Summer 2021 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

SUMMER ISSUE 2021

Rebuilding the Knee

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Back to School

Medical FOCUS

{Features}

SUMMER 2021

14 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

{COVER STORY}

Celebrate Independence Day in the Bend with family and friends.

16 TAX-FREE WEEKEND

August 6th – 8th

BACK TO SCHOOL

Get the kids organized and ready for the new school year.

19 HOUSTON METHODIST

ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

Hosts Annual Student Physicals 24 MEDICAL FOCUS

Health Care News You Can Use

{Columns} 12 FORT BEND STRONG

Celebrating Heroes

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land.

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REBUILDING THE KNEE

15 GLOBETROTTING

What’s Trending in Travel: Pets on Board 32 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

MHM + CSR = A Better World

AT HOUSTON METHODIST

ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS

MEDICINE AT SUGAR LAND

When it comes to complex multi-ligament

injuries, the specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land are the A Team. From athletes to weekend warriors, these specialists have the knowledge and expertise to get patients back on track doing the things they love.

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CONTRIBUTORS

SUMMER 2021 VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 7

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The Honorable Pete Olson Contributor Page 12 Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com Pages 15 & 32

15 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 30

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absolutely! {Auto Review}

{In Every Issue}

30 2021 SUBARU ASCENT

6 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

{Newsworthy} 5 FORT BEND JUNIOR

SERVICE LEAGUE

Event Beneficiary Application

Deadline Extended to August 1st

11 THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND

Completes Brazos River Park

connector road and trail project

22 SEEN ON THE SCENE

22 HOPE FOR THREE

Offers Parent Empowerment

31 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

Sessions for Families and Caregivers of Children on the Autism Spectrum

23 REMAKING HISTORY

All-New Fort Bend Museum to be Unveiled in July

20 LITERACY COUNCIL

OF FORT BEND COUNTY

“A Call to Auction: A Celebration of Literacy.” We Called, You Answered.

22 Michele Fisher, Ruthanne Mefford, Bridgette Smith-Lawson and Roy Cordes.

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ON THE COVER: Chad Nicosia, Kyle Borque, MD and Siji Afolayan.

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

NEWSWORTHY

DEBBIE MARCELL Better Homes and Gardens • Gary Greene 2323 Town Center Dr. • Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-782-2102 (cell) • 281-980-5050 (o) www.debbiemarcell.com debbiemarcell@garygreene.com

30 HAVEN SHORE • Majestic Pointe Riverstone $2,895,000

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Event Beneficiary Application Deadline Extended to August 1st The annual Sugar Plum Market hosted by Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) will be extending this year’s shopping dates to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this treasured Fort Bend County tradition. The 2021 Market will take place Thursday, November 4th through Saturday, November 6th with a special Preview Night Celebration on Wednesday, November 3rd at Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center.

Do you know of a charitable organization that may be interested in applying to benefit from the 2021 Market? If so, let them know FBJSL recently decided to permanently postpone its annual deadline to submit event beneficiary applications from June 1st until August 1st.

Accordingly, applications to benefit from the 2021 Sugar Plum Market will be accepted until August 1, 2021.

The application and accompanying instructions can be found on the Request Support page of the FBJSL website at www.fbjsl.org/request-support. All applications must be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com. Further updates will be available at www.fbjsl.org and www.sugarplummarket.com.

FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Their purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.

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KIRBSTER • Avalon at Sienna $558,888

• Like New with Model Home look and feel • Almost 14K SF lot • Four Car Tandem Garage • Gated Community • Easy Access to Fort Bend Toll Road

We have worked with Debbie Marcell on several home purchases as well as several home sales over the past 15 years. Her knowledge and perseverance in the Home Sales Market has always given us a satisfied home buying or selling experience. We have and will continue to recommend Debbie Marcell to family, friends or anyone that asks us for a Home Sales Agent.

Cayetano and Carolyn Silva III

Debbie is amazing and truly cares about her clients.

We wouldn’t use anyone but her if we were to move again.

I plan to recommend her to anyone looking to purchase or sell their home.

Derek Goff, Sugar Land, TX

SUMMER 2021 l

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Freedom for the Ages It’s been said what a difference a day makes.

Well, what a difference a year makes when comparing this summer to last summer. We’ve shed – for the most part – the one item we learned to never leave home without. I don’t care what American Express says about, “Don’t leave home without it.” I left my AMEX card Momma and Kolton shopping at a real store home many times over the past 18 months, but – in person – for his birthday. Freedom!

I always had my mask. That was the important accessory you could not leave home without in 2020.

This summer is different. Vaccines are readily available to combat the catastrophic C-virus. Restaurants are open to dine in. Galas are popping up again, the word “vacation” is being used liberally and we can go to the movies – all novelties based on our experience last summer. I hardly know what do with myself now that there are so many options.

One of the things I absolutely plan on doing and would like to encourage all of my Fort Bend friends to do is celebrate. Just in time for July 4th, both Sugar Land and Missouri City are hosting amazing events. Celebrating our freedom truly means a just little bit more to me this year.

Freedom is a theme in this issue’s Fort Bend Strong. Congressman Olson shares with us two amazing stories about men who fought for our country – for our freedom – penned by a man who served our country proudly. Read about these heroes on page 12.

I do believe the past year has taught us much about freedom. The pandemic taught us the freedom to work from anywhere, the freedom to educate our children in a different way and the freedom Bob and Carole Brown with Patti and Tim Kaminski of time. Socrates said, “The secret of at their favorite hangout – Fernando’s – in September 2020. change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” I believe the last year has been a reset for us. We had the time to be introspective – to assess our lives and prioritize what matters the most. And the things that made my list? Family, faith, friends and of course, freedom.

Happy 4th of July Fort Bend!

The very day we were at press with this issue, I learned that my dear friend went home. Bob Brown was Sugar Land royalty, and he will be greatly missed.

He left an indelible footprint on our community, and he will live forever in our hearts. I will miss our dances, visits, dinners and most of all, his stories. Bob was an original. He not only made our community a better place, he made us strive to be better. We’ll carry the torch now Bob - in honor of you.

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281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore I T S U P P O RT A D M I N I S T R AT I V E / S A L E S A S S I S TA N T Kolton W. Kaminski CONTRIBUTORS Steve Kursar Alisa Murray Pete Olson A D V E RT I S I N G I N Q U I R I E S 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Stay focused!

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Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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Vol. 17 No. 7 Summer 2021

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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, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright© 2021 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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Darrin Staloch, PT; Chad Nicosia; Kyle Borque, MD; Siji Afolayan and Jasmine Debose, AT.

Rebuilding the Knee Complex multi-ligament injuries used to be devastating. Today, specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land help both athletes and weekend warriors regain the strength and function they need.

S

iji Afolayan’s injury occurred in the last football game of his sophomore year.

The game was almost over, and the Bush High School student was blocking on a kickoff return. As the play ended, he was pushed from behind. When he planted his left foot to try and maintain his balance, his knee bent awkwardly.

Right away, he knew something was wrong.

“I heard crunching sounds and then I felt tingling in my leg,” he recalled. “And then my knee started swelling. It was so painful.”

His injuries were severe – two torn ligaments; a damaged nerve running along the outside of his knee; and the complete separation of his femur and tibia. But Afolayan was persistent; he knew there was an opportunity to join the varsity for an upcoming playoff game, and he wanted to participate.

It wasn’t until the coaching staff at Bush noticed he was dragging his foot while walking – due to the nerve damage – that he let on about the extent of his injury.

“I didn’t want to believe it was as bad as it was,” said Afolayan. “I just wanted to keep playing.”

COVER STORY

Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography

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Siji Afolayan.

