Fulshear Living - March 2023

Fulshear Living monthly

Top L-R: Dr. David Thurmond, Dr. Bryan Ping, Dr. Michelle Hessell

Bottom L-R: Dr. Sadie Bowling, Dr. Cynthia Aswad Not Pictured: Dr. Jessica Rivera

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6 FEATURE STORY

Local nonprofit Annabelle’s Amazing Graces announces its 5th Annual Annabelle’s Run and thanks the community for its continued support as it funds research for a cure to the GNAO1 mutation.

Contents & Staff

Fulshear Living monthly ™

March 2023

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

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10 TALK OF THE TOWN

A little “beetique” in Fort Bend celebrates nature’s little pollinators through products, services and education.

12 Arts & Entertainment

With its showcase of artists, entertainment, cars and contests, Art In The Bend “represents all of the arts” and is “a way for people to come together.”

ADVERTISING

Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com

Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com

Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

TO ADVERTISE: If you are interested in advertising in the Fulshear Living Monthly, please call The Herald at 281-342-4474 for rates, information and deadlines.

PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in Fulshear Living Monthly. If you have a story idea or photo to publish, please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “Fulshear Living” in the subject line.

©2022 Fulshear Living Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Fulshear Living Monthly is a sister publication of Pecan Grove Monthly, Greatwood Monthly and West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth St., Rosenberg, Texas 77471.

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Annabelle’s Run races into fifth year

The van Deursens continue funding research into a cure for the GNAO1 mutation

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

When the van Deursens were given the diagnosis of their oldest child six years ago, in the gravity of that moment, they said they couldn’t imagine how many people would fight alongside them to save their daughter’s life and to spread awareness about the rare GNAO1 mutation, a neurological disorder.

Typically marked by developmental delays, irregular muscle contractions, early infantile seizures and poor muscle tone, the GNAO1 mutation isn’t a straightforward diagnosis because it also has variants.

As it stands now, there is no cure for the disorder, but parents Daniel and Shelley van Deursen are working to change that.

After founding Annabelle’s Amazing Graces, the nonprofit that bears their daughter’s name, the van Deursens have raised funds to donate to The Bow Foundation, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit which funds research projects centering on the mutation and similar neurological conditions.

The nonprofit’s inaugural fundraiser was held in 2019, and to date, the nonprofit has raised more than $300,000 for The Bow Foundation.

“We had our best year last year, donating over $100,000 to GNAO1 research,” said Shelley van Deursen, Annabelle’s mother and co-founder of the nonprofit. “We are so grateful and blessed by an amazing community filled with family, friends, and strangers helping us cure our Annabelle. People from all over are helping us

bring awareness to the GNAO1 mutation and helping us cure GNAO1 by supporting research.

“I hope that we can continue to grow, so that we can continue to bring awareness to the GNAO1 mutation and ultimately fund enough research to cure Annabelle and all of her friends who have this mutation.”

ANNABELLE’S RUN

On April 1 Annabelle’s Amazing Graces will host its annual fundraiser — Annabelle’s Run— at No Label Brewery in Katy, Texas. The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m.

The 5th annual Annabelle’s Run is a 5K run and 1-Mile Walk event that includes coffee from Humble Grounds, kolaches from Kolache Factory, breakfast tacos from Snooze, cookies from Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe, a snow cone truck, cookies from Tiffs Treats, waters from The Brielle Group exp realty, beer from No Label, a wine pull, live music, princesses from Fairest of All Parties, face painting, a balloon artist, and more.

Adult registration is $40, youth registration is $25, and as with every Annabelle’s Run event, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit The Bow Foundation for GNAO1 research.

Shelley added that Annabelle’s Amazing Graces also participates in Giving Tuesday to double the donations to The Bow Foundation for GNAO1 research and in GNAO1 Awareness day, which occurs every October 1.

“The more awareness we can bring to this extremely rare mutation,

Parents Shelley and Daniel van Deursen with their children, from left, James, Annabelle, Matthew and Madeleine.

For more information about Annabelle’s Amazing Graces or the 2023 Annabelle’s Run visit annabellesamazinggraces.org

the better for Annabelle and all children with this mutation,” she said. “We need the continued support of our community and businesses in the community, who have been wonderful. We could never have been so successful without [their] help.”

