Fort Bend Focus June 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Love is in the Air Gift Guide

Continues Growth In Facilities, Services, Outreach

Autism Awareness Luncheon

Election $3.95

2020

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Gabrielle Wudarski, PA-C

{Features} FEBRUARY 2020

{COVER STORY}

14 ELECTION 2020

A list of the most important election dates this year.

36 Sweet, Luscious

Snacks for Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day Eats and Treats 37 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE

YOUR HEART HEALTH

Learn about your risk for heart disease

and ways to improve your heart health during Heart Month.

40 LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

{Columns} 12 HOMETOWN HEROES

Jack Molho

15 FOCUS ON HEALTH

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in 2020.

32 High School Hot Shot

8

Planning for a

Healthy Future:

Houston Methodist

Sugar Land Hospital

Continues Growth in Facilities, Services,

Outreach

Dr. Uttam Tripathy and Dr. Imran Mohiuddin First in Fort Bend County to Offer Innovative ‘TCAR’ Procedure to Treat Carotid Artery Disease

Meet Khacia Mitchell

38 OENOPHILE

Great Red Wine Values

48 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

One of 12 Virtues, the Second of Which is Wit

Since 1998, Houston Methodist

Sugar Land Hospital has achieved major

milestones in facilities, services and outreach.

Now with 347 medical, surgical and intensive

care beds, 27 operating rooms and three

medical office buildings, the future looks bright

for this health institution dedicated to bringing

world-class healthcare services to Fort Bend.

36 2

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Joan Frances Contributor Pages 12 & 32

FEBRUARY 2020 Volume 16 | number 4

12 Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com Pages 26 & 48

26 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 34

34

{Travel}

Denman Moody theadvanceoenophile.com Page 38

38

26 GLOBETROTTING

The 2020 Bucket List: New Zealand

{Newsworthy}

13 Learn About Texas Superstar Plants

At Missouri City Branch Library 16 Annual Autism Awareness Luncheon

“Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler” Fort Bend Christian Academy American Sign Language Program

Pilots New Technology

{In Every Issue} 30 Literacy Council

of Fort Bend County

8th Annual Reading

{Medical Focus}

20 Library Launches Podcast Club

At University Branch Library

22 Inspiration Stage Introduces Matilda JR.

At the Junior Theatre Festival

in Atlanta

28 Film Challenges IQ Testing

Limits Placed on People

Between the Wines Features Henry Winkler

33 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

24 SEEN ON THE SCENE 42 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND 44 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST 46 COMMUNITY EVENTS

Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer

35 Richmond Bone

& Joint Clinic

Becomes Part of

OakBend Medical Group

{Auto Review} 34 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

with Intellectual Disabilities

4

6 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

On the Cover:

Rosalyn Miller, D.O., Marvin D. Atkins Jr., M.D., Larry Tran, M.D., Neel Srikishen, M.D., Timothy Sitter, M.D. and Jorge Darcourt, M.D.

Exclamation Points!

Publisher, Patti Parish-Kaminski

Love in the Bend February is known as the month of love, and in this issue, we focus on so many amazing things in our community, it makes me fall in love with Fort Bend all over again!

One of our favs – Reading Between the Wines benefitting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend – happens this month, and guess who is the featured speaker? Henry Winkler! That’s right, the Fonz is coming to Fort Bend – love!

There’s also a recipe for an amazing and healthy Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board for your sweetheart. Heart healthy for Heart Month and delicious – love!

And, if you need a gift for your special ValenPatti and Tim Kaminski. tine, we’ve got you covered there as well with our Love is In the Air Gift Guide – absolutely love!

Truman Capote said, “Love, having no geography, knows no boundaries.” We’ve got no boundaries for loving our community – the best place to live, work, raise and care for our families. Happy Valentine’s Day Fort Bend friends! Spread the love!

Vol. 16 No. 4 FEBRUARY 2020 4655 Techniplex DR. Ste 700 Stafford, Tx 77477 281-690-4242

www.FORTB ENDFOCUS.com

Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski a s s o c iat e P u b l i s h e r Jessica Kij ACCOU N T E X ECUTI V E s Henry Dibrell Kay Garrett Anna Rawa

Stay focused!

ART D IRECTOR Grace Belleza

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

W EB D ESI G N ER Joey Belleza

Reader feedback Dear Ms. Kaminski,

Thank you very much for your generous gift of wonderful toys to our Project SMILE Christmas outreach. There were 2,140 Project SMILE children who received Christmas gifts, with 461 being served from Bethel Ministry which is where your contribution was a great blessing. We also gave gifts to 69 senior citizens. I know there were a lot of places you could have donated those toys and I am grateful that you chose to give them to Project SMILE. This was our 36th Christmas to reach out to children in loving memory of my son Stan. Thank you for helping to make Project SMILE a beautiful tribute to Stan, as well as a wonderful blessing to the many children whose smiling faces reflected their joy when they received their gifts.

Gratefully,

Carolyn Tarver

6

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

contributOrS Joan Frances Steve Kursar Denman Moody Alisa Murray I N Q UIRIES 281-690-4242 e d i t o r ia l SUB M ISSIO N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Subscription requests are free to all Fort Bend addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside the Fort Bend area.

Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright© 2020 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in 2020.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in 1998.

Planning for a Healthy Future:

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Continues Growth in Facilities, Services, Outreach

L

ooking around the expansive Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus, it’s difficult to imagine that today’s regional medical center began as a small community hospital – with just 22 beds and 160 employees.

That was 1998, when the hospital welcomed its first patients. The population of Fort Bend County was less than half the size it is today, and community health mostly meant serving as a local gateway to the large hospitals in Houston’s famous Texas Medical Center.

But that was then. Today, 22 years later, Houston Methodist Sugar Land encompasses:

COVER STORY

• 347 medical, surgical and intensive care beds and 27 operating rooms in three patient towers • Comprehensive centers of excellence including cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, urology and women’s services • Three medical office buildings • Primary care and specialty physician offices located throughout the community, along with an offsite emergency care center in Missouri City More than 2,200 employees and 1,000 specially trained physicians treat patients from across Fort Bend and surrounding areas – from communities including El Campo, Victoria, Eagle Lake and Bay City. In just a little over two decades, Houston Methodist Sugar Land has emerged as a highly specialized regional care facility – treating patients with complex diseases and conditions across a wide range of health care specialties and subspecialties.

People and Resources: A Healing Mix Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land, said the hospital has plans to add another 100 beds, new cardiac catheterization labs, an expanded emergency department, additional office space for physicians and more over the next five to seven years.

Still, he explains, the hospital’s growth isn’t just about buildings. “It’s easy to focus on the expansion of our physical campus, because that’s what people see when they drive by,” he said. “But the most important thing we have been able to do here is dramatically increase our capabilities in the core medical specialties that the community needs most. That’s what I’m most proud of. Our physicians have driven our growth since the very beginning.”

Building those competencies required more than just attracting excellent physicians. It also meant the hospital needed the necessary facilities and resources, and of course, highly trained nursing and ancillary staff.

“Today, patients in Fort Bend and surrounding areas don’t need to travel far for specialized, complex care. It’s available right here, because we have the physicians, the staff, the facilities and the technology to diagnose and treat even the most serious cases,” said Siebenaler.

Centers of Excellence Drive Advancements Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s focus on meeting the needs of the community is exemplified by its six centers of excellence, which provide the most advanced medical services required in Fort Bend.

Cardiology The Houston Methodist Heart & Vascular Center at Sugar Land is a nationally accredited chest pain center and the only hospital in Greater Fort Bend to provide 24/7 interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery services.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land performed the first open heart surgery in Fort Bend County in 2007 and has continued to remain the premier institution for cardiac and thoracic services.

In 2019, a cardiovascular surgeon and interventional cardiologist completed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure in Fort Bend County.

“TAVR offers significant benefits over traditional valve replacement surgery,” said Marvin D. Atkins Jr., M.D., Marvin D. Atkins Jr., M.D. board-certified cardiothoracic

and vascular surgeon. “It means shorter hospital stays, less trauma to chest muscles and heart tissue, greatly reduced complications and a much quicker recovery time. It’s a major step forward for our patients, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that continues to put patients first.”

Neurosciences The Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, stroke, headaches and migraines, neuromuscular disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disorders, brain and spinal tumors, epilepsy and seizures and more.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land is the only hospital in Fort Bend that routinely performs complex brain and spinal surgeries.