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Complex Injuries Require an Advanced Approach Complex multi-ligament knee injuries like Afolayan’s involve the tearing of two or more knee ligaments and damage to associated tissue – typically the result of sports activity or high-energy trauma.

“It’s not unusual to see an athlete tear an anterior crucial ligament (ACL), which is one of four ligaments in the knee, and return to play after surgery and rehabilitation,” said Kyle Borque, M.D., orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee reconstruction surgery at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land. “Multi-ligament injuries are much less common and far more devastating.”

Fortunately, that’s changing, especially for patients at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, where a highly advanced approach to surgery and recovery is making it possible for athletes, active individuals and accident victims to regain full mobility.

“Twenty years ago, a multi-ligament injury would be career-ending for an athlete or life-changing for an individual,” said Borque. “Even 10 years ago, the likelihood of returning to sports or a strenuous hobby would have been small. But with advancements in technology, training

and our understanding of the knee, today 75-80 percent of athletes with a multi-ligament injury can recover fully and return to sports, if they are treated correctly.”

Trauma in Everyday Life Not all multi-ligament injuries occur on the playing field. Chad Nicosia of Richmond was in a remote area of Alaska, returning from a hunting and sightseeing trip, and hauling a 50-pound backpack down an incline on his way back to camp. As he stepped slowly, his left foot got stuck in a small depression on the ground, and he lost his balance.

“It wasn’t a spectacular fall or anything,” he said. “But my left leg up to my knee locked into place because my foot was stuck, and my body rotated as I fell. I heard the loudest snap I’ve ever heard, and the pain was immediate.”

Far from his campsite, Nicosia gathered himself for 10 minutes or so before he and his friend carefully maneuvered the remaining mile-long hike back to their all-terrain vehicles, with Nicosia using hiking sticks to steady himself. With his severe injury, it took more than two hours to cover the distance.

“I’d never experienced pain like that before,” Nicosia said. “I knew I needed to get on an airplane and come home as quickly as I could.”

Like Afolayan, Nicosia had multiple ligament tears – his ACL and MCL – as well as a torn meniscus. He was worried his days of trekking in the wilderness were over.

Planning and Rehab are Key Both Afolayan and Nicosia turned to Borque for treatment, who is uniquely qualified to handle such cases. Borque has extensive experience working with professional athletes, including a stint as team physician with the New England Patriots and other Bostonbased teams.

Chad Nicosia 9 months post surgery.

Don’t Wait – Clinic Offers Walk-In Specialist Appointments The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land makes it easy and convenient to be seen by a specialist with expertise in treating orthopedic injuries. No appointment is necessary; office visit pricing and all major insurance plans are accepted. The clinic is ideal for: • Acute orthopedic injuries (Injury happened within the last three days) • Fractures and broken bones • Sports injuries • Sprains and strains

Chronic conditions, concussions, hip injuries, motor vehicle accidents, spine injuries and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the Orthopedic Injury Clinic.

HOURS: • Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Friday: 8 a.m. - Noon

In late 2019, Borque – who grew up in Sugar Land and graduated from Clements High School – was named to the medical staff of the U.S. Men’s Olympic soccer team.

“One of the keys to treating these complex knee injuries is planning, because you have multiple issues to contend with, and they are all important,” said Borque. “It typically requires a longer, more strategic approach than a single ligament tear.”

Jasmine Debose, AT and Siji Afolayan.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land is one of just a handful of sites in the U.S. offering resident and fellowship training programs in physical therapy, which requires a highly skilled, experienced staff that stays up to date on the latest techniques and studies.

“Physical therapy is important not just for regaining strength and mobility in the knee, but it also gives patients the confidence they need to return to their chosen sport or hobby,” said Borque. “That’s especially important for athletes; the mental aspect is as critical to getting back on the field as the condition of the knee itself. Our physical therapists are great at building a rapport with patients and encouraging them in ways that maximize their recovery.”

Back to Doing What They Love

For example, Afolayan underwent two surgeries – the first to repair his nerve damage; the second to repair his ACL and LCL, along with the damage to other tissue. In Nicosia’s case, his surgery was delayed by several months to allow for swelling to subside and give him time to undergo presurgery physical therapy at Houston Methodist Sugar Land to strengthen surrounding muscles.

“Every case is different,” said Borque, “because of the trauma involved in a multi-ligament injury. Patients often have tears in their meniscus and other types of damage along with ligament tears. So, we’re basically rebuilding the knee and doing so in a way that creates a strong, resilient joint that can stand up to physical exertion and athletic competition.”

Another key to successful complex knee reconstruction is advanced post-surgical physical therapy.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers convenient onsite access to one of the country’s leading physical therapy/ rehabilitation programs. Board-certified and fellowshiptrained experts in sports medicine rehabilitation work directly with the orthopedic physicians to create and implement training plans that help patients overcome their injuries and regain their mobility.

Student Physicals Ages 12-18 Saturday, July 31 | 9 am – noon 16811 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479 Cost: $20 (cash only) Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology specialists will be on-site to provide additional clearance, as needed.

Students must have a school physical form with medical history completed and a signed physical consent form.

Please go to bit.ly/fbisdforms21 to access these forms online.

For more information, call 281.275.0447 or visit join.houstonmethodist.org/physicals-sl.

Following their knee reconstruction surgeries and rehabilitation, Afolayan and Nicosia are feeling great and moving forward – Afolayan is preparing for his senior year at Bush, where he’ll be a varsity receiver with a dream of playing college ball. And Nicosia was back in the wilderness less than a year after his surgery. Both say they feel stronger than ever, and both credit Borque, their therapists and Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land with giving them a new lease on life.

Chad Nicosia and Darrin Staloch, PT.

“There is no other doctor I would go to again, and no other hospital,” said Nicosia. “Dr. Borque was fantastic – he is knowledgeable, talented and caring. His approach was always positive. He told me, ‘I’m going to do everything possible to get you back,’ and he did. I’m better than I was before.”

Afolayan, too, says he was energized by his medical team’s skill and support.

“Everyone I worked with at Houston Methodist Sugar Land was great,” he said. “From Dr. Borque to my physical therapists, they were all so positive and encouraging, and they helped me so much. Coupled with the support of my high school athletic trainer, I’m back on the field. I can’t thank them all enough.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Borque – or another specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land – call 281.201.0409 or visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl.

NEWSWORTHY

Sugar Land Completes Brazos River Park Connector Road and Trail The City of Sugar Land recently completed the Brazos River Park Connector Road and Trail Project.

The road is one-mile long and connects two of the city’s regional parks, Sugar Land Memorial Park and Brazos River Park. The project also includes a meandering concrete trail, a low-water crossing, more than 150 native hardwood trees, irrigation and lighting, as well as wildflower seeding. The improvements are intended to make the 420-acre parkland a greater event and recreation destination for the Sugar Land community by expanding access to visitors.

“The new connection between Sugar Land Memorial Park and Brazos River Park creates a lot more outdoor opportunities with greater accessibility for Sugar Land residents and visitors,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Chesser. “Staff also creatively transplanted more than 60 mature trees from a nearby drainage project without additional cost to taxpayers, a benefit for our park guests and the surrounding wildlife.”

Additionally, Keep Sugar Land Beautiful, with support from the Eason-Joseph, family donated and planted 30 native hardwoods along the trail.

The project cost approximately $2.27 million and is one of the projects from the voter-approved 2013 parks bond election.

For more information about parks, projects and programs, contact Sugar Land Parks and Recreation at 281-275-2825 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/parks. For updates, follow Sugar Land Parks and Recreation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ SugarLandParks.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 27th: Councilmembers Suzanne Whatley and Naushad Kermally; Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman; Councilmember Carol K. McCutcheon, Councilmember Stewart Jacobson, Councilmember and Mayor Pro-tem Jennifer J. Lane and Councilmember William Ferguson.

