October 2016 - Absolutely Brazos Magazine

OCTOBER 2016

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Expansion Enhances Services

Serving Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear & Needville

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Pretty in Pink NEEDVILLE Harvest Fest

33RD TEXIAN Market Days

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CONTRIBUTORS

OCTOBER 2016

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VOLUME 4

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Nancy V. Mills Contributor Page 6

NUMBER 11

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F E AT U R E S

Joan Frances Contributor Pages 22 & 32

19 FOCUS ON THE CURE

Educate yourself and your loved ones about breast cancer awareness and detection.

22

27 absolutely! PRETTY IN PINK See what the community is offering to support breast cancer awareness.

COLUMNS 10 HOMETOWN HEROES:

Joe Vera

22 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT Memorial Hermann Sugar Land.

Photography by Mary Favre.

Meet Kaylah G. Ashley

32 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY The Mystery of the Graves at Old Orchard Drive

COVER STORY

2

11 EXCHANGE CLUB

OF FORT BEND

Hosts 7th Annual Duck Golf Classic 13 THE NEEDVILLE

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Set for October 14th and 15th

14 THE 33RD ANNUAL

Texian Market Days Festival

18 GOLF TOURNAMENT, DINNER AND AUCTION FUNDRAISER Benefiting the Vincent Morales Campaign

6 MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND EXPANSION ENHANCES SERVICES Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital’s new 155,000 square-foot patient tower has opened to meet the growing health care needs of Fort Bend County residents.

The project also included expansions and renovations to the original hospital tower and construction of Medical Plaza 2 – all in an effort to continue delivering exceptional, accessible health care to the community.

NEWSWORTHY

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 16 COMMUNITY EVENTS ON THE COVER: Greg Haralson, FACHE, Sr. Vice President and CEO; Daisy Yeung, CPA, Chief Financial Officer; Malisha Patel, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer; William B. Riley, Jr., MD, Chief Medical Officer and Leslie S. Norman, MPH., BSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer.

Photography by Mary Favre.

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28 OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF BRAZOS 31 COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Vol. 4 No. 11 October 2016

Galas, Ghosts and Great Times October finally brings us a much needed respite from the summer heat, and along with that, so many fun fall activities. From the Needville Harvest Festival to numerous galas to Ghosts and Grubs, I love our fall community events.

And speaking of ghosts, this month’s history column sheds some light on a Fort Bend mystery: the graves at Old Orchard Drive. I have driven past these graves located at FM 1464 and Old Orchard Road many times and never knew exactly what they were. In The Mystery of the Graves at Old Orchard Drive, Joan Frances put on her investigative hat and shares the history – and the mystery – of the New Home Cemetery on page 32. It’s Patti Parish-Kaminski a great story with an unexplained tale or two – just in time for Halloween!

October is also a time for us to remain focused – focused on a cure for breast cancer. In our special Focus on the Cure section, we bring awareness about early detection, nutrition, breast cancer in men and the most advanced technology available to battle this disease.

The latest and greatest in medical technology is something that we are fortunate to have in our community. The new expansion of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is devoted to meeting the ever growing health care needs of Fort Bend, and their commitment to quality care and specialized physicians makes receiving the best of health care right here in our own neighborhood accessible. Take a look at their new 155,000 square-foot patient tower and their state-of-the-art renovations starting on page 6.

Remember, think pink this month, Happy Halloween to you and your little ones, and I hope to see you out and about this fall!

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE. 700 STAFFORD, TX 77477 281-690-4242 WWW.ABSOLUTELYBRAZOS.COM

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski M A NA G I N G E D I T O R Sarah Bearden SENIOR AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kij AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Nancy Dunbar Jennifer Elliott Molly Ellis Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marinela Taylor WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza PHOTOGRAPHY Mary Favre CONTRIBUTORS M.G. Angulo Joan Frances Nancy V. Mills, APR O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R AT O R Alexa Goldstein

Absolutely! yours,

INTERN Nicole Witt

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

INQUIRIES 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

READER FEEDBACK My favorite article in the August issue was the cover story about Brazos River Flood Recovery: Neighbors Helping Neighbors. It touched my heart to read how the community unselfishly united to help and provided assistance to neighbors who were affected by the flood and are still continuing to offer relief.

Mary Yeung

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I love it when neighbors come together help one another during time of crisis and show support and love for all kind. It warmed my heart to see love support and compassion in Brazos River Flood Recovery: Neighbor helping Neighbors in the August issue.

Roslyn Bean

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

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Subscription requests are free to West Fort Bend area addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside West Fort Bend area. absolutely! Brazos Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2016 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! Brazos Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! Brazos Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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A beautiful healing garden, visible from the glass walkway connecting the West and East Towers, has as its focal point a soothing water feature.

Expansion Enhances Services

C

apping off a two-year, $93 million expansion project, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital has opened a new 155,000-square-foot patient tower to meet the growing health care needs of Fort Bend County residents. The project also included expansions and renovations to the original hospital tower and construction of Medical Plaza 2 that houses the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute and additional physician offices.

COVER STORY

By Nancy V Mills, APR Photography by Mary Favre

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“This expansion allows us to add new services and provide even more comprehensive health care to the residents of Fort Bend County,” said Greg Haralson, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. “Patients can now stay close to home for increasingly complex health care issues and receive the high-quality care we’ve always delivered.”

The new East Tower includes an expanded ICU where patients will benefit from an expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment, including new diagnostic monitoring systems.

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

New Tower Adds 60 Patient Beds The new six-story patient tower, on the east side of the campus adjacent to the Grand Parkway, has 60 new beds to bring the total bed count to 149. This new East Tower houses an expanded intensive care unit (ICU) with 14 beds and a new 16-bed adult intermediate care unit (IMU) for patients who require close supervision.

“As the Fort Bend County community grows, we are more equipped to meet our residents’ critical care needs,” said Seleria Fletcher, RN, BSN, MSN, director of critical care. “In addition to our highly trained staff in the expanded ICU and the new IMU, we have added state-of-the-art equipment, including new diagnostic monitoring systems, to enhance patient care.”

One floor below the 3rd floor ICU/IMU The new East Tower includes expanded conference room space. is a cardiac/pulmonary care unit. This floor also contains a one-stop, self-contained endoscopy suite for gastrointestitricians. “Children experience a high level of nal procedures. anxiety, especially when it comes to testing.

