February 2014 - Absolutely Brazos Magazine by absolutely! Brazos Magazine

Serving Richmond, Rosenberg & Fulshear

FEBRUARY 2014

Sugar Land Face and Body Expands:

Pairing WINE & CHOCOLATE

New Operating Room

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WINS

International Awards $2.95

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+ Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Texas Direct Auto Proudly Supports Women In Need

n their ongoing commitment to community support, Texas Direct Auto is a proud sponsor of the 9th annual Girlfriends Giggle, benefitting the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. This year’s event, described by past party-goers as the ultimate “Girl’s Night Out,” will be held on Thursday, February 6th from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. in the Diva Den at Fluor Corporation in Sugar Land, Texas. Girlfriends Giggle is a celebration of female friendship in support of local women in need. Billed as a “grownup girl pajama party,” attendees can enjoy top local restaurant fare and a martini bar, participate in live and silent auctions, boutique shopping and dance lessons, compete in a pajama contest and indulge in spa luxuries like manicures, massages and hair styling – all in the name of helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault achieve safety and self-sufficiency. On Texas Direct Auto’s decision to sponsor the event for a second consecutive year, Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, says, “The Fort Bend County Women’s Center provides such a vital and important service to our community. Assisting survivors of domestic violence and providing them with the resources to start a new life is a mission we are proud to support.”

Tickets for Girlfriends Giggle are only $67 – the same amount it costs to shelter a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault for a day at the Fort Bend County Women’s Center’s 65bed emergency center. Over the past 30 years, the non-profit agency has helped more than 35,000 local women and children achieve violencefree lifestyles, but they could never have done it without the generous contributions and support from the local Fort Bend community – caring people just like you! Last year’s event sold out with 1,000 “gigglers” in attendance and raised a record-breaking $127,650 for the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. This year the goals are even higher, so Texas Direct Auto urges all the lovely ladies of Fort Bend to grab your girlfriends and head out to One Fluor Daniel Drive on February 6th for a fabulous evening of female fun in support of a very worthy cause. Tickets to Girlfriends Giggle can be purchased online at fortbendwomenscenter.org or in person at Texas American Title, The Design Source or J. Loggins Jewelers. For information on becoming a sponsor at the event, contact Leah Crawford at (281) 935-8072 or Melissa Evans at (281) 221-3117.

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I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land - Michelle Williams

When I had breast cancer, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading care was right here. me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my two boys and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land. Find Your MD Anderson today.

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CONTRIBUTORS

FEBRUARY 2014

VOLUME 2

NUMBER 3

F E AT U R E S

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 26

20 VALENTINE’S DAYS GONE BY, RELIVED AND RENEWED Ideas to bring touches of romance into your home for a memorable Valentine’s Day

28 VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Amy Gross VineSleuthUncorked.com Page 32

Find the perfect gift for that special someone.

32 VINESLEUTH

Wine and Chocolate Pairing

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Joan Frances Contributor Page 44

16 RENAE MELCHOR

Provides exquisite custom décor for all seasons and occasions.

Dr. Eric Humble.

NEWSWORTHY

Photography by Nesossi Studios.

COVER STORY 8 SUGAR LAND FACE AND BODY PLASTIC SURGERY EXPANDS WITH NEW OPERATING ROOM With state-of-the-art medical equipment, the new on-site operating room allows Dr. Eric Humble and his staff to offer patients additional procedures, along with a more personal, concierge-oriented experience.

18 FORT BEND COUNTY ALUMNAE PANHELLENIC Hosts Recruitment Workshop

RESOLVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2014 With Child Advocates

24 SECOND ANNUAL READING BETWEEN THE WINES 33 CITY OF RICHMOND SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT With A Virtual Town Hall

absolutely! AUTO REVIEW ON THE COVER: Dr. Eric Humble. Photography by Nesossi Studios.

26 2014 TOYOTA COROLLA

absolutely! H E A LT H Y L I V I N G 30 WINTER BLUES?

Six Ways to Improve Mood and Energy

Caron Lopez Grand Windows & Interiors Page 20

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MEDICAL 40 MEDICAL FOCUS

COLUMNS 44 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY The Gold of the South

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 EDITOR’S POINT OF VIEW 14 SEEN ON THE SCENE 22 COMMUNITY EVENTS 34 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF BRAZOS 42 COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP

Vol. 2 No. 3 | February 2014

Editor-in-Chief, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI This issue is all about love. February is officially the month of love, and frankly, I just love Valentine’s Day! What’s not to love about a holiday that yields homemade heart cards from my children, flowers from my husband and excessive amounts of chocolate? And, since Valentine’s Day happens on a Friday this year, I am officially starting Patti Parish-Kaminski with the movement to expand it to a three-day holiday. After absolutely! focus media’s all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the starting Platinum MarCom award. of a busy new year, we girls could use a three-day holiday filled with love . . . and of course, chocolate. For my fellow chocolate lovers, what’s better to pair with chocolate than wine? Our Vinesleuth shares the winning formula for pairing wine and chocolate on page 32 – a perfect activity for the Valentine’s Day weekend. And, if your sweetheart is looking for that perfect gift, check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on page 28 full of great ideas from local retailers. Our cover story is also about love. Loving how you look is what Dr. Eric Humble’s Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery is all about. From aesthetic to surgical procedures now available in their new state-of-the-art operating room, this medical spa has it all to help you look your best and love the way you look. February is a busy month in Brazos with so many community and fundraising events and many are listed on our Events Calendar. We will be out and about in Brazos at several of these events, and we hope to see you there. But don’t look for me over the Valentine’s three-day weekend, unless, of course, you have chocolate and wine! Happy Valentine’s Week-End!

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHERS

Michael & Lisa Fredrickson E D I T O R- I N - C H I E F

Patti Parish-Kaminski SENIOR AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE

Jessica Kij

AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephenie Cox Susan Dannhaus Jennifer Elliott Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles Bonnie Bell Woodrow A RT D I R E C T O R

Grace Belleza

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Ginger Garza Camille Hay

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C O O R D I NAT O R CONTRIBUTORS

editor@absolutelybrazos.com

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Sarah Bearden

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Joan Frances Amy Gross Sheena Navarro Caron Lopez Steve Kursar

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Gold Award Marketing Promotional Campaign/ Branding Refresh absolutely! Focus Media

absolutely! focus media, parent company of absolutely! Brazos Magazine, recently won three international awards for excellence in marketing and communications. The three MarCom Awards were earned for the following initiatives:

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Joey Belleza INQUIRIES

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Platinum Award February 2013 Issue Fort Bend Focus Magazine 100 Most Fascinating Things About Fort Bend

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MarCom Awards is an international competition for marketing and communication professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of marketing and communication programs and print, visual and audio materials. absolutely! focus media competed with Fortune 500 companies, national advertising agencies, corporate and marketing communication departments and PR firms to win the three industry awards.

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Expands with New Operating Room

hen Dr. Eric Humble completed his new 6,400 square foot medical facility in 2013, it quickly became one of the “go to” places in Sugar Land for both medical and aesthetic spa services. Beautifully appointed in a serene, spainspired setting, Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery’s new facility offered it all to patients, except for one thing: an on-site operating room.

