December 2017 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

DECEMBER 2017

Focus Favs

Loggins Jewelers’ Holiday Sparkle Perfect Wine Pairings

Annual Holiday Soireé December 6th, 4 - 8 pm Light bites and drinks, giveaways silent auction ... and much more.

RSVP today to: manager@drshel.com A portion of proceeds from our Annual Soiree is going to CleRenda McGrady’s charity, Project P.U.S.H., which stands for “Purpose-led, Unstoppable, Successbound and Hope-filled.” A 501c3 Foundation, the Project P.U.S.H. mission is to inspire, ignite and empower teens and women to fulfill their dreams and shift from where they are to where they want to be. Join us and meet CleRenda McGrady and learn more about Project P.U.S.H.

ellness Give the gift of w loved and beauty to your e ones, call our offic or visit us online!

“Dr. Shel” Shelena C. Lalji, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.

Call or Go Online to Schedule Your Consultation

281-313-7435 | WWW.DRSHEL.COM Inner Wellness:

• BTL Emsella / Urinary Incontinence • Vaginal Rejuvenation / O-Shot • IV Vitamin Therapy / Chelation • Weight Loss / Detoxification • Gluten / Food Sensitivities • BioTE Testosterone Pellet • Bio-Identical Hormones & Thyroid Optimization

Outer Rejuvenation:

• Cellulite Reduction & Body Contouring • Coolsculpting / Vanquish Fat Reduction • PRP Hair Restoration & Micro-Needling • Botox / Juvederm / Radiesse / Voluma • Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal • Ultherapy Skin Tightening • Laser Tattoo Removal

1437 Hwy 6, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX Nesossi Studios

“Look & Feel Great Now... Pay Later!” /drshel

/drshel

/drshelmd

/drsheltv

707 Avenue E Stafford, TX 77477 M-F: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Evenings by Appointment 281-403-6733 www.jlblinds.com

Ask about motorized window treatments you control remotely . . . from anywhere!

Mary O’Connor mary@jlblinds.com

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/16/17—12/11/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q4MAGPIRC2

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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{Features}

DECEMBER 2017

16 5TH ANNUAL FOCUS FAVS

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

{COVER STORY}

See who won this year’s Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards!

52 CULLINAN PARK CONSERVANCY

2017 Photo Contest Winners 59 HOLIDAY FOCUS

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 60 FINDING ARIANNA

This Holiday Season 61 PERFECT WINE PAIRINGS

For Holiday Parties 62 APPEALING HOLIDAY APPETIZERS 63 HOLIDAY BAKING

For Family And Friends 64 A FESTIVE MEAL 66 KEEP THE HOLIDAYS MERRY AND BRIGHT 67 CHRISTMAS TREE PESTS 68 SUGAR PLUM MARKET

PREVIEW NIGHT

Rubies and diamonds! The color of love sparkles with holiday cheer in the affordable Loggins Lux precious gem line.

Photo by Alisa Murray Photography.

10

HOLIDAY SPARKLE The Look is Loggins

70 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

This holiday season add some sparkle to your gift-giving with fine jewelry from Sugar Land’s Loggins Jewelers. Featuring the hottest new designers, repair and restyle services and of course, complimentary gift wrapping, Loggins will help you make your holidays shiny and bright.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

This annual holiday shopping extravaganza benefits Fort Bend County charities.

62

.com • December 2017

4

Houston MetHodist urology AssociAtes WelcoMes dr. MArtinez And dr. srikisHen Houston Methodist Urology Associates is pleased to welcome Laura Martinez, MD, and Neel Srikishen, MD, to the new practice located on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. Houston Methodist Urology Associates is a group of physicians dedicated to the treatment of the entire genital and urinary tract.

Combining clinical expertise with advanced technology, the practice treats the following conditions: • • • •

Bladder disease Erectile dysfunction Female urology Incontinence

• • • •

Infertility Kidney stones Prostate issues Urologic cancers

To schedule an appointment, call 281.746.6611 or visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to learn more about the practice.

Dr. Laura Martinez

Dr. Neel Srikishen

16659 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 2 Suite 265 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.746.6611

houstonmethodist.org/spg

{Newsworthy} DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 14 | NUMBER 2

{Columns} 14 FOCUS ON FINANCE

Post-Divorce Checklist 34 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT

Meet Diana Gonzalez Mejia 42 HOMETOWN HEROES:

Aniece A. James

40 FIRST LADY ABBOTT

Visits Child Advocates of Fort Bend 47 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

RECOGNIZES EMPLOYEES

From Various Organizations for Hurricane Harvey Service

STANTON WELCH’S THE NUTCRACKER

48 ZIMMERMAN

Seeks Re-Election

56 COLLEGE DAZE:

WRITING THE

NEXT CHAPTER

It (Used to Be) the Most

58 FORT BEND SENIORS

Wonderful Time of the Year

80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE:

Let the 2018 Magic Begin

34 Dr. Rebecca Deurlein TeenagerSuccess101.com Page 46

46

Secret Santa

{

14

Keith Borgfeldt Spartan Wealth Management LLC Page 14

Joan Frances Contributor Pages 34 & 42

Delights and Entertains this Holiday Season

46 TEENAGER SUCCESS 101

Being Thankful for Your Teens

CONTRIBUTORS

38 THE SILVER JUBILEE GALA

Celebrating 25 Years!

}

absolutely!

Auto Review

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 50

50

50 2017 LEXUS RC

{Business Briefs} 33 MOODY NATIONAL BANK

In National Spotlight

for Hurricane Response

{Medical Focus}

56

73 FOUR WAYS

TO BOOST BEDTIME

DRY EYE: A Debilitating Disease

60

{In Every Issue} 8 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

Kassidi McKayla Kaminski Contributor Page 56

Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 60 & 80

Myles Mellor Contributor Page 72

72

36 SEEN ON THE SCENE 74 OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF THE BEND ON THE COVER: A new collectable classic is created as modern chic meets old world charm with Vahan.

Photo by Alisa Murray Photography.

77 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

72 CHRISTMAS JINGLES

78 COMMUNITY EVENTS

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

{Brain Teaser}

6

Services Offered: Wellness Programs Focused on Building Long-Term Health Functional and Integrative Medicine Anti-Aging Treatments Hormone Replacement Therapy In-Depth Testing for Patients with Chronic Conditions Integrative and Functional Treatment for Autoimmune Disorders Nutrition Evaluation and Counseling for Adults and Children Standard and Alternative Vaccine Schedules Aesthetic Thread Lifts About Us

Dr. Raguthu believes that we all deserve a life of vitality – and that we have the potential to create it for ourselves. Proage creates change in the world by elevating people to healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives, empowering each on their own journey of changing the world. We use advanced diagnostic testing along with evidence-based natural therapies, in conjunction with conventional medicine, to treat disease and to prevent future problems.

Our Mission

To shape and mobilize the next generation of Functional Medicine for both patients and practitioners through innovation, education, inspiration, collaboration and empowerment.

Our Vision

Using the latest testing for nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, food sensitivities, toxic imbalances and cardiovascular prevention techniques, YOU will receive the most advanced cutting edge evaluation. The widespread adoption of a healthcare model that reverses the global epidemic of chronic disease and supports the development of vibrant longevity.

Your Visit

The first thing you will appreciate at Proage is Dr. Manjula Raguthu’s personal and unique style with patient care. She takes the time to hear every client’s concerns, never rushing the evaluations or follow-up visits. Her focus is more about your overall well-being and prevention than simple lab tests and numbers.

Contact Us

832.532.0040

www.proageinstitute.com 1235 Lake Pointe Parkway Suite 103 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Hours

Manjula Raguthu, MD, Mon-Fri: 8 am - 6 pm FAAFP, ABAARM, FAARM Sat & Sun: Closed

EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI Vol. 14 No. 2 December 2017

The Reason for the Season olutely!

An abs

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700 STAFFORD, TX 77477 281-690-4242

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.COM

Merry

Christmas PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski

to You!

A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Jessica Kij AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Sharon Hilburn

Jessica Kij, Marinela Taylor, Kay Garrett, Patti Parish-Kaminski, Sharon Hilburn and Grace Belleza.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Not only is it the time of year we celebrate our Lord and Savior, but it’s also the time of year when another favorite event of mine happens: our Readers’ Choice Awards. This year, we conducted Readers’ Choice polls in all three of our community magazines, and boy did our Fort Bend Focus readers represent! Check out the 16 pages of our readers’ favs while you are getting your home spruced up for those holiday guests or while doing your Christmas shopping this year.

We at Fort Bend Focus have so much to celebrate and be thankful for this holiday season. First and foremost, our team and our amazing families who support us during our hectic deadlines of multiple magazines, community events and general monthly mayhem. Our advertisers, readers and subscribers are the reason we are able to do what we do: bring you the people, places and happenings in our community. For their support, we are eternally grateful.

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

– Luke 2: 13-14

A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marinela Taylor CONTRIBUTORS Keith Borgfeldt Dr. Rebecca Deurlein Joan Frances Kassidi McKayla Kaminski Steve Kursar Myles Mellor Alisa Murray INQUIRIES 281-690-4242

Above all, we are blessed, and we know where our blessings come from. We wish you blessings, love and peace this most holy of seasons.

E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Stay focused,

Subscription requests are free to all Fort Bend addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside the Fort Bend area.

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright© 2017 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

Published by

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

8

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Like us on Facebook

Holiday Sparkle

I

t’s the holiday season, and nothing sparkles brighter than fine jewelry. Unless, of course,

it’s the smiles of loved ones opening the

gift of a bright, shiny piece of fine jewelry.

For gift givers seeking to find something special, something unique, something that cannot be found just anywhere for

A gift for all seasons and occasions, gleaming tri-color gold earrings, stackable bracelets, rings and necklaces are a perfect fashion accessory.

that special someone, look no further than Loggins Jewelers in Sugar Land.

The Loggins’ Difference A full-service custom jeweler, Loggins Jewelers is a place for clients who want to find jewelry they love with a unique customer service experience.

For over 30 years, the Sugar Land jewelry store has strived to satisfy every customer sending them home 100 percent pleased, only to have them return repeatedly to experience the Loggins’ Difference.

“Our experienced sales associates are dedicated to our customers, and we treat each customer as a personal friend,” said Susan Pappas, who, along with her sister Jennifer Pappas, own Loggins Jewelers. “Loggins is grateful to our community for 30 years of wonderful support, and we value our customers by being there for them, not

Jude Frances appeals to women wishing to build and adopt their fashion jewelry collection to accessorize for every occasion. From 18k gold to diamonds to sterling silver with white topaz, and a rainbow of gems in between, stackable bracelets are a fashion charmer.

COVER STORY

Photos by Alisa Murray Photography

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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Earrings are always the perfect gift for that special someone. From casual to elegant, Loggins has an extensive selection sure to please.

only from the time they purchase an item, but throughout the year.”

Loggins is more than simply a jewelry store to their customers; they are a valued resource assisting clients throughout the year. With complimentary gift wrapping for every purchase and free annual inspections and cleanings, clients are welcome to keep a “wish list” on file for those upcoming special events in their lives. And, if a special someone needs a gentle reminder that a milestone event is coming up with a recommendation sure to please, Loggins is there to assist.

The Loggins Jewelers’ experience rarely ends with a single visit. When asking clients why they return, the answer always reflects “outstanding customer service.” Most clients are return customers who wish to continue building their collections with a name they

The Four R’s of

can trust and service they can count on. As Pappas puts it, “Building up a fine jewelry wardrobe is like building trust – it’s a relationship process. It takes time and patience, but in the end, you have something you love and can be proud to wear.”

Endless Possibilities “We can find anything, design anything, engrave most anything and fix anything,” said Pappas of the Loggins’ motto.

A full-service jewelry store, Loggins carries unique collection pieces along with custom-designed creations and offers trade-up, consignment services, engraving and repairs.

Pappas travels to markets annually searching for the newest hot designers, and she specializes in finding unique items for clients. “Loggins Jewelers is the place that can help each customer find their personal collection, and we can help protect your treasures with our in-house services to ensure they last.”

Restyle, Restore, Resale and Replace You’ve had a gorgeous diamond necklace for twenty years, and you love it. Well, you did love it, and it has sentimental value. You want to keep it, but you’re really not in love with it any more. It just doesn’t work with your style that has evolved over the past twenty years. So, what do you do?

Restyle “We restyle many pieces for clients updating them and making them fit more appropriately in their jewelry wardrobe,” said Susan Pappas, co-owner of Loggins Jewelers. “We can take your heirloom piece or something that has just become outdated and create a unique piece of jewelry custom-made to fit your style and needs.”

Restore Make your favorite jewelry or heirloom pieces look new again. Loggins Jewelers’ on-site master jeweler can polish, clean, rhodium plate and repair fine jewelry and watches.

Resale

Because it is independently owned, Loggins Jewelers has the ability to uniquely tailor a piece to the customer’s desires.

Limitations on custom work are found only in the customer’s imagination. They need only to share their vision with the store’s craftsman, who will sketch and design every line and curve of that vision to bring it to life “As a family-owned business, Loggins understands helping your family find that meaningful work of jewelry for every occasion,” said Pappas. “Our on-site master jeweler enjoys the talent and autonomy to work closely with clients to make their dreams a reality.”

fort bend

Sometimes you simply want to resell fine jewelry and start over, and Loggins has a plan in place to help. “We appraise your jewelry with our certified gemologist, and assist you with our resale consignment area,” shared Pappas. Many clients take advantage of this specialized service offered exclusively

by Loggins.

