Houston-based policyholder law firm will provide free advice in the aftermath of ‘the storm of the century’

Texas policyholder attorney Bill Voss, founder of The Voss Law Firm based in the Houston-area township of The Woodlands, has set up a special free legal hotline for state residents finding themselves in need of legal advice and counsel once Hurricane Harvey has swept through the area. The hotline can be reached by calling 888-991-3212.

Mr. Voss strongly suggests storm survivors get qualified legal advice before dealing with their insurance companies. “I have seen too many cases where policyholders have made mistakes early in the process that ended up being fatal. Remember that Noah built the ark before the storm, not after,” said Voss

Especially in the wake of the devastating flooding that occurred several times in Texas and Louisiana in previous years – including Tropical Storm Allison, last year’s Memorial Day floods, and hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Ike – it was of utmost importance to Voss to have a single telephone number where people in distress can call to get their questions answered about what to do in the aftermath of a ruinous event.

The hotline is free to use, and callers are under no obligation whatsoever to retain the subsequent services of the Voss Firm. “Up front, this isn’t a ploy to get more clients; it’s a sincere effort to provide what I know will turn out to be much-needed assistance,” said Voss.

Callers to the hotline will be able to receive answers on legal and contractual matters such as:

• Extent of insurance coverage
• What homeowners insurance does and does not cover
• FEMA assistance questions
• Lease and rental agreement issues
• Proper protocols in reporting damaged and lost property
• Federally available flood insurance questions
• Proper negotiation and settling of insurance claims

Voss has significant experience in handling storm-related questions, and is known in the legal community as a strong advocate who never backs down from the insurance carriers who decide to take advantage of policyholders. He is also well known for his philanthropic programs, such as matching dollar-for-dollar all local donations to Red Cross for last September’s Louisiana flood victims.

After widespread disasters, insurance companies have had to take measures to cut rising costs, and some people have become increasingly vocal that it is home and business owners who ultimately pay. Voss urges the victims of the impending flooding to be aware of their rights as policyholders and potential “bad faith” insurance industry practices that could limit their recovery before they submit their claims or accept a settlement.

“Too often, horrendous contract or insurance issues occur in the wake of a natural disaster, when a simple phone call might otherwise have helped,” said Voss. “This hotline will hopefully be able to provide a lot of advice – and relief – to the callers recovering from this tragedy.”

About The Voss Law Firm

The Voss Law Firm, P.C., is based in Texas. Attorney Bill Voss, the firm’s founding member, has been recognized in numerous national and local publications, including Forbes Inc. 500, H-Texas Magazine, The Legal News, Houston Press, and Texas Monthly. He has also been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by his peers. The Voss Law Firm team travels on a national and international basis to litigate many different types of cases, with a focus on serving policyholders in cases of unfair insurance claim delays, denials, and underpayments. For more information, contact us at 888-614-7730 or visit our website at www.vosslawfirm.com or www.deniedclaim.com.

Special passes are available for interested young man aged 7 to 13

Woodlands Boys Choir will host a special one-day-only Fall Music Camp with members of the Grammy-nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir and their director, Bill Adams. The mini-retreat will be held on Saturday, September 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at HopePointe Anglican Church, 3333 South Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands.

“We invite boys who love to sing that are between ages 7 and 13, to attend and participate,” said Sherryl S. Pond, founder and artistic director of Woodlands Boys Choir. “At the day camp, these boys will enjoy learning exciting, varied music with fun activities. Our expert conductors will teach them proper vocal technique and a sampling of music that we sing in performances during the year.”

Lunch, a snack, and a t-shirt will be provided for a nominal cost of $30. A mini-concert will be performed at 2:00 p.m. “We encourage family members and Woodlands-area music lovers to attend the concert free of charge,” said Pond. “We also invite all local music teachers to come and observe.”

