The Woodlands Edition - May 2020

THEWOODLANDS EDITION

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9 MAY 12JUNE 7, 2020

ONLINE AT

CONTAINING COVID19 Testing in Montgomery County could increase in May as additional resources will become available, ocials said.

Free coronavirus testing was not available in Montgomery County in the early weeks of the outbreak. Increasing access

in the country in testing per capita for the coronavirus*

is TEXAS 49

tests conducted in Montgomery County, or 1 per 101 residents *

cases reported in Texas*

33,369

5,994

427,210 tests administered*

607,391 Montgomery County residents

APRIL 28

More than 12,000 free tests were approved for Montgomery County on

*AS OF MAY 5

Vouchers for free coronavirus testing could be available in Montgomery County in May, two months after the rst conrmed case. (Andy Li/Community Impact Newspaper)

SOURCES: THE COVID TRACKING PROJECT, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

INSIDE

Businesses, local governments take rst steps toward reopening

Gov. Greg Abbott’s phased plan to restart the Texas economy. Abbott’s guidelines allowed establish- ments such as malls and restaurants to resume in-person operations with capac- ity limitations beginning May 1. Abbott’s statewide stay-at-home order for all Tex- ans also expired April 30. “It’s a fact: It’s hard to get rid of this virus because it is so contagious,” Abbott said at an April 27 press conference. “So we’re not just going to open up and hope

BY BEN THOMPSON AND ANDREW CHRISTMAN

Restrictions in south Montgomery County intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak began to ease May 1 when some businesses were permitted to reopen with limited occupancy under

Customers wait in line outside a business in The Woodlands on May 1 as limited reopenings began. (Andy Li/Community Impact Newspaper)

CONTINUED ON 40

CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

Resilient and strong for our patients and their families.

Access to Care Texas Children’s looks forward to seeing you soon, either virtually or in clinic: • Virtual visits – We are able to convert many clinic visits to virtual visits, either via phone or video. If you have an appointment, the specialty clinic will contact you directly if a virtual visit is available. • Clinic visits – If you need to come in for a visit, we have taken every precaution to keep you and our staff safe. When you arrive, you will experience a health screening and be issued a mask, be surrounded by a clean environment, and treated with care by medical staff wearing the right protective gear and following the latest safety protocols.

Texas Children’s is dedicated to providing the very best for our patients and their families. That commitment remains stronger than ever today as we confront this current challenging and ever-changing situation. As always, we are proud to offer you the same great care you know and trust – now with the safest, most convenient ways to access it. Appointments Available We are open and have availability for clinic and virtual visits. You can schedule a new appointment, reschedule an existing appointment to a sooner virtual visit and even add yourself to a wait list in MyChart. To make an appointment or reschedule, please visit texaschildrens.org/appts or contact your care team directly.

Texas Children’s wants you to know that we are here to support you, serve as a trusted resource, and most importantly, continue to provide the health care children need. Please visit texaschildrens.org/appts to schedule your new or return visit today.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

IMPACTS

Now Open, Coming Soon &more TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES 15

FROMNICOLE: As May begins it looks like there is relief in sight for those in our community aected by the closure of their businesses. However, testing remains a tremendous hurdle to winning the ght against the coronavirus. We explore this further in one of our front-page stories. You can stay up to date with real-time local coverage by visiting communityimpact.com and liking our Facebook page, Community Impact The Woodlands. Nicole Preston, GENERALMANAGER

PUBLISHERS AND FOUNDERS John and Jennifer Garrett PUBLISHERHOUSTONMETRO Jason Culpepper GENERAL MANAGER Nicole Preston npreston@communityimpact.com EDITORIAL

Road projects under construction DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

The latest local news

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Lanane MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens EDITOR Vanessa Holt REPORTER Andrew Christman, Ben Thompson COPY CHIEF Andy Comer COPY EDITORS Ben Dickerson, Kasey Salisbury STAFFWRITERS Andy Li, Anna Lotz, Kelly Schaer, Dylan Sherman, Danica Smithwick, Eva Vigh, Hannah Zedaker ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Tess Coverman ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Crystal Shaer DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Tessa Hoee GRAPHIC DESIGNER Caitlin Whittington STAFF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MatthewMills, Kaitlin Schmidt BUSINESS GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Claire Love ABOUT US John and Jennifer Garrett began Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 in Pugerville, Texas. The company’s mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. CONTACT US 8400 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Ste. 220 Houston, TX 77064 2814696181 communityimpact.com PRESS RELEASES wdlnews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions © 2020 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.

