MAY/JUNE 2022
Annual Service Awards {KATY ISD}
A Brunch Surprise for
Mom
Membership Benefits for Small Businesses
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CONTRIBUTORS MAY / JUNE 2022 VOLUME 19 | NUMBER 3
Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 11
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{COVER STORY}
Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. thedrunkencyclist.com Page 14
14 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 16
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{Column} 11 ON THE PORCH WITH PATTI Momma Trauma The Katy Area Chamber Team: Rick Ellis, Ashley Dewispelaere and Matthew Ferraro.
14 THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST
6 WHAT IS THE KATY AREA CHAMBER AND WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES?
16 AUTO REVIEW
The Texas Two-Step: Barbeque and Wine
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
{Newsworthy}
Joining a Chamber can be a great decision for a business, but what are the benefits for businesses in the Katy area? For over 60 years, the Katy Area Chamber has been looking out for business interests in the greater Katy area providing a variety of resources all designed to stimulate growth and the economy of enterprise in our community.
5 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT 2022 Wild West Brewfest
9 KATY ISD CELEBRATES
{Feature}
Employees, Retirees Annual Service Awards Ceremony
10 FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER
17 A BRUNCH SURPRISE FOR MOM
May 2022 Happenings
Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note.
12 MILLER CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER SKILLSUSA TEAMS Head to National Competition
15 LIBRARIES’ SUMMER READING CHALLENGE Starts May 30th
ON THE COVER: The Katy Area Chamber Team: Rick Ellis, Ashley Dewispelaere and Matthew Ferraro.
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{In Every Issue} 4 EXCLAMATION POINTS!
A STRONG FINISH STARTS HERE
WE’RE BY YOUR SIDE, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
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EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
May Madness For years I have professed that the months of May and December are by far the busiest and most hectic months of the year. In our house, it has just always worked out that way. By June 1st and January 1st, I let out a collective sigh of relief and vow to take a minute of much needed R and R. And it’s looking like the same is holding true for this May. For many of us, May brings the milestone of graduations – for our babies, for our family members and even for ourselves in some cases – and all of the Patti Kaminski and Suzie Beyer at pomp and circumstance that goes along the inaugural Sugar Land Arts Fest with the commencement celebrations. hosted by The Sugar Land Cultural In the Kaminski household, our baby Arts Foundation and The City of Sugar boy graduates from college, and it’s a Land. Congratulations to the organizing bittersweet moment for this momma. committee on an amazing event! I’m sharing my “Momma Trauma” in my On the Porch with Patti on page 11. I hope you enjoy it. Perhaps the biggest May milestone is Mother’s Day. To help you make mom feel special on her big day, we’re sharing a video recipe for a brunch treat mom is sure to love. Don’t worry – it’s an easy one. Even I could do it! For businesses in Katy, the Katy Area Chamber has reached a major milestone. For over 60 years, the Chamber has been helping area businesses succeed and has been contributing to the community in so many ways. With Matthew Ferraro at the helm, a personal friend and colleague for many years, I know the Chamber is on the path to continue to serve the Katy business community for another 60 years. Read about what the Chamber has to offer on page 6. There’s so much to keep your calendar full during May, so choose and choose wisely. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?” Be busy about the things that bring you joy this May and every day.
Vol. 19 No. 3 MAY/JUNE 2022 WWW.ABSOLUTELYKATY.COM absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore I T S U P P O RT A D M I N I S T R AT I V E / S A L E S A S S I S TA N T Kolton W. Kaminski CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. Steve Kursar 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
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NEWSWORTHY
Event Announcements for 2022 Wild West Brewfest Beerfest in North America” for multiple years in a row. Most importantly, the WWBF was volunteer created, is allvolunteer run and 100% of all proceeds are given back to the local community in student scholarships and donations to charitable organizations. Since it’s inception, the WWBF has raised and donated almost $1 million!
