April 2012 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

APRIL 2012

Texana Center’s Stellar Student Isaiah Rodriguez

The Rodriguez Family: Nicole, Juan, Isaiah and Lillianna.

A toZ Summer

Fun Guide Page 49

Inside: History in the Making Gala page 24 April Autism Awareness Events page 42 Financial Focus page 70 $2.95

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COVER STORY A P R I L

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18 Texana Children’s Center for Autism Works Wonders with Isaiah Rodriguez Battling the complex developmental disability known as Autism, Isaiah’s family turned to Texana for help. The result?

A remarkably changed four year-old boy.

Tyrrell Price and Isaiah Rodriguez.

FEATURES 24 Gala to Usher in a New Era of Sugar Land History

49 A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Summer vacation is a time for kids to kick back, relax and have fun! Peruse the pages and plan your summer to insure maximum fun!

Celebrate the opening of Sugar Land Skeeters’ own Constellation Field on Saturday, April 14th with live entertainment, dinner, fireworks and more.

62 Sugar Land Food & Wine Affair Events

26 MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land Hosted “Pamper Me Night” for Women with Breast Cancer

Enjoy internationally acclaimed wineries and chefs in this unique series of wining and dining events.

70 Financial Focus

This special event honored – and pampered – Fort Bend patients battling breast cancer.

It’s becoming increasingly important to focus on your financial well-being. Find local institutions that can help you get – and stay – on the right track.

37 Sienna Plantation Hosts Friends and Family Open Homes Tour

74 Spring Into Color

Tour 17 model homes in one of the top-selling communities in the United States April 13th – 29th.

Incorporate the colors of spring into your home décor and refresh and renew your interior spaces.

42 Hope for Three Rallies Fort Bend to Recognize April Autism Awareness Month

76 Eggcelent Easter Recipes

Show your support for Autism Awareness Month and help empower, educate and support Fort Bend families affected by the disorder.

48 The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Presents Wine & Music 2012 – “A Silver Celebration”

These simple yet satisfying recipes will leave your family and friends full and give you plenty of time to enjoy the Easter holiday!

Celebrate the council’s 25 years of excellence and support their mission of ending illiteracy in the community with fabulous food, fine wine, live music and a silent auction on Friday, May 11th. fort bend

90 Katy’s Hasta La Pasta Wins Best Bites Buckle for Third Time

Winning over judges once again, Hasta La Pasta took top honors at the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

magazine • April 2012

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CONTRIBUTORS

A P R I L

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IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Publishers Preview A few words from our publisher.

22 Focus on Finance Financial ups and downs of 2011.

28 Seen on the Scene Snapshots from local charitable events.

33 Fort Bend Headliners Get the scoop on the latest news and happenings.

38 Focus on Health Obama Health Care – Are you ready?

40 Focus Cares Gerri Brecker lends a hand helping children in need.

44 Focus Film Review Nick Nicholson reviews Being Flynn.

78 Fort Bend Kids Chalkboard Special news and achievements from Fort Bend’s youth.

80 Business Buzz Tap into the world of business in Fort Bend.

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82 Community Calendar Fun events the whole family will enjoy.

38

84 High School Hot Shot Meet commanding cadet Shawn Cleary.

87 Focus Amateur Photo Contest Winning shots by local photographers.

88 Medical Focus Medical news from around the Bend.

40

44

93 absolutely Delicious! - NEW Your source for places to wine and dine!

94 Focus Favorites Resource Guide Looking for a service provider?

Find one here!

96 Living the Sweet Life Alisa finds a solution to those sizzling hot nights.

74

84

64 Focus Scrapbook A few snapshots of people, places and happenings.

90

96

Meet this month’s recipient on page 85!

ON THE COVER:

The Rodriguez Family: Nicole, Juan, Isaiah and Lillianna.

Photo by Nesossi Studios. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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Linda K. Eaves Freelance Writer Page 18

Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 22

Dr. Peter Osborne Town Center Wellness Page 38

Whitney Hensler Freelance Writer Page 40

Nick Nicholson Entertainment Editor Page 44

Sophia Vassiliou Sophia Designs Page 74

Lauren Dante Freelance Writer Page 84

Claudia Richter absolutely! Katy Page 90

Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 96

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April 2012 Vol. 8 No. 6 Hello Fort Bend Friends, April is Autism awareness month, and we have partnered with Texana and the Rodriguez family to help bring awareness to Fort Bend County.

Texana is making a difference in the lives of so many families with such an important cause, and we are proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Texana Autism Conference open to the community on April 21st to help us all learn more about Autism. If you have questions or need resources, please join us.

For your little ones, we have also compiled our annual A to Z Summer Fun Guide. There are so many opportunities in our The Fredrickson Family on Spring Break: community to have fun and also learn Michael, Kathryn, Lisa, Carter and Jack something. Make plans today starting in Keystone, Colorado on page 49.

The month of April also brings the rush of getting our finances in order to pay taxes, make donations, and contribute to our retirement funds. We have an entire section devoted to financial experts in our area starting on page 70.

Our Focus family would like to wish your family a very Happy Easter!

Stay Focused!

Lisa Fredrickson

Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com Michael@Fortbendfocus.com

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477 To advertise call 281-690-4242 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Direct mailed to subscribers and high value homes in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, Missouri City and Fulshear and picked up at demand distribution locations throughout Fort Bend.

Single copy $2.95 Publishers Michael Fredrickson Lisa Fredrickson Managing Editor Patti Parish-Kaminski Senior Account Executive Jessica Kij Account Executives Robyn Miller Mary Doetterl Stephenie Cox Office Manager Norma Loredo Contributors Lauren Dante Linda K. Eaves Mary Favre Liz Furman Will Hardee Whitney Hensler Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Dr. Peter Osborne Brenda Perry Claudia Richter Sophia Vassiliou Art Director Grace Belleza Art & Production Consultant Joey Belleza

READERS FEEDBACK Grateful...

Dear Lisa, Thanks so much for your recent auction donation to the Ridge Point High School Booster Ball. We’re thrilled to let you know you helped us raise over $50,000 for our student athletes! We thank you for your help – and look forward to your support next year. People like you are helping shape the future of our students.

Helen Bow RPHS 2012 Booster Ball Committee

Graphic Designers Elizabeth Pace Debi Beauregard

Subscriber Message...

What a wonderful gift to receive Focus every month without having to hunt down a copy.

Beverly B.

“Like” Us Today!

Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.

Web Designer Joey Belleza (JOBpagegraphics.com) Photographers Alisa Murray Photography Nesossi Studios The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers and their staff.

Facebook.com/FortBendFocus fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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One year subscription: $25

How Do You Pick A Dentist?

Ask These 10 Questions To Make Sure Your Dentist Stacks Up Does your dentist have an intra-oral camera?

Does your dentist still use a drill?

1

6

An intra-oral camera is so small it fits in your mouth and displays your teeth on a 20” TV. The doctor can see your teeth magnified at 50 times!

Does your dentist check for cavities with a precise laser?

Does your dentist have movie goggles for your viewing pleasure?

With a painless laser, we can detect cavities 2 earlier than the eye can see them.

The laser scanner can detect new cavities years before any other means of cavity detection.

7

Movie Goggles? Yes, a big screen TV right in front of your eyes while you are getting your dental work done. A movie passes the time quickly and takes you far away from the dental chair.

Does your dentist recommend extractions for crowded teeth?

3 Give your child a full smile for life.

No Extractions-Orthodontics with convenient, no hassle after school appointments as late as 6:30 p.m.

Does your dentist offer 12 months no interest?

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We work with our patients to provide easy payment options with no interest. This frees you from using those high interest credit cards.

Does your dentist offer before & after work appointments?

Before & After work appointments that fit into your jam-packed schedule. Appointments start as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 6:30 p.m., and of course, appointments on Saturday.

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Does your dentist have an internet cafe?

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Check your email and surf the net on brand new iMac computers while you enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee.

Does your dentist have digital x-rays?

Instant Images the size of a computer monitor. 5 Remember those old x-rays that were 1” x 2“ ?

Imagine the difference looking at a clear image 16” x 16” with all the software abilities that go along with computers. We can magnify a suspicious area and basically see inside the tooth. An added benefit for you is 1/10 the radiation needed.

Does your dentist have a movie theater?

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No Kidding! What could be more fun than waiting in a comfy armchair watching movies? If you don’t feel like checking your email at the internet cafe, come into the theater and recline and relax.

This is not like the dentist when you were a kid!

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SPRING 2012 DROUGHT RE-DESIGN Allow Todd Farber, owner of Garden Guy, Inc. to re-design and install a well-planned, water-smart landscape, with a variety of height, texture and color — Texas native plants that will withstand the heat and GROW more beautiful with time.

• Celebrating 20 years in Landscape Design & Installation • Garden Guy guarantees all plants for one full year • B.S. in Horticulture from Texas A&M, 1991 Sabrina & Todd Farber

• 10-year FIRST COLONY RESIDENT

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Contact Us 281• 208 • 4400 www.garden-guy.com

I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land - Michelle Williams

When I had breast cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.

My team of experts in Sugar Land focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and support services. They customized a plan just for me.

Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my two boys and close to home.

I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land. Find Your MD Anderson today.

Appointments Available

713.745.9940

FindYourMDAnderson.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

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The Woodlands

Katy Sugar Land

Texas Medical Center Bay Area

We invite you to join us in the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Be our guest as we hear the story of God's love for us in the sacrifice of his son.

April 6 - Good Friday Service, 7:00 PM April 8 - Easter Sunday, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM

www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

15

ExpEct more … even BEfOrE you’re ExpEctiNG. A healthy baby starts before you’re pregnant.

If you’re thinking about having a baby, start your planning with a visit to Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. Our prenatal services will give you and your baby the healthiest start possible. services for prenatal, pregnancy and post-pregnancy care, including high-risk pregnancies n Identification of fertility issues n Onsite ultrasound and diagnostic services n Treatment of heavy or abnormal menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids n Minimally invasive procedures performed in our office

women’s health at

We’re ready to deliver.

Our board-certified OB/GYN physicians provide comprehensive care as you plan your pregnancy, through your delivery and beyond.

For added convenience, you’ll find a Kelsey Pharmacy with drivethru service, onsite laboratory and diagnostic services, including mammography and ultrasound.

To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000 or visit kelsey-seybold.com/fortbendwomen

n Obstetrical

Our OB/GYN physicians from the left: Yasmin Engineer, M.D., Eric Peterson, M.D.,

Yetunde Adigun, M.D., Jagjit Khairah, D.O.

The Rodriguez Family: Isaiah, Juan, Lillianna and Nicole at Texana Children’s Center for Autism.

r Tex a e t n a C h i ld re n’s C e n s fo r r e d Au tis m n o sW z k r o W with e u g i Is a ia h Ro dr A

utism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication. Symptoms usually start before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood.

Journey to Texana Children’s Center for Autism Five-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez began saying his first words between 6 and 9 months. Suddenly, somewhere between 12 and 18 months of age, he stopped talking. Parents Juan Rodriguez and Nicole Mottu realized something wasn’t right.

“He went from saying a few words to nothing at all. He wasn’t talking. We were

COVER STORY

By Linda K. Eaves Photos by Nesossi Studios very concerned,” said Nicole.

“He wasn’t playing with his toys appropriately, so we thought that was a red flag, too. He would put his toys upside down and spin them around. He’d take his shoe laces and spin the shoes. We couldn’t go to the store without him wanting to go straight to the toys or straight to fort bend

magazine • April 2012

18

certain games. We couldn’t go anywhere for a while.”

When Isaiah wouldn’t respond to his name, his hearing was tested. His parents enrolled him in ECI – Early Childhood Intervention. “ECI first told me about Texana, but I never knew what it was so I ignored it,” said Nicole. Later she enrolled Isaiah in PPCD (Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities) in the local school district. After several months without progress, his teachers also referred her to Texana. Nicole contacted Texana and toured the facilities. “It felt like the right place for Isaiah.”

After Isaiah started attending Texana Children’s Center for Autism, Juan and Nicole noticed a remarkable change.

“Right now he can write his name. It’s

just amazing. It’s a miracle – from having no skills to being almost developmentally on track. Seven months ago he had no language at all, and now he can talk in sentences. He cares about things. He gets emotional because he has feelings now.

He loves the people at Texana.”

At Texana Children’s Center for Autism, Isaiah receives half a day of oneon-one behavior therapy and half a day in the regular preschool bridge program.

He attends Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“It was so hard getting him on the diet.

It’s very strict – there’s no in between.

He has to really follow it. One little thing not on the diet can set him off. It’s been stressful and really hard, but we’ve noticed an improvement. It was a process.

Some people see results after a week – we didn’t – but we stuck to it, and we started seeing results.”

Isaiah’s behavior analyst, Tyrell Price, MEd, BCBA, with Isaiah.

Present

Biomedical Intervention Four months before Isaiah actually started Texana in August, Isaiah went through biomedical intervention, specifically, the GFCF diet – gluten free and casein free diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains; casein is a protein found in dairy foods. He is also on nine different supplements.

“After about four months, we started to slowly see a change in repeat words. He started to say words. Before, he couldn’t even say ‘bye bye.’”

Before the GFCF diet, “He was zoned out and wouldn’t respond to his name.

He was always like in a gray fog and had dark circles under his eyes. He’s on a strict GFCF diet,” said Nicole. “We know the diet and supplements work because when he did have something not on the diet, he had lots of behavior problems and crying that hasn’t happened since before he was on the diet. The diet and supplements are so important.”

Isaiah leading the pledge of allegiance with instructor Jessica Jones.

and

Autism Conference

Tyrell Price Texana Behavior Analyst As a behavior analyst, Tyrell Price, MEd, BCBA, does assessments for clients at Texana and spends one-on-one time with them. She also supervises a staff of “trainers.” She writes the programming for the child and tells the trainers what to say when they present a task, how to prompt it, and how to reinforce it.

“Since Isaiah came to us, the biggest change has been the decrease in challenging behaviors,” she said. “When he first came in, if you removed something that he wanted from him or he didn’t want to do a task, he would just scream and cry and fall to the floor. He used to hit others. Now, he’s able to sit with the teacher and work and follow along in a group.

He’s always had pretty good social skills in terms of copying his peers.”

“One of the issues Isaiah had when he first came here was he couldn’t ask for things he wanted. If he wanted the iPad, he couldn’t say iPad. Or, ‘I want the www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

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In support of National Autism Awareness month, Fort Bend Focus Magazine and Texana are presenting an educational conference for parents, relatives, friends and educators who wish to learn more about autism. The conference will focus on effective methods on how to increase language and communication, teach in the natural environment, teach social skills, and decrease problem behaviors.

Texana Autism Conference Saturday, April 21, 2012 9 am to 1 pm $20 per person Breakfast Provided Hilton Garden Inn 722 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Hwy 6 & University Registration: 8:30 to 9 am For more information about the conference or services provided by Texana, visit www.texanacenter.com or call 281-239-1497.

Research shows that applied behavior analysis is most effective in the early years, preferably as soon as the child can be diagnosed at 18 months old. If a child is not treated early, the longer the process of treating challenging behaviors. “People are becoming more aware of autism, and we’re getting children earlier,” Price said.

“Isaiah is in the half-day integrated preschool. Research shows that kids with autism spectrum disorder are able to generalize and learn faster when they’re surrounded by their typical peers.

We have a preschool of typically developing kids – our staff kids and client siblings, aged 3 to 5 years. Isaiah was transitioned into that class shortly after he arrived here.”

Circle time in Bridge, Texana’s transition classroom. Students Karina, Jayden, Isaiah, Hans and Shaun with Instructors Tyrrell Price and Jessica Jones.

iPad.’ He would just point at it and say ‘that right there.’ He would say ‘that right there’ for everything, even if we told him to ‘say iPad.’” Isaiah speaks in three to four word sentences. If not for articulation problems, he probably would be speaking in larger sentences. “We’re working in collaboration with his speech pathologist to improve his articulation. Now he’s able to ask for items he wants,” Price said.

Although Isaiah sometimes still struggles with challenging behaviors, the frequency has decreased drastically because he can express his needs. Recently, a new intervention was put into place to take care of his less frequent challenging behavior. “He has a Croc bracelet with widgets that we use as a token bracelet.

Whenever he gets something he wants without crying, he gets a little token. He loves the little choo-choo trains.”

Because he likes people’s attention so much, the bracelet is used as a tool to help him get people’s attention appropriately.

“When he engages in screaming, we remove the bracelet. The bracelet looks like something a kid would wear. He really likes it and was excited when we started using this.”

Improved Quality of Life

Photographer Geof Nesossi shows Isaiah and Lillianna their pictures from the Fort Bend Focus photo shoot at Texana.

“We’re a lot happier and stronger and living life now, as opposed to being lost in a different world,” said Nicole.

“And it’s been an amazing journey for him. We’re so happy.”

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magazine • April 2012

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“Isaiah is doing great. He loves his friends He loves going to bridge. He’s actually the most independent child in his class,” said Price. “He puts his lunch bag away, puts his other stuff away and sits at his desk. Our goal is to transition Isaiah to a typical classroom when he leaves here.”

The combination of biomedical intervention and therapy at Texana has vastly improved both Isaiah’s life and his family’s life. Isaiah and his sister, Lillianna, are best friends. They’re always playing together, and Lillianna says she’s happy that Isaiah can talk now.

We’re a lot happier and stronger and living life now, as opposed to being lost in a different world,” said Nicole.

“And it’s been an amazing journey for him. We’re so happy.”