Replace And sometimes when it’s out with the old, it’s in with the new. Loggins can assist with replacement items for your jewelry wardrobe. Whether it’s a particular item that a client has in mind or a piece from Loggins’ multiple fine jewelry collections, Loggins can assist with replacement pieces by custom design or from their expansive inventory.

To learn more about the four R’s of Loggins’ service, call 281-242-2900 or visit their fine jewelry gallery located at 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek in Sugar Land.

magazine • December 2017

11

Newest, Hottest Designers Loggins Jewelers has established itself as the premier place in Fort Bend to find the finest and most fashionable jewelry through its choices of designers – the best, brightest, most revered artists whose pieces are in line with what Loggins’ customers have come to expect and love. A visit to the fine jewelry gallery will expose customers to some of the most innovative and trendy jewelry creations on the market.

Jude Frances Jude Frances has multiple lines crafted with 18K gold, diamonds and semiprecious stones from stackable bracelets, rings, necklaces and earring frames with changeable charms. The Soho Silver and Encore collections feature sterling silver, pave’ white topaz and semi-precious stones. The Jude Frances earring frames and charm silhouettes create endless ways to wear and customize the designer’s popular earrings and necklaces. Combining the Jude Frances 18K gold and diamond hoop earrings with any number of charms, chains and earring frames create limitless style possibilities.

Charles Krypell Charles Krypell, a brand synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship and quality, is recognized for award-winning styles and trendsetting designs. His designs cater to a broad clientele who want all of the beauty of semi-precious colored gems at an affordable price. Krypell’s line is wide and diverse with something for every age, including his affordable sterling silver line, “I Love You 365 Days.”

Vahan Four generations of the French Der Calousdian family are behind this modern chic line graced with a just a touch of old-world charm. World-renowned for their elegant designs of silver and gold sprinkled with diamonds and semi-precious stones, Vahan rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings are both classic and timeless, and as versatile and feminine as the women who collects them.

Holiday Shopping Made Easy This holiday season, look no further than Loggins Jewelers. With its reputation of exemplary customer service, easy access, and relaxing and attentive atmosphere, Loggins Jewelers offers customers peace of mind when looking for that perfect piece – all close to home.

Visit Loggins Jewelers at 14015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, Tuesday through Sunday, or call 281-242-2900.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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Give Gift Certificates

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Wishing You the Happiest of Holidays and a Beautiful 2018!

A Healthy Smile is a Beautiful Smile!

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281-980-1733 All Major Credit Cards Accepted

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magazine • December 2017

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OCU$

By Keith Borgfeldt

on

Post-Divorce Checklist

P

lanning new beginnings is all about understanding what to do next and how to do it. There are so many important things to consider when your divorce is final, and dealing with them can be overwhelming. Here are several to consider:

Change Your Will Take the time to meet with an attorney who specializes in wills and trusts to create a new plan. While it may feel unpleasant to consider what will happen when you are gone, your family and friends will need a detailed plan for how to handle medical and financial situations if you can’t manage them yourself, and will want to know how to pass on your legacy.

Change Your Account Beneficiaries It is very likely that your ex-spouse is not only named in your will, but is also listed as a beneficiary on financial accounts, particularly in the case of retirement accounts and insurance contracts. We think you would rather this not be the case.

FINANCE Do A 3-Month Rolling Budget While it is very hard to stick to a budget, understanding where your costs come from and how you manage them is key to starting a new independent future. One or two months may not capture the trend of overall costs and expenses. Find ways to track those costs and expenses, or seek the help of a professional financial advisor who uses tools that can help.

Consider Consolidating Financial Accounts Sometimes, married couples accumulate many different accounts in many places, and each walks away with several of them. If you have accounts of the same type (e.g. bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts), seek out a professional financial advisor who can help you consolidate them.

You, and those who may care for you in the case of an emergency, need to know where your wealth is located at all times. Besides, how can you track how well you are doing financially with many different accounts?

Keith Borgfeldt is President and Owner of Spartan Wealth Management, LLC. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Spartan Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS.

• Tax Mitigation • Long-Term Care • 401(k) Rollovers

Create Your Financial Plan Envision your future and plan to reach your goals. While knowing everything at once is not realistic, you can start small and incrementally add to your plan. Many wise people have said that failing to plan is a plan to fail. Creating a plan to reach your goals is an important step in determining how to invest and save. You need to know how to achieve what you value, and that’s where financial planning comes in.

Review Your Insurance Contracts/Coverage This is key. Your life, health, auto and renters/home insurance should be reviewed to make sure you have the right coverage for you. Do you need life insurance? How much coverage of any of these should you carry? How do you make a decision about which health insurance coverage to carry? Should you have an umbrella policy? Insurance reviews should be a part of any financial checkup, and insurance is a big part of your wealth management strategy.

Do Something Nice For Yourself Each Week So many of us take for granted our health and wellness, and we don’t do enough for ourselves. We believe that it is important for each of us to take some time to focus on ourselves, and reward ourselves for our accomplishments, big or small.

• Retirement Income • Wealth Protection • Charitable Giving

• Education Planning • Estate Planning • Wealth Transfer

Ask about our 2nd opinion service!

281-494-1600 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 280 Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.spartanwm.com

Private Wealth Management for Select Individuals Keith Borgfeldt

President and Owner

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Spartan Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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Luxury Showplace

in Quiet, Gated Circle in Desirable Sweetwater X 71 Ambleside Crescent • mls # 2529236 W NEW LISTING

713.458.0300 www.CachePropertiesHouston.com

Anne Davis, Broker ABR, SRS, CLHS, SRES, CNE

BEGIN with

Award Winning Labor & Delivery

fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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In August and September, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their Fort Bend favorites are in eight different categories:

FOOD SHOPPING ENTERTAINMENT AUTO SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT PET SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CARE SERVICES And boy, did they come through! With 923 votes, readers voiced their opinion on their favorites. Take a look and see who won this year’s Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards!

5 Annual

2017 Voting for the 2017 Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online at www.FortBendFocus.com from August 1 to September 30, 2017. The results were collected and tabulated using PollDaddy.com. In the event of a tie, all winners are listed.

th

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

Favorite Wine Bar:

FOOD

Vino & Vinyl 2231 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 3340 FM 1092 Road #150 Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Italian Restaurant:

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

TIE Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Road #160 Missouri City, TX 77459

Favorite Brunch: Jupiter Pizza and Waffles Co.

AND

16135 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479

Corelli’s Italian Café 3229 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Photos by Alisa Murray.

Brandani's Restaurant & Wine Bar Let us help make the holidays festive and stress free!

When you need to feed a crowd, we offer in-home/office catering or bulk menu items to go.

rq We have Gift Cards available in any denomination. rq Join us for New Year's Eve on December 31st.

Reservations required.

Brandani's is a locally owned restaurant serving delicious food in the Township Square in Missouri City.

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

We look forward to serving you!

– Claire & Ron Brandani 3340 FM 1092 Rd., Ste. 160 • Missouri City, TX 77459 832.987.1313 • www.brandanis.com Brandanis • TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

Brandanis_TX •

18

Brandanis_TX

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend Favorite Margarita: Lupe Tortilla 15801 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Pub: TIE BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 2231 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 AND Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 15929 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Happy Hour: TIE Berryhill Baja Grill 13703 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 AND Favorite Diverse Dining:

Sonic

Jambeto’s Bakery & Café

8 Locations in Fort Bend

609 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477 Favorite Martini: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 2115 Town Square Place, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Steakhouse: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 2115 Town Square Place, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Pizza: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria 16535 Southwest Freeway #2500 Sugar Land, TX 77479

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magazine • December 2017

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Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

Favorite Bakery: Jambeto’s Bakery & Cafe 609 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477 Favorite Caterer: Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 Favorite Coffee Bar: Minuti Coffee 1535 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Healthy Eatery/Market: Favorite Burger:

bellagreen

Smashburger

15903 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479

2623 Town Center Boulevard N, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite BBQ: Spring Creek Barbeque 4895 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 Favorite Mexican Food: Lupe Tortilla 15801 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Frozen Treats: Marble Slab Creamery 4 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Food Truck:

Fort Bend Fascinating Facts Tucked away off of FM 1464 in Richmond, Safari Texas Ranch is a special event facility that is uniquely special. The Ranch features eight event venues, six gazebos and a new ballroom – Infinity – opening in February of 2018. The Ranch is home to 48 animals including peacocks, zebra, deer and donkeys.

Cousin’s Maine Lobster 1449 West Loop S, Houston, TX 77027

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend Fort Bend Fascinating Facts

SHOPPING

‘Tis the season to shop ‘til you drop!

Check out these favorite shopping spots.

The Tri-City Churches Resale Shop opened its doors in 1975 to serve the cities of Missouri City, Sugar Land and Stafford. Now part of the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, proceeds from Tri-City benefit the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, which operates as a nonprofit, charitable organization comprised of an interfaith alliance. The ministry serves over 9,000 families annually.

Favorite Shoe Store: DSW 2745 Town Center Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Bargain Shopping: Tri-City Church Resale Shop

Favorite Jewelry Store:

425 Stafford Run Road Stafford, TX 77477

TIE James Avery Jewelry 16535 Southwest Freeway, Suite T2008 Sugar Land, TX 77479 AND Loggins Jewelers 14015 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Wine Selection: Spec’s Wine, Spirits, and Finer Foods 4 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Gift Shop/Holiday Shopping: First Colony Mall 16535 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Grocery Store: H-E-B Texas Grocery 4 Locations in Fort Bend

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magazine • December 2017

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Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

RTAINMENT ENTE Favorite Live Entertainment: Smart Financial Centre 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Man Cave:

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

The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Favorite Movie Theatre:

Favorite Fitness Gym:

AMC First Colony 24

Koko FitClub

3301 Town Center Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

18318 University Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

15929 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479

Thank you for voting Koko FitClub as your Favorite Fitness Gym! • Enjoy the benefits of one-on-one coaching and digital coaching equipment to maximize results.

• Effective for any adult at any fitness level.

• Open 24 hours for your convenience.

• Achieve perfect workouts to get recognition along the way.

Shima Bahadorani with Veronica and Mark Malhiot.

Photo by Mary Favre.

Become a KokoNUT!

30

DAYS

30

$

Visit www.kokosugarland.com.

18318 University Blvd. • Sugar Land, TX • 281.240.5656 • sugarland.kokofitclub.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

22

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

ER AUTO S VICES Fort Bend Fascinating Facts The Central State Prison Farm was the first industrialized prison farm in the state of Texas, providing goods and supplies for the prison system and other state agencies. The former dormitory of the Central State Prison Farm, Camp Two, is now the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, which opened on October 3, 2009 and boasts nearly 100,000 visitors each year.

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

Favorite Auto Dealer: Classic Chevrolet 13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478

Favorite Kid’s Entertainment: Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land 13016 University Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Country Club: Sweetwater Country Club 4400 Palm Royale Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Event Hall: Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407

Jeff Sebastian, Ray Aguilar and Brandon Sine.

Photo by Nesossi Studios.

fort bend

magazine • December 2017

23

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

IMPROVEMENT HOME

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

Favorite Appliance Store: TIE Lowe’s

THANK YOU FORT BEND! First time customers, present this ad and enjoy

16510 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 AND

$39 OFF ANY SERVICE

281.240.6868 • ARROWPLUMBING.COM *Limit 1 per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Does not apply toward service minimum.

Only valid on work completed during normal business hours through 1/31/18. Must be presented at time of service. © Arrow Plumbing, 2017. Licensed by the State of Texas. BBarnes #MP8957

Sara Appliance & Electronics 16820 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Flooring Store: Floor & Decor 3665 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Favorite Plumbers: Arrow Plumbing 14019 Southwest Freeway, Suites 301-321 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Garden/Landscaping Company: Enchanted Landscapes & Nurseries 6420 FM 359 Road Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Pool Services: Maddox Landscaping & Lawn Care 1255 FM 723 Road Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Home Designer: The Design Firm 13013 Southwest Freeway Stafford, TX 77477

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

24

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

PET SERVICES

Fort Bend Fascinating Facts J & L Distributors, providing a myriad of custom home window treatments from blinds to motorized shades to draperies, has been a Fort Bend staple for homeowners for over 30 years.

They offer certified consultants to assist customers with the latest in window treatment options.

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

Favorite Day Care/ Boarding Services: PetSmart 16758 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Grooming: TRIPLE TIE Fondren 5 Star Pet Resort

Favorite Heating/Air Conditioning Services: Custom Comfort Air

14420 Fondren Road Missouri City, TX 77489

1821 Cottonwood School Road Rosenberg, TX 77471

AND

Favorite Home Improvement:

PetSmart

TIE

16758 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479

J & L Distributors 707 Avenue E Stafford, TX 77477 AND

AND Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming 3145 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

The Re-Modelista 1707 Plantation Richmond, TX 77406

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

26

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

SSIONAL SERVICES PROFE

! a s d y i l H o p y a p H

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

from

Favorite Real Estate Agent: Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS - Coldwell Banker 1226 Museum Square Drive, Suite 700 Sugar Land, TX 77479 526 Brooks St. Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.piercebuilthomes.com

Favorite Home Builder: Pierce Built Homes Representing business owners, families, developers and property owners right here in Fort Bend

526 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77498 Favorite Attorney/Law Firm:

Legal Services

Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC

Appellate Commercial Litigation Corporate Transactions and Outside General Counsel Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration Professional Liability Community Association Law Cyber Risk Fiduciary Litigation Commercial and Residential Real Estate Arbitration and Mediation Services Construction Law Labor and Employment

281.207.7697 Fort Bend

Houston

2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 290 Sugar Land TX 77479

www.rmwbhlaw.com Austin

Dallas San Antonio fort bend

magazine • December 2017

27

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend Favorite Bank/Credit Union:

Holidays • Home Décor • Birthdays

7610 Highway 90A Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Insurance Agency: TIE John Daugherty Insurance 426 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 AND

• Special Occasions • Anniversaries • Corporate

We would like to thank the community for another Wonderful Year and wish everyone a Joyous Holiday Season!

