September 2014 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

SEPTEMBER 2014

Let's RODEO!

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COVER FEATURE SEPTEMBER 2014

F E AT U R E S 22 THE 78th ANNUAL FORT BEND COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO: TRAILS OF YESTERDAY LEADING TO TOMORROW’S DREAMS With numerous events, rides, food and entertainment, the iconic hometown fair promises big time fun.

35 LEGAL EAGLES

Meet Fort Bend’s Finest Attorneys

47 HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS These resources will help you turn your house into your dream home.

COLUMNS 18 FOCUS ON FINANCE

Storm Flags Flying – Revisited

30 FOCUS ON HEALTH

Socialized Health Care: Are You Ready?

Jennifer Chiang, Amy Mitchell, Elizabeth Duff-Drozd and Stacey Severovich.

40 THE 10 INCARNATIONS MAGNIFICENTLY PERFORMED IN DASHAVATAR

Photography by Nesossi Studios.

14 MITCHELL & DUFF: A SMALL FIRM DELIVERING BIG RESULTS With nearly five decades of combined vast legal experience, Amy Mitchell and Elizabeth Duff-Drozd are founders and partners of one of the largest female-owned firms in Fort Bend. Mitchell and Duff’s dedication to experience, knowledge, teamwork and community are at the core of their outstanding legal practice.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • September 2014

Fort Bend’s Rathna Kumar brings authentic Indian culture to the Wortham Theatre.

44 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT Meet Eucharist Kun

74 THE MAKING OF FORT BEND

Stafford: More Than Just a Dot on a Map

80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE Finding Home

6

CONTRIBUTORS

Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 18

SEPTEMBER 2014

|

VOLUME 10

NEWSWORTHY 23 FBFN FOUNDATION’S 2014 FUNDRAISER

Features Local Media Celebrity and Noted Educator

31 2014 FORT BEND CHAMBER CHALLENGE 32 ALL ABOARD!

For the Rosenberg Railroad Museum Gala

33 BITES & BREWS:

A Night Under the Stars

38 RUN FOR AUTISM 63 FORT BEND SENIORS

Announces 40th Anniversary Groovy Party With The Beatles Theme

SNOWDROP FOUNDATION 3rd Annual Run Over Cancer 5K and 10K

65 ONCE UPON A TIME 4TH ANNUAL GALA FOR HOPE ENDOWMENT

Presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD 28 FORT BEND WELCOMES THE KENSINGTON SCHOOL 34 DANCE WORKS STUDIO OPENS IN MISSOURI CITY

absolutely!

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

|

NUMBER 11

F A M I LY N I G H T AT T H E M O V I E S

18 Dr. Peter Osborne Town Center Wellness Page 30

30 Zeenat Kassam Mitha Cultural Correspondent Page 40

46 CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

40 Donovan Greer Contributor Page 42

GODZILLA 42

absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

Joan Frances Contributor Page 44

62 2015 LINCOLN MKC

44 Christopher Hill Contributor Page 46

MEDICAL & BUSINESS 70 MEDICAL FOCUS

46 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 62

72 DAVID CROWL

Graduates from Institute for Organization Management

62

ROBERT CULAK

Merilee Kern KidsMakingHealthyChoices.com Page 64

Named Treasurer Of National CASA Board of Directors

64

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DELICIOUS

Stephenie Cox absolutely! focus media Page 73

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73 A SMOOTHIE A DAY

Jonathan Fausset Contributor Page 74

75 MASTER YOUR BACKYARD BARBECUE 74

76 VINE SLEUTH

Amy Gross VineSleuth/Wine4.Me Page 76

What Wines Should You Use for Cooking?

IN EVERY ISSUE

76 Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

10 PUBLISHER’S POINT OF VIEW 80

24 SEEN ON THE SCENE

42 GRANDPARENTS AND FITNESS

66 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

64 HEALTHY SCHOOL LUNCH AND SNACK SOLUTIONS

77 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST 78 COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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ON THE COVER: Elizabeth Duff-Drozd and Amy Mitchell.

Photography by Nesossi Studios.

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Vol. 10 No. 11 September 2014

Back to the Grind?

Fall has finally fallen – at least on the calendar – and I for one, couldn’t be more grateful. Yes, we all love the lazy, hazy days of summer, but I confess that by the first of August, I’m ready to fall back into a somewhat normal – if not more hectic – routine.

In my experience, I have found that My two high schoolers on the first day of school: there’s nothing routine about the chal- Kolton, a freshman and Kassidi, a senior. lenges attorneys face in their profession, and in this issue, we look at some of the finest legal firms in Fort Bend. On our cover is the largest female-owned firm in Fort Bend, and the two partners at the helm of Mitchell and Duff are not only proven professionals, they are immersed in our community with their passion for service. Amy Mitchell and Elizabeth DuffDrozd of Mitchell and Duff are one small firm delivering big results for their clients. Read about their incredible work on page 14.

One routine event my family and I look forward to each fall is the Fort Bend County Fair. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the Fair, and this legendary community event has it all: events, rides, live entertainment, shopping, a wine room and bar-be-que. This year, the Fair awarded 47 scholarships to Fort Bend youth from the proceeds of last year’s event. That’s something to be proud of! I’ll certainly be stopping by the Fair this year. Look for me – and complimentary copies of our West Fort Bend magazine absolutely! Brazos – in the Grapes on the Brazos Wine Room in Building W. I hope to see you there!

Esteemed First Lady Jackie Kennedy said, “The only routine with me is no routine at all.” While I may crave some semblance of a routine, the First Lady’s words accurately describe my reality. My real routine – with two high schoolers and four monthly magazines to produce – is frankly, no routine at all. Oh well, keeps things interesting.

Stay focused!

editor@fortbendfocus.com

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

Melissa Mosier-Prihoda

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.C0M

PUBLISHER E D I T O R- I N - C H I E F 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 Stephenie Cox Susan Dannhaus Jennifer Elliott Kay Garrett Juliet Hubbell Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles Bonnie Bell Woodrow A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ginger Garza WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza PHOTOGRAPHER Nesossi Studios O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R AT O R Adrienne Boring CONTRIBUTORS Stephenie Cox Jonathan Fausset Joan Frances Donovan Greer Amy Gross Will Hardee Christopher Hill Merilee Kern Zeenat Kassam Mitha Alisa Murray Dr. Peter Osborne INQUIRIES 281-690-4242

READER FEEDBACK I teared up about the story of Mary Moore Sullivan and what Dr. Cress did for her. Her loss is never able to be replaced, but she can have joy again in the small things. She said it best: she has to be a parent to three more kids. From someone else who suffers from bad teeth, this is a beautiful story of compassion. Being able to smile in confidence even after a tragedy is huge! Way to go Fort Bend community! You all made this beautiful mom fight back her grief and keep going. I love my hometown! Keep up the great work.

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The “10 Key Milestones to Ensure that Your Child is Kindergarten Ready” on page 20 of the August issue was great. I love your magazine; it captures the entire demographic of Fort Bend.

John Williams Dear Patti, I returned from a month long vacation to learn of your new acquisition of the magazines and wanted to congratulate you! All of your hard work paid off.

Keep up the great work!

Dee Koch

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E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S editor@fortbendfocus.com Published by

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

Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2014 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.

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Amy Mitchell and Elizabeth Duff-Drozd.

Mitchell & Duff:

A Small Firm Delivering Big Results

S

ay the words Mitchell & Duff in Fort Bend County, and immediately, people recognize the two powerhouse women behind the firm: Amy Mitchell and Elizabeth Duff-Drozd.

The two women, who are at the helm of one of the largest female-owned firms in Fort Bend, are synonymous with two things: stellar legal representation and service to community.

COVER STORY Photos by Nesossi Studios

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

The founders and partners of Mitchell & Duff, Amy Mitchell and Elizabeth Duff-Drozd, have combined nearly five decades of vast legal experience. Their philosophy of service is simple for an industry known for its complexity: experience, knowledge, teamwork and community. “With our broadbased knowledge of the legal field, we can assist people in Fort Bend County, whether their needs are business or personal,” said Mitchell. Duff-Drozd concurs. “From defending clients in the courtroom to adopting a child, probating a loved one’s will, or creating a business, our firm can meet any civil legal needs for our clients.”

Vast Experience and Knowledge The partners created one of the first female-owned law firms in Fort Bend in 2009 with offices at 210 Main Street in Richmond just blocks away from the historic Fort Bend County courthouse. Mitchell is an experienced civil litigator with over 60 successful trials under belt. Named a “Top Rated Lawyer” in Texas Legal Leaders by the Texas Lawyer, National Law Journal and American Lawyer, Mitchell has nearly 30 years’ experience in personal injury, civil and commercial litigation, consumer debt litigation and complex litigation including class actions and multi-party death cases and appeals. She has represented a number of Fortune .com • September 2014

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– Amy Mitchell who was originally sued by his business partners. The duo credit their success to teamwork. “Teamwork and dedication are the keys for a complex and lengthy litigation like this case,” said Mitchell. “As long as you have a good team, you don’t need a big firm to deliver big results.”

A boutique law firm, the team at Mitchell & Duff has recently grown to include two Associate Attorneys. Jennifer Chiang, a Sugar Land native, holds an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a J.D. from the University of Houston. She joined the firm in 2012 and has a wide civil practice that includes commercial litigation, business transactions, real estate, oil and gas, probate, family law, veteran's disability and children's protective services. Chiang is licensed to practice in all state courts in Texas, as well as the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts in the Southern District of Texas. She is a Member of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section of the State Bar of Texas and a Member of the Photo by Larry Pullen.

500 corporations and has handled over 2,000 litigated cases from inception to conclusion. A graduate of Case Western Reserve, Mitchell is licensed to practice in all Texas state courts, the Federal Courts of the Southern District, Northern, Western and Eastern District of Texas.

Duff-Drozd also excels in the courtroom with her over 20 years’ experience in family law including divorce, guardianship, probate, wills and trusts, adoption, parent rights and termination. She is regularly appointed

by Fort Bend County judges to act as both Attorney ad Litem and Guardian ad Litem in probate, guardianship and child protection cases and is trained in Family and Civil Law mediation. A large portion of Duff-Drozd’s clientele also includes representing individuals in business and transactional issues including contracts, corporate documents, real estate transactions, collections, business issues and human resources. A graduate of South Texas College of Law, she is licensed in all Texas state courts and the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts in the Southern District of Texas.

Dedicated Teamwork From the beginning, Duff-Drozd knew that forming a partnership with Mitchell was a win-win. “I have always been part of a productive, successful firm,” said Duff-Drozd. “But together, as a team, I knew that Amy and I could make an even greater difference in the lives of our clients.” And make a difference, they have.

Judges and their peers have recognized Mitchell & Duff as one of the finest with an AV rating by MartindaleHubbell’s Peer Review Ratings. While they have had multiple successes in their tenure together, in 2013, the firm won a jury trial verdict in excess of one million dollars. This was a big victory for their client, a local businessman

Jennifer Chiang.

College of the State Bar of Texas, an honor society of lawyers committed to increasing the professionalism of lawyers in Texas. Since 2010, Chiang has also been a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of Texas.

Stacey Severovich, a lifelong resident of Fort Bend, holds an M.B.A. from the University of Houston-Victoria and a J.D. from South Texas Colfort bend

magazine • September 2014

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lege of Law, where she graduated cum laude. Severovich joined Mitchell & Duff in 2013, and she practices in all areas of general civil law, civil litigation, and family law. She has been a qualified mediator since August of 2012 and has been published in the Photo by Larry Pullen.

“As long as you have a good team, you don’t need a big firm to deliver big results.”

Stacey Severovich.

South Texas Law Review. Severovich is licensed to practice in all state courts in Texas, as well as the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts in the Southern District of Texas.

Commitment to Community The two partners of Mitchell and Duff have lived in Fort Bend County collectively for over 60 years, and they are not only proud to call it home, they are staunch community servants.

In fact, their dedication to the law is matched by their dedication to community.

Mitchell is currently serving her second term on Sugar Land City Council and has volunteered her time and talents with several non-profit organizations including the Exchange Club of Sugar Land (president 2009-2010), Aga Kahn Foundation (emcee at numerous events), Richmond Exchange Club (co-founder), Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance (Board Member), Literacy Council of Fort Bend (Chair of Wine and Music for Literacy) and Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (Chair of Groovy Party). She served for six years on the 5A Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, two of which she served as the Committee Chair.

“Serving others is part of what we

do – both in our profession and in our personal lives,” said Mitchell. “Being able to serve our community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”

Duff-Drozd has served as a board member of the Fort Bend County Fair for over 10 years and is a former president of the organization. She serves on the Lamar Education Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.) board and has been an active member of Richmond Rotary for over a decade where she has held numerous leadership positions including President. Duff-Drozd has held leadership positions in several additional organizations including the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, the American Red Cross and Rotary International.

She served for six years on the District and 5A Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, and she has been an active member of First Baptist Church of Richmond for over 40 years.

“I truly believe in being good stewards of our community,” said Duff-Drozd who has lived in Richmond since 1974.

“By investing our time and resources in our community, we are investing in our future.”

Mitchell & Duff’s philosophy of teamwork also carries over into the community service efforts or their two newest attorneys. Chiang is a board member of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, Secretary of the Fort Bend Young Lawyer’s Association and recently served as the only female commissioner on the City of Sugar Land Charter Commission. A lifelong resident of Sugar Land, she is a graduate of Sugar Land 101 and is active in Fort Bend politics.

Severovich serves on the South Texas Law Review Advisory Board and is a member of the Fort Bend Bar Association and the Fort Bend Young Lawyers Association. Severovich is active in the Central Fort Bend Chamber Richmond Business Department and is participating in the Central Fort Bend Chamber Leadership Class of 2015.

For more information about Mitchell & Duff and their dedication to experience, knowledge, teamwork and community, visit www.MitchellandDuff. com or call 281-341-1718 for a confidential consultation.

Jennifer Chiang, Amy Mitchell, Elizabeth Duff-Drozd and Stacey Severovich.

Areas of Practice Fort Bend County’s premier female-owned law firm, Mitchell & Duff, practices law in four major civil litigation categories including:

Corporate:

Litigation:

• Collections • Compliance and Litigation Avoidance • Commercial Transactions • Corporate and Business Formation • General Business Representation • Insurance Law • Mergers and Acquisitions • Real Estate and Construction

Real Estate: • Foreclosures and Options • Evictions • Pursuit of Deficiency Judgments • Litigation Involving Title Issues and Mortgage Fraud • Transactions: Real Estate Sales, Residential and Commercial Lease Work and Consulting Services

Personal Service Representation: • Adoptions • Estate Planning • Family Law • Probate • Wills and Trusts

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • September 2014

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• Appellate and Supreme Court Practice • Banking Litigation • Class Actions and Collections • Commercial Litigation and Arbitration • Construction and Consumer Debt Litigation • Consumer Financial Services Litigation • Dram Shop • Guardianship • Insurance Coverage • Litigation involving FCRA, FDCPA, RESPA, TILA and other regulatory violations • Personal Injury • Probate • Products Liability • Oil and Gas Related Disputes • Real Estate Litigation • Wrongful Death The firm also provides arbitration and mediation services. For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation with the attorneys of Mitchell & Duff, visit www.MitchellandDuff.com or call 281-341-1718.

fort bend

magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

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Presented by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

FOCU$ on FINANCE

Storm Flags Flying – Revisited

H

ere on the Gulf Coast, hurricane season is in full swing. It’s not something we look forward to. We’d rather be planning our summer vacation to the beach or a Caribbean island. But it’s what you do to prepare.