For more information about Texana Children’s Center for Autism or April events in support of National Autism Month, contact 281-239-1497 or visit www.texanacenter.com/bttc_day_ treatment. n FBF

METHODIST CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES LEADING CARDIAC CARE

Dr. Kesavan Shan is a long-time Sugar Land cardiologist who is highly respected for his skilled approach to medicine. Dr. Shan uses state-of-the-art technology to identify heart disease at its earliest stages, such as coronary and peripheral angiography, echocardiography, nuclear stress testing, coronary CT angiography, cardiovascular MRI and cardiac catheterization.

• Board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine • Certified in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography • Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building One, Suite 450

Call 281-275-0330 today for an appointment.

Specializing in treating and managing a wide range of heart problems: •Chest Pain

•Cholesterol Management

•Coronary Artery Disease

•Preventative Cardiology

•Heart Failure

•Diabetes and Heart Disease

•Irregular Heartbeat (arrhythmias)

•Peripheral Vascular Disease

•Heart Valve Disease

•Carotid Artery Disease

•Mitral Valve Prolapse

•Aortic Aneurysm

•Hypertension

•Structural Heart Disease

Medical Office Building One 16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-0330 MethodistSugarLandDocs.com

on

Finance

Provided by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

2011 - The Year that Wasn’t

R

ip Van Winkle would have been proud of this past year.

For the year, the S&P 500 basically ended unchanged. Sounds kind of boring. It was anything but sleepy. After being up over 8% through April, it proceeded to drop greater than 19% by October, only to recover unchanged by year end.

This is a microcosm of a bigger picture, which basically has the stock market unchanged since 1998 leaving investors running in quicksand and wondering what to do.

Since 2002, our investment themes have been falling dollar, international equity, energy, precious metals and master limited partnerships. These themes have served us well. However, starting

in 2011, several of these began to under perform the market. Even as the world searches for yield, we are seeing the classic growth stocks beginning to out perform value and yield. Two examples of these developing long term trends are healthcare (bio medical, medical devices, HMO’s) and technology (semiconductors and software).

It’s possible that long term investors are anticipating the Bush tax cut expiration which could increase the tax on dividends from 15% to the maximum tax rate of 36 - 39% while long term capital gains would be taxed at 20%. We shall see as this election unfolds.

For a disciplined approach to investing, contact the Hardee In-

vestment Group at 713-853-0879 or visit us online at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com 24 hours a day. We look forward to hearing from you.

This article is provided by H. H. Will Hardee, AWM, a Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center office, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice.

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. H

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Advertorial

fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Formerly The Grand Wine & Food Affair

April 18 - 22, 2012

SugarLandWineAndFoodAffair.com www.facebook.com/sugarlandwineandfoodaffair Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Producing Partner and Beneficiary

Gala to Usher in a New Era of

Sugar Land History C

ome to the Grand Opening Gala at Constellation Field on Saturday, April 14th, and be a part of “History in the Making.” One thousand people will arrive at this one-of-a-kind event and be among the very first to step onto the field of the brand new, $35 million baseball stadium, home to the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Dressed in cocktail attire or vintage jerseys, guests will be invited onto the field in grand style for commemorative photos, specialty cocktails, and live entertainment. A sit-down dinner, auction, orchestra and fireworks round out what promises to be a truly festive and memorable evening. Local personality and KPRC Local 2 Sports Director, Randy McIlvoy, will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson will present historic, one-of-a-kind items for auction.

Imagine taking home one of these unique auction items: home plate, signed by each of the Sugar Land Skeeters on Opening Day of their history-making inaugural season; a handcrafted, one-ofa-kind sofa table, created from wood recovered from the historic Imperial Sugar Company Char House; dinner for 20 on the premier level behind home plate, The Legends Club, with Team Manager, Gary Gaetti, plus an Opening Day jersey autographed by Brooks Robinson; be

Gala Chair Nancy Olson gives committee members a sneak peek of Constellation Field, home to the Sugar Land Skeeters and the site of the “History in the Making” gala on Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Pictured in front, Nancy Olson, Andrea Koop, Dee Koch and Diane Amundson; in back, Ann Smith, Chris Breaux, Sharon Ehrenkranz and Kelly Dunnbier. Photo by Favre/Furman.

in uniform and in the dugout with the team for one special game as an honorary member of the Sugar Land Skeeters; and a package that will thrill any kid – the chance to invite six friends for batting practice with the Sugar Land Skeeters!

Tickets to attend the “History in the Making” gala are $150 each or $1,500 to reserve a table for 10. Please visit www.sugarlandskeeters.com by April 1st, to reserve your spot. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and Skeeters Youth Foundation. The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation exists to collect, preserve, communicate and celebrate Sugar Land’s distinctive history; funds raised will benefit a future museum located at the historic Imperial Sugar refinery site. The newly founded Skeeters Youth Foundation promotes youth education fort bend

magazine • April 2012

24

and healthy activities; funds raised will help to launch youth related projects for the culturally, racially, and economically diverse populations of those underserved in Fort Bend County.

Telfair by Newland Communities leads off as the Grand Slam Title Partner of the event. Other major sponsors at the time of publication include Pamela Printing, Bud Light/ Silver Eagle Distributors, Classic Chevrolet, Memorial Hermann, Aliana Development Company, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, Fort Bend Focus magazine, Imperial Johnson Development, Minute Maid and Legacy Ford.

Want to be a part of “History in the Making?” Go to www.sugarlandskeeters.com for more information about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets to attend this epic gala on Saturday, April 14th. H

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Mike & Barbara Giordanelli.

MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land Hosted

“Pamper Me Night” for Women with Breast Cancer

M Susan Wallace.

Rosemary Herron &

Theresa Flores & De

borah Bataillon.

ore than 50 people participated in the “Pamper Me Night” at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land on February 14th. Sponsored by MD Anderson’s Breast Friends support group, “Pamper Me Night” is a special evening held for women in the community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Patients, survivors and their caregivers attended the event led by volunteers from the Sugar Land area. They participated in activities including ceramics, massages, manicures and pedicures, and makeovers by volunteer cosmetologists. In a special ceremony, breast cancer patients and survivors shared personal stories and thanked those in attendance who were instrumental in their journey. “‘Pamper Me Night’ is about coming together as a community for an uplifting evening of sharing, support and strength,” said Laurie Hughes, nurse navigator at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land. “I was personally touched by the stories shared and hearing survivors recognize their loved ones who saw them through cancer treatment and recovery.”

The Breast Friends support group meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land (1327 Lake Pointe Parkway). For more information on Breast Friends, call Laurie Hughes at 281-566-1908.

To learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land and the services it offers, visit www.mdanderson.org/ sugarland.

Vernon & Julia Kerner.

Myriam Saenz, Colleen Mateer, Susan Hoover, Laurie Hughes, Isadora Arzu & Linda Mitchell. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

26

Meet Our Window Treatment Expert ANGELA WILHELM • Angela has almost 20 years of furniture, accessory & window treatment experience • Drapes, Shutters, Shades & Blinds • Specializing in light & energy control, motorization & difficult window shapes • Call for a complimentary in home consultation: 281.204.8088 • Design Services Available

Per Window On Any Window TTreatment reaatment*

281.204.8088 • www.frogathome.com/windows *Offer applies to window treatments purchased by 3/31/12. Not combinable with other offers.

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Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

7th Annual Road Trip to RIO

Benefitting Fort Bend Cares Saturday, February 11, 2012 • The Fluor Building

Carole & Bob Brown

Tammy Brown & Farrah Robichaux

Betty Ann Williams & Nancy Pritcher

Nina & Nick Desai

Liz Furman & Mary Favre

Mitzi Evell & Elizabeth Butler

Joe & Jan Mathis

Harish & Shashi Jajoo

Susan & Juan Martinez

Mindi & Jeff Snyder

Deb Prihoda & Karen Chitty-Boe

Juliet & Scott Breeze

Gwen & Kolbe Curtis

Carol & Mark Smith

Marcia Barham, Kaelyn Bujnoch, Melissa Montemayor, Leena Taneja, Amy Saenz, Parin Shah & Debbie Markesino

Ryan Johnson & Heather Hatfield

Michael Bornstein & David Chaumette

Amy & Rob Morris

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magazine • April 2012

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Dee Koch & Gail McClendon

Enjoy Spring W hile Getting Ready for Summer • Hair • Nails • Skin Care

• Massage • Full Body Hair Removal

• Body Treatments • Specializing in Color Correction

Come visit our Newly Renovated Salon as we Celebrate our 23 rd Anniversary!

281.980.5160

15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. G, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (Between Williams Trace & Hwy 6) www.SalonEbenDaySpa.com An

Concept Salon & Day Spa Since 1989

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Seen

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Scene

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2012 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner

Republican Party of Fort Bend Saturday, February 11, 2012 • Safari Texas Ranch Ballroom

Ana Valenzuela, James White & Patricia Hoppe

Mandy Bronsell & Lee Duggan III

Kenneth Depew, Himesh Gandhi & Bruce Bond

Susie & Robert Kern

Daniel & Jenni McJunkin

Brett Busby & Don Willett

Marilyn Jones & Nancy Olsen

Robby & Jane Stockton with Star Parker

Charlie Howard & Warren Chisum

Jim & Laura Richard

Craig James & Steve Startzell

Sharon & Aled Roberts with Debbie Fancher fort bend

magazine • April 2012

30

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GR AND RE- OPENING Join us for a day of fun!

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

What: Grand Re-Opening When: Saturday, April 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Primrose School of First Colony 4605 Austin Parkway Sugarland, TX 77479 For additional information please call: 281.565.2707

www.primrosefirstcolony.com

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved..

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May 5th

BLACK ELK ENERGY PRESENTS

Bene�iting the Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships At Sweetwater Country Club ~ 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land, TX Space is limited. Get your tickets today!

Five Star Black Tie Gala 6:00pm - 10:00pm Includes Cocktails & Dinner With Live Auction host John Salley & an intimate performance

by Clint Black.

3/13/12 2:56 PM

May 6th

BBQ, Chili & Gumbo Cook-off

1:00pm - 9:00pm Enjoy great food and live performances by Jaryd Lane, the Guzzlers and Kevin Black. Also includes a Kids Zone, the Silent Auction and a Meet and Greet with Professional Athletes Gerald McNeil, Roman Harper, Jahri Evans, Lance Moore, Darren Sharper & Malcolm Jenkins.

May 7th

Celebrity Golf Tournament Tee times are at: 7:00am or 1:00pm Includes great giveaways and tee shots with PGA players John Daly, Jamie Sadlowski and LPGA players Blair O’Neal & Alison Walshe.

Award ceremony follows.

www.EmpoweringtheCommunity.com

For more information, contact: Kari Schoef�ler: kschoef�ler@blackelkenergy.com / (281) 598-8660 www.fortbend

.com •April 2012

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Seen

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Scene

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Men Who Cook 2012

Benefitting the Lamar Educational Award Foundation Saturday, February 18, 2012 • Safari Texas Ranch Ballroom

Sean McGuire & Mike Schmid

Rick & Tina Gibson with Jim Rice & Bruce Fleming

Judi Vernon & Melody Hess

Walter Armatys & Brad Bowman

Matthew Pheleps & Brandon Zerwas

Bobby Bass & Lamar Meadows

Margaret & Kevin Patton

Richard & Allyson Morrison with Alan Sandersen

Jerry Hill & Doug Waddill

Lee Duggan & George Holmes

Randy & Gail Parker

Bill & Pam Dostal

Jan Russell, Tim Kaminski & Alicia Casias

Chris Breaux, Allison Wen & Steve Metzenthin

Kenny & Kelly Waters

Paul Clayton & Michael Richard

Becky Covell & Kay Beard

Shenna Navarro with Justin, Regina & Brooke Morales

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magazine • April 2012

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FORT BEND

Jacquie Chaumette

HEADLINERS Send your news via www.FortBendFocus.com.

Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication.

All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

The 61st Annual National Day of Prayer “One Nation Under God” May 3, 2012

Republican Candidate for State Representative Texas House District 26

Who is Jacquie Chaumette?

A proven Conservative leader within the Republican Party as a former Republican precinct chair, who has served on several Republican Boards including as Candidates Committee Chair for the R Club (young conservatives) and as Vice President of the Fort Bend Republican Women’s PAC. She has worked on several candidates’ campaigns including Governor Rick Perry, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, former Congressman Jack Fields, as well as many judicial races for Republican candidates.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12

A gubernatorial appointee appointed to the Brazos River Authority’s Board of Directors

by Governor Rick Perry in February 2004.

Fort Bend County National Day of Prayer 2012 Locations

A small business owner as president & CEO of BalyProjects, LLC, a public policy consultancy with a focus on land use, water, education and infrastructure.

Missouri City-City Hall 10 AM Meadows Place City Hall 10 AM Sienna Brushy Lake Pavilion 10 AM Sugar Land Town Square Noon Simonton City Hall Noon Arcola City Hall 3 PM Fulshear City Hall 7 PM Stafford City Hall 7 PM Katy Merrell Center 7 PM Fort Bend County Courthouse 7 PM

Churches, businesses, schools, and communities observe National Day of Prayer with prayer events. Organize events at your school, church, business, and community. Plan to attend events being observed for this year’s National Day of Prayer on May 3, 2012.

Contact Mary Cook 832-651-7771 maryhuntcook@comcast.net Fort Bend County Coordinator for 2012 National Day of Prayer.

For information, to post, or search for an event go to http://www.ndptf.org or www.ndp-fortbend.org. H

An award winner, including Fort Bend Entrepreneur of the Year, Dynamic Woman of Houston, Outstanding Young American, (The Houston Chronicle’s & Texas Executive Women’s) Woman on the Move, UH Alumnus of the Year, and ABC-13 KTRK Woman of Distinction.

A college professor in public policy and political science at University of Houston.

A well-known speaker who has been featured on KUHF, KTRH, and several radio stations discussing transportation, air quality, education and water policy matters.

An active community participant, including Texas Lyceum (Board Director), Fort Bend YMCA (Past President), Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce (Past Infrastructure Chair), Commonwealth Elementary (PTA Art Reflections Chair, CBLT and room mom), Fort Settlement Middle School (PTO Publicity Chair), Fort Bend Boys Choir (President of the Board of Directors), The Chinquapin School (Executive Committee and Board Trustee), the Sugar Land Exchange Club, Rotary International. (Board Director), Fort Bend County Mobility Planning Committee and Texas CASA.

David, the boys and I thank you for your continued friendship and support! We look forward to the opportunity to sustain and enhance the excellent quality of life we value so highly in Texas House District 26.

Paid for by the Jacquie Chaumette Campaign | Linda Hancock, Treasurer P.O. Box 16452, Sugar Land, Texas 77496 | www.jacquiechaumette.org

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Headliners continued on page 35

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

I have been blessed to serve as an At-Large Councilmember for two terms of one of the best cities in the country, including presently as the Mayor Pro-Tem. The concerns of the residents in our City, County and District are my concerns as well. I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me, and I continue to work hard to earn that trust every day. I stand behind my conservative record in office and know that I will succeed as your next State Representative.

Se habla español State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL P090106.1

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Kevin D Patton, Agent Bus: 281-342-2460 Fax: 281-342-2960 www.kevindpatton.com

.com •April 2012

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kevin.patton.nxn2@statefarm.com

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

2012 Wine and Cheese Celebration

3rd Annual Helen Cordes Award Luncheon

American Heart Association of Fort Bend

Fort Bend Regional Council

Friday, February 24, 2012 Safari Texas Ranch

Friday, February 23, 2012 Safari Texas Ranch

Carolyn & Neil Banfield

Janice Knight, Pam McClung, Doris Gurecky & Paul Knight

David Young & Linda Schoonmaker

Irene Wisner & John Robson

Joe Freudenberg & Milton Wright

Donna Kay Tucker & Tim Kaminski

Lisa Payner & Ron Craig

Sue Hauenstein, Yaffa Steubinger & Betty Baitland

Bud & Lila Smith

Marian Wright & Yassir Sonbol

Don Kerstetter & John Novak

Jeff & Ann Council

Pat Hebert & Allison Wen

Gary Pearson with Karen & Richard McCarter

Jacquie Chaumette & James Patterson

Mike & Tina Gibson

Pam & Bill Dostal

Patti Parish-Kaminski & Joyce Senior

Lizzy Dragon & Linda Schultz

Michael Schiff with Lena & Will Hardee

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magazine • April 2012

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Headliners continued from page 33

Calling All Artisan and Antique Vendors Historic Richmond Association is calling for vendors for the first monthly Artisan & Antique Market to be held in Downtown Historic Richmond beginning April 15th, and running the second Saturday of each month through July. This juried event will highlight the best of the best artisans and antique dealers in Texas.

“Historic downtown Richmond is the perfect venue for this market. Our goal for this Market is to introduce the quality merchandise from vendors around the State,” said Shereen Lary, chair, Artisan & Antique Market and owner Mesologie Spa in Richmond.

This event is being held in conjunction with Richmond’s upcoming Farmer’s Market. “We are currently seeking antique dealers who deal in primitives, furniture, glassware, vintage clothing and architectural remnants," said Lary. Additional booth space is also available for artisans, such as painters, ceramicists and jewelry designers. Also, limited indoor space is available with the main focus in the closed streets area.