Multiple GNAO1 research studies are underway including one that will help in understanding how GNAO1 precisely affects the brain and another that is using approved medication to determine if those medicines can help manage GNAO1 symptoms.

The Bow Foundation is also opening up two $100,000 research grants this year, one of which Annabelle’s Amazing Graces fully funded.

“So amazing,” Shelley said.

CATCHING UP WITH ANNABELLE

When Fulshear Living covered Annabelle and her journey for the first time, she was a 3-year-old toddler defying the odds. She was participating in therapy — usually accompanied by her younger brother James and her mother at that time — getting support from family at home, and was enrolled in a school district supporting her needs.

These days, Annabelle is 7 years old, in first grade, “loving school” and thriving. She’s still hippotherapy at Reining Strength in Richmond and “loves riding her horse, Keke,” Shelley said.

Not to mention she’s the big sister to not only James, now 5 years old, but also 3-year-old brother Matthew and 1-year-old sister Madeleine.

“Everyone is doing really well and growing too fast,” Shelley said happily. “The kids are all great and love playing with each other. It’s so fun right now and never a dull moment at home.”

Annabelle, who Shelley said “continues to be so happy, sweet, kind, smart and helpful,” also has “Weller,” her service dog.

“They’re best buds,” Shelley said. “He is amazing with Annabelle and she just adores him.”

Shelley is still a pediatric nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital, and her husband Daniel still works in commercial construction at Aluminum Techniques, Inc. When the duo isn’t working, “the kids keep us busy and on our toes,” Shelley noted lightheartedly.

But not a day passes when the van Deursens aren’t thankful for the benevolence surrounding them — and not just during the annual fundraiser. Every day.

“It is so beautiful to be a part of and to witness how many amazing, generous, and kind people there truly are in this world,” Shelley said. “Thank you so much to everyone helping us help Annabelle and every child with a GNAO1 mutation and rare disease.

“We are making a difference.”

Fun moments from 2022 Annabelle’s Run

Annabelle and her service dog, “Weller,” who came from Canine Companions. “Weller is so amazing to Annabelle,” her mother Shelley said. “He knows over 40 commands to help Annabelle. He can pick things up for her, push a push plate to open a door, open doors for her, go on walks with her wheelchair, and mostly he loves on her by giving he kisses and snuggles. She of course adores him and sneaks him an occasional bite of her food.”

People participated virtually and locally in last year’s fundraiser.

The princesses from Fairest of All Parties was a hit last year, and will make another apperance at the 5th Annabelle’s Run.

The annual fundraiser is known for its live music, food, family-friendly festivites and most importantly the support from the community, organizations and businesses.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website at www.sandefurcpa.com

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website at www.sandefurcpa.com

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website at www.sandefurcpa.com

SweetNes Honey Apiaries & Beetique celebrating nature’s little pollinators

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

It was a shocking moment for her husband when Danessa Yaschuck announced her intentions to become a bee keeper.

She and her husband Brent were living in Missouri City, Texas at the time working in the oil and gas industry. Danessa was running the office for her husband, and not only was she efficient at her job she didn’t mind the work.

Still, her mind began moving in another direction.

“He looked at me like I had gown a third eye,” Danessa recalled.

Although shocking to her husband, it wasn’t surprising to her.

“I started playing with bees as a kid,” she recalled. “I would catch bees in my yard and, yes, I would get stung.”

Her mother advised her to stop, but Danessa didn’t. Un like her peers, bees didn’t unnerve her, she said, noting that she even had a kingsnake.

“[The stings] hurt, but I’d keep catching and studying them,” she said with a laugh. “They were just so fascinating.”

In 2015 Danessa launched SweetNes Honey Apiaries & Beetique in Needville with her husband, Brent. That same year Danessa partnered with another beekeeper, and as a team, the duo removed bees from people’s proper

ty, which is how Danessa initially began building her apiaries. The beetique, as the honey farm and honeybee rescue business is cleverly called, had its grand opening in December 2022.

