Fort Bend Focus Magazines December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

8 Annual th

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Holiday

Happenings

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{Features} DECEMBER 2020

28 ABSOLUTELY! KID FRIENDLY

Resources for Children 30 ’TIS THE SEASON

{COVER STORY}

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Child Advocates of Fort Bend

Check out the exciting holiday events around Fort Bend that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Announces 2020 Christmas Home Tour Plans

Libraries Host

Kwanzaa Dance Performance

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash Holiday Shopping Incentives

{Columns}

8 THE CORONA CHRONICLES Jingle Jangle or Jingle Tangle?

24 OENOPHILE

Great Values in Red Wines from $9.95 to $225

40 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

A Completed Study of

13

Aristotle’s 12 Virtue’s ~ Truthfulness

8th Annual Focus favS READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS In August, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their favorites are in Fort Bend in nine different categories: Food, Entertainment, Pets, Auto, Shopping, Schools, Healthcare, Home Improvement and Professional Services. See who won this year’s Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards, and congratulations to all of our winners!

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 8

DECEMBER 2020 Volume 16 | number 12

8 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 11

11 Denman Moody theadvanceoenophile.com Page 24

24

{

}

Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com Page 40

absolutely!

Auto Review

40

11 2020 Nissan Murano

{Newsworthy}

{Medical Focus}

26 FORT BEND ISD

Free Student Meals

Continues Through School Year

38 Preventing the

Spread of COVID-19

Fort Bend Hospitals Stress

29 Libraries Present

Online Demonstrations

For Craft and Hobby Enthusiasts

{In Every Issue}

New To The {Neighborhood } 27 Kitchen Tune Up

Sugar Land

Remodel Your Kitchen in

Only 1-5 Days

Importance of Safety During the Holidays

6 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

On the Cover: 8th Annual Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards

36 OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF THE BEND 39 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

Stay Informed . . . Stay Engaged . . . Stay Focused . . .

The Corona Chronicles A Digital Mini-Magazine Covering the People, Places and Happenings of Fort Bend

Published Weekly • Free Subscription

www.FortBendFocus.com

Exclamation Points!

Publisher, Patti Parish-Kaminski

A Christmas to Remember This Christmas is indeed different. Annual holiday parties have been canceled, holiday events are virtual – if at all – and the number one stocking stuffer this year is a mask. When I look back at Christmas last year, we truly could not have anticipated such devastating changes in only 12 short months. However, even as I write this, I’m reminded of Nostradamus’ predictions for 2020:

281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski

CeeCee Parker, Tim Kaminski, the Big Man, Patti Parish-Kaminski and David Parker pre-social distancing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land’s Jingle Tree.

“The great plague of the city Will not cease until there be avenged the death Of the just blood, condemned for a price without crime, Of the great lady outraged by pretense.

Brothers and sisters captive in diverse places” Unfortunately, this ominous prediction held true.

So, what does 2021 hold for us? In my opinion, the answer is simple: hope. Ever the optimist, I’m not only hopeful, I’m extremely grateful for the lessons learned this year. They’ve been hard, but we will gain something positive from them, and we as a community and as a nation will be better for it.

My prayer for you and your family is health, happiness and hope this blessed holiday season. My gratitude to our advertisers, readers and subscribers is eternal. We have helped one another survive this monumental year, and you all have a special place in my heart.

From our team at absolutely! focus media to each and every one of you, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a bright, hopeful and positive New Year. Come on 2021!

Stay focused on the future – and keep hope alive,

AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Kay Garrett A RT D IRE C T O R Grace Belleza W EB D ESI G N ER Joey Belleza

o l u t el y !

A n abs Merry

Christmas to You!

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2: 13-14

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Vol. 16 No. 12 December 2020

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

S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G ER Natalee Moore I T S u ppo rt A dm i n i s t r at i v e / Sa l e s A s s i s tant Kolton W. Kaminski cont r i b u t O r S Steve Kursar Denman Moody Alisa Murray I N Q UIRIES 281-690-4242 e d i to r ia l SUB M ISSI O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Published by

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, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. 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.

Kristin Lytle is

TEXAS PROUD! • Proud to be a Native Texan.

• Proud to be part of Fort Bend community for 35 years!

• Celebrating almost 20 years with more than $100 million in total listing and sales volume.

• 10 Year recipient of Five Star Professional Award

• Proud Texans & Astros Fan!

Client Comments:

Kristin Lytle, Broker Associate

• HAR Platinum Agent Broker.

• “Kristin has proven to be the best of the best” • “Kristin is Top Notch” • “Kristin went above and beyond to make sure we understood the home buying process” • “The best service and excellent communication throughout the process”

• HAR Client Experience rating of 4.99/5.0.

See ratings & reviews at www.har.com/kristinlytle

T ha n k y ou f o r voting for me!

Email to KristinKLytle@gmail.com • 281-414-3059 DECEMBER 2020 l

7

As Seen In

Jingle Jangle or Jingle Tangle?

The Corona Chronicles A Digital Mini-Magazine Covering the People, Places and Happenings of Fort Bend

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

I

am a staunch admirer of talent in virtually any form or fashion.

And yes, it’s likely because I really don’t have any talent to speak of, so I appreciate the talent I see on a daily basis. Perhaps one of the most coveted talents – in my mind – is the ability This year’s Jingle Tree submission – to create something Whiskey Wonderland. beautiful out of the ordinary. And the icing on the cake is when the creation benefits something close to my heart.

I absolutely feel this way about the talented individuals who create stunning Christmas décor each year to benefit one of my personal favs: The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. Our museum is truly a gem in our community, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege to not only attend educational events there but to host a few as well. Well, the events I hosted weren’t exactly . . . educational . . . but they were fun and fabulous!

For the past five years, the museum has hosted Jingle Tree and invited community members to decorate trees, swags and the like to be auctioned off to benefit the museum’s programs.

So, year one came around in 2015 and my dear friend Adrienne Barker, executive director extraordinaire of the museum at the time, asked if I would consider decorating a tree. Without completely delving into the responsibilities at hand, I immediately said “yes,” and so it began. After all, how hard could it be to decorate a 3’ tree? I selected the smaller tree – with full knowledge of my limitations – and then the next step happened: Adrienne asked for my theme.

Theme? Really? After much consideration, our team at absolutely! focus media came up with a traditional theme: Nutcracker. I showed up at the museum with accouterments in tow to decorate my tree on-site, and when I walked into the room that looked like a Winter Wonderland, I nearly fainted. Unbeknownst to me, the other participants were pros – designers and florists with significant talent – and me. There was plaster of Paris, hot glue guns, zip ties, floral wire, ornaments as big as

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your head, ladders, blow dryers – and me with my tiny tub of nutcrackers. I quickly exited the Wonderland Workshop and did what anyone would do: went straight to Hobby Lobby.