Interested vendors are asked to call Shereen Lary at 832-525-6105, email sheree@mesologiespa.com or visit the website, www.historicrichmond.org. H

Headliners continued on page 39

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Gala 2012 Lights, Camera, Action

Benefitting Fort Bend Education Foundation Saturday, February 25, 2012 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Nappinnai Natarajan & Manmeet Likhari

Tracy Lisse & Nell Klingman

Chris Berger & Terri Gorney

Fran Steele & Carol Scott

Carl & Selena Accardo

Michael & Dia Bolton

Terri Wang, Brenna Smelley & Jacquie Chaumette

Barbara & Bob Cruz

Laura & Mark Winters

Stacy Bynes & Kelly Metzger

Dick Phillips & Bob Brown

Peggy & Steve Jackson with Laura Stoltenberg

Steve Gingsburg & Tracy Hoke

Jodi & David Rider

Don Kerstetter & Sam Wang

Cliff & Melba Wolf

John & Janet Wantuch

Leigh & James Mattson

Dennis & Lynn Halford

John & Kathy Robson

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magazine • April 2012

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Sienna Plantation Hosts Friends & Family Open Homes Tour April 13th - 29th

Sienna Plantation will host its Spring Open Homes Tour, April 13-29, providing home buyers with the opportunity to tour 17 model homes and “live where your friends and family live” in one of the top-selling communities in the United States.

Low interest rates, Sienna Plantation’s access from the Fort Bend Parkway and a large selection of homes ready for move in make it a great time to visit the award-winning master-planned community. Among its countless amenities, the 7,000-acre masterplanned community is home to three water parks including the south’s largest private water adventure park with 200 feet of twisting slides, the all-new Sienna Springs Resort Pool, 36 parks and playgrounds, the Camp Sienna Sports Complex, the Sienna Plantation Golf Club, a 6,000-square-foot fitness center, eight lighted tennis courts and lakes for fishing and kayaking.

Families in the community attend schools in the renowned Fort Bend Independent School.

This fall, Sienna Plantation will welcome the opening of the community’s first private school, Sienna Lutheran Academy.

A project of Johnson Development, the community offers homes from the 170s to the millions with purchase incentives available from all Sienna Plantation builders.

Visit the Sienna Home Finder Center, 5777 Sienna Parkway, for maps, information on builders, amenities, schools and more.

The center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday from noon – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.siennaplantation.com.

Families also can follow the community on Facebook, www. facebook.com/siennaplantation. H

d s n & Family e i r F

Open Homes Tour -April 13-29 Live Where Your Friends and Family Live.

Beautiful affordable homes. 3 Waterparks. Bike and Hike. Sports Fields. Peaceful parks.

5 FBISD schools. And more! Come to our HomeFinder Center for maps and more information about Sienna.

We will be looking for you. Sienna builders are offering homes Downtown Greenway Galleria from the $170s to the millions.

siennaplantation.com

facebook.com/siennaplantation Sienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777

from $170s-Millions

Ashton Woods . Avanti . Coventry . Custom Classics . Darling Homes . DR Horton . Fairmont Custom Homes Meritage . Monterey Custom Homes . Newmark . Partners in Building . Perry . Plantation . Pulte Regan Custom Homes . Ryland . Sterling Classic Custom Homes . Trendmaker . Triumph . Westport

www.fortbend

.com •April 2012

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Med Center

Fort Bend Parkway

on

Health

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Obama Health Care – Are you Ready?

F

or the past several years you have probably followed the news and health media on prescription medication recalls and warnings and been somewhat alarmed and confused. Below are some examples of recent events: 1. A study in published in Lancet found that oral contraceptive use doubles a woman’s risk of invasive cervical cancer. Medications containing conjugated estrogens are labeled with a black box warning because they increase the risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis.

2. The pain medicine Vioxx was pulled off of the market because it was found to double the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

3. Fosamax and similar medications used to treat osteoporosis (bisphosphonates) have been found to cause esophgeal damage and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

4. Popular acid reducing medications like Nexium and Protonix (PPI’s) were recently found to increase the risk of hip fracture.

5. The FDA’s Pharmacological Drug Advisory Committee decided to put a black box warning on common antidepressants (Cymbalta, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro).

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a ground breaking paper. The study was conducted on adverse drug reactions (ADR’s) occurring in U.S. hospitals. The conclusion of this study was very alarming. It was estimated that in 1994, 106,000 people died from ADR’s.

When put into perspective, the top kill-

ers in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, and stroke killing approximately 950,000, 750,000, and 150,000 people per year respectively. Based on the study findings, that makes adverse drug reactions the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. The top 3 causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and stroke. They are treated medically with the use of prescription medication. Prescription medication could potentially be the fourth leading cause of death. Following this logic, how does it make sense that we continue following a paradigm that obviously has such a profound flaw. The U.S. spends more money per person on healthcare than any other country in the world. Yet among industrialized nations we rank 26th in infant mortality, 24th in life expectancy.

How does all of this relate to Obama Care?

Pharmaceutical companies have a lot to gain with this new plan. The new health care bill does not fund true preventative care. It funds sick care. It funds a medical system that has failed to adequately address the health care issues in this country.

The new bill will dump billions of your hard earned dollars into providing treatments that have been identified as one of the leading causes of death.

Combine the above information with the following: It has been hypothesized that as many as half of the doctors in the U.S. will retire or quit practicing once this new plan takes effect. Additionally, the government funded healthcare will flood the system with an additional 30 million patients.

This combination creates long waits and poor quality care. As it is currently, many doctors’ offices offer wait times of 30 minutes to an hour followed by a 5 minute visit with the doctor. Under the new plan you can most likely expect longer delays and less personalized care from the doctor. Less personalized care leads to sicker patients and more drug prescriptions.

Does it make since to invest billions, perhaps trillions of dollars into a health care system that…

1. Does not focus on the prevention of disease.

2. Focuses on treatments that have historically failed.

3. Does not pay for dietary advice or lifestyle education.

4. Destroys a doctors ability to give adequate time and counseling to patients???

There is no such thing as free health care. The future of quality care will rest on the shoulders of doctors who disassociate themselves from government funded care and move toward a fee for service system that allows them to spend quality time educating, treating, and caring for their patients. The future of good health in the U.S. will rest upon the shoulders of the individual. There are no magic pills or products that will miraculously transform your health. Look in the mirror and ask the following questions to yourself: Do I exercise regularly? Do I drink plenty of water? Do I eat reasonably? Do I manage my stress load responsibly? Do I have good hygiene? Do I get adequate sun exposure?

Do I get adequate sleep on a nightly basis?

Do I take time to educate myself about the proper care and function of my body?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you are not doing your part. H

DID YOU KNOW?

You have one of the country’s most advanced alternative medicine clinics right here in Sugar Land n Dr. Osborne

• Is a Diplomate and the Executive Secretary of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition • Is the only Board Certified Nutritionist in Sugar Land • Is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition • Has held teaching appointments at Texas Women’s University and HCC’s nursing program • Lectures nationally to other physicians on the topic: Drug Induced Nutritional Deficiencies

n Town Center Wellness:

Dr. Peter Osborne

• Offers genetic testing to match your lifestyle and diet to your genes • Offers complete laboratory nutritional analysis to identify vitamin and mineral deficiencies • Offers traditional and specialty lab services to assist in patient diagnosis • Offers state of the art Spinal Decompression therapy to prevent back surgery • Offers genetic and laboratory testing to identify gluten sensitivity • Offers chiropractic care

4724 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 102, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-2229 • www.TownCenterWellness.com Advertorial

fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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You are cordially invited

A Culinary Evening with Christy Rost Back by popular demand to celebrate the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary is television chef Christy Rost. Christy will entertain guests with a cooking demonstration complete with din- Christy Rost ner and drinks on April 29th, 2012 at the Aliana Clubhouse.

Christy is an author of two cookbooks, and her second cookbook, Where’s My Spatula? Fast, Healthy Meals When Your Kitchen or Your Life Is A Mess, will be available for purchase at the event.

Christy will be personally signing copies of her cookbook. In Where’s My Spatula?, Christy provides quick, easy recipes and solutions for getting delicious, nutritious meals on the table every day of the week.

A television chef and host of her own long-running Texas cooking and lifestyle television series, Just Like Home, Christy is also a spokesperson, radio personality, culinary instructor and popular guest presenter for retailers, home shows and charities. Christy is a licensed Registered Nurse and an avid gardener. She shares her realistic, attainable and signature approach to casual living with an affordable and elegant flair. Her particular sense and commitment makes family feel special and friends feel like family.

“Christy Rost is one of the most entertaining individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to meet! She is a dynamic, engaging chef who is also one big ball of fun,” said Brenda Bowman, Executive Director of the Literacy Council. “Her food demonstrations are very informative, but she shares her wit and sense of humor along the way to a great dish. She is just what the doctor ordered for body, mind and soul. You don’t want to miss this culinary evening!”

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Literacy Council at 281240-8181. There are only 25 spots remaining for this event. Sign up NOW! H Headliners continued on page 41

To

THE EPIC GRAND OPENING GALA Saturday, April 14, 2012 6:30 P.M.

CONSTELLATION FIELD

Home of the Sugar Land Skeeters

Presenting Sponsors

TELFAIR BY NEWLAND COMMUNITIES BUD LIGHT/SILVER EAGLE Distributors PAMELA PRINTING Aliana Development Company CLASSIC CHEVROLET SUGAR LAND Fort Bend Focus Magazine LEGACY FORD MEMORIAL HERMANN For more information, call Kelly Dunnbier

281.240.4588

or gala@sugarlandskeeters.com.

‘Cocktail Attire and Vintage Jerseys’ Ladies are encouraged to wear or bring flat footwear for on-field cocktail reception

Proceeds benefiting Sugar Land Heritage Foundation & Skeeters Youth Foundation www.fortbend

.com •April 2012

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By Whitney Hensler

FORT BEND

Focus CareS

Gerri Brecker: Caring For – and About – Children in Need

T

he idea to start volunteering regularly “For some reason, they think once they turn came to Gerri Brecker after she retired.

18, the world is going to be all different. So many A property administrator in the oil and of them just say, ‘I want to get out,’” she said. gas industry and a full-time mom to two daugh“It just breaks your heart when you put in years ters, Brecker had only previously done minor volwith a child and don’t really know what happens unteering at her children’s school. But she was to them. Some of them end up homeless, withlooking for something to fill her time, and when out a family. I would say that for me that’s the an acquaintance told her that Child Advocates, most difficult part of the job, that’s probably the a non-profit organization that dealt with abused hardest part, and there’s not a lot that you can children in foster care, was trying to start up a do personally.” chapter in Fort Bend, she decided to go to a coffee Still, Brecker says she has seen many cases they were hosting and see what they were about. “work out best for the child,” and she has kept Gerri Brecker “I heard about them by accident. I had never in touch with some of the children she’s worked heard of them before,” she said. “Linda Schultz with through the years, including one case that [then-Executive Director of Child Advocates] was lasted 15 years. hosting the coffee, and I think it was her passion and enthusi“You can’t just walk away from something like that, when asm that drew me in to it.” you’ve been with a child for so long,” she said.

Now, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunBrecker celebrated her 20th year of being with Child Advoteer, Brecker works with children who have been removed cates this year, and was named 2011’s Child Advocate of the from their homes by Child Protective Services because of Year, an award which she said “humbled” her. Although she abuse or neglect. As a CASA volunteer, she is assigned by a doesn’t plan on taking another case any time soon, she says judge to a case involving a child or children who have been her involvement as a CASA volunteer has impacted her life. placed in foster care. She acts as a voice for the child in the “I’ve certainly come to know that not everyone lives in a case, and helps them cope with the abuse they’ve suffered. happy home,” she said. “It changed my life.”

Brecker says that the work can be very “rewarding” when For more information regarding Child Advocates of Fort Bend, the outcome is good for the child, but is also “heartbreaking” please visit www.cafb.org or call 281-344-5130. For additional at times, especially when dealing with older children who are volunteer opportunities in Fort Bend County, call Volunteer Fort eager to “age out of the system.”

Bend at 281-340-1919 or visit www.VolunteerFortBend.org. H

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magazine • April 2012

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Bowling Tournament to Raise Money for Local Charity Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. aims to raise money for drug-free programs with bowling tournament Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (FBRC) is announcing it’s eighth annual Fort Bend Corporate Challenge bowling tournament to be held on Saturday, May 19th.

For this year’s tournament, sponsored

by Union Pacific Railroad Company, FBRC invites area businesses, organizations and individuals to gather a team and join in the fun.

The tournament will be held at AMF Stafford Lanes located at 4919 South Main from 12 to 3 p.m. Individual team sponsorships start at $500, which includes two games for a four member team and lunch. Corporate sponsorship levels start at $1000.

So, whether you have bowled all your life or you plan to roll your first strike, this is a great event for a very important cause. Proceeds from the Challenge support FBRC’s programs, including Summer Explosion youth camp, Leadership High School, Red Ribbon Week events and other beneficial programs that keep Fort Bend County kids and their families safe and drug-free.

This year’s theme will be the Kentucky Derby, so get your team together and come Bowl for the Roses!

For more information about registration or FBRC, visit at www.fortbendcouncil.org or call Irene Wisner at 281-207-2409. H

EYE TRENDS @ Town Square The Address for Exclusive Eyewear

Dr. George N. Zaibaq & Associates Therapeutic Optometrists and Optometric Glaucoma Specialists

281-265-2000 16200 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas 77479

www.drzaibaq.com

We accept most medical & vision insurances

Corporate Gatherings with a Host your next corporate meeting or company celebration at one of our historic facilities, nestled among more than a century of pure Texas ambience!

Photos by Roy KasmiR

Headliners continued from page 39

Headliners continued on page 46

events@georgeranch.org | (281) 343-0218 | www.georgeranch.org/rentals

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

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.com •April 2012

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3/8/2012 2:22:07 PM

Rallies Fort Bend to Recognize April Autism Awareness Month 17 Local Mayors Issue Proclamations and a Host of Awareness Events Set

H

ope for Three, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to expand autism awareness, empower and educate families, improve early diagnosis and connect families to the care and support they deserve, is honored and proud to announce April will be recognized and proclaimed Autism Awareness Month by all 17 mayors of Fort Bend County.

"Hope for Three received its nonprofit status in April 2011. We vowed that come April 2012, we would help bring assistance to families affected by autism and make some noise and share with the community that autism is not a death sentence. It can be the beginning of a new chapter with the help and support of family, friends, and community,� said Darla Farmer, Hope for Three founder and president.

In 2007, The United Nations declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity, and the entire month of April has become Autism Awareness Month. Each Mayor has enthusiastically rallied around Hope for Three to increase Autism Awareness. A proclamation will be signed at each city's respective city council meeting in March and April. The 17 cities include Arcola, Beasley, Fairchilds, Fulshear, Katy, Kendleton, Meadows Place, Missouri City, Needville, Orchard, Pleak, Rich-

Pictured are (back row) Mayor Allen Owen, Missouri City; Darla Farmer, Hope for Three President; Hope Montgomery and Mayor James Thompson, Sugar Land. Front row: Mayor Vincent Morales, Rosenberg; Mayor Charles Jessup, Meadows Place; Mayor Tommy Kuykendall, Fulshear; and Mayor Freddie Newsome, Town of Thompsons. mond, Rosenberg, Simonton, Stafford, Sugar Land and Thompsons. "Autism has no cure, but early intensive treatment can make a big difference. I support Autism Awareness because the number of children diagnosed with autism appears to be rising, and we need to support the efforts of organizations like Hope for Three," said Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen.

City employees as well as residents of Fort Bend County will also be given fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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an opportunity to support Hope for Three's Autism Awareness Campaign by wearing light blue on a specific day, wearing an autism advocate bracelet or autism puzzle piece lapel pin. They can also participate and join millions around the world by lighting it up blue.

The Light It Up Blue Campaign was ignited by Autism Speaks. Everyone around the world is asked to turn their lights blue in support of Autism Awareness.

Joining Hope for Three and city

leaders are Brookstreet Bar-B-Que, Chase Bank, Sugar Land Town Center and more than 50 area high school students.

Each Monday in April, Brookstreet will donate ten percent of all "Dine-in" sales to Hope for Three at both the Sugar Land and Missouri City locations. A portion of proceeds from the Sugar Land Town Center's Giving Spirits Concert Series on April 6th will also be donated to the organization.

Chase Bank will partner with a couple of Hope for Three teen volunteers. The teens rallied more than 50 classmates from Clements High School to host a Car Wash for Kids. The event will take place April 15th at Chase Bank, 4997 Sweetwater, Sugar Land, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Car Wash for Kids is part of Hope for Three's "It's Cool to Care" Campaign, an effort to educate, empower, and enable youth to make a positive contribution to the lives of other young people with unique differences – Autism.

The unveiling of the Path of Hope will wrap up April Autism Awareness

Month on April 25th. Path of Hope is the Build a Brick Campaign that will help provide much needed funding for families affected by autism. It will be constructed near the main entrance and playground area George Patterson, CEO of Texana; Tracey Shaw, Director of Development & Comof the Texana munity Relations for Texana Center; Darla Farmer, President, Hope for Three; Stacey Children's CenMilton, Co-Chair Brick Campaign; Kate Johnson-Patagoc, Director of Specialized ter for Autism.

Services for Texana Center; and Joan Soland, Co-Chair Brick Campaign.

Autism is an epidemic. The Autism Society currentlead to better outcomes for children on ly reports that “1 in 94 children have the autism spectrum. autism, making it more common than Information on symptoms, prevachildhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and lence and treatment of autism is availpediatric AIDS combined." The exact able at http://hopeforthree.org/what-iscause of autism is unknown and to date autism/. For more information on Hope there is no cure. What is known is that for Three and to assist families affected early diagnosis is key. It is believed by autism, call 1-800-317-0787 or visit that early diagnosis and interventions www.hopeforthree.org. H

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Nursing 713-995-9292

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A

dapted from Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir Another Bullsh*t Night in Suck City, the movie explores bonds both unbreakable and fragile between parent and child.