COVER STORY By Patti Parish-Kaminski Photos by Nesossi Studios

“Our new facility allowed us to offer so much more to our patients in a beautiful environment,” said Dr. Humble, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and visionary behind the expansion of Sugar Land Face and Body. “Our goal of a new, in-house operating room was always in the plans, and now, we’ve been able to realize that vision with the completion of our state-ofthe-art operating room.”

Concierge Care With a separate entrance from the main building to assist with both patient privacy and accessibility, the newly completed operating room contains state-of-the-art medical equipment and is in compliance with all State of Texas Department of Health standards, creating an accredited operating facility. This on-site operating room allows Dr. Humble and his staff to offer a more personal, concierge-oriented experience during the perioperative period providing patients with a complete plastic surgery experience all under one roof. The operating room is adjacent to Sugar Land Face and Body’s main facility, which contains all of the comforts of a day spa, including a private library where patients and their families can relax before, during or after surgery. Other ame-

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

nities include private consultation rooms and a beautiful atrium with a 30-foot tower. While convenience, accessibility and privacy are key benefits to the new addition, the continuum of care that Dr. Humble and his staff can now provide on additional procedures is the most important factor for the physician and his staff. “Continuity of care is paramount for my patients,” said Dr. Humble. “Our new operating room allows both me and my staff to personally attend to every aspect of our patient’s needs before, during and after their procedures in the privacy and comfort of our own building.” This philosophy of care is important and appreciated by Dr. Humble’s patients. “Dr. Humble and his staff get to know you on a personal level as a person, and not just as a patient; it was very comforting,” according to one of Dr. Humble’s patients who received an otoplasty or “ear pinning.” “I enjoyed my time with them, and I’m thoroughly impressed with the procedure. Dr. Humble walked me through everything that was going on during my procedure, and what to expect afterwards. Even still months after the procedure, he and his staff still care about how everything is going and are willing to see me for any concerns that I may have.”

The staff at Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery: Tiffany Alara, Angela Garza, Allison Grover, May Akbari and Dr. Eric Humble.

Surgical Services

a ls i c e p S y r Februa CoolSculpting Buy 2 Areas, Get 1 Area Free Buy 3 Areas, Get 2 Areas Free Ulthera $2,950 For Face And Upper Neck Obagi 15% Off Fillers 15% Off Some restrictions apply. (Offer expires February 28, 2014)

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With the new addition, Dr. Humble can now safely and effectively perform the following surgical procedures conveniently on-site: breast augmentation and lift; implant exchange; tummy tuck; mommy makeover; face lift; rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty; otoplasty; liposuction and body and neck lift. While surgical procedures are an important part of helping patients look and feel their best, Dr. Humble believes that rejuvenation, like health and wellness, does not start with surgery but instead is founded in nutrition, lifestyle and attitude. “While surgery can be the catalyst for creating a healthier lifestyle, there’s more to overall health and wellness, and rejuvenation is an important part of that process. Rejuvenation helps one see on the outside the way they feel on the inside. I still remember the first face lift patient I operated on. After her operation, she began exercising, changed her diet and renewed her love of life. As a plastic surgeon, my reward begins with my goal of bringing out my patients’ love of life.” With integrity and honesty, Dr. Humble consults with each patient in depth to find the best ways to enhance his or her facial features or body shape. In an effort to reach the optimum, most natural results, Dr. Humble gives his expert recommendation on each individual case, even if the course of action means a less invasive – and less expensive – method to achieve the desired aesthetic look. “I take an active role in deciding if the patient would be a good candidate for CoolSculpting® or a tummy tuck. I tell the patient the advantages and disadvantages of each option.”

www.absolutelybrazos.com l FEBRUARY 2014

Beauty Becomes You Now with their new operating room, Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery provides even more procedures at their new location, making both surgical and aesthetic options more convenient and accessible for patients.

Facial Rejuvenation Face Lift Eyelid Surgery Rhinoplasty Neck Lift Brow Lift Ear Surgery

Dr. Eric Humble and Tiffany Alara.

Aesthetic Options Because of the variety of procedures offered at Sugar Land Face and Body, patients have multiple options all onsite if Dr. Humble feels that surgery is not the best course of action. One of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed is a relatively new procedure called Ultherapy®. “Ultherapy is an ultrasound tightening of muscles under the skin without surgery,” explained Dr. Humble. “It’s also known as the lunchtime facelift.” Sugar Land Face and Body was one of the first medical spas in the Sugar Land area to offer the innovative, noninvasive procedure. After just one 60 to 90 minute procedure, the skin on a patient’s face and neck gradually reflects a more refreshed, uplifting appearance. “We have seen great results with Ultherapy,” said Dr. Humble. “It provides an alternative to those patients who are not quite ready for a face lift but who need age-prevention. We have successfully treated many patients in their 40s and 70s who wish to prevent aging and sagging skin.” Another relatively new procedure

that has been described as a breakthrough in aesthetic procedures is CoolSculpting. Dr. Humble has performed CoolSculpting on several patients with successful results. “CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that uses cooling technology to noticeably eliminate fat without surgery. The fat cells get marked for death, and there is a natural mechanism that rids them from your body through a natural process thereby eliminating the fat cells.” CoolSculpting treatments last one hour per area, and there is no downtime for the patient, an amazing benefit. “The procedure is relatively painless. There is no anesthesia or risk from anesthesia, no needles, no diet, no pills. Patients can have an hour of treatment and go back to doing what they need to do. Patients are realizing phenomenal results with CoolSculpting.” For more information about surgical and aesthetic procedures, visit www. beautybecomesyou.com or contact Dr. Humble at Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery at 281-313-0555.

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

Breast Enhancement Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Implant Exchange Body Contouring Ultherapy® Tummy Tuck CoolSculpting® Liposuction Body Lift Mommy Makeovers Nonsurgical Options Botox Facial Fillers Juvederm Perlane Radiesse Restylane Fat Grafting Skin Care Obagi Skin Products Skin Medica Products Options for Men Tummy Tuck Liposuction Breast Reduction

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Warren Diepraam for Judge Warren is tough on crime, fair to all parties, and efficient in court!

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Warren Diepraam has been in law enforcement for 23 years and has become recognized in Texas and across the nation for his innovative and life saving ideas. Warren began his career at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in 1990 and quickly became a leader in the trial division. Warren has handled all types of cases from DWI to Capital Murder. In 1999, Warren became recognized as an expert in Vehicular Homicides due to several high-profile prosecutions. In his first high-profile case, Warren sent a drunk driver in an 18-wheeler to prison for killing 4 of 5 family members. He is also credited with creating a new method of prosecution by charging a habitual drunk driver with felony murder for killing a young child in a DWI crash, more than doubling the offender’s punishment. Warren will bring this innovation to Fort Bend County to make the criminals pay for their conduct rather than the taxpayers. Help Warren bring this innovation to Fort Bend County Court 4 where it’s time for a change.