Investing is much of the same. An old adage on Wall Street is “Sell in May and Go Away.” This saying came about decades ago as traders in New York City would sell their positions in anticipation of spending the summer in the cooler environs of The Hamptons. This was well before electronic trading and cell phones.

However, there is a great deal of truth that still guides human nature today. There are documented seasonal tendencies such as the best six months and the worst six months of the year. According to the Stock Trader’s Almanac, May through October has historically been the worst six-month period of each year. If you had invested $10,000 in the Dow Jones Industrial Average on May 1st and sold October 31st of every year since 1950, you would have lost money over the past 64 years. The above example is not an investment recommendation. However, a wise investor, just like a wise vacationer, plans for a hurricane this time of year, even as they go about their everyday business.

2013 produced double-digit returns for the year. The only hiccup was in May and June when the S&P 500 declined approximately 7% on fears of rising interest rates. Even in good markets there can be turbulent times.

Don’t despair, just prepare. The average American cannot afford to retire on just their savings. They must invest to accumulate wealth. Our goal is to help you prepare for your future even as the “storm flags are flying.”

If you’d like to learn more about the “good” period of investing, how we help manage “hurricane season” or strategies designed to accumulate and maintain wealth, contact us at www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com.

The views presented herein are solely those of H.H. “Will” Hardee, and do not necessarily represent the views of RBC Wealth Management. Current status of issues discussed in this letter is subject to change based upon market conditions and industry fundamentals. Clients should work with their Financial Advisor to develop investment strategies tailored to their own financial circumstances. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The name Hardee Investment Group refers to a group of Financial Advisor working in the Houston, Texas office of RBC Wealth Management.

The Hardee Investment Group is not a separate legal or corporate entity. All services offered and all memberships referenced in the presentation refer to the services offered or registrations held through RBC Wealth Management. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

Peace of Mind

Are you experiencing mental numbness regarding your finances during these challenging times? We can help implement financial strategies for managing and building long-lasting wealth. Let us do the work. Since 1977, we have been providing families and businesses guidance that is always In The Client’s Best Interest.

Hardee Investment Group

Hardee Investment Group (713) 853-0879 • (800) 838-0757 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com © 2012 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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Dr. Larry Tran Dr. Toby Yaltho

Houston Methodist Oncology Partners

Methodist Family Medicine Group 16605 SW Frwy., Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0800

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Dr. Seva Papageorge Dr. Tayma Shaya Dr. Mona Sheth Dr. Melida Tellez

For a detailed list of services and physician bios, visit methodistsugarlanddocs.com.

If you don’t see the specialty you’re looking for, please call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral.

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magazine • September 2014

21

The 78th Annual

Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo:

Melissa Navarre carried the American flag before a packed house at the 2013 Fort Bend County Fair.

Photo by Bill Robertson – Magana Media.

kickoff parade, turkey legs, carnival rides and rodeo action are all reasons to anticipate the 78th Annual Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo. The iconic event runs September 26th to October 5th at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds allowing families and friends to enjoy a hometown fair packed with big time fun. “Our fair represents many traditions from our youth that make us want to come back and enjoy it with our families today,” said 2014 Fort Bend County Fair President Vickie Todd Autrey. “While we have many people who have attended our fair, we would like to invite everyone who may not have had the opportunity to come out. We truly have something for everyone to enjoy.”

From wine tastings at the Grapes on the Brazos wine room to lawn mower races in the arena, the fair’s schedule is packed with a wide range of entertainment. The barbecue cook-off will have grill masters creating savory creations, and aspiring artists will debut their work at the art auction. Best of all, the fun is close to home for Fort Bend County residents.

The Fort Bend County Fair is committed to helping youth achieve their educational goals. Forty-two $3,000 scholarships and five Queen Scholarships were awarded this year. For the first time in the Fort Bend County Fair’s 77 year history, the 2013 four auctions

totaled over $1,000,000. Hence, this year’s theme is Trails of Yesterday Leading to Tomorrow’s Dreams. “This is what the Fort Bend County Fair is all about.

It’s about our youth; it’s about our future,” boasted President Autrey. “We try to better people; they are our future leaders.”

The fair’s musical headliners will have people refusing to miss a day. “We are thrilled with this year’s line up! We found a great balance bringing in legendary favorites and hot Texas music acts.

It is a country music lover’s dream,” said Susan Sillavan, Fort Bend County Fair Manager. “Some of these artists we’ve been trying to sign since 2013, and finally this year it has all come together.”

Kicking off the fair is the veteran of Texas music chart topper Kevin Fowler.

Fowler is known for his high energy and crowd-pleasing sounds only he can perform. “I’m looking forward to it. Fort Bend County, get ready. We are heading your way,” said Fowler. Texas native and Aggie alum Granger Smith will take the stage with his talented twist on traditional country music on Saturday, September 27th.

Go Tejano Day is set for Sunday, September 29th. The Grammy Award winning sensation La Mafia will headline the festivities. The Houston-based band is internationally known for their Latin sounds and true traditional licks. Also performing is the pride of south Texas, Los Palominos, whose Tejano sounds will thrill the crowd.

During the Fair’s second weekend, Steve Wariner will bring his guitar, song and vocal talents. Wariner has been producing country hits since the late 70s and has drawn a lifelong fan base. On Saturday, October 4th, Oklahoma natives Jason Boland & The Stragglers hit the stage. Closing out the Fair on Sunday, October 5th is legendary singer Moe Bandy bringing his memorable, classic country hits to life for what is sure to be

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22

a spectacular performance.

Returning to the Fort Bend County Fair on Wednesday, October 1st is a match roping between two gigantic, multi-world champion cowboys, Cody Ohl and Fred Whitfield. Eight-time world champion Joe Beaver will call the action. All three men have had their share of magical moments in the arena and countless accolades bestowed upon them for their calf roping talents. Ohl and Whitfield squared off in a Challenge of Champions match roping at the 2004 Fort Bend County Fair. Ohl won the bragging rights that night and leads in other matches between the two, but Whitfield edges him out in career Gold Buckles.

The 2013 Fort Bend County Fair Bull Riding Champion Cody Teel.

Photo by Bill Robertson – Magana Media.

A

Trails of Yesterday Leading to Tomorrow’s Dreams

“I don’t care if we are pitching washers, when you have those three names involved, you don’t want to lose,” said Ohl about competing in the match roping in the county where he grew up.

Whitfield, winner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calf-roping title in 2012, is no stranger to Fort Bend County. “It could be the 10th round at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) or a game at the carnival, we are all going to be going for it,” Whitfield said. The competition is sure to be a fan favorite and will draw a large crowd to the Fort Bend County Fair.

Visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com for a full schedule of events or ticket information.

NEWSWORTHY

FBFN Foundation’s 2014 Fundraiser Features Local Media Celebrity and Noted Educator Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors Foundation (FBFN) invites the community to their annual fundraiser supporting the organization’s scholarship program benefiting the students of Fort Bend County. This year’s event, “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” will be held on Friday, October 24th at Safari Texas Ranch.

Jacquie Baly, local radio/television personality, is Honorary Chairwoman and event emcee. Ken Kaser, Director of the University of Houston Conrad Hilton Hotel Management College and author of acclaimed education textbooks, will deliver the keynote address.

FBFN Foundation, the charitable arm of Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors social club, exists to carry forward its scholarship program through fundraisers, donations and community support.

Proceeds from this event will advance the awarding of scholarships to eligible students within Fort Bend County who plan to attend college at one of the Fort Bend County colleges, including University of Houston Sugar Land, Houston Community College and Wharton Junior College including Fort Bend Technical Center.

Registration begins at 10:30 am, and the event will offer several fun and exciting fundraising opportunities including a silent auction, wine pull, bakery cafe and much more. Sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $600 to $2,500. Sponsor benefits include premier reserved seating, complimentary program advertisement and more.

VIP reservations of $60 include reserved seating and more. Individual reservations are $40. Reservation deadline is October 9th.

For more information on sponsorships, donating silent auction items or volunteering, contact Carolyn Silva at donations@fbfnfoundation.org or visit www.FBFNFoundation.org. fort bend

magazine • September 2014

23

S E E N on the Scene

Downtown Stomp Benefiting the Fort Bend County Fair

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Fort Bend Welcomes The Kensington School The Kensington School was founded by a group of educators and youth developers that identified an unmet need for cutting-edge early childhood education in the Sugar Land, Richmond and Houston areas. They combine the best practices of Montessori education with a strong focus on 21st century skills, particularly through the integration of technology into the classroom, to better prepare young people for the world that we live in today. The Kensington School believes that this updated approach to a Montessori education better prepares students to succeed in elementary school and provides a sound educational basis for long term success in college and the careers of the future.

The Director, who has Masters degrees in Teaching and Education, prepares a curriculum that draws on the best of Montessori education and supplements the Montessori model with proven educational practices like brain-based learning for children ages six weeks to 10 years. The curriculum prioritizes the development of critical thinking skills and effective communication skills and creates opportunities to collaborate and think creatively with the goal of preparing students for the educational demands of the future.

Finally, The Kensington School values family engagement in the education of children and provides opportunities and tools for parents and families to stay involved in the education of their children.

As the Kensington School kicks off the new school year, stop by the school’s new Fort Bend location and learn about the program offerings, including before and after school care.

Call 281-232-4400, email INFO@ TheKensingtonSchoolTX.com or visit www.TheKensingtonSchoolTX.com for more information.

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F

or the past several years, you have probably followed the news and health media on prescription medication recalls and warnings and been somewhat alarmed and confused. Below are some examples of recent events: 1. A study published in Lancet found that oral contraceptive use doubles a woman’s risk of invasive cervical cancer.

Medications containing conjugated estrogens are labeled with a black box warning, because they increase the risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis.

2. The pain medicine Vioxx was pulled off of the market, because it was found to double the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

3. Fosamax and similar medications used to treat osteoporosis (bisphosphonates) have been found to cause esophageal damage and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

4. Popular acid reducing medications like Nexium and Protonix (PPIs) were recently found to increase the risk of hip fracture.

5. The FDA’s Pharmacological Drug Advisory Committee decided to put a black box warning on common antidepressants (Cymbalta, Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro).

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a groundbreaking paper. The study was conducted on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring in U.S. hospitals. The conclusion of this study was very alarming. It was estimated that in 1994, 106,000 people died from ADRs. When put into perspective, the top killers in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer and stroke, killing approximately 950,000, 750,000 and 150,000 people per

FOCUS ON HEALTH

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Socialized Health Care: Are You Ready? year respectively. Based on the study findings, that makes adverse drug reactions the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. These top three causes of death are treated medically with the use of prescription medication. Prescription medication could potentially be the fourth leading cause of death. Following this logic, how does it make sense to continue following a paradigm that obviously has such a profound flaw? The U.S. spends more money per person on health care than any other country in the world. Yet, among industrialized nations, the U.S. ranks 26th in infant mortality and 24th in life expectancy.

How does all of this relate to socialized health care? Pharmaceutical companies have a lot to gain with this new plan. The new health care bill does not fund true, preventative care. It funds sick care. It funds a medical system that has failed to adequately address the health care issues in this country. The new bill will dump billions of your hard-earned dollars into providing treatments that have been identified as one of the leading causes of death.

Combine the above information with the following: It has been hypothesized that as many as half of the doctors in the U.S. will retire or quit practicing once this new plan takes effect. Additionally, the

government funded health care will flood the system with an additional 30 million patients. This combination creates long waits and poor quality care. As it is currently, many doctors’ offices offer wait times of 30 minutes to an hour followed by a five-minute visit with the doctor. Under the new plan, you can most likely expect longer delays and less personalized care from the doctor. Less personalized care leads to sicker patients and more drug prescriptions.

Does it make since to invest billions, perhaps trillions of dollars into a health care system that does not focus on the prevention of diseases, focuses on treatments that have historically failed, does not pay for dietary advice or lifestyle education and destroys a doctor’s ability to give adequate time and counseling to patients?

There is no such thing as free health care. The future of quality care will rest on the shoulders of doctors who disassociate themselves from government funded care and move toward a fee for service system that allows them to spend quality time educating, treating and caring for their patients. The future of good health in the U.S. will rest upon the shoulders of the individual. There are no magic pills or products that will miraculously transform your health.

Look in the mirror and ask the following questions: “Do I exercise regularly? Do I drink plenty of water? Do I eat reasonably? Do I manage my stress load responsibly? Do I have good hygiene? Do I get adequate sun exposure? Do I get adequate sleep on a nightly basis? Do I take time to educate myself about the proper care and function of my body?” If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you are not doing your part.

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NEWSWORTHY

2014 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge

Authentic Argentinian Food & Passionate Live Entertainment!

Classic Chevrolet’s Mark Kolon and Don Kerstetter with Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen.

Planning for the 2014 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament is well underway. This year’s premier tournament, presented by Classic Chevrolet and the City of Missouri City, will be held at Quail Valley Golf Course on Monday, October 27th beginning with a shotgun start at 11 am.

“The Golf Tournament is one of our favorite events because it’s not just ‘Par for the Course,’” said the 2014 Chamber Challenge sponsor Don Kerstetter.

The tournament will be played on the El Dorado course at the Quail Valley Golf Course and set up in a scramble format.

The day promises to be packed with fun and excitement for all players with awards ranging from first place teams to hole-in-one. Players will be well taken care of with complimentary snacks and libations. A live auction dinner is scheduled as a part of the post-tournament festivities held at the fabulous City Centre at Quail Valley.

There are opportunities available for networking and corporate sponsorships from tee-tumblers, auction items, golf tees, hole sponsors and business showcases. Golfers and non-golfers alike are welcome. Corporate teams and individuals are invited to participate for $800 and $200 respectively. To register online, visit www.FortBendChamber.com. For more information about the 2014 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge, contact Matthew Ferraro at 281-491-0277 or matthew@ fortbendcc.org.

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NEWSWORTHY

All Aboard! for the Rosenberg Railroad Museum Sponsor opportunities are now available for the Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s annual fundraising gala All Aboard! scheduled for Saturday, October 18th at Safari Texas, and this year’s event features a fun-filled evening with a dinner, Harvey House Bakery and live and silent auctions where guests can climb aboard in support of the Museum.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support program operations and general operating needs for the Museum to assist in preserving the rich heritage of the railroad industry and its contribution to the history of Fort Bend County. Serving as the Honorary Conductors for this year’s event are Rosenberg Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr. and Richmond Mayor Evalyn W. Moore. “For the past 161 years, the railroad has been a vital part of the economy and development of Fort Bend,” said Morales. “The Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s mission to preserve and display the history of the eight railroad lines that brought wealth and commerce to our community is an essential part of our history.”

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Rosenberg Railroad Museum Executive Director Ratha Chheang Liladrie, Rosenberg Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr., Richmond Mayor Evalyn W. Moore and Committee Member Sandy Campos are All Aboard! for the upcoming event scheduled for Saturday, October 18th. For more information, visit www. rosenbergrrmuseum.org.

Mayor Moore agrees. “Vincent and I are excited to be a part of this worthwhile event benefiting the Museum, an important part of Fort Bend’s rich heritage. We celebrate what the railroads brought to our early communities, and we invite everyone to climb aboard for this year’s event to help preserve this history for future generations.”

