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Around 4.2 million Americans who are 40 years old and older are affected by visual impairments, and of those impacted, the National Eye Institute reported 3 million of them have low vision.
Low vision is an impairment characterized by difficulty seeing during everyday tasks like cooking, writing, tending to errands or reading, with the hardship ranging from minor visual challenges to almost total blindness. Typical treatments like glasses, contact lenses or surgery can offer relief and improve a lot of eye conditions, but with low vision, these approaches and other medical interventions can’t correct the issue.
The National Eye Institute estimates that by 2030, 7.2 million Americans will have visual impairments, and of them, 5 million will have low vision.
Although vision shifts as people age, blindness and vision loss are not considered normal while aging, the institute said in its outreach presentation “Living with Low Vision.” In the younger population, trauma, inherited eye conditions and infectious and autoimmune eye diseases are the usual causes of vision loss and impairments. In older adults, vision loss is typically due to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
The National Eye Institute reports that age-related macular degeneration, known as “AMD,” is common. Marked by blurred central vision caused by age-related damage to the macula, this condition affects 11 million people in the US.
The institute said with AMD being the leading cause of vision loss, adults who are 50 years old and older should be cognizant of the likelihood of developing the disease. People with low vision are typically 65 years old or older.
AMD is often detected during routine comprehensive dilated eye exams, which is why doctors underline such tests should be included in wellness regimens.
For the millions of people who live or will live with low vision, there is support to maximize their remaining sight.
The foremost action to take is to make an appointment with a physician, and for Fort Bend residents one such option is contacting Memorial Hermann’s Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, formerly known as the Hermann Eye Center.
The Cizik Eye Clinic, which offers services from routine eye examinations to advanced eye surgery in the Texas Medical Center, is staffed by physicians who are faculty members in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Additionally, all of them are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
The clinic is committed to highly specialized eye and vision care, but general ophthalmic patients are also welcomed, so it reminds the public that The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends routine eye examinations every one or two years for patients over the age of 55 at the onset of presbyopia — the loss of near focus with age, sta-
tistically at age 42.
The Cizik Eye Clinic covers the following specialties: low vision and visual rehabilitation; cataract; corneal and external disease; glaucoma; ophthalmic plastic, reconstructive and orbital surgery; refractive surgery; retina and vitreous; uveitis; and pediatric ophthalmology. The services it offers include: contact lenses; electrophysiology; low vision; optical shop; orthoptics; photography (fundus, slit lamp, external); and ultrasonography.
For more information about the Cizik Eye Clinic, visit www.cizikeyedoctors.org.
Additionally, for patients with low vision, the clinic offers the Dan Arnold Center for Vision Rehabilitation.
At this center, patients can experience a comprehensive vision rehabilitation program incorporating state-of-the-art technology and learning facilities, expert staff and adaptive computer technology. Beyond eye care, the center offers driving programs, mobility services and support groups. Plus, through occupational therapy, patients work with therapists in the center and at their homes to learn how to use their residual vision and low vision devices to fulfill daily tasks like shopping, using a blind cane, using phone and computer adaptations, getting dressed, helming public transportation and safely crossing streets.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Diminished vision can be a byproduct of various conditions, and aging individuals who have noticed a loss of vision may be dealing with age-related macular degeneration or AMD. The National Eye Institute notes that aging causes damage to the macula, which is the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, and that AMD is an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss for older adults. When a person has AMD, his or her central vision is blurred, and because of this, people who develop the disease may struggle to recognize faces, read, drive or engage in activities that require close-up work, including cooking or fixing things around the house.Notably, cases of AMD are not all the same. The institute notes that AMD happens slowly in some people and faster in others. Some people may not even recognize they have vision loss even when they already have early AMD.
For further clarification, the institute explained the two types of AMD. Dry AMD, the most common type of the disease, occurs as the macula gets thinner with age. Dry AMD progresses slowly over several years and occurs in three stages: early, intermediate and late. The less common form of late AMD is Wet AMD, which, according to the institute, causes faster vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula, and it’s treatable.
Due to the different forms of the disease, age-related macular degeneration produces different symptoms depending on the stage.Early dry AMD does not cause symptoms, and the National Eye Institute stated some people with intermediate dry AMD may not experience symptoms. Those who do may notice symptoms such as mild blurriness in
By 2030, 7.2 million Americans will have visual impairments
Low Vision: What it is, what
impairments — of them, 5 million will have low vision
what causes it and what to do about it
Access eye health organization databases, additional eye and vision health research & tips and statistics from the National Eye Institute at www.nei.nih.gov.
their central vision or difficulty seeing in low lighting. Late wet or dry AMD patients may notice that straight lines are beginning to look wavy or crooked and a blurry area may be near the center of their vision. That blurriness can grow larger over time, and people may be gin to see blank spots. Colors also may seem less bright, and people may have difficulty seeing in low lighting.
Improve Your Vision
The institute pressed that adults 55 years old and older are more like ly to have AMD than any other group. People with a family history of AMD, Caucasians and smokers also have a higher risk of developing AMD. Quitting smoking, getting regular physical activity, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eating a healthy diet that includes leafy greens and fish are some ways people can lower their AMD risk.
Living With Low Vision
The type of low vision a person experiences depends on the disease or condition that caused it. The most common types are: Central vision loss: not being able to see things in the center of your vision; Peripheral vision loss: not being able to see things out of the corners of your eyes; Night blindness: not being able to see in low light; and Blurry or hazy vision. Although low vision is a permanent visual impairment, low vision aids can help people remain independent and specialized training, called vision rehabilitation, can provide skills for living with low vision.
