Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood | September 2023

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Lake Houston Humble

Kingwood Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5 SEPT. 21OCT. 24, 2023

Appraised value increases from 202223

+10%

Homeowners in Waters Edge on Lake Houston saw the maximum 10% year-over-year increase in appraised value this year along with many Harris County residents. In response to this statewide trend of rising property values, the Texas Legislature has approved a plan to ease the burden on homeowners statewide.

SOURCE: HARRIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HANNAH BROLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Lake Houston residents to benet from tax plan

But relief is on the way as Texas lawmakers approved an $18 billion plan this summer that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said would save the average homeowner $1,250-$1,450 on their 2023 tax bill.

averaging 17.3%. Per Houston Association of Realtors data, property values have increased at least 17% since 2019 across each of the six ZIP codes that comprise Community Impact’s Lake Houston coverage area.

BY HANNAH BROL, DANICA LLOYD & HANNAH NORTON

Thousands of Lake Houston-area residents are facing property tax spikes due to rising home values as more than 95% of homeowners county- wide saw sizable property value increases in 2023,

CONTINUED ON 15

Also in this issue

Impacts: Bubbly Paws now grooming in Kingwood (Pages 67)

Education: Humble ISD receives spring STAAR scores (Page 9)

Election: Nov. 7 candidate Q&As, bond information (Pages 1011)

Business: Flowers of Kingwood nears 40th anniversary (Page 18)

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

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This year is a new opportunity to forge your own path and discover amazing things about yourself. Don’t miss your chance to grow, learn, and laugh with new friends by your side!

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As a Girl Scout, you’ll discover hidden talents, take fun trips, and—most importantly—find the space to be truly, totally yourself. Now’s the perfect time to start your Girl Scout journey. Get ready to make amazing memories with forever friends today!

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Readers, your newspaper has a

this month.

Market leaders & metro team

What is CI Simple? • Our Design & Editorial leaders have planned a complete overhaul of our content, and we've named the transformation CI Simple. • Each page has been re-envisioned to ensure information is presented in a concise and easily digestible format. Why? • In an age of ever-shortening attention spans and new information accessible at the swipe of a thumb, CI Simple addresses the demands of modern readers. • There’s nothing quite like reading local news straight from your mailbox, and with this change we’re making every word and image count even more. Exciting changes • Revamped front covers with eye-catching imagery alongside a story that truly matters, plus new features like CI Foodie and CI Texas

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Joe Edwards Melissa Enaje Leah Foreman Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning James T. Norman Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Martha Ambrose Jatziri Garcia Chad Inmon Ellen Jackson La’Toya Smith Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Kim Giannetti General Manager kgiannetti@ communityimpact.com

Hannah Brol Editor hbrol@ communityimpact.com

Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Kasey Salisbury Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Art Production Manager Rachal Elliott

• More subheads (called Impactisms) and bullet points to easily consume news • Strategic use of design layouts, labels, colors and more to guide your experience

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

What else? Join CI Patron to receive exclusive Saturday news and swag.

Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter Support us Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases lhknews@communityimpact.com Advertising lhkads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Impacts

Now open

1485

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

MARKET PLACE DR.

1 La Real Michoacana Paleteria Owned by Francisco and Ana Patino, La Real Michoacana Paleteria is now serving Mexican artisanal ice cream and popsicles in Porter. The business also offers aguas frescas and Mexican snacks, such as elotes, tostilocos and nachos. • Opened Aug. 26 • 21671 FM 1314, Porter • www.facebook.com/larealmichoacanatx 2 Milky Shake Milky Shake is now open in The Food Zone, a food park located in Porter. The business boasts more than 20 unique milkshake flavors, 13 premium ice cream flavors and 10 waffle cone flavors. • Opened July 1 • 23242 FM 1314, Porter • www.facebook.com/milkyshakepr

1485

1314

99 TOLL

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

Porter

494

FORDRD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

ROCK CREEK DR.

