November 2016 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

NOVEMBER 2016

Loggins Jewelers Presents Luxurious Fashion to Fort Bend

'Tis the Season

Entertaining & DINING

Wine Apps HOLIDAY Gift Guide

Be one of the women who does something about it.

It might surprise you to know that one third of all women and half of those over 55 experience a pelvic floor disorder.* Which is why we’ve assembled a multi-disciplinary team of affiliated OB/GYNs, urologists, gastroenterologists, urogynecologists, physical therapists and more.

Every day, they’re tailoring plans for patients wanting to overcome incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse and the many issues brought on by weakened pelvic floors.

MEMORIAL CITY SUGAR LAND TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER

Get to know more about treatment options at memorialhermann.org/pelvicfloor or by calling 713.242.4PFD (4733)

* Source: American Urogynecologic Society

Look & Feel Your Best for the Holidays!

Hormones | Nutrition | Aesthetics “Dr. Shel” Shelena C. Lalji, M.D. Houston’s Leading Health and Vitality Expert

Call TODAY for FREE Consultation!

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We’re excited to have Mary O’Connor,

J & L Distributors 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

a certified Hunter Douglas sales representative with many years of experience, join our team. Come by our showroom to see, touch and operate our Hunter Douglas window coverings. Mary will be glad to answer your questions and schedule an in-home consultation.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

2

Mary O’Connor mary@jlblinds.com

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

6

2 7 3

8 4 9 5 10

Tim Cashion, DDS

Teresa Cody, DDS

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

Formerly Cashion & Cody Family Dentistry and Orthodontics

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

www.candcdental.com www.candcortho.com

Call us now!

281-377-3402

318 Maverick Run Court

281.734.1102

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LIVE CHAT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

breathe easier and live healthier From comprehensive testing and diagnosis to individualized treatment plans, Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists can help you and your family members lead a healthier, more productive life.

Our board-certified pulmonologists and board-certified sleep medicine specialist use a compassionate, patient-centric approach and are supported by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s state-of-the-art technology and caring, knowledgeable staff.

to schedule an appointment, call 281.325.0005. specializing in treating and managing a wide range of pulmonary and sleep disorders: pulmonary disorders • Asthma • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) • Lung Abscesses • Lung Cancer • Pleural Effusion • Pneumonia • Pulmonary Embolism • Pulmonary Fibrosis • Pulmonary Hypertension • Sarcoidosis • Smoking Cessation • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule • Tuberculosis

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sleep disorders • Insomnia • Narcolepsy • Restless Leg Syndrome • Sleep Apnea

Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists 16659 Southwest Frwy.

Medical Office Building 2, Suite 421 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.325.0005

COVER STORY NOVEMBER 2016

F E AT U R E S 20 VINCENT MORALES:

A LEADER FOR FORT BEND

Vincent Morales’ commitment and

compassion to address the community’s needs has paved the way for a bright economic future for Fort Bend County.

As Precinct 1, Republican candidate for County Commissioner, Morales’ focus is to continue to do what he does best – lead.

53 ‘TIS THE SEASON

Holiday Entertaining and Dining HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS 10 WAYS TO BEAT THE HOLIDAY BLUES HOLIDAY MENU MAGIC HARVEST YOUR OWN HOME DÉCOR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 5 HOLIDAY HACKS

COLUMNS Perfect for brides, Loggins Diamond Collection features earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets. Custom designs are also available for brides and grooms with Loggins Jewelers on-site master jeweler.

16 FOCUS ON HEALTH

Your Food Is Causing Your Pain

Photo by Larry Fagala Photography.

18 HOMETOWN HEROES:

Elsie Schade

12 LOGGINS JEWELERS PRESENTS LUXURIOUS FASHION TO FORT BEND

24 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT

Meet Kameron Hill

A full-service custom jeweler, Loggins Jewelers is a place for customers who want to find jewelry they love. For 30 years, the Sugar Land jewelry store has strived to satisfy every customer, sending them home pleased. Owned by sisters Susan Sanders and Jennifer Pappas, Loggins Jewelers is developing an everlasting legacy of luxurious service and jewelry in Fort Bend.

26 COMMUNITY CULTURE

Breathtakingly Beautiful Banff National Park 28 KIDS’ CORNER

Situational Parenting 101 30 THE LITTLE BOOKMARK

Something for Every Reader 80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE:

The Top 5 Ethereal Oils

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

6

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SARA Appliance & Electronics

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CONTRIBUTORS

NOVEMBER 2016

|

VOLUME 13

With Countertenor John Holiday as Special Guest

38 STAFFORD HIGH

SCHOOL SENIOR

Completes Eagle Scout Project

40 COLLEGE OF

TECHNOLOGY PROFESSOR

Named Woman of Distinction

Honors Community Leader Dee Koch

November 19th

52 SUGAR LAND CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION’S

18

By the Letters

Zeenat Kassam Mitha Cultural Correspondent Page 26

26

34 RETIRED LOCAL TEACHER HELPS CHILDREN

PROBLEM SOLVE

Patrick Biron Birons Youth Sports Center Page 28

Through the Use of Technology

28 Leslie Little Contributor Page 30

46 RON BRANDANI

Wins “I Am Sienna” Contest

30

70 TEXAS STATE

TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 32

Celebrates New Fort Bend County Campus

32

MEDICAL FOCUS

44 FIVE REASONS TO

ATTEND BEST IN THE WEST

Joan Frances Contributor Pages 18 & 24

BUSINESS BRIEFS

41 MAMIE GEORGE

CENTER GALA

16

55 THANKSGIVING

Named Special Olympics Texas Male Athlete of the Year

36 FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS MUSICALE

NUMBER 1

BRAIN TEASER

NEWSWORTHY 25 MISSOURI CITY’S

KYLE EDDLEMON

|

Dr. Peter Osborne Origins Healthcare Centers Page 16

2017 Gala “In High Gear”

TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY Recognizes Stafford Elementary Among the Best Schools in Texas

absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW 32 2017 NISSAN ARMADA

Lara Bell absolutely! focus media Page 54

72 LUNG CANCER

AWARENESS SEMINAR

54 Myles Mellor Contributor Page 55

At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

55

73 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

Kim Cress, MD TMS Serenity Center Page 56

Encourages Residents to Stay Aware of the Zika Virus

56

74 MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND EXECUTIVE

Amy Gross Wine4.Me Page 77

Named Young Professional of the Year

77 Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

80

42 SEEN ON THE SCENE

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD 48 ELITE DOC

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Now Open in Sugar Land

absolutely!

DELICIOUS

66 OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF THE BEND 76 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST 78 COMMUNITY EVENTS

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

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77 VINESLEUTH

Wine Apps Make Wine Selection and Learning Easier

BeautyBecomesYou.com Join us for our Annual

Forever Glam Wonderland Holiday Soiree

Treatments and Procedures given away all night long: CoolScuplting Botox Fillers Skin Care and much more!

Thursday, December 1st, 2016 5:30 pm - 8 pm RSVP info@beautybecomesyou.com CALL 281.313.0555

Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres

Eric Humble, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

281•313•0555 16926 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479

Voted Top Doc 3 years in a row

Like us on Facebook

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Vol. 13 No. 1 November 2016

Giving Thanks Henry David Thoreau said, “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” While most of us only think of Thanksgiving once a year, I appreciate Thoreau’s yearlong sentiment. Thanksgiving truly is a state of mind – one to call upon throughout the year – and I, for one, am abundantly grateful for what I am and for what I have, including the gray hair, the fine lines and the abundant lack of patience.

As my Mawmaw used to say, those things “add character.” Of course, now that I think about it, perhaps she was calling me a “character.” Tough to know Patti Parish-Kaminski, Deanna McDonald and Linda Page at the 6th Annual Hope Gala - A New for sure.

Hope benefiting Hope Endowment.

Spending this special time with your characters – your family and friends – giving thanks for our many blessings is a uniquely American tradition filled with the good stuff: food, friends and fellowship. And in this issue, we can help with some of those traditional holiday activities. From shopping at the Sugar Plum Market to attending the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Christmas Musicale to creating an amazing holiday menu, you’ll find the good stuff to share with family and friends.

Speaking of sharing and friends, our friends Susan Sanders and Jennifer Pappas of Loggins Jewelers designs are featured on the cover this month, and they are a donation site for Toys for Tots this holiday season. Customers donating a new, unwrapped toy will receive a 15 percent discount on in-stock items in their store filled with gorgeous pieces for the holidays. Now that’s the spirit of giving!

This month, more than any other, is truly all about family. By definition, Thanksgiving is the act of giving thanks to God in acknowledgement of His divine favor. Today, with my daughter, Kassidi, now being away at the University of Texas for her second year, having both of my birdies home in their nest is my divine favor. And, of course, being able to eat so many of my favorite foods without guilt. Columnist Erma Bombeck said it best: “What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?”

Why else indeed. Give thanks this season as we all at Fort Bend Focus will be giving thanks for you – our readers, advertisers, family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

ON THE COVER:

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.COM

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Jessica Kij M A NA G I N G E D I T O R Sarah Bearden AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S Nancy Dunbar Jennifer Elliott Molly Ellis Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marinela Taylor WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza CONTRIBUTORS M.G. Angulo Lara Bell Kim Cress, MD Patrick Biron Joan Frances Amy Gross Steve Kursar Leslie Little Myles Mellor Alisa Murray Zeenat Kassam Mitha Dr. Peter Osborne O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R AT O R Alexa Goldstein INQUIRIES 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Published by

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

Stay focused, Lower Hand: Untreated Naturally Occurring Burmese Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold.

Upper Hand: Diamond Band and Rubellite Ring.

Ruby and Diamond Pendant, Earrings and Bracelets from Loggins Ruby Collection.

Photo by Larry Fagala Photography.

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

.com • November 2016

10

Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright© 2016 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.

Presents

Luxurious Fashion to Fort Bend

T

he beauty of Loggins Jewelers is not limited to the gorgeous atmosphere of crystal fixtures and marble walls. That allure runs through the pieces showcased in the store to the very experiences each customer has when they step through the front door, seeking to find something special, something unique, something that cannot be found just anywhere.

Custom pieces from Loggins Sapphire Tanzanite Collection.

A Luxurious Legacy of Service A full-service custom jeweler, Loggins Jewelers is a place for customers who want to find jewelry they love, not to be forced to purchase through hard sales tactics. For 30 years, the Sugar Land jewelry store has strived to satisfy every customer, sending them home 100 percent pleased. Owned by sisters Susan Sanders and Jennifer Pappas, Loggins Jewelers is developing an everlasting legacy of luxurious service and jewelry in Sugar Land, and it shines brightest among other jewelry stores, especially large chain retailers which can leave customers intimidated and strained.

“Our experienced sales associates believe every customer is a friend,” said Sanders. “Loggins is grateful to the community for 30 years of wonderful support. Growing up in Sugar

COVER STORY

By M.G. Angulo Photos by Larry Fagala Photography

Loggins Jewelers

l

Land, my sister and I have enjoyed taking over such a fine business, and over the last year and a half, we have been excited to grow and improve the legacy of Loggins Jewelers.”

Talented Services Loggins Jewelers provides a combination of specialty services including master-jeweler custom designs and repairs, top consignment estate pieces, engagement lines and custom design, formal and casual jewelry lines, and soon, onsite custom laser engraving services. Customer dedication has always been at the foundation of Loggins Jewelers, and it is woven into every facet of the company, which is why a customer rarely visits Loggins Jewelers just once – they continue to build their collections with a name they trust.

“As a family-owned business, Loggins understands helping your family find that meaningful work of jewelry for every occasion,” said Pappas. “We offer fine jewelry at every price point.”

14015 Southwest Freeway

l

Sugar Land, TX 77478

One-of-a-kind Frederic Sage Watermelon Tourmaline Earrings and Pendant with Loggins Custom Collection Pieces.

Customized Desires Because it is independently owned, Loggins Jewelers has the ability to uniquely tailor a piece to a customer’s desires, and the limitations on custom work is 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 an independent family store, our on-site master jeweler enjoys the talent and autonomy to work closely with clients to make their dreams a reality,” Sanders said.

Quality Vogue Pieces Loggins Jewelers remains mindful of current trends in jewelry fashion by working with top stylists, fashion reporters and through previewing the most popular designer lines.

When customers visit Loggins Jewelers, however, they will not only be looking at the latest vogue but the absolute finest styles that can be offered. “Loggins Jewelers is entrusted with exclusives by many of the newest hot designers,” said Pappas. “We constantly shop the world for top lines of jewels to satisfy any buyer’s need.”

The Designers Loggins Jewelers has established itself as the premier place in Fort Bend to find the finest and the most fashionable jewelry through its choices of designers — revered creators whose quality works are in line with exactly what Loggins Jewelers customers have come to expect and love. A visit to the store will expose customers to some of the most innovative jewelry creations on the market.

Community Involvement In addition to being a full-service jeweler that promises to “find anything, design anything and fix anything,” Loggins Jewelers is a proud donation site for Toys for Tots.

Customers who bring any new, unwrapped toy will receive a 15 percent discount on in-stock items (excluding estate consignment).

Loggins Jewelers is also an enthusiastic advocate for supporting research of Alzheimer’s – a terminal disease that has struck Sanders’ and Pappas’ immediate family and those of their customers. The first year for the store’s Angels for Alzheimer’s high school scholarship awards – awarded to five students in Fort Bend – is only the beginning of Loggins’ efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Loggins Jewelers is also a proud supporter of locally founded Salute a Soldier and looks forward to continued support of wounded troops.

“One of best parts of being a family-owned local business is the great privilege to be proactive in our community,” said Sanders. “Whether it is support of a child who needs a toy or a college-bound senior who desires to study a neurological disease or a hero soldier in need of medical treatments, the Pappas family will continue to support our local families in need.”

Loggins Emerald Collection featuring Frederic Sage Hand-Carved Jade and Diamond Earrings and Frederic Sage Tsovorite Garnet and Diamond Necklace. Both Frederic Sage pieces are custom, one-of-a-kind designs exclusively at Loggins Jewelers.