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Celebrating Heroes

E

very May, our country celebrates Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month. America would not be America, Texas would not be Texas and Fort Bend would not be Fort Bend without the contributions and heroism of our Asian American neighbors. They are the fastest growing ethnic group in the most ethnically diverse county in the U.S.A. Fort Bend Strong!

The Honorable Pete Olson at his Sugar Land office presenting Staff Sergeant Lewis Yee a Congressional Recognition with daughter Sue Chiang watching.

While I have received many ideas for this month’s column, I’m focusing on Asian and Pacific American Heritage. I’m going to start with the story of a friend, Lewis Yee. If you haven’t met Lewis, maybe you’ve met his daughter, Sue Chiang? Or, maybe you’ve met Sue’s daughter and Lewis’ granddaughter, Jennifer Chiang Meyer? Lewis is 98 years-old. He grew up in Houston.

His family came from China. As young boy, Lewis worried about family members living in China because of the raging war with the Empire of Imperial Japan after Manchuria was invaded on September 18, 1831. There were reports that enraged Lewis.

Did the Imperial Japanese occupiers commit mass murders and rapes of 200,000 innocent Chinese citizens when they occupied China’s capital city, Nanjing, in December 1937? Lewis wanted to fight for his family in China, but how could an American get into a war that America was not yet involved?

He found his answer with a group of American military pilots who resigned from our military to fight Imperial Japan, one year before Imperial Japan brought America into World War II with

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the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This group was officially known as the American Volunteer Group or AVG. You may know them as the Flying Tigers. After training for most of 1938 and scraping together weapons, fuel and spare parts, the Flying Tigers flew their first combat mission against Imperial Japan 12 days after Pearl Harbor was devastated. On their own for seven months, without any consistent support from the U.S., the Flying Tigers whipped the Japanese air force – 300 planes destroyed with only 69 Flying Tigers shot down.

At age 18, Staff Sergeant Lewis Yee joined legends like Pappy Boyington and Tex Hill – all members of the Flying Tigers. Fort Bend Strong!

Before the end of World War II, Lewis had one more battle to fight. This battle was with his own government in Washington, D.C. In 1882, for the first time in American history, our nation levied severe immigration restrictions on one specific ethnic group – the Chinese. It was accurately called The Exclusion Act. Having proudly fought with the Flying Tigers in China,

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Lewis wanted his parents to leave China and join him in America. Being a Texan, Lewis grabbed the bull by the horns. He helped a friend draft a petition to repeal The Exclusion Act. That petition became the basis for the Magnuson Act – a full repeal of The Exclusion Act on December 17, 1943. Lewis’ mother came to America.

Lewis married Roberta 73 years ago on Veterans’ Day. Roberta is three years younger than Lewis. If you want to see who is in command in the Yee house, watch a KHOU 11 video story by Shern-Min Chow after Lewis and his fellow Chinese American World War II veterans were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on my 58th birthday, December 9, 2020. I first met Lewis on June 1, 2017 in my Sugar Land office where I presented him with a Congressional Recognition for his service to our nation. Fort Bend Strong!

I must close by keeping a promise I made to another World War II hero – Lt. Col. Dick Cole. Most of us don’t recognize Dick’s name, but 8th grade American History touches on his extraordinary mission – the “Doolittle Raid” led by Colonel Jimmy Doolittle. After Pearl Harbor, our nation’s morale was terrible. The USS ARIZONA was still smoldering, and we were about to lose the Philippines, Guam and Wake Island to the Imperial Japanese. A desperate President Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted to strike Japan’s mainland, but how? None of our land-based bombers had the range to bomb Japan. Our carriers would likely be sunk, and the war lost if we launched our ship-based bombers. Their relatively short range meant our ships would be in range of the entire Japan air force. We would be overwhelmed.

Navy Captain Francis Low had the solution – launch landbased medium bombers off of an aircraft carrier. Maybe we could hit Japan without the carriers being exposed? It had never been done before, and there was no time to practice on a ship, but 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers were strapped to the flight deck of the USS HORNET. The fleet traveled across the Pacific Ocean in complete secrecy heading to Japan but were spotted hours before their launch point by a Japanese patrol boat. The admiral in charge of the carriers told Colonel Doolittle that he must turn around before reaching the launch point. Colonel Doolittle assembled the 79 other Raiders and asked a simple question, “Do we take off now, bomb Japan, run out of gas over Japanese occupied China and likely be executed?” Colonel Doolittle’s copilot and the other men all voted to bomb Japan. That copilot was Dick Cole.

All 16 planes took off with Colonel Doolittle and Dick Cole being the first off deck. All 16 planes bombed Japan. Fifteen crashed into Japanese occupied China. One went down in Russia. Of the 75 American aviators on the ground in occupied China, eight were captured. Three of the eight captured were executed. Remarkably, 77 of the Doolittle Raiders came home to their families. Dick Cole was one of the survivors.

Dick knew that the Chinese people – Lewis Yee’s family and friends – saved his life. The Imperial Japanese were livid that a foreign nation had brought war to Japanese soil for the first time in over 1,000 years. Seventy-five Caucasians were on the ground in China, and the Japanese could only capture eight?

The local Chinese must have helped the Americans evade capture. The occupier’s actions of retaliation were worse than Nanjing. At least 250,000 Chinese citizens were executed or raped.

Remarkably, not ONE Chinese citizen told the Japanese about Dick Cole. Dick Cole escaped to Burma and rejoined the war effort.

I authored legislation that awarded Dick Cole and the other Doolittle Raiders the Congressional Gold Medal in 2015. Only three of the 77 survivors were still alive. Dick was one of them.

My friend was the last surviving Raider. He was 103 years-old when God called him home on April 9, 2019. I met Dick many times before he died, and every time we met, he made me promise that I would thank anyone from China who may have been alive during World War II. He came home because of their courage. Lewis Yee, Dick Cole says, “THANK YOU!!!!” That’s Fort Bend Strong!

I’ve written four Fort Bend Strong Columns so far. Three of those columns included input from y’all. Lewis Yee came from you. Please email your ideas for a Fort Bend Strong story to pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

Together, we are always Fort Bend Strong!

Dick Cole and Pete Olson at Wings Over Houston.

SUMMER 2021 l

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Independence Day Festival Saturday, July 3rd 4 - 9:30 pm HCC Southwest College Missouri City Campus 1600 Texas Parkway Missouri City’s patriotic tradition offers plenty of fun and excitement for the whole family. Attendees can enjoy a variety of free entertainment, live music and tasty treats from local vendors. Bring a lawn chair and find a spot in the grass to sit back, relax and enjoy a fantastic show. Headlining the evening of musical entertainment is C&C Music Factory and TAG TEAM. With hits like “Gonna Make You Sweat” (Everybody Dance Now) and “Whoomp! There It Is,” attendees will be warmed up for the grand fireworks finale.

Regional favorite Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws will join the show along with Texas Flood for a tribute to the legends of the blues.

For more information, call 281-403-8637 or email julia.thompson@missouricitytx. gov.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Missouri City

Sugar Land

Red, White and Boom Celebration Sunday, July 4th 7 - 10 pm The Crown Festival Park 18355 Southwest Freeway Enjoy an evening full of patriotic family fun with activities for all ages. Entertainment and activities will include photo opportunities, vendor booths and a main stage area featuring a variety of local talent.

A large variety of food and drink options will be available at concession areas. The event will conclude with fireworks lighting the night skies over Sugar Land at approximately 9 pm.

Red, White and Boom is free and open to the public. No tickets will be required, but attendees will be limited so arrive early to secure onsite spaces. Gates will open at 6 pm. Once all parking is full, access to the event will be closed. An alternate viewing method for the fireworks will be made available via livestream on the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation facebook page at www.facebook.com/SugarLandParks.

