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

OCTOBER 2012

Gail Parker

Winning the Battle

Inside • Fall Into The Season • The Rocket Returns to the Mound • FaBOOlicious Halloween Treats

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the Cure

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fort bend

magazine • October 2012

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WE PUT OUR HEART INTO CARING FOR YOURS.

You expect quality care from a hospital within the St. Luke’s family. And at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, we offer an array of cardiac services including: Diagnostic testing n Nuclear cardiology n

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We’re backed by the name you know and trust, right here in your neighborhood.

Stop in today to discover all that St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital has to offer.

StLukesSugarLand.com generated at BeQRious.com

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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COVER STORY October 2012

14 Breast Cancer Survivor Gail Parker

Excellent medical care from Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Breast Center and a sheer will to survive has made Gail Parker’s story of survival an inspiration to others.

Gail Parker.

FEATURES 21 Focus on the Cure

From detection to recovery and even breast reconstruction surgery, this section offers vital information every woman needs in breast cancer education.

28 Defying the Odds: Living with Stage Four Breast Cancer

Since being diagnosed in 1994 with stage one breast cancer, Allyson Stephens attributes her strong faith in God and excellent medical care to her survival.

38 Roger Clemens: The Rocket Returns to the Mound

Clemens’ time with the Skeeters left a lasting impression on Sugar Land.

46 FaBOOlicious Halloween Treats

Make parties go off with a scream with some of these ideas.

fort bend

50 What Are You Afraid Of?

As Halloween approaches, learn how to help your child banish fears and retain the fun.

52 Revamp Your Home Décor with Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come back, this time in great colors and patterns to bring life to your rooms.

60 Cobalt Blue

The new “it” color gives us nothing but a pure, intense, true color.

62 Halloween: Beyond the Candy

Halloween provides the perfect opportunity for kids to get involved in the community.

66 Fall Into the Season

Transition your home from summer to autumn décor by using items found around your home and at craft stores and garage sales.

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www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

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CONTRIBUTORS

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O C T O B E R

2 0 1 2

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IN EVERY ISSUE 20 Focus on Health Breast Cancer – What you don’t know.

30 Seen on the Scene Photos form Fort Bend County charitable events.

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

36 Film Review Nick Nicholson reviews Taken 2.

40 Scrapbook A few snapshot of people, places and happenings.

44 Focus on Finance Times are changing in the world of financial planning.

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Meet this month’s recipient on page 73!

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

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76 Community Calendar Fun events the whole family can enjoy.

46

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

50

79 Focus Favorites Looking for a service provider?

Find one here!

80 The Sweet Life Alisa’s great expectations.

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54 Focus Cares Kira Halcarz helps families in need.

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

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

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72 High School Hot Shot Chris Sabbagh: Colossal volunteer, leader and student.

ON THE COVER:

Gail Parker.

Photo by Nesossi Studios.

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magazine • October 2012

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Linda K. Eaves Freelance Writer Pages 14 & 28 Dr. Peter Osborne Town Center Wellness Page 20 Nick Nicholson Entertainment Editor Page 36 Brian Simmons Freelance Writer Page 38 Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 44 Stephenie Cox absolutely! Memorial Page 46 Jennifer Elliott absolutely! Memorial Page 50 Laura Bates Sunny Road Interiors Page 52 Whitney Hensler Freelance Writer Page 54 Kelly Nolan Simply Divine Interiors Page 60 Sophia Vassiliou Sophia Designs Page 66 Lauren Dante Freelance Writer Pages 72 Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

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.

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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

P

ublisher’s Preview

www.fortbendfocus.com

October 2012 Vol. 8 No. 12 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477

Hello Fort Bend Friends, Whew! The 5th anniversary of Fort Bend Focus Magazine Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend has come to a close, and we will share the big event in our November issue.

Be on the lookout for that spectacular issue with all of the great pictures.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we want to bring to your attention the importance of early detection.

It is vital that you keep up with your self examinations as well as your annual mammographies. Too many women let that go while they take care of everyone else. Well, you can’t take care of anybody if you’re not here! I beg you, ladies, please schedule your mammogram, and take care of yourself.

Our cover story focuses on Gail Parker; she is a great example of a true success story.

Because she was diligent about getting mammograms and self examinations, Gail, along with the wonderful, capable staff of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, saved her life. Get an inside look at the journey Gail underwent to win her battle. We are so proud of her, and I know her story will help save other lives.

Temperatures are dropping, and it’s becoming fallish. Focus has gathered some interesting fall home ideas beginning on page 52 to help you get your home ready for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons. And, what better way to get your home ready than with delicious treats? FaBOOlicious Halloween Treats on page 46 will give you some fantastic ideas for your Halloween get-togethers. Have fun with those, yum!

FOCUS

Cure o n

t h e

Stay Focused!

Lisa Fredrickson Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com Michael@Fortbendfocus.com

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 Susie Ainsworth Bob Crosier Melissa Huckabee Michelle Moore Henry Pineda, Jr. Naomi Smith Contributors Laura Bates Stephenie Cox Lauren Dante Linda K. Eaves Jennifer Elliott Will Hardee Whitney Hensler Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Kelly Nolan Dr. Peter Osborne Brian Simmons Sophia Vassiliou Art Director Grace Belleza

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

Art & Production Consultant Joey Belleza Graphic Designer Elizabeth Pace Communications Coordinator Sarah Greeson

READER FEEDBACK We Love “Real Weddings” Back to work and so happy to know that our clients, Marshall and Theresa were featured in the June 2012 issue of Fort Bend Focus magazine. Here is a link to the magazine - issuu.com/fortbendfocusmagazine/docs/ june2012focus. Please check it on page 22.

Happy Reader I love staying in touch with what’s happening in the community. We just moved from Katy to Richmond and I enjoy the Focus magazine very much.

Thank you, Mary Gage magazine • October 2012

Web Designer Joey Belleza (JOBpagegraphics.com) Photographers Alisa Murray Photography Nesossi Studios

Billie Roche Photography

fort bend

Administrative Director Erin Sanders

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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

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You’re Invited!

Come celebrate the November Grand Opening of Sugar Land Face and Body’s New Building!

Win a Week in Paris Like us on Facebook for updates and for a chance to win this trip and over $20,000 in products and services.

For details on the event, visit www.beautybecomesyou.com or call 281.313.0555

Raffle Ticket Sales Benefiting Fort Bend Junior Service League

16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 150 • Sugar Land DR. ERIC HUMBLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Gail Parker

Receives Excellent Medical Care at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Bre st Center

G

COVER STORY

By Linda K. Eaves Photos by Nesossi Studios

ail Parker was diligent about having annual mammograms. There was no history of breast cancer in her family. Her mammogram on December 21st in 2009 was negative. Thirteen months later, about a week before her next mammogram, Gail felt the lump in her right breast. Though her mammograms seemed to have consistently revealed “heterogeneously dense tissue,” it isn’t known what caused her breast cancer.

“I was given the genetic test (BRCA analysis), which was negative. Approximately one year before my breast cancer diagnosis, I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma on my chin. This responded well to treatment and ‘disappeared.’ I asked my oncologist, Dr. Charles Conlon, if the breast cancer could have initiated with that small spot on my face, but that apparently was a completely separate incident,” Gail said.

Dr. Conlon said that determining what prompted the disease would be extremely difficult, although a high level of stress can certainly exacerbate the disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have indicated that stress can affect tumor growth and its spread, and scientists have also suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may in turn affect the growth of some tumors. “I took that information to heart and immediately set about changing my lifestyle in an attempt to eliminate stress factors!” shared Gail.

Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer entirely, early detection through mammography and other imaging technologies can mean the difference between life and death.

Diagnosis When Gail was diagnosed, she was not at all shocked. “From the moment I felt the lump, I had a very strong feeling that it was cancer. During the twoweek period beginning with the first examination, to the biopsy and phone call, I knew what the findings would be. That odd ‘sixth sense’ premonition I had experienced gave me plenty of time to process the information and gear up for the life-changing journey I was about to embark upon. Things happened very rapidly from that point forward, and in between further tests, a minor surgery, multiple doctor visits and my very demanding job, there wasn’t a lot of time to worry. Knowing how prevalent breast cancer is, it never occurred to me to ask, ‘why me?’”

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women occurred in 2011. “So I was not singled out, nor was I special,” said Gail.

“On the flip side, one piece of news that I didn’t expect was that all breast can-

Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 From 6 - 9 p.m.

Dr. Stephen Phillips Breast Radiologist

Dr. Kelly Dempsey Maria Socci, RN Breast Surgeon Breast Care Navigator

Dr. Sandra Templeton Breast Surgeon

Dr. Clive Shkedy Radiation Oncologist

P

retty in Pink is an exciting, free, family-fun community event that will be held at the Sugar Land Town Square. The event will feature something for everyone – pink fire truck, Radio London Band, activities for kids including a moonwalk, face painting, magician and balloon artists. After sundown, Town Square will be lit up in pink to honor all cancer survivors.

Pretty in Pink is a charity event that will benefit patients in the fight against cancer.

Advances in diagnostics and therapy have dramatically increased survival, but the high cost of treating and diagnosing cancer can place a significant financial strain on patients and families.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Fort Bend Junior Service League have partnered together with breast surgeons Sandra Templeton, M.D. and Kelly Dempsey, M.D., to hold this event, in which 100 percent of the donated proceeds will stay within the community to assist patients with personal costs associated with all types of cancer.

Attendees will also be able to sign their names on the famous Pink Fire Truck that travels across the country as a part of the “Pink Heals Tour” to help raise money to fight cancer.

Former Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance president Gail Parker, who is also a breast cancer survivor, will be the keynote speaker. Gail will discuss how being optimistic helped her stay positive during her breast cancer treatment.

A special thanks to the Pretty in Pink sponsors who have already helped raise more than $80,000 to date.

To donate, visit MethodistSugarLand.com and click on the pink button.

You can visit and sign the truck in honor or in memory of a loved one at the Pretty in Pink event. www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

15

Gail and Randy at the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

cers are not created equal. My breast cancer is rarer than most and a lot more aggressive.”

“I have infiltrating ductal cell carcinoma -- an invasive cancer that spread from where it started into surrounding breast tissue, and may then spread to other parts of my body. It’s a ‘Triple Negative’ breast cancer (negative for progesterone receptors, negative for estrogen receptors, and HER-2 negative).”

Gail’s breast surgeon, Dr. Sandra Templeton, uses dog breeds as an analogy for types of breast cancer.

Many are similar in nature to golden retrievers, which are on the most docile and manageable end of the spectrum. Gail’s cancer is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Like a pit bull, it’s the most aggressive, least manageable and hardest to treat. “It’s likely to return in a ‘distant’ location in my body; and if it does, in all probability, it will be incurable and will surface within the next four years,” explained Gail.

“Of all the news I have received in these past 18 months, that informa-

tion was the most difficult to swallow.

However, I choose life. I will continue to be vigilant, observant and a good patient.”

Gail had chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor. The prescribed chemotherapy and its side effects can vary drastically, depending on the type and stage of cancer. “I lost my hair, strength and stamina, had bouts of sickness and a serious dip in my white blood cell count. The chemo reduced the size of the tumor by about 50 percent, allowing for a successful procedure.

“I opted to have bilateral mastectomies even though the cancer was only detected on the right side. I had a procedure called ‘skin-sparing’ surgery and an immediate reconstruction.

“After my last surgery in June, I began an exercise program that includes walking, running, use of an elliptical machine, and free weights. Since I’m currently in remission, I know it’s important to use this time to regain my strength and stamina. Though I don’t plan on a recurrence, I want to be in ‘fightin’ form,’ just in case!”

Advice for Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer “It’s vital that women know their bodies and keep themselves informed.

Our doctors are highly educated and skilled; however, they still must de-

Gail and Randy with grandchildren Keira, Wesley, Ashlyn and Parker.

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Gail and Randy Parker with children Amanda, Aleshia, Chris and Aaron, three weeks before the lump was discovered.

pend on us for our observations. It’s important that we ask questions, no matter how inconsequential or trivial.

Nothing is insignificant if it causes concern or confusion,” said Gail.

“I kept copious notes about what was happening, and took photos of my changing self to document the process.

When I was scheduled for a new test, I Googled it to see what I should expect and what the test might reveal to my medical team. Always having that little ‘heads-up’ was reassuring.

“Though nothing can completely alleviate fear and worries, being proactive and positive can make the journey much more bearable. Laughing feels a lot better than crying! Never underestimate the power of prayer and support from family and friends. I think there is a lot of truth to the philosophy of creating one’s own destiny.

“My amazing, caring husband Randy is my chief supporter. The role of the caregiver in this type of illness is oftentimes as much or even more challenging than that of the patient. My burden was lessened one hundred-fold because of his compassion and dedication to my care.”

Thankfully, Gail had all of her medical care close to home and at one place.

All of her treatment and surgeries were completed at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, so she was able to avoid trav-

Molecular Breast Imaging Available Only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Breast Center Digital mammography revolutionized breast cancer screening with the ability to detect even the smallest tumors. Now, women with dense breast

Courtesy of Dr. Michael O’Connor, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN.

eling into the Medical Center and battling parking for every appointment.

Gail was taken care of by some of the best physicians in the country among the latest and greatest technology at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

tissue have access to technology that can identify tumors often not visible with digital mammography.

The Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in the greater Houston area to offer low-dose molecular breast imaging (MBI) as a secondary diagnostic tool for women with suspicious findings and difficultto-interpret mammograms. The LumaGEM™ Low Dose MBI is the first FDA-approved digital imaging system that uses proprietary breast imaging technology.

Forty percent of women who receive mammograms have dense tissue, and these women are five times more likely to develop breast cancer. However, mammograms are not as effective at detecting cancer in dense breasts.

Mammography uses x-ray technology, so the images of both tumors and dense breast tissue often appear white on the image.

Clinical studies show that MBI gives a clearer image of the lesions and is able to detect three times as many cancers in women with dense breast tissue. Plus, the amount of radiation is equivalent to digital screening mammography.

“We are excited to offer this new technology and to be the first in the area to do so,” said Dr. Stephen Phillips, Medical Director of the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

“Having played a key role in the

Photo comparison of mammography versus molecular breast imaging of a lesion in a patient with dense breast tissue.

clinical research of MBI, I am confident it will contribute to the general health and well-being of women.”