It is with much excitement that The Rotary Club of Katy announces the dates for the 2022 Wild West Brewfest (WWBF) event, along with a new venue location. The K-Town Throwdown will kick off the multi-day event on Thursday, November 3rd, followed by the Launch Party on Friday, November 4th. The official WWBF will be on Saturday, November 5th. Furthermore, the entire weekend of events will now be hosted at Typhoon Texas in Katy. While the water rides won’t be running, the liquids will be flowing! The improved location will offer new experiences for all WWBF guests – more space, live music stages, lounge areas and much more. Better yet, it is still within walking distance from all hotels. As always, the event is not just about great beer – it’s about giving back to the community. Formed in 1946, The Rotary Club of Katy has a strong membership of local businesses and professional men and women. The club is part of Rotary International, and the non-profit organization plans activities and fundraisers to contribute to the local and international community. The WWBF was founded by Katy Rotarians 10 years ago and is a member of the Brewers Association of America. It has been awarded the “#1
The organizers are thrilled for what is to come at this fall’s WWBF, and more exciting details will be announced soon. Tickets are available for purchase at www.wildwestbrewfest.com. Like and follow on facebook and Instagram for more exciting news as they start the countdown to the 2022 Wild West Brewfest!
Promo code: KATY 15 | Expiration date: 6/30/22
Submit newsworthy items to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com MAY / JUNE 2022 l
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What is the
COVER STORY
and What are the Membership Benefits for Small Businesses?
The Katy Area Chamber Team: Rick Ellis, Ashley Dewispelaere and Matthew Ferraro.
K
aty area businesses may have seen information about a number of different Chambers and wondered if it was worth it for their business to become a member. As a business owner, you don’t want to spend money on a membership that won’t help your business. Joining a Chamber can be a great decision.
What is the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce? For over 60 years, the Katy Area Chamber has been looking out for business interests in the greater Katy area, specifically, the Katy ISD boundaries. Businesses join together to improve their value, visibility and credibility; share news, ideas and best practices; and become better connected with the industry’s they serve and the resources they need to serve them.
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Membership Benefits for Small Businesses? Being a Chamber member comes with many benefits that can boost business. Whether your business has a few employees or thousands, you can enjoy a return on investment by leveraging the Katy Area Chamber’s marketing, savings, advocacy and networking benefits.
Discounts Chamber members will often offer discounts to one another. For example, is your business having a lunch meeting? Check for discounts with restaurants who are members. Need special fliers for an event or sale? A print shop that is a Chamber member might offer you a reduced rate.
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Credibility Being a member makes your business more desirable to customers. When a small business is a member of their local Chamber, consumers are 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the business in the future. A Chamber membership can increase profits because customers view your business more favorably.
Marketing Chambers promote your business, especially when you first become a member. The Katy Area Chamber has many marketing venues, including our website, social media, community events, email and print advertising. Any exposure the we give towards your business can be beneficial.
Advocacy Chambers act as a voice for the common interests of members. If you have a need, problem or suggestion, please let us know, and we will put a group or committee to work on it. You also have the opportunity to get involved with the Chamber through a variety of different ways.
Networking When you join our Chamber, you can network with other member businesses. By networking, you get to know others in your community, develop partnerships and support other businesses. If your business is ever in need, you’ll have a community of business owners to turn to for help.
Professional Development The Katy Area Chamber hosts professional development events and programs. These events might include training, meeting opportunities or our Leadership Katy program. These opportunities help you learn or improve upon skills that are essential to running your business. You can use our professional development events to better your company without breaking your budget.
For more information, call 281.391.KATY (5289) or visit www.katychamber.com. MAY / JUNE 2022 l
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Investment
Your Takeaway
Get Involved When you get involved with the Katy Area Chamber, you will become better connected to your community. You will become more aware of community and business issues. You can help solve problems, and members can help you solve your problems. The more you become actively engaged, the more you get to know the other community and business leaders that can advocate for your interests, too.
Earn Marketing Take advantage of free brand recognition and exposure on the Chamber’s website and larger social networks, and the many cost effective advertising and sponsorship opportunities offered by Chamber newsletters, digital marketing campaigns and events to reach more of your market for less.
