The Woodlands, TX August 2024

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4,465 SQFT

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FOLLOWING DOESN’T GET YOU THERE FIRST. ERLING HAALAND WEARS THE CHRONOMAT.

Stay Cool Kids

The lazy days of summer are still upon us but back to school is just around the corner. The moms and dads are counting down the minutes but the kids are stretching every moment of play possible each day. Back to school doesn't mean Fall in Texas and the heat will linger long after the classrooms fill up for the new school year but for now, let the kiddos enjoy the pools, popsicles and other sunny treats.

This is our Kids and Pets issue - one of our favorites of the year. Most families have pets who are extensions of the family - our furry friends and loyal companions. My family, on the other hand, rescued a lab/doberman mix who we have nicknamed "Psycho Millie" for good reason! She's actually more like the obnoxious drunk uncle at the family gathering.

Our cover story tells the founding plans and origins of the John Cooper School. This is a story of fascinating vision by George Mitchell as part of the original plan for The Woodlands to have a premier preparatory school which would rank in the top in the Houston area and in the nation.

I was happy to include a good friend of mine in this issue. Laura McConnell, the animal loving, rescue hero of our community and her heartfelt and successful mission in and around our area to save animals is an inspiring story of hope.

Speaking of rescuing efforts, The Texas Wolfdog Project, here in Magnolia rescues and rehabs these amazing part wolf, part dog - beautiful creatures and educates the community on the breeds and care needed for these animals.

I dedicate this issue to beloved wolfdog Luna, long term resident who passed away recently. Our hearts go out to Nanook, her lifetime wolfdog-friend and the Texas Wolfdog Project family.

We include a special artist and her unique robot paintings as well as a new children's boutique - a little culture and fashion for both the parents and the kids.

To the parents, you have a couple more weeks to enjoy the kids before school and to the teachers, get your rest and get ready to suit up for a banner new school year!

Stay cool!

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jo Hammon | jo.hammon@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Alison Bridges | alison.bridges@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura L. Green, Kelly Twedell, Jamie Spikerman, Annette Palmer, Heather Davis, Travis Hager, Macy K, Tonya Butler

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bex Wood, Presley Daniel

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

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

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

The Pearl Fincher Museum’s summer exhibition opening of “The Toy Canvas: Artists at Play” is such a fun exhibition running through August 31, 2024.

Excellence in Dentistry

Dr. Leah has taken over 140 hours of continuing education with the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is working on her Fellowship distinction. Dr. Leah Zils is set to take over Dr. Cagle’s dental practice, dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of exceptional dental care established by her predecessor. Dr. Zils attended the University of Arkansas on a soccer scholarship before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Texas A&M University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then graduated from UT School of Dentistry in Houston and hit the ground running with her dental career.

She has taken over 140 hours of continuing education with the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is working on her Fellowship distinction. She is certified in laser dentistry as well as oral sedation. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Zils looks forward to welcoming new clients into the practice, where she can apply her extensive education and experience to provide top-notch dental care.

Welcoming New Patients.

MOCO Food Bank Raises Funds for Close to 205,000 Meals at Outrun Hunger

Montgomery County Food Bank held its third annual Outrun Hunger fun run presented by Waste Connections and proceeds will provide close to 205,000 meals for children, families and seniors facing hunger throughout Montgomery County. Outrun Hunger featured a timed 5K trail run and a 1K color dash with a record-breaking 465 participants.

Photography: MOCO Food Bank

Thrive Center for Success Welcomes New Principal, Alicia Hernandez

Established in 2022, Thrive Center for Success is a free charter school located in Magnolia for children with autism. Alicia Hernandez has joined the Thrive team as the new principal. She previously spent seven years with the Sam Houston State University Charter School as a teacher, specialist, and principal.

Photography: Daily Productions

Waste Connections Golf Classic for Kids donates $100,000 for Children

Interfaith of The Woodlands received $100,000 from the 16th annual Waste Connections Golf Classic for Kids, to fund basic needs assistance services for children and families in South Montgomery County. These funds will assist Interfaith of The Woodlands during a period of significantly increased community need. This year, the demand for food pantry and crisis assistance services has surged by nearly 46%. The Interfaith Food Pantry continues to support over 800 local families each month.

Photography: Interfaith

FOUNDING PLANS FOR THE WOODLANDS ENVISIONED A SCHOOL TO SHARE ITS IDEALS

Twin Visions

ARTICLE

BY LAURA

L.

GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEX WOOD, PROVIDED, ARMIN

“

From the very beginning, the school was conceived of as a place for the young community to focus its commitment to excellence.

