“Hurricane Sandy caused more than $71 billion in damages and impacted millions of people last October,” says Jill Hasling, president and meteorologist with the Weather Research Center in Houston. “This deadly storm was so powerful that its name was retired and the level of awareness of homeowners throughout the country to potential storm damage has been elevated dramatically.”

2013 Hurricane Predictions

Hasling, who forecasts a 90 percent chance that a Category 3 or stronger hurricane will form in the Atlantic Ocean during the 2013 Hurricane Season, believes that the coastal areas from Louisiana to Alabama and the western coast of Florida have a 70 percent chance of experiencing landfall of a tropical storm or hurricane this year. She predicts that the second highest risk is the coast from Georgia to North Carolina with a 60 percent chance, and that at least nine to 12 named storms will form in the Atlantic with six of them intensifying into hurricanes.

“Our advice is that homeowners take the time during National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 26 – June 1, 2013) to create family emergency plans and evaluate their home exteriors to make sure they’re ready for this potentially deadly hurricane season,” says Hasling.

“Top Down” Home Evaluations

As Hurricane Sandy proved, you don’t have to live directly on the coast to be impacted by hurricane conditions. Twenty-four states were affected by Hurricane Sandy, with home damage resulting from strong winds, flying debris and massive flooding.

“Now is the time to carefully evaluate your home’s exterior,” says Mark Clement, co-host of MyFixitUpLife home improvement radio show and a professional contractor. “Never assume that the roof, windows, doors or garage doors that held up well during previous storms will again be able to handle severe weather conditions.

“Repeated exposure to strong weather can take a toll on the home. Always review and evaluate the effectiveness of the entire home ‘envelope’ each year at the beginning of the hurricane season.

“Start at the top of your home and evaluate the condition of your roof, then work down to your windows, entry doors and garage doors. These are the four most critical areas of the home during hurricane season because if any one of these areas is compromised, then wind and pressure can enter the home with devastating results.”

Impact-Resistant Roofs

A home’s roof should be examined yearly to determine if there are missing shingles, curling or splitting shingles, lifting shingles or loss of granules. Both straight line winds and pressurized winds can cause different damage — from uplifting the shingles off the roof to pushing intense wind-driven rain and flying debris onto the roof.

“Weather conditions have changed so much in recent years,” says Clement. “My recommendation is to always select an impact-resistant roof for the home. Even though we live inland in Pennsylvania, we put a DaVinci Roofscapes® polymer slate roof on our home.

“This roof has achieved Class 4 ratings for impact resistance along with the Miami Dade County Acceptance (High Velocity Hurricane Winds) and the Texas Department of Insurance, showing that the roofing tiles can withstand hurricane-force winds. In addition, DaVinci slate and shake roofing tiles are rated Class A for fire retardance and have achieved the highest rating for straight line wind testing at 110 mph. The roof also has a limited 50-year warranty for added peace-of-mind.”

Impact-Resistant Glass in Windows

Working his way down the house exterior, Clement suggests impact-resistant glass packages in windows of homes both in direct coastal locations and further inland.

“Impact-resistant glass packages do so much more than protect a home from severe weather,” says Clement. “Impact-resistant glass — like that found in Simonton StormBreaker Plus® windows and in the Simonton ProFinish® Brickmould 600 SafePoint™ glass package — helps reduce outside noise from entering the home, are extremely energy efficient and also help prevent intruders from breaking the glass and entering the home.”*

Constructed of remarkably sturdy reinforced vinyl profiles, Simonton products with impact-resistant glass help withstand high winds and flying debris without the need for plywood or shutters. Approved to the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) certification standards through the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Florida Building Commission (FBC) StormBreaker Plus windows and doors are tested in compliance with the windborne debris standards adopted in the International Residential Building Code, and the Florida Building code. This ensures that they can be used in all regions of the country that have building code requirements for impact-resistant products. This includes the Florida coast, the Gulf of Mexico coast and the east coast, and is recognized by the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm inspection program. Products with SafePoint glass have passed ASTM E1886-05/1996-09 at the Missile “C” level and can withstand repeated blows by a heavy object.

“If you’ve been through severe weather in the last 12 months, make sure to check the seals on your windows and doors along with the frames,” says Clement. “While these products may have held up well previously, you want to make certain that frames are not cracked or the units are not compromised in any way before we launch into the 2013 Hurricane Season.”

Reliable Exterior Doors

Two other vulnerable areas of the home — garage doors and entry doors — are also critical product selections for homeowners.