FROMVANESSA: Following the closings in March and April that aected residents and businesses, community members are still looking for ways to support each other in The Woodlands area. In our nonprot feature this month (see Page 37) we look at a new food pantry that formed at a time when it was most needed. We also created a guide (see Page 35) for ways to help others in the community. Vanessa Holt, EDITOR

COMMUNITY

Arts groups oer online alternatives

THIS ISSUE BY THE NUMBERS

Local sources 59

Business innovations 4

Ways to help 7

New developments 3

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ENVIRONMENT 23 Center shifts focus to COVID19 eorts INSIDE INFORMATION 33 A path to protection GUIDE 35 How to help in the community REAL ESTATE 43 Residential market data IMPACT DEALS 47 Local coupons

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Friends In these difficult times, if you would like to have someone to talk to about your investment portfolio or your financial plan in general, reach out to us to set up a virtual meeting. We can practice social distancing, and while you’re spending a lot of time at home, we can help talk you through some of the worries and concerns you might have about the markets, the economy, your job and your family’s financial game plan. It doesn’t matter how much money you have and you do not have to be an existing client of ours, and there is absolutely no obligation. It is times like this that we feel we can be a great help to you and your loved ones. Stay safe and stay strong. MONTHLY COMMENTARY For our daily commentary and all disclosures, visit www.chjwealthmanagement.com 10200 Grogan’s Mill Road, Suite 340 • 281-298-2700

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

WE NEED TO SUPPORT THE BEST GOOD CAUSE OF ALL: EACH OTHER.

Our city is famous for its Big Houston Heart. But right now, Houston is under attack. It’s a virus.

At St. Luke’s Health, we know who’s defending us – the city’s Healthcare teams, EMS, Police, Rescue Workers, and Fire Fighters. And what supports them? It’s our collective commitment to the basics: washing hands, practicing social distancing, and staying home. Simple. But critical. Because if we don’t take care of the frontline, who’s going to take care of us?

Take care of the basics. And show what our Big Houston Heart really can do. ShowUsYourHoustonHeart.org | #ShowUsYourHoustonHeart

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

WHAT WILL BE THE NEW NORMAL A short synopsis of the market as I see it

As the abnormal begins to dissipate a little at a time, what will be the new normal in the coming months for real estate? Around the middle of April, house sales, began to make a very sharp rise. My belief is that inventory low, due to the virus, and interest rates low, people are looking to buy nice homes. We are certainly seeing this at Beth Ferester & Company as our listings are selling as well, if not better, for this selling season. Buyers are abundant, and evenwithgloves, masks, foot covers and sanitizer, buyers are looking at houses every day. Along with high sales volume, the prices are not going down asmany buyershadthought andhopedfor. Well stagedhomes in good locations and priced reasonably, have been scooped up within days. Finally, I would say, if you are thinking of selling or buying now is the time to do it. And, of course, we would like for you to look to us and our proven record or high quality service and proven success to help you navigate this unique marketplace.

Beth Ferester has been named one of the top ten agents in Houston,Texas in sales, for the past 17 years at the annual Houston Business Journal Awards Breakfast

www.ferester.com beth@ferester.com 713-702-6334

Beth Ferester

A SpecialtyReal Estate Brokerage with a LegendaryNam e 8522 Creekside Forest Drive STE. D-101, The Woodlands, Texas 77375 281.367.4000 | Direct: 713.702.6334

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOVEBEANS COFFEEHOUSE NEXT DOOR TO OUR OFFICE. OUR PROJECT OF GIVING BACK HAS BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE QUARANTINE - WE ARE OPEN NOW INSIDE AS WELL AS OUTSIDE.

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

IMPACTS

BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN AND BEN THOMPSON

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

242

FEATURED IMPACT IN THE NEWS Community ER began offering anti- body testing for the novel coronavirus April 6. Interested patients can book an appointment and pay for the test by registering on the clinic’s website. Antibody testing, also known as serology testing, is conducted via blood sample to detect the presence of antibodies in the body formed in reaction to COVID-19, according to the facility. According to Michael Nguyen, clinic manager of the Community ER loca- tion at 3550 Rayford Road, Spring, the testing process takes approximately 20 minutes, after which results are issued. The test costs $95. “Once you have the appointment booked, ... we’re able to see your profile,” Nguyen said. “We have you sign two consent forms just so that we can administer the test. ... It takes about three minutes, and then, after that, we will send you your results electronically. ... Or, if you decide, ... we can give you a hard copy.” 281-453-7150 www.communityerhouston.com

HUGHES LANDING BLVD.