N O R T H P A R

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

Coming soon

Kingwood

3 Marco’s Pizza Marco’s Pizza will open soon in the Saddle Ridge retail center, according to developer J. Beard Real Estate. The new location will have a drive-thru pickup window for its menu of salads, sub sandwiches and customizable pizzas. • Opening this fall • 7715 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble • www.marcos.com 4 Dutch Bros Coffee Dutch Bros Coffee is planning to open its third Lake Houston-area location by the end of this year, a company spokesperson confirmed Aug. 22. The Oregon- based drive-thru coffee company serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, a private-label Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. • Opening by end of 2023 • 8210 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble • www.dutchbros.com

TOWNSEN BLVD.

7 3

UPPER LAKE DR.

LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

1960

HOUSTON AVE.

F I RSTST.

LAKE HOUSTON

1960

Humble

TIMBER FOREST DR.

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

Atascocita

GREENSRD.

ASSAY ST.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

ALDINE BENDER RD.

REDEMPTION SQUARE RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

12310 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Houston, TX 77044 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

5 Bubbly Paws Bubbly Paws is offering dog-washing and -grooming services in Kingwood. According to the business’s website, self-service dog washing ranges from $15- $25, while full-service grooming and washing prices are based on breed, size, matting and other issues. Full-service dog grooming includes a bath, a blow dry, brushing, a haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning

8 Saltgrass Steakhouse An opening timeline has been set for Saltgrass Steakhouse, which is under construction in Valley Ranch Town Center, a spokesperson with public relations firm Total PR confirmed Aug. 23. Saltgrass Steak House—owned by Landry’s—serves 9 Houston Barber School Houston Barber School will open its fourth Greater Houston-area location in the Saddle Ridge retail center. The school will offer a variety of barbering and cosmetology courses. • Opening this fall • 7715 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble • www.htxbarberschool.com 10 CareNow Urgent Care Initially expected to begin in March or April, construction on a new CareNow Urgent Care location in New Caney is now slated to kick off in September, according to a spokesperson with Total PR. The 4,000-square-foot facility will be located in Valley Ranch Town Center and offer adult and pediatric primary care as well as urgent care services.

steaks, seafood, burgers and other American fare. Construction on this project began in early February. • Opening this fall • 21284 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.saltgrass.com

and teeth brushing. • Opened Aug. 19

• 30129 Rock Creek Drive, Kingwood • www.bubblypaws.com/houston

6 Target Initially estimated to open in August, Valley Ranch Town Center’s Target is now slated to open two months later. Construction on the 135,000-square-foot store began in June 2022. • Opening in October • 11985 Grand Parkway N., New Caney • www.target.com 7 Jax Wax Jax Wax will open soon in the Saddle Ridge retail center. The location will offer car maintenance products and host monthly car shows. • Opening this fall • 7715 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble • www.jaxwax.com

• Opening spring 2024 • 11845 Grand Parkway, New Caney • www.carenow.com

In the news

11 Let’s Roll Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Beginning July 15, Let’s Roll Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New Caney added new martial arts classes including “Little Learners,” which is open for students ages 4-6 years old, and an all ages “open mat” slot on Sundays where students can spar instead of following lessons from an instructor. • 19325 FM 1485, New Caney • www.letsrollbjj.net

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Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Humble ISD sees boost in STAAR scores

Stacking up scores Humble ISD’s State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness scores for spring 2023 showed improvement in seven of the 12 math and reading tests administered to English-speaking students compared to 2022 scores.

The percentage of Humble ISD students approaching grade level either improved or remained within 4 percentage points of 2022 scores for the spring administration of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, according to results released Aug. 16. Diving in deeper Public school students must perform to at least the standard of approaching grade level to pass the test. Of the 22 total tested subject areas: • HISD improved in 12 subjects from 2022 to 2023 and saw no change for two subjects. • Eighth grade reading students scored the highest, while the lowest-scoring group was the fifth grade science test administered to Spanish-speaking students. • Fifth grade math administered to Spanish-speaking students saw the most improvement from 2022 to 2023.