THE SEED OF AN IDEA

Just as The Woodlands was meticulously planned and developed to embrace its natural surroundings, showcasing the landscape from which it sprang, so The John Cooper School was created to reflect and perpetuate the longterm vision for the community.

In the early years, when prospective residents visited The Woodlands Information Center in Grogan’s Mill, there was a small, lit-up bulb on the community map indicating where the school would be, says Dr. Marina Ballantyne Walne, John Cooper’s first head of school. A beautifully wooded, 43-acre parcel had been reserved in the original master plan for the community by the founder of The Woodlands, entrepreneur and philanthropist George P. Mitchell, who knew that a top tier college preparatory school would be an important factor in successfully recruiting companies and attracting families to move to The Woodlands.

From the very beginning, the school was conceived as a place for the young community to focus its commitment to excellence. Named in honor of the long-tenured head of The Kinkaid School in Houston, Dr. John H. Cooper came out of retirement to offer his knowledge and guidance throughout the formation and early years of the school’s existence.

With the help of Dr. Cooper, along with early board members, area parents, community leaders, and other supporters, the school was founded on the idea of educating the whole student by providing a challenging curriculum in a caring environment that is deeply connected to the community. “If we could create a school where a student’s natural curiosity could stay intact, where knowledge and skills were developed wisely from pre-K through 12, we knew that would be important to The Woodlands,”

says Ballantyne Walne, who created the school’s motto,  From Curiosity to Wisdom . Each year graduates walk over the school’s Ballantyne Bridge in a ceremony that symbolizes their continuation of a lifelong journey seeking wisdom.

The John Cooper School opened the classroom doors for its first school year in the fall of 1988 with an enrollment of 175 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 7. One additional grade level was added each successive year. The first senior class graduated in 1994, and former President George H.W. Bush delivered the baccalaureate address. Today, the school has burgeoned to over 1,300 students representing over 40 countries, a diversity of families and experiences that stimulates the intellectual and creative environment at the school, says Dr. Stephen Popp, who serves as the current head of school.

DEEP ROOTS, STRONG BRANCHES

Just as The Woodlands has flourished and received national recognition, The John Cooper School has taken its place not only as a top school in Houston, but as a premier school in Texas and the nation. “We do not moor our identity to an external ranking. At the same time, we’re grateful for the acclaim we’ve received,” says Dr. Stephen Popp, current head of school at John Cooper. This year the school was named the top private K-12 school in Montgomery County, as well as #2 in the entire Houston area, #3 in Texas, and #27 in the nation, by Niche.com in its annual school rankings.  “It’s a true testament to our faculty, to our students, our alumni, our whole Cooper community. It reflects what Cooper families and teachers have known for years. We are constantly innovating and growing with purpose,” says Popp.

John Cooper joins a long and distinguished list of community heroes. “ ”

He says the school values the deep roots of tradition while at the same time maintaining an ability to incorporate change. This philosophy is reflected in its commitment to providing resources and facilities that support the quest for knowledge and prepare students for the future: The Rock Math + Science Center includes a 125-seat lecture hall, a rooftop garden, and computer and robotics labs. The Glenn Performing Arts Center houses a 500-seat main stage and a 125-seat “black box”

theater, and the school has a visual arts building. The technology department includes a digital design program and an online media program with a professional-level podcast studio.

John Cooper’s “whole child” philosophy equips students with the gravitas to thrive in the world, says Popp, “an intellectual agility imbued with a sense of care.” It is one of six mentor schools in the country chosen by Yale University to implement a science-based program

to enhance social and emotional intelligence, teaching relational skills that are valuable at school, at home, and in their future workplace. The Independent Study Program gives upper school students the freedom to design their own course with the help of a faculty advisor. This self-directed learning program provides a customized opportunity to take a deep dive into an area of personal interest. This past school year, 13 students were recognized as commended by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Popp says John Cooper athletics had a banner year last year: Individual and team performances resulted in championships at both the middle and upper school levels, and 11 senior athletes went on to play at the college level. Students this coming school year will be the first to use a newly constructed 25,000 square-foot state-of-the-art athletic facility, he says, and lacrosse is being added to the school's sports lineup, with the rollout starting at the fifth grade level.

The successful result of the intertwining visions of community and school was recently affirmed when John Cooper was named a 2024 “Hometown Hero” by Interfaith of The Woodlands, the non-profit social service agency which, along with The Woodlands, is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, says Jessica Holloway, the school’s director of marketing and communications. John Cooper joins a long and distinguished list of community heroes who’ve demonstrated their long-term commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

STANDING TALL AND GROWING SKYWARD

Holloway says that in recent years, a growing number of alumni have returned to raise their families in The Woodlands and enroll their children at their alma mater. It’s a compelling affirmation—and an assurance that seeds are continuing to be planted, growing the school’s commitment to knowledge and community well into the future.

