June 2012 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

JUNE 2012

Real Weddings Inside: The Robert Horry Center Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Seen on the Scene

+ Father’s Day Gift Guide

Compounding Corner Pharmacy, Inc. ®

THE ONLY PCAB-ACCREDITED COMPOUNDING PHARMACY IN FORT BEND COUNTY

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The Gold Standard for compounded medications in

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Photo by Nesossi Studios

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• DISCOUNTS: We offer up to 35% off on 6-month supplies of compounded medications.

• SAME DAY PROCESSING: Most medications are finished the same day. Anything ready after 6:00pm will be ready at 9:00am the next business morning.

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• EXPERIENCE: All of our compounding staff are highly trained, ACPE-certificate earned and state registered compounding experts, each with years of experience. We are not a teaching pharmacy and do not have students rotating through our pharmacy.

• ACCREDITED: We are the only accredited compounding pharmacy in Fort Bend County.

281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace, Ste. K, Sugar Land www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land - Michelle Williams

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My team of experts in Sugar Land focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my two boys and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land. Find Your MD Anderson today.

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fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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Dr. Shelena C. Lalji, “Dr. Shel” Board Certified Ob/Gyn

Medical Expert Author & Speaker

Scan to buy Dr. Shel’s new book: I am Woman Photo by Alisa Murray Photography

(281) 313.SHEL (7435) www.DrShel.com 1437 Hwy 6, Suite 100, Sugar Land, Tx 77478

F I N D I N G T H E R I G H T H O S P I TA L S H O U L D N ’ T T E S T Y O U R PAT I E N T S .

When you or a loved one needs medical care, you want the latest technology. You want a hospital that delivers quality care close to home. You want caregivers who treat you like they would a family member, with compassion and tenderness. You want St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Accept nothing less. We’re here for you.

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Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-637-7000

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Newlyweds Philip Max Schneider and Eva Ruth Rosen Schneider.

Photo by The Life You Love Photography.

FEATURES 44 Robert Horry: Making a Name in the World of Sports and Physical Rehabilitation

The former Houston Rocket and current Fort Bend resident celebrates the first year anniversary of The Robert Horry Center for Sports and Physical Rehabilitation located in Fort Bend.

COVER FEATURE J u n e

2 0 1 2

46 Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair

15 Real Weddings of Fort Bend

View highlights of the five days of festivity, fun and frivolity which celebrated the best in wine and food. Fort Bend residents sipped and socialized at some of Sugar Land’s most notable landmarks.

These eleven blushing brides – and their beaus – have ties to Fort Bend. Peruse the pages, view their wedding details and even get some ideas for your big day!

64 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Let’s face it – shopping for Dad isn’t easy! Forget the tie and golf balls – find a fabulous gift from a local retailer in this handy gift guide.

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CONTRIBUTORS

J U N E

38

2 0 1 2

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Publisher’s Preview A few words from our publisher.

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70 High School Hot Shot Farrah Bara is poised and ready for her next chapter – college.

38 Focus on Finance The reindustrialization of America is underway.

72 Kid’s Chalkboard Special news and achievements from Fort Bend’s youth.

42 Focus on Health Thyroid disease – can gluten and vitamin deficiency be to blame?

48 Seen on the Scene Snapshots from local charitable events.

56 Focus Cares Eva Fackeldey founded the Cinderella Cinderfella Project to lend a hand to high school students in need.

Nick Nicholson Entertainment Editor Page 40

pg 48

25 Fort Bend Headliners Get the scoop on the latest news and happenings.

40 Focus Film Review Nick Nicholson reviews Bully which looks at how five kids and their families are affected by bullying.

Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 38

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73 Business Buzz Tap into the world of business in Fort Bend.

74 Medical Focus Medical news you can use from Fort Bend’s finest in medicine.

77 Amateur Photo Contest A winning shot by a local photographer.

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70

78 Focus Favorites Looking for a service provider?

Find one here!

80 The Sweet Life To honor Father’s Day, Alisa takes a look at important men in her life.

80

Dr. Peter Osborne Town Center Wellness Page 42

Brian Simmons Freelance Writer Page 44

Whitney Hensler Freelance Writer Page 56

Lauren Dante Freelance Writer Page 70

Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

58 Scrapbook A few snapshots of people, places and happenings 68 Community Calendar Fun events the whole family will enjoy.

Meet this month’s recipient on page 71!

ON THE COVER:

Christine Burch Catania, Bride.

Photo by www.Chriswphoto.com. fort bend

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www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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P

ublisher’s Preview

www.fortbendfocus.com

June 2012 Vol. 8 No. 8

Hello Fort Bend Friends, Ahh, the joy of marriage. The fond memories, the pictures of the big event, the beautiful dress – truly a day to remember. Peruse through the details of our Real Weddings of Fort Bend section and reminisce – or dream about – your big day.

Make sure you tell the newlyweds congratulations when you see them out and about in the Bend!

June is when we celebrate our fathers, and Lisa Fredrickson and Patti Parish-Kaminski.

Fort Bend Focus has put together a Father’s Day Photo by Mary Favre.

Gift Guide to help you get Dad the perfect gift.

Look for great ideas for Dad on page 64.

Check out our Seen on the Scene pages with all of the galas and one of the biggest events in Sugar Land – the annual Wine & Food Affair.

So much fun!

Enjoy your summer with your family, travel safe, take Fort Bend Focus to read as you are lounging by the pool, and we will catch you up on everything Fort Bend when you return.

Stay Focused!

To advertise call 281-690-4242 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Direct mailed to subscribers and high value homes in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, Missouri City and Fulshear and picked up at demand distribution locations throughout Fort Bend.

Single copy $2.95 Publishers Michael Fredrickson Lisa Fredrickson Managing Editor Patti Parish-Kaminski Senior Account Executive Jessica Kij Account Executives Robyn Miller Stephenie Cox

Lisa Fredrickson

Office Manager Norma Loredo

Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com Michael@Fortbendfocus.com

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

READER FEEDBACK Thanks

Thanks

Lisa & Patti, I just got some copies of the May FOCUS magazine at your office ... it is MAGNIFICENT! Thank you both for the front cover, article and the belief of you both in what we have been doing for the past 30 years.

Best regards, Bill Adams Founder & Artistic Director The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc.

Dear Friend, Thank you so much for helping the Fort Bend County Museum Association advertise for past events.

It is greatly appreciated and we would not have been as successful without your efforts and the strategic placement of our articles. Again, thank you so much for a great job in helping to promote this event which benefits children’s educational programs through the Fort Bend Museum. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the number listed below.

I hope you’re enjoying the sunshine!

Kindest Regards, Lindsay Lucas

Thanks

Lisa, I love how you support the community. I am publicity chair for two organizations and want to thank you.

Barbara Williams

Thank You!

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477

A Happy JEWEL...

Dear Ms. Fredrickson, We want to sincerely thank Fort Bend Focus magazine for the donation of six Schlitterbahn Galveston Park tickets. Thanks to your help and many others, we raised over $46,000 for our organization.

We appreciate your continued support in helping us “make a difference... one boy at a time.”

Best Wishes, Tiana Mortimer The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc.

Dear Patti and Lisa, Many thanks to you and your staff for the wonderful photo shoot and luncheon you hosted for the Jewels. You all really know how to make a girl feel special! The make-up, hair, photography - it was all so glamorous and fun.

I especially enjoyed learning more about Casa de Esperanza and getting to meet and visit with so many wonderful ladies. This is such a nice thing you do and I am so honored and humbled to have been recognized.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Kathy Huebner

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Contributors Lauren Dante Mary Favre Liz Furman Will Hardee Whitney Hensler Randy Kozlovsky Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Dr. Peter Osborne Brenda Perry Brian Simmons Art Director Grace Belleza Art & Production Consultant Joey Belleza Graphic Designers Elizabeth Pace Debi Beauregard Web Designer Joey Belleza (JOBpagegraphics.com) Photographers Aiisa Murray Photography Nesossi Studios The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers and their staff.

No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

One year subscription: $25

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

Does your dentist still use a drill?

Laser technology allows us to offer pain free, no shot fillings. Why do it the old fashioned way?

No high pitched whine or vibration from the grinding of the drill. Kids never become afraid of the dentist.

Does your dentist have an intra-oral camera

6 that not only takes a picture of your tooth but also lights up decay?

You read that correctly! An intra-oral camera so small it fits inside your mouth and not only takes a picture of your tooth, but also lights up decay in RED. Now we can show you your tooth on a 20” TV, magnified 50 times, and shine a specialized light to find decay on the biting surfaces and in between 2 teeth. Truly Amazing!

Does your dentist check for

2 cavities with a precise laser?

With a painless laser, we can detect cavities earlier than the eye can see them. The laser scanner can detect new cavities years before any other means of cavity detection.

Does your dentist have massage chairs

7 and satellite TV?

Your comfort is our #1 goal. Relaxing in a warm massage chair while watching a movie or your choice of 119 channels, is the best way we can think of for our patients to enjoy themselves while we do all the work!

Does your dentist recommend

3 extractions for crowded teeth?

Give your child a full smile for life.

No Extractions-Orthodontics with convenient, no hassle after school appointments as late as 6:30 p.m.

Does your dentist offer 12 months

8 no interest?

We work with our patients to provide easy payment options with no interest. This frees you from using those high interest credit cards.

Does your dentist offer before 4 & after work appointments?

Before & After work appointments that fit into your jam-packed schedule. Appointments start as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 6:30 p.m., and of course, appointments on Saturday.

5

9

Does your dentist have an internet cafe?

Check your email and surf the net on brand new iMac computers while you enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee.

Does your dentist have digital x-rays?

Instant images the size of a computer monitor.

Remember those old x-rays that were 1” x 2“ ?

Imagine the difference looking at a clear image 16” x 16” with all the software abilities that go along with computers. We can magnify a suspicious area and basically see inside the tooth. An added benefit for you is 1/10 the radiation needed.

Tim Cashion, DDS

Teresa Cody, DDS

Does your dentist have a movie theater?

10 No Kidding!

What could be more fun than waiting in a comfy armchair watching movies? If you don’t feel like checking your email at the internet cafe, come into the theater and recline and relax. This is not like the dentist when you were a kid!

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

Formerly Cashion & Cody Family Dentistry and Orthodontics

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

www.candcdental.com www.candcortho.com

Call us now!

281-206-4482

Come visit our Window Fashion Gallery and our new Drapery Showroom!

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The Alustra Collection. Inspired by Design.TM

Interior Design Consultant & Window Coverings Specialist

281-403-6733 Ext. 305

To help you with your design project, we offer Blinds, Shutters and Shades, Customunique Draperies Unparalleled attention-to-detail, fabricsand andBedding, inspired combinations catch the eye and set a mood.

For the Alustra® Interior Design and more. Visit us today!

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fort bend

magazine • June 2012

12

The MOST Complete

ORTHOPEDIC CARE for FORT BEND COUNTY Kenneth M. Renney, M.D.

Sports Medicine

Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D.

Diseases & Deformities of the Spine

Eddie T. Matsu, M.D.

General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement

Mark W. Maffet, M.D.

Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

Timothy C. Sitter, M.D.

Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

Vincent C. Phan, M.D.

Hand & Upper Extremities

Carl A. Hicks, M.D.

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) physicians are

Joint Reconstructive Surgery

Christopher K. Smith, M.D.

Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics

David A. Braunreiter, M.D.

recognized as some of the finest board certified physicians in the

Sports Medicine

specialty of orthopedics. They provide comprehensive, world-class

Ray R. Valdez, M.D.

orthopedic care under one roof right here in Fort Bend County —

Anthony J. Muffoletto, M.D.

from sports medicine to joint replacement, hand and wrist to ankle

Foot & Ankle

Diseases & Deformities of the Spine

and spine care. They perform on a higher level, so you can, too.

To schedule an appointment, call 281-494-MOST (6678) or email MOSTappts@tmhs.org.

Four Convenient Locations:

 1201 Brooks Street  Sugar Land, Texas 77478  1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 425  Sugar Land, Texas 77478  18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 200  Houston, Texas 77094  2500 Fondren, Suite 209  Houston, Texas 77063 281-494-MOST (6678)  MethodistOrthopedics.com  MOSTappts@tmhs.org

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Contact Us 281• 208 • 4400 www.garden-guy.com

Cody & Ashley Gladney August 28, 2010

David & Kristine Lindsey October 23, 2010

Bride Julia Locke Miller. Photography by Christine Meeker Studios & Lindsay Elizabeth Photography.

Jonathan & Erin Goodpasture February 27, 2011

Marshall & Theresa Sullivan March 5, 2011

Charles & Kendria Woods May 28, 2011

Heath & Julia Hughes June 11, 2011

Philip & Eva Schneider June 18, 2011

Tito & Tiffany Lara July 17, 2011

Daniel & Jennifer Knowles November 11, 2011

Christopher & Christine Catania December 10, 2011

Charles & Jaclyn Luke January 7, 2012

If you or your children have married in the last year and would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our next Real Weddings, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as you or your parent/s reside in Fort Bend. Complete the “Wedding Form” at www.FortBendFocus.com and email photos to grace@fortbendfocus.com. Photographers are welcome to submit photos. To guarantee your wedding details make it into our next Real Weddings, place your engagement or wedding announcement in Fort Bend Focus.

