April 2011 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

PEOPLE

•

PL A C E S

•

H A P P E N I N G S

Minor League Baseball Comes to Sugar Land

What’s Inside • Financial Focus • WorldFest Houston • Seen on the Scene $

2.95

A toZ Summer

Fun Guide Page 50

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT NO 2337

siennaplantation.com Plans for the ASID House Designing with the Stars are continually developing with the homebuilder and designers working hand in hand. Substantial changes have already been made by the team including reconfiguring the kitchen, converting attic space for a home theatre and providing direct door entry access to the attic. A big change to the design was to make the house ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant to provide the homeowner with options for an elderly family member, a small child or an individual with special needs.

$1,350,000 The Sanctuary at Waters Lake Regan Custom Homes 30 Sanctuary Trail 5944 sq. ft.

Fort Bend ISD

tour 16 new home models “New” Darling Patio Homes—Senebe—$200’s “New” Darling—American Classic Series—Ladera—$250’s DR Horton . Pulte—Chandeleur Cove—$170’s Ryland—Waterford—$190s . Meritage—Discovery Cove—$230’s Triumph . Pulte . “New” Ashton Woods—The Cape—$240’s Highland . Newmark . Perry . Trendmaker—The Lakes—$300’s “New” Partners In Building . “New” Custom Classics Huntington—The Forest—Custom Homes—$500-millions

Homes from the $170s-Millions siennaplantation.com

Greenway

Downtown

Galleria Med Center

Fort Bend Parkway

facebook.com/siennaplantation Sienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777 Ashton Woods . Coventry . Custom Classics . Darling Homes . DR Horton Fairmont Custom Homes . Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes . Highland . Huntington Homes J Kyle Estate Homes . Meritage . Newmark . Partners in Building . Perry . Plantation . Pulte Regan Custom Homes . Ryland . Sterling Classic Custom Homes . Trendmaker . Triumph . Westport

benefitting

Tickets are $15 at the door or

siennaplantation.com Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am to 4pm Sunday noon to 4pm.

20 star designers 5944 sq.ft. of splendor 20 American Society of Interior Designers have come together to create a one-of-a-kind show home in Sienna Plantation.

Fully furnished and loaded with new ideas, design and state-of-the-art appliances and technology features.

Private group tours and mini seminars featuring the ASID designer team are available. Check the website for details.

When you are in Sienna to see the ASID show home—stay and tour 16 more beautifully furnished model homes. Maps will be available.

The Designing with the Stars ASID Showcase Home opens April 1st, the house is being decorated by professional ASID interior designers—twenty, in fact. According to Sharon Staley, ASID President, ASID recruited the designers to participate on the design team based on their ability to complete the project along with what they could give back to ASID. The house has been divided into twenty areas and each designer has been designated an area to showcase their talents. “There’s a lot of egos at stake on a showcase home all trying to make sure that their design is executed to the best of their ability and to show what a trained designer can do with the proper tools and opportunity,” said Staley.

Enter to WIN

A DAY in DESIGN INSPIRATION

at the Houston Design Center The winner and up to 9 friends will be treated to A Day of Design Inspiration—at The Houston Design Center. Enjoy shopping, open houses, center tour and mingle with some of the areas top designers. Guests will enjoy guided tours of designer showrooms and a lovely luncheon and afternoon tea. “Ask A Designer” at the ASID offices would be available for those who would like to solve their design dilemmas or to have furniture plan consultations.

Enter at the ASID Show Home April 1-17

The house will feature state-of-the-art design features and technology including a custom lighting system by Lutron. Lutron began over 50 years ago with a life-changing invention: the dimmer switch. Today, Lutron builds a system based on a radio controlled master system that can do everything from turn on your lights and ceiling fans to opening and closing your blinds.

And, best of all, the Designing with the Stars ASID Showcase Home will feature a state-of-the-art Lutron system the newest element in home safety.

AWARD-WINNING CARE

WILLIAMS WAY CAMPUS

Women’s Services OakBend Medical Center is proud to provide a full spectrum of women’s services including: • Level II Nursery with 24-hr physician coverage • Childbirth Classes and Breastfeeding Support • Winner of the Texas Ten Step Program Award • Comprehensive Gynecology Surgical Services

OakBend Medical Center 22003 Southwest Freeway Richmond, TX 77469 (at US Hwy 59 & Williams Way Blvd.)

Phone: (281) 341-2000

www.oakbendmedcenter.org

Compounding Corner ® Pharmacy, Inc. THE ONLY PCAB-ACCREDITED COMPOUNDING PHARMACY IN FORT BEND COUNTY PCAB IS ENDORSED BY THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

YOUR ACCREDITED COMPOUNDING SOURCE FOR: BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES VETERINARY FORMULATIONS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION INJECTIONS BLEACHING CREAMS METHYLCOBALAMIN B-12 FORMULATIONS For the discerning patient:

• DISCOUNTS: We offer up to 35% off on 6-month supplies of compounded medications.

• SAME DAY PROCESSING: Most medications are finished the same day. Anything ready after 6:00pm will be ready at 9:00am the next business morning.

• TESTING: We regularly test our products for potency, sterility and endotoxins.

• EXPERIENCE: All of our compounding staff are highly trained, ACPE-certificate earned and state registered compounding experts, each with years of experience. We are not a teaching pharmacy and do not have students rotating through our pharmacy.

• ACCREDITED: We are the only accredited compounding pharmacy in all of Fort Bend County.

281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace, Ste. K, Sugar Land

at

JESUS IS ALIVE. HE CONQUERED DEATH. HE IS DWELLING IN THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE TODAY. We invite you to join us in the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Be our guest as we hear the story of God's love for us in the sacrifice of his son.

April 22 - Good Friday Service, 7:00 PM April 24 - Easter Sunday, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM

13333 Southwest Freeway | Sugar Land, TX | 77478

SUGARCREEK.NET

Save $25 – $300 per unit on select Hunter Douglas window fashions. Hunter Douglas offers an array of attractive colors, fabrics and styles for creating inviting living spaces. With their enduring craftsmanship and energy-efficient designs, they present exceptional value — smart style that’s energy smart, too. And, now you can enjoy smart savings from January 14 through April 29, 2011 with mail-in rebates on select styles. Ask us for details.

J & L Distributors

707 Avenue E Stafford TX M-F: 8:00 - 6:00 Sat 10:00 - 5:00 Closed Sundays 281-403-6733 jldistributors.hdwfg.com

Celebrating 24 years in business and 10 years as a Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer.

60

Jim Hoelker Owner

*Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for purchases made January 14 through April 29, 2011. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask for details. © 2011 Hunter Douglas. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas.

20829





  

   

 











 

  

  

  

        

  

    

     

A

P

R

I

L

2

0

1

1

features 20 Sugar Land Resident Debuts First Novel

Rodney Walther’s book, Broken Laces, implements themes of redemption and second chances coupled with baseball to bring his premier novel, a best-seller for sports fiction on Amazon.com, to life.

20

25 Gorgeous Spring Containers to Beautify your Home

Get the tips and tricks on transforming your old plant containers into beautiful displays of colorful flowers for Spring!

36 HealthSouth Sugar Land Focuses on Stroke Awareness 38

Educate yourself on both the traditional and technological therapeutic plans for those recovering from a stroke.

38 Bayou City Chili Wins Over the Big Apple

Get Fort Bend Resident Rhonda Morrison’s famed chili recipe that won over judges in the Today show’s Homemade Chili Cook-Off.

50

44 Sienna Planation hosts The ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars

The state-of-the-art, 5,944 square foot home, featuring the work of twenty ASID designers opens to the public April 1st through April 17th.

50 A to Z Summer Fun Guide 67

Summer vacation is a time for kids to kick back, relax and most importantly, have a good time. Peruse the pages and plan your summer to insure maximum fun for the kiddos!

67 Financial Focus

In today’s tough economy, it’s becoming more and more important to focus on your financial status and manage your money. These institutions can help you get - and stay - on the right track!

80 WorldFest International Film Festival 80

This annual 10-day festival features independent films from across the nation and highlights those from local filmmakers.

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

8

281-206-4482

The Imperial Medical Center 1111 Hwy Land, TX 77478 Hwy 6, 6,Suite Suite185 185• Sugar • Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fortbend

www.cashionandcody.com www.cashionandcodyonline.com

.com • July 2008

7

COVER STORY

16 Minor League Baseball Comes to Sugar Land The field has yet to be built and roster filled but the Sugar Land Skeeters are already creating a buzz around the community as the April 2012 scheduled opening approaches.

departments 22 Focus on Finance

74 Fort Bend Kids Chalkboard

24 Focus on Health

78 Focus Scrapbook

26 Caring for the Community

84 High School Hot Shot

28 Seen on the Scene

86 Medical Focus

35 Fort Bend Headliners

90 Business Buzz

42 Focus Cares

92 Focus Favorites - Resource Guide

48 Community Calendar

94 Focus on Flavor Dining Guide

64 Fort Bend New Neighbor

96 Living the Sweet Life

72 Focus Photo Winner

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

10

P

ublisher’s Preview www.fortbendfocus.com

April 2011 Vol. 7 No. 6 Hello Fort Bend Friends, Spring is in the air and there’s so much to do around the Bend! We have such a great issue for you this month. It is packed full of information to help you get ready for tax season and also, help you plan the summer for your little deductions - your kids!!

This issue features our annual A-Z Summer Fun Guide which is a great resource for families. Featuring children’s activities and camps this summer, now is the perfect time to make plans for your little ones. We also have our special Focus on Finance section where our experts give you advice on what to do – and what not to do – with your money.

WorldFest Houston is coming this month, and it is a premier showcase for local, independent film makers. Focus magazine’s contributing columnist, Nick Nicholson, gives us a sneak peek at several of the films being debuted at this world-class event. For you film lovers, WorldFest is definitely a worldclass opportunity to see up and coming film artists.

We’ve been busy attending the many galas and functions Spring brings to Fort Bend. Don’t miss our original Seen on the Scenes starting on page 28. You just might see someone you know! You can also see these photos – as well as the entire magazine – online at www.FortBendFocus.com.

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477 To advertise call

281-690-4242

TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Lisa Fredrickson, Karen Mawyer and Leslie Woods are all smiles under the Fort Bend Focus Magazine sponsor banner at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Direct mailed to subscribers and high value homes in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, Missouri City and Fulshear and picked up at demand distribution locations throughout Fort Bend.

Single copy $2.95

And speaking of online, Fort Bend Focus is now on Facebook. “Like” us on facebook. com/fortbendfocus and check in often for ticket giveaways to area events.

Although you see Fort Bend Focus magazines all over town, be sure to keep up to date on all things Fort Bend with your very own subscription – it’s FREE! Just sign up at www.FortBendFocus.com or call us at 281-690-4242. We’ll be glad to have you as a subscriber!

Have a fabulous Easter, praise God Christ is risen!

Stay Focused,

Lisa Fredrickson Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com Michael@Fortbendfocus.com

Publishers Michael Fredrickson Lisa Fredrickson Managing Editor Patti Parish-Kaminski Senior Account Executive Jessica Kij Account Executives Dena Perry April Lambert Shanna Sanders Office Manager Norma Loredo Contributors Linda K. Eaves Lauren Dante Mary Favre Will Hardee Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Dr. Peter Osborne Melinda Wood Art Director Grace Belleza Associate Art Director Joey Belleza Graphic Designer Elizabeth Pace Web Designer Joey Belleza (JOBpagegraphics.com)

READERS FEEDBACK

On

Grateful volunteer...

From our Facebook page...

Dear Ms Fredrickson, On behalf of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, I would like to thank you and Focus Magazine for your recent support at our 2011 Gala. It is because of your continued generosity that Lakeview Auditorium is being restored and the rich history of Sugar Land being preserved. We Salute You!

The Fort Bend Focus is the #1 read community magazine in Fort Bend for good reason!! It is a great way to stay updated on People, Places and Happenings in Fort Bend County. I always check out Seen on the Scene where some of the best pictures of Fort Bend County residents can be found. I love that you can save the pictures and then post them on Facebook.

Sincerely, Sharon Galvan, Board Member

the

Cover

StarTex Power Field and Sugar Land Skeeters The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers and their staff. c 2011

Amy Mitchell

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

12

One year subscription: $25

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

14

Celebrating 25 Years in Fort Bend

To celebrate, we are offering $25 towards any dentistry or products.

During the month of April with mention of this ad.

Receive A FREE Teeth Whitening (Valued at $350 Mention of ad)

When you schedule a New Patient Appointment which includes: • Cleaning

• X-rays

• Exam

281-980-1733 GREG A. LINNEY, D.D.S., Inc.

4660 Sweetwater Blvd., Ste 230 • Sugar Land, 77479 office@drlinney.com • www.drlinney.com All major Credit Cards Accepted www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

15

A Name, A Stadium and A Team

COVER STORY

By Brian Simmons Photos courtesy of Opening Day Partners

A

Minor League Baseball Comes to Sugar Land

pitch hasn’t been thrown and a ball hasn’t been blasted over the outfield wall - the wall doesn’t even exist yet - but Fort Bend County is ready for Sugar Land Skeeters’ baseball.

The minor league team, which begins play in April 2012, is on pace to have its skyboxes at StarTex Power Field sold out before the stadium’s groundbreaking and is one-third of the way toward meeting ownership’s season ticket sales goal.

“This entire process has been amazing,” said Chris Hill, Vice President of Business Development for the Sugar Land Skeeters. “The reaction has been impressive. I’ve talked to many people who are excited but have never been to a minor league game before.”

With reasonable ticket prices (season tickets include 70 games for $575) and the promise of a family-friendly atmosphere, Hill says the new fans will be pleased.

“Major League Baseball is all about the star players and winning,” Hill said.

“With minor league baseball, we want to win, but we are focused on the experience.

People leaving the game might not even know the final score. We build parks for the fans and families. We want you to be on the field and meet our players, meet our coaches, meet our mascot. When we announce players to the field, they will be accompanied by a group of kids.”

The team’s popularity is apparent in the sales of merchandise, Hill said. The selection of merchandise has been limited but is expanding as the May 14th Fan Fest draws near. Skeeters’ t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps for men, women and children are available online at shop.sugarlandskeeters.com and at the team’s Pro

Stadium rendering view from concourse.

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

16

Shop located at 16160 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square.

Koozies, tumblers and pennants have also recently been released for sale.

The excitement has carried over to the business community. The Skeeters are currently forming founding partnerships with several companies. The founding partners are companies that are committed to investing in the community and its minor league baseball team, Hill said.

StarTex Power, a Houston-based retail electricity provider, bought the naming rights to the Skeeters’ stadium. StarTex Power Field will be located at the northeast corner of Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A. “We try to tie our name to people we believe have the same values we do,” StarTex Power President/CEO Robert Zlotnik said. “The mayor and city council, together with Opening Day Partners, make this a first-rate affair. We wanted to be a part of these two great groups. Being a Houstonbased company, we have a lot of customers here and wanted to do something good for the community as well as for the name recognition.”

www.fortbend

Sugar Land Skeeters’ First Fan Fest Scheduled for May 14th

O

pening Day for the Sugar Land Skeeters is still a year away, but local baseball fans are getting a chance to at least get a taste of the minor league experience next month.

The Skeeters’ first Fan Fest is scheduled for May 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fluor Daniel Building in Sugar Land.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to come en masse and get excited about the team,” Skeeters’ President Matt O’Brien said. “The press conference announcing the team name and logo in December did that to some degree, but didn’t have the atmosphere that the Fan Fest will.”

The Fan Fest will feature ballpark food and former players signing autographs – all part of making the fans feel they are already at StarTex Power Field.

Skeeters’ merchandise, though already available at the team’s Pro Shop and web site, will have its official launch at the Fan Fest as well. Future plans for the Skeeters include a Fun Fest before each season.

For more information about the Sugar Land Skeeters or the Fan Fest, visit www.

SugarLandSkeeters.com.

.com • April 2011

17

Visitors checking out the team merchandise at the Skeeters’ Pro Shop in Town Square.

continued from page 17 The chance to be partnered with a baseball team and stadium in and of itself appealed to the company’s president.

Zlotnik, who co-founded StarTex Power with his wife, Marcie, comes from a baseball family and said he will “definitely be there” for opening day in 2012.

Texas Direct Auto also jumped on the opportunity to be on the ground-floor as a founding partner of minor league baseball in Sugar Land. “When I heard about (the Skeeters), we got Chris’ information and contacted him because we wanted to build that partnership and build that relationship with the community,” said Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development for Texas Direct Auto.

Part of the Skeeters’ push for bringing fun to the sport will involve Texas Direct Auto’s sponsoring of a baseball-shaped golf cart that will carry relief pitchers

from the bullpen to the mound. This type of golf cart was used in the 1970s in Major League Baseball.

“The cart is going to be new, yet old school at the same time,” DeMarr said, adding that the dealership is always looking for ways to get involved in the community that don’t have anything to do with selling a car. The throwback cart represents the baseball team’s willingness to take chances and have fun in everything it does, which is the main goal of minor league baseball, Hill said.

Republic Services, a waste and recycling company, is another founding partner for the team. Republic’s partnership includes many family friendly elements aimed at promoting recycling.

As for the people who will actually be on the field and in the dugout, Skeeters’ President Matt O’Brien and the rest of the team’s staff are currently going through managerial candidates – both on a local and national scale. They hope to name a manager in time for the skipper to watch and scout other teams in Sugar Land’s league this season. “We want somebody who will bring wins, but also feels like part of the community,” Matt O’Brien said.

The team is expected to be comprised of players from around the globe, mirroring baseball in general. There will be a few players whom fans might have heard of and some new names – all adding up to what O’Brien hopes is a competitive combination.

Artwork rendition of the StarTex Power Field.

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

18

For a baseball team, starting from scratch also means hiring everyone from media relations to the grounds crew to radio broadcasters. “That process has started and the staff that’s bringing this team to life will be a mix of people with local ties and people who have been in sports for some time,” O’Brien said. “We want to build an office that blends together and reflects this community.”

The Skeeters will compete in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an unaffiliated league that was founded in 1998. Sugar Land is the first team in what Atlantic League officials hope will one day be the Western Division. The other eight teams in the league are based in the states of Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Former Major League Baseball Player for the White Sox Deacon Jones shows off Skeeters’ merchandise to a visitor at the Sugar Land Skeeters’ Pro Shop.

“The Atlantic League believes there are some opportunities to provide teams in markets where there is no minor league baseball,” O’Brien said. “If we deliver a top notch baseball and entertainment product here in Sugar Land, the Atlantic League believes other communities may step forward.”

The Atlantic League consists of players in different stages of their careers, and the talent level is often compared to Double-A or Triple-A baseball. For every former Major Leaguer making a run at a comeback in the league, there is a player at the front-end of their career, O’Brien said.

Former Atlantic League players include Jacques Jones, Jose Lima, Juan Gonzalez, Jason Lane, Stephen Drew (now playing with the Arizona Diamondbacks), Edgardo Alfonzo, Keith Foulke and Wily Mo Pena. Atlantic League field managers past and present include Tommy John, Gary Carter, Sparky Lyle, Tim Raines, Butch Hobson, Von Hayes, and Bud Harrelson Opening Day Partners, the Sugar Land Skeeters’ parent company, owns four other Atlantic League teams: the Lancaster Barnstormers, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Camden Riversharks and York Revolution. The company also designs and constructs baseball stadiums, as it will do for the Sugar Land squad. Opening Day Partners is led by Chairman Peter Kirk and baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson.

The groundbreaking for the $30 million StarTex Power Field is slated for April 5. The Sugar Land City Council approved Barton Malow and Linbeck as the contractors for construction of the stadium.

Though the Skeeters are the main attraction, the facility will be about more than just baseball. “We want people to identify with this place as their stadium,” Hill said, adding that StarTex Power Field will host concerts, a variety of sports and everything from sleepovers for kids to galas, proms and weddings. “We have options.”

For now, the stadium site is simply a cleared area of dirt, but the people behind the Skeeters can already hear the crack of the bat. “This team is hitting benchmarks every day,” O’Brien said. n FBF

RELIABLE, ENERGY EFFICIENT, CLEAN AIR FOR THE HOME.

Cool it...

FAST!