“Our team approach ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive care,” said Larry Tran, M.D., board-certified neurologist and medical director Larry Tran, M.D. of the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. “Being able to call upon our colleagues in specific subspecialties as needed – as well as having access to state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained operating room staff – enables us to treat complex cases.”

Oncology The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is the only facility in Fort Bend that offers comprehensive oncology services onsite in one location – from diagnosis to surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, nurse navigators and ongoing care and support through a robust survivorship program.

“Our oncology team routinely collaborates to ensure each patient receives the best possible care,” said board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist Jorge Darcourt, M.D. “This partnership draws on Jorge Darcourt, M.D. each team member’s expertise to fight cancer in a compassionate, caring and supportive environment.”

The Cancer Center specializes in the treatment of all adults with cancer and is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons - Commission on Cancer accreditation.

Orthopedics Athletes and non-athletes alike receive comprehensive care at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land with an on-site state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility that offers a combination of strength training, performance enhancement techniques and physical, occupational and aquatic therapy. With the addition of the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic, knowledgeable doctors and staff can quickly evaluate and treat injuries so you can get back to your active life. Best of Timothy Sitter, M.D. all, no appointment is required.

“I am proud to be part of a group that has a 20-year history of providing comprehensive, world-class care to Fort Bend and surrounding communities,” said board-certified orthopedic surgeon Timothy Sitter, M.D. “Our commitment to providing conservative treatment with the latest, innovative technology exemplifies our dedication to providing the best possible outcome for our patients.”

Urology The urologists at Houston Methodist Sugar Land are dedicated to the treatment of the entire genital and urinary tract. The team provides quality, personalized care in Fort Bend, combining clinical expertise with advanced technology to treat the full spectrum of urological conditions, including kidney stones, bladder and prostate conditions, urologic cancers and more.

“Houston Methodist places great value on being at the forefront of medical advancements, and that commitment Neel Srikishen, M.D. shows in the care that the patients receive,” said board-certified urologist Neel Srikishen, M.D. “I’m very happy to be a part of this team and have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my patients.”

Women’s Services Houston Methodist Sugar Land provides specialized care for women at every stage in life. In 2019, the hospital made a $60 million investment to expand women’s services and continue providing quality and compassionate care with leading technology to accommodate the growing population of Fort Bend County.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Childbirth Center will soon be home to a Level III nursery, with the personnel and equipment to provide continuous life support and comprehensive care for extremely high-risk newborn infants

and those with complex and critical illnesses. And the recent addition of OB hospitalists who are dedicated inpatient OBGYNs for round-the-clock coverage of OB-GYN emergencies brings more peace of mind for patients.

The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land provides the full continuum of care – from screening through treatment and survivorship – complete with state-of-theart imaging technologies and a calm, comfortable, welcoming environment.

The hospital recently received a three-year accreditation from the National Rosalyn Miller, D.O. Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, demonstrating excellence in leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement.

“Our women’s services expansion not only increases our labor and delivery capabilities but it also makes it possible for our doctors and staff to collaborate more effectively, especially in the areas of breast and cancer care,” said board-certified OB-GYN Rosalyn Miller, D.O. “This growth demonstrates our ability to not only keep up with the needs of our community, but to meet them in the best way.”

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future What does the future look like for Houston Methodist Sugar Land? Siebenaler said the hospital will continue to be guided by its faith-based mission and its I CARE values – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land will also continue to strive to meet the community’s changing health care needs, adding new services, expanding others and continuing to build both its physician base and its overall capabilities.

As the hospital’s physical footprint expands, so too will its outreach. “Growth doesn’t always have to be about the latest technology or most sophisticated procedure,” said Siebenaler.

“It can mean more accessible primary care, close to where people live and work, or more preventive care and screenings.

We also want to continue to expand our work with agencies that deliver health-related services, so that we can go beyond the hospital’s walls and reach people in the community. These improvements are just as important as adding subspecialties or being able to perform rare procedures.”

Most importantly, as medicine continues to evolve and change, so too will Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “It’s been an amazing journey for all of us,” said Siebenaler. “We’ve made tremendous strides and as we’ve grown, we’ve helped reshape the understanding of what a suburban hospital can be. The sky is the limit for us here, and it’s exciting to think about what we can achieve in the next 20 years.”

Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates 16605 Southwest Fwy., Suite 560 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713.352.1820

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.201.0409

Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land 16605 Southwest Fwy., Suite 115 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.205.4662

Houston Methodist Urology Associates 16659 Southwest Fwy., Suite 401 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.746.6611

Houston Methodist Oncology Partners 16659 Southwest Fwy., Suite 131 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.201.6669

Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates 16605 Southwest Fwy., Suite 335 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.882.3130

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.205.4514 to find a doctor in your area. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Aerial view of the area in 1998.

Aerial view of the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in 2016.

Brought to you by

Hometown Heroes:

Jack Molho

By Joan Frances

G

Anderson receiving a toy during treatment, enerosity is a gift with no price tag you can’t quantify the feeling when you resand no expiration date. One of the cue a trafficked individual from the streets. most generous gifts one can give I do it to serve. I feel it is my obligation to is time. Our Hometown Hero Jack Molho give back and share the blessings the good gives his time graciously and willingly Lord has bestowed on me. It helps me sleep to benefit the less fortunate in Fort Bend better at night knowing that I have done County. my best trying to help others every day and Molho was born in Galveston and has will do so as long as I am physically and lived in Fort Bend County since 1979. He mentally able to.” graduated from Houston Baptist UniverThe people Molho works with are equalsity with a dual degree in Psychology and ly giving. “I don’t work with people; I work Political Science. He worked in the family with angels, whether it’s my fellow depubusiness for many years, then set out on his ties who put their lives on the line every own as a Deputy with Harris County only Donna and Jack Molho. day, or the United States Marine Corp that to return to the family business after his faallows me to partner with them to bring toys to the kids via ther became ill. He is married to Donna Batten Molho, and the Toys for Tots campaign, to the volunteer drivers who coltogether they have four wonderful children and four grandlect toys, or the other angels who work up to and including children. the day of distribution. I am also blessed to partner with the City of Sugar Land staff members who support the various committees who are always looking at how to better serve our community. I am just one of a multitude of volunteers who helps make things happen.”

Molho volunteers five to 10 hours per week, but during the holiday season, he can easily work 20 to 30 additional hours. “There is so much ‘need’ and only so many people to help. I try to support those in need through the various organizations. The constant call for volunteers only reinforces the need and obligation we all have to help those less fortunate.

We should all remember, there but for the Grace of God go I.” Noah May, Chad, Carly and Beau Bradshaw, Camila, Chris, Sophia, Jack, Donna, Charlie Molho, Catherine and Adam Harris.

Thank you Jack Molho for giving your valuable time so generously. Fort Bend County is fortunate to have you as a committed volunteer.

When asked about volunteering, Molho said, “I’ve volunteered for my community for as long as I can remember. One of my most passionate experiences has been as a volunteer for Toys for Tots. I have been with Toys for Tots Fort Bend for 19 years and 11 of those years as Coordinator. Partnering with other local not-for-profit organizations, businesses and individual support, we are blessed to be able to serve over 8,000 children in the greater Fort Bend area.”

As a volunteer, Molho is deeply moved by what he observes. “You can’t quantify the smile of a child receiving a gift for Christmas, you can’t quantify the smile of a child at MD

Classic Chevy Sugar Land

13115 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77478

(281) 491-9000

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12

Jack Molho and Ray Aguilar.

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

NEWSWORTHY

Learn About Texas Superstar Plants at Missouri City Branch Library

Backyard gardening enthusiasts who would like to learn more about planning and maintaining beautiful lawns and gardens are invited to attend a special program, “Texas Superstars: Strong & Stunning Plants for Texans,” at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library on Saturday, February 29th, from 2 to 4 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway.

Fort Bend County Master Gardener Suma Mudan will talk about Texas Superstars® – plants that have shown to provide superior performance under Texas’s tough growing conditions. Learn about growing Superstar perennials, annuals, semi-tropical plants, trees and edible plants, and get ideas on how to incorporate them into garden designs.

Plants are designated Texas Superstars by the Texas Superstar Executive Board, which is made up of seven AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension horticulturalists, after years of field trials around the state. According to AgriLife Extension horticulturists, to be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must not only be beautiful but must also perform well for consumers and growers throughout the state. Texas Superstars must be easy to propagate, which should ensure the plants are widely available throughout Texas and reasonably priced. Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by AgriLife Research, a state agency that is part of the Texas A&M University System.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the Missouri City Branch Library at 281-238-2100 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!