It’s the first storefront for the couple whose bee products are also sold in retail stores, including the Painted Tree Boutique shops, several HEB locations, Hinze’s Country Kitchen in Wharton, Texas and Needville Feed & Supply.

Now with their first storefront at 8922 Main Street, Needville, the Yaschuks, who now live in Damon, can directly offer products, such as local raw honey, infused and creamed honey, honey sticks, honeycombs and pollen.

“We offer bee pollen that can be used as a daily supplement,” Danessa said, explaining the preference for using local honey as a natural remedy to combat seasonal allergies. “It’s a better option for people who are diabetic or don’t like the taste of honey.”

Accessories like jewelry, clothes, charms, gifts, honeybee colonies, a skincare collection and bee equipment are also included in the product lineup.

Additionally, SweetNes Honey Apiaries & Beetique offers bee removal, pollination and education services, and the Yaschuks also offer bees and beekeeping services for Ag Exemption in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties.

In & Around Fulshear

AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS

Although her husband considered her shift in profession absurd at first, he’s now quite the beekeeper, Danessa said.

“At the beginning he handled the business side. Now he’s into the bee side of it.”

After leaving the suburbs for property in Damon, Texas (following a harsh setback when the couple lost 22 apiaries on someone’s property during Hurricane Harvey in 2017), the Yaschucks amassed 150 apiaries for the beetique.

Danessas said between the two of them — with Brent being more analytical and her being more creative, she explained — they form a balanced dynamic for their business, which has been beneficial.

“We’ve entered some of our products in contests and won,” she said.

In the 2022 Texas Beekeepers Association Honey Show, the Yaschuks earned three Best of Show Winner titles, including People’s Choice in the Black Jar Honey, Best Sideliner Honey and Best Photos. They also won first place in the “Chunk Honey,” “Comb Honey – Cut Comb,” “Wax Plain Block,” “Beekeeping Arts and Crafts,” “Photo Scenic,” and “Candles” classes of the show. They earned second in the “Extracted Honey Medium/Amber” class and third in the “Extracted Honey Light/Amber” class.

‘EVERYTHING

HAS A PLACE’

In addition to promoting their first storefront, Danessa said she remains focused on spreading awareness about the benefits of beekeeping and bees’ salient impact on the environment.

In addition to its honeyed products, SweetNes Honey Apiaries & Beetique makes appearances at elementary schools, with boys and girls scouts troops and even at senior homes to educate and discuss the significance of bees. She hopes the Spring will allow her to reach more people.

“I really want to bring people up here and do different classes,”

she said. “The more you learn, the more you realize everything has a place.”

For more information visit www.sweetneshoney.com or call 832303-1595.

Cross Creek Ranch places on top-selling list

For a 12th consecutive year, Cross Creek Ranch has been ranked among the nation’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities.

Housing research firm Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO) placed the Johnson Development community at No. 40 on its annual tally of the nation’s best-selling communities. Builders sold 396 new homes in Cross Creek Ranch last year. The community made its first appearance on the 2011 list of the country’s top-selling master-planned communities.

Cross Creek Ranch Senior Vice President and General Manager Rob Bamford credits the community’s long-standing success on well-paced development that is able to meet demand, housing to serve varying buyer needs and an amenity package that is unmatched in the area.

“Buyers have been drawn to Cross Creek Ranch for many reasons over the years, including a great number of planned and nat-

ural amenities, the wonderful schools that serve our community and our Fulshear location,” he said. “Plus, there has been a wide range of floor plans, from smaller homes for those just starting out or downsizing to large homes for growing families and even homes that meet the specific needs of adults age 55 and older. You’ll find it all in Cross Creek Ranch.”

Eight builders currently offer homes in Cross Creek Ranch priced from the $300,000s to $1+ million. Buyers can choose from townhomes, single-family homes and homes designed for people age 55 and older. Eighteen new model homes are open for touring.

Early last year, Cross Creek Ranch started sales in the final 300 acres to be developed. The first sections of the community to be located west of the Texas Heritage Parkway, the final neighborhoods will accommodate more than 600 homes upon completion. In all, the 3,200-acre Cross Creek Ranch will have approximately 6,000 homes when development is finished.

Learn more at www.crosscreektexas.com.