Independent Trane Dealer

Save up to 60% on your cooling utility bills now!

Call us today to learn about Custom Comfort Air’s complete line of innovative, energy-efficient air conditioners and heat pumps.

Monthly Payments

75- 125

$

$

For a Complete High Efficiency A/C & Heating System (with approved credit on qualifying systems)

$50 OFF

Next Service Repair Expires 6-30-2011 Must present coupon at time of service.

Call today for a FREE Complete System Estimate!

281.342.2512 www.CustomComfortAir.com New Expanded Location: 1821 Cottonwood School Rd. • Rosenberg, TX 77471 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

19

TACLB27392E

Sugar Land Resident Strikes Homerun With Debut Novel

By Melinda Wood

F

rom professional baseball stadiums to Little League fields, Americans have connected with the game of baseball for decades. The crack of the bat, the hot dogs and the game-making plays are all fan favorites, but Sugar Land resident and author Rodney Walther says it’s the “redemption” that really resonates with people.

“I do think baseball is a game of second chances,” Walther said. “You can go 0 for 4 at bat and have a bunch of errors, but then in the ninth inning, you can step up to the

plate and turn it around even at the Little League level. Americans really value the comeback aspect of the game.”

Walther used these themes of redemption and second chances in his debut novel Broken Laces. The novel, set in Sugar Land, features a suburban workaholic who doesn’t understand the importance of family until his wife suddenly passes away and he is left with his seven-year-old son.

Walther explained, “The main character doesn’t really understand what

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

20

it means to be a man or a father, but learns these important lessons through Little League.”

A long-time Little League baseball and softball manager and Rodney Walther coach, Walther came up with the idea for this book on the field with his own two children.

“I have a long time affinity for baseball,” Walther said. “The idea came to me while on the field. I saw that baseball was an interesting prism. You see crazy coaches all the time. What drives them to act that way in this atmosphere? There wasn’t anyone in particular, but I just wanted to explore what goes through their minds.”

He continued, “When I wrote it, it was also my son’s last year of Little League.

It’s been 12 years, and it was my last year to be plugged into baseball. I think those feelings of how I thought baseball has improved my son to become a man and strengthen our relationship as well. I think that played a part while searching for this story. I actually intentionally wrote the last chapter the last week of baseball during playoffs, so that way all of the emotions would be right there to tap into.”

Broken Laces debuted last December and is currently the number one bestseller for sports fiction on Amazon.com.

“It’s very gratifying to have it be the story that I attempted to write over the past five years. It is the story I wanted to tell,” Walther said.

Walther wants readers to disappear into the story and the characters. “I want them to take away the theme of the book, which is to treasure the relationships in your life. The main character doesn’t have time for his family. When he becomes and single parent, he discovers he’s not good at it, but he’s want to be. I want readers to understand relationships are important and you need to work hard to sustain them.”

Broken Laces is available in paperback and e-book from Walther’s website at www.brokenlaces.com. H

Heritage Baptist Church a place to call home Schedule of Services SUNDAY Sunday School.................. 9:30am Sunday AM Worship...... 10:45am Bible Classes.................... 6:05 pm Sunday PM Worship...... 7:00 pm WEDNESDAY Bible Study....................... 7:00pm Awana Bible Clubs........... 7:00pm

Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor

281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

21

on

Finance

Provided by RBC Wealth Management and the Hardee Investment Group

Seven Ways to Raise Money-Savvy Kids

C

onfucius once said, “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”

Involve your children with their finances.

Doing so will help teach them personal responsibility, goal setting, saving and investing.

The ideas I’d like to present are broad concepts, so rather than explaining them in abstract, focus on fun, hands on activities that can be more readily understood by them.

Budgeting Creating a weekly budget is a great exercise for kids of any age — and it is easy to accomplish. Simply have your children divide a sheet of paper into two segments: “money in” and “money out.” In the money in segment, ask your kids to itemize their money sources. In the money out segment, have them itemize expenses in three categories: spending, saving, and sharing. If you have younger children, you may want to have them put their money into three separate piggy banks rather than list the expense categories on paper.

Once your children start keeping a weekly budget, they should be able to see how personal responsibility is related to managing their money.

Earning When your children ask for money for an impulse purchase, such as a book, CD or DVD, encourage them to earn all or part of the money to pay for it. By connecting the earning experience to satisfying a want, your children will begin to understand the concepts of personal choice, goal setting and discipline. Sit down with your children and discuss the possible ways to

earn money. A little imagination can go far when considering ways to earn a buck or two.

Saving You can encourage any child to become a good saver. One proven technique is to open savings accounts for your children and match some portion of every dollar they save. It’s the same concept as 401(k)matching contribution from your employer. Review monthly statements with your children and talk about how the account grows because of deposits and interest. As they get used to saving, they’ll learn the importance of discipline and goal setting — two financial skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Spending For kids of all ages, spending is the fun part of learning about money. If you help them become smart spenders, you’ll instill in them some valuable lessons about how personal choice relates to managing money. Naturally, you will want to supervise your children on how they spend their money and you should advise them on the consequences. Unless they are considering truly inappropriate purchases, fight the urge to veto their spending decisions.

Giving We all want our children to grow up to be responsible members of the community. You can help start them along that path by insisting they set aside a portion of their money to a worthwhile cause. Discuss various options with your children to determine which organizations they want to support.

Borrowing If your tween or teen asks to borrow

money, you may or may not want to help them out. But before you do, explain the importance of repaying debts in a timely manner. Establish a reasonable repayment schedule, and stick to it. By teaching your children the importance of borrowing only what they need and repaying their loans as promised, you can help them avoid trouble later on.

Investing Tweens and teens will gain an interest in investing and develop a deeper understanding of how it works if you get them started with some stock of their own. Explain the basics and how to read the stock market reports in the newspaper. Help them choose a company in which they are interested. Once they’ve decided on a stock, have them save for the shares, then use the savings to buy a couple of shares for them to follow. Along the way, explain the many factors that can affect a stock’s success, such as competitiveness of products, changing public tastes, quality of a company’s management, etc.

Mom and Dad, you can help your children, but we’re here to help you. Call us at 713-853-0879, visit our website at www.

HardeeInvestmentGroup.com or listen to Talk 650 AM every Thursday from 11:15 until 11:35 am, where I share my thoughts on “The Price of Business”. Get to know us. We’d like to be part of your financial family.

This article is provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center office, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance.

RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice H

Focused on risks, not retirement?

How about we change all of that.

We are conscientious wealth managers seeking to help you build a long-term foundation for reliable future income, proactively monitoring financial markets to assist in the improvement of your portfolio’s security.

Isn’t it time you thought about something other than your financial situation?

Hardee Investment Group H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM Senior Vice President - Financial Consultant (713) 853-0879 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com Listen Live every Thursday from 11-12 p.m. to“The Price of Business” on CBS Talk Radio 650 AM © 2010 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

10-HC-346_ad 2.indd Advertorial

1

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

22

7/28/10 8:15:28 AM

METHODIST CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES LEADING CARDIAC CARE

Dr. Kesavan Shan is pleased to announce the opening of his new practice, Methodist Cardiology Associates.

Dr. Shan is a long-time Sugar Land cardiologist who is highly respected for his skilled approach to medicine. Dr. Shan uses state-of-the-art technology to identify heart disease at its earliest stages, such as coronary and peripheral angiography, echocardiography, nuclear stress testing, coronary CT angiography, nuclear cardiography, cardiovascular MRI and cardiac catheterization.

• Board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine • Certified in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography • Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building One, Suite 450

Call 281-275-0330 today for an appointment.

Specializing in treating and managing a wide range of heart problems: •Chest Pain •Coronary Artery Disease •Heart Failure •Irregular Heartbeat (arrhythmias) •Heart Valve Disease •Mitral Valve Prolapse •Hypertension

•Cholesterol Management •Preventative Cardiology •Diabetes and Heart Disease •Peripheral Vascular Disease •Carotid Artery Disease •Aortic Aneurysm •Structural Heart Disease

Methodist Cardiology Associates Sugar Land

Medical Office Building One 16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-0330

on

Health

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Are You a Victim of the High Cholesterol Hoax?

H

igh cholesterol is a household word in America. We have been told that it causes heart disease and stroke. We have been told to eat less animal fat. We have been told to eat more carbohydrates and fiber. We have been told that children as young as 2 years old should have their cholesterol checked. We have been marketed to by cereal companies. They tell us to eat whole grain sugar loaded cereals (i.e. Honey Nut Cheerios and Lucky Charms) to lower our cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Drug companies like Merck and Pfizer have told us that we need to take artificial chemicals to lower cholesterol. Our doctors have told us that we should use these medications for the rest of our lives…

Has anyone stopped to ask why? Does it sound reasonable to put an 8 year old on cholesterol medication? It is reasonable to think that a processed cereal with excessive sugar be used as a tool to improve health? Is it reasonable to believe that we need to avoid eggs and animal protein and take a drug to keep the body functioning normally? What did we do before the medicine? Statistically speaking, heart disease and stroke are on the rise in spite of the use of preventative cardiovascular medicines. So the big question is: If taking these medications prevents heart disease, why are people dying from heart disease in record numbers?

Let’s take a look at the scientific facts surrounding this issue: High cholesterol as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease is a disproven theory.

Many medical experts have refuted this hypothesis for years.1-2 Studies using cholesterol medications to lower the risk for heart disease are funded and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Both the editors of the New England Journal of Medicine & Journal of the American Medical Association have admitted that published papers in the two journals are often times fraught with conflicts of interest and that many studies that yield non beneficial drug effects go unreported. Many studies overstate the benefit of medication use by manipulating statistics and reporting relative risk reduction instead of actual risk reduction. For example, a recent study reported a 53% “relative” reduction in heart disease using Crestor, but the actual risk reduction was only 0.9%.

Multiple studies have shown that people with higher cholesterol live longer.5 High cholesterol has not been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease in women, diabetics, coronary heart disease patients, or the elderly.3 As a matter of fact, several studies have shown that higher cholesterol levels in the elderly population is associated with greater longevity and a reduced risk of dying from cancer and infection.4-5 Add the following facts to the above information: Low cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, depression, aggressive and violent behavior, and suppression of immunity.

Risk Vs. Benefit When considering the use of any medication it is important to know what NNT

(numbers needed to treat) means. NNT is a value that rates the efficacy of a medication. The NNT for statin drugs is about 100. This means for one person to receive the benefit of the medication, 100 people have to be taking it. That’s a whopping 1% efficacy value. When you take into account the side effects of cholesterol lowering medications the question becomes: Is it worth it?

How can something responsible for so many critical functions be so bad?

1. Cholesterol is a precursor to all sex steroids (progesterone, testosteron, estrogen).

2. Cholesterol allows your body to make vitamin D (deficiency of vitamin D causes heart disease).

3. Cholesterol allows your body to make Coenzyme Q10 (Deficiency of CoQ10 causes congestive heart failure and high blood pressure).

4. Cholesterol helps fight viral and bacterial infection.

5. Cholesterol is necessary for brain cells to form communication synapses.

Learn how diet and lifestyle are you most important weapons against heart disease. Blind acceptance enslaves us… knowledge paves the way to freedom. www.TownCenterWellness.com H References: (Not all are listed, but they are available by request.)

1. Rosch PJ. Cholesterol does not cause coronary heart disease in contrast to stress. Scand Cardiovasc J. 2008 Aug;42(4):244-9.

2. Ravnskov U, Rosch PJ, Houston MC. Should we lower cholesterol as much as possible? BMJ2006;332:1330-1332.

3. Ravnskov U. Should medical science ignore the past? BMJ 2008;337:a1681.

4. Krumholz HM, et al. JAMA 1994;272(17):1335-1340.

5. Weverling AW, et al. Lancet 1997;18(9085):1119-23.

DID YOU KNOW?

You have one of the country’s most advanced alternative medicine clinics right here in Sugar Land n Dr. Osborne

• Is a Diplomate and the Executive Secretary of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition • Is the only Board Certified Nutritionist in Sugar Land • Is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition • Has held teaching appointments at Texas Women’s University and HCC’s nursing program • Lectures nationally to other physicians on the topic: Drug Induced Nutritional Deficiencies

n Town Center Wellness:

Dr. Peter Osborne

• Offers genetic testing to match your lifestyle and diet to your genes • Offers complete laboratory nutritional analysis to identify vitamin and mineral deficiencies • Offers traditional and specialty lab services to assist in patient diagnosis • Offers state of the art Spinal Decompression therapy to prevent back surgery • Offers genetic and laboratory testing to identify gluten sensitivity • Offers chiropractic care

4724 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 102, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-2229 • www.TownCenterWellness.com Advertorial

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

24

Gorgeous Spring Containers G

ardening in containers can be as simple as filling a pot with a plant and placing it in a desirable spot. There is a good chance that this quick bit of work will produce a spot of color that enhances it’s location. But I look at container gardening as an opportunity to exercise my creativity. When I see an empty pot, I see an art project...an empty canvas waiting for just the right colors and textures to accent a wall, a room or a path along my garden.

Homes these days are full of sharp angles, dramatic entries, hard surfaces surrounding swimming pools and large blank walls. A few well chosen containers can soften the hard edges, frame entries, camouflage what you don’t want to see and add needed height or interest where there in none.

Choose containers that accent your home and that are of appropriate scale for the area in which they will be used. Plants should be chosen that compliment not only the containers color but size as well. Most importantly, all plants placed in a container together should have the same sun, water and care requirements. A singular plant with interesting proportions may be

just right but often mixed containers add interest and drama.

A simple formula for planting mixed containers is to include a “thriller” - a taller and somewhat dramatic specimen, a “filler” - one or several plants that fill in the middle of the container and a “spiller” - a trailing plant that softens of hangs over the edge of the container.

Choosing a color scheme that accents your container is important. Often a monochromatic scheme - all hues of white, all blues, purples or yellows with varying sizes and textures, can be calming and appealing to the eye. A complimentary color scheme is much more daring. These are colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel such as orange and blue, yellow and violet and red and green. Of course, you may choose something in between and create your own work of art. Regardless of the colors chosen, remember to mix the heights, leaf and flower size and texture for interest.

A creative way to expand your container gardening horizons is to include herbs and veggies in your pallet. Bush tomatoes planted with a few herbs and

flowers makes a delightful and dramatic presentation. How about providing the butterflies with a container buffet including a few of their favorite host and nectar plants? Children love these fun and productive ideas. Get them involved.

Here is a list of a few of our favorite container plants but feel free to experiment.

That is how we all learn and have fun!

Thrillers: African Iris, Shooting Star Lilly, Foxtail Ferns, Red Banana, Ti Plant, Variegated Flax, Umbrella Grass, Blue Juncus, Black Taro.

Fillers: Begonias, Impatiens, Alternatheras, Coleus, Geraniums, Fiber Optic Grass, Crown of Thorns, Zinnias, Pentas, Diamond Frost, Succulents, Vinca, Caladiums.

Spillers: Creeping Jenny, Silver Falls Dichondra, Bacon, Potato Vine, Calibrachoa, Chenille Plant, English Ivy, Trailing Sedums, Mediterranean Vinca. H

Cultivate Life's Simple Pleasures.....Discover Nature's Beauty Enchanted Forest 10611 FM 2759 Richmond, TX 77469 281-937-9449

Enchanted Gardens 6420 FM 359 Richmond, TX 77406 281-341-1206

Enchanted Landscapes 10611 FM 2759 Richmond, TX 77469 281-937-0646

www.myenchanted.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

25

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

Caring for the Community Colorectal cancer showing up in increasingly younger patients Emphasizes importance of proper screening

C

indy was just 29 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer.

The news came on the second birthday of her youngest daughter.

Although typically associated with older adults, colorectal cancer is being reported in steadily increasing numbers of adults younger than 50, according to the National Cancer Institute.

When cancer affects either the colon or the rectum, it is often referred to as colorectal cancer.

In Cindy’s case, severe abdominal pain alerted her that something was awry. She did not experience rectal bleeding or blood in her stools.

“Only about 30 percent of patients report seeing blood,” said D. Lee Howell Jr., M.D., a fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. “That D. Lee Howell Jr., M.D. low percentage makes screening that much more important.”

The key is finding tumors in their earliest stages when they’re most treatable and survival rates are high. That was certainly the case for Cindy, who is now cancer free.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer are tricky because they can signal other conditions.

“The No. 1 symptom that should never be ignored is rectal bleeding,” stressed Dr. Howell.

He added that sudden diarrhea or constipation that lasts for one to two weeks is reason to seek medical attention. In addition to abdominal pain, other symptoms include unexplained Advertorial

weight loss, constant fatigue, narrower than usual stools and a feeling that your bowel does not completely empty.

Various tests are used to diagnose colorectal cancer. The gold standard is the colonoscopy. It is performed under anesthesia on an outpatient basis. In this procedure, the physician inserts a flexible tube, equipped with a small camera, through the rectum and into the colon.

The procedure is 90 to 95 percent successful in finding cancers or polyps in the colon.

Dr. Howell feels people are sometimes hesitant to undergo a colonoscopy because there is a stigma associated with the colon. However, he thinks that’s shortsighted considering the ramifications of finding advanced-stage colorectal cancer.

“Most tumors present at age 50 to 60, but we think the polyps develop about 10 years earlier,” said Dr. Howell, who practices with the Colon & Rectal Clinic of Houston.

Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines recommend the first colonoscopy at age 50. For African-Americans the first screening should be at age 45.

Those with a family history of the disease fort bend

magazine • April 2011

26

should be screened 10 years prior to the age at which their family member was diagnosed. The results of the initial screening determine the frequency of future screenings.

With the downward trend in the age of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Dr. Howell expects revised guidelines in the future to lower the age of the first colonoscopy by five years. Even if someone is past the age for the recommended screening, he says it’s never too late to be screened.

As for virtual colonoscopy, although he says it’s better than nothing, Dr. Howell advises caution. In this procedure, patients have a rubber tube inserted into the rectum without the benefit of anesthesia. Additionally, the test is not as effective at finding flat polyps and it doesn’t provide the benefit of removing polyps for biopsy as is done in a regular colonoscopy.

For a physician referral to discuss a colonoscopy, please call 713.222.CARE (2273). H

Mimosas, Massages & Mammograms Saturday, May 7 Noon – 2 p.m.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital 17500 W. Grand Parkway South Tour our newly remodeled imaging center and enjoy mimosas and massages at this open house. Ask one of our licensed breast radiologists about mammograms.

Free gift to the first 75 ladies.

Helping you look AND feel your best.

That’s what we do.

We are committed to helping our clients achieve optimal health and a natural, more youthful look using a holistic approach to health care and medically safe aesthetics procedures. Our physician and staff are regularly incorporating the latest medically safe treatments and procedures into our services.

If you are committed to feeling and looking your best, then we are here to help you. Call us today to find out how you can start living a healthy life with our wellness programs and looking your best with our aesthetic procedures.

Spring Special

Cara Cansler Paintings

for New Clients Only (minimum purchase 20 units)

caracansler.30art.com

Offers valid until 04/30/2011.

Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.

713-791-3200

Check out our other specials on our website at www.javanimedspa.com.

Botox® $11/unit

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

27

Dr. Afreen Pappa Houston Top Doc 2009

Call us TODAY for a Consultation.

281.491.1151

3527 Highway 6, Suite 250 Sugar Land, TX 77478 E-mail: info@javanimedspa.com

www.javanimedspa.com

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

11th Annual Literacy Council Book & Author Dinner Sunday, February 13, 2011 • Stafford Centre

Amy Mitchell, Jake Messinger & Zeenat Mitha

Jim & Mary Rice

Gaye & James Thompson

Peter & Mary Jackson

Kay & Jim Hudnall

Jim & Becky Pruett with Mick Klein, Ginnie Nixon & Allan Mak

David & Claudia Vasquez

Nancy & David Goralski

Sonal & Subodh Bhuchar

Janet & Ray Meyer

Robert & Julie Wolter

Anjie & John Pfeiffer

Bill Hickl, Maria Hernandez & Hoan Mai

Gena Horak & Brenda Bowman

Heather & Trey Reichert

Brigit Engleman & Cassandra King

Jonita & Ron Reynolds

Minerva Perez & Jan Bethancourt

Michelle & Bill Hickl

Sharon Hymes, Michael Schiff & Susan Baker

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

28

Let Us Make You Bloom this Spring!