Coming Soon Heritage Colony – First Colony

Stunning brick home in prestigious Forest at Bees Creek in Sienna Plantation. Located on well-landscaped over half acre lot with gated 3-car garage. Light and bright are features that you will find to abound in the well-maintained one owner home.

Spacious dining room for family gatherings and memory making. Private study/library/ music room. Family room with fireplace and views of the professional kitchen complete with double ovens all adding to the warmth and charm of this home. The executive master bedroom offers a custom designed closet and recently remodeled master bath, which could be featured on HGTV; it’s stunning!

2nd floor offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, game room and bonus area. Oversized private rear yard with room for pool and yard left over for fun and games. Convenient to Fort Bend Tollway, shopping, Highway 6 and 90 and Medical Center.

The Forest – Sienna Plantation

Coming Soon Sweetwater Section 8

Call Me For More Information

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS “Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

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arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com FEBRUARY 2020 l

13

February 3rd: This is the May 26th: Primary Runoff last day to register to vote Election Day. This is the voter’s and be eligible to cast a ballast chance to be heard in who lot in the March primaries. the Republicans or Democrats Are you already registered to nominate in any runoff races. vote? To check your status or Check www.fortbendcountytx. to register to vote, visit www. gov for polling locations. votetexas.gov/register-to-vote.

July 13th – 16th: DemoFebruary 18th – 28th: Earcratic National Convention ly voting starts in the Texas (DNC). Delegates will convene primaries and will continue to officially select and nominate for 10 days. Check www.forttheir picks for the Democratic bendcountytx.gov for polling presidential ticket. Typically a getting organized is one of your New Year’s locations and times. single candidate is a standout Resolutions, here’s a list of the most important February 21st: This is the before the DNC, but it is poselection dates this year, because Election 2020 is last day to request a ballot to sible that no candidate wins a shaping up to be a busy voting year. majority of delegates in the privote by mail in the primaries.

Individuals are eligible to vote early by mail in Texas if they are: maries, and the party will have a contested convention on its hands.

• 65 years or older; • Disabled; August 24th – 27th: Republican National Convention • Out of the country on election day and during the period (RNC). Republican Party delegates will convene to officially of early voting by personal appearance; or select its presidential ticket. As of press date, President Don• Be confined in jail but otherwise eligible. ald J. Trump is likely to lead the ticket on the Republican side To request a ballot to vote by mail, go to of the ballot. www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter.

October 5th: Still not registered to vote? This is the last March 3rd: Primary Election Day! For voters who did not day to register to vote in the general election. vote early, check www.fortbendcountytx.gov for polling locaOctober 19th – 30th: Early voting tions. period for the general election.

April 27th: With so many candidates, there’s bound to Check www.fortbendcountytx. be runoffs, which happen when a single candidate does gov for polling locations. not cross the 50% threshold in the March primary. This is October 23rd: This is the last day to register to vote and be eligible to cast a ballot in the last day to request a the primary runoffs. ballot to vote by mail for May 15th: Individuals meeting the criteria to vote early the primary if you are eliby mail may do so in the primary runoffs as well. This is gible for early voting. the last day to request a ballot to vote by mail for the primary November 3rd: Elecrunoffs. tion Day 2020. Check www.

May 18th – May 22nd: Early voting in the primary runoffs. fortbendcountytx.gov for pollVoters can only participate in one party’s primary each year. ing locations.

If

The Literacy Council

of

Fort Bend County's

8th Annual Reading Between the Wines Presented by The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation

Featuring Henry Winkler

Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Author, Director & Producer

Friday, March 27, 2020 • 6 pm Safari Texas Ranch CO-CHAIRS | Camille Brewer and Rebecca Deurlein Honorees | Arlene and Len Rolsen 14

Reservations and sponsorship details: ftbendliteracy.org/reading-between-the-wines asanchez@ftbendliteracy.org | 281-240-8181

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Focus on Health

Dr. Uttam Tripathy and Dr. Imran Mohiuddin First in Fort Bend County to Offer Innovative ‘TCAR’ Procedure to Treat Carotid Artery Disease New Minimally Invasive Procedure Prevents Stroke

C

ardiovascular surgeon Dr. Uttam Tripathy and vascular surgeon Dr. Imran Mohiuddin performed the first minimally invasive procedure to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes using a new procedure called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive and safe approach for high surgical risk patients who need carotid artery surgery for blockages.

Carotid artery stenosis is a form of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke; it is estimated to be the source of stroke in up to a third of cases, with 400,000 new diagnoses of the disease made every year in the U.S. alone.

“TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke and is particularly suited for the large portion of patients who are at higher risk of complications from carotid surgery due to age, anatomy or other medical conditions,” said Dr. Tripathy.

“Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR represents the future of carotid repair in a vast majority of patients.”

TCAR is unique in that blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to sta-

bilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke.

“It seemed so easy compared to the other surgeries I’ve had, and the recovery was much faster,” said Susan White, who was considered too risky for traditional surgery. “I was out of the hospital the day after the procedure with a much smaller scar than I expected. I feel great and am looking forward to getting the other side done very soon.”

Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA). CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but an incision leaves a visible scar on the side of the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face.

The TCAR procedure was developed by Sunnyvale, California-based Silk Road Medical, Inc. and includes the ENROUTE® Transcarotid Neuroprotection (NPS) and Stent System – the first devices designed and FDA-approved specifically for TCAR. Over 10,000 TCAR procedures have been performed worldwide through clinical trial and commercial use. TCAR has been studied extensively, and the clinical data have been excellent. Additional information about TCAR is available at http:// silkroadmed.com/disease-and-treatment-options/.

FEBRUARY 2020 l

15

Annual Autism Awareness Luncheon “Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler”

NEWSWORTHY

Hope For Three, a local nonprofit, invites guests to an exciting Mardi Gras themed event presented by Mary and Tom Solcher.

The mid-day affair will be hosted at the picturesque Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, February 13th at 11 am. Patrons, masquerade chic attire recommended, will gather to mix and mingle and enjoy entertainment by Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School with live jazz music performed by Launch Academy Band. Honorary Chairs and guest speakers, Sarah (actress and author; Rounding Home) and Greg Swindell (retired Major League

Greg, Dawson and Sarah Swindell.

Baseball player, World Series Winner and 2019 Texas Sports Hall of Fame Inductee) will share their personal, painful, rewarding journey living with their only son whose has severe autism.

Join sponsors OCuSOFT, Inc. H-EB, Trusted Senior Specialists and Safari Texas Ranch for an intimate, compelling, inspirational look into raising a child, and now young adult, with severe autism.

Underwriting, table sponsorships or individual tickets are available. Visit hopeforthree.org/events or call 281-245-0640 to learn more or to connect with autism resources.

Fort Bend Christian Academy American Sign Language Program Pilots New Technology Fort Bend Christian Academy (FBCA) American Sign Language (ASL) Program installed a SignAll Lab, an augmented AI-driven learning system. With this new technology, students can practice, learn and get immediate feedback on their American Sign Language skills in real time.

FBCA upper school is the only high school in Texas piloting this program.

The only college in Texas that has this technology is Sam Houston State University. The system is trackable, flexible, interactive and offers students the ability to have private lessons. It benefits

teachers by allowing ASL students to practice on their own and get real-time feedback. “It is an incredible technology, and so cool to use,” said student Clover Williams.

ASL teachers Tony Slate and Elyse DeBuck are thrilled to have the opportunity to use this in the classroom. “I’m so grateful for the support from our school community, especially our Head of School, Curriculum Specialist and Head of Upper School,” Slate said. “Thanks to all the support, Fort Bend Christian Academy has a solid ASL program.”

For more information about the ASL

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Fort Bend Christian Academy Sophomore Austin Hupp tries out the school’s new American Sign Language Program technology.

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Library Launches Podcast Club

According to podcastinsights.com, more than 140 million people now listen to podcasts, and the numbers are rising. The most popular topics are comedy and education, followed by news.

Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library is launching a new Podcast Club where podcast listeners can meet and share their opinions on trending topics. Similar to a book club, a podcast club provides an opportunity for podcast listeners to get together to discuss podcast selections from a themed podcast-listening list.

The inaugural meeting of the University Branch Library Podcast Club will take place on Thursday, February 27th, beginning at 7 pm, in Conference Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the University of Houston campus.