Real

Weddings

www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

15

Photography by J. Cogliandro

Cody & Ashley Gladney August 28, 2010 Photography by J. Cogliandro

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Ashley Lauren Mills Groom’s Full Name: Cody Jack Gladney Ceremony Site: Briscoe Manor Reception Site: Briscoe Manor Rehearsal Dinner Site: Texas Land & Cattle Wedding Planner: Lesli Hirsh Officiant: Dr. Tom Pace Gown: San Patrick Veil: Edward Berger Shoes: Teal Satin Heels Jewelry: Diamond and Pearl Necklace – Gift from Groom Hair: Albert Luiz Salon Makeup: Albert Luiz Salon Bridesmaid Dresses: Allure Bridal Formalwear: The Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: Invitations by Liz Flowers: Dream Bouquet Catering: Behind the Bash Catering Cake: Cakes by Gina Music: Pianist Beth McConnell, Soloist Drew Essen & DJ’s Unlimited Transportation: White Limousine Accommodations: Sugar Land Marriott Town Square Honeymoon: Costa Rica

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Photography by Amy DeYoung

David & Kristine Lindsey October 23, 2010 Photography by Amy DeYoung Photography

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Kristine Gayle Bowers Groom’s Full Name: David Earl Lindsey Ceremony Site: St. Michael’s Catholic Church – Cuero, TX Reception Site: Spring Creek Place Event Center – Victoria, TX Rehearsal Dinner Site: Bahnhof Cafe – Cuero, TX Videography: Hardeman Films Wedding Planner: The Gathering Company – Christina Cook Officiant: Father Kirby Hlavaty Gown: Reem Acra – Mia Bridal Couture Veil: Mia Bridal Couture Shoes: Rachel Simpson Jewelry: Etsy & Dillards Hair: Jennifer Brown Makeup: Mary Stone Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo – Bella Bridesmaids Formalwear: Al’s Formal Wear Invitations: Forever Fiances Flowers: Isn’t That Gorgeous – Cindy Reed Catering: Main Course Catering – Cindy Bird Cake: Main Course Catering – Cindy Bird Music: Moonlight Entertainment Favors: Candy Buffet Transportation: Touch of Class Limousine Honeymoon: Walt Disney World

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Photography by Carlino’s Photography

Jonathan & Erin Goodpasture February 27, 2011 Photography by Carlino’s Photography

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Erin Lee Murphey Groom’s Full Name: Jonathan Douglas Goodpasture Ceremony Site: Briscoe Manor Reception Site: Briscoe Manor Rehearsal Dinner Site: Lupe Tortilla – Sugar Land Photography: Carlino’s Photography Videography: RT Productions Wedding Planner: Bride and her Mother Officiant: Pastor David W. Parks Gown: Vineyard Veil: Priscilla of Boston Shoes: Crystal Heirloom Headpiece by Maria Elena Jewelry: Diamond Bracelet “Borrowed” from Aunt Hair: Are You Flawless Makeup: Are You Flawless Bridesmaid Dresses: Phoebe Couture – Neiman Marcus Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: Custom Suite Designed by Chips and Salsa Designs Flowers: Blooming Gallery Catering: Behind the Bash Cake: More Than Cakes Music: Acoustic Productions & DJs Unlimited Favors: Custom Koozies & Photobooth Strips Photobooth by Lasting Images Houston Honeymoon: Las Vegas – Same City Where Jon Proposed to Erin

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Photography by Billie Roche Photography

Marshall & Theresa Sullivan March 5, 2011 Photography by Billie Roche Photography

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Theresa Ann Pinina Groom’s Full Name: Marshall Ryan Sullivan Ceremony Site: The Bell Tower on 34th Reception Site: The Bell Tower on 34th Rehearsal Dinner Site: The Bride’s Parents’ Home Videography: Don’t Get Married Without Me Wedding Planner: Victor Pham – Sam and Sander Officiant: The Wedding Ministers Gown: Maggie Sotero Shoes: Martinez Valero Jewelry: Nadri Hair: The Perfect Face Makeup: The Perfect Face Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo Formalwear: The Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: Theresa and Angela Pinina Flowers: Suzanne’s Flowers Catering: The Bell Tower on 34th Cake: Lisa Barcelona Cakes Music: JM Productions Transportation: Action Limosine Honeymoon: Carnival Conquest Cruise

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Photography by Anderson Photography, www.andersonphotovisions.com

Charles & Kendria Woods May 28, 2011 Photography by Anderson Photography www.andersonphotovisions.com

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Kendria Monique Marion Groom’s Full Name: Charles William Woods Ceremony Site: Magnolia Hotel Reception Site: Magnolia Hotel Rehearsal Dinner Site: Bride’s Mother’s Residence Officiant: Pastor Paul Caines Gown: Parbanivida Veil: Parbanivida Shoes: Steve Madden Jewelry: Zales Hair: Carrie Anderson Makeup: Liz Mancera – True Beauty Moments Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo Formalwear: LeBaron Invitations: By the Bride Flowers: Maria’s Flowers Catering: Magnolia Catering Cake: Julies Cakes Music: Goff Music Favors: By the Bride Accommodations: Magnolia Hotel Honeymoon: Jamaica

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FORT BEND

HEADLINERS Send your news via www.FortBendFocus.com.

Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication.

All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

Fort Bend Rotary Humanitarian Event

Feel good about your future.

The annual Humanitarian of the Year Event, sponsored by the Fort Bend Rotary Club and honoring Carole and Bob Brown, will be held on June 14th.

Bob Brown and Carole Brown have dedicated themselves for years to community service in Fort Bend County.

The Fort Bend Rotary invites you to join in recognizing them.

Volunteerism and service are important to members of the Fort Bend Rotary, and the Browns demonstrate these beliefs in giving time and support to charitable organizations both here and abroad. They also contribute to the Academic Excellence Program with FBISD and sponsor the Interact Club at Kempner High School. Scholarships to exceptional college bound students are awarded yearly.

The Humanitarian Event of the Year will be held at Safari Texas on June 14th at 6:30 pm. The dress is business attire. Following dinner, highpoints of the evening will be remarks by the Browns and a live auction.

The Fort Bend Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 6:45 pm for dinner at the Sugar Creek Country Club.

For information, call Sunny Sharma at 713-504-2343. H

Tallas Insurance

Insurance and Financial Services Jeff Tallas

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Headliners continued on page 53

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

SUGAR LAND • 15850 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 • Sugar Land, TX 77478 • Tel: 281.565.6108 Mon-Thurs: 10am-8pm; Fri-Sat: 10am-9pm; Sun: 12pm-5pm • www.GigisCupcakesUSA.com

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.com • June 2012

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Let Gigi’s Cupcakes create a one-of-a-kind gourmet cupcake arrangement that will truly capture the beauty of your day.

Whether it’s a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner or the big day itself, we offer a large variety of boutique cupcakes from which to choose. We can create the perfect complement to your special event. It’s no wonder more and more brides are now saying “I do” to Gigi’s Cupcakes.

Photography by Christine Meeker Studios & Lindsay Elizabeth Photography

Heath & Julia Hughes June 11, 2011 Photography by Christine Meeker Studios

& Lindsay Elizabeth Photography

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Julia Locke Miller Groom’s Full Name: Heath Barton Hughes Ceremony Site: Saint John’s United Methodist Church Reception Site: Safari Texas Rehearsal Dinner Site: Pecan Grove Country Club Videography: Sweet Spirit Productions Officiant: Reverend David Luckert Gown: La Sposa, Misora Bridal Veil: Bride’s Mother’s Pricilla of Boston Silk Lace Veil Shoes: 2 1/2” Heels with Rhinestones and Bow Jewelry: Double Strand Pearl Bracelet & Teardrop Pearl Earrings Hair: Misora Bridal Makeup: Misora Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: Pricilla of Boston Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: The Studio of Richmond, Inc. Flowers: Terra Flora & Kroger Floral Shop Cake: Bessie’s Cakes Music: Chamber Music Unlimited & DJ’s Unlimited Accommodations: SpringHill Suites – Marriott Honeymoon: Maui

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Miller- Hughes Wedding

www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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Photo by Adam Nyholt

M

s. Laurel Wendt and Mr. Michael Phillips of Richmond, Texas and Mr. and Mrs. John Miller of Missouri City, Texas are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Julia Locke Miller to Heath Barton Hughes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Barton Hughes of Richmond, Texas.

The ceremony was held at Saint John’s United Methodist Church in Richmond, Texas on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Following the ceremony, a reception honoring the couple was held at Safari Texas Ranch.

The bride’s sister, Jennifer Miller, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Elizabeth Gore, Marin Pierce, Marca Ramsey, Alexandra Dick, Meridith Bodenhamer and Hope Hughes. Junior Bridesmaid was Jordan Michele Lamkin. Flower Girls were Eden Vogelsang and Riley Stansbury.

The groom’s father, Barton Hughes, served as best man. Groomsmen were Ryan Hodson, Samuel Adams, John Robinson, Todd Humphrey, Blaine Fuller, Wesley Watkins and Andrew McGregor.

Jack Lamkin was ring bearer.

Hannah Stevens, Kacie Miller, Lauren Peterson, Molly Keating, Jaclyn Dienna, Lauren Frazier, Meagan New, Mollie Matak and Sofi Vela were in the house party. Ushers were Richard Plangger and Ryan Roberge.

Julia graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School and earned a degree in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Christian University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She received her Master’s degree at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Heath graduated from Austin High School and earned a degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and was member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

Following the honeymoon to Hawaii, the couple will reside in Dallas.

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Philip & Eva Schneider June 18, 2011 Photography by The Life You Love Photography

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Eva Ruth Rosen Groom’s Full Name: Philip Max Schneider Ceremony Site: The Houstonian Golf & Country Club Reception Site: The Houstonian Golf & Country Club Rehearsal Dinner Site: Hyatt Place Sugar Land Videography: Friends of the Bride and Groom Wedding Planner: Syma Levy – Oulala! What an Event Officiant: Rabbi Seth Stander & Cantor Ralph Katz Gown: Maggie Sottero Veil: Erin Cole Couture Shoes: Calvin Klein Jewelry: Nadri Hair: Beauty Indulgence Aveda Salon Makeup: Beauty Indulgence Aveda Salon Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal Formalwear: Hugo Boss Invitations: Eva and Philip Schneider Flowers: Plants N’ Petals Catering: The Houstonian Golf & Country Club Cake: The Sweet Tooth Music: Bourbon Street Band Favors: Guest Photobooth Strips – Genesis Photographers Transportation: Colony Limousine Accommodations: Sugar Land Marriott Honeymoon: Portugal

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Photography by Inlight-10 Productions

Tito & Tiffany Lara July 17, 2011 Photography by Inlight-10 Productions

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Tiffany Ortega Groom’s Full Name: Tito Alexander Lara Ceremony Site: The Villa Ballroom Reception Site: The Villa Ballroom Photography: Inlight-10 Productions Videography: Inlight-10 Productions Gown: Alfred Angelo Veil: Alfred Angelo Shoes: Aldo Jewelry: Camille Hair: Vuthany Azucena Makeup: Vuthany Azucena Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo Formalwear: Mens Wearhouse Flowers: TnT Florist Catering: Ral’s Fine Catering Cake: Provided by The Villa Ballroom Honeymoon: 7-day Carnival Caribbean Cruise

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June is Bridal Month What better way to show your love than with a Bright Smile!

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Photography by Dahlhouse Productions

Daniel & Jennifer Knowles November 11, 2011 Photography by Dahlhouse Productions

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Jennifer Lynn Farmer Groom’s Full Name: Daniel Simon Knowles Ceremony Site: Hollywood Forever Reception Site: Eastern Star Room – Hollywood Forever Rehearsal Dinner Site: The Bugatta – Hollywood Videography: Lola Video Wedding Planner: Mother of the Bride Officiant: Michael Dunn and Jessica Hanna Gown: Selena Gown by Manuel Mota for Pronovias, Cocktail Dress

by Badgely Mischka, Reception Dress by Tadashi Shoji Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Jewelry: Borrowed from Mom Hair: Celebrity Stylist Tracy Taylor Makeup: Celebrity Stylist Tracy Taylor Bridesmaid Dresses: West Coast Couture Formalwear: Friar Tux Invitations: Custom Designed Vintage Postcard Montage Flowers: Roman Lopez – Legends Flower Shoppe Catering: IN & OUT Burger, Koji’s Gourmet Mobile Units and Y’Tu Taco Cart Cake: Rosebud’s, Beverly Hills, Sweet E’s, Frosted Cupcakery Music: Performances by Friends & Family, Clover String Quartet, DJ Favors: Slap Bands “Dannifer 11-11-11,” Polite N Public Photo Booth Transportation: Deluxe Limousine Accommodations: The Roosevelt – Hollywood Honeymoon: Thailand fort bend

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Farmer-KnowlesWedding H ow do you mix love, tradition, whimsy, glamour and avantgarde into one enchanting evening? The nuptials of “Dannifer.”

On August 15, 2010, Dan Knowles surprised Jennifer Farmer with a proposal of marriage. On November 11, 2011, a Hollywood–inspired theme wedding was held at one of the most fascinating landmarks in the world: Hollywood Forever.

Guests from England joined friends and family from Sugar Land to attend the firstever nuptials at this exquisite location.

