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NOVEMBER 2020

Donâ€™t Let COVID-19 Fear Postpone Your Cancer Screening

absolutely Virtual Book Fest Author Kevin Kwan to Highlight Festival

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{Features}

NOVEMBER 2020

{COVER STORY}

17 ABSOLUTELY! ’TIS THE SEASON Holiday Entertaining and Dining Thankful Thoughts and Thanksgiving Treats

Did You Gain the Quarantine 15? Enjoy Seasonal Favorites with Fall Comfort Foods

SAVOR THESE HOLIDAY CENTERPIECES

Holiday Gift Guide

{Columns} Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land 16675 Southwest Fwy. , Sugar Land, TX 77479

Don’t Let COVID-19 Fear

Postpone Your Cancer Screening: The hospital is safe, and coming in for a screening can save your life.

11 THE CORONA CHRONICLES Ronaventure: A Frugal Foray 20 OENOPHILE

Successful Entertaining at Home with Decoy Wines and Small-Bite Courses

32 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE A Continued Study of

Aristotle’s Virtues – Justice

One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped is cancer. Regular cancer screenings are down, and that is not good news. Since one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer is early detection, screenings save lives, and at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land, all precautions against COVID-19 are being taken so patients can receive important life-saving tests.

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C ONTRI B UTORS

Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Pages 11

NOVEMBER 2020 Volume 16 | number 11

11 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 15

15 Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com Pages 18 & 32

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absolutely! Auto Review

Denman Moody theadvanceoenophile.com Page 20

15 2020 Hyundai Venue

{Newsworthy}

{Medical Focus} 28 Be Vigilant About Respiratory Illness November is Lung Cancer

12 Fort Bend Christian Academy Produces Shadow

Play for Deaf Community

14 Fort Bend County Libraries Host Virtual Book Fest Author Kevin Kwan to

Awareness Month

{In Every Issue} 6 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

Highlight Festival

16 Virtual OutRun Hunger 5K Raises $15,000 for Charity

Travis Johnson DotFit and APEX Certified Nutrition Specialist Page 19

On the Cover:

The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land doctors: Jorge Darcourt, MD; Patrick E. Prath, M.D; Sindhu Nair, MD and Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D.

30 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND 31 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

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Exclamation Points! Publisher, Patti Parish-Kaminski

Thankfully, Life Truly Does Go On The world “thankful” has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Sure, I have expressed sincere gratitude throughout my life being thankful for so many things, but, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that our entire way of life could change in an instant. I didn’t know that friends and peers would become incredibly ill and some die from a flu-like virus. I didn’t know that our economy could be decimated in a heartbeat. This year has given us a hard lesson to learn, an insidious pill to swallow. And it’s lasted forever. But life truly does go on. In our cover story, Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians urge us to seek preventative Patti and Tim at the Kaminski family pretreatment in our lives, regardless of the pandemic Thanksgiving 2019 in New York City pandemic. They stress that we should not at Harry Potter on Broadway. forego taking care of ourselves, especially when it comes to cancer screenings. Because of COVID, cancer screenings have come to a screeching halt, and that’s not good. One of the most powerful tools in fighting cancer is early detection, and it’s vitally important – COVID or no COVID – because life truly does go on. Because of the pandemic, holidays will look a little different this year, but we will still have them. Travel, large gatherings, holiday traditions – they all may be a bit unconventional. But the staples – the core values – remain the same: family, faith and feasts. In ’Tis the Season, we share some holiday ideas that will help keep your Thanksgiving festive and fun, because remember, life truly does go on. As we celebrate the season of gratitude, I encourage us all to focus on the positive – on what we do have. Get out the holiday décor, dust off the fine china and celebrate your blessings as “normal” as possible. Rose Kennedy said, “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often, but I’m well-preserved.” Our holidays live in our hearts along with our family and our faith, so do as Ms. Kennedy said and take them out for everyone to enjoy, because life truly does go on. Wishing you and your family many blessings this Thanksgiving,

Kassidi and Kolton Kaminski.

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Vol. 16 No. 11 November 2020 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski 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 S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G ER Natalee Sembrick 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 Travis Johnson 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

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

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COVER STORY Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land 16675 Southwest Fwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479

Don’t Let COVID-19 Fear Postpone Your Cancer Screening The hospital is safe, and coming in for a screening can save your life.

ancer has not stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what has come to a stop – almost completely – is regular cancer screening. One study, from the electronic medical records system Epic, found that screening mammograms across the U.S. dropped 94 percent in March when concerns over the spread of COVID-19 intensified. Another study by the IQVIA Institute in April found similar results: since February, colonoscopies were down 90 percent; Pap smears, down 83 percent; PSA testing, used to detect prostate cancer, down 60 percent; and CT scans for lung cancer, down 39 percent. “These are very significant numbers because they represent a delay in finding and treating the most common and deadly forms of cancer,” said Jorge Darcourt, M.D., board-certified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “One of our most powerful tools Jorge Darcourt, MD Hematologistin the fight against cancer is early Oncologist detection. We know from experience

that the earlier we can identify the presence of a cancerous lesion or tumor, the better success we have in isolating it and treating it. It’s time for patients to resume critical screening that can save lives.” The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land offers the full range of oncology services – from diagnosis through treatment – at one location. Houston Methodist Sugar Land is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons-Commission on Cancer accreditation. The accreditation demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing the best cancer care through a vast array of high quality, specialized services – screening, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology, clinical trials and patient support.