ON A MISSION

ARTICLE

BY KELLY TWEDELL | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

LONE

Have you ever wondered how our dog parks came to fruition in Montgomery County? Longtime resident, Laura McConnell had a passion for dogs and found a need and filled it in a critical way by starting The Woodlands Dog Park Club. On their first of many missions to get dog parks started in the Woodlands, it was a catalyst for change when there were a number of people surrendering their dogs when many residents in apartments and condos did not have a place to run their dogs off leash.

At the time, John Powers was leading The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department and was thinking the same thing and asked the Woodlands Dog Park Club to get 2,000 signatures on a petition to validate interest. Laura shared that when when the petition was signed, Cattail Park was the first dog park constructed in the Woodlands in 2004, and Bear Branch came next, then extended to Terramont Park and other areas across the Woodlands. Chris Nunes, Chief Operating Officer at The Woodlands Township was also pivotal in bringing the projects to fruition during his tenure as Director of Parks and Recreation.

Not only were the dog parks an outlet for dogs to get exercise, and dog owners to socialize, but the number of dogs being surrendered was decreasing as a result. As the Woodlands Dog Park Club grew, they extended their mission and now operate under Lone Star Animal Welfare League. “We started by raising funds to help other groups with veterinary expenses,” shares Laura McConnell. “In 2007 we started our Lab Rescue program, in which we have saved, rescued, and adopted 4,500 Labs and Lab mixes since then.” Their tagline aptly reflects their mission: Bettering the Lives of our Best Friends.

The group has evolved over time to the needs of the community and their main focus is their Senior Citizen Pet Pantry for Montgomery County residents providing them food and necessities for their pet. Their spay-neuter program, Fixing Montgomery County, is their largest mission. In June, in Splendora, the group reached out to other rescues and nonprofit businesses in Montgomery County, to fund The Empty Shelter Project. Their mission was to spay and neuter 600 animals across Splendora, Porter, and New Caney, target areas where too many animals and strays are being surrendered.

Another facet of the group is their Stray Aid Program. Finding a shelter or rescue to place pets is hard to come by, so the group encourages its volunteers to hold the animals while the group funds the preliminary vetting which includes spay, neuter, vaccines, heartworm test, and a microchip. “We’ve probably helped around 75 animals through the Stray Aid Program,” shares Laura McConnell.

“At this point and time, we have spayed and neutered 9,300 animals over the past three years for Montgomery County,” says Laura McConnell.

Volunteers can best benefit the organization by going to their Lone Star Animal Welfare Facebook page where events are posted and updated. One Saturday a month, food distribution is a rewarding way to volunteer at ‘Bull’ Sallas Park in New Caney. Volunteers are always needed to help assist with check-ins for their spay-neuter events, or to donate funds to help support any of the missions.

Team Gilman, of Gilman Subaru North, is one of the group’s largest contributors and their Share the Love program with Subaru designates the group as one of their annual community partners donating over $300,000 to date. East Montgomery Improvement District, Montgomery County Texas Community Foundation, and Houston Pet Set have also donated funds to help Montgomery County. “Because of the donations and support, we are able to do all the things we do to meet our mission,” shares Laura McConnell. “We couldn’t do this without the support.”

Lone Star Animal Welfare League, formerly The Woodlands Dog Park became a nonprofit in 2004 and celebrated their 20th Anniversary in March. The group had shirts made and their stats are printed on the t-shirts. The group has had a phenomenal community impact by upping the spay-neuter game in the area, serving citizens with food support, and are forming along with other Montgomery groups, a Montgomery County Texas Spay Neuter Alliance to pull together to do more. The group's contributions have exceeded $1,500,000 through their numerous missions. Be sure to check out their Pet Pantry Wish List on Amazon on their website at: www. lsawl.org. If you are looking for spay-neuter options, call them at 713-304-2444 and a volunteer will return your call with solutions.

“OUR LAB RESCUE PROGRAM, HAS SAVED, RESCUED, AND ADOPTED 4,500 LABS AND LAB MIXES.”

