Conroe, TX March 2026

Home on the Range. Welcome to the “Home” Issue

Howdy neighbors!

This month is the “Home” issue.  Like many Americans I always dreamed of owning my own home and finally achieved it.  After you acquire your dream home you start to customize it to your liking.  As a handy guy I have done almost every DIY project there is, so I appreciate a good contractor.  Margie Taylor tells us how to pick the perfect contractor at the upcoming Montgomery County Home Show March 7th & 8th.

Buying or selling a home can be scary. I know I have made some big mistakes more than once. So, we tapped the experienced husband and wife realtor team of James and Lisa Sawyer to give us a few things to consider that we might have missed when preparing to buy or sell a home. (Don’t cook fish before an open house btw.)

If you have aging parents like I do you might be trying to figure out how to keep them in their comfy home for as long as possible. We have some helpful advice on coming up with a care plan early to save money and heartache.

March is also Houston Rodeo month. So, I cornered a local bull rider that I met at a game of Texas hold’em to tell us his love story of bull riding. So, get your rodeo gear and go ride something even if it is just a car to get to the rodeo.

PS. Here are are few random tips about home ownership that I have learned, some the hard way that might help you out.  Fix the foundation first and the roof, second.  Pay attention to the slope of the yard. Steep slopes may dump water into your house and sloping lawns are hard to cut. If you buy from a tax auction in Texas the original owner has four years to buy it back at the price of the tax lien. And you probably can't refinance a tax auction purchase for four years. Rent to people with good credit.  Extra insulation will save you money and keep you cozy. Spring for the extra thick pad under your carpet.  Make sure your fridge is level or it will fail faster. Watch out for sweetgum trees. They drop branches on your stuff regularly. Don't weedwack in a gravel driveway unless your cars are far away. Flush your water heater at least once a year.

KEVIN BRATTON, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Kevin Bratton | kevin.bratton@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chris Staples | chris.staples@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Andie Monet | andie.monet@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Margie Taylor | margie@taylorizedpr.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

HOPE FOR NEUROPATHY

Help for Peripheral Neuropathy

For years, Dawn R. lived with unbearable Peripheral Neuropathy — burning, stabbing pain that felt like walking on glass. Her doctor said there was nothing more to do.

Then Dawn found Clear Choice Acupuncture

Through Neuropuncture, Alyson Bayer focuses on restoring nerve function — without surgery or harsh medications.

“The burning is gone. I can wear socks and shoes again. It’s life-altering.”

Today, Dawn has her life back.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Darelynn Prejean, Lavonne Christianson, Paola Anderson, Nicole Petitt at Morning Mingle at The Lake House 2: BodyBar Pilates celebrates their two year anniversary with cupcakes and workouts. 3: Magnolia’s FM 1488 hums as Texas Regional Bank opens doors, welcoming neighbors, entrepreneurs, and growth. 4: Thornton Financial Services merges into Haber Wealth Management as they celebrate their ribbon cutting. 5: Merging Haber Wealth Management founder Tricia Carter Wood with Helen Thornton, Thornton Financial Services founder 6: SCI://TECH Exposition, Education for Tomorrow Alliance and others help host our local youth science fair. 7: Jim Dinaso’s NetworkingConroe.com hosts free business networking three days a week at BurgerFresh and elsewhere.

Crunch Time Coming

Crunch Gym is coming to Conroe in a $6M, 45,000 square feet facility at 1420 N Loop 336 W, in the Academy Sports Shopping Center next to Specs. See a sneak peek 3D video of what they are building on their website. The first 500 Members to join for $1, will receive 1 Month FREE, an exclusive Swag Bag*, Crunch T-shirt*, and Water Bottle*! Lock in our lowest prices before they open https://bit.ly/4h5Mhnp

Photography Provided

Montgomery Music & Mudbugs Festival March 28th.