Due to limited onsite parking, those attending are encouraged to take the shuttle to avoid traffic delays. Shuttle services are only available at University of Houston-Sugar Land located at 14000 University Blvd.

Ride-sharing and taxis may be utilized to access University of HoustonSugar Land, where the free shuttle will run to and from Crown Festival Park. All shuttle traffic will halt for the launching of fireworks from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

For more information, contact 281-275-2900 or visit www. sugarlandtx.gov/RedWhiteandBoom.

713.703.4571 KSweetPhoto.com 14

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Globetrotting By

TM

What’s Trending in Travel:

d r a o B n o Pets

P

ost pandemic it’s not surprising that many things have changed both in how we travel, as well as the industry as a whole. The need to understand the protocols per country and in some cases stateside are obvious to anyone who desires to grab a bag and head out on an adventure. It’s been interesting to be a part of the travel industry during a pandemic, and thankfully I have been able to avert aggravation for clients. The reality is the rules are changing constantly, and we are all in unchartered territory.

There’s a tremendous misconception that using a travel professional somehow will “cost a fee.” I encounter questions all the time about how I get paid, and what exactly I can do for travelers. More now than ever, the choice of not using a travel professional has left many with lost hopes and down a rabbit hole, so to speak, waiting and wondering if they will ever get their money back on lost trips.

Being in the thick of things for the past few years, I have my pulse on where and what is open and who has done their due diligence in providing the safest protocols for a pleasurable and a worry-free vacation. And, best of all, the suppliers of travel are responsible for paying the travel advisors – not the traveler. Resorts, hotels and attractions depend on travel agents to be fully educated with their brand and to correctly align clients with the experiences they provide. This symbiotic relationship is vital to both traveler, advisor and of course, a resort.

My last piece of advice is to always purchase travel insurance. Always. That has saved every client I have represented every time. So, whether you are go-

ing it alone or using a travel professional, please get insured.

Now for the fun stuff. Most recently I have seen an increase in requests for accommodations that include the family pet. It comes as no surprise as during the pandemic more of us adopted a new fur baby. According to rover.com, “93% of people said their ‘pandemic pet’ improved their mental and/or physical wellbeing in the last year, and over 80% said it made working from home and being at home during the pandemic more enjoyable.” The resorts are listening and have met the challenge by providing a host of new experiences for both you and your fur babies. They are offering everything from toys and custom-baked treats to spa treatments and entertainment!

In South Carolina, The Montage Palmetto Bluff has a “canine ambassador” named Cauley who greets his new furry friends and sets the stage for what is sure to be a grand adventure. In room guests will find a fully prepared menu for their dog, and if they decide to dine in one of their eight experiences, there’s a fur baby sitter to keep him or her enter-

tained while you are away. At the Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in New York, your feline companion will dine on freshly baked biscuits made onsite at the bakery and enjoy a cattacino for breakfast.

Some resorts offer personalized bedding and turn down services for the discriminating client who wants their fur baby to feel as pampered as they do while off and away.

Perhaps the most awesome experience to me as the cat mom to three strays – for the record all of our fur babies have arrived on their own and been met with open and very spoiling arms – is the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. There they provide exemplary accommodations for their furry guests, including the above mentioned but with a cool twist. They give a temporary home to dogs looking to meet their forever parent(s), and over 150 dogs have been adopted by the human guests! Now that’s something to bark and meow about!

Keep on traveling!

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Advertorial

Back to School Fort Bend Christian Academy Inspiring Students to Excellence for the Glory of God

August 6th - 8th, 2021 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Comptroller encourages all taxpayers to continue practicing social distancing and support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free Weekend.

Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas.

The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items bought during the sales tax holiday. Items bought before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.

For more information, visit comptroller. texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/.

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Imagine a child who fully embraces their purpose in God’s Kingdom. Who trusts God and embraces the journey of Christian Discipleship. Who, from a young age, pursues knowledge, truth and wisdom. Who shapes their community and the world around them through dynamic critical thinking, creative solutions and effective communication.

Fort Bend Christian Academy exists to glorify God through excellence in college-preparatory Christian education. It is the mission of Fort Bend Christian Academy to equip students to thrive spiritually, academically, socially and physically.

FBCA is committed to a superior academic experience integrated with a consistent, Christian approach to learning. All subjects are presented from a biblical perspective, and students learn to serve God in all areas of life and in whatever vocation they are ultimately led. With this Christian approach to education, FBCA seeks to mold the character of each child and provide them with a solid foundation for life. The school community grows, develops, and graduates students who are leaders, courageous in faith, and ready to succeed where God has directed them. Imagine a partnership with families that equips students with the skills to embrace biblical truth, academic excellence and to model Christ-like leadership that changes the world.

Together we grow. Together we win. Together we pray. Together we discover.

Together we soar.

SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Back to School

With summer in full swing, it is not too early to turn our attention to a new school year. This year, the Gingerbread Family of Learning Centers celebrated their seven year anniversary of the Gingerbread Kids’ Academy in Richmond and the 40th anniversary of The Gingerbread House Learning Center in Rosenberg.

The Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and Gingerbread House Learning Center have developed an environment where children can learn and grow. The programs are designed for children ages eight weeks to 12 years and offer a variety of activities throughout the year. In addition to their exceptional education programs, the Gingerbread Centers have implemented enhanced safety and health protocols that include daily temperature checks of students who enter the building and hourly cleaning schedules for high touch areas in the centers. During the pandemic, both locations stayed open to care for the children of essential workers in our community.

Research has shown that in order for a child to be successful in school and life, they must begin with a strong foundation in learning. Gingerbread has designed a curriculum that includes an emphasis on reading, writing, science, math, discovery and exploration, as well as social skills development. The infant and toddler programs focus on the development of both gross and fine motor skills along with basic language development. The three to five-year-old Pre-School and Pre-K programs focus on academics, peer relationships and preparation for entry into Kindergarten and elementary school. The Gingerbread after-school programs, located onsite at Bentley, Frost, Hutchison, Hubenak and Arredondo Elementary, as well as onsite at the Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and Gingerbread House, offer homework assistance, arts, crafts, games and sports.

A new school year means new beginnings. The Gingerbread Family invites you to come by for a visit. Both locations are now accepting enrollments for the 2020-2021 school year.

Contact Tim Kaminski at twkaminski@sbcglobal.net or 281-239-2110 for more information.

Where Children Learn and Grow

ck To a B

o o Sch

Infants

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Gingerbread: Quality Early Education in Fort Bend County

Advertorial

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814 FM 2977 281-239-2110 Richmond www.gbkidsacademy.com twkaminski@sbcglobal.net 77469 SUMMER 2021 l

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Back to School

Advertorial

5419 FM 762 Richmond, TX 77469 281-761-6610 • knilecenter.com EDUCATIONAL CENTER Knowledge + Intelligence = Learning Excellence

Focused on helping students develop a firm foundation in learning strategies and techniques

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We offer private one-on-one lessons to help students fill in gaps and strengthen weak learning skills, which in turn helps alleviate school anxiety and arms student with the necessary tools to achieve the best potential in school and life.

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Post Pandemic Education: What Can I Expect?

What can you expect from the new school year, post-pandemic?

At KnILE Center, our focus has always been on the whole child not just academics. Given the uncertainties this pandemic brought to us and our children, it is more important than ever to focus on the whole child – mind, body, spirit.