Put in perspective Because the STAAR was redesigned in 2023, officials said this year’s scores cannot be directly compared to those of previous years. According to House Bill 3906, the STAAR was taken almost exclusively online for the first time this spring, and students took the writing exam, which was not administered last year, as part of the reading and language arts assessment. HB 3906 in 2019 mandated a redesign to “better align the test with classroom instruction,” officials said. HISD officials did not respond to requests for comment as of press time. Zooming out Statewide, students have recovered from reading learning loss due to the pandemic, according to the Texas Education Agency. However, data shows schools are struggling to bring math scores to prepandemic levels.

2022

2023

100% 20% 40% 60% 80% Percent of students passing

Reading 3rd grade

Math 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Election

BY JAKE MAGEE

Voter Guide

2023

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Harris County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

Houston City Council, District E

What is the most important issue facing District E, and how would you address it, if elected?

If elected, how do you plan to represent all District E constituents?

Crime is rising at an alarming rate throughout Houston. An increased police presence is critical in addressing this issue. I am proud to be endorsed by the Houston Police Officers’ Union, as these brave and dedicated officers are the reason Houstonians can live, work and enjoy their lives securely.

Representation is contingent on listening to constituents across the district. I am dedicated to spending time in all areas of our diverse district, from Kingwood to Clear Lake, and keeping in touch with local stakeholders to ensure that I hear all needs and concerns in District E.

Martina Lemond Dixon Occupation: CEO of small company Relevant experience: Humble ISD trustee, immediate past president; commissioner of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement www.voteformartina.com Fred Flickinger Occupation: Owner of Flickinger Machine Relevant experience: 35+ years business expertise, operations management, leadership www.flickingerforhouston.com

Public safety is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our community are built. Hiring additional police officers and firefighters, implementing more community policing programs, increasing police presence, additional funding for forensic processing, and ensuring first responders have the resources to do their jobs are of the utmost priority.

I grew up in Sagemont, then moved to Clear Lake and now reside in Kingwood. Being a part of these communities has allowed me to not only develop relationships, but also form a solid understanding of the needs and priorities in order to effectively represent the constituents of District E.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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BY MELISSA ENAJE

Voters to decide on hospital bond

A closer look

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. In Houston, 1 in 4 people are without health insurance. Harris County’s population also continues to grow, making the county’s health system insucient in meeting current needs and future demands, HHS ocials said. Both hospitals are operating at over 90%-100% daily occupancy. Research by public health experts has found that low-income families face consequences when they are unable to access health care, including: • Uninsured patients coming in for late-stage diseases, including cancer

Hospital; expand the capacity of Ben Taub Hospital; and create new community clinics in precincts 2, 3 and 4. Harris Health President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said the hospitals have failing infrastructure and the county population is rapidly growing. The system is mandated by law to provide health care services to the uninsured and underinsured populations, but also serves the entire county.

In November, Harris County voters will have to decide whether to fund a $2.5 billion expansion of the Harris Health System over the next 10 years in a move that could increase health care access for more than 1 million uninsured residents. If approved, the improvements are projected to cost the owner of a $300,000 property $6 more per month in taxes. The bond funding would allow the system to replace and renovate Lyndon B. Johnson

Precincts selected for new clinics if bond passes

Harris Health overview Current countywide Harris Health health care operations include: Two full-service hospitals

Precinct 2

Precinct 3

• Higher mortality rates • Poor diabetes control • Avoidable hospitalization

Precinct 4

Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital 215 acute-care beds Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital 402 acute-care beds

When it comes to need, the county’s poverty rate is higher than the national average at 16.4% for all age groups, compared to 12.8% nation- wide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

99 TOLL

3 same-day clinics Dental center Mobile health units

17 community health centers 8 homeless shelter clinics 4 multispecialty clinics

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Percent uninsured 21.8%

610

GALVESTON BAY

In one year, HHS serves: 854,313 clinic visits 147,496

193,727 telehealth clinic visits

18%

emergency room visits

8.8%

288

Harris County

Texas National

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they're saying

What's next

Estimated facility construction timeline per project

Porsa emphasized at an Aug. 18 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting that, if the bond gets approved, each project has various phases that are expected to be carried out over several years. Planning for the LBJ hospital replacement dates back several years with the understanding that it would be inevitable, even without a bond, Porsa said. Construction at the new LBJ Hospital will break ground in April or May of 2024.