281.242.2900

l

www.logginsjewelers.com

Frederic Sage Watermelon Tourmaline Earrings with Loggins Custom Collection Pieces.

Jude Frances Jude Frances has multiple lines that are crafted with 18K gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones. The Soho Silver and new Encore collections feature sterling silver, pavé white topaz and semi-precious stones. Adding another component to the ever popular Jude Frances earring hoop and charm silhouette, the now coveted earring charm frame creates endless Ways to Wear. Combining the Jude Frances 18K gold and diamond hoop earrings with any number of earring charms and earring charm frames creates 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 broader clientele who may want all of the beauty of color at an affordable price. Krypell’s line is noticeably wide and diverse with something for everyone at every age.

Charles Garnier In the tradition of fine, innovative jewelry, Charles Garnier creates unique, distinguished jewelry in both sterling silver as well as gold mixed with semi-precious stones in a wide range of price points. Loggins Jewelers has the newest line of Friendship bracelets starting at $125.

The Holiday Season

Frederic Sage In addition to his bridal line, Frederic Sage’s collections include natural shell, diamond and precious gemstone pieces and are a refreshing departure from typical designs. Loggins Jewelers is excited to announce Sage is designing an exclusive bridal line specifically for the store.

Rina Limor Rina Limor’s use of rare and captivating gemstones coupled with a keen sense of style produces stunning jewelry collections that turn women into collectors. Limor continues to find inspiration for her unique designs in the sensual glamour of the Italian culture. Her jewels transcend the moment and make a statement about that woman’s individuality and personal style.

Loggins Jewelers

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The holiday season can be stressful for shoppers looking to find the perfect gift with both splendor and significance, but Loggins Jewelers can make their experience pleasureable. With its reputation of unbeatable customer service and its relaxing and attentive atmosphere, Loggins Jewelers can offer customers control and peace of mind when looking for the perfect piece.

“Truly, there is something for every shopper,” Sanders said. With bracelets being the hot choice for the holidays, mixing metals, messages and stacking different textures is easy with entry prices starting at $125. Designed by Frederick Sage, unique tri-color tourmaline necklaces, rings and earrings not only will accessorize a multitude of outfits, a woman is assured no one else will be wearing the same jewels. “Old fashioned lines at cold department stores can’t offer that to their patrons!” Sanders said.

281.242.2900

l

www.logginsjewelers.com

A holiday festival with shopping, live music, food and more!

Tour the festively-decorated mansion and discover “How Santa Came to Texas!�

In Partnership With:

Fort Bend MUSEUM

B

ack pain is the fifth most common reason for doctor visits in the United States. Direct costs of back pain on the health care system are estimated to be greater than 50 billion dollars per year. It is estimated that 80 percent of the population will have back pain at some point in their lives.

There are a number of causes and contributing factors. Injury, obesity, lack of exercise, weak muscles, arthritis, ruptured discs, sedentary jobs, chronic sitting or driving are commonly cited.

Equally, there are a number of treatment options. The first trip to the doctor usually leads to a prescription for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and muscle relaxers. Other treatment options include: chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, traction, spinal decompression, manipulation under anesthesia, steroid injections and surgery.

Food and Chronic Muscle and Back Pain: One of the most overlooked factors contributing to chronic back and muscle pain is diet. Many doctors ignore this, because nutrition is not a topic of discussion in most medical schools. The truth is that food can alter internal body chemistry in both good and bad ways.

Food quality is affected by its source, additives, processing, genetic modification and packaging. Many highly processed products are referred to or marketed as healthy foods. This causes mass confusion for the average consumer. Listed below are the most common foods that contribute to back and muscle pain.

1. Trans or Hydrogenated Fats: Even if the label says zero grams of trans fat on the front of the package, it may still contain a half gram of trans fat per serving size. Many food manufacturers

FOCUS ON HEALTH

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Your Food Is Causing Your Pain change their serving sizes so they can put “0 Trans Fat” on their packaging. If a food contains any amount of trans or hydrogenated fat, it should be avoided.

This type of fat disrupts the way the body uses essential omega 3 fats. This fat also disrupts the way the body handles tissue inflammation. If you have chronic or acute back pain, it should be avoided at all costs.

2. Cereals, Breads, Pasta and Baked Goods: Despite the popularity of whole grains being marketed as a health food, grain-based foods contain very high ratios of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids.

This ratio of fat leads to the promotion of inflammatory chemicals within the body. Additionally, heavy grain-based diets can contribute to blood sugar and insulin problems, making healing more difficult. Recent research findings suggest that one in three Americans have either intolerance or an allergy to grain.

3. Fried Foods: This includes items such as chips, French fries, fried meats and even fried vegetables. Commercially fried foods are typically cooked in trans fat at high temperatures. This process creates a cancer causing chemical called acrylamide. Even frying in canola, soybean, corn or other oils can be problematic. These oils tend to become rancid when exposed to high temperatures.

Again, these oils are rich in omega 6

fatty acids that tend to elevate tissue inflammation. Cooking in these oils contributes to cancer, heart disease, weight gain, diabetes and more. They thicken the blood, making it more difficult for the body to deliver nutrients to tissues thus decreasing the body’s ability to heal.

4. Sodas and Energy Drinks: Soft drinks contain 10 teaspoons of sugar, high levels of caffeine, artificial colors and flavors, sulphites and carbonated water. If the soda is sugar free, it typically contains chemical sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin and sucralose.

Processed sugar is an anti-nutrient. It is a known contributor to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, bone loss and immune system suppression. Caffeine is a diuretic that causes nutrient loss. Doses as low as one cup of coffee per day have been linked to infertility, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, headache, gastric pain, constipation, and muscle spasm. The artificial sweeteners can cause blood sugar abnormalities. Some are linked to cancer, kidney and liver disease, thyroid disease and diabetes.

5. Food Allergies: Many people have food allergies that go undiagnosed.

They are a common cause of inflammation and tissue damage. Food allergies are not always obvious and sometimes require specialized testing to diagnose.

Skin prick testing is not an accurate way to assess food allergies.

If ever in doubt, follow these simple rules: 1. Avoid packaged food. Ninetyfive percent of packaged foods are not healthy, no matter what the labels claim.

2. Read labels. If the label has any terms that you cannot pronounce without practice, it should be avoided.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

• Is the only Board Certified Nutritionist in Sugar Land • Is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition • Is a Doctor of Pastoral Medicine • Has held teaching appointments at Texas Women’s University and HCC’s nursing program • Lectures nationally to other physicians on the topic: drug induced nutritional deficiencies

n Origins Healthcare Centers

Dr. Peter Osborne

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

7616 Bradford Place #110, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-2229 • www.DrPeterOsborne.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

16

By Joan Frances

Hometown Heroes:

Elsie Schade

W

alking into a PennyWise store to search out the great prices on clothing, housewares and furniture is an exciting experience for bargain hunters, who never know what treasures they will find. Not only is the money well spent, but funds go to the Fort Bend Women’s Center, a non-profit organization that assists survivors of domestic or sexual violence and their children to achieve safety, heal and begin a new independent and self-sufficient life. Residents of Fort Bend County generously donate their time to support this vital establishment. One faithful Elsie Schade. worker who gives her time to this need is Elsie Schade.

A Sugar Land resident for 15 years, Schade is originally from New Jersey, where she was an administrative assistant in Bernards Township. After retiring, she moved to Fort Bend County to be close to her son. Her daughter lives in New Jersey along with Schade’s two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. About six years ago, Schade was looking for a place where she could volunteer. “I called a few local newspapers for a non-profit organization that was looking for volunteers,” Schade explained. “They connected me with the Women’s Center. I was moved by their purpose to help men, women and children who are affected by domestic violence.

I believe this is something that can impact anyone, any age, culture, nationality or income. I wanted to be a part of helping these people, and they chose me.”

Schade started working in the administration office making copies and assisting in various office projects. The managers discovered her experience in bookkeeping and put her to work. “They soon noticed that I have a talent for keeping accurate books. Once a week, I go through all of the daily reports from the three PennyWise retail stores and balance all of the charge receipts from the past week. When there are problems, we all work together to find the solution. I really enjoy working with the other people in the office. We are all there for a purpose: to keep things moving smoothly and to support the organization and what it stands for. I may not see any of the people we help, but I know they are taken care of because of what we do.”

In addition to her valuable bookkeeping skills, Schade enjoys volunteering for fundraiser events. Every April, Classic Chevrolet presents the Classic Boogie Prom Night fundraiser at the Stafford Center. Bell bottoms, big hair and polyester suits complete the evening of fun. Schade greets patrons at the table when they enter and records the list of participants. She also attends Girlfriends Giggle, a pajama party for women hosted by STARS volunteer auxiliary.

“This will be the 12th year for the fundraiser on February 9, 2017, and it is so much fun to watch,” Schade said. “I greet and register the women and enjoy the feeling of compassion these people have for the Women’s Center. It makes me so proud to be a part of this organization. It means so much to be a volunteer. I am a member of a group of generous, giving people who want to improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Thanks to volunteers like Schade, the world is becoming a much better place to live.

For information on upcoming fundraising events benefiting the Fort Bend Women’s Center and to volunteer, call 281-344-5750 or email mail@fortbendwomenscenter.org.

“It means so much to be a volunteer. I am a member of a group of generous, giving people who want to improve the quality of life for everyone.” – Elsie Schade

Family members Amelia and Danielle Strittmatter with Karin and Elsie Schade.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

18

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Family First

VINCENT

MOR LES A Leader for Fort Bend

Experience in Leadership

To

guide or direct, to provide guidance or show initiative – these words describe what it means to be a leader. But being a leader means much more than mere words alone. Being a leader means experience. Being a leader means having a proven track record of success. And more importantly, being a leader means being capable and compassionate about addressing a community’s needs and concerns both now as well as for the future. For Precinct 1, Republican candidate for County Commissioner and former Mayor of Rosenberg Vincent Morales is such a leader.

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.com • November 2016

“My commitment to this community begins at home,” said Morales, a 25 year plus resident, business owner and two-term mayor of Rosenberg. “I married a Fort Bend County native and together, Regina and I have raised our family, started and built a successful business here. Today, our sons, Chris and Justin, are raising their families here, and our entire family is committed to community service by volunteering for numerous organizations. That’s how we raised our boys – to value and contribute to their community – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

While the legacy of community service in Fort Bend began with Regina Klingle Morales’ ancestors – her great uncle Ervin Muegee served as Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 1 for 12 years in the 50s and 60s – her husband has made his own mark leading the City of Rosenberg as mayor for four years. “Vincent’s accomplishments as Rosenberg mayor led the City to a time of unprecedented growth and development,” shared Regina, who knows a bit about economic development in her role as the President/CEO of Central Fort Bend Chamber. “His focus on managed growth and bringing new businesses and jobs to not only Rosenberg but Fort Bend as a whole has paved the way for a bright economic future for the City and its residents.

20

“Vincent understands what it means to meet a payroll, to balance a budget and to make the tough decisions,” said Regina. “When we started our business, GreenScape Associates, 12 1/2 years ago, it wasn’t easy. We began with a few key clients, and today, our business has grown exponentially with over two dozen employees. Vincent knows how to grow and nurture a business, whether it’s a landscape management company or a county. He knows how to lead and prepare for the future.”

THE FUTURE OF FORT BEND

B

usinessman, volunteer, cancer survivor and community leader Vincent Morales’ focus as Precinct 1 County Commissioner is to continue to do what he does best – lead. Leadership with commitment, compassion and conservative core values is what Morales has proven to the citizens of Rosenberg during his tenure as mayor. “My work for Rosenberg is not done; it has only just begun. I am committed to making certain that our community will be a viable place to live, work and educate our children and grandchildren for years to come.”

As Precinct 1 Commissioner, Morales will focus on . . .

Mobility

Economy

Jobs

Water

Keep Fort Bend Moving Forward

Ensure Managed Growth

Bring New Businesses and Jobs to Fort Bend

Secure Alternative Water Supply

Visit vincentmorales.com for more information or to volunteer.

Morales’ track record as mayor of Rosenberg speaks for itself. He achieved several major milestones in economic development, infrastructure and education benefitting the City and its constituents. In the business arena, several companies relocated or expanded their headquarters in Rosenberg, two new business parks were created and new retail developments were created with 489 certificates of occupancy issued since 2011. “Business expansion and relocation means more jobs,” said Morales, who reported in his 2015 State of the City of Rosenberg Address that Rosenberg’s unemployment rate was just below four percent, lower than both the state and national average. “My focus on economic development

in Rosenberg helped us attract corporations and bring more, better jobs to our community. This is how we built a stronger local economy with less unemployment than then rest of our state.”

Morales assisted Rosenberg in creating new housing developments during his tenure resulting in 664 certificates of occupancy issued since 2011, and in 2014, the City reported 775 new housing starts along with nearly 1,400 newly platted residential lots. “It’s not just luck that so many people want to live in our community,” said Morales. “All of our non-profit organizations and municipalities work hard to create a community that will sustain our projected growth and provide an exemplary quality of life for generations to come. That’s exactly why I want to serve as Precinct 1 Commissioner. I plan to take my experience and achievements as both mayor of Rosenberg and a Fort Bend business owner to ensure a viable, secure future with vast economic opportunities and reliable infrastructure to Precinct 1 constituents for our future generations.”

Photo by Alisa Murray Photography.

A Vision for the Future

Proud grandparents Vincent and Regina with William, Parker and Madelyn Morales.

fort bend

Whether it’s designing a commercial landscape project or serving on TX DOT’s I-69 Alliance Board to expand the Interstate Highway, Morales knows that infrastructure is key to both current and future success. As Rosenberg mayor, he negotiated and signed an agreement with the Brazosport Water Authority to secure the delivery of three million gallons of treated surface water a day to the City creating a cost effective, sustainable, abundant, clean water supply for Rosenberg citizens to meet the State ground water reduction mandate.

