Katy Sip N Stroll benefiting The Ballard House

A Popular Fundraising Signature Event returns in person to Katy Saturday, November 7, 2020 with safety measures in place and a broad selection of wines at a new venue.

 

HOUSTON (October 6, 2020) – Good news for serious wine lovers. Katy Sip & Stroll, the bi-annual and beloved signature event benefiting The Ballard House, is launching the fall event with enhanced and rigorous safety protocols in place.   The Ballard House depends on the funding raised at this popular community event. Fall 2020 marks the 20th edition of Sip N Stroll – a milestone marker. Due to COVID-19, attendance is capped at 35% so tickets are expected to go quickly and are on sale at www.sipandstroll.com.

After successfully producing events in a reservation-based, rotation system event with capped attendance, Food & Vine Time Productions is confident in providing a safe, clean environment for attendees, exhibitors and volunteers.  For more information about safety protocols, view video at this link https://www.sipandstroll.com/

 

For those who are dining out in area restaurants at distanced tables table with servers wearing face coverings and gloves and surroundings sanitized constantly, then they will feel right at home in the new format of Katy Sip N Stroll.

Here’s why they'll feel comfortable…Sip N Stroll has been modified to have people go through the entire experience in their own reservation group – distanced from others they don’t know. It’s the same as eating out at a restaurant. And it’s with the people you choose to surround yourself with in your own group.

Other modifications include:

·         Touch-free, drive through check-in

·         40 experience stations widely spaced with exhibitors wearing face coverings and distanced

·         Rotation system in reserved groups going through the experience stations so each guest will get to experience all the offerings in their safe group

·         Event Monitors to make sure everyone is following safety protocols – and are having fun!

·         Great food offered in single-serve portions

·         Over 100 wine and craft beer offerings

·         Live Music

 

Constance McDerby, Founder & Co-Producer states “Sip N Stroll was created to raise funds for The Ballard House and funding is needed especially now.  We had to find a safe way to move forward to help generate the funding they depend on from Sip N Stroll.” McDerby went on to explain that she and co-founder hubby, Clifton have worked long and hard to keep the 20-event tradition of wine appreciation and celebration through Sip N Stroll.  “We take safety very seriously as evidenced by our 15-page safety protocol manual implemented at all events. Like dining at a restaurant, we know that social distancing and socializing can safely occupy the same space and that attendees will continue to have new wine and culinary discoveries and experiences,” added McDerby.  

The world may look a little different right now, but one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to ending Alzheimer’s. This year, Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is everywhere — on every sidewalk, track and trail.

Your health and safety are top priorities. This year’s event won’t be a large in-person gathering — instead, we invite you to walk in small teams of friends and family while others in your community do the same. Because we are all still walking and fundraising for the same thing: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

 

For more details on how you can participate virtually click here.

 

Thankfully the Houston area was spared the impact from Hurricane Laura. Our neighbors along the Texas Louisiana border were not so lucky. If you are looking to assist with recovery efforts in those areas, either with volunteering or donating to a variety of organizations, please consider some of these organizations:
The Houston Food Bank is organizing volunteers as well as food and supply drives for those affected by Hurricane Laura. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, the food bank is encouraging those interested in helping to make financial donations or host virtual fundraisers.

713-223-3700

www.houstonfoodbank.org/laura
 

The next North Fort Bend Water Authority (“NFBWA”) regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting is available on the NFBWA’s website: nfbwa.com. Additionally, the NFBWA’s website will contain an electronic copy of the agenda packet which includes regular reports presented to the Board by its consultants.

 

Based on guidance provided by the Governor of the State of Texas, the NFBWA has decided to utilize a provision of the Texas Open Meetings Act that allows the Board of Directors (the “Board”) to hold a meeting via tele-conference and video-conference in the event of an emergency. The NFBWA’s Board remains committed to encouraging public attendance at its meetings. In order to facilitate public participation, the agenda includes a registration link.

 

For security measures due to “Zoom Bombing,” REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to participate in the meeting and can be done at this link. A link is also included on the agenda.

 

Please register at least one hour prior to the meeting.

 

This meeting will be held solely via tele-conference and video-conference. There will not be a physical meeting location, so please utilize the link provided on the agenda to register for the meeting. 