• • • •

Hair Nails Skin Care Massage

• Full Body Hair Removal • Body Treatments • Specializing in Color Correction

281.980.5160 15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. G • Sugar Land, TX 77478 (Between Williams Trace & Hwy 6)

www.Salonebendayspa.com

Celebrating 22 Years in Sugar Land An

• Creative Design

•

Stone Work

•

Waterscapes

•

Concept Salon & Day Spa Since 1989

Illumination

•

Arbors & Gazebos

•

Pavers

•

Your home in a completely new light with new gardens from Garden Guy, Inc. www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

29

TAT

DE S

EN

PE

A

Sabrina & Todd Farber

“People are more important than plants—relationships and family are far more important to me than weeding, trimming, coddling finicky plants...”

Twenty-years of successful plant selection and installation and a Texas A & M Horticulture degree equal MORE TIME for what’s most important—people!

“And just when you thought customer service has long disappeared, Todd and Sabrina Farber, Garden Guy, Inc., restore your faith in customer service.

Every detail fine-tuned and every question answered”— L. Royer, Client, Sugar Land Garden Guy knows what’s important... 20 years in the same business, 15 years of marriage to one woman, 5 children.

SC

“I love colorful flowers & lush landscaping, but I don’t have a lot of time...”

Garden Guy installs lowmaintenance, drought-tolerant plants that GROW more beautiful with time.

My Life

L A ND

My Garden

IO N

t...

M y h o m e i n a c o mp l e t el y n ew l i g h My Garden Guy IG N & I M P L

EM

Contact Us

281• 208 • 4400 www.garden-guy.com

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

Exchange Club of Sugar Land

Spaghetti Cook Off Friday, February 18, 2011 • Fluor Daniel

Arlene Rolsen, Bridget Yeung, Mary Hartzell, Paula Auburg & Karen Crawford

Greg Oelfke & Shirley Brown

Mary & Jack Williams

Pat Welsh, Dave Kiger & Brenda Robinson

Exchange Club Celebrates 100 Years

Jake Messinger & Amy Mitchell

Don Burns & Ray Walthen

Lauren La Rue, John & Karina Kilboy

Laura, Trey, Katie & Maggie Richard

Pete Beausoleil & Carl Accardo

Jim Hudnell & Jim Richard

Linda Schoonemaker & Johanna Cooper

John Robson & Ray Aguilar

Brian Barnes & Cindy Deis

Tony Moussavi, Rick & Brandon Staigle, Brian & Jason Swinney

Eric Robins, Gladys Brumfield & James Murray

Kevin Barker & Kevin Anderson

Doug Earle & Harish Jajoo

Chris Connolly & Jim Lockwood

Larry Street & Keri Schmidt

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

30

Got Bags?

Before

Call About Our Spring Makeover Offers

BROW & EYELID LIFT

Before

LOWER EYELID LIFT

After

After

Free Consultations* • Concierge Care • Surgical Excellence • Beautiful Results

Timeless Plastic Surgery

Center of Excellence for Cosmetic Surgery 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy., Ste. 300 •Sugar Land, TX 77478 Next to St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital

PETER CHANG M.D.

281-242-TIME (8463) • www.TimelessPlasticSurgery.com

Did You Know?

Fort Bend Focus is now on Facebook.

Your #1 Source for Community News & Events, Exclusive Savings, Giveaways and More from Fort Bend’s #1 Read Magazine.

“Like” Us Today!

www.facebook.com/fortbendfocus www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

31

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

Lamar Educational Awards Foundation

Men Who Cook 2011 Saturday, February 19, 2011 • Safari Texas Ranch

Dana Duke, Jimmy Cantu, Pam Dostal & Richard O. Hunton, Jr.

Lindsey & May W. Tape

Alicia Casias, Jan & Ryan Russell with Mary Doetterl & James Duke

Lonnie Meadows, Lamar Meadows, Joe Gurecky & Lila Smith

Sharon Valiante, Earline Okruhlik, Chef Ken & Debi Clarke

Terri Stuart, Mirjam Bruwer & Jess Stuart

Cindy Sutton with Richard & Karen McCarter

Tim Kaminski, Janice Knight, Thomas Randle & Michael Amaro

Joe & Doris Gurecky with John & Cindy Zerwas

Shannon Hood, Diane Parks, Randy Kaiser & Elizabeth Duff Drozd

Pete Olson with Richard & Allyson Morrison

Seanette Meserole, Dori & Scott Pruzan with Larry & Lucia Street fort bend

magazine • April 2011

32

H TE 4T VO Y 1 A M

Experienced. Conservative. Ready

READY TO LEAD SUGAR LAND TO PRESERVE, TO PROTECT

OUR QUALITY OF LIFE

• Current Director Fort Bend LID #15 • Past Chairman Chamber of Commerce • Former Member Missouri City Council

Jeff Council, Bud & Lila Smith, Ann Council

Paid for by Frank Yonish Campaign, William Rohrbach, Treasurer, 3806 Hogan Ct., Sugar Land, Texas

A Service Standard That is Anything But Standard Gilbert Limones, Vincent Morales & Eloise Lucas

Bill Dostal & Iris Meyer

That’s what you can expect when you’re a Bank of Texas client. Although we have the resources of a multi-billion dollar financial services company, we are still known for the personal, responsive service we deliver to our clients.

Our business philosophy is simple: We believe in taking great care of our clients. We value your time.

We value your privacy. We value your business.

We’re responsive at every stage in the banking relationship. We are honored to have you as a client.

Frank Yonish

Chairman of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County 713-578-3556

Learn more about Bank of Texas and the complete array of sophisticated Financial services and creative financing solutions by contacting:

LOCATIONS: Sugar Land Office 15245 Southwest Freeway 281-693-8755

Sweetwater Kroger 4825 Sweetwater Blvd.

281-693-8750

First Colony Kroger 3665 Highway 6 281-693-8764

Jill Duban & Natalie Crump

www.bankoftexas.com | Member FDIC | Equal Opportunity Lender

G.E.C. Contracting Renovation and New Construction Specialist Evelyn Kassey & Callie Befeld

FREE Estimates

832-439-1770 • Let us provide you with a free estimate.

• We work within your budget.

• We are a Fort Bend County Resident.

www.geccontracting.com Liz & Dan Moreno

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

33

Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

American Heart Association ~ Fort Bend County

2011 Wine and Cheese Celebration Friday, February 25, 2011 • Safari Texas Ranch

Marian & Milton Wright

Joanne Anderson, Jerry Styner, Cynthia Bass & Barbara Bleil

Ann & Jeff Council

Linda & John Hancock

Becky Covell & Alice Weir

Richard & Pam McCarter

Martin & Pamela Pate

Sue & Tim McCarty

Sandy Scott & Sammie Wright

Terri & Glenn Grimes

James & Betty Thiele

Charlie & Lin Wicke

Elyce Kahn & Martin Weir

Joe & Shirley Bonham

Donna Kay Tucker with Lee & Jan Leaman

Giselle & Cole Brawley

Jamie Roberts with Joyce & Sam Steffee

Wanda & Andy Andrews

Jessica Kij & Pete Olson

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

34

FORT BEND

HEADLINERS Send your news via www.FortBendFocus. com. Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

Brand Name Medical Uniforms.

Quality You Can Trust.

Kicking off Richmond Rotary’s 12th Annual Fish Fry are members Derek Finley, Cherie Vasquez, Bob Sunday, Elizabeth Duff Drozd, Jim Richard, Liz Moreno, Harold Mathis, Evelyn Eiche, Stephen Doggett, John Cotterell, Carol Whileyman, Kenny Waters, Steve Onstad, Brian Knipling, Tom Crayton, Dr. Gary Finch, and Gary Gillen.

Richmond Rotary’s Annual Fish Fry Slated for Saturday, April 2 The 12th Annual Richmond Rotary Club “Cowboys in the Caribbean Fish Fry” is set for Saturday, April 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The George Ranch Historical Park. Enjoy a funfilled family atmosphere with live entertainment, a children’s activity center and live and silent auctions.

While listening to local musical talent, Tom Kilber & Crew will be serving their famous catfish, along with all the trimmings including hush puppies, green beans, coleslaw and fries.

The children’s activity center will be chaperoned by members of Rotary’s Interact Clubs. Foster and Lamar High School Interact students have tons of activities planned for the kids. A special appearance by Andy, the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse, will be on site for picture taking opportunities.

Adults can spend time roaming through the 100 plus silent auction items. One of this year’s popular items includes a U.S. flag donated by Congressman Pete Olson to be flown at a date of your request at the U.S. Capitol.

Continued on page 37

SUGAR LAND

NOW OPEN New Convenient Location

Iguana Med • Koi • Prestige Medical • NrG • Jockey • Barco Meta • Grey’s Anatomy • Crocs • Fundamentals • White Swan Fusion • Nurse Mates • Med Couture • Peaches • • • • •

16126 SW Freeway, Suite 160 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Full Line of Scrubs Medical Accessories Nursing Shoes Lab Coats Custom Embroidery

281.277.2111

www.sugarlanduniforms.com

for

ote for the Community Leader and Public Servant • • • • • • • •

Twenty-five year resident of Sugar Land.

Sugar Land Planning & Zoning Commission Member since 2008.

Sugar Land Zoning Board of Adjustment Member from 2005 – 2008.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Chair for Infrastructure Planning Division.

Board Member and past Secretary of the Sugar Land Exchange Club and Member since 1994.

Co-Chair of the Spaghetti Cook-Off Fundraiser in 2010 and 2011.

Life Member/Immediate Past Chairman of the Board - Indo-American Forum of Fort Bend.

Volunteer for the Chinmaya Mission Houston since 1994.

“Harish Jajoo has the experience and the personality to represent Sugar Land effectively from day one. He is the best candidate to continue the work for our City and to represent the residents of District 4. I ask that you join me in supporting Harish’s candidacy for City Council.”

ote for Harish Jajoo

Michael S. Schiff Councilman District 4 City of Sugar Land

www.harishjajoo.com • 832.338.3202 • harish@harishjajoo.com Early Voting

Mon., May 2 – Tues., May 10, 2011

Election Day

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Political Av. Paid for by Harish Jajoo Campaign, Kolbe Curtice, Treasurer, 15999 City Walk #250, Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

35

Aging Population Means Stroke Numbers Could Rise Rehabilitation Is Key In Recovery

A

s Stroke Awareness Month approaches, the following numbers shed light on the potential exponential growth of Stroke sufferers and survivors.

• According to the U.S. Census the older population will burgeon between the years 2010 and 2030 as the “baby boom” generation reaches age 65.

• At the same time, one of the most frequently occurring conditions in older persons happens to be hypertension (41 percent), a leading indicator for Stroke.

• Family members need to know not only the warning signs of stroke, but the recovery options as well.

For Stroke Survivors, HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital offers a unique combination of both traditional and technological therapeutic advances to provide individualized stroke recovery plans based on specific patient needs.

Family members and caregivers should do their own research and ask the following questions when looking at rehabilitation options following stroke: • Does the organization use a “team approach” as the model for rehabilitation?

• Is there a rehabilitation specialist leading the team?

• Are educational groups and seminars provided?

• How accessible is staff?

• How many hours of therapy are provided each day?

• How many patients return home instead of going to nursing homes?

• How often does the doctor visit patients?

• What is the average length of stay?

• Is there a case manager who works with the family?

• Are there programs that concentrate on activities of daily living?

• What about vocational training?

• How extensive is your cognitive rehabilitation program?

At HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital we provide an average of 3-5 hours of therapy a day, five to six days a week depending on the patient’s level. We use a team approach and have a physician on site that makes daily rounds. Our average length of stay for a stroke patient is 14 days with over 90% of patients being discharged to home.

In addition, we offer new technologyfort bend

magazine • April 2011

36

based therapy utilizing specialized computer equipment like the auto ambulator, and upper extremity therapy interventions like the bioness, dynamic wrist hand splinting stations and gait assessment training systems.

While the incidents of stroke may be on the rise, HealthSouth is working hard to make sure those who experience a stroke get the therapy they need to return home and maintain an independent lifestyle.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sugar Land is a 50 (private) bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital that provides a higher level of rehabilitative care to patients who are recovering from stroke and other neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injury, amputations, orthopedic, cardiac and pulmonary conditions. Accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital is located at 1325 Highway 6 (next to Lifetime Fitness) and can be found on the Web at www.healthsouthsugarland.com.

HealthSouth is the nation’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitative healthcare services. Operating in 26 states across the country and in Puerto Rico, HealthSouth serves patients through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation satellites, and home health agencies. HealthSouth strives to be the nation’s preeminent provider of inpatient rehabilitative healthcare services and can be found on the Web at www. healthsouth.com. H

Continued from page 35

2011 Mad Hatter Fashion Show models. First row (l-r): Kathy Wallace, Terri Wang-Event Chair, Jacquie Chaumette-Honorary Chair, Kay Beard, Juliana Ewer, Donna Tyler-Murray. Back row: Dr. Shelena Lalji, Chris Breaux, Dorris Irving-Fashion Show Manager, Kevin Patton, Lori Shirley, KK West, Scott West, Cindy Cheng, Katharine Hunton, Richard Hunton, Debbie Marcell.

Stroke Warning Signs: Three-Step Stroke Screening 1. Look for Facial Asymmetry: Ask the person to smile and look for unevenness in features – a facial “droop” or a lopsided smile – indicating weakness on one side of the body.

Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show Set for Friday, April 29, 2011 Ticket sales are well underway for the 4th Annual Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show – “A Royal Engagement”. Keynote Speaker Bill Stubbs, Moment of Luxury host, Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers & Architects and published author, and emcee Daniella Guzman will highlight the luncheon scheduled for Friday, April 29, 2011, at the Stafford Center. The event will be held from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm and will benefit Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. Stubbs will be introduced by Jim “Mattress Mac” McIngvale of Gallery Furniture.

Twenty-four “local celebrity” models will take the runway in spring fashions provided by Cache, Wardrobe The Boutique and Jos. A. Bank and hair and makeup is provided by Salon Eben & Day Spa. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the following levels: Mad Hatter (Title Sponsor) - $10,000; Eugenie Hatter - $5,000; Sunbonnet Hatter - $2,500; and Derby Hatter - $1,000; Individual tickets are available for $60. Tea Party Tables for vendors are available for $200. Additional details for sponsors and registration can be found at www.fortbendseniors.org.

To sponsor, decorate a table or attend this “hats-on” event, contact Kristin Weiss, Director of Development, at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, at 281633-7057 or kweiss@fortbendseniors.org.

2. Look for Arm Drift: Have the person raise both arms straight out in front of them and look for one arm to drift down indicating a weakness on that side of the body.

3. Listen to Speech: Ask the person to repeat something like, “The grass is green.” Look for slurred, garbled or absent speech or confusion.

Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms. Remember: If one of these three is happening, there is a 60% chance that a stroke has occurred.

Fort Bend County’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital A HigHer LeveL of CAre

281 276-7574 | healthsouth.com 57900

©2011 HealthSouth Corporation: 455459

NEW SERVICE!

Continued on page 40

CELLULITE REDUCTION TONE & TIGHTEN SKIN

Certified Xtreme Lashes and NOVA Lash Professional • Specializing in one by one www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

37

Rhonda Morrison finishing off Bayou City Chili for 100 people with the oar her grandfather gave her in the Goody Girls tent.

Rhonda with her winning trophy.

Cooking for the Diamond L Roping and Riding Club of the Southwest Trail Riders Association.

It’s Good Chili, Y’all!

By Linda K. Eaves

O

n February 4th, while most Fort Benders were hunkered down in their homes when a rare ice storm occurred, Richmond’s Rhonda Morrison was in New York on the Today show competing in their first Homemade Chili Cook-Off. Her Bayou City Chili recipe won out over a thousand entries nationwide. “I’m completely flattered!” she said.

Food Network’s Sunny Anderson and Travel Channel’s Man v. Food Adam Richman judged the recipes. They chose Rhonda’s tasty concoction over two finalists – a hog caller from Iowa who uses Granny Smith apples and Vermont maple syrup in his recipe and a contestant from Pennsylvania who uses oyster sauce, chicken and turkey in his hearthealthy recipe.

In her blog, Sunny Anderson said, “. . . I think Rhonda’s won because it was so unexpectedly powerful with flavor. Both Adam and I were blown away by it instantly. There were big chunks of tender beef, and the spice level was so that it was just hot enough to make you want more.”

Rhonda created the Bayou City Chili recipe in November when she wanted to win free tickets to the Texans’ game. She entered their chili cook-off and won. A girlfriend convinced her to enter the Today show’s Homemade Chili Cook-Off. Her recipe is a traditional Texas recipe but with her added twist. She uses Bud Light Golden Wheat fort bend

magazine • April 2011

38

BAYOU CITY CHILI

By Rhonda Morrison Ingredients 3 – 4 lb. Texas Angus boneless rib roast trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes 2 tbsp. vegetable shortening 1/3 c. chili powder 2 medium yellow onions diced 1 tsp. cumin 5 medium jalapenos seeded and diced 1-1/2 tsp. cayenne 1/3 cup corn starch, separated 1/2 tbsp. dried oregano 2 tbsp. kosher salt 2 beef bouillon cubes 1 tbsp. black pepper 2 c. Bud Light Golden Wheat, separated 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder 3 – 4 c. hot water 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 2 large poblano peppers, seeded and coarsely diced

Coat your Texas beef in 2 tbsp. corn starch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder and toss well.

which has a citrusy sweet taste and coriander that balances the heat from the jalapeño and pablano peppers. “It gives a savory flavor to the chili and complements the chili powder, oregano and cumin.” She also uses a Texas Angus boneless rib roast because “it has a great marble of fat which absorbs the fabulous spices.”

Ironically, the Today show aired nationwide except for the Houston area due to the ice storm. “My flight home got cancelled, so I stayed a couple of days. My best

Rhonda with The Cajun Cowboys from Greatwood who came in 4th in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Cook-Off and received the Best Booth award.

Brown your seasoned Texas beef in the shortening on high heat in a big ol’ pot.

friend flew to New York; Saturday was our Girls’ Day. We had a great time.” While in New York, Rhonda toured Rockefeller Center, went shopping at the Juicy Couture store and saw Billy Elliot.

Since her return, she has cooked for the Diamond L Roping and Riding Club and has been a celebrity judge for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off and the Fort Bend Toyota Chili Championship Cook-Off. She’s presently organizing her cook-off team, The Bayou Babes. They will appear on April 16th when they compete against 200 cooks in the Texas Ladies Chili Championship in Seguin. She also has a speaking engagement with the Fort Bend Exchange Club.

In the future, Rhonda would like to write a cookbook using recipes she’s created using a blend of Texas and Cajun Louisiana flavors. “My dream is to have my own TV cooking show to empower people to get in the kitchen and make it a fun, festive place!”

For more information, about Rhonda or The Bayou Babes, visit www. rhondamorrison.tv. H

Lower the heat to medium high and add onions and jalapeños stirring until onions are clear. Add 1 ½ cups beer, bouillon cubes, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and oregano. Stir all that up and add water until your meat is covered.

Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and put a lid on it for 1 ½ hours.

Stir occasionally, y’all.

Add poblanos, stir, and put the lid back on and simmer for 15 minutes more to get that chunky, smoky, south-of-theborder goodness!

Make a slurry by whisking together the remaining ½ cup beer and 4 tbsp. corn starch. Add crushed tomatoes and slurry. Stir again, and simmer for the last 30 minutes.

Serve with sweet cornbread or over rice, the Cajun way. Top with fresh shredded sharp cheddar cheese, fresh sliced jalapenos, thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and/or salsa. Or, you can eat this Bayou City Chili bare!

