April 2022 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

APRIL 2022

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital’s

Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Care

35

th

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Medical FOCUS

REALTORS

COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Treated in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home.

Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including: • • • •

Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders Aneurysms Brain tumors Neuropathy

• • • •

Parkinson’s disease and tremors Sleep disorders Spinal disorders Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Your health is our priority. You can be confident we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe, including requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians and staff.

SCAN HERE

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979.

APRIL 2022 l

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{Features}

APRIL 2022

{COVER STORY}

16 MEDICAL FOCUS Health Care News You Can Use

19 KEY REALTORS Meet Fort Bend’s Finest in Real Estate

27 APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH Autism Awareness Month Calls for Inclusion and Acceptance

{Columns} 14 THE SWEET LIFE GARDENER Who Goes With Who?

20 FORT BEND STRONG

April Fool’s Day and God’s Love

Kelly Dempsey, MD and Shinil Shah, DO. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography

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MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL BRINGS MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO CANCER CARE TO FORT BEND

30 OENOPHILE

Kosta Browne, Turnbull, J. Lohr and the Texas Hill Country

34 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

Manifesting a Transformation

Seven years ago, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital launched an integrated multidisciplinary program that brought specialists together from within their network and integral partners from the community to offer a seamless approach to cancer care. The result? High-quality, comprehensive cancer care close to home.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Page 14 & 34

APRIL 2022 VOLUME 18 | NUMBER 4

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The Honorable Pete Olson Contributor Page 20 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 28

28 Denman Moody theadvanceoenophile.com Page 30

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absolutely! {Auto Review} 2022 JEEP WAGONEER

{In Every Issue} 6 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 24 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

{Newsworthy} 7 DERBY DAY A Kentucky Derby Party for Reining Strength

11 FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES New Online Feature for Aspiring Authors

12 DR. THOMAS RANDLE Appointed as Trustee of The George Foundation

15 EXCHANGE CLUB OF SUGAR LAND

29 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

22 FBJSL SUPPORTS Kids and Art Culture

23 GRAND OPENING Texana Café and Fulshear Campus

31 CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND Announces 2022 Gala Theme

32 FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER April 2022 Happenings

35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner on April 23rd

ON THE COVER: Shinil Shah, DO. and Kelly Dempsey, MD. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography

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APRIL 2022 l

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Defining – or Defying – Normal “Back to normal” has become such a subjective term. I’m not entirely certain what it means, and honestly, I’m not a big proponent of normal. I tend to subscribe to the adage, “I tried to be normal once – worse two minutes of my life.” But I must confess, the past few weeks have felt like we have been back in the swing of things – back to some type of normalcy – here in the Bend just in time for Spring. It’s been heartwarming to see so many friends that we haven’t seen for a while – healthy, happy and out and about. And this month, there’s so many amazing acTim and Patti Kaminski celebrating their 28th anniversary out and about at Hotel tivities going on to fill up your Spring ZaZa. calendar to encourage you to just do that – get out and about.

A Sugar Land staple is back this month, and frankly, it is one of my family’s favorites: The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner. For years when my babies were little, we went as a family, then as they grew and flew the nest, Tim and I attended. Heck, I even judged one year, and it was one of the toughest gigs ever! The Spaghetti Dinner is one of the most fun evenings hosted by an amazing organization that does so much good in our community, and it happens on April 23rd. Read all about the plans for this year’s event on page 15.

Another family fav is back! Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales’ Annual Pig Roast & Crawfish Boil at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds is on April 9th.

This year’s event features a kids’ zone plus a live concert by the 80’s cover band The Spazmatics. Go to www.VincentMorales.com/2022-crawfish for more information.

And if you’re looking for activities specifically for your littles, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center has a full calendar this April. Check out all of their activities on page 32, including the opportunity to hop on out to meet the Easter Bunny on April 16th!

A full calendar is somewhat normal for me, even though I’m at odds with the word “normal” as a general rule. I believe Maya Angelou said it best: “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” Be amazing my friends, be out and about, and be as exceptionally un-normal as you can possibly be, because normal really is overrated.

Stay focused,

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Vol. 18 No. 4 April 2022 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore I T S U P P O RT A D M I N I S T R AT I V E / S A L E S A S S I S TA N T Kolton W. Kaminski CONTRIBUTORS Steve Kursar Denman Moody Alisa Murray Pete Olson A D V E RT I S I N G I N Q U I R I E S / E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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Fort Bend FocusTM eZine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright© 2022 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM eZine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM eZine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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NEWSWORTHY

Derby Day A Kentucky Derby Party for

On Saturday, May 7th, Reining Strength will hold its 8th Annual Derby Day Event. The event will be held at Safari Texas, 11627 FM 1464 Road in Richmond from 3:30 to 7:30 pm.

Don your best Derby Day hats and dust off your boots for an event that brings the Kentucky Derby to Texas. The benefit will include a large screen live feed of the 148th Kentucky Derby Race Simulcast, seated dinner, live and silent auctions and hat and boots contests.

Each guest will choose their horse to cheer on during the race, and if he wins, you win a prize as well!

The Derby Day Party event benefits Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship of Fort Bend County and the Greater West Houston, Texas area. Its programs serve individuals with physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs through therapeutic horsemanship, providing safe, effective services that meet and exceed PATH International Standards (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl.).

Sponsorships and individual tickets are still available. Please contact Heather at heather@reiningstrength.org or call 832.451.6874.

KENSINGTON @ RIVERSTONE N OO S NG MI O C

Darling designed and built single story home. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, private home office. Plantation shutters, Hand-scraped hardwood wood floors. floor to ceiling stone fireplace, high ceilings, gourmet kitchen. Large covered patio with very private well landscaped back yard with room for swimming pool and then some. Seller waiting for new residence to be completed.

SWEETWATER T IGH R &B G SH SPRIN E FR AS

Sweetwater home with the most Serene Views of Sweetwater Golf course.

This 5-bedroom home has a place for everyone to relax and unwind – including the dogs in their special alcove! It has been totally updated and is waiting for you to move right in and enjoy! Porcelain Tile Floors, 2 Stone Fireplaces, Wine Room, Study, Home Office, Game Room and Much More on almost a Half Acre! Located on golf course at Sweetwater. Pecan Tree/Golf Course View can be enjoyed from almost every room in the home. Professionally Landscaped Yard with view of the Brook and Fish Pond, Double Pergolas – a True Oasis for Spring! Call for your Private Showing. 281-414-8400.

Call Me For Personal Virtual Tours

Arlene R. Rolsen CRS ,

“Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

281.414.8400 arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com APRIL 2022 l

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Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

Brings Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Care to Fort Bend

Kelly Dempsey, MD

Shinil Shah, DO

P

eople with cancer living in Fort Bend now have an ally that’s been providing patient care since 2006. Seven years in the planning, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital has launched an integrated multidisciplinary program that brings together specialists from within the Memorial Hermann network and integral partners from the community to offer a seamless approach to cancer care.

COVER STORY

Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography

“We’ve brought together a collaboration of specialists in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment to best serve the people of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County,” said Shinil Shah, DO, a board-certified general surgeon and associate professor of surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston who is affiliated with Memorial Hermann. “We understand the importance of having high-quality, comprehensive cancer care close to home and have worked tirelessly to ensure we’re bringing that to the people of this community.”

Dr. Shah, who has been instrumental in setting up this program, says that patients benefit from having a diverse range of cancer specialists working together. He points to twice-monthly Tumor Boards, or Cancer Conferences, held at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, where physicians from various specialties meet to review patients’ diagnostic tests, tumor types, personal and family histories, as well as the latest evidence-based treatments and clinical trials available.