Warren Diepraam has been twice voted the nation’s top Vehicular Crimes Prosecutor! Warren created the No Refusal Program that has spread all across the nation. Because of his involvement in this program, Warren is now a nationally recognized prosecutor. He was voted the sole prosecutor representative to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration where he has served effectively on behalf of the nation’s prosecutors. Fort Bend is a growing county with increased crime. We cannot afford to not support our local law enforcement. Warren will bring his nationally recognized innovation to crime and punishment in our county!

We have a vested interest in an efficient Fort Bend County Justice System!

Warren addresses the national media about his No Refusal Program as law enforcement officers watch.

Warren is a Dulles High School graduate and has been in Fort Bend County since 1980. He is currently the Bureau Chief for the Specialized Prosecutions Section at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Warren supervises prosecutors handling serious criminal cases including Child Pornography, Sexual Assault, White Collar Crime,

Domestic Violence, Civil Trial, and Vehicular Homicides. During Warren’s tenure at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, DWI homicide charges have dropped by approximately fifty percent. In addition, Child Porn Distributors have been apprehended at increasing rates and children have been rescued from the clutches of these predators thereby breaking the chain of violence. Lastly, Domestic Violence cases go through the system quickly and efficiently. Warren created the county’s direct file system which cuts the time a case sits on the docket almost in half, saving the taxpayers money.

It’s time we brought this innovative approach to Fort Bend County by voting for Warren Diepraam for Court 4! By increasing efficiency, reducing what is frequently the largest docket in Fort Bend County, ensuring that tax dollars are not wasted on lawyer’s fees, and bringing a tough-on-crime approach to County Court 4, Warren will work on making sure that Fort Bend County residents have safe streets and make the criminals pay for their crime not the taxpayers. To find out more: www. warrenforjudge.com

Warren complies with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. Paid political ad by Warren Diepraam for Judge Campaign.

S E E N on the Scene

Best in the West Benefiting The Arc of Fort Bend County

Maritza Garcia & Justin Bell

JoAnn Garcia & Cindy Rosales

Deanna & Clay Stewart

Kristin Olivares, Glenda Schexnayder & Heather Lindner

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817 Third Street • Historic Downtown Rosenberg Open Tues - Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm • Closed Sunday & Monday

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Time For a New You Center of Excellence for Cosmetic Surgery

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Before Peter Chang, M.D. Board Certified

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TimelessPlasticSurgery.com 281-242-TIME (8463)

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1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Ste. 300 • Sugar Land, Tx 77478

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Business Spotlight :

Make your Valentine's Day special with a custom bouquet of fresh flowers by Renae. Call 832-298-1690 to order.

Renae Melchor W

hile seasonal decorating is a must for most during the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, holiday décor has become much more than the traditional November cornucopia and December Christmas trees. Just ask Renae Melchor, who has made a name for herself by not only providing custom décor for the traditional holidays but for other holidays throughout the year, as well as special occasions.

“M

y main focus is custom seasonal decorating throughout the year,” said Melchor whose passion is making things beautiful. “I enjoy serving my clients by decorating for any season, holiday or party.” Melchor’s love of making things beautiful began at an early age. She grew up in her family’s floral business in Rosenberg. “Mom had a flower shop, and she not only did flowers. She made unique decorations for weddings and parties. All of the children helped Mom out; it wasn’t a choice. You just did it!” While the Christmas holidays are busy for Melchor – just ask her clients who book her services well in advance – her specialty is creating themed trees year around for holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and July 4th and even trees reflecting school spirit. Melchor’s range of services includes consultation, original design creation, inventory review and materials sourcing. “First, I schedule a consultation to get a feel for what the client wants to do,” said Melchor. “Once the theme and ideas are put together, we go shopping so I can help them choose what they want and will need. A shopping trip is a must!” For clients who prefer to not participate in the

sourcing, Melchor is a one-stop shop providing everything needed to make the project or event beautiful and memorable. “Once I collect all of the materials, I come to the client’s home and the magic begins!” Clients Rebecca Junker, Karen Pulley and Debbie Duffy can attest to Melchor’s magic. A few years ago, Duffy asked

Melchor designed Debbie Duffy’s home for the holidays including her banister.

Melchor to decorate for her company Christmas party. Duffy was so pleased with Melchor’s creativity and professionalism, Melchor now decorates her home each Christmas and has decorated for all of her parties since the two first met, including a 50th birthday party. “Renae has made my holiday decorating easier,”

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

said Duffy. “She brings all of my holiday thoughts and ideas to life with her creativity and flare! I don't know how I managed my holidays without her. She is the best!" For the holidays, Melchor spends anywhere from two hours to two days in her client’s homes, and she begins her holiday schedule on November 1st. “It’s important to start early so that my clients can enjoy their holiday décor and be ready in time for holiday parties.” With her busy schedule as both a custom decorator and a professional hair stylist, Melchor always finds time to give back. In 2013, Melchor created a basket for a Make-A-Wish Foundation event. “The event was to benefit an eight-yearold boy with Leukemia. His wish was to attend the pro bowl.” Melchor attended the event where her basket raised $5,000 to help the young man’s dream come true. “I was thrilled to be able to help someone with their wish.” Melchor has also donated to the CASA gala and Holy Rosary Catholic Church among others, and she continues her commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Designated as a preferred designer at Richmond’s Briscoe Manor, Melchor has made a name for herself with unique décor. So, when she is not doing hair or donating to an important cause, you will find her making a bow, decorating a specialty tree or up on a ladder somewhere making someone’s dreams a reality. To make your event or your holidays beautiful, call Renae Melchor at 832-2981690 or visit her at 1410 E. Highway 90A, Suite 500 in Richmond.

Photo By Nesossi Studios

Methodist faMily Medicine group welcoMes dr. Melida tellez Methodist Family Medicine Group is pleased to welcome board certified family medicine physician, Dr. Melida Tellez, to Fort Bend County. Dr. Tellez has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating patients with a caring, hands-on, family-oriented approach. Dr. Tellez is fluent in English and Spanish and has a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of Fort Bend and surrounding counties. She is proudly supported by the leading technology and expertise of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its medical professionals and physicians. to schedule an appointment, call 281.275.0800 or email familymedicine@houstonmethodist.org.

Medical Office Building Three 16605 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281.275.0800 methodistsugarlanddocs.com

Achieve the

Ultimate Smile! People seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer services in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, complete and partial dentures, replacing lost or loose teeth, jaw joint problems (TMJ), traumatic injuries, snoring and sleep disorders and oral cancer reconstruction.

Replacing missing teeth in one day! before

after

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before

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Crowns, Implants, Cosmetic, Reconstructive Dentistry Board Certified Prosthodontist

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15958 City Walk, Ste. 230, Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.RimesDDS.com | e-mail: dr.rimes@comcast.net Dr. Stuart Rimes

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic Recruitment Workshop

Collegians who have benefited from the Fort Bend County Alumnea Panhellenic Workshop include Jordan Jackson, Ole Miss, Delta Gamma; Dallas Tippett, Sam Houston, Alpha Omicron Pi; Claudia Picou, Texas A&M, Delta Gamma; Carolyn Ramirez, University of Texas, Alpha Xi Delta; Kathleen McGoldrick, Texas Christian University, Kappa Alpha Theta; Tori Ashley, Texas Tech, Alpha Phi; Christina Triggs, Ole Miss, Pi Beta Phi and Maddy Maples, University of Oklahoma, Chi Omega.

Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic is preparing for its annual Sorority Recruitment Workshop for girls who are high school seniors or collegians and their parents. The event will be held at Parkway United Methodist Church in the Student Worship Center located at 5801 New Territory Blvd. on March 1st from 10 am to noon. Attendees to the workshop will learn about membership in the 26 National Panhellenic Conference Sororities. Information will be presented covering the “how tos” of participating in recruitment. In addition, door prizes will be awarded. Join the Panhellenic’s Facebook group under Fort Bend Alumnae Panhellenic or follow on Twitter at FB Panhellenic. For more information, visit www. fortbendpanhellenic.org,

Putting Your Heart in Hands You Can Trust

Yassir Sonbol, M.D.

Board Certified Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology

Call for an appointment:

281.912.3866

Diagnosis and Treatment of:

• Coronary Artery Disease • Heart Rhythm Disorders • Heart Valve Disease • Heart Failure • Peripheral Vascular Disease • High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Yassir Sonbol, M.D

Methodist Bldg. 3 16605 Southwest Fwy, Ste. 420 Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.dr-Yassir-Sonbol.com

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

Gearing up for Child Advocates of Fort Bend training are Metoyer Martin, Heather Rashid, Leroy Hodge and Casey Davis.

Resolve to Make a Difference in 2014 with Child Advocates Are you looking for something meaningful to do in the New Year? Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Then join Child Advocates of Fort Bend as a volunteer advocate. Beginning February 3rd, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering a weeklong training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. This is one of two opportunities in 2014 to complete the volunteer training class in a single week. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center. Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and submit to background screening. For more information or an application, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5100 or bknudson@cafb.org.

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12/17/13 19AM www.absolutelybrazos.com l FEBRUARY 2014 11:17

Valentine’s

Days Gone By, Relived and Renewed By Caron Lopez

s a grade school girl, I can remember the anticipation of Valentine's Day. We decorated our little white bags with red doilies and glitter and set them on our desks waiting for the special valentines from our classmates. My second grade teacher brought a wall of the antique brass post office boxes, and during the week of February 14th, each class had a turn at being the postal service for the day. We learned how to address envelopes and open the combination locks on the boxes to get the Valentine’s letters she had us write in cursive. The most special Valentine's memory of all was my father's expression of love for his girls. Each and every year, we knew he would come home with a big red heart box of chocolates for my mom and a small heart box for my little sister and I. Looking back at all the years of Valentine's Days, the expressions of love have been what made the day special. You can start a special Valentine’s Day tradition for you and your loved ones by cooking a special meal together, baking cookies with your children and putting on the sprinkles, or for the special person in your life, creating a new ambiance for the home

for a special day or evening. You can lightheartedly go back to those nostalgic days and recreate those simpler times and just have fun, or you can set a whole new stage for expressing your love.

Plan Ahead Creating a soothing, relaxing evening takes some planning. You need to work ahead of schedule so you can really go into the evening without being tired and still crossing items off your list. You can create a new look by changing the colors in the room with pillows, a soft throw or flowers. Strip down the room to bare essentials, and add back only a few striking items. If you find you need to buy something new and fresh, focus on a larger, showy item, not a collection of small items.

Add Romance Indulge yourself in some of the niceties of the times. Soft sumptuous towels, fragrant bath salts and towel warmers create a spa retreat distancing you and your love from your daily routines. Creating an enticing ambiance in the home is easy by dimming the lights. Add a chandelier in the bath or in the bedroom. Candles are a less expensive alternative but equally as sensuous. Group scented candles in a variety of heights and types around a bubble bath, and add a basket of aromatic oils, soaps or bath salts. For your evening of pampering, comfortable robes make for a nice gift.

Freshen and Declutter Freshen up your home by cleaning and removing clutter, and treat yourself by hiring someone to come help days in advance. Routine items need to be stashed. Hide the stacks of bills, papers and magazines. Yes, less is more when it comes to a soothing environment, but change is also good. Treat yourself again; accessorize your room. Around the bed, add beautiful hardware and bed curtains above or beside the headboard. Select a sumptuous drapery for a seating area, and draw it back with a tassel. Fabrics can mesmerize if they are soft, delightful to the eye and comfortable.

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Color choice for Valentine's Day is usually red and chocolate. Upstage the evening with tuxedo black and crisp white with a simple red rose. Lighting tapers in this room is a must. Couple your new romantic room with wine, the glisten of crystal glasses and a meal only you two selected to prepare. Enjoy, and have a memorable Valentine's Day!

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••••••••••••••

EVENTS••••••••••••••

February 1st, 9 – 11 am Saturday with the Master Gardeners

Join the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners in four acres of demonstration gardens and talk to volunteers who design and maintain them. The event is a great way to learn about gardening and plants well-suited to Fort Bend County. Park in front of the Agriculture Center, located at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg. An informal Rose Pruning Workshop will take place in the Rose Garden at 10 am. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

February 4th, 5 – 7 pm

Weight Management Open House Learn to manage your weight with medical and surgical programs at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Held at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center at 16655 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, the event will include refreshments and door prizes. To register, visit www.houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281-274-7500.

February 6th, 7 pm

An Introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping The Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter will host Jeff McMullen as the speaker for their February monthly program at Bud O’Shieles Community Center, located at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg. His presentation will include an introduction into honey bee biology, colony organization and the keeping of bees. The meeting will be preceded by a social time and snacks at 6:30 pm. Call 281-633-7033 or e-mail mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu.

February 8th, 6 – 11 pm Boots & Badges Gala 2014

Join Behind the Badge Charities for an evening honoring local heroes – police, fire, EMS and other emergency response personnel – with dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions at George Ranch Historical Park, located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. Proceeds will benefit Behind the Badge Charities and support assistance grants and scholarships for heroes. Visit www.behindthebadgecharities.org or e-mail president@btbctx.org.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS

February 8th, 6:30 pm

Fort Bend Boys Choir Gala Dinner and Auction Enjoy a fun, casual evening of great food, lively bidding and an awesome performance by the award-winning Tour Choir at Safari Lodge at Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. The patriotic theme encourages attendees to dress in period attire, such as bomber jackets, military dress or fatigues. Proceeds will help support all five ensembles of the Fort Bend Boys Choir. Call 281-240-3800.

February 15th, 6:30 pm Men Who Cook

The annual event, presented this year by SiEnviro, will feature entertainment by Ken Mondshine and the Brotherhood Band, along with the tasty temptations of more than 50 celebrity chefs and a live auction. Proceeds will benefit Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F), and the event will be held at Safari Texas, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. For tickets, call Janice Knight at 832-223-0334.

February 20th, 7 pm

Fifth Annual Helen Cordes Award Dinner Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. presents the fifth annual award dinner honoring State Representative John Zerwas, M.D. and featuring CNN medical correspondent, neurosurgeon and bestselling author Dr. Sanjay Gupta as guest speaker at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, located at 16090 City Walk in Sugar Land. To register, call 281-207-2409 or visit web.fortbendchamber.com/ events.

