May-June 2023 - Absolutely Brazos Magazine

MAY/ JUNE 2023

Covering Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Needville & Katy

Elections

Summer Travel Tips

Salute to Moms

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital:

Fighting Cancer Is Personal

KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists in Sugar Land offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes: • Innovative pain control methods • Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

Sugar Land

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain 281.690.4678

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CONTRIBUTORS

{Features} 13 ABSOLUTELY! ELECTIONS

MAY/JUNE 2023 VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 3

Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. thedrunkencyclist.com Page 20

With the May 6th School Board Trustee elections just around the corner, learn who the candidates are and when and where you can vote with this handy guide for the upcoming election.

20 Tanya Sterling Contributor Page 24

MAY 6TH ELECTION

{COVER STORY}

Lamar Consolidated, Katy and Needville ISD’s.

24 The Honorable Pete Olson Contributor Page 26

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE FORT BEND BUSINESS COALITION ENDORSES CANDIDATES

26

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 30

For School Board Trustees

20 SALUTE TO MOMS

A Bouquet of Rosés for Mom

24 SUMMER TRAVELING

6 AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL,

26 FORT BEND STRONG

While the global fight against cancer is driven by innovation and research, the latest in new discoveries, breakthrough therapies and advances in early detection can be found close to home at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land where approximately 2,500 Fort Bend County residents are diagnosed – and treated – with cancer each year. One of the ground-breaking new treatments using tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy was recently completed by Clive Shkedy, M.D. to treat a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor on 77-year-old James Vaughn.

{Historic Downtown} 17 ROSENBERG

2

Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Page 31

A BRUNCH FEAST

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land patient James Vaughn and board-certified radiation oncologist Clive Shkedy, M.D. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Fighting Cancer is Personal

30

To Celebrate Mom

31

For All Ages

{Newsworthy}

{Columns} Israel, Birthdays and Re-Invigorated Faith!

30 AUTO REVIEW

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

31 THE SWEET LIFE GARDENER

9

Brought a Weekend to Be Remembered

10 FORT BEND COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Announces Release of Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan

Aloe Vera

{Medical Focus}

2ND ANNUAL SUGAR LAND ARTS FEST

11 STRUCTURED FAMILY FUN

18 HOUSTON METHODIST NEAL CANCER CENTER AT SUGAR LAND

For Families Living with Autism MAY/ JUNE 2023

Covering Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Needville & Katy

Celebrates National Cancer Survivors Day June 1st

19 HOUSTON METHODIST WELCOMES

Elections

Neurologist Darine Kassar, M.D.

{In Every Issue} 4 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 32 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Summer Travel Tips

Salute to Moms

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital:

Fighting F ighting Cancer Cancer Is Personal Is Personal

ON THE COVER: Patient James Vaughn and Clive Shkedy, M.D. Photo by Kelly Sweet Photography.

Cares About Community Special Issue

T

he pandemic changed so much in our community, and that’s especially true with our Non-Profit Organizations.

As fall approaches, let our community know what’s going on with your organization – and how we can help – with this special issue featuring significantly reduced rates for all Non-Profits.* Cares About Community September

Free 250 Word Story: Provide an update or promote an upcoming fundraising event

Community

Free Event Listing: September/October

Community

Get your event on the Fort Bend Focus Calendar

Story & Ad Clicks Thru to Client Website

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50% Off of Ads in this Issue for Non-Profits

To Advertise: 281.798.4910 • kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com * Organization must be qualified as a 501(C)3.

EXCLAMATION POINTS! Associate Publisher, KAY GARRETT

Summer Kicks Summertime here we come! In my book May is the official kick-off to summer fun with new beginnings from weddings to graduations, celebrating moms and dads and vacations.

I recently took a trip with my sister, Kim, and a friend, Alisa, to Phoenix, Arizona. We took in a Spring training game, shopped 5th Avenue in Historic Downtown Scottsdale then headed out for the Grand Canyon. The fivehour drive was beautiful, full of fun conversation, and the mountains were majestic. Our lodging for the night was on Route 66 in the heart of Williams, Arizona. As they say, “Get your kicks on Route 66.” Boy did we ever get our Kay Garrett kicking around in the kicks! This casual super-cute town Grand Canyon. definitely takes you back to simpler times – the vintage signs, cars, motels and café diners along the route. It’s the gateway to the Grand Canyon on the southern rim side. The next day we visited the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. There are no words to express just how magnificent of a place it is. I hope you vacation somewhere this summer and find your kicks!

Our cover story features the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land. While the global fight against cancer is driven by innovation and research, the latest in new discoveries, breakthrough therapies and advances in early detection can be found right here in our Fort Bend community. Read about one of the newest therapies to treat aggressive brain tumors that is available and all the comprehensive services offered close to home. Thank you Houston Methodist for always leading the way!

With the May 6th School Board Trustee elections upon us, we have put together a guide to help you learn who the candidates are, as well as show the locations and hours of the voting sites in Fort Bend County. Check out the handy guide on page 11.

Shopping for mom, dad or grads? Check out our Historic Downtown Rosenberg pages for some great ideas. Shop, sip and dine locally. Our small businesses appreciate it!

May and June are truly great months to celebrate, travel and spend time with loved ones. I would like to wish all of the moms a Happy Mother’s Day, dads a Happy Father’s Day and to all of the Brazos grads, congratulations on your accomplishments!

Vol. 11 No. 3 MAY/JUNE 2023 281.728.1204 WWW.ABSOLUTELYBRAZOS.COM absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Kay Garrett AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Gena Horak GRAPHIC DESIGN Pamela Printing Company WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. Steve Kursar Alisa Murray The Honorable Pete Olson Tanya Sterling A D V E RT I S I N G I N Q U I R I E S Kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Absolutely yours,

Kay Garrett

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absolutely! Brazos eZine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright © 2022 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! Brazos eZine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! Brazos eZine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Introducing New Therapies

At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Fighting Cancer is Personal Cancer patients have unique needs that are critical to successful treatment. Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land is on their side.

T

he global fight against cancer is driven by innovation and research – new discoveries, breakthrough therapies and advancements in early detection.

Those elements are accessible close to home, where approximately 2,500 Fort Bend County residents are diagnosed with cancer each year. At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land, patients have access to the latest and most sophisticated procedures and technologies, including the groundbreaking use of electrical fields to disrupt tumor progression and kill brain cancer cells.

But patients at the Cancer Center also benefit from a compassionate,

personalized “whole body” approach to care, which extends far beyond technology and treatments.

“Fighting cancer requires more than just surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, although those are obviously extremely important,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., board-certified hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “Patients have a wide range of needs throughout their care and beyond, including nutritional, spiritual and emotional support, assistance in navigating often complicated appointment scheduling and much more. At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we recognize that compassion, understanding and encouragement make a big difference.”

COVER STORY

Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography

Cancer Center oncologists are constantly searching for new procedures, medications and treatments that can provide improved outcomes to patients.