Cancer Screening Recommendations Breast Cancer

• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual mammograms.

• Women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms yearly.

• Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or continue yearly.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

• For those at average risk, regular screenings are recommended at age 45.

• If you’re in good health, you should continue regular screening through age 75.

Cervical Cancer

• Women between the ages of 25 and 65 should get a primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test done every 5 years, or a co-test (an HPV test with a Pap test) every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.

• Women over age 65 who have had normal results from cervical cancer tests in the past 10 years should not be tested for cervical cancer.

Those with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 25 years after that diagnosis, even if testing goes past age 65.

Lung Cancer

Yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT scans are recommended for people who: • Are 50 to 80 years old and in fairly good health, and • Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years, and • Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history.

Prostate Cancer

• At 50, men should talk to a healthcare provider to decide if testing is the right choice.

• If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should have this talk with your provider starting at age 45.

Take control of your health and help reduce your cancer risk • Avoid all forms of tobacco.

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight.

• Get moving with regular physical activity.

• Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Limit alcohol use to 1 drink per day for women or 2 per day for men.

• Protect your skin from the sun.

• Know yourself, your family history and your risks.

• Get regular checkups and cancer screenings.

Source: American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.

“Our Tumor Boards are comprised of a wide range of specialists from the fields of gastroenterology, urology, pulmonary diseases, medical and radiation oncology, pathology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, and surgery,” he said. “That’s important because cancer treatment doesn’t just involve one specialty or modality.”

Also present during the Tumor Boards are Oncology Nurse Navigators.

These experienced oncology nurses work directly with cancer patients and their families to guide them through the process as the point of contact, coordinating communication within the care team, helping patients connect with care options and educating them along the way. Nurse Navigators are a complimentary service offered by Memorial Hermann.

“We’re harnessing the power of all of these specialties to arrive at the best treatment options for each patient,” Dr. Shah said.

“We look at the type of treatment, the timing of that treatment, and the availability of clinical trials and novel treat- Shinil Shah, DO ments. All of our treatment decisions are made in collaboration with our patients, based on research and the latest evidence-based guidance from trusted medical societies and professional associations.”

Similarly, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land has established a robust screening program to detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

Kelly Dempsey, MD, a breast surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann, has been a staunch advocate to improve patient compliance with screening recommendations. “Just like with breast cancer, catching all types of cancer at their earliest stages can be the key to successful treatment and survivability,” Dr. Kelly Dempsey, MD Dempsey said.

Kelly Dempsey, MD Dr. Dempsey led efforts at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land to bring tomosynthesis, or 3-D breast imaging, to the hospital over a decade ago. Now, all Memorial Hermann facilities offer 3-D mammography as a standard of care.

According to Dr. Dempsey, this is helping to decrease the number of people who receive callbacks for findings on a traditional 2-D mammogram that were often found to be benign. Furthermore, 3-D mammograms provide more detailed imaging that is helping to detect breast cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

“We have a better understanding of how important cancer screenings are to treating cancer,” she said. “And monthly Tumor Board meetings help the physicians involved in all aspects of cancer care fully grasp the value of these screenings, so we each can encourage patients to get the screenings they need to stay healthy.”

Dr. Dempsey, who also sees patients as part of Memorial Hermann’s high-risk screening program for breast cancer, and her colleagues talk to their patients about following screening guidelines for colonoscopy, cervical cancer screening and annual wellwoman exams, lung cancer screenings, prostate cancer screenings and annual full-body exams to detect skin cancer.

They also stress with their patients the importance of having a primary care physician, who can help facilitate the screenings with referrals and orders. Simultaneously, they are working to remove barriers that prevent some people from following recommended screening schedules. Dr. Shah points to open-access colon cancer screenings as an example. This Memorial Hermann service allows patients 45 and older to schedule their colonoscopy directly with a facility and get help finding a gastroenterologist.

“The goal of the integrated multidisciplinary approach to cancer that we have established at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is better outcomes for patients,” Dr. Shah said.

“They get plugged into a wide network of specialists from throughout the entire Memorial Hermann Health System and the Greater Houston area.”

Shinil Shah, DO “When I look at the quality of the care team represented in our Tumor Board meetings, I know I can confidently refer patients to any one of these experienced physicians,” Dr. Dempsey said. “Patients really benefit from this type of collaboration and our collective belief that patients come first.”

To find out more, visit memorialhermann.org/cancer

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

Fort Bend County Libraries Introduce New Online Feature for Aspiring Authors Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) continues its goal of supporting and encouraging aspiring novelists with the launch of a new, online “Writers’ Corner,” where aspiring novelists, as well as readers looking for something new, can create, share, and discover works introduced right here in Fort Bend.

The new “Writers’ Corner” on FBCL’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) includes three unique tools – PressBooks Public, the Indie Author Project, and the BiblioBoard Library – that enable writers, as well as readers, to create, share, and discover digital content made by and for the local community.

“We are excited to be able to offer this suite of online resources for the community,” says Library Director Clara Russell.

“The PressBooks Public feature will provide a platform empowering local writers to make their dreams of becoming a published author a reality, while the Indie Author Project will help them promote and distribute their works to a wider audience. Those who love ebooks will find new materials and possibly even discover a rising star amongst the offerings in the BiblioBoard Library collection.”

The first instrument in the suite of resources – PressBooks Public – is a digital self-publishing tool designed to help aspiring writers easily create their own professional-quality print-ready and ebook files that can be distributed commercially or shared in FBCL’s Writers’ Corner. Users have unlimited access to this resource, which requires no previous design or tech experience.

The second tool is the Indie Author Project. This resource gives local writers the opportunity to submit ebooks for inclusion in the BiblioBoard Library collection in FBCL’s Writers’ Corner. As part of a partnership with Library Journal, this resource also offers the potential for inclusion in the royalty-paying Indie Author Project Select collections available at libraries all across the U.S. and Canada.

The third feature in this suite – the BiblioBoard Library – will attract the interest of readers who are looking for digital works from self-published authors,

top indie ebooks, local collections, and more. Items in this collection are always available, so there is never a waiting list or limit for the number of check-outs.

Writers who create works in PressBooks Public and participate in the Indie Author Project will find their ebooks added to the BiblioBoard Library, where they can be enjoyed by the general public.

NEWSWORTHY

Readers can access the BiblioBoard Library collection through FBCL’s website or by downloading the BiblioBoard Library app for Apple, Android, or Kindle devices.

These services are free to the public.

Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734 for more information.

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Dr. Thomas Randle Appointed as Trustee of The George Foundation

NEWSWORTHY

The Trustees of The George Foundation recently elected Dr. Thomas Randle to serve as Trustee for a ten-year term effective April 1, 2022. Dr. Randle replaces outgoing Trustee John Null, who was first appointed to the board in 2008 and served a total of 13 years including a special three-year term. Mr. Null served as Chair from 2016-2018 and again from 2020-2022. “The Board of Trustees is excited to bring Thomas’ strong leadership, extensive experience and community-focused approach to continue the pursuit of the Foundation’s mission to positively impact Fort Bend County and its residents,” stated Ruthanne Mefford, the newly elected Chair.

Dr. Randle is originally from Brenham, Texas and spent his entire professional career impacting students as a teacher, professor, administrator and superintendent over an illustrious 44 years in public education. Dr. Randle began his career as an agriculture teacher in Sweeny ISD and moved on to serve in a variety of

leadership and administrative roles with Conroe ISD before going to LaMarque ISD to lead the district for six years as superintendent.