Patient Safety is Paramount

Guidelines You Should Know

Since February, many people have put off annual screenings, such as mammograms due to fear of going to the hospital, or uncertainty about changes in appointment processes. But Houston Methodist Sugar Land has developed key safety protocols that protect patients throughout their screening. Since March, the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land has performed more than 2,800 mammograms, ensuring the safety of every patient even during the pandemic. “Getting a mammogram or other test today is no different than it was before, except that we have additional layers of protection and safety,” said Michelle O’Shea, M.D., boardcertified breast surgeon at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land. “There is no reason for patients to worry. If you missed your annual mammogram during the first part of the year, you can feel safe coming in now. The staff continues to put patient safety first, which now includes extra precautions and safety measures.” The hospital’s focus on safety includes constant deep cleaning and the use of CDC-approved disinfectants – including UV lighting sanitizers – along with the following new safety processes:

Screening guidelines are based on years of data and are designed to ensure that patients are checked regularly for the most common forms of cancer. “Following the guidelines is an important step in protecting your health,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., boardcertified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “It’s important to know Sindhu Nair, MD your risk factors, such as family history Hematologistor underlying health conditions, Oncologist and I recommend that patients talk with their primary care physician about cancer screening as part of their annual check-up. In some cases, it may be beneficial to follow a more frequent screening schedule than is recommended.”

• A new in-car check-in process, as well as reconfigured waiting rooms and check-in lines to support social distancing. • Mandatory masking and social distancing guidelines for all physicians, employees, patients and visitors. • Screening all patients to ensure those suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 are scheduled for a later date. • Daily screening and frequent testing of employees as recommended by the CDC. • Mandatory personal protective equipment rules for all staff and physicians. • Additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

Here are some basic guidelines for the most common forms of cancer screening: Breast Cancer: Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years. At the age of 40, women should have both a clinical breast exam and a mammogram annually. High-risk women should utilize additional screening methods at their doctor’s discretion. “Here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we have the latest and most sophisticated imaging technology available, including 3D screening and diagnostic mammography; breast MRI and ultrasound; and biopsies, all read by specialized breast radiologists,” said O’Shea. “That gives us a significant advantage in diagnosing tumors at the very earliest stages, which means that women have the best chance for complete recovery – all at one location close to home.” To schedule your screening mammogram, visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging or call 281.542.3492. Cervical Cancer: Women ages 21-29 should have a pelvic exam annually, and a Pap test every three years. Women ages 30-65 should have a pelvic exam annually and a Pap test every three to five years, along with an HPV screen every five years. Women over the age of 65 should have pelvic exams and Pap tests at their doctor’s discretion. To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land, call 281.882.3130, or visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to find a doctor near you.

Colon/Rectal Cancer: Men and women younger than age 45 should talk with their doctor about when to begin screening and screening frequency. “Your doctor will want to know about high risk factors, such as family or personal history of polyps, colorectal or uterine cancers, or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease,” said Kirtan Nautiyal, boardcertified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. Men and women age 45-75 without specific risk factors should be screened regularly per their doctor’s recommendation. “An annual fecal blood test is the minimum screening I would recommend,” said Nautiyal. “That Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D Hematologistshould be combined with regular Oncologist colonoscopies as indicated.” To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639. For a referral to a gastroenterologist, call 281.205.4514. Lung Cancer: Regular lung cancer screening for asymptomatic patients is relatively new, but it is making a significant difference in doctors’ abilities to successfully treat the disease. Men and women between the ages of 5577 who have a 30-pack year history of smoking – defined as one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years – and those who currently smoke or who have smoked within the past 15 years should be screened using low-dose CT scans. To find out if you qualify for a lung cancer screening, visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening or call 281.672.8585. Prostate Cancer: In general, men who have more than one first-degree relative (father, brother or son with prostate cancer at an early age) should begin screening at age 40. Beginning at age 45, men with one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, and AfricanAmerican men, should begin screening. All men 50 and above should be screened regularly. “Men who are 40 and above should talk with their physician about the need for regular prostate cancer screening,” said Patrick E. Prath, M.D., hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “As with colon cancer, family history plays a big role in your individual risk, and your doctor can help you decide on the right approach. An annual digital rectal exam, along with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, can identify most prostate cancers early. If you need additional testing, we can provide the full range of diagnostic imaging needed to pinpoint your cancer and determine the best course of action.” To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639. To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land, call 281.746.6611.

Don’t Delay: Schedule Your Screening Today Doctors at Houston Methodist Sugar Land say that it’s important to guard your health and continue with cancer screening tests as recommended by your doctor. “We are open and available for cancer screening and treatment,” said O’Shea. “While it’s important to take precautions against COVID-19, it’s also critical that you protect yourself against cancer by keeping up with regular screenings.”

Meet Our New Doctors Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is pleased to welcome two new physicians to its medical staff.

Hematology-Oncology Patrick E. Prath, MD, fellowshiptrained hematologist-oncologist, recently joined the doctors and staff of Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. Their integrated, team approach addresses each patient’s unique needs, delivering individualized therapies, innovative research and clinical trials, all backed Patrick E. Prath, M.D by the advanced technology of HematologistHouston Methodist Sugar Land. Oncologist They are dedicated to providing comprehensive, world-class cancer care, close to home. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Prath, call 281.201.6669.

Breast Surgery Dr. Michelle O’Shea, boardcertified breast surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializes in the treatment of both benign and malignant breast diseases. The physicians at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners in Sugar Land are dedicated to using the most innovative surgical techniques to create a fully individualized treatment plan for Michelle O’Shea, M.D. Breast Surgeon each patient. They bring a strong background in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases as well as a compassionate approach to patient care. To schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Shea, call 281.724.4276.