Montgomery Music and Mudbugs Festival (March 28): Head to the Guitars and Classic Cars Ranch for a day of

crawfish and country music featuring the Eli Young Band, Wayne Toups, and Don Louis. Festival Location: Guitars & Classic Cars Ranch 1097 McCaleb Road Montgomery, TX 77316  More info at montgomerymusicfest.com/contact/

Photography Provided

Conroe Arts Festival March 29th 10am-4pm downtown Conroe - free

The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance, made up of 21 Arts organizations in Montgomery County Texas which represent the Performance, Visual, Literary, and Cultural Arts, is host ing its Annual Greater Conroe Arts Festival with Free admission on Saturday, March 29, at 205 Metcalf St. Conroe, Tx 77301 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Located in Historic Downtown Conroe, this outstanding family event features Local and Texas Artists rep resenting all genres of The Arts.

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STAYING HOME Longer WITH A THOUGHTFUL Care Plan

Interim HealthCare of Conroe helps families design support that keeps loved ones safe and independent.

ARTICLE

BY KEVIN BRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

In Montgomery County, growth is everywhere, new rooftops, new roads, new neighbors. Inside many homes, though, the changes are quieter. Parents who once ran the household may need help running through their day. Adult children are juggling careers, kids, and the realization that someone they love is starting to slip, physically, cognitively, or both.

Interim HealthCare in Conroe exists for that in between season, when a person does not need a hospital bed, but they do need support to keep living safely at home.

The local owner and team opened their doors at the end of October 2023, built on decades of firsthand experience in healthcare. After years in hospitals and home health settings, the founder saw a widening gap: families left to solve complex problems on their own. She wanted to build something more personal and dependable, where care feels consistent and human.

The heart of the Conroe office is private duty, non-medical in home support designed to extend independence. Most clients are 65 and older. Many are private pay, and the team also supports veterans, helping families navigate benefits and options when available.

Their goal is simple to say and hard to deliver: help people stay in the home they know, for as long as it makes sense.

A move can accelerate confusion for someone experiencing dementia, because unfamiliar surroundings remove the anchors that make daily life feel predictable.

Interim HealthCare’s approach centers on right sized support, the right hours, the right tasks, the right caregiver. One family story highlights what that can look like. A client with dementia was able to remain at home for the final stretch of life with a steady routine and daily help, rather than a sudden move into facility care. It was not about doing everything for him. It was about doing enough, meals, medication reminders, and presence, to keep the day safe and calm.

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Services can include help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, mobility support, and meal assistance, along with everyday household needs like laundry, light housekeeping, errands, grocery runs, and transportation to appointments. Sometimes the need is practical. Sometimes it is companionship. For one 93 year old client, support is simply two hours a week for a trip to the store and a hair appointment. Small help, big dignity.

A distinguishing priority for the Conroe team is continuity of care. Families often worry about a revolving door of unfamiliar faces. Interim HealthCare works to keep schedules stable so clients can build trust with caregivers who learn their routines and preferences. That steadiness matters, especially for memory care concerns, where familiarity is part of the care plan.

Long term care insurance may also be part of the picture. For clients who have it, benefits can help cover in home services once certain conditions are met. Families are often surprised by how much the details matter. Having an experienced team to explain options can reduce stress and speed up decisions.

Behind the scenes, the Conroe office continues to grow. The private duty side includes about ten team members, and the skilled side, including services like therapy and nursing, is supported by part time clinicians as demand expands. The team is working through the process required to become Medicare certified for full home health services, with a goal of expanding those capabilities in 2026. That step can help bridge care transitions after hospitalization and create a clearer pathway for families who need both skilled and non skilled support over time.

In their first year, the office earned recognition for strong growth, an early signal that local families are looking for this kind of care. Caring for aging parents is not only a medical challenge. It is emotional, logistical, and deeply personal. The best support is not just competent, it is compassionate, consistent, and tailored.

In a county that is changing fast, Interim HealthCare is focused on something timeless: helping people stay close to the life they built, surrounded by the memories that still feel like home.

Care Plan Starter for Staying Home

When families call, the first step is not a price quote. It is clarity. Use these questions to map what support would actually help.

Start with safety: Are there recent falls, missed medications, or kitchen accidents. Next, look at routines: bathing, dressing, meals, and transportation. Then consider coverage: private pay, long term care insurance, and veteran related benefits. Finally, define the caregiver goal: a few hours of relief for family, overnight supervision, or consistent daytime structure.

A simple rule helps: match the plan to the day, not to fear. The right support should feel like breathing room, not a takeover. If needs shift, adjust early and communicate with everyone.

