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

AUGUST 2012

Dr. Eric Humble

Builds State-of-the-Art Facility in Sugar Land LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Inside: Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine College Prep 101 Texas Direct Auto’s Scholarship Star

+ Back to School

Compounding Corner Pharmacy, Inc. ®

THE ONLY PCAB-ACCREDITED COMPOUNDING PHARMACY IN FORT BEND COUNTY

www.compoundingcornerpharmacy.com

The Gold Standard for compounded medications in

Fort Bend County

• A ccredited • E ndorsed • E xperienced SPECIALTIES

Photo by Nesossi Studios

Bio-Identical Hormones • hCG • MIC B-12 • Glutathione Tri-Mix • Hydroquinone • T3 • Veterinary • Fertility • Libido Dermatology • Pain Management • Autism

For the discerning patient:

Shannon Maguadog, Pharm. D. Compounding Specialist/Owner

• DISCOUNTS: We offer up to 35% off on 6-month supplies of compounded medications.

• SAME DAY PROCESSING: Most medications are finished the same day. Anything ready after 6:00pm will be ready at 9:00am the next business morning.

• TESTING: We regularly test our products for potency, sterility and endotoxins.

• EXPERIENCE: All of our compounding staff are highly trained, ACPE-certificate earned and state registered compounding experts, each with years of experience. We are not a teaching pharmacy and do not have students rotating through our pharmacy.

• ACCREDITED: We are the only accredited compounding pharmacy in Fort Bend County.

281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace, Ste. K, Sugar Land www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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COVER STORY A u g u s t

2 0 1 2

14 A New Home for Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery

The new 6,400 square foot facility, slated to open in November, will offer a full-service medical spa and operating room – all specially designed for patient privacy, comfort and convenience.

Dr. Eric Humble.

FEATURES 18 The Kij Family: A Legacy of Selfless Service Fort Bend County residents Jim and Jessica Kij are dedicated to giving back to the community that has given so much to them.

32 Back to School

Meet five exceptional women who will be honored for their dedication to volunteerism in the community at the fifth anniversary event.

It’s that time of the year again! Get the kiddos ready for another school year with this compilation of Fort Bend schools and extracurricular activities.

46 Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Learn about an array of medical services and providers located in Fort Bend, and find the right fit to meet your medical needs.

fort bend

60 Fort Bend Focus Magazine Hosts 5th Anniversary JEWELS of Fort Bend

68 College Prep 101

Get ready for dorm life with these helpful tips for maximizing space at your home away from home.

69 Get Organized with Great Looks

Things piling up at home? Declutter with these great tips for organizing the mess.

magazine • August 2012

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CONTRIBUTORS

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A U G U S T

2 0 1 2 18

Linda K. Eaves Freelance Writer Page 14

Sarah Jane Knowlton Freelance Writer Page 18

IN EVERY ISSUE 20 Focus on Finance Is greed missing in action? Learn about trends in spending.

74 Community Calendar Fun events the whole family will enjoy.

22 New Neighbor Learn about two new businesses now open in the bend.

78 Amateur Photo Contest A winning shot by a local photographer.

24 Focus on Health Is a hidden food allergy causing your illness?

79 Focus Favorites Looking for a service provider?

Find one here!

24 Seen on the Scene Snapshots from local

80 The Sweet Life Alisa explores the special relationship between sisters.

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28

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30 Film Review Nick Nicholson reviews the film Red Lights.

66

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

42 Scrapbook A few snapshots of people, places and happenings.

68

Meet this month’s recipient on page 73!

66 Focus Cares Ereka Caldwell lends a helping hand to special needs children.

69

70 Kid’s Chalkboard Special news and achievements from Fort Bend’s youth.

72

72 High School Hot Shot Leah Dibble’s determination and desire to succeed is paying off for this student athlete.

ON THE COVER:

80

Dr. Eric Humble.

Photo by Nesossi Studios

fort bend

magazine • August 2012

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Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 20

Dr. Peter Osborne Town Center Wellness Page 28

Nick Nicholson Entertainment Editor Page 30

Whitney Hensler Freelance Writer Page 66

Jennifer Elliott absolutely! Memorial Page 68

Laura Bates Sunny Road Interiors Page 69

Lauren Dante Freelance Writer Page 72

Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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P

ublisher’s Preview

www.fortbendfocus.com

August 2012 Vol. 8 No. 10

Hello Fort Bend Friends, Boy how time flies when we’re having fun!

Summer is almost behind us, and back to school is knocking at our door. As we prepare to head back to school and start the beginning of yet another new school year, Fort Bend Focus has assembled a special section to help you plan for both back to school and after school activities.

While getting ready for school, I am sure you will need those annual checkups and medical releases for sports. In this issue, we have compiled Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine. We really are beLisa Fredrickson and Patti Parish-Kaminski coming the medical hub of the Gulf Coast region.

Our cover story this month is a testament to the growth and medical expertise in our area. We are showcasing Dr. Eric Humble and his new facility, Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery, to better serve you. Dr. Humble, along with his wife Dr. Lin Humble, are building a new center where they will provide Fort Bend residents with even more services, a private operating room along with a recovery area and a medical spa. Read all about what they provide for their clients starting on page 14.

I am sure you have seen the JEWELS of Fort Bend for 2012, and I want to personally invite everyone to attend our 5th anniversary event. Fort Bend Focus Magazine Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is Thursday, September 20th, 2012 at Safari Texas. We are honoring five women who tirelessly serve our community, and this year’s beneficiary is Casa de Esperanza. At this year’s event, we will also celebrate our past JEWELS bringing the total to 25 JEWELS over the past five years. There will be a champagne reception sponsored by Will and Leena Hardee with the Hardee Investment Group for our VIP sponsors and a luncheon and fashion show with styles by Dillard’s.

To honor these ladies and help support Casa de Esperanza, please purchase your tickets for $65 each or support the event with levels of sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Go to our website www.fortbendfocus.com or call 281-690-4242 for information.

Stay focused!

Lisa Fredrickson Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com Michael@Fortbendfocus.com

Facebook.com/FortBendFocus Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.

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 General Manager L. Dean West Managing Editor Patti Parish-Kaminski Senior Account Executive Jessica Kij Account Executives Robyn Miller Erin Cox Contributors Laura Bates Lauren Dante Linda Eaves Jennifer Elliott Will Hardee Whitney Hensler Sarah Jane Knowlton Randy Kozlovsky Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Dr. Peter Osborne Art Director Grace Belleza Art & Production Consultant Joey Belleza Graphic Designer Elizabeth Pace Accountant Erin Sanders

READER FEEDBACK Just love “Real Weddings” Good morning Grace, My fiance’ and I are getting married on July 21st at Hotel Derek, and we just love Real Weddings from Focus magazine here in Fort Bend County!

Real Weddings always features gorgeous weddings, and photos which have inspired us as well as provide décor ideas for our own wedding.

I’m excited that Fort Bend has such a magazine that keeps us on our feet with all of the latest wedding trends in our area!

Thank you!

Carmen and Kimono Cooper

fort bend

Congrats Hi Lisa, Congrats to you and your staff on receiving the Texana 2012 Media Publication of the Year Award!

It’s well deserved for sure!

Nancy V. Mills “Real Weddings” You always make me feel so good, Grace!

Thanks so much and we’re excited to see the magazine.

Rande

magazine • August 2012

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

No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

One year subscription: $25

Ask These 10 Questions To Make Sure Your Dentist Stacks Up 1

Does your dentist still use a drill?

Laser technology allows us to offer pain free, no shot fillings. Why do it the old fashioned way?

No high pitched whine or vibration from the grinding of the drill. Kids never become afraid of the dentist.

Does your dentist have an intra-oral camera

6 that not only takes a picture of your tooth but also lights up decay?

You read that correctly! An intra-oral camera so small it fits inside your mouth and not only takes a picture of your tooth, but also lights up decay in RED. Now we can show you your tooth on a 20” TV, magnified 50 times, and shine a specialized light to find decay on the biting surfaces and in between 2 teeth. Truly Amazing!

Does your dentist check for

2 cavities with a precise laser?

With a painless laser, we can detect cavities earlier than the eye can see them. The laser scanner can detect new cavities years before any other means of cavity detection.

Does your dentist have massage chairs

7 and satellite TV?

Your comfort is our #1 goal. Relaxing in a warm massage chair while watching a movie or your choice of 119 channels, is the best way we can think of for our patients to enjoy themselves while we do all the work!

Does your dentist recommend

3 extractions for crowded teeth?

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

8 no interest?

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

4 & 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.

5

9

Does your dentist have an internet cafe?

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.

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.

Tim Cashion, DDS

Teresa Cody, DDS

Does your dentist have a movie theater?

10 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!

mydentist@windstream.net A $25.00 flat fee for an x-ray & consultation A $74.00 value Low cost way to find out what’s wrong (Does not include cleaning)

Formerly Cashion & Cody Family Dentistry and Orthodontics

17003 SW Freeway, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479

www.candcdental.com www.candcortho.com

Call us now!

281-206-4482

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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.

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A New Home For

W

ith a successful practice and the ability to offer additional services, Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery is moving to a new home. The new location will offer a fullservice medical spa including procedures such as Botox, Coolsculpting®, and Ultherapy®, along with a full service operating room for plastic surgery.

Expansion for New Services

The Humble family in front of Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery’s new building: Kalaan, Eric, Lin and Talan.

COVER STORY

By Linda K. Eaves Photos by Nesossi Studios fort bend

The new space has 6,400 spare feet in contrast to the present location with 3,000 square feet. “We ran out of space and need a lot more room. We’re tripping over each other,” said board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Humble.

In addition to more having more space, “The new building allows us to keep everything in-house so it’s under our direct control to make sure everything is done right.” The new building will allow for expansion. “There are a couple of services we want to add with our new building that we’re not able to add here. We’re out of space.”

“We just launched a new procedure, Ultherapy®, which is an ultrasound tightening of muscles under the skin without surgery, also known as the lunchtime facelift.”

Sugar Land Face and Body is the first med spa in the local area to offer Ultherapy®, a revolutionary new nonsurgical

magazine • August 2012

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PROCEDURES In addition to Ultherapy® and CoolSculpting®, Sugar Land Face and Body provides the following procedures: Facial Rejuvenation Face Lift Eyelid Surgery Rhinoplasty Neck Lift Brow Lift Ear Surgery Dr. Lin Humble with Jamie and Lucy Fernandez and Dr. Eric Humble looking over plans for Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery’s new facility.

procedure that lifts and tones loose skin without any down time. This innovative ultrasound treatment strengthens skin from the inside out in a completely non-invasive way. After just one 60 to 90 minute procedure, the skin on your face and neck gradually reflects a more refreshed, uplifting appearance.

“We have already seen great results with this procedure, and it gives us an alternative to those patients who are not quite ready for a facelift. It is a great procedure for those patients who need age-prevention. We have successfully treated several of our patients in their 40’s to their 70’s who wish to prevent aging and sagging skin or to remove a couple of years from their looks,” said Dr. Humble.

Another procedure provided is CoolSculpting®, a breakthrough, noninvasive procedure that uses cooling technology to noticeably eliminate fat without surgery. “The fat cells get marked for death, and there is a natural mechanism that rids them from your body. They are eliminated by a natural process.” In contrast, when you diet, Dr. Humble explained that fat cells simply shrink. “When you gain weight, your fat

cells get bigger. When you lose weight, your fat cells are still there; they are just smaller. With CoolSculpting®, the fat cells are eliminated.”

The treatment lasts one hour per area, and there is no down time for the patient, which is an amazing benefit.

“You don’t have to recover,” said Dr. Humble. “There is no anesthesia or risk from anesthesia, no needles, no diet, no pills. You don’t have to take time off of work. You can have an hour of treatment per area, and you go back to doing whatever you need to do. It’s easy, and it works.”

CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared to treat the abdominal area, the flank area more commonly referred to as muffin tops, back fat and love handles as well as the post-pregnancy pooch area. The procedure is effective at treating these unwanted pockets of fat by chilling them to 5 degrees centigrade.

According to Dr. Humble, patients return after eight weeks and take photos to measure the results. “The least amount that anyone lost in a trial was 10%. The average loss is 22.5%.

Patients are getting phenomenal results with CoolSculpting.” www.fortbend

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“Our two incredible sons have great opportunities in Sugar Land, and they have already started building a great foundation for a blessed life, ” said Dr. Humble.

Most patients can tell a discernible difference within a couple of weeks with CoolSculpting even if the scale shows no change. “I tell my patients to throw out their scales,” said Dr. Humble. “Fat doesn’t weigh very much. Weight is all skin and water; fat cells themselves are very light.”

CoolSculpting is not a treatment for obesity nor is it a substitute for liposuction. A typical candidate is someone who is 15 to 20 pounds overweight and has pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and diet.

Features of the New Building “We built the building because we had the means to do so, and we’re getting so busy. We need the space. I was very lucky to meet Don Janssen with Planned Community Developers, and he offered us a perfect location.

The tract is between Best Buy and the feeder road of Hwy 59 at Sweetwater Boulevard. Sugar Land Surgical Hospital is moving next to us. We’re basically on an island, so we have control of the parking situation. We wanted ways to get in and out without everyone noticing.”

“The new building will feature a beautiful atrium with a 30-foot tower and a private library where the patient’s family will be able to relax while their loved one is having surgery.

There will also be a track to my office to see my patients, and another track for where the spa patients go. A portico will provide privacy and comfort as patients exit the building to the parking lot.”

“It will be a spa-type atmosphere designed to look like an elegant house.

For example, there will be real drywalled ceilings with scone lights that shine up on the ceilings, down the hallways; therefore, it looks very comfortable, and we can control the lighting so it’s more spa-like.”

A new operating room will be added which will be completely separate and accessed through two separate doors –

Kalaan and Talan Humble with dad Dr. Eric Humble.

techniques correctly and helping with the patients.

In addition to dealing with the cosmetic surgery issues, he also oversees some of the spa patients and discerns if they are Ultherapy® candidates or face lift candidates. With integrity and honesty, Dr. Humble consults with each patient in depth to find the best ways to enhance his or her facial features or body shape. In an effort to each the optimum, most natural results, Dr. Humble gives his expert recommendation on each individual case, even if the course of action means a less invasive – and less expensive – method to achieve the desired aesthetic look.

“I take an active role in deciding if the patient would be a good candidate for CoolSculpting® or a Tummy Tuck.

We tell the patient the advantages and disadvantages of each option.”

Here to Stay a front door for the patient and a back door for the staff. For privacy, outside doors will also be available for patients to leave the building. “We acquired topof-the-line equipment for the operating room that I’ve been actively purchasing for two years. We have contracts ready to go and are entering the final stages of construction. The anticipated completion date of the new building is the end of October.”

Skillful and Compassionate Dr. Humble is fully trained in head and neck surgery, is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is a member of the renowned American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is not only skilled in his field, but he is also personable and compassionate. Along with his caring staff, Dr. Humble provides a safe and welcoming environment in which patients can reach their goal of finding happiness in the way they look and feel. His wife, Dr. Lin Humble, is a board-certified medical internist who oversees the spa patients, making sure the technicians are performing fort bend

magazine • August 2012

16

“My wife and I love Sugar Land, and we have already planted permanent roots here. My wife’s family, as well as my mom, are all here. Our two incredible sons have great opportunities in Sugar Land, and they have already started building a great foundation for a blessed life. We’ve been so successful here so we’re not leaving. We now own the building and the land and have no worries about our future here,” said Dr. Humble.

Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery will hold a Grand Opening and an open house in November upon completion of its new building. A raffle will be held with the grand prize being a week in Paris for two as well as over $20,000 in service and products. “We want to give back to the community as well,” said Dr. Humble. “All proceeds from raffle ticket purchases will go to charity.”

For more information about procedures offered, contact Drs. Eric and Lin Humble at Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery at www.beautybecomesyou.com or 281-313-0555. To enter the raffle, go to their website and “like” their Facebook page.

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The Kij Family:

A Legacy of Selfless Service

By Sarah Jane Knowlton

Jessica and Jim Kij. Photo by Larry Pullen Photography.

L

iving in the selfish world that we to the organization near and dear to their do, it is refreshing to be reminded hearts that they both serve together: Child that there are people around us Advocates. The organization serves as a who still care deeply about their communivoice in the community for children who are ty. Jim and Jessica Kij are two examples of victims of abuse and neglect. The couple these selfless sorts of people, having lived is extremely devoted to Child Advocate’s in Colony Woods for 13 years and working cause. Jessica spoke about why she loves the entire time to improve the community the organization stating, “Every child dethey call home. Through their work, the Kij’s serves a chance to grow up in a safe and have proven they are an integral part of volpermanent home. Contributing to that unteerism in Fort Bend County. end makes volunteering for Child AdvoJessica Kij, absolutely! focus media’s cates very meaningful and rewarding. You Senior Account Executive of Fort Bend Fotruly make a difference.” Jim and Jessica cus, has been involved in the community have incorporated sponsoring and hostfor 21 years. She has been an important ing the CASA candlelight home tour into part of several community projects from lotheir Christmas traditions, taking time out cal schools doing kindergarten yearbooks of the busy holiday season to give freely to Pro Grad in high school to serving as to others. In addition, the fact that Jessica both a deacon and elder in her church. On was named Media Partner of 2008 by the a larger scale, Jessica is a 2009 organization further highlights her graduate of Fort Bend Chamdevotion to such a worthy and inber Leadership Forum and has fluential cause. served on the Boogie commitThe Kij’s heart for service, estee of the Fort Bend Women’s pecially child-oriented service, is Shelter as well as being the pubalso apparent in their daughter licity chair for the Fort Bend EduKristen’s life. She has been accation Foundation Gala. tive in her church by teaching Jim is also involved in the Sunday school classes, vacation community having served with Bible school, and serving as a the City of Sugar Land, the Fort youth elder as well as a member Kristen Kij. Bend YMCA for five years, the of the Presbyterian Youth CounBBB of Fort Bend, Sweetwater Country cil. In high school, Kristen completed the Club, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, YES program for service and after graduatJunior Achievement, Fort Bend Chamber ing from Baylor University, is now working of Commerce, First Colony Community Astowards a career as a Child Life Specialist sociation, the Houston Livestock Show and so she can continue her work with children.

Rodeo, the Parks Youth Ranch and with the Both Jessica and Jim encourage volChild Advocates of Fort Bend. unteering. When asked about how her job Most impressive is the Kij’s dedication affects her volunteer work, Jessica replied, fort bend

magazine • August 2012

18

Doug Earle and Jim Kij present Kempton Scipio with a Young Citizenship Award at a Sugar Land Exchange Club meeting. Photo by Larry Pullen Photography.

“Through my position at Fort Bend Focus Magazine, I am able to promote organizations throughout Fort Bend County by publishing their event press releases, attending their events, and publishing post event photos. The magazine does all of this in an effort to get our community organization’s names and missions out to the public in hopes of garnering additional community support.”

Jim sums up their outlook on volunteerism overall saying, “I love and care about the community I live in, and my fellow man that I share it with. I was brought up to believe that you always leave things better than you found them. I also believe that an individual can make a difference.” Jim encourages getting involved stating, “Our great country was built on folks helping other folks achieve a better life than the one they had in another place. Step up and volunteer. You’ll be amazed by how good it feels!”

The Kij’s family devotion to volunteerism is an inspiration and challenge to us all to go out into the community and give back. On behalf of Fort Bend, thank you Jim, Jessica and Kristen for all you’ve done to help make Fort Bend a great place to live.

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Prepared by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

on

Greed is Missing in Action

F

or many years I’ve written about how psychology affects our investments. Last issue, titled Storm Flags Flying, discussed how fear can severely damage investment portfolios. This issue, it’s time to discuss greed.

“Greed is good,” or so says Gordon Gekko from the movie Wall Street.

As humans, we are “hard-wired” to do the wrong things at the wrong times because we respond to investing with an emotional approach.

Buying low and selling high becomes very hard for us to do. A great example of this today is the fear of Europe failing and dragging us down. Our most recent memory is of our banks’ failure in 2008.

What’s this got to do with greed?

Everything! When fear is everywhere, prices are usually low and may go lower. With greed, prices

are high and may go higher. Where do you think we are in the investment cycle for real estate, stocks or bonds? Are you upset with an asset you sell and it goes higher or when you buy and it goes lower? Understand how you react to these conditions, and it will make you a better and more secure investor.

For what it’s worth, greed is noticeably absent today. We are fearful of losing everything and many investors have developed a “bunker” mentality. Few remember the good ole days of the 1990s when annual double-digit returns prevailed and “greed was good.” Little did anyone realize the next decade would be so painful. Where are we today? Do you think we are “afraid of the dark?” Is it just possible we might be setting ourselves up for the return of greed over the next decade?

Afraid of the dark and your investment decisions? Let the Hardee Investment Group shine a light on your portfolio and help you realize investing isn’t as scary as it sounds. Call us at 713-853-0869 or visit us online 24/7 at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com.

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.

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METHODIST SUGAR LAND NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES Personal attention, high-tech care for your peace of mind Dr. Eddie Patton, Jr., and Dr. M. Faisal Khan are pleased to welcome Larry Tran, M.D., to Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates.

Together they offer diagnosis and treatment of the most common — and most complex — neurological disorders.

From sleep apnea, migraines, epilepsy and dementia, to complex spine, peripheral neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders, the physicians at Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates can provide answers and options using the latest in technology and therapeutic techniques, backed by the resources and staff of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Regain your quality of life. Call Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates today.  Board-certified neurologists with a special emphasis on neurophysiology, neuromuscular disorders and sleep medicine.

Larry Tran, M.D., Eddie L. Patton Jr., M.D. and M. Faisal Khan, M.D.

Medical Office Building Two 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 131 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-494-6387 MethodistSugarLandDocs.com

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FORT BEND NEW NEIGHBORS

Blackbird Trading Company Maybe the economy is affecting your bottom dollar, or maybe you just like the best bargains? Smart shoppers always do. Blackbird Trading Company is good not only for your wallet but also for the environment. Shopping at Blackbird Trading Company will keep you in style while saving your money; all while you recycle, repurpose, and reuse to spare the environment.

Here’s how it works: just bring in your gently used name brand clothes and accessories, and Blackbird Trading Company will give you cash on the spot for the selected items. It’s that simple. Put the cash in your pocket, or use the cash to shop Blackbird Trading Company’s incredible selection of men and women’s apparel and accessories.

Blackbird buys and sells the latest in trendy, gently used apparel and accessories every day. Look like a million bucks without breaking the bank, and save up to 70% on what you would pay in a department store. Blackbird Trading Company offers the best value around in gently used and new name brand designer fashions.

And just because Blackbird Trading Company sells for less does not mean that you get short changed on your shopping experience. Every store has friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to help you create the look you want because at Blackbird Trading Company, they know fashion! Every store is beautifully decorated with racks and displays that are neat and easy to shop.

Blackbird Trading Company is the place to buy and sell name brand clothes and accessories. Visit Blackbird Trading Company in Sugar Land at 2725 Town Center Blvd. N, Ste. or call 281-313-0919 for more information.

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Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital, formerly known as Sienna Plantation Animal Clinic, has been serving the Fort Bend community since 2005. Since they have moved into their new, 5300 sq. ft. hospital, located on the corner of Sienna Ranch Rd. and Sienna Circle, they continue to provide the truly excellent services they are known for to neighborhood pets. Their practice has increased in both size and scope, allowing more pets to be in their care as well as providing a state of the art medical facility to their animal patients.

Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital specializes in both dogs and cats and offers many personalized services, including: immunizations, heartworm and flea preventatives, in house laboratory services, and an on-site pharmacy. Their doctors provide custom veterinary diets and wellness care, as well as the best in internal medicine. The specially designed hospital includes a digital x-ray for diagnostics, animal dentistry, and a surgery suite for both soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. The new location includes a large exercise yard for their canine patients, boarders, and doggy day care. They offer a separate, quiet cat room for our feline boarders, with luxurious cat condos and a window for their enjoyment. Along with thoughtfully appointed exam rooms to ensure the comfort of their client and their pets, they host a private consultation room for clients to visit their hospitalized pets.

They look forward to sharing their dream facility with you. Drop by 9212 Sienna Ranch Rd. (off of Sienna Pkwy) anytime to have a look. As always, Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital thanks you for letting them work on your precious four-legged family members. For more information, call 281-778-5244 or visit www.siennaplantationanimalclinic.com.

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Seen

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Reaching for the Stars Gala

Benefiting Texana Center Friday, April 13, 2012 • Safari Texas Ranch

Bob & Dianne Wilson with Lori & Mike Bloomfield

Karen Penrod & Eloise Lucas

Julie & James Patterson with George Patterson

Paula Smith, Rebecca Lazarou & May Tape

Wesley Kocian & Pete Olson

Brenda & Larry Pullen

Gary Janssen with Laura & Jim Richard

Tim & Patti Kaminski with Harish & Shashi Jajoo

Christie Collins & Tom Larsen

Carolyn & Neil Banfield with Jacquie Chaumette

Randy & Gail Parker

Brenda Mullinix & Marion Kozlovsky

Celia Olson, Gary Pearson & CeeCee Parker

Don & Merle Smithers

Eric & Hope Montgomery with Darla & Don Farmer fort bend

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Ron & Juliana Ewer

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Wine and Music

Benefiting Literacy Council of Fort Bend Friday, May 11, 2012 • Stafford Centre

Jacquie Chaumette & Mark Winters

Betty Purcell & Judy Villagomez

Kim & Sam Cress

Carl Favre & Bob Brown

Lisa Fredrickson, Kathryn Kluge & Patti Parish-Kaminski

Lauren & Cathy Dante

Jane & Allen Owen

Sharon & Jim Baca

Kris & Sherrie Allfrey

Bobbie & Jim McClellan

Arden Myers & Virginia Moore

Manish & Namita Asthana

John & Angela Pfeiffer

Charmoin & Crawford Tatum

Crissy Nolen & Cristy Jennings

Bill & Lisa McClendon

Katy & CT Renfrow

Katrin & Klaus Gierth

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Valerie Goss & Laura Winters

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Friday & Sunday Weddings when you mention this ad.

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Health

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By Dr. Peter Osborne

Is Hidden Food Allergy Causing Your Illness?

any people today are going on gluten free diets. You can find extensive gluten free sections in Kroger, HEB, and Whole Foods. Gluten has been in the national spotlight receiving recognition on Discovery Health, CNN’s Larry King, Oprah, David Letterman, The View, Good Housekeeping Magazine and more.

There is even a “dummies book” available for those with gluten sensitivity.1 So What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in the following grains: wheat, barley, rye, and oats. It is also found in processed foods derived from wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Breads, cereals, and pastas are rich in gluten. Other foods and/or food additives can be derived from gluten containing grains. Examples include soy sauce, gravies, soups, whiskey, and modified food starch. Traditional medical thought is that the protein gluten interacts with some people’s immune systems causing an autoimmune reaction that damages the intestine. However, newer research is identifying that the protein gluten is only part of the problem. Some scientists argue that many grains (including corn) can create similar reactions.

So What is Gluten Sensitivity?

It depends on who you ask. Many people use the term gluten sensitivity interchangeably with celiac disease (an autoimmune intestinal disorder). Some call gluten sensitivity a food allergy or intolerance. Both are correct to some degree.

Gluten sensitivity causes celiac disease, but not all people with gluten sensitivity develop celiac disease. This is where the problem in traditional diagnosis can occur. The only way to confirm whether

or not a person has celiac disease is to perform an intestinal biopsy. If the results reveal villous atrophy (flattening of the intestinal folds) then celiac disease is diagnosed. If the results are negative, then both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity may be dismissed. Newer research is finding that gluten sensitivity can exist independently without causing celiac disease. There are more than 180 different disease conditions, syndromes, and symptoms that have been linked to gluten sensitivity in the medical literature.2,3 Some common conditions include thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, vertigo, osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and PCOS. There have been two proposed names in the medical literature for this classification of gluten sensitivity.

1. Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance4 and 2.

Gluten Syndrome.5 Diagnosing Gluten Sensitivity & Celiac Disease The proper tools must be used to accurately diagnose gluten sensitivity. Relying solely on a biopsy can delay a diagnosis for several years. I have personally seen cases of celiac disease where up to 8 biopsies were performed before a diagnosis was made. Blood antibody tests provide a better degree of accuracy but still have a great degree of false negatives.

Genetic testing offers the greatest degree of accuracy and when combined with a patient’s history and examination a diagnosis can be made early and accurately.

However, the greatest tool is patient improvement. If a person starts to feel better on a gluten free diet it doesn’t matter what blood tests or biopsies reveal. The proverbial proof is in the pudding.

Once Again, Common Sense Applies Several years ago, many Americans played an unknowing role in the social experiment known as the Atkin’s diet.

This diet, largely devoid of grain provided many with better health through weight loss and reduction of many generalized symptoms of poor health. However, there were also those whose health did poorly on the Atkin’s diet. People are different and unique. Renowned Nobel Prize winning scientist, Roger Williams, wrote a book called Biochemical Individuality examining these individual differences. Bottom line: one diet is not right for everyone.

Because going on a gluten free takes a great deal of education and commitment, it is recommended that proper testing be performed to identify whether the diet is right for you. Remember going gluten free is not a trendy diet; it is a permanent lifestyle that should be taken very seriously as even small amounts of gluten exposure can cause problems. This month I will leave you with a final thought on gluten and grains. When farmers want their cows and pigs to gain weight before going to market, they feed them more grain. In the past 100 years, grain consumption has dramatically increased, paralleling a rise in the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Despite the above facts many doctors and dieticians continue to blindly prescribe “heart healthy” diets high in grain.

See Melissa Wilson’s Fox News Report on Food Allergy and disease for more information- http:// www.viddler.com/explore/DocOsborne/videos/5/ References: 1. Korn, Danna. Living Gluten-Free for Dummies. Wiley Publishing 2006.

2. Libonati, Cleo J. Recognizing Celiac Disease. GFW Publishing Jan 2007.

3. http://www.towncenterwellness.com:80/webwellness_newsletter.html 4. http://www.gluten.net/about.htm 5. Ford, Rodney. The Gluten Syndrome. RRS Global Ltd publishing. Sept 2007.