Diane Schomburg- State Farm Insurance

www.thehouseofblooms.com

716 Dulles Ave #102 Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-242-1555

Favorite Developer:

16180 City Walk Sugar Land

The Johnson Development Corporation

Order Online 24/7 Delivery Available Local & Nationwide

5777 Sienna Parkway, Suite 100 Missouri City, TX 77459

Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm Sun Closed

Dear Readers, Favorite Florist:

It is with a humble heart that I want to thank you for your never ending loyalty and kindness. Having been awarded the Readers’ Choice award for the best REALTOR means so much more to me than I could ever express. I continue to be honored by your friendship, faith and trust in me. God Bless You and God Bless America.

House of Blooms 16180 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Financial Services: TIE Fidelity Investments 15600 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478

Happy Holidays!

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS

AND

- Arlene

Hardee Investment Group 1001 Fannin Street Houston, TX 77002

“Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

281.414.8400

arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

28

Events • Weddings • Just Because

Moody National Bank

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

2016 & 2017

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

ER CARE S VICES

Where Children Learn and Grow Our readers don’t trust their kids to just anyone. From preschool to college, check out their favorite child care services.

Favorite College/Technical School:

Infants Toddlers

Monday thru Friday 6:30 am to 6:30 pm

University of Houston – Sugar Land 14000 University Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Day Care: TIE The Cartwright School 1647 Cartwright Road Missouri City, TX 77489

3 and 4 year-old Private, Full-Day Pre-K Programs K-5th After-School Programs for Pick-Up

AND Young Leaders Campus – Sugar Land 6508 U.S. 90 Alt, Sugar Land, TX 77498

from Thomas, Williams and Arredondo Elementary Thank You to Our Families and Friends for Supporting Our New Location

Contact Tim Kaminski for a tour at

814 FM 2977 281-239-2110 Richmond www.gbkidsacademy.com twkaminski@sbcglobal.net 77469 fort bend

magazine • December 2017

31

Our Readers Voted for Their Focus Favs in Fort Bend

Favorite Private School: TIE Fort Bend Christian Academy 1250 7TH Street, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Attention Readers:

AND Gingerbread Kids’ Academy 814 Minonite Road Richmond, TX 77469

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Are there some categories for your favs that you would like to see in our 2018 Fort Bend Focus Favs Readers’ Choice Awards?

Let us know!

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

.com • December 2017

32

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Moody National Bank in National Spotlight for Hurricane Response

UT Physicians Women’s Center at Sugar Land Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for Women

Moody National Bank, which serves Fort Bend County from its Sugar Land banking center, is featured in an inspiring national video about how banks responded to rebuild their communities in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In the video, Moody National Bank President VicVictor Pierson. tor Pierson said, “That’s exactly what community banking is all about – being there for the community when they need you.”

The video also features Brent Cockerham, a Moody National banker and Friendswood volunteer firefighter, who volunteered for a week in the Friendswood Emergency Operations Center during and after Harvey.

The American Bankers Association produced the six-minute video, which debuted at its annual convention held October 15th through 17th in Chicago.

Pierson said, “This video emphasizes the critical role that community banks play in helping communities and businesses recover after a disaster. We’re very proud to be included.” Pierson added that Moody National Bank also is honored to be recognized as the 2017, Fort Bend Focus Magazine Readers Choice favorite bank/credit union.

Watch on YouTube the “America’s Banks Rebuild Communities After Hurricanes.”

Left to Right: Brian R. Heaps, MD Michelle Wong, MD; Azeema Moosa, MD; Subhratha Maredia, MD

• • • • •

Adult & Adolescent Gynecology Minimally Invasive Surgery/Robotic Surgery Reproductive and Pelvic Health Issues Well Woman Care and Preventative Health Screening General & Complex Obstetrics & Gynecology

UT Physicians Women’s Center at Sugar Land 17510 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #430 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Call 713.486.1250 for Appointments www.UTPhysicians.com

Joyce Long’s

Colonic - Detox - Lymphatic

Wellness Institute Established 1989

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

Joyce Long

Internationally Certified Colon Hydrotherapist & Instructor Nationally Certified Massage Therapist # ME0170 Services by appt only.

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

NEW FORT BEND LOCATION!

1308 James Street • Rosenberg, TX 77471 fort bend

magazine • December 2017

33

281-344-0095 www.joycelong.biz

High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

Meet Diana Gonzalez Mejia

S

eniors at Stafford High School enjoy the benefits of highly qualified teachers and administration.

Education is a top priority in preparation for college. One senior who has enjoyed her four years of high school and is ready to take the next step to her future is Diana Gonzalez Mejia.

Diana has taken Advanced Placement classes throughout her high school career. She is ranked third in her class and is the National Honor Society President. She is also a member of the Science National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. One value Diana lives by is determination. “Give it all you got,” said Diana. “It is very important for me to always try my best because that’s the only way I can improve. If you only put in half the work, you’ll only get half the results, and you’ll never know what you’re capable of achieving. This is very important for me both athletically and academically. It is very satisfying when you know you’ve done everything you can to reach your goals.

Sometimes the results aren’t what I want them to be, but I just try to work my way up.”

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Diana has been a member of the honors and marching band all four years. Her favorite teacher is her band director Rod Rodriguez. “He has taught me so much the past seven years, more than just music,” said Diana. “The most important thing I learned from him and the band program is to follow my passion and work smart towards my goals. It is very inspiring to see Mr.

Diana

Rodriguez put in so much time and energy into the band program, because I know he’s doing his best to get the band at the level it should be. He does his job very well and that’s the kind of dedication I hope I can one day have towards my career.”

Athletically, Diana is a three-time Cross Country Regional qualifier and Cross Country Captain. She was given the Most Valuable Player recognition award. She also plays Varsity soccer, and her team placed 2nd in All District 4A competition. Her leadership skills are admirable. “I enjoy being a leader, because I like being trusted by my team and coaches,” said Diana. “It is very fun for me to lead in the classroom because I love to teach, and I want others to understand a concept as well as I do. When it comes to sports, I’m defi-

nitely not a bossy leader. Instead I encourage my teammates to always try their best. Although I appreciate it when my teammates look up to me, I always let them know we can all be so much better if we keep working. Being a leader definitely means knowing what to do for your team. This year on the cross country team, there were new runners who would get nerves before meets, and I felt like it was my job to crack a few jokes and make them realize all they were going to do is run. I will always treasure all of the memories I’ve made with my friends, teachers and coaches. I am so glad I am involved in many different clubs and programs at the school, because even though it gets busy, I learn so much from it and experience unforgettable moments with other people.”

Diana aspires to attend either Texas A&M University or the University of Texas at Austin and will major in chemical engineering. Congratulations Diana on your amazing determination and diversity. We look forward to watching you pursue your dreams in the future.

“I enjoy being a leader, because I like being trusted by my team and coaches.”

– Diana Gonzalez Mejia

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

34

Larry Caldwell, D. D. S. Dentistry for Children and those with Special Needs

Oral Health Education • Sealants • Intravenous Sedation High Speed Digital X-Rays • Ora Verse Anesthesia Reversal Laser Soft Tissue Removal • Accepting New Patients Home of Tillie the Tooth

15200 SW Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.565.KIDS (5437) www.larrycaldwelldds.com

A Special Place for Special People

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Got Tickets?

Dr. Elissa R. Wedemeyer, Donaca Farr, Katie Norris, Sarah Baker, Stephanie Rawls and Dr. Taylor Ballard Marsh.

Photo by Nesossi Studios.

Join us on Facebook @fortbendfocus

“Like” Us Today!

Win ticket giveaways to area attractions and events!

• Medical Management of Eye Diseases: Dry Eyes, Glaucoma, Kerataconus, Eye Infections • Contact Lenses: Single Vision, Multifocal, Toric, Gas Permeable, Refractive Therapy • Nutritional Supplements for Age Related Macular Degeneration and Dry Eyes • Complete Line of Fashion and Designer Frames • Sunglasses for Sports and Fashion

Lipiflow II,

treatment for dry eye caused by MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction), call our office for more information.

281.499.2600

drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy 6 • Missouri City

Medicare and Most Medical Insurance Plans Accepted fort bend

magazine • December 2017

(corner of Hwy 6 & University)

35

Seen on the Scene 3rd Annual Sugar Shindig Benefiting the Fort Bend Education Foundation October 13, 2017 • Safari Texas Ranch

Comprehensive, compassionate and cutting edge care for women of all phases.

Same day appointments!

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery Ann Bertles, MD Board Certified Ob/Gyn

Adolescent Gynecology Routine and High Risk Obstetrics Wellness Exams & Contraception

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Evaluation & Treatment of Pelvic Pain Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms Preconception & Infertility Counseling Ashley E. Hester, MD

4D Ultrasound in Office

Competitive cash pricing

Come Visit Our New Office

628 South Peek Rd., Katy, TX 77450 832.437.9690 (p) | 832.437.9694 (f) www.myobgynofkaty.com

Years

Commemorate Your Wedding Anniversary in If you’ve been married 20 years or longer and would like to commemorate your special milestone, email your wedding date, first and last names, city of residence, along with one high resolution photo from your wedding day, to ads@absolutelyfocusmedia.com. You might be featured in our January 2018 issue.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Hillary Dunn, Brenna Cosby & Carol Evans Seeju & Charles Dupre Lauren Weaver with Brittany & Debbie Hanson Laura & John Dejesus Jackie Johnson & Raven Wright Scott & Kim Ichenhower Jesse & Robin De La Rosa Carley Lauber, Emily Kraynek, Claire Evans & Allison Bernstein Sue Hauenstein & Kay James

9 .com • December 2017

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OLD ORCHARD

10

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Perry-Built, Gated Subdivision,Move-in Ready, Recent Upgrades including Wood Floors in Master, Granite in All Baths and Kitchen, Custom Closet in Master Suite, Gas Range, Microwave & Plantation Shutters, 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, Covered Patio & Deck, No Rear Neighbors, No Flooding, Easy Access to 90 and 99 - adds up to a great home you can call your own! $315,000 13

12

RIVERSTONE – KENSINGTON

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Custom Stucco-Built Home By Darling Homes, Open Floor Plan, Private Courtyard, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full 2 Half Baths, Study, Sun Room, Family Room, Media Room, 3 Car Garage, Pool Sized Yard, Large Rear Covered Porch, No Rear Yard Neighbors HOUSE DID NOT TAKE ON WATER. $590,000

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Deborah Lucas & Allan Holley Trudy Onofrey & Michelle Sebesta Norma Gomez, Eileen Bruns & Monica Campos Tresca Ndu & Eileen Graves Charles & Lisa Kulhanek Daniel & Jill Menendez with Keith Fickle Dee Hinkle & Lynn Halford Mike & Polly Hrebenar Dustin & Stacey Fessler Michael & Leena Sabouni with Sonal Bhuchar Thanh & Cindy Cheng 20

A Christmas wish for you and yours.

May the joy and wonder of the season last the whole year through.

May His Love surround you always.

Have a Wonderful New Year!

Call Me For More Information

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS “Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

281.414.8400

arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com fort bend

magazine • December 2017

37

NEWSWORTHY

Seen on the Scene Heart of Fort Bend, A Night to Remember Benefiting AccessHealth October 19, 2017 • Safari Texas Ranch

Photo courtesy of Mary Favre and Jasmine Raziuddin.

The Silver Jubilee Gala Celebrating 25 Years!

25th Anniversary Gala Committee Chairs: Veronica Sopher, Namita Patel, Jacquie Baly, Brenna Cosby, Peggy Jackson, Lynn Halford, Laura Winters, Mary Favre, Renu Narang, Jenni Leonetti, Stacy Bynes, Nappinnai Natarajan, Terri Wang, Carol Scott, Fran Steele, Sapana Patel, Syndee Howgate, Lisa Kulhanek, Shefali Jhaveri, Liz Furman, Patty Godfrey, Carol Evans, Seeju Dupre, Pam Hubenak, Shirley Lee, Kavita Self, Kay James, Laura McGregor, Jessica Kij and Jasmine Raziuddin.

The Fort Bend Education Foundation is pleased to announce its theme for its 25th annual gala to be held on March 3rd, 2018, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.

Gala co-chairs Lynn Halford and Peggy Jackson are jubilant with this year’s theme, “The Silver Jubilee,” presented by Perdue Brandon Collins & Mott, L.L.P. Join the celebration and experience the jubilation and elation that is shared by all in celebrating 25 years of success of the Fort Bend Education Foundation, and thank the community for their generous support.