KnILE Center has dedicated 13 years to helping youth succeed in school and life, this upcoming year is no different. KnILE is located in Richmond, Texas and is home to KnILE Prep Academy – a 1st thru 12th grade private school with small ratios that customizes learning to meet students’ needs. They also offer ECN – an educational coaching, support and tutoring program open to all students. In addition, KnILE offers resources, workshops, parent engagements and the like to help families navigate through their child’s needs and growth. This coming school year, they are excited to announce their newest initiative “The Nest,” a youth wellness program that will help empower students by arming them with the necessary tools to tackle any obstacle, challenge or situation that may come their way. KnILE wants to teach students a more proactive approach to building and strengthening their social, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing so they can find success, not only academically, but in every aspect of life.

Looking for a different approach to learning for your child, contact us today!

Enrollment is open, but space is limited! New students will receive a gift and a $150 enrollment discount expiring 8/31/2021.

KnILE Center is located at 5419 FM 762 in Richmond, inside of Kids Resort.

Call 281-761-6610 or visit www.knilecenter.com

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SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Explore Nature Outdoors at Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and The George Observatory Curious children and adults are invited to join the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) at Sugar Land outside. HMNS has announced a reinvigorated commitment to outdoor education with expanded programming and a special traveling exhibition about conservation this summer. As technology attempts to bridge physical and geographical gaps, connecting with others while communing with nature becomes even more important.

The museum’s programming team looked for ways to innovate and inspire students, with new nature experiences on-site, helmed by the director of nature programming Erin Mills. Primarily located in the Outdoor Learning Center and the newly installed pollinator garden at HMNS Sugar Land, the programs change weekly and are for visitors of all ages.

The HMNS team also utilizes Brazos Bend State Park, home of the George Observatory, and one of the most popular state parks in the United States. Recent studies note that learning outside can spark the imagination in learners of all ages, and seeing local wildlife, big and small, inspires and engages the viewer.

The wealth of natural diversity on the park grounds, and the newly-renovated Observatory facilities, make visiting this “classroom” a perfect fit for families of all sizes.

Using place-based experiences at HMNS Sugar Land and the George Observatory, the new nature program gives Fort Bend County residents engaging ways to connect with nature and get to know the world around them.

Contact Kavita Self at kself@hmns. org or visit www.hmns.org/sugarland for more information.

See ad on inside front cover.

Back to School

Advertorial

Fall Registration Begins August 2nd • Classes run Sept 7th thru Dec 17th • Register online any time after August 2nd or in person during regular business hours • Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 am – 5 pm

Classes Offered:

Fall classes hosted at Literacy Council of Fort Bend plus 5 additional locations: Fort Bend Hope, Friends of North Richmond, Grand Parkway Baptist Church, Living Water Church, Second Mile Mission

English as a Second Language (Levels 0-5) Intro to Literacy/Literacy 101 Pre-GED GED Prep classes covering all Exam Areas including English-Language Arts, Math, Science & Social Studies US Citizenship Prep Course for DACA recipients, US residents or anyone preparing to take the US Citizenship Exam.

Open House Public is Invited August 2nd 5 to 7 pm

For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit www.ftbendliteracy.org • 12530 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Hosts Annual Student Physicals Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land is offering annual student physicals from 9 am to noon on Saturday, July 31st for Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD and any other students needing physicals.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) requires all high school athletes to undergo and pass a physical examination prior to participating in sports. Physical evaluations include examining height, weight, vision, blood pressure, pulse, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, spine and all joints in the upper and lower body. Physicians discuss the athletes’ medical history and consult with them and their parents if further evaluation is necessary prior to releasing them to participate in sports.

“I grew up in the area and attended Clements High School, so it is an honor to come back and support the players. We look forward to continuing to support these school districts,” said Kyle A. Borque, M.D., orthopedic surgeon. “We truly enjoy working with the schools in these districts.”

Kyle A. Borque, MD.

Continued on page 20.

281-499-3921 3643 Glenn Lakes Ln., Highway 6 • Missouri City

www.robinsdancestudio.com

DANCE STUDIO

2021 - 2022 Registration Dance Season begins August 30th!

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Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Lyrical Hip Hop Leaps & Turns Ages 3 - Adult

Call or see website for schedule SUMMER 2021 l

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Continued from page 20.

Houston Methodist physicians have been associated with local school districts for more than 20 years and have donated all the proceeds from the student physical events back to those school districts to help fund unbudgeted items.

“Performing physical examinations is just part of being a team physician. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physicians support coaches, athletic trainers and players throughout the school year,” said Nish L. Shah, M.D., orthopedic surgeon.

Nish L. Shah, MD. “Partnering with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides a convenient, inexpensive opportunity for our athletes to complete this physical exam,” said Richard Gregoire, head district athletic trainer for Fort Bend ISD. “This partnership continues to provide access to some of the finest doctors in our community and a safer environment for our amazing students as they participate in our athletic programs.”

The student physicals will be hosted at 16811 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX, 77479. Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology physicians will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed.

The cost is $20 (cash only) for ages 12 through 18. Students should bring a completed UIL Physical Evaluation form, which can be printed from join.houstonmethodist.org/physicals-sl, along with the Houston Methodist release form. Proceeds generated from the physicals are donated back to the athletic training programs of Fort Bend ISD schools. For more information, email athletictrainer@houstonmethodist.org or call 281.275.0447. Please note that email is not a secure means to communicate confidential or health-related information, including Social Security number, date of birth, financial information, etc.

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SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

NEWSWORTHY

Helen Bow, Fallon Moody and Camille Brewer.

“A Call to Auction: A Celebration of Literacy” We Called, You Answered.

The Literacy Council announced the success of their first online “A Call to Auction: A Celebration of Literacy” held the week of May 17th-21st. The event raised over $12,000 to support adult literacy education programs in Fort Bend County.

“We sincerely appreciate the support for adult literacy education programs,” said Terri Stuart, Executive Director.

“We are seeing an ever-increasing demand for English as a Second Language classes, US Citizenship tutoring and High School Equivalency classes to prepare adults to take the GED Exam. Fort Bend County’s generous support helps ensure we continue to meet this demand to empower adults to improve their lives through education.”

This year’s virtual auction was cochaired by Helen Bow, Camille Brewer and Fallon Moody. Proceeds continue to support the mission of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County to improve family, community and professional lives through adult literacy education.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County continues to recruit volunteer tutors. Student registration for Fall 2021 classes begins August 2nd. Programs are open to any adult who is ready to take charge of their future and embrace new opportunities available through education.

Prospective volunteers or students should call 281-240-8181 for more information or visit www.ftbendliteracy.org.

SIGN UP

at FortBendFocus.com or call 281.690.4242

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SUMMER 2021 l

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NEWSWORTHY

Seen on the Scene Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s 30th Anniversary Celebration May 8, 2021 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Hope For Three Offers Parent Empowerment Sessions for Families and Caregivers of Children on the Autism Spectrum Earlier this spring, Hope For Three launched a new, free program, Parent Empowerment. The program provides parents, caregivers and extended family members vital training, tools and resources to help children on the autism spectrum live their best life possible.

“The interactive program provides people with a starting point after the diagnosis of autism,” said program instructor Samantha Katchy, M.A., BCBA, LBA. “People leave saying they wish they had done this sooner.”

Hope For Three encourages caregivers to attend each of the four dynamic sessions provided to receive or continue receiving financial awards from Hope For Three Family Assistance and Resources Support programs.

Samantha Katchy, Each of the courses covers the M.A., BCBA, LBA. varied path of managing life with an autistic family member. The first session introduces and acknowledges the main characteristics of autism and what children may be exhibiting in their behaviors.

“After the first session, we find many parents have a better understanding of their child, acceptance and realization of their life journey ahead,” said Katchy.

The second and third sessions are tools for successful caretaking. Effective communication, recognition cues, positive and negative reinforcement discussed with additional resources provided.

The final session focuses on self-assessment as a parent and setting goals of confidence and empowerment. Often this is the session where parents connect and learn from one another as well.