— LAURA MCCONNELL

ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Matching Leather Dog Collar & Leash

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wolfdog TEXAS PROJECT

A small, passionate rescue with a unique service

ARTICLE BY JAMIE SPIKERMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE SPIKERMAN, JO HAMMON, PROVIDED

Driving up the path to the Texas Wolfdog Project feels as if you're visiting someone’s quaint country home.  The enclosures and animals blend right into the woods and shade-bearing trees encompass the property where peaceful respite for paws that have walked some harrowing journeys is apparent. This local haven for low to high-content

wolfdogs nestled in Montgomery, Texas is the residence of owner Austin Brisco and a motley crew of loving and appreciative wolfdogs. Each wolfdog has unique characteristics and quirks that, like any family, comprise a community of mutual respect and love that is palpable. Brisco and a highly dedicated crew of core volunteers make up the lifeline for these wolfdogs who find themselves at shelters or who have been surrendered by owners who did not fully understand the specific care they require to thrive.  The misunderstandings about these animals have led to negligence and in some cases death of the animals. So, part of the TWP mission includes educating other rescues and animal control facilities about properly identifying, evaluating, and caring for these majestic animals. TWP is not just a sanctuary but also does the tedious work of identifying suitable adoptive families for their resident wolfdogs. Texas Wolfdog Project averages about five adoptions a year and maintains care of all the animals on the property through dedicated volunteers and generous donations.

The origin story of this small rescue blossomed from Brisco’s experience in rescuing his first wolfdog, Timber, in 2008. Most wolfdogs are euthanized when they are brought into shelters because having ‘wolf content’ has been miscategorized as a potential danger. TWP is fortunate to get contacted by fellow animal lovers who connect them to most of the wolfdogs who now find sanctuary on their grounds. Timber, for example, had a guardian angel in an animal control officer who noticed her shy and gentle demeanor and worked to get her to safety. It was at a different wolf sanctuary, where Brisco was a dedicated volunteer, that they bonded and he adopted her. Their partnership over five and a half years was rooted in education, ambassadorship, and a whole lot of love. Brisco knew there were other animals like her who needed a safe place to live, get care they needed, and the opportunity to find suitable homes. When she passed away in May of 2014, Timber became

the inspiration for TWP. Their loving bond and the mission statement of this 501c3 nonprofit were the catalysts that have grown the property from two enclosures and four animals in 2016 to eleven enclosures that now house the wolfdogs currently living at the Texas Wolfdog Project. And, plans for adding a new enclosure are currently in the works. While there are many wolfdog sanctuaries in the United States, very few offer both rescue and adoption services like TWP.

Unlike some other sanctuaries, visitors to the Texas Wolfdog Project can expect one-on-one interactions throughout a two-hour tour. From offering belly rubs and treats to accepting muddy-pawed greetings, visitors will also hear each animal’s rescue story and learn interesting wolfdog facts from experienced and passionate guides.  TWP welcomes you out for a tour and to see for yourself the work they are doing. Dress for the occasion with

clothes that will be covered in muddy paws. Their biggest need at this time, outside of monies raised from tours, is animal sponsorship and one-time donations. One hundred percent of donations go directly to the services needed to maintain the high-quality care they provide. Generous donations will also help fund the new enclosure, which is estimated to cost roughly $10,000.00. They would also love your donation of treats - chicken jerky treats are the running favorite at this time, so bring a bag when you arrive for your tour!  Lastly, with big animals comes big clean-up and maintenance, so hands-on volunteering from individuals or groups is always welcome.  It is a perfect volunteer outing to schedule this Fall for scout groups and others looking to get their hands dirty doing good deeds for a ‘pack’ that has nothing but love to share in return.

You can learn more about the Texas Wolfdog Project and schedule a tour at their website (texaswolfdogproject.org ).

LEADING CANCER CARE in The Woodlands

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, our dedicated oncologists are working to stop cancer using the latest innovations in research, treatments and technology. From genetic screenings and clinical trials to advanced imaging and robotic surgery, our cutting-edge cancer care is available in The Woodlands. That’s

ROBOTS IN ROWBOATS

The World of Lauren Briére and her Whimsical Bots

Before modern technology, robots were fantastical childhood inventions; unique, homemade toys, fashioned together in the garden shed from old bits and pieces of junk, glue, and string, willed alive with magic, excitement, and wide-eyed wonder and anticipation.

Artist Lauren Briére captures this bygone nostalgia in her “Robots in Rowboats” series of paintings.  A “doodler” from childhood, Briére loved to draw and states “I’m lucky to say I was born an artist and I’ve never considered doing anything else”. Her formal training included studying illustration at The Massachusetts College of Art & Design where her hard-earned journey to where she is today began.