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

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WEDNESDAY Bible Study....................... 7:00pm Awana Bible Clubs........... 7:00pm

Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor

281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459

A professionally instructed and staffed performance/dance studio

Classical Ballet • Pointe Variations Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop 281.969.7054 www.laeraldance.com www.missouricityballet.org 6238 Highway 6, Missouri City, Texas 77459 www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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By Nick Nicholson

A

pair of top paranormal researchers face their greatest challenge when they set out to discredit a powerful and mysterious psychic in Red Lights, a taut and original psychological thriller from award-winning writer and director Rodrigo Cortés. Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and her partner, Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy), are the world’s foremost investigators of paranormal phenomena. Professional skeptics, they have debunked dozens of fraudulent mind readers, ghost hunters, faith healers and the like by detecting what Matheson calls “red lights,” subtle clues to the trickery behind each of these “supernatural” occurrences. But when the legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement after 30 years, his once-fearless adversary Matheson warns Buckley to back off. Suspecting that the charismatic, spoon-bending mind reader was involved in the mysterious death of his most vociferous critic three decades earlier, she considers him far too dangerous to confront.

Buckley remains determined to discredit the hugely popular and seemingly genuine Silver, however, believing that doing so would cement his reputation and guarantee funding for Matheson’s and his research for years to come. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with his mission, Buckley enlists the aid of his star student, Sally (Elizabeth Olsen). Together, they employ a dazzling array of high-tech tools to unlock the secrets of Silver’s abilities. But the closer they get, the more formidable Silver becomes - and the more Buckley begins to question his core beliefs. Science and the supernatural collide to play on audience perceptions as the researchers’ quest for the truth builds to a mind-blowing conclusion that will keep you absolutely riveted to your seat!

Director and screenwriter Rodrigo Cortés blurs the thin line between perception and reality as two skeptical scientists seek to expose the trickery behind seemingly unexplainable events in his third feature film, Red Lights. In 2010, Cortés galvanized the film world with his unconventional thriller Buried, which became a surprise triumph at the Sundance Film Festival and went on to worldwide box-office success. The acclaim the Spanish-born writer and director received enabled him to start work almost immediately on Red Lights, a project he says had been gestat-

President’s Men, but instead of journalists, we have scientific investigators. It starts with the idea of exposing these hoaxes, then starts to explore the mechanisms of perception in the human brain.” He goes on to state, “one of the most important things I wanted to capture was the idea that the human brain is not necessarily a tool we can trust,” the director says. “We see what we want to see. Our beliefs are determined by our hopes, needs, dreams and desires. In other words, we believe what we want to believe.”

Cortés’ heroes, Margaret Matheson, played by Sigourney Weaver, and Tom Buckley, played by Cillian Murphy, believe that the world is filled with hucksters and frauds who exploit the hopes and fears of their followers for personal notoriety and financial gain. The pair are experts in detecting the telltale “red lights”—signs of the stagecraft used to pull the wool over the eyes of gullible believers.

Cortés devoted more than a year and a half to the study of paranormal phenomena. “I looked at both sides of the discussion, the side of the scientists and skeptics, as well as the side of the believers and parapsychologists,” he says. “I went through tons of information, images and videos. I attended séances and channeling sessions and talked to many so-called paragnosts, or gifted psychics, who use scien-

Robert De Niro as Simon Silver, Joely Richardson as Monica Hansen and Toby Jones as Paul Shackleton in Red Lights. ing for some time. “It gave me the chance to combine two concepts that might seem antithetical,” says Cortés. “This is a genre film with the soul of a political thriller. I was inspired in part by movies like All the

tific terms to legitimize their work. What I discovered was that in some ways the two sides are very similar: they each accept only the information that confirms their preconceived ideas and reject everything

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 • August 2012

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Specialist in dentistry for children from 6 months to 17 years of age Friendly, gentle and caring staff

Elizabeth Olsen as Sally Owen in Red Lights. else. People are prone to believing what is convenient to believe. We start with our beliefs and create the architecture around them.” Though the film is fictional, many of the characters and events are based on Cortés’ research. “The character of Silver, for example, is not based on any one specific psychic. I used things that I learned about renowned psychics, including Uri Geller, but I also studied politicians and healers and preachers. I also wanted the movie to feel very scientific. A lot of the high-tech equipment used in the film exists in real life.”

Cortés says his intent is to place the viewers in the characters’ shoes so that they will call into question everything they see. “Filmmaking is in large part about managing point of view to make people feel and believe what you want them to,” he explains. “Reality doesn’t matter; real time doesn’t matter. You can stretch time or compress it. It doesn’t have to be real— it just has to feel real. You have to create a reality that works for the screen and the rules of real life don’t apply.” For Cortés the trickery employed by the charlatans in the film is a perfect metaphor for filmmaking. “It’s about stage magicians playing with the same tools as filmmakers,” he says. “In creating movie reality, you make people swear they saw things they never saw. You misdirect them in order to surprise them. You make them look at your left hand so you can steal their wallet with your right.”

Red Lights

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Sigourney Weaver & Robert De Niro Director: Rodrigo Cortes Company: Millennium Entertainment Now Showing: In Local Area Theatres MPAA Rating: R Grade: B All photos courtesy of Millennium Entertainment.

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Primrose School of First Colony Will My Child Be Ready for Elementary School?

More and more parents are recognizing the importance of enrolling their children in preschool to help them develop the right foundation for success in elementary school and beyond. The best programs go beyond helping children master basic academic skills by supporting their development as happy, confident, well-rounded individuals.

Research shows that from birth to age 5, changes and growth in all areas of development are rapid. Children form strong neural connections during this time as a result of experiences they have with everyone and everything they encounter. The quality of those early interactions determines how children continue to learn and form relationships, strongly influencing their future success and happiness.

“Informed parents look for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten programs that take a balanced approach to developing motor, social-emotional, creative, and academic skills,” said Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools. “It takes quality instruction, a well-rounded curriculum, and a positive teacher relationship to prepare a child to succeed.”

Will your child be ready to enter elementary school? Selecting the right childcare or preschool program is a critical step in helping your child succeed. Plan to tour schools at least one year in advance so you have plenty of time to apply and enroll your child. To learn more about Primrose School of First Colony, visit www.primrosefirstcolony.com or call 281-565-2707.

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5/29/12 3:42 PM

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Discover the Fort Bend Christian Academy Difference Fort Bend Christian Academy (FBC) is celebrating 25 years of service to the community, 1987-2012. A Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 private, college-preparatory school located on a 35 acre campus in the heart of Sugar Land, FBC’s 850 students receive an academically challenging course of study, including an honors program, AP classes, and dual credit courses offered at the high school level. Selected middle school students may also participate in accelerated honors courses. Spiritually, academically, and professionally qualified, FBC teaching staff are certified educators, many possessing a Master’s degree or above.

Tour the elementary, middle, and/or high school campuses and see for yourself the FBC difference!

• Enrichment classes, clubs, and strong community service involvement at all age levels, including an interim week of service each spring where high school students serve internationally, across the U.S., and locally • Uniforms, hot lunch program, Before and After School Extended Day programs • 850 students attend and serve at over 100 area churches • Competitive, Award-Winning TAPPS 4A Athletics • Award–winning, growing programs in Fine Arts (TAPPS 4A State Art Champions 2012, 2011), Band, and Theater • 100% of Fort Bend Christian graduates are accepted to college, most to their first choice school, and include National Merit Scholars, military service appointees, and recipients of numerous scholarship offers (over $2.7 million in scholarships offered to the 58 member Class of 2012 with $750,800 accepted) Arrange your visit today! Contact the FBC Admissions Office at 281-263-9142, admissions@fortbendchristian.org, or visit www.fortbendchristian.org/admissions.

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

The Walden School is a dynamic NAEYC accredited school that provides high quality programs and care for infants through private kindergarten.

Walden also provides a low teacher-tostudent ratio in its private first and second grades and stimulating before-andafter school care for children through age 12. Register now for Summer Camp and Fall 2012!

Summer campers remain busy with themed weekly activities highlighted with enlightening and adventurous field trips, sports (swimming, gymnastics, and taekwondo), visiting guest entertainers,

“From Pre-K to graduation,

this is OUR school!”

Katie, Class of 2012, and her siblings

APPLY NOW

for the 2012-13 school year!

281-263-9142 • www.fortbendchristian.org 1250 Seventh Street, Sugar Land, TX 77478

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

www.robinsdancestudio.com

DANCE STUDIO Celebrating 40 Years of Dance in Missouri City!

multicultural activities, art and crafts, reading and math enrichment, computers, games, nature explorations, and many more fun activities.

Fall enrollment is underway. Walden families look forward to participation in programs like soccer and t-ball leagues, gymnastics, tap and ballet classes, and community service projects. Low teacher-tostudent ratios, long-serving tenured staff, and well-defined programs help keep Walden a nurturing and child friendly environment.

Visit The Walden School Monday through Friday and meet the director along with his experienced staff. Several programs are available to fit your family’s individual needs. The Walden School’s website is www.thewaldenschool.com. There you can connect with NAEYC’s website and find out more about accreditation, read monthly newsletters, and get news about what is happening on campus.

For more information, please contact 281-980-0022 or visit www. thewaldenschool.com.

2012-2013 Registration August 9, 16, 23 & 30 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Classes begin September 4th!

Call or visit website for schedule

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, First and Second Grade Transportation available for after school program K-5 16103-A Lexington Blvd. (behind First Colony Mall) • 6:15am - 6:45pm

281-980-0022 • www.thewaldenschool.com www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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

Sum m e r Camp Call for details

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Southminster School Mind… Body… Spirit. Southminster School cares for the whole child.

Founded in 1990 and accredited by SACS CASI, Southminster School serves children from eighteen months through fifth grade in a loving and nurturing Christian environment.

A low student/teacher ratio, exceptional experienced teaching staff, and multi-sensory activities promote a challenging curriculum, exemplifying excellence. Southminster School maintains the highest quality education while promoting individual learning styles.

The skills and attitudes fostered at Southminster School develop educated thinkers, respect for others, and strong leaders willing to make a difference in their world. Learning is a lifelong journey, and the voyage begins here.

• Small class size to benefit students at all levels of learning.

• Safe, secure environment with emphasis on family.

• Curriculum focus on problem solving and higher-level thinking.

• Spanish, music, computers, library, physical education, and chapel.

• Fine Arts program: music, art, visiting professionals.

• Developmentally-appropriate, licensed preschool program.

• Preschool literacy and music enrichment classes.

• Morning and afternoon extended care with planned age-appropriate activities.

• After-school activities: computer club, sewing, karate, dance, art, tumbling, chess club, and fitness.

• Upward sports’ program with flag football, cheerleading, and soccer.

Southminster School is located at 4200 Cartwright Road at Brightwater in Missouri City. For more information, visit www.southminsterschool.org or call 281-261-8872 for tour appointments.

A private school education NOW, more than ever

Now Registering for the 2012 – 2013 School Year 4200 Cartwright Road * Missouri City 281-261-8872 * www.southminsterschool.org fort bend

Fort Bend Academy of Dance Fort Bend Academy of Dance (FBAD) has focused on the needs and dreams of aspiring young dancers since 1999. Directed by Michael Banigan and Dianne Jarrell, the emphasis of FBAD is on dance as a performing art rather than a competitive event. The school strongly believes in an avenue for personal expression and an opportunity to fulfill professional aspirations. Many of our students are currently pursuing professional careers or degrees in dance.

The Academy utilizes an age and level based curriculum that emphasizes the proper technique of classical ballet as the basis for all other dance forms by offering classes in classical ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, and tap. There are also four divisions in

WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE: • A warm, nurturing, Christian environment • Challenging curriculum • Loving, experienced educators • Award-winning academics • Children taught to love and respect each other • Positive and productive parent involvement • Students performing at their personal best • Creative fine arts and music program • Administration who knows every child • Convenient location in your community • Affordable tuition

L earning is a lifelong journey...

the voyage begins here!

Preschool - 5th grade

magazine • August 2012

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the Academy from pre-school through preprofessional.

FBAD is also the home of BalletForte, the premier pre-professional ballet company in the area. BalletForte is a member of Regional Dance America/Southwest and has been entertaining audiences with its’ annual production of The Nutcracker for the past 16 years.

Fort Bend Academy of Dance provides an encouraging environment where every student is expected to strive for excellence to the best of their ability while experiencing the pure joy of movement. They, in turn, are committed to making a positive contribution to the lives of our students and our community.

This is achieved by giving students the individualized guidance and attention that they are entitled to while instilling the value of commitment, respect, hard work, discipline, and artistry.

Want to dance? We have room for you at the barre. Call Fort Bend Academy of Dance at 281-277-5735 or visit http://www.fbadance. com for more information.

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.com • August 2012

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The Adventure Begins at International Preparatory School

INTERNATIONAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL Pre-Kindergarten – 8th Grade

Register Now for the 2012-2013 School Year

InternationalPreparatorySchool.com Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others Available After School Programs: Homework Assistance • Art • Voice • Guitar • Piano Dance • Math Club • Chess Club After School Program available until 6:30 pm.

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

The Goddard School Come Grow With Us! The early childhood years are a very special time in your child’s development. Great changes occur in this relatively short period of time as children learn to communicate, increase their intellectual awareness, and make great physical strides. In recognition of the crucial importance to these years, the Goddard School has created a program tailored to meet the needs of your child at each stage of development.

The Goddard School FLEX Learning Program, based on the latest research in how children learn, provides the optimal environment for each child’s development.

Developmental guidelines form the basis of unique lesson plans that are brought to life in fun and imaginative way. Learning centers for dramatic play, creative art, science, blocks, math, computers, and quiet reading provide children the opportunity to explore at their own pace.

A low child to teacher ratio ensures the children are meeting the goals to become school ready. Enrichment programs such as Spanish, Sign Language, Yoga, and Fitness are also daily implemented, enhancing the learning experience.

The Goddard School offers educational preschool programs starting with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Their curriculum is based on the Piaget method of learning through play. Their certified, degreed teachers are dedicated to helping build a firm foundation for children to grow and believe even the youngest child can learn.

At the Goddard School all families are encouraged to come and tour the new facility.

For more information, visit www.goddardschool.com or call the Goddard-Richmond at 281232-5353 or the Goddard-Sugar Land at 281-491-0313.

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Parents have several choices when it comes to the education of their children. Those that visit the International Preparatory School are looking for something very specific.

They are searching for a fresh philosophy and a renewed energy in teaching. Smaller class sizes rank as the number one concern. Why? This provides individual attention for students who require more support in some areas while addressing the needs of the gifted child. This all translates into a school where both the teachers and the administration set common expectations in an open, interactive, understanding and energizing manner.

Parents want a safe environment that maintains a high standard of discipline and respect, while fostering a strong sense of community through school wide activities for all ages.

Emphasis on well rounded education makes participation in extracurricular activities such as music and art an integral part of the everyday curriculum.

Studies demonstrate that healthy competition, be it through math or chess clubs, leads to a higher motivation in learning.