Let the sparklers sparkle! Let the fireworks begin! After enjoying a magnificent meal, get your toes to twinkling as you dance the night away to the music of Password.

Have your mind boggled by the vast array of silent auction items available waiting for your bid. Let the sparks fly as you bid on live auction items presented by Commissioner James Patterson. Don’t pewter out on your auction bid – bid high and bid often for a sterling bid. Make this an evening to remember as you spark memories to ignite the future.

Planning is now in progress. Information regarding sponsorships, auction donations and individual tickets is available at www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

The Fort Bend Education Foundation touches every school in Fort Bend ISD. Its mission is to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through its grants to teachers and school programs.

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Jim & Kay Garrett Sammie & John Kennedy Lupe Hollingsworth, Diana Rodriguez & Nora Garcia Ali McDonald & Perri D’Armond Himesh & Farah Ghandi Robert & Kim Weaver Diana Turner & Lacie Sumpter Krista Wood, Danann Smith & Cindy Bradley Cindy & Brad Reaves 9

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

38

Tax Accountants 10

Auditors

Consultants

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Experience Even Better Service at Our New Southwest Freeway Location!

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12603 Southwest Freeway

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Suite 165

at S Kirkwood

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Houston

Rd .

d r Lan Suga ay w e e r est F w h t ou

S

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Morgan & Cody Rodgers Regina & Vincent Morales CeeCee & David Parker Shabana Maredia with Gloria & Lindsey Kopycinski Johnathan Pursch, Gary Pearson, Jacqui Stump & Mike Dotson Jessica Kij, Karen Midlo & Arlene Rolsen Billie Wendt & Evalyn Moore Jean Marsh & Kevin Barker John & Diana Null Beth Wolfe & Holly Kaminga

Call

18

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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) www.cpa-tx.com

19 fort bend

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NEWSWORTHY

Seen on the Scene 13th Annual Impact A Hero Weekend Hall of Fame Gala Benefiting Impact A Hero

First Lady Abbott Visits Child Advocates of Fort Bend

October 29, 2017 • Marriott Sugar Land Town Square

First Lady Cecilia Abbott visited Child Advocates of Fort Bend recently and met with staff, board members and partner agencies in an effort to better understand the work that the agency and its partners are doing on behalf of abused and neglected children. Pictured are: Ruthanne Mefford, First Lady Abbott, Jim Lockwood, Sally Allen, Marjorie Hancock, Emily Hardt, Jarita Wharton, Sonal Bhuchar, James Steenbergen, Metoyer Martin, Dallis Warren, Suzy Morton, Fiona Remko and Leshia Fisher.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott has partnered with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services on a new initiative – Network of Nurture – to raise awareness about the ways Texans can support the children and families in the state’s child welfare system. As a part of this initiative, she has been touring Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state of Texas. Recently, she visited Child Advocates of Fort Bend, toured the facility and met with staff, board members and partner agencies in an effort to better understand the work that the agency and its partners are doing on behalf of abused and neglected children.

“We are so happy that the Abbotts have made child welfare a top priority in Texas, and we were honored that First Lady Abbott wanted to see our facility and talk to us about the work that we are doing,” stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford. Child victims are referred to Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Children’s Advocacy Center by law enforcement or CPS where trained specialists, social workers and therapists conduct forensic interviews, coordinate the criminal investigation, facilitate resource services, offer criminal court support and provide therapy to help children heal from their trauma. Agency partners are co-located in the building to facilitate this collaboration and the agency has implemented both formal and informal processes and communication to facilitate a “one-stop-shop” approach. “As a result, we have demonstrated very positive outcomes in these children’s lives,” said Mefford.

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Laurel & Jack Goodroe Robert & Jackie Goodroe Mary Jane Mansell & Marjorie Evans Kathleen & Stan Powell Rob Long with May & Ron Smith Alec Ross Erica Dunn & Steven Schultz Cresta & Scott Livingston John Garner & Gena DeSimone

Continued on page 41.

9 TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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First Lady Abbot Visits Child Advocates of Fort Bend From page 40.

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Dana Bowman & Jessica Kij Carrie Shaw & Melissa Long Matt & Sara Rios Mike Nasche, Emma Hoen & Daniel Wheeler Janie & Mark Dornak Connie & Butch Rhodes Heather & Scott Woods Rob & Jan Ritchie Dana Cart & Cane Constans Trena Allen & Gavin Hogge

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is unique in that they have a Children’s Advocacy Center and a CASA Program under one roof. “We started our CASA Program 26 years ago and added the Children’s Advocacy Center a few years later when we realized that there was a whole population of children who were not being served because they had not been removed from their homes.”

The CASA Program trains volunteers throughout the community to provide a voice in the courtroom for children who are in the care of the child welfare system.

These CASA volunteers advocate for the child’s “best interests” and ensure that his/her needs are being met throughout the time the child is in foster care, provide stability and a positive role model. Volunteers are trained to serve children in each age group. Each of these services (Infant and Toddler, N.E.S.T. and WINGS) incorporates strategies to help the children develop healthy lifestyles, provide mentoring and guidance, equip the children and volunteers with specialized resources, implement educational enrichment workshops and help the children find the path to a bright future.

19 fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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By Joan Frances

Hometown Heroes:

Aniece A. James

Aniece A. James.

F

ort Bend County is home to generous and giving residents.

When misfortune occurs, people step up to help one another. Sometimes help is in the form of volunteering to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Founded on February 1st, 1992, Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for lowincome families who qualify. People come together to make the world a little more comfortable for people in need.

One volunteer who unselfishly donates her time to helping her neighbor is Aniece James.

James is a retired Fort Bend Independent School District Speech Language Pathologist. She has two children, Louis and Alexandra, and two and a half grandchildren, Andrew, Zara and baby due January 2018.

She moved from Mississippi to Sugar Land in 1993 to be closer to her family. James began working at Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity soon after she

retired in January 2015. “I wanted to volunteer at a Christian based nonprofit,” shared James. “I completed an application on the fortbendhabitat.org website. Soon after I met the administrative staff and the restore staff, I began to volunteer two days a week. I also serve on the Homeowners Association board for my subdivision. This organization puts God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Families are selected through an application process. Once accepted they contribute 300 sweat equity hours towards building their home and have a 20 to 30 year interest free mortgage.”

Each Tuesday and Thursday, James’ volunteer day at Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity consists of office work, answering calls, scheduling donation pick-ups and logging volunteer hours. “Everyone works as a team. You just pitch in, wherever and whenever there is a need. I enjoy volunteering because I am helping people who need it the most and volunteering helps me to engage in my community. My co-workers feel the same way. We laugh and enjoy the experience of helping people who are grateful and gracious. I would say that the best part of volunteering is that it is just plain fun! If you are ready to make friends and develop new skills along the way, start volunteering. It can change your life and the lives of others when you do.”

James also helps at The Fort Bend Habitat ReStore, where discounted products such as doors, light fixtures, appliances, cabinets, flooring and blinds are sold. James explained, “The customers who shop in the ReStore all know that they can save money by shopping here. Most of them are starting or completing a home improvement project. By interacting with customers, I have learned some home improve-

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

42

ment skills and can put my ‘girly’ tool box to good use! Some customers enjoy arts and crafts and use the materials we sell to make wall hangings, furniture and holiday decorations. Customers feel more empowered to take on new projects thanks to how-to videos and do-it-yourself websites, and ReStore offers great prices.”

In addition to devoting hours to office work and ReStore, James helps at the fundraisers each year. The organization’s first annual Halloween Happy Hour was held in October at Veritas Steak & Seafood in Sugar Land. Proceeds went to Hurricane Harvey Relief.

On November 2nd, Kendra Scott Accessories hosted another fundraiser, and James assisted with ticket sales and raffles.

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, so many more people in Fort Bend County need the kindness and generosity of people like James. Thank you for all you do Aniece James to make life a little easier for everyone.

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To advertise, call 281.690.4242. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

43

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832-788-2294

By Dr. Rebecca Deurlein

Being Thankful for Your Teens

I

’ve heard a lot of words associated with parenting teenagers. Exasperating. Frustrating. Confusing.

Very rarely do I hear someone exclaim, “I’m SO happy to be raising a teenager right now!” If I do hear it, it’s generally dripping with sarcasm.

But the reality is that teenagers really are quite a bit of fun, and they embody some lessons we would all do well to learn. So this holiday month, spend some time reflecting on what makes your teenagers wonderful and why they are actually a huge blessing in your life.

Need help focusing on the positives?

Think about this: Teenagers keep your argumentative skills honed. You have to be sharp in your thinking and your decisions, or they will call you on it. They

will ask why until you want to strangle them. But be grateful, because they’re forcing you to ask yourself why, and I don’t think we do that enough. A little introspection never hurt anyone.

Teenagers are still children in a lot of ways. They will make sidesplitting comments. They still take joy in the seemingly small moments. Their silliness and appreciation for all things farcical make them perfect companions for watching comedies, cracking jokes and having fun with the eccentricities of extended family members. One year over the holidays, my teens started a quote list for a particularly “interesting” family member visiting from out of town. They kept the list in a kitchen drawer. When the annoyances threatened to bring out the worst in us and the week was beginning to stretch ev-

eryone’s nerves a little too thin, one of us would depart to the kitchen, open the quote list drawer, and laugh. I never would have thought to do that on my own. Leave it to the teenage brain to create a unique escape from visitor stress.

Teenagers are adults in a lot of ways. They are sensitive, can be thoughtful when they want to be and understand way more than you realize.

You can talk to them, even about the big stuff, as they are quite deep and are able to understand adult issues much more deeply than you suspect. They can be wise and offer new perspectives.

Teenagers love you and need you. They don’t show it all the time (that’s what dogs are for), and they may not say it, either. Heck, they may not even realize it. But every time they sit next to you at dinner, ask you for advice, tell you a story about their friends or even shuffle into the kitchen in their PJ’s, they’re telling you that they trust you, that you offer them a safe haven and that they even enjoy your company.

Teenagers keep us young. They blast all the latest, greatest hits, use ever changing acronyms (GOAT, anyone?), know the perfect emoji to use in any and all situations and remind us what it was like to fall in love, become yearbook editor and earn an “A.” We watch them play sports, and it takes us back to our glory days. They introduce us to new technology, download apps on our phones and make sure we don’t wear anything embarrassing. Without them – let’s face it – we’d be stuck in the past.

So you see, you have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to raising teens. They may wear you out, but they also build you up and bring joy to your life. Enjoy them now, because in a few years, you’ll be hoping and praying that they’ll be home for the holidays.

This holiday month, spend some time reflecting on what makes your teenagers wonderful and why they are actually a huge blessing in your life.

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.com • December 2017

46

NEWSWORTHY

Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker to Delight and Entertain this Holiday Season

Public Transportation Recognizes Employees from Various Organizations for Hurricane Harvey Service On November 2nd, Fort Bend County Public Transportation (Transportation) held a gift card presentation at the County Historic Courthouse to recognize those who assisted during Hurricane Harvey. The gift cards presented at the event were tokens of appreciation gifted to Transportation on September 27th from South West Transit Association (SWTA) and Texas Transit Association (TTA) who coordinated with other national transportation agencies in an effort to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Thirty-one employees from five transit organizations sustained personal damage from the hurricane event. These thirtyone individuals assisted in taking rescued residents to shelters and coordinating rides through dispatch. The hope is that the gift cards can be used to assist with the recovery process.

Transportation Deputy Director Tennille Jones welcomed all in attendance. Commissioner James Patterson; Paulette Shelton, Director of Transportation; Jeff Braun, Director of Office of Emergency Management and James Hoss, Transportation Operations Manager spoke about the floods and thanked all who assisted with enabling Fort Bend Transportation to transport Fort Bend citizens from their homes to safe and dry grounds.

Representatives from Fort Bend Independent School District, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District and First Transit were in attendance to accept their employees’ gift cards. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of Commissioner Morales, Pct. 1, Commissioner Prestage, Pct. 2 and Commissioner Meyers, Pct. 3.

Mandi Bronsell, Commissioner Pct. 1 Office; Brenda Bernander, Lamar CISD Operations Manager; Paulette Shelton, Transportation Director; Lori Allbright, Fort Bend ISD Operations Manager; Sam Hoelscher, First Transit Operations Manager; Robert Pechukas, Commissioner Pct 3. Office; Jeff Braun, Office of Emergency Management Director and Commissioner James Patterson, Pct. 4.

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Artistic Director Stanton Welch’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker returns and ventures across Houston this holiday season. As a result of flooding from Hurricane HarMelody Mennite and artists of Houston Ballet. vey, Houston BalPhoto by Amitava Sarkar. let’s home venue, the Wortham Theater, is closed through May 2018, leaving the company unable to perform several programs in the beloved performing arts center. Houston Ballet is pleased to report that select performances of fall programming have been rescheduled and relocated, and the company is taking Welch’s The Nutcracker on tour in its hometown city of Houston. This cherished classic will begin its journey at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land and conclude at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Houston. The schedule is as follows: Smart Financial Centre 1811 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas 77479 December 10th – 23rd, 2017 The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby, Houston, Texas 77002 December 30th, 2017 – January 6th, 2018 This highly-anticipated, opulent production of The Nutcracker features a slew of characters, larger-than life scenery, and sparkling choreography. In addition to Houston Ballet’s company of dancers, students from all levels of Houston Ballet Academy also get the chance to perform in Welch’s The Nutcracker.