3rd Coast BBQ & Catering

THE WOODLANDS

COURTESY 3RD COAST BBQ & CATERING

E K

NOWOPEN 1 A new barbecue kitchen, 3rd Coast BBQ & Catering, opened March 11 in Spring. The Texas- and Gulf Coast- inspired restaurant, located at 25219 Oakhurst Drive, Ste. C, Spring, serves a variety of meats, including brisket, smoked turkey and ham, ribs, sausage, boudin and crawfish. Sandwiches, side dishes and desserts are also offered. As of May 4, the restaurant was offering orders to-go as well as limited patio seating. 713-545-0718. www.3rdcoastbbq.com 2 Owner Mike Ferguson launched his new business, Driveway Dumpster Rental and Junk Removal , May 1. The Magnolia-based business serves Magnolia, Tomball, Pinehurst, Conroe, The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Montgomery, Cypress, Spring, Klein, Willis, Huntsville and New Waverly. The business offers dumpster rentals for home clean outs, hoarders and small construction jobs as well as junk removal services in which the team hauls away items, Ferguson said. Ferguson previously owned CoffeeIcon, with five locations in the north Houston area. 713-570-6095. www.drivewaydumpsterrental.com

3 Everest.com , a new online sporting goods and outdoors retailer based in Spring, announced the launch of its new marketplace April 15. Everest offers products from hundreds of merchants for hunting, shooting, fishing, hiking and camping from its online store. The retailer said its marketplace now features more than 500,000 products from more than 500 merchants nationwide, with plans to expand its offerings to more than 1 million products by the end of the year. The company, which is headquartered at 26619 I-45, Spring, plans to publish instructional videos and articles about its products online. 866-806-0934. www.everest.com RELOCATIONS 4 The Joint Creekside Village , current- ly located at 26400 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. A115, The Woodlands, will become The Joint Woodlands Parkway after moving to the Indian Springs Center at 6777 Woodlands Parkway, Ste. 308, on May 13. The Joint offers spinal ma- nipulation services aimed at assisting with pain relief and injury prevention. 281-816-4593. www.thejoint.com 5 The Woodlands-based VGXI Inc., located at 2700 Research Forest Drive,

The Joint

COURTESY NOAH STONE

Ste. 180, The Woodlands, will move its headquarters to Conroe’s Deison Tech- nology Park, which occupies Deison Park Boulevard, in January 2022, according to a press release from the Conroe Economic Development Council. VGXI, a manufac- turer of plasmid DNA for vaccines and gene therapies, first announced it was producing a vaccine for the coronavirus in early January with a clinical study beginning at another facility in April. The planned 240,000-square-foot facili- ty will greatly expand the company’s manufacturing capacity. 281-296-7300. www.vgxii.com NEWOWNERSHIP 6 The Woodlands Financial Group subsidiary TWFG Insurance Services LLC announced its acquisition of The Woodlands-based Panoptic Insurance effective April 17. TWFG, a national retail insurance agency located at 1201 Lake Robbins Drive, Ste. 4020, The

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Woodlands, said the acquisition was made as part of its growth plans to expand its service offerings. Panoptic, located at 1790 Hughes Landing Blvd., Ste. 700, The Woodlands, offers a variety of coverage, including life and health, auto, travel and property insurance. TWFG offers personal and family home, auto, life and health insurance coverage in addition to property, liability, auto and workers compensation coverage for businesses. 281-367-3424. www.twfg.com

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BUSINESS INNOVATIONS

BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN, DANICA SMITHWICK AND BEN THOMPSON

Local business owners adapt to coronavirus restrictions

Project Compassion

Enfusia

following 12-18 months. Enfusia has been sending sanitizer throughout Texas and neighboring states to grocery stores to help them keep product on the shelves. Myers said her business has had to use a variety of sizes and bottles to keep up with demand.

Health locations. Businesses looking to sponsor a meal for health care workers can reach Johri by phone or text at 832-277-3577 and recommend restau- rants at the group’s Facebook page.