Escorted by husband and wife officiates, the groom wore black tailcoat, striped grey ascot, grey vest and top hat. Maid of Honor Julia Raiford, bridesmaids Amira Naser, Stefanie Brower, Maria Medina and Annie Hardy wore custom designed dresses and carried rose and lily bouquets. Best Man Rafe Dunn, groomsmen Jason Farmer, Colin Coleman, Jason MacBeth and Collin Burke dressed in black morning coats, black ascots and maroon vests. Completing the processional, Ring Bearer Ryan Rodriguez escorted Flower Girl Alexis Wolf.

Escorted by her father, the bride entered in a beautiful French silk lace gown with flowing train and layers of lace, tulle and chiffon. She carried a bouquet of red roses and lilies with crystal accents. The vows scripted by the bride and groom were intimate and entertaining. Poetry and whimsical vows concluded the annunciation. Guests were invited downstairs into an elaborate tent; a glistening full moon gave view to the Hollywood sign.

As a tribute to the groom’s British roots, two gold thrones sat centered between lounge

Photo by Laurie Scavo

www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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Photo by Dahlhouse Productions

areas. Orchids, hydrangeas and roses adorned the bridal table. Velvet sofas, wing chairs and velvet chaise lounges finished the grouping.

Tables displayed arrangements flourished with roses, gardenias, orchids and hydrangeas. Candles, floating hydrangea balls with roses, lilies and orchids created incredible centerpieces. Live performances by family and friends serenaded guests. Serving signature drinks, the DANhattan and FARMtini, guests were surprised to fun and fine dining with In and Out Burger and Kogi Gourmet mobile units. A taco cart arrived late evening for guests to continue their dining experience. The newly married couple graced the dance floor to their first song, Heart of Gold and guests danced to an array of music from the Texas two-step to Britpop.

“We’re all a little weird, and life is weird. When we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness – and call it love – true love.” Dr. Seuss and the vows of Jennifer and Daniel Knowles.

Photography by www.chriswphoto.com

Christopher & Christine Catania December 10, 2011 Photography by www.chriswphoto.com

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Christine Burch Groom’s Full Name: Christopher Joseph Catania Ceremony Site: Holy Rosary Catholic Church Reception Site: Las Velas Rehearsal Dinner Site: Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant Wedding Planner: Sammi Custard – Luxe Weddings & Events Officiant: Father Flavio Bravo S.J. Gown: Enzoani from Ventura’s Bridal Veil: Ventura’s Bridal Shoes: Angela Nuran Hair: Blush & Company Makeup: Blush & Company Bridesmaid Dresses: WToo – Misora Bridal Formalwear: JoS. A. Bank Invitations: Berings Hardware Flowers: Weddings By Lisa Catering: Behind The Bash Cake: Cakes By Gina Music: Commercial Art Band Accommodations: Grand Duca Hotel Honeymoon: Cabo San Lucas

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Heritage Baptist Church a place to call home Schedule of Services SUNDAY Sunday School.................. 9:30am Sunday AM Worship...... 10:45am Bible Classes.................... 6:05 pm Sunday PM Worship...... 7:00 pm WEDNESDAY Bible Study....................... 7:00pm Awana Bible Clubs........... 7:00pm

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.com • June 2012

35

Photography by Caroline & Ben Photography

Charles & Jaclyn Luke January 7, 2012 Photography by Caroline & Ben Photography

Details

Bride’s Full Name: Jaclyn Leigh Jacobson Groom’s Full Name: Charles Jordan Luke Ceremony Site: Central Christian Church – Austin, Texas Reception Site: Driskill Hotel Rehearsal Dinner Site: Thurmon Mansion Videography: Paul Raila – Pop Boom Wedding Planner: Beth Walker – 36th Street Events Officiant: Bryan Mitchell Gown: Priscilla of Boston Veil: Priscilla of Boston Makeup: Adrienne Pitkin Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstroms Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: Atelier du Papier Flowers: Westbank Floral Company Catering: Driskill Cake: Driskill Music: Barton Strings, Ceremony and High Definition, Reception Transportation: Pedal Cabs of Austin Honeymoon: Two Weeks in Australia and the Whitsundays

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Jacobson - Luke Relaxing Waterfront Living Wedding

J

eff and Debbie Jacobson of Sugar Land are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Jaclyn Leigh Jacobson, to Charles Justin Luke, son of Mary Francis and Wayne Luke of Smyrna, Georgia.

The wedding ceremony was held at Central Christian Church in Austin, Texas on January 7, 2012. The bride’s brother, Grant Jacobson, groom’s siblings, Geoffrey and Caroline Luke, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Luke, were included in the wedding party. Following the ceremony was a reception at the historic Driskill Hotel. Jaclyn graduated from Dulles High School in 2004. In 2008, she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations with minors in business, Spanish and interior design from The University of Texas at Austin, where she was chapter president of Delta Gamma sorority. Jaclyn now works as a communications consultant in the oil and gas industry.

Charles graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Georgia in 2006. He is a member of Chi Phi fraternity and played linebacker at The University of Maryland before transferring to Georgia. Charles earned his CFA designation in 2012 and is now the Head of Fixed Income Management at Avalon Advisors, LLC. The couple met in March 2010 through mutual friends at Second Baptist Church.

Charles proposed in July 2011 atop the Mt. Bonnell lookout over Lake Austin.

Charles and Jaclyn honeymooned in Australia where they snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, toured Sydney and attended the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. The couple now resides in Houston. www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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Located in Rockport, Texas on beautiful Copano Bay, this 6.27 acre property boasts an (approx.)

520 ft. waterfront. The (approx.) 5500 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths with an attached garage and a 4000 sq.ft. shop. A must see! By appointment only. $1,710,000.

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Prepared by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

on

Changes in Power

I

can remember when the midwest was dubbed the “rust belt” back in the 1970s. Because of rapidly rising energy prices, much of industrial America became obsolete. American industry had become non-competitive with other parts of the world. We’ve all heard about American jobs going overseas and the bumper sticker “Last one out of Detroit, turn off the lights.”

Unknown to the media on both our coasts, a re-birth is underway and the reindustrialization of America has started. No better example exists than the re-emergence of our petro-chemical industry. Driven by natural gas prices that have dropped over 60% in the last two years, America is now the low cost producer of petrochemicals for the industrial world. It’s not Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or the Middle East, but the U.S.A. Major chemical companies have announced plans to either

greatly expand existing facilities or build new ones altogether. These are $billion-plus facilities with good paying jobs. This is all being driven by lower natural gas prices. This will also benefit fertilizer producers, steel companies, other heavy manufacturing companies and gas powered electric utilities. This is all being confirmed by rapidly increasing backlogs at engineering and construction companies.

Industries that will be hurt by lower commodity prices are natural gas producers, coal companies, and suppliers to the energy industry.

This is important because for the last 10 years, we’ve focused on commodity producers in our portfolios. Therefore, Houston/ Sugar Land have benefitted from these trends. As investors, it’s important we understand the risk and reward of any investment we make. That risk to reward proposition may be changing. The last decade belonged

to the commodity producer. This decade may very well belong to the commodity user.

At the Hardee Investment Group, we understand the risk associated with rewards. Let us talk with you about how we plan for and build your future. Call us today at 713-853-0879 or visit us online at HardeeInvestmentGroup.com.

This article is provided by H. H. Will Hardee, AWM, a Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center office, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication.

Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice.

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/ FINRA/SIPC. H

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magazine • June 2012

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By Nick Nicholson

O

ver 13 million American kids will be bullied this year, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the nation. The new documentary film, Bully, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, brings human scale to this startling statistic, offering an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families.

Bully is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of America’s bullying crisis. Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, Bully opens a window into the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, communities and society as a whole.

THE STORIES Alex, 12 – For 12-year-old Alex of Sioux City, Iowa, the slurs, curses and threats begin before he even boards the school bus. A sweet-natured kid just starting middle school and wanting more than anything to fit in, Alex assures his worried parents that the kids who taunt and hit him are only “messing with him.”

But bullying has trailed Alex thorough life like a shadow, and as his seventh grade year unfolds, the bullying only escalates.

Kelby, 16 – Since 16-year-old Kelby came out as a lesbian, she and her family have been treated as pariahs in their small town of Tuttle, Oklahoma.

The one time all-star athlete, Kelby has faced an outpouring of hatred from classmates as well as teachers and has been forced to leave her sports teams by attacks. Refusing her parents’ offers to leave Tuttle, the gutsy teenager is bolstered by her adoring girlfriend and a few staunch friends, resolving to stay in her town and change a few minds.

Ja’Meya, 14 – In Yazoo County, Mississippi, 14-year-old Ja’Meya was picked on every morning and afternoon of the hour-long bus ride between home and school. On the morning of September 1st, the quiet, unassuming girl had had enough and brandished a loaded handgun she’d taken from her mother’s closet to scare off her tormentors. Incarcerated in a juvenile detention facility and charged with multiple felony counts, Ja’Meya fearfully awaits the outcome of her case supported by her loving mother.

David and Tina Long – In October 2009, 17-year-old Tyler Long of Murray County, Georgia, hanged himself after

Alex Libby in Bully.

years of abuse at the hands of his classmates and indifference from school officials. As his parents, David and Tina Long, mourn the loss of the son, they tried to protect, and demand accountability from the school that failed him so miserably. His death has sparked a war in a community forced to face its bullying demons.

Kirk and Laura Smalley – Following the bullying-related suicide of their 11 year-old son, Kirk and Laura Smalley are determined to prevent other children from suffering Ty’s fate. As schools around the country prepare for the start of a new academic year, Kirk launches an anti-bullying organization, Stand for the Silent, coordinating a series of vigils that underscore the high stakes of America’s bullying crisis.

Bully comes at you from all angles and with a wide array of emotions. You will be angry, sad, disturbed and down right distressed over this film. I am typically not emotional when it comes to movies but this one left me in tears. Even though Bully does contain inappropriate language and violence, this is a film that needs to be seen – no, must be seen – by every student and parent alike. H

Bully

Starring: Ja’Meya Jackson, Londa Johnson & Alex Libby Director: Lee Hirsch Company: The Weinstein Company Now Showing: In Local Area Theatres MPAA Rating: PG-13 Grade: A+ Town Hall meeting in Bully.

All photos courtesy of The Weinstein Company.

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star, Fort Bend Focus, Pearland Focus as well as Focus on Women. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization. fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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A d v e n tu ro u s, e d u c a ti o n a l & fu n

Sum m e r Camp Call for details

on

Health

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Thyroid Disease –

Can Gluten and Vitamin Deficiency Be to Blame?

Thyroid Disease and Dysfunction Classic signs of thyroid hormone deficiency include fatigue, memory loss, cold hands and feet, muscle and joint pain, depression, high cholesterol, and constipation. Over the past several years, I have seen a large influx of patients that had been placed on thyroid hormones to treat the above symptoms. The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t actually address why the body is not making enough thyroid hormone in the first place.

What you should know about Thyroid Hormone Production Thyroid hormone production is under the influence of a chemical called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is made by the pituitary gland. When circulating levels of thyroxine (T-4) are low, TSH sends a message to your thyroid gland to start producing more T-4. The building blocks your body uses to make T-4 come from food constituents that we obtain from the diet (tyrosine – an amino acid from protein and certain minerals – iodine, zinc, etc). Once your body makes T-4, it must be activated by other nutrients (vitamins and minerals) into something known as T-31. T-3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that works to increase the body’s metabolism. However, certain nutrient deficiencies and stress can lead to a reduction in T-3 and instead the production of Reverse T-3. This form of

T-3 is not as effective and leads to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, Reverse T-3 is cannot be distinguished from T-3 in traditional thyroid lab reports and this is a common oversight by many physicians. Once T-3 is made it will attach to the nucleus inside your cells and increase the body’s metabolism appropriately. Once again, however, certain nutrient deficiencies can decrease the responsiveness of our body’s cells to T-3, causing symptoms of hypothyroidism. For these reasons lab reports commonly performed by physicians that look at TSH, T-4, and T-3, can be misleading. A simplified diagram of thyroid hormone production is listed below: TSH Stimulates the thyroid gland to make T-4 T-4 Converts to either T-3 or Reverse T-3 (RT3) RT3 is inactive.

Normal T-3 attaches to the cell nucleus Once attachment of T-3 occurs the body’s metabolism increases

Gluten Sensitivity and Thyroid Dysfunction Gluten sensitivity is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction. Gluten exposure can trigger an autoimmune reaction (Hashimoto’s disease) that disrupts normal thyroid hormone production. (For more on this visit www.GlutenFreeSociety.org) and visit the Glutenology tab.

There are also many other environmental

Glutenology - Recipes for the Gluten Free Warrior

Moncayo R, et al. The role of selenium, vitamin C, and zinc in benign thyroid diseases and of selenium in malignant thyroid diseases: Low selenium levels are found in subacute and silent thyroiditis and in papillary and follicular carcinoma. BMC Endocr Disord. 2008 Jan 25;8:2.

2.

Pansini F, et al. Effect of the hormonal contraception on serum reverse triiodothyronine levels.

Gynecol Obstet Invest 1987;23:133.

3.

Mazokopakis EE, et al. Effects of 12 months treatment with L-selenomethionine on serum anti-TPO Levels in Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyroid 2007 Jul;17(7):609-12.

4.

Negro R, et al. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007 Apr;92(4):1263-8. Epub 2007 Feb 6.

1.