Making its world debut last holiday season, the production showcases a family-friendly storyline and characters audiences know and love, only bigger, brighter, and grander.

Welch drew his inspiration for this production from the 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann and features music by Peter I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). With scenic and costume design by acclaimed British designer Tim Goodchild, audiences can expect to see over 250 costumes and a massive Christmas tree in Act I and a serene Land of the Sweets set amongst the clouds in Act II. Current ticket holders for The Nutcracker will be notified regarding their options on relocating to these venues. Tickets are available at houstonballet.org or by calling 713-227-2787.

magazine • December 2017

47

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Joe Zimmerman.

Joe Zimmerman, Mayor of Sugar Land, has announced his bid for reelection. Zimmerman, who was elected the tenth Mayor of Sugar Land in 2016, is looking forward to continuing to represent the residents of Sugar Land and serve his community for another term.

As Mayor, Zimmerman has seen the City of Sugar Land experience growth in both business and residential, including the much-anticipated grand opening of the Smart Financial Centre, the annexation of Greatwood and New Territory later this year and through the historical rainfall of Hurricane Harvey.

Zimmerman is a champion of education and has been instrumental in creating an alliance, during his term as Mayor, between the Fort Bend County ISD board, as well as other school districts. He has been passionate in his efforts to represent the residents of Sugar Land and keep local representation in the forefront. The City of Sugar Land continues to thrive and is now home to a festival site, a children’s museum and a heritage museum. With several higher education options, including the University of Houston’s Tier One Sugar Land location, accredited medical and health care facilities located within the city and

top-ranked businesses relocating to Sugar Land, the city continues to be the best place to live, work and play.

Zimmerman is a successful businessman and is the Director of Development for Cobb Fendley & Associates, Inc., a private civil engineering consulting firm.

He business background includes having served in senior management positions in a number of different industries including consulting engineering, water and wastewater operations, land acquisition/land development/homebuilding, as well as an international assignment in Libya.

Before becoming Mayor, Zimmerman held many positions including four years as the At-Large, Position 2, City Councilman and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for eight years, serving six years as Chairman. He currently serves on the Economic Development Committee, Inter-Governmental Relations Committee, Sugar Land Development Corporation Board, 4b Board, TIRZ 4 Board and as the COSL representative to the Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council.

Zimmerman is looking forward to continuing to represent his community, his neighbors and all of Sugar Land. He and his wife of 41 years, Nancy, have made Sugar Land their home since 1990 and are active members of Second Baptist Church. Their daughter, Allison, her husband Chris Wallace, granddaughter Emmy, and grandson Campbell, live in Houston.

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49

absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2017 LEXUS RC T he all-new 2017 Lexus RC is an absolute stunner. It’s built off the same platform as the Lexus IS, but you would be hard pressed to see that at a glance. It combines all of the new Lexus design language with an aggressive front fascia, sleek lines and long body. This is a coupe to behold. But the new Lexus RC turns out to be a lot tamer than it appears. That’s not a bad thing if your need for speed is less important than looks, reliability and quality. It’s bad, meaner alter-ego, the RC F, is as advertised, “all power, no mercy.”

Lexus built their brand on reliability and craftsmanship at time when other luxury brands were falling short on those two categories. And while they are now one of the top luxury brands in the US, they have never been able to compete headto-head with the German brands for performance and handling.

Now, that never seemed to bother the folks at Lexus, because they were selling loads and loads of cars to American drivers.

But now that the German brands have taken over as the top luxury brands in the US, Lexus wants performance to be one of their hallmarks as well.

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The 2017 Lexus RC should be a big step in that direction.

Certainly from a design standpoint, it can compete with any performance car on the road. And, of course, the interior quality is superb and very Lexus-like. The seats hold the driver tight just as a real sports car should. The nav screen controller has been replaced with a touchpad that may put off some, but it works very well once you get used to it. It’s a neat innovation.

With an MSRP of $42,790, the base rear-wheel drive RC comes with 306 hp, 3.5 liter V6 engine that delivers EPA estimated fuel economy numbers of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. There’s an all-wheel drive variant that gets slightly lower fuel economy numbers.

But if you want the RC that can live up to excitement that you get from an Audi crossbred with a Corvette, then the RC F is just your cup of strong tea. With a starting MSRP $64,165, the RC F has a roaring 467 hp, 5.0 liter V8 that can get you from 0-60 in under 4.5 seconds. Once you test drive it, you realize it’s the only Lexus RC that matters.

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51

First Place

Dragonfly Basking in Morning Sun

By Warren “Ry” Birge • Richmond

C 2017 Photo Contest Winners

ullinan Park Conservancy hosted its first fundraising event, “Picnic For the Park,” on October 20th at River Pointe Church in Richmond. Almost 300 people were in attendance to honor Dee Koch with this year’s Nina Cullinan Outstanding Citizen Award, to listen to keynote speaker, doctor and renowned wildlife photographer Angela McCain and to raise funds for important developments at the 754acre nature park in Sugar Land.

County Commissioner James Patterson helped the Conservancy sell 100 “Pulls” for the Park, netting $5,000 at the event. The Conservancy also kicked off its “Founders Circle” giving program. Founders Circle members are those who commit to at least $1,200 a year to ensure sustainable funding for continued capital improvements at Cullinan Park.

Additionally, the 2017 Photo Contest winners were revealed at the luncheon. Over 100 entries were submitted, focusing on wildlife, vegetation, visitor activities and breathtaking scenery at the Park.

Cullinan Park is a one-of-a-kind, blue-green oasis in the middle of our rapidly growing suburbs, providing habitat for all manner of wildlife, while delivering a respite for human visitors, too. Conservancy board members are grateful to luncheon supporters, ensuring the Park is a welcoming, safe and naturally scenic setting for everyone.

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.com • December 2017

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Over 30 Category

Second Place

Bottoms Up

By Mack Womack • Sugar Land

Third Place

Butterfly On a Snail

By Dixie Spurling • Sugar Land

Honorable Mention Lotus • By Poem of Rain • Richmond

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

Young Gator • By John Donaho • Missouri City

Egret on a Lily Pad • By John Hege • Sugar Land

fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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First Place

Cullinan Vision

By Anika Patel, Age 14 • Sugar Land

2017 Photo Contest Winners

Second Place

Cullinan Colonnade

By Anika Patel, Age 14 • Sugar Land

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.com • December 2017

54

Under 30 Category

Third Place

Relaxing under the Loblollies

By Alex Miller • Sugar Land

Honorable Mention Boardwalk Time • By Annie Sweeney • Stafford

Honorable Mention Cullinan Flag • By Anika Patel, Age 14 • Sugar Land

Honorable Mention Cullinan Perch • By Anika Patel, Age 14 • Sugar Land

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Cullinan Park Conservancy is located just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport at 12414 Highway 6 South in Sugar Land. magazine • December 2017

55

Kassidi McKayla Kaminski is a sophomore studying Psychology in the Liberal Arts Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin. After graduation she hopes to attend law school and is currently a member of Delta Gamma and a Young Life leader at Reagan High School.

By Kassidi McKayla Kaminski

COLLEGE writing the next chapter

It (Used to Be) the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

T

here comes a moment in every child’s life when Christmas begins to feel different. That moment doesn’t come at the same time for every child, but its arrival is inevitable.

After that moment came for me, the twinkle of Christmas magic has dulled more and more with each passing year, encouraging my eccentric choices to try and make it sparkle again.

Once this December arrives, I will have had my Christmas tree up for a full year. It hasn’t been an easy task. For the first couple of months, I worked hard to keep my mom out of the upstairs game room, fearful she would make me take it down. Around month six, I think my family just stopped caring that it was there, or maybe they were all too lazy to take it down. But I kept it up for the reason I mentioned earlier: the older I get, the more Christmas’s magical allure dims away. I wanted to keep the tree up as a tangible reminder of that magic in a last-ditch effort to find it once again.

When I came home for Christmas break last year, I had about eight days to cram in as much tradition as I possibly could. Studying for finals had left no room for festivities while I was at school. So I then spent hours navigating crowded malls, and I yelled some not-so-cheery expletives while searching for a parking spot. I stayed up late watching all of the Christmas classics and rushed through Christmas wrapping. By the time the 24th arrived, when it was time to begin our 72 hours of five overlapping family Christmas gatherings, I was utterly exhausted. And, I found myself kind of hating Christmas.

I didn’t used to feel that way. When I was a child, back when Santa was a celebrity and life was good, the anticipation I felt for Christmas morning began on Thanksgiving and climbed with each passing day. Like every other holidaycelebrating family, we had fun traditions to fill the countdown: shopping for stocking stuffers at Walmart. Visiting the Santa on Kiamesha Street. Watching Elf on Thanksgiving Day. Listening to Sunny 99.1 while decorating our seven TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Me and a not-so-happy Kolton participating in a family tradition: going to visit Santa Claus.

Christmas trees. Opening a “surprise” gift of pajamas every Christmas Eve. Humans thrive on routine and familiarity, which explains why traditions are so important to us.

But there’s a problem with traditions: they can be outgrown. As we grow in age, our preferences mature, and some traditions just seem silly to us. We learn the truth behind some traditions and allow the glittery veils that covered our

.com • December 2017

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My cousins McKenna, Cheyenne, and Dallas starting a new tradition at Houston Zoo Lights with my brother Kolton and I last year.

eyes to fall away. Traditions also require dedicated time, and time is scarce these days. Adults are responsible for planning the Christmas gatherings, buying presents for their significant others and ensuring their kids get what they want on Christmas morning. Between work and school and general commitments, it’s easy to let Christmas become a burden and a source of anxiety.

I don’t like change. I never have. I’ve spent many nights over the past few Christmases crying in my room, trying to reconcile my loss of childhood innocence with the Christmas responsibilities that come with adulthood. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Cindy Lou Who faces a similar dilemma.

As she grows older, she struggles to remember the feeling Christmas used to give her. She concludes that because she’s changing, Christmas must be changing, too – for the worse.

But by the end of her lamenting song, Cindy realizes that Christmas is a state of being; it can always feel like Christmas “if there is love in your heart and your mind.” This makes me think that maybe the reason that I’ve lost the Christmas feeling isn’t because my life has gotten busier; it’s because I started to lose the Christmas spirit, the heart of what the holiday truly is. The saddest part in all of this is that I know I’m not the only one who has lost that spirit and struggles to find it again. As a society we have commercialized and trivialized a holiday with a meaning that far surpasses Black Friday deals and themed parties.

The spirit of Christmas implies that the holiday is centered around something spiritual, ethereal even. Christmas loses its magic as we get older because we’ve completely missed the point: the “magic” of Christmas comes from the immeasurable joy and hope that this world received when a child was born over 2,000 years ago. Traditions are fun, of course, and I’m not saying that we should give them up (as I mentioned earlier, I don’t like change). I’m simply saying that traditions are not the point. Maybe my struggle to rush through my Christmas traditions – in order to relive my childhood and find Christmas again – proves futile because that’s not where Christmas is found. I’ve been searching in the wrong place all along.

Before there were Christmas trees, presents and holiday movies, there was a story about the birth of a child named Jesus. It’s part of the most important story you’ll ever hear.

And, it goes like this: Over 2,000 years ago, a baby named Jesus was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem. He grew up to be the Savior of the world – a perfect human – and died so that you and I could have hope in an everlasting life.

He gave us the ultimate Christmas present – one that exists every day “in your heart and your mind” – and set the bar really high for anything I could buy someone on Amazon Prime.

We all have beloved traditions, and anyone can appreciate the magic of Santa Claus. Enjoy them all this Christmas.

But please make time for a new tradition, one that involves reading the story about the baby who was born in a manager all those years ago. As for my Christmas tree, I’ll probably keep it up next year too, simply because it makes me happy.

But I won’t need it to keep the Christmas spirit alive. I think I’ve found it again.

Me teaching my then 15 year-old cousin Elle how to ice skate.

Christmas loses its magic as we get older because we’ve completely missed the point: the “magic” of Christmas comes from the immeasurable joy and hope that this world received when a child was born over 2,000 years ago. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels and OCuSOFT Create Memories for Homebound Seniors On Wednesday, November 8th, Fort Bend Seniors (FBS) Meals on Wheels kicked off the holiday season with their annual Secret Santa to Seniors celebration hosted by OCuSOFT. A cherished holiday tradition of FBS, the Secret Santa to Seniors program creates special memories for homebound seniors in Fort Bend and Waller counties who receive Meals on Wheels.

Volunteers “adopt” seniors and provide them with much-needed gifts for the holiday season. Seniors’ “Wish Lists” are displayed as ornaments on Christmas trees, which are then fulfilled by both individuals and organizations from around the area. Around 800 seniors will receive presents this year because of the community’s generosity.

OCuSOFT CEO Cynthia Barrett welcomed almost 60 guests to the event and shared how the company has come to partner with FBS over the years on this important service to seniors. Manuela Arroyos, FBS CEO, and Ray Aguilar, FBS Board Chairman, also shared their thoughts on the program before inviting guests to take an ornament. More than 300 seniors were adopted at the event.

Those interested in adopting seniors can pick up ornaments from FBS administrative office before December 1st, 2017. All gifts wrapped with the ornaments attached should be delivered back to FBS administrative office by December 9th.

