WEST

FORT BEND February 2021

Living

A publication of the

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Contents &Staff

West Fort Bend

Living™

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

FEBRUARY 2021

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

AT TA CK

ADVERTISING Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com

Ho p of e F p dia rom or T h gn os oting ree r ed e on and flect the sup s o au po n a d tis rtin e c m sp g yo ade PA ec uth GE tru m. 8

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WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Scott Reese Willey Averil Gleason Ryan Dunsmore

Ar m a n y vet ew era w nD co hee illo mm lch n C un air r ann ity am on me p r mb tha ecei PA ers nks ves to . G

Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

TO W

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com TO ADVERTISE If you are interested in advertising in the West Fort Bend Living, please call 281-342-4474 and ask for Stefanie Bartlett or Ruby Polichino. We’ll be happy to send rates, and deadline information to you.

PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in the West Fort Bend Living. If you have an story idea or photo to publish please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “West Fort Bend Living” in the subject line. © 2020 West Fort Bend Living. All Rights Reserved. West Fort Bend Monthly is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, Greatwood Monthly, Pecan Grove Monthly and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg Texas 77471.

16 Arts & Entertainment

Free online programs will highlight the Chinese Lunar New Year.

FORT BEND January 2021

WEST

Living

20 Health

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is recognized for high-quality bariatric surgery.

Like us on Facebook @fortbendherald A publication of the

Tell us how we’re doing! Email: mgriffin@fbherald.com

4 • West Fort Bend Living

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â€¢7

In T he S potl ight

Hope For Three Decade Highlights • Awarded more than $1.1 million in financial aid to local families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder • Provided resources to more than 4,000 inquiring parties, as well as impacting more than 16,600 students, counselors, nurses, and educators through programs such as Teen Huddle and It’s Cool To Care • Trained more than 2,000 members of law enforcement • Held its most successful “Strike Out” Autism event in 2020. This event hosted more than 450 family members from the autism community to a day of baseball, fun activities, and networking opportunities with other families. “Strike Out” was a partnership with the Sugar Land Skeeters, Fort Bend County Judge KP George, all 18 Fort Bend County mayors, more than 400 volunteers.

Participants at Hope For Three’s 2018 popular Jigsaw Puzzle event.

8 • West Fort Bend Living

Physical Therapy for Post-COVID19 Syndrome What is Post-COVID 19 Syndrome Post-COVID-19 Syndrome is one of the terms used to classify patients who are continuing to experience symptoms after the acute phase of the illness.

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP? •

EVALUATION FOR LIMITAIONS o Assess strength and movement patterns

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IMPROVE MOBILITY o Motion is lotion, help to reduce joint pain caused by lack of movement

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STRENGTHENING EXERCISES o Decrease energy demand for activities of daily living

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TEACH BREATHING TECHNIQUES o Improve oxygenation

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BELOW: Brenda Perry | Dr. Temple Grandin (far left) had the chance to meet the Montgomery family — triplets Lauren, Londyn and Lakin— Hope and her husband Eric and their son Collin at Hope For Three’s 2015 benefit.

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10 • West Fort Bend Living

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A DEBT OF GRATITUDE

Disabled Army veteran ‘at a loss for words’ over community members’ construction of wheelchair ramp by SCOTT REESE WILLEY | swilley@fbherald.com

here was a time when Dillon Cannon would gladly join others in the community who helped veterans with projects around their homes. But those days ended when a sniper shot Dillon in the throat while he was serving in the Army in Iraq. Now some members of the community are repaying Dillon for his service to the nation by helping him get in and out of his Richmond home. They’re building a sturdy ramp to his home, and are planning to install an automatic door to help Dillon, who lost all use of his legs and limited use of his arms on Dec. 29, 2006. “I’m at a loss for words,” Dillon, 34, said as he watched the carpenters cutting and nailing planks to the ramp outside his home in the Bella Vista Subdivision off FM 359. “I’m very thankful we have such people who take care of veterans like me. I used to help veterans myself at one time. “I would still do it today if I could.” Dillon, who grew up in Pecan Grove, joined the Army in April 2005. “I was in high school when I saw the Twin Towers fall, and I made a promise to myself right then and there that I would enlist and defend my country against terrorists,” he said, referring to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He was serving with the military police in December 2006 when he was shot.