Where some won’t even attempt to treat, the Houston Methodist team uses innovative 3D mapping to identify a safe path to remove a malignant brain tumor. And with neurology and neurosurgery locations across the Greater Houston area, world-class specialists are always close by.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.

houstonmethodist.org/neurology 713.790.3333

HOME IMPROVEMENTS -

How to Select a Contractor

Renovating your home is a huge investment and homeowners need the right contractor to gain trust before work begins. The trusting relationship with the contractor could lead to other projects down the road as homes are always in need of improvements due to lifestyle changes, or the desire to sell the home.

Before signing any contractor on a project for your home, homeowners need to do their research about the proposed business contractor. Questions should include their insurance, licensing, reviews/references, timelines, payment schedule, and who to direct unforeseen issues to when necessary.

Find the right contractor in person for your next home improvement project.

Face-to-face meetings build trust and credibility—especially for large homeowner investments. Nothing replaces seeing someone’s face, sharing empathy, and fully understanding the complexity and emotional decisions behind your project. Plus, you can compare multiple contractors all under one roof.

In person meetings allow each person to observe the non-verbal body language of the stance, facial expressions, and pace of the conversation to understand if the

customer is conveying their perceived project clearly with the scope and timeline in a realistic manner. This conversation can lead to realistic expectations vs misunderstandings or delays. Addressing questions upfront demonstrates a commitment to the project strengthening the relationship between the homeowner and the contractor. There will be immediate discussion and a flow of ideas leading to quicker decision-making alleviating costly changes, delays, or possible potential issues. A stronger connection fosters camaraderie, especially important for lengthy renovations.

Homeowners will be able to speak oneon-one with home improvement experts with the latest home improvement or home products and services on the market at the 8th Annual SPRING edition of the Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show. At the show you can meet local Montgomery County area home improvement specialists in many categories: bathroom and kitchen remodels, flooring, windows, doors, mosquito systems, home-painting, patio furniture, pools, roofing, remodeling contractors, builders, generators, storage solutions, mattresses, blinds and shutters, water systems, air conditioning and heating, garage organization, concrete resurfacing and so much more during the event.

Attendees can visit with Houston area do-it-yourself and contractor expert Tom Tynan, host of Home Show Radio on SportsRadio 610. Bring any home improvement questions and Tom can answer in person at the event. Gardening expert, Skip Richter, host of GardenLine on KTRH will also make a special guest appearance with an open forum answering questions in the group or one-on-one.

Transform your home and outdoor living space at the 8th Annual Spring Montgomery County Home and Outdoor Living Show at Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe March 7-8, 2026. Admission is FREE!

Interview and compare local contractors in person at the 8th Annual Texwood Shows,  Home and Outdoor Improvement Show, spring edition, at the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe March 7-8 Admission is Free and Parking is Free. Find your expert, look them in the eye and ask them the tough questions.

COOL CONTRACTORS TO VISIT AT THE SHOW:

1314 Nursery (Plant Sale)

Fidium Fiber Internet

Eldridge Roofing & Solar

Floors for Living

Sergio’s Landscaping

ShelfGenie of Houston

Aqua Living Factory Outlets and Spas

Tuff Shed Storage Solutions

Magnolia Patio and Pool

Spring Wholesale Trees

Casper Sleep, Inc.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

KEY SECRETS FOR A SPARKLING HOME

A SPRING KIND OF CLEAN

TIP #1 Freshen up the Kitchen

A fresh, clean kitchen impacts the entire home. To freshen up the sink, Kim says, “Run hot water while pouring in equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar through the disposal. Follow with a few drops of blue Dawn Dishwashing soap to cut away any grease buildup. Sharpen the disposal blades by running cooler water and ice through it. For a fresh smell, grind a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, removing any seeds first.”

To clean everything else in the kitchen, including counters and stainless-steel appliances, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of 2-3 drops of Dawn mixed with water.

TIP #2 Spruce up the Living Room

The living room also deserves special attention. Kim says, “Start by pulling furniture away from the walls, vacuuming and dusting behind it. Make sure you dust air vents as well. Then, pull all of the furniture cushions off to vacuum underneath and in crevices. It’s always good to rotate and fluff cushions too.”