“We’re seeing more esophageal and coWhen a pediatrician is involved in providlon cancers being diagnosed in the area,” ing care, he or she understands it’s equally said Haralson. “This endoscopy suite will important to know what tests to order and serve as the foundation for a digestive when not to order them.” disease center, bringing patients and afColorful wall murals, child-sized medifiliated subspecialty physicians together cal equipment, stickers, coloring books and in one place for diagnosis and treatment.” bubbles put children at ease, as does a certiEverything about the expansion On the fourth floor of the East Tower fied Child Life Specialist. With comprehencreates an inviting and healing is a new medical unit, which was relosive training in human development and environment including this wide, cated from the West Tower. This opened psychology, this specialist helps children unlight-filled hallway outside the East Tower Conference Center. up much-needed space in the West Tower derstand procedures with pretend medical for labor and delivery rooms, an expandequipment and other age-appropriate play. ed nursery, neonatal ICU, more beds for pediatric patients This type of environment and targeted care reduces anxiety and additional space for future expansion projects. and promotes healing.

“We want to make every pregnancy and childbirth experience special for the women we serve,” said Haralson. “With Enhanced Heart Attack Care this new space, our very experienced staff can better meet the needs of women and young children.”

Early in the expansion, the Emergency Center, located in the West Tower, increased to 26 beds. Late in the expansion, four more surgical suites were added, bringing the total to Committed to Children 12.

Haralson is particularly proud of the hospital’s focus on “The expansion gives patients faster access to hospital pediatric care. “We have a growing group of affiliated physibeds, whether they’re coming into or out of the Emergency cians joining us who have pediatric subspecialty training in Center or surgery,” said Chief of Staff Thomas Rivers, MD. gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngolThe expanded Emergency Center further enhances the ogy (ear, nose and throat), pulmonology, urology and sleep hospital’s outstanding heart attack care for patients arriving medicine,” said Haralson. “This means children can receive with chest pain. For many years, Memorial Hermann Sugar advanced care close to home.”

Land has been a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center for In addition, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is Fort Bend its superior diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

County’s only Emergency Center designed and staffed to Affiliated physicians are available 24/7 to perform balcare specifically for children. Affiliated emergency medicine loon angioplasty in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization physicians, pediatricians, nurses, anesthesiologists, radiololab. This vital procedure opens blocked arteries and restores gists and other highly skilled pediatric specialists underblood flow to the heart. Other areas remaining in the West stand the unique needs of children.

Tower include outpatient imaging and laboratory services, “Our staff is more sensitive to children’s needs,” said as well as rehabilitation and recovery for patients who unJared Caruso, MD, FAAP, who oversees the affiliated pediadergo elective orthopedic surgery. www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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A Place of Comfort and Healing Everything about the expansion creates an inviting and healing environment. It begins with the main entrance that provides more space for drop-off and pickup of patients and visitors.

In the lobby, a beautiful healing garden is visible from the glass walkway connecting the West and East Towers. It offers visitors a soothing water feature and flowering plants, as well as various indoor and outdoor seating options.

Continuing through the glass walkway into the new East Tower is the Grand Parkway Café, featuring large photos of well-known Sugar Land and Richmond landmarks. Adjacent to the café is expanded conference room space and a new preadmission testing department.

Continuous Focus on Quality and Safety Since opening in 2006, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land has sought to deliver exceptional and accessible health care to the community. Joining this expansion that has more than doubled the size of the Sugar Land campus are the new Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Sienna Plantation – with 24-hour emergency care plus primary care – and Memorial Hermann Urgent Care at Telfair.

Throughout this impressive period of growth, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land has kept its laser-sharp focus on providing safe, high-quality care to Fort Bend County residents.

“Our core value is safety,” said Haralson. “We live by that.

We want to achieve 100 percent all the time in all our quality metrics. We’re amazingly close to achieving that goal.”

Chantal Nguyen-Tran, MD, an affiliated obstetrician/gynecologist, appreciates this relentless focus, saying, “Memorial Hermann Sugar Land excels in maintaining safety and quality in all aspects of patient care.”

The Quality Texas Foundation recognized Memorial

Visitors can grab a quick snack or beverage at the Grand Parkway Café located in the new East Tower.

Hermann Sugar Land’s commitment to excellence by awarding it the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is one of just three organizations in the state to receive this prestigious award that recognizes strong dedication to quality and high performance.

While awards validate Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s unending quest for quality, that determination is evident in the daily actions of the hospital’s more than 650 employee partners. From superior care delivered in the hospital to compassionate community outreach, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s staff exudes caring and commitment to excellence in all they do. Outreach activities include everything from performing complimentary school physicals, mammograms and health screenings and hosting educational seminars, to collecting donations for flood victims.

“We want to continue to be the health care provider of choice for Fort Bend County and advance the health of those we serve,” said Haralson. “It’s our goal to always be forwardthinking and look for innovative ways to meet the unexpressed wishes and needs of our community.”

Growing with Fort Bend County

M

emorial Hermann is recognized as a national and regional leader in high-quality care. The two-year expansion project at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital enables Fort Bend County residents to receive this high-level care close to home for increasingly complex health care issues.

Inside the New East Tower • Expanded 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (3rd floor) • New 16-bed Intermediate Care Unit (3rd floor) • Pre-Admission Testing Department (1st floor) • Endoscopy Suite (2nd floor) • Cardiology and Pulmonary Care Unit (2nd floor) • New Medical Unit (4th floor) • Grand Parkway Café (1st floor)

Inside the Original West Tower

An expanded main entrance provides more space for drop-off and pickup of patients and visitors.

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• Expanded Labor & Delivery • Larger Nursery and Neonatal ICU • Additional Pediatric Beds • 26-bed Emergency Center • 12 Surgical Suites • Cardiac Catheterization Lab • Outpatient Imaging and Lab

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Brought to you by

Hometown Heroes:

Joe Vera

By M.G. Angulo

Of

the many lessons his parents impressed upon him, what stands out in Joe Vera’s mind is what his mother used to say about pursuing an education. “She used to say, ‘Look at your teachers; they are there to teach you, to guide you. They are a second parent, so absorb as much knowledge from them as you can. “‘Be an asset,’ she would tell me. ‘Don’t be a problem. Ask questions. Be involved.’” It was a directive Vera, now 70, uses this very day to motivate him as a chairman of the Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum board of directors.

Established in 2005, the Rosenberg-based nonprofit is, among other aims, intensely focused on providing financial assistance to students who want to further their education following high school. To date, it has awarded between $120,000 and $130,000 worth of scholarships to a diverse population of students since its inception.

“We saw a need among many graduating students,” Vera explained. “Some were not continuing their education because of the lack of finances, or they were applying for scholarships too late. We wanted to help those students who wanted to go to college.”

Vera, who refers to himself as “from the old school,” recalls his days at Martin High School in Laredo, Texas when counselors would push students to “stay on route.” In his day, students were either pushed on an academic route or a vocational one, and counselors would ensure each student reached certain goals by graduation.

“Many students now are not following any route,” said Vera, who earned an Associate Degree in Counseling and Administration from the College of the Pacific, San Diego, California after enlisting in the Navy. “We wanted to find a way to increase awareness, to guide students and show them how to prepare for college.”