Frank Lee, OD Mary Ghoubrial, OD, and Uyen Tran, OD

Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists 8817 Hwy 6 Ste 100, Missouri City, TX 77459

281-242-2020

281-416-2010

www.2020sugarland.com

www.todaysvision.com

.com • April 2011

Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists 15337 Southwest Frwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77478 Williams Trace @ Hwy 59

Sienna Parkway @ Hwy 6

www.fortbend

Thomas P. Arnold, OD Melissa C. Moeller, OD and Associates

39

Continued from page 37

Please join Brenda Bowman, Executive Director of the Literacy Council, as Tinkerbell, Ryan B. Taylor, Event Co-Chair, as Captain Hook and Heather Reichert, Event Co-Chair, as Peter Pan for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend’s 21st Annual “Wine & Music” event on May 21st at the Stafford Centre.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Presents the 21st Annual “Wine & Music” Event – Journey to Neverland Journey with us to Neverland, a place of whimsical mystery, inspired imagination and “happy thoughts,” as the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County celebrates its 21st Annual “Wine & Music” event. Our journey will take us to the Stafford Centre on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. as we battle Captain Hook to end illiteracy in our community.

The night’s journey will begin with a trip around Neverland to discover its array of delicious food and wine pairings. Local restaurants and wine distributors will be serving tasty delicacies. Next, follow the Lost Boys to our silent auction filled with items galore.

During your journey, take a break for our live auction, but beware of Captain Hook lurking in the Neverwoods!

Throughout the night, in the heart of Neverland, Pixie Hollow is the place to dance the night away with our rockin’ band, BackBeat. Finally, let Wendy lead you to our Library Cellar, where you are sure to leave with a lovely bottle of wine to enjoy with a best-selling novel. What an adventure awaits you in Neverland!

Extreme camping Campsites you won’t have to fight for.

Learn to fly.

Anson Aviation

Your aviation center for personal and business flying.

Sugar Land Regional Airport www.ansonair.com • 281-242-2555 fort bend

magazine • April 2011

40

Planning the Journey to Neverland are our fearless Co-Chairs, Heather Reichert and Ryan B. Taylor. “Our 21st annual “Wine & Music” is sure to be the best yet,” said Brenda Bowman, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. “Through the success of our events, we have been able to train over 2,600 tutors and serve over 22,000 adults who would not have had the opportunity to become better individuals, parents or skilled workers without the support of our community.

With your help, we can continue the life-changing work that the Literacy Council provides to our community.”

Sponsorships are currently available for the 21st annual event, and they range in price from $7,500 to $650.

Sponsorship opportunities include program recognition, tickets to the event and recognition in media materials.

Please plan on joining us for a fairy-tale evening full of faith, trust and a little pixie dust. Tickets for the event are $75 per person, and they can be purchased by contacting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281.240.8181.

For more information about “Wine & Music” 2011 – Journey to Neverland or the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, please contact the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281.240.8181 or www.ftbendliteracy.org.

About the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Since 1987, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County has been Changing Lives Through Literacy. The mission of the Literacy Council is to end intergenerational cycles of illiteracy by improving adult literacy skills and generate community-wide literacy awareness.

The Literacy Council provides several programs for its students: Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, GED Preparation, U.S. Citizenship Preparation, Computer Skills and Job Readiness Skills.

Accessorize for Less!

Why Drive to Harwin?

Hats Handbags Silicon Bras Costume Jewelry Wedding Accessories Trendy Accessories And Much More!

L&M Trading, Co. 6302 Hwy 6 South, Ste. M Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-0936

Continued on page 43

Mon-Sat 10am - 7pm

3291 E. Broadway St. Pearland, TX 77581 281-485-4552 Mon-Sat 10am - 7pm

www.lmtradingus.com • Retail/Wholesales Welcome (Tax I.D. Required) www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

41

5 OFF

Bring This Coupon And We Will Take

$

Purchase of $30 Or More

Not Available for Wholesale.

1 Coupon Per Customer.

Not combined with any other offers. Exp. 4/30/11

FORT BEND

Focus CareS Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers Salute Therese Flaherty How does one define a great volunteer? When describing Therese Flaherty, the following words come to mind: dedicated, compassionate, caring, and hard-working.

Sugar Land resident Flaherty joined Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers, Southwest (VIC-SW), an organization that serves the elderly in the southwest Houston area, as a volunteer in January 2010. In the last year, she has logged an impressive 105 volunteer hours and 1,180 volunteer miles on behalf of VICSW. Flaherty began volunteering with VIC-SW as a way to keep busy while she took a break from work and underwent treatment for breast cancer. While she battled her own serious health issues, Flaherty searched for something worthwhile and meaningful to fill her time.

She found that avenue through VIC-SW. VIC-SW’s most popular service request is for transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other life-sustaining destinations. Flaherty has been a blessing to area seniors by providing rides to folks who can no lon-

Therese Flaherty

“Therese is a wonderful person. She is so full of kindness and loveliness.

She is a beautiful person.” ger drive. “I get immense personal satisfaction when I know I have helped someone,” states Flaherty. To illustrate her point, she adds, “One of my regular carereceivers, ‘Mrs. P.’, is always in a cheer-

Varicose And Spider Veins Solved!

- A new breakthrough approach -

The Hamilton Vein Center offers the revolutionary VNUS Closure™ procedure.

Finally, a fast and virtually pain free in-office solution that requires no

downtime and delivers instant relief from the symptoms caused by damaged veins.

• • • • • • • •

Leg Pain And Heaviness Gone Immediately.

Walk-In, Walk-out. No Downtime.

Gentle Procedure, Virtually Pain Free.

Actual Procedure Takes Only 15 Minutes.

Appropriate For All Vein Sizes.

Hard to Heal Surface Ulcers Resolved.

Convenient Sugar Land Location.

Covered By Medicare And Private Insurance. fort bend

Complimentary Consultation!

281.565.0033

H a m i l t o n Ve i n . c o m

magazine • April 2011

42

ful mood no matter what her health issues are. She always asks for an update about what’s up in my life and always tells me that she loves me. What an awesome way for her to say ‘thank you’!”

Those who have benefitted from Flaherty’s volunteerism with VIC-SW have been quick to sing her praises. As one care receiver states, “Therese is a wonderful person. She is so full of kindness and loveliness. She is a beautiful person.”

Now that she has survived cancer, Flaherty is ready to reenter her chosen field of Human Resources and Benefits, but she intends to continue helping area seniors remain independent while also volunteering with the American Cancer Society and teaching ESL through St. Laurence Catholic Church.

To volunteer for Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers, or for more information on its programs, call 713-772-8181 or visit www.vic-sw.org. For other volunteer opportunities throughout Fort Bend County contact, Volunteer Fort Bend 281-340-1919 or online at www.

VolunteerFortBend.org. H

photos: roy kasmir & studio 979

Continued from page 41

Don Kerstetter with Classic Chevrolet, Bruce Gingrich with Lifechek Drugs, Cheryl Howard with Richmond Bone & Joint and Jill Curtis with Fort Bend Cares. Photo by Mary Favre and Brenda Perry.

April Golf Tournament Benefits Local Charities Golfers are invited to play in the Fort Bend Cares Golf Tournament Monday, April 11, at Sweetwater Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament will fund local charities that serve disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. Golfers can register online at www.FortBendCares.org or by calling Jill Curtis at 832-392-1983.

The foursome entry fee of $1,000 is a donation to Fort Bend Cares and entitles the group to lunch, golf and cart fees, beverages, dinner and an awards reception after the tournament. Sponsorships are available at several levels.

Current sponsors include Lifechek Drugs and Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic. Classic Chevrolet will give a new Camaro or Equinox to the first golfer to hit a hole in one on the Chevysponsored par 3 hole.

Fort Bend Cares is a charitable foundation founded in 2004 by longtime residents of Fort Bend County who recognized the growing needs of disadvantaged area youth. The foundation gives monetary grants to nonprofit organizations that support children’s and youths’ physical, health, educational, recreational and emotional needs. Since its inception, Fort Bend Cares has bestowed grants totaling more than $570,000.

Experience a peaceful country setting like no other at the George Ranch Historical Park. With several historic venues and countless custom package offerings, the possibilities are as wide as the blue Texas sky. www.georgeranch.org/rentals 10215 FM 762 in Richmond (281) 343-0218 • events@georgeranch.org Mention this ad to receive 10% off facilities when you book your wedding by April 30, 2011!

ABS Improvements

Custom Interior & Exterior Painting Over 17 Years in Business in Fort Bend

Wood Replacements Hardie Siding Jobs • Stucco Painting All Specialty Finishes, Textures & Stains Free Estimates

Residential &Commercial 281.265.3924

www.absimprove.com

Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards

Owner Mitchell Alison, Fort Bend County Resident Member of Sugar Land Rotary for 15 years

Continued on page 46 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

43

The Stars Shine in Sienna Plantation: The ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars Debuts April 1st – 17th

Sienna Plantation’s ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars rustic, Hill-Country themed home will be open for touring April 1st through April 17th.

T

ake a rustic, Hill Countrythemed million dollar home, add state-of-the-art technology, fine art and a renowned custom builder plus twenty professional interior designers, and what do you get? An exquisite, oneof-a-kind, must-see show home, or as Sienna Plantation, Fort Bend’s premiere Master-Planned Community by Johnson Development, calls it – the ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars.

The extraordinary project, the ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars, selected Sienna Plantation’s exclusive The Sanctuary at Water’s Lake, a gated community featuring only 12 home sites on half-acre properties. “Being selected as the site for the ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars project is an extraordinary opportunity,” said Susie Goff, Marketing Director for Sienna Plantation. “The project truly showcases the best of the best with every room being an adventure, which compliments perfectly the quality lifestyle that we have created in Sienna Plantation.”

The Home Team The 5,944 square foot home, listed for $1,350,000, was built by Regan Custom Homes, a custom homebuilder who has built in the greater Houston area for over 15 years. “The extraordinary quality associated with ASID’s showcase homes is well-known to both home buyers and the custom homebuilding industry,” Shawn Regan, CEO of Regan Custom Homes.

“Being selected to be part of the ASID team is a privilege, and we are thrilled to have this unique to opportunity to exhibit our excellence and abilities in custom homebuilding to help create a truly remarkable showcase home.”

Debuting April 1st and open through April 17th for tours, the Hill Country inspired home was custom designed by professional ASID interiors designers – twenty, in fact. These designers, recruited

by ASID, are the best of the best and they have pulled out all of the stops to create a unique, show stopper for this year’s showcase home. The house has been divided into twenty areas and each designer has been designated an area to showcase their

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

44

talents. Though the designers are working with one central theme – the Hill Country – each designer has put their own personal touch to create a home that is beautiful, multi-functional and contains the latest technology.

State-of-the-Art Technology The ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars project has been a sixteen-month labor of love that has continually developed with the homebuilder and designers working hand in hand to create both aesthetically pleasing and functional features to create a true million dollar showcase home. And, there is no room where that is more evident than the kitchen! With multiple, high-end amenities featuring everything a cook will need to prepare a gourmet meal effortlessly, the kitchen is the show stopper in this home. Alder wood distressed cabinets custom designed

by Benedettini Cabinets add to the Hill Country feel of the home and the appliances are every chef’s dream: a 60” Pro-Style, Dual-Fuel Gas Range with six dual-stacked sealed burners, dual convection ovens and an infrared griddle/charbroiler, a Wolf Stainless Steel 30” Drawer Microwave Oven, a Sub-Zero 400 Series 27” Wine Storage Refrigerator with a capacity for 78 bottles and a Miele Built-In Coffee Bean System with dual dispensing sprouts, grinder bypass and pre-brew and frothing systems. The island features a Sub Zero icemaker and freezer drawers, and a 36” Sub Zero refrigerator is featured in the kitchen along with a Miele 24” Convection Steam Stainless Steel oven.

Just one of the state-of-the-art design elements and technology included in the home is a custom lighting system by Lutron. Lutron builds a system based on a radio controlled master system that can do everything from turn on your lights and ceiling fans to opening and closing your blinds. And, best of all, the ASID Show Home Designing with the Stars will feature a state-of-the-art Lutron system – the newest element in home safety. In order to create energy efficiency, a better indoor air quality and true temperatures within the home, the air conditioning unit has been upgraded with two speed furnace programmable thermostats complete with humidistats and media filters.

The master suite is a sanctuary fit for a king a queen. With floor to ceiling windows and a private entrance to the veranda, the design is a balance of clean, rustic materials with a twist of modern technology to create a soothing spa experience.

Featuring a DTV® II shower designed to elevate the experience of showering with approachable, intuitive technology, the technology allows the user convenient control of the menu-based navigation system that includes six user presets and integrated controls of KOHLER steam, audio, lighting and chromatherapy. To further enhance the spa-like environment, a water tile ambience rain shower panel adds a dynamic, moving and changing visual dimension to the shower with color sequences in natural themes such as sunrise, sunset, sunny clouds and water reflection. And, with a simple connection from your computer or MP3 player, music selections can be cued to compliment your shower singing. The shower allows for preset steam for preferred temperature and duration for a uniquely personal, spalike experience.

The technology adventure continues in the show home that features a state-ofthe-art theatre with built-in soundboards on all of the walls to enhance the acoustics. Beautiful, custom paneling adorn the walls, along with columns featuring sconces and built-in, custom wood cabinetry to create a plush, theatre-style feel. In addition to the theatre, the house features an adjacent music room. The music room features a cork floor, perfect for sound insulation, and cellulose insulation material to allow for a better energy rating.

Timeless, Traditional an Top-of-the-Line Features The downstairs floor plan of the showcase home includes a bedroom suite built to ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant specifications designed to provide the homeowner with multiple options.

Whether the homeowner is caring for an elderly family member, a small child or an individual with special needs, the bottom floor and one downstairs bedroom and bathroom is ADA accessible and compliant.

To enhance the Hill Country theme of the house, the custom trim inside the

home is detailed and hand-made. There are shiplap ceilings, cedar columns, corbels, and pecan and zebra wood built-ins.

The great room, as well as the adjoining kitchen, feature Alder distressed wood cabinetry that reinforces the Hill Country theme within the home. Finally, slate and stone for the tile selections complete the Hill Country look.

Located on the 18th hole of the Sienna Golf Course, the house features a summer kitchen and outdoor fireplace on an expansive veranda. The veranda features an outdoor living room with a flat screen television, a bar and stainless steel grill. The backyard oasis features a pool by Encore that is 40’ long, contains three sparkling water features flowing from the pool wall and features a sun shelf for sun bathing on those hot, Texas days. The pool deck is made of natural stone and the spa, elevated above the pool level, features hydrotherapy jets. The outside features limestone and a metal roof, and a water feature created for the front porch serves as a serene welcome to guests.

The ASID House Designing with the Stars will be open to the public for touring Saturday, April 1st through Sunday, April 17th, 2011. Proceeds from the tour benefit Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and the ASID Scholarship Fund.

Groups interested in touring the showcase house have an opportunity to purchase tickets that include a private seminar with an ASID designer or industry partner. The cost is $15 per person, and the seminars can be tailored to specific interests including designing for young children or children with special needs, landscaping concepts, lighting and home security, as well as many other topics. Perfect for monthly meetings or even a fundraiser, groups can bring in food and beverages. For more information about group tours and private seminars, contact Kelly Buettner at kellybuettner@ comcast.net.

For more information about the ASID House Designing with the Stars project or to purchase tickets, visit www.siennaplantation.com. H

“A Boutique for the Home”

Full Service Interior Design & Retail Space Jan Barboglio Lafco Candles Virgin Saints & Angels Jewelry GG Collection Antiques

See our work in the ASID Showcase Home downstairs powder bath.

Teena Caldwell Interior Designer, ASID Allied www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

45

281.265.2250 F: 1.877.402.0210

2250 Lone Star Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.twentytwofiftyinteriors.com

Fannin Pediatrics, PA

Continued from page 43

The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer Victoria L. Regan, MD Angela Chia, MD Steve Alley, MD Julia Conlon, MD Christa Filak, MD

UT Physicians Sienna Village

Texas Medical Center

713.486.1200

713.790.9220

8810 Hwy 6, Suite 100 Missouri City, TX 77459

The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer “A Mighty Fortress is our God” is May 5, 2011. Prayer events in Fort Bend include:

Missouri City-City Hall 10:00 am

6400 Fannin, Suite 2110 Houston, TX 77030

Guadalupe

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups.

More pictures at

RioRatonDuplex.com book at

832-788-2294

Sienna Brushy Lake Pavilion

10:00 am

Sugar Land Town Square

12:00 pm

Arcola City Hall

3:00 pm

Katy City Hall

6:00 pm

Fort Bend County Courthouse

7:00 pm

Fulshear City Hal

7:00 pm

Stafford City Hall

7:00 pm

Simonton City Hall TBA

Churches, businesses, schools, and communities observe National Day of Prayer with prayer events. Organize events at your school, church, business and community. Plan to attend events being observed for this year’s National Day of Prayer on May 5, 2011. Contact Fort Bend County Coordinator for 2010 National Day of Prayer Mary Cook at 832-651-7771 or maryhuntcook@comcast.net. For information or to post or search for an event, visit www.ndptf.org.

NEW LOCATION

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

46

Save Lives With The Texas Direct Auto Blood Drive Texas Direct Auto, the nation’s largest independent car dealership, is asking area citizens to donate blood Monday, April 11th, between noon and 6 p.m., at their location in Stafford, Texas. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center mobile unit will be at the dealership located at 12053 Southwest Freeway at West Airport.

“We hope local citizens will donate blood and help save lives in our community,” said Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development for Texas Direct Auto. “One donation may save three lives, such as trauma victims, surgery patients, premature babies and those with anemia and cancer.”

Potential blood donors to the Texas Direct Auto Blood Drive may register at www.giveblood.org, using sponsor code B584, said DeMarr.

More than 900 blood donations are needed every day for patients in the Texas Gulf Coast region - from accident victims to cancer patients to premature babies.

According to The Blood Center, one pint of blood is needed every 1.3 seconds. Blood usage continues to increase each year, while the eligible donor base continues to decrease because of the travel restrictions imposed by the FDA. Texas Direct Auto will provide fun for all. Local radio stations will be broadcasting the event. There will also be lots of prizes and complimentary gifts given out during the day including ‘give a pint and get some pizza’ for those who donate or attempt to donate blood. DeMarr said, ”We are expecting a large turn out from our community to help save a life and have a great time.”

Blood donors for the Texas Direct Auto Blood Drive must be 17 or older (16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (122 lbs. for age 16), in general good health without cold or flu symptoms and show a valid photo ID prior to the donation. Donors that have a history of hepatitis (after age 11); HIV; chronic kidney or coronary heart disease; internal cancer requiring surgery; or uncontrolled diabetes are permanently deferred.

Call 832-310-2088 or visit www.texasdirectauto.com.

Continued on page 65

EYE TRENDS @ Town Square

The Address for Exclusive Eyewear

Dr. George N. Zaibaq & Associates Therapeutic Optometrists and Optometric Glaucoma Specialists

281-265-2000

www.Eyetrendstownsquare.com

16200 City Walk Sugar Land, Texas 77479 We accept most medical & vision insurances

Victor J. Atun, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Cosmetic Surgery

Summer is Just Around the Corner...

Get Ready!!

Face • Botox®, Fillers • Tummy Tuck • Liposuction • Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction • Mommy & Couple Makeovers You’ve waited too long, call for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.

281.232.6700 • www.topsdoc.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

47

17510 W. Grand Parkway S. #500, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Se Habla Español

dly ge Frien

Frid

Display

Community Calendar

Me

April 2011

On Saturday, April 2nd, support the Elkins High School Seniors at the 2011 Prograd Dinner and Style Show. Supporting the 2011 EHS ProGrad Style Show are Zac Brown, Amanda Panozzo, Kameron Klott, Megan O’Malley, Tyler Roberts, Sophie Opperman and Matt Johnson.

1st FRIDAY, 6 – 9 PM CRAZY CHAMELEON FAMILY FUN NIGHT An evening of fun games and activities at Cornerstone Elementary School located at 1800 Chatham Avenue in Sugar Land.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Visit www.cornerstonepta.org.

2nd SATURDAY, 9 – 11 AM SATURDAY WITH THE MASTER GARDENERS Visit our 4 acres of Demonstration Gardens and talk to the volunteers who design and maintain them. Park in front of the Agriculture Center located at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg. Call 281-3417068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

2nd SATURDAY, 6:30 PM CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND MAGIC CARPET GALA At Safari Texas Ranch, the gala provides opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child. Visit www.cafb.org or call 281-344-5108.