While Chamber membership has a price, there are many benefits to joining. The Chamber provides you with opportunities to get involved in your community and to better your business. And, there are ways to make the membership cost more manageable for your small business budget. In addition to the direct savings and growth benefits, membership also supports community and non-profit projects that keep the local market strong and growing and supports efforts that provide a top-of-the-line workforce. Joining the Katy Area Chamber could be a smart business decision for you.
Leadership Katy About Leadership Katy is the premier civic leadership development program in the Katy area aimed at convening, connecting and mobilizing a pipeline of promising leaders to explore and address key business and community issues in the Katy community.
The Program Each year, individuals will be selected to participate in a nine-month program that meets once monthly. Participants receive in-depth exposure to the issues facing the community through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations and other leadership development activities. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships and prepare themselves for the challenges of the years to come.
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NEWSWORTHY
Benefits Leadership Katy participants build the knowledge, confidence and motivation to become actively involved in promoting constructive change for the Katy Area. Class members will grow in awareness and understanding of the challenges and issues facing our community. Leadership Katy opens the door for enhanced corporate/organizational community involvement and visibility, develops valuable contacts and networks and helps identify where strategic alliances might be formed. Employers and sponsoring organizations will see increased leadership and problem-solving skills in their employees who participate in the program. The community will experience immediate benefit from increased involvement on the part of the participants and will reap future benefits from the collective commitment to effective leadership by the graduates of Leadership Katy.
Expectations Graduation from the class represents the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity as a member of the Leadership Katy Alumni network. Alumni have the responsibility to foster continued leadership development in the region and are expected to support the work of Leadership Katy. In addition, it is expected that alumni will participate in constructive community change. They are also encouraged to serve on committees, boards and organizations throughout the region. Critical to the organization’s continued success is the support from past participants in program guidance, financial contributions and marketing the program to future participants.
For more information, call 281.391.KATY (5289) or visit www.katychamber.com.
Katy ISD Celebrates Employees, Retirees at Annual Service Awards Ceremony
Board Members Rebecca Fox, Dawn Champagne and Lance Redmon with Board President Greg Schulte, Dee Archibald, Katy ISD 35 year employee, Superintendent Ken Gregorski and Board Member Leah Wilson. At this year’s Katy ISD Employee Service Awards program on April 5th, the District honored more than 600 employees and retirees for their careers in education. Katy ISD employees who have dedicated 15 to 40 years of service to the District, as well as retirees, were recognized for their commitment to student excellence and for making Katy ISD one of the best school districts in the state of Texas. When retirees bid farewell, they will collectively represent more than 5,400 years of experience in education. “I am delighted to celebrate the milestone that each of our staff members has reached this year, as well as recognize the commitment they have demonstrated to the students, our colleagues and families of this District,” said Greg Schulte, Katy ISD Board President. “On behalf of the Board, we have the deepest admiration for all you have accomplished, and the foundation you have laid for future students and staff,” added Schulte. Additionally, Katy ISD employees who have served 35 and 40 years in the District were honored during the ceremony. Employees with 35 years of service include:
• Dee Archibald • Stacey Cave • Arturo DeLeon • Debbie McGuire • Brenda White As a token of appreciation, 40-year employees were given a commemorative award for their dedication to creating a lasting legacy among students and staff at Katy ISD. Employees with 40 years of service include: • Gary Joseph • Joy Patel • Adena Sealock “Alongside the skills and talent each of our employees brings to the table, the relationships our employees have developed with each other and with the students, have set the groundwork for enriching and engaging learning environments across our 73 campuses and facilities,” said Dr. Ken Gregorski, Superintendent of Schools at Katy ISD. “I would like to personally say to all our employees that I truly appreciate your service to Katy ISD.”
MAY / JUNE 2022 l
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Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center May 2022 Happenings
NEWSWORTHY
Our Voice WonderWeek • May 3 to 7 For over 50 years, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards have recognized the outstanding works of African American authors and illustrators who celebrate African American life and culture. The award is named for Coretta Scott King, wife and partner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her focus on peace, love and social change made her one of the most prominent African American and women leaders of our time. Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center celebrates this prestigious award with a week-long event filled with creative activities, including community action posters and mixed media collages about life’s important moments.