According to Phillips, mammography will continue to be the gold standard, but MBI gives this patient population an even stronger diagnostic tool. Installation of MBI and a fourth mammography unit adds to the extensive services already offered at the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Since opening in 2009, the Breast Center has continued to expand, linking women to the best care in the region.

As the first full-service center of its kind in Fort Bend County, patients benefit from the full continuum of care.

Patients can seamlessly undergo a mammogram and, if necessary, MBI, ultrasound and/or MRI under the same roof. Treatment, if needed, can begin immediately. Radiologists specializing in breast imaging and intervention supervise all diagnostic evaluations and if deemed necessary, perform imageguided core needle biopsies.

To schedule your mammogram, call 281-242-PINK (7465) or email MSLHBreastCenter@tmhs.org.

“I choose life. I will continue to be vigilant, observant and a good patient.” ~ Gail Parker

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.com • October 2012

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Gynecologic oncology services now in Sugar Land

T

he University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land has expanded its services to include treatments of various gynecologic and reproductive cancers. Michael Bevers, M.D., and Nicole Fleming, M.D., board-certified gynecologic oncologists, recently joined the team at the Regional Care Center in Sugar Land.

Bevers and Fleming will manage the diagnosis and surgical treatment of female patients with cancers of the reproductive organs, including uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers.

They will collaborate with a team of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, as well as nurses, dieticians, social workers and physical therapists all working together to provide customized care.

“MD Anderson is known for its team approach to fighting cancer, that’s why we want people to go there,” Fleming said.

“To provide this level of care in a convenient, local setting is attractive to patients and families.”

I see my relationship with a patient as a partnership. As in, ‘I listen to you and you listen to me because we are going through this together.’ I want patients to know they always have my support.

Michael W. Bevers, M.D., Gynecologic Oncologist

Board-certified gynecologic oncologists Michael Bevers, M.D., and Nicole Fleming, M.D., work with a multidisciplinary team of specialists in Sugar Land.

Other advanced MD Anderson treatment options available in Sugar Land include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services.

The compassionate care team also provides educational and emotional support to patients while guiding them through the team-based treatment planning process.

The Sugar Land Regional Care Center is located on the campus of St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Appointments are available and easy to schedule. For more information, visit FindYourMDAnderson.com or call 713-745-9940.

We really become a part of our patients’ lives and they become a part of ours. My love for women’s health, working with women and surgery inspire me to provide the best care.

Nicole Fleming, M.D., Gynecologic Oncologist

Early and accurate diagnosis of gynecologic cancers is important. Innovative treatment options available at MD Anderson include minimally invasive Da Vinci® robotic surgery, fertility-sparing surgeries and specialized care for women at high risk of gynecologic cancers.

Appointments Available

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magazine • October 2012

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Brighten the Night with MD Anderson Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Join us at the Pink Lighting event in Sugar Land on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 7-9 p.m. in Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, the world’s leading cancer experts provide customized care close to you. At the Sugar Land Regional Care Center, our team focuses only on you and your cancer, guiding you through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services.

Join us as we illuminate Sugar Land Town Square in pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and help us spread the light of awareness and hope.

facebook.com/MDAndersonSugarLand www.fortbend

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on

Health

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know

O

ctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. As such, increasing awareness about prevention and common myths is the major focus of this article. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in women.

Rates in the U.S are one of the highest in the world. More than 200,000 cases are identified and approximately 44,000 die each year. The risk for developing breast cancer has increased from 1 in 20 women to 1 in 8 over the last 50 years.

To date, the focus on breast cancer has been early detection. No emphasis has been placed on prevention. The motto for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Early Detection is Your Best Protection.” In 1995, the National Cancer Institute stated that “Breast cancer is simply not a preventable disease.” In 1997 this philosophy was fortified by the American Cancer Society’s announcement that “there are no practical ways to prevent breast cancer...”1 This is a very supine attitude as cancer is known to be contributed to by numerous preventable environmental factors.

AstraZeneca spearheaded the creation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985. This is the same company that produces the controversial breast cancer drug, tamoxifen. All print, radio, and TV

ads for Breast Cancer Awareness are paid for and must be approved by AstraZeneca. What should be known is that this same company is the owner of a chemical plant that is the third largest source of potential cancer causing pollution in the U.S. Every year, 53,000 pounds of known carcinogens are put into the air by this plant.2 These pesticides, herbicides and fungicides have direct links to cancer in the medical literature. Removing them from use in Israel led to an 8% reduction of breast cancer for women of all ages.3 Beyond AstraZeneca’s interests in chemical production, tamoxifen grosses more than $500 million per year. This medication is commonly prescribed to reduce the recurrence of those with a history of breast cancer. However, according to the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, tamoxifen is a known carcinogen.4 A study published in the journal Science showed that 2 – 5 years of tamoxifen use initiated the growth of breast cancer. Additionally, tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk for uterine cancer, blood clots, stroke, eye damage and menopausal symptoms.

That being said, it is curious that AstraZeneca sponsored Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses on detection

while completely ignoring non pharmaceutical based prevention.

Detection VS. Prevention: Radiation contributes to cancer. It should be known that mammograms are a source of radiation. Breast tissue in premenopausal women has been shown to be highly susceptible to radiation damage. Additionally, mammograms can yield false positives ranging from 5-15% of the time. This can lead to additional radiation exposure as well as unnecessary stress and surgery.

A variety of environmental factors play a role in the risk for breast cancer. Certain antidepressants and hormone replacement medications are known to increase the risk for breast cancer. 5,6 Lack of exercise, chemical exposure to herbicides, pesticides, plastics and other commonly used household chemicals have all been linked directly to breast cancer. 7 High carbohydrate diets and poor abnormal insulin levels have been linked to breast cancer. 8 Prevention is the most crucial aspect to fighting the war on breast cancer. Self education is critical. If we lose sight of it, we are wasting excessive time, money and resources in the wrong direction.

Want to learn more? Visit www.

TownCenterWellness.com.

References: 1. Epstein, Samuel E, M.D. The Politics of Cancer, East Ridge Press, USA1998, P 539.

2. Batt, Sharon, “Cancer, Inc.,” Sierra Magazine, September-October 1999, p. 36 3. J. Westin and E. Richter “Israeli Breast Cancer Anomaly,” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 609 (1990). 269-279.

4. “U.S. Report Adds to List of Carcinogens” The New York Times, May 16, 2000 5. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, February 16, 2000;92.

6. Am J Epidemiol. 2000 May 15;151(10):951-7.

7. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001;10: 287-301 8. International Journal of Cancer April 20, 2005; 114(4):653-658.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

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

n Town Center Wellness:

Dr. Peter Osborne

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

4724 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 102, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-2229 • www.TownCenterWellness.com Advertorial

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October is

Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Educate yourself and your loved ones about awareness and detection.

Learn about treatment options available in our community.

www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

21

FOCUS ON THE CURE Breast Reconstruction

John T. Nguyen, MD, FICS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

B

reast reconstruction is one or more operations performed to restore all components of the breast of women who have undergone mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Breast reconstruction after mastectomy has evolved over the last century to become an integral component in the therapy for many women with breast cancer. A complete breast reconstruction includes recreating the breast mound, the nipple and areola complex so that the breasts are symmetric with regard to pigmentation, shape, size, projection, and position.

The goals of breast reconstruction include the following: • To provide permanent breast contour.

• To make the breasts look balanced.

• To give the convenience of not requiring an external prosthesis.

Breast reconstruction can be performed using the following: • Artificial material (silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline [a saltwater solution]) placed under the skin.

• The woman’s own tissues (skin, muscle, fat) from another part of the body (flap reconstruction).

• Pedicled flap: In this type of flap reconstruction, the tissues remain connected to the area of the body from which they are taken. Specifically, the blood supply to the transplanted tissues is not interrupted.

• Free flap: In this type of flap reconstruction, the tissues are cut off from the original area and grafted to

the chest, and a new blood supply is created for the grafted tissues.

• A combination of artificial material and the woman’s own tissues.

Timing of Breast Reconstruction: Immediate Versus Delayed Immediate breast reconstruction is reconstruction that is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction is reconstruction that is performed weeks, months or years after the mastectomy.

Surgeons differ in their opinions about when breast reconstruction should be performed. If radiation therapy needs to be administered after mastectomy, then breast reconstruction is generally delayed until the skin in the treated area has healed. Excellent results can usually be achieved by either immediate breast reconstruction or delayed breast reconstruction.

Reconstruction Using Implants Implants are designed to recreate the original breast shape and contour.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline. A tissue expander (balloon) is inserted beneath the skin and chest muscle either during the mastectomy procedure or at a later operation. The surgeon periodically injects saline into the balloon to gradually fill it over several weeks or months so that the overlying skin can expand. After the skin over the breast area has stretched enough, the tissue expander is removed in a second operation and a permanent breast implant is inserted. Some women do not require tissue expansion before receiving an implant; for these women, the surgeon inserts an implant directly.

Flap Reconstruction Flap reconstruction is a reconstructive surgery in which a flap of skin and fat with or without muscle is transplanted from a part of the body (for example, the lower abdomen, back, thigh, or buttock) to the chest area where it is shaped to form a new breast mound. Like the implant

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surgery, this operation can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or it can be delayed.

Advantages of flap reconstruction include the following: • May eliminate the use of foreign material in the body.

• Reconstructed breast usually looks and feels more natural.

• Will last the woman’s life span.

• When successful, requires minimal touch-up or redo operations throughout a woman’s lifetime.

Disadvantages of flap reconstruction include the following: • Increased complexity and length of the surgery.

• May require a longer recovery period if muscle is included in the reconstruction.

• Additional donor site scars.

Some women may require an implant, in addition to the flap reconstruction, for recreating the breast.

If flap reconstruction is the selected option for reconstructive surgery, then the surgeon must decide from which part of the body the required tissues are taken.

The tissues for breast reconstruction can be taken from the back, abdomen, buttock or thigh.

Reconstruction of the nipple and areola Once the breast mound has been reconstructed, the nipple and areola (pigmented area around the nipple) can be recreated approximately 2-3 months after the first breast reconstructive surgery. A nipple can be created using skin from the inner thigh, behind the ear, reconstructed breast, or labia (the skin folds of the vulva).

The skin can be tattooed to match the other nipple and areola. Reconstructed nipple and areola have very little sensation.

Women who decide not to have nipple and areola reconstruction performed can consider the option of nipple prosthesis.

For more information, visit www. mybodysurgeon.com.

Join us for

Pretty in Pink Town Square Presented by

Kelly Dempsey, M.D. and Sandra Templeton, M.D. in partnership with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Fort Bend Junior Service League

Friday

October 19, 2012 6-9 p.m.

Sugar Land Town Square

Light up Town Square Pink at sundown to honor all cancer survivors.

Pretty in Pink – Town Square is a charity event for the entire family.

100% of the proceeds from Pretty in Pink will stay within our community to assist patients with the personal costs associated with fighting cancer.

Keynote Speaker: Gail Parker, Breast Cancer Survivor Live Music by Radio London Band Pink Fire Truck Magician Moonwalk Face Painting Balloon Artist

To Donate

Go to MethodistSugarLand.com and click “Pretty in Pink _Town Square” Ad generously donated by Fort Bend Focus Magazine.

Thank You to Our Sponsors Kelly Dempsey, M.D. & Sandra Templeton, M.D. Texas Spine and Neurosurgery TNT Dynamite Sugar Land Vein Specialists Pierre Chevray, M.D., Ph.D. Consolidated Home Health Houston Radiology Associated Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas Renew Laser and Skin EmergiGroup GHA Jorge Darcourt, M.D. Brain and Spine Clinic, PA Colorectal Surgical Associates Richmond Gastroenterology Associates Sugar Land Colon and Rectal Clinic Houston Heart Associates Sweetwater Angiography Center Telfair by Newland Communities Stephen Phillips, M.D. Advance Oncology Charles Conlon, M.D. Clive Shkedy, M.D. Randy & Gail Parker Sugar Land OB/GYN Sugar Land Oncology Sugar Land Pulmonary Associates Uttam Tripathy, M.D. & Imran Mohiuddin, M.D. Turner Construction Company

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Four To-Do’s to Help Prevent Breast Cancer and Be the Healthiest You

A

s women, we take on the world each and every day armed with a long to-do list, and all too often, we neglect to put ourselves on the list. As we become more educated about why it is so important to take care of ourselves, the more serious we will become about moving ourselves to the top of the list.

Remember my “Healthiest You” todo list and make a huge impact in your overall quality of life while reducing your risk of breast cancer. Be an advocate for your health and the health of others by sharing information with as many women as possible to help fight back against breast cancer while getting your live back!

1) Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is the safest and most effective form of hormone replacement. It works synergistically with your body to provide relief from symptoms relating to hormonal imbalances.

It does not use synthetic hormones that can elevate “unhealthy” estrogen levels and lead to an increased risk of certain cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Detoxifying “unhealthy” estrogen is just as important as adding beneficial estrogen. This can be accomplished by adding a product called Diindomethane (DIM), which we recommend to most of our female patients.

It has shown to reduce the risk breast and colon cancer.

2) Nutritional Testing and Supplementation with Professional Grade Supplements are extremely important to ensure that you are getting the vital antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that your body needs in

Dr. Shelena Lalji Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa

order to function effectively and decrease inflammation that can cause serious diseases, such as breast cancer.

Determining what nutrients your body may be lacking is easy with the most advanced testing known as SpectraCell Micro-Nutrient deficiency testing.

Boost your body by adding Myer’s IV cocktails along with highly absorbed professional grade supplements once your nutritional deficiencies are determined. Professional grade supplementation plays an important role in health by providing essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes to boost immunity, increase energy & decrease inflammation.

3) Food and Environmental Allergy Testing and Sublingual Immunotherapy are extremely beneficial for people who suffer from symptoms of allergies. Allergies are very easy to detect and are just as easy to treat with sublingual immunotherapy and healthy food choices. Immunotherapy allows you to become desensitized to allergens and reduce the chronic inflammation in your body by using allergy drops, not shots, on a daily basis.

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For patients who have food sensitivities, it is simple to replace reactive foods such as yeast, milk, gluten and wheat to name a few, with a clean diet low in processed foods. “Clean foods” can include fish, seafood, chicken, turkey and nuts along with free radical fighting fruits and vegetables to keep your body healthy and strong.

4) Stress Reduction is a cornerstone to wellness when you’re trying to achieve a healthy mind, body and life.