For more information about Secret Santa to Seniors or to “adopt” a senior, contact FBS Communications Specialist Sehar Tejani at 281-633-7023 or email sehar@fortbendseniors.org.

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.com • December 2017

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Holiday Focus The Most Wonder ful Time of the Year

F E AT U R I N G Finding Arianna this Holiday Season Perfect Wine Pairings for Holiday Parties Appealing Holiday Appetizers Holiday Baking for Family and Friends A Festive Meal Keep The Holidays Merry and Bright Pests Might be Hiding in Your Christmas Tree Believe in the Magic Sugar Plum Market Holiday Gift Guide Christmas Jingles

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magazine • December 2017

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Holiday Focus

By Alisa Murray

Finding Arianna This Holiday Season It seems that every time I go out, I see a person I know and the conversation always turns to our recent storm. “How did you fare with Harvey?” my friends ask. I then proceed to tell them all about the weeklong ordeal – the snakes, the damage to our home and then comes the conversations about insurance and how long before life is back to “normal.”

One such conversation happened last month, and I learned from a stranger that he and his wife and daughter had lost literally everything. What’s worse was that they, like so many others, had no insurance to replace basic items, such as beds, cars and toys. Daddy was working not one, but three jobs to cover expenses, and making ends meet was a struggle for their family. As we talked further, he told me about their three-year-old daughter Arianna and how she had wept after losing her Frozen bed. He really did not have to say anymore, because I immediately had an idea.

You see this year before what happened with this storm, I had a grand plan to shoot Santa with the children and create Norman Rockwellesque portraits. I had gotten in touch with Santa and secured dates for him to be with me and the children. Each year I have always done free Santa pics so each of my children could have a nice picture, and my parents would not be tortured waiting in the mall in lines to see him only to have their child flip and the pictures turn out really bad! But this year was going to be different. This year the parents would be paying, and the images would be exceptional, not just a snap at our annual holiday gathering. This year was going to be amazing . . . except then Harvey happened, and we all were caught up in our own private tragedies with roofs and floors and new sheetrock. The trauma of it all had tampered with my excitement of the season. Until, of course, I met Arianna’s daddy.

Then in an instant, the season came alive!

Alisa Murray with Arianna and her As soon as the man left dad Jonathan Magana.

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Arianna with Santa.

our table, I looked at the boys – Brian and James Edward – and said, “I know just what to do! We are going to give that little girl her bed back and all of her Christmas wishes!”

I spoke over the next few days with my friends and several agreed that we should help Santa and gather everything that she lost and wanted for this year. Milagro, the Findley family, the Koppuzhayils and of course, my family, all contributed, and I set out to get Arianna a new bed, bedding, dolls, books and, of course, dress up!

On November 5th, which also happens to be James Edward’s 15th birthday, Santa came and with him came a slew of anxious and excited children. They looked at his globe and figured out where Houston was, they cuddled with him and ate cookies, and in the toy workshop, they even painted toys! Little Arianna came and although very shy, she took my finger, and we walked in and she sat with Santa. She had cookies and did not speak one word but her little face lit up as she opened just one of the many gifts Santa brought her that day. Her parents told me she had not slept in her bed since the storm and that present would be the best one to open early so she could have a new bed now. As she tore off the paper and saw the Frozen canopy bed, she smiled really big!

That, my friends, is what Christmas is all about. Giving to others and making their lives better because you have been a part of their experiences in this life. I hope you will find the same joy this season that finding Arianna has given to my family. There’s not one thing else I could ask for during this beautiful season than to watch a child in need be taken care of by those in my community who understand what the season is always about! Merry Christmas to you and to yours!

.com • December 2017

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Holiday Focus

W

ith the holidays quickly approaching, it is time to begin planning menus and shopping for groceries, which may leave you facing endless shelves of wine. Choosing wines to pair with your holiday meal is an important part of the menu planning process.

A smart rule is to select quality wines that pair with a variety of dishes, such as crisp, medium-bodied chardonnays and medium-to-full-bodied, flavorful merlots.

“I love having a bright, crisp chardonnay on hand for holiday entertaining,” said Katie Madigan, winemaker at St. Francis Winery. “Chardonnay complements so many holiday flavors.

It’s a great choice to serve with appetizers and it also transitions nicely to dinner.”

A certified sustainable winery in Sonoma County, California, St. Francis Winery offers a full range of varietal wines ideal for holiday entertaining, such as the St. Francis Sonoma County Chardonnay 2015 (SRP $16.99), which is made from grapes picked in the cool of night to create delicate aromas, crisp acidity and a rich, lingering finish.

With notes of fresh pear and pineapple, it pairs well with mild cheeses and rich seafood appetizers, such as Pan Fried Crab Cakes. If you are looking for inspiration to get your holiday menu planning started, consider this simple hors d’oeuvre, which can be made the night before and cooked just before guests arrive. Pair it with a chilled glass of crisp chardonnay to start the party off just right.

A complementary option for guests who prefer red wine is the Sonoma Valley Merlot (SRP $20.99). This wine has multiple layers of aromatics with flavors of red cherry, plum, dried cranberry, espresso bean and savory spices that match well with hard cheeses, roasted turkey, lamb or steaks with blue cheese butter.

Perfect Wine Pairings for Holiday Parties

Pan Fried Crab Cakes 1/4 1/4 2 2 1 1 1

1

Cup Mayonnaise Cup Minced Green Onions Large Egg Yolks Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Teaspoon Minced Fresh Tarragon Teaspoon Minced Fresh Cilantro Tablespoon Finely Grated Lemon Peel Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1/4 1

2 2 4

Teaspoon Black Pepper Pound Dungeness Crab Meat Cups Panko, Divided Tablespoons Butter Tablespoons Olive Oil Remoulade Sauce for Serving

Line baking sheet with waxed paper.

In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, green onions, egg yolks, lemon juice, tarragon, cilantro, mustard, lemon peel and black pepper. Add crabmeat and 1 cup panko, breaking up crabmeat slightly. Let mix stand 10 minutes.

Form crab mixture into 16 2-inch patties, using about 1/4 cup for each cake.

Place patties on baking sheet. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Using remaining panko, lightly coat each crab cake.

Heat two heavy, large skillets over medium-high heat. In each skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add crab cakes to skillets and cook until golden on both sides (adding more butter and oil as needed), about 5 minutes total.

Transfer cakes to napkins to drain excess oil. Plate crab cakes with dollop of remoulade on top.

Visit StFrancisWinery.com to find more tips for pairing wines and recipes ideal for holiday entertaining.

Source: Family Features.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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Holiday Focus

W

hile the main course is in the oven and guests mingle in anticipation this holiday season, tide them over with simple appetizers the whole crowd will enjoy.

That sometimes tall task may be easier said than done depending on the size of your get-together, but you can make it less daunting with quick starters that incorporate dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt, which can serve as helpful on-hand ingredients that also provide flavor and nutritional value. Since dairy foods are readily available in many family kitchens, they are ideal for creating recipes for last-minute noshes and nibbles, especially perfect for holiday entertaining.

For quick snacks to help keep appetites at bay, try these Antipasti Holiday Skewers that have something for everyone with bits of pasta, cubed cheese, pepperoni and veggies. Or for a warmer dish perfect for a snowy holiday, this Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip can help chase away the chill.

Other easy ways to give the gift of dairy during the holidays by incorporating it into tasty dishes include: • Starting the day with egg casserole or a quiche made with milk and cheese.

• Sprinkling shredded cheese on steamed vegetables, casseroles or pasta dishes.

• Replacing mayo with plain Greek yogurt in tuna or chicken salads.

• Creating warm, comforting soups using milk.

Find more dairy-inspired recipes perfect for holiday entertaining at midwestdairy.com.

Appealing

Holiday Appetizers Antipasti Holiday Skewers Prep time: 45 minutes • Yield: 16 skewers 1 Package (9 ounces) Cheese Filled Tortellini, cooked al dente

and cooled 1/2 Cup Fat-Free Italian Dressing 1 Block (8 ounces) Reduced-Fat

Swiss cheese, cubed 2 Cups Baby Spinach Leaves 32 Pieces Turkey Pepperoni 3 1/2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes 16 Wooden Skewers, 9-10 inches

each

In large bowl, marinate tortellini in Italian dressing 30 minutes in refrigerator.

To assemble skewers, start with two pieces tortellini, one cheese cube, two spinach leaves, one pepperoni slice (folded in fourths), one tomato and repeat. Each skewer will have total of four pieces tortellini, two cheese cubes, four spinach leaves, two pepperoni slices and two tomatoes.

Repeat until skewers are complete.

Refrigerate until serving.

Nutritional information per serving: 81 calories; 2 g fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 191 mg sodium; 113 mg potassium; 8 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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Holiday Focus

Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 8 1

1

8 1

1/4 1 2

Can (14 ounces) Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped Package (10 ounces) Frozen Chopped Spinach frozen, thawed and drained Ounces Plain Low-Fat Yogurt Cup Shredded, Low-Moisture, Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Cup Green Onion, chopped Garlic Clove, minced Tablespoons Red Pepper, chopped

Heat oven to 350 F. Combine artichoke hearts, spinach, yogurt, cheese, onion and garlic; mix well. Pour mixture into 1-quart casserole dish or 9-inch pie plate. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Sprinkle with red peppers.

Holiday Baking

for Family and Friends

A

holiday season filled with gatherings calls for simple recipes that make baking for family and friends easy and enjoyable.

Traditions are often enjoyed more around the holidays and some classic flavors are must-haves for seasonal parties and dinners. Individually portioned desserts are ideal for entertaining, and these smooth, creamy cheesecakes with vivid holiday color are a perfect single serving that is sure to brighten any dessert table.

This dessert features quick and easy preparation, and the delicious flavors of Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings, which use high-quality fruit and contain no high-fructose corn syrup, for great tasting desserts every time. An array of popular flavors like apple, blueberry, cherry and strawberry make it possible to prepare your favorite holiday desserts in minutes.

Find more inspiration for this season’s holiday baking at luckyleaf.com.

Mini Marbled

Cherry Cheesecakes

18 2 1/3 2 1 1

Nutritional information per serving: 179 calories; 12 g total fat; 18 mg cholesterol; 383 mg sodium; 227 mg potassium; 7 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein.

Chocolate Cookies with White Filling Packages (8 ounces each) Cream Cheese, softened Cup Sugar Eggs Teaspoon Vanilla Can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Fruit Filling, divided

Heat oven to 350 F. Line muffin tins with 18 paper liners.

Place one chocolate cookie in bottom of each paper liner.

In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fold in half of fruit filling. Fill each muffin liner about three-fourths full with mixture.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until done. Cool. Top each cheesecake with spoonful of remaining fruit filling.

Source: Family Features. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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Holiday Focus

A Festive Meal M

ake your perfect holiday story complete by serving one of the best holiday dinners you’ve ever enjoyed.

A prime rib roast paired with savory toppings is guaranteed to earn rave reviews from the whole family. Add easy gourmet sides and a holiday dessert to create a memorable meal that may well become a new holiday tradition. Best of all, it’s even easier than you may expect.

Upscale side dishes can make the meal complete. If you’re short on time or want to eliminate some of the fuss, you can take almost all the work out of a holiday dinner by TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

using prepared side dishes from Omaha Steaks. Options like Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots, Roasted Root Vegetables or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes can lend a special touch to your holiday feast.

No festive feast is complete without dessert, and individual-sized Sticky Toffee Pudding Cakes are a perfect solution. They’re made with real, premium ingredients, so all you need to do is pop them in the microwave straight from the freezer.

Find more recipes for a holiday dinner to remember at OmahaSteaks.com.

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Holiday Focus Reverse-Seared Prime Rib Roast Active time: 30 minutes Total time: 4 days 4 Pound Omaha Steaks Bone-In Frenched Prime Rib Roast Any Variety Omaha Steaks Rub Thaw roast completely in refrigerator before cooking; allow 48-72 hours.

Season roast with rub 12-18 hours before cooking and leave uncovered in refrigerator overnight.

When ready to cook, heat oven to 225 F. Place roast on elevated rack in roasting pan. Roast 3 hours and 15 minutes, or to internal temperature of 120-125 F. Let roast rest 30-45 minutes.

Broil on high 2 inches from broiler, 4 minutes on one side, 2 minutes on other side, or until brown crust uniformly covers roast.

Tip: For easier carving, trim roast from bones prior to cooking. Stand rib roast on end so ribs are pointed up. Using sharp knife, cut along bone, being careful not to cut into roast. Tie roast up with butcher’s twine to hold it together while cooking.

Horseradish Cream Active time: 30 minutes Total time: 30 minutes 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise 3 Tablespoons Prepared

Horseradish 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar,

Plus 1 Teaspoon 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt 1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper 1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Figgie Onion Jam Active time: 30 minutes • Total time: 1 hour 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter 1 Medium Red Onion, Peeled

and Diced into 1/4-Inch

Pieces 1 Cup Dried Black Mission Figs,

Stems Removed 1 Cup Water, Divided 1/2 Cup Balsamic Vinegar,

Divided 1/2 Cup Sugar 3/4 Teaspoon Salt 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

In 4-cup sauce pot, melt butter over low heat. Add onions. Cover and cook on low 15 minutes until onions have softened. Add figs, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vinegar, sugar and salt. Cover and cook on low another 15 minutes until figs have softened.