Now I appreciate Hobby Lobby as a retailer, but I’m not one to shop for things to make things with. If I want a thing, I’ll buy the thing; I won’t make the thing out of other things. I’m just not crafty nor patient, nor particularly agile with a hot glue gun. So, I filled up my basket with everything “nutcrakerish” I could find, plus a bunch of other stuff I really had no idea what to do with.

But, I felt confident strutting into Santa’s Workshop a second time because I had a lot of . . . stuff. At least I resembled a pro.

I spent nearly four hours hanging and fluffing and poking until the actual tree wasn’t even visible. I was spent, scared and likely scarred for life. Auction night arrived, and Tim Kaminski and I got ready to go. I was completely terrified. I informed Mr. Kaminski that he would likely have to be the Mouse King and buy my poor attempt of Ode to Nutcrackers. He laughed; I did not.

At the auction that evening, the trees were simply stunning – true works of art – and right there in the middle stood my Charlie Brown Christmas tree. But that night, a true Christmas miracle happened.

Someone actually purchased my tree and for a reputable price. I had never felt so relieved.

And yes, subsequent years of Jingle Tree rolled around and not one to learn my lesson, I participated by decorating trees. There was the Berry Merry Christmas Tea Party Tree, the Partridge in a Pear How it all began with nutcrackers in Tree, the Christmas Classics 2015.

Tree and then this year’s creation – the one with a nod to 2020. In memorializing this year, my options were slim: toilet paper, masks, hand sanitizer and the ever-popular Lysol. So, I chose the one thing we all really needed throughout this year: alcohol. Whiskey Wonderland debuted at Jingle Tree this year, and I may have had a couple of sips to get through the creative process. But this way, if Mr. Kaminski has to buy it, at least he’ll be happy. I’ll let you know how it turned out.

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2020 Nissan Murano

T

he 2020 Nissan Murano is one of the sharpest looking mid-size crossovers on the market. Just last year, it underwent a comprehensive refresh both inside and out and added loads of new safety features that every new car buyer wants in their purchase.

Keeping yourself and your family safe on the road has become one of the prime reasons for buying a new car, and Nissan has some of the best safety tech out there. And, the Murano offers all that without a luxury price tag.

Safety technology features that are built into new cars are driving buyers to trade up from their older cars that lack them. Lane keeping assistance, emergency braking and blind spot monitoring

are just some of the newest technologies that allow drivers to stay safer on the road. You still can’t drive with your eyes closed and your hands off the wheel, but should your eyes stray or you get distracted, these safety features will alert you or even stop your car in dangerous situations. They’re not necessary but they sure do add that safety layer that’s easy to rely on. It’s very comforting to know they’re there.

With a base MSRP of $31,730, the Murano is only offered with one engine, a 260 hp, 3.5 liter V6, that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are pretty good for this segment at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The powertrain is peppy and responsive but hardly blazing. It is a great highway car, ideal for long drives.

The Murano’s interior is one of the nicest in its segment with Nissan’s advanced Zero Gravity seats standard for front and rear seats. These seats make those long drives a breeze. Also, Nissan Connect software, which includes Apple S P O N S O R E D B y:

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CarPlay and Android Auto, comes standard on all Murano trims.

Safety Shield 360 is Nissan’s suite of safety tech features designed to make you a better driver. Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking are just some of the features that are now standard on Murano SV, SL and Premium grades.

The 2020 Nissan Murano is one of the more affordable crossovers in the mid-size segment. It also combines an upscale design with sought after safety technology that makes it one of the most attractive mid-size crossovers on the road right now.

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May Good Health be your gift at Christmas.

May Faith, Hope & Love be your gifts in the New Year!

Sending Christmas Love to all

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

– Arlene

Call Me For Personal Virtual Tours

Arlene R. Rolsen CRS ,

“Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

281.414.8400 arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com

We miss you!

We want to know what you’re doing – a family trip, a game night with friends, virtually hanging out or whatever you’re doing – send us your favorite quarantine pictures.

Please include the first and last names of all individuals in the photo left to right, and you just might be seen in the pages of Fort Bend Focus!

Submit your Out & About photos to grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

12

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

This fall, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their Fort Bend Favs are in nine different categories:

8 Annual th

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT PETS AUTO SHOPPING SCHOOLS Healthcare HOME IMPROVEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES And boy, did they come through! With nearly 12,000 votes, readers voiced their opinion on their favorites. Take a look and see who won this year’s Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards!

2020 Voting for the 2020 Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online at www.FortBendFocus.com from August 1 to September 30, 2020. The results were collected and tabulated using Crowdsignal.com. In the event of a tie, all winners are listed.

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

Favorite Grab & Go Meals: Dream Dinners 5418 Highway 6, #216 Missouri City, TX 77459

Favorite Margarita: Lupe Tortilla 15801 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478

FOOD

Favorite Brunch& Coffee Bar: Bean Here Coffee 4340 Sienna Parkway, #102 Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Wine Bar, Caterer & Italian Restaurant: Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Road, #160 Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Burger: Brandani’s Burgers, Tacos and Brews 3340 FM 1092 Road, #180 Missouri City, TX 77459

Local foodies spoke up loud and clear voting for their favorite eateries – yum!

Favorite Pizza: Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria 16535 Southwest Freeway, Ste 2500 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite BBQ: Brookstreet Bar-B-Q 1418 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Favorite Happy Hour: Japaneiro’s 2168 Texas Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478

Favorite Healthy Eatery & Market: Harvest Market 4603 Sienna Parkway Missouri City, TX 77459

Favorite Martini & Steakhouse: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 2115 Town Square Sugar Land, TX 77479

Thank you for your support!

Fort Bend’s Favorite Burger, Wine Bar, Caterer & Italian Restaurant Thank you for your continued and ongoing support for our small businesses! We are thrilled to have our dining rooms open at 75%, wonderful patio for dining and we are also happy to offer discounted Family Meals to go for your convenience.

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

We look forward to serving you! ~ Claire & Ron Brandani

281.969.7854 3340 FM 1092 Road #180 • Missouri City www.brandanisburgers.com

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832.987.1313 3340 FM 1092 Road, #160 • Missouri City orders@brandanis.com

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

l

www.brandanis.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend Favorite Specialty Restaurant: Keeper’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar 4654 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Fast Food: Chick-fil-A 9 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Delivery: Door Dash DoorDash.com Favorite Mexican Food: La Escondida Mexican Grill 7270 Hwy 6, #500 Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Food Truck: TexIce Frozen Desserts facebook.com/texicefd/

Favorite Seafood: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 12711 US-59 S Stafford, TX 77477 Favorite Frozen Treats: Marble Slab Creamery 6 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Bakery: Nothing Bundt Cakes 1531 Highway 6, #125 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Pub: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 15929 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479

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Dream Dinners Missouri City for just $99 with our

Meal Prep Starter Pack Order at www.dreamdinners.com/missouricity • 281.499.1800 We do all the planning, shopping, chopping and prep work. You’ll cook your meals at home by following our simple cooking instructions or freeze them to use later. We offer curbside pick up or home delivery!

