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August 2026

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ON THE COVER Looking for your next favorite neighborhood hangout? Kyle Pierson takes readers on a tour of Spring Branch’s best bars—from iconic dives to upscale cocktail lounges and everything in between.

August

2026

4-5

Between the Bars

Friends of the Library Selects New Board Officers

Lead Like Astronauts: Train Hard. Lead Bold

Breakthrough T1D

Falsettos

12-13 AI Is Getting Smarter. Are We Getting Wiser? 14-15 Community Calendar Let’s Get Social 17

Birdies for Bright Futures

18-19 The Drunken Cyclist: Traveling the World in Search of Relief from the Heat 20

SBISD Named a 2025-2026 Texas Way District of Distinction

Serving Up Good Food for a Good Cause

Donate to MAM's Newly Expanded Boutique

Fins Up for Late Summer Fun at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin Files Legal Action Seeking Closure of Hawthorn Park Landfill

Give Back This Upcoming Fall Season!

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Barnaby’s on Long Point Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) Spring Valley City Hall Salt & Sugar Vergi 24/7 Animal Hospital

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Cover Story Profile

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ADVERTISING, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS OR IDEAS? Contact: Dawn Gunther | Pink Seat Media, LLC Email: springbranchplus@gmail.com | Phone: 713.828.4604 Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

In our ever-fracturing and increasingly isolating society, bars provide one last bastion of hope for togetherness and real human connectivity. As a bartender, I am very confident I will never be replaced by AI because my job is deeply intertwined with all that it means to be human. And that might matter more than ever. A good bar is a sanctum sanctorum, a place of comfort, a place where you can meet other members of your tribe. The food and drinks are secondary to the environment, the community, the energy, the vibe. And I would love to invite you to take a little stroll with me to visit some of my favorite Spring Branch area bars.

“Take a Dive” BLUE LAGOON CLUB (1248 Witte) And we might as well start at the place where I, myself, will happily make you a drink. The Blue Lagoon (or “The Goon”) is Spring Branch's oldest bar and is widely considered to be one of Houston's best dives. Bobby Heugel and Peter Jahnke, owners of Anvil and Catbirds among others, bought it last year and are stewarding it to another four decades of bringing good times to Spring Branch locals. Cold beers, cold A/C, pool tables, good 4

Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

vibes, and history that you can feel, it is definitely worth stopping in to hang with your friends and neighbors. MAD BULL CLUB (14114 Hempstead) I feel like if you walked into this bar in 1966, 1996, or 2026 then you probably couldn't tell the difference. With a smoky, roadhouse vibe that is both timeless and eternal, it is definitely worth a visit. Wood paneling, pool tables and ashtrays (Yes, you can still smoke there) take you back in time. But one of the real treats is the backyard garden. It is totally unexpected yet it makes me happy to see it. It is also decorated with various art pieces constructed from the detritus found along the highway and railroad tracks. Very charming. And if you really wanna know their dive bar credentials - there is a birdhouse in one of the trees with an urn full of a former bartender’s ashes. They are truly one of the real ones. Other dives of note: Nomads, Nikki's Irish Pub, Texas T Tavern, Loose Cannon

“Puttin’ on the Ritz”

But sometimes you wanna class it up and have a nice glass of wine or cocktail and luxuriate a bit. Let's visit a couple of my spots to go pinkies out…

AYE CANDY (1849 Bingle) This speakeasy tucked away behind a Candy Store facade is an excellent place to have an excellent time. The aesthetic is lounge-y, yet plush. The DJ keeps a great vibe going at all times and the cocktails are next-level. They have live music one Saturday a month and it is usually something Latin and sexy. Tuesdays are Ladies Night and if a group of four stop in for a round of cocktails, the charcuterie is on the house. They have a secret surprise coming up soon that I'll be telling you about next month! THE LIBRARY (8510 Long Point) Let's say you've had a long week of work and just want to relax with a nice glass of wine in a very comfortable environment. The wine list is very extensive, the staff is very knowledgeable and the space is very cozy. They have a very impressive selection of aged wines. I'm not much of a wine drinker but I adore Portos and Madeiras and had the pleasure of drinking a glass of 50yo Madeira on my 50th birthday. Worth it. BY POPULAR DEMAND (12420 Memorial) Across the freeway, over on Memorial, sits a comfortable member of the Masraff family of restaurants. By Popular Demand, or “BPD” is a great spot to comfortably kick back and lounge while enjoying well crafted cocktails and elevated bar food. It's especially great in the wintertime when the fireplace is going. Here's one more I love: Kanpai Club