Each month will feature a different theme, along with a short list of podcast episodes. The theme for February is “Friendship.”

The list of podcasts from which to choose includes: “Make New Friends (And Keep Them)” – Life Kit from National Public Radio (NPR). Learn from the experts about how to make new friends and deepen existing relationships.

“When Friendship Changes, How to Cope” – Life Kit from NPR. In this episode, learn how to manage friendships as your life changes — and as your friends’ lives change, too. You’ll get practical advice on keeping friends throughout the years and even a few instructions on how to — eek — break up with a friend.

“The Science of BFFs” – Stuff Mom Never Told You. What’s the scientific function of best friendship? Cristen and Caroline put besties and bromances under the microscope to discover the pros and cons of how these influential relationships shape our lives.

“When the World is Exploding Around You” – StoryCorps. On this episode of the StoryCorps podcast, hear two stories from veterans about friendships they forged on the battlefield. After decades of separation from the military — and each other — you’ll hear from the soldiers and the medics who had their backs.

A direct link to the podcasts can be found on the University Branch Library’s online calendar on the Fort Bend County Libraries website.

The Podcast Club is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the University Branch Library at 281-633-5100 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

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Inspiration Stage (iStage) introduced Matilda JR for the first time to the attendees of the annual Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta in January 18th. iStage was honored to be selected to perform three Matilda JR numbers on the festival’s main stage in the New Works Showcase Saturday night for the festival’s almost 7,000 attendees.

“When Inspiration Stage was asked to pilot the brand-new junior version of Matilda at the Sugar Land Auditorium in October 2018, we were thrilled,” said Mandy Seymore-Sensat, Inspiration Stage’s artistic director. “Performing some of our favorite numbers on the main stage for the entire festival was a huge honor. We are humbled by the confidence the iTheatrics and JTF leadership has in our theatre to perform such an exhilarating introduction of this exciting new junior adaptation.” iTheatrics adapts main stage Broadway musicals so they can be performed by kids in school and after-school settings. They create these adaptations for a distinguished list of clients, including MTI, one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies.

Come meet the Team here at Inspired Living Sugar Land After Saturday’s introduction of Matilda JR. at JTF, the new Matilda JR. adaptation will become available for all theatres to license in the future.

The iStage troupe performed three numbers from the musical in the closing performance of the New Works Showcase. The opening, School Song, thrilled the audience with its fast-paced choreography and creative staging, followed

by When I Grown Up, which brought the audience to tears with its touching presentation. The finale, Revolting Children, brought the entire 7,000-member audience to its feet, dancing and clapping along with the performance.

“Ending with such a powerful and thrilling song got the audience on their feet and dancing,” said Seymore-Sensat. “It was an amazing way to end the always-exciting New Works Showcase.”

Inspiration Stage was one of only six companies selected to present in the New Works showcase, out of a total 127 attending companies.

Don’t miss the remaining shows in Inspiration Stage’s 2019/2020 modified season, including: Honk JR, February 28th - March 1st Disney’s Moana JR, March 27th April 5th Annie KIDS, April 17th - 19th A Chorus Line High School Edition,

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Seen on the Scene Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Founder’s Ball Benefitting the Sugar Land Auditorium January 18, 2020 • Safari Texas Ranch

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you are looking for a beautiful spot to rest and rewind, perhaps you should consider Queenstown, New Zealand. This quaint place is on the southwestern side of the island, formed on a thin Z shaped inlet called Queenstown Bay. Queenstown offers so much for both a romantic holiday or a family vacation. There visitors will find stunning views of mountains and lakes, The Remarkables, Cecil and Walter’s Peaks, as well as plenty of activities to keep both adults and children busy. Featuring over 150 restaurants, this resort town is sure to appease everyone’s appetite and activity level.

For accommodations, look no further than the Queenstown Hilton Resort and Spa. Here guests enjoy stunning lakeview rooms with fireplaces and private balconies. Hilton offers many dining options within the resort, and The Lake Counter Cafe and Deli offers modern choices and easy take away meals for a day at play on the water, located in Kawarau Village. For something more formal, there’s Wakatipu Grill offering Crispy Pork Belly, Seared Scallops and homemade

Fire pit at the Queenstown Hilton Resort and Spa.

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pasta made daily – just to name a few of their luxurious options. Be mesmerized by their 1,000 bottled wine cellar, and don’t hesitate to ask the sommelier for pairing suggestions; the region is known for its wines.

Eforea, recipient both of Oceania’s Luxury Destination Spa 2016 World Luxury Spa award and New Zealand’s Luxury Hotel Spa World Luxury award, is the day spa is known for its offering of three different journeys. The Essentials uses technologically advanced treatments to provide immediate results, The Escape incorporates plants to provide a lasting holistic experience and The Men’s Journey is focused on re-energizing and restoration. Each treatment is focused on organic products with scientific results.

Eforea’s award-winning spa and luxurious indoor pool.

Activities include biking the Queenstown Cycle Trail along one of the most scenic lakes in the world. There’s shopping, bungy and swing experiences, paragliding, rafting, boating and cruising and pretty much all water sports. Then, there are the ski fields. Visitors can hop on the Skyline Gondola and take in breathtaking views of the scenic mountains overlooking the lake as they travel up to Bob’s Peak.

Visitors will also want to stop in for a culture lesson to learn about how Arrowtown was established in the 1860s gold rush, or maybe play a round of golf. And as if that wasn’t enough, the food and wine is the perfect get away for foodies! There are gourmet burgers, homemade ice creams and a plethora of cuisines from all over the world. The area boasts award-winning wines, and a trip to the Gibbston Valley Cheese and Winery is not to be missed.

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Nashville, Tennessee’s downtown skyline at twilight.

NEWSWORTHY

Film Challenges IQ Testing, Limits Placed on People with Intellectual Disabilities

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The Arc of Fort Bend County and Christ Church Sugar Land will host a screening of the documentary Intelligent Lives on March 19th at Christ Church Sugar Land.

Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. “People with intellectual disabilities are the most segregated of all Americans,” says Habib. “Only 17 percent of students with intellectual disabilities are included in regular education. Just 40 percent will graduate from high school.

And of the 6.5 million Americans with intellectual disability, barely 15 percent are employed.”

Intelligent Lives is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America.

Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Go to: tiny.cc/82d0iz to register and learn more.

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Literacy Council of Fort Bend County 8th Annual Reading Between the Wines The 8th annual Reading Between the Wines, presented by the Fred & Mabel R. Parks Foundation supporting The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, will be Friday, March 27th beginning at 7 pm at Safari Texas Ranch in the Infinity Ballroom. This year’s featured author is Henry Winkler. Reading Between the Wines is co-chaired by Camille Brewer and Rebecca Deurlein, and Literacy Council Board Chair Jeff Tallas will serve as emcee.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is honored to recognize Arlene and Len Rolsen as this year’s honorees.

The Rolsen’s have selflessly given their time and resources to many organizations in Fort Bend County for over 20 years.

Sponsors to date include: Presenting Sponsor: The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, Richard and Paula Ruskan Foundation, Allegiance Bank Stafford, Comcast, Friend of Literacy, Tax Tech, Inc., Tami Grubb/Linda and Hugh Tucker, University of Houston, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, CenterPoint Energy, Bill and Michelle Hickl, Gena and Paul Horak, Arlene and Len Rolsen, Debbie and Bill Schwer, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Jake Messinger/Adjecta Technologies, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc., Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC, Kelly and Jerry Siler, Tallas Insurance and Financial Services, Terri and Steve Smith, Teenager Success 101 – Jeff and Rebecca Deurlein, The Miles Family, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, Virginia and Robert Douds, Exchange Club of Fort Bend County I, Exchange Club of Fort Bend County II, Fleur de Reads, Friends Who Love to Read, Ann Smith/Pamela Printing, Greg

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and Karla Vesey, Hot Topics Book Club I, Hot Topics Book Club II, Kris Cobb and Marco Lloyd, Table of Contents, We Wine So Hard, Amegy Bank, David and Brenda Bowman, Carpenter & Carpenter, P.C., Barbara Lee Cochran, Realtor, Bob and Pat Hebert, David and Grayle James, Knox Cox and Company, LLP, Steve and Kelli Metzenthin.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $500 to $5,000, and they include naming rights on various items, reserved seating, the opportunity to meet Henry Winkler and other local authors, and much more! Individual reservations are $125 and include live music, wine, a “restaurant stroll” featuring tastes from Brandani’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, Blockhouse Coffee, Ol‘RailRoad Café, Raising Cane’s Sugar Land and The Rouxpour Restaurant and Bar. Book Clubs have the opportunity to attend at a Special Book Club rate of $1000 for a table of ten guests.