Nick Flynn (Paul Dano) is a young writer seeking to define himself. He misses his late mother, Jody (Julianne Moore), and her loving nature. But his father, Jonathan, is not even a memory, as Nick has not seen the man in 18 years. Jonathan Flynn (Robert De Niro) has long defined himself as a great writer, “a master storyteller.”

After abandoning his wife and child, Jonathan scrapes through life on his own terms, and ends up serving time in prison for cashing forged checks. After prison, he drives a cab for a number of years, but with his drinking and eccentricities now accelerating, he loses his job. Despite the occasional grandiose letter to his son, he has remained absent from Nick’s life.

Suddenly facing eviction from his apartment, Jonathan impulsively reaches out to Nick and the two come face-to-face. The older man is eloquent and formidable; overwhelmed, Nick nonetheless prepares to integrate his

setts in the 1970s and his work at a Boston homeless shelter in the 1980s.

He reflects, “I hadn’t grown up with my father; I didn’t know him well. It had been 18 years since I last saw him.

Then he ended up a guest, a resident in the shelter where I worked. Our

Olivia Thirlby stars as Nick’s coworker Denise.

Paul Dano stars as Nick Flynn and Robert De Niro stars as Jonathan Flynn in Paul Weitz’s Being Flynn.

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star, Fort Bend Focus, Pearland Focus as well as Focus on Women. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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All Photos are courtesy of David Lee and Focus Features.

By Nick Nicholson

father into his own life. But, as quickly as he materialized, Jonathan flits away again. Moving on, Nick takes a job at a homeless shelter where he learns from Captain (Wes Studi) and Joy (Lili Taylor) how to relate to the guests who arrive night after night. Seeing the homeless – some permanently, some temporarily so – and hearing their stories, Nick finds purpose in his own life and work. He also sustains a romance with a co-worker, Denise (Olivia Thirlby). Then one night, Jonathan arrives, seeking a bed, and Nick’s senses of self and compassion falter. To give the two of them a shot at a real future, Nick will have to decide whom to seek redemption for first.

Evocatively told, ruefully funny, and moving in its depiction of the ties that bind, Being Flynn tells a story that reveals universal truths. Paul Weitz began writing a screenplay adaptation of Nick’s memoir in 2004. It took him seven years before it was ready to be filmed as Being Flynn. Both Weitz and Nick were compelled to tell Nick’s story, as well as that of another man: Jonathan Flynn, Nick’s father.

Nick’s memoir chronicles his life growing up in suburban Massachu-

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Paul Dano as Nick Flynn in Being Flynn.

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lives intersected, and we got to know each other a little.” While facing down a painful family history in the form of his long-estranged father, Nick also faced up to his own drug and alcohol addiction. Weitz read the book upon its 2004 publication, and immediately felt that it should be a movie. Corduroy Films’ Michael Costigan introduced Nick to Weitz, who lobbied the author for a chance to make the movie.

Nick was so encouraged by their first meeting that he soon gave his blessing for the feature film adaptation. Nick reflects, “Paul really had a cogent vision of the material from the beginning. Once we decided to move forward and work together, he wrote a first draft of the script that was quite spectacular.” Paul Weitz’s work as writer and director had consistently gravitated to family dynamics, most often exploring father/son relationships or their equivalents. But Being Flynn would situate him in a new dramatic context, requiring the articulation of a compelling point of view on an emotional real-life narrative. H

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For More Information Call: 281-208-1403 1717 Dulles Ave., Missouri City, TX 77459

Fax: 281-208-1426 • Full Care Available • Mon-Fri • 7 am - 6:30 pm

Being Flynn Starring: Paul Dano & Robert De Niro Director: Paul Weitz Company: Focus Features Now Showing: In Local Area Theatres MPAA Rating: R Grade: A

www.fortbend

.com •April 2012

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Headliners continued from page 41

center right on their doorsteps!”

Donations to PennyWise are used directly by Women’s Center clients or sold to the public at the PennyWise Resale Centers listed below. Proceeds from sales to the public are used to fund the programs and services provided to Women’s Center clients.

The Fort Bend community can support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children by making donations at any of the Women’s Center’s four PennyWise locations: Missouri City and Sugar Land (donations only) – 4737 Highway 6 South, Missouri City, 77459; 281-344-5777.

Stafford – 13945 Murphy Road, Stafford, 77477; 281-344-5782.

Richmond – 1120 Highway 90A, Richmond, 77469; 281-344-5770.

Mission Bend – 6808 Highway 6 South, Houston, 77083; 281-344-5791.

To schedule large items for pick up, donors can call 281-344-5770. H

Fort Bend County Women’s Center Announces New PennyWise Donation Center Serving Missouri City and Sugar Land

PennyWise sales associate Cristina Barron and customer Melissa Abrantes.

donations of furniture, gently used clothing, shoes, electronics and household goods.

The Missouri City and Sugar Land Donation Center will be open from 9 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday and from noon – 5 pm on Sundays. Donation Center manager Anita Maddox commented, “The Women’s Center has so many dedicated supporters in the Missouri City and Sugar Land area. I am so excited to be the one who opens the doors of our new donation

Support the Fort Bend County Museum Association at Lone Star Stomp XXIII Fort Bend County has changed quite a bit in 175 years, but local residents still enjoy a good time. Join your friends and neighbors at this year’s Lone Star Stomp

We are pleased to recognize

2011 Top producer

The Fort Bend County Women’s Center is excited to announce the opening of their new PennyWise Donation Center on Saturday, April 14th. Located at 4737 Highway 6 South in the Colony Plaza Shopping Center near Star Cinema Grill, the new donation center will make it even more convenient for Missouri City and Sugar Land residents – especially those from Riverstone, Sienna Plantation, Lake Olympia, Quail Valley and First Colony – to support the Women’s Center through

Sharon Kaye as the

2011 Top ProduceR

Fort Bend Office Whether buying or selling, for a successful transaction, contact Sharon at

832.496.5927

skaye@heritagetexas.com

Wherever Life Takes You,

Call On Us fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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Thomas P. Arnold, OD Melissa C. Moeller, OD and Associates Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists 15337 Southwest Frwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77478

Williams Trace @ Hwy 59

Becky Covell, Chair of Stomp XXIII, and Judi Vernon, Co-Chair, with ‘Red.’

set for Saturday, April 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park. Like early Texans, enjoy music, dancing, eating and socializing, as the Stomp’s Executive Committee has planned a roaring good time.

Becky Covell, Event Chair, along with Co-Chairs, Jessica Rodriguez and Judi Vernon, have put together an evening whose theme is ‘Stompin’ on the Wild Side.’ The original Triumphs will keep the crowd on the dance floor. Steven Onstad and his crew from The Swinging Door will prepare a special menu he calls, “Hogs and Chicks,” featuring grilled pork loin and marinated chicken breasts. Guests will enjoy a great array of items in the live and silent auctions and the event will be filled with lots of new surprises.

This year’s Honorary Chairs are Lori and Tom Shirley. Tom says he and Lori are happy to help “preserve the heritage of Fort Bend County for our future generations and to introduce this history to our new citizens.” All proceeds benefit the Fort Bend Museum’s educational programs, which teaches newcomers and natives about Fort Bend’s rich local history.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have some fun and support a good cause at “Lone Star Stomp XXIII … Stompin’ on the Wild Side,” Saturday, April 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park. Individual tickets are $65 and reserved tables may be arranged for groups of 8 and above. For more information, call (281) 342-1256 or visit website www.fortbendmuseum.org. H

281-242-2020

www.2020sugarland.com

Frank Lee, OD Mary Ghoubrial, OD, and Uyen Tran, OD Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists 8817 Hwy 6 Ste 100, Missouri City, TX 77459

Sienna Parkway @ Hwy 6

281-416-2010

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Headliners continued on page 63

26 years experience in Texas www.fortbend

.com •April 2012

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The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Presents

Wine & Music 2012

“A Silver Celebration” M

ark your calendars to celebrate the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary at the 22nd Annual “Wine & Music!” This year’s event, “A Silver Celebration,” will be held Friday, May 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. To celebrate 25 years of excellence in Fort Bend County, the Honorary Chairs for this year’s event are Lucia and Larry Street.

Please join them as the event commemorates the Literacy Council’s 25 successful years with a night of fabulous food, fine wine, live music and a live and silent auction.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample food and wine from local vendors while listening to live music from Fort Larry and Lucia Street are the Honorary Chairs for this year’s event.

Bend’s favorite local musicians. In addition, the live and silent auction will be filled with unique and valuable packages. Once again, the event will be offering their 100 for $100 Raffle – selling 100 tickets for $100 for the chance to win the live auction package of your choice. The winner will be chosen at the event, but you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are on sale NOW! Also at the event, six new Literacy Stars will be honored.

These Literacy Stars have made a significant contribution to the Literacy Council through their time, talents, service and dedication to the organization. The six Literacy Stars that will be honored are: Jane Lawrence, Sam Needham, Steve

fort bend

Onstad, James Patterson, Lizz Sansone and Robert Wolter.

“We are thrilled to be honoring these individuals at our 25th Anniversary Celebration,” said Brenda Bowman, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. “All of these individuals have given so much to the Literacy Council, and this is a small, but heartfelt display of our gratitude to them.”

Sponsorships are currently available for the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, and they range in price from $750 to $10,500 with special underwriting opportunities. Sponsorship benefits include program recognition, a table at the event, valet parking passes, complimentary bottles of wine, naming rights and recognition in media materials. Sponsors will not want to miss the opportunity to become a donor for the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary Celebration! In addition to sponsorships, donations of live and silent auction items are currently being accepted.

Please plan on celebrating the Literacy Council’s achievements of the past 25 years at “A Silver Celebration” on May 11. Tickets for the event are $75 per person, and they can be purchased by contacting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281.240.8181 or online at www.ftbendliteracy.org.

For more information about Wine & Music 2012 – “A Silver Celebration” or the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, please contact the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281.240.8181 or www.ftbendliteracy.org.

magazine • April 2012

48

A to Z Fun Guide Summer vacations are a time for kids to kick back, relax and most importantly, have fun. And just because school is out doesn’t mean that children need to forego learning in the pursuit of having fun. There are many activities that have the potential to be learning experiences.

Parents can foster learning throughout the warm-weather months. Here are numerous ideas for maximum fun... Enjoy!

www.fortbend

.com •April 2012

49

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

SAFETY Summer

M E R I C A’ S

Sports Camp

• Indoor Rock Climbing • Incredible 90’ Zip-Line • Karate • Ice Skating • Basketball • Jedi Sword Fighting • Stranger Danger Seminars First Colony Mall

• Rope Swing • Moon Walk • Giant 20’ Slide • Kick Ball • Dodge Ball • Games & Movies

281 980-3030

US 59

y

Hw 6

Lexington

Safety Amercia

For Kids 4-12 Limited Enrollment - Register Today!

www.safetyamericacenter.com

2595 Cordes Drive (off Lexington) Sugar Land

est Gym-Camp

in Sugar Land

• Jedi Sword Fighting • Gymnastics • Giant 20’ Slide • Ice Skating • Ninja Hide & Seek • Stranger Danger Seminars • Moonwalk • Dodge Ball • Arts & Crafts • Games & Movies

• Ages 4 to 10 • Boys & Girls • Family Discounts • Register for 1-Day or All Summer Ask About Our

“FREE”

Sugar Land Gymnastics 16215 Lexington Blvd.

281-240-0999 SugarLandGymnastics.com fort bend

magazine • April 2012

50

Trial DANCE Classes • Modern • Ballet • Hip-Hop • Tap • Zumba • Jazz

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

CCHRISTIAN HRISTIAN CAMP CAMP JULY 30 - AUGUST 3 K - 5 GRADE TH

SOCCER, BASKETBALL, FLAG FOOTBALL. CHEER

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAY • SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479 PHONE: 281.980.6888, EXT.4765 • KIMR@CUMCSL.ORG WWW.CUMCSL.ORG/CAMP

APPLY NOW! Grades Pre-K – 12 www. fortbendchristian.org/admissions

Bring this Ad for

FREE

Registration Fee and a Discount on Weekly Tuition

enjoyable learning Programs Offered:

• 6 weeks to 5 years of age • Before and after school (5 to 12 years)

• Summer Camp • Rotations to Specialized Classrooms • Art and Music • Computer lab • Gym everyday • Splash park • Spanish everyday

Read • Act • Legos • Band • Art • Sports www.fortbendchristian.org/summer2012

281.545.9470

748 Crabb River Rd. Richmond Tx 77469 | info@imaginareschool.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

51

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

CAMP

Family Owned

GBH

K-5th Grade

Session I: June 4th – June 29th Session II: July 2nd – July 27th Session III: July 30th – Aug. 17th 6:30 - 6:30

Monday thru Friday Registration begins April 1st

• Arts & Crafts • Dance • Music • Sports • Water Activities • Game Room • XBox 360, Wii, Playstation 2 • Library • Big Screen Movies

Cost: $45 Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)

$120/Week

Kingdom Heights Hwy. 36 Hwy. 90 A

4th St. Mons Ave.

281.232.9583

Like Us On 2417 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 • www.gbhdaycare.com

H

orse Back Riding

Fort Bend’s Finest Equestrian Center

Spend Summer Break at Riding Camp with Sienna Stables!

• Summer Camps beginning June • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday - Friday • Youths aged 6 - 16 years old • Students grouped according to ability & age • Horse Show exhibition and awards for all!

• Now taking reservations

June 4 - 8 June 18 - 22 July 9 - 13 July 23 - 27 July 30 - Aug 3 Aug 13 - 17

8255 Camp Sienna Trail Call Today! 281-778-7433 Missouri City, TX 77459

Pecan Grove

www.siennastables.com fort bend

Richmond

Gingerbread House

River Park West Greatwood

New Territory

Hwy. 59

Sugar Land

Make Summer More Fun Remember to drink plenty of water every day.

Don’t forget the family pets.

Wear Sunscreen.

Buy a great hat & sunglasses Eat light.

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. magazine • April 2012

52

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Read a review or join us on…….

281-342-4766 (IRON) WWW.IRONCROSSGYMNASTICS.COM

J

Learn more about

ESUS

Call or check our website for more details. www.hbctx.org Weekly Bible Studies!

a place to call home 2223 FM 1092 • Missouri City, Texas 77459 • 281-403-4994 • www.hbctx.org www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

53

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Open Registration for Summer Camp Junior and Senior Campers (preschool – 12 years) Time—The Past

Let’s climb into our phenomenal time machine And see amazing sights like we’ve never seen!

We’ll travel back into the mysterious past.

Hang on, Time Travelers, ‘cause we’re moving fast!

The Prehistoric Era

Brrrrrr! Brrrrrr! Brrrrrr! It’s cold, cold, cold!

We’re in the Ice Age, and what sights we behold!

Let’s move to the time when dinosaurs rambled.

Uh oh, there’s a T. Rex—we’d better scramble!

Ancient Civilization

Ancient civilizations and treasures unknown, We’ll see the Greek ruins and great Egyptian stones.

The Olympic Games will have us ready to run, So come along with us and have some fun!

The Explorers

Take a trip back in time among castles and knights, Medieval music, and Renaissance sights!

Then, buckle up and get ready for more: The New World is waiting—it’s time to explore!

Moving West

Hold onto your hat! Giddy up! Gallop down!

‘Cause Western weeks are coming to town!

Our rootin-tootin time machine takes us west To learn what cowboys and cowgirls did best.

The Future

Buckle up as we travel to future days!

Let’s explore robotics and mysterious ways.

We’ll fly in cars and be at home on the moon.

Beam me up now! The future is coming soon!

www.KidsRKidsFortBend.com fort bend

magazine • April 2012

54

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Learning Stages, Inc. A Child Development Center

Since 1992

Enrolling for

Guitar • Piano/Piano Prep • Voice • Violin Music Preparation for Young Children 4-7 College Trained and Degreed Teachers

& 2012-2013 School Year

20333 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Summer Camp

Camp Explore

Conveniently located just off Grand Parkway

Gift Certificates

• Interactive & educational activities • Field Trips • Special Events

281-545-1400

www.BachToRock.com x

12780 South Kirkwood (Between Hwy 59 & Hwy 90)

281-240-0480

WWW.LEARNINGSTAGES.COM

www.rightchoiceforkids.org

The Walden School You have high expectations... and so do we.

Now Accepting Registration for Fall Infants through Pre-Kindergarten Private Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

281-980-0022 • www.thewaldenschool.com .com • April 2012

Sum m e r Camp Call for details

16103-A Lexington Blvd. (behind First Colony Mall) • 6:15am - 6:45pm

www.fortbend

A d v e n tu ro u s, e d u c a ti o n a l & fu n

55

Transportation to Area Schools Kindergarten through Age 13

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

•S ay

Go Outside & Pl

art Beach • Mus tan tew

g

S

t Aransas • S e • Por a Rim nd Isla

South Padre Isla ark • P e nd t a t

Galves ton Isla n d

o •P

b el • rt Isa

Fun in the Sun! • Attractions • History Wild Life • Fishing • Camping A day at the OCEAN is fun for the Whole Family!

Go Outside and PLAY! Check the web for beaches near you.

281-499-3921 3643 Glenn Lakes Ln., Highway 6 • Missouri City

www.robinsdancestudio.com

DANCE STUDIO

Tutu Train Express Dance Camp Ages 4 – 6 June 19th – 23rd

Texas Summer Reading Club • Story Telling Books • Videos • Music CD • Story Kits Educational Toys • Magazines • CD-ROMs and More!

