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In 2016, Joe Arbeely opened On the Kirb to bring a health-focused bar and restaurant concept to South Houston. With a focus on organic ingredients as well as drinks made with natural sweeteners and other alternative ingredients, Arbeely said his mission is to provide healthier options to Houston communities.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: Like its other locations, The Woodlands location offers a traditional sports bar scene with multiple television screens and a patio. Although the restaurant doesn't exclusively offer healthy dining and drink options, Arbeely said On the Kirb offers a healthier approach to the traditional bar scene.

Must-try menu items: With organic meats sourced from New Zealand and bar appetizers fried in beef tallow—as well as soy for vegan options—On the Kirb offers a variety of bar food staples such as truffle fries, organic wings and burgers. A popular menu item is organic kabobs made with grass-fed beef or organic chicken and served on a bed of house-made hummus with steamed broccoli and a Greek salad, he said.

• 6777 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands

Several events are planned in The Woodlands area Jan. 29-Feb. 1. 

Taste of the Town: Foodies are invited to sample local area cuisine, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, pastries and drinks from over 50 establishments.

• Jan. 29, 4-9 p.m.
• $55 (prepaid), $60 (at door)
• The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

• Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-noon
• Free
• Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands

• Jan. 31, 6-10 p.m.
• $350 (individual ticket)
• The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center, 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands

Family Promise of Montgomery County is celebrating 25 years with a gala on Feb. 13, according to a Jan. 12 news release.

More details: The nonprofit assists families experiencing homelessness and helps them work toward housing stability, according to the news release. Proceeds from the Feb. 13 gala—co-chaired by former Mrs. Texas Brittney Moss and Montgomery County Realtor Kristin Carter—will go towards Family Promise of Montgomery County’s programs.

Quote of note: “This event is a chance to reflect on what our community has made possible over the past 25 years,” Executive Director Marilyn Kasmiersky said via a news release. “It is also about coming together to ensure families continue to have support and opportunity for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Chuck Wemple, Houston-Galveston Area Council executive director, announced Jan. 23 that he will retire in August following nearly 24 years with the agency.

The impact: During Wemple's time as executive director, H-GAC's operating budget nearly doubled, reaching $600 million, and the organization's team grew to almost 500 members, according to a news release. H-GAC consists of local governments representing 13 different counties in the region, which collaborate to prevent and solve shared issues, per its website. 

What's next? The board of directors will conduct a national search for Wemple's replacement, per the release. His retirement is effective Aug. 20.

Quote of note: "After working alongside Chuck for over a decade, I can say there's been a lot to be proud of and even more to be thankful for," Jay Knight, Liberty County judge and chair of the H-GAC board of directors, said in a statement. "Chuck's steady vision, can-do spirit and willingness to try new things have truly set this organization apart. Thanks to his leadership, we've become the benchmark for councils across the country."