World renowned gluten free expert Dr. Peter Osborne has just published Glutenology - Recipes for the Gluten Free Warrior. The book contains 146 true gluten free recipes. It is the first book of its kind to delineate between “traditional gluten free” and true gluten free foods. In addition to gluten free, many of the recipes in the book are dairy and sugar free as well. To order, contact the Gluten Free Society at www.glutenfreesociety.org/ healthy-gluten-free-recipes.

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factors that can effect thyroid hormone production. Oral contraceptives and estrogen containing medications have been shown to reduce the conversion of T-4 to T-33. Many herbicides and pesticides contain estrogen mimicking compounds known to effect thyroid hormone production. Soy foods and sodas can cause a reduction in thyroid hormone. Certain food allergies and selenium deficiency are linked to autoimmune thyroid dysfunction3,4. Heavy metal exposure through air, water, dental fillings etc. have been linked to poor thyroid function.

Remember that thyroid disease is never just as simple as taking a medication whether it is bio-identical or not. Thyroid dysfunction has a cause. An astute physician will take an active roll in care and seek to perform a comprehensive exam and laboratory work up that will identify the cause. Keep in mind that your body has the ability to make its own thyroid hormone providing that all the essential nutrients necessary are present in the diet or through supplementation, providing that the environment is conducive to the expression of good health, and providing that the individual is properly educated in the care of his/her body. Many patients that come to me initially are taking some form of thyroid medication. Many were instructed that the medication was a life long necessity. And in many it is very common that the medication becomes unnecessary.

For more information, contact Dr. Osborne at 281-240-2229 or visit www.

TownCenterWellness.com H

fort bend

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T

he challenges have changed. Instead of being counted on for a clutch shot, former NBA player Robert Horry’s biggest professional battles now involve dealing with insurance companies, but the Sugar Land resident still delivers.

The Robert Horry Center for Sports and Physical Rehabilitation, founded

by Horry, his wife Keva, his friend Kegis Smith and Anastasia Patoka, celebrates its first year of business this month. In that initial 52 weeks, the center treated more than 2,000 patients. “It’s been up and down like any business, but I was glad people had faith in us,” Horry said.

“You can‘t trust just anybody for physical therapy.”

The clinic, a spacious 5,000-squarefoot facility, is located at 15591 Creekbend Drive in Sugar Land. The Robert

Horry Center also operates a location in the Bellaire area.

Horry moved to Fort Bend after being drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1992, and although he played for Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio in later years, his family’s residence remained in Sugar Land.

“It is a thriving community with not only many different cultures but people of all ages too,” said Horry, when discussing why Sugar Land was chosen as the clinic’s flagship location. “We thought it was a great melting pot to start out in.”

The physical therapy center is the brainchild of Horry and Smith who attended the University of Alabama together. Smith was a team manager for the basketball program, and Horry played for the Crimson Tide. Before Horry retired from pro basketball in 2008, the longtime

friends discussed his post-NBA plans and decided opening a physical therapy clinic would be a perfect fit, Smith said.

Not only was Horry familiar with the field because of his years as an athlete, he had personal experience with physical therapy after seeing his daughter Ashlyn undergo treatment throughout her life.

Ashlyn was born with 1p36 deletion syndrome, a rare chromosome disorder that is characterized by developmental delays on many levels. Ashlyn died in June 2011 at age 17 as a result of complications stemming from the disorder.

Physical therapy was a constant in Ashlyn’s life, and Horry gained an appreciation for the practice. “I became interested in this from seeing how enthusiastic the therapists are,” Horry said. “It’s also a way for me to stay around sports in a different way.”

Former Houston Rocket

Robert Horry

Making a new name for himself – and a difference – in the world of sports and physical rehabilitation

Photo by Nesossi Studios

By Brian Simmons

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“A lot of physical therapy places are all about the mechanics and machine work, and it feels like an assembly line.

This is more personal.” ~ Robert Horry

The seven-time NBA champion understands it is difficult for many athletes to leave the sports world, and the Robert Horry Center gave him an avenue to stay connected. “I’m around athletes who are the way athletes are supposed to be – they do it for the fun of it,” Horry said.

Being on the other side of physical therapy has been refreshing for Horry, and it reminds him of tutoring other students in school. “You just like to help people and in a way, you’re giving back, too,” Horry said.

While there have been hurdles along the way, the staff looks back on the first year of business and reflects on the patients they’ve served. From treating a Howard University student who flew down for physical therapy to helping a young man who was told he needed spinal surgery but was able to get better simply through exercises and rehabilitation at the clinic, Patoka is proud of what the Robert Horry Center is accomplishing.

“Physical therapy is an opportunity to help, but it’s also an opportunity for education,” said Patoka, adding that injury prevention is a big focus at the clinic.

“It’s neat to be able to make a difference.

Physical therapy is a little more personal than other medical fields.”

It’s been so helpful and personal in fact, that Patoka said some patients didn’t

want to stop coming to the clinic once their insurance-funded treatments ended. In response, the Robert Horry Center started offering personal training as a way for patients to continue getting help.

“For our older patients, it’s really more of a maintenance program,” Patoka said.

Other services offered by the clinic include: manual therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, wellness programs, sports medicine services and occupational hand therapy. The therapists can even evaluate sports injuries and direct patients to a physician that best fits them. Patients range from athletes to weekend warriors to people recovering from surgeries, said Patoka, adding that the Robert Horry Center clients usually hear about the clinic through doctors’ referrals.

The Heart of a Champion Horry’s name alone brings back memories of the best years in Houston professional basketball. The former forward, who was recently honored as a member of the Rockets’ Team of the 1990s, helped the squad win back-toback NBA titles in 1994-95. He went on to win three championships with the Lakers, two more with the Spurs and

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.com • June 2012

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earned the nickname “Big Shot Rob” for the many times he nailed important baskets in playoff games.

Those moments of basketball euphoria would not exist had Smith not encouraged Horry to shoot the trey in practice during his Alabama years, the former team manager says with a smile. Horry gives a cutting glance when this message is relayed to him and quickly dismisses the claim.

The retired star makes as many appearances at the clinic as his schedule allows. He serves as an ambassador for the NBA and travels often. However, when patients say they never see the center’s namesake around, Horry hears about it and makes sure to be there the next time, he says with a grin.

The 41-year-old looks around the facility and thinks about the year behind the Robert Horry Center and about the future, which includes plans for additional locations. “I just see it as a place for people to be comfortable,” Horry said. “A lot of physical therapy places are all about the mechanics and machine work, and it feels like an assembly line. This is more personal.”

For more information on the Robert Horry Center for Sports and Physical Rehabilitation, visit www.roberthorrysportsrehab.com. H

ONLY in Fort Bend!

Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair

Highlights of the Festivities

Formerly The Grand Wine & Food Affair

April 18 - 22, 2012

April 20th The Grand Tasting April 21st Sip & Stroll at Imperial April 22nd Bistro Brunch at Town Square

SugarLandWineAndFoodAffair.com www.facebook.com/sugarlandwineandfoodaffair Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Producing Partner and Beneficiary

fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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Visit www.FortBendFocus.com to see if you have been Seen on the Scene!

www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

47

Photos by Randy Kozlovsky

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

Boogie 2012

Benefiting the Fort Bend County Women’s Center Saturday, March 31, 2012 • Stafford Centre

Jessica Kij & Don Kerstetter

Chris Owens & Anthony Yanez

Burke & Jan Randolf

Heather & Mark Gobert

Alina & Francisco Gonzales

Jacquie Chaumette & Vita Goodell

Jackie & Jim Hrebenar

Nancy & Pat Colmenares

Annette Howe & Anne Budill

Len & Arlene Rolsen

Dean Carpenter & Jim Kij

Kathy & Bill Rohrbach

Donna Mulhollen & Jennifer Cole

Suranga & Prem Cholia

Barbara Lee Cochran, Elizabeth Howard & Sylvia Carpenter

Carol Albers & Gail McGinley

Gail & Randy Parker

fort bend

magazine • June 2012

48

Bill & Cathy Koehl with Will & Lena Hardee

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Trial DANCE Classes • Modern • Ballet • Hip-Hop • Tap • Zumba • Jazz

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Fort Bend Boy’s Choir

Sponsor Party

Ooh La La A French Gala Child Advocates of Fort Bend Saturday, March 3, 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Bill Adams directing the Tour Choirboys

Pat Somers & Lisa Moore

Kim & Sam Cress

William & Nicole Hawker

Sue & Jim Lockwood

Bob & Dianne Wilson

Diana & John Null

Nahum Tate & Junifer Smith

Paul & Sandra Swofford

Jacquie Chaumette, Bill Adams & Deborah Duncan

Dianne & Randy Taylor

Cameron & Nicole Hill

Patty Green with Ivan & Ruthanne Mefford

Jackie & Don Kerstetter

Lucia Street with Bill Adams & Larry Street

Pat King with Georgiana & Al Gaylor

Aly Tomasello, Anne Bulan & Pam Collins

fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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GREAT W’KANA CAFE Boutique Indian Cuisine

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11720 West Airport and Kirkwood 832-886-4291 Great W’kana Cafe (which means “harmony” in Sanskrit) is a unique dining experience with vibrant colors, friendly staff and excellent food. Authentic and contemporary Indian dishes, such as avocado naan, tandoori, and spinach and paneer (simple Indian farmers cheese) appetizer, are prepared by owner Chef Sunil and wife Anupama in an open kitchen atmosphere right before your eyes. Try the “dum” cookery, a steaming technique that in more primitive times used tightly sealed dough to cook a dish over a charcoal fire. All of the meat served is halal.

Open Mon -Thurs for lunch 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and dinner 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and Fri and Sat until 10:30 pm with a special brunch on weekends.

Visit www.greatwkanacafe.com. www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

51

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

Lone Star Stomp XXIII

Benefiting the Fort Bend County Museum Association Saturday, April 21, 2012 • George Ranch Historical Park

John MacDonald with Roni & Mike Thompson

Steve Onstead, Raychel Lockwood, Shelby Macha & Keaton Henry

Lisa Buffalor & Cheryl Hampton

Cindy Bass with Bo & Donna Kay Tucker

Amanda & Chad Starrett

John & Jeanne Leatherwood

Paul Knight & John Hess

David Noirot with Tracey & Jim Shaw

Dennis & Joy Dowell

Jane & Allen Owen with Jo & Ivan Butterfield

Randy May & Ed Ritchie

Lorrell & Don Wenzel

Suzanne Kocurek & Dan Maddox

Darcy Lannin & Todd Spurgeon

Janice Knight & Karen Pearson

Dan McDonald & Gary Pearson

David & Sabrina Morales

Carl & Judy Cox

fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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Headliners continued from page 25

Texas Custom Patios: Creating Stylish Outdoor Living Spaces Texas Custom Patios is the Houston area’s premier designer and builder of stylish outdoor living spaces. The company is a family-owned residential remodeling contractor specializing in designing and building custom projects to enhance outdoor living such as patio covers, outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, fireplaces, screened porches, pergolas and decorative patios. They have completed over 700 projects in the Houston area since 2004.

Texas Custom Patios provides a turnkey custom design project. Their specialty is building projects that look original to the home, including room additions, guest houses, decks, outdoor kitchens and custom patios.

You will know exactly what you are getting when you choose to work with Texas Custom Patios. Detailed designs include rendered views showing the completed project on the back of your home. If you would like a detailed explanation of the process they use from design to completed construction, please visit their website where they will walk you through the steps. There is also a huge photo gallery with hundreds of pictures of completed projects to give ideas for your dream backyard.

Texas Custom Patios serves much of the Greater Houston area including Cypress, The Woodlands, Fulshear, Katy, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Pearland, Spring, Sugar Land, and Tomball.

Contact Texas Custom Patios today to schedule your free design consultation at 281.265.1994 or visit www.texascustompatios.com. H

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Headliners continued on page 54

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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Headliners continued from page 53

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38 th Annual

Houston Glass Club Vintage Glass & Antique Show & Sale Friday, August 17th 2 pm - 7 pm Saturday, August 18th 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, August 19th 11 am - 4 pm

Fort Bend County Fairgrounds US 59 to Hwy 36, South 1/2 mile Rosenberg, Texas

HOUSTON GLASS CLUB American Depression Era Glass • Elegant Glass • Kitchenware • American Dinnerware • Pottery Antiques • Jewelry • Crystal • Furniture • Linens • China • Silver • Primitives • Quilts

Admission: $10.00 Friday (Good all 3 days) $6.00 Saturday & Sunday Information: Nancy Norman, Chairman 281-240-0382 Mark Church, Co-Chairman 713-440-0801 WWW.HOUSTONGLASSCLUB.ORG Air Conditioned • Food & Drinks on Site • Free Parking fort bend

magazine • June 2012

54

Yadira Reyes, Care Coordinator; Sylvia Teeple, Director of Medical Case Management; Shardae Bey, Case Manager and Josefina Jimemez, Medical Case Management Administrative Assistant.

Fort Bend Family Health Center Welcomes First Patients After 7 months of renovation, Fort Bend Family Health Center (FBFHC) reopened the doors of its flagship Richmond Center. Patients were welcomed into the newly remolded facility that now features stone and tile interiors, cutting-edge equipment, and comfortable waiting areas and exam rooms.

During the renovation process, FBFHC patients continued to receive quality services in mobile buildings across the street from the 400 Austin Street location.