Check Out Your Favorite Fort Bend Library www.fortbend.lib.tx.us fort bend

Summer Dance Session June 19 – July 18 Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Call or see website for schedule magazine • April 2012

56

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

u gar Land Baptist Church

Fine Arts Camp 2012

9am - 1pm July 16-19 & 23-26

For Kids Entering 2nd-6th Grades $125 for 1 week/$240 for 2 weeks

Flight Plan Xylo-Fun! Star Guitar Prime Time Sweets Houston Museum of Natural Science @ Sugar Land Rock N Roll Puppets Sign Language Drama “Hour” Choir Jump Gym Jump Outdoor Fun 24/7 Cooking Class Oil Pastels Clock Stoppers Dance Tutting Fashion Jewelry Sew “A Stitch in Time” Tick Tock Magic Glass Mosaics Cookie Joe’s Dance

www.fineartscamp.net

2012 CAMP OFFERING S WEEK ONE

= = = = = =

Drama Singing Choreography Costuming Set Building How To Audition

WEEK TWO

9am - 1pm July 16-19 & 23-26

For Kids Entering 7th-12th Grades

www.stagerightcamp.com

16755 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 • 281-980-4431 • www.sugarlandbaptist.org For Fine Arts Camp information or questions, contact Karen at 281.275.6507 or kplatt@sugarlandbaptist.org.

www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

57

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

s p m a C mer ges!

Sum

A For All

Join us as we create our own play – from script to stage – and perform for family and friends on Fridays!

Half-Day Camp

Grades K-4th 9 – 11 am or 1 – 3 pm $100 per week session

10%

Full Day Camp*

DISCOUNT

Grades 5th-12th 9 am – 2 pm $200 per week session

for returning students and siblings

Each camp is unique and many campers attend several sessions each Summer!

Summer Acting Camps June 11 – 15 June 18 – 22 June 25 – 29 July 9 – 13 July 16 – 20 July 23 – 27 July 30 – Aug. 3 Aug. 6 – 10

K-4th grade 5-8th grade 5-8th grade 9-12th grade K-4th grade 5-8th grade 9-12th grade 5-8th grade

832-651-8857 5503 FM 359, Ste. D, Richmond, TX 77406

www.FoglesFutureStars.com Ask about our After-School Programs for Fall!

*Full day campers need to bring a lunch and drink.

V

is for Vegetables

FARMERS’ MARKET AT IMPERIAL Open Every Saturday - year around 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. rain or shine URBAN HARVEST FARMERS’ MARKET Sugar Land Town Square Thursday from 4-7 p.m.

PAVLOCK FARMS Located right outside of Rosenberg.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WILD WEST FARMERS’ MARKET Pecan Grove Area Market Every Sunday, Noon - 4 p.m.

KATY’S FARMERS’ MARKET LaCenterra Parking Lot Every Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon

fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Waterpark Two Great Seasons SUMMER SEASON

Over 33 Attractions!

April 21 - September 23, 2012

With its huge array of awesome aquatic adventures and TWO great seasons, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island can be your personal happy place all year long!

Vis Visit schlitterbahn.com for more information and the complete operating schedule or call 409-770-WAVE. Prices, hours, attraction availability and operating schedule subject to change without notice.

Save$12

MOST

UP TO

FUN

Not valid Saturdays in June, July or August or with any other offer, discount, special price, prepaid, mid-day, group, two-day or season tickets. Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day. Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale. Prices, operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice.

HEATED INDOOR

SEASON

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March 3 - April 15, 2012 and September 29 - December 30, 2012

Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window any operating day during our 2012 Heated Indoor Season (March 3 - April 15, 2012 and September 20 - December 30, 2012) or during our 2012 Summer Season (any operating day in April, May or Sep September, OR Sunday through Friday in June, July or August) and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-priced, all day tickets.

Coupon expires December 30, 2012.

Free Parking | Free Tubes Picnics Welcome ©2012 Waterpark Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Buy TICKETS at schlitterbahn.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

59

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

COLLEGE MAY BE THE

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fort bend

magazine • April 2012

60

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Is Growing - Come Grow With Us!

WANTED: Summer Interns

We are looking for High School or College students who want to learn about the exciting world of magazine publishing. Class credit available.

Learn:

• Writing • Editing • Developing Story Ideas • Event Planning • Promotion • Email Marketing

Contact Patti Parish-Kaminski pparishkaminski@sbcglobal.net

It’s a

ZOO

Some Great Zoos Close to Home Houston Zoo TGR Wildlife Park - Spring Texas Zoo - Victoria

in here!

Wonder World - San Marcos Austin Zoo San Antonio Zoo

ing key n o nd tM Qui ound a Us! e Ar e Se m Co

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - New Braunfels Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose Dallas Zoo

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Texas has great zoos for you and your family to visit this Summer! www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

61

d r Lanair SugaFo od Aff Winerly& Affair The Grand Wine & Food Forme

April 18 - 22, 2012

ndFoodAffair.com

ineA

SugarLandW dfoodaffair /sugarlandwinean www.facebook.com Management e of Hotel and Restaurant Conrad N. Hilton Colleg ciary Producing Partner and Benefi

Wednesday, April 18th

6:30 – 10 pm Buen Provecho! Dinner with the Corduas in the Heart of Sugar Land $125 per ticket or Reserved Table for Eight ($1,000) or six ($750) Join award-winning Chefs David and Michael Cordua for an unparalleled dining experience as they open the doors to their latest culinary masterpiece, Churrascos Sugar Land, at 1520 Lake Pointe Pkwy., exclusively for one night only. Explore the fresh, vibrant flavors of Latin America with an off-menu, fivecourse dinner, accompanied by a beautiful selection of South American wines. Fine cigars and post-dinner Flor De Cana Rum cocktails on the lake front patio complete this memorable event. Seating is limited.

For reserved tables, please call 713-SIP-WINE. Individual tickets can be purchased on-line.

Friday, April 20th

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Fred Parks Lecture Series Presents Sommeliers Secrets: The Great Old World/ New World Divide with Marnie Old, MS $45 per ticket If you’ve ever wondered why American and European wines made from the same grape can radically different, this is your chance to get the inside scoop!

Wine & Food Affair Sugar Land

A

Events

April 18th – 22nd

re you ready for some festivity, fun and frivolity? Then sign up for the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Event scheduled for April 18th through 22nd. Enjoy internationally acclaimed wineries and chefs in this unique series of wining and dining events. Your only decision is which ones to attend? Take a look at this sampling of events, and enjoy! For tickets, visit www.sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com.

Join world-class wine educator Marnie Old for a fascinating look at one of the key concepts that sommeliers and insiders use to make sense of the complex landscape of wine. Taste luxury wines that span a spectrum of style from the ‘Old World’ classics to the ‘New World’ innovators in a unique interactive seminar led by one of the wine world’s most engaging rising stars. At Marriott Sugar Land Town Square, 16090 City Walk.

7 – 9:30 pm The Grand Tasting $125 per ticket Featuring the most sought after wines in the world today and the talents of the country’s culinary superstars. The event will also feature The Grand Auction, a silent auction that benefits an endowed scholarship fund at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The Grand Tasting is held at the elegant ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square; and will be the hottest ticket in town! Chic cocktail attire recommended. At Marriott Sugar Land Town Square, 16090 City Walk.

Saturday, April 21st 11 am – 5:15 pm Imperial Shuttle from Sugar Land Marriott Town Square $5 per ticket Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

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magazine • April 2012

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Shuttle transportation is available from the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square Conference Center entrance, 16090 City Walk, to the entry of the Sip & Stroll at Imperial and back.

1 – 4:00 pm Sip & Stroll at Imperial $60 per ticket The historic Imperial Char House and Three Bay Warehouse will be the new home for the Sip & Stroll at Imperial.

This is the largest event and will feature over 40 wineries and a restaurant showcase with culinary delights displayed at tasting tables. Guests will enjoy a host of activities including cooking demonstrations, mixologists and live music. Wear casual outdoor attire – historic costumes are optional! At Imperial Sugar Land, 198 Kempner Street in Sugar Land.

Sunday, April 22nd 11 am – 2 pm Bistro Brunch at Town Square $50 per ticket Brunch on delicious food & wine pairings from around the world prepared by international chefs from South Africa, Spain, Texas, France, Germany, California, Japan, New Zealand, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, Oregon, New Mexico & Brazil. Casual Brunch Chic Attire.

Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Town Center Blvd North.

Headliners continued from page 47

Ladies & Gentlemen of Fort Bend County to Take the Runway at the Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show Ticket sales are well underway for the 5th Annual Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show presented by Wells Fargo Bank. The luncheon, chaired

by Terri Wang along with honorary chair, Jacquie Chaumette, is scheduled for Friday, April 27th, at the Stafford Center from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm and will benefit Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

Inspiration Keynote Speakers Aly Calvo and Andrea Kulberg, M.Ed., simply known as Aly and Andrea - identical twins and motivational speakers, will share their story to inspire the audience: They’ve faced their own extremely premature birth, blindness, poverty, rejection, divorce, failure, cancer, and more.

Yet, between them, they carry titles of World Champion athletes, former University of Texas Cheerleaders, Olympic Torch bearer, cancer survivor, awardwinning international CEO, TV spokesperson, authors, and speakers. Roseann Rogers will serve as the event emcee.

Fourteen “local celebrity” models will take the runway in spring fashions provided by Cache, Wardrobe The Boutique and Jos. A. Bank with hair and make-up provided by Salon Eben & Day Spa. The Stafford Centre will be transformed into a design and floral extravaganza with elegant designs by the area’s best. Interiors designers and florists from the Fort Bend and surrounding area are invited to decorate the tables in their “Theme of Choice.”

To add a little fun to the event, Celebrity Table Décor Judge, Torie Halbert, finalist in HGTV’s Design Star-Season 4, will take to the floor to award the Overall Table Design and Most Creative Table Design, which will be announced at the end of the event.

For ticket information, please contact Kristin Weiss at 281-633-7057 or kweiss@fortbendseniors.org. H

Every story has a bead™

SPRINGSATIONAL new bead release!

Introducing a brand new seasonal collection, the 2012 Universal Decorative Eggs.

Beautiful artistic glass tassels available in limited quantities this spring season.

2625 Town Center Blvd. | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.980.2070 www.interiorsmarkettx.com

Your New Outdoor Living Room!

Patio Covers • Outdoor Kitchens • Screened Porches Decorative Patios • Sunrooms • And More!

Family & Friends

Make it an Outdoor Event

Call today to schedule a free design consultation.

281-265-1994 TexasCustomPatios.com

Headliners continued on page 65 www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

63

Aliana Model Home Opening Alisa Murray’s Birthday Bash

Sylvia & Dean Carpenter.

Travis Stone & Tom Afflerbach.

Linda Kilgore & Mandy DeLeon.

Jackie Wilcox & Monroe Ashworth.

Victoria Ann & Alisa Murray.

Sejal Upadhyaya, Dr. Nina Desai & Ashley Willis.

Fort Bend Junior Service League VIP Party

Kelly Dunnabant & Candy Howard.

Mandy Boudreaux, Jessica DeMarr & Audra O’Neal.

Nicole Page, Lindsey Cullison & Hillary Watson.

Nicole Snow, Brigit Engleman, Debbie Buckner & Jennifer Belt.

Steve & Kelli Metzinthin.

Theresa Sullivan & Dalia Ahmad.

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magazine • April 2012

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Headliners continued from page 63

Fort Bend Boys Choir Celebrates 30th Anniversary Season with Significant Grants The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, in its 30th anniversary season, has plenty to celebrate! They just received $25,000 from The George Foundation this January 2012. This grant will provide scholarship assistance to choirboys for tuition, workshops, vocal instruction, camps, summer performance tours and more. In addition, The Madison Charitable Foundation recently awarded $30,000 to the organization for general program support for all five performing ensembles; this is after a $10,000 grant was awarded in August 2011. “Given the state of our economy, these grants have truly been a blessing to our music programs. Now, we can reach out to many more deserving and talented boys in the Greater Houston area who have the desire to sing,” says William R. Adams, Founder and Artistic Director.

To learn more about the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, one of the largest independent boychoirs in the nation, visit their website at www.fbbctx.org.

You may also visit their Facebook page for the latest information on their 30th anniversary activities. H

Dee Koch with the George Foundation presenting grant check to Tiana Mortimer, Executive Director and the Fort Bend Boys Choir.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Offers Volunteer Training Class

Specialist in dentistry for children from 6 months to 17 years of age Friendly, gentle and caring staff Offering Oral and I.V. Sedation

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Well, your chance is just around the corner!

Beginning April 16th, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering evening training class for new volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children.

Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and submit a background screening. For more information or an application, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5130 or ssoileau@cafb.org. H

Now offering reversal to dental numbness Most major insurances accepted Ask About NO INTEREST PAYMENT PLANS Sí Habla Español

Headliners continued on page 67 www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

65

Cool Braces!

Now Offering Orthodontic Services!

Fifth Annual Central Fort Bend Chamber Mardi Gras Party The Foster ProStart Management Team Competes in the 2012 ProStart Regional Competition

Clara Freeman & Claude Leatherwood.

Foster ProStart Culinary Team’s Sponsor Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, members Jesus Carrillo, Samantha Rice, Heidi Morin & Blanca Huerta.

Miguel Rodriguez & Kevin Kohl.

Foster ProStart Management Team’s Colton Coyle, Sponsor Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, Akila Rogers, Victoria Bowman & Diontre Jornet.

First Ladies of Fort Bend Luncheon & Fashion Show Steering Committee Shanta Kuhl & Bruce Gingrich.

Joy Dowell, Eloise Lucas, Cheryl Bertrand, Karen Chitty-Boe & Debbie Prihoda. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

Laurel Wendt, Rebecca Maitland & Andres Novoa.

66

Headliners continued from page 65

Sugar Land Garden Club Celebrates Arbor Day Sugar Land Garden Club recently celebrated Arbor Day by planting two trees at the Pawn Springs Dog Park, a part of Sugar Land Memorial Park.

The club selected a cedar elm and a Mexican white oak because both are well-suited for the Gulf Coast area.

The celebration was attended by garden club members with several visitors from city management. Visitors included Joe Chesser, Asst. Park and Recreation Director; Kimberly Terrell, Park Development Manager; Phil Martin, Park Supervisor; and Vicki Gist from Keep Sugar Land Beautiful.

Sugar Land Garden Club is a 150+ member organization that supports a variety of state-wide and community horticultural projects. The club also offers two scholarships to graduate horticultural students each year. The club has two fundraisers that support their endeavors, a garden art and plant sale the third Saturday of September and a garden tour the second Saturday in May. This year the garden tour is on May 12th from 9 am to 4 pm and will feature gardens in the Sugar Creek subdivision. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at 802 Merrick Dr. on the day of the tour.

One of the oldest garden clubs in Texas, the club celebrates its 80th year in 2012. Sugar Land Garden Club meets at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Rd, 77478, on the third Tuesday of the month. The meetings feature speakers on gardenrelated topics. The club also offers workshops and field trips throughout the year. For further information, see www.sugarlandgardenclub.org. H

Sugar Land Garden Club plants two trees at Sugar Land’s Pawn Springs Dog Park as part of their Arbor Day Celebration.

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Headliners continued on page 69

FREE

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

www.fortbendgaragesale.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

67

Memorial Hermann Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Event Sugar Land Plastic Surgery Open House

Karen Chitty-Boe & George Gatson.

Shelby Christinidis, Ofilia Cornejo, Lea Marchesano, Tina Ngo & Amber Blackstock.

Jim Brown & Majid Basit.

Breanna Ochoa & Claudia Abbott.

Julie Nguyen & Catherine Than.

The Fort Bend County Chapter of The Links, Inc. Presents the 2nd Annual Poster Arts Contest and Exhibit David & Kathryn Tart.

Members of the Fort Bend County Links Jean Thompson, Jan Woodson, Margaret A. Graham, special guest Nancy Stephenson Woods, and Margaret Washington. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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Gerrit Von Wenckstern & Melissa Mielcarek.

Headliners continued from page 67

Thunder Wolf District Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America Holds 2012 District Dinner On January 28th, The Thunder Wolf District of the Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America held its 2012 District Dinner. A number of awards were presented.

Vince Donart, Thunder Wolf District Chairman, announced that the District had achieved Silver Level in Scouting’s “Journey to Excellence.” Donart expressed his appreciation to David Van Kleeck, immediate past Chairman of the District, and to Scouts and Scouters of the District for their hard work to achieve this level. Vince also presented two plaques to Van Kleeck, from the District and from the Sam Houston Area Council, expressing appreciation for his three years’ service as District Chairman.

Van Kleeck reviewed the events of 2011, including the achievement of the Journey to Excellence recognition.

Carey Snyder made a short presentation in remembrance of Scout leaders lost during the year – Will Gawlik, Pat Moore, and Pat Thornton. After the investiture of officers (Vince Donart, Chairman; Kim Icenhower, Vice Chairman; Tim Richard, District Commissioner), Susan Frederickson presented an update on the Order of the Arrow Chapter activities.

Unit Awards of Excellence were presented to Cub Scout Pack 828, Boy Scout Troops 659, 441, 731, 1631, 1845, and Venturing Crew 1316.

Thunder Wolf Awards were presented to Roger Hoover (Troop 103), Len Kutz ( Troop 441), Don Rakoski and Sarah Ryan ( Troop 731), Doug Acker (Troop 1631), Andy Friedman ( Troop 1852), Steffany Leach, and Robert Goodspeed ( Troop 441).

