island’s Back to School Bash presents the country and rock sounds of Maddox & Steele and Carrie Marie. While at the Back to School Bash, enjoy Chick-fil-A and ice cream from Honey Child’s Sweet Creams. Beer from BahBah Brewhouse will be available for purchase.
Donations of school supplies for Cane Island schools are currently being accepted at the Cane Island Welcome Center until the August 19 event.
Cane Island’s Summer of Fun and Music, free and open to the public, will be held in the community’s Amenity Village, 2100 Cane Island Parkway.
To reach Cane Island, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway and follow the temporary detour into the community.
The 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, Cane Island presents new luxury homes from the mid $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes. The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive, gated enclave of custom homes by Jeff Paul Custom Homes, Mike Harrison Custom Homes, Westport and William David Custom Homes featuring half-acre homesites and Houston’s first street pantries.
For more information and for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – When six-year-old Katyite Kylee WalkingStick learned that her favorite uncle Kevin, a firefighter at Station 68 in Houston, and his comrades only had water to drink during the sweltering summer months, she decided to take action, and created Mission: Hydrate Houston.
Kylee WalkingStick has been donating Gatorade to her beloved uncle Kevin and his comrades since the age of three. But when she learned that Houston firefighters like her uncle were working hard with nothing to drink at the station except water, this little one decided something needed to be done – and in a big way.
“While planning a summer bucket list, Kylee asked if we could give Gatorade to all Houston firefighters, not just her uncle Kevin. As her mom, I had a decision to make. I could tell her no, and plant the seed that because it is too hard or seems impossible, we shouldn’t even try. Or I could tell her yes, and then give it everything we’ve got. I said yes, not knowing how on earth it would happen,” says her mother, Laura.
Beating the Heat in Houston
After doing some research, Laura discovered that each station is provided with water (usually tap) but outside of that, beverages must be purchased on their own dime. Gatorade, especially in these wicked summer months, is highly desired and needed to replace electrolytes lost while fighting fires. On a normal day in Houston, a firefighter can be required to wear up to twice his or her body weight in equipment when responding to a call, in sweltering temperatures while climbing, running, lifting, and endless physical activity. The WalkingStick family feels that tap water or bottled water is simply not enough to keep their bodies properly nourished for the work they’re required to do.
Hydrating Houston’s Finest
When asked why she wanted to start this organization, Kylee said, “I like firefighters. They help us beat the fires. Gatorade helps them because they are in hot gear and they need to cool down. The drinks help them cool down.” And so, Mission: Hydrate Houston was born. With help from Katy grown ups and a local non-profit, Firefighters Helping Firefighters, Kylee’s heartfelt desire became a reality. On July 15, Kylee and her friends and family hosted a donation drive at Growler USA in Katy, Texas and were able to donate 572 gallons of powdered Gatorade to fire stations throughout Houston, including her uncle Kevin’s.
“Mission: Hydrate Houston’s goal is to educate the community about the best ways to support our firefighters, by giving hydrating sports drinks to each of the 94 stations in Houston” says Laura.
“Trying to hydrate with just water after they put their bodies under tremendous stress is extremely dangerous. We want it known throughout our city that we stand with the Houston Fire Department and that they are not forgotten about!”
JOIN THE MISSION
Follow them on Facebook.
To donate, mail hydrating sports drinks or gift cards for the purchase of hydrating sports drinks to:
Mission: Hydrate Houston
2750 FM 1463, Ste. 150
Katy, TX 77494
*There is preference for tubs of powder to make drinks by the gallon, but nothing will be turned down by Houston’s finest.
ASHLEY LANCASTER is the digital editor for Katy Magazine and mother to a six-year-old boy and is extremely proud of young Kylee’s generous, giving spirit.
Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – Katy ISD’s head athletic director, Debbie Decker, was recently appointed president of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA). Decker is the first person from Katy ISD to serve in this capacity.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day business of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, Decker will also be responsible for writing columns for quarterly newsletters, appointing committees and committee members, and serving on the special events committee, among other tasks.
Courtesy of Debbie Decker via THSADA:
“My vision as President of the THSADA is to engage, encourage and support athletic administrators in the development of knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in educational based athletics.
Goals:
1. Promote the role of the athletic administrator in the state.
2. Continue developing athletic administrators to their highest level of competency by providing resources through trainings including the state conference.
3. Expand on professional development and leadership training opportunities.
4. Build on the current relationship with the UIL, THSCA and TGCA.
5. Collaborate with THSADA members on how to continue to grow our association.”
Katy, TX News (July 20, 2017) – Vista Equities Group is proud to announce that the highly anticipated Peli Peli, a popular South African fusion restaurant, has officially opened its third location at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Peli Peli will be located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., in Phase I of the mixed-use development, adjacent to Central Green Park.
“It is a dream of ours to be able to open a Peli Peli in Katy! I graduated from Mayde Creek High School and currently live in Cinco Ranch, so this is a bit of a homecoming for me,” said Peli Peli’s Chief Marketing Officer Thomas Nguyen.
Known for their creative spin on South African cuisine, Peli Peli has garnered plenty of attention as one of the most prominent upscale restaurants in the city. With signature menu items such as the Espetada and Kingklip with Shredded Scallops, along with an extensive wine and cocktail menu, Katy residents were eager for a restaurant of this caliber to open its doors in their community.
“Peli Peli is a melting pot of flavors made up of so many different cultures, so we believe that it’s perfect for Katy,” said Nguyen. “We are bringing a new fine-dining experience to Katy that we hope will be a contribution the Katy community can be proud of.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Peli Peli to our development,” said Woody Mann, President of Vista Equities Group. “We seek to bring the best food and retail developments to LaCenterra, so having Peli Peli open its doors is very exciting for us. Katy residents have been looking forward to this for some time and we are proud to be able to cater to our growing community.”
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a 34-acre, over 360,000 sq. ft. (410,000 sq. ft. upon completion of the Final Phase of development in Spring 2018) mixed-use development located on the western edge of metropolitan Houston in Katy, TX. Located on the Grand Parkway just three miles south of I-10 with prominent freeway visibility, the property is nestled in the heart of Cinco Ranch, one of the nation’s premier master planned communities.
Peli Peli is open daily Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm; Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm; and Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm.
Courtesy of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch and Elmore Public Relations
Katy, TX News (July 20, 2017) – Katy ISD is pleased to welcome Dr. Doreen Martinez as the new principal for Memorial Parkway Elementary, and Mr. Rashan Smith at McRoberts Elementary.
Dr. Martinez has worked in the field of education for 28 years. She began her educational career in 1989 as a teacher in Pasadena ISD. She has also work in Angleton ISD, Clear Creek ISD and as a grant/technology coordinator in Royal ISD.
She came to Katy ISD in 2001, where she served as an instructional technology facilitator, technology training supervisor, Parent & Patron Center Coordinator and then as an assistant principal at Morton Ranch Junior High. In 2015, Dr. Martinez returned to Angleton ISD as Principal of Angleton Junior High. However, it’s the District’s pleasure to have her back home at Katy ISD where she will lead the Memorial Parkway Elementary family.
“Coming back to Katy ISD is such a proud honor and a dream come true,” says Principal Martinez. “My goal is to work to build trust, establish relationships and create a positive environment where our Panthers can excel and achieve their dreams. Working together as a team we will be ‘the best school in the land!’”
Mr. Smith has worked in the field of education for 17 years. He began his career with Houston ISD in 2001 as an elementary teacher, serving as a literary specialist and intermediate classroom teacher at JFK Elementary. He also worked with Pre-K students at Gabriela Mistral early Childhood Center and as a student behavior specialist at Fondren Middle School.
He came to Katy in 2012 and served as an assistant principal at Mayde Creek Junior High, a principal for Katy Summer Academic Term in 2016 and 2017 and before moving to McRoberts Elementary, he was an assistant principal at Seven Lakes High School.
“To become the principal of McRoberts Elementary is truly an honor,” says Principal Smith. “It is a reflection of the Katy community. A community that is built on integrity, honor, kindness, relationships and success. As the new principal of McRoberts Elementary, one of my main goals will be to establish a rapport with each and every one of my students and help them to reach their highest potential. Go Dolphins!”
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (July 18, 2017) – Katy ISD’s 2017 District-wide Elementary Teacher of the Year Kristal Parrish and Secondary Teacher of the Year Phuong Nguyen have been selected as finalists in the Region 4 Teacher of the Year program.
Ms. Parrish is a fifth grade teacher at WoodCreek Elementary where she teaches reading, writing and social studies. Since 2013, Ms. Parrish has also been the fifth grade team Curriculum and Instruction Leader. She’s a dedicated teacher that inspires her students to make an impact in the world. She does this by teaching them to be critical readers and writers, and deep thinkers who are compassionate. Her philosophy surrounds the ideal that “there is no program, no app, no curriculum that can replace the tremendous power and essence of an effective and passionate teacher in the life of a student.”
Ms. Nguyen teaches 10th – 12th grade students in the area of Principles of Health Science, Health Science Technology and Clinical Rotations at Taylor High School. As a teacher, she creates an environment where curiosity is cultivated, learning is collaborative and students develop skills to be successful in every endeavor. Her philosophy is one of adaptability and emphasis on the importance of a moral compass. Ms. Nguyen also initiated the Katy Students Run program at her school to create another platform in order for her to mentor and teach the necessary skills to be successful in life.
The Region 4 Teachers of the Year event is part of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Texas Teacher of the Year program and is the initial step into the National Teacher of the Year selection process.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (July 12, 2017) – Residents of Katy’s Cane Island now can pick their own herbs, vine-ripe tomatoes, flavorful peppers and a handful of other fresh produce thanks to a new collection of raised gardens in the community’s Amenity Village.
Hub’s Garden, aptly named after the Cane Island’s popular canine ambassador, features several raised planter boxes adjacent to the Amenity Village conservatory where residents can pick herbs, fruits and vegetables at no cost. The gardens are managed by Cane Island’s landscaping team.
While there is no limit to the amount residents can pick, Cane Island Director of Marketing Lawren Eckhardt says residents are considerate to make sure there’s plenty for everyone.
“Every time I pass by the gardens, there’s a resident stopping by to see what’s ready to be picked,” she says. “It’s become quite a popular spot in the Amenity Village.”
The 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, Cane Island presents new luxury homes from the mid $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive, gated enclave of custom homes by Jeff Paul Custom Homes, Mike Harrison Custom Homes, Westport and William David Custom Homes featuring half-acre homesites and Houston’s first street pantries.
Go to www.CaneIsand.com for directions to the community, builder incentives and homes available for immediate move in. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Courtesy of Kaplan Media/Cane Island
Katy, TX News (July 12, 2017) – More than 7,500 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, and guests from across the country gathered in Nashville, TN for the 2017 National Leadership Conference. The meeting provided MRHS FCCLA members with the opportunity to attend leadership and program training, hear national speakers, and explore colleges and careers. Kyle Triplett, an 11th grader and Michael Hurley a 9th grader at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, were among the members and took part in STAR Event competitions at the conference.
FCCLA offers over 30 STAR [Students Taking Action with Recognition] Events. These events, which include Early Childhood Education, Job Interview, and Sports Nutrition, among others, represent college and career readiness skills taught in Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Members compete at the Regional, State and National level. This year, Kyle and Michael were among over 4,200 STAR Event participants who competed in Nashville, TN. They competed in the Promote and Publicize category. Their project focused on showcasing all the benefits FCCLA offers our community. Their presentation consisted of a 10 minute speech, 30 page portfolio with documentation, and an 8 x 4 foot visual display. During their presentation they explained each community service activitiy that the chapter’s 124 members participated in. Activities completed by chapter members this year included; mentoring of elementary reading students, breast cancer awareness, food drives, purchasing Christmas gifts for needy children, book drive, heart disease awareness, promoting physical activity among the family, and programs to promote cultural awareness and acceptance. Triplett and Hurley received a gold medal in the event by scoring highest among their competitors. Hurley stated that he has learned confidence, public speaking skills and the importance of hard work while competing this year.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective career and technical student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 164,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 49 state associations, in addition to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members, and it’s the only career and technical in-school student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
Courtesy of Kelsey Jozwiak, MRHS
Katy, TX News (July 11, 2017) – Katy ISD Seven Lakes Junior High sixth grader Rowan Dumond, recently competed at the 2017 U.S. Men’s Junior Olympic National Championships in Kissimmee, FL. Over 800 of the country’s top male gymnasts competed in the regional team, all-around and individual apparatus events.
After two days of competition, Rowan tied for first place earning the title of National Champion for Floor in his division. He had a career high score of 13.45 on Floor during the preliminary competition. Rowan is an honors student at Seven Lakes Junior High, and when he’s not training at the gym, he enjoys playing percussion with the SLJH Honors Band, designing with Legos and solving Rubix cube puzzles.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (July 7, 2017) – YMCA Operation Backpack, an initiative of the YMCA of Greater Houston, is one of Texas’ largest back-to-school supply drives. In its 13th year, YMCA Operation Backpack is expecting to reach its highest goal to date by giving school supplies and/or a new backpack to 120,000 youngsters whose families struggle to make ends meet. Last year, the YMCA delivered backpacks and supplies to more than 105,000 children. Thirty-six school districts in the Houston area will benefit from the event.
This initiative is not possible without donors, however. Required school supplies can cost up to $200 per student, yet more than 25 percent of Houston-area children ages 17 and under live in poverty. The month-long school supply drive will run from July 11 to August 11, 2017.
How you can help:
- Make a monetary donation or purchase pre-packaged school supplies and a backpack at any participating H-E-B at the checkout stand. Your donation will directly support your local YMCA.
- Text the word SCHOOL to 91999 to make a monetary donation.
- Visit ymcaoperationbackpack.org to make a monetary donation.
- Visit ymcaoperationbackpack.org for a list of school supplies if you wish to purchase them individually. Supplies and backpacks can be dropped off at any YMCA or at designated sites specified on the YMCA website.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
For information on the Katy Tailgate event that will make donations to Operation Backpack at Katy YMCA’s, click the link here: www.katymagazine.com/katy-summer-tailgate-2/.
Katy, TX News (July 7, 2017) – The Quality Texas Foundation has awarded Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE). The prestigious award recognizes strong dedication to quality and high performance.
“We are honored to be among the select group of organizations to achieve this distinction from the Quality Texas Foundation. Winning the TAPE award is a reflection of the focus on clinical excellence, quality, and patient safety that the team at Memorial Hermann Katy provides every day,” said Heath Rushing, Senior Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Katy.
The Quality Texas Foundation, known as a national leader in its field, was chartered to recognize the best organizations in Texas. The group uses an extensive evaluation process that includes hundreds of hours spent through on-site visits to evaluate and score applicants in several criteria.
Dr. Mac McGuire, CEO Quality Texas Foundation said, “This award is no small achievement. It’s not about a particular test, or one day evaluation. It is a critical look at both the processes and results shown by Memorial Hermann Katy, in accordance with the Baldrige Criteria. Those who receive the TAPE award have a proven record of excellence.”
The Baldrige Excellence Framework is used by businesses, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations to improve and excel in their industries. This distinction takes Memorial Hermann Katy one step closer to achieving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital received the prominent award in 2016.
“We know the hard work isn’t over yet. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a lofty goal, but we believe our staff already provides the high quality care outlined by the Baldrige Excellence Framework, and we are confident that we will prove that to the organization in the coming months,” said Rushing.
“I want to congratulate the team at Memorial Hermann Katy on this significant award,” said Dr. Benjamin Chu, President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System. “It is a rigorous journey to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and this is an impressive step in the right direction.”
Memorial Hermann Katy will receive the award during the Quality Texas Foundation annual conference June 27, 2017 at the Houston Westin.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (July 7, 2017) – As of fall 2017, the University of Houston’s Katy campus will offer engineering courses that may be applied toward a Master’s degree in electrical, subsea, and environmental engineering upon successful admission into the respective graduate programs. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree may apply at egr.uh.edu/engineering-katy. Courses can be taken on campus or online.
There will be an information session on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1550 Foxlake Dr. Interested parties must RSVP by Monday, July 10, 2017 t0 subsea-advisor@me.uh.edu.
Courtesy of University of Houston, Engineering
Katy, TX News (July 6, 2017) – Memorial Hermann Health System is pleased to announce the appointment of longtime and highly accomplished System Chief Operating Officer (COO) Charles “Chuck” D. Stokes to President and CEO of Memorial Hermann, effective immediately. In addition to his role as Executive Vice President and COO, Stokes had been serving as interim President and CEO following the departure of Benjamin K. Chu, M.D., who left the organization in June to pursue his passion in public and health policy.
Stokes, who began his career as a registered nurse, is a well-respected industry veteran with nearly four decades of leadership experience and demonstrated success in fostering a culture of innovation and exceptional patient care experiences, with an emphasis on superior quality, safety and stellar operations.
“Chuck has proven himself to be an outstanding leader during the course of his remarkable career with our organization, working tirelessly to guide Memorial Hermann on its journey toward becoming a high-reliability organization with a strong focus on innovation and transformation,” said Memorial Hermann Board Chair Deborah M. Cannon. “He has an unwavering commitment to our patients, medical staff and to Memorial Hermann, the latter of which has been instrumental in helping us transform our operational structure in order to meet the challenges and demands of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.”
As COO, Stokes was responsible for overseeing operations for the System, which has 17 hospitals, more than 200 outpatient clinics, 25,000 employees and 5,500 affiliated physicians. He has a proven track record of achieving success in service line leadership, employee engagement, physician collaboration, and leadership development.
“I am honored and humbled to work alongside our exceptional employees and talented medical staff as we fulfill our mission to advance the health of all Houstonians,” Stokes said. “In its 110 years of faithfully serving this community, Memorial Hermann has grown to become a nationally recognized organization with an unrelenting focus on providing enhanced access to the safest, highest-quality care, all at an affordable cost.”
Most recently, Stokes’ leadership was instrumental in helping Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital become the first organization and hospital in the Houston area to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence. During his tenure, Memorial Hermann also has been perennially recognized as the country’s most successful Accountable Care Organization, underscoring the emphasis on innovative, evidence-based medicine designed to improve overall population health.
Stokes was recently named among the Top 25 COOs in healthcare by Modern Healthcare, a list that recognizes high-achieving leaders across the industry and the increasingly demanding roles they play. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an organization of more than 48,000 healthcare executives working together to improve care delivery and the education of healthcare leaders. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Stokes served as ACHE faculty for 10 years.
“At a time when our industry is facing unprecedented challenges with declining reimbursements and escalating costs, I have every confidence that Chuck has the experience and visionary leadership necessary to navigate our organization through this period of change and uncertainty,” Cannon said.
Prior to joining Memorial Hermann as COO in 2008, Stokes served as President of North Mississippi Medical Center, a 650-bed tertiary hospital and a 2006 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. He previously served as COO for three other health systems and as Vice President of Operations for St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital/Texas Heart Institute in Houston.
In addition to his professional commitments, he serves on the Holocaust Museum Houston Advisory Board and on the Board of the Children’s Defense Fund-Texas. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and has penned numerous articles on leadership development.
Stokes, who is board certified in Healthcare Management as an ACHE fellow, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., and a master’s degree in hospital and health administration from UAB. He is married to Judy Liswood Stokes and has three adult children.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (July 6, 2017) – Last week, Camp For All 2U brought the joy of summer camp to patients at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. The program transforms areas of the hospital into camp, providing patients who may not get the experience of camp outside of the hospital the opportunity to enjoy a variety of games and activities. A different theme each day, camp activities included archery, a petting zoo, arts and crafts and much more.
“We are so excited to have Camp For All 2U here at West Campus for the first time,” says Matt Schaefer, president of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. “For many of these patients, this is the only opportunity they will have to experience camp this summer due to their current medical condition. To provide them with the chance to temporarily forget what they are going through and just enjoy being a kid is what it’s all about.”
Camp For All 2U at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus was generously sponsored by Wood Group. For more information about Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, visit texaschildrens.org/westcampus. For more information about Camp For All, visit www.campforall.org.”
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX News (July 5, 2017) – Katy Asian Town, the 100,000 square foot shopping center anchored by H Mart, is set to begin construction soon, with plans to open in early 2018. The 15-acre property, located at 23119 Colonial Pkwy. on the northwest corner of Grand Pkwy. and IH-10 will be the third H Mart location in the Greater Houston area, and will offer fresh meat, seafood, organic produce, and a food court. Other store locations offer services like Smart Cards for discounts, in-store savings, and special entry into sweepstakes.
The grocery chain originally opened in New York in 1982, and currently has 54 stores in 11 states across the U.S., with plans for nine more locations to open in the next year. The chain strives to provide a fun, fresh, diverse multicultural dining and shopping experience for Katy families.
Visit katyasiantown.com for updates on construction progress, jobs, tenant information, and more.
Katy, TX News (July 5, 2017) – Katy Mills, along with more than 180 Simon Malls, The Mills and Premium Outlets nationwide, has surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal for 2017 in support of Susan G. Komen and the fight against breast cancer. Katy Mills participated in a range of activities from October 2016 through October 2017 to raise funds.
“It is thanks to the tremendous support and engagement we have received from our retailers, shoppers, community partners and employees that we were able to achieve, and exceed this fundraising goal in support of Susan G. Komen,” said Sabrina Scruta, Katy Mills Director of Marketing. “From selling discount cards to honoring survivors through photos and messages to hosting race events at our centers – we are so grateful to all who participated and contributed as part of this campaign to reduce deaths from breast cancer.”
“Reaching the one-million-dollar mark is truly an incredible accomplishment, largely due in part to the unwavering commitment that we’ve received from Simon and their network of supporters,” said Christina Alford, Komen’s Senior Vice President of Development. “These dollars will truly make an impact in the lives of countless men and women – whether to meet the most critical needs in our communities or to continue making headway in breakthrough research to prevent and ultimately cure breast cancer.”
Simon will continue its support of Susan G. Komen in 2018, pledging to raise another $1 million through various fundraising initiatives.
About Katy Mills
Katy Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas, provides the ultimate shopping experience with more than 175 outlet and value retail stores, including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach Factory Store, Forever 21, Nike Factory, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, H&M, kate spade new york and Under Armour. Shoppers can dine at great restaurants including Rainforest Cafe or catch a movie at AMC 20 Theatres.
Katy Mills is located at I-10 and Pin Oak Road in Katy, TX, 28 miles west of Houston. It is open regularly from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Mon.-Sat., and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please call (281) 644-5000 or visit www.katymills.com. Like Katy Mills on Facebook at facebook.com/ShopKatyMills and follow us on Twitter @KatyMeansMore and on Instagram @katymeansmore.
About Simon
Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe, and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.
About Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $920 million in research and provided more than $2 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. That promise has become Komen’s promise to all people facing breast cancer. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social.
Courtesy of Simon Malls
Katy, TX News (June 29, 2017) – Of the 107 child drownings in Texas last year, Harris County experienced the most with 18 children losing their lives.
In Texas, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Many drownings occur at apartment swimming pools, which typically have no lifeguards on duty.
In its effort to eliminate drownings, the YMCA of Greater Houston is offering free swim classes and water safety techniques to economically disadvantaged children at 127 Houston-area apartment complexes. In a program called Safety Around Water, the YMCA expects to serve 3,500 children ages 3-12 this summer.
“The YMCA takes drowning very seriously,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. “The more children who learn how to swim, the fewer drownings we will have.”
The free classes focus on personal safety techniques that include:
- Jump-Push-Turn-Grab, which teaches children to push off the bottom of the pool as they are submerging to get back up to the surface while turning to grab the side of the pool.
- Swim-Float-Swim, which teaches children to swim a short distance on their fronts, roll over onto their backs to float and rest, and then roll on their fronts to continue swimming to safety.
In its 10th year, the growing program has served nearly 20,000 children.
The week-long sessions run five days a week, Monday through Friday. Parents and guardians must be present with their children for the hour-long sessions.
Partners in the program include the Houston Apartment Association, Toyota, USA Swimming and the Houston Coalition for Drowning Elimination.
Below is a list of complexes in Katy, Texas that will offer the program. Times vary by location, please confirm with apartment management office:
- Cimarron Pkwy
- The Lakes at Cinco Ranch
- Lancaster
- Oak Park Trails
- Stone Creek
- The Augusta
- Kenwood
- The Gallery
- Spring Pine Apts
- Yorkshire Village
Courtesy of the YMCA of Greater Houston
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (June 29, 2017) – Katy ISD is now accepting nominations for naming the South, East and West transportation centers. Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2017.
Individuals interested in submitting a name are asked to review the Katy ISD Board Policy CW (Local) for specific facility naming guidelines, and submit a completed Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form.
Please submit other supplemental materials, such as in-depth biographies, news clippings, photos, letters of recommendation and/or other printed resources that would assist the naming committee in making a recommendation to the Board.
The Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form and all supplementary materials may be submitted in the following manner:
- Via email to schoolnaming@katyisd.org
- By mail to: Katy ISD School/Facility Naming
Communications Department
P.O. Box 159
Katy, TX 77492-0159
- Personal delivery to: Education Support Complex (ESC)
Communications Department
6301 S. Stadium Lane
Katy, TX 77494
Submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 1, 2017.
Click here to learn more.
Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (June 27, 2017) – The 2017-18 edition of Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report ranked Texas Children’s Hospital fourth in the country among the nearly 200 pediatric centers. For the ninth straight year, Texas Children’s Hospital was placed on the Best Children’s Hospital Honor Roll of best pediatric institutions.
Texas Children’s is one of only 10 children’s hospitals across the country to achieve the Honor Roll designation, and the only hospital in Texas – and the southern U.S. – awarded this distinction. Over the last decade, no other pediatric hospital in the state has ever achieved an overall ranking as high as Texas Children’s.
Each year, in addition to ranking pediatric hospitals overall, U.S. News also ranks the top 50 pediatric hospitals across 10 major subspecialties. This year, Texas Children’s Heart Center® ranks as the best cardiology and heart surgery service in the country. In addition, six subspecialties ranked in the top five.
#1 Cardiology and Heart Surgery
#2 Pulmonology
?#4 Cancer
#4 Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
#4 Nephrology (kidney disorders)
#4 Neurology and Neurosurgery
#6 Diabetes and Endocrinology
?#6 Urology
#11 Neonatology
#16 Orthopedics
Visit the U.S. News website for more information.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX News (June 26, 2017) – A list of newly opened and coming soon retail, dining, and businesses in Katy, Texas.
JUST OPENED
Abuelo’s The Flavor of Mexico
24600 Katy Fwy.
AGU Ramen Bistro
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Aji Ramen
1645 Winding Hollow Dr.
The Cheese Bar
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Alicia’s Bakery
3616 N. Fry Rd.
Bambu Desserts & Drinks
9555 Spring Green Blvd.
Chipotle
24600 Katy Fwy.
DR34M Home Rug & Design
5000 Katy Mills Cir.
F45 Training Cinco Ranch West
4950 Katy Gaston Rd.
Iconic Eyecare
9722 Gaston Rd.
Grand Imperial Chinese Restaurant
27131 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy Hardware
559 Pin Oak Rd.
Mama Fu’s
24600 Katy Fwy.
MedSpa at Villagio
22764 Westheimer Pkwy.
MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company
21788 Katy Fwy.
Mo’s Irish Pub
23645 Katy Fwy.
Raising Cane’s
9730 Gaston Rd.
Sew Special Quilts
21800 Katy Fwy.
Total Wine & More
5472 W. Grand Pkwy. S.
Under Armour
5000 Katy Mills Cir.
Vibe Fitness
1800 S. Mason Rd.
Walmart Supercenter
22850 Morton Ranch Rd.
Watercrest at Katy
200 S. Katy Fort Bend Rd.
Woops!
5000 Katy Mills Cir.
Yori Yori Korean Kitchen
569 S. Mason Rd.
COMING SOON
Apex Burger
21788 Katy Fwy.
beatSTRONG Fitness & Nutrition
6420 FM 1463 Rd., Fulshear
Beck’s Prime
IH10 at Grand Pkwy.
Late 2017
Bucc-ee’s Katy
IH-10 at Cane Island Pkwy.
Fall 2017
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School
August 2018
Katy Asian Town
23119 Colonial Pkwy.
Jamba Juice
Katy Green Phase III
IH-10 and Baker Rd.
Jinya Ramen Bar
21788 Katy Fwy.
Summer 2017
Roko Grill
406 W. Grand Pkwy. S.
Late 2017
The Rouxpour Restaurant & Bar
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
2643 Commercial Center Blvd.
Salata
Shoppes at Cinco Ranch
Sam’s Boat
Stableside at Falcon Landing
Snappy Salads
Katy Green Phase III
IH-10 and Baker Rd.
Snooze
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Late 2017
Super H Mart
Grand Pkwy. and Katy Fwy.
Super Yummy Mongolian Stir-Fry and Sushi
Shoppes at Cinco Ranch
Ventana’s Wine Cafe
25551 Kingsland Blvd.
Fall 2017
Wingstop
Katy Green Phase III
IH-10 and Baker Rd.
Send your new-to-Katy items to editor@katymagazine.com.
Please confirm dates and locations with individual businesses as details may have changed since the time of print.
Katy, TX News (June 21, 2017) – The AT&T* IT CAN WAIT campaign has partnered with the YMCA of Greater Houston to raise awareness about the dangers of smartphone distracted driving. Research shows that seven in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving.** And, people are doing much more than texting from behind the wheel.
To drive home the message, AT&T and the YMCA are bringing the IT CAN WAIT virtual reality simulator to six YMCA locations in the Greater Houston area from June 21 to July 3. Participants will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road and glance at a phone.
On June 30 at 11 a.m., community leaders, law enforcement and emergency response officials will gather at the Trotter Family YMCA, 1331 Augusta Dr., to promote the campaign to the media and encourage those in attendance to think twice before engaging in this dangerous behavior. Among those will be David Lopez, vice president of Social Responsibility at the YMCA of Greater Houston, Al Bennett, community liaison for the Houston Fire Department, Officer Janette Arceneaux of the Houston Police Department, and Kerrick Henny, senior vice president of External Affairs at AT&T Texas.
“The YMCA of Greater Houston is excited to partner with AT&T and help instill safer driving habits in everyone,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. “Refraining from texting while driving is a matter of social responsibility, and social responsibility is an essential value of the Y. We are proud to participate in this national initiative to remind all drivers that their lives and the lives of others matter most.”
“It’s important that we all work together to educate the community on the dangers of using a smartphone while driving,” said Henny. “While many tragedies are out of our control, the ones caused by distracted driving are completely preventable. The simulator is a powerful tool to raises awareness and educate the public about the very real dangers of these actions to change this dangerous and sometimes deadly behavior.”
IT CAN WAIT is a national movement urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phones—distracted driving is never OK. The campaign began with a focus on not texting and driving. It has now expanded to the broader dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel. People can also use their own smartphone to view the 360° experience at home.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (June 15, 2017) – Schmalz Elementary was recently selected to participate in the 2017 Raising Family Partnerships Fellowship. The school is one of 20 from across the state selected to redesign and transform their family engagement plan based on best practices, personal experiences and lessons learned from other participants.
The year-long fellowship kicks off in the summer of 2017 with a design camp where school leaders will turn research into practice and engagement opportunities for their campuses during the upcoming school year.
Raising Your Hand Texas Leadership Program consists of an elite network of 1,000 Texas school leaders who contribute to creating a high-quality public school system that supports the success of all students. Following the design camp, participants will remain connected, working together to implement and improve their plans and to collaborate and provide feedback on ways to strengthen partnerships on their campuses. Congratulations to the staff at Schmalz Elementary School.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (June 14, 2017) – “Located off of Kingsland Blvd, just south of I-10 in Katy Texas, The Katy Boardwalk District is an approximately forty acre development conceptualized by the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority to transform the underutilized property and existing detention lake into an exciting retail, residential and recreational destination.
The project will be located just south of The Katy Mills Mall and within walking distance of the new Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The Katy Boardwalk District will add a number of exciting amenities and services to this rapidly transforming part of Katy.
Plans are currently underway with the City of Katy to complete the master plan for the district and for the final design for the park and lakefront. Ultimately The District will include approximately 650 modern loft residences, approximately 145,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space along with a new City of Katy Conference Center and Hotel all bordering a newly improved, eighty acre lake and park to the south.”
Courtesy of The Katy Boardwalk District
Katy, TX News (June 13, 2017) – The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island, where active retirees enjoy culinary classes to wine and book clubs, has been recognized by Where to Retire Magazine as one of the 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States.
Cane Island’s selection follows a nine-month process when the magazine’s editors reviewed of hundreds of communities across the country to create its 50 Best Master-Planned Communities list.
The 2016 GHBA Community of Year, Cane Island boasts lifestyle patio homes and larger, family homes in a resort-quality setting where social clubs, classes and workshops create a well-rounded, active lifestyle.
Active retirees also enjoy Cane Island’s Amenity Village with 24-hour fitness center, lap pool, yoga studio with on-demand workouts, glass-walled conservatory and resort-style family pool with cabanas and children’s water playground, ideal for visiting grandkids. Plus, Cane Island’s full-time, on-site Lifestyle Coordinator plans activities for residents of all ages.
“As Cane Island develops its first phase, we’re finding the community has become a nice balance of young families, empty nesters and active retirees,” says Lawren Eckhardt, Cane Island’s director of marketing.
One of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston, Cane Island presents new luxury homes from the mid $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, an exclusive, gated enclave of custom homes by Jeff Paul Custom Homes, Mike Harrison Custom Homes, Westport and William David Custom Homes featuring half-acre homesites and Houston’s first street pantries.
To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head south on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community.
Go to www.CaneIsand.com for more information including builder incentives and homes available for immediate move in. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island has been named one of the 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States by Where to Retire Magazine.
Courtesy of Cane Island
Katy, Texas News (June 13, 2017) – Texas may be oil country, but another energy resource is taking the state by storm. Alba Energy, an industry-leading solar panel design and installation firm, announced today they have expanded operations to Katy, a suburb of Houston.
“The pro-solar business environment in Katy allows us to offer rebates worth as much as $4,500 dollars off individual solar power installations.” Graeme Walker, Alba Energy Founder and CEO
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranks Texas as the ninth highest state in America for installed solar capacity, third highest for number of solar employees, and the top state for solar potential. The U.S. currently generates 44.7 Gigawatts (GW) of solar electricity, enough to power 8.7 million homes, with over 1 GW of that coming from Texas.
Homeowners throughout Katy and surrounding cities now have the opportunity to save money with solar energy solutions from Alba Energy, backed by a 25-year warranty on every part of the installation. Most homeowners can reduce power bills by fifty percent or more with a solar panel installation.
Businesses can also save money by switching to solar, and Alba Energy’s commercial solar solutions are providing millions of dollars in savings to a variety of industries in Texas including healthcare, data processing, multi-family real estate, and more.
“Alba Energy’s expansion in Katy allows us to serve the local market with high-performance solar installations that pay for themselves in energy savings. This new office and warehouse, along with a team of dedicated solar energy specialists, supports the Alba mission to facilitate growth of clean energy solutions across the Lone Star State.” Sheldon Wilkinson, General Manager, Alba Energy of Houston
To celebrate the new office, Alba Energy is hosting a Grand Opening for local community members. The event will take place Wednesday, June 21st from 5-8 PM at Alba’s office located at 1773 Westborough Drive, Suite 221 in Katy, TX 77449.
Katy Solar Office Open House
Wednesday, June 21st 5-8 PM
1773 Westborough Drive, Suite 221 Katy, TX 77449
Local solar clients will be on hand to discuss their experiences going solar on their homes and businesses. Food and drink will be provided, along with solar presentations and information sessions.
About Alba Energy
Based in Austin with offices across the state, Alba Energy specializes in the design, engineering and installation of exceptional quality commercial and residential solar systems across Texas. Learn more about a solar solution for your home or business by calling 800-238-3112 or visiting www.albaenergy.com.
Katy, TX News (June 13, 2017) – Three Katy ISD teams classified in the “Top 10 Teams” during the Global Destination Imagination Tournament, which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 24-28.
More than 1,400 teams representing 45 states and 14 countries competed in the event to showcase their innovative challenge solutions. In total, five Katy ISD teams attended the tournament, including students from Griffin Elementary, Hayes Elementary, Beckendorff Junior High and Katy High School.
In the Improv Challenge, 3-Peat, the Katy High School “Tie Di ers” finished in 10th place. This placed them as the highest ranking team in the state of Texas, who was in attendance. Participating in the Scientific Challenge, Top Secret, the Hayes Elementary team “It’s Classified” finished in third place. The “Altos Kryptos,” from Griffin Elementary won second place in the same category.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, Texas News (June 7, 2017) – Vibra Healthcare, LLC (“Vibra”), Memorial Hermann Health System, and Medistar Corporation (“Medistar”) announced today their collaboration on the development of VibraLife of Katy, a new VibraLife post-acute and residential care community coming to the Houston area. The new state-of-the-art facility will be located in the Parkwest Business Park off Interstate 10, adjacent to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. The facility will occupy 58,000 square feet and provide a total of 104 beds, including a 70-bed transitional care rehabilitation center, an 18-bed assisted living center, and a 16-bed secured memory care unit.
“We are delighted to be jointly pioneering a new post-acute care service model with Memorial Hermann,” said Brad Hollinger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vibra Healthcare. “Memorial Hermann has an exceptional reputation for the delivery of outstanding, end-to-end patient care experiences. We are committed to delivering the same high quality, affordable care in this new state-of-the-art post-acute facility.”
Affiliated with Memorial Hermann, the largest non-profit health system in Southeast Texas, and Medistar, a long-standing Houston-based developer and owner of healthcare real estate, VibraLife of Katy will be expertly equipped to serve the Houston community. The new, innovative facility will deliver a fully integrated post-acute care continuum and provide personalized services and care options that will help address the unmet needs of local healthcare providers and patients.
“This unique model provides a community-based care continuum that is conveniently housed under one roof, and will serve as the perfect bridge between an acute care stay and home for the patients we serve,” said Carl Josehart, Senior Vice President and CEO of Post-Acute Care Services for Memorial Hermann. “VibraLife of Katy joins our already robust post-acute care network to help ensure this patient population is able to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, every time.”
Designed and operated by Vibra, VibraLife of Katy will provide high quality care to patients following an injury or illness and will offer a full range of services – medical, rehabilitative, and social – to both patients and senior residents.
“VibraLife of Katy sets a new standard of excellence in post-acute care – a result of the innovative vision and uncompromising commitment to patient-centered care shared by Vibra and Memorial Hermann. For this important project, Medistar has worked diligently to align the real estate solution to enhance operational, clinical and financial efficiencies with an exceptional experience for patients, providers and guests,” said Monzer Hourani, Chief Executive Officer of Medistar.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for June 22, and construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2018.
“We are delighted to be jointly pioneering a new post-acute care service model with Memorial Hermann,” said Brad Hollinger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vibra Healthcare. “Memorial Hermann has an exceptional reputation for the delivery of outstanding, end-to-end patient care experiences. We are committed to delivering the same high quality, affordable care in this new state-of-the-art post-acute facility.”
Affiliated with Memorial Hermann, the largest non-profit health system in Southeast Texas, and Medistar, a long-standing Houston-based developer and owner of healthcare real estate, VibraLife of Katy will be expertly equipped to serve the Houston community. The new, innovative facility will deliver a fully integrated post-acute care continuum and provide personalized services and care options that will help address the unmet needs of local healthcare providers and patients.
“This unique model provides a community-based care continuum that is conveniently housed under one roof, and will serve as the perfect bridge between an acute care stay and home for the patients we serve,” said Carl Josehart, Senior Vice President and CEO of Post-Acute Care Services for Memorial Hermann. “VibraLife of Katy joins our already robust post-acute care network to help ensure this patient population is able to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, every time.”
Designed and operated by Vibra, VibraLife of Katy will provide high quality care to patients following an injury or illness and will offer a full range of services – medical, rehabilitative, and social – to both patients and senior residents.
“VibraLife of Katy sets a new standard of excellence in post-acute care – a result of the innovative vision and uncompromising commitment to patient-centered care shared by Vibra and Memorial Hermann. For this important project, Medistar has worked diligently to align the real estate solution to enhance operational, clinical and financial efficiencies with an exceptional experience for patients, providers and guests,” said Monzer Hourani, Chief Executive Officer of Medistar.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for June 22, and construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2018.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News – (June 7, 2017) – Gov. Greg Abbott signed the ban into law Tuesday, ending a decade-long effort by safety advocates to reduce potentially deadly driver distractions on the road.
Texas will become one of the last states to adopt some kind of texting while driving ban when the law takes effect Sept. 1. Texting would be punishable by a fine of up to $99 for first-time offenders and $200 for repeat offenses.
Dozens of Texas cities already ban texting while driving. The state law covers texting only and prohibits the use of hand-held phones to “read write or send an electronic message” while driving. Other Internet use for navigation or music programs is allowed.
Abbott said Tuesday that when lawmakers meet in special session in July and August, he wants them to pass a state law that will roll back any local ordinances that ban mobile device use beyond texting while driving. “We don’t need a patchwork of regulations,” across the state, Abbott said.
Safety advocates have been pressing for the texting ban for years. Lawmakers passed a ban in 2011, only to see it vetoed by then-Gov. Rick Perry. The issue gained new momentum after a March church bus crash killed 13 people. Federal investigators have said the driver of a pickup truck that hit the bus said he was checking for a text when the crash happened and had taken prescription drugs.
Some lawmakers have worried the ban will be difficult and confusing to enforce, and will give police new powers to pull over people who might be doing something legal if they mistake the presence of a phone or mobile device for texting.
Courtesy of Click 2 Houston
Katy, TX News (June 6, 2017) – Close to 5,000 Katy ISD seniors walked across the stage at the Leonard E. Merrell Center during this year’s graduation ceremony. Katy ISD congratulates all graduates and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
The District is proud to announce the Top 10 graduates from each of its comprehensive high schools. They are:
Cinco Ranch High School:
• Valedictorian: Trisha Neha Madhavan
• Salutatorian: Tiffany Cheng Yu
• No. 3: Alyssa Shuang Wu
• No. 4: Nirmit Shah
• No. 5: Sarah Kyoko Halvorsen
• No. 6: Aidan Roy Gettemy
• No. 7: Amol Milind Patil
• No. 8: Sabrina Clare Hodgins
• No. 9: Sean Bao Ngo
• No. 10: Jamie Liang Tan
Katy High School:
• Valedictorian: Holly Grace Meier
• Salutatorian: Bryan Daniel Marin
• No. 3: Kendrick Tan Mendoza
• No. 4: Brandon Jay Komplin
• No. 5: Sophia Nicole Carmen Lecher
• No. 6: Jacob Michael Clayton
• No. 7 : Sabrina Pereira Ghelardi
• No. 8: Alexandria Helen Woodward
• No. 9: Thanh Tam Thi Vo
• No. 10: Denali Evangeline Ibbotson
Mayde Creek High School:
• Valedictorian: Kunal Shailesh Jain
• Salutatorian: Wahibah Hannan
• No. 3: Juseung “Chris” Park
• No. 4: Shourya Kashyap
• No. 5: Thy Nguyen
• No. 6: Joseph Ola
• No. 7 (tie): Andrew Duong
• No. 7 (tie): Kassem Abusnineh
• No. 9: Justin Ngov
• No. 10: Vivian Lam
Morton Ranch High School:
• Valedictorian: Alejandro Guadalupe Gaona
• Salutatorian: Pranav Jayaraman
• No. 3: Uche Ogochukwu Okwo
• No. 4: Nicholas Alexander Rose
• No. 5: Victoria Belen Baltazar
• No. 6: Alyssa Patricia Chuidian
• No. 7: Alexander Octavio Viteri
• No. 8: Alyssa Ann Catoc Reyes
• No. 9: Jeremy Sander See Bayangos
• No. 10: Isra Rehman
Seven Lakes High School:
• Valedictorian: Naveen Chokkar
• Salutatorian: Jessica Shu
• No. 3: Jingze Yu
• No. 4: Thomas Xiong
• No. 5: Helen Zhou
• No. 6: Eva Patel
• No. 7: Rohan Sura
• No. 8: Justin Zhang
• No. 9: Sharon Xu
• No. 10: Moniish Elanchezhian
Taylor High School:
• Valedictorian: Maria Sturzu
• Salutatorian: Shujian “Scott” Lin
• No. 3: Irena Wan
• No. 4: Oishik Saha
• No. 5: Sheel Yerneni
• No. 6: Ananya Subraman
• No. 7: Angela Lin
• No. 8: Jessica Rao
• No. 9: Alissa Nguyen
• No. 10: Vincent Liu
Tompkins High School:
• Valedictorian: Kavya Chandran
• Salutatorian: Lucy Haoyue Chen
• No. 3: Saloni Patel
• No. 4: Brett Lawrence Dolotina
• No. 5: Tanaya Pampattiwar
• No. 6 (tie): Sudarshan Gopalakrishnan
• No. 6 (tie): Tanvi Jadhav
• No. 8: Audrey Liu
• No. 9: Brian Bandaranaike
• No. 10: Venkata Ravila
Katy, TX News (June 5, 2017) – Special Pals, Inc., a no-kill animal shelter serving the Katy/West Houston community, is searching for 13 area first responders to be featured in our 2018 Red White & Rescue calendar.
The calendar will include male and female first responders from the Katy/West Houston/Fulshear areas along with pets from the shelter. Special consideration will be given to first responders who currently own a pet adopted from Special Pals.
“Our goal for this calendar is to raise funds and awareness for Special Pals,” said Melissa Houser, member of the Board of Directors. “We also want to recognize our local first responders who bravely protect our communities every day. They work hard to save human lives while we work hard to save animal lives.”
Each first responder featured in the calendar will have their own professional photo shoot with a shelter pet, either one currently available for adoption or a pet the first responder previously adopted from Special Pals. Participants should wear the uniform (formal or casual) of the agency they represent.
Those interested in participating should email two high-quality photos (one full length photo and one headshot) along with their contact information (name, email, cell phone, and agency represented) to Melissa Houser at board@specialpalsshelter.org. There is no fee to apply or participate.
WHO: Pet-loving first responders (Fire, Law Enforcement, EMS, etc.) serving the Katy/West Houston/Fulshear areas
WHAT: To be featured with a Special Pals pet in the 2018 Red White & Rescue calendar
DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 30, 2017
Selected participants will be notified no later than July 15, 2017.
Photoshoots will be held in July and August 2017 and will last approximately 60 minutes. We will do our best to schedule photoshoots around each participant’s schedule.
WHERE: Photoshoots will be held at various locations around the Katy/West Houston/Fulshear areas.
WHY: To raise money for Special Pals, Inc. and the animals we serve
For more information, contact Melissa Houser at 713-344-3451 or board@specialpalsshelter.org. To learn more about Special Pals, visit our website at www.specialpalsshelter.org.
Katy, TX News (June 1, 2017) – Katy ISD is proud to announce the top two students from each high school who are ranked highest academically in their respective graduating classes. These students have worked extremely hard from the very first day of their ninth grade year until the last day of their senior year. Many of them are now moving on to prestigious colleges and universities throughout the nation. The 2016-2017 valedictorians and salutatorians are:
Cinco Ranch High School:
- Trisha Madhavan – Valedictorian
- Tiffany Yu – Salutatorian
Katy High School:
- Holly Grace Meier – Valedictorian
- Bryan Daniel Marin – Salutatorian
Mayde Creek High School
- Kunal Shailesh Jain – Valedictorian
- Wahibah Hannan – Salutatorian
Morton Ranch High School
- Alejandro Guadalupe Gaona – Valedictorian
- Pranav Jayaraman – Salutatorian
Seven Lakes High School
- Naveen Chokkar – Valedictorian
- Jessica Shu – Saluatorian
Taylor High School
- Maria Sturzu – Valedictorian
- Shujian Lin – Salutatorian
Tompkins High School
- Kavya Chandran- Valedictorian
- Lucy Haoyue Chen – Salutatorian
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 31, 2017) – Five Katy Independent School District (KISD) athletic trainers were recently awarded sports medicine scholarships from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, the official healthcare provider for KISD.
Each recipient was awarded a $700 sports medicine scholarship in recognition of the distinguished service the students provide to KISD athletic programs. This year’s recipients included: Alexis Ali from Mayde Creek High School, Kaylin Michalec from Cinco Ranch High School, Se’Kenia Rinayo from Morton Ranch High School, Claire Schlicher from Taylor High School, and Brianna Ungaro from Tompkins High School.
Ali is heading to Texas State University to study athletic training. Michalec will study sports medicine at the University of Arkansas. Rinayo will attend Lone Star College and plans to study business. Schlicher is going to Sam Houston State University to study forensic chemistry. Ungaro is headed to Arizona State University to study nursing.
Memorial Hermann Katy is the official healthcare provider of KISD, providing education, training and medical services that support student athletes, their coaches and families. Memorial Hermann Katy also offers world-class, innovative orthopedic care. Services range from non-surgical and minimally-invasive procedures to surgery, and rehabilitation for muscle, joint and bone injuries and abnormalities.
For more information on Memorial Hermann Katy, visit memorialhermann.org/locations/katy or call 713.222.CARE.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (May 31, 2017) – The Katy Walmart Supercenter at Grand Morton Town Center held a grand opening ribbon-cutting at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, bringing a broad assortment of fresh groceries and general merchandise to the community at everyday low prices. At this store, customers can enjoy convenient on-site services such as a full pharmacy and a free in-store pickup service, providing an easy way to shop millions of products on Walmart.com. The new store, located at 22850 Morton Ranch Road, will employ up to 300 full- and part-time associates.
“The associates have been working so hard to get this store ready for the community,” said Store Manager Jeremy Butler. “It’s exciting for everyone in Katy and we are ready to open our doors.”
Fresh, Affordable Produce, Meat and Groceries
The store includes a grocery department featuring a large selection of fresh organics, crisp greens, and premium products, the finest cuts of USDA choice meats and deli offerings. The in-store bakery offers freshly baked bread, personalized cakes, single-serve items and more.
Shop How, Where and When You Want
Walmart is innovating the shopping experience like no one else, so customers can shop when and how they want. Families in Katy can shop nearly 35 million items on walmart.com. The Pickup Discount gives customers a discount on select items if they choose to pick up their Walmart.com order at a store. In addition, Walmart offers free two day shipping with no extra cost for orders of $35 or more.
Courtesy of Walmart
Katy, TX News (May 30, 2017) – The Katy ISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Lance Hindt will be joining staff and community members as the district breaks ground on Elementary #41. This new educational facility is being made possible in part from savings out of the 2014 bond package and will serve to address growing enrollment that is taking place in the southwest quadrant of Katy ISD. The school is expected to open in Fall 2018. The new school will be located at 3701 Cross Creek Bend Ln. The groundbreaking will take place May 31, 2017 at 9 a.m.
Katy, TX News (May 30, 2017) – The Katy ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Dr. Dawn Carlson-Scruggs as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary School Leadership and Support.
Dr. Carlson-Scruggs has worked in the field of education for 25 years. She began her educational career in 1992 as a teacher in Lubbock ISD but she also worked in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD and Fort Bend ISD. She served as an assistant principal from 2001-2005 in Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD, respectively. While in Fort Bend ISD she served as a principal, coordinator of Leadership Development, Director of Special Education and most recently as Director of Student Affairs.
Dr. Carlson-Scruggs holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from Peru State College, a Master of Education in Special Education from Texas Tech University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Courtesy Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 30, 2017) – As Cane Island begins its second summer since its grand opening, the Katy master-planned community reports more than 50% of its phase one homesites either sold or under construction as new home buyers continue to flock to the 2016 GHBA Community of the Year.
Upon build out, Cane Island’s first phase will include approximately 550 traditional and lifestyle patio homes from the $200’s to the millions amidst a resort-style setting which earned Cane Island the prestigious GHBA Community of the Year Award for 2016.
Lawren Eckhardt, Cane Island’s director of marketing, says the presence of the community’s resort-quality Amenity Village plays a big role in attracting buyers at all price points.
“When families come to our Amenity Village, they just sense they’re in a different kind of place,” says Eckhardt. “With a family pool and cabanas, children’s water playground, 24-hour fitness center, yoga studio with on-demand classes and lap pool, it’s like having a private resort in your neighborhood.”
Eckhardt adds Cane Island’s oversized homesites with extended back yards are another big selling point. The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood featuring half-acre homesites and Houston’s first street pantries.
Other conveniences include a full-time Lifestyle Director who plans family movie nights, wine dinners and tastings, culinary classes, signature and holiday festivals, arts workshops and photography classes. Cane Island also has been recognized for its impressive Living Arches, two steel sculptures stretching over Cane Island Parkway incorporating hundreds of glass leaves and thousands of programmable LED lights which change colors with the seasons and for special occasions.
“You add it all up and you have the ideal community for first-time home buyers, move-up buyers and active empty nesters looking to downsize,” says Eckhardt. “Our residents experience a resort life right here in Katy.”
Looking forward, Eckhardt says the extension of the Cane Island Parkway into Cane Island will be a big boost for the community. Upon completion later this year, motorists will be able to travel directly from I-10 north on Cane Island Parkway and into the residential development.
Cane Island also has added a full-time Realtor Relations Ambassador, Monica Conchola, to serve as a one-stop resource for licensed agents.
To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community. For more information, including builder incentives, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Cane Island reports more than 50% of its phase one homesites either sold or under construction as new home buyers continue to flock to the 2016 GHBA Community of the Year
Courtesy of Cane Island
Katy, TX News (May 26, 2017) – Today, Houston-based developer Vista Equities Group broke ground on the Final Phase of development at Katy-area’s LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. The Final Phase will be anchored by a 37,000 sq. ft. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 7,500 sq. ft. of retail space and a 5-story parking garage. “LaCenterra is on the heels of its 10th anniversary celebration, so breaking ground on the Final Phase shortly after is very meaningful and important not only for us, but for the Katy community,” said Woody Mann, President of Vista Equities Group. “We are thrilled to see our development continue to grow and to welcome Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, along with many other exciting new tenants, to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.”
Representatives from The Vista Companies; Triple Tap Ventures, owner and operator of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Houston metropolitan area, Lubbock and El Paso; and Tribble & Stephens, which is leading construction efforts for the Final Phase, made the initial dig and commenced construction of the project. “We are thrilled to work alongside The Vista Companies to help them bring their superior vision to life for the Final Phase of LaCenterra. Over the last decade, the mixed-use development has done so much for the Katy community – we are proud to help continue this legacy and look forward to what it will bring in the next 10 years.” Said Van Martin, Chairman and CEO of Tribble & Stephens.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is one of the newest and most talked about tenants to join the Katy development. “Bringing Alamo Drafthouse to LaCenterra is exciting for us, as we’ll have the opportunity to provide our guests Alamo Drafthouse’s signature, one-of-a-kind movie going experience in a brand new, state-of-the-art movie theater inside a world-class mixed use development,” said Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, President and CEO of Triple Tap Ventures LLC.
The new Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra will have eight auditoriums with luxury seating and full in-theater dining service. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema LaCenterra will screen new releases, classics, independent films, foreign movies and Alamo Drafthouse’s unique signature programming. All theaters will also feature 4k digital projection and state-of-the-art digital surround sound. Additionally, each auditorium will eliminate the traditional front row, ensuring every seat in the house allows for a great viewing experience. The theater will have an adjacent bar/lounge with outdoor patio seating, serving up a large selection of craft beers on tap and handcrafted cocktails designed by award-winning Beverage Director Bill Norris.
The Final Phase will be located on the southeast side of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Construction of the Final Phase, including Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, is anticipated to be complete in early 2018.
Courtesy of Elmore Public Relations | LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Katy, TX News (May 24, 2017) – Realself empowers women and men to make sound decisions about cosmetic procedures by providing a unique platform for discussion between those considering cosmetic procedures and experts in their field, such as Dr. Gallas. Based on decades of experience, continued medical and surgical education, and maintenance of high ethical standards, Dr. Gallas has once again been named a “Top Doctor” with Realself.com.
His excellent reviews and ratings from patients along with his continual feedback on consumers’ questions regarding plastic surgery, have helped him achieve this honor which is awarded to less than 10% of doctors who participate on Realself. Dr. Gallas feels honored to be recognized as a “Top Doctor” with Realself.com, and pledges to continue to provide sound advice and quality care to those considering plastic surgery.
Katy, TX News (May 23, 2017) – During the Regular Board of Trustees meeting, Katy ISD Superintendent, Dr. Lance Hindt, announced Christopher Morgan as the new principal for Taylor High School. Mr. Morgan will be replacing Jeff Stocks, who recently accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent for Instructional and Administrative Support – Area 2.
Mr. Morgan has worked in education for 22 years. He began his educational career in 1995 as an elementary teacher in Irving ISD. In 1998, he was promoted to Assistant Principal at Paul Keyes Elementary. In 2006, his career moved him to Fort Bend ISD, where he served as an elementary, junior high and high school principal. Mr. Morgan has served as Principal of Kempner High School since 2014.
Mr. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Education in Administration Degree from Texas Women’s University. Mr. Morgan will begin his new role as principal of Taylor High School on July 1, 2017.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 22, 2017) – For the second year in a row, Katy ISD’s Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program reached an unparalleled milestone by donating an extraordinary 1,056,073 hours to the district’s students and staff. Although the number is impressive unto itself, the greater impact lies in the thousands of personal stories it reflects. Each one of those million+ hours represents a person who lovingly donated the gift of time to better the lives of Katy ISD children.
Katy, TX News (May 17, 2017) – Simon, a global leader in retail real estate, is pleased to announce the addition of Under Armour to Katy Mills and the Katy area.
“We are thrilled to share this highly-anticipated brand with the community,” said Sabrina Scurta, Director of Marketing and Business Development. “Katy Mills continually evolves to exceed shopper expectations and offer an elevated shopping experience for our visitors.”
The high-end athletic, sportswear and casual retailer is slated to open a 10,000 square-foot space between entrance 6 and 7, across from Smoothie King, during Memorial Day Weekend.
Founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank, Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel – gear engineered to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout. For a full list of Katy Mills retailers, please visit www.shopkatymills.com.
Katy, TX News (May 17, 2017) – During the monthly Katy ISD Work Study meeting, William “Bill” Lacy was welcomed as the newest member of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees. Lacy along with incumbents Ashley Vann and Courtney Doyle took the Oath of Office and were officially sworn in during a Special Board meeting held ahead of the Work Study.
The Board also unanimously elected new officers for the 2017-2018 school year. Ashley Vann was elected as president, Courtney Doyle as vice president and Charles Griffin as secretary. George Scott was appointed to fill the position of the Texas Association of the School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors for Region 4, Position E.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 11, 2017) – On the banks of scenic Lake Livingston mounted to the tall pines is one of the longest dual zip lines in Texas. All summer long, children – secured in their harnesses – race each other down the cabled lines in what many have described as an “experience of a lifetime” on the 530 acres of YMCA’s Camp Cullen.
For those who have never experienced Camp Cullen in Trinity, Texas, the YMCA is opening its doors to the public free of charge on May 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. During this time, children will get to sample what this lakeside camp has to offer, specifically kayaking, horseback riding, archery and tours of the extra modern and air-conditioned cabins and a newly built dining hall that offers dramatic views of the lake at any time of day.
After attending Camp Cullen and climbing its 55-foot tall Alpine tower, going wake boarding, sailing, and playing sports, parachute games and paintball, kids often return home from this residential camp having gained much more than a week of fun.
“YMCA Camp Cullen is more than just a summer camp. It provides an opportunity for kids to have life-changing experiences. While each day is packed full of tubing, ropes courses, creative arts, drama, dancing and opportunities to learn about geology and environmental science, behind the scenes kids are building self-confidence and making lasting friendships,” said Andrew Hood, director of the camp. “Camp Cullen is a community that instills a sense of belonging and being a part of something.”
Camp Cullen has consistently garnered the highest ratings from camp participants and their parents. Hood believes this is because the camp is also designed to appeal to a kid’s heart and soul.
“No doubt our kids like the cool stuff, but at Camp Cullen, they feel at home. They are welcomed energetically from the minute they arrive and are embraced by a staff that takes caring of the children to more meaningful levels,” Hood said of the camp counselors, many of whom travel from as far away as Great Britain and Australia to be an instrumental part of the camp experience. “Every year, parents tell us that their children return home more confident than ever, and that they forged so many new and lasting friendships with kids they otherwise would never have met.”
Camp Cullen is open to kids ages 7-17 and operates in one-week sessions. It is located 90 miles north of Houston.
No registration is necessary to try Camp Cullen on May 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. for free. Simply drive up and have fun! Camp Cullen is located at 460 Cullen Loop in Trinity, Texas: Camp Map and Directions
Want to arrange a tour on another day? Please call 936-594-2274.
For more information, please visit: www.ymcacampcullen.org.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (May 11, 2017) – The Katy ISD Education Foundation is committed to helping teachers create extraordinary classroom experiences for their students through grants. The foundation has awarded approximately $1 million dollars to Katy ISD teachers in their first five years. This year, $284,000 in grants were awarded to schools at the elementary through high school lever. The a few of the lucky grant recipients are listed below.
Wolfe Elementary – $4,997
The Write Path…Bright Future!
Lead teacher Christine Storms and team members Beth Morrow and Jenna Hill
Mayde Creek Junior High – $4,923
No, You Can’t Use Wikipedia: Teaching Gen Z How to Research
Lead Teacher Rebecca Calvert and team members Elizabeth Etter, and Stephanie Nicole Varga
Mayde Creek Junior High – $4923
Pavlov’s Teach-nology
Lead Teacher Crystal Ragbirsingh, team members Jennifer Britt and Toni Hicks
Mayde Creek Junior High – $4, 995
Let the Force Guide You
Lead teacher Marissa Salls and team members Lashaun Wright and Mary Grace Hearnsberger
Courtesy of Katy ISD Education Foundation. For more information, visit katyisdeducationfoundation.org.
Katy, TX News (May 10, 2017) – Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced that the Katy ISD Financial Services Department is the latest local government entity to achieve specific transparency goals through the Transparency Stars program. Katy ISD received a star in the area of Traditional Finances which recognizes entities for their outstanding efforts in making their spending and revenue transparent and easily accessible to the public.
“By providing meaningful financial data in addition to visual tools and analysis of its revenues and expenditures, Katy ISD’s Financial Services Department has shown a true commitment to Texas taxpayers. This effort achieves the goals set by my office’s Transparency Stars program,” Hegar said. “I am pleased to award Katy ISD a star for its accomplishments.”
The Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in March to recognize cities, counties and school districts making important strides to greater government transparency. Local government entities can apply for stars in the areas of:
- Traditional Finances
- Contracts and Procurement
- Economic Development
- Public Pensions
- Debt Obligations
After receiving an initial star for Traditional Finances, remaining stars may be awarded in any order. For more information on the program, including specific guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Comptroller’s Transparency Stars website.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 9, 2017) – This year Katy Magazine “Women’s Issue” included “Katy’s Top 100 Women” and over 30 Katy ISD women, including teachers, principals, district staff and namesakes, were recognized.
The list was generated through community nominations and remained a secret until the magazine hit the stands and when social media posts started circulating the final list.
“We get the pleasure of seeing the passion of many of these women first-hand and the love they have for school children so we have a very high regard for local educators, principals, trustees and namesakes,” says Kirsten Cornell, lead associate editor for Katy Magazine. “There were so many other educators and staff that we want to include and will continue to find ways to celebrate and recognize these hardworking women.”
Katy ISD is very happy to work with Katy Magazine on a daily basis to recognize the positive stories taking place in our district. Next year Katy Magazine is working on an even bigger and better surprise for Katy women. Those interested in nominating a Katy ISD woman, may email editor@katymagazine.com with the person’s name and a paragraph as to why she is so special.
Congratulations to all the Katy ISD women who made “Katy’s Top 100 Women” list!
Courtesy of Katy ISD
View Katy Magazine’s Top 100 Women of 2017.
Katy, TX News (May 8, 2017) – Katy ISD voters elected new members to serve of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees on Saturday, May 6, 2017.
- Ashley Vann won Position 3 with a total of 2,279 votes.
- Courtney Doyle won Position 4 with a total of 2,364 votes.
- William “Bill” Lacy won Position 5 with a total of 2,451 votes.
For full election results by precinct, please view the Katy ISD Board Election Tabulation.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 8, 2017) – A total of 20 nurses across Memorial Hermann earned recognition among the best in their profession in the region, including Melissa Evans, RN, at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, who was named one of Houston’s Top 10 Nurses of the Year by the Houston Chronicle. Additionally, 19 other Memorial Hermann nurses across the System were named to the Chronicle’s overall Top 150 “Salute to Nurses” 2017 list.
Each May during National Nurses Week – which aligns with the birthday week of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing – the Houston Chronicle honors the role nurses play in delivering care to the Houston community with its annual “Salute to Nurses” list. Hundreds of nurses are nominated by the Houston community and nominees are then selected by a panel. From the official nominees, 10 outstanding nursing professionals are chosen to be honored as greater Houston’s Top 10 Nurses of the Year.
“As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we thank and appreciate all of our nurses across the System who serve the Houston community and deliver compassionate, high quality care to our patients. We also want to congratulate all who made the Top 150 ‘Salute to Nurses’ 2017 list,” said Chuck Stokes, RN, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Hermann. “Nurses are the backbone of our System and we are humbled to have one of Houston’s Top 10 Nurses of the Year, Melissa Evans, as part of the Memorial Hermann family.”
Evans joined Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in 2013 as a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). As an empathetic caregiver, Evans consistently goes above and beyond in treating her patients and their families with the utmost care during the most difficult times.
“I am truly humbled to receive this recognition for doing something I am so passionate about,” she said. “Being a PICU nurse allows me to be there for our youngest and most fragile patients when they are at their most vulnerable, and for their families in a time of pain and uncertainty. I have an unwavering passion for helping others and I am fortunate I get to serve others every single day.”
Also included among this year’s Top 150 “Salute to Nurses” list were:
- Anton De Guzman, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Intermediate Care Unit
- Bethany Stanley, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Brad Rush, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Emergency Center
- Bridgette Singleton, Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, Labor & Delivery
- Carol Seamon, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Patient Care Unit
- Debbie Myers, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, Emergency Center
- Debra Raven, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Intensive Care Unit
- Gabrielle Edquilang, Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center, Neuro Intensive Care Unit
- Mollie Smith, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, Endoscopy
- Mujeetbat Kareem, Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Labor & Delivery
- Norah Kibagendi, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Patient Care Unit
- Pamela Block, Memorial Hermann Medical Group, Physicians at Sugar Creek
- Rommel Langit, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Emergency Center
- Rose Ann Rolland,Women’s Memorial Hermann at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, Labor & Delivery
- Ruby Herrera, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Intensive Care Unit
- Senobia Campbell, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Stacey Dotter, Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center
- Vonna Gonzalez, Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, Intermediate Care Unit
- Yolanda Russell, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Medical Surgical Unit
Memorial Hermann employs more than 8,000 nurses across the System’s hospitals and hundreds of diagnostic and specialty centers. At Memorial Hermann, nurses have a culture of collaboration and are offered career advancement opportunities and cross-training, as well as enhanced benefits available to all employees.
Learn more about nursing opportunities at Memorial Hermann or call (713) 222-2273.
Courtesy Memorial Hermann Katy
Katy, TX (May 5, 2017) – Polling locations for the City of Katy mayoral and city council election.
Election Day
Saturday, May 6, 2017 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Ward A
Katy City Hall
901 Ave. c
Ward B
Katy Municipal Courthouse
5432 Franz Rd.
Click here to see the most current City of Katy Ward map.
Katy, TX News (May 4, 2017) -This spring, Katy Magazine competed in the Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) Awards, a national program that seeks out the “best of the best” and showcases the highest quality publications in the United States. A panel of judges selected winners and finalists from over 1300 entries and 90 categories.
This year, Katy Magazine received 10 awards in categories such as general excellence, best single ad, cancer-awareness, community service, and best original writing. See all of the awards and the judge’s comments below:
- Special In-Paper Promotion Or Special Section -Separate Section Distribution: (Life – Salmon cover) First Place – Judge’s Comments: “Awesome stand-alone guide -organized well and designed with the reader in mind!”
- Community Service -Graphics: (SEEN – Stan Stanley Day) First Place – Judge’s Comments: “A great message -encouraging their readers to help others in honor of a wonderful man.”
- General Excellence – Publications Printed on Gloss: Second Place
- Self-Promotion –Own Publication: (Katy Go Contest) Second Place
- Self-Promotion-Other Media: (Wrapped Cars) Second Place
- Banner or Nameplate -Magazine Format: (Gold balloon letters from December/January 2016) Second Place
- Feature Article Layout–Magazine Format: (Women Who Rock) Third Place
- Fitness, Fashion Or Beauty -Single Ad, Full Color on Gloss: (Gallas Ad) Third Place
- Best Original Writing–Column –A Column written to inform or educate the reader: (Female Athlete Tetrad) Third Place
- Andrew E. Shapiro Award-Cancer Awareness Promotion: Honorable Mention
View results and winners here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ceu529gwd3s08n4/2017BestoftheBestWinnersSM.pdf?dl=0.
Katy, TX News (May 3, 2017) – Alec, a year 13 student at the British International School of Houston has been awarded one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto. The school is located in Katy off of Westgreen Blvd. and Franz Rd.
The University of Toronto is currently ranked No. 1 in Canada and No. 16 in the world. This is University of Toronto’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students and includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
The scholarship provides an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities, in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Alec will complete his International Baccalaureate studies this summer and enter University of Toronto’s Computer Engineering program this fall.
The scholarship program is intended to recognize and attract the world’s brightest students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. A special emphasis is placed on the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.
Andrew Derry, Principal of BISH commented, “I am extremely proud of all our graduates who have collaboratively been awarded over $1 million in scholarships this year, the equivalent of $100,000 per student. And in-particular, Alec, who received the coveted Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and exemplified the qualities of the scholarship. Our students are inspired to discover and realise their passions, we have ensured that BISH is a leader at the forefront of innovative education and that our students leave us fully prepared to compete and thrive on a global scale.”
Students at the BISH have access to the very best education including taking the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme that can lead them to some of the highest-ranking universities around the world, with successful pathways to scholarships. This is a demanding academic program and is widely recognized to be the most rigorous course of study for students. The IB is considered the framework for an international education that goes much deeper in meeting the needs of the changing world and is attributed to student academic success extending to the university application process. The BISH Class of 2017 are also celebrating university offer successes including Columbia University, Cambridge, Southampton, Newcastle, University College London, University of Glasgow, University of British Columbia, Baylor and University of Tulsa amongst others.
Courtesy of British International School of Houston
Katy, Texas News (May 2, 2017) – Katy families may have seen and taken photos with the brightly-painted locomotive on the railroad tracks in Historic Katy. What Katyites may not know is that the train is more than a great photo op. The #1988 SD70ACe locomotive is part of a larger, Presidential Heritage fleet from Union Pacific that pays tribute to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, and the historical significance it plays in American history.
Other locomotives in the fleet include:
- UP Western Pacific, #1996
- UP Southern Pacific, #1983
- UP Denver & Rio Grand Western Railroad, #1989
- UP Missouri Pacific Railroad, #1982
- UP Chicago & North Western Railroad, #1995
“Union Pacific has introduced the latest addition to its Heritage Series locomotives – the Katy locomotive. Incorporating historic colors and graphic elements of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, the new locomotive pays tribute to the men and women of the Katy.
“Our reputation as America’s greatest railroad has been strengthened by the many lines that are now a part of the UP,” said Dick Davidson, chairman and CEO. “The creation of our Heritage Series is just one way we can pay homage to those railroads and the generations of men and women who helped to build a great nation and the foundation for our future.”
The Katy Heritage Series locomotive joins the Missouri Pacific and Western Pacific locomotives unveiled in July. Three more Heritage Series locomotives, the Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific, and Denver & Rio Grande, will be introduced in 2006. All honor the people and the railroads that have made Union Pacific what it is today.
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, affectionately referred to as the Katy, was created in 1865. By the time it joined Union Pacific in 1988, the Katy served six midwestern states with more than 3,377 miles of track. It was an important north-south link between the Midwest and Texas, especially for the growing coal business. The Katy had primary operating centers in Denison, Texas; Bellmead, Texas; and Parsons, Kan.; and was headquartered in Dallas.
The new Katy Heritage Series locomotive is numbered 1988 to reflect the year its namesake joined Union Pacific, and the locomotive will initially operate within territory served by the Katy.
The Heritage Series marks the fifth time in company history that Union Pacific has painted locomotives in colors other than the traditional UP “Armour Yellow” paint scheme. Previously, locomotives were custom painted in 1991 to honor UP employees serving in the Persian Gulf War, in 1994 to call attention to the United Way Campaign, in 1996 for the Atlanta Games Olympic Torch Relay Train, and in 2002 for the Salt Lake City Games Olympic Torch Relay Train.
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.”
Courtesy of Union Pacific
KATY, TX (April 27, 2017) – The Quality Texas Foundation has awarded Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE). The prestigious award recognizes strong dedication to quality and high performance.
“We are honored to be among the select group of organizations to achieve this distinction from the Quality Texas Foundation. Winning the TAPE award is a reflection of the focus on clinical excellence, quality, and patient safety that the team at Memorial Hermann Katy provides every day,” said Heath Rushing, Senior Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Katy.
The Quality Texas Foundation, known as a national leader in its field, was chartered to recognize the best organizations in Texas. The group uses an extensive evaluation process that includes hundreds of hours spent through on-site visits to evaluate and score applicants in several criteria.
Dr. Mac McGuire, CEO Quality Texas Foundation said, “This award is no small achievement. It’s not about a particular test, or one day evaluation. It is a critical look at both the processes and results shown by Memorial Hermann Katy, in accordance with the Baldrige Criteria. Those who receive the TAPE award have a proven record of excellence.”
The Baldrige Excellence Framework is used by businesses, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations to improve and excel in their industries. This distinction takes Memorial Hermann Katy one step closer to achieving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital received the prominent award in 2016.
“We know the hard work isn’t over yet. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a lofty goal, but we believe our staff already provides the high quality care outlined by the Baldrige Excellence Framework, and we are confident that we will prove that to the organization in the coming months,” said Rushing.
“I want to congratulate the team at Memorial Hermann Katy on this significant award,” said Dr. Benjamin Chu, President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System. “It is a rigorous journey to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and this is an impressive step in the right direction.”
Memorial Hermann Katy will receive the award during the Quality Texas Foundation annual conference June 27, 2017 at the Houston Westin.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (May 1, 2017) – Several Katy-area car collectors did more than just turn heads with their hot rods and roadsters at the recent Cane Island Car Show, they also won big cash prizes as the winners in several categories as selected by public vote.
Anel Brown was awarded $2,000 as the winner of Best in Show and Best Vintage; Jim Walters was awarded $1,000 for Best in Paint; Isac Ramos won $1,000 for Best Interior; and Mark Green took home $1,000 for Most Unique entry.
The winning entries were among more than 100 mint-conditioned cars on display in Cane Island’s Amenity Village. Classic cars also were presented in front of 12 of Cane Island’s luxury model homes. DJ music, face painters, food trucks and a beer garden presented by No Label Brewery enhanced the family atmosphere.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and certainly look forward to presenting the car show again next year,” says Cane Island Director of Marketing Lawren Eckhardt. Cane Island’s Get Away to the Car Show was sponsored by Sterling McCall Lexus and Rescue Realtor.
The 2016 Greater Houston Builders Association Community of the Year, Cane Island is one of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston presenting new luxury homes from the $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood featuring half-acre homesites. Custom home builders in the Estates at Cane Island include Jeff Paul Custom Homes, Mike Harrison Custom Homes, Westport and William David Custom Homes.
To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community.
For more information and for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Katy, TX News (April 27, 2017) – Niche, an online ranking site for colleges, k-12 schools, and places to live, has ranked the Katy suburb of Cinco Ranch as the second best place to live in Texas for 2017. Coming in second only to Rollingwood, a suburb of Austin, Cinco Ranch was given four out of five starts for it’s safety, clean streets, schools, and friendly neighbors. View the Top 100 list below:
- Rollingwood – Austin
- Cinco Ranch – Houston
- Greatwood – Houston
- Coppell – Dallas
- Frisco – Dallas
- Allen – Dallas
- The Woodlands (City)
- Plano (City)
- Sugar Land (City)
- West Lake Hills – Austin
- Brushy Creek – Austin
- Sienna Plantation – Houston
- Alamo Heights – San Antonio
- University Park – Dallas
- New Territory – Houston
- Taylor Lake Village – Houston
- Murphy – Dallas
- Southlake – Dallas
- Richardson – Dallas
- Spring Valley Village – Houston
- Cedar Park – Austin
- Terrell Hills – San Antonio
- Bellaire – Houston
- Flower Mound – Dallas
- Bunker Hill Village – Houston
- Shady Hollow – Austin
- Colleyville – Dallas
- Seabrook – Houston
- Meadows Place – Houston
- Bee Cave – Austin
- El Lago – Houston
- Olmos Park – San Antonio
- Southside Place – Houston
- Friendswood – Houston
- Keller – Dallas
- Hedwig Village – Houston
- Hudson Bend – Austin
- Parker – Dallas
- Round Rock (City)
- Trophy Club – Dallas
- Lakeway – Austin
- Highland Park – Dallas
- West University Place – Houston
- Fairview – Dallas
- Highland Village – Dallas
- McKinney – Dallas
- Hunters Creek Village – Houston
- Sunnyvale – Dallas
- Shavano Park – San Antonio
- Manchaca – Austin
- Scenic Oaks – San Antonio
- Garden Ridge – San Antonio
- League City – Houston
- Pearland – Houston
- Missouri City – Houston
- Mansfield – Dallas
- The Hills – Austin
- Georgetown – Austin
- Katy – Houston
- Pflugerville – Austin
- Piney Point Village – Houston
- Nassau Bay – Houston
- Grapevine – Dallas
- Wells Branch – Austin
- Heath – Dallas
- Prosper – Dallas
- Hollywood Park – San Antonio
- Clear Lake Shores – Houston
- Cross Mountain – San Antonio
- Timberwood Park – San Antonio
- Serenada – Austin
- Addison – Dallas
- Westlake – Dallas
- Fair Oaks Ranch – San Antonio
- Leander – Austin
- Castle Hills – San Antonio
- Carrollton – Dallas
- Rockwall – Dallas
- Euless – Dallas
- Jersey Village – Houston
- Double Oak – Dallas
- Corinth – Dallas
- Oak Ridge North – Houston
- Pecan Grove – Houston
- Atascocita – Houston
- Cibolo – San Antonio
- Barton Creek – Austin
- Lantana – Dallas
- Wylie – Dallas
- Fate – Dallas
- Shenandoah – Houston
- Lewisville – Dallas
- Boerne (City)
- Sachse – Dallas
- Rowlett – Dallas
- Leon Valley – San Antonio
- Farmers Branch – Dallas
- Schertz – San Antonio
- North Richland Hills – Dallas
- Deer Park – Houston
Check out home values and schools in the Katy suburb of Cinco Ranch in our 2017 Katy Life Newcomer & Resource Guide.
Katy, TX News (April 24, 2017) – Early voting for the May 6, 2017 election starts Monday, April 24 and ends on May 2. The Harris County Clerk’s office will conduct elections for eight political subdivisions serving over 900,000 registered voters in Harris County. Fifty-four additional political entities in Harris County will also conduct elections on the same day. The deadline to submit an application for a mail ballot is April 25.
Voters residing in the political entities in which the County Clerk is running the election can find sample ballots, the early voting schedule, and the election day polling locations at www.HarrisVotes.com. The County Clerk’s office is conducting elections for the City of Humble, City of Pasadena, Houston Independent School District, Humble Independent School District, Northgate Crossing Municipal Utility District 2, Northwest Harris County Municipal Utility District 28, Oakmont Public Utility District, Harris County Water Control & Improvement District 91.
Voters in the other political subdivisions within the county may visit the www.HarrisVotes.com website to find out if there is an election taking place in their area by searching via the “Find Your Poll” search engine. Over half of the county’s 2.2 million registered voters are eligible to vote in a May 6 election.
“Contact information for the political entities is provided via the “Find Your Poll” search engine on www.HarrisVotes.com.” said Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, the county’s chief election officer. “Voters should communicate directly with political entities conducting their own elections to obtain more information about their elections and voting locations.”
For more information about the acceptable forms of photo identification and other means to vote at the poll, the requirements to vote by mail, the early voting period and voting on election day in the upcoming May elections, voters may visit www.HarrisVotes.com or call 713.755.6965.
Courtesy of the Harris County Clerk’s Office
Katy, TX News (April 20, 2017) – On Thursday, April 27, 2017, Wood Group will host a community recycling drive at its Park Ten campus to support its environmental stewardship program. A portion of the recyclable proceeds will benefit the Heart of Mustang, Wood Group’s 501 (c3) charitable organizations. Heart of Mustang raises money to benefit a variety of causes, and its success is a direct result of dedicated employees who generously volunteer their, time, labor and monetary gifts.
Wood Group is committed to protecting the environment and supporting its local community. Drives like this and other initiatives throughout the year allow Wood Group to provide employees and the community a convenient way to donate recyclable items, promote environmental awareness and encourage environmental best practices. The Greater Houston community is invited to drop off their recyclable materials.
Acceptable donations include: E-waste recycling for outdated or end-of-life electronics – provided by TechnoCycle. Paper, cardboard, aluminum, and free onsite shredding of confidential documents – provided by SE Shred. Boys and Girls Harbor & Katy Christian Ministries accepting donations for new and gently used clothing, furniture, housewares; non-perishable food. New Eyes collecting used eye glasses, frames, eye glass accessories. Pet food, new or gently used pet supplies for local animal rescues.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ten West Center One in the parking lot. The address is 17420 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094.
Contact Bobbie Ireland at Bobbie.Ireland@woodgroup.com or 281.828-3505.
Courtesy of Wood Group Mustang
Katy, TX News (April 19, 2017) – The dates for early voting and election day for the 2017 Katy ISD Board election have been announced. The Board is comprised of seven members who are elected at-large to fill available positions. In accordance with the provisions of the Texas Education Code, a person may not be elected as a trustee of Katy ISD unless the person is a qualified voter.
An individual seeking election as a member of the Board of Trustees must have been a resident of the state for 12 months and a resident of the District six months prior to the last date on which the candidate could file to be listed on the ballot. The following persons have filed as candidates for the upcoming election.
Dates, candidate information, polling information, and more below.
EARLY VOTING DATES & LOCATIONS
Monday, April 24, 2017 – Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. - Morton Ranch High School
21000 Franz Rd. - Seven Lakes High School
9251 S. Fry Rd. - Taylor High School
20700 Kingsland Blvd. - Leonard Merrell Center
Rooms 143 – 144
6301 S. Stadium Ln.
ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS
Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Precinct 1 – Seven Lakes High School
9251 S. Fry Rd. - Precinct 2 – Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. - Precinct 3 – Katy City Hall
901 Avenue C. - Precinct 4 – Katy Municipal Court Building
5432 Franz Rd. - Precinct 5 – Hayes Elementary
21203 Park Timbers Ln. - Precinct 6 – Taylor High School
20700 Kingsland Blvd. - Precinct 7 – Maurice Wolfe Elementary
502 Addicks-Howell - Precinct 8 – Morton Ranch High School
21000 Franz Rd. - Precinct 9 – Mayde Creek Junior High
2700 Greenhouse Rd. - Precinct 10 – Bear Creek Elementary
4815 Hickory Downs - Precinct 11 – Pattison Elementary
19910 Stonelodge Dr. - Precinct 12 – Shafer Elementary
5150 Ranch Point Dr. - Precinct 13 – Beck Junior High
5200 S. Fry Rd.
Click here to locate your precinct based on county boundaries.
CANDIDATES & POSITIONS
Position 3 Candidates
- Candice Perkins
- Ashley Diehl Vann
- Dr. David Velasquez
Position 4 Candidates
- Courtney Doyle
- Carlos Young
Position 5 Candidates
- Henry Dibrell
- William E. “Bill” Lacy
Courtesy of Katy ISD. Visit katyisd.org for more information .
Katy, Texas News (April 17, 2017) – Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) will hold auditions in Houston on May 6th and 7th for the upcoming production of PIPPIN, slated to run at the Miller Outdoor Theatre this summer. PIPPIN will be directed and choreographed by Michelle Gaudette who directed MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for TUTS last summer at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
“We are so looking forward to our annual summer shows at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Our relationship with our friends and colleagues at Miller Outdoor Theatre provides us with the opportunity to remember our beginnings there nearly 50 years ago. Our lineup for this summer, which includes PIPPIN, will build upon our tradition of providing access to some of Houston’s best musical theatre. We are delighted to be working with our long-time collaborator Michelle Gaudette and our immensely talented local actors to create a summer line-up that inspires, entertains, and celebrates all that is great about Houston and the Houston arts scene,” said Hillary Hart, Executive Director of Theatre Under The Stars.
PIPPIN, a circus inspired production, features a troupe of acrobatic performers led by a very charismatic Leading Player. The performers’ main purpose is to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince who is longing to find adventure and passion in all areas of his life. PIPPIN, with book by Roger O. Hirson and music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, will play at Miller Outdoor Theatre July 11-16, 2017.
The Houston auditions will take place at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in the Administration Building, located at 800 Bagby St., Houston, Texas 77002, and the schedule for the days will be as follows:
Saturday, May 6, 2017
2-6 p.m.
Combined EPA / ECC
7-11 p.m.
Combined Male / Female Dance Call
Sunday, May 7, 2017
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By Appointment ONLY
3-7 p.m.
Callbacks
Anyone interested in this audition should come fully prepared. Auditioners should be aware that TUTS complies with all Actor’s Equity Association guidelines, and that all rehearsals for the production are held in the daytime during normal business hours.
To schedule an appointment or for any questions about the auditions, please email auditions@tuts.com. Rehearsals for PIPPIN will begin on June 23rd. For more information, visit www.TUTS.com/auditions.
SEEKING:
Leading Player: Male/Female, Any Ethnicity. The ultimate ‘ring leader.’ Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. Excellent dancer. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience. Ab4 – Db3
Pippin: Male, Any Ethnicity, 16 – 25, our story’s young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo. Ab4 – G2
Charles: Male, Any Ethnicity, 55 – 70, Pippin’s demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride. E4 – G2
Lewis: Male, Any ethnicity, 25 -35, the son of Charles and Fastrada. More brawn than brains. The perfect soldier, who loves Lewis above all else.
Fastrada: Female, Any Ethnicity, 35 – 55, Pippin’s conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son. F5 – A3
Berthe: Female, Any Ethnicity, 60 – 80, Pippin’s saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. C5 – E3
Catherine: Female, Any Ethnicity, 25 – 40, a widow and mother. She is a beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him. Db5 – F#3
Ensemble: Male/Female, Any Ethnicity, All Ages. Strong Dancers. Charlemagne’s Army, Monks, Nobility, Peasants, The Players.
The Theatre Under The Stars production of PIPPIN is sponsored in part by Wells Fargo, The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Wortham Foundation, Inc., the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc., the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars and the official sponsor of the 2016/17 Season. United Airlines is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars.
*Theatre Under The Stars is committed to diversity in casting, and will not discriminate against any Actor or applicant for a part in a cast by reason of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, sexual or affectional preference, age, handicap, political persuasion, or belief.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.tuts.com. Theatre Under The Stars is Houston’s leading Musical Theatre Company since 1968, with a focus on education and community engagement. TUTS is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization that relies on the generous support of our donors to deliver first-rate theatre experiences.
Katy, TX News (April 17, 2017) – The YMCA of Greater Houston is committed to healthy living and wants to share the activities that will keep children’s bodies and minds in good shape over summer break at YMCA Healthy Kids Day ® on April 22.
Free to all families, Healthy Kids Day will be hosted by all YMCAs in the Greater Houston area from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While activities will vary from center to center, children and their parents will get to sample all of the fun the Y has to offer in day camp, overnight camp, youth sports and swim lessons.
Activities on Healthy Kids Day will include program demonstrations, such as karate and Zumba dance offs; games, including hula hoop contests, water activities and relay races; arts and crafts, such as face painting and coloring; and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities such as making “elephant toothpaste” and “twisting tornados” in a bottle. Families can also take tours of the facilities for free.
“Healthy Kids Day is a great way to introduce families to summertime activities at the YMCA that not only are fun, but help children continue to grow and flourish when they are not in school,” said Shawn Borzelleri, vice president of Programs at the YMCA of Greater Houston. “We would love for everyone to come out and see what the Y has to offer in terms of day camp, overnight camp, youth sports and swim lessons and to have fun together as a family.”
Healthy Kids Day is a national YMCA initiative celebrated at more than 1,300 YMCAs across the country. More than 1.2 million parents and their children are expected to participate.
Please contact your local YMCA or visit www.ymcahouston.org to learn more about Healthy Kids Day and YMCA summer programs. Those who join the YMCA of Greater Houston by April 24 will not pay a join fee, a savings of up to $125.
Courtesy of YMCA
Katy, TX News (April 14, 2017) – Phaneendra Kondapi, a veteran engineering educator who helped develop the nation’s first subsea engineering program at the University of Houston, has been named founding director of engineering programs at the University of Houston at Katy.
Kondapi is returning to the University after serving as director of subsea engineering at Texas A&M University for the past year.
The UH Cullen College of Engineering began offering two energy-focused engineering courses at the Houston Community College (HCC) Northwest-Katy Campus last fall, in advance of the planned opening of a new UH System facility in Katy in 2018. The UH System site will be home to UH Katy and the University of Houston-Victoria at Katy. The graduate-level course offerings are focused on areas in high demand in Houston’s Energy Corridor, including petroleum, subsea, electrical and environmental engineering.
Five graduate-level classes will be offered at the HCC Katy campus this fall, in electrical engineering, subsea engineering and environmental engineering. Kondapi will teach one of the subsea courses, flow assurance.
“Dr. Kondapi was vital to developing the first subsea engineering program in the U.S. here at the Cullen College. I am tremendously proud that he will now help to bring our top-ranked engineering programs to the Katy community,” said Joseph. W. Tedesco, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Dean of the Cullen College of Engineering.
Kondapi taught the UH subsea engineering program’s inaugural course, flow assurance, in 2011, and has worked on to standardize global subsea education through the UH-led Global Subsea Education Alliance.
Formerly an adjunct professor of subsea engineering, Kondapi has more than 20 years of experience managing engineering projects at energy industry giants FMC Technologies and KBR.
He said he wants students to learn not just the technical material but to gain an enthusiasm for the field. “My motivation is to make my students successful by encouraging them to get ready for industry,” Kondapi said.
Kondapi was awarded the 2013 SPE Teaching Excellence Award from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International, which recognizes petroleum engineering faculty who have demonstrated innovative teaching techniques and creative pedagogy methods in the classroom.
The HCC building in Katy is easily accessible for Energy Corridor professionals pursuing degrees or certificates to enhance their skills. “We are here in Katy to serve both the community and the industry to improve their technical and engineering careers,” Kondapi said.
Courtesy of the University of Houston and the Katy Area EDC
Katy, TX News (April 13, 2017) – The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization which assigns A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide, yesterday released new Leapfrog Hospital Safety grades. Houston Methodist West was one of 823 hospitals to receive an “A” for its commitment to reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients, ranking among the safest hospitals in the United States.
“We are proud to receive our second ‘A’ in a row from The Leapfrog Group,” said Vicki Brownewell, chief nursing officer of Houston Methodist West. “Keeping our patients, guests and staff out of harm is at the forefront of every decision. This is what makes Houston Methodist West unparalleled in safety and quality.”
“Hospitals that earn top marks nationally in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, have achieved the highest safety standards in the country,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “That takes commitment from every member of the hospital staff, who all deserve thanks and congratulations when their hospitals achieve an ‘A’ Safety Grade.”
Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
To see Houston Methodist West’s full grade, and to access consumer-friendly patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
About Houston Methodist West Hospital
Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers nearly 200 beds and access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, full-spectrum heart care, state-of-the-art imaging, cancer care, labor and delivery with a neonatal ICU, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, outpatient rehabilitation and 24/7 emergency services. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/west.
Courtesy of Houston Methodist West Hospital
Katy, TX News (April 13, 2017) – Katy Magazine released their list of influential, inspirational women who are leading the way in Katy.
(in alphabetical order)
1. CAROL ADAMS
Katy historian and community leader
2. MINDY ADAMS
Arts and community volunteer, CFO for Adams Law Firm
3. KATHY ALT
Executive Director of Cinco Charities
4. BJ ALVAREZ
Assistant to Superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt
5. DR. SANÉE BELL
Principal at Morton Ranch JH
6. CATHERINE “GIGI” BETHKE
Katy educator and school namesake
7. TERRI BIEBER
Founder of Katy ARTreach
8. REBECCA BLACKMON
VP of Prosperity Bank and first woman in the Katy Rotary
9. NANCY BOOSTROM
Long-time volunteer, Make-A-Wish
10. MARTHA BROWN
Katy ISD KEYS Mentor and Katy ISD Partners in Education
11. FELICE BRYANT
Katy educator and school namesake
12. JANET BURKETT
Marketing Director at JDC/Firethorne and volunteer
13. COURTNEY CALFEE
Teacher who started Read, Deed, Run
14. KAY CALLENDER
Founder and Vice Chair of Keep Katy Beautiful
15. DR. CHRISTINE CASKEY
Chief Academic Officer for Katy ISD
16. CHRISTA CLIFTON
Business Development Director, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital
17. GINA COBB
Principal at West Memorial JH
18. CARRIE CONN JONES
Founder of Carrie’s Heart
19. DR. EMILY CRAIG
Principal at Memorial Parkway JH
20. DA’DRA CRAWFORD GREATHOUSE
Grammy nominee and lead vocalist at Lakewood Church
21. KATHRYN CRAWFORD WHEAT
Author, expert networker, and speaker
22. DR. FREDA CREECH
Katy ISD Assoc. Superintendent for School Leadership and Improvement
23. CHRIS CROCKETT
Avid education volunteer
24. JANIE DALE
Director/President of Vanessa’s Big Heart Foundation
25. CARRA DANIELS
Principal at Beck JH
26. KEIKO DAVIDSON
Katy educator and school namesake
27. MELANIE DAVILA
Co-Founder of Caring4Katy
28. HEATHER DEVRIES
Coordinator for Simon Youth Academy in Katy Mills Mall
29. PEGGY DIMMICK
Director of Katy’s Fussell Senior Center
30. CHRISTINA DISMUKE
Multiple award-winning Katy ISD teacher
31. FATIMA DONALDSON
Artist, photographer, and arts volunteer
32. COURTNEY DOYLE
Secretary of Katy ISD Board of Trustees
33. KERRI FINNESAND
Principal at Raines High School
34. REBECCA FOX
President of Katy ISD Board of Trustees
35. KERRYL ANN FRANK
Praise and worship singer/songwriter
36. ANNIE GERHARDT
President of Cinco Ranch Ladies Club
37. KATHIE GERRITZEN
Executive Director of Katy Area Ride Service
38. AUDREY GILBREATH
Founder of Gilbreath Communications
39. BRIANCA GOFF
Born with Spina Bifida and longtime advocate
40. KAYE GOOLSBY
Political activist, formerly national grassroots chair for Ted Cruz
41. DR. LISA GRAHAM-GARZA
Local dentist and founder of Autism Rescue Angels
42. REBEKAH GREGORY
Boston Marathon bombing survivor, amputee, writer, and speaker
43. DR. ANDREA GROOMS
Katy ISD Director of Communications
44. AMBER GUSTAFSON
Renowned jeweler and longtime Katy resident
45. ELIZABETH HANSON
President of the Republican Women’s Club of Katy
46. TINA HATCHER
Founder of Hope Impacts
47. PATTY HENSON
Director of the Katy High Bengal Brigade for 34 years
48. KATHRYN HINDT
Teacher and First Lady of Katy ISD
49. JULIE HINSON
Principal at Morton Ranch HS
50. ANN HODGE
President of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
51. BONNIE HOLLAND
Katy educator and school namesake
52. JACKIE HOOKS
Founder of Pruning Hooks Ministry
53. KEVA HORRY
Public speaker, author, and activist for young people with disabilities
54. K. GISELLE JOHNSON
Writer/producer who has covered the Cannes & Sundance Film Festivals
55. SHEREE JONES
Organ donation advocate who registered the 1,000,000th donor in Texas
56. SHEILA JOSEPH
Registrar at Raines High School and wife of Coach Gary Joseph
57. MICHELLE LACOUR
First Lady of the Katy Area EDC
58. PATTI LACY
VP of the board for KCM, board member of the KVPAC, and realtor
59. KELLY LITVAK
Director of Tools 4 Life, writer, and speaker
60. CARRIE LOWERY
Principal at Bethke Elementary
61. APRIL MANCINI
Director of the Katy Cowgirls organization
62. LEAH MARTINEZ
Chairperson NHPO Katy Chapter
63. STEPHANIE MCDANIEL
Founder of Graeme’s Superheroes
64. GARI MEACHAM
Author and speaker
65. DR. IMELDA MEDRANO
Principal at Seven Lakes JH
66. KRISTIN MILLER
Founder of KVPAC and arts advocate
67. ABI MORTON
Founder of Clothed By Faith
68. JOAN MURRAY
Katy missionary who supports an orphanage in Zimbabwe
69. SHERRY NELSON, BSN, JD
Board President for Christ Clinic
70. BRANDE NESTER
Founder of Bennett’s Bears
71. ELIZABETH NICKLAS
Principal at Cinco Ranch JH
72. SHARI NIGHTINGALE
Founder of Lindsay’s Light, speaker, and relationship violence educator
73. JULI NOELDNER
Principal at Exley Elementary and cancer survivor
74. ERICA NOWELL
Ewings Sarcoma survivor and triathlete
75. DENISE OWEN
Founder of Breath of Life Clinic
76. REDELL PATTERSON SCOTT
Katy centenarian and longtime Katyite
77. LARISSA PLUNTO
Community Relations Director for State Senator Lois Kolkhorst
78. KAYCE REINA
Tourism and Marketing Director for the City of Katy
79. DR. SUSAN RICE
Principal at McMeans JH
80. ERICA RICO
Radio personality
81. AMBER ROBINSON
Foster mother and leader of Kingsland Baptist’s Tapestry Ministry
82. RUHAMAH RYLANDER
Mentor to pregnant teens and young fathers-to-be
83. NUBIA SEIBERT
Abstract artist
84. SUSAN SELKE
National activist for the prevention of soldier suicides
85. DIANA SCHAUER-TRAN
Director of Marketing for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital
86. DR. DEBORAH SHARDY
Pediatric Oncologist at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
87. AVADELE P. SHORT
Longest-serving volunteer at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital
88. DEBBIE SIEBERT
VP Katy Grand Theatre Project and arts advocate
89. SUSAN SMITH
Business owner, philanthropist, and community volunteer
90. SUSAN SOWELL
Registered counselor, survivor of abuse, and recovery advocate
91. PATSY STANLEY
Retired Katy educator and namesake for the Stan & Patsy Stanley Entrepreneur Award
92. ALLISON STARK
President and CEO of Katy Cares
93. DR. MELINDA STONE
Principal at WoodCreek JH
94. JANET THEIS
Katy ISD Partners in Education and Katy ISD Education Foundation
95. SUSAN THIELE
Watercolorist and former Katy ISD teacher
96. KAREN THORNTON
President of Katy Area Retired Educators
97. DR. LACIE TRUITT
Owner of Katy Vision who travels the world providing free eye exams to the needy
98. ASHLEY VANN
VP of Katy ISD Board of Trustees
99. DR. ANNA WEBB-STORY
Principal at Miller Career & Technology Center
100. JAMIE WOLMAN
Former Katy ISD educator and school namesake
Katy, TX News (April 13, 2017) – The popular Texas convenience store and gas station is rumored to be building the largest car wash in the world. It will be 255 feet long, and will accompany a 56,000 foot store and 120 gas pumps. The store was originally scheduled to open this spring, but construction timelines have been pushed back due to the installation of a generator powerful enough to keep the store running in the event of a power outage. The new anticipated opening is set for this fall, and will provide approximately 200 jobs to the area.
Katy, Texas News (April 11, 2017) – Katy High School invites you to celebrate the inaugural class of the Tiger Hall of Honor, which recognizes the efforts and contributions of former student athletes, athletic teams, coaches and special merit individuals who have brought distinction, honor and excellence to themselves and to the District. Honorees include Clint Black, William Haskett, Patricia Wardlaw, Nancy Wilson, Renee Zellweger, Andy Dalton and Darren McPherson.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Katy High School Performing Arts Center (PAC)
6331 Highway Blvd.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (April 11, 2017) – Throngs of car enthusiasts and fans of classic cars flocked to Katy’s Cane Island for the master-planned community’s Get Away to the Car Show, sponsored by Sterling McCall Lexus and Rescue Realtor, on Saturday, April 8.
Dozens of mint-condition cars, from sporty roadsters to grand touring types, were on display in the Cane Island Amenity Village amidst an atmosphere of DJ music, face painters, food trucks and a special chalkboard car for the kids.
Classic cars also were parked in front of Cane Island’s 14 luxury model homes, the perfect way to check out the finest machines on wheels while touring new homes in the 2016 Greater Houston Builders Association Community of the Year.
Katy, TX News (April 11, 2017) – The Katy Chamber of Commerce will host a candidates forum for the 2017 mayoral and city council member, ward B seats. Community members can email questions for the candidates to ann@katychamber.com or submit via web survey at surveymonkey.com/r/cityofkaty.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 6:30 p.m.
Katy ISD Administration Building
6301 S. Stadium Ln.
Candidates for Mayor
Hill Adams
Chuck Brawner
Steve Jurovic
Candidates for Council Member Ward B
Jessie Campbell
Kayse Kendall Johnson
Jimmy Mendez, Jr.
The candidates forum will follow the guidelines of the League of Women Voters.
Courtesy of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
Katy, Texas News (April 6, 2017) – The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Texas Children’s Hospital is the first to be designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) as a level IV NICU, the highest level of care available for premature and critically-ill newborns. One of the first NICUs reviewed by the state, the hospital was officially designated following a rigorous site visit conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ NICU Verification Program.
The designation comes as a result of legislation passed in 2013 requiring Texas to establish and implement neonatal and maternal level of care designations by March 1, 2018, with the intent of ensuring that neonatal intensive care units have the resources and expertise to provide high-quality patient care that leads to the best outcomes for newborn patients and their families.
Texas is one of the first states requiring NICUs to undergo a site visit to verify the level of care provided to patients meets the Neonatal Levels of Care classifications as defined in the Texas Administrative Code. Completing the designation process is a requirement to receive Medicaid reimbursement for neonatal services by Sept. 1, 2018.
A level IV NICU designation must meet all level III capabilities plus have the ability to care for infants born earlier than 32 weeks gestation and weighing less than 1,500 grams, provide life support, perform advanced imaging including MRI and echocardiography and provide a full range of respiratory support, among many other criteria. View the full list of level IV Neonatal Levels of Care classifications, here.
“Babies born prematurely and those who are critically ill require highly-specialized resources and 24/7 multidisciplinary care in order to have the most optimal outcome,” said Dr. Gautham Suresh, chief of neonatology at Texas Children’s and section head and service chief of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “As the largest NICU in the nation caring for the most fragile infants, we know getting the right care, at the right time, in the right place is critical. This designation helps ensure neonates are treated in the right level of NICU and thereby receive high-quality care.”
“It’s crucial for women, especially those experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, to be educated about the level of neonatal care available in the facility where they plan to deliver,” said Dr. Michael Belfort, obstetrician/gynecologist-in-chief at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women and Ernst W. Bertner Chairman and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor.
Two key requirements of level IV neonatal designation are the development of a Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee and a program plan which outlines the level IV program including scope, services, transport, standards, follow-up, disaster response, certifications, outreach and community initiatives. Texas Children’s Newborn Center already had an active quality and safety program which was organized into a QAPI program. The QAPI committee monitors the quality and safety of NICU patient care and prioritizes and supports quality improvement initiatives.
As a level IV NICU, Texas Children’s will continue to provide care for infants with complex interdisciplinary issues, including complex surgical conditions, which may not be available in a level III NICU. To learn more about Texas Children’s Newborn Center, please visit www.texaschildrens.org/newborn.
Katy, TX News (April 6, 2017) – Hard work and determination pays off for two Katy ISD students whose artwork advanced to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art auction.
McMeans Junior High eighth-grader Charles Jang’s artwork competed in the Grand Prix judging and won first place against students from over 100 districts. His project was a drawing titled “A Rare Connection.” This was the first year that a junior high student became auction eligible at this level. Jang’s artwork earned “Class Champion” recognition and auctioned off for $65,000.
The detailed work on Fatemeh Ebrahimi’s “Reserve Class Champion” three-dimensional sculpture caught the attention of buyers, who were out-bidding each other to purchase the unique piece. The Taylor High School eleventh-grader’s artwork is titled “The Spirit Within.” Only two entries for the three-dimensional category advanced to the art action where Ebrahimi’s work broke a world record and sold for $102,000.
Katy, TX News (April 5, 2017) – The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island has named Maddy Burt as its new on-site Lifestyle Director where she will plan family move nights, wine dinners and tastings, culinary classes, signature and holiday festivals, arts workshops and photography classes, resident social clubs and many other events for residents and prospective homebuyers.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for event planning,” says Burt. “Our Amenity Village, with its central lawn, conservatory, fire pit and multi-purpose event space, is ideal for year-round activities.”
Burt joins Cane Island, the 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, after serving in event planning capacities for one of Houston’s premier country clubs and the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association.
A native Texan, she earned her degree in Hospitality Administration/Management Meeting & Planning from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Burt joins Cane Island as the Katy community embarks on its second year of offering new luxury homes from the $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
Besides its event spaces, Cane Island’s resort-style Amenity Village features a family pool and cabanas, children’s water playground, adult lap pool, two-story fitness center rivaling the finest health spas, yoga studio and poolside café. The Amenity Village also is shaded by rescued, 75-year-old oak trees.
To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community.
For more information and for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Katy, Texas News (April 3, 2017) – Moving Stronger, an exercise and education program specifically designed for people with multiple sclerosis, will be launched in April by three institutions that are national leaders in their respective fields.
The program, which is free of charge and the first of its kind in the country, was created in a collaboration between YMCA of Greater Houston, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Houston.
“We’ve all been working hand-in-hand to create a safe exercise and education program for people with MS,” said Leorah Freeman, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor and multiple sclerosis expert in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “The program was designed after detailed analysis of existing data showing the benefit of different exercise modalities and healthy living strategies in people with MS.”
While exercise was once discouraged for people with MS, evidence now shows that exercise in a controlled environment can help improve mobility and alleviate certain symptoms from the disease if done regularly.
“The YMCA of Greater Houston has a long history of serving communities in youth development, social responsibility, and healthy living. Moving Stronger is an exciting new offering and we anticipate that it will bring needed resources to those with MS,” said Lharissa Jacobs, director of Community Health for the YMCA. “The YMCA is the perfect setting to meet the health needs of the MS community through increased physical activity and social support.”
MS is a chronic, inflammatory and degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a leading cause of disability among young- and middle-aged adults, for which there is no cure. MS can cause fatigue, imbalance, weakness, stiffness, numbness and even cognitive dysfunction. It affects an estimated 2.3 million people worldwide and 400,000 in the United States.
“We are very excited about this new wellness program, Moving Stronger, and the collective work we are doing to bring wellness solutions to people living with MS. For a person living with MS, the road to wellness involves more than treatment of the disease and its symptoms,” said Elaine Liserio, associate vice president of Program Development for the National MS Society. “The adaptive wellness opportunities being created through supportive partners such as the YMCA of Greater Houston and UTHealth will make an impact and help people with MS live their best lives.”
The 12-week program will be held at the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, 22807 Westheimer Parkway. It will include 24 sessions of exercise, education and bonding discussions around subjects relevant to people with MS.
“It is very stressful for people with multiple sclerosis to go to a gym and most don’t have access to trainers with knowledge about their disease and disability,” said Freeman, who treats patients at UT Physicians, the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Moving Stronger aims to enhance participants’ overall mobility, to improve their quality of life through exercise and social engagement and to give them the tools to stay active consistently. My long-term goal is to make this program accessible to all people with MS, to empower each of them to take part in their care.”
During the first five weeks of the program, patients will learn different modalities of exercise, such as yoga, aquatics and circuit training, which consists of light cardio and weightlifting. The activities will then rotate with increasing difficulty according to the participants’ abilities.
“It has been repeatedly shown that exercise not only improves walking speed, endurance and balance, but it can also improve fatigue, one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis,” said Freeman.
The program will include an exercise specialist and yoga and aquatics instructors who are trained through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as in-person training delivered under the supervision of UTHealth neurologists, to fully understand the needs of people with MS.
“When an MS patient comes to the UTHealth Neurorehabilitation clinic, I provide a comprehensive assessment of physical and cognitive function,” said Nneka Ifejika M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of neurology and director of neurorehabilitation at McGovern Medical School, who worked with Freeman to develop the program. “But what about patients who do not have access to a comprehensive MS center such as the one at UT Physicians? By offering this program at the YMCA, Moving Stronger allows us to bridge the gap – to create a program, tailored to people with MS, delivered in their community – with the goals of directly improving strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and gait, and indirectly improving confidence and quality of life.”
Please contact betterhealth@ymcahouston.org or 713-758-9186 for information about class dates and times at the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch.
For information about the UT Physicians Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, contact: 832.325.7080
Katy, Texas News (April 3, 2017) – The Fort Bend Family YMCA, T.W. Davis Family YMCA, Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street – all four located in Fort Bend County – raised more than $64,000 in the 11th Annual YMCA Spring Golf Classic.
Sponsored by Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus for the sixth consecutive year, the event’s proceeds will go to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign to ultimately provide scholarships and subsidized programming for at-risk children.
The YMCA rounded up more than 130 players and 32 teams to take part in the charitable event – breaking a record of participation. Thirty volunteers helped make the event a success.
“As a YMCA volunteer, it is exciting to see so much support from the business community, which is committed to the YMCA and the impact that it has on our community,” said Barbara Jones of Fluor Corporation, YMCA golf chair and T.W. Davis YMCA board member.
The tournament was held at Pecan Grove Country Club and included several on-course competitions, sponsored by Thom Polvogt Insurance Group, Top Golf and Firehouse Subs. It also included a lunch donated by Swinging Door BBQ and dinner donated by Macaroni Grill.
In addition, participants participated in silent and live auctions that raised more than $12,000. Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson served as auctioneer and special guest at the event was Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Annual Support Campaigns of the Fort Bend Family YMCA in Missouri City, the T.W. Davis Family YMCA in Richmond, the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street. Combined, the campaigns provide scholarships or subsidized programming for more than 7,000 youth, families and individuals in YMCA programs, outreach and memberships.
“We are thankful to have the ongoing support of so many sponsors and teams who have participated in this tournament since its inceptions. Through their support combined with all our new teams and sponsors, hundreds of youth and families will benefit from YMCA services this summer,” said Brian Haines, district executive director for the YMCA of Greater Houston.
In addition to the event’s title sponsors, Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus, other top sponsors were Fluor Corporation, NtheZone Photography, Staff Force Personnel Services, NRG – WS Parish Plant and First Transit.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, Texas News (March 30, 2017) – Fort Bend County Libraries and Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner, Andy Meyers, will host the 4th Annual Literary and Fine Arts Festival & Parade on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Dr.). Fun for all ages, this annual community event celebrates the Fine Art & Literary talent of Fort Bend County Precinct 3 students. The day also includes a Character Parade where kids ages K-12 can dress up as their favorite story book character for a chance to win prizes, live entertainment from our local schools, animal adoptions, food trucks, tons of vendors, everything you need to know for 2017 Summer Camps, as well as a chance to meet & visit with local Police, K9 Unity, EMS & Fire Department. For more information, visit fortbendfafp.com.
Katy, Texas News (March 29, 2017) – Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced plans to open its tenth Texas fulfillment center in Katy where it will create 1,000 new, full-time jobs. Since Amazon launched operations in Texas in 2013, the company has quickly grown its fulfillment workforce in the state to 10,000-plus full-time employees across seven existing facilities in Coppell, Haslet, Dallas, Fort Worth, Schertz, and San Marcos. Previously announced facilities in Houston and Coppell are currently under construction.
“We are excited to continue growing in Texas by creating an additional 1,000 full-time roles at this new fulfillment center in Katy,” says Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s vice president of North American Operations. “In fact, beyond the more than the thousands of employees who currently work for Amazon in Texas, more than 160,000 authors, sellers and developers in Texas are growing their businesses and reaching new customers on Amazon products and services.”
Amazon employees at the one million-square-foot Katy fulfillment center will pick, pack and ship larger-sized customer items, such as music equipment, sports gear, and electronics.
“We are honored Amazon chose Katy to be the location for their next fulfillment center, and we know the City of Katy will benefit from this relationship through increased job opportunities for our residents and their support of local Katy businesses,” says Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes. “We look forward to working with Amazon and the local team for years to come.”
Waller County Judge Trey Duhon says, “I am truly excited that Amazon is considering Waller County and Katy for their next distribution center. Their commitment to bring approximately 1,000 full-time jobs, supported by their unique employee incentive program for career advancement outside of the company, shows a significant long-term commitment to help create a diverse and sustainable local economy, which benefits everyone in the County. Amazon will be a very welcome addition to our corporate community.”
Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k) and company stock awards, starting on day one. Amazon also offers regular full-time employees maternity and parental leave benefits and access to innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, over 9,000 employees have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming, and radiology, to name a few.
To learn more about working at an Amazon fulfillment center, visit www.amazondelivers.jobs. The Katy fulfillment center project is developed by Duke Realty.
Katy Area EDC Statement:
Katy Area Economic Development Council wishes to congratulate the City of Katy, Waller County and all organizations involved in landing Amazon as the newest major company to locate in Katy. This project will create over 1,000 jobs and have a substantial economic impact on Katy and the surrounding region. Katy Area EDC began pursuing Amazon to locate in the area in 2015 as the company began examining options for construction of facilities in the Houston region. For this project, beginning in early 2016, Katy Area EDC provided site selection/real estate assistance, proposal development and technical assistance and coordination with the entities involved. On behalf on the entire Katy Area community, I would like to welcome Amazon. We are thrilled to have a world-renowned company select our community for construction of its newest facility. This a momentous day for Katy and further cements our position as a top destination for leading companies throughout the world. We are eager to work with Amazon moving forward.
Lance LaCour, CEcD
President / CEO
Sources: Amazon.com, Inc. & Katy Area EDC
Katy, Texas News (March 29, 2017) – Houston Methodist West Hospital has received full Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The accreditation acknowledges Houston Methodist West’s expertise in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack.
“Houston Methodist West has been leading the way in cardiovascular care since we were first established,” said Vicki Brownewell, RN, Houston Methodist West’s chief nursing officer. “I’m proud of our team for continuing to deliver the best possible care for all of our heart patients.”
The hospital was first accredited in October, 2013, with its latest accreditation valid until October 31, 2019.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease, with a heart attack occurring an average of once every 42 seconds.
An Accredited Chest Pain Center’s evidence-based, systematic approach to cardiac patient care allows clinicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack. Chest Pain Centers better monitor patients when it’s unclear whether or not a patient is having a coronary event. Such monitoring ensures patients are neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.
The ACC’s Chest Pain Center Accreditation process ensures that hospitals meet or exceed a wide set of stringent criteria and undergo a comprehensive onsite review by a team of accreditation review specialists. By achieving ACC’s Chest Pain Center Accreditation status, Houston Methodist West demonstrated expertise in the following areas:
- Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system
- Assessing, diagnosing and treating patients quickly
- Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms
- Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
- Ensuring the competence and training of Accredited Chest Pain Center personnel
- Maintaining organizational structure and commitment
- Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care
- Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack
For more information on cardiovascular care or to find a doctor at Houston Methodist West Hospital, call 832.522.5522 or visit houstonmethodist.org/find-a-doctor/.
Courtesy of Houston Methodist West Hospital
Katy, Texas News (March 29, 2017) – Over 700 local residents attended the first annual Katy Color Run. The event benefited three local organizations: Christ Clinic, Clothed by Faith and Hope Impacts. The event got off to a colorful start with a 1K Kids’ Dash and was followed by a chalk filled 5k. The run was held at the APEX medical building at 25277 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy, and sponsored by Kingsland Baptist Church along with the City of Katy and Healthy Gourmet.
Jackson Potter, 12 and Alexia Diermeier, 15 were the top male and female finishers in the 5K. Potter finished with a time of 19:47 and Diermeier clocked in at 21:58. Paloma Medrano, 8 and Kian Ghilzadeh, 11 were the winners of the Kids’ Dash 1K.
Entertainment at the post race party included performances by Marshall Camp and Mark Wells and featured fitness demonstrations by the Katy Main Street YMCA. Talented local chalk artists created colorful masterpieces. Several local vendors attended the event and offered complementary beverages and snacks to runners and spectators. A kids zone had games, face painting, balloon artists, inflatables, trampolines and healthy snacks.
All proceeds from the Color Run benefited three local nonprofit organizations: Christ Clinic, Clothed by Faith and Hope Impacts. Christ Clinic is a charity health clinic and provides medical care for uninsured and underinsured patients. Clothed by Faith gives gently used and new clothing to thousands of Katy area residents in need. Hope Impacts imparts hope to homeless, helpless and under resourced people in the Katy area by connecting them to services and resources. More than 100 volunteers helped make the event a success.
Courtesy of Christ Clinic
Katy, Texas News (March 27, 2017) – The CRHS Engineering Club competed in its first ever Regional competition event as an affiliated member of the TSA (Technology Students Association). Students competed in a wide variety of events ranging from digital video production to structural engineering and biotechnology. The CRHS team advanced four students to the state level competition in Waco in April. Please congratulate the following students on their outstanding effort and success:
Music Production
Nikhil Baliga-1st Place and State Qualifier
Architectural Models
Aishani De & Shinjini De-3rd Place and State Qualifiers
Fashion Design
Alicia Morales-3rd Place and State Qualifier
Biotechnology-4th Place
Monica Raumaker
Addie Hervey
Ryan Dyson
Engineering Computer-Aided Design
Michael Weeks
Digital Video Production
Aishani De
Dragster Design
Christian Parrish
Jake O’Neill
Flight Endurance
Frederick Bayeh
Technology Bowl
Aleena Ilbeig
Maggie Weeks
This is the first year of existence for the CRHS Engineering Club TSA Chapter. Our immediate goals are to expand our membership, acquire sponsorship, and establish a tradition of excellence at TSA events. The club is open to all students who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Teacher sponsors are Maria Scott, Jay Patel, and Rafael Villarreal.
Courtesy of Cinco Ranch High School
Katy, Texas News (March 23, 2017) – After months of practice, 19 teams from Katy ISD have qualified to compete at the Texas Destination Imagination Affiliate Tournament held at Lubbock ISD on April 7-9.
The Gulf Coast Regional Tournament was held on Saturday, March 4th at Seven Lakes High School. Schools representing the Cy-Fair, Fort Bend, Pasadena, Friendswood and Alvin Independent School Districts along with area private schools attended the annual event. Approximately 375 teams competed in eight different challenges. The following Katy ISD schools are preparing to compete against more than 400 teams from districts throughout Texas:
Elementary
- Alexander, Griffin, Hayes, Holland, Katy, Stanley, Williams and WoodCreek
Junior High
- Beckendorff, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes and Tays
High School
- Katy and Seven Lakes
The Destination Imagination program fosters students’ creativity, courage and curiosity through open-ended academic challenges in the fields of S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), fine arts and service learning. Participants learn patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect for others and their ideas and the collaborative problem solving process. In Katy ISD, Destination Imagination teams form at participating campuses each September.
Katy, TX News (March 24, 2017) – Katy ISD has released their pre-registration dates for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and new first grade. Pre-registration for the 2017-2018 school year will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday, April 6, 2017
Kindergarten and new first grade - Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Pre-Kindergarten
Registration will be open from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on both days. Attendance zone information for all Katy ISD schools can be found by using the Student Assignment by Residential Address (SARA) application or mobile app. This app provides the ability to search by a specific address or you can select any campus to see what subdivisions and apartment complexes it serves. Visit katyisd.org for more information.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, Texas News (March 23, 2017) – After little debate Thursday, the Senate Education Committee voted 7-3 to pass legislation that would create two public programs subsidizing private school tuition and homeschooling expenses.
Senate Bill 3, a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, now heads to the full Senate, where it’s also expected to pass. Corresponding bills have not been taken up by the House Public Education Committee.
Thursday’s vote came two days after a committee hearing that lasted more than eight hours, with more than 150 people filling the room to testify in support and opposition. The bill’s author, Senate Education Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, submitted a new version of the bill that he said would decrease the cost of the programs.
“We are continuing to work on this bill when we get out of this committee. We will work with you as well as all the members who are on the Senate floor,” he said Thursday.
The first program created in the bill, education savings accounts or ESAs, would give parents online accounts of state money to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses.
The second program, tax credit scholarships, would allow businesses to receive credits against their insurance premium taxes if they contribute to approved scholarship organizations.
The fiscal note attached to the previous version of the bill said it would cost the state $90 million to $330 million in general revenue in the next biennium, depending on the payment schedule. The newer version of the bill would take the cost to the lower end of that range, according to testimony Thursday from the Legislative Budget Board. The board does not yet have a fiscal note with exact numbers.
Proponents of private tuition subsidies say they allow parents flexibility on how to get the best education for their children. They argued Tuesday that parents keep private schools in check by leaving those that are doing a bad job — therefore, state accountability is not needed.
Opponents of the bill argue that competition does not work when it comes to education, and that schools receiving public money should be accountable to the state.
“Those who go and take public money in public schools will have some of the most stringent accountability standards in the country, and those who get public money under Senate Bill 3 will have none,” said Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, Thursday before he voted against the bill. Sens. Royce West, D-Dallas, and Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, also voted against the bill.
The programs proposed in Senate Bill 3 would offer money to public school students to leave the system for private schools or homeschooling.
Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who voted for the measure, argued that would help school districts, especially those growing so quickly that they are having trouble funding the additional enrollment. “There actually will be more money per child in the public education system in Texas,” he said. “Slowing the rate of growth is actually operationally advantageous to the districts I represent.”
But public educators disagree with Taylor’s math, saying that the programs would cost the state money, and not significantly reduce the amount schools need to spend.
“Children don’t leave in perfect groups of 22 or 25, allowing a district to then need one less teacher. Even if they left in those groups, all of the other costs to operate a facility and run a quality school don’t go away,” said Guy Sconzo, executive director of the Fast Growth School Coalition, a group of 75 school districts seeing the quickest enrollment growth in Texas.
Public education advocates have urged the Legislature to focus on putting more funding into the public school system, and allocating that money equitably.
“SB3’s voucher scheme will drain tax dollars from public education, without helping families most in need. Instead the Legislature should focus on the real issue – remodeling Texas’ outdated school finance system to ensure all Texas students can get a quality public education, no matter where they live or what their background,” said Ann Beeson, executive director of the left-leaning policy group Center for Public Policy Priorities, in a statement after the vote.
Read related Tribune coverage here:
- Tuesday’s Senate Education Committee debate on private school subsidies lasted more than seven hours and saw experts on both sides arguing they knew best how to educate black and Latino Texas students.
- Rural conservatives and homeschoolers are joining forces with public education advocates against Senate Bill 3, which pushes private school choice. Their state senators are not all on the same page.
Disclosure: The Fast Growth School Coalition and the Center for Public Policy Priorities have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.
This information courtesy of the Texas Tribune.
Katy, TX News (March 2, 2017) – Katy ISD has launched a strategic design process to create a community-inspired road map for its schools over the next three to five years. Recently, a series of stakeholder meetings were held to gather baseline data from parents, business leaders, principals, teachers, clergy and students on where the District is currently and where the community hopes for the District to be in the near future. The next steps in the strategic design process begins this week as Katy ISD hosts two of four education summits to provide the community an opportunity to share their highest hopes and aspirations for their children. The dates, times and locations for all of the education summits are listed below.
Wednesday, March 22
- Education Support Complex
6301 S. Stadium Lane
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Morton Ranch High School
9th Grade Commons
21000 Franz Rd.
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 30
- Education Support Complex
6301 S. Stadium Lane
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Cinco Ranch High School
Main Commons
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Katy, Texas News (March 22, 2017) – The Ballard Foundation has announced that it will donate $2 million to The Ballard House-Katy for an expansion of their existing location.
Katy’s Ballard House provides patients battling life-threatening or critical illnesses, along with their families and caregivers, Texas-sized hospitality in a home away from home environment. “We are so grateful for this generous gift and wish to express our sincere gratitude to The Ballard Foundation and the entire Katy area for their continued support,” stated Kathy Alt, The Ballard House Director.
Families come from around the world travel to stay at The Ballard House, and once there can create bonds and friendships with those who are going through similar life experiences. The expanded facilities at The Ballard House-Katy will allow the local non-profit organization a chance to help more families in need. More information: www.theballardhouse.org.
Katy, TX News (March 17, 2017) – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced that Garth Brooks will open and close 2018 RodeoHouston®, Feb. 27 and March 18.
“We are thrilled to welcome Garth Brooks back to the RodeoHouston® stage,” said Jack A. Lyons, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo chairman of the board. “This is the first time in multi-entertainer Show history that one artist has opened and closed RodeoHouston®, and we could not think of a more engaging performer to take on this epic presentation.”
The 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to run Feb. 27 – March 18. The remaining 2018 entertainers and ticket information will be announced at a later date. To receive updates on specific dates, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news.
2018 Season Ticket Give-Away
Fans will have the opportunity to win 2018 Season Tickets by visiting the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Monday, March 20, through Friday, March 24. Attend a RODEOHOUSTON performance inside NRG Stadium during these dates for instructions on how to enter the text-to-win contest.
Ticket Availability
There are still more than 61,000 tickets remaining for the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which runs through March 26. Buy your tickets today at rodeohouston.com.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTubefor all of the latest news.
About Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks recently won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards for a fifth time, a first for any artist. He is also the first artist in history to receive 7 Diamond awards for the now seven albums certified by the RIAA at over 10 million album sales each and remains the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history certified by the RIAA with over 149 million album sales. He has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist. Garth has been inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and most recently, the Musicians Hall of Fame.
Garth is currently on the three-year Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. The tour began with 11 sold out shows at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. The tour is smashing records previously held by such acts as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and even Garth Brooks. In just over two years the tour has sold over 5 MILLION tickets, making it the biggest tour in the world.
Garth has also launched Inside Studio G, a weekly Facebook Live series. It airs every Monday on Garth’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. EST.
You can follow him at: facebook.com/GarthBrooks, twitter.com/garthbrooks and instagram.com/garthbrooks.
Courtesy of RodeoHouston.com
Katy, TX News (March 16, 2017) – Club SciKidz Houston, a franchise of Georgia-based, Club SciKidz, LLC is proud to announce its expansion into Katy, TX. With two Sugar Land, TX locations at Faith Lutheran Church and Fisher’s of Men Lutheran Church, Club SciKidz Houston is currently accepting Summer Day Camp registrations for its CrossPoint Community Church location at 700 S. Westgreen Blvd.
Club SciKidz Houston features in-school field trips, after school programs and summer day camp sessions for grades PK – 8 (or ages 4 – 15). While the week-long summer day camps are at churches, Club SciKidz also provides its other services at both public and private schools and day care centers.
Club SciKidz was founded on the principle that parents want to provide their children with exciting, challenging and life impacting academic enrichment experiences. The company is committed to demonstrating how science works in the real world by providing activities in veterinary medicine, robotics, forensics, video game creation, food science, paleontology, engineering, chemistry and biology.
Club SciKidz Houston believes every child is a scientist and that we can make them even better scientists. All Club SciKidz Houston programs are focused on dramatic science demonstrations accompanied by hands-on/minds- on experiments and projects that meet or exceed National Science Education Standards and College and Career Standards.
For Summer 2017, Club SciKidz Houston will feature many more enhanced programs. Introduction to Java, Little coder, and Dash and Dot camps allow early experiences with computer coding. Additionally, camps Tech machines, Jr. Meteorology, QuadCopter Aerial Robotics, Mobile Game Design, and Water Robotics will immerse students in engineering and robotics. All of these camps can now be found in either Katy or Sugar Land, TX.
Club SciKidz Houston is the most unique provider of science enrichment programs for children. It offers authentic, immersive, and application based experiences. Parents of previous Club SciKidz Houston participants said, ” I like the variety of experiments my kids were exposed to and how actively engaged they were!” and “your summer programs are excellent!”