Fort Bend Seniors Celebrates March for Meals

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels announced that it will be participating in the 21st annual March for Meals – a monthlong, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels and the seniors it serves.

On March 22, local community leaders will participate in a Community Champions Celebration, delivering meals to homebound seniors in our area.

“In the last year, we have experienced a 31% increase in new clients in Fort Bend and Waller Counties,” said Bob Hebert, Executive

Director of FBS. “We are in awe of the outpouring of support from our local communities, and there’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital services can benefit from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”

In 2022, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels served 364,680 meals to over 2,200 seniors in our local community.

“March is an important time for us to come together to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “The demand for services is already great and approximately 12,000 Americans are turning 60 every day. We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the nationwide Meals on Wheels movement going.”

For more information about Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, visit www.fortbendseniors.org.

Art in The Bend has artists, entrainment, cars and contests

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

Following an inspiring rebrand, the Historic Richmond Association announced its upcoming Art In The Bend in Richmond, featuring food, art, cars, pet contests and plenty of entertainment.

The event may sound familiar to many in the community because it used to be called The Art Walk and Motor Madness, said Jessica Rose Huang, Historic Richmond Association’s Committee Chair for Art In The Bend.

“We’re really looking into making it bigger and better every year,” said Huang, explaining that the name change more accurately reflects the Historic Richmond Association’s intentions and aspirations.

“And since Richmond is the county seat, we wanted this event to be Fort Bend County-wide and represent all of the arts. We wanted to increase [the Fort Bend] culture and have a way for people to come together.”

Artist Elizabeth Marie — the festival’s featured artist for 2023 — said the new name is substantially more fitting.

“Art Walk is so common, too common, and the event in Richmond

on historic Morton Street is way beyond common,” she said.

Art In The Bend is “about community,” she added. “Art in all its forms from performance and music to the energy of art created by local artisans.”

So when someone shouted “Art In The Bend!” during one of the meetings when name-changing was considered, Marie felt invigorated.

“The name change is a true representation of Richmond being located at the bend of the Brazos,” Marie said. “Art In The Bend is a fabulous name. It’s a refreshing, energized, one-of-a-kind branding.”

A GOOD TIME ALL AROUND

Art In The Bend is set for March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Morton Street in Historic Richmond.

“We know there are a lot of festivals and happenings on this day,” Marie said. “[but] we’d love you to spend Saturday with us in Richmond.”

Huang said she understands that most residents have become accustomed to the HRA’s annual spring event kicking off in April, but considering Sugar Land will host its festival that weekend, the association decided to change the date.

“It is the same day as the Bayou Art Festival,” she noted. “But Art in The Bend is a free event with free parking and there will be a lot to do.”

The event will include more than 20 local artists showcasing and selling their art — “the artists are local, most of them from Fort Bend, with some from the general Houston area,” Huang, noted — as well as food trucks and the opportunity to dine in the downtown restaurants or patronize the downtown stores.

And, of course, Motor Madness is included in the festivities.

“For the people into cars, we’re still having Motor Madness, it just isn’t in the title of the event,” Huang said, adding that it’s estimated that between 100 and 300 vehicles will be on display, depending on the weather.

Motor Madness will also include a contest and prizes. It cost $35 to register for the automobile-centric affair.

“It’s always really fun and there are so many beautiful cars,” Huang said.

Cisco Tucker’s popular Bark in the Park will return, including its contest and “doggie parade,” and the scheduled live band — James Wilhite and The Classix — is comprised of two Grammy-winning musicians. Around mid-day, festival-goers will also have a chance to watch a 25-minute play performed by young actors from 8 to 17 years old from Rosenberg’s Creative Learning Society theatre.

Behind Blockhouse Coffee & Kitchen (611 Jackson St, Suite C) there will be more art activities for the children, Huang noted.

For more information about, or to stay updated about Art In The Bend, visit www.artinthebend.com.

Want to become a Fort Bend Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are volunteers who assist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Fort Bend County with promoting research-based horticultural practices to help residents succeed in creating and maintaining their home landscapes.

Classes begin with 35 hours of comprehensive training conducted by Texas A&M professors and extension specialists and delivered over 10 weeks.