February 21st Wine With Us

The American Heart Association Fort Bend County Board of Directors presents the popular Fort Bend tradition to support the efforts of the American Heart Association and the positive impact it has in Fort Bend County. The event will be held at Fort Bend Country Club, located at 2627 FM 762 in Richmond. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For tickets, call 832-741-7252 or 832-236-0280.

February 22nd, 1 – 3 pm

Learn How to Recognize Reasons Behind Children’s Behavior George Memorial Library will present “Understanding Child Behavior: Helping Children Succeed,” at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Experienced parent coach Jacqueline Ryan-Newman will discuss common childhood behaviors and how a child’s unmet needs may lead to negative behavior. The program is free and open to the public. Call 281-341-2677.

E-mail editor@absolutelybrazos.com. Include the event date, time, location and a short description of the event.

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Reading Between the Wines Committee: Tammie Rankin, Cynthia Bartholomew, Gail Neese, Pamela Bergeron, Christina Guerra, Brenda Bowman, Heather Reichert and Cari Middaugh.

Join the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County for their second annual Reading Between the Wines event presented by Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land and Safari Texas. Celebrate your love of literacy with books, wine, authors, food, auctions and more on Friday, February 7th at Safari Texas. The evening begins with guests enjoying a glass of wine while listening to featured authors speak about their latest releases. The New York Times Best Selling authors participating this year are Linda Castillo and Paulette Jiles. Guest authors include Nathan Barber, Julia Heaberlin, Kathy Duval and Betty Verdino. From there, guests will have the opportunity to purchase books from Blue Willow Book Shop, visit with the authors and have their books autographed. Guests will then be invited to sample food and wine from several local restaurants while listening to live music from local musicians. Restaurants such as Currant Kitchen, Fadi’s, Blu, The Curry Cup, Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, Safari Texas Ranch and The Swinging Door will serve tasty delicacies. A live auction, big board and dessert dash are also included in this memorable evening’s events. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available and range from $500 to $5,000. Sponsor benefits include admission to a pre-event reception with the authors, reserved premier seating, complimentary program advertisement and more. Individual tickets are on sale for $100. For more information, contact Cari Middaugh at 281240-8181 or cmiddaugh@ftbendliteracy.org.

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absolutely! AUTO REVIEW By Steve Kursar

2014

TOYOTA COROLLA T he 2014 Toyota Corolla has emerged from a full redesign, and you may not recognize the sharp-looking new model. This is a new Corolla determined to throw off the reputation of the anonymous compact car that’s invisible to the stylish eye. This new Corolla will generate double-takes from drivers used to previous models that embodied the concept of “practical but, oh, so dull.” The Toyota Corolla made its first appearance on American highways in 1968 as a tiny box of a car. It quickly captured a sizable market share of consumers that wanted a car that was less about style and more about reliability. It did that in spades. So it’s no wonder that a fast forward to the present

shows the Corolla holding the title of the world’s most popular car model. It still continues to attract car buyers looking for a solid and dependable car that will last for years. However, as rival carmakers got better, the Toyota Corolla needed more than boring reliability to keeping attracting buyers. So, the Toyota designers came up with the 2014 model that will certainly turn heads and bring car shoppers to the showroom. The new exterior design features a front fascia that gives the new Corolla a dynamic athletic look. Corolla is the first compact sedan to offer standard equipped LED headlamps, which were adopted to both reduce weight and size, and in turn, help accentuate the Corolla’s tapered design. The interior is significantly better as well with upgraded materials and a much quieter cabin. Rear passengers especially will be happier in the new Corolla that adds almost five inches of legroom over the outgoing model. With a starting MSRP of $16,800, the standard 2014 Corolla is pow-

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

ered by a 132 hp, 1.8-liter aluminum four-cylinder engine that delivers EPA estimated fuel economy numbers of 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. For about $2,000 more, you can choose the new LE Eco trim level, which is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine featuring Toyota’s Valvematic technology. Along with enhanced aerodynamics and an efficient CVT transmission, the LE Eco will get you an estimated 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. For just a little more money than the LE Eco, you can pick up the S trim that’s equipped with a Sport mode to provide a more energetic driving experience. It’s just another reason to add the Corolla to your shopping list if you’re in the market for a new compact sedan. Follow Steve Kursur at KursarOnCars. blogspot.com.

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Love

B R A Z O S VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E

things we

RELAXATION GETAWAY

Give your special someone a gift of love and relaxation in your own backyard. Make every event an outdoor event with family and friends. Call today for a free design consultation. Texas Custom Patios. Call 281-265-1994; www.TexasCustomPatios.com.

CELEBRATE TRUE LOVE

BEAUTIFUL EYES WITH OBAGI Purchase Obagi Elastiderm Eye Treatment Cream and receive a free Elastiderm Eye Serum and a cosmetic bag. Elastiderm is a topical eye cream intended to bring back lift, snap and resilience to the eyes. Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery, 6926 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-313-0555; www.beautybecomesyou.com.

Balloons, flowers and premade unique gift baskets are all the whimsy. Order today to celebrate your sweetheart this Valentine's Day. Renae Melchor, 1410 E. Hwy 90A in Richmond. Call 832-298-1690 or 218-344-0052; www.renaesalon.com.

RIDE IN STYLE GIVE YOUR SKIN A LITTLE TNS SkinMedica’s TNS Anti-Aging Serum features two antiaging formulas to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, lighten age spots and brighten your appearance. Limited supply. Only $160 (reg. $250). Timeless Plastic Surgery, 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Ste. 300 in Sugar Land. Call 281-242-TIME (8463); www.timelessplasticsurgery.com.

Give your sweetheart a hot new ride this Valentine’s Day from TexasDirectAuto.com. With thousands of vehicles in stock, you’re sure to find a ride that you will love! Texas Direct Auto, 12053 Southwest Freeway in Stafford. Call 281-499-8200; www.TexasDirectAuto.com.

CELEBRATE WELLNESS Purchase a gift certificate, and your Valentine will feel the toxins “melt” away at Joyce Long’s Wellness Institute with Lymphatic Drainage, Massage, Infra Red Sauna, Footbaths and Colon Hydrotherapy. Joyce Long's Wellness Institute, 1308 James Street in Rosenberg. Call 713-623-0866; www.joycelong.biz.

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

welcomes Brian R. Heaps, MD, FACOG Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Now accepting new patients at

UT Physicians Women’s Center in Sugar Land 17510 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #550 Sugar Land, TX 77479

PEEKABOO LACE FOR BOOTS These fabulous handmade vintage-style stretch lace sleeves fit on your calves and peek out of the top of boots. Available in a variety of colors for $15. Southern Sister Designs, 817 Third Street in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. Call 281-232-7737; www.southernsisterdesigns.com.

Call 713.486.1250 for appointments www.UTPhysicians.com Contact us about our February specials. Monday closed • Tues - Thurs 10am - 7pm • Fri 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 3pm • Sunday by appointment www.downtownstudiosalon.com facebook.com/downtownstudiosalon

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DISCOVER AGELESS BEAUTY Discover ageless beauty in the blink of an eye at Sugar Land Plastic Surgery. Their 2-in-1 Neocutis Eye Intervention System contains an anti-aging bioserum and eye cream, and when used in combination, completely rejuvenates eyes for an absolutely amazing transformation! Sugar Land Plastic Surgery. Call 281-980-8000; www.mybodysurgeon.com.