Many patients stayed with Fort Bend Family Health Center during the transition because they liked the care they received. “I’ve been going to Fort Bend Family Health Center for 5 years because of Dr. Robertson. He provides excellent service,” said Tamintris Robinson.

Now both current and potential patients can still expect the same premier care that Fort Bend Family Health Center is known for but in a newly updated facility to match.

About Fort Bend Family Health Center Fort Bend Family Health Center is a private, not-for-profit community health center that serves Fort Bend County and the surrounding areas. Fort Bend Family Health Center is a United Way agency.

Each year The Center provides assistance to approximately 27,000 members of the Fort Bend, Wharton and Waller communities through maternity, pediatric and adult clinics, dental services, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) nutrition program, nutrition services, and behavioral health and counseling. H

Kucherka Honored for 50 Years of Service on Parks Board In recognition of Stanley Kucherka’s 50 years of continuous service on the Rosenberg Parks Board, the Rosenberg City Council has designated the entry road to Seabourne Creek Nature Park “Stanley Kucherka Drive.” At the City’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held April 12th, the new street sign for the entrance to Seabourne Creek Nature Park was unveiled to Mr. Kucherka.

Rosenberg Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr. announced the new street name and recognized Kucherka’s service to the Parks Board since 1962, including service as President of the Board during his tenure. Kucherka has also served as President of the Rosenberg National Little League and continues to serve on the City’s Image Committee.

In announcing the honor, Mayor Morales stated, “Stanley’s commitment to his community is displayed through his selfless service to the City and the development of enhancements to improve the quality of life and livability of Rosenberg.”

The Rosenberg Parks Board, Rosenberg City Council and members of Mr. Kucherka’s family gathered on Wednesday, April 18 at the newly-installed sign. H

EYE TRENDS @ Town Square The Address for Exclusive Eyewear

Dr. George N. Zaibaq & Associates

Therapeutic Optometrists and Optometric Glaucoma Specialists

281-265-2000 | www.drzaibaq.com 16200 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 We accept most medical & vision insurances

Stanley is pictured with Kathy Rod (daughter), Andrea Worthing (granddaughter), Melissa Rod (granddaughter), Stanley Kucherka, Bart Worthing (grandson in-law), Cheryl Suter (daughter), Chris Kucherka (son), Kenny Kucherka (son), Kale Jedlicka (great-grandson), and Shannon Jedlicka (granddaughter).

NEW LOCATION

Headliners continued on page 57 www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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By Whitney Hensler

FORT BEND

Focus CareS

Eva Fackeldey: Making Dreams Come True

E

of the project. Once selected, they are given a va Fackeldey never went to prom. sponsor and have to abide by the rules of the But every year for the last 13 program. years, she’s helped dress up and “The kids selected are not in trouble but send high school girls and boys, who otherthey’re at risk,” said Fackeldey. “They don’t wise wouldn’t have gotten the chance to go, have a family behind them or they’re hometo their own proms through the Cinderella less.

They just have difficulties that are kind Cinderfella Project, an organization Fackof hard to imagine.

But they go to school anyeldey founded. way... they go against all odds.”

Fackeldey says the organization started Fackeldey says she thinks “going to prom by “accident.” She was in Dallas on a trip is a self-esteem issue” for the students in the when she read an article about a teacher who program.

“At prom, they can belong, the same bought a dress and jewelry and “treated” a as everybody else.

They feel good about the 17 year-old girl to prom. When the Temple way they look; they feel good that they can do she attended was looking for ideas on how to what everybody else is doing,” she said. “I’ve reach out to the community, she remembered seen the transformation.

These kids feel like the story. they can do anything.”

“I was really moved [by the article],” she Eva Fackeldey Fackeldey says founding the organization is said. “So I said, why don’t we do that? That’s “the best thing she has ever done” and believes how we started.” it changes the lives of the students involved.

The first year Fackeldey helped send one “When they’re dressed up, they look at themselves and boy and one girl to prom. The project has since grown to involve they’re just like...

‘I look good.

I look good!’ I think it’s giving fourteen social workers and more than 100 volunteers. The orthem a dream of what their life can be like,” she said. “It’s the ganization coordinates with local beauty and makeup salons, joy of my life to see them transformed like that.” and has over 1,000 dresses, some of which are bought by the For more information regarding the Cinderella Cinderfella project and some of which are donated through the countryProject, please visit http://cinderella-cinderfella.org or call 281wide organization “Donate My Dress.”

491-6558.

For additional volunteer opportunities in Fort Bend This year, Fackeldey says the organization is sending 45 County, call Volunteer Fort Bend at 281-340-1919 or visit www. high school students to prom. The students, who are referred VolunteerFortBend.org.

H by social workers, have to write an essay to apply to be part

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Headliners continued from page 55

Learn About Making Pearl-Knotted Jewelry at University Branch Library

Learn how to create custom-designed jewelry pieces at a special “Pearl-Knotting Workshop” on Wednesday, June 13th beginning at 2 pm, in the Small Meeting Room at Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

The program will be presented by Alexandra Almestica, a library staff member who will share her jewelry-making experience with other crafters. She will demonstrate how to knot pearls with silk cord, and how to use “French wire,” clasps, beading boards, and jeweler’s cement to create custom-designed knotted-pearl bracelets and necklaces.

Almestica’s interest in making her own jewelry began in 1995 when her grandfather was very ill in Puerto Rico, where Almestica was born and raised. For Almestica and her aunt, stringing necklaces became a means of coping with the illness.

“It was somewhat of a therapeutic family activity,” says Almestica. “Later, as my interest in jewelry-crafting grew, I took additional classes with a Puerto Rican designer named Karen Arocho.” According to Almestica, jewelry-making is very popular in Puerto Rico, so she had many opportunities to expand her skills.

“I was able to take additional workshops in other techniques, like right-angle weave with beads. One of the workshops I took was pearl-knotting, and it became one of my favorite things to do because, not only can you do it with pearls, you can create other pieces with different beads, and the finished pieces drape beautifully!”

Almestica says that knowing how to knot and finish pearl necklaces is also helpful in repairing broken jewelry.

The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. Register online at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Calendar,” select “University Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling at 281-633-5100, or by visiting the library. H Headliners continued on page 59

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Fort Bend’s Finest Equestrian Center

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June 4 - 8 June 18 - 22 (Sold Out) July 9 - 13 July 23 - 27 July 30 - Aug 3 Aug 13 - 17

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57

Primrose of First Colony Re-Grand Opening

Preschool teacher Ms. A. Williams with student Sophia Rousse.

Owners Estela & Sotirios Papadopulos with Jeanette Cribbs, Primrose Operations Consultant.

Pennywise Donation Center Benefiting the Fort Bend Women’s Shelter Ribbon Cutting

Front row: Patty Holt, Candra Lacy, Angela Ramirez, Vita Goodell, Joy Doweel & Liz Moreno.

Back row: Anne Budill, Annette Howe & Jean Dotson.

Primrose School of First Colony Director Lyndsey Barrera & Director of Regional Support Laurie Gentry.

2nd Annual Sugar Land Junior Superstar Competition at Sugar Land Town Square

Eleven-year-old Selena Packard was named the 2012 Sugar Land Junior Superstar after singing Barbara Streisand’s Don’t Rain on my Parade.

Ten-year-old Cashmir Khawaja placed second singing Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid soundtrack.

First Ladies of Fort Bend Luncheon & Fashion Show

Madelyn Morton, Nancy Talasek & Susan Lang.

T. Adkisson, P. Cook, D. Guebara, T. Coffman and C. Moncure. fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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Cheryl Bertrand, Lisa Pugh & Candice Burnette.

Headliners continued from page 57

The “Show Me City” is a Hit at the Box Office

Mayor Owen celebrated with his wife, Jane, and fellow City Council Members Danny Nguyen and Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt.

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen went from the “big office” to the big screen on April 25th presenting his “State of the City” address to nearly 300 people who gathered at the Star Cinema Grill on Highway 6.

In a unique format, the City presented a nearly 30-minute movie that celebrated its rich diversity, which a recent Rice University report noted has surpassed the City of Houston’s. The film featured the mayor and highlighted developments, ongoing projects and community leaders in the “Show Me City”: Bertha Eugene, HOA President of Quail Valley East; Stricklin Snyder, a Life Scout respected for spearheading local volunteer initiatives and Sergio Espinosa, Owner of Las Escondida.

“If you came to see pie charts, and you came to see graphs, then you came to the wrong show because I think you want to see what Missouri City is about,” Mayor Owen said.

The video highlighted projects such as the new Community Center and Golf Pro Shop, which has been named the City Centre at Quail Valley. Both that multi-million dollar project and the new Recreation and Tennis Center on Cypress Point Drive should be completed in mid-Summer. City Centre will offer residents and visitors an elegant venue for family and business events.

“Missouri City State of the City: The Movie” also focused on business development featuring Ben E. Keith, a renowned food distribution company that is constructing a LEED-certified facility along the Gessner Road Corridor, bringing hundreds of jobs to the City.

Mayor Owen discussed business development prior to the start of the movie, saying that $500 million worth of businesses and companies have come to Missouri City in 2011, creating hundreds of new jobs. He added that there will be an announcement soon about a $65 million major business establishing roots in the City.

“Economic development is very important for this part of Fort Bend County and I think under the leadership of the Mayor and the City Council, they’ve really opened up a lot of opportunities for businesses to come out here to start a business and expand,” said Gary Pearson, a Government Relations Consultant in Houston who has business ties in Missouri City.

Moving forward, City Council’s focus will continue to be business gains, the diversification of the tax base and an increase in jobs for residents. Next year, Mayor Owen said he looks forward to welcoming guests to his State

of the City address at City Centre.

To view the “State of the City Movie” in its entirety, visit www.missouricitytx. gov or watch it on Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

Mayor Allen Owen visits with “Missouri City State of the City: The Movie” guests Doug Goff, Chief Operating Officer of Sienna/Johnson Development, LP; Larry Johnson, Founder of Sienna/Johnson Development, LP, and Himesh Gandhi, a Partner with Hrbacek & Gandhi, P.C. Photo courtesy of Missouri City.

Headliners continued on page 60

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Headliners continued from page 59

Mission on the Move Event Reveals Big Changes Coming to Second Mile Mission Center The “Mission on the Move” theme of Second Mile Mission Center’s 8th Annual Banquet and Silent Auction, held April 20th at Safari Texas Ranch, clued the approximately 400 guests that it would be a night of significant announcements.

The evening raised funds to provide food, clothing, health care and other items for needy individuals in Fort Bend County.

It also recognized a few changes coming to the nonprofit that has served the county 22 years.

Board chairman Steve Manz announced that, under a 15-year rental agreement, Second Mile will move into a new Missouri City facility on Highway 90. The custom built facility will be the first in a 26-acre development owned by Thomas and Sarah Abraham near the

Board Chairman Steve Manz, Development Owner Thomas Abraham, Missouri City Council Members Danny Nguyen, Bobby Marshall, and Jerry Wyatt, Executive Director Sarah White, Board Member Mike Richards and Volunteer Roger McWaters. old Tang City Mall area.

“This move will allow us to retain our current capacity to serve our Fort Bend County neighbors with food, clothing, health care and other critical needs, and also to plan for future expansion of those services as needs arise,” said Steve Manz, board chairman at Second Mile.

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Additionally, Second Mile announced the new Mobile Second Mile initiative to go into the county’s outlying low-income areas to provide food and counseling services. A recent study by The George Foundation cited food and transportation as major areas of concern in the county.

“We see a great need to be able to get to our neighbors in lower income areas who often live in food deserts without grocery stores or other sources of food nearby or even reliable vehicles to access them,” said Tom Urich, Operations Director.

Mobile Second Mile will take the form of a 30-foot trailer pulled by a pickup truck. The trailer will include a counseling office, food pantry and space for other supplies as needed. Mobile Second Mile is made possible with first-year funding provided by Sugar Creek Baptist Church.

Another change at Second Mile is a new name for its free health clinic, now officially known as The Pat McWaters Health Clinic at Second Mile. The clinic serves qualifying uninsured Fort Bend County residents with free medical and dental care with the assistance of volunteer health care professionals. Pat McWaters was Second Mile’s longest running volunteer, coordinating Second Mile’s clinic for years and working the nonprofit’s Christmas, Thanksgiving and school supply programs. Second Mile and the community mourned Pat’s loss to stage IV breast cancer April 7th.

For more information, please contact Sheena Abraham at (832) 527-2570 or sabraham@secondmile.org. H

ver 5th Anni

sary

Meet the JEWELS of Fort Bend

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

Mary Favre Jacqueline Chaumette

Melissa Hayslip

proudly announces the 2012 Sandra Billingsley

Kathy Huebner

Champagne Reception, Luncheon and Style Show BENEFITTING

Safari Texas Ranch Thursday, September Twentieth, Two Thousand and Twelve 11:30 am - 1:30 pm u Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels Contributors

Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer J Loggins Jewelers - Official Jeweler Pamela Printing - Official Printer

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Garfield The High-Tech Texan速

Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Official Entertainment Sponsor

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities u 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

FIND YOUR NEXT CAR Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast

Scan with your smart phone to launch website See some of the ads in print in the Star every week. fort bend

magazine • June 2012

62

In Print • Online • In Person

We’re absolutely enthusiastic over community magazines. They allow us to come into your homes and focus on what’s important to you – your community.