17th Annual Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières – Fort Bend Brunch • May 6 Get ready to don your stylish hats and gloves again! Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Council is hosting the 17th annual Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières Fort Bend Brunch! This event benefits Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Friday, May 6th at the palatial Sweetwater home of Manmeet and Paul Likhari. Stylish hats encouraged. Register here: https://www.childrensdiscoveryfb. org/may-6-:-hats,-gloves-and-boutonnieres-fort-bend-brunch.
Mr. Leo Puppet Show • May 21 Sponsored by Phillips 66 Here comes the fun! Watch seasoned puppeteer Mr. Leo put on a crowd-pleasing performance created for toddlers. Children are sure to be delighted as they dance and laugh to this interactive show.
Oh, Bluey! • May 7 Get Ready, Get Set! WonderWeek • May 24 to 28
Meet everyone’s favorite blue heeler pup, Bluey! This adventurous canine from the Land Down Under will be at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center for one day only, so don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with her and have some tail waggin’ fun!
The race to summer is on! Countdown to summer with new, colorful activities to celebrate the sunniest season of all including designing a fun summer vibes outfit, making wind fans designed to look like fruits and more!
Spring Things WonderWeek • May 10 to 14
Fun Vibes Only WonderWeek • May 31 to June 4
Spring is in full swing! It’s time to celebrate green grass, blooming flowers and light rain! Make water cycle bracelets, learn about electrifying science, and celebrate spring by designing 3-D butterflies.
The sun is out, and summer is here! Bask in our fun vibes with a cheery week which celebrates summer fun, including making scenic postcards, designing flower leis and crowns and more!
Story Time with Peter Pan • May 14
About Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center
Sponsored by Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry for Children Peter Pan is flying to Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center for a one-of-a-kind story time experience. Let your creativity take you on an imaginative journey to Neverland. Peter will be meeting and greeting, so don’t miss this fun event!
Ranked as one of the “Top 10 Things to Do in Sugar Land” on TripAdvisor, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is a Playground for Your Mind™. It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning with a vision to spark a passion for lifelong learning in all children. Located at 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land, TX 77498 in the Historic Imperial Market, the Discovery Center offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Discovery Center operates as a 501(c) (3) under the direction of a Board of Directors. For more information, please visit www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org or call (832) 742-2800. Can your mind come out to play?™
Plastic Power WonderWeek • May 17 to 21 Plastic - it’s all around us! But did you know it’s recyclable? That means it can be repurposed into different objects, including creative works of art! Join us for an environmentally friendly week and find out how much fun upcycling can be.
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By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Momma Trauma
As
I pen this in late April, we are T minus 22 days away from baby boy graduating from – gulp – college, and it’s getting real. I’m feeling a certain kind of way on the daily, and it is not necessarily a good thing. Just ask Mr. Kaminski. Sure, there are days that I’m super excited. Graduating from The University of Texas McCombs School of Business is a huge accomplishment, and W. has done it all on his own. He’s made the grades, he’s made the commitment, he’s done it on time, he’s stayed the course. He’s worked part-time for the past 18 months, and he has a big boy job all buttoned up. And, of course, this being off of momma and daddy’s payroll thing absolutely is something to celebrate. Of course, there will be the appropriate pomp and circumstance to celebrate the precious prince – all deserved, all beyond emotional for the momma. Because on the flip side of the coin are the other days – the not so shiny ones – that keep turning up like a bad penny. These are the days that I think about my 275-month-old baby, my virtual newborn, who I brought home from the hospital a week ago. I still have the baby weight to prove it. I thumb through his baby pictures, and I can literally still
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Momma and Kolton last week.
smell his baby smell. You know how each baby has their own scent, and as a momma, you know your baby by simply a brief whiff? It’s true gentlemen. Ask any momma; it’s a thing. To make matters worse, seven days after baby boy graduates, he will turn 23 years-old. Now how he can be 23 when I’m only 29 is completely perplexing to me. But honestly, just how much momma trauma am I supposed to endure in a brief 30-day period? This just doesn’t seem right.