SUNDOWN SALOON (4818 Dacoma) Recently purchased and renovated by Katz Coffee owner Avi Katz, the Sundown Saloon is worth paying a visit. Has kind of a log cabin vibe from the outside and a gentleman's lounge within. A pool table sits in the middle of the space and there is a giant fresco of a woman painted on the ceiling above. The painting was done in the sixties and there are terms in the lease which prevent anyone from covering it or changing it. Rumor has it the model still plays pool there on Friday nights. They have a small stage inside and a larger one out back and they host live music on Saturday nights. Plug my spot: The Blue Lagoon also has live music on the first Thursday of the month. “We are Family” But, Kyle, I've got kids! Where can I go and bring them along? Have no fear, my friend, I've got you covered. LAZY OAKS BEER GARDEN (10158 Long Point) With a spacious back patio, Lazy Oaks is a great place to bring the Little Ones whilst you enjoy a cold beverage and eat some really good food. I'm partial to the Pretzel with Beer Cheese myself. I also love trying their Special of the Day, it has never let me down. They also host Bingo and Trivia nights. It's a fun time and the staff is super friendly.

“Groove is in the Heart”

Let's be honest - sometimes Spotify or a jukebox just ain't gonna cut it. You need to mainline some music and you need it live! Well these places got you covered. COWBOY SURFER (827 Frostwood) If Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Buffet teamed up to open a place I imagine it would be something like Cowboy Surfer. It's a shotgun bar that shoots the curl. Part honkey tonk, part beach bar, all cool as can be. Live music or Open Mics nearly every night of the month and some pretty legit bar food. 1810 OJEMAN (1810 Ojeman. Duh.) Tucked away on a side street just off Long Point is a bar that Keeps it Weird in a way that Austin only wishes it did. Ojeman books all kinds of acts so make sure to follow them on social media to see who may be playing. It can be anything from Punk to Ska to Spoken Word to you name it. They host jazz nights and drum circles. They also have an Open Mic night on Tuesdays. Maybe you'll catch me playing there sometime.

For more neighborhood adventures follow Kyle on IG @thebranchhtx For more of Jennifer's photos follow @the_elle_photography Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

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Friends of the Library Selects New Board Officers

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Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

In May, Friends of Spring Branch Memorial Library selected its 2026-27 Board of Officers. Board officers include: Margaret McCoy, president; Fran Serena, vice president; Ben Husley, treasurer; Kristen Buck, recording secretary; and T.J. Beck, corresponding secretary. Board members took the opportunity to recognize and thank Fran for her many years of service to the organization. Fran has been a member of the Friends board for 30 years, serving as president since 2014. Founded in 1962, Friends of Spring Branch Memorial Library has raised funds to supplement various building, educational, and cultural activities that benefited library patrons of all ages. During the past year, the organization has hosted the annual Plant and Book Sale, the Buy-ABook program, and the Lobby Books project. Proceeds supported the library’s various children and young adult reading programs, arts, crafts and robotics activities, and e-book collections. Friends also supported supplemental staffing needs for the library and continuing education programs for the librarians. Friends of Spring Branch Memorial Library is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible. www.friendsofsbml.org. Spring Branch Memorial Library is a branch of the Harris County Public Library System. www.hcpl.net.

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Astronaut candidates are selected for their potential. From there, NASA equips them with the skills, mindset, and discipline needed for spaceflight. In space and in business, success requires the ability to think, decide, and perform like the astronauts and mission leaders who are trained to navigate the unknown, stay grounded amid uncertainty, and execute with precision when every decision matters. Space Center Houston’s Human Performance Accelerator Lab Team delivers a full day of immersive experiences that sharpen your thinking, prepare you for challenges, and reinvigorate your mind. Participants will learn to: • Build Unshakeable Resilience & Decision-Making Under Pressure – Develop the mental toughness, clarity, and confidence to make high-stakes decisions when conditions are uncertain. • Create an Agile, Adaptive Team Culture – Learn how astronauts pivot in real time when missions don’t go as planned, and how to embed that same fluid adaptability into your team’s DNA. • Activate Your In-the-Moment Creativity & Imagination – Strengthen your ability to think on your feet, reframe challenges, and unlock innovative solutions when the playbook no longer applies.