For more information about Reading Between the Wines or The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, contact Events Coordinator Alexandra Sanchez at asanchez@ftbendliteracy.org or 281240-8181.

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High School HOT SHOT Meet Khacia Mitchell

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a senior at Thurgood Marshall High School (TMHS), Khacia Mitchell has spent the past four years engaged in academics, sports and extracurricular activities. She is a respected leader and student and is looking forward to an exciting future.

Mitchell is a member of the National Honor Society and she earned the Academic Excellence Award for her hard work. She doesn’t have a favorite teacher but appreciates the extra time and energy a few of them have given to her. “I admire all of my teachers equally because they are or have been considerate enough to use their time to educate me. Ms. Richardson, Mr. Wade and Ms. Mateo have connected with me on a more sincere and personal level.

They took that extra step to be sure I understood the curriculum and took an interest in who I am as a person. I am grateful to the time they spent teaching me. Albert Einstein said, ‘It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”’

Mitchell’s forte is running; she has been a Varsity Track member for the past three years. She was a finalist at the Lady Buffs Track & Field State competition, and she is a respected leader. “Track is a sport that requires an abundance of mental strength. Being able to withhold a leading position as a runner is essential. This conveys that I have established the necessary stamina needed to succeed in track and help me be able to guide others to have a better understanding of the concepts and requirements that are necessary for an excellent performance.”

Khacia

One value Mitchell lives by is believing in commitment. “My belief in God, my ability to be self-motivated and believing in faith help me to be a committed person. With God on my side, I know that I can do all things that I aspire to achieve. Whenever I prepare to complete a task, I remember Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s quote, ‘It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.’ This guides me to be motivated to succeed and to put forth my best effort in all that I do. Whether I am completing schoolwork or participating in sports, it gives me motivation.

I believe if I commit myself to having a positive attitude and putting forth my best effort, I will be on a stairwell that continuously elevates me to higher levels and stages of accomplishments.”

Mitchell’s years at Marshall High School have been filled with learning about people and life. She is a member of a diversified group of students from many places that have come together to become educated members of society. Mitchell has enjoyed every minute

of it. She reflected, “Every encounter, whether with a person or circumstance, has broadened my outlook on life’s general aspects. I treasure all the experiences that I have been through in high school.”

In addition to her busy schedule, Mitchell volunteers her time as an athletic trainer for the football team and volunteered to work in the TMHS concession stand. She helps with the back to school supply drive at her church and is a former junior cheer coach for the little league. Her first college choice is Prairie View A&M University, followed by the University of Houston, Baylor, Rice, Texas Women’s and University of North Texas. She will major in nursing and hopes to continue running track in college.

Congratulations Khacia Mitchell for your talent and perception. Good luck as you continue to make your dreams come true.

“My belief in God, my ability to be self-motivated and believing in faith help me to be a committed person. With God on my side, I know that I can do all things that I aspire to achieve.” – Khacia Mitchell 32

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer

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832.939.9701 Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has named Eliud Faz as its new chief operating officer.

Faz served as a Houston Methodist administrative fellow and as an eight-year member of the management team at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, where he eventually was named director of finance.

He then served as chief financial officer for United Surgical Partners International, where his responsibilities included all financial operations of three acute care surgical specialty hospitals in the Houston area.

“Eliud’s background and expertise are a good fit for our hospital, and I know that everyone will quickly see first-hand how his skills, insights and communication approach reflect that,” said Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Siebenaler said Faz’s strengths include both organizational/service line growth as well as employee engagement and relationship-building. At each step in his career, he has created business opportunities, improved patient satisfaction and helped peers and direct reports develop new skills and achieve new career objectives.

Eliud has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. He lives in Sugar Land with his family; wife, Andrea, and two sons, Mateo and Samuel.

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AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

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he 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is a four-door crossover that can be whatever you want it to be. Want a standard cushy, luxury crossover to impress the neighbors? Mercedes has a GLC SUV for that. Want a rip-roaring, blow the doors off most any other car on the road? Yup, Mercedes has a version of the GLC SUV that can do that, too. It just depends on how much you’re ready to spend to get what you want.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV has been in the market for four years and is the brand’s most popular SUV model. The 2020 model year version was heavily refreshed, and it looks spectacular. It features a more stylish appearance, a new control concept, the infotainment system MBUX, innovative driving assistance systems and a new range of engine choices. There are enough options to make the GLC exactly you want it to be.

Let’s start with the basics. For an MSRP of $42,500, the standard GLC 300 SUV comes powered by a new, more powerful and efficient four-cylinder engine, a 255 hp, 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine. Mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the base GLC SUV gets fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. This bottom-of-the-line GLC SUV is no slacker, though. It goes from 0 to 60 in a smidge

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over six seconds, and that’s pretty respectable. There’s an allwheel drive version along with a gas-electric hybrid model.

Standard on the GLC SUV is a system to modify the driving characteristics. Named Dynamic Select, this system changes the engine, transmission, suspension and steering to suit your driving desires, and it makes the SUV handle surprisingly different, from comfortable to pleasantly sporty to uncompromisingly sporty.

The super-fun, and more expensive GLC SUVs, share the same sheet metal as the standard GLC SUV, but they both were redesigned by the engineers at AMG into a modern muscle crossover. The AMG 43 GLC SUV has a 385 hp, 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine that will rocket the crossover from 0 to 60 in just over four and a half seconds, and the AMG 63 GLC SUV has a 469 hp, 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine and will get you from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Both AMG models have beefed up brakes and suspensions to handle the extra power.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV can be what you want it to be. Just pick the model that works best for you.

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Holidays • Home Décor • Birthdays

Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic Becomes Part Of Oakbend Medical Group

• Special Occasions • Anniversaries • Corporate Events • Weddings • Just Because

MEDICAL FOCUS

www.thehouseofblooms.com

Let Her Know She’s Special This Valentine’s Day...

Order Early

Jeffrey Liang, MD, Scott W. Breeze, MD, Javier R. Cañon, MD and Nicolas Manriquez, DPM.

As of January 2nd, 2020, Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic is now known as OakBend Medical Group – Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic.

Dr. Scott Breeze, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, founded Richmond Bone & Joint in 1996 after graduating from medical school and residency in Houston, Texas at Baylor College of Medicine. Breeze’s vision was to offer medical center quality orthopedic surgery to the local community so they would avoid travel to The Medical Center. Dr. Breeze brings with him Dr. Javier Cañon, Pain Medicine Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Liang, Sports Medicine and Family Medicine and Dr. Nicolas Manriquez, Podiatric Medicine.

Richmond Bone & Joint specializes in bone and joint surgery, broken bones in children and adults, joint replacement, hand and foot surgery and spine surgery. They also treat rheumatologic conditions and offer sports medicine, which usually include knee injuries and conditions. As a long-standing clinic, Richmond Bone & Joint was known for its great reputation and its great patient care.

Dr. Breeze and OakBend Medical Center have a history with each other and when he began to look at partnering with a health care system, OakBend was on his radar.

“OakBend is a great choice for a strategic partnership,” stated Breeze, “And with the help of Donna Ferguson and Joe Freudenberger, I believe they can help me rebuild my vision of a great community orthopedic center.”

Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center, also commented on the return of Dr. Breeze. “We are excited to have Richmond Bone & Joint join OakBend Medical Group. We welcome them home.”

OakBend’s patient centered care supports Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic’s belief in giving patients high quality care at a fair price.

Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14th!

281-242-1555

16180 City Walk, Sugar Land Order Online 24/7

Delivery Available Local & Nationwide

Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm • Sun Closed

40% Valentine’s Discount Good from Feb. 5th -17th

16049 City Walk, Sugar Land Town Square, Tx 77479 MODChic Online www.modchiccouture.com MODChic Couture FEBRUARY 2020 l

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FEATURE

Sweet, Luscious Snacks for Loved Ones Valentine’s Day Eats and Treats

V

alentine’s Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness and love. Because it also occurs during American Heart Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to start taking care of your own heart and the hearts of loved ones.

Part of the charm of the day’s celebrations is in giving family and friends flavorful foods to enjoy from chocolates and candies to other sugary treats.

However, the festivities don’t have to be completely focused on unhealthy bites in order to make someone feel special.