Kolton W. a.k.a. Momma’s Baby Boy and always will be. My matriarchs have always imparted that we raise the babies to leave the nest – to provide them with the resources to soar on their own – having completed our task as caregivers, as providers, as nurturers, as parents. I admit – I like the whole soaring thing. Even the Bible talks about us soaring like eagles. I can get behind that. It’s the leaving the nest thing that bothers me. You see, this is not my first rodeo. I know how it works out. Kassidi graduated – with two degrees, my babies are smart – got a big girl job, moved and is living large, as she should. But we’re lucky to get a baby girl drive by at the Kaminski homestead, so I see the writing on the wall. Maybe I should get another baby. I have experience and references. I know how to do it. I ran this idea up the proverbial flagpole, otherwise known as Mr. Kaminski. Oddly enough, it didn’t sail. Caught a lot of wind – gale force type – but it was more destructive than doting. Imagine that. All I can say is it’s going to be a month full of juxtapositions. I’ll cry because I’m happy; I’ll cry because I’m sad. I’ll be angry because I don’t have a baby; I’ll be angry because I have two babies, they are bigger than me and can drive. I’ll be mad for no apparent reason and happy for the same. Y’all pray for Mr. Kaminski. This month-long momma trauma is going to be a wild ride. See y’all next week – on the porch!
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Miller Career & Technology Center SkillsUSA Teams Head to National Competition
NEWSWORTHY
After a competitive four-day state tournament in Corpus Christi last weekend, three Katy ISD students won first place and earned a spot in the 2022 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. These students have worked since the start of the school year to perfect their skills and are excited to represent Katy ISD at the national level.
Applied Engineering – Fourth Place Winners: • Alan Mendoza-Estrada, Junior at Seven Lakes High • Dayanna Perez, Junior at Mayde Creek High • Logan King, Junior at Katy High • Mitchell Gorodetsky a Junior at Taylor High
First Place Winners in SkillsUSA State Conference Mechatronics: • Emiliano Grajales-Mora, Junior at Tompkins High School • Daniel Fernandez, Junior at Tompkins High School
Commerciall Baking – Fifth Place Winner: • Lauren Witte, Senior at Cinco Ranch High
Culinary Arts: • Brayden Henry, Junior at Tompkins High School “The Miller Career & Technology Center (MCTC) SkillsUSA program has grown tremendously over the past three years, expanding to include Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and Manufacturing Engineering chapters. Students enroll in MCTC courses to gain real-world experiences and career-focused opportunities,” said Dallas Bergstrom, MCTC Manufacturing Engineering Instructor. “In addition to competing, members of our SkillsUSA program gain valuable networking and leadership skills with like-minded peers across the state and/ or nation,” added Bergstrom. A total of 53 Katy ISD students recently advanced to state to compete against thousands of participants in over 100 occupational and leadership skill areas. The following students were among the Top five spots, some of which also earned scholarships in their respective categories. SkillsUSA State Conference Mechatronics – Second Place Winner: • Kamalika Bose, Senior at Tompkins High School
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Emiliano Grajales Mora and Daniel Fernandez. Robotics and Automation – Third Place and $1,500 Scholarship Winners: • Aden Watson, Senior at Katy High School • Philip Homburger, Junior at Taylor High
SkillsUSA helps students develop necessary personal and workplace skills, along with technical skills grounded in academics. The goal of SkillsUSA is to empower students to succeed at work and in life while helping to close the skills gap in which millions of industry positions go unfilled. The 2022 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skill Conference will take place in Atlanta, Georgia June 20th thru 24th.
Engineering Technology Design – Third Place Winners: • Seth Windham, Senior at Tompkins High • Levend Karayaka, Senior at Taylor High • Andrew Simmons, Senior at Tompkins High Computerized Numerical Control Milling – Third Place and $1,500 Scholarship Winner: • Daniel Fernandez, Junior at Tompkins High Computerized Numerical Control Turning – Third Place and $1,500 Scholarship Winner: • Nicolas Ahmed, Senior at Mayde Creek High
Brayden Henry.