In 2001, Dr. Randle was appointed Superintendent of Schools for Lamar CISD and served the district with distinction over the next twenty years. During Dr. Randle’s tenure with Lamar CISD, the district experienced tremendous growth, and Dr. Randle successfully navigated the challenges of an increase in student enrollment from 16,000 to 40,000 students, and correspondingly, more than double the staff requirements. This unprecedented growth in our community not only increased students and staff, but also required sound planning and oversight for the strategic construction of facilities and infrastructure to facilitate student success today and into the future.

While Lamar CISD was experiencing dramatic growth, the district was also experiencing tremendous success under Dr. Randle’s leadership. Lamar

DERBY DAY PARTY Saturday, May 7, 2022 3:30 - 7:30 pm At Safari Texas

We Thank Our Sponsors!

A Limited Number of Sponsorship Opportunities are Still Available!

Our volunteers truly make a difference. ... Join us ...

Volunteer today!

Proceeds benefit Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship & its programming for individuals with special needs.

Volunteer opportunites for adults & teens age 14+ Mon. - Thurs. 8 am - 7 pm Fri. 8 am - noon

Call Today For Event Details & Tickets: 832.451.6874 Heather@ReiningStrength.org

Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship is a 50l(c)3 Organization 7126 FM 359 RD, Richmond, TX 77406

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APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

CISD earned the HEB Excellence in Education Award for Best Large District, and four campuses were named National Blue Ribbon Schools. Additionally, Lamar Dr. Thomas Randle.

CISD was twice recognized by Texas School Business magazine for its best practices as the District built a reputation of academic excellence across the state while also winning state championships in athletics and fine arts.

Outstanding student outcomes and staff engagement twice earned Dr. Randle the Region 4 Superintendent of the Year (2001 & 2017) and recognition as a finalist for Texas Superintendent of the Year. Other honors included the 2004 Texas Educational Support Staff Administrator of the Year and Texas A&M’s 2012 John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership. In 2017, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators recognized Dr. Randle by naming a statewide award in his honor.

Dr. Randle’s leadership transcended beyond Lamar CISD as he helped shape the future of public education across the state. He served on the Texas Education Commissioner’s Cabinet of Superintendents, the Policy Committee on Public Education Information and as an advisor for the Texas Education Agency’s Recommended High School Plan. In 2008, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives appointed Dr. Randle to the Select Committee on Public School Accountability.

Dr. Randle earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Rubye, live in Fort Bend County, and have four adult sons and four grandchildren.

Serving on the Foundation’s Board with Dr. Randle will be Trustees Ruthanne Mefford, Dr. Jim Condrey, Steve Ewbank and Mark Magee.

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s

Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Supper. Raffle. Live & Silent Auction. Entertainment Benefitting local nonprofit organizations

Saturday, April 23rd 5:30 to 9 pm

MEAL SERVED 530-830

Fluor Corporation Cafeteria

(1 Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land) Thanks to our Joint Sponsors:

For tickets, visit www.ecsl.org.

LIKE US

Music & Fine Arts Offerings

Group Classes

Private Lessons • • • • •

• Guitar Ensemble • Acting/Improvisation

Piano Voice Guitar Acting Wind Instruments

Little Sprouts Ages: 3-5 Saturdays

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Summer Camps

Acting Camp

@fortbendfocus

Tag Us as you are Out and About in the Heart of Bend

Musical Theatre Camp

Ages: 7-14 Dates: June 6-17 June 20-July 1

July 11-22

Guitar Camp

July 25August 5

Little Sprouts Musical Camp Ages: 3-5, July 11-15 Ages: 6-8, July 25-29

Ages: 7-14 Dates: June 27-July 1

Century Fine Arts

Century Fine Arts  3527 Highway 6, #220 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-201-2991  www.CenturyFineArts.com

3527 Highway 6, #220 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

281-201-2991

www.CenturyFineArts.com

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By Alisa Murray www.alisamurrayslivingthesweetlife.com

Who Goes With Who? H

ey Sweet Lifers! I hope by now you have taken a few moments to think about what you and your family loves to eat and jotted down a few vegetables and fruits that you would like to walk outside and just pick fresh from your yard. There’s really nothing more fabulous that eating freshly picked, and once you start doing this, I must warn you there will be no turning back.

Recently I planted the starters for our spring/summer garden, and my son followed behind me asking very anxiously if I had planted enough bell peppers! “You know Mom, those taste completely differently than the ones at the store, and I do not like the ones at the store!” I smiled as this is not the first time he has made clear specific vegetables he wanted planted. I am making progress in getting him to eat fresh and organic, and all of us know that is one of the best ways to stay healthy. As an aside, I will be happier, or maybe have another heart attack, when he actually volunteers to help in the actual putting in the garden . . . or maybe volunteers to go out there daily and water it when days turn to a hot soupy mess! One can always hope.

Now that you know what you need to plant and how much of it you should consider to have enough to feed and possibly can, preserve or pickle, don’t rush off the gardening center just yet! I marvel at some of the choices I see in my fellow shoppers carts. We all get so excited in early spring to dig in the dirt and run out and buy up stuff. If you want your garden to be at what I call “full throttle” by mid summer, now is the time to lay out where they will live. In order to help them grow properly and with as little effort on your part, a secondary however very important consideration is who they live with. Kinda like us humans, some vegetables do play “sweetly” well together while others do not! I begin this by looking at each bed and knowing the “sunshine factor.” Start putting together sketches of the beds. This is important for two reasons. One it allows me to go through and count out

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how many I have placed for feeding purposes making sure I did plan for enough, and secondly, it serves as my record of where the vegetables went in that year so I can make notes of what happened. One year I planted eggplant in the side bed, and they did great, but rotating them just a few yards away was a dramatic downfall the next, so knowing where they like to be is as important as planning, planting and a huge part of caring for them. This is, of course, the same for each and every vegetable.

Who goes with who is the best way to make sure you give your garden the best protection against pests and the extra nutrients given off by certain vegetables and herbs, when partnered offer a symbiotic relationship. For example, always plant tomatoes with asparagus, because they contain solanine, which the asparagus beetle hates and in turn asparagus contains chemicals against nematodes in turn reciprocating to help the tomato. Always plant some basil and parsley and onions sprinkled everywhere, as they add vigor and protect against insects. Additionally, planting carrots with tomatoes also offers protection for both vegetables as does adding in radishes, leeks and chives, even adding rosemary and sage. However, if you choose the rosemary or sage, you’ll need to not plant the basil because those two do not like one another! Carrots, likewise do not like dill, so put dill with cabbages, even lettuces and cucumbers if you want them to thrive and be “sweet.”

I know all of this is like trying to create a seating chart for a bunch of unruly family members at a wedding! That is why I created the “who goes with who” downloadable graphic that you can access here: https://alisamurrayslivingthesweetlife.com/ the-sweet-life-gardener-who-goes-with-who/ If you’ll take the time to plan now and carefully partner your plants with their friends, the garden of your dreams is right around the corner!

Keep on Growing!

APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

NEWSWORTHY

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land Presents 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner April 23rd

Exchangites Carlos Perez and Lori Bisewski are ready to serve you spaghetti at the 35th Annual Spaghetti Cookoff.

Affinity Realty joins Classic Chevrolet in sponsoring the The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, April 23rd from 5:30 pm to 9 pm at Fluor Corporation cafeteria, 1 Fluor Daniel Drive in Sugar Land. The fundraiser supports local non-profits, including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Texana Center for Autistic Children, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Fort Bend Council on Substance Abuse, Crime Stoppers, YMCA, Literacy Council of Fort Bend and many others.