District Awards of Merit were presented to David Rudzinski (Troop 1852) and Veniece Griffin.

Headliners continued on page 73

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Financial Focus

Spring Cleaning Your Finances Spring appears to have come early this year, so while you’re cleaning out the garage and weeding the flower bed, consider looking at your finances. Here are some things you can do to clean up your cash flow and enjoy a prosperous 2012.

Consider refinancing your mortgage. Rates have dropped significantly during the last few years, providing homeowners the opportunity to save hundreds on their monthly payments and tens of thousands through the life of the loan. Qualifying won’t be easy, but it’s well worth it if

you bought your home between 2003 and 2007 and are planning to stay in it for eight or more years.

Contribute at least the company match to your 401k. While this may decrease your take-home pay, the long-term return to you is huge. By contributing the match, your employer is providing you with a guaranteed 50100 percent return on your investment, and all of it is tax-deferred! No stock or real estate investment can offer this.

Check your credit report. Errors on your report can hurt your credit score

and prevent you from getting a loan. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are not legally obligated to pay the debts falsely accrued to your name, but will need to clean up your report. Call one of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion or Experian) for instructions. For a free credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com.

WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact wj@ wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400. H

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12:01:06 PM magazine 3/7/08 • April 2012

Financial Focus Houston Community Bank, N.A. Is Rated 5 Stars tionships and effective solutions for you.”

So, if you are looking for confidence, reassurance and a personal relationship in your Bank, look no further ...

Choosing the right local bank just got a lot easier.

Please come in or call any of our convenient Fort Bend Banking Centers (281-343-7700) and let our experienced team tell you more about how Houston Community Bank, N.A. can benefit you and your business. H

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As an independent community bank, we believe our sound banking practices give people a safe place to save, help businesses grow and ensure that we’ll be here for another 30 years.

Here’s what makes our bank Safe and Sound: • Strong Capital Position • Fundamental Banking Decisions

• Relationship Banking • Very Liquid • Local Ownership

Our capital provides a strong financial foundation. We honor our commitment to you, our customer, and to our community. If you are considering a new banking relationship, please give us a call.

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ry

Are you looking for new ways to achieve your Business Goals?

• Are you constantly faced with

complex business issues and can’t

seem to get satisfaction from your

advisors?

• Has your bank disappeared or been

purchased by a completely unknown

entity?

• Do you remember when you were on a first name basis with an experienced banker?

If you would like assistance in any of these areas, Houston Community Bank wants to HELP YOU!!!

Claude B. Leatherwood, Vice Chairman and C.O.O. of Houston Community Bank and a Sugar Land resident stated, “For over 30 years, Houston Community Bank (HCB) has been assisting small business owners with comprehensive solutions to their financial needs and requirements.

HCB Bankers are experienced businessmen who understand the financial service needs of our small to mid-size business clients, and we would like to help you, too.

Additionally, the Bank also offers a wide range of customized business products and services to assist you in navigating these ever changing economic currents.”

Leatherwood explained that HCB has steadfastly maintained its Principles for Sound Banking Practices. “As a result, our financial institution is safe and sound and is consistently rated a 5 Star Bank which means we are one of the strongest banks in the nation. Our entire organization is extremely proud and honored by this prestigious designation.”

“As you know by now, all Banks are not alike. HCB’s strong capital position and sound banking practices provide businesses and consumers a safe place to bank locally and a safe place to maintain their hard-earned dollars. We also believe ready access to credit is an integral part of the life cycle of every business. HCB has over 30 years of experience in assisting businesses with these traditional sources of financing. Accordingly, HCB is committed to working with and creating new rela-

Financial Focus

First Victoria National Bank Continues Its Growth In keeping pace with the needs of it customers, First Victoria National Bank continued its growth in the area. In 2011, that growth included the newest of their locations in Fort Bend County, the Rosenberg Reading Banking Center.

The new location marked the second in Rosenberg, and the fourth in Fort Bend County, along with neighboring locations in Richmond and Katy. The new banking center offers full-service banking, four drive-thru lanes, a 24-hour drive-up ATM and club-style business

amenities at their V-Source Center™.

Keeping this trend, First Victoria National Bank will continue its growth in both Fort Bend County and neighboring Montgomery County over the next few years. In Cinco Ranch, construction is slated to begin soon on their new retail banking center aimed at using the latest technology for its customers. The new banking center will include a smaller footprint and will be staffed by universal bankers, who can open deposit accounts, conduct teller transactions or introduce

customers to brokerage representatives or other bank partners via video-cable telephones. Also, in neighboring Montgomery County, the newest banking center opened this March, with another location scheduled to open late 2012.

First Victoria is the oldest independent bank in Texas with more than 80,000 customers in the Texas Gulf Coast, the I-45 corridor of North Houston, the Brazos Valley and Fort Bend County. For more information about the bank, visit www.firstvictoria.com. H

First Victoria Welcomes Bruce Mercer to the Team.

Bruce Mercer Executive Vice President 281-599-6005 bmercer@firstvictoria.com

We are pleased to announce the addition of Bruce Mercer as Regional Lending Manager to the First Victoria National Bank Lending Team.

Bruce and the team will take the time to get to know you, your business and what it takes to build a solid financial future. And they are right here to make decisions and loans— faster. They also don’t just make loans...they manage your entire banking relationship.

So come in and meet Bruce and the rest of the Lending Team to ask about the full range of services that we can offer to you.

www.firstvictoria.com

2012

fort bend

magazine • April 2012

72

Headliners continued from page 69

The Chartered Partner of the Year Award was presented to The Exchange Club of Sugar Land, which charters both Pack 1133 and Troop 731. In addition to supporting scouting, The Exchange Club supports a number of non-profit organizations in the Fort Bend area which provide service to seniors, awareness and prevention of child abuse, service to children and families at risk, Americanism, and school shoes and Christmas presents for underprivileged youth.

The District Family of the Year Award was presented to the Frazier family. Denise Frazier is a Committee Member of both Boy Scout Troop 731 and Venturing Crew 1003. She is also an Associate Advisor to the Crew. Her daughter, Julianne Marie, graduated from Elkins High School, where she was in the band and a member of FFA (President during her senior year), and is currently a student at Sam Houston State University. She was Crew President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and is still a member of the Crew.

Denise’s son, Zachary Thomas, is a member of Troop 731 and Crew 1003, and a member of Tamia Tala Chapter of the Order of the Arrow. He is a Life Scout, working on his Eagle project for Lantern Lane Elementary. He attends Elkins High School where he plays baseball.

Currently, there are almost 1900 Tiger Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venture Crew members served by the district, supported by over 1000 adult Scouters, all volunteers Thunder Wolf District, comprised of Stafford MISD and the portion of Fort Bend ISD South of US-59, is affiliated with the Sam Houston Area Council in Houston, the largest Boy Scout Council in the United States.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. H

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H O M E F E AT U R E B y S o p h i a Va s s i l i o u

!

Spring into

COL OR S

pring is a season when the landscape’s visual outburst encourages us to do a double take: Daffodil’s yellow trumpets, azalea’s fuchsia blossoms, and plump chartreuse leaves. Not only are these great colors, but they also spark new color palette ideas. So why not take time to refresh and renew your interior?

Choosing Color

for Interior Design

How do you react to color? Do the warm shades of a sunset move you, or does a clean, cool winter landscape speak to you? What inspires you?

Nature’s palette, the ocean’s hues, or bold colors?

Is there a mood you want to capture? Visualize colors that create a calm retreat to a bright kitchen. Get a clue from your clothes closet. Does that one red sweater get passed over time and time again for the neutrals in your wardrobe?

Using Color in Design What is the size of the space? Do you want it to feel larger or cozier? How much available light is there, and what time of day will you use the room most? Decorating a room with a view? You may want to incorporate the hues in your surroundings into the palette. The visuals show the relationship of “Inspiration to Interiors” using color. A bold sculptural palette influences an office space with storage boxes and bright artwork. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

74

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APPOINTMENTS: 832-379-8603 An ocean’s turquoise tones and white waves translate to cool colors with white and reflective accents for a foyer.

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• Remember to accessorize your space with textures, shapes, and patterns using colors from your inspiration palette.

• If you are decorating more than one room, you can unify them with color as well. Spring into color – it’s fun!

For more decorating tips, visit Sophia at www. sophiadesigns.com.

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Eggcelent

EASTER RECIPES Amazing Muffin Cups Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes Yield: 12 servings 3 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns 3 tablespoons melted butter 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 12 links Johnsonville Original

Breakfast Sausage 6 eggs 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded 4-cheese

Mexican blend cheese 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

Chopped fresh chives or

green onions, for garnish Place 12 paper liners in a muffin pan; spray liners with cooking spray.

In bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and divide between muffin cups.

Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper.

Pour over sausage. Sprinkle with chives.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.

Amazing Muffin Cups

Easy Sausage Roll-Ups

Easy Sausage Roll-Ups

A SAVORY

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes Yield: 16 roll-ups

springtime W

1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville

Breakfast Sausage Links 2 containers refrigerated

crescent rolls (16 rolls total) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons sugar

BRUNCH

arm breezes, blooming flowers, pretty pastels - when spring is in the air, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. It’s the perfect time to bring family and friends together for a welcoming brunch.

When planning your menu, be sure to have plenty of savory dishes on hand to satisfy your guests. And rest easy, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare your feast. Using ingredients already full of flavor, such as Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage, lets you create memorable brunch dishes without a lot of work.

These recipes are simple yet satisfying - and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the company gathered around your table.

For more savory brunch recipes, visit www.johnsonville.com. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

76

Prepare sausage according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Unroll crescent roll dough according to directions on package. Place one cooked sausage onto one end of a dough triangle. Roll dough around sausage according to directions on dough package and place on jellyroll pan with the seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausage and dough. (You will have 2 extra rolls. Bake and enjoy with jam.)

Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over roll-ups. Bake according to directions on dough package. Serve hot.

Suggestion: Serve with warm maple syrup, honey or your favorite preserves for dipping.

Eggcelent BRING THE FAMILY TOGETHER THIS

EASTER RECIPES

E

Easter

aster is a time for honored family traditions. From Easter hats, egg hunts and meals shared with those you love, each celebration creates its own special memories.

Here are ways to bring some familiar flavors to the Easter table in a whole new way, including savory Slow Cooker Marmalade Pork Tenderloin, a family favorite from Tamie J. of Prosper, Texas, last year’s Grand Prize Winner in the Spreading Smucker’s® Traditions Recipe Contest; as well as sweet Citrus Apple Tart, a favorite dish from the Smucker family cookbook.

These easy, delicious recipes can be made or prepared in advance, leaving more time to enjoy your family’s cherished traditions.

For more recipes to help your family celebrate, visit www.smuckers.com.

Strawberry Spring Salad

Slow Cooker Marmalade Pork Tenderloin

Prep: 10 minutes | Yield: 6 servings

Cook: 4 hours | Prep: 20 minutes | Yield: 8 servings

WITH EASY, MEMORABLE RECIPES

1/2 2 2 1

4 1

12 1/4 1/4

cup Smucker’s® Strawberry Syrup tablespoons Crisco® Pure Canola Oil tablespoons white vinegar 5-ounce package spring salad greens or other salad greens mix green onions, thinly sliced tangerine or small orange, peeled, seeded, cut into bite-size pieces strawberries, sliced vertically cup sunflower kernels cup blue cheese, crumbled

Combine syrup, oil and vinegar to make vinaigrette. Whisk until blended.

Place salad greens, green onion, orange pieces, strawberries and sunflower kernels in a large salad bowl.

Add vinaigrette. Toss lightly. Crumble blue cheese over top. Serve immediately.

2 tablespoons olive oil 3 pounds pork tenderloin 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce 1 cup chicken broth 1 10-ounce jar Smucker’s®

Sweet Orange Marmalade 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup brown sugar 3 cloves garlic 1 large onion, sliced 1 package fresh mushroom caps 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown tenderloin on all sides.

In blender, mix teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, orange marmalade, fresh ginger, brown sugar and garlic. Blend until a smooth sauce.

Put browned tenderloin into slow cooker. Slice onion and add to slow cooker. Add mushrooms, pepper, salt and pepper flakes. Cover with the teriyaki sauce mixture. Cook on high for about 4 hours. Turn tenderloin a couple of times while cooking.

When done, remove the tenderloin and let rest for about 10 minutes. To serve, slice diagonally and pour sauce, mushrooms and onions over top.

Courtesy of FamilyFeatures.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

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Fort Bend Kids ChalkBoard The published photos came from Press Releases submitted to Fort Bend Focus by the schools/organizations of these children.

Please Note : Submitted news must include complete captions, including names, to be considered for publishing.

The Boy Scouts of Katy’s Troop 557 had their Court of Honor recognizing the scouts achievements over the past few months. The scouts pictured have earned their next rank in scouting. Pictured are Alex Trevino who earned his 2nd Class and 1st Class rank, Daniel Rodriguez who earned his 2nd class and 1st class rank, Christian Contreras who earned his 1st class rank, Ashton Rocker who earned his Life rank and Nick Christoffersen who earned his Eagle. Congratulations Scouts!

Congratulations to Kolton Kaminski for winning Second Place in the 2011-2012 ACSI Math Olympics in the category of 6th Grade Reasoning.

Kolton attends Fort Bend Christian Academy.

Congratulations to four Lamar CISD students who are among only 15,000 high school seniors who have been selected as National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their high academic performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Pictured are Foster High’s Stephanie Tsai and Michael Duncan (top) and Lamar’s Conor Danaher and Nicholas Harvey (bottom) who are now in the running to earn National Merit Scholarships.

The Exchange Club of Fort Bend’s February Young Citizen Awards recipients are Caitlyn Wingerson, Marcario Garcia Middle School; Katie Adell, Lake Olympia Middle School; and Shiv Pandya, Fort Settlement Middle School. The students honored were chosen by the teachers and faculty at their school because they have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, academics and work hard at being good citizens at home, at school and in the community.

William P. Clements NJROTC/NNDCC Unit selected 9th grade Cadet Kiana Farokhpour as the January Cadet of the Month. She has learned all the required knowledge and is the only female on the Armed Drill Team.

Cadet Farokhpour will receive the Cadet of the Month Ribbon, Cadet of the Month Certificate and a free uniform day pass. fort bend

magazine • April 2012

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Congratulations to Clements High School senior Kevin Pham for earning his Eagle Scout rank. Kevin is a member of Troop 1631, and to achieve this rank, he served in many leadership positions and earned 33 merit badges. For his Eagle project, Kevin built two benches for the entrance at Settlers Way Elementary, totaling 248 man-hours with the help of 20 volunteers.

Hightower High School Regional Science Fair Qualifiers are Anishya Idicula, Kalki Kathiravan, Manisha Vunnam, Jessica Thomas, Zahra Sadruddin, Shreya Mandal, Neerja Aggarwal, Shawn Aakash Jacob, Umar Siddiqui, Ruhika Roy, Alwin Alias, Diya Salien, Allison Holmes, Krisha Desai, Elizabeth Zhu, and Mariya Fatakdawala. Photo by John Glenn Ramon.

Fort Settlement Middle School recently hosted a Career Day for 8th grade students. Students interacted with local professionals and visited displays during a Career Fair. Winners of the Most Professional Student Award were Shelby Clingman, Suvedh Srikanth, Chelsea Godfrey, Keith Saylin, Bianca Navisa, Bardia GhasenLon-Damavandi, Abigail Fjord, and Ahmad Bourkhis. These students were determined to be the most inquisitive, respectful and interested while navigating the fair.

Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson meet with leaders of the Clements High School NJROTC/ NNDCC Unit. Justin Allsopp and Chad DeCuir met with the Mayor to extend an invitation in person to the Unit’s upcoming Annual Military Ball and share some very good news: for the second year in a row, the Unit has qualified for the State Drill Competition at Texas A&M University.

Pictured are Chad DeCuir, Mayor Thompson and Justin Allsopp.

Congratulations to the 12 First Colony Swim Team members who competed at the Austin Grand Prix meet on January 12th15th. Senior Daniel Graviss achieved his first Olympic Trials time with a 7th place finish in the 1500 Free. Daniel had a great meet also achieving new Summer National times in the 400 Free and 400 IM. www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

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Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. Celebrates 15th Anniversary Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., (AOI) a leading manufacturer of fiber-optic communications components, equipment, and modules, with headquarters in Sugar Land, anDr. Thompson Lin nounced the 15th anniversary of its founding.

The company, which was founded a the University of Houston in 1997, has grown to employ over 700 people in facili-

ties in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China, in addition to its headquarters in Sugar Land.

AOI is the world’s leading manufacturer of fiber optic components used in Cable Telecommunications networks. In addition to the products used in Cable TV, the company also manufactures products that serve the fiber to the home, data storage, and telecommunications end markets. The company has over 300 customers in 27 countries around the world.

“Since our founding 15 years ago, AOI has pioneered new technologies that have revolutionized the optical communications business,” commented Dr. Thompson Lin, AOI’s Founder, President, and CEO. “But technological innovation continues at an ever-increasing rate, and AOI is at the forefront of new technologies like WDM-PON that will enable unheard-of increases in bandwidth available to consumers. These technologies will provide the foundation of AOI’s next 15 years and beyond.”

Additional information is available at www.ao-inc.com. H

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review Becker’s Hospital Review has published its annual list of hospital and health system leaders under the age of 40. This list recognizes 25 men and women across CEO Jim Brown the country who have spearheaded hospital initiatives, integrated state-of-the-art technologies and overseen hospital expansions while working determinedly to strengthen their organizations in the midst of economic pressure and healthcare reform. Given their accomplishments, these men and women are likely to achieve great things throughout their careers. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital’s CEO, Jim Brown, was recognized. To compile this list, Becker’s Hospital Review accepted nominations and conducted research on each individual listed. H

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magazine • April 2012

Sample ads.

