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

JUNE 2022

James Ba ker

David Wells

Jow Houston

t Oscar Swee rmally Naushad Ke

Focus s r h e t F a n o

Michael Allen

Job Fair

Congrats!

Graduates {Vals & Sals}

THERE’S A

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JUNE IS NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

MEN’S HEALTH: SYMPTOMS NOT TO IGNORE ‘It’s nothing.”

That’s the classic retort you hear when you suggest that the man in your life see a doctor for symptoms he’s having.

make a big difference. Even losing 10 pounds can result in reducing the tissues in the back of the throat and thus relieving obstruction.

Your doctor may recommend physical activity, healthy eating and portion control, along with the support of a weight loss specialist.

But it could be something—something which could endanger his health and interfere with his quality of life. Minor complaints needn’t worsen, especially since many of the latest Recently, a new FDA-approved procedure treatments at Memorial Hermann can be for sleep apnea became available for adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea. The minimally or even noninvasive.

Inspire procedure involves the placement of So, here’s how to get him to see a physician a respiratory sensor and nerve stimulator for some common health complaints. into the patient. This respiratory sensor is about the size of an Oreo® and is activated FATIGUE, HEAVY SNORING by a remote, since it is only necessary for Symptoms: He gasps, chokes or even stops sleep. During sleep, the device sends a gentle breathing while dozing. electrical pulse to a nerve that enables the Likely culprit: He may have obstructive tongue to move forward with each breath. sleep apnea, in which excess throat tissue This device can be life changing and can blocks the airway, says Yasmeen Jalal, MD, improve his quality of life significantly.

ENT (otolaryngology) surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land HEARTBURN Symptoms: He feels burning or pain in his Hospital. chest after meals or at night, or is hoarse, or Sleep apnea deprives him of oxygen, raising has a sour taste or trouble swallowing. his risk of diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. It also doubles the risk of stroke Likely culprit: He may suffer from reflux, and heart attacks. Marital discord can also the upward surge of acid from the stomach arise due to loud snoring and disrupted sleep. via the esophagus to the throat, says Shaheer Siddiqui, MD, gastroenterologist with Treatment options: “The gold standard is Memorial Hermann Medical Group Sugar a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Land Multi-Specialty and affiliated with (CPAP) mask, but 30 to 40 percent of patients Memorial Hermann Southwest and find it uncomfortable and don’t use it,” Dr. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospitals.

Jalal says. Surgery on the soft palate, tonsils and nasal tissues can remove obstructive Habitual heartburn may be gastroesophageal tissue. Dental devices that move the tongue reflux disease (GERD), which erodes and and jaw forward can also open the airway. inflames the esophageal lining and can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition which Dental devices or surgery can move the jaw boosts cancer risk, Dr. Siddiqui says. “White or tongue forward to open the airway. men over 50—especially those with round Surgery can clear the throat or nasal bellies and who smoke or drink—are more obstructions. vulnerable.”

As with many conditions, weight loss can Treatment options: If he is under 50 and

over-the-counter antacids don’t correct the symptoms, he may be prescribed acidsuppressing drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). He’ll also be discouraged from having heavy evening meals.

If those measures don’t work, an upper endoscopy is performed which sends a narrow tube with a camera to the stomach and upper intestines to rule out ulcers or inflammation. “The gastroenterologist also can send down tools through the endoscope to seal bleeding vessels and do biopsies,” Dr. Siddiqui says.

If he is over 50, the physician may do an endoscopy before prescribing medication.

To confirm GERD, the doctor can do another procedure, in which a tiny acid- or pHmeasuring probe (Bravo capsule) is attached to the lower esophagus. It comes with a monitor, whose buttons the patient presses when symptomatic. Bravo stays attached for 4 days, then passes through the digestive tract.

Reflux can be cut down by losing weight and stopping smoking and drinking. If not, he may need surgery to repair the valve (or sphincter) that serves as a flapping door between the esophagus and stomach. The operation, fundoplication, strengthens the flap by wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus.

FREQUENT BATHROOM BREAKS

Symptoms: He urinates urgently, slowly and with difficulty.

Likely culprit: An enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia) can press upward on the bladder or curb urine flow by impeding the urinary tract as it moves through the prostate, says Karen Tart, MD, urologist with Memorial Hermann Medical Group

Sugar Land Multispecialty Clinic.

“Eventually the obstruction may lead to bladder dysfunction, inability to urinate and urinary tract infections. It also can progress to kidney (renal) failure,” Dr. Tart says.

Treatment options: Medications can shrink the gland or relax the prostatic tissue, making it easier to urinate.

Urologists can perform minimally invasive procedures to ease the flow, Dr. Tart says.

The UroLift procedure inserts tiny implants to separate prostate lobes, which lessens pressure on the urethra.

Most treatments are done without any incision and through a camera. Aqua ablation uses a computer and high-pressured water, to destroy excess tissue while transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) uses heated electrodes or a green light laser to take out the central part of the prostate. Surgeons can also perform robotic surgery to do a simple prostatectomy, in which they remove the interior tissue of super-sized glands.

LARGE WAISTLINE

Symptoms: He snores loudly, urinates often and has heartburn.

Yasmeen Jalal, MD ENT Surgeon

Likely culprit: Obesity. His organs are surrounded by visceral fat and crammed into his tummy—and that’s bad news.

“Obesity is a major killer because it’s linked to diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and other grave diseases,” says Peter Walker, MD, an assistant professor of surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and bariatric surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. “Yet men don’t address their weight till their pain and medical problems are unbearable.”

Treatment options: According to Dr. Walker, he’s got to step up his physical activity, and not only peel off pounds but keep them off. For eligible candidates, bariatric surgery can lead to faster and perpetual weight loss.

The minimally invasive surgery resolves not just obesity, but also many of the above issues. Yet only 1 percent of those eligible get the operation. “And of those, just one of five are men,” Dr. Walker says, “even though they need it as much as women do.”

According to Dr. Walker, gastric bypass creates a pinky-sized pouch from the top of the stomach and connects it to the small intestine. Gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy, cuts down your stomach by 70

Shaheer Siddiqui, MD Gastroenterologist

Learn more about men’s health and recommended screenings by age at memorialhermann.org/menshealth

Karen Tart, MD Urologist

percent till it’s the size of a banana “People can eat very little, yet they feel full,” he says.

“Once men lose the weight, their quality of life is so much better.”