As Seen In

Ronaventure: A Frugal Foray

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

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher COVID has clipped all of our proverbial wings when it comes to travel. So, you can imagine how excited I was when Tim Kaminski suggested we take a trip for his birthday! Of course, traveling is different now, so he put some stringent parameters in place. And yes, I’m unaccustomed to stringent parameters – unless I make them. Nevertheless, I was excited. How bad could traveling really Drinking wine from a moustached Dixie cup – night one of my be right now? We discussed taking all of the necessary Ronaventure. precautions and being smart about our excursion. And I was prepared with Lysol spray, hand sanitizer, wipes – you name it. I had ample supplies to clean an entire plane if necessary. First rattle out of the box, Mr. Kaminski brought up the luggage issue. We were flying to Denver, so naturally I needed fall clothing – and accessories. Now I’m an accessory girl. I seriously could travel with a steamer trunk solely for accessories. But I took one for the team on this one and packed in two small bags that I – really Mr. Kaminski – could easily carry on the plane without checking luggage. It took military precision, but I did it, and I did it with a smile. Of course, one of my strategically packed bags got flagged during the security screening. It was the miniature can of Lysol spray that nailed me. When the officer removed it from my bag, I queried, very loudly, “So if get sick because I cannot properly sanitize my airplane seat, you are going to cover my medical bills and lost wages, right Officer Ramirez?” Well, you know what happened next. He very quickly gave the aerosol canister right back to me. We flew on points, which meant Southwest Airlines and the frantic 24-hour pre-check in and cattle car boarding system. We had to wear a mask during the plane ride, but that’s just safe – and smart – so no issue there. And there was no alcohol service on the plane, but I could live with that. In case you’re wondering, no, you cannot bring your own glass of wine on board either. We won’t discuss the particulars of how I learned that. But again, it was a trip, and my attitude was stellar. Now

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

Mr. Kaminski had discussed with me previously that we were doing this little jaunt on a “budget.” When we checked into our hotel in Denver, the word reared its ugly head, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad hotel; it was simply not what we – mostly me – were accustomed to. Again, I persevered with a smile and drank my wine out of the complimentary paper cup that sported a moustache. It was kind of like camping I suppose. The next day we traveled to Pagosa Springs, and the fall scenery was gorgeous. I was in high spirits still sporting an amazing attitude because I only had to stay one night in the subpar accommodations. I took my wine and my complimentary moustached paper cup as a precaution, but I was certain the next leg of our “trip on a budget” would be better. We had an amazing day, and when it came time to check into our next home away from home, this budget thing got real. Upon check-in we were provided with a complimentary cocktail valued at $4 from the hotel bar. Y’all know I love a good gift with purchase, so I was still optimistic. The smoke was oppressive as we headed to our room, and to be consistent, the room was equally as pungent and filthy. At this point on our frugal foray, I was done. I had lasted nearly 48 hours. I quickly took charge – admittedly with a less than stellar attitude – and promptly relocated us to the Wyndham. Yes, things were clearly looking up; I had a credit card. We had a wonderful birthday weekend and even did a little Happy Birthday Tim! Sporting my new Beth Dutton shopping. I bought shirt in the beautiful fall Colorado foliage. the cutest t-shirt. It said, “Sorta Sweet, Sorta Beth Dutton.” I’m a huge Yellowstone fan, and yes, I love Beth. I may or may not have channeled her as I promptly got us out of the previous hotel reservation with a full refund and into the Wyndham at a last minute discount rate, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do when things get tough. I donned my new shirt the last day we were there and proudly modeled for Mr. Kaminski. His reply? “Definitely spot on with the Beth Dutton part. Not so sure on the sorta sweet part though.” Lord I’ll miss that man.

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Fort Bend Christian Academy Produces Shadow Play for Deaf Community

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

Sugar Land’s Fort Bend Christian Academy (FBCA) is excited about bringing the community a play like no other, The Taste of Sunrise, by Suzan Zeder. It is a tale of two worlds, Deafness and Hearing. This play will be bringing two departments together. The FBCA American Sign Language department, led by Tony Slate and Elyse DeBuck, and the Theatre department, led by Lana Thompson, are working together to create a performance of significant impact. The play centers around the life of a young deaf boy named Tuc who struggles to find his voice. His journey leads him to discover sign language, which opens his eyes to his true identity and opens the audience’s eyes to the history of Deaf culture and the beauty of American Sign Language. This is the second time in FBCA history that the school has put on a shadow performance both for the school and Deaf community. Performances are on Saturday, November 14th at 1, 3, and 5 pm in the Fort Bend Christian Academy North Campus Gym, located at 1250 Seventh St., in Sugar Land. For tickets, visit fortbendchristian.org/play. Fort Bend Christian Academy’s visual and performing arts programs have been recognized with a multitude of awards over the years. The fine arts program at Fort Bend Christian Academy offers its students a comprehensive program throughout all levels of education. For more information about Fine Arts at Fort Bend Christian Academy, visit fortbendchristian.org/arts.

NOVEMBER 2020 l

Fort Bend County Libraries is excited to host a virtual Book Fest on Saturday, November 14th, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. This event will be live-streamed through WebEx; it will not be in person. Kevin Kwan, author of the international bestselling novel Crazy Rich Asians, joins the festival as a special guest speaker. The Book Fest will feature several programs designed to encourage aspiring writers of all genres, from prose and poetry to song lyrics. The workshops will be presented online throughout the day of the festival. Participants are invited to log on to the video-conference link as time permits. They may attend the whole day, or they can choose which individual session(s) they would like to attend. The writers’ workshops will begin at 10 am, with an “Author Readings Hour: Wake Up and Smell the Writing!” Writers of various genres and experience levels are invited to submit an excerpt of their work for consideration prior to the event. Submissions must be family-friendly. Those writers whose work has been selected will be invited to read or perform these excerpts of their work during this session. Guidelines for submissions will be emailed to all who register for this session.

Photo by Jessica Chou.