One example is the hospital’s recent first-ever treatment using tumortreating fields (TTFields) therapy, completed by board-certified radiation oncologist Clive Shkedy, M.D. The treatment was performed on James Vaughn, a 77-year-old patient with glioblastoma, also referred to as a grade IV astrocytoma, which is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor.

TTFields is an emerging technology that uses high-frequency, low-intensity electrical fields to penetrate cancer cells, disrupt their separation and migration to other parts of the body and eventually kill the cells. It can safely be used in combination with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“The introduction of TTFields technology here at the Cancer Center is exciting because it holds a great deal of promise across multiple tumor types,” Shkedy said. “Because cancer cells have different properties than healthy ones, we can target them with specific frequencies of electrical waves that penetrate the cell membrane and disrupt multiple functions. The healthy cells nearby are not damaged.”

Vaughn’s treatment has enabled him to exceed the life expectancy that patients with his type of cancer typically experience.

“This procedure was easy and painless,” Vaughn said. “I am extremely grateful to Dr. Shkedy and everyone at Houston Methodist Sugar Land who has supported me in my journey.

I’ve gotten the best possible care, and everyone has always been so kind and helpful.”

TTFields may play a major role in improving outcomes for patients with aggressive solid tumors, the most difficult to treat due to issues with drug resistance, drug interactions and systemic toxicity.

“These patients typically have very challenging longterm outlooks, so the addition of a new treatment strategy is especially welcome,” Shkedy said. “We believe we can use TTFields successfully to treat a number of different types of cancer.”

Comprehensive Services, Close to Home The comprehensive oncology services offered at Houston Methodist Sugar Land – Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation – are supported by a philosophy that beating cancer requires a multi-faceted strategy that includes: • Early detection through state-of-the-art diagnostics.

When caught early, many cancers can be successfully treated. Patients who are regularly screened for common cancers such as lung, colon, breast and prostate cancer give themselves a much better chance of a positive outcome.

• Genetic testing and counseling to help patients understand and adapt to their unique risks.

• Innovative treatments such as immunotherapy, advanced surgery and the latest, most targeted radiation therapies.

• Clinical trials to bring emerging therapies and procedures to the community.

• Ongoing patient navigation for all cancer types to guide patients through the cancer care process.

• A robust cancer survivorship program with many supportive resources.

Just as important, the hospital’s location in the heart of Fort Bend County is a tremendous benefit for the community because everything a patient needs is conveniently located on the Sugar Land campus – there’s no need to travel to the medical center for care.

“That’s critical because cancer treatment is often lengthy and requires regular visits, so being close to home eliminates many of the logistical challenges that patients face,” said Nair. “Patients often tell me how valuable it was to be treated here where friends and family members could easily help. It removes a great deal of the stress and anxiety associated with treatment.”

Clive Shkedy, M.D., James Vaughn and Jessica Crist, RN, BSN, OCN. “Facing a cancer diagnosis is never easy, but it helps to have a team of specialists on your side who are there with you, every step of the way,” said Amalia “Rose” Gonzales, a nurse navigator for patients undergoing treatment for breast or gynecological cancers. “As nurse navigators, we work with patients and family members to guide them toward the customized care, support and resources they need – from the day of diagnosis throughout the continuum of care.”

Expanding Access to Care Another example of the hospital’s patient-centric approach is the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center’s new fast-track process. Now, patients who undergo a diagnostic mammogram can receive a same-day or next business day biopsy, if necessary, as long as they meet clinical criteria and have insurance approval.

The fast-track process also works for patients who have undergone a mammogram at another facility and have been referred to the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center for more testing. Those patients can also have the additional scans and a biopsy performed through the fast-track process.

“We’re shortening the timeframe for thorough and accurate diagnoses from a week or two down to one or two days,” said Logan Boatman, M.D., diagnostic radiologist in the Breast Care Center. “The sooner we have a diagnosis, the sooner the patient can begin treatment. It makes a difference.”

In keeping with the expanding population of Fort Bend County and surrounding areas, Houston Methodist Sugar Land is also expanding its oncology team, welcoming a fifth oncologist in April.

Collaborative Care

Collaborative Careaand A Team Approach and Team Approach Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center’s team of specialists – including medical, radiation and gynecologic oncologists, hematologists and surgeons – routinely collaborates to design and implement customized treatment plans, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care.

The patient care team also includes oncology-certified nurses, nutritionists, social workers, nurse navigators, a financial navigator and a music therapist who provide ongoing information and support throughout the treatment process.

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land offers cutting-edge treatments and leading technology.

Find Out More To learn more about Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl

or

call

346.279.1164 to schedule an appointment with a physician.

Survivorship Program Helps Enhance Quality of Life After Cancer

H

ouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital started its cancer survivorship program in 2017, with a focus on providing services to all survivors regardless of where they received treatment.

“At the time, there weren’t any organized programs for cancer survivors in the area,” said Amy SebastianDeutsch, Director of Oncology & Infusion Services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “We wanted to offer a variety of programs that would help survivors adjust and adapt to life after cancer and keep it free so everyone could participate.”

The cancer survivorship program provides ongoing classes that support physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual health, as well as support groups for breast cancer, general cancer and ostomy survivors. The hospital also helps link survivors with resources for financial, transportation and other types of assistance.

•

Classes include: Thriving Through Creative Arts, which offers survivors a chance to express themselves

•

•

through creative arts, including art, crafts, music and poetry.

Life in Motion (chair yoga) is designed to improve balance, coordination and agility, along with social and emotional health.

Music4Life is designed to encourage support among like-minded individuals using musical experiences. This group provides an outlet for emotional and self-expression, coping skills, and creates positive relationships. No talent is needed to benefit, and Music4Life is led by a board-certified music therapist

“When it comes to cancer, a lot of people focus on technology and treatments but overlook the importance of quality of life,” said Sebastian-Deutsch.

“Our cancer survivorship program helps bring a little joy and camaraderie to these survivors while teaching them coping skills. It’s an important benefit for our community.”

Annual Cancer Survivors Day “Knocks Cancer Out of the Park” Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital hosts an annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration, bringing together survivors, caregivers and hospital staff to celebrate life after a diagnosis of cancer. This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, June 1st, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land Town Square. In honor of the Astros 2022 World Series win, this year’s theme is “Knock Cancer Out of the Park.”

The event includes a resource fair, selfie station and lunch with keynote speaker Dave Dravecky, a former Major League Baseball player whose career ended when a cancer diagnosis caused his pitching arm to be amputated.

The event is free, but registration is required at join.houstonmethodist.org/survivor-sl. To learn more, call 346.279.1164.

NEWSWORTHY

The Second Annual Sugar Land Arts Fest nd APRIL, 1st&2 Brought a Weekend to Smart Financial Centre Plaza Sugar Land 2k23 Be Remembered Presented By:

The second annual Sugar Land Arts Fest, presented by PrimeWay Credit Union, Two daysFederal of Festival Fun!was a huge success. Once on again, the Sugar Land community enjoyedTickets two days of Arts, Sale Now! Taste and Music. More than four thousand people had a fabulous weekend visiting over a hundred artists’ booths, drinking Smart Financial Centre Plaza | Sugar Land hand-selected wines, eating delicious food and enjoying live Saturday, April 1st, From 10 AM to 4 PM musicApril at the award-winning 10 AM to 4 PM Smart Financial Centre Plaza.