At Therma-Tru, the nation’s leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of entry doors, fiberglass entry and patio doors can be made with components designed to work together to create the Tru-Defense® system. This system helps maximize the seal between the door and the frame for better resistance against the damaging effects of air and moisture infiltration. Specific components of the system are engineered and tested to deliver outstanding protection in all kinds of weather.
Therma-Tru also offers 13 triple-paned impact-resistant decorative glass options for its entry doors, plus a line of Opaque Impact Rated Doors that are recommended for areas with the most potential to experience severe weather conditions. The decorative glass options for doorlites and sidelites meet code requirements and the harsh demands of extreme weather in coastal areas.**

“Homeowners should always take the time to explore the local building codes for their specific location,” says Clement. “Doors are a great example — some areas do not require an impact-rated door, just impact-rated glass in the door. It can get confusing for anyone, so it’s best to do research before making a purchase decision.”

Clement stresses that homeowners should always follow direction of local authorities regarding evacuations and emergency procedures during severe weather. “During most severe weather situations you’ll have to evacuate,” says Clement. “But when you invest in impact-resistant building products that are always ‘on guard’ you can leave knowing that you’ve taken the best steps possible to add exterior products that will help protect your home. That can bring incredible peace-of-mind during a highly stressful time.”

Web Site Resources:

• www.davinciroofscapes.com
• www.simonton.com
• www.thermatru.com
• www.wxresearch.com
• www.myfixituplife.com

*SafePoint laminated glass has an impact-resistant interlayer that can withstand repeated blows by a heavy object. SafePoint glass complements alarm systems and deadbolts for even greater security. With a Sound Transmission Rating (STC) of 32 – 36, SafePoint glass dramatically reduces unwanted noise infiltration.
 
**Must be installed as part of a Therma-Tru door system in compliance with a Therma-Tru impact-rated product approval. Visit www.thermatru.com for product approvals. Follow weather and news reports in order to assess severe weather situations and obey local authorities’ shelter and evacuation orders. No product guarantees safety for persons or property, nor makes any premises hurricane- or impact-proof.
 
Simonton Windows, DaVinci Roofscapes and Therma-Tru are sponsors of the MyFixitUpLife radio show.

You will need:

• Rolls of Life Savers
• Patriotic-themed paper
• Ribbon in patriotic colors
• Tape

Instructions:

• Remove existing covers from around the Life Savers rolls.

• Use covers as a template to cut patriotic-themed paper to the same size.

• Wrap each roll end-to-end with ribbon, and tie off at the top.

• Re-wrap rolls with pieces of patriotic-themed paper. Tape together.

Credit: Analteredstate.blogspot.com

Fifty million Americans struggle with arthritis every day, including more than 300,000 children. In Houston, nearly one million people suffer with the painful disease, including 5,000 children. The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. It is the only private non-profit organization dedicated to the support of the more than 100 types of arthritis.

Why is arthritis a serious public health for our community?

• It affects one in five adults or about 970,000 Houstonians.
• It is the most common cause of disability, limiting the activities of 42% of the Houstonians affected, or 407,000 people.
• It is a highly misunderstood disease and the biggest misnomer is that it is an old person’s disease, an inevitable part of aging.
• It is highly prevalent and on the rise—by 2030, an estimated 67 million people in the U.S. are projected to have arthritis including 1.3 million Houstonians.
• Arthritis plays a pivotal role with other major diseases like diabetes and heart disease, complicating their treatment.
• Arthritis carries a staggering price tag of at least $128 billion annually in medical expenses, lost earnings and reduced productivity. In Houston, we estimate the cost to be at least $2.5 billion.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends just 30 minutes of walking a day. Physical activity, including stretching and strengthening, is crucial to improving joint pain and mobility and reducing the fatigue often associated with the disability

Dr. Melvyn Harrington, Orthopedic Surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine states, “Arthritis is common, costly and painful, and people think that there is nothing you can do about it.” Early detection can help with treatment and help keep arthritis at bay.

Houston Area Arthritis Walk Raising Funds for the Arthritis Foundation

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, Quillian Center; 10570 Westpark Drive
Registration begins at 7 a.m. Walk begins at 8 a.m.

: For information. www.houstonarthritiswalk.org
Team registration: sstricker@arthritis.org. Call 713-942-9063

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney, Houston 77010

Visit www.yahouston.org for more information.

ARTSPLORATION, an arts in education event spotlighting more than thirty artists and ensembles from around Houston takes place on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Discovery Green from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Artsploration is recommended for all ages, is free and open to the public.