Remove pot from heat and add black pepper and vanilla extract. Pour into blender or use immersion blender to process until smooth. Add remaining water and vinegar to blender for smoother jam or leave as-is for a more chunky texture.

In medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, horseradish, vinegar, salt, cayenne and black pepper. Whip cream to soft peaks using stand mixer.

Gently fold into mayonnaise mixture. Chill until ready to serve.

Source: Family Features. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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Holiday Focus

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othing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like the glow of bright, colorful lights. Few things, however, can put a damper on holiday decorating quite like seeing a section of those freshly hung lights go dark.

“It’s a shame when you go through the hassle to get your light sets and pre-lit decor, such as your pre-lit tree, wreath or lawn ornaments, out of storage only to find some sets only partially work or don’t work at all,” said John DeCosmo, CEO of Ulta-Lit Tree Company, the maker of the LightKeeper Pro, a tool that fixes light sets by illuminating working bulbs so the user can see the bad ones. “When light sets go out, it’s as if a bit of your Christmas spirit did, too.

“We understand the frustration of light set repair, and hope our customer service and light set repair tools make the holidays a bit brighter for all each year.”

With these pro tips, you can keep your holiday lights bright and spirits merry: • Measure: When planning the number of lights you will need for your tree, estimate using at least 100 lights for every foot of tree height.

• Decide Between LED vs. Incandescent: LEDs are more expensive than incandescent lights, but typically last longer. When it comes to energy usage, a tree with 1,000 incandescent lights can cost $10 over an average holiday season while the same tree using LEDs costs around $1.50.

• Consider Indoor vs. Outdoor: Commercial-grade light sets are more reliable for outdoor use because of their durability and thicker insulation.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

• Inspect: Before stringing lights, check for broken bulbs and sockets, frayed cords, burned out lights and loose connections. For sets with bulb outages, use a tool such as the LightKeeper Pro for incandescent lights. Plug the empty bulb socket into the Socket Connector then squeeze the trigger a few times and most light sets will illuminate within seconds.

For LED lights, the LED Keeper can help find and fix the problem.

• Connect: For best results when using incandescent lights, connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets together. LED light sets can handle connecting more than 30 strands together.

• String: When stringing lights on a tree, begin at the top of the tree with the light set plugged in. If a light set blinks during stringing the tree, you may have a loose bulb.

• Replace and repair: Occasionally check for any bulbs that aren’t working and replace them as soon as possible to get the most of your light sets. Two burned out bulbs can decrease the lifespan of the light set by 39 percent; four burned out bulbs by 67 percent.

Should your lights go dark this holiday season, the pros at Ulta-Lit are available to answer questions seven days a week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and year-round, at 888-858-2548 or UltaLit.com.

.com • December 2017

Source: Family Features

66

Holiday Focus

Pests Might be Hiding in Your Christmas Tree T

here could be more than just presents hiding beneath your Christmas tree this year. After all, “’tis the season for wintertime pest infestations.”

This holiday season, be on the lookout for aphids, which are ant-sized insects that can spread more than 150 different plant viruses. Although harmless to humans, these pests can be formidable foes to many types of vegetation, including tomatoes, cucumbers and rose bushes.

While aphids are often associated with outdoor gardens, during the winter months they can make a home inside by hitching a ride aboard foliage, shrubbery and, most commonly, Christmas trees. Once inside the warmer air of your home, these pests believe it’s spring and begin rapidly reproducing.

Knowing how to identify and prevent aphids with these tips

from Orkin Entomologist Glen Ramsey can help you protect your home, and Christmas tree, this holiday season.

Identify the Pest

Although aphids are small, they are usually visible to the naked eye. When looking for aphids, look for soft-bodied insects with long legs and antennae. These insects vary in color, ranging from green to red or black, but all share a distinctive, pear-like shape and tend to hang out in dense groups alongside Christmas tree trunks or plant stems.

Look for Evidence

Aphids feed on plant juices, attacking leaves, flowers, stems and roots. When aphids feed, they secrete a thick, sugary liquid called honeydew. Oftentimes, honeydew results in a fungal growth known as sooty mold. This mold can give branches and leaves a speckled, black appearance.

Prevent the Problem

While looking for Christmas trees, ask the retailer if the firs have been previously inspected for aphids. Before loading the tree into your vehicle, inspect the branches and shake the tree vigorously to ensure no aphids are present. The tree may lose a few needles, but this could prevent an infestation. In addition, releasing lady bugs or lacewings, which are natural predators, in your garden may help reduce aphid populations.

Treat Any Issues

Although aphids won’t cause harm to your family, they can certainly be a bit of a pain. If you spot a few aphids, simply spray them off with water or vacuum them up. However, if you notice a full-fledged infestation, you may need to cut off the infested branches or remove the tree from your home entirely.

To keep pests out of your home this holiday season, work with a pest management provider to create a prevention and treatment plan unique to your household. For more pest prevention tips or to schedule a pest inspection, visit Orkin.com.

Source: Family Features.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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Presented by: Fort Bend Junior Service League and Memorial Hermann Preview Night Thursday, November 2nd Stafford Centre

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Proud Media Sponsor

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magazine • December 2017

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HOLIDAY

TENSAGE® STEM CELL ANTI-AGING SYSTEM Featuring CELLPRO™ Technology, biopelle® Tensage® Stem Cell Anti-Aging System is clinically proven to help replenish skin cells, reinforce skin’s integrity and restore healthy, youthful looking skin.

Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa, 1437 Highway 6, Suite 100 in Sugar Land.

Call 281-313-7435; www.DrShelMD.com.

“I LOVE YOU!”

MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES

Say “I Love You” this holiday season to that someone special with Charles Krypell’s affordable line, “I Love You 365 Days.”

Loggins Jewelers, 14015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.

Call 281-242-2900; www.logginsjewelers.com.

Give the gift of sight this holiday season. We have a large selection of Maui Jim sunglasses.

Don’t forget to use your insurance benefits and flexible spending before the year’s end.

Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer, 6026 Highway 6 in Missouri City. Call 281-499-2600; www.drwedemeyer.com.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN Renowned for distinctive designs and sophisticated vibe, The Design Firm’s breadth of work spans from residential to commercial interior design. A unique planning process results in polished atmospheres that mirror your “Signature Style.”

The Design Firm, 13013 Southwest Freeway in Stafford.

Call 281-494-4433; www.thedesignfirm.com.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

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ZO® SKIN BRIGHTENING PROGRAM

READY, GIFT SET, GO!

A multi-product, skin therapy system designed for the treatment of hyperpigmentation without the use of hydroquinone and retinol.

Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery, 16926 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.

Call 281-313-0555; www.beautybecomesyou.com.

Great gifts with cruelty-free products and Pure-fume™ aromas wrapped in handmade paper from Nepal.

Salon Eben & Day Spa, 15510 Lexington Boulevard, Suite G in Sugar Land. Call 281-980-5160; www.salonebendayspa.com.

PERFECT FOR THE PILOT A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE Enhance your holiday festivities by ordering a unique holiday arrangement today! House of Blooms is now accepting pre-orders. Space is limited.

House of Blooms, 16180 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square. Call 281-242-1555; www.thehouseofblooms.com.

The Pilot Shop at Anson Aviation is loaded with great ideas for airplane lovers! Visit Anson Aviation at Sugar Land Regional Airport.

Anson Aviation. Call 281-242-2555; www.ansonair.com.

RIDE IN STYLE Get a hot new ride this holiday season from TexasDirectAuto.com. With thousands of vehicles in stock, you’re sure to find a ride that you will love!

Texas Direct Auto, 12053 Southwest Freeway in Stafford. Call 281-499-8200; www.texasdirectauto.com.

fort bend

magazine • December 2017

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BRAIN TEASER

By Myles Mellor

Christmas Jingles

Across

Down

3 4

5 6 8 11

12

15 16

18 20 21

1 2

See answers on page 45.

1 4 7 9 10 13 14 17 19 22 23

“Jingle ___” Word which means Christmas song “It’s ____ to look a lot like Christmas” Hello! “__ the Halls” “The first ___” “____ Navidad” Sweet Christmas drink Went really fast Greeting to a bro “It’s lovely weather for a ____ together with you” (2 words)

“Santa ___” It keeps you warm at Christmas (2 words)

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

“____ Claus is coming to town” Christmas song “Where treetops glisten and ___ listen” from “White Christmas” Floor covering “___ it snow” State where there is always a lot of snow, for short “When the snow lay round about deep and ___ and even” from “Good King Wenceslas” ....”Born the king of ____” from “O Come All Ye Faithful” hymn Melody Words people say before they get married (2 words) “I’m impressed!”

“Beauty is in the ___ of the beholder” Doc’s title

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Four Ways to Boost Bedtime Few things feel as good as a restful night’s sleep. The restorative power of sleep can help you feel refreshed and ready for the day. But, if you find yourself groggy and crabby in the morning, you may not be getting enough sleep. If you’re often having issues with sleep, it’s time to make a change.

“Getting the right amount of sleep is important for everyone,” said Raziuddin Ahmed, M.D., a board-certified sleep medicine specialist with Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists. “Sleep helps your brain remember information and better allows you to Raziuddin Ahmed, M.D. pay attention during the day.”

What’s considered a good amount of sleep? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, eight and a half hours or more for teens and 10 hours or more for children. Getting less sleep than you need could lead to an increase in blood pressure and stress hormones, lower glucose tolerance and weight gain.

To improve your odds of getting a better night’s rest, try these tips: • Be consistent. Make it a habit to go to sleep and arise at the same time every day — even on the weekends.

• Keep a sleep-friendly bedroom. Keep your bedroom dark, free of distracting noise and at a comfortable temperature.

• Unplug early. Shut down screens (TVs, laptops, cellphones, etc.) an hour or more before bedtime.

• Get exercise. Regular exercise often can help you sleep better and reduce your stress level.

For some people, poor sleep may be caused by an untreated sleep disorder, such as insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. If you wake up frequently at night, snore loudly, wake up exhausted or nod off during the day, you may have a sleep disorder.

“Sleep disorders can make you feel like you’re never going to get a good night’s sleep again. That’s simply not true,” Ahmed said. “With treatment, many patients can get back to better sleep and improve their quality of life.”

To schedule an appointment with Raziuddin Ahmed, M.D., at Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists, visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281-2422444.

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland, or go to our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Dry Eye Can Be A Debilitating Disease There are many factors that contribute to office procedures to get the oil glands open dry eye disease. Autoimmune diseases like Soand free flowing. Eye blinking exercises to enjgren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid, hance the normal action of the eyelids and oral lupus erythematosus, and diabetes go hand supplements are also very beneficial. and hand with dry eye. Many of the medicaLipiscan is the latest form of non-invasive tions used to treat high blood pressure, allerscanning of the physiology of the eyelid and algies, acid reflux, and anxiety disorders cause lows the doctor to determine if the oil produca large decrease in tear production. Constant ing glands are healthy and free flowing. Using use of computers and other handheld devices infrared light, the Lipiscan produces an image like cell phones, minipads, and gaming devices of the eyelid glands somewhat like an x -ray. cause dry eye as well as previous refractive sur“The Lipflow II is the only electronic device gery. cleared by the US Food and Drug AdminisThere are so many over-the-counter eye The Lipflow II electronic device. tration for the treatment of MGD, meibomian drops available in name brand and store name gland dysfunction, with clinical studies that versions that the general public has no idea that all eye moisdemonstrate safety and effectiveness.” Lipiflow II is an in- ofturizers are not created equally. If you are not properly diagfice treatment that warms up the eyelids, using vectored thernosed with the type of dry eye you have, you may very well mal pulsation technology liqufying the meibem (oil) in the lids be wasting your money. Until recently the technology was not and then massaging and expressing the blocked oils from the available for doctors to determine whether a patient has aqueglands. The treatment is designed to restore the natural oil by ous deficiency or evaporative form of dry eye. allowing the glands to refill with healthy oils, that will flow to the The lack of adequate tear production is called aqueous deeye’s surface and into the natural tear film. Lipiflow II is already ficiency and the lack of oil production is called evaporative dry available in many doctors offices and can be found by going to eye. For aqueous deficiency the only treatment is either over dryeyeandmgd.com. the counter aqueous replacement drops or prescription antThe Lipflow II electronic device is now available at the ofinflammatory drops. With evaporative dry eye there are OTC fice of Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer, OD. Call 281-499-2600 for more oil enhancing eye drops, home heat treatments and in doctor’s information. fort bend

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OUT &

Mykah and Caleb Taylor enjoyed one of the many fun carnival rides at the 81st Annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo.

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

The St. Laurence Catholic Church’s weekend bazaar was a great success. Families came together and enjoyed live music, cultural dances, games, rides, raffle prizes and international foods served by the different ministries. All proceeds benefited the Harvey Relief Fund.

Mary Sorgenfrei, Rose Davis, Cristina Carlson, Linda Day and Mary Anne Talab.

Esther Irrdia, JoJo Nwachukwu, Christiana Akatugba and Chinyere Rheine.

Father Truong Son Nguyen and Tom Donlin.

Luiza Fernandez, Bennie Sosairaj, Daisy Fernandez, Maria Mircinda and Xavier Raj.

Al Garcia.

Jasmine and Jaison Bering, David Mikel, Caitlin Lardizabal, Michele Dyogi, Camille Lardizabal and Luzy Lapuz.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

Rudy and Annie Gonzales.

