Conroe, TX August 2024

The Kids and Pet Issue

LOCAL SERVICES

VETERINARY PET TIPS

EDUCATION

COLLEGE CONSULTING

WELLNESS EQUINE THERAPY FOR KIDS

Kids, Pets and a Life Well Lived

This is our Kids and Pets issue, and this is where I usually tell you what stories you will find inside. There are some good ones, too, and I encourage you to read them, but as I sit down to describe them, I find something else weighs heavy on my thoughts.

I keep thinking about Tony Gullo, Sr. and want to acknowledge his impact on our community and its children. He passed away in June, and now, two months later, Conroe is still realizing what we've lost. He was 90, so virtually no one alive can remember Conroe without him.

If you never had a chance to meet him personally, you missed out. He was much more than the name you see on the car dealerships along I-45. He was more than a prominent businessman who generously gave to this community for decades. He was more than a car collector.

Mr Gullo was a collector of experiences and people. He was a kind and joyful spirit who loved God and family above all else. With five children, ten grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, he had a lot of family to love.

That would have been more than enough for most people, but Mr Gullo still had more of his heart to share. He made everyone he met feel special, as if, at that moment, you were the most important person in the world. At no time was this more apparent than at Christmas because, naturally, he loved kids and playing Santa.

He decorated his home with tens of thousands of lights each year as a gift to his community. He loved seeing the children's reactions when they saw the colorful display. In fact, one of his last wishes was that the family put up his lights one more time because people had not been warned that 2023 would be the last year he could do it. He also organized Gullo Christmas for Kids each year, which gives underprivileged families the means to celebrate the holiday with a tree, meal, and presents. This is the charity he wanted people to give to at his funeral so it can carry on in his memory.

Tony Gullo Sr. embodied the spirit of Christmas all year long, and our community and kids will be better off if we try each day to do the same.

ALISON KARTEVOLD, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Margie Taylor | margie.taylor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melanie Saxton, Ian Garrett, Travis Hager, Peyton Mackenzie

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Matlock of Arrowhead Photo, Ian Garrett

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

Texas and Beyond Mini Plaza Opens North Houston Art Gallery

Texas and Beyond Mini Plaza provides a cozy and unique ambiance in the midst of in Montgomery. This family-owned business welcomes an inspiring gallery with local artists, in collaboration with Painter Pottery Studio and Wildly Wicked Cottage, offering personal gifts, jewelry, and home decor. Owners Tony and Rebecca Noreiga commissioned local artist Amy McCain to paint a beautiful mural of an 1800s Montgomery livery stable. The mural is located on the side of the building.  txandbeyond.com

Conroe’s Mary McCoy Inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame

Kstar Country in Conroe is the home of music legend Mary McCoy who has been selected as one of eight new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2024 by the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Mary McCoy is the longest tenured female on air after serving 72 years on the airwaves.

New Mayor and City Council Sworn In

There’s deep fried, and then there’s Fish Camp deep fried. The difference? We use the freshest fish, our signature cornmeal blend, and cook it all to order for a crunch that’ll convert anyone to the deep-fried side.

To become a believer, make a reservation at GOODECOMPANYFISHCAMP.COM and follow us @GOODECOFISHCAMP.

During a Special Meeting, Mayor Duke W. Coon, Councilman David Hairel, and Councilwoman Shana R. Arthur were officially sworn into their new positions on City Council, joining Councilmen Howard Wood, Harry Hardman, and Councilwoman Marsha Porter. Harry Hardman was officially appointed Mayor Pro Tem for a year. Beginning May 1 of each year, Mayor Coon will appoint another City Council member to be Mayor Pro Tem through his term.  8865 SIX PINES DRIVE

SIX STEPS TO BETTER PET CARE

Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center & Pet Resort is the go-to place for many pet owners in Conroe. It's more than a clinic. This passionate team of animal lovers works in a full-service medical and surgical center and offers state-ofthe-art equipment and comprehensive veterinary care.

We visited the expansive facility to interview one of the veterinarians onboard, Dr. Amanda Hall, whose interests are in soft tissue surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, and neurology. She and her staff serve a variety of patients, primarily dogs, cats, birds, and other household pets, along with occasional small farm animals.

What are the most pressing medical needs of pets in our community? According to Dr. Hall, the triple threat of heartworms, fleas, and ticks is always a factor, as is dental care, urgent care, surgical care, and a safe boarding environment.