DECEMBER 2020 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

Favorite Fitness Gym: Lifetime Fitness 1331 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Country Club: River Bend Country Club 1214 Dulles Avenue Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Event Facility: Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 Favorite Movie Theatre: Star Cinema Grill 4811 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459

RTAINMENT ENTE

From theatres to outdoor recreation, readers got serious about voting for their favorite entertainment!

Favorite Kid’s Entertainment: Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land 13016 University Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Live Entertainment: Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land 18111 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Man Cave: The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 15929 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Sports Recreation: Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center 16225 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

2020

It’s a Sweep!

Winner All 3 Magazines 2 Years Running

11627 FM 1464 l Richmond l 281.277.7888 l safaritexasballroom.com 16

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

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

For more information, contact:

281.269.2526

Tricia@RiverbendCountryClub.org www.RiverbendCountryClub.org

Membership Benefits: • Championship Golf Course (Completed our Better Billy Bunkers renovation with California White Sand in March 2019) • Men’s, Women’s and Young Executive Golf Outings, Match Play and Leagues • Expanded Luxurious Men’s Locker Room and Ladies Locker Room (Renovation Completed in October 2019.)

• Junior Golf Academy • Improved Practice facility with a covered driving range, putting green and short game practice area.

• 4 Lighted Outdoor Tennis Courts & Fitness Facility • Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners and Private Events • Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Patio with Fire Pit, Cabanas and Playground

ER AUTO S VICES

PET SERVICES

With the holidays around the corner, have your four-legged friends taken care of at Fort Bend’s finest!

Favorite Grooming: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 4755 Sweetwater Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Pet Store: PetSmart 5 Locations in Fort Bend

Favorite Day Care, Boarding Services & Veterinarian: VCA Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital 2627 Cordes Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479

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When it comes to auto services, car enthusiasts aren’t shy about voting for their favorites.

Favorite Auto Dealer: Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Auto Repair & Services: CooperMaiks Auto Repair 235 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477

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

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

12 days of Holiday Shopping December 12th All drinkware 20% off

December 13th All in stock Jon Hart $10 off December 14th All clothing 30% off

Brands we carry: Jon Hart • Consuela Swig • Capri Blue Tyler • Pura Vida Oventure • Teleties

December 15th Free Holiday tee with any $100 purchase (up to a $30 value) December 16th Free earrings with apparel purchase of $30 or more (up to a $20 value) December 17th Buy 1 get 1 1/2 off all face masks December 18th Free Swig Neoprene can holder with Swig purchase December 19th Free voltive Tyler candle and voltive holder with Tyler purchase December 20th 30% off any one item December 21st Free personalized Quicksilver disc with any Oventure Big O key ring purchase December 22nd Free $25 gift card (valid 1/1/21-1/31/21) with any $75 store purchase December 23rd 40% off all Christmas/Holiday themed merchandise (holiday scents, themed tees, holiday themed gifts)

8840 HWY 6 STE 110 • MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 281.778.9067 Store Hours Mon-Fri 10 am - 6:30 pm Sat 10 am - 5 pm • Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm

/sharisuedesigns/ /sharisuedesigns/ www.sharisue.com DECEMBER 2020 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

SHOPPING

’Tis the season to shop ’til you drop! Check out these favorite shopping spots.

Favorite Gift Shop: Shari Sue’s Designs 8840 Highway 6, #110 Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Antiques Shop: Once Again – Antiques, Collectibles, Fine Gifts 801 3rd Street Rosenberg, TX 77471

SCHOOLS

Our readers don’t trust their kids to just anyone.

From preschool to college, check out their favorite child care and educational facilities.

Favorite Day Care: St. Laurence Weekday Children’s Program 3103 Sweetwater Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Private School: St. Laurence Catholic School 2630 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite College: University of Houston at Sugar Land 14000 University Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

Nearly

Favorite Bargain Shopping: HomeGoods 2 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Grocery Store: H-E-B Texas Grocery 8 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Wine Selection: Total Wines 2 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Jewelry Store: James Avery Jewelry 4 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Spirits Store: Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods 7 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Shoe Store: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse 2745 Town Center Boulevard N Sugar Land, TX 77479

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Making a Difference: Faith, Academics, and Service

YEARS

OF EXCELLENCE Founded in 1992

Serving Grades Pre-K to 8th

Come tour our campus and see what makes SLCS a leader in providing a well-rounded education!

Educating the Whole Christian Person NATIONAL RECOGNITIONS In Body, 2005, 2014: Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Mind, 2017: Innovations in and Spirit Catholic Education Award 2630 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.980.0500 www.stlaurenceschool.org

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

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

CARE SERVICES HEALTH

Thank You Fort Bend!

Home of Tillie the Tooth

Larry Caldwell, D. D. S.

When it comes to healthcare, check out these Fort Bend favorites from doctors to dentists.

Favorite Orthodontist: Garrett & Boyd Orthodontics 4645 Sweetwater Blvd, #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Dentistry for Children and those with Special Needs • Oral Health Education • Sealants • High Speed Digital X-Rays • Intravenous Sedation • COVID Compliant Infection Control Certified • Laser Soft Tissue Removal • Accepting New Patients

Favorite Eye Care: Horizon Eye Care & Optical 15920 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

A Special Place for Special People 15200 SW Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77478

Favorite Wellness Center: Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetics Center 1437 Highway 6, #100 Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.565.KIDS (5437) • larrycaldwelldds.com Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Favorite Hospital: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Doctor: Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land 16811 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Dentist: Dr. Larry Caldwell 15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Dermatologist & Plastic Surgeon: Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery 16926 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Spa: Forever Young & Slim Medi Spa 1531 Highway 6, #225 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Attention Readers: Are there some categories for your favs that you would like to see in our 2021 Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards?

Let us know!

E-mail your favorite categories to Grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

DECEMBER 2020 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

IMPROVEMENT HOME

Favorite Garden/ Landscaping Company: Enchanted Gardens 6420 Fm 359 Road Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Pool Service: Anthony & Sylvan Pools 24515 Katy Freeway, #200 Katy, TX 77494

From appliances and flooring to landscaping and design, check out readers’ go-to services for making their homes beautiful.

Favorite Heating/Air Conditioning Services: Sun Air Conditioning & Heating 2719 5th Street Stafford, TX 77477

Celebrating Our 20th Year

Ideal Carpet & Flooring is a locally owned and operated home improvement business with over 30 years of experience. Our design center carries a variety of styles and quality products that are unique and up to date with most current trends. In our warehouse, we carry setting materials and special buys on flooring. So, whether you want a professional installation, or you are a do-it-yourselfer, we have everything you need.