“Educating our work force for the jobs that are coming our way is a vital component of maintaining a strong local economy. It helps us prepare for a prosperous future,” said

magazine • November 2016

21

Morales, who was instrumental in Texas State Technical College (TSTC) selecting Rosenberg for their newest expansion. “The industries that we are attracting to Fort Bend need an educated work force, and TSTC will help us provide that asset to businesses.”

The 80-acre technical education campus opens this fall, and when fully developed, will support a student body of up to 5,000.

“It

was great to see so many friends and neighbors turn out to support the next Fort Bend County Commissioner in Precinct 1, Vincent Morales.

As mayor of Rosenberg, Vincent’s conservative leadership charted a path of explosive growth with a leaner city hall. The hundreds who were at the Morales Crawfish Boil know that Vincent will give them something they’ve lacked for eight years – a voice in the Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court.”

– Congressman Pete Olson

“It

has been my honor to work with Vincent Morales many times on many different issues in Fort Bend County. Vincent is a proven leader who is committed to Precinct One’s continued growth and prosperity.”

– Senator Lois Kolkhorst Photo by Terry Blackburn.

“V Vincent Morales and Hector Avelar.

Committed Leadership Morales’ commitment to public service is inspiring. “Seeing the positive results of my public service in the community is the ultimate reward for me,” said Morales. “Being accessible to my constituents is one of the most important aspects of my job. I thoroughly enjoy being out in our community, meeting with different groups and organizations, so I make an effort to be as accessible as possible.”

The former mayor’s commitment to public service is essentially a Morales family motto. “My parents have always instilled in us that faith, family and community are our core values – the things that matter most,” said Justin Morales. “Supporting our community is just something we do, and it’s something that we are proud to do, just as we are proud of our dad and the work that he has done, and that he will continue to do as Commissioner of Precinct 1.”

Visit vincentmorales.com for more information about Vincent Morales.

incent’s persistence in expanding Texas State Technical College in Rosenberg shows not only his ability to get things done, but his vision for the future.”

– Joe Gurecky, Founder of Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Inc. and Former Rosenberg Mayor

“I

know Vincent Morales, and I can tell you he is a strong Republican with proven business experience. I am proud to give him my support, and my vote, as the next Commissioner for Fort Bend County, Precinct 1.”

– Representative Rick Miller

“V

incent Morales is a proven public servant here in our community with a passion for the future of Fort Bend County. Vincent has my endorsement and my full support for Commissioner, Precinct 1. He will be a great asset to the Precinct, to the Commissioner’s Court, and our County as a whole.”

– Representative Dr. John Zerwas

“V

incent is a loyal member of our community. His commitment to making this community a viable place to live, work and educate our children and grandchildren for years to come is evident in everything he does. I’m proud to call him a friend.”

– Dr. Shannon Orsak, Co-Founder of St. Michael’s Emergency Room

Vote Morales:

A Leader for Fort Bend Election Day: Tuesday, November 8th Early Voting: Monday, October 24th – Friday, November 4th

For a complete list of voting locations and hours, visit fortbendcountytx.gov.

Pol Ad Pd by Morales for FBC Commissioner – Precinct 1, Doris Gurecky Treasurer TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

Meet Kameron Hill

K

ameron Hill, a senior at Stafford High School, has accomplished much by earning respect for his academic accomplishments and stellar athletic abilities. He is a team player and a leader who continues to impress his teachers and coaches. After an amazing high school career, Kameron is headed for a successful future.

Kameron has taken Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society, and he ranks 16 out of 220 in his 2017 graduating class. Kameron was awarded the Perfect Attendance Recognition Award and the Certificate of Excellence in English, Language, Arts and Reading (ELAR). Kameron was the recipient of the President’s Education Award. He also played the saxophone for Stafford High School’s Mighty Spartan Band.

Kameron’s forte is football, and he has devoted the past 12 years to the sport. He plays first team defensive end and is one of the top players. He

Ka m e r o n

is a co-captain of the team and takes his leadership responsibility very seriously. “As one of the co-captains, I must set an example for the other members of the team not just on but off the field as well,” Kameron said. “Wherever I am, I try to focus on what is right and stay true to my commitment.”

His favorite teacher is Coach Ron Counter. Kameron reflected, “Coach Counter leads the team with a calm and cool demeanor. His attitude and dedication to the team represents the school in the best possible way, and he leads by example.”

One value that Kameron lives by is respect. “I treat people the way I want to be treated. Hussein Nishah said, ‘Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not given.’”

Kameron’s high school experience has not been a traditional one. Because of his devotion to football, his coaches and team members spend almost every

day together, talking strategy, memorizing plays and practicing. They have become his best friends and extended family. The bond these players have forged is present on and off the football field. Unity, respect and camaraderie are ever present before, during and after the games. Last year, the team was undefeated and won district. Kameron also played basketball for the school last year and was awarded 1st Team Academic All District. He is considering joining the team again as a senior.

In addition to his busy school schedule, Kameron finds time to be engaged in activities at Crossing Point Christian Church in Missouri City. He is a member of the True Love Waits Teen Ministry Program and also participated in Youth Sunday, taking over the service and delivering inspirational messages and encouraging words to the congregation. He was a part of the Youth Rally where youth are encouraged to learn well, lead well and live well.

Kameron participated in the Quest Manhood Course at the church and volunteers as a general laborer assisting people in need. Additionally, he volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Stafford.

Kameron received a full offer to play football for the United States Air Force. He is also considering Rice, Yale and Cornell universities.

He is interested in majoring in biochemical engineering and minoring in sports medicine. Congratulations on your undeniable commitment and talent Kameron, and we wish you the very best in life as you make the world a better place to live.

“Wherever I am, I try to focus on what is right and stay true to my commitment.” – Kameron Hill TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

24

NEWSWORTHY RICHMOND – RIVER’S EDGE

Missouri City’s Kyle Eddlemon Named Special Olympics Texas Male Athlete of the Year Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) named Missouri City resident Kyle Eddlemon Male Athlete of the Year for the 22+ age group. Eddlemon, a Gulf Coast Area Kyle Eddlemon.

SOTX athlete, was formally recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2016 SOTX Fall Classic competition.

“Kyle exemplifies true qualities of a leader,” said SOTX Coach Gary Schottle. “He is supportive and strives to help his teammates achieve results through mentoring and encouragement.”

Eddlemon was born with a genetic disorder that causes benign tumors to grown in his brain, affecting the central nervous system and resulting in seizures and developmental delay. In an attempt to treat the seizures, which are often caused by hard physical labor or getting overheated, he opted out of surgery and decided to try a new medication.

Despite this, Eddlemon does not let that hold him back. He has been involved with SOTX since 1994 and competes in basketball, softball and volleyball.

“Kyle understands his condition, but he doesn’t let it stop him from being all that he can be and encouraging his teammates as well,” said Margo Pasko from the Arc of Fort Bend County.

Outside of SOTX, Eddlemon works for the Houston Astros’ Major League Field Operations and the University of Houston baseball team. Prior to this, he worked in the Houston Astros’ Guest Services department for five years.

Eddlemon is also involved with the Arc of Fort Bend County, assisting in their fundraising efforts by acquiring Astros memorabilia for a silent auction.

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25

The clear blue water of Lake Minnewanka with Mount Ashley as a backdrop.

By Zeenat Kassam Mitha

C

MMUNITY

Culture

O

ne of my favorite places to visit is the resort town of Banff in Alberta, Canada, located within Banff National Park. Banff is a mix of culture, so much so that for a while, street signs were in English, French and Japanese. Today, the street signs are in English and French, as the diverse population has grown, but business signage is in English and several other languages including Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. Banff is an oasis for nature lovers with hiking and biking trails, natural hot springs, great powder for skiing, aqua clear and green lakes and rivers for canoeing and boating, wildlife such as elk, moose and grizzly bears, and God’s brush stroke of painted beauty in every mile.

The lovely Bow Falls in Banff, Canada.

“Banff and Lake Louise are beautiful places to visit and offer so much,” said Angela Moore, regional director of public relations of the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada’s Western Mountain Region. The Banff Upper Hot Springs offers 100 percent natural mineral water, and water temperature is kept between 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors to Banff can also

Breathtakingly Beautiful Banff National Park soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a magnificent bird’s-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges and spectacular vistas in every direction via the Banff Gondola lift. Both are open year round.

After the transcontinental railway was built through the Bow Valley, Banff was first settled in the 1880s.

Three Canadian Pacific Railway workers came upon several natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. Canada established a federal reserve of 10 square miles around the Cave and Basin hot springs in 1885 and began advertising the area as an international resort and spa to generate income to support the new railway. By 1887, the federal reserve area was increased to 260 square miles and named Rocky Mountain Park. Thus, Canada’s National Park system began.

The president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, George Stephen, named the area Banff in 1884 after his birthplace in Banff, Scotland. The Canadian Pacific built a succession of majestic hotels to advertise the area as an international tourist resort, including the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise, which are now both Fairmont Hotels. Banff remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada.

The United Nations declared Banff National Park a World Heritage Site.

Close to Banff are the towns of Lake Louise and Jasper. They are a must see on this trip, as they provide their own breathtaking scenery. Lake Louise offers spectacular views and water, and the Columbian Icefields in Jasper are a vision to see in the summer. Some

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hotels to consider in the area are The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, The Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge, Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Dining options include The Eden, Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant, Coyotes Southwestern Grill and Indian Curry House to please many diverse palates.

The ski towns of Banff and Lake Louise are home to three distinctive mountain resorts: Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village. These resorts claim nearly 8,000 acres of skiing, two gondolas, 26 chairlifts and offer approximately 30 feet of feather-light, dry powder annually.

“This unspoiled terrain of beauty at Banff National Park is a land to discover,” said Shanaz Hirji, a regular visitor of Banff and Lake Louise who lives close by in Calgary. With its breathtaking scenery and widespread appeal, Banff is a must-see mulitcultural destination.

Shanaz Hirji and Zeenat Mitha taking in the beautiful scenery and clear blue water of Lake Minnewanka and Mount Inglismaldie and Mount Girouard as the backdrop in Banff.

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r e n or n

C ’ ck s atri P d Ki By

feel. Set the child up for success by lessening the likelihood he will do the behavior again, and set logical consequences should the situation arise again.

In the example of the laundry, the parent should talk to their child about how a stinky room makes them feel, help by making the laundry basket easy to get to, and perhaps don’t wash the child’s favorite shirt if it isn’t placed in the basket.

Biro

Situational Parenting

A Combination of Both

O

kay, let’s all be honest for a bit. Parenting is really, really hard. I know in this day and age of social media, we all post images of our perfectly behaved children in matching clothes, wearing both shoes at the same time, smiling and enjoying that they are being photographed. But, Christmas card worthy photos don’t show the true, raw, daily experience of parenting.

Much of the stress that comes with parenting stems from a breakdown in empathy or communication between the parent and child. That sounds simple, because it is. The solutions are a bit harder, but let’s understand how those breakdowns can be categorized.

The Child’s Own Problems These situations directly affect the child but not the parent, and the stress originates when the child feels the parent doesn’t empathize or properly acknowledge the situation. In fact, this is the stereotypical teenager problem: “You just don’t understand, Mom!” It might be based in how the child looks, their relationships with friends or the fact that they texted that one kid four minutes ago and they haven’t texted back yet, so they are worried that person hates them.

To solve this, parents should first realize that the problem is the child’s, not theirs. And because of that, the solution has to be the child’s as well. This is difficult for a parent, since parents have an innate desire to swoop in and save their babies from any paper cut, tear or difficulty. But, a parent can’t text that other kid for their child. The parent’s role here is to listen – not dismiss – the emotions that the child is feeling. Truly empathize and empower the child to both resolve and overcome the situation. Be supportive and encouraging. Think of it like learning to ride a bike. Eventually, the parent has to let go – and let him fall – if the parent wants their child to find his own balance in life.

The Child’s Bothersome Behaviors Here, the parent feels that the child doesn’t understand or properly follow “common sense” or the parent’s expectations. Examples include leaving dirty laundry on the floor or making the bathroom look like it flooded during a bath.

The key to realize here is that the child doesn’t empathize with the parent, and in fact, the child usually doesn’t even notice the problem behavior or consider how it might be affecting the parent.

The parent’s goal is to change the problem behavior, and the strategy is to speak with the child about expectations and how the situation makes them

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I call this one the “shopping cart meltdown.” Here, the child feels that the parent doesn’t understand situation, and in response, they exhibit a bothersome behavior in an effort to change that. This is the hardest one to deal with personally. I would pay extra just to checkout at the grocery store in a lane with no candy.

But I digress.

The best techniques to handle this situation are to start by acknowledging the child’s emotions and desires. “Yes, I think candy tastes good too. That’s why you want it, because it’s yummy, right?” Second, explain why we can’t give into those desires, even if they are justified. “Well, look at all of this amazing food Mommy is buying for us to have at home. Even the yogurt you picked out too! That candy is yummy, but the yogurt is yummy and will make you have strong bones. Where do you want to sit at home when you eat your yummy yogurt?”

Finally, seeing how the child still will probably throw a fit about not getting the candy, parents can address the bothersome behavior by explaining how the shouting makes them feel and how it might make others around feel too. Tell the child the right way to ask for candy and what goals or expectations he needs to meet in order to buy and ultimately enjoy it. Or, find a check out lane without any candy.

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By Leslie Little

Something for Every Reader Dive into one of these great books this fall.

They’re worth the read!

Smitty Hits the (Play) Books

by Wade Smith and Jayme Lamm There is not a better “work hard, do your best” book for kids. When Smitty’s obsession with football becomes more important than his schoolwork, his mom decides football has to go. Smitty is devastated and realizes – with help from his teacher – that hard work and perseverance are important not only on the playing field but also in the classroom and with everything else in life.