So what’s the power of community magazines? They’re absolutely free, they’re absolutely timely, and they’re absolutely available 24/7 when you want to read them. And best of all, they are delivered right to your door.

Whether you live in greater Memorial, Katy, Fort Bend or Pearland, absolutely! focus media brings you the power of print – absolutely free, focused on people, places and happenings – focused on where you live.

Reading your community magazine – it’s easier than a click.

absolutely! focus media 281.690.4242 | www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Father’s Day

Gift Guide Things We Love – Just for Dad! HIGH PERFORMANCE PAMPERING The Aveda Men collection is tailored to men’s essential need for high-performance skin, scalp and hair management featuring Aveda Men Pure Performance Shampoo, Conditioner & Grooming Clay. Salon Eben & Day Spa, 15510 Lexington Ste. G, Sugar Land. Call 281-980-5160; www.Salonebenanddayspa.com.

WHY GLUTEN FREE DIETS FAIL...

Looking for a gluten free lifestyle?

A major reason people fall off their diet is lack of variety and food ideas.

Glutenology- Health Recipes for the Gluten Free Warrior will keep the ideas coming. Order your copy today. Call 281-240-2229; www.glutenfreesociety.org.

CREATE A CAKE FOR DAD King of the Grill, Poker Pro, Fisherman, or Golfer? Surprise Dad with a delicious creation from Who Made The Cake!

This grill cake is complete with steak and flames. Call 713-528-4719 and let Who Made The Cake design a cake he’ll never forget. www.WhoMadeTheCake.com.

TIMELESS EYEWEAR Stop by our optical boutique to view new spring collections including Fendi, Prada, Gold & Wood and more! Make an appointment today with one of our therapeutic optometrists. Most insurances accepted and gift cards available to make the perfect gift. Eye Trends at Town Square, 16200 City Walk, Sugar Land.

Call 281-265-2000; www.drzaibaq.com.

MAKE DAD’S HEART RACE Wherever great sports cars gather, Corvette is front and center.

Corvette has carved a permanent niche into the sports car landscape, yet it defines state-of-the-art technology and modern efficiency.

Classic Chevrolet of Sugar Land, 13115 SW Fwy at Hwy 90A. Call 281-491-9000; classicchevysugarland.com.

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TREAT RAZOR BUMPS & INGROWN HAIRS Ingrown hairs and razor bumps can cause tough beards and become difficult for shaving. For razor bumps and ingrown hairs, use Glytone’s Mild Gel Wash with 4.7% glycolic acid.

This cleanser will aid in the alleviation of skin congestion due to obstructed hair growth patterns.

Call Sugar Land Plastic Surgery for details at 281-980-8000; www.MyBodySurgeon.com.

SUPERIOR SUNWEAR! Show dad how much you love him with new Maui Jim® sunglasses!

Give him PolarizedPlus2® lens technology that wipes out 99.9% of glare and blocks 100% of harmful UV without distorting colors!

Found only with Maui Jim! Dr. Cindy Tu at Beyond 20/20 Eyecare, 636 Hwy 6, Suite 800 in Sugar Land at the southwest corner of Hwy 6 and University. Call 281-313-5595.

FAITHFUL DAD Give that “faithful” father the gift of inspiration for his home or work office.

A variety of colors and styles at L&M Trading. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10 am – 7 pm at 6302 Highway 6 in Missouri City. Call 281-499-0936; www.lmtradingus.com.

DAD’S SKIN NEEDS PAMPERING, TOO

GIVE DAD THE GIFT OF THICK FULL HAIR THIS YEAR

For Father’s Day, take 20% off on individual Obagi® items.

Forever Young Skin Care. Alex Burton Salons: 2745 D Town Center Blvd., Ste 122. Gallery of Salons: 11333 Fountain Lake Dr. #D17. Call 713-269-9955; lindasforeveryoung.com.

Receive $100 off a Hair Regrowth package that includes a hair regrowth laser, hair boosting supplements and hair loss testing. Valid through June 30th at Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa. Visit www.drshel.com or call 281-313-7435.

THIS YEAR TREAT YOUR DAD TO SOMETHING SWEET! Nothing says Happy Father’s Day like a Happy Meal! Order now & order early before these sweet treats are gone. Custom dessert box includes 1 cupcake, 1 brownie with sugar cookie fries. Stop

by All About Cakes in Sugar Land at 13134 Dairy Ashford, Suite 300. Call 832-532-7034 or visit www.All-AboutCakes.com.

www.fortbend

DRIVING DAD IN STYLE Doesn’t Dad deserve to drive in style?! Gift Dad with one of many vehicles to fit his busy lifestyle from Texas Direct Auto!

Located at 12053 SW Freeway, Stafford.

Call 281-499-8200; www.TexasDirectAuto.com.

.com • June 2012

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Father’s Day

Gift Guide Things We Love – Just for Dad! DADS DESERVE FLOWERS, TOO! Beautiful flowers speak volumes.

Show Dad your love with a beautiful bouquet for Father’s Day. For all of your floral needs come

by House of Blooms located in Sugar Land Town Square.

Call 281-242-1555 or visit sugarlandhouseofblooms.com.

“Y” NOT GIFT FITNESS? Give Dad the gift of health and fitness this summer with a YMCA membership! From rock climbing to racquetball, he’s sure to enjoy “heart smart” activity! Register today at ymcahouston.org for a Y near you!

DADS LOVE CUPCAKES TOO! Give a unique gift this Father’s Day with a Gigi’s box filled with his favorite cupcakes. They say “Thanks, Dad” with every sweet little bite. Available in store and online 15850 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100, Sugar Land. Visit www.GigisCupcakesUSA.com or call 281.565.6108.

LOVE YOUR EYEWEAR Providing the best eyewear and service available, our optician is trained in all aspects of frame and lens choices, including the latest in breakthrough technology, to provide you with the best possible vision and meet your fashion and lifestyle needs. Open Tuesday – Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm. Advance Eyewear, 736 Hwy. 6 S, Ste 101, Sugar Land. Call 281-240-0810.

DASHING LASHES FOR DAD! LATISSE® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, make them longer, thicker and darker.

Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. Timeless Plastic Surgery, 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway #300, Sugar Land. Call 281-242-TIME (8463); www.TimelessPlasticSurgery.com.

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magazine • June 2012

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MOST FUN

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Not valid Saturdays in June, July or August or with any other offer, discount, special price, prepaid, afternoon, group, two-day or season tickets. Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day. Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale. Prices, operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice.

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.com • June 2012

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endly Fridge Fri

DISPLAY

ME

June 2012 1st – 16th

8th & 22nd

Fridays & Saturdays, 8 pm Sundays, 3 pm Fort Bend Theatre Performs The Fantasticks

Fort Bend County Libraries Summer Reading Clubs All Month

Children’s Summer Reading Club Children from infancy to early teens can read as many books as possible to earn rewards. Register at any Fort Bend County library or online at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

There is no charge to join. Young patrons are invited to register to win plush book characters that will be given away in weekly drawings. Call 281-341-2677.

All Month

Teen Summer Reading Club Teens are encouraged to read as many books as they can and earn rewards based on the total number of hours they spend reading or the number of reading-related activities they complete. Free activities from game days to movie nights are also planned.

Register at any Fort Bend County library or online at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

Call 281-341-2677.

All Month

Adult Summer Reading Club Adults of all ages, including young adults in high school, may participate by reading or listening to books. Register at any Fort Bend County library or online at www.fortbend.lib. tx.us. Weekly drawings for a FBCL book bag will take place at each branch throughout the summer for readers who log in and record their reading activity. Call 281-341-2677.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Events, schedules and information may change without notice.

Please refer to the event’s contact person or check the event’s website for more information.

Fridays, 1 pm Free Movie Matinees

Loosely based on the combination of Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Pyramis and Thisbe, this classically themed romance holds contemporary treasure. Tickets ranging from $12 to $15 can be purchased online.

Visit www.fortbendtheatre.com.

2nd

Saturday, 9 –11 am Saturday with the Master Gardeners Visit the demonstration gardens and talk to the volunteers who design and maintain them. Park at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg and take one of the sidewalks back behind the building. Visit www.fbmg.com.

2nd

Saturday, 11 am Make a Mini Scrapbook Album Crafting beginners interested in scrapbooking can attend Tag, You’re It: Mini-Scrapbook Albums at the Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville. Learn how to make mini-scrapbook albums with tags that are attached with a ribbon or a ring. The program is free and open to the public.

Call 979-793-4270 or 281-341-2677.

3rd

All cars, trucks, motorcycles and antique tractors are invited to join. Entry costs $25 at the gate. All car show entries will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag. Proceeds benefit the Sons of the American Legion Scholarship Fund. The Craft Show, food and drinks are located inside the hall at the American Legion Hall, 4520 Hwy 36, near the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg.

Visit www.summerjamcarshow.com.

magazine • June 2012

9th & 23rd

Saturday, 2 – 4 pm Free Movie Matinee See a variety of family films at the First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Showing on June 9th is a rated PG animated movie, directed

by Steven Spielberg, based on a popular series of books written by Hergé about a fearless young reporter and his canine side-kick, Snowy. On June 23rd watch a rated PG family drama based on the reallife story of a dolphin named Winter, who lost its tail after being caught in a crab trap. Refreshments will be available.

Call 281-238-2800.

9th – 30th

Monday – Friday, 10 am Saturdays & Sundays, 3 pm Fort Bend Theatre Performs Pinkalicious

Sunday, 9 am 14th Annual Summer Jam Car and Craft Show

fort bend

Enjoy the free matinees at the Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville. On June 8th, see a rated PG 1962 musical comedy starring Elvis Presley, Angela Lansbury and Joan Blackman about a soldier returning to his Hawaiian home. On June 22nd, watch a rated PG13 romantic comedy starring Kristen Bell, Will Arnett, Josh Duhamel, and Anjelica Huston about an ambitious New Yorker who is hopelessly unlucky in love.

Call 979-793-4270.

68

Despite warnings from her parents, Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes! Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. Join award winning Fort Bend Theatre, 2815 N Main St. in Stafford, for this off Broadway hit. Tickets for adults and children are $8. Purchase tickets at www.fortbendtheatre.com.

Send your events via www.FortBendFocus.com.

Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication.

All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

www.fortbendfocus.com

12th & 20th

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS

On Saturday, June 16th, join the Downtown Merchants of Rosenberg for Czech Heritage Day. Pictured are Marcia & Bob Vogelsang at the 2011 event.

15th

16th

16th

Saturday, 10 am – 2:15 pm Free SAT Practice Test Take a free practice SAT test at the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. A follow-up strategy session will take place on June 23rd from 10 to 11 am. The test is three hours and 45 minutes long, and consists of three sections – Critical Reading, Writing, and Math. Students should bring two #2 pencils, and they may also bring a nongraphing calculator. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit www. fortbend.lib.tx.us and click on “Calendar” to find the program. Call 281-341-2604.

Send Your Event

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Find out if you can perform in a full scale professional musical as Annie or her orphan friends at the renowned Miller Outdoor Theatre. Auditions on May 12th are at the Sugar Land Methodist Hospital Community Room,16655 Southwest Freeway. On May 20th, auditions will take place at the Fort Bend Theatre, 2815 North Main Street in Stafford. Auditioners should bring sheet music or a karaoke CD and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a headshot or recent photo and a resume. Call 281-208-3333.

Chat about health issues that are of concern to caregivers: health, general wellness, keeping appointments, taking a break, not feeling guilty and more. To join, visit www.tweetchat.com, sign in with your Twitter credentials and enter this hastag: #CARENOV or go directly to http://tweetchat.com/room/carenov.

Visit www.carenovate.com.

CALENDAR

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Tuesday, Noon – 3 pm Wednesday, 6 – 9 pm Fort Bend Theatre’s Annie Auditions

Friday, 7 pm Women & Caregivers Health – Twitter Chat Party

Community

Friday, June 1 7:30 – 9:30 pm Giving Spirits Concert Series Saturday, June 2 & 30 7:30 – 9:30 pm Music in the Plaza Friday, June 8 & 15 7:30 – 9:30 pm Music in the Plaza Saturday, June 9 7 – 9:30 pm Sugar Land Superstar presented by David Taylor Cadillac

Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm Czech Heritage Day Come to Downtown Rosenberg and enjoy Cary Oswald & The Lazy Farmers Polka Band, the Texas Sound Czech Band, local polka dancers, participate in the kolache baking contest, visit displays of Czech goods by the Czech Heritage Society and check out specials from the Downtown Merchants. Visit www.RosenbergEvents.com.

18th

Monday, 10:30 am – 6:30 pm The Arc of Fort Bend Golf Classic Held at Weston Lakes Country Club, 32611 FM 1093 in Fulshear, this annual classic, sponsored by Classic Chevrolet - Sugar Land, features 18 holes of golf, barbeque, and a live auction. Proceeds will fund a variety of programs and services offered by The Arc. Visit www.arcoffortbend.org.

Saturday, June 16 8:30 – 10:30 pm Movie Under The Moon Sponsored

by Stadia Sports Grill Friday, June 22 7:30 – 9:30 pm Opry in the Square Saturday, June 23 7:30 – 9:30 pm Paradise on the Plaza Friday, June 29 7:30 – 9 pm Dancing Under The Stars

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

ONGOING EVENTS

21st

Thursday, 7 – 8 pm Master Gardeners Program

Thursdays, 4 – 7 PM Urban Harvest Farmers Market

Hear Mary Anne Weber from the Audubon Society present Birds in the City at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg. Call 281-341-7068.