While the camp is open to interested youth whether or not they join the choir, Pond points out that it is an excellent opportunity to see if WBC is a good fit for young singers with talent but no outlet. Boys accepted into membership in WBC may apply the $30 to offset the already low tuition of $125/semester; scholarships are also available. Pond is currently holding auditions for the Concert Choir through the date of the camp. Additionally, boys ages 6 - 8 may participate in the preparatory choir, TrebleMakers, without audition.

For additional information on the choir or to register for the camp, visit www.woodlandsboyschoir.org, or call (401) 855-3222 or sherryl@hopepointe.org.

About Woodlands Boys Choir

The Woodlands Boys Choir was founded in 2015. The group is establishing themselves as a polished touring choir; its first tour, which recently took place in Louisiana, received multi-state attention, and this spring the choir will tour Washington DC and participate in the Baltimore Boychoir Festival. Boys perform at arts festivals, retirement homes, and churches. The vision of the Woodlands Boys’ Choir is to bring together talented boys reflecting the cultural diversity of the Montgomery/North Harris County areas. For boys who enjoy music, a boys’ choir can provide an extraordinary foundation for lifelong musical enjoyment, faith, confidence, and character, preparing them for excellence in their chosen fields, whether musical or not. The choral education and environment in the tradition of boys’ choirs instill the skills of self-discipline, expectation of excellence, self-motivation, and accomplishment. For more information visit www.woodlandsboyschoir.org.

9^th Annual Golf Classic for Kids scores a hole in one for local nonprofit

Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch recently announced that it has received a significant donation from a local philanthropic business. Waste Connections, Inc. donated $100,000 to the nonprofit organization with proceeds from the 2017 Golf Classic for Kids held in March.

The annual event – celebrating its ninth year – was held at Golf Trails of the Woodlands, with a Players’ Cocktail Reception the night before and a tournament day that included food, drinks, contests, amazing play, music, the signature Legendary Tequila Party Hole, a raffle, an auction, and an awards celebration.

“This significant donation from Waste Connections is directly funding a portion of our tuition assistance program,” said Sheila Greaver, Inspiration Ranch’s vice president of development & communications. “Their generosity helps us add more students to our program. Around 75 riders per week are registered, and tuition assistance allows as many as possible to benefit from our programs. Our thanks go to Waste Connections CEO Ronald Mittelstaedt.”

Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch is dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life for children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. Inspiration Ranch offers exceptional equine programs in a loving Christian environment. The organization is a United Way agency and partners with several nonprofit organizations.

“Equine therapy has been shown to have significant positive effects on individuals with special needs, and Inspiration Ranch is Montgomery County’s premier facility for providing the horses and services to hundreds of people,” said Greaver.

Inspiration Ranch relies on the generosity of donors such as Waste Connections to fund its programs and resources. To learn how you can assist this nonprofit organization, visit www.inspirationranch.org or call 281-719-9322.

About Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch

Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a Premiere Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Inspiration Ranch breaks down barriers and celebrates the inclusion of individuals with physical, emotional, and social disabilities. It offers exceptional equine assisted therapy and activities in a loving Christian environment to children and young adults. Therapeutic riding serves people with, but not limited to: Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Downs Syndrome, Hearing and Vision Impairment, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Speech Delay. Classes are led by PATH Intl. Certified Equine Instructors, who collaborate with mental health, learning professionals and community volunteers. The entire equine therapeutic program operates on a 15-acre track of land off Glen Loch Drive just south of The Woodlands in Spring. Inspiration Ranch is one of only 866 accredited riding centers in the United States. Contact Inspiration Ranch at 281-719-9322 or visit www.inspirationranch.org.

About Waste Connections, Inc.

Waste Connections is an integrated solid waste services company that provides waste collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary markets in the United States and Canada. Waste Connections serves more than six million residential, commercial, industrial, and exploration and production customers in 39 states in the U.S., and five provinces in Canada. The Company also provides intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit the Waste Connections web site at www.wasteconnections.com.