“I was helping to guard a roadside bomb — waiting for the bomb disposal crew to arrive — and I was sitting in an armored truck with just my head outside the turret. Then I stood up and a sniper shot me right in the neck.” Long afterward, Dillon and his fellow soldiers reconstructed the attack and realized that standing up may well have saved his life. “Had I remained sitting, the sniper would have shot me right between the eyes,” Dillon surmises.“He was aiming at my head, and had fired the shot, the second I stood up.” The bullet fractured his vertebrate, and sent bone shards into his spine, crippling him. Declared a paraplegic, Dillon’s hopes of serving his country in uniform were ended. He misses the Army, the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers, and serving and protecting his country. “I really miss the brotherhood — and it was truly a brotherhood. We were like brothers,” he said. “I’d still be there with them if I could.” A storm knocked down a giant oak tree behind his home in July. It fell on his wheelchair ramp and destroyed it. His mom knew a friend with carpenter skills. Bernie Brezina had no problem convincing other members of the Knights of Columbus Hall 2801 to donate some time and

FORT BEND HERALD

2020

Fort Bend Foot Center

READERS' CHOICE

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FORT BEND HERALD

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• 11

energy to the project. Home Depot donated all the supplies — wood and nails, etc. Bunky Ward of Richmond, a woodworker well known to the KCs, agreed to turn the remaining tree stump into a table. The group would like to install an automated door to help Dillon enter his home. “He doesn’t have full use of his hands or arms so he has a problem going in and out,” Bernie said. The door would cost about $5,000. Anyone who would like to contribute funds to the worthwhile project is encouraged to contact Bernie by phone at 713-8262528 or via email at BernieB@brezinaclaims.com. “I appreciate what all these people are doing for me,” Dillon Dr. Kyledidn’t D. McCrea and Dr. Voknew I was a veteran said. “They even know me.Victoria They only in need and they could help me.”

Two Million Pounds and Counting: Catholic Charities food distribution underscores need for food assistance

ichmond’s Mamie George Community Center recently surpassed the two million-pound mark in food distribution since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The community center is the hub for services provided by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, which includes food and financial assistance, plus a robust program for seniors. “During the pandemic, Catholic Charities is distributing four times as much food as usual to families in need,”said Gladys Brumfield-James, the Mamie George Community Center executive director.“The lines are long for help from our food pantry because COVID-19 drained resources for families all across Fort Bend County.” Brumfield-James notes that the center is seeing many families who were financially stable before the pandemic, but lost jobs and wages reduced their savings, and plunged them into crisis. “We’ve had people coming in who never thought they would be struggling to feed their families,” said Brumfield-James. The community mobilized to distribute 2,110,400 pounds of food over nine months from the center in Richmond.The Houston Food Bank provided food. Scores of volunteers reported week after week to help load cases of fresh produce, protein items, and non-perishables into long lines of Your Home for Dentistry vehicles.The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department provided officers Veterans help out a disabled Army veteran Dillon Canon by building him a Dr. McCrea hasbehind been creating healthy, home. beautiful smiles wheelchair ramp his Richmond From left in are Lonnie Hoffmann, to untangle traffic, and the center’s neighbors opened their parking Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. Vo are Stan Hruska, lots as staging areas. Bernie Brezina, Cannon, Bonita Shumake with Home Depot, bothWard, graduates of and currentMarcus Professors at theand Herman Bunky Wayne Jakubik Schulte JohnHospital Guidroz. In all, the effort fed 154,341 Fort Bend families in need. based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston. For seniors and other clients unable to leave their homes during Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible the pandemic, the center is working with DoorDash to make outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires. deliveries of food to homebound clients through a program funded by the United Way of Greater Houston. Additionally, center staff and volunteers have been checking in with From Check-ups and Cleanings to Implants andclients Braces, senior regularly since the pandemic began. The Mamie George Community Center will continue to distribute We want to be your home for Dentistry food as the pandemic wears on. Early lastand month, the center transition from a first-come, first-served Visit us at www.mccreadds.com to learn more about our office, our outstanding team, the services we offer. approach to allow families to make appointments to receive nutritious 601 South Second St. food. Families will still be served in the safety of their vehicles via Dr. Kyle D. McCrea & Dr. Victoria Vo drive-through distribution, receiving food that will be reserved for Richmond, TX 77469 each family. Appointments can be made forTuesday throughThursday mornings 281-342-2121 by visiting CatholicCharities.org/food. Dr. McCrea has been creating healthy, For additional information, call 281-202-6289. beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. Vo are both graduates of and current Professors at the Herman Hospital based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston. Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires.