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Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

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The Breakthrough T1D Walk is a nationwide movement where hundreds of thousands rally in more than 130 events nationwide to transform the future for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Breakthrough T1D Walk is the Houston community’s chance to support research and make a real difference for the T1D community. Led by Walk Chair Nelly White, a longtime supporter through her involvement leading the Williams Company employee Walk team. White is deeply inspired by the resilience of the community and the significant impact Breakthrough T1D makes every day to fund the research leading to life-changing breakthroughs. White will join Will Shappley as he serves this year as the Honorary Corporate Grand Marshal in the 2.1-mile walk. The Shappley journey with Type 1 Diabetes began when his daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5. The Shappley family became involved with Breakthrough T1D shortly after Mary Ellis’s diagnosis and has remained deeply engaged ever since participating in annual walks, building “Team Mary Ellis,” and helping raise awareness, funding, and community support. The Breakthrough T1D Walk is free to join, but registration is required for all walkers, including children. Fundraising is encouraged, as the average participant raises more than $400 supporting research to help cure T1D. Breakthrough T1D invites everyone to support the mission and learn more about T1D. For more information on the Breakthrough T1D Walk or to volunteer, contact Deandrea Dillard at ddillard@ breakthrought1d.org or 713-401-3145, and visit https://breakthrought1d.org

Houston Broadway Theatre (HBT) announces the cast and creatives for Falsettos at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts playing July 28–August 16. Tickets on sale now at houstonbroadwaytheatre.org. Set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s New York, Falsettos explores the complexities of love, family, and identity with humor and heart. Originally written as two parts of a one-act musical trilogy, the groundbreaking musical by William Finn and James Lapine premiered on Broadway in 1992, and was nominated for seven Tony Awards®, winning Best Book and Best Original Score. The 2016 Broadway revival was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. Centering around family, gender roles, Jewish identity and gay life, Falsettos is filled with humor and the positive portrayal of non-traditional family structures.. LOVE CAN TELL A MILLION STORIES. Falsettos is a hilarious and heartbreaking musical from Tony Award winner William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and acclaimed director James Lapine (Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George). It's New York in the early 1980s, and Marvin's life is complicated—he's recently left his wife Trina for his boyfriend Whizzer, but he still wants to stay close to his son Jason. What could go wrong? Everything. And it's spectacular. As Trina moves on and marries Marvin's own psychiatrist, and Whizzer struggles with commitment, this unconventional modern family tries to figure out how to make it all work. From neurotic parents to awkward bar mitzvah planning, their tight-knit circle of friends and family navigate the chaos with humor and heart. But when an unexpected crisis emerges, they must come together and discover what being a family really means. Funny, tender, and deeply human, Falsettos is an unforgettable celebration of love, family, and finding your way forward—no matter how unconventional the path.

Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

AI Is Getting Smarter. “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” — Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. Those lines feel uncomfortably relevant right now. A lot of people are starting to treat AI like it’s some kind of final authority. We ask it to pull together research, read markets, suggest medical options, review job candidates, even help set strategy. And because the answers come back sounding calm and confident, it’s easy to just go with them. Here’s the thing though: AI doesn’t actually know anything. It predicts what’s most likely based on the patterns in the data it was trained on. Sometimes those predictions are genuinely impressive. Other times they’re incomplete, skewed, or just wrong. It’s not running experiments. It’s not weighing evidence the way a judge does. It’s never actually treated a patient. It’s good at spotting patterns in huge amounts of information, and that’s useful. But pattern recognition isn’t the same as understanding or telling the truth. And it gets more complicated when you remember who’s behind these systems. People built them. People chose what data to feed them. People decided what the models should optimize for. So all of our existing assumptions, blind spots, and biases end up inside the technology. That’s why the leaders and organizations who seem to be handling this well don’t treat AI like some allknowing oracle. They treat it more like a capable but

Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

By Praneet Franklin (Houston AI Voice) www.linkedin.com/in/praneetfranklin

Are We Getting Wiser? still imperfect advisor. They don’t just copy and paste whatever it says — they push back on it. They ask it tough questions and check the answers against real experience and other sources before making any big calls. A lot of companies are also putting real effort into making AI more explainable, keeping humans involved, and stress-testing these systems on purpose to see where they break. The goal isn’t to pretend AI is perfect. It’s to get better at spotting when it’s probably wrong. There’s also a real risk that we end up using AI as the world’s fastest way to confirm what we already wanted to believe. Technology can sharpen our thinking, but it can just as easily sharpen our blind spots if we’re not paying attention. I think the real skill that’s going to matter most is getting better at using our own judgment. The people who handle this well tend to keep asking questions, stay open to evidence that doesn’t fit their view, and don’t hand over the final call to the machine. AI can speed things up and surface things we might have missed. But it can’t replace actual wisdom. The technology is going to keep getting smarter. Whether we get any wiser about how we use it is still entirely up to us.