Briére’s expertly rendered oil paintings of robots in differing situations and locations tug at our very heart strings. Robots in Rowboats have personality and express how we feel as humans, the fun, the good times and adventures, but also moments of quiet thoughtfulness, expressing our alone times and our vulnerability. They are both children and adults, there’s a robot for everyone, for how we feel from

day to day. The bots interact with wildlife and weather, sleep and dance, dream, celebrate holidays, go camping, are happy, scared and so very alive! When I asked which bot Briére identified with most she explained “All of them really. Artists are their work to a degree. We eat, breathe and sleep with it in our hearts.”

Working from her home studio in Austin, where she paints and processes orders, Briére travels the length and breadth of the country selling her works at art festivals, galleries, gift shops as well as operating her online storerobotsinrowboats.com . She also considers commissions, her rules are - “As long as your request is simple and sweet”.

Briére has created music videos for The Weepies and written 2 books to date, “An Alphabot Book”, and a gorgeous coffee table book - “The Wistful Whimsies” volume 1, with volume 2 in the works, all books are suitable for all ages. Her bot paintings have also been featured on the inside of umbrellas; “Over Our Heads” was an early experimental venture she embarked upon when the bots were just being introduced.

Now 10 years into “Robots in Rowboats”, there’s no shortage of creativity, inspiration or enthusiasm for this series. When I asked if any bots were influenced by certain people Briére answered, “No, not particularly. Sometimes things are simply as they seem and more profound for it”.  Her work has a beautiful honesty about it, she tells me - “Sometimes the simplicity is complicated enough”.

Favorite artists include Edward Hopper, William Joyce and David Shannon; their dreamy, painterly styles are apparent in Briére’s oil paintings. Oil is a preferred media due to its generous drying time and finished look.

Everyone has at least one favorite bot and Briére’s is “Waiting Bot.” She explains, “It’s of a robot sitting in a diner booth looking out into an apparent window, indicated by the shadows and lighting on the wall next to it. We’ve all sat in that booth, waiting for our food, a friend, and a moment.” Perhaps this bot is in the same diner that inspired Edward Hopper for “Nighthawks”?

While we’ve all heard of Girl Scouts and their delicious cookie-selling adventures, there is another group throughout the United States whose work is extraordinary and unlike any Boy or Girl Scout group. American Heritage Girls are a faith-based group composed of girls ages five to eighteen.

The girls are divided into their respective groups based on age. Starting with age five in the Pathfinder group, the girls make their way up the ladder to Tenderheart, Explorer, Pioneer, and finally Patriot, where they are given the choice to earn the Stars & Stripes Award. As they make their way through the levels, the girls are given an exceptional community where they learn the skills needed to serve not only their community but also honor God through Godly leadership and projects.

As a distinguished Patriot working toward her Stars & Stripes Award, Lauren Moore has been with American Heritage Girls since the young age of five. She has not only experienced the entire program but has gained valuable insight into what leadership looks like as well as a Christ-centered community.

“The leadership skills I got out of it is what I really love the most out of the whole program,” says Lauren.  As mentioned, Lauren is working on her Stars & Stripes Award which is an optional, highest-pinnacle award obtained through a project where she works with a non-profit organization to not only bless the community but to develop the skills needed in order to manage a large-scale project. This project spans over six months and must be extremely detail-oriented, so much so that a stranger should be able to pick up where she left off without any questions. Once the non-profit is chosen, she starts to fundraise for it and find volunteers to help kick-start the project. Typically, volunteers come from younger girls of a specific troop in order to create the leadership roles desired by American Heritage Girls.

Lauren’s non-profit of choice is called Trot 2 Your Heart and it is close to her heart for multiple reasons. Having grown up loving horses and taking horse-riding lessons, Lauren saw Trot 2 Your Heart as a clear way to give back. Yet, she has a deeper connection to this equine therapy non-profit organization than just a love for horses.

As a private organization that strives to use horses to connect with humans, Trot 2 Your Heart has become a catalyst for change in Lauren’s life. In Lauren’s family, her two brothers have high-functioning autism and Trot 2 Your Heart gave them a smoother transition into connecting with the world around them. Because the horses understand and can analyze our body language, they become a perfect encouragement for socialization and engagement among people who struggle with different types of processing and coordination skills.

When talking about their horses, Trot 2 Your Heart says that horses “instinctively analyze and react to our body language and other non-verbal cues providing us with honest, non-judgmental feedback. Connecting with a horse provides comfort, and encourages socialization, trust, and confidence.”

Through this experience, Lauren decided that they were the perfect non-profit.   “They have helped my family so much in that way and I want to see this as an opportunity to give back.”