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12 • West Fort Bend Living

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â€˘ 13

Graeber named 2021 County Fair president

orty years after he first volunteered to cook and sell food for the Jaycees at the Fort Bend County Fair, Brian Graeber has been elected to lead the county’s biggest event of 2021. The 2020 Fort Bend County Fair president Sean Gutierrez and the fair board made it official in December by electing Graeber to serve as the 85th president of the Fort Bend County Fair Association. “Brian is a tremendous force at the Fort Bend County Fair, from overseeing large events such as the barbecue cook-off during Fair days to the crawfish boil held in the spring,” Gutierrez said. “He has put in the time, muscle, and sweat to our Fair over the years.” For 40 years, Brian has been involved with the Fort Bend County Fair. In 1980, the year of Urban Cowboy and Gilley’s fame, Brian Graeber was busy giving back as a Needville Jaycee. He volunteered in the Jaycees’ food booth in the original livestock barn during fair time. He participated in the barbecue cook-off for several years and joined the committee in 2005. He then went on to become the co-chairperson, overseeing one of the largest barbecue cook-offs in the region. It was 2014 when Graeber became a member for the board of directors for the Fort Bend County Fair Association. As a director, he has been involved with the parking committee, barbecue committee, the advanced tickets sales committee, Boots and Buckles on the Bay Fishing Tournament, and the crawfish boil fundraiser. Graeber also has served several times as an emcee and has assisted in several media interviews on behalf of the Fair. He has been serving on the executive committee for several years and enjoys many fair activities such as rodeo action, the exceptional rodeo, livestock shows, live concerts and the parade. Graeber and his wife Patty have supported the junior livestock auction and the school art auction either as sole buyers or through a buyers’ group. Fair days for the Graebers is family time. From barbecue culinary competition to the corn dog eating contest, Graeber’s family is well represented with his children and grandchildren. He and Patty live in Guy and continue to support the fair, the community and their church. The 2021 Fair is set to run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 3, 2021.

MARC K. SPECTOR,D.D.S. IMPLANTS, COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

A MEMBER OF Selected by H-Magazine as one of Houston’s top dentist.

Hike into the new year at Brazos Bend State Park

story & photo by AVERIL GLEASON | agleason@fbherald.com

he community was invited to start 2021 with a walk on the wild side by participating in a guided stroll through a Texas state park as part of the national First Day Hikes initiative. Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762 near Needville, was among many parks that participated in First Day Hikes last month.The first hike of the new year began at 9 a.m., and ended with the last hike departing at 11 a.m. The 1.2-mile hike featured events that ranged from brisk strolls on scenic trails,bike rides,short treks with adoptable pups and meditation walks to more strenuous hikes for more experienced visitors. The hikes also featured guides who educated guests about local plants and animals along the trail. The hikes had their limitations,though.A sign-up sheet was required, and volunteers led groups of 10 in staggered times to adhere to social distance regulations. Masks were strongly advised, and having sanitizer was encouraged. State parks and natural areas across Texas host First Day Hikes to help visitors commit to their New Year’s resolution to become healthy. These events are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative which took place in every state in the nation. For more information about the Brazos Bend State Park visit tpwd. texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend or 979-553-5101.

Using her hiking sticks, Jessica Loflin shows plants to her son Liam at Brazos Bend State Parks’s First Day Hike on Jan. 1, 2020. Behind them, naturalist David Heinicke leads the guided hike.