Area businesses, organizations, and philanthropists are encouraged to sign up as sponsors for the second annual Bringin’ It Home fundraising concert, hosted by HandUp Global Goods, a Montgomery County-based nonprofit organization that equips young men who have aged out of Haitian orphanages with jobs, financial literacy, and discipleship. The event will take place on the evening of Thursday, October 26 at Dosey Doe’s Big Barn, 25911 Interstate 45 in The Woodlands.

“It takes our local community coming together to give a hand-up to the developing world. We believe giving organizations can get behind a movement that seeks to provide orphans with opportunities and training,” said Natul Middlebrook, executive director of HUGG. “Already, we’ve had wonderful community partners such as B&A Farms, Cerner Corporation, L2 Engineering, and Emerus pledge their sponsorship.”

Fortunately, there are plenty of more sponsorship opportunities still available. Levels of sponsorship start as low as $500, but Middlebrook promises upper-level sponsors extra incentives. “Our top tiers will not only enjoy a return on their investment with perks such as branding placement and VIP seating, but they also get to have an intimate, private gathering with our special musical guest, Houston-born Texas Country singer/songwriter Cory Morrow.

The event will feature heavy appetizers, entertainment, dancing, and – as mentioned – live music. Last year’s inaugural concert raised more than $30,000, which provided invaluable resources to open a new facility, provide local jobs for participants, and help teens in transitioning to a productive adult life.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, call 713-397-2498 or visit www.handupglobalgoods.org.

About HandUpGlobal Goods

HandUp Global Goods is a non-profit enterprise dedicated to arming teens in Haiti with jobs, spiritual discipleship, and professional development. The mission of the organization is to empower young men living in impoverished communities to transform their lives and the lives of those around them. The holistic development process provides jobs, spiritual development, financial literacy, and vocational training to young men transitioning out of orphanages, equipping them to become responsible workers, family members, and community leaders. The organization’s headquarters is located at 19290 FM 2854 in Montgomery, Texas. For more information, call 713-397-2498 or visit www.handupglobalgoods.org.

Kathryn Lane, author of Waking Up in Medellin, is in running for a Silver Falchion

Kathryn Lane, author and creator of the popular Nikki Garcia Thriller series, was recently nominated for a prestigious national award for her debut novel, Waking Up in Medellin. Lane is up for The Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award™.

All entries to the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award go through multiple rounds of judging that are performed by a collective of industry peers, such as writers, editors, agents, and reviewers. Lane and her novel were also recently winners for the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs (NABE) Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards.

The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference was created in 2006 to bring together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature. Since its inception, the Killer Nashville brand has expanded to become the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, and suspense. The forum includes daily book reviews, weekly blog posts by guest authors and industry professionals, the educational publication Killer Nashville Magazine, and competitions such as the Claymore Awards and Silver Falchions. Publishers Weekly states that Killer Nashville gives “fledgling writers a supportive environment in which to develop their talent” and provides “an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers throughout the nation’s book culture.”

“This latest award nomination strikes near and dear to my heart, as the Silver Falchions have set themselves above and apart from many competitions,” said Lane speaking from her Woodlands-area office. “I of course am eagerly awaiting the judges’ decisions, which are scheduled to be finalized later this summer.” Coincidentally, Lane has also been nominated for a special Silver Falchion Readers’ Choice Award; voting guidelines can be found at www.killernashville.com.

Waking Up in Medellin, published by Pen-L Publishing, is an award-winning mystery thriller and has earned an average Amazon.com customer review of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with readers praising the novel as “a fast-paced thriller with an edge-of-your-seat finish.” The second novel featuring the book’s heroine Nikki Garcia, Coyote Zone, is already being prepared for publication and a third novel has already been commenced by Lane. Lane is also enjoying accolades for her recently published anthology of short stories, Backyard Volcano and Other Mysteries of the Heart, published by Alamo Bay Press. For additional information, visit www.kathryn-lane.com. Lane lives in The Woodlands, Texas, with her husband, Bob.