Sunday, 2nd, From This year’s festival promised to be bigger and better than ever before, with a wide range+ of artistic+ options, + WINE TASTE MUSIC and the /SugarLandArtsFest goal was accomplished! Attendees could see and purchase SugarLandArtsFest.com @SLArtsFest works from local, national and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, glass, photography, jewelry and pottery. This year also included a children’s art activity area for children to create their own works of art. Along with the wine and beer garden, and delicious food truck options, the festival featured even more live music with a variety of musicians, including “Tribute to George Strait,” featuring Derek Spence, “The Ziggy Band,” “Bubba Westly,” “Flash Back,” and more.

Bridget Yeung and Stacy Borgfeldt have co-chaired this exciting event for the last two years and were the original visionaries of bringing an Arts Fest to Sugar Land. Both continue to make plans to grow this event each year.

Tim Stubenrouch, Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Board President, said, “We are very excited about the success of the second Sugar Land Arts Festival and look forward to many more years of this exciting and entertaining event! The funds raised by this event support the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and are used to promote the cultural, performing and visual arts in Sugar Land. We thank all of our sponsors and this community for helping us continue this mission.”

Sugar Land, Texas is known for hosting some of the best events in the region. Stay tuned for information about next year’s festival. Please visit www.sugarlandartsfest.com.

ART you going to join us?

Arts Fest attendees enjoyed many activities including the Beer Garden.

Where Children Learn and Grow

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Announces the Release of the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) One of the essential functions of a public health department is to conduct a Community Health Assessment.

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services (FBCHHS) have completed its first assessment since 2007. Fort Bend County Commissioners Court provided the necessary insight, leadership, and support that allowed FBCHHS to complete this muchneeded assessment while still addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Many residents and community organizations, throughout the Fort Bend Region, have collaborated with FBCHHS to accomplish this goal. This Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the accompanying Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) will assist the County and our partners with the necessary information and support for programs that will

serve our residents for years to come.

The CHA and CHIP are necessary first steps to address the evolving needs of our residents. Fort Bend County Health and Human Services will continue to encourage community led solutions by fostering education, engagement, and partnerships based on identified health priorities which include mental health, housing, obesity, heart disease and prenatal care. For community preventive health services, health education, presentations, and partnership opportunities, please email hhsoutreach@ fbctx.gov.

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) can be found online at www.fbctx.gov/CHA.

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Nasha Nensey, MD

Structured Summer Fun for Families Living with Autism Summer for a neurotypical kid can be freeing, relaxing and adventure filled. However, for families with a child diagnosed with autism, life can be different. The lack of a regulated schedule can cause significant struggles over the summer break.

Hope For Three’s board member, Dr. Dana Walker, is a mother of an autistic child and the Fort Bend ISD Professional Educational Diagnostician. Her experience has led to many helpful tips for families with children with special needs.

“When children are not kept on their usual routine, negative behavior tends to increase,” said Walker. “Keeping to a consistent schedule, using your normal communication systems, and incorporating physical activity into the day can help parents and kids have a fun and successful summer.”

Hope For Three is a local nonprofit that assists families with children with autism by providing resources and financial support for programs, therapies, and educational pursuits. With the assistance of Dr. Walker, Hope For Three offers the following tips to provide structure in the summer while incorporating fun.

• Create a summer schedule: If a child isn’t going to an extended school year program or summer structural program, plan for consistency throughout the ‘school day’ by keeping similar schedules for waking up, meals and bedtimes.

• Add community-based instructions into learning: Use summertime to teach and practice familiar routines, such as grocery shopping. Incorporate seasonal cooking foods into the lesson plan to expand knowledge of fruits and vegetables and to try something new.

• Keep the same house rules all summer: Rules shouldn’t change for summer break. Consistency is essential, and communicating rules and expectations are vital. Continue to use your preferred communication method, too, if it’s

Rhett Smith, age 7, swims year-round. Swimming channels his autism energy and boosts his confidence.

NEWSWORTHY

PECS, sign language, or verbal communication; keep it up to a avoid a breakdown in skills and use positive enforcement to affirm behaviors.

• Swim Safety: Children with autism are 160 times as likely to drown as the general population. Swim safety is paramount during the summer when many activities occur near or around a pool. Look into swim classes to have fun while being safe.

• Introduce new places or activities: If your child is attending a camp or summer program, introduce the place or activities in advance. Take this time off to introduce new places you can’t usually go to during the school year.

• Take small steps and allow for extra time: Plan out your days in advance and plan in your spare time to prepare for the activity and the setbacks that come with trying something new. Take small steps, and don’t plan too much in one day. A trip to the grocery store alone might fill up all the time you need in your schedule.

“Parents are not always with their kids all summer. I highly recommend parents identify locations that provide respite care and take those opportunities to rest,” said Walker. “You can even check with your insurance provider on what might be available and covered. Plus, check out Hope For Three programs like Teen Huddle or Let’s Get Together to spend time with people in similar situations.”

Hope For Three is a local 501c3 nonprofit and autism advocacy group providing resources and support to families living with an autism spectrum disorder. The organization also generates awareness through outreach, education and events. To learn more about Hope For Three, visit www.hopeforthree.org.

Nico Laine, age 9, is onboard with his surfing techniques, compliments of Waves of Impact, a nonprofit group connecting extraordinary families and individuals to the community around them through surfing.

MAY / JUNE 2023 l

11

COMING JULY/AUGUST

MEDICAL FOCUS

As a medical professional, you’ll want to be seen in our Medical Focus section. Bring new clients to your office, and distinguish yourself among the medical professionals in the area with this unique opportunity to showcase your skills.

TO ADVERTISE: call 281.798.4910 or email: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com 12 MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Elections May 6th Election

Lamar Consolidated ISD, Katy ISD and Needville ISD

M

any school districts in Fort Bend have candidates on the ballot for the upcoming May 6th election, including Lamar Consolidated ISD, Katy ISD and Needville ISD. Early voting begins April 24th at multiple locations throughout the county and runs through May 2nd.

Lamar Consolidated ISD Board of Trustees Six candidates have filed to serve as School Board Trustees for Lamar Consolidated ISD’s districts 4, 5 and 7. The Lamar Consolidated ISD Board of Trustees consists of seven members who are elected to overlapping four-year terms and represent specific areas within the boundaries of the Lamar Consolidated ISD. Although each trustee represents a different area, they represent the entire district as Board members.

Below is a listing of the candidates by district.

Incumbents are noted by asterisks.

Katy ISD Board of Trustees Nine candidates have filed to serve three-year terms as School Board Trustees for Katy ISD’s positions 3, 4 and 5. Below is a listing of the candidates by place.