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2020 READERS' CHOICE

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14 • West Fort Bend Living

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Livestreamed program will highlight how to grow fruit trees

ort Bend County Libraries will present an online program, “Success with Growing Fruit in Fort Bend County,” on Saturday, Feb. 6, beginning at 10 am.This program will be live-streamed via Webex; it will not be in person. Fort Bend County Master Gardener Deborah Birge will talk about varieties of fruit trees that can thrive in the Gulf Coast climate. Hear about proper planting techniques and recommended maintenance tips to encourage fruit production, including pruning, feeding, and watering. Birge has been a master gardener for nearly 20 years and holds specialist certifications in Citrus Culture, Home Fruit Production, and First-Detector Plant Disease. The program is free and open to Deborah Birge the public. Registration is required. A link to view the presentation online will be emailed to all participants who register. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

SGARDENING

TIPST

Pruning young trees

by ANITA MADDOX | Fort Bend County Master Gardener

aybe you planted trees in your landscape in recent years, or you moved into a home with new landscaping, and you want to make sure to take good care of these

plants. Usually, pruning young trees improves their health and appearance if done correctly. Proper pruning can also supply additional energy to develop the flowers, fruit, and limbs that remain on the plant. Pruning early in the life of the tree to train it will also avoid problems later on. Late winter, before spring growth begins, is the best time to prune your young trees. The exception to this rule is when pruning spring-blooming trees, whose flowers come from the growth of the prior year. Examples include Redbud and the deciduous varieties of Magnolias. These you can prune, if needed, after they bloom in the spring. (For fruit tree pruning information visit aggie-horticulture.tamu. edu/extension/fruit.) Some of the most important procedures for pruning your young trees are: • First, prune any dead limbs.This can be done at any time of the year. • When pruning diseased limbs, clean your tools with alcohol or TSP between cuts.

TALK OF THE TOWN Continued on page 22

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A Ente rt & rtainm e nt

Chinese Lunar New Year spotlighted with special online programs

round. The rules of the game are explained here: www. ultraboardgames.com/love-letter/game-rules.php. This event will be livestreamed via Webex; registration is required. “Black History Month Digital Scavenger Hunt”| Thursday, Feb. 11 (all day) History sleuths must use their knowledge of African-American history and their research skills to complete this scavenger hunt. This online activity can be accessed through FBCL’s website on the day of the event; registration is not required. These events are free and open to the public. Registration is required for two of the programs; a link to the Webex meeting will be emailed to all who register. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the programs. For more information call 281-633-4734.

Online activities for young adults, teens

ort Bend County Libraries will have special programs in recognition of the Chinese Lunar New Year in February. These virtual events will be online; they will not be in person. Journey Through China | Feb. 6 (pre-recorded video) This dance performance is presented by Dance of Asian America, in conjunction with Young Audiences of Houston. Discover the rich cultural heritage of China through authentic Chinese dances. The vast land of China consists of the mainland and 56 ethnic sub-regions, each with its own dance forms that directly reflect each group’s lifestyle and customs. Classical and folk dances are a precious part of China’s cultural heritage and serve as a wonderful tool for learning about its various traditions, history, and culture. This performance is recommended for families with children of all ages. Celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year| Friday, Feb. 12 (pre-recorded video) The Lunar New Year marks the start of China’s Spring Festival. Each day of the Spring Festival has special meanings and traditions. In this video, library staff welcome in the Year of the Ox while sharing interesting facts about how the days are celebrated. To view the programs, go to the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the programs on the scheduled dates. For more information, call FBCL’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

Libraries host online game hours for teens, adults

he Adult Services Department at Fort Bend County Libraries will have several virtual game-day activities for adults and teens in February. These virtual events will be online; they will not be in person. “Virtual Board-Game Day: Love Letter” | Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. In this virtual event, players will participate online in a game of Love Letter — a card game in which one attempts to deliver a love letter to the princess by knocking opponents out of each