Through vision rehabilitation, a low vision specialist (an ophthalmologist or optometrist who develops a vision rehabilitation plan) can also help determine the ideal combination of strategies and assistive devices to meet a patient’s needs. Such aids include magnifying glasses, screens and stands, telescopic lenses, high-intensity reading lamps, large-print newspapers, magazines and books, close-circuit TVs that magnify a printed page on screen and computers and tablets.
Many people are born with complete or partial vision loss, while others’ vision slowly dissipates over time. Macular conditions include age-related macular degeneration, “AMD,” which leads to a loss of both central vision and the ability to see fine details. The National Eye Institute says AMD happens when aging causes damage to the macula, or the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision. The macula is part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.Johns Hopkins Medicine says people rarely go blind from AMD, but it can result in significant loss of central vision. Learning to cope with these vision changes can take time, but there are certain products called low vision aids that can help offset vision loss. In addition to the following aids, eye doctors can recommend other products and treatments to help mitigate the vision loss that occurs from AMD or other eye illnesses.)
MAGNIFIERS: Magnifiers use lenses or cameras to make objects appear larger than they are. They can help with detailed tasks, such as threading a needle or finding buttons on a remote control. There are even video magnifiers that have rechargeable batteries and can be taken to restaurants to read menus.
LOW VISION GLASSES: These are not your typical eyeglasses. Low vision glasses are head-mounted, hands-free wearable technology that offers CCTV and text-to-speech capabilities in a product about the size of sunglasses. Glasses magnify anything a person looks at.
LARGE-PRINT ITEMS: There are a variety of products designed for those with low vision. These include wall clocks with large, bold numbers for easy viewing. Enlarged television remote controls and large-print books or digital reader settings help people with AMD maintain some normalcy.
Color-contrast aids: Color or contrast can be used to make items easier to see and use. For example, the Keys U Can See Keyboard has black letters and numbers on a striking yellow keyboard to greatly improve visibility.
Talking products: From watches to clocks to bathroom scales, voice-equipped products give users information via audio.
Income-Tax Assistance
Fort Bend County Libraries will host representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), who will provide free income-tax-preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers. Income-tax forms are not available at the libraries, but the libraries’ computers and printers can be used to download and print out the forms from the IRS website, www.irs. gov, during regular library hours. A library card (which is free) is needed to use the printers, and the cost to print is 10¢ per black-and-white page. The following information should be brought to the session if possible: a photo ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse, and all dependents; last year’s tax return; W-2, 1099s, and any other compensation received in 2024; unemployment compensation statements; and any other documents that are necessary to complete your return. By appointment only. fortbend.lib.tx.us
Jewelry Show
The Fort Bend Art Center’s Jewelry Show will be held from noon-5pm at 2012 Ave. G in Rosenberg and will feature unique jewelry made by local artists. artleaguefortbend.org
Caladium Bulb Sale
individuals who are researching African-American family histories. Registration required. fortbend.lib.tx.us
Bird Hike
Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter’s monthly bird hike will take place 8-10:30 a.m. at Seabourne Creek Nature Park. coastalprairie.org
Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference
The 40th anniversary of the Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference will take place Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building C, 4310 Hwy 36S in Rosenberg. fortbend.agrilife. org
Discover the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory
Valentine’s Day Dance
The Fort Bend County Fair and the Go Tejano Committee’s 15th Annual Go Tejano Committee Valentine’s Dance, will be held at 7 pm the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building C. A night of live music and dancing, with Grupo Zenzio and South TX Homies performing. fortbendcountyfair.com.
Plant Walk
Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter’s upcoming Plant Walk will feature Susie Doe, botany enthusiast and chapter plant expert, at Seabourne Creek Nature Park to learn about its plants. Meet at the Prairie Demo Area this month. The walk will last 2 hours. coastalprairie. org
The Garden Club of Richmond’s annual Caladium Sale will feature No. 1 “fancy-leafed” bulbs in six varieties: Red Flash, Carolyn Whorton, Candidum, White Christmas, Fanny Munson and FM Joyner.Bulbs can be pre-ordered and will be available for pick-up on March 26, 27 and 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Joseph’s Coffee & Cigars, 202 Morton Street in Richmond. March 7 is the last day to place an order and all orders must be paid in advance.The bulbs are only sold in quantities of 25 of a single color. Prices, including tax, are $36 for 25 bulbs, $68 for 50 bulbs and $134 for 100 bulbs. To order, please contact Nancie Rain at 713-8988359 or nrain@comcast.net or Roberta Terrell at 713-962-1839 or robertaterrell@gmail.com
African-American Genealogy
Family-History Research: African-American Genealogy program will be held from 10:30-11:30 am, Computer Lab at the George Memorial Library. Daniel Sample, manager of the Genealogy and Local History department, will discuss many of the resources that are available to family-history researchers, with special focus on tools to help
Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter monthly program “Discover the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory – Who, How, and Why!” featuring Martin Hagne, executive director of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory s set for 7-9pm at the ROsenberg Civic Center. The talk will be all about the GCBO – a vital research and educational facility nestled on 34 acres of Columbia Bottomland Forest in the heart of Lake Jackson, Texas. coastalprairie.org
Murder Mystery Dinner
Creative Learning Society - The Agatha Mystery Theater’s “A Clue Murder Mystery” — playful parody inspired by the cult classic movie Clue, featuring our very own twist on its iconic characters — will show at noon at 1909 Ave G suite 201, in Rosenberg. creativelearningsociety.com
Richmond Farmers Market
The Richmond Farmers Market will run 3-7 pm at City Hall Park Plaza, 402 Morton Street in Richmond. Featuring fresh produce from local growers and artisan goods as well as some prepared foods. richmondtx.gov
Movies at Wessendorff
The City of Richmond’s free, family-friendly monthly outdoor films continues with a showing of “Wonka” at 6:30 pm in Wessendorff Park, 500 Preston Street in Richmond. Bring chairs and blankets. A dessert truck is usually on site for food purchase. richmondtx.gov
Fort Bend Master Gardeners 2024 Fruit Tree Sale
The Fort Bend Master Gardeners 24th Annual Fruit Tree Sale will be held 4 from 9 a.m. until noon (or until sold out). Featuring an estimated 75 different varieties of fruit trees, berries and tropicals/sub-tropicals for sale with approximately 1,000 different plants available. fbmg.org.