Club SciKiz Houston is “Where Science and Technology Connect!” With over 40 offerings, we’re sure there is a camp for your little scientist or engineer! Please check our website for all options.
Club SciKidz Houston will be featured at the Kids Directory booth at the McDonald’s Children Festival on April 1 – 2 from 10AM – 2:30PM. To learn more, stop by booth or feel free to contact us via the information found below:
Katy, TX News (March 14, 2017) – Hill Adams, long time Katy resident and former City Council member, has declared his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Katy.
Hill and his wife Carol have lived in Katy for 25 years and from the beginning they have been very active in our community through schools, church, local charities and public service. Best known for their work with the Katy Heritage Society; Carol is best known for working with then-Mayor Doyle Callender to create Katy Heritage Park and Railroad Park. The Adams’ have been married for 37 years and have two children; Anne and Robert. Strongly rooted in protecting Katy’s past, Hill Adams is also committed to Katy’s future.
“I’m running for Mayor now because I love Katy. Four years ago we elected a new Mayor and our direction shifted. I was open to see how that would work out. Our friends and others I visit with share concerns about such aggressive growth and our rapidly escalating budget. The things the mayor told us we could count on are not happening so I decided to file.”
Mayor Hughes withdrawal from the race the following day was unexpected. “This campaign still means a lot to me, I think we need a slight shift in priorities at City Hall.” said Adams, “I’m a strong advocate for economic development, but the city has almost doubled in size, we’ve annexed land that will add 2,500 more houses. This rapid growth requires our government to get so much bigger; it includes a huge demand for city resources and permanently alters the lifestyle of the citizens who live here.”
Adams has a background in real estate investment and has worked as an Independent Insurance Agent, owning his own successful commercial broker business for over 35 years. He believes his business background, six years on City Council, experience with state legislative negotiations and great relationships with many other elected officials are assets when working with local government.
“I’m focusing my campaign on careful growth, ensuring what we bring into the city limits is good for the citizens and businesses that are already here. Public safety is also a priority; we have needed and have been expecting a second fire station for four years. Now we may need a third station to serve some of the new homes we’ve annexed, and we haven’t even started the second one. The City of Katy is so fortunate to have a legacy of city administrations that worked hard to build a sound fiscal foundation. The tax revenue we generate could allow a true reduction in the taxes citizens pay, not just the tax rates. I’d like to see the aggressive attitude shift from annexation to addressing issues that impact the lives of our citizens; improved drainage, traffic,parks, and finding ways to hold on to what is left of the ‘small town’ atmosphere so many of us came here for. I’m all for the city growing and am happy with commercial growth that will support the city. Some of the land we’ve annexed makes sense from a business standpoint, but annexing land just to get bigger is wasteful. How big our footprint is, is less important than what is in it.”
Adams is enthusiastic about public service and finds the experience rewarding, “I enjoyed my six years on City Council. I know we can address the issues before us. I want to work with City Council, administration, staff and our citizens to do more. I think it’s time to bring thoughtful, conservative leadership back to Katy, and I am asking for our citizens to vote for me so we can make that happen.”
To learn more about Hill Adams’ campaign and Katy’s issues and opportunities visit his website, www.hilladams.com and find him on facebook @HillAdamsforKatyMayor.
Katy, TX News (March 13, 2017) – Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently appointed Peter Walker, M.D., as its new medical director of the bariatric program. In his new role, Dr. Walker will oversee the growth of the program, which aims to help people lose weight after diet and exercise options have been exhausted.
“We are excited to have Dr. Walker lead the bariatric program here at Memorial Hermann Katy. He is dedicated to providing patients with state-of-the-art surgical therapies using the least invasive, most advanced and safest techniques available. We know the Katy community will appreciate having his expertise close to home,” says Heath Rushing, Sr. Vice President and CEO for Memorial Hermann Katy.
Dr. Peter Walker – MIST Surgery
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more and one-third of Americans are considered obese. “Obesity puts people at risk for other serious diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or stroke. It’s important those looking to lose weight, especially those concerned about type 2 diabetes, consult with a physician to explore the various techniques, both surgical and non-surgical, that can help manage their weight,” says Dr. Walker.
Dr. Walker earned his medical degree at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. His general surgery residency at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth was followed by an NIH-funded research fellowship and an advanced laparoscopic and robotics fellowship at UTHealth.
Board certified in general surgery, Dr. Walker’s clinical interests include advanced robotic surgery, weight loss surgery, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) surgery, hernia repair, biliary (gallbladder) surgery and general surgery.
Dr. Walker is also an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, and associate program director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship Program at UTHealth.
A resident of Katy, Dr. Walker is married and the father of two young daughters. Outside of his practice, he enjoys running, reading and watching college football.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Walker to discuss your weight loss options, call 281.644.8824.
Katy, TX News (March 10, 2017) – The British International School of Houston (BISH) varsity boys’ soccer team played an impressive game and won the 2017 TAPPS Texas Division III State Soccer Championship title against Dallas Covenant with a final score of 5-2. The team notably played 21 matches over four months before winning this coveted title. Over the last six years they have been district champions four times and state champions twice.
TAPPS, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), has a membership of 230 schools throughout Texas who regularly compete with one another in athletic events. TAPPS commits to building leadership, fellowship, fair play and sportsmanship of students enrolled in the organization’s member schools in the areas of academics, athletics and fine arts by providing wholesome competition for young men and women.
Andrew Derry, Principal of BISH commented, “I am extremely proud of our team and our students’ success, which was achieved through determination and resilience, epitomizing our core values of unity, respect and pride. At BISH we believe all children are ambitious by nature and can achieve their greatest aspirations with support and access to an exemplary global education.”
BISH provides a nurturing environment with a world-class learning approach that is grounded in each student’s unique experiences, capabilities and interests. This combined with a brand-new campus, purposely designed to support student achievement, allows the school to extend learning beyond the classroom through a wide variety of academic and athletic activities.
About British International School of Houston
The British International School of Houston (BISH) is an independent school catering to local and international students from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Part of Nord Anglia Education Inc., the school offers a challenging, broad course of study that culminates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Student learning is supported by collaborations with The Juilliard School in New York and MIT. Our new Katy campus spans 34-acres and features purpose driven technology supported by Apple, customizable maker spaces, state-of-the-art science labs, four athletic fields, an aquatic center, two NCAA regulation size gymnasiums, and a 550-seat performing arts theater designed in collaboration with Juilliard. Conveniently located off IH10 at N. Westgreen Boulevard and just minutes from the Grand Parkway, the school is accessible to families residing in major cities across the Greater Houston Area, including Houston, The Woodlands and Sugar Land. Visit www.houston.nae.school to learn more.
About Nord Anglia Education, Inc.
Nord Anglia Education (NYSE: NORD) is the world’s leading operator of premium international schools, serving students from kindergarten through the end of secondary school (K-12). We teach over 37,000 students at our 43 premium schools in China, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia and North America. We are driven by one unifying philosophy – we are ambitious for our students, our people and our family of schools. Our schools deliver a high-quality education through a personalized approach enhanced with unique global opportunities to enable every student to succeed. Nord Anglia Education is headquartered in Hong Kong. Our website is www.nordangliaeducation.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jo Turner, Communications Manager
Tel: 832 248 0581
Email: jo.turner@houston.nae.school
Katy, TX News (March 7, 2017) – Chuck Brawner has filed to run in the open seat to be the next Mayor of the City of Katy. Brawner served as Katy City Council Member since 2013 and Mayor Pro Tem since 2014. He was required to vacate his Council Seat to run for Mayor. Brawner is committed to making the families of Katy and the city’s legacy the center of his campaign.
“Katy is one of the most fantastic cities in Texas. Our loving and spiritual community is second to none. We care deeply about our families and their ability to succeed. We care about our children’s education, we love cheering them on at their sporting events and we know they are safe to grow up playing in our neighborhoods,” said Brawner. “I am running for Mayor because I care about the future of Katy, because I am excited about where we are headed and because I have a path to get us there. As Mayor, I will focus on public safety, on managing our growth, on increasing our mobility while fiercely protecting our private property rights and on those things that increase the quality of life for our Katy families and their children. I ask for your vote for Mayor. It would be my honor to serve you and our great city.”
With the Katy family and their quality of life at the forefront of Brawner’s campaign, ensuring a strong financial footing for the city is a responsibility Brawner takes very seriously.
“Creating that quality of life requires a strong fiscal footing. I am a conservative in all things, including all things fiscal, therefore, I will make sure that Katy is financially strong and work toincrease the reserve fund balance. I will work to make sure we keep our very rare AAA credit rating so the city can maintain its gold-standard financial reputation. I will continue to look for ways to eliminate waste and save money. I will protect our homestead exemptions and find new ways to roll back the tax rate,” Brawner said.
Brawner has a history of smart fiscal management. As a small business owner, Brawner started with a small investment and grew the company to a sustainable success eventually selling the profitable enterprise. As Chief of Police for Spring Branch ISD, Brawner always kept his budgets in the black. He sought money management measures to ensure safety, provide necessary equipment, but not spend more than what was needed. As Katy Mayor Pro Tem, Brawner has found money-saving methods again to help the city meet its reserve fund requirements and now wants to increase those reserves and the overall savings for taxpayers. Brawner’s mix of decades of experience as a sound business manager for customers and for taxpayers coupled with his unmatched tenure in public safety and intergovernmental relationships place him in a well-poised position to serve the City of Katy as Mayor.
“I will run a campaign for Mayor that addresses real results, real policy and real concrete plans about how to increase our quality of life for our community, enhance public safety, ensure our taxpayers see stability they can rely on in their family budgets and keep Katy the nicest and most attractive place that people want to raise their family,” said Brawner.
In the coming days, Brawner will be launching his campaign website and announcing a unique approach to visit with the voters of Katy on a regular basis. Watch the Brawner campaign Facebook page, which can be found by searching “Chuck Brawner” or inputting @ChuckBrawnerKaty in Facebook search.
Chuck Brawner and his wife, Marcy (pictured above), have lived in the Katy area for 37 years and in the city proper for the last 15 years. In December of 2016, Brawner retired as the Chief of Police at Spring Branch ISD after 21 years of service. Brawner served on the Katy City Council since 2013 and was appointed Mayor Pro Tem in 2014. Brawner’s public service runs deep. For the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Brawner served as a Security Team Leader and, during Hurricane Ike, Brawner was Joint Commander with the Texas Department of Public Safety at the Houston Regional Staging Area for Emergency Response Resources. In the mid-1980s, Brawner served as a Volunteer Firefighter Captain for the West I-10 Volunteer Fire Department and took on a leadership role as a Member of Fire District 48’s Board of Directors. He was elected in 1998 as President of the Texas Municipal Police Association after serving a number of years on the organization’s Board. Brawner was honored to be appointed by Texas Governor George W. Bush to the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and by Governor Rick Perry to the Federal Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.
Brawner is a Graduate of the Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College at Sam Houston State University. Chuck and Marcy have have been married for 30 years. They dote on their four grandchildren and are thrilled that three of those grandchildren live right near them here in Katy. The Brawners are active members of Parkway Fellowship Church.
Courtesy of Chuck Brawner
Katy, TX News (March 6, 2017) – Cane Island’s glass-walled conservatory, the only one of its kind in the area, and its multi-purpose event center, both situated within the community’s resort-style Amenity Village, now can be reserved for business, civic and social gatherings.
Available for both residents and non-residents of the Katy master-planned community, both venues are located minutes north of the Cane Island entrance at 2100 Cane Island Parkway.
Cane Island’s 3,500-square-foot event center is serviced by a restaurant-quality commercial kitchen making it ideal for morning, afternoon or evening catered functions, receptions, meetings and networking events. Ample covered space just outside the event center is available for pre-function activities. The event center also can be converted into an indoor/outdoor venue by opening its large sliding doors.
For more intimate events, groups can reserve Cane Island’s 1,500-square-foot glass-walled conservatory, the only such facility in the area. Available for seasonal use in the fall and spring, the enclosed, air-conditioned space with its wall of fresh flowers is ideal for showers or smaller social events. The conservatory also is serviced by the Amenity Village’s full-service commercial kitchen. 
Groups reserving either the event center or glass-walled conservatory also can access an upper level fireplace loft and the Amenity Village community lawn with fire pit framed by rescued, 75-year-old oak trees. Ample surface parking for both facilities is available. For rental rates and information, e-mail info@caneisland.com.
The 2016 GHBA Community of the Year, Cane Island is one of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston presenting new luxury homes from the $200s to the millions from CalAtlantic Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community.
For more information and for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Katy, TX News (March 6, 2017) – Katy ISD will host the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus for a special one-day event. The tour bus is a state-of-the-art mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility. It allows students to write, record and produce songs, music videos and documentaries among other digital media projects – all in one day.
Selected students from the Miller Career & Technology Center will have the opportunity to create an original student project, while they also remember the legendary singer-songwriter, John Lennon.
Monday, March 6, 2017 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Miller Career & Technology Center
1734 Katyland Dr.
Over 400 Katy ISD students will have the chance to record in the state-of-the-art mobile audio and HD video facility, and will form a human peace sign, paying homage to the legendary John Lennon of The Beatles.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (February 28, 2017) – Katy ISD welcomes Todd McVey as the new Head Football Coach/Campus Athletic Coordinator at Obra D. Tompkins High School. Coach McVey is currently serving as an Assistant Athletic Director for Katy ISD, and the Interim Head Coach at Tompkins. He has been the Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator at McKinney HS and Killeen Harker Heights. He was also a member of the staff at Texas City High school when they won the 4A state championship in 1997. The Falcons will introduce Mr. McVey to the Tompkins community at 7 p.m. in the Main Commons on Thursday, March 2.
Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – With a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved tonight “Legacy Stadium” as the new name for the Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium. Additionally and as part of public recommendation, the field will be named after former coach Mike Johnston. This state of the art, cost efficient, multipurpose school facility will open up Fall of 2017, thanks to the 2014 voter-approved bond program and it will be part of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Complex.
“It’s an honor to recognize all the former legacies which continue to inspire our students,” says Rebecca Fox, Katy ISD Board President. “Coach Johnston is a perfect example of an individual who continues to pour out his love and dedication for the future generation.”
This February, the Second Stadium Naming Advisory Committee was tasked with identifying a suitable name for the Second Stadium, which would align with the values and core believes of Katy ISD. The committee began with a solicitation of name nominations from the Katy ISD community, which was open from February 8-17. After careful review, a recommendation was presented during the Board of Trustees Work Study Meeting on Tuesday, February 21. District officials were happy to see dozens of attendees at the public forum offered for parents, teachers, staff and community input.
The Second Stadium is being built not just for the districts 75,000+ Katy ISD students, but for the entire community.
Click here to see photos of recent Second Stadium construction.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – Its doors are open, and YMCA officials are ready to make their newest and state-of-the-art center, the YMCA at Katy Main Street, 1350 Main St., official. On March 3, the YMCA of Greater Houston will host a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the second YMCA in Katy and one of the most unique centers in the Greater Houston area.
A brief ceremony, which will begin at 10 a.m., will include remarks from Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston; Ann Hodge of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, David Ruzicka, chairman of the board for the Katy Area YMCAs; Carlos Valdez, chairman of the Board for the YMCA of Greater Houston; and Pam Filip, executive director of the YMCA at Katy Main Street. From March 3-5, all are invited to try the new center free of charge. Those who choose to join before March 6 will pay no join fee, a savings of $125.
On March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the YMCA at Katy Main Street will host a round of demos for much of what the new center has to offer, including TRX, Body Flow and Zumba classes and a Motion Magix kids’ zone. (See schedule below for all demos.) During the same time, there will be carnival-type activities for families and kids, including face painting, a “selfie station”, balloon making, games, a bingo map for visiting different areas of the new Y, and a drawing for Fitbits and other prizes. If the weather permits, the pool will be open for limited hours. Popcorn and juice will be on hand for refreshments.
On March 5 from 1 to 4 p.m., similar demos and festivities will continue.
YMCA at Katy Main Street
The YMCA at Katy Main Street took the best designs from YMCA centers around the nation and incorporated them into one 41,000 square-foot facility with extra modern amenities and a sleek, airy design.
The $12 million center offers the latest exercise crazes including TRX and aerial yoga. Its outdoor pool is heated and connected to private changing rooms.
The YMCA at Katy Main Street features strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, Child Watch rooms to accommodate children from six weeks to 11 years old, an outdoor playground and sports fields, a cycle studio and coffee bar. It also includes health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, after-school care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more.
The new center is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year. It will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships as well as create more than 200 area jobs.
Demo Schedule:
Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
10:15 – Family Pickleball (Outside)
10:45 – Body Flow (Outside)
11:00 – Dance (Mind/Body Studio)
11:30 – TKD (Outside)
11:30 – Aerial Yoga (Personal Training Studio)
11:45 – Cheer (Outside)
12:00 – Zumba (Outside)
12:00 – TRX – (Personal Training Studio)
12:15 – Zumba Strong (Outside)
12:30 – Body Jam (Outside)
12:45 – DrumFit (Outside)
1:00 – Barre Workout (Outside)
1:00 – Exergames (Kids Zone)
1:30 – Motion Magix (Kids Zone)
Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
1:10 – Enhance Fitness (Outside)
1:15 – Silver Sneakers (Outside)
1:30 – CXWorx (Outside)
1:45 – Zumba (Outside)
2:00 – Zumba Toning (Outside)
2:00 – Exergames (Kids Zone)
2:15 – Body Pump (Outside)
2:30 – Body Combat (Outside)
2:30 – Motion Magix (Kids Zone)
2:45 – Mat Pilates (Outside)
3:00 – TKD (Outside)
3:15 – Soccer (Outside)
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – On March 27, the Fort Bend Family YMCA, T.W. Davis Family YMCA, Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street – all four located in Fort Bend County – will be hosting the 11th Annual YMCA Golf Classic, sponsored by Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the YMCA’s Annual Campaign and ultimately provide support for scholarships and subsidized programming.
The YMCA is in the process of rounding up teams and sponsors who will support this charitable event. The deadline for signing up is March 20.
“We are excited to be teaming up once again with an organization that does so much for youth and families in our region,” said Joey Dupuis, a co-sponsor of the event and general manager at Sterling McCall Lexus.
This year, the tournament will be held at Pecan Grove Country Club with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.
The Y event will have a best ball scramble format and include several on-course competitions, including the Hit the Green Contest sponsored by Thom Polvogt Insurance Group. It will also include a lunch donated by Swinging Door BBQ and dinner donated by Macaroni Grill. Golfers will enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks during their rounds. And, each golfer will receive a goodie bag that includes a shirt, balls, snacks and more. During the dinner and awards ceremony, golfers can participate in both silent and live auctions.
Supporters already on board include: Fluor, Staff Force, NtheZone Photography, NRG-WA Parish Plant, and Direct Energy.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Annual Support Campaigns of the Fort Bend Family YMCA in Missouri City, the T.W. Davis Family YMCA in Richmond, the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street.
For information on available sponsorships or team registration call Connie Stirgus or Brian Haines at 281-392-5055.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
KATY, TX News (February 27, 2017) – Texas PTA President Lisa Holbrook recently visited Pattison Elementary, one of six Katy Independent School District (KISD) schools whose Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) were awarded the 2015/2016 Voice for Every Child Award.
Texas PTA’s most prestigious membership award, the Voice for Every Child Award honors PTAs that strive to have one voice (one member) for every child on campus. The Pattison Elementary PTA was recognized at the Platinum level for recruiting at least one member per enrolled student, or 100% of student enrollment. The PTAs at Alexander Elementary, Holland Elementary, Kilpatrick Elementary, Rylander Elementary and Stanley Elementary were also recognized.
During Holbrook’s visit and tour of Pattison Elementary, she lauded the PTA for being the “lifeblood of the campus.”
“On behalf of Texas PTA – thank you,” said Holbrook. “We truly appreciate all you do to support and engage the teachers, staff, students and their families, and the community as a whole.”
The Pattison Elementary PTA also is a recipient of Texas PTA’s 2015/2016 Head Start Award, Golden Apple Award, Men Are Really Super Award and Student Membership Award.
For more information on Pattison Elementary’s PTA, visit www.pattisonpta.org.
Katy, TX (February 24, 2017) City of Katy Residents and Supporters:
After much thought, prayers, and with the support of my family and friends, I have decided to withdraw from the race for my last term as Mayor of the City of Katy.
Although a tough decision, at almost 77-years old and with some recent health issues, I know it is time to move on.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve the City of Katy as Mayor for the past four years and City Council the previous 6 years. Thank you all so very much for the great opportunity you afforded me.
May God continue to bless the City of Katy.
Fabol Hughes
Mayor, City of Katy
Katy, TX News (February 24, 2017) As it begins its 18th year in business, Tiff’s Treats announced today it will be opening its first 2017 store in Katy, the 6th location in the Houston area. The Katy location will be the company’s 28th store overall, the 25th store in Texas. In 2016, Austin-based Tiff’s Treats, the first in the nation to create the warm cookie delivery concept, also opened 3 other stores in Atlanta Georgia, its first locations outside the state of Texas. The Katy store, at 21788 Katy Fwy B-800, Katy, TX 77449, will celebrate with a grand opening event Saturday, March 4 from 9 am to 1 pm., with cookie sales benefiting Texas Children’s Hospital. More at https://cookiedelivery.com/Company/About/New-Store-Openings/Events/Katy.aspx
“We had such a big year in 2016, with our first locations outside of Texas, and great feedback from the Atlanta area,” said Leon Chen, co-founder of Tiff’s Treats. “We also opened several more Texas stores and closed $11 million more funding so we can continue to grow our business to bring more cookies to more locations. We are excited to keep this momentum rolling in 2017, and beyond, including with this newest location in Katy.”
The Katy grand opening will include a fundraiser where Tiff’s Treats will be selling a dozen cookies for only $5 (no call ahead orders).
Customers at the opening can purchase up to six one-dozen boxes filled with one of Tiff’s Treats most irresistible flavors: chocolate chip, snickerdoodle or oatmeal raisin, for just $5 a box, to a maximum of 6 boxes purchased per person.
All of the proceeds from this day (up to $5,000) will go to Texas Children’s Hospital, specifically benefiting Camp Kindred, a Texas Children’s Hospital camp program for siblings of children with Cystic Fibrosis. At each new Tiff’s Treats’ grand opening events, the company does charity fundraising where proceeds from cookie sales go to a local area non-profit organization. In its previous 27 store opening events, Tiff’s Treats has raised more than $115,000 for charities.
People may also bring unwrapped new books or stuffed animals to donate to the Texas Children’s Katy West Campus and receive a $5 Tiff’s Treats gift card in return.
Tiff’s Treats will also be giving away all sorts of prizes at this grand opening including gift cards donated from local area restaurants and shops, randomly inserted into boxes of cookies. The first 40 people in line at the 9 am opening will get a $100 Tiff’s Treats gift card! All others in line at 9 am will receive a $10 gift card. There will also be a drawing to win free cookies for a year.
The Katy store, located at 21788 Katy Fwy B-800, Katy, TX 77449, and will be open for business full time Sunday, March 5.
The Katy store will bring Tiff’s Treats to six locations in the Houston area, to go along with 22 other stores spread between the Austin (7), San Antonio (4), Dallas/Fort Worth (8) and Atlanta (3) areas. Tiff’s Treats will continue to grow and open new markets as part of its strategic plan funded by overall business growth as well as $25 million investments the company has received in the past two years from investors impressed by the success of the brand to date, and the opportunity for it to grow.
All Tiff’s Treats locations deliver warm cookies, straight from the oven, to businesses and homes. Tiff’s Treats is a delicious idea for dessert delivery to your home or business, client gifts and meeting snacks, birthday gifts, a sweet-tooth fix and more. Baked fresh when you order from premium ingredients, all cookies and brownies are delivered warm, straight from the oven, in a white box complete with a colorful ribbon. For those who appreciate the experience of a warm cookie made from scratch (of only the finest ingredients and right out of the oven!), Tiff’s Treats offers something thoroughly enjoyable, as it is the first company in the country to pioneer warm cookie and brownie delivery.
More About Tiff’s Treats: Tiff’s Treats created the warm cookie delivery concept. Tiff’s Treats makes and delivers classic, baked-to-order cookies and brownies straight from the oven to the home or office, WARM, in about an hour.
Founded in 1999, what started as two friends baking cookies at University of Texas at Austin to help fellow students get through exams has now grown to 27 stores in Texas and Georgia, baking more than 50 million cookies since its inception. And the company is consistently focused on giving back: with grand opening fundraisers that fill needs for charities (and hungry bellies for Tiff’s fans!), Tiff’s Treats has donated $115,000 to worthy causes. Tiff’s Treats operates stores in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, in Texas, as well as three stores in Atlanta Georgia. The company was founded by Tiffany and Leon Chen, UT alumni from Richardson, TX. For more information, please visit www.cookiedelivery.com.
Katy, TX News (February 23, 2017 – Kingsland Baptist Church (KBC) will celebrate a decade of community service Sunday, February 26, when its members take part in their 10th annual Caring for Katy event.
The church leaves its pews empty one Sunday each year and fills the city instead, meeting practical needs in neighborhoods, community centers, and local organizations.
Since 2007, the church has invested 750,000 dollars and 70,000 volunteer hours into the community with the help of 13,520 volunteers. In just one day per year, nearly 400 projects have been tackled, and the members are eager to add to those numbers this year.
“Caring for Katy is about closing the doors to the church and going out into our community to be the church — to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to love and serve others in practical ways,” said Missions Pastor Omar C. Garcia.
Projects complete, participants will return to Kingsland’s main campus to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Caring for Katy and the opportunity to have been a part of it.
Courtesy of Kingsland Baptist Church
Katy, TX News (February 21, 2017) – Katy ISD had 30 high school students win awards at the 2017 Farrington Contest and Awards, sponsored by the Houston Area Teachers of Foreign Language. This included six students who took home first place prizes in Spanish Advanced, Spanish Intermediate, German 2, German 3 and American Sign Language.
More than 200 Houston-area students participated in the language competition and schools were allowed to send three students from each language level. Participants completed a language exam including reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (February 20, 2017) – Vista Equities Group is pleased to announce that Snooze, “an .A.M. Eatery,” a fast growing culinary-driven breakfast and brunch concept, has signed a 4,098 sq. ft. lease at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Snooze is anticipated to open by late 2017 and will be located off Cinco Ranch Blvd, conveniently adjacent to the 3-level East Gate Parking garage and the Grand Parkway.
Offering creative twists on classic breakfast dishes, as well as a selection of local, craft beers and morning cocktails, Snooze aims to change the way its customers think about breakfast. The new Snooze at LaCenterra will offer diners a selection of both sweet and savory renditions on classic breakfast dishes.
“We fell in love with the Houston area and we think Katy exemplifies the very best of what Houston has to offer. Snooze’s company mission is to be an integral part of the communities in which we are located and we believe that Katy is an incredible community,” said CEO of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, David Birzon.
“We are thrilled to welcome Snooze to LaCenterra! Its unique dining concept, coupled with its commitment to supporting local causes and communities, makes for an exciting addition to LaCenterra, as well as to the Katy community,” said Lindsay Kaye, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for LaCenterra.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a 34-acre, over 360,000 sq. ft. (410,000 sq. ft. upon completion) mixed-use development located on the western edge of metropolitan Houston in Katy, TX. Located on the Grand Parkway just three miles south of I-10 with prominent freeway visibility, the property is nestled in the heart of Cinco Ranch, one of the nation’s premier master planned communities.
The eatery is also dedicated to supporting local causes and issues related to the neighborhoods where they live, as well as organizations focused on education and sustainability. In an effort to do so, one percent of sales from each Snooze makes its way back into the local community through the donation of in-kind goods (A.K.A. pancakes!) and services.
Snooze will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Additionally, Snooze at LaCenterra will offer catering to be picked up Mondays-Thursdays between 6:30am-2pm, and Fridays 6:30am-8am.
The lease was secured by Donna Keith of Vista Equities Group. Snooze was represented by Jason Baker and Traci Holman with Baker Katz.
Courtesy of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Katy, TX News (February 17, 2017) – The Cinco Ranch High School String Quartet have the privilege of joining the professional actors on stage to add an element of orchestral texture to “In My Life,” the musical retelling of the Beatles story. The musical, told through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein, features the live music of renowned tribute band Abbey Road.
Cinco Ranch High seniors Aidan Gettemy and Daniela Melo, junior Janet Li and sophomore Joshua Jung will join the band for the songs “Eleanor Rigby,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “Hello Goodbye,” and “Hey Jude.” In a special touch, “Yesterday” is played as a scene in which the Paul McCartney character plays the song for the first time for Beatles producer George Martin, with the songwriter explaining that he envisioned a string-quartet accompaniment.
The smash hit production performs at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – Zilkha Hall on March 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $33- $64, plus applicable ticket fees, and may be purchased online at www.thehobbycenter.org, by phone at 713.315.2525 or at the Hobby Center Box Office. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Katy, TX News (February 17, 2017) – Penske Truck Leasing has opened a new location in Katy, Texas. Located at 517 Stonegate Drive, it has full-service truck leasing, consumer and commercial truck rental and contract truck fleet maintenance services. This location contains four services bays in a 20,000-square-foot building on 2.5 acres.
“We have opened a Katy location to match our business growth in the western Houston suburbs,” explained Chip Jensen, senior vice president for Penske’s south central region. “It is ideally situated near Interstate 10 and is more convenient for our customers.”
To contact the truck rental department, please call 346-307-3112. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The service department can be reached at 346-307-3114, and the hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; on Saturday it is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P., headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a partnership of Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group, GE Capital Holdings and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske operates more than 240,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,000 locations in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, used truck sales, transportation and warehousing management and supply chain management solutions. Visit https://www.gopenske.com/ to learn more. Penske Truck Leasing social media: Move Ahead Blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Courtesy of PR Newswire
Katy, TX News (February 16, 2017) – Katy ISD recently announced that McRoberts Elementary Principal Dr. Kwabena Mensah and Mayde Creek Junior High Principal Dr. David Paz, were chosen for Katy ISD’s Region IV Principal Recognition.
Mensah and Paz were selected by their peers for their ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education, their desire for continuous personal and professional growth, and their ability to inspire Katy ISD students and staff.
They will be recognized along with campus administrators from school districts in the surrounding area at the Region IV Principal Recognition ceremony on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Hotel ZaZa.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (February 15, 2017) – Katy The Noyes Fine Arts Foundation (NFAF) will host the first annual Tee-Off for the Arts golf tournament on Monday, April 24th, 2017 at 9am at the exclusive Club at Falcon Point in Katy. All proceeds from this tournament are dedicated to The Katy Grand Theatre Project, an NFAF effort to build a $3.4 million dollar performing arts center in Katy. The Katy Grand Theatre is to be a flagship fine arts venue for symphony, concerts, and year round musical theatre productions for the Katy community. Player Registration and Tournament Sponsorship opportunities are now available through the website at www.nfaf.org.
NFAF has already secured $3.1 million in funding for the KGT Project. The Tee-Off for the Arts golf tournament is one of many fundraising efforts to raise the remaining $300,000 needed to complete the funding requirements necessary to build Katy’s first 300 seat, 13,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art performance center. The venue is set to be built near Avenue D in Katy. The contractual deadline to raise these funds is July 2017.
NFAF currently offers programs enriching the Katy and surrounding communities, including the Katy Youth Symphony, the Katy Youth Choir, and the Books Alive! touring theatrical literacy through the arts program. Details about these existing programs can be found on the website at www.nfaf.org. Once built, the Katy Grand Theatre will be home to these programs, now outsourcing space, along with a community based, professional quality theatre troupe and a theatrical training program for students. Additionally, the venue will serve private and public organizations that may rent the performance center at affordable rates – which is not currently available in Katy.
Support the community and this much needed venue by participating in the NFAF Tee-Off for the Arts golf tournament. Player Registration and Tournament Sponsorship opportunities are now available through the website at www.nfaf.org.
Katy, TX News (February 15, 2017) – The Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch is proud to announce that it has been selected as the new Assessment Center of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program for the greater Houston area.
The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program provides a recognized national standard of musical success through an effectively sequenced course of study from beginner to advanced levels. The Music Development Program was developed by the acclaimed Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada, and was created in response to feedback from parents and teachers throughout the US, requesting a top-quality nationally-recognized system to track students’ musical progress, celebrating their accomplishments.
The Program centers on periodic assessments for students—one-on-one adjudicator-to-student performance evaluations that also function as valuable teaching and learning opportunities. In each practical assessment, a certified professional adjudicator evaluates a student’s performance of repertoire, studies (etudes), and musical proficiency skills. Assessments are offered for keyboard, string, woodwind, and brass instruments; voice; and the academic subjects of music theory, music history, and pedagogy.
“It was an honor to have been named as a Founding School of the Music Development Program back in 2012,” says Dr. Michael Guevara, manager of the The Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch. “Now, having been selected as the Assessment Center for the Music Development Program in the Houston area, this honor further solidifies our desire to offer access to the finest in music education within our community. Students who participate in this program will be provided with experiences and skills that will benefit them now and into the future.”
Assessments are held several times a year at locations across the US. For a list of upcoming assessment session dates and registration information, please visit www.MusicDevelopmentProgram.org.
Katy, TX News (February 13, 2017) – The Commander of Katy’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 recently honored outstanding volunteers of the Post the Community at the Third Annual Katy Military Dining Out held at the Club at Falcon Point in Katy, February 10th, 2017. The evening included recognition of each of these volunteer leaders for their exceptionally meritorious service to Veterans, the Community, and the Youth of Katy, Texas.
“Their efforts truly demonstrate the selfless service spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars” said Frank Torres, the Commander of the Post.
“Their enthusiasm, dedication and personal conduct in providing outstanding selfless service to the Veterans and their families, the youth and schools, and the community of Katy Texas is an inspiration to us all.”
“This was the third annual formal military ball for the Katy Area, and the first time many of our veterans have experienced a military ball”, said Commander Torres. “Many of our veterans were drafted, sent into combat for a year or more, then discharged, never experiencing the heritage of the military”. The Military Ball was not only for VFW Post 9182 members, but also in attendance were Veterans from the American Legion Posts 164, The Marine Corps League Detachment 1295 and The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 723 and Reservists from the 75th Training Command, Ellington Field
The evening began with the Katy Division of the Sea Cadets posting the colors and honoring our missing veterans by holding an MIA table setting ceremony. A traditional grog ceremony, let by the Mistress of the Grog, Stephanie Torres, was followed by dinner. After dinner, the President of the Mess, Frank Torres presented the Commanders Award for Excellence and the Fort Bend County Sheriff, Troy Nehls gave the keynote address. The evening ended with the Katy Division of the Sea Cadets retiring the colors.
The Katy Area Military Dining Out was a success and the Katy VFW Post 9182 plans to hold the event every February open to all present and past members of the military.
Katy, TX News (February 10, 2017) – The Texas Department of Transportation will complete the final lane configurations on the southbound mainlanes of the I-45 S Gulf Freeway project from Dixie Farm Rd. to Nasa Bypass as well as other miscellaneous work. To complete the work, a total closure of the southbound mainlanes will take place beginning tomorrow night.
Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, February 10 through 5 a.m., Monday, February 13, the I-45/Gulf Freeway southbound mainlanes from Scarsdale to Nasa Bypass will be closed.
- Motorists traveling southbound will need to exit the mainlanes at Scarsdale and detour to the frontage road through the Nasa Rd. 1 intersection. Motorists can re-enter the mainlanes at the Nasa Bypass/Nasa Rd. 1 entrance ramp.
Motorists should expect delays and are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes. All intersections between FM 1959/Dixie Farm Rd and Nasa Rd 1 will have uniformed police officers on duty to assist with the flow of traffic.
Once the closure is complete the five southbound mainlanes will open. The entrance and exit ramps from Scarsdale to Nasa Bypass will also be in their final configuration.
The northbound mainlanes will remain unaffected by this weekend’s traffic switch and remain at 3 lanes. A future traffic switch is planned to address the final configuration of the northbound mainlanes. The entire project is scheduled for completion by 2018.
Courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation
Katy, TX News (February 10, 2017) – Katy ISD will celebrate the time, effort and heart of KEYS mentors — while supporting KEYS Scholarships — at Ties & Tiaras on March 9th from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at NOAH’S of Katy. This year’s festivities include honoring the 2017 Mentors of the Year and KEYS Scholarship Sponsors, along with entertainment provided by a stringed ensemble from Tompkins High School. Also joining the event will be the Cinco Ranch High School student artists who created this year’s KEYS scholarship masterpiece.
Every year Ties & Tiaras honors Katy ISD’s family of mentors, who spend up to one hour each week with their students. In particular, the event recognizes a few individuals who’ve sustained relationships and dedication to the KEYS program year after year. The Katy ISD 2017 Mentors of the Year, and their respective KEYS campuses, are:
- Fred Crist, McDonald Junior High
- Kevin Drury, Rylander Elementary
- James Grima, Wolfe Elementary
- Kirsten Hampshire, Seven Lakes High School
- Steven Herold, Bear Creek Elementary
- Don Mach, Taylor High School
- Karen Morey, Hayes Elementary
- Donna Ortiz, Cardiff Junior High
- Susan Reilly, Katy High School
Collectively, this group represents 51 years of service to the KEYS program, having mentored a total of 35 students between them.
Since its inception in 2006, the KEYS Scholarship Fund has awarded over $300,000 to graduating KEYS seniors. KEYS – Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success – is a relationship initiative that matches a caring adult with a student on the brink of success for up to one hour a week, during the school day, during the school year. Piloted during the 1995-1996 school year, this program now extends to every campus in Katy ISD. KEYS is not a tutoring program, but rather a relationship program, with many mentors and their students sustaining their friendship year after year. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact Martha Brown, 281-396-2468, marthabrown@katyisd.org.
About Katy ISD Partners in Education – Katy ISD Partners in Education creates school-support opportunities for parents, businesses and the community by offering a wide variety of options amenable to every schedule, talent and expertise. We bring volunteers into Katy ISD classrooms at each campus and all grade levels. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (February 9, 2017) – Katy ISD is now accepting nominations for the naming of the Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium, set to open Fall 2017. Katy ISD will be providing its community with a state of the art, cost efficient, multipurpose second stadium as part of its 2014 Bond.
Individuals interested in submitting a name are asked to review the Katy ISD Board Policy CW (Local) for specific facility naming guidelines, and submit a completed Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form. Click here for guidelines and form.
The public may submit the Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form and all supplementary materials in the following manner:
- Via email to schoolnaming@katyisd.org
- By mail to Katy ISD School/Facility Naming
Communications Department
P.O. Box 159
Katy, TX 77492-0159
- Personal delivery to Education Support Complex (ESC)
Communications Department
6301 S. Stadium Lane
Katy, TX 77494
Submissions must be received no later than 4 p.m. on February 17.
Courtesy of Katy ISD Communications
Katy, TX News (February 6, 2017) – Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital will soon be connected by more than just the Grand Parkway.
Memorial Hermann Health System is pleased to announce Heath Rushing as Sr. Vice President and CEO for Memorial Hermann Katy and Memorial Hermann Cypress. Rushing, who previously served as Sr. Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, will officially begin his role on Monday, February 6.
“Having a single leader for the two hospitals speaks to Memorial Hermann’s commitment to providing coordinated and consistent care throughout the System. We are confident this streamlined structure will foster a spirit of collaboration, allowing us to better meet the healthcare needs of the entire region,” says Craig Cordola, Sr. Vice President & Regional President – West, Memorial Hermann Health System.
Rushing joined Memorial Hermann in 2002 and throughout his career he has held several leadership roles. During Rushing’s tenure at Memorial Hermann Northeast, the hospital became a certified primary stroke center, introduced the community’s first neurosurgery spine program, began a start-up interventional cardiology program, and re-established the hospital’s peripheral vascular program. Rushing also established deep roots in the community, serving on a variety of community boards within the Lake Houston area.
“Heath led Memorial Hermann Northeast during a time of great change and expansion. I know he has the expertise to guide Memorial Hermann Katy and Cypress into a bright future,” adds Cordola.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the team at both Memorial Hermann Katy and Memorial Hermann Cypress hospitals. I am confident that together we will be able to build on the strong foundation that is already in place to navigate this ever-changing industry,” says Rushing. “I hope my tenure as CEO will not only facilitate a better experience for our patients, but also for our employees and affiliated physicians.”
Rushing, his wife, Sara, and their three children plan to relocate this summer to be closer to the communities he now serves.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (February 6, 2017) – In honor of Solis Mammography’s 30th anniversary in 2016, three pioneers in women’s breast health – Dr. Timothy Freer, founder and practicing radiologist; Dr. Stephen Rose, chief medical officer; and James Polfreman, CEO and president of Solis Mammography – gathered for a roundtable discussion.
Describing the origins of what is now Solis Mammography, Dr. Freer remarked, “It’s pretty amazing that what started off as one 600-square-foot location, one radiologist, one film mammography machine with one technologist in Plano, Texas, in 1986 has today grown into Solis Mammography, the nation’s largest independent provider of breast imaging services with 38 centers across six major markets serving more than 600,000 patients each year.”
Although the panel discussion revolved around three decades of serving breast health, more time was spent talking about the changing role of technology in advancing breast imaging – specifically with advances in three-dimensional (3-D) mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis.
Dr. Rose explained that his first exposure to mammography was Xerox, “Blue and white paper was how we interpreted mammograms at that time. The technology of film screening followed, bringing mammogram resolution to an entirely different level than ever seen before. Digital mammography slightly improved film screening but wasn’t very exciting. However, by 2015, over 95 percent of all mammograms were digital.”1
“Film to digital mammography was an evolution. Digital mammography to 3-D mammography is a revolution,” Dr. Rose stated.
From a patient point of view, there is no noticeable difference between 2-D exam and 3-D exam during the mammogram as both take about the same amount of time, compression and positioning. However, from a radiologist point of view, the difference in the images between 2-D and 3-D mammography is night and day. Providing around 60 images of breast tissue, divided into 1 mm slices, 3-D mammography allows the radiologist to see cancers as early as stage zero and to find masses that might otherwise be hidden within dense breast tissue. This compares to conventional 2-D mammography which offers the radiologist just two images of each breast through compressed breast tissue.
To better understand the difference between conventional 2-D and 3-D mammography, imagine a book with clear covers and pages. With 2-D, the radiologist must peer through the front or back cover, looking for a single word that does not have the same characteristics as the other words. With 3-D, the breast is seen in 1mm slices, giving the radiologist the ability to look for that abnormal word one “page” at a time.
Dr. Rose reported that Solis Mammography’s greatest accomplishment in 30 years is “the implementation of 3-D mammography.” Peer-reviewed research, co-authored by Dr. Rose, has shown that 3-D mammography increases early detection of breast cancer by 54 percent and decreases recall rates by 37 percent. (A recall is the radiologist calling the patient back for more tests to ensure accuracy).
“To have our chief medical officer be a principal expert on 3-D technology is uniquely distinctive and a reflection of Solis Mammography’s dedication to offering the highest quality care with exceptionally accurate results,” Polfreman said. “From Dr. Rose’s early research on 3-D, to diagnosing the first patient with bilateral breast cancer that was originally missed using the standard 2-D, to his most recent study that proves 3-D is extremely beneficial to women in their 40s — these are critical advances in the clinical science of mammography allowing Solis to be a leading authority on breast health.”
Solis Mammography’s commitment to 3-D technology has translated to $18 million invested over the past three years to upgrade all of its centers to provide 3-D mammography. To date, 37 of the 38 Solis centers offer 3-D mammography, with the final center being upgraded this month in Chandler, Arizona.
Implementing the best mammography technology is step one, but helping patients afford that technology must follow in suit. Medicare announced full coverage for 3-D mammography in January 2015. Other private insurers have added coverage but only in select regional markets. And CIGNA was the first national private insurer to offer 3-D coverage in all U.S. markets. Solis Mammography is working to support both federal and state legislation which supports a woman’s right to 100% coverage for 3-D mammography. “We want to ensure that a woman’s decision on what type of mammogram she has won’t be determined by her financial means,” commented Polfreman.
Simply put, 3-D mammography is the best and most advanced technology for early detection of breast cancer. Early detection not only saves lives, it improves quality of life – providing women better and less invasive options for treatment. Dr. Rose concluded, “I know without a shadow of a doubt that every patient we see is benefiting from the service we provide.”
To watch Solis Mammography’s 30th anniversary video, Three Decades of Breast Health, go to http://newsroom.solismammo.com/2017/01/09/solis-mammography-30th-anniversary/. To view Solis Mammography’s 3-D Mammography infographic go to: http://newsroom.solismammo.com/2016/06/01/3dinfo/.
Katy, TX News (February 3, 2017) – By taking the best designs from YMCA centers around the nation and incorporating them into one 41,000 square-foot facility, the YMCA of Greater Houston has responded to Katy’s burgeoning population with extra modern amenities and a sleek, airy design.
After nine months of construction, the YMCA at Katy Main Street, 1350 Main St., will open its doors on Saturday and offer the latest exercise crazes including TRX and aerial yoga. Its outdoor pool is heated and connected to private changing rooms.
Those are just some of the special features at the $12 million center. The center is expected to be a hub for Katy’s growing needs for child care, health and fitness, and educational programs.
Located at the intersection of Main Street and Kingsland Boulevard (near Interstate 10 and Pin Oak Road), the two-story facility aims to serve residents in west and north Katy and in neighboring communities.
“One amazing thing about the YMCA is the scope of our work, which can be seen at all of our centers, but is especially evident in ever-expanding Katy,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of The YMCA of Greater Houston. “Katy’s population is expected to grow from 300,000 people to nearly 550,000 by 2035. In just three years, this new center is expected to serve 20,000 people.”
The YMCA at Katy Main Street features strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, Child Watch rooms to accommodate children from six weeks to 11 years old, an outdoor playground and sports fields, a cycle studio and coffee bar. It also includes health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, after-school care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more.
The Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch is currently the largest provider of child care in the Katy area, serving more than 1,500 children each year at before- and after-school care sites in Katy Independent School District. It also offers the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and LIVESTRONG for those recovering from cancer. In addition, more than 5,000 children participate in the center’s youth sports program. The center serves approximately 50,000 people.
Feasibility studies indicate that 3,000 new families will utilize the new YMCA at Katy Main Street, and that 1,000 current family memberships would relocate for the convenience of the new location.
The new center is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year. Projected to be self-sustaining in 12 to 18 months, it will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships as well as create more than 200 area jobs.
“People need the YMCA at Katy Main Street for their health, for social interaction, and to improve their spirits,” said Brian Haines, district executive director at the YMCA of Greater Houston. “We will make sure we stay true to our commitment to make sure that no one is ever turned away.”
Katy, TX News (February 2, 2017) – Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2 (District) and the Willowfork Fire Department are pleased to announce the commencement of the construction phase of the District’s third fire station. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 2:00 PM at 2700 Spring Green Boulevard, Katy, Texas.
The new facility will be approximately 13,000 square feet, containing three apparatus bays, firefighter sleeping quarters, an exercise gym and office space for administrative matters of the District and Department. A third station is necessary for the District in order to keep pace with growth in the northern part of the District’s service area and due to the increase in the number of service calls throughout the District’s entire territory. Station #3 will primarily serve the surrounding subdivisions of Cardiff Ranch, Cinco Ranch Northwest, Grayson Lakes, Hawk’s Landing, Pinemill Ranch, Silver Ranch and Westlake. The addition of a third station will allow the Willowfork Fire Department to maintain the current high standards of service delivered to its constituents.
Fort BendCounty Emergency Services District No. 2, which operates the Willowfork Fire Department, recently solicited sealed competitive proposals for the construction project. On September 28, 2016, the District’s board approved a $3,932,000 construction contract with Teal Construction Company as the general contractor for the project. Construction funding is being managed through the District’s cash reserves and no borrowed funds will be necessary to complete this project which will save the taxpayers having to incur additional interest expense. The facility was designed by BRW Architects, a firm that has designed several fire stations in the Harris and Fort Bend county areas. The station will be situated on land adjacent to the new Spring Green traffic roundabout that will connect the two existing segments of Spring Green Boulevard as well as Cinco Trace Drive and Katy Flewellen Road. The construction period is expected to last most of 2017. Assuming the weather cooperates, Station #3 should be placed into service by early 2018.
Katy, TX News (February 2, 2017) – Yesterday Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management hosted dozens of elected officials from across the area for a briefing about Super Bowl 51 and its week-long activation leading up to game day.
“Special events like the Super Bowl attract massive crowds that create many safety and traffic challenges,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “We are doing all we can to help support the region and all the entities involved with this major task.”
Officials also toured the Harris County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for a glimpse of how emergency management personnel are monitoring all activities related to Super Bowl 51. The Harris County EOC is currently activated at Level 1 (High Readiness) and working with federal, state and local partners to monitor and support all safety and security efforts.
“Our ability to collaborate with others during a major event or crisis is key,” added Emmett. “Many of our surrounding communities have contributed resources and first responders to keep Harris County’s NRG Stadium safe on game day.”
The Regional Joint Information Center is also activated to support traffic, transportation and other public information needs. State and local transportation partners have been assisting media to provide area residents and visitors with information about road closures, parking and public transportation.
Officials attending the briefing included county judges, commissioners, mayors, council members and others.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the ReadyHarris app on iTunes or Google Play for the latest emergency information.
Katy, TX News (February 2, 2017) – Dr. Lauren Kane, congenital heart surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital, was recently awarded the Carolyn E. Reed Traveling Fellowship from The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF). Kane is the first congenital heart surgeon to receive the distinguished honor. For more information about the fellowship visit TSF’s website.
Established in 2013 in conjunction with Women in Thoracic Surgery, The Carolyn E. Reed Traveling Fellowship is an annual award presented to an established female thoracic or cardiac surgeon which provides them the opportunity to travel to another institution to learn a new skill or technology.
“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Kane, who is also an assistant professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. “Carolyn was a wonderful, well-respected and beloved leader in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pay tribute to her legacy as I collaborate with surgeons internationally who share my passion for enriching the lives of children with congenital heart disease and defects.”
Kane plans to travel to New Delhi, India to collaborate with an outstanding program there focused on advanced congenital heart disease.
“Dr. Kane is a vital member of our team and I am proud that she has been recognized with this coveted fellowship,” said Dr. Charles D. Fraser Jr., surgeon-in-chief and chief of congenital heart surgery at Texas Children’s, and professor of surgery and chief of the division of congenital heart surgery at Baylor. “I look forward to her returning from her travels with a unique perspective of the keys to success of international programs similar to ours.”
Texas Children’s Heart Center is ranked #2 nationally in cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. The Congenital Heart Surgery Service offers a comprehensive surgical program that includes every procedure available for the treatment of pediatric heart disease and defects. The team cares for children of every age, including preterm and low-birth-weight newborns, tailoring procedures and treatments to the needs of each individual child and his or her family. During surgery, this individualized approach includes cardiopulmonary bypass and neuroprotection strategies customized to each patient’s condition and needs, helping to ensure optimal outcomes are achieved. For more information visit texaschildrens.org/heart.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX News (January 31, 2017) – National Letter of Intent Signing Day is February 1, 2017. Several Katy ISD high school athletes, accompanied by their family, friends and Katy ISD staff, will be signing a binding letter of intent offered by distinct college teams from across the United States. Below are the times for signing day at each school:
Cinco Ranch High School – Conference Room 1210 7:00 a.m.
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy High School – Field House Team Meeting Room 2:45 p.m.
6331 Highway Blvd.
Mayde Creek High School – Library 7:00 a.m.
19202 Groeschke Rd., Houston, TX 77084
Morton Ranch High School – Field House 8:00 a.m.
21000 Franz Rd.
Seven Lakes High School – LGI 7:00 a.m.
9251 S. Fry Rd.
Taylor High School – PAC 7:00 a.m.
20700 Kingsland Blvd.
Tompkins High School – LGI 7:00 a.m.
4400 Falcon Landing Blvd.
Katy, TX News (January 31, 2017) – Dr. James M. Jacobs and Associates with Your Total Foot Care Specialist, are pleased to announce two $1,500 “Stepping into the Future” scholarships for 2017 KISD graduating seniors. Applications must be submitted to the offices of Your Total Foot Care Specialist by March 31, 2017, 5:00 p.m. A third party committee will select the two winning applicants.
“We are proud to be a part of the Katy community and are honored to be able to give back to the community by encouraging future generations to reach and accomplish their dreams”, says Dr. James Jacobs. Your Total Foot Care Specialist has been proudly serving the Katy area for over 25 years to help resolve their patients foot care needs.
The “Stepping into the Future” scholarship program is available to seniors graduating with GPA’s ranging from 2.5 to 3.7. Our doctors were able to graduate from undergraduate and then podiatric medical school through the use of scholarships, grants, and loans. The two “Stepping into the Future” scholarship recipients will be announced at the Katy ISD Awards Ceremonies during May.
Katy, TX News (January 30, 2017) – The Katy High School varsity swimming and diving team had a record-breaking weekend at the district meet located at Tompkins High School last weekend.
The team took third place over all in what was one of the fastest district meets Katy ISD has seen in a long time. Diver Chloe Ceyanes was crowned the district champion while fellow diver Hollie Schaper took fourth. In boys diving, Jacob Adkisson was fifth and John Salder placed sixth.
In swimming, their team broke two school records and received numerous medals. All six relay teams advanced to regionals, along with numerous individual swimmers. Massimo Gasponi broke the Boys 100 Fly record previously set in 2004 and Kaloyan Bratanov broke the Boys 100 Free record previously set in 2003.
Here are the Results from District Swimming Prelims & Finals:
Girls 200 Medley Relay
– 3rd Place Bronze Medal – Fernanda Gamez, Haley Watters, Marissa Watters, Kaelyn Lance
Girls 200 Free Relay
– 3rd Place Bronze Medal – Rachael Sanders, Jamie Morgan, Fernanda Gamez, Kaelyn Lance
Girls 400 Free Relay
– 4th Place Ribbon – Rachael Sanders, Jamie Morgan, Haley Watters, Wednesday Hunter
Boys 200 Medley Relay
– 2nd Place Silver Medal – Kaloyan Bratanov, Jonathan Tucker, Massimo Gasponi, Nathan Einarsson
Boys 200 Free Relay
– 4th Place Ribbon – Massimo Gasponi, William Irwin, Kyle Hendon, Nathan Einarsson
Boys 400 Free Relay
– 4th Place Ribbon – Jonathan Tucker, David Freeman, Kyle Hendon, Kaloyan Bratanov
Girls 200 Free
– Breanna Cuzzocreo – 11th
– Heather Matthews – 12th
– Mimi Bratanova – 14th
– Maddie Cotton – 16th
Boys 200 Free
– William Irwin – 18th
– Ben Erickson – 19th
– Alex Hernandez – 20th
Girls 200 Individual Medley
– Haley Watters – 4th Place Ribbon
– Wednesday Hunter – 8th Place Ribbon
– Shivani Kapoor – 14th
Boys 200 Individual Medley
– Kaloyan Bratanov – 1st Place Gold Medal
– Kyle Hendon – 15th Place
Girls 50 Free
– Kaelyn Lance – 5th Place Ribbon
– Rachael Sanders – 7th Place Ribbon
– Alyssa Basaldua – 15th Place
Boys 50 Free
– Nathan Einarsson – 5th Place Ribbon
– Massimo Gasponi – 7th Place Ribbon
– Drake Rosser – 15th Place
– David Freeman – 17th Place
Girls 100 Butterfly
– Marissa Watters – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Jamie Morgan – 7th Place Ribbon
– Maddie Cotton – 14th Place
Boys 100 Butterfly
– Massimo Gasponi – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Drake Rosser – 12th Place
– Vito Kiselev – 20th Place
– Alex Hernandez – 21st Place
Girls 100 Free
– Wednesday Hunter – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Kaelyn Lance – 5th Place Ribbon
– Rachael Sanders – 11th Place
– Heather Matthews – 13th Place
Boys 100 Free
– Kaloyan Bratanov – 1st Place Gold Medal
– Jonathan Tucker – 9th Place
– Nathan Einarsson – 12th Place
– Christopher Perry – 24th Place
Girls 500 Free
– Jamie Morgan – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Fernanda Gamez – 4th Place Ribbon
Boys 500 Free
– David Freeman – 15th Place
– Ben Erickson – 16th Place
Girls 100 Backstroke
– Fernanda Gamez – 4th Place Ribbon
– Mimi Bratanov – 9th Place
Boys 100 Backstroke
– William Irwin – 15th Place
Girls 100 Breaststroke
– Haley Watters – 2nd Place Silver Medal
– Breanna Cuzzocreo – 11th Place
– Alyssa Basaldua – 15th Place
– Shivani Kapoor – 16th Place
Boys 100 Breaststroke
– Jonathan Tucker – 8th Place Ribbon
– Kyle Hendon – 19th Place
– Christopher Perry – 20th Place
– Vito Kiselev – 22nd Place
Katy, TX News (January 30, 2017) – Dear Katy ISD Parents/Guardians, Staff & Community Members,
It’s no secret that Katy ISD is considered one of the most successful school districts in the country due to a robust curriculum and the wealth of opportunities available to our students. Likewise, our parents and community members take great pride in supporting our kids and schools and value the role we all play in building the legacy.
As we have all seen, with great success comes rapid growth. For the past several decades Katy ISD has been planning for it and closely monitoring student projections presented by our demographers. Trustees have been engaged in ongoing discussions focused on how best to continue providing the education our students need for a successful future, in light of the fast flow of development in this area. This is especially true in the southwest and northwest quadrants of the District. Earlier this month, the Board approved a charter for a Community Bond Advisory Committee that would be responsible for developing and providing a proposed 2017 bond referendum for the Board’s consideration.
However, for a bond package to effectively meet the needs of students and families, it has to be community driven, as we hope this one will be. Remember, Katy ISD and its future belongs to you!
If you would like to serve on the Katy ISD 2017 Community Bond Advisory Committee, the Board and I invite you to complete a Committee application, which will be available online at www.katyisd.org, beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2017. As members of the Katy community, let’s continue to play an active role in supporting the children of the next generation. Join me and Katy ISD, as we continue building our legacy!
Lance Hindt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (January 26, 2017) – The City of Katy will host this once-in-a-decade event happening at Rhodes Stadium on the Saturday before the Super Bowl, on February 4. The day will start with the Taste of Katy Chili Bowl, followed by a celebrity flag football game and an after party. On the celebrity roster are former Katy Tiger and Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton, Cowboys legend Michael Irvin, Doug Flutie, Seven Lakes High School alum and UFC fighter Sage Northcutt, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, and more.
A raffle drawing will be held for amazing prices, and there will be activities for children and families to enjoy. The cook-off is free to the public and all proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Katy. Tickets to the celebrity flag football game are $20 dollars at the gate and proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior foundation.
After the game, head to the after party at No Label Brewery from 4 – 8 p.m. Bring your ticket! Admission is $15 for adults 21 and over, and guests 21 and under are free with an adult. Your ticket includes a pint glass and three free beers. There will also be food trucks and a DJ.
Online ticket sales to the Celebrity Sweat football game are closed, but can be purchased at the gate. For more information, visit katytailgate.com.
Katy, TX News (January 25, 2017) – Memorial Hermann has further expanded healthcare services in the Katy area with the opening of Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear. The clinic represents yet another major investment made by Memorial Hermann in the Katy community over the last few years.
“The recent expansion of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and local openings of a Convenient Care Center and Urgent Care clinic demonstrate our commitment to the greater Katy community and our mission to offer health care solutions that fit everyone’s schedule and needs,” says Jim Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
Located in the HEB shopping center near the intersection of S. Fry Road and FM 1463 at 5102 FM 1463, Suite 1200, the clinic provides walk-in care from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. It is staffed by board-certified family medicine physicians Funke Agbasi, M.D., Michael Nguyen, M.D., and Ladan Pourmasiha, D.O., who treat patients six months and older. The clinic also offers convenient access to x-ray and lab services.
“Memorial Hermann Urgent Care clinics provide on-demand healthcare that many people are looking for,” says David James, M.D., Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Medical Group (MHMG). “The clinics provide coverage for the times you can’t get in to see your primary care physician, but don’t need to go into an emergency center.”
If your primary care physician is a member of the MHMG, records of your Memorial Hermann Urgent Care visit will be placed in your Memorial Hermann electronic health record. This will allow your MHMG primary care provider to easily review your Memorial Hermann Urgent Care records during any follow up appointments.
For more information on Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear, call 281.574.1104 or go to http://mhmg.memorialhermann.org/locations/urgent-care-fulshear/
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Dear Katy ISD Parents, Community, Staff, and Students,
As you may be aware, it is anticipated that the Katy ISD Instructional Calendar will look a little different beginning with the 2017-18 school year.
State law currently prohibits a school start date before the fourth Monday in August. Faced with the annual challenges imposed by this start date, our Katy Improvement Council, along with staff, explored ways in which we might better meet the identified needs of our students and families. This led the District to pursue a District of Innovation (DOI) designation by the state which allows for greater local control and flexibility in constructing the school calendar.
As a result, we are now able to develop and consider other instructional calendar options beginning with the 2017-18 school year. However, before moving forward with approving a new 2017-18 Instructional Calendar, the Board of Trustees would like your feedback on the two calendar options presented in this survey that best meets your needs and those of our Katy community.
To take the survey, click here.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (January 19, 2017) – On January 11, 2017, the Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) and its Board of Governors passed a resolution to support the widening of FM 1463 in the Katy area between I-10 and FM 1093, which will provide for enhanced mobility. TxDOT has identified $15 million in funding for widening a segment of FM 1463 between I-10 and Spring Green Boulevard.
Katy Area EDC passed the resolution in an effort to support TXDOT and advocate for further widening of FM 1463 to FM 1093 of which the estimated total cost of the entire widening project is roughly $81 million. The Katy Area EDC supports TxDOT ‘s identification of funding to complete the entire project prior to 2021. Additionally, the Katy Area EDC along with developers and citizens are requesting interim measures such as better coordination of traffic signals, and extending and adding right turn lanes on U.S. Interstate 10 at FM 1463.
“We believe the widening of FM 1463 from I-10 to FM 1093 is vital for enhanced mobility and the continued growth and development of the western portion of the Katy area,” says Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour. “We have seen explosive growth in this portion of our community and we must have the road and public infrastructure in place to meet the needs of our growing residential and business communities.”
Founded in 2003, Katy Area EDC aims to establish the Katy area as the premier location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and economic development. Since its inception, the Katy Area EDC has grown to over 210 members, has a budget of $900,000 and has assisted in the creation of over 16,000 jobs and more than $2.5 billion in capital investment. Katy Area EDC is a full-service private, non-profit, 501 (c) 6 economic development corporation.
Katy, TX News (January 18, 2017) – Katy ISD is pleased to announce the addition of Ron Counter and B.J. William Gotte as our new Campus Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach’s for Morton Ranch High School and Paetow High School. Both positions were approved unanimously during the Katy ISD Board of Trustees Work Study meeting tonight.
Coach Counter comes to Morton Ranch High from Stafford High where he was the head football coach and athletic director for the last four years. During his time at Stafford, Coach Counter led the program into the playoffs four years in a row. Prior to Stafford, Coach Counter made coaching stops at Strake Jesuit High, Round Rock Westwood High, Spring Woods High, Alief Hastings High and Klein Oak High. Coach Counter has also received several “Coach of the Year” honors.
For Coach Gotte, moving to Paetow High School means staying close to home. Growing up he attended Cimarron Elementary, West Memorial Junior High and graduated “class of ’97” at Katy High School, which is where he also began his career in 2001. Coach Gotte made stops at Deer Park High, La Marque High and Flower Mound Marcus High prior to returning to Katy High in 2009. His role as an Offensive Coordinator at Katy High School has played an integral part in winning three state championships.
The Katy ISD Athletic Department is excited to welcome both coaches to these new endeavors within the Katy ISD family. Both coaches will begin this new journey on February 1st.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (January 17, 2017) – The Galleria and Katy Mills are once again proud to help a deserving graduating senior pay for college. Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for at-risk high school students, is now looking for qualified applicants who live near The Galleria, Katy Mills and the surrounding community.
Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community across the country that is home to Simon, Mills, or Premium Outlets malls. The application period has begun and ends on March 1, 2017. Students can apply online by visiting syf.org/scholarships.
SYF will award 25 scholarships to students graduating in the class of 2017 who live in communities surrounding any Premium Outlets mall nationwide. No more than one scholarship will be awarded per property. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.
In addition, an “Award of Excellence” will be given to the top candidate from among the scholarship applicants that represent the nationwide Premium Outlets locations. That student will receive a $10,000 award ($2,500 for up to four years).
In 2016, the Simon Youth Foundation awarded $1.2 million to 300 students nationwide.
“The cost of college continues to rise, and SYF is proud to partner with The Galleria and Katy Mills to award scholarships that will remove some of the financial obstacles that could otherwise prevent a student from achieving the dream of a college education,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President and CEO.
The 2017 SYF Community Scholarship recipients will be selected by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), a third-party administrator. Students are selected based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, academic performance, leadership skills and participation in school and community activities. Those students who are the first in their family to pursue a post secondary education will also be given close consideration.
Recipients will be notified in May.
Courtesy of the Simon Youth Foundation
Katy, TX News (January 17, 2017) – Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2 and the Willowfork Fire Department are pleased to announce the commencement of the construction phase of the District’s third fire station. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 9:30 AM at 2700 Spring Green Boulevard, Katy, Texas.
The new facility will be approximately 13,000 square feet, containing three apparatus bays, firefighter sleeping quarters, an exercise gym and office space for administrative matters of the District and Department . A third station is necessary for the District in order to keep pace with growth in the north Fort Bend County service area and the general increase in the number of service calls throughout the District’s entire territory. Station #3 will primarily serve the surrounding subdivisions of Cardiff Ranch, Cinco Ranch Northwest, Grayson Lakes, Hawk’s Landing, Pinemill Ranch, Silver Ranch and Westlake. The addition of a third station will allow the Willowfork Fire Department to maintain the current high standards of service delivered to its constituents.
Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2, which operates the Willowfork Fire Department, recently solicited sealed competitive proposals for the construction project. On September 28, 2016 the District’s board approved a $3,932,000 construction contract with Teal Construction Company as the general contractor for the project. Construction funding is being managed through the District’s cash reserves and no borrowed funds will be necessary to complete this project which will save the taxpayers having to incur additional interest expense. The facility was designed by BRW Architects, a firm that has designed several fire stations in the Harris and Fort Bend county areas. The station will be situated on land adjacent to the new Spring Green traffic roundabout that will connect the two existing segments of Spring Green Boulevard as well as Cinco Trace Drive and Katy Flewellen Road. The construction period is expected to last most of 2017. Assuming the weather cooperates, Willowfork Station #3 should be placed into service by early 2018.
Courtesy of Willowfork Fire Deparment
Katy, TX News (January 16, 2017) – State Representative Mike Schofield filed House Bill 936 this week to prevent state government spending from growing more than the growth in the state’s population, allowing for inflation. The bill would change the spending cap currently in the Texas Constitution to prevent the state budget from growing above the previous budget by more than the increase in the number of people and the cost of providing the same level of services.
“The bill is designed to stop government from taking up a larger and larger percentage of the state’s economy by preventing it from growing beyond its current size, allowing increases only for inflation and for the increased population of our state,” Schofield says. The bill is a companion to Senate Bill 9, filed by Senator Kelly Hancock of Tarrant County.
“Our state’s current spending cap increases as Texans’ incomes rise, so that the harder you work and the more productive you are, the more of your money government can spend” explains Rep. Schofield. “We need a cap that freezes the relative size of government, so that the state can only increase spending to match the increase in costs due to inflation or the number of people needing our current services due to population growth.”
HB 936 is designed to prevent the state government from constantly expanding and taking up an ever-increasing portion of the Texas economy. Rep. Schofield spoke on spending cap issues at the Texas Public Policy Foundation Policy Orientation on Friday, January 13.
Mike Schofield is the State Representative for Texas House District 132 in Katy and Cy-Fair. Mike was named “Freshman of the Year” in the Texas House for his work in the 84th legislative session.
Courtesy of Rep. Mike Schofield
Katy, TX News (January 13, 2017) Houston-based developer Vista Equities Group and Amstar Group, its equity partner, are pleased to announce that the Final Phase of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch will be anchored by a new 37,000 sq. ft. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2017 with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema anticipated to open in Spring 2018. The Final Phase will be located on the southeast side of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch and will consist of the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, an additional 7,500 sq. ft. of retail space and a 6-story parking garage.
Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra will feature eight screens of new releases, classics, independent films, foreign movies and Alamo’s unique signature programming. The facility will have eight auditoriums, seat approximately 900 people and will feature new luxurious wide seats throughout. All theaters will also feature 4k digital projection and state-of-the-art digital surround sound. Additionally, the layout of each auditorium will eliminate the traditional front row, ensuring every seat in the house allows for a great viewing experience.
The theater will also feature an adjacent bar/lounge, outdoor patio seating, a large selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles and handcrafted cocktails designed by award-winning Beverage Director Bill Norris.
“The new Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra location will allow us to provide our guests with an Alamo Drafthouse experience unlike anything they have experienced in the Houston-area,” said Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, President and CEO of Triple Tap Ventures LLC, the owner and operator of the Houston Alamo Drafthouse Cinema location. “We will offer the same special events, menu offerings and no-talking policies that we are known for, but in a brand new, state-of-the-art movie theater.”
“We are excited to announce the continued growth of LaCenterra with the Final Phase of development and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is the perfect addition,” said Lindsay Kaye, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for LaCenterra. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a 34-acre, over 360,000 sq. ft. (410,000 sq. ft. upon completion) mixed-use development located on the western edge of metropolitan Houston in Katy, TX. Located on the Grand Parkway just three miles south of I-10 with prominent freeway visibility, the property is nestled in the heart of Cinco Ranch, one of the nation’s premier master planned communities.
Katy, TX News (January 13, 2017) During a tournament in College Station this week, the Mayde Creek High School men’s JV soccer team showed that there is more to competition than points on a scoreboard. When the players learned from their coach that one of the opposing team members had down syndrome, they banded together to show a level of sportsmanship that is seldom seen in competitive tournaments. Read the story below:
Rams soccer coach Ryan Allred says, “I was notified ahead of time that the team we were playing had a young man with down syndrome on their team. The coach told me that he was going to be putting the young man in the second half, and that he would be wearing the #17 jersey. Before the game started, I went over to our team and I asked them if they would be willing to let this young man score a goal while he was in the game. Without hesitation, all of them answered yes. As the game started, all of that had kind of gone to the back of our minds. With a few minutes remaining in the game their coach put this young man into the game. I yelled to our players that he was on the field. With one minute left to go in the game this young man had received the ball and started dribbling towards our goal. One by one our players started diving to the ground as if he had dribbled around them, and they had missed trying to take the ball away from him. Our goalie even did the same thing. I wish you could’ve been there to see the look on this young man’s face as he scored the goal. His hands quickly shot in the air while running to the sideline and then jumping into the arms of his coach. Meanwhile, all of our players were clapping and cheering him on. And to top that all off, as we were driving away his car was closely parked to our bus and our boys started chanting his name and telling him great game. I felt like we had won more than just a game today. These young men displayed something that most young men would not do for fear of embarrassment or ridicule. They truly set an example as some of the great students we have here at Mayde Creek.”
Courtesy of Mayde Creek High School
Katy, TX News (January 12, 2017) Texas Dance Educator’s Association is proud to announce the invitation from the Texas State Society to perform at the Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Gala in Washington D.C. on January 19, 2017. The 2017 Ball promises to live up to its spectacular reputation as the “hottest ticket in town” during Inauguration weekend, and far exceed expectations. The Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the banks of the Potomac River. This facility is the largest and most elegant facility in the entire DC Metropolitan area. Guests include Texas state officials, dignitaries, thousands of guests from all over the United States.
Only 25 All-State members will be performing at this prestigious event. The following Students are thrilled to be selected from Katy ISD:
Performers will learn a piece choreographed by Eve Robinson, director of the Alvin High School Jacketters. The piece will be performed at several venues and times during the ball. Performers will be wearing their School’s traditional dance team uniform with a sash representing their hometown.
While in Washington D.C., the All-State members will be visiting the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, historical landmarks and a Night tour of the City.
Courtesy of TDEA
KATY, TX News (January 11, 2017) – According to the Girl Scout Research Institute’s (GSRI) report, The Power of the Girl Scout Gold Award: Excellence in Leadership and Life, Girl Scout Gold Award recipients receive greater lifetime benefits than their peers with regard to positive sense of self, life satisfaction, leadership, life success, community service, and civic engagement thanks to their experience in Girl Scouting, including earning their Gold Award.
Chloe Bartine, a senior at Seven Lakes High School, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. The award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable community service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours to complete. Less than five percent of Girl Scouts earn the award.
To earn the award, Bartine designed and built two Little Free Libraries for Neighborhood Kidz Club in the communities of Western Pines and Trinity Hunters Place located in Katy, Texas. Bartine’s goal was to address the learning gaps that occur over the summer or holiday breaks when children do not have access to books.
“The Little Free Library is open all the time and the books are free,” said Bartine. “It is a way to promote literacy and nurture the love of reading through sharing.”
To stock the libraries with books, Bartine also hosted a book drive and led more than 15 volunteers to complete this project.
Bartine has served as a volunteer for Neighborhood Kidz Club’s summer reading program the past few summers and said that the kids love having access to books to read during that time.
“I have always loved to read and feel that books can take you places you have never been, help you find the answers to questions you may have and give you opportunities to dream and explore,” said Bartine. “I wanted to give the kids an opportunity to be able to read any time.”
Through earning the Gold Award, Bartine learned the importance of leadership and how it directly affects the success of the project, patience and how to be more organized and attentive to the needs of the project.
After graduation, Bartine will attend the University of Alabama to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in dance.
To learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Award, visit www.girlscouts.org.
Katy, TX News (January 6, 2017) It’s just weeks away from the Feb. 1 grand opening of the new YMCA at Katy Main Street. As the final touches are put on the 41,000 square-foot facility, the YMCA of Greater Houston is inviting the public to preview the premises on designated days beginning Jan. 7.
Though still in the final stages of construction, the center will offer impressive glimpses into Katy’s new state-of-the-art YMCA, which features strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, an outdoor heated swimming pool, child watch rooms, cycle studio and gathering areas where members can meet for coffee. It will offer health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, after school care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more. Dates for preview tours are: Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Jan. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Jan. 30-31 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. After the center opens, anyone is welcome to tour the facility at any time.
Those who join before Feb. 1 will pay no join fee – a savings of up to $125. New members will receive citywide memberships that will give them access to the YMCA at Katy Main Street, 1350 Main St., the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, 22807 Westheimer Pkwy., and all other YMCAs in the Greater Houston area.
The $12 million YMCA at Katy Main Street will accommodate the growing population of Katy, serving residents in west and north Katy and in neighboring communities. It is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year. It will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships and create more than 200 area jobs.
To apply for a membership before Feb. 1, go to https://search.ymcahouston.org/join or visit the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch or any YMCA in the Greater Houston area. Once the YMCA at Katy Main Street opens, membership applications can be taken at the new center.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (January 6, 2017) In a letter to parents, Dr. Lance Hindt, Ed. D., Superintendent of Katy ISD, addressed the validity of the unofficial letter grade ratings released by the TEA.
“Dear Katy ISD Parents and Community,
Today, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will release unofficial letter grades for every campus and district throughout the state — a requirement of House Bill 2804. This unofficial ratings report is considered a trial run for the new 2017-18 accountability system and is designed to provide districts with a benchmark to track progress and make improvements ahead of releasing the official August 2018 ratings.
It is no secret that Katy ISD is one of the best school districts in the state, consistently earning TEA’s highest accountability rating year after year. In addition, our community is highly regarded for its family values and business growth. However, I and many others believe that TEA’s new methodology for calculating ratings does not accurately reflect where we are as a district and community. In fact, the unofficial ratings show that our district and some of our schools have received less than average ratings in one or more areas (see FAQs for more information on House Bill 2804).
Please know that our Board and staff is committed to ensuring that all students are provided exceptional learning opportunities, programs and facilities. While we will continue to use data to drive student achievement, we are also mindful of the flaws that communities across the state have pinpointed in the current and future accountability systems. Nevertheless, we are encouraged that the TEA will use this preliminary data to continue refining its methodology for calculating letter grades before releasing the official August 2018 A-F accountability reports.
As you may have seen in the 2016-17 Legislative Priorities adopted by the Board, we believe that the educational needs of our children and community would be better served if school districts were allowed greater local input and control. Over the course of the school year, we hope that our parents and community will join the Board of Trustees in advocating the legislature for an accountability system that streamlines the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills and suspends the punitive components of the flawed ratings system.
Our parents, staff and community, are the key ingredient behind the success of our students. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to navigate and work through the 2017-18 accountability system and its new measures.
Should you have any additional questions, please contact your campus or the Parent and Patron Assistance Center at (281) 396-2441/ ppac@katyisd.org.
Remember, our shared goal is to prepare Katy ISD students for a successful future. The part of our mission statement that reads, “…together with family and community,” means that we all play an important role in reaching that goal.”
Be the legacy!
Lance Hindt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (January 5, 2017) Katy Taste Fest is set to serve up good food for a good cause. The festival is an event for foodies to experience fare from Katy’s diverse restaurant scene. Emphasis is on fun for the whole family with a variety of local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, a large kids zone, a dessert oasis, live entertainment, and a silent auction. The festival will debut at Villagio Town Center on March 4, 2017. Katy Taste Fest has partnered with several nonprofits that focus on abused, neglected, and abandoned children.
Celebrating food, having fun, and giving back to the community are the primary goals for Katy Taste Fest,” said Cyril Thomas, the festival organizer. “The delectable food, cooking classes, and live entertainment are certainly vital pieces to the food festival, but partnering with local charities that focus on vulnerable children is what is important to me. We can make a difference celebrating what we enjoy -food, drinks, and fun.”
Katy Taste Fest supports several Katy non-profit groups, including Katy Cares, Helping Kids Ministry, Krause Children’s Center, and Armor of Hope Foundation. All proceeds from Katy Taste Fest will benefit Katy nonprofits that help vulnerable children. “We believe that Katy Taste Fest’s focus on philanthropy is an opportunity for the community to rally for our neighbors in need, both locally and globally, and we’re thrilled to be onboard as a charity partner this year,” said Allison Stark, President and CEO of Katy Cares. For more information about Katy Taste Fest charity partners or to purchase tickets, please visit KatyTasteFest.com.
Stay connected to Katy Taste Fest 2017:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatyTasteFest
• Instagram: www.instaggram.com/KatyTasteFest
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KatyTasteFest
Katy, TX News (January 5, 2017) The University of Houston-Victoria is starting the new year with a new ranking as one of the best Texas universities to earn an online degree. Value Colleges recently listed UHV as a 2017 Top 10 Best Online College in Texas.
“UHV leaders realized early on that significant numbers of our students were unable to take a traditional, face-to-face class schedule,” says David Cockrum, UHV interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “If they couldn’t come to us, we wanted to come to them. The university has spent a lot of time and energy coming up with effective ways to teach online. This ranking reaffirms that what we are doing is working and that UHV’s online education remains a great value.”
Value Colleges, a group that offers answers to questions about affordability and value when making college decisions, compiled the list for prospective students in Texas. To make the list, institutions had to offer tuition of less than $15,000 a year. The group also takes into account accreditations and the return on investment for graduates.
The top-10 list is in no particular order. It includes one other UH System School, UH-Downtown, as well as Texas A&M University and two University of Texas System universities. UHV has the third-most affordable tuition of any school on the list.
All three UHV schools – Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development – offer programs that can be completed totally online or through a mixture of online and face-to-face classes in Victoria or at the UHV Katy Campus.
“One compliment we often hear is that our online students truly feel like they are part of a class even if they aren’t physically present in a classroom,” Cockrum said. “This is because of all the virtual class discussions and activities implemented in our online classes. Students get to know one another and have meaningful interactions with professors.”
Courtesy of University of Houston Victoria – Katy Campus
Katy, TX News (January 4, 2017) State Representative Mike Schofield filed House Bill 771 to disqualify and replace faithless electors in the Electoral College. Senator Paul Bettencourt will sponsor the bill in the Senate. HB 771 would require electors to cast their vote for the candidates for president and vice president who received the most votes in Texas. If an elector attempted to change their ballot, that elector would be removed and replaced by an alternate elector. Under HB 771, alternate electors would be chosen in the same process that electors are chosen.
“Democracy means nothing if the votes of the people of Texas don’t count,” said Schofield. “All of our state’s electoral votes need to go to the candidate the voters chose in the election. HB 771 aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” said Schofield.
If this bill is enacted, Texas would join 29 other states and the District of Columbia which require their electors to cast the state’s electoral votes for the candidate their state’s voters chose in the general election.
“The Electoral College is an important and unique feature of the American system of government,” Senator Bettencourt said. “Having served as a 2012 Presidential Elector, I know how important it is that these votes represent the choice of Texas voters in the Presidential Election. I commend Representative Schofield’s HB 771, which will ensure that Texas electors cast ballots that reflect the will of the voters in this state. I look forward to being the Senate sponsor of HB 771 and assisting with its passage so that Texas electors will honor the voice of the people.”
Mike Schofield is the State Representative for Texas House District 132 in Katy and Cy-Fair. Mike was named “Freshman of the Year” in the Texas House for his work in the 84th legislative session. Senator Bettencourt represents Senate District 7, which includes portions of Harris County. Prior to becoming a member of the Texas Legislature, he served as a Presidential Elector in the 2012 Presidential Election from Congressional District 7.
Courtesy of Rep. Mike Schofield
Katy ISD Selects Academy Sports + Outdoors for Exclusive Naming Rights of Student Activities Complex
Katy, TX (December 13, 2016) Katy Independent School District (ISD) announced that Academy, Ltd. (d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors), a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer, will receive exclusive naming rights to the school district’s Student Activities Complex, as part of a new ten-year deal. The complex is home to Jack Rhodes Memorial Stadium and a second football stadium to be completed in summer 2017.
“As the Houston area’s hometown sporting goods retailer, this partnership is especially meaningful to our team, as Katy is home to more than 3,000 of our team members, our corporate headquarters, two of our store locations, and one of our distribution centers,” said J.K. Symancyk, President and CEO, Academy Sports + Outdoors. “Academy has partnered with Katy ISD for over 25 years, and we are proud to extend our support in the Katy community over the next decade.”
Under the terms of the deal, Katy ISD Student Activities Complex will be named “Academy Sports + Outdoors Student Activities Complex.” The state-of-the-art facility will host district-wide athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities, as well as non-Katy ISD events at the local and regional level.
“We are grateful for Academy’s support of Katy ISD’s students and community and are proud to be able to grant the organization the naming rights for the Student Activities Complex,” said Rebecca Fox, Board of Trustees President, Katy ISD. “This is an exciting time for our school district and we look forward to our long-term partnership with Academy on a complex that will be a destination for local residents to enjoy for many years to come.”
The 10-year, $2.5 million naming rights agreement will take effect on July 1, 2017.
“I want to commend the administration, staff and community members who worked so diligently with the Board to make this partnership a reality,” said Lance Hindt, Superintendent, Katy ISD. “Community partnerships contribute largely to our legacy of excellence, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Academy.”
Headquartered in Katy since 1990, Academy Sports + Outdoors is dedicated to supporting the community, particularly youth athletics. Through sponsorships, equipment donations and volunteer efforts, Academy supports more than 120 Houston-area youth sports organizations, serving more than 80,000 area kids.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (December 13, 2016) During the Regular Meeting, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved the attendance boundary modifications (ABMs) presented to them on December 5, in preparation for the opening of Bryant Elementary, Stockdick Junior High and Paetow High School.
The approved ABM maps, which are designed to help balance enrollment at overcrowded campuses and ensure all students have equal access to a high quality education, were updated based on the feedback provided by the public through the survey and other reviews of campuses that are currently overcrowded.
These ABMs will impact Morton Ranch High School, Katy High School, Katy Junior High, McDonald Junior High, Katy Elementary and Wolman Elementary. A letter will be mailed directly to all the impacted families by the end of January 2017.
For more information and FAQs regarding ABMs, click here.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
The publishers of Katy Magazine honored 10 extraordinary citizens at the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s general assembly meeting
Katy, TX (December 13, 2016) Today, Katy Magazine officially announced their People of the Year award winners at the Katy Area Economic Development Council General Assembly meeting held at the Education Support Complex. Ten outstanding Katy area residents were presented with awards in front of a large audience of business and community leaders at the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s monthly assembly meeting. The 10 honorees are also featured in the Dec/Jan issue of Katy Magazine and will be showcased in their upcoming Katy Business Magazine launching in early 2017.
This list of honorees includes Katy area residents from all walks of life– extraordinary educators, volunteers, heroes, and community leaders across Katy. The oldest honoree is 93-year-old Avadele Short, an active volunteer who’s logged more than 10,000 hours serving at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. The youngest honoree is Nolan Stilwell, age 27, a beloved Katy entrepreneur who thrives despite having Down syndrome. One honoree, Stan Stanley, was named posthumously, for his dedicated service and humanitarianism in Katy.
The 2016 Katy People of the Year Honorees are as follows:
- Andy Kahan, a dedicated crime victims’ rights advocate
- Avadele Short, a 93-year-old avid hospital volunteer
- Bob Bryant, Katy ISD’s former director of Fine Arts and new school namesake
- David Morrison, a community superhero who volunteers as HolyBatman to brighten the lives of children
- Karen Sparks, Katy ISD Restorative Practices Coordinator who has inspired hundreds of students
- Kay Callender, founder of Keep Katy Beautiful whose projects have won many awards
- Nolan Stilwell, creator of Sweet Heat Jam Co. and who also has Down syndrome
- Peter McElwain, Katy ISD’s leading planner and architect who is retiring after 18 years
- Stan Stanley, founder of the Katy Area EDC, school namesake, and community leader (Posthumous honoree who passed away March 29, 2016)
- Tina Hatcher, founder of Hope Impacts, an organization that helps transform the lives of Katy’s homeless
“We couldn’t be more honored to celebrate these extraordinary citizens who are definitely making Katy a better place for all of us,” says Publisher Katrina Katsarelis. “Each honoree exemplifies the loving, caring spirt of Katy, Texas.”
Last year’s 2015 Katy People of the Year recipients included: Da’dra Greathouse, singer, songwriter, musician, and speaker; Rebekah Gregory, Boston Marathon bombing survivor; Andy Dalton, NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals; Christina Dismuke, 2016 TASA Region IV Elementary Teacher of the Year; Alton Frailey, former Superintendent of Katy ISD; Coach Gary Joseph, head coach for the Katy Tigers; Shari Nightingale, founder of Lindsay’s Light; Mayor Fabol Hughes, elected mayor in 2013 and reelected in 2015.
CONTACT: Katrina Katsarelis, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher Katy Magazine 281.579.9840 katrinak@katymagazine.com
Katy, TX (December 7, 2016) – Chick-fil-A customers nationwide helped select the recipients of more than $1.1 million in grants, thanks to the new Chick-fil-A One app. The 2017 True Inspiration Awards honor and provide financial support to 22 not-for-profits in 16 states to help further their work with youth, fostering leadership skills and developing an entrepreneurial spirit. For the first time since the awards program began in 2014, Chick-fil-A utilized its new mobile app to allow customers to vote for organizations in their local communities. As a result, the Katy ISD Education Foundation was selected as a $15,000 award recipient.
Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration awards recognizes community organizations that align with the Chick-fil-A Foundation’s mission to enable children to be all they were created to be. The Katy ISD Education Foundation rewards teacher inspiration of students by funding innovative classroom projects that go beyond district budget limitations. The Foundation was nominated by local Chick-fil-A operator, Rusty Wylie who says, “Our community has more than its fair share of the brightest kids around. If we can help our children develop a love for learning while giving them hands-on, fun educational experiences, we’ll give them the tools and encouragement they need to be great leaders. I’m just grateful Chick-fil-A can be a part of what is great about our community.”
Source: Chick-fil-A Katy Marketing
Katy, TX (December 1, 2016) This month, 181 community and business members from across Katy came together to bring the love of reading into almost 400 Katy ISD classrooms during Promise to Read. The annual initiative is part of a 19-year-old tradition led by Katy ISD’s Partners in Education. Promise to Read affords the community a unique opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the world of children’s literature by spending 30 minutes reading to a classroom of excited elementary students. Each November the program is offered over the course of two weeks at various elementary campuses.
This year’s Promise to Read was hosted at Bear Creek, Hutsell, Exley, Randolph, Williams, Davidson, Morton Ranch, Kilpatrick, Pattison and Wilson Elementary Schools. Host campuses rotate each year so that, over a four-year period, every Katy ISD elementary has an opportunity to participate.
Readers represented a cross section of local companies and organizations including: Aberdare Business Solutions, ABM Industries, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Altitude Katy, AmCap Mortgage, American Kids Athletics, AXA Advisors, Bass Pro Shops, Big Frog, Bolli Bros Pizza, Books Alive, Brainy Learning Club, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, Bridges of Healing, CenterPoint Energy, Chick-fil-A, Christian Brothers Automotive, Citgo, City of Katy, Community Health Choice, Cross Creek Ranch, Dahl Team Properties, Dignity Memorial-Katy Funeral Home, Duffey and Grissom CPA’s, 
GNA Inspections, Goddard School, Grand Vision Center, HCC Northwest, H-E-B, Herff Jones Houston, Heritage Texas Properties, Homewood Suites Katy, Houston Community College, Houston SPCA, Junior Achievement, Katy Council PTA, Katy Independent School District, Katy Magazine, Keep Katy Beautiful, Kind Bars, Listl Translating Services & More LLC, LPL Financial, Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel, Maude Marks Branch Library, Members Choice Credit Union, Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Must See Katy, Nutty Scientists Fort Bend, Omni Houston Hotel at Westside, PBK, PDQ, Pepper Lawson, PrimeLending, Prosperity Bank, Pump It Up, Second Baptist Church, Signarama Katy, Sovereign Wealth Advisors LLC, Spring Creek Barbeque, Stanley Signature Signs, Star Learning, State Farm Insurance, Sylvan Learning, Target, The Glaser Group McDonald’s, The Shady Lady Window Covering, The Tutoring Center Katy, Tilt Studio, Times Square Entertainment, Wee Kare Pediatrics, Which Wich, Whole Foods Market Katy/Sugar Land, Wood Group, Yellow Rose Properties and YES Youth Fitness and Sports Performance.
“Promise to Read has become a treasured community event thanks to hundreds of devoted community volunteers, many of whom join us every year, and our Katy ISD host campuses,” says Janet Theis, Katy ISD’s Director of Community Partnerships. “Promise to Read continues to open the door for our business community to embrace and inspire the love of reading and share that magic with classrooms across the district.”
About Katy ISD Partners in Education – Through programs like Promise to Read, Katy ISD Partners in Education creates school-support opportunities for parents, businesses and the community by offering a wide variety of options amenable to every schedule, talent and expertise. We bring volunteers into Katy ISD classrooms at each campus and all grade levels. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org.
Courtesy of Katy ISD Partners in Education
Katy, TX (November 30, 2016) Rotary Club of Katy and City of Katy, sponsors of the 24th Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne, are doing a virtual “victory lap” to celebrate the record number of participants and the $25,000 net funds raised in 2016. The success of the competition, whose registration was up 20 percent over last year, enabled the club to increase its Katy Independent School District 2017 college scholarships from $1,500 to $2,000.
“We are thrilled that this year’s Katy Triathlon success allows the Rotary Club of Katy to make such a significant increase in the scholarship monies they give the students,” said Janet Burkett, Director of Marketing for Firethorne, home to the Katy Triathlon for the past nine years. The event drew 600 athletes, up from 500 last year, with 1,500 spectators coming out to cheer them to the finish line.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Rotary Club of Katy has raised more than $445,000 for its community service projects since taking over the Katy Triathlon in 1998. The Club’s philanthropic and outreach programs reflect Firethorne’s community support, such as funding college scholarships and essential health, recreation and educational services for Katy ISD students.
2016 race sponsors included Firethorne, Memorial Hermann Katy and Methodist Hospital West, ER Katy, Suzanne Bruce & Associates Dermatology, Loesch Luxury Properties, Courtyard Marriott, No Label Brewing Co., Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 3, Kovach KW Signature, Great Harvest Bread Co., Your Total Foot Care Specialist, Bike Barn, Circle B Veterinary Hospital, Growler USA America’s Microbrew Pub, Residence Inn Marriott, Prosperity Bank, Vicki Rao, CPA, Bob Nelson, CPA, Loretta and Dan Dienst and Beverly and George Yeiter.
The Rotary Club of Katy organizes more than 50 of its own member-volunteers, plus helpers from such service clubs as Rotary Interact Club, Katy West Houston Rotaract Club, Boy Scouts and Katy VFW.
Courtesy of Firethorne
Katy Business Magazine to reach 30,000 high level executives, business owners, and decision makeers in the greater Katy and West Houston areas.
Katy, TX (November 22, 2016) The publishers of Katy Magazine announced their newest product, Katy Business Magazine, to be released January 2017. The latest addition to a growing family of award-winning publications serving the greater Katy area, this new publication offers a one-stop resource for everything business in Katy, Texas. “We are thrilled to provide Katy specific content and local purchasing resources that business owners and executive level decision makers just can’t find anywhere else,” says publisher Matt Katsarelis. Katy Business Magazine will be mailed and hand-delivered to local businesses, executives, and purchasing and HR directors in the greater Katy area. It will also tap into the burgeoning West Houston Energy Corridor where a majority of the Katy executives work.
Katy Business Magazine covers important topics facing local businesses such as new laws pertaining to labor and health benefits, the latest IT viruses spreading in our community, commercial office space availability, and so much more. More importantly, this innovative business magazine shines a light on the people that genuinely reflect the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit of the Katy area. “I’ve been inspired by the sheer grit and determination of local business owners we’ve had the pleasure of working with through the years,” says Katrina Katsarelis, editor-in-chief. “We are delighted to be able to showcase these hardworking people in various features such as our family business success stories, entrepreneur’s panel, and Ask the Experts business forums.”
Katy Business Magazine publishers understand the struggles of growing a business first hand. In 2002, Katrina and Matt Katsarelis founded Katy Magazine out of their home office in Kelliwood Gardens with just a $2,000 investment. After 14 years, they’ve grown the original publication to $2.5 million in annual sales and have 15 full-time employees. Their magazines have won over 100 national and state level industry awards and accolades in everything from general excellence, cover design, editorial excellence, and community service, to name a few. Katy Magazine also won the highly-coveted Katy Business of the Year Award from the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce in January 2014 and the Katy ISD Media Honor Roll Award. The Katsarelis’ are heavily invested in the Katy community, and serve on multiple boards and committees including the Katy Area Economic Development Council, the Katy ISD Education Foundation, and the Katy ISD Partners in Education.
“Katy Business Magazine will have the same heart for the community that all our magazines have become known for,” says Katrina Katsarelis. “We live and work here in Katy, and wanted to create a magazine that has the top resources, exceptional stories, and features on the dedicated people in our growing Katy business community, which is most important.”
Katy Business Magazine welcomes submissions from local authors on pertinent business topics for consideration. Email info@katymagazine.com to submit editorial content or to get advertising information.
CONTACT: Katrina Katsarelis, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher Katy Magazine 281.579.9840 katrinak@katymagazine.com
Katy, TX (November 21, 2016) During the Work Study meeting on Monday, the Board of Trustees discussed attendance boundary modifications (ABMs) to help balance enrollment and prepare for the opening of three new campuses (Bryant Elementary, Stockdick Junior High and Paetow High School) in the fall of 2017.
Based on the preliminary ABMs discussed, the following schools would be impacted: Wolman Elementary, Katy Elementary, McDonald Junior High, Katy Junior High, Morton Ranch High School and Katy High School.
In an effort to gather feedback from the public on the proposed ABMs, the Board encourages everyone to complete the online survey, available in English and Spanish, from November 15 – 30. Hard copies of the survey are also available at all campuses.
A final recommendation will be presented to the Board on December 5. For more information and FAQs regarding ABMs, click here.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (November 18, 2016) The Texas Department of Transportation’s contractor working on the US 290 Project H from Pinemont to W. Little York continues to progress with mainlane construction. This weekend, crews will switch traffic on the US 290 westbound mainlanes from Hollister to Fairbanks N. Houston, signifying completion of a major milestone for the project.
Beginning at 9 p.m., Friday, November 18 to 5 a.m., Monday, November 21, the following will be closed.
- US 290 westbound main lanes from Hollister to W. Little York will be closed. Drivers will be detoured to the frontage road at the Hollister exit and re-enter the main lanes past Gessner.
- US 290 westbound connector ramp to the Sam Houston Tollway will be closed. Drivers will be detoured to the frontage road at the Hollister exit, turn left or right on the Beltway 8 frontage road and enter the tollway at the next entrance.
- Gessner north- and southbound under US 290 will be closed. Drivers will be detoured to the frontage road.
Local law enforcement will be on site to facilitate traffic through the signalized intersections. Motorists should expect heavy delays and are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes, such as Hempstead Road.
After the Thanksgiving holiday, the contractor for Project I, from W. 34th to Pinemont, will close the US 290 westbound exit ramps to W. 43rd/Bingle and to Hollister/Tidwell. The ramps will close at 9 p.m., Monday, November 28 and crews will work on completing paving operations on the new westbound main lanes. The W. 43rd/Bingle exit is anticipated to reopen December 13 and the Hollister/Tidwell exit ramp on December 21. Drivers are encouraged to use the W. 34th exit ramp just past I-610 or continue west to the Fairbanks N. Houston exit ramp and U-turn. The US 290 westbound main lanes between W. 34th and Pinemont are tentatively scheduled to be switched to new pavement before the end of December.
For more information on the US 290 project, go online to www.my290.com or contact Karen Othon at (713) 354-1532. Follow them @my290houston.
Courtesy of Texas Department of Transportation
Katy, TX (November 11, 2016) The University of Houston System (UHS) has completed the purchase of 46 acres of land in Katy from Parkside Capital. The land is located at the northeast corner of I-10 and the Grand Parkway and will be developed into a campus serving West Houston. Academic programs from two UH System universities, the University of Houston and the University of Houston-Victoria, will be offered at the new campus.
The 46 acres purchased by the UH System is part of a larger 125-acre site that UHS and Parkside Capital have rebranded as University Center, a master-planned, deed restricted, mixed-use development. Parkside Capital will soon begin design and construction of all interior infrastructure including streets, utilities, lighting and landscaping.
“We are excited to welcome the University of Houston and UH-Victoria to University Center,” said John S. Moody, Parkside Capital CEO. “We look forward to working with the UH System to create a first-class environment.”
The UH System will construct an 80,000-square-foot building at University Center, expected to open for fall 2019. The project is in the design phase, and construction is expected to begin in August 2017. The campus is expected to initially serve 2,000 students, but the master plan includes 500,000-square-feet of space that will eventually be able to accommodate 8,000 to 10,000 students.
“Residents in this area have a need for higher education, but it can be a hardship to travel all the way across Houston in order to go to school,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH System vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The UH System’s expansion will give residents in parts of Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties an opportunity to earn their degrees closer to home.”
Expanding higher education opportunities in West Houston has long been a priority for regional leaders and the UH System, which has offered programs in the area for 30 years. UH and UHV both offer classes in Katy at separate leased locations. They previously offered academic programming at the System’s Cinco Ranch site, which is being sold.
The purchase of the land and the construction of the building in Katy are funded by $46.8 million in Capital Construction Bonds approved during the 84th session of the Texas Legislature. The UH System assembled a task force to assess the educational needs of West Houston, and an independent demography study was conducted to determine the ideal location of a campus that would be accessible and visible.
“This site is well-suited to meet our needs,” said Short. “It allows the System room to grow strategically with the population increase that is expected in this area.”
According to data from the Katy Area Economic Development Council, the population of the Katy area is expected to increase from 317,000 residents to 550,000 within the next 20 years, and about 200 companies are headquartered there, including many in the energy sector.
Courtesy of University of Houston System
Katy, TX (November 11, 2016) Since opening its doors in 2001, the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch has been devoted to the healthy minds, bodies and spirits of our community. It serves not just as a place where folks can go to further their individual well-being but also as a place of outreach, kindness and compassion. And since opening those doors, our YMCA has also been a devoted Katy ISD Partner in Education, always on the lookout for ways to help children.
Much of what the Monty Ballard YMCA does for Katy ISD students often goes unnoticed except by the grateful beneficiaries of their generosity. They provided 243 pairs of jeans for homeless teens and 100 blankets for elementary children. Our YMCA supported 80 students in the KEYS “Katy Students Run” program, helped kids receive braces at no cost to their families and provided books to children attending Camp Cinco.
Through their campus partnership with Shafer Elementary, the YMCA collectively donated canned goods for Ballard House and Eternal Food Ministries along with 100 coats for children who needed them. Individually, employees serve as KEYS mentors and Sundown Elementary Carnival volunteers, while District Executive Director Brian Haines serves on the Partners in Education Advisory Board and often lends his skills as a guest speaker.
But the epitome of the YMCA community outreach is their backpack drive – an initiative of Greater Houston YMCAs – that impacts thousands of regional children annually. This year in Katy alone, our local YMCA collected 49,351 items….that went into 2,459 backpacks….that benefitted children at 32 elementaries, 8 junior highs and 4 high schools. According to Outreach Coordinator Connie Stirgus, “When I started in 2011, we collected 250 backpacks my first year. I knew this community could do more, and we have! The generosity of Katy is sometimes overwhelming.”
Katy ISD School-Business Partnerships have one requirement: human resource involvement that will ultimately benefit a child. And because of their philosophical promise and commitment to families, the Monty Ballard YMCA of Cinco Ranch is a stellar example of a business partner who does just that.
About Katy ISD Partners in Education – Katy ISD Partners in Education creates school-support opportunities for parents, businesses and the community by offering a wide variety of options amenable to every schedule, talent and expertise. We bring volunteers into Katy ISD classrooms at each campus and all grade levels. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org.
Courtesy of Katy ISD Partners in Education
Katy, TX (November 7, 2016) – Kat Garza never dreamed she would work for Cane Island when she moved to the new Katy master-planned community with her husband and two small children.
“We were looking for a community to raise our kids with good schools and a short work commute to the Energy Corridor where my husband works,” she says. “I never thought my new job would be right in my backyard!”
As Cane Island’s new Lifestyle Coordinator, Garza will be responsible for planning a range of activities for residents and prospective homebuyers including movie nights, wine and cheese events, fun runs, walks and holiday festivals.
“I love Cane Island’s hometown feel, welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with our neighbors,” Garza adds. “When presented the opportunity as the community’s new Lifestyle Coordinator, I jumped at it.”
One of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston, Cane Island offers new luxury homes from the $200s to the millions, including those in gated sections and on prized, cul-de-sac homesites from Coventry Homes, Toll Brothers, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes and Trendmaker Homes. Residents enjoy a resort-style Amenity Village along with easy access onto Interstate 10 via the Cane Island Parkway.
The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood with Houston’s first street pantries. To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community.
Information courtesy of Cane Island
Katy, TX (November 4, 2016) In March of 2016, the Katy area lost a beloved leader and community member in Mr. Stan C. Stanley. To honor his contributions and continue his legacy, the Katy Area Economic Development Council created the Stan C. Stanley “Eagle” Leadership and Economic Development Award. Today, on November 3, Stan’s birthday and what has been proclaimed Stan C. Stanley Day by the City of Katy, the Katy Area EDC is proud to announce Mr. Stan Goss as the winner of the inaugural Stan C. Stanley “Eagle” Leadership and Economic Development Award.
Stan Goss has been a pillar of the Katy area through his involvement in numerous organizations and activities with a goal of bettering the community much like Stan Stanley did. He is a nationally recognized Executive Coach and Leadership Development professional, and has been involved with organizations such as Katy Area EDC, Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church, Katy ISD and youth basketball organization Katy Rebels.
As part of his leadership role with the Talent and Leadership Taskforce, Goss has recruited new organizations to become involved with the Katy Area EDC. He personally recruited the National Association of Corrosive Engineers (NACE) to join. The relationship developed by Stan has allowed the Katy Area EDC to be involved in numerous trade shows in partnership with NACE.
At his church, Grace United Fellowship Methodist Church, Stan has served in leadership roles and led small groups for men and couples. Goss has also worked with the Katy ISD Miller Career and Technology Center to help grow its impact on students and increase local business involvement with MCTC.
You may also find Stan helping out with booster clubs, specifically basketball at Tompkins High School and Seven Lakes High School. He has been involved with the Katy Rebels youth basketball program for roughly 10 years as well.
According one individual who nominated Goss, “Stan’s service to all the organizations he supports is for pure service and to give back to the community. He is not motivated by personal or business gain.”
“It is an honor to recognize Stan Goss with an award named after our dear friend Stan Stanley,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.
Goss was selected from a pool of award finalists including Carol Adams of the Katy Heritage Society, Kathy Gerritzen, Director of Katy Area Ride Service and Tommy Golczynski, Managing Partner/Founder, Assured Flow Solutions. The award recognizes a volunteer in the Katy area who has made contributions in leadership and economic development to the Katy area and was selected by committee of Katy area leaders. All Katy area residents were eligible and selected based on criteria including but not limited to, years of service, leadership skills demonstrated, special achievements, and qualities Stan so greatly exhibited such as being faithful, conscientious, unselfish and committed to the Katy area community.
Courtesy of the Katy Area Economic Development Council
Katy, TX (November 4, 2016) As part of their community outreach program, Cinco Ranch Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is sponsoring Celebrating the Light, a program created to deliver Christmas decorations to someone who could use an extra dose of cheer this holiday season.
Cinco Ranch Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is asking the public for nominations. This could be a family member, someone you know from church, a neighbor or just someone you know who could benefit from some care and attention.
“We understand that the holidays can be a particularly lonely time for some seniors,” says Ben Tragethon, Administrator. “If someone has recently lost a spouse or has children who live far away and can’t make it back home, this can make them feel particularly alone. Additionally, memories are a big part of the holidays and seniors may remember earlier, happier times, which may cause them to feel that their best days are behind them.”
People can make nominations by calling 281-599-3334 or emailing michelle.barroso@jeaseniorliving.com. Simply give us the name of your nominee and why you feel they could use some extra joy in their lives this season. One winner will be selected and the person who nominated the winner will have the privilege of delivering the holiday package personally to the recipient.
“We feel everyone deserves a joyous holiday and we look forward to making that happen for one special senior,” says Ben. Nominations will be accepted until December 15, 2016, with the winner announced on December 16, 2016.
CINCO RANCH ALZHEIMER’S SPECIAL CARE CENTER located at 3206 S. FRY RD., KATY, TX 77450 and serves the needs of individuals with dementia.
Katy, TX (November 2, 2016) A visit to the hospital isn’t always a pleasant one, especially for children. However, a special teddy bear aims to help kids through the process with flying colors. United Airlines recently donated 48 Adventure Bears, named “Ben Flyin” to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. The bears will be given to children as they undergo outpatient procedures, visit the emergency center, or are admitted to the hospital. This is the second year United Airlines has partnered with Memorial Hermann Katy for the Adventure Bear Program.
Memorial Hermann Katy provides quality, compassionate healthcare to even the youngest patients, with a Level II neonatal intensive care unit providing intermediate care for infants who require continuous monitoring. The hospital also has a dedicated pediatric unit and a special children’s transport team with specially trained nurses and neonatal and pediatric intensive care physicians, should a child need to be taken to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (November 1, 2016) A voter must show one of the following forms of acceptable photo identification at the polling location before the voter may be accepted for voting, unless the voter has a reasonable impediment to obtaining one of these forms of acceptable photo identification or the voter qualifies for one of the other exemptions identified below:
• Texas Driver’s License issued by the Department of Public Safety (“DPS”)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS;
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS;
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS;
• United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph;
• United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph; or
• United States Passport.
With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place.
If a voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo identification listed above, and the voter cannot reasonably obtain such identification, the voter has the right to execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present one of the following supporting documents:
• Valid voter registration certificate;
• Certified birth certificate (must be an original);
• Copy of or original current utility bill;
• Copy of or original bank statement;
• Copy of or original government check;
• Copy of or original paycheck; or
• Copy of or original other government document that displays your name and an address
(though an original is required if it contains a photograph).
Exemptions: Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption to showing an acceptable form of photo identification at the polls. Voters with a religious objection to being photographed or voters who cannot present an acceptable form of photo identification due to certain natural disasters may apply for a temporary exemption to showing an acceptable form of photo identification at the polls. Please contact your voter registrar for more details.
Provisional Voting: If (a) a voter does not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo identification, which is not expired for more than four years, and the voter can reasonably obtain one of these forms of identification or (b) if a voter possesses, but did not bring to the polling place, one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification, which is not expired for more than four years, or (c) if the voter does not possess one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification, which is not expired for more than four years, could otherwise not obtain one due to a reasonable impediment, but did not bring a supporting form of identification to the polling place, the voter may cast a provisional ballot at the polls and will have six (6) calendar days after election day to present an acceptable form of photo identification, which is not expired for more than four years, in the presence of the county voter registrar.
Courtesy of the Office of Stan Stanart, Harris County Clerk
Katy, TX (November 1, 2016) In an effort to provide busy parents and guardians an opportunity to vote on Election Day on Nov. 8, the YMCA of Greater Houston is offering two hours of free childcare through its Child Watch program.
At the Y, children ages 6 months through 11 years will be supervised by trained and attentive staff members and can engage in arts and crafts, games, puzzles, blocks, and storytelling.
Parents and guardians can register for this opportunity on or before Nov. 8 by visiting their local YMCA in person and completing the registration process. Child Watch hours and capacities will vary from center to center.
“The YMCA wants to make sure that all people are able to exercise their right to vote,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston.
The YMCA is the largest provider of childcare in the nation.
To learn more about this opportunity or the YMCA’s Child Care programs, please visit ymcahouston.org or visit your local YMCA.
Courtesy of the YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX (October 31, 2016) The Katy ISD Partners in Education department is once again inviting the community to support families in need this holiday season. Food for Families is an annual campaign that provides $50 grocery gift cards to Katy ISD students and their families. Principals from every Katy ISD campus identify students in need of assistance, and the gift cards are given to those students before winter break. Last year, our Katy ISD community raised $25,000 to support students and their families during the holidays. Since its inception in 2002, this initiative has blessed over 3,000 Katy ISD families thanks to the generous support of our community.
Those interested in participating may contribute cash or check by Thursday, Dec. 8. Donations of any amount are welcome and will be accepted by Partners in Education in person or by mail: Katy ISD ESC, 6301 South Stadium Lane, room 1520, Katy 77494. Please make checks payable to “Katy ISD Food for Families.”
Food for Families, a Katy ISD Partners in Education yearly initiative, unites our Katy ISD staff and community in holiday support for select students and their families. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact Tammy Stringer, 281-396-2645, tammyrstringer@katyisd.org.
Information courtesy of Katy ISD Partners in Education
Katy, TX (October 27, 2016) Harris County ESD 48’s Annual Open House on Sunday October 23rd was a spectacular success this year with well over 3,000 people in attendance at all 3 participating stations. With the early unveiling of the brand new Station 5, the new multi-building complex drew the largest crowd with just over 1,600 people throughout the day. Those who came out not only got to see equipment and apparatus that will be stationed there when it officially opens but they also got to take guided tours of the three buildings that make up the new Station 5 Complex.
In addition to the traditional activities each station had its own unique offering in addition to a few outside agencies who joined us this year. Station 3 on Westgreen Blvd. had the Harris County Fire Marshals who brought their live fire Sprinkler Trailer demo as well the Katy ISD Police who educated those in attendance school safety. Station 4 on Franz Road invited the American Red Cross and Katy Area CERT out to talk about being prepared for emergencies and what to do if a large scale disaster happens. Station 5 on Morton Road had the Constables of Precinct 5 displaying their equipment and giving tours of one of their vehicles while Gulf Coast Regional Blood Centers held a blood drive as well as a free blood typing table to help people learn their blood type in case of an emergency.
Fire Chief Jeff Hevey said, “This year was a great success and I believe the record crowds were a result of our efforts over the last year to connect with and educate the residents we serve in new and creative ways.”
Photos by John Glaser
Courtesy of HCESD 48
Katy, TX (October 26, 2016) Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently celebrated volunteers, both past and present, who have supported the hospital’s operations throughout its 35-year history of serving the Katy community.
“The volunteers at Memorial Hermann Katy are just as instrumental as our employees and clinical staff. They show up with smiles and positive attitudes that help facilitate a comfortable and calming environment throughout our hospital,” said Jim Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Katy.
While the event recognized all those who have volunteered at the hospital over the past 35 years, it also recognized one special volunteer who has served the hospital since the program’s inception. Avadele Short began volunteering with the hospital shortly after it first opened on Pin Oak Road in 1981, and continues to volunteer today. She received her 10,000-hour pin at the celebration.
“Avadele is a great example of how the Katy community supports one another. She has been a fixture within this hospital for over three decades, and we appreciate greatly her continued commitment to the patients, staff, and our services,” said Heather Rojas, Manager of volunteers at Memorial Hermann Katy. “We have many volunteers who’ve served at this hospital for more than 10 years and I think it reflects the neighborly attitude that many people in Katy possess.”
The volunteer services program at Memorial Hermann Katy has more than 180 active members but they are always looking for others who would like to serve. Volunteers support both clinical and non-clinical areas, patient transportation, the gift shop and other areas. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities at Memorial Hermann Katy here.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (October 25, 2016) If you ever had the pleasure of knowing Stan Stanley, one of the first questions he asked was, “How can I help you?” He genuinely looked for ways to help others by offering advice, assistance, or just an encouraging word. Stan mentored hundreds of students, teachers, and boy scouts throughout the years and made sure each of them knew how unique and important they were. After an undiagnosed heart condition claimed his life earlier this year, thousands of people showed up at his memorial service to celebrate the man who made an enormous impact on Katy and enriched so many people’s lives.
Stan’s love for people was so infectious, many of us wanted to find a way to keep his caring legacy alive. First, Mayor Hughes offered to proclaim Stan Stanley Day as November 3, Stan’s birthday. Then Katy Magazine, the Katy Area Economic Development Council, Stan’s family, Stanley Elementary School, and many others jumped on board too! Stan Stanley’s “How Can I Help You Day” was officially launched and will be a Katy tradition every year on November 3.
So here’s the plan: On November 3, we’re all going out into the community to help someone else. Whether it’s mowing a neighbor’s lawn, helping a homeless person, or volunteering at an animal shelter, the choice is yours! If you need ideas of where you can give back or need help yourself, email us at editor@katymagazine.com. We’re collecting ideas and input for ways to match volunteers with opportunities to serve. We invite you to join us and think of a personal way you can help make Katy a more loving, helpful community; not only on November 3, but everyday.
Katy, TX (October 24, 2016) To ensure the voting process is a pleasant experience, the chief election officer of the County has a few suggestions for voters heading to the polls:
1. Voters should confirm voter registration status. A voter registration search can be performed at http://www.hctax.net/voter/search;
2. Voters should study a sample ballot, mark it, and take it to the poll. Voters can download a voter-specific ballot at www.HarrisVotes.com;
3. Voters should identify the nearest or most convenient early voting location. Voters can vote at any one of the 46 early voting locations;
4. Voters should find out what photo identification is acceptable to vote at the poll, what other identification options are now available to vote a regular ballot, and what identification expedites the qualification process. The voter identification guidelines are available at www.HarrisVotes.com;
5. Voters should NOT wear clothing or paraphernalia that promotes a party, a candidate or a proposition to the poll;
6. Voters should be aware that the use of electronic devices is prohibited inside the poll. The right to cast a secret ballot must be respected;
7. Voters should not wait until the last minute to vote early. During peak voting hours, the wait time could be longer than we wish.
Early Voting Days and Hours – Harris County
October 24 – October 28: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October 29: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 30: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October 31 – November 4: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
| November 8, 2016 Early Voting Locations, Harris County, Texas | |||
| Location | Address | City | Zip |
| Harris County Administration Building | 1001 Preston Street | Houston | 77002 |
| Champion Forest Baptist Church | 4840 Strack Road | Houston | 77069 |
| Prairie View A&M University Northwest | 9449 Grant Road | Houston | 77070 |
| Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library | 22248 Aldine Westfield Road | Humble | 77338 |
| Kingwood Branch Library | 4400 Bens View Lane | Kingwood | 77345 |
| Lone Star College Atascocita Center | 15903 West Lake Houston Parkway | Houston | 77044 |
| Crosby Branch Library | 135 Hare Road | Crosby | 77532 |
| Kyle Chapman Activity Center | 7340 Spencer Highway | Pasadena | 77505 |
| Freeman Branch Library | 16616 Diana Lane | Houston | 77062 |
| Harris County Scarsdale Annex* | 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard | Houston | 77089 |
| Juergen’s Hall Community Center | 26026 Hempstead Highway | Cypress | 77429 |
| Tomball Public Works Building | 501B James Street | Tomball | 77375 |
| Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center | 3810 West Fuqua Street | Houston | 77045 |
| Katy Branch Library* | 5414 Franz Rd | Katy | 77493 |
| Lone Star College Cypress Center | 19710 Clay Road | Katy | 77449 |
| Harris County MUD 81 | 805 Hidden Canyon Road | Katy | 77450 |
| Nottingham Park | 926 Country Place Drive | Houston | 77079 |
| Harris County Public Health Environmental Services | 2223 West Loop South Freeway | Houston | 77027 |
| Metropolitan Multi Service Center | 1475 West Gray Street | Houston | 77019 |
| City of Jersey Village City Hall | 16327 Lakeview Drive | Jersey Village | 77040 |
| Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center | 8440 Greenhouse Road | Cypress | 77433 |
| Bayland Park Community Center | 6400 Bissonnet Street | Houston | 77074 |
| Tracy Gee Community Center | 3599 Westcenter Drive | Houston | 77042 |
| Bear Creek Park Community Center | 3055 Bear Creek Drive | Houston | 77084 |
| Trini Mendenhall Community Center | 1414 Wirt Road | Houston | 77055 |
| Acres Homes Multi Service Center | 6719 West Montgomery Road | Houston | 77091 |
| Fallbrook Church | 12512 Walters Road | Houston | 77014 |
| Lone Star College Victory Center | 4141 Victory Drive | Houston | 77088 |
| Hardy Senior Center | 11901 West Hardy Road | Houston | 77076 |
| Northeast Multi Service Center | 9720 Spaulding Street, Building 4 | Houston | 77016 |
| Octavia Fields Branch Library | 1503 South Houston Avenue | Humble | 77338 |
| Kashmere Multi Service Center | 4802 Lockwood Drive | Houston | 77026 |
| North Channel Branch Library | 15741 Wallisville Road | Houston | 77049 |
| Alvin D. Baggett Community Center | 1302 Keene Street | Galena Park | 77547 |
| Ripley House Neighborhood Center | 4410 Navigation Boulevard | Houston | 77011 |
| Baytown Community Center | 2407 Market Street | Baytown | 77520 |
| John Phelps Courthouse | 101 North Richey Street | Pasadena | 77506 |
| HCCS Southeast College | 6960 Rustic Street, Parking Garage | Houston | 77087 |
| Fiesta Mart | 8130 Kirby Drive | Houston | 77054 |
| Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center | 9314 Cullen Boulevard | Houston | 77033 |
| Palm Center | 5300 Griggs Road | Houston | 77021 |
| Moody Park Community Center | 3725 Fulton Street | Houston | 77009 |
| SPJST Lodge 88 | 1435 Beall Street | Houston | 77008 |
| Alief ISD Administration Building | 4250 Cook Road | Houston | 77072 |
| Champion Life Centre | 3031 FM 2920 Road | Spring | 77388 |
| Lone Star College – Creekside Center | 8747 West New Harmony Trail | Tomball | 77375 |
| * Indicates New Location | |||
Early Voting Days, Hours, and Locations – Fort Bend County: http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=37741
Early Voting Days, Hours, and Locations – Waller County:
http://co.waller.tx.us/upload/common/docs/Elections/2016/SampleBallots/Pollinglocationsandhours.pdf
Katy, TX (October 17, 2016) The Katy ISD Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 12th opportunity in five years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at the Mark L. Hopkins Law Enforcement Center located at 20370 Franz Road.
The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharp objects, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last September, Americans turned in more than 617,000 pounds of prescription drugs at sites operated by the DEA, and its state and local law enforcement partners. When combined with what was collected in its previous Take-Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in more than 4.8 million pounds of pills.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 22nd Take-Back Day event, contact Officer James Grima at 281-237-4024.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (October 14, 2016) For the past year and a half, Memorial Hermann Life Flight® crew members have been working alongside first responders throughout the Greater Houston area to prepare them to respond and provide timely emergency care in active shooter situations. Life Flight is the only air medical transport service in the Southeast region to offer this specialized training, which is part of a national training program called Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). By coordinating emergency response efforts and operating under a single protocol, first responders can work quicker and more effectively to identify and treat the injured, helping prevent any additional fatalities and casualties.
“Traditionally, training for emergency medical services providers and paramedics has largely focused on preparing them to respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods,” said George Tarver III, clinical educator and senior flight medic for Life Flight. “But, few of these agencies have been trained on how to respond to active shooter events. That lack of preparedness means that EMS and paramedics who are thrust into these situations must wait for law enforcement to clear the scene first before they move in to provide lifesaving patient care. In some situations, victims may wait several hours for treatment, a lengthy delay at a time when swift medical care is critical.”
Today, Life Flight has trained more than 200 EMS providers, paramedics, firefighters, SWAT team members and corporate emergency response teams, among other groups across the Greater Houston area. The training, developed by the National Association of Emergency Technicians, has garnered heightened attention in recent years amid the dramatic rise in the number of active shooter incidents across the United States.
Such high-risk emergency situations can be chaotic and involve multiple agencies that have no history of working together, Tarver said. Life Flight recognized a need for this training to help bridge the gap in the Houston area among the array of law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, emergency medical services, fire departments, and federal agencies that would be called upon to respond in such an incident. The 16-hour training program, which is comprised of classroom work and role playing scenarios, is designed to prepare various agencies to work together during hectic mass casualty events.
“By exposing first responders to situations they have never encountered before, they learn quickly how best to evaluate the risks in dangerous situations and make quick decisions that can mean the difference between life and death for the victims of an active shooter incident,” Tarver said. “Through this training, multiple agencies learn strategies and techniques that can help boost survivability in tragedies of gun violence.”
Agencies that received the training said they found it beneficial in preparing their first responders to react swiftly to unexpected crisis situations.
“Training and practice are the key to the success of any operation, especially tactical ones,” said Patrick Langan, EMS Field Supervisor for the Montgomery County Hospital District, which participated in a recent training session. “While we hope that our staff will not have to respond to an active shooter situation, we want them to be prepared. Training our staff on the latest in emergency tactical care ensures we give the best care and service to our county residents. It also allows tactical teams from multiple jurisdictions to practice with the people they will be working alongside during a possible incident.”
The training is a continuation of Life Flight’s guiding principles, which were established under the guidance of legendary trauma surgeon James H. “Red” Duke, M.D., to help educate the first responder community and improve trauma care in the pre-hospital setting, Tarver said.
“Offering the TECC program speaks volumes about the evolution of Life Flight over the past four decades,” he said. “Because of the strong military background of most of our crew, we’ve always had crew members who were trained in tactical medicine. Now, we are sharing that expertise with the entire first responder community as we continue to pay tribute to Dr. Duke’s legacy of saving lives.”
Watch footage of a recent active shooter training hosted by Life Flight.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (October 14, 2016) Less than a year after its grand opening, Katy’s Cane Island has been named Community of the Year by the Greater Houston Home Builders Association.
The prestigious PRISM Award for Community of the Year is considered one of the top honors presented annually by the GHBA as part of its recognition of the best of the best in local homebuilding.
“Our vision for Cane Island was to create a special community of new homes with attention to every last detail,” notes Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities, developer of Cane Island. “It’s certainly gratifying to be acknowledged by our peers.”
The community of new homes also received PRISM awards for Community Entrance of the Year, Recreation Center of the Year and Landscape Design of the Year.
Cane Island’s award-winning arrival experience features a three-acre lake with seven, 30-foot fountains followed by its impressive Living Arches, custom-made steel sculptures with thousands of individually controlled, programmable LED lights in glass leaves that change colors and patterns for the seasons. Close to 1,000 transplanted trees and large planter boxes add to the arrival experience.
Cane Island’s resort-style Amenity Village features a two-story fitness center, yoga studio with 200 on-demand videos, lap pool, family pool with poolside cabanas and water play area, café, tree house, observation deck with outdoor fireplace, event center with professional kitchen and a glass-enclosed Conservatory, ideal for private events, with a seasonal wall of fresh flowers.
One of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston, Cane Island presents new luxury homes from the $200s to the millions, including those in gated sections and on prized, cul-de-sac homesites from Coventry Homes, Toll Brothers, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes and Trendmaker Homes.
The community also offers the Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood with Houston’s first street pantries.
To reach Cane Island, take the new Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the temporary detour into the community.
For more information and for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow Cane Island at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Courtesy of Cane Island
Katy, TX (October 14, 2016) State Representative Mike Schofield issued a statement about the construction of US 290:
Dear Friend,
Rep. Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) and Rep. Mike Schofield (R-Katy) are pleased to share the latest news on the redevelopment of US Highway 290 and the nearly completed I-610/US 290 interchange. Construction continues this fall and through next year, and 290 is on track for completion in 2018, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The current interim plan from the 610 Loop along 290 out to the Grand Parkway will be completed at a cost of $1.27 billion.
“Everyone can relate to how utterly frustrating it can be to be stuck in traffic when you’re simply trying to get from Point A to Point B, especially along 290,” Rep. Bohac said. “But I am pleased to report that substantial progress in being made and the end is in sight. We now have some real relief with the virtual completion of the 290/610 interchange-which is more than 85% finished-and the soon-to-be completed projects along the entire stretch of US 290 in Harris County.”
“The completion of the 290 widening will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of people in our area who have been stuck in traffic every day for years.” Rep. Schofield added. “US 290 will always be crowded, but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel to a day when the commute to and from work will be a lot more reasonable and a lot less stressful.”
Construction began on the Highway 290 Project in June of 2011 with the I-610/US 290 interchange and has extended to 13 program projects along the 38-mile stretch from the 610 Loop to the Harris/Waller County Line. When finished the US 290 roadway will feature five lanes in both directions between I-610 and SH 6/FM 1960, four lanes in both directions between SH 6/FM 1960 and SH 99 (Grand Parkway), and three lanes in both directions between SH 99 and the Harris/Waller County line. Further, there will be a barrier separated, reversible High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane between I-610 and SH 99.
Additionally, installation of Next Generation Concrete Surface “quiet pavement” is being applied to all US 290 projects. This noise mitigation technique places longitudinal grooves in the concrete pavement, which minimizes the amount of tire/pavement noise.
TxDOT’s ultimate vision for the US 290 Corridor involves the construction of a parallel Hempstead Tollway from Loop 610 to Grand Parkway. Due to current funding conditions, that roadway will not likely be built for 20 years. The estimated cost of the entire US 290 Program improvements, including construction of the Hempstead Tollway, is $4.7 billion. That includes funding for design, engineering, construction, right of way acquisition and utility relocations. With regard to the Hempstead Tollway, it does not include the cost of designing and constructing the High Capacity Transit Corridor for which they are reserving space.
The reconstruction of US 290 is essential due to the exploding rates of growth in the Houston region. The City of Houston is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the largest in Texas. With regional growth-rate predictions at approximately 72 percent between the years 2010 and 2040, traffic congestion and transportation-related problems will follow. Without substantial changes, the current regional transportation network will be unable to provide an acceptable level of service on many travel corridors. In particular, the US 290 Corridor has experienced considerable growth. With the current corridor population at 698,000 and a projected 2040 population of 1.1 million, this corridor is facing serious transportation issues.
I also wanted to provide you with some information on self-defense from the Harris County Constable.
Rape Aggression Defense, known as R.A.D., is a self-defense program designed specifically for women. The R.A.D. approach to personal safety begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and progresses to hands-on physical defense techniques.