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the drunken cyclist By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D.
The Texas Two-Step: Barbeque and Wine
W
hen I moved to Southeast Texas several years ago, I needed to adapt quickly to many aspects of living in the area, but there were three at the forefront: the traffic, the humidity and the barbecue. While the first two involve mere acceptance, there is a bit of wiggle room with the third, particularly when it comes to accompanying beverages. While I understood that the “traditional” pairings with Texas barbecue range
from sweet tea to beer, I was rather surprised to see limited effort to pair wine with the region’s version of smoked and grilled meat. Unlike other regional preparations, which often involve slathering the selected meat in a variety of rich, tangy, and often sweet sauces that can make wine pairing difficult, the Texas version is far less complicated. A simple salt and pepper rub is the mainstay of barbecue in the Lone Star state, fo-
California
Italy Barbecue in Italy includes the vast variety of fresh fish available from the Mediterranean, but the meats involved come pretty close to those used in Texas: beef, sausage, chicken. 2019 Giacomo Borgogno and Figli Barbera d’Alba Piedmont, Italy Retail $24. 100% Barbera. From a famed producer of Barolo, this beauty has oodles of dark fruit, laced with herbs, spice and earth. The fruit here will work equally well with a smoky brisket or a garlic-laden sausage.
2019 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Retail $20. 100% Sangiovese. Another well-known producer, this one a bit further south, in Tuscany. Fairly light (in color, but not flavor) with black cherry, black raspberry and well, black earth. Particularly tart, this would be a great counter-balance to a juicy brisket.
cusing on the flavors and texture of the smoky meat. Surprisingly, perhaps, this simple approach to grilling and smoking meat is practiced in many other countries around the world where barbecue is more frequently paired with, you guessed it, wine. Here are a few wines from around the world, all available here in Texas, that pair fantastically with what I consider the best style of the American staple.
Barbecue from the Golden State can be all over the map as can the wines. But when it comes to pairing wine with Texas barbecue, there might be no better choice than Zinfandel.
Spain As in Italy, Spanish barbecue involves plenty of seafood, beef and chicken. There is more pork, though, and of course, paella. 2017 Juan Gil Jumilla Red Blend Murcia, Spain Retail $20. Closer to a New World style with tons of fruit, a bit of spice, fruit and well, more fruit. Did I mention the fruit? There is also mocha and a bit of pine needle. Another fantastic wine for brisket and sausage, plus pork ribs. 2016 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva Spain Retail $20. 90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha Tinta and Graciano. One of the larger producers in perhaps Spain’s most renowned wine region. Dark fruit, a touch of anise, black pepper and clove in a quintessential Old World way. Much more subtle than the Juan Gil, but also more sophisticated. A killer brisket pairing.
2018 Michael-David Vineyards Zinfandel Freakshow, Lodi, CA Retail $20. Quite dark in the glass with cassis a-go-go, black cherry and raspberry, vanilla, clove and sage. Really, really fruity on the palate as well, this might classify as a “quintessential Zin” with all that fruit at the fore, mid and finish. When looking for a bold wine, look no further than the Freakshow.
2019 Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County, CA Retail $24. Dark fruit (plum, blackberry) paired with a host of spices and herbs (clove and sage for starters). One of the more versatile wines on this list, it will work with just about anything your grill master wants to throw your way.
NEWSWORTHY
South America Both Argentina and Chile do barbecue big, usually involving an enormous fire, with plenty of beef and sausage. 2019 Trivento Malbec Golden Reserve, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina Retail $20. On the fruity side with black pepper, cassis, plum. All that fruit is paired with what seems like just the right amount of acidity, resulting in a nicely balanced wine. Quite versatile, handling the fattiest of briskets and the leanest pork with aplomb. 2019 Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Colchagua Valley, Chile Retail $25. Wonderful blackberry, cassis, black pepper, black cherry along with an intense acidity, drying but subtle and integrated tannins and an impressive finish. Widely available and fits Texas BBQ to a “t” with all that fruit and spice.