Last year, over 10,000 students, families, seniors and international visitors stepped through the doors of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum to view rail cars, exhibits and to watch some 65 trains pass through Rosenberg daily. “Our annual gala raises the necessary funds to insure that visitors and guests can enjoy and learn from our educational programs and exhibits,” said Doris Gurecky, event chairman.

Packing their bags for All Aboard! are Chairman Doris Gurecky along with committee members Kathy Kubelka, Robbie Reed, Lisa Ricker, Lupe Uresti, Marcia Vogelsang, Sandy Campos and Janie Warstler.

Sponsorships are available for the event, and they range from $1,000 to $5,000. All sponsorship opportunities include tickets to the event, recognition in the program and on-site recognition at the event.

All Aboard for the Rosenberg Railroad Museum! Individual tickets to the event are $75, and they, along with sponsorships, are available by contacting Doris Gurecky at 281-238-6603 or doris.gurecky@gurecky.com. For more information, visit www. rosenbergrrmuseum.org/gala.

.com • September 2014

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Bites & Brews: A Night Under the Stars On September 20th, invite your friends for an unforgettable evening under the stars at the Fort Bend County Museum, located at 500 Houston Street in Richmond, to Bites & Brews.

Bites & Brews will feature live music, fine cuisine, wine and beer, as well as the traveling exhibit Tropical [Im]pressions and a chance to view the beautiful historic 1883 Home of Congressman John M. Moore. Live music will be performed by local musicians The String Theory String Orchestra, a seven-piece string orchestra, and The Cool Tones will perform favorite songs.

Samples of fine cuisine will be available from the following restaurants: Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Witt’s Catering, Italian Maid, George Ranch Historical Park, The Swinging Door, Karl’s Restaurant and Bar, S&S Steaks and Spirits, Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse and Joseph’s Coffee and Fine Cigars. Tastings of fine wine will be available by Braman Winery, along with beers from Saint Arnolds.

The historical Moore Home is located next door to the Fort Bend County Museum at 406 South 5th Street in Richmond. Festivities will run from 6:30 pm through 9 pm. Advance tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Tickets at the door are $35 per person or $60 per couple. Purchase advanced tickets through the Museum at 281-342-6478.

For more information, contact 281342-1256 or tnorris@fortbendmuseum. org.

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Dance Works Studio Opens in Missouri City

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New to the Missouri City area is a dance studio that is taking it to the next level: Dance Works Studio. Designed for practice and performance, Dance Works’ new, 13,000 square-foot studio houses three dance rooms and a full-size gym.

With over 25 years of experience each, Dance Works’ directors challenge and nurture each dancer. Studio classes and a competition team offer opportunities to learn jazz, hip hop, ballet, leaps and turns, pom and more. The talented staff professionally teaches all genres of dance and continues to earn recognition in choreography.

Although Dance Works is award winning, God, school and family come first. Dance isn’t all about winning, but it is a great reward for all of the hard work. Practicing two to five hours a week proves to be successful for Dance Works Studio’s Majestics dancers who win multiple awards every year. All dancers perform and build confidence at their annual showcase.

At Dance Works Studio, friendships between dancers build memories, while working as a team builds leadership and commitment. Moms make new friends, and teachers become great mentors. Judges, parents and dancers appreciate Dance Works’ use of appropriate music and costume choices.

Dancers learn from professional company members, choreographers, judicators and dance educators. Both competitive and studio dancers receive the same quality teaching to improve.

Registration is still open for studio classes, so stop by Dance Works Studio’s new Missouri City location at 7246 Knights Court for a schedule. For more information, call 281-208-7114 or visit www.danceworksmajestics.com.

PROFILES

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magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

35

LEGAL EAGLES

PROFILES

7.

10 Perfect

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L

9.

awyers will often provide a complimentary or lowcost consultation to learn the details of your potential case, as well as give potential clients an opportunity to ask some questions about the attorney. To take advantage of this opportunity, have a list of questions in mind to ask during the initial consultation.

The questions should relate to the lawyer’s expertise, experience, fees, special knowledge and management of the potential case. Here are ten basic questions to help you pick the perfect lawyer: How long have you practiced law? Ask whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school; however, you may need a veteran. It will depend on your case.

What type of cases do you typically handle, and what percentage of your practice is devoted to this specific area? Determining a lawyer’s expertise – and how much of his practice is devoted to a certain type of law – is critical. If you need help with a minor custody issue, you may want to retain a family law lawyer.

Who is your typical client? Make sure you are in the right place. If you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney you’re meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best fit.

How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine? Feel free to ask about the attorney’s track record, including the number of cases won or settled.

What kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation? Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training in addition to a law degree. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

What are your fees, and how are they billed? Will paralegals or legal assistants be working on my case? If paralegals or legal assistants will be working on your case, ask about reduced costs. You need to know whether you can afford the lawyer’s services and how you will be required to pay. Ask about payment options if necessary and how you will be billed.

1.

What is your philosophy in representing a case?

Make sure the attorney is a good fit. For example, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, but the attorney is known as an aggressive divorce lawyer, this may not be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bulldog attorney to handle an upcoming corporate merger, you will want someone who is more aggressive.

Can I solve my legal problem without hiring an attorney? Always ask whether there are any alternatives for solving your legal problem. Arbitration or outof-court arrangements may work for you.

How will you let me know what’s happening with my case? Consistent communication is critical when working with a lawyer. Find out how your attorney will communicate with you and how often.

What is the likely outcome in my case?

Oftentimes, it is fair to ask the attorney whether you have a good chance of winning your case. A direct, honest response will be helpful in determining your course of action, as well as help you be prepared. If you are in for a fight, it is helpful to know up front so you can be prepared.

10.

These questions should give you general knowledge of a specific lawyer’s experience, expertise and skill level, and most importantly, whether the lawyer is a good fit for you.

Himesh Gandhi Attorney at Law

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC As a shareholder at Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC, Himesh Gandhi represents local individuals and entities in a wide variety of complex business transactions and litigation matters. His primary focus is in the areas of real estate, commercial disputes, acquisitions, construction, collections, finance and general corporate matters. In addition to practicing law, Gandhi strongly believes in community service. In 2012, Gandhi was elected to Sugar Land City Council and became the youngest at-large councilman in the history of the City taking office at the age of 35. Gandhi has served as a board member for several organizations, including the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the Arc of Fort Bend. In 2011, he was named one of the Fort Bend Rising Stars by the Fort Bend Business Journal.

2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 290 • Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-207-76970 • www.rmwbhlaw.com

.com • September 2014

36

LEGAL EAGLES

PROFILES

The Dean Law Firm, PLLC

W

Julia Dean Lead Attorney

1650 Highway 6 South, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-3326 julia@juliadeanlaw.com

hen clients walk through the door of The Dean Law Firm, PLLC, they are met with a welcoming, comfortable environment and personal service. This distinctive element is cultivated by lead attorney Julia Dean, who strives to create a caring legal environment.

Dean is an exceptional woman whose extensive knowledge and compassionate heart are the perfect combination for assisting clients. Her goal is to let each client know they are valued and that their legal needs will be met with excellence. Dean’s professional experience encompasses a broad range of legal matters. Her primary emphases are estate planning, probate and civil appeals.

Julia Dean and The Dean Law Firm staff offer a unique legal experience as expressed by recent clients Bill and Jill Miller. “Julia Dean is a highly ethical and competent attorney who is also very sensitive to the individual needs of her clients. We are most satisfied with the high level of professionalism she recently exhibited while preparing new wills and a trust agreement for us. She frequently attends legal seminars to stay up-to-date on the latest changes in the laws pertaining to her work. We have recommended her to friends and family who have been similarly impressed with the services she provided to them.”

Whether you hope to establish your family legacy through an estate plan or you find yourself in the midst of the probate process, let the Dean Law Firm expertise, character and compassion bring you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Kurt Andreason Attorney at Law Andreason Law Firm

Farha Ahmed Attorney at Law Farha Ahmed Law

Kurt Andreason, Attorney at Law, meets clients’ estate planning needs with everything from basic will and trust planning to sophisticated strategies, including family limited partnerships, LLCs, long-term and dynasty trusts, business succession and retirement account planning. Andreason is a graduate of the University of Texas Law School and has been practicing law in Texas since 1983. He is board certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law. Andreason is listed among the best lawyers in America in the Estates and Trust field and has been named a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly. Call or visit his convenient, handicapped accessible office in Sugar Land for more information.

Farha Ahmed has practiced law in Texas for over 15 years and represents her clients with zeal and compassion, particularly in the areas of commercial and real estate transactions, family law, probate and civil litigation. She is known for her sharp aggressive stance on behalf of her clients and is committed to excellence. Clients value that Ahmed truly commits and sees a case to its end and seeks the best resolution for her clients. Farha is notable for her service on the Sugar Land Planning Commission and was recognized by the Mayor of Houston for her community service. Farha’s firm provides pro bono advice to victims of family violence and volunteers with Fort Bend Lawyers Care.

4840 Sweetwater Boulevard, Suite B Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-1561 www.andreasonlawfirm.com

2150 Town Square Place • Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-313-3839 www.farhaahmedlaw.com farha@farhaahmedlaw.com

fort bend

magazine • September 2014

37

NEWSWORTHY

Lace up those sneakers, rally your friends and head to Fulshear for the First Annual Hope for Three 5K Run and 3K Walk for Autism. The event, which is open to the young, seasoned, uniquely-abled and abled, will kick off this year’s Fulshear Scarecrow Festival on October 18th.

Honorary event chairs are Fulshear Mayor Tommy Kuykendall, Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes, Simonton Mayor Daniel McJunkin and Weston Lakes Mayor Mary Rose Zdunkewicz.

Each has signed on to bring autism awareness not only to each of their cities, but the surrounding area. “We have some stiff competition, all in the honor of team work, that is,” laughed Katie Wiseman, Hope for Three Executive Director.

“Each of our honorary chairs and committee members vow to out-do the other.”

Autism is one of the leading disorders affecting children worldwide, with one in 50 school-aged children being diagnosed. Run for Autism will bring awareness to the community and assist those with resources living in the Fort Bend County area.

Registration is now underway at www.hopeforthree.org/ run-for-autism. Early Bird Runner and Walker fees are $25 per

Photo by Theresa Creel.

Run for Autism

Ready to run or walk for the “Ausome” Kids in Fort Bend living with autism are Darla Farmer, Fulshear Mayor Tommy Kuykendall, Weston Lakes Mayor Mary Rose Zdunkewicz, Simonton Mayor Daniel McJunkin and Katie Wiseman.

adult and $10 per child until September 28th. Fees will then increase to $35 per adult and $15 per child until the morning of the event. Inaugural event t-shirts, as well as other goodies, will be provided to all participants.

Along with the help of honorary chairs and supportive committee members, Hope for Three is able to host such a fun-filled event and provide resources to “ausome” kiddos.

However, they need you to sign up as a walk/run participate, sponsor or underwriter. For more information, call 1-800-3170787.

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fort bend

magazine • September 2014

39

By Zeenat Kassam Mitha.

Photography by Krishna Giri.

The 10 Incarnations Magnificently Performed in

Dashavatar

G

rowing up, most of my summers were spent as a counselor or director of youth camps where I had the opportunity to involve teenagers and young adults in leadership, team building and cultural learning.

All of this was mixed with fun and fantasy on an amphitheater stage. It was one of my most rewarding experiences. So, when the opportunity came to share a meaningful cultural play performed by some incredibly talented young dancers, I jumped in wholeheartedly.

The Indian play Dashavatar was performed at the Wortham Theatre earlier this year. The visionary behind this production was the well-known dance instructor Rathna Kumar. Kumar is the founder and owner of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts in Sugar Land, the first Indian Dance School in Texas, which opened more than 39 years ago.

In the Sanskrit language, Dashavatar refers to the 10 (dasa) incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu, the Hindu god of universal preservation. Sanskrit is an ancient Indic language of India in which the Hindu scriptures and classical Indian epic poems are written and from which many Northern Indian languages are derived.

The curtain opened upon a handsome silhouette of Vishnu with the voice of the narrator, Rathna Kumar, explaining the reason for the avatars. The avatars in which Vishnu manifested himself were to save the world from evil forces and bring peace. The performance was a continuous storytelling through dance and drama. Each act was linked to one of three groups of dancers who were the Sutradharis (chorus), summing up the story through countless hand gestures and speedy footwork.

The cast of 40 dancers in stunning costumes made especially for this production gave a magnificent performance filled with grace, beauty and consistency. The opening scene included the chanting of the Vedas (from the Sanskrit word for “knowledge”).

Then, there was the Demon Soma’s sneaky entrance and the chaos caused by his stealing the Vedas. With oceanlike waves cleverly formed with fabric, a picture-perfect mood was set for the perforDashavatar performers Sudesh Pillutla and mance. In the lead was Venugopal Josyula.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Dashavatar performers Samyukta Hari, Shravya Arra, Sneha Peri, Harshini Ganesh, Rima Shah, Toshani Viswanathan, Tanooha Veeramachineni, Sanjana Jhaveri, Ragini Konde, Sreya Raju and Amulya Peri.

Venugopal Josyula, assistant director at the Anjali Center for Performing Arts, who glided in and out of various roles.

His choreography for the seven male characters in the play was very nicely implemented in the dance drama.

Kumar’s choreography was a work of art. The lively village scene in the Balarama Avatar featuring young folk dancers added a wonderful, rustic element to the whole production. Remarkable in their coordination of movements and accomplished footwork were the core dancers, many of whom are residents of Sugar Land. In the midst of all of this action was the omnipresent Vishnu played by Nishka Bommareddy.

“Dashavatar was truly a team effort,” said Kumar. “The preparation on this took months, and everyone from the dancers to the staff and volunteers put their heart and soul into this production.” Kumar celebrates 40 years of opening up the Anjali Center for Performing Arts in Greater Houston, and the school, located at 2615 Cordes Drive off of Lexington Boulevard, celebrates its 12th anniversary in Sugar Land next year.

The use of levels on the stage was another talented idea.

Avatars seemed to appear and disappear in a cloud of smoke.

The aesthetic lighting elevated the choreography. Seetha Ratnakar, the artistic consultant for the production, designed all of the fabulous costumes and flew in from India especially for the show. Ramana Prasad and Shefali Jhaveri managed the props wonderfully for every scene. The music by Rajkumar Bharathi of Chennai was impressive.

It is encouraging to know that this production was funded in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. With such partnerships, we look forward to more of these delightfully performed events and productions.

TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS

for upcoming cultural stories and events, contact Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha at zeenat@fortbendfocus.com

.com • September 2014

40

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fort bend

magazine • September 2014

41

Grandparents

and

Fitness

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randparents Day is September 7th, but instead of celebrating with a cake, how about going for a spin on a bike or walk around the park?

In today’s society, Americans age 50 and older are beginning to see longer life expectancies. An increasing number of adults over the age of 50 are compet-

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HEALTHY LIVING

ing in triathlons, rodeos, MS 150 events and marathons. Fifty has become the new 35, and it’s primarily due to exercise training and fitness.

Physical fitness is very beneficial for older adults. As people age, their metabolism tends to slow down, which causes an increase in body fat. They also tend to lose muscle tone, strength, balance and even the elasticity in their muscles.