16 • West Fort Bend Living

his winter, Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will offer fun, online programs specifically designed for high schoolage teens in grades 9 through 12. The programs will be either livestreamed via Webex or prerecorded videos. Registration is required for the livestreamed programs only. An email with the link for the Webex meeting will be sent to all who register on FBCL’s online virtual calendar. To register for a livestreamed program or to view the how-to videos, go to the Fort Bend County Libraries website – www. fortbend.lib.tx.us – click on the “Classes and Events” tab, select “Virtual Programs,” and find the virtual program on the dates listed. YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY COUNCILS YA Advisory Council | Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4-4:40 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 17, 4-5 p.m.; or Wednesday, Feb. 24, 4-5 p.m.. This event will be livestreamed via Webex at the designated time.Teens can earn volunteer-service hours by expressing ideas, organizing upcoming activities, and suggesting new programs and books that would be of interest to young adults at the library. Registration is required. YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUBS YA Book Club| Wednesday, February 10, 4-5 p.m This event will be livestreamed via Webex at the designated time. This month, readers are invited to talk about the genre of their choice. Registration is required. YA Book Talk| Thursday, Feb. 18 (pre-recorded video) FBCL library staff share news & views on some captivating Young Adult lit for teens. YA Book Club | Wednesday, Feb. 24, 4-5 p.m. This event will be livestreamed via Webex at the designated time. This month, readers may discuss To Kill a Kingdom, written by Alexandria Christo. This book selection is available on OverDrive and in print. Registration is required. YOUNG ADULT ONLINE GAMING YA Game Hour: Ultimate Disney Trivia | Thursday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m. This event will be livestreamed via Webex at the designated time. Teens aged 13 and up who enjoy the challenge and excitement of a trivia competition are invited to join in this virtual event, putting their knowledge of Disney to the test. Registration is required.

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YOUNG ADULT CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES YA: Coffee-Filter Valentine Craft | Friday, Feb. 5 (prerecorded video) In this video tutorial, learn how to make personalized Valentines with coffee filters. YA Craft: Making a Valentine Wreath | Tuesday, Feb. 9 (pre-recorded video). Learn how to use Deco Mesh to make a stunning wreath that is weather-proof and sturdy enough to use outdoors, yet delicate and beautiful enough to use indoors as well. The materials that will be used include: 2 rolls of Deco Mesh of any color (21 inches x 10 yards), matching pipe-cleaners, ribbons and other decorative accessories, floral wire, and a 16-inch wire wreath frame. YA Basic Embroidery | Friday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m. In recognition of National Embroidery Month, FBCL will host a livestreamed class for teens who would like to learn the basics of embroidery. Learn about the tools needed and the different stitches that can be used for a variety of purposes. Meet other teens who also share an interest in embroidery! Registration is required. YA Craft: Origami Valentine | Friday, Feb. 12 (prerecorded video) Discover how these delicate art forms are made by twisting and folding paper into unique shapes. In this episode, learn how to fold a 3-D heart that can hold a small gift. YA: Update Your Wardrobe with Embroidery | Wednesday, Feb. 17 (pre-recorded video). In recognition of National Embroidery Month, library staff will demonstrate how simple embroidery can transform ordinary garments into extraordinary wearable art.

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18 • West Fort Bend Living

YA Craft: Glitter Shoes |Thursday, Feb. 18 (pre-recorded video) Learn how to use Mod-Podge® and glitter to dress up an old pair of shoes. YA: DIY No-Bake Dog Biscuits | Tuesday, Feb. 23 (prerecorded video) Learn how to make dog-treat biscuits from scratch. YA: Popcorn Cupcakes | Thursday, Feb. 25 (prerecorded video) The activities are free and open to the public. Registration is required for the live Webex sessions only; a link to the Webex session will be emailed to participants who register. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call the Fort Bend County Libraries’ Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Online cookbook clubs for culinary enthusiasts

ooking enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels – from beginners to advanced –find Fort Bend County Libraries’ monthly Cookbook Book Clubs a great way to share ideas and discover new culinary tips. Different cooking genres are explored each month. In February, the Cookbook Clubs will take place virtually, so that cooking enthusiasts around the area can enjoy and participate online from the comfort and safety of home. Here is

the schedule of Cookbook Clubs, as well as some other how-to videos for food lovers, courtesy of FBCL’s librarians. Easy Ramen |Thursday, Feb. 4 (pre-recorded video) Learn how Ramen noodles can be used in a variety of ways, from soup to salad. A link to the video will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time. •University Branch Library’s Culinary Book Club |Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1:30 p.m. (livestreamed) The theme for this month’s online meeting is “Fish & Shellfish.” Share tips, get ideas, and enjoy the camaraderie of other individuals who have an interest in cooking and good cuisine! This activity will be live-streamed in real time via Webex. Registration is required; an email with a link for the Webex session will be sent to all who register. Mission Bend Branch Library’s Food for Thought Cookbook Club |Thursday, Feb. 18. (pre-recorded video) The theme for this month is “Cake Pops.” A link to the video will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time. How to Make Arabic/Turkish Coffee | Monday, Feb. 22 (prerecorded video) Learn how to brew and serve coffee in the traditional Arabic or Turkish way. Discover coffee’s meaningful role in hospitality. Grain-Free, Nut-Free Cookies |Wednesday, Feb. 24 (prerecorded video) Baking delicious cookies while needing to avoid certain ingredients is possible! Library staff will demonstrate how to make chocolatechip cookies without using any grain or nut products. A link to the video will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.