Financing Available

Favorite Home Improvement: Shower Doors & More Favorite Plumber: 10311 W Airport Blvd, #106 Alan’s Plumbing Stafford, TX 77477 1116 East Highway 90a • Richmond, TX 77406 2834 W Pebble Beach Drive 281-762-9999 • idealcarpetandflooring.com Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Flooring Store: Favorite Carpet/ Ideal Carpet Favorite Favorite Interior Cleaning Services: & Flooring Appliance Store: Designer: 1116 E Highway 90 A SteamPlus Carpet Cleaning Home Depot The Design Firm 2245 Texas Drive, #300 Richmond, TX 77406 5 Locations in Fort Bend 13013 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Stafford, TX 77477 Favorite Developer: Johnson Development Corporation 13131 Dairy Ashford, Suite 210 Sugar Land, TX 77478

SSIONAL SERVICES PROFE

Favorite Custom Home Builder: Perry Homes 18115 Shimmer Lane Richmond, TX 77407 Favorite Real Estate Agent: Anne Davis 35 Ambleside Crescent Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Real Estate Company: Cache Properties 35 Ambleside Crescent Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479

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Whether it’s building a home or ordering flowers, leave it to these favorite professionals!

Favorite Salon: Salon Eben & Day Spa 15510 Lexington Boulevard, Suite G Sugar Land, TX 77478

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

Favorite Attorney/Law Firm: The West Law Firm 6908 Brisbane Ct, 3rd Floor Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Bank/Credit Union: Wells Fargo 17 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Insurance Agency: Tallas Insurance Agency 14015 Southwest Freeway, Suite 5 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Financial Services: Fidelity Investments 15600 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Florist: House of Blooms 16180 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

Holidays • Home Décor •

www.thehouseofblooms.com

Delivery Available Local & Nationwide

Order Online 24/7 281-242-1555

16180 City Walk • Sugar Land Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm • Sun Closed DECEMBER 2020 l

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• Just Because • Corporate Events • Weddings

Birthdays • Special Occasions • Anniversaries

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Fort Bend

The West Law Firm

It’s not just YOUR CASE, It’s OUR CAUSE.

S. Scott West Triple-Board Certified Trial Lawyer

AREAS OF PRACTICE Personal Injury and Wrongful Death involving: • Defective and unsafe products • Motor vehicle collisions • Construction site injuries • Industrial injuries • Dangerous premises Commercial Disputes involving: • Theft of intellectual property • Theft of trade secrets • Breach of contract Other Complex Commercial Litigation

Call for a Free Consultation

281.277.1500

6908 Brisbane Court, Third Floor Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.WestFirm.com

Thank You Fort Bend! Winner Favorite Attorney/Law Firm 24

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

. . . for voting us “Fort Bend’s Favorite Developer” once again!

2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020

2020

Houston . Dallas/Fort Worth . Atlanta . Austin

NEWSWORTHY

Free Student Meals Will Continue Through School Year Free student meals will be available for the entire school year, as a result of a waiver from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). All students, including those not enrolled in Fort Bend ISD (FBISD), can receive one free breakfast and/or lunch meal per school day.

Students will only need to go through the cafeteria line during breakfast and lunch, and FBISD students enrolled in online learning may receive meals at any of the ten Grab and Go locations, located across the District. Students not enrolled in FBISD may also receive meals at Grab and Go locations.

Please note, there is no further action required of parents for students enrolled in face-to-face instruction. Students will only need to go through the lunch line in the cafeteria.

Free meals include the complete, packaged breakfast and lunch meal, and a la carte items are available for sale.

While the District will be offering free meals to all students for the school year, families are still required to complete the 2020 Free/Reduced Price Meal Application to remain eligible for other benefits. In addition to free or reduced-priced meals and eligibility for the District’s Prekindergarten programs, families can also receive the free or reduced fees for the following: • SAT and ACT exams • Internet-at-home services • Extended Day tuition

Achieve the

• Physicals for student athletes • Band and orchestra instruments • Summer school and evening high school tuition • CTE (Career and Technical Education) course and uniform fees Fort Bend ISD also benefits when families complete the 2020 Free/Reduced Price Meal Application in a number of ways, including receiving more funding to support students and consideration regarding accountability ratings and fiscal effectiveness.

Families can complete the application on the SchoolCafe app, and will need to have the following information: • Names of all household members • Amount, frequency and source of current income for each household member • Last four digits of the parent’s or guardian’s social security number • Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct Students will continue receiving free meals regardless of whether a family is denied or not.

Ultimate Smile!

Crowns • Implants • Cosmetic • Reconstructive Dentistry • Board Certified Prosthodontist Replacing missing teeth in one day!

before

after

Restore your smile with cosmetic dentistry!

before

after

We are now in network with your insurance.

As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists like Dr. Rimes are qualified to offer services in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as: • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants • Complete and Partial Dentures • Replacing Lost or Loose Teeth • Jaw Joint Problems (TMJ) • Traumatic Injuries • Snoring and Sleep Disorders • Oral Cancer Reconstruction

Call Today: 281 313-1565

15958 City Walk, Ste. 230 • Sugar Land, TX 77479 • www.RimesDDS.com • e-mail: info@rimesdds.com Stuart Rimes, DDS, MS

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

Remodel Your Kitchen in Only 1-5 Days

“It takes too long.” “It costs too much money.” “Who do I trust?” “Where do I begin?” These phrases do not have to be barriers to getting the kitchen of your dreams. Joe and Amanda Boyd, owners of Kitchen Tune Up Sugar Land, offer five different ways to quickly and affordably update or remodel your home in only one to five days!

The Boyd family, along with their daughter Kaitlyn, planted their roots in Texas in late 2015. They moved to the area from the Northeast and traded their snow shovels for swimming pools! When not tuning up their customers’ kitchens and baths, they enjoy spending time as a family, including their beagle Roxie.

Joe enjoys fishing, golfing and all things motorsports. Amanda enjoys fitness, the outdoors and spending time with her wonderful friends.

Kitchen Tune Up Sugar Land offers virtual and in-home consultations. They bring the showroom to you! Make your kitchen dreams a reality with special financing available. Kitchen Tune Up Sugar Land serves Sugar Land, Missouri City, Sienna and surrounding suburbs of Houston. Contact Joe and Amanda Boyd at kitchentuneupsugarland.com or 281.324.8147.

Joyce Long’s

Colonic - Detox - Lymphatic

Wellness Institute Established 1989

“Our clients become family and we are here to celebrate their WELLNESS”

Joyce Long

Internationally Certified Colon Hydrotherapist & Instructor Nationally Certified Massage Therapist Services by appt only.

Massage Therapies • Lymphatic Drainage Massage • Lymphatic Facials Reflexology • Infra Red Saunas • Relaxing Ion Cleanse Hand & Foot Bath Chinese Cupping • Gift Certificates Colon Hydrotherapy by M.D. Prescription Only (Yours Or Ours)

NEW FORT BEND LOCATION!