Some common injuries that elderly citizens typically suffer from are hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries, which are typically caused by falling due to lack of balance and stability. Studies and evidence also show that physical exercise is a key player in the reduction of metabolic syndrome, which increases diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia and depression.

Exercise can also help save lives.

Balance training can help not only reduce an adult’s chances of falling, but strength training can also help them recover much faster from an injury al-

By Donovan Greer

ready sustained. The ability to balance on one leg is a very good test to see if one is prone to injury causing falls. If one struggles to balance on one foot, then that is an indicator that they are at risk for slipping and falling. Balance and stability exercise should be incorporated.

Among those who have started exercising at the age of 50 and continued for at least 10 years, studies show a dramatic decrease in their chances of premature death. And, for those looking for that magic fountain of youth, look no further. Exercise and physical fitness has been proven to protect the elderly from long-term memory loss and help slow down the rate of aging.

Exercise should become a regular part of your life, and it should be thought of as a way to enhance your quality of life. I have clients in their 50s and 60s who can run circles around teenagers.

It’s all about attitude and finding activities that you love to participate in.

If you’re a beginner – at any age – I encourage you to find a personal trainer who can guide you with step-by-step instruction, or join classes such as yoga, mat Pilates or a dance class. After all, it’s never too late to start exercising.

Achieve the Ultimate Smile!

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

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High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

D

Meet Eucharist Kun

ulles High School is home to approximately 2,138 students. The standard for educational excellence is a top priority at Dulles, and recent graduate Eucharist Kun is confirmation of its success. With devoted teachers and strong family support, Eucharist is ready to take the next step in his educational process.

Eucharist and his family moved from Dallas to settle in Sugar Land when Eucharist was in first grade and became a student of Fort Bend Independent School District. At age six, he was introduced to the musical world by learning to play the piano and a year later, the violin.

While violin lessons were long, Eucharist enjoyed the progress he made.

In his first year of high school, Eucharist auditioned and was accepted to become a part of the orchestra.

His teacher, Michael Isadore, taught him for the next four years. Because of his developed talent, Eucharist was engaged in the top two divisions of the orchestra, philharmonic and honors, all four years. When asked what stood out the most for him as a student, Eucharist replied, “Orchestra taught me to take the initiative to improve my performance by discipline and responsibility, and this

Eucharist helped make me a leader.” The group participated in University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions all year and earned outstanding ratings.

Eucharist is also a member of the Texas Music Educators Association AllRegion Orchestra and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. When not practicing his music, Eucharist enjoys playing basketball and ultimate frisbee. Besides speaking English, he is fluent in Cantonese.

During the past five summers, Eucharist attended a religious camp with Sugar Land Chinese Church at Forest Glen Park in Huntsville. This year, he was an assistant youth director at the week-long camp, which is filled with engaging games and fun activities. But, the overall objective is to get in touch with God and the fortunate life the campers are given.

Through the years, Eucharist has donated his time attending church mission trips to China teaching English to Chinese students. He also went to poor communities to help those in need. One value that Eucharist lives by is, “Perseverance and determination to never give up no matter how difficult the obstacles.”

Eucharist established valuable friendships that forged a bond through

teamwork and communication. He is a caring person and devoted to his family and friends. He enjoys spending quality time with his family. Last summer, they took a trip together to Hong Kong to visit family, then to Korea and California. Eucharist enjoyed visiting Hong Kong the most. Because Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Eucharist and his family took time to shop and enjoy the sites. They also enjoyed spending the time with relatives.

Out of Dulles High School’s 530 seniors, Eucharist ranked in the upper six percent academically and was one of the top 30 students in his class. A member of the National Honor Society, National Merit Scholarship Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction and Academic Honors, Eucharist was awarded two scholarships: the College of Natural Sciences and The Longhorn Guarantee.

Eucharist will attend the University of Texas in Austin this fall and will major in biochemistry with a focus on either the medical field research or pre-med. Congratulations on your success, determination and talent, Eucharist! Good luck as you begin new challenges in Austin.

“Perseverance and determination to never give up no matter how difficult the obstacles.” – Eucharist Kun TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • September 2014

44

Saturday, September 13, 2014 2:00 - 5:00 PM Sugar Land Town Square

Sponsored by:

For more information visit www.TCRN-SugarLand.com

© Marvel Studios.

F

ilms are often stereotyped by category to what you can expect. A superhero movie is supposed to deliver over-the-top action with some humor and only slight nods to developing characters. Captain America: The Winter Soldier takes the superhero formula and delivers not only the best superhero movie of the year, but one that defies its stereotype.

This is one of the most intriguing political action films in a long time. The action is intense.

However, in the quieter moments, we see beyond the red, white and blue shield of Captain America and glimpse the warmer consciousness of top spy Natasha Romanov. Unlike previous Captain American appearances where a character can be portrayed as somewhat stiff, The Winter Soldier shows Steve Rogers coming to terms with the past and finding the best path for the future.

Deeper still, the film shows what the age of information could really mean in the wrong – and right – hands. Harkening back to the political action films of the 1970s, the tension in the film is palpable. You may know from the beginning who is going to win, but the question is, at what cost?

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Release: September 9th

D

irector Bryan Singer was challenged to weave away the mistakes of X-Men: The Last Stand and build upon the enthusiasm from X-Men: First Class. Combining two separate casts is a daunting task, but the two separate teams meld into one flawlessly in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Singer was able to make things right, and he did it in such a way that it provided the emotional context that was so lacking in the third X-Men specific movie.

Retroactive continuity, or changing the facts of previously demonstrated work to fit a new narrative, is tricky. Without giving away the ending, Singer and his writers accomplish this © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. in an emotionally satisfying way that opens the and Legendary Pictures Productions Llc. door to the next X-Men chapter.

The film begins in a very dark place but finds the light. There are enough cutting-edge special effects to keep the action junkies happy, but there is also a deep sense of character development on their journey to discovering their own personal path.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Release: September 9th TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • September 2014

46

By Christopher Hill

© 20th Century Fox.

C

ontinuing last month’s reviews of films coming to the small screen, this month we highlight an action packed crop of big-budget features for home viewing.

E

ventually, someone is going to make a Godzilla film that features the title star. In this film, it takes an hour before you see the monster and even longer before it fights. Fans are there to see battles, not cliché, paperthin characters. The story is as translucent as the characters, but the film provides action sequences that are memorable, albeit brief. You cannot go wrong with atomic fire breath and skyscraper-sized monsters, unless you don’t use them. In this category, it would be better to view Pacific Rim. It has the same level of storytelling but much more accomplished action.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Release: September 16th

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DIY Ideas

for Every Room Simple Steps to Update and Organize

F

rom simple storage solutions that freshen up messy rooms to projects that enliven a space, do-it-yourself (DIY) options are a popular choice among many homeowners. Try out some of these ideas to make every room in your home feel new again, without having to empty your pocketbook or call a handyman.

Organize Your Work and Living Spaces

In order for personal style to shine, it’s important that your home is organized and clutter free, especially in the rooms where you work, play and relax. These are the rooms where so much family life takes place, so keeping it clean is essential. Luckily, there are various solutions you can add without the need of a professional, from small space savers to large statement pieces that improve the function and design of a room.

Living room: When it comes to your living room, do you long for a space to stash toys, books and all of the other random trinkets that pile up? Enjoy the benefits of versatile storage with ClosetMaid’s new Premium Cubes. With a full back panel, these six or nine-cube organizers are offered in two distinct looks.

Choose the style that complements your décor.

Work space: Improve your efficiency with the proper tools for the job. Premium Cubes are also a great addition for those who want to add sleek, upscale elements to a work space or office. These stylish storage options offer a professional look and feel and can keep any work environment properly organized.

Bedroom closets: While many homes are complete with bedroom closets to keep the clutter from view, it’s what’s inside those helpful storage areas that

crumbs and to sort through outdated food. Before you put the items back on the shelves, clean the base thoroughly and line each one with a non-adhesive shelf liner, which will create a protective, cushioned barrier on surfaces.

Survey food items. Go through food items and donate or dispose of those you won’t use. Seal boxes for donation with an easy-to-use packaging tape, such as Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape.

Group similar items. Move common items together to help keep track of your inventory. For further organization, sort based on expiration so you can use up food while it’s still fresh.

Create user-friendly spaces. Make your pantry more ergonomic and easier to access by placing commonly used items on eye-level shelves.

For other ideas for keeping your kitchen tidy, visit www.duckbrand.com.

Finishing Touches

count. When looking for organizational solutions to keep your clothing and accessories tidy, look for those that offer flexibility, such as ClosetMaid’s ShelfTrack®.

These wire shelving units are available in kits and open stock, with shelves available in a variety of depths and finishes.

For more ideas, visit www.closetmaid. com.

De-Clutter the Kitchen

From spices to coffee filters to cooking oils, those kitchen cabinets have a way of filling up fast, and keeping these culinary tools in order can be a daunting task.

Use these five tips to get your pantry and kitchen cabinets in order.

Utilize organization tools. Maximize the space in pantry and cabinets with turntables for spices and other storage solutions. Add a pop of personality to these areas with a lining product such as Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner.

Empty each shelf. Go through each shelf to properly wipe out dust and

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • September 2014

48

Here are a few other ways to enhance the rooms in your home with stylish and useful updates: Add a pop of color. Perk up a neutral room by giving an old chair, mirror or side table a new paint job. Simply spray your decorative item with quality paint, such as Krylon Dual Superbond Paint + Primer, which sticks to virtually any material, bringing life to your favorite household items.

Hang it up. Add a row of hooks to your walls for extra function. Hooks are perfect for use in the bathroom or kitchen to hang towels or pot holders. A hook installed in an entryway or mudroom is a great spot for keys, jackets and backpacks.

Dim the lights. Install light dimmers throughout your home for an extra touch of ambiance and improved energy efficiency. The dimming function is especially perfect for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

Source: Family Features

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Debbie Marcell Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Armed with high energy, Debbie Marcell’s sincere commitment and dedication to her real estate clients is demonstrated in the professionalism, competency and hands-on personalized service she provides her clients. After several years in the President’s Circle and Gold Status, her success rose to an all-time high in 2013 with Marcell climbing to Emerald Elite Status, which recognizes the top two percent of agents in the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene network.

Marcell was named as a Five Star Real Estate Professional in Texas Monthly for 2014. As the listing agent for Sterling Classic Homes in Riverstone, she has sold all of this builder’s high-end custom homes in the exclusive Hartford Landing and Ivy Bend neighborhoods for the last three years. Most recently, Marcell closed on the first home being built in the new Majestic Pointe lake front neighborhood where this builder’s pricing begins at $1.5M and at $2.5M on the waterfront lots.

A 27 year resident of Sugar Land who is active in community service, Marcell has extensive knowledge of the market and is passionate about helping buyers and sellers throughout the county regardless of the price range. After an impressive career in the corporate world managing sales organizations, Marcell loves the up close and personal aspect of helping her clients and strives to put her past work experience to work for her clients’ benefit in every aspect of the transaction.

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NEEDVILLE/RICHMOND S CRE 5+A RN A B

Charming & stately rare find Golf Course home w/views to die for! The expansive windows throughout bring outdoors in.

Nestled in the trees on a quiet cul-de-sac, lovely Pool & Spa. Granite, butcher block island Kitchen. Gas Cook-top, Warming Drawer. Fixtures/Hardware, frameless showers. Carpet 2014.

Side/side Sub Zero Frig/Freezer. Energy efficient with Pella Windows/Thermal Panes, two Electronic Air Cleaners. Unfinished bonus room/attic space. Central Vacuum. Work shop in the garage & low taxes. 15 Half Penny Ct. MLS # 93364644.

MAJESTIC POINTE IN RIVERSTONE

Wow! Huge price reduction. Sprawling Country Estate Custom nestled on total of approx. 5 Wooded acres. Low taxes!

Two lakes. Huge barn w/insulated Kitchen/Bath. Oversized carport & added slab for equipment/large vehicles. Green House. Open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Expansive dream Closets. Short commute to Hwy59 and 20 minutes to Sugar Land. Excellent Needville ISD! 7807 Fairchild Blvd. MLS # 88296174.

Debbie Marcell Better Homes and Gardens Gary Greene

2323 Town Center Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-782-2102 (o) 281-980-5426 (f) www.debbiemarcell.com Build your own dream home with long time highly regarded debbiemarcell@garygreene.com custom builder Sterling Classic Homes on this beautiful luxury homesite on 75 acre lake in Sugar Land. Plans currently under development for custom home. Features to include spectacular view, 4 car garage, room for a pool, etc. Majestic Pointe is a gated community in Riverstone and excellent Fort Bend Schools. 14 Haven Shore. MLS # 94734324.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Creating a Private Wildlife Sanctuary Listen to the sound of the songbirds and see the butterflies sipping nectar from wildflowers. Hear the splash of a cardinal bathing in your birdbath and see your children learning more about God’s creatures. This could be your backyard!

It doesn’t matter what part of Fort Bend County you live in or how much space you have, you can create a habitat for wildlife and even get it certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). According to The National Wildlife Federation, there are few key things needed to create a wildlife sanctuary in your yard: food, water, cover and a safe place to raise young.

Food sources include seeds from a plant, berries, nectar, foliage/twigs, nuts, fruits, pollen, suet, bird feeders, squirrel feeders, hummingbird feeders and butterfly feeders. Water sources include a small birdbath, a pond or a trickling water feature. Small wildlife like a place where they can feel safe.

Having bushes or short shrubs where they can feel protected from humans, predators and inclement weather is a must.

Fall will be here soon, and now is a great time to get a plan for creating a habitat for birds, butterflies and other amazing small creatures that visit the area.

Once you have installed these elements into your yard and created a healthy and sustainable wildlife habitat, enroll in the NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program at www.nwf.org/ How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create-a-Habitat.aspx.

Garden Guy would love to help you create and install the elements for an amazing backyard wildlife habitat! For more information, call 281-208-4400 or visit www.garden-guy.com.

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

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Advertorial

Advertorial

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

The Frog Blinds, Shutters, Drapes The Frog Blinds, Shutters, Drapes offers the finest and widest selection of quality window coverings from sheers to shades, blinds to shutters and valances to draperies.

As a Hunter Douglas Gallery, they can offer you the security of the Hunter Douglas Right Choice Promise! The Frog also carries other national brands like Graber, Texton, Lutron and Somfy.

The Frog Blinds, Shutters, Drapes has been serving the Greater Houston, Galveston and the Bay areas for over nine years. Their associates are Hunter Douglas certified and speak in multiple languages to better serve the community. They are able to provide a warm, comfortable and stylish surrounding for your home or business at reasonable prices. The Frog Blinds, Shutters, Drapes specializes in motorized products for your window covering needs.

They can also create custom draperies, valances, pillows and bedding. Their knowledgeable team can transform your space with the latest designs to fit your lifestyle – be it traditional, contemporary, casual or coastal.

The Frog Blinds, Shutters, Drapes is a member of the Greater Houston Home Builders Association and the Remodelers Council. They are proud to have earned the prestigious Angie’s List Super Service Award for 2012 and 2013!

Come visit The Frog Blinds, Shutters, Drapes’ complete Hunter Douglas Gallery in Houston, located at 2415 Westheimer. They look forward to seeing you! The Frog can also send a mobile showroom right to your home.