Participants in the program will learn a wide range of tactics, including verbal techniques, ground defense options, escaping from bear hugs and choke holds, and many more. The practical techniques are designed to maximize the strengths of a woman’s body and build upon existing instinctive responses to provide women with effective self-defense options. In R.A.D., women will have the opportunity for hands-on dynamic impact practice and realistic simulation exercises.
The R.A.D. program is taught by nationally certified instructors who are dedicated to the growth and well-being of the women in our community. The course is suitable for women of all ages and abilities.
R.A.D. is the only existing program with a free lifetime return and practice policy, honored worldwide.
R.A.D. has developed specialized simulation techniques and equipment for use by certified R.A.D. Instructors.
R.A.D. is the only self-defense program ever endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), National Academy of Defense Education, the National Self-Defense Institute (NSDI) and Redman Training Gear.
To register for a class visit www.constablepct5.com or contact program administrator Deputy R. Guinn at 281-492-3601 or roy.guinn@cn5.hctx.net
Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing you. Please let me know if there’s anything that my office can do to be of service to you.
God bless Texas!
Mike Schofield
State Representative
House District 132
Katy & Cypress
Katy, TX (October 12, 2016) Willow Fork Park is a passive-use park that will provide residents with another high-quality recreational environment. The project which is part of WFDD phase II of their master plan, improved flat land into a multipurpose environment with compelling topographical undulations, open lawns, trails, a lake, and other recreational features. Additional park components include boardwalks, a pedestrian bridge, and pavilion with restroom facility, playground, 18-hole disk golf course, solar-powered lighting, rock outcroppings, bio swales, and educational signage.
As visitors enter the grand opening celebration of Willow Fork Park they will be greeted by a symphony quartet and a meet and greet with the WFD board members and local dignitaries. Strolling around the park, attendees will be able to enjoy playground equipment, face painting, take part in a community art piece, enjoy acoustic guitar, and steel drums. Further on the trail, they can step back in time and watch a vintage baseball game. Sounds of a jazz band will guide spectators to another phase of the park. A DJ will close out the event with lively music and a few words from the WFDD Board of Directors. Picnic lunches will be available for purchase.
Willow Fork Drainage District was created by an Order of the Texas Water Commission, predecessor to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), dated February 20, 1985. The District contains approximately 5,718 acres of land, of which approximately 5,247 are located within Fort Bend County, Texas, and approximately 471 acres are located within Harris County, Texas. The District has adopted a park plan and intends to finance components of its park plan with the proceeds from unlimited tax bonds authorized by the voters for such purpose. To find out more about WFD’s master plan, please visit www.willowforkdrainagedistrict.com
For more information about the event, visit Katy Magazine‘s Event Page (http://www.katymagazine.com/katy-texas/katy-texas-events).
Courtesy of Willow Fork Drainage District
Katy, TX (October 7, 2016) – The Katy ISD Education Foundation, a southwest region finalist for 2017 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration awards, invites the entire Katy/West Houston community to rally in support of its campaign. One of four non-profit organizations competing for the prize, the Foundation could potentially gain up to $75,000 for its Inspiring Imagination teacher grant program. The winning organization will be determined in part by number of votes received. Voting ends at midnight, Monday, October 17.
Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration awards recognizes community organizations that align with the Chick-fil-A Foundation’s mission to support and inspire youth. The Katy ISD Education Foundation rewards teacher inspiration of students by funding innovative classroom projects that go beyond district budget limitations. The Foundation was nominated by local Chick-fil-A operator, Rusty Wylie and is the only organization in the Greater Houston Area under consideration. True Inspiration awards are a national contest; therefore voting is open to everyone regardless of location.
Votes are cast exclusively through the Chick-fil-A One app, one vote per person. To vote on the app, select “Vote” on the home screen, then “Southwest Region,” “Katy ISD Education Foundation,” and “Confirm Vote.”
Courtesy of the Katy ISD Education Foundation
Katy, TX (September 30, 2016) Katy ISD is seeking proposals from businesses for the exclusive naming rights of the Katy ISD Student Activity Facilities Complex, which is comprised of the Jack Rhodes Stadium and the future Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium.
The minimal term for this agreement will be 10 years, and the final negotiated price can be paid in yearly increments.
This Complex will not only be the home base for Districtwide athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities, but will also host non-Katy ISD events at the local and regional level.
Jack Rhodes Stadium opened in 1982 and is located at 1733 Katyland Drive in Katy. The stadium is home for seven high school varsity teams with the eighth high school to open its doors in the fall of 2017. The 2014 bond referendum provided funding to construct the second stadium, which is also located on the same grounds as Rhodes Stadium, thus creating the Katy ISD Student Activity Facilities Complex.
This Complex will create a unique experience for fans, students, parents and the community as sporting and fine arts events can be played concurrently thanks to the infrastructure and new road construction that will allow spectators and game participants easy access in and out of the Complex. Another exciting element of the second stadium is a multi-purpose room that can also serve as a venue for various community events such as banquets, receptions and recognitions.
Businesses interested in submitting proposals can do so by mail to the Katy ISD Purchasing Department at 5364 Franz Road, Katy, Texas 77493 by October 10, 2016 at 2 p.m. All proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: 2:00 PM., OCTOBER 10, 2016 – RFCSP #1609 – NAMING RIGHTS FOR KATY ISD STUDENT ACTIVITY FACILITIES COMPLEX.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (September 29, 2016) By far, Harris County sees the greatest amount of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in women in the state. Every year, an average of 2,295 new cases are diagnosed, according to the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As treatments for all types of cancer become more effective, the number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis continues to grow rapidly. This is why the YMCA of Greater Houston is offering free, 12-week classes that have proven through studies with the Yale Cancer Center and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute to:
- Meet or exceed the recommended amount of physical activity for cancer survivors
- Help survivors significantly increase their cardiovascular endurance
- Increase cancer survivors’ overall quality of life and decrease cancer-related fatigue
Called LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, the evidence-based program is open to cancer survivors ages 18 and up currently in treatment or who have completed treatment. A YMCA membership is not required and the program is of no cost to the individual.
Two, 90-minute weekly sessions are modified to meet all participants’ needs. Some participants perform gentle stretching and low-impact exercises while sitting in a chair. Others may lift light weights and engage in modified Zumba movements. Some use the treadmill and exercise bikes to build strength and balance.
All instructors are certified with 16 hours of training.
“There is something about being physically active and having fun together that really bonds people in a special way,” said Lharissa Jacobs, director of Community Health at the YMCA of Greater Houston. “People feel their LIVESTRONG group can understand them in a way that their friends and families might not be able to because they have all faced the same challenges.”
The LIVESTRONG program also includes a fellowship component that allows participants to share their stories. And, guest speakers discuss topics such as nutrition and mind-body connection.
“Our participants are so passionate about the program. Some say they couldn’t imagine getting up and leaving the house except for this program,” Jacobs said. “Now, here they are hanging out with their friends at the Y. After the program wraps up, they don’t want to stop. They want mentor the next group.”
With more than 2,700 YMCAs in 39 states, the Y is uniquely positioned to reach a great amount of cancer survivors through it wellness centers – including the 12 centers participating in the LIVESTRONG program in Greater Houston.
Participating centers are:
Brenda and John Duncan YMCA (Spring Branch)
Bradley McWilliams YMCA at Cypress Creek
Edgar A. Smith Family YMCA (Webster)
Fort Bend Family YMCA
Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch (Katy)
Lake Houston Family YMCA
Langham Creek Family YMCA (Copperfield)
Perry Family YMCA (League City)
The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend
Trotter Family YMCA (Galleria)
Vic Coppinger Family YMCA (Pearland)
Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA (Wallisville)
Weekley Family YMCA (Bellaire)
All classes have a rolling start date, so please contact your local YMCA for more information. You can also contact betterhealth@ymcahouston.org or Lharissa Jacobs at 713-758-9186 or ljacobs@ymcahouston.org
Courtesy of the Houston area YMCA
Katy, TX (September 28, 2016)
What: 24th Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne in Katy/Fulshear
When: Sunday, October 2, 7 – 11 a.m. (North Firethorne Road to close at 5:30 a.m.; swim leg begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Where: In and around Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-planned community on 28100 N. Firethorne Rd. at FM 1463
Course: 500-meter lake swim, 12-mile bike race, and 3-mile run
Hosts: Rotary Club of Katy and City of Katy
Athletes: Triathlon relay teams may be 2- or 3-person all male, all female or co-ed. The youngest age category is 11-14, with age categories going up to 70+.
Temp: 65 degrees at the starting time
While every Katy Triathlon participant has a story, here are some for your consideration:
- 50 Collegiate Triathletesfrom Texas A&M and University of Texas, among others
- Jeff Gill– 61, a resident of Firethorne pursuing his 388thcareer triathlon AND he will serve as a guide to Brandon Adame, a blind athlete who will be tethered to Jeff for the swim and run and they will ride tandem for the cycling leg
- Al Garcia, 57, This Firethorne (Katy/Fulshear) resident played baseball and football at Houston’s Robert E. Lee High School and went on to play intramural sports at University of Texas-Austin, where he earned degrees in biology (undergrad) and microbiology (Masters.) Post-college, he lost his focus on exercise. When his wife’s brother died of a heart attack at age 33, Al got the “wake-up call.” His wife, Tara, started running regularly and entered the El Paso Energy Half-Marathon. The next year, Al did his first half-marathon. In the first two years of his new fitness regime, he lost 55 pounds. Eleven years later, he has completed more than 55 half marathons in locations all across the country. He’ll be doing this fifth Katy Triathlon at Firethorne.
- Marc Vignocchi, 34, Marc is a project manager with Transocean, a former Navy Reservist and has his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Marine Engineering Systems from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Marc grew up around the water in Sarasota, FL, where he was a competitive swimmer and rower. (His mom was a swimmer in high school and college and went on to be a swim coach for Boys & Girls Clubs.) His senior year in high school, he was the captain of the swimming and diving team. In college, he was on the rowing team all four years. It was a year-round sport, even in NY state. In winter, they rowed indoors on rowing machines! In 2014, Marc entered his first MS 150 ride and his fellow cyclists suggested he join them in a triathlon as their next race.
- Lance LaCour:President of the Katy Economic Development Council will be doing his third Katy Triathlon. Now in his late 40s, he was an elite triathlete in college and in his 20s. In 1989 he won his age group in the famed Heart of Dixie triathlon near DeKalb, MS, with a race time of 2 hrs., 16 min. After grad school and getting his first job in 1991, he cut back on triathlons and started doing serious cycling races. Eventually, he focused more on his career and family and quit competing and pretty much quit exercising. Last year he decided he wanted to get back into shape and started training to compete in a triathlon again. In July of last year, he returned to DeKalb, MS to enter the Heart of Dixie Triathlon — 25 years after his last race there. He finished it in 2 hrs., 53 minutes! (Lance is 5′ 11″. As an elite athlete he weighed 165 lbs. Today: 195 lbs.)
- Leo Bourgeois, Jr.: Went from an inactive, morbidly obese (over 400 lbs.) individual to a vibrant elite athlete and coach. In fact, this Sunday, theAssistant Director of the City of Houston Public Works, will embark on his third Katy Triathlon at Firethorne. His previous races were in 2012 and 2013, which is pretty remarkable considering that in 2011, he weighed at 415 pounds. Today, he is an Ironman Ambassador who weighs just over 200 pounds.
Beneficiary: Rotary Club of Katy, founded in 1946, has raised approximately $380,000 for its community service projects since taking over the Katy Triathlon in 1998. In July, the Club will present 15 deserving Katy ISD high school graduates each with a $1,500 scholarship at its annual college scholarship luncheon.
Spokesperson: Vicki Rao, Coordinator, Katy Triathlon at Firethorne
Volunteers: The Rotary Club of Katy organizes more than 50 of its own member-volunteers, plus 100 more volunteers from such service clubs as Rotary Interact Club, Katy West Houston Rotaract Club, Boy Scouts and Katy VFW.
To tour Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463, call 281-693-1011, or visit www.firethorne.info.
Katy, TX (September 27, 2016) The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has reelected Henry Dibrell of Katy ISD to a three-year term on the TASB Board of Directors, representing TASB Region 4, Position E. Dibrell currently serves as sergeant-at-arms for the Katy ISD board. He joined the board in 2011 and has held the positions of vice-president, treasurer, and secretary.
A graduate of Leadership TASB and a current fellow with the Center for Reform of School Systems, he also invests time volunteering with the Katy High School Band Booster Club and mentoring and coaching flag football athletes. Dibrell is the owner of Campaign Crate, a political consulting firm.
Dibrell is a licensed minister who holds a bachelor of science in marketing from Northwestern State University. He is also a member of the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, where he received the Dean Nicolus Award, and serves on the board of the Katy Pachyderm Club.
TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local public school boards. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 5.3 million students.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (September 22, 2016) The Harris County Cooperative Extension has leased information about the sod webworms that seem to be causing extensive damage to St. Augustine grass in the Houston area.
Sod webworm larvae feed primarily at night and prefer areas in lawns that are hot and dry during daylight hours. Lawn damage occurs as the larvae chew off grass blades and retreat into their silken tunnels to consume the foliage. Lawns are particularly susceptible during July and August when the temperatures are hot and lawns are not growing vigorously.
For more information about sod webworms and how to treat them, visit http://harris.agrilife.org/files/2011/05/sodwebworm.pdf.
Courtesy of Harris Agrilife
Katy, TX (September 13, 2016) On Sept. 22, the Katy Family YMCA, which has been present in the Katy community since 2001, will receive a new name: Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch. The center is being named after Ballard, whose foundation has contributed a seven-figure donation to support the work of the YMCA of Greater Houston. The gift was made specifically to expand YMCA services and programs in the Katy area – including the construction of the new YMCA at Katy Main Street, near Main Street and Kingsland Boulevard, slated to open in the first quarter of next year.
“To accommodate the rapidly growing population of Katy, we have been working hard to expedite the opening of the YMCA at Katy Main Street,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. “This generous donation has greatly helped with the new center’s construction and many programs and services it will offer residents of Katy and surrounding areas. It is with tremendous gratitude that we honor Mr. Ballard in this way.”
Ballard, a Katy resident, is co-founder of Fluoro-Seal International, which specializes in adhesion enhancement for plastics. Following the sale of his business, he established the Ballard Foundation, which has philanthropically supported the Katy community for decades. This is the foundation’s first major donation to the YMCA of Greater Houston.
“We are very grateful for the support of the Ballard Foundation, and the support and generosity of our board, the community and area business leaders,” said Leonard Merrell, Katy YMCA board member and Capital Campaign chairman.
Other contributors to the YMCA at Katy Main Street capital campaign include: PBK Architects, the Chapman Family Foundation, the Tellepsen Family, Woodcreek Development and the Katy Family YMCA board members.
Since breaking ground on the new center in April, the YMCA of Greater Houston has been raising funds to construct the $12 million facility, which is highly needed in the ever-expanding Katy community.
Katy’s population is projected to grow from 300,000 to nearly 550,000 by 2035. The number of people in Katy has doubled in the past decade and is expected to increase another 20 percent in the next five years.
The YMCA at Katy Main Street will serve residents in west and north Katy and in neighboring communities. The two-story, 41,000 square-foot facility will be located adjacent to the Katy Main Street development.
The new center will feature strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, an outdoor heated swimming pool, child watch rooms, an outdoor jogging trail and cycle studio. It is expected to be operational during the first quarter of next year and will include health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, afterschool care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more.
Those who become members of either of YMCA in Katy between Nov. 12, 2016 and Jan. 31, 2017 will not be required to pay a joining fee.
The YMCA at Katy Main Street is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year, and by 2019 is expected to serve more than 20,000 people. The center will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships as well as create more than 200 area jobs.
Those interested in contributing to the capital campaign for the YMCA at Katy Main Street may contact Brian Haines, vice president of Operations, at 281-392-5055 ext. 211 or at brianh@ymcahouston.org.
Speakers at the Renaming Ceremony:
- YMCA President and CEO Paul McEntire
- Monty Ballard of the Ballard Foundation
- YMCA Vice President of Operations Brian Haines
- YMCA Board Chairman Carlos Valdez
- Leonard Merrell, Katy YMCA board member, YMCA at Katy Main Street Capital Steering Committee chairman, former YMCA Association board member, and retired superintendent for the Katy Independent School District
- David Ruzicka, pastor of Fort Bend Fellowship, Katy Family YMCA Center Board Chairman
Courtesy of YMCA Houston
Katy, TX (September 8, 2016) The Texas Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA) announced that it has awarded approximately $100,000 in grant funding to 10 nonprofit organizations from across the state for projects promoting the development and success of small businesses in underserved markets, including $10,000 to the Katy Area Economic Development Council.
“Through the intended services and partnership development, we hope to have a profound impact on the growth of jobs, the continued development of our dynamic manufacturing community and the enhancement of our competitiveness both locally and internationally,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.
The Katy Area EDC has helped created over 16,000 jobs since its inception and is the primary economic development organization for the greater Katy area, which encompasses portions of Fort Bend, Harris and Waller counties as well as the entire City of Katy. The project is intended to establish, strengthen and incentivize industry-driven consortia that address high-priority training and financing challenges impeding the growth of manufacturing in the Katy area. Additionally, the program will be used to fund broad participation across the local value-chain including universities and government agencies along with displaced manufacturing talent from companies of all sizes including participating and targeted firms.
Building upon previous work by the Katy Area EDC Construction and Manufacturing Industry Focus Group, the grant funding accompanied by future activities of the proposed consortium, will seek to improve the coordination of federal, state and local manufacturing development strategies while highlighting Katy area partnering capabilities to deliver value to existing and planned manufacturing and supply chain entities.
Katy Area EDC project goals include:
· Coordination of training and services consortia targeted at local manufacturing companies to help reverse recent negative economic trends and ensure increased growth and profitability
· Targeting underutilized HUB manufacturing firms by providing affordable mini-workshops and training opportunities
· Organizing mini-workshops to raise awareness and provide opportunities to apply for financial assistance
· Informing and promoting regular communication across public and private sectors
“Key small business needs that our target firms face revolve largely around identifying growth opportunities (collaborating on projects), attracting and retaining qualified talent, and accessing appropriate financing to support future development,” stated LaCour. “Most of our small and medium size companies excel within their area of expertise, but may be unaware of state and local resources available to them and do not have personnel in-house to coordinate these assets.”
“We will work with our Manufacturing Extension and Workforce Solutions partners to help identify and reach out to a diverse group of small and medium size manufacturers willing to interact with our network,” added LaCour. “Our primary partner will be Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC.)”
TMAC has six regional primary offices to serve the Texas market, with TEEX as the sponsor for TMAC in this area. Through the partnership developed and managed by the Katy Area EDC, workshops with TEEX will be provided to a maximum of 100 manufacturing companies with a goal of having 10 unique companies per mini-workshop.
Other recipients of the 2016 Governor’s OSBA Service Provider Grant include:
· County of Webb
· East Montgomery County Improvement District
· Galveston Chamber of Commerce
· PeopleFund
· Plan Empower Grow
· Prairie View A&M University
· San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside
· Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
· Welasco Area Chamber of Commerce
To learn more about the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance and the Service Provider Grant Program, visit https://texaswideopenforbusiness.com/small-business/division-services.
Courtesy of Katy Area EDC
Texas Children’s Cancer Center Kicks off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Ribbon Tying Ceremony
Katy, TX (September 7, 2016) To kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Texas Children’s Cancer Center patients, families and doctors came together at West Campus to tie more than 600 gold ribbons in honor of each child diagnosed with cancer in the past year at Texas Children’s. Gold is the symbolic color for childhood cancer awareness and the ceremony honored children and families who have been touched by pediatric cancer. The event began with the Go Gold parade, where patients, families and doctors wore their gold through the halls of West Campus and made their way outside to the ribbon tying ceremony. At the ceremony, guests enjoyed a moving speech from a patient family, encouraging words from Texas Children’s staff and a special performance by Christian Spear, long-term childhood cancer survivor and Purple Songs Can Fly staff songwriter, and Anita Kruse, Purple Songs Can Fly founder and executive director.
As the largest pediatric cancer center in the country, Texas Children’s Cancer Center provides personalized, high-quality, family-centered care to children, adolescents and young adults with cancer. Its patients come from more than 35 states and 26 countries to receive the most advanced therapies. Physicians at Texas Children’s Cancer Center are world-renowned leaders in their field and provide state-of-the-art medical treatment for their patients.
Texas Children’s Cancer Center is also a recognized leader in clinical and laboratory research for pediatric cancer, leading the translation of break-through research findings from the laboratory into the clinic. The team is at the forefront of childhood cancer research with over 350 researchers in 42 laboratories performing cutting-edge science and conducting more clinical trials than any other pediatric cancer center in the nation.
To learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer Center, visit texaschildrens.org/cancer.
All photos courtesy of Allen S. Kramer/Texas Children’s Hospital
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (September 7, 2016) Have you ever seen the result of a preventable fire and asked yourself, “Why?”
Fire is the second most frequent cause of death in the home and the vast majority of these incidents are preventable if you take the right steps. The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 2014 there were approximately 1,298,000 fires (up 4.7%) reported across the country and approximately 360,000 of those were residential. These fires resulted in 3,275 civilian fatalities, 15,775 civilian injuries and over $11.5 billion in property loss. Most of these fatalities could be easily prevented with a few simple precautions such as working smoke detectors, a well-rehearsed escape plan, and basic steps to limit hazardous conditions in the home.
In an effort to help our residents make their homes a safer place, Harris County ESD 48 Fire Department (HCESD 48) has established a free Home Safety Survey program which was started in March of 2016. After conducting over 50 surveys over the last six months, HCESD 48 officially announced a full roll-out of the program on September 1st, 2016.
“The statistics we have gathered tells us that the vast majority of fires in the home are avoidable,” says Jeff Hevey, HCESD 48 Fire Chief, “We hope our residents will take advantage of this program and play a part in making Katy a safer place to live and work.”
During the Home Safety Survey, HCESD 48 Personnel conduct a 45-point survey that covers a variety of items including; fire safety, trip/fall hazards, child safety, fire extinguishers, smoke and CO alarms, emergency planning and more. Recommendations generated by the survey are generally easy to correct and doing so could prevent a tragic loss.
No fees or fines are assessed for hazardous conditions that may be found. Once the survey is complete, the resident is given the list of recommendations on how to make their home safer and if they have any further questions our team is always available to follow up with them in the future.
“The program has been very popular with young families and older adults but all homeowners are encouraged to schedule a survey of their home,” said Lt. Shelby Johnson. She continued, “It’s been amazing to see how many homeowners have scheduled a survey because of a friend or neighbor’s recommendation.”
To schedule a Home Safety Survey, or if you have any further questions, please call Lt. Shelby Johnson (832) 849-5584 or email her at shelby.johnson@hcesd48.org. For those who live in Katy but are not sure whether they live within HCESD 48’s service area, they have an interactive district map posted on their website (http://www.hcesd48.org/map).
Courtesy of HCESD 48
Katy, TX (September 2, 2016) When Katy Hospital first opened in 1981 on Pin Oak Road, it had 100 beds, four operating rooms and two delivery rooms. Over the years, that small hospital grew as the community did, eventually relocating and expanding into what is now known as Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. This month, the hospital celebrated 35 years of service in the Katy community.
“We are proud to have invested more than three decades into advancing the health of the citizens of Katy. In a sense, we have grown up alongside the city, expanding our services and specialties to keep up with the growing community demands,” says Jim Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
Memorial Hermann Katy is a 208-bed facility featuring a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. The hospital also serves as a Memorial Hermann Life Flight® base for the west Houston metro area. Current construction is under way to expand emergency services and provide more space for surgical and specialty care.
Physicians who’ve been with the hospital since it first opened say all the growth has been for the best.
“We are providing a higher level of care than ever before. When Memorial Hermann purchased the hospital in 1999, you could tell they were committed to the community,” says Dudley Koy, M.D.
Internal medicine physician, Vish Kalapatapu M.D., grew up in Katy and served as a past Chief of Staff at Memorial Hermann Katy. He’s being inducted into the James E. Taylor High School Alumni Hall of Fame this Friday at Rhodes Stadium. Dr. Kalapatapu recognizes the importance of the hospital’s many quality and safety achievements. “As someone who grew up in this community, I’m proud to practice at Memorial Hermann Katy, with its record of high-quality and safety. It’s exciting to see how it continues to improve and expand the services it offers Katy families. ”
Memorial Hermann Katy employees say their commitment to the community is the driving force behind all of their decisions.
“People in Katy are fiercely loyal to their city, and so are we. I am excited about the future of Memorial Hermann Katy and our ability to provide high-quality healthcare in an easily accessible environment,” said John Kueven, Vice President of Operations, Memorial Hermann Katy.
It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by long-time employee Barbara Oswald, R.N. Oswald began working at the hospital in 1982. She says she sees a bright future for Katy.
“I feel proud of the change and growth I’ve seen in Katy. I hope that as the hospital grows, we can continue to make an even bigger impact in people’s lives, “ says Oswald. “We’ve achieved so much over the years, and I am confident that Memorial Hermann Katy is in good hands as we move into the future.”
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospitals
Katy, TX (August 31, 2016) As part of the “40 Years of Life Flight, 40 Days of Thanks” campaign in honor of the 40th anniversary of Memorial Hermann Life Flight®, Life Flight crew members recently visited Dr. James “Red” Duke Elementary School to educate students about the important service the air ambulance program provides the community. They also taught the kids about the program’s founder, who is also their school’s namesake, and shared some important injury prevention tips.
Sam Miller, flight nurse, holding one of the bicycle helmets that will be distributed to students
“It’s essential that our young children understand the history of our campus, which includes the legacy of Dr. James ‘Red’ Duke,” said Fulvia Shaw, principal of Duke Elementary. “We have high expectations for every student that walks through the doors of our campus, and want them to have clarity in regards to what it truly means to be a Duke Elementary Bulldog. We work daily to equip our students with the necessary tools to be successful leaders so they will have limitless opportunities to leave a huge impact on this world, just like Dr. Duke.”
In addition to watching a video about who Dr. Duke was, the students got to ask the crew members questions and received a lesson on bicycle safety. Students in grades first through fifth will also be receiving a complimentary bicycle helmet, courtesy of the Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute.
“While it was a wonderful opportunity to share Dr. Duke’s story and Life Flight’s journey with the students, it was also a perfect chance to discuss safe bicycle habits,” said Sarah Beth Abbott, Injury Prevention and Outreach Education Coordinator with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. “There are over 625 helmets that will be distributed to the students, and educational material will be given to the parents which includes how to properly fit a helmet. A properly fitted helmet is the best protection against head and brain injury.”
Click here for additional photos.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (August 31, 2016) Labor Day is a national toast to the American worker. It’s a time to relax with family and friends as we say cheers to another year of hard work and goodbye to another summer. Many Americans will come together this weekend over a well-earned beer, and as always, we’ll be encouraging drinkers to celebrate responsibly.
As the local Anheuser-Busch distributor, Silver Eagle Distributors is committed to helping keep our roads safe this Labor Day weekend. That’s why we are working with area bars and restaurants to encourage revelers 21 and older to celebrate responsibly and designate a driver or make plans for a safe ride home.
Additionally, in conjunction with the Greater Houston Restaurant Association, we will be implementing programs such as Alert Cab, which provides free and discounted rides home for bar and restaurant patrons who may have had too much to drink. Driver’s License guides and We I.D. age calendars will also be used to assist in identifying and preventing those who are underage from purchasing and consuming alcohol.
These are our roads and we have a shared responsibility to keep them safe. This Labor Day, we’re asking adults to care enough to get home safely. Make a plan to make it home. No excuses.
Sincerely,
John L. Nau, III
President & CEO Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.
Courtesy of Silver Eagle Distributors
Katy, TX (August30, 2016) “The students look forward to the event with anticipation. Some of our youngest students end up with stacks of boards taller than themselves and they break every one of them! We are thrilled by the enthusiasm our students put in to this event,” said Master Michael Reade, the lead instructor at the academy.
The event raises funds to be split between its own non-profit organization, the C3 Booster Club, and one local charity. The C3 Booster Club provides support for families in the organization to ensure that their students are able to continue their martial arts training through difficult financial times. They also sponsor one student from the surrounding area who would normally not be able to afford a martial arts education.
Last year, the event raised over $8,000 which was split between the C3 Booster Club and last year’s charity, Lunches of Love. This year’s event will support the C3 Booster Club and The Brookwood Community. Brookwood is located 15 miles west of Katy in Brookshire, TX. The facility is a non-profit organization which provides residential and vocational training programs to disabled adults. As part of its job training program, the organization runs a restaurant and wedding venue on site. Reservations are necessary if you want to snag a table for lunch! (And it is worth it.) The Brookwood Community will have a representative at the event to accept the donation and provide additional information on the Community and all it offers.
On Saturday, September 17th, Tiger Rock Martial Arts of Katy will host its annual Board Break-A-Thon for the sixth year in a row. The event will be held at their facility located at 625 S. Mason Road in Katy from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. The students of the Martial Arts academy raise money in the weeks prior to the event through the sale of wooden boards. On the day of the event, each student exhibits their martial arts skills by breaking every board they sold.
For questions regarding the event or donating to either organization, please contact Master Michael Reade at (281) 829-9300.
Katy, TX (August 30, 2016) Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD) has begun construction on Kathleen Joerger Lindsey Elementary School, named in memory of a brilliant Fort Bend County attorney and distinguished community leader. The 92,324-square-foot school, located at 2431 Joan Collier Trace Road in Firethorne, is set to open for the 2017-18 school year. It will mark Lamar Consolidated ISD’s first school in Firethorne, its 24th elementary district-wide and its first school with a Katy address.
“We welcome having this new school serve our Firethorne West families and thrilled to know what a true trailblazer its namesake, Kathleen Lindsey, was for her time or any time,” said Janet Burkett, Firethorne Director of Marketing. “She graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 1939 and was one of the first, if not the first woman attorneys to practice law in Fort Bend County.” Lindsey was a founder of the Fort Bend Library System, including its bookmobile, and helped bring the Richmond State School to the community.
Designed by PBK Architects, Lindsey Elementary will house 38 classrooms and accommodate up to 750 students. Features include a library, science room, computer lab, art room with patio, music room, life skills center, special education resource room and gymnasium. Drymalla Construction is the builder and Vanir-Rice & Gardner is the construction manager.
Firethorne junior high and high school students who are zoned to Lamar CISD schools will attend the new Leaman Junior High and Fulshear High School.
Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-planned community, blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, Fitness Center, Clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, competitive swim center, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Home to the Katy Triathlon, Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. It is located near the crossroads of I-10 West and FM 1463, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor. For info, go to http://www.firethorne.info, call 281-693-1011 or to visit Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463.
Katy, TX (August 26, 2016) Memorial Hermann recently teamed up with the YMCA of Greater Houston to help make sure hundreds of area students have the supplies they need to start the school year. Memorial Hermann physicians, employees and volunteers donated money and school supplies as part of the YMCA of Greater Houston’s Operation Backpack 2016.
Memorial Hermann campuses have long supported Operation Backpack but this year Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann along with Memorial Hermann’s Partners in Caring, worked closely to consolidate the initiative across the system. Collection sites were set up at 10 locations across the Memorial Hermann system and employees could also donate online through the Memorial Hermann Foundation.
Memorial Hermann physicians, employees and staff collected supplies to fill more than 1,200 backpacks to be distributed to students in need throughout metro Houston. In addition, employees donated more than $1,200 to the YMCA of Greater Houston to further support Operation Backpack.
“Operation Backpack is such an important program and it’s been exciting to see our participation expand throughout the Memorial Hermann system this year,” says Erin Asprec, Regional President of Memorial Hermann and co-founder of the Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann. “We want students to begin the school year empowered with feelings of hope and joy and not stress or anxiety over not having the school supplies they need to be successful.”
Memorial Hermann set up donation boxes at Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Cypress, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital, Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital- Katy, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and TIRR Memorial Hermann. A donation box was also placed at the regional office of United Surgical Partners International in Houston, a partner of Memorial Hermann.
“Our mission is to “Advance Health” and that includes the emotional health of children and families in our community,” said Kyle Price, Sr. Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Southeast. “We want to help students to arrive at school with confidence and the tools they need to learn and to excel.”
The YMCA of Greater Houston area set a goal of distributing 100,000 backpacks to students throughout the community this year. The backpacks not only include school supplies but also notes of encouragement to the students. Donations to Operation Backpack are still being accepted through the YMCA of Greater Houston.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (August 23, 2016) Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has confirmed a positive West Nile Virus (WNV) human case in our portion of Harris County. The virus was confirmed in an elderly patient who resides in the City of Katy limits.
West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne infection by the West Nile virus. Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans have few or no symptoms. As this case is an isolated incident, it is a good reminder that we depend on our community to help in the efforts of controlling the breeding and habitats of the mosquito population. Infection from the mosquitos can be a real concern. Historically, July through September have been the peak timeframe for West Nile Virus transmission.
The City’s Mosquito Control Department began mitigation efforts to control the mosquito population in May. The City does weekly spraying as well as placing larvacide pellets in multiple areas of the City. City owned property is regularly patrolled after rain events to make sure there is not accumulated or standing water. In efforts to combat the complication of recent rains, the City has modified their spraying to accommodate weather events and better keep up with the retention of the mosquito spray.
Your best defense against being bitten is by being prepared. Remember to “Prevent the Bite, Day & Night!”
Personal Protection:
– When outdoors, prevent the bit by using an EPA-registered insect repellant that contains one of the following DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow product instructions.
– If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. For infants, place mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs, and strollers.
Courtesy of The City of Katy
Katy, TX (August 17, 2016) On Tuesday, Aug. 16, patients at Texas Children’s Hospital were treated to a Mini Jr. Cheer Camp hosted by the Houston Texans Cheerleaders.
Patients and the cheerleaders played games, created cheers and learned a dance routine. The room filled with excitement during the group’s performance for patients’ parents and siblings. Following the performance, the cheerleaders signed autographs and brought smiles to heart and pulmonary patients in their rooms.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (August 4, 2016) The Katy-West Houston Pi Beta Phi alumnae group recently presented $4,800 to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. These funds will go toward West Campus’ library, which offers books, board games, puzzles and movies for patients and their families to enjoy. The library also houses medical and parenting resources, paperback fiction, magazines, foreign language books, computers and a fax machine.
Texas Children’s has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Pi Beta Phi alumnae and share a mutual commitment to literacy and education. The first Pi Beta Phi Patient/Family Library opened in 1985 at Texas Children’s Hospital, and in 2011 the Pi Beta Phi Patient/Family Library opened at West Campus. Currently, there are over 140 Pi Beta Phi Book Nooks—located at Texas Children’s, West Campus, Texas Children’s Health Centers, Texas Children’s Urgent Care facilities, Centers for Children and Women, and in all of the Texas Children’s Pediatric practices throughout the Houston area.
After the check presentation, Pi Beta Phi alumnae members received a tour of West Campus, which included visits to the library, radiology department and sports medicine area. As the greater Houston’s first suburban hospital designed exclusively for children, West Campus upholds Texas Children’s mission of providing the highest-quality health care for children, coupled with a location that’s convenient and accessible for area families.
For more information on Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, visit texaschildrens.org/westcampus.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (August 4, 2016) July is known as prime vacation season, but the residents and employees of Eagle’s Trace rolled up their sleeves for a good cause.
Pictured (l to r): Betty Keith, Lisa Hadley, Kristen Kennedy, Fatema Malik, and Ernest Buschhaus
The resident-led Community Outreach Committee and the Eagle’s Trace Erickson Living Values Team coordinated a school supply and coloring book drive throughout the month.
Donors provided hundreds of items, from notebooks to crayons and book bags. The school supply donations will be given to lower income students of the Alief Independent School District in southwest Houston and the coloring books will be sent to young patients at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Betty Keith is a member of Community Outreach Committee. A resident of the Erickson Living retirement community for more than 10 years, she noted that “this is just a good thing to do. I’m proud of the generous spirit shown by my fellow residents and employees. There’s nothing better than helping local children in need.”
It was a campus-wide effort as the items were collected in the independent living neighborhood and the continuing care neighborhood, Bayou Vista, and sorted on July 29.
Courtesy of Eagle’s Trace
Katy, TX (August 1, 2016) Four decades after launching the innovative air ambulance service known today as Memorial Hermann Life Flight®, Memorial Hermann Health System will commemorate the program’s momentous 40th anniversary by expressing its gratitude to the community that has helped make the lifesaving service possible.
The campaign, called “40 Years of Life Flight, 40 Days of Thanks,” kicked off this morning with an official proclamation from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office, presented by Houston City Council Member Jack Christie on the helipad of Life Flight’s home base at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC), declaring Aug. 1, 2016 as “Memorial Hermann Life Flight Day.”
“Today is a special day, not just for Life Flight, but for the entire city of Houston, as we reflect back on the pioneering leadership that helped make this program possible and celebrate the many accomplishments that have defined Life Flight’s reputation as a trailblazer among air ambulance services,” said Brian Dean, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann-TMC.
Throughout the next 40 days, the Life Flight team will be showing their gratitude in various ways, including extending their thanks to EMS partners and first responders throughout the region who serve a key role in helping Life Flight retrieve Houston’s critically ill and injured patients, and by visiting campuses across the System for individual meet-and-greets and to thank colleagues for their partnership in saving lives.
Memorial Hermann will join the community in celebrating Life Flight’s trailblazing history and excellence in aviation safety and high quality, clinical care with a special social media campaign recognizing the countless lives saved by Life Flight over the years. Using the hashtag #LifeFlight40 on Facebook, Twitter or other social media channels, former patients and community members are invited to share their personal stories with and gratitude for Houston’s saviors in the sky.
In addition, the Memorial Hermann Foundation is commemorating the occasion by encouraging the community to continue its philanthropic support of the program by pledging to donate $40 in honor of Life Flight’s 40 years of service. Provided as a community service by Memorial Hermann, Life Flight operates as a hospital-based, non-profit organization and relies on community support and fundraising efforts to pay for the service. It costs about $3 million annually to support the program, none of which comes from tax dollars.
Along with the celebration, Memorial Hermann-TMC continues to honor the legacy of the founder and long-time medical director of Life Flight, legendary UTHealth trauma surgeon Dr. James H. “Red” Duke, who passed away nearly one year ago on Aug. 25, 2015. Dr. Duke’s visionary leadership helped revolutionize trauma care, not just in Houston, but across the country. In May, Memorial Hermann renamed its trauma institute, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma centers, the Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute in his memory.
“From its earliest days, Life Flight has played a critical role in preserving Dr. Duke’s vision of providing a robust trauma care system for all patients, regardless of their wealth or status or whether they lived in the city, the suburbs, the rural outskirts or the frontier, as he liked to call it,” said Eric Von Wenckstern, administrative director of Life Flight.
“His passion was taking care of mankind, helping all people who were injured or sick, and making sure we were doing our best and maintaining the highest standards of care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. As we celebrate another watershed moment in Life Flight’s history, I know Dr. Duke would be immensely proud of what the program has achieved in 40 short years,” said Tom Flanagan, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Hermann-TMC.
Founded on Aug. 1, 1976 as a groundbreaking medical flight program aimed at expediting the transport of critically ill and injured patients across the Greater Houston area, Life Flight was the first air ambulance service in Texas and the second such program in the nation. In the decades since, Life Flight has maintained its premiere status and evolved to keep pace with the changing demands of trauma care.
“The program has evolved from a service that functions much like ambulances do today – hastening trauma patients as quickly as possible to the hospital – to a sophisticated and state-of-the-art program that begins delivering advanced, prehospital trauma care in the sky,” said Dr. Joseph Love, who is only the second Medical Director of Life Flight in the program’s history and an associate professor of surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “We are now bringing the lifesaving capabilities of an emergency center directly to the patient. We are witnessing the future of trauma, not just in Houston, but across the country.”
Since its inception, the program has expanded from a single helicopter and a handful of crew members to a fleet of six helicopters and 74 crew members capable of retrieving patients within a 150-mile radius of the Texas Medical Center, or worldwide using fixed-wing transport. Each helicopter can carry up to two patients and comes equipped with state-of-the-art emergency medical treatments, including prehospital blood product administration, portable blood warmers, ultrasound diagnostics, video-assisted intubations and tools to open blocked airways. All crew members carry night-vision goggles during flight to help to improve safety. Two years ago, the program became the first air ambulance service in Southeast Texas to be granted authority to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), which allows the crew to fly when visibility is limited or clouds are low.
Life Flight has been the winner of the Texas Department of State Health Services’ EMS Air Medical Service of the Year Award three different times in 2014, 2004 and 2001. The prestigious award honors a public or private air medical service in Texas that has demonstrated the highest standards in providing patient care, leading the way in innovation and commitment to patient care. The program was also recently named EMS/Air Medical Partner of the Year by the SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC), a nonprofit organization – which was also founded by Dr. Duke – whose role is to prepare counties across Southeast Texas for man-made or natural emergencies, disasters and mass casualty events.
The program was also recently featured in a six-episode docudrama series that aired on Lifetime TV called “Life Flight: Trauma Center Houston,” which highlighted not only the Life Flight team but also Memorial Hermann-TMC and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital staff, nurses and affiliated physicians from McGovern Medical School. The original series gave viewers a front row seat to all of the real-life action inside the Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute, following the clinicians as they dealt with high-risk, high-stress situations while racing against the clock to save the lives of their patients in critical condition.
See the full photo gallery of the ceremony.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (August 1, 2016) The Katy area is mourning the loss of three members of the community who were passengers in the hot air balloon that caught fire and crashed this weekend near Lockhart, TX.
Holly Smith Huckabee, age 50, completed her bucket list with the balloon ride.
Joe and Tresa Shafer Owens, who were friends with Holly Smith Huckabee, were also killed in this tragic accident. Joe is described as a hard worker who was always willing to help out anyone in need. Tresa was a teacher at TigerLand Preschool who made a difference in the lives of hundreds of young children, their families, and her co-workers. The couple leaves behind children and grandchildren. A GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/2hat8t22) has been set up for them.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated by police and detectives. The National Transportation Safety Board’s Robert Sumwalt told ABC News that they are making “a lot of progress” but they still have “a long way to go.” Also according to ABC News, the FBI found “14 cellphones, one iPad, and three cameras” which they are hoping will shed some light on exactly when the fire started.
Katy, TX (July 29, 2016) Katy ISD delivered a statement regarding the recent arrest of Robert Milton, an art teacher at Katy High School.
At Katy Independent School District, we are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all of our students. Yesterday the district was informed that the Harris County District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against, Robert Milton, a Katy High School teacher, for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
As soon as the District became aware of the concern an investigation was launched. Milton was immediately placed on administrative leave. Several days later, the teacher resigned from Katy ISD. The District is cooperating fully with prosecutors with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office during this investigation and will continue to do so.
Courtesy of Katy ISD Communications
Katy, TX (July 23, 2016) On Saturday, July 23, Groundbreaking took place for a new park inside the Lakeview Subdivision, hosted by Harris County M.U.D 64. The proposed Park will be a multi?use Park approximately 3.5 acres, and dedicated to the residents of the Municipal Utility District.
This park will boast multiple playgrounds, an educational Butterfly Garden, a Pavilion, multiple Fitness Stations and .35 miles of concrete trail. The park will be accessible by a 17 space parking lot adjacent to Repiton Way. The board is proud to be naming this park after William Anthony Callegari, Sr., known as Bill Callegari.
Representative Bill Callegari has represented the Katy area since his election to the Texas State House of Representatives in 2000. Mr. Callegari has passed several bills to eliminate unnecessary government functions, lower citizens’ tax burdens, and improve accountability until his retirement from office in 2014. Representative Callegari has worked on many water policies, eminent domain, transportation, low?income housing reform, and government streamlining during his tenure in the House.
A Licensed Professional Engineer for over four decades, Callegari holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston. Callegari and his wife, Ann, have been happily married for more than 50 years and have four children and eleven grandchildren. He retired in January if 2015 and now enjoys life with his wife in the Katy area.
Katy, TX (July 28, 2016) Employees, physicians, and volunteers from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital came together yesterday for a special farewell ceremony to wish the hospital’s first therapy dog, Gracie, a happy retirement. Gracie is an Australian Shepherd who first started visiting patients in 2007 with the “Tender Loving K9’s” program. Unfortunately, arthritis is making it too difficult for Gracie to continue visiting with patients and recently her owner announced her retirement. In Gracie’s honor, Memorial Hermann Katy hosted a retirement party to send Gracie off with a tail-wagging good time.
“Gracie has been a bright light at our hospital for nearly a decade. Not only does she provide comfort and encouragement to patients, but she also serves as a stress reliever for many of our employees, physicians and volunteers. We want her to know she is loved and she will be missed,” says Heather Rojas, manager of Volunteer Services at Memorial Hermann Katy.
Gracie holds a special honor as the first dog in the pet therapy program, Tender Loving K9’s. The non-profit was founded in 2007 by Gracie’s owner Sharon Evans. The animals undergo a special certification process before they can visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities in the Katy area and beyond. Evans says retiring Gracie was a tough decision.
“Gracie enjoys visiting patients as much as patients enjoy seeing her. I know she’s going to miss stopping by the hospital, but she’s just not as spry as she once was,” says Evans. Gracie will continue living with Evans during her retirement.
During the retirement celebration, Memorial Hermann Katy had special treats for Gracie and the other therapy dogs in attendance. The hospital also presented Evans with a framed picture of Gracie.
You can view the video for Grace here.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospitals
Katy, TX (July 27, 2016) Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national leader in dropout recovery and prevention, has begun building classrooms inside of Katy Mills mall that will be open to students this fall. The non-profit is partnering with the Katy Independent School District to build Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills and to adopt Martha Raines High School into its network. A Grand Opening Ceremony will be held on September 22.
SYF, a non-profit founded by Simon Property Group employees, partners with public school districts to build dropout recovery academies inside shopping malls. SYF provides the space rent-free and funds the construction of the Academy. Katy ISD will staff the school and refer students who are not on track to graduate. Long-time educator Heather DeVries will serve as the Coordinator of the Academy.
“We’re thrilled to be entering the Katy community,” SYF CEO Michael Durnil said. “Every school district has students who are struggling in the traditional classroom setting. Katy ISD does a wonderful job meeting the needs of all students, and we hope our partnership will allow them to do even more.”
Simon Youth Academy at Katy Mills and Martha Raines High School will be the 27th and 28th programs in the SYF network. SYF provides ongoing support for these schools by providing professional learning opportunities for teachers, annual enhancement grants of up to $5,000, and enrichment opportunities for students.
Additionally, SYF provides scholarships each year to Academy graduates, worth up to $40,000.
“Having SYF as a partner will take our alternative education programs to the next level,” Chief Academic Officer Dr. Christine Caskey said. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the foundation and Katy Mills as we strive to help every student graduate.”
“People in Katy already come to the mall for outstanding shopping, dining, and entertainment. Soon, students will be able to come here to complete their education,” Katy Mills General Manager Don Massey said. “It’s an educational opportunity we’re proud to provide to our community.”
About Simon Youth Foundation
Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit, exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school stay in school. Through 26 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, and in partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90 percent graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 14,000 students, and awarded more than $16 million in scholarships. Learn more at syf.org.
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital Giving HISD Teachers Lessons in Real World Healthcare Jobs
Katy, TX (July 20, 2016) For Chardai Grays, her second stint shadowing healthcare professionals at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital was more focused, allowing her to glean practical ideas to apply to teaching students in her Algebra I class at Heights High School. Grays, along with a contingent of Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) instructors, spent a week in the hospital as part of the district’s “Teacher Externship” program.
“The professionals at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital are incredible,” Grays said. “I learned how teams and departments organize, communicate, collaborate and use data. I also learned how I would use these skills for a number of student projects.
“For instance,” Grays continued, “the students can do surveys and create dashboards about trends in the neighborhood surrounding the school to learn about the number of homeless people in the area, or learn how many people in the community are eating healthy foods in their homes, or if they’re eating at all. So, I learned a lot that I plan to use during the school year.”
This marks the third year that Memorial Hermann Greater Heights has partnered with HISD to host high school teachers as part of its summer “Teacher Externship” program – designed for teachers of math, science, English, social studies, and career and technical education to learn about industries related to their campus programs.
The idea of the program is to get teachers out of the classrooms and into the real world where they can learn about different industries and associated careers to better able them to craft curriculum that is meaningful and relevant to students.
“I was able to interact with several departments,” said Jonez Harlan, who teaches anatomy, physiology and biology at Heights Hight School. “I could literally visualize my students working in each of them. Unfortunately, many students are not aware of the many job opportunities available that require no degree others require certification, or an associate, bachelor’s or higher degree. Fortunately, doing the Externship program afforded me the opportunity to learn about the many jobs in health care and so I can take this information back to my students.”
During their visit, the teachers rotated and shadowed hospital personnel in departments such as engineering, lab, business office, food and nutrition, emergency, imaging and the pharmacy among others. Joining Grays and Harlan from the Heights High School Health Science Academy was: Nestor Corpuz, Algebra II, Ellen Prestage, geometry and LaTrondria Preston, health and science. Mellonie Lowery, a teacher at Westbury High School, also joined the group.
“As a community hospital, we are committed to connecting with students and the families in our footprint,” said Susan Jadlowski, Sr. Vice President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights. “We want to be not only their hospital of choice, but we want to also open our doors for learning opportunities that will help to cultivate future healthcare professionals. What better place to start than in the schools? So, we welcome the teachers to our hospital to learn about the incredible work being done here as well as what healthcare jobs they should be preparing students to pursue as a career.”
After their weeklong rotation, the teachers expressed their appreciation to the Memorial Hermann Greater Heights staff – applauding their professionalism and passion as caregivers. They also expressed their thanks for the staff taking time to give them real world experiences about the healthcare industry.
“The program has exposed me to healthcare career options that you don’t hear about unless you know someone in health care,” said Grays. “Not all of our students want to attend a four-year college. Some want to go to a community college for two years and pick up skills so they can begin working. This program has exposed me to those jobs in health care that are readily available to those who want to enter the workforce with some education under their belt.”
Each teacher echoed Grays in saying they learned useful information that equipped them to better craft meaningful and relevant curriculum for their students.
“We want the teachers to get the full spectrum of healthcare roles and how it takes a team to run a hospital,” Jadlowski said. “We hope their experiences at Greater Heights will help motivate and inspire their students to consider health care as a profession.”
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (July 15, 2016) In a rare accomplishment for a U.S. health system, Memorial Hermann was nationally recognized for awards in multiple categories by the American Hospital Association (AHA) – notably for its commitment to quality, employing innovation in palliative and end-of-life care and for improving community health. Memorial Hermann will be the only Houston health system recognized at the Health Forum/AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego July 17-19.
Earning 2016 AHA honors were: Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital – finalist for the 2016 American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize® for their leadership and innovation in quality improvement and safety; the Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation Mobile Dental Program – presented the AHA’s NOVA Award for its efforts to improve community health; and the Memorial Hermann Physician Network and Symptom Management Consultants, the recipient of the AHA’s Circle of Life Citation of Honor for utilizing innovation in palliative and end-of-life care.
“This type of national recognition by the American Hospital Association is a testament to the visionary leadership at Memorial Hermann and the dedicated and collective efforts of staff and physicians to deliver great care daily to the Houston community,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Chu, president and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System. “It truly demonstrates how our innovative programs are comprehensively serving the community with high quality and safe patient care at our hospitals, employing compassion in end-of-life care and decisions, and helping those most in need with our mobile dental program. All Memorial Hermann employees and physicians should be extremely proud of this wonderful milestone that few systems in the United States have or will achieve.”
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital – McKesson Quest for Quality Prize® Finalist
At the hospital level, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights was the only Houston hospital to earn recognition as an AHA McKesson Quest for Quality finalist attaining that distinction by demonstrating a tireless “organizational commitment to and progress in achieving quality, safety and effective, efficient, timely and patient-centered care” – the criteria required to be met to even be considered for the award.
“I am so very proud that Greater Heights was selected as a finalist for the 2016 McKesson Quest for Quality Award,” said Susan Jadlowski, Sr. Vice President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights. “We have worked diligently to foster a culture of safety so that every family that leaves a loved one in our care can feel secure in the knowing that their care is the most important thing to us. Our staff is dedicated to our mission of causing zero harm to our patients. We work daily to encourage it and our staff fully embraces the goal to be the safest hospital not only in the Greater Heights community, but in the Houston region.”
Rick Pollack, AHA’s president and CEO, applauded McKesson Quest for Quality Award winners and finalists saying: “These hospitals have made remarkable strides in the quality of their patient care and they did so because they were committed to excellence. The entire hospital field can learn from the lessons demonstrated by the hard work of these hospitals, their boards and employees.”
Memorial Hermann Mobile Dental Program – AHA’s NOVA Award
The Mobile Dental Program added to the accolades for Memorial Hermann by earning the AHA’s NOVA Award – an honor that recognizes hospitals and health systems for their collaborative efforts toward improving community health.
Dr. Mahasti Chalajour (L) stands with dental assistant Miriam Montelongo in front on one of three Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporations Mobile Dental Vans.
An integral component of the Memorial Hermann Health Centers for Schools clinics, the Mobile Dental Program has served as the “dental home” for uninsured and underinsured students in the greater Houston region since 2000. The program now has expanded to three 40-foot vans that rotate between 10 school-based clinics located in five school districts – Houston ISD, Aldine ISD, Pasadena ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD. The program provides a full complement of preventive and restorative dental care at no cost, and is accessible year round to families.
“This award is great recognition for a program that serves an incredible need in our community,” said Carol Paret, Sr. Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer for Memorial Hermann Health System and the CEO of Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation. “Its primary goal has been to serve as a safety net for children in need of regular dental care as well as to educate them and their parents about oral health. It has made a difference in the lives of many students in measurable and immeasurable ways. It serves our mission to help people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to health care, particularly children.”
Dr. Chalajour stands with two students
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said of 2016 AHA NOVA winners exemplified the hospitals collaborative in the community to “offer the most to those in need beyond the walls of their buildings. The programs recognized by the AHA NOVA award inspire us all with their collaborative, caring approach to improving community health and wellness.”
Memorial Hermann Physician Network and Symptom Management Consultants – Circle of Life Award: Citation of Honor
The Memorial Hermann Physician Network and Symptom Management Consultants program was recognized by the AHA with a Citation of Honor for the 2016 Circle of Life Award celebrating innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. Memorial Hermann’s program was recognized for its “integrated partnerships, including academic settings and community hospices as well as collaborative leadership efforts in improving quality of care.”
“We are very humbled by this recognition,” said Dr. Sandra Gomez, Medical Director of Supportive Medicine at The Memorial Hermann Physician Network (MHMD). “We have worked hard to educate our patients and their families about palliative and end-of-life care – what it is and isn’t – with the primary goal being to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. We use a team approach to care which addresses the unique needs of each patient in order to optimize the delivery of care and improve the management of the patient’s symptoms, pain, and the stress associated with their illness. This approach is what distinguishes our program, and we are honored to be cited by the American Hospital Association for our work to bring innovation and thoughtfulness to end-of-life care.”
Circle of Life Award nominations were reviewed and site-visited by a selection committee that included leaders from medicine, nursing, social work and health administration. The Circle of Life Award honors palliative programs that among other criteria:
- Serve people with life-limiting illness, their families and their communities.
- Demonstrate effective, patient/family-centered, timely, safe, efficient and equitable palliative and end-of-life care.
- Use innovative approaches to meeting critical needs and serve as sustainable, replicable models for a segment of the field.
- Use innovative approaches to reach traditionally marginalized populations.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (July 14, 2016) The British International School of Houston today announced that it will be part of a new collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The British International School of Houston will implement a unique science, technology, engineering, visual arts and mathematics (STEAM) programme based on the multi-disciplinary approach pioneered by MIT.
Launching in September 2016, the program includes the development of a series of in-school challenges for students which focus on the juncture between the five STEAM disciplines. This recognises that many of today’s innovations arise from the intersection of these different subjects; from art and engineering to technology and science.
In addition to the in-school activities, students from the British International School of Houston will travel to Massachusetts to participate in an exclusive program each spring along with students from other Nord Anglia Education schools. They will learn directly from lecturers and students at one of the world’s leading STEAM institutions. The British International School of Houston STEAM discipline teachers will also benefit from unique professional development opportunities through annual workshops and ongoing training with MIT staff, hosted by the MIT Museum.
Core to the collaboration is the reflection of MIT’s philosophy of ‘Mens et Manus’, ‘mind and hand’, which calls for a hands-on approach to problem solving. Through this approach, British International School of Houston students will develop key transferable skills, such as flexibility, creativity and communication, which can be employed across all academic subjects, and in future careers.
“I am delighted to be able to announce our collaboration with MIT,” said Andrew Derry, Principal of the British International School of Houston.
“Our new Strategic Plan states we must prepare our students with the contemporary skills, attributes and concepts that equip them for their fast-changing, globally connected, technology-rich future.”
“Our new, state of the art, ‘School of the Future’ has been designed purposefully around learners and learning with specialist areas for Design Thinking, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Maker Spaces, all of which fit perfectly with the MIT philosophy, Mens et Manus, to genuinely prepare our students for the challenges of their future,” Mr. Derry said.
Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer at Nord Anglia Education said, “As educators, it is our role to ignite our students’ ambitions and prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges. This new programme with MIT will ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they will need in the future workplace, and that they learn these skills in an inspiring way.”
“This is an exceptional opportunity for both our students and teachers to benefit from the expertise of one of the world’s preeminent education institutions. With our performing arts curriculum developed in conjunction with The Juilliard School, and this exciting collaboration with MIT, we have ensured that our students will learn from the best. This positions our schools at the forefront of innovative education.”
John Durant, Director of the MIT Museum and Founder of the Cambridge Science Festival said, “Collaborating with Nord Anglia has enabled us to develop something truly exciting. The activities we have created for Nord Anglia students take a unique approach to problem solving, working across disciplines and promoting collaboration between students to create innovative solutions to real world challenges.
“We hope the collaboration with Nord Anglia will inspire students and staff alike, and provide students with key transferable skills that can be employed throughout their lives.”
The programme is expected to expand to educate more than 35,000 students at Nord Anglia’s 42 international schools in following years. This new venture comes one year after Nord Anglia Education launched its performing arts collaboration with The Juilliard School.
For further information, please contact:
713-319-5048
About British International School of Houston
The British International School of Houston is a private international school catering to local and international students from PreK to Grade 12. Located in Katy, the school offers convenient access to the Grand Parkway, The Woodlands and the energy corridor. A state-of-the-art campus for 2000 students spans 33-acres and features innovative educational concepts in the arts, sports and sciences including customizable classrooms, numerous science and design technology labs, an aquatic centre and Apple technology. Students also have access to a performing arts programme and 500 seat theatre designed in collaboration with The Juilliard School in New York. The school offers a challenging, broad course of study that culminates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Visit www.houston.nae.school to learn more.
About Nord Anglia Education, Inc.
Nord Anglia Education (NYSE: NORD) is the world’s leading premium schools organization. Our 42 international schools are located in China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and North America. Together, they educate more than 35,300 students from kindergarten through to the end of secondary education. We are driven by one unifying philosophy – we are ambitious of our students, our people and our family of schools. Our schools deliver a high quality education through a personalized approach enhanced with unique global opportunities to enable every student to succeed. Nord Anglia Education is headquartered in Hong Kong SAR, China. Our website is www.nordangliaeducation.com.
Courtesy of British International School of Houston
Katy, TX (July 14, 2016) In an effort to help victims of sexual assault, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital employees recently donated dozens of scrubs to Katy Christian Ministries. The like-new scrubs will be given to victims to wear after a hospital examination.
Pictured: Lieet Benitez, Deysi Crespo, Dywane Gordon, Christina Ortega, Jacqueline Simpson, Paula White, Miti Willis, Sherry Winkelman
Often, victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault must turn over clothes to the hospital or law enforcement agency as part of the investigation into the incident. Katy Christian Ministries works closely with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and will give the scrubs to victims to wear following a hospital examination.
“I know when people come into the emergency center after a trauma situation, getting them into a clean pair of clothes can make a world of difference,” said Brooke Kenjura, RN Case Manager, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. “We all have scrubs that are in good condition that no longer fit, or were used in a different job. So, I was happy to donate scrubs to such a worthy cause.”
In total, employees donated 102 sets of scrubs as well as 30 individual pieces.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (July 14, 2016) State Representative Mike Schofield put out a letter about the recent Zika virus case in Harris County:
Dear Friend,
We received word today that Harris County Public Health has confirmed the first Zika Virus related microcephaly case in Harris County and in the State of Texas. An infant tested positive for the Zika virus and contracted the virus in utero after his mother traveled from Latin America where she was likely infected.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is coordinating with Harris County Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to follow the case.
Texas has logged 59 cases of Zika virus disease, including three confirmed cases of Zika in pregnant women. All are related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission. There have been no reported cases of Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas.
Now that we have a confirmed case of microcephaly in Harris County and cases of travel contracted Zika, I thought it would be helpful to provide you with some data regarding the virus and ways to prevent contracting it.
Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of the Aedes species mosquito. According to the CDC, symptoms of Zika are usually mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and joint-pain, lasting several days to a week. Zika can also be transmitted sexually. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and death is rare. There is currently no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus infection.
The CDC recommends that all people who are traveling to areas where Zika virus is found, should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to reduce their risk of infection with Zika virus as well as other mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue and chikungunya. CDC recommends that pregnant women should avoid traveling to Zika affected areas.
State health officials urge everyone to follow precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Apply EPA-approved insect repellent.
- Wear pants and long-sleeve shirts that cover exposed skin. In warmer weather, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers exposed skin.
- Use screens or close windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Remove standing water in and around the home. This includes water in cans, toys, tires, plant saucers, and any container that can hold water.
- Cover trash cans or containers where water can collect.
For more information about Zika prevention for Texas go to www.TexasZika.org.
Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing you. Please let me know if there’s anything that my office can do to be of service to you.
God bless Texas!
Mike Schofield
State Representative
House District 132
Katy & Cypress
Katy, TX (July 11, 2016) The top floor of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital was recently transformed into a fairytale land, as princesses, princes and superheroes joined pediatric patients and their siblings for an afternoon of coloring, crafting and jewelry making.
The children got a chance to take a break from their treatment and spend time socializing with Cinderella, Prince Charming and Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” as well as Captain America and Spiderman. The characters were members of the Fairytale Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at boosting the spirits of young children struggling with disabilities or illnesses by visiting them in hospitals and other facilities.
The fairytale characters read from their favorite storybooks and helped the kids create their own magical crowns, tiaras and superhero capes, thanks to a generous donation from Harrison’s Heroes. The Houston nonprofit was created by Sandy Kothari following the death of her son, Harrison, after an extended hospital stay at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Since its creation, the foundation has worked to spread joy and cheer among pediatric patients experiencing extended hospital stays by providing them with comforts of home. For this event, the group donated dozens of paper crowns and capes, as well as markers and crayons patients used to decorate their creations.
In addition to crafting make-believe costumes, patients and their families also had the opportunity to design a custom piece of jewelry from the Kendra Scott collection. As part of the brand’s “Mobile Color Bar,” the Austin-based jeweler sent a team outfitted with an array of multi-colored jewels and settings used to build necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Kids took turns making their selections as they designed pieces for themselves, and in some cases, for their mothers. The donation was part of the company’s ongoing philanthropic efforts supporting various hospitals and causes across the state.
“What a wonderful treat for our patients to have opportunity to live in this fairytale world, even if only for a few hours,” said Leigh Ann Cutting, Child Life Specialist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. “The kids loved making their own capes and crowns, and the beautiful handmade jewelry gave them something they will cherish forever, long after their hospital stay.”
See the full photo gallery from the event.
Courtesy of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (July 11, 2016) Some of the freshest fruits and vegetables in Texas along with farm-fresh dairy, artisan baked goods, organic cuts of meat and local poultry are coming to Katy’s Cane Island.
The new master-planned community is the first in the Houston area to establish a partnership with Farmhouse Delivery of Austin, an online service that brings the best of a Farmer’s Market to customers by delivering Texas-grown organic and sustainably produced vegetables and fruits.
While the service currently delivers to residents throughout the Houston area, Cane Island is the first Houston residential master-planned community which Farmhouse Delivery offers a 20-percent discount to residents by utilizing a group drop at the community’s Welcome Center. Farmhouse Delivery also is waiving its $20 set-up fee for all Cane Island residents.
Ideal for busy young professionals, the service offers more than 300 Texas-sourced products including meats, dairy, breads from well-known bakeries such as Houston’s own Slow Dough and Austin’s Easy Tiger, coffee and prepared foods.
“While Farmer’s Markets are great experiences, many families simply do not have the time on the weekends to visit one,” explains Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities, developer of Cane Island.
Since Farmhouse Delivery sources from many different farms, it can offer a broader variety of produce throughout the growing season, Naef adds.
Launched in 2009 on an east Austin farm, Farmhouse Delivery has grown to serve over 5,000 customers in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas metropolitan areas.
This year, Farmhouse Delivery began offering “Supper Club,” an evolving, weekly meal delivery service based around Texas seasonal cooking. Each week, Supper Club customers receive locally sourced proteins, vegetables, sauces, and spices along with a recipe to prepare a farm-to-table meal in under an hour.
“Our homes not only have some of the best-looking kitchens in town, they’ll soon have the healthiest kitchens in town,” Naef adds. “Plus, the service sure beats making multiple trips to the grocery store.”
One of the most sought-after master-planned communities west of Houston, Cane Island offers new luxury homes from the $200’s to the millions, including those in gated sections and on prized cul-de-sac homesites from Coventry Homes, Toll Brothers, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes and Trendmaker Homes. Residents enjoy a resort-style Amenity Village along with easy access onto Interstate 10 via the Cane Island Parkway.
The community also offers The Estates at Cane Island, a gated custom home neighborhood with Houston’s first street pantries.
For directions to Cane Island and to sign up for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow the community at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Courtesy of Kaplan Public Relations
Katy, TX (July 7, 2016) Cardiologist Dr. Randeep Suneja believes a quality, exceptional educational experience is the greatest gift the Katy community can give its children, and he’s taking steps to support that effort. Inspired by his own teachers from elementary through medical school, Suneja is a passionate advocate of education. As a result, Suneja is using his participation in the annual Katy Half-Marathon to rally the Katy community in support of its teachers. “As a 25 year resident of Katy and former Katy ISD parent, I have seen firsthand the quality of Katy ISD’s educational system. I believe our community can enhance that system and significantly impact a tremendous number of students by providing resources for their teachers,” declared Suneja.
Dr. Suneja is setting his sights high, establishing a record-setting $100,000 goal raised for the Katy ISD Education Foundation and its Inspiring Imagination teacher grants. Of the funds raised by Dr. Suneja’s campaign, 75% will support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) classroom projects and 25% will fund student health awareness initiatives. “I believe this is very important, “states Suneja.
All Katy ISD teachers are invited annually to apply for Katy ISD Education Foundation grants. In its first four years, the Foundation has awarded more than $725,000 in Inspiring Imagination grants to teachers at campuses all over Katy ISD. The Foundation exists to raise support for and manage the grant program, generating funding for innovative classroom experiences not possible within the parameters of a school district budget.
Raised in India, Dr. Suneja contributes his desire to become a cardiologist to all his teachers, but calls both his parents, “the greatest teachers of them all.” This is his second year to raise funds for the Katy ISD Education Foundation. The Katy Half-Marathon is slated for February 4, 2017, the date Dr. Suneja’s campaign will end.
To support Dr. Suneja’s campaign, go to www.myreason2race.com/RandeepSuneja/KatyHalf5K2017. All contributions, which are tax deductible, are welcome. To learn more about the Katy ISD Education Foundation, visit www.katyisdeducationfoundation.org or contact foundation@katyisd.org.
Courtesy of Katy ISD Education Foundation
Katy, TX (July 5, 2016) Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC) and Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) are proud to partner together in order to bring The Butterfly Project, sponsored by Christensen Building Group, to the Rick Smith Gallery, a small art gallery located near the main lobby of Memorial Hermann-TMC in the Hermann atrium. The Butterfly Project was created by HMH as a way to connect a new generation of children to the children who perished during the Holocaust.
In 1942, a young Czech named Pavel Friedmann wrote a poem titled “The Butterfly.” Friedmann wrote the poem while in the Terezin Concentration Camp before he died in Auschwitz in 1944. “The Butterfly” voiced the spirit of the 1.5 million children who perished during the Holocaust. As part of The Butterfly Project, students from around the world have created butterflies that commemorate individual children whose lives were lost during the Holocaust, and mailed them to HMH.
“This project has served as a learning moment for thousands and thousands of students,” said Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, executive director of the Museum. “The Butterfly Project is a movement of hope and humanity. It calls on each of us to help shape our future and create a world without hate or negativity, where all lives are treated with dignity and respect.”
The installation, which will be on display through September, includes handmade butterflies from six continents, a ‘wishing wall’ where guests can write down their own wishes for a better world, and panoramic photography from Houston artist Syd Moen. The Rick Smith Gallery installation is one of six traveling displays of The Butterfly Project, and features a sample from the more than 1.5 million butterflies collected by HMH.
This is the gallery’s seventh installment since it opened in 2012. Previous exhibitions have featured paintings, photographs, mixed media and sculptures by physicians and hospital employees; professional photographic images of the Campus’ beloved therapy pets; hand-drawn portraits of caregivers by pediatric patients; and a history of Memorial Hermann Life Flight®.
The Rick Smith Gallery, which was funded through employee contributions to the Annual Employee Campaign, was created in memory of Rick Smith, the late director of Chaplaincy Services at Memorial Hermann-TMC who understood the importance of healing the body, mind and soul. He led by example, demonstrating how spirituality in the workplace supports an environment of healing, and he often encouraged self-expression in others as a way to make a personal contribution to that healing. The gallery is an expression of his vision and spirit. It is open to all employees, patients and visitors, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (July 5, 2016) Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine are excited to announce the launch of a national quality improvement center in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) was created to improve the quality of care and outcomes for children across the U.S. who are in need of urgent or emergency care. To learn more about this new center, visit www.EMSCImprovement.Center.
More than 27 million children in the U.S. visit emergency centers each year, with almost 2 million of those visits arriving to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), also known as pre-hospital care.
“This center will focus on improving outcomes for children by developing and implementing quality improvement strategies that enhance pediatric emergency medical services both in the pre-hospital and hospital settings in all states and territories in the U.S.,” says Dr. Charles Macias, director of the EIIC. “This historic partnership between a pediatric hospital, academic center and the HRSA is truly transforming the way we look at providing and delivering health care.”
As part of the federal government’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the EIIC will work collaboratively with teams across the nation to focus efforts on quality improvement projects and initiatives to ensure every child has access to optimal pediatric urgent and emergency care no matter where they live or travel. The teams at Texas Children’s and Baylor, will collaborate with partners at the Emergency Nurses Association, the National Association of State EMS Officials, the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. They will utilize a clinical systems integration framework to provide the emergency care community with the training, support and tools to use quality improvement methodology in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in children.
Two specific examples of activities aimed at accomplishing this goal include the establishment of a National Pediatric Emergency Department Facility Recognition Program for all states; and enhancement of pediatric readiness through child specific equipment, training and systems improvement targeting the more than 4,000 hospital ECs nationwide.
Work at Baylor will leverage the expertise of faculty and programs including the Center for Collaborative and Interactive Technologies, a renowned center that develops enhanced technology-based strategies for evidence-based clinical support and communication. Additionally, the EIIC will benefit from the strength of the faculty of the Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery and integrate the Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy at Texas Children’s. Additional work at Texas Children’s will integrate the expertise from the Quality Program to include evidence-based practice support from the Evidence Based Outcomes Center, headed by Macias.
The EIIC’s leadership team consists of Macias, who will serve as director; Krisanne Graves, Ph.D., RN, who will be the coordinator; and Drs. Manish Shah and Katherine Remick.
Officially launched this month, the EIIC hopes to demonstrate the national impact of leveraging quality improvement science, the experiential knowledge at Texas Children’s and Baylor, as well as the expertise at the multiple professional societies and federal organizations, to successfully transform and improve health care outcomes for children across the country.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (June 30, 2016) Harris County ESD 48 Fire-EMS, in conjunction with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and the Memorial Herman Red Duke Trauma Institute, will now be carrying blood products in the field.
Studies have shown the early intervention of blood products to injured trauma or critically ill patients helps improve their survival chances. Utilizing technology and assistance from air-medical and military medical partners, this process was adopted for ground based EMS.
Currently HCESD 48 Fire-EMS, carries A-negative low titer liquid plasma and O-negative red blood cells. Through active medical direction with EMS Practice Guidelines, these products are carried on the EMS Supervisor’s vehicle and are available 24/7 for patient administration in the field.
To date, four infusions of blood products have been completed and HCESD 48 Fire-EMS was on a mutual aid response with the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department was prepared to transfuse blood products at the scene of an Active Shooter Event.
The HCESD 48 Fire-EMS is also holding a blood drive on Saturday at their location on 1773 West Green Boulevard in Katy. The drive will run from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. and donors can make an appointment at giveblood.org or show up and take the next available time on the day of the event.
Harris County ESD 48 Fire-EMS is a combination Fire Department and EMS serving the citizens of Harris County ESD- 48 and Fort Bend County ESD-1, in Western Harris County and North Eastern Fort Bend County. The department staffs three engines, one tower, three paramedic ambulances, EMS Supervisor and Battalion Chief 24/7, adding a 12-hour paramedic ambulance during the day. EMS, Pre-Hospital Medicine Guidelines are approved through Dr. David W. Reininger, MD Medical Director and Dr. Mark E. Escott, MD, MPH Associate Medical Director.
The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood components to more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county Texas Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is asking its donors to Commit for Life. It takes three simple steps: 1) Know how your type matters; 2) Donate what matters today; and 3) Commit to your next donation. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is an independent, nonprofit blood center that is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.
Courtesy of HCESD 48
Katy, TX (June 29, 2016) The partnership that successfully delivered the Grand Parkway segments F1, F2 and G (from US 290 to I-69/ US 59) has been recognized by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) for its innovative approach at achieving faster delivery, lower costs and better design.
The award was presented to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Zachary-Odebrecht Parkway Builders and CH2M at the NCPPP P3 Connect event held last night in Chicago, Illinois.
“NCPPP recognizes those organizations and individuals that advance the concept and implementation of public-private partnerships across the country,” said NCPPP President Sandra Sullivan. “We are proud to recognize innovators and leaders whose work serves as exemplary partnership models.”
The Grand Parkway is a proposed 184-mile highway around the greater Houston area spread across seven counties. The parkway which is divided into 11 segments will ultimately serve as an outer loop around the Houston metropolitan area meant to improve connectivity within the existing highway network, reduce transportation congestion and enhance mobility and travel options, and accommodate demographic and economic growth. It also provides additional hurricane and emergency evacuation routes for the greater Houston area.
Segment’s F1, F2 and G of the Grand Parkway consist of 38.4 contiguous miles of roadway connecting communities from US 290 to US 59/ I-69 Eastex in Harris and Montgomery Counties. It was built through a partnership among TxDOT, Zachary-Odebrecht Parkway Builders and CH2M. The three segments were delivered as a single design-build project which began construction in July 2013 and was opened to traffic in March 2016.
The design-build contract unified the flow of work from conception to completion for faster delivery, lower costs and better design. The public-private partnership also streamlined coordination with federal, state and local stakeholders.
“We are thankful to the NCPPP for recognizing the solid partnerships that we have built,” said Varuna Signh, TxDOT Houston District Special Projects Director. “It is this hard work and dedication that has made the newest segments of the Grand Parkway a reality.”
Courtesy of TxDOT
Katy, TX (June 29, 2016) The upcoming Independence Day holiday may have people thinking about fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor activities. However, they are the very same activities that can make the holiday a dangerous one. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, Independence Day is one of the most dangerous holiday weekends of the year. Emergency medicine physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital want to remind people to stay safe while celebrating.
“We know a lot of people enjoy fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday. However, fireworks can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injuries if used recklessly,” says Mikael Lucas, M.D., Medical Director of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Emergency Services.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to use fireworks more safely:
- Follow local laws
- Do not allow young children to play with fireworks and older children should have adult supervision
- Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies
If a person is burned by a firework, the injury may need immediate care.
“Even the smallest fireworks, like firecrackers and sparklers, can cause serious burns. If the burn is larger than your hand, or a blister forms soon after the injury, you should seek medical attention or call 9-1-1,” adds Dr. Lucas.
The summer heat can also prove dangerous over the holiday weekend.
“Our area is no stranger to high heat and humidity which can lead to everything from sunburn to heatstroke. We want people to stay safe: drink lots of water, use sunscreen, and find some shade,” reminds Dr. Lucas.
If an emergency does arise, Memorial Hermann Katy’s emergency center stands ready to meet the needs of critically ill or injured patients, both adults and children. The level IV trauma center is staffed with specially trained nurses and physicians prepared to provide critical care services.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (June 28, 2016) Shipt, an app-based grocery delivery service that serves 26 major metropolitan areas across the country, and H-E-B, one of the nation’s largest and most respected grocery retailers, today announced the expansion of Shipt’s on-demand grocery delivery service to Houston beginning on June 29, 2016. This expansion follows Shipt and H-E-B’s recent partnership designed to bring the convenience of grocery delivery to customers across the state of Texas.
Shipt will offer grocery delivery from H-E-B stores across Houston, as well as local Central Market stores. Beginning June 29, 2016, H-E-B customers will have the option to order their groceries through Shipt’s mobile or desktop app. To celebrate launching with H-E-B in Houston, Shipt is offering $25 in free groceries to members who sign up prior to June 29.
“Over the past year, we have received thousands of requests for grocery delivery in Houston. To the Houston residents who asked for Shipt, we are excited to serve Houston and simplify life with the convenience of grocery delivery from your local H-E-B store,” said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Shipt. “As we put down roots in Houston, we have two goals – to serve our members and to serve our community. We will actively seek out opportunities to support Houston and the programs that shape the city and its residents.”
Through the Shipt app, members shop a full selection of groceries, note any preferences, choose a one-hour delivery window and pay for their order. Shipt connects members directly with its reliable shoppers who hand pick the items and deliver the order as soon as one hour after it is placed.
In addition to supporting H-E-B’s existing initiatives, Shipt will identify opportunities to work with community organizations throughout Houston that are dedicated to addressing food insecurity.
“Shipt and H-E-B share a core commitment of giving back to the communities that we serve,” said Armando Perez, Senior Vice President, H-E-B Houston. “After a successful launch of Shipt grocery delivery in our San Antonio headquarters last month, we look forward to expanding our relationship with Shipt in Houston.”
Leading up to the launch, Shipt will build a network of more than 300 shoppers to shop and deliver orders to Shipt members in Houston. To apply to be a Shipt Shopper, visit Shipt.com and click “Be A Shopper”.
Shipt offers members unlimited free grocery deliveries. Shipt does not utilize surge pricing. Delivery is always free on orders over $35, even during peak times. Memberships are available for an annual fee of $99.
Shipt will deliver from H-E-B and Central Market stores in the greater Houston area to the residents of League City, Sugar Land, Katy, Cypress and The Woodlands. For a detailed map of the coverage area, visit Shipt.com/Houston.
Katy, TX (June 27, 2016) Texas A&M University is planning to create an innovative engineering medical school at Houston Methodist Hospital to educate a new kind of doctor, pending appropriate approvals, who will invent transformational technology for health care, officials announced today.
Fifty physician engineers would begin their studies in Fall 2017 at the new Texas A&M University Engineering Medicine School (EnMed) at Houston Methodist Hospital. EnMed would be an integrated educational and research medical school with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship and a part of the Texas A&M College of Medicine’s MD program and the College of Engineering. EnMed would initially hire 25 faculty members and utilize 75,000 square feet of instructional and research space in the Texas Medical Center.
“The medicine of tomorrow will not be practiced in the way that it is today. Medicine is not just about biology, it requires technology development,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This school would not only train doctors, but allow them to invent new products and take their inventions to the marketplace. EnMed would expand the health care technology market at the Texas Medical Center. The potential economic impact to the region would be huge.”
Responsive to the rapid advances in technology, this new type of medical education would prepare professionals with the clinical skills to diagnose symptoms and treat patients, along with the engineering mindset to solve problems, invent new technologies and rapidly move these innovative ideas to practice in patient care.
“As a physician who has long been interested in engineering, I’m particularly excited that EnMed will train a new kind of medical doctor who will be able to design technology to tackle the most complex problems in medicine,” said Marc Boom, M.D., president and CEO of Houston Methodist. “This new collaboration could quickly impact the future of health care.”
An innovative translational research program in medical technology at Houston Methodist Research Institute would also will be part of EnMed.
“Everything we do should be translational, with the end goal of bringing new solutions to our patients in a timely fashion,” said Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Research Institute. “I have every confidence that our joint program will create the engineering-based ideas necessary to cure the most challenging diseases.”
EnMed would blend translational research and commercialization opportunities with an innovative medical education model, said Michael K. Young, President of Texas A&M University.
“The presence of a hands-on innovation center combined with an office of technology commercialization is another example of Texas A&M creating dynamic solutions to the great global challenges we face in health care today,” he said. This interdisciplinary learning environment would lead to research and discoveries that would impact the state, nation and the world, but most importantly, would create new transformational educational opportunities for our students.”
And this focus, said Texas A&M Engineering Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering M. Katherine Banks, is what would make this school unlike any other.
“This is a paradigm shift. The major health care challenges of the future will not only depend on bioengineering, but also require mechanical, chemical, electrical, and computer engineers,” she said. “There are other programs that link medicine with bioengineering, but this is different. All students in EnMed will be expected to invent something transformational before they graduate. These innovators, or “physicianeers”, will radically change the way that health care is delivered.”
Courtesy of Houston Methodist West Hospital
Katy,TX (June 24, 2016) Expect heavy delays traveling through US 290 eastbound around BW 8 and US 290/IH 610 this weekend.
Project J-1/J-2 (IH 610/US 290 interchange)
The contractor will continue final striping operations and bridge work.
- Total Closure – US 290 eastbound direct connector to IH 610 West Loop southbound and North Loop eastbound will be closed continuously from 9 p.m., Friday, June 24, to 5 a.m., June 27. Motorists will be detoured to the IH 10 direct connector, take IH 10 westbound, exit Chimney Rock/Wirt and U-turn to IH 10 eastbound to IH 610.
- IH 610 West Loop southbound mainlanes from W. 18th to Old Katy will have two outside lanes closed from 9 p.m., Friday, June 24 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 25.
- Total Closure – IH 610 North Loop westbound connector to IH 610 West Loop southbound will be closed continuously from 9 p.m., Friday, June 24 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 25. Detour to the IH 10 connector, take IH 10 westbound, exit Chimney Rock/Wirt and U-turn to IH 10 eastbound to IH 610.
- IH 610 North Loop eastbound mainlanes from W. 18th to Ella will have two outside lanes closed continuously from 8 p.m., Saturday, June 25 to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 26. This includes closure of the exit to and entrance from T.C. Jester and exit to Ella.
- Total Closure – Hempstead both east- and westbound under IH 610 West Loop will be closed overnight from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday, June 26. Motorists traveling eastbound will be detoured right on N. Post Oak, left on Old Katy to Washington Avenue. Motorists traveling westbound will be detoured right on IH 610 northbound frontage, left on W. 18th to Hempstead.
Project I (W. 34th Street to Pinemont)
Crews will work on paving operations. US 290 westbound frontage road at W. 43rd will have one outside lane closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 25.
Project H (Pinemont to W. Little York)
Crews continue to work on the westbound frontage road.
- Total Closure – US 290 westbound frontage road from Gessner to Hahl Road will be closed continuously from 9 p.m., Friday, June 24 to 5 a.m., Monday, June 27. Motorists will be detoured right on Gessner, left to W. Little York to US 290.
- US 290 westbound frontage road at Tidwell will have one outside lane closed continuously from 9 p.m., Friday, June 24 to 5 a.m., Monday, June 27.
Utility crews will run a new overhead utility line on US 290 at Flintlock, between Fairbanks N. Houston and Tidwell.
- Total Closure – US 290 east- and westbound mainlanes and frontage road between Fairbanks N. Houston and Tidwell will be closed for a 15-minute time period between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., Sunday, June 26. Law enforcement will provide traffic control.
Project G (W. Little York to FM 529)
The contractor will be opening the new US 290 eastbound collector distributor. Once weekend work is complete and collector distributor is open, the US 290 eastbound entrance/exit access from FM 529, Senate and W. Little York will be restored using the collector distributor lanes.
Beginning 9 p.m., Friday, June 24 to 5 a.m., Monday, June 27, the following will be closed:
- Total Closure – US 290 eastbound mainlanes from FM 529 to W. Little York will be closed. Drivers will be detoured to the frontage road at the FM 529 exit and can reenter the freeway past Gessner.
- Total Closure – US 290 eastbound exit to the Sam Houston Tollway north- and southbound will be closed. Drivers will be detoured to the frontage road at the FM 529 exit and turn left or right on Beltway 8 to access the tollway north- or southbound. Drivers traveling northbound will use the Beltway 8 frontage road entrance past Philippine, while motorists traveling southbound will use the entrance ramp past W. Little York.
- Total Closure – Sam Houston Tollway north- and southbound connectors to US 290 eastbound will be closed. Drivers traveling southbound will be detoured to the West/Gulf Bank/Philippine exit and continue on the frontage road to US 290. Drivers traveling northbound will be detoured to the W. Little York exit and continue on the frontage road to US 290.
- US 290 westbound mainlanes from W. Little York to FM 529 will have one inside lane closed.
Project D (Telge to Mueschke)
The contractor will switch traffic on the westbound frontage road between Barker Cypress and Skinner.
- US 290 westbound mainlanes from Barker Cypress to Skinner will have one outside lane closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 25. This includes the entrance ramp from Skinner.
- US 290 westbound frontage road at Barker Cypress will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 25. The frontage road will be closed underneath the Barker Cypress overpass and traffic will detour through the signalized intersection.
Project A, B and C-2 (Mason to FM 2920)
Crews continue to work on mainlane widening. Total Closure – US 290 westbound frontage road from SH 99 to Bauer will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 25. Detour to the mainlanes to the Becker exit. The westbound exit ramp to Bauer will be closed.
Please note that scheduled closures are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen events that may occur. A listing of all scheduled US 290 lane closures can be viewed online at www.my290.com. For a list of scheduled lane closures in the greater Houston area and to view the Houston area real time traffic map, go online to www.houstontranstar.org.
A Glimpse Ahead
There will be no scheduled lane closures during the Fourth of July holiday period from 9 p.m., Friday, July 1 to 5 a.m., Tuesday, July 5.
Follow them on Twitter @my290houston for updates.
Courtesy of TxDOT
Katy, TX (June 20, 2016) On Monday (June 20th) evening around 5:30pm we responded to a fire call for a home in the Williamsburg Parish subdivision. The family was not home when the fire broke out but an alert neighbor heard their smoke alarms going off and upon investigating further saw smoke and flames through a top floor window and called 911. The first units were on scene five minutes later and were able to make a quick attack and contain the fire to the room of origin.
Engine 3’s crew noticed a dog in the home and were able to corral Apollo and bring him outside to be evaluated by our medical staff. When the family arrived on scene they were very thankful to see Apollo safe and being cared for by our firefighters and medics. Firefighters began administering oxygen and, after a complete assessment, Apollo was released to his family who took him to an emergency veterinarian in Katy to be further evaluated.
“Having properly working smoke alarms in your home is the single most important step to ensure the safety of you home and loved ones,” said Fire Chief Jeff Hevey. “This is a great story of working smoke alarms improving the outcome of a fire that could have easily burned down the home and caused the loss of a beloved family pet.”
Fortunately, because this family had working alarms and an attentive neighbor the fire was contained to the room of origin. If you haven’t checked your smoke alarms yet this year, please let this be a reminder to do it today. If anyone within ESD 48 district needs assistance to help check their alarms, we will happily help if they call our non-emergency number (281) 578-2518 during business hours.
Courtesy of Simon VanDyk
HCESD48 Public Information Officer
Katy, TX (June 24, 2016) The University of Houston System will offer bachelor’s- and master’s- level degree programs in engineering, business, education and other high-demand fields in Katy starting this fall.
The University of Houston will offer classes beginning with the Fall 2016 semester at the Houston Community College (HCC) Northwest-Katy Campus, about a mile north of Interstate 10 at 1550 Foxlake Drive. UH-Victoria (UHV) will offer face-to-face classes at a new leased facility about a mile north of I-10 at 2002 W. Grand Parkway N., Building 2. The arrangement will allow UH and UHV to continue serving the higher education needs of the region while a new UH System campus is built near I-10 and the Grand Parkway.
Increasing access to higher education has been a priority for regional leaders and is part of the UH System’s long-range plan.
“This is another step toward expanding our footprint and furthering ties between the community and the UH System,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH System senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, and UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “By providing increased course offerings in the Katy region, we’re furthering the success of our students toward timely and accessible degree completion.”
UH will offer graduate courses in petroleum and subsea engineering, both in high demand along the West Houston Energy Corridor. UHV will offer both bachelor’s degrees for transfer students and master’s degrees in business, education and computer science, along with programs in a number of other disciplines. Additional programs are offered online.
“The workforce in the Katy area and within our 30-minute drive time contains more than 40 percent of all engineers in Houston,” said Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council. “Increasing college-level educational opportunities — particularly in fields that fuel our local economy like energy, technology and business — is important for our community and the quality of life of our residents.”
The new leased location will allow UHV to consolidate programs it has offered across the western edge of the metropolitan area, in Sugar Land, Katy and Cinco Ranch. All of its Greater Houston degree programs will now be offered at the new facility .
“We expect that students who have taken classes offered by UHV at other regional locations will join new students taking these programs in the fall at the new leased location on Grand Parkway. The programs we offer in Katy will continue to grow,” UHV President R. Vic Morgan said.
UH System Regents last month approved plans to purchase 46 acres and build a state-of-the-art academic building in the fast-growing suburban area. A 10-acre system campus at Cinco Ranch will be sold.
Courses in petroleum and subsea engineering, are open to degree-seeking students and, with the consent of the respective programs, non-degree-seeking students. Both courses may be applied toward a master’s degree in petroleum or subsea engineering based on successful admission into the respective graduate programs. More information is available here.
The courses will be taught by world-renowned faculty. Christine Ehlig-Economides, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, will teach “PETR 6314: Pressure Transient Testing.” The course will explore the theory and application of pressure transient testing of oil and gas wells for determination of reservoir properties and near-well damage simulation.
Subsea engineering industry leader Burak Ozturk will teach “SUBS 6330: Pipleline Design,” a comprehensive overview of subsea pipelines, including lessons on pipeline design, flow assurance, material selection, installation and construction, inspection and integrity management. Students who successfully complete the pipeline design course may apply the credits toward a certificate in subsea engineering from UH.
“UH has worked closely with our industry partners to identify courses that are relevant to the energy sector and the professional engineers already living and working in the Katy,” said Joseph W. Tedesco, dean of the UH Cullen College of Engineering. “It is exciting to be able to launch these programs in Katy even sooner than we expected.”
UHV will continue to offer a broad range of undergraduate and master’s degrees in Katy, along with several certificate programs. In addition to undergraduate degrees for transfer students in Digital Gaming & Simulation, Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Psychology and other humanities, it will offer a Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in a number of disciplines. Graduate business degrees include the Global Master of Business Administration and the Strategic MBA. Students also will be able to transfer and earn an undergraduate teaching degree with certifications in areas such as English as a Second Language and special education. Graduate education degrees include the Master of Education in Educational Administration and Counselor Education. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field may enroll in the online VOICE program and become a teacher in as little as a year.
Full details on UHV’s offerings in Katy are available at www.uhv.edu/katy.
Courtesy of the University of Houston
Katy, TX (June 22, 2016) Fort Bend County Officials have determined Aerial Vector Mosquito spraying to be unnecessary for the control of mosquito populations within the county at this time. Due to the recent May 2016 county wide flooding event, Fort Bend County’s Road and Bridge Department has been monitoring the mosquito population with the expectation of an increase due to standing water left over from flooded areas. As a preventative measure, FBC Road and Bridge has been spraying within a three mile area of the river across the county twice per week. Traps set up throughout the county have shown very low volumes of mosquitoes making the Aerial spray unnecessary at this time. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said, “I’m very pleased that our local efforts to control mosquitoes is showing great results. We’ll keep monitoring our traps and are prepared to aerial spray the area if we see a spike in population.” The county is also using a larvicide disk thrown into standing water used to exterminate larvae to control the mosquito population in areas where water removal is not possible, such as ditches and heavily wooded areas. To help with these efforts to limit the mosquito population in the county, residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water if possible, dispose of debris that may hold water, and keep yards mowed and hedges trimmed. For questions, residents living in the unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County may call 281-342-4513. Residents living within a local jurisdiction should call their city for more information regarding municipal mosquito control efforts.
Courtesy of Fort Bend County Information Center
Katy, TX (June 15, 2016) The Katy ISD Education Foundation recently announced its fourth year of Inspiring Imagination teacher grant recipients. Two hundred Katy ISD teachers at 33 different campuses were chosen for grants this year. Grant activities range from school gardens to robotics and extend to all subjects and grade levels. Funding will be provided for the 2016-2017 school year.
In its first four years of activity, the Katy ISD Education Foundation has awarded more than $725,000 in Inspiring Imagination grants to teachers at campuses all over Katy ISD. The Foundation exists to raise support for and manage the grant program, an initiative created by the Foundation’s Board of Directors to provide funding for innovative classroom experiences not possible within the parameters of a school district budget.
Grants are made possible by annual pledges from business and community investors, one-time contributions and events. The Foundation hosts two major fundraising events every year: Fireflies and Foodtrucks, slated for September 15, 2016, and its spring GROOVE jazz event. BP, the Foundation’s Cornerstone Investor, funded multiple grants for its BP STEM Grant Program. The Katy ISD Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization for which donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. To learn more, contact foundation@katyisd.org, 281-396-6031 or visit www.katyisdeducationfoundation.org.
Recognized at May 23 Katy ISD Board of Trustees meeting, this year’s grant recipients and their projects include:
Individual Grants – One teacher for up to $1,000
Bear Creek Elementary, Novel-ty Bookstore, Second Edition, Karen Baker; Bethke Elementary, Constructing More Than Just Cities and Towers, Christina Dismuke; Cardiff Junior High, Arduinos for Inventing and Programming, Stephen Bennett; Creech Elementary, One Brick at a Time, Donna Parker; Fielder Elementary, SPRKing Innovation Through Coding, Erica Foster; Golbow Elementary, Books, Bands, and Bundles Oh My!: A Third Grade Read Aloud Library, Stephanie Watt-Johnson; Katy Elementary, Astronomy Field Trip in a Box, Rose Marie Sager; Mayde Creek High, Fearless Readers of Life-Changing Novels, Frances Ohanenye; Shafer Elementary, Visualizing and Verbalizing, Brette Kuretsch; Taylor High; Traumatic Brain Injury Stations Lab, Lisa Estill; West Memorial Elementary, Skillastic-tastic Learning, Brittany Brehm.
Team Grants – Three or more teachers for up to $5,000
Alexander Elementary, Digital Learners are MOTIVATED Learners!, led by Stephanie Rainosek; Enriching all Learners through STEM, led by Terra Palmer; Beckendorff Junior High, Standing Desks: An Innovative Classroom Seating Solution, led by Tricia Gragnano Reyes; Cimarron Elementary, Young Engineers Ready to Build Bots!, led by Angela Plut; Cinco Ranch Junior High , LASH on Tech! (Language Arts, Science, History), led by Yolanda Hiller; Exley Elementary, Growing Readers and Writers, led by Bethany Paetow; Franz Elementary, Going Green, led by Tracy John; Hayes Elementary, Full STEAM Ahead! led by Sara Hernandez; Holland Elementary, Eco-Kids, led by Stephanie Nady; Itinerant Teams (multiple campuses), Dyslexia Intervention, led by Luis Villanueva; Early Childhood Intervention Groups – Ready, Set, Grow!, led by Denise Cloyes; Katy Junior High, Biomass Breakdown: It’s Getting Hot, Hot, Hot, led by Candice Thomas; CBR Motion Detectors, led by Elizabeth Flowers; Mayde Creek Elementary, Let’s Read Aloud and Play Along, led by Rhea Marsh; Mayde Creek High, Fatal Vision Impairment Goggles, led by Ashley Griffiths; Giant Triangles for Geometric Experiences, led by Sara Bauler; Library STEAM MakerSpace, led by Kathie Fry; Microbiology in the Digital Age, led by Mary Lee House; Operation Collaboration, led by Amber Allen; Thinking Outside the Box, led by Mary Miron; McRoberts Elementary, Field Researchers for a Day, Scientists for a Lifetime, led by Jeanna Bruno; Memorial Parkway Junior High Got Katy Grit?, led by Yasmina Walker; Morton Ranch High, Today I Will Read, Tomorrow I Will Write, Then my Children and I Will Change the World, led by Myrea Schmidt; Pattison Elementary, Connecting School and Community Through Non-Fiction, led by Christi Elrod; Seven Lakes High, Inspiring Learning, led by Chad Meyer; Navigating Geometry, led by Robert Perkins; Navigators, led by Karl Burford; TI-Navigator System, led by Nick Flora; Shafer Elementary, Mentoring Minds to See The World!, led by Hillary Bartee; Focus to Learn, led by JeanAnn Naumann; Giving Kinder Kids Nonfiction Opportunities, led by Kim Forbes; Stephens Elementary, 3D Real STEMing, led by Meghan Jones; Sundown Elementary, Morning Tinker Time: MakerSpace, led by Leah Miller; Taylor High , Giant Triangles, led by Nicole Brayton; Journey to the Edge of Space, led by Ryan Nutt; Seeing Electricity in a Whole New Light, led by Elizabeth Trader; Tompkins High, Theatre Under The Stars: The Literature Experience, led by Ryan Culver; West Memorial Elementary, Movement in the Classroom, led by Lisa Al-Saedi; West Memorial Junior High, Math Nspired, led by Tina Dycus; Williams Elementary, PBIS Pros, led by Virginia Stout; Project Milo, led by Kara Lowery; Step-Ball-Change, led by Brenda Pennington; Winborn Elementary, Building Language with Legos, led by Whitney Jackson; Wolfe Elementary, Enhancing Summer Reading with a Mobile Book Library, led by Megan Barnett.
Courtesy of the District
Katy, TX (June 14, 2016) Amidst a rainy backdrop, Discovery Park officially opened and was dedicated to the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District (BKDD) Saturday, June 4 at 9 a.m. As Waller county’s newest attraction for youth and families, the highly anticipated opening of Discovery Park united close to 200 community members, civic leaders and children. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and offers a rocket-themed playground, 60-foot by 60-foot pavilion, community garden and soccer field.
The Brookshire Youth Foundation (BYF), the organization behind the development and establishment of Discovery Park, presided over the dedication ceremony and thanked the BKDD for their long-term commitment to the park.
“It has been a tremendous journey to arrive at this point, and the future for Discovery Park holds limitless bright possibilities,” Reverend Dottie Dumas, BYF Board President, said.
Raymond Dollins, BKDD Board President, accepted a plaque commemorating the dedication and thanked the BYF for their role in creating Discovery Park.
Headlining the dedication was NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Barry “Butch” Wilmore. From November 2014 to March 2015, Wilmore served as commander on Expedition 42 of the International Space Station. He encouraged the youth to pursue their dreams and shared how he applied to NASA four times before he was accepted.
Wilmore spoke to the audience about his quest to become an astronaut and the curiosity that has been a driver for his success.
“My first word was not dad or mom,” Wilmore said. “It was why. I was always curious about how things work, and I think that just perpetuated into life. To have an understanding and to figure out how things operate, you have to know math and science disciplines.”
Plans are currently underway to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) learning opportunities throughout the park.
Discovery Park’s (inter)stellar Founding Star, Commander and Mission Specialist sponsors were recognized with a plaque for their generosity. Their investment provided substantial support towards the development of the park.
Founding Star sponsors include Stewardship Wealth, Cotton Gin International, The Hovas Family and the Montgomery Family Foundation. Commander sponsors, donors who have contributed $10,000 or more, include H.D.H Instruments, Texas Automotive Muscle, McDugald-Steele and Teal Construction Company. Mission Specialist sponsors, those who have given between $5,000 and $9,999, include the United Way of Greater Houston Community Building Grant, Hillsman & Vahalik, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Vahalik & Vahalik, P.C. Attorneys.
Although not recognized at the opening, but certainly appreciated, are the park’s Flight Engineer sponsors, those who have given between $1,000 and $2,499. These donors include Severn Trent, Saturn Machine, Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, West I-10 Chamber, Triple-G Nursery and La Quinta Inn and Suites.]
Discovery Park is located at 4421 5th Street, at the corner of Bains and 5th Street, just South of the Cotton Gin. For more information about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim at 281-375-5535.
Katy, TX (June 6, 2016) Multiple locations are available for donations for flood victims.
Wild West 4-H Club
Donations needed:
– Non-Perishable Food and Canned Goods
– Cases of Bottled Water
– Baby Food/Formula/Diapers/Baby Wipes
– Household Cleaning Supplies
– Gently Used Clothing/Shoes of any size
– Pet Food/Dog Crates/Leashes/Food Bowls for cats, dogs, horses, etc.
Drop Off Locations:
– Fort Bend County Extension Office: 1402 Band Rd., #100, Rosenberg, TX 77471; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
– City Farmer: 3708 TX-36 S., Rosenberg, TX 77471; Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
– Dr. Marne Baird: 29810 FM 1093 Rd., Fulshear, TX 77441; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
– Sweet Tooth Shoppe: 8503 FM 359, Fulshear, TX 77471; Tue-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
– The Spa at Cinco Ranch: 23050 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy, TX 77494; Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm
Call Nora and Megan Lepovitz for pick-up and any questions or concerns. 713-417-0418; nora.garcialepovitz@gmail.com
The Waters Church
2710 N. Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77449
They are collecting donations and need volunteers. You can sign up to volunteer and get information on collection days and times at https://www.volunteersignup.org/WCL3H.
The Church Texas
B.F. Terry High School, 5500 Ave. N, Rosenberg, TX, 281-762-0353
There are items available for flood victims and they are also looking for volunteers. Visit their Facebook page The Church TX, or call 281-762-0353 for more information
The Fort Bend Animal Shelter
Needs:
– Wire Crates (All Sizes)
– Blankets and Towels
– Canned Food (dog, cat, puppy, and kitten)
– Kibble (dog, cat, puppy, and kitten)
– Kitty Litter
– Puppy Pads
– Puppy and Kitten Milk Replacers and Bottles
– Bleach
– Laundry Soap
– Medical Supplies: Neosporin, Hydrocortisone Cream, Monostat, Benedryl (or generic), Bandage Material
Temporary Fosters Needed for 1-2 Weeks! Fosters can contact Barbara Vass at Barbara.Vass@fortbendcountytx.gov or call 281-342-1512 for foster. Application or visit www.fortbendcountypets.com to see available pets.
Drop Off Locations:
– Waggin’ Tails Pet Ranch: 7631 Katy Fulshear Rd, Fulshear, TX 77441; 281-533-0500; Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-3pm
– Dahl Team: 5803 2nd St., Katy, TX 77493; 281-391-3245; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Call 281-533-06500 with any questions
Katy, TX (June 1, 2016) Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital recently held a special event to thank and acknowledge recently retired Houston Texans player Chris Myers and his wife, Jenny, for their longtime contributions. The Myers family has generously supported Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program for several years with volunteer efforts and financial support through the Dreambuilders Foundation.
Pictured from left: Susie Distefano, Dr. John Teichgraeber, Chris Myers, Jenny Myers, and Dr. Matthew Greives
Over three years ago, Chris and Jenny’s son, Keane, was born with a cleft lip and palate. Without surgeries, Keane would have had trouble eating and speaking. He was treated by Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s pediatric plastic surgery team.
“When we decided to raise money through the Dreambuilders Foundation, we had no doubt that we wanted these funds to go to the pediatric plastic surgery program at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital,” said Jenny Myers. “We wanted other families to share the incredible experience that the outstanding team provided for our son, Keane. The opportunity to assist families in easing the financial burden that comes along with cleft surgeries is extremely humbling.”
Guests at the event were asked to make a contribution to the Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program in lieu of a going away present for the Myers, who are moving to Philadelphia this summer. As a gift to the Myers, patients from Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital painted a keepsake plate, which reads “thank you” and shows a decorated landscape.
“The Myers’ generosity has assisted a number of families who otherwise might not have had access to the procedures needed to help their children,” said Matthew Greives, M.D., craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Our department operates like a family, and the Myers have been an integral part of that family for many years now. We wish them all the best in their upcoming move. Their compassionate hearts will be missed.”
Also in attendance at the event were Susie Distefano, Senior Vice President and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and John Teichgraeber, M.D., Co-Director of the Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Clinic at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and professor in the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at McGovern Medical School.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospitals
Katy, TX (May 31, 2016) The Brazos River in Fort Bend County is reaching record levels. The Office of Emergency Management along with law enforcement, municipalities, school districts, Levee Improvement Districts and many critical county departments are working together to coordinate planning, preparation and support to affected residents.
The National Weather Service previously predicted a 53.5 crest which has been surpassed and the new estimation is 53.8. As of 5pm today the levels were measuring above this at 53.95. Weather reports are suggesting scattered showers the next few days with a possibility of localized rainfall in some areas. This localized rainfall could cause area flooding as drainage areas are full and the ground is saturated.
Many areas near the river have called for evacuations. At this time, parts of Richmond, Rosenberg, Simonton, unincorporated areas North of the river near Rosenberg , and Thompsons have all called for evacuations. Residents are urged to take action for their own safety. “This level of water in the river has not been seen in many of our lifetimes and we urge residents to heed these warnings,” said Jeff Braun, Emergency Management Coordinator for Fort Bend County. Approximately 120 rescues have been conducted in Fort Bend County with over 90 of those water rescues being conducted by the Texas Task Force 1.
Even if your home sits at a high enough elevation to avoid the water, if you are in one of these evacuation areas, the entire area around you is likely to be inundated causing you to be stranded, “ Jeff stressed. The level of the river is expected to stay above major flood conditions into the weekend.
Shelters have been established at the First Baptist Church in Richmond and the Bible Fellowship Church in Brookshire. Residents needing medical or functional assistance should call Enable Fort Bend at 211. Information about road closures, an interactive map of flooding estimations, and other safety tips may be found at the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management website www.fbcoem.org or by calling 281 342 6185.
Courtesy of Robert E. Hebert, Fort Bend Co. Judge
Katy, TX (May 20, 2016) Working to expand higher education opportunities in Katy and West Houston, the University of Houston System has announced plans to purchase 46 acres and build a state-of-the-art academic building in the fast-growing suburban area. The new site will be known as UHS University Park. UH System regents approved the purchase Thursday.
“This purchase signals a new stage in the University of Houston System’s strategic plan to serve the greater Houston region,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH System vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It will allow us not only to serve more people closer to their homes, but also to offer a broader range of degree programs.”
Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, said expanding higher education options in the area is a critical priority for civic leaders. The Katy Area EDC assisted with site selection , and area legislators and other organizations worked together to secure Capital Construction Bonds (previously known as Tuition Revenue Bonds, or TRBs) from the Texas Legislature to fund the project.
“Increasing educational opportunities, especially higher education, is a key priority for the Katy area,” he said, noting the Katy area has a population larger than Pittsburgh, Pa., which supports seven universities. “Residents in this area have a great need for both undergraduate and graduate classes at a location that meets their needs.”
Purchase price for the land, near the Grand Parkway and I-10, is $13.8 million. The contract with seller includes an option for an additional 14.6 acres at the site. The additional acreage would cost $6.3 million if purchased within 12 months, according to the agreement.
The purchase and building project will be funded by $46.8 million in Capital Construction Bonds, approved during the 84th session of the Texas Legislature.
A system task force led by Short conducted an extensive study of various locations and commissioned an independent demographic analysis of the region before recommending the site.
Short said the new UHS University Park location is a key to the System’s strategic initiatives for the area.
“The dynamic growth in the Katy area is clear evidence of the need for expanded educational services in the region,” she said. “The University of Houston System has worked with residents to make sure we are meeting their needs, at a location that will offer convenient access, as well as room to grow.”
The new UH System’s expansion will give area residents an opportunity to earn their degrees closer to home, an area that includes portions of Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties. The population is expected to increase from 317,000 residents to 550,000 within the next 20 years, and about 200 companies are headquartered there, including many in the energy sector.
Regents also approved plans to sell the current 10-acre satellite campus in Cinco Ranch, which opened in 1989 and offers junior, senior and graduate-level courses from universities in the UH System. That campus has a 36,000-square-foot classroom building but is landlocked, with no room for expansion.
Courtesy of the University of Houston
Katy, TX (May 19, 2016) Texas Children’s Hospital is excited to unveil the Lewis Jewelers Dialysis Unit. Each November, the Lewis family hosts a fundraiser to support the Renal Department at Texas Children’s Hospital where their son, Levi Lewis, was once a patient. Levi is now healthy and these funds raised will help other children in the community receive the specialized care they need.
John R. Nicken, Dr. Michael Braun, Slade Lewis, Cindy Lewis, Jackie Ward, Helen Currier, Frida Wilson, Tina Ninan, and Valesca Adams
Through the $1 million raised at their annual event and from a recent pledge from the family, the Lewises are generously supporting the Renal Department at Texas Children’s, one of largest pediatric programs in the world. Providing diagnostic, therapeutic and long-term care for infants, children and adolescents with all forms of congenital and acquired kidney diseases, the team at Texas Children’s places a large focus on enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Tarah Hilton, Stephanie Hilton, Whitley Lewis, Calah Hilton, Claude Lewis, Sandy Lewis, Dr. Michael Braun, Levi Lewis, Slade Lewis, Cindy Lewis, and Erica Whitley
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (May 16, 2016) Memorial Hermann is proud to announce that eight of its hospitals have received recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) for the high-quality stroke care provided to patients.
Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center (MNI) once again received the highest honor bestowed by the AHA/ASA, the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus-Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award, an honor recognizing MNI’s adherence to all seven of the stroke achievement measures established by the AHA/ASA for two or more consecutive years.
“We are so honored to have been selected once again for this preeminent recognition,” said Dr. Sean Savitz, medical director of MNI’s comprehensive stroke center and stroke program director at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Our team works hard every day to ensure our patients receive the very best, safest stroke care possible, and this award underscores our commitment to save lives and prevent complications that can lead to lifelong disabilities.”
In addition to MNI’s accolades, AHA/ASA recognized 24 consecutive months of quality stroke performance at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, which both received the Gold Plus-Target: Stroke Elite award; Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, which was recognized as a Gold Plus-Target: Stroke Honor Roll hospital; and Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, which earned the Gold Plus recognition. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital each received recognition as Silver-Target: Stroke Honor Roll hospitals, measuring 12 consecutive months of meeting AHA/ASA’s achievement standards.
The announcement came during National Stroke Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of strokes and educate Americans about the ways to prevent acute blockages to arteries in the brain that continue to be one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. Strokes afflict a new patient every 40 seconds and lead to one death every four minutes. Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke every year.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (May 16, 2016) The recent flooding continues to affect everything from our commutes to work to extensive repair work on hundreds of homes throughout our community.
As I hope you know, early voting starts today and runs through this Friday, (May 20) in the Republican and Democratic party primary runoffs. Early Voting is this week only Monday – Friday from 7 am to 7 pm. Election day is Tuesday, May 24.
However, due to the flooding, two of our area’s most popular polling locations will be closed. Fortunately, Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart has opened two other convenient locations to replace them.
We will not be able to vote at the Bear Creek Park Community Center off of Hwy 6 or the Glen Cheek building in George Bush Park, because they are both under water.
However, we will be able to vote at:
* the MUD 81 building at 805 Hidden Canyon Road ( just west of Mason Road, at Cimarron Parkway, about 1 ½ miles south of I-10) and
*Lone Star College – Cypress Center at 19710 Clay Road (just east of Fry Road, directly across the street from Rhoads Elementary).
Additionally, there are two other new Early Voting locations that you might find convenient:
*Fallbrook Church ,12512 Walters Road, (near Klein Forest High School) to support voters northwest of I-45 and Beltway 8
*SPJST Lodge #88, 1435 Beall Street (near TC Jester in the Heights) to support voters near the Memorial Park/Heights area.
Of course, in early voting you are always free to vote at any of the 44 early voting locations in Harris County.
The offices on the ballot in this election include Republican runoffs for Railroad Commissioner, two Court of Criminal Appeals seats, and chairman of the Harris County Republican Party. Democrats have races for offices including Railroad Commissioner, three district court judges, Sheriff, State Board of Education, Justice of the Peace, and Constable. These are important offices and I hope you will make your voice heard by exercising your right to vote.
Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing you. Please let me know if there’s anything that my office can do to be of service to you.
Courtesy of Mike Schofield
State Representative
House District 132
Katy, TX (May 13, 2016) On Saturday, May 7th, The Institute for Hispanic Culture of Houston held an opening reception for the new art exhibit by world renowned abstract artist HANAFI, from Indonesia. The exhibition, When the Spanish and Portuguese left: Story of the Spices, runs through May 18 at the Institute, located at 3315 Sul Ross Street in Houston.
HANAFI and Nubia Gala
Artist, Nubia Gala from historic old town Katy, was instrumental in organizing HANAFI’s visit to the U.S. by bringing together the Consulate of Indonesia and the Ministry of Culture and Arts in Indonesia to sponsor the visit, including his exhibition at the Institute for Hispanic Culture. Gala met HANAFI in Jakarta in 2003 and, as an artist he became her mentor. Her work to bring about this International, diplomatic exhibition showcases her passion for merging art and culture from all over the world. “Houston is a multi-cultural city with ninety-two consulates,” Gala said, “my goal is that people learn about the similarities and embrace the differences, which is what makes up our national identities.”
Story of the Spices brings to life the distant history of Spain’s and Portugal’s involvement with the trade of five precious spices that once were worth their weight in gold and available only to royalty in the 1500’s. HANAFI’s abstract paintings are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic that has been compared to the Japanese Mono-ha tradition. The artist has also embedded a subtle quality of realism in the spatial relationships between the abstract forms, echoing both the relationships of natural forms in a landscape, and the sensation of being physically and emotionally present within that landscape. This is his first exhibition in the United States.
HANAFI working and the installation
“The exhibition is an excellent example of the history and experience in Indonesia by way of the spice trade,” said Christine Poleski Gaona, JD, President of Oakstone Human Capital, LLC and Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association. “The abstract paintings evoke the sights and smells of spices and colonialism,” she said, “it was an historical sensory experience not to be missed.”
The ceremony included remarks by Honorable Consul General of Indonesia, Mr. Henk Edward Haroinsong. He spoke of the vast richness of Indonesian culture and the diversity of dialects. He gave a brief background of HANAFI’s career, with art exhibits all over the world including the Girona Museum in Spain and the National Gallery in Jakarta. He also mentioned that it is an honor to have HANAFI exhibiting his work in the U.S. for the first time.
From left: Nubia Gala; HANAFI; , Consul of Indonesia Mr. Henk Saroinsong; , Consul of Colombia Luis Miguel Lopez Mendez; Director of Hispanic Institute of Houston, Lia Tusanotte; Inmediate Past President, consul General of Spain Enric Panes Calpe
Lia Tusanotte, Past President elect for the Institute of Hispanic Culture in Houston, introduced HANAFI, whose U.S. visit is sponsored by the government of Indonesia. Part of his mission here is to connect with university students and faculty to exchange ideas and plan projects that will facilitate more connections with the art community in Houston and in the U.S.
HANAFI then gave a brief speech in which he mentioned the energy and excitement of his first visit to the U.S. He mentioned the hustle of day-to-day activities in the U.S. and his observations about art and culture. “The universe is in God’s hands,” he said, “every creation of God is in rounded shapes, men and women create squares.” He went on to say, “God did not create the round earth without reason, it might be so we could not hide.” With this profound reflection, the exhibit was opened.
HANAFI with Concul of Colombia, Luis Miguel Lopez Mendez
Those in attendance were very impressed with the exhibition. Among them were Consul General of Colombia, Luis Miguel Lopez Mendez and Consul General of Spain Enric Panes Calpe. For the installation, HANAFI painted on the wall and laid spices along the floor. Included are cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, peppers and cloves brought from Indonesia. “His paintings are serene and peaceful, they are very Zen,” said artist Nubia Gala, “the general reaction by the attendants is that his work should be exhibited at a museum.”
The exhibit is open to groups, schools and University students by appointment. Please call 713-528-1492 to schedule. Story of the Spices will be open to the public at the closing of the exhibit on May 18 from 12:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Katy, TX (May 12, 2016) Memorial Hermann is announcing plans to open Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear in early 2017.
The new Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear will be staffed with board-certified family medicine physicians from the Memorial Hermann Medical Group (MHMG) who will provide walk-in care for non-life-threatening health conditions. The 2,847 square-foot Urgent Care will also offer x-ray and lab services and join HEB as part of a new shopping center currently under construction at the intersection of FM 1463 and Fulshear Bend Drive.
“We’re pleased to bring this new level of care to the greater Katy area,” says Jim Parisi, Sr. Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. “Our community is growing rapidly and families need quick, safe, high quality care that’s convenient and close to home. In addition, our Urgent Care will provide an affordable entry point to the full array of healthcare services offered by Memorial Hermann.”
The new Urgent Care will offer residents of Fulshear and Katy the ease and convenience of extended medical care and will serve as an extension of a primary care physician’s office.
“The addition of Memorial Hermann Urgent Care will provide Katy, Fulshear and surrounding communities every level of care offered by Memorial Hermann,” says Jennifer Zimmerman, Vice President of Operations at Memorial Hermann Medical Group. “Medical needs don’t always fit into a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedule. Memorial Hermann Urgent Care will serve Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, Firethorne and surrounding communities with safe, affordable, convenient healthcare seven days a week.”
If your primary care physician is a member of the MHMG, your Memorial Hermann Urgent Care visit will be placed in your Memorial Hermann electronic health record. This will allow your MHMG primary care provider to easily review your Memorial Hermann Urgent Care records during any follow up appointments.
Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear will open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week for walk-in access and will be located at 5102 FM 1463, Katy, Texas, 77494.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (May 12, 2016)
WHAT: Memorial Hermann Katy hospital recently completed an $85 million expansion project to meet the needs of the growing Texas community. EarthCam’s construction camera was onsite to document the project with HD imagery from September 2014 to March 2016 and the entire process is showcased with EarthCam’s new time-lapse movie.
WHY: The new six-story, 229,000-square-foot patient tower will add capacity to multiple areas. Renovations to the existing hospital include new surgical suites, labor and delivery, an expanded emergency department and more.
HOW: Watch and share EarthCam’s hand-edited time-lapse movie of construction for the Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital expansion project.
Katy, TX (May 11, 2016) A significant traffic change is coming to the I-610 West Loop/US 290 interchange. The contractor is progressing with construction activities and crews are ready to begin work on the US 290 westbound mainlanes from I-610 to W. 34th. This requires the US 290 exit off northbound I-610 West Loop be relocated from the left side of the freeway to the right side. The exit will be temporarily placed on a portion of the ramp that will eventually connect I-10 to US 290. The switch is planned the weekend of May 13 and involves placing barrier, pavement markers and signs.
Beginning at 9 p.m., Friday, May 13, through Noon, Sunday, May 15, three alternating mainlanes will be closed on I-610 West Loop northbound from IH 10 to W. 18th Street. The traffic switch will be completed in two phases, starting with work on the outside lanes.
- The exit ramp to US 290 will remain open, along with one lane continuing to I-610 North Loop eastbound.
- I-10 Katy Freeway westbound connector to I-610 West Loop northbound will be closed. Motorists will be detoured to I-610 southbound, exit at Woodway/Memorial and U-turn to I-610 northbound.
- There will be intermittent closures on the I-610 North Loop westbound connector to US 290. Motorists will be detoured to the US 290 frontage road at the Dacoma exit and can re-enter the freeway past W. 34th.
Once the first phase is complete, crews will reopen the outside lanes and close the inside three lanes.
- The US 290 exit ramp will open in its new configuration on the right side of the freeway.
- I-610 West Loop northbound connector to I-610 North Loop eastbound will be closed. Motorists will be detoured to the W. 18th exit, continue on the frontage road and re-enter the freeway past T.C. Jester.
After completion of the traffic switch, motorists will have six lanes from I-10 to US 290 — two outside lanes exiting to US 290, three inside lanes continuing to I-610 North Loop eastbound, and a center lane exiting to W. 18th just past the US 290 exit.
We strongly encourage motorists to pay attention to these lane changes, stay alert, and watch for posted signs.
For more information, contact Karen Othon at (713) 354-1532. Follow us on Twitter @my290houston.
Courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation
Katy, TX (May 10, 2016) Today, Harris County and City of Houston officials announced the opening of Westheimer Parkway through Barker Reservoir (from FM 1093 to South Fry Road), and Clay Road through the Addicks Reservoir (from State Highway 6 to Brittmore Drive), providing some relief to heavy traffic conditions caused by those closures. The sections of those roadways that run through the stormwater detention reservoirs have been impassable due to high water for about three weeks, after torrential rainfall April 17-18 flooded west and northwest Harris County and filled the two reservoirs to record pool levels.
Since the Tax Day/April 2016 storm passed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, has been releasing a steady flow of stormwater from both flood control facilities into Buffalo Bayou in a concerted effort to lower water levels in the reservoirs. This has resulted in the pool levels in the Addicks and Barker reservoirs dropping several feet, which has removed standing water from neighborhood streets behind the Addicks Reservoir and now from Clay Road and Westheimer Parkway.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution on the newly-opened Clay Road and Westheimer Parkway as roadside ditches along both roads are full of water, and will be so for some time until the reservoir pools are substantially lower.
ONGOING ROADWAY IMPACTS
Officials with Harris County, the City of Houston, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), and the Corps Galveston District have been closely monitoring impacts from the Tax Day Storm on area roadways and public recreation facilities. The remaining roadways that run through the Addicks and Barker reservoirs that are underwater and impassable include:
Addicks Reservoir:
- State Highway 6 is closed from Clay Road to Park Row. TXDOT encourages motorists to use FM 529 as an alternate.
- The north-south North Eldridge Parkway is impassable from Dairy-Ashford to Clay Road.
- The east-west Groeschke Road is impassable from SH 6 to Barker-Cypress Road.
- Other internal roads in the reservoir, including Patterson Road, Bear Creek Drive and War Memorial Street, are impassable.
- All recreational facilities are closed.
Barker Reservoir:
- South Barker-Cypress Road from Westheimer Parkway to FM 1093 is impassable.
- All recreational facilities are closed.
Officials say sections of SH 6 and North Eldridge Parkway that have been closed for weeks should be open to traffic by this weekend, as water in Addicks Reservoir recedes from the roadways. The section of South Barker-Cypress that has been closed through the Barker Reservoir should be open sometime next week. Transportation officials will monitor conditions on those major roadways closely, and will only reopen them after they have been inspected and deemed safe for the travelling public.
NOTE: Residents should be aware that all road openings are subject to change if there is additional rainfall in north/northwest Harris County. Rainfall runoff from areas upstream of Addicks and Barker could increase the reservoirs’ water levels and cause water to again submerge roadways that run through them. It will be several weeks before both reservoirs have drained all stormwater from the Tax Day Storm, and additional rainfall will lengthen that process.
BUFFALO BAYOU IMPACTS
To expedite the emptying of the reservoirs, the Corps Galveston District has increased stormwater releases to Buffalo Bayou by as much as double the normal release rates, which has caused Buffalo Bayou to flow several feet higher than normal from State Highway 6 through downtown Houston. These bayou levels have been significantly lower than the water levels on Buffalo Bayou during the April 17-18 flood.
Public recreation areas along Buffalo Bayou downstream of the dams that are being impacted by increased releases include the low-lying areas in Harris County Precinct 3’s Terry Hershey Park, which is located along Buffalo Bayou from State Highway 6 to the West Sam Houston Tollway, and Buffalo Bayou Park on Buffalo Bayou between Shepherd and Allen’s Landing just west of downtown. Property owners along the bayou will also notice the higher levels.
Park users and residents who live along the bayou are urged to use caution when venturing into those parks and all areas along the bayou’s banks, as there will be higher than usual bayou levels for the next several weeks:
- From State Highway 6 to Piney Point Road the bayou may be up to 5 to 6 feet above normal release levels and some low-lying trails in Terry Hershey Park will have water on them.
- From Piney Point Road to Loop 610, the bayou may be up to 4 to 5 feet above normal release levels.
- From Loop 610 to downtown, the bayou may be up to 3 to 4 feet above normal release levels and there could be water in low-lying sections of Buffalo Bayou Park.
SAFETY ALERT: RESIDENTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE OR WALK INTO HIGH WATER ON STREETS; NOR TO BOAT OR SWIM ON BUFFALO BAYOU, OR ANY BAYOU OR CREEK FOR THAT MATTER. BAYOU AND CREEK WATER LEVELS ARE HIGH THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND THEIR CURRENTS ARE SWIFT AND DANGEROUS.
ABOUT THE RESERVOIRS
Constructed in the 1940s, both reservoirs are normally kept dry to preserve their overall capacity to impound storm water and reduce flood levels in Buffalo Bayou. When a rain event occurs, the gates are closed on the Addicks and Barker dams to reduce flooding below the reservoirs. When the downstream runoff has receded to non-damaging stages, reservoir operations resume, the gates are opened, and water is released.
GRAPHIC BELOW ILLUSTRATES WATER FLOW BEHIND THE RESERVOIRS; AND WATER RELEASES INTO BUFFALO BAYOU
The process of determining the possibility for a release and the amount of a release is a constant process. If the forecast calls for rain, there are no releases. If the forecast is clear skies and the prediction for rain is zero, the Corps begins releasing stormwater. Anything in between increases the difficulty in making that decision.
For information about the Addicks and Barker Reservoir operations, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District at 409-766-6377. For current Addicks and Barker Reservoir water levels and current water levels along Buffalo Bayou go to www.harriscountyfws.org
To learn more about the Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Program, or for more news and information about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston.
About the Harris County Flood Control District
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.
Courtesy of Harris County Flood Control District
Katy, TX (May 9, 2016) The British International School of Houston (BISH) is now accepting applications to award two rising Grade 11/Year 12 students a full-tuition scholarship to its International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme beginning in the 2016-17 academic year. Each scholarship, good for two years of study, is valued at more than $55,000.
The application deadline is May 26. For more details and to apply, visit the BISH website.
Over the past three years, examination scores for BISH students in the IB Diploma Programme have placed them in the top 3 percent in the world, the top 1 percent in the United States and first in Texas and Houston. BISH credits these successful outcomes to its highly personalized learning and interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages students to be ambitious.
The IB Programme is widely recognized worldwide as the most rigorous course of study currently available to students aged 16 to 19. Leading universities praise IB graduates for their critical thinking, communication and research skills, intellectual curiosity and global perspectives.
“The IB program is a good fit for our style of learning at Johns Hopkins University, because research is at our core,” said Adam Ortiz, assistant director of admissions during a recent presentation about the IB program hosted by BISH and featuring Dr. Siva Kumari, director general of the International Baccalaureate Organization®.
“Success in an IB program correlates well with success at Harvard,” added Marilyn McGrath Lewis, assistant dean of admissions. “We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Program on the transcript. GPA is not nearly as important a factor in university admission as the IB Diploma.”
The IB Programme encourages students to think independently and challenge assumptions. Students take courses in various subject areas, conduct research and engage in community service. Curriculum details are at ibo.org.
BISH will award the IB Programme scholarships to two highly motivated students, at least 15 years of age, who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and independent thinking, respect for other views and a desire to make a difference in the world.
About the British International School of Houston
The British International School of Houston, a Nord Anglia Education school, is a private international school catering to the needs of local and international students from Early Years through Grade 12. The school will move to a brand new 270,000 sq. ft. facility this summer, conveniently located off Texas Interstate I-10 at Westgreen and Franz, between the Energy Corridor and Katy. This state-of-the-art campus sits on 33-acres with world-class facilities for 2,000 students including modern learning spaces, numerous science labs, design technology labs, an aquatic center, extensive sports facilities and a performing arts center. The school offers a challenging, broad course of study that culminates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB). For more information on the British International School of Houston, visit www.bishouton.org, call 713.290.9025 or email admissions@houston.nae.school.