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels’s Designer Bag Bingo event will run from 6-9:30pm at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center in Rosenberg. fortbendseniors.org
SAT Game Night
The George Memorial Library will host S.A.T. Showdown for Teens: Test Your Knowledge, 5-6 pm in Room 2C. Gather for a lively evening filled with quizzes and friendly competition. Teens can boost their SAT skills while enjoying snacks and prizes. Registration is recommended, but not required. fortbend.lib.tx.us
Houston Glass Show
The Houston Glass show, featuring national dealers selling rare glass, pottery and China from 1880-1980, will run Feb. 15 and 16 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. The Preview Sale runs 6-9pm on Feb. 14. maxmillerantiques.com/houston-glass-show
Continued on page 22
As one era ends, an exciting new one begins
In a purchase effective Jan. 1, Moser Community Media, LLC has acquired the Fort Bend Herald, Alvin Sun, Alvin Advertiser, and Wharton County Leader-Journal.
“The Moser family, like the Hartmans and others who have been the owners of record of this newspaper, will continue to have the same attitude about the publication,” said Clyde King, who served as publisher of the Herald-Coaster and most recently The Herald. “All these who have had the newspaper’s reins at one time or the other have felt like they were caretakers. The newspaper actually belongs to the citizens of West Fort Bend County and always will.”
David Rigas has assumed the post of Group Publisher and Manager for the publications. Other principals in Moser Community Media, LLC are Jim Moser and Charles Moser. Jim Moser served as advertising director for the Fort Bend Herald (formerly the Herald-Coaster) in the late 1990s before he was promoted to publisher of the McKinney Courier-Gazette, which was also owned by Hartman Newspapers at the time. Charles Moser worked most of his career for the Hartman family, including 40 years as publisher of the Brenham Banner-Press.
Rigas has already moved to the area. He is a veteran of the newspaper business with over 33 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at his hometown newspaper, The News-Register in
Wheeling, W.Va., where he started in the advertising department and later served as circulation manager.
More recently, Rigas has served as publisher of The Juneau (Alaska) Empire, Peninsula Clarion and Homer News, and, prior to that, he worked as publisher or in advertising sales and marketing for several newspapers and the Georgia Press Association. In these markets and others, Rigas was active with the Rotary Club, the chambers of commerce and other community organizations.
“I am genuinely excited about becoming an active member of the community,” Rigas said. “ I look forward to working with the staff members here to continue producing the best community newspapers possible that satisfy the needs of all our readers and advertisers.”
Herald Executive Editor Scott Reese Willey said Moser Community Media’s purchase is the best possible outcome for The Herald.
“The Herald has been a family-owned newspaper for more than a century, and it will continue to be a family-owned news- paper well into the next century,” he said. “When many newspapers around the nation are being gobbled up by hedge funds and other conglomerates, the fortu nate ones like The Herald end up in the hands of family-owned newspaper groups that truly care about serving the communities they join. reporters will still provide award-winning cover age of local news, sports and features under the new ownership, and we’re excited about the future.”
Herald -
A coveted honor The Stuart Ranch earns Texas Family Land Heritage Award
Richmond residents Julius Stuart, Jr., Jess Stuart, and Clark Stuart received the Texas Family Land Heritage Award from the Texas Department of Agriculture on behalf of the Stuart Ranch on October 9, 2024. The Texas Family Land Heritage Program recognizes Texas farms and ranches that have been in continuous agricultural operation by the same family for 100 years or more, and the Stuart Ranch is honored for being in operation for 200 years by the same family. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Stuart family and their ancestors, as few ranches have remained under the same family ownership for many years. The Stuarts are descendants of John Foster who received a land grant from Stephen F. Austin of over 12,000 acres in July of 1824 in what is today’s Fort Bend County.
Family ranches and farms are the foundation of Texas history and embody the state’s identity in its origin as an independent republic. For many, working the land is a family tradition and these farms and ranches are true Texas treasures.