MAINTENANCE

Why it’s needed: His body is more complex than his car, but just like it, he needs regular checkups and maintenance. Providing those visits is his primary care physician (PCP), says Mahevish Virani, MD, family medicine physician with Memorial Hermann Medical Group Sugar Land. “If a male has health issues, the PCP often is the first to recognize them. We can prescribe or adjust medications and decide what treatments are right,” she says.

Treatment options: He should have an annual physical at least yearly to measure blood pressure, height and weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and other key body metrics. His doctor may urge other tests or health screenings, based on his family or personal health history.

It’s never too late to rev up for better health.

Regular tune-ups will spare him from major mishaps down the road. “Screenings can discover a problem early and help stop it from worsening,” Dr. Virani says.

Peter Walker, MD Bariatric Surgeon

Mahevish Virani, MD Family Medicine Physician

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

{Features} 14 A CHEF-WORTHY SUMMER CLASSIC FOR DAD JUNE 2022

{COVER STORY}

Celebrating Father’s Day with sizzling meals starts with tender, juicy cuts of meat.

15 GRILLED STEAK WITH A COOL, CREAMY SIDEKICK Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Chive Butter

16 TOP HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Fort Bend high schools are proud to announce the names of the seniors who were honored with earning the ranks of 2022 valedictorians and salutatorians.

{Columns} 20 THE SWEET LIFE GARDENER Basil

21 ON THE PORCH WITH PATTI Giant Baby Steps

Fort Bend Dad Michael Allen won our Dad’s Day Prize Package – just in time for Father’s Day. Congratulations Michael! We hope you have the best Father’s Day ever!

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FOCUS ON FATHERS Each June we celebrate dear old Dad, and in this special issue, we asked readers to share with us why their Dads and Grandads are the super heroes in their families. Happy Father’s Day to all of our Fort Bend Dads!

22 FORT BEND STRONG

Family Road Trips: Well-Traveled, Cherished Memories of Days Gone By

32 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE My Marvelous Monstera

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15

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Page 20 & 32

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JUNE 2022 VOLUME 18 | NUMBER 6

Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 21

21

22

The Honorable Pete Olson Contributor Page 22 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 24

24

24 absolutely! {Auto Review} 2022 JEEP GLADIATOR

{In Every Issue} 7 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 26 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

{Newsworthy} 13 SEA CENTER TEXAS TO BRING LIVE SEA CREATURES Sienna Branch Library

19 REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FBISD’S HIRING EVENT

District looks to fill campus-based positions, such as teachers, instructional aides and school nurses on June 7th event

FORT BEND ISD TO HOLD SUPPORT SERVICES JOB FAIR June 30th

31 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

25 FBISD BOARD APPOINTS FOUR NEW PRINCIPALS Elementary and Middle Schools

30 TWO NEWLY ELECTED FORT BEND ISD BOARD MEMBERS Sworn in

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Track wins TAPPS 5A State Championship

ON THE COVER: Fort Bend Fathers

6

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

EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Vol. 18 No.6 June 2022

Dads & Grads: Let the Celebrations Begin

www.fortbendfocus.com 281.728.1204 absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

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

It’s hard to believe that it’s June already. It seems like this year has just flown by, and here we are already celebrating the summer. I, for one, am ready!

Celebrating summer kicks off with celebrating Dad, and in this issue, we feature six very special Dads nominated by family members sharing their sentiments of why their Dad or Grandad is the best ever. I hope you enjoy reading about these special men on page 8. And congratulations to Michael Allen for winning our Dad’s Day Prize Package – fit for a king! If you are looking for some great gift ideas for Dad, check out the Patti with the King of the Kaminski Fort Bend businesses who participated Castle: Happy Father’s Day in the Focus on Fathers promotion on Mr. Kaminski! Photo by Mary Favre. page 12. Simply click on their logo, and go directly to their website to get something extra special for Dad. It’s also the season to celebrate our graduates, and we are so excited to share the vals and sals from Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD and Fort Bend Christian Academy. These students have worked hard to achieve the top spots in their classes, and we salute their efforts. Congratulations to all of our Fort Bend graduates!

Perhaps the sentiment I appreciate the most about fatherhood is by one of my favorite authors, and honestly, it can be applied to motherhood as well. As our babies have become young adults, Mark Twain’s words absolutely resonate with Mr. Kaminski and I. Twain said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”

Happy Father’s Day to all of our Fort Bend Dads and Grandads – we appreciate you all!

Stay focused,

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com Published by

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Sign up at www.FortBendFocus.com.

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

JUNE 2022 l

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E

Focus on Fathers

ach June we celebrate dear old Dad, and this year,

Fort Bend Focus asked readers to tell us about the special Dads and Grandads in their lives. We loved

hearing about your fabulous fathers, and we share you stories in our special Focus on Fathers feature. Best of all, one lucky Dad won the Dad’s Day Prize Package Fit for a King!

Thank you to everyone who submitted their Dads for this very special issue and to our prize sponsors who helped make one Dad feel extra special. Happy Father’s Day to all of our Dads!

David Wells Special Grandad David “Boompa” Wells was nominated by his wife, Nancy Wells.

“I

am nominating my husband as the special granddad. He is called “Boompa” by my older grandchild, who at a young age, could not say grandpa. “Boompa” is engaged with all of his nine grandkids and knows all of their activities and interests. He always takes time to mentor and love, spending each summer all together in a cabin in Colorado!

He is the role model for grandpas!” – Nancy Wells

Quinn and David “Boompa” Wells.

How many grandchildren does “Boompa” have? Nine.

David “Boompa” Wells resides in Rosenberg.

COVER STORY

8

Grandchildren Elise Smith, Ava Shapiro and Larson Smith with David “Boompa” Wells.

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

Houston Jow Special Dad Houston Jow was nominated by his daughter, Sharon Cheang.

“My

dad is special to me, because he has always been present in my life. I can count on him to share my good times and my bad times. He has a very quiet personality and does not say much, but his actions speak louder than his words. He may not say he loves me with his words, but he shows me he cares for me through his acts of service. He is quick to offer me a helping hand or to provide for me like giving me vegetables from his garden.

He always put my needs before his own, and that is what makes my dad so special to me.” – Sharon Cheang How many children/grandchildren does Dad/Grandad have?

Three children and four grandchildren.

Houston Jow with daughter Sharon Cheang.

Houston Jow resides in Houston.

James Baker Special Dad James Baker was nominated by his son, Mike Baker.