Our international curriculum is designed to inspire, motivate and engage students to take control of their own learning. Our personalized approach is designed to offer just the right balance of challenge and support so that every student makes exceptional progress.
Courtesy of British International School of Houston
Katy, TX (May 3, 2016) Get moving, keep learning and live healthier are just some of the goals of the YMCA’s annual nationwide Healthy Kids Day. This year several volunteers from Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann helped make the event a success at three Houston area locations.
The group helped support Healthy Kids Day at the Vic Coppinger Family YMCA in Pearland, the Langham Creek Family YMCA in Houston and the Lake Houston Family YMCA. Each location represents a different region served my Memorial Hermann.
The event featured games, entertainment, fitness challenges and health screenings. The event also provided opportunities for kids to register for the YMCA’s many summer programs like day camp, youth sports and swim lessons.
“We are grateful to partner with an organization like Memorial Hermann that encourages their employees to volunteer with the YMCA of Greater Houston,” said Charlotte Vargo, healthy living director, Langham Creek Family YMCA. “As childhood obesity and other chronic illnesses increase, we can be assured that Memorial Hermann supports the YMCA’s focus areas in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”
Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann, which currently includes more than 400 leaders from throughout the Memorial Hermann Health System, was formed in 2015 to inspire, engage and develop exceptional leaders within the organization. “Strong leadership is vital to the success of any business and is absolutely essential in our ever-changing healthcare environment,” said Erin Asprec, Regional President of Memorial Hermann and co-founder of the Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann. “As one of the key tenets of Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann, our work with the community has led to a wonderful partnership with the YMCA providing our members with a unique volunteer opportunity to serve our community outside the walls of our facilities.”
You can learn more about the ongoing partnership between Memorial Hermann and the YMCA at, http://www.memorialhermann.org/services-specialties/ymca-partnership/.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (May 2, 2016) Rafael Moncayo, M.D., a board certified family medicine physician, recently joined the Memorial Hermann Medical Group (MHMG) Firethorne in Katy.
Dr. Moncayo received his medical degree from Universidad Industrial de Santander in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and completed his residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Houston.
He is fluent in Italian and Spanish and provides highly personalized care for patients age 6 to adult. Among the many conditions he treats, his special interests include diabetes, hypertension and dementia.
Dr. Moncayo joins family nurse practitioner Angela Leslie, MSN, RN, FNP-C, as part of the Memorial Hermann Medical Group Firethorne. He is seeing patients at 2750 FM 1463, Suite 100, Katy, TX 77494.
Appointments may be scheduled by calling 832-658-3010, or online through ScheduleNow at mhmg.memorialhermann.org.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (April 26, 2015) Last night during their monthly meeting, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees selected the namesakes for Elementary School No. 40, Junior High No. 15 and High School No. 8, which will open in fall 2017, thanks to the 2014 voter-approved bond program.
The Board unanimously voted to name Elementary School No.40, located in the Young Ranch Subdivision, after Robert and Felice Bryant. Robert began his career in Katy ISD in 1983 as director of bands and fine arts department chair for Katy High School before being promoted to executive director of fine arts for Katy ISD in 2000. During his tenure he was named the 2006 Texas Tech University Distinguished Educator, the 2007-2008 Texas Music Administrator of the Year, and the recipient of the 2015 Jacob L. and Sophia Meyer Farb School Bell Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education, among other awards. His wife Felice devoted 24 years teaching kindergarten and first grade students in Katy ISD, and was named the Katy Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1997. She also served as a Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success (KEYS) Mentor and continues to impact students after her retirement through tutoring and mentorship. Together this couple dedicated nearly 60 years of service to Katy ISD schools.
The Board also named Junior High No.15, located at 4777 Peek Road, in honor of the Stockdick family who have contributed to public education in Katy for more than a century. In 1895, the Stockdick family was among one of the first families to arrive in Katy and played an instrumental role in opening a one-room schoolhouse on what is now known as Stockdick School Road. Since then, several generations of Stockdicks have attended Katy ISD schools and have served as teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators and board members. They have also devoted countless hours as volunteers in our schools.
The Board also voted to name High School No.8, located at 23111 Stockdick School Road, in remembrance of Patricia E. Paetow, a lifelong educator who dedicated nearly 30 years to Katy ISD before losing her battle to cancer in July 2015. Mrs. Peatow began her career in Katy ISD in 1987 as an educational diagnostician. She then spent the next three decades working in different capacities, including assistant principal, principal, and director of campus administration and support, before retiring as Katy ISD’s assistant superintendent of administrative support. During her tenure, she led Wolfe Elementary to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education for the 1989-1990 school year, and opened Betty Sue Creech Elementary in 2000.
Katy ISD’s namesakes have more than just years of education experience. Living namesakes and their families mentor our students, participate in community projects, and volunteer their time and resources to continue to make Katy ISD the leader in educational excellence.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (April 28, 2016) I wanted to go ahead and send you an update on flood recovery options. As the waters recede, we are getting better information on how to receive assistance.
FEMA Disaster Assistance: The President has declared a major disaster for Harris County. If you are a home or business owner who suffered loss in HARRIS County during the April floods, please register for assistance by calling or visiting the FEMA Disaster Assistance website.You can visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).
HoustonRecovers.org is an excellent resource, set up by the City of Houston. You can use this website to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance, Find a Red Cross Shelter, Report Flooding, Volunteer for Crisis Cleanup and many other services. This site is updated often to include the newest information and available resources.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston is compiling a comprehensive list of Churches and other faith-based entities that are offering services to the community. They also provide contact information for these entities so that you can either volunteer or receive their offered services.
211Texas/United Way have set up a Text Update with information on assistance, how to apply for services and other updates. Texas HOUSTONFLOOD to 898-211 to get these updates.
LoneStar College: Offering flood relief and other services, including Free legal services.
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services: offering free private well testing due to flooding
Faithbridge United Methodist Church: Helping Hands program will send volunteers to help with clean up.
Woodlands Church: Coordinating volunteers to go into subdivisions and help with clean up.
Prince of Peace Catholic Community: Streams of Mercy program working to help in the Houston Area
Faith Assembly Church: Convoy of Hope helping with home debris removal and repairs
Cypress United Methodist Church: Assisting with flood relief
The Foundry Church: Cypress: Cy-Hope non-profit is sending out volunteers and supplies
Transtar Traffic map for Motorists
Regional Joint Information Center
Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
We are still expecting severe weather to move through the area this week. As always, if you are needing medical assistance or water rescue, please call 911. If you need help with debris removal or other city services, you can contact Harris County 311 at houston311.org or call 713-837-0311.
I am continuing to work closely with local officials, Governor Greg Abbott, The Texas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA to ensure that our state and our friends and neighbors can have access to the resources they need.
As always, I am here to represent YOU. If you have any questions or comments, you can email me HERE.
Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing you. Please let me know if there’s anything that my office can do to be of service to you.
God bless Texas!
Mike Schofield
State Representative
House District 132
Katy & Cypress
Katy, TX (April 20, 2016) **Please assist us in finding these individuals and post a picture of the vehicle they are driving**
We have received multiple calls about people posing as firefighters going door to door in select neighborhoods advising them of an impending evacuation. ESD 48 DOES NOT have any crews going door to door in any neighborhood within our district and as of 5pm (4/19/16) we have not issued any evacuation orders. I have attached a graphic with our official department patch which is easily recognizable by the prominent 48 at the base of the patch. If anyone wearing a fire department shirt without the attached patch advises you of any emergency orders, please gather their name and ask which department they are with if you feel it is safe to do so. If you can write down a description or get a picture of them, their vehicle and/or license plate, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (713) 221-6000 is investigating these reports and could use your help. It is not uncommon during large scale disasters for scammers to use false emergency evacuations as a method to get people to leave their home unattended. We are in constant contact with Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and should water levels rise and an evacuation be necessary, we will send out an emergency alert via Nextdoor to the affect area and will also post on our other social platforms. You can assist us by getting your friends and neighbors to join Nextdoor and/or invite them follow us on Facebook and Twitter at the links below. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HCESD48/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HCESD_48_Fire Thank you and stay safe out there!
HCE SD 48 Territory
Courtesy of Harris County Emergency Services District #48 Fire/EMS
Katy, TX (April 14, 2016) Scores of transplant patients recently gathered at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC) to celebrate their health and thank the organ donors who made it possible for them to be there.
In honor of National Donate Life Month, Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-TMC (HVI) hosted its first ever “Celebrating the Gift” event for more than 140 heart transplant patients and their families in a show of appreciation for those who give the gift of life.
Every April, organ procurement organizations across the United States hold celebrations to honor the legacies of organ, eye and tissue donors whose unselfish gifts saved the lives of others. The ceremony at HVI marked the start of an annual tradition by the Institute to emphasize the life-giving nature of organ donation.
In Texas, there are 13,000 people awaiting organ transplants, according to LifeGift, and 819 lives were saved last year across the organization’s regions.
“This is really about the donors. This is really about the people who through their love of mankind and their desire to help others, let their families know or let someone know that if they ever die an untimely death, they would want their spirit of selflessness to move on,” said Elizabeth Mosele, social work manager at HVI.
In an emotional ceremony in the waiting room of the Center for Advanced Heart Failure at HVI, transplant recipients wiped tears from their face as they shared their deeply personal stories about long illnesses, organ failures and the gifts from strangers that gave them a fresh chance at life.
James DeGarmo, who recently received a lung transplant as part of the Center for Advanced Heart Failure’s newly launched Lung Transplant Program, said he was beyond grateful for the new organ and that he feels an obligation to live his life to the fullest in honor of his donor.
“It’s been my goal to give the donor’s family the best treatment of the gift they gave me,” he said. “I’m so grateful for them.”
Not all transplant recipients get the opportunity to meet the relatives of their organ donors, but for those who are able to connect, the bonds they create are extremely special and can last a lifetime.
Jimmie Brooks Bolton, 75, attended the ceremony with his donor’s mother, Karen Morales. The two first connected not long after Bolton received her son’s heart, and they have grown close since, meeting each other’s families and forging an instant kinship.
“All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you,” Bolton said at the ceremony. “It’s made my life possible. It’s made it possible for me to hold my grandchildren, hold my great-grandchildren, and continue with my life. All I can say is thank you.”
At the close of the ceremony, transplant recipients recited a pledge thanking organ donors and were given long-stemmed red roses to hand to their donor families or, if they hadn’t connected with their donor families, to another person for whom they were grateful.
Morales walked away with a bouquet of flowers from recipients in the room expressing their appreciation for her son’s gift. “I’m just so thankful that I was able to fulfill my son’s wishes,” she said.
Learn more information about Memorial Hermann’s transplant program, or register to become a donor through Donate Life Texas.
View more photos of the ceremony here.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (April 6, 2016) The TIRR Memorial Hermann junior Hotwheels team – the defending champion of last year’s National Wheelchair Basketball Association national tournament – along with the adult Hotwheels team, are heading to Louisville, Ky., hoping to bring back national titles to Houston.
The TIRR Memorial Hermann junior Hotwheels team enters this year’s tournament ranked third in their division. The adult Hotwheels team is ranked No. 1 going into the tournament with an eye on the national title after finishing in sixth place last year.
“We’re very proud of our teams and the way they represent TIRR Memorial Hermann across the country,” says Carl Josehart, Sr. Vice President and CEO, TIRR Memorial Hermann. “We want them to know the entire TIRR family and city of Houston is behind them and we look forward to celebrating two National Championships this year.”
The junior Hotwheels open play in the Varsity Divison Thursday, April 7, at 9:00 a.m. CST, against the Seattle Junior Sonics. In Division III, the adult Hotwheels play their first game Thursday at 11:00 a.m. CST against the winner of an earlier game between the Music City Lightning and the Shepherd Stealers.
The championship games will be broadcast LIVE at www.nwba.org. The Varsity Division championship will be broadcast Saturday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m. CST and the Division III championship game will be broadcast Sunday, April 10 at 9:00 a.m. CST.
You can also find LIVE updates on the TIRR Memorial Hermann Facebook page.
Courtesy of the Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (March 24, 2016) The fourth annual Books Alive! Luncheon Fundraiser, graciously sponsored by and held at Bonefish Grill LaCenterra, brought many civic and arts minded folks from the Katy community together to bring awareness to the importance of the arts, and in particular, Books Alive’s niche of literacy through the arts. Books Alive! is a local Katy professional theatre troupe producing original musical theatre productions of children’s literature on tour to schools, hospitals, and libraries throughout the greater Houston area. By bringing “the page to the stage,” Books Alive! teaches literacy through the arts and often provides children’s first live theatrical experience. This annual luncheon historically provides more than 10% of their annual budget.
Kristin Miller, Program Director of Noyes Fine Arts Foundation Book Bash, emceed the event featuring performances of musical numbers from Books Alive productions and Keynote Speaker, Fatima Donaldson. Donaldson, the Past President of Katy’s own ARTReach and owner of FALA Creative, is a fierce supporter of the arts and spoke eloquently on the Abiltiy of the Arts to Change Lives.
Bonefish Grill greatly values participating in the communities it serves and demonstrates that commitment through it’s partnership with Books Alive! by sponsoring this annual luncheon for the past four years and donating 100% of the luncheon proceeds. In an effort to recognize individuals and businesses that invest in the growth and excellence of the Katy community, Bonefish Grill introduced the Backbone of Katy Award. This monthly award will be given to community members who have made a difference and recognizes their extraordinary contributions. The inaugural award was presented to Fatima Donaldson at the luncheon. In turn, the award recipient is tasked with identifying and nominating fellow community supporters to receive the next monthly award. Each recipient receives a Backbone of Katy plaque and an all expenses paid dinner for 8 at Bonefish Grill to celebrate their recognition.
Kristin Miller, Brett and Fatima Donaldson, Katrina and Matt Katsarelis
Books Alive! is presented by the Book Bash program under the Noyes Fine Arts Foundation. Public performances are announced on their website at www.nfaf.org. Sponsorship and gifting opportunities allow the program to reach more underserved or children at risk audiences throughout our area. For more information, contact Kristin Miller at bookbashkaty@yahoo.com.
Courtesy of Book Bash Program and Noyes Fine Arts Foundation
Katy, TX (March 24, 2016) The signature roadway to Katy’s newest master-planned community, Cane Island Parkway, now is accessible from Interstate 10 in both directions with the opening of the Cane Island Parkway/I-10 interchange less than four miles west of the Grand Parkway.
Now open from I-10 east and west, the four-lane, tree-lined Cane Island Parkway is currently open to Highway 90 where motorists can take a short detour to enter the Cane Island master-planned community via First Street. A crossover at Highway 90, providing direct access into the community from Cane Island Parkway, is currently under construction.
“The ability to access I-10 from Cane Island Parkway is certainly one of the community’s chief selling points,” notes Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities, developer of Cane Island. “The Cane Island Parkway exit is now less than a half mile to our main entrance.
For directions to Cane Island and to sign up for e-mail updates from the community, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow the community at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Courtesy of Cane Island
Katy, TX (March 9, 2016) Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, Houston’s first community hospital designed, built and equipped exclusively for children, has proudly served the west Houston area for five years. Since opening their doors in 2011, West Campus has provided more than 750,000 patient encounters in one of the fastest growing pediatric communities.
Upholding Texas Children’s mission of providing the highest-quality health care for children, West Campus is continuing to expand their services to meet the growing needs of their patients. Some of the most recent highlights include the opening of the state-of-the-art special isolation unit, which is the only one of its kind in Texas and the Southwest region, and the activation of the hospital’s helipad that allows all helicopter services in southeast Texas to bring patients directly to West Campus. The hospital is also currently undergoing a three-year, $50 million expansion effort that includes projects that will add a new inpatient capacity of 42 total beds, double operative capacity, substantially increase access to outpatient subspecialty care with the addition of more than 25 new exam rooms, and construct a dedicated interventional radiology suite for high fidelity image guided procedures.
To learn more about the exciting things happening at West Campus from the hospital’s leadership team, click here to view the video.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (March 8, 2016) Following an extensive nationwide search that included both internal and external candidates, the Memorial Hermann Health System Board announced today the appointment of Benjamin K. Chu, M.D., MPH, MACP as President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, effective June 2016. Dr. Chu – a well-respected, national thought leader in the health care industry – brings to Memorial Hermann an accomplished, four-decade long career as a physician, administrator and policy advocate.
Dr. Chu will succeed current president and CEO Dan Wolterman, who has impressively and passionately led Memorial Hermann for 17 years.
Dr. Chu currently serves as the executive vice president of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan, Inc., and Group President of Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Georgia regions. He directs health plan and hospital operations for 14 hospitals and 237 medical offices, serving more than 4.5 million members in Southern California and Georgia. Dr. Chu, who also serves on the organization’s national executive team, has helped set the short and long-term strategies of Kaiser Permanente, one of America’s leading healthcare providers and not-for-profit health plans, with an emphasis on quality and patient safety, physician integration and population health.
“Ben is a proven leader with extensive national experience and a demonstrated ability to elevate an organization to the next level,” said Will Williams, Memorial Hermann Board Chair. “We are confident he will be able to continue our mission of advancing health in Southeast Texas.”
The complexity and size of an organization like Memorial Hermann called for a thoughtful and thorough selection process.
According to Williams, “After a comprehensive search that included strong and capable internal candidates, the decision to appoint Ben as the new president and CEO came down to his exceptional experience. That, along with his remarkable career, passion for people and commitment towards patient-centered care, is what makes Ben the right leader at the right time, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Memorial Hermann family.”
In his career with Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Chu focused on quality, patient safety and service delivery resulting in a number of national accolades. He effectively implemented a fully-integrated electronic health record system and population health management tools in the Southern California Region and helped expand Kaiser Permanente’s health plan membership to 10.5 million for the entire program. Notably, he also successfully managed a multi-year, $13 billion capital program.
Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Chu was president of New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest public hospital system in the country. In 1994, he was acting commissioner of health for the New York City Department of Health.
Dr. Chu also has experience as an academic health center leader, serving as senior associate dean at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. At New York University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Dr. Chu was associate dean and vice president for Clinical Affairs. As a policy advocate, Dr. Chu was a Robert Wood Johnson Policy Fellow, working as the legislative assistant for health for New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley. In 2014, Dr. Chu, who gained a national profile in health policy, was elected chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees, becoming the top elected official who represents America’s hospitals and health systems.
“I’ve admired the success of Memorial Hermann from a distance and have always been impressed with its forward-thinking strategies, including the transformation from a hospital-centric system to one that is based on patient-centered care,” said Dr. Chu. “I’m deeply humbled and honored to join the System and look forward to building upon Dan’s legacy and continuing the journey he started to make Memorial Hermann a high reliability organization, focused on population health.”
Officially retiring Aug. 1, Wolterman will work with Dr. Chu over the course of the coming months to effectively transition his role.
Wolterman joined Memorial Hermann in 1999 and was promoted to CEO in 2002. Known for his passion for creating solutions to increase access to care for the underserved and uninsured, he spearheaded the creation of the Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation. His tenure as CEO has seen Memorial Hermann achieve year-over-year double-digit growth, ascend to the largest not-for-profit health system in Southeast Texas and one of the largest in the country, while expanding to 13 hospitals with more than 24,000 employees and 5,500 affiliated physicians. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, the System’s flagship hospital, is home to the country’s busiest Level I trauma center and is the primary teaching hospital for McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
Dr. Chu’s appointment as president and CEO marks the first time in Memorial Hermann’s history a physician will be leading the System. The move is indicative of the changing landscape in healthcare where the successful future of the industry relies on the true integration of provider and physicians, according to Williams.
“Physician integration is a key tenant of Memorial Hermann’s operations. For two consecutive years, Memorial Hermann has led the country’s most successful Accountable Care Organization (ACO), and has been at the forefront of practicing innovative, evidence-based medicine to better manage populations, improve outcomes and deliver value for the healthcare dollar,” said Williams.
While Dr. Chu has nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, he began his career as a primary care internist in Brooklyn, New York.
“I am first and foremost a clinician who became an administrator because I wanted to change our healthcare delivery system to a markedly more effective outcome-oriented, patient-centric model,” said Dr. Chu.
Dr. Chu earned his medical degree at New York University, his master’s degree in public health from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University. He is married to artist Donna Moylan and has three adult children.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (March 7, 2016) The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show presented by Irish Day Farm (www.pinoak.org) has announced that a horse drawing by Angelina Flack, 13 and a resident of Austin, has been selected for this year’s official Pin Oak Charity Horse Show T-shirt.
Chris Tresten, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show board chair, Pin Oak competitor, sponsor, and volunteer started the ArtReach program at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in 1997 when she was president of the Horse Show. She loves art classes and wanted to bring this activity to children who are receiving care at Texas Children’s Hospital while living at RMH. Tresten leads ArtReach several times throughout the year where the program yields a collection of beautiful horse art. Angelina received a basket full of goodies, toys and, of course, a blue ribbon for her art that will now be transformed into the official show T-shirt.
Angelina was diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe. Having an end-stage lung disease that requires a double-lung transplant to save her life, Angelina and her mother temporarily relocated to Ronald McDonald House in Houston in October 2014 when Angelina was placed on the transplant waiting list.
“Pin Oak enjoys being so much more than a horse show because we engage with our charities throughout the year,” explained Tresten. “It has been a gift to me to see these children smile, to draw horses, and forget the diseases they are battling for just a couple of hours.”
Angelina’s mom tells Chris that the events and activities provided at Ronald McDonald House are wonderful distractions from this overwhelming challenge in the lives of sick children.
The official 2016 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show T-shirt will be available for sale in the Pin Oak Boutique during the horse show and online. The T-shirt will be available in youth and adult sizes for a price of $15.00.
More About The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is an awarding-winning equestrian athletic event featuring Olympic-level show jumping, working equitation, Hunters of varying breeds, American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos, and ponies. Sponsors of Pin Oak’s major events this year are Irish Day Farm, Walter & Oil Gas Corporation, The Hildebrand Fund, West Point Lincoln and West Point Buick GMC, MaxBowl Centers, Bluebonnet Farms, August Pines Farms, and Valobra Master Jewelers.
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show was founded in Houston in 1945 and is now recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious horse shows in the country. As one of Houston’s most unique social and fundraising events, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised more than $7 million for its designated charities: Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Texas Children’s Hospital, and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance.
In 1947, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show made the first donation to jumpstart what is now Texas Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from the horse show benefit Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Texas Children’s Hospital, and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance. The show attracts thousands of competitors and horses over the two-week period.
Most events are free and open to the public. Admission for Grand Prix events is $10 for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information on sponsorships, membership, volunteering, or securing general admission tickets for Grand Prix events, please visit www.pinoak.org or call the Pin Oak office at 713-621-6290. Please also follow Pin Oak on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Mobile App Powered by Shyne Energy.
Courtesy of Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
Katy, TX (February 29, 206) Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital commemorated the extra special birthday of four babies delivered on Feb. 29 with a special surprise to celebrate the occasion that happens just once every four years. Each newborn who arrived on Leap Day received a hooded bath towel decorated with a frog, the unofficial symbol of Leap Year. Memorial Hermann Katy would like to congratulate the proud parents of all the little “leaplings” born this year! These babies won’t officially turn one until Feb. 29, 2020. For more information on Memorial Hermann Katy, call 281.644.7000 or visit http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/katy/.
Leo Gong, 8:25 a.m., 6 lbs, 14 oz Avraj Singh, 9:37 a.m., 9 lbs, 12 oz
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Katy
Katy, TX (February 29, 2016) Hospitals across the Memorial Hermann Health System commemorated the extra special birthdays of babies delivered on Feb. 29 with a special surprise to celebrate the occasion that happens just once every four years. Each newborn who arrived on Leap Day received a frog hat or a hooded bath towel decorated with a frog, the unofficial symbol of Leap Year. Memorial Hermann would like to congratulate the proud parents of all the little “leaplings” born today! These babies won’t officially turn one until this day in 2020.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Health System
Katy, TX (February 29, 2016) Former Katy High School and Texas Christian University standout and current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton, and his wife, Jordan, revealed ‘Andy & Jordan’s Hub’ at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus on Saturday morning.
Presented by Randalls, the ‘Hub’ is a mobile locker with iPads, notebook computers, DVD players, gaming systems and other electronics intended to help pediatric patients and their families pass time during treatment and recovery.
The Daltons introduced the ‘Hub’ at a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the reveal, the Daltons visited with patients and their families.
‘Andy & Jordan’s Hub’ is a community outreach program of the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation, whose mission is to provide seriously ill and physically challenged children and their families with daily support, resources, opportunities and life-changing experiences.
Community outreach programs of the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation receive funding through events like Fiesta & Goal. On the evening of Sunday, April 3, the Daltons will join guests for cocktails, dinner and live and silent auctions at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant to benefit the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation. For more information about the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation or Fiesta & Goal, please visit andydalton.org.
Courtesy of the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation
Katy, TX (February 29, 2016) Fort Bend County Officials along with Fort Bend Toll Road Authority and TXDOT Representatives, gathered today for the groundbreaking celebration of the long awaited FM 1093/Westpark Extension. Phase One of the project includes 4.12 miles of FM 1093 and approximately 2.5 miles of the Westpark Tollway extending from State Highway 99 to FM 1463. This phase is set to be complete by February of 2018. Phase 2 of this project includes 4.15 miles of FM 1093 extending from FM 1463 to James Lane and is scheduled be bid by the end of the year with a completion date of July 2018. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said, “This vitally needed project is finally underway. Completion will provide greatly improved traffic flow to this fast growing area of North Fort Bend County.”
Pictured L to R:Grady Mapes, TXDOT; Richard Stolleis, Fort Bend County Engineer; Jim Dannenbaum, Dannenbaum Engineering; Bill Brudnick, TXDOT; Charles Rencher, FBCTRA Director; Commissioner Precinct 3, Andy Meyers; Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert; Lance Lacour, Katy EDC; Jeff Wiley, GFBEDC; Dean Hrbacek, FBCTRA Director
Courtesy of Fort Bend County
Katy, TX (February 26, 2016) The kick-off of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo marks the start of the city’s annual weeks-long extravaganza of mutton-busting, bull-riding, star-studded concerts and, of course, world-class barbecue. Every year, more than 2.5 million people descend on NRG Park to take part in the spectacle of one of the Bayou City’s biggest events of the year. Amid the non-stop entertainment, free-flowing beer taps and heavy crowds, the Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute care team wants to remind RodeoHouston visitors how to stay safe and drive sober this season.
- Drink responsibly. Pace yourself. Know your limits and avoid consuming too many alcoholic beverages in a short period of time. There are many factors that influence your blood alcohol level, including weight and gender. But in general, men should consume no more than two drinks in the first hour and no more than one every hour afterward. Women should limit themselves to no more than one drink every hour to avoid intoxication. Have a meal beforehand, keep snacks handy while drinking, and make sure to sip on water, soft drinks or sports drinks between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
- Plan your ride. Designate a sober driver, call a cab, or plan on using a rideshare service to get to and from the rodeo grounds. Prices for ridesharing services like Uber often spike during events with heavy attendance, so be sure to incorporate the extra expense into your evening budget.
- Never drink and drive. Those who drive under the influence put themselves and others at risk. Every 51 minutes, one person in the United States dies in a motor vehicle collision involving an intoxicated driver, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Stay alert. Beware of your surroundings while navigating the rodeo grounds and parking lots. Foot traffic is especially heavy during RodeoHouston and pedestrians aren’t always paying attention. Make sure you stay aware and alert at all times. This means avoiding texting and driving, or any other possible distractions.
- Walk safely. Make sure to always cross the street at corners or crosswalks and walk on sidewalks or paths whenever possible. If you must walk in the street, stay near the edge of the road and face oncoming traffic. If you are driving, be sure to slow down and stay alert.
- Get rest. With so much to see and do, visitors often plan on attending events multiple nights in a row. Make sure you continue to get enough rest between shows. The CDC recommends adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
“The rodeo is always a fun-filled event for the entire family, but unfortunately we typically see a spike in trauma cases this time of year, usually related to intoxication,” said Dr. Samuel Prater, UTHealth emergency medicine physician and medical director of emergency services at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. “Visitors can help keep themselves and others safe by making smart choices, drinking in moderation, and handing over the keys when they’re drinking at all.”
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Centers
Katy, TX (February 26, 2016) The Noyes Fine Arts Foundation (NFAF) announces the launch of its Capital Campaign to build The Katy Grand Theatre, an initiative known as The Katy Grand Theatre Project. Founded in 2011 by fellow artists Andrew Noyes and Dr. Debbie Siebert, NFAF was established as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization intending to create a permanent center for professional quality performing arts, entertainment, and arts education in Katy, Texas. As lifelong advocates for arts, and music, and theatre professionals themselves, Noyes and Siebert tried to locate a well-appointed and affordable performance space for rent, and soon discovered Katy’s need for a state-of-the-art performance venue to fit this need. With successful theatre companies in smaller neighboring communities, Katy benefits from having its own community minded, professional quality theatre company. With a focus on producing the highest quality theatre and musical presentations tapping into community involvement, building a new venue fills that need and provides local organizations an affordable, quality option to rent.
The Katy Grand Theatre facility is designed by local architect Verret Group. Its design is a mix of modern elegant theatre with sophisticated old west flavor. Featuring a 400-seat auditorium with red velvet grand drape and seats, excellent sight lines, ample staging and loading areas, and multipurpose classroom spaces, all with cutting edge theatre technology. The overall budget for the construction and opening is estimated at $5 million dollars. This venue will bring the talented members of the community together to produce thrilling, professional quality, family entertainment. Offering concert and performing arts attractions, as well as family entertainment and performing arts training for the entire community, this destination attraction will act as an economic generator for Katy and attract visitors from Houston and the region to hundreds of annual events.
As Executive Director, Noyes brings his vast experience and network of professional artists to ensure the highest quality and overall success of NFAF programs. His performance resume includes leading roles on stage, in film, and T.V. He has been teaching and working as a production consultant for over 15 years including B.Y.U. workshops, producing and hosting a local television show, working on the Emmy Awards at Fox Studios, and as Entertainment Director for Holland America cruises. Noyes co-created Mission IMPROVible, a successful improvisation troupe. Upon arriving in Katy in 2010, he established a local team of this comedy troupe, but after struggling to locate a permanent home, the troupe folded. “Every location available was either too expensive, not suitable, or overbooked and we needed a place to call home in order for the community to be able to consistently find us. It was a difficult decision to fold, but it was also the catalyst to launching this initiative to build a permanent home for the performing arts in Katy. ”
Co-founder Dr. Debbie Siebert has her Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Voice and with her considerable resume will assume the role of Director of Education. Siebert, a mezzo-soprano, has performed with opera companies including Houston Grand Opera, Sugarland Opera, and Opera Las Vegas, and has appeared in many symphony concerts as a featured performer. Siebert is an accomplished music director for theatre productions, concerts and recitals. She arranges, composes and records music, is an accompanist for other artists, and is a veteran choir conductor. As a fierce advocate of the arts, Siebert explains “I have witnessed the performing arts uniting communities and I firmly believe The Katy Grand Theatre Project will be a strong force bringing the Katy community together to enjoy and grow in the arts.”
Andrew Noyes and Dr. Debbie Siebert
Noyes and Siebert have worked tirelessly to launch this company and acquire funding for the building project. In 2013, they successfully produced a large-scale production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, renting space at a local church. The audition announcement easily attracted a full cast and crew and, with only grass roots marketing of the event, sold out four nights of performances. Individual NFAF programs including Katy Youth Choir, Katy Youth Symphony, and Book Bash (touring children’s theatre) have been well established and performing in the Katy community by outsourcing rehearsal and performance space. Upon completion of the new state-of-the-art venue, NFAF will launch Katy Grand Theatre Presents!, a community minded Theatre Company producing full seasons of musical theatre productions, the Triple Threat Academy offering training programs for young artists interested in theatre and music, and has future plans for an adult choir and symphony.
Throughout, Noyes and Siebert have focused on the pursuit of funding for the building project. Their team has raised seed money, commissioned the architects, hired a third party to conduct a professional feasibility study, launched a professionally designed website at www.nfa.org, scouted the prime location near The Katy Mills Mall and newly announced Convention Center, expanded the Board of Directors with effective artistic and professional business leaders, and applied for federal funding.
The USDA has recently awarded The Noyes Fine Arts Foundation $3 Million dollars in guaranteed funding, to be released upon raising the first $400,000 of the overall $5 Million project, under a deadline of September 2016. With this great news, NFAF officially launched the Katy Grand Theatre Project Capital Campaign. The Fundraising Committee, chaired by Megan Comin, is planning the first annual NFAF fundraiser, the “Puttin’ on the Ritz Gala,” a black-tie event, for April 29th, 2016 at Briscoe Manor in Richmond, TX. Also scheduled is the “Let’s Make Some Noyes” clay shooting event on August 31st, 2016 at Westside Sporting Grounds in Katy. Detailed information about NFAF, its programs, tickets, and gift & naming opportunities are available on the website at www.nfaf.org or contact kgt@nfaf.org for inquiries or to request a personal presentation of all current plans.
Courtesy of the Noyes Fine Arts Foundation
Katy, TX (February 25) Harris County Emergency Services District 48 Fire Department (HCESD 48) is continuing to move ahead with plans to enhance their service and response times as the volume of calls and constant growth of the Katy area shows little sign of stopping.
HCESD 48’s plans accelerated last summer, when the district voted to form a new combination Fire Department and invited all the men and women from the West I-10 Volunteer Fire Department to join them in creating a “Fire Department of the Future.” In August of 2015, HCESD 48 was proud that almost 95 percent of the former personnel chose to follow the vision Fire Chief Jeff Hevey and the HCESD 48 Commissioners, who gladly approved 100 percent of their applications. “Currently, almost 85 percent of the former active volunteer firefighters have made the choice to put on the new HCESD 48 patch and join us on this exciting journey,” said Fire Chief Hevey. “In fact, all but one of the active founding members of the West I-10 VFD, many who have served this area for more than 30 years, chose to join HCESD 48 and help us honor their great tradition of volunteerism while simultaneously modernizing the Fire and EMS service through this new model,” Hevey added.
What You Should Know: The vision for building a “Fire Department of the Future” began 36 years ago with the original founders of West I-10, including ESD 48 Board President Marshall Kramer, who foresaw the remarkable growth Katy was destined to experience. They knew that Katy would expand and change and so their original intent of launching West I-10 VFD was to develop a Fire Department that was ready to evolve and adapt to the area’s needs. With Katy growing at such a massive rate, Chief Hevey, the ESD Commissioners and the department’s members knew some changes had to be made and they began that process last summer.
Since the August 17, 2015, transition, HCESD 48 has enhanced its service in a number of ways:
- Created and staffed full-time firefighter and three 24-hour battalion chief positions.
- Expanded our paid firefighter roster to a total 84 fire suppression personnel.
- Added to our EMS roster that now staff four ambulances for a total of 55 EMS members.
- Increased the number and scope of our volunteer roles (More active now than in July).
- Enhanced readiness in a major crisis by having almost 200 members who call HCESD 48 home with 30 of them who can call HCESD 48 their full-time career.
- Improved response times with the addition of a better positioned Station 1.
- Developed the community team model and engaged residents in new and innovative ways.
- Obtained a TCFP training facility designation (online and onsite). Training saves lives!
Courtesy of Gilbreath Communications
Katy, TX (February 8, 2016) Schmidt Funeral Home announced today that it received the Exemplary Five Star Service Award at the Annual Texas Vital Statistics Conference held recently in Austin, Texas. Schmidt was the only funeral home in the State of Texas to earn this prestigious award in 2015 and has now been a recipient of the Five Star Service Award for 11 consecutive years. The award recognizes excellence in timeliness, customer service, the application of technology, training and accuracy in filing death certificates.
According to Managing Partner Cyndi Hoots, “Our entire staff is to be congratulated for their tireless efforts in maintaining the high standards that have allowed Schmidt to be recognized as one of the premier funeral homes in Texas. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and diligence of Funeral Directors Megan Veselka and Shannon Henderson, who played a major role in Schmidt’s qualifying for this award.”
About Schmidt Funeral Home
Established in 1945 by Milton and Rachel Schmidt, Schmidt Funeral Home has been serving Katy and West Houston area families for more than 70 years by offering personalized funerals, memorial services, burial, cremation, advanced planning, and now, an on-site crematory. Schmidt Funeral Home operates two facilities in Katy, Texas: 1508 East Avenue in historic downtown Katy and our new location at 1344 West Grand Parkway South.
For more information, please visit the Schmidt Funeral Home website at www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net.
Katy, TX (February 9, 2016) During the month of February, it’s not uncommon for hearts to emerge as a recurring theme. This time of year is known as a time for sharing love and happiness with those around you and making sure everyone understands the importance of a healthy heart. The Orchard Assisted Living & Memory Care community in Katy (24802 Kingsland Blvd) is doing its part to raise awareness by partnering with the American Heart Association for a free lunch-and-learn on February 24 at 12:30-2:00 p.m. that will focus on health factors and lifestyle behaviors that best support heart health. The lunch-and-learn is open to the public and will feature a discussion with speaker Morton Fefer, called “The Seven Health Factors and Lifestyle Behaviors That Support Heart Health”. Fefer will discuss information regarding heart disease, risk factors such as smoking and drinking, as well as activities that promote good health. The presentation will conclude with a CPR demonstration and information on what to do in the event of an emergency. The Orchard specializes in person-centered care, and is excited to help share this critical information with the local community to help them live with the healthiest hearts possible.
“Millions of Americans suffer from heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular conditions every day; it is a disease that affects us all,” said James Stroud, president of The Orchard Assisted Living & Memory Care in Katy. “For many of our residents, heart disease is a part of their family or personal history, and thanks to advancements in treatment and awareness, they have been able to live a healthy and active lifestyle that was once impossible. At The Orchard we want to do our part, and by teaming up with the American Heart Association, we can continue a movement of awareness that will help prevent heart disease and change lives.”
For resident Carolyn Smith, good heart health and an active lifestyle have been a part of daily life since her own heart attack. Smith survived a heart attack in her 40s after years of not maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By making the decision to quit smoking and watch what she eats, Smith has been able to change her health for the better. Living at The Orchard has enhanced that positive lifestyle as well, with access to daily fitness classes and freshly prepared, healthy meal options. Smith has the support and environment for her to live an active lifestyle that supports heart health. As a result of the community’s person-centered care, residents like Smith are able to access tools specific to her needs, enabling her to live as fully as possible.
“Before I had my heart attack, I had never received any preventative testing or information from my doctor,” said Smith. “At that time, everyone thought women didn’t have heart attacks, and it wasn’t until I had an EKG in the emergency room that the connection was made. Thankfully, now everyone knows women are just as susceptible to heart attacks as men. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States, and by having events such as this lunch-and-learn, the word is further spread about the disease and how it can be prevented. I encourage the public to come out to this event, because knowledge is power, and it can truly make a difference in their lives.”
“The Seven Health Factors and Lifestyle Behaviors that Support Heart Health” lunch-and-learn will take place at The Orchard Assisted Living & Memory Care on February 24 at 12:30-2:00 p.m. Members of the public who would like to attend need to RSVP in advance by calling (281) 371-3000.
Courtesy of The Orchard
Katy, TX (February 8, 2016) Julie Bolton is the founder of Cheer for a Cause, a nonprofit organization that makes cheerleading a possibility for girls overcoming physical disabilities and/or whose families are experiencing economic hardship. She had just received a delivery of over 500 brand new cheerleading uniforms donated to her organization by Katy Youth Football’s cheerleading program. KYF® donated enough uniforms to outfit all of her cheerleaders for years to come. When KYF® updated their cheer uniform design last year, they chose to donate all of their surplus inventory of the previous style to Cheer for a Cause, because they provide the girls involved a chance to forget about their struggles and focus on something positive, something fun. KYF® felt a kinship with this organization, as a fellow 501(c)3 nonprofit, whose sole focus is enriching the lives of children.
Our local KYF® Cheer program teaches our area girls more than just cheerleading skills. The Cheer Committee and Coaches strive to serve as positive role models and teach their girls about giving back to the community firsthand. During the last year, KYF® Cheer also donated time to local organizations such as Lunches of Love, collected school supplies for children in need through Operation Backpack, and shared their cheer spirit by bringing cookies and cheering for our local police officers. KYF® is run entirely by unpaid volunteers, from the coaches to the Executive Board.
Courtesy of the Katy Youth Cheer Committee
Katy, TX (February 8, 2016) February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Awareness education for students is part of the Texas Education Code Section 37.0831. This week, the CRJH counseling staff will promote healthy relationships by: ?
- Providing information about healthy relationships and respect during morning announcements ?
- Wearing orange February 9, 2016 to promote respect and healthy relationships ?
- National Respect Announcement on February 12, 2016. ?
- Displaying information regarding healthy relationships throughout the school
The counselors would like to encourage parents to start having conversations with their kids about healthy relationships.
FACTS:
- 3 in 4 parents have never talked to their kids about domestic violence or sexual assault. ?
- 44 percent of all students have been in an abusive relationship by the time they graduate college. ?
- Talking about what it means to have a healthy relationship is the first step to preventing dating violence and abuse. ?
For more information/resources, please visit the following website: http://www.loveisrespect.org/
Katy, TX (February 5, 2016) Traveling on the northwest side and north side of Houston will get a lot easier and more convenient this weekend as the Texas Department of Transportation has opened the newest segments of the Grand Parkway from US 290 to IH 45 as part of the completion of Segments F-1 and F-2.
These segments span approximately 24 miles from US 290 to I-45 North, and include direct connectors from SH 99 eastbound to I-45 northbound, and I-45 southbound to SH 99 westbound. Improvements to these important roadways are critical to the region’s continued mobility and economic vitality.
Crews on Friday (February 5) began the process of moving traffic barrels and verifying the safety of all traffic movements along the two new segments of the Grand Parkway.
Drivers now have access to this newly completed roadway connecting the rapidly developing areas of Cypress, Tomball, and The Woodlands. TxDOT will be providing toll-free use of Segments F-1 and F-2 prior to tolling beginning on Monday, February 15, 2016. Thereafter, motorists can utilize a TxTAG or EZTAG to take advantage of a shorter commute.
“By providing much-needed infrastructure to keep Houston’s growing population moving, TxDOT continues its commitment to supporting economic growth and development across the Lone Star State,” said Jeff Moseley, Texas Transportation Commission Vice Chairman.
The SH 99 Grand Parkway has been in the planning stages since the early 1960s and the delivery of these newest segments was made possible through coordinated working relationships with Harris and Montgomery Counties. Construction on the project began in 2013 and is one of largest design-build projects TxDOT has undertaken. Segment G – the segment between I-45 and US 59 – will open in March.
For more information, contact the TxDOT Houston District Public Information Office at (713) 802-5076.
Katy, TX (February 4, 2016) Houston Methodist Cinco Ranch Emergency Care Center hosted 12 girl scouts from junior level troops 152015 and 152011, and nine parent chaperones on Saturday, Jan. 30.
The young women had the opportunity to tour the facility and receive hands-on lessons regarding blood pressure testing, various pediatric treatments, stroke, radiology, and other emergency services. Baystar EMS welcomed the girls to view the back of an ambulance, with one scout pretending to be a patient on a gurney.
“We were proud to guide the girls through this exciting and important exercise, and to be part of their journey to earn their First Aid Legacy Badge,” said Ike Akanu, nurse manager of the emergency care center. “Our facility is new to this community and we are honored to partner with our neighbors.”
Katy, TX (February 4, 2016) The Katy Family YMCA kicked off its Annual Campaign on January 28 to help raise funds that will provide scholarships to local youth, teen, families, and seniors. Last year this effort raised $457,000 to benefit over 5,000 people in our community. Each of the 36 YMCAs across the greater Houston area work together to meet the $7.6 million goal.
The kick-off event, which was held at Noah’s Event Venue, also served as a Turkey Dash sponsor appreciation reception. The 13th annual Thanksgiving Day race held last November raised almost $208,000 which goes toward the Katy Y’s 2016 Annual Campaign goal. Networking, dinner, and a program illustrating the Y’s impact on the Katy community were highlights of the evening. Speakers included Sidney Evans, Senior Advisor – Business Affairs, from the Turkey Dash’s Presenting Sponsor, Reliant, an NRG company. Other featured speakers were Katy Y Board Chairman Steve Pierson, Board Annual Campaign Chair David Ruzicka, Capital Campaign Chair Dr. Leonard Merrell as well as two scholarship recipients who voiced their appreciation to donors.
YMCA of Greater Houston association volunteers united more than 10,000 individual, corporate, and foundation donors as a part of last year’s campaign. They raised more than $7.2 million to support efforts at YMCAs throughout the Houston area.
Dollars raised will serve thousands of people in programs like child care, swim lessons, day camp, active older adults, sports and more. The donations provide Houston-area families opportunities to spend quality time together and equip children with skills for the future. One hundred percent of the money raised throughout the campaign stays within the local community.
“With the generosity of those in the community, we can continue to serve our neighbors by providing educational and healthy experiences for all, regardless of a person’s ability to pay,” said Brian Haines, YMCA of Greater Houston Vice-President of Operations.
To pledge a gift, volunteer, or to find out more about the YMCA Annual Campaign, contact Connie Stirgus at 281-392-5055 or visit ymcahouston.org/donate.
Katy, TX (February 3, 2016) Want to check out something from the library, but don’t always carry your library card with you? Now patrons at Fort Bend County Libraries can use their smartphone to take a picture of their library barcode and use that picture to check out items at the library’s checkout desk!
Barcode scanners with the capability to read images have been installed at all checkout desks in the library system. These new barcode scanners are able to read the barcode from a picture taken with any type of smartphone. The barcode image on the smartphone must be clear and able to be read horizontally by the scanner. The picture should be taken directly over the card – not at an angle – and must not show any glare over the barcode.
“These days, when so many people carry their smartphones with them wherever they go, this new ability to check out items from the library simply by displaying their smartphone with an image of their barcode brings an added element of convenience for our patrons,” says Library Director Clara Russell.
The new barcode scanners are also able to read the actual library card, so patrons may choose to use the new technology to scan their own card, as well as the image of their card, themselves.
For more information, call the library system’s Public Information Office at 281-633-4734, or ask at any of the libraries in the Fort Bend County library system.
Katy, TX (February 1, 2016) Memorial Hermann, continuing its effort to help close the behavioral and mental health resource gap in the greater Houston region, recently opened its third and most centrally located Mental Health Crisis Clinic.
The new clinic at 4850 West Bellfort, is located in Meyerland’s Meyer Park Shopping Center and joins two other Memorial Hermann Mental Health Crisis Clinics located in Humble and Spring Branch.
“Our strategy in determining where to locate our clinics is based on opening access points to people in need of mental healthcare services throughout the Houston/Harris County region,” said Theresa Fawvor, Associate Vice President of Behavioral Health Services for Memorial Hermann. “We realize the need for mental health services in our community is great, and we’re trying to address this underserved need with our clinics.
“We expect the Meyerland location to serve a large population with its proximity to southeast, southwest, and central parts of Houston,” Fawvor continued, adding that the location is in close proximity to Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Southwest, and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land hospitals. “Anyone with a mental health need, whether they are insured or uninsured, is welcome to visit our crisis clinics.”
The clinic is staffed with a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, social worker, and other patient care personnel. With the clinic’s focus being on non-traditional access to a psychiatric, multi-disciplinary team, its operating days and hours are Monday-Friday, 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
In 2015, the Memorial Herman Psychiatric Response Team performed more than 8,170 consultations at all Memorial Hermann locations and more than 6,200 in 2014. The evaluations found increasingly complicated co-occurring medical and psychiatric disorders, few available inpatient psychiatric beds, even fewer inpatient options to treat complex co-occurring disorders, and limited outpatient services to meet patient needs.
The Meyer Park location, like the other clinics, is designed to fill these unmet needs by providing rapid access to initial psychiatric treatment and outpatient multi-disciplinary services to patients with no immediate access to mental health care.
“Many people with mental health needs are all too often confined to the Harris County jail, so key goals of the crisis clinics are to keep individuals healthy and safe, develop processes and interventions to manage challenging behaviors, and to reduce improper hospitalization or incarceration,” added Fawvor.
Services provided by the Mental Health Crisis Clinic can include, but are not limited to:
- Multiple psychosocial assessments and medical history assessments
- Emergency medication administration
- Short-term prescriptions
- Connecting the patient to a more permanent medical home and outpatient psychiatric treatment
- Social services
“We want our clinics to be an additional resource in the community that will direct people to the appropriate setting and level of care,” Fawvor said. “Those in need of care can literally walk in and have immediate access to psychiatric providers and clinical social workers prepared to serve them if they or a family member are experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Memorial Hermann used years of data from the System’s emergency rooms, as well as useful input from law enforcement, personal care homes, consumer representatives, other area psychiatric hospitals, and public and private community behavioral health services providers to identify locations for its clinics. With the third clinic now open, Memorial Hermann is able to provide around-the-clock access to mental health services.
The Crisis Clinic initiative is one of nine Memorial Hermann-sponsored Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) projects aimed at transforming health care. Overall, DSRIP goals include better care for individuals, better health for the population, and lower cost through process improvement.
Memorial Hermann is part of Region 3’s Southest Texas Regional Healthcare Partnership anchored by Harris Health System, and includes Austin, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Matagorda, Waller, and Wharton counties.
In addition to the Crisis Clinics, the other Memorial Hermann DSRIP projects addressing the gap in the mental and behavioral health care services include Psychiatric Response Case Management and Psychiatric Home Health Services.
For more information call 713.338.MHCC (6422) or email: askmhcc@memorialhermann.org.
Katy, TX (January 29, 2016) Earlier this month, United Airlines’ North Houston Contact Center Leadership team took time to deliver Adventure Bears to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Forty-eight “Ben Flyin” Bears will be donated to children as they undergo outpatient procedures, visit the Emergency Center or are admitted to the hospital.
Additionally, a new neighbor recently gave back to the hospital. Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on Highland Knolls presented a $1,000 check to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary. The funds will be used to support hospital patients and staff.
Thank you to these generous organizations for giving back to their community!
For more information about Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, call 281.644.7000 or visit www.memorialhermann.org/katy.
Katy, TX (January 26, 2015)
Dear Katy ISD Parents, Guardians and Community Members,
You may be aware of recent changes in Texas law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, regarding carrying firearms in open view in some locations. We would like to reassure you that Katy ISD has never allowed handguns or other prohibited weapons to be carried into any of our campuses or school facilities.
We would also like to assure you that the safety of your child is our top priority, and we are taking every precaution to keep them out of harm’s way.
School grounds have been considered “gun-free” zones under the federal Gun-Free Schools Act that was enacted more than 20 years ago. Texas law also does not permit handguns or certain other weapons to be taken into any school buildings or carried anywhere that school-sponsored activities are taking place. Handguns and firearms are not allowed at any school-sponsored activities, regardless of whether the events or activities take place on or off school property or on school passenger vehicles like school buses.
District officials are continuing to review the new Open Carry Law, and we will keep you informed regarding the implementation of this new law in Katy ISD. You can also view our FAQs online for more information.
Meanwhile, should you see any suspicious activity on or around your child’s campus or anywhere in the district, please call Katy ISD police at 281-237-4000 (24 hours a day) or call 911. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Parent & Patron Assistance Center (PPAC) at (281) 396-2441.
Katy ISD
Katy’s New World Theater will be holding auditions for the Katy’s Got Talent Contest. The contest is open to all ages. Prizes will be awarded!
Auditions will be held at the World Theatre, 1012 South Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77450. Initial auditions will begin on January 30th.
There are three ways to register:
- On-line at www.worldtheater.us
- Email worldoftheatertexas@gmail.com
- Call 832-552-5115
Stop Hunger Now is a nonprofit organization that works to end World Hunger by delivering meals, building hospitals, irrigation systems, wells, and much more in developing countries.
Wahibah Hannan and Huma Baig, juniors at Mayde Creek High School, are organizing a meal packaging event at their school. Wahibah has spent three months raising funds that are needed to pay for the food to pack the meals; $1,000 of which she saved herself.
On Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., Mayde Creek High School will be open to volunteers who would like to help package 10, 152 meals for Stop Hunger Now. These meals will be sent to a developing country to feed the hungry. For some of these people, this is the only food they get. The students ask for any time that you can give for this campaign.
If you would like more information about Stop Hunger Now, please visit stophungernow.org.
Katy, TX (January 27, 2016) Dr. Chandrashekhar Kolvekar, the district Governor elect of Rotary International District 3142 passed through Katy on his way to Florida.
Dr. Kolvekar is an anesthesiologist and an active community social worker. He presided over a suburb Rotary club near Mumbai about 27 years ago and initiated milestone projects which helped many people in the area.
Dr. Chandu met with Rotarian and local Katy resident, Sanjay Bhatia. Mr. Bhatia is supporting his home club in some unique ways such as carpooling with coworkers and using saved money to sponsor poor children’s education. He calls this initiative “Educating Children by Saving the Environment” Mr. Bhatia and a Rotary Club of Ulhasnagar arranged a program for children in an orphanage in Ulhasnagar, near Mumbai.
Mr. Bhatia also supports the project “RApp – Make My App”. This program provides young people a platform to share their software application development ideas in a competition, and then guides them to copyrighting, patenting, and starting their own IT company. He has developed his own ERP App software products.
Katy, TX (January 19, 2016) Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus recently activated the hospital’s helipad and have fully trained their staff on how to receive patients via air transport. The activation of this helipad allows for faster transport and subsequently quicker treatment.
Previously, patients coming to West Campus via helicopter would land at an adjoining facility and then be brought to Texas Children’s via ambulance. With this activation, all helicopter services in southeast Texas are now able to bring patients directly to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. Helipads will also be built at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands when it opens in 2017 and on the roof of the new pediatric tower being built at the main campus in the medical center.
For more information about Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, visit texaschildrens.org/westcampus.
Katy, TX (January 19, 2016) Katy’s new World Theater is spinning it! The Golden Buddha Jazz Orchestra, USA Premiere performances with talented professional musicians, playing original Jazz music with a combination of Ancient Chinese and Western musical instruments will take place at World Theater on February 18th and 19th.
Awesome Martial Arts featuring Katy and Houston area’s outstanding martial arts companies will showcase Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Ju Jitsu, Judo, Kick Boxing and other diverse Martial Arts on February 25th through 28th.
“Chinglish” is a play by Tony Award winner David Henry Hwang, It is a comedy about an American businessman desperate to launch a new enterprise in China. The play is scheduled to open at World Theater March 17th through 20th.
More information regarding the performances along with ticketing information can be found at the World Theater website: www.worldtheater.us 
Katy, TX (January 19, 2016) Texas Children’s Heart Center is excited to welcome three new pediatric cardiologists to the team – Dr. Tobias Schlingmann, Dr. Betul Yilmaz and Dr. Justin Zachariah.
Schlingmann, who also serves as an assistant professor of pediatrics-cardiology at Baylor, received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Hamburg, Germany. He completed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Furthermore, he completed a senior fellowship in non-invasive cardiac imaging at Boston Children’s Hospital. Schlingmann’s clinical interests include the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in infants, children, and adolescents in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Yilmaz, who also serves as an assistant professor of pediatrics-cardiology at Baylor, earned a combined Bachelor of Science and medical degree at Istanbul University. She did basic research in genetics at the University of Chicago Medical Center and completed a pediatric residency at Washington University in St. Louis and a pediatric cardiology fellowship at Columbia-Cornell University Medical Centers. She also completed an advanced imaging/fetal cardiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Yilmaz’s clinical interests include utilization of advanced cardiac imaging modalities such as echocardiography and fetal echocardiography to improve the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease in fetuses and in pediatric population.
Zachariah, who also serves as an assistant professor of pediatrics-cardiology at Baylor, earned Bachelor of Arts degree at Rice University and medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. He earned a Masters of Public Health from Harvard University and completed his pediatric residency at the University of California San Francisco. He also completed a clinical cardiology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital and a visiting research fellowship with the Framingham Heart Study, supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Zachariah’s clinical interests include preventive cardiology in order to help patients avoid future cardiac disease and events such as heart attack and stroke through early detection and intervention.
Katy, TX (January 20, 206) Join Texas Tech Parents Association on Saturday, February 20 at Wine Styles Tasting Station in Cypress, Tx. for a fundraising event to support eligible Texas Tech students through scholarships.
The cost is $40 per person and includes three drink tickets (wine or beer) and light snacks. The event includes information about wine parings as well as the drawing for the Pearl Fundraiser.
Register at http://www.texastechparents.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=637112&group=100016. Attendance is limited.
Katy, TX (January 15, 2016) Employees of Coventry Homes and Plantation Homes started the new year with a long-standing company tradition — giving back to the community.
More than two dozen corporate employees donned jeans, heavy jackets, rain gear and hard hats Jan. 6 to spend the day building a Habitat for Humanity home. This is the third consecutive year the company has participated in the KPRC Habitat Home.
Construction of the four-bedroom home got underway Tuesday in the parking lot of the KPRC Channel 2 studios when anchors, reporters, producers and other employees starting building the framework in the pre-dawn hours. Coventry Homes and Plantation Homes staff members followed on Wednesday, unloading and installing the finished frames, securing the frame to the foundation and attaching anchors and windstorm clips.
Katy, TX (January 12, 2016) Katy ISD Superintendent, Alton Frailey, announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down from his post this August. Frailey has been a public school educator for 33 years, nine of those are as the Superintendent with Katy ISD. He made the announcement early so the Board of Trustees would have ample amount of time to recruit and select the best possible replacement.
Frailey acknowledged that there are still five months of the school to complete and he is dedicated to remain working to continue fostering learning environments beneficial to student success.
While in office, Frailey was a part of the vast achievements received by school in Katy ISD. The eight consecutive years of sustaining the Texas Education Agency’s highest ratings, to being ranked this year by Niche as the number one school district in the Houston area, to students consistently outperforming the state in SATs and ACTs, the highly regarded fine arts departments, FFA and athletic programs, to two successful community developed bond referendums, to working with advisory councils such as the Superintendent’s Student, Employee, Parent and Community Roundtables, and the enhanced financial picture, and becoming a national leader in the implementation of technology innovations. 
In his letter to Katy ISD, Frailey thanks the Board members, parents, faith leaders, business partners, and volunteers for all of their hard work. He sent out a special thank you to the principals and office staff saying he respects and admires them and all the hard work they provided during the past nine years.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (January 12, 2016) Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes, as well as members of the Rotary Club of Katy and surrounding Fort Bend Rotary Clubs along with Katy Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 extended a warm welcome to the Rotary International President, K.R. Ravindran. Mr. Ravindran and his wife, Vanathy, chose to visit the Freedom Park Memorial Tower as part of their tour across the United States.
The monument was built in collaboration between Fort Bend County, Rotary Club of Katy, VFW Post 9182 and its Auxiliary and was dedicated on September 11, 2015 to the women and men who have served our county in the five branches of our Military Services: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as those who died on September 11, 2001. Commissioner Meyers, a long-standing Rotarian, presented the President with a proclamation which declared January 11, 2016 as Rotary International Day to commemorate the special occasion.
Rotary International is the largest humanitarian service organization in the world with a world-wide network of 1.2 million individuals from more than 200 countries. Rotary International in Fort Bend County and surrounding Texas Counties is proudly represented by 62 Rotary Clubs. The Rotary Club of Katy is in its 70th year of service, providing much needed support to Fort Bend County and its citizens.
Katy, TX News (December 16, 2015) – Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute is proud to announce Joseph Love, D.O., trauma surgeon and associate professor of surgery at UTHealth, as the new Medical Director of Memorial Hermann Life Flight®.
After founding Life Flight in 1976, the late James H. “Red” Duke, Jr., M.D., trauma surgeon at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC) and John B. Holmes Professor of Clinical Sciences at UTHealth Medical School, served as the program’s first and only Medical Director until 2015.
The Medical Director provides clinical oversight for flight crews by developing and maintaining best practice medical protocols, reviewing patient records for appropriate application of medical care, preparing for flight review, and mentoring where appropriate. In addition, he or she is responsible for educating the crews and setting the tone for research, quality improvement and professional development within the Life Flight program.
“It’s an honor to join such a distinguished team that has been delivering safe, quality patient care in the Houston skies for nearly 40 years,” Love said. “Trauma care truly is such a team effort and I am excited to get to work alongside so many experienced, highly-skilled professionals as we provide life-saving support to the residents of Southeast Texas and beyond.”
Love received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and his doctoral degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas before joining the Texas Trauma Institute and UTHealth in 2012. He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran and married father of six.
“It was important to us that we found the perfect fit for the Medical Director position,” said Tom Flanagan, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Hermann-TMC. “Dr. Love is well-respected by the staff, while his military background and medical expertise make him an ideal choice for the role. We are confident that, under his clinical leadership, Life Flight will carry on its long-time commitment to excellence and the highest safety standards.”
Life Flight serves the Greater Houston area within a 150-mile radius of Memorial Hermann-TMC. The program, the only hospital-based air ambulance service in Houston, retrieves critically ill or injured patients and brings them to the Texas Trauma Institute where they can receive expert care. Life Flight has flown over 140,000 missions since its inception.
Content Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX News (November 25, 2015) – The British International School of Houston today announces that they will become one of the first schools in the world to benefit from an innovative new collaboration between Nord Anglia Education and The Juilliard School in New York. Starting September 2016, students at the school will use an enhanced embedded arts curriculum developed by specialists from Juilliard, along with continued support from, and engagement with, Juilliard alumni and affiliated artists.
The collaboration between Juilliard, the world-renowned performing arts conservatory, and Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading premium schools organization, is designed to enhance the British International School of Houston’s performing arts offering with its innovative structure, design and approach. The new embedded arts curriculum, which focuses first on music, was developed by curriculum and music experts at both Juilliard and Nord Anglia Education.
Andrew Derry, Principal of the British International School of Houston, said, “This collaboration is incredibly exciting. An already vibrant and creative music department will be invigorated by our exclusive collaboration with Juilliard, and everyone involved is eager to begin the program and offer our students a world-class musical experience of the highest quality.”
The music curriculum is designed for all students, not just those who are serious about learning an instrument or musical performance. It is based around a repertoire of 12 core works covering a wide range of cultures, genres and historical periods, each of which has been carefully chosen by Juilliard to open the door to categories of music and fundamentals essential for all young people to know and experience. Ultimately, the curriculum aims to nurture cultural literacy and develop key skills in students, such as discipline, creativity and confidence that will enable them to succeed anywhere in the world once they’ve left school.
Joseph W. Polisi, President at the Juilliard School, said, “In collaborating with Nord Anglia, we have a unique opportunity to share our expertise, offering those studying at Nord Anglia schools the chance to learn from the best that our two institutions can offer. We believe that the performing arts should have a significant role within today’s global educational environment. By working with Nord Anglia, we can reach students from around the world to cultivate their skills and help guide them in their future growth.”
Katy, TX News (November 25, 2015) – This November marks the one year anniversary for Erica Galvan at Flaunt Salon. Erica has made a home for herself alongside the Flaunt Salon Stylists and Co-owner Mary Wesley. Erica takes great pride in her work with a passion and vigor to help clients look their best. Erica is experienced in handling all hair services with her completion of classes that focus on techniques, new products, and current hair trends. She especially enjoys what we call “special occasion hair”.
For a wedding, a Christmas Ball, a holiday ceremony, or any special occasion, Erica is ready. She analyzes the client’s hair for texture, density, and length. She then gets an idea of what you want to create. Erica has a talent for making a polished, finished, and balanced look so you can “Flaunt” your look. Erica has even traveled to a venue to do on-site multiple up-dos in a time sensitive environment. Co-owner Oscar Aguilera says, “Erica is an excellent stylist with a fantastic work ethic. She has much passion for her work and it shows in the hair that she does for her clients.”
Erica is planning to attend the Tony and Guy Academy in New York during the 2016 Calendar year with other Flaunt Salon Stylists. She is attending in an effort to expand her knowledge and continuing her education separates her from the average stylist. If you would like to book with Erica for any hair service, please call 281-282-7198. Or to see some of Erica’s work, check us out at www.Facebook.com/FlauntSalonKaty.com
Katy, TX News (November 25, 2015) – Katy ISD’s mission is to work with families and our community to provide students with unparalleled learning experiences. To that end, the District is sharing information about upcoming Attendance Boundary Modification proposals that are intended to provide long-range solutions to manage student enrollment growth as we see 2,000+ new students and their families move into the district on an annual basis. Successful ABMs are achieved through campus capacity reductions, capacity increases or a combination of both.
Each year, the District engages in studies of growth, development and school and program enrollment capacity projections conducted by Population and Survey Analysts (PASA). On October 26, 2015, new enrollment projections were presented to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees. The study estimates continued growth for Katy ISD, particularly in the northwest and southwest quadrants with the addition of more than 47,000 new housing units (multi-family and single family) during the next 10 years.
Please click here to take the survey. (Please note this survey link will only work once. If you have any problems accessing the survey, please email us at ResearchK12E@k12insight.com)
The purpose of this survey is to share information about how growth in the region is being addressed by Katy ISD, to gather information about how your family may be impacted and to share information about ABM processes.
Your participation is anonymous, unless you choose to provide your contact information at the end of the survey. The data from this survey will be used as a part of a broader analysis and discussion with the Katy ISD Board of Trustees. Your feedback is very much appreciated.
Katy, TX News (November 25, 2015) – Family medicine physician, Prasuna Sajja, M.D., has joined Memorial Hermann Katy Convenient Care Center. Dr. Sajja received her medical degree from Stanley Medical College in Madras, India. She completed her residency with the Houston Methodist Family Medicine Residency program. Dr. Sajja sees patients of all ages and her clinical interests include preventive medicine for children, diabetes and weight management for adults and children.
Dr. Sajja joins family medicine physician Amber Kazi, M.D., and pediatricians Shailaja Kancherla, M.D., and Sridevi Muppidi, M.D., as part of the Memorial Hermann Katy Convenient Care Center located at 22430 Grand Corner Drive, Suite C1:400,
Katy, TX 77494. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 281-371-1980 or online through ScheduleNow.
Katy, TX News (November 20, 2015) – Katy ISD’s newest high school campus, Tompkins High School, recently held their first-ever signing day for student athletes.
- Drew Guthrie, Harding University, Baseball
- Nick Hutchison. Texas A&M – Kingsville, Baseball
- Marissa Langer,University of Texas-Dallas, Golf
- Brittany Panetti,University of New Mexico, Basketball
- Kendall Rollins, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Basketball
Congratulations to these awesome young athletes for their success and hard work, and to Tompkins High School for their first signing day in school history.
Katy, TX News (November 17, 2015) – At KVPAC’s Roaring 20’s Ball at the Mall event, Grand Vision’s Dr. Brett Donaldson and his wife, Fatima were presented with the Art of Katy Award. Grand Vision sponsors the Grand Vision Children’s Theatre at KVPAC as well as the annual KVPAC Arts for All Festival in LaCenterra.
Katy, TX News (November 16, 2015) – As Katy ISD prepares to open two elementary schools and one junior high next year, the Board of Trustees will begin considering attendance boundary modifications to help balance enrollment numbers.
District administrators will review the ABM process, present preliminary ABM proposals, and discuss options for landlocked schools exceeding 125% capacity.
Katy, TX News (November 11, 2015) – Katy ISD’s Beck Junior High, located in Cinco Ranch, recently celebrated its annual “International Day” festival for sixth students. The event was chaired this year by PTA volunteer Usha Machiraju and supported by more than 30 parent volunteers.
Machiraju, who also helped to represent India at the event, commented that “This annual event allows Beck students to enjoy the culture, history and food from many countries in one setting hosted by student parents who proudly and playfully engage the students in a “trip around the world”. This year, more than sixteen different countries were represented.”
According to Beck Junior High Principal Carra Fleming, “International Day is such a valued tradition at Beck Junior High because it truly embraces the many international cultures represented here. I also love the way it brings in volunteers we might not normally see because they truly feel valued and have so much to contribute in this area. I learn and grow as much as the kids do through this event each year.”
Katy, TX News (November 9, 2015) – Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers was pleased to present the keys to the winners of the brand new BMW X1 at the BMW Dealership of West Houston. The luxury vehicle was raffled at the Inaugural Fort Bend Ranchers’ Ball on October 24 for $100.00 per ticket with only 600 tickets available for purchase. Steven Gee and his wife, Suzanne, are now the proud owners of this beautiful SUV.
The Fort Bend Ranchers’ Ball is an annual event hosted by Commissioner Meyers and benefits Fort Bend Charities; a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization which supports Katy Christian Ministries, Lone Star Veterans Association, Simonton Christian Academy, Fort Bend Fair Association, Katy FFA and others. These organizations help families in need in Fort Bend County. Commissioner Meyers was thrilled when the event sold out two months before the event date with the help of his amazing committee and the many generous people throughout the community.
Katy, TX News (November 3, 2015) Today is Election Day for the General and Special Elections. Voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Use the resources below to find all Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Waller County voting locations.
Katy, TX News (November 2, 2015) – An announcement released nationally today by the independent hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group, shows that all nine of the acute-care hospitals within the Memorial Hermann Health System earned an A in this elite national ratings program, recognizing its strong commitment to patient safety.
The Hospital Safety Score is the gold standard rating for patient safety, compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading patient safety experts and administered by The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent nonprofit. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the Hospital Safety Score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.
“This recognition is a great acknowledgement of the commitment to patient safety and quality demonstrated daily at all Memorial Hermann hospitals by our clinical staff and employees” said Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “Our commitment to being a High Reliability Organization is the right thing to do for our patients who are entrusted into our care. This award affirms and validates the trust those families placed in us to care for their loved ones.”
Developed under the guidance of Leapfrog’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single A, B, C, D, or F score – representing a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from preventable harm.
“The A grade earned by all of our hospitals recognizes our dedicated effort as a System to cultivating a culture of zero harm when it comes to patient safety and quality,” said Dr. M. Michael Shabot, System Chief Clinical Officer for Memorial Hermann. “It also affirms Memorial Hermann as a leader among the nation’s leaders in not only implementing innovative patient safety and quality programs, but executing them on a daily basis. That says to our patients that all Memorial Hermann hospitals are safe havens where families can be assured that we are working daily to eliminate all potential sources of harm from all our facilities, including hospital acquired infections, medication errors and other adverse events.”
More than 2,500 U.S. general hospitals were assigned scores in October 2015, with 773 hospitals receiving an A grade. The Hospital Safety Score is fully transparent, offering a full analysis of the data and methodology used in determining grades on the website.
The Memorial Hermann hospitals that earned an A Grade are:
- Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
- Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center
- Memorial Hermann Katy
- Memorial Hermann Sugar Land
- Memorial Hermann Northeast
- Memorial Hermann Greater Heights
- Memorial Hermann Southwest
- Memorial Hermann Southeast
- Memorial Hermann The Woodlands
“Memorial Hermann’s A grade is a powerful reminder of its commitment to putting patient safety above all else, and we are pleased to recognize the persistent efforts of your clinicians and staff to protect your patients,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, which administers the Hospital Safety Score. “Our families, neighbors, colleagues and friends deserve a hospital that will pull out all the stops to keep them safe, and we urge Memorial Hermann and all other A hospitals to preserve and renew your commitment to safety year after year.”
Patients can also review their hospital’s past safety performance alongside its current grade on the Hospital Safety Score site, allowing them to determine which local hospitals have the best track record in patient safety and which have demonstrated consistent improvement.
To see Memorial Hermann’s full score, and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients and loved ones visiting the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org or follow The Hospital Safety Score on Twitter or Facebook.
Katy, TX News (October 26, 2015) – Katy ISD’s new mobile app, SARA (Student Assignment by Residential Address), enables parents to find their school assignment according to their residential address. In order to determine which school your child is set to attend, simply visit, katyisd.or/pages/sara.aspx or download the SARA app on your mobile device. From there, select the student’s grade, enter your address, and click the “Find Address” button.
Katy, TX News (October 21, 2015) – On Saturday, October 17, members of the community gathered in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Katy Christian Ministries 5K Race Against Domestic Violence. At the event, Verizon presented a Domestic Violence Awareness Month grant of $2,500 to Katy Christian Ministries to support its annual 5K race, which raises awareness about domestic violence and the affect it has on the community.
Katy, TX News (October 19, 2015) – Early voting for the upcoming November 3, 2015 Election starts today and runs through Friday, October 30. There are 41 Harris County Early Voting locations, some of which have changed. The Houston Community College (HCC) Northeast Campus, the Alief Administration Building, the Riley Chambers Community Center in Crosby and the John Phelps Courthouse in Pasadena will serve as new Harris County early voting locations.
“Voters should be aware that new Early Voting and Election Day polling locations are established only if previously used facilities are not available, if there is an opportunity to establish a better location, or if a change is mandated by law,” noted Stan Stanart, the chief election official of the county. “Finding facilities to use as early voting locations is always challenging; however, we are committed to doing everything possible to relieve voter traffic at high turnout voting locations, to fill in gaps in growing parts of the county and to ensure citizens have easier and more access to early voting.”
To obtain an early voting schedule, view one’s personal sample ballot, review the list of acceptable forms of photo identification to vote at the poll, or to find early voting and Election Day locations, voters can visit www.HarrisVotes.com. Voters can also call the Harris County Clerk’s office at 713.755.6965, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for information.
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Katy, TX News (October 14, 2015) – Honoring history and celebrating a bright future, Eagle’s Trace held a three-day celebration to commemorate its tenth anniversary.
The festivities at the Erickson Living retirement community began on October 8 during a ceremony that honored its “founding members,” 93 pioneer residents who moved or reserved in 2005 and the eight employees who began working at the campus the same year.
Special guests included Texas State Representative Jim Murphy, Brooke Bacuetes representing Congressman John Culberson and Heather Ramsey-Cook representing Congressman Ted Poe, all of whom presented proclamations. Governed by a Board of Directors, Eagle’s Trace board members Michelle Bohreer, John D. Bowser, Shelaghmichael Brown and Boone Powell attended.
Steve Aigner, Executive Director of Eagle’s Trace, served as the emcee. “By 2005, we had the land, building and people, but along the way, Eagle’s Trace became home,” stated Mr. Aigner during the kick-off event. “A home to new friendships, relationships and caring hearts. A home where we always gather to achieve more. And home to some really wonderful memories with many more to come.”
The day was completed with an elegant dinner prepared for all residents by the Dining Services team in the Garden Room Restaurant.
The celebration continued on October 9, as residents and employees partnered to create the “perfect 10,” a photo op held in the community’s front courtyard. In the evening, Eagle’s Trace hosted a cocktail reception for residents and priority list members.
With the weekend came the circus. The community held an outdoor, family-friendly event featuring music, games, food and even rides with “Patrick the Camel.” Eagle’s Trace employees Faye Drennan and Lisa Hadley served as co-chairs of the 10th Anniversary Committee.
Opened in 2005, the 70-acre campus is currently home to over 650 residents and 425 full and part-time employees. Eagle’s Trace features 463 independent living apartment homes in a variety of floor plans and 112 extended care residences providing assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation and memory care health services.
Its residents have formed 90 groups, clubs and service organizations, and in 2014, contributed more than 36,000 hours of volunteer service on campus and throughout the greater community.
Growth is on the horizon with the future addition of Amarillo Terrace, a new independent living building under construction to meet the demand for the lifestyle the community offers. Scheduled to open in the fall of 2016 and currently reserving, the project features 108 new residences in a variety of floor plans.
Katy, TX News (October 13, 2015) – SabinoCompTech, the family owned and operated computer repair center and IT company located in Katy, will be restructuring to focus on providing IT consulting, support and managed solutions to small and medium sized businesses. The company has worked with health care offices, financial and consulting firms, and more in the Katy and surrounding areas since their inception and feel that it is right to return to its roots in order to provide the highest level of service. SabinoCompTech’s goal with this transition is to provide enterprise level expertise to businesses who would not normally have access to such level of IT support through customizable subscription based support packages or on a per incident consulting basis.
The SabinoCompTech team is deeply grateful to the Katy residential community for the support they have shown the company over the last 7 years and they vow to continue to give back to the community through sponsorship and volunteer work.
The company will no longer accept residential computers or residential on-site work after October 16, 2015 to allow time for last repairs before the retail location closes.
About SabinoCompTech
SabinoCompTech has combined 25+ years of experience in providing computer repair and IT support. They are a team of individuals dedicated to providing the best support and knowledge in the industry. Their technical, business and customer service talents is what has helped the company be successful thus far and they hope to only increase that by focusing on small to medium business IT support going forward.
Katy, TX News (October 12, 2015) – According to American School & University’s (AS&U) Top 100 Report issued each year, Katy ISD has jumped 38 spots since 2007, and currently ranks 57th nationwide. Rankings in the Top 100 Report are based on enrollment in public school districts across the nation.
The report also shows that many of the districts that have grown significantly in the last 25 years are in suburban areas, and 20 of the 100 largest school districts in the nation are in Texas.
Since 1928, AS&U has been the information source for education facilities and business professionals — serving the nation’s K-12 and higher-education administrators responsible for the planning, design, construction, retrofit, operations, maintenance and management of education facilities. Click here for more information.
Katy, TX News – (October 9, 2015) – The City of Katy is pleased to announce that the Katy Development Authority has taken a key step forward in the development of the Boardwalk District (as shown in the accompanying rendering) by entering into an agreement with Sueba USA Corporation for the development of a 22-acre parcel located adjacent to Katy Mills Mall.
Sueba USA Corporation intends to use the parcel to construct a high quality mixed-use development consisting of loft living space, retail and restaurant facilities, and a public plaza. Sueba USA Corporation’s development will be a strong addition to the Boardwalk District which will also include a convention center, hotel, and restaurant row, all anchored by an 89- acre nature park with a central lake, boardwalks, nature preserves, and a 2-mile walking trail system. Construction of the nature park will commence this winter with an anticipated completion and public opening by the end of 2016. Katy Development Authority and Sueba USA Corporation are excited to be joint participants in the construction of the Boardwalk District — a project that will provide Katy residents and visitors an additional first class development to live, work and play.
Katy Development Authority was formed by the City of Katy, Texas to promote economic development through public-private partnerships that support the completion of public infrastructure and high quality private development. Sueba USA Corporation is a Houston based real estate development company that is an established leader in the acquisition, development, construction, and management of both residential and commercial real estate.
Katy, TX News (October 6, 2015) – LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch brought high fashion to the streets of Katy, Texas in the form of the first-ever red carpet, runway fashion show. The night featured apparel from high-end retailers in the shopping center like J.Jill, Eddie Bauer, Scout & Molly’s, Jos. A. Bank, Luke’s Locker, White House Black Market, and more.
Katy Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Katrina Katsarelis was the emcee, and donned a stunning coral gown from Scout & Molly’s. Several community leaders were chosen to model for the event, with familiar faces like Matt Katsarelis, owner and publisher of Katy Magazine, Ana Roman of Katy Contemporary Arts Museum (KCAM), Lori Ann Belin of Commissioner Andy Meyers’ Office, Sam Schultz of Country Park Portraits, and more. The evening, which benefited KCAM and its programs, also featured live paintings that were auctioned off to lucky recipients at the end of the night.
Food and drinks available for purchase from D’Amico’s Italian Market Cafe, Baker St. Pub and Grill, and Another Round Wine Bar. Special thanks to fashion show sponsors: BMW of West Houston, enTouch, Frontier Title, Scout & Molly’s and The Grand at LaCenterra.
KATY, Texas (September 30, 2015) – Dr. Khalid F. Almoosa has been appointed Regional Chief Medical Officer for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital. In his role, Dr. Almoosa will provide leadership to affiliated physicians and clinical staffs to ensure the hospitals sustain Memorial Hermann’s long standing reputation for high-quality and safe care.
Board certified in Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Almoosa most recently served as medical director of the Transplant Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at UT Health Science Center. He currently serves on several critical care and health care quality committees and has published manuscripts on pulmonary, critical care, and end-of-life topics. Additionally, Dr. Almoosa is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. Over the course of his career, he has been awarded grants to study critical care topics, and has been a principal investigator on several clinical trials.
Dr. Almoosa received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati, where he also received a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Research.
Dr. Almoosa has lived in Houston for eight years with his wife, who is a native Houstonian, and two children ages 5 and 7. He enjoys hiking, home improvement projects and amateur astronomy.
For more information on Memorial Hermann Katy, visit www.memorialhermann.org/locations/katy/. To view construction progress at Memorial Hermann Cypress and Memorial Hermann Katy, visit www.breakingnewgroundproject.org.
Katy, TX News (September 29, 2015) – Utah-based Momentum Indoor Climbing has purchased land at the intersection of Kingsland Blvd. and Katy Mills Pkwy. and is slated to open in the summer of 2016.
Not only will this be Momentum Indoor Climbing’s first Houston location, it will also be the one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world. There will be 36,000 square feet dedicated to providing a mountain climber’s paradise, with 50 feet of climbing, yoga classes, and a fitness area.
For more information about what’s coming soon or just opening in Katy, read the New to Katy section in every issue of Katy Magazine!
Katy, TX News (September 24, 2015) – In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, various Taylor High School football, band, Pacesetters, cheer squad and flagmen will wear the color gold to help raise awareness.
“It’s been great to have the support of the community to help spread awareness of childhood cancer,” said Kay Curry, mother of Lilli, a 9th-grade freshman at Taylor HS who has been battling cancer for four years. Curry has been working with neighbors to spread awareness of childhood cancer. “That the staff and students at Taylor would rally around the effort in Friday’s game is amazing.”
While Taylor’s main color – blue – won’t change, the Taylor teams will add gold to their uniforms in the game Friday vs. Katy:
- The football team will wear gold arm bands.
- The coaches will wear gold visors.
- The cheer squad will wear gold bows in their hair and gold ribbons on their socks.
- The band will wear gold armbands.
- The Pacesetters will use gold pompoms.
- The flagmen will wear gold socks.
Earlier this month, the THS cheer squad and several local citizens wrapped gold bows around the trees in the median of Kingsland Blvd, the street that runs in front of Taylor High School and neighboring Nottingham Country Elementary.
“Currently, THS has students fighting Childhood Cancer and we also have current cheerleaders who have lost siblings to Childhood Cancer,” said Reyna Wagner, THS varsity cheerleading and flagmen coach. “That is why when this awareness and opportunity came up, the Cheerleading Program at THS wanted to spread awareness, because it has affected us at ‘home’.”
Curry is appreciative, “It’s so heartwarming to have the support of friends and neighbors for those of us impacted by this horrible disease. Childhood cancer is a lot less rare than most people think. Unfortunately, in our journey, I’ve become aware of other children impacted by cancer in the Katy area. The statistics on childhood cancer are sad.”
Those stats include:
- Every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer
- 1 in 285 children will get cancer before the age of 20
- Every year, the parents of approximately 16,000 children in the US will hear the words ‘your child has cancer’
- Of all the federal funds earmarked for cancer research, only 4% is directed toward childhood cancer research
Curry and neighbors also have worked this month with other schools to help spread awareness of childhood cancer in one way or another (faculty/staff wearing gold ribbons, distributing fact sheets about childhood cancer, wearing gold shirts to school, posting a message on the marquee, etc.). Some of those schools include Nottingham Country Elementary, Memorial Parkway Elementary, Memorial Parkway Junior High, Bonnie Holland Elementary and Beck Junior High.
Katy, TX News (September 23, 2015) – The Flaunt Salon Stylist team recently attended the TiGi (Tony and Guy) World Release Las Vegas Hair Show 2015. Hair Cuts, Hair Color, Fashion, and Photo Shoots were the main focus of instruction and education for the dedicated Team. The Hair Industry Show’s theme for 2015 is to “Reignite your creative inspiration”.
The two day event included TiGi stylist on stage that reside in different countries. Stylists from the U.K., Mexico, Ireland, Australia, the U.S.A. and Puerto Rico, were in attendance. The elite stylist showcased their new collection of how TiGi sees the rest of 2015 and 2016. Flaunt Salon Co-owner Mary Wesley said, “the inspirational cutting and styling workshop was just that….it gives a stylist ideas for making clients look fabulous, confident, and trendy”. If you ask Flaunt Salon stylist Erica Galvan what she brings back to Flaunt Salon, she will tell you, “Invent it….Own it, that’s the message of the show that sticks out in my mind”.
In addition to the educational aspect of the TiGi World Release, TiGi introduced a new product! Joyride! Joyride is a powder and balm mixture created to give the user the ability to piece out the hair. It defrizzes and defines the hair. “It gives our clients a new way to style their existing cut with a light matte finish” said Mary Wesley. “If you want a new style or the same style, the techniques we learned can add a more manageable and longer lasting cut to shape your hair. To make your hair behave, it’s what we all want” explained Mary.
It is amazing what a dedicated stylist can learn and use when they come back from a TiGi hair show. TiGi has exceptional education and that is how great cuts and great hair happen. Flaunt Salon welcomes you to come visit, see the full TiGi product line, or make an appointment. Or just come by after hours and peek through the window to see our beautiful salon! For more information please call 281-282-7198 or visit us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FlauntSalonKaty.com
Katy, TX News (September 23, 2015) – Approximately 30 acres has been purchased by HEB Grocery Co., LP at the northwest corner of FM 1463 and Fulshear Bend Dr. for a new store near Katy’s master-planned community, Cross Creek Ranch.
When completed, HEB will be surrounded by 200,000 square feet of retail space that will include restaurants and medical and real estate offices.
The complex will join the already completed CVS Pharmacy on Fry Rd. and FM 1463, as well as additional retail centers, and is expected to boost sales tax revenues. The timing for construction and anticipated opening date have not yet been announced.
Katy, TX News (September 22, 2015) – About a year after plans for Cane Island were first unveiled, the Katy master-planned community has welcomed its first residents, a Katy family drawn to the new community for its location, amenities and builders.
Ashley Warren, son Brayden and Ashley’s fiancé Justin Wagner may not have many neighbors now, but that’s expected to change soon with the completion of new luxury homes in Cane Island’s first phase.
The owners of a new home by Perry Homes, Ashley and Justin moved to Cane Island from the Katy subdivision of Mason Lakes. While Cane Island’s first family enjoyed their previous home, the opportunity to own a new home in Katy’s newest master-planned community was too good to pass up.
“We’re really proud to be the ‘first family’ of Cane Island,” Ashley added. “We loved working with Perry Homes. The plan we selected is perfect for our family.”
Besides moving into Cane Island’s first new home, Justin and Brayden joked they’ll also try to be the first to jump into Cane Island’s new family pool, part of the master-planed community’s Amenity Village where families also will enjoy a Recreation Center, poolside cafe, glass-walled conservatory and yoga studio.
In addition to Perry Homes, Cane Island offers new luxury homes by Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes. Several model homes are now open daily, Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 7 p.m., with others opening soon.
Developed by Rise Communities, Cane Island is minutes from the Energy Corridor, Katy Mills and Memorial Katy Hospital. It also is minutes west of the extended Grand Parkway, Houston’s third ring road currently open from Sugar Land to U.S. 290.
Families currently can reach Cane Island from First Street in Katy. Later this year, the community will be accessible via the all-new Cane Island Parkway interchange at I-10.
To sign up for e-mail updates and for more information on Cane Island, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow the community at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Katy, TX News (September 14, 2015) -SabinoCompTech, a family owned and operated computer repair center located at 5805 Highway Blvd in the Midway market center on Highway 90 and Avenue D in old Katy celebrates 7 years in business on October 1, 2015. To show their appreciation to the Katy community, SabinoCompTech is offering a Free Tune-up with every virus and spyware removal during the week of their anniversary October 1, 2015 – October 8, 2015.
About SabinoCompTech
SabinoCompTech was formed by Angel and Nancy Sabino in 2008 with the idea to provide computer repair and services to not only small businesses but residential customers as well. In order to provide those services more efficiently, the Sabino’s decided a service center would be the best place to bring their expertise and desire to serve the community into one location. They opened the doors of the brick and mortar location on October 1, 2009, which was relocated to their current location in 2013. What started as a husband and wife duo has now expanded to a team of Residential and Business technicians who all pride themselves with the same values and mission as the owners. SabinoCompTech provides free diagnostics for computers, laptops and tablets. For more information, please visit www.sabinocomptech.com or like their Facebook page or follow them on twitter at “SabinoCompTech”.
Katy, TX News – Courtesy of KPRC Channel 2 – (September 11, 2015) – A 17-year-old was killed and three others were injured in a wreck in George Bush Park in west Houston. The victim attended Taylor High School.
According to police, the victim was driving a green BMW eastbound in the 15200 block of Westheimer around 1: 50 p.m. when he failed to maintain a single lane and crossed into a westbound lane of traffic. A black Infinity QX56, traveling westbound, then struck the BMW’s passenger side.
The student died at the scene. The Infinity’s driver and two passengers were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
According to authorities, wet roads and bad tire tread may have caused the student to lose control of his car and veer into oncoming traffic. The victim was killed in the crash.
The other people in the SUV, which included an 8-year-old, were all taken to the hospital with injuries but are expected to be OK.
Katy Magazine is heartbroken over this news, and would like to express condolences to the family of the student lost in this tragedy.
Katy, TX News (September 9, 2015) – Chick-fil-A Mason Road celebrates their 20th anniversary on September 14th, 2015. Rusty Wylie, franchisee of the Mason Road location since its Grand Opening, also operates the Cinco Ranch and Greenhouse Chick-fil-A locations. “What an amazing journey it has been. To have started 20 years ago and been a part of the growth of Katy for the past 20 years is beyond what I ever imagined possible. It really has been a blessing to be a part of this community. We are thankful for the support of our guests, and the groups we partner with here in Katy,” Mr. Wylie commented. The Mason Road location was just the third free standing restaurant for Chick-fil-A in the Houston area when it opened in 1995. Now sixty-three stand-alone locations dot the local landscape. Mr. Wylie explained, “When we opened, Chick-fil-A was really struggling with results in the Houston area. Our brand awareness was low. People didn’t know who we were, what products we served, or even how to say our name!” However, it didn’t take long for Chick-fil-A’s popularity to soar.
Things have changed since 1995, and the Chick-fil-A Mason Road dining room and parking lot are typically full. Mr. Wylie recalled, “I remember that we were so slow in 1995, that I sometimes hit golf balls out near the drive thru into the field behind our store. Isn’t that crazy? If you fast forward, we shut down in 2014 for five months to build a new location here at Mason Road in order to handle demand. This new facility enables us to do that. Now there is additional seating, parking, and kitchen space. The modifications help us to serve guests more efficiently and to have a better working environment.”
When Corporate Chick-fil-A struck a deal for the Cinco Ranch location in 2005, Wylie was selected to run the restaurant, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Then, with the opening of the Greenhouse location in June 2015, he was honored with a Chick-fil-A first—operating three free standing restaurants. Sharing the credit, Mr. Wylie remarked, “I think that is a story about the people that I work with; our leaders produce a great experience for our guests every day. Their hard work and results over the years have helped us create relationships with the community and grow the business, making the three store selection possible. We have a great location at Greenhouse, which is now our busiest location in the Katy area.”
Beyond inventing the chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A is known and has received numerous awards for their service. When speaking about the importance of his team members, Mr. Wylie said: “We are so fortunate to have the people we have working for us. Most of our restaurant leaders started working for us in high school. They do an amazing job setting the tone on a daily basis and keeping the focus on serving our guests. We call our service model Second Mile Service, which is a Biblical principle encouraging those who embrace it to serve well beyond reasonable expectations. It is our intention to be an indispensable blessing in Katy.”
Wylie’s three stores employ approximately 275 team members, many of whom are teenagers. When asked if that was a challenge Wylie responded, “A lot of people I know talk about the challenge of working with teenagers. I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the energy, the competitiveness, the molding of young people who will be our future leaders for both the restaurant and the community. Since 1995, we’ve employed probably close to 2000 teenagers. Our former team members are nurses, teachers (several in the KISD school district), engineers, pastors, bankers, corporate employees, real estate agents, Moms and Dads. We’ve loved employing the youth of our city for twenty years, and we hope everyone will come help us celebrate at a Sock Hop Anniversary party Wednesday, September 16, from 5:30-7:30pm at Chick-fil-A Mason Road. Plus, kids dress in 50’s attire will receive a free Nuggets Kids Meal (4 count).
Chick-fil-A Mason Road and Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch were awarded the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business of the Year. They remain active in the community, partnering with KISD schools district wide, local nonprofits, and youth sports. Mr. Wylie has been married to Amy, his wife for nineteen years. They have two children who attend Faith West Academy and attend Grace Fellowship UMC in Katy.
Katy, TX News (September 8, 2015) – Fort Bend County, the Katy Rotary Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 will dedicate the Freedom Park Memorial Tower on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10:00 am at the Fort Bend County Freedom Park fields on the south side of Westheimer Parkway, just east of Fry Road with music by the Katy High School Band beginning at 9:30 AM.
The purpose of the Freedom Park Memorial Tower is to honor the women and men who have served our county in the five
branches of our Military Services: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as those who died on
September 11, 2001.
Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers commented, “We have looked forward to this day, to celebrate with the Katy Rotary Club, Katy Rotary Fund, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, their service and work, on behalf of our community and our nation. They have spent many years in the planning and now completion of the Freedom Park Memorial Tower.”
Ken Burton, VFW State Judge Advocate, and Katy Rotary Club member said, “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Katy VFW Post 9182 we built this tower dedicated to the men and women who have served and will serve our Country. In the years to come, many will come here and remember why we built this tower.”
Nick Schrader, Katy Rotary Club President, remarked, “Our Rotary Club has been in the lead for this project since 2011 and we are so pleased to have helped create this memorial for those who served our country. We remember the 9/11 attack on our Country.”
Rhonda Walls, Master of Ceremonies and Katy Rotary Club member, invited the public, “Please join us, together with Col. Rich Pannell, Division Commander Galveston District USACE, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes, State and local representatives of the VFW, Katy High School Band, educators, students, and our honored guests, for this wonderful celebration of our heroes. We will also be honoring our friends, sponsors and all the people who made this possible.”
Memorial Pavers to identify your family with this memorial may be purchased on the Katy Rotary Club website, from any Rotarian, and at the park on September 11.”
David Frishman concluded, “For decades to come, as people pass this tower, we hope parents tell their children, “This tower is to honor the women and men who have served our nation, and those who died on September 11, 2001. We will never forget.”
Attached are photos of the Freedom Park Memorial Tower under construction. Pictured from left to right:
1. Ken Burton, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Jeff Pantle, and David Frishman
2. Stainless steel star, hand-crafted by David Baker, as it was being raised to the top of the tower on Tuesday, August 25.
Artifacts within the base of the tower include; the Holy Bible, an American flag pin, items from the three 9/11 crash sites, U.S. Army Purple Heart medal, Fort Bend County flag, VFW roster, Katy Rotary Club roster, and other artifacts donated by our partners and our community.
The dedication will include; Presentation of Colors by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, a Helicopter Fly-Over, courtesy of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, Laying of Wreaths, Taps and 21 Gun Salute.
Katy, TX News – Courtesy of KHOU 11 – Houston’s Second Baptist Church confirms that funeral services for fallen Deputy Darren Goforth will be held Friday. The public is invited to attend. The funeral is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. at the church, located at 6400 Woodway. Visitation and burial plans have not yet been announced to the public.
Goforth was fatally shot during an ambush at a Cypress gas station last Friday. A suspect has been arrested in the case, officials say.
Katy, TX News (August 25, 2015) – Katy Firefighter Jason M. Anderson passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2015, at the age of 30 years. He served the Katy Fire Department and the Atascocita Fire Department from 2013 to 2015.
A memorial service with the Fire Department and Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at The Merrell Center, in Katy, with Pastor Justin Burgs officiating.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to The 100 Club, 5555 San Felipe, Suite 1750, Houston, Texas 77056; or to The Justin J. Watt Foundation, P.O. Box 530, Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072.
Please keep the Anderson family and Jason’s firefighting family in your thoughts and prayers.
Katy, TX News (August 20, 2015) – Groundbreaking occurred today on Typhoon Texas, a new water park in Katy, Texas. The park is being constructed as part of a 43-acre development east of Katy Mills Mall on Katy Fort Bend Rd., just south of I-10.
Typhoon Texas will offer some of the best new rides and attractions available in the industry, including the new interactive game called Slide Boarding, which combines the water slide experience with gaming. Scott Haycock, a representative of WhiteWater, states, “This ride selection is the best to be offered in North America in the last decade. Kids and adults will absolutely love this waterpark!”
Aquatic engineer, Terry Brannon, is quick to point out other attributes of the waterpark, stating, “Typhoon Texas will utilize advanced filtration technology and high turnover rates to provide the cleanest water of any park currently operating in the United States.”
This project has been in the planning stages for almost three years and has finally become a reality. The project team was determined to fill the void of an entertainment venue on the west side of Houston. “Our desire has been to build a fun project that adds value to the community. We have been extremely fortunate to have friends and family members that were willing to join us in this venture,” said Terry Hlavinka, who resides in East Bernard.
The project commenced construction on schedule and will open in May of 2016. Per Ray DeLaughter, “Due to investor support, we are well-capitalized and financed by Texas Capital Bank. With KDW as the general contractor, we expect no issues meeting our target opening date of May 2016.”
Information provided by Typhoon Texas
Katy, TX News (August 19, 2015) – Fort Bend County took protective measures by placing a Burn Ban in the unincorporated areas. All county residents should postpone outdoor burning until conditions decrease and make sure to keep all allowed fires attended and report unattended fires immediately by calling 9-1-1. The Fire Marshal’s office will continue to monitor the drought index daily. For more information, visit fortbendcounty.tx.gov.
Katy, TX News (August 17, 2015) – Katy, Texas teen Davis Grooms took top honors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, wrapping up the four-day USA Gymnastics tournament. Grooms won event champion in horizontal bar, but it was the all-around high scores in floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, and parallel and horizontal bars that won him the gold.
Katy, TX News (August 12, 2015) – Ryland Homes has opened a new model home, fully furnished and professionally decorated, in the Katy master-planned community of Cane Island where the Houston home-builder will add more than 100 new homes with many on prized, waterfront and cul-de-sac home-sites.
Cane Island’s third model home to open in recent weeks is a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath showplace with open-concept entertaining spaces, gourmet island kitchen, first-floor master bedroom, spacious secondary bedrooms, media room, game room with second-floor balcony and three-car garage.
In addition to opening its new Cane Island model home, Ryland Homes will add 133 new homes on 50 and 60-foot homesites from 2,086 – 3,396 square feet. New homes on 50-foot homesites start in the $260s while those on 60-foot homesites start in the $310s. Homebuyers also can choose from 18 plans with builder options including alternative kitchen designs, covered patio, second walk-in master closet and oversized master shower.
The new Ryland Homes model in Cane Island is open daily, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday and Monday, noon – 7 p.m.
With three of its 13 new model homes now open, Cane Island continues to stay on track for a 2016 grand opening when the master-planned community will unveil its completed Amenity Village featuring a village lawn shaded by rescued, 75-year-old oak trees, family pool with adjacent splash pad, lap pool, fully equipped, two-story fitness center, yoga studio and multi-purpose room with commercial kitchen.
The Amenity Village also will house a glass-walled, heavily planted conservatory ideal for exhibits, lectures, private events or just a place to relax and reflect.
Later this year, the community will be accessible from the Katy Freeway via the new Cane Island interchange. Families currently can reach Cane Island from First Street in Katy where it is minutes from the Energy Corridor, Katy Mills and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
Among the many benefits of the amenity-rich master-planned community, Cane Island residents will enjoy movie nights, wine and cheese tastings, fun runs, walks, holiday festivals and other events as planned by the community’s Lifestyle Coordinator. Families also will attend schools in the highly acclaimed Katy Independent School District.
To sign up for e-mail updates and for more information on Cane Island, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, follow the community at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX and on Twitter and Instagram @caneislandkaty.
Katy, TX News (August 6, 2015) – Katy ISD’s 2015 District-wide Elementary Teacher of the Year Christina Dismuke was named the Region IV Elementary Teacher of the Year last night at the annual awards ceremony. Dismuke was selected out of 94 nominees from 47 area school districts.
Dismuke teaches second grade at Morton Ranch Elementary and is a master teacher, second grade Team Leader and Lead Mentor on campus. She is not only involved in the classroom, but also in the community where she spends time volunteering for her church and regularly attends her students’ extracurricular activities.
“Mrs. Dismuke is truly one of the most gifted teachers with whom I have worked in my sixteen years in education,” said Deb Hubble, principal at Morton Ranch Elementary. “It is no exaggeration to say that teachers of all age levels flock to her classroom to observe and learn from her. She masterfully exemplifies what elementary education should be about.”
Dismuke is one of four Katy ISD teachers to be named a Region IV Teacher of the Year in the past 30 years, including Barbara Sue Walker (1989), Theresa Fallwell (2008), and Janie Spies (2014). She will move on as the Region IV Elementary Teacher of the Year to compete against the other Education Service Centers for a finalist spot at the state level, and ultimately an opportunity to be named Texas Teacher of the Year.
Katy, TX News (August 5, 2015) Courtesy of Channel 2 News – A Katy man was found dead in the Bahamas last week and his family is searching for answers.
“Mason grew up into such a dynamic young man. He could light up a room,” family friend Stacey Wasek said. Born and raised in Katy, Mason Hart, 24, had just graduated from Texas Tech University three months ago. Mason just happened to graduate, enjoys boats and kinda needed some time to decompress,” said Wasek.
He started working on a 60 foot boat named “Tucker’s Tales” and was taking care of it alone in the Bahamas for the past few weeks. Wasek said he left in a small boat called a dingy to two local bars last Tuesday night.
“We know he had drinks and dinner and we weren’t really sure what happened after that,” Wasek said.
The next day, someone found him floating in the water.
“His body was found, nude, not far from where the dingy had been tied up, but the dingy is missing. It has not been found,” she said. After looking at surveillance video, investigators told Mason’s family on Monday, they believe he didn’t leave those bars alone.
“If he did allow someone else on that dingy, it’s because he thought he was helping them,” Wasek said.
As family and close friends look back on memories, they try to piece together what happened to him.”He’s like our child,” Waseks said. “He was an awesome, awesome, awesome individual. Who would ever want to hurt him? I have no idea.”
The initial autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday, but the family has requested an independent autopsy. It’s unclear when Hart’s body will come back to Texas to be laid to rest.
Katy, TX News (August 5, 2015) – The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island is poised to stand tall at this year’s Miss Texas USA Pageant with the selection of Brianna Key as its first-ever Miss Cane Island.
One of Cane Island’s first home-buyers, Brianna competed in last year’s Miss Texas USA as Miss Southeast Texas. “Having grown up in Katy, it means so much to represent the area,” she says.
The former Houston Texans cheerleader is being sponsored as Miss Cane Island by Rise Communities, developer of the Katy master-planned community. “Cane Island has already made such a positive impact on Katy,” she adds. “I’m certainly looking forward to representing the community.”
Brianna is so enthusiastic about representing Cane Island, she even took pageant photos with Hub, a trained Golden Retriever who serves as Cane Island’s Ambassador. The 2015 Miss Texas USA Pageant will be held September 4-6 at Houston’s Post Oak Hilton Hotel. The event will be presented via live streaming video at MissTexasUSA.com.
To sign up for e-mail updates and for more information on Cane Island, go to www.caneisland.com. Also, like the community at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTx and follow it on Instagram and Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Katy, TX News (August 3, 2015) – The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) has unveiled the third generation of its Regional Joint Information Center website, www.readyharris.org.
The website, officially launched in 2011, serves as the primary online emergency information site for the county’s more than 4.4 million residents. This updated version improves functionality and provides an optimal viewing experience for mobile devices.
“Communication with the public is critical to our successful response to any disaster,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. ”Residents expect timely information whether they are at home or on the go. The improvements made to the website make it easier for residents to get the information they need, when they need it.”
Completed in time for the 2015 hurricane season, the revamped website incorporates responsive display technology. Responsive websites adjust the size of the view and format the content to adapt to the device being used. Site content is clear, legible and full functionality is preserved.
The new layout prioritizes Harris County Alert messages and highlights real-time traffic, weather, school closures, power outages and flooding information in a centralized location. Through collaboration with other local offices of emergency management and public safety stakeholders, www.readyharris.org is a one-stop shop for the region during disasters.
“Harris County is a national model for emergency preparedness and response,” added Emmett. “Coordination with our partners to provide timely, accurate and life-saving information during emergencies is a key element of that success.”
A soft launch of the website occurred in May, allowing county responders to use www.readyharris.org during the recent flooding event that affected thousands. In addition to posting safety information, road closures and weather alerts, county officials used the website to gather information on the number of homes and businesses affected by the floods. This allowed for a better and timelier response, and easier sharing of information with residents.
Follow them on Twitter: @hcohsem Facebook: facebook.com/hcohsem
Katy, TX News (July 31, 2015) – Beginning today at 12 p.m. the City of Katy will resume testing the three remaining outdoor sirens on the last Friday of each month. The warning sirens will be tested with a loud, short burst for about 30 seconds. In the event a tornado is spotted, the siren will be activated for a long continuous blast. Residents and business owners should have a plan to seek shelter, preferably in an interior room without windows and “hunker down” until the weather has cleared to a point they feel safe to come out. The City does not have an “all clear” signal and the sirens will not be tested on a Friday if the weather is bad. It is recommended that citizens utilize a weather radio or monitor local weather stations during this time.
Katy, TX News (July 28, 2015) – Plans of comprehensive renovations are set to begin at Memorial Parkway junior high in fall 2015. The project, with an estimated budget at $23.5 million dollars, will provided comprehensive reconfiguration of the campus and will add classrooms, upgrade and replace mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components, and more.
Modifications and upgrades to the 148,627 sq. ft. campus are expected to finish in August 2017 and will be the largest project funded by the 2014 Katy ISD bond measure. For updates on projects funded by the Katy ISD 2014 bond, visit katyisd.org.
Katy, TX News (July 23, 2015) – Mike Schofield, Republican State Representative from House District 132 , announced his intention to seek reelection. First elected in 2014 with 66% of the vote, Mike’s hard work in the 84th Legislative Session earned him “Freshman of the Year” honors from his colleagues in the House as well as being named a “Courageous Conservative” by the Texas Conservative Coalition.
“It has been both an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Katy and Cy-Fair in the Texas House,” said Mike Schofield. “I am proud of what we were able to accomplish this session. We reduced the tax burden on Texas’ families and businesses, protected Voter ID and the integrity of our elections, slowed the growth of government, enacted public education reform, and passed pro-life, pro-family legislation for Texas.”
Representative Schofield previously served as Governor Perry’s point man on Voter ID, and campaigned on the need to ensure the integrity of elections in Texas. He passed legislation (along with Senator Paul Bettencourt) to make a birth certificate available at no charge to anyone who only needs it to get their voter ID card. This removes one of the phony arguments often made that Voter ID imposes additional costs on people attempting to vote.
Additionally, Mike filed, and passed, legislation that will take school finance lawsuits away from a single judge in Austin and have them decided by a three-judge panel from around the state. This new law will prevent a single judge in Austin from having the ability to re-write the entire school finance system.
“For the past 30 years, every case involving the financing of our schools, and the size of your property tax bill, has been decided by a single judge in Austin,” Schofield stated. “With a three judge-panel, I am proud to say that the perspective of more Texans will be taken into account, which will ultimately save taxpayers billions of dollars and ensure our school system makes sense to more than just a single judge.
I look forward to building on our work this session and ensuring that, if reelected, next session will be just as productive as the last,” Schofield concluded.
Katy, TX News (July 20, 2015) – The City of Katy has released the latest rendering of the new City Hall building that will be built adjacent to the current facility on 910 Avenue C. in historic downtown Katy. The building, which will encompass 33,000 sq. ft. and stand three stories high, is expected to open in spring 2016. According to Mayor Fabol Hughes, the best part is what this will mean for Katy residents. “When it’s finished, it’s paid for without a tax increase or bonding. It will totally belong to the citizens of Katy unencumbered,” he says.
For more up-to-date information on the City Hall project and other news, follow the City of Katy on Facebook or visit cityofkaty.com.
Katy, TX News (July 15, 2015) – Katy ISD Trustee Henry Dibrell has earned the designation of Master Trustee upon completion of Leadership TASB, a program sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).
During the fifth session from June 18 to 20, school board members in the 2014–15 Leadership TASB class made presentations of their team’s findings following year-long research focused on topics such as statewide inequities, changing demographics, challenges to traditional public school models, achievement gaps and transformational education.
The Leadership TASB class met in conjunction with TASB’s Summer Leadership Institute in Fort Worth. More than 1,000 new and veteran school leaders received extensive training on every facet of effective board governance, heard keynote addresses from renowned education experts, and picked up valuable ideas from district showcases and networking opportunities.
After the graduation ceremony on June 19, participants joined the ranks of more than 800 school board members statewide who are Leadership TASB alumni.
The 2015 Leadership TASB class, composed of 35 school board members, represents Texas school districts of all sizes. Participants who completed all required elements of the study program earned Master Trustee status, the highest designation recognized by TASB.
TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local public school districts. Texas school board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 5.1 million students.
Katy, TX News (July 12, 2015) – Katy ISD’s 2015 District-wide Elementary Teacher of the Year, Christina Dismuke, was selected as a region IV Teacher of the Year finalist this week out of 94 nominees from 47 area school districts.
One elementary and one secondary teacher will be chosen from the finalists to represent the area and compete against the other Texas Regions at the state level.
Dismuke teaches second grade at Morton Ranch Elementary and is a master teacher, second grade team leader and lead mentor on campus. She is not only involved in the classroom, but also in the community where she spends time volunteering for her church and regularly attends her students’ extracurricular activities.
Information courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (July 7, 2015) – The Katy master-planned community of Cane Island has named Olivia Montagna as Lifestyle Coordinator where she will plan resident-only activities including movie nights, wine and cheese events, fun runs, walks and holiday festivals.
“Having Olivia on board as the community’s Lifestyle Coordinator is like having a personal assistant round out a family’s schedule,” notes Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities, developer of the 1,000-acre master-planned community. “It’s one more reason families are going to love Cane Island.” Montagna joins Cane Island as the master-planned community’s first residents make plans to move into their luxury homes by the end of summer.
Katy, TX News (June 30, 2015) – A total of 696 students from the Katy ISD graduating Class of 2015 received more than $21,023,000 in academic and/or athletic scholarships.
The total amount of academic scholarships earned is $17,117,850 and athletic scholarships totaled $3,957,489.
Total scholarships accepted per campus are as follows:?
| Campus | Academic Scholarships | Athletic Scholarships | Total |
| Cinco Ranch HS | $4,066,372 | $830,332 | $4,896,704 |
| Katy HS | $1,966,436 | $852,619 | $2,878,855 |
| Mayde Creek HS | $1,912,439 | $122,458 | $2,034,897 |
| Morton Ranch HS | $3,952,073 | $887,480 | $4,727,790 |
| Seven Lakes HS | $2,486,270 | $641,720 | $3,127,990 |
| Taylor HS | $2,732,260 | $622,880 | $3,355,140 |
| Raines HS | $2,000 | N/A | $2,000 |
Katy, TX News (June 29, 2015) – Crews will begin construction on the west parking lot at the Katy Family YMCA on June 30, 2015. The project is expected take no longer than two weeks, and will add 25 new parking spaces for members. Once completed, the crew will build a sidewalk to connect the Y property with the sports fields on Westheimer Parkway. In addition, a misting station has been added to Camp Cinco for day campers.
Katy, TX News (June 19, 2015) – Cane Island’s first model home where homebuyers can tour a fully-furnished, exquisitely decorated home befitting Katy’s newest master-planned community.
The Perry Homes four-bedroom model in Cane Island is open Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, noon – 7 p.m. New models from David Weekley Homes and Coventry Homes are expected to open later this summer with others to follow by Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
Cane Island will be offering 60-foot homesites, from 2,800 – 3,400 square feet, starting in the $370’s. They will also be offering 80-foot homesites, from 3,600 – 5,200 square feet, in a gated section priced from the $560’s. One and two-story plans are available for both homesite types.
Features in the 60 and 80-foot Perry Homes plans include two-story rotunda entry, raised coffered ceilings, open living and entertaining spaces, island kitchen with built-in seating, walk-in pantry, library with French doors, formal dining room, game room, media room, spacious secondary bedrooms, secluded master suites, three-car garage and extended covered backyard patio.
While Cane Island’s model homes are open throughout the summer, construction continues on the community’s Welcome Center, Recreation Center, family pool, poolside café, glass-walled conservatory and yoga studio.
“We’re pleased with progress to date and certainly the opening of our model homes is a big step toward our fall grand opening,” notes Dan Naef, president of Rise Communities, developer of Cane Island.
Future plans include the addition of Cane Island Elementary School, part of the Katy Independent School District and the build out of the Cane Island Parkway interchange at I-10. Families currently can reach Cane Island from First Street in Katy.
Other residential neighborhoods, open green spaces, pocket parks and several play areas which pay tribute to the area’s history in railroads, oil and gas, farming and other industries also will be added.
Developed by Rise Communities, Cane Island is minutes from the Energy Corridor, Katy Mills and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
Katy, TX News (June 8, 2015) – Star Cinema Grill, which is building its flagship location at the Baybrook Mall, will build another location in the Katy area, Houston-based commercial real estate firm Wulfe & Co. announced May 28.
The new 42,000-square-foot movie theater, near the intersection of Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway, will be the company’s fourth Houston-area location. It is expected to open in the fall of 2016.
No details about the architect, general contractor or other aspects of the project were disclosed.
Star Cinema Grill’s Baybrook Mall location is expected to open this fall, and more locations are slated to open next year, according to Wulfe & Co.
The Missouri City-based dine-in theater company was founded a decade ago in Webster. It also has locations in Conroe and the Chicago area.
The new location will feature a contemporary design, including lounge and bar areas that guests can enjoy before and after a movie, as well as the latest technologies, such as Sony 4k Digital Projection and RealD 3D.
Information courtesy of Houston Business Journal
Katy, TX News (June 4, 2015) – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has made preparations for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins June 1 and continues through November 30, and encourages everyone to have an emergency kit and make a plan.
Safety of the traveling public is a priority at TxDOT and the agency is committed to getting people out of harm’s way, getting them home safely and providing assistance with cleanup and recovery. The agency has prepared facilities and equipment for quick mobilization and reviewed evacuation plans. Roadway Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) are ready to communicate emergency messages to travelers across the state, including frequent warnings to citizens in other parts of the state to not travel to affected areas.
The time to get prepared and make evacuation plans is now – “Be Smart. Get a Head Start.” Start by reviewing our comprehensive hurricane preparedness information and hurricane evacuation maps available online at www.txdot.gov (key word search “hurricane”) for an evacuation route for you and your family. Make a checklist of preparations to be made before an evacuation, particularly if you live in an evacuation zone. If you believe you will not be evacuating in the event of a hurricane, prepare a survival kit. In addition to stocking up on bottled water, non-perishable food items, first aid kits and cash, TxDOT is encouraging coastal residents to keep their gas tanks full during hurricane season.
Information courtesy of TxDOT
Katy, TX News (June 3, 2015) – Patsy Schultz, Fort Bend County Tax Assessor Collector, would like to inform the public that places to renew their vehicle registration stickers has expanded.
Schultz states “We are pleased to announce that beginning June 8, 2015, all 10 Kroger grocery stores in Fort Bend County will be able to renew your vehicle registration stickers. Just visit the Courtesy Booth at your local store and be sure to bring along your renewal notice from the State that shows your vehicle is registered in Fort Bend County.”
Kroger joins HEB, Randall’s, Fiesta Mart, Food-a-Rama, Food Town and AAA LLC Texas locations in Fort Bend County as subcontractors. These alternate locations are able to renew stickers expiring in the current month or the month before or after the current month. If your sticker is more than 1 month late, you will still need to visit one of the five Fort Bend County Tax Offices. A visit to the Tax Office is always required to receive new license plates.
Also, with the new “Two Steps/One Sticker” program, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspection report dated within 90 days of your renewal to show in case there is a problem verifying your vehicle’s inspection status.
Katy, TX News (May 27, 2015) – Due to the rain, we are rescheduling the May 26 groundbreaking ceremony for Elementary School No. 38 for Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience but hope you will still join the Katy ISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Alton Frailey, and fellow staff and community members for this celebration.
This will be the fifth campus the District breaks ground on as part of the six new schools to be built thanks to the 2014 voter-approved bond package.
Located in the Cinco Ranch Northwest area, this school will provide enrollment relief to Wolman and WoodCreek elementary schools when it opens in fall of 2016.
News courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 22, 2015) – Major changes are coming to the Katy Tollway.
Toll rates on the Interstate 10 managed lanes are going up. During non-peak hours, it will cost you $2 to get from Katy to downtown. But during 7 a.m. and between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., that same ride will cost $10.
The point of raising the toll rates is to reduce congestion. The new rates start May 30.
News courtesy of KPRC Channel 2
Katy, TX News (May 5, 2015) – Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, (BHGRE) pulled out all the stops on its “Let’s Go To The Hop” Katy Sunshine Fest to raise funds for two children’s cancer charities, The Sunshine Kids and Triumph Over Kids Cancer. With the support of such longtime sponsors as Firethorne, ticket sales and matching funds by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the annual fundraiser brought in $45,000 to help bring hope and joy to children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as to fund research specific to pediatric cancer.
According to Event Chair Bob Miles, a Realtor with BHGRE Gary Greene, Firethorne has partnered with the Katy Sunshine Fest from the benefit’s beginning. This year’s 50s-theme party was held at Faith West Academy in Katy.
“We were drawn to help sponsor the Katy Sunshine Fest because cancer is not something you choose, but it has the potential of changing everyone in the family’s life, not just the patient’s,” said Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center President Dr. Ronald DePinho was a special guest and spoke at the benefit.
Katy, TX News – Thanks to a partnership with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Katy ISD students gained real-world experience to careers in the field of forensics and crime scene investigation this week during Katy ISD’s first-ever Forensics CSI Day at the Robert R. Shaw STEAM Center.
Students were able to tour FBCSO’s mobile investigation unit, speak directly with CSU investigators, and utilize skills such as finger printing and blood splatter analysis to solve a crime scene created by the Katy ISD forensic science teachers and instructional specialist Mariam Manuel.
Katy, TX News – More than 1,400 certified teachers gathered at the Leonard E. Merrell Center for the Katy ISD Teaching Job Fair on April 25, hoping to acquire a new job at one of the fastest growing districts in the nation.
The hiring fair was hosted in response to the rapid growth of the district and representatives from every school gladly welcomed both current Katy ISD employees applying for transfer and new applicants with a valid Texas teaching certification.
To find out more on how to become a teacher in Katy ISD, visit www.katyisd.org/dept/hr/Pages/Becoming-a-Teacher-in-Katy-ISD.aspx.
Katy, TX News – Cowboy Chicken, the popular thirteen-unit, Dallas-based fast casual wood fire rotisserie chicken brand, has done it again! Cowboy Chicken is thrilled to announce their newest franchise partner, Fisher Rothchild, LLC. The 15-store development agreement is the largest agreement signed to date, and will expand the concept to Houston, TX.Cowboy Chicken is excited to welcome Joe Rothchild and his operations partner, Barry Fisher to the family.
The new franchise partners bring over 25 years of real estate and hospitality experience to the brand. Development will begin in the Katy area, where lease negotiations are already underway, and will continue to develop through the Greater Houston Area and surrounding suburbs. The first location is expected to open in the last quarter of 2015.
Rothchild and Fisher knew from their first encounter with Cowboy Chicken, that this was a concept they wanted to be a part of. They were looking for an exciting emerging restaurant brand to bring to Houston. They wanted a concept that was healthy, wholesome, and unique. “The restaurant was full, it had a great vibe, the people were great, and the food was amazing. We knew it was going to be a winner!” stated Rothchild.
“We look forward to working with Joe and Barry to bring Cowboy Chicken to Houston. Joe’s experience in real estate and knowledge of the market combined with Barry’s standards for operational excellence make the perfect team. They are an ideal franchise partner for the Cowboy Chicken family. The Houston market is tremendous, and with their combined talents we are super confident that Cowboy Chicken will be a huge success!” said Cowboy Chicken President, Sean Kennedy.
For over 30 years, Cowboy Chicken has been cooking all natural chicken over a wood burning fire, and today guests enjoy the same delicious wood-fired rotisserie chicken along with seventeen different fresh homemade sides, including the now famous Twice-Baked “Potaters”., The menu also includes their award-winning Chicken Enchiladas and Homemade Peach Cobbler, which have both been on the menu since Cowboy’s inception, more than thirty years ago. Cowboy Chicken also features healthy and delicious fresh salads and sandwiches, grilled skinless chicken breast and nutritious sides such as baked Sweet Potato, Green Beans, and Campfire Veggies. Visit Cowboy Chicken at www.cowboychicken.com for more information or to order online.
Katy, TX News (April 23, 2015) – Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently celebrated its volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week was created to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers. Since then, the original emphasis on celebration has widened. The week has become a nationwide effort to urge people to make a difference by getting out and volunteering in their communities.
At the hospital, volunteers do make a difference. From comforting patients in their time of need to answering phones or providing directions, there is a job for everyone.
Fun Facts:
– 146 individuals volunteer their time at Memorial Hermann Katy.
– Last year Memorial Hermann Katy’s volunteers contributed more than 26,000 hours in various departments.
– While the average age of the hospital’s volunteers is 65, the oldest volunteer is 91 and has been volunteering at the hospital for 34 years.
Katy, TX News (April 22, 2015) – Courtesy of KHOU – For Kim Karns, a junior at Cinco Ranch, her cell phone is her lifeline. “I was on Twitter or texting someone,” said Karns.
She was sitting by the pool with her family on Sunday. Her head was down, fingers typing away on a text that likely saved her life.
“I looked down at the right time,” said Karns. That’s when she felt it. “I felt something hit me in the back of the head, thought it was a baseball or something,” said Karns. “It stung.”
No one knew what it was or where it came from. But Karns was hurt. “When I pulled my hand back, it was covered in blood,” said Karns.
“We were immediately jumping up, going okay let’s get to the emergency room,” said Yvette Karns, Kim’s mother. Her parents drove her to Memorial Hermann hospital in Katy where a CAT scan surprised even doctors.
“It was like all the life in me just drained,” said Kim’s mother. A bullet was lodged inside Kim’s head.
“I should be dead,” said Karns. An ambulance rushed her to the Medical Center where doctors removed the bullet stuck between her scalp and skull.
“I was pretty much like bring it on, get it out of me,” said Karns. “I was ready to go home. I told them I’ve got school tomorrow and a volleyball tournament this weekend.”
Investigators with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office say this was a stray bullet. Someone nearby fired it up into the air and that is a crime.
“It’s going to come down somewhere,” said Karns. “There’s going to be a consequence for that.”
It’s a crime that Kim’s mother says could have cost her daughter her life.
“Am I upset? Yes,” she said. “Would I like to wring their neck and say what were you thinking? Yes.”
Most people can’t say they survived a bullet to the head.
“She had an angel on her shoulder that day,” said Kim’s mother.
But now Kim has the stitches to prove it. “If I would have been one inch in any other direction, it could have gone differently,” said Kim. “I’m just really grateful to be alive.”
According to investigators, the caliber of the bullet has yet to be determined. Detectives believe the bullet was shot from south of the victim’s home from a distance of up to a mile. If you have any information about this incident, call the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office at 281-341-4665.
Katy, TX News (April 21, 2015) – Veronica Mullenix Real Estate Group will host Katy Homebuyer and Seller Seminars, a free community service initiative to educate and inform future and current Katy, Texas residents about the ever-changing regulations and protocols surrounding the home buying and selling process. One of the quarterly seminars will be held on Saturday May 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Salt and Pepper Restaurant and Catering located on Ave. D and First St. in historic Katy.
Those in attendance will experience an upbeat, fast-paced, and very informative session on the protocols affecting all aspects of the real estate transaction as they continue to change. These seminars are designed to help consumers traverse through the confusion and learn how their specific transactions will be affected. Audience Q&A will be encouraged.
RSVP by email to Seminars@VeronicaMullenix.com, or call/text 281-844-6285. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, an RSVP will reserve your seat.
Katy, TX News (April 16, 2015) -Dear Parents, Staff and Community Members,
Beginning March 2016, College Board will be administering a redesigned SAT, which was developed to support college readiness and success for students by focusing on the knowledge and skills that current research shows are most essential for college and career success.
On Monday, April 20 a representative with College Board will be presenting a thorough overview of the redesigned SAT during the Katy ISD Board of Trustees Work Study meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Education Support Complex. Parents and students are encouraged to attend to learn more about these changes and how it will impact students.
The first administration of the redesigned SAT will be March 2016; however, the first administration of the redesigned PSAT will be in October 2015.
Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the redesigned SAT. For additional information on the changes to the SAT, to view sample questions, and sign up for updates, parents and students are encouraged to visit the College Board website.
Information courtesy of Katy ISD Communications Department
Katy, TX News (April 14, 2015) – Information and photos courtesy of the City of Katy – The Katy Development Authority continues to pursue its goal of launching a convention center/hotel development next to Katy Mills Mall. Center plans include a two-mile boardwalk that will surround the mall’s 80-acre retention pond.
“We hope it will be a nice attraction to the area in addition to the mall,” says former Katy mayor Skip Conner, chairman of the Katy Development Authority.
The authority, which acts on behalf of the city to develop Katy Mills, is in final negotiations with Simpkins Group – developer of the Katy Boardwalk – to purchase 10 to 15 acres for the project.
The Katy Boardwalk is a mixed-use development intended for office, research and development, medical, high tech and light industrial uses, along with retail and entertainment venues. It will be to the southeast of Katy Mills Mall.
If all progresses smoothly with the City’s land purchase there, construction of the convention center could get under way in the next 1½ to 2 years. Construction on the boardwalk probably would begin sooner, according to Conner.
Katy City Council voted Jan. 26 on an extension to the tax increment reinvestment zone formed for Katy Mills mall.
City documents show that the participation of the City of Katy and Fort Bend County in the zone was set to end Dec. 31, 2018. “With action Monday, the life of the zone is extended to Dec. 31, 2038 for the city. Katy Mills mall was paid off in 2013”, says Kayce Reina, The City of Katy’s director of tourism, marketing & public relations, “and so officials wanted to extend the TIRZ to help fund the boardwalk and convention center.”
“In approving the extension of the TIRZ, we don’t have to do the boardwalk,” she said, though that is the plan. “But it provides the funding mechanism for the KDA board to move forward with the project if they choose to do so.”
Reina states that many other steps need to be taken and notes that Fort Bend County also is involved.
“Once the TIRZ is extended”, Reina says,”the next step would be to purchase the land.”
The convention center, estimated at approximately $10 million, and the boardwalk, estimated at $1.75 million, would be covered by tax revenue from the mall – approximately $3½ million a year – and hotel taxes.
“Katy’s boardwalk will not resemble the tourist attraction in Kemah,” Conner notes.
“It will be like a park area. It won’t be a bird sanctuary, but it will attract more birds. The land has been in a raw state for 18 years, so it has been home to wildlife.”
“The mall already is a major destination for Katy and attracts about 11 million visitors each year,” says Lance LaCour, CEO/chairman of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, “The city’s growth and the additions to the mall area only will enhance visitors’ interest.”
Katy, TX (April 14, 2015) – The Katy Independent School District was recently ranked second among large school districts in the Center for Digital Education’s and National School Boards Association’s 10th anniversary Digital School Districts Survey. This the second year in a row that Katy has been named one of the top ten digital school districts in the nation.
The Digital School Districts Survey showcases exemplary school boards’ and districts’ use of technology to govern the district, communicate with students, parents and community, and improve district operations.
Katy ISD’s second-place rank in the large student population category demonstrates how the District is adapting curriculum, communication and collaboration by embracing digital technologies.
The top 10 rankings are awarded to the school boards and districts that most fully implement technology benchmarks in the evolution of digital education, as represented in the survey questions.
Katy, TX News – It was a scary morning at Katy Mills Mall where smash-and-grab robbers hit a jewelry store.
A witness said the suspects cased the Jared Vault store around 11 a.m., and returned later with two hammers and a gun. They stormed in and one smashed high-end jewelry cases while the other held an employee at gunpoint. Another employee hid in the bathroom and called police.
“It was seconds, a matter of seconds they were in and out,” said Katy Police Captain Javier Martinez. “I believe they’ve done this before.” In fact, it took just 27 seconds to scoop up about $30,000 in jewelry. “It looks like they knew exactly where to go, like maybe they were casing the store,” Martinez said. No one in the store was hurt.