Incumbents are noted by asterisks.

Position 3 • Bruce Bradford • Shawn Miller • Amy Thieme Position 3 is currently held by Ashley Vann. Vann currently serves as the Board of Trustees Secretary and is not running for re-election.

Position 4 • Erica Brettell • Morgan Calhoun • Cicely Taylor

District 4 • Jacci Hotzel • Craig LeTulle District 4 is currently held by Joy Williams who serves as Board of Trustees Vice President. Williams is not seeking re-election in May.

Position 4 is currently held by Board Member Leah Wilson. Wilson opted to not run for re-election in May. Position 5 • Mary Ellen Cuzela • Shana Peterson

District 5

• Greg Schulte*

• Brian Moore

Needville ISD Board of Trustees

• Jon Welch* District 7 • Suzanne Box • Alex Hunt*

Two candidates have filed to serve as School Board Trustees for Needville ISD’s position 6. Neither candidates are incumbents.

Position 6 • Tyler Excell Bridges • Kim Janke

Election Day is May 6th, and early voting is April 24th through May 2nd.

For a complete list of early voting locations and times, visit www.absolutelybrazos.com.

Elections Election Day: May th

6

Early Voting Schedule April 24th to May 2nd, 2023 EARLY VOTING LOCATION

MONDAY-FRIDAY APRIL 24 – 28

SATURDAY APRIL 29

SUNDAY APRIL 30

MONDAY-FRIDAY MAY 1 – MAY 2

All Sites are

All Sites are

All Sites are

All Sites are

open

open

open

open

7 am

8 am

12 noon

7 am

to

to

to

to

7 pm

5 pm

6 pm

7 pm

Bowie Middle

700 Plantation Dr, Richmond

Clements High School

4200 Elkins Road, Sugar Land

Commonwealth Clubhouse

4330 Knightsbridge Blvd, Sugar Land

Fort Bend ISD Administration Building 16431 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land

Four Corners Community Center

15700 Old Richmond Rd, Sugar Land

Fulshear High School

9302 Charger Way, Fulshear

Hightower High. School

3333 Hurricane Ln, Missouri City

Jacks Conference Center

3232 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land

Jones Creek Ranch Park

7714 FM Rd 359, Richmond

Kroger Riverstone

18861 University Blvd, Sugar Land Approved By Commissioners Court (2/28/23)

Elections EARLY VOTING LOCATION Meadows Place City Hall

MONDAY-FRIDAY APRIL 24 – 28

SATURDAY APRIL 29

SUNDAY APRIL 30

MONDAY-FRIDAY MAY 1 – MAY 2

Quail Valley Fund Office

All Sites are

All Sites are

All Sites are

All Sites are

Reese Technical Center

open

open

open

open

Ridge Point High School

7 am

8 am

12 noon

7 am

to

to

to

to

7 pm

5 pm

6 pm

7 pm

All Sites are

All Sites are

open

open

7 am

8 am

to

to

7 pm

5 pm

7 pm

All Sites are

All Sites are

All Sites are

open

open

8 am

8 am

to

to

5 pm

5 pm

1 Troyan Dr, Meadows Place

Missouri City Visitors Center 1522 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City

3603 Glenn Lakes Ln, Missouri City 12300 University Dr, Sugar Land

500 Waters Lake Blvd, Missouri City

Road and Bridge (Needville) 3743 School St, Needville

Rosenberg Annex Building 4520 Reading Rd, Rosenberg

Sienna Annex

5855 Sienna Springs Way Missouri City

Chasewood Clubhouse

7622 Chasewood Dr, Missouri City

Great Oaks Baptist Church 7101 FM 2759, Richmond

Lost Creek Conference Center

3703 Lost Creek Blvd, Sugar Land

Sugar Land Branch Library

All Sites are All Sites are

open 7 am

CLOSED

to

550 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land

Beasley City Hall

319 S 3rd Street, Beasley

Cinco Ranch Branch Library

2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy

Stafford City Hall

2610 South Main Street, Stafford

All Sites are

open 7 am

CLOSED

to 7 pm

Elections

Fort Bend Business Coalition Endorses School Board Trustee Candidates in May 6th General Election: Fort Bend, Lamar Consolidated, Katy and Needville ISD’s The Fort Bend Business Coalition (FBBC), an organization dedicated to promoting a pro-business environment throughout Fort Bend County, has endorsed candidates in the upcoming May 6th School Board elections in the following districts: Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Katy ISD and Needville ISD. The FBBC is a general purpose Political Action Committee (PAC) dedicated to supporting candidates regardless of their political affiliation who share and support the organization’s core values of creating a probusiness environment that assists in creating a prosperous and productive community for the citizens of Fort Bend County. To achieve a pro-business climate, the FBBC believes that business success is fostered through limited government, reasonable regulations, fair taxation, the rule of law and private property rights.

“A viable and progressive education system is vital to sustaining a prosperous community,” said Bill Jameson, Chair of the FBBC School Board Endorsement Committee.

“Education is key for fostering success, and the FBBC is committed to doing our part to ensure that we have the right elected officials in office to keep Fort Bend one of the best communities to live, work and raise our children. We strongly believe that these candidates share our commitment and are proud to endorse them.”

The endorsed candidates were individually ranked by the FBBC based on questionnaire responses, forum performance and independent research. The Fort Bend Business Coalition is proud to endorse the following candidates for School Board Trustees in the May 6th General Election.

Fort Bend ISD School Board Trustee Endorsements: Place 1 - Angie Hanan Place 4 - Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Place 5 - Allison Drew Lamar Consolidated ISD School Board Trustee Endorsements: District 4 - Jacci Hotzel District 7 - Alex Hunt

Jacci Hotzel, Candidate for Lamar Consolidated ISD School Board Trustee, District 4.

Katy ISD School Board Trustee Endorsements: Position 3 - Amy Thieme Position 4 - Cicely Taylor Needville ISD School Board Trustee Endorsements: Position 6 - Kim Janke Election Day is May 6th and early voting is April 24th through May 2nd.

For more information about the Fort Bend Business Coalition, visit www.

FortBendBusinessCoalition.com.

Cicely Taylor, Candidate for Katy ISD School Board Trustee, Position 4.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land is joining nearly 18 million United States cancer survivors and survivors from around the world in celebrating the 36th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day® this year. Also being recognized are the many family members, caregivers and health care providers whose support of cancer survivors help make the celebration possible.

“A diagnosis of cancer can generate many emotions, but survival is about embracing life and living each day to the fullest,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology services. “Our Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration is filled with laughter, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith, love and music as we honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage.”

Anyone living with a personal history of cancer – starting from the moment of diagnosis – is a cancer survivor, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land to Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day on June 1st Foundation®.

“National Cancer Survivors Day is a great opportunity for cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and family to come together and affirm there can be quality of life after a diagnosis of cancer,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist.