For more information, call 713-840-0844 or visit www. frogblinds.com.

Imperial Sugar Land Opens With All-New Luxury Patio Homes and Townhomes Sugar Land’s exclusive new address is Imperial, where active empty nesters and young families now can enjoy all-new, low-maintenance luxury patio homes and twostory townhomes in gated and lakefront neighborhoods, all within walking distance of winding trails, lush greenbelts, a weekly farmers market and more.

Starting in the $450s, Imperial’s new lifestyle homes feature gourmet kitchens, outdoor entertaining spaces with custom fireplaces and summer kitchens, first-floor master suites, wine grottos and three-car garages. Plus, a limited number of Imperial’s patio homes will be located in the gated, waterfront neighborhood of Quiet Cove.

Imperial also features new, one and two-story townhomes from Trendmaker Homes from the $400s ranging from 1,900 to 2,900 square feet where open living spaces incorporate dining, gourmet kitchen and family room all in one area.

Located at Highway 6 and Highway 90A, the new master-planned community by The Johnson Development Corp. is Sugar Land’s most accessible address where families are walking distance to Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, and the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, opening summer 2016 in a restored building with a look and feel similar to the award-winning Children’s Museum of Houston.

To experience Imperial’s all-new style of lock-andleave, luxury lifestyle homes, visit one of the community’s three fully furnished, garden-style model patio homes from Sittlerle Homes, Darling Homes and Partners in Building.

For more information, visit www.imperialsugarland. com or “like” the community on Facebook at www. facebook.com/imperialsugarland.

See Room Darkening In a Whole New Light Motorization Specialists

Silhouette A Deux™ lets you control light as never before by pairing a sheer shade with a roller shade all in one headrail. Now you Call or visit online to can choose to see schedule a free consultation the light.... or not.

frogblinds.com

2415 Westheimer, Houston • 713.840.0844 or 409.762.3764 Serving Houston, Galveston & the Bay Area

THE FROG Blinds Shutters Drapes Our associates are Hunter Douglas certified and speak multiple languages to better serve our community.

Se habla Espanol • Marunong kami ng Filipino TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • September 2014

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Newest

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IMPERIALSUGARLAND.COM 53 fort bend

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H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Westin Homes: Earning Trust Through Exceptional Quality and Design For 20 years, Westin Homes has been a leader among Houston homebuilders offering the very best in quality and design. With both distinct and refined details, Westin creates the perfect balance of beauty and function. Westin has built a strong reputation as a builder of trust in delivering sophisticated luxury homes.

From the impressive custom look of the home exteriors to the curved walls and archways, dramatic windows and soaring ceilings, onlookers will see the Westin Homes difference in every detail.

Westin Homes has built the company and its success on taking pride in delivering the highest levels of satisfaction to every customer. Every Westin home is engineered to ensure that a customer’s new home not only meets but also exceeds their expectations. Compare the amount of brick on Westin homes’ exteriors, the brick use around windows, the interior details such as crown moldings, elegant trim, columns, art niches, Juliette balconies, rotunda entries and coffered ceilings; these all illustrate the enhanced value of a Westin home.

With upscale neighborhoods throughout the Greater Houston area, Westin Homes can be found in communities that offer convenience to all of the things you need: shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation and a major work center.

Whatever you are looking for in your next home, Westin Homes has an ideal place where you will feel right at home.

For more information on Westin Homes, visit www.westin-homes.com or call 281-240-1551.

LBL Event Rentals LBL Event Rentals may be a new name, but the companies it represents have been a staple in Fort Bend. Sugar Land Antiques, Southern Hospitality Coffee and Linens by Lisa are moving from their Brooks Street location to 12999 Murphy Road, Suite B-7. A final sale will take place at Sugar Land Antiques through September 8th.

Linens by Lisa is changing its name to LBL Event Rentals to let customers know that they “offer more than just linens.” LBL Event Rentals, formerly Linens

by Lisa, has the most up-to-date, in-style selection of linens in the Greater Houston area. LBL Event Rentals services are tailored to fit clients’ special needs. Let your style come through with the colors and textures you choose for custom linens, chair covers, overlays and accessories. From breathtaking weddings to extravagant galas, let LBL Event Rentals help you build the atmosphere guests will remember for years to come.

Southern Hospitality Coffee, the home of Texas Sunrise, will head back out to the Imperial Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month. Call ahead to order at 713-401-7615, or stop by the Murphy location to pick up a bag.

To learn more about the sale or market times, visit Linens by Lisa or Southern Hospitality Coffee on Facebook. For more information, visit www.lbleventrentals. com or call 281-498-0021.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Pelican Builders Announces Model Homes Now Open at Lake Pointe Commons Model homes are now open at Lake Pointe Commons, a gated community of 46 single-family homes in the Lake Pointe mixed-use development of Sugar Land. Located minutes from Highway 59 and Highway 6, the epicenter of Sugar Land’s Town Center, Lake Pointe Commons offers luxury, convenience and access to unique lifestyle centers.

This new project by Pelican Builders offers five different floor plans ranging from 2,313 square feet to 3,154 square feet with a limited number of lake front lots available. Standard features include oak hardwood floors in living areas, stairs and hallways, stainless steel Bosch appliances and Jeld-Wen Low E Vinyl windows. All homes are elevator capable.

With a portfolio that spans over 30 years, Pelican Builders is dedicated to making a house a home. They understand the fine balance between design, architecture and the highest quality construction. Each previous homeowner will attest to Pelican Builders’ exceptional reputation of consistently delivering quality homes nestled within defined and well-planned communities.

At the end of the day, Pelican Builders’ hallmark continues to be their dedication. Whether presenting a luxury highrise or an elegant, single family home, they are passionate about what they do and it shows.

With gated access and privacy, elegant architecture and common area features including a swimming pool, cabana and lake front access, come see why Lake Pointe Commons in Sugar Land is a great place to call home.

For more information, contact Lizz or Chris Sansone at 281-753-0333 or visit www.pelicanbuilders.com.

See ad on page 12.

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Advertorial

Westin homes are way more than beautiful exteriors. Our homes are value-engineered to ensure that your new home not only meets, but also exceeds your expectations.

Compare the amount of brick on our home exteriors, interior details such as crown moldings, elegant trim, columns, art niches, rotunda entries, and coffered ceilings: these all illustrate the enhanced value of a Westin home.

Visit one of our many Ft. Bend Area communities and see what makes Westin Homes so special.

NOW BUILDING IN: Brazos Town Center · Cardiff Ranch · Estates at Promenade Grand Mission · Lakemont · Rivers Run · Riverstone Trails of Katy · Willow Creek Farms · Woodcreek

Westin-Homes.com Due to Builder’s continual efforts to improve its plans and design, we reserve the right to change features, specifications and prices without notice. Tax rate information is subject to change and should be independently verified. 8/14

1 2 9 9 9 M U R P H Y R O A D , S U I T E B 7, S T A F F O R D , T E X A S 7 74 7 7 L B L E V E N T R E N T A L S . C O M | 2 81. 4 9 8 . 0 0 21 | L I S A @ L I N E N S B Y L I S A . C O M

ALL TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF

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H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Riverstone Ranked No. 1 Community in Texas Riverstone has moved up two spots to No. 4 on a recently released list of the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities. Riverstone is the top-ranked Texas development on the mid-year 2014 report by Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO), a real estate advisory group, with 384 sales through the first half of the year. In all, there are nine Texas developments – all from the Houston area – ranked among the nation’s top 20 master-planned communities. Three of the developments – Riverstone, Cross Creek Ranch and Sienna Plantation – are projects of The Johnson Development Corp, the only developer with more than one community listed on the top 20 tally.

“Buyers have found our mix of housing styles, builders, waterside living and amenities – especially the country club setting of the new Club at Riverstone – very appealing,” said Trey Reichert, vice president and general manager of Riverstone. “We anticipate our sales pace to continue throughout the second half of 2014 with more neighborhoods opening this summer and later this year.”

Nineteen builders offer homes in Riverstone priced from the $300,000s to the millions. Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including The Club at Riverstone, a 17-acre recreation complex that opened this summer with swimming, tennis and an 8,000 square-foot clubhouse. For more information, visit www.riverstone.com.

See ad on page 49.

Easy Ideas for Covering Windows Sometimes inspiration strikes, and people feel the urge to do something drastic to better express their own personal style through home décor. J&L Distributors loves when that happens, because it means implementing a new, fun aesthetic and the opportunity to get creative with space. J&L Distributors’ in-home designer will come up with unique ways to incorporate window treatments into interesting and functional design plans.

Most homeowners think that one curtain, or a set of curtains, suffices in a room; most of the time it does. But, for a little something extra or for privacy and light, consider creating layers by hanging two sets of curtains or draperies. Or, hang sheer curtains at the center of a large bay window with heavier, solid panels at either end.

This creates an opportunity to add a pop of color in a room while still maintaining a light airiness.

If a homeowner is not wild about the look of floor-to-ceiling curtain panels, they should consider Roman shades. These simple window treatments come in a variety of colors and sizes. Additionally, because they are not as dramatic as curtain panels, homeowners can opt for bold colors or patterns without fear of overwhelming the space.

To learn more about J&L Distributors’ custom drapery programs, visit their showroom at 707 Avenue East in Stafford or schedule a home consultation with J&L Window Coverings Today! For more information, call 281-403-6733, visit www.jlblinds. com or email customdraperies@jlblinds.com.

See ad on page 2.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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What an Unforgettable Year This Has Been!

Arlene Rolsen, CRS, has been helping buyers and sellers realize their dreams for over 36 years and believes that this last year has by far been the most unpredictable in her career. “Homeownership is an investment in your future, and it is how many American families begin to accumulate wealth.

Despite the recent downturn, homeownership still matters to many,” Rolsen said.

Arlene Rolsen loves introducing families from all over the world to Fort Bend County where they can find great schools, places to worship, shopping, medical care, parks, recreation and diversity. All have helped make her role such an enjoyable one. “We have truly been blessed with a market far different from any other place in the world.” The future continues to look bright for the area as more people continue to discover Fort Bend as such a wonderful place to call home.

Rolsen always remembers one of her sellers’ remarks: “I have given a lot of thought about my house sale, and I have decided that the house is secondary in the process. The buyer is actually buying the hope of a bright, happy future. As for the sellers, we are actually selling a place where memories were made.” This explains why Arlene Rolsen has loved and enjoyed her years of helping buyers and sellers realize their hopes and memories.

For more information, call 281-4148400 or contact arolsen@cbunited. com.

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Advertorial

TELFAIR

PECAN GROVE PLANTATION

Beautiful Perry designed home nestled on oversize corner lot. Home features study/ living rm & dining rm w/wood flrs; family rm w/19-ft ceiling & cast stone f/p; island kitchen offers SS appliances, granite, & 42” cabinets; 1st flr master retreat + master bathrm w/granite and His & Her closets; 2nd flr offers game rm + bonus rm, 3 bedrms, 2 full baths. Huge backyard with covered patio, and 3-car detached garage w/porte-cochere.

Stunning 2-story home features hardwood flrs & gas log f/p in family rm; island kitchen w/granite, stainless double ovens, & custom cabinets; private study adjacent to 1st flr master bedrm; updated master bathrm offers antique-style tub & open shower. 2nd flr offers spacious game rm w/builtins, 2 bedrms w/2nd full bathrm + guest quarters w/private bathrm & walk-in closet; plantation shutters & tons of storage space. Backyard oasis has sparkling pool/spa, BBQ area, & 2 covered patio areas w/tile flrs.

Don’t Leave Your Family’s Financial Security to Chance It is often the small things that make the biggest impact. When Tracy Basden reminisces about her dad, Eddie, she speaks about everyday things that made life with him fun, like how he could transform a trip to the grocery store into a family adventure. Those simple pleasures a child enjoys with a parent disappeared for Tracy when her father died after a long illness. She was 18, and her brother, Matthew, only 14.

But Tracy’s story of loss begins much earlier. Her mother died just weeks after Matthew was born, thrusting Eddie into the role of single parent.

Eddie rose to the challenge, but the up-and-down nature of his work as a contractor sometimes made for tough financial circumstances.

It was during one of those down times that Eddie canceled a sizable life insurance policy he had purchased after his wife died, not realizing the farreaching impact that decision would have. It meant that upon his untimely death, Tracy became the legal guardian – and surrogate parent – to her brother and found herself working 90-plus hours a week to make ends meet.

Financially, life continues to be a struggle as Tracy balances both working and studying to become a nurse.

While money would not have brought back her parents, Tracy thinks of how things might have been different if they had purchased more life insurance.

“Dealing with death is hard enough,” she said. “Dealing with death without any money is extremely hard. It’s definitely important to have life insurance.”

For more information, contact Jeff Tallas at Tallas Insurance and Financial Services at jeff@tallasins.com or 713271-2000.

Life Happens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products. © 2014 Life Happens. All rights reserved.

Call Me For More Information

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

281.414.8400

arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com

Feel good about your future?

Has your current carrier increased your rates lately?

Is your hurricane deductible 3 or maybe 5%?

Come visit us at our new location in front of Sugar Creek.

Jeff Tallas, CLU, LUTCF

Tallas Insurance & Financial Services (713) 271-2000 • jeff@tallasins.com 14015 Southwest Freeway Building 5, Sugar Land, TX 77478 fort bend

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H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Five Simple Tips to

Enhance Your Home’s

Y

Personality

our home can say a lot about you.

A state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with a double oven likely means you enjoy cooking and entertaining friends and family. Likewise, a backyard complete with play sets, a treehouse or a basketball hoop is a sure sign your house is also a hangout for the neighborhood kids.

If you’re thinking about ways to add some personality to your space, consider these five simple (and wallet-friendly) improvements:

1. Replace a fixture.

If cooking is integral to your personality, consider updating one of your kitchen’s most frequently used appliances: the faucet. Today’s kitchen faucets come equipped with a variety of features and make for a relatively simple do-it-yourself project.

The Delta Trinsic kitchen faucet, for example, features a magnetic pulldown wand that locks the spray head in place when it’s not in use and optional Touch2O Technology, which allows users to turn water on or off with a simple tap. Like any good accessory, choose a

“My house is more than just a haven for my family. It’s a real life scrapbook, art gallery and personal sanctuary,” said Michelle Hinkley, mom to three young boys and the lady behind the home and lifestyle blog www.4men1lady.com. “As much as I want it to be functional, I enjoy spending a little extra time finding ways to keep our home uniquely us.”

finish that complements your personality and room, from the warm and inviting tones of Champagne Bronze to always in-style chrome.

2. Paint your front door.

First impressions start at the front door. Consider your home’s exterior and outdoor surroundings as you’re selecting a new hue, but when narrowing down your paint palette, also focus on the tints that best reflect your family’s vibe.

A bright green door is both welcoming and fun, while a shiny black finish adds glamour. Even a crisp, white hue can be anything but boring, offering a clean backdrop for potted plants and accessories that change with each season.

3. Install new hardware.

Small details can make a big impact.

Customize furniture, closets or built-ins with stylish drawer pulls. Styles range from the whimsical, hand-painted options available at craft fairs to more substantive handles and pulls available at your local hardware store. Take your time selecting pieces you love for a look TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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that’s both unique and functional.