Fridays, 9 – 11 AM Fitness in the Plaza

www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

69

High School HOT SHOT

By Lauren Dante

Farrah Bara: Poised to Succeed

I

f one were to meet Farrah outside of school, it would seem impossible that she is only a senior in high school. As she finishes her senior year at Foster, Farrah is well prepared for college courses and even more prepared for life after college. Her extracurricular activities have given her the skills that she needs to be successful in almost every facet of her adult life.

Shortly after talking with Farrah, it becomes evident that her knowledge of domestic issues, and her philosophical reasoning skills are more advanced than most adults.

As a four-year member of the Speech and Debate Team at school, Farrah has a vast amount of knowledge pertaining to both domestic and foreign issues and the talent to present her argument in a fair and distinct manner. When she joined the team as a freshman, Farrah didn’t know how much she was going to learn. “Speech and Debate has taught me so much from how to interact with people to quick memorization techniques to current events,” said Farrah. “It is a huge part of my life and has played a role in developing my future goals.” Farrah participates in multiple Speech and Debate contests, such as Extemporaneous Speaking, Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Public Forum, and she excels in them all.

Her favorite contest is Extemporaneous Speaking, and she hopes to win state this year at UIL in this contest.

In Extemporaneous Speaking, Farrah is presented with a topic relating to either domestic or foreign affairs and has thirty minutes to prepare a seven minute speech using articles that she has previously read and organized.

The goal of Extemporaneous Speaking is to be organized in how you pres-

Farrah

ent your thoughts, be persuasive and articulate. “Extemporaneous contestants kill forests,” said Farrah. “We literally print out every article that might be useful in some way, and we have subscriptions to multiple publications.”

Farrah knows what it takes to win at tournaments, even if that means killing a few forests, and she is willing to go the extra mile. Farrah won Regionals this year in Extemporaneous Speaking for UIL. Last year, she placed third in State, and was the only junior and female at UIL State in the category. In addition, Farrah qualified for the State Championship for the Texas Forensic Association in both Domestic Extemporaneous and Public Forum.

Her success at these tournaments made her a natural fit for the position of Debate Team Captain for her junior and senior year. Farrah strives to make her team the best. This summer, she will be running a Debate Camp at Foster to improve the younger teens basic debate skills. She will review how to present cases, information on the Lincoln-Douglas debate and other aspects to help make them successful.

In addition to being Debate Team

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Captain, Farrah is also the President of the French Club, created the Creative Writing Club and is a member of National Honor Society. Farrah decided to start a French Club last year as a junior and has been the President both her junior and senior year. In eighth grade, Farrah began taking French classes and loved learning and speaking the language. “I wanted to start the French Club because I spent so much time learning the French language and culture that I wanted to share it with someone,” said Farrah. “France is a unique country, and I wanted to share it with others who may also find it interesting.” Eventually, Farrah would like to be fluent in French, but for now, she enjoys exploring her boundaries with the English language through the Creative Writing Club.

Last year, Farrah also created the Creative Writing Club. She took Creative Writing as a class and really enjoyed being able to write without structure. So, she decided to form the club. Members of the club critique each other’s stories and switch up story lines from common stories to make them more interesting.

Throughout high school, Farrah has been an A Honor Roll student, and she is ranked #10 in her class. She is looking forward to attending the University of Texas in Austin and double majoring in Economics and International Relations. Her participation in debate sparked her interest in economics and foreign affairs and has undoubtedly played a major role in her success in school. Farrah is a poised, articulate and confident young adult who is able to express her thoughts in an organized and meaningful manner. We wish her luck and know that she will be successful in whatever she does. H

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Jesse Rice

Congratulations to Jesse Rice, a senior at Fort Bend Christian Academy High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for June! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Jesse’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, French Honor Society and he currently serves as captain of the Varsity Basketball team. This multi-talented student was selected to be on the Academic Team and qualified for the State Art Competition, placing 4th with his entry entitled Energy OverRide. He was also awarded the French Academic Excellence Award and was selected by Rotary Club of Houston to attend Camp Enterprise for students who are interested in becoming involved in business. Jesse was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

www.fortbend

.com • June 2012

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Fort Bend Kids ChalkBoard The published photos came from Press Releases submitted to Fort Bend Focus by the schools/organizations of these children.

Please Note : Submitted news must include complete captions, including names, to be considered for publishing.

Congratulations to Briscoe Junior High 8th grader Bronson Teles! Bronson is a National winner in the 2012 Do the Write Thing Challenge and will serve as a National Ambassador for Houston/ Harris County. Pictured are English teacher Lisa Mays, Do the Write Thing National Ambassador Bronson Teles and principal Mike Semmler.

Hightower student Neerja Aggarwal and Travis student Sydney Hodges will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall. They are two of the three FBISD Seniors headed to M.I.T., which accepted a record low of less then 9% of all applicants this year. Neerja plans to participate in theatre and Sydney will swim for the varsity team. Hard work, discipline, and focus have paid off for these two!

The Dance Works Majestics preteen dance team won the first place Prop and Applause Award for creativity and originality at nationals! They also performed May 11th at the Sugar Land Skeeters game. Front row: Alaina Self, Madeleine Nytes, Erin Garcia, Wryn Nowak, Kendall Clark, Maya Vazquez and Erika Schulz.

Second row: Reagan Nunn, Cameron Haas, Katie Pleus, Haley Perry, Grace Tannous, Melissa Lopez, Joelle Sokoloff, Maria Maldonado and Elizabeth Stech.

Third row: Danielle Yaffie, Hannah King, Allison Kosley, Kendall Zwang, Rendon Reinarz, Rachel Rys, Spenser Camp and Chloe Feller. Back row: Natalie Collins.

Lamar Consolidated High School senior Ashtin Calvin is one of only 1,000 students in the United States to win a Gates Millennium Scholarship.

The program chooses 1,000 students every year and funds their entire college career. Calvin is considering Baylor University in Waco or Howard University in Washington, D.C. She plans to major in accounting. fort bend

Fort Bend Christian Academy is pleased to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2012. Valedictorian Nathan Christopher Wong (above) will attend the University of Texas and is planning a double major in Philosophy and Physics.

Salutatorian Jeremiah Baker (left) will attend Texas A&M University, majoring in Chemical Engineering. magazine • June 2012

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Rob Bamford Named General Manager at Cross Creek Ranch Rob Bamford, who has developed multiple, award-winning communities spanning more than 73,000 home sites, has been named General Manager of the west Houston master-planned community, Cross Creek Ranch.

A project of Johnson Development Corporation, Cross Creek Ranch ranked as one of the top 20 best-selling masterplanned communities in the United Rob Bamford States in 2011. Most recently, the community was recognized as Houston’s 2012 Master Planned Community of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association.

A veteran of more than 30 years of single-family land development, Bamford joins Cross Creek Ranch after serving as General Manager for Grand Lakes, the 1,250-acre west Houston master-planned community by Trendmaker Homes and a Gold Award Winner for Best Large Community in the National Association of Home Builders “Best of American Living” Competition.

“Rob is an impressive development professional with a deep understanding of the west Houston market,” says Doug Goff, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Johnson Development.

Bamford joined Trendmaker Homes and Development in 1992 as a Project Manager where he was responsible for all residential development activities in the company’s Houston portfolio. He launched his residential development career in 1983 with EDEN Corporation, the land development subsidiary of General Homes Corporation.

“This is an exciting time for Cross Creek Ranch,” says Bamford. “The foundation has been laid for a great community.”

Residents in Cross Creek Ranch enjoy resort-style amenities including the Cross Creek Water Park, a large resortstyle swimming pool with a 200-foot water slide, a wading pool and spray park. Cross Creek Ranch also is home to miles of hike-and-bike trails, a fitness center and sports complex with tennis courts, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playgrounds for all ages. H

www.fortbend

Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2012: Carol Edwards, Fort Bend Family Health Care; Casey Davis, Child Advocates of Fort Bend; Craig Kalkomey, Jones & Carter; Cindy Rush, Richmond Police Department; Jake Messinger, Alpha Medix, LP, dba Portmasters.com; Greg Gremminger, Elge, Inc.; Allison Mensik, NRG Energy; Patrick Sexton, Legacy Ford; Brian White, EE Reed Construction; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Gilbert Limones, First Victoria National Bank; Angie Wierzbicki, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Mark Foltz, Bug-A-Bug; Sherry Robinson, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office; Chuck Bucek, Whitney Penn; Melissa Martin, GarciaMartin & Martin; Nick Landoski, Fort Bend Toyota; Martin Gyamfi, Rejoice Air; Carla Freeman, Mitchell & Duff, Attorneys at Law; Wes Witting, Fort Bend County’s DA’s Office, and Natalie Sarfin, Fort Bend County DA’s Office.

Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2012 Graduates The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2012 graduated at a recent ceremony at Columbia Lakes Resort in West Columbia.

The nine-month program, which is produced by the Chamber staff, volunteer Co-Chairs Lois Gremminger and Billy Teague and graduates from the previous year’s class, is designed for those seeking to learn more about their county, foster relationships and to find out what it takes to advance in their careers and community involvement. Leadership Fort Bend was started in 1986 by Jeff Council, Fort Bend County Treasurer, and his wife Ann. The Class of 2012 completed an Opening Retreat at Camp Allen Conference and Retreat Center in Navasota, sessions on Infrastructure, Education, City and County Government, Judicial System, State Government, Fort Bend County History and Diversity, Health and Social Services and the Closing Retreat.

First Victoria National Bank’s Gilbert Limones was voted by his peers as Leader of the Year. Limones maintains a high level of participation with Chamber programs. In 2011, he served as Chairman of the Hispanic Business Division, was named to the Chamber’s Board of Directors and was also voted the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.

Class of 2012 graduates are: Chuck Bucek, Casey Davis, Carol Edwards, Carla Freeman, Mark Foltz, Greg Gremminger, Martin Gyamfi, Craig Kalkomey, Nick Landoski, Gilbert Limones, Melissa Martin, Lisa Matthews, Allison Mensik, Jake Messinger, Sherry Robinson, Cindy Rush, Natalie Sarfin, Patrick Sexton, Brian White, Angie Wierzbicki and Wes Wittig.

The Chamber is already receiving applications for the Class of 2013. For more information about the program, visit the Chamber’s website at www.CFBCA.org or contact Jeremy Heath at 281342-5464 or jheath@CFBCA.org. H .com • June 2012

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M edical F ocus Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Wins Statewide Quality Award Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been named a Silver Award winner in the 2012 Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Awards, which recognizes hospitals for demonstrating excellence in achieving national quality measures.

The Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Awards were established by the Austin-based Texas Medical Foundation Quality Institute, in concert with the Texas Hospital Association, the Texas Medical Association and other leading state-wide health care organizations. The awards acknowledge hospitals for improving care in four critical clinical areas: heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. These clinical areas have been designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission – the nation’s predominant health care standards-setting and accrediting body.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was one of just 120 Texas hospitals to receive the award. “This is a tremendous honor for all of us here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and a real testament to the dedication of our phy-

sicians, nurses and support staff to ensure that all of our patients receive the highest possible quality of care,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Improving patient outcomes through benchmarking and the implementation of best practices is an ongoing priority for us and we are proud to be recognized for those efforts.”

To earn the Silver Award, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital demonstrated significant improvement on all 27 of

the key quality indicators included in a composite scoring system called the Appropriate Care Measure (ACM). These quality indicators cover a wide range of activities related to the four key clinical areas, including the types of medications prescribed, the types and timing of procedures performed and patient education efforts.

For more information about Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com, or call (281) 2747500 for a physician referral. H

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Quality Award Team: Brooke Taylor, Tosha Vaughn, Cindy McCauley, Diane McGraw, Janet Leatherwood, Becky Chalupa and Ann Prather.

Memorial Hermann Hospitals Named Among the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters Six Memorial Hermann hospitals recently earned the distinguished recognition of being named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.

This is the fourth time Memorial Hermann Northwest, Memorial Hermann Southeast, Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospitals have been recognized with this honor. Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital have made the list two times. Addition-

ally, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital have been recognized in the past.

“Protecting the health and safety of all of our patients, visitors, and staff is not a goal - it’s our core value and culture,” said M. Michael Shabot, M.D., System Chief Medical Officer for Memorial Hermann.

“The culture of a high reliability organization is 100% performance on quality measures, zero safety incidents and excellent patient outcomes. These six hospitals, their physicians and staffs earned this award by practicing high reliability, evidence-based care and achieving great fort bend

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measured results. Avoidance of hospital acquired infections and near perfect performance on all state and federal quality measures has yielded tremendous benefits for our patients.

“Unlike some other awards, Thomson Reuters does not provide ‘reputational’ recognition, but one that is earned based on transparent information available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare and other public data sources, including outcomes,” Dr. Shabot continued. “Knowing this should assure families that when their loved ones are admitted to a Memorial Hermann hospital, they will receive

high quality care from a nationally recognized hospital.”

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals® study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. The study has been conducted annually since 1993.

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Thomson Reuters researchers evaluated 2,886 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public information — Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website. Hospitals do not apply, and winners do not pay to market this honor.