Everyday stress can trigger an increase in cortisol production which may cause inflammation in the body and eventually lead to diseases such as breast cancer. I suggest patients get their cortisol levels tested by using a diurnal saliva test. We often reduce stress by incorporating walking, yoga, reading, meditation, visualization and one hour of personal quiet time per day. This will reduce the load that stress puts on your body. There is a very strong connection between mind and body, and I often see the health of the body greatly improves by first creating a healthy state of mind.

Creating a lifestyle that is full of health, energy and vitality can be managed much easier with a combination of all of these important aspects of complete health. The best advice I can dispense is to thoroughly educate yourself on integrative treatments, and take time for yourself to ensure effective long term health and happiness.

For additional information and a complimentary consultation, contact Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa at 281-313-7435 or www.drshel.com.

Before

Timeless Eyelid Lift After

Got Bags?

Real Pictures Real Results

Before

Timeless Eyelid Lift After

FREE CONSULTATIONS* • CONCIERGE CARE SURGICAL EXCELLENCE • BEAUTIFUL RESULTS

Center of Excellence for Cosmetic Surgery 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy., Ste. 300, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (Next to St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital)

PETER CHANG M.D.

281-242-TIME (8463) • www.TimelessPlasticSurgery.com

www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

25

Concierge Care Team

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Aesthetic “Finishing Touches” for Breast Reconstruction

By Kaitlin Guerra, B.S.

Peter Chang, MD Timeless Plastic Surgery

T

he female breasts are symbolic of a woman’s pride, power, and selfworth. Sensuality and femininity embody the biological makeup of women in society today. When a woman is fully confident, she will radiate from within, achieving goals and building stronger relationships with family, friends and loved ones. As a community, it is imperative to spread awareness about breast cancer and its treatment. The removal of cancer is gratifying; however, the loss of a breast, such as by partial resection or mastectomy, is just the beginning of reconstructive and emotional healing. Primary reconstruction follows cancer removal and is the first step towards breast reconstruction. Often times, women are not pleased with the results and look towards secondary aesthetic options. A plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast surgery will then perform the aesthetic finishing touches to the breast after primary reconstruction.

Aesthetic secondary breast reconstruction is the art of creating a more

beautiful breast from the previous breast mound that was reconstructed after cancer removal. Using surgical techniques such as autologous tissue transfers will reshape the breast tissue and soften the breast. The main objective of aesthetic secondary breast reconstruction is to produce a more natural and proportioned counterpart to the opposite breast.

Women who undergo single or double mastectomies look for closure and resolution to their fight against breast cancer. Closing doors behind a difficult chapter in life to regain normalcy is often trying and exhausting; however, there are always solutions to unresolved issues offered here at Timeless Plastic Surgery. If every woman could paint a body of beauty, each figure would look different. Beauty would be depicted with different breast shapes, sizes, and enhanced with specific desired traits. By adding Aesthetic finishing touches, a woman can choose a breast size similar to her previous breasts before cancer or select breasts with fuller volume than her original breasts. Whatever the aspiration, Dr. Chang will strive to deliver.

Years after the patient has been cleared of all cancer treatments and has received primary reconstruction, Dr. Peter Chang can direct the process of adding the Aesthetic finishing touches. Dr. Chang adds surgical artistry in creating breasts that are full, youthful and more symmetric. The breasts will be defined, rounded, personalized, natural-looking and timeless. The outcome of the redefined breasts will display structure, appeal and ageless-

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ness. Moreover, the aesthetic request of beautiful breasts will promote confidence and femininity. The new breasts will become the perfect accessory to match new-found confidence! After solidifying their confidence both inside and out, women can look forward to creating a new life beyond being a cancer survivor. Living a wholesome, productive and beautiful life is a natural right, and here at Timeless Plastic Surgery, Dr. Peter Chang can help achieve that goal.

Receiving new breasts will be both gratifying and exhilarating. Women will be able to live life spontaneously and freely with no self-image concerns.

All walls of self-consciousness will be torn down so she may enjoy life’s simple pleasures. There are no excuses to not live a normal, pleasurable life.

In summary, Dr.Chang’s technical skills and surgical artistry will add the final aesthetic finishing touches to provide the patient with realistic and beautiful results after primary breast reconstruction. The cancer survivor’s road to reconstruction and recovery is always assisted and supported by the remarkable “concierge care” of educated and understanding staff members here at Timeless Plastic Surgery. In the end, Dr. Peter Chang adds aesthetic finishing touches to construct beauty, improve quality of life and bestow confidence in cancer patient survivors.

Timeless Plastic Surgery “Chasing Perfection” Peter Chang, MD 281-242-TIME (8463)

METHODIST ONCOLOGY PARTNERS

CANCER CARE EXCELLENCE

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Jorge Darcourt to Methodist Oncology Partners. Dr. Darcourt has extensive experience in treating cancer and blood disorders. He delivers individualized, compassionate care through an integrated, team-based approach that ensures each patient’s unique needs are met.

At Methodist Oncology Partners, Dr. Darcourt is now supported by the leading technology and highly skilled medical professionals of The Methodist Hospital System. And as an active member of The Methodist Research Institute, Dr. Darcourt can offer patients access to a wide range of clinical trials and the latest therapies to fight cancer.

This is the Methodist level of cancer care—from diagnosis to survival, where technology and compassion—are leading to a cure.

Call 281-276-5200 today to schedule an appointment.

• Jorge Darcourt, M.D. is board certified in hematology

and oncology.

• Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building Two, Suite 151.

• Call 281-276-5200 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Office Building Two 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 151 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-276-5200 MethodistSugarLandDocs.com

Defying The Odds

By Linda K. Eaves Photography by Nesossi Studios

Living With Stage 4 Breast C ncer

llyson Stephens doesn’t fit the statistics – her doctors and the medical staff are surprised she’s still here. She attributes her strong faith in God and excellent medical care to her survival.

Allyson was first diagnosed in 1994 with stage one breast cancer at age 28. It was an aggressive type but was caught early. She had a lumpectomy and seven weeks of radiation. Her mom, 54, had also been diagnosed a few months earlier and was undergoing chemo. At that time, Allyson had a baby and a three-year-old and was working as an oncology nurse.

Her second diagnosis came in 1996 followed by a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

In 1997, Allyson Stephens was diagnosed for the third time with stage four breast cancer. The cancer had spread.

She received six months of chemotherapy and was told she had a 25 percent chance of surviving two years if the chemo worked. She was advised to stop working and stay home with her boys. “That was a blow as well because I loved working with cancer patients, and I still miss that,” said Allyson.

A

Prayer, Acceptance and Peace “One time in the middle of the night, my husband prayed over me, and my tumors were gone within hours,” shared Allyson. “I know now it was not about the healing in that moment but rather God desiring to encourage me for the long journey ahead. I am cautious in the message being misunderstood that if someone prays the right prayer or has enough faith that God will heal them.

I don’t believe that. Obviously God has been at work in my life and that was just one of many miracles and answered prayers we’ve witnessed.

“However, I am very sensitive to someone thinking: ‘why hasn’t God answered my prayers?’ I’ve been on that side, too, and I would rather stay focused on the point that I believe God hears

Allyson and John Stephens at the Breast Cancer walk at Cross Creek.

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Hope

Allyson and John Stephens on a recent trip to California. our prayers and sees our pain, and our prayers are not always answered the way we would like, but that isn’t reason to lose hope. I believe that faith is not the belief that God will do what I want, but rather believing and trusting that God will do what is best.”

Cancer Returns The cancer returned five more times since 2000. Since chemotherapy, Allyson has been on multiple treatments related to decreasing the amount of estrogen in her body. “Basically, they are called antihormone-based therapy,” stated Allyson.

“These types of medications have side effects but nothing like what you think of when you think of routine chemotherapy.

They have given me great quality of life, and it is amazing the new medications that have only been available in the past decade.”

Her most recent reoccurrence was this past January. Allyson started a new type of experimental treatment involving a chemo pill that has since been approved for some late-stage breast cancer patients. “My cancer has not gone away, but it has not grown since beginning the treatment, and I’ve been able to help my son finish his senior year, enjoy the summer and get him moved into college.

What a blessing considering I never thought I would see both sons into their high school years!”

Does Allyson have side effects from all these years of treatment? “Absolutely,” she said. “But I am still here and have been able to be a wife and a mom.”

“I say all this to give women hope.

There are many newer and better treatment options today and more to come.

The key to prevention is knowing your own body and doing self-breast exams. I caught mine first at home nearly every time. When in doubt, insist on a biopsy.

They are not painful procedures.”

For a long time, Allyson did not like being introduced as a cancer survivor because she knew she had not beaten it. “I’ve come to have a different understanding of what that actually means for me. I am proud now to say I am a cancer survivor because I’ve learned to live with it and not allow it to be the focus of every minute of every day. Most people have something unpleasant that they live with on a daily basis. I have my moments, but I really try to live one day at a time because that is all we are given.”

“The past is gone, and the future is not a reality yet. I just want to live in the present. I surround myself with friends who remind me of that.

I have always been a member of a Bible-believing church that prays for me and supports me on the journey. I read my Bible every day to encourage me of that, and I strive to look for the blessings in the midst of especially bad days and be thankful for those.”

Allyson strongly encourages women to

Allyson with oldest son Tyler. www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

“... I am proud now to say I am a cancer survivor because I’ve learned to live with it and not allow it to be the focus of every minute of every day...” ~ Allyson Stephens get second opinions. “Yes, it is one more appointment, but it is worth it! That is how I found the doctor I use now, Dr. Frankie Holmes. If facing breast cancer, try to get treatment through a breast cancer specialist. They are the ones most involved in educating themselves in the most up-to-date treatments. If your insurance won’t allow it, then see one for your second opinion.”

Now that her boys are away at college, she has revisited some of her old journals and has gained insights from her experience such as: “Visit the past and think of the future, but if you linger there too long, you lose the present. I’ve always wanted to write and always used the excuse that I can’t because I had too many distractions of having kids.”

“Even though there is not a cure, there is much hope for women today with new medications being discovered that offer periods of remission or slow the growth of tumors,” Allyson said. With early detection and new treatments available, as Allyson has shared, there is hope in the battle against breast cancer.

Allyson with youngest son Ben.

29

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

Circle of Life Gala

Benefiting Hope Endowment Friday, September 7, 2012 • Marriott Sugar Land Town Center

Ayeez & Shelena Lalji

Miss Texas USA 2013 Ali Nugent

Doreen Singh & Janet Leatherwood

Alisa Murray

Bela & Vishal Jain with Sunayana Yadav

Kelly & Gary Dempsey

Marcia Barham, Leena Taneja, Leala Hall & Amy Saenz

Nimish & Sonia Kadakia

Ritika Mathur & Mina Joshi

Deanna McDonald & Niraj Patel

Jeanette & Lee Rodriguez with Aileen Cruz & Lovelynn Noceja fort bend

magazine • October 2012

Duc Le & Cindy Solis

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31

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Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

Groovy Party: American Bandstand

Honoring the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels Friday, September 14, 2012 • Safari Texas Ranch

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32

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Seen

on the

Scene

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Catwalk on City Walk Fashion Show

Benefiting Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Pretty in Pink Cancer Fund Thursday, September 20, 2012 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square Ballroom

Marsha Barnham & Amy Saenz

Brenda Bowman, Marcia Holmes & Gail Parker

Amanda Gamblin, Elizabeth Bartee, Nichole Snow & Kym Polvado

Sandra Reese & Robin Booker

Mira Muklar & Sandra Zaibaq

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Evangeline & Shana Sonnier with Leena Taneja

Jennifer Ron & Andrea Jacobs

Irene Wisner & Darla Farmer

Karen Siegmund & Andrea Shropshire

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Kim Sprague, Shannon Luke, Kaelyn Bujnoch & Pat Hogue

Regina Morales, Doreen Craig & Celia Olson

Theresa Neal & Ann Newton

Lee & George Kalergis

Stephanie & Margo Jones

Dana Tyson & Sumer Cline

Tina Petty & Derek Smith fort bend

magazine • October 2012

34

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.

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Walker Shores accepted to Congressman Olson’s Congressional Youth Advisory Council.

2012-2013 Congressional Youth Advisory Council Austin High School junior Walker Shores was selected to Congressman Pete Olson’s 2012-2013 Congressional Youth Advisory Council. Olson selected high school students from across his district to meet with community, business, government and military leaders to discuss current issues and obtain the students’ input on major bills in Congress.

Walker is a Platoon Commander and the Academic Team Commander for AHS’s NJROTC unit. He also competes on the Armed Drill and Color Guard teams and has received numerous ribbons, medals and awards for his achievements. He is Secretary of the AHS Debate Team where he will enter his second year of debate competitions. Walker participates in volunteer work through Parkway United Methodist Church where he is also employed part-time. He has extensive community service hours and is working on his brown belt in karate. Walker plans to become a member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and then to be commissioned as an officer in the Unites States Marines.

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35

By Nick Nicholson

L

iam Neeson returns to the big screen as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent whose daughter was abducted in the first film Taken. In the second installment of the series, he is being hunted by a relative of one of the abductors he killed. As Bryan uses his skill set as a covert operative to seek out and destroy those that are working to hurt his family, viewers get to see a real life character come to life in the James Bond mold – only real. It's the in your face tactics and excellent story that keep fans of the Taken series coming back for more.

Characters in films often utilize catch phrases or even musical leitmotifs that represent the epitome of their individual characters. What will forever be "Bryan Mills" is the ubiquitous statement he makes as he is communicating with the abductors in the first film, and the same phrase is muttered in this installment as well: “I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you, I don't have money.

But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a

nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.” Who wouldn't say something similar if it was your child that had been abducted?

More to the point, it is that statement that endears the audience to the Mills character. That was clearly the case as the test Liam Neeson returns to the role of an ex-CIA operative with “a set audience cheered when he of very special skills” in Taken 2. Photo by Magali Bragard. delivered the line.

In Taken 2, it becomes readily apparmuch more proactive in this film. She is ent that no one cares about Bryan's spea much better character and represents cial skills, nor the promises he can make a strong female to which the audienceshould the abductors leave both he and particularly the young ladies-can relate. his family alone. Their sole purpose is to Kim is no longer a naive little girl. Like make his family suffer as much as posher father, she too has developed a few sible. The director does a tremendous job skills that come to fruition in the film. in the manner he coached the actors with Taken 2 isn't ground-breaking. The their delivery. The film was quite fresh film is very similar to the first installand, coupled with the excellent cinemament, and you really won't take anything tography and the quick edits, even the away from it that is mind-blowing. This most ardent action film fan will find the is the requisite popcorn flick that reprepacing of Taken 2 to be very enjoyable. sents the end of the summer films and the This film has it all: good acting, a solid beginning of what we all hope will be a story, action, detonations and it won't put wonderful and auspicious Oscar season of you to sleep. Neeson is brilliant as Mills excellent fourth quarter films. However, and every theater-goer would expect such.