Whisper Hollow by Chris Cander Set in the small, coal-mining town of Verra, West Virginia, Whisper Hollow is a novel full of secrets, guilt, loves lost and found, betrayal and devout religion. Although covered in the fine gray coal dust that coats the entire town, Cander’s characters shine with a beauty that is as intricate as the soft, green ivy woven among the garden fence planted many generations ago. This book is highly recommended.

Cross-Examining History: A Lawyer Gets Answers From the Experts About Our Presidents

by Talmage Boston Take a front row, aisle seat in the courtroom of presidential history. Boston, a Dallas attorney, knows how to ask the tough questions and does so here with the leading presidential historians and Washington insiders like we have never seen before. He shares through 31 transcripted interviews – some taking place in Houston – the story behind the story of our favorite commanders-in-chief.

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absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2017 NISSAN ARMADA T

he 2017 Nissan Armada is a truly all-new, large-size SUV. The only thing carried over from the previous model is the name. It’s pretty amazing that Nissan rolled the dice and completely abandoned the past. But, they may be onto something pretty special here.

The old Armada debuted in 2003 and was Nissan’s first foray into the large SUV market. Built on the same platform as the Titan, their first entry into the full-size truck market, the Armada seemed massive but drove a lot smaller than the competition.

It handled well, and the 5.6 liter V8 made it move fast, but initial quality was downright lousy. Nissan never invested in upgrading it to keep up with what the other automakers were doing.

By the 2015 model year, the Armada felt hopelessly dated, and a 2016 edition never appeared.

It’s all different now, because the 2017 Armada is awfully attractive. It’s no coincidence then that it shares a lot of DNA with a vehicle that is popular in many upscale suburban garages, its luxury cousin the Infiniti QX80. That’s good news for Armada buyers, because the new, top-of-the-line Platinum edition is very much a near-luxury model that should steal customers from the more expensive Infiniti.

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This new Armada no longer rides on a Titan platform. It is still body-on-frame, but it is now based on the Nissan Patrol, a global truck that is not sold in North America. For such a big SUV, it handles great, feels smaller than its actual size and doesn’t drive boaty. There is a third row capable of hauling two small kids, and second row seating can be ordered with captain’s chairs or a bench seat.

With a base MSRP of $44,400, there is only one engine choice, a 5.6 liter engine that shares the same displacement as the previous model, although Nissan assures us that this engine is completely new. They did seriously bump up the horsepower from 317 to 390, and tow capability is rated at 8,500 pounds.

Mated to a new 7 speed transmission, fuel economy is hardly stellar at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Nissan is clearly looking to capture a bigger share of the highly profitable, full-size SUV segment with this new Armada.

By giving it more than just an obvious physical resemblance to its popular luxury counterpart, Nissan could have a winner in the 2017 Armada.

Follow Steve Kursar at KursarOnCars.blogspot.com.

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Best preschool . . . check! Best public or private elementary school . . . check! Son or daughter inspired to be an active creator and maker Carol McDonough. in technology . . . huh? Register them for Fundamentals of Computer Coding!

Parents who desire their nine to 14 year-olds to learn fundamentals of basic computer coding, develop reasoning skills in a systematic manner and increase creative thinking skills as they make up stories, games and animation are encouraged to register their kids for this two-hour, twice a week Fundamentals of Computer Coding after-school class through First Colony Community Association (FCCA). Participants do not have to be an FCCA member to register and attend classes.

A well-known and highly regarded web-based program is utilized in order to build a creation step-by-step, and if it does not work out, the student fixes the creation. Students are required to bring their own laptop. Each monthly class session will culminate with an independently judged competition of completed projects. Kids love fun competitions! The students build on knowledge gained from prior classes, but new students easily integrate into each new month’s session. To register, call 281634-9555 or walk into FCCA, located at 4350 Austin Parkway Boulevard. Cost is $195 per monthly session, and space is limited.

For more information, contact former Fort Bend ISD Apple Core Teacher Academy Educator Carol McDonough at learn2code2learn@gmail.com.

Montessori Kids Universe ...

Because your kids deserve the best!

An environment of high standards.

At Montessori Kids Universe Sugar Land, we offer leadership training, after school learning enhancement programs, and uniforms that reflect the pride in our school. No other pre-school operates at our caliber or holds as high a standard as we do.

Mixed age classrooms.

The Reggio Emilia art and science program.

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Individual education plans.

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First 15 students will receive tuition discount.

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All of this means that a quality Montessori education gives you your best value and return on investment.

At Montessori Kids Universe Sugar Land, your kids will discover the JOY of learning.

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Nissa Hooshmand and Dr. Rebecca Deurlein Assistant Director Head of School

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magazine • November 2016

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Fort Bend Boys Choir’s 35th Anniversary Christmas Musicale with Countertenor John Holiday as Special Guest The Fort Bend Boys Choir is celebrating its 35th anniversary performance season with a Christmas Musicale concert on Saturday, December 3rd at 7 pm at a new venue – the First United Methodist Church-Missouri City, located at 3900 Lexington Boulevard. The three performing treble choirs – Training, Town and Tour – will be showcased along with Music Magic, the organization’s class of six and seven-year-olds. Special guest is Countertenor John Holiday, the 1999 Outstanding Choirboy of the Year and a rising star in the opera world.

A special cookie and punch reception will be held immediately after the concert in the church’s Fellowship Hall in honor of the organization’s 35th anniversary season. Tickets are available by calling the choir office, from any choir member or at the door. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds from the Christmas Musicale are used for program support, operational expenses and scholarships.

To learn more about the Fort Bend Boys Choir and how they make a difference in the lives of boys, visit www. fbbctx.org or call 281-240-3800.

If you are ready for a fun exciting career that will make you feel good about yourself,

visit www.allcareersdental.com or call 281-242-0241 NOW! Check out our video at allcareersdental.com

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

All Careers Dental is locally owned.

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Stafford High School Senior Completes Eagle Scout Project

Stafford High School’s Misti Morgan, Frederick McCloud and Silas Garcia on the benches McCloud created as part of his Eagle Scout project.

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Open House for Prospective Students Nov 13 and Feb 12 | 2-4 pm 281-263-9105 | fortbendchristian.org/RSVP 281-263-9175 | 1250 Seventh Street, Sugar Land, TX 77478 TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Frederick McCloud, a 17 year-old Stafford High School senior, wanted to do something special for the Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) community, so he created three benches in the Stafford High School car rider and bus zone as his Eagle Scout project.

The benches, made of wood and cinderblock, make for a more enjoyable experience for students waiting for the school bus or for their parents to pick them up.

“Frederick McCloud is an exceptional student and campus leader,” said SMSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic. “He has shown tremendous initiative with this project, which will continue to benefit SMSD students for years to come. As a fellow Eagle Scout, I couldn’t be any prouder of Frederick than I am right now.”

McCloud is a lifelong Stafford resident who has attended Stafford MSD since kindergarten. He joined the Boy Scouts eight years ago and set a goal to achieve its highest honor. McCloud is grateful for Stafford MSD’s strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

He ranks 23rd in the senior class and aspires to become a software engineer.

Before setting forth on the project, McCloud met with his scoutmaster, committee chairman and Stafford High Principal Misti Morgan for approval. McCloud’s project came in approximately $100 below the $400 budget, so he donated the remainder of the funds to the Class of 2017.

McCloud is also a member of the Stafford High School Student Council, band, coding club and participates in both soccer and swimming. Congratulations!

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Coming in January Special Advertising Section

absolutely!

Kid Friendly Private Schools / After School Activities

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Mujib Ashrafi, DDS To advertise, call 281.690.4242 or visit fortbendfocus.com.

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magazine • November 2016

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NEWSWORTHY

College of Technology Professor Named Woman of Distinction Monika Zarzycka, instructional associate professor with the University of Houston College of Technology Digital Media program, was one of 10 women honored as a Woman of Distinction at the Graph Expo & Print 2016 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The annual award celebrates the achievements of women in the graphics communication industry.

“It’s such a great honor to be recognized as one of the Women of Distinction among many great female leaders in the graphic communications industry who were chosen for this award,” Zarzycka said. “I would like to thank Jerry Waite for supporting me and helping me strive in my career.”

The Women of Distinction designation is an industry recognition program from OutPutLinks Communication Group, which has been honoring women for 15 years. All honorees were nominated by their peers and selected based on their contributions to the industry.

Zarzycka began her teaching career at the University of Houston in 2005.

She and Waite created the digital media major in 2008 and secured a sixyear accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications in 2010 and in 2016. The major currently has nearly 500 students.

Monika Zarzycka.

Photo courtesy of the University of Houston.

Through university grants, Zarzycka designed interactive lessons for various courses, including those that help students improve their writing. This fall, she obtained a $25,000 Teaching Improvement Grant to utilize interactivity and gaming in online teaching.

“Seldom in a professor’s career is it possible to watch a young student grow from an inquisitive and hardworking college student to a nationally-renown Woman of Distinction,” said Waite, coordinator of the University of Houston Digital Media program, which is housed at the Sugar Land campus. “I am fortunate because I was her teacher at the University of Houston and am now her proud

Achieve the

Dr. G. Byron Janik joins Dr. Stuart Rimes in Sugar Land Town Square!

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colleague. Even though I’ll always consider her my ‘padawan learner,’ she’s grown to a position of national prominence and is a positive force in our digital media industry.”

Zarzycka is the former president of the Graphic Communications Education Association (GCEA), past director of college relations for the Houston Production Management Association and faculty sponsor of a student chapter of GCEA. She has published scholarly articles in the Visual Communications Journal and presented her research at numerous national and regional conferences. Zarzycka joins 117 women worldwide, representing professional, technical, entrepreneurial and management, who have been recognized by OutPutLInks Communications Group.

Originally from Poland, Zarzycka moved to United States in 1996 as a high school exchange student. Her American host family exposed her to graphic design and printing, which inspired her to pursue studies in that area.

A scholarship allowed her to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of Houston College of Technology, where she earned a degree in technology leadership supervision. She later earned a master’s degree in training and development and later a Master of Divinity.

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Mamie George Center Gala to Honor Community Leader Dee Koch Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and its Mamie George Community Center (MGCC) will honor Dee Koch at its Fourth Annual Mission of Love Gala on February 2, 2017 at Safari Texas Ranch. Koch is the director of community engagement for The George Foundation and community resources division chair for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

“Dee’s leadership and influence have touched our hearts, our community and our future,” said Beth Zarate, MGCC director. “Her vision and support have strengthened the Dee Koch. fabric of Fort Bend County and brought us together to provide help and create hope.”

Koch was a key partner in developing the vision for the MGCC as the hub of Catholic Charities’ services to lowincome seniors, families and children in Fort Bend County. Since 2011, the MGCC has helped invigorate the lives of senior residents by providing free hot meals, socialization and activities aimed to improve their health and quality of life.

“We want to thank and honor Dee for her vision, friendship and guidance,” said Cynthia N. Colbert, MSW, Catholic Charities president and chief executive officer. “We hope you’ll make plans to join us to celebrate this outstanding community leader and to raise support for seniors and families in need in Fort Bend County.”

Zarate said she is especially grateful for the dedication and creativity of the 2017 gala co-chairs Angela Cox, Farrah Gandhi, Tiffany Halfon and Virginia Smith. Individual tickets for the gala are $175, and sponsorships range from $1,500 to $20,000.

Email DGodfrey@catholiccharities. org or call 281-202-6220 for more information.

Holiday Open House

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magazine • November 2016

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Seen on the Scene Rolling Out the Red Carpet for AccessHealth Benefiting AccessHealth’s Heart of Fort Bend September 9, 2016 Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery

Dr. Katia Lemke, DMD Orthodontic Specialist

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Coming in January Issue

Special Advertising Section 5

New Year, New You

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To Advertise: 281-690-4242 fortbendfocus.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Ann Bowman & Michelle Goldstein Diana Collins & Al Gallo James & Melissa Ives Patrick Richoux & Janice Suchyta Brenda Patton, Lisa Wood, David Timmermeyer, Carol Edwards & Holly Kaminga Jim McClellan & Marhia Coane Vincent Morales & Patti Parish-Kaminski Eric & Lin Humble 8

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Holiday Open House Tuesday, November 15th 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Sandersen & Scheffer Atrium 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478

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Live Entertainment Giveaways Spread holiday cheer by bringing an item to benefit

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Lunches of Love

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Kay Fontenot & Michelle Sparks Mercedes Cook & Maggie Marquez Tiffany Houck, Susan Chaluh & Holly Clay Maggy & Jay Horgan Laura Caravella & Brian Machart Katie Taylor & Kaylyn Moehrig Janna Carandang, Vanessa Rodriguez, Monica Hand & Cynthia Benedetti Brian & Lois DeArmas Rod Sidle & Marlene Berger Sharon Hilburn & Jessica Kij

Individual Fruit Cups Regular Size Boxes of Cereal Granola Bars Monetary Contributions Also Appreciated Lunches of Love is committed to helping end childhood hunger in Fort Bend County by providing a free nutritious sack lunch during extended school holidays and weekends in Lamar Consolidated and Fort Bend ISDs.

RSVP: events@cpa-tx.com Toll Free 888.812.5999 • www.cpa-tx.com

Tax Accountants 18 fort bend

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Auditors

Consultants

Seen on the Scene

NEWSWORTHY

The Fort Bend County Fair 80th Annual Life Member Committee Kick-Off Dance Benefiting Fort Bend County Fair Scholarships

Five Reasons to Attend Best in the West on November 19th

September 10, 2016 • Fort Bend County Fairgrounds

1 James Patterson, Jenny Gortney, Ann Smith and Jo Ann Stevens celebrate the return of Prosperity Bank as the Presenting Sponsor for the Arc of Fort Bend’s annual Best in the West.

Here are the top five reasons to attend the Arc of Fort Bend County’s 38th edition of the Best in the West Dinner, Dance and Auction on Saturday, November 19th at the George Ranch Historical Park Arena in Richmond: No. 5 – It’s a bargain: dinner, dancing and lots of shopping opportunities, all for $60 per ticket. Tables of 10 are priced at $600, so gather up the gang and buy one. The bargain price is made possible by the support of presenting sponsor Prosperity Bank and fellow underwriters, which so far include The Johnson Development Corp., Sprint Landfill, Aviles Engineering Corp., Classic Chevrolet, Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and Sugar Land Rotary Club.