“It’s pretty scary that they are out here during the day. That’s very bold,” said Diane Nevels of Katy. “Now it seems like the big city is coming to the little city out here, so it’s pretty scary.” The Jared Vault was closed while Katy police investigated the robbery. The robbery is similar to two recent smash-and-grabs at jewelry stores in Willowbrook Mall and First Colony Mall.
Information courtesy of KHOU Houston.
Katy, TX News (April 10, 2015) – In order to provide additional information and to solicit comments from the public on a proposed plan to implement a county-wide polling place program, Katy residents within Fort Bend County limits can attend an informational meeting at 7 p.m. on April 23 at Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Court, 22333 Grand Corner Dr., Katy, TX 77494. If implemented, a voter in Fort Bend County on Election Day would no longer be required to vote in his or her home precinct polling location, but could vote at any polling place within the county.
Katy, TX News (April 9, 2015 ) – Representatives from Texas Children’s Hospital joined an international group of medical professionals, patients and parents to determine a standard set of outcome measures for children born with cleft lip and palate. This work is the first of its kind in pediatrics on an international stage and these guidelines will help all institutions develop a standard treatment of care for this population of patients and will be available for implementation this spring.
The team, which was formed by The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), evaluated the burden of treatment and complications, including number of interventions, major surgical complications and re-admissions. It also took into account the health of the patient, looking at factors like speech, oral health, eating and drinking, appearance, body weight and psycho-social functioning. In keeping with ICHOM’s commitment to measuring results that matter and reporting patient outcomes in a standardized way, these guidelines will help ensure all of a patient’s needs are met.
Three representatives from Texas Children’s, supported by hospital leadership, took part in the esteemed program, including Dr. Laura Monson, pediatric plastic surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, outcomes research nurse, Christy Hernandez, from the Texas Children’s Hospital Outcomes & Impact Service, and cranio-facial orthodontist at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of plastic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine Dr. John O. Wirthlin. The working group was comprised of members from Australia, Canada, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S., and included participants from other organizations including Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Great Ormond Street.
“We are proud to be a part of the team that developed this important set of measures and to have collaborated with other respected medical professionals from highly esteemed institutions in this process,” said Kathleen Carberry, nurse and director of Texas Children’s Hospital Outcomes and Impact Service. “This work is the first of its kind and a step toward really examining the value of health care delivery from the patient’s perspective.”
Texas Children’s has a large population of cleft lip and palate patients resulting in nearly 2,000 clinic visits and 500 surgical cases per year and the hospital will be following the new guidelines and measurements to ensure their needs are met. Texas Children’s Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic already addresses many of the outcome measures listed in the ICHOM Standard Set, however it will be adding the measures of oral health, appearance and burden of care beginning in February.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these guidelines put to use here at Texas Children’s, and all over the world, to ensure the best possible care for these children,” said Monson, who is currently studying the short-and long-term outcomes of patients with cleft lip and palate as part of a Texas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Fellowship award she was given. “These kids need – and deserve – every possible opportunity to live a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted life, and we believe these standards will significantly improve patient outcomes.”
This is not Texas Children’s first step towards improving the lives of patients with cleft lip and palate. After receiving feedback from patients about the hardships they endure and the challenges they face because they look different, Texas Children’s launched a weekend camp last March, designed to provide children born with cleft lip and palate the chance to be themselves, make new friendships and gain the self confidence many of them lack due to their facial abnormalities.
Texas Children’s follows its cleft lip and palate patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life for 18 years, tracking the patient’s speech progress, the aesthetical development of the cleft lip and palate repair, as well as the progress of the child’s emotional and psycho-social healing.
“Our team’s dedication doesn’t just stop with the patients we are currently treating,” says Wirthlin. “We are committed to tracking the progress of our kids so we can perfect the already exceptional care we provide and improve clinical outcomes for those future families that will be seeking our help down the road. Helping to create these guidelines was just one more step in bettering our patients’ lives.”
About Texas Children’s Hospital
Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation, Texas Children’s has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. Texas Children’s has completed a $1.5 billion expansion, which includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; and Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston. For more information on Texas Children’s, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news from Texas Children’s by visiting the online newsroom and on Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.
Katy, TX News (April 8, 2015) – The Katy ISD School Board recently passed a resolution calling for the elimination of state high-stakes testing beyond federal mandates, which includes those assessments that are required for graduation, also known as STAAR. This message is really resonating with members in our community and many at the national level! We do not know of any teacher, parent or educator who believes the STAAR test to be a true test of a child’s ability or the STAAR test to be the right Accountability and Assessment system. There has been no measurable improvement in college readiness.
Sadly, we have heard over and over again that this is not getting enough attention from our legislature or from the media and that it’s only from our group that they have heard this. We are thrilled to be a part of Katy ISD and helping to lead the charge. Our hope was that this would be something that the community could rally behind and fight for together and that’s exactly what’s happening. We are making news in education circles around the country! We posted a story on our Facebook feed yesterday and we have been thrilled to see this post reach over 40,000 people in less then 24 hours! We have had hundreds of shares and lots of reposts on many other group sites in the last few days. Parents and Teachers are very passionate about this topic and we pledge to do our best to make changes with the support of Katy ISD Board of Trustee Members.
See below for just some of the links in groups around Texas and in national circles that have shared Katy ISD’s Resolution and have expressed concern over the STAAR:
- Facebook Groups-
Jen Hatmaker
Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessment (TAMSA)
Texas Parents Opt out of State Tests
Texas Kids Can’t Wait
http://dianeravitch.net/2015/04/07/katy-texas-school-board-votes-to-eliminate-high-stakes-tests/ - Link to Resolution:
http://www.katyisd.org/dept/communications/Documents/Resolution%20on%20Assessment.pdf
Article courtesy of One Katy PAC
Katy, TX News (April 8, 2015) – Seven Lakes Junior High held a world premiere of a special video titled “Celebrating Diversity” at a recent PTA meeting. Seven Lakes Junior High students speak over 34 languages and their families come from countries all of the world.
The campus was very excited to showcase the wonderful diversity present on the campus. The video was a project created by the SLJH Diversity Committee. Students volunteered to participate in the filming of the video and the majority of filming and production was completed by students. The world premiere of the video was a very special event with speeches by Dr. Medrano, Principal, and a few of the students that participated in creation of the video. Visit the Seven Lakes Junior High Website to see the “Celebrating Diversity” video.
Katy, TX News (April 7, 2015) – Courtesy of the Katy Area Economic Development Council – The Katy Development Authority continues to pursue its goal of launching a convention center/hotel development next to Katy Mills Mall. Center plans include a boardwalk that will surround the mall’s 80-acre retention pond. “We hope it will be a nice attraction to the area in addition to the mall,” said former Katy mayor Skip Conner, chairman of the Katy Development Authority.
The authority, which acts on behalf of the city to develop Katy Mills, is in final negotiations with Simpkins Group – developer of The Park of Katy Mills – to purchase 10 to 15 acres for the project.
The Park of Katy Mills is a mixed-use development intended for office, research and development, medical, high tech and light industrial uses, along with retail and entertainment venues and will surround Katy Mills Mall.
If all progresses smoothly with the city’s land purchase there, construction of the convention center could get under way in the next 1½ to 2 years. Construction on the boardwalk probably would begin sooner, according to Conner.
Katy City Council voted Jan. 26 on an extension to the tax increment reinvestment zone formed for Katy Mills mall.
City documents show that the city’s and Fort Bend County’s participation in the zone was set to end Dec. 31, 2018. With action Monday, the life of the zone is extended to Dec. 31, 2038 for the city. Katy Mills mall was paid off in 2013, said Kayce Reina, Katy’s director of tourism, marketing & public relations, and so officials wanted to extend the TIRZ to help fund the boardwalk and convention center.
“In approving the extension of the TIRZ, we don’t have to do the boardwalk,” she said, though that is the plan. “It’s funding mechanism for the (KDA) board.”
Reina said many other steps need to be taken and noted that Fort Bend County also is involved. Once the TIRZ is extended, Reina said the next step would be to purchase the land.
The convention center, estimated at approximately $10 million, and the boardwalk, estimated at $1.75 million, would be covered by tax revenue from the mall – approximately $3½ million a year – and hotel taxes. Katy’s boardwalk will not resemble the tourist attraction in Kemah, Conner noted.
“It will be like a park area,” he said. “It won’t be a bird sanctuary, but it will attract more birds. The land has been in a raw state for 18 years, so it has been home to wildlife.” The authority is hoping to attract a commercial developer to add an upscale hotel to the site, Conner said.
Commercial developers already are interested in the Katy Mills Mall area.
The area’s growing population and business community have attracted several hotel developments. Newcrest Image LLC of Dallas, for instance, is building a Homewood Suites by Hilton at 25495 Katy Mills Parkway. The 121-room facility is expected to open in 2015.
Also under construction near Katy Mills are a Country Inn and Suites, Four Points Sheraton and Courtyard Marriott.
Demand for hotel rooms also is being fueled, in part, by PetroSkills, an oil and gas training company near Katy Mills that draws professionals from around the globe to its one- and two-week training sessions.
Additional projects are coming to the area as well. Less than one mile from Katy Mills, construction recently was completed on Legacy at Falcon Point, an 82-unit assisted living and memory care development by PinPoint Commercial LP at 1520 Katy Gap Road. The luxury development includes a movie theater, spa, restaurant, fitness center and sports bar.
Under construction now near the mall is Cane Island, a 1,000-acre master-planned community at Interstate 10 and Cane Island Parkway near Grand Parkway. The community is scheduled to open in mid-2015. Home prices will range from the $200,000s to millions.
Another possible addition to the area is a semi-professional theater and performing arts school. Noyes Fine Arts Foundation is seeking ground funding now for the facility, which would be established near the mall.
The mall already is a major destination for Katy and attracts about 11 million visitors each year, said Lance LaCour, CEO/chairman of the Katy Area Economic Development Council.
The city’s growth and the additions to the mall area only will enhance visitors’ interest, he said. “We’re just very pleased to see the development happening.”
“Katy Mills Mall is experiencing some positive changes of its own, Conner said, “the mall came under new ownership during the last several years, and they’ve been rejuvenating it inside and out.”
The mall, which opened in 1999, has more than 175 stores and continues to grow. An H&M clothing store opened in August, and the mall gained Steve Madden and Shoe Palace stores in September. Conner expects development around the mall to continue.
“It no longer is a sleepy giant here. It’s awakened and is attracting attention. We’re going to do as much as we can do to control it and move it in a positive direction,” Conner said.
Katy, TX News (April 7, 2015) – Courtesy of KHOU – Volunteer searchers tackled the monumental task of searching the shores of Lake Livingston on Monday in connection with the one-month-old search for a missing 20-year-old from Katy.
Kyle Rugg vanished after a trip to Lake Livingston March 4th and has not been seen since.
A friend says Rugg left the lake with two other friends that only Rugg seemed to know. Missing persons flyers posted at various spots around the lake identify those two “friends” only as young Hispanic males driving a tan/yellowish two-door car. At the time Rugg was wearing a black tank top, black hoodie and jeans.
Monday, volunteers with Texas Equusearch scoured sections of the shoreline on the east side of Lake Livingston while others used a boat equipped with sonar to search under the water.
“Since we don’t have any eyewitness that something happened to him or fell in the water or anything then unfortunately it’s a process of elimination,” said Equusearch founder Tim Miller. “That’s their job,” said Miller of the police investigators and their search for suspects. “Our job is searching. And we’ll keep doing it and hopefully the investigation will take us where we need to be.”
Rugg did not have a bank account or a bank card that could be tracked. His parents, Les and Judy Rugg say he only had a cell phone which has since gone dead.
“Everything’s a mystery,” his dad said. “We have no information. He went fishing with a friend. He’s disappeared. That’s all we know.”
“If you lead us to his whereabouts the money’s yours,” his mom said of a GoFundMe account with a reward fund that now tops $15,000. “I don’t care who you are. I don’t care what you look like. I don’t care what you do for a living. I’m not going to ask you questions. Just lead us to Kyle.”
“Kyle, please calls us. Tell us you’re OK. Come home. Everybody misses you,” she said. “Come home. If you can get in touch then get in touch. Call somebody, I don’t care who. Just call somebody that will let us know you’re OK, that’s all we want to know.”
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is still trying to determine if foul play is involved.
Anyone with information should call HCSO at 713.274.9360 or Texas Equusearch at 281-309-9500.
Katy, TX News (April 2, 2015) – KATY Aquatics and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital will bring “April Pools Day” to families at Katy Mills on Wednesday, April 1. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. in the AMC Plaza near Entry 8, will feature water safety demonstrations, information booths, games, story time, giveaways and Simon Kidgits Club® activities plus a special appearance by Mayor Fabol Hughes and guest speaker Elizabeth Nuño who nearly lost her daughter last summer in a drowning accident.
“April Pools Day’ is a significant educational initiative that we implemented, locally, last year, after Katy experienced an overwhelming number of drowning incidents,” said Kay Sword, Trauma Program manager at Memorial Hermann Katy. “Together, with the support of community leaders, we hope to clarify the potential dangers, reduce the risk of incidents and keep families water-safe and sound.”
“April Pools Day,” recognized by aquatic organizations and health providers across the nation, is designed to teach families about water safety, raise awareness of the hazards associated with water, and prevent drowning in pools, bathtubs and all bodies of water. Seminars and demonstrations led by KATY Aquatics and Memorial Hermann Katy representatives will include how to properly wear a life jacket, information on first aid and CPR, and the best ways to watch children near water. The organizations will also give away 200 gift bags, while supplies last.
“With Harris County leading the state in drowning cases in 2013 and 2014, it is critical for us to educate parents and children, early, about proper water safety techniques,” said Travis Sandifer, executive director of KATY Aquatics. “We are proud to partner with Memorial Hermann and Katy Mills to inform young parents and communicate proactive measures to ensure a fun spring and summer.”
In addition to safety demonstrations, Katy Mills’ Simon Kidgits Club will have various activities for children including water safety inspired paper crafts and coloring and will provide educational material about local waterways. Kidgits Club members will receive a special bathtub toy to take home and enjoy. If families are not part of the club, they can sign-up and pay the annual $5 per child fee at the event.
“Swim safety is a huge concern for families in the Katy area,” said Sabrina Scruta, director of marketing and business development at Katy Mills. “With a focus on health, wellness, education and safety, this event is a perfect complement to the mission of our Simon Kidgits Club.”
As an added bonus for event patrons, Katy Mills will be giving away swag bags filled with special retail offers to the first 50 customers to sign up for the Mobile Shoppers Club. To join the Mobile Shoppers Club*, text “SMSC” to 74666 for all kinds of insider info.
Katy, TX News (March 27, 2015) – Houston Christian High School students have recently participated in several reading and writing competitions with outstanding results. We are proud to announce high honors achieved in the literary arena through the Library of Congress Letters About Literature competition and WordWright.
In writing, freshman Jake Fritsche and sophomores Richard Hansen and Jeremy Mitschke, were in the top 15 out of 1500 in the state of Texas to achieve high honors in the Library of Congress’s Letters About Literature competition. Additionally, Houston Christian was the only high school to have three finalists in the competition nationwide. Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem, or speech of their choosing and write a letter to the author (living or dead) expressing the impact the author’s writing had on them personally.
In reading, a team of HC sophomore students were recently honored at the third annual meet for this year’s WordWright Challenge. Bryce Ott and Will Bates won high individual honors in the meet. The WordWright Challenge, supervised by Mrs. Hannah Bailey, English teacher at HC, is a national competition for high school students requiring close reading and analysis of many different kinds of prose and poetry.
Houston Christian continues to exemplify its high academic standard through these notable literary honors. Houston Christian is a private college preparatory high school in West Houston at 2700 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., near I-10 and Beltway 8. For additional information visitwww.houstonchristian.org. Campus tours are available to prospective students and their parents through the Admissions office. Contact Admissions at 713-580-6020 or admissions@houstonchristian.org.
Katy, TX News (March 26, 2015) – Cane Island’s first on-site builder sales offices will open this weekend, March 28-29, and remain open daily where buyers can review floor plans, elevations and pricing for both traditional family homes and luxury patio homes in the master-planned community’s first phase. Four of Cane Island’s first seven neighborhoods will be gated.
Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Ryland Homes and Trendmaker Homes will open on-site sales offices this weekend (Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 4 p.m.). On-site sales offices Shea Homes and Toll Brothers will open soon.
This weekend’s visitors to Cane Island also can enjoy a free hot lunch and take pictures with Hub, the friendly, trained Golden Retriever who will ultimately make his full-time home in the Cane Island Amenity Center.
To reach Cane Island traveling west, take the Pin Oak exit, follow the access road and turn right on FM 1463. Turn left on First Street and follow the signs to Cane Island.
This summer, the master-planned community will be accessible from Interstate 10 at the new Cane Island Parkway interchange. The four-lane, north-south boulevard, less than four miles west of the Grand Parkway, will serve as the entry to Cane Island and the major thoroughfare through the community to Morton Road.
For more information and to sign up for e-mail updates, go to www.CaneIsland.com. Also, like the community at www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTx and follow it on Twitter @caneislandkaty.
Developed by Rise Communities, Cane Island is minutes from the Energy Corridor, Katy Mills and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Families in Cane Island will attend schools in the acclaimed Katy Independent School District.
Katy, TX News (March 23, 2015) – At Freddy’s in Katy, Texas, people come for the burgers and fries but stay for the frozen custard. Travis Sattler is always ready to serve. On Wednesday, he took the order of a very special little boy.
“He wants to order dessert,” said Sattler. The little boy comes up to the counter fidgeting with coins and a few dollar bills hoping he has enough for that mini mint Oreo custard.
“He was a little nervous,” said Sattler. “Ends up handing me everything he had.” It wasn’t enough.
“He was maybe two dollars short,” he said. So Sattler, who just a few minutes from the end of his shift, pulled out his credit card and told the boy, “It’s on me.”
“He had the biggest eyes, the widest smile,” Sattler said.
It’s a swipe that made a difference. But the story doesn’t end there. Just half an hour later, that same little boy handed Sattler a note as he and his mother walked out. “It says, ‘Thank you for being so nice and paying for my custard, we need more people like you,'” read Sattler.
This time, it was Sattler who smiled. Wrapped up inside the receipt was a $100 bill. It’s money Sattler plans to put away for nursing school.
“I like to think that I made a good impact on their day, and I kind of brightened it up, just like they did mine,” said Sattler. No one’s prouder than his boss at Freddy’s.
“Travis’ face is probably a face that boy will remember for a long time,” said Padden Nelson, the franchise owner of the Katy location. Freddy’s says it plans on giving Travis an extra $100. The restaurant also wants to find the boy’s family. They have gift cards waiting for them. They are simple acts of kindness by two strangers all over a small cup of custard.
“We all need to look out for each other,” said Sattler.
Katy, TX News (March 19, 2015) – Houston-based custom salad restaurant Salata is relocating from downtown Houston to a 26,000-square-foot facility in West Houston. The new facility, which sits on two acres at 16720 Park Row, began in January and is expected to be completed this summer.
The new headquarters will also feature a 2,500-square-foot street-level restaurant that will serve as the company’s test kitchen and is open to the public.
Salata operates 42 owned and franchised U.S. locations, 20 of which are in Houston, and has plans to open 40 more by the end of 2016. Six new restaurants are expected to open this year in the Houston market.
Katy, TX News (March 13, 2015) – Cinco Ranch High School’s robotics Team 624 (CRyptonite) punched their ticket to the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC®) World Championship by winning the 2015 Dallas FRC Regional Tournament. The tournament marked the first week of the seven-week world-wide FRC qualifying tournament season, which culminates in the World Championship at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
After 10 matches in the qualifying rounds and making their way through five quarter and semi final matches, CRyptonite, along with their Alliance partners, Team 118 (Robonauts) from League City and Team 2613 (Protobot) from Van Horn, won a thrilling best-of-three final, 2-1 against Alliance opponents Team 148 (Robowranglers) from Greenville, Team 987 (High Rollers) from Las Vegas, Nevada and Team 3802 (Robopop) from Carrollton.
“Winning the first regional tournament we competed in this season was fantastic,” said CRyptonite Student President and Cinco Ranch senior, Dylan Bray. “We struggled in the qualifying matches with a new robot, new game and new Drive Team, but, with the help of our Alliance partners, we really pulled it together in the elimination rounds. Qualifying for the World Championship the first week of the season takes a lot of the pressure off.”
CRyptonite also won the tournament’s Imagery Award, which celebrates attractiveness in engineering and outstanding visual aesthetic integration of machine and team appearance.
The organizers of the Dallas Regional had a surprise in store for everyone on the final day of the event – a visit from inventor, entrepreneur and FIRST founder, Dean Kamen, along with Dallas Cowboys safeties, Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox. They were joined by four Cowboys cheerleaders and the team mascot, Rowdy.
Regarding this year’s challenge and how FIRST robotics helps prepare students for a future in science and technology, Kamen told the audience, “We wanted to really push the concept of team work.” He said that technologic breakthroughs, no matter in what industry, will require teamwork across engineering disciplines, because “all the easy stuff’s been done…(so) “team work is absolutely critical.” Addressing the students, Kamen said, “All the teams, all the players are winners because of the effort you’ve put in and what you’ve learned.”
Katy, TX News – On April 25, 2015, Katy ISD will host a massive job fair for certified teachers to fill open positions in all grade levels throughout the rapidly growing district.
The fair will be held at the Leonard E. Merrell Center (6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy, TX 77494) from 8 to 11 am for junior high and high school positions, and 1 to 4 pm for elementary positions. Applicants must bring a copy of their certification and/or TEA/SBEC content exam scores in order to be admitted, and the fair will be open to current Katy ISD teachers who meet transfer eligibility requirements.
All Katy ISD campuses will be represented at the fair, so applicants should bring enough resumes to share with representatives from 35 elementary schools, 13 junior high schools, and eight high schools.
Visit katyisd.org for more information and directions.
Katy, TX News (February 20, 2015) – The YMCA of Greater Houston is proud to announce the purchase of a prime site that will serve as its second location in the Katy community. Located in the Katy Main Street development, the 6.58 acre property sits west of Pin Oak Road and I-10, on Main Street near Kingsland.
Second Katy YMCA Site
“Katy Main Street is excited to have the YMCA purchase land for their second Katy location,” said Troy Maxwell, President and CEO of WoodCreek Reserve Development Co. “The Y will be a valuable asset, along with the existing retail, in attracting future transactions that will only enhance this master planned
project. We are overjoyed that Katy Main Street was selected for their project after looking at other sites; this confirms this location as the best spot in Katy,” Maxwell stated.
The land purchase is the first step in a long process. The YMCA must also raise funds to support the project and is in the preliminary stages of a capital campaign, led by Dr. Leonard Merrell, former Katy ISD Superintendent and current Katy Family YMCA and YMCA of Greater Houston Board Member.
“We are pleased to be planning for the expansion of services to the greater Katy community with this Katy Main Street location. For the last 129 years the YMCA’s Mission, unlike any other organization, focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This Katy Main Street YMCA will be dedicated to this purpose,” said Dr. Merrell.
“The YMCA is a nonprofit like no other,” noted Brian Haines, District Vice President and Katy Family YMCA Community Executive. “The Y is community centered. We bring people together, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs. This second location will allow us to
better serve the growing Katy community while giving many of our existing members a facility closer to their home or workplace,” Haines said.
The Y’s current Katy location, the Katy Family YMCA, at 22807 Westheimer Parkway, serves 50,000 people through facility membership and program participation, with offerings including after school child care, day camp, health and wellness, swim lessons, youth sports and more. The new location would offer
similar programs and allow the YMCA to strengthen the Katy community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The YMCA offers financial assistance and strives to turn no one away due to inability to pay.
While there is no set construction timeline or final facility design, the building could open in late 2016 or early 2017. To learn more about how you can support the YMCA at Katy Main Street fundraising campaign, contact Brian Haines at 281-392-5055 or brianh@ymcahouston.org.
Katy, TX News (February 20, 2015) – Bridgeland is unveiling its newest community, Hidden Creek, and launching new homesites in its Traditional Neighborhood Design development (TND), Lakeland Heights®, with a grand opening event that offers participants a chance at winning $2,500. From Feb. 23 until March 8, the general public is invited to tour model homes located in the community. Upon completion of visiting all 11 homes, participants will be given a scratch-off ticket valued anywhere from $10 to $100. One lucky winner, selected at random, will walk away with the grand prize of $2,500. Additionally, homebuyers that sign a contract during the grand opening will receive a $1,000 gift card after closing.
Hidden Creek is the largest section to open to date in Bridgeland, a community wholly owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation® (NYSE: HHC), with 1,000 homesites set alongside 142 acres of lakes and waterways. New luxury homes range in price from $300,000 to over $1 million and are built by Beazer Homes, Darling Homes, Meritage Homes, Perry Homes, Ryland Homes, Taylor Morrison Homes, Village Builders and Westin Homes.
“We’re excited to show off Hidden Creek,” said Peter Houghton, Vice President of Master Planned Communities for Bridgeland. “The opening of our largest neighborhood comes at an exciting time given the tremendous demand for upscale homes in the northwest Houston area. Bridgeland continues to attract buyers with its wide range of desirable housing, resort-style amenities and top-notch schools.”
In addition to being the newest and largest community within Bridgeland, Hidden Creek will introduce an extensive array of amenities, including Lakeland Village Park, a 20-acre green space that will feature an enclosed dog park, basketball court, canoe launch and skate park. Additional tennis courts, picnic areas, walking trails and pavilions are also planned as well as a new splash pad, playground and heated lap pool, which will be open year-round.
One of the most anticipated amenities in Hidden Creek, Tree House Park, will feature a whimsical, two-story tree house nestled among live oaks that date back to the property’s early rice farming days. Adjacent to the custom-built piece, a boardwalk will hover over an old creek bed and a decomposed granite pathway will wind through the wooded area nearby. The remainder of the park will be left in its natural state, one of Bridgeland’s many efforts to preserve and restore its land, which is located on the Katy Prairie.
Similar to other sections of Lakeland Village, an extensive trail system will be nestled within Hidden Creek, including a 12-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail that will follow along Bridgeland Creek Parkway and Josey Ranch Road. The trail will eventually lead directly to Bridgeland’s Town Center, where the community’s dining, shopping, entertainment and employment venues will be located.
Lakeland Heights, the community’s Traditional Neighborhood Design development (TND), is also included in the tour, as the section features a new townhouse product by Perry Homes and new models from David Weekley Homes and J. Kyle Homes. As a TND development, Lakeland Heights was created to have the aesthetic appeal and accessibility of classic Houston neighborhoods like The Heights and West University, but with the updated amenities of a new community. Consequently, homes are walking distance from parks, recreational facilities and schools. Eventually, residents will also be able to easily access shops and restaurants in Lakeland Village Center, which anchors the 350-home community.
Bridgeland won the 2013 “Master Planned Development of the Year” award from the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), just one of the more than 100 accolades the community has received. For more information on Bridgeland or Hidden Creek’s Grand Opening, visit www.bridgeland.com.
Katy, TX News (February 18, 2015) – With the opening of on-site builder sales offices in Cane Island just weeks away, work crews and a team of field biologists have started the build-out of the community’s catch-and-release fishing lakes, fountains and geysers as the first phase of development as the Katy master-planned community continues.
A rendering depicts the fountains planned for the entry to Cane Island.
Lake Management Services, L.P. of Sugar Land has been engaged to maintain the seven lakes within Cane Island’s first phase and the three others planned for the community’s second phase. Each stocked lake will include an elegant fountain or impressive geyser system to circulate and aerate water while creating attractive water features throughout the community.
“Our goal is to design Cane Island’s lake system to ensure water quality, a balanced aquatic ecosystem and a maximum number of homes with fountain views,” according to Mac McCune, president of Lake Management Services.
Cane Island’s signature water feature at the community’s entry will feature seven boomer jets spraying water approximately 28-30 feet high to create an inspiring display along the community’s point of arrival.
The waterways also serve as detention ponds to capture run off rainwater, McCune adds.
“When you consider the size of the community, ten lakes is a very impressive figure,” he says.
Lake Management Services was the first urban lake management firm in Texas, managing urban lakes and ponds since 1978. It was the first lake management firm in Texas to equip its field personnel with real-time, wireless-broadband communications to allow for the most accurate testing and on-site data collection.
The build-out of Cane Island’s waterways is part of the Katy master-planned community’s first phase to including the opening of 13 model homes and Amenity Village housing a Conservatory for events, fully-equipped fitness center, yoga studio and multi-purpose room with commercial kitchen.
On-site builder sales offices are expected to open in March where Cane Island’s home builders will present buyers with plans and pricing.
Cane Island will offer new homes from the $200’s to the millions from Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and Trendmaker Homes.
Named after the 1872 settlement which later became Katy, the Cane Island master-planned community will be accessible from Interstate 10 at the new Cane Island Parkway interchange, scheduled to open in 2015. The four-lane, north-south boulevard, less than four miles west of the Grand Parkway, will serve as the entry to Cane Island and the major thoroughfare through the community to Morton Road.
Families in Cane Island will attend schools in the highly acclaimed Katy Independent School District. Plus, the community is minutes away from the Energy Corridor, Katy Mills, the La Centerra Shopping Center and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
To sign up for e-mail updates and for more information on Cane Island, go to CaneIsland.com. Also, like the community at Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTx and follow it on Twitter @CaneIslandKaty.
Katy, TX News (February 3, 2015) – Dr. Eric Chiou, pediatric gastroentrologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, examines the safety of a commonly-used ingredient in medication recommended for constipated children:
“Recently, there have been several media reports on a new study sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looking at the main ingredient found in Miralax, an over-the-counter medication for constipation commonly recommended by pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists for use in children.
The new FDA-sponsored study aims to look at how polyethylene glycol 3350, or PEG 3350, affects children long-term. On the one hand, just because the FDA is doing a study does not mean that PEG 3350 is dangerous. On the other hand, I always encourage families to obtain information from reliable sources about the medications and treatments used for their children in general. Many of our patients and families have questions and concerns about PEG 3350 which I will try to address below.
What is PEG 3350?
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water-soluble, inactive ingredient of which only a very small amount is absorbed in the gut or gastrointestinal tract, the rest moves through the body. PEG is non-toxic and has no effect on the body. Commonly used brand names of PEG 3350 available in the U.S. are MiraLax and GlycoLax.
How does PEG 3350 work in the treatment of constipation?
PEG 3350 helps constipation by holding more water in the bowel, making stool softer and easier to pass. The effect of PEG 3350 is not immediate, and may take 24 hours or more to work.
Is PEG 3350 currently approved for use in children?
No. PEG 3350 is currently approved by the FDA for use in adults, but is not approved for use in children. A drug that does not have FDA approval for use in children does not mean the drug is unsafe. It usually means the drug has not been tested by the manufacturer in very large trials of children specifically for FDA approval. This may happen for several reasons such as lack of funding and ethical issues in performing some type of studies in children. Many commonly used medications are not specifically FDA approved for use in children less than 16 years.
Is PEG 3350 effective for treating childhood constipation?
Yes. Several scientific studies have shown PEG 3350 to be more effective in treating constipation in children when compared against placebo (sugar pill) as well as other laxatives such as lactulose and milk of magnesia. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, endorses the long-term use of Miralax in its guidelines for the treatment of children with chronic constipation.
Is PEG 3350 safe for use in children long-term?
Several research studies have shown PEG 3350 to be safe in children when used for several weeks to several months. Currently there have been no studies specifically on the use and safety of PEG 3350 in children for longer periods of time. It is common for pediatric gastroenterologists to prescribe PEG 3350 for chronic use and there have been no reports of serious, long-term side effects in the medical literature.
Why is the FDA sponsoring a new study on the safety of PEG 3350 and what new information do they hope to find out?
The FDA is interested in investigating the safety of PEG 3350 use in children and for prolonged periods. Although PEG 3350 is not absorbed by the gut due to its size, there are concerns that smaller compounds, such as ethylene glycol, could be found as impurities in the manufacturing process of PEG 3350 or formed when PEG 3350 is broken down within the body. The FDA is investigating if these smaller compounds are absorbed by the gut and accumulated in the bodies of children taking PEG 3350. Some families have reported concerns to the FDA that some neurologic or behavioral symptoms in children may be related to taking PEG 3350. It is unclear whether these side-effects are due to PEG 3350. This study is the first step towards trying to determine if there is truly a link.
Are there other effective alternative treatments/medications for constipation in children?
Multiple options are available for treatment of constipation in children. Stool softeners, stimulant laxatives, dietary changes and behavior modification are used alone or in combination, but evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific treatments is limited. Other medications for control of constipation include lactulose (a synthetic, non-digestible sugar), milk of magnesia/magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil or stimulant laxatives (senna, bisacodyl). Questions about potential risks of each medication should be discussed with your child’s health care provider.
What should I do if my child is currently taking PEG 3350?
Generally speaking, if your child has been prescribed PEG 3350 as part of his/her treatment plan, and you feel this medicine provides benefit, you should feel safe continuing PEG 3350. At this time, PEG 3350 appears to be safe based on current medical literature. We recommend discussing any concerns you have about the safety of PEG 3350 with your child’s health care provider. If you would prefer for your child to stop taking PEG 3350, discuss other treatments options with your child’s health care team before stopping PEG 3350 therapy. Although abruptly stopping PEG 3350 is not considered dangerous, it could lead to a relapse/worsening of constipation.”
Katy Magazine would like to thank Dr. Chiou and Texas Children’s Hospital for sharing their expertise on this important topic with the community.
Katy, TX News (January 28, 2015) – After being placed on leave, possibly for linking to a Christian website in the Seven Lakes Junior High e-newlsetter, Principal Imelda Medrano has returned to her job. Katy ISD officials were not able to say exactly why the principal was suspended, but stated that Medrano had not been accused of any criminal activity nor any conduct that would risk the safety of the students.
The article included in the newsletter was a warning against the dangers of social media apps and how they can be used by sexual predators to target children.
“Sexual predators can target your children even when your child is in the room down the hall,” it read. “And sexual predators aren’t the only problem. Cyber-bullying and exposures to sexually inappropriate content are additional concerns.”
Katy ISD immediately sent out a mass email to parents, telling them to ignore the article and refer to the district’s policy on bullying, at which time Medrano was placed on leave for sharing content that had not been approved by the district first. Concerned parents started a Facebook page to show support of Medrano and call for her reinstatement.
After an administrative review, the district sent out another email advising that Medrano would return to work the following week.
Superintendent Alton Fraily said, “I appointed Dr. Medrano to open SLJH in 2012 and since then, she has demonstrated successful leadership capacity at the school. She has my full support and confidence as she continues as principal at SLJH.” KM
Katy, TX News (January 26, 2015) – Brittany Bowles, Elena Irvine, and Amanda Stoner from St John XXIII College Preparatory in Katy, Texas are three of more than 500 high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. who performed in the world famous London New Year’s Day Parade, now in its 26th year.
The individuals invited to perform in the parade qualified for the trip after being selected as an All American at one of the summer camps hosted by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), United Spirit Association (USA), Universal Dance Association (UDA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA). All Americans are selected to try out based on superior cheerleading skills at camps across the country.
Varsity has been hosting camps since 1974. Since then, they have been leading the way by combing high energy entertainment with traditional school leadership. Each year Varsity Brands trains over 325,000 cheerleaders at over 5,000 camp sessions.
Only the top 12% of the cheerleaders who attend Varsity summer camps earn the chance to march in the holiday spectacular. In addition to performing in the London parade, the All Americans had a chance to tour London during their seven-day trip.
“This is the 26th year we’ve been able to bring talented cheerleaders to London, where they can showcase their skills to a very enthusiastic international audience,” says Mike Fultz, the Varsity International Event Coordinator.
Katy, TX News (January 21,2015) – The election for the State of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Junior Vice Commander was recently held at the Texas State Convention in Dallas, and Colonel Peyton Lumpkin won by a resounding margin. There were approximately 48,000 delegate votes cast, and Lumpkin received over 70% of the votes. This win places him on track to assume Command of the Texas VFW in 2016 at the annual VFW Convention in Dallas. In this capacity, he will be serving approximately 78,000 combat veterans in the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Peyton Lumpkin, is a retired United States Air Force Colonel, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, and as a pilot flew for most of his Air Force career. In addition, he is a past VFW All State and All American Post and District Commander. In 2013 he led his District to number one in the State of Texas and to number one at the National level.
Although Texas VFW membership is 78,000 strong and is the largest combat veteran service organization in the state, he wants the Department of Texas to lead the nation in membership. He stated that, “Out of the 1.8 million veterans in the State of Texas at least one-third of them qualify as combat veterans.” Continuing, he says, “The challenge is to bring as many of these veterans into the organization as possible. The combat veterans are there – it is about doing the hard work of finding them and bringing them in to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It is all about veterans helping veterans and their survivors. We can help them with their educational benefits, employment opportunities and issues with the Veterans Administration.”
He also noted during his campaign that, “ Now is not the time to decrease the forces in our services and that past funding cuts in the services’ budget should be restored to insure our country’s safety, security and sovereignty.” Echoing President Reagan’s maxim, “We must always deal from a position of strength, not weakness.”
Junior Vice Commander Lumpkin is very proud to represent veterans in the Katy area and all of Texas. He is looking forward to working to enhance the lives of all veterans. In addition to promoting patriotism and serving our communities, the VFW primary mission is to support those who have sacrificed so much for this country – all veterans and their families. He stated that, “The VFW message is that – No One Does More For Veterans”
Colonel Lumpkin is married to Jeanenne, who he says was key to his success in the VFW with her organizational and motivational skills. He says “I think they elected me to get her. “ They have two sons , Paul, married to Kimberly, and Steven, married to Brittany, and three grandchildren.
The VFW has been serving veterans since 1899 and is a Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service Organization. The local VFW Post 9182 is located in Katy at 6206 George Bush Drive and has been continually ranked as one of the top Posts in Texas and the Nation. It is open 8 – 5 daily. Interested veterans are invited to call or come by to find out more about the Veterans of Foreign Wars or just to see the Post military museum
Katy, TX News (January 9, 2015) – Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has selected a new leader for its executive team with Linda Stephens, RN, MBA, BSN being named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).
“Linda has more than two decades of experience in healthcare,” said Jim Parisi, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy. “She has a proven record of delivering results in the fast-paced hospital environment and her commitment to high quality and safe patient care is unparalleled.”
As CNO, Stephens will oversee all nursing functions and patient care practices within Memorial Hermann Katy. She will work hand-in-hand with John Kueven, Chief Operating Officer, to manage daily operations and financial performance, and is accountable for regulatory standards compliance, patient satisfaction, patient safety, quality of patient care, and employee engagement.
Most recently, Stephens served as the CNO at Memorial Herman Northeast Hospital in Humble, where she had administrative oversight of patient care delivery and nursing practice in all clinical areas, including medical/surgical, oncology, wound care, intensive care services, cardiology, pharmacy, laboratory and emergency care. During her tenure, she was instrumental in the hospital’s achievement of the Pathway to Excellence® designation, which recognizes healthcare institutions where nurses excel.
Prior to her work at Memorial Herman Northeast, Stephens worked for the Hospital Corporation of America, serving as CNO representative for the Gulf Coast Division on the Corporate CNO Council and was a mentor in the CNO development program.
Stephens has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Masters of Business Administration from Angelo State University. She and her family reside in Katy.
For more information about Memorial Hermann Katy, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE (2273).
Katy, TX News (January 7, 2015) – With ongoing community growth and development spurring a nearly 3,000-student annual increase in enrollment, Katy ISD’s student transportation system is facing mounting pressure. To address this growing problem, district leaders are searching for a more sustainable solution and need the community’s help to identify the best path forward.
Katy ISD is asking all parents and community members to take its transportation survey to provide the district feedback on current use and potential changes like new bus route modeling and modified school bell schedules. The survey will be available from Wednesday, January 7 to Wednesday, January 21.
“Our community and our families remain our greatest resource when it comes to issues that impact people’s daily lives,” Superintendent Alton Frailey said. “It’s important that we understand their experiences and preferences, so we can build a sustainable transportation system that considers these values and that can effectively serve our students now and into the future.”
The transportation survey covers four topics: current transportation methods, utilization of district transportation, transportation preferences, and school start and end times.
The survey will be open to all Katy ISD parents and community members. Every person with a current email address on file will receive a personal survey invitation. Paper surveys will be available upon request, and surveys in Spanish will be sent home with students at select schools across Katy.
“Community feedback is an important component of our decision-making process. I encourage everyone to participate,” Frailey said. “It is only by working together that we will be able to make Katy ISD the best educational experience for every student.”
Katy ISD’s enrollment surpassed 70,000 students this year and is projected to top 90,000 by 2023, causing district leaders to characterize the current transportation system as unsustainable. The key variable for providing transportation services is the availability of drivers. This is a challenge many school districts face, as it is a well-documented problem across the region, state, and country.
Once the survey closes on January 21, district leaders will use the results to provide transportation recommendations. Their recommendations will be presented to the Board of Trustees in February or March.
Potential changes include new bus route modeling and multi-bell schedules.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (December 29, 2014) – A few members of the Katy Sun Devils sixth-grade football team were recently won the Houston Football University national championship in Naples, Florida. The Katy Sun Devils are ranked #1 in the nation for sixth-grade by National Sports Report (NSR) and they will be competing in the NSR National Tournament to defend their ranking.
Katy, TX News (December 16, 2014) – A two-year effort to strategically plant close to 2,000 trees and transplant a collection of treasured live oaks is now well underway in Cane Island.
Environmental Design recently completed the delicate task of moving 23, lush live oaks, ranging from 25-30 years old, whose beautiful, wide-spread canopies will shade green spaces, the community’s Amenity Village and amphitheater. Two spacious tree houses with decks, both offering elevated views of the amphitheater, also will be built around the trees. The healthy live oaks, from 30-45 feet tall, were moved from the east side of the property.
“These trees are priceless,” noted David Marks, president of Environmental Design, whose firm used its patented air bag system as the safest, most reliable way to move the trees with larger root balls. “We’re very pleased with the outcome. The cooler weather was ideal for the project.”
Marks adds a certified arborist will monitor the health of the transplanted trees over the next couple of years by watering, fertilizing and adding mulch as necessary to ensure they become established in their new setting. “These trees are like our children,” he says.
While specialists monitor the replanted, established live oaks, work crews under the watchful eye of Katy’s Rusty Regenbrecht are aiming to plant an additional 1,000 Live Oaks, Water Oaks, Pines and Crepe Myrtles by the end of the year.
“When it comes to trees, the development team is going all out,” says Regenbrecht, president of Regenbrecht Shade Trees. “They wanted a wooded community look and that’s exactly what they’re getting.”
Crews will use water trucks to irrigate the newly planted trees, he adds, until a permanent irrigation system is installed in Cane Island, and plans call for another 400-500 trees to be planted in 2015 and about 400 in 2016.
Named after the 1872 settlement which later became Katy, the Cane Island master-planned community will be accessible from Interstate 10 at the new Cane Island Parkway interchange, scheduled to open in 2015. The four-lane, north-south boulevard, less than four miles west of the Grand Parkway, will serve as the entry to Cane Island and the major thoroughfare through the community to Morton Road.
Katy, TX News (December 10, 2014) – Written by Lance LaCour – President & CEO – Katy Area EDC
Compared to five other west Houston office sub-markets, the Katy Area came out on top for location of headquarters operations, which was recently presented by Katy Area EDC CEO Lance LaCour at a recent meeting. The analysis ranked the Katy area as the top sub-market for a 200 person headquarter operation seeking to lease a 45,000 sq. ft. building, and compared demographic, economic, real estate, and operational factors. The other sub-markets compared included The Woodlands, East Fort Bend /Sugar Land, Westchase, San Felipe/Voss, and Katy Freeway East. Chief among Katy’s location advantages were population growth rates, educational attainment, workforce participation, quality of life, office space under construction, and lowest overall operational cost for headquarters companies.
According to CoStar, the Katy area, which includes a portion of the Energy Corridor, has over 17 million in sq. ft. of office space with over 2.4 million sq. ft. under construction. Some of the new office buildings under construction in the Katy Area include West Memorial II (325,000 sq. ft.), Mason Creek Office Center II (129,000 sq.ft.), La Centerra Phase III (35,000 sq. ft.), and Katy Ranch Crossing (156,000 sq. ft.).
The study was commissioned by Katy Area EDC and conducted by DCG Corplan Consulting LLC, a site selection consulting firm based out of West Orange, New Jersey.
“Energy service office employers are our main target for business attraction. We have over 41,000 people employed in the energy cluster within a 30 minute drive time from Mason Road and I-10 (the center of the Katy area) and about 1,400 energy firms in that area,” says LaCour. The Office Market Comparison Analysis is part of a long term marketing plan called ‘HQ-Katy’ which involves marketing the Katy area to office developers and office employers.“We are pleased with the results of the analysis and will be using this information to competitively position Katy for recruitment of office headquarters and office related firms to the Katy Area,” noted LaCour.
Katy Area EDC recently won the Texas Economic Development Award primarily for the GEICO Insurance Claims Center, an office employer project that is bringing 1,000 jobs to the Katy area. Other office projects recently announced that are located in the Katy Area include Sasol (175,000 SF), Percheron (40,000 SF) DNV-GL (45,000 SF) and the expansion of Academy Sports and Outdoors (200,000 SF).
Katy, TX News (December 5, 2014) – As part of the hospital’s long-term vision to care for children with the most serious and complex medical conditions, Texas Children’s Hospital announces its plan to build an eight-bed special isolation unit at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. This unit will be specifically for children with highly contagious infectious diseases, such as pandemic influenza, enterovirus D68, Ebola, and many others. Additionally, Texas Children’s has been designated by the State of Texas as a pediatric Ebola treatment center following a recent visit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Currently, only four patient biocontainment units, which are specialized facilities equipped and staffed to care for patients with contagious infectious diseases, exist in the entire country.
“We will build a state-of-the-art isolation unit designed and staffed to provide the highest quality care and treatment for infants and children with serious or life-threatening infectious diseases of public health significance, always with the greatest possible margin of safety,” says Dr. Mark W. Kline, physician-in-chief at Texas Children’s and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “We believe this will be an indispensable resource to our local community, Texas and the nation.
In fact, Texas Children’s is a quaternary referral hospital often serving as a “court of last resort” for children with incredibly complex or life-threatening medical conditions, including infectious diseases.
This new special isolation unit at Texas Children’s will incorporate all of the latest scientific and technological approaches to biocontainment, including negative air pressure, laminar air flow, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, separate ventilation, anterooms, biosafety cabinets, a point-of-care laboratory, special security access, autoclaves and incinerators. There will be two levels of protection from airborne particles, as well as a comprehensive waste management plan, among other safety features. The unit will be fully equipped to care for any infant or child with a serious communicable disease, with all of the measures available to assure safety of the health care team, other patients and their families. A point-of-care biosafety level 3 laboratory will enable the care team to monitor the progress of patients and perform rapid detection methods to identify unusual pathogens. Housed at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, the unit is anticipated to have capacity for eight patients, all in private rooms.
Texas Children’s has a number of the nation’s leading clinicians on the ground ready to help. The hospital is home to Baylor’s Department of Pediatrics, the largest in the nation, with more than 1,000 pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists and pediatric scientists. The specialized unit will be led by Dr. Gordon Schutze, who will serve as medical director, as well as Dr. Judith Campbell and Dr. Amy Arrington who will be the unit’s associate medical directors. It will be staffed by an elite team of experienced critical care and infectious disease nurses and physicians, all of whom will have successfully completed an intensive advanced certification course and practicum in infection control, hospital epidemiology and management of infectious diseases in the critical care setting. The staff will maintain their certification through participation in ongoing educational activities.
“We are working with the CDC to design, build, equip and staff this unit,” Kline adds.
The new unit will be operational within nine months and cost approximately $16 million to build.
“I could not be more impressed with Texas Children’s desire to run towards issues of critical importance to the health and well-being of the children of Texas and our nation,” said Dr. Brett Giroir, director of the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response and chief executive officer of the Texas A&M Health Science Center.
Since the summer, Texas Children’s has been implementing a detailed plan to identify, isolate and treat suspected cases of Ebola, if necessary. As a result, following a visit from the CDC, the State of Texas designated Texas Children’s as a pediatric Ebola treatment center. As part of the hospital’s preparation, specific protocols were developed outlining steps staff would take if and when a patient with Ebola symptoms arrived at a Texas Children’s facility. Additionally, in order to decrease the risk of exposure and provide the complex care required, the hospital identified specific areas and units responsible for caring for any patient with Ebola. The health care workers in those areas have received intense, ongoing training and simulation to help them prepare.
“We are honored to partner with the State of Texas to provide the highest quality care to infants and children with Ebola and other highly contagious infectious diseases,” Kline says of the announcement. “Texas Children’s Hospital specializes in the medical care and treatment of infants and children with the most complex and serious health problems. The challenge of serious infectious diseases is one we accept and confront willingly.”
Katy, TX News (December 1, 2014) – The Katy Police Department and the Fort Bend County Sherriff’s Office are issuing a scam alert concerning people posing as law enforcement officers or IRS agents in the Katy area. Numerous calls have been made to City of Katy residents where the caller is impersonating a law enforcement officer or an IRS agent, and informs the victim that they must pay a fine or risk being arrested for “red light” camera violations or back taxes. The victims are told to buy a pre-paid gift card to pay for the fines.
The scammers pressure their victims to load cash onto a pre-paid card that can be purchased almost anywhere, and provide them with the unique 14-digit number on the back. That number is then used by the caller to transfer funds into an account and ultimately launder money out of the country.
Law enforcement officials would like to ask Katy residents to keep in mind that no police officer will ever ask you to pay a fine using a gift card. For City of Katy residents that have been victims of this scam, contact the Katy Police Department at 281-391-4848. For residents that live outside the City of Katy, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office at 281-341-4665, or Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.
Katy, TX News (November 24, 2014) – Community members, businesses and organizations across Katy came together over the past two weeks to bring the love of reading into nearly 500 Katy ISD classrooms. The annual reading program is part of a 17-year-old tradition lead by the Katy ISD Partners in Education department that brings the community into the classroom. Through Promise to Read, the program provides the business community a unique opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the world of children’s literature by spending 30 minutes reading to a classroom full of excited elementary students. The program currently runs for two weeks at 13 elementary campuses each year in November.
This year’s Promise to Read event was hosted with Partners in Education at: Hays, Holland, Katy, Memorial Parkway, Schmalz, Shafer, Stanley, Stephens, Sundown, West Memorial, Wolfe, Wolman and WoodCreek elementary schools. Host campuses rotate each year so that, over a three year period, every Katy ISD elementary has an opportunity to participate.
“Promise to Read has become a treasured community event thanks to hundreds of devoted community volunteers, many of whom join us every year, and our Katy ISD host campuses,” says Janet Theis, Katy ISD’s Director of Community Partnerships. “Promise to Read continues to open the door for our business community to embrace and inspire the love of reading and share that magic with classrooms across the district.”
Readers represented a cross section of local companies and organizations including: H-E-B, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, AXA Advisors, McDonald’s, Tradition Bank, Second Baptist Church, Katy Memorial Hermann Hospital, CenterPoint Energy, Members Choice Credit Union, The Shady Lady Window Coverings, Children’s Lighthouse, Pepper Lawson Construction, Omni Hotels, Christian Brothers Automotive, Pump It Up, Junior Achievement, Herff Jones Graduation Center, Firethorne, Bicycle World, Spring Creek Barbeque, Katy Fire Department, Mar-Mar’s Candy Jar, KCC Orthodontics, HCC NW, Edward Jones, Johnny’s Pizza House, Two Forks Catering, Adams Law Firm, Sylvan Learning, Harris County Public Library, Houston SPCA, Schakolad Chocolate Factory, Chick-fil-A Mason Road and Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch, KVPAC, Dignity Memorial Katy Funeral Home, Houston Museum of Natural Science, PUPS – Prevent Unwanted Pets, Tutor Doctor, Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Texas Taxi, Cross Community Church, Cotton Holdings, Costco Wholesale, Thomas C. Harrison, DDS, Inc., Amegy Bank, Westpark Springs Hospital, Spectra Energy, City of Katy Senior Center, Keep Katy Beautiful, Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel, PBK Architects, Grand Vision Center, Gina Cornelius Swim Academy, Krenzien, Krenzien & Associates, Tista’s Fine Furniture and many other Katy community members and area businesses.
Promise to Read is one of several community involvement programs offered by Katy ISD Partners in Education and essentially fulfills the mission of bringing the community into the classroom. Find more information about Partners in Education on the Katy ISD website.
Katy, TX News (November 10, 2014) – Harris County Emergency Service District #48 and the West I-10 Fire Department would like to remind homeowners it is time to prepare their homes for the holiday season and cold weather. Preparation now can reduce your chance of the West I-10 Fire Department responding to your residence for a fire, electrical emergencies, or carbon monoxide issue.
Last season (November 1 – March 1) the fire department responded to several residential fires involving alternate heating source fires (fireplace and chimneys) electrical fires involving holiday decorations.
Please follow the fire safety tips from the United States Fire Administration listed below:
Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
- Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials; clear the area around and near the flue in the attic for accumulated leaves and pine needles.
- Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
- Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
- Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces, otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
- Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.
Safely Burn Fuels
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup. Do not burn “Christmas Tree” branches in the fire place.
- Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
- Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home. Do not place ash in your normal trash containers.
Protect the Outside of Your Home
- Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
- Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris; clear debris from rain gutters
- Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester. Remove from the area of the fireplace flue leaves and pine needle accumulation.
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.
Protect the Inside of Your Home
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries twice a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms. Remember to call the West I-10 Fire Department when you need help checking your detector in those high ceiling areas.
- Discard smoke detectors that are older than 10 years and purchase new
- Install a smoke detector in any bedroom that has the following electrical appliances (Televisions, Computers, and Printers) for early detection of a fire in that room.
- Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
- Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.
- Install Carbon Monoxide detectors on each level of your home and in the area of the natural gas furnace or water heater.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors should be present in any home that is heated by fossil fuel (natural gas, L.P. gas, fuel oil or wood burning stoves), has a natural gas dryer, attached garage or fire place.
- Children between the ages of 5 and 18 are not always alerted to the “Beeping” of the smoke detector alarms or a carbon monoxide alarms. You can purchase smoke alarms that offer both a “Beep” and “Voice” alert for a child’s room.
- Exit Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H): All residents should practice EDITH, develop a family escape plan, designate a meeting place once out of the home. During the night, you have 90 seconds to safely exit the home when a fire is in progress.
- Call 911 from outside of the home. Alert all occupants and get out of the home first.
- Never return to the inside of a burning house or building.
- If you are trapped by fire in a bedroom above the first floor, hang a blanket, towel or pillow out the window. This will attract the attention of Fire Department members that you are in that room.
- Sleep with bedroom doors in the closed position. This will slow the spread of smoke and heat into the room.
- Furnace – Have a qualified technician inspect your furnace and gas water heater to protect against carbon monoxide emergency in the home.
- Residential Fire Sprinklers – When building a new home or considering extensive remodeling, the Department recommends the installation of a residential sprinkler system. Smoke alarms offer early detection and residential sprinkler systems offer early suppression of fire.
Exercise Candle Caution
- Candles are a great way to give a room that warm glow, but they can also cause fires. According to the National Candle Association, almost 10,000 home fires per year are started due to improper candle use. Never leave candles burning if you go out or go to sleep, and keep your candles away from pets and children.
Questions:
Please call the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office at 281-436-8000 or the West I-10 Fire Department 281-675-3600.
Katy, TX News (November 5, 2014) – Memorial Hermman hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Convenient Care Center in South Katy this week. Executive officers from various branches posed for a photo to celebrate the construction of the new facility.
The Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Katy is slated to open in the Spring of 2015 and will provide one-stop, coordinated access to a vast array of Memorial Hermann services in a single location. The Convenient Care Center will house primary care physicians (adult and pediatric), lab services, imaging, a 24-hour emergency room, sports medicine and rehabilitation and more.
“This new model of health care delivery provides patients with a highly accessible location for a variety of services, from 24-hour emergency care to screening mammograms,” said Scott Barbe, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
“The response from the communities where we currently operate Convenient Care Centers has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Dan Wolterman, CEO and President of Memorial Hermann Health System. “Our patients say they appreciate the ease of scheduling appointments, the convenience of being able to drive up, park and walk in, and that our staff is friendly and professional. We look forward to bringing this model of care to the Katy community.”
The $19.1 million, 30,000-square-foot Convenient Care Center is designed to take the stress out of scheduling appointments for routine health needs by offering families convenient options such as walk-in access and extended evening and weekend hours for primary care. For non-routine and more urgent needs, the Convenient Care Center will house a 24-hour, seven-day a week, emergency department staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and emergency-trained nurses. Patients in need of higher levels of care would be transferred to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center or Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
“The Convenient Care Center will be an added value for families in this area,” Barbe continued. “The attending doctors and nurses are some of the same professionals who have provided high-quality care to families in this area for many years. They are committed to our community.”
Katy, TX News (November 5, 2014) – Katy ISD community voters approved the $748 million dollar School Bond Referendum that will provide new schools and student activity facilities, address growth trends, and improve existing campuses.
In response to the election results, Superintendent Alton Frailey offered a letter to Katy ISD parents and staff thanking them for their participation in the 2014 Katy ISD School Bond election:
“Dear Katy ISD Community, parents, and staff,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Katy ISD community, thank you for passing the Katy ISD 2014 Schools Bond that will address growth, safety measures, renovation and student activity facility needs. I am heartened to report that the bond referendum passed tonight with an unofficial count of 28,509 votes “FOR” the bond and 23,146 votes “AGAINST,” for a 55.2 percent approval rating.
We recognize that you have placed a tremendous amount of trust and confidence in your district’s servants to provide unparalleled learning opportunities for the tens of thousands of students that are here today, as well as those to come. This bond represents an investment in the future for our students and our community. You can rest assured that as project implementation begins, the Board of Trustees and staff will continue to efficiently manage bond funds to ensure the construction of carefully built learning spaces that will have the most significant and positive impact on our students and community for years to come.
This referendum reaffirms our community’s commitment to Katy children—a commitment that could not have been realized without the work and time of more than 200 volunteers representing the entire Katy ISD. These individuals spent tireless months and hours developing a bond package that will meet short- and long-term needs. Likewise, our staff and community members who notably went above and beyond to educate residents and voters about the bond through community meetings, media engagements, and campus-based informational sessions, are to be commended for their efforts.
Moving ahead, we welcome all community members to be a part of the next phases of the bond process. Over the coming months, you will be hearing about meetings, discussions, and opportunities for community members to attend and join in the work.
Again, thank you for your continued support of the students in Katy ISD.”
Sincerely,
Alton Frailey
Superintendent of Schools
Katy Magazine would like to thank Superintendent Frailey for his dedication to the growth and success of Katy ISD. For more information on the Katy ISD School Bond Referendum, visit katyisd.org.
Katy, TX News (October 13, 2014) – On Saturday, October 11, hundreds of volunteers mobilized to collect items at Houston-area grocery stores in support of local food banks, homeless shelters and returning military families.
This was Second Baptist Church’s sixth annual Second Helping food drive. Volunteers gathered at entrances of the area supermarkets to distribute lists of needed items. As shoppers exited the store, volunteers collected and consolidated their donations.
These donations were given to 15 local agencies- Star of Hope, Fifth Ward Pregnancy Help Center, Open Door Mission, Operation Military Embrace, Beltway 8 Pregnancy Help Center, Mission Centers of Houston, Katy Christian Ministries, Krause Center, Pregnancy Help Center-Katy, Mission Northeast, Mission Greenspoint, Humble Area Assistance Ministries [HAAM], Cypress Assistance Ministries, Christian Helping Hands and Northwest Assistance Ministries.Visit their website at www.second.org for more information.
Katy, TX News (October 6, 2014) – At Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, questions about tissue removal, clean margins, and patient communication just got easier to answer thanks to the deployment of the MarginProbe® System, a new FDA-approved intraoperative tissue-assessment tool for breast cancer surgery.
During a lumpectomy, the cancerous breast tumor and a small amount of tissue surrounding the tumor are removed. The purpose of removing normal tissue surrounding the tumor is to ensure “clear margins” so that no cancer cells remain.
Prior to the development of MarginProbe, surgeons would have to send off the excised tissue to a pathology lab to see if any cancer cells remained along the edges. This could take a week or more. Now, using MarginProbe, breast surgeons like Liz Lee, M.D. at Memorial Hermann Katy can test the margins in real time. Research has shown that cancer cells have a distinctive electromagnetic signature, which is different from that of healthy cells. The MarginProbe gathers this electromagnetic signature and significantly improves surgeons’ ability to identify “cancer on the margins” at the time of breast cancer surgery.
If the margins are not clear, the surgeon can take more tissue while the patient is still sedated, potentially reducing the need for a patient to undergo additional lumpectomies. Ultimately, the pathology lab still clears the final tissue.
“This is a real advancement in breast cancer treatment,” says Dr. Lee. “MarginProbe acts as an additional adjunct to help us determine if we have removed all the cancerous cells. The technology gives me and my patients peace of mind knowing we are utilizing all the tools available to us to reach the best outcome possible – elimination of the cancer.”
Katy, TX News (October 2, 2014) – Cinco Ranch and Fulshear residents will soon have access to Houston Methodist emergency care services in their community.
Houston Methodist West Hospital recently began construction on a new 9,600 sq. ft. emergency care center, scheduled to open in spring 2015 on the western side of Katy, located at FM 1093 and Cinco Rose Dr. The new facility will serve residents of the Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Katy and north Fort Bend County communities.
The Houston Methodist Cinco Ranch Emergency Care Center will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer 10 private treatment rooms with onsite emergency care services, including the latest technology in diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. Board-certified physicians specializing in emergency care from pediatric to geriatric patients will work alongside specially trained nursing and ancillary staff to provide care to patients of all ages who are ill or injured.
The hospital’s westward expansion will improve access to emergent care for Fulshear and neighboring communities while also offering the most sophisticated services and technology possible. For conditions requiring hospital admission or further evaluation, patients will have direct, expedited admission to Houston Methodist West.
“The new emergency care center gives Houston Methodist a physical presence in the fast-growing communities west of our hospital,” said Houston Methodist West CEO Wayne Voss. “Most importantly, this is an exciting development because it will give local residents a first-class medical facility within minutes of their homes.”
To learn more about Houston Methodist West, please visit houstonmethodist.org/west or call 832.522.5522.
Katy, TX News (September 29, 2014) -The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) recently honored Katy Area Economic Development with the top award for communities over 250,000 in population. The awards will be presented at a special luncheon to be held at the Omni Houston Hotel in Houston.
The Community Economic Development Awards program recognizes exceptional contributions of TEDC member areas toward the economic vitality of their communities and the state of Texas through creativity, leadership, and partnership in the achievement of business retention, business recruitment and community improvement.
In the largest population category, the Katy Area competed with Austin, San Antonio and Williamson County and came out on top, marshalling numerous recruitment and expansion projects which created over 3,000 jobs and $218 million in capital investment in office and industrial sectors.
Katy, TX News (September 15, 2014) – Registration is now open for the YMCA guides, princesses, and trails program at the Katy Family YMCA. The program is designed to foster companionship and understanding between father and child in a wholesome atmosphere that emphasizes both fun and adventure.
Through Y Guides for fathers and sons and Y Princesses for fathers and daughters, you can build lifelong memories as you experience a journey of discovery with your child. The Y Guides/Princesses/Trails program is designed to foster companionship and understanding between father and child in a wholesome atmosphere that emphasizes fun and adventure. What differentiates this program from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other similar youth groups is that dads are involved in all the activities with their children, not just one or two parents leading an activity.
Clint Holt and his eight year old daughter, Hannah, are in their third year of involvement in this YMCA program, which originated in 1926 as Indian Guides and Princesses. Y Guides and Princesses primarily offers day outings and weekend camping trips, which are the Holts’ favorite. Campouts are typically offered monthly and attendance is optional, which allows a parent to choose an activity based on their busy schedule. In addition to campouts, members can enjoy activities such as a father/daughter dance, participation in the rodeo parade, Pinewood Derby races and a skating party. “The annual Monster Truck Jam is a big favorite,” says Holt.
Clint and Hannah’s favorite camps are Camp Olympia, Flaming Arrow, Rocky River and Huntsville State Park. “We arrive on Friday evening and return home on Sunday,” says Clint. Activities at the camps might include archery, shooting BB guns, zip lining, rock wall climbing and the screamer. “The screamer is a giant swing,” says Clint. “They crank you back 20 feet in the air and release you.” Hannah’s favorite activities are horseback riding and archery, as well as spending time with her dad and her friends… “it’s just a whole new experience.”
Corey Calcote, Associate Community Director for the Katy Family YMCA explains how you do not have to be a member of the YMCA to participate in the program. A nominal fee is required to participate in Y Guides/Princesses with an additional fee for the optional campouts.
The program runs from September through May. “We have quite a few people who have already signed up for this year,” continued Calcote, “but registration is ongoing. We usually have anywhere from 250-300 pairs of dads and children each year.” There has already been one campout, and other exciting trips are quickly approaching. Y Guides and Princesses is open to boys and girls, kindergarten through 3rd grade. The Y Trails program is open for children in grades 4 through 12.
Once a member, the youth are assigned to a tribe. These tribes meet monthly at a participant’s home or another central location in the Katy area. Boys and girls are organized into separate tribes, but attend the same campouts.
You can find out more about Y Guides/Princesses/Trails at their annual open house set for September 20, 10 am to noon at the Katy Family YMCA. For more information, contact Youth Development Director, Reese Mullennix at reese.mullennix@ymcahouston.org or 281-392-5055.
Katy, Texas News (September 8, 2014) – Large crowds attended the first Taste of Katy Tailgate on Aug. 20 in Old Town Katy where tailgaters had a chance to sample the fine food and drink of 17 Katy restaurants, pubs and food/drink companies. Tailgaters were asked to donate a backpack and/or school supplies for needy youth in Katy ISD.
Participating restaurants included D’Amico’s Italian Market Cafe, Babin’s Seafood House, Baker St. Pub & Grill, Hasta la Pasta, Crawfish Café, Da Vinci Ristorante Italiano, The Cellar Door, No Label Brewing Co, Zoe’s Kitchen, What’s Poppin Popcorn, Chick Fil A, Los Cucos, Midway Barbeque, Wright’s of Texas Salsa and the Snowdog Ice Cream truck.
Live music entertainment were provided by the Rankin Twins and the Justin Van Sant Band and Johnny B from KSBJ radio was broadcasting live from the tailgate party. There were inflatables, face painting, games and balloon artists, for the kids, and several Katy ISD student groups helped out at the different booths.
Underwritten by the Matt Schomburg State Farm Insurance Agency, and generously funded by the participating local restaurants and businesses, the event was completely free to the public. The only request was that attendees would provide a backpack filled with school supplies for less fortunate families in Katy ISD.
Taste o Katy Tailgate plans for next year are already underway. Over 220 backpacks and several boxes full of school supplies were donated. Schomburg matched the number of backpacks with a personal donation. “Next year we will be able to help even more children start the school year off right with the school supplies they need,” said Schomburg.
Katy, TX News (August 27, 2014) – This month, Katy’s Breast Friends Support Group participated in an educational presentation from Sarah Prinsloo, Ph.D., on the ways the brain reacts to various cancer treatments, followed by a group discussion about their current challenges.
The breast cancer support group meets at the MD Anderson in Katy on the second Tuesday of every month with the goal of empowering, uplifting and supporting patients as they go through this challenging time. The meetings are open to all breast cancer patients, regardless of where they receive or received treatment.
Katy, TX News (August 20, 2014) – Cinco Ranch High School Junior, Ruan De Villiers, completed his Eagle Scout project by presenting 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to Connie Stirgus, Katy YMCA outreach coordinator.
By asking friends and family for donations, he raised over $1,000. De Villiers then purchased the backpacks online and filled them with supplies. He is part of Scout Troop 1001, which meets at Edith Stein Catholic Church and has been involved in
scouting for almost four years. De Villiers says he “very much enjoyed” completing his Eagle Scout project.
Katy, TX News (August 7, 2014) – LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch announces the return of Mondays with Mommy, presented by Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. Mondays with Mommy takes children on a monthly fun, educational journey while utilizing music and movement. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is proud to have Mindy Janis with Kindermusik and Vivi Melody & Family as the returning hosts of the Mondays with Mommy program.
“I am so happy for the return of Mondays with Mommy this fall. We will sing, dance, play, and have lots of fun,” said Vivi Melody, Children’s Music Artist with Vivi Melody & Family.
“I’ve planned some fun and unique songs and activities to celebrate the October and December holidays! I enjoy meeting all the moms and children that come to sing and move with me at Mondays with Mommy,” said Mindy Janis, Kindermusik Educator at Music-n-More Studios.
Mondays with Mommy is a free community program open to children from birth to age 5, community playgroups, parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Mondays with Mommy, Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus will be held weather permitting and will include a themed craft project. Series participants will receive a LaCenterra “MWM Card” which entitles parents and guardians to day-of and ongoing Mondays with Mommy discounts at select retailers. The series breaks during the summer months – June, July, and August and in January for winter break.
Mondays with Mommy Fall 2014 Schedule:
Sept. 8 – A Trip to the Zoo
Oct. 6 – Spooktacular Halloween
Nov. 3 – Fall at the Farm
Dec. 1 – Winter Wonderland
Courtesy of Erin Eder Entertainment
Katy, TX News (July 24, 2014) – Little miss Erin Eileen has come a long way since her debut at the Rice Harvest Festival at the age of 14.
With a new image and a new attitude, Erin will release her new single “Sound of Goodbye,” written and produced by Doug Driesel of Arkansas, July 29th. Erin teamed up with Lake Paradise Recording Studios to produce her second album, Back Road Country Soul. Erin Eder has proven to be one of the youngest seasoned performers in Katy, Texas.
Erin was introduced to country music by Houston entertainer and songwriter Randy Meadows. With his talent and expertise, Erin began entertaining crowds with her upbeat renditions of “Mustang Sally” and “Johnny B. Goode.” It did not take long for Randy’s respect for Willie Nelson and his music to rub off on Erin. Suddenly, Erin began performing a different kind of “crazy.”
Erin Eder’s rich vocals have been compared to LeAnn Rimes and legendary Patsy Cline. Erin Eder’s strong, sultry voice breaks through to compliment her upbeat country music with a lot of soul. She is determined to prove that a big star doesn’t have to come from big, glamorous, far away places, and plans to follow the footsteps of other local celebrities like Clint Black and Renee Zellweger by becoming the next big thing to come out of Katy, Texas.
Katy, TX News (July 23, 2014) – Katy residents Mary Ann Knowles and Doris Marsh have been named the 2014 Volunteers of the Year at Memorial Herman Katy Hospital.
“Both Mary Ann and Doris’ passion for helping others, as well as their dedication to Memorial Hermann Katy made them the ideal candidates for this award,” said Heather Rojas, manager of volunteer services. “We typically pick just one volunteer of the year, but we couldn’t narrow it down this year. Every day they both go above and beyond the call of duty. They both deserve this honor.”
Memorial Hermann Katy staff and volunteers are responsible for nominating the Volunteer of the Year. The manager of volunteer services and a randomly selected volunteer and staff member select the winner. In order to be nominated, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Active membership in the Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary.
- Demonstrates remarkable concern for the welfare and happiness of hospital patients, staff, and other customers of the hospital.
- Performs extraordinary acts of kindness.
- Has a positive effect on others.
- Willingly performs duties, as requested or identified.
- Day-to-day performance is dependable, consistent, and people-oriented.
Knowles began volunteering at Memorial Hermann Katy in 2005. In the years since, she has dedicated more than 2,600 hours of her personal time to the hospital. She currently serves as the Volunteer Auxiliary Treasurer.
Marsh moved to Katy in 2008 and started volunteering at the hospital just a year later. With 1,545 volunteer hours under her belt, Marsh currently compiles and publishes the volunteer newsletter and manages the Junior Volunteer Program.
“I love the time I spend at the hospital and am blessed daily by all the wonderful friends I’ve made,” said Marsh. “It’s a great feeling to have a ‘job’ I enjoy and the satisfaction of making a positive difference in someone’s life.”
“I’ve always had a strong desire to help others,” added Knowles. “The lives I touch through my volunteer work is what inspires me and that is all the reward I need.”
For more information on how to become a volunteer at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, call Heather Rojas at 281-644-7581 or email her at Heather.Rojas@memorialhermann.org.
Photo Cutline: (L to R) Mary Ann Knowles and Doris Marsh
Katy, TX News (July 16, 2014) – Houston-area resident and 2009 Ms. Plus America, Steph DeWaegeneer, was crowned with the honorary title Miss Plus America Lifetime at the 2014 Miss Plus America Pageant™ on Friday evening, July 4, 2014 during the traditional Viva La Diva dinner party. The pageant festivities were held throughout the week at the Westin Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA
Women from all over the United States came to compete in three divisions (Miss, Ms., and Mrs.) in a week of preliminary competition, optional competitions, and a host of parties held in their honor. A highlight of the schedule included a break from the competition for a scavenger hunt clue chase at Lennox Sqaure, the premier shopping destination for Georgia fashionistas. This year’s delegates were also chronicled throughout the week by Time Magazine photojournalist.
Even after crowning her successor, Steph continued to support the mission of the Miss Plus America organization by emceeing state-level pageants, recruiting contestants, and serving as an Ambassador at charity events.
Ms. DeWaegeneer resides in Katy, TX and works as a professional improvisational comedian with CSz Houston, performing in their long running show ComedySportz™; and in the nationally recognized murder mystery Dinner Detective. She also performs as voice-over talent for radio stations throughout the U.S. She is an active member of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce and Katy Lunch Bunch. She’s been married to Jim Collier an independent sales representative for Empire Today for 18 months. They have one adorable dog, named Sawyer.
Steph is a graduate of Spring High School in northwest Houston, and holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Sam Houston State University. She lived in Chicago, IL for a decade where she studied at the renowned Second City Conservatory, performed with ComedySportz, and at iO. Shortly after returning to Texas in May 2008, she made a commitment to enter the Miss Texas Plus America Pageant. After being crowned Ms. Texas Plus America she had six hectic weeks to prepare for the national competition and walked away with the 2009 national Ms. division crown.
Ms. DeWaegeneer teaches improv comedy classes in Houston and is a highly requested corporate trainer and speaker. She is represented by Pastorini-Bosby Talent.
Katy, TX News (July 10, 2014) – This July, Ker & Downey President David Marek and his wife Gana are heading to Uganda to deliver medical supplies, care, and mosquito nets to two remote villages near Mbale. This marks their sixth trip with Nets For Africa, a Ker & Downey initiative established to serve the communities of Uganda. Last year the program provided six days of clinics and gave away 9,000 mosquito nets, a goal that will be matched on the 2014 trip. Committed to an ongoing and continual effort to assist the people of Uganda, Ker & Downey has acquired warehouse space to collect mosquito nets in the town of Mbale so that nets can be distributed throughout the year.
Over 300 Ugandans succumb to malaria every day. Almost 40% of Ugandans don’t have access to clean water, and 32% do not have access to basic vaccines and medicines. “Each net protects up to four children and with 9,000 nets we will help protect 36,000 children,” notes David Marek. These treated nets cost $7 each and are a proven way to reduce a child’s exposure to malaria.
“During our six days of handing out nets, approximately 12,000 to 15,000 of mostly women and children will be examined by a doctor, have their blood tested, and then receive any medications necessary,” says Marek.
Ker & Downey underwrites 100% of the cost of the administration for this project, assuring donors that their entire donation is used to purchase nets and medical supplies. Donations can be made at nets.kerdowney.com.
To learn more about Ker & Downey, please visit www.kerdowney.com.
Katy, TX News (July 2, 2014) – In line with the goals of improving safety, enhancing connectivity, and relieving congestion, the Texas Transportation Commission recently moved forward on additional segments of Houston’s 180-mile outer loop known as the Grand Parkway. The Commission authorized a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the development, design and construction, as well as the potential maintenance of all or part of Segments H, I-1 and I-2 of the SH 99 Grand Parkway as a design-build project.
“This design-build approach is helping expedite a critical project in the greater Houston area,” said Commissioner Jeff Moseley, Texas Transportation Commission. “These segments will enhance a dynamic transportation corridor that will help grow jobs and drive the state’s $1.5 trillion economy. I am pleased to see this project moving forward on behalf of the Houston area and the entire state of Texas.”
The project includes Segments H&I which run 37.5 miles from North US 59/I-69 to I-10 east and will include one to two lanes each direction with limited frontage roads through Montgomery and Liberty counties. It will also complete the toll lanes on Segment I-2 which runs 15.3 miles from I-10 east to SH 146. The estimated total construction cost is $1.2 billion.
Today, TxDOT has approximately 41 miles of the SH 99 Grand Parkway open to traffic, with another 38 miles anticipated to open in late 2015. When complete, the 180-mile highway will include seven counties and circle the Greater Houston region.
Katy, TX News (July 1, 2014) – Delicious fried fish, superb hushpuppies, and “to die for” designer fries were the order of the day at the Katy Elks Lodge when the Youth Committee, under the direction of Chair Kelly Minnick and co-chair Matthew Minnick, held its first Semi-Annual fish fry Sunday, June 29. Previously this had been an annual event in January each year, but by adding a June event to the offerings, it has now become semi-annual with the intent to be able to provide more and better scholarships to Katy’s young people.
If you missed Sunday, plan now to be at the January event. Your support goes directly to the community in the form of scholarships which are presented each May during National Elk Youth Week.
The Katy Elks thanks each of you who were able to attend. If you could not be present but would like to donate to this important endeavor, please contact Kelly through the lodge 281-392-2763 or send a check to her attention with youth Scholarships on the memo of the check (Katy Elks, 1050 Katy Fort-Bend Road, Katy, 77493).
One of the previous scholarship winners, Sydney Anderson granddaughter of Elk Wayne Harper, was present to assist with serving additional tea, more food, and provide a friendly atmosphere for diners. This is only one thing that reinforces the Elk motto: Elks Care – Elks Share!
Katy, TX News (July 1, 2014) – With Independence Day just around the corner, the Emergency Department at CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Vintage Hospital urges everyone to practice safe and responsible use of fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 8,700 firework-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2012.
“Fireworks create a great risk for injury,” says Dr. Darrell Calderon, Section Chief, Emergency Department at CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Vintage Hospital. “Most injuries include burns on fingers, hands and legs, and eye and face injuries.”
The CPSC suggests the following safety steps:
- Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals. Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
“It is important for us to keep our community out of our Emergency Room,” said Dr. Calderon. “Our hope is that everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July without any incidents,” he concluded.
Katy, TX News (June 13, 2014) – On May 9, Katy Area leaders joined together for a day of inspiration from nine, world-renowned leaders while benefiting the Katy ISD Education Foundation. This year’s theme, Beyond You, challenged leaders to leverage their influence for the sake of others. As Leadercast so aptly describes their mission, “We believe the world is missing out. We could all be learning more. Living out our purpose. Leading and being led by people who inspire and enlighten us, give us strength and allow us to grow. Leadercast was built on a belief that the world needs better leaders—leaders worth following.” In keeping with the Beyond You theme, the proceeds of Leadercast Katy were donated to an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people.
The Katy ISD Education Foundation’s mission is to provide resources to enrich teaching, inspire learning, and enhance opportunities for students enrolled in Katy ISD. The organization strives to unite our community while providing a competitive advantage for Katy ISD students and teachers through targeted investments in our schools. This May, $209,599 for Inspiring Imagination grants was awarded to teachers at 26 different campus locations. Leadercast Katy is pleased to join the community in supporting the Katy ISD Education Foundation. The proceeds from this year’s event, $2,250, enables two additional teacher grants to be fulfilled next year.
With the support of sponsors, Chick-fil-A, The Les Strech Team, Faith West, Restore Her, The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, Office Max, and the Growth Coach, Leadercast Katy served dual roles. President and CEO of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce commented, “We were proud to help bring Leadercast, a world renown leadership training seminar, to local leaders. The choice to benefit the Katy ISD Education Foundation reflects the tremendous commitment of the Katy Area to empowering teachers to inspire children, children who will one day be our future leaders.” Planning is already underway to further support the Katy ISD Education Foundation. Said franchise owner Rusty Wylie, “We are excited about the tremendous positive response to Leadercast and look forward to providing continuing support for the foundation at next year’s Leadercast Katy event scheduled to take place May 8, 2015.”
Katy, TX News (June 9, 2014) – Harrison & Bethke Family and Cosmetic Dentistry hosted Give Kids A Smile Day. Give Kids A Smile program is a way for dentists to join in the community and provide dental services to underserved children. The dentists and team members at Harrison & Bethke Family and Cosmetic Dentistry volunteered their time and services to provide screenings, treatments, and education to forty-two Katy area children. The team performed $19,000 work of dental work for free with the support of the following sponsors: FastSigns, Pizza Hut, Selah Medi-Spa, Bagel Café, Brammer’s Athletic Sportswear, HEB, Chic-Fil-A, Jason’s Deli, Wal-Mart, and Red Bull.
Katy, TX News (June 4, 2014) – One high school senior will receive a $16,000 college scholarship from the Phillips 66 Dependent Scholarship Program. The competitive program awards outstanding collegebound students whose parents work for Phillips 66 or one of its subsidiaries. The awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and financial need.
The company announced Ana Hernandez of Katy as honoree this year. Ana, daughter of Phillips 66 employee Francisco Hernandez, is a senior at Seven Lakes High School.
“This scholarship program reflects Phillips 66’s commitment to the communities where we live and operate and builds on our corporate vision of improving lives,” said Claudia Kreisle Phillips 66 Director, Contributions and Community Engagement. Phillips 66 is a growing energy manufacturing and logistics company with high-performing Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, headquartered in Houston. “We congratulate Ana on her achievements inside and outside the classroom and wish her every success in college,” Kreisle said.
The Phillips 66 Dependent Scholarship Program will annually award as many as 66 four-year scholarships of $16,000 each for higher education at any accredited institution. Scholarship Management Services, a neutral, third-party administrator of educational assistance programs, selects the recipients and manages the program for Phillips 66.
Katy, TX News (June 3, 2014) – Gallery Furniture officially broke ground on the new Gallery Furniture Fort Bend/Grand Parkway on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.
Jim “Mack” McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture, along with Keenon Rayner of Identity Architects, Dave Cannon of Trend Development, Ft. Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson, and Yvonne Tuttle Streit of The Brookwood Community, were on hand to welcome Gallery Furniture to the Long Meadow Farms and Fort Bend County community.
Festivities included a special appearance from the Brookwood Community hand bell choir and ended with a surprise skywriter that will landscape the Houston skies this afternoon with #gfgp, a social media hashtag that will lead to information and renderings for the new Gallery Furniture location.
The store, which will be the third and largest Gallery Furniture location in Houston, is expected to open in late November/December and will be located at The Market at Long Meadow Farms, 7301 W. Grand Parkway South, Richmond, TX 77407 (next to the Santikos Palladium theater).
Plans for the 165,000 sq. ft. showroom include amenities such as an indoor playground and tree house for children and a full service restaurant. The new Gallery Furniture will also include an area where residents of The Brookwood Community for disabled adults will sell their products. Services available also include Gallery Movers, a full-service moving company that utilizes the stores’ highly trained and meticulous delivery staff.
Katy, TX News (June 3, 2014) – Koralie Barrau, a 2014 graduate of Katy’s James E. Taylor High School, will spend part of her summer on a service project working with YWCA Haiti. Barrau, who was a part of Taylor High School’s National Honor Society, a distinguished scholar with 54 hours of community service under her belt, and an active member of the French Club and Key Club, has felt a strong connection to Haiti her whole life, especially after the 2010 earthquake took the life of her beloved grandmother.
Throughout high school, Barrau attended multiple leadership conferences and was a student council representative. She proudly co-edited the Taylor High School 2014 year book and is the proud recipient of the 2014 yearbook award. In the Fall of 2014, Barrau will attend George Washington University’s school of Media and Public Affairs. She plans to major in broadcast journalism and international relations.
Katy, TX News (May 29, 2014) – Rover Oaks Pet Resort has officially launched its fourth annual month-long donation drive, Operation: War Dogs, to support non-profit organization United States War Dogs Association (USWDA). The drive officially began on Memorial Day and ends on Independence Day, July 4, 2014. Last year, Rover Oaks raised over $15,000 for USWDA through Operation: War Dogs.
USWDA exists to provide much needed support to the Military Working Dogs serving in the United States Armed Forces. They facilitate adoptions of retiring War Dogs; support returning troops and service dog organizations such as Military Working Dogs, Police K-9 units, and Search and Rescue units; establish War Dog Memorials, and educate the public on the history of all U. S. Military War Dogs from all wars.
During Operation: War Dogs, donors can stop by Rover Oaks Pet Resort in Houston near Reliant Stadium or Rover Oaks Katy near Katy Mills mall to make a contribution or mail a check to Rover Oaks made out to United States War Dogs Association. Rover Oaks will be giving away a free night of lodging at their facilities to every donor who contributes $100. Donations of $25 will receive a commemorative army dog tag necklace or USWDA bandana. In addition, Rover Oaks will decorate their facilities with patriotic paw prints presenting the names of the clients and community members who contribute to USWDA. Every dollar counts and anyone interested in donating is encouraged to stop by either Rover Oaks location to make a contribution in their name or in honor of a soldier or war dog they wish to recognize. These donations will provide an abundance of critically needed items including K9 medications, food, grooming tools, bedding, and other necessities. The donations also cover travel costs and facilitate adoptions to bring our war dogs home.
“This will be our fourth year to host Operation: War Dogs, and every year we see an even greater response from the community. I am so honored to see how generously our community responds to raising funds for our war dogs,” said Steve Smith, owner of Rover Oaks Pet Resort. “It’s evident that helping the dogs who serve in our armed forces is a cause near and dear to the hearts of Houstonians. Our soldiers, both two and four-legged, risk their lives every day to ensure our freedom; and we are so lucky just to have the opportunity to honor them in some way.”
“It’s donations like these that enable us to do what we do,” said Ron Aiello, President of United States War Dogs Association. “The dedication of these Military Working Dogs and their handlers saves lives and prevents terrorist and illegal events daily around the world and in our communities at home. To honor these noble canines and their handlers is a tribute to our way of life.”
Today, all branches of our armed forces are utilizing Military Patrol Dogs specializing in drug and bomb/explosive detection. Currently, there are approximately 600 – 700 of these canines in the Middle East in such places as Kuwait, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, patrolling bases, military compounds, ammunition depots, and military check points. They are guarding and protecting our military personnel with courage, loyalty, and honor.
Donations will be accepted at either Rover Oaks location. Rover Oaks Houston, 713-662-2119, is located at 2550 West Bellfort, Houston 77054. Rover Oaks Katy, 281-693-7687, is located at 24250 Kingsland Blvd., Katy 77494.
Katy, TX News (May 28, 2014) – “Katy – Energy Grows Here” is taking on a literal meaning at the entrance of the PetroSkills Conference Center. A proud supporter of the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s place brand initiative, PetroSkills is one of the first area businesses to purchase a planter specific to the Katy brand.
Donna England, PetroSkills Conference Center Manager, says she is looking forward to seeing the Katy brand develop throughout the area. “We feel this will further enhance greater Katy and are proud to showcase how ‘Energy Grows Here’.” The planters prominently display the brand logo along with the sponsoring business’ name. The conference center’s planter boasts a beautiful array of seasonal flowers and an ornamental tree.
For the past three years, the Katy Area Economic Development Council has been working on a major place-based branding project designed to capture and articulate the defining characteristics of Katy, as well as to provide a graphic platform for key city assets to have a cohesive look and feel.
The yellow and red base colors for the new Katy brand icon were used to portray energy, strength, and opportunity. The blended rich brownish color is a nod to Katy’s agricultural heritage, and the design is intended to be a leaf, a drop, a point and a symbol of the oil industry all in one.
“We’re excited to see PetroSkills embrace and promote the Katy brand,” said Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council. “The enthusiasm for the ‘Energy Grows Here’ campaign is a testament to the success of the new branding effort and to the overwhelming sense of pride the business and residential communities have for Katy.”
Katy, TX News (May 19, 2014) – The Katy Independent School District has partnered with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9182 to celebrate Memorial Day throughout the District on May 26 with a variety of campus activities that will educate students and staff on the importance of this national holiday.
“The Board of Trustees and I understand how important Memorial Day is for our families and staff,” Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey said. “Because school will be in session, we have been presented with a unique opportunity to create a day of instruction and learning that will include honoring fallen soldiers at campuses and District offices.”
Local veterans representing community members and staff will be at various campuses across Katy to lead the Pledges of Allegiance in the morning. They will also visit history and social studies classrooms throughout the day to share their experiences while serving our country and personally encourage all students and staff to value their freedom and honor those who died to protect it.
Additionally, the Katy Veterans Memorial Service at Katy Magnolia Cemetery will be broadcast live at many Katy ISD campuses. “For those who served, this is a day with deep emotional roots,” said Katy VFW Post Commander Gary Drahos. “It is a day for us all to honor those who lost their lives helping to preserve the freedoms Americans enjoy today.”
Through the years, the VFW Post 9182 has also recognized servicemen on Memorial Day weekend by placing U.S. flags at the grave sites of soldiers, airmen, and sailors, and by hosting a memorial service.
Katy, TX News (May 15, 2014) – Construction on the new six-story patient tower and second medical plaza is now underway at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, and officials are encouraging visitors to plan ahead and utilize on-site resources, including directional signage, to navigate around the campus.
To facilitate construction equipment and crews on the building sites, hospital officials have temporarily relocated the bulk of visitor parking to the north side, or backside, of the campus. During this time, patients visiting Medical Plaza I should park in the northwest corner of the campus, while those visiting the hospital should park in the northeast corner of the campus. Handicap spots and dedicated parking for laboring moms are still in close proximity to the hospital and medical plaza entrances.
Directional signage has been installed around the campus to guide visitors to the appropriate lots. Additionally, the hospital is running a shuttle for those who need help getting to and from their vehicles. Visitors can call 281-644-7130 to access the shuttle service.
“This is an exciting time for Memorial Hermann and Katy area residents,” said Scott Barbe, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. “The expansion will enable us to better meet the wide-ranging health needs of our community.”
Scheduled to open in Summer 2015, the new patient tower will add additional capacity in multiple units, including surgical suites, medical and surgical beds, labor and delivery, and the emergency center, and will bring the hospital’s total bed count to over 200. It also will be constructed to accommodate future growth. Medical Plaza II will house physician office space, as well as space for expanded sports medicine and outpatient imaging services.
For more information about Memorial Hermann Katy, call 281-644-7000 or visit www.memorialhermann.org.
Katy, TX News (May 14, 2014) – At the May 8 Bond Committee meeting, Katy ISD principals discussed the technology and safety needs on their campuses. Committee members also heard presentations on transportation and portable needs within the District, and shared observations from the April 30 facility tours.
This week committee members get to work on reviewing cost estimates for all the District-wide needs presented to them for their consideration over the course of the past five weeks. These needs include: school and student activity facilities, renovations and replacements, technology, safety and security, and transportation.
The next Bond Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Meetings are open to the public to listen and observe. For more information, agendas, and presentations from the meetings, visit the Katy ISD Bond webpage.
Katy, TX News (May 13, 2014) – Compassion Katy and Houston Habitat for Humanity announced they have formed a partnership to begin a program in Katy, Texas. Compassion Katy Executive Director Diane Walker and Houston Habitat for Humanity Development Manager Jerry Kovaly made the announcement following recent discussions between the two organizations.
“We are completely thrilled,” stated Walker. “The opportunity to partner with a great team like Houston Habitat to bless a Katy family with a decent, affordable place to live offers a great opportunity to make dreams come true and share Christ’s love.”
Compassion Katy is a registered not-for-profit (501c3) organization committed to developing and mobilizing partnerships between churches and the community within Katy, Texas to serve in the name of Jesus. Houston Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope.
“This partnership offers a unique opportunity for Houston Habitat,” Kovaly said. “Not only are we extending our reach beyond geographical Houston, but in joining with Compassion Katy we are mobilizing a community through its churches’ volunteers, partners and supporters.”
While both organizations are labeling this initial collaboration a pilot program, the Board of Directors for Compassion Katy recently voted to provide a 5-year commitment to the Houston Habitat partnership. “This vote simply reaffirms Compassion Katy’s longstanding and continued commitment to impacting our community and our long-term vision for this Houston Habitat partnership,” Walker commented.
Compassion Katy and Houston Habitat for Humanity have scheduled a joint informational town hall meeting on Sunday, May 18 at 6:00 pm at Saint Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy to discuss their partnership and the Katy program. Those interesting in participating in, or partnering with the program are welcome to attend this open and free event.
For more information on Compassion Katy: www.CompassionKaty.org
For more information on Houston Habitat for Humanity: www.HoustonHabitat.org
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 12, 2014) – The National Merit Scholarship Corporation last week announced the 2014 winners of the prestigious $2500 National Merit Scholarship. A total of 10 Katy ISD students were named among only 2,500 designees across the nation.
Katy ISD’s National Merit Scholarship winners are:
- Joey Gu, Cinco Ranch High School; probable career field: biochemical engineering
- Austin Kuo, Taylor High School; probable career field: chemical engineering
- Sarina Madhavan, Cinco Ranch High School; probable career field: biomedical engineering
- Ojas Potnis, Seven Lakes High School; probable career field: medicine
- Anthony Qi, Seven Lakes High School; probable career field: corporate finance
- Dhanatcha Sadetaporn, Taylor High School; probable career field: medicine
- Siddharth Seethepalli, Seven Lakes High School; probable career field: computer science
- Vidisha Srivastav, Seven Lakes High School; probable career field: bioengineering
- Catherine Wu, Cinco Ranch High School; probable career field: medicine
- Jonathan Zong, Taylor High School; probable career field: computer science
These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studies and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
To date this academic year, Katy ISD has a total of 15 seniors receiving scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation – four Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners, one National Achievement Scholarship winner, and the 10 students announced last week. College-sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners are expected to be announced in late May. For more information, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
Katy, TX News (May 9, 2014) – Election Day for Positions 3, 4, and 5 on the Katy ISD Board of Trustees is Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 10 various polling sites across the District:
KATY ISD VOTING | COUNTY | POLLING |
1 | Ft. Bend – 3006, 3038, 3142, | Seven Lakes High School |
2 | Ft. Bend – 3004, 3122, 3130, | Cinco Ranch High School 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Katy, Texas 77494 |
3 | Ft. Bend – 3014 Harris – 639 Ward A Waller – 420 | City of Katy Municipal Building 910 Avenue C Katy, Texas 77493 |
4 | Harris County – 119, 149, 639 Ward B Waller – 418, 419 | Katy Municipal Court Building 5432 Franz Rd. Katy, Texas 77493 |
5 | Harris – 362, 619, 644 | Memorial Parkway Jr. High 21203 Highland Knolls Katy, Texas 77450 |
6 | Harris – 400, 509, 522, 547, 751, 772, 993 | Taylor High School 20700 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, Texas 77450 |
7 | Harris – 95, 120, 283, 461, 711 | Wolfe Elementary 502 Addicks-Howell Rd. Houston, Texas 77079 |
8 | Harris – 305, 603, 618, 720, 813, 877 1005, 1061 | Morton Ranch High School 21000 Franz Rd. Katy, Texas 77449 |
9 | Harris – 463, 521, 589, 804 879, 992, 1006 | Mayde Creek High School 19202 Groeschke Rd. Houston, Texas 77084 |
10 | Harris – 398, 517, 523, 621, 622, 650, 771 | Bear Creek Elementary 4815 Hickory Downs Houston, Texas 77084
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For more information on the candidates and the polling locations and times, view the 2014 Voter’s Guide on the Katy ISD website.
Katy, TX News (April 30, 2014) – Katy ISD trustees approved VLK Architects to provide design services associated with elementary school #38 within Cinco Ranch Northwest Subdivision and elementary school #39 adjacent to Ventana Lakes Subdivision. The new elementary campuses will be designed to accommodate 1,030 students in grades pre-K through 5th grade to address the increased growth occurring in Katy ISD.
According to VLK Principal Todd Lien, AIA, “VLK looks forward to working with Katy ISD administrators and staff to develop plans for the new elementary schools, and provide the growing Katy community with age-appropriate, student-centric learning environments that are flexible, sustainable, secure, and integrated with the latest technology to serve the needs of the next generation of learners.”
VLK previously participated in a 21st century Learning Symposium hosted by the District to discuss ideas and examples of learning environments that are being designed and built in districts around the country and the state. Among the many items that were discussed were how these concepts could be designed into new schools for Katy ISD.
Approval of VLK Architects came at the recommendation of superintendent Alton Frailey, chief operations officer Thomas Gunnell, and district architect Peter McElwain. Trustees approved the measure as part of the board’s consent agenda.
Katy, TX News – Koko FitClub of Houston Area Announces Winners of “Ultimate Transformation Giveaway”
Katy, TX News (April 22, 2014) – Koko FitClub, which has gained the reputation as “The World’s First Digital Gym,” hosted the “Ultimate Transformation Giveaway” as an incentive for local men and women to commit to becoming fit or fitter this year. Five winners were chosen randomly from entries submitted through the contest conducted on Koko FitClub’s Houston area locations Facebook pages. The Ultimate Transformation Giveaway prize packages are valued at approximately $2,500 each and include a membership to Koko FitClub, nutritional foods and supplements, and massages for 12 full months, beginning March 2014.
The Koko FitClub Katy winner and prize package are listed below.
- Koko’s Katy locations (19901 Kingsland Blvd. and 23010 Seven Meadows Pkwy.) presented winner Laura Ritchie with a yearlong Koko FitClub membership, smoothies from Smart Drinks & Nutrition, massages from Concierge Massage, and healthy meal options from Chick-fil-A on Mason Road or Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch.
Laura with Travis Denson, co-owner of Koko FitClubs in the Houston area
The Koko FitClub Difference
Founded in Boston in 2008, Koko FitClub has more than 125 company-owned and franchised clubs in 28 states. Koko’s patented Smartraining™ system uses advanced digital technologies to offer a completely new fitness experience that provides the benefits of a traditional 90-minute workout in 45 minutes or less. In 2013, Koko FitClub made Entrepreneur Magazine’s coveted “Franchise 500” list.
The first Houston area Koko FitClub opened in Katy in November 2012 at 23010 Seven Meadows Parkway. John and Marisol Denson, Houston natives who reside in the Memorial area of Houston and who were competitive high school athletes, co-own and operate the six Koko FitClubs in Champions, Cypress, The Heights, Katy, and The Woodlands with other Denson family members. The Densons have the option to open up to 23 facilities in their Houston franchise territory.
Koko FitClub is a leader of the digital fitness revolution. Most high tech fitness gadgets passively monitor physical aspects such as body movements, heartbeat, oxygen saturation, pace, or stride. Koko created the first truly digital fitness club and training system to provide personalized cardio and strength workouts that are based on exercise science and guided by sophisticated digital tools. Every workout is tracked and analyzed in the cloud, with members’ workout data accessible 24/7 on all of their mobile devices. Koko also provides personalized nutrition plans, known as Koko Fuel.
“The combination of personalized exercise and nutrition produces amazing results,” John Denson said. “Koko is the ideal solution for those who are serious about keeping their 2014 resolutions because it makes staying fit viable and fun. It has the highest member-retention rate in the U.S. fitness industry. While two-thirds of all gym memberships typically go unused, 70 percent of Koko members work out every month.”
Katy, TX News (April 21, 2014) – Three Houston-area educators have been chosen to receive the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL’s) 2014 Walter Kase Teacher Excellence Award at the Walter Kase Teacher Excellence Award Luncheon at 11:30 a.m., May 2, at the Westin Galleria, 5060 West Alabama, Houston, TX, 77056. The ADL founded in 1913, is a leading civil rights organization with programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice, and bigotry. The Walter Kase Teacher Excellence Award pays tribute to three Region IV educators for their outstanding efforts to create an atmosphere in their schools that rejects prejudice and promotes respect for and understanding of diversity.
The recipients are first grade bilingual education teacher Beneranda Alvarez of Andre Elementary School in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, sixth grade teacher Rebecca Ryan Millhench of the Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy in the Houston Independent School District, and Texas history teacher and department chair Phyllis Nawrot of Cardiff Junior High in the Katy Independent School District.
Beneranda Alvarez recognized that her bilingual education students weren’t exposed to other cultures in Andre Elementary School because their language skills kept them segregated, so she created the Andre Cultural Museum. The Museum is a two-week transformation of her classroom into a world of diverse cultures and traditions, helping her students learn about people who are different, and that their differences matter and enrich society.
Students in Rebecca Ryan Millhench’s Sixth Grade Contemporary World Cultures class at Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy are upstanders, because Millhench has them participate in her “Be an Upstander” program. The students spend the school year reading books and collecting experiences that increase their cultural awareness, teach them how prejudice and discrimination ultimately can lead to genocide, and how non-violence and respect lead to growth and success. Millhench writes: “As Nelson Mandela stated, ‘education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ In order for my students to change their world, they start in room 115.”
Phyllis Nawrot became a teacher later in life, but she embarked upon her career with the enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment of a freshly-minted college graduate. As history department chair at Cardiff Junior High, she coordinates the history club, and her students drink up the lessons they learn in their history club activities like sponges. They visit museums such as the Holocaust Museum Houston and the Buffalo Soldier Museum. They read about other cultures and learn about their struggles. Nawrot teaches them to stand up against prejudice, respect differences and value diversity, and brings awareness that different ways of life matter.
The Walter Kase Teacher Excellence Award is named for Holocaust survivor Walter Kase, who has dedicated his life to telling his story about life before, during, and after the Holocaust. The luncheon is underwritten by Sysco Foods.
For more information or to set up an interview or coverage, call Dena Marks at 713-627-3490, ext. 234, or via cell phone at 832-567-8843. Tickets start at $150. For more information on tickets, check out the event website.
Katy, TX News (April 17, 2014) – The National Psoriasis Foundation is pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Walk to Cure Psoriasis will take place at Discovery Green with registration and health fair opening at 8 a.m. followed by the walk at 9 a.m. Walkers will follow a 1K and 5K route around the beautiful park. For more information, please go to npf.donordrive.com/event/houston.
This year, we are pleased to introduce you to three of our Walk to Cure Psoriasis Youth Ambassadors, six year old Melanee Martin from Kingwood, eleven year old McKenna Sheedy from Katy, and 17 year old Arianna Quazi from Houston. All three struggle with the challenges of having psoriasis, a disease that affects 7.5 million Americans and an estimated 180,000 Houstonians. Melanee, Arianna, and McKenna will join us for the walk and share their personal stories about the challenges of growing up with psoriasis. All have put together teams to walk and are actively involved in the walk.
The Walk to Cure Psoriasis in Houston is the largest event of the year for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Registration is open to anyone with an interest in finding a cure for psoriasis including the general public. Proceeds will go towards psoriatic disease research. We have made great progress in identifying the culprits that cause psoriasis in the last 2 years since the Houston walk program began. In addition, the National Psoriasis Foundation has invested $10 million to date in grants and fellowships that have led to discoveries about the genetic origins of psoriatic diseases and the link between psoriasis and other serious health conditions, like cardiovascular disease. A portion of those funds have gone to scientists in Texas.
We are pleased to announce Dr. Stephen Tyring and Dr. Christopher Downing from the Center for Clinical Studies will serve as the Honorary Medical Chair for the Walk to Cure Psoriasis. For over 15 years, the Center for Clinical Studies (CCS) has been serving patients with cutting edge new treatments for various dermatological and infectious diseases.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the country, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Appearing on the skin most often as red scaly patches that itch and bleed, psoriasis is chronic, painful, disfiguring, and disabling. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a related joint disease. There is no cure for psoriasis.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy, and education. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, at 800-723-9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
Katy, TX (April 16, 2014) – Dr. Dat Pham has opened Grand Smiles Dental in Katy, located at 403 W. Grand Parkway S. Grand Smiles Dental provides general dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, implants, oral surgery, and more. Their advanced technology will save you time because no matter what you need, they handle it there in the office.
Katy, TX News (April 11, 2014) – “Katy – Energy Grows Here” is taking on a literal meaning at the entrance of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. The hospital, a proud supporter of the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s place brand initiative, is one of the first area businesses to purchase a planter specific to the Katy brand.
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, CEO, Scott Barbe, says he is looking forward to seeing the Katy brand develop throughout the area. “We feel this will further enhance greater Katy and are proud to showcase how ‘Energy Grows Here’.” The planters prominently display the brand logo along with the sponsoring business’ name. The hospital’s planter boasts a beautiful array of seasonal flowers and an ornamental tree.
For the past three years, the Katy Area Economic Development Council has been working on a major place-based branding project designed to capture and articulate the defining characteristics of Katy, as well as to provide a graphic platform for key city assets to have a cohesive look and feel.
The yellow and red base colors for the new Katy brand icon were used to portray energy, strength, and opportunity. The blended rich brownish color is a nod to Katy’s agricultural heritage, and the design is intended to be a leaf, a drop, a point, and a symbol of the oil industry all in one.
“We’re excited to see Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, embrace and promote the Katy brand,” said Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council. “The enthusiasm for the ‘Energy Grows Here’ campaign is a testament to the success of the new branding effort and to the overwhelming sense of pride the business and residential communities have for Katy.”
Katy, Texas (April 4, 2014) — Kurtis Gross, 38, of Katy, is participating in a contest that could mean him receiving a free wheelchair-accessible van from the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). Kurtis, a 1994 graduate of Katy High School, survived a car accident that left him completely paralyzed at age 19 when he was on his way home from college. Kurtis is participating in the NMEDA’s Local Heroes contest, where participants from across the United States and Canada share their stories of how they have overcome the challenges of living with a disability. The winner of the Local Heroes contest will receive a custom wheelchair-accessible van. The winner is determined by votes cast by family, friends, neighbors, and community.
Following Kurtis’s accident in 1995, he spent a great deal of time in the hospital and in rehabilitation, and he made the decision that being a quadriplegic was not going to stop him from living his life to the fullest. Kurtis went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Tarleton State University, finishing first in his class. He then went on to earn his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
While working on his law degree, Kurtis volunteered as an Attorney Ad Litem for children involved in Child Protective Services cases. After law school, he interned in the Ft. Bend County District Attorney’s office but had a difficult time finding an employer willing to give him an opportunity to prove his value. Kurtis’s persistence paid off when in 2007, he began his current position as a contracts attorney with Mustang Engineering.
While in law school, Kurtis met and married his wife, Shelley. They have three boys, Nathaniel, 10, and twins Noble and Nolan, 7. Kurtis and Shelley have a very active family.
In addition to the boys’ active lives in school and sports, Shelley volunteers at the children’s school and acts as team mom for the children’s various sports activities. Outside of his day job, Kurtis spends a great deal of time volunteering at his children’s school, tutoring, mentoring, working with the KISD school board, and as a guest speaker at various community events. And this is all in addition to his many medical appointments that are necessary to monitor and maintain his level of health.
Kurtis has to be driven to and from work every day, and he has to be driven to all of the children’s sports activities, school functions, his own volunteer activities, and anywhere they go as a family. It takes a specific kind of vehicle to accommodate Kurtis and his power wheelchair.
Six months ago, Kurtis and one of their sons were being driven home from a little league game when they were t-boned by another vehicle. The accident resulted in extensive damage to Kurtis’s van but it was not totaled. A new wheelchair-accessible van would be a blessing to Kurtis and his active family.
“Kurtis lives a life of inspiration,” says his friend Brandon Layhew. “He inspired his wife so much that she fell in love with him. He inspired God to give him three boys, and he has inspired his sons so much that they love him enough to let him know that it’s okay if he misses a game or two when he can’t get there or doesn’t feel up to it with his many medical issues. He has inspired me and so many others who are blessed to be part of his life.”
The Gross family hopes that Kurtis’s story inspires enough people to take the time to vote for him in this contest so he can be awarded a wheelchair-accessible van that will allow him to get around to his many commitments and especially to get out with his family more easily and more often.
To vote for Kurtis, visit this Web site – www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/local-heroes – and search for Kurtis Gross. You can vote once every day until May 9, 2014.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding mobility options for people with disabilities. The organization promotes and supports members engaged in the modification of quality transportation and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Over 600 international members work to provide safe and reliable adapted transportation solutions to help build the road to independence. Transportation is the key to freedom, and NMEDA is the key to quality transportation.
Katy, TX News (February 11, 2014) – Jamie Wolman, executive director of Keep Katy Beautiful (KKB), was presented Keep America Beautiful’s Sue Smith Leadership Award at KAB’s National Awards ceremony, which recently took place during its National Conference in Charlotte, N.C.
The Sue Smith Leadership Award is KAB’s highest professional honor and is given annually to KAB affiliate leaders who have built and sustained an affiliate program with outstanding success. Those honored have established model programs and fostered long-term partnerships between the public and private sector. The award is named after KAB’s long-time affiliate trainer Sue Smith, who retired in 2013 after a 25-year career with KAB.
“Simply put, Jamie is an exemplary affiliate coordinator, providing leadership, innovation and inspiration to members of the Katy community, Keep Texas Beautiful staff and coordinators, as well as the Keep America Beautiful affiliate network,” said Keep America Beautiful President & CEO Jennifer Jehn at the awards ceremony.
For many people in Katy, Jamie Wolman is the face of Keep Katy Beautiful. Wolman spent her early career as a teacher, and later counselor at the Junior High and High School levels. She was honored when Katy named a new elementary school for her and her husband in 2012.
After finishing her teaching career, Wolman joined the Parks and Recreation Department as the Community Specialist. She became involved in Keep Katy Beautiful more than 20 years ago and has been leading the local affiliate since 2000.
Because of her experience as an educator, generations of Katy ISD students are passionate environmental stewards. Students participate in a multitude of events, planting wildflower seeds and native grasses, implementing recycling programs, and studying water quality and conservation issues.
Innovative programming developed during Wolman’s tenure includes Summer Scientist, which utilizes Keep America Beautiful’s Waste in Place program as the foundation for a week-long environmental summer day camp. “Project Paint a Can” engages local businesses in a spirited competition to paint 40-gallon drums with the words and theme of KKB; the barrels are then placed throughout the community as a reminder for residents to properly dispose of litter and waste. An Earth Day environmental poster was colored by children and mailed to the U.S. Military Unit in Afghanistan.
Under Wolman’s leadership, KKB exemplifies the KAB model, managing sustainable partnerships with numerous civic groups, government entities, and businesses. Keep Katy Beautiful has received four Governor’s Community Achievement Award, one of the most prestigious environmental awards in the state. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of youth education, public awareness, solid waste management, litter prevention and cleanup, litter law and illegal dumping enforcement, community leadership and coordination, beautification and community improvement.
At the statewide level, Wolman serves as the affiliate representative on the Keep Texas Beautiful Board of Directors for a two-year term and is currently the President of the Board.
Katy, TX News (February 3, 2014) – The Katy Family YMCA recently inducted new board members, Kevin Campbell, Robert Burns, Steve Reichardt, Ralph Fluker, George Adkins and Pat Sparks. The Board has 37 members which include two emeritus members, Gerri Ayers and Dr. Jerry Edmonson. All members are from the Katy area.
Renita King, the Chairperson of the Board Development Committee, says the YMCA board consists of a variety of caring individuals. “It’s a group of people who truly have a passion for service. We pool our time, talent, financial resources and community connection to assist the staff in fulfilling the organization’s mission.”
Brian Haines, YMCA District Vice President, defines the title of emeritus board member as someone who had served on the Board of the Katy Family YMCA for a period of two full board terms and provided quality service to the YMCA. They are still contributing members of the YMCA family, and have been so elected by the acting Board.
“We believe in the mission of the YMCA and the positive influence it makes on our community; it is a privilege to help in whatever way we can,” says Ayers. She chaired the capital campaign to build the Katy Y, which opened in 2000. An event planner by profession, President of Ayers Meetings & Events, she helps with the different events that the Y has through the year. In her service as a board member, she worked hand and hand with KISD and the Katy Y. She also serves on the Greater Houston YMCA Board of Directors for eight years
“When we were first starting the Katy Y, I was mentoring a student in the school district,” remembers Ayers. “We were at a holiday party at the school when a boy wheeled in a wheel chair. I learned his family came to Houston because they wanted to get their son into The Shriners Crippled Children Hospital. The hospital couldn’t accept him because his condition couldn’t be improved.
“The family didn’t have money. His wheelchair was one that they had made themselves and it didn’t meet the standards to be able to ride on the school bus. My heart broke for them, and I knew we needed to help. I went back and talked to Jeff,” McBride, the then Katy Family YMCA director, “and within a matter of a week we had a brand new wheelchair for him.”
Dr. Jerry Edmonson, Senior Pastor of The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch Church came up with the idea of the Turkey Dash. Edmonson and McBride had become good friends. “It was a natural for the Y to run with the program, as well as the fact that all the benefits went to the Partnership annual campaign.” Now 11 years later Edmonson and his church continue to help with the Turkey Dash. “We are more than happy to bless the Y in that way,” says Edmonson. “I am still involved and go to board meetings as much as I can.”
Brian Haines compliments the Katy Family YMCA board as one of the finest groups of volunteers he has ever worked with. “Our growth as an organization, increases in fundraising, collaborations and community impact are directly related to the growth of our Board and their ongoing efforts.”
Katy, TX News (January 13, 2014) – Dr. Ryann and Dr. Brett Donaldson, therapeutic optometrists practicing at Grand Vision Center are proud to partner with schools in the Katy ISD boundaries to provide 2014 graduating students the “Always Focusing on You” scholarships. Continuing on our efforts from 2006, Grand Vision Center will provide four $1,000 scholarships to Katy area students meeting the requirements and submitting completed applications.
“We are extremely grateful to the community for their ongoing support of Grand Vision and we feel it’s our duty to support the future generation as others have supported us” said Dr. Ryann Donaldson.
Dr. Brett (the oldest) and Dr. Ryann (the youngest) are two of five boys. Their parents fit the typical profile of the working class family trying to provide for their large family. The expense of undergraduate and optometric schools were significant and through grants and scholarships, Dr. Brett and Dr. Ryann Donaldson were both able to receive their Bachelors of Science degrees from University of Maryland and both received their Optometric Doctorates from the University of Houston – College of Optometry.
The “Always Focusing on You” scholarship program is in effect to students graduating in the current calendar year. Not to worry, the GPA requirement starts at 2.5 with a maximum GPA of 3.5. “We felt it important for the scholarship requirements be reasonable so more students are able to qualify and we know some individuals are late bloomers. We hope our scholarship can help nurture their academic growth,” said Dr. Brett Donaldson. Through commitment, dedication and generous grants, he graduated Cumme Laude from the University of Houston – College of Optometry.
Applications must be received by the Katy ISD high school’s counselors on March 24, 2014. A third party committee will select the four winning applicants. Students from Faith West Academy and Pope John Catholic School may also apply.
Grand Vision Center has been serving the Katy area since 2001 as the leading eye care and eyewear provider with quality care and service to their patients. This scholarship program isn’t the first time Grand Vision Center gives back to the community. Since 2002, Grand Vision Center in partnership with Katy ISD and the YMCA, continue to provide eye care and eyewear needs to students whose parents are unable to afford services. Since they began the effort, Grand Vision Center has provided a clearer future to over 1,000 students and continues to do so every day. Students qualifying for the reduced or free lunch program at school also qualify for “Glasses for Katy Kids” program. Additional information is available at your local Katy ISD school nurse’s office (The “Glasses for Katy Kids” program is a funded program underwritten by the YMCA Partners Campaign. Should you wish to make a donation, please contact the Katy YMCA at 281-392-5055 and ask for the YMCA Partners Campaign administrator.)
“We’re looking forward to announcing the top four recipients at the designated Awards Ceremonies for the winners’ respective schools during May” said Dr. Ryann Donaldson. The “Always Focusing on You” scholarship was created to give back to a community that gives so much.
“It’s our way of saying Thank You to the community where we work and live,” said Dr. Brett and Dr. Ryann Donaldson.
More information along with the downloadable application is available at : http://grandvisionkaty.com/pages/always_focusing_on_you_scholarships_31.asp
Katy, TX News (January 8, 2014) – While No Label Brewing Company, Katy’s only micro brewery, might shy away from some labels, it’s decided that the new logo and tagline, “Katy – Energy Grows Here” suits them fine. So much so, that they’re incorporating the new Katy brand logo on the packaging of six-pack carriers starting this month.
“No Label Brewing Company’s enthusiasm for the ‘Energy Grows Here’ campaign is a testament to the success of the new branding effort and to the overwhelming sense of pride the business and residential community has for Katy,” said Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council. “We’re excited to see No Label, the first local business, embrace and promote the Katy brand in such a unique and creative way and we look forward to seeing how others will demonstrate their Katy pride.”
For the past four years, the Katy Area Economic Development Council has been working on a major place-based branding project designed to capture and articulate the defining characteristics of Katy, as well as to provide a graphic platform for key city assets to have a cohesive look and feel.
The yellow and red base colors for the new Katy brand icon were used to portray energy, strength and opportunity. The blended rich brownish color is a nod to Katy’s agricultural heritage, and the design is intended to be a leaf, a drop, a point and a symbol of the oil industry all in one.
“We’re really excited about the new Katy brand campaign because we’re huge supporters of the area,” said Jennifer Royo, co-founder of No Label Brewing Company. “Our customers are very big on everything local, so endorsing the City of Katy on our packaging and as part of our brand is not only cool, it’s just good business.”
Next month marks three years since the No Label Brewing Company first opened in an abandoned rice silo and sold their first beer at the Public House, one of their favorite local hangouts. They’ve gone from producing 700 barrels of beer their first year to 1,700 barrels the second year and this year will finish out with 5,000 barrels, a three-fold increase over last year. No Label year-round and seasonal beers can now be found at 60 bars, restaurants and retailers in the greater Houston area.
“Our energy has certainly grown here and we’re celebrating our anniversary with the community that has helped us grow,” said Brian Royo, head brewer and co-founder of No Label Brewing Company. “We also want the people of Katy to be proud of Katy and change people’s mindset about Katy because there’s so much out here!”
Katy, TX News (December 17, 2013) – In 2013, Firethorne reached two major milestones: topping 300 new home sales in one year for the first time and surpassing the halfway mark for the community’s 3,400-home build-out.
The record-breaking 2013 new home sales – a total of 350 as of December 15, 2013 – represents a 25 percent increase over 2012 new home sales so far this year. Located in Katy/Fulshear, the 1,400-acre master-planned community has achieved 1,980 new home sales and 1,903 closings project-to-date.
“Whether they are moving across town, across Texas, the country or the world, new Houston-area homebuyers are attracted to the Katy/Fulshear area and to Firethorne in record numbers,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.
He attributes Firethorne’s continued success to its high-quality, family-oriented amenities, neighborhood spirit, top-rated public schools, and easy access to I-10, Houston’s Energy Corridor and Texas Medical Center-West Campus.
According to Meyer, Realtors account for a significant percentage – nearly 86 percent — of new home sales in Firethorne. “Many of our residents relocate from overseas with energy-related jobs in the Energy Corridor,” he noted.
A Katy resident for the past 32 years, Meyer has overseen each phase of Firethorne’s steady growth, from site selection to helping map out the site plan, to development, which includes construction of the Visitor Center, two lake features, greenbelts with hike and bike trails, parks, sports fields, a resort-style pool, swim center with a regulation six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive lap pool, a Community Center with fully equipped fitness center and a Clubhouse for residents’ private functions. Hand-in-hand with Firethorne’s exponential growth came the construction of the community’s first school, Ray and Jamie Wolman Elementary in Katy ISD, which opened in the 2012-13 school year.
The Firethorne builder team, spotlighted in four Model Home Parks, consists of Ashton Woods Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes and Ravenna Homes. The builder team was selected based upon the highest standards for design, quality, customer satisfaction and reputation.
Named for a resilient evergreen indigenous to the Texas prairie, Firethorne blends with the best nature has to offer. Lake Firethorne and the hike/bike trails make it the ideal venue to host the Rotary Club of Katy’s Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne benefiting the Katy Rotary Fund that supports essential health, recreation and educational services for children in Katy Independent School District.
Firethorne, located in the acclaimed Katy ISD and Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. It is strategically located on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the 1-10 West corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor.
To tour, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463, visit www.firethorne.info, or call 281-693-1011.
Katy, TX (December 4, 2013) – Katy Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas, is pleased to announce Don Massey as its new General Manager. The announcement was made by Paul Fickinger, Executive Vice President of Property Management for The Mills, a Simon Company.
“We are excited to welcome Don to the Katy Mills management team, which is focused on our shopper experience, tourism growth and increased sales and traffic,” Fickinger said. “His extensive mall-related experience will be a great asset as we further brand Katy Mills as a leading shopping destination.”
As general manager, Massey will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Katy Mills including leasing, contract negotiation, staff supervision, office management, budgeting, tenant relations and marketing.
Before joining the Katy Mills team, Massey served as an Executive Assistant General Manager for Target in Miami, FL. He also held the position of Director of Security for Sawgrass Mills, a Simon Company recognized as the largest outlet and value retail destination in the United States.
Massey graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice.
Katy, TX (December 2, 2013) – Governor Rick Perry joined GEICO Chairman Tony Nicely today to announce the company is opening a new claims operation in Katy, Texas. GEICO expects the office to grow to 400 associates by 2015 and up to 1,000 associates in the next three years. The office is located at 21420 Merchants Way in Katy, Texas.
GEICO will fill positions for entry-level claims representatives, degreed candidates for liability claims representatives and college graduates for GEICO’s fast-track management development program with a focus on claims operations. To learn more and to fill out an online application, job seekers may go to www.geico.jobs/houston.
“Whenever we hear about a major employer expanding or relocating to Texas, it affirms what we’ve been telling people all these years,” Gov. Perry said. “When you create a place that rewards innovation and hard work, and frees people to do best in pursuit of their dreams, good things happen. Like many cutting-edge companies, GEICO knows that Texas is a great destination for innovative companies looking to excel.”
“We are energized by GEICO’s decision to establish its Houston Claims Center and 1,000 new jobs in Katy, Texas,” said Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council (EDC). “Katy Area EDC’s targeted focus on recruiting quality companies, such as GEICO, will produce a strong economic impact to the Katy Area. When fully staffed, GEICO will be one of the top 20 employers in the Katy Area, which includes a part of the Energy Corridor. Katy’s dynamic and energetic talent pool, great business climate and available spec buildings were surely key ingredients for GEICO’s decision.”
“We know the greater Houston area has built a thriving economy because of the outstanding professionals who make it their home,” said GEICO Chairman Tony Nicely. “We hope to offer them the kind of career opportunities that will appeal to them as we continue to attract more and more customers and grow our business.”
“We’re thrilled to bring long-term careers with great opportunities for advancement to the greater Houston area with this new claims operation,” said Tara Carthew, branch manager of the new office. “I can’t wait to get started and meet some of the folks I’ll be working alongside to ensure that our customers get outstanding service throughout the claims process.”
GEICO is no stranger to Texas. The company was founded by Leo and Lillian Goodwin in Texas in 1936 to provide auto insurance for federal employees and members of the military. GEICO has maintained a regional office in Dallas since 1986 and has more than 2,200 associates supporting the regional operation.
Katy, TX (November 23, 2013) – Last year, the Katy community supported students and their families by raising over $16,000. Help the Partners in Education continue to grow support for Katy ISD students and their families. 
Katy, TX (November 22, 2013) – When the 87th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off on November 28 in New York City, over 200 jump rope athletes from across the country will participate in the pageantry of the Parade. Featured in the Parade are Katy jumpers Patrick Anaemejeh and Kalisia Brisco from the Highflyers Jump Rope Team of Katy, Texas.
Organized by the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team in Cleveland, Ohio, the group will appear under the acronym J.U.M.P. (Jumpers United for Macy’s Parade). Jump Rope is a competition sport that has been featured on television in ESPN Sports, Fox Sports, many sports venues and most recently with the Chicago Boys performing jump rope on “America’s Got Talent.”
These championship athletes will showcase their talent alongside giant character balloons, celebrities, floats, marching bands, performance groups, and clowns. This will be the second time in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as 140 jumpers, ages 12-24, from teams across the country appeared in the 2009 Parade.
Jumpers will arrive in the Big Apple on November 26 with much anticipation and excitement for the Parade. It will be the first time all 200 jumpers are together, not to sightsee or shop, but to practice. Jumpers will be performing many tricks and skills in unison as they jump their way along the parade route to the delight of New Yorkers who line the streets 20 deep and fill windows and balconies along the streets overhead.
Starting from Central Park, the athletes will be jumping the entire 2.5 mile course that winds through New York City in front of a spectator crowd that is usually over 3.5 million people. To jump the entire distance, the athletes have to be in top condition. Months of practice will culminate with the cadenced steps that will be seen across the country live from New York City. What an adrenalin rush!
After arriving in at the fabled Herald Square, the group will be featured in a live one-minute segment broadcast on NBC national television with an estimated 50 million viewers. This choreographed TV routine, built around a group of 72 athletes performing a complex inter-connected matrix of jumpers, will include Patrick Anaemejeh & Kalisia Brisco.
Athletes were invited from jump rope teams across the country to join the ensemble, each paying their own way to New York City. Included in the group will be many athletes who have earned recognition as national and international champions. Local athletes have been practicing for months under the direction of Coaches David & Tammy Cazares.
What began in 1924 as a holiday parade has become an iconic event that is now recognized as America’s Parade. Along with other performance groups, J.U.M.P. is ready to share its talent and bring joy to all those watching on the streets of New York or tuning in live with loved ones at home. In all, over 4,000 volunteers from Macy’s stores across the country help to coordinate the more than 10,000 participants.
Broadcast nationally by NBC and NBC KPRC 12 locally, this is the official kick-off to the holiday season. Be sure to tune in at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day morning and watch the J.U.M.P. athletes from all across the nation in the Macy’s Parade.
Katy, TX (November 12, 2013) – Katy Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Ann Hodge filed her paperwork for the Republican nomination in Texas House District 132.
“I seek this office after an outpouring of support from area residents for a candidate who will bring people together and campaign on an optimistic, conservative vision for the future,” said Hodge. “I have spent my entire life in the private sector, and the last 30 years bringing jobs and strategic growth to our region.”
“I will be a constructive, conservative candidate, and I will go to Austin to create greater opportunity for all of our families and the next generations of Texans,” said Hodge.
Hodge has been the President and CEO of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce since 1999. Prior to that, she served as Divisional Vice President of External Affairs for Browning Ferris Industries (BFI), the world’s second largest solid waste disposal firm.
“Ann brings a vision and consistency that has elevated the Katy Area Chamber to one of the most respected Chambers in Texas,” said Stan Stanley, President of Stanley Signature Designs, and the Council Commissioner for the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. “Ann’s ability to quietly work behind the scenes and assist local businesses and community organizations to grow has been essential to insure the economic development and quality of life for our community. This is one of Ann’s most valuable assets and one of her greatest strengths. Our community is a better place thanks to Ann’s vision, service and leadership.”
An appointee of three Republican governors – Bill Clements, George W. Bush and Rick Perry – Hodge is a 1988 graduate of Leadership Texas, and a 1990 graduate of Leadership America. Hodge has served as Chair of the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) for eight years. She has more than 20 years of combined service on TWIC, the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness and the Texas Council on Vocational Education. During her service on behalf of the State of Texas, she worked closely with the senior leaders of the Texas agencies responsible for economic development and education.
“People have great mistrust of government,” said Hodge. “I will work to restore faith in our institutions of government, putting the public first in public service.”
Deeply rooted in the Katy area, having lived there for more than 30 years, Hodge has been recognized for her leadership and service in the community. She was named “Best Business Woman” in 2007 by the Katy Sun readers Poll. She has also been recognized as one of “Katy’s Trailblazing Women” by Katy Magazine, and as one of “Katy’s Top Ten” in the Katy Sun. She also received statewide recognition as one of Ten Texas Women on the Move by the Texas Executive Women. She was awarded the “Heroes, Legends, and Leaders” Award in 2010 by the Gary Tilton Firefighter Training Fund. She was also honored to be named the Citizen of the Year by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.