Taken 2 is no dud – not by a long shot.

What is notable was the performance of The writing and performances are solid Famke Janssen as Lenore. The chemistry enough to justify checking this film out. she exudes with Neeson is palpable and Behind all of the action and special effects keeps the film interesting. there is a coming of age family story that What is most interesting about the is quite touching at times. There are many film is the relationship Mills has with others you could choose to see that aren't his daughter, Kim. Since her abducnear the caliber of this one. Give Taken 2 a tion (in the first film two years prior), shot. You won't be sorry you did.

Bryan's relationship with Kim has developed into a much stronger bond.

Taken 2 Through the events of the last film, Mills Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace hopes to salvage some semblance of a reand Famke Jannsen lationship with Lenore, who is now his Director: Olivier Megaton ex-wife. What Mills care about more Company: 20th Century Fox than anything is the relationship he has Now Showing: In Local Area Theatres with his daughter. The best aspect of the MPAA Rating: PG-13 father daughter relationship in regards Grade: B to Taken 2 stems from Kim being so

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 • October 2012

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By Brian Simmons

Roger Clemens pitching.

Photo by Anthony Vasser / Sugar Land Skeeters.

s: Roger Clemenun d The Rocket Returns to the Mo

T

here were no pinstripes on his uniform, and a cartoon mosquito replaced the interlocking “NY” on his chest, but Memorialite Roger Clemens once again grabbed the attention of baseball fans across the country.

Sugar Land’s Constellation Field served as the backdrop for the seven-time Cy Young Award winner’s comeback in late August as Clemens took the mound for the Skeeters. The 50-year-old pitcher, whose last major league appearance was with the New York Yankees in 2007, signed with the team August 20th, started five days later and pitched again on September 7th.

Both games quickly sold out – the second contest brought in a stadium-record 8,597 fans – and secondary ticket sources such as eBay and StubHub offered seats at prices considerably higher than face value. ESPN Classic broadcast the first game, while ESPN3 streamed the second one online.

“It’s been pretty magical,” Skeeters President Matt O’Brien said. “We’ve had one of those crazy, fun, historic first seasons.”

Fans cheered every strike Clemens threw, even if it took some a while to warm up to the idea of such a star taking the field for the local ball club. “Honestly, I thought, ‘Here we go again,’” said Skeeters fan Paul Marcus about his initial feelings upon hearing the news. “I don’t mean to bring anybody down or anything, but I’m happy with the prodfort bend

magazine • October 2012

38

uct they put on the field. Looking back, he’s brought a lot of publicity to the team.

It’s been national. It brings a buzz to the ballpark.”

Koby Clemens, Roger’s oldest son, joined the Skeeters for the September 7th game against the Long Island Ducks. While the two played on the same team for a game in the Astros’ minor league system in 2006, they competed as a pitcher-catcher battery for the first time professionally at Constellation Field. “There are not many words that can describe the opportunity and special moment this is,” Koby said.

“We were out there calling pitches and trying to get guys out.” He later added, “I will just go home and sit in my room and relive those moments.”

The Toronto Blue Jays organization released Koby, who was playing in the team’s minor league system, earlier in the week to allow him to catch for his father. Roger, a key part of the Houston Astros’ World Series run in 2005, threw four 2/3 innings in that second outing, allowing no runs on two hits and striking out one batter in a 4-0 win.

Clemens breezed through three 1/3 innings for the Skeeters in his first start, a 1-0 win over Bridgeport. He notched two strikeouts and allowed just one hit, a single, while topping out at 88 mph. Although it was nearly five years since his last professional outing, Clemens’ mechanics were solid and garnered the praises of everyone watching at the park and on television.

“Your mechanics – it’s like riding a bike,” said Sugar Land closer Gary Majewski.

“After the first couple of times your muscle memory starts kicking in.” Players like Majewski, a former major leaguer who is trying to get back to the show, were glad to have the two-time World Series champion’s presence in the clubhouse.

“Maybe we got a few of these guys on TV, and if it helps them, that’s what I’m all about,” Clemens said. In fact, much of the nation was introduced to the Atlantic League as a whole due to Clemens’ appearances with Sugar Land.

Clemens claims he won’t pitch again this year but left the door open for 2013.

Regardless, his time with the Skeeters left a lasting impression on Sugar Land and gave fans fresh memories of a baseball icon.

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Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors 2012 - 2013 Board Members Meeting

Pictured are the 2012-2013 Directors Sandra Boyd, Gayle Daniel, Arleen Smith, Vernell Ireland, Carole Kanusky, Elaine Aleman and Tricia Tompson. Not pictured is Scholarship Director Marilyn Davis.

Nancy Frank, 2012-2013 President, with Officers Sue Tanzberger, Debbie Jackson, Charlotte Guettner, Rhonda Lowery, Hélène Snyder, Mary Schordock and Paula Ruskan. Not pictured is Debbie Roberts.

9th Annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta Kick-Off Party

Amy Mitchell and Bridget Yeung.

While there were no sightings of dragons in Brooks Lake for the Texas Dragon Boat Association’s Kick-off Party on July 31, 2012, there were some sightings of some of Sugar Land’s and Fort Bend County’s finest paddlers and water enthusiasts. Along with City of Sugar Land Emergency Services personnel were Sugar Land Councilmembers Harish Jajoo, Bridget Yeung and Amy Mitchell, Vy Nguyen, Candidate for State Rep. of HD 26, and other Sugar Land/Fort Bend County notables at Azuma on the Lake in Sugar Land. Join your friends and neighbors at the annual Dragon Boat Regatta October 20th - 21st from 8:30 am to 4 pm at Brooks Lake at the Fluor Daniels Campus. Admission is free.

Teana V. Watson Fundraiser at Urban Cafe

Zak Mirza, Vice President of the Pakistani Chamber of Commerce; Neeta Sane, HCC Board of Trustee; Leonard Scarcella, Mayor of Stafford; and Don Smith, Missouri City Councilman. fort bend

magazine • October 2012

E. Mathews, Owner of Urban Cafe, Teana Watson and Commissioner Grady Prestage.

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Chamber of Commerce Network Night at Sugar Creek Country Club Richmond’s State of City Address with Mayor Hilmar Moore

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Prepared by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

on

For the Times They Are A-Changin’

T

he past decade has been highlighted by fear and the search for yield.

As money markets and CD rates have dropped toward zero, this has further exacerbated the rush into bonds and dividend-paying stocks. Our portfolios have been major beneficiaries of this trend.

One need look no further than the master limited partnerships (MLP), which have been the mainstay/backbone of our accounts. They have served us well, even though Enron and the financial meltdown in 2008 rocked the boat. However, as Bob Dylan said, “For the times they are achangin.’” Over the past year, two of the top performing industries have been technology and biotechnology, while MLPs have noticeably trailed. Year-to-date, the S&P 500 is up over 11 percent and the AMZ MLP Index is up less than 2 percent.

How can this be if everyone wants yield?

In the world of investing, when it becomes obvious, it’s obviously too late. The hardest part about investing is anticipating future events and what could change.

Because it hasn’t happened yet, many times one can look like the “village idiot” as we wait for future events to unfold and current news dominates our thoughts.

So why would I want to underweight yield and invest in growth? Some potential reasons: 1) Rising interest rates - Rising rates could wreak havoc on bond portfolios and dividend-yielding stocks.

2) Change in tax laws - Taxing dividends at ordinary rates (35 percent) instead of 15 percent could dampen their appeal.

3) Rising earnings - Growth companies should benefit over “yield” companies because of rising earnings.

4) Improving economy - An improving economy should cause the fear or “bunker mentality” to fade and optimism to reappear, which favors growth.

As we’ve written before, according to Standard & Poor’s, the last decade was the WORST decade to invest in equities in the last 100 years. The good news is that decades usually don’t repeat. However, we have been “brainwashed” to shoot first and ask questions second. If the last decade was about yield and safety, it stands to reason this decade should be about growth. This sounds absurd today given what’s happening with Europe, China and the world economy. Remember,

when investing, it’s never obvious at the beginning. Conventional wisdom among the majority of investors has never led to investment success. We suspect “the times they are a-changin.’” As we wrote in our May 9 article on major investment themes for this decade, growth should replace value. Of course, it won’t be obvious until later and you can’t benefit unless you anticipate change.

In future articles we’ll discuss other themes for this decade.

Growth could replace value in the investment markets. But there’s one place you should never sacrifice value and that’s in selecting a financial advisory team. The Hardee Investment Group prides themselves in always doing what’s In the Client’s Best Interest. Concerned your current advisor doesn’t hold your best interest as a top priority? I encourage you to visit us online at your convenience atwww.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com or call us to learn more about how we always do what’s In the Client’s Best Interest.

The views presented herein are solely those of H.H. “Will” Hardee, and do not necessarily represent the views of RBC Wealth Management. Current status of issues discussed in this letter is subject to change based upon market conditions and industry fundamentals. Clients should work with their Financial Consultant to develop investment strategies tailored to their own financial circumstances. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The name Hardee Investment Group refers to a group of Financial Consultants working in the Houston, Texas office of RBC Wealth Management. The Hardee Investment Group is not a separate legal or corporate entity. All services offered and all memberships referenced in the presentation refer to the services offered or registrations held through RBC Wealth Management. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

When is the last time your financial advisor told you a success story?

We have plenty to share.

With the right amount of knowledge and experience, good things can happen even during bad times. However, success is rarely achieved without hard work and dedication.

If you would like us to begin work on your financial success story, give us a call.

Hardee Investment Group

Hardee Investment Group (713) 853-0869 • (800) 838-0757 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com

© 2011 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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Headliners continued from page 35

Scarecrow Contest in Fulshear’s Cross Creek Ranch Announces Call For Entries If you have a flair for the creative, you might win $1,000 as the top prize in the 3rd Annual Fulshear Scarecrow Festival to be held Saturday, October 20 from 11 am – 5 pm in the master-planned community of Cross Creek Ranch.

This year’s second-place finisher will win $500 while the third-place finisher will earn $250. The theme of this year’s contest is “Heroes.” Therefore, participants are encouraged to enter a scarecrow reflecting their favorite comic book, movie, sports and national hero/heroine.

The Scarecrow Contest is part of the Fulshear Scarecrow Festival benefiting the Fulshear Arts Council. The free, all-day festival includes face painting, a costume parade, pumpkin decorating, an adult Grape Stomp with a $500 cash prize, live music performances by local students and great festival food.

The Scarecrow contest is open to individuals of all ages. Families, clubs, groups, schools, civic organizations and businesses are also eligible.

To enter, complete the entry form at the contest website, http://www.fccscarecrowfestival.com and click on “Scarecrow Contest.” Information on materials, size limitations and restrictions also are available on the website. All entrants will receive a $100 reimbursement after the festival for supplies to encourage quality construction and creative design.

Delivery and set up of entries will take place on Saturday, October 20 from 8 - 10:30 am. All entries will be displayed alongside the hill of Cross Creek Ranch, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane.

Since all entries are displayed outdoors, they must be durable with all ornamentation securely attached. Natural objects, vegetation, dried products, plastics and other man-made materials may be used.

Scarecrows will be judged by anonymous ballots submitted by the attending public. Voting will take place during the Scarecrow Festival 11 am – 4:30 pm.

Headliners continued on page 47

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FaBOOlicious Halloween Treats

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ake a bite of the spooky season with fiendish foods, horror-themed Halloween snacks, treats and drinks. Make parties go off with a scream with some of these ideas.

Creepy Crawly Cup Cakes

Make your favorite homemade cup cake recipe or opt for the ready to make box variety. Red velvet is a great base for a Halloween cake. Make a butter cream frosting from powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and add a little decorator color. Decorate with skeletons, spiders, gumball eyes or make squiggles to look like brains, and you have an instant hit for Halloween.

Edible Eyeballs

Proudly stake your eyes on forks for a ghoulish delight. Begin with a doughnut hole, and dunk it in melted white chocolate. Add a chocolate chip to make the pupil. After cooled, use a decorator’s tube of red gel to make squiggly veins in the eye.

Goblin Grins

Images courtesy of www.spoonful.com.

A great way to sneak in a healthy treat on a sugar-filled holiday. Take a pea pod and cut a slit centered on one side. Cut a tongue shape out of a red bell pepper, and insert in the opening of the pea pod.

Finish it off with almond slivers to make teeth. fort bend

magazine • October 2012

46

Monster Toes

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut a wedge into the end of cocktail weiners to make toenails. Cut softened tortillas into strips about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Roll each cocktail weiner in a tortilla strip and secure with a toothpick. Bake for about eight minutes. Fill the toenail with ketchup. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Mocktail or Cocktail, A Witch’s Brew for All

This gory drink is sure to delight all the goblins of the night. To make “blood,” mix 1 cup simple syrup, ten drops of red food coloring and vanilla extract. Set aside. For “eyeballs,” use canned lychee nuts. Insert a maraschino into the hole of each lychee nut, and drizzle with extra “blood” syrup. Insert a skewer or toothpick into each “eyeball” to secure the cherry.

For a mocktail: To serve the mocktail, drizzle the blood syrup around the rim of each glass and let it drip down.

Pour iced cold seltzer into the glass and garnish with an eyeball.

For a cocktail: Simply add your favorite vodka.

Headliners continued from page 45

Fort Bend Symphony Opens Season on October 28 with ‘Boo-tiful’ Music The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra opens the 2012-13 season with the return of its spook-tacular Halloween-themed concert on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 pm at the Stafford Centre. “Hauntcert” is a family-friendly, magical event that includes a costume contest for all ages.

The concert is sponsored by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

“Hauntcert” features popular music like Phantom of the Opera, The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Thriller, as well as “ghostly” classics like Night on Bald Mountain, Firebird and Funeral March of a Marionette, which is also known as the Alfred Hitchcock theme.

Concert-goers of all ages are sure to be spellbound by the magic of the Invisible Conductor and delighted by the costumed orchestra.