HEARTWORM TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

The veterinarians at Stone Ridge have battled a heavy mosquito season that puts pets at higher risk of heartworm parasites. "The good news is that pets can be screened for this serious but treatable disease," says Dr. Hall. "And heartworm medications help dogs and cats stay protected year-round."

The key is preventing infections and re-infections. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which work themselves into the bloodstream and then into the heart and lungs. Growing up to 12 inches and living for years, they can also damage the liver and kidneys. It can't be stressed enough, especially in our area, that dogs and cats are kept up-to-date with wellness visits and heartworm prescriptions to stop parasites in their tracks.

“We’re your friends and neighbors, who also happen to be experts in veterinary medicine.”

FLEAS AND TICKS

Fleas, too, transmit illnesses such as tapeworm infections and flea allergy dermatitis. Deer ticks in southeast Texas can spread Lyme disease, while brown dog ticks, found in all fifty states, can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Gulf Coast ticks also spread a form of spotted fever. With many flea and tick prevention brands and options, Dr. Hall and her team determine which is best for each dog and cat.

DENTAL HEALTH

Some tell-tale signs your pet needs dental care are bad breath, inflamed gums, blood on the gums or saliva, and difficulty chewing. Among other things, Dr. Hall works with pet owners and patients to prevent gingivitis, periodontitis, and endodontic disease. She also checks for injured teeth.

Thoroughly examining, cleaning, or performing surgery on teeth is quite an undertaking. "Pets undergo anesthesia, which prevents stress and discomfort," explains Dr. Hall.

URGENT CARE

There's a degree of comfort knowing that Stone Ridge patients can receive treatment, hospitalization, and critical care when the worst happens—things like traumatic injuries, seizures, loss of consciousness, ingestion of a toxic substance. During office hours, pets are treated with the latest diagnostic equipment and technologies. Patients are referred to a list of providers in Conroe, Spring, and Houston during after-hours emergencies.

—Dr.

SURGICAL CARE

From routine to advanced, Stone Ridge provides cutting-edge surgical services. The veterinarians offer spaying and neutering procedures, soft tissue surgery, bone fracture repair, cranial cruciate ligament repair, patellar luxation repair, mass removal, orthopedic surgery, extracapsular and TPLO techniques, leg or toe amputation, and surgeries to treat hip dysplasia.

SAFE BOARDING SERVICES

Stone Ridge is a home away from home for their pets when families travel. All guests must be current on vaccinations, have proof of flea and tick prevention, and be evaluated for temperament before they are admitted to supervised boarding. The facilities are innovative and brand new and designed to meet the unique needs of dogs and cats—roomy suites, soothing background music, premium meals, medications from expert hands, scheduled relaxation and play services upon request, and even scheduled grooming and vet services.

TWO LOCATIONS — ONE HIGH STANDARD OF CARE

Stone Ridge patients can be seen at either the Conroe or Willis locations. Records are shared between practices, and the veterinarians offer their expertise at both medical centers. Visit conroevets.com and willisvet.com to learn more.

BEYOND THE HORIZON

ARTICLE BY IAN GARRETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

IAN GARRETT AND PROVIDED

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR LOOKS SKYWARD WITH DRONE BUSINESS

Fourteen-year-old Ethan Edge finds himself in the unique position of entering high school and running his own growing business simultaneously. When he’s not planning his studies as a sophomore at Magnolia High School, he’s drumming up business for his burgeoning drone company, Sky Shots.

Though relatively new to the world of aerial photography, he took to it like an eagle in flight. “I thought drones were cool all the way from about a year ago because I could explore them. I could see places you usually can’t with your eyes. So I looked into my options, I did a lot of research, and I bought a drone,” he said.

Ethen suddenly realized there was a market for drone photography.  “I started to post on social media videos of sunsets and flyovers of houses in my neighborhood. And some of these shots ended up getting public attention,” he said.

Already, Ethan is showing keen business acumen. When asked about the need for an FAAgranted drone license in many cases, he knew how to maximize his ability to shoot footage without too much outside interference.

“I primarily use an amazing DJI drone for my work, and they limit their weight,” he said. “If your drone is under 250 grams, you don’t need a license. And my drone happens to weigh exactly 249 grams.”