1308 James Street • Rosenberg, TX 77471

281-344-0095

joycelongwellness.com

DECEMBER 2020 l

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Advertorial

absolutely! Kid Friendly Gingerbread: Safe, Affordable Quality Early Childhood Education in Fort Bend County

Where Children Learn and Grow

Infants • Toddlers 3 & 4 year-old Private, Full-Day Pre-K Programs K-5th After-School Programs for Pick-Up & Morning Drop Off Arredondo, Carter, Thomas, Williams & Meyer Elementary

Early Childcare Assistance Accepted

281-239-2110

www.gbkidsacademy.com twkaminski@sbcglobal.net 28

DECEMBER 2020 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242

2020 was a year of many changes and uncertainty, however with the dawning of a New Year, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the safety and quality of the educational programs provided by the Gingerbread Kids Academy, the Gingerbread House Learning Center, and the Gingerbread AfterSchool programs at Arredondo, Bentley, Frost, Hubenak and Hutchison Elementary in the Lamar School District.

This year the Gingerbread Kids Academy will celebrate it’s 7 year Anniverary, the Gingerbread After-School Programs will celebrate their 20 year Anniversary and the Gingerbread House Learning Center will celebrate it’s 40 year Anniversary. That type of long term commitment to Early Childhood Education, cannot be matched anywhere else in Fort Bend County.

The Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and Gingerbread House Learning Center have developed an environment where children can learn and grow. The programs are designed for children ages eight weeks to 12 years and offer a variety of educational activities throughout the year.

Research has shown that in order for a child to be successful in school and life, they must begin with a strong foundation in learning. Gingerbread has designed a curriculum that includes an emphasis on reading, writing, science, math, discovery and exploration, as well as social skills development. The infant and toddler programs focus on the development of both gross and fine motor skills along with basic language skills. The three to five-year-old PreSchool and PreK programs focus on academics, peer relationships and preparation for entry into kindergarten and elementary school. The Gingerbread After School programs, located onsite at Frost, Hutchison, Hubenak, Arredondo and Bentley Elementary, as well as onsite at the Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and Gingerbread House, offer homework assistance, arts, crafts, games and sports and the values based Junior Achievement Program.

A new year means new beginnings. The Gingerbread Family invites you to come by for a visit. Both locations are now accepting enrollments for the 2021 school year.

For more information, contact Tim Kaminski at 281-2392110 or email twkaminski@sbcglobal.net.

absolutely! Kid Friendly

NEWSWORTHY

Libraries Present Online Demonstrations for Craft and Hobby Enthusiasts

Infants, Toddlers, 3 & 4 yr. old Full Day Programs

Where Children Learn and Grow

Two Locations 814 FM 2977, Richmond, TX 77469 6:30 am – 6:30 pm

Early Childcare Assistance Accepted

2417 4th St., Rosenberg, TX 77471

281-239-2110

6:30 am – 6 pm

www.gbkidsacademy.com • twkaminski@sbcglobal.net

Fort Bend County Libraries presents a series of online, craft and hobby themed video demonstrations. These demonstration videos can be viewed at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

Holiday Book Art – December 12th and 15th: Library staff will demonstrate how to take an old book and make a tree and a snowman by folding the pages.

Photography Basics: Scan-OGrams – December 15th: Learn how to use a flatbed photo scanner to create artistic images with a holiday theme.

DIY Birdseed Ornaments – December 15th: Library staff will show how to make birdseed ornaments using a few basic materials.

YA: Newspaper Pottery – December 17th: Learn how to transform old newspapers into colorful pottery bowls and pots.

Flowers with Flair – December 18th: Learn how to create beautiful flowers from wire and then paint them with gleaming nail polish. The flowers become unique works of art that can be used to make jewelry.

Winter Felt Planner Clips – December 22nd: Learn how to make a felt planner clip with a winter theme.

New Year’s Bullet Journaling – December 28th: Discover how bullet journaling can be used to promote mindfulness and productivity. Start the New Year with a creative and positive attitude.

The sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required for the livestreamed Zoom/WebEx events ONLY; a link to the Zoom/WebEx session will be emailed to participants who register. Register at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program on the date indicated. Call 281-633-4734.

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, Tis the Season

Holiday

November 20th – January 3rd, 6 – 9 pm Sugar Land Holiday Lights Constellation Field in Sugar Land This sparkling wonderland features more than three million lights, a carnival and numerous themed displays. Enjoy holiday shopping, great food and meet Santa!

For more information, visit sugarlandskeeters.com.

December 3rd and 10th, 4 - 8 pm December 4th and 11th, 6 - 8 pm December 5th and 12th, 4 - 8 pm Candlelight Tours “Then and Now” Fort Bend Museum in Richmond Experience Christmas at the 1883 John and Lottie Moore Home in 1920 and 2020. Oh, how things have changed!

Get in the holiday spirit with a Christmas Craft Sale on the side porch. Tickets available for purchase online.

For more information, visit fortbendmuseum.org.

December 3rd, 10th and 17th, 5 – 8 pm Holiday Nights: A Small Town Christmas Experience Downtown Rosenberg Discover Downtown Rosenberg and Rosenberg Arts Alliance as they present Holiday Nights. Enjoy food, shopping, surprises and giveaways, including a chance to win $500 in Downtown Merchant Cash each night! The December 3rd event includes the City of Rosenberg’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony.

For more information, visit facebook.com/DiscoverDowntownRosenberg.

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December 4th, 6 pm Tree Lighting Historic Downtown Richmond

ray Photograph y.

he holiday season is the best time to get out and enjoy beautiful and exciting events happening around town! Fort Bend Focus has you covered with the best places to visit to get you in the holiday spirit. From holiday festivals to Christmas tree lightings, there’s always something fun to do in Fort Bend during the holidays!

Photo by Alisa Mur

T

Happenings

Start the Christmas season at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 402 Morton Street. Afterward, join the Community Christmas Walk, Gingerbread House Contest, enjoy the movie at Wessendorf Park and Holiday Décor Tours at local businesses.

For more information, visit historicrichmond.org.

December 5th, 9 am Snowman Shuffle Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City On your mark, get set, shuffle! Get ready for a 2k that is not your average run through the park. Complete challenges along the course to earn pieces to become a snowman. Remember to wear mask and a white T-shirt.

Register online at mctxparks.com or call 281-403-8637.

December 5th, 10 am - 5 pm Miracle on Morton Street Historic Downtown Richmond Experience the joy of the season at Morton Street with holiday food and craft vendors. Take a photo with Santa, enjoy live entertainment with family and have fun all day long.

Visit historicrichmond.org/miracle-on-morton-street.