“I learned to lean on other parents because they can be a treasure chest of knowledge,” Sarah Hightower said when sharing her experience about the program.

It is also encouraged that caregivers or close friends attend one or more sessions to understand better the dynamic personalities and effective treatments needed to provide a healthy, happy life for all.

The Parent Empowerment sessions are held virtually via Zoom for one hour each Wednesday and Saturday of the month. To learn more, register for the free sessions, or find information on autism resources, visit https:// www.hopeforthree.org/parent-empowerment/.

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1 Brian & Lawren Covault 2 Nancy Olson & Pete Davis 3 Katie Martin, Jennifer Brown

& Mathew Martin 4 Johnny Bravo Holloway 5 KP & Sheeba George 6 Penni & Mark Lapeyrouse 7 Brooke Thompson with

Jonee & Paul Barnett 8 Nancy & Kurt Kirchof 9 Michele Fisher

& Ruthanne Mefford 9

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SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

NEWSWORTHY

Remaking History: All-New Fort Bend Museum to be Unveiled in July 10

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Heather Rashid, Alli Waterwall, Aly Tomasello, Leroy Hodge & Metoyer Martin Tricia & Kyle Atchison with Matt Johns Lee Lennard & Dave Johnson JoAnn Eagleton, Betty Baitland, Ann Smith & Bridget Yeung Eric Fagan & Brian Middleton David Lanagan & Farha Ahmed Lupita Castillo, Alpana Patel, Joyce Castillo, Sapana Patel, Kimbra Valacovich & Sharon Parker Bridgette Smith-Lawson & Roy Cordes

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History like it’s never been seen before. That’s an apt description of the transformation that’s taken place over the past six months at the corner of Houston and Fifth in downtown Richmond.

A $2 million renovation of the Fort Bend Museum will soon be complete. A ticketed reveal will take place on Thursday, July 15th, with the new museum officially opening to the public on Saturday, July 17th.

Improvements to the original building encompass a complete overhaul of both the exterior and interior.

Architecturally, the new museum matches the look of the historic Moore Home next door, with more windows, higher ceilings and covered porches flanking both sides of the building.

Inside is where history itself will be reimagined. The museum’s larger and more flexible exhibit space will feature newly designed exhibits telling the story of Fort Bend County in an all-new way. Virtually every aspect of the interior has been changed or added. Hands-on exhibits encourage interactivity. Colorful graphics and nearly life-sized cutouts of historical figures tell the story of the initial settlers right up to present-day development of new communities. The space itself is more than a third larger than before, allowing for a wider variety of displays representative of the diversity of county residents and what brought them to southeast Texas.

An open lobby with natural light and a redesigned gift shop will welcome guests upon entering and set the stage for all that follows.

Another unique aspect of the new museum is a flexible design concept in the middle of the space. There, a series of rotating exhibits can easily be incorporated, allowing for new stories to be added or old ones to be retold in modern-day context. Flexibility also means being able to move these exhibits to the side, opening the space to accommodate seating for presentations, guest lectures and sit-down dinners.

The chance to experience the finished museum will start on July 15th, with a special opening night gala.

“A History-Making Night” is the theme and guests purchasing a $75 ticket will be the first to step inside.

Each of the “New 300” attendees will be featured on a special placard commemorating the event, and their presence as the new museum’s initial visitors. Then, two days later on Saturday, July 17th, a free “History for All” event opens the doors for a community-wide celebration where food, music and history can come together.

To learn more about the opening weekend events, visit fortbendmuseum.org.

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Advertorial

Medical Focus Health Car e N e w s Yo u C a n U s e

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Physician Uses Minimally Invasive Technology to Treat Septal Deviations A Sugar Land ENT is the first in the Houston Methodist system to use an innovative technology to assist in the treatment of a septal deviation.

In March, board-certified otolaryngologist Brian Wang, M.D., of Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Sugar Land, removed a 3-centimeter bone spur from a patient’s septum with the help of the Relieva Tract Nasal Dilation System, which uses a high-pressure balloon to open space in the nasal cavity, increasing access for the physician to work.

This technology makes it possible Brian Wang, MD. for physicians to repair septal deviations, address bone spurs and other forms of nasal blockages in a clinic setting, rather than in a hospital operating room.

“We can now repair these issues with a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under oral sedation in the office rather than general anesthesia in the operating room,” said Wang. “For patients, it’s more convenient, less expensive and reduces recovery times.”

Balloon technology is now being used in a variety of otolaryngology procedures, including the treatment of turbinate hypertrophy – an enlarged outgrowth of the nasal sidewall bone

Achieve the

– and different types of stenosis, or narrowing of the sinuses, salivary ducts and trachea.

Patients with septal deviations/spurs and turbinate hypertrophy may suffer from blocked nasal passages, which can make breathing difficult, and they often experience recurring sinus infections and even headaches. Traditional septoplasty involves trimming, repositioning and sometimes removing cartilage or bone through incisions inside the nose or between the nostrils.

This advanced technology eliminates the need for extensive surgery. The patient is given a sedative and local anesthetic, and the instrument is inserted into the nostril. Once in place, the high-pressure balloon is inflated, pushing against bones, cartilage and mucus membrane to straighten the septum and open the airway. The tool can then be inserted into the other nostril to push in the opposite direction if needed, loosening the bone and mobilizing any bone spurs for removal via incision.

“Whether their condition is genetic or the result of trauma, patients often put off seeking treatment because they see it as difficult and painful,” said Wang. “But today we have new technology that enables us to treat nasal blockages without major surgery. There’s no reason to suffer.”

Houston Methodist ENT Specialists is located in Medical Office Building 1, Suite 320 on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. To schedule an appointment with Wang, visit houstonmethodist.org/ear-nose-throat or call 346.874.2425.

Ultimate Smile!

Crowns • Implants • Cosmetic • Reconstructive Dentistry • Board Certified Prosthodontist Replacing missing teeth in one day!

before

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Restore your smile with cosmetic dentistry!

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We are now in network with your insurance.

As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists like Dr. Rimes 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 • Oral Cancer Reconstruction

Call Today: 281 313-1565

15958 City Walk, Ste. 230 • Sugar Land, TX 77479 • www.RimesDDS.com • e-mail: info@rimesdds.com Stuart Rimes, DDS, MS

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SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

Medical Focus

Advertorial

HEEL Pain?

We are Now Offering “Regenerative Medicine” to Treat Your Chronic Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis.

Fluid Flow amniotic cell injections are a new state of the art non surgical treatment using amniotic tissue and cells obtained from the innermost layer of the placenta from donors with normal full term pregnancies.

Over a period of a few weeks to months, the cells and growth factors assist your body to reduce inflammation and pain and help the body actually repair your damaged tissue.

This safe and effective treatment avoids the side effects of steroid injections and can help avoid the need for costly and disabling surgery and time off from work.

David H. Korfin DPM, FACFA S

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon Podiatrist - Foot Specialist

This treatment is now a Medicare covered service with preauthorization.

Call today to make an appointment to see if this new regenerative medicine treatment is an option to help resolve your chronic pain!

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My staff and I offer a personalized treatment plan, using state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques, provided in a warm, caring, compassionate environment.

• Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgery • Serving Fort Bend for over 30 years • Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons • Past President & Current Member of the Harris County Podiatric Medical Society.

• Member of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association • Member of the American Podiatric Medical Association • Preferred Provider for most Private Insurance Plans

Call today and take the first step to walking in comfort!