To banish dust from your furniture, Kim suggests using a good microfiber cloth that is slightly damp instead of furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on furniture that actually attracts dust.

TIP #3 Brighten up Windows

Brighten up your whole home by intentionally focusing on the windows. “Homeowners often forget about the inside of the window,” says Kim. “They dust the blinds or the shutters, but when the blinds are pulled up, the windows often have dust or a film on them.” Kim suggests cleaning the inside of the windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks. “A good glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth works really well. If you still have streaks, try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.”

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Where Light, Water & Story Come Together

We proudly open Lakefront Studio to photographers in our community. Lakeside Studios is available for rent providing a peaceful, professional space designed to support creativity and collaboration. With a fully functional indoor studio and private lakefront, Lakeside Studios is the perfect location for your next creative project.

HOME BUYING WITH No Drama for the Mama

SAWYER

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES

Conroe has a way of making homes feel personal: porches that get used, oak shade that changes the light, neighborhoods with distinct moods. Buyers are not only comparing square footage. They are comparing how a home feels the moment they step inside.

James and Lisa Sawyer build their real estate work around that first impression. James, a retired engineer, thinks in systems and sequence. Lisa brings the structure of a deadline-driven career, plus the warmth of a personal touch, so clients feel supported at every step. Together, they handle the details with disciplined coordination, guided by a motto clients remember: No drama for the mama.

They work across Conroe, Lake Conroe, Montgomery, and nearby corridors, where new neighborhoods appear fast and buyers can feel rushed. Their method slows the decision enough to keep it smart.

TAKEAWAY ONE: STAGE FOR REAL LIFE, NOT FOR YOU.

Home and design are inseparable in a listing, because design is really hospitality. The Sawyers coach sellers to remove visual noise and let the architecture speak. Start with decluttering and depersonalizing: family photos off the walls, countertops cleared, closets edited. If the house is full, a short-term storage unit can be cheaper than carrying a listing longer than necessary. Their most reliable “design upgrade” is space.

They also pay attention to scent. Lisa cautions against heavy fragrances that feel like cover-ups. A clean home should smell clean, not overly scented. Open windows when possible, and keep pet areas spotless before showings. For a gentle cue, think fresh laundry in the dryer, not a candle that tries too hard.

TAKEAWAY TWO: START WITH FINANCING, THEN SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE.

A beautiful kitchen does not matter if the numbers do not work, and the Sawyers are strict about sequencing. Their process begins with pre-approval, not scrolling and dreaming. James has watched buyers fall in love with a home, then discover later that the payment is not what they expected. Lisa frames it in lifestyle terms: just because someone can handle a rent number does not mean a house payment at that number fits the rest of their life.

They keep roles clear. Loan specifics belong with the lender. Strategy, negotiation, inspections, and the rhythm of the transaction belong with the agent team. That division reduces misinformation and keeps the project moving. “We manage it from start to finish,” James says, and that management is what lets clients spend their energy on decisions that actually matter.

commit, drive the area at different times. Listen. Watch traffic patterns. Pay attention to noise. Note what feels safe, what feels convenient, and what will annoy you later.

That realism extends to due diligence. Inspections and surveys are not glamorous, but they protect the design dream from expensive surprises. A home can look perfect and still hide problems that reshape your budget and timeline. Their advice is steady: learn what you are buying, then choose it with your eyes open.

“No drama for the mama, because a solid plan keeps stress low.”

TAKEAWAY THREE: DESIGN THE LIFE AROUND THE HOUSE, NOT JUST THE HOUSE.

Finishes matter, but the most important “feature” is the location. “You can’t pick the house up and move it,” James tells clients. Before you

Local proof: Two strengths, one standard.

The Sawyers work as a true tag team. James brings the analytical lens, especially for detailminded buyers. Lisa brings the translation layer, turning technical talk into plain language and keeping communication tight. “Speak to people in terms they understand,” she says. That combination helps clients move without feeling pushed.

If you are considering a move this spring, start with one practical step: request a pre-listing or prebuy checklist that covers design prep, timelines, and the decision sequence. The Sawyer Realty Group can help you price, prepare, and move with confidence. Learn more and schedule a consult at thesawyerrealtygroup.net

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction Markets available nationwide. Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON

Stunning and UNIQUE HOMES

It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way to create a sanctuary that combines all the elements of your dream home is by immersing yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.

Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.

Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present. You can then combine this global range of influences, unique perspectives, and aesthetic applications to create your own original design plan.

Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!

Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.

LEARN HOW TO INTEGRATE elegant timelessness, AND celebrate BOLD COLORS AND eclectic patterns, OR embrace THE PAST WHILE LIVING IN the present.

Home:

THE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON

Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant Englishmanor-inspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.

Our Way Home:  REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE

The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.

CONTINUED >

COMBINE THIS global range OF INFLUENCES, unique perspectives, AND aesthetic applications TO CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL DESIGN PLAN.

Villa d’Este:

LEGEND ON LAKE COMO

In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Villa d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.

Palm Beach Style:

THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK

In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.

A BU L L R I D E R ’ S STORY 8 SECONDS TO HEAVEN

Bull Riding for Love and Loving to Ride

ARTICLE BY KEVIN BRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STAFF

For Terry Stephens, the path to the rodeo arena wasn’t paved with childhood dreams, but with a romantic mission. Starting his career late at age 28 around 1990, Stephens climbed onto his first bull for a simple, dangerous reason: the woman he had a crush on at the time only dated bull riders. This decision sparked an eight-year career defined by grit, adrenaline, and a complex relationship with the sport.

The very arena that sparked his love life eventually extinguished it. Stephens notes that while bull riding did initially win him his heart's desire by earning him his first wife, it ultimately drove them apart. When she asked him to hang up his spurs, he refused to quit, choosing the adrenaline of the ride over the relationship. His dedication came at a severe physical cost. His most harrowing moment occurred in Amarillo aboard a bull named "Grasshopper." A brutal dismount threw Stephens down unconscious and seriously injured. But his friend pulled him out of the arena saving his life.

Despite facing fearsome draws like the 5th bull he most feared, the notorious "Skull Bandit," Stephens’ exit from the sport was marked by grace rather than violence. In a defining moment of sportsmanship, he chose to retire by explicitly yielding a championship opportunity to the youngest rookie rider at that time named Mike Curry. Stephens "turned his bull out"—refusing to ride his final draw—to ensure the young 13 year old contender took home the title.  Mike Curry went on to have a great bull riding career.

Today, Stephens has traded the violent, unpredictable nature of the bucking chute for the tranquility of the water.  He now runs a fishing guide service on Lake Livingston.

"You aren't going to hurt a 2000# bull but he can sure hurt you."

TERRY'S ADVICE TO UP AND COMING BULL RIDERS, "DON'T LET WOMEN ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO "STUPID THINGS" AND TO AVOID RIDING BULLS FOR THE WRONG REASONS. WHEN ASKED IF HE WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN DESPITE THE PAIN, INJURY AND HEARTACHE. HE SAID HE ABSOLUTELY WOULD.

MARCH 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND 2026 Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Park. NGR Stadium - Houston TX 9:00 AM

2026 Rodeo Event Highlights: Mar 2: Opening Day. • Mar 4: Armed Forces Appreciation Day. • Mar 6: Black Heritage Day. • Mar 9: First Responders Day. • Mar 11: Community Day.

• Mar 12: Volunteer Appreciation Day.

• Mar 15: Go Tejano Day. Weekday rodeos gates open at 6 p.m.,  weekend gates open at 2 p.m. Carnival rides and food throughout

MARCH 7TH - 8TH

Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show March 7th-8th

Lonestar Convention & Expo Center 9055 Airport Rd, Conroe | 10:00 AM

The famous Tony Woods is hosting his 8th Annual Spring Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show with over 100 exhibitors, March 7 & 8, at the Lone Star Convention Center 9055 Airport Rd (Conroe) Lots of contractors and fun stuff for the home. Free Admission, Free Parking. TexwoodShows.com

MARCH 15TH

Elvis Tribute Concert

234 N. Main St., Conroe | 7:30 PM

Put on your Blue Suede Shoes for the Elvis Tribute Concert The Crighton Theatre proudly presents an Elvis tribute concert starring Donny Edwards. March 15, 7:30 p.m. • $52 • 234 N. Main St., Conroe www.crightontheatre.org/mct