“This year, the concentration of 100 Top Hospitals award winners has shifted significantly, with Texas, Florida, and California housing the most winners,” said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president at Thomson Reuters. “A major change in performance geographically is an encouraging indication that the bar for quality care has been raised once again.”

Based on comparisons between the study winners and a peer group of similar high-volume hospitals that were not winners found that if all hospitals performed at the level of this year’s winners: • More than 186,000 additional lives could be saved.

• Approximately 56,000 additional patients could be complication-free.

• More than $4.3 billion could be saved.

• The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day.

Thomson Reuters based the analysis on the Medicare patients included in the study. If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact would be even greater.

More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at www.100tophospitals.com. For more information on Memorial Hermann, call 713.222.CARE (2273) or visit www. memorialhermann.org. H

Doctors Perform First Robotic Cystectomy at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

John Boon, M.D. and Henry Pham, M.D. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to announce that Drs. Henry Pham and John Boon are now performing minimally invasive surgery that minimizes the chances of the common complications associated with major surgery for bladder cancer treatment.

Advantages of using the surgical robot for bladder cancer are less blood loss, less adhesions (internal scaring), less pain and cosmetic improvements.

Using the da Vinci® S Surgical System, Dr. Pham and Dr. Boon, urologists on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, performed the first robotic cystectomy in Fort Bend County. With the robot, Dr. Pham and Dr. Boon are able to remove part of the bladder or the entire bladder using tiny incisions, leaving the healthy tissue undisturbed.

“A da Vinci cystectomy is comparable to the traditional open approach in terms of cancer control, but with minimal recovery time,” said Dr. Pham.

Just as with open surgery, after the bladder is removed the surgeon will create a new path for the urine to be stored and leave the body.

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comfort and less need for pain medication. All of this is possible with the state-of-the-art technology that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital provides for our community.

“Our Robotics Surgical Program complements our goal of extending minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients,” said Becky Chalupa, Associate Chief Nursing Officer. “The da Vinci® S Surgical System can be used for a multitude of procedures, including, but not limited to: prostatectomy (removal of the prostate), nephrectomy (removal of the kidney), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids), coronary artery bypass, mitral valve repair and colorectal surgery.”

“The robotics program is a continuation of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s commitment to bringing the services of the medical center home to Fort Bend County, as well as finding and applying the most precise, most beneficial surgical techniques to put patients on a quicker road to recovery with better outcomes,” said Dr. Pham.

To make an appointment with Dr. Boon, Dr. Pham or other specialists using robotics technology, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand.com. H

M edical F ocus Sunscreen Rules: Changes Simplify Label Language UT MD Anderson Experts Comment on Biggest Upcoming FDA Sunscreen Changes

Sunscreen labels can be confusing and at times, misleading. That’s why dermatologists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center applaud the upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label changes that help consumers understand exactly what they’re buying.

“This is good news because choosing the right sunscreen — and applying it correctly — can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer,” said Carol Drucker, M.D., associate professor in MD Anderson’s Department of Dermatology.

Starting in June, sunscreen makers will be required to use labels with simpler language. Listed below are the biggest changes consumers can expect to see.

Labels Force Manufacturers to be Honest Here’s what the new sunscreen labels must — and must not — tell consumers: Sunblocks: No product completely shields users from the sun. So, sunscreens won’t be labeled as “sunblock” anymore.

SPF Level: A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more means a product lowers the risk of skin cancer and aging. Not so for SPFs from 2 to 14; they only help prevent sunburn at best.

Sunscreen labels will have to be clear about how much SPF they provide — and whether they actually curb a person’s risk of skin cancer and aging, or just help prevent sunburns.

Broad Spectrum: To be labeled “broad spectrum,” sunscreens must provide equal protection against the sun’s two types of radiation: UVB and UVA. Both types can lead to cancer.

UVA causes more wrinkles; UVB causes sunburns.

“Waterproof” and “sweatproof” claims will disappear: Sunscreens can only say how long they offer water resistant protection. And, they’ve got to back up these promises with test results.

Instant protection: Sunscreens can’t say they provide “instant protection” or protect skin for more than two hours unless the FDA approves these claims for the specific sunscreen in question.

Choose sunscreen by preference and apply it liberally and often. “Even after these changes go into effect, the single most important factor in picking a sunscreen is finding one you like. Sunscreen comes in creams, lotions, sprays, gels, wax sticks and wipes,” Drucker said. “If you buy one with a texture you like, you’ll use it more often.”

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For safe fun in the sun, Drucker recommends using sunscreen that: • Provides SPF 30 or higher • Has broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) • Is water-resistant • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.

And, be sure to reapply liberally every two hours.

“To really protect your skin, you should apply one ounce of sunscreen — the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun,” Drucker said. “That includes your ears, feet and back of the neck.”

For additional tips on sun-safety and skin cancer prevention, visit www. mdanderson.org/focused. For more information about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in your community, visit MDAnderson.org. H

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June 2012 Winner “Light in the Canyon”

By Carrie Claffey Congratulations Carrie, 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 Norma @ 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 Michael@ FortBendFocus.com. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”. www.fortbend

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FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide Accounting & Bookkeeping Books With Integrity 281-978-6916 www.bookswithintegrity.net Sandra@bookswithintegrity.net Assisting small businesses with bookkeeping & payroll. Services range from onsite training to fullcharge bookkeeping. Have your receipts or Excel data turned it into a valuable resource for your business. Already have a set of books? We can ensure they are set up properly. Using QuickBooks?

Let us assist you with utilizing all the software features available to optimize your bookkeeping process. We provide accuracy, professionalism & enthusiasm, allowing you to focus on big-picture issues. (07/2012)

Children Sports/Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer GYMTEX Gymnastics & Cheerleading Inc 832-876-9888 www.GymtexGym.com gymtex@gmail.com One free morning gymnastics class for new students 10 months to 5 years old. Call to reserve a spot! Ten

years in Fort Bend has allowed GYMTEX to provide families with children ages 3 to 18 quality gymnastics and cheerleading training in a safe, fun and clean environment. Not only does GYMTEX produce state champions, but they build your child’s character! Take advantage of Olympic caliber gymnastics equipment, an indoor rock wall, rope-net climbs, 40 foot trampoline and a giant foam block pit and more! Change your child’s life today with classes at GYMTEX and produce a champion for life! (06/2012)

Estate Planning and Probate Andreason Law Firm 281-265-1561 www.andreasonlawfirm.com kurtandreason@andreasonlawfirm.com With over 25 years experience in Texas, Kurt M. Andreason can meet your estate planning needs with everything from basic wills and disability planning documents to sophisticated estate planning strategies, including family limited partnerships, life insurance trusts and other recognized methods of estate tax reduction. Convenient Sugar Land location. Handicap Accessible. Board Certified in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate. Listed over 10 years in Best Lawyers in America. (11/2010)

Finance/Wealth Management Hardee Investment Group 713-853-0879 www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com HardeeInvestmentGroup@rbc.com With over 85 years of collective experience, the Hardee Investment Group is your ultimate financial planning resource. Our team is comprised, of five diversified professionals, working primarily with family wealth and businesses up to $100 million. Our Group has been awarded national recognition by RBC Wealth Management, the National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices, the Houston Business Journal and Barron’s, a sister publication to the Wall Street Journal, for our award winning service and advice. (10/2011)

Jewelry J Loggins Jewelers 281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com For all of your jewelry needs. Come view a large selection of beautiful pieces by various designers. Expertise in original design and construction with an emphasis on providing the best in quality

a time to REMEMBER 2012 Fort Bend Independent School District Graduates You’ve worked hard to get to this point. The place where you feel as if your life might really begin.

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FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide and value sets J Loggins Jewelers apart from all of the rest. Take advantage of the wide array of services including simple solders, repairs in all precious metals, repairs of some fashion and base metals, heirloom restorations, makeovers, engraving, watch battery replacement, restringing and appraisals. (05/2012)

Pediatrics MedCare Pediatric Group, LP 713-995-9292 www.medcarepediatrics.com info@medcarepediatrics.com MedCare has been providing quality healthcare services to area families since 1991. Our mission is to enhance the lives of children, and our dedicated team carries out this vision with the utmost care & compassion. In addition to our caring team, MedCare reaches out to families in the community through our non-profit foundation, MedCare Milestones. Our MedCare services include Home Health Nursing & Therapy, and 3 Outpatient Rehab facilities located in Stafford, Northshore, & Spring. (01/2013)

Resale Shops

Pest Control/Exterminator Integrated Pest Management Inc. 281-341-1761 • Fax 832-451-1949 www.Integrated-pest.com ipmi@comcast.net Locally owned and operated servicing Fort Bend County for 29 years, Integrated Pest Management’s knowledge and friendly staff can answer all of your pest questions. A convenient retail store located on Hwy. 90 next to the Women’s Center retail store, we are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Stop by to check out our collection of snakes, exotic bugs and rodents. Save money by purchasing the materials yourself and let us educate you on how to apply them. Better yet, let us do the job for you. Thanks, Bob, Frank, Shirley, Daniel and Phil. (04/2013)

DID WE GET YOUR ATTENTION? Then call 281-690-4242 to have your business listed here.

PennyWise Resale Centers Benefitting Fort Bend County Women’s Center 281-344-5770 www.fortbendwomenscenter.org Are your closets and home overfilled with unwanted, usable items? Declutter your home and donate your lightly used home furniture, housewares, clothing, appliances, computers and electronics, shoes and jewelry. We accept everything from jeans to wedding gowns and designer wear.

PennyWise Resale stores (Richmond, Stafford and Mission Bend) depend on the community’s generous donations, and all proceeds assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children. Shop for unbelievable savings. (09/2011)

To advertise, go to www.fortbendfocus.com and click on “Focus Favorites.”

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

Living the Sweet Life:

The Work of Men

shined. He, having come from a family with like standards, grew up understanding the importance of being a man. Rich and to, in God’s eyes, act as one flesh. t’s father’s day. A time when I think in the ability to make a joke and pass The example they set forth in discipline back to the men in my life who along the positive goes far in a home with both to their children, reared me, and the gratitude that I a driven and serious as well as to the unexfeel towards them for having done such a female. (I will not pected rearing of me great job. I was fortunate enough to have point any fingers! and my siblings, was several wonderful men around me, guidLOL) He has the consistent and fair. By ing me and setting the examples of what ability to diffuse any their example, they situation that may to look for one day in a spouse and a faset high standards of come our way with ther to my children. The importance of a what marriage means a witty and always father can never be underestimated, and and how to rear chilwell thought out the relationship between a father and a dren together, stanstatement that perdaughter sets the stage for choices she dards that Brian I fectly sums up the iswill make inevitably affecting her life and are influenced by and sue while bringing it the quality of life for her children. Serious carry on today. Kind back down to reality. business, I’d say, is the work of men.

Brian and Victoria Ann. words and fairness is (I have no idea what My pastor, a gentle, soft spoken man, the work of men. you are saying when was able to convey to me comfort and My daddy was a very smart man. He you think I’m overreacting!) He and I compassion in the wake of my mother’s healed his patients and made so many are challenged daily now with parenting passing. He held my hand, and we walked happy with the birth of new life. He was a a teen and a soon to be one in possibly the through the steps to being baptized at the very responsible and well-respected man most dangerous time in our history with tender age of 13. He had watched me grow and had stood by me each Sunday checkin our community. When I wanted to do social media. What was once a task of ing in to make sure I was healing in grace. something, be it dance or play an instrujust paying attention to ones schools and He met with Brian and I much later as we ment, he did everything in his power to friends is now a world full of danger. He all prepared for the important decision to provide those extras and support my always manages to get down to the busimarry and spoke to us saying, “Be careachievements. He demanded excellence ness of what this is really all about, and ful what you each say to in all that he pursued, in doing so, he calms us all. Humor and one another in a fit and as he was top in his perspective is the work of men. of anger. Your words field and well-known I’d say it takes knowing a great man are your swords and in our community, he to be able to emulate him and for all those even the most heartsaw success embodied little girls to be able to find one someday. felt apologies canin the achievement of There is surely more to being a father not take back things ones goals and the acthan meets the eye. The importance of you say.” Brian and knowledgement from their roles in the lives of us all cannot I have been married the community as a even be measured. I adored the men in this year for 22 years. measure of such. I my life as a child. Each one of these imWe rarely have a fight learned as I became portant men made an impression on me these days, having successful just how that had lasting effects for who I would all of our kinks, as it much of my father become, how I would be viewed, and what rd.

Brian and James Edwa were, worked out in runs through my kind of children I would rear. I am gratethe first few years, but we always rememveins. The spirit of his desire to be excelful for the wisdom and compassion...the ber what Mr. Larrimore said. Wise words lent is rich and very much alive in me. The kindness and the fairness...the example example that I set forth in our community and compassion is the work of men. of success and measurement of such...and to give back and be the best that I can be My grandfather was a sweet man. He through it all, the ability to laugh and is a measure in my mind of my own sucadored my grandmother so and with evhave perspective. cesses. Responsibility and achievement is ery breath, he wanted to please her and Happy Father’s Day! the work of men. to make sure she was happy. I watched My Brian has had the grand task from them act together as a whole, neither one Take care of YOU! the moment we became one to live up to of them willing to cross the other. They high standards, and through it all, he has exemplified what it meant to be married

I

fort bend

magazine • June 2012

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