“A

fter our mom died as kids, me at 13, my dad raised the four Baker Boys while making sure to continue to work as a lawyer/ statesman. He could have given up but he did not thanks to the good Lord. He is 92 today and still giving father advice, but my opinion is all dads deserve this award, God bless us dads.” – Mike Baker How many children/grandchildren does Dad/Grandad have?

Eight children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandkids.

James Baker resides in Houston.

James Baker.

JUNE 2022 l

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Naushad Kermally Special Dad Naushad Kermally was nominated by his son, Adam Kermally, and his daughter, Arianna Kermally.

“My

dad is special because he is always finding ways to put others before himself. As a father, he is always thinking about us and provides us with anything and everything we want in order to make us happy. In the community, he is always the first person in line to offer assistance or support where it is needed. He is selfless and a true role model to me and many that surround him. He can light up a room with his energy and never says no to anyone who needs him. No matter his schedule, he always finds time for his family and friends, and supports us in anything we set our minds to. He is the best father one could ask for, and the best person to have around in life.” – Adam Kermally

“T

he reason that my dad is the best dad is because he will always go above and beyond to make his kids and wife happy. He makes sure to keep us all in check, as well as make sure we have everything we need to succeed. I know when he’s around, I don’t have to worry about a thing, and that’s what makes having him around so special. He’s so kind, generous, big hearted to anyone and everyone he meets and is someone that everyone should take the time to get to know because you won’t regret it. He definitely holds a special place in so many peoples’ hearts, and we are so lucky to have him!” – Arianna Kermally Aaron, Narmin, Naushad, Adam and Arianna Kermally.

How many children does Dad have?

Three.

Naushad Kermally resides in Sugar Land.

JUNE 19, 2022 10

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

Michael Allen Special Dad Michael “Papa” Allen was nominated by his daughter Kellie Schneider on behalf of her siblings.

“M

ichael (Mike) Allen is the epitome of an amazing role model – a father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband and “father figure” in several lives over the years. And, during the past few years at age 82 years-old, he has had to step into a role of full-time caregiver to his wife, as she struggles with multiple health conditions. He rarely, if ever, complains, and when he does so, it is with a “sense of humor” and grace. Mike and Dianne celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 17th, 2022. Mike represents what it means to be committed to family as he continues to care for our mother. Mike’s family, friends, and especially his grandkids and great grandkids are honored to witness Papa Allen as a role model in their lives. He is kind, patient, forgiving and relies heavily on his faith and models this by his actions daily.” – Kellie Schneider on behalf of the Allen Siblings How many children/grandchildren does Dad/Grandad have?

Four adult kids, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dianne and Mike Allen.

Michael “Papa” Allen resides in Richmond.

Oscar Sweet Special Dad Oscar Sweet was nominated by his daughter, Kelly Sweet Jensen.

“My

dad survived Vietnam, literally by the seat of his pants. Fate? Luck? The friend, soldier laying next to him in the bunker died. Dad was seriously wounded, shrapnel in his bum, back and shoulder. He lived. He went on to have four daughters! Still married to my mama, 54 years this year.

The Loretta Lynn song “They Don’t Make Em’ Like My Daddy, Anymore” describes my dad well. “…not one to make no big impression but one heck of a man who worked for what he got. In a great big land of freedom at a time we really need ‘em, they don’t make ‘em like my daddy anymore.” Dad believes in hard work, family first and he loves his grandbabies!” – Kelly Sweet Jensen Oscar Sweet and daughter Kelley Sweet Jensen.

How many children/grandchildren does Dad/Grandad have?

Four daughters and ten grandbabies.

Oscar Sweet resides in Houston.

JUNE 2022 l

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Congratulations to

Michael Allen

Winner Dad’s Day Prize Package of

Fit for a King!

The Allen Family

Family Ticket Pack for 6 & Set of Agate Coasters

$50 Gift Certificate

ug

5 Tickets & M AN

Ticket to The George Ranch Pioneer Gun Class

CONCEPT SALON & DAY SPA

$50 Gift Certificate

Gent’s Stainless Bracelet

e

$1,000 Gift Certificat

$50 Gift Certificate

NEWSWORTHY

Sea Center Texas to Bring Live Sea Creatures to Sienna Branch Library for Family Event

In conjunction with the Summer Reading Challenge, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will host Sea Center Texas for a fun family event, “Life in the Intertidal Zone,” on Tuesday, June 28th, beginning at 2 pm, in the Meeting Room and outside of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

Families with children of all ages will have an opportunity to experience the intertidal zone with Sea Center Texas’ mobile Touch Pool. Learn about the unique adaptations that allow marine creatures such as anemones, crabs, and snails to survive the tides and other challenges of living along the changing coastline.

Meet some of Sea Center Texas’s resident sea creatures in this interactive event!

This program is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Sienna Branch Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the library.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, or call the Sienna Branch Library at 281-238-2900 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

JUNE 2022 l

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FEATURE

C

elebrating Father’s Day with sizzling meals starts with tender, juicy cuts of meat that take center stage when dining on the patio or firing up the grill. Enjoy family time with your nearest and dearest by savoring the flavor of warm weather meals.

Steak enthusiasts can show off their summer cooking skills with this recipe for Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose. Thick, juicy, marbled steaks are cooked to tender doneness and complemented by steakhouse-style fries for a meal that screams “summertime.”

Visit www.OmahaSteaks.com/Summer to find more summer favorites.

Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 25 minutes • Servings: 2 Southwest Steak Rub: 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika 1/2 Teaspoon Ancho Chili Powder 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Chipotle Pepper 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin

Parmesan-Herb Fries: 1 Package (16 Ounces) Omaha Steaks Steakhouse Fries 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated 1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves, Minced 1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary Leaves, Minced 1 Tablespoon Fresh Italian Parsley, Minced

Source: www.FamilyFeatures.com

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

New York Strip Steaks: 2 Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut New York Strips Southwest Steak Rub 1/4 Cup Grapeseed Oil 2 Ounces Unsalted Butter, Cold Peppercorn Cream Sauce: 1/2 Cup Brandy 3/4 Cup Beef Stock 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream 2 Teaspoons Peppercorn Medley, Coarsely Cracked Salt and Pepper, To Taste

To make Southwest steak rub: • In small bowl, whisk salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, chili powder, chipotle pepper, garlic powder and cumin until fully incorporated.