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Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

Houston Restaurant Weeks All Senior Citizens Month Month Dog Month

Family Fun Month Golf Month Back-to-school Month

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month Immunization Awareness Month

Through Aug. 14: Discovery, Innovation & Robotics Camps, weekly sessions for ages 5–13, hands-on STEM, The Health Museum Aug. 17 onward: 2026–27 dance class term begins, Uptown Dance Centre, 7417 Shadyvilla Ln. Register at uptowndance.org Every Thursday: Live Organ Dissection & Family Trivia, 3 – 4 pm, McGovern Theater, The Health Museum Every Sunday: Champagne Sundays, Hotel ZaZa Memorial City, through Dec. 27 Every Friday: 3 pm, Live Music, Republic Boot Co., 1133 E. 11th St. Info: 832-767-6586 Ongoing: Adult and teen open dance classes, drop-in basis, no registration required, Uptown Dance Centre Ongoing: Healthy Families Healthy Community Mobile Clinic at health fairs, school events, and food distributions, Spring Branch Community Health Center. Calendar at sbchc.net Ongoing: Back-to-school vaccinations and physicals outreach, Spring Branch Community Health Center Ongoing: Good Grief support group, free community grief support, 1 pm on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, 1504 Wirt Rd. Info: 713-686-5876, ufoh.org

SAVE THE DATE Sept. 16: Fit Houston Free Bike Day, 4 pm, Pitner Park, 8500 Pitner Rd Oct. 14: Fit Houston Free Bike Day, 4 pm, Pitner Park, 8500 Pitner Rd

Aug 1 National Girlfriends Day Doc Dissections — Autopsy & Fetal Pig: 2 – 3 pm, tickets include museum admission, The Health Museum Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 7:30 pm, The George Theater, 5420 Westheimer Rd. Tickets at adplayers.org Astronaut Days: included in general admission, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Live Music in the Plaza: 7 – 10 pm, CityCentre, 800 Town & Country Blvd. citycentrehouston.com Aug 2 Adult Forum: 10 am, discussion group, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Sunday Program: 11 am, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 2 pm (matinee), The George Theater, Tickets at adplayers.org Sunday Live: 3 – 6 pm, CityCentre, 800 Town & Country Blvd. citycentrehouston.com Aug 3 Space Center U — Lunar Expedition (ages 11–14) and Martian Expedition (ages 15–18): 8 am – 4 pm daily through Aug. 7, registration required, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Aug 5 Fit Houston Free Walk & Bike Day: 8 – 8:30 am community walk, 8:30 – 9:30 am bike ride, free, Pitner Park, 8500 Pitner Rd Meditation — Bayou Moon Sangha: 7 pm, quiet meditation with tea afterward, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org

Aug 7 Alliance Fencing Academy Beginner Camp begins: 9 am – 3 pm, ages 6–12, $550, Alliance Fencing Academy, 1117 Upland Dr. Register at alliance-fencing-academy.com 3D Printer Orientation: 4 – 5:30 pm, adults, registration required, SBML Aug 8 Cub Scouts Overnight: through Aug. 9, registration required, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Space News and Brews: 2 – 5 pm, registration required, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Dance Open House Party: 2 – 6 pm, games, prizes, meet your teachers, registration kick-off, Uptown Dance Centre, 7417 Shadyvilla Ln. uptowndance.org Aug 9 National Book Lovers Day

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August Adult Forum: 10 am, discussion group, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Sunday Program: 11 am, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Potluck Lunch: 12 – 1:30 pm, bring a dish to share, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Doc Dissections — Anatomy Lab: 2 – 3 pm, tickets include museum admission, The Health Museum Aug 11 Tuesday Book Club: 10:30 am – 12 pm, via Zoom, meets the second Tuesday of the month, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 12 Meditation — Bayou Moon Sangha: 7 pm, quiet meditation with tea afterward, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 13 First Day of School — Spring Branch ISD Aug 15 National Relaxation Day Summer Member Nights: 6:30 – 9 pm, Space Center Houston members, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Aug 16 Adult Forum: 10 am, discussion group, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Sunday Program: 11 am, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 18 ESL Level 3: 11 am – 1 pm, adult citizenship and English learning, registration required, SBML Aug 19 National Aviation Day