No. 4 – Where else do you get a chance to bid on so many great live auction items? From “vacays” and “staycays” to fancy hunting excursions, celebrity lunches and dinners to the puppy everyone falls in love with, the Best in the West auction has something almost everyone wants.

No. 3 – If live auction bidding isn’t your thing, you’ve got an Ace in the Hole Auction with temptations to attract your interest and an arena full of corrals with silent auction items ranging from holiday décor to autographed sports memorabilia and almost everything in between.

No. 2 – You get a barbecue dinner with all of the trimmings from The Swinging Door. And burn off those dinner calories dancing to the toe-tapping tunes of Fort Bend County’s hometown band The Triumphs.

No. 1 – You get to have a great evening seeing friends and neighbors, because so many people love attending this event, while supporting the Arc’s efforts to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

So, put on your jeans and boots, grab your credit card or checkbook and join the Arc of Fort Bend County. The fun begins at 6 pm. For sponsorship information, contact Jo Ann Stevens at 713-829-1827. For tickets, contact Ann Smith at 281-240-1313 or visit www.arcoffortbend.org.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Brad Bowman, Sam Magee & James Duke Katy Koerth, Savannah Fernandez & Alyssa Flowers Jim & Kay Garrett Vickie Stevenson & Kim Feldhoff Bubba Blasingame with Kim & Glenn Walling Pat Scholes, Margaret Kunz & Hannah Eicke Lynette & Jason Dostal Tanner & Dawn Eddleblute Domino Autrey, Michelle Bartee & Jack Knoblauch Jennifer Williams & Alicia Casias

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magazine • November 2016

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Seen on the Scene

BUSINESS BRIEFS

The 6th Annual Hope Gala - A New Hope Benefiting Hope Endowment September 17, 2016 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Ron Brandani Wins “I Am Sienna” Contest

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Peter, Alexis and Ryan Olympia with Ron and Claire Brandani and Christen Johnson.

Ron Brandani was selected as the resident who best represents master-planned Sienna Plantation during the “I Am Sienna” promotion. A total of 15,320 votes were cast during the online competition in which five well-known Sienna residents vied to win $5,000 for their favorite charity.

Brandani was the winner with 57 percent of the votes.

“I am awed by the community’s support,” said Brandani, owner of Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar in Missouri City. “I love everything about Sienna Plantation, and I am proud to represent it. One of the many things I have noticed in the 10 years my family and I have lived here is the willingness of the community to support each other and give generously to local charities.”

Brandani selected the Connor Man Defeat DIPG Foundation as his charity. The foundation works to identify and fund research of effective treatment options – and ultimately a cure – for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and inoperable brain tumor that strikes young children. DIPG has a zero percent survival rate. “The work Connor Man does is so important,” Brandani said. “There is no cure and no effective treatment yet. Not many people even know about it, but it is devastating. The $5,000 prize will go a long way toward funding the research they do.”

The foundation was created in memory of Connor Michael Olympia, who was diagnosed with DIPG shortly after his fourth birthday. He passed away less than a year later.

Christen Johnson, senior vice president of marketing for Johnson Development Corp, said, “Johnson strives to be a part of and work towards the betterment of the local areas where it builds its communities. To have so many people voting for worthy causes such as the Connor Man Defeat DIPG Foundation reinforces what we already knew – that we have a community filled with caring people who want to help support our area’s great organizations.”

For more information, visit siennaplantation.com.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Rajani Katta with Apavajitha & Amil Verma Maya Bindal & Avani Shah John & Deanna McDonald Rebecca & Jacob Hall Samhita Shah, Deepa Poduval, Chandra Bali & Malika Pande Duc Le & Brittany Nguyen Rupa Shah, Neetee Gadgil & Sema Patel Stati Trehan Patel & Jyoti Bajaj Kohli 8

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Because Every Child Deserves Hope

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Peggy Bortoletto, Diane Wright, Barbara Stegmann, & Bryan Markwort Jeff & Stephanie Wanic Cove La & Niraj Patel Vjjal Basu & Jayan Lenka Sonia & Subodh Chauhan Salma & Nasrullah Manji Deven Patel & Patrika Lad Lara Cherry & Linda Reed

Hope Endowment For information on how you can help, visit hopeendowment.org.

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Seen on the Scene Cowboy Up Benefiting Parks Youth Ranch October 1, 2016 • George Ranch Historical Park Arena

Elite Doc Health and Beauty Now Open in Sugar Land

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Naz Keshwani, MD.

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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Photos by Mary Favre and Liz Furman.

Naz Keshwani, MD, recently announced the grand opening of Elite Doc Health and Beauty med spa at 4665 Sweetwater Boulevard, Suite 200 in Sugar Land. Elite Doc Health and Beauty’s primary goal is to render professional services including quality skin care and anti-aging at affordable costs.

Certified clinicians are experts in the specialized therapeutic procedure.

Within the last 30 years, Keshwani gained notoriety and national ranking in the top five percent of providers for Botox injections, including Bellafill and Radiesse within the Houston market.

Keshwani opened Elite Doc Health and Beauty with a continuing commitment to individual service for women and men who are concerned with their health and beauty.

Keshwani is a family practitioner who completed his medical schooling and internship in Birmingham, England from 1972 to 1979. Keshwani did a threeyear residency in a family practice in Fort Wayne, Indiana from 1979 through 1982. He became board certified in family practice in 1982 and has constantly remained so certified.

His life and business partner is Rozmin Keshwani, who is a licensed x-ray technician and has been intensely involved in all of the business aspects of the medical practices, as well as the aesthetics practice. The Keshwanis have owned multiple walkin clinics and med-spas since 1983.

For more information, call 832-446-3206 or visit www.elitedochealthandbeauty.com.

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Pat & Brad Somers Pat & Bob Hebert Shannon Bloesch & Michele Fisher Rashmi & Suni Sharma Charles & Seeju Dupre with Jim McClellan & Marhia Coane Dick & Dee Dee Phillips Aaron Dobbs & Chad Bridges John & Theo Healey with Mary Favre 8

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

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access is

affordable health care near me 9

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Because others depend on you, we make women’s health care affordable to all.

Medicaid, Chip and private insurance is accepted.

A sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify.

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Coming in December Issue

Special Advertising Section 15

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Lane & Beth Wolf Brigit & Andrew Engleman Jay, Maggy & Cynthia Horgan Ray Aguilar & Patti Parish-Kaminski PJ & Roxanne Meyers Kathy & Mark Eyring Bob & Carole Brown Chip Sutton & Mary Joyce Liz Furman & Kavita Self Laura & Mark Mills Stacey & Dustin Fessler 19 fort bend

Focus on Worship

To Advertise: 281-690-4242 fortbendfocus.com

magazine • November 2016

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15th Annual Luncheon Benefiting Asians Against Domestic Abuse (AADA) October 3, 2016 • The Junior League of Houston

Coming January 2017

Here Comes the Bride

Submit your info today and have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine.

If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Here Comes the Bride, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent/s reside in Fort Bend area. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos.

Contact: sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com or visit www.fortbendfocus.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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O.D. FCOVD, FAAO

O.D.

• Medical Management of Eye Diseases: Dry Eyes, Glaucoma, Kerataconus, Eye Infections • Contact Lenses: Single Vision, Multifocal, Toric, Gas Permeable, Refractive Therapy 12

• Nutritional Supplements for Age Related Macular Degeneration and Dry Eyes

13

Medicare and Most Medical Insurance Plans Accepted

• Complete Line of Fashion and Designer Frames • Sunglasses for Sports and Fashion

281.499.2600 • www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy 6 • Missouri City (corner of Hwy 6 & University)

14

15

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

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery Adolescent Gynecology Routine and High Risk Obstetrics

16

Wellness Exams & Contraception 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17

Evaluation & Treatment of Pelvic Pain

Mary Favre & Gorden Burkstresser Ruthanne Mefford & Ruchi Mukherjee Sudha Menon & Namita Asthana Rick Pal & Tanaz Choudhury Nancy Olson & Lea Gibson Kelly Raley & Meredith Iler Eric & Sandra Liu with Amita Smallwood & Dianne Gebhard Liz Furman & Jessica Kij

Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms Preconception & Infertility Counseling Ann Bertles, MD Board Certified Ob/Gyn

4D Ultrasound in Office

Second Opinions Welcome

832.437.9690 (p) | 832.437.9694 (f) 17 fort bend

23232 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. E, Katy, TX 77494 www.myobgynofkaty.com

magazine • November 2016

51

NEWSWORTHY

Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation’s 2017 Gala “In High Gear” Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation (SLCAF) proudly announces the 2017 Founders Ball to be held at Safari Texas on January 21, 2017. This year’s Founders Ball theme will be “In High Gear” and is guaranteed to be an evening of supersonic fun that will get your motor running!

Honorees for the 2017 Gala are John and Diana Null, and the honorary co-chairs are the Honorable Jimmy and Gay Thompson. Proceeds will benefit the mission and goals of the SLCAF, which include continued improvements to the Sugar Land Au-

Cindy and Chip Sutton, Jimmy and Gay Thompson and Diana and John Null.

ditorium, the city’s oldest public space, and the continued support of the arts in Sugar Land.

SLCAF is currently accepting sponsorships for the event at varying levels, while tables for eight and individual tickets are also available for purchase. For tickets and more information, call 281-313-0752 or contact Cindy Sutton at info@slcaf.org.

Texas Education Agency Recognizes Stafford Elementary Among the Best Schools in Texas Stafford Elementary School was one of 400 Texas-based public schools to receive a distinction in every eligible category, according to the Texas Education Agency. “We are very proud of our student achievement, and we are grateful for the excellent leadership of Stafford Elementary Principal Dr. Valerie Orum,” Stafford MSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic said.

“Dr. Orum and her staff provided the framework for students to succeed at a record-setting level.”

Stafford Elementary, which serves students in grades two through four, was one of just five elementary schools in Fort Bend County to receive the honor out of approximately 90.

“Earning one or more campus distinctions is noteworthy and should be a source of pride in a community,” Texas Commis-

sioner of Education Mike Morath said. “Earning all possible distinctions is a significant accomplishment and should signal that there is extraordinary work taking place on a campus.”

Stafford Municipal School District had 12 distinctions in 2014-15 and is expected to have even more for 2015-16 when the TEA provides the final certification. Orum is very proud of the accomplishment, but she says the best is yet to come for Stafford Elementary. “Together with the tireless commitment of our parents and the outstanding instructional support of our teachers and staff members, our students demonstrated remarkable gains on the State Accountability test this year. I am especially honored to be a part of the Stafford MSD community as we continue to strive for excellence in learning.”

D&S Antiques & Collectibles Mall •in Historical Downtown Rosenberg•

Enjoy The Sights & Sounds While You Shop Around!

D&S Refinishing & Restoration • Caning • Weaving • Some Reupholstery • Complete Repair and Refinishing Shop • Sewing Machine Repair • Scissor Sharpening Full Line of Howard Wood Care Products Like Us or Follow Us

Wed-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 • 801 2nd Street 281-232-0035 or 832-595-9600 Come shop with us, then explore Historic Downtown’s 3 restaurants and 12 other antique & boutique shops.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

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absolutely HO L I D AY E N T E RTA I N I N G A N D D I N I N G

F E AT U R I N G Healthy Holiday Tips Thanksgiving by the Letters 10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues Holiday Menu Magic Harvest Your Own Home DĂŠcor Holiday Gift Guide 5 Holiday Hacks

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By Lara Bell

T I S THE SEASON

Healthy

Holiday Tips T

he holidays are literally right around the corner, and for the majority of us, a little weight gain comes with the festive times!

This year, I am determined not only to not gain weight over the holidays, but I am hoping to lose weight. I spoke to some experts at Medi-Weightloss to provide some tips so your weight doesn’t tip the scales.

Q A

With the holidays approaching, what tips do you have for someone who is trying to stay the course through the season of over indulging?

The biggest tip of all is to be prepared! Here are three easy tips to keep you trim during this holiday season: Have a Plan. Never show up to a party hungry and empty-handed. Bringing a healthy dish or two will ensure you have something healthy to eat. You also can ask the host what is on the menu. If there are few to no options for you to enjoy, eat before going to the party, so you can enjoy the good times and good friends without compromising your healthy lifestyle.

Look for Healthier Alternatives for Holiday Favorites. Healthier alternatives like roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower mash, turkey meatballs, roasted sweet potatoes and wine spritzers will keep you on track and taste just as good as their high calorie and high fat counterparts.

Relax! Being stressed out can lead to unhealthy food choices and binge eating. The holidays can be a busy time, and it’s important to take time for yourself. Studies have shown that stress increases insulin and cortisol levels, prompting people to eat more. Lifestyle changes to decrease stress, such as meditation and yoga, may help you maintain your sanity and figure.

Q A

What can we do to prepare for holiday parties?

If you are bringing a dish, you can make something that not only your friends can enjoy, but you can as well, such as Pumpkin Casserole. No matter what your social event, plan ahead to avoid temptation. If there is an indulgence you just can’t miss, don’t deprive yourself. Just count it toward your daily calorie goal. Taste a bite of dessert or have that glass of wine, but don’t overdo it. If you indulge in moderation, you can have fun without putting a strain on your diet. Try to stick to a maximum of one alcoholic beverage.

Pumpkin Casserole Skip the potatoes – sweet and white – this year, and enjoy Pumpkin Casserole instead. Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable, and with about 50 calories per ½ cup, pumpkin is a favorite choice of health enthusiasts. Packed with flavor and essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin C and carotene, pumpkin is a perfect choice for the holiday dinner table.

For the casserole: 1 (15-oz) Can pumpkin 1 Large egg

For the topping: 1/4 Cup pecans 1 Tablespoon Splenda® 1 Tablespoon margarine 2 Ounces vanilla whey protein shake

Q A

We know protein is good for us, so does that mean Thanksgiving turkey is OK to indulge in?