Hodge serves on the Texas Children’s Hospital (West Campus) Advisory Council and the ARC of Katy. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the CHRISTUS Health Gulf Coast Board of Directors. She also serves on the Katy ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors as well as the Board of Regents for Pope John XXIII High School. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Governors of the Katy Area Economic Development Council and was recently named to the Board of Directors of the new Katy Contemporary Arts Museum. Ann also serves on the Houston Community College Katy Business Steering Committee.
“I will vote to control taxes and spending, support economic development through investments in infrastructure, and work every day to improve our public schools. I understand the needs of our Cy-Fair and Katy communities and I am committed to serving all of the residents in our communities in Austin.”
“We have enough show horses in politics today. I will be a workhorse,” said Hodge. “Some people run for office to be someone, I am running to do something: work hard to create opportunity for all of our communities.”
Hodge is seeking the seat currently held by State Rep. Bill Callegari, who recently announced he would not run for re-election. District 132 is bordered by Highway 290 to the north, Barker Cypress and Fry Road to the East, and the Harris County line to the West and South. It includes portions of Cypress and Katy.
Hodge has been married to Robert D. Hodge for over 31 years. Bob and Ann are members of the Creekside Community Church in Katy. They have one son, Richard, and five grandchildren – Kelsey, Olivia, Michael, Kasey and Christian.
Katy, Texas (October 29, 2013) – Katy resident Patrick Freeman has a passion for voices. While growing up in Amarillo, Texas, he started mimicking cartoon character voices. Soon, he developed over 50 different character voices.
After twenty years of working in the financial services industry, Freeman decided to set up his own studio in a room sound-proofed and ready with equipment used to create voiceovers for audio books and commercials.
His tone was appreciated he received his first three audio book jobs – narrating zombie and science fiction books. “I must express my appreciation to Steven Ehrman, the author, who gave me a chance,” says Freeman. “As result of working with Steve, I have already received several other audio book offers.”
Freeman recently wrapped up his first book, Zombie Civilization: Genesis, written by Steven Ehrman. His voice over coach Randy Hames at Edgewater Studios in Sugar Land says, “It is not very often you see someone with such immediate success.”
Katy, Texas (September 30, 2013) – Katy ISD has a proud and rich history of FFA and agricultural sciences excellence. As one of the District’s oldest and most storied programs, it boasts one of the state’s largest FFA chapters at Katy High School. Across all campuses, more than 3,000 students are involved in agricultural sciences programs.
When you hear about FFA, the first image that may come to mind is probably of a student raising and showing a farm animal. The FFA program, however, is more than just learning about how to raise livestock. Students who participate in FFA learn about time management, public speaking, entrepreneurship, decision making, marketing, media relations and hone their leadership skills and gain confidence, all while learning the value of community service.
Katy ISD also benefits monetarily from the FFA programs. Students who participated in FFA last year received approximately $80,000 in scholarships, and those who participated in the Katy ISD Livestock Show received $576,854 from the sale of their animals. In addition, the Katy Rodeo generates approximately $50,000 that is put toward Katy ISD’s agricultural programs.
As enrollment figures in Katy ISD continue to climb, there is a direct impact on instructional programs and facilities. Built in 2004 when the Katy only had four high schools, the District has now outgrown the existing L.D. Robinson Pavilion where students display their animals during the Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show. Because of the limited amount of space at its current location near the Merrell Center, there is no room for growth or expanded instructional opportunities.
On November 5, voters in Katy ISD will consider a bond authorization package that includes construction of an Agricultural Sciences Center on Katy-Hockley Cutoff Road. The Agricultural Sciences Center project is a multi-faceted expansion of the existing Gerald D. Young Center to provide a variety of learning and special event opportunities once the phased project is completed.
The Agricultural Sciences Center was designed by a cross section of community representatives who are deeply involved with the Katy ISD FFA program and the Katy Rodeo, as well as staff members and teachers. During the design process, the committee identified several issues that an expanded Agricultural Sciences Center would address:
- Student safety and convenience by having the barns and show pavilion at the same place;
- The ability to reduce animal safety risk caused by travel to and from the barns and show pavilion, as well as more space in holding areas;
- The negative impact on Katy High School and Merrell Center operations due to the lack of parking when large FFA events are held at the L.D. Robinson Pavilion;
- Additional aquaculture and biosciences opportunities;
- Strategic investment in a long-term solution by providing a facility that can grow with the District.
Other Student Activity Facilities projects that are part of the bond referendum include a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) Project Center, and a second stadium. Together, these projects cost $99 million and it is anticipated that the sale of these bonds will not raise the tax rate beyond the current $.40 rate for debt service.
The Katy ISD bond election will be held on November 5, 2013 in conjunction with the general election. Katy ISD residents who are not registered to vote have until next Monday, October 7, 2013 to register. Early voting will take place from October 21 – November 5, 2013. Voters will be required to show a form of photo identification at the polling location before they will be permitted to cast a vote.
For more information about the Agricultural Sciences Center, as well as the other Student Activity Facilities projects, and voting location dates and times, visit the District’s website at www.katyisd.org.
Katy, Texas (September 25, 2013) – One of the things that Brian Haines loves about the Katy Family YMCA is the financial help the Y provides to individuals who can’t afford the full membership rate, or maybe they need help in after school child care, or being able to send their children to one of the youth programs at the Y.
“We want to insure that individuals or families who want to utilize YMCA programs get help when they need it.” This financial assistance is made possible through generous donations to its Annual Campaign and fundraising events, such as the Turkey Dash, which collectively raised $385,000 last year.
Haines is the District Vice President for the YMCA, with an office at the Katy Family YMCA. As a YMCA employee for over 23 years, Haines has worked at five YMCAs in the Houston Area. Haines also grew up participating in programs at the YMCA. A graduate of Clements High School and the University of Houston, Haines has been married for 19 years and has two children.
There is financial assistance available to those that want to become a member or a program participant but maybe don’t have funds available at the present time. “We look at income, size of family and circumstances that might be affecting their lives. We ask that they present a tax return so we can ensure the assistance is getting to those in need,” says Haines.
The amount of assistance is based on a sliding scale. “Some might get 10 percent assistance; others might get 50-75 percent.” Sometimes the individual or family situations don’t fall into the measurements of the sliding scale; Haines and the YMCA scholarship coordinator take a special look at the request. Sometimes additional levels of assistance are given due to other things affecting their life.
Haines gives some examples of some recent situations that were presented to Katy Family YMCA.
“We had a situation where a family had relocated to Houston. The husband moved the family into a hotel on the promise that a house was being bought, and then he abandoned the family in the hotel and left the city. We had a mom without a job who had to go search for one. In that situation we were able to offer after school child care at reduced rate so she could interview, then work and not stress out about where her kids were going after school.”
Child care is one of the more popular programs at the YMCA. “There are a lot of single parent families that are working to just make ends meet, and child care is not affordable. We provide a healthy, stable environment after school by providing child care scholarships for a family in need. They just need a little help.”
Another recent story is a family where the husband was a high earner and lost his job. One of the children was struck with an illness about the same time that required a lot of medical attention. The parents felt guilty because there was so much going on with the sick child, and that the other child was missing out on opportunities that most kids have. “We were offered a recreational outlet for the other child, to give him something to look forward to. We were able to help the family with reduced rates, membership and programs.”
Haines says these types of stories go on and on. All of the funds raised each year goes to local families that just need a lower membership rate, need before and after school child care, or to be able to attend summer day camp and any of the other programs the YMCA offers. “One hundred percent of the funds raised in our service area, stay in our service area, with no dollars being used for overhead.
The Katy Family YMCA is one of the largest YMCAs in the country with 7,600 memberships, serving around 21,000 people at any given time at our facility. Adding all the programs, special events such as the Turkey Dash, Fall Festival or Healthy Kids Day, the Katy Family YMCA serves another 29,000 people throughout the year. Haines likes to tell people, “Don’t worry. The Katy Family YMCA can help.”
Katy, TX (September 17, 2013) – National stroller fitness program Baby Boot Camp awarded its prestigious 2013 Owner of the Year to Maria Gorosito of Baby Boot Camp in Katy, Texas, at its annual conference in Sarasota, Fla., on Sept. 13.
Available in over 500 locations across the United States, Baby Boot Camp offers innovative fitness and nutrition programs designed specifically to help moms get fit in the years following childbirth.
Parents incorporate their children and stroller as an integral part of the small-group training classes. Weekly play dates and monthly moms’ night out events provide additional social support for new moms.
Gorosito is an owner and instructor for her franchise. Baby Boot Camp client Tricia Richardel of Katy, Texas, nominated Gorosito for leading her to discover her “inner athlete.”
“When I joined Baby Boot Camp, I was a depressed, overweight, out of shape and newly stay-at-home mom,” Richardel said. “Maria gave me an outlet for all that pent-up stress and anxiety. She motivated me to change my lifestyle of sedentary misery to a healthy, active one. With her help and encouragement, I not only lost over 35 pounds and two dress sizes, but I completed my first half-marathon!”
As part of her prize package, Gorosito received a Mountain Buggy terrain stroller. Eighty-five Baby Boot Camp and Karna Fitness owners and instructors represented locations worldwide at the 2013 Annual Conference, where attendees enjoyed a semi-formal three course meal using local, sustainable ingredients and organic wine provided by CalNaturale.
Katy, Texas (September 16, 2013) – Trinity Charter Schools has named Daniel Smith as Principal of Trinity Charter Schools’ Krause Campus, the education source for children at Krause Children’s Center, a residential treatment center in Katy, Texas, for children ages 12-17. Smith brings a robust background in education to the Krause team along with entrepreneurial and technological experience. Betsy Guthrie, chief executive officer of Trinity Charter Schools, made the announcement.
“With Daniel’s background as an educator and principal we know we are getting one of the best to lead our students at Krause,” said Guthrie. “He has an outstanding history working with at-risk kids and Title I schools, and he has a clear vision for where he wants to take Trinity Charter Schools’ Krause Campus.”
Trinity Charter Schools maintains campuses at Krause Children’s Center in Katy, New Life Children’s Center in Canyon Lake and Pegasus Schools in Lockhart. The Krause campus enrolls 60 students at a time. One of the main purposes of this school is to accelerate students who have fallen behind grade level due to a variety of reasons that may include missed school, behavioral issues or multiple foster placements. As principal, some of Smith’s goals include improving academic rigor and providing more robust extracurricular activities.
“The classroom is a sacred place that requires a love of learning,” said Smith. “These kids need engagement and creativity with their lessons, and that is something my staff brings every day. We have high expectations for our students, but we also have ‘crazy high’ expectations for ourselves. We want these kids to develop a passion for knowledge.”
Smith received his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from University of Oregon and his Master of Arts degree in educational administration from Lamar University in Beaumont. Before coming to Trinity Charter Schools’ Krause Campus in Katy, Smith worked as the manager of college and career readiness for the Houston Independent School District, where he analyzed district-wide data to properly direct programs and learning needs.
Smith also is the co-founder of Sibme, a video software startup company that utilizes a cloud based video technology platform for teacher collaboration and development. Smith is certified in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 8-12, English as a Second Language Supplemental for grades 8-12, Professional Development Appraisal System certified, Instructional Leadership Development certified, and certified as a principal.
“Our ultimate goal at Trinity Charter Schools is to provide the highest quality academic experience and to get students up to the grade level they should be and even accelerate as many as we can,” said Smith. “These kids need specialized attention to help them take control of their lives in a positive way and to restore their self-confidence, and that is exactly what we want them to accomplish before they leave us.”
Katy, Texas (September 16, 2013) – The Periwinkle Foundation celebrated the opening of the 23rd Annual Making A Mark, an exhibition of art and creative writing by children touched by cancer and blood disorders at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. The Auxiliary Bridge on the Third Floor of the Clinical Care Center was adorned with over 330 unique pieces of artwork, 30 of which were awarded Purple Ribbons by a panel of judges.
All of the artwork will be on display at Texas Children’s Hospital until October 7, 2013, and will then travel throughout the region.
“Making A Mark provides patients and their siblings the opportunity to creatively express the personal struggles that surround childhood illness” said Doug Suggitt, Executive Director of The Periwinkle Foundation. “It is inspiring to see the impact it has not only on the artists and their families, but on the public as well.”
Since 2001, The Periwinkle Foundation has collaborated with the Arts in Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers to bring fun and unique opportunities for self-expression, empowerment and development of coping skills to patients and their families utilizing professional artists and writers. Each year during the spring and summer, guest artists work with children in the waiting area and infusion area of the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers to create unique, collaborative pieces of art for the opening of the Making A Mark exhibit.
This year’s guest artist, Reginald Adams, created “Healing Hands”, a 3-D mixed-media sculpture designed with 50 molds of children’s hands. Each hand was embellished with paint, collage and other materials then placed in a small mosaic flower pot to resemble a blooming flower. A larger than life “Healing Hand” sculpted from tile mosaics served as a centerpiece. Collectively, the pieces symbolized the love, attention and nourishment required for the children to overcome their battles with cancer.
“I love to inspire and empower children using creativity and this project allowed me to develop an activity that I felt would resonate well with both kids and adults,” said Reginald Adams. “I first experienced Making A Mark 17 years ago, and it is a great honor for me to be the featured guest artist for the 2013 exhibition.”
The artwork will remain at the Auxiliary Bridge for one month before a selection travels to other venues throughout the area until August of 2013. Locations include:
November – December, 2013
Willowbrook Mall
January – February, 2014
Sugar Land Airport
March 2014
Glassell School
April 2014
Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center
West Oaks Mall
May 2014
City Hall Annex
June-August, 2014
Houston Intercontinental and Hobby Airports
To learn more about the The Periwinkle Foundation, visit their web site at periwinklefoundation.org and their Facebook page at facebook.com/periwinklefoundation.
Katy, TX (September 10, 2013) – The Beck Jr. High PTA volunteers welcome returning parents and new to Beck Jr. High parents to their annual Open House Night.
At the start of each school year, the PTA volunteers help man the tables that include the PTA registration/memberships, school supplies, school tshirts & jackets, and special orders (which includes hair bows, hair bands, mugs, etc). Behind the scene of such a busy time is Beck Jr. High’s own PTA President Maggie Boyle who makes sure everything goes smoothly for both the faculties and parents.
Katy, TX (August 28, 2013) – Krause Children’s Center, a psychiatric residential treatment center for children ages 12-17, recently joined forces with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to host a Back to School Celebration for Krause’s on-site Trinity Charter School.
The Fortune 500 financial services organization provided a “fun day” for the children of Krause that included a water slide, rock climbing wall, hot dogs and Marble Slab ice cream to get them excited for the upcoming school year.
“We are so appreciative of the group from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans here at Krause,” said Steven Lancaster, chief executive officer for Krause Children’s Center. “The Thrivent staff not only provides special activities for the kids but also completed a work project a few months ago to safety-proof all of our electrical outlets in the dorms. We are so grateful to have worked with a company that cares so much about the Krause kids and wants to make sure their first week in school gets off to a great start.”
Katy, Texas (August 14, 2013) – Costco, the giant grocery store chain with locations worldwide, is planning to open a Katy area store in the southwest corner of the Interstate 10/Grand Parkway intersection, about one mile east of the border between Fort Bend and Harris counties. The new store will be built by early spring 2014 and will be Costco’s fourth Houston area location.
The Costco site will be located on a 14-acre tract of land and will be part of a planned shopping center surrounded by several smaller buildings housing other businesses and retailers. Once the new store is opened, it is expected to create more than 200 new jobs at an average wage of $40,000 per year, plus benefits, and will create a $15 million capital investment. The Katy Area Economic Development Council assisted Costco in negotiating crucial tax incentives to accompany Costco’s site selection for the store.
Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour said the new store will be much more convenient for Katy area residents. LaCour noted that currently, when Katy area residents want to shop at a Costco, they must travel to the Costco location at Bunker Hill and Interstate 10.
Costco decided on the Katy area, in part, due to attractive tax incentives. The Houston City Council voted July 17 to grant Costco $1 million in tax rebates in exchange for infrastructure work undertaken by the corporation.
Katy, Texas (August 12, 2013) – Katy ISD final accountability ratings released today by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) show that outstanding student achievement produced a “Met Standard” rating for the District under the new state accountability system.
Katy ISD Met Standard on all four Indexes: Index 1-Student Performance; Index 2-Student Progress, Index 3-Closing the Performance Gap and Index 4-Postsecondary Readiness.Within the new system Katy ISD also met all 84, or 100 percent, of the required Safeguard Indicators. The Safeguard Indicators are measured in the areas of Performance, Participation, Federal Graduation Rates, and Federal Limits on Alternative Assessments for all students, seven ethnicity groups, economically disadvantaged, Special Education, and English Language Learners for Reading, Mathematics, Writing, Science and Social Studies.Ratings in the new system are determined through the use of four performance indexes. Districts and campuses are assigned one of two ratings under the new system: “Met Standard” or “Improvement Required.” The rating of “Met Standard” is assigned to districts and campuses that meet performance index targets on all indexes for which they have performance data in 2013.
Katy, Texas (August 5, 2013) – Each year since its founding in 2005, Firethorne has reached a significant milestone in its build-out. Now, just six months into 2013, the Katy/Fulshear master-planned community has realized its next impressive benchmark: 1,871 new home sales and 1,739 closings, project-to-date. This represents attaining the halfway mark for Firethorne, designed for 3,400 homes on 1,400 acres, with 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities.
“We’re proud that with 241 new homes sold so far this year, we’re now over Firethorne’s halfway point in development,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. “We’ve stayed on course, from breaking ground on the infrastructure in 2005, to starting our first gated section this spring.”
Meyer has overseen each phase of Firethorne’s steady growth, from site selection to helping map out the site plan, to development, which includes construction of the Visitor Center, two lake features, greenbelts with hike and bike trails, parks, sports fields, a resort-style pool, swim center with a regulation six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive lap pool, a Community Center with fully equipped fitness center and a Clubhouse for residents’ private functions. Hand-in-hand with Firethorne’s exponential growth came the construction of the community’s first school, Ray and Jamie Wolman Elementary in Katy ISD, which opened in the 2012-13 school year.
The Firethorne builder team, spotlighted in four Model Home Parks, consists of Ashton Woods Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes and Ravenna Homes. New homes range in price from the high $100s to the mid-$800s. The builder team was selected based upon the highest standards for design, quality, customer satisfaction and reputation.
Named for a resilient evergreen indigenous to the Texas prairie, Firethorne blends with the best nature has to offer. Lake Firethorne and the hike/bike trails make it the ideal venue to host the Rotary Club of Katy’s 21th Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne September 29, 2013.
Firethorne, located in the acclaimed Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) and Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. It is strategically located on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the 1-10 West corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor.
To tour, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463, visit http://www.firethorne.info/, or call 281-693-1011.
KATY, TX – July 24, 2013 – Firethorne has named longtime Katy resident Margaret Sparkman manager of its 1,700-member homeowners association (HOA.) Located on FM 1463 in Katy/Fulshear, the 1,400-acre master-planned community, will have 3,400 homes when completed.
Margaret Sparkman
“Margaret is an accountant who also brings to the position 12 years classroom experience working for Katy ISD,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. “The truly unusual turn of events is that by accepting this position, she’s following in her daughter Katie’s footsteps!”
Katie Sparkman served as Firethorne Homeowners Association Manager (HOA) from July 2010 to June 2013.
As manager of the Firethorne HOA, Margaret Sparkman oversees the community’s deed restriction enforcement and day-to-day operations and assists the resident committees, including amenities and special events committees. “I closely followed my daughter’s career at Firethorne. When this job came open, I proposed that my background in accounting and budgeting, along with my people skills as a teacher, would be the right combination,” she said.
Margaret Sparkman, who holds an accounting degree from Stephen F. Austin University, had a career in the oil and gas industry for 10 years before joining Katy ISD. She was a substitute teacher for five years and then worked full-time in special education at Creech Elementary for seven years.
Firethorne, which reached its halfway mark in new home sales in June 2013, blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, Fitness Center, Community Center, resort-style swimming pool, Swim Center with regulation lap pool, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Served by highly acclaimed schools in Katy I.S.D. and Lamar Consolidated I.S.D., Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. It is located near the crossroads of I-10 West and FM 1463, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor.
For info, go to http://www.firethorne.info or call 281-693-1010 or to visit Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463.
KATY, TX – July 25, 2013 – Lennar, one of Houston’s largest home builders, recently opened two new model homes in Grand Mission Estates, one of the newest communities by Friendswood Development Company. The models showcase Lennar’s Brookstone and Vista collections. The Vista collection is part of Lennar’s new livable luxury line.
Lennar’s Brookstone Collection of homes offers numerous desirable included features including spacious floor plans with game rooms and optional media rooms, granite countertops, hard surface flooring and included appliances, all part of affordable, hand-picked designer packages. The homes also feature covered backyard patios, open-concept family rooms, and formal dining rooms, and are priced from the $170,000s.
The Vista collection of homes feature plans ranging from 2,300 – 3,300 square feet priced from the $250s. Included features included brushed nickel hardware, 5.25” baseboards throughout the first floor, cast stone fireplaces, barreled ceilings, 42” kitchen cabinets, granite countertops with tumbled marble backsplashes, spacious master suites and much more.
Located off Mason Road between Lakemont and Grand Mission, Grand Mission Estates offers residents hike and bike trails, lakes and parks, and access to the well-known Grand Mission Clubhouse and its many outstanding amenities that include a fitness center and water park. A second recreation center is planned for Grand Mission Estates and will open in 2014.
Served by the Fort Bend Independent School District, Grand Mission Estates is adjoined on the south by David Crockett Middle School. Children also attend Juan Seguin Elementary School and George Bush High School.
A total of 433 home sites are planned for the community that is known for its prime location minutes from the Grand Parkway, the Westpark Tollway, Interstate 10, and the Sam Houston Tollway. Residents will enjoy convenient and quick access to major employment centers including the Energy Corridor, the Texas Medical Center, downtown, the Galleria, and Greenway Plaza.
Surrounding the community is a wide variety of medical, retail and recreational centers.
Lennar’s model homes are open daily from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday – Monday and from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday.
To visit (from the Grand Parkway), travel east on FM 1093 to Mason Road and turn right. Follow the signs to Grand Mission Estates. For more information, visit www.GrandMissionEstates.com and www.lennar.com.
Katy, TX (July 19, 2013) – State Representative Bill Callegari of Katy, TX, was honored in Austin by the Texas Retired Teachers Association for his successful efforts to improve the Teacher Retirement System pension fund with the passing of Senate Bill 1458.
Pictured (from left) Marcy Cann, TRTA District 4 incoming president, Callegari, Brenda Ritter, TRTA District 4 outgoing president, and Tom Ritter.
Callegari, chairman of the House Pensions Committee, worked diligently with Senator Robert Duncan, chairman of the Senate Pensions Committee. As a result they were able to enact TRS pension reform at relatively low cost to the state and to school district employees. SB 1458 was signed by Governor Perry.
According to Tim Lee, TRTA executive director, SB 1458 helps make the TRS fund actuarially sound and protects the benefit plan for retired and active public school employees. “TRS retirees who retired on or before Aug. 31, 2004, will receive a 3 percent cost-of-living increase but the COLA has a cap that limits the annuity increase to $100 a month,” he said. “The COLA provision will help more than 195,000 TRS retirees. This legislation assures TRS members that the fund is actuarially sound. It also protects the TRS defined benefit plan for all future retirees and the retirement security of 1.3 million Texans, many of whom do not have Social Security benefits.”
At the reception, Lee presented Callegari with a crystal trophy bowl. Callegari, thanked the members of TRTA for their efforts in helping to get the bill passed. He said that before he was appointed Chairman of the House Pensions Committee, as a state representative, he was aware that many of the older TRS retirees were having a hard time living on their small TRS pension. “I will never forget when Brenda Ritter told me that I needed to help the elderly school district employees who were trying to survive on their small pensions. She told me it wasn’t the administrators who needed help, but those whose pensions were less than $1,000 a month.”
Ritter who retired as the Katy ISD communications coordinator is a member of the Katy Area Retired Educators and outgoing president of TRTA District 4. The 11,743 member district is the largest in the state and covers Harris, Ft. Bend, Galveston and Brazoria counties.
Callegari also thanked former Houston ISD Administrator Marcy Cann, incoming TRTA District 4 president. Cann is a member of the Houston Association of Retired Teachers.
Katy, TX (July 12, 2013) – The YMCA to most people means a great place to work out and swim. It’s Ganesh Venkataramanan’s task to remind people that the “C” stands for Christian. He heads up the Christian emphasis committee for the Katy YMCA. “One of the things we wanted to do is see how we can give back in a measurable way to the Katy YMCA membership and the Katy community beyond providing a gym and swimming pool.”
Ganesh Venkataramanan
Under Venkataramanan’s leadership the Katy YMCA offers a regular programs in different subjects and areas designed to help others.
About two years ago the first class offered was the Dave Ramsey class on handling personal finances. Now there is also a Dave Ramsey class for teens. “If we can teach our teens to take care of their finances when they are young, it’s better than having to fix problems later in life.”
“At the beginning of this week long class, I don’t think there’s a single teen that wants to be there, but by the end of the week they are asking how they go about getting their own check book.”
Marriage Matters, a couples class, is about strengthening marriages. A mother-daughter class is available to help moms and daughters strengthen their relationship.
“Women are more and more part of the labor force. In the next few years more than half the people who are working will be women. We plan to offer a class for Women in Leadership.”
There is technology for parents. “My daughter started using YouTube when she was three years old.”
Probably the most popular class is the defensive driving class, a Christian Defensive Driving Class that’s offered every two months.
“We are always looking for new classes that can help people. Presently we are looking at a class called, Preparing for College for juniors and seniors in high school. We are looking at a Dave Ramsey course in Spanish that will probably meet at one of the Katy schools in the evenings or weekends.”
Typical programs last a month, maybe two months. “There are probably about 7-8 classes available to enroll in.” Classes are usually offered on the weekends, Saturday or Sunday evenings. “We don’t normally offer classes at night during the week as the building tends to be very full and finding space is difficult.” Classes usually start out with about 20-25 people.
Membership in the YMCA is not required; classes are free, but there may be a cost for the materials. Child care is available while parents take the class.
Venkataramanan is by profession a chemical engineer. He is married and has two young children, one son and a daughter. His life is already busy. Why is he involved in the Katy YMCA?
“I think we all at some point feel a need to say, it’s not all just about me. There is something beyond. It starts with the families and extends into the community. What can I do for some one? I would rather help someone one time that helps them once and for all, than do the same thing over and over again.”
Katy, Texas – July 3, 2013 – The Nottingham Country Swim Team recently honored Les and Pam Roberson for their 23-year involvement with Nottingham Country Swim Team (NCST).
Pam and Les Roberson
In their honor, the group instituted a panicle award that will be given to future swimmers for outstanding achievement and excellence in swimming. Les and Pam Roberson have four grown children, each who swam consecutively from start to finish: 12 yrs., 13 yrs., 13 yrs., and 12 yrs. In addition, Pam and Les have spent their wedding anniversary at the Meet of Champs for the last 20 yrs. They were honored for their consistent service to both the local swim team and the Meet of Champs.
The Roberson Award will be given annually to a swimmer who demonstrates exceptional dedication, determination, commitment, and sportsmanship throughout the season, who has the support for their fellow teammates and the desire to become the best swimmer they can be. The Roberson Award is Nottingham Country Swim Team’s (NCST) panicle award for excellence.
Katy, Texas – Martha McCullough of Katy’s Star of Destiny Chapter, NSDAR , awarded Rylander Elementary School pre-K aide, Veronica Lemberg, a USA flag and certificate for obtaining her American citizenship. Veronica, her husband, and son were recently sworn in as American citizens of the United States of America.
Martha McCullough (left) presenting flag to Veronica Lemberg
Their newest American citizen studied very hard to accomplish this honor and the members of Star of Destiny, NSDAR are very proud of their accomplishments. To learn more about joining the Katy NSDAR chapter, Star of Destiny, please email them at thestarofdestiny@yahoo.com or visit their website at http://texasdar.org/chapters/StarDestiny/.
BRAVO! Congratulations to the recently named Cinco Ranch High School 2013-2014 Bravo Show Choir members. This talented group of students is looking forward to presenting many entertaining musicals and performances next school year. Mark your calendars for September 26, 27, and 28 for the Bravo Fall Show. Director Dorothy Wilson and David Lee are excited about the diverse talent this ensemble will bring to the stage. Watch for more information on the CRHS choir website or on KatyMagazine.com.
Pictured from front: three-year seniors; Connor Ughetta, Miles Ellis, Ryan Pierson; second row: three-year seniors; Victoria Sweitzer, Madison Rice; third row: two-year seniors; David Tait, Allie Kane, Eric Ander, Meredith Taylor, Ashlee Shipp; back row: new members; Laura Walling, Allie Schauer, Nick Palm, Abby Rogers, Sarah Dray, Shreya Jois, Andre Oyardo, Amber Azinge, Johny Craner, Emily Smith, Jordyn White
The Senate of The State of Texas is pleased to recognized Grant Manier (maun-yea), 17 years old, for his outstanding achievements as an artist.
Grant is a young student (FOCUS Academy/Katy, Stafford and The Woodlands) who has been diagnosed with autism; he has taken what some deem to be a disability and made it a strength by applying his unique skills and talents as an eco-artist to the creation of his art.
He has developed a sizable following for his art and has inspired countless people with his strength of spirit and his dedication to his craft. The Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Grant Manier on his exemplary determination, his positive outlook, and his creative endeavors and extend to him best wishes for continued success in the future.
Today’s world is evolving into an Eco-friendly environment and Grant Manier, a young and talented artist, living with autism, has incorporated conservationism into his work.
“Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” is the foundation for Grant’s art. Grant creates works of art using
magazines, calendars, wallpaper, posters, food wrappers, puzzles and more. Each work of
art contains thousands of cut or torn pieces of recycled paper. Using cool colors, cool shapes,
and cool textures, Grant call his masterpieces “COOLAGES”.
Grant has become an award winning Eco-Artist, leading the way for Eco-Art awareness by
bringing visual eco-art exhibits and demonstrations into schools and organizations, receiving awards and recognition for his outstanding educational outreach to children and adults.
– Houston Mayor’s Disabilities Youth Advocate and Volunteer of the Year 2011-2012
– Austin’s Rodeo Eco-Art Grand Champion 2011 and 2012
– Houston’s Bayou City Art Festival, 2013 New Emerging Artist
– Strokes of Genius, Emerging National Artist; New York City/United Nations Plaza
– High School Congressional Art Competition Winner
– Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Children’s Museum; Featured Artist
– TV, radio, magazines, newspaper, and books
Grant Manier
To see some of Grant’s art, visit www.grantsecoart.com/.
The Robert Rankin Chapter (Katy area) was awarded the Outstanding Texas Chapter by the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (TXSSAR) for the nineth time in eleven years for its efforts to encourage patriotism, participate in historical programs, and educate the public.
This is the sixth consecutive year that Robert Rankin has won the Americanism Award. This is the highest award that may be earned by a chapter in outreach programs for youth, adults, and general public.
Back Row (L-R): Tom Jackson, Nick Wise, Terry Richardson, Allen Greene; Front Row (L-R): John DuPree, Jerry Pearson, Gus Mistrot
The Katy and Fort Bend Family YMCAs each received a $5,000 grant from JCP Cares, JCPenney’s new charitable giving program, to provide school-aged children with financial assistance to attend afterschool programs at the Y. Specifically, the gifts are providing children at the Y afterschool programs at Stafford Elementary, Stafford, and Schmalz Elementary, Katy, with financial assistance to participate. The children that qualified for the assistance would not have been able to otherwise participate without the support of this grant. More importantly, it is providing the supported children with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that cultivate the values, relationships and skills kids need to thrive.
According to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization, 15.1 million U.S. children are left unsupervised after 3 p.m. during the school year. Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households.
“As a company founded on the Golden Rule, JCPenney has a strong legacy of giving back,” said Miki Woodard, president of JCP Cares and vice president of philanthropy at JCPenney. “We are firmly committed to organizations like the Y, which truly make a difference in their communities.”
The YMCA sees the benefits of this collaboration first-hand. “The support of JCPenney enhances our efforts to serve as many children as possible with meaningful, high-quality afterschool programming,” says Brian Haines, Katy YMCA District Executive. Eric Schenkelberg, Fort Bend YMCA District Executive, stated, “By working together we can not only keep children safer, but also help provide them with lasting benefits, including healthier lifestyles, improved social skills and an enhanced academic performance.”
Collectively, the YMCAs of Greater Houston serve over 10,000 children per day in child care at more than 200 locations with 40% receiving financial assistance to participate. Locally, the Katy and Fort Bend YMCAs operate over 22 licensed afterschool programs in the Katy and Stafford school districts. For more information about the YMCA’s afterschool program, visit them on the web at (www.ymcahouston.org). To learn more about JCP Cares, JCPenney’s charitable giving program, go to (www.jcp.com).
The University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy sponsors the Breast Friends support group for Katy and surrounding communities and the next meeting will be Tuesday, May 14. The breast cancer support group meets at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital campus on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. Meetings are open to all breast cancer patients or survivors, regardless of where they are receiving or received treatment.
In addition to guest speakers each month, Breast Friends group facilitator Monica Cerda-Juarez, RN, nurse navigator at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy, attends every meeting to support, uplift and empower patients as they go through this challenging time.
After the brief presentation, a small group discussion follows as well as a question and answer period and light refreshments. MD Anders on physicians from the Regional Care Center in Katy attend each meeting to answer questions.
Meetings take place in Classroom B on the second floor of CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital at 701 South Fry Road. No pre-registration is required. For more information please call 713-563-9600, ext. 6-4371.
The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy is located on the campus of CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital at 19770 Kingsland Blvd. The center is housed on the first and second floors of the medical office building adjacent to the hospital and offers specialized medical, surgical and radiation oncology, chemotherapy infusion and a range of supportive services. To learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy, visit MDAnderson.org/Katy or Facebook.com/MDAndersonKaty.
Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-planned community in Katy/Fulshear, broke ground on its first-ever gated section, a secluded neighborhood to be built exclusively by Perry Homes. Located just east of FM 1463, the expansion comprises 80 acres within Firethorne and will be developed in two phases. There will be 163 homes upon completion.
“We’re addressing the market’s strong demand for homes geared to empty-nesters and young professionals looking for new homes in Katy/West Houston. They desire a gated community environment with homes in the size and price-range of a patio home versus a larger custom home you’d find in most gated communities,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. “A gated section such as this means reduced traffic and more seclusion for single homeowners, young marrieds and couples who are down-sizing.”
Meyer says he had conversations with several builders about Firethorne’s gated section, but Perry Homes “jumped quick to do the whole deal.”
Perry Homes will build homes on 60 by 130-foot lots. Their flagship is a one-story, four-bedroom, three-bath brick and stone model set to open this week. The Perry model, located at 27947 Colonial Point Drive in Model Park II, will be on Firethorne’s upcoming Taste of Texas Model Home Tour May 4-10.
Firethorne’s new gated section will feature a two-acre lake surrounded by nature/walking trails, a mail kiosk and a playground. Phase I will be composed of 67 homes, with 96 homes planned for Phase II. Home prices start in the $290,000s. Homeowners in the gated community have full access to all Firethorne amenities.
Firethorne has sold 147 new homes to date in 2013 and 1,777 homes since its inception in mid-2005.
Firethorne blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, Fitness Center, Community Center, resort-style swimming pool, Swim Center with regulation lap pool, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Served by highly acclaimed schools in Katy I.S.D. and Lamar Consolidated I.S.D. Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. It is located near the crossroads of I-10 West and FM 1463, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor.
Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital–Katy wound care center has received the Center of Distinction Award from Healogics, Inc., a leading wound care management company.
The award recognizes the center as one of the top wound care centers in the country and is given to facilities that have outstanding patient outcomes for 12 consecutive months.
“This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our employees and affiliated physicians,” said Noelle Lopez, executive director of operations, Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital–Katy. “Appreciation and acknowledgement goes to them.”
To earn consideration for this award, a center must excel in several key performance indicators, including:
- Patient Satisfaction – Greater than or equal to 92%
- Healing Rate – Greater than or equal to 91%
- Median Days to Heal – Fewer than or equal to 30
“We are honored and excited to receive this award,” said Steve Barnum, program director, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital–Katy. “We constantly strive for the best outcomes, and it’s gratifying when an independent organization recognizes the excellent care we provide.”
Join Westland Baptist Church for an open house on Saturday, April 27, from noon to 3 p.m. for a preview of High Voltage – Houston’s premier rock camp which features top-notch musiciancs who teach kids how to write their own music. The open house will feature free pizza and drinks, live performances from former campers, and raffle prizers.
High Voltage Rock Camp is for kids ages 9 to 16. With a staff of experienced professional musicians and certified music educators, High Voltage Rock Camp is your destination for becoming a better musician. Whether you are an experienced player or just beginning, you will learn what it takes to write a song, create your own parts, and play with a band, while simultaneously improving your technique, theory and musicality on your chosen instrument.
Camp dates are as follows:
| June 17 – 21 | Camp Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Friday Pizza Party: 5-6:30pm Concert Start Time: 6:30pm Drop Off: 8:30-9am Pick-Up: 5-5:30pm | Westland Baptist Church 1407 W. Grand Pkwy, Katy, Tx 77494 |
| June 24 – 28 | Camp Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Friday Pizza Party: 5-6:30pm Concert Start Time: 6:30pm Drop Off: 8:30-9am Pick-Up: 5-5:30pm | Westland Baptist Church 1407 W. Grand Pkwy, Katy, Tx 77494 |
Beckendorff Jr. High’s Teen Leadership classes held its annual ‘Ready to Roll’ campaign raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through their ‘Pennies for Patients’ program. Students and faculty donate spare change to help treat patients with blood cancers. BDJH raised $25,000 bringing the schools total in the past seven yearly campaigns to $106,000.
Paige Whitten Seimers, Teen Leadership teacher said, “I’m so proud to be a part of a campaign, Ready to Roll Day, at my school, Beckendorff JH, that raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I’m blessed to work in a generous community of teachers, students, families that look for ways to give back.”
Paige Whitten Seimers, Teen Leadership teacher, and her student Caite Ryan display the $25,000 check raised in one week during Ready to Roll campaign for Pennies for Patients.
For the second consecutive year, Memorial Hermann was the lone Texas hospital cited for exceptional patient safety and quality performance when it was named this week as one of the nation’s top 15 health systems by Truven Health Analytics, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.
Researchers from the Truven Health Analytics 100 Top Hospitals® program analyzed the clinical quality and efficiency of more than 300 health systems to identify the top 15.
“This distinguished award confirms our journey to become a High Reliability Organization where zero patient harm is the only acceptable outcome,” said Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “We have structured our culture around patient-centered, safe and quality care. I am very humbled by this recognition because it demonstrates to our staff that their incredible dedication to not doing any harm to our patients is paying off in national acknowledgement of their work.
“It bears noting that this award was based on objective public data – not reputation – meaning that our unrelenting focus on patient safety and quality differentiated Memorial Hermann from any system in the state, and placed us among the top five (of the top 15) healthcare systems in the nation.”
U.S. health systems with two or more short-term, general, non-federal hospitals; cardiac and orthopedic hospitals; and critical access hospitals were assessed in the study. Researchers looked at eight metrics that gauge clinical quality and efficiency: mortality rate, 30-day readmission rate, adherence to clinical standards of care (evidence-based core measures published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – CMS), and HCAHPS patient survey score (part of a national initiative sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to measure the quality of care in hospitals).
The study relied on public data from the 2010 and 2011 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data and the CMS Hospital Compare data sets.
Researchers from the Truven Health Analytics 100 Top Hospitals program have analyzed and reported on the performance of individual hospitals since 1993.
“As health systems move further into health care reform, consistency of hospital and physician outcomes in every community served is the holy grail,” said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals® program at Truven Health Analytics. “Health system leaders’ effectiveness will be measured not solely on the performance of the whole system compared to other systems, but also on the leader’s ability to align the performance of the provider segments of the health system to achieve consistency. This new study begins to measure the aspect of performance.”
Truven Health Analytics was formerly the Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters.
The Top 15 Health Systems recognition comes on the heels of the National Quality Forum (NQF) and The Joint Commission naming Memorial Hermann the 2012 recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award, considered the “Oscar” of healthcare safety and quality. Memorial Hermann is the first Texas hospital system ever recognized with the Eisenberg Award, and the only health system or hospital ever to be the recipient of both the NQF National Quality Healthcare Award (2009) and the Eisenberg Award at the National Level.
The Eisenberg Award honored Memorial Hermann and its affiliated physicians for their High Reliability Organization journey from Board to Bedside initiative – entailing a focus on providing compassionate, operationally and financially efficient care by hardwiring high-reliability behaviors, evidence-based care and harm prevention among leadership and employees system-wide.
Santikos Theatres has announced Thursday, May 16 as the grand opening date for the Palladium AVX in Fort Bend County. The cutting-edge, Greek-themed entertainment complex ushers in a deluxe movie-going experience unavailable anywhere else in the U.S. The new, luxury entertainment destination is located just west of Houston on Grand Parkway, one mile south of the Westpark Tollway near Long Meadow Farms. Santikos currently has seven multiplex theatres in San Antonio, and operates the Silverado IMAX in Tomball, TX.
The 180,000-square-foot facility will boast 22 movie screens, making it the largest multiplex in the Santikos chain. Each auditorium will have stadium seating and Santikos’ own AVX projection, which features oversized, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens, state-of-the-art sound systems and the latest in projection technology. Six of the auditoriums, designated AVX MAX, will feature the newly released Dolby Atmos sound system and enormous 80-foot screens – giving the Palladium more giant screens than any other theatre in Texas. Additionally, two of the auditoriums will feature double rows of D-BOX motion seats that move in perfect synchronization with on-screen action, creating an unmatched immersive experience. Upon grand opening, the Palladium will be the only facility in the greater Houston area to feature these technological innovations.
“We are so excited about the opening of the Santikos Palladium AVX,” said Chris Prichard of Santikos Theatres. “It will be the grandest theatre ever in our 101-year history, with every detail selected to deliver the greatest experience possible for all of our guests. The Palladium will be the premiere entertainment destination for Houston and Fort Bend County and will be one of the finest facilities in the country.”
Appealing to movie lovers across the board, the Palladium will feature a “theatre-within-a-theatre,” completely dedicating four of its 22 screens to art and independent films, as well as mainstream biopics. For those guests seeking added luxury, eight auditoriums will have a special VIP section toward the back of the auditorium where they can order food and drinks before and during the movie, and four additional auditoriums will have private VIP rooms, akin to luxury box seats. The complex will offer guests the option to reserve their seats ahead of time, allowing them to enjoy the other features of the Palladium up until moments before showtime.
The complex will have multiple beverage and dining options, including The Agora Bar, a wine bar, Express Cafes featuring Greek food, sushi, pizza, Tex-Mex, burgers and sandwiches, a gelato bar, soft serve frozen yogurt, and a Starbucks. Guests will also have access to a bowling center with 16 full lanes, an arcade room, a specialty candy store, and a movie-themed retail store with t-shirts, film cells and other memorabilia. There will be featured art from Texas artists, and Texas wines will be listed at the bars. Additionally, the Palladium will provide an ideal space for special events such as charitable galas, corporate shareholder meetings, team building events and private parties.
Instead of the traditional box office, the Palladium will have 27 interactive, self-service ticketing kiosks, each featuring a 42” portrait layout touchscreen. Santikos has also simplified the movie-going experience by introducing their mobile app, which allows guests to purchase tickets with saved information and just swipe their card upon arrival.
Photos of the facility can be viewed on the Palladium AVX website, and other materials and details about the Palladium’s amenities are available upon request.
About Santikos Theatres
San Antonio-based Santikos Theatres is the largest family-owned and operated theatre circuit in Texas, founded by Louis Santikos in 1911. The circuit presently operates seven facilities in San Antonio and the Silverado IMAX on 249 near Tomball. The entertainment company is a pioneer in “experiential theatre” and proudly continues its tradition of customer service, community relations and superior cinematic presentation. For more: http://www.santikos.com/.
On Saturday, April 13, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus hosted more than 1,500 participates at the inaugural Texas Children’s Hospital Family Fun Run. In partnership with the Houston Marathon Foundation, the non-competitive Fun Run included 1K and 3K courses for families with children of all abilities – including those needing walkers and wheelchairs.
This race, formerly known as the Kids’ Fun Run, has a rich history of more than 15 years. This was the first year that the event was open to the entire family and the goal was to provide a fun way to educate and encourage Houston-area children and their families to adopt active, healthy lifestyles.
Following the races, families were invited to participate in the Family Fun Zone which included 26 activities and attractions across three major zones – adventure, creative and wellness – and provided food and refreshments. Activities included a rock wall, inflatables, go-cart course, waterball pool, Radio Disney, arcade games, spin art, cup stacking demonstrations, weird science and a horse jump course for children provided by Pin Oak. One hundred seventy-five volunteers, many from the West Houston area, were on-site to help families find their way, provide encouragement, staff booths and hand out medals as participants crossed the finish line.
Jersey Mike’s Subs recently presented a check to the Katy YMCA in the amount of $4,000. The new restaurant circulated thousands of coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution to the Katy Y’s Partners Campaign.
Brent Jones exemplifies Jersey Mike’s quest for excellence as it selects franchise owners who share the company’s commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service and who are dedicated to giving back to the local community. Since 2010, locations throughout the country have raised more than $5 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 500,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.
“At Jersey Mike’s we are committed to giving back to the community,” said Jones. “We were excited to partner with the Katy Y for our grand opening fundraiser and we look forward to being a part of the Katy community.”
The donation will go to the YMCA Partners Campaign which provides Katy area families financial assistance for YMCA programs and services. To date, the 2013 YMCA Partners Campaign has raised over $410,000 which will benefit many in our community.
Pictured (left to right): Pam Filip, Katy Y Associate Director; Brent Jones, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Owner; Terry Nordenstrom, Jersey Mike’s Area Director; Beth Strand, Katy Y Community Liaison; Matt Schomburg, Katy Y Board Chair; Brian Haines, YMCA District Executive Director; and Steve Pierson, YMCA Partners Chair
Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women marked its one year since it transitioned its labor and delivery services into the new $575-million facility on March 26, 2013. This new facility signaled the pediatric hospital’s major expansion into obstetrics and gynecological care with a special focus on high-risk pregnancies and multiple births.
Drawing from decades of OB/GYN experience, Texas Children’s and Baylor College of Medicine experts contributed to many first-year milestones including breakthrough procedures and medical firsts; patient demand that outpaced hospital expectations; and top marks in patient satisfaction for a healthcare environment created for women, by women. To see a video that highlights our first year, click here.
Despite a 7.6 percent decline in Harris County births since 2009, the Pavilion for Women exceeded its first year projections by 20 percent with more than 4,300 deliveries since opening. In April, less than one month after opening, Texas’ first surviving set of sextuplets was delivered at the Pavilion for Women, reinforcing the hospital’s expertise as the place for multiples and high-risk pregnancies. As the year continued, hospital experts delivered one set of quintuplets, four sets of quadruplets, seven sets of triplets and over 139 sets of twins.
Designed to care for the highest-risk mothers and babies, over 1,000 Pavilion for Women newborns received NICU care at Texas Children’s Newborn Center, the #2 ranked neonatology program in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2012-13 edition of Best Children’s Hospitals.
It was also a busy first year for high-risk OB/GYN care as the Pavilion for Women treated more than 90 patients with life threatening pregnancy- and gynecological-related medical conditions ranging from diseases such as leukemia, sepsis and diabetic coma to surgical emergencies requiring massive transfusion and even bowel resection. The Pavilion for Women also added a highly specialized multi-disciplinary surgical team for the management of placenta accreta/percreta, and treated 40 mothers with this potentially life-threatening condition in the last year.
“We set out to improve outcomes for mothers and babies by creating a healthcare environment where women and their families would feel comforted and supported throughout their stay,” said Cris Daskevich, senior vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital. “While we continue to look for new ways to enhance our services and surroundings, we’re excited to know that our scores reflect all of the attention to detail that so many people gave to the design of the facility as well as the recruiting of the best and brightest care team members to create an exceptional experience for our patients and families.”
For more information on Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, visit www.women.texaschildrens.org.
Four Cinco Ranch High School Choir students advanced through the rigorous audition process and received placement in the All-State Choir. The students performed at the Texas Music Educator’s Association convention in February. Congratulations to David Tait, Hannah Ballard, Lauren Marlow and Eubie Pabilona for their dedicated hard work!
Pictured: David Tait, Hannah Ballard, Lauren Marlow and Eubie Pabilona.
Troop #17363 was thrilled to receive an anonymous donation of 100 packages of cookies for our military overseas.
Beckendorff Junior High 7th grader Maura Spence-Carroll was named Miss Burnet Outstanding Teen 2013.
She competed in panel interview, talent, lifestyle and fitness, onstage question, and evening gown. For her talent selection, Maura performed a classical vocal solo “Con Te Partiro”.
She is a member of the Beckendorff Choir, track team, and Bear Buddies. Maura is coached by Bri David and receives further vocal training from Miss Amanda Shelton.
This was a qualifying title for the Miss Texas Outstanding Teen pageant to be held in conjunction with the Miss Texas competition this June in Allen, Texas. The Miss America Outstanding Teen is the’ little sister’ to Miss America and is for young women between the ages of 13 and 17.
Photo Credit: Kathy Whittaker
For the eleventh time in the past 12 years, Katy ISD has been named among the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, which recognizes schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education. Katy ISD is one of only 21 districts in Texas to receive this recognition for 2013.
“Our music educators constantly go above and beyond their required duties to make sure their students succeed. This recognition is a direct reflection of their commitment,” said Bob Bryant, executive director of fine arts for Katy ISD. “It is evident that our community, administration, and School Board supports and encourages quality music education for every student.”
Last September, two Katy ISD musical groups, the McMeans Jr. High Symphonic Band and the Cinco Ranch High School Symphony Orchestra, were selected as National Winners in the Mark of Excellence honors by the Foundation for Music Education. Additionally, the Cinco Ranch Junior High Honors Band was selected and performed in December for the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Selected and performing at the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic in San Antonio in February were the Katy High School Jazz Band, the Stephens Elementary “Stompin’ Hooves” instrumental ensemble, and the Griffin Elementary Fifth Grade Choir.
The American Business Women’s Association’s (ABWA) West Houston Express Network (WHEN) named Dawn Mortus as their 2013 Women of the Year and Top 10 Candidate at their monthly meeting on March 14, 2013.
The Women of the Year and Top 10 awards recognize a member in the Network who has made notable contributions and outstanding achievements in their ABWA group, in their profession and in their community.
Dawn is a Director for Keep Kids Connected, a local non-profit organization that provides Netbook computers to kids with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.
Since August 2010, the organization has given away over 484 computers. The organization was created by her daughter, Caitlyn, who is a 3 1/2 year cancer survivor and now, a junior at Seven Lakes High School.
For more information on WHEN, please visit www.whenabwa.org.
Pictured from left to right:
Rebecca Blackmon, Bobbi Horne (past presidents of WHEN), Dawn Mortus (recipient), Mary Jane Brock (current president of WHEN)
Long time Katy area resident Sandra Byrd filed last week to run for the Katy City Council Ward A seat recently vacated by Carol Adams. Adams declared her bid for mayor leaving one year remaining on her council term.
Byrd is proud to be a third generation resident of Katy. She and her husband of 32 years, Bill Byrd, have both been active in the Katy community. They have three children and four grandchildren who all live in the Katy area. They also have an adopted daughter who lives in Colombia, South America. Sandra attended Katy Elementary, Katy Junior High, and graduated from Katy High School. Her three children followed in her footsteps all graduating as Katy Tigers.
During the years her children attended Katy Elementary, she was active in the PTO and held several officer positions. While they attended Katy High School, all three were active in Katy FFA when she spent 13 consecutive years on the FFA Booster Club and held a board position. She served several years on the Katy FFA Parade Committee. Sandra is an honorary member of Katy FFA.
Byrd is currently an active participant in orphan ministry both locally and in Colombia, South America and is an active member of Sparrow International Family Ministries.
Byrd believes the City of Katy can draw on her years of experience serving on both civic and private boards. She says, “it is imperative that City leaders focus on pressing issues facing our community during this rapid time of growth. There can be a balance between maintaining our small town heritage and business progress. My goal is to protect the small town legacy I hold so dear for my grandchildren. My plan is to keep the Katy tradition while at the same time moving Katy forward.”
On January 15, 2013, Chris Mohindroo became the 50th Troop 584 member to earn his Eagle Scout Rank.
Earning Eagle Scout Rank is an extraordinary accomplishment, since the requirements are demanding, and only 5% of Scouts reach that level. The fact that 50 young men from Troop 584 have done so is a testament to the strength of character of the dedicated men and women who lead and volunteer, and to the persistence and perseverance of the parents and young men in this troop.
The requirements for Eagle Scout are designed to prepare a young man to succeed in life and to know what to do in an emergency. A heavy emphasis is placed on serving God and country, and on community service. Troop 584 has provided help with July 4th activities, charity fun runs, numerous church and religious events, KISD activities, KVPAC and other nonprofit events, disaster relief efforts, ramps for homes for the elderly and handicapped, collections for animal shelters, and numerous ecology studies.
Chris Mohindroo is a Junior at Taylor High School and is a member of Kingsland Baptist Church. He is the son of Raj and Jolene Mohindroo. His Eagle project involved planting trees at Willow River Farms, which is a home for handicapped adults. In addition to the troops original Scoutmaster, Mr. Layne Scholl, the troops current Scoutmaster Mr. Mike McKenna, and his Cub Scout leader, Mr. Mark Ridgaway, Chris wishes to thank his rank advancement leaders, Steve Slezak, Robert Daniels, Brackin Smith, Jack Hazel, Bruce and Marie Miglin, his Eagle Scoutmaster Conference members Forrest Bjerkaas, Zan May and Eric Stankus, and the numerous Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee Members and volunteers that helped him complete his journey to Eagle Scout. Chris plans to continue to lead in his troop and to serve God and his country throughout his life.
He is pictured (front, center) with the members of his Eagle Board of Review (back), Neva Leszczynski, Denise Narum, Paul King, David Bartine, and Ann Ewell.
Just over one year ago, ministry leaders from around the Katy/West Houston area gathered at Grace Fellowship UMC to hear about – and pray for God’s blessing on – a new venture called “The Bible Seminary” (TBS). At that time, the young school had no facilities of its own and only a couple of applicants for the new Master of Divinity program scheduled to begin with the Fall 2012 semester.
Recently, barely 12 months later, over 50 Katy/West Houston pastors and ministry leaders gathered at Grace Fellowship UMC again for the second annual TBS Pastors Prayer Lunch. This time, however, they were joined by some of the new seminary students and had the opportunity to tour TBS facilities, including a state-of-the-art classroom, Library/Conference Room, and seminary offices.
“The Lord is truly awesome!” notes Dr. K. Lynn Lewis, Executive Vice-President/Provost of the seminary. “Hundreds of people have been praying, believing, giving, working, and responding to God’s call over the last few years to help bring this dream to fruition. We rejoice that we are able to share this growing reality with area ministry leaders, and partner with them to provide Bible-based, Christ-centered theological education and professional ministry training in this community.”
The area leaders, many of whom gather regularly to pray for the Katy-West Houston community – and have been praying for TBS during its formation – enjoyed a lunch of blackened chicken, rice, shrimp etouffee, salad and cake pudding catered by Dina Russell.
During the meal, Dr. Jim Leggett, pastor of Grace Fellowship UMC and TBS President, recounted the history of the development of the seminary, shared about God’s provision for TBS over the last year and how God is using the seminary to impact the lives of its students, their families, congregations, and many others. The group enjoyed a short video highlighting the unique vision and features of the seminary’s Master of Divinity program, and heard from Professor and Chaplain, Paul Helbig, and Dr. Lewis about how they could get involved in and benefit from the seminary.
Members of the group then walked next door and enjoyed touring the TBS facilities, located in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center business complex. They also met some of the staff and students. While standing amidst God’s tangible blessings manifested over the last year, members prayed together in small groups for God’s continued favor and blessings, for exciting growth, solid Biblical teaching, finances, students, faculty, etc.
For more information, visit TheBibleSeminary.org.
A mother of four traveled to Houston from Cairo, Egypt, to undergo robotic removal of the thymus gland at Methodist West Houston Hospital on Thursday, February 7. She was released after a three-day stay and plans to return to Egypt following her final visit with her surgeon.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gomez performed the thymectomy surgery removing Amani Kotb’s thymus gland with the assistance of two robotic arms inserted into the chest cavity through small intercostal (between the ribs) incisions. Kotb and her husband made the decision to undergo the robotic procedure offered at Methodist West Houston with the hope of reducing her daily dependence on medication to treat myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and pain in the voluntary muscles. For the past 10 years, Kotb had been medically treating her disease but as symptoms worsened, thymectomy surgery became a consideration.
“These past two years I have felt horrible, but I could not risk having my chest opened to take out this gland,” she said. “We have excellent physicians and surgeons at home, but we do not have a robot, so I came here.”
Complete removal of the thymus gland, thymectomy, is an established treatment for moderate to severe MG in patients younger than 60. Thymectomy is believed to improve long-term outcomes for MG patients, with the goal of complete elimination of all symptoms and medication.
“Robotic thymectomy is a safe surgical option with the advantages of less blood loss and reduced recovery time,” Gomez said. “The end result compares favorably with conventional open chest approaches and patients are now often referred to a surgeon soon after a MG diagnosis.”
The fist-sized thymus gland sits within the protected area of the chest, with finger-like extensions into the neck. With minimally invasive robot technology, surgeons can completely remove the gland without the trauma of opening the chest.
“Patient experiences have been extremely positive,” Gomez said. “Ms. Kotb is recovering well and is ready to make the trip home as planned.”
In the United States, it is estimated that one out of every 20,000 individuals has MG.
her husband Osama Elnahhas during their post-surgery visit.
Opened in December 2010, Methodist West Houston Hospital is the newest community hospital in The Methodist Hospital System. With capacity for 193 beds, 28 emergency room beds and 15 operating rooms, Methodist West Houston’s specialty care includes cardiology and cardiovascular surgery; orthopedics, sports medicine and rehabilitation; comprehensive cancer care; neurology and neurosurgery; labor and delivery, level II neonatal intensive care unit,, state-of-the-art imaging; plastic and reconstructive surgery; otolaryngologic, urologic and gastrointestinal surgery and minimally invasive surgery, including robotics.
Dr. Randall W. Hollenberg, a local pediatric dentist in Katy, hosted his first “Give Kids a Smile” Day at his office on February 15, 2013 in observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month. Give Kids a Smile Day was started over 10 years ago by the American Dental Association as a day to raise awareness of the high level of oral disease suffered by children primarily from low-income families. The event held at Dr. Hollenberg’s office was a day of free dental care open to the children of our community who are uninsured and in need of dental care. Dr. Hollenberg and his team set a goal of one hundred patients scheduled and that goal was accomplished one week prior to the event. Of the one hundred patients scheduled sixty-five children attended. With the help of Dr. Megha Patel, an associate dentist of Dr. Hollenberg, Dr. Ulpa Patel, a wonderful volunteer dentist, and all of Dr. Hollenberg’s office staff, along with 7 other volunteers, the team successfully provided over $12,500 of dental services, such as exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fillings, extractions, and stainless steel crowns. Dr. Hollenberg greatly appreciates all the time and effort that went into this event and would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers. He would also like to thank Benco and Henry Schein for donating some of the dental supplies needed. Dr. Hollenberg looks forward to hosting Give Kids a Smile Day as an annual event with a bigger goal to help more children in the community.
Mr. Seven Lakes is an annual event that features Senior Men contestants from various school groups and organizations. Fifteen senior men performed their talent—singing, acting, comedy, dancing or even something “out of the box” like Slam Poetry or Tricking to win over a panel of judges.
Participants included: Dustin Kruthaupt, Andrew Cernosek, Joseph Nicholson, Stephen Schaefer, Zavier Mason, Jai Prakosh Baskaran, Carson Kuzawa, Sahil Ajmeria, Michael Schwin, Albert OK, Triet Tran, Jeffrey Alegria, Jacob Muggeridge, Shane Smith and Jefferson Alegria. Andrew Cernosek won the Mr. Seven Lakes crown this year.
Michael Schwin was voted by his fellow contestants as Mr. Congeniality. Jefferson Alegria was 1st Runner up in the Mr. Seven Lakes Contest and Albert OK was 2nd Runner up in the contest.
Project Prom 2013 is a 501c3 organization, and all donations are 100% tax-deductible. This is a quick and easy way to support our efforts to raise funds that will provide our seniors with a safe, drug- and alcohol-free party after the Senior Prom for every senior at Seven Lakes!
For more information about SLHS Project Prom 2013, please visit the website at http://slhsprojectprom.org/
Christ Clinic, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable medical clinic serving the uninsured population in Katy, Texas, has named Kara Hill executive director. Hill is responsible for the overall management and operation of Christ Clinic under the direction of its board of directors.
Hill holds a bachelor of science in social work from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, and is a licensed social worker. Her 15 years of experience in the social services field includes clinic management, program management, and development and expansion in the social services/nonprofit sector, primarily with the Salvation Army. She and her family recently moved to the Houston area from Ohio.
Christ Clinic, located at 5501 First Street in Katy (77493), is the only Katy-based clinic that provides low-cost acute and chronic care for people without insurance. Since opening its doors in 2000, the clinic has served more than 7,000 patients with quality health care services, at an ever-increasing pace. The clinic has a small paid staff as well as numerous volunteer physicians and other medical professionals. It is supported by churches and individual contributors in the Katy area.
To learn more, visit the Christ Clinic website at www.christclinickaty.org.
A delegation of eight young people from across the country— including Matthew Miller of Sam Houston Area Council in Houston—will represent the Boy Scouts of America® in Washington, D.C., Feb. 23–28, to present the organization’s annual Report to the Nation to top U.S. officials. The report is designated in the BSA’s congressional charter and will highlight the organization’s achievements in 2012.
Being selected to the Report to the Nation delegation is a tremendous honor for Matthew and the community that he represents. Each Scout represents the more than 100 million Boy Scouts who have come before them and the millions who will follow. Miller was selected as a delegate for his great demonstration of leadership as the National Sea Scout Boatswain.
“As part of the Venturing program for teens, the co-ed Sea Scout program, with an emphasis on nautical skills, offers youth ages 14-20 an opportunity to build strong character, develop citizenship and practice personal fitness,” stated Tom Varnell, President/Scout Executive for the Sam Houston Area Council. “Matthew, who is also an Eagle Scout, is a testament to what Scouting can deliver for men and women.”
Arriving in the nation’s capital on Saturday, Feb. 23, Matthew and the other Boy Scouts of America delegates are scheduled for visits throughout the week with U.S. Cabinet, House, and Senate leadership, as well as the White House, CIA, Pentagon, and Supreme Court. The delegation will deliver this year’s report to Speaker of the House John Boehner.
Locally, the Sam Houston Area Council has contributed to the national report that will be shared through the delivery of a quality Scouting experience in Houston, serving 51,211 local youth members in 2012. The Sam Houston Area Council had another successful year, achieving Gold Level status in the organization’s National Journey to Excellence Program. In 2012, nearly 30,400 Advancements were earned by local youth, and 1,155 Scouts earned the coveted Eagle Scout Award – a 22 percent increase from last year. Sam Houston Area Council Scouts provide hundreds of thousands of community service hours and the council’s camp attendance grew at the Council’s five summer resident camps, with nearly three-quarters of all Scouts attending.
During 2012, Scouts across America gave more than 13 million hours of service to their communities at a value of more than $293 million (based on a national volunteer-hour value of $21.79). In 2012, 57,976 young men earned the Eagle Scout Award, marking a new record for the highest number of Eagle Scout Awards earned for any given year. In addition to the 21 life skills merit badges required to earn the Eagle Scout rank, each Scout must complete an extensive service project that he plans, organizes, leads, and manages before his 18th birthday. In 2012, Eagle Scout projects provided approximately $231 million in service to communities across the nation.
To keep track of the Report to the Nation delegates as they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Washington, D.C., follow @boyscouts on Twitter or Boy Scouts of America on Facebook.
About the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.™” The Scouting organization is composed of more than 2.6 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and more than a million volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.
Hosts Ribbon Cutting & Open House in Honor of Grand Opening
First Choice Emergency Room, the leading freestanding emergency room system in the United States, opened its sixteenth facility in Katy, Texas today. The facility is located at 1510 S Mason Road and is open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
“We are very excited to serve the Katy community at our newest location,” said Dr. Shiraz Pirali, Facility Medical Director of First Choice Emergency Room’s Katy location. “First Choice ER provides our patients with individualized attention and the highest quality emergency medical care.”
In honor of the grand opening, First Choice Emergency Room hosted a medical community open house yesterday, including a ribbon cutting and tours of the facility. First Choice Emergency Room also made a $5,000 donation to local charity, Compassion Katy.
“First Choice Emergency Room’s donation will allow us to make a direct impact. We look forward to making a difference in the Katy community by working together,” said Compassion Katy Executive Director, Diane Walker.
All First Choice Emergency Rooms are staffed exclusively with board-certified emergency physicians and emergency trained registered nurses. The facilities are equipped with state of the art diagnostic technology (CT Scanner, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound) and COLA & CLIA accredited labs.
For more information about First Choice Emergency Room and the Katy facility, please visit http://www.fcer.com/locations/houston-map/katy/.
About First Choice Emergency Room
First Choice Emergency Room (http://www.FCER.com) is the nation’s leading freestanding emergency room system; it is both largest and the oldest. First Choice Emergency Room is revolutionizing the delivery of emergency medical services for adult and pediatric emergencies, both major and minor. First Choice Emergency Room facilities are innovative, freestanding, and fully equipped emergency rooms with state of the art diagnostic technology (CT Scanners, Ultrasound, Digital X-ray) and on-site labs. First Choice Emergency Room was named one of the 2013 Best Companies to Work for in Texas. All First Choice Emergency Room locations are exclusively staffed with board-certified emergency physicians and emergency trained registered nurses. First Choice ER has nine locations in the Houston area, five in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and two in the Austin area. According to patient feedback collected by Press Ganey, FCER provides the highest quality emergency medical care—topping all hospital and other freestanding ER providers in its region and national ranks in the 99th percentile of patient care.
For more information call (972) 899-6103 or contact Claire.Gibson@FCER.com.
Local Organization Recognized as Among the “Best of the Best” Nationwide
Keep Katy Beautiful received Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award during Keep America Beautiful’s 60th anniversary National Conference, which recently took place in Washington, D.C. The President’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit in building and sustaining vibrant communities.
In qualifying for a President’s Circle Award, Keep Katy Beautiful has met Keep America Beautiful’s standards of excellence by conducting an annual Community Appearance Index, calculating the affiliate’s cost/benefit ratio, and administering activities in the areas of litter prevention, recycling and waste reduction, and beautification and community greening.
“One of Keep America Beautiful’s most effective tools is the work of our grassroots network of affiliate organizations, which has an impact on millions of Americans each year,” said Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Matt McKenna. “Our affiliates are providing real solutions to local problems caused by litter, graffiti, illegal dumping and other community blight by engaging volunteers of all ages in its effort to create a vibrant community.”
Community Appearance Index-Litter Index: The Keep America Beautiful Community Appearance Index-Litter Index is a tool used by KAB affiliates to visually assess overall appearance of communities through indicators such as litter, illegal signs, graffiti, abandoned/junk vehicles and outside storage. A team of community, business and government representatives conducted the visual analysis using a scoring system ranging from 1-4, with “1” rated as “no litter” to “4” being “extremely littered.” Each year, affiliates grade their communities during a drive-by examination of the same areas at the same time of the year. This provides an indication of the success of each community’s anti-littering education and other anti-littering programs.
Cost/Benefit Analysis: This measurement tool enables Keep America Beautiful affiliates to demonstrate their ability to leverage community resources by determining the dollar value returned to the community for every dollar invested by government.
Keep Katy Beautiful was founded in 1993 by Mayor Skip Connor. The first chairman on this hard-working board was Kay Callender, who remains an active member of the board today. KKB is made up of a 12 member board and many volunteers. Their efforts have produced tremendous awareness for keeping our community a safe and great place to live, work and play. The Mayors, City Council members and the City of Katy administration have continued supporting the efforts of this grassroots organization. Many awards and recognition have been received by our city because of this outstanding leadership of this board.
About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a strong national network of 1,200 affiliates and partners including state recycling organizations, we work with millions of volunteers who take action in their communities. Keep America Beautiful offers programs and engages in public-private partnerships that help create clean, beautiful public places, reduce waste and increase recycling while educating generations of environmental stewards. Through our actions, we help create communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound. For more information, visit kab.org.
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital is enhancing the experience of surgery through the use of a new surgical robot that minimizes risks and complications, as well as rates of conversion to open surgery, maximizing patient safety and quality of care.
The hospital’s new da Vinci® Si Surgical System is a third generation robot that offers technological advancements, including unparalleled precision, dexterity and control that enables physicians to take a minimally invasive approach for many complex surgical procedures, such as removal of the uterus, uterine fibroids and the prostate gland. These new advancements benefit patients by enabling smaller incisions and less blood loss, thus reducing the patient’s length of stay and recovery time.
“The da Vinci enables our patients to have a faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less pain after surgery,” said Scott Barbe, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy. “We want to offer our community the most advanced care close to home, and the new da Vinci allows us to do so.”
The da Vinci Si builds upon the core technology of the existing da Vinci Systems, which gives surgeons more capabilities than ever before, making surgery less complicated and more precise. These advancements include 3D HD visualization with 10x magnification, offering surgeons a superior view of the operative field; EndoWrist® instrumentation, providing da Vinci surgeons with larger range of motion; and Intuitive® motion technology, which replicates the operative experience by preserving natural eye-hand-instrument alignment and intuitive instrument control.
“The robot enables me to offer my patients a better operation and improved clinical outcomes with reduced blood loss and shorter operating times,” said Sarah Andrews, M.D., a gynecologist/obstetrician affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy and the first physician to use the robot.
The hospital is the first in Katy to acquire the da Vinci Skills Simulator.
“The simulation technology is an advantage because it allows surgeons to further refine their surgical skills in a non-clinical environment,” said David Kent, M.D., a urological surgeon affiliated with the hospital. “This basically means that new surgeons can practice their skills in a virtual environment, not on their patient.”
For more information about the da Vinci® Si Surgical System, visit www.intuitivesurgical.com. For more information on Memorial Hermann Katy, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE (2273).
Houston-based developer Vista Equities Group welcomes new retailers and restaurants to its mixed-use development in Katy: LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.
Three new retailers opened for business in the fourth quarter of 2012, and six others have plans in place for first and second quarter openings this year. Lease locations include existing retail space in Phase I and in the new Phase II-A, currently under construction.
New retailers and restaurants include Brothers, The Flower Girls, LAVO Collections, The Sweet Boutique, Bonefish Grill, Emmanuel Salon, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, World of Beer and Zoës Kitchen.
Prompted by an increased demand for center retail lease space, VEG and partner Amstar began construction on LaCenterra’s Phase II-A in October. According to Vista’s vice president of development, Dana Garnett, the additional 39,000 square feet of retail space and the Willow Fork Drainage District’s Central Green amphitheater will be completed this spring.
Phase I Additions
Brothers
Tween Brands has expanded the current Justice location to include their newest brand, Brothers.
Boys want to be outfitted for exploration with merchandise that fits their style and sense of expression. Brothers clothes are designed to stand up to whatever boys put them through and still get the mom stamp-of-approval for quality.
Brothers is now open in Suite H140 sharing room with sister brand, Justice. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 281.574.4129 or visit www.shopbrothers.com.
The Flower Girls
Local husband and wife team, Patrick and Leslie Kwong, have taken their love of flowers and family and opened The Flower Girls. (Yes, they have a home filled with little girls.) The Flower Girls offers fresh floral arrangements for every occasion, along with plants, dish gardens, plush animals, greeting cards, chocolates and candles.
The Flower Girls is now open in Suite G125 (between J. Jill and Eddie Bauer) offering in-store pickup and same-day delivery. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 281.394.5575.
LAVO Collections
LAVO Collections has opened its fifth Houston-area location in LaCenterra. This unique boutique offers a hand-selected, ever-changing inventory designed to keep shoppers on trend with the latest styles. LAVO Collections features an array of clothing, shoes and intricate accessories.
Stay ahead of the fashion curve at LAVO Collections located in Suite E120. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more at www.lavocollections.com or by calling 281.225.5286.
The Sweet Boutique Bakery
Houstonian Martin Nguyen will open his second Sweet Boutique Bakery in LaCenterra. The Sweet Boutique specializes in fresh-baked sweets and custom cakes – offering cake pops, cupcakes, French macarons, designer cakes, cookies and more.
The Sweet Boutique is scheduled to open in February in Suite R100 (across from Another Round Wine Bar). Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information, call visit www.tsbcakes.com.
Phase II-A
Bonefish Grill
The Bonefish Grill has selected LaCenterra for its third greater Houston location offering residents quality and consistency in food, service, ambiance and value. As the fresh fish experts, Bonefish Grill specializes in market-fresh fish and wood-grilled specialties. Knowledgeable and attentive, Bonefish “anglers” (service staff) pride themselves on guiding each guest’s journey through an innovative, seasonal menu. The kitchen feature only the highest quality, freshest ingredients, including traditional and unique varieties of fish and seafood as well as numerous non-seafood items. This is combined with a big-city bar that offers hand-crafted cocktails and an affordable, eclectic wine list.
Bonefish Grill’s award-winning approach has been recognized by several leading consumer guides with such accolades as “Top Overall Restaurant,” “Best Seafood,” “Top Service” and “Best Seafood Restaurant in the Nation.”
Bonefish Grill invites Katy area residents to dinner beginning early spring 2013 when they open their doors for business in Suite A300 (across the lake from Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille). Catch what’s on the menu at www.bonefishgrill.com or connect via Facebook at facebook.com/BonefishGrill and on Twitter @bonefishgrill.
Emmanuel Salon
Sugar Land’s exclusive Emmanuel Salon has selected LaCenterra for its second Houston-area location. Emmanuel Salon is committed to being on the forefront of fashion. The salon prides itself on strong ties to magazine editors, models and modeling agencies, as well as industry-leader Bumble and Bumble. “Passion inspired by fashion,” would sum Emmanuel Salon approach to hair.
Emmanuel Salon is scheduled to open spring 2013 in Suite B380 (adjacent to Bonefish Grill). For more information, visit www.emmanuelsalon.net.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, famously known for its award-winning hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas and calzones, fresh salads and delicious desserts has selected LaCenterra for its newest location in Texas.
Opening in late spring, guests will be welcomed by Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, more than 100 years of pizza making tradition and the tantalizing aroma of pizza and calzones baked to perfection in the signature coal-burning oven.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will begin service later this spring in Phase ll-A, Suite C390. For a taste of what’s in-store, visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
World of Beer
World of Beer has select LaCenterra as part of its current Texas expansion. The thriving beer-centric establishment boasts more than 500 different, ever-changing bottles and 50 rotating taps from around the world.
World of Beer is a truly uncommon establishment where the experience is as essential as the product. At World of Beer, having the most extensive beer selection is not enough. It is important that a broad spectrum of patrons, from the beer aficionado to the casual beer fan, can enjoy the best beers on the planet and increase their beer knowledge in a comfortable and upbeat setting. By combining a friendly environment with an exceptionally knowledgeable staff, World of Beer creates an atmosphere where all can feel as if they are visiting a neighbor and not just a neighborhood bar.
World of Beer is currently open in 10 states and will another Texas location this spring with service in Phase ll-A, Suite B390. What’s on tap for Katy? Visit www.wobusa.com for more information.
Zoës Kitchen
Zoës Kitchen brings homemade Mediterranean-inspired comfort food to LaCenterra as it expands its presence in the greater Houston area. With six area location, lucky number seven will welcome Katy residents and guests this spring.
Founded in 1995, Zoës offers authentic, better-for-you recipes prepared daily by hand with wholesome ingredients and a side of Southern hospitality, designed to help today’s consumer celebrate life with family and friends. Featuring fresh, close-to-the garden ingredients, Zoës menu offers a unique mix of simply prepared Mediterranean-inspired dishes and Southern favorites – made with customers’ dietary concerns in mind ? nothing fried with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Zoës is dedicated to delivering delicious, fresh and convenient in-store and takeout meal solutions that allow families to get out of the kitchen and enjoy more time together.
Zoë means “life” in Greek. Live it to the fullest with tasty food shared among close friends and family when Zoë’s Kitchens opens for business in Phase ll-A’s Suite C300. Learn more at www.zoeskitchen.com or at www.Facebook.com/ZoesKitchen.
Donna Keith, vice president of leasing for Vista Equities Group represented LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. For retail leasing information and space availability, call 281.560.7314.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard in Katy, Texas. Center hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Individual retail and restaurant hours may vary. For more information, visit www.LaCenterra.com , call 281.395.5533 or connect with LaCenterra at www.Facebook.com/LaCenterra and on Twitter @LaCenterra.
About LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Located on the western edge of metropolitan Houston in Katy, Texas, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a 34-acre mixed-use Main Street-style development featuring national and local specialty retailers, choice restaurants, Class A office space and luxury living in an open-air, pedestrian-friendly environment with outdoor common areas, lakes and water features. The $140 million center is nestled in the heart of the 7,600-acre master planned community of Cinco Ranch.
Phase I of LaCenterra opened March 1, 2007 with 170,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 90,000 sq. ft. of Class A office space. Phase II, comprised of Phase II-A and Phase II-B is scheduled for completion summer 2014 and will include an additional 130,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 70,000 sq. ft. of office space. Construction on Phase II-A is underway with an anticipated opening spring 2013. Design plans for Phase III are currently in development and will feature a luxury midrise offering 350 residential units.
LaCenterra is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, at the intersection Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway, just minutes from I-10, Highway 6 and the Westpark Toll Road. The project is a joint venture of Houston-based Vista Equities Group and Denver-based Amstar. Design is by Hermes Architects of Houston.
Retail leasing coordinated by Donna Keith, vice president of leasing for Vista Equities Group, 281.560.7314. Office leasing provided by Louann Pereira of Transwestern, 713.272.1267. For additional information on LaCenterra, visit LaCenterra.com or the Vista Companies at VistaHouston.com.
Local Artist Cindy Jo Levine creates one-of-a-kind murals to transform your home
Local artist, Cindy Jo Levine, has turned a long-time hobby into a thriving new business. With a minor in Art, Cindy began painting murals for family and friends while she raised a family and taught school. After years of hearing “You should start your own business” from family and friends, Cindy founded Purple Beaver Creations. The name of her business speaks of her passion to give her clients what they desire. If you want a beaver to be purple instead of brown, it is possible when Cindy Jo holds the paint brush.
Cindy has transformed bedrooms into the Hundred Acre Woods with Winnie the Pooh and friends, dining rooms into a terrace with a view of a quiet green pasture and deep blue river and when walls aren’t enough, she turns furniture into magical pieces of art.
One of Cindy’s recent projects was painting a mural over a bathtub, “She spent time discussing with me everything that I wanted. As she was painting she frequently asked if I was happy with the colors or if there was anything additional I wanted in the painting. She truly made sure it was the picture I wanted and not just her creation. She came up with a very creative way of framing out the picture. Since it was a landscape scene she painted a window around it so that it looks like you are looking outside.”
Cindy Jo lives in Katy, Texas with her husband of twenty four years and her three beautiful children. For additional information or to contact Purple Beaver Creations, log onto: CindyJoLevine.com or email Cindy@CindyJoLevine.com.
Save the Date! Join us on March 22nd at 7pm as we fight back against cancer!
Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and empower others to fight back against cancer. Teams gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. The event begins with a cancer survivors lap celebrating those who have survived cancer or who are currently battling cancer. Games, music, and live entertainment encourage people all through the night. Some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during Relay.
“The funds raised through our Relay For Life event enables us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back,” added Mike Dailey, Relay For Life of Katy/West Houston Event Chair. “Due to the generosity of our volunteers and donors, the money raised by Relay For Life participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”
Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available at www.relayforlife.org/katytx. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit the Web site www.cancer.org.
About the American Cancer Society Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life first started in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt took the first step of this 24-hour walk around the track in Tacoma, Washington raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. For more information on how you can get involved in Relay visit RelayForLife.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
Katy’s Cinco Ranch community is a national powerhouse in new-home sales. The 8,100-acre community ranks No. 4 in the nation – and No. 2 in Texas – for the number of new homes sold in 2012, according to a new report from RCLCO, a national real estate consulting firm.
A total of 982 new homes were sold in Cinco Ranch last year, representing a 14 percent increase for the community over last year’s report from RCLCO. For 2011, RCLCO reported 862 new-home sales in Cinco Ranch.
Last year was a significant year for Cinco Ranch, with the opening of the first homes for sale in the 492-acre expansion site that was acquired in 2010, said Heather Gustafson, marketing director for Newland Communities, the developer of Cinco Ranch.
This additional acreage will provide homesites for more than 1,000 new homes in Cinco Ranch, Gustafson added.
Along with new neighborhoods and decorated model homes opening in the newest area of Cinco Ranch, the community also added new products such as patio homes. Three new Katy ISD schools also opened in Cinco Ranch in 2012, and the landmark LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch complex broke ground for a 40,000-square-foot expansion, with the first new retailers opening this spring.
Cinco Ranch is continuing its forward momentum in 2013, with new homebuilders including Toll Brothers opening new models this spring, and a new recreational amenity opening in summer.
Cinco Ranch offers new homes priced from the $180,000s to over $1 million.
For more information on Cinco Ranch, please visit www.cincoranch.com.
Glamm Interiors, Official Sponsor of Couples, Cocktails & Causes February Dinner Party & Logo Launch
Glamm Interiors, Katy’s premier interior décor resource, is thrilled to announce that we will sponsor the February 9 Couples, Cocktails & Causes dinner benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Join local couples (& singles) at Prohibition Restaurant & Speakeasy in Galleria III for an evening of fabulous food, great drinks, and new friends while raising funds for a wonderful cause.
If you haven’t been to Prohibition in Galleria III, the atmosphere, drink menu, and Moonlight Dolls burlesque show will make you feel like you have been transported back to the 1920’s. And if you haven’t been to a Couples, Cocktails & Causes dinner yet, this location is the perfect setting for you to join the group for the first time and watch the unveiling of their fabulous new logo!
Couples, Cocktails & Causes is a Katy-based non-profit group that meets quarterly at various fine dining restaurants to raise money for a different local charity each time they gather. They are still a growing group, but Couples, Cocktails & Causes members have raised thousands for notable local charities including The Make A Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, the Histio CURE Foundation and now the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Plus, dinner attendees will have their names entered to choose their favorite charity for the next Couples, Cocktails & Causes dinner party.
If you would like to join the fun and attend this event, please contact Erica Shoemake at elshoemake@glamminteriors.com or call (832) 368-9968 before February 5. RSVPs are required as the event is not open to the general public.
American Football Monthly announced their college and high school coaches of the Year for 2012. Topping the list is Katy High School’s Gary Joseph, having been named the high school football National Coach of the Year. A total of six high school Coaches of the Year were selected this year – the coveted National Coach of the Year and five regional winners.
Joseph has served the Katy High School football program for 31 years, becoming head coach in 2004. During his time, the Katy Tigers have won three 5A state championships and advanced to the state finals on three additional occasions. Joseph’s coaching record stands at 120-11.
Among Coach Joseph’s awards include being named District 18/19 5A Coach of the Year eight times; the Houston Touchdown Club’s Coach of the Year in 2005; and the Houston Texans’ 5A Coach of the Year in 2005, 2007, and 2008. In 2007, Joseph was named by the Texas Sports Writers Association as Coach of the Year and was also honored by the Katy Chamber of Commerce being named Katy’s Citizen of the Year. Joseph received the Regional Coach of the Year Award in 2008 for the southwest region of the United States, and was named one of Houston’s Top 100 Professionals in 2010. Additionally, he was voted into the 2012 Greater Houston Football Coaches Association Ronnie Bell Hall of Honor and just received the 2013 Semper Fi Coaching Award – Houston Area.
For the Joseph family, football is a true tradition. Coach Joseph’s father, Eddie Joseph, led a successful coaching career at Wharton High School and later became executive vice president of Texas High School Coaches Association. Coach Joseph and his wife of 34 years, Sheila, have three children, all of whom have also followed in their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Their son, Jeff, is on staff with the Texas A&M football program; their son, Jon, is completing a degree in education at Texas A&M University; and their daughter, Julie, is an assistant athletic coordinator at Cardiff Jr. High in Katy.
The Katy High School football program is led by Gary Joseph, Head Coach/Athletic Coordinator; Tim Ripperger, Assistant Head Coach; B.J. Gotte, Offensive Coordinator; Matt McDaniel, Defensive Coordinator; as well as Thomas Brooks, Bryan Hill, Tom McPherson, Eric Mikolajchak, Clayton Odom, Robert Ortiz, Marcus Prier, John Rowland, Richard Slater and Micky Thompson.
Liberty Tax Service is alerting consumers of another delay to the official beginning of the 2013 filing season. The Internal Revenue Service has announced it now plans to begin processing individual income tax returns on January 30, eight days later than originally targeted. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers — more than 120 million households — should be able to start filing tax returns starting January 30. To further complicate the situation, refunds could be delayed to mid to late February.
“This has been an epic beginning to tax season 2013,” said CEO and founder of Liberty Tax Service, John Hewitt. “I’m starting my 44th tax season looking at the worst delays in filing. Fortunately, we have the most experienced management team of any tax preparation company and are ready to navigate these rough waters.”
Due to the last-minute tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), the IRS has scrambled to update forms and make critical programming changes to its processing systems. They also anticipate that the remaining taxpayers will be able to start filing in late February and early March because of the needed changes on the more extensive forms and processing systems. The IRS provides a full listing of the forms that are currently not being accepted on their web site: IRS.gov.
“Liberty Tax is staying in contact with the IRS to keep abreast of the release of these updated forms. And we are fully prepared to move forward and help our customers get their money as quickly as possible,” said Hewitt.
The IRS emphasizes that there is no advantage to filing on paper before January 30th. They also reiterate that taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by e-filing their return. More than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically last year.
Katy Music Teachers’ Association is pleased to present our three grant recipients: Nicoletta Sarabtidis, Cameron Vhalkamp, and Spencer Taylor. These students were chosen by Brett Nelsen, Cinco Ranch High School Orchestra Director, and Brandon Amison, private string instructor to receive the first ever KMTA String Outreach Grant. The grant was provided jointly by Music Teachers’ National Association and KMTA to encourage string students to continue music study, reach out to the community, and excel in leadership in their school orchestra program.
Recently, these students participated in the holiday concert provided by the Cinco Ranch High School Orchestra program: Nicoletta Sarabtidis, Cameron Vhalkamp and Spencer Taylor.
These students are slated to perform in recital for the Katy Music Teachers’ Association meeting in April. In addition, they have been busy auditioning for All-Region and All-State Orchestras, and learning solos for the upcoming UIL Region Solo and Ensemble Contest in February. They are also members of the Texas Music Teachers’ Association Student Affiliate.
KMTA is grateful for the collaboration of Mr. Brett Nelsen, director of Cinco Ranch Orchestras.
The cooperation between public school directors, private teachers, and accompanists can only make for a better music education for these bright, young students. Thank you to Brett Nelsen, Brandon Amison, KMTA, and MTNA for enabling these musicians to achieve greater levels of success!
Nicoletta Sarabtidis
Cameron Vhalkamp
Spencer Taylor
On Sunday, January 6, 2013, the congregation of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church viewed a new, professionally-created video supporting their new chapter of “Growing in Grace,” a strategic campaign with goals which include expanding the current facilities.
The Vision and Strategic Planning Committee defined 12 goals for 2013-2014, based on a parish-wide survey and mission field demographic data, refined by a committee visioning session.
“Our future education and preschool building will transform the lives of children; it will serve our needs for mission and ministry, and it will be the place where future parishioners will come to know the love of Christ we know at St. Mark’s,” said the Reverend Bert Baetz.
The church, which services the Greater Fort Bend community from its location at 7615 FM 762, the extension of Crabb River Road across from George Ranch, was originally founded in Rosenberg in 1956 by a nucleus of 13. In 2009 the FM 762 facility was donated by Dean and Jackie Leaman. St. Mark’s is quickly outgrowing its present sanctuary and fellowship areas.
St. Mark’s logo includes a tree, which symbolically covers and protects its members, while allowing the birds of the air to nest in its branches. The “Growing in Grace” campaign has continued this theme with the distribution of a small packet of mustard seeds distributed to the congregation, following the parable in Matthew 13.31-32. The parish is encouraged to grow the church and its facilities, much as a mustard seed expands into a shrub and then a tree.
The church’s mission states, “St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is a steadfast community of Christians dedicated to providing opportunities for worship, service, personal and spiritual growth, fellowship and comfort all people in an caring environment.” Core values are described as Gracious, Rooted, Authentic, Christ-centered and Empowered, spelling “GRACE”.
Reverend Bert Baetz shows St. Mark’s future worship and fellowship areas to Vision Awareness Team Leader Kim Janke and his daughter, Jordan. Ground breaking will be held in the first quarter of 2013 at 7615 FM 762, across from George Ranch, on the extension of Crabb River Road.
The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs announced today that Foundations Academy has been awarded Accreditation.
As an Accredited center, Foundations Academy has been recognized as an early care and education program exemplifying excellence in the care of young children. By achieving accreditation Foundations Academy provides a high quality program for children, professional development opportunities for staff, and an environment for children that is conducive to their individual growth and development that exceeds state licensing requirements.
The accreditation process included a self-study process in which administrators, staff, and parents evaluated the program in accordance with Accreditation standards. After the self-study process was complete, an onsite observation was conducted at Foundations Academy by an early childhood professional. Based on the information collected, Foundations Academy was awarded accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education. All parents, staff members, and administrators at Foundations Academy are to be congratulated for achieving this level of excellence.
The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs is sponsored by the Association for Early Learning Leaders, a national leader among associations serving child care owners, directors, and administrators. The organization’s goal is to strengthen and enhance the skills and knowledge of leaders in the field of early child care and education by providing membership services and benefits. For more information, please visit www.earlylearningleaders.org.
Cinco Ranch High School’s FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Team 624 (“CRyptonite”) showcased their robot’s basketball shooting and mobility skills at the Toyota Center in downtown Houston prior to the Houston Rockets NBA basketball game on December 22. Based on their robot’s performance in last season’s “Rebound Rumble” competition at the Lone Star Regional Robotics Tournament, Team 624 was chosen by the Rockets organization, along with Clear Lake ISD’s Team118, for this first-time event.
As several students put the two robots through their paces in the central courtyard of the Toyota Center, others answered questions and explained to Rockets fans how the FIRST organization uses robotics competitions to help students discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology by solving real-world engineering problems. A representative of FIRST robotics was also on hand to answer questions.
Designed and built by Team 624 and Team 118 students with the help of adult mentors, the 120 lb. basketball-shooting robots drew a crowd of appreciative Rockets fans, who watched as the two remote-controlled robots wheeled about the makeshift court and shot baskets. The team’s students explained how the robot’s targeting, shooting and drive systems work, and how a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC®) team functions.
“Everyone had a great time,” said David Herzfeld, Cinco Ranch High School Robotics Booster Club President. “We want to thank the Rockets for giving Team 624 students the opportunity to show Rockets fans what their robot can do, and how FIRST robotics has introduced them to hands-on application of science, technology, engineering and math concepts.”
After the robot demo, a group over 60 Team 624 members and their families enjoyed watching the Rockets defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 121 – 96.
Cardiff and McMeans Junior High were honored last week for going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty and were named to the Superintendent’s ABCD Club. This honor recognizes campuses and departments that excel by enriching experiences for our students and improving their campus and community. These two campuses join Bear Creek Elementary as recipients of this prestigious award.
Cardiff Junior High was nominated by a parent whose child was diagnosed with a condition that required an immediate alteration to her day-to-day way of life. Coupled with the natural anxieties of starting junior high, her parents were very worried about how she would cope. Much to their comfort, Cardiff staff members all joined forces to ensure this student’s needs were met and she experienced the same top-quality educational experience as her peers.
“From the moment we stepped foot on the Cardiff Junior High campus, Principal Hull and his staff have gone above and beyond,” said Beth Blackwell, Cardiff JH parent. “The nurse at Cardiff, Kathy Montalbano, has also been amazing to work with.”
The Blackwells joined Katy ISD Superintendent and staff members as he presented the ABCD Club Award to the campus.
McMeans Junior High was nominated to the ABCD Club for their efforts to become a “No Place for Hate” school. The campus held three school-wide events that engaged all students in the program. Shelly England, former McMeans parent, nominated the campus earlier this year.
“The parents, PTA, teachers, counselors and principals (at McMeans JH) all worked very hard to accomplish this goal and make a difference with students,” said England.
McMeans Junior High is the only junior high and one of only three campuses in Katy to receive the “No Place for Hate” designation. The campus also started a NPFH student organization that hosts student activities throughout the school year.
To nominate a campus or department for the Superintendent’s ABCD Club, submit a letter to communications@katyisd.org, with your contact information, explaining what the campus or central department did that you feel was Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. Nominations can be submitted by parents, community members, internal customers or students.
Superintendent Frailey presented the ABCD Club award to Cardiff JH in for going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
Superintendent Frailey presented the ABCD Club award to McMeans JH for their efforts in implementing the No Place For Hate program on campus.
Igloo Corporation, a top-ranking company in the cooler industry and headquartered in Katy, recently announced plans to occupy a new distribution facility in the West Ten Business Park.
The new Igloo facility will cover 420,000 square feet. Katy Area EDC President Lance LaCour noted that Igloo is one of the top 10 employers in the Katy area and one of the largest manufacturers in the Greater Houston area. “Igloo provides a significant economic impact to the Katy area economy and is a supporter of economic and community development initiatives,” LaCour said. “We appreciate Igloo’s decision to expand their footprint in Katy with this new 420,000 square-feet facility.” The EDC assisted Parkside Capital and Panattoni Development Company in recruiting Igloo to locate in the West Ten Business Park. Panattoni will construct the facility and lease it to Igloo.
Katy Mayor Don Elder Jr. also welcomed Igloo’s decision, saying it was another sign of a rapidly rising regional profile for the City and the Katy business sector. “The West Ten Business Park is well on its way to becoming one of the most important business districts in Katy and the Greater Houston area,” noted Mayor Elder. “We enthusiastically welcome and await Igloo’s expansion and the new jobs it will bring to the City of Katy.”
This is the second project this year to locate at the West Ten Business Park. John S. Moody of Parkside Capital noted how Igloo’s new facility will provide a whole new significance to West 10. “We are very happy to welcome Igloo into the West Ten Business Park. They will join Medline Industries as the first users in our master-planned, 365-acre business park,” Moody said. “This is the largest master-planned, deed-restricted business park on I-10 west since Park 10 was developed over 40 years ago.”
About the Katy Area EDC
Founded in 2003, the Katy Area EDC’s mission is to establish the Katy area as the premiere location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and economic development. Since its inception, the Katy Area EDC has grown to 150 members and assisted in the creation of 10,000 jobs and more than $1.3 billion in capital investment.
About Parkside Capital
Parkside Capital, LLC, the general partner of Parkside Capital Land Fund, sources land investment opportunities in Houston, Texas, as well as Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, Texas.
On December 19, The Katy High School Theatre Arts Booster Club delivered 62 hand-made fleece blankets to residents at the Cinco Ranch Alzheimer’s Special Care Facility and at the Heritage Park of Katy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Theatre students and Booster Club members made a total of 62 blankets to donate, 31 for each facility. They worked on the project during rehearsals of their upcoming musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. The blankets were cut from soft, fleece fabric and the edges were hand tied into a decorative fringe.
“The residents were genuinely thrilled to receive the blankets, said Booster Club President Kathryn Gilliam. Gilliam accompanied students, Hope Deverney and Shelby Barnhardt, to deliver blankets to the Cinco Ranch facility. “One lady immediately wrapped hers around her shoulders like a shawl,” Gilliam shared, “another resident, Ms. Maria, said it was so soft she would sleep with it.”
Katy High School Theatre Director, Rachel Smith said, “I think students providing service to others in their community shows our kids how blessed they are and how necessary it is for them to think of others.”
“I’m very proud of the Booster Club and the Theatre Students for making the effort to make these blankets during rehearsals for the musical,” Gilliam added.
Showtimes for Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat are: Thursday, Jan. 31 through Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Sunday Feb 3 matinee at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Katy High School Performing Arts Center. For ticket information, visit http://www.katytheatre.com/.
For more information contact Kathryn Gilliam, KTABC President, at kathrynkamishgilliam@yahoo.com.
The students pictured are Hope Deverney and Shelby Barnhardt. They are pictured delivering blankets to the residents of the Cinco Ranch Alzheimers Special Care Facility.
PinPoint Commercial broke ground today on a new assisted living and memory care facility in the Katy area. Located at Roesner Rd and Katy Gap Rd, The Legacy at Falcon Point will be a two-story, 104 bed community strategically located to be less than one mile from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Katy Mills Mall, and the planned St. Luke’s Hospital. It is designed to accommodate up to 44 memory care and 60 assisted living residents; however, the innovative building design will allow for adjustments to meet residents’ needs. Construction is expected to be complete in late 2013.
The Legacy at Falcon Point is designed around an innovative Main Street & Neighborhood concept in which each wing of the facility will serve as a separate “neighborhood” for residents. The facility will be designed around a central “main street” with amenities such as a restaurant, movie theater, store, spa, gym, and sports bar; each neighborhood will also have a uniquely themed common area. The design philosophy is to give residents more freedom and choice by allowing them to gravitate toward those areas that interest them most.
“As you can see from our current projects, we create communities that are unlike anything that currently exists,” added John Thompson, President of PinPoint Commercial. “We believe that our communities will be the most state of the art on the market.”
PinPoint is collaborating with Thrive Senior Living, a respected operator of senior housing communities, on nine projects: four operational communities in Texas, Georgia, and Florida and five new projects under development in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
Furthermore, the PinPoint/Thrive team is placing a heavy emphasis on technology. Each community will employ technologies including:
- Simple-C Companion: A touch-screen computer system for residents struggling with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
- Wireless and flexible caregiver alert systems
- Unobtrusive resident monitoring systems including infrared motion detectors and bed sensors
- Bracelet-operated wireless RFID door entry systems
- Comprehensive camera monitoring systems
Located in Houston, Texas, PinPoint Commercial has developed over $500 million in assisted living, medical, and industrial assets. Learn more about Legacy at Falcon Point: www.LegacyatFalconPoint.com. For more information about PinPoint Commercial visit: www.pinpointcommercial.com.
Texas State Parks Again Offer Guided Hikes on New Year’s Day for First Day Hikes Program For years, two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions have been to begin a fitness program, and spend more time in nature. Now, for the second year in a row, you can combine both by participating in First Day Hikes at a Texas State Park near you on Jan. 1.
The second-annual First Day Hikes program is part of a national umbrella coordination by the National Association of State Parks Directors (NASPD) to encourage a new tradition at the beginning of each year to get people outdoors, and promote the numerous physical and emotional benefits of hiking.
During the inaugural year of First Day Hikes at the start of 2012, more than 1,100 people showed up at 47 state parks across Texas. For 2013—which is just a few weeks away—more hikes and locations are scheduled, and they range from short, leisurely walks, to birding hikes, to nature tours along the Gulf Coast, to challenging treks in mountainous terrain.
“In addition to drawing new users to parks on January First, we hope to see return visitors from last year as families start to embrace First Day Hikes as a beloved tradition from year to year,” said Interpretive Services Assistant Director Karen Blizzard, the Texas coordinator for First Day Hikes.
Most all hikes will be guided by state park staff or expert volunteers and feature an interpretive message about native plants, animals or park history. The walks average one to two miles in length, but many also offer shorter or longer trek options as well.
Participants will want to make some modest advance preparations. Some hikes warrant call-ahead reservations, and in most instances, folks will want to wear sturdy shoes, and bring drinking water and a hiking stick. Park entrance fees apply in most places, and many parks are leading the First Day Hike at no extra cost.
Recent on-site visitor surveys in Texas parks revealed that hiking /trails were the most sought-after amenity by park visitors, and many Texas state parks have added newly built or recently improved hiking and biking trails in order to meet growing demand.
The concept of having an official “First Day Hike” in a park on New Year’s Day originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts, with the intent to promote both wellness and year-round recreation at parks. Since then, other states have offered similar New Year’s programs. It has, however, grown into a nationwide event today, with most state park systems participating.
For more information about First Day Hikes in Texas State Parks, visit the Web site at www.texasstateparks.org/firstdayhikes, which lists detailed hike locations, descriptions, and park contact information. For national participation in First Day Hikes, visit the NASPD Web site at www.americasstateparks.org .
State Parks across Texas are hosting numerous guided hikes on January 1, ranging from leisurely short walks and nature hikes to treks across mountainous terrain, as part of the national First Day Hikes program.
TPWD photo by Bryan Frazier
The Cinco Ranch High School FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC®) Team 624 “CRyptonite” held its second annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL®) robotics Qualifier Tournament on December 8 at Cinco Ranch Junior High. Robotics teams of 4th to 8th grade students from all over the Houston metro area competed in the tournament. Team Cryptonite also organized a tournament toy drive to collect board games for the Krause Children’s Center in Katy.
FIRST LEGO League teams of two to ten members work alongside adult mentors to design, build and program autonomous robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® NXT technologies, and create an innovative solution to a problem as part of a research project. This year’s competition is the SENIOR SOLUTIONSSM Challenge, where students explore the topic of aging. Can FIRST LEGO League teams improve the quality of life for seniors by helping them continue to be independent, engaged, and connected in their communities?
Team “Bud-Botics”, an independent team from the Cy-Fair area, won the First Place Champions Award as the team with the highest combined score from all elements of the competition. They also won the award for Robot Performance. Team“Beck Tech”, from Katy ISD’s Beck Junior High won the Second Place Champions Award.
As First and Second Place Champions, both Bud-Botics and Beck Tech will advance to compete in the Lone Star FLL Championship Tournament, which takes place on February 23, 2013 at John H. Reagan High School in Houston.
FLL Teams are judged on each of the three parts of the FLL Challenge: The Robot Game – the performance of their robot in head-to-head competition, along with robot design and programming; The Project – a research project and presentation; and FIRST Core Values – for how well a team embodies these values.
Throughout the build, research and competition process, FLL robotics teams deal with real-world application of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts and hands-on problem solving, as well as honing research and presentation skills.
Team CRyptonite students and adult volunteers organize and run the Katy Qualifier Tournament as part of their commitment to community service and to promoting FIRST robotics to inspire future scientists and engineers. The team also founded the FLL programs at Beck JH and Cinco Ranch JH, and currently mentor the two Cinco Ranch Junior High FLL teams.
The Katy FLL Qualifier Tournament, one of 800 held around the world, was the first step in the regional robotics competition process which culminates in the Southwest (Texas/New Mexico) FLL Championship.
Tournament. The winning team from this Championship Tournament will participate in the 2013 FLL World Festival in St. Louis, Missouri in April.
Founded by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST was created to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an annual competition that helps students discover the rewards and excitement of science, engineering, and technology. The 2012 season included over 2,500 teams.
FRC combines the excitement of sports with science and technology to create a unique Varsity Sport for the Mind™. Participants are eligible to receive nearly $16 million in scholarships from some of the finest science and engineering schools in the country.
Since its founding in 2000, Cinco Ranch High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team 624 (“CRyptonite”) has achieved national recognition in all areas of FRC competition. Team highlights from 2012 include advancing to the divisional Semi-Finals of the FRC World Championship and the Indiana Robotics Invitational, winning the Bayou Regional Qualifying Event, advancing to the Finals at the Lone Star Regional Qualifying Event, along with capturing awards for quality, innovation and industrial safety.
To learn more about FIRST Robotics Competition visit: http://usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc For more information on Team 624, visit http://team624.org/
Ray and Jamie Wolman Elementary School (RJWE) Principal Kelly Ricks and Assistant Principal Angela Kovar presented a Special Business Partner award to Wayne Meyer, General Manager of Firethorne at the school’s recent Dedication Ceremony. Ricks and Kovar described the award as “a small token of our appreciation to you and Firethorne’s developer. You (Firethorne) have provided us with numerous monetary and human resources over the past several months to make our school a great place.”
Ricks and Kovar noted how the Wolman community appreciates Firethorne’s support, from staff members monitoring the bounce houses at the student orientation, to contributing to the school’s beautiful electronic marquee, which is a wonderful communication tool, and landscaping.
RJWE, located at 28728 North Firethorne Road, is the first school to open within the 1,400-acre Firethorne master-planned community in Katy/Fulshear. The school features 42 classrooms, a library/media center, science laboratory, two art rooms with a pottery kiln, two music rooms and a regulation gymnasium. Every 3rd through 5th grade classroom features a smart board.
Firethorne has 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, Fitness Center, resort-style swimming pool, competitive swim center, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Served by highly acclaimed schools in Katy ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD, Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. It is located near the crossroads of I-10 West and FM 1463, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor.
For info, go to http://www.firethorne.info, call 281-693-1010 or to visit Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463.
(RJWE) Principal Kelly Ricks (center) and Assistant Principal Angela Kovar (at podium) presented a Special Business Partner award to Wayne Meyer (left), General Manager of Firethorne at the school’s recent Dedication Ceremony.
Katy’s chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Star of Destiny, partnered with Keep Katy Beautiful and Katy Boy Scout Troop 584 to plant trees generously donated by the Apache Corporation on 12/01/12.
Katy’s Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Star of Destiny, partnered with Keep Katy Beautiful board members, Sandy Schmidt, Chairman, and Kay Callender, Vice-Chairman, and with Boy Scout Troop 584 in December to plant 11 burr oak trees in the Katy VFW Park.
The Apache Corporation generously donated the trees to Keep Katy Beautiful and Star of Destiny, NSDAR was proud to assist, along with the Boy Scouts, to plant each tree in a strategically selected location in the VFW park. Star of Destiny’s Regent, Trish Cook, said a special prayer at the commencement of the planting.
The members of Star of Destiny, NSDAR were very happy to work together with Troop 584 of the Boy Scouts and Keep Katy Beautiful as a chapter Conservation Committee project and as proud members of the Katy community.
To learn more about joining the Katy NSDAR chapter, Star of Destiny, please email us at thestarofdestiny@yahoo.com or visit our website at: http://texasdar.org/chapters/StarDestiny/
Photo: Sandy Schmidt (Keep Katy Beautiful Board Chairman), Trish Cook (Regent, Star of Destiny), Leader of Troop 584 and various scouts & Star of Destiny members.
Methodist West Houston Hospital has been awarded the Exemplary Five Star Service Award for birth registration by the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Vital Statistics Unit. It is one of only 22 hospitals in Texas to achieve the exemplary rating.
Award criteria include: release of birth certificates within five days and certificate accuracy in key statistical fields; receipt of the Office of Attorney General Award for Acknowledgement of Paternity and the ImmTrac Award for Excellence; and completing registrar training through state-sponsored conferences. Methodist West Houston’s birth registrar, Elizabeth “Liz” Garcia, surpassed the goal of achieving recognition within the first two years of hospital operation and will accept the award on the hospital’s behalf during the Texas Vital Statistics 58th annual conference in Austin from December 5-7.
“We are honored to receive the five star recognition and very proud of Liz and our health information team for setting this high bar of achievement so soon after our birthing center’s opening,” said Vicki Brownewell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist West Houston. “Their effort exemplifies the exceptional patient care our health care professionals provide to each patient and their family at Methodist West Houston.”
Methodist West Houston’s birthing center opened in February 2011 with the birth of twins. In less than two years–through the end of October–more than 1,700 babies have been delivered and a major expansion completed. The center offers 26 birthing suites, three cesarean section operating rooms and an eight-bed level II neonatal intensive care unit.
The Katy High School Theatre Arts Booster Club has begun a service project to donate fleece blankets to residents at the Cinco Ranch Alzheimer’s Special Care Facility and the Heritage Park Nursing Home in Katy.
Students and parents involved with the Katy High School Theatre Arts Program are putting the blankets together during rehearsals of their upcoming musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. The blankets are cut from soft, fleece fabric and the edges are hand tied into a decorative fringe.
“We have always helped out with other community service projects in the past, but this is our first solo project,” said Katy High School Theatre Director Rachel Smith. The idea for making blankets came to her when she saw blanket kits on sale at a local craft store. “I realized it would be cheaper if we actually cut the fabric ourselves,” Smith said, “instead of buying kits.”
The Theatre students decided to donate their blankets to residents at two local facilities because one of the senior theatre students had a grandparent at the Cinco Ranch facility. “I think students providing service to others in their community shows our kids how blessed they are,” Smith said, “and how necessary it is for them to think of others.”
The students have a goal of delivering the blankets to the residents of the communities themselves on December 10th. For more information contact Kathryn Gilliam, KTABC President, at kathrynkamishgilliam@yahoo.com
Showtimes for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat are: Jan 31 – Feb 2 at 7 p.m. and Feb 3 matinee at 2 p.m. All performances will be at the Katy High School Performing Arts Center. For ticket information, visit http://www.katytheatre.com/
Robyn Smith and Payton Trahan
In Jennifer Freeman Stence’s rookie year she has earned 4 real estate certifications: Certified Negotiation Expert, Master Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Home Marketing Specialist, and Farm and Ranch Certification; and has also earned her Accredited Buyer Representation designation.
Jennifer Stence launched her career with the aim to provide the best service possible, and sought to achieve that endeavor through excellence in education by clocking in 124 continuing education credits recorded by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Stence is a Realtor® Associate of the real estate firm Veronica Mullenix Real Estate Group in Katy. Jennifer Stence is a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and the Greater West Houston Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors®.
“I practiced real estate for a few years in the mid-‘80s and much has changed since then. This fueled my desire to further my education and achieve a level of competency that would ensure my clients receive the best experience possible,” said Jennifer Stence.
Jennifer Freeman Stence is a native Katy resident. The Freeman family were original settlers in Katy in the late 1890’s; and, Jennifer’s depth of knowledge of the Katy area and its history is an invaluable asset to her clients. Jennifer has demonstrated a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service and has built her real estate practice upon the objective to maintain a high level of competency far beyond the basic skills required to do the work. Clients benefit from her depth of knowledge about the Katy area and her high level of expertise!
“I couldn’t be more proud of what Jennifer has accomplished in her rookie year!” said Veronica Mullenix, broker/owner of Veronica Mullenix Real Estate Group.
Building Designer Newell Cheatheam, President of Newell’s Designs, Katy, and wife Sharon Cheatheam, Office Manager of Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects, Inc. and 2010-2012 President of SDA –Society of Design Professionals Houston Chapter attended the 2012 Canstruction Houston Colossal Awards Banquet at Hotel Sorella CityCentre.
The event collected 101,146 cans this year with 29 engineering and architectural firms in competition. The Canstruction was founded by SDA National and now has events all over the nation. Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects, Inc. sponsored one of the High School Teams in the competition.
Since 1992, professional and student teams from Houston have participated in this competition to donate more than 400,000 pounds of food (more than 200 tons) to the Houston Food Bank (so Far).
Attached Picture: International and National Award Winning Building Designer Newell Cheatheam, of Newell’s Designs, Katy, Texas and Sharon Cheatheam, Office Manager of Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects and 2010-2012 President of SDA –Society of Design Professionals Houston Chapter attend the 2012 Canstruction Houston Colossal at Hotel Sorella CityCentre.
More than 100 Katy and West Houston community members visited Methodist West Houston Hospital in November to receive complimentary heart health screenings and learn about the latest treatments available for heart disease. Methodist West Houston’s cardiovascular specialists, Dr. Su Min Chang, Dr. Michael Mitschke, Dr. Nilesh Mathuria and Dr. Javier Lafuente, conducted a panel to discuss common heart problems and answer questions.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, claiming about 600,000 lives every year. Early detection and regular screenings are essential for minimizing risk of disease.
However, it is important that health care providers have the proper equipment and expertise to thoroughly evaluate cardiovascular health. “A person can still have coronary heart disease even if they pass a stress test,” Dr. Chang said.
Methodist West Houston offers noninvasive heart scans that enable patients to fully understand their health risks. A comprehensive scan can be completed in less than an hour.
When treatment is necessary, timing can be the difference between life and death. According to the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, outpatients with a possible heart attack receive an electrocardiogram in about 60 seconds at Methodist West Houston, seven minutes faster than the national average.
The central feature of Methodist West Houston’s multidisciplinary cardiovascular program is its hybrid operating room, a combination catheterization lab and operating room that maximizes efficiency and improves outcomes. “There are only about 150 hybrid ORs in the nation and we’re very lucky to have one here,” Dr. Lafuente said.
This is one of many free events Methodist West Houston organizes to promote the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The next heart health screening and seminar will be held Feb. 21, 2013.
The hospital also offers heart patients and their families support and encouragement in collaboration with Mended Hearts, a patient support organization. The support group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
For more information about Mended Hearts, contact Methodist West Houston Volunteer Services at 832-522-3062 or visit mendedhearts.org.
Katy and West Houston community members receive free lipid panel tests at Methodist West Houston Hospital to check cholesterol levels. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack, among other health complications.
Austin Vacek currently 18 years old, started swimming part time just 5 years ago and moved to year-round swimming with KATY Aquatics in 2009. He has made rapid improvement over the past three years, including advancing to the Junior National Championships that were held in August at Indianapolis, IN and the Minneapolis Grand Prix that was held earlier this month in Minnesota.
Austin is home-schooled and currently a High School Senior. Since applying to many colleges and Universities earlier this fall, he has received several offers for Swimming Scholarships including West Point, Texas A&M and The University of Texas, just to name a few. On Friday, November 16, Austin officially made his choice and signed a letter of intent to swim at The University of Texas in Austin. The UT men’s swimming program won the NCAA Division I Championships in 2010 and has been second place in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012.
Austin is now looking forward to finishing an outstanding year at KATY Aquatics while anticipating his start with UT in the fall of 2013. Austin is scheduled to compete at the Junior Nationals in December at the University of Tennessee. The parents of Austin Vacek are Dan and Sherre Vacek. His coach is Troy Emmons, Head Coach of KATY Aquatics.
The KATY Aquatics coaching staff and team would like to congratulate Austin on his accomplishments both in and out of the pool and wish him well during his collegiate career at The University of Texas!
Left to Right: Dan Vacek (father), Austin Vacek (center), Troy Emmons, Head Coach KATY Aquatics (left)
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Katy recently celebrated the success of Houston Restaurant Weeks. Due to the overwhelming generosity of Katy-area residents, Perry’s was able to make a donation of $18,970 to the Houston Food Bank on their behalf. Over 26,000 people across seven Houston-area locations joined Perry’s in support, more than tripling the total Perry’s donation from 2011 to a record-breaking $131,155.
Perry’s Steakhouse locations in Clear Lake, Champions, Katy, Memorial City, Sugar Land and The Woodlands as well as Perry’s Italian Grille in Clear Lake hosted diners August 1 – September 3 to a three-course meal supporting the Houston Food Bank. Menu options included a choice of salad and dessert, and entrees such as Perry’s Famous Pork Chop, an 8-ounce Filet Perry and the Chicken Oscar. For every $35 meal sold, $5 went to support the Houston Food Bank’s mission.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the support we’ve seen in the communities we serve,” said Chris Perry, president and owner of Perry’s. “Matching our fans’ generosity with a donation to the Houston Food Bank is our honor and our pleasure. We look forward to participating next year and continuing to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Founded in 1979, Perry’s is a Houston-based, family-owned business that operates Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, with nine locations in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Perry’s also operates two Perry & Sons Market & Grille locations and Perry’s Italian Grille in Clear Lake. In Katy, Perry’s is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. For more information, please visit PerrysSteakhouse.com.
Community members from Katy and the surrounding area recently stopped what they were doing to read students in more than 345 classes as part of Katy ISD’s fifteenth annual Promise to Read program. Through Promise to Read, volunteers promise to spend 30 minutes reading to an elementary classroom during one week in November.
This year, ten Katy ISD elementary campuses hosted the event with Partners in Education: Morton Ranch, Hutsell, Nottingham, Kilpatrick, King, Pattison, Mayde Creek, Griffin, Bear Creek and McRoberts Elementaries. Host campuses rotate each year so that, over a three year period, every Katy ISD elementary has an opportunity to participate.
“Promise to Read has become a volunteer event that many in our community really look forward to. Most of our visiting readers return year after year,” says Sandi Meier, Katy ISD Promise to Read and Classroom Champions Coordinator. “Having a guest reader in the classroom is a fun treat for students, but it also promotes the life-long joy of reading.”
Readers represented a cross section of local companies and organizations including: Amegy Bank, American Kids Athletics, AXA Financial Advisors, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, CenterPoint Energy, Chick-fil-A of Katy, City of Katy, CiCi’s Pizza, Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music, ExxonMobil, First Victoria Bank, Grand Vision Center, Gary Greene Realtors, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Hasta La Pasta, H-E-B Katy Market, Herff Jones Graduation Center, Houston Aeros, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, Kelliwood Animal Hospital, Members Choice Credit Union, Memorial Hermann, Omni Houston Hotel Westside, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Pediatric Dentists of Katy, Pepper Lawson Construction, Rainforest Café, SmartOrigami, The Shady Lady Window Coverings, Tradition Bank, and Wood Group.
Promise to Read is one of several community involvement programs offered by Katy ISD Partners in Education, the department that brings the community into the classroom. Find more information about Partners in Education at www.katyisd.org/community.
This holiday season a group of 26 area youth will join the Alley Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas . These young actors will be working with the Alley’s Company of Actors to tell the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghosts that visit him on Christmas Eve. More than half of the cast is comprised of young actors. The cast members are from various neighborhoods in the Houston metropolitan area including Memorial, Cypress, Tomball, Katy and more.
Houston’s seasonal favorite is described by the Houston Press as having “Spectacular London sets … spiced with the usual fog and a twist on the ghosts past, present, and future.” Family audiences can enjoy this colorful, comical, and music-filled production. Magical and heartwarming, this unforgettable theatrical production of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas instills a powerful message about redemption and the true spirit of the holiday season. Recommended for general audiences, children six and older.
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas, adapted and originally directed by Michael Wilson, from the story by Charles Dickens, directed by Alley Associate Director James Black, begins previews Friday, November 16, opens Sunday, November 18 and runs through Monday, December 24.
These two young actors in A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas hail from Katy, TX:
McKinley Wood, 7 – Katy
McKinley Wood is in the second-grade at Schmalz Elementary School and this is her first year in A Christmas Carol. She wants to be an entomologist when she grows up and her favorite part of A Christmas Carol is seeing the three ghostly spirits.
Peyton Wood, 13 – Katy
Peyton Wood is in the eighth-grade at Mayde Creek Junior High, and this is her second year in A Christmas Carol. Her holiday wish would be to have snow in Houston, and she wants to be an actress on Broadway when she grows up.
Ticket Information
For ticket information, visit www.alleytheatre.org, come to the Alley Theatre Box Office, 615 Texas Avenue, or call 713.220.5700.
The Bible Seminary (TBS), 2655 South Mason Rd, Katy, welcomed twelve inaugural students into its new Master of Divinity program this fall. The seminary began as a Bible Institute in 2008, and has enrolled more than 800 students in Bible Certificate classes over the last five years.
Rev. Dr. K. Lynn Lewis, Executive Vice-President/Provost of The Bible Seminary says TBS is quite distinctive.
“We are not affiliated with any major denomination, and we are not a satellite campus for another seminary,” says Lewis. “We envision an independent, non-denominational residential seminary based in Katy/West Houston that teaches all 66 books of the Bible and offers practical ministry training, tools, and experiences.”
Lewis notes the seminary’s “apprenticeship model” is different than the traditional “classroom in a box model”, where you meet and someone talks to you about how to use what you learn after you graduate, but you don’t actually do anything yet.
In addition to classroom work, each Master of Divinity student is required to spend at least five hours a week in ministry.
“We talk about their ministry, how to accomplish what they are trying to do. Then the students go out and use what they learned during the week. Afterwards they might come back and say ‘that really went well, or ‘maybe that didn’t go so well’. We then study and work together to see how maybe there might be a better way of ministering.”
The 12 Master of Divinity students currently serve in 10 different organizations, including seven different churches, located in four different cities – Houston, Katy, Prairie View, and Sugar Land.
Matt Larsen, a recent graduate of Baylor University, and a Cinco Ranch High School alumnus, is one of the original 12 Master of Divinity students. He and his wife, Abbey, also work for the Seminary. He serves as Communications Director and Abbey serves as the seminary’s Administrative Coordinator.
Lewis notes that the Larsen’s are part of the seminary’s Work/Study program. “Matt and Abbey are skilled in things we needed, so we are helping them and they are helping us at the same time.” Matt is employing his education in communications to gain practical experience in ministry marketing and advertising.
The seminary integrates teaching all 66 books of the Bible into subject areas that include theology, preaching, leadership, worship, prayer, and other practical areas of ministry.
“A Master of Divinity typically incorporates certain degree elements, and we have designed our curriculum to incorporate a book or multiple books of the Bible as a part of every course. For example, when we teach Church History, we also walk through the entire Book of Acts.”
“Also unique to The Bible Seminary’s Master of Divinity program is a trip to the Holy Land. Many schools offer the opportunity, but don’t require it. In our case, we provide it,” says Lewis. “We are actually raising the money to take each student, and if they are married, his or her spouse.”
Students also receive ministry tools such as Logos Bible Software. “Many theological schools require their students to use this software, but they don’t buy it for them,” adds Lewis. “We do. We buy it for them, teach them how to use it and when they leave, it is all theirs. All the digital resources they have at seminary, they take with them when they leave wherever they go in ministry.”
For more information about The Bible Seminary or its programs, call 281-646-1109 or visit www.TheBibleSeminary.org.
Rover Oaks Pet Resort and Natural Pawz are joining forces to present Pawz for a Cauze, a fundraising drive to raise money and awareness for one of Houston’s most heartwarming charities. PAWS Houston is a group that reunites chronic and terminally ill patients with their pets at a time when they need each other the most. Rover Oaks’ Houston, Rover Oaks Katy, and ten Natural Pawz locations will begin collecting donations for the group from November 1st until Thanksgiving Day.
All donors will receive recognition on a special Pawz for a Cauze leaf displayed on the wall of the location where they contributed to PAWS Houston. At the end of the drive, all leaves will be collected and delivered to PAWS Houston patients at local hospitals to show the love and support of the donors and our community.
This collaboration between Rover Oaks and Natural Pawz is a great way to help a unique charity in Houston, while also learning more about the services the charity provides. Since 2002, PAWS Houston has been helping sustain relationships between pet owners and their pets through a period of the owner’s terminal and/or chronic illness both in the hospital and at home. “Our clients are people who face many losses: health, employment, and sometimes support of family and friends. By helping our clients keep their animals, we help them keep at least one part of the life they enjoyed,” said Donna Dishman, Executive Director of PAWS Houston.
Rover Oaks and Natural Pawz, both avid supporters of animal welfare and non-profit organizations, saw an opportunity to join forces to make a difference and to bring awareness of the need and benefits of the services provided by PAWS Houston. “Our objective is to help PAWS Houston ensure that their clients can keep their companion pets without making potentially life-threatening sacrifices,” said Steve Smith, owner of Rover Oaks Pet Resort.
Natural Pawz owners Biff Picone and Nadine Joli-Coeur added, “PAWS Houston provides such a unique and touching service to those dealing with terrible illness, eliminating some of their worries and providing them an opportunity to spend quality time with their beloved companions.” “Your contribution to PAWS Houston is essential to help provide vet services, food, emergency care, cat litter, and other essential needs necessary to keep the owner and pet together as long as possible,” said Joy Lee, co-owner of Rover Oaks in Katy.
Donating to the Pawz for a Cauze drive is quick and easy. Just stop in to either Rover Oaks Houston or Katy, or any of the ten Houston-area Natural Pawz stores and make your donation and a difference for current and future clients of PAWS Houston. You can also donate online by clicking on the PayPal button at www.pawshouston.org. Visit www.roveroaks.com or www.naturalpawz.com for a list of locations as well as directions to the donation site closest to you.
Katy ISD held the official Dedication Ceremony for Fred and Patti Shafer Elementary in West Katy on October 18. Katy’s 35th elementary school opened in August to more than 800 students.
The dedication ceremony was held in the evening with a reception preceding the ceremony. The ceremony included presentations by Shafer Principal – Cheryl Rankin, Assistant Principal – Becky Wingfield, Superintendent – Alton Frailey, School Board President – Rebecca Fox, State Senator – Glenn Hegar, and Fred and Patti Shafer.
The ceremony honored Mr. & Mrs. Shafer as namesakes for the new school and reflected on their long careers in Education. Fred Shafer spent his educational career working with special needs children in Texas, and most recently served as the Executive Director for Special Education, Counseling, and Psychological Services for Katy ISD, prior to retiring last year. Patti Shafer spent 16 years teaching in the classroom prior to becoming a school administrator for three of Katy ISD’s Jr. High schools. Patti retired from Katy ISD last year as Principal of Woodcreek Jr.High.
In addition to the presentations aforementioned, the Shafers were entertained and honored by more than 75 Shafer Elementary students, receiving gifts and presentations from students in every grade during the ceremony. Entertainment included the Shafer Elementary Harmony Brigade. With students acting as comedians, jugglers, jesters, trumpeters, and knights, the ceremony was one for the record books!
Parkside Capital announced the sale of a 56-acre tract in West Ten Business Park to Medline Industries, Inc. for construction of a 500,000-square-foot facility in Katy/West Houston.
West Ten Business Park is a 470-acre master-planned business park located on the north side of Interstate 10, between FM 1463 and Pederson Road. The land was assembled in 2008 by Parkside Capital with the view of creating a deed-restricted and architecturally-controlled business park to serve Katy/West Houston. All of the property is within the City of Katy and is served by the city’s water, sewer and municipal services.
Based in Mundelein, Illinois, Medline is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the United States. The company has 35 regional distribution facilities in the United States, including two in Texas, and this new facility will enable Medline to expand its growing presence in Houston and throughout the region. Medline’s other Texas distribution centers are Dallas and San Antonio. The new Houston facility will be targeted for completion in June 2013.
Catherine Morrison, Sr. Vice President of Real Estate Operations for Medline stated that Medline looked at a multitude of sites in Houston for its facility but chose West Ten and Katy due to its location, access, amenities and sponsorship. She noted, “Medline is excited to be a member of the Houston community and expand our capabilities to services more health care providers in the greater Houston area. This new facility is a vital part of the future growth of Medline.”
Medline has applied for property tax abatement from the City of Katy and Waller County. The City recently re-established its incentives guidelines to accommodate this project and to induce future projects to locate in the City limits. Medline may also seek to establish a Foreign Trade Zone Designation and Texas Enterprise Zone designation.
Mayor Don Elder, Jr. welcomed the news, noting Medline’s prominence in its industry virtually assures a rippling effect of business growth for Katy and the surrounding area, “This is an exciting way to kick-off the first project in the West Ten Business Park,” noted Mayor Elder. We are pleased that Medline has chosen Katy to establish their operations and create 50 + new jobs in the City of Katy.”
Katy Area Economic Development Council President/CEO Lance LaCour noted that Medline will be the first new major distribution center built in the Katy/west side market since Rooms To Go was completed in 2010. LaCour noted, “The EDC began working on this project about a year ago and is facilitating the incentives program applications. Companies like Medline are on our target industry list and part of our economic development strategic plan. I want to thank all involved for working together cooperatively, and especially Parkside Capital, the City, Waller County and Waller EDP for their support of the project.”
Quote from Waller EDP:
The Greater Houston Partnership worked in the initial phase of this project to introduce Medline to the Houston region. “We are pleased that Medline has chosen Katy for their Houston distribution center and welcome them to Houston. The Katy Area continues to enjoy success in attracting regional distribution centers. Congratulations to Katy Area EDC on a job well done,” says Craig Richard GHP.
Cushman and Wakefield represented both parties with Kelley Parker, John Littman, Coe Parker, and Tim Thomas representing the Seller and David Cook, Jeff Peden and Will Condrey representing the Buyer.
The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting Heritage Square in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in a pink blush Friday, Oct. 12. The Pink Lighting event is held each year to literally and publicly shine a light on breast cancer and resources available in the community to those facing the disease.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is known for pink, but more than that, it’s about people,” said Nikesh Jasani, M.D., medical director for the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy and a general oncologist. “This unique event gives us the opportunity to honor all patients and survivors, and to share vital information on prevention, screenings and resources.”