To qualify for the Texas Family Land Heritage Program, the owners must be Texas residents who can trace the line of property ownership from the first landowner to the present. The program began in 1974, honoring families with 100 years of Texas farming and ranching heritage. The Stuart Ranch received the 100-year award in 1976 at the State Fair in Fort Worth. So when in 2000 where the State of Texas began
honoring families with 150 or 200 years or more of farming/ranching heritage, the Stuart Ranch was recognized again for 150 years in 2011. Award winners receive a Texas Century Farm or Ranch sign for display on the property and documentation of the family’s history in the Texas Family Land Heritage Registry.
The history of the Stuart Ranch is a living testament to Texas’ past and began on July 9, 1824, when John and Randolph Foster arrived in Texas with Stephen F. Austin as members of Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300 Colonist.
The Old 300 were the first 300 families to settle in Texas before it was a Republic.
The family lineage begins with John Foster’s daughter, Hettie Foster, married Francis Mayes. Then their daughter Martha Mayes married Benjamin Stuart thus passing down the land through their daughters for future generations. Stuart’s 4th Great-grandfather, Burriene F. Stuart, was Fort Bend County Commissioner in the 1890s and Fort Bend County’s first Tax Collector in 1900.
Jess Stuart’s 8th Great Grandfather was John Foster, and his 7th Great Uncle was Randolph Foster. Randolph Foster arrived in Texas as early as 1817 and was a scout in Austin’s Colony. He was instrumental in the Runaway Scrape and the Texas Revolution. He supplied wild game to Sam Houston’s Army as they retreated from the Mexican army at the fall of the Alamo towards the final fight for Texas Independence at the Battle of San Jacinto.
A portrait of Randolph Foster hangs in the State Capitol just behind the Speakers Stand in the State Representative Chamber and these are the two gentlemen are the namesake for John and Randolph Foster High School in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Richmond. The school is located near the small community of Foster, Texas (FM 359 and FM 723), and where the Stuart Ranch is located today.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jess Stuart expresses their appreciation for the honor of this designation and says, “We are proud of our family’s history on the land and our contributions through the generations to the great Lone Star State.” The Stuarts are steadfast in their dedication to continue operating the ranch as a cow-calf operation for many more years, ensuring the ranch’s legacy and its contribution to the local heritage and economy for generations to come.
Back row, from left, are Harrison Stuart, Melissa Stuart, Clark Stuart, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, Grace Stuart, Terri Stuart, and Jess Stuart. Front row, from left, are Ellie Stuart and Foster Stuart.
Did you know that brownies are actually are classified as a bar cookie rather than a cake, and the dessert earned its name from the deep, brown color of its main ingredient? And that it takes 400 cocoa beans to make one pound of chocolate? Or did you know that it takes two to four days to make a single-serving chocolate bar? History is rich with chocolaty factoids, so while celebrating National Chocolate Lovers Month, consider the background of a longtime, favored flavor.
Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
INGREDIENTS
Makes 12
¾ cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 cup superfine sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
Cheesecake mix
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons superfine sugar
1 egg beaten
INSTRUCTIONS
1Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 11 x 7-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper.
2Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, remove from the heat, and stir in the unsweetened cocoa and the sugar. Beat in the eggs, then add the flour, and stir to mix evenly. Pour into the prepared pan.
3
For the cheesecake mix, beat together the ricotta, sugar and egg, then drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture over the chocolate mixture. Use a metal spatula to swirl the two mixtures tightly together.
4Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until just firm to the touch. Cool in the pan, then cut into bars or squares.
Crochette di Ricotta con Salsa di Cioccolato (Ricotta Beignets With Chocolate Dipping Sauce)
Makes 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup finely crushed amaretti cookies (about 16 cookies)
1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
Vegetable oil, for deep-fat frying
Confectioners’ sugar, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1
In a medium-size bowl, whisk the ricotta and eggs together until smooth. Add the sugar, flour, baking powder, and amaretti and stir until well blended. Cover and chill 2 for at least 1 hour.
3
While the batter is chilling, put the chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, stirring until blended and smooth. Keep warm.
4
Fill a medium-size pot with at least 3 inches oil and heat until the oil measures about 360 F on a candy or instant-read thermometer. Carefully drop the crochette batter by the heaping tablespoon into the hot oil and cook, turning once, until brown on all sides, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
5
Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately with chocolate sauce. If desired, serve with warm caramel and berry sauces as well.
FRENCH SILK
Serves 12
INGREDIENTS
CRUST
¾ cup walnuts, toasted
1 cup pecans, toasted
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 ounces (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
FILLING
1¼ pounds bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 ounces (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs (use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about eating uncooked eggs)
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
1
To make the crust: In a food processor, combine the walnuts, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon and pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped. Pour the nuts into a bowl, add the butter, and stir until the nuts are evenly moistened. Press the nut mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2To make the filling: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. While the chocolate is melting, combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and add the eggs two at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, increase the speed to medium-high, and whip until well blended, about 2 minutes. The mixture will look curdled.
3 Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir until smooth and warm but not hot.
With the mixer on low speed, add the chocolate to the egg mixture. Scrape the sides and along the bottom of the bowl and then continue to mix on low speed until the chocolate is fully incorporated. Add the cream and vanilla and mix until blended. Spread the filling over the crust. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.
4
To make the topping: In a bowl, whisk together the cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
5Using a spatula, spread the topping over the top of the cake. Run a hot, dry knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cake, then remove the pan sides and set the cake on a serving platter. Slice the cake with a hot, dry knife and serve chilled.