The video episodes and meetings are free and open to the public. Registration is required for the Culinary Book Club so that a link to the Webex session can be emailed to participants who register. To view the videos or to register online, go to the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 19

He alth

County commissioners create Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court

ort Bend County Commissioners Court appointed Judge Juli A. Mathew, County Court at Law No. 3, the necessary approval to begin a new specialty court, the Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court. During the public comments, Shariq Abdul Ghani, representing the Minaret Foundation, Fort Bend Transformation Church, and the Fort Bend Interfaith Community spoke in support of this court. The JIMH Court began servicing the qualified youths of Fort Bend County last month. The program has the support of all of the County Court at Law Judges, Juvenile Probation,Texana as well as other professional and treatment providers. “The program is set to help the most vulnerable in our community, to help rehabilitate and reduce recidivism,” Mathew said. Mathew was elected to County Court at Law 3 in November 2018 after having been an associate municipal judge in Arcola and a practicing attorney for 15 years with experience in mass tort, civil litigation, probate, and criminal matters in Fort Bend and surrounding counties including Harris, Montgomery, Galveston, and Brazoria. Judge Juli A. Mathews

Your Community Healthcare Leader

Salman Aly, MD

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

832-886-4774

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Sarfraz Aly, MD

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST Coming Soon New Office in Sugar Land

6903 Brisbane Court Sugar Land, TX 77479

Now Accepting New Patients At Both Locations In Sugar Land And Wharton Sugar Land: 1201 Creekway Dr. • Suite B • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Wharton: 979-282-6151 • 416 N. Alabama Rd., Wharton, TX 77488

20 • West Fort Bend Living

Sustache and Ahmeduddin welcomed to Houston Methodist Primary Care Group

ouston Methodist Primary Care Group welcomed Gilberto Sustache, M.D., and Naureen Ahmeduddin, D.O., in January. Sustache and Ahmeduddin join Asisat Ope, M.D. and Ali Sawal, D.O., at the Brooks Street practice in Sugar Land. Sustache is a board-certified family medicine physician providing preventive care and wellness maintenance. His clinical expertise includes health screenings, minor procedures, men’s health, as well as thyroid concerns. Sustache received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, Massachusetts, then completed his residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land. “Having served in this community for 20 years, I look forward to joining Houston Methodist and partnering with my patients in their plan of care,” said Sustache. As a board-certified family medicine physician, Ahmeduddin specializes in acute and chronic care,including men’s health,complete physicals, preventive care, and women’s health. Ahmeduddin earned her medical degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Henderson, Nevada, and finished her internship at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land.She completed her residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land, where she also served as a chief medical resident. “My goal is to provide personalized care to all my patients,” said Ahmeduddin.“I prioritize open communication and patient education so that my patients can take ownership of their health. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street is located at 1201 Brooks St.,Suite 100 in Sugar Land.To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sustache or Dr.Ahmeduddin, or to find a Houston Methodist Primary Care physician in the Fort Bend County area, visit houstonmethodist. org/pcg/southwest or call 281-930-6639. Visit houstonmethodist. org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Naureen Ahmeduddin, D.O., Gilberto Sustache, M.D.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recognized for higher quality in bariatric surgery

ouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas with a Blue Distinction ® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities that show a commitment to delivering high quality, patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land provides a full Methodist Sugar Land. range of bariatric surgery care, including surgical The annual health care spent on obesity and care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up obesity-related conditions is expected to rise by 2030 care, and patient education. if the rate of obesity in the U.S. continues to climb. Bariatric surgeries are among the most common Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for elective surgeries in the U.S. — with more than severely obese patients because it allows for 252,000 bariatric surgeries performed in 2018 substantial, sustained weight loss, which leads to based on a report from the American Society of improved or resolved obesity-related co-morbidities Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). like type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and On average, health care costs were reduced by 29 Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 42.7 percent within five years following bariatric surgery, percent of U.S. adults and 18.5 percent of youth due to the reduction or elimination of obesity-related are obese and are impacted by obesity-related conditions, based on findings by ASMBS. health conditions. To receive a Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric With obesity reaching epidemic levels among Surgery designation, a health care facility must Nabil Tariq, MD U.S. adults, a significant opportunity exists to demonstrate success in meeting patient safety improve quality care for bariatric surgeries within the national health measures as well as bariatric-specific quality measures, including care system. complication and readmission rate for laparoscopic procedures in Houston Methodist Sugar Land is proud to be recognized by Blue sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Cross Blue Shield of Texas for meeting the rigorous quality selection All designated facilities must also be nationally accredited at both criteria for bariatric surgery set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care the facility and bariatric program-specific levels. program. For more information about the program and for a complete listing “Our commitment to unparalleled safety and quality begins with of designated facilities, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction. appropriately trained staff and surgical experts who participate in the TAKE THE NEXT STEP WITH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY development of our program by continuously seeking opportunities You can start now from the comfort and safety of your own home. to enhance the structure, process and outcomes of the center. I am We are committed to you, even during these challenging times. Our very proud of the team we have assembled. We are dedicated to bariatric surgeon now offers online orientations and virtual visits. delivering superior care for bariatric patients in Fort Bend County and Watch the online orientation at houstonmethodist.org/ surrounding areas,” said Nabil Tariq, M.D., board-certified bariatric surgicalweightloss or call 832.667.5673 for more information. surgeon and medical director of bariatric surgery at Houston

ars Over 37 ye s in Busines

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Gingerbread Kids Academy

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Tim Kaminski, M.S. CCC/SLP, Megan Kaminski, M.E.D.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 21

TALK OF THE TOWN Continued from page 15 • Try to keep the natural shape of the tree if possible. • Remove limbs that cross over or rub each other. • Remove suckers that occur low on the trunk or in the ground near the trunk. • Remove excessive vertical sprouts. These sprouts grow straight up from horizontal branches. • Remove main limbs that compete. • Don’t prune the single main trunk or “leader.” (There are exceptions to this found in the reference links below.)

• When cutting branches that are more than 1-1/2 inches in diameter, use a three-part cut to prevent the bark from peeling from the weight of the cut limb. The first step is to saw an undercut from the bottom of the branch about 6 to 12 inches out from the trunk and about one-third of the way through the branch. Make a second cut from the top, about 3 inches further from the undercut, until the branch falls away. The resulting stub can then be cut back to the collar of the branch.

Image Credit: nyrp.org Image Courtesy of Texas A&M Forest Service

• Don’t leave stubs after cutting limbs. Cut up to the “collar” at the base of the branch.The collar is t h e ra i s e d a re a around the branch where it meets a larger branch or the trunk. If this collar is cut off or severely damaged, the tree’s natural healing cannot occur. And, once this area is damaged, it is damaged for good.

• Never top a tree. • Painting the cut ends of branches is generally not recommended in our area. • For limbs that grow upward, cut them on a slant to prevent water from collecting in the cut. • Leave the pruning of large trees involving climbing to the arborists who have experience, knowledge, the correct tools, and insurance. The main reason for pruning large trees is for safety when people could be injured or buildings could be damaged, for sanitation, or to restrict size. • For much more info about pruning and maintenance of trees see texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/PruneYoungTree and aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruningtechniques/

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in educating the community using research-based horticultural information.

Photo Credit: hort.ifas.ufl.edu

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22 • West Fort Bend Living

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• 23

Providing Better Options for

HEART & VASCULAR CARE in Sugar Land

Through specialized programs, clinical trials and a commitment to challenging conventional thinking, our comprehensive team of cardiovascular specialists is improving outcomes and providing better options for heart and vascular care in your community.

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And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe throughout your visit.

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• Heart rhythm disorders • Valve disease • Vein and artery disorders

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Our doctors specialize in treating a wide spectrum of cardiovascular diseases and disorders, including:

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