Among the forum’s success stories, Vera’s favorite is Sierra Garivey, who was awarded $500. Garivey, who earned a degree in education and eventually earned her master’s degree, became a teacher at Lamar Consolidated High School before becoming an assistant principal at Lamar Junior High. “She is like our poster child,” Vera said proudly.

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His work with the forum, however, is one of many of Vera’s volunteer efforts to improve his community. He is a member of the Fort Bend County Chapter No. 1772 of the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP), the Hispanic Leadership Council, the Fort Bend County Fair Association’s Go Tejano committee, Fort Bend County’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 233 and a Downtown Rosenberg Historical District charter member.

Ray Aguilar, Joe Vera and Don Kerstetter at Classic Chevy Sugar Land.

In the past, Vera was also a board member of the Rosenberg National Little League and involved with the adult softball program for the City of Rosenberg. “I wasn’t just a member,” he said with a smile. “I was a player too, but I quit playing about two years ago. I tell people I’m a free agent now,” he added jokingly.

Vera, who is also a drug abuse and alcohol counselor and career counselor, was also a member of the City of Rosenberg’s former Graffiti Abatement and Gang Eradication Committees. “We found mostly kids were in gangs for a sense of belonging and purpose. Little by little, along with the help of the Rosenberg Police Department, we began educating those kids, and slowly, those gangs disappeared.”

Vera, who is a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, said his volunteer efforts are about fighting for a better tomorrow. “I feel like I have a lot to contribute to Rosenberg.

People often come up with good ideas, but they do nothing. I want to do something.”

“We wanted to find a way to increase awareness, to guide students and show them how to prepare for college.” – Joe Vera

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

NEWSWORTHY

Exchange Club of Fort Bend Hosts 7th Annual Duck Golf Classic

Scott Schultz, Cameron Schultz as event mascot “Quacky,” Kelly Orth and Lewis White.

Photo by Lauren Stockholm.

The Exchange Club of Fort Bend is making plans for the 7th Annual Duck Golf Classic to be held on Monday, October 17th at Pecan Grove Country Club, located at 3000 Plantation Drive in Richmond. Registration begins at 10 am with tee off at 11:30 am, followed by dinner and an auction at 5 pm at the clubhouse, where winners of the tournament will be announced.

This year’s goal is to raise $50,000 to support the Fort Bend County community in the areas of child abuse prevention, Americanism, youth and community service. The Exchange Club of Fort Bend is counting on the community to lend their financial support to make this event successful so that the club can continue to make a difference.

Besides participating as a player, The Exchange Club of Fort Bend offers many sponsorship levels including hole sponsors, drink cart sponsors and course sponsors from $500 to $5,000.

If golf is not your sport, join The Exchange Club of Fort Bend for the dinner and auction at 5 pm. Dinner tickets are $25. They are also currently selling raffle tickets for $50 each.

For more information, visit www. fortbendexchange.org or call 713-5037326.

www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

Meet Kaylah G. Ashley

G

eorge Ranch High School in the Lamar Consolidated School District sets the bar high in academics and extracurricular activities. Administration and staff take great pride in teaching all students the value of a well-rounded education. Seniors graduate with the knowledge and experience that will take them to the next step to become successful individuals. One senior who is a dynamically engaged leader is Kaylah G. Ashley.

Kaylah has taken Advanced Placement classes most of her high school career and is a member of the National Honor Society. As an active participant of Student Council for the past three years, she held the office of co-chair of energy and environment, parliamentarian, and this year, she is the treasurer. “I plan on executing projects that help the community and school become an amiable environment where everyone can reach their full potential,” Kaylah said. “To be a member of Student Council allows me to create a direct, positive impact, and as a bonus, it enables me to interact with leaders in the surrounding area, such as the Chamber of Commerce members.”

Kaylah was presented with the Most Improved Award, Student Leadership Award and Outstanding Student Award. Her favorite teacher is Erica Baker, her Student Council director. “She has helped me become a better leader in my school and community and always has the best intentions for me. While Mrs. Baker continues to challenge my thinking

Ka y l a h process, with her guidance, she has allowed me to think strategically about projects and how to work with school officials and adults, which I feel has allowed me to be a better person and leader. I can always go to her about any issue I have in school, and she will give me her truthful opinion that usually helps me figure out how to deal with the problem.”

In addition to Student Council, Kaylah is involved with the theater program at George Ranch and has participated in productions such as The Amish Project, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Midsummer Jersey and Sweet Charity.

One value Kaylah lives by is her faith. “Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through God who strengthens me.’ The faith I have in God gives me the strength to get through difficult days. I thank Him every day for the gift of my family and friends, and I know He will guide me in my future.”

Kaylah’s involvement in her school as a student and leader is what she

treasures most. “My activities included serving three years on the Student Council board, being the class treasurer for three years, participating in theater for three years and planning in-school activities, which displayed my enthusiasm for my school and student body! I have been blessed to participate in organizations that have allowed me to make many connections with others.

The positions I have attained in my high school career have allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who have impacted and contributed to who I am today.”

When she is not at school, Kaylah is engaged with the YMCA in Houston. She helps with various activities including planning service projects, day camps and child watch. She assists the staff in different projects that benefit the YMCA. Kaylah aspires to attend Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and to major in biology. Congratulations on your leadership abilities Kaylah, and good luck as you continue to impact society.

“The positions I have attained in my high school career have allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who have impacted and contributed to who I am today.” – Kaylah Ashley 12

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

NEWSWORTHY

The Needville Harvest Festival Set for October 14th and 15th

Needville Harvest Fest committee members Shelley Krauss, LaNette Schultz, Sherry Winkelmann, Don Wenzel, Alton Meyen, Sandra Wendt, William Schiffman, Chris Janicek and Ruben O’Canas.

The 33rd annual Needville Harvest Festival will bring two days of fall fun to Harvest Park, located at 3001 Violet Street, on Friday, October 14th and Saturday, October 15th. Gates will open at 5 pm Friday for an evening of live music and the annual barbecue cook-off, sponsorship dinner and margarita judging.

Then on Saturday beginning at 8 am, the fun continues with crowd favorites such as the annual Talent Show, Little Miss and Mr. Contest, Queen’s Contest, lawn mower races, helicopter rides, barbecue judging and live and silent auctions. The Kidz Zone is sure to keep young ones entertained, and there will be plenty of activities for people of all ages. Make plans now to participate in some of the fun-filled contests or to just come out and have a great time.

The Needville Harvest Festival, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 organization that operates Harvest Park and presents the annual family-friendly festival. “All proceeds from the Harvest Fest go right back into the improvement and maintenance of the park, which is for all of the community to enjoy,” said President Chris Janicek.

Janicek said the all-volunteer Harvest Fest committee is comprised of “some of the most hard-working, dedicated individuals you’ll find anywhere.” Hopes are high that this year’s festival will be a record-breaking success.