Meditation — Bayou Moon Sangha: 7 pm, quiet meditation with tea afterward, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 21 Senior Citizens Day Game Night at the Fellowship: 6:30 pm, third Friday of the month, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Crayola Imagine Arts Academy & Parachute Playtime by BISH: 9 – 11 am, CityCentre, 800 Town & Country Blvd. citycentrehouston.com Aug 22 Girl Scouts Overnight: through Aug. 23, registration required, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Aug 23 Adult Forum: 10 am, discussion group, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Sunday Program: 11 am, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 25 ESL Level 3: 11 am – 1 pm, adult citizenship and English learning, registration required, SBML Aug 26 Women’s Equality Day National Dog Day Dial L for Lawyer: Night Court presents, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Lawyers Entertaining for Charity. nightcourt.org Meditation — Bayou Moon Sangha: 7 pm, quiet meditation with tea afterward, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 27 Dial L for Lawyer: Night Court presents, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Lawyers Entertaining for Charity. nightcourt.org

Aug 28 Dial L for Lawyer: Night Court presents, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Lawyers Entertaining for Charity. nightcourt.org Aug 29 Dial L for Lawyer: Night Court presents, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Lawyers Entertaining for Charity. nightcourt.org Coffee and Coloring: 10 – 11 am, adults and senior adults, SBML Scouts BSA Overnight: through Aug. 30, registration required, Space Center Houston. spacecenter.org Grand Opening — MAM Campus Completion Celebration: Explore, Connect, Celebrate — unveiling of newly renovated boutique, opening of the cafe, Harris County Library and Innovation Lab, Memorial Assistance Ministries, 1625 Blalock Rd. mamhouston.org Aug 30 National Toasted Marshmallow Day National Grief Awareness Day Breakthrough T1D Houston Walk Kickoff: 1 – 3 pm, Walk Hype Party, registration required. Dave and Busters, 7620 Katy Frwy #100. breakthrought1d.org Adult Forum: 10 am, discussion group, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Sunday Program: 11 am, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org Aug 31 National Eat Outside Day Meditation — Bayou Moon Sangha: 7 pm, quiet meditation with tea afterward, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. ufoh.org

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CHILDREN AT RISK held its annual Golf Classic at the illustrious Golf Club of Houston. Bringing together community leaders and supporters for a day of impact, connection, and friendly competition in support of Texas children. We are grateful to our Title Sponsors, BMW of Houston Midtown and BMW of Houston North, for their generous support. The Tournament Host, Melissa Wilson, and Media Sponsor FOX 26 Houston for helping amplify the mission. After raising more than $77,000, we extend our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to advancing advocacy for Texas children. Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

Traveling the World in Sea It’s August. It’s Houston. It’s hot. Really hot. In years past, August was a time for me to get out of the Bayou City in search of cooler climes, looking for a respite from the oppressive heat and stifling humidity. Well, this year it looks like I will be spending a good chunk of the eighth month right here in Spring Branch. So, instead of traveling the world in search of a bit of relief, I decided that I would head to my local H-E-B in search of comfort. No, I don’t mean the sub-zero temperatures that smack you in the face upon entering Texas’ most loved grocery chain, but rather searching for some affordable and refreshing wines in its pretty incredible wine section. Notice I said “refreshing”. This article is about some fantastic white and rosé wines to enjoy this month, with not a single red in sight. I get it. Texans love their red wine (as do I), but when the outside temperature is approaching triple digits, the last thing I want to drink is a heavy, tannin-laden wine at room temperature. Maybe it’s just me, but I am also looking to cool off while getting my drink on. So here are a few wines that are not only refreshing, but also serve the added benefit of being from somewhere else in the world, a place that I have either been in a previous August or a location where I should be right now (instead of, likely, waiting for the technician to come and get my AC working again). All prices are HEB retail. 2025 Bodega Garzón Albariño Reserva, Uruguay: $17. If you are like many, you’ve never considered Uruguay a “wine producing country” or a potential vacation spot, but it is certainly both. Regarded as one of South America’s safest countries with pristine beaches and beautiful countryside, Uruguay is also starting to get noticed as a world-class wine producer. This Albariño, a variety originally from Spain, has impressive fruit, a nice tartness, carries the right amount of heft, and punches well above its weight in both flavor and intrigue. 91 Points.