Construction for LBJ Hospital campus

“We need this urgently. The facilities are inadequate, whether we’re talking about bed numbers, operating rooms, recovery space, Level I trauma capacity. We’re behind. This bond election is an investment in the future for Harris County and the city of Houston.”

2024-2035

Renovations for Ben Taub Hospital campus

2024-2030

Construction for new clinics and health centers

2025-2033

PAUL KLOTMAN, PRESIDENT OF BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

Transportation

Real estate

BY MELISSA ENAJE & DANICA LLOYD

Harris County approves changes for EZ TAG bills A lower minimum toll balance, lower EZ TAG sticker fee and paperless agreement statements are three changes drivers will soon notice with their Harris County Toll Road Authority accounts. What happened Harris County commissioners approved the agreement changes at a July 18 meeting. The changes are intended to provide more flexibility for new and existing accounts, officials with the agency said in a news release. In early 2023, commissioners began discussing ways EZ TAG participation could be more acces- sible for drivers countywide, Community Impact previously reported. • The minimum prepaid toll balance, or rebill amount, is now $10 for up to two vehicles. Before the changes, the rebill amount was $20. • The replenishment amount will not

TxDOT offers back-to- school safety tips With classes back in session, the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be cautious in school zones and around school buses to help keep students safe. There are hundreds of traffic incidents each year due to driver inattention, speeding and failure to yield the right of way, officials said in a news release. Keep in mind • Be prepared for potential traffic pattern changes around schools. • Drop off and pick up students in the school’s designated area. • Obey school zone speed limit signs. • Watch for kids getting on and off buses. • Stop for flashing lights or stop signs on school buses in either direction.

Number of homes sold

August 2022

August 2023

Residential market data

The details The minimum toll balances per account before replenishment are now as follows:

66 47

37 34

-28.8%

-8.1%

77044

77345

Across most Lake Houston-area ZIP codes, fewer homes were sold in August than in August 2022. Meanwhile, the median home sales price decreased across most Lake Houston-area ZIP codes.

1 - 2 vehicles: $5 balance 3 - 4 vehicles: $10 balance

5 - 6 vehicles: $15 balance 7 - 8 vehicles: $20 balance

37 37

148 108

-27%

77338

77346

99 TOLL

52 44

54 38

-15.4%

-29.6%

77339

77396

LAKE HOUSTON

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Median home sales price

automatically update for existing EZ TAG accounts. Users can make those changes online or in the EZ TAG app. • There are no charges for up to eight new EZ TAG stickers per account. Accounts with more than eight stickers will have to pay $2 per tag. • EZ TAG agreements will no longer be mailed to users and will be accessed via email and the website.

2022

2023

2022

2023

77396 77339

77044 77338

77044

77345

-7.5%

+0.6%

$290K

$412.5K

$313.5K

$410K

77346

77345

77338

77346

-1%

$245K

$334K

$245K

$337.5K

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY DEBORAH ROSE MILLER • BROKER/AGENT WITH ROSE REALTY 281-380-0332 • DEBORAHROSEREALTOR@GMAIL.COM 2022-24 CHAIR OF HUMBLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2023 FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL

77339

77396

-4.2%

+0.6%

$301.8K

$295K

$315K

$293.2K

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From the cover Lake Houston residents to benet from tax plan

BY HANNAH BROL, DANICA LLOYD & HANNAH NORTON

What else?