Children, as well as adults, are invited to dress in their best Halloween attire for this special concert. During intermission a costume contest will be held with prizes awarded for creativity in these four categories: Ages 6 and under, ages 7 to 12, ages 13 and up, and group/family.

“The debut of this concert was a huge hit in 2010,” said Music Director Dr. Héctor Agüero. “It’s a fun time as FBSO musicians dress up in costume and we perform ghoulishly great music and mix in some magic.”

Tickets to Hauntcert begin at just $12 for adults, while children 12 and under attend free, when accompanied

WilkersonBronson Engagement

Fort Bend Symphony musicians Charity James and Katherine Leskin are dressed and ready for the symphony’s Halloween-themed Hauntcert concert, which features boo-tiful music and some magical surprises.

by an adult. Discounts are available for students, seniors 55 and over, military and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Rd in Stafford.

Headliners continued on page 48

Got Tickets?

Join us on Facebook to WIN! “Like” Us Today!

Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.

Facebook.com/FortBendFocus www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

47

M

r. and Mrs. Grady Wilkerson of Sugar Land, Texas are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Ann to Evan Malcolm Bronson, son of Malcolm and Cheryl Bronson of Midlothian, Virginia. Kelly is a graduate of Texas Tech University and is employed by Glazer’s Wholesale. Evan graduated from Trinity University and is employed by Reliant Energy.

A February wedding is planned in Sugar Land.

FEEL BETTER. LOOK BETTER. LIVE BETTER.

Headliners continued from page 47

9th Annual Pink Ladies Golf Tournament Set on October 11th at Quail Valley Golf Course

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The American Cancer Society is proud to host the 9th Annual Pink Ladies Golf Tournament this fall. Please join us on October 11 at the Quail Valley Golf Course to raise funds towards the fight against cancer. The event is co-sponsored by Texas Oncology and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

The Pink Ladies Golf Tournament is a nine-hole tournament geared toward novice female golfers and women who have never played before. There will be experienced golfers and a “game package” available to help along the way.

This fun-filled day will also consist of a silent auction, raffle, lunch and prizes. The raffle item will be an exclusive handbag from Elaine Turner and private party at her boutique. Don’t miss the fun – teams even compete for the “Pinkest Team” or “Pinkest Lady” or “Pinkest Golf Cart.”

Tribute flags can be purchased and added to the “Pink Tribute Garden” on the course. Flags are designated to

fort bend

magazine • October 2012

48

“Honor the Memory,” “Encourage the Fight” or “Celebrate the Victory.” For more information, please call Barbara Rozell at 281-980-2244. Golf team registration and sponsorships are still available. Please call Kathryn Anderson for registration at 281-460-4236 and Nancy Wells for sponsorships at 281-277-5200.

Last year, the Pink Ladies Golf Tournament raised $21,000 to assist the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer! It is because of the generosity of our community that the American Cancer Society is able to provide vital services for cancer patients and their loved ones, as well as support research, education and advocacy in the local community.

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

Amitabh Shukla, M.D.

Ninth Annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta According to the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Water Dragon is a year noted for breakthroughs, harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and longevity. During the 9th Annual Dragon Boat Regatta on October 20-21, teams comprised of individuals who have and still are overcoming challenges will participate in the dragon boat races. Each year, teams of breast cancer survivors participate in the races. event. This year’s event, however, will also include teenagers with leukemia and cancer with their parents, doctors and nurses. The MD Anderson Super Heroes Youth team and the MD Anderson Cancer Slayer team will compete once again in the waters of Brooks Lake in Sugar Land. Last year, there were tears of joy and excitement from the sidelines as the Super Heroes paddled towards the finish line. People celebrated not only because the youth completed the race but because of their stamina and courage to compete in the race.

Dragon boat racing not only builds muscles and strength, it builds harmonious relationships. There are still team slots available if corporate or community teams who would like to participate in the fastest growing water sport. However, slots are going quickly.

Bringing over 5,000 visitors, the Dragon Boat Regatta event has come to be known as one of the largest multicultural and team-building activities in Fort Bend. The event will also include a sample of Asian cuisine, colorful arts and crafts and cultural performances, which include Chinese lion dancing, martial arts demonstrations, belly dancing and many other performances focusing on Asian traditions.

This free, family event will be held from 8:30 am - 4 pm at Brooks Lake at Fluor Daniels campus in Sugar Land. You don’t want to miss it!

For more information, please contact Eve Marie Ruhlman at director@ texasdragonboat.com or visit www. texasdragonboat.com.

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erving the neurological needs of Sugar Land, Richmond and the surrounding communities, Dr. Amitabh Shukla has over 22 years of experience providing compassionate and comprehensive care as well as specialized evidence-based treatments for a wide-range of neurological conditions and diseases: • Headaches, Chronic Pain and Migraines • Alzheimer’s Dementia and Memory Disorders • Neck and Back Pain • Dizziness • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Parkinson’s Disease, Tremors • Polyneuropathy

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.com • October 2012

49

What Are You Afraid Of?

By Jennifer Elliott

aunted houses, monsters and mummies arrive Beverly Newman, Memorial resident and this month for some scary Halloween fun. But licensed play therapist, in her playroom. sometimes being frightened is no fun at all, whether you are terrified to give your big speech, or your child is waking up in the night scared of the dark.

Psychotherapist and school psychologist Beverly Newman explains that “young children can’t always distinguish fantasy from reality.” Instead of simply telling your child that monsters aren’t real, Newman suggests helping your child banish the monsters.

You can make “No Monsters Allowed” signs, as well as arm yourselves with spray bottles, magic wands, and invisibility shields. “A dehumidifier is an excellent monster-repelling machine,” comments Newman.

Most children’s fears change as they mature, and it is normal for them to exchange one type of fear for another. However, sometimes a child’s fears or anxieties create problems in their daily life. If a child has difficulties with social interactions, academic performance or sleep, a parent may want to seek help.

One option is play therapy. This type of therapy enables a child to express what they can’t verbalize. For example, a child might be asked to make a model of their world in sand. Newman explains that this helps the child because, “feelings and attitudes which h t e e would be too threatening for a child to express directly c n Enha can be safely exposed as they are projected onto toys and and . objects chosen by the child.” . of your home As we grow up, most of us conquer our fears of things like the dark, but we can have anxieties about plenty of other issues. Anxiety is not bad; it is a feeling that can help guide our behavior. For example, if you have anxiety about a big project at work, that should motivate you to complete it.

Carpet Many adults have anxiety over things like crowds, Tile heights, flying, and social situations. Dr. Burks suggests that yoga, meditation, deep breathing, exercise and posiWood tive self talk can help alleviate anxiety. A person can also Laminate work on desensitization. Dr. Burks explains this treatment Granite method as “working through a hierarchy of increasingly Complete Home anxiety producing situations.”

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Headliners continued from page 49

It’s Time FORE the 17th Annual Ramsay Gillman Charitable Golf Tournament Gillman Companies will host the 17th Annual Ramsay Gillman Charitable Golf Tournament benefiting the Fort Bend County Women’s Center on November 5. Golfers are promised a day of great golfing, networking, food and best of all, coming together to raise funds for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children.

The 18-hole Florida scramble tournament will begin at 12 pm with a shotgun start at Sweetwater Country Club. Anthony Yanez of KPRC Local 2 will emcee the dinner and live auction.

The tournament will also feature a raffle, putting contest and other exciting opportunities to win prizes and support the Women’s Center!

In its 16 years of existence, this tournament has raised more than $650,000 for the Women’s Center. Gillman Companies looks forward to breaking all records this year! “We were very fortunate that Mr. Gillman supported the Women’s Center and established this tournament for us. We are honored that his family chose to continue holding the tournament after his passing. This is one of our most treasured fundraisers, and the Gillmans are truly part of our Women’s Center family,” commented Women’s Center executive director, Vita Goodell.

Sponsorship opportunities, team and player information is available on the Women’s Center website www.fortbendwomenscenter.org or by emailing gillmangolf@fortbendwomenscenter.org.

Don’t play golf? What about sponsoring a hole or a beverage cart? Hole sponsorship starts at $250. You can decorate your own beverage cart or we’ll decorate it for you! There’s something for everyone at the Gillman Tournament.

Headliners continued on page 59

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

T exas S tyle

Host your next company holiday celebration at one of our historic facilities, nestled among more than a century of pure Texas ambience!

Packages include a Scrumptious Holiday Meal, Facilities, Authentic Chuckwagon Fandango, Hay Wagon rides, Singing Cowboy trio & more!

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MEDCARE MILESTONES PRESENTS

Trees for Tots Trot 5K & Fun Run Saturday, October 13, 2012 5K Race at 8:30 am 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:00 am Run, walk, or just come for fun! The 5 K race and 1 mile Fun Run are open to runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants of all ages. The proceeds from this fundraiser are used to provide Christmas Trees and all of the trimmings to children with special needs. www.fortbend

Lost Creek Park • 3703 Lost Creek Boulevard

Entry Fees: Adults: $30 • Children: $15 Race Day Registration*: Adults: $35 • Children: $1

.com • October 2012

* T-shirt sizes not guaranteed for race day registrants.

For the safety of all participants please do not bring pets, bicycles, inline skates, or wagons to the event. The event will be held rain or shine.

REGISTER TODAY AT medcaremilestones.org For more information, call 713-995-9292

51

By Laura Bates

Revamp your Home Décor with

Wallpaper

L

et’s admit it: decorating a home is never done. Just when you think you have everything perfect in your

home, some new trend pops up. I’m talking about wallpaper. Faux painting is still nice, but wallpaper is where it is at. Yes, wallpaper. It has been around, but it has come back and not in a small way. You will not believe what great color and patterns are out there and what life it can bring to a room.

Choosing a paper for a room can be a little stressful. Because wallpaper is not inexpensive, it will need to be one that you know you will still love three or five years from now. The good thing about wallpaper, just like everything else, is it does not have to be status quo. One wall is good enough to cover. In fact, there are a large variety of patterns that are only meant to be on one wall in a room. Wall murals are also available for just that purpose and can create a huge statement in your décor.

If you are not sure about wallpaper-

ing an entire room, why don’t you start small just to get your feet wet? Then I know you will be hooked on wallpapering, but remember, borders are still out – thank goodness. A bathroom is a great place to start with wallpapering, and it will add so much to the forgotten room of the house.

Wallpaper books can be found at places like Sunny Road and Sherwin Williams. Wallpaper is not hard to hang; it just takes time, patience and good tools. And, if you prefer not to mess with it, I say hire the professionals!

Happy decorating!

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magazine • October 2012

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GASTROINTESTINAL CARE CONSULTANTS, P.A. CERTIFIED DIPLOMATES OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY

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.com • October 2012

53

FORT BEND

Focus CareS

By Whitney Hensler

Kira Halcarz: Helping Families In Need

I

t was the prospect of helping children that drew Kira Halcarz to Fort Bend Family Promise, an organization that assists homeless families by providing them with meals and shelter at congregations around the area.

“It’s hard for some people to believe that we have homeless people in Fort Bend County,” said Halcarz, a retired teacher and former CASA Child Advocate. “I’ve seen it in the schools I used to teach in. Kids that are homeless have a really hard time. Kids that work with Fort Bend Family Promise get to stay in school. It was a way to help families help their kids.”

Fort Bend has between eight and thirteen congregations that work with FBFP and provide three to five homeless families with food and shelter for one week a month every two to three months. Halcarz, who previously served on the board of FBFP but left because it “didn’t feel a good fit” for her, became the coordinator for Sugar Land’s Christ United Methodist Church three years ago. The church hosts families four weeks out of the year,

Kira Halcarz and as coordinator, Halcarz plans for the week the church will host them, a job that includes scheduling and supervising volunteers, doing the meal planning and working with the families.

“For the families in the program, I’m the one person they see every day,” she said. “They have my cell phone number. They know I’m the person to talk to if they need anything.”

While Halcarz says she is open to forming relationships with families who wish to do so, she and the other volunteers primarily want to make the

families feel “comfortable.”

“They’re guests in our home,” she said. “We don’t want to impose on them.

We treat them as our guests.”

Halcarz says coordinators meet every month for an update on the families.

“Vera Johnson, Executive Director of FBFP, is trying to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks again,” she said.

“We want to make sure they’re getting all the services available to them.”

Halcarz says “seeing families get back on their feet” and “getting past everything that’s happened to them” is the most rewarding part of her volunteering—especially when it comes to the children.

“Knowing that the kids make it through and the kids are thriving and the families are thriving is the best reward there is,” she said.

For more information regarding the Fort Bend Family Promise, please visit www.fortbendfamilypromise.org or call 281-403-3923. For additional volunteer opportunities in Fort Bend County, call Volunteer Fort Bend at 713-965-0031 or visit www.VolunteerFortBend.org.

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magazine • October 2012

54

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Restaurant Week Proceeds Benefiting The Fort Bend Junior Service League

TASTE OF TOWN SQUARE

RESTAURANT WEEK

Saturday, October 13 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

October 14 – October 20

Featuring Town Square restaurant favorites, wine and beer, all accompanied by live music in the Plaza. For tickets, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com.

Offering three-course meals & special family packages for $25 at participating Town Square restaurants. $5 from every $25 meal will be donated to The Fort Bend Junior Service League.

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After

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Before

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Each office independently owned and operated RE/MAX Fine Properties 281.265.5533 magazine • October 2012

56

In his teenage years, Manuel Zamora could handle almost any construction project. In his twenties, Manuel operated his own landscaping business. Years later, he worked for a custom homebuilder.

As Customer Service Manager, Manuel served 125 homes a year in every phase of home construction.

Now that their youngest is in college, Manuel and his wife, Geri, are blessed to take HomeBase Repairs to the next level, meeting and helping people all over Fort Bend County and the Houston area.

Customer Jerry Lohr shared, “Our home sustained extensive roof damage during Hurricane Ike. For more than a day, rainwater saturated ceilings in five rooms causing damage to the paint and drywall. We tried for nearly a year to get a competent contractor to help us without success. Manuel reviewed the damage and gave us a bid within a week. His estimate was in line with the insurance settlement so we asked him to do the work. During our vacation, he closely supervised the work, sending us photos of the progress via email. We were very comfortable with having Manuel and his crew in our home while we were gone because of his excellent reputation and integrity. When we returned home, all of the work was done excellently, and the post project cleanup was so thorough it was difficult to see that anyone had been in the house.”