Additionally, the foundation says more people are surviving cancer than ever before, thanks to advances in prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up care. Cancer, however, does come with many challenges, such as barriers to care from cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems and psychological struggles. “Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives with the support of other survivors and their caregivers,” said Nair.

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center welcomes local cancer survivors and

Houston Methodist Cancer Survivors Day Celebration 2022

one guest to join us as we honor cancer survivors. Themed “Let’s Knock Cancer Out of the Park,” the Cancer Survivors Day Celebration and Resource Fair will begin at 9:30 am, Thursday, June 1st, at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land in the Town Square. News reporter Pooja Lodhia from ABC13 will emcee the event, and in keeping with the baseball theme, the keynote speaker is Dave Dravecky, former MLB pitcher and cancer survivor. Guests will also enjoy lunch and a chance to visit our resource fair and learn more about available resources for navigating their cancer journeys.

Registration is required for each attendee and limited to one caregiver for each survivor. This event is for adults aged 18 and over. Register online at join. houstonmethodist.org/survivor-sl or call 281.274.7500. Please note, masks are not required but are recommended. This is a public event and attendees may be photographed.

18 MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

MEDICAL FOCUS

Ornamental Iron • Wood • Chain Link

281.238.0735 www.Apache-Fence.com Darine Kassar, M.D., Neurologist.

Houston Methodist Welcomes Neurologist Darine Kassar, M.D.

@absolutelybrazos

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome board-certified neurologist, Darine Kassar, M.D. to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates.

Kassar is the only neuromuscular physician in Fort Bend County. She treats conditions such as ALS, Guillain Barre syndrome, muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis, among others. Kassar’s addition allows Houston Methodist Sugar Land to provide crucial expertise to patients across the area in need of specialized care.

“Having a neuromuscular physician on staff is an incredible gain for our community and for Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates,” said Lary Tran, M.D., Medical Director of Neuroscience Programs. “With her expertise on our team, we can better serve this population of patients in their own neighborhood.”

Kassar is a graduate of Lebanese University School of Medical Sciences.

She completed her residency in neurol-

ogy at Lebanese University and Saint Louis University. Following her residency, Kassar completed her fellowship in neuromuscular diseases at Ohio State University.

“I am very excited to be a part of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates and proud to work with a fantastic team of practitioners,” said Kassar. “My goal is to treat every patient as a family member and offer them the best care, as I am here to serve them.”

In her spare time Kassar enjoys traveling, painting, and spending quality time with friends Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology is located at 16605 Southwest Fwy. in Medical Office Building 3, Suite 600, on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land campus. To make an appointment with Dr. Kassar, or another neurologist, call Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates at 281.274.7595.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

MAY / JUNE 2023 l

19

the drunken cyclist

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D.

www.thedrunkencyclist.com

A Bouquet of Rosés T

here was never so much as a drop of alcohol in my house growing up in the Midwest. Sure, my father drank the occasional beer, but that was rare, and when he did, it was something regrettable like Red, White, and Blue (Pabst Blue Ribbon’s second beer). I can’t remember my mother, the daughter of a dairy farmer, ever having any alcohol. She insisted that we drink milk at every meal, and she did the same. It was not until my junior year in college, while studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, that I had my first glass of wine. It was another few years after that, while leading a bike trip through Burgundy, that the “wine bug” really hit me, but I have been a devotee ever since.

Over the years, I have tried to “infect” my mother (my father is a lost cause) with an affinity for wine with mixed results. Given her affinity for Pepsi (not Coke), I thought I would first give her some white Zinfandel, a sweet, often overly fruity mess that many in the wine world consider an abomination. I, on the other hand, while preferring a slow, painful death to drinking white Zin, still can appreciate its contribution to saving the wine industry.

That worked, but too well. To this day, she keeps a box of Franzia White Zinfandel in her refrigerator. It might very well be the same box, but I am too horrified to ask. Nonetheless, every Mother’s Day I send her a bouquet of rosés with the hope that she will eventually turn the corner and become a full-blown wine-lover. Yes, at this point in both of our lives, I fully realize that will never happen, but I persist in this Mother’s Day tradition of mine for two reasons. First,

For Mom

a bouquet of real roses will last maybe a week before wilting and dying (which she finds depressing); and second, at least I know when I go to visit, there will be several bottles in her house worthy of consumption (but finding space in the fridge to chill them will certainly be a challenge given that enormous box of white Zin).

Here are the rosés that will make up this year’s Mother’s Day “bouquet”: Château de Trinquevedel, Tavel:

$20. In Tavel, only rosé wines are allowed to be produced, and this is one of my favorites. Darker in color than most pink wines, with bigger body and heftier flavors. The importer is Kermit Lynch, which is pretty much a guarantee of quality.

Château Miraval, Côtes de Provence Rosé:

$25. This is the wine that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie originally made “together,” but after a bitter and ugly divorce, Angelina is no longer part of the picture. Luckily, the Perrin Family still makes the wine and I always have a handful of bottles in the cellar.

20 MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel, Côtes de Provence Rosé:

Salute to Moms

$25. Along with Miraval, Whispering Angel can be found almost everywhere, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Sascha Lachine, the proprietor, set out to make the best rosés in the world, and I, for one, think he has succeeded. Fruity and dry, with plenty of subtle fruit and zippy tartness. Another wine that we always have on hand.

Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA:

$15. This one might be a little harder to find, but it is worth it.

Zingy acidity helps to reign in the abundant strawberry and watermelon fruit, while the finish lingers for quite some time.

Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, OR:

$30. Almost a bubblegum pink in the glass, this lovely wine from one of the leading producers in the Willamette boasts bright fruit and plenty of tartness. Made from pinot noir, the Valley’s signature grape and one of the best varieties for rosé.

Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Rosé, Russian River Valley, CA:

$25. Widely available for around $15, this wine is always one of the top scorers at my annual blind tasting of American rosés.

Bright, cheery and loaded with cherry aromas, this wine is at home both at the beach and on the table.

Les Sarrins, Côtes de Provence Rosé:

$30. I tried to limit my list to a half a dozen, but I just love this wine. Made by Bruno Paillard of Champagne fame, this wine is bursting with juicy fruit and fantastic acidity. It has recently become available through H-E-B, and we buy it up by the case.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms, and cheers!

MAY / JUNE 2023 l

21

Salute to Moms A Full, Fresh Menu Fit for a

Brunch Feast

M

other’s Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy brunch with your favorite people. These recipes for Easy Brunch Quiche, Savory Cheese Balls and Lemon Blueberry Trifle provide a full menu to feed your loved ones from start to finish and show Mom just how much you appreciate her all year long!

A Savory Way to Start the Celebration Serving up exquisite flavor doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. You can bring the cheer and favorite tastes with simple appetizers that are equal measures delicious and visually appealing.

These Savory Cheese Balls are easy to make and perfect for get-togethers and brunch celebrations. Texture and color are the name of the game with this recipe, and the result is a beautiful array of red, gold and green, all on one plate.

To find more recipes fit for brunch, visit Culinary.net.