Fort Bend County Libraries Host Virtual Book Fest Author Kevin Kwan to Highlight Festival

Kevin Kwan. From noon to 1 pm, a panel of local published authors will present “How Do I Get Published?” Hear about their experiences while they discuss the pros and cons of small-house printing, big-house printing, and independent printing. They will also talk about the obstacles they faced and how to cope with the challenges of being an author. During the “Ask Me Anything with Kevin Kwan” session from 2 to 3 pm, bestselling author Kevin Kwan will share his experiences from his early childhood in Singapore, to moving to Clear Lake as an adolescent, and finally to becoming a

Achieve the

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successful designer and bestselling author in New York City. He is the creator of the trilogy of novels Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems, which at one point simultaneously occupied #1, #2 and #3 on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest novel, Sex and Vanity, was released June 30, 2020. The Book Fest will wrap up with a “NaNoWriMo Writing Workshop” from 3:10 to 4:30 pm. November is National Novel-Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and fledgling writers – or anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel – are encouraged to join in this coast-to-coast annual writing challenge by committing to writing 50,000 words of a novel in the 30 days of November. This session will introduce exercises that are designed to get inspiration and creative juices flowing! The Book Fest is free and open to the public. Registration is required. A link to the live-streamed event will be sent to all who register. Register online at www. fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library system’s Communications Office at 281-6334734.

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW By Steve Kursar

2020 Hyundai Venue

he 2020 Hyundai Venue is an all new crossover model primarily designed to appeal to a young, urban car buyer who wants all the newest safety technology included as a standard feature. It’s small on the outside, surprisingly roomy on the inside and with an engine that’s peppy and fun to drive. This is an affordable subcompact crossover with a lot to offer. Small cars used to be the way to lure first time car buyers into the new car market. But, now everyone wants to drive a crossover/SUV with a higher driving position for a better view of the surroundings. So, car makers began to fill their showrooms with those crossover/SUV models and began dropping small cars from their line up. But, now safety technology and connectivity are the features driving consumers to the showrooms, so new cars have to include it all to lure in the customers. The 2020 Venue, with a base MSRP of $17,350, offers a suite of advanced safety technologies for a strong sense of protection in an entry-level vehicle. These features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision, Lane Keeping Assist to help prevent accidental lane departure along with Blind-Spot Collision Warning that helps detect approaching vehicles that may be obscured from view during highway driving.

Only one engine is offered in the Venue, a 121 hp, 1.6 liter four-cylinder. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and delivers EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The interior is surprisingly roomy considering how small it may look from the outside. Venue comes standard with a 60/40 split, flat-folding rear seatback to maximize utility for various trips, like to the local farmer’s market or escaping to the Piney Woods for the weekend with loads of camping gear.

And for those customers who live to activate everything by voice commands, the Venue is your kind of car. Hyundai’s Blue Link software integrates with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to give customers the ability to remotely start their crossover using their voice. The 2020 Hyundai Venue conveys a fun, yet functional design in a versatile and modern compact package. It’s a great fit for young car buyers looking for a stylish crossover that includes safety, versatility and connectivity. S P O N S O R E D B y:

NEWSWORTHY

Virtual OutRun Hunger 5K Raises $15,000 for Charity Hundreds of runners took to sidewalks, parks and trails for a virtual version of the annual OutRun Hunger 5K Family Walk and Run, raising $15,000 for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. Ongoing public health concerns with COVID-19 threatened to cancel the event but organizers decided to experiment with a virtual run instead. “We made the decision to do a virtual run because it allowed for a safer and more flexible run schedule for our supporters,” said Stacey Williams, development director for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. “We hoped to raise $10,000 to help families experiencing food insecurities. Thanks to nearly 200 participants and 33 sponsors, we were able to exceed that goal by $5,000.” Runners were invited to run or walk anytime and anywhere they wanted between September 25th and 30th. Prizes were available for runners who mapped their routes and logged their times. Participants also could choose to simply donate rather than compete.

Last year, the event raised $20,000 for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, a local non-profit that provides assistance to families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis. During quarantine, the ministry saw a spike in the number of families needing assistance. Last year, the ministry served a total of more than 44,000 adults and children. Between mid-March and the end of May this year, they had already served half that amount and continue to serve hundreds of families each month. Sponsorships contributed more than $10,000 to the proceeds with Harvest Green in Richmond serving as the title sponsor for the third year in a row. Platinum sponsors included Karla Arjona Real Estate Services and the East Fort Bend Humans Need Ministry Board of Directors. Additional sponsors included Hunting Subsea Technologies, Earthcare Management, the Perrin family, Ted and Jennifer Waggoner, Springtime Property Group, AMW, Children’s Lighthouse, Advancial, Mandi and Doug

J.J. and Kara Jones were among the nearly 200 people who participated in this year’s race.

Fought, BeLocal Richmond, Safe Tree PPE, Roots, Ken and Stella Mire, Shay and Honey Horton, the Perin Family, Bling Our Yard, Ann and Joe Schmitt, Jeremy Adams State Farm Insurance, Sugar Land Baptist Church, My Favorite Dry Cleaners, Board and Bordeux, Oyster Creek Construction, Bob and Carolyn Couch, Ivy Kids Early Learning Center, Harvest Green Montessori School, Gabriel Jones of Edward Jones, Eklund Smokehouse Jerky, and Jim and Vickie Coates. For more information about East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, visit humanneeds.org.

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

absolutely H O L I D AY E N T E RTA I N I N G A N D D I N I N G F E AT U R I N G Thankful Thoughts and Thanksgiving Treats Did You Gain the Quarantine 15? Successful Entertaining at Home with Decoy Wines and Small-Bite Courses Enjoy Seasonal Favorites with Fall Comfort Foods Savor These Holiday Centerpieces Holiday Gift Guide

NOVEMBER 2020 l

, Tis the Season

Thankful Thoughts and Thanksgiving Treats By Alisa Murray

his holiday starts the busy season for all of us, and this year is a special one. It is a year to be remembered for everything we lost and found. Many of us lost our loved ones, lost our businesses and lost all sense of control. Some of us came close to losing our minds! Some of us reflected and took stock of what was missing and found that much of what we thought we needed we never really did. As we all come together virtually for special times with those we love or prepare for our families a magnificent feast in person, this year I am getting creative from my usual fare of baked turkey and homemade dressing. That green bean casserole recipe has been overplayed as my family leaned into home isolation with requests of Thanksgiving food in the middle of a hot summer in an attempt to feel all warm and cozy during this quarantine. So, I have changed things up a bit and plan to surprise them with something fresh – something new – and get this season ending of 2020 on its albeit crippled leg off to a festive start! Here’s what’s cooking in the Sweet Life Kitchen this holiday season!