18 Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

2025 Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, OR: $15. Of all the wine regions in the US where I would consider moving, the Willamette Valley is likely at or near the top of the list. It is just a bit more my style: from the rolling hills, to the quaint towns, and the outdoor lifestyle. Plus, the Valley’s wines are world-class and this Stoller Rosé is a great representative. Fruity, balanced, tart, and expressive, this rosé works just as well on the table as it does by the pool. 94 Points.

arch of Relief from the Heat By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. (The Drunken Cyclist) 2023 Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Passione e Sentimento Bianco, Veneto, Italy: $17. 100% Garganega. The variety is not seen much outside of the region around Venice, which is one of my favorite cities in Europe. But don’t go in August! It’s overrun with tourists and it can be close to Houston hot (and the Italians do not have the same definition of “air conditioning” as Texans). Instead, head there in October when the crowds have dispersed and the evenings are cool. Until then, crack open a bottle of this beauty, which is rich, round, and refreshing, bursting with fruit and not over-laden with acidity. 90 Points. 2023 Fowles Wine Chardonnay Are you Game?, Victoria, Australia: $17. 90% Chardonnay, 8% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Riesling. An interesting blend that serves to elevate the aromatics of this wine, which really pops with both citrus and tree fruit. I have never been to Australia, much less the winery, but I have dined with Matt Fowles several times here in Houston, and he has convinced me I need to visit. When I do, it will likely be in August, where the afternoon highs struggle to reach 60°F. How fabulous does that sound right now? About as fabulous as this wine. 92 Points. NV Lucien Albrecht Pinot Noir Brut Rosé, Crémant d'Alsace, France: $20. I lived in Alsace (the northeastern most region in France) for a spell and every time I crack a bottle from the region, it instantly transports me back. And August is a fantastic time to be there. It is still relatively unknown by American tourists, but it has one of the best combinations of cuisine, history, geography, and, of course, wine. This Rosé Crémant (the term used for most French sparkling wines that don’t come from Champagne) is perhaps the standard-bearer for the genre. Fruity, crisp, perfectly tart, and bubbles! I always have a bottle of this ready to go. 91 Points. Have any wine questions? Suggestions for an article? Need help with your cellar? Follow my blog: thedrunkencyclist(dot) com. Or drop me a line! Jeff (at) thedrunkencyclist (dot) com

Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

SBISD Named a 2025-2026 Texas Way District of Distinction Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) has been named a 20252026 Texas Way District of Distinction, a prestigious recognition honoring school districts that demonstrate excellence in sportsmanship, leadership and community involvement. Presented through The Texas Way in partnership with the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA) and 2Words Character Development, the award recognizes districts where athletics serves as an extension of the classroom building character, developing leaders and strengthening school communities. For SBISD, the recognition reflects something much greater than athletic success. It recognizes a district-wide commitment to developing the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate through every learning experience, from the classroom and fine arts stage to athletic competition, clubs, service opportunities and beyond. "Our coaches are educators first," said Paige Hershey, Executive Director of Athletics. "Every day, they help students become leaders of character by teaching accountability, resilience, teamwork, respect and service. This recognition belongs to every coach, campus leader and staff member who invests in our students and helps create a culture where excellence and character go hand in hand." 20 Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

Across SBISD, coaches play an essential role in helping students develop the leadership skills, work ethic and character that define the district's vision of T-2-4 for every learner. Their influence extends well beyond wins and losses, helping prepare students to thrive in college, careers and life. "This recognition reflects who we are as a school district," said Dr. Jennifer Blaine, Superintendent of Schools." In SBISD education is transformational because it is built on meaningful relationships with students, high expectations and opportunities that help Every Child discover their potential. Our coaches are an integral part of that journey, reinforcing the values and character that define what success looks like for our kids. Together with our teachers, support staff and campus leaders, they help create an experience that prepares students for life. "This recognition celebrates the collective commitment to developing the whole child. It reflects a school district where character is taught alongside content, leadership is cultivated through opportunity and every student is encouraged to discover their strengths and purpose. The true measure of success isn't found only in awards or accomplishments, it's found in the confident, capable and caring young people who leave SBISD ready to make a difference wherever life takes them.