It also supports Exchange Cooperative Community Service Projects like Santa’s Exchange, which provides thousands of gifts for underprivileged children.

This year eight local law enforcement agencies and firefighter teams are competing in the annual Spaghetti Sauce Cook-off. They will be judged by a Celebrity Judging Team from Gino’s Italian Joint: owners Gino Paty, Annamaria Paty and Sean Paty! Each team’s eccentric costumes are always a hit. A children’s area with such items as a cake walk, face painting, games and prizes is just part of the fun-filled event. A live and silent auction, raffle and live entertainment complete this enjoyable evening.

Have tickets to another event that night? We are your supper! Join us for fun, and remember it’s all for the kids!

Visit www.ecsl.org or call Lori Bisewski at 281-799-7084 for dinner and raffle tickets.

APRIL 2022 l

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Advertorial

Medical Focus Health Ca r e N e w s Yo u C a n U s e Reach Your Weight Loss Goals at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital After the holidays, people everywhere resolve to lose weight, but it’s hard to stick with your goals as the weeks go by. If you’ve had setbacks when trying to lose weight before, it’s time for a fresh approach this year. Your best chance for long-term success is to develop a sensible weight loss plan built on a foundation of healthy habits.

Nabil Tariq, MD, board-certified bariatric surgeon with Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, understands the struggle of losing weight and how to create a sustainable plan for weight loss. He shared the following tips for staying on track with your weight loss resolution for the new year.

1. Make a commitment to your health. Start the new year by looking at your priorities and making the decision to invest time and energy toward improving your health. When you’re feeling stressed or ready to give up, remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to lose weight and be healthy.

2. Add more exercise to your day.

Physical activity can burn calories, curb your appetite and give you an emotional boost — which is important when you’re trying to lose weight. “The best kind of physical activity for successful weight loss is one that you enjoy and will stick with,” Tariq said. “Try pairing a relaxing activity like listening to music or watching your favorite TV show to exercise.”

Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day — going for a walk is a great way to start.

Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.

3. Check up on your eating habits.

Consider tracking your eating patterns to get a sense of portion sizes and iden-

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run. Sharing your successes and setbacks with others can help you stay motivated to reach your goals.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey

Nabil Tariq, MD. tify high-calorie foods in your diet. Find ways to swap in low-fat alternatives, high-fiber foods and lean protein to help you feel full longer. “The key is to make changes to your diet in a way that’s sustainable for the long term,” Tariq said.

“You want to find solutions for managing your weight that will work for the rest of your life, not just losing weight for a special event.”

4. Explore weight loss programs.

Ask your doctor about safe and effective ways to achieve a healthy weight for you.

“If you’ve tried everything to lose weight and it’s not working, it may be time to consider medical weight management or bariatric surgery,” Tariq said. Your doctor can provide guidance to help you set realistic goals and make a plan to lose weight.

5. Join a support group for weight loss. While eating right and exercising can help move the numbers on the scale, it’s your mindset and attitude that will help you be successful in the long

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Losing weight — and keeping it off — is a major life change. To help you along the way, the Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land offers the following weight loss services and programs: StepLITE® is a program for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds and needs help getting started. The program includes a diet plan, weekly check-ins and group sessions with licensed professionals.

Medical Weight Management is a three-phase weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss.

Bariatric surgery can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve weight-related health problems.

Our surgeons and weight loss specialists are here to help you decide if bariatric surgery is right for you.

Virtual Weight Loss Orientations You can start now from the comfort and safety of your own home. Our bariatric surgeon now offers virtual orientations and visits. Register online for one of our virtual orientations at houstonmethodist.org/sugar-land-bariatric or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) for more information.

To learn more about your options or to schedule an appointment with Nabil Tariq, MD, visit houstonmethodist.org/ weight-management or call 832.667.

LOSE (5673).

Medical Focus Mom: Make Sure Your Daughter Sees an Ob/Gyn Before Leaving Home for College Young women preparing to head off to college for the first time have a lot to do over the summer months – student orientation, coordinating with new roommates, packing, saying goodbye to friends, and so much more. The time between high school graduation and move-in day can fly by.

But there’s one important task that young college-bound women should make sure they don’t forget.

“It’s really important that young women see an obstetrician-gynecologist before they leave home for college,” said Elizabeth Mosier, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land. “And often, it’s up to Mom to push for that appointment.

If your daughter has an obstetriciangynecologist already, encourage her to schedule an office visit over the summer. And if she doesn’t already have an obstetrician-gynecologist, it’s even more important that you work together to find someone your daughter likes and trusts.”

Although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that girls have their first visit with an obstetrician-gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15, that doesn’t always happen. Many teen-aged girls either continue to see their pediatrician or change to a primary care physician – putting off that first obstetrician-gyne-

Want to know what’s going on in your community?

Elizabeth Mosier, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist. cologist visit until they are an adult.

But Mosier said that approach overlooks the specialized areas of health where an obstetrician-gynecologist can provide experienced counsel and support.

“Young women need to have a gynecologist they can turn to for information and advice that goes beyond what a primary care physician typically covers, such as gynecological health, sexual health, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases,” she said. “Young women may have questions that they don’t feel comfortable asking a parent or their pediatrician or primary care doctor.

Irregular periods can occur that first year of college with changes in diet, environment and stress. Questions about birth control can pop up. Safety and consent

are also important conversations to have.

Having an initial visit with a gynecologist prior to going off to college gives young women an opportunity to begin building a long-term relationship with an OB/ GYN they can talk to comfortably and in confidence.”

Depending on the patient’s age and concerns, a breast exam and pelvic exam will be offered. Mosier said, “While we do recommend starting pap smears at age 21, a breast exam and pelvic exam can be offered earlier or later, and can be tailored to the patient’s needs.

A pelvic exam should never be painful or traumatic. At the first visit, I like to explain what a pelvic exam consists of and then let the patient decide for themselves. They may opt to complete their first exam or wait until the next time.

“Whether they get an exam or not, when a new patient comes in to see me prior to college, it helps establish the habit of having an annual visit,” said Mosier. “It’s a sign that the patient is taking responsibility for her health.”

Still, Mosier said, most young women will overlook the importance of a precollege visit unless Mom insists.

“There is so much going on during that time and the last thing a young woman wants to do is visit an OB/GYN, especially if she’s never been before,” said Mosier. “But when Mom said it’s important, they’ll get the message. And it’s actually a really smart move.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mosier or her partner, Dr. Rosalyn Miller, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn or call Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at 346.874.2060.

Check out Community Events at www.FortBendFocus.com

And list your non-profit Community Event for Free!

E-mail patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com APRIL 2022 l

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Advertorial

Medical Focus Can We Overdose on Vitamin Supplements?

Popping a vitamin or several vitamins is part of a morning routine for many people in our community. Even though directions are listed on most bottles, it is very common to actually take more than needed. We are bombarded with health information saying that taking high doses of certain vitamins can benefit our health but taking too many vitamins can be quite dangerous.

When consumed naturally through foods, vitamins are unlikely to cause harm, even when consumed in large amounts. Yet, when taken in concentrated doses in supplement form, it’s easy to take too much, and doing so can lead to negative health outcomes. Although it’s extremely rare to die from a vitamin overdose, there have been reported instances of death related to vitamin toxicity.

For example, too much vitamin C or zinc may cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Too much selenium may lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue and mild nerve damage.