Thanksgiving 2020 Selections Smothered & Suffocating Turkey Balls with Garlic Butter Wildly Jazzed Up Pilaf with Cranberries and Herbs

Delectable Duchess Potatoes

Simply Divine Turkey Gravy Texas Corn Pudding

“Slap your Mama” Broccoli & Gruyère Casserole

The Dizzy Fizzy Spicy Rum Punch Chocolate Torte and Apple Crisp Pie 18

The Dizzy Fizzy What you’ll need: • 1 cup of Pumpkin Puree • 5 cups of Fresh Apple Cider (You should be able to find fresh apple cider at your local farmer’s market.) • 2 cups of Non-Pasteurized Fresh Orange Juice • 1.5 cups of Spiced Rum (Recommended: Chairman’s St. Lucia Rum) • 2 bottles of Chilled Champagne • A collection of your choosing of the following: Star Anise Crisp Sliced Apples and Oranges Plums or Cranberries For the topping: • 2 cups of Heavy Whipping Cream • 1 tablespoon of Homemade Vanilla Extract • 1 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon What You’ll Do: • Combine in a bowl the puree along with cider, rum, juice and dissolve the pumpkin puree. • Add into the bowl the champagne and the assortment of fruits and spice. • Whisk the cream, vanilla and cinnamon until cream has formed. • Pour into glasses, top with cream and enjoy! For complete recipes and tutorials on all of these dishes and more, go to Alisa Murray on YouTube.

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

, Tis the Season

Did You Gain The Quarantine 15? How to get rid of those extra pounds and maintain before the holidays! By Travis Johnson DotFit and APEX Certified Nutrition Specialist

ince the middle of March, many of us were under statewide restrictions, and we all started to be a little less active. Gyms were closed. Parks were closed. Trails for running and biking were closed. So, if you gained weight during this quarantine, you were not alone. This weight gain has been recently been referred to as “The Quarantine 15.” All of our habits changed quite a bit as we went from hustling and bustling to spending a lot more time at home. Spending time at home had its benefits as some of us were more productive when it came to work, and we were able to spend more time with the family. It kind of reminded me of how it was in the 90s. If you did get out, you saw more people outside walking the neighborhood. We spent time eating at home and enjoying the company of the kids. It was kind of refreshing. On the other hand, this refreshing time of enjoying being at home for a bit helped all of us move a lot less, which caused many of us to gain weight. It was not hard to abandon our active lifestyle and healthy eating in exchange for binge watching Netflix and snacking on everything we could get our hands on. But with the holidays quickly approaching, we need to get back on track and start focusing on making changes again. It’s extremely important to focus on living a healthier life by being active and eating healthy, as studies show that being overweight and out of shape makes us more prone to disease, as well as other health issues. This worldwide pandemic that we have had to deal with since the start of 2020 has really shed more light on being healthy. This virus had and continues to have a terrible impact on everyone in one way or another, but many who are unhealthy, overweight and out of shape were highly susceptible to catching the virus. So now, we need to focus on living a heathier lifestyle.

Here are a few ways we can get back on track and focus on making changes in our body:

Get moving and stay moving.

Start by just getting in a walk every day after dinner. If you typically are more active, then slowly get started back to being as active as you were before. Find something you enjoy doing, like playing tennis, riding your bike, jogging or just playing outside with the kids. Just find something active to do on a daily basis.

Travis Johnson, DotFit and APEX Certified Nutrition Specialist.

Be more mindful of your food intake.

Limit your alcohol consumption.

Get a nutrition specialist.

Food plays a huge part in the changes our bodies make. At times it may be easier to just get take out, but it might be healthier to cook a quick healthy meal at home. Plan out your dinners for the week and go grocery shopping accordingly. If you are prepared for your weekly meals, you will do better at watching your portion sizes.

A poll on WebMD showed that 21% of Americans and 17% internationally blamed weight gain on alcohol consumption. Also, per WebMD, alcohol in moderation (one or two drinks a day) is associated with less weight gain. Drinking four or more drinks a day are associated with an increased risk of obesity. So, be mindful of your alcohol consumption to minimize your risk of gaining weight.

I hear it all the time: “My food is fine,” or “I eat healthy.” I also hear how hard people are having reaching their goals. Once someone finally gets started with their own personalized meal plan, they are more likely to reach their goals. If you have a nutrition specialist, create a plan just for you. It will be individualized, and it will be easier to follow and maintain. These tips will help you and your family get back on track to reaching your goals. This is the best time to get fit and stay fit as maintaining a healthy weight should also help lessen our stress levels – especially during the stressful holiday season. Visit https://fitfor18.com/nutrition-fitness-training/ for more information and helpful tips. NOVEMBER 2020 l

Oenophile By Denman Moody

Successful Entertaining

At Home With Decoy Wines And Small-Bite Courses

any times, the least expensive wines of a great wine estate are superior to other equally priced wines in the market. Duckhorn Portfolio is one of the world’s top wine estates, with Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye, Migration, Paraduxx, Calera and Canvasback, with prices ranging from about $34 to $120. Almost all are produced in limited quantities and are top values in their respective price ranges. Duckhorn’s Decoy Wines are the higher quality, lower priced wines – in the $16.95 to $19.95 range in Houston. Below, I offer two wine/food pairing dinners with one bottle each of the eight Decoy wines: a wine dinner with simple foods, which anyone can assemble, and another with gourmet bites, which most caterers could put together. I have done each of these with great success! The beautiful 2018 vintage for these current releases (except for the sparkling wine, which is non-vintage and the Zinfandel, which won’t be released until October), is lagniappe!