Now, to the meat of the project! Lauren’s goal for Trot 2 Your Heart is to build a giant gate around the property with two seating areas right outside the gate. Having mentioned that this was a big necessity for them, Lauren decided that this would be the perfect project to give back to the community. Once she has complete funding for the project, she’ll move onto the building stage where she can finally break ground on getting the seating and gate started.

Just like any project, the work is reviewed and examined and then three members of the

“THE LEADERSHIP SKILLS I GOT OUT OF IT IS WHAT I REALLY LOVE THE MOST OUT OF THE WHOLE PROGRAM.”

— LAUREN MOORE

troop board interview you as if you were in a job interview. They not only discuss your project, but they review your time as an American Heritage Girl. Continuously, Lauren will be put into positions where she must use her leadership skills and communication in order to finalize her Stars & Stripes Project. But, once finished with the entire project, she then goes to an award ceremony where she officially finishes the American Heritage Girl program. Once done, she can become a leader-in-training for the younger girls. Through this project, Lauren’s main goal is to inspire the younger girls of her new troop, Troop 1722 which has several younger girls and not many older ones. Also, Lauren’s goal is to show the younger girls the benefit of staying in the troop and providing meaningful leadership, and maintaining Godly relationships. This is a beautiful act of giving back to the community through inspiring and mentoring youth and guiding them to be successful leaders.

September 7 & 8

ARTICLE BY MACY K. | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESLEY DANIEL

Children’s Boutique Threadfare

A FRESH NEW FIND CELEBRATING THE MINI FASHIONISTAS AND DAPPER DUDES IN OUR LIVES Fresh

We were able to sit down and have a chat with the owner of Threadfare Children’s Boutique,  the newest Woodlands children’s store. If you want to see what goodies they have to offer our community, it’s the perfect one stop shop curated for celebrating and outfitting all stylish kiddos from newborn to tween.

“As a customer in my own life,  I want a unique experience that hardly compares to the ease of an Amazon purchase.” - says owner Koryn Wright, a native Houstonian who is well versed in parties, celebrations and what mamas need. As a tennis loving mom of two girls, Koryn prides herself in her knowledge of providing the best service for her clients. This shop, nestled in Creekside, is exactly what The Woodlands has needed.

The Woodlands is Koryn’s latest stop for her unique boutique since opening her original shop four years ago in The Houston Heights. As a mother/daughter duo, she is one of the former owners of The Pinkies Up Spot party and tea shop in Memorial, Koryn knows how and loves to make celebrations special. Going from an imaginative themed party boutique to a vivacious children’s clothing boutique was an easy and smooth transition when her mom decided to retire from the industry.

Koryn has equipped us with all things needed for celebrating babies, holidays, seasons and all the fun kiddo needs in between! Threadfare's team members are all extremely knowledgeable about the brands they carry in the boutique. Koryn’s curated gifting specialties include fun holiday stockings,

Easter baskets, and baby shower gifts. Gift wrapping is included with your purchase and they also have an amazing loyalty program.

Kid's cowboy hats, pajamas, an entire wall of bows and matching father/son polos are on hand year round. Threadfare is continually doing research on brands and current trends and she landed on some of her favorites. A few of her in house brands include Rylee + Cru, Quincy Mae, Jellycat, Kickee Pants, Angel Dear, Kyte Baby, Chus Shoes, Mayoral, Prodoh, Blue Quail Clothing & Co. Koryn loves family photo outfit coordination and holiday matching. Seasonally you’ll find everything from back to school, beach gear, traveling and every holiday need.

Most important to Koryn, was catering to her loyal Threadfare customers who wanted her here in The Woodlands.  When a spot opened up in Creekside Village Green, that was similar to her Garden Oaks boutique she knew it was the perfect time. At her Creekside location, she hopes to host more community give back events for local schools and children's related charities.

Can't make it in the store? Not a problem, feel free to call and Threadfare will be happy to send a flat lay display of options and pack up a gift basket while you’re away or on-the-go. Checkout the Threadfare website to shop online and they will ship anywhere you are! Visit their Woodlands location at 26400 Kuykendahl Rd. Suite A145, The Woodlands, TX. Or, online at threadfare.com

BRI NG ING HEALTHY homes to life

MEET THE FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL OF CONSCIOUS HEALTHY HOMECRISTINA GREENFIELD, CPHB, BBA

ARTICLE BY TONYA BUTLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEX WOOD

Treat your home with the same care as your body. Be your own advocate in preventing the effects of building failures on health.

We sat down with the founder/owner of Conscious Healthy Home, Cristina Greenfield and had the pleasure of learning more about her vision and passion and her great company helping families in our community create healthy living environments.