Adults who regularly far exceed the 4,000 international units (IUs) daily safe upper limit for vitamin D may end up with serious heart problems. There is no benefit for taking more vitamins than recommended. For these reasons, it’s important to use vitamins responsibly.

OakBend Medical Center’s Food & Nutrition Department features Clinical Dietitians and Food Service Specialists.

They provide food service to inpatients and outpatients according to physician orders. The dietitian provides specialized clinical nutrition therapy to assist inpatients and outpatients with implementing recommended nutrition goals.

To schedule an appointment, call 281633-4022.

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PROFILES Tips for Selecting the Perfect Home

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or those beginning the process of home buying, there are many factors to consider. Keep these ideas in mind as you conduct your search.

1

Consider future needs Because life is always evolving, it’s important to move into a home that has enough space for your family’s anticipated changes. While features and space are always prime considerations, don’t forget to, look into the area schools, day care options, parks and other kid-friendly amenities if you plan to grow your family in your next home.

2

Look for flexible spaces Seek homes that offer rooms with multiple functions. For example, an office area may be suitable for a small child’s room, or a sunroom may be converted to a laundry area down the road.

3

Get to know the area The purchase of a home goes well beyond the property line.

Be sure to examine the neighborhood in which the house is situated. From the condition of the neighbors’ houses to highway access and the proximity of necessities like grocery stores and gas stations, be sure to take every factor into account to help ensure you’re selecting the right location.

Find more tips at eLivingtoday.com.

Arlene Rolsen, CRS Coldwell Banker United

Arlene Rolsen, CRS, has been helping buyers and sellers realize their dreams of homeownership as an investment in their future for over 40 years. Rolsen, a top producing agent, delights in introducing families to Fort Bend County, where they will not just find a house but will be blessed with a place to call home that offers a lifestyle with great schools, shopping, medical care, diversity, places of worship, parks and recreation. Rolsen remembers one of her seller’s remarks: “A buyer is buying the hope of a bright, happy future, and as sellers, we are selling a place where memories were made.” Rolsen enjoys helping buyers and sellers realize their hopes, dreams and memories, and she would like to help you achieve the home of your dreams, too.

“Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985” 281-414-8400 arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com

(Source: Family Features.)

Buying or selling a home is a major life decision, and when that time comes, you want the best – an award-winning, proven Realtor. Debbie Marcell is that Realtor.

Winner of the highest award in the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene (BHGRE) network, Marcell is an Emerald Elite winner for 2020 and 2021, achieving the highest success during unprecedented year filled with change and challenges. Awarded to only the top two percent of BHGRE Realtors, Emerald Elite winner Marcell has devoted 16 years as a top sales producer building a solid and trustworthy reputation in the industry.

Armed with abundant enthusiasm, perseverance and an unyielding desire to fulfill her Debbie Marcell client’s dreams and expectations, Marcell’s luxury Riverstone listing ranked in the Houston Better Homes and Gardens Business Journal’s “Top 10 Most Expensive Homes Sold” in June 2018. Marcell not only Real Estate Gary Greene secured the listing; she sold the home.

“Debbie was exceptional in determining the best listing price ($55K more than the next best agents’) and it sold the first day! She is high energy, smart thinker, and has an ability to anticipate any problems that may arise. And she attacks them before they happen. She 2323 Town Center Drive definitely had our trust because we knew she had our best interest in mind at all times.

Sugar Land, TX 77478 She is a treasure – never met anyone like her,” said The Hailey’s, Satisfied Sellers.

281-782-2102 Whether you are buying or selling, Marcell is poised to put her experience to work for debbiemarcell@garygreene.com you. A Texas Monthly “Award Winner for Client Service,” visit www.debbiemarcell.com for www.debbiemarcell.com more information and client testimonials.

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April Fool’s Day and God’s Love

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am a Christian, and for Christians like me, April is the most joyous month of the entire year. It is the

usually the month that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. An eternal life awaits all!

Ellen and Pete Olson.

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The first day of April is a day for juvenile jokes and pranks to many, but not for me.

That all changed for me 32 years ago. At the time, I was going through Navy flight training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. My wife, Ellen, was a lawyer commuting between Los Angeles and Dallas. She flew to Corpus for a weekend visit.

We drove to Houston Saturday to have an informal reunion with my three best friends from Rice University. We slept late on Sunday, had breakfast, said our good-byes, and headed back to Corpus on State Highway 35. It was Sunday, April 1st, 1990.

As we entered the small town of Palacios around 3:30 pm, we drove into a whopper of a Texas thunderstorm. All traffic was going 35 mph, hazard lights on, wipers going full speed

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Source: https://texashistory.unt.edu/. to no avail. On a two-lane highway, a car going the opposite way lost control and slammed into us head on. The occupants were immigrants from Vietnam, an uncle and two adolescent nephews. They died at the scene.

The force of the crash was so violent that I bent the steering wheel over the steering column into the dash board with my hands. Ellen and I were severely injured. Our first stop was the tiny hospital in Palacios. They were overwhelmed. A LifeFlight helicopter took Ellen to Houston. I was put into an ambulance and driven to Bay City for a CAT scan. My dad caught the last flight into Houston, rented a car, and drove to Bay City in the middle of the night. He was the first member of my family to see me since the accident. He had the somber duty to tell me the words I did not want to hear. Ellen’s injuries were too severe; she was dead. We had been married for 79 days.

I spent the next month in San Antonio’s Wilford Hall Air Force Hospital. I had suffered a severe head injury when my head hit the steering wheel. I was automatically grounded for a year by the Navy to ensure I was not susceptible to seizures in flight.

My injuries meant that I could not fly in a pressurized airplane, so my mom and I rode an Amtrak train for 30 hours to their home in Connecticut. I was given three months of convalescent leave to recover from my injuries. When that time expired, I flew back to Corpus for nine months of pushing paper and assigning “LIMA SIERRA” jobs (Little Sh**** jobs) to junior officers. I was not very happy.

The worst times were bedtime. I would watch Cheers reruns at 10:30 pm to divert my attention from the wave of anger that was coming. I would brush my teeth, get in bed, and go to war with God. I would cry uncontrollably and shout at God for what he had done to ME! I had always been taught that God is kind and just. There was zero kindness and zero justice on April 1st in Palacios. I should have been the first one to leave earth. My life was near perfection – two loving parents, easy straight A student, star athlete – without many setbacks. Ellen had a good

life, but she had some rough times in her teenage years. And there is no way God should have taken an innocent eight or sixyear-old child over me.

The passage of time took the sharp sting out of my loss. It’s hard to describe. I never lost my faith, but I put my faith in God on hold until he explained to me why he allowed April 1st, 1990.

GOD OWED ME AN EXPLANATION! I starting going forward on my own without caring about God. I got my Wings in May of 1991. I fell in love again and married my Nancy on September 25th, 1993. I watched Kate being born on January 3rd, 1997 followed by Grant on April 9th, 2000. I became a six-term United States Congressman. As y’all suspect, I completely missed God’s unending love for me, especially on April 1st, 1990.

Ellen was an angel sent by God to watch over me. My Nancy grew up thousands of miles from me in California and got her first job as a TV reporter in Tyler, Texas. Nancy became friends with a woman working at the TV studio named Carolyn Waters.

My Nancy loves her margaritas, and Carolyn’s husband, Paul, made the best margaritas in Tyler. My Nancy would go to the Waters’ house after the 10 pm Friday newscast to start her weekend off right with one of Paul’s margaritas. I saw this phenomenon with my own eyes the first time I went home with Ellen to meet her parents – Carolyn and Paul Waters!