As part of the evening, Katy-area patients and survivors were recognized, including those that participate in the center’s breast cancer support group, Breast Friends. MD Anderson staff were on hand during the event to pass out free educational materials and pink glow necklaces to spread the light of breast cancer awareness and hope.
It’s a light that already shines brightly in Katy resident Laura Finney, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year. Finney, who was already diligent about wellness visits prior to her diagnosis, has since become energized as an advocate for breast awareness and prevention, and she says that in MD Anderson, she has a real partner in her cause.
“One of the things I learned through my experience was that MD Anderson has an unbelievable preventative program,” said Finney. “There is so much information on their website for prevention, what you need to do, what you should be doing, all sorts of patient education. The staff is overwhelmingly informative and supportive – they want your input and they all work together for your benefit. I know that nowhere else would I have gotten as fast and as awesome a level of care as I have gotten here.”
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new breast cancer cases occurred in women in the United States, and about 2,140 new breast cancer cases in men. As with all cancers, early detection is key to the best outcome.
The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy offers a growing range of services, many which are specific to the treatment of breast disease. The team includes experts in medical, surgical and radiation oncology, supported by advanced practice nurses, pain specialists, nutritionists and social workers. The center also is available to patients who have a questionable breast lump or irregular mammogram who would like to be evaluated or who want a second opinion.
The faculty and staff at the Katy Regional Care Center, located on the campus of Christus St. Catherine Hospital, see patients diagnosed with a wide range of cancers both rare and common. Every patient seen at the center has access to multidisciplinary care, onsite chemotherapy infusion, radiation treatment, pain management and supportive care. MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy has a specialized on-site nurse navigator who assists each new breast patient through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
For more information about the event, visit www.Facebook.com/MDAndersonKaty. To learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy visit www.MDAnderson.org/Katy
Creekside Community Church believes that Christmas can [still] change the world and has partnered with the Advent Conspiracy to celebrate Christmas by spending less, giving more, worshiping fully, and loving all this season.
Creekside has partnered with Advent Conspiracy to collect food and goods for the Eternal Food Ministry in Katy, TX. Creekside has also created an Advent Calendar for their families that has them giving more, spending time together, and doing other meaningful acts each day of the Advent Season. They want to encourage their congregation to slow down and experience a Christmas worth remembering. But this means doing things a little differently.
Pastor Angelo Gonzalez said earlier, “rather than giving a gift card or another random toy or piece of clothing out of obligation, our church is committed to giving gifts that really will change the world – like quality time, feeding the hungry, and looking for ways to be more loving. It’s not just about saving money in this economy; it’s about remembering that when we give presence instead of presents, the scandal of Christmas has been restored.”
The Advent Conspiracy is a grassroots movement with more than 1,000 churches in 17 countries participating as co-conspirators with projects as varied as drilling a water well for those who lack access to clean water or simply encouraging congregations to think of meaningful acts of kindness as meaningful gift options to replace traditional gifts.
Last year, through Advent Conspiracy, $3 Million was raised for relief projects which included providing clean water and medical attention in communities around the world.
This year, Advent Conspiracy anticipates that individuals and churches will match last year’s commitment to charitable gifts and will make a lasting impact in communities around the world.
For more information about Advent Conspiracy, please visit: www.adventconspiracy.org
For more information about Creekside Community Church, please visit www.thecreekside.org
Anchor Dental is growing! They have added 2 more chairs and a new doctor to better serve you. With all the support from Katy residents, Anchor wanted to offer more available appointment times and expanded services with the addition of Dr. Tim Brune.
Dr. Brune is a native Houstonian who graduated from Marquette Dental School in 1976. He completed his residency at the Houston Medical Center in 1977 and obtained his FAGD(Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry) in 1992. Dr. Brune maintains membership in the Academy of General Dentistry, Texas, Houston, and American Dental Associations.
Anchor can now offer a broader selection of endodontic work as well as most extractions. Call today to meet your hometown dentist and receive the dental care your family needs at times most others don’t offer. Ask about our free exam and x-rays, late Monday and all day Friday hours! Visit anchordentalkaty.com or call 281-392-1715.
Cinco Ranch has won a “Houston’s Best PRISM Award” from the Greater Houston Builders Association in the “Community Recreation Center of the Year” category.
Cinco Ranch won the PRISM award for its new Rollingwood Recreation Center, a six-acre amenity with a water park, tennis courts, and a playground. The complex also includes walking trails and a three-tiered lake with waterfalls and fountains.
“Recreational amenities have helped Cinco Ranch rank as one of the top-selling communities in Texas and the nation for several years running,” said Heather Gustafson, marketing director for Newland Communities.
“Cinco Ranch ranked third in the nation for new home sales last year, and sales are up by more than 11 percent for the first nine months of 2012,” Gustafson said. “Offering a lifestyle enhanced by award-winning recreational amenities, on-site shopping, and top-rated Katy schools has helped Cinco Ranch remain a market leader.”
Opened in 1991, Cinco Ranch has grown to over 8,000 acres and has opened numerous recreational amenities through the years including The Beach Club, The Water Park, The Golf Club, and the wooded Bayou Trail.
Cinco Ranch recently opened its newest phase at FM 1463 and Cinco Trace Blvd., where eight new model homes are showcased amid hundreds of new homesites and several new lakes.
For more information, go to cincoranch.com
Houston-based NCI Building Systems will sponsor the 2012 American Heart Association (AHA) Northwest Harris County Heart Walk, taking place Saturday, Nov. 3 at Lone Star College-Cy Fair. Opening ceremonies start at 8:30 a.m. before the crowd of more than 2,000 participates in the non-competitive, 3-mile walk.
The event will raise funds, but event organizers have a primary goal to raise awareness about heart disease. Brad Robeson, President of the NCI Buildings division, said that he’s been increasingly focused on employee health and wellness, and hopes the partnership with the AHA will spread awareness within his company and his community about the potentially fatal disease.
“In today’s busy, convenience-minded society, it is easy to dismiss healthy living as something we simply do not have time for, but the reality is that nothing is more important than the health and well-being of yourself and the people in your life,” said Robeson, who serves as event chair for the 2012 Heart Walk. “The Heart Walk unites and inspires us to take control of our health. I encourage the members of our Northwest business and residential communities to join us for this important cause.”
NCI Building Systems and the AHA are pleased to welcome Rachel McNeill, news anchor with KPRC Local 2, as the event’s emcee. McNeill actually hails from Northwest Harris County and graduated from Cypress Creek High School before becoming a broadcast journalist and joining KPRC in 2001.
Robeson hopes to see the Heart Walk become a rallying point for all businesses throughout Northwest Harris County, citing the direct correlation between a healthy workforce and a healthy business, overall. As reflected in recent news coverage, healthcare expenses have become a leading concern for American businesses, and according to Businessweek, heart disease alone costs U.S. employers close to $200 billion, annually, and that figure is on the rise.
Support of the Heart Walk is part of an overall effort by NCI to take its focus on health to a new level in 2012, including the introduction of a new health and wellness initiative, Vitality 24/7, the sole purpose of which is to provide employees and their families with tools to improve their quality of life by taking steps to improve their overall health.
The AHA’s annual “My Heart. My Life.” Heart Walk is a family-friendly event which promotes physical activity as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle and raises funds for research, education and awareness programs to fight heart disease and stroke – the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers, respectively. The 2012 Northwest Harris County Heart Walk will feature the AmeriHeart, a walk-through exhibit of the human heart. The life-size educational tool is meant to help children and adults better understand how the heart functions and identify the markers of heart disease. Event organizers seek to raise $285,000 through the walk and recruit more than 40 businesses in Northwest Harris County to participate and launch AHA employee wellness programs within their organizations.
For more information on the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk, visit nwharrisheartwalk.org
Recently Beck Junior High School participated supporting in the Susan B. Komen foundation for Breast Cancer awareness. The school led thousands in raising awareness for breast cancer as well as raising funds.
The entire school participated in a “Pink Out” week. Mr. Stocks (Principal) and a team of his teachers ran in the Susan B. Komen 5K run as well as the 2012-2013 Cheerleading Squad dawned pink pom-poms and pink ribbons and created new cheers especially for the over 47,000 participants to cheer them on also those who have been affected directly by breast cancer at the race on October 6, 2012. Beck raised over $500 not including the monetary support that came from individuals who were supporting the runners.
The community is very proud of all the students at Beck Junior High and all those involved in the event.
Lance LaCour, President/CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) hasearned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. With 21 years of economic development experience, Lance LaCour has helped create over 14,500 jobs and over $2 billion in capital investment.
The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination, which tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in key areas of economics, business, marketing, finance, development, management, and planning.
Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well being, quality of life, and opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities.
The International Economic Development Council is the premiere organization for the economic development profession. Serving over 4,600 members, IEDC is the world’s largest professional membership organization providing a diversity of economic development services. IEDC provides economic developers with the information and tools they need to build local economies and strives to draw upon and increase the collective expertise and influence of its diverse membership.
The Dignity Memorial® network of funeral service locations and cemeteries announced today that it is building a new, state-of-the art facility in Katy, Texas.
With over 9,000 square-feet, the space will be reflective of modern funeral home design and will include a chapel and reception room that can accommodate large and small and traditional and non-traditional services.
“This new home will allow us to provide a meaningful funeral service for all of our families,” sharesSherry Davies, manager of Katy Funeral Home. “It is our goal to help clients create events that are meaningful and help tell the story of their loved ones’ life. Today’s funeral can range from very traditional services to unique life celebrations. With this lovely new facility and our highly trained staff of funeral professionals, we can create personal tributes for all families.”
Katy Funeral Home is a member of the Dignity Memorial network. As such, it offers exclusive benefits and value not found with other funeral providers, including Dignity package selections, bereavement travel (a service that helps facilitate travel related to the funeral), a nationally acclaimed grief management library and national transferability of prearranged services. There are over 30 Dignity Memorial providers in the greater Houston area.
Dignity Memorial providers proudly support their communities in a variety of ways, and associates at the future Katy Funeral Home are already making important contributions to the area. In 2012, the Dignity Memorial network was a premium sponsor of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Tour de Cure, held in Katy, and will sponsor the ADA Step Out Walk to Cure Diabetes. Katy Funeral Home staff members will also participate in the Shriner’s Hospital children’s holiday party.
“We are very pleased to become a member of the Katy community,” Davies says. “We have a culture of being good neighbors and our outreach programs are a testament to that.”
Recently, over 20 KATY Aquatics swimmers and family members share their skills and friendship by volunteering at the Special Olympics Texas Aquatics Competition held at the Don Cook Natatorium.
Athletes are encouraged to give back to the community by working with an organization that has touched many local families. KATY volunteers worked as officials, timers, and athlete escorts at this past event and everyone enjoyed watching the opening ceremony and the Special Olympics athletes who were chosen to participate in the torch relay. Some team volunteers even had the privilege of awarding medals to the winners.
KATY swimmers had the opportunity to see excitement and pride among all the participating athletes as each of them competed with heart in their races. All of the KA families who volunteered enjoyed the privilege of working with the athletes and cheering them on during their events. It was a truly rewarding experience to give our time as a club to a great organization and see our young KATY swimmers and the Special Olympics athletes share a common bond through the sport of swimming. There are plans to have even a larger presence of KATY swimmers and their families participate in many future events hosted by Special Olympics Texas.
Residents of the Spanish Meadows Nursing and Rehab facility, recently took advantage of the cooler weather and ventured out on a fishing trip.
Many of these are Tracheotomy patients and former ventilator patients so this was their first outing since they had initially become ill.
Mary Jo Peckham Park served as the location for this great and much needed adventure. The participants ate grilled burgers, fished, fed the ducks, and listened to music. The park staff assisted greatly in making this outing a treasured memory for years to come.
Keep Kids Connected, a Katy non-profit organization that gives computers to kids with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, recently gave away its 300th computer 2012 to 6-year old Nicholas Hernandez of Katy, TX.
Nicholas is being treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital in Houston. Nicholas received the computer from Caitlyn Mortus, a junior at Seven Lakes High School, who is herself, a cancer survivor.
Mortus started the organization after she was declared cancer free in August 2010 from her desire to help kids who were still in the hospital battling a serious illness.
Rob Denton, a CenterPoint Energy learning and development specialist and Katy, Texas resident, was recently honored as an outstanding volunteer and Jefferson Award recipient. The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America, presented on both a national and local level.
Since October 2010, Denton has served as a board member for Houston Dynamo Charities, which funds player initiatives and other community outreach programs. In 2011, Denton served as the project lead for the annual Dynamo FireSale, which raised more than $25,000. He also has participated in other fundraisers with the Dynamo – Houston’s Major League Soccer team – including soccer tournaments, auctions and other special events. Denton sees his community volunteerism as a way to fulfill CenterPoint Energy’s brand promise of “Always There.”
“I understand that energy delivery is the true and primary function of the company, but the outstanding community involvement helps us to increase our core messages and values to employees and the communities we serve,” he says.
The money raised from all the special events Denton has participated in has provided 3,500 game tickets for underprivileged young people; allowed more than 600 youths to participate in the Dynamo Soccer Skills training sessions; and given 1,000 Houston Independent School District students the chance to participate in an after-school soccer program.
Several residents of Spanish Meadows Nursing and Rehab recently enjoyed a fishing trip and day of fun at Mary Jo Peckham Park. Some were trach patients and former ventilator patients, and the trip was their first outing since seeking care. They enjoyed grill burgers, fishing, feeding the ducks, and listening to music at the park. The staff helped turn the day into a great memory for them.
The Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 of The American Legion is encouraging all citizens and small businesses to bring their worn, tattered, and otherwise unserviceable U.S. flags (5’x 8’ or smaller) to their flag collection sites on two upcoming Saturdays.
According to the U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 10: The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Your Katy American Legion Post is qualified to meet the requirements for a dignified retirement of your old flag and will do so in December in conjunction with the VFW Post 9182’s Pearl Harbor Commemoration at the VFW Hall on George Bush Dr.
The flags can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:
- Kroger at Hwy. 99 and Highland Knolls on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3
- Kroger at Mason Rd. and Westheimer Pkwy. on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3
A team of 48 bicyclists from The Methodist Hospital System recently rode in the Tour de Pink at Prairie View A&M University. Tour de Pink is a charity bicycle ride solely benefitting breast cancer awareness and education and is the first event of its kind in Texas.
Eight of the riders represented Methodist West Houston Hospital. The team consisted of Methodist staff, physicians, friends, and family. They collectively raised $2,800 in donations for the Pink Ribbons Project, the community service organization that hosts Tour de Pink and other events to raise money for breast cancer programs.
“It was an amazing event and the weather was perfect,” says Dr. Janet Macheledt, medical oncologist and hematologist at Methodist West Houston. Dr. Macheledt has served the cancer needs of communities in west Houston, Katy, and Austin County since 1996. She recently affiliated with Methodist and is the medical director of the hospital’s infusion center.
“The ride is a great analogy for the disease itself,” she says. “You start off not knowing what to expect, but support from both those you know and those whom you have never met carries you through the course and across the finish line.”
Since its inception in 2005, Tour de Pink has raised more than $2 million for outreach initiatives, such as proper medical screenings for underserved communities throughout the greater Houston area. More than 1,500 riders participated in this year’s event.
Rob Denton, a CenterPoint Energy learning and development specialist and Katy resident, was recently honored as an outstanding volunteer and Jefferson Award recipient. The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America, presented on both a national and local level.
Since October 2010, Denton has served as a board member for Houston Dynamo Charities, which funds player initiatives and other community outreach programs. In 2011, Denton served as the project lead for the annual Dynamo FireSale, which raised more than $25,000. He has also participated in other fundraisers with the Dynamo, including soccer tournaments, auctions, and other special events.
The money raised from all the special events Denton has participated in has provided 3,500 game tickets for underprivileged young people; allowed more than 600 youths to participate in the Dynamo Soccer Skills training sessions; and given 1,000 local students the chance to participate in an after-school soccer program.
Katy sisters Arielle, Avery, and Jalyn Carrejo recently donated their hair to Locks of Love. According to its mission statement, the nonprofit organization provides hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children under 21 suffering from medical hair loss. When Avery, now 8, turned 6 years old, she asked her mom if she could cut her hair and give it to children who needed it. Avery and Arielle are both students of Aristoi Classical Academy, and Jalyn is a freshman at Sam Houston State University. To learn more about Locks of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org.
Keep Kids Connected, a Katy non-profit organization that gives computers to kids with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, gave away its 300th computer on Sept. 11, 2012 to 6-year-old Nicholas Hernandez of Katy. Nicholas is being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital in Houston. He received the computer from Caitlyn Mortus, a junior at Seven Lakes High School, who is herself a cancer survivor. She started the organization after she was declared cancer-free in August 2010. She had the desire to help kids who were still in the hospital battling a serious illness.
For more information on Keep Kids Connected, including participating in their upcoming Superhero 5K/1 Mile Family Walk on Sept. 29 at 8 a.m. at the Villagio Town Center, visit www.keepkidsconnected.org or the Keep Kids Connected or Superhero5K Facebook pages.
Members of VFW Post 9182 of Katy hosted a Sept. 11 remembrance service, honoring the memories of those who lost their lives, as well as those who serve to protect our freedom. The event was attended by the Marine Corps Junior ROTC from Travis High School, as well as guest speaker LTC (Retired) Chuck Bagnato, head of the USMC Junior ROTC program at THS. Bagnato was deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan as a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps Harrier Jet. Members of the Katy Police Department and the Katy Fire Department also participated in the service, representing the many emergency service personnel who responded to the Sept. 11 attacks.
In an effort to help crush cancer, Katyite Ursula Ross was recently crowned a top cancer crusher by the Komen Houston Race for the Cure committee. She raised $2,175 between Aug. 13 and 17 and is a 14-year breast cancer survivor. Her efforts were part of a new fundraising contest by the Houston affiliate of Susan G. Komen for a Cure, which is honoring local individuals who are on a mission to crush breast cancer and assist in finding cures by raising funds. Ross was diagnosed in 1998 with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 38. On a hunch, her doctor sent her to have a mammogram two years early and it was because of that decision that her breast cancer was detected. If she had waited till she was 40 years old for her first mammogram, Ross believes she wouldn’t be with us today.
Ross offers her unique perspective on giving back to the Houston affiliate of Susan G. Komen for a Cure.
Why did you raise the money?
In years past, I have been the more silent-in-the-background participant type. I spearheaded the National Oilwell Varco team in processing the sponsorship, promotional items, registration, design, and distribution of the NOV team shirt. This year, things changed for me after attending the Komen survivor dinner. I became acutely aware of the bond we all share as survivors, and I remember thinking that if I can just touch one other person, lift up their spirits and more, then I really need to do this. Giving out T-shirts is no longer enough for me; now I want to “really” make a difference by fundraising, because that is how we stop breast cancer.
What does the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen mean to you?
Komen Houston is home. It is the local heartbeat; it is a southern sisterhood that provides a sense of family – families that have been affected by one thing we all have in common… breast cancer. The Komen organization transcends generations and backgrounds. It is giving back to the many women out there who need our help and is helping to make an otherwise frightening experience more comforting, knowing that you are not alone.
How long have you been involved with Komen Houston?
I have known about the organization since 1999 and have participated since 2002. This year, I am not just hearing about it, not just walking it, but I am also ready to make a difference.
How does it feel to be a top cancer crusher? Were you surprised?
It feels incredible, surreal even, and yes, I was very surprised! I never gave much thought to the contest overall. The newfound goal for me was to concentrate my efforts on educating co-workers and peers and to raise my expectations personally in fundraising. It’s the difference of flying below the radar to now flying above and no longer being afraid to do so.
To learn more about how you can give back, visit komen-houston.org. To learn more about the Komen Houston Race for the Cure, visit our events listing at www.katymagazine.com/komen-houston-race-for-the-cure/.
Homemade blueberry muffins, fresh fruit, guttural Hebrew consonants, passionate prayers, and an a cappella rendition of the “Doxology” were among the sights, smells, and sounds that welcomed new students to the first ever day of Master of Divinity classes at The Bible Seminary (TBS).
Heidi Arneson, chair-elect of the seminary board of directors, rejoiced as she welcomed Karen Coolidge, her friend and one of the first new students, to the Sept. 4 inaugural class. And everyone rejoiced as day one of classes began just like day one of dreaming about the seminary – with prayer.
Seminary president and senior pastor of Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church Dr. Jim Leggett reminded the group of representative TBS board members, faculty, staff, students, friends, and family that this venture is not the planting of a little bush, but the rooting of a massive oak tree called The Bible Seminary. He also reminded everyone of the big dreams he believes God has ahead for TBS.
“At our first dinner gathering to lay the foundation for The Bible Seminary, we cast the vision of reaching a million souls for Christ because of the exponential kingdom math that works in the ministry of a seminary,” Leggett says. “We dreamed that over the next 100 years, The Bible Seminary will train 5,000 students for ministry. If each of those students reached 200 people for Christ, then that is 1 million souls impacted for Christ.”
After giving TBS family and friends a chance to share testimonies of pivotal remembrances throughout the process of establishing the seminary, Arneson, Leggett, and executive vice-president/provost Dr. Lynn Lewis each prayed, thanking God and asking that He receive much glory from the work accomplished at and through TBS.
After the opening prayers and dedication, the group sang the “Doxology.” Shortly thereafter, professor Paul Helbig kicked off the first Master of Divinity class, a graduate-level course entitled Bible Study Methods I – Mark, Ruth, and Esther.
In the second class of the day, Dr. Linda Pattillo introduced the inaugural students to gutturals, quiescents, and vowel classes in Hebrew Language I – Jonah. Shortly before noon, TBS student Kevin Penner exclaimed enthusiastically, while delivering a high-five to fellow student Matt Larsen, “I just finished my first day of seminary!”
By the end of the week, these 13 pioneering Master of Divinity students – of varying denominational backgrounds, ages 22 to 56, male and female, of original nationalities ranging from American to Nigerian to Venezuelan – will have engaged in two additional courses, Spiritual Formation and Ministry I – Exodus and Missions I – Genesis, Nahum. And along with all of the TBS their professors, support staff, board members, and hundreds of faithful donors, they will have truly made history.
To learn more, visit www.thebibleseminary.org.
Named one of the Houston area’s top 10 festivals, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, produced by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, recently announced that all vendor booths are sold out for the 2012 event. The festival is held each year around the square in historic downtown Katy.
This marks a record for vendor booths being sold out over two months prior to the annual event. The festival committee is proud to announce that the 2012 event will feature a record number of handcrafted and homemade items. The Katy Rice Harvest Festival food vendor booths sold out within the first two weeks of vendor sales.
The Katy Rice Harvest Festival implemented a new recycling program last year, and additional recycling opportunities will be available at the 2012 festival. Proceeds from the 2011 recyclables were donated to the Texas chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Along with vendor booths, Katyites can enjoy a full-scale carnival and a first-class talent lineup on the Katy stage. Saturday’s entertainment includes the Andrew Wade Band; Karl Stephen Brunig and Long Red Road; DunVille; Silverado Band; Folk Family Revival; and the Scooter Brown Band. Yelba and Latin Fire, Mambo Jazz Kings, and Bri Bagwell will take the stage on Sunday.
The 2011 Katy Rice Harvest Festival presented a check for $12,258 to the City of Katy. The proceeds were used to produce the 2012 Katy Freedom Celebration on July 4. Additionally, the 2011 Katy Rice Harvest Festival presented a check for $10,223.87 to the Knights of Columbus as part of their partnership with the festival.
The Festival also contributed over $12,800 in 2011 to Cinco Ranch High School, Faith West Academy, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School, Morton Ranch High School, Pope John XXIII High School, Seven Lakes High School, and Taylor High School.
To learn more about the 2012 Katy Rice Harvest Festival, visit www.riceharvestfestival.org.
The Caitlyn and Friends spaghetti dinner on Aug. 11 was a huge success, with over 200 guests in attendance. The dinner raised $20,000 for Keep Kids Connected, a local nonprofit organization that provides Netbook computers to kids with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Since giving away its first computer in August 2010, the organization has now given away over 290 computers. Founder Caitlyn Mortus and her parents Dawn and Jerry Mortus attended the event, greeting guests. To learn more about Keep Kids Connected, visit www.keepkidsconnected.org.
As the new school year begins, Katy ISD’s police officers, crossing guards, bus drivers, campus administrators, teachers, and other staff members are working hard to ensure students get to school safely. To that end, they ask drivers throughout the area to watch out for children.
Here are things drivers can do to help ensure the safety of children walking or riding bicycles to school:
- Drive friendly: Setting an alarm can ensure plenty of time to get to work, eliminating the anxiety and frustration of arriving late.
- Look right before turning right: In addition to looking left for oncoming cars at intersections, drivers need to check for pedestrians crossing on the right.
- No phone in the zone: Remember that cell phone use is prohibited in most school zones. Wait to text, read texts, or talk until it is safe.
- Treat bicycles as vehicles: Bikes on the street should be treated as vehicles by other drivers. Don't crowd the bike, or pass and turn in front of the rider.
- Respect crossing guards: They have legal authority to control traffic. Please respect them as they help children cross safely.
- Watch for bus flashing lights: They warn drivers to stop. Passing the bus in either direction endangers children exiting the bus and is a serious traffic violation.
- Read school zone times: Times are based on the start and end of the school day and are not uniform throughout the area, so please read the signs.
- Respect drop-off areas: They are established by the school to ensure students don't have to walk between buses or cross traffic lanes.
- Plan for severe weather: Weather problems can include extreme heat, ice, and thunderstorms. Develop a family plan for severe weather days.
- Most importantly, watch out for children as your drive!
Miss Katy Lascena Milner will represent her hometown in the Miss Texas USA Pageant at the Hilton American Hotel in Houston on Sept. 1 and 2. Milner is a graduate of Katy High School, where she was on the cheer squad, and currently attends the University of San Antonio where she is studying toward a bachelor’s degree in education. She will graduate in May with a teaching certification for grades pre-K through six.
The Katy Rice Harvest Festival rolls into Katy Oct. 13 and 14 and has become known as a first-class, affordable, quality family event. Be sure to stop by Katy Magazine’s booth (near the food court) and get your child’s photo taken for free for the 2013 Katy’s Cutest Kid Cover Contest! Learn more about the contest, by visiting www.katymagazine.com/katys-cutest-kid-cover-contest-2012-frequently-asked-questions/.
The festival will feature over 325 unique vendors. Commercial and handcrafted vendor booths are still available, but food vendor booths are completely sold out.
The cooking competition will take place on Sept. 22, featuring the culinary talents of Katy residents. The competition offers some great prizes for the winning dishes. The photography contest will also be judged on Sept. 22, featuring remarkable photographs by local amateur photographers. The Katy Rice Harvest Festival will kick off with a family-friendly parade on Oct. 6 in downtown Katy. Everyone is encouraged to participate and join the fun.
The festival will also include a star-studded entertainment lineup:
- Oct. 13 features performances by Dunville, The Trishas, the Silverado Band, Folk Family Revival, and the Scooter Brown Band.
- Oct. 14 features performances by Yelba and Latin Fire, the Mambo Jazz Kings, and Bri Bagwell.
The Rice Stage will showcase local musical talent, dancers, martial arts demonstrations, and more.
Free parking and free shuttle service to and from the festival at Katy Mills Mall is available for all guests. Festival admission is $8 for adults and children over 10 years of age.
To support the City of Katy, $1 per ticket will be contributed to the City of Katy annual fireworks display. Additionally, Cinco Ranch High School, Faith West Academy, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School, Morton Ranch High School, Pope John XXIII High School, Seven Lakes High School, and Taylor High School all benefit from the gate proceeds.
Children of all ages will enjoy the attractions provided by the carnival. In addition to the big rides, the carnival will also have a separate kiddie kingdom. Pony rides and a small train ride will be available for the smaller children. The carnival will be open Friday night, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission tickets and carnival wristbands will be available for purchase in advance and at the festival.
To register for any of the activities or events, purchase carnival armbands or admission tickets, or see a complete list of times and events, visit www.riceharvestfestival.org. Please call the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce at 281-391-5289 or email info@katychamber.com for additional information.
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show recently donated $100,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus during a celebration attended by supporters, charity representatives, and hospital leaders. The organization also donated $15,000 to Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, to support the family rooms inside of Texas Children’s Hospital, as well as $10,000 to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance, to support their work with Texas Children’s Cancer Center families. “Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has a simple mission to help children,” shares Lynn Walsh, organization president. Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse shows in North America and works to bring support to sick children and their families.
A recent study by the Alliance for Excellent Education shows that 2012 Katy ISD graduates will have a significant impact on the Houston area economy throughout their lifetime. This year, approximately 4,083 high school seniors graduated from the district’s six high schools: Cinco Ranch, Katy, Mayde Creek, Morton Ranch, Seven Lakes, and Taylor.
Among the findings:
- Collectively, Katy ISD’s 2012 graduates are expected to earn as much as $60 million more in an average year compared to their likely earnings had they not earned a high school diploma.
- By the midpoint of their careers, these new graduates, combined, will likely purchase homes totaling in value of as much as $87 million more than what they would have spent without a diploma.
- They will likely spend up to an additional $3.2 million in vehicle purchases, combined, during an average year.
- The spending and investments made by these graduates, combined, will likely be enough to support as many as 360 new jobs in the Houston area, and increase the gross regional/state product by as much as $56 million by the time they reach their career midpoints.
- As a result of increased wages and higher levels of spending, federal, state, and local tax revenues are expected to grow as much as $13 million during an average year.
These projections were calculated by the Alliance for Excellent Education using a sophisticated economic input/output model, developed in conjunction with State Farm, which provides economic projections of local benefits based on the number of students who graduate from high school. At the heart of the model is the well-documented fact that high school graduates earn, on average, more money than their peers who do not earn a diploma.
The model, which was created by Economic Modeling Specialist Inc., an economics firms specializing in socioeconomic impact tools, pulls from the most recent economic data available from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of labor Statistics. The majority of the data included in the model is state- and/or metro-area specific, yielding results tailored to each community.
The Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa is gearing up for the start of the new school year. The group will be sponsoring membership meetings from September to December in Katy ISD schools. Interested women teachers who have been actively involved in education for at least two years and have been recommended by an Alpha Delta Kappa teacher are eligible for membership.
Chapter president Elizabeth Stelevich recently attended the Texas State Convention in Corpus Christi where teachers from all over the state met to select new officers. Cindy Bigham from League City will serve as the Texas state president for the next biennium.
Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary sorority for women educators. Membership, which is honorary and based on peer recognition, provides a wealth of opportunities for leadership development and networking through workshops, training sessions, conferences, and conventions. But, perhaps the greatest opportunity Alpha Delta Kappa provides is the opportunity to make a difference. Around the world, Alpha Delta Kappa members combine their energies and talents to enrich their lives and the lives of others through thousands of heartwarming, community-based altruistic projects.
More than 38,000 members in over 1,400 chapters around the world have discovered the many opportunities provided by membership in Alpha Delta Kappa. Texas is divided into 16 districts, and the Epsilon Mu chapter is proud to serve women educators in Katy ISD.
Locally, the chapter has sponsored scholarships for graduating seniors, organized bingo games at nursing homes and collected socks for the residents, provided materials for the Threads of Love group to create blankets for the NICU nurseries in local hospitals, adopted families at Christmas, and provided funds for a smile train surgery, Katy Christian Ministries, TARC, and the American Heart Association. Recently, members adopted the Krause Center as their holiday project and then helped fund the spring prom. Internationally, the group raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the St. Jude Hospital for Research.
To learn more, visit www.alphadeltakappa.org or contact Elizabeth Stelevich at aestel@comcast.net.
Katyite Brett Flodder recently earned his MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School. He has lived in Katy since 1994 and is a 2004 graduate of Cinco Ranch High School. He graduated from Texas Christian University in 2008. Flodder and his wife Katie will be moving to Dallas where he will be working as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.
VFW Post 9182 recently held a remembrance of the 59th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice, the Korean War ceasefire agreement. Five members of the post who saw action in the Forgotten War were honored and shared their experiences defending freedom in that far corner of the world.
The first to retell one of his memorable experiences was Joe Reynolds, who served as an Army artillery officer with the 45th infantry division. He related a story that while directing fire on the Chinese communist positions near what would later become the Korean DMZ, his unit brought retaliation on our British Allies. It seems the communists were firing back on the British positions, rather than the Americans.
Sergeant Charley White was with the second infantry division not far from Reynolds near Panmunjom when the Armistice was signed. He told stories of some Americans literally interacting with the Chinese for a short while. He was skeptical of the former enemy and did not allow his men to engage in this sort of activity.
Pat Adams, the former Katy police chief and a former member of the seventh Marine regiment, first Marine division, told of riding a train from Pusan to the eastern side of northern South Korea. He told stories of the bitter cold conditions (30 and 40 degrees below zero) that the troops encountered.
This was also the same theme that was echoed by former Post Commander Todd Spiller. Spiller was one of those rare soldiers promoted from the enlisted ranks to become an officer, known as a Mustang. Like Adams, he was a member of the seventh Marine regiment, first Marine division. He was in the mountains not far from Adams in a place known as Mun San-Ni.
Spiller also related an interesting piece of history. In 1955, they were loaded upon vessels to join the fight in Vietnam. These orders were later changed several days after leaving Korea, and it would be 10 years before a full-scale landing of Marines would take place in Southeast Asia.
Louis Mehr, the commander of the Post 9182’s honor guard, related experiences while serving in maintenance with the first Marine Air Wing, MAG 12 Hq Squadron. He related how the first Ace of the Korean War was credited with five "kills" flying a Corsair. However, the planes he shot down, all at night, were unarmed single-engine types. He also told of meeting one of America's greatest baseball heroes, Ted Williams.
One of the guests in attendance was Duane Offe, a Katy resident, who is a member of Tomball VFW Post 2427. Offe shared stories of serving aboard U.S. Navy APA's at the landings at Inchon and Pusan (a place with a 24-foot swing in the high-low tides). He told how once the Marines were discharged ashore, his vessel was loaded with communist prisoners of war who were taken to Koje-do, a hilly 150-square-mile island some 20 miles off the southeastern coast of Korea.
Commander Dave Brasell had opened the remembrance by stating that America has come to call this the Forgotten War, however, this war will never be forgotten by those that participated in that conflict. He also stated that Korea is the only nation that has ever formally thanked the U.S. for coming to the aid of their country. He displayed a copy of the document that so thanked America. It was also noted that since a peace agreement has never been signed, technically we are still at war. American service personnel who currently serve there gain eligibility for membership in the VFW.
For more information about VFW Post 9182, contact Commander Dave Brasell at 281-391-8387. Post meetings are held at the VFW Hall on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Monthly meetings are preceded by a potluck dinner.
The “summer of Cinco” is unfolding in west Houston’s Cinco Ranch, highlighted by two new neighborhoods showcasing eight new decorated model homes. Right now, early buyers can take advantage of pre-grand opening pricing and can also have first pick of new homesites, including a limited number of lakefront and lakeview locations.
Outdoor living areas, wine grottos, kitchens with oversized islands and planning centers, and three-car garages are among the design features visitors can discover in these new models by Trendmaker, Ryland, Village Builders, Perry, Highland, Partners In Building, and David Weekley. Prices range from the $260,000s to $700,000s.
Bandera Glen
Priced from the $260,000s to $330,000s, new models by Ryland and Trendmaker showcase the most affordable new homes in the “summer of Cinco.”
Ryland’s Forte model has a two-story family room overlooking a covered patio, an open kitchen with a piano-shaped work island, and a three-car tandem garage. With over 3,000 square feet, the Forte also offers a downstairs master suite, and formal living and dining rooms. Upstairs, it has a game room and three more bedrooms. Buyers can customize the Forte with flexible design options such as a wine grotto or a downstairs guest suite with a full bath. They can also extend the master closet or garage.
A kitchen with a large square island is at the heart of Trendmaker’s new model, Plan F503. Featuring a walk-in pantry, this kitchen is surrounded by a casual dining area, a two-story family room, and a covered patio. With 3,099 square feet, this four-bedroom model has the master suite and a private guest suite both downstairs. Upstairs are two more bedrooms and a game room. A downstairs study is also included. This plan offers options including a fifth bedroom, an entertainment room, and an enlarged covered patio.
Summer of Cinco
There’s also much more in store during the “summer of Cinco,” including:
- New luxurious, low-maintenance patio homes priced from the mid $200,000s to $400,000s by David Weekley and Village Builders. Models open this fall in the new Ashfield Gardens neighborhood, and buyers can get details at Simply Cinco, the Cinco Ranch information center in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.
- New recreational amenities, including the Rollingwood Recreation Center, featuring a water park with a pool and splash pad, a three-tiered lake surrounded by trails, tennis courts, a playground, and more.
- Three new Katy ISD schools opening in Cinco Ranch this month, bringing to 16 the total number of onsite Katy schools in the community.
For more information, visit the Simply Cinco info center in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Just take I-10 West to the Grand Parkway and turn left, then turn right on Cinco Ranch Blvd. Find details at www.cincoranch.com/summer.
When school starts back in West Houston’s Cinco Ranch community next month, some students will be attending three new onsite schools just opened by Katy ISD. With the opening of Tom Wilson Elementary, Fred and Patti Shafer Elementary, and Seven Lakes Junior High, Cinco Ranch now boasts 16 onsite schools in grades kindergarten through 12, all part of the highly rated Katy school district.
Education has long been an advantage for Cinco Ranch, which ranked third nationally in new-home sales for 2011, according to a study by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Cinco Ranch is also home to the University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch, where students can pursue over 30 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The Katy Family YMCA and numerous private schools offer a variety of daycare and early learning options, and the onsite Cinco Ranch Branch Library offers many enriching activities.
Along with new schools, Cinco Ranch is also adding new neighborhoods and recreational amenities as part of the Summer of Cinco promotion. Overall, Cinco Ranch offers new homes priced from the $150,000s to over $1 million. More than 30 decorated model homes are open, including eight new models now open in the newest phase of the community.
The eight new models by Trendmaker, Ryland, Village Builders, Perry, Highland, Partners in Building, and David Weekley showcase many of the latest design trends in kitchens, baths, and outdoor living areas. Pre-grand opening pricing is offered in these new neighborhoods, and early buyers can enjoy first pick of a limited number of lakeview homesites.
Other decorated models are featured in the Cinco Ranch Model Home Village. Cinco Ranch is also previewing a new neighborhood offering patio homes from the mid $200,000s to the $400,000s by Village Builders and David Weekley. A new amenity, the Rollingwood Recreation Center, has also opened as part of the Summer of Cinco.
For more information, visit the Simply Cinco info center in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Just take I-10 West to the Grand Parkway and turn left, then turn right on Cinco Ranch Blvd. Or visit www.cincoranch.com/summer.
Home for the Holidays Gift Market is currently offering a fundraiser for local youth groups, school groups, and nonprofit organizations. Interested groups can earn 50% of ticket sales, with more than 100,000 guests expected to attend the event. To learn more, email homefortheholidaysgiftmarket@yahoo.com.
The annual state sales tax holiday is right around the corner, according to Senator Glenn Hegar. The three-day annual event will begin on Friday, Aug. 17 and will continue through the weekend to its conclusion at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 19. The tax holiday offers Texas families the opportunity to save on needed back-to-school items.
Shoppers will have the once-a-year opportunity to save on school supplies, backpacks, and clothing. Just as in previous years, retail customers will enjoy a full reprieve from sales and use tax for most clothing and footwear priced under $100, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. The holiday is fully inclusive – families and individuals do not need to have a child to take advantage of the savings and will enjoy relief from both the 6.25% state sales tax, as well as the additional 2% other entities may impose.
“As Texas seeks to continue its climb out of recent years’ economic downturn, 2012’s sales tax holiday is a welcome opportunity to enjoy some savings as we ready for our childrens’ return to school,” says Sen. Hegar. “During the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009, I joined with my House and Senate colleagues to expand the list of items that qualify for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes, a benefit I certainly encourage us all to take advantage of.” Texans will save an estimated $64.8 million in 2012 during the state and local sales taxes holiday.
For a list of tax-free items during the sales tax holiday, visit www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and his wife Laurie recently presented a $200,000 donation raised through their GR8 Hope Foundation for child life services at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, Houston’s first community hospital designed, built, and equipped exclusively for children.
Texas Children’s highly trained child life specialists help normalize the hospital environment for patients and their siblings by coordinating hospital playroom activity, bedside play, and special events. These activities help manage children’s stress, which often reduces the need for sedatives and pain medications, helping children heal faster with less long-term psychological effects.
With the goal of providing resources, support, hope, and happiness for children with medical needs and their families, the Schaubs, through their GR8 Hope Foundation, recognized the similarities between the foundation’s mission and the goal of Texas Children’s child life department. In 2011, the Schaubs made a lasting impact on the hospital by donating $108,000 to equip the playroom.
As part of their continued dedication to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and the child life department, the Schaubs are pleased to have presented a second donation through their Gr8 Hope Foundation that will continue to impact the lives of children and families visiting the hospital.
The Grand Lakes Gators Swim Team, West Houston Aquatic League’s Division I champions, recently hosted a Swim-a-Thon with proceeds benefiting the Katy Wolf Pack. The Katy Wolf Pack is a Special Olympics Texas team, which offers softball, basketball, track and field, bocce ball, golf, bowling, and aquatics for individuals with intellectual disabilities who live in Katy and surrounding areas. Grand Lakes Gators swimmers collected pledges and swam up to 100 laps each, raising $1,500 to donate to their fellow Katy athletes to assist with the purchase of equipment and operating expenses. Wolf Pack athletes came to cheer on their Gator friends at the event. The Gators’ top fundraisers and coaches presented the Wolf Pack with a large check at the team’s end-of-the-year party.
When they said “too many cooks spoil the broth,” they were not talking about Green Beans and Guacamole’s recent Culinary Extravaganza held at The Wynden. Nine of Houston’s top chefs and restaurants featured in the cookbook gathered together to create a spectacular dinner in support of local nonprofits, Friends for Good, and the ARC of Katy and Houston. The Green Beans and Guacamole cookbook was recently featured in the Winter 2011/2012 issue of Katy Magazine. View the article by visiting www.katymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/Katy-Texas-Green-Beans-Guacamole-Cookbook-Katy-TX.pdf.
Over 75 people attended the Culinary Extravaganza, including HEB President Scott McClelland and his wife Soraya, to help Friends for Good raise over $25,000 for the ARC of Houston and Katy. Guests enjoyed an eight-course dinner provided by Chef Kiran Verma of Kiran’s Restaurant and Bar, Chef Heath Windle of Slow Dough, Chef Renato di Pirro of Ristorante Cavour, Chef Abbas Hussein of Sorrento’s, Chef John Sheely of Mockingbird Bistro, Chef David Denis of Le Mistral, Chef Soren Pedersen of Sorrel Urban Bistro and Ray’s Gourmet Country, Chef Dominic Juarez of Masraff’s, and Chef Randy Evans of Haven.
“We are so thrilled to have had the opportunity to host this dinner,” says Corky Hillhouse, co-chair for the event and husband of Belinda Hillhouse, founder of Friends for Good. “It was an amazing effort on everyone’s part, from the chefs and their wonderful restaurants to friends and guests who came out to support an ‘outstandable’ cause. We cannot thank everyone enough for such a wonderful night.” ‘Outstandable’ is a term coined by Austin Hanson, Belinda’s son and a lifelong member of the ARC of Katy.
Hanson, the inspiration for the cookbook, was the star of the night as he made sure not to be left out of any of the action! First he donned an apron and stood side by side the chefs, helping them prepare each of their courses. He then joined the wait staff and helped serve the plates to the guests throughout the dinner.
Hanson also had a hand in the live auction! Wearing matching suits from M Penner, Hanson joined McClelland, who played auctioneer for the evening, up front as he auctioned off three culinary items. The live auction raised a total of $8,800, all of which will go towards the ARC of Houston and Katy.
Green Beans and Guacamole’s mission goes beyond bringing exclusive Houston restaurant recipes to dinner tables throughout homes; it also feeds the hope that the ARC of Houston and Katy provide to countless children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About Friends for Good
Founded in 2009 by Belinda Hillhouse, Friends for Good is a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to enhancing lives by supporting and promoting charitable deeds through networking and word-of-mouth efforts.
The all-volunteer board-of-directors of Friends for Good includes Shelly deZavallos, Belinda Hillhouse, and Laurie McNay, who are collectively responsible for planning and carrying out the organization’s projects, including Green Beans and Guacamole.
About The ARC
The ARC of Greater Houston and Katy is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ARC promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Memorial Hermann Hospital’s recently hosted the Cancer Survivors’ Celebration of Life and Cupcake Contest. More than 275 people in attended the event, which featured classes for survivors and caregivers, a resource fair with 25 exhibits, and a program that was designed to align with the American Cancer Society’s national theme of “more birthdays.”
The highlight of the event was a cupcake “throw down” featuring five local bakeries: Memorial Bakery, Memorial Hermann Catering, Ooh La La, Three Brothers Bakery, and the Westin Houston Memorial City. Judges for the cupcake contest included State Rep. Dwayne Bohac; executive chef Michael Cordua of Cordua Restaurants; Betti Guzman, vice president of the American Cancer Society’s High Plains region; Steve Sanders, CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands; Donna Vallone, a breast cancer survivor; and Rameen Zahed, a colorectal cancer survivor.
The winning bakery was Three Brothers Bakery, which designed a cupcake entitled “Well-Deserved Vacation.” Thanks to generous donors, they received a prize package valued at more than $1,500.
Recently, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees adopted an incentive policy and accepted an application under the Texas Economic Development Act (Chapter 313) incentive program for Weatherford Artificial Lift Systems, Inc., a project that may create up to 425 jobs and $100 million in capital investment. According to the Katy Area Economic Development Council, the incentive may allow Katy ISD to lower the assessed property tax value of the project to $30 million, while the State of Texas makes the school district whole.
Under this program, companies involved in manufacturing, research and development, clean energy, and computer centers can apply for a reduction of assessed value and property tax credits for a period of years. The program is designed to create high-quality jobs in which a significant portion of the jobs created must pay over 110% of the average manufacturing wage for the region.
This is the first application accepted by Katy ISD. The Katy Area EDC encouraged and recommended acceptance of the application and adoption of the policy. The next step involves an application review by the state comptroller’s office. Consequently, the comptroller’s office submits a recommendation to Katy ISD. Visit www.katyedc.org.
Vacation Bible school students and their parents from Westland Baptist Church recently hosted a diapers and baby wipes drive for the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston. The donations will help the center better serve residents in three counties who are faced with circumstances surrounding a present, potential, or former pregnancy. Peer counseling, parenting classes, limited ultrasound, and help with maternity clothing and baby items are just some of the services the center provides to its clients.
Boy Scouts in Troop 209 lead the opening flag ceremony during a July 4 veterans recognition ceremony and community parade in the Governors Place subdivision. Scouts who participated include senior patrol leader and Eagle Scout Mark Melton, who served as the speaker; Michael Osborn, who presented the American flag; and Joshua Hough, who presented the Texas flag. Troop 209 is based out of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Katy.
The Cimarron Swordfish swim team recently celebrated concluding an outstanding season. Many swimmers set records in their events, as well as advanced to the WHALe Meet of Champs and All Stars. The team is proud of all athletes and looks forward to the 2013 swim season. To learn more, visit www.cimstswordfish.com.
The Katy Christian Women’s Connection (KCWC) hosted a prayer coffee on June 14 at La Madeleine in Katy. The ladies enjoyed the fellowship, sharing, and prayers of the women in attendance. Joanne Dyer shared her inspirational testimony of how the Lord has work through her life, with abundant blessings for her family, and she touched everyone’s hearts. This group meets monthly for prayer coffees, a few times a year for luncheons, and also offers Bible studies. Find more information on their website at www.katycwc.org.
British and Expat Families of Katy enjoyed a very special evening at Willowfork Country Club on June 8 in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II over Great Britain. Over 120 guests were invited to enjoy traditional British food like bangers ’n’ mash and fish ’n’ chips, along with a royal quiz similar to the typical format of a British pub quiz and entertainment by local British DJ Evelyn Borthwick, who provided a 1970s and 1980s disco.
The event included authentic touches like hand-picked British goodies arranged into baskets for raffle prizes, some carefully wrapped and brought back in hand luggage from the United Kingdom; homemade gravy cooked by one of the group’s organizers and delivered to the club earlier that day; Union Jack bunting (decorative flag garlands) air-mailed to an expat family in Katy by relatives in the United Kingdom; and custom-ordered cakes displaying photographic images of Buckingham Palace and Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty and two royal corgies, resplendent and bejeweled, were standing on display at the top of the staircase as if poised to greet and welcome arriving guests. Every table bore the title and photograph of a royal property surrounded by candles, confetti, and balloons.
The British and Expat Families of Katy meet-up group is one of several local social groups set up to support the needs of an ever-increasing expat population drawn to Katy because of its excellent school district, proximity to the Energy Corridor, and commutability to Houston. The group provides a home away from home and welcome landing pad for expat newcomers to Katy. The group currently includes over 80 members, who reside in Katy or neighboring western suburbs of Houston.
The group started small in October 2008, with three women who had a personal wish to meet like-minded friends who had lived abroad and had something in common. Then, they grew to something bigger and decided to stretch beyond the small group of friends they had become and serve the needs of the wider expat community, opening the door to anyone in need of a warm welcome and helping hand. The group rotates the lead organizer role and team every 12 months to avoid becoming cliquey and invites new volunteers to join.
Members host regular meet-ups during the month, such as a book club, play group, coffee mornings, lunches, and family outings as well as occasional get-togethers that have become annual events like the Pub Quiz, the Grand National, Cinco de Mayo, and a Christmas lunch. They sponsor a family in Zimbabwe who is connected to one of their organizers, helping them to educate their children, and they support the not-for-profit Kosmos Coffee Shop by hosting coffee there every Tuesday.
The group enjoys overlap with other local expat groups such as Katy Coffee, line dancing, and Wednesday Coffee, and part of what members do is to make sure new members have the opportunity to become part of these other groups and spread the net. The group has encountered many pleasant reunions with old school friends, distant relatives, and old neighbors turning up in the Katy area every month.
The British and Expat Families group feels so fortunate to be in Katy, surrounded by warm Texan hospitality and enjoying the Texan way of life, from rodeos and football games to barbecues and pool parties. It is hard for even the most resistant amongst the group not to be won over by year-round sunshine, spacious and beautiful homes, sparkling pools in the neighborhood, plenty of free time to enjoy a good social life, and extensive activities for children. But being an expat comes with a price; group members leave their families, friends, and country behind; help their teenage children overcome the emotional, cultural, and academic hurdles of changing school and countries; and sometimes end up feeling that whilst they can fit in anywhere, they belong nowhere. Vacation funds are depleted by trips back home, and important occasions like weddings, birthdays, and graduations are often missed. Skype and Facetime become their best friends.
That is where the British and Expat Families group comes in, offering support to members through tough times together and enjoying the good times! To learn more, visit www.meetup.com/british-and-expat-moms-of-katy.
The Katy Highflyers jump rope team will take center stage, when 20 team members travel to Long Beach, CA to compete at the U.S. National Jump Rope Championship from June 21 to 24. An additional five team members have also qualified for the U.S. National Team and are heading to the FISAC Rope Skipping Championship in Tampa, FL from July 30 to Aug. 9.
Leaping out of the Katy Family YMCA, the team includes jumpers in first grade through college. The Highflyers team initially took flight in fall 2000 under the leadership of coaches David Cazares and Tammy Aleman Cazares, and has been featured in local and national media, including ESPN and an X-Box 360 commercial with Chicago Bulls star Ben Wallace.
The Highflyers’ commitment to community service is a core fundamental of the group’s experience, and the team has performed in support of the America Heart Association, the Ronald McDonald House, America’s Walk for Diabetes, Walk MS, and the Houston Grand Prix. The Highflyers promote hard work, dedication, leadership, and responsibility – virtues essential to personal and professional success. To learn more about the team, contact coach David Cazares at 832-444-5375.
The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for First Victoria National Bank’s Katy location, which is scheduled to open in early September. The banking center is officially scheduled to open its doors in early September and will be located at 9610 Spring Green.
With the new location, First Victoria will be expanding its presence in Katy with two banking centers, to go along with two other nearby banking centers in Rosenberg. The new location will feature traditional banking services, as well as a V-Source Center, which can best be described as a third space away from the home or office that provides customers with non-traditional services, including financial resource materials, a copying machine, faxing services, coin counter, Internet access, and more business center amenities. In addition, a 24-hour image capture ATM will be available for withdrawals and deposits, as well as three drive-through lanes.
First Victoria National Bank is the oldest independent bank in Texas and currently has 29 banking centers, 36 ATMs, assets in excess of $1.9 billion and more than 85,000 customers in the Texas Gulf Coast, the I-45 corridor north of Houston, the Brazos Valley, and Fort Bend County. For additional information about the new Spring Green Banking Center, please contact Gilbert Limones at 281-232-1201.
Pictured (from left) are Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Melissa Evans, Katy Magazine; Eloise Lucas, Legacy Ford; Craig Brooks, First Victoria National Bank; Ken Olan, First Victoria National Bank; David Wiseman, First Victoria National Bank; Bruce Mercer, First Victoria National Bank; Lionel Martin, Garcia-Martin & Martin, PC; Brad Bowman, First Victoria National Bank; Mary Doetterl, Fort Bend Business Journal; Gilbert Limones, First Victoria National Bank; Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford; Shanta Kuhl, Chamber President; DeJuan Edwards, First Victoria National Bank; Marissa Borrego, First Victoria National Bank; Ashley Long, First Victoria National Bank; Erica Tirado, First Victoria National Bank; Susan Tomchesson, First Victoria National Bank; Chris Capps, First Victoria National Bank; Kevin Kohl, Silver Eagle Distributors; Melissa Martin, Garcia-Martin & Martin, PC, and Taryn Arbeely, Katy Magazine.
Elizabeth Neville recently received the senior award trophy, commemorating 12 years of piano study with music educator Mary Ann LaCour of Katy. Neville also earned the Texas Music Teachers Association’s Student Affiliate Senior Award. Neville has participated in many activities sponsored by the Katy Music Teachers Association and will be attending Stanford University in the fall. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Neville of Katy and is the current salutatorian of the graduating class at Taylor High School. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Dads and daughters in the Concho Tribe, Songon Nation of Katy recently celebrated their 12th reunion at the family country property of Elroy and Ken Kiecke in Cat Springs. Once a year, the group, which formed as part of the YMCA’s Indian Princesses dad-daughter program, has gathered for a weekend of camping and recreation. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Pictured are (from left) Holly Kons, Hayley Hunt, Lexi Karpuk, Melanie Mozer, Victoria Nation, Kendal Kiecke, and Cammeron Pujats.
As construction continues on a new portion of the Grand Parkway from I-10 north to U.S. 290, officials are soliciting bids for construction of three more segments that will extend the road to U.S. 59.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued a final request for proposals for construction of three segments of the Grand Parkway, with five companies shortlisted to design and build the project. Proposals are due in August, with construction anticipated to start in January. July 2015 is the projected opening date.
Workers started on Segment E of the Grand Parkway last September. The 15.2-mile, four-lane toll road will be a major roadway through the 11,400-acre Bridgeland community. “This benefits not only Bridgeland, but the entire region,” says Peter Houghton, vice president of master-planned communities. “The Grand Parkway is an important component in Houston’s mobility plan, and we are thrilled to see progress on Segment E, as well as the additional portions that will bring us within 35 minutes of the Energy Corridor, the new ExxonMobil campus, and the Bush Intercontinental Airport.”
The three additional segments to be built total 38 miles and include Segment F1 from U.S. 290 to Hwy. 249 in Tomball; Segment F2 from Hwy. 249 in Tomball to I-45 in Spring; and Segment G from I-45 in Spring east to U.S. 59 in New Caney.
“Construction of these additional segments were green-lighted after ExxonMobil’s announcement that it would build a new campus on 385 acres it owns near the intersection of I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road,” Houghton says. “The Grand Parkway’s 2015 opening date in that area is timed to coincide with when the company expects its campus to be fully operational.”
Further details about the Grand Parkway can be found at www.grandpky.com. To learn more about Bridgeland, visit www.bridgeland.com.
About Bridgeland
Bridgeland is an 11,400-acre master-planned community in Cypress, located between U.S. 290 and I-10 on Fry Rd. and bisected by a segment of the Grand Parkway, scheduled for completion in two years. Managed by The Woodlands Development Company, Bridgeland and The Woodlands share the same development philosophy and benefit from The Woodlands’ 40 years of successful real estate development. Both communities are listed among the top-selling master-planned communities in Texas and the nation and offer a wide variety of housing options, extensive outdoor recreation, and a focus on environmental preservation.
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The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) recently announced that Myers, Crow and Saviers, Ltd. will begin construction on the 135,000-square-foot Mason Creek Office Center, located on Merchants Way near Mason Road in Houston’s Energy Corridor, in the third quarter of 2012 with completion set for April 2013. The property is located on 10.8 acres in Mason Creek Corporate Park, a covenant-restricted, master-planned business park owned by Parkside Capital. The two-story office building will feature 67,500-square-foot floorplates, energy-efficient construction and systems, and flexible parking ratios to accommodate high-density office users. The project is applying for LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Moody Rambin Interests has been retained to lease and manage the property. “With the construction of the Grand Parkway in Katy from I-10 to Highway 290, the timing is right for this location,” says Mark Saviers, principal at Myers, Crow and Saviers. “Large companies seeking cost-efficient, class A space are moving westward along I-10 to find it and to be closer to where their employees live. The strength of this market is demonstrated by the fact that the Mason Creek Office Center is a speculative development; construction is proceeding without the requirement of tenant pre-leasing.”
“The Mason Creek Office Center is designed to appeal to the most active tenants in the market – energy, engineering, and healthcare companies that have consolidation needs in west Houston/Katy,” says Bob Cromwell, managing director of Moody Rambin Interests. “This property meets or exceeds the power and energy-efficiency requirements for the long-term growth of today’s businesses.”
Katy Area EDC CEO Lance LaCour notes that this will be the first major speculative office building located in the Katy area west of Park Ten. “The EDC assisted with the site selection search and will help with marketing and incentives,” he says. “We are excited about this facility and the business recruiting opportunities it will bring to the Katy area.”
The Mason Creek Office Center is immediately accessible to I-10 and the Grand Parkway. The residential neighborhoods of Katy/Cinco Ranch, and northwest Houston are nearby. The building’s location has the electrical capacity for two 6.5-megawatt circuits to be brought to the building to power call of data center operations. The property also includes backup generator infrastructure, partially covered parking, and two-story atrium entries. The parking ratio of six cars per 1,000 square feet is expandable to approximately 6.5 cars per 1,000 square feet for high-density parking requirements.
Myers, Crow, and Saviers, Ltd. is a real estate development, leasing, and investment firm focusing on the development of office and industrial buildings in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Antonio. Established in January 1994, the firm has more than 70 completed or current projects totaling 11,000,000 square feet.
Moody Rambin Interests is Houston’s largest locally owned, full-service commercial real estate brokerage and management firm. Established in 1969, Moody Rambin Interests specializes in providing project leasing, tenant representation, disposition, development, consulting, and management services to owners and tenants throughout the U.S. The firm’s portfolio includes retail, office, and industrial properties.
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Two named tropical storms made their grand entrance in the Atlantic last month, well ahead of the official start of the hurricane season on June 1, marking the first time for such an occurrence since 1908. Alberto formed off the South Carolina coast and Beryl made landfall in Florida, bringing drenching rains and driving winds with her.
Even with two storms already in the books, a research team at Colorado State University has predicted reduced hurricane and storm activity for the 2012 season. They have predicted a below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the U.S. coastline and in the Caribbean. However, they warn that whether the nation faces one hurricane or a dozen, the public should prepare the same way every season, because it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for coastal residents.
That is particularly true in Texas, where some Texans are still cleaning up from Hurricane Ike, which in 2008 became the second most costly hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. It made landfall near Galveston as a category 2 hurricane. More than 100 people were killed in Texas by the hurricane, which at one point measured 600 miles in diameter. Damages totaled $29.5 billion, second only to the $108 billion caused by 2005’s devastating Hurricane Katrina.
The longtime hurricane researchers at Colorado State predict that during the 2012 hurricane season, there will be 10 named storms and four hurricanes, with two of them major hurricanes. They predict that there is a 42% probability that at least one major (category 3, 4, or 5) hurricane will make landfall somewhere along the U.S. coastline, a 24% probability of landfall along the East Coast and including the Florida peninsula, and a 24% probability of landfall somewhere in the Gulf Coast area from the Florida Panhandle west to Brownsville.
As we enter the Atlantic hurricane season, State Senator Glenn Hegar, who represents a large portion of the Texas coast, encourages people across the state to prepare early for severe weather.
“Often when hurricanes strike, families have only a few minutes to respond,” says Senator Hegar. “Therefore, having a well mapped out emergency plan is vital. Awareness and preparation are essential to surviving and recovering from hurricanes.”
As a hurricane approaches, Texans in coastal and inland communities need to make preparations to be without power for a period of time consistent with the severity of the storm. Hurricane preparedness tips include:
• Make alternative plans for critical care individuals who rely on electricity for
life-sustaining equipment.
• Unplug sensitive electrical appliances, such as your computer.
• Have battery-powered radios, flashlights, non-perishable food, and portable generators available for use if necessary.
• If evacuation is inevitable, turn off your electricity at the circuit breaker.
• Do not turn off your gas at the meter. The gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.
• In the event of a power outage resulting from a hurricane, rest assured that professionals are working around the clock to restore your power. Providing information about downed power lines, electrical poles, and trees can assist companies in restoring power in a more timely manner.
• Keep a copy of your homeowners insurance policy readily available. This can speed up the process of filing for a claim in the event that your home is damaged during the storm.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. For more information on how to prepare in the event of a hurricane, please visit txdps.state.tx.us/dem.
Senator Hegar represents District 18 in the Texas Senate, which contains over one-third of the Texas coastline. He is a sixth-generation Texan and earns a living farming on land that has been in his family since the mid-1800s. He currently resides in Katy with his wife Dara and their three children, Claire, Julia, and Jonah.
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The Katy Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. recently celebrated its year-end with a mother/daughter tea. Members of the class of 2016 earned many awards, with each girl earning the Mother/Daughter Award for 25 combined hours of philanthropy service, as well as the Modelette Award for three hours of service in seven different charities. Members honored include Riley Hayford, Emily Kimmich, Elise Nicknish, Allison Schmidt (who also earned the Yellow Rosebud for 50 hours of service), Catherine Sliva (who also earned the Yellow Rosebud, Yellow Rose, Hour Glass, Mission Bell, Heart of Gold, and Yellow Rose Bouquet Awards), Victoria Zinkham, and Hannah Clifford (who won for the most league hours). Catherine Sliva also won the award for the most philanthropy hours in her class and the Merci Award for the most volunteer hours in the chapter with 211.5 hours. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The National Junior Honor Society at McMeans Junior High recently held a school-wide stuffed animal and toy drive for young patients at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Under the guidance of Mrs. Krolczyk and Ms. Canavati, the drive was a huge success and helped collect about 450 donations. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Business expansion in the Katy area received a major boost this week with Dyna-Drill Technologies’ decision to move its headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing facility to the Katy area, according to the Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC). Dyna-Drill, a Houston-based company, has been designing and manufacturing down-hole motor equipment for the oil and gas industry since 1958. The company’s new facility of more than 300,000 square feet will be located at Colonial Parkway and Grand Parkway, just north of Interstate 10.
Dyna-Drill’s move will transfer a few hundred jobs to Katy, while adding another 100 jobs over the next three years. Because Dyna-Drill has a symbiotic relationship of products and processes with Pathfinder Energy Services, the new Katy facility will function as a Pathfinder-Dyna-Drill campus, encompassing 53 acres, and will be known as the Katy Technology Center.
The Katy Area EDC has been working for about a year on the task of bringing Dyna-Drill into the Katy area business community. In addition, the Katy Area EDC helped Pathfinder Energy Services locate to Katy in 2009. Pathfinder has a 225,000-square-foot building and employs more than 200 people.
The Katy Area EDC has been facilitating assistance to Dyna-Drill with due diligence research, utility and infrastructure provisions, training, incentives, and other technical assistance. Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy EDC, says, “Dyna-Drill will be a valuable addition to the Katy area with the jobs and capital investment that they plan to establish here. We look forward to supporting their growth and the development of the Katy Technology Center.”
About Dyna-Drill
Dyna-Drill has been a major designer and manufacturer of down-hole motor equipment for the oil and gas industry for more than half a century. The company is part of Schlumberger Limited. In addition to its Houston headquarters, Dyna-Drill has manufacturing facilities in Nisku, Canada and Dubai, UAE. Dyna-Drill’s latest technological advances include: CNC machining centers, a trepanning machine, a high-capacity vacuum furnace, and a state-of-the-art industry product testing laboratory.
About the Katy Area EDC
Founded in 2003, the Katy Area EDC’s mission is to establish the Katy area as the premiere location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and economic development. Since its inception, the Katy Area EDC has grown to 150 members and assisted in the creation of more than 9,000 jobs and more than $1.0 billion in capital investment.
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Members of Piecemakers, a Living Word Lutheran Church mission ministry which is open to the community, recently delivered 24 quilts to the Christ Clinic for use by their clients in need. The quilting group meets four times a month in the morning and evening at The Gathering Place at Living Word and is looking for volunteers who would like to help prepare the quilts. Service opportunities include sewing patches into quilt tops, cutting fabric, and tying layers into quilts. This ministry relies heavily on community donations. Any donations of fabric and thread for quilt tops and backs, and donations of used fabric such as bedding or tablecloths for quilt middles, is appreciated. Cotton fabric for baby quilts is especially needed. For more information, please call the church office at 281-392-2300. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
ABC Daytime and Bunim/Murray Productions are seeking an energetic, positive, knowledgeable and friendly Registered Nurse to help front an innovative, new daily daytime talk program, The Hospital. The show will be set at an actual working medical center. The celebrity host will work closely with a nurse co-host, and together they will interface with celebrities, guests from news headlines, cutting-edge scientists, and the actual people behind all of it — the doctors, nurses, staff, and patients of this major American hospital.
To apply, please submit your contact info, description of your work, your resume, and a few recent photos to nursecastingproject@gmail.com by June 1. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Your child worked hard all school year to perform at their best. But according to the National Summer Learning Association, when kids take an absolute break from education during the summer months – whether by circumstance or by design – they lose about two months’ worth of grade-level equivalency in math skills and more than two months’ worth of reading achievement. With all the potential excitement over field trips to amusement and waterparks, don’t let your child ride the slippery slide of taking too much of a mental break during summer.
Here are 10 ways the owner and director of the LearningRx in Cinco Ranch, David Midkiff, recommends to parents can fight back against the summer learning slide.
1. Make a rainy day toy box, so kids don’t end up watching TV all day. It can consist of age-appropriate puzzles, Playdoh, circle-the-word booklets, art supplies, craft ideas, board games, and playing cards.
2. Bookmark or print out brainteasers from sites like the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/braint.htm). Sites like www.funbrain.com offer entertaining material on spelling, reading, math, and grammar, and www.gamesforthebrain.com has classic strategy games.
3. Buy or create a book of games you can play in the car. Even a simple game like 20 questions can help improve a child’s logic and reasoning and memory.
4. Use sidewalk chalk as a hidden math and writing exercise. Learning is fun, after all.
5. Have your child create a reward system for the number and level of books he or she reads over the summer.
6. Take your children to summer library and bookstore programs. Most will post them online, but you can also request a calendar of events.
7. Add an educational twist to hopscotch that will challenge children’s math skills. Instead of drawing the traditional hopscotch board with chalk, replicate a calculator large enough for your child to jump on the buttons.
8. Use the summer to strengthen your student’s cognitive skills through one-on-one brain training to improve memory, visual and auditory processing, attention, and logic and reasoning. A core of strong brain skills will help them head back to school with the tools to succeed at learning in any subject.
9. Encourage your child to learn an instrument or another language. Studies have shown a strong correlation between “arts” and “smarts.”
10. Learn how to choose age-appropriate books for children and teens. According to Scholastic Parents Online, reading just six books during the summer break can be enough to keep a struggling reader from falling behind. A great tip for an already struggling reader or very young children is to take turns reading pages, start a chapter book that can be read in installments.
With summer break just around the corner, take the time to plan some brain activity for your child.
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The Katy City Council and the Katy ISD Board of Trustees recently held elections this past weekend, with two city council positions and two school board positions up for election. In the Katy City Council race, Steve Pierson and incumbent Larry Gore were elected to serve. In the Katy ISD Board of Trustees race, voters elected Brian Michalsky and Charles Griffin to serve. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Katy (formerly Katy TaeKwonDo Academy) recently announced its newest class of Black Belt students reaching personal milestones, instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level, and Tiger Cub graduates during the April belt rank exam.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 1 Probationary Black Belt: Austin Cooley, Peyton Danton, Pam Dorrance, Madelynn Hurford, Dean Nusiebeh, Eric Rubio, and Hailey Schaefer. Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 2 Decided Black Belt: Kolby Conaway, Joshua Cooley, Kendall Gillentine, Aditya Goswami, Jennifer Lightsey, Alexys Morrison, Michael Nevins, Tanaya Pampattiwar, Henry Phillips, Claudia Saez, Aadhithya Sivakumar, Dylan Syahputra, Grady West, and Lindsey West.
Congratulations to the following students for earning their Second Degree Black Belts: Noah Lerma and Nicholas Pohla. The following students earned their Third Degree Black Belts: Allie Beall, Madison Beall, Sarah Munoz, and Sohum Purao. Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Katy also congratulates the dedicated students who recently passed the instructor exam to earn tiered instructor status. Those earning the honor include Jeff Armstrong, Allie Beall, Madison Beall, and Peyton Danton. Congratulations to the following student who graduated from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program: Tomas Kricorian. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The newest class of First Degree Level 1 Black Belts at Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Katy, pictured with Katy instructors (in back row) are (front row) Madelynn Hurford, Austin Cooley, and Peyton Danton.
The newest class of First Degree Level 2 Black Belts at Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Katy, pictured with Katy TKD instructors are (front row) Alexys Morrison, Lindsey West, Grady West, Henry Philips, Kolby Conaway, and Joshua Cooley.
“Big Event,” an Aggie tradition since 1982, is the largest, one-day, student-run, service project in the nation. On March 24, a record 17,500 Texas A&M University students came together to say thank you to the Bryan/College Station community by completing volunteer projects for residents and community organizations. To recognize and support this student event, local Aggie moms met at Living Word Lutheran Church to tie fleece blankets for charities in Katy. The group completed 58 blankets, which were donated to the Krause Center in Katy. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy ISD’s Volunteers in Public Schools initiative recently hosted its annual VIPS Breakfast honoring the thousands of school district volunteers who donate their time supporting Katy ISD students and teachers. This school year, 14,700 volunteers donated 761,321 hours, which, in human resource terms, equates to $16,588,988. This year’s speakers were music therapist Meagan Morrow, clinical coordinator Dawn Phillips, and speech pathologist Kelley Warren Kirst from TIRR Memorial Hermann.
Each year, every Katy ISD campus salutes its volunteers by honoring a campus Volunteer of the Year. This year’s honorees include:
Elementary Volunteers of the Year
Alexander – Debbie Kallina
Bear Creek – Veronica Dixon
Cimarron – Ruth Vargas
Creech – Carolyn Pack
Exley – Rachael Moffett
Fielder – Judy Crowe
Franz – Anjanette Connor
Golbow – Virginia Rivas
Griffin – Tiffany Walker
Hayes – Jennifer McFarlin
Holland – Nikki Alvarez
Hutsell – Diana Au-Thornton
Katy – Karin Calland
Kilpatrick – Cindy Cruz-Davis
King – Veronica Garza
Mayde Creek – Donald and Yvonne Liles
McRoberts – Wade Magruder
Memorial Parkway – Lisa Johns
Morton Ranch – Mio Gonzales
Nottingham Country – Candice Lehman
Pattison – Cynthia Darden
Rhoads – Chris Clinefelter
Rylander – Theresa Wilkinson
Schmalz – Kathy McPherson
Stanley – Jessica Wilson
Stephens – Suzanne Poole
Sundown – Pat Murphy
West Memorial – Cathie Lusby
Williams – Megan Perkins
Winborn – Amy Causey
Wolfe – Marilyn Brown
WoodCreek – Tanya Jemela
Junior High Volunteers of the Year
Beck – Teri Ward
Beckendorff – Glee Fossier
Cardiff – Maria Alvarez
Cinco Ranch – Theresa Wilkinson
Katy – Shawnna Kelleher
Mayde Creek – Ashley Savoie
McDonald – Morgen Rose
McMeans – Shelly England
Memorial Parkway – Stephanie Place
Morton Ranch – Sarah Bennett
West Memorial – Debbie King
WoodCreek – Roslyn Anderson
High School Volunteers of the Year
Cinco Ranch – Robin Smith
Katy – Leonard Sadler
Mayde Creek – Liz O’Donnell
Morton Ranch – Lori Estlund
Seven Lakes – Jennifer Keese
Taylor – Penny Hafner
Volunteers in Public Schools is an initiative offered through Partners in Education (PIE), the Katy ISD department that brings the community into the classroom. For more information, please go to www.katyisd.org and click on the PIE logo. Congratulations to all of Katy ISD’s volunteers of the year! Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
First United Methodist Church Katy recently celebrated 100 years of Girl Scouting in the community. The group recognized all of the members who have participated in Girl Scouting, honoring their accomplishments and contributions to the Katy area. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Four eighth-grade Girl Scouts at McMeans Junior High School recently earned the Silver Service Leadership Award. Each girl volunteered 70 hours or more this year by making fleece blankets for seniors at Christmas and hosting a pet collection drive to aid seniors with pets through Meals on Wheels. In addition, their troop earned the Girl Scout Community Service Award for volunteering with other organizations. Pictured are (from left) Keely Keeney, Harley Maldonado, Emily Ridgaway, and Insiyah Sulemanji. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Gallas Plastic Surgery is pleased to announce the opening of Provincial Park Surgery Center. The Provincial Park Surgery Center is located at 21300 Provincial Blvd. and is unique to Katy. The luxurious, ultra-modern, private surgery center is state licensed and fully equipped to provide a flawless and pleasant outpatient surgical experience for patient and surgeon alike. The team at Gallas Plastic Surgery invites you to call 713-554-6350 for more information. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Record-breaking crowds attended this year’s Nature Fest, held April 28 in Bridgeland, with more than 7,000 people wild to see a 600-pound white tiger, dancing butterflies in giant bubbles, and the community’s new mascot, Bridgeland Bill. The Staples Safari Animal Magic and Primarily Primates shows were popular with crowds, with throngs of children and adults enthralled by the animal antics. Birds of Prey, which has appeared all five years during Nature Fest, is a perennial favorite, and making a repeat appearance this year were The Drum Café and the Crocodile Encounter. New to the event were the Butterfly Spheres from Los Angeles, elaborately costumed dancers who appeared in clear vinyl spheres. Bridgeland also debuted Bridgeland Bill, who posed for pictures and entertained children throughout the day.
Other activities included the Fresh Pickings Farmers Market, a petting zoo, pony rides, baby camel rides, inflatables, a miniature train ride, a climbing rock wall, outdoor laser tag, and a children’s arts and crafts area that raised more than $2,000 for Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County. HomeAid Houston also sold raffle tickets for its elaborate Project Playhouse, a replica of Minute Maid Stadium that was on display during Nature Fest.
“We really wanted to do something special for the fifth anniversary of Nature Fest, and with an expanded slate of entertainers and the introduction of Bridgeland Bill, we did just that,” says Peter Houghton, vice president of master-planned communities. “We are thrilled that so many people came out to spend the day with us.”
Throughout the years, more than 22,000 people have attended Nature Fest, which has raised nearly $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit www.bridgeland.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Daisies in Troop 17546 are celebrating an amazing year, with wonderful members, volunteers, and projects. The troop recently attended a Houston Astros baseball game, sold lemonade for Lemonade Day, raised money selling Girl Scout cookies, donated to Katy Christian Ministries and Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), and attended a University of Houston softball game. The Daisies will bridge to Brownies in May. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy ISD Partners in Education recently announced guest speakers for the annual VIPS celebration breakfast on May 1 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Merrell Center. This year’s speakers include TIRR Memorial Hermann music therapist Meagan Morrow; clinical coordinator Dawn Phillips; and speech pathologist Kelley Warren Kirst. Attendees may recognize this trio from features on CNN and ABC’s Diane Sawyer – Special Report, detailing the recovery of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The celebration breakfast will also include the long-awaited announcement of each campus volunteer of the year and special performances by Katy ISD student groups.
Hosted by Katy ISD Partners in Education and the VIPS Executive Board, the breakfast honors the thousands of school district volunteers who donate their time each year to Katy ISD students and teachers. Last year alone, Katy ISD volunteers gifted more than 700,000 volunteer hours to the district.
All Katy ISD volunteers are invited to attend and may RSVP by April 24 at www.katyisd.org, by clicking on “VIPS Breakfast Celebration.” Doors will open at 8:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 9 a.m. For more information, volunteers should contact their campus VIPS liaison or email marthbrown@katyisd.org.
About TIRR Memorial Hermann
TIRR Memorial Hermann is a 119-bed nonprofit inpatient rehabilitation hospital located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Founded in 1959, TIRR Memorial Hermann has been named one of America’s best hospitals by U.S.News & World Report for 22 consecutive years.
About Volunteers in Public Schools
Volunteers in Public Schools is one of five programs supported by Katy ISD Partners in Education, the department that brings the community into the classroom. Other initiatives include KEYS Mentoring, School-Business Partnerships, Junior Achievement, and Sister Schools.
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Construction officially got underway on Willowfork Fire Station 2 on Thursday, April 12 with a groundbreaking ceremony. The audience gathered to witness the ceremony included employees and volunteers of the Willowfork Fire Department, friends, and family, as well as some members of the public.
The new $2.7 million facility will be located at 26950 Cinco Ranch Blvd., near the intersection of Katy Gaston and Cinco Ranch Blvd. The structure will be approximately 13,000 square feet, containing three apparatus bays, firefighter sleeping areas, a training room, and office space. A second station is needed by the district, due to growth in that part of its north Fort Bend County service area and the increasing number of dispatched calls throughout its entire territory.
The construction period is expected to last approximately 270 days. Assuming the weather cooperates, Willowfork Station 2 should be placed into service within the first quarter of 2013. Please visit the Willowfork Fire Department’s website at www.willowforkfire.com for periodic updates on the project.
About Emergency Services District 2
Emergency Services District 2 was formed in May 2002 when voters in the proposed service area approved the creation of the district. ESD 2 is governed by a five-member local resident board appointed by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court. This volunteer board is responsible for oversight of the funding and operation of the district and the Willowfork Fire Department.
Current board members are: John Schwin, Robert Miller, Marti Thorne, Lance Flessner, and Tom Raia. The Willowfork Fire Department is led by Chief Billy Wilson. Board meetings are open to the public and are generally held the third Wednesday of each month at Willowfork Fire Department Station 1, located at 24655 Westheimer Pkwy. Comments to or requests of the board may be communicated to Holly Zarate, business manager, by calling 832-338-7586 or via email at info@willowforkfire.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The president of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Dr. Randy O’Rear, has selected Chase Riggs to play Jesus in the school’s 2013 Easter pageant. Each year, Dr. O’Rear chooses an outstanding student for the honor of portraying Jesus. This casting is based less on acting ability than on a strong Christian faith and attitude.
Riggs is a 2009 graduate of Faith West Academy (FWA) in Katy and is currently a junior at Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is majoring in chemistry, with an emphasis on education. He has served as a technical director in the Miss MHB Pageant and Crusader Knights, a college leader for Young Life, a volunteer for stunt night, and a student worker in the media services office. This past year, Riggs played the role of Judas in the university’s Easter pageant. Other FWA alumni that with roles in the pageant include Adam Long (FWA Class of 2007) as Peter, and Nathan Long (FWA Class of 2009) as Joseph of Arimathea. Long will play one of the disciples in the 2013 Easter pageant.
The university’s tradition of an annual Easter pageant began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Day. At that time, the school was not co-ed, so all of the roles were played by women. Over time, the production expanded to include male students and extra performances.
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Over 70 Katy residents recently gathered to discuss ways of increasing security in Lake Forest of Kelliwood. The committee’s goal was to get neighbors talking with one another and sharing ideas about how to increase safety, both as individual homeowners and as a community.
After falling victim to six recent burglaries, residents set up a security committee to discuss enhanced security measures. Michelle Sturdevant, one of the organizers and also one of the six burglarized, shares that seeking privacy in a neighborhood can translate to not knowing your neighbors and becoming vulnerable as a community to crime. “According to the National Sheriff’s Association, your neighbors – not the police – will be the first responders to nearly 80% of the crimes happening, so getting to know your neighbor is a good idea,” she says.
The first thing the committee did was set up a Yahoo news group allowing residents to communicate with each other in a safe place. The group is private to Lake Forest residents only, and residents are encouraged to report crime and other suspicious activity that may lead to a crime in an effort to keep all informed about potential dangers. The site also has a number of files residents can download, like security recommendations, the Harris County Sheriff’s vacation form.
The committee encourages homeowners to set their security alarms, lock their doors, install good locks on entry doors, install glass breakage sensors and motion detectors inside, keep outdoor lights on late at night, install energy-saving flood lights and security cameras, and add additional film on windows making them more difficult to break. The group also discussed how to keep a safe refuge in your home, locking up firearms, and notifying the alarm company if you have firearms in your home.
Sturdevant also encouraged residents in attendance to be vigilant of unusual activity and be a good neighbor. “If you see trash cans or newspapers outside of neighbor’s homes, put the items away,” she shares. “If you see anything out of the ordinary, confirm with neighbors making sure they authorized it. Verify if a worker or other person is sitting in their car or truck or loitering around a house for an extended period of time. If your dog is barking and the circumstances seem suspicious, call the police. Get to know your immediate neighbors and what cars they drive. And above all, call 911 if you see any suspicious activity.”
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Members of Kilpatrick Elementary, along with PTA leaders from across the state, recently gathered for the Texas PTA Convention. Texas PTA President Sharon Goldblatt welcomed local members Cindy Cruz-Davis, Traci Faulk, and Shantania Leggins, along with many other members to the event-filled weekend. Highlights included a founder’s day dinner, featuring keynote speaker and famous dad Ed Smart, and a general meeting dedicated to advocacy with keynote speaker Rep. Donna Howard. The event honored Kilpatrick Elementary and other PTA councils that have maintained a strong campus presence by sustaining and growing membership. Other convention attractions included an exhibit hall, parenting and leader training workshops, and networking activities for all attendees. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
LifeGift, the local organ and tissue recovery agency which helps people who need transplants, is celebrating April as National Donate Life Month. The month-long celebration honors the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors and their families and commemorates all transplant recipients in the U.S., including Katy. Activities in April will focus on encouraging Texans to join the Donate Life Texas Registry as official organ, eye, and tissue donors.
While the Donate Life Texas Registry has gained momentum since its establishment in 2006 with more than 2 million registered donors, the need for organ, eye, and tissue transplants is steadily increasing. In Texas, more than 11,000 people are waiting in quiet desperation for a second chance.
“We need to continue spreading the word that donation changes lives every day,” says Sam Holtzman, president and CEO of LifeGift. “These lives are changing, because someone made that important step to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Everyone has the power to donate life and represents hope for the thousands in need of lifesaving and life-enhancing transplants.”
In Texas, residents can join the registry in three ways:
1. Electronically via the Donate Life Texas website at donatelifetexas.org.
2. At any local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office throughout the state when renewing or obtaining a driver’s license or ID. This also can be done through the DPS website.
3. At any local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branch when renewing automobile registration.
For more information about LifeGift, visit lifegift.org. For more information about Donate Life Texas, visit donatelifetexas.org. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Lauren Redeker, a 2008 graduate of James E. Taylor High School, recently earned the Spring 2012 Always Expect More of Aggies Teacher Award. The award was established by the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture in the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University with the purpose of recognizing outstanding TLAC student teachers who have demonstrated exceptional work ethic and commitment to the teaching profession. Recipients are recognized by the department and receive a certificate and a $200 scholarship award. Nominated by her university supervisor and cooperating teacher, Redeker received the award for her exceptional effort and dedication during student teaching in initiative, organization, professional integrity, and dedication. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy piano students Lindsay Chu and Lexie Kwon were recently selected to perform in the Katy Music Teachers Association spring festival honor’s recital at Houston Community College. Chu and Kwon are both students of piano teacher Mary Ann LaCour. Chu is the daughter of Eduardo Chu and Cecilia Sui-Chu, and Kwon is the daughter of Vincent and Victoria Kwon, all of Katy. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Cinco Ranch Ice Cougars hockey team recently skated home with a third-place trophy in the Texas Cup State Championship Silver Division, held in Dallas. The win topped off another stellar season for this high school hockey team. The Ice Cougars ended their regular season in first place in the Interscholastic Hockey League with some impressive statistics, including 19 wins, two losses, and one tie. The Ice Cougars took on hockey teams from Houston, Dallas, and Austin at the state championship.
The deciding game that led to the team’s third-place finish, actually took place against hometown rival the Seven Lakes Spartans, who entered the competition as the fifth seed. Despite an early morning time slot, the game was exciting and nerve-wracking for all in attendance. After two periods of intense offensive play and skillful goaltending, the game was tied up 3-3 entering the third period.
Regular play ended with no more goals from either team, sending the game into overtime. After only 38 seconds of overtime play, freshman James DiStefano connected on a pass from sophomore Ryan James to score the game winning goal for the Ice Cougars.
Members of the Ice Cougars Texas State Cup team include: Captains and seniors Julien Demers, Wayne Hubley (ISHL All-Time Assist Leader); assistant captains, senior Taylor Engel and junior Robert Fernandes; seniors Cody Heiser and John Schroeder; junior Luke Hamilton; sophomores Nick Bourdoumis, Mason Corliss, Tyler Fenske, Michael Hertlein, Ryan James, Nick Manning, Erik Moses, and Brian Spengler; and freshmen James DiStefano, Michael Fernandes, and Collin Williams.
Ice Cougar team members unable to attend the tournament included juniors Dylan Carpenter, Nolan Hurd, and Connor Sharrah; sophomore Connor Hiller; and freshman Cam Vahlkamp. The team would like to extend their gratitude to their head coach Artie Jean and assistant coaches James Miller and Kavon Kootahi, as well as team manager Rose Fernandes and team representative Susan Manning for all of their hard work, time, and dedication. Special thanks to Laury Good, Cinco Ranch High School teacher advisor, for her ongoing support and assistance of the team.
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Members of the Seven Lakes Orchestra Parent Association (SLOPA) recently participated in the annual KVPAC Arts for All Family Festival at La Centerra, earning the best booth award. The booth displayed the art instruments for their annual Music to the Eyes raffle, provided an instrument “petting zoo” where children could try out a violin, and featured live serenades performed by SLHS orchestra ensembles throughout the day. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Katy Music Teachers Association recently held its annual spring festival, with 210 piano students participating in the event. Students performed for a judge, who gave them a rating between one and four. Students who earned a one or two received blue and red ribbons, respectively, and all students earned a certificate.
The judges for this year’s event were Timothy Boaz, Katie Frank, Jill Kitzmiller, Betty Shaw, and Winnie Wing. The event took place at Houston Community College’s Spring Branch campus in the performing arts center.
Several students were also selected to perform in the honors recital, earning a purple ribbon for their accomplishments. Students who participated include Sara Diehl, Raymond Cheng, Lindsay Chu, Karleen Wu, Eric Ji, Sunny Tang, Ping Jing Toong, Juliette Farmer, Peter Chen, Audrey Liu, Casey Sutton, Jessica Rao, Sarah Shu, Ping Rui Toong, Angela Lin, Steven Sun, and Austin Kuo. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The interior of Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy was recently transformed for a dedication ceremony and blessing of quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief. Hand-tied quilts decorated all the pews. Baby care kits filled with baby clothes, diapers, and blankets were on display, in addition to 100 red backpacks filled with school supplies. Volunteers of all ages joined the fun after the service as they packed the quilts and kits into boxes to be delivered to the warehouse in Baltimore, MD. From there, they will be distributed to people in need who are located in areas of natural disaster or countries recovering from war. The quilts are used as wall dividers in refugee camps, mattresses and blankets to keep bodies warm, or just for comfort when someone is feeling alone.
These gifts of comfort were the project of Piecemakers, a community quilting group that meets three times a month at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy. If you would like to join the group for a work session or donate fabric, thread, or bedding, call the church office at 281-392-2300. Work sessions are scheduled on April 10 at 9:30 a.m., and April 18 and 23 at 1 pm. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Bradley Edward Learned, a senior at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, recently earned an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY last week. Learned is the son of Albert and Mary Ann Learned. He is a member of the National Honor Society, plays varsity soccer, performs community services at Katy Christian Ministries, and has served as a referee for the Katy Youth Soccer Association. He also maintains a high grade point average in all classes, which are primarily AP or Pre-AP level, while also working a part-time job as a veterinarian technician. Learned was nominated for the appointment by U.S. Ron Paul. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Debbie Stoddard, executive director of the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston, recently visited with students in grades six through 12 at Faith West Academy (FWA). Each student was challenged by their school chaplain to help raise $20 to donate to the center. At the end of their fundraising event, FWA raised and donated $1,500, in addition to a new play pen filled with diapers.
FWA’s generosity will help the Pregnancy Help Center provide resources to residents of three counties who are faced with circumstances regarding a present, potential, or former pregnancy. Services provided by the center range from pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, and help with maternity clothes and baby items to peer counseling and classes for parents-to-be. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy area preschoolers recently laced up their dancing shoes for Texas Children’s Hospital and stepped up the fight against childhood obesity, one dance at a time. Five local Primrose Schools (North Mason Creek, Cinco Ranch, Eldridge Parkway, Kelliwood, and Copperfield) hosted a Healthy Hearts Hoedown to encourage the community to get moving for healthy lifestyles and enter the Primrose Schools Family Dance-off (www.familydanceoff.com) to win as much as $30,000 for the hospital.
More than 150 people attended the event, which was sponsored by the Gym Station of Houston and held in conjunction with “Go Texan” Day and the kick-off to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Families enjoyed activities, such as line dances, karaoke, a Conga line, a limbo competition, and a chili cook-off. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
It was full steam ahead for the Firethorne Stampede auction team, which purchased 17 animals at the recent Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show and Auction. The team had the winning bid on the Grand Champion Goat, Grand Showman Goat, and Grand Showman Pig.
“We look forward to the Katy ISD Livestock Auction every year and especially this year, with one of our Firethorne visitor center guides, Katy Taylor senior Kathryn Jones serving as her school’s FFA chapter president and sweetheart, as well as FFA district treasurer,” says team spokesman Wayne Meyer. Meyer is general manager of the 1,400-acre Firethorne master-planned community in Katy/Fulshear.
Since 2006, the Firethorne Stampede auction team has invested approximately $187,000 in auction animals to raise scholarship funds for Katy ISD FFA students.
2012 Firethorne Stampede participants in the Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show and Auction included: Firethorne, Jefferson Development Company, Allen Boone and Humphries, BKD LLP, Bluegrass Maintenance, Canady and Canady, Clearwater Utilities Inc., First Southwest Co., Founders Bank, Freed Advertising, HBC Terracon, Jones and Carter Inc., Lake Management, M/I Homes, Park Construction, Perry Homes, RHC Investments, Southwest Water Co., Storm Water Solutions, Susan Farb Public Relations, and Tax Tech Inc. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus recently hosted the Lambda Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for their monthly meeting. Delta Kappa Gamma is an honorary society for key women educators. It promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education.
The Lambda Tau chapter’s service project for the past three years has been to provide children’s books to help establish the library and book nook patients can use at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. This year, the chapter also provided transfer bags for the emergency room department. Many children are transferred to the main campus far from home, and there is a need for toiletries and other items.
Catherine Zdunkewicz, library coordinator, and Rachel Walker, certified child life specialist, provided a guided tour of the new West Campus to Lambda Tau members. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
On Feb. 18, 50 family members with new babies celebrated the one-year reunion and anniversary of the Katy Birth Center in the heart of Katy at 1002 Avenue A. Despite cold and rainy weather, there was fun for all with games, an inflatable bounce house, healthy snacks, and a birthday cake.
The Katy Birth Center is a freestanding birth center that offers comprehensive prenatal, birth and postpartum care to families seeking natural births. The three midwives that work at the birth center offer clients a holistic approach, where a woman’s choices are honored and birth is a normal event experienced in the client’s home or birth center. Since its beginning last year, the combined number of birth center and home births exceeded 150 new babies; 32 of the births were at the Katy Birth Center. Visit www.katybirthcenter.com or call 832-437-5876. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Students at Stanley Elementary have been learning the value of giving back to others through their campus newspaper, The Tumbleweed Times. The publication’s Get Involved section recently featured donating to the Katy Christian Ministries Food Bank, and SES students went above and beyond collecting necessary supplies for their fellow Katyites. Two cars were filled with donations, with over 1,500 items delivered to the food bank. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
It is spring break time, and many Katy ISD families have plans to hit the road for fun activities throughout the next week. Before starting vacation, the Katy ISD office of emergency management reminds families to be safe by planning ahead and taking necessary precautions. Katy ISD’s spring break is March 12 to 16.
Before starting a vacation, it is important for families to develop a safety plan. In general, it is best for the family to stay together, so that they can watch out for each other. However, when visiting places like large amusement parks, not every family member may want to do the same things. Therefore, it is smart to develop a communication plan before arriving.
“So often, we rely on preprogrammed numbers in our cell phones; however, cell phones get lost,” says John Bremer, Katy ISD emergency management coordinator. “That is why it is important that each family member memorize one or two phone numbers of other family members.”
When on road trips, there may be times when the family stops at a rest stop, gas station, or restaurant with a car full of family belongings. Think about what you choose to leave in the car. Don’t leave purses, passports, credit cards, money, or small valuables; take those things with you or hide them in your car or trunk prior to stopping.
“One thing to keep in mind while on a road trip is that driving ability can be compromised by many things,” adds Bremer. “It goes without saying, do not drink alcohol and drive, and do not text and drive. Also keep in mind that heat and dehydration can make a driver sleepy. So stay hydrated, cool, and, if tired, have another adult take the wheel.”
ATMs are a great way to be able to travel without having to carry large sums of money, but they are often a target for criminals. Be careful at the ATM. Do not keep your PIN anywhere near your ATM card, and if the ATM does not seem right or does not function properly, leave and report it to your bank immediately. As you approach ATM machines, look around and pay attention for people who may be watching you.
Finally, the Katy ISD office of emergency management reminds families to keep their homes secure while they are away. Empty and unwatched homes can be a target for burglars. Ask the neighbors or family friends to watch your home and report any suspicious activity, and don’t leave hidden keys around the exterior of your home.
By following some of these tips, you can ensure that your family will enjoy a safe and memorable spring break. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Girl Scout troops in the Silver Spur unit of Katy recently celebrated Girl Scout World Thinking Day, with a theme of, “we can save our planet.” Girls from Cadette Troop 17081 showcased Scotland, displaying the country’s dance costumes, food, history, and photos of the countryside. They also gave samples of Scottish shortbread to booth visitors and performed the Highland Fling accompanied by the bagpipes. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The team from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently won first place in the commercial division for their float in the Katy FFA Rodeo Parade. Float participants included Debbie and Steve Harrison, Elizabeth Henley, Beebe and Marty Flugge, Jennifer Rovell, Tammy Paine, Brandon and Tyler Paine, Jackson Warren, Raylene Cotter, Rachel and Britteny Cotter, Mary Gilbert, Elizabeth, Sarah, Alyssa Gilbert, Rebecca Holt, Jillian and Bridget Holt, Violeta Quilantan, Daisy Quilantan, and Juila Quilantan, Laura Spiteri, Brandon, Courtney, and Caitlyn Spiteri, Veronica and Jr. Buentello, Eydan and Evan Buentello, Janet Murphy, and Karlea and Caleb Murphy. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Lone Star Symphonic Band, based in the west Houston/Katy area, recently hosted a fundraising spaghetti dinner and silent auction, with proceeds going towards several large-scale percussion instruments. Katy City Councilwoman Carol Adams served as the keynote speaker, sharing about the importance of arts in the community. The dinner also included performances by the Lone Star Dixieland Band and the Lone Star Symphonic Band Clarinet Ensemble and a silent auction. The band performs several community concerts throughout the year at CrossPoint Community Church. To learn more, visit lonestarsymphonicband.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans recently sponsored a potluck dinner for seniors at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy. The club is for members over the age of 50 and meets monthly for social events and trips to local areas of interest. A trip to visit the AD Players’ presentation of The Beams Are Creaking and dinner is planned for Sunday, May 20 at 1:30 pm. For more information, contact Barbara Stuckey at 281-829-0655. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Griffin Elementary Fishing Club recently won first place in the schools division for their Dr. Seuss-themed float, named One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Catfish, at the Katy ISD FFA Rodeo parade. The parade also paid homage to the children’s book author, with a theme of “oh, the places you will go.” Students were decked out in the iconic tall striped hats and colorful face paint found in Dr. Seuss books, while teachers added to the crowd-pleasing antics with decorations and costumes. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Arbor Day Foundation recently named the City of Katy a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. The designation is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service and requires cities to meet four standards, including: having a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. To learn more, visit arborday.org/treecityusa. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its annual gala, A Tribute to Katy on Feb. 17 with a record crowd. The event was chaired by Lori Gunn and held in the Safari Texas Ranch Ballroom. The elegant evening included dinner, as well as commemorative portraits for guests and entertainment and dancing by the Password.
The Chamber recognized the 2011 Volunteers of the Year, Business of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
Volunteers of the Year
The 2011 Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteers of the Year are members of the Arc of Katy. Their service and volunteer efforts in the Katy area make the lives of others better, and they serve as a shining example of what makes our area such a nice place to live. The Arc of Katy is a nonprofit working to create opportunities for all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their goal is to enable each of their students to be a participating and respected member of the community and to grow in mind, body, and spirit.
Business of the Year
With over 12 years of serving the Katy community, CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital was recognized by the Chamber as the 2011 Business of the Year. Since its opening in 2000, CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital has grown nearly as fast as the Katy community. The Catholic-based hospital has doubled in size, tripled its emergency room capacity, expanded medical services and procedures, and added new buildings to its campus.
Their mission is to serve the community through partnership, compassion, and stewardship. As a faith-based, mission-driven hospital, it gives back to the community through a variety of direct healthcare programs as a living, breathing image of its mission.
CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital uses its unique health ministry to provide medical attention for local school children, at-risk cancer patients, and other high-risk and underserved populations in the Greater Houston and Katy areas.
Citizen of the Year
Ray Wolman was honored as the Chamber’s 2011 recipient of the Citizen of the Year award. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, Ray was hired as the only biology teacher at Katy’s then only high school.
In 1980, Katy ISD and the community developed a long-range plan to establish the Outdoor Learning Center for students in this quickly expanding community, and Wolman soon began working to create innovative programs at the center. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community through his service in a variety of organizations and groups.
Look for more red carpet photos from the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Gala in Katy Magazine’s upcoming spring 2012 issue! Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
One week after the Katy Elks Lodge hosted Hoop Shoot, an annual free throw competition, two of the six winners who advanced to the district level are now on their way to compete at the state level.
Macy Ray, winner in the 12-13 girls’ category, and Bennett Hanks, 8-9 boys’ winner, will be representing the Gulf Coast district this weekend in Dallas. This is Hanks’ first trip to state, while Ray will be enjoying her third time there. Last year, Ray advanced to the national competition, where she placed fourth. Katy has always provided strong competition to other Elks Lodges in the Hoop Shoot scholarship program. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC) has recently completed its seventh season in Katy. The program, which features character education, etiquette, and social dance training for sixth- through eighth-grade students, includes five classes, a Fall Ball, and a five-course instructional dinner over a seven-month period.
The purpose of the NLJC program is to give students instruction in ballroom dance and practice in the social courtesies needed for better relationships with their family and friends. Students actively learn life skills through a creative method employing role-playing skits and games.
The social behavior component ranges from rules of conversation to formal and informal table manners. In addition to the usual courtesies connected with dancing, etiquette instruction is also provided with regards to the following: acknowledgment of gifts, behavior at cultural and civic events, correspondence, interaction in groups, introductions, paying and receiving compliments, receiving lines, sportsmanship and sports etiquette, telephone and text messaging courtesy, instructional dinners, and many other areas of social conduct.
The NLJC setting encourages children to be comfortable together, to make new friends, and to enjoy themselves in a friendly environment. Communication skills learned by young ladies and gentleman in a peer group setting help to increase their confidence and poise in social situations.
The National Leagues of Junior Cotillions is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, where the program was established in 1979. There are now over 400 chapters in 30 states across the country, involving thousands of students.
For more information about the program, please contact Sarah Heston by phone at 281-224-1453 or by email sarah.heston@nljc.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently hosted its annual Physician and Employee of the Year Reception. Affiliated physicians and staff nominated a handful of physicians and employees for the award. The winners are as follows: 2011 Memorial Hermann Katy Employee of the Year is Molly Stanbery and 2011 Memorial Hermann Katy Physician of the Year is Buckminster Farrow, M.D. Congratulations to Stanbery and Dr. Farrow, as well as all the nominees for this prestigious award. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Members of the Civil Air Patrol recently staged a search-and-rescue exercise training program at West Houston Airport. The training session was hosted by the Thunderbird Composite Squadron, which has cutting edge communications equipment ready to put into use in the event of a local disaster. Approximately 50 members attended the event, sharpening their skills and flying a total of six aircraft. All of the activities practiced were based on FEMA directives and procedures. Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, which regularly participates in search-and-rescue missions nationwide. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Many families in Bastrop, Waller, Montgomery, and Grimes counties are still struggling after losing their homes to last year’s devastating wildfires. While it will take months and even years to fully recover, the students and staff at Katy Elementary have stepped up to help.
When Jennifer Stockstill of Katy saw a story about members of the Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department on KPRC Local 2 News, she shared it with the school’s PTO board. PTO members decided to donate to the cause, having been inspired by the firefighters who worked so tirelessly and selflessly to protect others when their own homes were in danger.
Students at Katy Elementary School had already been collecting coins to help victims of the wildfire. With this new goal, the students were able to collect $1,100. “Hopefully by our story, others will be inspired and moved to donate,” says Stockstill.
“It strikes at your heart – it’s pretty emotional – [and it] makes you know you’re appreciated,” says John Banning, a member of the Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department, about the school’s donation.
KPRC Local 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley visited Katy Elementary to meet the students who reached out to help fellow Texans in their time of need. “What I really wanted to say to you guys is thank you,” said Billingsley to the room full of kids and teachers.
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American Legion Post 164 of Katy recently presented Katy Elks Lodge #2628 with a new POW/MIA flag to fly from their flag pole. The Elks Lodge, which generously donates meeting space to the American Legion for their monthly meetings, has formed an alliance of sorts with Post 164. They participate together in patriotic events in the community, such as the Katy Elks Flag Day Ceremony and Veterans Day ceremonies at the Oaks of Brookshire Nursing Home. “It’s just a small token of appreciation toward the Katy Elks Lodge 2628 that we donate this flag,” says financial officer Wallace Klekar. Commander Cormier of Post 164 presented the flag to Ron Gaul, Exalted Ruler of Katy Elks Lodge 2628. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Painting with a Twist studios located in Cypress, Katy and Sugar Land, Texas will welcome guests on Sunday, February 19th 2-5PM at a special Painting with a Purpose paint class to raise funds for breast cancer research. The studio will offer refreshments and a give-away during the paint pARTy. The fundraiser will benefit Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.
“We’re delighted to partner with Painting with a Twist studio to raise funds for breast cancer research,” says Catherine Hill, executive director of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. “Our family of committed partners is growing and we love their help in spreading the word about the important work of the Vera Bradley Foundation.”
Vera Bradley owners Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller founded the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer in 1998. To date, it has contributed $15 million to the world-renowned research team in the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. The team of researchers at the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories is making significant progress and gaining national recognition for their work in the following areas:
- Detection of cancer long before tumors form
- Identification of women at high risk for developing breast cancer
- Breast cancer prevention discoveries
- Safer and more effective therapies through individualized therapy based on genetics
- Better treatment of recurrences of breast cancer and prevention of metastasis
- Enhancing lives of survivors through approaches that improve both length and quality of life
Impressive sales of the Vera Bradley breast cancer awareness colors generate part of this revenue, but another significant portion is the donors like Painting with a Twist studios and those that support their events. For more information about the Vera Bradley Foundation, visit verabradley.org. Online reservations are strongly encouraged, due to limited seating. Fee is $45/each and 50% of the net proceeds will be donated to this worthy cause.
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Junior high youth and volunteers held a packing session at Living Word Lutheran Church to assemble 100 Newborn Kits. The kits consist of items used by a midwife to bathe and clothe a baby born under primitive conditions. They were shipped to the Global Health Ministries warehouse and will be delivered to The Emmanuel Clinic in a sister synod in the Central African Republic.
A need exists for bars of Ivory soap, and flannel fabric for making sturdy receiving blankets. Donations may be dropped off at the office of Living Word Lutheran Church located at South Mason Rd and Westheimer Parkway. You may contact the church office with questions at 281-392-2300.
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Members of the junior high youth group at Living Word Lutheran Church are learning to tie knots in baby quilts. The quilts were assembled by the Piecemakers quilting group, and the teens have been recruited to tie the knots to complete the quilts. Baby care kits will then be filled with quilts, baby clothes, and diapers, and sent to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse.
From there, the kits will be shipped to areas of the world recovering from war and natural disasters. Members of the community are invited to donate cotton fabric to use to design the quilt tops. Fabric pieces may be dropped off at the office of Living Word Lutheran Church located at S. Mason Rd. and Westheimer Pkwy. Contact the church office at 281-392-2300.
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Living Word youth group members
Star of Destiny Chapter, NSDAR, recently named Kelley Kerlick, a seventh grade Texas history and eighth grade U.S. history teacher at Cinco Ranch Junior High, Outstanding Teacher of American History. Seven Lakes High School senior Phillip Powell received the Certificate of Appreciation for his American flag service.
Kerlick has been teaching in Katy ISD for 21 years, and while she has taught many subjects, her greatest joy is teaching American History. She loves this country and strives each day to passionately present the history of the United States in a way that not only touches the minds of teens but, more importantly, their hearts. Star of Destiny member Rebecca Miller, assisted by her daughter Anna, who is one of Kerlick’s eighth grade students, presented Kerlick with the award during the group’s January meeting.
Powell, a senior at Seven Lakes High School, currently has subscribers in the Seven Meadows and Cinco Ranch Section II subdivisions where he places the American flag in yards for six American patriotic holidays each year. Powell developed this flag service after he volunteered for his uncle in Tyler, Texas. He returned to Katy and developed his own business.
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Nick Christoffersen has earned his Eagle Scout Award, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting. Nick is a scout in Katy’s Boy Scout Troop 557 of the Texas Skies District. He has been involved in scouting for 11 years. He began as a Tiger Cub in the 1st grade. Nick has attended National Youth Leadership training in 2007 and again in 2010 as a staff member. He has taken on many leadership roles over the years including Den Chief of pack 557 and assistant patrol leader of Troop 557. He has sealed his membership in the Order of the Arrow with his brotherhood.
Nick’s eagle project was organizing the West Houston Fall Fishing Tournament at Mary Jo Peckham park in Katy. He was responsible for securing sponsors, donations and volunteers. The tournament was held in conjunction with fishing classes where participants earned their angler certification through Texas Parks and Wildlife. Young scouts also worked towards their fishing merit badge.
Nick is a junior at Katy High School and is on the Katy swim team. He is also active in St. Edith Stein’s youth group. Nick plans to major in mechanical engineering and pursue a commission in the United States Marine Corps.
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Students in the Seven Lakes High School fashion design classes put their skills to good use recently. Students were assigned to create lap quilts for a class project and donated eight completed quilts to Texas Children’s Hospital’s West Campus in Katy. Teacher Kathy Bassila plans to continue the project with future classes.
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Energy Corridor Vacancy Rate at 13% in 3rd Quarter, New Office Buildings Being Planned
With BP North America leasing 300,000+ sq. ft. at Three Eldridge Place in the Energy Corridor, some developers are developing plans to construct new Class A office buildings in the Energy Corridor including Lincoln Property Company. Lincoln owns Energy Crossing, which is located at Highway 6 and I-10. Their plans are to construct a 240,000 sq. ft. Class A office building next to the existing 190,000 sq. ft. building. Lincoln intends to break ground when they secure a major tenant.
Universal Health Services Expands to Cinco Ranch
At the December Katy Area EDC General Assembly Meeting, Universal Health Services, a part of West Oaks Hospital, announced their expansion into the Cinco Ranch area to provide mental health and substance abuse counseling and services. UHS employees Cassie Richter and Lisa Castro discussed the new facility and services on December 13. UHS has leased 6,000+ sq. ft. at 2900 Commercial Center Blvd. They currently have about 20 employees and will be expanding their employment levels. Katy Area EDC provided building location assistance to UHS early in the building evaluation process.
Whole Foods Anchored Retail Center Inked for Grand Lakes Marketplace
At the December EDC General Assembly meeting, John Clinkscales of Fidelis Realty Partners previewed the new Whole Foods-anchored retail center at Grand Lakes Marketplace, which is located at the southeast corner of the Grand Pkwy. and Fry Rd. Clinkscales noted that Whole Foods has been secured to lease 38,000 sq. ft. and Stein Mart has leased 30,000 sq. ft. as well.
Willow Fork Drainage District Bond Approved by Voters
The $29 million Willow Fork Drainage District Park Plan Bond Issue was approved by Katy area voters by a narrow margin of votes. This project will provide drainage improvements and will enable the construction of sports fields, a 1,000+ seat amphitheatre at LaCenterra, new hike and bike trails, and a new public park near Cinco Ranch High School that will include a disc golf course, trail, and lake. Katy Area EDC supported this bond issue by resolution.
County Assistance District in Fort Bend County Approved by Voters
With modifications to the Texas County Assistance District legislation (SB 521) approved by the legislature earlier this year, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court brought a County Assistance District plan to the voters with five proposed districts. Four of the districts were approved by voters, which includes one approved district located in the Katy Area. The Katy Area district includes LaCenterra.
All of the approved districts will collect a sales tax at a rate of one percent. The funding generated can be used within the boundaries of the district to fund maintenance and improvement of highways and county roads, law enforcement, and other infrastructure. Katy Area EDC supported state modifications to SB 521 earlier this year.
Grand Parkway/I-10 Flyover Open
The Grand Parkway (TX 99) I-10 flyover is now open and providing enhanced mobility to Katy area residents. The new flyover opened in December and is the first phase of the TXDOT project. The southbound flyover (I-10 to Grand Parkway) is also complete. Construction is also under way on Segment E of the Grand Parkway from I-10 to US 290.
Hospital Hospitality House Project Moving Forward
Katy Area EDC has joined with Cinco Charities, and local Katy area foundations to design and build a Hospital Hospitality House in our community. The new 25,000 sq. ft. facility will be located in close proximity to one of our major hospitals, and will provide free housing, peace, and comfort to patients who are receiving treatment for serious and life-threatening conditions in the Katy area. KAEDC members PBK Architects, Rooms-To-Go, and Rosenberger Construction are supporting the project with contributions of professional services and discounted furnishings. In addition to major funding provided by a local foundation, the group recently hosted a 100 Hole Golf Marathon event at Willow Fork Country Club that raised in excess of $60,000, the most ever raised for a Cinco Charities event.
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The Katy Area Economic Development Council, Inc. is ready for a slight change of scenery within Katy. Katy Area EDC has signed a new lease with the Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union (BVSCU), and will be relocating to a new 3,000-sq. ft. suite in the BVSCU building located at 438 FM 1463 in Katy.
Katy Area EDC will share the building with the BVSCU Credit Union, which has occupied space in the building since 1990. Katy Area EDC expects to launch operations in the new facility in April 2012.
“Katy Area EDC is extremely fortunate that the relocation of the BVSCU headquarters administration team to their new office building on Katy Mills Parkway has resulted in this space becoming available,” says Katy Area EDC President and CEO Lance LaCour. “We are particularly pleased to be able to pursue this opportunity with Brazos Valley, a valued Katy Area EDC member firm that has been an important part of the Katy Community for more than 56 years. Let me thank our EDC Facilities Task Force — Stan Stanley, Chair, Woody Mann, Jr., Ken Courville, and Joel Marshall — for their work on this project.”
Since its founding in 2003, the Katy Area EDC has conducted operations from leased offices in the Katy ISD Administration building, and since its completion in 2005, in the Leonard Merrell Center, a venture of the City of Katy, the Katy Development Authority, and Katy ISD.
“Katy Area EDC appreciates the support KISD provides and enjoys a strong and mutually productive relationship with Katy ISD, which will continue,” says LaCour.
“The credit union is glad to host Katy Area EDC, an organization with many characteristics similar to Brazos Valley,” says BVSCU President and CEO Joe Simmons. “Both organizations are not-for-profit, established and perpetuated to serve the Katy community and the employees of Katy ISD. The partnership will be a good match.”
The move, literally just across the parking lot, will facilitate a badly needed expansion of Katy Area office space and administrative support functions, and will also facilitate establishment of an office for Technology Incubator West Houston, a 501 c(3) small business incubator founded by Katy Area EDC , the Houston Technology Center, and a group of Katy area business executives.
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Cotton Companies co-owners Pete Bell and Daryn Ebrecht recently presented their consolidation and expansion plans at the October EDC General Assembly Meeting. Both owners are Katy natives and detailed their plan to move all their operations from Houston to the 33-acre Katy headquarters and charitable foundation campus located at the Katy Hockley cut-off road.
Cotton is a global disaster recovery firm that focuses on restoring property after fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Their clients include Fortune 500 and international companies. Cotton is constructing 23,000 sq. ft. in phase one of the project. Phase two will involve construction of a 40,000 sq. ft. Gulf Coast logistics warehouse and space to house their transportation equipment and should be complete by the end of 2012.
“The Cotton relocation is a good diversification for the area,” says Katy EDC President Lance LaCour. “We are pleased that Cotton has the confidence in Katy to bring all of their operations here.”
Cotton plans to hire up to an additional 50 people with the move.
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TISA, an Argentine software engineering company, has signed a lease to move into office space at 16360 Park Ten Pl., which is located in the Energy Corridor and Katy area according to the Katy Economic Development Council. TISA provides expertise for construction of applications and products from its locations in Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as the Houston area. TISA’s project expertise includes main programming languages, development frameworks, mobile platforms, databases, analysis methodologies, and other technologies and tools.
TISA’s President Ariel Sztern says his company has high expectations about business possibilities arising from the move. “The Greater Houston Partnership facilitated initial contact between TISA and the Katy Area Economic Development Council, and the resulting consultations eventually led to TISA’s decision to open a Katy area office,” says Sztern.
Craig Richard, Chief Economic Development Officer of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), said TISA attracted interest because of its incredible work with the energy industry in Argentina and the opportunity to get nearer to many of its major customers from the energy sector located in Houston. “TISA will be a great addition to the many software engineering companies now in the region,” says Richard.
TISA’s arrival is the latest of several new software/technology companies moving into the Katy area, particularly companies involved in the energy industry. Katy Area EDC President/ CEO Lance LaCour thanked the GHP for their assistance and said TISA is a welcome addition to the Katy area business community.
“TISA is one of several energy technology and software companies, such as Safekick and Jurat Software that now call the Katy area home,” says LaCour. “I believe we have been able to provide some valuable assistance to these firms to locate here. We are expecting to make some other announcements, possibly this year and likely next year, about similar companies. Also, I believe this partnership with TISA may lead to other Argentine companies considering the Katy area for corporate locations.”
Katy Area EDC helped the Argentine firm find a suitable facility and expedited training/workforce recruitment assistance to TISA, LaCour notes.
TISA plans to begin with a staff of five at the new office, with a goal of hiring 50 people. Workforce Solutions will help TISA find employees for the new office. “Workforce Solutions is very excited to be able to work with TISA’s President, Ariel Sztern, and his company,” says Susan Dixon of Workforce Solutions. “Mr. Sztern brings high-end positions to the Katy community and with the number of talented candidates that we have in our WorkinTexas database, he will have no problem being able to fill those positions. We offer Mr. Sztern an HR solution to his workforce problem, so he may compete in the global economy.”
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Commissioner Steve Radack’s new senior center, The Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center at 16600 Pine Forest Ln. near Hwy. 6 and Clay Rd., is seeking volunteers to teach basic computer skills to local seniors. Seniors age 55 and better are able to take free computer classes, Internet safety and email classes, and enjoy free lectures such as “Wills and Probate”, “Brain Growth and Repair”, and much more.
Once seniors have basic computer skills, they can send email, shop online, protest taxes online and participate in a technology-driven world. The seniors need your skill and knowledge to help them move forward. Volunteers will teach basic computer skills, email skills, Internet safety, and spreadsheet classes. We are also seeking volunteers for light phone work.
Free training, networking events, and field trips are available for seniors who volunteer with the Senior Education Program. All volunteers are eligible to attend free, “invitation only” events and specialized training conducted by the Senior Education Program.
To become a volunteer, call 713-274-3250 or email glaziersec@hctx.net.
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The Cinco Ranch High School Robotics Team 624 “CRyptonite” is pleased to report the successful completion of their inaugural FIRST LEGO League (FLL®) robotics tournament. Twenty-four teams from all over the Houston metro area competed in the tournament. FLL teams of six to 10 students from fourth to eighth grade work alongside adult mentors to design, build, and program autonomous robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® NXT technologies, and create an innovative solution to a problem as part of a research project. This year’s competition is the FOOD FACTOR™ Challenge. Can FIRST LEGO League teams improve the quality of food by finding ways to prevent food contamination?
The “RoboRangers”, a neighborhood-based team from the Greyson Lakes subdivision of Katy, won the tournament’s First Place Champions Award, given to the team with the highest combined score from all elements of the competition. Made up of fourth and fifth graders, and one junior high-aged member, “RoboRangers” was one of the youngest teams in the tournament. Team “CRypton”, from Cinco Ranch Junior High, won the Second Place Champions Award.
In addition to the performance of their robot in head-to-head timed competition, other elements the teams are judged on are their research project and presentation, robot design and programming, and FIRST Core Values. As First and Second Place Champions, both the “RoboRangers” and “CRypton” will be moving on to the next phase of FLL competition: The Lone Star FLL Championship Tournament, which takes place on January 7, 2012 at John H. Reagan High School in Houston.
Teams which won awards in the individual phases of the competition will also move on to the Lone Star FLL Championship Tournament. The “CRyptoCoyotes” from Cinco Ranch Junior High received the Core Values: Teamwork Award.
Throughout the competition process, FLL robotics teams deal with real-world application of science and math concepts, hands-on problem solving as well as honing research and presentation skills. This Katy qualifying tournament, one of 570 held around the world, was the first step in the regional robotics competition process which culminates in the Southwest (Texas/New Mexico) FLL Championship Tournament. The winning team from the Southwest Championship participates in the 2011 FLL World Festival.
Since its founding in 2001, Cinco Ranch High School FIRST Robotics Competiton (FRC) Team 624 (“CRyptonite”) has achieved national recognition in all areas of FRC competition. This has been possible through the sustained financial and mentor support of founding sponsors BP and Oceaneering Intervention Engineering along with other corporate sponsors including ConocoPhillips, Wood Group, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Minute Maid, JC Penney, Newland Communities, West Engineering, Orange Leaf Yogurt, Bolli Brothers Pizza, Mission Burrito, and Whichwich. Numerous teachers, parents, mentors and the team’s incredibly hardworking students have also spent countless hours to achieve the team’s goals.
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The combined choirs of Epiphany Catholic Church and the Katy Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Epiphany Catholic Church. This marked the 18th annual Christmas combined concert.
More than 100 singers performed and were led in traditional Christmas pieces by Debbie Siebert and Jennie Larsen, both from the LDS Katy Stake. JM Mercado, the music minister from Epiphany Catholic Church, conducted a contemporary choir and also directed the production. A children’s choir was also led by Amy Millet. Organist Merle Vahlkamp accompanied the choir along with a bell choir, a string quartet and various percussionists.
Monsignor Jack Dinkins gave opening remarks and Katy Stake President John Allen gave remarks near the end of the program.
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Answering the demand for additional corporate hangar space, Houston Executive Airport (KTME), located west of Katy in Brookshire, announced the opening of another 12,000 square-foot hangar. This will bring the airport’s hangar lease space to over 102,000 square feet.
“The expansion is a tribute to the outstanding customer service and attention to detail provided to our business and personal aircraft owners and pilots,” says HEA Executive Director Andrew D. Perry, A.A.E.
Since opening in 2007, Houston Executive Airport has established itself as the leader in corporate aviation facilities serving the growing Houston Energy Corridor. HEA was built to accommodate up to a Boeing Business Jet with a 6,610-foot runway along with six acres of ramp and more than 800 acres of adjacent land for development.
Located adjacent to I-10 near Houston’s energy corridor, Houston Executive Airport is a private commercial development established by Ron Henriksen, a Houston businessman and pilot with over 40 years in the aviation industry. The airport caters to business and general aviation aircraft. Opened in 2007, the airport boasts first-class amenities to accommodate all private aircraft traveling needs.
In addition to Houston Executive Airport, Henriksen planned, developed and constructed Austin Executive Airport (KEDC) which opened in June 2011.
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Students at the Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music recently performed holiday recitals for their friends and family. Students at Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music take private lessons to learn a wide variety of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, percussion, and more.
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Houston based developer Vista Equities Group (VEG) welcomes Peloton Computer Enterprises, Inc. to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in Katy. The global drilling and well data software company has leased 10,800 square feet of office space for its new Houston headquarters.
Peloton will relocate from its current CityWest Boulevard location to LaCenterra in spring 2012. According to management, the company plans to more than double its current Houston staff of 18 employees over the next five years.
“Quality of life and convenience were important factors when we were evaluating sites,” says Monty Meloche, president of Peloton. “Many of our employees currently reside in Katy because of the great neighborhoods and exceptional schools. Add LaCenterra’s mix of shops and restaurants, and it was the clear choice.”
Peloton’s decision to move west marks the fourth such company to locate in the Katy area this year. “With close proximity to the Energy Corridor and the availability of talent and facilities, more and more energy software and technology companies are calling the Katy area home,” says Katy Economic Development Council President and CEO, Lance LaCour.
“Energy software companies like Peloton, TISA, SafeKick and Jurat Software are helping establish an energy software cluster here. We appreciate Peloton’s confidence and investment in the Katy area. We want to do whatever we can to ensure the company’s continued growth and future success,” he adds.
Peloton’s history dates back to 1991, when the company began development of WellView, a comprehensive tool that allows oil and gas companies to manage their data from request to drill through abandonment. Today, Peloton offers MasterView, WellView, SiteView, RigView, ProdView and the Schematic Component. More than 200 oil and gas companies throughout the world rely on Peloton’s technology to make better informed decisions and to be better focused oil and gas companies.
Peloton has been self funded to date and has managed its expansion carefully while maintaining the quality standards that are fundamental to its future. The company has grown from a two person operation in 1991 to a staff of 85 employees worldwide with offices around the globe in cities including Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Beijing, Bridgetown, Calgary, Dubai, Houston, Jakarta, and Moscow. For more information, visit peloton.com.
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Construction is continuing on a new portion of the Grand Parkway that stretches from Interstate 10 north to U.S. 290. The 15.2-mile segment, which is expected to open in late 2013, will be a major thoroughfare through the 11,400-acre Bridgeland community. Work crews began construction on the four-lane toll road in September.
“This benefits not only Bridgeland, but the entire region,” says Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president. “The Grand Parkway is an important component in Houston’s mobility plan and we are thrilled to see this next phase start construction.”
Future segments will provide even greater mobility for the Cypress community, with the Grand Parkway extending east from U.S. 290 to U.S. 59. The Texas Department of Transportation recently issued Requests for Qualifications to companies interested in entering a public-private partnership to fund Segments F1, from U.S. 290 to State Highway 249 in Tomball; Segment F2, from State Highway 249 in Tomball to Interstate 45 in Spring; and Segment G, from Interstate 45 in Spring east to U.S. 59 in New Caney. Requests for Proposals will be issued in the spring and a contract could be executed in late 2012 or early 2013. Each segment has been given environmental clearance, but design work has yet to be finished.
“The continued expansion of the Grand Parkway means so much to people living in this area,” Houghton says. “Specifically for Bridgeland residents, Segment E means residents will be less than 30 minutes from the Energy Corridor. The future expansions will also put residents less than 30 minutes from both George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the ExxonMobil campus opening near the Hardy Toll Road and Interstate 45.”
Further details about the Grand Parkway can be found at grandpky.com. To learn more about Bridgeland, visit bridgeland.com.
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Scott Bissell has been named as Compassion Katy’s 2011 Volunteer of the year. Bissell has been active with Compassion Katy for more than five years, leading many projects, and is a huge asset to the organization’s annual Katy ServeFest.
Bissell resides in Katy and is a member at The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch.
For more information on the 2012 Katy ServeFest, to be held Feb. 18 and 25, 2012, visit katyservefest.org.
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Keep Katy Beautiful was honored on November 30, 2011 at the 58th Annual Keep America Beautiful Conference for distinguishing itself as an exemplary affiliate organization. Taking 1st Place in the under 50,000 population category, the organization was honored for its outstanding community programs.
Award-winning affiliates from across the country gathered at the Keep America Beautiful Conference last week to celebrate the successes of the last 12 months. The honored organizations like Keep Katy Beautiful encourage individuals to make simple daily choices and to engage in volunteer activities that improve their communities and their local environment.
“It is my privilege to honor Keep Katy Beautiful and celebrate its dedication in engaging volunteers to make its community flourish,” says Matthew McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Award winning affiliates such as Katy, serve as a great inspiration in our national effort to Keep America beautiful.”
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Alex Patrick Ludowig, son of Richard and Brenda Ludowig of Katy, was recently offered an appointment to the U.S. Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Congressman Ron Paul nominated Ludowig to the academy late last month.
Ludowig is a senior at Cinco Ranch High School where he maintains a GPA of 4.0, is the captain and starting wide receiver on the varsity football team and has earned numerous honors for outstanding plays as a wide receiver and leader. He runs track on the 4X100 and 4X200 meter relay team, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Key Club, is active in his church and also volunteers for many community activities.
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CEO of Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Beryl Ramsey, returns to Chair the Go Red For Women Luncheon in partnership with CEO of Methodist West Houston Hospital, Wayne Voss. Together, Ramsey and Voss will serve as Co-Chairs and lead efforts to raise awareness that heart disease remains the number one killer of women, but is often preventable with healthy lifestyle choices.
This year’s luncheon will be held on Monday, Feb. 13 at the Berry Center in Cy-Fair and is expected to draw more than 400 business and community leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn tips on heart disease and stroke prevention from local experts, listen to a heart-warming story of survival from an area resident, participate in interactive breakout displays and shop the “purse-onalities” silent auction. The silent auction is a unique piece of the luncheon that features items representative of the diverse personalities of the community. Purses can be anything from actual handbags to golf bags to briefcases. This year’s auction will include something for everyone!
Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 Morning News will emcee the event and Dr. Valentina Ugolini of Willowbrook Cardiovascular Associates will be the featured medical speaker.
Ramsey and Voss and their team of volunteers have a goal of raising a record-breaking $200,000 to support educational programs that the American Heart Association provides and the life-saving research it funds to reduce the effects of heart disease in women.
Today, only one in five women believe that heart disease is their greatest health threat. More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next three causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Go Red for Women celebrates the energy, passion and power that women can use to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.
To secure a sponsorship, purchase tables and/or tickets, or for further information, contact Priscilla Luna at 713-610-5071 or email priscilla.luna@heart.org. For more information about Go Red For Women, visit goredforwomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART. Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.
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The mercury is dropping, and the National Weather Service has predicted that there will be widespread freezing temperatures by Thursday morning. This winter chill is expected to bring in cold overnight temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to the lower 30s. It’s important to remember that a pet’s age, breed or illness may affect how he or she tolerates the cold winter months. The Houston SPCA advises that it is best that all pets live indoors due to these unpredictable weather conditions.