3rd SUNDAY, 10 AM – 2 PM FINANCIAL LEARNING Crosspoint Church presents author Joseph Sangl. Free lunch with childcare provided. Get the tools you need to get out of debt and stay there! Visit www.crosspointchurch.tv.

3rd SUNDAY, 6 – 8 PM EMPTY BOWLS 2011 BENEFITTING EAST FORT BEND HUMAN NEEDS MINISTRY The evening will also include live entertainment and auctions. All proceeds will help residents who have nowhere else to turn. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at 435 Stafford Run Rd. in Stafford.

2nd SATURDAY, 10 AM – 4 PM FBJSL’S GLITTER & GLOSS Features pampering, paparazzi, spa parties, shopping and two runway-style fashion shows. Tickets are $12 at the door. Fashion show tickets are $25.

E-mail glitterandgloss@fbjsl.com.

2nd SATURDAY, 6 PM ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL 2011 PROGRAD DINNER & STYLE SHOW An evening of entertainment, dinner, fashion and auctions to support EHS ProGrad. Tickets are $25; full/half tables can also be purchased. Donations are tax deductible. Call 281-437-8991 or e-mail jsherwood@ssafara.net.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Events, schedules and information may change without notice.

Please refer to the event’s contact person or check the event’s website for more information.

On Sunday, April 3rd, support the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry by attending the Empty Bowls 2011.

5th & 12th TUESDAY, 10 AM RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY HISTORY At George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Learn how to use the online genealogy resource, HeritageQuest Online and FamilySearch International Online Genealogy Service.

The programs are free but reservations are required. Call 281-341-2608. fort bend

magazine • April 2011

48

6th, 13th & 20th WEDNESDAY, 6 PM RESEARCH THE RIGHT WAY The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. in Missouri City, will present a series for students to help them learn how to identify authoritative resources from the Internet, access journal articles from the library’s databases and create bibliographies and citations for their research papers.

Reservations required. Call 281-238-2900.

8th FRIDAY, 6:30 – 11 PM TEXANA CENTER’S 2011 REACHING FOR THE STARS GALA Please join us for fabulous food and great entertainment benefitting Texana Center. Held at Safari Texas Ranch.

Visit www.texanacenter.com.

9th SATURDAY, 6:30 PM SOUTHMINSTER SCHOOL’S DENIM & DIAMONDS GALA Enjoy dinner, auction items and dancing.

Visit southminsterschoolgala.org.

10th SUNDAY, 2 PM LIBRARY WEEK KICK OFF Kick off National Library Week with a special performance by the Cradle of Texas Chorus of Sweet Adelines International at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

Call 281-341-2677.

14th THURSDAY, 7 – 9 PM FUNGICIDES, INSECTICIDES AND PESTICIDES Learn to understand the labels on all the products available and which to use for what. Held at Parkway United Methodist Church, 5801 New Territory Blvd in Sugar Land. Call 281-341-7068.

16th SATURDAY, 9 AM – 12 NOON AUDITION FOR THE FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR 30TH SEASON At First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Boys with unchanged voices should be 8 years old or going into the third grade. Scholarships available.

Call 281-240-3800.

Send your events via www.FortBendFocus.com.

Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication.

All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

Magazine www.fortbendfocus.com

16th SATURDAY, 9 AM – 2 PM FRIENDS OF SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY SPRING BOOK SALE At 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. Items for sale include books, DVD’s and CD’s. Donations of used books, DVD’s, tapes and CD’s are welcome.

Contributions are tax-deductible.

Call 281-238-2900.

16th SATURDAY, 9 AM – 1 PM ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER CONFERENCE & RESOURCE FAIR At First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Pkwy in Sugar Land. Attendees will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to respond to behavior changes.

Lunch provided. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter in partnership with Fort Bend County Libraries. Call 713-314-1313 or 800-272-3900.

21st THURSDAY, 3 – 7 PM DAVITA DIALYSIS AT HOME OPEN HOUSE Held at Davita at Home Dialysis, located at 1447 Hwy. 6, Ste. 130. Learn how to perform dialysis right at home. Doctors, nurses and everyone are welcome. Light refreshments served. Call 281-494-1465.

21st THURSDAY, 7 – 8 PM “WASTE TO WOW” Learn how you can use items normally discarded as useless, combined with plants from your garden to create floral arrangements that would WOW your guests. Held at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg. The program is free, no reservation required. Call 281-341-7068.

24th

20th & 27th WEDNESDAY, 10 AM DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY INTRODUCTORY SERIES At Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. Learn basic digital photography and how to perform basic functions. Programs is free, reservations required. Call 281-238-2900.

30th SATURDAY, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM LCHS MARCHING BAND 3RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT At River Pointe Golf Club in Richmond.

Funds raised are applied toward student participation in all band activities. Cost is $100 for individuals or $300 for a foursome. Sponsorships available.

Call 281-704-5326.

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE EVENTS www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281-313-SLTS Friday, April 1 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Opry on the Square

16th & 17th SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM – 6 PM & NOON – 4 PM RAIL FEST 2011 HOSTED BY ROSENBERG RAILROAD MUSEUM Showcasing the Heritage of Rosenberg and the life on the railroad. Bar-B-Que Cook Off, Children’s Carnival, Classic Cars, live bands, DJ, street vendors, and Hobo Costume Contest. Visit www.rosenbergRRmuseum.org.

19th TUESDAY, 11:30 AM - 1 PM ABWA SOUTHWEST AREA PROFESSIONAL EXPRESS NETWORK Meeting at Sugar Creek Country Club. Suzette Peoples will speak on Networking and Marketing yourself and your business. RSVP at www. abwaswapen.org or call 281-980-3322.

30th SATURDAY, 7:30 – 11:30 AM COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE In New Territory at the Ellis Creek, 6101 Homeward Way. Clothes, furniture, kitchenware, linens and more. Snacks and drinks available for sale. Benefitting Girl Scout Troop 721. Call 281-565-3124.

Thursday, April 7 7 – 9 p.m.

Jazz in the Plaza Saturday, April 9 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Charity Corvette Show Saturday, April 9 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Movies under the Moon

On Monday, April 25th, support the Travis High School Tiger Band by participating in the Tee Up for Tunes Golf Tournament.

25th MONDAY, 12 NOON TEE UP FOR TUNES GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting Travis High School Tiger Band. Held at Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club, 3000 Plantation Drive in Richmond. Dinner is included.

There is also a 9-hole non-competitive tournament. Visit www.travistigerband.com. www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

49

Saturday, April 16 5 – 8 p.m.

Earth Day Celebration Thursday, April 21 7 – 9 p.m.

Giving Spirits Concert Series Friday, April 22 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Dancing Under the Stars Saturday, April 23 7 – 9 p.m.

Magic in the Plaza Saturday, April 30 7 – 9 p.m.

Junior Superstar Finals

A to Z Summer Fun Guide Bill Austin’s Academy of Dance Offering New Classes for Spring You are invited to catch the Spring Fever and register for a dance class at Bill Austin’s Academy of Dance. Our Spring semester brings many new programs, classes, and instructors for students ages 18 months through adults. These classes include Teen Funky Fitness, Cheer Dance. Break Dance for Boys, Hip Hop, Pilates, Street Jazz, and more. We are also very excited to announce our monthly Teen Night Out featuring Sugar Land’s Battle of The Bands, and the creation of our very own competitive dance team, Evolution. In addition to the amazing activities at our studio, we would like to invite you to our Spring 2011 recital “Puttin On The Ritz” Saturday, May 14th, 7pm, at the beautiful Stafford Center. Summer Dance Camps are June 6th - July 30. For more information, please call us at 281-565-5327, visit us online at www.billaustinsgymnastics. com or email our studio director at bbymtdirector@aol.com. H

How Many Languages Do You Speak?

Quality Learning Plus Extreme Fun at GYMTEX

As the days of monolingual communities are long gone, language education is quickly becoming a necessity. Our children are exposed to more cultures, ideals and languages than ever before. Language classes are no longer electives or “easy A’s” in middle and high school. They have become a necessary course credit for graduation. The best colleges in the country are looking into language preparation while examining applications. Wouldn’t you want to give your child a head start?

Typically, we put foreign language learning on hold through much of elementary school, but research shows this is the time when children’s minds are more open and, like sponges, are most adept to absorbing new words and sounds. Five-year-old Isabella is on her way to becoming trilingual, speaking English at school, Spanish at home and now taking French. Fourteen-year-old Alex, a student of Dulles High School, went from a failing grade to an A+ in only two weeks of private Spanish tutoring. These two Fort Bend children have something in common; they both attend classes at The Language Factory.

The Language Factory and their passionate and experienced teachers have helped hundreds of students of all ages and levels reach their goals of fluency whether through their adult classes, their after school programs or their amazingly fun summer camps, The Language Factory has indisputably become the institution for all language learning needs. Please contact The Language Factory at (281) 261-2302 or visit www.languagefactory.org. H

For over ten years, Fort Bend has allowed GYMTEX to provide families with children ages 3 to 18 quality gymnatics and cheerleading training in a safe, fun and clean environment. A positive atmosphere and expert training has produced state champions, individuals and teams, since 2002. GYMTEX has been voted “Best Gymnastics Gym” four years.

Beyond learning technique, GYMTEX strives to build character and ultimately produce champions for life! Parents rave that training at GYMTEX instills a drive to succeed.

Kids love the fun atmosphere at GYMTEX! Along with Olympic caliber gymnastics equipment, children can enjoy an indoor rock wall, rope-net climbs, 40 foot trampoline and a giant foam block pit.

Director of prestigious Houston Gymnastics Academy, Peggy Mazeika, is now leading the “Tumble Bugs” preschool program for those 18 months to 5 years. Peggy is dedicated to nurturing each child’s development and encourages a sense of accomplishment. On Friday mornings, Peggy offers Kids Day Out so moms can relax while the kids have a blast!

This summer, GYMTEX offers fun, exciting classes and week long camps. Build a class schedule around summer vacation! New students are welcome to try out a class for free.

Take advantage of many specials, available on the GYMTEX website or ad. Those paying for camp or class now can save with the Early Bird Discount. Change your child’s life today with classes at GYMTEX! Visit www.gymtexgym.com or call (832) 876-9888 for more information. GYMTEX is located at 4502 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478. H

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

50

A to

Z

r e m m Su

Dance

Fun Guide Summer vacations are a time for kids to kick back, relax and most importantly, have fun.

And just because school is out doesn’t mean that children need to forego learning in the pursuit of having fun. There are many activities that have the potential to be learning experiences.

Parents can foster learning throughout the warm-weather months. Here are numerous ideas for maximum fun... Enjoy!

Games

Camp

Experiment

Explore

Sports www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

51

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

SAFETY Summer

M E R I C A’ S

Sports Camp

• Indoor Rock Climbing • Incredible 90’ Zip-Line • Karate • Ice Skating • Basketball • Jedi Sword Fighting • Stranger Danger Seminars First Colony Mall

• Rope Swing • Moon Walk • Giant 20’ Slide • Kick Ball • Dodge Ball • Games & Movies

281 980-3030

US 59

y

Hw 6

Lexington

Safety Amercia

JOIN NOW FOR SUMMER DAY CAMP! • Gymnastics • Ice Skating • Dance • Arts & Crafts • Obstacle Courses • Snacks • And More! $25 discount for the first 25 children registered for each day camp session

by April 30th!

For Kids 5-13 Limited Enrollment - Register Today!

www.safetyamericacenter.com

2595 Cordes Drive (off Lexington) Sugar Land

Now Registering for SUMMER DAY CAMP, SUMMER GYMNASTICS & DANCE CLASSES

Gymnastics

D a n c e A c a demy

• Ages 18 months 18 yrs.

• Classes for girls & boys • Moms & tots classes • Tumbling for cheerleading • Award Winning team programs • Instructional open gym • Great Birthday Parties • Private lessons • Moon walk-Air tumble trak • Safety Certified • In-ground trampolines • 12500 sq. foot • Fun filled colorful tot gym • Fully air conditioned • State-of-the-art facility • Comfortable waiting room • Foam filled training pits • Sibling play area

281-240-0999

• Ages 18 mos. to Adult • Creative Dance • Jazz • Ballet • Adult Ballet • Adult Jazz • Senior Citizens Ballet 60+ • Professional Staff

281-565-5327

16215 LEXINGTON BLVD. (Behind First Colony Mall)

FREE REGISTRATION FEE FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS DURING SUMMER ($40 SAVINGS) • www.billaustinsgymnastics.com fort bend

magazine • April 2011

52

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Prmrs_64004_ 7.25 x 4.75 - Summer 11 Ad #1185 - THIS AD CAN NOT BE EDITED

MY SUMMER TO-DO LIST: Make new friends Learn something new Tons of Field Trips & Theme Days

Make summer a blast with Camp Primrose. Explore the great outdoors or go on a wacky science adventure. Primrose provides The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts . ®

Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools; The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts; and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2011 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

64004_Prmrs_SmmrAd_ID_1185.indd 1

Primrose School of First Colony 4605 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479

281.565.2707

www.primrosefirstcolony.com

2/15/11 11:42 AM

Summer Camps • 10 am - 2 pm • $175

Princess Camp • Broadway and Acting 101 Dalmatians • All Star Dance • Wizard of Oz

Summer Classes • June 13th - Aug. 13th Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theater

Summer Dance Intensive • June 20 - 24 $250 • 9 am - 4 pm

ur Meet o ors t Instruc

• Ballet Mistress Sharon Teague

Retired 1st Soloist with The Houston Ballet

• Pre-School Director Sara Ebinger • Jazz and Hip Hop Director Kerry Jackson from The Metropolitan Dance Company Houston

281-969-7054 • www.laeraldance.com 6238 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX 77459

www.fortbend

Missouri City Ballet is an operating 501c organization that will offer premier and superior quality in classical ballet, dance and performing art productions to the Fort Bend area, while maintaining an outreach program in dance education and scholarship funding.

Founded by D’Ann Shaver-Gimenez and under the Artistic Direction of Sharon Teague, MCB is open to any dancer by audition through an appointment.

Currently, MCB trains at Laeral Dance Academy & Performing Arts in Missouri City.

To find out more about MCB, auditions, performances and our mission in “Keeping Ballet Classic,” contact Robyn Miller, Chairman at tmcbcdirectors@gmail.com or 832-520-4319. .com • April 2011

53

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

E

njoy Bouncin’ Around at...

Birthday Parties & Party Packages Open Play Every Thursday 3:45 - 7:00 pm

7

$

281.494.1696

per child Valid for Open Play only.

1031 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land, TX 77478 • www.castlejumpparty.com (behind the McDonald’s)

ort Bend Academy of Dance Come join us for a fun and exciting summer at Fort Bend Academy of Dance. Whether you are aspiring to a professional career in ballet, yearning for a spot on your school dance team or are just getting started, we have a program designed just for you.

Pre-School (ages 3-5): A combination Ballet/Tap class in a structured yet fun and energetic environment. Positive reinforcement encourages retention and application of basic ballet and tap terminology.

Ballet/Pre-Pointe/Pointe Technique (Level 2 through advanced): 6 weeks of classes designed for students with previous training. Essential to maintain current skill level or prepare for level advancement.

Jazz Intensive: A one week workshop for inter/adv students age 11 and older.

A great opportunity to experience many jazz styles, including lyrical and modern.

Prepare early for your dance team auditions.

Ballet Intensive: A two week workshop for inter/adv ballet students age 11 and older. Classes are taught by renowned guest teachers. Workshop culminates with a presentation of classical repertoire.

Fort Bend Academy of Dance is the home of Fort Bend County’s premier preprofessional ballet company, BalletForte. BalletForte is a member of Regional Dance America/Southwest and has earned a reputation for delighting sell-out audiences with professional caliber performances.

Fort Bend Academy of Dance boasts a professional faculty and a positive, nurturing learning environment.

www.fbadance.com

Michael Banigan and Dianne Jarrell, Directors.

Call for registration information: 281-277-5735.

New Location!

18551 Old Richmond Road

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

54

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

CAMP

GBH • Arts & Crafts • Dance • Music • Sports • Water Activities • Game Room • XBox 360, Wii, Playstation 2 • Library • Bike Trail

K-5th Grade Session I: June 6th – July 1st Session II: July 5th – July 29th Session III: Aug. 1st – Aug. 19th 7 am to 6 pm Monday thru Friday Registration begins April 1st Cost: $40 Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)

$120/Week

281.232.9583

2417 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 • www.GBHDaycare.com

H

orse Back Riding

Fort Bend’s Finest Equestrian Center

Spend Summer Break at Riding Camp with Sienna Stables!

• Summer Camps beginning June • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday - Friday • Youths aged 6 - 16 years old • Students grouped according to ability & age • Horse Show exhibition and awards for all!

• Now taking reservations

June 6-10 June 20-24 July 11-15 July 25-29 Aug 1-5 Aug 15-19

8255 Camp Sienna Trail Call Today! 281-778-RIDE Missouri City, TX 77459

Ju m p ,

www.siennastables.com

play & learn!

NO REGISTRATION FEE Summer programs will include: WHEN YOU MENTION Weekly Spanish • Academics • Field Trips THIS AD!

Infants - Kindergarten and School Ages (5 - 12 years)

4502 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land TX 77479 (next to Austin Parkway Elementary)

www.montessorisugarland.com • 281.277.2702 info@montessorisugarland.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

55

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Fun & educational summer themes to discover the AMAZING KID in YOU!

Pre-school thru 12 years old Full day programs* Open ALL summer Only pay for the weeks your child attends** Field trips, healthy lunches, snacks are all included in the price.*

*Contact schools for hours of operation and prices. **At participating locations Visit www.KidsRKidsFortBend.com for a list of Kids R Kids Amazing Kids Camps near you.

www. KidsRKidsFortBend.com fort bend

magazine • April 2011

56

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

L

earning Stages

A CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

At Learning Stages, we are able to offer a full day Kindergarten class that focuses on math, language, and reading curriculum recognized by the Texas Education Agency, which correlates with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Our experienced degreed teachers provide student development with low classroom ratios, allowing the opportunity for one on one instruction.

Students learn social studies and science not only within the classroom, but from the world around them; frequently visiting theater productions, science and art museums exhibits, and local libraries. Our full day program also offers auxiliary classes such as health, creative art, Spanish, dance and music.

Infants thru Kindergarten • Full day year round school with limited days closed • Learning Stages is designed to enhance the children’s social, emotional and intellectual development.

281-240-0480

12780 South Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477

www.rightchoiceforkids.org

The Walden School eduAcdavtieonntualro&us,fu You have high expectations... and so do we.

Now Accepting Registration for Fall Infants through Pre-Kindergarten Private Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Call for details

16103-A Lexington Blvd. (behind First Colony Mall) • 6:15am - 6:45pm

281-980-0022 • www.thewaldenschool.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

Sum m e r Camp

n

57

Transportation to Area Schools Kindergarten through Age 13

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

www.InternationalPreparatorySchool.com

Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others

INTERNATIONAL

for

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Grades Pre Kindergarten through 8th grade

Ongoing Registration for the 2011 - 2012 School Year Summer Camp Registration begins April 15th Full Care Available Monday - Friday 7 am - 6 pm

2011 Summer Expressions Camp

Starting Early June Monday through Thursday Academic Advancement Classes 9:00 a.m. - Noon Afternoon Camps 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• KidFit • Language Skills • Chess • Art • Music and more • Field Trips on Friday

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 281-208-1403 • 1717 DULLES AVE., MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 • FAX 281-208-1426 fort bend

magazine • April 2011

58

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Quality Learning plus Extreme Fun!

281-499-3921 3643 Glenn Lakes Ln., Highway 6 • Missouri City

Sign Up for GYMTEX Camp Today!

Robinsdancestudio.com

Boys & Girls Ages 3-18 June 3 - August 19

Expert Training in a Safe, Fun & Clean Environment!

DANCE STUDIO Unique Summer Classes

Summer Dance Session

Build your class schedule around your vacation!