This year, it can be easy to share in the fun of Valentine’s Day by serving those you love with sweet, seasonal treats. For example, these Frosted Watermelon Cutouts make for ideal snacks for children and adults alike whether it’s an afterschool treat or a sweet dessert with just three ingredients, heart-shaped cookie cutters and minimal time spent in the kitchen.

If you’re really looking to impress that special someone, this Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board calls for creativity and plenty of tasty morsels like berries, cashews, almonds and dark chocolate. Without any baking or cooking required, simply spread out the ingredients for a platter that’s just as visually appealing as it is appetizing.

Both recipes include the benefits of watermelon, which boasts plenty of vitamin C to boost the immune system’s defenses as a cholesterol-free, fat-free and sodium-free food. Plus, watermelon draws its red color from the powerful antioxidant lycopene (12.7 mg per serving), which may help protect cells from damage, and the healthy treat is American Heart Association Heart-Check Certified with just 80 calories per serving, making it the perfect centerpiece for Valentine’s Day recipes.

Find more Valentine’s Day inspiration and recipes at watermelon.org.

Frosted Watermelon Cutouts 1 Seedless Watermelon,

cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices 4 Brownie Bites 1 Cup Frosting (any flavor) Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon slices or simply use cut watermelon wedges, if desired. Top heart shapes with brownie bites and add frosting as desired.

Source: Family Features.

Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board Servings: 6-8 1/2 1 1 1 1/4 1/3 1 1 1

Medium Seedless Watermelon, cut into wedges and cubes Cup Fresh Raspberries Cup Fresh Red Cherries Cup Strawberries, trimmed and halved Cup Dried Cranberries Cup Roasted, Salted Cashews Cup Chocolate Covered Almonds Bar Dark Chocolate, broken into squares Cup Coconut Chips Mint Leaves, for garnish

On serving board, arrange watermelon in center and surround with raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cashews, almonds, chocolate and coconut chips. Scatter mint leaves around board for garnish.

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FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Photo by Getty Images.

5

Ways to Improve Your

If

you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success. To mark American Heart Month, NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to team up and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that encourages people to improve heart health together. “Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more,” said NHLBI’s Dr. David Goff, director of cardiovascular sciences.

Consider these five tips that can help lower your risk of heart disease:

1

Risk: Inactivity Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster and leaves you a little breathless. If you’re busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks.

Stay motivated: Make walking dates. Join a pickup soccer or basketball game. Join a fitness class with your neighbor.

Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen.

2

Risk: An unhealthy diet Solution: Consider an option like NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Stay motivated: Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade recipe ideas.

3

Risk: Smoking, even occasionally Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you’ve smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know. If you’ve tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and what made it harder.

Stay motivated: Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or smokefree.gov.

4

Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Resist that late afternoon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listening to music, reading or taking a bath.

5

Risk: Uncontrolled stress Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase physical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also help improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Join a friend or family member in a relaxing activity like walking, yoga or meditation every day.

Learn about heart health and heart healthy activities in your community at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues or family members are being heart healthy together.

Source: Family Features.

FEBRUARY 2020 l

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Oenophile

By Denman Moody

Great Red Wine Values

In

the last three months of 2019, I tasted about 200 red wines looking for great values in all price ranges. Most of the wines were good to very good, and I’m sharing my favorites just in time for Valentine’s Day. All were tasted with the proper glassware. Pinot Noir glassware is the most important in order to get the full benefit of the beautiful bouquet and taste of Pinot Noir. The following wines are outstanding: Vale do Bonfim Douro DOC (Portugal) 2017

Decoy Zinfandel Sonoma County 2017

Touriga Franca and field blend. Superb at $13.

Red and black berries perfect with a meat pizza at $22.

J.Lohr Pinot Noir Falcon’s Perch Monterey County 2018

Cline Ancient Vines Carignane Contra Coast County 2017

Greatly underpriced at $16.

Crios Cabernet Sauvignon Valle de Uco (Chile) 2018 Surprisingly excellent at $16.

Oak Farm Tievoli Red Blend Lodi 2018 Zinfandel, Primitivo, Barbera and Petite Sirah at $19.98.

Cline Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2018

Exciting find at the price point of $20.

Rivals Cotes-du-Rhones at $23.

Trapiche Medalla Malbec Lujan de Cuyo (Argentina) Priced at $24,

Post Scriptum de Chryseia Douro Valley (Portugal) 2017 Should be $47; amazing at $27.

Calera Pinot Noir Central Coast 2017

This wine gives you a clue as to why Duckhorn added Calera to its stable of great wines priced at $30.

Sosie Syrah Bennett Valley Vivio Vineyard Sonoma County 2016

J. Lohr Cuvée PAU Central Coast 2015

Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva 2015

Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014

Perfect with BBQ brisket at $38.

Great compliment to meat pasta cooked with olive oil and tomato sauce at $40.

J. McClelland Petit Verdot Oak Knoll District Napa Valley 2014 Substantial and pretty at $45.

Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon California 2015 From the Prisoner Wine Company.

Rich and intense at $50.

Paraduxx Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley 2016

Bordeaux blend with an extra dollop of Petit Verdot at $50.

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FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Excellent Pauillac look-alike at $50.

Chocolate covered cherries at $52.

Rodney Strong Symmetry Alexander Valley Red Meritage 2014 Aged perfectly at $55.

EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommiers Russian River Valley 2016 Luxurious at $55.

Storm Vrede Pinot Noir (South Africa) 2016 Possibly the best Pinot in South Africa at $55.

Saddleback Cellars Merlot Napa Valley 2016

Dark cherries and plums. Only 488 cases at $56.

50 Harvests Meritage Red Wine Napa Valley 2016

Paraduxx Red Wine Howell Mountain Napa Valley 2016

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2015

Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Hayne Vineyard Napa Valley 2016

Kanankop Estate Paul Sauer Bordeaux Blend Simonsberg (South Africa) 2015

Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley 2016

Enticing red fruits, silky tannins at $60.

Class in a glass at $60.

Excellent at $60.

Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Swartland (South Africa) 2015 Rivals some in Northern Rhone.

Serve with prime rib at $65.

Robert Mondavi The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard 2015 and 2016

Cabernet and Syrah. Dynamite at $82.

Gorgeous with steak at $95.

Same exciting quality as its sister, Duckhorn Merlot Three Palms Vineyard.

Perfect with beef tenderloin at $100.

Chateau Montelena Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014 Excellent balance at $150.

Ripe blackberries and sweet oak nuances.

Perfectly integrated tannins at $175.

Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley 2016

Hedonistic! Try with bone-in ribeye at $200.

Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 and 2016 Bordering on perfection at $225.

Gaja Sperss Piedmont (Italy) 2014 Beautiful, branded Barolo.

Exciting at $250.

Acumen Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017 Eighteen months in 100% French oak.

Chocolate covered cherries and sweet tobacco at $65.

Folded Hills Estate Grenache Santa Ynez Valley 2017

Perfect with roasted chicken at $65.

Adobe Road Shift Sonoma County Red Wine 2016

Absolutely the coolest label and bottle! Zinfandel, Barbera, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Carignane.

Perfect with Beef Bourguignon at $66.

Migration Pinot Noir Drum Canyon Vineyards Sta. Rita Hills 2017 Blueberries and sage at $70.

Migration Pinot Noir Running Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley 2017 Rich, deep and balanced at $70.

Justin Isosceles Central Coast 2015 Ripe with yummy, jammy fruit at $76.

Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder Napa Valley 2015

Try with roasted duck with cherry sauce at $80.

FEBRUARY 2020 l

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Va l e n t i n e ’ s D ay G i f t G u i d e

Love

is in the Air

Intense Hydrating Cream

Balances skin’s natural moisture levels and helps to calm skin resulting in a healthy skin barrier and a more youthful appearance.

Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery, 16926 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.

Call 281-313-0555; www.BeautyBecomesYou.com.

Beautiful FLOWERS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

Creating truly exceptional and outstanding floral arrangements that will exceed your expectations. Remember – send early to offices, residentials and assisted living homes.

House of Blooms, 16180 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square.

Call 281-242-1555; www.thehouseofblooms.com.

Ride in Style

Give your sweetheart a new ride this Valentine’s Day. There are thousands of cars and trucks in stock. You’re sure to find a ride you’ll love!

Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, 13115 Southwest Freeway.

Call 877-284-0644; www.ClassicChevySugarLand.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Personalized Initial Necklace

Twelve-carat gold dipped initial necklaces are perfect for the personalized Valentine gift. $30.