Pear and Chocolate Frangipane Tart
Serves 8-10
INGREDIENTS
4 medium, firm pears, unpeeled
2⁄3 cup seedless raspberry jam
2 tablespoons Ruby Port
Toasted shredded or silvered almonds, to
scatter (optional)
PASTRY
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg yolk
2½ to 3 tablespoons chilled water
CHOCOLATE FRANGIPANE FILLING
6½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate liqueur
2⁄3 cup ground almonds
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
INSTRUCTIONS
1To make the pastry, sift the flour and salt onto a sheet of waxed paper. Put the butter and egg yolk in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the chilled water and blend again. Pour in the dry ingredients and blend until just combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently until smooth. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Bring to room temperature before rolling out.
2
To make the chocolate frangipane filling, put the butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and the chocolate liqueur, then stir in the ground almonds and the cocoa. Cover and set aside.
3Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured work surface and use to line the tart pan. Prick the pastry all over with a fork and refrigerate until firm.
4
Preheat the oven to 400 F, and put a heavy baking sheet on the middle shelf.
5Spread the chocolate frangipane evenly over the chilled pastry crust.
6Halve the pears and scoop out the cores. Cut each half into thirds and arrange them
randomly over the chocolate frangipane.
7Transfer the tart to the preheated baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pastry starts to brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F and bake for a further
S15-20 minutes or until the pears are tender and the frangipane is set. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
8
About 20 minutes before serving, melt the jam with the port in a small pan and boil
ince chocolate reigns supreme this month, try a chocolate charcuterie board. Charcuterie boards have become a staple when entertaining or dining out, and traditionally feature a variety of cured meats, cheeses, bruschetta, and even olives. But boards can be adorned with any tasty morsel their creators desire. Borrowing from that idea, savvy home chefs can create a sweets-based charcuterie board that’s sure to amaze.
To start out, figure out which nibbles your love one will
for 1 minute to make a glaze. Remove the tart from the pan, brush with the glaze, scatter with the almonds, if using, and serve at room temperature — never chilled — with cream, if using.
desire the most. The chocolate charcuterie board can be entirely sweet, or a mix of sweet, savory and even salty offerings. Some ideas for a chocolate charcuterie board include:
• chocolate truffles
• chocolate-dipped fruits
• chocolate-covered pretzels
• chocolate bark
• melted chocolate fondue and assorted dippers
• Classic chocolate candies
• Assorted nuts like almonds and cashews
• Fudge squares
• Homemade turtle candy
• Chocolate nut rolls
• Dried fruits, such as figs and dates
• Graham crackers or butter cookies
Just as you would for any charcuterie board, choose an at-
tractive wood board large enough to hold all of the desserts. Arrange the chocolates and other foods with an eye for presentation. Use fresh berries or mint leaves to fill in any gaps and add a little extra flair to the arrangement. If desired, think about pairing chocolate and sweet elements with traditional charcuterie offerings like cured salami, brie cheese, hard cheeses, crackers, and chutneys.
Showing Their Love
Generous donors, bidders and restaurants make Lunches of Love’s Taste
of Love benefit a success
by SCOTT REESE WILLEY
Mix generous restaurant owners willing to whip up sumptuous meals with more than two dozen kind-hearted business owners and individuals willing to contribute silent and live auction prizes and add more than 100 caring bidders and diners and you’ve got a recipe for a successful benefit. More than a 100 souls braved a torrential downpour in January to take part in Lunches of Love’s annual Taste of Love fundraiser.The entry fee included samples of some of the best cooking in Fort Bend County and the opportunity to bid on dozens of fantastic silent and live auction items.
“Lunches of Love’s ninth annual Taste of Fort Bend huge success,” said CEO Elizabeth Fairfield. “ It was cold and rainy, but the packed house was a testament to the dedication and love our supporters have to our mission of ending childhood hunger right here in Fort Bend County.”
Attendees at the event enjoyed amazing food from nine of Fort Bend’s finest restaurants and had a little friendly competition playing Heads or Tails and bidding on exciting raffle items, Fairfield said.
The benefit included the always-popular wine pull in which participants pay $20 to draw a number from a hat. The number corresponds to a bottle of wine. Attendees also were able to enter a raffle for a year’s supply of gift cards from area restaurants. Each gift card allows the winner to dine out one time each month at that specific restaurant. Restaurant owners and their staffs were presented with a certificate of appreciation prior to dinner being served. ll be used to provide free sack lunches to children in need this upcoming year.
“One in four children live in homes facing food insecurity and wonder where their next meal is going to come from,” she noted.
Lunches of Love was created in 2009 by Adriane Mathews Gray — Elizabeth’s sister — and 15 years later, LOL is still dedicated to making sure no child goes to bed hungry.
7814 Sydney Bay Court | Richmond, TX 77407 Tel: 800-681-7861 • Cell 832-875-0647
Lunches of Love served its 1 millionth meal in 2015.
“Thank You to everyone who made this event an overwhelming success,” Fairfield said.
Restaurants taking part in the Taste of Love “Restaurant A Month for a Year raffle ($1,200 value; $100 gift card per month) included Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant &Oyster Bar (January), Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar (February). Visa gift card (March), Pinche’s (April, Visa gift card (May), Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen (June), Edible Moments (July), Tex-Y-Cano (August), Visa gift card (September); Salata Salad Kitchen (October), Visa gift card (November) and Antoine’s Market Grill (December).