Grilled Steak with a Cool, Creamy Sidekick for the Best Dad! Click to watch video to see how to make this recipe!

To make Parmesan-herb fries: • Preheat oven to 425 F. Place fries on baking rack on top of sheet pan; bake 25 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy.

• In medium bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary and parsley until fully incorporated.

• Remove fries from oven and toss with Parmesan herbs.

To make New York strip steaks: • Season steaks generously with Southwest steak rub on both sides.

• In cast-iron pan, add grapeseed oil and bring to high heat. Place steaks in pan and sear 3-4 minutes on both sides for medium-rare doneness.

• Remove steaks from pan and rest 8 minutes; reserve oil in cast-iron pan.

Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Chive Butter

T

he next time you want to sear a juicy steak, try this Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Chive Butter recipe from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose.

Thick, tender filet mignon is grilled to a warm medium-rare doneness then topped with cool, creamy, homemade butter: its perfect summer sidekick.

To make peppercorn cream sauce: • Add brandy to reserved oil in castiron pan and reduce to 1/3 volume, about 1 minute.

• Add beef stock and reduce by 1/3 volume, about 2-3 minutes.

• Add heavy cream and cracked peppercorn medley to pan, bring to boil and reduce to simmer until thickened.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

JUNE 2022 l

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Top High School Graduates F

ort Bend high schools are proud to announce the names of the seniors who were honored with earning the ranks of 2022 valedictorians and salutatorians. These outstanding students have worked hard over their four years in high school and earned the highest academic achievements among their class.

As graduates, these scholars are well-prepared to meet future challenges and will be sent along with well wishes of success. Congratulations to the 2022 high school scholars, and good luck on your journey!

Fort Bend ISD

Austin High School

Tracy Wei Valedictorian Stanford University

Eric Liang Salutatorian University of Texas

Bush High School

Michael Ogu Valedictorian University of Texas

Josleen St. Luce Salutatorian Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Clements High School

Michael Zheng Valedictorian University of Texas

Amaris Shi Salutatorian University of Texas

Dulles High School

Aleezay Sheikh Valedictorian Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kelvin Phung Salutatorian Rice University

Kempner High School

Kelsey Wong Valedictorian University of Houston

Elkins High School

Ivan Tong Valedictorian University of Texas at Dallas

Inaya Momin Salutatorian University of Texas

Hightower High School

Michael Nguyen Valedictorian U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Aman Chaudhary Salutatorian Rice University

Vivian Nguyen Salutatorian University of Texas

Marshall High School

Zoe Zidon Valedictorian Loyola Marymount University

Angel Perez-Sanchez Salutatorian University of Houston

Ridge Point High School

Courtney Powers Valedictorian Georgetown University

Trinity Ngo Salutatorian University of Texas

Fort Bend ISD

Travis High School

Ashley Poole Valedictorian Hillsdale College

Atif Momin Salutatorian University of Texas

Stafford Municipal School District

Willowridge High School

Jaden Mack Valedictorian North Caroline Central University

Joel Hernandez Salutatorian University of Houston

Fort Bend Christian Academy

Stafford High School

Mailynn Dinh Valedictorian University of Houston

Savannah George Salutatorian New York University

Madelyn Pozzi Valedictorian University of Southern California

Hung Dang Jr. Salutatorian University of Texas at Austin

NEWSWORTHY

Tax Accountants

Auditors

Consultants

Registration Open for FBISD’s June 7th Grand Slam Hiring Event Fort Bend ISD’s annual “Grand Slam” Job Fair is planned for June 7th as the District looks to fill campus-based positions, such as teachers, instructional aides and school nurses.

Campus representatives and hiring managers will be present to meet with candidates during the event, which will be held from 4 to 6 pm at Clements High School, located at 4200 Elkins Road in Sugar Land.

During the June 7th event, Fort Bend ISD will be specifically seeking: • General Education, Special Education and Career and Technology (CTE) Teachers • Instructional and Special Education Aides • Campus Nurses Candidates are invited to learn more and register for the event at www.fortbendisd.com/grandslam. View all available positions and apply at www.fortbendisd.com/careers.

Fort Bend ISD to Hold Support Services Job Fair on June 30th Fort Bend ISD will host a job fair for candidates who will support district operations for the 2022-23 school year. The event will be held at the FBISD Administrative Annex, located at 3119 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land from 5 – 6:30 pm.

Custodians and facilities staff, crossing guards, bus drivers, cafeteria specialists and Extended Learning staff members are needed for the upcoming school year and play an important role in the District’s efforts to provide an exceptional learning experience for all students.

Departments participating in the June 30th event: • Transportation – Positions include bus driver trainees (offering paid training for drivers obtaining their CDL), bus drivers, bus monitors, vehicle serviceman and vehicle mechanics • Facilities – Positions include custodians, assistant and lead custodians, master plumbers, craftsmen and HVAC technicians • Extended Learning – Positions include group leaders, assistant site coordinators and site coordinators • Child Nutrition – Positions include cafeteria specialists and substitute cafeteria specialists • Police – Positions include crossing guards Visit www.fortbendisd.com/jobfair to learn more and register.

Time is Money For All of Your Accounting Needs Call 281.242.3232 or

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

12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 165 Stafford, TX 77477 www.cpa-tx.com JUNE 2022 l

19

By Alisa Murray www.alisamurray.com

H

Basil

ey Sweet Lifers! Of all the herbs for cooking, I am most in love with basil. Known as the the “king” in Greek and “holy” in India, this herb offers way more than just a little taste of summer to your life. It has, as I say, “all the things” you’d want out of an herb.

First of all for centuries, basil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate fatigue, stimulate hair growth, clear adrenal glands and combat nausea. It is also a powerful healer of colds, lowers blood glucose levels, assists in healing from insect and snake bites and because of its anti-aging properties, it is also shown to prevent skin from drooping and sagging. As if all that wasn’t enough to make you want to grow it in your own garden, here’s the last thing…it improves your love life!

Crushed, dried, emulsified and infused basil is versatile both as a healing apothecary herb and delicious on just about everything. Basils are organized into two categories. The culinary ocimum basilicum (sweet) and the tea basil ocimum sanctum (holy). I use the sweet in cheese balls and butter rolls, as well as in my bread-making, pasta-making, sauces, salads and jellies.

It’s a wonderful treat sprinkled on vanilla ice cream and makes strawberries and tomatoes more vibrant. I dry the leaves and flowers of the holy to make teas and grind them to a paste with olive oil to treat my ant bites, of which from gardening I have quite a few!