MOD Chic, 16049 City Walk in Sugar Land; www.modchiccouture.com.

Special Advertising Section

Coming March

Home Is Where the Heart Is Unique Support for Health Hormones

DIM offers unique support for healthy hormone detoxification. DIM is a synergistic combination of plantbased ingredients that offer a a myriad of health benefits.

Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center, 1437 Highway 6, Suite 100 in Sugar Land.

Call 281-313-7435; www.DrShelMD.com.

Pick a Garden Guy Gift Certificate for your VALENTINE Make someone’s landscaping dreams come true.

Gift certificates start in amounts as small as $150.

Garden Guy; www.GardenGuy.com and www.facebook.com/GardenGuyHouston.

• • • • • •

Banks Developers Financial Institutions Furniture and Décor Home Builders Home Improvements

• • • • • •

Insurance Interior Designers Landscape Architects Pool and Spa Services Real Estate Yard Maintenance

Power Enriched Day AND Night Cream

Decadently rich, restorative night cream provides intense moisturization and age defying benefits nourishing dry skin back to optimal health.

Forever Young and Slim Medi Spa, 1531 Hwy 6, Ste. 225 in Sugar Land.

Call 832-939-9701; www.foreveryoungandslimmedispa.com.

To Advertise: 281-690-4242 www.FortBendFocus.com FEBRUARY 2020 l

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OUT &

Christmas came early at absolutely! focus media when Congressman Pete Olson stopped by to present a copy of the House of Representatives Congressional Record from December 11, 2019 where Olson officially congratulated Fort Bend Focus Magazine on their 15th anniversary covering the people, places and happenings in Fort Bend on the House floor. Thank you Pete for the amazing gift, and yes, it was National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Patti Parish-Kaminski and Congressman Pete Olson.

Bridget Yeung, Toni Nelson and Malisha Patel.

King Bannergee, Mike Redix, Tiffany Halfon and Alessandra Wen.

Priti Singh and Beth Wolf.

Marvin Marcell, Tim Stubenrouch, Keri Schmidt, Kolby Curtis, Doug Goff, Jim Condrey, Toni Nelson, Grady Prestage, Bridget Yeung, John Null, Malisa Patel, Chris Breaux and Jonathan Pursch.

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FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Photos by Toman Imagery.

New year - new leadership!

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted a cocktail reception to welcome the new 2020 Board of Directors and Division Chairs at The Farmhouse at Harvest Green.

Stafford Municipal School District (MSD) Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic was proud to receive and recognize the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday with several Fort Bend County dignitaries and elected officials in Richmond. Dr. Bostic, the first African-American Superintendent in Stafford MSD history, represented the educational pillar of Dr. King’s vision for all Americans.

Dr. Robert Bostic, Brian Middleton, Commissioner Vincent Morales, Commissioner Grady Prestage, Judge K.P. George, Lieutenant Geneane Merritt-Hughes, Michelle Lara, Constable Daryl Smith, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Beverly Walker and Commissioner Ken DeMerchant.

The Tri-City Women’s Club held their monthly luncheon with John Hull,Jr as the guest speaker. Hulls’ family built, owned and operated Hull airport. It is now known as Sugar Land Regional Airport.

Bobbie Tomlin, Sandy Livingston and Linda Shepard.

Lisa Pepin, Sue Adams and Connie Pace.

OakBend Medical Center welcomed its first baby of 2020 at 4:35 pm on January 1st. Born to parents Angelina and Seth Burnett, baby boy, Eliyah Holland, weighed in at 7 lbs 0 oz and is 19.75 inches long.

Mother, dad and baby are all doing well and looking forward to all that the new year and new baby bring.

Victoria Catchings with John Hull, Jr.

Seth and Angelina Burnett with baby boy Eliyah Holland.

FEBRUARY 2020 l

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February 2020 Winner “Iguazu Falls, Argentina”

By Joe Schmitt Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate!

ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos.

Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary. The entry must not have previously appeared in any publication.

A WINNER EVERY MONTH Each month’s winner receives a gift certificate and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com or call 281-690-4242.

Please make sure to send some basic information about every photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and phone number.

By submitting an entry, the photographer gives Fort Bend Focus Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is no contest deadline.

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Grace@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Digital photos must be 300 dpi HIGH RESOLUTION at size of at least 10” wide.

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FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

At t e n

t

s! d e w y wl e N ion Coming June

Blushing Brides Submit your info today and have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine.

If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Blushing Brides, all you need is at least twelve high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent/s reside in Fort Bend area.

Photographers are also welcome to submit photos.

Visit www.fortbendfocus.com

FEBRUARY 2020 l

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Events February 7th, 6 – 8:30 pm Family Fun Night-Cupid’s Carnival

February 20th, 5 – 7 pm Senior Bingo Night

February 29th, 10:30 am – 2 pm Rare Disease Day

Enjoy an evening with the ones you love. This Valentine themed carnival will feature crafts, games and activities for the whole family. This free event will have an open format and families can visit craft and game stations at their own leisure. Parent supervision is required throughout the event. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Happening at the Community Center located at 1522 Texas Parkway in Missouri City.

For more information, call 281-403-8637.

The Missouri City Parks and Recreation hosts senior bingo for area residents who are 50+. Meet with your peers, enjoy dinner and play friendly rounds of bingo for great prizes. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. This event is happening at the Rec and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr. in Missouri City.

For more information, call 281-403-8637.

This family friendly event will help elevate public understanding of rare diseases by calling attention to the special challenges people face in their daily lives. Activities include live music, bounce houses, photo booths, exhibitor booths and more.

For more information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com.

February 29th, 6:30 – 11 pm Fort Bend Education Foundation’s 27th Annual Gala

February 8th, 10 am – 4 pm Girl Scout Silver Award Blood Drive Making a blood donation is one of the most intimate and priceless gifts one can give, plus it’s a rewarding way to benefit your community.

Naina Merchant, a Girl Scout Cadette of Troop 883, has partnered up with MD Anderson by organizing a blood drive for the community so she can earn her coveted Girl Scout Silver Award. Join Merchant in her efforts and share in the wonder of transforming the lives of others.

For more information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com.

February 13th, 6:30 pm Helen Cordes Award Dinner Enjoy dinner and auction at the Fort Bend Regional Council’s 11th Annual Helen Cordes Award Dinner honoring The Honorable Roy Cordes, Jr. This event will be at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square located at 16090 City Walk in Sugar Land.

For more information, call Ken Karr at 281-207-2400 or email kkarr@fortbendcouncil.org.

February 14th

February 22nd, 3 pm Family Campout Join an evening camping in Community Park.

Activities include archery, knot tying, marshmallow roasting and outdoor cooking. Bring your own dinner or pay $5 per person for a hot meal!

To register or for more information, contact Daniele Stewart at 281-403-8634 or daniele.stewart@missouricitytx.gov.

February 22nd, 6:30 pm Red, White and Blue A Patriotic Salute to America!

Presenting sponsor Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas invite you to celebrate “Red, White and Blue – A Patriotic Salute to America!”

Proceeds benefit The Fort Bend Boys Choir. The event will be held at the Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond.

For more information, visit fbbctx.org or call 281-240-3800.

February 28th, 6:30 pm Another Night Out February 17th

46

Unveil the magic at the “Majestic Morocco – Your magic carpet awaits!” at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. The Fort Bend Education Foundation celebrates 27 years of providing opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students.

For more information, visit fortbendisd.com/foundation.

Learn at this awareness event hosted by Parks Youth Ranch to teach students about the hardships and struggles of at-risk and homeless youth. Event participants and High School juniors and seniors will have an overnight opportunity in the Plaza to experience what homeless teens must endure in order to survive. Bring a sleeping bag or blanket.

For more information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com.

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

February 2020 Entertainment Lineup

www.smartfinancialcentre.net

Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, located at 18111 Lexington Boulevard, features a dynamic entertainment roster of high profile performers throughout the month of February.

Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour Saturday, February 8th • 7:30 pm

Valentine’s with Patti LaBelle and Babyface with Special Guest: Tamia Sunday, February 16th • 7 pm

Banda MS 2020 Friday, February 21st Saturday, February 22nd

Sech Sueños Tour Saturday, February 29th • 8 pm

Now more circulation than ever before At Home – Direct mailed to high-value homes Lobby Copies – For multiple readers throughout business offices and other waiting areas Free Subscription – Readers opt in for mailbox delivery every month

Fingertips 24/7 And At your Free Digital Delivery now... E-mailed Directly

to your Inbox Every Month!