Specializing in repairing kitchen and bathrooms, flooring, interior and exterior painting, pressure washing and more, HomeBase Repairs can also partner with you for the rehab on your next real estate investment.

Call Geri and Manuel Zamora at 281261-2847. Visit HomeBaseRepairs.com to check out their projects.

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Purchase of $20 or More Exp. 11/1/12

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Headliners continued from page 51

2012

Peace, Love, Sugar Plum Benefiting Fort Bend County Charities Presented by

Preview Night $ 60 Thursday, November 1st

General Admission $ 10 Friday, November 2nd

6 pm to 10 pm

10 am to 9 pm

Thursday evening advance shopping, two drink tickets, light hors d’oeuvres and Market entry Friday and Saturday.

Manual Lopez

Texana Manager Appointed To Governor’s Council

Saturday, November 3rd 10 am to 5 pm

Stafford Centre

s ndor

10505 Cash Road Stafford, Texas

w ve

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Manual Lopez, Manager of the Texana Learning Center at Rosenberg, was recently appointed to the Governor’s Rehabilitation Council of Texas.

The council partners with the Texas Department of Rehabilitation Services (DARS) divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities during the vocational rehabilitation process. Members serve a three year term volunteering their time and efforts and meet quarterly to conduct information gathering and advocacy activities. Texana Center is proud to have Manuel Lopez take his expertise to the council. Congratulations, Manuel!

Schedule your mammogram at the Sugar Plum Market!

Stop by Booth 300 to sign up and receive your free gift.

For more information please visit www.sugarplummarket.com.

This advertisement generously underwritten by Focus on Women Magazine

2ND ANNUAL HONORING AMERICA’S HEROES GALA Keynote Speaker Col. Oliver North

Friday, November 9, 2012 6:30 pm

Marriott Town Square, Sugar Land Honoring Military Personnel, Policemen, Firemen and EMTs For tickets, call 832.813.2304.

You’re also invited to attend our weekly meetings every Thursday at 7am at the Marriott Hotel Town Square.

13837 Southwest Fwy. , #112 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Headliners continued on page 61

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

NEW LOCATION

www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

59

T L A B CO

e u l B

By Kelly Nolan

O

Fabric from Vervain

Sources: Baker, 800/592-2537, bakerfurniture.com.

Zoffany, 800/395-8760, zoffany.com, trade only.

Photographs by Greg Scheidemann.

Courtesy of Traditional Home

ne of the many questions I get asked at Simply Divine Interiors is, “What is the new color coming out?” Well, I am so excited to say cobalt blue! It is such a great color that has been overlooked for so long. We have seen the colors of turquoise, aqua and teal in our designs over the past few years. Now, the introduction of cobalt blue gives us nothing but a pure, intense, true color.

Blue is such a strong and important color to us. It represents peace, stability and even richness. It represents nature in our sky and sea. It gives us a sense of calm soothing our minds and body. Research suggests that it is the most favored color of all. So, how do you apply it?

Are you bold in your décor, or do you like to play it safe? Either way, this color is versatile and will work for you. What does playing it safe mean to you? If you are afraid the color will be overwhelming, then just add a few accessories and other splashes of cobalt throughout your space.

You can do this by adding a blue glass vase, a few pillows on your sofa or a lamp. If playing it safe means being nice to your wallet, paint is a great way to make a bold statement without breaking the bank. Some of my favorite blue paints are Sherwin Williams Blue Chip and Hyper Blue as well as Benjamin Moore’s Brilliant Blue. Don’t think just about painting the walls; paint an old piece of furniture such an end table or chest.

If you want to make more of a commitment to cobalt blue, a velvet sofa with a pattern of whites and blues on the toss pillows would be stunning. This gives the classic black and white look an update. If you want a little more punch, pair the blue sofa with orange pillows or even a vibrant pink. Another way to add the color is to paint built-in bookshelves or wood paneling in a blue. This would instantly grab the attention of anyone you welcome into your home.

If you decide to try out the color in your home, whether it is a few splashes in the accessories or you paint your walls a brilliant blue, you will have a great time updating your space as well as be pleasantly surprised at the elegance, richness and beauty it will add.

For design help and questions, call 832-437-3288 or email kelly@ simplydivineinteriors.com.

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magazine • October 2012

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Headliners continued from page 59

“Raising the Barre”

Chocolate Holiday Fantasy Tour Opens Cross Creek Ranch New Model Home Collection Eleven brand-new model homes, each decorated for the holidays with samples of endless chocolate delights, will be unveiled in Cross Creek Ranch during the master-planned community’s Chocolate Holiday Fantasy Tour on October 6-7, 13-24 and 20-21. Visitors to the Chocolate Holiday Fantasy Tour also will enjoy chef demonstrations and receive recipes for the eleven chocolate indulgences served in each home. Hours for the tour, including chef demonstrations and chocolate servings, are 11 am – 4 pm.

Located by the Cross Creek Ranch entry at Fry Road and FM 1463 just minutes west of the Grand Parkway, the community’s model home collection is the largest in the Houston area with fully furnished residences from Highland Homes, Ashton Woods Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders. Lennar Homes will join Cross Creek Ranch and open its model home in November. As an additional incentive, families who purchase a new home in Cross Creek Ranch in October will receive a free outdoor kitchen.

Cross Creek Ranch, one of the top 20 best-selling master-planned communities in the United States, 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. Plus, several parks are located within walking distance of every neighborhood in the community, including Canine Commons, a one-acre fenced dog park with areas designated for large and small breed dogs opening in September. Residents attend schools in the top-performing Katy and Lamar Consolidated school districts.

For information about Cross Creek Ranch, visit www.crosscreektexas.com.

Headliners continued on page 68

A professionally instructed and staffed performance/dance studio

Classical Ballet • Pointe Variations Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop 281.969.7054 www.laeraldance.com www.missouricityballet.org 6238 Highway 6, Missouri City, Texas 77459

I strongly support continued research for finding a cure for breast cancer. When elected as State Representative of HD 26, I want to fight for women’s healthcare for everyday women in my community.

Vy Nguyen

Candidate for State Representative House District 26

www.VyForTexas.com Pol Ad paid for by the Vy Nguyen Campaign, Treasurer Gordon Quan

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Call me today and get on the road to enjoying the unmatched luxury of INFINITI. Daniel Ali 713.624.0606 (cell) 713.779.2800 (business) dali@southwestinfiniti.com 10495 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 | Mon. - Fri. 9am to 7:30pm, Sat. 9am to 6pm www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

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Halloween: K

Beyond the Candy ids and adults alike look forward to Halloween each year. From the costumes, to the sweet treats, there’s plenty to get excited about. But Halloween also provides

the perfect opportunity for kids to get involved in the community as well. Use these tips to help your child think of the holiday as yet another way to spread a festive spirit, with less emphasis on candy, and more emphasis on giving back.

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Collect donations for a cause. If your kids plan to trick-or-treat, talk to them about collecting coins for an organization that helps children in need throughout the world. For 62 years, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has encouraged kids to help raise funds for their peers in developing countries by going door-to-door on Halloween night or participating in other festive fundraising activities.

“Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is a powerful way for parents to teach their children the value of helping others and for kids to learn about the world,” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. For the first time, the traditional Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box has been given a new look, with six spooky new character boxes – a monster, black cat, princess, pumpkin, vampire and a witch. Fundraising kits containing the character boxes may be ordered online with free shipping at www.trickortreatforunicef.org or by calling 1-800-FOR-KIDS while supplies last.

Share some spooky treats. Most kids love to get involved in the kitchen – especially when sweet treats are involved.

This year, whip up a batch of spooky treats together to share with neighbors, teachers, patients at the local hospital, and residents at your nearest retirement home.

Get crafty with the kids. Encourage your child to use their creative talents to help spread the Halloween spirit by designing their

UNICEF collection boxes for Halloween. own Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box. “This year, we want to tap into children’s imaginations by letting them bring their own creativity to the traditional Trick-orTreat for UNICEF boxes,” said Stern. The “Create-a-Character” contest allows kids to submit their Halloween character design for a chance to be selected for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2013 limited edition collection.

Make it a group activity – encourage your child’s scout troop to participate, or help your child organize a party for neighborhood kids to spend an afternoon designing characters, then enter online before Oct. 26, 2012 at www.trickortreatforunicef.org.

Fundraising kits containing a blank collection box for design may be ordered online with free shipping or by calling 1-800-FOR-KIDS while supplies last.

This year Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has partnered with national sponsors Key Club International and MediaVest,

and promotional supporters American Airlines and Coinstar, Inc. Donate old costumes. Your kids grow quickly, so it’s unlikely they’ll be able to wear the same Halloween costume two years in a row. Discuss with your child the needs of other children their age and give them the opportunity to donate their gently used Halloween costumes and clothing. Be sure to explain to your children how their costumes can help make another child’s Halloween extra special, and make sure they’re involved in the donation process.

Host a Halloween slumber party.

Encourage your child to invite their closest friends for a night of spooktacular fun and treats. Ask each child to bring a canned good to the party to donate to your local food kitchen.

With a little planning and creativity, you can use the excitement of Halloween to encourage your child to give back to their community as well.

Article courtesy of Family Features.

www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

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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

PRESENTS

A Cirque Spectacular

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

Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre For tickets go to www.staffordcentre.com and click “Ticketing Tab”

Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30pm Saturday, Oct.20 at 3:00pm and 7:30pm www.cirqueimagination.com

Guadalupe

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX

Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor

Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups.

281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org

More pictures at

RioRatonDuplex.com

2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459

book at

www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

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832-788-2294

Fall into the Season

1

By Sophia Vassiliou

2

P

eople are anxious to see the transition from summer to autumn on the outside of their houses with the familiar images of the season: wreaths, pumpkins, gourds, haystacks, scarecrows, fall-blooming flowers, succulents, ornamental grasses and Halloween props.

Besides fall foliage, nothing announces the change of the seasons more than your home's front door, entryway or porch. One way to celebrate the change of the season is by decorating. As you gather props, see what will work for the area. Use items found around the home, from craft stores or even garage sales.

3

Sophia’s Tips:

1.

Spray paint small chairs, flowerpots or tables black, dark green or purple to use as pedestals or containers for display.

2.

3.

4.

Transfer a monogram font to a pumpkin for a unique twist.

Drape fall colored fabrics or use pillows on a bench.

5.

Focus on striking color combinations like rusts, purple and chartreuse for a dramatic autumn backdrop.

6.

Try different textured foliage with smooth elements like pumpkins or decorative planters for contrast.

7.

4

Fluff up last year’s wreath with ribbon or other items.

6

As autumn progresses, edit the Halloween items for Thanksgiving.

Fall into the season with your imagination. For more information, contact Sophia at www.sophiadesigns.com.

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magazine • October 2012

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7

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Purchase Your Copy Today!

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each

While Supplies Last

Get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the development of Constellation Field Discover the history behind minor league baseball coming to Sugar Land Meet the inaugural team

Visit the Skeeters Stadium or Call 281.240.4487

ABSOLUTELY! WE’RE HIRING NOW! Exceptional Readers.

Exceptional Clients.

EXCEPTIONAL SALES PROFESSIONALS.

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Send resume to lisa@fortbendfocus.com www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

67

Fort Bend County Elite Firefighter Races Scheduled for October 20th

Headliners continued from page 61

Ifest Live 2012 Committee. Back row: Jose de Jesus, Natasha Chaudhry, Rosa de Jesus, Naila Burki and Rustin Buck. Middle row: Abla Amin, Nappinnai Natarajan, Mona Barai, Linda Kilgore, Aliana Marketing Director; Brenna Smelley, FBEF Executive Director; Sonal Bhuchar, Michael Liu and Ana Taracido. Front row: Beatriz De Alvarado, FBEF Board Member; Yamei Zhong and Maryam Abbas. For more information on iFest Live 2012, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

The Fort Bend County Elite Firefighter Races are being held in conjunction with the Needville Harvest Festival and CookOff on October 20th. The Harvest Festival is in its 29th year and continues to draw over 5,000 people in two days.

The Firefighter Races are a popular event with the Harvest Festival. They are designed to show the community what it means to be a firefighter and how much effort the firefighters put into their communities, even on their own time. The event will also feature a drunk driver extrication exhibition.

The event is open to all paid and volunteer Fire Departments. If you are interested in competing or sponsoring, information can be found on Facebook. Search for Elite Firefighter Races. Come cheer on and support the firefighters from all over the Fort Bend County and surrounding areas!

The Fort Bend Education Foundations International Festival’s iFest Live Set for November 3rd Mark your calendars for “iFest Live 2012,” International Festival & Vendor Fair scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd from 10 am – 2 pm. Ifest Live 2012, benefiting the Fort Bend Education Foundation, is an event that celebrates the tremendous diversity of cultures in our school district and county by highlighting its many unique traditions, arts, and foods, as well as increases awareness for the Foundation and its mission.

The festival will offer a feast for the senses as booths from different countries display their cultural traditions, dress, food and crafts. During this international event, guests will be entertained by talented artists and students from FBISD as well as from a host of regional dance and music schools.

This year the festival will be held at Aliana’s new model home village, which currently contains 12 fashionably furnished model homes each of which includes a distinctively themed backyard living area. Each of the model homes will represent a different country, and feature free food samples from area restaurants, décor and crafts. Aliana is conveniently located west of Houston, on the Grand Parkway at West Airport. Visit www.alianahouston.com.

Any craft or cultural merchant vendors interested in representing their country should contact the Fort Bend Education Foundation at 713.634.1110 or carol.evans@fortbendisd.com. Booths are limited and will be assigned on a first-come basis.

The Fort Bend Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all FBISD students through its grant programs. Programs include Grants for Teachers and Schools, Grants for Experts and Angel Gifts. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $3.8 million in grants to teachers and schools. For more information regarding the Foundation, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation. fort bend

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MD Anderson in Katy Brightens LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch with Pink Lighting Event in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch pink Friday, October 12 from 7-9 p.m. during a free concert. MD Anderson physicians and staff will be on hand during the event to pass out free educational materials and pink glow necklaces to spread the light of breast cancer awareness and hope.

For more information about the event, visit www.Facebook.com/MDAndersonKaty. To learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy, visit www.MDAnderson.org/Katy.

orld Meet Tohuer OW wn in Y

Backyard.

International Festival liv eNOV 3, 2012 ~ 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. Take a tour through a rich tapestry of cultural tradition, art and cuisine at iFest Live. Located in Aliana’s new Model Home Village, iFest Live will offer an exciting array of food, crafts and entertainment by Fort Bend ISD students.

Purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win Holiday Cash totaling $5,000 Three drawings at 2:00.*290

45

6

Grand Parkway

N

lway Westpark Tol Clodine Rd.

64 FM 14 Harlem Rd

99

6 W. Bellfort W. Airport

SUGAR LAND

Sam Houston Tollway

10

59

10

The Galleria

Downtown Houston

59 288

610

610 90

RICHMOND 90

59 First Colony Mall

Sam Houston Tollway 288

99

*Winner will be chosen by random drawing based on submission of a completed registration card. As with any financial decision, buyers are encouraged to do their own due diligence when selecting a home builder. Homes in the Aliana Community are constructed and sold by home building companies (“Builders”) not affiliated with Aliana Development Company, the developer of such community or the developer’s affiliated companies (collectively, “Developer”). Developer does not guarantee or warrant the obligations of, or construction by, such Builders, or the availability or pricing of homes.

Prices, specifications and details concerning homes are established by the builders and are subject to change without notice. No warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the actual design, location, and character of the facilities shown on any maps are tended. Additionally, no warranty is made to the accuracy of the information contained herein. Copyright 2011 Aliana Development Company. All rights reserved. “ALIANA” and “Handcrafted for Living” are trademarks of Aliana Development Company.

Participating restaurants, upcoming attractions, and raffle drawings updates at

alianahouston.com

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.

Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club partnered with MediaTech Institute in Houston and Sunrise Recording Studios to give students a behind the scenes look at what it takes to have a career in the entertainment industry.

Pictured are Centera Lewis, Jerriah Williams, Samuel Holmes, Melissa Scott, Stephanie Pearson, Kim Washington, Toni Landry, Kieara Jones and Dara Thompson.

Sienna Plantation Troop 140 attended summer camp at Sea Base, which is located in the Florida Keys. Â Pictured is Troop 140 Crew C while scuba diving: David Sander, Jackson Felty, Nic Felty, Max Zuiker, John Felty and Tammie Sander.

The Dai-Ichi Shotokan Karate School students participated in the AAU Junior Olympic Games, which is the largest, national, multi-sports event for youth in the United States. Competing in three categories-kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and kubudo (weapons)-the athletes won a total of 27 medals. Pictured are (top row): Totiana Ben, Niccolo Corio and Kasey Reliford. Bottom row: Sydney Reliford, Anshar Mitchell, Jarryd Allen, Deidre Edens, Timothy Lavallais, Adonai Mitchell, Jaylah Allen and Khalif Connor. Not pictured are Lundon Jordan, Karina Harris, Desmond Fraley, Maxwell Carabali and Donovan Fraley. The athletes were coached by Audrey Johns, Sulei Johns, Rogelio Maxwell and David Ben. FCST Senior swimmers had an excellent showing at the USA Swimming Senior Zones meet in Florida. The Women's team walked away with a first place finish overall! Combined, the team finished in 5th out of 22 teams from across the southern states. Pictured are Alex Remy, Delaney Quattlebaum, Colleen Lord, Asia Quentin, Elizabeth Davis, Ashley Mercadel and Gaby Babb. fort bend

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GREAT W’KANA CAFE Boutique Indian Cuisine

Want to be a Preferred Customer? It’s Free!

Pick up a free TCRN Preferred Customer Card today at any of the businesses found in the TCRN Online Business Directory and start saving immediately at different businesses around town!

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Great W’kana Cafe

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.

Current Preferred Customer Card Special

Receive 10% Off Your Food Bill when using your Preferred Customer Card at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Sugar Land TX!

search for more savings online at:

www.TCRN-SugarLand.com www.fortbend

.com • October 2012

71

High School HOT SHOT

By Lauren Dante

Chris Sabbagh: Colossal Volunteer, Leader and Student

A

senior at Kempner High School, Chris has a heart for community service and the brains and leadership skills to make it logistically possible. Chris is currently a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Swim Team, District Student Advisory Council and more.

As an active, talented and intelligent student, Chris was encouraged to apply for the Bezos Scholar Project.

He was chosen as one of twelve scholars from the United States to attend the Aspen Ideas Festival this past summer. The Aspen Ideas Festival is a one-week festival that focuses on leadership training and provides the resources necessary to organize a festival to promote community awareness about a particular issue. As a scholar, Chris is given the task of organizing a festival for his local community.

Chris chose to focus on voter registration and the citizen’s responsibility to vote as the theme of his festival. He feels strongly about the issue because of his family’s background. Chris’ parents emigrated from Lebanon before he was born. His parents adjusted to the American lifestyle and became American citizens, but they never exercised their right to vote. “People come to America to look for better opportunities,” said Chris. “However, people take these opportunities for granted, and when they have the chance to make an impact on our government, they don’t take advantage of it.”

Due to Chris’ belief that everyone needs to take advantage of his or her rights as citizens, Chris’ festival theme was an easy decision for him.

s i r h C The Voter Registration Festival will be on October 6th from 2 – 4 pm at Sugar Land Town Square. There will be ample opportunities to register to vote as well as live entertainment and issue awareness booths. Local politicians will also be on-site discussing issues. Chris has partnered with the Fort Bend Voters League to spread awareness about the event. “I am really excited about the festival,” said Chris. “We are trying to publicize the event to have a large crowd attend; however, as long as someone registers, it will be a successful event.”

As the District Student Council President, Chris has the volunteer resources that he needs for the event. The different student councils will be competing to see which school can register the most voters.

The Voter Registration Festival will be a district-wide Student Council project.

In addition to being the District Student Council President, Chris was the Class President as a freshman, sophomore and junior. Since third grade, Chris has been a member of the Student Coun-

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cil. “I enjoy Student Council because I feel that we really make a difference in our school and in our community,” said Chris. “Student Council is not focused on one particular thing, so we are able to help different causes while also helping a lot of people.” Chris’ favorite Student Council project was the Wii Bowling Tournament they held at the Sugar Land Senior Center. Chris couldn’t believe that the Senior Citizens won over the young adults.

Although Chris isn’t a master bowler, he is an excellent swimmer. Chris began swimming at the age of six and, in high school, joined the high school swim team. Chris’ best races are the 100-meter breaststroke and the 50-meter freestyle. For his senior year, Chris is one of the captains of the swim team.

Between organizing the Voter Registration Festival, being the District Student Council President and the captain of the swim team, Chris is also the President of the National Honor Society, member of the English Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the District Student Advisory Council that focuses on diversity in Fort Bend County. In addition, Chris is an honors student ranked in the top ten people academically of his class.

Even though he is only a senior in high school, Chris is impacting his community. Chris is a talented and well-respected young adult. He would like to attend Harvard next fall and receive his undergraduate degree in Engineering and then attend law school. We have no doubt that Chris will make his mark on society due to his dedication to a cause, leadership skills and genuine enthusiasm to help his community. Good luck, Chris!

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Leah Dibble

Congratulations to Leah Dibble, a graduate of Fort Bend Christian Academy, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for October! Rachel Cochran, Events Coordinator, presents the $1,000 check. While at Fort Bend Christian Academy, Leah was a member of the varsity basketball, cross country and track teams, serving as captain of her cross country team. Leah was also involved in a variety of organizations, including National Honor Society, Big Sister Little Sister Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, American Sign Language Club, Student Leadership Community and Academic Team, in which she held multiple leadership positions. Leah has received multiple awards for her academics and athletics, including Academic Excellence awards in ASL, Freshman Bible, Honors Geometry, Honors English II and the “Soaring Eagle Award.”

She also received Most Improved Runner, Eagle Heart, Most Coachable, and Outstanding Scholar Athlete. Leah plans to study medicine at Baylor University. Leah 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 • October 2012

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M edical F ocus Director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Sleep Medicine Provides Cutting Edge Treatment for Patients Suffering with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Dr. Samuel E. Cress, D.D.S., director of Sugar Land’s The Center for Craniofacial and Dental Sleep Medicine, offers DNA therapy to aid patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

OSA is present in approximately one in every 15 Americans. More astonishing, over five percent of all Americans have an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea and are living with a very treatable disease. CPAPs are typical Samuel Cress, D.D.S OSA treatment options and used to alleviate the symptoms of OSA, while the DNA appliance addresses the root cause by non-surgically remodeling the upper airway.

The DNA, short for “the Daytime Nighttime Appliance,” system is unique because it was not only developed to lessen OSA, it also straightens teeth and improves the upper airway.

By improving the upper airway through an increase in facial volume, a cosmetic benefit of facial feature balancing occurs.

The patented DNA system uses DNA wire TM and patented 3D axial springs TM to store kinetic energy, which is then released at night during the growth hormone circadian rhythm. This stored energy is necessary to initiate cellular growth in the mid-face and mandible. It increases upper mid-facial volume for better airway exchange and helps establish a more ideal occlusion, at the same time leading to a noninvasive facial cosmetic correction. Results have been present in as little as 90 days.

“I personally have been using the DNA appliance in my practice for over two years and have 135 appliances in place. The astonishing results have not only improved the patient’s airways and straightened their teeth, but it has also improved their facial features,” Dr. Cress reported. “We are seeing broader smiles, fuller lips, better and straighter noses--leading to happier, healthier patients.”

Dr. Cress studied the DNA system under the guidance of Dr. Dave Singh, D.D.Sc., Ph.D., B.D.S., the sole inventor of the DNA. To learn more about Dr. Cress and the DNA system, visit www.cfdsm.com /OSA. Dr. Cress will be lecturing in Salt Lake City in Utah, January 24th through 26th.

About Dr. Samuel E. Cress, D.D.S. Director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Sleep Medicine, located in Sugar Land. Dr. Cress completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and his residency in Dental Sleep Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Cress’s practice includes general cosmetic dentistry and dental sleep medicine, treating patients in the Houston area for nearly 20 years. A nationally recognized industry leader and instructor in Sleep Medicine Appliance Therapies, Dr. Cress is a distinguished clinical instructor in the prestigious Dr. Dick Barnes Group in conjunction with Arrowhead Dental Lab. Dr. Cress is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, American and Texas Dental Associations, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Greater Houston Dental Society.

Dr. Cress and his wife, Kimberly Cress, M.D., share their life with their son Carter.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Announces Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Group Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center is now hosting a monthly meeting for individuals, families and caregivers affected by spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS) and other disorders. The group will meet the second Wednesday of each month from 7-8 pm. Refreshments will be offered starting at 6:45 pm.

The Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Group strives to pro-

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vide information, emotional support and practical advice related to living with a spinal cord injury or disorder. The Spine Center is located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus with easy access off Town Center Boulevard and meets ADA standards for accessible design. For more information about the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Group or to R.S.V.P., please call 281-313-BACK (2225) or email SpineCenter@tmhs.org.

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The Real Source of Your Vein Pain May Not Be on Your Doctor’s Radar

What You Need to Know About Heatstroke Here in Houston, air conditioners are still buzzing and the sidewalks are sizzling. Everyone should take extra precaution to avoid heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

Characterized by an abnormally elevated body temperature, heatstroke usually strikes when people are engaging in outdoor activities on hot, humid days. While it’s more common for the elderly, heatstroke can occur in the young, the healthy and even in infants.

Warning signs of heat-related illness include fatigue, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, muscle cramps, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting.

To help prevent heatstroke, avoid outside physical exertion during the hottest times of the day, usually between 2 and 5 pm. If you must be outdoors, wear light, loose-fitting clothing, try to stay in a shaded area, hydrate with lots of water and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as they tend to cause dehydration.

If you have elderly neighbors or family members, check on them during the day for signs of heat-related illness. Make sure they have access to electric fans and, if necessary, transport them to an air-conditioned location.

If you see someone showing signs of heat illness, get them to a cooler environment, moisten their skin with lukewarm water, fan them and call 911 immediately for assistance.

If you are outside, be vigilant about making sure you and those around you stay hydrated and get in the shade and rest often.

Donyale K. Harris, M.D., joined Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in 2000. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and cares for her patients at the Fort Bend Clinic.

www.fortbend

Many people suffer with vein pain unnecessarily because their doctors do not consider venous insufficiency – the backward flow of blood through the veins – as a possible source of the pain in their patients’ legs. When the signs of venous insufficiency -- feelings of achiness, heaviness, tiredness, restlessness, and dull to sharp pain in the legs -- are misconstrued for another ailment, “band-aid” treatments are prescribed that deal with surface symptoms. Such treatments leave venous insufficiency unchecked and untreated. That is bad news for those who unknowingly suffer from venous insufficiency: over time, this progressive medical condition will advance to a point where pain becomes more intense and manifests itself in the form of skin ulcers, skin discoloration, edema or another debilitating condition.

If you have vein pain or are experiencing any level of discomfort in your legs, a simple vein consultation and ultrasound screening with a vein specialist can determine whether or not venous insufficiency is present. Nearly 97 percent of people who are diagnosed and undergo a stateof-the art, image-guided vein treatment experience immediate relief of symptoms.

There is more good news. Because venous insufficiency is considered a medical condition, minimally invasive vein treatments such as Venefit™(formerly called VNUS Closure) are covered by most insurance carriers and Medicare. These highly effective vein treatments close down the vein – and the pain – at any stage of the disease with little to no downtime.

End your vein pain now with a free vein consultation and screening at the Hamilton Vein Center. To schedule, call 281-565-0033.

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

.com • October 2012

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ndly Fridge Frie

ME DISPLAY

October 2012

1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd

Mondays, 6:45 – 8:45 pm Parenting Teenagers Course LIFEChurch Fort Bend is sponsoring the course for parents of teenagers 11 to 18 years. The session will cover building strong foundations, meeting children’s needs, setting boundaries, teaching healthy relationships and forming longterm aims at Reading Jr. High School.

The cost is $50 per person and includes dinner, practical talks and group discussions. Scholarships are available. Visit www.lifechurchfortbend.org.

5th & 19th

Friday, 9:30 am – 12 pm Faithful Moms Join a community of mothers who gather for camaraderie and support in a safe, positive environment at Faith United Methodist Church in Richmond. Faithful Moms provides childcare, crafts, guest speakers, food and an opportunity to build lasting relationships with other Christian mothers. Call 281-330-8260.

6th

Saturday, 9 – 11 am Saturday with the Master Gardeners

9th

20th

Enjoy light bites and complimentary goody bags at 4907 Sandhill Dr., Ste. E in Sugar Land. Dr. Shilpa Chandiwal will be on hand to provide pediatric oral hygiene information to parents and children. Call 713-955-2100.