Savory Cheese Balls Servings: 6-12 • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese • 2 tablespoons caraway seeds • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds • 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped • 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped • 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped • 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped • crackers (optional) • fruit (optional) • vegetables (optional) Cut each cream cheese block into three squares. Roll each square into ball.

In small bowl, combine caraway seeds, poppy seeds and half the garlic.

In second small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, rosemary and remaining garlic.

In third small bowl, combine cranberries and pecans.

Roll two cheese balls in seed mixture, two in herb mixture and two in cranberry mixture.

Cut each ball in half and serve with crackers, fruit or vegetables, if desired.

22 MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Say Goodbye to Basic Brunch The same old brunch menu can become tiresome and dull. Adding something new to the table with fresh ingredients and simple instructions can enhance your weekend spread and elevate brunch celebrations.

Try this Easy Brunch Quiche that is sure to have your senses swirling with every bite. This quiche is layered with many tastes and a variety of ingredients to give it crave-worthy flavor, from broccoli and bacon to mushrooms, eggs and melty cheese.

In medium bowl, add broccoli and cheese contents from package.

Microwave 5 minutes, or until cheese is saucy. Set aside.

In skillet, cook chopped bacon 4 minutes. Add green onions; cook 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook 4 minutes, or until bacon is completely cooked and mushrooms are tender.

Drain onto paper towel over plate. Set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk until combined. Add broccoli and cheese mixture. Add 1 cup cheese. Stir to combine. Set aside.

In pie shells, divide drained bacon mixture evenly. Divide broccoli mixture evenly and pour over bacon mixture.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over both pies.

Bake 40 minutes.

Cool at least 12 minutes before serving.

Easy Brunch Quiche Serves: 12 • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli with cheese • 12 slices bacon, chopped • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced • 4 eggs • 1 cup milk • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided • 2 frozen deep dish pie shells (9 inches each) Heat oven to 350 F.

Finish Brunch with a Light, Layered Treat After enjoying eggs, bacon, French toast and pancakes or any other brunch combination you crave, it’s tough to top a fresh, fruity treat to round out the meal. Dish out a delicious dessert to cap off the morning and send guests out on a sweet note that’s perfectly light and airy.

The zesty zip of lemon curd in this Lemon Blueberry Trifle brings out the sweetness of whipped cream made with Domino Golden Sugar, fresh blueberries and cubed pound cake for a vibrant, layered bite. Plus, it’s a bright, beautiful centerpiece you can feel proud of as soon as guests try their first bite.

Find more dessert recipes fit for brunch and other favorite occasions at DominoSugar.com.

Lemon Blueberry Trifle Prep time: 45 minutes Servings: 8-10 Lemon Curd: • 1 cup Domino Golden Sugar • 2 tablespoons cornstarch • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 tablespoon lemon zest • 6 tablespoons water

• 1/4 teaspoon salt • 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2inch cubes Whipped Cream: • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold • 2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Trifle: • 1 cup blueberry jam • 12 ounces fresh blueberries, plus additional for garnish, divided • 1 pound cake, cubed • lemon slices, for garnish • mint, for garnish To make lemon curd: In medium saucepan, stir sugar and cornstarch.

Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, water and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

Remove from heat and gradually stir in three egg yolks; mix well until combined. Stir in remaining egg yolks.

Return to heat and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in butter; mix until incorporated.

Cover with plastic wrap, touching surface of lemon curd to prevent curd forming skin. Refrigerate until completely cool.

To make whipped cream: In large bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat.

To make trifle: Mix blueberry jam with 12 ounces fresh blueberries. Place one layer cubed pound cake in bottom of trifle dish. Top with layer of blueberries.

Add dollops of lemon curd and whipped cream. Repeat layering ending with whipped cream.

Decorate trifle with lemon slices, fresh blueberries and mint.

MAY / JUNE 2023 l

23

Summer Traveling for the Ages

By Tanya Sterling

I

t’s almost summer time and just about time to book your family’s vacation. Of course, families with children are comprised of various ages, including kids, teenagers and young adults. Let’s discuss how to successfully travel and enjoy your time with the various age groups.

Family Travel with Young Kids Pack wisely: When traveling with young kids, packing can be a bit of a challenge! Be sure to pack plenty of snacks, diapers, wipes and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Don’t forget any medications your child may need as well. Of course, it’s also a good idea to bring a few small toys or games to keep them entertained during long flights or car rides.

Plan your itinerary around their schedule: As you know, young kids thrive on routine, and it’s important to keep their schedule in mind when planning your trip. Try to schedule activities and outings around their nap time and meal times to avoid meltdowns and crankiness.

Choose kid-friendly accommodations: When booking accommodations, look for kid-friendly options that offer fun amenities, such as pools or play areas. Family-friendly resorts or vacation rentals can also be a great option, as they often come equipped with cribs, high chairs and other baby gear. A lot of resorts also offer a Kids Club!

Take advantage of kid-specific activities: Many destinations offer fun kid-specific activities, such as children’s museums or amusement parks. Look for activities that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests, and plan ahead to avoid long lines and wait times.

Give yourself plenty of time: Traveling with young kids can be stressful, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and take breaks as needed. Plan for extra time at the airport or on the road, and be prepared to make frequent stops for bathroom breaks or snacks.

24 MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Family Travel with Teens Involve them in the planning process: Teens are often more independent and love to have a say in their travel plans! Involve them in the planning process by asking for their input on activities or destinations, and let them help plan parts of the trip.

Give them some space: Teens often like to have some independence, so try to give them some space during the trip. Consider booking separate hotel rooms or spacious vacation rentals with sufficient rooms (if budgets allow) or give them some time to explore on their own.

Plan activities that appeal to their interests: Teens are more likely to enjoy activities that appeal to their interests, such as outdoor adventures or trendy/cultural experiences. Do some research ahead of time to find activities or attractions that will appeal to your teen, and include them in your itinerary.

Encourage them to disconnect: We all know that teens are glued to their phones or devices; however, it’s important to encourage them to disconnect during the trip. Consider setting some ground rules around device usage, and if that doesn’t work, plan activities that don’t involve screens.

Allow for some downtime: Traveling can be exhausting, especially for teens who are constantly on the go. Be sure to allow for some downtime to relax and recharge, whether it’s by the pool or at a quiet café.

Family Travel with Young Adults Plan a trip that suits everyone’s interests: Young adults often have unique interests and preferences, so it’s important to plan a trip that suits everyone’s needs. Consider asking each member of the family to come up with a list of must-see destinations or activities, and try to incorporate them into your itinerary.

Allow for some flexibility: Young adults often have busy schedules and may not have as much time off as other family members. Be sure to allow for some flexibility in your travel dates and schedule to accommodate their availability.

Encourage them to take on some responsibilities: Young adults are often looking for more independence and responsibility, so encourage them to take on some tasks during the trip, such as booking accommodations or planning activities. Assign everyone a day that they specifically plan!