4. Start a collection.

Showcase your personality by decorating your space with small items or collectables. A collection of sea glass bottles or vases, for instance, could pay tribute to a favorite vacation spot, while ceramic animals in bright colors show off your quirky and creative side. To create a cohesive focal point, focus on collecting items similar in colors, materials or textures.

5. Build or craft something.

If you’re really daring, try creating some inexpensive home décor for your space. Sites like Pinterest.com are great resources for compiling inspiration; many blogs also offer step-by-step guides for a variety of projects for the home. Whether you’re creating a oneof-a-kind piece of art or building a coffee table from scratch, your next project could be a fun opportunity to help truly customize your home.

Visit www.DeltaFaucet.com for more great tips.

Source: Family Features

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Anja Drewes Properties: Making Dreams Come True Whether she is helping a growing family sell or buy their home or helping a young professional get started with his first property, Anja Drewes enjoys every step of the real estate process with a perfect blend of experience, knowledge of the market, ethics and commitment to service. Drewes’ background allows her to think strategically and provide disciplined advice, as well as execute this advice, so her clients can reach their goals.

When working with home sellers, Drewes employs individually tailored, cutting-edge techniques to gain her clients the most value in the shortest time. She is also an ideal partner for buyers, helping them make informed home-buying decisions with the least amount of stress. Drewes is a trained negotiator and problem solver. She was named Five Star Real Estate Professionals as featured in Texas Monthly four years in a row.

As expressed by Drewes’ clients the Mahoeny Family: “Anja Drewes is a pure professional who is great at her job and a top producer in her field, as one can see based on her many awards. Now having used her ourselves, we can testify to the value that she adds to the home-buying experience. She calmed our fears, answered our questions, got tough when needed and gave us solid insight and recommendations that we followed to our benefit. We are extremely pleased with the entire homebuying experience with Anja, and we will be using her services again during the sale of our other property.”

For more information, call 713-2989177, visit www.buyandsellsugarland. com or email sold@anjadrews.com.

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Advertorial

Advertorial

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H E A RT I S

Rodney # 1 Lerner

Top Producing Team in Sugar Land #1 Producing Team 2012 & 2013

Commercial / Residential Licensed Broker Associate Houston Association of Realtors Ranks by ALL previous clients 4.97 out of 5 stars Top 25 Residential Real Estate Team 2012 & 2013 – Houston Business Journal 30 years experience

Call Rodney: 16525 Lexington Blvd, Ste 260 Sugar Land, TX 77479

When you are buying or selling a home, you want an experienced, competent agent that provides -

Answers, Guidance & Service.

That’s exactly what I’m offering.

713-705-1859 rdlrealty@aol.com

Rodney is the agent who has negotiated property sales and leasing on behalf of:

Hire Rodney and put his expertise to work for you.

Broker Associate

Beautiful Views From Your Future Colorado Home Site

Gorgeous Hill Country Home Site Waterfront Lot in Comal County Just 20 minutes from San Antonio and minutes from the Guadalupe River in Spring Branch, this 1.72 acre lot is your Hill Country dream come true!

Amazing views on the hillside lot that features a meadow with waterfront along Spring Creek, The Crossing at Spring Creek, an acreage home site community, is the perfect place to build your Hill Country getaway. The community offers all underground utilities, paved, county maintained roads, plus a beautiful 10+ acre owners-only park with scenic hiking trails, a swimming pool and pavilion and a playground. REDUCED $82,500

For Sale By Owner: 281.728.1204 TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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You may have dreamt about a retirement house in Colorado or just a vacation home. You may want to consider a master planned development that offers much needed utilities. This beautiful waterfront lot with picturesque mountain views in Pagosa Springs is close to the family-owned Wolf Creek Ski Area and the mineral springs that made Pagosa Springs famous. This lot is approximately .24 acres in the Pagosa Lakes development that has all utilities as well as several fishing lakes, a golf course and other amenities. $89,000

Interested?

Please call 281-798-6432

The October issue of Fort Bend Focus will be dedicated to breast cancer awareness and breast cancer survivors.

To advertise, call: 281-690-4242 www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com fort bend

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absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2015 LINCOLN MKC

T

he 2015 Lincoln MKC is the newest vehicle to enter the competitive compact luxury utility vehicle line. It’s sure to catch on with car buyers looking to break away from the pack. The styling is decidedly youthful with touches of luxury that rival much more expensive brands.

This is Lincoln Motor Company’s next determined step in capturing a younger buyer than the brand has known for decades. This five-seater crossover is definitely not your grandfather’s Lincoln.

Lincoln, as Ford Motor Company’s luxury brand, used to share the luxury automotive top spot back in the day when large land yachts cruised American highways. But starting in

the 1980s, Ford executives began to acquire other luxury car brands, and Lincoln sales slowly faded away as the brand was starved for resources. The spacious Lincoln Town Car was still a hit with the older folks, but Ford realized that something had to be done to bring new buyers to their showrooms.

Last year’s introduction of the Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan was an impressive first step, but the 2015 Lincoln MKC is proof that the car maker is back in a big way.

Although it shares a platform with Ford’s popular Escape, the MKC does not share any resemblance to its automotive cousin. It does, however, share the split front grill with its stable mate the MKX, as well as the rear taillamp design. But the interior is where the MKC truly shines. The Bridge of Weir leather seats just about melt to the touch, and the matte wood inserts highlight contrasting grain. Actual buttons and dials to make it easier to control radio

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and climate controls and the MyLincoln TouchTM touchscreen is easy to navigate.

At an MSRP of $33,100, a base MKC comes equipped with a 240 hp, 2.0 liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that delivers EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It’s available both in front wheel and all wheel drive configurations.

If you just have to have more power, opt for the 285 hp, 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine that turns the MKC into more of a sports car with world-class handling and with only slightly worse fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Lincoln brand is back, no doubt about it. Do yourself a favor, and put it on your shopping list.

NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Seniors Announces 40th Anniversary Groovy Party With The Beatles Theme The upcoming Fort Bend Seniors Groovy Party highlighting The Beatles celebrates the 40th anniversary of the nonprofit organization founded in 1974 to assist older adults in Fort Bend County. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the “American Invasion” by The Beatles, the iconic British band who changed the face of rock ‘n roll music in the 20th century.

More than 350 guests are expected to break out bell-bottoms and mini-skirts for a good cause at Groovy Party. The evening includes dinner, a special live performance, dancing and an auction. All proceeds will support Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels programs that help older adults remain independent by providing necessary services and resources to improve their quality of life.

Juliana and Ron Ewer of Legacy Ford are serving as the honorary chairs of the popular annual event to be held September 13th from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm at the Safari Texas Ranch Ballroom in Richmond. “We are honored to be involved in an event that raises much-needed funds to benefit seniors in the Fort Bend County area,” said Juliana Ewer. “This year’s party is a milestone celebrating 40 years of service by Fort Bend Seniors.

The Beatles theme adds a fun, historical dimension through music and fashion, which should appeal to all age groups.”

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels currently serves more than 1,000 hot meals a day to the elderly in our community, ensuring that this population is not at risk for health problems associated with malnutrition. This and other services offered

by Fort Bend Seniors — including congregate meals, transportation, case management, health screenings, information and

Fondly reminiscing on their favorite Beatles’ songs are Fort Bend Seniors CEO Manuela H. Arroyos, Groovy Party Honorary Chairs Ron and Juliana Ewer, Fort Bend Seniors Board Chairman Ray Aguilar and Groovy volunteers Eloise Lucas, Katie Herrington and Cyndia Rodriguez.

referral services and recreation — enable seniors to remain in their homes and to continue to be an integral part of the community for as long as possible.

Underwriting and sponsorship opportunities for Groovy Party range from $250 to $10,000, while individual tickets are $75 each. Tables and individual tickets are still available.

For more information about the Fort Bend Seniors mission, its programs or the 2014 Groovy Party, contact Manuela Arroyos, Executive Director of Fort Bend Seniors Meals, at mha@ fortbendseniors.org or 281-633-7055.

Snowdrop Foundation 3rd Annual Run Over Cancer 5K and 10K On Saturday, September 6th, Snowdrop Foundation is proud to partner with The Texas Running Company (TRC) for the 3rd Annual Run Over Cancer.

September marks National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in children. While researchers at the Texas Children’s Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and many other pediatric cancer centers are making great progress in the search for a cure, they need more funding to continue their work. That’s why each September

during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Snowdrop Foundation, Inc. rallies to increase visibility of pediatric cancer in our communities.

The Run Over Cancer 5K and 10K is a USATF Certified, mostly flat course with a slight hill in the middle. The race

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includes prizes for overall male, female and individual 10 year age group winners, official chip timing and technical t-shirts to the first 300 registrants. The race will be held rain or shine.

Your support helps raise awareness for childhood cancer and provides funding for continuous research to terminate pediatric cancer, as well as scholarships for pediatric cancer and patients and survivors nationwide.

More information about the race can be found at www.snowdropfoundation. org.

absolutely!

HEALTHY LIVING

Healthy School Lunch and Snack Solutions

By Merilee Kern

A

s parents prepare for yet another back to school season, they will scurry to malls in search of new clothes for their ever-growing child along with a litany of school supplies too numerous to name. But, let’s not forget healthy school lunches and after school snacks as we plan ahead for the upcoming school year.

It’s common knowledge that after school is prime time for snacking, and it is also a time when many kids make, shall we say, less than nutritious food and beverage choices. Try these waistline-friendly after school snack alternatives your kids are sure to love: Potato Chips/Fries:

Cut the potato in the desired shape (round, rectangular, oblong, etc.). Fully coat with egg whites.

Season with a touch of salt or other herbs as desired. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. Serve with sugar-free catsup.

Popcorn:

Air pop popcorn and on it drizzle a moderate amount of powdered butter substitute, light parmesan cheese or even honey for a tasty twist.

Tortilla Chips:

Cut Chinese wonton squares (usually found in the produce aisle) in half diagonally so they become triangles. Spread out evenly on a baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking spray, and sprinkle on a dash of salt. Bake at 350 degrees until crunchy. Eat alone or serve with fat-free salsa or the Mexican bean dip described below.

Mexican Bean Dip:

Drain and food process two 14-ounce cans of black beans. Add 3/4 cup of fat-free salsa and 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

and blend until completely smooth.

Top with a dab of fat-free sour cream, fat-free cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, etc.

Fruit Smoothies:

These are a warm weather staple that can and should be enjoyed year-round. While fruit smoothie recipes abound, they need not be a complex process. Simply blend, in amounts to your personal liking, either plain or flavored fat-free/ sugar-free yogurt with skim milk, ice cubes and either fresh or frozen fruit chunks. For added sweetness, you can add a touch of honey or an artificial sweetener, such as stevia.

Blend and enjoy!

Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches:

These are a snap and always a crowd pleaser! Purchase any type of round fat-free/sugar-free cookie on the market (preferably the new whole grain varieties) or bake any low-fat/low-calorie cookie recipe from scratch. Sandwich waistlinefriendly sherbet, sorbet or gelato between two cookies and press to make a sandwich. For added excitement, flavor and visual interest, you can also roll the outside edge of

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the “sandwich” in chopped unsalted nuts, shredded coconut, raisins or finely diced fresh or dried fruit.

Parfait:

While the word “parfait” may not be in your child’s vocabulary, he will love making – and eating – this snack layered with goodness.

In a cup or bowl, simply create thin, alternating layers of non-fat yogurt, low-fat granola (or other heart-healthy cereal product) and fruit slices or whole berries. Make as many layers of each as you like and then dig in!

Jell-O®:

Let’s not forget how much colorful, jiggly Jell-O® can delight, especially when it is jam-packed with diced fruit.

Pizza:

On a fat-free/low-calorie/lowcarb whole grain tortilla or whole grain bagel, smear tomato paste or sauce and top with fat-free cheese, whatever veggies the child likes, and even lean meats like ham or turkey dices. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted with a few brown spots on top.

NEWSWORTHY

Here are a few great ideas to assure a happy school day is also a healthy school day: Tuna fish is jam packed with oh-so-beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. When mixed with low-fat mayonnaise, diced apple and if your child likes, a bit of onion and served in a wheat pita, it’s nothing short of delish and a healthy home run!

Once Upon a Time Fourth Annual Gala for Hope Endowment presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Dan Hootman, Manager; Hemang Vyas; Chris Siebenaler, CEO; Lowell Stanton, CFO; Niraj Patel, MD; Leena Taneja, Director of Physician Relations; Amy Saenz, Physician Liaison; Minal Vyas; Marcia Barham, Physician Liaison; Vickie Lynn Tonn; Nina Desai, DO and Molly Philip, RN.

Skip the sugary juice box and send along a bottle of water instead to get your child in the habit of working toward his optimal fluid intake. Experts recommend one consume about .5 ounces of water per pound of body weight.

BLTs can also be healthy! Simply swap regular bacon for the turkey bacon variety (in moderation due to high sodium levels) and layer with lettuce, tomato and fatfree mayonnaise. Sandwich in whole grain bread or roll into a pita wrap. Your child will nary know the difference between this healthy version versus its fat-packed counterpart.

What to serve on the side of the main school lunch item? Options abound! Low-salt pretzels; fat- and sugar-free yogurt or cottage cheese; celery sticks filled with low-fat/low-sodium peanut butter; any kind of prewashed fresh fruit (nature’s gift to humanity); dried or dehydrated fruit, such as raisins; apricots, pears, apples, roasted or raw almonds, walnuts or peanuts (not oiled or candied); low-fat string cheese or chunked lowfat cheese and even baked chips or healthy pita chips in moderation are all great choices.

Even the quintessential children’s sandwich, P B & J, can be made in a healthy way these days. Many peanut butter brands now offer low-fat and low-sodium versions. That, coupled with an all-fruit, sugar-free jelly on whole grain bread makes this school cafeteria staple a guiltless pleasure.

Lean meat, such as shaved ham or turkey, on whole grain bread or in a wheat wrap with some lettuce, low/fat-free cheese and a touch of low/fatfree mayonnaise or mustard is sure to please and nourish.

fort bend

Hope Endowment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower children in India to transcend poverty by providing a safe, caring, compassionate home and prepare them with education and social development. By blending these services, Hope Endowment seeks to provide a lifetime commitment to these children’s growth in the world.

The children Hope Endowment serves are between the ages of three and 18 years. All of the children are provided with housing, food, clothing, health care, educational opportunities and social services. The organization provides financial assistance to over 180 children across three homes in India that span from north to south located in Gujarat and Kerala.

Since inception, Hope Endowment has donated over $1,000,000 to meet the daily needs of the children it serves, increase awareness in society, create educational opportunities for growth, establish permanent dwellings in these locales and most importantly, grow the endowment to allow the organization to help the children for years to come.

This year, Hope Endowment’s goal is to increase previous years’ donations. The ultimate goal is to raise $250,000 at the Fourth Annual Hope Gala. All fundraising dollars collected at the events from individual donors go directly to the children.

“We are honored to once again join Hope Endowment in their mission to empower children in India to transcend poverty by providing a safe, caring, compassionate home and prepare these children with education and social development,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Hope Endowment thanks Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for their continued support as the presenting sponsor for the Hope Endowment’s Fourth Annual Once Upon a Time gala.

The Once Upon a Time gala, presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Visit www. hopeendowment.org or e-mail events@hopeendowment.org for more information. Visit www.501auctions.com/hope for sponsorship opportunities or ticket purchases.