Other sponsors include Kay Danziger (VIP reception sponsor),
Continued on page 17
Top: Attendees looking through the live auction items; Bottom: retired educator Beverly Richard shows off one of the silent auction items, a membership to 9Round Kickboxing Fitness, gloves and other gear.
'I know I will make it to the end'
Richmond runner ready for marathon
BY JOEL LUNA
Since taking her first running strides back in 2010, Elizabeth Julainne Mills has ventured out to different places to keep her body in motion.
As the 53rd edition of the Chevron Houston Marathon approachesd on Jan. 19, Mills was partaking in her eighth one.
“The first few I ran with my dad. I would run them with my stepmom taking care of the kids. My father and I would have a father/ daughter date,” Mills said. “It was amazing being together, but we didn’t run side by side. We started off together in our corrals and at the end of a marathon or a half marathon I would walk the course backwards to find him. Then we would celebrate — have lunch and then each of us would go our separate ways. “It was neat hanging out with him doing something we both loved.At times we both struggled with those runs as we made our way through them.”
Carl “Duane” Scheumack passed last June.A military wife, Mills will be running this year’s 26.2 miles by herself taking off from Corral C at 8:15 a.m. The Elite runners will start at 6:55 a.m.
“What excites me about running Houston is the people, the crowds, the volunteers, running with my friends and just being on the course because it is a great community activity,” she said. “My favorite part about marathons, including Houston, are the start and finish lines because as long as I follow my training plan I know I will make it to the end.”
Besides the Houston Marathons, her other three marathons that she’s been a part of have been Boston, Chicago and Austin. That plus countless 5K and 10Ks that she’s run with the Running Alliance Club.
“Now the one in Boston last year was an interesting one because I was a support runner for a young lady,” Mills said. “That whole thing was different, from the interview process to being selected to run with her. I had to answer a questionnaire, along with submitting information about myself. For the entire race, I could be no more than 3-feet away from them. It was impressive because she had VIP treatment and I felt like royalty.She has a rare tumor disease which I cannot pronounce, but it was unique helping her out during her 45th overall marathon. She struggles with multiple disabilities, but it was moving to be by her side and the crowd was so supporting of her — she was incredible. Everyone cheered her.”
Like many distance runners, Mills started her venture on the course with shorter runs until after a certain 10K when she decided to take a big leap.
“It was unique because my longest run prior to that was 10 miles,” she said. “The Rocket City Marathon in Alabama was my first one. But it was painful after I finished. But I learned a lot from that marathon, and one thing was learned about that I am stronger than what I thought I was. I thought that there was a better way of doing this which was follow the training plan. But it took me about three months to recover my full body from that marathon.”
On Jan. 18 the day before this year’s Houston Marathon, Elizabeth ran the 5K with her daughter, Chloe Mills.
“That will be a Houston Double, which will earn me a third medal for running both,” Elizabeth Mills said. “You know I’v been running both the 5K and the Houston Marathon but only after I knew that I could do both. I don’t run it full speed, I just go out and have a good time interacting with the crowds.”
This month she is headed to run the Ascension Seton Marathon in Austin. Then she will train for her first Sydney Marathon which will take place Aug. 31 in Sydney, Australia.
“I just went online and registered and yesterday I received notice that I had been accepted,” she said.
From the top photo, counterclockwise: Businesses and individuals donated some expensive prizes for the live auction; Lunches of Love was the beneficiary of Fluor Corporation's Golf for Greater Houston 2024; Ken Kelly of Richmond participated in the Wine Pull; Kameela Lewis, executive director of LEAF — the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation — shows off one of the silent auction items; Tommy and Debbie Wendt show off a gift basket that was part of the silent auction lineup.
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Elizabeth & Harold Williams Foundation (print sponsor), Jonathan F. Powell DDS (signage sponsor), Jennifer and Joe Vance (valet sponsor), Chuck Bucek CPA (silent auction sponsor), Lone Star Recreation (cash bar sponsor), FireTron Inc. (heads or tails sponsor), Joe and Liz Ambriz (red carpet sponsor), Jennifer and Greg Cox (wine pull sponsor), Pavement Marking Inc. (photo booth sponsor), Lunches of Love always needs lunch supplies and decorated lunch bags and volunteers to make lunches and stuff lunch bags. Javier Flores (raffle sponsor), M&H Construction Services (auctioneer sponsor), Amaro Injury Lawyers (general sponsors), Dresner & Strain Families (general sponsor), M&H Construction Services (general sponsor). To learn more about Lunches of Love visit lunchesoflove.net.
Cullinan Park Conservancy Photo Contest Winners
An element of Cullinan Park Conservancy’s annual Picnic for the Park fundraiser is a contest of photos taken at Cullinan’s 754-acre nature park. Amateur and professional photographers submitted up to three photos in designated categories and were judged by three anonymous local photographers.
The First Place entries in respective categories: Flora category - “Texas Lotus and a Frog” by Thung Tran • Bird category - “Meal Time” by Joe Goldman •Wildlife category - “It Ain’t Easy Being Green” by Melanie Emerson • Landscape category - “The Faint Glow of Sunset” by Melanie Emerson • Taken with Cell Phone category - “Nature’s Armor” by Tracey Woodward • People’s Choice category - “White Lotus” by Katy Lagunes
View the second and third- place winners at cullinanparkconservancy.org
A hometown hero LCHS graduate commended for saving neighbors from fire
by SCOTT REESE WILLEY
Lamar Consolidated High School graduate Kaylee Cleveland of Richmond had just returned from shopping for a Halloween costume on Oct. 24 and was about to make dinner when she heard a loud boom.