Artists will offer a vast array of visual arts workshops and unique presentations in the performing and cultural arts. Children can participate in workshop activities such as silkscreen printing, dot painting, as well as interactive live performances.

Location

Discovery Green is located at 1500 McKinney in downtown Houston, in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas. The park is just blocks away from Main Street, Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center.

A private screening of Crescendo, a short film that recounts the struggles of Maria Magdalena Beethoven, the mother of 19^th century composer Ludwig van Beethoven, will be held May 22 at River Oaks Theater. Jason Jones, producer of the film, will host an informal discussion and field questions from the audience.

Crescendo debuted worldwide February 28 receiving over 11 international film festival honors, and comes to Houston to continue the Movie to Movement mission by supporting LifeHouse of Houston, the only maternity home licensed by the State of Texas to house girls’ as young as twelve years old who have not yet committed to placing their babies for adoption. All proceeds from the private screening event will benefit LifeHouse.

LifeHouse has previously welcomed Crescendo’s executive producer, Pattie Mallette (Justin Beiber’s mother), who visited with the residents prior to her son’s concert in November.

“We’re honored to continue our relationship with Pattie by bringing Crescendo to Houston,” said Courtney Abernethy, Director of Advancement. “Sharing the film with the Houston community will elevate the awareness of LifeHouse and the services it is providing to young women in need.”

Sponsorships start at $100 and tickets cost $25.They may be purchased by going to www.LifeHouseHouston.org/crescendo. Proceeds from the event will be used to support LifeLine, LifeHouse’s new outreach center located in Central Houston with the mission of continuing to serve hundreds of young pregnant and parenting women in crisis who are not in need of housing but in need of community, support, services and unconditional love. LifeLine costs $5,000 to operate each month. A month of Life Skills and Program costs are $500 and counseling cost $2,500 a month. All of the services are, as always, free of charge to clients.

LifeHouse is a Christian ministry providing opportunities for housing, healing and hope for young women during their pregnancy and beyond. LifeHouse is a not-for-profit charitable IRS 501(c)(3) status www.LifeHouseHouston.org.

The quick facts:

Who: LifeHouse and special conversation with Crescendo producer and human rights activist Jason Jones. Jason Jones is a film producer and the founder and president of Movie to Movement and HERO [Human-Rights Education and Relief Organization] a non-profit that promotes human dignity regardless of ability, age, status, race, or geography.  He spearheaded a recent HERO initiative to bring clean water to suffering refugees in South Sudan. In 2009, despite the government’s warning of unsafe travel, Jason visited Darfur and inspected 26 new water wells and distributed $2 million in food, medicine, and other aid.

What: Crescendo, Houston Premier featuring producer Jason Jones

When: Wednesday, May 22, 8:00 pm

Where: River Oaks Theater, 2009 W. Gray, Houston 77019

Why: This private screening of Crescendo will benefit LifeHouse of Houston.

Movie to Movement™ produces and promote films that make a difference – films which promote a culture of life, love and beauty.

How: Sponsorships that include a meet and greet reception with Jones and general admission tickets are now available. Go to www.LifeHouseHouston.org/crescendo to make an on-line reservation today. Seating is limited.

More information: www.LifeHouseHouston.org/crescendo, 713-623-2120 

Items you will need:

• Pillowcase
• Fabric paint
• Fabric signature marker
• Paint brush
• Plastic plates

Instructions:

1. Have children paint one of their hands and then press their handprint on the front of the pillowcase.

2. Repeat the process until each child has placed his or her handprint on the pillowcase in the pattern you desire.

3. Once complete, add the names to each handprint with a fabric signature marker.

4. Allow paint to dry.

Jones Hall

615 Louisiana St #101
Houston, TX 77002

For more information: www.spahouston.org

Jeepers! SCOOBY-DOO and the Mystery Inc. Gang have been called in to help solve an epic mystery in Houston. A trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theater and SHAGGY, FRED, DAPHNE, VELMA and SCOOBY-DOO are on their way in the MYSTERY MACHINE to help solve it! This hilarious live theater show brings everyone’s favorite animated series to life. Filled with wacky new characters, fantastic songs and outrageous antics, SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! MUSICAL MYSTERIES, presented by Warner Bros. and Life Like Touring, will have audiences on the edge of their seats in traditional Scooby-Doo fashion. See if this time the gang is in over its head!