Going to school should be an adventure. That adventure begins at age 4 at the International Preparatory School with a creative learning environment that continues through elementary and middle school. The curriculum aspires balanced academics while developing a strong social, physical, and moral aptitude.

The International Preparatory School is the choice many parents are making for their children because it is an environment that fosters the gifted and accelerated student as well as the under confident. If you have great expectations for your child, come by and experience the vibrant atmosphere at the International Preparatory School for yourself. Please call 281-208-1403.

Sienna Stables

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Olympic Fever is Burning at Sugar Land Gymnastics Olympic aspirations have to start somewhere, and they are reaching a fever pitch at the newest, fastest growing gymnastic center in Fort Bend County – Sugar Land Gymnastics (SLG).

Robert Gifford, sole owner of SLG, purchased the gym just one year ago.

Since then enrollment has skyrocketed and continues to climb. According to Gifford, “We are on pace to reach the 1,000 student mark by the end of the year. After that, spots in our program will be limited.” And the reason for his success in one word? “Quality. When you have quality instruction and a quality curriculum housed in a quality, stateof-the-art facility, the word spreads quickly.”

Bryan Kiser is the Executive Director and General Manager of SLG and is an Elite Level Developmental Men’s

USA Gymnastics Competitive Men’s and Women’s Teams.

• • • • •

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

Birthday Parties Summer Camp Tumbling for Cheerleading Moms & Tots classes Karate Classes (4yrs & up)

281-240-0999

16215 Lexington Blvd. (Behind First Colony Mall) • www.sugarlandgymnastics.com

Gymnastics Coach with 25 years experience in the Men’s Junior Olympic Gymnastics Program. And for the girls, Coach Mei Liu competed as a member of the Chinese National Team and is a USAG certified national judge. She has 25 years experience and coached level four through seven state champions. Gifford says, “We don’t believe in screaming at the kids. Positive reinforcement

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will get us there, and we’ll have a bunch of fun along the way.”

Mom-and-Me classes at SLG starts kids off at eighteen months old building skills at each and every level. SLG also offers competitive boys and girl’s team programs as well as recreational classes and tumbling.

For more information, call 281-240-0999 or visit www.SugarLandGymnastics.com.

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Got Tickets?

The Real Deal…

What makes Safety America different than all the other martial arts schools around?

Self-defense! They just don’t talk about teaching it; they actually teach it. Hands on, reallife, street, self-defense! Let’s face it, we live in a dangerous world today, and when you give your child the gift of self-defense, you are arming him with the tools to help keep him safe for a lifetime.

It all starts with kids four-years-old, believe it or not. They call them “Little Ninjas” at Safety America, (they are actually four-years-old) and when you watch them practicing their “stranger danger” defense techniques, you will understand why. “They know when and where to strike, what to yell and when to run,” says Bob Gifford, an eighth degree black belt. “These kids are smarter and faster than you think, and when you train them properly, you increase their chances for escaping a bad situation.”

Gifford has been teaching martial arts for the past 40 years and has several successful karate schools all around Fort Bend County. He taught the “Stranger Danger” classes for the Sugar Land Police D.A.R.E. program for 10 years, so when it comes to kids, he knows what he’s doing. “It’s all about building a child’s confidence, and it takes time, practice and a mom’s dedication to bring him to class regularly. I have seen the personality of many kids change over the years from shy and withdrawn to self-assured and confident, carrying a whole new outlook on life.”

Come and visit any of their four locations, and try a free class. Call 281-980-3030 for more information.

Join us on Facebook Facebook.com/FortBendFocus

“Like” Us Today!

Win ticket giveaways to area attractions and events!

“My Dad says it’s about PROTECTION...

My Mom says it’s about FOCUS... and I say it’s FUN!” Our classes will make children safer, but we focus on much, much more than just SELF-DEFENSE. We develop vital skills of CONCENTRATION and FOCUS, and we build CONFIDENCE and SELF-ESTEEM. We teach ANGER MANAGEMENT and NON-VIOLENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION.

SAFETY AMERICA KARATE Classes for: Families • Adults • Kids (ages 4 & up) 3 LOCATIONS: First Colony • Missouri City New Territory

281.980.3030 www.KarateSugarLand.com fort bend

magazine • August 2012

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Try a FREE Class!

FORT BEND

HEADLINERS

Your New Outdoor Living Room!

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

Send your news via www.FortBendFocus.com.

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

FAMILY & FRIENDS

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281-265-1994

Margaret Patton

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Patton Named to Lead Wessendorff Middle School At its regular June meeting, the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees approved Margaret Patton as principal at Wessendorff Middle School.

Patton is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education. She received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M University.

Most recently Patton was the principal at Missouri City Middle School in Fort Bend ISD. She also served as principal of Barbara Jordan Elementary School in FBISD. She began her career in Louisiana, where she taught Special Education, Business and Computer Literacy at the secondary level. She was an Assistant Principal for two years in Louisiana before moving to Texas. Patton taught Special Education and was a Dean of Instruction in Fort Bend ISD prior to becoming a principal.

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Headliners continued on page 43 www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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w w w. s a r a b l a i n e. c o m

Fort Bend County Women’s Center Recognizes Volunteers of the Year 2011

Elsie Schade & Vita Goodell.

Debbie Maynard.

Rosenberg Welcomes Whataburger’s Biggest Fans

Paulette Smith, Beverly Martin, Vivian McDowell, Nancy Piazza, Nancy Colmenares, Beth Laughlin & Lizzie Dragon.

Sugar Land Face and Body’s Cool Night Benefiting Pink Door Non-Profit

Karl and Carol Hoepfner of Rockport, Whataburger’s Biggest Fans, plan to visit all 722 Whataburgers across ten states, and their Rosenberg stop was made extra special by the local staff and city representatives. Pictured are Carol Hoepfner, Cynthia McConathy, Vincent Morales, Jr., Moinuddin (Moin) Rahman, Susie Keintz, Samir Patel and Karl Hoepfner. Photo courtesy of Rosenberg Whataburger #651.

MD Anderson in Sugar Land Celebrates Survivorship Week

May Akbar, Angela Garza, Tiffany Lara, Eric & Lin Humble, Cortney Cole Hall & Allison Grover.

Jennifer Yantes & Erica Martinez.

Allison Brown, Cortney Cole Hall & Barrett Hall. fort bend

magazine • August 2012

Cancer survivor Kirby Redlin celebrates Survivorship Week with his oncologist, Shalin Shah, M.D.

42

Headliners continued from page 41

Are You Ready to Rumble and Bumble?!

Attention Fort Bend County residents, there is a “rumble in the bumble!” Teams of three adults are buzzing around preparing for the 3rd Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee that will take place on Friday, August 24, 2012 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the University of Houston-Sugar Land.

Whether you lost your grade-school Members of the 2012 Spelling Bee Committee are “Busy Bees” planning the 3rd Annual Great Spelling Bee and want to redeem yourGrown-Up Spelling Bee. Pictured are: Jennifer Belt, Marlene Feuerbach, Crissy Nolen, Ann self, want to participate in a fun, oldThompson, Sue Bridges, Lauren Dante, Kristin Wernecke and Brenda Bowman. Not pictured: fashioned Bee to increase your knowlKevin Gardner, Cristy Jennings, Patti Parish-Kaminski, Shayne Newell and Tanya Sterling. edge or just want to get away from the office on a Friday, the Bee is for you!

For only a $500 team entry fee, a team of three spellers will can’t form a team – contact us! We are looking for sponsors win a place in our “Honey Hall of Fame” and the braggadocio AND spellers! rights as the “Best Grown-Up Spellers in the County.”

If you are interested in being a part of this exciting Feeling rusty on your spelling ability? Don’t worry! Each and spirited event, please call 281.240.8181 or visit www. team will be provided with a list of words to study prior to grownupbee.com. See you at the Bee on August 24, 2012! the Bee. Also, spell-agains, mulligans and stingers will be Headliners continued on page 45 offered for strategic teams to purchase to assist with any difficult words. Don’t “Bee” a “Humble Bee;” “Bee” a “Bumble Bee” and grab two of your co-workers, friends or family members to join the fun as a team in our Bee. In addition to entering teams of three spellers for only $500, there are other sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $5,000. As a sponsor at the $100 level, donors can choose a letter in two “Literacy Alphabets.” The “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” alphabet is intended for local businesses to claim the first letter of their business. The “Friends of Literacy” alphabet is intended for families and friends of Literacy. With these two alphabets, businesses and individuals have the chance to claim the first letter of their business name, last name, children’s name, etc., and have that letter represent their business or their family. The “Literacy Alphabet” will be on display at the event and on the website, and donors receive two tickets to the event. If you have never supported the Literacy Council, now is your chance! There are other various opportunities to sponsor this event, and all proceeds benefit the life changing programs of the Literacy Council.

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Rosenberg State of the City

Vincent Morales & Polo Garcia.

Lydia & Ed Crowell, Barbara Stephenson & Joe Vera.

Ana Villaronga Roman, Vincent Morales & Terri Bieber.

Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors & Gifts Two Year Anniversary Celebration

Network Nights at Methodist

Becky Pruett & Lauren Caldwell.

Matt Worsham, Cathy Gottlieb & Tan Boutte.

Kim Sprague, Armando Saenz, Amy Saenz, Kaelyn Bujnoch, Leena Taneja & Leala Hall.

Sugar Land Superstar Competition Longhorn CafĂŠ Grand Opening

Sugar Land Town Square hosted the first round of its seventh annual Sugar Land Superstar competition. The evening featured local talent, and five contestants were selected to advance to the final round of competition on Saturday, August 11th at 7 p.m. Pictured are Savannah Schakett, Mason Bynes, Lauryn Harris, Alicia Pace, and Jana Packard. fort bend

magazine • August 2012

Kristen Kij was all smiles after meeting country singer Lee Brice at the Grand Opening festivities.

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Headliners continued on page 43

Deb Vangellow

Fort Bend’s Vangellow Named as One of America’s Top 50 Golf Teachers

Deb Vangellow, LPGA Master Professional and LPGA National Vice President, has been named to Golf Digest Magazine’s 2012 Top 50 Women Golf Teachers in the America biennial listing. The longtime Director of Instruction at Sweetwater Country Club in Houston is a repeat addition to the magazine listing going back to its inception.

“I am grateful for this recognition by my peers and feel very fortunate to have the 17-year support and friendship of the membership at Sweetwater CC, a terrific place I am pleased to call home,” said Vangellow. “I learn from every student I have the pleasure to teach, and they continue to inspire me daily. How lucky am I to think that in such a place, I lead such a life doing what I love to do!”

A LPGA Master Professional Member, Vangellow holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science Degree in Health/Physical Education/Coaching and Educational Leadership/Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and Miami (Ohio) University respectively. A multi-sport athlete who was a scholarship recipient, captain, and letter winner in soccer and track, she chose to devote her career path to develop into a top golf educator.

Headliners continued on page 58

The Andreason Law Firm Now you don’t have to drive to Houston for experienced Estate Planning.

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.com • August 2012

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Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine Health Care News You Can Use

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas performs first custom knee replacement in Fort Bend County Dr. Christopher Smith, Orthopedic Surgeon at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST), was the first in Fort Bend County to perform a custom partial knee replacement.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis, affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of joint cartilage. The breakdown and wearing of cartilage causes the bones to rub together, reChristopher Smith, M.D. and patient Daniel Gaugh. sulting in extreme pain.

The most common signs of osteoarthritis are pain with activities, stiffcustom knee replacement implant is specifiness of the knee, swelling, limited range of cally designed for each patient based on his/ motion and tenderness along the joint. “If her individual anatomy. A custom knee reyou experience any symptoms of knee arplacement offers unique advantages versus a thritis, you need to make an appointment traditional knee replacement. “Custom knee for a thorough examination to determine the replacement provides superior fit specific to source of your symptoms and to discuss if each patient,” explains Dr. Smith. Customized you would be a candidate for partial or total implants mirror the surface contours of your knee replacement,” states Dr. Smith. knee to help provide greater coverage and Knee replacements have been availimplant fit. Also, the implant is able to restore able for years, helping those with problems your knee’s normal motion through preservmaintain mobility and live without pain. A ing healthy cartilage, bone and ligaments; new form of custom knee replacement is your knee is able to retain more of its natural changing the way doctors and patients look function. at knee replacement surgery. The Conformis Customized instrumentation is built to fort bend

magazine • August 2012

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match your knee, reduce the amount of bone preparation and simplify your procedure which allows for a less traumatic process. “One remarkable advantage of the custom knee replacement surgery is that my patients are often able to walk, as tolerated, a few hours after surgery,” says Dr. Smith.

A CT scan provides the initial diagnosis as well as a detailed three-dimensional image of the knee, used to design the implant to fit the unique contours of the patient’s knee.

“Once Dr. Smith and I decided to move forward with the customized partial knee implant, he gave me a script for a CT scan. The surgery date was set, and I began preparations for surgery and beyond,” said Daniel Gaugh. “I felt significant pain relief within weeks and was very impressed with how quickly I was able to get back to my daily activities. I would highly recommend the custom knee replacement with Dr. Smith. It feels like I have my old knee back that I had before my injury.”

For an appointment with Dr. Smith, or one of the MOST physicians, call 281-494-MOST (6678). To learn more about Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas or for more information visit MethodistOrthopedics.com.

Advertorial

Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Groundbreaking Procedure for Facial Melanoma Performed at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

The first sentinel node biopsy procedure for facial melanoma was performed recently at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The treatment team was directed by plastic surgeon Jon Mathy, M.D. and included Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Nuclear Medicine department.

The face is one of the most common locations for melanoma, and melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin cancer, resulting in some 9,000 deaths per year. Prognosis can change dramatically when the melanoma is found to spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes.

“If you have melanoma of the head and neck,” says Dr. Mathy, “then it’s important to talk with your doctor about the benefits of looking beyond the skin surface to the lymph nodes in the area.”

Sentinel node biopsy is effective in identifying the sentinel, or first, lymph node to which cancer may spread. Once identified, the sentinel lymph node can be removed through biopsy and examined for evidence of cancer.

“Sentinel node biopsy offers more information about prognosis,” says Dr. Mathy. “It can open doors to other treatments and can help detect advanced melanoma faster than any other modality out there.”

The standard of care for treatment of head and neck melanoma has been to discuss the role for sentinel node biopsy with certain deeper melanomas at the same time as melanoma excision. Until recently, the community surrounding Methodist Sugar Land Hospital did not have the option of sentinel node biopsy locally available.

For patients with facial melanoma, access to a multidisciplinary team in the community where they work and live results in better care. “Melanoma can be a highly morbid and frightening disease,” says Dr. Mathy. “It’s helpful to treat patients in their own community, where they can lean on the support of family and friends. When indicated, additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also be administered in our community. And when treatment is over, long term follow up can return to the referring providers in the community, further facilitating

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Unveils More Effective Treatment for Dangerous Blood Clots

Jon Mathy, M.D. and Gordon Baxter. the patient’s continuity of care.”

The patient on whom the sentinel node biopsy was performed had a favorable outcome. “Dr. Mathy told me there were no signs that my cancer had spread,” says Gordon Baxter of Rosenberg. “I was relieved to hear that I wouldn’t need any more treatment.