“I just thought one of my upstairs neighbors dropped something but then my mom ran in and shouted “FIRE!”
They ran to the glass patio door of their apartment and looked outside. Another building in the complex was ablaze. Without even putting on her shoes, Kaylee raced to the burning building and began banging on doors, alerting the residents inside to the danger. Thanks to her quick thinking, no one was injured in the blaze that destroyed the building and left 40 residents homeless.
In December city and county leaders recognized the 21-year-old college student for her courageous act.
"Had she not been concerned about her neighbors, we could have lost an untold number of lives and number of people in our community.”
“Her act of heroism saved her neighbors from certain tragedy,” Precinct 4 County Commissioner Dexter McCoy said during an appreciation ceremony at Lamar Consolidated High School. He said he recalled arriving at the apartment complex that night and talking to residents who had just lost everything.
“What they remembered, person after person, was that there was one family they credited with saving their lives, and that was Kaylee’s family,” McCoy said. “When tragedy struck and fire broke out, when most people would have worried about themselves, and getting themselves out of harm’s way, Kaylee went into action. She was concerned about neighbors. Had she not been concerned about her neighbors,
we could have lost an untold number of lives and number of people in our community.”
Neighboring fire departments helped battle the 5-alarm blaze.
“There were 40 people impacted by this fire. An entire building in this complex was completely destroyed. And not one person died,” he said. “Instead of losing lives, people lost things that can be replaced.”
— Dexter McCoy Precinct 4 County Commissioner
McCoy read a proclamation from the Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court commending Kaylee for her heroic deed and naming Dec. 11 Kaylee Cleveland Day in Fort Bend County. Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan, County Attorney Bridgette Smith Lawson, Associate District Court Judge Stuti Patel, Richmond Mayor Becky Haas, Richmond city commissioners Barry Beard and Alec BeMent and representatives from Precinct 4 Constable Mike Beard’s office also commended Kaylee for her bravery.
Fagan presented Kaylee with a badge and sheriff’s office patch. “We can replace things, but we cannot replace loved ones,” he said. “So I had to come here today personally to say thank you to Kaylee. She went above and beyond the call of duty.”
Lamar Consolidated High School graduate Kaylee Cleveland of Richmond was honored for helping to save the lives of her neighbors when fire broke out at the Fairview at Bellvue apartment complex.
Barbara Tatum Law: A Shepherd, Not an Attack Dog
Smith Lawson said she hopes Kaylee will inspire other LCHS students to “go and do good things for other people.” Haas said Kaylee was where God wanted her to be that night.
“God puts people where he wants them and that’s where he wanted her to be,” Haas said.
Kaylee’s eyes welled with tears as she recalled that tragic night. Her family had lived at the apartment complex for the past four to five years and she knew many of the neighbors by name or by sight.
“I may not know them all by name but I have seen them come and go for the past four or five years and I didn’t want anything bad to happen to them,” the nursing student said. One elderly neighbor couldn’t walk without a walker. “I was banging on her door and shouting fire and when she opened it, I could see her curtains were already on fire. Her apartment was on fire,” Kaylee recalled. “She kept saying she had to find her walker before she could leave and I kept saying ‘No, there’s no time. We have to get out now!’ ”
McCoy reminded other LCHS National Honor Society students in attendance that they, too, could make a difference in the lives of others.
“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, all backgrounds and ages, and today we are here to recognize a local hero that doesn’t wear a cape or some fancy-smancy suit, but instead is someone just like you and I.”
Git’ On Board!
Musical storytelling performance of “Harriet Tubman” set for Feb 15
In recognition of Black History Month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host a musical performance of “‘Git’ On Board! The Life of Harriet Tubman” on Saturday, Feb. 15, beginning at 2 p.m., in the Meeting Room at George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.
Learn of Tubman's early experiences as a slave and discover how she led fellow freedom-seeking slaves to hiding places on their way to safety in the North. Highly acclaimed musician and storyteller Hope Shiver interweaves Tubman’s poignant story with spirituals and work songs, allowing the audience to discover the lyrics of such songs as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Git on Board,” which often contained hidden messages for slaves preparing to escape to freedom. Shiver and Keepman are teaching artists with Young Audiences of Houston. A highly acclaimed musician and storyteller, Shiver makes regular appearances with Houston Grand Opera. She has also performed with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony, and she has acting credits on stage and screen. Shiver’s husband, actor and musician David Keepman, provides musical accompaniment, and together they form the musical storytelling duo of Voices from the Past.
For more information, visit fortbend.lib.tx.us.
MORE EVENTS AT THE GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY fortbend.lib.tx.us
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:
Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy.
Family Story Time
Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10:15-10:45 am; Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs and action rhymes. The February schedule is as follows: Feb. 5 and 6 – Space; Feb. 12 and 13 – Love & Friendship; Feb. 19 and 20 – Pets; Feb. 26 and 27 – Transportation
Pajama Night Story Time
Thursdays, November 14 and 21 – 6-6:30 p.m., Meeting Room. This activity is an evening alternative to Family Story Time. The themes are the same as those for Family Story time each week. This activity is for families with children of all ages.
Family Games & Jigsaw Puzzles
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. until 1 hour before closing; Middle Grades Game Room (2nd floor)
During this come-and-go activity time, a variety of board games, jigsaw puzzles, and more will be available for children of all ages and their caregivers to enjoy.