The Eight Decoy Wines Decoy California Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine California – Methode Champenoise Tradition with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Dosaged with French oak barrel fermented Napa Valley Chardonnay. Decoy Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley 2018 – Just the right amount of peach and grapefruit flavors. No wood aging to maintain the pretty fruit. Excellent balancing acidity.

Decoy Chardonnay Sonoma County 2018 – Fermented in both stainless and new French oak (25%), an elegant but substantial offering with hints of apple and cinnamon. Decoy Zinfandel Sonoma County 2018 – The addition of Petite Sirah gives Zinfandel the perfect boost of color and structure, which makes it show its best. Decoy Pinot Noir California 2018 – A combination of grapes from selected cool-climate vineyards in Sonoma County, Central Coast, Mendocino County and Napa Valley, this wine was aged for eight months in 100% French oak. Ripe berry flavors with good acidity. Decoy Merlot Sonoma County 2018 – Hints of the plums of Pomerol along with notes of blueberries and cedar. Silky tannins and a memorable finish. Decoy Red Wine Sonoma County 2018 – Lovely, successful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Carignan and Syrah. Primarily red fruit flavors with nice balance of all components. A kiss of oak from the French oak barrels. Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon California 2018 – Mostly from selected vineyards in Sonoma Coast and Central Coast. Layers of flavors including blackberries and dark chocolate. Aged in 100% French oak. For each of the following meals, if each food item is bitesized, pick-up and passed, there will be no need for knives, forks or dishes, making the hosts very happy. For eight persons, each can be served three ounces of each wine, and for six people, each can be served four ounces of each wine – with just one bottle of each wine. In either case, it will be more than enough!

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

, Tis the Season Simple, Inexpensive Seven Course Small-Bites Dinner Decoy Brut Sparkling Wine – Country Paté or Truffle Mousse on Toast Points. Decoy Sauvignon Blanc – Goat Cheese Topped with Thin Slice of Roasted Red Bell Pepper on Toast Points. Decoy Chardonnay – Boiled, Grilled, Sautéed or Fried Shrimp with Remoulade or Tartar Sauce. Decoy Zinfandel – Veggie Pizza Slice with Italian Sausage and/or Pepperoni. Decoy Pinot Noir and Decoy Merlot (Serve the Pinot First) – Turkey and Creamy Havarti Finger Sandwiches – very thin slice of Havarti. Decoy Red Wine – Roast Beef Finger Sandwiches. Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon – Assorted Cheese and Crackers. Brie, six month or more, Aged Manchego and/or Aged Cheddar Served on Lightly-Toasted, Thin-Sliced French Bread.

Ruth Stubenrouch Art

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Decoy Brut Sparkling Wine – Smoked Salmon with Crème Fraiche, Capers and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on toast points. Decoy Sauvignon Blanc – Slightly Spicy Shrimp Taquitos with a Dash of Mild or Medium Salsa. Decoy Chardonnay – Small Bites of Grilled Red Snapper with Remoulade or Tartar Sauce. Decoy Pinot Noir – Mini Chicken Taquitos topped with a Small Dollop of Cherry Sauce. Decoy Zinfandel – Small Cup of Pork Pasta with Marinara Sauce. Decoy Merlot – Roasted Quail Breast Wrapped in Bacon. Decoy Red Wine – Sliced OvenRoasted Beef Tenderloin Sliders. Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon – Petite Herb-Crusted Lollipop Lamb Chops.

Holidays • Home Décor •

Gourmet Bites, Different Order of Wines Served and Eight Courses

281-242-1555 16180 City Walk Sugar Land

Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm Sun Closed

NOVEMBER 2020 l

Enjoy Seasonal Favorites with Fall Comfort Foods

hile this autumn season will likely look different than years past, wholesome meals celebrating fall flavors provide something to look forward to. Eating foods like walnuts, colorful fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can be a solution for improving overall wellbeing in an enjoyable, delicious way. Along with fall favorites like root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, apples and cranberries, kitchen staples like walnuts also have their own prime season. Walnuts harvested during autumn from the fertile soils of California supply more than 99% of walnuts in the U.S. and more than half of the world’s walnut trade. Each harvest produces enough walnuts for you to enjoy the tasty and nutrient rich benefits year-round. Pro tip: Storing them in the fridge or freezer maintains freshness longer. Welcome the flavors of fall with this Apple Pear Walnut Crisp and Pumpkin Walnut Sage Risotto, and find more recipes to celebrate the season at walnuts.org/ fall-favorites.

, Tis the Season

Apple Pear Walnut Crisp Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes • Servings: 4

Walnut Crisp Topping: 1 1/2 Cups California Walnuts, Divided 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 Cup Quick-Cooking Oats 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon 1/2 Cup Butter, Chilled and Sliced into 1-Tablespoon Pieces Apple Pear Filling: 3 Granny Smith Apples, Peeled and Sliced into 1/4-Inch Slices 2 D’anjou Pears, Peeled and Sliced into 1/4-Inch Slices 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon 1/8 Teaspoon Salt 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice Ice Cream (Optional) Caramel Sauce (Optional) To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground. In small bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms. Coarsely chop remaining walnuts and stir into crumb mixture until incorporated. Set aside. To make apple pear filling: Preheat oven to 350 F. In bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice. Place fruit mixture in bottom of 10-inch cast-iron pan or baking dish. Sprinkle walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit. Bake 45 minutes, or until fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and topping is golden brown. Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.

Source: Family Features.