$20 off

Check GymtexGym.com for 15% Camp Early Bird Discount, Tumble Bug’s Program for ages 2-5 & Friday Morning Little Kid’s Day Out

gymtex@gmail.com

Family

for 10 week class, Discount 1 week camp or 20% off 1 Birthday Party for 2nd Child

June 13 – July 13 Monday & Wednesday Call or see website for schedule

Can’t combine with any other offers.

Exp. 4/30/2011

832-876-9888 4502 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX

FALL REGISTRATION: May 26 & 27 • 4 - 7 PM

Boarding & Daycare Socialized for your 4 legged family member.

Boarding, Daycare and Show Quality Grooming for ALL Well Socialized Dogs.

7110 B Highway 6 • Missouri City www.darcisallaboutdogs.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

59

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Some cool ee... places to s Space Center Houston • Downtown Aquarium Houston Museum of Natural Science Houston Zoo • The Health Museum Museum of Fine Arts • The Children’s Museum

UNIQUE

FUNtastic Summer Camps Starting June 20 Ages 2 - 5th Grade

Visit website for complete details and registration

Learn more about JESUS. Check our local churches for schedules.

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAY SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479

PHONE: 281.980.6888 EXT.4765 • KIMR@CUMCSL.ORG WWW.CUMCSL.ORG/CAMP fort bend

magazine • April 2011

60

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

Open Weekends & Select Holidays

Waterpark

G

D N I S LAN O T S E V AL

, T E X AS

FREE PARKING PICNICS WELCOME

SAVE up to $18!

SAVE $3 EACH! Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window on an Indoor Season operating day and SAVE $3 each on up to 6 full-price, all-day tickets. Not valid with any other offer, discount, special price, prepaid, afternoon, group, two-day, or season tickets. Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day. Coupon not applicable to online discount tickets. Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale. Prices, operating schedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice.

Coupon expires December April 17, 2011.

409.770.9283

schlitterbahn.com ÂŽ 2011 Waterpark Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

61

SCCad(FBF).pdf

1

A to Z Summer Fun Guide

2/10/11

2:42 PM

Pack a lunch and head to the

ZO O

C

M

Y

CM

MY

SCIENCE ADVENTURES FOR KIDS AGES 6-12

CY

CMY

K

Enroll today, camps sell out quickly!

Before and after camp care is available Now in Sugar Land too!

For more information and to get the 2011 camp catalog, visit hmns.org or call 713-639-4652.

regi

early ster & sav e!

For youth development For healthy living For social responsibility

Bring the Classical Foundations of Dance Back to the Youth

no Joining Fee april 16-24

it’s the summer to re-discover

As Founder and Executive Director of the Missouri City Ballet, D’Ann Gimenez’s dream was to “create a ballet company that would bring the classical foundations of dance back to the youth of her community.” The Missouri City Ballet has been established as the city’s first principal classical ballet, dance and performing arts troupe. The 501c organization’s mission is “to offer premier and superior quality in classical ballet, dance and performing art productions to the Fort Bend area, while maintaining an outreach program that will encourage and support underprivileged youth.”

something for everyone ✹Team and individual Youth Sports ✹Family programs and events ✹Camping for all ages

Main palette ✹Swim Lessons

✹and, SO much more!

Light

Medium

Dark

PMS Green

CMYK

PMS Blue CMYK

Fort bend Family ymca 4433 Cartwright Road • Missouri City, TX 77459 • (281) 499-9622 ymcahouston.org/fort-bend-family CMYK PMS

Purple

tW davis ymca 911 Thompson Highway • Richmond, TX 77469 • (281) 341-0791 ymcahouston.org/tw-davis CMYK PMS

Red

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

Orange

text ymcahouston to 41411

PMS CMYK

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

62

Interiors Market Home Ambiance and Gifts

Principal Dancers for MCB; (left to right) Danielle Work, Aubrey Gimenez, Sydney Yelverton, Monica Lewis and Annie Dean. (Not pictured, Katie Tanner).

MCB is honored to have Sharon Teague as their Artistic Director.

Sharon has 20 years of formal ballet training and professional performing experience. Now retired from The Houston Ballet , Sharon has taken lead roles in countless classical ballet performances. Her professional style, grace and originality will take MCB to note worthy heights and stature.

MCB has formed a partnership with Ed Crowell, Executive Director, of The Imperial Theatre of Sugar Land. Please “Save the Date” of Thursday May 12, 2011 to attend The MCB Friends & Community Launch Reception and Performance Preview at The Imperial Theatre. Together with Crowell, MCB hopes to bring back the foundations of fine art and continue in “Keeping Ballet Classic.”

MCB trains out of Laeral Dance Academy & Performing Arts, located at 6238 Hwy. 6 in Missouri City. Currently, MCB is rehearsing for their next production of ‘Snow White’ scheduled for June 4th. For more information, contact Chairman Robyn Miller at tmcbcdirectors@gmail.com or 832520-4319. H

2625 Town Center Blvd. | Suger Land, TX 77479 | 281.980.2070 www.interiorsmarkettx.com

www.trollbeadsunivers.com

Guadalupe Riverfront DUPLEX

Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups.

More pictures at www.RioRatonDuplex.com 832-788-2294 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

63

FORT BEND NEW NEIGHBOR The Curtain Rises on the Newly Formed Missouri City Ballet Company

Paula Hobbie, VP of Fundraising; Sharon Teague, Artistic Director; Robyn Miller, Chairman of the Board; D’Ann Gimenez, Founder and Executive Director; Almira Lewis, Co-Chairman; Kathleen Dizon, Secretary; Jennifer Vassilas, Treasurer.

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

64

Missouri City’s first ever ballet company is a dream come true for D’Ann Shaver-Gimenez. D’Ann successfully opened the Laeral Dance Academy and Performing Arts Studio in Missouri City in September of 2010. Now, former dancer and studio owner, is ready for another challenge, “setting the stage” and “raising the barre” for classical ballet as Founder and Executive Director of The Missouri City Ballet, MCB. The Missouri City Ballet is a registered non-profit with a solid mission of offering superior quality classical ballet, dance and performing arts, while creating and maintaining outreach programs that will encourage dance education to develop and support underprivileged area youth.

The Chariman of the MCB Board, Robyn Miller, conducted the first board meeting with thrilling news that Sharon Teague, retired 1st soloist from the Houston Ballet, will be the MCB Artistic Director. Sharon has over 20 years of formal ballet training and professional performing experience. With an exciting series of MCB performances planned for 2011-2012, Teague’s professional experience and grace will secure Missouri City Ballet Company note worthy stature.

The MCB Board Members consist of Robyn Miller, Chairman; Almira Lewis, Co-Chairman; Courtney Martin, Member at Large; Kathleen Dizon, Secretary; Jennifer Vasillas, Treasurer; John and Kristen Hurter, Standing Advisors and Paula Hobbie, VP of Marketing and Fundraising. The Missouri City Ballet is looking forward to an inspiring season and desire your blessing and support to “Keeping Ballet Classic.”

Currently, the MCB practices at Laeral Dance Studio located at 6328 Highway 6 in Missouri City. To learn more about the MCB, or if you are interested in becoming a member or corporate partner, please “save the date” of Thursday, May 12, 2011 for The Missouri City Ballet Community Launch Reception and Company Preview at Sugarland’s Imperial Theatre. Reservations are required by calling 832-520-4319 or email tmcbcdirectors@gmail.com. H

FBJSL provisional members Cynthia Guerra, Kavita Self, Gina Guerrero and Tammy Su, with President Pam Spencer, Director of Provisionals Raquel Smith, and provisional members Tanya Pal and Raj Patel.

Fort Bend Junior Service League Hosts New Membership Drive The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is officially beginning its membership drive for the 2011 - 2012 League year. FBJSL will host the first of three informational meetings on Thursday, April 21st at 7:00 p.m. Informational meetings will also be held on Thursday, May 12th and Thursday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m. (locations to be selected). Ladies ages 23-49 who are interested in becoming members are encouraged to attend one of the informational meetings to learn more about the League and membership volunteer opportunities and requirements.

For additional information regarding the upcoming informational meetings or for information about joining FBJSL, please contact the Director of Provisionals at provisionaldirector@fbjsl.com, call 281636-6272, or visit www.fbjsl.com.

Ladies age 50 and older are eligible for Sustaining membership in the League.

Women interested in Sustaining membership may contact the Sustainer President at sustainerpresident@fbjsl.com.

FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.

Jim Hoelker Understands Sugar Land “I am proud to have served on the Sugar Land City Council for the past eight years.

I believe that Jim Hoelker has the leadership, integrity and commitment to successfully take my place and to lead Sugar Land into the future.”

www.jimhoelker.com

Continued from page 47

Russell C. Jones Sugar Land City Council, District 3, retiring Paid for by Friends of Jim Hoelker, Leonard F. Rolsen, Treasurer * 5 Ellicott Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Primary and Specialty Care for Adults Ashish Asawa, MD - Providing Primary Care in General Medicine • preventive care • immunizations • annual physical exams • chronic and acute illness

8810 Highway 6 Missouri City, Texas 77459

713-486-1200

Continued on page 75 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

65

Faith Atai, MD - Providing Primary Care in Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine • chronic and acute health problems • cognitive evaluation • functional assessments • medication reviews • symptom control Simbo Chiadika, MD - Providing Specialty Care in Cardiology Including Onsite Non-invasive Cardiovascular Imaging • nuclear cardiology • stress testing • echocardiograms • vascular studies • Holter monitoring

www.UTPhysicians/SiennaVillage

WE GIVE YOU THE

POWER TO BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

HOW MANY OF THESE GREAT FEATURES WILL YOU USE TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS? • Your “OWN” Unique Multi-Page Website & Email Address • Logo, Address, City, State, Phone Numbers, Business Hours • 24/7 Administrative Access To Make Changes • 10 Custom Email Addresses

ORDER A POWER SITE NOW, AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND SITE SETUP IS INCLUDED IN THE LOW PRICE!

281-690-4221

• Free Call Tracking Number • Photos Of Your Business Or Products • Google Map Of Your Location • Events, Job and Property Postings • Printable Coupons • Custom Pages • Customer Comment Link • Custom Videos

Financial Focus Understanding the Financial Life Cycle Just like there are four seasons in a year, there are different seasons of financial planning. By starting early, you gain a better understanding of where you are, what challenges lay ahead, and how you can get meet your goals.

Every situation is unique including the age and circumstances when you begin implementing a financial strategy. What suits you at age 25 is typically different from what meets your needs at age 55.

and financial documents are properly structured to ensure the most efficient and effective transfer of your assets — property, personal belongings and investments — in the event of your death. Doing so gives you the added peace of mind

that comes from knowing your family is financially stable no matter what happens.

For more information, contact Ameriprise Financial at 281-494-4001 or visit www.ameripriseadvisors.com. H

The stages include: • Protecting Assets — At younger ages when you begin to accumulate financial assets, the ability to earn income may be your most valuable asset. Protecting your income is critical as is establishing an emergency fund and building a strong personal savings.

Your financial needs are unique.

Whether you want to provide for your loved ones, support the organizations that are important to you, or plan for your own comfortable retirement, I can help you plan for your goals.

Our Advisors. Your Dreams.

MORE WITHIN REACH ®

• Investing for the Future — As you grow financially successful, you typically begin having more discretionary income.

You should start saving for future goals such as a child’s college and/or a comfortable retirement. It’s important to have a well-balanced and tax-diversified portfolio to provide growth opportunities.

• Taking Retirement Income — As you near retirement, make sure you have flexibility to take income in tax-efficient ways to continue your lifestyle and help minimize the amount of your tax burden.

• Transferring Wealth — As you become older and financially secure, leaving a legacy becomes paramount. Evaluate your financial situation and identify any assets that you are unlikely to need for income. Then, plan to transfer them to those who matter most to you.

There is some overlap in each of these stages. For example, you may take steps to get the right protection in place while laying a foundation to grow your assets.

Regardless of the stage you’re in, it’s important to make sure that your legal

Call me today at (281) 494.4001 Nancy Genson Financial Advisor Vice President

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 650 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Office: (281) 494.4001 Nancy.W.Genson@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ Nancy.W.Genson

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Andreason Law Firm Now you don’t have to drive to Houston for experienced Estate Planning.

Kurt M. Andreason, Attorney-at-Law Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate.

4840 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite B (at rear), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-1561 www.andreasonlawfirm.com

26 years experience in Texas www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

67

Advertorial

Financial Focus Houston Community Bank, N.A. Focus on Safety and Soundness We are indeed fortunate to live and work in the dynamic community of Fort Bend County. By all accounts, Texas and Fort Bend are doing far better economically than the remainder of the country.

We have all read about the problems associated with the large, money-center banks and the banking and financial system in general. As a result, many people are very concerned and are looking for “Confidence and Reassurance” in their bank.

Historically, consumers and business owners have based their decisions about where to bank on accessibility, convenience and the price of the products and services. However, because of the current economic conditions and the accompanying news coverage, con-

sumers are thinking differently today.

They want to know if their bank’s assets, credit quality and capital levels are strong. They want to know if their bank is a Five Star Rated bank. And, they want to know the person in charge.

Veteran banker Claude B. Leatherwood, Vice Chairman and C.O.O. of the Houston Community Bank, N.A. system, is proud to report that HCB is very safe, very sound and very liquid.

All are factors indicative of the bank’s superior financial condition. He stated, “Houston Community Bank and its employees are very proud of the bank’s strong credit rating and the fact that this locally owned bank is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a full service commercial and consumer financial institution. In addition, HCB contin-

ues to be well capitalized and the asset quality is sound. The values associated with good capital and liquidity levels are very important to both the bank and the customer. This strong financial position enables our management team to seize market opportunities and use that capital to make loans.”

Yes, HCB is still lending and actively looking for those opportunities to continue to solidify current relationships and establish new ones. Small to mid-size businesses are the foundation of the economy. The business lending team at Houston Community Bank is leaving “no stone unturned” in securing quality loans and new depository relationships.”

Leatherwood stated, “This bank has built its 30 year old business and pro-

IS YOUR BANK A FIVE STAR RATED BANK? Are you looking for CONFIDENCE and REASSURANCE in your Bank?

HCB is the Bank you can TRUST!

Come meet our experienced team!

Brian Ellis Greatwood

Jeff Smith Stafford

Banking Officer - HCB 6 Years of Experience

A

iversa

President - HCB 34 Years of Experience

19855 Southwest Freeway Ste 100 Greatwood Lakes Office Building Sugar Land Texas 77479 281.343.7700

Advertorial

Vice Chairman / COO - HCB 40 Years of Experience

KC Curtis Greatwood

Executive Vice President - HCB 25 Years of Experience

Houston Community Bank, N.A.

ry

nn

Claude Leatherwood Greatwood

13811 Murphy 11390 Veterans Memorial Road Houston (FM 1092) Stafford Texas 77477 281.208.2111

fort bend

Texas 77067 281.537.7200

1515 FM 1960 Bypass East Humble Texas 77338 281.540.1414

22240 Farris Green Porter Texas 77365 281.540.1414

Other Locations “Coming Soon” magazine • April 2011

68

houstoncommunitybank.com

Financial Focus Can You Afford to be Picky About Who Your Customers Are? fessional reputation on the belief that strong, supportive customer relationships are the foundation for superior community banking. As a result, many of our customers who have moved their accounts to HCB regularly tell us how happy and pleased they are with our people, our products and our service.”

If you are looking for “Safety and Soundness” as well as “Confidence, Reassurance and a Personal Relationship” in your bank....... Look no further...... Choosing the right local bank just got a lot easier.

Please come in or call any of our convenient Fort Bend Banking Centers (281-343-7700) and let our experienced team tell you more about how Houston Community Bank, N.A. can benefit you and your business. H

People ask us all the time, “Where should we advertise to get more customers?” My response usually surprises them. “Do you really want more customers?” I say. Of course, this tends to raise some eyebrows. I then ask them to describe their ideal customer. Then I rephrase the question. “Do you want just any customer or do you want more of your ideal customers?”

You can be selective about who you want to do more business with. In fact, you can’t afford not to be selective.

While this may sound funny at first, think about it. If you are like most small businesses, you have a limited budget for maintaining relationships and/or attracting new customers. Isn’t this incentive enough to ensure you focus on your best customers?

When you get your “best” customers to know, like and trust you, and to buy and refer others - then you have a recipe for success! The other alternative is the spaghetti marketing approach you throw a bunch of time, ideas and money at the wall hoping something sticks. Good luck!

The Marketing Department can provide you with customized strategies and creative materials to help you sell more products and services to more ideal customers, more often, for more money.

Call 281-277-7272 to schedule a complimentary consultation. You can also visit us on the web at www.tmdtexas. com to learn more.

Come visit us today...and experience a new way to grow your business! H

Sugarland ad:Layout 1 3/16/11 4:49 PM Page 1

Come experience some of the best marketing & creative minds ready to work on your small business.

Why we’re different:

4550 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite A Sugar Land, TX 77479 / (P) 281-277-7272 For more info visit: www.tmdtexas.com

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

69

Advertorial

Financial Focus It’s Cash Flow, Not Collateral Basic tips to help you secure the loan you need for your growing business.

Knowing what to provide to your banker for the loan decision process is a useful tool to business owners. The tools the banker uses should also be used by the business owner when determining if the company can afford the new debt.

Be sure to have the following information with you when you meet with your banker: • The last three fiscal year-end financial statements.

• The most current period financial statement.

This financial information allows the banker to review trends, measure profitability, existing debt, and, most importantly, cash flow.

There are many different ways in which

cash flow can be measured. The most common and traditional cash flow measurement is to take the net profit of a company, adding back any non-cash items that have been expensed, such as depreciation and amortization. Then subtract any principal costs on existing debt, maintenance expenditures capitalized on the balance sheet and, finally, the expected cost associated with the new debt, both principal and interest. This formula will determine historical cash flow, which will determine the ability of the company to service the debt.

For an example of this formula, let’s consider an equipment company with a net profit of $500,000 annually, annual depreciation expense of $100,000 on its existing equipment and inventory, $50,000

Tax Accountants • Auditors • Consultants to Business American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member

Our professionals proudly serve Fort Bend & the Greater Houston area.

Alan Sandersen

• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support • Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130, Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.242-3232

Advertorial

www.sktx.com fort bend

magazine • April 2011

70

in expenses annually to maintain its existing inventory in good working condition, which increases the value of the inventory on the company’s books (these expenses are not expensed on the income statement) and $400,000 in principal on existing debt. The company wants to purchase new equipment, which will add an additional $200,000 in annual principal and interest expense for the company. The appropriate analysis follows: Net Profit $500,000 Plus Depreciation $100,000 Cash Flow Available $600,000 to Service Debt Minus Maintenance $ 50,000 Capital Expenditures Minus Existing $400,000 Principal Payments Minus Principal and $200,000 Interest on New Equipment ______________________________________ Total Cash Flow Available ($50,000) to Service Debt In this example, the company would be $50,000 short of being able to repay the loan.

Cash flow is only one measurement the banker will use to determine ability to repay the debt. The financial information you give him or her will be reviewed and many other measurements used to determine credit worthiness.

Before you go see your banker for a loan, try this simple cash flow calculation. And with this calculation in hand, along with the proper information gathered for the banker, your loan process will help make you a better informed business owner.

Contact Frank Yonish with Bank of Texas to help you in your loan decision process. He can be reached at 713-5783556, fyonish@bankoftexas.com. H See ad on page 33.

Financial Focus What Does It Mean to Be a Fee-Only Investment Advisor?

Many investors are confused by how their advisors are paid. They believe there are few differences between the major wire house brokers and independent advisors and that they all are compensated the same way.

There are three ways an advisor is paid for the advice he provides. The first is a straight commission. A broker sells you a product, like a mutual fund, and part of your payment goes toward his commission. This is like a department store sales clerk helping you find a suit or dress. The clerk’s only responsibility is to sell you something, as directed by his or her employer, not what your best option is.

Another form of compensation is known as “fee-based” advising. You pay a fee for recommendations and a commission for the product. Is he acting as an advisor or a salesman? If he sells you something and receives a commission, he is no different from the commission-earning broker.

The last form of compensation is when the advisor is paid only by the client. This is similar to the relationship between you and your CPA and lawyer.

The advisor does not sell a product and therefore, does not receive a commission. Under this structure, the advisor is motivated to do what is in your best interest, whether it be in recommending an insurance policy or choosing the appropriate investments for your portfolio.