It all hit me watching Kate and Grant being born. Ellen’s loss was part of God’s grand plan. As I watched these perfect, tiny babies taking their first breaths, I finally realized the obvious.

Without April 1st, 1990, in Palacios with Ellen, I never meet Nancy. If I never meet and fall in love with Nancy, I never have the heavenly pleasure of being a father and watching Kate and Grant grow. God has always loved me and was there in my darkest hours. He never left me and continues to bless me now.

Grant, Maisy, Kate, Nancy and Pete Olson.

In closing, I hope I did not make you sad. My story is not pure joy, but it is a story of the goodness in our lives. If you know someone in the depths of pain, engage with them. Sitting beside them while they scream in anger or cry rivers of tears is heavenly therapy. A big hug doesn’t hurt, either. Faith heals.

Faith is Fort Bend Strong!

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NEWSWORTHY

FBJSL Supports Kids and Art Culture

Monique Brown, FBJSL President Heather Allen, Art League of Fort Bend President Brenda Bowman, Art League of Fort Bend Development Director Linda Nicodemus, Dr. Jennifer Small and Lori Gier.

High Net Worth Individuals Only For large, permanent life insurance policies • $5,000,000 plus for estate planning / legacy / charitable / business buy-sell agreements • Dramatically lower cost • Utilizing leverage and the time value of money

The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) continues to make a difference within the Fort Bend community through its Community Assistance Fund. The Fund can provide grants of up to $5,000 per League year, per agency, to local Fort Bend non-profits that need financial support to fund a critical need, pilot a program or expand a significant service to the community.

FBJSL is pleased to have recently supported through the Community Assistance Fund two worthy Fort Bend non-profit agencies. The first award was to Undies For Everyone (UFE) in the amount of $3,000 to provide undergarments to over 400 children. UFE coordinates with various Fort Bend agencies who assist underserved children to outfit each child with 7 days of undergarments building self-esteem and confidence.

Visit www.undiesforeveryone.org to learn more about Undies For Everyone.

The second award was to the Art League of Fort Bend (ALFB) in the amount of $2,000 for use towards updating the Gallery lighting. ALFB is a multi-arts facility managed by volunteer members of the Art League of Fort Bend. It functions as a shared space for artists and art enthusiasts to create, display and experience art through shows, exhibits and learning opportunities. To learn more about the Art League of Fort Bend, please visit their website at https://artleaguefortbend.org.

Non-profit agencies interested in applying can visit the request our support page of the FBJSL at www.fbjsl.org.

Please call for a complimentary consultation:

Denman Moody Jr, J.D. • 713.202.5229 Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant Former Senior Vice President & Trust Officer of a major Houston bank.

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APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Submit newsworthy items to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

NEWSWORTHY

Tax Accountants

Auditors

Consultants

Grand Opening of Texana Café and Fulshear Campus Texana Center proudly hosted the grand opening of their new Texana Café and Fulshear Campus recently.

The Fulshear Katy Area Chamber of Commerce also joined in the grand opening celebration with an official rope cutting. “The Fulshear campus and the Texana Cafe is a new chapter for Texana that will allow for us to explore even more possibilities to unlock the potential of the clients we serve. We are beyond excited that this dream and vision is now a reality,” said Texana Chief Executive Officer, George Patterson.

The Texana Café is a retail-training center with the goal to make and serve exceptional food while supporting meaningful employment for individuals with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. Interns, along with the help of Café Coordinators and Café Project Manager, are ready to serve a delicious lunch and amazing homemade baked goods for a sweet after lunch treat. Lunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm Monday thru Friday. The Texana Café is located one mile north of downtown Fulshear on FM 359, just six miles south of Brookshire, and the full menu can be viewed on the website at www.texanacafe.com.

Along with the Café, there are two programs providing services in the back half of the building. First is the third location of Texana’s Children Center for Autism, where one-to-one applied behavior analysis treatment is provided to children thru age eight. The second program is the new Center for Advancement geared to prepare teens and adults for life after high school whether that is for competitive employment or basic life skills. Currently, this program is offering a Social Connections Club twice a week and a virtual Computer Class once a week. Several new classes are also in the works with the goal to eventually have a college-like schedule offering a full array of classes.

Inquiries about classes can be sent to classes@ texanacenter.com.

Don’t Let Time & Money Slip Away Be Prepared for Tax Season Call 281.242.3232 or

e-mail info@cpa-tx.com for a free consultation.

12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 165 Stafford, TX 77477 (Across from the New TI Re-Development Project) APRIL 2022 l

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OUT & ABOUT

Guests joined Co-Chairs Gena Horak and Patti Parish-Kaminski at “Reading Between the Wine’s Party with a Purpose” at Fernando’s to support The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County by donating gift cards as admittance to the party, which featured lite bites and cocktails.

IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Patti Parish-Kaminski and Carole Brown.

Kay Garrett and Sandy Olive.

Nicola Johnson and Adrienne Barker.

Cee Cee Parker, Doug Goff and Terri Stuart.

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Arlene and Len Rolsen.

Spencer and Stacy Bynes.

Leticia Lowe, Gena Horak and Angie Pfeiffer.

APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Several supporters turned out to celebrate the grand opening of the Texana Cafe located in Fulshear. The Texana Cafe is a retail-training center created by Texana with the goal to make and serve exceptional food while supporting meaningful employment for neurodiverse individuals.

Lynn Shimek, Cee Cee Parker and Kay Garrett.

Justin Gustafson and Tricia Turner.

The Texana Cafe Team at the grand opening.

Kevin Barker and Bill Rickert.

Texana CEO George Patterson and Fulshear Mayor Aaron Groff.

Tommy Kuykendall, Mary Rose Zdunkewicz and George Patterson.

Andrew Van Chau and Carrie Roehling.

Linda Harnist, Sheree Prather, Kate Johnson-Patagoc, Beth Duncan and Sue Fagan.

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

The Fort Bend Education Foundation (FBEF) held its 29th annual gala on March 5th at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land.

“International Ball – Journey Around the World” was the ultimate global experience exploring different countries and cultures. Gala co-chairs Terri Wang and Cindy Cheng proudly announced that the gala raised over $433,000 in support of children’s education.

Photos by Mary Favre, Liz Furman & Elsa Maxey.

Mary Favre with Kevin and Jocelyn Jackson.

Scott Johnson and FBEF Executive Director Brenna Cosby.

Allen and Pat Houck.

Tammy and Alex Janos with Gena Horak.

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Sue Chiang and Christina Bauer.

Gala Co-Chairs Terri Wang and Cindy Cheng.

Shefali Jhaveri, Dr. Subodh Bhuchar and Carol McCutcheon.

Tuyet Storm and Title Sponsor Mike Siwierka of Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott.

APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christie Whitbeck and Keith Lazenby.

Paul and Manmeet Likhari.

NEWSWORTHY

April is Autism Awareness Month Autism Awareness Month Calls for Inclusion and Acceptance The goal of many autism organizations is to work towards a world where individuals with autism can reach their full potential and live full lives through connection and acceptance. Local Fort Bend community members are doing just that through the resources and support of organizations like Hope For Three.

“We are all more capable than you think,” said Monica Delahaya, the mother of a teenager on the spectrum. “We were challenged to search for answers, to fight for our son, and to persevere. Thankfully we found Hope For Three, and it was a treasure full of light.”

Augustin Villarreal, affectionately known as Auggie, was born non-verbal and unable to walk. After long periods of testing, a diagnosis of autism, support from family, and dedicated teachers and resourceful organizations, Auggie will soon graduate from Kempner High School. But it wasn’t an easy journey or a simple battle.