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absolutely! HEALTHY LIVING

Winter Blues?

Six Ways to Improve Mood and Energy

packed winter social calendar, endless temptations for fattening comfort foods and mounting holiday expenses may make one want to hide under the covers until spring. These feelings could be signs of the winter blues, said Catherine Powers-James, Ph.D., clinical psychologist in integrative medicine at MD Anderson. "During winter months, some people experience feelings similar to depression," Powers-James said. And, the shorter days and darker nights of winter can amplify this sluggish mood. Daylight lets the body know when it should be awake and asleep. So, more sunlight makes people more alert and less sunlight makes people groggier. As a result, people crave comfort foods, lack interest in their usual hobbies and have less energy to exercise during winter.

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"But giving in to unhealthy habits can not only negatively affect your health, but also cause extra stress," said Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of integrative medicine at MD Anderson. Cohen and Powers-James offer these strategies to help avoid or overcome a winter slump: 1. Eat a healthy diet. Feeling blue can make it easy to desire foods high in fat, carbohydrates and sugar, but try to resist temptation. "A carbohydrate- and sugar-rich diet will spike your blood sugar, and then, it will drop," Cohen said. “So, one may feel more energized initially. But in the long run, feelings of tiredness and moodiness can intensify.” Instead, eat more plant proteins, like vegetables, nuts and beans, fruits and whole grains. They provide vitamins, minerals and protein, which restore energy levels. Plus, it will also help maintain a healthy weight and lower cancer risks. 2. Get regular exercise. Exercise might be the first thing to go when the cold weather won’t let up. Don't let it. "The feel-good chemicals released during exercise can help ease anxiety and improve your mental health," PowersJames said. And, exercise strengthens the immune system, helps people maintain a healthy weight and reduces risks for colon, breast and endometrial cancers. Aim for at least two and a half hours of moderate physical activity or an hour and 15 minutes of more vigorous physical activity each week. 3. Try sun therapy. Winter typically means less light and more darkness, making people want to hibernate inside. Instead, get outside when the sun is shining, but be sure to wear sunscreen. "Being exposed to sunlight wakes up your body and allows it to adjust back to its normal sleep-wake cycle," Powers-James said. “A midday walk outside can do the trick.” 4. Increase social interactions. Being around family and friends can boost mood and help motivate people to do the things they enjoy. Ask a friend to go to the movies or grab a cup of green tea with a co-worker. 5. Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. That amount helps people wake up feeling refreshed. "Sleep is restorative. It's a time for the body and mind to heal," Cohen said. "Getting too little or too much can cause moodiness, memory troubles and problems with thinking and focusing." 6. Practice relaxation techniques. Anxiety and stress often accompany a winter slump, and both are damaging to one’s health, Cohen said. To boost energy and mood, try to relax. If anxiety symptoms are severe or persist into the spring and summer, talk to a mental healthcare professional. They may offer more effective therapies or medications. The best bet to prevent the blues? "Engage in a healthy lifestyle year round," Powers-James said. "You'll feel better and lower your cancer risks." For additional tips on health and exercise, visit www. mdanderson.org/focused.

FEBRUARY 2014 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

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By Amy Gross

Wine and Chocolate Pairing

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Chart

Looking for a fun and easy way to determine what you like and don’t like when pairing wine and chocolate? Download Amy’s Wine and Chocolate Pairing Chart at: vinesleuth.com/uncorked/category/wine-andfood/wine-and-chocolate-wine-and-food.

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Guidelines

lthough some might disagree with me, I absolutely love wine and chocolate together. I just love playing with all of the combinations to see what flavors work the best for me. Sure, sometimes I find a few that definitely do not work, but then I come across those pairings that sing and all is well again. And, who can complain when you just “have to” open a few different bottles of wine and gather a few different types of chocolate together for science? Or artistry? Or whatever? Now, I do realize that not everyone has the patience that I do to keep trying different combinations of wines and chocolates. Sometimes you just want to go with what you know will be good, especially when you are trying to impress someone on a Valentine’s Day date, even if that someone you want to impress is already your spouse. You gotta keep the sparks going, right? So, for those of you who want a better chance of success without all of the experimentation, I’ve got a few guidelines for you.

When you want a go-to guide for wine and chocolate pairing, here’s what you really need to know:

In general, your wine should be at least a touch sweeter than your chocolate. This is also the case for other desserts as well, and it explains why wedding cake never complements the dry sparkling wine it is most often served with at weddings. What a shame for both the bubbles and the cake! But I digress. When matching chocolate and wine, the darker, more bitter chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao typically goes with the more tannic and bolder wines.

Following that rule, here are a few successful pairings: • Milk chocolate with sweet Riesling or dessert wines • Dark chocolate with Merlot or Petit Syrah • Dark semisweet chocolate with Merlot or Pinot Noir • Dark bittersweet chocolate with Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel

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Now that you know the rules, I would like to encourage you to give them a try and play around with them a bit. Keep in mind that you may not feel that every Merlot or Petit Syrah will go with dark chocolate. So, to explore, you might consider opening several Merlots with one or two dark chocolate options and trying all of the combinations. Or, you might want to gather several chocolate options and two wine options each of two varieties. For example, two bottles each of Merlot and Petit Syrah. Wine is meant to be explored, and just like you and I may not agree on our favorite wines, we might also not agree on our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. I think the best way to find out what you like is to give a few combinations a try. And, I can almost guarantee doing this on a date night or even with a group of friends can be a lot of fun. Open up a few different bottles of red wine, pull out some different chocolates and see what you like best. Here’s to a happy Valentine’s Day with lots of wine and chocolate. Cheers!

NEWSWORTHY

We are changing the cultural landscape.

City of Richmond Seeks Public Input Through Innovative Discussion Forum: A Virtual Town Hall The City of Richmond invites citizens to post comments on Richmond’s new online discussion forum. This site encourages community stakeholders to step back from dayto-day concerns and think the big picture, such as growth opportunities and constraints over the next 20 years. Unlike typical public meetings, the “24/7” nature of a virtual town hall allows citizens to participate in local government from the convenience of their homes and on their own schedules. Similar sites, which have been hosted in Pearland, Cedar Park, Lubbock and Fort Worth, have attracted a diverse cross-section of residents that typically do not – or cannot – attend scheduled community events. The top two online contributors will win a one-hour lunch with City Manager Terri Vela and Assistant City Manager/ Police Chief Bill Whitworth. Website visitors earn points by posting comments and liking Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore discuss- other comments uses area mapping with advisory committee ing an intuitive interface members Marie Kirkham, Pat Pittman and similar to Facebook and Joe D. Robinson. other social media outlets. New questions will be posted over a three-month period to facilitate early and ongoing communication between City officials and Richmond citizens. The feedback from this site will be used to develop the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan, a 20-year growth and development outlook. The plan will reflect the community’s values and traditions, while simultaneously exploring opportunities and best practices for growth, redevelopment and enhancement. Once adopted in June 2014, the plan will serve as the City’s blueprint for the next 20 years by: • Assessing the opportunities and challenges facing the City and the surrounding area; • Providing goals and objectives to work toward through the Year 2035, and • Setting priorities for a realistic implementation program that leads to practical results. For more information about the online discussion forum or the Comprehensive Master Plan, please contact Terri Vela, Richmond City Manager, at 281-342-5456, or visit the project website at www.richmondmasterplan.com.