To be a fee-only advisor is to be an advocate on behalf of the client, rather than a salesman with competing interests.

WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land.

For more information, please contact wj@wjinterests.com or 281634-9400. H

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996.

(281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

WJIad_4.75x4.75.indd 1

3/7/08 12:01:06 PM

FRESH is BETTER. And so true with news and advertising.

Our community magazine is welcomed by homeowners EVERY MONTH.

Call Your Marketing Specialist: 281.690.4242 • www.FortBendFocus.com www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

71

Advertorial

A

M

A

T

E

U

R

P

H

O

T

O

C

O

N

T

E

S

T

April 2011 Winner “Kickflipping”

By Clancy Nelson Congratulations Clancy, you’ve earned a $40 gift certificate to a restaurant!

ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. Think you have a great shot? Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary.

A WINNER EVERY MONTH Each month’s winner receives a $40 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Norma @ 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

Please make sure to send some basic information about every photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and daytime phone number.

By submitting an entry, the photographer gives the Fort Bend Focus Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is no contest deadline.

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Michael@ FortBendFocus.com. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”.

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

72

Imperial Performing Arts presents

THREE CONCERTS IN APRIL T H E I M P E R I A L T H E A TR E SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

MONDAY, APRIL 4

TRIOS

$20/adults

Trios for Piano, Violin, and Cello by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms performed by Members of the Houston Symphony Orchestra

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 2:00 PM

music for your soul

7:30 PM

$10/students, faculty, seniors, active & inactive military

Seniors are 55+ Cocktails available for purchase

MONDAY, APRIL 11 7:30 PM

IMAGES

SUGAR LAND CHORAL SOCIETY Featuring Guest Artists, the Rob Landes Trio Kevin M. Klotz, Conductor

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 7:30 PM

$10/General Admission

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 7:30 PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 2:00 PM

$20/adults

The Glory of

GERSHWIN Favorite Songs from America's Own George Gershwin by a Piano— Piano—Soprano Duo

$10/students, faculty, seniors, active & inactive military

Seniors are 55+ Cocktails available for purchase

TICKETS — theimperial.org / 281.277.7444 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

73

Fort Bend Kids ChalkBoard The published photos came from Press Releases submitted to Fort Bend Focus by the schools/organizations of these children.

Congratulations to the 2010-2011 Lady Eagles of Fort Bend Baptist Academy! Coached by Jon Froelich, the team established a school record for FBBA this season with 28 wins and advanced to the TAPPS State Playoffs.

Councilwoman Jacquie Chaumette spoke to Troop 1631 members about the new minor league baseball stadium. This was part of the requirement for the scouts earning their “Citizenship in the Community” merit badge.

The Lamar Consolidated High School Mighty Mustang Marching Band competing at the Alamo Bowl where they won four separate titles.

Daisy Scouts from Troop #29079 hosted a birthday party with special guests, Junior Girl Scouts from Troop #29140 to celebrate Girl Scouts’ 99 year anniversary.

Mason Smith of Boy Scout Troop 1316 has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Mason is a freshman homeschooled student residing in New Territory.

Clements Stars Dance Team brought home 14 awards at Regionals for the 2011 competition season. They included Team Super Sweepstakes, Team Modern 1st Runner Up Best in Class, Team Jazz 1st Runner Up Best in Class, Team Lyrical Best in Class, Choreography Award for Team Modern, 2nd Runner Up Duet, Uprising Large Ensemble 1st Runner Up, High Point Modern, High Point Lyrical, Choreography Award for Modern, Lyrical, and Jazz! fort bend

magazine • April 2011

74

Continued from page 65

We Are Family!!

“We Are Family” is the theme of the 19th annual auction benefiting St. Laurence Catholic School. The fun-filled evening will take place at 5:45 pm on May 7th, at the Marriott Town Center in Sugar Land.

The event’s activities include dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction, and the “Big Board”, which serves as a minilive auction with an interactive form of bidding. A four-night Alaskan adventure awaits the highest bidder, and their guest, among other fabulous items.

Companies and individuals can purchase tables, tickets and advertisements in the auction catalog. For more information, please contact Laurel Keller, Development Coordinator, at 281-980-0500 or visit at www.slcsauction.org.

Magazine

Honors the

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, September 22, 2011 Safari Texas Ranch

Time to Tee Off! Tee Up for Tunes Golf Tournament April 25, 2011

Benefiting Literacy Council of Fort Bend

Travis High School Tiger Band Booster Club will be hosting its first annual Golf Classic and Silent Auction on Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club located 3000 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas. The club’s number is (281) 342-9945. There will be an 18 Hole Golf Tournament (4 person team scramble). Registration begins at 12:00 pm. Shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Dinner will be provided and awards will be presented at 6:00 pm. There will also be a silent auction with theme baskets, a wine refrigerator, wine baskets, a stay at a condo at Crested Butte and more!

There will also be a 9 Hole Non-Competitive Goofy Golf Tournament for those with no experience playing golf, but just want to have fun! Registration for the Goofy Golf Tournament begins at 3:00 pm and the Goofy Golf Tournament will be from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Dinner will also be at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Travis Tiger Band’s website at www.

Travistigerband.com.

Watch the video of the 2010 Event at www.FortBendFocus.com Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

Continued on page 76 www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

75

Continued from page 75

IS

Dragon Boat team paddling during one of the heats.

Houston is Kicking Off a New Decade in Dragon Boating!

Your Community Resource People • Places • Happenings Feature Stories

Local people and local stories are important to us.

Fort Bend Headliners

Informing the community about local happenings is important to us.

Community Calendar

Keeping a current, local events calendar is important to us.

Seen On The Scene

Capturing the most event coverage is important to us.

Fort Bend is Important to Us. Thank you Fort Bend for Making Fort Bend Focus your #1 Read Magazine!

Scan with your smart phone to launch website.

To advertise or subscribe, call 281.690.4242 or visit www.FortBendFocus.com

Support our advertisers and don’t forget to say you saw them in Focus. fort bend

magazine • April 2011

76

The Texas Dragon Boat Association is officially kicking off its new decade in Dragon Boat racing starting with the first ever Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge in Webster, Texas on April 9, 2011, followed by the 11th annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival in Downtown Houston on May 7, 2011, and the 8th annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta on October 21-23, 2011 which will be held at Fluor Daniel in Sugar Land.

The Texas Dragon Boating Association was established over ten years ago to promote the tradition dragon boating, increase awareness of Asian and AsianAmerican culture, and enhance crosscultural understanding.

Although dragon boating is one of the world’s fastest growing team water activities, the Houston-based organization had very humble beginnings 10 years ago with just one event with only eight teams. This year will feature three events with over 100 teams and thousands of spectators. Thanks to the support from Houston Art Alliance and other grants and donations, the organization continues to grow and offer more to the Houston public. Many companies use it as a teambuilding opportunity for their employees while others participate for the health and fitness benefits. Not only are paddlers invited, but anyone is welcome to come out to the events for a day of cultural performances, educational booths, Pan-Asian cuisine, and of course, Dragon Boat racing.

For team sponsorship, event sponsorship or additional information, visit www.texasdragonboat.com or email at director@texasdragonboat.com. H

For Women Only:

Leaky Bladder?

Good News...

Treatment in the doctor’s office in about an hour.

Back to normal daily activities the same day or next day.

Covered by Medicare and certain other healthcare insurance.

Call Today

Dr. Carlos R. Hamilton III 1415 Hwy 6, Suite A200 Sugar Land, TX 77478

to Learn More

281-565-0033

Risks: Adverse events (complications) are typically mild and temporary and most resolve shortly after treatment.

Reported complications include dysuria (discomfort during urination), hematuria (blood-tinged urine), urinary tract infection, and urine retention (inability to empty the bladder). Infrequently, worsening incontinence symptoms have been reported.

Thank You to All Our Boogie 2011 Sponsors, Steering Committee Members, Supporters and Volunteers Title Sponsor

SILVER SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS • Chevron - Band • Exchange Club of Sugar Land • Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille and Roberts Markel PC - Sponsor & Steering Commitee Party • Safari Texas Ranch - Catering GOLD SPONSORS • Linens by Lisa - Decorations • OYO Geospace - Printing • ZK Homes - Kick-Off Party www.fortbend

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Budweiser/Silver Eagle Distributors - Beverages Classic Chevrolet - Photo Booth Consolidated Home Health - Hospitality Hardee Investment Group - Publicity AOI, Inc./Mindy Gross & Andre Orban Early McClintic & McMillan, L.L.P. Emerus Emergency Hospital Founders Bank Gillman Automobile Companies Indo-American Charity Foundation Planned Community Developers Roberta K. Randall Charitable Foundation Rotary Club of Sugar Land Slataper Party Knights Stratos Global Wells Fargo WJ Interests, LLC

.com • April 2011

77

Fort Bend County Women’s Center’s Girlfriends Giggle

Imperial Sugar Hosts Reception for Local Youth Musicians

Audra O’Neal, Jennifer Ford, Nichole Snow; Nicole Hawker, Debbie Buckner & Mandy Boudreaux.

Beth Comstock, Kristi Schmidt & Lisa Derose.

Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway John Sheptor, president and CEO of Imperial Sugar Company, hosted an afternoon reception to personally meet several members of The Virtuosi of Houston who reside in the Fort Bend County area. The Virtuosi’s young artists chamber orchestra is committed to the education and development of middle to high school age musicians who will go on to pursue a musical career as performers, educators and advocates of classical music. Pictured are John Grigsby, III, Melanie Ruzicka, John Sheptor, Lawren Kinghorn, Daniel Johnson and Katie Sampels (seated).

Kelli Piacentini, Shelley Bolen-Abbott, Sherri Phegley & Melissa Walker.

Laura Lyons-Hicks, Lisa Frary & Valrie Emery.

Sean Hardin, a freshman at George Ranch High School, was selected to sing with five Broadway Stars in Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway in Boerne, TX. Pictured is Hardin with Chuck Wagner who has starred on Broadway in Into the Woods, Les Miserables and Beauty and the Beast.

Pinewood Derby BSA Pack 248 at FBBA

OakBend Medical Center Emergency Department Ribbon Cutting

Allison Wen, Liz Moreno & Vincent Morales.

May W. Tape, DDS, Ted Volf, Kelly Harris, Himesh Ghandi, Cliff Terrell, Keri Schmidt, Allison Wen, Rom McCann, Chris Breaux, Joe Freudenberger, Bruce Mercer, R. C. Brown, III, Steven Metzenthin, Gail Parker, Tommy Kuykendall, Kevin Patton, Jeff Council, Cheryl Stalinsky & Robert Qaurles. fort bend

Gail Parker, Joe Freudenberger & Keri Schmidt. magazine • April 2011

78

Carter Fredrickson, with his father Michael at the Boy Scout Pack 248 Pinewood Derby.

H&R Block Rosenberg Ribbon Cutting The Hearts and Hands Gala Benefiting Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands

Texas Citizen’s Bank in Rosenberg Ribbon Cutting

Kurt Neubauer, Andres Novoa & Rachel El-Saadi.

Kevin Patton of State Farm’s Newly Renovated Office Building Ribbon Cutting

Georgia Hackelman & Mary Opperman.

Mistress of Ceremonies Laura Reynolds & Auctioneer Judge Jim Richard.

Andrea Brown & Laura Runge.

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s State of the County

Rosenberg Mayor Joe Gurecky & Mark Reed.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce President Keri Schmidt, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance President/ CEO Gail Parker & Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Board of Directors Chair Kamal Ariss.

Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert.

State Representative John Zerwas, District 28, Cheryl Stalinsky & Fulshear Mayor Tommy Kuykendall. www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

79

WORLD PREMIERE FILMS

By Nick Nicholson

Delivered, directed by Michael Madison: Set in LA and the dusty desert towns of the Mojave Desert, Delivered is a modern crime thriller about Shane, a young vet, who takes an armed courier job to help out his mom. Shane is sent on a special assignment that takes him on an adventure involving Japanese gangsters, an Armenian art dealer, a retired proctologist and a beautiful young woman. Showtime: April 15th at 9:00 pm.

Far Away Eyes, directed by Stanley J. Orzel: Ace hitman, Marcus, is summoned to meet with three professional colleagues to resolve unfinished business. Over an elaborate meal, the four skilled assassins reminisce about the past and ponder the future.

In a tense and highly claustrophobic setting, accusations fly,

Where the Road Meets the Sun

F

ive features from Asian filmmakers, several compelling documentaries, suspense stories, romances and a good number of comedies are on the slate at the 44th edition of WorldFest, the annual Houston ten-day festival that showcases independent films from the United States with local film makers highlighted. This year’s dates are April 8-17, and film lovers should expect to take in some 50-plus features and 88 short films, all screening at the AMC Studio 30 Theatres.

WorldFest Executive Director Hunter Todd revealed the line-up during a reception at La Colombe d’Or attended by film critics, programmers, actors, directors, festival devotees, and representatives of various Houston consulates including Italy, Mexico, and Jamaica. Besides screenings, there’s the usual group of additional activities: six master classes in film/video production and distribution, an opening night champagne gala, the Remi Awards gala dinner, and a Regatta & Texas BBQ complete with Longhorn steers and a sailboat race at the Houston Yacht Club. Shawn Welling’s internationally acclaimed urban dance troupe, Planet Funk, will provide the entertainment during the WorldFest Awards dinner.

Festival headquarters have moved to the Marriott Westchase, so look for the master classes, seminars, and the awards gala, all open to the public, at the new location. More information, visit www.worldfest.org.

The following is a breakdown of the not to be missed world premiere feature films and documentaries. As always, please consult the WorldFest program guide and/or website for the most accurate and up to date show times, as those below are subject to change. fort bend

Time Expired

lines are drawn and secrets are revealed. It all culminates in an explosive showdown where no one is safe. Showtime: TBA. Finding Hope Now, directed by Jennifer Tadlock: This is the story of Reverend Roger Minassian, who at the age of 53, knowing nothing about gang youth, leaves the security of the pastorate of a large middle class church to step way outside his comfort zone, and enters into ‘another America.’ He takes to the violent ravaged streets transforming the lives of over 1,800 gang kids. It is also the story of Santos, a gang member, who at age 16 has no future and little hope. He knows his future is either prison or death.

This film is about risk-taking, embracing change, overcoming the impossible, and finding hope. Showtime: April 14 at 9:00 pm.

Flood Streets, directed by Joseph Meissner: This film explores the life in New Orleans one year after Hurricane Katrina wiped out most of the city. Madeline is a pot-addicted real estate agent who stumbles upon a crisis of conscience in an abandoned home.

Matt is a reformed bohemian trying to go straight, but he can’t stop fantasizing about his dentist. Abby wants to buy her family a boat and Georgia cooks up a scheme that could put her daughter in danger. Together, these malcontents struggle to find love, money and marijuana on the surreal streets of post flood New Orleans. Showtime: April 11 at 7:00 pm.

Hamesima X, directed by Yuval Ovadia & Or Yashar: A man is sent to earth on a mysterious mission and is caught trying to infiltrate the Mossad’s most highly classified facility. During an intensive interrogation, instead of getting the information he was hoping for, the Mossad’s investigator is surprised to be given mystical and Kabalistic secrets about the universe. Showtime: April 11 at 7:00 pm.

magazine • April 2011

80

Letting Go, directed by Jake Torem: Joel Slater has a hard time letting go of anything. But when his gorgeous girlfriend considers leaving LA to start a new life without him, Joel is forced to take a serious look at his surroundings. As he obsesses over the unique bonds he has in his relationships and the price he may not be willing to pay for them, Joel begins to realize that his real problems are rooted in the past and not the present. Showtime: April 15 at 9:00 pm.

Project Aether, directed by Shawn S. Welling: An American writer’s family ties relate back to a late 1950’s experiment resulting in a high level haunting of a 1930’s wooded house on the banks of a lazy bayou. A government conspiracy is connected to the disappearance of key individuals who have a special connection to the afterlife. Showtime: April 10th at 7:00 pm.

Project Aether

Sugarbaby

themselves from the drug lord’s assassin and bring Sugarbaby back to life. Showtimes: April 10th & 12th at 9:00 pm.

Time Expired, directed by Nick Lawrence: Randall Zimmerman loves working in parking enforcement at Oklahoma Tech. There’s just one problem: he is dying. Randall wants nothing more than to live out his final days in peace. However, his family and friends have other ideas. Filled with their own set of problems and neuroses, each thinks that they know exactly how Randall should spend his final days. Their efforts become so overwhelming that Randall is no longer able to do the one thing that matters to him most - enforce parking. He must find a way to help his loved ones fix their own problems if he stands any chance of returning to the happy life he once knew. Showtime: April 13th at 7:00 pm.

Finding Hope Now

Reach for the Sky, directed by Alan Chan: The story of Eryn Cates and her family’s struggle to keep their family ranch in Texas from foreclosure by evil banker Samuel Mortimer. Facing the prospect of losing the farm, Bowie, Eryn’s brother, takes to robbing the payroll band wagon. However, it all goes wrong, and Eryn is forced to take on the bandit disguise and lead the chase away from Bowie. When the pay chest is recovered, Mortimer is delighted to realize that he can intercept the payrolls and blame the robberies on the masked bandit. Things get more complicated when Texas Rangers investigate the Robberies, and Eryn falls in love with one of them. Showtime: April 12th at 7:00 pm.

Re-Evolution, directed by Andrew Walkington: Society says that young people are dangerously out of control. Gratuitous violence, devastating vandalism and anti-social behavior plague our streets, schools and homes. Parents, teachers and the public are becoming intolerably scared of the younger generation and are turning to radical and hasty resolves to quell their fears. ReEvolution exposes a surreal, dark and disturbing twist on a world in which the powers that be prescribe a cure for the youth of today.

Showtime: April 13th at 9:00 pm.

Sugarbaby, directed by Trisha Ray: When teenage hawker Andy gets picked up by bad cops, his friends, the street singers Maria, Sally and Tara, start taking care of his one-year-old niece whom they call Sugarbaby. The baby brings good luck to the girls - their talent is noticed by record producers who are looking to replace young diva singer Billie Billie Junior for their new album.

But suddenly, the girls witness a murder committed by the local drug mafia and while running to save themselves, they drop the baby, and the baby goes into a coma. Now, the girls have to protect www.fortbend

Re-Evolution

Where the Road Meets the Sun, directed by Yong Mun Chee: The story of four men whose lives intersect at a rundown Hollywood hotel. Takashi, a Japanese hitman, wakes up from a four-year coma and moves to LA to escape mysterious traumatic memories. He strikes an unusual friendship with Blake, the hotel manager, who still mourns the loss of his wife to an affair he ended up regretting. Julio, an illegal immigrant who works at an Indian restaurant to provide for his wife and child back in Mexico, befriends Guy, a young British backpacker who lives off of his estranged father’s ATM card and sleeps with any girl who crosses his path. The film intercuts between the blossoming of these two friendships showing the wild and often gut wrenching adventures of four men trying to survive both emotionally and physically. Showtime: April 15th at 7:00 pm.

WORLD PREMIERE DOCUMENTARIES Death by Medicine, directed by Gary Null: This film, based on Gary Null’s groundbreaking book, explores the dominant medical paradigm and the current health crisis. It looks at the pharmaceutical industry, drug representatives, medical schools and journals, our regulatory agencies, private insurance firms and lobbying influences on our legislators. Is it finally time to create a new medical paradigm? Showtime: April 14th at 7:00 pm.

Into the Wind II: The Adventure Continues, directed by Chris Page: This documentary will take you on powered paragliding

continued on page 82 .com • April 2011

81

continued from page 81 adventures from Utah to Moscow, while not only showing you amazing scenery and spectacular flying, but also the camaraderie and spirit of adventure that helps guide these pilots into the sky and around the world. Showtime: April 10th at 7:00 pm.

Moonbug, directed by Nichola Bruce: Bitten by the ‘Moonbug, photographer Steve Pyke sets out on a journal across America in his search to meet and photograph the Apollo space pioneers - a journey in which he meets the adventurers, risk takers and dreamers who were behind one of the most historic endeavors of our time. With rare archive footage and an original score by Matt Johnson, Moonbug is both a photographic road trip and an exploration of how photographs become sign posts for history.