One of my earliest videos that I made in 2020 was how to make my basil pesto, and it’s a staple here in the Sweet Life Kitchen. Click below to watch

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow and a great addition to any garden. Just remember to keep pinching them back so they do not bolt (flower) with our Texas sunshine.

That way they’ll keep making leaves for you to enjoy all sorts of goodies all summer long!

Keep on Growing!

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

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

I’m

Giant Baby Steps

writing this on May 26, 2022, the eve of my baby boy’s – gulp – 23rd birthday. And just last Saturday, he graduated from The University of Texas.

Very soon he will move into his own home and start his full-time big boy job.

I understand this is the natural progression of things, that his daddy and I raised him to do exactly this. I just didn’t realize the “this” of this would feel like a mac truck ran over me. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond proud, even though pride is one of them seven deadlies. I do believe; however, the Lord will give me grace on this one for a minute or two.

Last week I mentioned that when my babies turned 21, I penned “Momma’s 21 Life Lessons” and presented them in the hopes that Kassidi and Kolton had both learned them well and would remember them as they grew into young adults. Lesson Number 19 must have hit home with a few folks last week as quite a few readers reached out inquiring about the other 20.

With the milestones of the past few days, the giant baby steps that my baby is tackling like a champ, I thought it most apropos to share “Momma’s 21 Life Lessons” along with a few of the words I wrote to Kolton two years ago: “I honestly don’t know where this time has gone, but I know where it will go. It will go to you continuing to become you – the most amazing and accomplished young man I know. My love, my heart, my hope. As your life’s journey takes you so many wonderful places, there are a few heartfelt lessons I hope

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Momma’s giant baby: Graduate from The University of Texas McCombs School of Business Kolton W. Kaminski. Photo by Kaelyn Huang. you will take with you – 21 to be exact – 21 of Momma’s Life Lessons that I hope I taught you well.

1) The cardinal rule of life: Buy low, sell high.

2) The Bible is right: You will reap what you sow. Sow goodness, sow positivity.

Wear the white hat. As Western cinema has taught us, things never turn out well for the guys wearing the black hat.

3) If you don’t want my peaches, don’t shake my tree. Or, always be precious until pushed. And when the shaking and pushing starts, be the one to finish it.

4) Never mess with momma’s babies or momma’s money. Bless your heart if you are foolish enough to do so.

5) If you think you are working as hard as you can, work harder.

6) Q-U-I-T is the worst, nastiest, most foul four-letter word in the English language.

7) Attitude is everything. Always be half full. Half empty is a losing mindset.

8) Always be ready to pivot on a dime. Life is all about change, and many times, the best-laid plans turn out to be C, D and E. 9) If there’s not enough juice for the squeeze, don’t do it.

10) Be particular and tenacious. Act like a duck on a june bug, but select your june bug wisely.

11) Always keep your ducks in a row.

No one appreciates herding kittens.

12) Be able to read a person like a cheap dime store novel – quick and dirty.

13) Give it all to God – the problems, the praise and the glory.

14) Appreciate the value of your true friends – your friends who have become family. They will carry you through the toughest of times – and they have.

15) It’s always family first, and God is the ultimate family. Always remember where your blessings come from and who brung ya.

16) Love purposefully and passionately. Your heart may get broken, but it’s worth it.

17) Revere the bond with your sister.

It is – she is – a precious gift to you, and her loyalty and love are limitless when it comes to her “Bubby.”

18) Follow your heart, but use your brain.

19) Foul language truly shows your ignorance. If you can’t tell someone to go to hell in a succinct, cogent and effective manner without vulgarities, you need to work on your vocabulary.

20) Be proactive; not reactive. Don’t wait for the storm you know is coming; head it off at the pass.

21) You really do catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar.

22) And finally, one of Momma’s Words of Wisdom to grow on. Not every boy has a momma like you do. Yes, I realize that sentiment could go either way.

I am not perfect. I am not the smartest person. I am not even the best momma.

But, I gave 200% to you – for you – and always will. I will love you forever. I will respect you always. I will fight a grizzly bear for you and win. Every time.”

Once I can cajole myself out of a fetal position, I will see y’all next week – on the porch!

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Family Road Trips: Well-Traveled, Cherished Memories of Days Gone By

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rowing up as a kid in Texas, June was the most enjoyable month of the year.

The next school day was months away.

Hallelujah! The neighborhood pool was open. Hallelujah! It was a time for daily Slurpees, cannonballs, can-openers and belly flops off of the high dive, zinc oxide, suntans and sunburns. Pure heavenly joy. Summer break is Fort Bend Strong.

Late June was usually the month for the annual Olson family vacation. The trip was the same for nearly a decade. We would leave home for two weeks. Our station wagon was bursting with our “necessities” for the seventeen-hour drive to my Dad’s family in southeastern Wisconsin. The first day was always the longest – ten to twelve hours to “put the worst behind us.”

Departure was on Saturday morning at 6 am, so my dad could beat the rush hour traffic. (I never questioned the heavy traffic on Saturday morning logic.) My sister, brother and I were walking zombies in our pajamas, loading into the station wagon around 6 am with the back seats folded down to make a mobile playground/battlefield.

After thirty minutes, our brains would start functioning at a very low level. All we could focus on was personal space; we each wanted as much as we could get. Ten to twelve hours in a car puts a premium on comfort and room. After one hour on the road, we would attempt to draw our “property lines.” We would use our fingers to draw an imagery “property line” on the folded back seats. The three of us marked off every square inch on the playground/battlefield. The family dog was relegated to the top of the Igloo cooler. Without fail, there would be the first “transgression.” Maybe my brother Mike’s foot would be on my “clearly marked property.” I would retaliate by pushing him off with a bonus poke into his ribs. He would let out a shout of pain. Within minutes, he would accuse our sister, Kris, of invading his space – another push and poke. Another transgression meant another push and poke and another scream in pain. We became out of control.