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OUT &

Did you know that Tierra del Fuego, Sugar Landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Argentinean restaurant, features live entertainment including tango dancers?

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Enjoying the show were Patti Parish-Kaminski, dancers Susana Collins and Harold Carrillo, General Manager Eric Di Cesare and musician Pablo Dilauro.

Chairman of the Impact A Hero Board Jim Hoelker, Dennis Derr and Founder and President of Impact A Hero Dick Lynch.

The 10th Annual Impact a Hero Hall of Fame Gala Dinner, themed Diamonds & Denim, honored more than 50 wounded heroes injured in the post 9/11 combat and their families. The event gave Fort Bend attendees an opportunity to join national celebrities in thanking servicemen and women for their sacrifice.

Photography by Larry Pullen.

Cal and Hannah McNair with Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, Medal of Honor recipient.

Houston Texans Center Chris Myers and Lance Corporal Alex Rodriguez.

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.com â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

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The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) Sustainers hosted their “Come on Board” Membership Coffee for prospective members at the home of Judy Maddison.

Liz Furman and Mary Favre.

Pat Houck and Judy Maddison.

Laura Leatherwood and Nancy Malke.

Betty Baitland and Kelli Metzenthin.

Jaqueline Blankenship and Susie Kern.

Geraldine Whitt, Christine Jue and Theresa Reading.

Debbie Buckner and Lynn Halford.

More than 200 people walked in support of the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation’s (ASCF) celebration of International Sarcoma Awareness Week with its FIGHT.GIVE.LIVE. Sarcoma Awareness Walk.

More than 150 participants – many from the Sugar Land area – walked at the Houston Galleria location in support of the almost 14,000 men, women and children who will be newly diagnosed with sarcoma in the U.S. this year.

Photography by Traci Ling.

Wanda Jemelka and Lauren Stratton.

Isabelle and Thao Blanco.

Chloe Jones.

Mary Murray, Missy Bellinger and Lara Jones.

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magazine • September 2014

67

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Alumni of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum came to Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land for Tiki Time!

The reunion and Class of 2015 reception was an opportunity to meet the new class and past graduates of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum while enjoying great music, food and fun.

Chris Breaux and Keri Schmidt.

Kandace Lytle and David Crowl.

Jenn Watson and Jeff Tallas.

Ray Aguilar and Trey Reichert.

Jim Kij, Charlotte Young and Don Kerstetter.

Tammy McCall and Kim Chambers.

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.com â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

68

Jan Jenkins and Javier Infante.

t n e t t A

s! d e w wly e N ion

Coming January 2015

Real Weddings 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 Real Weddings, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Photographers are also welcome to submit photos.

Contact: sarah@fortbendfocus.com or visit www.fortbendfocus.com. fort bend

magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

69

MEDICAL FOCUS

New Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center Now Open in Missouri City Missouri City residents now have convenient access to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s leading emergency care capabilities. The new, state-of-the-art Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center opened July 15th in the heart of Missouri City at 8200 Highway 6 between the Sienna Plantation and Riverstone communities. The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat patients of all ages who are ill or injured.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated the new Emergency Care Center on July 10th with over 400 attendees.

The 9,600 square-foot facility includes 10 private treatment rooms, full-service X-ray, CT and ultrasound capabilities. Most importantly, Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians specializing in emergency care from pediatric to geriatric patients, working alongside specially trained nursing and ancillary staff with extensive experience in emergency care.

“The new Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center gives Missouri City residents a first-class ER right in their own neighborhood,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Patients treated at the new center will have direct, expedited admission to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital if needed, along with personal assistance from patient representatives in scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments. And the center accepts all insurance plans that are in-network with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital including Medicare.”

“Our goal is to provide a streamlined, easy-to-navigate system for patients who enter the center,” said Dr. Scott Rivenes, emergency department medical director. “The new facility enables us to quickly assess patients as they come in, enabling them to see a board-certified emergency medicine physician as efficiently as possible. Since we have onsite imaging and

Dan DiDonato, Emergency Care Center Manager; Becky Chalupa, Associate Chief Nursing Officer; Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer; Dr. Jeffrey Jackson, Board Member; Sue Chiang, Board Member; Chris Siebenaler, Chief Executive Officer; Bill Schwer, Board Chair; Sutapa Sur, Board Member; Lonnie Meadows, Board Member and Scott Stover, Emergency Department Director.

laboratory services, we have access to the full range of diagnostic services our physicians need without patients leaving the building.”

As a matter of fact, patients are already commenting on the quality care. “I live in Sienna and I am so glad Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center is now open in my community. My daughter broke her wrist the same day the center opened, and I was thankful they were just around the corner. Everyone from the front office staff to the nurses and physicians were very kind and helpful, and the quality of care was just as if I had gone to their hospital, but without the drive to Sugar Land,” said Jennifer Carter.

The new center is part of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s $131 million expansion to better serve patients from Fort Bend and surrounding areas. “Like many parts of Fort Bend, Missouri City has experienced tremendous population growth in recent years, and this new emergency center will definitely enhance our service to the community,” said Siebenaler.

“It is an amazing facility that will provide a substantial and positive impact on the availability of high-quality care for people living nearby.”

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland, and visit Facebook at facebook.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Debuts New Implantable Cardiac Monitor

Sohail Jalal, M.D.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in Fort Bend County to use an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) that is smaller than a AAA battery on patients with an irregular heartbeat.

A board-certified electrophysiologist, Sohail Jalal, M.D., recently implanted the new Reveal LINQ™ monitor in a patient during a minimally invasive procedure TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The implantable cardiac monitor is 80 percent smaller than other similar implantable devices or approximately one-third the size of a AAA battery. The device allows physicians to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient’s heart for up to three years.

“The Reveal LINQ is a major step forward for patients who require ongoing monitoring due to cardiac arrhythmia, or what we call an irregular heartbeat,” said Dr. Jalal. “Because it is so small, it can be placed just beneath the skin through a tiny inci-

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sion, and once in place, it is nearly invisible to the naked eye. The procedure is simple and easy for patients. Most importantly, patients with this device can undergo an MRI exam, which is not possible with conventional implantable monitors.”

Once in place, the Reveal LINQ ICM continuously monitors the heart so that physicians have a real time snapshot of the patient’s cardiac activity. In the event of a cardiac arrhythmia, the device alerts the physician via a wireless network so that early intervention is possible. The system’s remote monitoring capabilities can work almost anywhere in the world, sending data to a patient’s physician quickly and easily.

Remote monitoring of cardiac arrhythmia has been shown to improve patient quality of life, reduce hospital stays and improve survival rates. The implantable cardiac monitor can also lead to early detection of atrial fibrillation, the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm and a major risk factor for stroke.

With early detection and treatment, a stroke can be prevented.

“Continuous, remote monitoring is the best way for patients who suffer from cardiac arrhythmia to protect themselves from future episodes that may be extremely serious,” Dr. Jalal said. “The data we collect via monitoring enables us to better understand how the heart is working and allows us to identify problems before they become life-threatening. Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat or pounding, shortness of breath, chest pain and in extreme cases, sudden cardiac arrest.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jalal or another electrophysiologist in your area, call 281-274-7500. Learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at houstonmethodist. org/sugarland or visit facebook.com/ methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

David Crowl, IOM of Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Graduates from Institute for Organization Management Institute for Organization Management (IOM), the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that David Crowl, IOM, Director of Communications of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend the Institute annually.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber and other non-profit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. The Institute’s curriculum consists of four week-long sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and elec-

Robert J. Foulks, David Crowl and Peter Aust.

tives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier non-profit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

Robert Culak Named Treasurer of National CASA Board of Directors The National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association announced the appointment of Sugar Land resident Robert Culak as treasurer of its Board of Directors. Culak, a retired CPA who previously served as VP of Financial Reporting and Compliance for Sysco Corporation, has served on the National CASA Association Board since June of 2012 and on the Child Advocates of Fort Bend Board Robert Culak (CAFB) for over 13 years. He is currently serving as Treasurer of CAFB’s Board.

“I feel that every child should have the right to grow up in a safe, secure and emotionally stable environment. Families should be given every opportunity to stay together, but if chil-

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dren are abused or neglected, society should step in to protect them. We need to do all we can to put an end to child abuse and neglect,” said Culak.

CAFB is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, CAFB currently serves more than 400 children each month through its CASA Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

“Bob is a tremendous asset to our agency and I know that he is invaluable to National CASA,” stated Ruthanne Mefford, CAFB’s Executive Director. “Bob and Gayle Culak are very committed to the children of Fort Bend County. Not only does Bob serve on our board, but Gayle is a longtime volunteer and served as an officer of our FRIENDS Council.”

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absolutely!

DELICIOUS

By Stephenie Cox

Berry Good Morning Smoothie

A Smoothie a Day

I

• 1/2 chopped kale • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries • 4-5 baby carrots

am a big fan of smoothies for breakfast and snacks. I have even gone as far as to do a smoothie cleanse, mostly because I still can’t commit to juicing and felt I needed a reset. It is the best way to get the most nutrition in one glass. Smoothies can be the best energy lift and often replaces the need for a sweet treat or caffeine boost in the afternoon when our bodies are craving protein and carbs. I may get made fun of with my green goop sometimes, but I cannot rave enough about how these delicious little smoothies set my day off right. I have been asked how I make smoothies, and when I go into, “Add a little of this and a little of that,” I am countered with, “No, a real recipe, not pie in the sky throw it all in the blender.”

Let’s take a moment to talk blenders. I love the magic bullet because it is an all-in-one compact cup that you take with you. But, it can only blend so much. I am alright with that, but I recommend a high performance blender. I confess I got sticker shock when I started shopping for one. Do they really have to be so expensive?

It took me a year to commit to buying a Vitamix. In the end, a high performance blender offers you more options for your smoothies, as well as other things like salad dressings, soups, nut butters, etc. It makes a difference when you are adding veggies and oats to your smoothies creating a perfectly smooth smoothie.

My kids will drink just about everything because they don’t know it’s in there. Well, the green color gives it away, but maybe a blindfold for the first sip would help the picky ones.

Here are a few of my favorites, but remember that making it your own is the key to loving smoothies. Play with the recipes to perfect them to your taste.

• 2 scoops Pea Protein Powder (I like Kenzen Vital Balance) • 1 cup organic unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Pineapple Mango Smoothie • 1 scoop of Jay Robb’s Vanilla Egg White Protein or 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple • 1/4 cup fresh spinach

• 1/2 cup frozen mangoes • 1 cup organic unsweetened vanilla coconut milk • 1 teaspoon ground chia seeds

Tropical Kale Smoothie • 1 cup chopped fresh kale • 1 cup organic unsweetened vanilla coconut milk

• 1/2 cup frozen mangoes • 1/2 cup organic strawberries • 2 scoops Pea Protein Powder

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie • 1 cup fresh spinach • 1 ripe banana • 1 tablespoon organic peanut butter • 1/4 cup organic oats • 1 cup organic unsweetened vanilla almond milk

• 1 teaspoon organic flax meal • 4-5 ice cubes • 1 scoop of Jay Robb’s Vanilla Egg White Protein or 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

For smoothies, place all ingredients in blender, and blend on low for 30 seconds. Move slowly to high until mixture is completely smooth. Enjoy!

fort bend

magazine • September 2014

73

Photos from The History of Stafford, Texas

by Sadie Williams and Jean Court.

THE MAKING OF FORT BEND

By Jonathan Fausset

Stafford:

More Than Just a Dot on a Map

I

n my efforts to research the history of Stafford, I placed a phone call to the Stafford City Hall. The woman who answered my inquiry directed me to Sadie Williams. She assured me that Williams was quite knowledgeable about Stafford’s history and gave me her phone number. She was correct. Williams was excited to talk history with me and told me the interesting things about Stafford – the history left out of the usual books – but not the book she co-authored about the history of Stafford with Jean Court. As the “unofficial” historian of Stafford, Williams told me the types of stories that show Stafford as a community, rather Sadie Williams and Jean Court. than just a dot on a map.

We begin with a little bit of chronicled history. In 1830, William Stafford built a cane mill and a cotton gin that were credited as the first ones built on Steven F. Austin’s colony. On the march to Harrisburg, General Santa Ana and his army made a stop at Stafford’s plantation and had a feast on Stafford’s corn, sheep and hogs, and upon departure, Santa Ana ordered that the plantation be burned to the ground. After Texas won its independence from Mexico, Stafford returned to his home and re-

Nellie Hilmers, great-granddaughter of William Stafford, and Vernon Eschenfelder, Stafford Fire Marshal at the 1993 dedication of the monument in the William J. Stafford cemetery.

built his plantation. He lived there until his death in 1840 and was buried on his property, where his body remains to this day. William Stafford’s family and descendants have always supported the City of Stafford. Upon his death, they donated his gun to be displayed at the Stafford City Hall.

Stafford is the only city in Texas that has a municipal school district, Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD). It looks very different on paper than any other school district in the state. SMSD was set up 32 years ago after a Fort Bend ISD school board meeting, when a few parents who were uncomfortable sending their kids walking across the railroad tracks and four lanes of Highway 90 to get to school, got involved.

This followed a school board budget cut that sent busses outside a two-mile radius to pick up kids. When the parents told the school board they weren’t happy with this as it endangered their children, someone on the school board said if they didn’t like it, they could start

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their own school district. That is exactly what they did, and the SMSD was born.

Williams worked for the school district as the secretary for Stafford Middle School from its inception in 1982 until she retired in 2004.

Stafford was built in alignment with the railroad tracks. E.C. Laperouse was the local pharmacist in Stafford and very responsible to the community, making himself available to those who needed him. Around 1943, his son, Charles, who went to school in Sugar Land, was told by his father that if he wanted to keep going to school in Sugar Land, he was going to have to move out there or find transportation.

Charles talked to the dingy engineer about needing a ride to go to school from Stafford to Sugar Land, and the engineer obliged his request. The dingy was the train that ran back and forth across the track in front of the sugar factory along Highway 90. Charles finished his schooling and stayed in Stafford to run the family business, Lap’s Drug Store.

He later served with the Volunteer Fire Department.

A.J. Falsone, Manuel Rudy, A.K. Jacobs and E.C. Laperouse with Postmaster T.G. Bonano, seated, business leaders involved in the War effort. June 27, 1944.

Stafford prides itself in having no property taxes. It attracts many businesses and has four times the amount of people working in Stafford as it has residents. Texas Instruments had a production facility in Stafford, but as of 2012, the facility has been closed. Texas Instruments relocated near Telfair in Sugar Land, near the intersection of Highway 59 and University Boulevard. The number of small businesses in Stafford keeps the economy afloat.

Stafford may be a small town, but it has many opportunities.

absolutely!

DELICIOUS

Kansas City

Classic Ribs Recipe created by sauce expert Ardie Davis.

Makes: 4 servings Prep time: 2 hours 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Marinade:

Master Your

Backyard Barbecue C

oaxing layers of mouthwatering savory, smoky flavor out of grilled meat instantly transforms a Labor Day backyard barbecue from ho-hum to heavenly. As the temperatures rise this Labor Day weekend, focus on flavor to take your backyard barbecue to a whole new level.

The distinct flavors of grilled foods come from three sources, according to Ardie Davis, renowned judge on the barbecue circuit and founder of the American Royal International BBQ Sauce, Rub & Baste Contest. These include seasonings and marinades used to flavor food before grilling; smoky flavors that emerge during grilling itself (from wood chips, planks or sauces or seasonings applied while cooking) and finishing sauces applied after the food is removed from the heat.