George Memorial Library will present the First Annual Genealogy Workshop at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations required. Register at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-341-2608.

12th

25th

Tuesday, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry Meet and Greet

Saturday, 9 am – 4:30 pm Family History Genealogy Workshop

Friday, 1:30 – 5 pm Fort Bend Toyota Blood Drive Benefiting The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Donate at 20465 Southwest Freeway in Richmond. To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org, log on to “Digital Donor,” and use sponsor code B240, or call 281-341-5900.

14th

Sunday, 10 am New Creation Lutheran Church

18th

Thursday, 7 – 8 pm Gardening Program by Vince Mannino

6th

19th

Become an informed voter at George Memorial Library in Richmond. Everyone is welcome! Visit www.growfortbend.org.

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.

Hear Vince Mannino, director of Fort Bend County AgriLife Extension Service, present general gardening information at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Friday, 6 – 9 pm Pretty in Pink Town Square Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Fort Bend Junior Service League have partnered to present this charity event benefiting Fort Bend residents in the fight against cancer.

Call 281-275-0751 or visit www.methodisthealth.com/mslh.cfm?id=42402.

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Enjoy haunting poems and chilling stories created by author Edgar Allan Poe at the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, 8100 FM 359 South in Fulshear.

Storyteller Glen Little will portray chilling renditions of Poe’s The Raven and The TellTale Heart. The program is free and open to ages 10 and over. Call 281-633-4675.

26th

The first worship service will be held at the Irene Stern Community Center, 6920 Katy-Fulshear Road in Fulsher. Food, fun and games will follow the service. Call 832-492-5136 or visit www.newcreationfulshear.org.

Visit the four acres of demonstration gardens designed and maintained by the Fort Bend Master Gardeners. Park in front of the Agriculture Center, 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Saturday, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Project Vote Smart: The Voter’s Self Defense System Seminar

Thursday, 6:30 pm An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

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Friday, 5 – 8 pm Chicken Spaghetti Dinner and Mingle for Veteran Day Programs Enjoy a family fundraiser at the VFW Post 3903, 1903 1st Street (Hwy 36) in Rosenberg. Cost for dinner is $8. Also included is a raffle, dessert auction and live music.

Candidates in the November election will be mingling with the crowd. Sponsorships are available at $250, $500, and $750. All proceeds will benefit Veterans Day Programs. Contact Kathy at 713-376-5959 or Vickie at vickietonn@yahoo.com.

27th

Saturday, 7:30 am – 1 pm Autumn Harvest Market Pope John XXIII High School will host its First Annual Autumn Harvest Market featuring arts, crafts and boutique items.

The event will be held in the school gym at 1800 West Grand Parkway N. in Katy.

Twelve-by-twelve spaces are available to rent for $50. Space is limited, so act fast!

If interested, contact Jackie Sitton at autumnharvestmarket@yahoo.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

27th

Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm 29th Annual Texian Market Days This family-friendly living history festival features hands-on activities, historic demonstrations, Texas Revolution and Civil War battle re-enactments, historic home tours, food and live entertainment. Experience over 100 years of Texas History all in one day! Call 281-343-0218 (extension 278) or visit texianmarketdays.com.

27th

Saturday, Noon – 5 pm First Annual Lone Star Exchange Oktoberfest Bring the family and be a part of the First Annual Lone Star Exchange Oktoberfest in Historic Downtown Richmond, 310 Morton St. Enjoy a cookoff, yodeling contest and entertainment. All proceeds will benefit the community. Visit www. lonestarexchangeclub.org.

27th

Saturday, 2 – 4 pm Pumpkin Carving Contest Show off your talent at the Missouri City Branch Library. Bring your pumpkin and carving materials, and the library will provide decorative items, stencils, reference books, markers and paints. Prizes will be awarded for first through third place entries. Call 281-238-2100.

28th

Sunday, 1 pm Gridiron Football at Constellation Field Join in the action as Constellation Field transforms into a football stadium to host the 2012 Gridiron Super Bowl games.

The whole family will enjoy a day of youth football, half time shows featuring the Gridiron Cheerleaders, local high school drum lines, a live band and local celebrities. The event is free and open to the public. Gates open at noon. Visit www. fortbendgridironfootball.com.

28th & 29th

Sunday, 5:30 pm Monday, 9 am Celebrity Charity Golf Invitational Dan Pastorini hosts his Celebrity Charity Golf Invitational, presented by Insperity with proceeds benefiting Be An Angel.

The festivities begin with a gala dinner on Sunday at the Sugar Land Marriot Town Square followed by the golf tournament on Monday at Sugar Creek Country Club.

Participants will have an opportunity to mingle with celebrities from the world of entertainment and pro sports. Call 713599-1271 or visit www.beanangel.org.

28th

Community

CALENDAR Send Your Event

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS Giving Spirits Concert Series Friday, October 5th 7 – 9 pm

Power of One Festival Saturday, October 6th 2 – 4 pm

Music in the Plaza

Sunday, 4 – 8 pm City of Sugar Land Presents Halloween Town

Saturday, October 6th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Jack-o-lanterns, spooky creatures and pounds of candy for trick-or-treaters will once again transform Sugar Land Town Square into Halloween Town! Visit www.sugarlandtownsquare.com.

Music in the Plaza Friday, October 12th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Taste of Town Square

UPCOMING IN NOVEMBER November 1st

5 – 7 pm

Jaguar Club of Houston’s Annual Concours D’Elegance Show

Thursday,10 am – 4 pm Holiday Treasures Boutique Sugar Creek Country Club Women’s Association invites you to 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard for shopping that is sure to intrigue and please the holiday shopper.

Admission costs $5. Call 281-491-9464.

Saturday, October 20th 10 am – 4 pm

Movie Under The Moon Saturday, October 20th 8 – 10 pm

November 3rd

Saturday, 8 am – Midnight Free Flu Shot Clinic and Community Toy Drive

Dancing Under The Stars Friday, October 26th

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital invites those 18 years and older with no history of egg and/or latex allergy are invited to bring an unwrapped, new toy or clothing item and get a flu shot in exchange at 16655 SW Freeway. Call 281-275-0751.

www.fortbend

Saturday, October 13th

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8 – 9 pm

Flying Saucer Beerfeast Saturday, October 27th 1 – 6 pm

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October 2012 Winner “Summer Fun”

By Cindy Judge’s comment: Excellent stop action photo! Looks like subject is floating.

Congratulations Cindy, 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 Sarah at 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

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

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

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

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FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide 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

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 and 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 and Therapy, and three Outpatient Rehab facilities located in Stafford, Northshore and Spring. (01/2013)

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.

Submit your request and get the next issue of Fort Bend Focus delivered to your mailbox!

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Fort Bend Focus Magazine wants to provide readers with the best community feature magazine possible. We want to focus on our READERS and mail exclusively to residents who invite us into their home. Requests are FREE to all Fort Bend & Katy addresses*.

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12 issues a yearDelivered Free!

Mail completed form to: 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste 400, Stafford, TX 77477 * Annual paid subscription required outside the Fort Bend or Katy areas. Call 281-690-4242. www.fortbend

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Living the Sweet Life:

Great Expectations …

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

Oh, I Have Them

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nless you have been living under a rock, you already know it’s election time again. Having come out of a tough past four years, I find myself having great expectations, especially if I am paying for it. There’s certainly a lot of rhetoric between the R and D of “who said this” and “who did not get it that done,” and I am paying attention but not really worried. I had and will continue to have great expectations for what we as a country should be doing despite who is in office.

Opinions? Oh, I indeed have them, and yes, for those paying closer attention, as a small business woman, I did earn them.

However, there’s always more than one person to blame for who and where and what is right or wrong. Not to state the obvious, but this being an election year, it seems that as a factual run down of sorts, this always needs to be stated. The accountability of one’s actions and one’s promises and meeting the great expectations that I always so feverishly seem to have has never been easily met.

This somehow brings into question a need to reevaluate all of the things in my life, and the prospect of turning over a new leaf in the fall offers up at least one last chance to redeem oneself in “change making” before the year is gone. It’s a good time to hold all individuals in my life accountable whether I pay them to clean my house, educate my children or provide security for my family.

The beginning of the “change making” for me was actually about a year ago when school was starting. Admittedly, we as a family started off the school year on the wrong feet. Our live in housekeeper – who I call my wife more out of respect than jest – had gone on a long vacation after nine devoted years of round the clock care to my children and really all of us.

Her departure and timing of such sent us in a suspended swirl that we are just now recovering from. I realized as I was “finding” things that I thought were “in order” that much of my house was disorganized, and we had “saved” stuff for inexplicable reasons. Needless to say, my expectations of what I was paying for and what I was receiving had been shattered.

Let me just say my sister, and the Lord does love her, is a hot mess. These are facts and not speculations, but there are some things you just observe, and she and her choices are indeed one of them. I no longer wonder about her which, quite frankly, is half the battle. With that being said, she has chickens. She likes them, and she uses them to provide food for her family. Last month, she went out to feed them and discovered that a snake had eaten all but one. She decided that the best solution to her dilemma was to bring in the poor chick and place it in her bathroom overnight on a brooder light.

Sometime between going to bed and midnight, her house caught on fire. There was considerable damage, and the insurance people had to be called into service. After observing the state of her home, they decided they would pay her half of what it would take to cover the repairs. Half, really? She called them and was able to get the entire amount for restoration, however, at a great price. After 20 years with her insurance company, they also sent her a letter informing her that they would not be renewing her policy. Again, really?

What exactly is insurance for then? This is my question.

When I think through clearly the past 12 years that I have been educating my children, I have come to realize there is a price to pay both for choosing and not choosing public education. The countless hours in private study and tutors paid in fort bend

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my attempt to create a well-rounded and highly educated child has as of late come under great scrutiny. I feel that now the educational choice should be what is indeed best for each child, not my conjured up notions that private is always better than public. As I tread through the last half of one child’s education while at the same time wading up to my neck with the education of my other child, I find myself captivated by the choices. I now see clearly that some of what I had decided was more for me than for the betterment of my offspring and for that, well, I am indeed deeply sorry. When as a parent you feel the best decision is being made and find out that perhaps it was not, there’s nothing left to do but wash your hands, say some prayers and begin again. That’s where we find ourselves as we approach this school year. That’s where my sister finds herself now with a home under reconstruction and a fried baby chick! No pun intended!

This leaves me now to the barrage of “who was supposed to do” and “who should have done” rhetoric that we all can look forward to over the next few months – a sizing up of sorts from the sides R and D. Here’s the thing. We pay these guys to do a job, and we live, thankfully, in a country where we can fire them. The nominees for our presidency, housekeepers, schools and insurance companies get in line. It is time to reevaluate and hold accountable who’s doing what, and all of us need to take inventory and make corrections where we see fit. Happy voting!

Take care of you!

Texian Market Days Grows As Texas Direct Auto Signs On As Major Sponsor

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he 29th annual Texian Market Days are scheduled for the weekend of October 27th and 28th, and Texas Direct Auto is a major sponsor for this family-friendly festival. This historical festival is the perfect setting for the nation’s largest independent car dealership to partner with the Fort Bend community in reliving its proud heritage.

Texian Market Days documents a variety of historical settings of Southeast Texas, including lifestyles in the Fort Bend county area that date back to the 1830’s. Texas Direct Auto has been conducting business in Fort Bend since 2003. They may not have the long-storied history that the volunteers will be reenacting during this festival, but Texas Direct Auto has established themselves as the largest independent car dealership in the nation!

Education among students is a vital asset of our community. A portion of the proceeds from Texian Market Days will be donated to educational programs that are offered year round by the Fort Bend County Museum. Texas Direct Auto’s Director of Business Development Jessica DeMarr stated, “In our system of marketing, we’ve proven that it takes a commitment

to excellence in order to achieve our corporate goals, so assisting students in achieving their educational goals creates a win-win for them and the community.

We’re proud to be a part of their growth!”

On a mission to educate, entertain and inspire, Texian Market Days, which was coordinated by the Fort Bend County Museum, performs historical re-enactments of the southeastern part of Texas. Not only is this festival fun for visitors but, for volunteers as well, who will stage a battle re-enactment from the Civil War. “Funds raised during this festival support our year round educational programs and preservation efforts. We are very proud that Texas Direct Auto recognizes the importance of our mission, and we commend them for their outstanding legacy of community support.”

This event will be held at the 480-acre George Ranch Historical Park located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, Texas. The park is divided into four clearly-defined historical sites and loosely follows eras from the: 1830’s Jones stock farm, 1860’s Ryon prairie home, 1890’s Davis Victorian Mansion and a 1930’s George cattle complex.

SeLL US YOUR CAR! There’s an easier way to sell your car.

WE PAY MORE. WE PAY TODAY. Fast. Easy. Fun. Yes! It’s true.

12053 SW Freeway, Stafford Texas 77477 • 281-499-8200

Texas DIRECT AUTO.com

My Message to Other Women

DON'T PUT IT OFF!

Dr. Clive Shkedy Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Pierre Chevray Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Deanna McDonald OB/GYN

Joan Yanker Breast Cancer Survivor

Dr. Sandra Templeton Breast Surgeon

Dr. Jorge Darcourt Oncologist

Dr. Stephen Phillips Breast Radiologist

I am so thankful that somethIng kept tellIng me to schedule my well-woman exam ImmedIately. On a busy summer day while out running errands, I found myself near

my OB/GYN's office. A little voice in my head told me to go in and make an appointment now, and I am so glad I did.

During my annual well-woman exam, my physician found a lump in my breast and scheduled my mammogram immediately. I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. Within days, I had an entire team of specialists working together to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services, surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy—all close to home. Thanks to my breast cancer care team, and the compassionate care I received at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, today I am cancer-free!

Don’t put it off…call today and schedule your annual exam and mammogram.

— Joan Yanker, Breast Cancer Survivor This is the Methodist level of cancer care—from diagnosis to survival, where leading technology and compassion—are leading to a cure.

To speak with Joan Yanker about her experiences—or for more information about the comprehensive breast cancer services offered only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital—call 281-242-CURE (2873). To schedule your mammogram, please call 281-242-PINK (7465).

Breast Center

Schedule your mammogram at the Sugar Plum Market November 1, 2 & 3

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-PINK (7465) MethodistSugarLand.com