December 10th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm Holidays in the Plaza Sugar Land Town Square Be entertained by the sounds of the season with musical performances by the Fort Bend Christian Academy Band and Upper School Worship Team.

For more information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com.

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

, Tis the Season Child Advocates of Fort Bend Announces 2020 Christmas Home Tour Plans “Twenty-nine years ago, a group of volunteers, many of whom are still involved, opened their homes, decorated them for Christmas, baked some cookies and charged admission in an effort to keep Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s (CAFB) doors open,” stated Lisa Moore, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Development Director. “They raised $2,000, kept the doors open and the lights on and began a new Fort Bend County tradition. Historically, the two-day Home Tour has hosted visitors from all of Fort Bend County and surrounding areas.

Over 3,000 guests take part in the event each year, including 1,000 volunteers who take their time to participate and make it an amazing event! With the current nature and ensuring safety, we have decided to proceed with a virtual event this year.

“Because the Christmas Home Tour kicks off the holiday season for many families in Fort Bend, we are excited to be able to continue that tradition again this year,” said Moore. “With the help of our homeowners, decorators and some fantastic new partners, we are thrilled to offer an innovative and fun event to help the community get ready for the holidays. We’ll have seven fully decorated homes, along with videos and highlights of previous tours, entertainers, a wreath raffle, silent auction items and demonstration videos with “how-to” topics, such as how to select the per-

fect Christmas tree, tree decorating 101, making a perfect bow, designing a tree topper, cocktails, entertaining, setting a holiday table and more. In addition, we are creating a variety of festive gathering opportunities for girlfriends, couples or families to safely share the joy of exploring our Virtual Christmas Home Tour.

Stay tuned to our website to be the first to grab one of these exclusive offerings.”

Learn more about CAFB’s mission of helping abused and neglected children in Fort Bend, win one of the giveaways and purchase a raffle ticket to win one of the wreaths in the 7th annual wreath raffle. Sponsorships are available at www.cafb.org/events/home-tour/ and include fun perks including a personally

delivered Jingle Box. Tickets to view the programming online are $30 and wreath raffle tickets are three for $30. Content will be available beginning at 9 am on December 11th. The wreath raffle and auction will close on December 17th at noon, but access to view the content is available through January 4th.

Nationally, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18, and it is estimated that only one in 10 ever tell anyone. “The number of children and families served by our agency has increased 13% during the COVID health crisis on top of a 53% overall increase over the past five years,” stated CEO Ruthanne Mefford.

“By sponsoring or participating in the Home Tour, you can help us ensure that all child victims of abuse get the therapy and healing services they desperately need.”

The Home Tour is one of the Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s largest fundraisers. “Our team works extremely hard to keep our costs low so that 94% of every dollar raised goes toward our programs and services. Sponsorships are critical to our ability to do this,” continued Mefford. Sponsorship opportunities ranging from $100 to $10,000 are available. To become a sponsor, purchase tickets or for more information, go to www.cafb.org/events/home-tour/. For questions or more information contact Tarina at TSheridan@cafb.org.

Libraries Host Online Kwanzaa Dance Performance ers will portray the story of traditional first-fruits celebrations in Africa. Led by artistic director Lindsay Gary, Dance Afrikana is a professional dance company that exists to celebrate Africa and the African Diaspora by connecting the worlds of traditional and contemporary African and Diaspora dance.

This event is made possible by Young Audiences of Houston. For more information, call at 281-633-4734.

Photo credit: Young Audiences of Houston.

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will host an online dance-theater production of “The Story of Kwanzaa,” featuring talented performers from Dance Afrikana, on Saturday, December 19th.

A link to the video performance will be posted at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

Led by an African griot (storyteller), this performance will explore the African American and Pan-African holiday of Kwanzaa. Through dance, the perform-

Dance Afrikana.

DECEMBER 2020 l

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HOLIDAY Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum Pure, nourishing serum quenches dehydrated skin to impart a supple, smooth complexion and instant correction while providing all day moisture retention. Visibly reduces the signs of aging with a nourishing blend of antioxidants and humectants. With each drop, skin appears brighter, firmer and rejuvenated.

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

Call 281-313-7435; DrShelMD.com.

Art Deco Crystal Vilaiwan Necklace

Hematite, smoky quartz, crystal glass and opaline glass. $900 Houston Museum of Natural Science museumstore.hmns.org.

A Beautiful Holiday Centerpiece

Enhance your holiday festivities by ordering a unique holiday arrangement today! House of Blooms is now accepting pre-orders. Space is limited.

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

Call 281-242-1555; thehouseofblooms.com.

Give the Gift of Music This Holiday Season TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Give the gift of a new kitchen that the whole family will enjoy. Create the kitchen of your dreams with Kitchen Tune Up’s design tool.

Kitchen Tune-Up Sugar Land Call 281-324-8147; kitchentuneupsugarland.com.

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Enjoy four 30-Minute Lessons for $100*. Voice, Piano, Guitar and Wind Instrument – virtual or in-person lessons available. Expires May 31, 2021. *Lesson Package Value – $170 Century Fine Arts Music and Fine Arts School 3527 Highway 6, #220 in Sugar Land.

Call 281-201-2991; CenturyFineArts.com.

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

, Tis the Season Sugar Land Rolls Out ‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash Holiday Shopping Incentives

THE ART OF GIVING

There is still time to create a special memory for the holidays. Custom art by Ruth Stubenrouch – the perfect personalized gift this year.

Ruth Stubenrouch Art Call 281-236-2941.

’TIS THE SEASON TO BE HEALTHY

Give your body the ability to fight back.

Hydro-Force molecular hydrogen water is an innovation that can hydrate your cells, combat harmful free radicals and support the production of your body’s own antioxidants.

Joyce Long Wellness Call 281-344-0095; joycelongwellness.com.

Merry AND Bright

The most classic Jon Hart Makeup Case is a must have for everyone on your holiday list and is a necessity item when traveling. If only the best will do then you have found it here.

This beautiful case comes personalized in a variety of colors making it the perfect gift!

Shari Sue Designs 8840 Hwy 6 Ste 110 in Missouri City.

281-778-9067; Sharisue.com.

‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash launched November 11th for Sugar Land’s holiday shopping season, bringing back the popular program with a festive twist and simplified features to continue supporting local businesses and frontline workers who have been impacted by COVID-19.

The program will continue the #AllInForSLTX campaign, designed to leverage public and private dollars and drive at least $200,000 into Sugar Land’s economy. To date, the program has generated more than $160,000 in gift card purchases and distributed more than 2,600 gift cards.

The seasonal program features a “Buy One, Get One” offer, inviting shoppers to buy a gift card of at least $20 from any Sugar Land business. In return, they will receive a gift card – valued at the closest $20 increment equal to or less than the original purchase – from another local business. For example if a shopper buys a gift card for $35, they will receive a $20 gift card in return, but if they buy a gift card for $40, they will receive two $20 gift cards in return, as gift cards are given in $20 increments. As part of the updated program, Sugar Land will also donate 500 gift cards worth $10,000 to local frontline workers.