Visit www.needvilleharvestfest.org for a complete schedule, contest rules and much more. For additional information, call 281-468-9314.

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Photo by Roy Kasmir.

The 33rd Annual Texian Market Days Festival

A battle re-enactment is one of many historical activities guests can experience at the annual Texian Market Days festival.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of more than 100 years of Texas history at the 33rd annual Texian Market Days festival! Set for Saturday, October 22nd and held on the grounds of the George Ranch Historical Park from 9 am to 5 pm, the annual festival is a community fall favorite anchored by four distinct time periods: the 1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s. Guests can expect a day full of historical activities, including battle re-enactments, period music, cannonfire, vintage games, historic house tours, an artisan market and food trucks!

“Texian Market Days is our biggest festival of the year,” said Jennifer Farrell, director of marketing for the Fort Bend County Museum Association. “It’s the time when we really go all out to ensure families can spend a delightful Saturday having fun and learning about our great Texas history at the same time!”

Other highlights of the festival include outdoor cooking demonstrations and tastings at the Chuckwagon camp, antique vehicles and hands-on activities with Brazos Bend State Park. The Cotton & Cane Vintage and Handmade Market located inside the newly-upgraded Longhorn Barn features artisans who hand-make their inventory or who deal with antique or vintage items.

The festival is a community event put on by the Fort Bend County Museum Association, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Fort Bend County and Texas history. All proceeds from Texian Market Days benefit the educational and preservation efforts of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, which includes the George Ranch Historical Park and the Fort Bend Museum.

Tickets for Texian Market Days can be bought in advance or at the gate and cost $15 for adults, $13 for seniors ages 62 and over and $10 for children ages five to 15.

Children ages four and under are free! The George Ranch Historical Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond.

For more information, visit www.texianmarketdays.com or call 281-342-1256.

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

• Free Orthodontic Exam & Consultation • Insurance & Flexible Financing Available • Braces for Children & Adults • Advanced Orthodontic Treatment with & Lingual Braces

NEW ADDRESS

281.277.3555 www.lemkeortho.com 6514 Highway 90A, Ste. 200 • Sugar Land, Tx 77478

Monday thru Friday 6:30 am to 6:30 pm

Infants Toddlers 3 and 4 year-old Private, Full-Day Pre-K Programs K-5th After-School Programs for Pick-Up

from Thomas, Williams and Arredondo Elementary Conveniently Located Near:

FM

GREATWOOD SUBDIVISION

FM 2

www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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Bonbrook Briarwood Crossing 9 76 Brazos Y5 HW 2 Town Center Bridlewood Estates Greatwood REA D. DIN ER River Park West G NIT RD O N .

N River’s Run ME 7/ 297 Summer Lakes .

FM RD The Oaks of Rosenberg ON NT E B The Reserve Walnut Creek

RIVER PARK WEST

RD.

Orthodontic Specialist

814 FM 2977 281-239-2110 Richmond www.gbkidsacademy.com tim@gbkidsacademy.com 77469

CRABB RIVER

Dr. Katia Lemke, DMD

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EVENTS October 1st, 6:30 – 10 pm Bites and Brews

providing loving expert care

to keep your pet healthy & happy

Complete Wellness Care Dentistry & Surgery Diagnostic & Medical Care Early Morning Drop-offs

832-363-1227 4716 FM 359 Richmond, TX

www.fostercreekvethospital.com Dr. Michael Moore

State-of-the-Art Medical & Surgical Equipment Highly Skilled & Caring Professionals Early Disease Detection Program

Hours: Monday: 7am - 7pm Tuesday: 7am - 6pm Wednesday: 7am - 6pm Thursday: 7am - 6pm Friday: 7am - 7pm Saturday: 8am - 1pm Sunday: Closed

Dr. Mark Buvinghausen

Join the Fort Bend Museum for Bites and Brews at the 1883 home of Congressman John M. Moore, located at 500 Houston Street in Richmond. The event features popular local food vendors, craft beer, wine and live music by Shark Bait.

To purchase tickets, call 281-342-1256 or visit www.fortbendmuseum.org.

October 9th, 7:20 am Oktoberfest Triathlon Be a part of the 6th Annual Oktoberfest Triathlon at Cross Creek Ranch, located at 6440 Cross Creek Bend in Fulshear. Enjoy a great lake swim followed by a scenic ride and a run. Then, enjoy Oktoberfest!

To register, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ TX/Fulshear/OktoberfestTri.

Dr. Megan Dunn

Saturday, October 29th • Live Music, Food & Fun Fine Arts Exhibits and Performing Arts Theater, Symphonic Band and Other Performances Live Performance by Cast Theatrical Company of the Jack Popplewell Play Dead on Nine Live Music All Day Including a Live Performance by the Rosenberg Symphonic Band A Sanctioned Art Show of the Art League of Fort Bend The Bark in the Park Dog Festival

October 15th, 11 am – 4 pm 2016 Scarecrow Fest

All-day Street Fair with Vendor Booths, Food Trucks and More

Interested in being a vendor at the Autumn Arts Festival?

Call Melissa Williams at 713-447-8706.

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OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

In addition to the scarecrow decorating contest, the festival is sure to scare up more family fun with a carnival, live music, food trucks and free activities for children. The fifth annual festival at Cross Creek Ranch, located at 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, is open to the public with free admission. All-day carnival tickets are $10 per person. Proceeds benefit Arts Fulshear and the Texana Center.

Visit www.crosscreektexas.com.

Women’s Apparel, Jewelry & Accessories Vera Bradley • Consuela • Lollia Spirit Jersey • Jadelynn Brooke Lenny & Eva® • Corkcicle • Brighton® Judith March • Julio Designs Voluspa • Simply Southern Tees

October 15th, 6 – 10 pm The Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s “All Aboard” Gala Mix and mingle with other supporters of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, enjoy a seated dinner, participate in live and silent auctions, and dance the night away at Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond.

Visit www.rosenbergRRmuseum.org or call 281-342-5926.

October 28th, 6:30 – 10 pm The Mad Hatter Adventure Enjoy a fun-filled evening at the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels’ Mad Hatter Adventure! All proceeds benefit Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. The fun takes place at Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond.

Visit www.fortbendseniors.org or call 281-633-7049.

Bridgewater Candles

281.232.7737

Capri Blue Candles Home Décor & Gifts Monogramming Available

817 Third Street Historic Downtown Rosenberg Open Tues - Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm Closed Monday Ask to join our VIP Shopping Group by searching SSD Boutique!

Where children come first and where we work together with patients and families to provide exceptional medical care for kids in our community.

Amisha Patel, MD

Accepting new patients from age 3 days to 18 years Well-child checks

October 29th, 7 – 10 pm Ghosts and Grub When night falls, adults and children 12 and up are invited to enjoy a spookingly delightful dinner and nighttime walking tour of the Park – complete with stories of ghostly encounters! Advance reservations are required.