I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Mathy and his team at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. And I was so happy I didn’t have to travel downtown to have the procedure.”

Identifying melanoma as early as possible improves outcome. Practice the ABCDs of melanoma. Look out for skin lesions or moles that have: a) asymmetry, where half of the mole looks different than the other half, b) irregular borders, c) multiple colors, or d) diameter greater than an eraser-head.

If you note any of the ABCDs, or notice any newly changing lesions, then talk with your primary care physician or dermatologist.

They can refer you to a specialist for further evaluation when needed.

Dr. Mathy is a board-certified plastic surgeon who trained at Stanford and Harvard Universities. He has fellowship training in head and neck oncology and has special interest and experience in melanoma, skin cancer and other cancer reconstruction.

For an appointment with Dr. Mathy or another plastic surgeon in your area, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand.com. www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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Vascular surgeon, Imran Mohiuddin, M.D., and cardiothoracic surgeon, Uttam Tripathy, M.D. of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently performed Fort Bend’s first ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis procedure, a faster, more effective method of treating blood clots related to deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

DVT is the major cause of massive pulmonary embolism resulting in about 60,000 deaths each year in the U.S. 70% of those cases lead to post-thrombotic syndrome causing permanent damage in affected veins and valves.

Most cases of DVT occur in patients who have recently had surgery, broken limbs, cancer, history of heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart therapy, or in rare cases been sitting for long periods.

Clots usually form in the leg or pelvis but also occur in the arm or chest.

“The EKOS system is an effective tool that treats patients in extreme distress and danger,” says Dr. Tripathy.

“The catheter allows us to reach the clot directly through the vein and the ultrasound energy ensures that the drug is diffused evenly, dissolving fibrin strands that create clots, allowing blood to flow.”

For Omar Williams, a Dallas schoolteacher, EKOS was a lifesaver. Williams was in Sugar Land visiting family members when she was rushed to the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital where they confirmed she was having a pulmonary embolism. Dr. Tripathy was called in to perform the EKOS procedure.

“My story is a miracle,” Williams said. “I was blessed to have an angel working through Dr. Tripathy’s hands to save my life.”

For more information, call 281-2747500 or visit www.methodisthealth.com/ mslh.

See ads on page 21 and Back Cover.

Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Advertorial

Dr. Greg Linney, D.D.S. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Dr. Greg Linney and his staff set themselves apart by focusing on customer service and long term dental health.

The doctor and his friendly staff take the time to listen to all of your oral health concerns. Equipped with a spacious high-tech facility, they utilize the latest tools and technology available to provide patients with the best in oral health care and cosmetic dentistry. By merging patient care with technology, they are able to provide the best care available while focusing on each patient’s individual needs.

Dr. Linney has been making people smile for over 25 years, and through Lumineers by Cerinate, he can restore a person’s smile without reducing tooth structure – and in only two visits with no shots and no drilling! Just imagine having a lasting smile without having to ever bleach again! Get the smile you have always wanted – just call Dr. Linney to get your free digital LUMISmile makeover, and find out about monthly specials that will help you get the smile you deserve.

Call today at 281-980-1733 or visit www.drlinney.com. Dr. Greg A. Linney, D.D.S., Inc. is located at 4660 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

Friends and Family Half-Price LASIK Is Back Fourth Annual Promotion Returns to Sugarland Eye & Laser Center for the Summer Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, Fort Bend’s iLASIK specialists, is getting ready for their fourth annual and exclusive Friends & Family LASIK special. If you have LASIK during the promotion period, a friend or family member can also have laser vision correction at half price!

“It’s been 4 years now that we’ve run this promotion during the summer. We’ve had great success with it. That’s why summer is one of our busiest LASIK seasons. Friends and Family Half-Price LASIK was designed to make premium iLASIK affordable for everyone. We want to make sure all Fort Bend Residents can enjoy premium LASIK in a safe and effective manner,” explains Dr. Khokhar, medical director.

Sounds complicated; it’s not. Suppose you have iLASIK. A

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magazine • August 2012

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Ask about our monthly specials!

Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Advertorial

family member or friend of yours can have iLASIK at half-price during the promotion period. Or, if you have a friend or family member who has had LASIK with Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, have them refer you so that you can enjoy premium iLASIK at an amazing 50% off. iLASIK is the most advanced laser vision correction avail-

able. The technology is used on the Hubble telescope. NASA astronauts and Air Force fighter pilots are approved for iLASIK. To see if you are a candidate, call 281-240-0478 or go to www.

SugarLandEye.com. Free consultations at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center are also available. This promotion ends September 30, 2012. Restrictions apply.

Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa Helping Achieve Complete Wellness Therapy, medically supervised weight loss, nutritional testing & supplementation, and allergies, they can also accentuate beauty by addressing outer wellness as well.

Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa embraces patients and opens their eyes and hearts to an approach that encompasses complete wellness. They offer knowledge, passion, and vision to balance mind, body, and spirit by delicately combining holistic integrative medical treatments, advanced aesthetics procedures, and personal growth techniques to achieve the long joyful life that was intended for each of us.

Call 281-313-7435 today to schedule your complimentary wellness or aesthetic consultation or visit www.drshel.com.

See ad on page 3.

Taking care of yourself often times is the highest priority on your “to-do” list every day but it quickly falls to the bottom as the list grows.

Whether you don’t feel like yourself on the inside or look like yourself on the outside, there is help to regain a sense of “you.” The way we look and feel deeply affects both self-esteem and confidence.

Dr. Shel saw countless women lacking these important attributes but could do little for them at her previous Ob/Gyn practice.

Years ago, she opened her wellness and medical spa with women’s health and happiness at the heart of the practice. Not only can Dr. Shel’s Wellness and Medical Spa treat symptoms related to inner wellness and restore your body with a natural approach to your health by utilizing Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

GASTROINTESTINAL CARE CONSULTANTS, P.A.

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S

erving the neurological needs of Sugar Land, Richmond and the surrounding communities, Dr. Amitabh Shukla has over 22 years of experience providing compassionate and comprehensive care as well as specialized evidence-based treatments for a wide-range of neurological conditions and diseases: • Headaches, Chronic Pain and Migraines • Alzheimer’s Dementia and Memory Disorders • Neck and Back Pain • Dizziness • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Parkinson’s Disease, Tremors • Polyneuropathy

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All major insurances and Medicare are accepted.

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.com • August 2012

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Medicare/Medicaid Patients and Private/Commercial Insurance Accepted.

APPOINTMENTS: 832-379-8603

Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Advertorial

MedCare Pediatric Group, LP Enhancing the Lives of Children Everyday MedCare Pediatric Group has been providing quality pediatric healthcare services to Houston area families for over 20 years. MedCare offers comprehensive nursing and rehabilitative services to children from birth to 21 years. They provide therapy services either in the home or at one of their several outpatient centers. In addition to their quality care, they also offer free transportation to their clinics and provide respite nights for busy parents.

MedCare’s skilled nursing services allow families of medically fragile children to have quality nursing care in the comfort of their home up to 24 hours a day for 7 days a week.

Their home nursing services are available throughout the Houston area. Only the most skilled and compassionate nurses are hired, and an RN case manager is on call to answer questions for families all day every day of the year.

Rehabilitation services include occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as special programs such as aquatic and play therapy, and family and child counseling services. Services are available either in the home or at one of the several outpatient clinics.

Their team is experienced in a wide range of diagnoses including ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down’s Syndrome, Mental Retardation, Sensory Integration Disorder, Speech Delay, and more.

Visit www.medcarepediatrics.com or call 713-995-9292 for more information. You can also follow MedCare’s Twitter, Facebook, or get techniques on Pinterest.

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Nursing 713-995-9292 magazine • August 2012

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Love Your Body Pregnancy, weight gain, and weight loss are all factors that take a toll on a woman’s body. Dr. John T. Nguyen specializes in the “mommy makeover” and giving women back the pre-baby body they dream of.

We hear all kinds of reasons why mommies put off cosmetic improvement. Some women are worried about taking time away from their hectic schedules to undergo a surgical procedure. While time is a precious commodity for all of us, stop and think about how much your beauty and health are worth to you. Would you be able to accomplish more with a fresh perspective and younger feel?

Many of our patients say “absolutely,” and tell us they wish they had their body makeover sooner. A flat, firm abdomen and youthful shaped breasts are not just a dream anymore. Dr. Nguyen offers surgical procedures that can literally transform your body.

Dr. Nguyen believes that enhancements should not alter the qualities that make each person unique, but rather enhance the beauty that exists in each patient.

Dr. Nguyen invites you to schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Call 281.980.8000 or visit www.MyBodySurgeon.com. Let Dr. Nguyen help you “Make Life Beautiful!”

See ad on page 7.

Advertorial

Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine • Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

David H. Hildreth MD Specialized Hand & Upper Extremity Care in the Heart of Fort Bend Dr. David Hildreth is Fort Bend County’s leading hand, wrist, and elbow specialist. Having trained some of the best hand surgeons while on staff at Baylor College of Medicine and the Methodist Hospital System, Dr. Hildreth is recognized today for his cutting edge treatment of some of the most common as well as specialized hand, wrist, and elbow injuries and conditions that exist in our society.

Among the first in Houston to offer needle aponeurotomy for the treatment of Dupuytren’s Disease, Dr. Hildreth remains in the forefront of advanced hand, wrist, and elbow care. He works to preserve joint function and restore range of motion - specializing in arthritic conditions and joint health.

Dr. Hildreth is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery with Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand. He has led research studies affecting the treatment options available for hand, wrist and elbow conditions experienced by young athletes and the elderly alike in our active society - and today offers minimally invasive arthroscopy, endoscopic carpal tunnel release, and joint resurfacing and replacement.

His work to further the orthopedic community’s understanding of the hand, wrist and elbow has placed him on both local and nationally recognized Top Doctors listings. For more information call 281-344-1715 or visit www.davidhildrethmd.com.

• Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupytren’s Contracture • Minimally Invasive Arthoscopy • Joint Resurfacing • Partial and Total Joint Replacement - Hand, Wrist and Elbow

877-702-MYMD (6963) 281-344-1715 (office) Sugar Land • Richmond • Katy

www.davidhildrethmd.com

DavidHildreth,MD THE HAND, WRIST & ELBOW SPECIALIST

NEW LOCATION

www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Advertorial

Dr. Amitabh Shukla: Board Certified in Neurology, Electromyography, Sleep Medicine and Vascular Neurology Are you one of the thousands of Americans who suffer from a disease condition referred to as peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by tingling or burning sensation, weakness, muscle aches or cramps, difficulties with balance and at times autonomic nervous system involvement characterized by dizziness, sexual dysfunction or change in blood pressure, especially in the upright position. Peripheral neuropathies have generally a gradual onset and slow progression. A typical description of the tingling and numbness is in a “glove and stocking” fashion that is mainly in the lower legs and distal aspects of the upper extremities. Tingling sensation or burning pain are very common symptoms with peripheral neuropathy predominantly due to involvement of the sensory nerves. However, in advanced cases, motor nerves are also involved where weakness and gait difficulties can also be predominant in the clinical presentation.

In many cases, a strong family history is noteworthy; however many other cases may not have any underlying cause contributing to the disease. It is important to have a formal neurological evaluation and a careful search for correctable causes such as diabetes mellitus, renal failure, disorder of thyroid glands, exposure to drugs and toxins or heavy metals, like arsenic, lead, mercury or thallium, industrial solvents or pesticides, vitamin deficiencies or any underlying malignancies or tumors which can also be associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Shukla is board certified in Neurology, Electromyography, Sleep Medicine and Vascular Neurology. Dr. Shukla is Stroke Director at Methodist Hospital Sugar Land and OakBend Medical Center, as well as neurology member at Methodist Spine Center. You can reach his office at 281-565-8005, if you need to schedule an appointment.

See ad on page 49.

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magazine • August 2012

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226 Fluor Daniel Drive

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Advertorial

Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Madura V. Patel, M.D. Joins the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician Team at HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital is proud to offer patients experienced rehabilitative care from Dr. Madhura V. Patel.

Dr. Madhura Patel has 23 years of experience as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician with her expertise in stroke, brain injury, and other neurological conditions. She offers a higher level of care to patients and their families, helping them regain independence for a healthier return home.

Dr. Patel received her medical degree from B. J. Medical College at the University of Poona, India. She participated in a transitional internship in Neurology at the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Patel also completed her Residency at Baylor College of Medicine and a Traumatic Brain Injury Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, TIRR. Her affiliations include membership to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harris County Medical Society, and The Texas Medical Association. In addition, Dr. Patel speaks several different Indian languages.

HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital is a 50 private room bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital that provides a higher level of rehabilitative care to patients who are recovering from stroke and other neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injury, amputations, orthopedic, cardiac, and pulmonary conditions. Accredited by The Joint Commission as a Stroke Center of Excellence, the hospital is located at 1325 Highway 6.

For more information about the services Dr. Patel provides, please call 281-276-7574 or visit www.healthsouthsugarland.com.

HealthSouth Offers a Higher Level of Care.

Here’S How. Patients and families at HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital hear a lot about a higher level of care. What does this mean to you? Our rehabilitation teams work with patients and their families, providing superior care with quality outcomes to return patients to maximum independence at home and in the community.

To a patient recovering from an illness, injury or surgery, a higher level of care means: • Personalized goals for a faster return home • Comprehensive team approach to rehabilitative care • Advanced technologies for the latest treatments • Physician visits every day • Three hours of therapy over a day, five days a week • 24-hour certified rehabilitation nursing care For a higher level of care, choose a rehabilitation leader that makes a difference for patients and families with a higher level of care.

HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital.

A Higher Level of Care

1325 Highway 6 • Sugar Land, TX 77478 281 276-7574 • Fax 1 866 429-3485 www.healthsouthsugarland.com The only inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Fort Bend County. ©2011:HealthSouth Corporation:484468

HEALTHSOUTH WELCOMES MADURA V. PATEL, M.D. to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician Team at HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation.

Joint Commission Accreditation in the management of Stroke Rehabilitation. www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

READING RECOVERY, PSYCHIATRIC AND TMS SERVICES

Improving the quality of life for families BOARD CERTIFIED* BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY

Evening Hours Available

New patients now being accepted for TMS Therapy for Depression. To find out more call our office at 281-494-4471.

William H. Reading, MD

Teresa Cox Reading, RN

Visit our website and video at

www.DrReading.com

Call: 281-494-4471

• ADD • ADHD • Adult ADD • Depression • Anxiety Disorders • OCD • Eating Disorders • Behavioral Problems • Mood Problems • Emotional Instability • Bipolar Variants • Addictive Diseases • Impaired School/Work Performances • Temper/Anger Problems

12603 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 510 Stafford, Texas, 77477

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12 noon - 10 pm

William H. Reading, MD Recovery Psychiatric and Psychological Services At the offices of William H. Reading, MD, the core of the practice is a focus on improving quality of life both for the individual and their loved ones. Individuals that come seeking tools to help overcome their trials are usually evaluated within 24 hours of calling.