“The award-winning Sweet Cash Program has done an incredible job supporting Sugar Land businesses and

frontline workers through the help of our residents and Houston-area shoppers,” said Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman about the initial launch of Sweet Cash.

“People want to help any way they can, and this program is a simple, effective and safe way to do so. With the holidays approaching, ‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash offers a fantastic opportunity for local shoppers to purchase gift cards for family, friends, teachers and more for the giving season while supporting their hometown businesses.”

To participate in ‘Tis the Season for Sweet Cash, shoppers can buy gift cards between $20 and $200 in value from any Sugar Land business through in-store purchases, drive-through or curbside pickup. They must then submit the gift card purchase receipt at www.

AllInForSLTX.com. Once submitted, shoppers will get a gift card from another Sugar Land business like Guru Burgers and Crepes, Aling’s Chinese Bistro or Keeper’s Japanese Restaurant and Bar in $20 increments equal to or less than the original purchase. The cards will be sent in the mail or may be picked up at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North. The city of Sugar Land will also give 500 gift cards to local frontline workers at the conclusion of the program.

For additional information, visit www. allinforsltx.com/.

DECEMBER 2020 l

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Oenophile

By Denman Moody

Great Values in Red Wines from $9.95 to $225

W

hereas chilled white wines are “de rigueur” in warm weather, red wines take front stage in cold weather. After tasting around 200 red wines in the last couple months, here is the cream of the crop.

Pinot Noir

My favorite red with chicken, duck, grilled salmon and most veggies.

Ryder Estate Pinot Noir Central Coast 2017 — Great bargain at $14.

J. Lohr Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco Fog’s Ranch 2017 — J. Lohr has become one of the great wine producers of the world. Excellent at $27.99.

Yamill Valley Pinot Noir Tall Poppy McMinnville (Oregon) 2014 — Funny name; excellent vino at $65.

Matzinger Davies Pinot Noir Eola Amity Hills (Oregon) 2015 – $40.

Migration Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Running Creek Vineyard 2017 — Excellent with roasted chicken at $70.

Sosie Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Spring Hill Vineyard 2015 — Cote de Beaune Premier Cru quality at $43.

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MacRostie Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Thale’s Vineyard 2017— Lush texture and bright fruit-distinctive at $55.

Chappellet Pinot Noir Grower Collection Russian River Valley Apple Lane Vineyard 2018 — Blackberries, cherries and spice. Try with duck with cherry sauce at $60.

Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard (Oregon) 2016 — Lovely at $20.

Emeritus Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Hallberg Ranch Wesley’s Reserve 2016 — Cherries and spice at $44.

ROAR Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Sierra Mar Vineyard 2018 — Classic at $55.

Chappellet Pinot Noir Grower Collection Dutton Ranch 2018 — Deep cherry flavor with tender tannins at $49.

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

Goldeneye Pinot Noir Anderson Valley The Narrows Vineyard 2017 — Noteworthy balance of fruit and acidity with hints of forest floor and dark cherries at $86.

, Tis the Season Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc Valle de Uco 2018 at $18.95.

Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2018—Beguiling and seductive at $55.

Concannon Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2016 — From one of the two oldest, continuously operating wineries in California.

A consistent winner at $18.95.

Acumen Cabernet Sauvignon Mountainside Napa Valley 2017 — Cherries and sweet tobacco at $65.

Zolo Cabernet Franc Reserva Mendoza 2017 — Sweet tobacco and spice. Try with a cheeseburger at $19.

Chateau Huara Grave (Bordeaux) 2016 — From iconic wine maker Denis DuBourdieu at $22.

Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2017 — “Lavender and blackberries.” Perfect wine to show off a Riedel Pinot Noir glass. It is sad to serve a great Pinot Noir out of a Bordeaux glass, which is standard procedure in a great majority of restaurants. The difference is astounding at $120.

Great Values in Cabernet Sauvignon and Other Red Wines Trapiche Broquel Malbec (Argentina) 2017 — Great Bargain at $9.99.

Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza (Argentina) 2019 — Organically grown at $11.

Barossa Ink Shiraz 2016 — “Best drunk when not wearing light-colored clothes.” At $14.99.

J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks Paso Robles 2018 — Consistent winner at $17.

Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva 2014 — Only produced in best years from old vines at $17.95.

Zuccardi Q Malbec Valle de Uco (Argentina) 2018 — From vines at 3,000’plus elevation at $18.

Adobe Road Apex Sonoma County Red Wine 2016 — 50% Cabernet, 23% Syrah, 22% Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah. Gorgeous fruit flavors at $79.

Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Wine Rector Creek Vineyard Block 4 and Block 5 2017 — Two opulent wines at $80 each.

Chateau de la Huste (Fronsac) 2016 — Super value at $24.

J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine Paso Robles 2017 — Cabernet and Petite Sirah at $29.95.

PSAGOT EDOM Jerusalem 2014 — Successful Bordeaux blend at $29.99.

Il Borro Toscano 2015 — From Salvatore Ferragamo, almost unrivaled at this price at $45.

Macán Classico Rioja 2014 — Joint venture between Vega Sicilia and Benjamin de Rothschild. How could it not be something special at $49?

Rodney Strong Symmetry Alexander Valley 2014 — Successful Meritage at $49.

Raymond Red Meritage Blend 2015 — Excellent balance of fruit, acidity and tannins at $50.

Raymond Small Lot Malbec 2016 — Try with grilled steak at $55.

J. Lohr St. E, POM and PAU Paso Robles 2016 — Three exceptional wines mimicking great Saint-Emilion (mostly Cabernet Franc and Merlot), Pomerol (mostly Merlot) and Pauillac (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon), rivaling many of the well-known French wines from these areas at $55 each.

OVIS Petite Sirah Lake County High Valley Betsy’s Vineyard 2016 — From 30 year-old vines. Best vintage ever for OVIS. Stunning offering of Petite Sirah at $55.

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus Calistoga 2016 — Beautiful black and red fruit flavors.

Tender tannins and a long, pleasing finish at $135.

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label Oakville 2016 — Left bank-style beauty with black currants and power at $150.

Larkmeade Solari Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 — Rich with chocolate covered cherries.

Powerful like a great 2016 left bank Bordeaux. 2016 was an equally stellar vintage in Bordeaux at $215.

! s r e e Ch

DECEMBER 2020 l

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Petal It Forward! House of Blooms joined floral businesses across the nation in November to surprise random people with two free bouquets in Sugar Land Town Square: one to keep and another one to pass on.

Pat Houck and Mary Favre.

Photo by Mary Favre.

Flo Dixon, Lesley Durgin, Pat Houck and Melia Durham.

Vendors and shoppers enjoyed a beautiful day in downtown Rosenberg at the Homemade for the Holidays event.