281-313-FEET (3338)

1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Ste 510 • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Located in the Professional Building attached to St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital

www. d r d avid k orfin.com

Dr. David H. Korfin Provides Personalized Treatment Plans for Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery David H. Korfin, DPM, FACFAS is board certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He received his doctorate of Podiatric Medicine in 1982, graduating from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Korfin has been in private practice in the Fort Bend/Houston community since 1984. He specializes in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, including endoscopic heel surgery, bunions and hammertoes, along with treatment and management of sports injuries, trauma, wound and diabetic foot care. Dr. Korfin’s practice provides care to patients of all ages with a special interest in helping athletes maintain foot and ankle health to effectively pursue their athletic goals.

Striving to provide a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Korfin utilizes stateof-the-art medical and surgical techniques all within a warm, compassionate and caring environment. He offers patients cutting-edge surgical techniques, such as endoscopic heel surgery, laser surgery and the use of dissolvable pins

and fixation techniques.

Dr. Korfin’s office is located in the Sugar Land Medical Plaza attached to St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital at 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 510 in Sugar Land. For more information, visit www. drdavidkorfin.com or call 281.313.FEET (3338).

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Medical Focus

Advertorial

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Three Secrets to Healthy Aging Today people don’t just want to extend their life – they want to extend their quality of life. Part of that means understanding how to age well. Three secrets, despite seeming oxymoronic, are not secrets at all. These are three easy approaches that have been validated and supported by numerous scientific studies over the years. #1: Stay Hydrated The most important “secret” is to drink plenty of fluids! Staying hydrated ensures optimal health. As we age, some people begin to monitor and reduce their fluid intake in the evening hours. While that is understandable, all adults should drink at least eight glasses of water or fluids a day to maintain optimal health. #2: Increase Your Wellness Wellness includes not just your physical health, but also your mental health. Each person is unique, but the body needs a certain level of vitamins and minerals to work optimally. Sometimes daily life demands can make this difficult. IV drips deliver the nutrients your body needs providing immediate absorption. #3: Look younger with Botox & Dermal Fillers If there is a secret to aging well, it’s called Botox. The natural aging process can’t be denied, but Botox can help you to defy it!

Allure Aesthetics MedSpa offers a fresh new approach to healthy aging blending pampering, advanced treatments and medical precision into each tailored program for clients. For more information, visit www.allureaestethicsmd.com or call 346.309.4955.

No matter your age, your path to begin aging gracefully begins today!

See ad on page 1.

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SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

What is a Chronic Wound?

A wound is any break in the skin or deep tissue. Normally the skin heals quickly on its own. Wounds that don’t heal easily are called chronic wounds, and they require special care to heal.

Chronic wounds can result from surgical wounds, pressure wounds, poor circulation or diabetes.

How To Help Heal Your Wound?

All wounds heal in the same way. First, new red tissue builds up in the bottom.

Then new skin grows in from the edges and covers the red tissue creating the best conditions for new tissue growth.

This helps the wound heal fastest. This also means keeping your wound clean, warm and moist.

Wash your hands. The most important thing you and caregivers can do to prevent infection is wash your hands.

Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, before and after touching the wound.

Use clean dressing. Dressings keep out germs and protect the wound from injury. They also absorb fluid that drains from the wound that could damage the skin around it.

Protect the wound from trauma or injury. Don’t let anything touch or bump the wound. Repeated trauma increases the risks of developing a chronic wound.

Eat healthy. The right foods give your body the building blocks to heal.

Keep dry. Use waterproof covers to prevent water contamination from draining over the wound.

Suffering from a chronic wound?

Time to call the Wound Docs at 979.488.9438. They specialize in healing difficult wounds. Visit www.cawc-docs. com.

See ad on page 3.

Medical Focus

Advertorial

Fun in the Sun Now Could Mean Problems Later Summer is upon us and many of us are looking forward to enjoying some “fun in the sun.” Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress and spend time with loved ones. Without properly protecting your skin from the sun, you are inadvertently increasing your risk of skin cancer.

Let’s not forget about other undesirable physical signs of sun damage: wrinkles, discoloration and leathery appearing skin.

Your skin is your largest organ. Show it some love!

Staying out of the sun completely is the best way to avoid sun damage; however, for most of us, this is not practical. So, if you plan on going outside, use precautions: • Always wear a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen. Apply it every day. Make it a habit just as you do with brushing your teeth. Be sure to cover all exposed areas. Don’t forget your ears, eyelids, lips and back of hands. Apply every two hours while outdoors.

Apply more frequently if you perspire or get wet.

• Avoid sun in the middle of the day from 10 am to 4 pm when the ultraviolet rays which cause skin damage are strongest.

• Wear protective clothing when outdoors for long periods.

A long-sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat will protect your body against the sun’s harmful effects.

Genna Lubrano, MD is with the OakBend Medical Group. To request an appointment, call 281-497-0296.

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Medical Focus

Advertorial

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital brings the expertise, skill and latest technology of Houston Methodist to Fort Bend and surrounding counties. Houston Methodist Sugar Land has changed what it means to be a community hospital by performing the most advanced surgical and diagnostic techniques available in Fort Bend County, including brain surgery, open heart surgery and joint replacement surgery — all backed by a healing focus on compassion, hands-on care and outstanding service.

Since opening in 1998, Houston Methodist Sugar Land has continually expanded to add new facilities, services and technology to meet the community’s changing needs. Today, the hospital’s campus houses: • Three patient care pavilions with 347 beds and 27 operating rooms • Three medical office buildings, with plans for a fourth • Centers of Excellence in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, urology and women’s services Houston Methodist Sugar Land also offers a stand-alone emergency center near Sienna and many specialized physician offices conveniently located throughout Fort Bend County, including primary care offices serving First Colony, Brooks Street, Long Meadow Farms, Riverstone and Sienna.

But what really sets Houston Methodist Sugar Land apart is its patient-centric operational philosophy, one built on a strong sense of mission and a deeply ingrained commitment to Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence – the Houston Methodist I CARE values. These values guide the staff’s daily interactions with patients, family members and each other, as well as provide a strong foundation for their focus on personal, individualized care.

As Fort Bend continues to grow, and health care moves forward, Houston Methodist Sugar Land will continue to grow and change, investing in the community’s health and well-being and ensuring that residents have a first-class choice for medical care.

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 to find a physician in your area.

See ad on back cover.

Special Advertising Section • Coming September

Home & Hearth Garden

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AC & Heating Banks Developers Financial Institutions Flooring Furniture and Décor Home Builders Home Improvements Gardening

Home

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Landscape

Insurance Interior Designers Landscape Architects Plumbing

• Pool and Spa Services • Real Estate • Yard Maintenance

To Advertise: 281-690-4242 • FortBendFocus.com 28

SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

The Benefits of Going to a Prosthodontist Do you often feel self-conscious about your smile? Do you have to cover your mouth when you talk? A healthy smile is among the top aspects of a person’s appearance that impacts selfesteem. If you are unhappy about the “look” of your smile, you should consult a Prosthodontist.

But what is a Prosthodontist? They are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth; they make smiles look beautiful and function the way they should. Having this advanced training, Dr. Stuart Rimes can improve your appearance by fixing broken, discolored or missing teeth, many times in just one appointment. Dr. Rimes’ training also gives patients the opportunity to switch from dentures to permanent implant supported teeth in just one day. Did you know that some dentists perform reconstructive dental work after just a weekend course on a procedure? You should know Prosthodontists receive an extra three years of intense, formal training at an accredited institution beyond dental school.

People seeking cosmetic, reconstructive or implant retained dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer service in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, teeth-in-a-day restorations, complete and removable partial dentures, snoring and sleep disorders.

By using his extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, along with the latest techniques in dental implants, Dr. Rimes can help you create a smile that looks and feels natural and attractive. If you are considering a change to a healthy smile, visit www.rimesdds.com or call Dr. Stuart Rimes at 281.313.1565.