Follow these easy tips from Davis: Tenderize with marinades. Marinades transform tougher cuts of meat into flavorful and tender options. KC Masterpiece marinades will penetrate meat in 30 minutes, adding flavor and increasing tenderness.

Enhance with wood chips or planks.

Build on the grill’s natural smoky fla-

vor with wood chips or planks that infuse subtle layers of new tastes, such as hickory or apple. Scatter dry chips directly on the coals and watch for them to begin to smoke before placing meat on the grill. Keep the lid closed in between turning the meat to create a stronger smoky flavor.

Keep meat moist. Use a spatula or tongs for flipping. Piercing meats can release flavorful juices and moistness, resulting in dry meat and diminished taste.

Top with Blue Ribbon flavor. Add smoky and sweet flavor to every bite with KC Masterpiece sauces, which can be used for broiling, baking and grilling and as an ingredient in many recipes. The sauce company celebrates the classic Blue Ribbon recipe that won “Best Sauce” at the first American Royal Barbecue sauce competition in 1978 and is made with real sugar and rich dark molasses.

Try Davis’ recipe for Kansas City Classic Ribs to bring authentic flavor to your favorite ‘cue. For additional tips and flavorful grilling recipes, visit www.kcmasterpiece.com.

Source: Family Features

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• 1/3 cup soy sauce • 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seed oil • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic • 1 teaspoon powdered ginger • 1 cup KC Masterpiece Kansas City Classic barbecue sauce • 1 cup white or cider vinegar

Ribs: • 2 racks pork loin ribs, about two pounds each with the membrane removed • 2 tablespoons olive oil Combine marinade ingredients in medium bowl and mix well. Place ribs in a large Glad® zipper bag and pour in marinade ensuring ribs are fully covered. Set aside and marinate for 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

Set up two-zone fire for indirect grilling with Kingsford charcoal by situating charcoal on only one side of grill, leaving other side void. Heat to 400°F. Lightly oil grill. Remove ribs from marinade and dispose of excess liquid. Place ribs, bone side down, over direct heat and cover grill for 6-8 minutes. Then turn ribs and cover for another 6-8 minutes. Continue this process for 45 minutes to an hour or until ribs are tender.

Once tender, move ribs to void side of grill and coat with barbecue sauce. Cover grill for another 6-8 minutes.

Remove ribs from grill and cover with butcher paper or aluminum foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice ribs into individual pieces and serve.

By Amy Gross

What Wines Should You Use

For Cooking?

A reader recently asked about cooking with wine: Hi, I’ve been cooking for years but have never really cooked with wine. I would like to buy good, less expensive (hopefully less than $10) white and red wines that I can keep on hand to cook with. I have a limited knowledge of wines and get overwhelmed when I go to the store. I want to explore new recipes, and many call for wine. I think I wouldn’t be intimidated by them if I had a mixed case in the pantry.

Would you please make a recommendation? Thanks so much!

– Dawn

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hen cooking with wine, consider a bag-in-box type of wine, as its closure will keep it from oxidizing – getting destroyed by coming in contact with air for too long – and enable you to keep the wine in your refrigerator, using it as you need it, for a much longer time than a wine closed with a cork or a screw top. An exception to this would be if you are adding a small amount of wine at the end of a recipe when the wine is not likely to be reduced, and a fuller flavor of the wine will remain in the dish. If that is the case, use the wine you will be serving with the meal.

Other than that, try a red that is not overly tannic like Carlo Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon, which should be pretty easy to find, or something along those lines.

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For recipes calling for a white wine, go for an unoaked Chardonnay, if possible. An oaked one will be fine if you cannot find an unoaked, so don’t worry about that too much. In both cases, you want the fruit to be more prominent in the wine than the tannins or wood, as the fruit will be minimized as the wine reduces during cooking. Starting with a wine with low tannins in the case of red, or unoaked, in the case of white, will make a better dish.

Boxed wines may or may not be your favorite wines for drinking – there are some great ones out there – but they seem to be the best to keep on hand for regular cooking.

Do you have any wine related questions? Shoot me an email at amy@ wine4.me. I’m here to help!

Cheers! And happy cooking!

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September 2014 Winner “Antelope Canyon’s Sunshine”

By Kevin Kuo Congratulations Kevin, you’ve earned a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant!

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

Think you have a great shot? Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary.

A WINNER EVERY MONTH Each month’s winner receives a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Adrienne at 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

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

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

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Sarah@ FortBendFocus.com. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”.

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EVENTS All Month Library Card Signup Month Fort Bend County Libraries want to make sure County Judge Bob Hebert that your child shows off his Fort Bend County library card. is among the two-thirds of Americans who carry the smartest card of all – a library card. With a library card, you can access books, videos, DVDs, CDs, software and more.

Call 281-341-2677 or visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

September 2nd, 6:30 – 8 pm Misheard Lyric Trivia Middle school students grades six and up are invited to demonstrate their knowledge of the lyrics to all kinds of songs at the Sugar Land Branch Library, located at 550 Eldridge Road.

Drinks and snacks will be provided. Bring a friend!

Call 281-238-2140.

September 4th, 4:30 – 7 pm Texana Children’s Center for Autism Open House Come enjoy light refreshments, music by Gail Best and tour Texana’s newest autism program.

The Children’s Center for Autism at Sugar Land is located at 130 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 200.

Visit www.texanacenter.com.

September 5th, 7 – 11:30 pm Casino Night and Hold ‘Em Tourney

September 13th, 2 – 4 pm Parents’ Survival Guide to College

Join Hope for Three for a Texas-sized night of hope at Sweetwater Country Club, located at 4400 Palm Royale Drive in Sugar Land. The entertaining evening includes endless food and drink, gaming, dancing, a raffle, a silent auction and prestigious prizes. The first 50 players to register for the Hold ‘Em Tourney are guaranteed a seat at the poker tables. Take a chance and support “ausome” kids!

To purchase tickets and register, visit www.HopeforThree.org/casino-night or call 800-317-0787.

The Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway, presents Parents’ Survival Guide to College for parents and college-bound students to gain a better understanding of college admission tests and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. The program is free and open to the public.

Call 281-238-2100.

September 12th and 13th Friday, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Threads Through Time Quilt Show

Participate in a night of giving back to the community with the Sugar Land Rotary Foundation to support multiple local Fort Bend charities and the Rotary Foundation’s international initiatives.

The event includes fantastic food, happy hour, a live auction, a bid board and a raffle to win a two-year lease of a 2014 Chevy Camaro! The event takes place at Constellation Field, located at 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land. For reservations, email info@rotaryfallclassic.com or visit www.rotaryfallclassic.com.

This Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild Showcase includes two days of quilting fun at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road. The show features hundreds of judged quilts on display, vendor market, demonstrations, raffles, a charity sew-in and much more. Tickets are $9 and good for both days.

Visit www.cpqgtx.org.

Presented By:

September 13th, 6:30 – 11 pm Sugar Land Rotary Fall Classic

September 15th, 6 – 7:30 pm Diabetes Support Group Join Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s Diabetes Support Group, a wonderful and highly interactive group where people come to celebrate and learn more about living with diabetes. This month’s focus is Making the Most of Your Next Doctor Visit. All participants will enjoy a diabetic-friendly cooking demonstration and receive a recipe card.

The free event takes place at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital’s First Floor Conference Rooms, located at 17500 West Grand Parkway.

To register, call 713-222-CARE (2273).

September 16th, 6 – 8 pm Freedom from Joint Pain Seminar ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECH Water Treatment Specialists

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

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Come learn from two leading physicians about the latest treatment advancements for hip and knee pain at the Main Hospital Entrance of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, located at 17500 West Grand Parkway. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free, but space is limited.

To register, call 713-222-CARE (2273).

EVENTS September 23rd, 5:30 – 7 pm Care to Chat: Let’s Talk About Kids!

September 18th, 9:30 – 11 am Breakfast and Bingo Come fellowship with peers, enjoy breakfast and play competitive rounds of bingo for great prizes at Missouri City’s Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive.

Tickets are available at the Recreation and Tennis Center by paying a $5 program fee.

Visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.

September 18th, 6:30 – 9 pm Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee The Literacy Council of Fort Bend presents the 5th annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee at the University of Houston-Sugar Land, located at 14000 University Boulevard. Come watch local corporations, friends and family members compete against one another in this exciting event Individual Spectator Bee tickets are $40 in advance, and there are numerous ways for you and your company to participate. Visit www.grownupbee.com or call 281-240-8181.

September 20th, 10 am University Branch Library Presents Artist Demonstration Fort Bend County Libraries, in conjunction with Sugar Land Area Artists, presents a special artist demonstration of Techniques of Life Drawing at the University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. Guest artist Kathy Love primarily uses graphite pencil and charcoal to create complete, detailed works that pique the viewer’s interest. Call 281-633-5100.

Notable parenting and childcare experts, healthcare providers and educators will come together to offer new insights on different topics related to children, tweens and teens in this motivating adultonly series. Come early to enjoy complimentary appetizers, and be one of the first 30 to receive a free flu shot. All attendees will receive a first aid kit. The free event is held at the Fort Bend ISD Administration Annex, located at 3119 Sweetwater Boulevard in Sugar Land. Registration is required.

Call 713-222-CARE (2273).

September 25th, 8:30 – 10:30 am Changing Our Community

September 26th – October 5th The Fort Bend County Fair...Uncorked Enjoy a glass of wine or two at Grapes on the Brazos, the high styled Fort Bend County Fair event supporting the youth of Fort Bend County during the Fair’s 10 day run. The event is located at 4310 Highway 36 South in Rosenberg in Building W behind the Texas Stage. There will be white and red wine offerings, beer, sodas, water and snacks, as well as nighttime entertainment and restaurants serving heavy hors d’oeuvres on most nights. Presale wine tickets are currently on sale. The book of tickets is valued at $25 for $20 before the Fair begins and contains coupons for local businesses.

To purchase, contact the Fair Office at 281-3426171. Proceeds from this event help contribute to scholarships and other opportunities for the youth of Fort Bend County. For a list of wine selections and a full schedule of events, visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com.

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

Giving Spirits Concert Series Friday, September 5th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Time Warp Classic Concert Series

The Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, a program of Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse (FBRC), is working to strengthen community partnerships to reduce youth substance use rates in the Fort Bend ISD community. At this meeting, the coalition desires to hear from concerned citizens at the Fort Bend ISD Administration Boardroom, located at 16431 Lexington Boulevard in Sugar Land.

E-mail fortbendcoalition@gmail.com or call 281-207-2400.

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Saturday, September 6th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Crossing Borders Friday, September 12th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Be the Match Walk/Run Saturday, September 13th 8 – 11 am

Movie Under the Moon Saturday, September 13th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Blues & Brews Friday, September 19th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Taste of Town Square Saturday, September 20th 4 – 9:30 pm

Dancing Under the Stars Friday, September 26th 7:30 – 9 pm

Living the Sweet Life:

Finding Home

Victoria Ann and Alisa Murray, Ellen McGinnis (Grandma) and James Edward Murray.

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f you think back to when you were a child, there are special things from that time in your life that you will duplicate as an adult. I never realized how much the small things around you are some of the most influencing things about you until my recent visit with Ellen, or I should say, Mom. When I was a child, I spent a lot of time with my mother’s best friend, Ellen. Mother and Ellen, as I wrote about years ago, were always crafting and doing things together. They even had a homeless lady, who the whole town called “Crazy Mary,” that they fed daily back in their day. Those two were involved with introducing the Junior Great Books programming into the public schools and directly responsible for the best Sunday school crafts in town.

Ellen became a second mother when my own was killed. In her telling me stories of who my mother was, she connected her life to my own. It was a patchwork of broken pieces, and although she could not make the whole quilt, what Ellen created was an amazing place to dream and feel loved despite the “wicked stepmother” who had moved into my home.

Ellen’s house was a spectacular place on what Daddy called “the wrong side of town,” making it that much more alluring to me. It was an old house with dark woods, creaking floors and special hiding places for that old game of seek and find. It always smelled of cookies or sausage, and each Christmas, we had our annual tea with Santa where Ellen gave a doll to a child who otherwise would not have gotten any present. Ellen was as close to being my mother than anyone ever could be, and despite all of the sacrifices that went along with filling those shoes, she did it.

This July, we as a family went to North Carolina. No trip to North Carolina is complete without a visit to see Ellen.

This time, however, both Victoria Ann and James Edward TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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

wanted to go with me. Ellen met us in the driveway saying things like, “Oh my” and “Just look at you!” After hugs and kisses and taking each other in, she invited us to go inside of her house. There on the counter was homemade sausage balls and orange juice. Victoria Ann gave me a funny look.

We sat down and began talking about life and catching up, and James Edward glanced up at the walls. There just above our heads were hands painted and stamped onto paper, carefully dated and framed. He smiled and said, “Just like at our house, Mom. Are those your hands?” I smiled and began to take inventory of my surroundings. Watching my children warm to her and feel as if they were “home” broke the bitter spell of my own home having been sold to strangers and no longer a place to visit or share with them. Ellen told them stories about their grandmother just as she had done for me when I was their ages. It was a beautiful visit and perhaps the best part for me of our trip.

Later as we were walking around, we saw on the door of the bedroom a large piece of paper where a child had drawn a story board about getting well. Ellen had taped it to the door as a prominent piece of art in the hallway. Jamesy looked up at me with a big smile. “She saves scribbles just like you do!” he exclaimed. I said, “Yes, she sure does!” Everywhere I looked, I could see similarities to our home here in Texas.

I knew deep down we shared something super special, and like so many things about me and my life, Ellen and I never would have had that relationship if Mommy had not died. I did not realize, though, how all those little things that Ellen did and always had done were replicated in my own home.

We went to the living room, and I looked down and saw three little china doll babies.

Immediately, as if reading my mind, Ellen picked one up and all at once gave it to Victoria Ann. A small treasure! When we got in the car, the children were talking about how much our house was like her house and how much everything I do was like her. They both said, “That was like going to see our grandma!” I told them that was because she is!

Remember your moments and take care of YOU!

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! y l e t u l o s b a Let our awards speak for us HERMES •

2014 Platinum Winner: Fort Bend Focus 100 Most Fascinating Things About Fort Bend

• 2014 Gold Winner: Fort Bend Focus First Annual Focus Favs • 2014 Honorable Mention: absolutely! Memorial Memorial’s Model Gardener Kelly Emberg • 2014 Honorable Mention: absolutely! Brazos Lunches of Love

MARCOM •

2013 Platinum Winner: Fort Bend Focus 100 Most Fascinating Things About Fort Bend

• 2013 Gold Winner: Fort Bend Focus Fort Bend Focus Honors the 2012 Jewels of Fort Bend • 2013 Gold Winner: absolutely! focus media Marketing/Promo Campaign/Branding Refresh

TEXANA •

2013 - 2014 Platinum Winner: absolutely! Brazos Media of the Year Award

BRAZOS • FORT BEND • KATY • MEMORIAL

www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com 281.690.4242

• Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs, and emerging technologies.

• MarCom Awards is a creative competition for any individual or company involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs.

• Texana Center’s Media of the Year Award received at the organization’s 4th Annual Reaching for the Stars Awards Ceremony.