Spring Branch is Serving Up Good Food for a Good Cause By Laura Davis Foodies, rejoice! It's the most wonderful time of year for Houston diners: Houston Restaurant Weeks. This month-long dining extravaganza benefits the Houston Food Bank, America's largest food bank. Diners can visit HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com to view the 2026 list of participating restaurants and their specially priced menus. The event runs through Sept. 7 and features prix fixe lunches, brunches, and dinners at restaurants from The Woodlands to Galveston, spanning Harris, Galveston, and Montgomery counties. Participating restaurants donate based on how many prix fixe meals they sell — diners are never solicited for donations directly. Several Spring Branch area restaurants have signed on this year, including: • Saigon Hustle • Kirkwood • Liberty Kitchen Oysterette (Memorial City) • Brenner's Steakhouse Houston Restaurant Weeks was founded in 2003 by the late Cleverley Stone, known as "The Diva of Dining." Stone used her deep connections in the city's food scene to rally Houstonians around two causes she cared about: supporting local restaurants

and fighting hunger, encouraging diners to "Dine Out & Do Good." The event brings much-needed business to restaurants during the slow summer season while raising money for the Houston Food Bank. Today, the fundraiser continues Stone's mission, generating millions of dollars and meals for foodinsecure families across the Houston area. The Houston Food Bank also supports the Galveston County Food Bank and Montgomery County Food Bank as Affiliate Food Banks, which distribute food to hunger relief charities across the region — all certified to meet Feeding America standards.

For more information and the full restaurant list, scan the QR code

Donate to MAM's Newly Expanded Boutique On Aug. 29, Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) will unveil an expanded and renovated boutique at its Campus Celebration: Explore, Connect, Celebrate, held at 1625 Blalock Road in Spring Branch. MAM is seeking new and gently used designer bags, shoes, and clothing from high-end brands, as well as designer jewelry, scarves, watches, accessories, perfume, and cologne. “The renovated boutique will offer more space for shoppers to browse, and we look forward to stocking it with even a greater selection for them to choose from,” said Cindy Husband, vice president of operations for MAM. Every donated item helps MAM continue serving families across the greater Houston area, and every gift is tax-deductible. To donate, simply label bags “MAM Boutique” so items are routed appropriately, then drop them off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, or schedule a pickup by emailing donations@mamhouston.org. Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

22 Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

Fins Up for Late Summer Fun at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston While the calendar tells us we’ll soon be headed into fall, there’s plenty of summer fun still to be had at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston. Aside from lounging poolside at the 3.5-acre Jolly Mon Waterpark, scheduling a tee time on the golf course, or unwinding at the St. Somewhere, there are two more reasons to head to Margaritaville during the last few days of summer. As part of their “Uncorked Friday” series, the resort is hosting a fivecourse dinner with Duckhorn Vineyards on Friday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. at License to Chill Bar and Café. The menu features elevated dishes such as a seared diver scallop amuse-bouche and Caribbean lobster with avocado mousse, both paired with Duckhorn’s Sauvignon Blanc; roasted mushroom ravioli with truffle brown butter, paired with Duckhorn Chardonnay; a coffee- and herb-crusted Japanese Wagyu strip with slow-braised short rib, paired with Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; and a lemon mascarpone cream cake finished with raspberry coulis, paired with sparkling wine. Tickets are $ 165 per person. To make a reservation, visit the resort website.

The late summer celebration continues into Labor Day weekend with its annual Day of Service and Jimmy Buffett Day on Friday, Sept. 4, and into the holiday weekend in support of The Jazz Connection, a Montgomery County nonprofit providing free jazz and music education to students across the North Houston area. Throughout the weekend, the resort invites guests to sip on two specialty cocktails crafted for the occasion: The Sunshine State of Mind (light rum, lemon vodka, strawberry puree, and lemonade) and the Caribbean Heat (tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, puree, and jalapeño syrup. There will also be live entertainment throughout the weekend, including a performance by Bama Breeze Sounds, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests who book the resort’s “Keep the Party Going” package (available Aug. 3 – Sept. 27) receive 20% off the best available rate, a $50 nightly resort credit, and two commemorative Jimmy Buffett Day cups. For each night booked, $5 goes directly to support young musicians through The Jazz Connection. To book your Labor Day escape, call 936-448-4400. So, grab your flip-flops, raise a glass, and keep the island state of mind going just a little longer at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston, where summer still has plenty of sunshine, music, and good times in store.