Legacy Barbell, a gym located in Oak Ridge North, had just expanded into a larger space and paid the rst month of rent before it was closed due to orders from the county for social distancing. Owner Henry Walker said in an eort to help his members out where needed he is oering the option to put a 30-day freeze on accounts to help with their nances. However, many members are not asking for it. To pay members back, Walker said he has been coordinating with other gym owners around the Greater Houston area to throw a celebration with T-shirts free of charge for members staying during this time. All of the participating gyms will Legacy Barbell The Woodlands-area entrepre- neur Priyanka Johri launched the nonprot Project Compassion’s “30 Days of Giving” to support health care workers and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic in April. Johri delivered food from local restaurants to medical teams during the month. “30 Days of Giving is a way to demonstrate our community’s appreciation for the nurses, doctors and other health care workers who are literally putting their lives on the line to keep us safe and healthy,” Johri said in a news release. Meals were delivered to teams at Memorial Hermann of The Wood- lands, HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest and at CHI St. Luke’s

The Woodlands-based company Enfusia has shifted its production frommaking bath bombs and handmade soaps to making hand sanitizer. Enfusia owner Debra Myers said the shift occurred in early March, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came out with a waiver that allowed businesses to begin manufacturing hand sanitizer, as it is considered an over-the-counter drug. Due to increasing demand, Myers said the company will be adding hand sanitizer to its product line once coronavirus restrictions lift, as she said she believes there will still be demand for the product for the

Project Compassion volunteers distrib- uted meals. (Courtesy Priyanka Johri)

Enfusia workers now produce hand sanitizer. (Courtesy Enfusia)

Project Compassion 832-277-3577

Enfusia 281-681-0732 www.enfusia.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ category/nonprot-organization/ project-compassion-108791577411603/

Peli Peli

have their logos on the shirts, which are being commissioned through Galveston County-based print shop Best Shirts 4U. “Each gym is also going to throw a member appreciation day where we are going to sit down and show our thanks and gratefulness,” Walker said.

In addition to partnering with Kroger, Nguyen said he and his sta have been handling deliveries and oering a special menu for takeout and curbside pickup services. Diners can order from Peli Peli at www.pelipeli.com/order.

Peli Peli—a South African restaurant with a location in The Woodlands—launched a partnership with Kroger on April 17 oering $10 to-go meals, such as coconut curry chicken, Atlantic cod trinchado and spicy peri peri chicken. Meals were available at the Kroger located at 4747 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, and the restaurant had plans to expand to other local stores, owner Thomas Nguyen said in an email. “Kroger has been wanting to work with local restaurants so that they could provide work for their employees and were looking for a local brand, such as Peli Peli. It has been a wonderful partnership so far,” he said.

Legacy Barbell plans to thank members. (Courtesy Legacy Barbell)

(Courtesy Peli Peli)

Legacy Barbell 26803 Hanna Road, Ste. 808, Oak Ridge North 281-323-4792 www.legacybarbell.com

Peli Peli 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, Ste. 304,

The Woodlands 281-257-9500 www.pelipeli.com

TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN. RELATIONSHIPS DON’T HAVE TO BE. NEW NORMAL. NEWMINDSET. SAME DEDICATION.

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

Use your camera to scan the codes to learn more.

Haley Garcia Team Leader 281.701.6174 haley@haleygarcia.com

In these uncertain times, we are here for you. Now offering virtual tours in our many Woodlands homes. Contact us to learn more.

Jacci Kilgore Team Leader 832.771.7400 jacci@jacci.com

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

Virtual and in-person DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS We’re still here for you Even during these challenging times, Houston Methodist doctor offices are open and seeing patients who need our care. Though your appointment may not look like a typical appointment, our providers may see you via video visit, telephone or in person, when needed. Rest assured, we are taking every precaution to ensure we can safely see you and meet all your health care needs.

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TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES

COMPILED BY VANESSA HOLT AND BEN THOMPSON

RECENT PROJECT

1488

GREAT OAKS DR.

1314

242

2978

HARPER'S WAY

Rayford Road was open to trac in April. BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

ALDINE WESTFIELD RD.

RICHARDS RD.

PATSY LN.

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Rayford Road widening completed under budget

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Montgomery County Precinct 3 an- nounced in April all lanes of Rayford Road between Richards Road and the Grand Parkway were open following a three-year project to widen the road. The road was widened from four to six lanes, and a six-lane bridge was built to bypass the Union Pacic Corp. railroad. The project also included building a raised median and installing 6.22 miles of new drainage infrastructure. The project was funded with 2015 Montgomery County road bond money. A total of $60 million was budgeted for the project, of which $55 million was used, according to Precinct 3 ocials. Precinct 3 received a total of $84 million in bond funds, of which more than 70% were slated for projects east of I-45, ocials said. The project started in April 2017 and was completed with two contract days remaining, ocials said. Cost: $55 million Timeline: April 2017-April 2020 Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT WDLNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

CONROE HUFSMITH RD.

ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Robinson Road improvements at I-45 Work began in April on a project to improve I-45 frontage road access at Woodlands Parkway and Robinson Road and to widen Robinson at Patsy Lane. The project extends from about 350 feet west of Patsy to 550 feet east of that intersec- tion. Construction work slated includes signalizing the Woodlands Parkway-Rob- inson overpass at I-45 and aligning lanes on the interchange between the frontage roads. The project is expected to take 12 months to complete, according to Precinct 3 ocials. In mid-April, crews were working on excavation for widening Robinson before placing the subgrade and nal pavement. Timeline: March 2020-March 2021 Cost: $2.4 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 2 FM 2978 widening The project will widen FM 2978 from two to four lanes with a center turn lane from FM 1488 to south of Dry Creek in

Timeline: spring-late 2020 Cost: $1.5 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 4 Hwy. 242 left turn lane widening TxDOT began work on a project to widen a left turn lane on Hwy. 242 from Harpers Way to Great Oaks Drive in February. The project was 9% complete in mid-April, according to TxDOT Public Information Ocer Emily Black. Timeline: March-second quarter 2020 Cost: $575,000 Funding source: federal funds 5 Hwy. 242 overpass at FM 1314 The project will construct a grade separa- tion along Hwy. 242 from west of FM 1314 to east of FM 1314. This is the rst of four projects to construct an overpass at Hwy. 242 and FM 1314. The project was 70% complete as of mid-April. Timeline: July 2018-third quarter 2020 Cost: $23.5 million Funding source: TxDOT

Phase 1 and from south of Dry Creek to Conroe-Hufsmith Road in Phase 2. The existing bridge over Spring Creek will also be widened. As of mid-April, Phase 1 was 42% complete, and Phase 2 was 69% complete, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Work on the bridge was 81% complete. Timeline: September 2018-second quar- ter 2021 (Phase 1), January 2018-third quarter 2020 (Phase 2), October 2018-third quarter 2020 (bridge) Cost: $21.3 million (Phase 1), $12.9 million (Phase 2), $7.6 million (bridge) Funding sources: TxDOT, federal funds 3 Lake Woodlands Drive widening Montgomery County Precinct 3 is widen- ing a 0.17-mile section of Lake Wood- lands Drive from west of Six Pines Drive to the western side of I-45. The project includes adding a third westbound lane between I-45 and Pinecroft Drive and making the inside lane a left turn lane. The project will be funded through the 2015 Montgomery County road bond. As of mid-April, road crews were excavating a new inside westbound lane near The Woodlands Mall entrance west of I-45.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Developments underway in south Montgomery County

BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN

ANDREW CHRISTMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

ANDREW CHRISTMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

ANDY’S CLEANERS Work is proceeding on a building for Andy’s Cleaners, a dry cleaning, laundry and alteration service company. Owner Paul Zeck said the project on Robinson Road is anticipated to open later this summer, and the 5,000-square-foot building will feature equipment and dedicated sta. The building is being designed and

WHISKEY CAKE Construction is continuing on Oak Ridge North’s location of a Whiskey Cake restaurant. The building, located o of I-45 North, is anticipating a late summer opening. Construction began on the location last year after the previous building was torn down and the expansion was approved by the city. Timeline: completion in summer 2020 Size: 20,552 square feet

THEMILL Work continues on the 200-unit apartment complex The Mill, located in Grogan’s Mill. According to Kim Nettles, an associate with the developer Allen Harrison Co., the building is anticipated to open for all residents this summer, and it has begun preleasing to tenants. Timeline: opening June 2020 Size: 218,000 square feet

built by Huco Services of Conroe. Timeline: opening summer 2020 Size: 1.4 acres

ROBINSON RD.

O N R D .

SAWDUST RD.

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G R

L A K E R O B B I N S

WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS WHEN CAN WE UNBUCKLE THE SEATBELTS?