80

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to Host Notes from the Capital The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host Notes from the Capital with Congressman Pete Olson on Monday, April 2, 2012. The luncheon will be held at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, from 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Congressman Olson took the oath of office for the 111th Congress on January 6, 2009, for his first term as Congressman for the 22nd District of Texas. At this event, Olson will provide an update on his efforts in Congress to strengthen our economy, address our debt and spending problems in Washington. He will also re-

view his work to implement an energy policy that creates American energy through American jobs.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Division continues to provide Chamber members with access to local and state government officials and to provide the business community with an opportunity for input on these issues. Details of upcoming seminars can be found at www.FortBendChamber.com.

Keep informed and engaged by attending this important and relevant luncheon.

Sponsor tables are available for $1,200,

Today’s Vision Sugar Land Celebrates 20 Years in Practice When Dr. Tom Arnold signed the lease for his new location in Sugar Land in 1992, he had no idea that this independent optometry practice would become one of the Dr. Tom Arnold largest in Fort Bend county. Today’s Vision Sugar Land now has three optometrists and a full-time staff of fourteen.

“When I first opened,” says Dr. Arnold, “we didn’t have any computers, just a cash register and two employees. In fact, I

signed the lease on the First Colony Commons location before the center was actually built.”

As Fort Bend County has grown, Today’s Vision Sugar Land has kept pace.

The office is now equipped with the latest technology in order to deliver the highest quality care available. The Optomap retinal camera takes detailed photos of the inside of every eye which, in many cases, replaces the need for dilation. Patients can return to school, work or recreational activities with no visual compromise. Sophisticated instruments measure the curvature of the eyes, the pressure, as well as a computerized eyeglass prescription from

www.fortbend

.com • April 2012

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Chris Breaux, Keri Schmidt, and Congressman Olson. and corporate tables are available for $400. Individual member reservations are available for $35 and non-member reservations are available for $45 along with tickets at the door. Register today at www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Farrah Gandhi at 281-566-2152 or Farrah@fortbendcc.org. H the Zeiss iProfiler.

Drs. Melissa Moeller and Jocelyn Horiszny care for patients ranging in age from infancy to seniors. Dr. Moeller specializes in pediatric optometry and contact lens evaluation of young athletes while Dr. Horiszny concentrates on specialty contact lenses, external eye diseases and glaucoma. Dr. Moeller joined Dr. Arnold in 1997; Dr. Horiszny completed the team in 2001.

Today’s Vision offers a wide selection of eyeglass frames featuring names like Prada, Gucci, Polo, Coach, Oakley, Flexon, Ray-Ban and Silhouette. The office is open six days a week, accepts many major insurance plans and loves to see new patients. For more information, visit http://2020sugarland.com or call 281-242-2020. H

riendly

Fridge F

Display

Me

2nd MONDAY, 1 PM KEMPNER ATHLETIC BOOSTER ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Held at the Pecan Grove Country Club, this fundraiser supports all Kempner High School sports programs. For information, call 281-491-3752 or visit www.kempnercougars.org.

5th THURSDAY, 4 - 8 PM CLASSIC CHEVROLET’S 2ND ANNUAL CHILI CHALLENGE Taste great chili from dozens of competing teams and help raise money to benefit the Sugar Land Police Officers Association. We’ll have plenty of beverages available to wash down the best chili Sugar Land has to offer. With your help, we’ll announce the “Crowd Favorite” – the team that raises the most money. And don’t forget to join the Silent Auction bidding and get in on the action to win great prizes. Call for more details at 281-491-9000.

5th THURSDAY, 7 - 8:30 PM COASTAL PRAIRIE CHAPTER OF THE TEXAS MASTER NATURALISTS Katy Emde of the Native Plant Society of Texas – Houston will speak at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg.

The program is free, and reservations are not required. For information, call 281-633-7033 or visit www.txmn.org/coastal.

April 2012 7th SATURDAY, 6 - 9:30 PM RICHMOND ROTARY CLUB FISH FRY Sponsors and volunteers are needed for the 13th annual Richmond Rotary Club “Cowboys in the Carribbean” Fish Fry fundraiser at the George Ranch Historical Park. The event benefits area school scholarships and local charities.

For information, call 281-341-0791 or email jesss@ymcahouston.org for more information.

14th SATURDAY, 8 AM - 3 PM DOWNTOWN RICHMOND’S MONTHLY ARTISAN & ANTIQUE MARKET The second Saturday of every month, April through July. Visit the Artisan & Antique Market located in Historic Downtown Richmond on Third Street, between Calhoun & Jackson Street. Booths include antiques and architectural remnants, (pre-1980) artisan or upcycled handmade jewelry & accessories, original paintings, drawings, or photography. For information, please visit www.historicrichmond.org.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Events, schedules and information may change without notice. Please refer to the event’s contact person or check the event’s website for more information. fort bend

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April 14th to May 6th SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, 3 PM DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND When Alice follows the White Rabbit, she encounters a cast of wild, unforgettable characters that will delight your entire family. Don’t be late for a very important date! For information, call 281-208-3333 or visit www.fortbendtheatre.com.

27th FRIDAY, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM 5TH ANNUAL MAD HATTER SPRING FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON It’s time to get out your spring hat and head to the Mad Hatter Luncheon, benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. The event will be held at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. For information, call 281-633-7057 or visit www.fortbendseniors.org.

27th FRIDAY, 6 - 9 PM TINA TRAMPLES CANCER : SPAGHETTI DINNER & AUCTION Tina Ober is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and mother of three battling pancreatic cancer. A dinner and auction will be held at Austin Parkway Elementary. All proceeds go directly to help the family pay Tina’s medical costs.

For information, visit www.tinatramplescancer.com.

www.fortbendfocus.com

Send your events via www.FortBendFocus.com. Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

UPCOMING EVENTS 27th SATURDAY, 7 PM 2012 RELAY FOR LIFE Join the 2012 Relay For Life event at Oyster Creek Park. Each team walks or runs around a track, relay-style, overnight. This fun, family event allows every member of the community a chance to celebrate the lives of those who have survived and empower others to fight back against cancer. For more information, call 281.455.2326

28th SATURDAY, NOON - 10:00 PM BIKES & BUGS 5TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER Bikes & Bugs will be held at the Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land. Cajun food, raffles, silent and live auctions, live music, great food, cold beer, vendor booths, a moonwalk, clown for the kids and much more all benefitting Epilepsy Research and Awareness.

For more information, visit www.BikesAndBugs.org.

May 5th SATURDAY, 8 AM - 2 PM PANTHER FEST 2012 Ridge Point High School’s Panther Fest 2012, presented by The Sienna Running Club, will include 10K, 5K, and 1 mile runs, as well as live entertainment, carnival games, food, shopping, and more. The purpose of this event is to raise funds and help provide RPHS students and faculty with continued state of the art educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.pantherfest.com.

May 5th SATURDAY, 6 PM STEP UP TO THE PLATE WITH FIRST COLONY LITTLE LEAGUE! First Colony Little League is hosting its bi-annual Parents’ Night Out and Auction on Saturday, May 5, at the new Sugar Land Skeeters Ball Park. Step Up to the Plate with us at 6 pm for dinner, live music and a live and silent auction. All proceeds will benefit First Colony Little League. Ticket sales begin March 24. Advanced registration is required as no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, visit www.fcll.net or contact Co-Chairs Neome Novak neomenovak@yahoo. com and Carol Evans csevans96@ comcast.net.

May 5th, 6th & 7th SATURDAY, 6 PM EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY CHARITY EVENT This year’s 3 day event begins May 5th with a Black Tie Gala at Sweetwater Country Club featuring a Texas country star. Sunday is the BBQ, Chili & Gumbo Cook-off with live music and a host of celebrity guests. On Monday is a golf tournament featuring pro golfers, including golf great John Daly. For more information, call 281-598-8600, or visit www. empoweringthecommunity.com. www.fortbend

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Community

CALENDAR Send Your Event

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Saturday, April 7th 6 - 9 PM Magic in the Plaza Friday, April 13th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Opry in the Square Saturday, April14th 10 AM - 3 PM Annual Spring Corvette Show Saturday, April 14th 7 PM - 9 PM Movie Under The Moon Friday, April 20th 7 PM - 8 PM Dancing Under The Stars Saturday, April 28th 7 PM - 9 PM Sugar Land Jr. Superstar Finals

ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS: Thursdays, from 4 – 7 p.m.

April 5, 12, 19, 26 Urban Harvest Farmers Market Fridays, from 9 – 11 a.m.

April 6, 13, 20, 27 Fitness in the Plaza

By Lauren Dante

High School HOT SHOT

Shawn Cleary: A Commanding Cadet

S

hawn Cleary is a senior at Austin High School in Fort Bend Independent School District. Early in his life, Shawn discovered his love of the sport of competitive rifle. Through his involvement in the Fort Bend 4H Outdoor Sports Club and NJROTC, Shawn has been able to perfect his aim and excel in competitions while also developing his leadership abilities and improving his problem-solving skills, self-discipline and work ethic.

At the age of eight, Shawn joined the Fort Bend 4H Outdoor Sports Club.

“My Dad got me interested in the sport, and I started practicing with a BB Rifle at the age of 7,” said Shawn. “I look at the sport as my football because just like football and any other sport, it is competitive and requires my focus and concentration in order to hit my target.”

Currently, Shawn serves as the 4H Shooting Sports Club President where he trains the other members in shooting sports and plans and organizes the club’s events. In his final year as a member, and due to his stellar performance at the qualification match, Shawn has qualified to represent Texas at the USA Shooting National Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs in April.

Shawn is only one of five students who were asked to attend from Texas.

Shawn’s involvement with the 4H

Outdoor Sports Club and the sport of competitive rifle sparked his interest in NJROTC for high school. Shawn chose NJROTC for his elective for ninth grade and has been a member all four years of high school.

During his involvement with NJROTC, Shawn has received many awards and held multiple leadership positions. For both his junior and senior year, Shawn has been the Air Rifle Team Commander. Under his leadership, the team’s scores have improved 20 to 30 points to make the team one of the most competitive teams in Texas. Shawn is individually ranked as 2nd in the State of Texas in Air Rifle. In 2010 and 2012, he qualified for the Navy Service Nationals in Air Rifle. At this competition, Shawn qualified for the next level of competition at the JROTC National Championships in a few weeks. He is only one of eight students that qualified for the National Championships.

However, Shawn is not only talented in Air Rifle, he has been the Commander of the Academic Team as well as the Junior Commander for the Academic Bowl team. As the Academic Team Commander, Shawn led his team in fifty question tests over memorized facts at Drill Meets.

His team finished third place in the state in 2011. For the Academic Bowl, Shawn served as the Junior Commander of the team. His team was named the Navy National Champions and won a spot at the National Competition to compete against the other branches of the JROTC. At the Navy National Competition Finals, Shawn’s Academic Bowl team: Aaron Callegari, Shawn Cleary, LCDR Ed Sellards (instructor), Michael Brand and Robert Nguyen. team competed fort bend

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Shaw n against a team from Guam. Their last question that would determine the winner was about the Texas icon, Sam Houston. Obviously, the Austin High School team had an advantage over the team from Guam for this particular question, and their win was easily clenched. “The Academic Bowl taught me that hard work leads to success,” said Shawn. “We practiced while everyone else was at the pool on those hot summer days, but our dedication paid off in the end.”

Shawn’s dedication to not only the Academic Bowl, but also to NJROTC as a whole is impressive. As a senior, Shawn holds the top leadership position as the Unit Commanding Officer of a unit of 100 cadets. This is Shawn’s most significant role in NJROTC, and he is honored to hold this leadership position.

Shawn is a leader in many facets of his life. In addition to participating in 4H and NJROTC, Shawn has been involved with Boy Scouts for 11 years. For his Eagle Scout project, Shawn stripped and repainted 400 feet of metal fence at his church, and laid 40 cubic meters of mulch on the church playground. In total, his project accumulated 250 hours of work.

Looking toward the future, Shawn would like to continue his ROTC career and become an Air Force or Naval Officer upon his completion of college. Thus far, Shawn has been accepted to The Citadel, Texas A&M University and the United Sates Naval Academy. For his genuine character, desire to serve our country and his integrity, we wish Shawn the best of luck in the future. H

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Taylor Nichole Turner

Congratulations to Taylor Nichole Turner, a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Hightower High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for April! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Taylor’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities include Journalism, Hightower Media Academy Council Vice President, Future Business Leaders of America - American Enterprise Project State Competition where she won 1st Place and Houston Chronicle Summer Journalism Workshop Most Outstanding Student. Taylor is currently a Broadcast Journalism major at the University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to being on the University of Texas Dean’s List, she won the 2012 UT Freshman Award. Taylor is a Travis County Tax Office Volunteer Deputy Registrar, a member of the University of Texas Innervisions Gospel Choir and a volunteer at the Austin Food Bank. Taylor was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

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FIND YOUR NEXT CAR Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast

Scan with your smart phone to launch website See some of the ads in print in the Star every week. fort bend

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See this month’s photo contest winner on page 92.

Focus Readers’ Photo Album April Runners-Up to our Amateur Photo Submission

“Woodpecker, Sugar Land”

By Julia Garza

“Cockrell Butterfly Center”

By Ken Robinson

“Evan’s Tail Slide”

By Clancy Nelson

“Setting for a Calm Evening”

By Julia Garza

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M edical F ocus GE 3T Wide Bore MRI – First in Texas – Now Available Only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital The industry’s most powerful whole body 3 Tesla MRI technology has been upgraded. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH) is now home to the Discovery MR750w 3T MRI system from GE Healthcare—the first in Texas.

This MRI machine features a new sophisticated design and upgrades that benefit both patients and technicians alike.

New features such as the wide bore and redesigned table cushion enhance patient comfort during the exam.

The wide bore accommodates larger, claustrophobic, elderly or young patients, or those who are in pain by providing a widened, roomier machine. The wide bore is 70 centimeters, 10 centimeters larger in diameter than the standard MRI and provides more headroom, more legroom and more elbowroom so that patients don’t feel like they are “noseto-magnet”. The new MRI provides a comfortable, nonthreatening experience for claustrophobic patients and an increased weight limit of 500 pounds.

The flexible coils on the new table cushion embrace the patient, helping to minimize anxiety and motion during the exam by naturally following the contours of the human body. “In addition, the new magnet is very quiet, allowing patients a more relaxing experience,” stated Janet

The Discovery MR750w 3T MRI. Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer.

Dr. Robert Malone, board certified radiologist and Medical Director of Radiology at MSLH, is enthusiastic about the new MRI. “This new MRI is the best, state-of-the-art technology available with twice the strength of a conventional MRI and four times the strength of an open MRI. Now, patients who are uncomfortable in a traditional MRI or those who are claustrophobic can feel comfortable with more room all around. Plus, in all exams patients can now enter feet first rather than headfirst and we can provide rapid

screening of multiple areas of the body without repositioning the patient.”

The Discovery MR750w 3.0T MRI system from GE Healthcare helps doctors definitively diagnose the most complex cases. From sports injuries to life-threatening heart conditions, doctors can diagnose with confidence.

The Discovery MR750w 3T, which is more powerful than previous generation MRI systems, uses the latest High Definition (HD) technology to produce superb, high-resolution images while producing faster scans.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnet field rather than X-rays to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

“We are pleased to be the first in Texas and the third in the Nation to offer the latest in MRI technology and to provide the highest quality diagnostic power to our patients and their doctors,” says Leatherwood.

For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com or to schedule an MRI, please call 281-274-7170. H

Methodist Sugar Land is First in County to Successfully Perform Rhomboid Flap Surgery for Pilonidal Cyst

Ali Mahmood, M.D.

Ali Mahmood, M.D., board certified colon and rectal surgeon at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, is the first surgeon in Fort Bend County to complete a rhomboid flap surgery to help a patient with a painful, chronic condition called pilonidal disease.

The disease starts as a small cyst, which can often become infected. The fort bend

disease manifests itself from an infected hair follicle. They are more common in men than women, and typically found in men under 40 years old. The cysts can be quite painful and make everyday tasks, like sitting, difficult.

Dr. Mahmood performed this complex surgery by cutting a flap of skin around the cyst, removing the cyst and a large section of tissue around it, and then repositioning the skin to cover the area that was removed.

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greater Houston area experiencing pilonidal cysts,” said Dr. Mahmood. “The main advantage over other treatments is that the cyst is far less likely to return with this procedure, giving people long-term relief and a better quality of life.”

Until now, the only treatments for pilonidal cyst involved incision and drainage of the cyst, leaving either an open or closed wound. People with this condition often face multiple surgeries over many years, as the cyst frequently returns. In addition, complications often arise from the older forms of treatments.

“Performing the rhomboid flap surgery at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital allowed the patient to receive outstanding care close to home. I am glad that I was able to use this procedure to relieve the patient of his painful and debilitating condition,” said Dr. Mahmood.

After a brief recovery period, the patient was able to

return to work and his normal activities.