Try new things: Traveling with young adults is a great opportunity to try new things and experience different cultures. Consider trying new foods, taking part in cultural activities or events, or visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations. How fun!

Make time for quality family time: While it’s important to give young adults some independence, it’s also important to make time for quality family time. Plan activities or outings that everyone can enjoy together, and take plenty of photos to capture the memories!

Most importantly, enjoy all the moments and each other!

MAY / JUNE 2023 l

25

Israel, Birthdays and

Re-Invigorated Faith!

Q: How to celebrate your wife’s 60th birthday?

A: Take her to Israel for two weeks of long, hot, dirty, life-changing hikes all over the Promised Land!

Nancy and I went together to Israel during our first term in Congress in 2009. Since we were part of a group from Congress, our trip was heavy with official events: meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas; tour the “school bus bomb shelter capital of the world,” Sderot, in the Gaza Strip; hear gunfire on the Golan Heights; and float in the Dead Sea. Nancy went back to Israel a few years later to focus on Jesus’ life with Mary Willis and Merry Ministries. Nancy and I were planning to go back in 2020 with our church pastor, Chappell Temple. The COVID pandemic hit in February 2020 – trip cancelled. COVID cancelled our 2021 and 2022 plans. COVID waned heading to 2023, and we were finally going back to Israel! We arrived in Israel on Nancy’s birthday, March 5th, 2023.

Our 2023 trip to Israel was unique. It was not a guided tour in an air-conditioned luxury bus. We enrolled in a two-week college class at Jerusalem University College. Our instructor was Dr. Jack Beck. Dr. Beck is an ordained minister with a doctoral degree.

His expertise is teaching the Bible and Jesus Christ’s life through the geography of Israel. If you understand where the drinking water is, where the good lands for farming are, where the trade paths for the world are, where lands that can or cannot be defended are, you will get an insight as to how Jesus chose the specific locations for his ministry.

And we would walk everywhere, because that’s how Jesus got from point to point. My appreciation for the words of the Bible and Christ’s sacrifice became clearer and more

powerful when combined with the geography of Israel.

Weeks before we left for Israel, we had to mark up seven maps of Israel with specific colors for trade routes, routes of retreats, routes of pursuit, battles and cities of importance. Map 1 was the easiest – big picture – from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. Each successive map was more detailed. Map 2 focused on Israel. Map 3 was the North and Central areas of Israel.

The Lower Galilee and the fertile Jezreel Valley were Map 4. The Southern Trade Routes were addressed in Map 5. Judah was Map 6. Our last map, Map 7, was the land of Benjamin.

Our days were long: breakfast by 6:30 am, hiking to study the land and the Bible, dinner around 7 pm, and then to bed. We had only one day off. We hiked on mountains, plains, barren land and lush forests.

We walked through streams and slipped in the mud during rains. Our journey was Fort Bend Strong.

I have tons of stories about our two weeks in Israel. Since I am writing a column and not a tome, I’ll share three of my best memories. My first memory came from our first two days walking around Jerusalem. We went inside and outside the historic wall. The Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, the Temple Mount, the City of David, the Dome of the Rock, the Room of the Last Supper, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane – we walked to all of these sites.

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Map 2: Israel

I did not fully appreciate Christ’s sacrifice for us until I walked the steps he walked to be crucified. Jesus and his disciples ate the Last Supper inside the Wall near our university. After finishing their meal, they walked east, outside of the wall and through the steep Kidron Valley to rest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus had just walked past the Temple Mount, where the Jewish leaders were preparing a charge of blasphemy with a punishment of death. Sometime during the evening, Jesus sees the torches

Jesus’ walking journey to crucifixion.

1. Last Supper with disciples.

2. Garden of Gethesmane.

3. Temple Mount (Jews charge blasphemy).

4. Herod’s Palace (Pontius Pilot charges treason).

5. Roman Army Barracks (Tortured, prepared for Cross).

6. Church of the Holy Sepulcre (Site of crucifixion). of the accusers coming to arrest him.

He wakes his Disciples so they could greet the accusers. His captors march Jesus back across the Kidron Valley to the Temple Mount. The Jewish religious leaders, Sanhedrin and Caiaphas, find Jesus guilty of blasphemy and sentence him to death.

Just before sunrise, Jesus’ conviction is changed to treason against Rome.

He now has to walk across Jerusalem to Herod’s Palace where Pontius Pilot is waiting. Jesus is sentenced to die by crucifixion and walked back across Jerusalem to a small Roman army barracks

in the east side of the city. The Romans rip off his clothes and severely beat him.

It’s about 7 am. The Roman guards make Jesus drag his own cross, uphill, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ starts around 9 am.

The last breath Jesus took was sometime after 3 pm.

From dinner to arrest to conviction was possibly SEVENTEEN hours of nearly constant walking and abuse. I knew the depths of the sacrifice and love Jesus had for us, but I didn’t fully comprehend it until I walked the same steps He walked before He died.

MAY / JUNE 2023 l

27

Socoh. King Saul set up camp east of Socoh. Saul was a timid leader and refused to engage Goliath or the Philistines.

Goliath came to the battle line and dared the Israelis to come out and fight. Saul refused to fight, so David answered the call to confront Goliath armed only with the sling David used to protect his flock of sheep from attack.

The quintessential batle: David vs.

Goliath Pete and Nancy in Israel’s barren wilderness.

My second memory is the Temptation of Christ. Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 and Mark 1:12-13 describe the Temptation. Jesus knew that he was going to die on the cross to absolve us of all sin. He knew the Devil and the forces of evil were going to make his mortal death very painful. He needed to face the Devil’s temptation to test the limits of his humanness.

He could not falter. He must be alone like he would be on the cross. Our Lord must feel extreme thirst, hunger, dehydration, hallucinations, cold, heat and pain. He must face the Devil in the harshest part of Israel – the wilderness.

Israel’s wilderness is not a dense forest of trees, plants and animals like many Americans envision when they hear the word “wilderness.” The wilderness of Israel is barren, low mountains on the west side of the Dead Sea. Nothing grows there. It is very close to Jericho – less than a single day of walking away. Luke 18:35 – 19:28 describes Jesus healing a blind beggar in Jericho shortly before his crucifixion. Knowing what Jesus knew about his fate and his need to confront the Devil before his death, historians believe Jesus walked from Jericho to meet the Devil in the Judean wilderness. Dr. Beck led our group on a 15-minute hike near Hyrcania to see the area where Christ was likely tempted by the Devil for forty days. I saw one bird flying over the valley. I did not see any sign of live animals

on the ground. There was no vegetation except for small scrub brush in the middle of rocks. There was no sign of water – just rock after rock after rock.

Based on my U.S. Navy survival training in the California deserts, a normal man would start hallucinating after three days without water. The ability to reason becomes very impaired. The human body shuts down and dies after one week in these conditions. Jesus defeated the Devil in the wilderness – he was now prepared to defeat the Devil and sin on the cross. It was easy for Nancy and me to smile and rejoice in our faith standing over the wilderness because of the temptation Jesus Christ faced there and defeated for us.