My sweet Dad hoped he could stop the pandemonium with a verbal threat: “I can’t take this for twelve hours. If you kids don’t shut up and stop the fighting, I’m going to pull the car

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over and stop it myself.” We got quiet for five minutes, and then we reverted back to pushing and poking each other. Then came the first punch. We starting punching anything we could hit. The dog would take a few wild punches. The tears started to flow. Dad would calmly put the right turn signal on, pull over on the shoulder, put the car into pack, and explode! He flew around the front of the car, ripped open the door to back, and grabbed the first ankle he could find. We kids were in full selfpreservation mode. The three of us would scramble to the back of the car. We pushed the dog, the cooler, our pillows – anything – to keep us out of Dad’s grip and wrath. Whoever Dad grabbed first got yanked out of the car with fingernails futilely scratching across the hard seat back. He would hold “the victim” up by the arms for all the passing traffic to see, and then give “the victim” a quick spanking. He would fire “the victim” back into the car, calmly walk around the car, get in, put his left turn signal on, put the car in drive and pull back on the highway.

He did not talk for hours. And that was it.

For some reason, as we got older and had our own kids, we relish the memories of those trips. We laugh until our stomachs hurt remembering the idiotic bewilderment we had when Dad finally reached his limit and stopped the fighting. We cherish the memories of bologna sandwiches or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches soaked in the melting ice in our cooler. Kris, Mike and I would loudly sing “Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall” from 99 to zero. It took us nearly an hour to finish. Auto bingo was competition central. We would slyly see what was left on others’ cards and try to distract them if one of us saw the bingo before the others saw it. Those memories made my family strong. Those memories we all have make us Fort Bend Strong.

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

Kate encountering the American Alligator at Brazos Bend State Park.

Summer vacations do not have to be two days on the road for hundreds of miles, cramped into a car, to spend quality family time together. Fort Bend has great family activities that are only an hour or so away. If you want to take the family camping, we have the best park in the Texas State Park System at Brazos Bend State Park. Our park has camping sites if you want to pitch a tent, powered sites if you want have a trailer or cabins if you prefer something a little more “civilized.”

There are many hiking and biking trails in our park. Our park is known as the “Home of the American Alligator.” Hopefully, you see why as my daughter, Kate, did a few years ago. If you do not mess with them, they will not mess with you. The park’s website, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend, has all of the information you need to plan your family adventure.

Brazos Bend Park is Fort Bend Strong.

Is your family full of daredevils? No ride is too fast or too high for the group? Maybe you want to jump out of an airplane at thirteen thousand feet and return to solid ground in less than two minutes? If so, Skydive Spaceland is just the adventure you are looking for. Kate and I did it in 2015 to celebrate her eighteenth birthday! A lot of you know a Fort Bend icon and former Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Betty Baitland. Ask Betty about the thrill of skydiving. She’s seventy-seven years young.

Recently, she did the same dive Kate and I did. Interested? https://houston.skydivespaceland.com in Rosharon has all of the answers you want. (Warning for parents – be careful promising your three-year old child that you will skydive with her when she turns eighteen. You will forget. She will not!)

Celebrating the big 18: Kate and I skydiving.

Maybe your family is more “normal” than mine. If your family prefers to stay in the air conditioning, and your kids are not allergic to learning during the summer break, I have some suggestions that are enjoyable and not overcrowded with long lines. The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) is a great place for summer adventure and education. The museum has flight sim-

ulators for the pilots in your family. LSFM just received the actual Space Shuttle approach and landing simulator from NASA. The museum has a massive collection of historic aircraft. Being a former Naval Aviator, my two favorites have deep ties to Texas and the Navy – the B-25 Mitchell Army bomber and the TBF Avenger Navy torpedo bomber. Both planes made history launching off aircraft carriers. The B-25 was never supposed to takeoff from a carrier, but our desperation to show the world that America would beat Imperial Japan after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor forced us to do the impossible. Led by Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, sixteen B-25s took off from the USS HORNET and struck Tokyo on April 18, 1942. Colonel Doolittle’s copilot was a friend and a Texan, Dick Cole. The Lone Star Flight Museum has an exact replica of Dick’s B-25. And, it still can fly!

The Avenger was the plane that LTJG George H.W. Bush was flying when he was shot down over Chi Chi Jima on September 2, 1944. After floating in the water for hours while being strafed by Japanese, LTJG Bush was picked up by the submarine, USS FINBACK. Here’s a black-and-white video of the rescue on the FINBACK – https://youtu.be/be3N4LaFekM. If that pilot had died, he would not have become our 41st President.

And his son would never have become our 43rd president.

There’s real Avenger at our Lone Star Flight Museum that is an exact replica of POTUS 41’s warbird.

I recently was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for the Lone Star Flight Museum. Please email me if you have questions or want to check out www.lonestarflight.org.

Sadly, you would have to cut down a small forest of pine trees to have enough paper for my ideas for your summer vacation in or near Fort Bend. Here’s some of my other thoughts: The Houston Zoo (www.HoustonZoo.org), the Houston Holocaust Museum (www.hmh.org), the Czech Center Museum Houston (www.czechcenter.org – “Bez prace – nej su kolae” – “Without work, there are no kolaches” – quote from former Rosenberg Mayor Joe Gurecky), the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com), Typhoon Texas Waterpark (www.typhoontexas.com), jet skis in Clear Lake and Tookies restaurant in Seabrook afterward, or see a gusher at the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown in Beaumont.

I hope you have a great start to summer with family. Please email me at pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com with your ideas for a local, family vacations. Even with the occasional poking, punching and spankings, these times together are irreplaceable. They make our families Fort Bend Strong!

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 JEEP GLADIATOR

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he 2022 Jeep Gladiator is a crew-cab pickup truck based on the popular Jeep Wrangler 4x4 off-road SUV. Now you can have all the fun a Wrangler delivers and have the extra utility of a truck bed for those times when only a pickup will do. This is the only pickup that you can buy where you can pull off the doors and remove the top and take off into the woods on a rocky trail. Once you do it, you’ll want to do it again and again.

Fans of the Jeep Wrangler have been clamoring for the automaker to revive a model that disappeared back in the late 1980’s. The original Gladiator was a two-door pickup they introduced in 1962 and immediately found a niche in the growing off-road segment. Although the original Gladiator never achieved the sales numbers of the other Detroit pickup trucks, it retained a loyal following. Vintage models are sought after by knowledgeable collectors.

A base 2022 Jeep Gladiator comes with a $36,480 MSRP price tag. There are two powertrains available along with both your choice of a manual or an automatic transmission. The standard engine is a gasoline-fueled 285 hp, 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a

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TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel economy numbers for the gas engine are 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

There’s an optional 260 hp, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine that delivers more torque along with somewhat better fuel economy. To handle greater torque loads, the EcoDiesel V-6 connects to a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, calibrated for low-RPM shifts. Fuel economy for the diesel is 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Every Gladiator is “Trail Rated” which means they are all capable of surviving an off-road adventure straight out of the dealer showroom.