While roasted turkey and ham are OK to enjoy, it is important to keep portion sizes in mind. When preparing your plate, make sure that you stick with a piece that is about the size of the palm of your hand or three to four ounces.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

1 Tablespoon Splenda® brown sugar blend 2 Tablespoon margarine 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 Teaspoon salt

Blend the casserole ingredients and pour into a baking dish. Combine the topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of casserole. Bake in an oven set at 350° F for 15 minutes.

54

Thanksgiving by the Letters

BRAIN TEASER

By Myles Mellor

Across 1 Thanksgiving birds 5 With ice cream (3 words) 7 Where meals are prepared 11 Relating to aircraft 12 ____ on the cob Down 1 Cat from India?

2 Cook in the oven 3 Self-esteem 4 Lady 6 Venison source 8 Vehicle 9 Lady turkey 10 Thanksgiving month, for short See answers on page 61.

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By Kim Cress, MD

C

10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

an you believe the holidays are here? If Fort Bend were a winter wonderland with snow covered trees, I know I would be in the holiday spirit. Holidays can be a festive time. It is a time to spend with family and friends, eating foods that are not on your diet and listening to joyous music like White Christmas. But, the holidays can also be stressful raising many issues.

How do I find just the right gift without breaking the bank? How am I going to get everything done? Or, for many, the holidays can also be a lonely time with having no loved ones to spend the holiday with. Especially in difficult economic times, the holiday blues are likely to be more prominent. I commonly get asked, “How do I beat the holiday blues?� Here are 10 suggestions.

,

T I S THE SEASON

1.

Minimize your stress. Get your holiday shopping, decorating and Christmas cards completed early. Give your family a deadline to complete their Christmas wish list to prevent last minute shopping. One afternoon, put on your favorite Christmas video and have the entire family help address, stamp, stuff and seal Christmas cards.

2.

Attend one of the local holiday markets. The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, attend a holiday market such as Sugar Plum or The Nutcracker Market. You can stroll down the aisles admiring the Christmas decorations while you are listening to festive music. And, while you are shopping for others, don’t forget to pick up that one special trinket for yourself!

3.

Enjoy the arts. At Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, you can take the family to see Cirque Dreams: Holidaze. Fort Bend Ballet and Houston Ballet have performances of The Nutcracker. The Fort Bend Boys Choir and local churches have holiday performances as well.

4.

Don’t forget “me” time. Make an effort to schedule some time to relax. If you need time to just take a deep breath and sit, go get a manicure and pedicure with a friend. This gives you the opportunity to have one hour to just sit, relax and catch up with a friend.

5.

Schedule a date with your mate. Holidays are associated with so many festivities that often, couples have little time for themselves.

Why not go to The Woodlands for a night or weekend? This will give you time to spend together and get some Christmas shopping done as well. Or, attend that holiday party but enjoy a quiet dinner for two before you go. And best of all, eating before you go is a great way to avoid having too much of a good thing and getting an unwanted gift – extra holiday pounds!

7.

Adopt a pet. If you are an animal lover, go to your local animal shelter and adopt. If you do not want the responsibility of pet ownership, then just go to the shelter and love on – and be loved – by an animal. Enjoy – and share – the unconditional love that animals provide.

8.

Get moving with exercise. One study from Duke University revealed regular exercise can be equally as effective in treating mild depression as the antidepressant Zoloft. If you do not enjoy traditional exercise, such as running or weight lifting, then find a form of exercise you would enjoy. Maybe dance lessons or yoga are the exercise options for you. Try belly dancing or even pole dancing, but get out there and get moving!

9.

Create a blessing diary. In your diary, write down five things you are thankful for each day. I think each of us will be surprised how much we have to be thankful for, and also, how much we tend to take for granted.

10.

Establish new traditions. The holidays can evoke many emotions, and grief is not uncommon during the holidays. This is a time to reflect on good times shared in the past, as well as family members we have lost. I see some individuals stop celebrating the holidays because it only brings back difficult memories for them. I encourage families to establish new traditions. Change up your Christmas decorations.

Have your holiday meal on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day and change up the menu.

Start new traditions with your loved ones to help you make new, more pleasant memories.

The holidays can be a difficult time of the year, or they can be a time of great joy. Ultimately, the choice is yours. My holiday wish to you is to make choices in your life to find the joy, not only during the holiday season but every day of the year! Happy Holidays!

6.

Be an elf. If loneliness is the reason for your holiday blues, then create opportunities to be with others by volunteering. With Meals on Wheels, you can deliver meals to the elderly. The Sugar Land Exchange Club is always looking for volunteers to help distribute Christmas presents to the less fortunate. Harvard University conducted a recent study revealing we can get our greatest joy from helping others, so get involved and help others this holiday season. fort bend

magazine • November 2016

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absolutely!

DELICIOUS

Holiday Menu Magic P

lanning ahead for family meals around the holidays can be a headache-inducing practice, but putting to work recipes that everyone can enjoy makes it a much more enjoyable process. By planning out an evening’s worth of courses, you can take care of hungry predinner guests, knock a main dish out of the park and cap off everyone’s night with a spectacular dessert.

These recipes for Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce, Culinary Education Center House Fondue and Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake will help keep everybody satisfied throughout the party from start to finish. Find more holiday recipes at culinary.net.

Fruit and Fowl for Family Make your meal delightfully tasty with simple-to-create Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce. This quick, easy recipe pairs succulent chicken with sweet Texas grapefruit juice, which provides a light flavor enhancement and a fat-free source of beneficial components such as vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene. Find more recipes that take advantage of grapefruit’s quality and taste at Texasweet.com.

Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce Servings: 4

1/4 1/4 4 3 1/4 1/4 1 1/2 1 2 4

Teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste Teaspoon coarse black pepper, plus additional, to taste Boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved Teaspoons olive oil, divided Cup shallots Teaspoon crushed red pepper Cup chicken broth Cup fresh Texas Rio Star Grapefruit juice Tablespoon minced mint, divided Teaspoons all-purpose flour Mint leaves

Salt and pepper chicken. In large skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until both sides are browned well, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to plate and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to pan. Add shallots and crushed red pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

In small bowl, whisk together broth, grapefruit juice, half of the minced mint and flour. Add to skillet. Cook, whisking until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

Return chicken to skillet with juices; reduce heat to low. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.

Serve chicken with sauce spooned over. Use remaining minced mint and mint leaves to garnish.

Source: Family Features

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

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Culinary Education Center House Fondue

Melted and Amazing From the presentation to the pairings, it’s easy to make an ordinary spread extraordinary this holiday season.

Cheese is a good starting place for properly pairing food and wine to make flavors more vibrant. Bring the wow factor to your gathering by combining three melted cheeses with light wine for an enjoyable appetizer.

Servings: 6

3/4

3/4

1/2

16

1

Pound Grand Cru Original, shredded Pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded Pound Roth Fontina, shredded Ounces Pinot Grigio or other light to medium-bodied white wine Loaf crusty artisan bread Fresh apples, grapes and pears Black and white pepper, optional Nutmeg, optional

In ceramic fondue pot, combine cheeses and wine; stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15 to 30 minutes. Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner.

Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and nutmeg for guests to sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.

A Chocolatey Finishing Touch There’s no better way to round out a holiday party than with a delicious dessert. This candy-coated Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake can put the finishing touch on your holiday celebration.

Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake Servings: 12 3/4 Cup Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa,

plus extra for coating pans 2 1/4 Cups cake flour 2 Teaspoons baking soda 1 Teaspoon fine salt 1 1/4 Cups buttermilk, at room temperature 1/2 Cup brewed coffee or water 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract 1 Cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 Cups superfine sugar 4 Large eggs, at room temperature 2-3 Containers (16 ounces each) prepared

chocolate frosting, or about 4 cups homemade 2 Nestlé Crunch Candy Bars, finely chopped 24 to 36 Pieces Nestlé Butterfinger Bites Candy,

finely chopped

fort bend

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease bottoms of three 8 or 9 inch-round cake pans; line with parchment or wax paper circle. Grease parchment, then coat lightly with small amount of cocoa, tapping out excess.

In large bowl, sift together flour, 3/4 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt. In small bowl, combine buttermilk, coffee and vanilla extract.

In large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth. Beat in sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula; beat again.

Alternately add flour mixture in three additions with buttermilk mixture in two additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Scrape down sides of bowl; beat again. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Invert each layer onto wire rack; remove parchment paper, then invert right side up. Cool.

To assemble, level cakes by trimming tops off, if desired, using serrated knife. Place a dollop of frosting in center of cake pedestal or serving platter. Tear four strips of parchment paper and place in square around outer 3 inches of pedestal.

Place one cake layer over dollop of frosting. Spread about 1 cup frosting over top; sprinkle top evenly with about 1/4 cup chopped candy bar. Top with another cake layer; spread with about 1 cup frosting.

Sprinkle with remaining chopped candy bar. Top with third cake layer.

Cover top and sides with thin layer of frosting.

Refrigerate 15 minutes, then cover with remaining frosting. With hands, press chopped candy pieces around sides of cake. After frosting has set, gently remove strips of parchment paper. Cut cake into slices to serve. magazine • November 2016

59

,

T I S THE SEASON

Harvest Your Own

Home Décor W

arm up your home with this season’s trendiest looks. Put your personal touch on your home’s décor with crafting projects that highlight the best of fall: copper detail, animal icons and pumpkins of every color, including white.

Create a seasonal tablescape or mantel decoration with these Harvest Fall Lanterns created by the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. The lanterns lend a coppery sheen to complement the seasonal hues of the pumpkins and gourds. Place them atop a swatch of soft plaid for a multitextured look that celebrates the season indoors.

For a unique outdoorsy look, piece together a birch wreath using natural supplies such as twig stems, cattail stems and foliage.

Find more harvest perfect fall home décor at joann.com.

Birch Wreath Skill Level: Beginner Crafting Time: 1 to 2 hours

Harvest Fall Lanterns Skill Level: Beginner Crafting Time: 3 to 5 hours Supplies and Tools: 2 Boxes fall pumpkin and gourd decorations 1 Bottle (2 fluid ounces) cloud white paint Black sponge paint brush 2 Metal and glass lanterns Hot glue gun and sticks Select two pumpkins to paint white. Paint them and let dry.

Choose multiple sized pumpkins and gourds and attach them to the inside bottom of each lantern with hot glue to begin building a design. Add more pumpkins and gourds, and glue them to each other.

Insert leaves and berries to accent pumpkins and fill in any empty spaces.

Supplies and Tools: Burlap garland Dark brown raffia Wire cutters Beige twig stems Brown floral tape 5 Fall leaf foliage 2 Pinecone pick stems 2 Onion grass cattail stems 5 Bags medium birch rounds Florist wire (22 or 24 gauge) Burlap-wrapped wreath Hot glue gun and glue sticks Craft bow out of burlap garland and dark brown raffia. Wrap wire around middle of bow and poke it into burlap wreath in desired location. Secure with hot glue.

With wire cutters, cut twigs to length and tape together with brown floral tape. Add pinecone stems to twigs and tape together with floral tape.

Wrap twig and pinecone stems with wire and poke wire into wreath under bow. Use hot glue to secure.

Add cattails and fall foliage to accent. Attach to wreath in desired locations with hot glue.

Cover remainder of wreath with birch rounds using hot glue.

Source: Family Features TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

60

,

T I S THE SEASON

Thanksgiving by the Letters

Answers to the puzzle on page 55.

fort bend

magazine • November 2016

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HOLIDAY

A QUIET RETREAT FROM STRESS Soak away stress with mineral salts from the Dead Sea and nourishing composition oil for body, bath and scalp – both with an aroma proven to reduce feelings of stress.

Salon Eben & Day Spa, 15510 Lexington Boulevard, Suite G in Sugar Land.

Call 281-980-5160; www.salonebendayspa.com.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES With Christmas just around the corner, these vintage ornaments are sure to bring memories of Christmas’ past. Visit D & S Antiques to see their Christmas collection.

D & S Antiques, 801 Second Street in Historic Downtown Rosenberg.

Call 281-232-0035.

DR. SHEL MD INTENSE DERMAL REPAIR MOISTURIZER This decadently rich, restorative night cream provides intense moisturization and age defying benefits, nourishing dry skin back to optimum health. It is the perfect moisturizer for those drier winter months.

Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa, 1437 Highway 6, Suite 100 in Sugar Land. Call 281-313-7435; www.drshelmd.com.

PICK SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR! Give a new backyard this holiday season.

Purchase a Garden Guy gift certificate in any amount, and give a loved one the backyard of his dreams!

Garden Guy. Call 281-208-4400; www.garden-guy.com or www.facebook.com/GardenGuyHouston.

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.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

62

ENCHANTED GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS The gift shops at Enchanted Nurseries are overflowing with delightful gift ideas this time of year.

The list is abundant and includes jewelry, books, chimes, candles, home décor, holiday items and more.

Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759 in Richmond; Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359 in Richmond.

Call 281-937-9449 or 281-341-1206; www.myenchanted.com.

FRASIER FIR REED DIFFUSER

The fresh, crisp scent of the Frasier Fir Reed Diffuser spreads the holiday spirit through your surroundings. This diffuser is a hot item and a perfect holiday gift!

Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors & Gifts, 2250 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land Town Square. Call 281-265-2250; www.twentytwofiftyinteriors.com.

MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES

GIVE THE GIFT OF SOUND The SONOS speaker starter pack provides crystal clear HiFi sound. It fits any space and can stream all music from an app on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

SARA Appliance & Electronics, 16820 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.

Call 281-277-1522; www.saraae.com.

Give the gift of color with a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses for your seasonal presents.

Don’t forget you can use your flexible spending and health savings account benefits.

Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer, 6026 Highway 6 in Missouri City.

Call 281-499-2600; www.drwedemeyer.com.