Golf Carts

 

It is not uncommon to see someone in a golf cart going from place to place.  Did you know that there are certain sections of the Texas Transportation Code which regulate the operation of golf carts?  The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has provided a nice summary of the dos and don’ts for golf carts.  Violation of the relevant sections of the Code is a Class C misdemeanor and the Sheriff’s Office will respond to complaints of illegal operation and take enforcement action when appropriate.  Below is a summary of the rules related to the operation of golf carts and the related section.

 

·         A valid Driver’s License is required to operate a golf cart on a public roadway. (521.021)

·         You cannot authorize your child to operate the golf cart on the roadway unless he has a Learner’s Permit and you are with him or he has a valid Driver’s License. (521.021)

·         You may drive the golf cart on the roadway but only during the daylight hours and not more than two miles from where the golf cart is usually kept. (551.043)

·         Insurance is not required, but an operator would still be liable for damages. (601.052)

                       

Additional points

·         Lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc. are not required; however, do make for a safer driving experience.

·         A golf cart should only carry the number of passengers for which it was designed.

·         Under no circumstances may any unauthorized golf carts or utility vehicles be operated on sidewalks.

·         Golf carts may not be operated on trails or water retention areas owned by the Municipal Utility District.  Operation of any motorized vehicle on these areas is a violation of the Texas Water Code. (Class C Misdemeanor)

·         Operation of any unauthorized motorized vehicle is not permitted on any Association property.

 

Please be courteous to your neighbors on the road and always keep safety in mind when driving. 

 

Here are six new businesses that opened in the Katy area in May, June and July.

Apara Autism Center opened at 2051 Greenhouse Road, Ste. 160, Houston, on May 18. The health care business has a location in Sugar Land and provides applied behavior analysis through one-on-one therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the clinic is offering telehealth services, in-home services and part-time sessions for patients. 844-272-7223. www.aparaautism.com

Houston Axe Throwing held grand opening activities for its newest location at 1718 Fry Road, Ste. 110, Houston, in mid-June, owner Sarah Sed said. However, the location temporarily closed in July due to slow business with plans to reopen in August. At Houston Axe Throwing, guests throw axes that weigh about 1.5 pounds at a 12-foot distance. Trainers also provide safety tips and instructions on how to throw. The first location is in Bellaire at 6734 Lakewood Drive, Ste. B, Houston. Houston Axe Throwing also hosts an Axe Throwing League. 832-930-2937. www.houstonaxe.com

Newton Nurseries is now open at 322 Buc-ee’s Blvd., Katy, according to a June 9 press release. The 153,000-square-foot, wholesale nursery offers trees, shrubs, flowers, bedding plants and other landscaping items. The gated location also includes a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse and 20,000-square-foot shade area. 832-772-5212. www.newtonnurseries.com.

 

Pablo’s Restaurant and Club opened May 1 at 25757 Westheimer Parkway, Ste. 130, Katy. The menu includes international dishes, such as Korean fried beef, ceviche, burgers, tacos, flatbread pizza, lamb kebab, salmon and curry. It also offers a drink menu of wine, beer and mixed drinks. 281-215-3400. www.clubpablo.com

A new location of Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy opened in early July at 23116 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. The health care business offers cryotherapy, IV drip and other therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and compression therapy. Two other locations of Restore are within the Greater Houston area: one in Sugar Land and one in the River Oaks area. 832-390-0755. www.restore.com

Rapid Express Car Wash-Fulshear opened in late May at 5746 FM 1463, Katy. The business provides car washes as well as free vacuums to customers. There is one other location of Rapid Express in the Greater Houston area at 10470 Huffmeister Road, Houston. 346-707-8296. www.rapidexpresscarwash.com

Clothing, footwear, school supplies and other items will be sold sales tax-free during the three-day holiday, as outlined by Texas state law, according to a July 23 news release. The Texas Legislature is responsible for setting the date of the annual holiday as well as denoting which items will receive sales tax exemptions. This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.

 

Given the current pandemic, the Texas comptroller of public accounts has outlined measures shoppers can take while adhering to social distancing. Sales tax-exempt purchases can be made online, over the phone, by mail or via custom order during the following circumstances:

• If a sidewalk is say 10 feet wide or wider, then chances are there may be room for two people side-by-side to walk and allow someone to maintain six feet of distance while passing. But if the sidewalk is narrow or if the sidewalk is busy at all, people need to walk single file.