Auggie attended a special education pre-school where he was taught to write, speak and learn. He was determined, but so was his teacher, Ms. Ping Lee. Even after Auggie completed Pre-K, and Lee left the school, she remained a constant in his life and still tutors him today.

The resources at Hope For Three alerted Delahaya to Disability Rights Texas, which helps people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights, ensuring full and equal participation in society. Knowing these rights, Delahaya was able to keep Auggie out of selfcontained special education classes and in general eduYoung Augustin Villarreal. cation classes with his typical peers throughout his education. This school path kept Auggie involved, included and educated with special assistance.

“Families work particularly hard to prepare their children for independence,” said Darla Farmer. “Autism Awareness Month is about sharing our resources, knowledge and building acceptance within the community for people on the spectrum.”

Through programs at Hope For Three such as Take Me Home, Police Traffic Stops and Teen Huddle, children learn typical safety and social tasks that build independence but

High School senior Augustin Villarreal. also interact with community members, creating awareness about the needs of people with mental illnesses.

A student like Auggie must learn simple tasks, such as ordering food, texting or even counting money with precision and practice. “It was a major life moment when Auggie attended homecoming with a date this fall,” shared Delahaya. “We practiced dancing, manners, how to make dinner reservations and talking to waitstaff, weeks before the actual event. We were all so proud to witness him achieve these typical teen tasks.”

Auggie recently won a cross country team award from Kempner High School and is awaiting acceptance into Texas A&M or the University of Texas. He dreams of being a history teacher.

Hope For Three provided endless resources for the Delahaya family that helped them achieve this success today. “I would have never known about all the help available if not for Hope For Three,” said Delahaya. “But also, the support groups, Teen Huddle and events like Strike Out, kept us involved in a community that could relate to us and built confidence in Auggie to get him where he is today.”

In the United States, the prevalence of autism rose from one in 125 children in 2010 to one in 44 in 2021, and April serves as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. To learn more about local resources and support Hope For Three, visit www.hopeforthree.org.

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 JEEP WAGONEER

The introduction of the three-row 2022 Wagoneer marks the rebirth of an iconic Jeep nameplate. Last seen in dealer showrooms back in 1994, the new Wagoneer is far more luxurious than any of its predecessors. The newest Wagoneer is destined to be the first in what is billed as a premium extension of the Jeep brand. The Wagoneer will still safely take you offroad, but you’ll just do it swathed in luxury.

The very first Wagoneer debuted back in late 1962 as one of the very first full-size SUVs on the market, although back then we called them station wagons. They were tough bodyon-frame vehicles that are highly sought after in today’s market.

The ones most prized were clad in wood trim, similar to Ford’s Country Squire station wagons. Although the Wagoneer nameplate disappeared for almost twenty years, Jeep felt the call to bring it back into the lineup as a near-luxury SUV. A base 2022 Wagoneer comes with an MSRP price tag of $58,845 and is powered by a 392 hp, 5.7 liter Hemi engine.

Mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the Wagoneer’s EPA estimated fuel economy numbers are 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. All the trims are available in either two or four wheel drive.

The exterior design cues harken back to that original early 1960’s Wagoneer so the new version has a familiar look. And, like the original, this is a true body-on-frame SUV so it’s tough enough to take what the outdoors can give it. Three different 4x4 systems are available that include an active low range and rear electronic limited slip differential, the Selec-Terrain traction management system that you can switch on the fly, and the Quadra-Lift air suspension that delivers a smooth ride and up to 10 inches of ground clearance. You can confidently forge up to 24 inches of water.

The interior is what you’d expect from a luxury SUV with leather seating standard and loads of leg room, especially for tall passengers. Available with the Wagoneer’s highest trim is the McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System, a customtuned 19-speaker system, including a 10-inch subwoofer, and powered by a 17-channel 950-watt amplifier. It can get loud.

And, if you need an even larger, and more luxurious option, check out the new 2022 Grand Wagoneer that is available at a base MSRP of $88,440. Welcome back Wagoneer!

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APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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April 2022 Winner “Sugar Land”

By Dharmesh Tailor Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate!

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

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

A WINNER EVERY ISSUE Each issue’s winner receives a gift certificate and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

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

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

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

APRIL 2022 l

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Oenophile

By Denman Moody

Kosta Browne

Kosta Browne, Turnbull, J. Lohr and the Texas Hill Country

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recently had the pleasure of tasting some wines from Kosta Browne (from Sonoma County) with winemaker Julien Howsepian, and some wines from Turnbull (Napa Valley) with winemaker Peter Heitz.

Turnbull I love all the Turnbull Cabernets. With Peter Heitz, I tasted three of their very best: Long heralded as some of the best Pinot Noirs on the planet, with limitations on buying from the mailing list, Kosta Browne also has two world-class Chardonnays.

Tasted: Kosta Browne El Diablo Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018 Beautiful, restrained fruit. Elegant with an amazing 3.2 Ph (for those who care about such a statistic)!

Lively, fresh and a kiss of oak at $160.

Kosta Browne Cerise Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2017 More floral, richer palate and more like a great Meursault at $160.

Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019 and Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2019 I usually prefer the Sonoma Coast. The 2009 Sonoma Coast was named the number one wine in the Wine Spectator Top 100 wines one year.

To me, these are close to equal, with the Sonoma Coast being a little less fruit forward and a bit more earthy – like forest floor.

Each beautiful at $115.

Kost Browne Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown 2019 One of several Kosta Browne single vineyard offerings, each of which are hard to find because of small production and high demand. Native fermentation and hands off winemaking to the extent possible, to bring out the terroir. Blueberries and cherries. Superb at $165.

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Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Amoenus Vineyard 2019 Peter says that unlike 2018, which was uniformly a great vintage for Napa Valley, 2019 had lower lows, but higher highs, and these three wines actually outperformed the 2018s!

Amoenus is a fabulous vineyard in the middle of over 100 gorgeous acres in Calistoga nestled against Storybook Mountain on the west side of the valley. Dark and rich with succulent fruit, like a great black tea with black cherries, dusty blackberries and a long, satisfying, persistent finish at $145.

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Fortuna Vineyard 2019 Fresh with quite a lift! Delicate and a pretty wine with depth. Seductive and beguiling at $145.

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Leopoldina Vineyard 2019 From a 36-acre vineyard on the eastern side of Oakville.

Opulent, with the natural acidity of a fine Bordeaux along with the beautiful fruit of Napa Valley.

Cassis, blackberries and black cherries at $145.

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J. Lohr Vineyard and Wines Once again, out of the myriad wines of the wine world entered in the current Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – this was the 90th – J. Lohr was honored as Top All-Around Winery, and in addition won the Grand Champion Best of Show Award with its 2017 J. Lohr PAU, a Pauillac look-alike, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon.

J. Lohr is certainly one of my favorite wineries!

Forty Wineries in the Texas Hill Country Texas wines have made a giant leap forward in the last ten years, with the late discovery that wines from Spain, like Tempranillo, wines from Argentina (originally from France) like Malbec, and wines from the Rhone Valley, like Syrah and Mourvédre, would shine here. And the Texas Hill Country, primarily Stonewall and Fredericksburg, is where you can enjoy them over a fabulous weekend.

Tickets are now on sale for the Wine & Wildflower Journey, which will be happening from April 1st through April 22nd at over 40 wineries.

The event is the second of four self-guided passport events Texas Hill Country Wineries host throughout the year, allowing consumers to experience a world of wine at a variety of participating wineries.