CLARISONIC SMART PROFILE Give the gift of beautiful skin! The new Smart technology enables the device to automatically adjust between gentle and deep cleaning for an optimal experience.

It can be used on all skin types.

Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery, 16926 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-313-0555; www.beautybecomesyou.com.

PERFECT FOR THE PILOT The Pilot Shop at Anson Aviation is loaded with great ideas for your favorite pilot! Visit Anson Aviation at Sugar Land Regional Airport.

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

fort bend

magazine • November 2016

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,

T I S THE SEASON

Holiday Hacks

Simple Seasonal Solutions

T

he air is getting cooler, leaves are changing colors and days are getting shorter. All of these seasonal changes signal that the holidays are fast approaching. While many people love gathering with family and friends at this time of the year, entertaining can take the jolly out of the holiday. This year, take the stress out of hosting with these five simple holiday hacks.

1. Buy in Bulk. One month before your holiday gathering, buy nuts – almonds, pistachios, walnuts – in bulk.

Pour the nuts into screw-top mason jars, label with brightly colored tape and store in the pantry. When guests stop by, bring out a few jars, unscrew and serve with seasonal cider.

2. Candy Cane Lane. Candy cane flakes work wonders – from holiday drinks to topping off cakes and ice cream. Crush candy canes in a blender or smash between paper towels and

store in an airtight container. Simply sprinkle for seasonal ease and festive yum.

3. Double Duty. Buy flavorful refrigerated salad dressings – think sriracha or ranch – and use to top salads or potatoes or as a quick, delicious dip.

One jar offers many solutions.

4. Bee Smart. Be prepared for unexpected gift-giving moments and keep several simple and affordable gifts on hand. Pour local honey into mini mason jars, wrap the neck with holiday twine

and include a message that works for all: “Have a BEE-autiful Holiday.”

5. Tis the Seasons. For entertainment ease, keep versatile products on hand, such as a soft, finely crumbled cheese in a shakable jar. Sprinkle the cheese on flatbreads, sliders, desserts and more, and enjoy the flavor in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can make a seasonal dessert that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Visit litehousefoods.com for more recipes.

Rustic Pear Galette Serves: 4 to 6 Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Pie crust: 3-4 Medium pears, peeled, cored

and cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 1 Tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 Cup brown sugar, packed 1/8 Teaspoon cinnamon Glaze: 2 1/2

Teaspoons honey Teaspoon boiled water

Topping: Simply Artisan Reserve Feta Cheese

Heat oven to 425° F. Line a 15 by 10 inch baking sheet with parchment paper; spray paper with cooking spray.

On a lightly floured surface, roll crust into an 11 inch round.

Drape crust over rolling pin and transfer to baking sheet.

In large bowl, toss pear slices with lemon juice. Sprinkle in cornstarch, brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss until pears are evenly coated.

Arrange pears in mound in center of dough, leaving a two-inch border. Fold border over filling to cover pears partially. It does not need to be even.

Bake 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350° F and bake an additional 40 minutes until pears are tender and crust is golden brown.

In a small bowl, stir together honey and boiled water to make glaze. When galette is done, remove from oven and brush honey glaze over top of fruit and crust.

Sprinkle liberally with feta cheese.

Source: Family Features TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

64

Who are the Focus Favs?

Find out in Our December Issue fort bend

magazine • November 2016

65

OUT &

Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center’s Get Your Sexy Back! seminar featured special guest Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston.

The educational event offered information about the latest in non-surgical feminine rejuvenation, hormones and more.

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Shelena Lalji, Deborah Duncan and Fiona Lonsdale.

Riverstone recently hosted the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Network Nites in two beautiful model homes. Guests enjoyed networking, complimentary libations, appetizers and door prizes, along with musical entertainment by Jaime Casco.

Debbie Marcell, Mike Dobert and Nancy Colmenares.

The Exchange Clubs of Sugar Land, Fort Bend, Rosenberg and Kempner Excel Club distributed over 14,000 flags at the Fort Bend County Fair Parade.

Paul Barnett and Jim Kij.

Photo by Sue Lockwood.

Ann Lam, Christen Johnson and Haley Peck.

Jonee Barnett and Jessica Kij.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stopped by Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar in Missouri City for lunch and visited with owners Claire and Ron Brandani.

Wesson Bosenburg proudly waved the American flag given to him by the Exchange Club at the Fort Bend County Fair Parade.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • November 2016

66

Fort Bend residents boogied the night away in support of local animal shelters and pet rescues at the Rhythm India Bollywood Boogie in Sugar Land Town Square. Altogether, there were six pet adoptions!

Soft Surroundings hosted a Grand Opening celebration at its new First Colony Mall location with drinks, treats, beauty treatments and more for customers throughout the day.

Sugar Land staff Victoria Saucedo, Darlene Kidd and Bobbi Arias.

Shopping were Sugar Creek residents Judy Johnson and Shelby Daniels.

Anna Scarbrough.

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry kicked off the planning for the 8th Annual Empty Bowls at Whole Foods Sugar Land. Attendees brought great ideas and enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Juan Dawson and Little Rocky.

Lynda Wyles, Connie Esposito and Janice Hodge.

Linda Day and Stacey Williams.

Vickie Coates, Ashley Aborisade and Kim Shrull.

Hillary and Ira Goldstein celebrated their 32nd anniversary at Constellation Field, where the couple threw the first pitch at the Sugar Land Skeeters game and received a special “Happy Anniversary” message on the jumbotron!

Ingrid Rose, Albert Goldreich, Pat Pratt and Lou Ann Newman.

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magazine • November 2016

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND Maggie Carpenter, a senior at Fort Bend Christian Academy, has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 1.6 million juniors entered into the 2017 competition, and only 16,000 semifinalists remain. Maggie has the opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring.

Congratulations!

Judge Maggie Jaramillo hosted a “Keep Judge Maggie Jaramillo” campaign fundraiser in September at Fernando’s in Sugar Land.

Monica Auffant, Maggie Jaramillo and Jessica Moreno.

Sugar Land’s Boy Scout Troop 441 recently added two new Eagle Scouts to its ranks, brothers Mark and Christopher ZumMallen. Christopher, 17, led an Eagle project to build and install receptacles for Sugar Land Parks Department at Colony Bend Park. Mark, 15, led his Eagle project on behalf of Fort Bend Family Promise, creating benches and an outdoor garden space at their new location in Missouri City as a memorial.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Maggy Horgan and Patti Parish-Kaminski.

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Greg Compean and Robert Gracia.

Montessori Kids Universe in Sugar Land recently hosted an Open House. Guests toured the new facility, visited the only Reggio Classroom in Sugar Land and sampled treats from the school’s healthy lunch caterer. Located at 2600 Cordes Drive off Lexington and Highway 6, Montessori Kids Universe is a brand new school offering experienced, educated, CPR-certified teachers, healthy, catered lunches and an unparalleled education with proven success.

Nissa Hooshmand and Rebecca Deurlein.

Aisha Pantwani, Sahar Navsi and Mehvash Ehtisham.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) held its 7th Annual Voices for Children Breakfast at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. The guest of honor was a young woman served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend who shared her inspiring story of healing and hope.

John Healey, Cynthia Barratt and Tommy Kuykendall.

Jim and Sue Lockwood.

Jim McClellan and Jessica Kij.

Pat Hebert, Nancy Olson and Ruthanne Mefford.

Linda Moore, Rob Thompson, Liana Salinas and Lea Gibson.

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Farha Ahmed and Mary Favre.

Linda and Gayle Page.

Susan Chaluh and Teresa Reading.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

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Texas State Technical College Celebrates New Fort Bend County Campus Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Fort Bend County celebrated the opening of its new campus with a ribbon cutting and grand opening that included a surprise that will pay off big for students’ futures. Emcee Russ Lewis, KHOU 11 morning anchor, began the program with a huge Texas welcome to the more than 400 people in attendance. Included in this group were community leaders and residents, college donors and supporters and TSTC administration, faculty and staff.

Vice Chancellor and Chief Execution Officer Randy Wooten emphasized the notion that TSTC will have a major impact on Fort Bend County and its neighboring communities. “Through this event, we tried to bring together all of the people of this community who made this campus happen,” said Wooten. “Undoubtingly it is the leaders, the education advocates and the visionaries who truly understand that TSTC will make Fort Bend County a better place to live and work.”

Wooten did not fail to thank those who came together to raise the money to invest in a brighter future for all of the residents of Fort Bend County. “You made this happen,” said Wooten. “You not only worked together but together raised the money needed to make an investment in a better future for all of the residents of Fort Bend County. This has been a humbling experience, and I’m so honored to be a part of it.”

The Development Corporation of Richmond, Rosenberg Development Corporation, the George and Henderson-Wessendorf Foundations and the community of Fort Bend County raised more than $40 million dollars to keep

Community leaders, residents, supporters and staff celebrated the opening of Texas State Technical College’s new Fort Bend County campus with a ribbon cutting.

TSTC in the region because of the impact it has on industry and the job market. The 126,000 square-foot TSTC Industrial Technology Center houses state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for the more than 250 students enrolled. It is the first building in what will eventually be a six to eight building campus with the capacity to support 5,000 students.

With construction on the second building, the Brazos Center, underway and scheduled to be complete for Fall 2017, TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser made two special announcements that will change the lives of many prospective TSTC students. “I am proud to announce that TSTC has set up a money back guarantee that allows a student who fails to find a job within six months of graduating to receive a refund of their tuition, and TSTC’s Foundation Board has decided that each family here tonight will receive a $1,000 scholarship certificate.”

The scholarships are to be given to a deserving Fort Bend County resident who is willing to make the commitment to be a new, full-time TSTC student.

“Just like you helped us build this campus, you will help us grow it,” said Reeser. “Together we will bring in students, we will graduate them and put them in the region’s workforce.”

Rosenberg resident Linda Knesek spoke nothing but praises about TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus. “TSTC has done the community proud,” said Knesek. “This type of facility has been a dream for so many people for a long

time, and I understand it will only grow from here. We’re blessed to have this here in Fort Bend County.”

Knesek also took advantage of the $1,000 scholarship certificates being distributed at the event. “This scholarship is going to my great-nephew who just graduated from high school,” said Knesek. “A four-year degree isn’t for him, so this is a great opportunity for him.”

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TSTC serves Texas with 10 campuses throughout the state. TSTC in Fort Bend County offers certificate and associate degrees in Cyber Security, Diesel Equipment, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining, Telecommunications and Welding Technologies.

For more information on TSTC in Fort Bend County, call 832-595-8734 or visit tstc.edu/fortbendco.

MEDICAL FOCUS

Lung Cancer Awareness Seminar at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is joining health care organizations and professionals around the world to help overcome the myths and misconceptions surrounding this serious disease.

“Because smoking rates have fallen in recent decades, many people assume that lung cancer is no longer a major health concern,” said Sindhu Nair, MD, a board certified oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “But lung cancer remains the deadliest of all cancers. More Americans die each year from lung cancer than from colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, even though most lung cancers are easily preventable. Lung Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to educate and inform people, as well as increase the number of individuals who are screened early.”

One of the most persistent misconceptions about lung cancer, especially among long-term smokers, is that it is “too late” to stop. But Nair said that quitting smoking at any time not only can reduce the risk of cancer but also provides

a wealth of other health benefits, including improved circulation and heart and lung function. “A smoker can cut his or her risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent by quitting,” Nair said. “It’s never too late to gain some benefit, and of course, the earlier one quits, the better.”

Another common myth is that only smokers get lung cancer. While smoking is by far the No. 1 cause, approximately 20 percent of lung cancers occur in patients who have never smoked. Some of those cases are the result of genetic mutations; others are caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to asbestos or radon, a naturally occurring gas that can sometimes be trapped in houses.

Regardless of the underlying cause, early detection is critical to survival rates.

In recent years, lung cancer patients have benefited from a range of new, targeted therapies, but finding cancer early is critical. The development of low-dose radiation computerized tomography (CT) scanning for high-risk patients is helping make a difference.

“In the past, most patients didn’t realize they had lung cancer until it was in an

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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advanced stage,” said Clive Shkedy, MD, radiation oncologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Screening with CT gives us the opportunity to detect lung cancer long before it becomes symptomatic or spreads outside the lungs. And early detection is one of the keys to successful treatment.”

Individuals 55 to 77 years of age who currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 15 years, have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” – an average of one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years – and receive a written order from a physician are eligible for low-dose CT lung screening.

For more information, call the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital nurse navigator at 281-276-8549 or visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening.

Free Lung Cancer Seminar As part of its recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will host an informative seminar featuring specialists who will discuss risk factors, the value of early detection through low-dose radiation CT screening and various treatment options, as well as answer questions from the audience. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9th in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. Registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit events.houstonmethodist. org/sl-lungseminar or call 281-2747500.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Encourages Residents to Stay Aware of the Zika Virus Physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital encourage Fort Bend residents to remain mindful of the Zika virus throughout the fall months.

“While there might be fewer headlines about Zika now, the virus is still very much a concern, especially for individuals who have traveled to the Caribbean or who have sexual partners who may be infected,” said Sarfraz Aly, MD, an internal medicine and infectious diseases specialist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

As of early September, more than 2,400 cases of Zika have been reported in the United States, including 125 cases in Texas. The vast majority of individuals recently affected visited a Zika “hot zone,” where mosquitoes that carry the virus are plentiful, and outbreaks have been severe. Only a handful are believed to have contracted the disease in the U.S. Although the most common form of transmission is via mosquito bite, researchers have identified a number of other ways that the virus can be passed from human to human, including maternal-fetal transmission, sexual, blood transfusion, organ transplant and through exposure during research in the

Sarfraz Aly, MD.

laboratory. Aly said the biggest concern among U.S. medical experts is the ease with which the virus can be transmitted sexually.