Q: Can you share your “backstory” and what led you to founding your company?

A: We were a typical family living in our “forever home” when our oldest daughter suddenly regressed and was misdiagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. My husband, myself, and my youngest also developed unexplained symptoms. After nearly five years, we discovered our home had hidden toxic mold causing our health issues.  This experience led me to pursue solutions for our home based on science and testing. I became certified as a Building Biology Advocate and Passive House Builder. I founded Conscious Healthy Home to empower homeowners using building science and biology principles to create healthier living spaces that promote physical and mental well-being.

Q: What are some practical steps to maintain home health and signs of potential issues?

A: In our climate (zone 2A), managing humidity is crucial. Monitor relative humidity throughout your home using humidistats, aiming to keep indoor RH below 50% to prevent mold growth. Use dehumidification systems and properly calibrate fresh air intake. “Build tight, ventilate right” is a frequently used saying in the building science community.

Cristina Greenfield

Treat your HVAC system as your home’s lungs. Regularly check and change air filters to maintain airflow and keep the system clean.

Ensure proper water management. Make sure grading allows runoff to flow away from the foundation and maintain gutters.

Be proactive about maintenance. I created “The Ultimate Healthy Home Maintenance Guide”, which readers can access on my website, to help homeowners address issues before they become major problems.

Q: How can we safeguard our homes, especially for kids, pets, and senior s?

A: Treat your home with the same care as your body. Be your own advocate in preventing the effects of building failures on health. My website (conscioushealthyhome.com) and social media (@conscioushealthyhome) provide vetted resources to increase awareness of how building systems should operate and how they can fail.

The Conscious Collective is a membership cohort developed by Conscious Healthy Home for discerning individuals seeking unbiased guidance and support on their healthy new builds or renovation projects. Conscious Healthy Home offers practical solutions, guidance, and support for anyone looking to improve their environmental and health outcomes.

By focusing on these key areas - humidity control, HVAC maintenance, water management, proactive maintenance, and education - homeowners can create healthier living environments for all occupants, especially those most vulnerable like children, pets, and the elderly.

ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESLEY DANIEL

ONE ROOF AT A TIME

RISING TO THE CHALLENGES

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses were forced to shut down or scale back operations, Brian and Jennifer Finley saw an opportunity to bring their entrepreneurial

of whom undergoes continual training to ensure they meet the company's exacting standards. "Our employees are our greatest asset," says Brian Finley. "We invest in their training and development, because

“WE QUICKLY BUILT A REPUTATION FOR QUALITY WORK AND OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE...”

vision to life. In 2020, they established Roof Concepts and Construction (RCC), a roofing and remodeling company that has quickly become a trusted name in The Woodlands area.

Born out of a desire to provide quality workmanship and exceptional customer service, RCC has risen to the challenges posed by the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to excellence. "We started this business during one of the most uncertain times in recent history," says

Brian Finley, co-founder and CEO. "But we believed in our skills, our products, our crews, our work ethic, and our ability to deliver value to our customers."

From humble beginnings, RCC has grown into a thriving enterprise, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its founders and employees. "We started small, with just a few employees and a singular focus on roofing," recalls Finley, "but we quickly built a reputation for quality work and outstanding customer service, which allowed us to expand our operations and our team."

Today, RCC boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced employees, each

we know that a well-trained team is the key to delivering exceptional results."

One of the cornerstones of the company’s success is its commitment to using only the highest-quality materials and the latest techniques and technologies in the industry. "We never cut corners," says Jennifer Finley. "We believe in doing the job right the first time, which means using the best materials and following best practices every step of the way."

In addition to its commitment to quality, they pride themselves on their customer-centric approach. "We understand that a roofing project can be a major undertaking for a homeowner," says Brian Finley. "That's why we make it a priority to communicate clearly and frequently with our customers, keeping them informed every step of the way."

RCC's dedication to its customers has earned the company a reputation for excellence in The Woodlands and surrounding area. "We've worked hard to build a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service," says Jennifer Finley. "And we're committed to upholding that reputation on every job we take on."

“WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUR NEW ROOF WITHOUT RCC!”

As RCC looks to the future, the company is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. "We've come a long way in just a few years," says Brian Finley. "But we're just getting started.

We're committed to continuing to grow and evolve, always striving to be the best in the business."

For homeowners in The Woodlands area in need of roofing services, Roof Concepts and Construction stands ready to deliver the quality, reliability, and customer service that have become the hallmarks of this dynamic and forward-thinking company.