With the purchase of a digital Event Passport, consumers can taste at up to four wineries per day, as well as receive exclusive discounts on bottle purchases.

Passport tickets are $100/couple or $65/ individual and are valid for the duration of the celebration. With the average winery tasting fee being $25/person, the total value of the passport is over $800. Visit https://texaswinetrail.com/winewildflower-journey/.

NEWSWORTHY

Chad Olive, Suzanne Whatley, Cookie Joe Arthur, Juli Fournier, Lori Bisewski, President Rick Bell, Jeff Dodson, Leslie Woods, Ruthanne Mefford, Paul Barnett and Carlos Perez. This is your chance to join Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Ocusoft, inc. and Child Advocates of Fort Bend in making a difference for children in Fort Bend County.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Announces 2022 Gala Theme Exchange Club of Sugar Land and OCuSOFT, Inc. will be the Queen of Hearts Presenting Sponsors for Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Through the Looking Glass Gala on Saturday, May 7th. This fun, adult event will take place at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square and will feature a live and silent auction, raffle, wine and gift card pulls.

Michele Fisher will emcee for the 9th year, and Johnny Bravo is joining as auctioneer for the 4th year. Attire for the evening is elegant with black tie and costumes optional.

“Last year, we served 4230 children and families who were victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect, the largest number since we opened our doors 31 years ago and a 300% increase in the past 9 years. The incidence of abuse has increased as well as the severity. It is critical that we respond immediately and comprehensively with trauma-based services for children and trauma-training for our volunteers so they can best serve these children.

Prevention and early intervention will be at the forefront of our work so that no child need suffer the horrific impact of abuse or neglect,” said Ruthanne Mefford, CEO. “In fact, last year we had more reports of abuse and provide more services to children and families than in ever

before, an increase of 20% over 2021.” To date, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has served more than 20,500 children. “The Gala is critical to funding our programs and services for the children and your support has never been more critical than it is today,” said Mefford.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. Individual seats are available for $150. New this year is a Friend Bundle with two individual tickets, two drink tickets and valet parking for one vehicle for $500. To attend the Gala, become a sponsor, donate an auction item or for more information, go to https://www.cafb.org/events/gala/sponsorshipopportunities/ or contact Tarina Sheridan at 281-344-5109 or tsheridan@cafb.org.

Submit newsworthy items to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center April 2022 Happenings

NEWSWORTHY

April Showers Bring May Flowers WonderWeek April 26 to 30 Come rain or shine, let’s celebrate the month of April with several flower and rain themed activities, including water cycle baggies and bracelets, flower crowns and cards and more!

We Don’t Talk About Bruno • April 30 Mad About You • April 2 Enjoy a Mad Hatter story time, meet-and-greet, and design your own mad hatter hat!

Kids in Charge WonderWeek • April 8 to 11 Kids run the show! Join us for a week of fun activities including painting with toy cars, designing vehicles, building race cars and more!

Indian Music Society of Houston • April 9 The Indian Music Society of Houston presents a unique Tabla drumming concert by students of Guru Pandit Shantilal Shah. You’re invited to watch an exhilarating performance and move to the beat of the drums!

Math Matters WonderWeek • April 12 to 16 Join us for a week full of creative geometry and mathematical-themed events, including making spirographs, tangrams and pattern bracelets.

Some Bunny to Love • April 16

¡Hola! Get ready for an enchanting adventure! You’ve seen the film, now get ready to meet the stars! Bruno and Mirabel will visit for one day only. Don’t miss your chance to meet them in an Encanto-inspired event and snap an Instagram-worthy photo.

About Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Ranked as one of the “Top 10 Things to Do in Sugar Land” on TripAdvisor, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is a Playground for Your Mind™. It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning with a vision to spark a passion for lifelong learning in all children. Located at 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land, TX 77498 in the Historic Imperial Market, the Discovery Center offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Discovery Center operates as a 501(c)(3) under the direction of a Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org or call 832-742-2800. Can your mind come out to play?™

Sponsored by Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry for Children Hop on out to the Discovery Center to meet the famous Easter Bunny!

Planet Rock WonderWeek • April 19 to 23 Sponsored by CenterPoint Energy Celebrate our wonderful planet with a week full of events that feature repurposed, and/or sustainable materials, or center-around the natural cycle of our environment.

Intempo Disney-Inspired Medley • April 23 Join Intempo Dance as they take you on a journey into the wonderful world of magic through your favorite Disney fairytales. Dance with Ariel and Anna, play with Simba and the Mad Hatter, travel far and wide with Moana, and find love with Jasmine and Belle.

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APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT BY MORALES FBC COMMISSIONER - PRECINCT 1, DORIS GURECKY, TREASURER

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

Living the Sweet Life:

Manifesting a Transformation

H

ey sweet lifers! If you’ve been paying any attention to my feeds, blogs or channel episodes, you might have noticed a shift in both my focus but also my purpose. What is one of the most beautiful aspects of being a human being is our ability to manifest change. It is in fact a tremendous part of growing into the fullest parts of ourselves and important to always be changing and learning and creating. “When we stop learning, we might as well be dying,” – wise words from my sweet Nana!

Learning and growing and then allowing that to manifest itself into a transformation is at the top of my mind, and I want it to be at yours, too. For me, I have done some deep soul searching and discovered I have a lot of gifts that I have not tapped as fully as I know I am called to do. Some have been slapping me in the face for years, while others have quietly and patiently waited to reveal themselves and take their turn in my ever spinning sweet little life.

One of those is gardening, and you’ll find all sorts of tips for honing in your own green thumbs, right here in Fort Bend Focus! Each year I find that through experimentation and careful study, I learn more and in doing so grow more too! It has been a great joy to provide food from my yard to my table, and it’s no joke it’s much healthier and cost efficient. It also provides a sanctuary for the mind, and in these times, we all need to have that!

Once upon a time, I got a BS in Psychology and have tapped into that certainly with my parenting but also through my studio work. Over the years giving advise to my friends and family but really barely scratching the surface of what I could do to help others. Recently, with all the conversations that I have had the opportunity to tape for my channel, I saw a need for so many to just talk about “stuff.” Oftentimes about their lack of passion for what they were doing and for some a desire to start something brand new. I prayed about how I could help them, and on Pentecostal Sunday morning, I clearly heard a voice that said, “You are to help people find their gifts and share and change the world.” I leapt from my bed and wrote this down and later discussed it with my priest, Father Andrew, in our series “Sweet Life in Christ.”

He and I talk a lot about the Holy Spirit and how if we listen and look, He is ever present guiding us. We also talk a lot about how sometimes God plants little seeds throughout our lives that when pulled all together make sense.

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I have followed my passion my entire life and lived quite literally a sweet one. From my own relationship with God, I know that everyone has a special set of gifts that if tapped into and shared can change the world and lead to “living a sweet life!” God has given me so many gifts to share. He gave me the ability to create businesses that are successful. To use my talents to better our community, and when I reflected on all the things that I have done and still have left to do, it became imminently obvious to me that all along I have been called to coach and mentor folks. After hearing The Voice specifically telling me what to do, I did as we all do: question it. I asked, “how?” My question was answered with “why not you?” I have already showed you how to create businesses using your talents. I have already given you the ability to capture both people and products for promotion. I have already showed you how to market and package and you have a positive inspirational effect on people. You are ready for this! It was, as I say a “God Wink.” This back and forth conversation also revealed me that in every part of my life, He has been setting the stage for me to blossom into a source to guide and inspire others to live their own sweet lives, too!

I’m so grateful for that opportunity too!

Take care of you, and of course, “Stay sweet!”

APRIL 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com