See ad on page 24.

absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2021 SUBARU ASCENT

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he 2021 Subaru Ascent has a spacious three-row interior with flexible seating options and a long roster of safety, driver assist and in-vehicle technologies. If you’re a Subaru fan but want something larger for your growing family, the Ascent is designed to accommodate you. This crossover is roomy, has a peppy drivetrain and an appealing exterior. There is nothing quirky about the Ascent, and yet it’s still very much a Subaru.

The Subaru brand has a very loyal fan base that appreciates the build quality of the cars. If you venture to rugged and remote areas of the US, you’ll notice the greater percentage of Subarus on the road. They’re built from the ground up to last and take a beating. In the past, however, their exterior designs were a little off-beat and, as a result, their cars never were sales leaders.

Recently, however, Subaru designers have gone mainstream and sales have skyrocketed.

The exterior design of the 2021 Ascent is broadly appealing.

But, it’s what’s under the sheet metal that is the real attraction.

A base Ascent, with an MSRP of $32,295, is powered by a 260 hp, 2.4 liter turbocharged Boxer engine which is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is pretty good, with EPA estimated ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

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All trim levels of the Ascent come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control giving the Ascent exceptional all-weather and traildriving capability. You may never take the Ascent off-road, but the built-in engineering quality will give you a car that will last for a long time.

Subaru is also well known for integrating state-of-theart safety technology into its vehicles, and the Ascent is no exception. New for the 2021 model year, the Ascent adds Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Lane Keep Assist to its standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This feature is designed to assist with centering the vehicle within the travel lane. This feature is quite handy in all sorts of weather situations. I really appreciated it while driving through a summer thunderstorm.

Also new for the year is standard Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Reminder, which detects the presence of a passenger in a rear seating position and gives an audible and visual warning if their seatbelt has not been fastened as the vehicle accelerates from a stop.

This may be the time to rediscover Subaru and their big Ascent crossover. It may turn out to be a very pleasant surprise.

SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

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Summer 2021 Winner “The Sun’s Adieu”

By Carlos Cruz Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living the Sweet Life:

MHM + CSR = A Better World

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ey there Sweet Lifers! How are you doing? I want to introduce you to the latest movement – yes another one. What is MHM you ask? Well, it’s “Mental Health Matters,” and if you can subscribe to it, the whole world will be a better, kinder and more inclusive space.

As a person who holds a degree in Psychology, I have studied the good and bad of the mind and how these neuroses affect society. I am not a stranger to those having “disorders” diagnosed and the ramifications of what can and often does happen when they are cast aside and ignored. My nephew at 19 killed himself, and some of my friends suffer from at times what can be seen as debilitating depression. Many others became triggered by having to go through this pandemic.

Stress causes much angst in the minds of even the most stable humans. Our society has seen some of those ugly truths as of late, and I am here to let you know we have not seen the worst of it yet. Our babies will develop lifelong and lasting “side effects” if you will from being pulled and pushed into and out of education, normal interactions with family and friends and a hovering fear of catching – or worse giving – a potentially life-threatening round of COVID to someone they love.

People throughout our collective of human history who sit outside an invisible line of “normal” have for years been hospitalized, drugged and even lobotomized. It’s been convenient to allow that to happen so as not to have to address the issues, and more often, it’s been dumped on our police systems throughout our country and assumed that they have the training and know how to “solve” a mentally challenged or in crisis person. I am declaring that we should all subscribe to a conscious movement of making mental health TOP priority now and forever, and in doing so, we can solve much of what ails us.

Recently on my Martini Talks YouTube show, I met with a friend to discuss mental health and her struggles with depression. On and off camera, I expressed my frustration with suicide and just how far out that concept is for me. I honestly feel like I am rushed to complete yet another career or accomplishment, self-inflicted of course, as my Brian says laughing. I want to live four hundred years so I have the time to read every book, study all of the scriptures, serve and help my community, etc. Taking my own life is so foreign I just don’t get it. And for many of us, I think that because we don’t sit in a space in our heads with depression, it’s at first glance impossible for us to understand. I said to my friend, “I do not have enough time!” She smiled and said she had too much!

Time for her was like an unending hole and just to get up and brush her teeth was a dreaded activity.

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Babette Crowder and Alisa Murray on Martini Talks discussing depression, mental health and the practice of CSR.

At that moment it suddenly occurred to me that the key to understanding mental health is not describing others who are unlike us as “ill” but “different.” I have seen a shift, too, in the ways my friends who are in psychology and sociology fields do their work. What was once diagnosed as a deviant or ill person is now approached differently. We have all come to understand a little bit better the importance of mental health and wellness.

Being a cardiac patient with the analogy of CPR, it got me to thinking we should adopt some CSR. I call it “Compassionate Sweet Response.” After doing a little research, I discovered this is already happening across our land by the use of trained people showing up to help those in crisis rather than making it a part of our police response. We are waking up to realize many of the problems we face are rooted in a need to reposition both our perspective and also our response. By placing MHM at the forefront and using a lot of CSR, our world can become a safer, and “sweeter” place!

Take Care of YOU and Stay “Sweet!”

SUMMER 2021 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com

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BALLOT

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Annual

Vote for your favs and see who wins the title of

December 2021

Vote online at fortbendfocus.com August 1st to September 30th

2021 Food Favorite Brunch: Favorite Pub: Favorite Wine Bar: Favorite Happy Hour: Favorite Martini: Favorite Margarita: Favorite Steakhouse: Favorite Pizza: Favorite Burger: Favorite Italian Restaurant: Favorite BBQ: Favorite Mexican Food: Favorite Seafood: Favorite Specialty Restaurant: Favorite Frozen Treats: Favorite Bakery: Favorite Coffee Bar: Favorite Healthy Eatery: Favorite Food Truck: Favorite Caterer: Favorite Fast Food: Shopping Favorite Gift Shop: Favorite Antiques Shop: Favorite Bargain Shopping: Favorite Grocery Store: Favorite Health Food Market: Favorite Jewelry Store: Favorite Spirits Store: Favorite Shoe Store: Entertainment Favorite Movie Theatre: Favorite Live Entertainment: Favorite Man Cave: Favorite Kids’ Entertainment: Favorite Sports Recreation: Favorite Fitness Gym: Favorite Country Club: Favorite Event Facility: Pet Services Favorite Day Care/Boarding Services: Favorite Grooming: Favorite Veterinarian: Favorite Pet Store:

Or mail completed ballot by September 23rd to: absolutely! focus media P.O. Box 1253, Richmond, TX 77406 Auto Services Favorite Auto Dealer: Favorite Auto Repair: Favorite Auto Services: Schools & Child Care Services Favorite Day Care: Favorite Private School: Favorite College: Favorite Technical School: Home Improvement/Maintenance Services Favorite Appliance Store: Favorite Garden/Landscaping Company: Favorite Pool Services: Favorite Plumbers: Favorite Heating/Air Conditioning Services: Favorite Home Improvement: Favorite Flooring Store: Favorite Interior Designer: Favorite Carpet/Cleaning Services: Professional Services Favorite Developer: Favorite Custom Home Builder: Favorite Real Estate Agent: Favorite Real Estate Company: Favorite Attorney/Law Firm: Favorite Bank/Credit Union: Favorite Insurance Agency: Favorite Financial Services: Favorite Florist: Favorite Salon: Favorite Photographer: Health Care Services Favorite Hospital: Favorite Doctor: Favorite Dentist: Favorite Orthodontist: Favorite Dermatologist: Favorite Plastic Surgeon: Favorite Wellness: Favorite Spa: Favorite Eye Care:

Thank you for participating in the 9th Annual Focus Favs Readers’ Choice of Fort Bend Favorites! We aim to recognize the best businesses in the area, and with your help, we can. Be sure to cast your vote for your favorites!