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin Files Legal Action Seeking Closure of Hawthorn Park Landfill

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin announced her office is pursuing a new legal action aimed at closing a landfill that has been detrimentally harming residents for decades in the historic Carverdale community in NW Houston--Hawthorn Park Recycling & Disposal Facility-- operated by USA Waste of Texas Landfills, Inc., a subsidiary of Waste Management. The County Attorney's Office has filed a Notice of Intent to Sue, which has been formally submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Waste Management. The action seeks to move the landfill's current permit toward closure, which would then trigger post-closure care requirements the company would have to undertake. "For decades, the Carverdale community has been forced to live with the impacts of this landfill-- from flooding to health risks to environmental impacts, residents have had to grapple with uncertainty for their families and their homes,” said County Attorney Abbie Kamin. Kamin is working with officials at every level, including Council Member Amy Peck. “The Carverdale community is a treasured part of our city, and its residents deserve to live in a neighborhood with clean air, safe surroundings, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their health and quality of life are protected. For too long, families have raised concerns about the impacts of the landfill on their community” said Councilmember Amy Peck. “I am grateful to Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin for thoroughly reviewing this matter and taking action to protect the residents of Carverdale. I remain committed to standing with the Carverdale community and Attorney Kamin as we work toward a cleaner, healthier, and safer future for every family who calls this neighborhood home. The Notice of Intent to File Suit document can be found in its entirety here.

24 Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

Give Back

This Upcoming Fall Season! At Spring Branch Community Health Center (SBCHC), we are gearing up to host our annual Fall Harvest Luncheon on October 21st, 2026, at the Junior League of Houston. SBCHC has served our neighboring communities for over two decades and continues to evolve to better meet our patients' health and wellness needs through life-saving services. Each year, we host a formal fundraising luncheon, with contributions supporting our health services. This year, our focus is on securing the future of health by directing our investments toward the SBCHC Total Health Campus. Houston continues to face a growing health crisis as many families face delayed care, develop preventable conditions, and rely on overcrowded exam rooms, costing Texas over $1.7 billion annually. As we face rapid population growth and shrinking federal funding, SBCHC has launched the Securing the Future of Health campaign to deliver more reliable care in the heart of the Spring Branch community. With this groundbreaking facility, our goal is to double capacity, expand services in high-need areas, improve health outcomes at scale, and strengthen our operational sustainability. This campaign will improve the health and wellness of individuals and families in Spring Branch. This year’s Fall Harvest Luncheon Chair is Gabriela Gerhart, Founder of Motherhood Center. In her early life in the Czech Republic, Gabriela discovered her passion for babies and childcare, inspiring her to establish the Motherhood Center. After receiving her degree in Pediatric Nursing and working in the US, she recognized the importance of building a strong support system for women during pregnancy and motherhood. With her expertise, she led many health initiatives that support women’s organizations and several non-profits. She values the difference SBCHC has made for our patients, especially expectant mothers. Our OBGYN services provide foundational support for all women through primary care, well-woman exams, and prenatal and postpartum care. With the high demand for women’s healthcare, SBCHC remains committed to expanding our health services for all families. We invite you to our Fall Harvest Luncheon. Your support can help us turn our vision into a reality with sponsorship options you can reserve. Join us to remove barriers to care, expand access to services, and create effective health solutions for Houston families. For more information, please call Bruce Padilla at 832.878.9710 or email bpadilla@sbchc.net. Sponsorship packages are available at givebutter.com/2026fhl. Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

Houston’s most anticipated dining event is celebrating its 23rd year!

That’s 38 days of delicious meals & super deals raising necessary funds for the Houston Food Bank. Around 350 of Houston’s most popular restaurants will serve specially priced, multi-course prix fixe menus.

Scan QR Code to see the menus!

HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com @HoustonRestaurantWeeks

26 Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

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1Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 5 or more windows and/or doors. Cannot be combined with other offers. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window and Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 8/31/2026 with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. Subject to credit approval. 24-month Promo Period when no payments are due and interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promo Period plus accrued interest will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. All loans are unsecured personal loans subject to credit review and approval by the lender. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. This Renewal by Andersen location is independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved

Spring Branch+ To Advertise: 713.828.4604 | August 2026

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