After-School Break
The 2nd and 4th Tuesday; 4:15-5 p.m.; Children’s Corner Crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in grades kindergarten through 5. The schedule of activities is as follows: Feb. 11 – Build It! Using LEGO and other building materials, students will put their creativity and engineering skills to work; Feb. 25 – Mardi Gras Masks. Using pre-cut foam, markers, glitter, beads, feathers, and paper templates, students will design and create colorful Mardi Gras masks.
YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS (For teens in grades 9-12)
Teen Craft Club: Painting for Black History Month
Monday, February 3, 5-6 pm, Room 2C.
In recognition of Black History Month, teens will explore the vibrant world of iconic African-American artist Alma Woodsey Thomas through a hands-on painting program. Inspired by Thomas’s bold use of color and abstract designs, teens will create their own masterpieces. Materials are provided courtesy of the Friends of the George Memorial Library. Registration recommended.
Pages & Perspectives Book Chat
Monday, February 10, 5-6pm, Room 2B
Teens can enjoy some quiet reading time and then chat about their book, if they wish. All genres welcome. Registration is recommended, but not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Anime Community Club
Monday, February 17, 5-6 p.m., Room 2C.
Teens who enjoy the anime culture are invited to watch anime and participate in related activities, crafts, games, and ramen. Registration recommended, but not required.
Young Adult Advisory Council
Monday, February 24, 5-6 p.m., Room 2B.
Teens in grades 9-12 who are interested in an exciting new leadership opportunity and volunteer-service hours are invited to attend this meeting of the Young Adult Advisory Council. Members will have a chance to share ideas about library programs, to help out at events, to give suggestions for teen services, books, and movies, and to meet new people.
ADULT PROGRAMS
The Adult Craft Studio: Canvas Art for Black History Month
Monday, February 10, 5:30-6:30 pm, Room 2C
In this hands-on class, learn how to use Cricut vinyl iron-on designs to create art inspired by influential quotes and figures from Black history. Materials will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Registration required.
Chess Day @ the Library
Saturday, February 15, 11 am-noon, Room 2C.
Teens and adults of all skill levels – from beginners to advanced – who are interest-
ed in playing chess, are invited to practice their strategies while playing against others in a relaxed, stress-free environment. Learn a new chess move (or two)! A limited number of chess sets will be provided, but players are welcome to bring their own sets as well.
Book Break Book Club
Thursday, February 20, noon-1 pm, Room 2C
A variety of popular fiction is discussed in this book club, which meets on the third Thursday of every month. Those attending may bring a lunch. This month, readers will discuss From Scratch, by Tembe Locke. This title is available in print, audio on CD, and digitally as an e-audiobook on OverDrive/Libby; call the library to check availability of additional print copies.
Story Spinners Writing Club
Thursday, February 20, 5:30-8:30 pm, Room 2C
From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to write, share,
learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work. Writing prompts, brainteasers, and brief exercises will be available to ignite the imaginations of any and all wordsmiths who wish to hone their craft. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up. Registration required.
Roll with It Board-Game Club: Catan & The Mind
Thursday, February 27, 5:30-6:30 pm, Room 2C
The Roll with It Board-Game Club is a monthly board-gaming club for adults, college students, and teens aged 14 and up. Each month, a different game will be featured, from competitive to cooperative, strategic to classics, and everything in between! Players can try out new games for free before making an investment in their own copy. Board games offer a great opportunity to unwind, meet new friends, and challenge one’s mind! In February, the featured games are Catan and The Mind. New members are encouraged to attend.
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Men Who Cook
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation’s 2025 Men Who Cook Gala will take place from 6:30-11 p.m. at Texas Safari Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond. Featuring local chefs competing by preparing appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts. Includes a night of live entertainment, a photo booth, silent and live auctions, and food.
‘The Bulb Hunter ‘
The Sugar Land Garden Club’s free presentation “The Bulb Hunter” by Chris Wiesinger, The Southern Bulb Company will be held at 10 am at St. Basil’s Hall, 702 Burney Road in Sugar Land. sugarlandgardenclub.org
Teen Financial-Literacy Series
The George Memorial Library will host “Teen Financial-Literacy Series, Part 2: Credit Management,” 4-5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. This monthly series of classes will be presented by Fort Bend County Extension Agent Janelle Johnson. In this class, students will learn how credit cards, loans, and credit scores work. They will also hear about strategies for using credit wisely while avoiding excessive debt. Registration required. fortbend. lib.tx.us
Dementia
Conversations
The George Memorial Library will host “Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, & Legal and Financial Planning,” 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Room 2C. Ryan Gant, from the Fort Bend County Health & Services department, will provide an overview of dementia. Learn about ways to approach sensitive discussions about dementia with empathy and understanding. Registration required. fortbend.lib.tx.us
Wine & Beer Walk
Discover Downtown Rosenberg will host its fourth annual Wine & Beer Walk in historic downtown Rosenberg from noon-5 pm. Tickets are $20-$25. Sample a variety of wines and beers, participate in the first annual 1K keg run, visit artist and market vendor booths, shop local merchants
LEADING CANCER CARE in Sugar Land
At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, our dedicated oncologists are working to stop cancer using the latest innovations in research, treatments and technology. From genetic screenings and clinical trials to advanced imaging and robotic surgery, our cutting-edge cancer care is available in Sugar Land.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