Everywhere you go, we go FortBendFocus.com

Living the Sweet Life:

One of 12 Virtues, the Second of Which is Wit

This year marks my 15th anniversary writing my column Living the Sweet Life. This year also marks my 50th birthday. As a way of reflection and remembrance, this year’s Sweet Life will be a continuous study of Aristotle’s 12 Virtues and how they are applied to my life.

T

his month I will celebrate that dreaded birthday, and the funny thing is, I am grateful for getting to have it. Many of my friends go through their lives worried about getting older, but I have taken it all in stride. Life works out much better when you can find a sense of humor to help cope with the inevitable.

Amongst Aristotle’s virtues, wit is without a doubt one that we should all master, for it is in having wit we can brush off life’s challenges and see them for what they are – simply a part of living. Wit, as defined by Webster, is “to be able to relate seemingly disparate things so as to illuminate or amuse.” I have indeed mastered this one, and I have a story for you to prove it.

Many of you know, and for those of you who keep pretending it’s not happening, please be advised we are all going to die. It is also a fact that with medical technology, it’s even pretty much a predictable circumstance as to how you will eventually find yourself dead. Genetics and medical advances have given us the ability to become intimately aware of what predispositions we have towards getting cancer or heart disease, thereby giving us good ideas of life expectancy.

For some, the idea of finding out is scary. Why? I have no idea because I would very much like to know just precisely how much time I have so I can use it even more wisely. As my life would have it, or my genetic precursors, I am going to get heart disease or as I am now aware, I somehow got it or had it all my life. For a long time, I have thought I would probably just be standing there, camera or computer in hand one minute, and poof, gone the next breath. So, when during a routine visit to see my cardiologist at the end of last year he slapped a heart monitor on me and sent me off to get a calcium score, I did not think a thing about it. I gladly obliged, mainly because he is in charge of the plumbing, and I am an agreeable friend and sometimes patient.

When I came in for the follow-up, I was greeted as usual with smiles and hugs, and we sat down to discuss the results.

It was then that I was told I needed to download the shoot schedule, the travel schedule, the writing schedule – heck all

48

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.

of my scheduled life – so as to make way for what he called a non-elective procedure. His brother, a surgeon, was going in with a heart cath and most probably doing some of those stents on me. Now, stents I am familiar with. A long line of others in my family have had heart attacks, and as I said genetics – some things you cannot get around no matter how much spinach and olives you eat.

My doctor said gently, “I would like to do this at Methodist,” and then got real quiet. I leaned into him and said with a smile, “I know why you’d like that too!”

He looked at me, and I said “because when Brian and James Edward come running me in with a heart attack, the records will be in one place, and everyone will know what they are doing before they crack open the old chest and save my life… right?”

My doctor smiled right back and nodded and said, “Yep!” Oh, to be right and a straight-shooter at this stage of my life.

I’ll call that having some wit. As I prepared my family for the procedure, I told them I was going to write down everything for the funeral – just in case there was a problem. My friends and family were not amused.

When the day of the procedure came, I spoke with the doctor before, during and after. I was awake for the entire thing.

After he finished, he came in and said very confidently, “You will live 30 more years.” I replied well, “My Nana did live to 102, so there’s still that.” He looked puzzled and said, “Well.”

I then said with a laugh less than twenty minutes from when he had just been playing around in my vessels, “If you’re not careful, your technology will circumvent my natural causes of demise, and I just might be getting me some of that cancer stuff.” I wish you could have seen his face. Ladies and gentlemen that is the pure essence of having yourself some good old-fashioned wit!

Kenny Rodgers once sang a song – “You’ve got to know when to hold em’, know when to fold em’, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table, they’ll be time enough for counting when the dealing’s done.” I’d say you got to know when to call it for what it is, find the humor in all of it, persevere in the face of the inevitable and let life happen.

Take care of you!

FEBRUARY 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Faith

Texas 22 Liberty

Inclusivity

Faith The United States Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

It is obvious that the forefathers of this country were of deep faith in God, otherwise they would not have recognized a Creator. Nor could they have understood that rights come from Providence and not from other human beings. Our Constitution respects and reflects that faith. The astute founders also had various clauses that have been designed to protect religious freedoms.

Unfortunately, some have extended that in our society to mean freedom from religion. They admonish any public display of devotion, let alone any function of government that might do so in an inclusive way. In so doing, they ignore that the basis of any morality and the enforcement of any moral codes depends on constant remembrance of our Creator.

As such, they prevent faith-based charities from the same freedoms as secular ones. They pass legislation that weakens the unit of society – the family. They ignore the rights of unborn children by allowing abortion and in some cases use taxpayer dollars for funding the same. They are ready to ration healthcare and arbitrarily decide on what constitutes a life worth saving. They create laws that liberalize drugs and potential for addiction. They ignore the special role of marriage and childrearing and two parent families in creating stable societies that foster generational respect. Children who lack such respect cause problems in the classroom, workplace, and more likely to be in trouble with the law. Such generations that do not respect their elders do not take care of them and create more burdens on society and lose the wisdom of ancient times.

Sadly, politicians have decided to try to divide people of faith by making them ignore the fundamental core beliefs of their religion and put on a show of superficial compassion and inclusivity. They depend on stoking fears. In the era of soundbytes and rapid social media and unethical press who report half truths out of context, it is easy for them to mudsling those of faith. Easily they will say anyone who is opposed to abortion, is anti-woman, anyone against terrorism is intolerant of other religions, anyone who is a good steward of public resources is against the poor, anyone who is tough on crime is unkind, anyone who protects the borders of the land is against immigrants, anyone who happens to be in the majority race of the country is racist, anyone who encourages hard work and just rewards is against the unprivileged, and anyone who references their faith is a fanatic and unAmerican. They will do anything to replace faith in God with faith in government.

As such, the conservative faith based voice of our founders is drowned out by those who say we should forget faith to be inclusive and compassionate. What could be farther than the truth? In 1893, Indian monk Swami Vivekananda addressed the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago by saying “brothers and sisters of America.”

The Reddy Family: Yasodhara, Bangar, Manjula and Divya.

Inclusivity and compassion only come when we realize that we are all brothers and sisters and children of one Creator. That is why my own guru, Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, teaches us two lessons: Serve all beings as service to God and worship your own and respect all.

It is with his blessing that I have undertaken a journey to serve in public office. I am in a unique situation. Although there are many good men and women vying for this position, they are easy targets for unfair mudslinging. I am not such an easy target.

We Love Our America In fact, I am not even a politician. I just love America! I love the story of the founders. I love the constitution. I love the religious liberty. I love the opportunity to be in service. For more than 22 years, I have lived as a family man in Sugar Land, Texas. We are raising two wonderful daughters. We have deep friendships in the area with people from all sorts of backgrounds. I have been involved in many faith-based and secular community service projects and in leadership positions. I served during Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey.

I have administrative experience in being president of cultural, civic, and charitable organizations including most notably Jeeyar Educational Trust, my guru’s U.S.A. branch. I have been an employer running my own business, and I have been an employee working for big companies in project management positions.

I grew up in India in a working class agricultural family. I know what it is like to be poor – dirt poor. I know what it is like to not have access to medical care. I know what it is like to try to study and work and still have trouble having your ends meet. I also know the failure of big government programs riddled with waste and corruption to solve problems in my home country. I have been successful only due to my faith in God, the work ethic endowed by my parents and the generosity of the American people who invited me to this great land that rewards hard work. The usual mudslinging labels are less likely to stick to me. Now it is my turn to serve America.

Conservative Values I want to show that conservative values are intrinsic to compassion – not mutually exclusive from it. I want to show minorities that they will find more solace in faith-based conservative circles than among politicians who are bent on dividing our country by race, national origin, gender, socioeconomic class or religion. I want to show that we are all brothers and sisters and children of one Almighty.

Just as each child in a family has his or her own distinct way to get their parent’s attention but still knows they are part of one family, so too do we all have our own distinct ways to reach our Creator, we all know we are part of one American family.

I humbly request the opportunity to be your voice in the United States Congress and to serve you in all capacity given by God. Please join my movement “We love our America.” God bless you, and God bless America.

www .R eddy 4C ongress . com

Pol. Ad Pd. for by Bangar Reddy for Congress 2020, Justin Guenley, Treasurer