My final memory is one most of us know from our youth – a young shepherd, David, going to battle with a massive man, Goliath. Dr. Beck explained that the battle was more than a young boy trying to prove he was a man and a leader.

God choose the Elah Valley as the place to start David on his path to be the chosen king. The pagan Philistines controlled of the cities of Ekron and Gath.

The global trade routes from these two cities converged in Azekah, the entry point to the fertile Elah Valley with trade routes to Gaza, Galilee, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The Philistines wanted Jerusalem. They moved through Azeka and set up camp in the Elah Valley, west of

Dr. Beck showed us where the battle likely occurred, and told us Goliath never had a chance, because the Lord and superior geography were behind David.

Goliath’s main weapon was a huge spear that he could heave about 40 yards. On the other hand, David, with his sling, could fire a small rock for nearly 100 yards, traveling more than 100 miles per hour with devasting accuracy. Dave killed Goliath with his first stone and then cut off Goliath’s head. The Philistines fled in utter terror, knowing that Israel had just found a new leader. Learning this story made my think of Texas, where defeating a vastly superior opponent is a regular.

Underdogs are Fort Bend Strong.

I’m rapidly approaching 10,000 words.

I could go on for another 1,000,000 words about my Bible through geography experience in Israel – the first Jewish temple with the Ark of the Covenant at Shilo, Nathanael asking, “Can anything good be from Nazareth (where Jesus lived most of his life), the towering Masada Fortress over the Dead Sea, being re-baptized with Nancy in the Sea of Galilee – the same water John used to baptize Jesus, etc. Nancy and I were able to LEGALLY bring a 3,000 year-old piece of pottery home, because Israel law does not consider objects sitting above the ground to be historic.

I’m always looking for Fort Bend Strong stories – pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Yours always, in Fort Bend Strong!

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2023 MITSUBISH OUTLANDER PHEV

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a three-row crossover powered by a plug-in hybrid engine giving the vehicle the ability to operate in all-electric mode for a short range. It’s an ideal compromise for a family that wants an electric vehicle for daily driving while giving them the ability to drive longer ranges whenever road calls. This just might be the vehicle that attracts new car buyers to the Mitsubishi family.

The history of Mitsubishi Motors dates back to 1917 when the company introduced its first car. But, in recent decades, the company’s ownership has bounced around between larger automotive companies that robbed Mitsubishi the ability to set a distinctive identity. Currently, it is one-third owned by Nissan and is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance. The introduction of the Outlander PHEV is a hopeful indication that Mitsubishi is on a positive track to regaining needed market share.

A base 2023 Outlander PHEV comes with an MSRP price tag of $39,845 and is powered by a 248 hp, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors, one for the front wheels and a second for the rear. There’s a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery that powers the electric motor and gives the Outlander a range of

up to 38 miles on a single charge. EPA estimated fuel economy for the gasoline engine is a less-than-stellar 25 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The interior is roomy with textured and padded touch-points providing the Outlander an upscale feel. The center console features a large touch screen and the instrumental panel is easily configured. As in most third-row crossovers, that back row is suitable only for small children. It’s notable that the Outlander delivers a near-luxury interior that rivals competitors but without a similar high price tag.

An outstanding feature of the new Outlander is the MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to assist the driver in maintaining distance between vehicles while keeping in the center of the lane. It also detects speed limit signs and automatically adjusts the set speed accordingly. The MI-PILOT with Navi-link technology is designed to alleviate driver fatigue while driving in highway traffic by utilizing map data to automatically adjust vehicle speed as needed according to curves, forks and other circumstances on expressways.

The newest Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV delivers with a stylish, technology crossover that is sure to entice buyers with an affordable price tag.

30 TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com 30 APRIL MAY /2023 JUNEl 2023 EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com l TO ADVERTISE,

By Alisa Murray www.alisamurray.com

H

Aloe Vera

ey Sweet Lifers! About ten years ago, a neighbor asked me if I would like some aloe vera for my garden. I was barely wet under the ears with my gardening skills, and I planted the tiny little things under a tree out in what is now the Sweet Life Garden. Over the years those “little” aloe sprouts grew and spread until both trees under the arch were covered with large and quite spiky leaves — not particularly good for taking children’s portraits!

I moved all of them, stuffing some into little pots and giving much away to friends. This is a lesson in what not to do with aloe, and the same applies to ginger and mint. Once it’s happy, it likes to spread, and you can forget about killing it.

Aloe Vera’s first recorded written history is about 6,000 years old with ancient carvings in Egypt. That civilization called aloe vera the “plant of immortality” because it can live and bloom without soil.

Native Americans called the planet “the wand of heaven” because of its moisturizing qualities and ability to aid in healing the skin. It is most widely called “Lilly of the Desert” because it can survive without much care and in the worst conditions.

Aloe Vera is one of those plants that everybody needs to have in their home.

From its leaves you can extract both a juice and a gel. The gel is squeezed from a snapped off leaf and is a fantastic first aid remedy for burns. I can remember covering my sunburnt nose and cheeks with this as a teenager. It has a cooling effect and helps to heal skin quickly. The juice can be taken as a health additive.

There has been some research as to its benefits regarding irritable bowel symptoms, building immunity and as a way to regulate hypertension. Aloe Vera is an effective remedy for acne as well.

I recommend having at least one aloe vera plant in a pot either in the window sill or in your patio garden. You will find that it is one of those plants that is easy to gift to family and friends, because even the people who have no clue how to take care of a plant, or time to even learn how, will be successful with it.

Keep on growing!

On Saturday, April 1st Commissioner Vincent Morales, Precinct 1 hosted the 10th anniversary of his annual Pig Roast and Crawfish Boil at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Over 860 guests, adults and children, enjoyed the 80s themed event featuring music

by Molly and the Ringwalds, a best 80s dressed contest, pony rides and a kids’ zone.

“We look forward to this event every year,” said Commissioner Morales. “It gives us an opportunity to spend some time with our friends, neighbors and constituents in a fun and relaxing atmosphere, and we sincerely appreciate everyone coming out and supporting us.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s event scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, 2024. For more information, visit www.vincentmorales.com.

OF BRAZOS

Regina and Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, Precinct 1.

Cyndia Rodriguez with Olga and Robert Gracia.

Jackie Fagan, Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan and Mary Favre.

Kevin Barker and Jeanne Wallace.

Harish Jajoo and Amy Mitchell.

Rhonda and Tommy Kuykendall.

Pat and Bob Hebert.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage, Precinct 2, Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, Precinct 1 and Ray Aguilar.

Photos by Sarah Hoban, Mary Favre and Debra Maltman.

32 MAY / JUNE 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Hadley Marie Sedillo enjoyed the activities in the Kids’ Zone.

Special Advertising Section • SUMMER ISSUE

• Private Schools • After School Activities • Kid-Friendly Party Places • Children’s Clothing Stores • Family Fun Activity Centers

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