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

, Tis the Season

Pumpkin Walnut Sage Risotto Total time: 30 minutes â€˘ Servings: 6

Risotto: 6 Cups Vegetable Stock 1/4 Cup Olive Oil 1/2 Large Yellow Onion, Finely Diced 1 1/2 Cups Arborio Rice 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree 1/4 Cup Grated Pecorino Cheese Walnut Sage Pesto: 2 Cloves Fresh Garlic 1 Cup California Walnuts 1/2 Cup Fresh Sage Leaves, Plus Additional for Garnish, if Desired 1/2 Cup Grated Pecorino Cheese, Plus Additional for Garnish, if Desired 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil Kosher Salt, to Taste Black Pepper, to Taste

To make risotto: In medium pot over medium-low heat, heat vegetable stock. In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until soft. Add rice and cook, stirring often, 2-3 minutes until rice is translucent except for white center. Add hot stock 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently. As stock is absorbed, add another cup. Continue until all stock has been incorporated and rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and cheese. To make walnut sage pesto: In bowl of food processor, combine garlic and walnuts; pulse until minced. Add 1/2 cup sage leaves, 1/2 cup cheese and olive oil; pulse until coarse pesto forms. Season with salt, to taste. In final few minutes, add 1/2 cup walnut sage pesto to risotto, stirring until well incorporated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, to taste. Garnish with remaining pesto, cheese and fresh sage, if desired.

NOVEMBER 2020 l

, Tis the Season

Savor These Holiday Centerpieces

elebrate the season and create longlasting memories this year by serving tasteful main courses centered around tender cuts of beef.

With hand-cut choices like a Bone-in Frenched Prime Rib Roast, Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons, a Beef Brisket Flat and Premium Ground Beef from Omaha Steaks, you can create elegant holiday centerpieces such as Steak Au Poivre or a unique generational recipe, the Simon Family Brisket. Each cut of beef is hand-carved by expert butchers, flash-frozen to capture freshness and flavor at its peak and delivered directly to your door. Find more inspiration to create a memorable holiday meal at OmahaSteaks.com.

Steak Au Poivre

Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 20 minutes • Servings: 2 2 2 2 1 2 1/3 1 1

Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5-6 Ounces Each), Thawed Teaspoons Kosher Salt Tablespoons Coarsely Ground Black Pepper Tablespoon Vegetable Oil Tablespoons Butter, Divided Cup Brandy or Cognac Cup Cream Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

Season steak with salt and pepper. Press seasoning into meat to create even coating. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter until just smoking. Add steak and sear 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Once cooked to desired doneness, transfer steak to cutting board and tent with foil to rest. Reduce heat to medium and add brandy to skillet. Allow to cook down about 1 minute while stirring to scrape off any browned bits from bottom of pan. Once brandy reduces by half, add cream, Dijon mustard and remaining butter; continue cooking until mixture begins to reduce and thicken, 5-7 minutes. Slice steaks against grain and top with sauce.

Source: Family Features.

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

, Tis the Season

Simon Family Brisket Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 4 hours, plus 20 minutes resting time Servings: 4 1 1 1 1 1

Omaha Steaks Beef Brisket Flat (2 Pounds), Thawed Package (1.1 Ounces) Dry Onion Soup Mix Can (14 Ounces) Whole Cranberries Cup Chili Sauce Cup Ginger Ale

Preheat oven to 250 F. Place brisket in large ovenproof baking dish. In bowl, mix onion soup mix, cranberries and chili sauce. Spoon over top of brisket. Pour ginger ale around edges of brisket. Cover with foil and bake 4 hours. Remove from oven and let rest 20 minutes. Remove brisket from baking dish and place on cutting board. Slice brisket against grain and place in serving dish. Top with sauce and serve.

NOVEMBER 2020 l

HOLIDAY 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.

A Beautiful Holiday Centerpiece

Santa Maria Aquamarine Necklace

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.

Gold-filled with pearls and aquamarine made in Houston by Mirta Tummino, who handpicks each gemstone for her elaborately detailed, yet delicate, wire-wrapped jewelry. Each piece is handmade in her Houston, Texas studio. $280. Houston Museum of Natural Science museumstore.hmns.org.

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.

’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.

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

2020

Who are the 2020 Focus Favs? Find out in Our December Issue NOVEMBER 2020 l

Be Vigilant About Respiratory Illness: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month You’ve heard how COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illnesses that affect the lungs can make it difficult to breathe. There are steps you can take today to prevent these illnesses and boost your respiratory health in case you do get sick. Taking good care of your lungs can improve your quality of life and protect against respiratory illnesses that can take a toll on your lungs. Recognize Serious Symptoms It’s important to know that anyone can have mild to severe symptoms with either COVID-19 or flu. “Older adults and people who have underlying health conditions are definitely at higher risk for getting serious complications from respiratory illness. However, everyone should be aware that severe symptoms are possible at any age,” said Raziuddin Ahmed, M.D., board-certified pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists at Sugar Land. Monitor your symptoms if you’re not feeling well: • Mild respiratory symptoms include having a low-grade fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, mild cough and mild body aches. What to do: Get tested for COVID-19. Stay home and isolate yourself from others to avoid spreading illness, even if you test negative for COVID-19. • Moderate respiratory symptoms include fever over 100.4 F, persistent

cough, temporary shortness of breath and feeling like you need to stay in bed. What to do: Get tested for COVID-19 and contact your doctor about worsening symptoms. • Severe respiratory symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, trouble staying awake and bluish lips or face. What to do: Seek emergency medical care for severe respiratory symptoms. Mild cases of respiratory illness can often be managed with rest, fluids and fever-reducing medicines at home. However, don’t wait to see a doctor if you’re in a high-risk group and experiencing worsening symptoms. Mild or moderate symptoms can quickly become severe for older adults and those who have heart disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory problems. Manage Your Health Conditions If you have chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s important to manage the condition closely with your doctor. Keeping up with your regular checkups is essential in controlling symptoms and protecting your health. Continue taking medications as directed and contact your doctor with any questions or concerns about managing your condition. “To help patients feel more comfort-

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Raziuddin Ahmed, M.D.