Reserve your spot by calling 281-343-0218.

For more information, visit www.georgeranch.org.

Immunizations Christin, Dr. Amisha Patel and Jady.

Same day sick visits

www.justforkidspediatrics.com 418 Park Grove Katy, TX 77450

281-492-0774 www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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NEWSWORTHY

Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction Fundraiser Benefiting the Vincent Morales Campaign Candidate Vincent Morales will host his annual golf tournament fundraiser on Monday, October 17th at Greatwood Golf Club, located at 6767 Greatwood Parkway in Sugar Land. The grand event features a 12 hole golf tournament, dinner and auction to help raise funds for Morales’ campaign for Fort Bend County Commissioner of Precinct 1.

The tournament will feature several competitions including a putting contest and longest drive. Registration begins at 11 am with a shotgun start at noon, followed by a dinner and auction beginning at 4 pm. No team? No problem. Individual players will be assigned to an available team. For non-golfers, there is a dinner and auction featuring sports tickets, professional art, golf packages, the highly coveted title sponsorship for the Crawfish

Gary Gutierrez, Justin Morales, Fermin Carrasco, Vincent Morales, David Hernandez and Freddy Lopez.

Boil hosted with Morales and much more. Friends, fans and supporters can contact Cathy D’Arche at moralescampaign@ yahoo.com or 713-824-6172. Visit www.vincentmorales.com/ events for more information.

D&S Antiques & Collectibles Mall •in Historical Downtown Rosenberg•

Enjoy The Sights & Sounds While You Shop Around!

D&S Refinishing & Restoration • Caning • Weaving • Some Reupholstery • Complete Repair and Refinishing Shop • Sewing Machine Repair • Scissor Sharpening Full Line of Howard Wood Care Products Like Us or Follow Us

Wed-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 • 801 2nd Street 281-232-0035 or 832-595-9600 Come shop with us, then explore Historic Downtown’s 3 restaurants and 12 other antique & boutique shops.

CAMPBELL GARRETT DISTINCTIVE HOMES

Your Land. Our Expertise.

Plan design service, builder showroom & precision craftmanship...

Campbell Garrett Distinctive Homes makes it easy for you to build the perfect place to call home.

www.CampbellGarrett.com 832-865-3444 207 Morton Street • Richmond, TX

Building throughout Fort Bend County, Houston and beyond!

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OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

October is

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Educate yourself and your loved ones about awareness and detection.

Learn about treatment options available in our community.

www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Cancer Screening Is Essential

Dr. Meghana Bhandari Texas Oncology– Sugar Land

In

Dr. Branden Hsu Texas Oncology– Katy and Texas Oncology– Houston Memorial City

the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her lifetime.

While awareness of breast cancer has improved, the disease unfortunately remains the second-deadliest cancer among American women.

This year in Texas, 15,712 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 2,843 women will die from the disease.

Men are at risk, too: 132 men in Texas are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, with 28 cases proving fatal.

Other than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the single most effective way for combating the disease. When detected early before it spreads, women have a 99 percent survival rate after five years.

“We’ve made tremendous strides in the last 10 years due in part to awareness about the importance of screening and early detection,” said Dr. Meghana Bhandari. “Mammograms can detect a high percentage of breast cancer in women who

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don’t have symptoms, but they are not the only way to identify breast cancer.”

Women should begin monthly breast self-exams in their 20s and report any changes to a physician immediately.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam every three years. Women in their 30s should discuss their breast cancer risk level with a physician to determine the most appropriate cancer screening options, including mammograms and MRI screenings. Women ages 40 and older should discuss individual risk factors with a physician to determine recommended timing and most appropriate screenings, including an annual mammogram, annual clinical breast exam and annual MRI screening. Women ages 50 and older should have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam at least every two years after discussion with her physician, and if recommended by a physician, an annual MRI screening. If any changes in the breast are detected, contact a physician immediately to be evaluated. If cancer is diagnosed, women have many treatment options.

“At Texas Oncology, our community-based cancer care gives patients the ability to receive most or all of their medical and support services under one roof in the comfort of their own communities near the critical support of family and friends,” said Dr. Branden Hsu. “We provide high-quality care in just about every corner of Texas, including here in the greater Houston area.”

Advances in the fight against breast cancer are made every day. In fact, Texas Oncology has played a role in nearly 60 FDA approved cancer-fighting drugs, about one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date.

Until a cure for breast cancer is found, regular screenings, awareness and healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and exercising regularly are among the best tools a woman has to reduce her risk of developing the disease.

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

Debbie McCulloch, Texas Oncology Patient

FIGHT CANCER without going too far from home.

You don’t have to travel to get the cancer-fighting treatment you need. Texas Oncology has more than 400 physicians who bring leading-edge technology and research to more than 165 locations across Texas, so you can fight cancer with your loved ones by your side.

TEXAS ONCOLOGY–KATY 1331 W. Grand Pkwy. North, Suite 340 Katy, TX 77493 • 281-392-2757

TEXAS ONCOLOGY–SUGAR LAND 1350 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 • 281-277-5200

TEXAS ONCOLOGY–HOUSTON MEMORIAL CITY 925 Gessner Road, Suites 310 and 550 Houston, TX 77024 • 713-467-1722

1-888-864-4226 • www.TexasOncology.com

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Imaging Technology Makes a Difference in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Stephen W. Phillips, MD Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

T

echnology can save your life. That’s one of the most important messages women need to hear during October, because today’s advanced imaging technology can make a significant difference in the early detection of breast cancer.

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land uses the latest and most effective imaging tools to catch breast cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. One of those technologies is low-dose radiation tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, which has two major benefits – the ability to pinpoint tumors when they are undetectable in a dense breast on a traditional 2-D mammogram and the lowest radiation exposure of any mammography machine on the market.

The Genius™ 3-D mammogram provides clearer pictures and a more accurate screening than conventional machines.

Radiologists can pull images from varying perspectives to examine anything of concern on screening, which reduces the number of callbacks for more testing. In addition, the system

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requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a traditional 2-D mammogram. The lowdose tomosynthesis system is approved by the FDA as being clinically superior to conventional mammography.

Another tool available at the breast care center is LumaGEM™ low-dose molecular breast imaging (MBI) – the first FDA-approved digital imaging system to provide clear images of lesions in dense breast tissue. Women with dense breast tissue are five times more likely to develop breast cancer, and clinical studies have shown that MBI detects three times as many cancers as traditional mammography, with the same level of radiation. The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land was the first in the greater Houston area to offer low-dose molecular breast imaging, primarily as a secondary diagnostic tool for women with suspicious findings or difficult-to-interpret mammograms.

Today, most women are aware of the importance of monthly self-screening and annual clinical exams, along with annual mammograms after age 40. But many women aren’t aware that not all hospitals offer the same level of screening.