What you need to know

If Proposition 4 passes, the homestead exemp- tion will be raised, and homeowners will pay reduced taxes to their local school districts. • ISD tax rates will decrease by 10.7 cents. • The state will distribute $12.7 billion to schools. • For a $300,000 home, decreasing the school dis- trict tax rate by 10.7 cents would cut an average tax bill by $321. The plan also includes a nonhomestead appraisal cap , which would limit annual value increase for certain properties if Proposition 4 passes. • The value of a property worth $5 million or less cannot increase by more than 20% year over year. • This applies to all nonhomestead property, such as second homes and commercial property. • Approximately 13 million properties will qualify. As part of the new law, SB 3 also amends the state business franchise tax , which all businesses currently pay based on individual circumstances. • Businesses that make less than $2.47 million annually will no longer have to pay the tax. • Roughly 67,000 small and midsize businesses will be exempt from the tax. • Collectively, qualifying business owners will save around $300,000 each year. While lawmakers widely supported the legisla- tion, some in opposition fought for relief for rent- ers . State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, RHouston, argued that landlords who receive tax relief would pass the savings on to renters, but Dick Lavine, a senior scal analyst for the progressive advocacy group Every Texan, said the legislation does “nothing for [renters] at all.”

Home value increases across Lake Houston, 201923

Despite entities, such as Humble ISD and the city of Humble, lowering property tax rates in recent years, property appraisal increases have resulted in higher tax bills for local homeowners. State legislators approved a plan to address property tax increases in mid-July, closing out the second special session of the year. “If passed by voters this fall, Texas homestead exemptions [for school district taxes] will rise to $100,000, senior homeowners will be protected from being priced out of their home, the small- business exemption for the franchise tax will double, and Texas small businesses will be protected from excessive appraisal increases,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 9 news release after signing o on the plan. The $18 billion package includes two bills— Senate Bills 2 and 3—and a constitutional amendment. For the tax cuts to show up on this year’s tax bill, Texans must approve the constitutional amendment, Proposition 4, in November. Homeowners would also need to apply to receive the homestead exemption. This tax relief comes after back-to-back years of what Harris Central Appraisal District ocials called “unprecedented” property value increases. The average homeowner saw 23.3% and 17.3% market value increases in 2022 and 2023, respectively, following 8.9% and 10.4% increases in 2020 and 2021, respectively. This has been a trend across the Lake Houston area. Based on a random sampling of homes on the market in August, homes built between 1975-2017 and in neighborhoods such as Bear Branch Village and Balmoral all experienced double-digit value increases since 2019. GREENSRD. ALDINE BENDER RD.

4 Year built: 2006 Value increase: +42.52% 5 Year built: 2010 Value increase: +33.1% 6 Year built: 2017 Value increase: +17.73%

1 Year built: 1975 Value increase: +30.91% 2 Year built: 1983 Value increase: +40.29% 3 Year built: 1995 Value increase: +33.54%

1314

FORDRD.

494

N O R T H

BEAR BRANCH VILLAGE

TOWNSEN BLVD.

KINGWOOD DR.

LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

RAMBLEWOOD

F I RSTST.

1960

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

BALMORAL

LAKE HOUSTON

FALL CREEK

SOURCE: HARRIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying

What’s next

However, state Rep. Gene Wu, DHouston, criticized the plan, alleging it fails to provide relief for a large portion of the state’s population.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick touted the state’s property tax relief plan in a statement included in an Aug. 9 news release from Abbott’s oce.

After the legislation was approved, three Democratic state representatives released a statement condemning Republicans for providing more tax relief to certain groups. While school districts will receive state funds to oset lower property tax revenue, overall school funding will not change. Lawmakers are expected to return to the Capitol this fall to discuss school funding, Patrick said.