He’s sure to obey all laws when it comes to drone flying. “Along with the license requirements, there are other laws that say you can’t fly over people’s houses or private property, and then you also can't fly above 120 meters. So as long as you follow these rules then you're golden,” he said.

As Ethan grows as a person and entrepreneur, he plans to grow his business alongside. “I think as I go along with my drone business and start expanding more, I'm going to buy more expensive drones to keep up with the needs of my customers.”

When asked how much of proper drone photography is skill, Ethan was honest. “It takes practice. It’s not that hard, though. I think the main thing that really matters is being very gentle with the joysticks. You have to use them delicately or else it looks kind of bad and robotic.”

Ethan is optimistic about his future. “In the near future, I hope to expand my business into doing more events, and then after I have a little bit of money and more experience on my belt, I hope to move into photogrammetry, which is the higher end kind of mapping for bigger businesses.”

Ethan Edge

CCL met Ethen at a Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber event and was impressed by how he was morphing a private passion into a business opportunity.

Building a business as a youth has its challenges. Though young, Ethan makes up for it in maturity. He’s in the Magnolia High School Marine ROTC program and intends to one day pursue a career in the military. In the meantime, he sells his services to local clients, such as real estate companies and even a business with an ice cream boat. Sky Shots offers multiple video and photography packages to suit all needs and budgets.

To learn more about Ethan and his company, visit his Facebook page, Sky_Shots, or call 480-388-6141.

Dogs Who

The impact PTSD Service Dogs have on Military Veterans is Profound

was recognized for service.

ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

You often hear the phrase, “Not all heroes wear capes.” Quite frequently, they can be found wearing a leash and a service vest. This is certainly the case for a gorgeous Black Lab named Beignet.

When Beignet begins to sense a seizure coming on in her handler, Marcey Phillips, the Commander of Conroe’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4709, the canine gets very persistent.

Phillips served in the Army from 2002 to 2010 and is a veteran of the war in Iraq. She recalls the genesis of her journey with Beignet, a 6-year-old service dog whose impact goes far beyond mere assistance. "It may start with her sitting in front of me. She gets a different look on her face, too," Phillips explains with a mixture of fondness and awe. "If I don’t listen to her, she’ll jump up in my lap and not let me stand up."

For Phillips, Beignet isn't just a canine companion; she's a lifeline that has enabled her to continue her work with the VFW, an organization close to her heart. "Beignet helps me show people that you can overcome the mental health stigma, and it’s OK to admit you need help," Phillips asserts. "She embodies resilience and the unwavering support that properly trained service dogs provide to veterans."

Phillips' journey towards recognizing her need for a service dog wasn't straightforward. Like many veterans, she initially hesitated to acknowledge the challenges she faced after returning from deployment. "I was in denial at first," she admits candidly. It was only after hearing about the United States Veterans

Service Dogs program based in New Orleans, primarily intended for her husband—a fellow veteran—that Phillips began to reconsider.

"A friend suggested that I could benefit from having a service dog too," Phillips recounts, reflecting on the pivotal moment that set her on the path to meeting Beignet. The decision was driven by her experiences during and after her service in Iraq, where she began to experience seizure-like symptoms that would later escalate. "It felt like walking through giant cobwebs," she recalls of those initial symptoms, unaware at the time of their significance.

CONTINUED >

“BEIGNE T HELPS ME SHOW PEOPLE TH CAN OV E RCOME THE MENTAL HEALTH

The turning point came when Phillips witnessed the effectiveness of service dogs in assisting her husband, who received his own service dog, Triton, to help with mobility issues. "Seeing how Triton made a difference in his life made me realize that I could benefit from a service dog too," Phillips shares. It wasn't long before Beignet entered their lives, named after the beloved New Orleans pastry covered in powdered sugar—a nod to her origins in the heart of Louisiana.

From the outset, Beignet proved to be highly capable and profoundly intuitive. "She caught on so fast with the seizure training," Phillips recalls with admiration. Beignet's training involved a unique method where Phillips' family would place a cotton ball in her cheek during a mild seizure, which would then be frozen and sent to the training facility. "She could hit on the scent so quickly, we knew she was a

perfect fit," Phillips explains, highlighting Beignet's remarkable skill in scent detection.

However, Beignet's role extends far beyond seizure response. Over the years, she has become adept at providing support for Phillips' anxiety, depression, nightmares, and even discomfort in crowded environments. "It's fascinating how she responds differently based on what I need," Phillips marvels. "If a seizure is imminent, Beignet goes into alert mode. When I'm feeling anxious or low, she becomes incredibly affectionate."