Following their careful evaluation, patients are given a variety of personalized treatment options that are best suited for their own unique qualities and struggles. In fact, there are many treatment options for all types of disorders including but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse.

The practice offers Diagnosis and Treatment, Psychotherapy, Medication management, Suboxone therapy, and TMS Therapy for Depression. In addition, they also have a treatment team comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers, and licensed professional counselors working together to provide help to adults, adolescents, and children with mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, addictive, and chemical illnesses and issues. Each member of the team considers the whole person in the context of his or her struggles, strengths, desires, and dilemmas in order to formulate an individualized plan of treatment based on the person’s unique symptom set, issues, and goals.

The office is conveniently located at 12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 510 in Stafford.

For more information, call 281-494-4471. Staff is on hand Monday through Thursday from 12 pm - 10 pm or visit www.drreading.com.

Dr. Reading is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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magazine • August 2012

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Advertorial

Why Not Now? Halford Orthodontics Has the Answer Have you been putting off something that has been a concern of yours? With the advances in smile creation, why not now for your Invisalign treatment? Halford Orthodontics have seen Invisalign make great strides with the 699 patients they have treated with this highly innovative and technologically advanced product. At Halford Orthodontics, they know nothing is more important to you than delivering great results. Through improved software, and special designed attachments with the use of traditional orthodontic mechanics, Halford Orthodontics are able to improve the efficiency and the treatment results with Invisalign without the dreaded impressions. Advances in technology now allow digital scans that capture a video image of your teeth to be used causing both a better aligner fit and faster turnaround times for the production of aligners.

If you feel you would not be disciplined in wearing your aligners every day for 21 hours, there is still an option for you. Insignia utilizes a process much like Invisalign to help in the design of your individual treatment. However, instead of using clear aligners, either custom metal or clear braces are placed on your teeth with custom wires designed and built to fit only you. This form of treatment reduces frequencies of appointments as well as treatment times.

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Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine

Alzheimer’s Care Needs Increasing Exponentially Across the Nation There are now more than five million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease. By mid-century, the number of people with Alzheimer’s will grow to as many as 16 million, more than the current total population of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston combined.

For many families, Alzheimer’s care begins and ends at home. Medical research indicates the stress associated with caregiving can lead to a weakened immune system or can even take years off the caregiver’s life. Those risks increase when they manage caregiving duties while working or raising a family.

“Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a huge responsibility,” said Demetrius Flenaugh, owner of the Comfort Keepers of Sugar Land. “There is a risk of emotional burnout and a decline in health for family caregivers who do not make it a point to take much needed breaks.”

Many Alzheimer’s patients can safely stay in their own home for a period of time, and that’s where organizations like Comfort Keepers can provide in-home care assistance.

“Our Comfort Keepers receive extensive training and must demonstrate proficiency in how to provide in-home care for Alzheimer’s disease clients.

This training included assisting the client with dressing or grooming, improving eating habits, and how to enhance home safety in order to prevent wandering or driving,” added Flenaugh.

Every 70 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Comfort Keepers is available for those caring for an individual with the disease. For more information, call (281) 340-2078 or visit www.comfortkeepers.com/sugarland.

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Fort Bend’s Finest in Medicine The Benefits of Going to a “Pro” Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Do you cover your mouth when you talk? A healthy smile is among the top aspects of a person’s appearance that impacts self-esteem. If you are unhappy about the “look” of your smile, you should consult a Prosthodontist.

But what is a Prosthodontist? They are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth – they make smiles look beautiful and function the way they should. Having this advanced training, Dr. Rimes can improve your appearance by fixing broken, discolored or missing teeth, many times in just one appointment. Dr. Rimes’ training also gives patients the opportunity to switch from dentures to permanent implant supported teeth in just one day. Did you know that some dentists perform reconstructive dental work after just a weekend course on a procedure? You should know Prosthodontists receive an extra three years of intense, formal training at an accredited institution beyond dental school.

People seeking cosmetic, reconstructive, or implant retained dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer service in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, teeth-in-a-day restorations, complete and removable partial dentures, snoring and sleep disorders.

By using his extensive training in cosmetic dentistry along with the latest techniques in dental implants, Dr. Rimes can help you create a smile that looks and feels natural and attractive.

If you are considering a change to a healthy smile, please give Dr. Stuart Rimes a call at 281.313.1565 or visit www.rimesdds.com.

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It’s All About Results Timeless Plastic Surgery Center of Excellence for Cosmetic Surgery Peter Chang, M.D. Plastic surgery is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’ll get. Don’t rely on how the outside package appears; it’s the contents that are important - it’s all about results. Dr. Chang is proud to show you what you can expect by displaying hundreds of his results and testimonials, not just a few.

Dr. Chang believes that cosmetic surgery should be affordable for everyone. His practice is highly efficient, and he wants to pass on the savings to you. Timeless Plastic Surgery is located next to the St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital; can you think of a safer place to have your procedure? Dr. Chang always gives his personal cell number to all surgical patients so they can have access to him 24/7 after surgery; this is what he calls “Concierge Care.”

Dr. Chang prides himself in being safe, honest, and giving his patients the best. He has already dedicated 18 years of his life in education and training, as evidenced by his two Ivy League degrees, two Doctorate degrees, and two surgical residencies. It’s as if you were getting two doctors for the price of one. Call Timeless Plastic Surgery for a free consultation and become a timeless beauty.

For more information, visit TimelessPlasticSurgery.com or call 281-242-TIME (8463).

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People seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer services in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, complete and partial dentures, replacing lost or loose teeth, jaw joint problems (TMJ), traumatic injuries, snoring and sleep disorders and oral cancer reconstruction.

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For years, treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has included palatal implants, ineffective and uncomfortable CPAP machines, even surgery. Now, with the DNA Appliance, the solution to OSA is comfortable, non-invasive, painless, and best of all, worn only while you sleep. The appliance is custom-made and fits securely inside of your mouth. While the device is proven to reduce snoring and sleep apnea, those are not the only benefits. The DNA Appliance works to permanently optimize the underlying structure of the blocked airway, and in the process, corrects tooth and jaw alignment improving facial development and appearance.

Feel better and look great forever with simply the most beautiful smile. That’s the goal at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Sleep Medicine, and that’s what the DNA Appliance offers – a natural, painless process with no drugs, no injections and no surgery – giving you a great night’s sleep. Contact Dr. Cress at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Sleep Medicine for a complimentary consultation to see if the DNA Appliance is right for you. Visit www.cfdsm.com or call 281.565.4100. We look forward to sharing our patient’s success stories with you.

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Headliners continued from page 45

FBJSL and Sponsors to Create a Peaceful Holiday Market

Kaelyn Bujnoch and Leena Taneja, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital; Jamie Hill and Ann Smith, Pamela Printing; Rebecca Hathorn, Stafford Centre; Haley Millis and Susanne Hiegel, Sugar Plum Market Co-Chairs; Laura Thompson, FBJSL President; Stephanie Van Horn, Sugar Plum Market Co-Chair; Ryan Davis, Fidelity Investments; Patti ParishKaminski, Focus on Women and Travis Van Horn, Trustmark Bank.

While visions of swimsuits and flip flops may be filling your head this summer, visions of hearts and peace signs are filling the dreams of Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) members as they plan the 12th annual Sugar Plum Market with the theme, “Peace, Love, Sugar Plum.”

Presented by title sponsor Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and supported by the City of Stafford, the event will again be held at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center.

The festive and groovy Market dates are Friday, November 2nd and Saturday, November 3rd, plus Preview Night the evening of Thursday, November 1st.

Last year’s market raised a record $200,000 which was distributed to 15 local Fort Bend charities. The Sugar Plum Market committee appreciates the community’s role in its success and welcomes the continued support for the 2012 Market. “Trustmark Bank is honored to once again be a part of the Sugar Plum Market, which is such an important event that does so much for our community,” said Travis Van Horn of Trustmark Bank.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities range from $250 to $5,000 with a variety of benefits suited to both individuals and businesses. In addition to the Sugar Plum Market’s title sponsor, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, top sponsors to date include City of Stafford, Pamela Printing, Fidelity Investments-Sugar Land, Focus on Women and Trustmark Bank. For information on sponsorship opportunities or vendors, please visit www.sugarplummarket.com or call 281-636-6272.

Individual tickets are $10 and will be available for purchase September 1st. Preview Night tickets are $60 each and also available beginning September 1st.

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Southern Sister Designs Presents Style Show Benefitting Lunches of Love Southern Sister Designs is presenting a “Back to School” style show benefitting Lunches of Love on Saturday, August 11th from 10 am – noon in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church located at 1127 3rd Street in Rosenberg.

Local teachers and students will take to the runway in the latest fall looks from Southern Sister Designs, hair by Nuance Salon and sun-kissed glows courtesy of A Tropical Haven. A brunch will be generously provided by Another Time Soda Fountain, Brazos River Provisions and A Sweet Tooth Bakery, all located in Rosenberg. Guests will be entertained by the Renegade Spirit Club of Reading Junior High.

Lunches of Love is a non-profit organization committed to helping end childhood hunger in Rosenberg and Richmond by providing a free, nutritious sack lunch during extended school holidays and week-ends. In 2011, Lunches of Love distributed over 79,900 lunches, and in 2012 the organization is feeding 2,000 plus children.

Individual tickets are $15, and tables of eight are available for $96. Each adult ticket purchased will provide 20 lunches, and each table purchased will provide 128 lunches. Your help will make a difference in a child receiving a nutritious meal or going to bed hungry. Please call Tracey Satterwhite at 713-261-3877 for tickets or more information.

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Headliners continued on page 64

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Fort Bend Focus Magazine Hosts 5th Anniversary JEWELS of Fort Bend

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

F

ort Bend Focus Magazine, the county’s premier magazine showcasing people, places

and happenings, is celebrating the

fifth anniversary of their signature event honoring five extraordinary women whose contributions to our community make them real gems.

The 2012 JEWELS of Fort Bend: Mary Favre, Melissa Hayslip, Jacqueline Chaumette, Sandra Billingsley and Kathy Huebner. Photo by Alisa Murray Photography. Shot on location at Star Cinema Grill - Missouri City.

Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2012 with a premier Luncheon and Style Show featuring fashions by Dillard’s honoring this year’s Fort Bend JEWELS – five Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives. Fort Bend Focus Magazine is pleased to introduce the five JEWELS selected for 2012: Sandra Billingsley, Jacquie Chaumette, Mary Favre, Melissa Hayslip and Kathy Huebner.

From the Fort Bend Junior Service League to the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation to the Lamar Education Awards Foundation, these women are all committed to making our community the best place to live, work and raise our families. Fort Bend Focus Magazine is pleased to recognize their efforts while doing something that they all feel passionate about: supporting our community.

Proceeds from Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend will be invested back into our community by supporting a worthy organization: Casa de Esperanza.

The mission of Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos - the House of Hope for Children - is to provide a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Casa de Esperanza provides residential, medical and psychological care according to the needs of each child. In 2010, the Fort Bend County Program of Casa de Esperanza provided 15 Fort Bend children with 3,057 days of care, and six community foster families currently resident in Fort Bend.

JEWELS continued on page 62

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ver i n n 5th A

sary

Meet the JEWELS of Fort Bend

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

Mary Favre Jacqueline Chaumette

Melissa Hayslip

proudly announces the 2012 Sandra Billingsley

Kathy Huebner

Champagne Reception, Luncheon and Style Show BENEFITTING

Safari Texas Ranch Thursday, September Twentieth, Two Thousand and Twelve 11:30 am - 1:30 pm u Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels Contributors

Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer J Loggins Jewelers - Official Jeweler Pamela Printing - Official Printer

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Garfield The High-Tech Texan®

Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Official Entertainment Sponsor

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities u 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com www.fortbend .com • August 2012 61

JEWELS continued from page 60

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our fifth anniversary event in support of such an extraordinary organization as Casa de Esperanza,” said Lisa Fredrickson, publisher of Fort Bend Focus Magazine. “Securing our future by providing for the welfare of our children is a cause very close to our hearts at Fort Bend Focus, and the Fort Bend County Program needs our support to continue caring for our greatest asset as a society: our children.”

This year’s fifth anniversary event will also shine the spotlight on the women who have previously received the designation as a JEWEL of Fort Bend. They are: 2008 JEWELS Carole Brown, Dee Koch, Tami McGuire, Billie Wendt and KK West; 2009 JEWELS Billie Neuhaus, Lizz Sansone, Ann Smith, May W. Tape and Donna Kay Tucker; 2010 JEWELS Carolyn Banfield, Peggy Duggan, Brigit Engleman, Lynn Halford and Cassandra Went; and 2011 JEWELS Doris Gurecky, Pat Hebert, Cari Middaugh, Judy Schmid and Lucia Street.

While the event will be the highlight of Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend, the September magazine will feature a beautiful spread showcasing photos and biographies of the five JEWELS along with sponsors of the event and a yearbook photo of all twenty-five JEWELS. Distributed directly to Fort Bend homes each month, as well as in rack distribution at businesses and retailers throughout the county, the special Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend section will pay homage to these special women and their community service.

“Because of the efforts of the wonderful, caring individuals who devote so much of their time and talent to our philanthropies, especially these twenty-five women, our community is a better place,” said Fredrickson. “Fort Bend Focus Magazine is proud to honor their commitment to Fort Bend County and be able to give back to the community that has so graciously supported us.”

This year, Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend will include a raffle to further benefit Casa de Esperanza.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the raffle will benefit the non-profit agency. Tickets for the raffle are $25 each and are available for pre-purchase or for purchase at the event.

Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is open to the public and will be held at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 20th. In addition to the Luncheon and Style Show, event sponsors will be treated to a private Champagne Reception with the JEWELS prior to the event. Sponsors to date include Emerald Sponsor Safari Texas Ranch; Ruby Sponsors Alisa Murray Photography, Hardee Investment Group, J Loggins Jewelers, Pamela Printing and Salon Eben and Day Spa; Corporate May W. Tape, DDS and Sapphire Sponsor Southern Sister Designs. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $7,500 and include magazine advertising. Individual tickets are available for $65. For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, contact Fort Bend Focus Magazine at 281-690-4242 or visit www.FortBendFocus.com.

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Headliners continued from page 58

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Gathering Forces Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation to Present 21st Annual CASA Christmas Home Tour

Jim McClellan of the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Events Specialist Lisa Moore and Development Coordinator Alyson Tomasello.

While you’re trying to beat the heat, committee members, decorators, Child Advocates of Fort Bend staff and Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation are gearing up for the 21st Annual Child Advocates of Fort Bend CASA Christmas Home Tour. “Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation have had a long standing relationship with this agency, and with our Home Tour, we are so excited that they came forward to kick off the sponsor drive again this year,” said Ruthanne Mefford, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Executive Director.

Proceeds from the Christmas Home Tour help Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children in this communi-

ty. Through its two programs, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), the agency touches the lives of more than 400 young victims each month.

A Fort Bend holiday tradition, the Tour offers guests the opportunity to view beautifully decorated homes in Fort Bend County while helping to raise much needed funds to support CAFB’s programs serving abused and neglected children. Volunteers are needed to serve on the Home Tour Committee that helps to plan, coordinate and run this event. If you would like to join the Home Tour Committee, please contact Lisa Moore at 281-3445108 or lmoore@cafb.org.