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Tara, Rose, Desmond and Macy McWhirter.

The Fort Bend Women’s Center’s Healing & Hope luncheon was held in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month.

The featured speaker at the luncheon was Taylor Armstrong of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reality show. Armstrong spoke about her life and personal experience with domestic violence.

Bruce and Debbie Mercer.

Kathy Wallace and Mary Favre.

Taylor Armstrong and Jessica Kij.

Phil and Rose Davis.

Kathy Keen and Wendy Ho.

Joy Dowell and Anne Bidell.

Leslie Wendlund and Pete Olson.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County honored past executive director Lucia Street with a reception and dedication ceremony at the Sugar Land Learning Center. The center’s driveway was named “Lucia Street” in her honor.

Brenda and David Bowman.

Bill Schwer, James Patterson and Don Kerstetter.

Nancy Porter, Kelli Metzenthin, Kristen Tassin and Sonal Bhuchar.

Steve and Lauren Zarvos with Larry, Lucia, Liz and Lyle Street.

Rebecca and Jeff Deurlein. fort bend

magazine • December 2017

Paul and Gena Horak with Debbie and Chris Patton.

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OUT &

Vinicius Soares, one of absolutely! focus media’s former graphic design interns and recent graduate of The Art Institute of Houston, visited our absolutely! focus media office before returning to his home country of Brazil.

Congratulations and best of luck Vini!

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently held its annual Free Flu Shot Toy Drive to benefit Santa’s Exchange. Area residents donated a gift and received a free flu shot. The event was in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land, Rotary Club of Fort Bend and Toys for Tots Fort Bend.

Grace Belleza, Vinicius Soares and Patti Parish-Kaminski.

Jessica Gilbert, Fay De La Calzada, Selena Garcia, Ancy John, Leena Taneja, Fili Sison, Amalia Gonzales and April Lucas.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosted their third annual Partner Appreciation lunch in October to celebrate their partners in law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, County Attorney’s office and Children’s Protective Services, for their tireless efforts in fighting crimes against children.

Joe Driver and Fran Clark.

Julius Belton, Majorie Hancock, Ruthanne Mefford and James Garner.

Betty Baitland, Jim Lockwood and Nell Ciancarelli.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • December 2017

Fiona Remko, Diana Butinski, Michael Alexander and Ashley Earl.

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December 2017 Winner “Wooden Rock”

By Josh Matthews Congratulations Josh 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 MONTH Each month’s winner receives a gift certificate to a restaurant, and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail admin@absolutelyfocusmedia.com or call 281-690-4242.

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

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

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

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EVENTS December 2nd, 9 am Snowfest Parade 2017 The parade will begin at the Public Safety Headquarters located on the corner of Cartwright Road and Murphy Road. The two-mile long procession will feature floats decorated in holiday themes and various organizations on foot. Roads will close at 7:30 am surrounding the parade route.

For more information, call 281-403-8637 or visit missouricitytx.gov.

Sugar Land Holiday Lights.

All Month Sugar Land Holiday Lights The fourth annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights returns to Constellation Field, located at 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land, through January 1st. The nightly showcase of lights will feature more than 2.5 million lights and 8 themed areas, holiday shopping, great food, movie nights, Santa Claus and much more! General admission is $14.

Military, senior adults, children 12 and under and groups of 10 or more receive a $3 discount.

For a schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit sugarlandholidaylights.com.

December 2nd, 10 am – 1 pm Cookies with Santa

December 2nd, 7 pm Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas 2017 Christmas Musicale Hear-Boys Sing!

Celebrate the holiday season early and Hear-Boys Sing! at the First United Methodist Church, located at 3900 Lexington Boulevard in Missouri City. Three performing choirs – Training, Town and Tour – will be showcased along with Music Magic, the organization’s music class for 6 and 7 year old boys. Adult admission is $15 and children 12 and under are $5.

To purchase tickets, visit fbbctx.org/ christmas-musicale-information.

Don’t miss this family friendly event of Jingle Tree’s week-long celebration! This is your chance to catch Santa and Mrs. Claus during their holiday visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 13016 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. Enjoy the tradition of cookies and milk along with holiday crafts. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some candids, too!

Visit hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land/events/ jingle-tree/ or call 281-313-2277 for more information.

December 1st, 5:30 – 9 pm Snowfest Festival 2017

December 3rd, 2 – 4 pm Deck the Halls

Pre-festival entertainment will kick off the event at 5:30 pm and will follow with the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. From 6 to 9 pm, guests are invited to enjoy the array of event activities including the 3-lane snowhill, moonwalks and photos with Santa. To support area families in need this holiday season, the Missouri City Police Department will be onsite to collect unwrapped toys for the annual Blue Santa Toy Drive.

For more information, call 281-403-8637 or visit missouricitytx.gov.

Come enjoy the most popular concert of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s (FBSO) season held at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road.

Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

This year’s concert will feature Houston pianist Joseph Fuller, with the FBSO Chorus joining the orchestra for the second half of the program and includes secular and religious holiday selections.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 281-208-6900 or visit fbso.org/tickets.

December 2nd, 8:15 am Snowfest Shuffle 2017 Runners of all levels and ages are invited to participate in the Snowfest Shuffle. In lieu of a registration fee, participants can bring an unwrapped toy for the Missouri City Police Department Blue Santa Toy Drive. Check-in will be from 7:30 to 8 am at the Recreation & Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive in Missouri City. The race route will end at the Public Safety Headquarters.

For more information, call 281-403-8637 or visit missouricitytx.gov.

December 2nd, 6 pm Fourth Annual Christmas Gala Enjoy a memorable evening at the Quail Valley City Centre, located at 2880 La Quinta Drive in Missouri City. In addition to mouth-watering cuisine, dance the night away with tunes from DJ Dr. Phil Good. All gala proceeds and underwriting funds are dedicated to maintain and expand St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church’s mission outreach programs. There will be a raffle to benefit a family in need and a silent auction to help fund the Youth Missionpalooza and the Costa Rica mission trip. Tickets are $75 per person and a table of 8 is $560.

For more information, call 281-778-2046 or contact melinda@siennachurch.org.

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December 3rd, 3 – 4:30 pm The Nutcracker at Harvest Green The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier will pirouette into Harvest Green for a free, sweet-filled performance of The Nutcracker at The Farmhouse, located at 3400 Harvest Corner Drive in Richmond.

Dancers from In Tempo Dance Ensemble will take the stage as whirling snowflakes, delicate flowers and of course, Clara and her Nutcracker in the classic holiday ballet. Afterwards, there will be photo opportunities with the cast, a holiday market and other seasonal activities.

For more information, visit harvestgreentexas.com.

EVENTS December 9th and 10th, 3 pm – 7 pm Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery Holiday Open Studio Event

December 8th, 10 am – 4 pm, 6 – 9 pm December 9th, 10 am – 4 pm Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Christmas Home Tour For 26 years, Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) has been showcasing homes lavishly decorated for the holidays in Fort Bend County’s most beautiful neighborhoods as a way of raising money to support their programs. With the help of professional decorators and florists, five homeowners will decorate their homes for Christmas and open them to the public. This is one of CAFB’s largest fundraising events. Ninetyfour percent of the proceeds go directly toward programs that help abused and neglected children.

Visit cafb.org to purchase tickets or for more information.

December 9th, 11 am – 3:30 pm Dream Dinners Blood Drive

Come visit the Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery, located at 104 Industrial Boulevard, Suite Q in Sugar Land, for an indoor, familyfriendly event that is just in time for the holidays.

Stock up on local artwork for the perfect, unique gift. Meet local artists and see live demos.

Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit sugarlandartcenter.org.

December 13th, 1:30 pm Culinary Club Cookie Exchange Do you love food or have a love of cooking?

Whether you’re someone who is just starting out as an at-home cook or someone who would love to share their cooking experience, there is something for everyone. Please join the culinary club at the University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land, for a cookie exchange that will be all the rave!

For more information, contact Katryna Russell at krussell@fortbend.lib.tx.us or 281-633-5160.

Dream Dinners Riverstone Place, located at 5418 Hwy. 6 South in Missouri City, is hosting a blood drive for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Anyone who donates during the blood drive will receive a coupon for $25 off a full order in their store in January. In addition, a free t-shirt will be given to those who donate.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Lisa Watson at 832-668-0718 or visit giveblood.org to log in to Digital Donor using sponsor code R982.

December 9th, 2 pm ‘Twas The Elf Before Christmas!

With a history spanning close to seventy years, The Houston Tidelanders Chorus and Quartets, the Houston Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, is an all male championship a cappella 4-part harmony chorus that has warmed the hearts of audiences across Houston and the United States. They will present their annual Christmas show with guest chorus, Space City Sound, at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, located at 2011 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tidelanders.com or call 713-223-8433.

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS Photos with Santa

Sunday, December 3rd 1 – 5 pm

City of Sugar Land’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday, December 7th 5 – 8 pm

Holidays in the Plaza Featuring Christ Church Sugar Land Friday, December 8th 7 – 9 pm

Holiday Dance Showcase Saturday, December 9th 11 am – 4 pm

Photos with Santa

Sunday, December 19th 1 pm – 5 pm

MD Anderson Holiday Blood Drive Friday, December 15th 10 am – 4 pm

Live Music from RamCorps

Saturday, December 16th 12 – 2 pm

Photos with Santa

Sunday, December 17th 1 – 5 pm

New Year’s Eve on the Square Sunday, December 31st 6 pm – Midnight

December 16th, 2 – 3 pm The Orbit Reading Rally Show Join us at the First Colony Branch Library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land, for The Orbit Reading Rally Show. Featuring the Houston Astros mascot, Orbit, this program educates kids on the importance of reading 20 minutes a day and how it affects their daily lives.

Get smarter. Learn new things. Prepare for the future. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the First Colony Branch Library.

For more information, call 281-238-2800 or visit fortbend.lib.tx.us.

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December 29th, 2 – 3:30 pm Winter Craft Corner Come join us for a fun family craft program at the University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. This program is geared for preschool and elementary-aged children, but all ages are welcome to attend.

Materials for this program are made possible by the Friends of the University Branch Library.

For more information, contact the University Branch Youth Services at 281-633-5100.

Living the Sweet Life:

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

Let the magic begin . . . here I come 2018!

I

saw Wonder Woman, and it made me jealous. Welcome to my new year of Wonderment! Yep, that’s right – 2018 could be yours, too. What I really mean to say is with a little discipline and genuine desire, you can be transformed permanently.

The ending of this year is by far better than the last, but it brought some significant changes to many of us with the storms and displacement. Actually, the last three years have not been all that nice to me, and I, for one, am looking for a change. What kind of change? The kind of change that sparks magical thinking with a movement forward and a sassy “no looking back” kind of attitude. I’m betting that I am not alone. Many of us would like to have a magical next year, too. I don’t want to wait for it to get here either! Instead of waiting for it, this time I want anticipate it with wide open expectant arms!

So how do we do it? What can we each do that would improve ourselves and satisfy a need for a more comfortable, mindful, more fulfilled life these next twelve months? For one, and I know it will sound cliché, but I think we should live each day as if it were our last. Decide before January begins that you are going to make some changes that will actually last. Don’t wait for the holidays to be over to then decide what your life will look like in 2018. Make some decisions right now.

I think one way I am going to make 2018 different is to disengage in so much social media. I spend way too much time trying to find the perfect content and then find the time to post to the world that too often I look over a week, and I have glazed through seven more days trying to accomplish things that may not even make a difference in my happiness whatsoever. I am going to create a content calendar, post it to Hootsuite and walk away. My number has been the same for over twenty years. If someone is trying to find me, it’s not a difficult task to do so, and checking my phone and social media all day does not seem to change the end results both for my business or my social life. So why be so caught up in that?

Instead of engaging with my iPhone, I would rather engage with the living creatures around me. It will be a part of my new secret formula for 2018. To be in each moment, rather than a bystander of life, creates meaning and “meaning” is what I mean when I declare magic and wonderment in the here and now.

There’s something called pronoia. It’s a belief in the goodwill of others, and when you can recognize it fully, you’ll find you have tapped into a place where you feel blessed to be alive and can witness wonderment in your everyday life.

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Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? The other day I was out grabbing lunch, and I smiled at a man at the restaurant. Now mind you, me smiling at a perfect stranger is not unusual. I always try to make eye contact with people and smile at them even if they just stare back and ignore me. Call me polite – call me weird. This man came up to me and said, “You have a beautiful smile, thank you for sharing it!” I had not done anything different, but because of his reaction, I felt different and was grateful that here this perfect stranger “got it.” How often would just simply smiling at someone make their day a little better? Why don’t we think like that all of the time?

Inspiring each of us to be kind to one another, thinking about where we are and interacting with one another is a form of a blessing especially in a plugged in digital world.

Seeing each day as a new opportunity to seek to find a secret something, be it a stranger’s smile or a flower in my garden or an afternoon to sit and visit with a friend, is part of living a whole and fulfilled life. So, my idea of 2018 is not to list what I need to do. It’s not to dwell and waste my precious life posting and checking to see how many “likes” I got. No, this year I am in wonderment training. It has been declared, envisioned and proclaimed. Now all I have to do is set forth on my journey and just do it!

Take Care of YOU!

How will you create a wonder-filled 2018? Email me at alisa@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

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