Beignet's ability to adapt her responses based on Phillips' emotional and physical state underscores the depth of their bond. "She is very intuitive," Phillips affirms. "She’ll use pressure therapy, nudge me, or put her head on me as her way of saying ‘Hey, you need to chill.’" These subtle cues from Beignet often signal Phillips to reach for a device that helps mitigate the impact of an impending seizure, thereby averting the need for emergency medical intervention.

Phillips' advocacy extends beyond that personal gratitude. Through Beignet, she has found a powerful platform to educate others about the world of service dogs, the realities of the veteran community, and the vital role of organizations like the VFW in supporting veterans' well-being. "Beignet helps me teach people that overcoming mental health challenges is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength," Phillips emphasizes.

Illustrating the profound bond that can develop between a service dog and its handler. Phillips' journey—from initial skepticism to profound appreciation—underscores the transformative potential of these specially trained animals in enhancing the lives of veterans coping with physical and emotional challenges post-service.

Theirs is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, strengthened through unwavering support and companionship.

HAT YOU H STIGMA . ”

poses after completing training.

CHEROKEE OUTLAW RANCH

Equine Therapy Bonds Struggling Youth with Abused Horses

Cherokee Outlaw Ranch represents a blend of passion, resilience, and community support, transforming lives—one horse and one child at a time. With the determination and vision of its Founder, Ty Nordic, and his wife, Amy, the ranch serves as a beacon of hope and healing in the Conroe area.

What started as a Longhorn ranch for the Nordics, the idea evolved into a sanctuary for abandoned and abused horses. Cherokee Outlaw Ranch has become a haven for horses in need and a therapeutic retreat for children and families.

Longhorns are always going through fences into neighbors' pastures. Nordic said, “We decided to sell the Longhorns

after a lady abandoned a horse near us, which we took in. That got us thinking about the broader issue.”

Through research, Nordic discovered a significant problem with abandoned and abused horses in the area, redirecting his focus toward rescuing horses. His background as a strength and conditioning coach for 30 years, primarily working with kids and athletes, inspired him to combine his love for horses with his passion for helping children.

“When Hurricane Harvey hit the Woodlands, I was the director of athletic performance at Legend Sports Complex, and people started reaching out to us,” Nordic explained.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY PEYTON MACKENZIE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“They’d heard about what we were doing and began donating horses, not always from abuse but sometimes because their elderly owners could no longer care for them.”

Initially, Nordic and his wife, who works full-time as an executive flight attendant, funded the project themselves. However, the couple soon became overwhelmed by the costs and labor involved.

“We pretty much blew through our life savings at the beginning,” Nordic admitted. “Now, with donations, we’re able to keep it going without having to fund it ourselves anymore."

While the physical demands of running the ranch are significant, Nordic finds the emotional rewards make it worthwhile. He describes the transformation as simply amazing.

“Seeing the difference in the kids when they arrive — their demeanor, their shyness — and then watching them open up and smile after spending time with the horses is incredibly rewarding,” Nordic said. “We’ve had moms in tears, telling us their kids don’t show this kind of joy anywhere else.”

The ranch works with various groups and individuals to provide an outlet for kids with challenges. Nordic said that the horses help build their confidence and provide a sense of control and accomplishment.

“Here they are, controlling a thousand-pound animal and learning to communicate with it,” Nordic said. “It shows them they can do things they didn’t think they could, which boosts their confidence in other areas of their life.”

Cherokee Outlaw Ranch operates outside of its nonprofit work by offering trail rides, lessons, and special events for the general public. One popular offering is a romantic evening trail ride for couples, complete with dinner and a campfire.

Nordic remains passionate about the ranch’s mission and optimistic about its future.

“We’re trying to raise money for some improvements, like the covered arena, but it’s down the road,” he said. “For now, we’re grateful for what we’ve accomplished and excited about the lives we’re impacting, both horse and human.”

For more information about Cherokee Outlaw Ranch or to support their mission, visit cherokeeoutlawranch.org.

One of Ty's goals is to build a covered riding arena. The brutal Texas summer heat limits kids' time with the horses. He believes a shaded area with fans would improve the experience.

“Right now, all the horses are just in the pasture,” he said. “We do have a covered barn for bad weather, but we don’t have fancy stalls. They get to live like horses were meant to live, roaming around and being free.”