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OUT & ABOUT

Lunches of Love celebrated Community Christmas at First United Methodist Church in Rosenberg. Volunteers helped serve lunch and pass out gifts to Lunches of Love families.

IN THE HEART BRAZOS

Amelida Gonzales gave Santa her Christmas list.

Dressed for the holidays, Raven Almendarez snacked on a Christmas treat.

Emily Hoefer enjoyed being Santa's helper for the day.

Serving at the Community Christmas were Dennis Hoefer, Mark Chapman, Becky Galimore and Connor Black. Jeannette Mathews and David Fairfield helped in the kitchen.

Imperial Arts presented a fabulous evening of music featuring the live CD concert release of Marvin Gaspardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s I'll Be Home for Christmas.

Diana and Ray Aguilar.

Rose Gaspard, Alice Kingsbury, Zenda O'Neal and Robyn Miller.

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Nancy and Pete Olson.

The opening reception of The Art of Texana and the Imperial Arts Academy was held at The Imperial Gallery in December. The evening included light refreshments, an introduction and a silent auction of artwork by students, teachers and clients of the two nonprofit organizations.

Fort Bend Boys Choir alumni Emmanuel Arredondo, Bryan Pulliam, Chap Obregon and Nick Baker enjoyed hearing the choir at their annual Christmas Musicale at Sugar Land Baptist Church. Keleigh Nunn, Julia Miller and Jackie Quinones each had art on display.

Gavin Nunn attended to support his sister.

Madison Uyen Nhi Le was the first baby born in Fort Bend County in 2014. Born at 1:05 am on January 1, 2014 at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Madison joined her mother, Diem Tran, and big brother, Cody Le, just in time to celebrate the New Year.

Ralph and Barbara Piazza with Jim Shaw.

The Public Speakers Association recently held its monthly luncheon. The featured speaker was Martha Giffen, author of Be Social Be Rich: Social Networking Your Way to Endless Profits!

Debbie Elder, Red O Laughlin, Martha Giffen and Marian LaSalle.

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OUT &

Local supporters joined a morning of fun with purpose at the third annual Walk of Love and 5K Fun Run. Presented by Lunches of Love and Finnegan Auto Group, the event aimed to help end childhood hunger one step at a time.

ABOUT

Ginger Johnson, Debra Turner and Jennifer Janes stayed hydrated and happy during the event.

IN THE HEART BRAZOS

May W. Tape participated in the Walk of Love with a smile.

Meagan Carroll and Eden Fairfield raced to the finish line.

Bob Dawson gave a sign of support during the Fun Run.

Families and friends jingled all the way to Richmond for Miracle on Morton Street in December. Presented by The Historic Richmond Association, the City’s exciting Christmas soiree included narrated wagon rides and a complimentary Fort Bend Museum gallery visit, along with many children’s activities. Girl Scout Troop 29261 members Carol and Bianca Ellegan with Kaitlyn Sandles assisted with Santa’s letters as a troop community service project.

Victoria and Norma Cavazos were in the holiday spirit at Lola Rose candles.

Laurel Wendt and Shari Garcia of The Studio of Richmond enjoyed the day.

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Five-year-old Peyton Cooper wrote Santa a letter.

Fulshear Festival of Lights presented A Victorian Christmas with a tree lighting, a light parade on Main Street and horse carriage rides to celebrate the season.

Greeters were Cheryl Stalinsky as a snowman, Tony Todd as a penguin and Jill Norwood.

Despite the cold and drizzle, Kay and Jim Garrett had a delightful evening.

Hear ye, hear ye! Mayor Tommy Kuykendall and Mary Meier declared the lighting of the City’s tree.

Randy and Kim Stacy handed out goodie bags at the festival.

Photo by Sheena Navarro.

Rosenberg Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr., FTO/K9 Handler Anthony Schnacky, K9 Rex, Barbara Oberhoff, Sargent Santa, Clarence Oberhoff, Mario Degollado and Lieutenant Aaron Slater got into the spirit of the season by participating in the “No Child Left Behind Toy Drive.”

Enjoying the festivities were Jill Richardson, Avery Heurlbut, Maggie Richardson and Meghan and Erica Sury.

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Photo by Sheena Navarro.

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART BRAZOS In December, Chris Morales kicked off his campaign for County Judge Court-at-Law 1 to a crowd of supporters. Attending the Kick Off Campaign Reception were Vanessa and Chris Morales with Patti and Tim Kaminski.

Imperial Arts celebrated the holidays with the family favorite film The Polar Express sponsored by Gingerbread Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Academy and absolutely! focus media. Kids were invited to wear their favorite pajamas and were treated to popcorn, hot cocoa, a golden ticket and a special jingle bell gift.

Fourth-grader Amber Kowalewski was named Spelling Bee Champion at Pecan Grove Elementary.

Cynthia, Lane, Lee and Courtney Stavinoha made it a family affair.

Having a blast were Carter and Jack Fredrickson.

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Adam Makee showed off his golden ticket.

Katy Dickey and Boek Duffy were all smiles in their cozy pajamas.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special visit to Ms. Susie's Pre-K class at the Gingerbread House Learning Center.

On December 8th, the ladies of Pecan Grove Women’s Club and their dates treated themselves to an elegant evening of dining and fun at Pier 36 for their Christmas Dinner Party.

Denny and Sue Matranga.

Excited about the special visitors were Zariyah Sierra, Cari Bahena, Kaleigh McDonald, Avery Chupik, Julia Jones, Benjamin Orsak, Maddison Adams, Allison Spiering, Madalynn Gibbs and Celeste Thomas.

Photo by Sheena Navarro.

Gary and Helen Rundgren.

Colin Davidson and Joe Becerra supported the Fort Bend County Deputy Sheriff’s Association at their annual golf tournament.

Historic Downtown Rosenberg was transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas in Rosenberg. Locals gathered for the annual event featuring a children’s carnival, trackless train rides, various merchants, craft and food vendors and merriment.

Fred and Patricia Davenport.

Stacey, Sydney and Chad Grayson enjoyed a break at Another Time Soda Fountain.