THE LAST 4-5 MONTHS WERE FULL OF TURMOIL IN FINANCIAL MARKETS. IS THIS UNUSUAL COMPARED TO OTHER MARKETS L&W HAS OBSERVED OVER 49 YEARS? In our 49-year history, we’ve seen a lot of markets that created financial uncertainty, which makes planning difficult. The “flavor” of each dish offered up by a market is always distinct, but the basic ingredients are the same. The key to a successful outcome in personal financial health is not unlike following a healthy diet – get sound ongoing advice from someone who has your best interest at heart. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “…YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART”? Linscomb & Williams has a long-tenured executive client who was recently and unexpectedly forced to retire early from the hospitality industry. We explained it this way: Ask someone, “What should I eat?” and you likely won’t get the same recommendation from your neighborhood butcher as from a Registered Dietician. Your butcher might recommend the pork spareribs that just arrived, knowing you’ll find that recommendation appealing. The dietician, on the other hand, insists on a balanced program that will achieve your ultimate

health goal, though it includes items you might not like. WHERE’S THE CONNECTION TO FINANCIAL ADVICE DURING MARKET TURMOIL? Much of what passes for financial “advice” today is equivalent to the butcher selling you the pork spareribs. The pork spareribs are what he has on hand to sell; he thinks they will work OK for you and that you’ll be happy. He’s not that concerned whether it is the best option for your long-term health. The majority of financial advisors today still operate outside a pure fiduciary standard, and are under no legal obligation to put your best interest above their own. PRESUMABLY, L&W FOLLOWS A DIFFERENT APPROACH? At Linscomb & Williams, we are like that Registered Dietician. Following the fiduciary standard, we are obligated to put your interest ahead of our own. This is always important, but most especially, in times of market turmoil -- times when it makes sense to get a second opinion from an experienced firm with no products to sell. We have an experienced team to deliver that second opinion right here, right now. Call Grant Williams at 281.841.0707.

J. Harold Williams, Chairman & CEO, discusses the Fiduciary Standard and placing the client’s best interest first with the L&W Woodlands team. (Left to right: J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP ® ; Paul Vitale (retired); Lauren Rich, CFP ® ; Larry Napier, CPA; B. Craig Ivy, AIF ® )

1925 Hughes Landing Blvd., Ste. 200 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.841.0707 www.linscomb-williams.com Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Southern Charm Meets Urban Excitement

NEW SECTION NOW OPEN, PRICED FROM THE MID 200’S

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1488

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242

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Zoned to CISD The Woodlands High School

Call Johnny Cochran or Kimbra Gaby to make your appointment today at 281-681-0400

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2111 COACH ST. TD Cox Custom Homebuilder

2119 COACH ST. Tommy Bailey Custom Homes

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2115 COACH ST. Partners In Building

Karen Gaines Office: 713-452-1366 Cell: 702-338-7171 Email: Karen.Gaines@PartnersInBuilding.com

WELCOME NEW PROSPER BUILDER PARTNERS IN BUILDING

S t i l l w a t e r T X . c o m

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

PUBLIC SAFETY Domestic violence calls

Advocates against domestic violence in Harris and Montgomery counties said domestic crisis calls have increased since social distancing measures were implemented in mid-March. SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER CALLS FOR HELP

climb amid coronavirus pandemic

HARRIS COUNTY

increase in the number of domestic violence cases reported by county district attorney’s oce from March 2019 to March 2020 35% MONTGOMERY COUNTY

JANUARY 2020 1,449 Number of calls related to domestic violence

1,300

FEBRUARY 2020 MARCH 2020

1,558

Since social distancing orders due to the coronavirus took eect in mid-March, ocials in Harris and Montgomery counties said the combination of encouraged isola- tion, coronavirus-related nancial stressors and limited shelter space as a result of social distancing has created an ideal environment for escalated domestic violence. “All of those things create a petri dish for domestic violence,” said Mai- sha Colter, the CEO of Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, a Houston-based organization that provides free legal representation and counseling for survivors of domestic abuse. “We’ve actually seen an uptick in calls for service related to victim programs ... specically around the time when the stay-at-home orders started to come down.” The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Oce reported a 35% increase in domestic violence cases in March compared to March 2019, according to a news release from the DA’s oce. Meanwhile, the Mont- gomery County Women’s Center saw a 34% increase in the number of hotline calls in that same time: 4,009 in March 2019 compared to about 5,388 in March 2020. “Stay-at-home measures may help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but home may not be the safest place,” said Chau Nguyen, Houston Area Women’s Center chief public strat- egies ocer. “Calls to the hotlines have spiked up to 40% on some days, averaging about 60-80 domestic violence-related calls a day.” According to the Harris County Sheri’s Oce, while calls related to domestic violence saw an overall 10.28% decrease between the months of January and February, that number shot back up in March, growing 19.84% from February with 1,558 domestic violence-related calls. “Our call volume has seen a BY EVA VIGH AND HANNAH ZEDAKER