“Houston is an international city, and we have many residents who frequently travel to locations in South and Central America and the Caribbean, where they can be exposed via a mosquito bite and then return home and infect a partner through unprotected sex,” said Aly. The Centers for Disease Control says an individual who is infected with the Zika virus or who was potentially exposed to Zika during travel to a hot zone should abstain from all forms of unprotected sex with a pregnant partner for the duration of the pregnancy. “This is critical, because the virus can cause significant birth defects in unborn babies,” said Aly. Any individual, male or female, who has traveled to a hot zone should wait at least eight weeks before having unprotected intercourse, even if they have no Zika symptoms. The virus typically has an incubation period of two to 14 days, and some patients never display any symptoms and can carry the virus without knowing it. For men who have a

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confirmed or suspected case of Zika, the waiting period is six months before engaging in unprotected sex. For women with a confirmed or suspected case, it is eight weeks.

Once infected, the most common symptoms are low-grade fever, maculopapular rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Most people brush it off as a common cold. Very rarely do patients end up in the hospital. Also very rarely, patients can be affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the peripheral neural system is affected.

There is currently no preventive vaccine available or specific treatment for patients with the virus. The best course of action is prevention, but once a patient is identified as having the virus, doctors typically focus on management of symptoms and primarily suggest plenty of rest and fluids.

If possible, women and their partners should avoid travel to areas where Zika is prevalent. If you believe you may have been exposed to the Zika virus, contact your primary care physician immediately or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral.

For more information on the Zika virus, visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika.

For the latest news and information on Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit fb.com/methodistsugarland.

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

MEDICAL FOCUS

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) selected Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Malisha Patel as its “Young Professional of the Year.”

“I’m humbled and honored to receive this recognition especially knowing there are so many other young professionals making a difference who are equally deserving,” said Patel. “I’m grateful to the IACCGH for their leadership and the voice they give to our community.”

Patel, 36, recently led a $93 million dollar expansion and renovation on the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land campus.

The project included construction of a four-story medical plaza and six-story patient tower. The project was completed in 27 months, ahead of schedule and under budget.

“Malisha is a bright, talented execu-

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Executive Named Young Professional of the Year

Malisha Patel.

tive who has built her career on discipline, hard work and lasting relationships,” said Greg Haralson, senior vice president and chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. “We’re proud of Malisha and her tireless efforts to serve our hospital and our community.”

Patel was given the honor at the annual IACCGH gala held recently at the Hilton Americas in Houston. The event, themed “Building Bridges,” was attended by more than 700 guests including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressmen Al Green and Pete Olson.

“The IACCGH has had a long standing relationship with Memorial Hermann,” said Jagdip Ahluwalia, founding secretary and executive director of the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. “We feel that Malisha Patel is the best role model for young professionals across all communities, and our President Joya Shukla joins me in congratulating Malisha on her award.”

Patel joined Memorial Hermann in 2007 and has served as the chief operations officer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land since 2012.

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Coming Soon . . .

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November 2016 Winner “The Big Island”

By Roger Masek Congratulations Roger, you’ve earned a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant!

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 $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail Alexa at alexa@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 daytime 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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By Amy Gross

Wine Apps Make Wine Selection and Learning Easier

Source: wine4.me

L

ooking for a great bottle of wine amid a massive wall of wine at the grocery store or big box wine retailer?

sensory science, not opinion. Wine4.Me can also help with everyday food pairing, listing dishes such as chicken enchiladas, grilled catfish and barbecue.

I’m sure you know there are treasures there for every tastebud, but finding the perfect bottle for yourself or a friend can be a challenge. Some stores have great wine stewards but most don’t. And most wine stewards can’t keep total recall of every wine on the shelf and remember what you like too.

So, what do you do? Just turn to your phone. Depending on what you are looking for, I bet there is an app for you.

Here are a few:

Available for iPhone and Android, Vivino rose to fame as one of the first apps to have a great scanning feature and has since grown to include the largest crowd-sourced collection of wine reviews. Every wine is given a star-rating based on the reviews entered. Any user anywhere can add their personal review of a wine, so it’s a great place to look for opinions on wines or to share reviews with others. Curious about different vintages? Vivino makes it easy to check reviews of different years back to back.

Wine4.Me

Delectable

Available for iPhone, Wine4.Me enables any wine lover to find wines he might like, regardless of wine knowledge. A user simply taps a wine he knows, loves or dumps it, and begins building a personal taste profile and a ranked listing of wines to try from that data.

The more wines that are loved or dumped, the better the user profile becomes, very much like the music app Pandora. To make this work, all of the wines in the app’s database are characterized objectively based on a set list of attributes by a team of wine professionals using

Available for iPhone and Android, Delectable is another wine app with an excellent scanning feature. Scan a label to get crowd-sourced reviews of a wine, or snap a shot and leave a review for others to enjoy. I like to think of Delectable as an Instagram of wine. There are so many beautiful bottle shots of wines being enjoyed! Delectable is a great place to follow a favorite sommelier or wine maker and see what she is drinking. To look for wines that fit their palates, users can follow someone who has similar tastes and see what wines they share.

fort bend

Vivino

Tipple Want to get better at writing your own tasting notes? Available for iPhone and Android, Tipple guides users through doing exactly that, with easy to follow instructions and a clearly defined process. Snap a picture of any wine label or pull up a wine from your camera roll to get started. Tipple will ask questions about the wine’s color, aroma, flavor and more, enabling users to get as specific as they like or stay general.

Once users finish entering information, Tipple saves their thoughts to their profile for easy reference later.

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EVENTS November 6th, 8 am The Fort Bend Optimist Club Annual Fun Run/Walk

November 2nd, 2 pm Cultural Exchange: Taiwan Come to the Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center for an afternoon learning the culture of Taiwan – without the airfare!

Experience traditional dances and a tea service with Taiwanese dessert. A question and answer session will follow this free presentation.

RSVP at the Recreation and Tennis Center or call 281-403-8637.

November 3rd – 5th Sugar Plum Market The Fort Bend Junior Service League and Memorial Hermann present the 16th Annual Sugar Plum Market. This year’s “Making Spirits Bright” Market will be held at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road, and will feature more than 100 vendors from across Texas. Hours are Friday, November 4th from 9 am to 8 pm and Saturday, November 5th from 9 am to 5 pm. A special Preview Night shopping event will be on Thursday, November 3rd from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Visit www.sugarplummarket.com to purchase tickets.

Get your walking or running shoes on to raise money for youth scholarship programs! The 5K Walk/Run will take place at Sugar Land Memorial Park, located at 15300 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. There will also be giveaways, raffles and a silent auction.

To register, visit www.fboptimist.org/sponsor.

November 5th, 9 am Family 5K Walk for a Cure

November 10th, 9 – 11 am Ikebana Workshop

Walk and support kids with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a debilitating, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. The walk will be held at Eldridge Park, located at 2511 Eldridge Road in Sugar Land.

There will also be kids activities, face painting, balloons and music. There is a minimum $10 registration fee per family, and proceeds go directly to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) to fund medical research for kids.

Contact harirao2673@gmail.com.

Quail Valley Garden Club presents LaVerl Daily, who will teach guests the Japanese art of flower arrangement known as Ikebana. The fun takes place at the Missouri City Rec and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive. Bring two bottles and design your own arrangement.

Visit www.quailvalleygardenclub.org.

November 5th, 3 pm 5K Run Dead Test your speed and endurance while trying to avoid ravenous “zombies” at Sugar Land Memorial Park, located at 15300 University Boulevard.

Runners will have flags that represent their health, and zombies will try to steal those flags. Runners must make it to the finish line with at least one flag or become one of the walking dead. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit scientific research on cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Visit www.5krundead.com/houston to register.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECH Water Treatment Specialists

Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine 198 Kempner St. at Imperial Sugar Land

.com • November 2016

Come support the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation at their 2nd Annual Speakeasy event.

Signature drinks, casino tables and other cocktails call for a fun trip back to the Speakeasy era! The event will take place at Anson Aviation, located at 12890 S. Highway 6 in Sugar Land.

Visit www.slheritage.org or call 281-686-9234.

November 12th, 10 am – 1 pm Cookies with Santa

Presented By:

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

November 10th, 5:30 – 10 pm Speakeasy

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Jingle Tree kicks off this year with Cookies with Santa at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, located at 13016 University Boulevard. It’s your first chance to view the trees and catch Santa and Mrs. Clause during an early holiday visit. Play stations will be set up in the area for the kids while they line up to visit with Santa.

For tickets, call 281-313-2277 or visit www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land.

EVENTS November 19th, 8 am – Noon Electronics Recycling Event

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Missouri City Green and Missouri City Parks and Recreation will host an Electronic Recycling Collection in celebration of America Recycles Day. Bring unused or unwanted electronics to the Public Safety Headquarters Parking lot at 3849 Cartwright Road in Missouri City.

Visit www.missouricitygreen.org for a list of accepted items.

November 12th, 10 am – 2 pm Friends of the Library Book Sale Bring your friends and family to the University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land.

Books, CDs, DVDs and LPs will be on sale for adults and children. Most items cost between 50 cents and $1. Proceeds support educational library programs.

Call 281-633-5100.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS

Time Warp Concert Series Friday, November 4th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

11th Annual iFest Live Saturday, November 5th 10 am – 2 pm

Opry on the Square Friday, November 11th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

The Jaguar Club of Houston’s 39th Annual Concours D’ Elegance Car Show

November 19th, 9 am – 3 pm Fall Craft Fair Browse through a variety of items such as jewelry, holiday décor, novelties, home goods and more at the Community Center Auditorium, located at 1522 Texas Parkway in Missouri City. The craft fair is free to attend, and shoppers are advised to bring cash for their form of payment. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8651.

Saturday, November 12th 10 am – 3 pm

Movie Under the Moon Saturday, November 12th 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Holidays in the Plaza Saturday, November 19th 5 – 7 pm

Photos with Santa

Sunday, November 27th 1 – 5 pm

November 15th, 9:30 – 11:30 am Bubbles, Bites and Bells Holiday Coffee This private event that allows you to see the trees up close at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land, located at 13016 University Boulevard. Enjoy bubbly mimosas and delicious bites while you fall in love with these fabulous trees.

Visit www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land to purchase tickets.

November 17th, 5:30 – 8:30 pm Jingle, Jingle Mix ‘n Mingle Bring friends for an evening of tree viewing, online bidding, unique raffle items and delectable food at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land, located at 13016 University Boulevard. This is your last chance to take home a tree you’ve fallen in love with!

Visit www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land to purchase tickets.

November 30th, 6:30 pm Children’s Theatre Performance of Tacky the Penguin November 19th, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2 – 3:30 pm International Game Day Celebrate International Game Day with board games, video games and puzzles galore! There will be two events. The Sienna Branch Library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard in Missouri City, will host the event from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The Sugar Land Branch Library, located at 500 Eldridge in Sugar Land, will host the event from 2 to 3:30 pm.

Call 281-633-4734.

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The Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway in Missouri City, presents a performance by the Noyes Fine Arts Foundation of Tacky the Penguin. This free performance is based on a children’s book by Helen Lester.

Call 281-238-2100.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS E-mail events@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

Include the event date, time, location and a short description of the event.

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and awardwinning columnist.

Living the Sweet Life:

The Top 5 Ethereal Oils

I

just planted the fall garden, and it got me thinking about just how much I use my garden in both cooking and in practical things around the house.

Even with our crazy hot weather, it’s pretty easy to keep rosemary, basil, lemons, mint and rose yearlong. There are countless uses for herbs, but I wanted to share a few with you for the months ahead!

1

Lavender

Aside from just smelling so wonderfully, lavender is good for de-stressing yourself or for a space in your home. In the oil form in a warm and toasty bath, you’ll be guaranteed a better night of sleep. It is also an excellent way to treat sunburns and clean pimples and cuts. I like to take a spray bottle of water and add oil to it and then spritz bed linens in between changes.

2

Rosemary

Again in my garden, rosemary is a real favorite with my family when cut directly and placed in two gallons of water to just sip on throughout the day. Of course, I use it for so much in my cooking, but it also is interestingly effective as a way to concentrate. Burn some in your homeschool space and watch your children’s focus become more directed.

Another great way to use rosemary is in a bath with Epsom salts. This little wonder is great for aching muscles after a day of doing what we do!

3

Lemons

I am partial to lemons, because I usually drink my water every day with a fresh one! Lemons “fix” dry, scratchy throats, boost our immune systems and are great for getting a bathroom or a garbage disposal clean and fresh.

4

Mint

Again folks, it’s in my garden! The oils from mint are perfect for making mojitos most fabulous, and their benefits to the stomach and digestion need to make them a favorite natural go-to in every home pharmacy. Feeling nauseated? It helps to boil the leaves and let the air become diffused with its aroma.

5

Rose

I love that this oil has the ability to really heal, enlighten and protect. Add a little oil in a warmer, and it can help calm the fears of mothers giving birth and also the elderly as they are dying. It can be used to alleviate cramps, and a few drops in a warm bath are even safe to bathe a baby!

It leaves the skin feeling soft and the mind calmed.

Hopefully you can carve out a spot in your yard, and if not, my sister has had great success with those indoor aerogardens where you can grow a few herbs that will become very handy when the time arises to tend to a scratchy throat, draw a soothing bath or make a homemade loaf of bread with some of that rosemary just outside your door!

Take Care of YOU!

alisa@absolutelyfocusmedia.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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FINDING UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS FOR ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CANCERS. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we take an aggressive approach to fighting breast cancer. From accelerating highpotential research to creating unique treatments based on a tumor’s genetics, we offer more innovative options to fight breast cancer at every stage.

Our breast cancer specialists are here to help with • Mammography, using the most advanced imaging technology • Specialized programs for high-risk patients and aggressive forms of breast cancer • Surgery and the latest options for breast reconstruction • Support services including patient navigators and spiritual care • Clinical trials and innovative research focused on prevention and survivorship To schedule your mammogram, call 281.242.PINK(7465).

Visit houstonmethodist.org/fightbreastcancer to learn more about our breast cancer services, or call our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.

16655 Southwest Frwy.

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Sugar Land, TX 77479