Technology makes a difference, as can the skill and knowledge of the physicians and technologists working on your behalf. Your physician or breast radiologist can help you decide which level of screening is best.

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land is dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. They offer alldigital mammography, molecular breast imaging, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, ultrasound biopsies, stereotactic biopsies and MRI guided biopsies, all under one roof. If cancer is detected, the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land provides access to clinical trials and the most advanced treatments available, such as chemotherapy, and hormone, drug and radiation therapy. Innovative surgical techniques and breast reconstruction surgeries are also available.

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Improved Breast Awareness Through Wellness Education: The Lymphatic Drainage System

T

he most underrated purifying system in the human body is the lwymphatic system, an integral part of the immune system. It is a person’s “Life Flow System.” This system and all of its capillaries are a major part of the body’s cleansing of excess toxic waste. The body contains three quarts of blood and 12 Joyce Long quarts of lymph. The lymphatic system Joyce Long moves approximately 45 percent of the Wellness Institute waste through the body as it helps drain debris from 17 glands and organs in the endocrine system.

Movement pumps the lymph system.

Lymph flows through a network of vessels, nodes and other organs. This system drains fluid from the body’s tissues into the blood stream, transports fats from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood stream and fights infection. Inside the lymph nodes, white blood cells and antibodies filter out foreign substances such as bacteria.

The lymph system is completely independent from the blood system and its capillaries. Blood moves quickly through capillaries, but lymph moves slowly through the capillaries.

It will move even slower if one has shallow breathing patterns and very little exercise in their daily life. Blood takes nutrients to the cells, and lymph picks up toxins and waste

and takes them away from cells. The lymph system should be cleansing the body constantly to keep one disease-free and healthy.

The lymph moves only in one direction – from the feet up to the chest and down from the top of the head and face into the Thoracic Duct. The body is covered with lymphatic highways, especially in the breast area, and constant movement keeps it flowing. Deep Breathing and Lymphatic Drainage Therapies, along with Colon Hydrotherapy, will facilitate cleansing. When keeping the body from autointoxication, your life force and daily existence should maintain a high quality of living through healthier foods, yoga, deep breathing, rebounding on a trampoline, power plating, stretching, jump roping, high frequency or manual lymphatic drainage.

The tissues of the body, including the organ systems, are made up of a million cells. If diseases block the flow, it cannot discharge its toxic material. Left unchecked, the lymph system continues to fill up and eventually the body swells with its own waste matter. It is very important to rid the overflow of toxins from the body for future health and longevity. When the cells become balanced, the body regains its defense mechanism. Only a detoxified body has the power and potential for healing.

This article is intended to for educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as diagnostic or prescriptive. Joyce Long Wellness Institute does not prescribe or diagnose.

www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Cancer in Men

Liz Thu Ha Lee, MD, FACS Breast Surgeon Memorial Hermann

In

men, breast cancer is a rare disease, accounting for less than one percent of cases. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,600 men will be diagnosed this year in the United States, compared to an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected in women, along with 61,000 new cases of in situ breast cancer.

Last year, a 54 year-old patient was among the men surprised with a diagnosis of breast cancer. “I noticed a lump on the left side of my chest and thought it was a pulled muscle, because I’d been working out the week before,” said the patient. “When it didn’t go away, I went to my primary care physician, who ordered an ultrasound and mammogram, both of which came back inconclusive.”

Given his family history of cancer, including a mother with breast cancer, grandmother with stomach cancer and various male relatives with prostate cancer, his doctor referred him to Liz Thu Ha Lee, MD, FACS, a breast surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann.

Fortunately, the patient’s slow-growing cancer was caught early at Stage 2B, between two and five centimeters, but it had spread to a lymph node. Lee quickly assembled a team and began to formulate his treatment plan. According to Lee, radiation and chemotherapy are the same for men or women.

What differs are the types of surgery and hormonal drugs used post-surgery to cut risks of recurrence. Lumpectomies

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are also rare for men. “Because men’s breasts are so small, it’s hard to get sufficiently wide margins around the tumor,” Lee said.

The patient and his team chose to remove both breasts and all 21 lymph nodes in the arm pit and chest. “Prophylactic mastectomies have not been proven medically to raise survival rates, but it gives some patients more peace of mind,” Lee said.

Due to scarred and stiff tissues from surgery and radiation, the patient experienced limited mobility in his left arm.

He also faced lymphedema, the lifetime risk of tenderness and swelling due to damage to the lymphatic drainage during radiation and lymph node removal. Lee referred him to TIRR Memorial Hermann for cancer rehabilitation. “Physical and occupational therapy is vital,” Lee said. “It improves patients’ mobility and recovery time and shows what exercises prevent lymphedema and stiffness in joints that can occur after surgery and radiation.”

TIRR therapists helped the patient restore his range of motion, flexibility and strength and taught him how to treat and prevent fluid buildup with massage, exercise and compression garments. Unlike chemo and radiation, the twiceweekly, one-hour sessions at TIRR Memorial Hermann over two months “wasn’t something I dreaded,” he said. “It was a learning experience each time.”

Having a disease identified with women meant the literature was geared to female breast cancer and “the only survivors I could talk to were women,” the patient said. “But my doctors and their teams made sure I understood exactly what I’d experience. They answered questions before I asked. They were absolutely fabulous.”

Now, he is passionate about informing men about breast cancer. “If women find something wrong, they go right in to see the doctor, but men don’t,” he said. “We wait. It’s like asking for directions. Women, on the other hand, are incredibly proactive. When I found the lump, my attitude was this is nothing – it will go away. My advice to men is to act fast if you see something unusual on your body. Don’t take it lightly.

We never think breast cancer will happen to us, but it can.”

TIRR is a registered trademark of TIRR Foundation.

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

FOCUS ON THE CURE 7 Things to Know About Mammograms

A

mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself and your breasts. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40 and over get a mammogram every year, along with a breast exam by a doctor or nurse.

Knowing what to expect may help you get through the process more smoothly.

Here is what you need to know before you go: What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to find breast changes. X-rays were first used to examine breast tissue nearly a century ago.

Where to get it? Find a center that specializes in mammograms.

When you find a facility you like, stick with it. Having all of your mammograms at the same facility makes it easier for doctors to compare images from one year to the next.

When to schedule? Schedule your mammogram about a week after your menstrual period. Your breasts won’t be as tender or swollen, which means less discomfort during the x-ray.

What to wear? Wear a two-piece outfit. Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion or ointment on or around your chest on the day of your mammogram.

What to expect? The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. The breast is compressed between two plastic plates for a few seconds while an xray is taken.

Getting the results. You should get your results within 30 days.

If doctors find something suspicious, you’ll likely be contacted within a week to take new pictures or get other tests.

That doesn’t mean you have cancer. A suspicious finding may be just dense breast tissue or a cyst.