They operate on 28 acres, which is a bit small for their number of horses, but they hope to expand the ranch by acquiring 10 acres that border their property.

LOCAL and Pets KIDS 5

2 3 4 5

Conroe City Lifestyle Contest Event Winners Shine

Dogs are a big part of a family and enhance the lives of children by contributing to self-esteem. A child who learns to care for an animal and treat it kindly can gain invaluable training in treating people the same way.

CCL held a photoshoot for kids and their dogs. Aaron Tolman of Sit Means Sit joined us with his dogs performing tricks.

1: Jenevieve Kerchrval with “Snoop Dog”

2: Trained dog, Jocko from Aaron Tolman, of Sit Means Sit.

3: Shane and Stephen Smith with “Charlie”.

4: Elise Wendele with “Blaze”.

5: The kids with pets!

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AUGUST 2024

EVERY SATURDAY

Main Street Market

301 N. Thompson, Conroe

Farmers and artisan market in downtown Conroe, Texas, every Saturday from 10 am-2 pm.

AUGUST 1ST - 4TH

Back to School on a Budget

Lone Star Convention Center

9055 Airport Road

Shop the largest Kids Resale Event for all Back 2 School shopping - babies, teens, shoes, toys, puzzles, strollers, baby gear, bikes, and books.  jbfthewoodlands.ticketspice.com/ jbf-the-woodlands-conroe-back-toschool-2024

AUGUST 1ST - 4TH

Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat

Crighton Theatre

234 N. Main, Conroe

The students of the annual Jim Bingham Summer Youth Camp ages 1017 will perform in 6 times between August 1-4. Tickets available at CrightonTheatre.org

AUGUST 8TH First Thursday Concert Series

Heritage Place Park-500 Metcalf Street | 7:00 PM

Invite your friends, bring the family, and relax at The Spicolis, performing music from the 80s that gets you singing, dancing, and playing air guitar just like you used to when no one was watching. Get comfortable. Bring your chairs and blankets. Food and beverages may be brought in (no glass containers). Food trucks will be on-site for your convenience.

AUGUST 22ND Montgomery County Community Foundation Shoot Out

Blackwood Gun Club-11400 FM 2854 | 10:00 AM

Starting to think about the coming hunting season?  Dove season is the first up season to hunt. Montgomery County Community Foundation’s 25th Annual Shoot Out is a great way to get dust off those shooting skills. This event helps to fund grants for local nonprofits.  mccfoundation.org Questions? Call Julie Martineau at 281.363.8158 or jmartineau@mccfoundation.org.

Want to be featured?

College Choice Time!

Ten Things to Know about Choosing Your Student’s College

ARTICLE BY SHANNON BARGHOLS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

There are benefits to hiring a college consultant. Consider these top 10 reasons:

College is a significant expense. The average cost for tuition and fees was $10,662 at in-state public schools, $23,630 for out-of-state college, and $42,162 at a private school. Additional costs for room and board, transportation, books, and basic living expenses.

Many College Choices.

Texas has over 148 colleges and universities, and there are over 4,000 nationwide.

High school counselors don't have the bandwidth.

On average, there is only one high school college counselor per 476 students.

New admission requirements.

It's difficult to keep up with everything from standardized test formats to fluctuating test-optional policies, and admissions requirements.

Building a high school resume.

The first step begins freshman year to start thinking about college and mapping out individual academics, school involvement, community activities, summer plans, and internships.

Shannon Barghois, Scout College Consulting

How to choose the best college. Location, distance from home, the courses offered, supportive services, and campus culture are a few considerations.

Applying to college is a process. Start early with resumes, essays, letters of recommendation, and deadlines.

How do scholarships work together?

Some scholarships are awarded annually, some are both merit-based and need-based, and some can be one or the other.

Finding particular scholarships is tricky.

If you are the first in your family to go to college, if you have a particular interest, or if you made a significant impact in the community you may be eligible.

It is Overwhelming.

Too much information.

Scout College Consulting helps families feel less stressed and more confident in the college search process.

LEARN MORE: Using a travel agent to plan a vacation or a financial planner to invest savings is similar to hiring a college consultant. Scout College Consulting was created to help families feel less stressed by the college search process by providing resources cultivated for your student.

SCOUTCOLLEGECONSULTING.COM OR (405) 906-7044