Fort Bend County Women’s Center Introduces NEW PennyWise Pennies Volunteer Program The Fort Bend County Women’s Center is excited to introduce a new way for the community to make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through the new PennyWise “Pennies” Volunteer Program. This group of volunteers chooses to dedicate their time to the Women’s Center’s PennyWise Resale Centers.

Volunteers at the PennyWise Centers are called “Pennies” and earn different recognition levels based on how many hours of service they complete during the year. Copper Pennies donate 60 service hours per year; Silver Pennies donate 144 hours and Gold Pennies donate 288 service hours per year. Pennies work a minimum of 3-hour shifts. Pennies will receive a recognition pin denoting their level of service and are recognized on the Pennies Wall of Fame at each

PennyWise location.

Volunteers are able to pick any of six positions: donation volunteers, donation center attendants, sorters, merchandise volunteers, greeters and pricers. As with all Vivian McDowell Women’s Center volunteers, Pennies’ volunteer hours translate into grant funding for the Women’s Center. By becoming a Penny, these great volunteers are not just helping at PennyWise; they are also raising funds for the Women’s Center.

PennyWise Resale Centers are an integral part of the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. Donations to PennyWise are used to provide necessary items for Women’s Center clients and

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their children, as well as sold to the public at the resale stores. All proceeds from sales to the public are used to fund the programs and services provided by the Women’s Center to clients and their children.

For more information on how to become a Penny volunteer or to volunteer for any other role at the Women’s Center, please visit www.fortbendwomenscenter.org or contact Amber Paaso (apaaso@fortbendwomenscenter.org or 281-344-5759).

Headliners continued on page 66

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

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Focus CareS

Fort Bend Regional Council Hosted Eighth Annual Summer Explosion 2012 Camp

By Whitney Hensler

Ereka Caldwell: Lending a Hand to Special Needs Children

W

hen Ereka Caldwell heard The mother of two said having her that Pooh’s Panda, a special own children gave her “a lot of paneeds academy that protience,” which she said is helpful when vides affordable childcare to children it came to working with the children. with disabilities She said she enand their siblings, joyed seeing the needed volunteers parents “overjoyed” for their daycare with what their program, she was children do at the immediately drawn daycare. “I enjoy the to the cause. smiles on the faces “I’ve worked with of the kids when kids since I was they see me in the about 15,” said Calmorning, and when dwell, who started they leave getting off volunteering at hugs and kisses,” a YMCA summer she said.

Ereka Caldwell camp. “They had a The academy lot of special needs provides services for kids at the YMCA. I enjoyed helping children who range in age from 3-18 and other people and seeing the kids happy includes children with autism, mental and smiling. It just carried on into my retardation, and speech and hearing adult years.” impairments. Caldwell says the most Caldwell began volunteering with rewarding part of working with the chilPooh’s Panda in September of last dren is creating a place where they can year and quickly became a value to the feel “at home.” organization, volunteering at the cen“I hope that by me volunteering the ter every day for 4 to 6 hours a day. children see that I really care about Caldwell said she helps with the “day what I’m doing and that they feel safe to day” running of the Special Needs with me,” she said. “I hope they know Academy spending “the most time on that I care for them as if they were my the floor with the kids.” She also helps own family.” with the basic operations of the dayFor more information regarding care which includes making lunches, Pooh’s Panda, please visit www.poohsdoing arts and crafts, and taking the panda.com or call 281-261-3194. For children on field trips. “I enjoy being additional volunteer opportunities in around them,” said Caldwell of the Fort Bend County, call Volunteer Fort children she works with. “They give Bend at 713-965-0031 or visit www. me so much inspiration.”

VolunteerFortBend.org.

Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (FBRC) in collaboration with LCISD hosted its eighth annual Summer Explosion Camp. Seventy students who are entering the 7th grade and twenty past campers from four different LCISD schools attended the day camp.

Seven FBRC counselors worked hard and prepared activities that gave students the opportunity to participate in fun, safe and healthy activities such as arts & crafts, cooking, photography, games, sports, dance and environmental awareness. Each activity taught the students respect, team building and other life skills essential for success in school as well as the outside world.

Fort Bend Regional Council has served Fort Bend County for 35 years striving to help young people grow up drug free. Through its mission of providing families and individuals substance abuse prevention, education and treatment services they need for positive change for themselves and the community, FBRC’s youth counselors work on 35 school campuses, primarily in the LCISD school district, teaching students skills to stand against the immeasurable pressure to drink and try drugs.

For more information on FBRC, please visit www.fortbendcouncil.org or contact Irene Wisner at 281-2072409 or e-mail iwisner@fortbendcouncil.org.

Headliners continued on page 76

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

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INDIAN

Great W’kana Cafe

11720 West Airport and Kirkwood 832-886-4291 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 am to 3:00 pm and dinner 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and Fri and Sat until 10:30 pm with a special brunch on weekends.

Visit www.greatwkanacafe.com.

Current Preferred Customer Card Special

Receive 10% Off Your Food Bill when you use your TCRN Preferred Customer Card!

search for more savings online at:

www.TCRN-SugarLand.com www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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College Prep 101

By Jennifer Elliott

Y

ou packed hundreds of lunches. You helped with countless hours of homework.

If not given enough space for extra seating, make the best use of the bed. Adding pillows against the wall will make a comfortable day bed for you to study or relax with your friends.

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You drove to a seemingly endless number of after school activities. Now, all of a sudden, it is time to send your child off to college. Help them get a great start with

For college students wanting to add instant square footage, loft living is a great alternative.

Taking advantage of the vertical space in a room allows you to use the space underneath the loft style bed for your desk or a reading nook with a chair, table and lamp.

5

advice on designing a fabulous dorm room and staying organized.

We asked the talented designers at Kaleidoscope Studio of Interior Design for their ideas on dorm room design. Here are their top tips:

Storage can be challenging in a small dorm room. By adding colorful storage bins, you are being practical while still staying aesthetically pleasing.

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Using a series of mirrors or a large scale mirror will provide you with decorative wall art and also give the appearance of a larger space.

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To add life into your dorm room, use colorful fabrics with textures and prints on your bedding, rugs and curtains.

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Floating shelves will help you make use of every square inch of space, while also adding décor.

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Multi-function pieces are a must in small spaces. Each piece in your dorm room should provide storage, such as an entertainment center and dresser or a nightstand and bookcase.

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“Our favorite part of decorating a dorm room is using multipurpose pieces in unique ways to provide extra space and interest to a small room,” comments Christine Cook, Allied ASID. For more tips on creating the perfect home away from home college dorm room, visit www.Kaleidoscope-Studio.com.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

By Laura Bates

Kara Irvine, Professional Organizer and owner of Simply Organized Chaos, helped us come up with some great ideas to get your college freshman ready for campus.

Here are some things to think about:

Photo courtesy of www.styleathome.com.

Map your Distance Will you be able to come home to get your winter clothes, or will you need to take them at the start of school? Will you be able to come home to do laundry?

Practical Purchases for your Room Make the investment in pieces that can move with you year after year. One example of a practical purchase would be a Metro tower from The Container Store. It can hold a microwave and a bin with your snacks. An over the door shoe organizer can be used for many things: storing extra bathroom products, holding hats, scarves and gloves for those students studying up north, and of course, shoes.

Make a Schedule When planning your schedule, make sure you take into account how long it may take you to walk or find parking near your class. Schedule time to study and put it on your calendar as a priority. By doing this, you will actually find more time to enjoy your college experience.

Important Documents Students should have the original and a photo copy of their Social Security card, passport or military ID. Start a pocket folder, where one side contains the copies of your identification, dorm assignments, class schedule, and any Rush information. Then on the other side, keep your financial documents including any financial aid, grants or scholarship information.

“My biggest piece of advice for staying organized in college is to take the time to map out a plan; knowing that there is a place for everything in your dorm and scheduled time for classes, studying and a social life will make for an amazing college experience,” says Irvine.

For more tips, visit www.simplyorganizedchaos.com. www.fortbend

Get Organized with Great Looks

S

ummer vacation is at an end, and school is here again.

What better time than now to get organized for the upcoming school year! Getting yourself and your children organized can be a very rewarding experience. Now is the time to gather up all those old magazines, children’s art, old bills and unclutter your space. Whether we realize it or not, all of the stacks of paper and left out shoes can really wear on our mental attitude towards the family life, not to mention the “décor.” With school starting, this is a perfect time to get everyone to break the old habits and start fresh, but we all know that it starts with you.

Now, grab your coffee or glass of wine and just sit in the space. Look to see what needs to be put away or what is not really needed anymore – knowing that more paper and art is getting ready to come back into your life. Baskets are one of the best ways to get organized and help keep that decorative look.

Baskets come in all different shapes, color and sizes, so look and see what best fits your needs, and of course, the most important need – the décor.

This is also a good time to clean the front of your refrigerator of all those old pictures and invites, and put them on a bulletin board. You can hang your bulletin board in the laundry room, on the back of a pantry door, on the side of a cabinet – essentially anywhere. What I am trying to say here is that the refrigerator does not have to be the center of attention in the kitchen. I know that all of the stuff on the refrigerator is very important, but it just does not have to be the main accessory in the kitchen.

Speaking of the kitchen, baskets look great on top of the kitchen cabinets, so why not put that space to some good use?

Everyone’s lifestyles and needs are different. What is important to one person may not be important to another, so getting organized is a very personal thing. But, that does not mean that being organized can’t look great!

Happy decorating! .com • August 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.

The C2 Fury elite baseball team brought home the state championship title June 3rd for the Super Series title and the championship ring. Way to go! Pictured are Coaches Chris Stallings, Jim Youngblood, Chris Baker and Kevin Fronk with athletes James Taylor, Dillion Pawlik, James Youngblood, Tanner Bond, Logan Bobo, Jeremy Varghese, Colin Fronk, Matthew Thompson, Preston Cowley, Boo Stallings and Jack Baker.

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

Five NJROTC cadets from Clements High School received Standard of Excellence Scholarships totaling $3000 for outstanding performance and dedication. Pictured are Laurie Meredith, Jasmin McCardell, Brian Williams, Jonathan Ohuche, Angela Tow, Scott Edwards and Lieutenant Commander Minnard.

Three First Colony Swim Team athletes have committed to collegiate swimming. Antoine Marc, graduate of Westside High School, will swim for Texas A&M. Sydney Hodges, graduate of Travis High School, will swim for M.I.T. Clement Dulac, graduate of Clements High School, will swim for East Carolina University. Congratulations!

Congratulations to First Colony Middle School students who placed sixth at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association competition. Pictured are Nancy Cheng, Vishnu Iyer, Victor Fu, and Baonan Ji.

Troop 1631 scouts Daniel Ngo, Parv Bhateja, Chris Jimenez and Bryce Del’Homme participated in the flag ceremony at Sugar Land’s Red, White and Bluefest. The scouts are pictured with Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson and Congressman Pete Olson. Photo courtesy of Thu Ngo.

Congratulations to the Twins of Lamar Little League Baseball for clenching the 2012 Championship! The team had the privilege of playing the game at the Sugar Land Skeeters’ Constellation Field. Pictured are (bottom row) Zachary Schroeder, Dorien Doakes, Isaiah Charles, Bradyn Rowell, Chance Van Cleave, Zachary Demoran; Weston Muchaw, Joshua Joe, Dillon Clark, Will Ripoll, Ty Abraham, Duran Kittman; John Schroeder, Head Coach Tommy Abraham and Chris Ripoll. fort bend

Congratulations to the First Colony Little League Blue Bombers for winning the District 16 Championship title. Pictured are Riley Schebler, James Sattler, AJ Blight, Zack Stafford, Nick Kuntz, Cameron Holy, Haden Harkrider, Ty Neumann, Dylan Burnaman, Drew Beavers, Bowen Fjord, Manager Ryan Schebler and Coaches Scott Harkrider and David Burnaman. Way to go boys! magazine • August 2012

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In Print • Online • In Person

We’re absolutely enthusiastic over community magazines. They allow us to come into your homes and focus on what’s important to you – your community.

So what’s the power of community magazines? They’re absolutely free, they’re absolutely timely, and they’re absolutely available 24/7 when you want to read them. And best of all, they are delivered right to your door.

Whether you live in greater Memorial, Katy, Fort Bend or Pearland, absolutely! focus media brings you the power of print – absolutely free, focused on people, places and happenings – focused on where you live.

Reading your community magazine – it’s easier than a click.

absolutely! focus media 281.690.4242 | www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com

By Lauren Dante

High School HOT SHOT

Leah Dibble: A Dibble of Determination and Desire

L

“Basketball has taught me how to trust eah Dibble, a senior at Fort academics, basketball and cross-counmy teammates and others,” said Leah.

Bend Christian Academy try; she is also a member of the track “I love the team (FBCA), is deteam. For the past two years, Leah aspect of baskettermined to succeed has ranked 5th in the Regional meet ball and have in everything that for the 800-meter race. If Leah had to gotten to know she does. She has choose, she prefers cross-country to my teammates excelled in academtrack, but basketball will remain her well; we are ics, basketball, crossfavorite sport. all really close It comes natural for Leah to be a country and track. friends.”

Her team player and motivator; thereLeah has a positive favorite games attitude toward evfore, she is an amazing big sister. took place durerything, whether it Leah has a sister two years younger ing last year’s involves running in and is also a Big Sister for a program Pictured are Teresa, season against the scorching Texas at school where she mentors a freshLeah’s mom, and Lutheran South heat, doing repetitive man. “As a big sister, I know that Leah at a basketball when FBCA basketball drills at my actions are being watched by my playoff game. beat Lutheran practice or preparing Little Sisters,” said Leah. “I have South twice to for a seemingly imlearned that my actions can influadvance to the state tournament. Leah possible Literacy Criticism test on the ence other people, and I always need has won the Eagle Heart Award and Academic Team. This young lady does to think before I act and speak.”

Academic Award for the team. it all with a genuine smile and graAs a member of the Interact Club, Leah is also a member of the crossLeah’s actions have excellent intencious attitude. country team, this year, Leah will be tions. The Interact Club is a service Academically talented, Leah is cura Captain of the team with her friend, club that holds blood drives, collects rently ranked number two in her grade.

Leah. “Leah-Squared” will serve as mencanned goods and makes cards for seHer favorite classes in high school have tors to the girls and encourage the team. nior citizens. Leah is the Vice Presibeen Honors World History and TheolLeah has qualified to run at the state dent of the club and enjoys participatogy Bible Class. In these classes, she competition the past two years and has ing in the various service opportunities. feels that she learned a lot of interestbeen ranked #13 Leah is a complete ing material and was given the skills to and #10 in the package: smart, talactually learn the material rather than state. This dediented, athletic and just prepare for a test. cated team of 30sincere. In the future, Even in her extracurricular ac40 boys and girls she is interested in tivities, Leah works on improving is already unofbecoming a medical her knowledge as a member of the ficially practicing examiner because Academic Team. Leah competes in for the upcoming she enjoys solving the Ready Writing and Literacy Critseason. “We are mysteries and wants icism competition. She enjoys the building the team to bring justice to Ready Writing exam because she has aspect right now those who have comthe freedom to state her position on by practicing in mitted wrongdoings. a topic and defend it. Literacy Critithe summer,” said If Leah sets her mind cism, on the other hand, is a stanMembers of the cross-country team: Kassidi Leah.