Texas It makes perfect sense that Texas wines might offer some of the best pairings for Texas barbecue. 2019 Reddy Vineyards The Superior Texan, Texas High Plains Retail $45. Mostly Sangiovese and Tannat, this wine is quite dark and on the big side, but there is more than enough acidity to slice through the beefiest brisket and spiciest sausage. 2016 Spicewood Vineyards The Good Guy, Texas High Plains Retail $42. While the fruit is more tame than other wines on this list (due, at least in part, to the additional aging), this wine still has a zingy tartness that will stand up to just about anything you can pull out of the smoker.
Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge Starts May 30th Fort Bend County Libraries presents special reading challenges during the summer to encourage reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults. “Oceans of Possibilities” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Online registration for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge, which takes place at all Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) locations, will begin on Monday, May 30th, and continue through August 31st. Library programs and activities for children begin during the week of June 6th, and continue through July 30th. Children from infancy through school-age are invited to come to the library to read a lot of great books and join in some fun activities to kick off a great summer! Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to complete individual online challenges and win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to www.fortbend.lib.tx.us and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 30th. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 6th. The last day to pick up awards is August 31st. Prizes must be collected from the “primary library of use” that the reader indicated on the registration form. For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-633-4734.
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absolutely AUTO REVIEW By Steve Kursar
2022 MERCEDESBENZ E-CLASS
T
he 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recently refreshed with a more dynamic and sportier exterior, redesigned headlamps and taillamps, radiator grille and bumper and even more comfort. It also packs in so much more technology that you may need to study the owner’s manual thoroughly in order to fully appreciate the car. The E-Class and its predecessor models are the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Although the very first E-Class mid-sized models were technically produced starting in 1953 and are highly prized today by collectors, the first true E-Class sedans began life in 1993 as “executive cars.” Those E 320 sedans were both luxurious but could also drive comfortably and travel safely on Germany’s famous Autobahn where an enforced speed limit really doesn’t exist. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class base E-350 sedan comes with an MSRP price tag of $54,950. Under the hood, you’ll find a 255 hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder inline turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
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The next step up is the E-450 with a 362 hp, 3.0 liter sixcylinder inline turbocharged engine that’s also mated to the nine-speed transmission. What makes this model special is that the powertrain is enhanced with the addition of the electric EQ Boost mild hybrid feature which results in improved performance and efficiency. Fuel economy numbers for the E-450 are 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The E-Class interior is beautifully appointed as can be expected from Mercedes-Benz. The cockpit boasts some very advanced technology engineered to allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. The MBUX infotainment system is powered by a powerful system that incorporates brilliant screens and graphics, a customizable display, learning-capable software and Voice Control with natural language recognition. It takes a bit of learning to master it, but in time the MBUX system becomes second nature. The top-of-the-line E-Class sedan is the AMG E 63 S which really takes this car into a very different strata. Powered by the iconic handcrafted 603 hp, AMG 4.0 liter, V8 biturbo engine, this AMG sedan gets fast really fast. With a base MSRP of $107,500, the AMG E 63 S is a supercar masquerading as a family sedan. If you’re shopping for a new luxury sedan that’s a pleasure to drive and is designed to impress, any level of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan will fit the bill.
MAY / JUNE 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
FEATURE
A Brunch Surprise for
Mom
Brunch Fruit Tart
Recipe adapted from www.homemadeinterest.com
M
other’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress. Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note. With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal. Visit www.Culinary.net, for more brunch recipes.
Crust: 4 Cups Granola Mixture 1/2 Cup Butter, softened 4 1/2 Tablespoons Honey Nonstick Cooking Spray
Toppings: Strawberries, sliced Blueberries Kiwis, sliced
Filling: 2 1/4 Cups Vanilla Greek Yogurt 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 Package Gelatin To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper. Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely. To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely. Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.
Click to watch video to see how to make this recipe! Source: Family Features / www.Culinary.net MAY / JUNE 2022 l
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