Last model year, Jeep introduced the Gladiator Texas Trail trim, a model that pays homage to the largest truck market in the country: Texas. Along with a $41,750 MSRP price tag, the Gladiator Texas Trail features 17-inch Mid-Gloss Black Aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch mud-terrain tires. These features, combined with the Jeep Command-Trac 4x4 parttime, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, enhance the Gladiator Texas Trail’s off-road capability.

Texans love both Jeeps and pickups and now, with the Gladiator, we can have both in one neat off-road package.

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

NEWSWORTHY

FBISD Board Appoints Four New Principals at Elementary, Middle Schools The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees has appointed four new principals to lead elementary and middle schools in the District. All appointments are effective July 1st, 2022.

• Briargate Elementary School Dr. Jonathan Sutton has been appointed as the new principal of Briargate Elementary. His work in training and educating children spans two decades ranging from behavior specialist, to teacher, to assistant principal, to his current role as a principal in Galena Park ISD. His experience also includes work as a field supervisor/instructor for Lamar Dr. Jonathan Sutton University and a professor at Belhaven University.

Sutton has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Special Education from Jackson State University, and a Specialist of Education in Administration and Supervision as well as a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi.

• Crockett Middle School Ms. Kyella Griffin has been selected as the new principal at Crockett Middle School.

She has more than a decade of campus administration experience in Fort Bend ISD, as an assistant principal at Holley Elementary and currently as the principal at Dulles Elementary School.

Griffin has a master’s degree in Educational AdminisKyella Griffin tration from Concordia University and a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

• Rosa Parks Elementary School Ms. Anitra Wilson has been appointed as the new principal of Rosa Parks Elementary School. Wilson has 18 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum builder, professional development leader, campus administrator, and she has worked to bring about significant growth at schools that

required improvement. She is currently an elementary school principal in Lamar Consolidated ISD. Wilson has a master’s degree in Administration & Supervision with a concentration in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston – Victoria and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston – Anitra Wilson Downtown. She has numerous certifications including from the Rice Executive Education Academy.

• Schiff Elementary School Dr. Gregory Foulds has been named as the new principal at Schiff Elementary. He has more than 20 years of experience in education and is a strong bilingual communicator who speaks, reads and writes Spanish fluently.

Foulds has more than a decade of campus administration experience in Fort Bend ISD as an assistant principal at Lake Olympia, Dulles and Sartartia Dr. Gregory Foulds middle schools. He is currently the assistant principal at Madden Elementary. He has an Ed.D. in Professional Leadership from the University of Houston, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Spanish, both from Southwest Texas State University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Communication Specialist from Baylor University.

“We are fortunate to have educators with these distinguished credentials and experience as new campus leaders at our schools,” Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck said. “We are confident they will do great work on behalf of each and every student to ensure our children continue to recover from learning loss and go on to achieve goals beyond what they can imagine.”

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Reliant and Houston Texans awarded six student athletes with $10,000 college scholarships. The annual Scholarships for Champions program is designed to encourage students to follow their dreams and further their education while never losing sight of the passion they have for athletics.

Congratulations to one of the award recipients Josiah Ibarra, senior at Elkins High School. Ibarra has been a member of the varsity swimming team throughout his high school career. He has been recognized on 1st Team All-District since 2020, Academic All-District Team in 2021, and was named team captain his senior year. Ibarra has volunteered for several hurricane clean-ups, including Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta in Lake Charles.

Reliant Mascot Hugo, Houston Texans Mascot Toro, Reliant Director of Community Relations and Sponsorship Marketing Leanne Schneider, Elkins High School senior student Josiah Ibarra, Houston Texans Cheerleader Hannah and Houston Texans Running Back Rex Burkhead.

Fort Bend Education Foundation awarded $720,179 in grants to Fort Bend ISD to fund the grants to teachers and schools program during its annual Grant Awards Ceremony held last month at Kempner High School.

Since its inception, the Education Foundation has awarded nearly $36 million in grants to the school district.

Many thanks to all of the individuals, corporations and businesses that supported the Foundation’s fundraising events by serving as sponsors, donors or volunteers.

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Fort Bend Education Foundation Board of Directors JoAnna Kraynek, Nappinnai Natarajan, Sue Chiang, Terri Wang, Jim Brown, Dr. Dennis Halford, Jeremy Alberty, Daniel Menendez, FBISD Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez, Eliud Faz, FBISD Deputy Superintendent Steven Bassett, John Wantuch, FBEF Board of Director Peggy Jackson, Ian Scharfman, FBEF Board of Director Lynn Halford, Beth Johnson and Brenna Cosby.

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

Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship held its 8th Annual Derby Day event at Safari Texas Ranch. The event featured a live and silent auction, Derby Hat contest, Boot-n-Bowties contest and a mint Julep toast. All proceeds benefited Reining Strength’s equine assisted services.

Katherine and Kim Richards.

Derby Committee Sarah Self, Alicen Swift, Heather Hernandez Sedillo, Liz Wilcox and Chair Noell Myska.

Michelle Vargas, Darlene Migura and Dorothy Sanchez.

Carmen Hernandez and MaryAnne Fernandez.

Don McCoy and Heather Hernandez Sedillo.

Kay Garrett and Patti Parish-Kaminski.

Fran Zwick, Michael Gregory, and Greg Zwick.

Ray and Diana Aguilar with Sara and Nathan Hackley.

Don and Angie Weintritt with Virginia and Kevin Fielder.

Peggy Hernandez and Anne Gregory.

Denise McCall, Laura and Tom Espinosa and Jaunice Venson.

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Aimee Fredrick and Emily Scherer.

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OUT & ABOUT

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering held its 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo fundraiser benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (FBS) with over 200 people in attendance. The event, one of the organization’s longest running fundraisers, has raised almost $480,000 over the last 15 years. Photos by Natalie Menjivar.

IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Heather and Dan Howard, Roland and Jennifer Herrera and FBS Board Chairman David Howard.

Jill and Troy Nehls.

Shawn Berube, Barbara Naiser and Floye Wells.

La Cocina owner Andres Novoa and FBS Executive Deputy Director Leah Ghobrial.

Fort Bend friends kicked off summer fun and celebrated birthdays, friendships and margaritas.