The rhomboid flap surgery is the latest in a long list of procedures that were first performed in Fort Bend County at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. In the last few years, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physicians have successfully performed abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, angioplasty with stents, brain surgery, carotid artery stenting, gastric lap band surgery, open-heart surgery, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, single port laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, urinary bladder reconstruction, videoassisted esophagomyotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

To make an appointment with Dr. Mahmood or another colon and rectal surgeon in your area, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand.com. H

FORTUNE Ranks The Methodist Hospital System Among “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2012 For the seventh year in a row, The Methodist Hospital System is ranked among FORTUNE magazine’s 2012 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” remaining the only health care organization ranked in Texas.

Methodist is ranked No. 53 and is one of four companies in Houston to receive the prestigious distinction. FORTUNE listed 11 Texas-based companies on its 2012 list.

Among the other companies listed, Methodist ranked No. 2 for the hiring of minorities and No. 12 among the country’s large companies. “Our employees and physicians make it possible to be honored as one of the “100 Best Companies” for seven consecutive years,” said Marc Boom, M.D., president and CEO of The Methodist Hospital System. “Methodist is a great place to work because of them and because of their complete and selfless dedication to our patients and to our values.”

The Methodist Hospital System, which includes a flagship teaching hospital, four community hospitals and a research institute, was awarded the national ranking for providing an exemplary workplace for employees.

Methodist was selected based primarily on a confidential survey sent to randomly selected employees, who answered questions on the level of trust, pride and camaraderie within their workplace.

Methodist also submitted documentation about its work environment, from benefits to corporate policies to employee demographics. Methodist offers competitive benefits, diversity in the workforce, recognition for employees and a unique environment focused on integrity, compassion, www.fortbend

accountability, respect and excellence.

The Methodist Hospital consistently is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s best hospitals, ranked in 11 of 16 adult specialties for 2011-2012, the most in the state. Methodist also was ranked by the magazine as the No.1 hospital in Houston.

The Methodist Hospital System, with more than 13,000 employees, comprises The Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Methodist West Houston Hospital, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown and The Methodist Hospital Research Institute. Methodist is affiliated with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral. H .com • April 2012

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Katy’s

Hasta la Pasta

BEST-BITES

BUCKLE

for Third Time

By Claudia Richter

Winning over judges for a third year-in-a-row, Hasta la Pasta took top honors at the Best Bites competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

This year’s entry, a beef tenderloin served on top of cilantro and poblano risotto and topped with a chipotle and port wine reduction, showcased the talents of Chef Teresa Guzman. This year is the sixth year that Hasta la Pasta has participated in the competition.

Hasta la Pasta and sister restaurants, The Lasagna House, have been providing the greater Houston area with excellent food and wine for more than 16 years.

Their newest location is The Lasagna House located in the Sugar Land Town Square.

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- HASTA LA PASTA' S BEST BITES BUCKLE WINNING RECIPE Beef Tenderloin on Top of Cilantro and Poblano Risotto topped with Chipotle and Port Wine Reduction Chef Teresa Guzman

Cilantro and Roasted Poblano Risotto 1 cup uncooked rice 3 cups chicken broth 2 Tbs olive oil 3 Tbs butter 1/ 2 tsp black pepper 1/2 cup diced onions

1/3 cup diced roasted and peeled poblano pepper 1/3 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Saute onion in oil and butter until translucent. Add rice, stirring for about 2 minutes. Add one cup of the chicken broth and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding one cup at a time until all the liquid is absorbed. Turn it off and finally, add the cheeses, cilantro and roasted peppers.

Jeff and Susan Smith of Hasta la Pasta at the Best Bites Competition at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

Port Wine and Chipotle Reduction 1 cup of Port Wine ½ cup of beef broth 2 dry chipotle peppers

Roasted Beef Tenderloin

½ tsp of *piloncillo 2 roasted garlic cloves ¼ tsp of thyme

Add one cup of Port wine to the sauté pan you used to seal the beef. Add 2/3 of a cup of beef broth reduced until about half. Meanwhile, soak the chipotle peppers in hot water until soft. Puree the peppers, garlic and *piloncillo. Add the puree and thyme to the wine mix; bring to a boil. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

To serve, spoon desired amount of risotto onto plate. Place sliced Beef Tenderloin over rice. Pour Port Wine and Chipotle reduction over all.

Prepare your beef tenderloin trimming the fat first, add salt and ground pepper generously. Sear all the sides of the beef in a very hot pan with olive oil for a very nice brown crust. Preheat the oven to 450° and cook until the meat registers 120° on a meat thermometer for medium rare. Let the beef rest in a warm place for about 10 minutes before slicing.

*Piloncillo is pure, unrefined sugar that is pressed in a cone shape and becomes very hard. Piloncillo means “Pylon” and is named for its conical shape. You can use it anywhere you would use other sweeteners.

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April 2012 Winner “Rockport Sunset”

By Joyce Eben Congratulations Joyce, you’ve earned a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant!

ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. Think you have a great shot? Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary.

A WINNER EVERY MONTH Each month’s winner receives a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Norma @ 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

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

By submitting an entry, the photographer gives the 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 Michael@ FortBendFocus.com. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”. fort bend

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!

DINING OUT | RESTAURANT PROFILES

absolutely

Delicious

D I N I NG GUIDE TO FORT BEND RESTAURANTS

INDIAN

GREAT W’KANA CAFE

Great W’kana Cafe

11720 West Airport and Kirkwood 832-886-4291

Boutique Indian Cuisine

Great W’kana Cafe (which means “harmony” in Sanskrit) is a unique dining experience with vibrant colors, friendly staff and excellent food. Authentic and contemporary Indian dishes, such as avocado naan, tandoori, and spinach and paneer (simple Indian farmers cheese) appetizer, are prepared by owner Chef Sunil and wife Anupama in an open kitchen atmosphere right before your eyes. Try the “dum” cookery, a steaming technique that in more primitive times used tightly sealed dough to cook a dish over a charcoal fire. All of the meat served is halal. Open Mon -Thurs for lunch 11:00 to 3:00 and dinner 5:30 to 10:00, and Fri and Sat until 10:30 with a special brunch on weekends. Visit www. greatwkanacafe.com.

e 5th Anniv

rsary

F E AT U R I N G Restaurant Reviews, Local Recipes and Feature Stories on some of Fort Bend’s Finest Dining Establishments

Honors the

Sandra Billingsley u Jacqueline Chaumette Mary Favre u Melissa Hayslip u Kathy Huebner

Luncheon & Style Show Each advertiser in the Dining Guide receives a FREE LISTING with your Logo and a 60 word story in each issue.

Thursday, September Twentieth, Two Thousand and Eleven 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch u11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas

To Advertise, Call 281-690-4242

BENEFITTING

Casa de Esperanza

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Garfield The High-Tech Texan®

Tickets & Sponsorship opportunities 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com www.fortbend

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FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide Accounting & Bookkeeping Books With Integrity 281-978-6916 www.bookswithintegrity.net Sandra@bookswithintegrity.net Assisting small businesses with bookkeeping & payroll. Services range from onsite training to fullcharge bookkeeping. Have your receipts or Excel data turned it into a valuable resource for your business. Already have a set of books? We can ensure they are set up properly. Using QuickBooks?

Let us assist you with utilizing all the software features available to optimize your bookkeeping process. We provide accuracy, professionalism & enthusiasm, allowing you to focus on big-picture issues. (07/2012)

Acupuncture LIFEnhance Acupuncture Clinic 713-661-8822 www.acupuncturetx.net www.lifenhanceclinic.com wendy4chz@yahoo.com Health insurances accepted. Our clinical services include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, evidence-based botanical medicine, dietary supplements, and special diets. We treat: Headaches (Migraine, Facial, Sinus, Muscle Pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia), Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Back Pain, Joint Pain, Chronic Pain due to Trauma, Bell’s Palsy, Infertility (IVF/IUI) Support, Menopause, Cancer Support, Stress/Depression, and Weight Management. We accept many health insurances. (05/2012)

Advertising/Printing/Graphics Focus On Women Magazine 281-690-4242 www.fowmag.com lisa@fortbendfocus.com Finally, the magazine that you have been waiting for. A new publication showcasing one of the best and brightest resources – our women. Full of interesting, thought-provoking stories. Focus on Women is a celebration of today’s women – their lives, their passions and their spirit. (10/2010)

Children Sports/Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer GYMTEX Gymnastics & Cheerleading Inc 832-876-9888 www.GymtexGym.com gymtex@gmail.com One free morning gymnastics class for new students 10 months to 5 years old. Call to reserve a spot! Ten years in Fort Bend has allowed GYMTEX to provide families with children ages 3 to 18 quality gymnas-

tics and cheerleading training in a safe, fun and clean environment. Not only does GYMTEX produce state champions, but they build your child’s character! Take advantage of Olympic caliber gymnastics equipment, an indoor rock wall, rope-net climbs, 40 foot trampoline and a giant foam block pit and more! Change your child’s life today with classes at GYMTEX and produce a champion for life! (06/2012)

Estate Planning and Probate Andreason Law Firm 281-265-1561 www.andreasonlawfirm.com kurtandreason@andreasonlawfirm.com With over 25 years experience in Texas, Kurt M. Andreason can meet your estate planning needs with everything from basic wills and disability planning documents to sophisticated estate planning strategies, including family limited partnerships, life insurance trusts and other recognized methods of estate tax reduction. Convenient Sugar Land location. Handicap Accessible. Board Certified in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate. Listed over 10 years in Best Lawyers in America. (11/2010)

Finance/Wealth Management Hardee Investment Group 713-853-0879 www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com HardeeInvestmentGroup@rbc.com With over 85 years of collective experience, the Hardee Investment Group is your ultimate financial planning resource. Our team is comprised, of five diversified professionals, working primarily with family wealth and businesses up to $100 million. Our Group has been awarded national recognition by RBC Wealth Management, the National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices, the Houston Business Journal and Barron’s, a sister publication to the Wall Street Journal, for our award winning service and advice. (10/2011)

Jewelry J Loggins Jewelers 281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com For all of your jewelry needs. Come view a large selection of beautiful pieces by various designers. Expertise in original design and construction with an emphasis on providing the best in quality and value sets J Loggins Jewelers apart from all of the rest. Take advantage of the wide array of services including simple solders, repairs in all precious metals, repairs of some fashion and base metals, heirloom restorations, makeovers, engraving, watch battery replacement, restringing and appraisals. (05/2012) fort bend

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Marketing & Advertising The Marketing Department 281-277-7272 www.tmdtexas.com hspencer@tmdmainstreet.com cspencer@tmdmainstreet.com TMD is a friendly retail environment where small business owners can shop for affordable marketing ideas to help grow their business. The owners, Howard and Christie Spencer, will take the time to get to know you and understand your business - at absolutely no cost to you. This free consultation results in customized marketing strategies designed to fit your needs and budget. We’ll help you sell more -- to more people, more often, for more money! (03/2011)

Medical Services Synicare Medical 281.378.8040 • Fax: 888.397.1240 synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com Synicare Medical is focused on providing highquality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.

We specialize in durable medical equipment and medical supplies. We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. If there are any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us.

(12/2011)

Pediatrics MedCare Pediatric Group, LP 713-995-9292 www.medcarepediatrics.com info@medcarepediatrics.com MedCare has been providing quality healthcare services to area families since 1991. Our mission is to enhance the lives of children, and our dedicated team carries out this vision with the utmost care & compassion. In addition to our caring team, MedCare reaches out to families in the community through our non-profit foundation, MedCare Milestones. Our MedCare services include Home Health Nursing & Therapy, and 3 Outpatient Rehab facilities located in Stafford, Northshore, & Spring. (01/2013)

Pest Control/Exterminator Integrated Pest Management Inc. 281-341-1761 • Fax 832-451-1949 www.Integrated-pest.com ipmi@comcast.net Locally owned and operated servicing Fort Bend County for 29 years, Integrated Pest Manage-

FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide ment’s knowledge and friendly staff can answer all of your pest questions. A convenient retail store located on Hwy. 90 next to the Women’s Center retail store, we are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Stop by to check out our collection of snakes, exotic bugs and rodents. Save money by purchasing the materials yourself and let us educate you on how to apply them. Better yet, let us do the job for you. Thanks, Bob, Frank, Shirley, Daniel and Phil. (04/2013)

Podiatry and Cosmetic Elite FootCare of Texas, Inc. 832-539-1620 www.elites-of-texas.com admin@elites-of-texas.com Podiatric & cosmetic medical facility providing advanced foot/ankle care in a compassionate & caring environment, located in Fort Bend. Dr. Shepherd will make sure you are comfortable, satisfied & well-informed about your healthcare through the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Services include general & cosmetic foot care, with treatments to make feet comfortable and beautiful such as: foot facials/spa and detox, toe nail bleach, treating hyperhydrosis (sweaty feet) and Stiletto Rx (high heel comfort). (03/2011)

Resale Shops PennyWise Resale Centers Benefitting Fort Bend County Women’s Center 281-344-5770 www.fortbendwomenscenter.org Are your closets and home overfilled with unwanted, usable items? Declutter your home and donate your lightly used home furniture, housewares, clothing, appliances, computers and electronics, shoes and jewelry. We accept everything from jeans to wedding gowns and designer wear.

PennyWise Resale stores (Richmond, Stafford and Mission Bend) depend on the community’s generous donations, and all proceeds assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children. Shop for unbelievable savings. (09/2011)

Transportation The Original Trolley & Limousine Company 281-491-4911 www.originaltrolley.com otrolley@comcast.net The Original Trolley Company brings back a sense of nostalgia for groups who are looking for a truly

unique transportation experience. The Trolley Company presently has three trolley cars ready for hire. The Trolleys are fully air conditioned and heated, mahogany trimmed, bar set up accommodations and have a trolley brass bell.

Visit our website at www.originaltrolley.com to view our large gallery of photos. If a trolley is too large for your group, we have added a 120 inch stretch Limousine. (10/2010)

Vacation Rio Raton Duplex 832-788-2294 www.rioratonduplex.com New Braunfels - Guadalupe Riverfront on River Rd. (outside New Braunfels city limits). First-Class riverfront duplex. Minutes to Schlitterbahn or tube the Guadalupe.

Also convenient to Fiesta Texas, Sea World, Gruene Hall, Natural Bridge Cavern and Canyon Lake. 2 units available - each unit sleeps 8. See pictures and rates, and email your dates from webpage. (10/2010)

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.com • April 2012

95

Living the Sweet Life:

S

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

Some like it HOT, but I do NOT!

izzling hot sisters ... that is what I had turned into.

Waking up in the middle of the night with a thermostat set at a daunting 67 degrees and a husband literally with ice cubes in his beard. Something had to be done about it, and done quick!

I did some investigating and after all the years of working with mothers who had breast cancer, it became clear that synthetic hormones were not a safe choice. I know....my dad prescribed them, my own OB prescribed them.

But that little inner voice was saying “bad idea, bad idea!” Making matters worse, I would feel myself almost like a curtain dropping get hot.

This would happen at the most inopportune time like when I became flustered looking in my bag for my debit card or most aggravatingly while I was sitting with a heater on me while coaxing a naked newborn into one of my poses.

“THIS” went on for a few months without warning, and it slowl y d r o v e me crazy.

Nights were spent covered in sweat, and then freezing, and having slept in the basement as a child, I have learned to sleep with tons of covers; this bedtime ritual still lingers to this day.

So, you can just imagine the stress this placed on sweet and mostly easy going Brian!

I went to Whole Foods. I looked around for something ... anything really that might alleviate the symptoms. Not so much luck. And, I tried several tonics and homeopathic remedies, let me tell fort bend

you! My friend Shelena “fixed” me! She has the Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa, and I have been taking care of her for years. I walked in there and a few tests and tweaks later, she had literally taken me out of burning up all night long back into sleep! Bio-Identical hormones is what she does, and there’s MAGIC in the potion. Two, three maybe four squirts and voila! You will be sent back to the land of who you once were! And sisters, I was past ready to go!

The Dream Team Birthday bash was so much fun, and I want to thank each of you for attending! As promised this year, I am offering all of my readers multiple opportunities to join me in becoming a better you in 2012! I am hosting two workshops this month.

First, on April 17th, “Living the Sweet Life: Part ONE Finding the TRUE YOU” will be held at my home studio from 10 am to 4 pm. Snacks and lunch will be provided and the cost is $200.

The second lecture series is entitled “Wellness from the Inside Out” on April 25th from 11 am to 1 pm. Dr. Shel will be the guest speaker for our first event held at the studio in Montrose (1210 West Clay, Suite 12). She will be discussing HCG, Hormones and Cool Sculpting. All attendees will receive specials and when you mention Sweet Life, my readers receive special discounts towards these and other services. This event is free.

Cool huh? Speaking of “cool,” Shel and I will be cranking up her cool sculpting machine here shortly .... I want Kelly Rippa arms.

I am hoping the shrinking will have the desired effect!

Please call or email me at alisamurray@yahoo.com to register for either event. See ya soon!

Take Care of You!

magazine • April 2012

96

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is difficult. 

Oncology

Reconstructive Surgery 

 Radiation Therapy

 Support Groups

Breast Surgery 

 

Maria Socci, RN



Di ag no sis





 Chemotherapy

SURVIVAL!

The path to survival shouldn't be.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and make you feel lost. Our Breast Care Navigator, Maria Socci, RN, will guide you through the challenges of breast cancer so you can focus more on healing.

Maria will be there to explain your options, schedule expedited appointments, coordinate second opinions and provide emotional support and guidance throughout your journey to survivorship.

The path to survival can be difficult—but it does not have to be. Maria, your Breast Care Navigator, will be there for you every step of the way.  For more information, please call Maria at 281-276-8989 or email MSocci@tmhs.org.  To schedule a mammogram at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital call 281-242-PINK (7465).

Breast Center

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 MethodistSugarLand.com