“The signing of this Texas- sized tax cut, the biggest property tax cut in history, is a massive victory for all 5.7 million Texas homeowners.” LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK

“Forty percent of [Texans] rent. ... They often live month to month

on their salaries. … We are specically leaving out 40% of this state.” STATE REP. GENE WU, DHOUSTON

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Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Fall Events Guide

2023

Tent or Treat Kingwood Town Center will host its third annual Tent or Treat event, where more than 70 local small businesses will be showcased and offer free candy to visitors. The event will also feature a DJ, face painting and food vendors.

Fall festivities

Kingwood Oktoberfest The sixth annual event will feature German-inspired fare, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels, as well as brews from DECA Beer Co. The event will also feature polka music from The Texas Sound Check Band, a DJ, a costume contest and a trackless train. • Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • $3-$8 • Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 1901 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood • www.kwoktoberfest.org Boo Fest This event will include costumes, food, shopping, a mini pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating and a trackless train.

• Oct. 29, 2-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.towncenterevents.com

Boo Bash The Humble Civic Center will host its fourth annual Boo Bash featuring a costume contest, candy, vendors, food, drinks and dance teams. The event will also have free face painting, crafts, inflatables and games.

T ricks & Treats Fall Fair This event will feature local vendors, pumpkins, a haunted house, bounce houses and face painting. • Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Valley Ranch Town Center, 22296 Market Place Drive, Ste. 100, New Caney • www.emctx.com

• Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.humblecc.com

• Oct. 28, 4-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.thelivableforest.com

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Business

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Bundling your home and car insurance is super easy with GEICO. Not only could you save money with a special discount, but you’ll also sav time by having all your coverages in the same place. only could you save money with a special discount, but you’ll also save your local geico agent makes bundling simple. Home + Auto = easy r home and car insurance is super easy u save money with a special discount, b by having all your coverages in the sam your home and car insurance is super easy you save money with a special discount, but by having all your coverages in the same cal geico agent makes bundl Home + Auto = eas local geico agent makes bundling Home + Auto = easy Bundling your home and car insurance is super easy with GEICO. Not only could you save money with a special discount, but you’ll also save time by having all your coverages in the same place. HOME+AUTO=EASY

The business oers custom oral arrangements for events such as weddings.

Flowers of Kingwood owner Robin Martinez has been operating the business since 1987.

Flowers of Kingwood boasts a selection of fresh bouquets, home decor and gift items.

PHOTOS BY EMILY LINCKECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Flowers of Kingwood cultivates following over 40 years

For almost four decades, Flowers of Kingwood owner Robin Martinez said she has worked to grow her business alongside the community it calls home and to cultivate a close relationship with her customers. The backstory Since 1984—when Martinez’s parents opened the business—Flowers of Kingwood has provided locals with a selection of fresh bouquets, home decor and gift items. The business also oers oral arrangements for events such as weddings. “I’m just as happy to do a bouquet and a bouton- niere for two happy people as I am to do [it] for 2,000 people,” Martinez said. In 1987, Martinez took over the store, and in 2000, Martinez opened the current location on Northpark Drive. When Flowers of Kingwood was established, Martinez said Kingwood was a young community to which people mostly commuted for jobs at local businesses and left after the workday ended. Since then, Martinez said she’s seen the area blossom into a community with deep roots as people now buy homes and raise their families in Kingwood, which allows her to get to know her customers well. “I’ve seen Kingwood change, and that’s enabled us to have an ongoing relationship with people,” Marti- nez said.

How it’s going Martinez also serves as president for the South Texas Education District of Teleora. The nonprot partners with schools and Future Farmers of America programs to help students earn certications in oral design, horticulture and plant life green housing. Sharing oral design knowledge with others is a common practice among orists, Martinez said, as other orists oered advice to her when she took over Flowers of Kingwood. “I learned everything on the job,” she said. “Our industry is good about education and having classes, seminars, just [sharing] inspiration. Most of the design- ers ... are very giving with their knowledge.”

START YOUR QUOTE!

Dave Nelson 281-925-6733 ¡Hablamos Español!

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N O R T HP A R K D R .

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1962 Northpark Drive, Kingwood www.owersoingwood.com

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