• Since here in the United States we drive on the right side, walking on the right side feels natural. If everyone can agree to walk on the right side, we can avoid the bob-and-weave dance of sidewalk navigation, and avoid bumping into each other.

• Unless you are walking on a super wide sidewalk, stay near the edge to ensure that there can be a six-foot space between yourself and a passer.

• If you are using a scooter, hoverboard, skateboard, or bike, stay in the bike lane or street. Sidewalks can't afford the chaos right now.

• Think of the sidewalk as a two-lane, two-way road. Don't pass someone in front of you if there is someone approaching from the opposite direction – wait for them to pass before you get in their lane.

• Many a city citizen can eat lunch while taking a phone call while out on their daily run. But while everyone is trying to keep six feet of distance in order, it's helpful to be focused on the sidewalk, not one's phone or other distractions.

• If you need to stop walking and attend to something, step out of the way of traffic, much like you would were you in a car.

• If you are on the same path with an elderly person or someone who is less agile than you are, be the person who moves out of the way so that they can maintain their stride.

• Coronavirus or not, people need to walk their dogs. But when doing so, be mindful of the leash; if the leash is stretched across the sidewalk, it can make passing hard and may be a potential tripping hazard.

• We are all about free-range parenting here on TreeHugger ... but on the sidewalk in the midst of physical distancing during a pandemic is not the time to let them run free. Keep the kids close, especially on narrow sidewalks shared with other other pedestrians.

The Little Teahouse opened in early June at 4031 FM 1463, Ste. 60, Katy, owner Jailene Salgado said. Its menu includes a variety of cream, fruit, classic and yogurt tea flavors, such as green, passion fruit, honeydew, rose, lychee, black and matcha. Coffee and smoothies are also offered, and The Little Teahouse has a food menu with grilled dumplings, crab puffs, spring rolls and chicken dishes. 832-437-9958.www.littleteahousekaty.com

 

Taste Buds Cereal Bar, located at 1801 N. Mason Road, Katy, held a soft opening June 19. Guests can order cereal bowls with milk topped with snacks, such as bananas, marshmallows or chocolate. Nondairy milk is also available. Additionally, the cereal bar offers cereal-infused ice cream shakes such as Fruity Frenzy and Cinnamon Craze. 346-387-6235. www.tastebudscerealbar.com

 

Thaicoon Restaurant & Pub began soft opening activities July 11 at 1223 Grand West Blvd., Ste. B101, Katy. The new restaurant has dishes such as pad thai, steamed mussels and tom yum shrimp as well as curry. It also has crafted dessert and cocktail menus. 281-206-7680. www.facebook.com/thaicoon-restaurant-pub-101993281382438

 

Houston Restaurant Weeks returns with new takeout, delivery options in 2020
Hundreds of Greater Houston-area restaurants are preparing for the return of Houston Restaurant Weeks, kicking off Aug. 1 and running through Labor Day on Sept. 7.

Launched in 2003, the annual food event allows Greater Houston-area residents to support the Houston Food Bank by dining from special multicourse prix-fixe menus at local eateries. A list of participating restaurants will be posted on the event's website July 17 and be updated with new additions through Aug. 1.

This year, $1 per meal purchased will be donated to the Houston Food Bank, which generates three meals for individuals and families in need. Dinner menus at participating restaurants offer $35-$45 options, and brunch and lunch are available for $20.

Patrons in the past have been encouraged to visit local restaurants in person, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants can now offer takeout and delivery options in addition to dine-in.

Grass Treatment

 

Late in the month of June and early July the Association has contracted with the landscaping company to do a special treatment on the grass in Cinco Ranch II areas. What you can expect to occur during this treatment is a broadcast of herbicide in the turf in order to eradicate grassy weeds.  The grassy weeds effected will turn brown over the course of a few weeks as they are treated.   The turf will green back up in these areas following the grassy weed die off.  Since this is Summer, this process can take a little bit of time depending on weather conditions such as additional rain or excessive heat (which could speed up or slow down the regrowth process).  The end result should be a greatly reduced grassy weed presence in the overall turf of the community.