VIP ticket package offers a pre-show meet and greet that includes a photo with Scooby-Doo, music, and a goody bag.  Please note that VIP ticket holders need to arrive at Jones Hall no later than 1:00 for the 2:00 performance and 5:00 for the 6:00 performance to be escorted to the pre-show meet and greet.  Your ticket is your entrance to the VIP meet and greet.

Premium ticket includes a goody bag that can be picked up in the Jones Hall lobby prior to the show. Doors to Jones Hall open one and a half hours prior to show time. Please present your ticket to claim your goody bag.

East Beach, Galveston

For more information: www.galveston.com

The Buzz  94.5 FM will kick off the Grand Opening of East Beach on May 25th with 5 local area bands on the Bud Light Stage from 2pm-8pm. The end of the night will feature a fireworks show presented by the Galveston Park Board. Headliner bands include The Last Place You Look, Who is BC and Lost Element.  Dash of the Titans will set up a fun and challenging Beach Obstacle Course with proceeds benefiting The Boot Campaign.  Come out and Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Galveston Island East Beach.

Galveston’s East Beach is the coolest and biggest beach in Texas. Located at the far eastern tip of the island, East Beach is famous for its great beach parties, fishing and bird watching. In addition, East Beach has live bands, promotions, an annual sand castle competition and other activities described in the Galveston.com calendar of events. Unlike most beaches, drinking is legal on East Beach. Glass containers are not permitted by law on the beach.

Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. East Beach is “Houston’s Playground,” located just 45 minutes south of the fourth largest city in America. So come get down, get funky and get loose on Galveston Island’s East Beach. Mingle with the crowd or slip away to a quiet spot and chill out.

East Beach holds about 7,000 cars on a huge wide open beach and is a perfect setting for ticketed outdoor concerts and festivals. East Beach welcomes national and local promoters, advertisers and beach enthusiasts.

LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

For more information: www.legokidsfest.com/houston

DATES & SESSIONS:

Friday, May 17, 2013
 • 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday, May 18, 2013 • 
Session I: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 19, 2013 • 
Session I: 9 am – 1:30 pm
Session II: 3 pm – 7:30 pm
(Note: Each session offers the same exhibits and activities)

WHERE:

Reliant Center
Hall E
Houston, TX 77054
www.reliantpark.com/reliant-center

WHAT:

From individual building to family challenges, there is lots to see and do at LEGO KidsFest. Check out some of the Fun Activities you will experience at this tour stop.

I want to teach my kids that success comes from being forthright and fastidious. That smart decisions — like putting your phone away while you drive — pay off in the long run. That you get rich slowly. That if you’re ever lucky enough to hit the lottery (literally or figuratively), you shouldn’t spend it all on meaningless things. I want my children to know that slow and steady is how they win the race.

Bad Eggs…

Unfortunately, the best examples of this type of success are rarely the ones that take the spotlight. I could point to Mark Cuban or Donald Trump as business successes, but they have an air of hubris I don’t care to glorify to my children. I also don’t care to teach them that it’s okay to use money as power and weaponize it. Donald Trump is a prime example of using wealth to bully people into doing what he wants. In October of 2012, when he wanted to see (and release to the public) further proof of President Obama’s citizenship, what did he do? He offered a $5 million donation to a charity of Obama’s choice in exchange for the president’s college records and passport application and records.

Regardless of your personal politics, that approach to life is not one I want my kids to embrace. I don’t want them to be bullies, to burn bridges, to hold people hostage with ideas, money or opportunities.

…And Some Good Ones

At the end of 2012 the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to fighting bigotry, protecting civil rights and defending democratic ideals, awarded an ADL Acheivement Award to Mark Weinberger. As it turns out, Weinberger is the CEO-elect of the financial services company Ernst & Young. As I read more about the award and its recipient I realized that here was a prime example of what I want to teach my children.

Here is a future CEO of a major American firm who doesn’t trade on flash or drama. Business leader Weinberger started his career with E&Y and now he’s taking over the company. He left E&Y to take a job in Washington, D.C. and used that opportunity to learn and grow. From there he started his own (successful) firm. He sold that firm to E&Y and returned to the company with an increased role.

I know our culture currently celebrates “sticking it to the man” and flamboyant videos of employees quitting jobs they hate. Here, though, is a story that shows the value of building and reinforcing the proverbial bridges in your business life. Weinberger left E&Y again, to serve as assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury before finally settling in as the CEO-elect of E&Y.

I know the tortoise rarely gets the same 15 minutes of fame as the hare. But I’m also confident that the tortoise has a better long-term financial outlook. And that’s what I want to teach my kids.