“Crossto something, she dardized test that covers a variety Kaminski, Ally Peters, Leah and Bailey Wood. county is a group of English topics such as grammar will accomplish it! of people from different sports who make rules, poetry, plays and novels.

We wish Leah the best of luck for her one big unit of friends.”

Leah thrives on academic chalsenior year and can’t wait to see what Leah’s endurance extends beyond lenges, but her true love is basketball. the future holds for her.

Leah

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ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Kathryn Lynne Bishop

Congratulations to Kathryn Lynne Bishop, a graduate of Kempner High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for August! Kathryn, an accomplished violinist, writer, student, and volunteer, will be attending Schreiner University next year. While at Kempner High, she balanced violin, theatre, UIL Literary Criticism Team, Math and Science Competition Club, National Honor Society, English Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society, as well as being President of Highest Symphony Orchestra and Secretary of the French National Honor Society all while taking challenging Honors and AP classes. In addition, she was a Youth Department Volunteer and Teen Council Member at the Fort Bend County Libraries and a Volunteer Violinist with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra. Kathryn plans to study English, Creative Writing, or Shakespearian Studies at Schreiner University. Kathryn 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

www.fortbend

.com • August 2012

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endly Fridge Fri

DISPLAY

ME

August 2012 4th

16th

This years event will be a fun sixties beach party. Swinging Door will provide beach cuisine and tropical drinks; wine and beer will be available for purchase or BYOB. Tickets are $50 and includes two drink tickets.

Sponsorships are available. E-mail vickietonn@yahoo.com or call 713-502-5791.

Join the Master Gardeners sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension to learn about Fall Vegetable Gardening, located at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg. Call 281-3417068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Wednesdays, 9 am – 1 pm Fridays, 2 – 6 pm Richmond Farmer’s Market

11th

Friday 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Fort Bend Family YMCA Parents Night Out

Buy fresh produce from local growers including fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, eggs and other locally grown products at the Corner of Highway 90A and Second Street in Richmond. Visit www. ci.richmond.tx.us/market.html or call 281-513-9560.

Take a walking tour of Sugar Land’s historic district. Free for children under 12, $5 for teens, and $10 for adults. The tour starts at the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s office, 198 Kempner Street in Sugar Land. Visit www.slheritage.org.

All Month

Saturday, 9 am – Noon Back-to-School Health Fair

All Month

Mondays, 6 pm Monday Movie Night at the Library University Branch Library is offering free movies nights featuring family friendly films in the Small Meeting Room of the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land. Call 281-6335100 or visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/ branches/ub.html.

All Month

Fridays, 7 pm Saturdays, 3 pm Fogle’s Future Stars presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Enjoy this family-friendly production of the classic tale at 5503 FM 359, Ste. D in Richmond. Tickets cost $10 each and are available by e-mailing cindy@foglesfuturestars.com. For more information, visit www.foglesfuturestars.com.

4th

Saturday, 9 – 11 am Saturday with the Master Gardeners Visit the 4 acres of demonstration gardens and talk to the volunteers who design and maintain them. Park in front of the Agriculture Center at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg and take a sidewalk to behind the building. Call 281-3417068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

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.

Saturday, 6 pm – Midnight Old Foster Community Museum Annual Fundraiser

Thursday, 7 – 8 p.m.

Master Gardeners Fall Vegetable Gardening

Saturday, 10 – 11:30 am Sugar Land Heritage Hike

11th & 18th

Join Fort Bend Family Health Center to learn about the health center and other services in the county. Kids 18 years old or younger can receive free immunizations with a copy of the child’s shot record, free dental, vision and scoliosis screenings, and a back pack filled with school supplies. On August 11th, the fair will be located in Missouri City at 307 Texas Parkway. On August 18th, the fair will be held in Richmond at 400 Austin Street. Visit www.fbfhc.org.

11th

Saturday, 12 pm – 2 pm Fort Bend Family Y Pool Party Summer is sizzling at the Fort Bend Y! Join as a facility member and participate in the summer pool party. Music by Steppin Out DJ, hot dogs, drinks, pool games and food catered by Pollo Campero. Visit www.ymcahouston.org/fort-bendfamily or call 281-499-9622.

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17th

Parents can enjoy a night out while the kids have fun at the Y with games, arts and crafts, and food with friends. The event is free for facility members. Registration is required by August 16th. Visit www.ymcahouston.org/fort-bendfamily or call 281-499-9622.

17th - 19th

Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm 38th Annual Glass and Antique Show and Sale The Houston Glass Club will host the show and sale, which is one of the toprated and respected shows in America featuring some of the nations largest glass dealers. Food concessions and a glass repair booth will also be available. Admission is $10 on Friday and is good all three days of the show; or $6 on Saturday and Sunday (admission is good both days). Call 281-240-0382 or visit www.houstonglassclub.org.

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.

www.fortbendfocus.com

17th

Friday, 5 pm Fort Bend County Fair Trunk Show, Style Show and Dinner: Stylin’ In The Bend Meet the 2012 Fair Queen Candidates at Safari Texas Ranch along with a few local celebrities who will be strutting their stuff on the runway. Doors open at 5:00 pm for mimosas and appetizers while you shop the trunk show. A seated dinner will begin at 7 pm followed by the style show under the direction of BLiNC by Bambi Lynn and Page Parkes Corporation. Tickets are $55 each or $100 per couple and must be purchased in advance. For information, call 281342-6171.

18th

Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm Rosenberg Roundup Come to Downtown Rosenberg and enjoy the sounds of the Brazos River Pickers and Justified as the day’s musical entertainment. Downtown merchants will be open for business with specials running all day. Visit www.RosenbergEvents.com or call 832-595-3525.

20th

Monday, 7 pm Fantasy Football for Beginners at University Branch Library Sean Huddy, an avid Fantasy Football fan, will provide basic tips on how to create and manage a Fantasy Football team.

The program is free and open to the public however, seating is limited and reservations are encouraged. The class is in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land on the UH campus. Visit www.fortbend. lib.tx.us or call 281-633-5100.

Community

CALENDAR Send Your Event

24th

26th

The Grown Up Spelling Bee is a corporate-style luncheon where teams of three adults will compete in a bee in order to become the “Best Grown-Up Spellers in the County.” If you’re not in the bee, feel free to stop by the University of HoustonSugar Land for some fun and support the Literacy Council’s life-changing programs. For more information, visit www.grownupbee.com or call 281240-8181.

Come and enjoy the day with your family, friends and neighbors at 1416 George St. in Rosenberg. Enjoy a three meat dinner of barbeque beef, chicken and sausage with potatoes, beans and all the trimmings from 11 am to 2 pm. Drive-through is available.

The bazzar also features a live and silent auction, raffles, live music, booths and games for the entire family. Call 281-3423089 or visit www.hrccr.com.

Friday, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee

Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s 76th Annual Bazzar

25th

Saturday, 12 – 4:30 pm Homeschooling A to Z

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Join Dr. Bruce Shortt, Ph.D. at the Missouri City Branch library to learn what is homeschooling, how it works, who can home school, and how is it done? Mary Camille Pohlman will provide insight on how to get started and on the day-to-day challenges that may be encountered, and Jasmine Baucham will elaborate on what it is like to be home schooled. The program is free and open to the public at 1530 Texas Parkway. Call the branch library at 281-238-2100.

25th

CALENDAR OF EVENTS www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS

Giving Spirits Concert Series Friday, August 3rd 7:30 - 9:30 pm

Music in the Plaza Saturday, August 4th & 25th 7:30 - 9:30 pm

Music in the Plaza

Saturday, 6:30 pm – 1 am The Red, White, and Blue Jean Bash Hosted by the West Fort Bend Women’s Charity, The Red, White, and Blue Jean Bash is a chance to come by the Swinging Door Restaurant Dance Hall for BBQ, live music by Skyrocket, and dancing all benefiting the Helping a Hero and other veteran supporting charities. There will also be a cash bar and BYOB. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit wfbwc.org.

Friday, August 10th, 17th, 24th 7:30 - 9:30 pm

Sugar Land Superstar presented by David Taylor Cadillac Saturday, August 11th 7 - 9:30 pm

Movie Under The Moon Saturday, August 18th 8 - 10 pm

Dancing Under The Stars Friday, August 31st 7:30 - 9 pm

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Headliners continued from page 66

Alberto Gonzales Named Exchangite Of The Year At the Installation Celebration of the Exchange Club of Rosenberg, outgoing President Barrett Briggs announced Alberto Gonzales as the first-ever recipient of the “Exchangite of the Year Award’ in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Exchange Club of Rosenberg.

Alberto Gonzales joined the club as a Charter member when it was being formed last May. He has volunteered for almost every project that the club undertook including handing out flags at the Fort Bend County Fair, National Adoption Day, Parks Youth Ranch Food Drive, National Adoption Day, Toys for Tots and the Houston Rodeo Parade when he led the parade with the banner of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast District Exchange Clubs.

“Alberto has been a truly exemplary Exchange member, always the first to raise his hand to volunteer for projects, and we are proud to be able to recognize him in this way” commented Tracey

Shaw, club mentor.

Exchange is America’s Service Club and supports four programs of service: Child Abuse Prevention, Americanism, Youth and Community.

Barrett Briggs, President, presents The Exchange Club of Alberto Gonzales with the Exchangite Rosenberg’s members all of the Year Award. have an intellectual disability but they have demonstrated that they do have many abilities and are helping to make out community a better place to live, work and play.

This is the first club of its kind in Texas and only the second in the U.S.

Avoiding Sports Injuries Can Help Young Athletes Stay in the Game Pre-Participation Physicals and Youth Sports Injury Prevention Clinic Sports participation offers a host of benefits for children, including weight management, social skill development and team-building skills. But there are downsides as well. Every year, millions of young athletes end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with a sports-related injury. From

fort bend

sprains and strains to shin splints and Little League elbow, a variety of conditions can bring sports participation to a halt.

Acute injuries occur suddenly, often after a collision or other trauma. Examples include sprains, fractures, torn ligaments, eye injuries, concussions and spinal cord injuries.

Contact sports such as football or basketball may spring to mind but baseball players may also suffer acute injuries from high-speed balls, mid-field collisions and improper sliding.

Overuse injuries occur when repetitive actions put too much stress on bones and muscles. Inadequate warm-up; increased duration, intensity or frequency of activity; improper technique or equipment; and playing the same sport yearround can all contribute to an overuse injury.

Reinjury can happen if a child returns to a sport before he or she has properly healed from an injury. Letting the body fully recover from an injury is essential. Otherwise you’re placing extra stress on the injury and forcing the body to compensate for the weakness, which can lead to another injury.

The doctors at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas provide orthopedic exams, treatments and, if necessary, surgical options to help your child overcome a sports-related injury. Learn how you can prevent sports injuries on August 4th. Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas will host a Pre-Participation Physicals and Youth Sports Injury Prevention Clinic from 9 am - 1 pm at Constellation Field. The clinic is open to middle and high school students. There will be two cardiologists on-site, B. Keith Ellis, M.D. and Tapan Rami, M.D., to screen for arrhythmias and heart defects.

The cost is $20 cash. Be sure to also bring the UIL Physician Evaluation form which can be printed off our website, MethodistOrthopedics.com/sl_StudentPhysicals.

Students who bring paper work filled our will receive a prize. Please RSVP by emailing AskATrainer@tmhs.org. Contact Angela Byrd, LAT, for more information at 832-584-9038.

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August 2012 Winner “Sunrise”

By Robin Coleman Congratulations Robin, 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 Elizabeth at 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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FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide 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)

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 Management’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)

DID WE GET YOUR ATTENTION? Then call 281-690-4242 to have your business listed here.

Submit your request and get the next issue of Fort Bend Focus delivered to your mailbox!

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Fort Bend Focus Magazine wants to provide readers with the best community feature magazine possible. We want to focus on our READERS and mail exclusively to residents who invite us into their home. Requests are FREE to all Fort Bend & Katy addresses*.

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E-mail: ___________________________________________________ Mail completed form to: 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste 400, Stafford, TX 77477 * Annual paid subscription required outside the Fort Bend or Katy areas. Call 281-690-4242. www.fortbend

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

Living the Sweet Life:

Celebrating Sisters!

T

he first Sunday in August is Sister’s Day, and I, for one, will be celebrating it. I know the secret marketing gurus behind the scenes have created this “holiday” of sorts in a probable effort to generate

Sisters Alisa and Elizabeth. income for the card industry, but if you have a sister, you probably would agree she’s worth all the fuss a muss!

There are only two years that separate me and my sister, and as a result, I cannot fathom my life without her.

When she was little, well ... she perplexed me. There’s a story I am told of where I somehow dragged her swaddled and all into a closet in an effort to regain my status as an only child.

She came into my life unplanned, and I suppose if they’d have asked me, then I’d have said “no thanks!”

The early childhood years were tough with our mother having been killed, and I remember her mostly during that time as the brave one. She leaned into our mother’s half-closed casket and asked, “Where’s her feet?”

I gasped at her ability to even speak in that moment when I could barely stand

to see our mother in that box.

She and I, it seems, have always been two steps behind one another. As teenagers, she was clearly the smarter one in school; she always made the best grades and never even had to study. I secretly envied her. She later admitted she envied me; through her eyes, I had all the friends and looks and carefreeness that she could not socially find. Oh, well.

God gives us different talents.

In middle school, Elizabeth was a force to be reckoned with as she defied the norm and wanted to play flag football with of all creatures – boys! I never had any use for sports especially ones that involved balls and the potential to break a fingernail!

She followed me through high school like a puppy dog with all of my friends being her friends, and when I announced at 17 that I was leaving, she was the most angry that I had ever seen her. As I walked down the aisle at St. Mary’s to receive my diploma from high school, she stood up and walked into my path stopping me from the procession. She stopped me – while I was trying to graduate!!!!*#! – to ask me with a sheepish grin on her face if I thought it would be okay for her to come to school there next year!

Together, we went to St. Mary’s for her last two years of high school and for my first two years of college, and watched, as we always have, over each other. When she graduated from high school as valedictorian, I walked behind her a few hours later with honors.

Marriages and children have now separated me from North Carolina and with the death of our father, a fort bend

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Alisa and Elizabeth. displaced feeling that the only home we each have now is the one we have created separately. Who said, “You can never go home?” We are living proof that you absolutely cannot. But, we try, and almost every day at some point, we text, skype or call. My life would not be as rich without her in it, and I think she knows that.

As I write this, I have been away far too long from her. Thanksgiving made it a year since I had seen her beautiful face. I am traveling to North Carolina by the time you read this to celebrate the 80th birthday of my sweet fatherin-law in June. Elizabeth and I will get a chance to spend the night together.

After all of the children are fed, bathed and prayed for, we will settle in for a long night of catching up and giggling just like when we were little! Although our lives are as different as night is to day, we are always there for each other.

Sisterhood is something quite special!

Take care of you – and your sisters!

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