- Housing: Provide proper shelter for your pets whether they live indoors or outdoors. Indoor pets should have their bed or crate placed in a safe and warm place that is away from drafts. Outdoor pets should have a well-insulated house that is wind-resistant, waterproof and elevated off the ground so wind and moisture can’t seep inside. Install a door flap to protect against drafts and gusts of wind. Extra blankets and straw will also help to increase your pet’s warmth. Room and floor heaters should be kept away from your pet, as they are an obvious fire hazard and can cause serious injuries as well.
- Food & Water: Make sure to provide fresh, clean water for your pet every day. Outdoor pets need to consume 25 to 50 percent more calories than usual because the cold weather tends to deplete their energy. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian to learn what is right for your pet.
- Cars are Refrigerators: A car can act as refrigerator in the winter. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during the winter months, as they will freeze to death.
- Cats and Cars: Keep your cats indoors during the winter. Not only can outdoor cats freeze, but they sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars to stay warm. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Give an outdoor cat a chance to escape by banging loudly on the car hood before starting your car.
- Warmth: If you have a short-haired breed of dog, consider getting him / her a sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly to keep him / her warm. Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter months, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
- Antifreeze: Dogs and cats are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol. A tiny lick can kill your dog or cat, so make sure to check your car for leaks on your driveway or gutter. Keep containers tightly closed and clean up spills immediately. Check your local retailer for “pet safe” antifreeze.
- Rodenticides: Rat and mouse poisons are commonly used during the winter months. Place them out of reach, as they can cause fatal bleeding or kidney failure in your pet.
The Houston SPCA encourages you to be especially mindful of your pets this winter and to keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian and a local emergency veterinary service in a convenient location.
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Bridgeland is one of five developments across the nation named Community of the Year in The Nationals 2012 Silver Awards. The community, which most recently won the Developer of the Year Grand Award in the Texas Association of Builders’ Texas Star Awards, also won four other Silver Awards: Print Campaign, Special Promotion, Signage and Graphic Continuity. It was the third time Bridgeland has won a Silver Award for Community of the Year.
The wins advance the community to the next round of competition, The Nationals Gold Awards, which will be announced Feb. 8, 2012, in Orlando, Florida. The Nationals awards program is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders.
“The Silver Award for Community of the Year is particularly exciting as we’ve been honored with this award three times,” says Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president. “And a Gold Award would also be a repeat, since we won in 2009. It’s quite an accomplishment considering we just celebrated our five-year anniversary this fall!”
Bridgeland won several other awards this year, including Star Awards for Best Billboard-Developer, Best Online Advertisement-Developer, Best Print Ad-Developer, Best Showroom/Sales Center-Developer and Best Television Commercial-Developer.
This summer, two of Bridgeland’s television commercials — including the Star Award winner — earned Bronze Awards in the international Telly Awards competition. Plus, the TV campaign won a Platinum Award in the International MarCom Awards presented by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals, and two of the commercials won individual Gold Awards in the same competition. Also, this year, Bridgeland won “Best Print Ad” in The Nationals 2011 Gold Awards and Event of the Year-Developer in the Houston’s Best awards.
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Veterans who need legal advice or legal assistance can visit a free legal clinic scheduled in Katy/Waller County on Saturday, December 10, 2011, in conjunction with the new Veterans Legal Initiative, a coalition of local bar associations to provide pro bono legal services to U.S. veterans in 14 counties in Southeast Texas.
The clinic will be held December 10 at VFW Post 9182, 6206 George Bush Drive, Katy, TX 77493, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The Houston Bar Foundation is co-sponsoring the clinic with the Katy Bar Association.
Any veteran, or spouse of a deceased veteran, can receive advice and counsel from a volunteer attorney in any area of law, including family, wills and probate, consumer, real estate and tax law, as well as disability and veterans benefits. Veterans who need ongoing legal representation and who qualify for legal aid will be assigned a pro bono attorney to handle their case.
The Houston Bar Foundation, the Jefferson County Bar Foundation and Fort Bend Lawyers Care have been awarded grants from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation to recruit and train attorney volunteers and to set up Saturday legal clinics where veterans can get legal advice and, if eligible, pro bono representation. The Veterans Legal Initiative serves a veteran population of approximately 350,000 in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Orange, San Jacinto, Walker and Waller counties. Jefferson County will assist veterans in Chambers, Hardin, Jefferson, Liberty and Orange counties; Fort Bend Lawyers Care will assist veterans in Fort Bend County; and the Houston Bar Foundation (HBF) will assist those in the remaining counties. Other bar associations and legal groups in the 14 counties will partner in providing volunteers and facilities for the legal clinics.
The Veterans Legal Initiative will expand services already provided by the three grantees, including the HBF’s weekly Friday afternoon clinics at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Saturday clinics in Jefferson and Fort Bend counties. A schedule of Saturday clinics throughout the 14-county area will be posted on websites soon and information will be distributed to veterans’ organizations, social service agencies and other groups that serve veterans.
For more information on the Veterans Legal Initiative, contact the Houston Bar Association at 713-759-1133, the Jefferson County Bar Association at 409-835-8647 or Fort Bend Lawyers Care at 281-239-0015.
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The first ten students to complete the eight-course Bible Certificate program offered by The Bible Seminary will be recognized during Sunday morning worship services at Grace Fellowship UMC, 2655 S. Mason Rd. in Katy on Sunday, Dec. 18.
The adult students started the lay training program in 2008. Designed to train local church leaders and all who are interested in further Bible training for the expansion of God’s kingdom, the eight courses cover all 66 books of the Bible in evening classes that meet once per week throughout a typical semester.
Students love the program, and how it positively impacts their lives and perspectives.
“I feel such a closeness with God that I haven’t felt in such a long time,” writes one student.
“God has recalibrated what I value in terms of my choices and behavior,” says another. “God has given me a passion to look at the world and our opportunities differently.”
Since the inception of the program, more than 400 students have enrolled in Bible Certificate classes.
One of the 120 students enrolled in the Fall 2011 semester notes, “Getting a glimpse of God’s desire and plan for the earth has reminded me there is a purpose for why I am still breathing.”
The ten Bible Certificate recipients include Heidi Arneson, Nancy Borden, Silas Borden, Kathleen Bruscia, Krystyna Cawthorne, Pam Elliott, Lin Ermon, Janice Havins-Hamric, Paul Lyles, and Marilyn Payton.
In addition to upcoming Spring 2012 Bible Certificate classes, The Bible Seminary is launching a new, graduate-level Master of Divinity program starting with the Fall 2012 semester.
For more information, visit thebibleseminary.org.
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Willowfork Fire Department is again teaming with the United States Marine Corps to sponsor the “Toys for Tots” Drive in the Katy area. This is the sixth year the Department has participated in this event. And, thanks to the caring and generous people in the Department’s service area, it has been an incredible success.
This year, as in the past, the Willowfork Fire Department is requesting donations of new and unwrapped toys. They can be brought to the Willowfork Fire Station, 24655 Westheimer Pkwy. in Katy. If you have a group that collects a large amount of toys, the Department is available to pick up the toys. You can arrange for pick up by contacting the department at 281-395-0011 or by calling Fire Chief Wilson at 832-731-3031.
The dates for the toy drive are Nov.17 through Dec. 16. Toys can be dropped off at the Station anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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Katy area Eagle Scouts Stan Stanley, local business owner and Scouting commissioner; Stan Kitzman, Waller County commissioner; and Paul Huttenhoff and Brian Foster, leaders of BSA Troop 424 at the Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy are co-hosting an Eagle Scout Meet-Up at La Finca Mexican Restaurant, 23930 Westheimer Pkwy. in Cinco Ranch, on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 6 – 7 p.m. Open networking begins at 5:30 p.m.
Eagle Scouts are requested to RSVP at this web page: http://bit.ly/tOfcQg
There is no charge for admission; food and drinks will be ordered off the menu and paid individually. This event was arranged through Group Raise where the restaurant venue will return a portion of the proceeds as a donation to the non-profit organization.
This event is sponsored by the Eagle Scout Association of the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and all Eagle Scout alumni of all ages are invited to attend for fellowship and networking.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a high honor and this is an opportunity for Eagle Scouts in the Katy area to be recognized, network with other Eagle Scouts and stay connected with Scouting,” says Stanley, organizer of the event.
For more information, contact the Eagle Scout Association—SHAC at info@thegatheringofeagles-houston.org or learn more about the Eagle Scout Association at samhoustonbsa.org/eagle-scout-association-houston.
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Former Morton Ranch High School graduate, Vangelic Parker, taught English to Spanish speaking immigrants in the Austin area. Parker now attends Texas State University – San Marcos where she joined the McCoy College of Business student organization Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), which has partnered with the organization El Buen Samaritano in Austin.
The project titled Una Vida Mejor, Spanish for “A Better Life,” focuses on helping immigrants succeed in their new lives in the United States. SIFE has volunteered with El Buen Samaritano’s program for three years through workshops on transitional information session for immigrants, language advancement courses and classes on American business etiquette and practices.
SIFE’s learning philosophy is “Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I might remember, Involve me and I will understand.” Parker displays this philosophy by teaching English that provides hands-on learning that leads to bilingual job opportunities for the immigrants.
“I feel like I’ve grown so much since I’ve joined SIFE, and I definitely understand why it is so important to help others and make a positive impact in someone’s life,” says Parker.
SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that is literally changing the world through highly dedicated student teams on more than 1600 university campuses in 40 countries. SIFE offers these students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise, thereby improving the standard of living for millions in the process.
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CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is proud to announce that Katie Cross, MSN and Barbara Lazor, BSN, MBA were honored at the 21st annual Nursing Celebration ceremony on Thursday, November 10th as an Outstanding Nurse in 2011. The annual Nursing Celebration ceremony recognizes Houston area’s 20 Outstanding Nurses.
The annual Nursing Celebration is nurses celebrating nursing. Since 1991, District 9 has paused to annually recognize 20 outstanding nurses from nine Houston area counties and to award nursing scholarships and research grants. More than 300 nurses have been recognized and more than $40,000 in scholarships and grants have been awarded. In 2009, the Texas Nurses District 9 Foundation was created in hopes that the non-profit status will expand the current scholarship and grant program.
“Nurses are essential in ensuring our patients receive the best care possible at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital,” says Jack McCabe, Chief Executive Officer for Christus St. Catherine Hospital. “Oh behalf of the Katy community, we want to thank Barbara Lazor and Katie Cross for their dedication to the health care industry and for providing above and beyond care to the community.”
Nurses from all areas of practice such as patient care, education, research and administration are nominated by their peers and co-workers for the prestigious honor. This is Barbara and Katie first time as a recipient.
Barbara Lazor, BSN, MBA is the Chief Nursing Executive at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital and has been employed with the institution since 2003. Katie Cross, MSN is Director of Education at Christus St. Catherine Hospital and has been employed with the institution since 2002.
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Firethorne has committed to Katy ISD’s Partners in Education (PIE) as the first KEYS Scholarship Platinum Sponsor for 2011. As a KEYS sponsor, Firethorne is helping to create scholarships for students who have participated in KEYS through their senior year. This is the first year that PIE has opened sponsorship levels for KEYS, with 100 percent of the sponsorship dollars going directly to KEYS Scholarships. Former KEYS student Eduardo Reyes and his KEYS mentor Jim Burns visited Firethorne representatives last week to thank them for their generous support.
“The KEYS mentoring program has helped me stay on the right path towards school and life,” said Reyes, who is a student leader at the University of Houston, studying economics. “Supporting KEYS is important because it gives students the necessary tools to not only stay on the right track, but to also change their lives.”
The KEYS (Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success) mentor program is offered to Katy ISD students who are on the brink of success. Often, these students have been challenged by life circumstances outside of their control. Mentors meet with their students on campus each week during the school year, in between the school day.
“We promise these students that if they stay in the program through their senior year, they will be eligible to apply for a KEYS Scholarship,” said Janet Theis, Katy ISD PIE specialist.
When Reyes’ mentor first met him, it wasn’t with the intent of becoming his mentor, it was with the intent of helping him organize his backpack, locker and life. After several weeks of helping Reyes get organized, Burns naturally fell into the role of becoming his mentor. For the next six years, Burns helped Reyes recognize his gifts, talents, intelligence and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
“A few of our staff members have first-hand experience as mentors with KEYS,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. “It is through them that we know that this program really makes a difference directly in the Katy community.”
Firethorne, a 1,400-acre residential community in Katy/Fulshear, is actively involved with Katy ISD through programs such as Junior Achievement and the Partners in Education annual Promise to Read and Food for Families programs. Firethorne is located near the crossroads of I-10 west and FM 1463.
KEYS’ annual event Ties & Tiaras, hosted at Agave Road on March 1, 2012, will celebrate mentors while supporting the KEYS Scholarship Fund. Featuring student performances throughout the come-and-go event, the 2012 Mentors of the Year will also be announced.
KEYS is brought to you by Partners in Education, the department that brings the community into the classroom. For more information about KEYS and to find out how you can get involved, visit the KEYS web page at katyisd.org, or contact Martha Brown at 281-396-2468.
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Santa’s sleigh bells will be ringing and children gleefully singing thanks to the second annual “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy” holiday toy drive benefiting pediatric cancer patients treated at the new Texas Children’s Hospital – West Campus and their siblings. Santa Claus will present the toys, collected in a giant Santa’s Sleigh on display at the Firethorne Visitor Center, to the west Houston-area children at a family holiday party at Firethorne. The community toy drive is accepting donations to purchase holiday gifts now through Tuesday, December 6. For more information, call 281-693-0003.
“Those interested in supporting ‘Stuff the Sleigh’ can stop by the Firethorne Community Center to select a ‘sleigh’ gift card that has one wish list item on it from a young cancer patient or their brother or sister,” says Garrett Ashmore, “Stuff the Sleigh” co-founder/coordinator. “Donors, whether individuals or companies, may purchase one or more of these gifts to fulfill that child’s holiday wish.”
Ashmore and his wife, Kelli, launched “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy” in 2010 to support young cancer patients and their families by helping ease their financial and emotional burdens during the holidays. “As the parents of two healthy children, we wanted to do something to help those who may be hospital-bound this holiday season and provide them with as joy-filled, meaningful and worry-free a Christmas holiday as possible,” says Ashmore.
Katy mother Meagan Henderson, whose 8-year-old Zach has been undergoing treatment for leukemia since age 3, expressed her heart-felt appreciation to “Stuff the Sleigh” for their 2012 donation to her family.
“If it wasn’t for your organization, I don’t know what kind of Christmas my kids would have had,” says Henderson. “With five kids and one of them being sick and diagnosed with cancer, it puts a strain on the entire family. Last year my son who has leukemia was in the hospital for Christmas undergoing more treatment, and when I brought him all of the wonderful gifts that were donated he was so happy. He cried and said to me ‘Mommy, this is the best Christmas EVER!’ I can’t thank you guys enough for everything that you did. My entire family finally saw some joy, in times when we had no hope.”
After purchasing toys for all the children on the list, “Stuff the Sleigh” organizers will apply any additional funds towards grocery gift cards or gas cards to the children’s families. For individuals and companies that would like to participate in the toy drive, donations may be made to “Stuff the Sleigh” C/O Voice Runner, Inc. 2501 S. Mason Rd., #260 Katy, TX 77450. All of the toys and monetary donations will go directly to benefit the children and their families.
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ESN Health of Katy is among the top 100 companies named to the 2011 Aggie 100 honoring the fastest-growing companies in the world, owned or operated by Texas A&M University former students. ESN Health was recognized as number 63 on the list with a growth rate of 22.43%. The Aggie 100 honors graduates from across disciplines and is a program created by the Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship in Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School.
ESN Health was established in 2005 by Ryan Kobermann, on the principle that exercise, natural supplements/vitamins, and proper nutrition work synergistically together to achieve total health. With this founding principle, ESN Health opened its doors in Katy in February 2008 offering 1-on-1 personal training, fitness coaching, nutritional coaching, and nutritional products. To date, ESN Health has helped over 600 clients achieve their fitness goals & maintain a sustainably healthy lifestyle. “We are both honored and humbled to be recognized as an Aggie 100 company, and would like to recognize the entire ESN Health team with this achievement, as well as thank our clients for their continued support,” said owners, Ryan and Beth Kobermann.
The 100 Aggie-owned or managed companies with the highest compound annual revenue growth from 2008 to 2010 were recognized at a formal luncheon in the Zone Club on the Texas A&M University campus, Friday, November 4, 2011. More than 600 honorees, employees, faculty, administrators, and well-wishers were in attendance.
“Since the founding of Texas A&M University, Aggies have been leaving a legacy across all businesses and industries,” says Dr. Richard H. Lester, executive director of the Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship. “Over the last seven years, the Aggie 100 companies have continuously proven that even in tough economic times, solid business ideas and hard work pay off.”
The Aggie 100 list in its entirety may be viewed at aggie100.com. To learn more about ESN Health visit esnhealth.com.
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This year, like many before, the staff and students of Kids R Kids of Cinco Ranch East rallied together to raise more than $1,100 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The different between this year and previous ones is this year the money wasn’t being donated to a nameless face in the crowd. This year, the beneficiary was close to home.
In March 2011, Community Relations Director of Kids R Kids Cinco Ranch east, Dawn Tejero, got the unfortunate news that her mother had breast cancer. Like so many others whose family members are affected by the disease, Tejero became even more dedicated to the cause of raising money for a cure.
“I have seen first-hand what raising this money does because I have seen technology become available in just the past four years that can forever change the way we find out about cancer risks and consequently can help people avoid a positive diagnosis,” says Tejero.
“My mom’s twin sister had breast cancer twice, and now they can test family members for genetic indications of cancer risk, which had it been available then, my mom might have received earlier detection and avoided the need for chemotherapy.”
Through efforts like a ‘pay to wear jeans day,’ a Truck R Treat raffle, and month-long classroom-based penny drives, the students and staff raised more than $1,100. More than a tenth of that total came from one kinder classroom alone.
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Volunteers are needed to help man the Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) Thrift Store, 11925 Katy Fwy. Duties would include sorting, display, pricing, cleaning and caring for the house cats that make the CAP Thrift Store their home.
Come join the fun and take advantage of some of the best buys in Houston. The CAP Thrift Store is open seven days a week and shifts are available daily. All thrift store proceeds benefit the homeless animals.
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The Katy YMCA and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch will host the 9th annual Turkey Dash on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2011. The race has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years to become Katy’s premiere fun run. Last year over 3,600 participants gathered on race morning to kick off their Holiday season by participating in the Turkey Dash.
With 3 races to choose from, there’s something for everyone; a Kids Race beginning at 7:20am, 5K at 8 a.m. and a Family Walk/Run at 9:15 a.m. All races start and finish at the Katy YMCA located at the corner of Westheimer Parkway and Peek Rd, one block off the Grand Parkway in Cinco Ranch.
The event was the brainchild of leaders from the Y and the church wishing to organize an activity to bring the community together. Now the Turkey Dash is a well recognized, community Holiday kick off celebration which attracts participants from all parts of West Houston.
Race day highlights include awards in age categories for the Kids Race and 5K. Live music will play during the post race party which features door prizes, complimentary snacks and games as well as a Kids Fun Zone complete with a rockwall, moonwalks, Turkey Mascot, Santa and more!
“We have seen family participation grow over the past few years,” says Beth Strand, race coordinator. “Families creating memories is really what the Turkey Dash is all about.”
For more information, visit ymcaturkeydash.org or call the Katy YMCA at 281-392-5055.
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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of October, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Floriography, 22758 Westheimer Pkwy., #200; Medifast Weight Control Centers, 22140 Westheimer Pkwy.; and Trebah Village Apartments, 19501 W. Little York Rd.
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The Goddard School, located in Katy, is reaching out to all Goddard School alumni. The organization has just announced that it will be accepting applications for its fourth annual $10,000 Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded to a Goddard School alumnus each year to use toward his or her education at an accredited college or university.
“The Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to a graduate of The Goddard School who demonstrates an excellent work ethic, commitment to family and community and a love of learning,” says Joe Schumacher, chief executive officer for Goddard Systems, Inc. “We are eager to determine this year’s recipient of this prestigious award.”
The Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of the founder of The Goddard School, an entrepreneur who started several other well-known franchise companies including AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. and MAACO Auto Painting and Bodyworks, Inc. According to Schumacher, Martino was a successful businessperson who worked his way up from humble beginnings to achieve success.
The application deadline for the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship is February 19, 2012. Eligible applicants can access the scholarship application on Goddard’s website at goddardschool.com under the communication tab. Students interested in applying should follow the guidelines below:
- Applicants must be graduates of The Goddard School Pre-Kindergarten and/or Kindergarten program.
- Applicants must submit a completed application form.
- Applicants must use the scholarship to attend an accredited college or university.
- Only high school juniors and seniors are eligible.
- To complement the Scholarship Application, applicants may submit a video essay between 30 and 120 seconds (e.g., How The Goddard School influenced your career path/education). Video essays should be mailed to 1016 West Ninth Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406 ATTN: Scholarship. (Video content may be used by Goddard Systems, Inc. in advertising and publicity, including broadcast and social media.)
- Relatives of Goddard Systems, Inc. or The Goddard School employees are ineligible.
- The scholarship recipient selection will be made without regard to race, age, gender, religion, political beliefs, employment status or any other factor which could constitute unfair or illegal discrimination.
- Decisions of the Scholarship Committee are final in matters relating to the above practices.
- Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of funds available and applicant eligibility.
For more information about the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship, visit goddardschool.com.
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Ashleigh Tremblay of Katy has accepted membership in Golden Key International Honour Society and was recently honored during an induction ceremony at Sam Houston State University.
“It is only fitting that a top academic achiever like Ashleigh be recognized by Golden Key,” says William W. Ashbury, Golden Key’s board of directors chair. “Our members are inspired and motivated not only to achieve exceptional academic accomplishments, but also to make a positive impact on our world through the Society’s commitment to service.”
Golden Key International Honour Society provides academic recognition to top-performing college and university students, as well as scholarships and awards, career and internship opportunities, networking, service and leadership development opportunities.
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The Seven Lakes High School Spartan Band and Color Guard are competing to win a $50,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Band and color guard members encourage all Katy residents to vote for them daily.
There are two ways to vote:
- Visit refresheverything.com/slhsband and click “Vote for this idea” (users can log into the page from their Facebook account)
- Text 110005 to PEPSI (73774)
Users can vote once per day per method through Nov. 30.
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Bridgeland’s Howl-O-Ween Fest again proved ‘paw-pular’ with area residents, drawing more than 4,000 to the annual pooch party held Oct. 29.
Event-goers donated more than $1,200 for local pet rescue groups amid several stage shows, performances by the Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club and Dog Gone Fun Agility, the Splash Dogs dock-diving competition and Foundry Church’s fall festival.
“This was another ‘howling’ success,” says Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president. “The day was gorgeous and the event was even better than last year, with more vendors, more entertainment and nearly 1,000 more people attending.”
Appearing this year were Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix, Guennadi and his world-famous dog act and magician Lance Kibbey. Plus, costumed canines and their people competed to be “top dog” in a pooch fashion show hosted by KIAH-TV 39’s Maggie Flecknoe. Other highlights included a farmers’ market with pumpkin patch, bingo, trick-or-treating for kids and dogs and more than 30 pet vendors.
Howl-O-Ween Fest is just one of several events bringing people to Bridgeland this year. Thousands attended the annual Nature Fest held this spring, as well as racing events occurring throughout the year. Up next are a chili cook-off Dec. 3 and the Mistletoe Fun Run benefiting Run Over Cancer Dec. 4. Learn more about Bridgeland events at bridgeland.com/events.
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On November 12 and 19, the Jonathan D. Rozier American Legion Post 164 will be collecting from the community, their unserviceable U.S. Flags. Locations for this community service event will be Krogers’ located at: Grand Parkway at Highland Knolls, and Westheimer Pkwy at Mason Road. The collections will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday at both locations.
The Post will also be distributing poppies and donations will be accepted to benefit the Katy community and local veterans. The flag collections are an annual service event for the Katy American Legion in preparation for their Annual Flag Retirement ceremony to be held Sunday, Dec. 4. Many people fly their American flag with pride but after it becomes torn, faded or otherwise unsuitable for display they don’t know what to do with it. Post 164 has remedied that problem for nine consecutive years.
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Global Arm, Inc. and Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success (TEES) is hosting its first-ever Katy Tween/Teen Talent Showcase Competition on Saturday, December 3 from 1 – 6 p.m. This fundraising event is open to ages 11-18.
Acts will compete to be featured on nationally distributed mix-tape, prizes, and other great gifts. First place winners in each category will compete for the grand cash prize. Music industry veterans and executives will be on hand to judge the competition. Teens interested in entering the competition can download and complete the talent application at teeskaty.com. Deadline for entries November 18.
The event will be open to the general public and tickets may be purchased at the door for $10. The competition will take place at Zocalo, 510 S. Mason Rd. in Katy. Vending booths will be available for this event and sponsorships are welcome from local businesses.
For more information, email TEES at info@teeskaty.com or call Nikki Kancey at 281-347-1926.
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Amy Schemidt and Janet Manning Shaw have been named the new co-presidents of the Katy Parents of Gifted and Talented organization.
“We will continue working closely with KISD to encourage a passion for learning and help ensure GT students are able to reach their full academic potential,” says Manning Shaw. “As part of our work, KPGT is lining up a fantastic series of fun learning opportunities for GT students and their families.”
KPGT membership is $15. Students can sign up by visiting www.kpgt.org.
KPGT sponsors a series of events and activities for GT families and will provide plenty of opportunities for people to participate in various family fun events and learning opportunities. Their new program will make best use of funds and much appreciated volunteers in times of tight school budgets.
Events include a GT Create Date where elementary students will let their imaginations loose turning trash to treasure at sessions led by Greg Ruhe of Puppet Pizzazz and professional artist Taylor Perry. In a joint initiative with Katy ISD, every elementary GT student will also be taken to the Katy Outdoor Learning Center for an Archeological Dig as part of the archeology unit being studied in class. A KPGT exclusive Star Gazing Event will be held at the George Observatory in Brazos State Park where GT families can learn about and see star clusters, planets and galaxies using the museum’s giant 36-inch research telescope. Junior high GT students will be invited to participate in a Study Skills Seminar, where they will hone their skills to keep up with a challenging class load.
For more information, visit www.kpgt.org.
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The Willowfork Fire Department held its annual Open House on Sunday, Oct. 9. Despite the welcome arrival of much needed rain, the event was well attended by the community. Visitors were able to view the various apparatus and get an explanation from the firefighters of how the equipment on the vehicles is used. Tower 11, the newest and largest apparatus, was also available for close inspection.
A special treat this year was a youth obstacle course. The children put on firefighting gear before starting the obstacle course so they would feel like a real “firefighter” while participating. The course had several activities some of which included crawling through a tunnel, running while pulling a fire hose, and spraying water through the window of a house-front. Approximately 60 youngsters participated.
The Willowfork Fire Department, operated by Fort Bend County Emergency Services District #2, plans to open Station #2 in late 2012 near the corner of Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Katy-Gaston Road.
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The Houston Community College Pandora’s Box Film and Speaker Series welcomes concentration camp survivor Walter Kase for an intimate speaking engagement. Kase will present at the HCC Katy Campus Wednesday, October 26 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Kase, 81, changes lives every day with his powerful story of survivorship and resilience. Originally from Poland, Kase and his family were taken by the Nazi Army when he was 11 years old. He was held in five separate Nazi concentration camps before redeeming freedom at 15 years old. Afterward, he moved to the United States weighing just 64 pounds and became a successful businessman.
In this rare speaking opportunity, Kase will discuss full details: adolescence, concentration camp life, family, US immigration and the mystery behind his emotional reaction to chocolate with HCC faculty, staff, students and the community.
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Doctors James Jacobs and Nicolas Manriquez of Your Total Foot Care Specialist announced they will award two $1,500 “Stepping Into The Future” scholarships to 2012 Katy ISD graduating seniors.
Applications must be submitted to the offices of Your Total Foot Care Specialist by March 29, 2012 at 5 p.m. A third party committee will select the two winning applicants.
The “Stepping Into The Future” scholarship program is available to seniors graduating with GPAs ranging from 2.5 to 3.7. “Our scholarships are geared towards those students showing academic promise through a combination of demonstrated academic achievement and leadership potential.” says Dr. Manriquez. The two “Stepping Into The Future” scholarship recipients will be announced at the Katy ISD Awards Ceremonies during May.
For further information, call 281-395-3338.
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Tails are already wagging as Bridgeland embarks on a Fido favorite event: Howl-O-Ween Fest, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Bridgeland’s Oak Meadow Park.
The annual pup party, which drew more than 3,000 dog lovers last year, offers plenty of fun for two- and four-legged family members. Top dog on this year’s stage schedule is Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix, which performs at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. With appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Primetime Live” and for the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, the comedy act stars mostly rescue dogs. Returning this year after successful shows in 2010 are Guennadi and his world-famous dog act, performing at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the gravity-defying canine antics of the Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club, performing at noon. And especially for young audiences is a magic show by Houston’s Lanny Kibbey, performing at 2 p.m.
Also slated to appear is Dog Gone Fun Agility, which features skilled pooches bobbing and weaving through a canine-friendly obstacle course.
As in previous years, Howl-O-Ween Fest is a “pet stop” for the “Splash Dogs” dock-diving competition, which takes place both Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and 30. High-ranking dogs for 2011 have leapt more than 25 feet into the water. Learn more and register at www.splashdogs.com or at the event. There will be a registration fee, with a portion going toward Howl-O-Ween Fest fundraising efforts.
Other Howl-O-Ween Fest treats include a 1 p.m. pooch fashion show and costume contest, with prizes for the top three winners, a farmers’ market with a pumpkin patch, several rounds of bingo (with prizes), street performers, trick-or-treating for kids and dogs, and more than 30 pet vendors.
Click here to register online for the doggie fashion show.
As in years past, Foundry Church will hold its annual fall event during Howl-O-Ween Fest, with bounce houses, a miniature train, a kid-size mechanical bull and more.
Most activities will be free; however a few will fetch a small donation, which will benefit participating animal rescue groups, including Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas-Houston, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue, Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas, Husky Haven, Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston, Weimaraner Rescue of Texas, Texas Collie and Sheltie Rescue, Guardian Pit Bull Rescue, Pup Squad Animal Rescue and New Best Friend.
Quieting hunger growls will be a caravan of food trucks trekking to Bridgeland for the day. Already on tap for the event are Fusion Taco, The Berry Boys, Papa John’s Pizza, Grill ‘em Girls, Texas Best Snoballs, Frosted Betty and Smoke Gourmet Meats.
And while fun will be unleashed throughout the day, dogs will have to remain on their leashes at all times. Plus, pets must be current on all vaccinations, wear a current rabies tag and be on their best behavior — any aggressive pooches will be asked to leave to keep the event enjoyable for everyone.
For more information, visit bridgeland.com/howl-o-ween-fest.
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Outdoor artwork, quality hunting firearms and more will be available at the 2011 Katy Ducks Unlimited Fall Banquet Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. The fall dinner and banquet will be held for the first time at Katy Tiger Hall, 811 Avenue D near First St. in Katy. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:15 p.m. and ticket prices are $45 per person and $75 per couple. Sponsor tables are still available beginning at $500 with seating for eight and other company perks and recognition. Kids age 17 and under can attend for $15. Prices include all event costs and a DU annual membership.
For tickets or more information contact Butch Billings at 281-391-8070, Betsy Grubbs at 713-724-2237 or email to katyducksunlimited@gmail.com. Tickets can be purchased online at katyducks.info.
The evening will include a dinner, catered by Midway BBQ of Katy, a raffle, live and silent auctions. Auction items will include a chance for an ATV, high-quality firearms including DU’s gun of the year, outdoor prints and other outdoor items.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with almost 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands ? nature’s most productive ecosystem ? and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.
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Andrew Vogel, a member of Boy Scout Troop 73, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, Vogel resurfaced part of the walking trails of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
By covering up the existing crushed concrete with decomposed granite, the resurfacing project offers universal accessibility to people in wheelchairs, children in strollers, and emergency vehicles.
Vogel has held numerous leadership positions within his troop, such as Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Order of the Arrow Representative. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. He has also earned over 100 merit badges. Vogel completed his Eagle project earlier this year, while he was in the tenth grade.
Vogel is currently a junior at Cinco Ranch High School. Troop 73 is chartered through Memorial Lutheran Church of Katy.
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Katy ISD’s Partners in Education announced the start of their 10th annual “Food for Families” campaign. The campaign seeks to reach families in the school district in need of support. Last year more than 250 Katy ISD students and their families received more than $13,000 in assistance. This year’s campaign runs through Dec. 2.
The process for “Food for Families” is simple: campus principals identify students whose families are in need of support, then the district collects donations from the community and purchases a $50 grocery card for each family. Cards are delivered to campuses prior to winter break with a message of support from the Katy ISD community.
Donations of any amount are welcome. Donations of $50 gift cards from a business offering a variety of family food choices are also accepted (no restaurant gift cards). Checks can be made payable to Katy ISD Food for Families and mailed or delivered to: Katy ISD Partners in Education, KISD Education Support Complex Rm. 1460, 6301 S. Stadium Ln. Katy, TX 77494.
For more information, contact Janet Theis at 281-396-2461 or janettheis@katyisd.org.
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CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital and Cross Creek Ranch invite surrounding communities to join the third annual “Celebrate Your Princess Breast Cancer Awareness Walk” benefitting the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Fund. The fun-filled event at Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear will include a kids’ zone, pampering, shopping, pumpkin decorating, music and much more.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the U.S. this year. Today there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Because breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, early detection and prevention are critical for all women. The CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Fund promotes community outreach, health, wellness and education.
The day’s festivities will begin at 7:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by an introduction of the Royal Court – a group of west Houston-area breast cancer survivors who will share their inspirational stories. Walk starts at 9:00 a.m., and the celebration will continue after the walk at the Pink Pamper Party, where participants will enjoy indulgences ranging from mini facials to paraffin hand treatments, cooling eye gel treatments to chair massages.
The public is invited to take part in the day-long and family-friendly festivities, including a Pink Party Kids Zone complete with bounce houses, a rock wall, face painters, petting zoo and pumpkin decorating. Pets are welcome to participate in the walk, but must be on leashes. Vendors from local boutiques and spa services, including pet pampering by Waggin’ Tails Pet Ranch, will be featured. Attendees can also shop at the Pink Market, enjoy music by DJ OZ and much more.
Each participant receives a “Celebrate your Princess” tote and t-shirt. Entry fees:
- Before October 7: $20
- October 8–20: $25
- Walk day: $30
- “Sleep In” donation: $50
- Children 6 and under are free!
Register online at CHRISTUSSt.Catherine.org or CrossCreekTexas.com or Active.com. For more details or sponsorship information, contact Dana Mersiovsky at 281-599-6696 and dana.mersiovsky@christushealth.org.
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Party hats? Check! Birthday cake? Check! Favors? Come check and see! Bridgeland’s fifth anniversary is Oct. 14 and the master-planned community has much to celebrate.
The development opened with The Shores community in 2006 and has since expanded to neighborhoods in five communities — First Bend, The Cove, Water Haven and the traditional neighborhood development of Lakeland Heights. More than 1,400 homes have been sold and approximately 4,500 residents call Bridgeland home. Starting with just a handful of builders in 2006, Bridgeland now boasts 13 builders, with prices from the $170,000s to more than $1 million.
Not only has Bridgeland debuted an array of neighborhoods during the past five years, but the development also has introduced a wealth of parks and amenities for residents, including the Lakeland Activity Center, one of four planned recreation complexes. The facility boasts a 6,000-square-foot community center, a fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, two playgrounds and a resort-style pool with two 30-foot tower slides, diving wells, water volleyball and a spray park.
The first 1.5 miles of the 6-mile Cypress Creek Nature Trail is open along the historic Cypress Creek Corridor and is just one of several current trails in the community. Residents also enjoy catch-and-release fishing, disc golf, a maze garden and other themed parks, complimentary use of recreation equipment and a busy slate of classes and community events planned by an on-site activities director.
To celebrate its five-year anniversary, Bridgeland is giving away a basket of birthday goodies, including a gift certificate for a birthday cake from Debbie’s Delectables. The weekend of Oct. 14-16, Welcome Center visitors can enjoy birthday refreshments and register for the basket, which will be given away Oct. 17.
“We have a strong foundation for this 25-year project,” says Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president. “We have built a thriving community and sales continue to be vigorous, up 11 percent from last year. We look forward to what is on the horizon.”
Still to break ground this year is Lakeland Village Center, the community’s first village center to feature dining, shopping, office and living space. This mixed-use concept is included in the design of each of Bridgeland’s four planned villages. In addition, Bridgeland will have a larger Town Center designed as an employment center and shopping, dining and entertainment hub for the community and surrounding area.
Bridgeland also is planning its next phase of development, Parkland Village, a collection of neighborhoods that will have a character and style different from the development’s current Lakeland Village.
“Our goal is for each village have its own distinctive ambiance, enhancing Bridgeland’s product offering and amenity palette,” Houghton says.
Also in the planning stage is the next phase of the Cypress Creek Nature Trail, encompassing another 1.5 miles.
Already under construction nearby is a 15.2-mile extension of the Grand Parkway from U.S. 290 to Interstate 10. The parkway, slated to open in 2014, will give Bridgeland residents a 20-minute commute to several major employment centers, including the Energy Corridor.
“Plus, the state of Texas is moving rapidly toward the extension of the Grand Parkway from U.S. 290 to I-45, which would mean an easy 20-minute commute from Bridgeland to the new Exxon Mobil campus opening in 2014. Thus, we can refine our existing plan for the Town Center, which will be located in Bridgeland along the Grand Parkway,” says Houghton.
Bridgeland has won numerous awards during its short history, including Community of the Year during the 2010 Silver Awards and The Nationals 2009 Gold Awards, both given by the National Association of Home Builders, and Developer of the Year in the 2010 Houston’s Best awards. Bridgeland is currently ranked fourth for sales among Houston-area master-planned communities and — even more impressive for such a young community — 12th in the nation, according to a recent study released by housing consultant Metrostudy.
For more information on Bridgeland, visit bridgeland.com.
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The Katy Rice Harvest Parade is one of the kick-off events for the Annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival. Sponsored by Remedy Roofing, the parade was held in Historic Downtown Katy Saturday, Oct. 1. The parade judges were Stan Stanley, Cassie Richter, and Tracy Gallimore.
Lynn Cardiff served as the Grand Marshal. Cardiff was instrumental in founding the Katy Rice Harvest Festival over 31 years ago.
Katy Rice Harvest Parade Kicks Off Annual Festival
Mayde Creek Junior High Gator Theatre Company
Church
First Place – True Fellowship Baptist Church
Second Place – Creekside Community Church
Classic Vehicle
First Place – Bluebonnet Military Motor Pool (BMMP) #2
Second Place – Becky Lombard
Third Place – Bluebonnet Military Motor Pool (BMMP) #1
Commercial
First Place – Remedy Roofing
Second Place – HEB Katy
Third Place – Katy Ski Jam
Nonprofit/Civic
First Place – Houston Marine Moms
Second Place – Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center
Third Place – Marine Corps League #1
School
First Place – Mayde Creek Junior High Gator Theatre Company
Second Place – Pope John XXIII
Third Place – Memorial Parkway Junior High Cheerleaders & Mascots
Youth
First Place – Cross Point Cheerleaders
Second Place – Katy Youth Football and Cheer
Third Place – American Heritage Girl Scout Troop #317
For more information, call 281-391-5289 or visit katychamber.com.
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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of September, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: First Community Credit Union – Cinco Ranch, 23120 Cinco Ranch Blvd.; Good to Go, 23144C Cinco Ranch Blvd.; Learning Rx of Cinco Ranch, 24124 Cinco Village Center Blvd., #20; The Learning Experience, 21418 Kingsland; Fulbrook, 5530 Fulbrook Green, Fulshear; Health One 24 Hour Emergency Care West Campus, 5510 W. Grand Parkway S, Richmond; and Stadia Sports Grill, 20900 Katy Fwy., Ste. N1.
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The Katy Rice Harvest Festival’s Cooking Competition is one of the kick-off events for the annual event. The 2011 Cooking Competition was held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Hasta La Pasta. The competition is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital, and Alan Gunn served as the competition’s chairman.
The Rice Cooking Contest entries were judged on taste, creativity, appearance and recipe. Several unique dishes were submitted this year. A new category was added for Heart Healthy Recipes.
Cooking Competition winners included:
Appetizer/Side Dish/Salad
First Place – Corey Lineberry, Pinedareas Rice Cakes with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Second Place – Donna Johnson, Ham Cranberry Rice Salad
Third Place – Cody Hix, Cajun Gumbo Pie
Entrée/Main Dish
First Place – Meagan Peoples, Leaf Salad
Second Place – Elosia Lavigne, Uphill Battle
Dessert
First Place – Allison Loesch, Coconut Tres Leches Cupcakes
Second Place – Donna Johnson, White Chocolate Mousse Brownie Rice Dessert
Third Place – Rhiannan Stegenga, Sweet Crème Rice Crepe with Raspberry Rice Mousse
Any Recipe Using Rice
First Place – Allison Loesch, Grilled Shrimp with Sweet and Spicy Rice
Second Place – Meagan Peoples, Portobello Cow Patties
Third Place – Lynne Waldo, Green Chile Rice Enchiladas
Junior Chief
First Place – Ciara Mitchell, Momma T’s Billion Dollar Pie
Second Place – Rhiannan Stegenga, Seafood Creole Rice Dumplings with Crème Fresh Mint Sauce
Third Place – Amanda Waldo, Luscious Strawberry Bread
Heart Healthy
First Place – Lalitha Subramanian, Heart Healthy Kurma
Second Place – Darrin Loesch, Warm Rice Pecan Vinaigrette Salad
Third Place – Monica Toepfer, Rice’n Eggplant Veggie Patty
Best of Show
Corey Lineberry, Pinedareas Rice Cakes with Cilantro Lime Ranch
More information can be obtained by calling the chamber office at 281-391-5289 or visiting www.katychamber.com.
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The Katy Rice Harvest Festival Photography Contest is one of the kick-off events for the annual event, and winners were announced Tuesday, September 27. The contest is sponsored by Country Park Portraits. Sam Schultze served as chairman of the Photo Contest.
The Photography Contest entries were judged on impact, creativity, composition, print presentation and subject matter. The winners included:
Rice Category:
First Place – Melinda Field, “Grains of Hardship…A Fading Past”
Second Place – Amber Brockett, “Holds My Heart in His Hands”
Honorable Mention – Keely Keeney, “Every Grain Grows”
Honorable Mention – Beverly Morobito, “Rice in the Wind”
Wildlife Category:
First Place – Debi Beauregard, “Reddish Egret”
Second Place – Abby Glueck, “Robin in the Rain”
Honorable Mention – Meredith Bunning, “Dinner Time!”
Honorable Mention – Joseph Brockett, “Mmmm”
Digital Manipulation Category:
First Place – Debi Beauregard, “Pink Cadillac”
Second Place – Morgan Bradley, “A Look Above the Line”
Honorable Mention – Laura Ramsey, “Star Spangled Banner”
Honorable Mention – Brandy Williams, “Surfside Wipeout”
Activities Category:
First Place – Jessica Gonzalez, “Rays of Faith”
Second Place – Christopher Lee, “Just Add Fire”
Honorable Mention – Sara Stephens, “Summer Wonderland”
Honorable Mention – Joshua Loesch, “Almost There”
Children’s Division Category:
First Place – Mallory Dwyer, “Front Porch Lizard”
Second Place – Evan Brockett, “Moon”
Honorable Mention – Keith Rodriguez, “Squirrel Food”
Honorable Mention – Arianna M. Young, “Meal for Two”
Best of Show:
Wildlife category – Debi Beauregar, “Reddish Egret”
The contest photos will be on display for the public through October 21 at Country Park Portraits, 555 Park Grove Ln. More information can be obtained by calling the chamber office at 281-391-5289 or visiting katychamber.com.
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Citizens for Animal Protection’s (CAP) Thrift Store, the only Houston-area thrift store benefiting homeless animals, offers customers a vast assortment of designer labels, house wares and unique decorative items.
The store, which opened in 2006, recently moved to a new, larger site at 11925 Katy Fwy., the former home of CAP’s shelter. Here shoppers can find clothing, shoes and purses, along with books and collectibles. Its decorative merchandise has been known to include English china and Italian pottery, silver serving pieces and colorful glass. The shop also carries furniture and appliances.
Donations come in daily, so shoppers never know what they’ll find from one visit to the next. “The store’s proceeds directly benefit the animals in our shelter,” says Hershey Grace, CAP’s thrift store manager and special events coordinator. “People can save money here and help Houston’s homeless animals at the same time.” The Thrift Store sales bring in over $5,000 per week to help save the animals.
Community members have gone all out with their store donations, providing customers with a treasure-trove of high-end merchandise. The store’s racks have been graced by pieces by such designers as Abercrombie & Finch, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Coach, among others.
“Our customers have discovered some wonderful finds here,” says Grace. “For them, the thrill of the hunt is half the fun. Others come because they love the idea that their purchases help us care for animals in need and find them forever homes.”
The thrift store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 6: 30 p.m. Volunteers accept donations daily at the store at 11925 Katy Fwy. To reach the thrift store, call 281-497-7559.
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The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Katy’s own Lynn Cardiff, former executive director of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 31st Annual Rice Harvest Festival.
“It is an honor to recognize such an incredible woman as the Grand Marshal of the festival’s parade,” says Ann Hodge, chief executive officer and president of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. “As a founder of the Rice Harvest Festival, Lynn has always had a hand in the festival’s success. This is our opportunity to thank her for service throughout the years.”
The Katy Area Rice Harvest Festival was born in 1981 as Cardiff; Brad Hays, former director of the Westside Art Guild; and Sam Scardino, former president of the Greater Katy Area Chamber of Commerce sought to bring the community together to celebrate Katy’s history, offer a venue to showcase local performers and create an event through which allow local artists and farmers could sell their wares. Cardiff assumed the role of the festival coordinator and director and, under her direction, the event quickly evolved in to what is now a much anticipated tradition for the Katy community.
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Bridgeland is again hosting the Mistletoe Fun Run, set for Sunday, Dec. 4, and benefiting Run Over Cancer. Participants can choose a 10K or 5K run, a 1-mile Family Walk or a half-mile Kids’ Fun Run. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 10K and 5K runs starting at 7:30 a.m. The Family Walk follows at 8:30 a.m., and the Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. An activity area will be set up 8-11 a.m. and children are encouraged to bring their holiday wish lists, as Santa is expected to visit.
Registration fees through Nov. 15 are $25 for the 10K and 5K runs; $15 for the Family Walk; and $10 for the Kids’ Fun Run. Costs increase by $5 after Nov. 15 and race day fees are $10 more than early registration. Costumes are encouraged, with a $25 prize going to the best costume.
Run Over Cancer is a non-profit organization started in 2008 to help families currently suffering from the disease with food, housing and medical expenses. The Bridgeland race benefits the Files family. Sheena Files, a self-employed housekeeper, is a breast cancer survivor who last year was diagnosed with melanoma and is facing mounting expenses due to treatments and continued testing.
For information, contact race director Jennifer Wilson at runovercancer@gmail.com. To register online, click here.
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In a ceremony to be held on Wednesday Sept. 21, Kristina Pontious, received the Zonta Club of Houston 2011 Jane M. Klausman Scholarship award and the District 10 award. Pontious is currently a senior in the Mays Business School of Professional Accounting at Texas A&M University where she will earn a BBA in Accounting and Business Honors, as well as a MS in Marketing in 2012. Winning this award also puts her in the running for the international level award for Zonta International.
Pontious, a Katy, TX native, has been an active member and scholar in the Business Honors program since 2007, and she is on the Professional Accounting Advisory Council. In addition, Pontious has been the recipient of several scholarships, including one from the prestigious organization of the American Society of Woman Accountants and one from the National Society of Accountants. She is currently a National Society of Collegiate Scholars member, and she was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008 and 2009. Pontious holds a 4.0 grade point average at Texas A&M.
Apart from studying, Pontious has held leadership positions in various volunteer organizations and five years ago, started her own company: Homemade Pies for the Holidays, which offers a variety of pies delivered to your door. As Pontious says, she “discovered the power of marketing” while serving as Recruitment Chair for Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and as Outreach Coordinator for Gilbert Leadership Conference. In both leadership positions, she was responsible for projecting a positive image of the organization in order to motivate the target audience to join. She has also planned fundraisers, in both positions, which successfully increased the fundraising 200 percent from the previous year. Pontious has interned with PricewaterhouseCoopers where she hopes to continue her career after graduation.
This scholarship award is being given to Pontoius by the Zonta Club of Houston, an organization committed to advancing the status of women throughout the world. The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship offers financial aid to women undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in business and business management.
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Bridgeland is registering chili king and queen hopefuls in its 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off, set for Dec. 3 at the Lakeland Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland Landing.
Cooking begins at 6 a.m. with judging at noon. Event-goers have a chance to taste the entries after judging. First- through third-place winners will be crowned. Registration cost is $10, which must be paid by Nov. 28. Rules are available upon request.
For details, click here or call Elizabeth Dominguez at 281-304-1318.
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony conducted at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch began with the presentation of the flags by the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and the Mayde Creek High School Navy JROTC. The National Anthem was performed by Katy ISD combined choir. VFW Chaplain Jeb Stickland led the benediction.
Master of Ceremonies George Rissky, VFW, introduced Col. (Ret.) Mike Mastrangelo, Commander, VFW and guest speaker Representative Bill Callegari (District 132), Texas House of Representatives. Reginald Adams, a public artist who serves as president and CEO of the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston, outlined a community project that will be completed in partnership with the Rotary Club of Katy and the VFW Post 9182 to commemorate Sept. 11 and veterans.
VFW Post 9182 and the Ladies Auxiliary recognized and honored three local Americans through the presentation of the American flag. The flags presented to the local heroes were flown over Kandahar, Afghanistan by our armed forces.
All present stood for a moment of silence at the Willowfork Fire Department chimed the old firehouse bell “Tolling 5-5-5-5” to recognize the fallen firefighters and seven outstanding law enforcement personnel from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard performed the firing of the volleys.
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If you are looking for quality family entertainment, enrichment and fun, look no further. The Katy Rice Harvest Festival rolls into Katy on October 8 and 9 and has become known as a first class, affordable quality family event. This will be the 31st Anniversary of the Katy Rice Harvest Festival.
Entries for the RHF Photography Contest must be submitted to the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce by 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 22. Cash prizes for each category are $75 for first place and $50 for second place. A new category has been added for digital manipulation.
A reception for the Photograph Contest entries will be held on Tuesday, September 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Country Park Portraits. Entries will be on display and the winners will be announced. The amateur photographers throughout Katy always produce remarkable photographs to compete in this contest. Additional information, contest rules and entry form can be obtained at http://www.riceharvestfestival.org/Events/PhotographyContest/tabid/218/Default.aspx. The Photography Contest sponsor is Country Park Portraits.
The Cooking Competition will take place Saturday, September 24 at Hasta La Pasta (Highland Knolls and Grand Parkway). Judging will begin at 1 p.m. All entries must be turned in between noon and 1 p.m. The competition has been completely revamped this year. Only one category requires the utilization of rice in the recipe. The categories include: Appetizers/Side Dish/Salad; Entrée/Main Dish; Any Recipe Using Rice; Heart Healthy; Dessert; and Junior Chef (8 – 18).
The new Heart Healthy category this year is destined to be interesting with the creative recipes designed to be heart healthy. All recipes submitted in the Heart Healthy category must include the nutritional analysis calculated on www.caloriecount.about.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php.
Cooking Competition cash prizes for each category are: $100 for first place; $75 for second place; $50 for third place; and $200 for Best of Show. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. Applications and recipe submissions are to be submitted online by 5 p.m. on September 22. For additional information, visit http://www.riceharvestfestival.org/Events/CookingCompetition/RiceCookingContestEntryForm.aspx. The sponsor for the Cooking Competition is CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital.
The annual parade will be held Saturday, October 1 in historic downtown Katy. The parade line up begins at 9 a.m. in the Church of Christ parking lot located at 5th Street and East Ave. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and from the church go down Ave. A to 2nd Street, over to Ave. C and up to 10th Street. To ensure being announced at the Reviewing Stand, entry applications need to be submitted by noon on Thursday, September 29. The parade sponsor is Remedy Roofing.
To register for any of the activities or events, purchase carnival armbands or admission tickets, visit the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce website www.katychamber.com or www.riceharvestfestival.org.
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The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy is pleased to announce its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the August rank exam.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary” Black Belt: Bryce Amos, Jordan Huggins, Noah Lightsey, Angelica Murray, Brian Nguyen, Trey Reardon, Caroline Rush, Zachary Sumrall, George Wayne Theodoroulis.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided” Black Belt: Grayson Beall, Jean-Marc Boyce, Anthony Gaona, Noah Lerma, William Luke, Meghan Masson, Shreya Mehta, Gabriel Murray, Jack Reardon, Autumn Thompson.
Congratulations to the following students for earning their Second Degree Black Belts: Kirsten Madina, Dawson Seago.
The following students earned their Third Degree Black Belts: Brandon Komplin, Jai Manning-Shaw, Jacob Roopchand, Natalie Russo.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy is also pleased to announce these dedicated students who passed testing requirements during the instructor exam to earn tiered instructor status. Congratulations, Max Conway, Noah Lightsey, Diego Velaochaga on becoming Level 1 instructors! Congratulations, William Luke, Catherine Weldon on becoming Level 2 instructors!
Congratulations to the following students who graduated from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program: Ethan Barker, Alexa Gaona, Nathan Koons.
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Firethorne to Host Two Triathlons in One Weekend: Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Announced for Sat., Oct. 29
Firethorne will host two triathlons in one weekend this October with its first-ever Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Series Race No. 9 for children on Saturday, October 29 at 8 a.m., followed by the 19th Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne Sunday, October 30 from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Both USA Triathlon-sanctioned races will be positioned in and around the 1,400-acre Firethorne residential community on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the I-10 West corridor, Westpark Tollway and Grand Parkway in Katy/Fulshear.
“We are pleased to introduce the Kiwanis Kids Triathlon to Firethorne this year and welcome back the Katy Triathlon for the third year,” says Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.
Organizers expect approximately 200 participants for the children’s race and 900 in the Katy Triathlon at Firethorne coming from throughout the Houston metropolitan area and the state.
The Katy Triathlon at Firethorne encompasses a 16-mile bike race, a three-mile run and a 500-meter swim in Lake Firethorne. Rotary Club of Katy has sponsored the Katy race for more than 10 years, according to President-Elect Dr. Ralph Brock. The Club organizes more than 40 of its own member-volunteers, in addition to helpers from Cinco Ranch High School FBLA, Rotary Interact Club and Boy Scouts to orchestrate the Katy Triathlon.
The Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Series Race No. 9, open to children ages 6-12 (birth years 1999-2004), will vary its course length according to birth year/age group. The swimming leg will be held in Firethorne’s new competitive lap pool. For registration for the USA Triathlon-sanctioned race, visit: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/75756.
The Sunday cycling route for adults will include sections of FM 1463 and US Hwy. 90 within the Katy city limits.
“Firethorne opened a six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive lap pool earlier this summer that is an ideal place for residents to train,” says veteran Race Director Dave Rainey.
Katy Triathlon registration is open and continues through October 25. The complete fee structure and deadlines are posted on the event website, katytriathlon.com.
The Rotary Club of Katy donates event proceeds to the Katy Rotary Fund, which supports local charities for their work in providing essential health, recreation and educational services to children in Katy ISD. In July, the Rotary Fund awarded $21,000 in scholarships, $1,500 each to 14 graduating seniors from the district’s six high schools. Race sponsorships, underwriters and in-kind underwriters are available. For information, call Vicki Rao, 281-391-3655.
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The Katy Fire & EMS Association 29th annual fundraiser dinner and auction is just around the corner. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at the VFW Hall. Food will be served starting at 5 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and raffle drawing. Raffle prizes include a 55 inch Sony 3D, LED TV, $500 Visa gift card, $250 Cinco Ranch Spa gift certificate.
Katy Fire & EMS Association is excited to announce a new menu for this year’s dinner. This year’s menu will feature a good old fashioned meal of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, bread and homemade desserts.
Meal tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 5 and under. Raffle tickets are available for $1 each. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Katy Fire Department, 1417 Ave. D or by calling 281-391-3500 to arrange for ticket delivery. Auction items, door prizes and monetary donations are always welcome. Any individual or business that wishes to donate can call 281-391-3500 to arrange for a firefighter to pick up your donation.
The employees and volunteers of Katy Fire Department feel very blessed to serve this community. The annual fundraiser is not only an opportunity to raise money but also to meet and thank the citizens of Katy and surrounding areas for their continued support.
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Support the Girls, a local organization dedicated to promoting a healthier community – and especially breast cancer awareness, is hosting its first luncheon on October 14. The event will feature keynote speaker Michelle Stephenson of My Pink Vision, as well as inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors, and will offer ideas about other ways attendees can support breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from the event will benefit the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.
Support the Girls was created by a group of motivating Katy-area women who came together last year to address the growing healthcare needs of women in West Houston. The group consists of Katy community leaders, business professionals, civic liaisons and educators all focused on making the greater Katy area a healthier community.
“We are grateful and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the event,” says Dana Mersiovsky, director of Development at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. “When it comes to breast cancer, education and early detection are essential to saving lives. It’s wonderful to have these amazing ladies helping us provide our community with the tools and resources to better understand – and fight – the disease.”
“There was no question among ‘us girls’ that CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is the perfect beneficiary organization for our first luncheon,” says Amy Barker-Richards, Event Chair of Support the Girls. “The hospital has been a cornerstone of health and wellness for the Katy area, and we are thrilled to aid them in their mission.”
The Support the Girls luncheon will take place Friday, October 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Weston Lakes Country Club in Fulshear, Texas. Individual tickets are $50 and tables of eight are available for $500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Attendees can register online by visiting www.CHRISTUSFoundation.org and clicking on “Events.” For more details or sponsorship information, contact Dana Mersiovsky at 281-599-6696 and e-mail dana.mersiovsky@christushealth.org.
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The Lambda Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International recently presented two future women educators with their Grant-in-Aid award. Seven Lakes graduate Alison Anchors and Morton Ranch graduate Courtney Armstrong were the recipients of the awards. Anchors is currently attending the University of Houston where she is studying music education. Armstrong to attending Baylor where she is studying early childhood education.
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Fort Bend County Emergency Services District no. 2 and Willowfork Fire Department are pleased to announce the acquisition of land for an additional fire station. Station no. 2 will be constructed on Cinco Ranch Boulevard, near the intersection of Katy Gaston, on land made available by Newland Communities.
The 12,600 square foot building is being designed by BRW Architects. Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2012 with estimated completion in fall 2012. Willowfork Fire Department services portions of north Fort Bend County.
Watch construction progress by visiting the “Chief’s Corner” at www.willowforkfire.com.
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Katy ISD is hosting an all-inclusive open house for community members and local businesses to learn about working with the district. The annual PIE Open House plus annual Local Vendor Initiative will join forces on one day, Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Merrell Center. Patrons will have a chance to: learn about School-Business Partnerships; reconnect with partner campuses; learn about the district’s Open for Business initiative; and more. Current and prospective business partners are invited to attend.
In addition to booths hosted by campus leadership, the event will also feature areas hosted by Katy ISD Facilities and Planning, Communications and the district’s Marketing Program. Patrons will also enjoy a free continental breakfast and performances by Katy ISD school groups.
For questions regarding this event, please contact Partners in Education: Janet Theis 281-396-2461 or Tammy Stringer 281-396-2645. To RSVP for this event, visit katyisd.org.
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It is a new record for the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival! Named one of the Houston area’s top ten festivals, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, produced by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, announced that all vendor booths are sold out for the 2011 event. The festival is held each year around the square in Historic Downtown Katy.
This marks the first time in the history of the festival that all booths sold out over two months prior to the annual event. The Festival committee is proud to announce that this year we will welcome a record number of hand crafted and homemade items. The food vendor booths sold out within the first two weeks of vendor sales.
Vendor items include Italian hand painted crystal, homemade candles, handmade necklaces, bracelets and earrings, wood art for yards, hand crafted greeting cards, handmade wooden toys, hand knit shawls, hand crafted cedar outdoor furniture, handmade Christmas stockings, holiday decorations and cowboy lanterns. Other handmade items include inspirational crosses, original artist’s works, crocheted clothing, handmade belts and belt buckles, recycled art, photographs, original artwork and handmade children’s items plus more. Beautiful jewelry made out of rice. Vendors will also be selling homemade quilts, baby blankets and decorative boxes. Handpainted pottery and numerous natural products will also be available. Homemade gourmet foods including nuts, dips and soup mixes and a variety of items will be sold.
Along Food Alley you will find your favorites such as Sausage on a Stick, Turkey Legs, Boudain Balls, Roasted Corn, Gyros, Kettle Korn, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Jambalaya, Meatballs on a Stick and Funnel Cakes. Come enjoy Fried Twinkies, Fried Oreos and Apple Fritters! New this year is the Doughnut Burgers as well as the Volcano Splash!
In addition to the vendor booths and a full-scale carnival, is a first class talent lineup on the Katy Stage. Saturday’s entertainment includes Sarah Marie (www.sarahmarieband.com); The Convertibles; Lady D & The Zydeco Tornadoes (www.ladydzydeco.com); The Trishas (www.thetrishas.com); Bayou Roux (www.bayouroux.com); and The Fab 5 (www.thefab5.net).
Yelba & Latin Fire (www.yelba.net); Mambo Jazz Kings (www.mambojazzkingslive.com); and Cody Johnson Bank (www.thecodyjohnsonband.com) will take the stage on Sunday.
The 2011 Katy Rice Harvest Festival presented a check for $18,479.00 to the City of Katy. The proceeds were used to produce the 2011 Katy Freedom Celebration on July 4th. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Katy Rice Harvest Festival are proud to partner with the City of Katy for this effort.
Additionally, the 2010 Katy Rice Harvest Festival presented a check for $14,870.92 to the Knights of Columbus as part of their partnership with the Festival.
The Festival is also contributed over $18,250.00 in 2010 to Cinco Ranch High School, Faith West Academy, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School, Morton Ranch High School, Pope John XXIII High School, Seven Lakes High School and Taylor High School.
The proceeds to the City of Katy, Knights of Columbus, Cinco Ranch High School, Faith West Academy, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School, Morton Ranch High School, Pope John XXIII High School, Seven Lakes High School and Taylor High School exceed $51,599.92 for the 2010 Katy Rice Harvest Festival alone.
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This morning, the concentration of smoke from wildfires to the north has significantly increased and is not expected to subside during the day. Therefore, Katy ISD is taking the following steps to maintain the health and well-being of students and staff:
- There will be no outdoor PE or recess activities for the remainder of the day.
- There will be no outdoor athletic or fine arts practices. Athletic and fine arts after school practices will be held indoors if possible. Students should check with their coaches/sponsors for exact details as to the status/location of their practice.
- Campuses will work to load students on buses quickly to minimize time outdoors.
District officials will continue to monitor the situation closely for possible impact on operations for Friday. By noon Friday, district officials will make an announcement as to what, if any impact, the air quality may have on Friday night athletic events.
Visit katyisd.org for up-to-the-minute updates.
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A fleet of food trucks will join more than 30 restaurants to serve up the second annual Westside Chef’s Throwdown on Saturday Sept. 24 from 1-4 p.m. at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Land Tejas, Newland Communities, Trendmaker and LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch have teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association as committee partners to create the Westside Chef’s Throwdown, a free event featuring live music, cooking demonstrations and kids’ activities.
This year’s featured ingredient – cheese – will inspire sweet and savory dishes by the chefs. While most activities are free, event-goers can taste food from all restaurants and food trucks by purchasing wristbands, with 100% of proceeds going to the MDA’s summer camps program. Prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children (kids under 2 are free), and $50 for a family pack for two adults and two children.
Wristbands can be purchased online now at westsidechefsthrowdown.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 713-522-1536, and they will also be available at the event.
Participating restaurants include Vida Loca Mexican Bar & Grill, the winner of last year’s Throwdown, along with Alamo Drafthouse, Another Round Wine Bar, Antonia’s Cucina Italiana, Babin’s Seafood House, Baker Street Pub & Grill, Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano, The Cellar Door, Fish City Grill, Fit n Fresh Gourmet, Hasta La Pasta, Jamba Juice, Kenzo Sushi Bistro, Landry’s Seafood, Las Alamedas Restaurant and Cantina, Lasagna House, Mission Burrito, Ooh La La Sweets, The Original Marini’s Empanada House, and Salt and Pepper Restaurant. Food trucks include H-town StrEATS. A wine tasting tent and bar will also be available for wristband holders.
The Westside Chef’s Throwdown helps support local residents with muscular dystrophy like Austin Price, 9, who is the MDA’s Goodwill Ambassador for 2011 and also an MDA camper. A resident of Fulshear, Austin presented the awards, chosen by popular vote among attendees to the winning restaurants, at last year’s event.
“At last year’s inaugural Westside Chef’s Throwdown, over 25 restaurants and more than 1,000 guests helped us raise over $12,000 for the MDA,” says Vienda Ward, executive director of the MDA Houston chapter. “This year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger and tastier, with a new date right after the official start of fall.”
Sponsors for this year’s Westside Chef’s Throwdown include Butler Hailey, C.I.A. Services, Charter Title, Chesmar Homes, HTS Inc., EnTouch Systems, Honeywell, HTS Inc., The Kalikow Group, Perry Homes, Planned Community Management, Schwartz Page & Harding LLP, and Westin Homes.
For more information, visit westsidechefsthrowdown.com.
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Katy ISD’s Community Education offers evening and online classes to adults for fun, enrichment and learning. Classes offered include foreign languages, finance, computer, sewing, dance, music and more.
For information on classes and to view the Fall schedule, visit www.katyisd.org/com_edu or call 281-396-6365. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Katy Fire Department is collecting the following items for those in Bastrop affected by the wildfires: clothes, toiletries, bedding, pillows, cots, sleeping bags, teddy bears or small toys for children, and dog and cat food.
In addition, firefighters working to contain the blaze are in need of: baby wipes, eyedrops such as Visine, Vaseline, industrial-grade goggles (wrap-around), chap stick, white T-shirts, and hand towels.
All donations can be dropped off at the Katy Fire Department, 1417 Ave. D. For more information, contact Nora Galvan at 713-882-9444.
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Living Word Lutheran Church recently announced Lisa Jastram of Sugar Land, Texas has joined the staff as a contemporary worship leader. Jastram has performed in many Katy-area churches, libraries and schools with Oasis for Children, her educational entertainment venture. She comes to Living Word at an exciting time in the life of the church as they complete their Envision Project begun less than a year ago. The church has been installing new lighting, screens, projectors and systems upgrades to maximize possibilities for meaningful and exciting worship.
Sept. 25 will be the first Sunday for the congregation to experience the new amenities and it promises to be an exciting Sunday. One of Jastram’s goals is to make the service more intergenerational and family friendly. She also hopes to see more of the arts incorporated into worship including dance and visual arts.
Previously, Jastram has led the musical portion of worship at St. Martin’s Lutheran in Sugar Land, New Hope Lutheran in Missouri City and Grace UCC in Alief. Her background as a missionary child raised in Japan matches well with Living Word’s emphasis on global mission. An annual Global Mission Festival involving many of the area’s churches will be held from October 16 to 23 during which time the contemporary praise team will be performing on several occasions. The public is invited to join in on the Fun Run, a fund raiser for the Gallo Health Clinic in the Central African Republic, on Saturday, Oct. 15.
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On Labor Day weekend, hundreds of volunteers will mobilize to collect items at Houston-area grocery stores in support of local food banks, homeless shelters and returning military families for Second Baptist Church’s third annual “Second Helping” food drive. Second Baptist’s west campus is located in Katy.
The third annual “Second Helping” food drive will take place Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 43 area Kroger and HEB stores. Click here for the list of participating stores.
Volunteers will gather at the entrances of area supermarkets to distribute lists of needed items. As shoppers exit the store, our volunteers will collect and consolidate their donations.
Last year’s “Second Helping” resulted in hundreds of volunteers serving together in Houston, Katy, Pearland, Cypress and Kingwood to collect 71,956 items to benefit local agencies.
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The RoboRangers, a Katy-based robotics team, attended a seminar arranged by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services – Bureau of Consumer Health (HDHHS-BCHS) and Hermann Memorial TMC, providing the team with an invaluable hands-on experience about the importance of food safety.
RoboRangers attending the BCHS seminar viewed a PowerPoint presentation by Carolyn Gray, chief sanitarian, on “Partners in Combating Food Contamination: Keeping Food Safe.” Larry Goodman (sanitarian III, supervisor) gave a demonstration on proper washing, rinsing, and sanitizing of utensils and answered the team’s questions about the most common health violations at retail food establishments. C.P Yang (sanitarian III, hospital and university inspector) demonstrated the use of food inspection equipment. The inspectors gave the team refrigerator thermometers, a food thermometer, heat sensitive test strips for checking the temperature of dishwashers for further use and experimentation at home.
Yang and Bob Peake, director of retail food service operations at Hermann Memorial TMC, arranged a simulated inspection of Hermann Memorial Hospital. The hospital staff provided the RoboRangers with pizza, cookies and ice cream. Afterwards, they were greeted by Sharon Cox, director of food and nutrition, and given a demonstration by Angie Garrett, director of health care improvement, on the importance of hand washing using GLO-GERM and a black light. Peake took the team through all areas of the kitchen from receiving to service of food–highlighting important food safety issues for each area.
The RoboRangers, comprised of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, are competing in the 2011 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics competition. Every year, FLL releases a new challenge based on a real world scientific topic. This year’s theme is entitled “Food Factor.” In addition to an autonomous robot challenge, all teams must complete a project based on the challenge theme. The RoboRangers will seek to apply the information gained from the HDHHS seminar and field trip to their challenge. This year, they will continue to research the topic of food safety and examine the possible points of contamination our food encounters–from exposure to insects and creatures, to unsterile processing and transportation, to unsanitary preparation and storage–then find ways to prevent or combat these contaminates.
Formed during the fall of 2010, the RoboRangers consists of eight elementary students in the 4th and 5th grades and 2 middle school students in the 6th grade. The team is from Katy, Texas and is coached by Damian and Susan Lynch. For more information about RoboRangers, visit www.roborangers.com.
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EThe Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, Katy ISD, will celebrate the founding of their sorority in October. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization for women educators. To be eligible for membership, women must be employed full-time in teaching with at least two years classroom experience, have a degree in education or a teacher certification and receive recommendation from a member.
Alpha Delta Kappa has over 40,000 members and more than 1,410 chapters in every state in the United States and Puerto Rico as well as Australia, Canada, Jamaica and Mexico.
Around the world, Alpha Delta Kappa members combine their energies and talents to enrich their lives and the lives of others through thousands of heart-warming, community-based altruistic projects. Nationally, members and their foundation gave over $14.4 million in scholarships and other gifts and more than 2 million hours to educational and charitable causes. Epsilon Mu chapter is comprised of 35 women teachers in the Katy ISD who have supported many charitable and altruistic activities in our community. The chapter celebrated the 25th year of its charter with a dinner meeting in May. Three of its members have also attained the Silver Sister recognition for being members for 25 years.
Recent donations have been given to the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Consortium and Project S.A.V.E which built an elementary school in in Ta Rinh Viet Nam. The group has also donated items to the Threads of Love group, the Smile Train, Katy Christian Ministries, participated in the St. Jude’s Walk and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Projects. A scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior from the District. In October, the group will visit the Oakmont Facility to socialize with the residents and play Bingo. The members will also meet with other chapters for a District IX Founders’ Day Luncheon at the River Bend Country Club in Sugar Land.
Elizabeth Stelevich, Epsilon Mu president, represented the chapter by recently attending the International Convention in Chicago. More than 2,000 members met to celebrate Alpha Delta Kappa and its accomplishments. More information on the Sorority can be obtained by visiting the website alphadeltakappa.org or by contacting Mrs. Stelevich at aestel@comcast.net. The first meeting of the school year will be held at the Hayes Elementary School, Monday, Sept. 12 at 4:15 p.m.
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Katy/West Houston Aggie Moms recently gathered for the annual Texas A&M Howdy Social at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy. The group welcomed incoming freshman students, honored graduating seniors and presented scholarships to deserving students.
The program included speakers from the Corps of Cadets, former Yell Leaders, Fish Camp representatives and the new Student Body President, Jeff Pickering. The Katy/West Houston Aggie Moms Club will meet to kick off the new school year on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6:45 p.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church, 3700 S. Mason Rd. For more information, visit katywesthoustonaggiemoms.com.
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Twenty-four local churches participated in the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston’s annual Baby Bottle Blessings, raising more than $35,000. The event ran from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, during which Katy residents picked up baby bottles at their home church and filled them with change, bills and checks.
Baby Bottle Blessings spotlights the extensive resources Pregnancy Help Center is able provide to residents of three area counties who are faced with circumstances surrounding a present, potential or former pregnancy. Services offered include pregnancy tests, peer counseling, and classes for expecting or new parents as well as limited ultrasound services, and help with maternity clothing and baby items.
To learn more about the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston or to volunteer with the organization, call 281-578-0078.
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The Greater Katy Alumnae Panhellenic Association (GKAPA) announced the recipients of its 2011 College Scholarships. GKAPA Awards Scholarships to young women from the Greater Katy Area who have attended either public or private schools, and have excelled in academic studies at their respective universities, made great contributions to their communities both here in the greater Katy area as well as for their college communities and have been actively involved in their National Panhellenic Sorority Group.
GKAPA is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and represents twenty of the twenty-six NPC groups. GKAPA provides a free service to graduating high school seniors, as well as existing college women who are interested in becoming a member of any of the twenty-six NPC groups. The services provided are educational as to the process of joining a group, expectation of group membership and assistance with providing the necessary letters of recommendation that are often required by University Panhellenic Groups. GKAPA is unique in that no other Houston Area Alumnae Panhellenic Group provides the letter of recommendation services to the young women they serve.
In the past five years, GKAPA has awarded scholarships to 21 greater Katy area young women from area High Schools like Katy, Taylor, Cinco Ranch, and Seven Lakes. Recipients have attended the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Oklahoma and the University of Mississippi. The 2011 Recipients of the GKAPA Scholarship are:
Mariangela Arata – Univ. of Texas at Austin Class of 2013, Kappa Delta
Kelsea Russo – Texas A&M Univ. Class of 2012, Chi Omega
Nicole Marie Della Longa – Texas A&M Class of 2013, Alpha Chi Omega
Paige Holland Albright – Wake Forest Univ. Class of 2012, Kappa Kappa Gamma
Area women who are alumnae of NPC groups who would like to get involved with GKAPA and parents of graduating high school women interested in scholarships or whose daughters are considering sorority membership, may go to our website for information on GKAPA and on our events for the 2011 – 2012 Academic Year that include our annual recruitment roundtable in February and our scholarship luncheon and fashion show in March. Special thanks to Katy Chick-fil-A Restaurants, The Cinco Ranch Golf Club, White House Black Market and Sassy Sorority for their contributions to the 2011 Scholarship.
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After one of its most successful years ever, Houston’s legendary Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is not resting on its laurels, but is looking to the future with a new management team. Phil De Vita will join the Pin Oak organization as show manager for 2012, and Pin Oak’s Executive Board voted to promote Roxanne Cook to executive director.
With experience as a course designer, judge and manager of several prestigious horse shows throughout the United States, De Vita will bring his leadership to much of Pin Oak’s existing staff, including Peter Fenton as breed manager. De Vita’s career highlights include judging and course design for the ASPCA-Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden, The Capitol Challenge, the Winter Equestrian Festival for the last 17 years, and being part of the course design team for the 2008 Olympics. He has also managed the Charlotte Jumper Classic for six years, rated in 2008 as one of the top five indoor show jumping events in the world.
Cook began working with Pin Oak five years ago as a volunteer, progressing to finance and event coordinator in 2011. Cook is credited with orchestrating the show’s outstanding financial success in 2011, which will benefit children’s charities Texas Children’s Hospital, West Campus, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, Family Rooms, and Candlelighters. Previously, Cook was division administrator for the Texas branch of a national construction company with revenue goals of over $40 million annually. She brings her budgeting and event-planning skills to Pin Oak with the goal of running the show like a business to maximize its charitable donation, which includes a new $400,000 commitment over five years to support Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised over $5.5 million for charity since its inception in 1945.
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Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) kicked off their three-month adoption campaign with a record setting 143 pet adoptions on Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7. The adoption fees were sponsored by West Houston Subaru.
In 2010, adoptions from Aug. 1-7 resulted in 80 adoptions. This year during the same one-week period, 283 pets found their forever homes.
CAP is one of 50 shelters nationwide that won the Qualifying Heat of the 2011 ASPCA $100K Challenge. The nationwide competition is for animal shelters aiming to get more animals adopted than during the same period last year. Taking place from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, CAP will compete to find homes for more cats and dogs than ever before.
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Katy ISD parents can receive free immunizations for their child through an upcoming Care Van Free Immunization opportunity. The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center, 20370 Franz Rd.
Please bring all immunization records and/or bring a notice from your school indicating that an immunization is due. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child and a photo ID is required.
For questions regarding this event, please contact the Katy ISD Health Services Dept. at 281-396-2785.
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Katy Mayor Don Elder recently signed two proclamations presented by the Star of Destiny Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The proclamation for Constitution Week, which is Sept. 17-23, was presented to Mayor Elder by Star of Destiny Chapter member Meagan Dolin. Constitution day, Sept. 17, was mandated by the U.S. Congress to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution. On Sept. 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 brave men who changed the course of history. The U.S. Constitution is one of the most influential legal documents in existence. Since its creation some 200 years ago, more than 100 countries around the world have used it as a model for their own.
Mayor Elder also signed the proclamation for Native American Heritage Recognition Month. Star of Destiny member Suzanne Neal presented the proclamation to the mayor for his signature. The Native American Heritage Recognition month is celebrated in November and was established by the U.S. Congress in 1990. The proclamation is signed in U.S. communities annually in recognition of the contributions of Native Americans.
Each year, The American Indians Committee of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, awards two scholarships to Native Americans, and is intended to help Native American students of any age, any tribe, and in any state striving to get an education. All awards are judged based on financial need and academic achievement.
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The Goddard School, located in Katy, believes in the power of play for learning, as well as the importance of providing a healthy, active lifestyle for all children. In an effort to spread the word to families in their community, the educational preschool will sponsor The Goddard School Block Party event from Monday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept.24.
The event will engage children and their families in a variety of exciting fitness, nutrition and playful learning activities based on the core curriculum and enrichment programs that are an integral part of the FLEX Learning Program offered at The Goddard School.
In addition to The Goddard School Block Party event taking place in our Schools, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School, is the exclusive preschool sponsor of Play for Tomorrow’s Ultimate Block Party: The Arts and Sciences of Play, a powerful global movement designed to recognize and celebrate the power of play for learning. The Ultimate Block Party will take place Sunday, October 2nd, at Rash Field in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore, MD and will feature an amazing day of play for families and children, designed to bring playful learning back to the forefront. At the event, GSI and the Baltimore-area Goddard Schools will host the Let’s Play Café. Children will enjoy manipulating play dough, shopping at a pretend farmer’s market and participating in a series of engaging pretend restaurant activities while learning about nutrition, counting, sorting and other important lessons through play.
To gear up for the big celebrations, Asli Remlinger, owner of The Goddard School located in Katy, offers five tips for parents to help their children partake in healthy activities:
- Make it into a game. Create a game out of everyday tasks such as chores, cleaning and gardening. Think outside the box to create activities that are active and stimulate the mind. Play helps children learn to solve problems, promotes flexibility and motivation, teaches regulation of emotions and builds resilience and confidence.
- Get outside. Preschoolers need plenty of time and space to run around and play. Taking your child to a playground or park is a great way to release energy and exercise! Play outside with your child and teach hand-eye coordination by showing the basics of throwing, catching and kicking a large, soft ball.
- Add music to the activity. Play “Statues” by playing up-tempo music. Have your child move while the music is playing and freeze into a statue when you pause the music. Encourage creative dancing.
- Be active with your children. Support young toddlers’ mastery of walking by allowing them to be active! Play with them as they learn to run, hop, dance and throw. Have them chase bubbles or invent a silly walk — play becomes exercise. Remember to provide encouragement to your child as they build self-confidence.
- Get active inside, too. When weather interferes, get out the large balls, exercise mats and Twister games, or do some stretching and balancing exercises together. Limit TV, video game and computer time to encourage your children to become active.
“Focusing your child’s physical fitness on fun activities will increase your child’s ability to move with confidence and competence,” says Sue Adair, director of education at GSI. “At The Goddard School, we also work closely with our families to help guide healthy activities, because exercise increases overall metabolism; builds a healthy heart and lungs, strong bones and muscles; and improves coordination, balance, posture and flexibility.
To learn more about The Goddard School Block Party and The Goddard School located in Katy, parents are encouraged to drop in for a tour or call Asli Remlinger directly to arrange a personal appointment at 281-392-1912 or visit online at goddardschool.com/blockparty.
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Girl Scout Ambassador Erica Tello organized a field day for mentally and physically disabled children to earn the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can achieve. Less than five percent of girls who join Girl Scouts earn this recognition.
“I learned that every child should be able to participate in a school’s activities,” says Erica, a 2010 graduate of St. Agnes Academy. “Disabilities shouldn’t stand in the way of letting children participate. I learned I truly made a difference and that disabled children could participate in adaptable games.”
Earning the Gold Award is a significant honor that requires recipients to demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, career planning, community involvement and personal development. It takes more than 100 service hours and two to three years of intensive work to complete the award requirements, which include planning and completing a project that is a service to the community.
“My little cousin Samantha is in the Life Skills program,” explains Erica. “I wanted these kids to be able to participate in field day with fun and adaptive games that fit their needs.”
For her project, Erica created adaptive games and field events for the Life Skills class at Roosevelt Alexander Elementary in Katy, after learning the students could not participate in the general field day. She worked closely with Life Skills teachers to develop the activities, and she worked with local stores to collect donations that included prizes, equipment and lunch for all the volunteers and students.
“Erica has shown that no task is impossible,” says Maricela Tello, Erica’s mother. “She deserves this award whole-heartedly. We are very proud of her tenacity, leadership and organization skills that helped her achieve success.”
As an active member of Girl Scouts, Erica has earned her Silver and Bronze awards. At St. Agnes Academy, Erica was involved in student council, varsity cheerleading, yearbook, Habitat for Humanity and more. Currently, she is attending the University of Missouri to study broadcast journalism.
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Final ratings released today by the Texas Education Agency show that outstanding student achievement produced a Recognized accountability rating for Katy ISD for the fourth straight year, even as the state eliminated the Texas Projection Measure (TPM), a controversial formula introduced in 2009-10. The district also achieved its Recognized rating for 2009-10 without the use of TPM and has maintained its Recognized rating for the past four years while the state standards for achievement have continued to increase.
The following reflects the district ratings for the last four years, including the use and non-use of TPM for 2009-10:
2010-11: Recognized
2009-10 (without TPM): Recognized
2009-10 (with TPM): Recognized
2008-09: Recognized
2007-08: Recognized
2006-07: Acceptable
On the 2011 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), district-wide performance for all students tested in all grades reached the Exemplary level in all areas tested including reading/language arts (96%), math (93%), writing (97%), social studies (98%), and science (92%). Katy ISD reached the Exemplary level on 19 out of 25 TAKS performance indicators (five student groups tested in each of five subject areas), and Recognized on the remaining six.
“Our Recognized rating is a testament to our attention given to ensure that each individual student’s need is addressed. We set a course four years ago to repurpose resources so that teachers would have the support they needed in order to accomplish this necessary work. I am pleased that through collaborative efforts our KISD teachers, staff, and students have continued to rise to the state’s ever changing standards. The entire community should be proud of this achievement,” says Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey.
The TPM formula used in 2009-10 counted students as passing the TAKS if those students improved to a degree that they could be expected to pass the TAKS exam in a future year. The elimination of the TPM results in a rating change for some individual campuses when compared to last year. This year 45 out of 50 campuses earned either “Exemplary” or “Recognized” ratings, with 18 (36%) ranked “Exemplary” and 27 (54%) ranked “Recognized.” Five campuses (10%) are ranked “Acceptable.”
The linked chart reflects the campus ratings for the last four years, including the use and non-use of TPM for 2009-10. From 2007-08 through 2010-11, the number of campuses moving from Acceptable to either Recognized or Exemplary has increased.
Katy ISD’s Exemplary campuses for 2010-11 are Alexander Elementary, Exley Elementary, Fielder Elementary, Griffin Elementary, Hayes Elementary, Holland Elementary, Katy Elementary, Kilpatrick Elementary, Pattison Elementary, Rylander Elementary, Schmalz Elementary, Stanley Elementary, Stephens Elementary, Williams Elementary, Winborn Elementary, WoodCreek Elementary, Beckendorff Junior High, and McMeans Jr. High,
Recognized campuses are Bear Creek Elementary, Cimarron Elementary, Creech Elementary, Franz Elementary, Golbow Elementary, Hutsell Elementary, King Elementary, Mayde Creek Elementary, McRoberts Elementary, Memorial Parkway Elementary, Morton Ranch Elementary, Nottingham Country Elementary, Rhoads Elementary, Sundown Elementary, West Memorial Elementary, Wolfe Elementary, Beck Junior High, Cardiff Junior High, Cinco Ranch Jr. High, Katy Junior High, McDonald Junior High, Memorial Parkway Jr. High,, West Memorial Jr. High, WoodCreek Junior High, Cinco Ranch High School, Seven Lakes High School, and Taylor High School.
Acceptable campuses are Mayde Creek Jr. High, Morton Ranch Jr. High, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School and Morton Ranch High School.
Raines High School, the district-wide dropout prevention and recovery campus, received an “Acceptable” rating under state criteria for alternative education sites.
This is the last year for the TAKS before the state transitions to the STAAR, the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness for third- through eighth-graders, and STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams for grades 9-12. This year’s ninth grade students, (class of 2015), will start to take End-of-Course exams in the Spring 2012 semester. Information about the new state assessment and accountability system will be shared throughout the school year.
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Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently awarded $750 scholarships to athletic trainers from several local high schools.
Those honored from Katy ISD include: Katy High School graduate Pricilla Chavez, who will be attending Vet Tech Institute in the fall; Cinco Ranch High School graduate Sarah Kolb, who will be attending Blinn College; Cinco Ranch High School graduate Chloe Gessner, who will be attending Sam Houston State University; and Seven Lakes High School graduate Reid McClusky, who will be attending Blinn College.
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Seven Katy area families are hosting a total of nine Colombian orphans for three weeks from July 16 to August 8, in hopes of finding “forever families” for them through Orphan Hope International’s Texas Vacation Program. Eight other children are also participating in the program and are hosted by families in Spring, Tomball and Cat Spring.
After completing the required FBI and state background checks, home study assessment, and 10-hour training class, all of the host families are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their special guests. This program gives a personal face to the many overlooked and forgotten older children growing up in Colombian orphanages.
One of Orphan Hope International’s goals is to ensure that no Colombian orphan is forgotten, and in particular to raise awareness of the needs of older Colombian orphans. OHI’s Texas Vacation Program (TVP) is dedicated to: providing children growing up in orphanages with the opportunity to experience family life; exposing the children to families who might be interested in adoption; and building awareness of older children in need of families.
A number of events will be held throughout their stay to introduce the children to families who have a heart for adopting an older child or becoming an advocate on their behalf by telling others about them, and for those who have an interest in participating in next summer’s program. For more information, visit www.orphanhopeintl.org/events. Online registration is encouraged for many of the events.
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The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy announced its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the June rank exam.
Students who earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary” Black Belt are: Jean-Marc Boyce, Christopher Cieslewicz, Benjamin Key, Noah Lerma, William Luke, Shreya Mehta, Matthew Morris, Gabriel Murray, and Autumn Thompson.
Students who earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided” Black Belt are: Kevin Aguilar, Brandon Baker, Jordyn Blonder, Jake Brown, Sneha Chezhian, Nicholas Garcia, Sanjana Menon, and Nicholas Pohla.
Students who earned their Second Degree Black Belts are: Barbara Duncan, Efosa Ehimwenma, Joey Fullinwider, Sassoon Haroutounian, Efren Munoz, Nicholas Munoz, and Madison Schenk.
Students who earned their Third Degree Black Belts are: Travis Atchley, Nikki Harris, and Arya Muralidharan.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy also recognized students who passed testing requirements during the instructor exam to earn tiered instructor status. Garrett Clancy became a Level 1 instructor, and Bill Weldon earned his Level 4 instructor certification.
Finally, Katy TaeKwonDo recognized student Alessandro Brazo who graduated from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program.
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Katy Girl Scout Kayla Walter is holding a drive to build a media library for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital as part of her Gold Award project. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive, and less than five percent of Girl Scouts receive this recognition.
Kayla is collecting new or gently used books and movies to provide patients and their family members entertainment during their hospital stay. Items can be dropped off in the main lobby at Memorial Hermann Katy, 23900 Katy Fwy. For more information, e-mail mhkjrvolunteers@aol.com.
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M/I Homes is the newest homebuilder to join the builder team at Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-designed residential community located in Katy/Fulshear. The builder’s 60-foot lot model home will be constructed in the new Firethorne West Model Park. Firethorne is situated 10 and 15 miles west of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor, respectively.
“We are excited about our opportunity to partner with an established developer in a premier community like Firethorne,” says Craig Westmoreland, area president of M/I Homes, Houston Division. “This coveted area of Houston with easy access to I-10, beautiful amenities and nearby shopping has all the attributes that today’s homebuyers are seeking to satisfy their quality of life needs. It is our privilege to offer M/I quality built homes in Firethorne, along with other renowned builders. We seek to complement the integrity of the Firethorne community.”
M/I Homes’ one- and two-story homes, available in brick, stone and stucco exterior elevations, will range from 2,000 to 3,400 square feet and priced from the $220,000s. The builder’s signature features include soaring windows, rotundas, structural and designer options and a 30-year transferable structural warranty.
“We hand-select each of our builders based upon their high standards for design, quality, customer satisfaction and reputation,” says Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.
Currently completing the Firethorne builder team are: Ashton Woods Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes and David Weekley Homes.
M/I Homes offers a 3%, 4%, 5% graduated Realtor commission on all 2011 closings. The Columbus, Ohio-based company, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, has built more than 78,000 homes since 1976 in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, the Carolinas and in Florida. M/I Homes now builds in both Houston and San Antonio in Texas.
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While summer might be the most popular season to go camping for many scouts, Girl Scout troops from the Prairie Rose Service Unit have been keeping busy working on badge and award requirements.
Junior Girl Scouts from troops 17277, 17530 and 17289 visited Stephen F. Austin State Park in June and met with Ranger Ben Horstmann and worked on requirements to earn their Earth Connections badge. They went on a nature hike where they identified several species of plants native to Texas, played games where they learned about food chains and conservation, and learned about ecological succession and conservation. The troops also plan on participating in a bird watching survey for Cornell University.
Nine junior Girl Scouts of Troop 17232 recently earned their Bronze Awards by delivering more than 75 “Going Home” bags to Fort Bend County’s Rainbow Room. The bags contained necessities such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and brushes as well as puzzles, a toy, a fleece blanket and scarf (sewn by the girls). The girls also created the puzzles, puzzle books and made mask kits the kids could put together themselves. Some of the bagged items were donated by troop members, others were donated from the community, but most of it was purchased with all of the troop’s proceeds from the Fall Product sales. The Rainbow Room facilitates basic needs for families in crisis. Troop 17232 is a member of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Prairie Rose Service Unit.
Troop 63812 of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Prairie Rose Service Unit completed their Silver Award by helping C.A.P.S. They visited the shelter and received a tour. The girls collected food, kitty litter, newspapers and old towels. They also made specialty items such as adoptee bandanas and kitty feather toys. The troop would like to thank Pet Smart on Market Place for their support in discounting their supplies. They then bridged with their pets in Grand Lakes and received their Bronze Award Pins.
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AVANCE, a national organization that runs educational programs in 17 locations in Houston and Pasadena visited the city of Katy on Wednesday, June 29 at The Club at Falcon Point and presented its signature Parent & Child program model within leaders in the community, as the agency seeks opportunities to offer this program to Katy residents.
The meet and greet event was hosted by City of Katy Mayor, Don Elder, and Dr. Zachary Hodges, President of Houston Community College Northwest, who are strong advocates of education.
AVANCE’s Executive Director Jose Villarreal explained that the nine-month parenting program that AVANCE plans to bring to Katy is designed to build a strong bond between the parent and the child. Both learn in separate classrooms but follow the same curriculum. While the parent learns how to create an educationally enriching home environment, the child is learning through play and developing his/her five senses with fun activities designed around monthly themes and modified appropriately for his or her age.
“Parents learn that they are their child’s first teachers, and the home is the first classroom” says Villarreal. “Parental involvement in a child’s education is important that’s why AVANCE focuses on educating the entire family, which then leads to a route of economic empowerment and successful communities.”
David Loving, Univision’s VP-Texas Region, and resident of Katy says that the program “gets results” as he mentioned the $12.6 million grant recently awarded to AVANCE’s headquarters by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand the Parent & Child program to additional States. Loving is familiar with the agency as he formerly served San Antonio chapter Board of Directors. He supports AVANCE’s mission and noted it is aligned with the “Es El Momento” campaign that Univision launched last year dedicated to increase graduation rates among Hispanics as well as involve parents in their education.
“AVANCE looks forward to identifying target population and potential schools in Katy to offer the Parent & Child program as early as Fall 2011, if funding permits,” says Villarreal.
Special guests and supporters present included: Service King Collision Repair Centers, Ben E. Keith Co, HEB, AVANCE board members and others.
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Katy Girl Scout Troop #17276 recently participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: In It To End It. The troop was captain of a cheering station in support of Team Franci, named for one of the troop member’s mom who is currently battling breast cancer.
The troop made signs and noise makers and traveled to downtown Houston the morning of the event to support all the walkers participating. All the members of Girl Scout Troop #17276 attend Beckendorff and Woodcreek Junior High.
The girls also participated in Cookie Share this year during our annual Girl Scout Cookie Sales. The troop was able to donate 174 boxes of cookies thanks to the generous donations of Katy citizens. All the cookies were sent to 1st Battalian, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division.
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Bridge to Life, Ltd. and LifeGift will present the family of Chad Jones, a young man who gave life to others through the gift of organ and tissue donation, with a framed floragraph that was part of the 2011 Donate Life Rose Parade Float.
Chad was one of the 59 organ, eye and tissue donors from across the country whose images adorned the Donate Life’s float entry in Pasadena in January. At the same time, the Jones family, LifeGift Vital Volunteers and founders of Donate 4 Life, a foundation that raise awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donors, will announce that they are “paying it forward” by sponsoring another family to participate in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade.
The family will accept the floragraph on Thursday, July 14 at 10 a.m. at the LifeGift offices located at 2510 Westridge St. in Houston. Those in attendance will include: Michael and Sheree Jones, whose son, Chad saved the lives of four perfect strangers through organ and tissue donation; Kim Wayne -Seagle, mother of Patrick Nunnelly, organ donor, who will have the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Donate Life Rose Parade Float, themed “One More Day”; and Lisa Miranda, wife of Dr. Victor Miranda, a Houston physician who gave life to others through organ and tissue donation. Dr. Victor Miranda was honored in the 2010 Donate Life Parade float, “Life Rises.”
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On Monday June 6, VFW Post 9182 held a short program remembering the Normandy invasion, which occurred 67 years ago. This was the day that the Allied forces of the United States, Britain and Canada had assembled the largest armada in the history of the world. Under the direction of Allied commander General Dwight Eisenhower, the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy, France.
The Katy VFW gave special recognition to its very members who helped send notice to the world that very day that the Nazi army led by Adolph Hitler was no longer invincible.
The Post members who were recognized at the ceremony were as follows:
Bryce, Joe – Omaha Beach – 37th Field Artillery; 2nd Infantry Division
Coselli, Frank – overhead in B 17’s – 401st Bomb Group; 8th Air Force
Christensen, E.D. – overhead in P-38’s – 9th Air Force
Fuda, Carl – Normandy with the 37th Combat Engineers
Pierce, John – Normandy with 149th Combat Engineers
Whitman, Lee – Utah Beach – 90th Infantry
Waiting in England to cross the channel as soon as the beaches were secured:
Miertschin, Noris – 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion
Doyle, James – 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion
These members were saluted and applauded for their bravery exhibited that immortal day on the Normandy beaches.
Whiteman was seriously wounded a little over a month later in France. Christensen was credited with 3.5 enemy “kills” from his P-38 fighter. Miertschin went into France and help clear the Germans from the Cherbourg peninsula, then fought with General Patton until the end of the war receiving a Bronze Star and a purple heart.
Also, joining in the assemblage were other World War II veterans from the European Theater as well as the Pacific.
Throughout the year the local VFW Post conducts memorial remembrances of great events in our nations military history. The next event of remembrance will be September 2, 2011 at the Post Hall, which marks the 66th anniversary of the end of WWII. This event will be closely followed by the 10th anniversary remembrance of 9/11. This ceremony will be conducted on Sept. 11, 2011 at LaCenterra.
For more information contact Dave Brasell, Senior Vice Commander or Colonel (Ret) Mike Mastrangelo, Commander, VFW Post 9182 at 281-391-8387. Post meetings are held at the VFW Hall on George Bush Drive in Katy on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
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Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) recently honored Girl Scout volunteer Katy resident Janet Heppard for her service to the organization. Janet was awarded the Thanks Badge during a GSSJC recognition event.
The Thanks Badge is a national award presented to registered adults for extraordinary service benefiting the Council or Girl Scout Movement. A miniature trefoil pin is awarded to the spouse of the Thanks Badge recipient.
“Just like Juliette, Janet Heppard began her volunteer career long before she gave birth to her daughter,” says Service Unit Manager Dianne Corn. “Her organizational qualities were quickly recognized because she was recruited for event committees on the service unit, district and Council levels.”
Janet first joined the Council as a Junior troop leader in the Windchimes Service Unit and stayed with her troop through Senior level. She has been a Council trainer since 1989 and has served on numerous event committees. She also co-chaired the Crazy Quilt training event for the volunteer development department and chaired the Robinwood Tree Planting event and Arbor Day event.
Her experience as a practicing attorney for the Harris County Family Law Service handling child abuse and domestic violence cases also led her to design and implement two Green Apple workshops to address abuse. In addition, she accompanied the Take Note Choir to Washington D.C. in 1997 and to Our Cabana, one of the four World Centers of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, in 2009. She plans to chaperone the choir members for the 2012 sing-a-long in D.C. to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting.
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The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recently designated Katy Community Cemetery (also known as Antioch Community Cemetery) as a Historic Texas Cemetery. The distinction means the cemetery has been legally recorded through the THC’s Historic Texas Cemetery Program, an important step ensuring its preservation.
This designation is reserved for cemeteries that are at least 50 years old and documented through the Historic Texas Cemeteries process to record their historic association and significance.
“This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of this important cultural resource,” says Mark Wolfe, executive director at the THC. “Knowledge and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of this site.”
Katy Community Cemetery aka Antioch Community Cemetery belongs to the Antioch Baptist Church and is located near the intersection of I-10 and FM1463. In 1929 the church purchased this acre of land from Adam Stockdick for $37.50 for use as the Katy Community Cemetery. It has been in constant use since 1929 and is responsible for the location of I-10 west, which was slated to be constructed north of the present highway. The highway was moved south because of the Katy Community Cemetery.
The cemetery represents an important facet of Katy area history and it took over two years to get the historic designation. “The process involved surveying the property, inventorying the cemetery, comparing old records, sub-surface mapping, taking many photographs and filling out pages of information to file through the county and ultimately, the THC office in Austin.” said Carol Adams, who has been working on the project since 2008, and filed the paperwork as a volunteer helping the church.
The City of Katy plans a special recognition at the June 27 meeting of City Council and will install a historic marker at the site in the near future.
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Katy Masonic Lodge #1439 recently announced it raised more than $1,200 for the Katy ISD Power program. The funds were raised via donations and fundraisers during the 2010-2011 school year.
P.O.W.E.R. is an 11-week program taught by a uniformed police officer to help students resist risky behaviors and make positive choices. During the program, participating fifth grade students will learn the harmful effects and consequences of using the three gateway drugs: tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. They will discover the importance of choosing the right friends and how to say no to negative peer pressure. They will also learn how to resist bullying, how to be safe on the Internet, and the harmful effects of abusing all drugs (including over-the-counter drugs). They will also have the opportunity to visit with high school students who are positive role models.
The program then culminates with a graduation ceremony for the students. In order for a student to be eligible to participate in the P.O.W.E.R. graduation ceremony and receive a T-shirt and certificate, he/she will be expected to: turn in a signed parent/student permission slip; participate and attend class; complete all class and workbook assignments; follow all P.O.W.E.R. and classroom rules; and make positive, risk-free choices.
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Temperatures are soaring all over the Lone Star State, and both humans and their pets need to take cover. The Houston SPCA offers these helpful hints to help prepare your Katy pet for the summer heat.
HOT CARS/HEATSTROKE: Always leave your pet at home and NEVER leave a pet in a parked car. The temperature inside a car, even with the windows cracked and parked in the shade, can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. If the air becomes too warm, a dog’s body temperature, normally 100.5 to 102.5 degrees, will continue to rise. If it exceeds 106 degrees, heatstroke could result, causing seizures, organ damage and even death.
Signs of heatstroke include (but are not limited to): excessive body temperature, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, and coma. If you suspect heatstroke in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately!
HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE: Both dogs and cats should be on heartworm preventative year-round. Heartworms are potentially fatal parasites spread through the bite of just one infected mosquito. During the summer months, heartworm preventative is especially important due to the increased mosquito population.
EXERCISE: On very hot days, limit a pet’s jog or walk to the early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can actually burn your pet’s paws.
SHELTER: It’s best to leave your pet inside your air-conditioned home. If your pet must stay outside, make sure he / she has adequate shelter with access to plenty of cool, fresh water and shade.
VACCINATIONS: Your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations. If you are planning a vacation and your pet will be boarded, make sure to speak with your veterinarian about any additional vaccines they would recommend for the kennel environment.
FLEAS/TICKS: Fleas are a common problem, but it is possible to get rid of and prevent further infestations. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate product for your animal and follow all instructions exactly. Many accidental poisonings and deaths happen each year because people use the wrong product on their pet.
WATER/BEACH SAFETY: Many people head to the beach, lake or pool to escape the heat and humidity. Remember that not all dogs are excellent swimmers. Always supervise your dog near the pool. At the beach, a strong undertow or riptide can drag a frolicking pet out into the water. Make sure you bring lots of fresh water for your pet to drink. Rinse any sand, salt or chlorine off your pet as soon as possible.
HERBICIDES/PESTICIDES: Plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal to a pet if ingested. Pet owners should read labels carefully and contact manufacturers for specific recommendations about using certain herbicides and pesticides around pets.
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Summer is coming soon and parents may be thinking about what their child will do for meals when school is out. This summer, Katy ISD is participating in the USDA Summer Food Program at three district schools.
The program is free of charge to any child under the age of 18. Lunch only will be served to children who come and eat in the school cafeteria. Parents who bring their child may purchase a meal for $2.75.
Lunch meals will be similar to what is served during the school year. The menu may be viewed on the Katy ISD Nutrition and Food Service Department website.
School Sites: Stephens Elementary and Morton Ranch Elementary
Days the lunch is offered: Monday – Thursday
Dates the lunch is offered: Starting on Tuesday, June 14 and ending on Wednesday, July 6 (no lunch offered on Fridays or July 4)
Time the lunch is offered: 10 – 11 a.m.
Please enter the school from the outside door to the cafeteria and look for the summer food service poster.
School Site: Raines High School (OAC Complex)
Days the lunch is offered: Monday – Thursday
Dates the lunch is offered: Starting on Tuesday, June 14 and ending on Wednesday, July 20 (no lunch offered on Fridays, June 30 or July 4)
Time the lunch is offered: 10 – 11 a.m.
Enter the school from the front door to Raines High School and look for the summer food service poster.
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Schaub’s GR8 Hope Foundation donates funds raised from a golf tournament and gala to equip a second playroom at new pediatric hospital
Matt Schaub and his wife, Laurie, visited Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus today and presented the new community hospital with a $108,000 donation on behalf of the couple’s GR8 Hope Foundation. The donation will be used to equip and furnish a Child Life playroom on the third floor of West Campus, Houston’s first community hospital designed, built and equipped exclusively for children. The hospital currently has a completed Child Life playroom on its second floor.
The Schaubs, accompanied by members of the foundation’s board, presented the check to Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital; Michelle Riley-Brown, vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus; and Dr. Charles T. Hankins, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.
“We are thankful for the generosity and inspiration of Laurie and Matt Schaub,” said Wallace. “They know what it means for a child to be cared for in a hospital fully dedicated to children, with facilities designed just for them. The playroom is an area where children can be with their families, play with other children and interact with a team of highly trained and motivated Child Life specialists.”
After volunteering at Texas Children’s for several years with the Houston Texans, the Schaubs became enamored with the Child Life department and its dedication to create as normal of an environment as
possible for children in the hospital. The couple created their GR8 Hope Foundation to provide resources, support, hope and happiness for children with medical needs and their families.
“When we visited the hospital, the one place where we saw nonstop smiles was in the playroom and that’s why we decided to direct our attention to the Child Life program,” said Matt Schaub. “People often don’t realize that playing, laughing and interacting with other kids can help the healing and recovery process for children.”
In addition to coordinating playroom activity, Texas Children’s Child Life Department also coordinates bedside play and special events. These activities are initiated by highly trained child life specialists with the intent of normalizing the hospital environment for patients and their siblings.
“Our goal is to help manage children’s stress and help them heal faster with less long-term psychological effects,” said Sarah Rowe, a Child Life specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. “It is important for our patients to play and the playroom gives children a chance to forget about why they are in the hospital. That’s why we’re so appreciative of the Schaubs’ gift.”
Differentiating itself from other hospitals that provide pediatric care, Texas Children’s has one of the largest child life departments in the country with more than 30 child life professionals on staff, including a dedicated team for West Campus.
Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, the 515,000-square-foot Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus houses the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in the Greater West Houston area and provides inpatient and outpatient pediatric care. The attached outpatient clinic offers 15 pediatric subspecialty practices ranging from physical/occupational and speech therapy to cardiology and oncology. A Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates primary care practice is also on site.
For more information about Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus or to learn how to support the hospital, visit www.westcampus.texaschildrens.org . Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
As Americans prepare to raise their flags on June 14 for Flag Day, many Girl Scouts have already performed several flag ceremonies and are already practicing their skills for the big day.
Although most citizens don’t have to worry about performing in a flag ceremony, they do need to be aware of disrespecting the flag by not showing proper flag etiquette.
This holiday everyone can commemorate the adoption of the American flag with the proper honor and respect by following the essentials of flag etiquette, taken from the United States Flag Code:
- Display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. When patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed for 24 hours if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
- The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
- The flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
- When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised again to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
- The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise.
- The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
- The Flag Code does not specify how the flag should be folded, but a standard flag will require 13 folds. To specify there should be two lengthwise folds and eleven triangular folds, ending at the union.
Also, make sure your flag is dry prior to storing it, as mold can form in damp environments. For more in-depth information about flag etiquette, GSSJC recommends visiting usflag.org. To request Girl Scouts to perform a flag ceremony for your organization, contact Mona Tolbert at 713-292-0361 or mtolbert@sjgs.org.
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Mitch Harle, a Boy Scout from Troop 1103 and student from Seven Lakes High School, completed his Eagle Scout Project at Stanley Elementary in April 2011. He planned, designed, and built a reading stable to encourage students to develop a love for reading. Students at Stanley will benefit from Mitch’s hard work for years to come.
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Close to 90 Firethorne children are making a big splash on the Katy/Fulshear aquatics scene this summer as members of the first-ever Firethorne Firefish swim team. The fired-up Firefish, coached by former Katy High School swimmer and U.S. Swim Team Coach Erin Robichaux, enthusiastically jumped into their glistening new home team pool – feet first.
“We want the kids to enjoy the water during summer break,” says Firethorne Firefish Board President Doug Sturgis. “Recreational summer leagues are about having fun, not about how many yards a child can swim in a day,” said the former swimmer and coach who has been actively involved in recreational aquatic leagues for more than 20 years.
The Firethorne Firefish team will host its first swim meet Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. in their newly launched six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive swimming pool. The Firefish, whose members range in age from the “6 and Under” (20 children) to “13-14,” are one of 26 teams in the West Houston Aquatic League (WHALe). According to Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett, Sturgis embodies the true spirit of community at Firethorne.
“His children are on the Firethorne Firefish team and he stepped forward to preside over its board to share his expertise both as a former competitive swimmer and coach,” Burkett says.
All Firethorne Firefish team members will be outfitted with swim caps sponsored by Candice Skoby, Keller Williams Signature; backpacks from Casey’s Pools, and T-shirts sponsored by Kim Dorcheus, Coldwell Banker, PL Nails, Casey’s Pools, Maddox Pools and Christmann & Co., certified public accountants.
In addition to the regulation lap pool and clubhouse, Firethorne’s Competitive Swim Center features a community center.
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The Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 of Katy Texas selected 17 area high school juniors to participate in The American Legion Department of Texas Boy’s State program the week of June 4 – 10. The selected students represent every high school in the Katy area and have become the largest number of Juniors they have ever selected to participate.
This year’s program was chaired by Finance Officer Wallace Klekar and assisted by Henry Thomas, Post Executive Committeeman and Stephen Brady, Vice Commander. They all agree that the number of deserving students in the area is greater than the number we can send.
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
Post 164 would like to thank all the participating high school guidance counselors, principals and teachers whose cooperation and help was vital to this year’s success. To read more about the program, visit the Post at www.legionpost164katytx.org.
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CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy and the Southern Indoor Football League, Houston Stallions teamed together on Sunday, May 8 at the Merrell Center to support breast cancer awareness.
The Stallions hosted their league rival, the Abilene Ruff Riders and in then end were victorious remaining undefeated with an 8-0 record. The team sported Pink & Black jerseys as a tribute to “Sport the PINK” to help the fight against breast cancer. Following the game The Houston Stallions auctioned off the official player jerseys with proceeds going to the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.
“We are proud to be able to help out with such a valuable cause and we look forward to doing many more of these types of events in the future”, says team owner Joe Kramer.
An official check presentation was made by team owner, Joe Kramer, at halftime on May 15th when The Houston Stallions took on the Louisiana Swashbucklers. Dana Mersiovsky, Development Officer at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital graciously accepted a check in the amount of $2,200 raised by the jersey auction the previous week.
“We are very grateful to the team and its ownership for their commitment to this important cause,” says Mersiovsky. “We look forward to a continued relationship with The Houston Stallions.”
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Brenda Williams of Living Word is presented with a check from Bob Patton, a Congregational Advocate representing the Fort Bend Thrivent Chapter of Financial for Lutherans. The Thrivent ‘Caring in Communities’ program fund purchases a box of low cost food for a needy family each month.
Distribution to the community is on the third or fourth Saturday of each month. Donated food packages are distributed free by need on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Brenda Williams at rkwkaty@gmail.com.
Anyone can pre-order low cost food packages at the Living Word church office, My Big Sister’s retail shop, or other participating area churches. Credit card purchases can be made on-line at angelfoodministries.com where the most convenient pick-up location can also be selected. A single box of Angel Food provides an average of 36 servings of meat, enough for as many as 8 meals for a family of four for $35.
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On Wednesday, May 25, the Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 of Katy held their annual installation of officers for upcoming year. The officers installed were: Commander Ernie Cormier, Vice Commander Stephen Brady and Adjutant H.M. “Mike” Warren.
Other officers installed were Financial Officer Wallace Klekar, Sergeant at Arms Paul Dudkowski, Judge Advocate Justin Perryman, Service Officer Sam Luna and Chaplain Andrew Martin. Three members were installed as Executive Committeemen. They are Henry Thomas, Dave Brasell and Will Miller.
The ceremony was conducted by Past Department of Texas Commander Butch Sparks and was assisted by Past 2nd Division Commander Lynn Sparks. Current 22nd District of Texas Commander Jerry Blaylock was also on hand.
During the Ceremony, Sparks instructed the officers and Commander of their responsibilities to the American Legion, the Post and to the community. The Post, originally chartered in 2001, will mark their tenth anniversary shortly and the new officers are committed to moving the Post forward for the next decade.
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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s Bronze ROTC Medal was awarded to Tyler Daniel Meyer, US Naval Sea Cadet, on May 21 at the VFW Hall in Katy at the annual Naval Sea Cadet graduation ceremony.
NSDAR Star of Destiny chapter’s regent, Kendy Stone, presented this award of recognition. Tyler is a senior at Cypress Creek High School, and has been enrolled with the USNSCC for over 6 years. He is currently the Chief Petty Officer for the Katy Division Sea Cadets, the highest rank that is achievable by a cadet.
The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890, is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization. The Bronze ROTC Medal is presented through the National Defense Committee to a graduating high school senior.
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The Star of Destiny Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held its annual awards dinner in May. At this event member Suzanne Neal presented the DAR Good Citizen award to Tyler Moffett of Seven Lakes High School.
The DAR Good Citizen award serves to encourage and reward high school seniors who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Tyler plans to attend Texas A&M Universty where he will major in business, with plans to enter politics or the ministry. The other award recipient, Alex Mesa, of Morton Ranch High School, was unable to attend.
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On Memorial Day weekend expect to see your local members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 in the community offering poppies to the public and honoring fallen comrades at its annually held Memorial Day service at Magnolia Cemetery in old Katy. The significance of poppies dates back to one of the most notable poems titled “In Flanders Fields” which was written during World War I.
Members of the VFW will have artificial poppies available to the public the two days proceeding Memorial Day. It is traditional for VFW members to raise donations for local veterans in need over Memorial Day weekend through the time honored poppy. Six local Katy businesses will share their patriotism by hosting the VFW on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Katy residents are invited to show their support by looking for local veterans at Wal-Mart at Katy Mills Mall, Wal-Mart at Fry & Interstate 10, Wal-Mart at Westheimer & Grand Parkway, Kroger at the corner of Westheimer and Mason Parkway, Bass Pro Shop at Katy Mills Mall and Brookshire Brothers in old Katy on Franz Road.
The Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30, 2011 will promptly begin at 10 a.m. to remember, to reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their life for their country, and is open to the public. The Post 9182 warriors remembered in this year’s Memorial Day service include the following:
Waylan C. Taylor United States Army Air Corp; World War II
Alfredo Sanchez US Army: Vietnam War
John Meredith Mount US Marine Corp; Vietnam War
Robert Johnson US Navy; World War II
Chad Everett Mitchell US Navy; Operation Iraqi Freedom
Ray Sturm US Army; World War II
George Berg US Army; World War II
Michael Petix US Navy; Vietnam War
George Leslie Scott US Marine Corp; Vietnam War
On Friday, May 27, the long time VFW member Dick Farrow will again lead the placement of flags on the graves of nearly 300 veterans buried at Magnolia Cemetery. He will be assisted by fellow veteran Dave Walters and host of many other veterans and family Friday morning. On Memorial Day the American flag will be kept at half staff from dawn to noon to show our respect to all those who died serving the nation.
If you have questions regarding Memorial Day or how the VFW serves veterans and their families please contact Dave Brasell, Senior Vice Commander or Colonel (Ret) Mike Mastrangelo, Commander, VFW Post 9182 at 281-391-8387. Post meetings are held at the VFW Hall on George Bush Drive in Katy on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
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CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital brought together more than 250 women for a day of education, entertainment and enlightenment at its first LiveWell Women’s Conference on May 12, 2011. The event featured singer, author and television star Naomi Judd as keynote speaker and KPRC-TV news anchor Dominique Sachse as emcee.
“We’re delighted that the event was not only informative and educational, but also a lot of fun,” says Christa Clifton, marketing and public relations director at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. “We are so appreciative of our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and attendees, who came together to make the day a great success.”
With a theme of The Power of a Little “Me Time,” the event offered 16 sessions covering a variety of topics to help women take care of themselves and get the most out of their lives – from information about cancer prevention from MD Anderson physicians, to a demonstration by a CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital doctor of how Botox can help ease migraines, to an introduction to Tibetan meditation, to tips on entertaining with wine. At the keynote luncheon, Judd and Sachse enlightened and entertained attendees with stories from their own lives demonstrating the importance of balance and how to better achieve it. Attendees rounded out their day with the opportunity to talk with exhibitors and buy from local merchants at the shopping village.
“The popularity of the conference shows that women clearly are eager for information on and encouragement to live better,” says Clifton. “It was a real pleasure to provide that, and we look forward to another wonderful event in 2012.”
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Pastor Dale Olson of Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy was presented with a check from Marlene Oldham, the Congregational Advocate representing the Fort Bend County Chapter of Thrivent Financial For Lutherans. The funds will be used to support expenses for a Newborn Kit packing session for Global Health Ministries to be held May 29.
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Horticulture professor Brenda Anderson was named Teacher of the Year by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce at the Business Partnership and Teacher of the Year Awards luncheon Friday, May 13. Anderson received the Christa McAuliffe – In Search of Excellence Award for post-secondary teachers. The award was bestowed upon educators in the primary, secondary and post-secondary categories at the Omni Westside Hotel.
Outstanding area teachers, including college faculty, were nominated for awards. The judges selected the winners based on who they felt best exemplified the spirit, energy, enthusiasm and love of learning synonymous with Christa McAuliffe. Anderson was surprised and humbled to receive the award.
“This award is the cumulative effort of a great group of people,” says Anderson. “I am honored to be a part of HCC and providing a stepping stone for our students to achieve their dreams. The horticulture program is a growing and dynamic department that is paving the way for a greener approach to agriculture, enabling our students to become stewards of the natural resources we so dearly value.”
Anderson, who holds a bachelor’s of science degree in animal science and a master’s of science degree in agronomy, has worked for HCC for a year and a half. As the head of the horticulture department housed at the HCC Katy Campus, Anderson has grown the department to more than 160 students. Additionally, she has created an active Horticulture Club with 45 members and growing to expose students from all disciplines to learning and career opportunities in the industry.
Her implementation of the aquaponics system at the HCC Katy Campus greenhouse is a groundbreaking teaching tool for students. The aquaponics set-up includes a sustainable food production environment in which tilapia are kept in a large tank (aquaculture) connected to a hydroponic (growing plants in water) system. The hydroponic system receives the by-products from the tilapia, filters the water and then the newly cleaned water is returned back to the tilapia tank. Aquaponics is an emerging trend in the agriculture industry which students are able to experience in a hands-on learning setting at the HCC Katy Campus.
Dr. Zachary Hodges, president of the HCC Spring Branch and Katy Campuses, realizes the impact of the various technologies being introduced to students at HCC is job creation.
“A comprehensive horticulture program is one opportunity we at HCC are offering to provide 21st century training for a 21st century workforce,” says Dr. Hodges.
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Members of Junior Girl Scout Troop 17259 in Katy have kept busy during the 2010-2011 school year. From earning their Bronze Award to delivering Girl Scouts cookies to local hospitals, these Junior Girl Scouts have served their community well.
In October, Troop 17259 held a Pet Blessing at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy to collect donations for the SPCA. The girls took a tour of the facility, made fleece blankets and made treats for the pets – both of which were donated to the SPCA. Troop members also wrote thank you notes to SPCA volunteers and hand-delivered them with Girl Scouts cookies. These service projects earned the troop the Bronze Award, the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can receive.
In addition, Troop 17259 also participated in Cookie Share Donations and donated 150 boxes to Texas Children’s Hospital’s West Campus. During the cookie sale, troop members collected donations for the hospital.
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For the ninth time in the past 10 years, Katy ISD has been named among the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, which recognizes schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support for music education. Katy ISD is one of only 14 districts in Texas to receive this recognition for 2011.
“Our music educators constantly go above and beyond their required duties to make sure their students succeed. This recognition is a direct reflection of their commitment,” says Bob Bryant, executive director of fine arts for Katy ISD. “It is evident that our community, administration, and School Board supports and encourages quality music education for every student.”
Just recently, Katy ISD hosted its third Annual West Houston Jazz Festival. This event was first launched in 2009 by Katy ISD band directors as a way to provide a learning and performance venue to jazz students, while increasing exposure, education and entertainment to the Katy/West Houston area. Approximately 1600 patrons watched as nine Big Bands and six jazz combos from high schools and middle schools, as well as professional jazz musicians participated in the event this year. Featured concerts were performed by the Dennis Dotson Quartet and the Stan Kenton Alumni Band.
Additionally, Katy ISD students have had the chance to interact with some of the best in the business. Just recently, Norwegian-American composer Ola Gjeilo visited Taylor High School choir classes to meet and answer questions for students. Taylor HS students also recently had a chance to meet renowned composer and author, Dr. Morten Lauridsen during a presentation and student meet and greet.
“Students in Katy ISD are exposed to high-quality music programs from kindergarten through their senior year,” adds Bryant. “Studies have shown that children engaged in music and the arts often perform better academically as well. This is just another reason why we try to offer a variety of quality fine arts programs and opportunities for our students.”
Among the music programs offered to Katy ISD students include: string orchestra, full orchestra, choir vocal ensemble, marching band, concert band, jazz band and multiple individual events of solos and small ensembles.
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In the final Leadership Katy meeting of the school year, the Class of 2011 participants met at Beck Junior High to take part in a panel discussion with Principals Dr. Cazilda Steel, Mayde Creek High School; Jeffrey Stocks, Beck Junior High; and Mindy Dickerson, Cimarron Elementary. The group also heard from Superintendent Alton Frailey and representatives from the Katy ISD Technology Department. More than 70 community members, parents and business men and women actively participated in the Leadership Katy Class of 2011.
“The point of Leadership Katy is to help further educate participants about district operations, while creating a dialogue between the community and the district,” says Janet Theis, Katy ISD Partners in Education.
Leadership Katy started in 2003 as a way to provide a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in a school district, from finance to food service and everything in between. Members meet once a month during the academic year to hear from different departments and to tour various areas of district.
Naomi Williams, parent and Leadership Katy 2011 participant says, “The biggest take-away for me this year was learning the thoroughness of decision-making, and the forward thinking that goes into the district’s actions and vision for the future.”
Each year, patrons are invited to participate in Leadership Katy by way of self nomination, nomination by their principal, or nomination by Leadership Katy alumni. Katy ISD will be seeking nominations for the class of 2012 this summer.
“My family moved here for the school district,” says Anitra Ondrush, Leadership Katy 2011 participant. “This (Leadership Katy) has opened my eyes to the different levels in the district, and has made me even more proud to be a part of Katy ISD.”
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Wood Group Management Services, in collaboration with the Houston Symphony and Katy ISD’s Partners in Education, has provided funding for each Katy ISD campus to receive a free educational CD-ROM and DVD copy of “The Planets-An HD Odyssey” produced by the Houston Symphony.
The DVD features Gustav Holt’s famous orchestral suite “The Planets” performed by the Houston Symphony accompanied by state-of-the-art, high-definition images returned from space. Cross-curriculum lesson plans for grades 1 through 12 are also included. Subject areas include science, history, mythology, music history and language arts.
Thanks to Wood Group’s support, Katy ISD is the first district in the Houston Area to receive the highly valued CD-ROM set, and is currently the only district to receive one for every campus.
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On Thursday, May 12, members of American Legion Post 164 of Katy were on hand for the annual Mayde Creek High School NJROTC Change of Command Ceremony. During the ceremony, Stephen Brady, Vice Commander Elect of Post 164 presented awards to two cadet students who distinguished themselves in scholastic achievement and military excellence.
Brady presented Cadet Petty Officer First Class Glaston Panchano with the Award for Excellence and a framed certificate to accompany the medal. He also presented Cadet Petty Officer First Class Alondra Serrano-Flores the Award for Scholastics and a framed certificate. This is the second year Post 164 has honored students of the Mayde Creek NJROTC and hopes it will become an annual event for years to come.
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The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at the Merrell Center. Over 350 guests attended the luncheon honoring the 55 Katy ISD Teachers of the Year.
The District-Wide Teachers of the Year were Kimberly Bojko of Griffin Elementary, and Amy Martinez of Raines High School. The District-Wide First Year Outstanding Teachers of the Year were Jordan Stubbs of Creech Elementary, and Robin Barnes of McDonald Junior High.
In addition, 51 other teachers were recognized as Campus Teachers of the Year. The Teachers of the Year received two large gift bags filled with gifts contributed by individuals, community organizations and businesses throughout the community. The keynote speaker for the luncheon was Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale.
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All 12 members of Junior Girl Scout Troop 17049 were awarded the Bronze Award on Wednesday, May 11.
The Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can earn, requires her to learn the leadership and planning skills necessary to follow through on a project that makes a positive impact on her community. Working towards this award demonstrates her commitment to helping others, improving her community and the world, and becoming the best she can be.
The recipients are:
Lauren Boatright – Faith West Academy, 5th Grade
Corrine Daignault – Faith West Academy, 5th Grade
Angelyna Dinnebeck – Golbow Elementary, 4th Grade
Shenta Knox -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
Lindsey Marek -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
Mikayla Morgan -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
Paige Ramsey -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
Hannah Rivero -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
Emily Rocker - Morton Ranch Elementary, 5th Grade
Sydney Scace -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
Ashton Templeton -Â Woodcreek Elementary, 5th Grade
Kyla Vickery -Â Golbow Elementary, 5th Grade
The girls spent at least 15 hours each on their project which focused on helping Houston-area animal rescue agencies. The placed donation collection boxes at area businesses as well as distributed flyers attached to paper sacks throughout their neighborhoods, following up to collect items from homes a week later. They collected a significant amount of used and new pet and office supplies which will be divided amongst the Houston Humane Society, Houston SPCA, and Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP).
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The 8th Annual Katy Sunrise Rotary 5K and 1 Mile Walk, Stroll & Roll is Celebrating America’s Military: Past, Present and Future – all while benefiting local charities. The Memorial Day kickoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday, May 28 at LaCenterra, located at Hwy 99 and Cinco Ranch Blvd.
An anticipated 600 runners and walkers of all ages will fill the streets around LaCenterra while helping raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, Lone Star Veterans Association, Family to Family Network and CHAMPS (Children Against Mines Program).
The event includes a competitive 5K and a non-competitive 1 mile event. The 5K course is certified by the US Track & Field Association and all 5K participants will receive a timing chip.
Participants may register online at katysunriserotary.com through Friday, May 27 or pick up a race brochure at Luke’s Locker, West Bound Bank, local Members Choice Credit Union branches and local running stores. Entry fees paid prior to race day are $25 for the 5K and $10 for the 1 mile event participants. Race day entry fees are $30 for adults and $15 for the 1 mile walk.
Packet pickup and walkup registration will be held at Luke’s Locker in LaCenterra on Thursday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All entrants receive a t-shirt and runner goodie packet.
A post-race party with free snacks and beverages will take place in the courtyard of LaCenterra. Major sponsors include Luke’s Locker, Texas Pipe & Supply, Veteran Energy, Westside Lexus, Westbound Bank, Members Choice Credit Union, Positive Force Consulting, and Tiger Land Child Care.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to honor the men and women of America’s armed forces through our annual fundraiser,†says Katy Sunrise Rotary’s immediate past president, Van Gilbert. “Our troops do so much for us and we want to remember and thank them, especially as we celebrate Memorial Day.â€
For more information about the 8th Annual Katy Sunrise Rotary 5K, visit katysunriserotary.com or call 713-344-3451.
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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of April, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Meritage Homes, 2901 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., Ste. C250; Bumbera’s Performance Associates, 6103 Hwy. Blvd.; AT&T, 19959 Katy Fwy.; Keller Williams Signature Realty, 920 S. Fry Rd.; Houston Stallions, 16360 Park Ten Place, Ste. 330; Corporate Office Centers, 16225 Park Ten Place, Ste. 500; Pilates and Motion, 21322 Provincial Blvd.; and PfP Technology, 29738 Goynes Rd.
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