What to pay? Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and almost all private insurance plans now cover yearly mammograms, with no co-pay or other out of pocket costs. Medicaid also covers mammograms.

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Salman Aly, MD PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN • Board Certified in Internal Medicine • Experienced in Geriatric and Hospital Medicine • Botox, Dermal Fillers, Low T Syndrome • Hyperbaric & Advanced Wound Care For appointments call:

832-886-4774

Sarfraz Aly, MD INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST • Board Certified in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine • Hyperbaric & Advanced Wound Care • Travel Medicine For appointments call:

832-886-4994

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 • 10141 US 59 • Wharton, Texas, 77488

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4 5 6

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www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Living an Anti-Cancer Lifestyle: Ten Steps to Good Nutrition while Fighting Cancer

Erika Jenschke, RD Oncology Dietitian Memorial Hermann Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center

A

fter a diagnosis of cancer, many patients shift their focus to making changes within their diet – and rightfully so. Good nutrition is an essential part of cancer prevention and treatment. “Both cancer itself and the treatment you undergo can affect your appetite and your ability to tolerate certain foods,” said Erika Jenschke, RD, an oncology dietitian at the Memorial Hermann Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center.

In addition to helping during treatment, changes to diet are increasingly connected to preventing cancer in the first place. According to data from the American Institute for Cancer Research, a third of the most common cancers in the United States may be prevented through diet. The Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers have partnered with dietitians like Jenschke all across the system. They offer cancer patients and others seeking to improve their health 10 easy steps to an anti-cancer diet, along with perks and recipes.

1. Pump up your volume of vegetables and fruit. “The phytochemicals that give plant foods their flavor, color, fiber and texture can help prevent damage to DNA, which may lead to cancer,” Jenschke said. “They also block carcinogens and curb the inflammation that fuels cancer cell growth.” She suggests eating five servings daily of non-starchy vegetables and fruits in a “rainbow of reds, oranges, yellows, light and dark greens, blues, purples and even whites and browns.”

2. Bulk up on fiber. Fiber fights heart disease, diabetes and constipation. It also fills you up. Jenschke advises women to consume about 25 grams of fiber daily and men to eat about 35 grams. “Substitute high-fiber foods such as peas, lentils, black beans, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raspberries, blackberries, bran flakes, whole wheat pasta, barley and oatmeal for white pasta, rice, potatoes, sweetened cereals and high-sugar foods.”

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3. Switch to healthy fats. High-fat diets raise the risk of breast, prostate, colon and other cancers. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats slow cancer growth. “Ditch high-fat whipping cream and whole milk for one percent milk and reduced-fat almond, soy and coconut milk,” Jenschke said. “Nix coconut, palm and palm kernel oils, which are rich in saturated fats, and use healthy oils such as olive, avocado, almond, walnut and flaxseed. Eat red salmon and white tuna packed in water at least twice a week.”

4. Spice it up. Many herbs and spices are rich in cancerthwarting phytochemicals. Add cinnamon, lemons, cumin, turmeric, limes, cilantro, onions and garlic as you prepare your meals.

5. Give up cured, smoked, salted and preserved meats. Salami, bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs and bologna are high in the carcinogen nitrite. Jenschke suggests avoiding them altogether.

6. Limit red meat. Beef, pork and lamb contain heme iron, which can harm the colon’s lining. In addition, the high temperatures used to grill meat unlock cancer-causing chemicals. Limit red meat to 18 ounces per week, substituting wild-caught fish and free-range chicken.

7. Prepare food differently. Breading foods with flour and cooking them at high temperatures can change their chemistry, harming your cells’ DNA. Bake, broil or poach poultry, fish and meat instead of frying or charbroiling. Read food labels and weed out hydrogenated fats, preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup.

8. Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancers. Suggested amounts are one drink a day for women and two daily for men, either 8 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. Women at high risk of breast cancer may want to consider avoiding alcohol altogether.

9. Get physical. Be active most days of the week, with more than 30 minutes of a sustained elevated heartbeat. Getting your blood pumping helps maintain muscle mass and strength, stamina and bone strength. Exercise can help reduce depression and stress.

10. Start now. Keep a diary of foods and feelings as you progress through your treatment. Seeing it on paper can lead to improvement day to day. “Beginning healthy habits early makes it easier to comply later in life,” Jenschke said. “But it’s never too late. Instead of regretting the past, think of your healthy future.”

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

absolutely

A beautiful floral selection from LC Floral Designs is one of the best gifts around! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, give a bouquet of encouragement featuring Chantilly Pink Roses.

LC Floral Designs, 204 Highway 90A East in Richmond.

Call 281-342-8839; www.lcfloraldesigns.com.

Saturday, October 1st is Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the 80th Annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo. Fairgoers are invited to wear pink to help raise awareness of breast cancer, and a donation will be made to the Fort Bend County American Cancer Society.

Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo, 4310 Highway 36 South in Rosenberg.

Call 281-342-6171; www.fortbendcountyfair.com.

Show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness month with pink Corkcicles available in various sizes and styles at Southern Sister Designs.

Personalize with monogramming!

Southern Sister Designs, 817 Third Street in Historic Downtown Rosenberg.

Call 281-232-7737.

Plant pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Add pink to your garden with Wave Petunias and Bubblegum Supertunias, Pink Dianthus, Wendy’s Wish Salvia, English Daisies, Winter Flock and all kinds of pink roses. Visit Enchanted Forest to find your pink inspiration.

Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759 in Richmond; Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359 in Richmond.

Call 281-937-9449 or 281-341-1206; www.myenchanted.com.

www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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OUT & ABOUT

The Fort Bend County Fair’s Stylin’ in the Bend was an evening of style, bling and pizzazz at Safari Texas Ranch. The 2016 Fair Queen candidates, along with a few local celebrities, rocked the runway. The 27th annual event featured various vendors, raffle drawings, a seated dinner and the style show directed by Lucas Chavez.

IN THE HEART BRAZOS

Vickie and Domino Autrey.

Margaret Kunz, Donna Hutson and Karen Mullins.

Debbie Voyles and Rosie Karlberg.

Katie and Michelle Koerth.

The Fort Bend County Fair and its wine committee, known as the Grapes on Brazos, held the 3rd Annual Downtown Stomp in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. Wine lovers and shopping mavens enjoyed an evening of premier wine tasting, shopping and music.

Kay Garrett and Amber McDonald.

Eileen Akerson with Vickie, Bruce and Megan Stevenson.

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Lea Gibson with Matt and Rose Herbst.

Jackie Snader and Cindy Schmidt.

OCTOBER 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelybrazos.com

Nancy Raper and Caylon Wright.

Theresa Shmerling and Megan Blair.