That training is then supplemented with Fort Bend County local classes to round out the training.

Volunteer opportunities are many and varied, including maintaining demonstration gardens, responding to gardening inquiries, making presentations to small community groups, teaching youth about the fundamentals of gardening, assisting in community gardens, and writing articles and social media posts to name a few. A member must re-certify each year by satisfying minimum volunteer service and continuing education requirements.

VEGGIE & HERB SALE COMING

EDIBLE GARDEN PLANNING

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will offer a six-class program on creating a productive edible garden in the home landscape, starting March 4 from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, located at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg. Participants will learn how to start a garden, the keys to success, what to plant and when, and how to reap the benefits of yearround food production in Fort Bend County.

Registration is required.

On March 11 the Fort Bend Master Gardener’s annual spring Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center.

For more information about becoming a master gardener or upcoming events visit www.fbmg.org.

Continued from page 12

TSP launches photo contest

In honor of its 100-year birthday celebration, Texas State Parks is hosting a photography contest throughout 2023 with the chance to win park passes, H-E-B gift cards and even a curated state park experience.

The contest will have four seasonal prize winners before the public votes on the grand prize winner at the end of the year.

All entries must be taken at a Texas State Park or Natural Area and uploaded to the Texas State Parks Photo contest website or tagged on Facebook Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #TexasStateParks and #TexasParks100 between now and Nov. 27.

Participants may submit multiple entries. Note that an individual’s social media account privacy settings may affect entries and TSP’s ability to view them.

Parks Youth Ranch to host kids fishing derby

Parks Youth Ranch invites area families to its eighth-annual Go Fish at its property located at 11614 FM 361 in Richmond Saturday, April 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This family-friendly fishing derby allows kids of all ages the opportunity to experience fun in the great outdoors. PYR has two ponds stocked with catfish and bass, which means all participants will have a chance to catch that special fish. Lucky anglers who catch the first fish in their age group will receive a trophy. No fishing experience or license is required. Just bring your poles, PYR will provide the bait. Wristbands for Go Fish are $20 and admission includes lunch and more.

Sugar Land Arts Fest set for April 1 & 2

So on April 1 and 2, the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation will again host its Sugar Land Arts Fest comprised of artist booths, hand-selected wines, delicious food, and live music at the Smart Financial Centre Plaza.

The event will feature contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, glass art, mixed media art, woodworking, and jewelry designed and created by local and foreign artists and showcase 100-plus visual artists from around the country, with paintings, sculpture, photography, glassworks, and more.

For more information about the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, visit www.slcaf.org, and for more information about the Sugar Land Arts Fest, visit sugarlandartsfest.com

Celebrates Spring at International Art & Kite Festival

Step into springtime, and enjoy an entertaining day of fun activities and excitement at Sugar Land’s International Art and Kite Festival as the city celebrates with a full-slate of outdoor adventures for families to enjoy on Saturday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Crown Festival Park, 18355 Southwest Freeway.

Kite enthusiasts will decorate the sky with splashes of color, unique kite shapes and exceptional kite-flying skills. The main stage will feature upbeat cultural dance performances with entertainment acts to include the rhythmic beats of DRUM percussion ensemble, show-stopping performances by local dance groups and the freshest sound in steel drum music, Steel Vibrations.

Non-stop children’s activities will be featured in the Kids Zone with inflatables and a stage for kid friendly entertainment. Trackless train rides will continuously depart from the Kids Zone, which will also feature strolling characters. Booths from local vendors abound at the Champion Energy Artisan Market. A variety of food trucks will be on location with an assortment of food choices and desserts available for purchase. A Beer Garden will feature complementary springtime beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Texas Leaguer Brewing.

Throughout the event, attendees can participate in the Chalk Art & Kite Flying competitions.

Free shuttles will be provided from University of Houston-Sugar Land, and public parking will be available onsite at Brazos River Park and Crown Festival Park. Limited handicap accessible parking will be available onsite. Plan for traffic delays.

To participate and host a Country Booth or walk in our Cultural Fashion Show, contact Sugar Land’s Parks and Recreation Department at 281-275-2825 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/specialevents. For other updates, follow Sugar Land Parks and Recreation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SugarLandParks.

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