Help is available for abuse victims. RESOURCES FORVICTIMS

800-799-7233 www.thehotline.org National Domestic Violence Hotline 866-331-9474 National Dating Violence Hotline

Montgomery CountyWomen’s Center 24-hour hotline www.tcfv.org/survivor-resources Texas Council on Family Violence

936-441-7273 www.mcwctx.org

Northwest Assistance Ministries 24-hour hotline

713-528-2121 Houston AreaWomen’s Center 24-hour hotline

281-885-4673

gradual increase since the end of February in all categories of family violence,” HCSO Director of Public Aairs Jason Spencer said. “People are conned from their homes, [and] many people are not working or working from home. Those that are not working have no income so their stress is up, which can cause them to lash out much more quickly. For the batterer, they are home more, which gives them more access to the victim.” ‘The perfect storm’ With social distancing measures, victims now have limited resources and safe places to turn to, which makes leaving an abuser even more risky, said Sarah Raleigh, CEO and president of the Montgomery County Women’s Center. Debi Edge, the chief program ocer for the Montgomery County Women’s Center, described it as “the perfect storm” for domestic violence. “Any time you nd additional stress in the home, typically domestic violence escalates, and this is certainly a stressful time,” Raleigh said. She said the last time she recalls seeing such a noticeable uptick in calls was during the economic down- turn of 2007 and 2008. In that time,

the shelter’s call volume rose from 1,500 per month to 3,000 per month. Ocials added they suspect actual incidences of domestic violence are much higher as more cases are going unreported as connections to the outside world are more limited. “A lot of times in a domestic violence situation it is actually a friend, coworker or teacher who is actually reporting the violence,” said Echo Hutson, the domestic violence chief for the Montgomery County DA’s oce. “Right now, when you have that isolated situation, we don’t know how many are [in danger].” The same can be said for incidences of child abuse, said Sarah Hernandez, the communications and outreach coordinator for The Children’s Assess- ment Center—a Harris County-based organization—as many children are now separated from adults they trust such as teachers. Sheryl Johnson, the director of Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Family Violence Center, said she anticipates domestic violence calls will continue to climb even after the stay-at-home orders are lifted. “Quite frankly, the longer we’re in this scenario and the longer [the vic- tim] is isolated, the more entrenched some of those behaviors are going to become once we go back to ‘normal life,’” she said.

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

“Breast cancer, I beat you onmy terms” Rashe Bowie | Cancer Survivor When Rashe was diagnosed with breast cancer, she chose the nation’s leader in cancer care first. At MD Anderson Cancer Center, her subspecialized team of experts created a comprehensive treatment plan and gave her the support she needed to beat cancer on her own terms. Choose MD Anderson first. Call 1-844-870-9032 or visit MDAndersonBreastCare.com.

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LEAGUE CITY | SUGAR LAND | TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER | THE WOODLANDS | WEST HOUSTON

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMMUNITY

T H E S H O W M U S T G O O N

As township eyes reopening, arts groups oer online alternatives

Amid closures that aected both public and private entities, the nonprot Glade Cultural Center continued oering live performances in March and April for online viewers before beginning a limited reopening in early May.

LIVESTREAMS

BY BEN THOMPSON

To view new concert livestreams and previous recordings, visit the Glade Arts Foundation’s Facebook page at:

in-person programming with the opening of its gallery space and two nights of dinners and concerts May 1-2. Tapu said the events marked the return of Glade’s live concerts, to be held at the center Wednesday to Saturday nights. Township-sponsored events The Woodlands Township board of directors re-evaluated restrictions in public spaces at its April 30 meeting and said it will resume opening township facilities through several phases this year. The phases began May 1 with the limited reopening of several parks and amenities such as tennis courts. Ocials said the progression to the second phase will be contingent on recording a two-week downturn in conrmed coronavirus cases in the area as well as on reopening guidance from Harris and Montgomery counties, and state and federal governments. In the rst week of May, Lake Woodlands and Lake Paloma, pathways and trails were opened. Riva Row Boat House was expected to open in early May for boat rentals, according to a township news release. “We’re really trying to manage the numbers [and] manage social distancing to the best of our ability, but it takes both sta managing the social distancing but also residents taking it upon themselves to [socially] distance themselves in the parks,” township Parks and Recreation Director Chris Nunes said.