Kordelia and Laura Escamilla with Krystal Garcia sold cake pops, cookies and hot chocolate bombs from their booth.

Kristi Chapman, Ray Aguilar and Robert Wolter answered the phones to accept donations during the Patchwork of Life virtual telethon benefitting OakBend Medical Center.

The virtual event raised approximately $334,000.

Mike and Jolyn Lee with Kyle and Diana Neely attended the first Aggie football game of the season with their new masks.

Congratulations to the Fort Bend County 2020 Fair Queen Caroline O’ Driscoll.

Beth Ornelas with Kay Garrett.

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

Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and the Sugar Plum Marketplace committee worked tirelessly on the success of their first-ever virtual Marketplace. Because of collective support from volunteers, sponsors, vendors and patrons, FBJSL will bring “peace on earth� to a number of charitable organizations serving the community.

Fort Bend Teen Service League members presented their charitable donation to Sugar Plum Marketplace: Sydney Banovic, Abbie Canal, Zafina Virani, Isabella LeJeune-Bolivar, Rithika Pothi, Leah Philip with Sugar Plum Marketplace Co-Chair Brigit Engleman.

Fort Bend Teen Service League members prepped swag boxes for Sugar Plum Marketplace sponsors: FBJSL member Carla Harris with FBTSL members Rithika Pothi, Brandy Edwards, Lindsay Rolph, Leah Philip, Kiara Souza and Katelyn Kagy.

Sherri Ebarb and daughter Whitney shopped the Marketplace comfortably from home.

Elizabeth Fisher and her darling pup Sammy sported their Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Sugar Plum Marketplace face masks.

Children of FBJSL members Brayden and Brynlee Stephens, Ayla Shmerling and Collins Morrison celebrated Healthcare Heroes Week and honored Sugar Plum Marketplace title sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land.

Gal pals enjoyed perusing through over 100 vendors online at Sugar Plum Marketplace: Susanne Hiegel, Stephanie Van Horn and Catherine Kubala.

FBJSL board member and former Sugar Plum Market Co-Chair Kimberly Camp crossed off her holiday checklist items.

The Sugar Plum Marketplace Vendor Committee enjoyed shopping online: Tamara Jobe, Chelsi Oestreich, Leah Henley and Sugar Plum Marketplace Co-Chair Jenna Kisner.

DECEMBER 2020 l

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19: Fort Bend Hospitals Stress Importance of Safety During the Holidays Hospitals across Fort Bend County are currently experiencing meaningful increases in the number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalizations. This is especially troubling considering that the holiday season is approaching, and local residents will be reuniting with friends and family.

According to SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC), during the summer surge (June 28-July 28), the number of COVID-19 confirmed positive cases in Fort Bend County was 3,034. In the last thirty days we are starting to see cases increase, already having 1,708 confirmed positive cases as of November 17th, 2020. Test positivity has also increased from 3-4% to approximately 10% at local testing centers and hospitals over the past month. For updated numbers on the spread of COVID-19 in our community, visit www.setrac.org.

It’s important that all of us take steps now and throughout the holiday season to reduce our risks and prevent another serious surge. On behalf of the many dedicated physicians and health care professionals at our four hospitals, we urge all Fort Bend residents to: • Practice social distancing – stay six feet apart from others.

• Continue to wear masks correctly.

• Wash hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer frequently.

• Limit holiday gatherings and protect those who may be at high risk such as the elderly or friends/family members with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems.

• Celebrate in person only with those individuals in your household and reach out virtually to other friends and family members.

• Host holiday activities outdoors.

• Avoid crowded stores and community celebrations.

• Minimize travel. If you must travel, follow the guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control.

• Isolate yourself if you experience symptoms and see a physician as quickly as possible.

Beginning with Thanksgiving, and continuing through the New Year, we must be extra vigilant in our celebrations and our daily activities to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19. Slowing the spread throughout our community and protecting those who are most vulnerable is the best holiday gift we can give this year.

Sincerely,

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

Coming in January Special Advertising Section

New Year, New You

Rejuvenation/Wellness To advertise, call 281.690.4242.

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December 2020 Winner “NEOWISE over Colorado River”

By Deepayan Mukhopadhyay 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 ISSUE Each issue’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.

DECEMBER 2020 l

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

Living the Sweet Life:

A Completed Study of Aristotle’s 12 Virtue’s ~Truthfulness 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.

As

their talents and accomplishments we have seen throughand are unable to take compliments out this year, all of Arwell-deserved. It is the individual istotle’s virtues are the who sees himself for what he or she continued contemplation of balance is and is both willing to share what between two extremes. As for truththey have accomplished without befulness, it is no different. The beauty ing boastful or inflated, and at the of Aristotle is that at his core teachsame time, not downplay their talings there is the wondrous promise ents and accomplishments. Rather of living a good life. these individuals step up and take Truthfulness is pretty simple; it is both credit and accept criticism correct or it is not. But as we delve and praise who have achieved the deeper into the concept of “truth” as balance of moral and ethical truth. studied by the philosopher, we find As I age, I find it easier to althat there’s, as they say, more than low my reputation to preceed me. meets the eye in defining it. Truth in Having been raised by very strong theory and truth in thought are worth grandmothers taught me to give exploring, especially when looking at credit where credit was due. The our lives. idea of “faking it ‘til you make it” First let’s look at truth in theory. never really boded well with me We know when we look at an object Alisa Murray and William. as trying to keep up with all of shaped like a cup that it is so. We conthat fakeness is not only untruthceptualize these truths in our world by ful, but it’s also quite exhausting. Both of my grandmothers experience and by rationalizations that we come to underwould say do your best in all you do, and those words have stand from being taught about our environment and the obproved to be a steady way to living a good life. jects surrounding us. We say this is a cup, and when we see a The sleep you get as your soul rests each night is certainly cup, we “know” that to be what it is. Pretty basic. Things are better knowing what you are is what people see. The harder what they are, and we recognize these as truths. lesson is to accept that our world does not allow for everyone The second and more complex is truth in thought, and we to love us. Be steadfast though, and as Nana would say, “Be as humans are beautifully blessed with having a soul. It’s true to you.” Do not pretend to be what you are not, do not that part of Aristotle’s teachings that fully embraces how pretend to not be what you are and fully acknowledge the we become happy and effectively live a good life as humans. special you that only you can be. That, my friends, is the key Truth in thought is best exemplified by pulling together morto living a good life and of course, a sweet one, too! al and ethical perspectives when thinking about truth and we as humans are uniquely quantified to be able to experiTake care of You! ence a good life because we hold in addition to our earthly bodies a soul. Being truthful with both ourselves and how we project ourselves to others is at the core of understanding this virtue. Some of us are tempted to over inflate ourselves to be what we want others to think we are and are unable to take criticism. Others are inclined to downplay

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