More than 70 community leaders and AccessHealth supporters gathered at the agency’s main center in Richmond to celebrate the 40th anniversary of AccessHealth’s inception. One of the agency’s founders, Brenda Vogelsang Harrison, spoke about the organization’s early beginnings, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carol Edwards spoke briefly about AccessHealth’s recent growth and future plans.

Vincent Morales and Eric Junker.

Diana Turner and Jim McClellan.

33rd Annual

Needville Harvest Festival Harvest Park • 3001 Violet St.• Needville

Carol Edwards and Brenda Vogelsang Harrison.

OakBend Medical Center recognized Jeff Haley as the hospital’s newest addition to its 2016 Board of Directors.

“OakBend is extremely fortunate to have the addition of Jeff Haley to its Board of Directors,” expressed Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center’s CEO. “Jeff and the other members of the board are committed to helping OakBend be the community’s first choice in health care.”

Tickets: $6.00 (Entry fee includes both days)

Children 6 and under are free

Friday, October 14th 5 pm - 11:30 pm

R affle 4x4 Gator Winner announced at 10 pm Saturday

Saturday, October 15th

&

7:30 am - 11 pm

BBQ Cook-Off

Helicopter Rides

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Kidz Zone

Corn Shucking Contest

Queen’s Contest

Live Music

Little Mr. & Miss Contest

Festival Fun Run

Talent Show

Food Vendors

Car Show

Arts & Crafts

Live & Silent Auction

Racing Lawn Mowers

& Much More

501(c)(3)

www.needvilleharvestfest.org • 281.468.9314

RosenbeRg Ccenter aRpet & FlooRing Since 1958

What’son on your your floor matters.

What’s floor matters!

Jeff Haley and Joe Freudenberger.

Wood Floor Refinishing Wood & Laminate Flooring Ceramic Tile Flooring Counter Tops Commercial & Residential 1006 1st Street • Rosenberg, Texas

WWW.ROSENBERGCARPET.COM • 281.342.5193 www.absolutelybrazos.com l OCTOBER 2016

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Oct. 24th – Nov. 4th Experience Election Day • Judge - 505th Judicial District Court - (Family) Nov. 8th • Associate Judge 387th Judicial District Court, 2013 - 2015 • Law Firm of Becerra Colgin & Perwin, PLLC • Over 15 years in Private Practice - Family Law

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Pd. Pol. Adv. By Judge David Perwin Campaign. Ronald Patterson, Treasurer. In Compliance With Judicial Fairness Act.

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Military & First Responder Discounts.

We thank you for your service.

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Win ticket giveaways to area attractions and events!

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We offer services for individuals and families struggling with: • Anxiety • Depression • Panic Disorder • Adjustment Disorders • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Parenting Issues • Play Therapy • Child/Adolescent Behavior Problems • Family Relationship Difficulties

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Historic Downtown Rosenberg’s Premier Experience

Antiques Collectibles Home Decor Specialty Items Live Theatre Events Hall 1909 Avenue G. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 • 281.342.6804 Wed-Sat 10 am - 5 pm • Sun 1 - 5 pm

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Contact us today to schedule your FREE insurance review or quote

Amber McDonald amber@txins.com

Texas Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. has been serving the needs of friends and neighbors since 1977. We represent dozens of local and national insurance companies and offer customized insurance packages, including:

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A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY

By Joan Frances

The Mystery of the Graves at Old Orchard Drive

A

bandoned graveyards have always been a fascination for historians. They dig deep to unearth the stories of the past in an attempt to uncover the fortitude of the working man and the roots of the community. Many of these tales are handed down from generation to generation. When a visitor walks through a diminutive cemetery, they may sense an inexplicable feeling that they are not alone. The spirits of the deceased seem to be reaching out to tell their stories. Do ghosts really exist? No one knows for sure, but one intriguing and mysterious plot of land that has proven to be a landmark for residents of Fort Bend County is the grave site at FM 1464 and Old Orchard Drive.

Located at the entrance to the subdivision of Orchard Lakes Estates in Sugar Land, the cemetery is home to over 30 graves, most of them with no headstone, and was created more than 130 years ago. Originally, New Home Missionary Baptist Church and the cemetery shared this plot of land. The

The sign post at New Home Cemetery.

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church has been gone for many years.

The small cemetery provided a resting place for the African American communities of Richmond, Rosenberg, Four Corners, Sugar Land, Stafford and Missouri City.

As Fort Bend County was growing, the Harlem Prison Farm hired African Americans to work at the prison and the post office located on the prison farm. Many of the residents went to work at the sugar mill in Sugar Land as well, dedicating countless hours of work for very little pay. When they passed away, some of these workers were buried at New Home Cemetery, not far from their homes. Descendants of the people who built Sugar Land still live in the houses behind the sugar mill and in the Four Corners community.

The Schoeman family originally owned the cemetery, but with no maintenance and overgrown plants, it began to deteriorate. Rosa Bryant and the New Home Cemetery Burial Association took over the care. In 1994, Woodrow (Woody) Jones, President of Project R.E.S.P.E.C.T., (Restoration, Enhancement, Stabilization, Protection, Evaluation, Curation and Technology) bought out the smaller company to care for the land, which he still maintains today. According to Jones, in 1995, there were approximately 4,000 abandoned African American cemeteries in the state of Texas. Beazer Homes originally purchased the land sur-

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rounding the cemetery and developed a new subdivision around the grave sites. When manmade lakes were added, three feet of soil was brought in to raise the elevation of the grave yard.

Then in 2010, expansion of FM 1464 by the Old Orchard Drive intersection forced some of the graves to be relocated. Department of Transportation crews and archeologists went digging for coffin nails, coffin wood and any bone remains. Twenty-six bodies were buried in the ditch, many of the bones were from unmarked graves and all were carefully transferred to another location on the cemetery property.

Burial sites at New Home Cemetery.

Today, New Home Cemetery is protected, with long term plans to convert the cemetery into a burial park. The limited tombstones, some dark and aged, reflect the years of life and death of Fort Bend residents. There have been reports of strange lights darting across the cemetery late at night.

One never knows what tales are facts or fabrication. One thing is undeniable: The allure these stories hold and the challenge to seek the truth is well worth every anecdote. For now, the mystery is revealed. As Jones stated so eloquently, “Buried here are the people on whose shoulders and whose backbone built this community.�

INSIDE BACK

EXPANDING

EXPECTATIONS. IN HEALTH CARE. AND IN SUGAR LAND.

We’ve grown to meet our community’s need for exceptional care.

In April, we officially opened our new second medical plaza. The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute is now open. In September, we will open the doors to east patient tower housing intermediate care and intensive care units as well as an expanded surgery unit. In addition to increasing the size of the Children’s Memorial Hermann Emergency Center, we have expanded diagnostic imaging services. And you can expect all of the advanced offerings to maintain the highest quality and safety standards, because a community as special as ours deserves the very best. memorialhermann.org Advance your career with us. Call 1.866.441.4567.

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