As businesses were forced to cease regular operations in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, arts venues in The Woodlands were also faced with the challenge of oering events and live music at a time when public gatherings were prohibited. Gov. Greg Abbott rst issued an order March 19 to avoid gatherings of 10 or more individuals, meaning venues in The Woodlands such as the nonprot Glade Cultural Center and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion were closed alongside township clo- sures of parks and recreation facilities. Dragos Tapu, the Glade Cultural Center’s founder and vice president of art programs with the Glade Arts Foundation, which runs the center, said a plan to continue some programming was quickly developed following the center’s closure. Tapu said the foundation’s connections to the Greater Houston musical community allowed his team to pivot to a new online approach. “We decided that instead of just not doing anything, we could livestream concerts,” Tapu said. Beginning March 21, artists and musical groups gathered at the center several times each week to share a variety of music with viewers from around the world. Glade’s transition to online-focused programming this spring also included a video gallery walk-through of artist Veronica Ibargüengoitia’s “Iterations” installation hosted by curator Joseph Staley. The center began holding

www.facebook.com/ gladeartsfoundation

Jazz guitarist Greg Petito, bassist Corey Dozier and drummer Richard Cholakian participate in an April livestream concert at the Glade Cultural Center.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT:

www.gladeartsfoundation.salsalabs.org/ supportingourlocalmusicians/index.html

SOURCE: GLADE ARTS FOUNDATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

A G R A D U A L R E T U R N

The Woodlands Township public recreation and event openings are contingent on recording a two-week downturn in conrmed coronavirus cases in the area as well as guidance from Harris and Montgomery counties, and state and federal governments.

PHASE I

PHASE II

PHASE III

This phase involves returning to unrestricted community programs and facilities after the rst two phases are completed successfully. A timeline has not been established for complete reopening.

After May 18, openings may expand to athletic courts, aquatics programs, playgrounds and larger parks. Locations that could open include: • Texas TreeVentures • dog parks • recreation centers

Beginning May 1, certain township parks were open as well as tennis courts, park restrooms and some amenities such as kayak launches and barbecue pits. Locations expected to be open for limited uses include: • Riva Row boat house • Lake Woodlands • Lake Paloma

SOURCE: THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIPCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

EARN UP TO 1,000 FCCU REWARDS POINTS 1 WITH AN FCCU REWARDS CREDIT CARD 2 Open your FCCU Rewards Credit Card, register your card in our FCCU Card Manager app for added protection and earn rewards points 1 ! Redeem points for cash back, gift cards and more! Enjoy these features of an FCCU Rewards Credit Card : Earn Rewards Points, No Annual Fee, No Over the Limit Fee FCCU.ORG/1000

1 New credit cardholders and existing credit cardholders that do not have the FCCU Card Manager app or existing credit cardholders that have the app but have not registered their FCCU credit card are eligible for the bonus rewards offer. Bonus Rewards offer up to a max of 1,000 bonus points. Points are awarded in the following manner: receive 500 bonus rewards points when cardholder downloads the FCCU Card Manager app and registers their credit card in the app; receive an additional 500 bonus rewards points when member registers their FCCU debit card in the app. Bonus points will be credited within 30-45 days after card(s) have been added to the FCCU Card Manager app. Offer valid April 15, 2020 – July 15, 2020 only. Existing members with the app, and their credit card was registered before the beginning of the promotion will not receive bonus points unless another FCCU card is registered in the app. 2 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Certain credit criteria apply. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. New Credit cardholders will receive an intro rate of 0% APR for twelve months on purchases and balance transfers. After the intro rate expires, the standard rate will be between 9.99%and 17.99% APR based on creditworthiness. Minimum payment of $18 or 3%, whichever is greater, required monthly. 3 Rewards points have no cash value. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more offered through the FCCU Rewards website. Points are non-transferrable to others. Cash back statement credit reward(s) will appear as a credit, in the form of a payment, on cardholder’s rewards card. The cardholder is responsible for any outstanding balance owed on the account after the credit is applied. If there is a zero balance owed on the card, the statement credit will post to the cardholders savings account when received. First Community Credit Union invites anyone that lives or works in Harris, Ft. Bend or Montgomery County to experience the FCCU difference!

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2020

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