Nora and Eloyd Lozoya.

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Veronica Dartono.

Grace and Joey Belleza.

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

Maria Brzazgon and Dave Goodman.

Friends of the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – A Very Special Project of Children’s Museum Houston, gathered to celebrate “Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières: 17th Annual Fort Bend Spring Brunch” at the palatial home of Manmeet and Paul Likhari. The event was a resounding success raising nearly $45,000 for the Discovery Center and its outreach programs in Fort Bend.

Kanchan Sarao with hosts Manmeet and Paul Likhari.

Nancy Olson and Ruthanne Mefford.

Anita Bhandari.

Elizabeth Duffy and Sissi Kasel.

Valerie Golden, Helen Jenkins, Jaclyn Malone, Bertha Abraham, Jeanette Anderson, Linda Cade, Dolores Mithcell, Estell Porter and Sheila Carr.

Susie Goff.

Ann Smith, Betty Baitland, Jo Ann Eagleton and Nell Ciancarelli.

Julia Pardue, Gabby Babba, Dawn Brule, Chandrika Garodia and Deborah Kerr.

Carole Albers and Tareen White.

Lynn Halford and Judith Kisner.

Lindsey Provada and Jenny Folsom.

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Gabby Montoya.

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NEWSWORTHY

Two Newly Elected Fort Bend ISD Board Members Sworn In, Officers Elected Monday Night Newly elected Fort Bend ISD Board members David Hamilton and Rick Garcia were sworn in during the Monday night Regular Business meeting, which also included the election of Board officers.

Garcia was elected to Position 3, formerly held by Jim Rice, and Hamilton was elected to Position 7, formerly held by Dave Rosenthal. Both Rosenthal and Rice presided over their final meeting Monday.

Garcia is an IT project manager.

He and his wife have two children who attend Fort Bend ISD schools.

Hamilton works in commercial insurance. He and his wife also have two children who attend Fort Bend ISD schools.

Board officers elected by trustees Monday night are: President Kristen Davison Malone, Vice-President Judy Dae and Secretary Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam.

Kristen Davison Malone

David Hamilton

Rick Garcia

Judy Dae

Dr. Shirley Rose Gilliam

Fort Bend Christian Academy Track Wins TAPPS 5A State Championship Fort Bend Christian Academy Track team had a monumental season, breaking numerous school and state records, and culminating in a TAPPS 5A State Championship for the girls team.

This marks the first State Championship win for girls track in school history with a team score of 138 points to win the State title. The boys team also had an excellent showing at the State meet, taking home third place overall.

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The 4x200 and 4x400 girls relay team won gold, and the 4x100 girls relay team finished second at the State Meet. Freshman Bayleigh Minor was awarded ‘Athlete of the Meet’ (MVP) with five gold medals.

“I am very proud of the way our athletes competed at state.

We started the season off with the goal of winning the State Championship. The girls came into the meet as favorites, and they did not disappoint,” Head Track Coach Deon Minor said.

“They put together some great performances on day one and followed them up on day two. The boys had a slow day one, but bounced back on day two. They all competed very well. As a coach, all I want to see is that my athletes are competing and doing their best.”

“This is the first State Championship in school history for girls track, and we are so proud of all of these athletes and their accomplishments,” Interim Director of Athletics Aaron Carpenter said. “Coach Minor has created a winning environment for these athletes to thrive, and we are seeing the results. I want to congratulate every athlete and coach that contributed to this Championship, and the entire FBCA community is excited for all their successes.”

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

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June 2022 Winner “A Colorful Sunset at the Park”

By Muneeb Mohammad Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate!

ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus eZine is looking for great amateur photos. Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary. The entry must not have previously appeared in any publication.

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

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

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

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES E-mail to Grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com your digital photo.

Must be 200 dpi HIGH RESOLUTION at size of at least 8” wide.

JUNE 2022 l

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Living the Sweet Life:

My Marvelous Monstera

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ey Sweet Lifers! Everyone should have a house plant, and I believe that like choosing a pet, the decisions about which one, or in most cases ones, to select is a choice made by personality. This conclusion has been based on deep research as both my sweet Brian and I have slid into the wonderful world of gardening together, and as we have, that has spilled over from the outdoors into the house. These things tend to happen.

Sweet Nana had hers sitting by her chair. I can remember her watering the tiny little delicate things and delighting in watching them bloom. She adored violets and had them growing all the time. That is all she tended to, and as Brian and I have become quite fond of the BBC’s long-going show Gardener’s World (over 50 years to be exact) it is obvious that gardener’s fall into two categories.

The first is those who fall so in love with one single plant that they grow every variety that they can get their hands on. Their yards are filled with, let’s say Clematis vines, and they figure out how to make more and more. Sometimes’s it’s the succulents (at least those stay little) that turn them on, and one lady had over 1000 in different varieties and in cute pots. The second is folks who fall into love with almost everything. They have felt the surge of both relief and pride in keeping stuff alive and are propelled as if by some external force to pursue more and more. Those are the more dangerous types, and alas, I fall into that category.

I found her at the local hardware store and at first glance thought now that one looks interesting! She was about 16 inches tall and had on her a good set of leaves off set with an incredible veining. So I took her home and our adventures began. At first I thought she might like the porch, because there’s dappled lighting, and I could

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

get to her every day easily for keeping watch. But soon, I discovered the cats liked her too and began shredding her leaves, and she wasn’t very happy. So I took her inside and potted her up to be near a window. Within days she began unfurling new leaves, and now she does this almost every day. She is big and showy, a perfect match to my personality. I thought oh boy I am in trouble because her growth rate was faster than I had imagined, so I went about researching what exactly she was. Turns out she is a monstera and for those who really know me, you know I never buy one of anything. Not a lamp or a pillow…it always has to be two (don’t ask me why). So you can imagine my predicament!

Perplexed with what to do with her, I researched and discovered a whole world full of fellow monstera mothers and fathers.

We even have “Monstera Mondays” on social where we post proudly our progress with these giant gems.

Turns out there’s a simple way to propagate her, and so I did. I carefully cut three away from her and stuck them in water and within weeks I had three more. You see where this is going. The good news is my mother plants are contained and not everywhere and eventually every room in the house. The bad news? Well, not so bad because these make lovely gifts and are so prolific I don’t suppose I’m going to have to buy another present for my friends ever again. Hopefully I can watch my friends who think they are not plant people grow with a little help from me and my marvelous monstera!

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

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

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