able and reduce exposure, we’re offering telehealth visits and video visits,” said Ahmed. Ask your doctor for recommendations before going in for appointments and consider having medications sent directly to your home so you don’t have to make extra trips to the pharmacy. Protect Your Lungs Every Day Ahmed recommends taking these steps to keep your lungs healthy: 1. Get regular exercise. Being physically active can increase lung capacity and improve lung function. Exercising makes your heart and lungs work harder, which increases oxygen and improves circulation around the lungs. Any form of exercise that involves taking deep breaths can help improve your lung capacity. 2. Quit smoking and vaping. Smoking irritates the airways and causes longterm damage to the lungs. Smoking and vaping can lead to lung cancer and COPD, and worsen complications due to COVID-19 or other serious respiratory infections. It’s never too late to quit, and the benefits of quitting kick in right away. Talk to your doctor about getting support to quit smoking. 3. Minimize exposure to allergens. Allergens can trigger respiratory problems and other issues. Keep allergies in check and improve indoor air quality by avoiding mold spores, controlling dust mites, keeping surfaces in home clean and uncluttered, minimizing pet dander, preventing pollen from getting inside by

keeping windows and doors closed and ventilating when using products with strong chemical odors. Stay Healthy “Everyone has a part to play in helping to protect each other by following recommended respiratory etiquette,” said Ahmed. Stay vigilant and help prevent the spread of illness by staying home from work or school if you feel sick, practicing social distancing, getting a flu shot, wearing a cloth mask in public, washing your hands often and wiping down frequently touched surfaces. Lung Cancer Screening A respiratory condition that often goes undetected until it spreads is lung cancer. That’s why staying on track with lung cancer screening is important. If you’re a current or former smoker, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening. Testing may be recommended if you meet all the following criteria: • Age 55-77 years • No current signs or symptoms of lung cancer • Tobacco smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked) • Current smoker or former smoker who has quit within the last 15 years • Have not had a chest CT scan in the last year A written order is required for all lung cancer screening procedures. Visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening to fill out an interest form or call 281.672.8585 for more information. If you qualify, we can help you determine insurance coverage or payment options, and schedule an appointment at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed with Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.201.6054. Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

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OUT &

The Fort Bend History Association hosted the Sunset Music Series on the front lawn of the Moore House in Richmond. Mariachi Tradicion de Jalisco performed favorites for the socially distanced crowd.

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Fort Bend History Association Executive Director Claire Rogers and husband Ron Rogers enjoyed the al fresco event.

Mariachi Tradicion de Jalisco’s youngest member Napolean thrilled the crowd with his vocals.

A Meet and Greet for judicial candidates Judge Maggie Jaramillo and Judge Brenda Mullinix was hosted by Maggy Horgan at Lupe Tortilla in Sugar Land. Guests visited with the judges, participated in a live auction and enjoyed refreshments.

Karen McCarter and Yvonne Ramsey.

Chad Bridges and Ken Cannata.

Jacquelyn Blankenship and Mike Gibson.

Constable Trevor Nehls assisted with the live auction.

Judge Maggie Jaramillo, Patti Parish-Kaminski and Judge Brenda Mullinix.

Nana Patsy Collins celebrated her 80th birthday at her daughter’s, Dr. Deanna McDonald’s, home in Sugar Land.

Patti Parish-Kaminski, Nana Patsy Collins and Kassidi Kaminski.

Roxanne and Sam Esparza.

Patti Parish-Kaminski, Judge Maggie Jaramillo and Maggy Horgan.

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

T O

E S

November 2020 Winner “Cloudbreak” By George Petrescu 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. NOVEMBER 2020 l

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

Living the Sweet Life:

A Continued Study of Aristotle’s Virtues – Justice

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.

ell my Sweet Life friends, we have been studying Aristotle this year, and in reflection, there was no better year to go through the virtues. This year has been an exercise in testing all of us both individually, as well as globally, and justice, as complicated as it is to understand and define, is up next. Justice has many definitions and what makes it more so complicated than any of the other virtues is the interpretations of what justice actually is. Justice has been “argued” over humankind and can be broken down into two parts that simply are what justice is to us and what is just to others. Justice as a virtue in the context of society is based on doing things for the greater good of the whole. Selecting a way of acting or caring for our neighbors that does not necessarily directly benefit us, but morally and socially, we deem it to be correct because of an agreed upon set of values. A great example of this for us today is wearing a mask, dropping off food to those who are in need, shopping for the elderly so they are not in harm’s way and of course, supporting small businesses. In choosing to give our resources to those we know need them, we are acting “justly.” In choosing to protect from harm the weaker by shopping for them and wearing a mask, we are showing respect to the greater good of us all. We are acutely aware that our actions are selfless, and through them, we are offering a form of justice to all. Doing so creates a balance of goodness and at the very core of Aristotle’s virtues is the acceptance of and practice in one’s life of doing right. The reward is living the good life, although I would now argue living a sweet life. Justice as a virtue in the context of the individual is choosing to provide through hard work for one’s self and family. It is a selfish and singularity focused act but a necessary one

for survival. Resources are scarce, and we need to have some control over having our lives be in our control. The concept of building a business, and through those efforts, the results are wealth and living the good life are at the core of what is deemed American where you can be and dream and become anything you would like to be. You have to be selfish enough to go out there and grab it. Acknowledgment of being successful and then choosing to give back resources also creates a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself, and again, creates balance in society and also a sense of well-being that directly influences the ultimate achievement of the virtues – that of a life well-lived. The point? Justice is a complicated subject Alisa Murray to tackle. and William. It is perhaps easier to define what is unjust. That could not be more evident than in these times. From my perspective, it is unjust to see businesses destroyed and looted. Justice is based in morality and abiding to a moral quit of social morays that benefit all who live in it. Justice is peace. Justice is loving others and treating both yourself and society with respect and reaping the rewards from hard work. Justice is not easy, which is why it is considered to be as Plato described a “master virtue.” Justice is love. As Paul spoke in Corinthians, “Love is the greatest amongst the virtues of faith and hope.” ( 1 Corinthians 13:13) It is the ability to show love for both yourself and your neighbor even when you disagree. Take Care of YOU and OTHERS!

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

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