Roof Concepts & Construction was INCREDIBLE!!!! Not only did they do an outstanding job on our roof, they went above and beyond in their diligence to get our roof approved. Their approach was extremely professional, kind, and informative. They relieved significant stress from me and my wife. Their new netting allowed their cleanup process to go smoothly and many of our neighbors marveled at the entire process. We would not have been able to get our new roof without RCC!! They provided first rate service and were unmatched in their process. We recommend RCC for anyone seeking a new roof!

Top: A “Customer - centric approach protecting your property every step of the way Middle: “Employees are our greatest asset” says Brian Bottom: Using the latest tarping the home to protect your landscaping is just one of the everyday services offered

AUGUST 10TH

YES to YOUTH GALA Pop Art '24

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center | 6:00 PM

"The idea is not to live forever, it is to create something that will." — Andy Warhol

YES to YOUTH Gala 2024 will be honoring Dr. Hilton and Alison Yee and The Strong Firm P.C. Black Tie Optional.  youthmc.ejoinme.org/2024YEStoYOUTHGala

AUGUST 17TH

2024 Chairman's Ball

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center | 6:30 PM

The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Chairman's Ball in honor of 2023 - 2024 Chairman, Brian Albert of Kean Miller.  Exceptional three-course meal and exciting evening of dinner and dancing. woodlandschamber.org/chairmans-ball

AUGUST 24TH

The Walk

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center | 6:00 PM

The Walk! Live entertainment, dinner and dancing, Community Champions Runway Show by Saks Fifth Avenue. woodlandsinterfaith.org/event/thewalk

AUGUST 24TH

Yappy Hour Social

Back Table Kitchen & Bar - The Woodlands Resort 2301 North Millbend Drive | 11:30 AM

International Dog Day Celebration - Bring your furry friends for a fun, social happy hour. Dog Treats, Happy Hour Specials, Vendor Booth.  11:30 AM - 2 PM | Tickets: backtabletx.com/happenings

AUGUST 24TH

Chris Stapleton All-American Road Show - Houston

Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford St. Houston, TX | 6:00 PM

Christ Stapleton brings his All-American Road show with Miranda Lambert and Grace Potter to Minute Maid Park. Tickets: houston-theater.com/theaters/minute-maid-park/chris-stapleton.php

AUGUST 25TH

Train & REO Speedwagon - Summer Road Trip 2024

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 6:30 PM

Don't miss legendary Train and REO Speedwagon! With Yacht Rock Revue. woodlandscenter.org/events/2024/train-reo

Local Kid Entrepreneurs are Blazing their Own Trails

ARTICLE BY JACKIE AKER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“Kid-preneurship” has become a popular trend among children and young adults. These kids are using their skills to make their dream of having a successful business at a young age a reality. And here in The Woodlands, it is no different.

Recently, 15 young entrepreneurs set up their mini “business” at Learning Express of The Woodlands, a family-owned local toy store. From home-made lemonade, to handmade jewelry, and even self-published children’s books, each young entrepreneur got the opportunity to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit while keeping 100% of their profits.

“I make bead bracelets and keychains that I sell to my family and friends,” said 11-year-old Emily who was one of the kid-preneurs at the event. “When my mom told me about the Pop-Up Shop, I was excited to participate, and more excited when I made almost $100 in two hours!”

Jenny Kuten, an entrepreneur herself and mom of two, was the one behind the unique Kid-preneur Pop-Up Shop concept.

“I loved the opportunity to transform the front of our store into a marketplace and provide a venue for these young innovators to sell their hand-made items,” said Kuten. “I was impressed by their creativity, confidence and resilience. I was also amazed by the huge amount of support and positive feedback we received from our local community who came out to shop from these young entrepreneurs.”

While kid-preneur events are gaining momentum, most require a fee for the space or want part of the proceeds. But for Kuten, it was not about making money, but rather cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs, encouraging their journey, and giving them the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

“This event was genius! The kids loved it, and the community loved it,” said Sarah Hammer, whose son, Lincoln, participated in the event selling fresh-squeezed lemonade in a bag. “Teachers, parents and friends came out to support and celebrate the kids in our community. We are so glad we were able to participate and support other kids — we can’t wait for the next one!”

Kuten plans to host more of these pop-up events in the near future. In the meantime, move over, Mark Zuckerberg, you may have some competition!

Opposite page: Jenny Kuten, owner of The Woodland Express, with the children who participated in the Kid-Preneur Pop-Up Shop. This page, top: 11-year-old Emily at the Kid-Preneur Pop-Up Shop at Learning Express of The Woodlands.

Bottom: 9-year-old Lincoln with his lemonade stand at the event.

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