Robert and June Barnard.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Is Your Blood Pressure Too High, Too Low or Just Right? High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, confusion and be a symptom of serious illness. Blood pressure that’s “just right” is an important component of overall good health. So what is “just right” blood pressure, and how do you maintain it? “Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart beats,” says Earl Mangin, Jr., M.D., board certified cardiologist with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston. “Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Systolic pressure, the top number in your blood pressure reading, is the measurement of pressure when your heart beats, pumping blood through the body. Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, is the pressure in between beats, when the heart is at rest. In general, your blood pressure is considered normal if it’s above 90/60 and less than 120/80 mm Hg.” Sometimes called the silent killer, high blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, can damage the body for years before it causes noticeable symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one-third of American adults have hypertension. Left unchecked, high blood pressure can have deadly results. A 15 mm Hg rise in systolic pressure may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (including stroke, heart attack and heart failure) by 56% in women and 32% in men. HBP also causes arteriosclerosis, eye damage and vision loss. Also called hypotension, low blood pressure occurs when the force of blood being pumped through the body is lower than normal, which can reduce the supply of blood traveling to your brain and the rest of your body. Although low blood pressure

is more loosely defined than HBP, most normal blood pressure doesn’t dip much below 90/60 mm Hg. Symptoms of low blood pressure include blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, weakness and sleepiness. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, sit or lie down and raise your feet above the level of your heart. Also, talk to your doctor. It’s important to find the exact reason for your drop in blood pressure to determine its seriousness and which treatment is best. Recent studies indicate that, when it comes to blood pressure, lifestyle choices may outweigh the effects of aging. • Shed extra pounds. Blood pressure generally rises as weight increases. • Hop to it. Thirty to sixty minutes of exercise a day can lower blood pressure. • Add a DASH of healthy eating. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. • Slash sodium and boost potassium. • Check your blood pressure regularly to make sure you’re within normal limits. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mangin, call 713-7769500. FREE HEART SEMINAR & SCREENINGS To learn more about heart disease, join physicians on Thursday, February 27th at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s conference center to learn your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Screenings are by appointment only from 5:30 to 7 pm, and the seminar is presented by Dr. Earl Mangin, Jr. and Dr. John Passmore from 7 to 8 pm. Registration is required. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281-274-7500.

Oakbend Medical Center Announces Physician of the Year Dr. Ivan N. Mefford, family medicine physician, has been named OakBend Medical Center’s 2013 Physician of the Year. The presentation was made at the annual physician party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Anzaldua. The award is an honor given annually to one outstanding physician who possesses significant practice experience, compassion, kindness and sincerity that transIvan M. Mefford, MD, PhD late not only to their patients, but to their nurses and other staff members that work closely with them. The hospital received several nominations for the award. Colleagues, nurses and patients praised Dr. Mefford for his dedication, considerate manner and teamwork.

“Dr. Mefford is always professional. He shows that he cares for his patients as well as nursing staff. He is personable with patients and staff. He promotes OakBend Medical Center, has always been easy to approach and listens to his patient’s and staff’s concerns,” wrote a staff member at OakBend Medical Center. Mefford received his medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at University of Texas - Memorial Family Practice, in Houston. Dr. Mefford served as Chief of the Medical Staff at OakBend Medical Center in 2004. “Dr. Mefford is an outstanding doctor and very deserving of the Physician of the Year Award,” stated Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center. “His dedication to the field of medicine and to his patients is recognized and appreciated not only by his patients and their family but by his colleagues as well.”

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Purchasing, Repairs and Upgrades Computer System Maintenance Networking and Workgroups Virus and Spyware Removal Home Media Systems Electronic Recycling Training

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Fort Bend Fencing Academy Manuel S. Rodriguez - Coach/Owner Instruction in the Olympic Sport of Fencing Beginner to Advanced Levels Mobile: (832) 457-4431 www.fortbendfencingacademy.com Email: manuel.rodrigu0868@sbcglobal.net

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A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY

A Rosenberg cotton yard. Photo from Historic Fort Bend County.

By Joan Frances

The Gold of the South H

on slaves as the main source of labor for the industry. In 1845, Fort Bend had a record 1,172 slaves harvesting the cotton for market. Workers brought handpicked seed cotton to the gin house where it was placed on a flat tray and raked, which allowed the lint to fall through a hole into the “lint room” and to be stored until ready for bailing. Labourers then carried baskets of cotton to a yard press for compression inside the bale box. Each bale weighed 400 to 500 pounds. As a result of its huge success, the ginning, seed oil milling, brokerage and storage industry also contributed to increased wealth for the farmers. As early as 1833, Fort Bend had 30 cotton gins. By 1860, there were over 2,000 and 159 farms in the area encompassing 12,000 acres of cotton and a slave population totaling 4,127. The farmers believed the economic and prosperity of the community justified the institution of slavery; therefore, they supported the Confederacy and voted for secession from the United States. When the Civil War began in 1861, it brought economic decline and hardships. Although the battle never reached Fort Bend, the repercussions were impacting. “King Cotton” was a slogan the southern states used to support secession by forming an alliance with the Confederacy in an effort to force Great Britain and France to support them in the Civil War. In early 1861, farmers refused to sell or ship cotton; they

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stockpiled or burned it in an attempt to persuade Great Britain to provision the south because their industrial economy depended on cotton textiles. The plan backfired; Britain was wellstocked with a surplus from exported bumper crops in the late 1850s so they remained neutral. Later, when cotton was in demand, and the value of stock piles increased, the British approached India, Egypt and Brazil to intensify cotton production. During reconstruction, cotton was used as currency, and a tenet farming system evolved. The property owner kept a portion of the harvested crops in exchange for the use of the land and supplies. Banks suffered, and land could not be purchased. As a result of abolishing of slavery, plantations had no work force. After the war, America once again regained its position as the world’s leading producer of cotton. Today, Fort Bend County continues to be a driving force in the cotton industry. Cotton is marketed more than any other fabric in the world, and it is still known as the gold of the south. Photo from Fort Bend County Texas: A Pictorial History.

istorically, cotton was discovered over 7,000 years ago and is one of the oldest fibers distributed throughout the world. It is a unique crop, both food and fiber, and it requires 180 to 200 days from planting to full maturity. Cotton is a fairly hot weather plant, requiring plenty of fertilizer and sun. Pests and disease are a constant concern; this crop is heavy on management. It was one of the leading commodities in America for 134 years from 1803 to 1937, and the benefits are well worth the effort. For over one hundred and fifty years, the Fort Bend community has contributed to the growth and success of the cotton industry, one of the largest agricultural industries in Texas. When the early settlers came to Fort Bend, they discovered rich soil and abundant land along the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. The success of cotton growth caught on quickly, and farmers began profiting from harvests and exceeding expectations. In 1825, Jared Ellison Groce and his son, Leonard, purchased land near Hempstead and brought from Georgia what is believed to be the first cotton gin. This invention existentially grew the American cotton industry by enabling a worker who cleaned five pounds of cotton in one day by hand to “gin” fifty pounds in the same amount of time. Even with the gin, complex work was required in separating the fibers from the seeds. Consequentially, growers became dependent

Cotton production has historically been high in Fort Bend County.

INSIDE BACK

BREAKING NEW GROUND. IN HEALTH CARE. AND IN SUGAR LAND. Announcing our latest commitment to innovation and to the community: a $93 million expansion of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. In three phases, over the next three years, we are making incredible changes. Including a 100,000-square-foot professional office building (coming 2014) and a 120,000-square-foot patient tower (coming 2016). Cutting-edge technology, extended sports medicine services and over 160 new staff members are just a few of the many improvements you can expect. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better for Sugar Land and better for your health. Visit memorialhermann.org. Memorial Hermann. Advancing Health.

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