Showtime: April 15th at 7:00 pm.

KLEISER TRIBUTE Grease, directed by Randal Kleiser: A tribute to Randal Kleiser with a sing along version of his ever popular film Grease.

Kleiser will be in attendance and will accept his special award in person. Showtime: April 16th at 3:00 pm. H

Liberia ‘77

Liberia ‘77, directed by Jeff Topham: Welcome to Liberia.

Canadian photographer brothers Jeff and Andrew Topham return to this war-torn West African country of their childhood to re-shoot their father’s photos from the 1970’s. They did not expect to find a country seemingly waiting for their return, or a country whose own photographic history was destroyed by war.

Liberia ‘77 is a film that shows how despite time, war, distance and culture, photography connects all. Showtime: April 16th at 7:00 pm.

Taking Satan to the Mat

Taking Satan to the Mat, directed by Tom Borden & Paul Aldridge: From deep in the heart of Texas, the Christian Wrestling Foundation packs up their ring and hits the road for small towns across America, saving souls with a Bible-thumping wrestling show. The show is extreme and so is the message accept Christ or spend eternity in Hell. Take a cinematic ride looking at the unlikely marriage of two uniquely American pastimes - fundamentalist Christianity and professional wrestling. Showtime: April 17th at 5:00 pm. fort bend

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star, Focus Magazine, Pearland Focus as well as Focus on Women. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization.

magazine • April 2011

82

TCRN-Sugar Land Proudly Presents...

The 3rd Annual

Benefiting

WIN A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON PLUS 20 OTHER GREAT ITEMS!

Purchase $10 Raffle Tickets at any Network Business found at TCRN-SugarLand.com FREE Admission FREE Concessions Outdoor Arcade Games Family Activities & Demos Live Music ... and MUCH MORE!

Sat, May 14, 2011 Noon - 10pm WHERE: Sugar Land Town Square Plaza WHEN:

WHY:

Provide College Scholarships for Young Cancer Survivors in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg & Stafford

W W W. S U G A R L A N D B A S H . O R G www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

83

High School HOT SHOT

By Melinda Wood

Hitting All The Right Notes

E

ach year, high school students across Texas compete for a place in the all-state choirs, orchestras and bands. Only 1,500 out of 60,000 musicians make the final cut to join the best of the best in San Antonio for a week filled with rehearsing, learning and performing.

For the second year in a row, Kempner High School junior Kelli Valdez sang her heart out for a spot in the alto section of the all-state women’s choir. To make it to state, students have to survive cuts at the district, region, pre-area and area levels, so needless to say, Kelli is very proud of her accomplishments.

“I was kind of surprised when I found out I made it,” Kelli said. “I didn’t think I did that well in my audition, but when I heard my name called out, I was so excited.”

In February ever year, all-state musicians travel to San Antonio for a long weekend of rehearsals and a final concert in front of music educators, school board representatives, family and friends. All of the students have the chance to work with awardwinning conductors and clinicians offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to many of these students.

Kelli shared that she has walked away with many memories. “I love being at all-state. Everyone there is so good. You feel like everyone is really focused, and everyone wants the same thing. You get to go to rehearsals all day. Seeing how we sound as a unit and seeing how much you improve throughout the week is awesome. The

Kelli Valdez (right) with Pamela Hall at the all state choir.

Ke l l i end result is amazing and beautiful.”

She continued, “Since I was the only one from Kempner, I was kind of by myself, but I’ve made many friends the past two years. This year, I was actually on crutches, but my new friends helped me get around.”

To achieve this honor, Kelli worked hard along the way. She attended a choir camp over the summer to learn the audition pieces, practiced every day and even worked with a voice teacher to perfect her technique. But, for Kelli, the hard work was worth getting to the top in something she has been passionate about since she first sang in front of a crowd in a fifth grade talent show.

Kelli also said that music has taught her many life lessons. “I’ve learned that

whatever you end up doing in life is something you should love. Why would you do something you don’t love? No matter how much I get frustrated with singing, I love it when I get it right. I hope I get to keep singing throughout my life.”

Through all of her success, Kelli credits her parents with keeping her focused and confident. “My dad is where I get my singing from,” Kelli said. “My parents have always been really supportive of me. They’re always there to watch when I sing.

They’re always applauding me and telling me to believe in myself. When I don’t think I’m going to make it, they’re always reassuring me.”

Outside of choir, Kelli is also a focused student and a three-year varsity soccer player. In her future, Kelli hopes to attend a choir camp at NYU this summer before her senior year.

No matter what the outcome, Kelli vows to always have music in her life.

Congratulations Kelli on all of your accomplishments! H

For Kelli, the hard work was worth getting to the top in something she has been passionate about since she first sang in front of a crowd in a fifth grade talent show. fort bend

magazine • April 2011

84

ATULATION R G N S! O C Melissa Robbins

Congratulations to Melissa Robbins, currently a student at Lamar Consolidated High School, for winning a $1000 Scholarship sponsored by Texas Direct Auto! Melissa is currently Secretary of LCHS’s Varsity Choir, Historian of the National Music Honor Society and a softball team member. Melissa plans to attend the University of Texas San Antonio and believes she will major in photography although she is still undecided. Melissa was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendstar.com/scholarshipstar.doc

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

85

M edical F ocus Triumph HospitalSugar Land Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Triumph Hospital-Sugar Land recently celebrated their one-year anniversary as a licensed and certified preceptor site for pharmacy students attending Texas Southern University School of Pharmacy.

“This partnership with TSU is very important, not only to our hospital and participating students, but also for the community in many different ways,” said Terry Cullison, RPh, director of Pharmacy, Triumph Hospital Sugar Land.

One of the ways the community benefits, which Cullison noted, is when a hospital such as Triumph, becomes a teaching hospital all staff, nurses and physicians become better at what they are doing.

“When one is teaching any subject, especially medicine and pharmacology, we are insuring we are providing the best examples and procedures as we teach.

Teaching also keeps you on your toes and improves your own performance. You might say this is just another way Triumph is raising the bar in patient care,” Cullison said.

Staff from Triumph Hospital Sugar Land proudly display the Certificate of Appreciation from TSU College of Pharmacy: Sara Tran, Pharmacist; Dennis Wolfman, Pharmacist; Terry Cullison, Director of Pharmacy; Abbey Hoop, Pharmacy Tech; Dennis Phan, Pharmacy Intern and TSU Student.

Also, the pharmacy interns bring with them what is being taught in the classroom, which is another way staff at Triumph stay up-to-date.

Cullison also noted that the physicians enjoy the teaching aspect of the program as well.

“The physicians take the time to explain to the pharmacy interns why a certain medication was chosen or a procedure which influences a medication decision,” Cullison said.

During their internship at Triumph, the pharmacy students not only make rounds seeing patients, attend interdisciplinary team meetings regarding patient care, but also spend time in different ar-

eas of the hospital. A few departments the interns visit are respiratory, wound care, radiology and dialysis which provides the opportunity to see the practical side of medicine and how pharmacology works with these patients, according to Cullison.

Thus far, Triumph has hosted nine pharmacy interns in the past year, with each completing sixty hours, the majority of which attended the one-year anniversary celebration at Triumph.

Pharmacy is not the only area in which Triumph participates in being a training hospital, for example numerous nurses complete their rotation hours at the hospital as well.

Triumph Hospital is Long Term Acute Care Hospital, which fills an important role in the continuum of patient care and addresses the need of a small, but growing, patient population who cannot be effectively treated in the conventional healthcare setting. Patients are referred to a Triumph Hospital for the continuation of acute medical care because the severity and complexity of their condition precludes them from being accepted into a rehabilitation hospital or a skilled nursing facility.

For more information on Triumph Hospital, please visit www.triumphhealthcare.com. H

It’s Kick Off Time for Fort Bend GridIron Football League

Top Row L-R: Lowell Stanton, CFO at MSLH; Bucky Richardson, founder for the league; Gary Remy, board member and coach; Alex O’Saw, coach; Sean Croft, Director of Rehab Services at MSLH. Middle Row L-R: Angela Byrd, athletic trainer at MOST, Vincent C. Phan, M.D.; Kenneth M. Renney, M.D.; Christopher K. Smith, M.D.; Carl A. Hicks, M.D. and Jerry Meins, athletic trainer at MOST. Bottom Row L-R: John Paul Richardson, Bryson Stewart, Grant Remy and Talyn O’Saw. fort bend

magazine • April 2011

86

Registration is under way for the second season of Fort Bend GridIron Football, sponsored by Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH) and Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST).

All students between the ages of 7 and 12 and zoned to the Fort Bend or Lamar Consolidated school districts are eligible to play in the Fort Bend GridIron Football League, which was founded by former Texas A&M and Houston Oiler quarterback Bucky Richardson.

“We are excited to kick off our second year in operation with the help

and support of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas,” Richardson said.

“The Methodist organization really believed in our vision for a new community league and our players benefited tremendously from the partnership – from VIP treatment at the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Emergency Department to the skill and knowledge of the sports medicine experts at MOST.” Richardson said the Fort Bend GridIron Football League will likely triple its membership this year. The league is designed to teach proper football fundamentals in a positive, community-based environment and is affiliated with USA Football, the official youth football organization for the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and MOST have a long history of supporting youth sports and keeping young athletes healthy. The partnership with Fort Bend GridIron is just one of the many ways that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and MOST support youth sports throughout the community.

Through its sponsorship of Fort Bend GridIron Football, MOST provides the league with a medical advisory team of physicians, athletic trainers and physical therapists that offer information and assistance to players and their families. During the football season, MOST staffs weekly walk-in sports medicine clinics for the league.

In addition, Fort Bend GridIron Football athletes, parents, administrators and coaches receive VIP services at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s emergency, imaging and surgical departments via the MSLH Sports VIP Platinum Card. Players receive sameday appoints at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas and Methodist Family Medicine Group by scheduling through an assigned outreach coordinator.

To register for the upcoming season, visit www.FortBendGridIronFootball.com. For an appointment with a MOST physician, please call 281-494MOST (6678) or for more information about Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com. H

Dr. Amjad Khokhar Treats Family with New Laser Vision Correction Procedure Award-winning master eye surgeon successfully treats wife with revolutionary i-LASIK Award-winning eye surgeon Dr. Amjad Khokhar has successfully treated his wife with the revolutionary new iLASIK procedure. Dr. Khokhar’s wife, Amber, recovered in less than 24 hours and is now enjoying her freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

“Amjad asked me why I was wearing glasses when he could fix my eyes.

I didn’t even mind glasses that much, but Amjad assured me that I would be happy,” said Amber. “He took care of the kids for the day so I could get some sleep. When I woke up, everything was clear. I could see it all…without glasses.”

Amber Khokhar underwent the latest in laser vision correction: iLASIK. The new i-LASIK procedure represents a culmination of advancements over the last 20 years of laser vision correction. iLASIK is the final frontier with nothing new on the horizon. Patients no longer need to be confused about what the best technology is and whether LASIK is still being improved. “i-LASIK is what surgeons and patients have been waiting for,” explains Chief Surgeon Dr. Amjad Khokhar. “The procedure is finally 100% laser, 100% blade-free, and 100% customized.”

The first part of i-LASIK is to gather a wavefront using the Customvue WaveScan. A wavefront is like a “fingerprint” of the eye. i-LASIK’s wavefrontguided treatments correct the tiny imperfections of your eye so that your best vision is achieved.

The second part of the procedure is to create a custom corneal flap using IntraLase, an amazing new laser with unprecedented safety. Before IntraLase, a microkeratome, which is essentially a surgical blade, was used to create the corneal flap. Now, a customized flap is created with a laser so that the procedure is all-laser and completely blade-free.

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

87

Dr. Amjad Khokhar

Finally, the treatment is completed with the VISX laser which fixes the curvature of the cornea so that light can be correctly focused. This laser has exclusive features that have made it the number one LASIK laser. For example, VISX is able to follow the patient’s eye movements in 4 directions. In addition to 3 dimensional tracking, the new iris registration feature allows the laser to compensate for any rotation of the eye.

Dr. Khokhar is the chief surgeon and medical director of the recognized Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. He is also chief of the ophthalmology section at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and teaches young physicians. He is one of a select group of eye surgeons who is certified to perform the new iLASIK procedure. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Texas Medical Association, and Harris County Medical Society. He has been named one of America’s top LASIK surgeons by the Consumer Research Council.

To see if you are a candidate for i-LASIK, call 281-240-0478 or go to www.sugarlandeye.com. You will be able to schedule a free consultation at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center during which you will personally meet with Dr. Khokhar. H

M edical F ocus Nacogdoches Man Finds Heroes Close to Home at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital When the results from Kenneth King’s blood work came in, his doctor knew immediately that Kenneth was headed towards kidney failure. The doctor also knew he couldn’t treat Kenneth; not because he didn’t have the knowledge, but because he practices in Nacogdoches, Texas, where there is no hospital equipped to perform kidney transplants.

“I was given lots of options,” says King, a Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office Investigator. “There are transplant clinics in Tyler and Shreveport that are each less than 60 miles away, but my doctor strongly recommended The Methodist Hospital System. After researching a number of facilities, just by the sheer number of transplants Methodist does and the positive outcomes, I knew Methodist is where I needed to be.”

So Kenneth and his wife, Angie, and nephew, Steven, loaded up their truck and made the two and a half hour drive to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its new Transplant Clinic, which provides pre-transplant evaluation for patients with organ failure. Both Angie and Stephen had volunteered to be donors and would now undergo rigorous testing to see if either would be compatible for Kenneth.

“All along I knew it was going to be me,” says Angie King, wife and mother to the couple’s three children. “Everyone else was convinced that Steven would be the best match since he is a blood relative, but there was never a doubt in my mind that it would be me donating a kidney to my husband.”

While testing was being done on Angie and Stephen at The Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, Kenneth had his own series of tests completed at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. His first stop was to meet his new doctor, Horacio E. Adrogue, M.D., a second generation transplant nephrologist on staff at Methodist

Sugar Land Hospital and the Pancreas Transplant program Medical Director.

Dr. Adrogue is also the Medical Director of the Methodist Transplant Network, which has a goal to create transplant evaluation clinics in the community to better serve transplant patients. “The Methodist Sugar Land Clinic is able to start evaluations for patients with any kind of organ failure, and Methodist is the only program in Houston with this type of clinic,” says Dr. Adrogue.

“From the minute I walked through the doors at Methodist Sugar Land, I couldn’t have asked for better care,” says King. “The facility is so well-maintained and so clean, it’s just amazing. I also couldn’t have asked for a better doctor.

There are a lot of similarities between me and Dr. Adrogue; we are both about the same age and we are both very aggressive in our jobs. He told me right away that, with two potential donors, we needed to go ahead and plan for a transplant while I was still strong – the sooner, the better.”

As if Angie had willed it, she turned out to be a good match for Kenneth.

The Nacogdoches family headed home, packed up clothes and drove to a new apartment in Houston where they would be spending the next month following the surgeries. However, there was one hitch in the plan.

“We were worried about following through with the insurance company since we were both about to go into surgery,” says Angie. “But the great thing was that Methodist Sugar Land was able to help with this as well, which really left me with the ability to solely focus on me and my husband. It was a wonderful experience; we had been assigned to a whole team – a social worker, an RN, a team of doctors and our wonderful financial coordinator. He took over with the insurance company and told us we didn’t need to worry.

The one thing that remained the same throughout our experience at fort bend

magazine • April 2011

88

Kenneth King, Angie King and Horacio E. Adrogue, M.D.

Methodist—the patient was always the first priority.”

When the day of surgery arrived, Angie went in first, followed a few hours later by Kenneth, but they were side by side in the recovery room. “The nurses wheeled my gurney next to his so we could see each other,” recalls Angie.

After two days in the hospital for Angie and three days for Kenneth, the pair went home to their new Houston apartment. Now the anxiety ridden stage of the process began – making sure Kenneth’s body didn’t reject Angie’s kidney. But Kenneth’s body not only accepted the new kidney, he also recovered more quickly than expected and was able to leave for Nacogdoches a month sooner than doctors planned.

“We still have to make the almost 150-mile trek here for follow up visits, but it’s really not that bad when you think about all that I have gained,” says Kenneth. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the staff and medical professionals of Methodist. In fact, I sent my dad down here for surgery when he needed a knee replacement. I’m telling you, even the cafeteria is great!”

As far as how Kenneth feels about his wife’s gift, he says, “As a man and as a husband, you expect to take care of your wife, not the other way around.

But sometimes, your heroes are closer than you think.”

For more information, please call the Methodist Transplant Center at 713441-5451. H

Memorial Hermann Again Named Among America’s 50 Best Hospitals by HealthGrades Four Hospitals Recognized for Sustained, Outstanding Clinical Performance

by HealthGrades®, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization

For the second year in a row, Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital have collectively been named an America’s 50 Best Hospital for 2011 in a report issued by HealthGrades®, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. The hospitals are the only Texas-based institutions on the list.

To be recognized with this distinction, hospitals must have had risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates that were in the top 5 percent in the nation for the most consecutive years. On average, patients treated at America’s 50 Best Hospitals had a nearly 30 percent lower risk of death and 3.45 percent lower rate of complications.

“Being among America’s top 50 hospitals validates the efforts and commitment of these facilities and their medical staffs to deliver extraordinary patient care,” said Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann

president and CEO. “We take great pride in the fact that these hospitals experience lower patient mortality and incidence of complications when compared to other hospitals, and that translates into thousands of lives saved each year.”

A HealthGrades study found that if all U.S. hospitals had performed at the level of Memorial Hermann’s Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and The Woodlands hospitals, more than a half million Medicare deaths could have been prevented between 1999 and 2009. The study was based on an analysis of more than 140 million Medicare patient records.

“As our nation searches for a solution to providing Americans with access to high quality health care at an affordable price, Memorial Hermann is setting the standard, demonstrating that consistent, sustainable clinical excellence is achievable,” said Dr. Rick May, HealthGrades vice president of clinical quality services and co-author of the report.

HealthGrades America’s 50 Best study compared the performance of hospitals like Memorial Hermann to all others and found: • If all hospitals performed at the lev-

el of the HealthGrades America’s 50 Best, approximately 55,000 Medicare patient deaths, or 550,000 over the last decade, could have been prevented.

• Compared with all other hospitals, the HeathGrades America’s 50 Best had risk-adjusted mortality rates that were, on average, 28.59 percent lower and riskadjusted in-hospital complication rates that were 3.45 percent lower. However, for some procedures and treatments, the variation was much wider. For treatment of pneumonia, the 50 Best hospitals had, on average, a 43.82 percent lower riskadjusted mortality, and for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the hospitals had on average, 42.81 lower risk-adjusted mortality.

• 86 percent of America’s 50 Best are not-for-profit or local governmental entities Memorial Hermann has been recognized as a national leader for its commitment to quality and patient safety. The hospital system was the recipient of the 2009 National Quality Healthcare Award from the National Quality Forum (NQF) for achieving meaningful, sustainable quality improvement in healthcare. Additionally, Memorial Hermann was the inaugural winner of the VHA National Health System Patient Safety Leadership Award in 2009.

For more information on Memorial Hermann, visit www.memorialhermann. org or call 713.222.CARE (2273). H

A Therapy Dog In The Making

James Thomas, Walker and Susan Sanchez-Hatchett.

This fluffy puppy was found on the side of the road at the end of February by Sheila Kramer, CEO HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital. After nobody in the neighborhood claimed the puppy, he found a new home with Nurse Manager Susan Sanchez-Hatchett. After a contest to “Name the Puppy,” 118 names were submitted by staff, patients, visitors and physicians. The names were narrowed down to eight and staff voted for the winner. “Walker” was chosen as the puppy’s name. Mr. James Thomas, a patient at HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital, submitted the winning name.

He was presented with a gift certificate www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

89

and much appreciation for such a creative name.

Susan’s veterinarian says Walker appears to be a mix between an Australian Shepherd and Samoyed. Walker will visit the hospital frequently while attending obedience training. He will be eligible to become a certified therapy dog when he is one-year-old. Both patients and staff thoroughly enjoy Walker’s presence in the HealthSouth Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital. H Send your news via www.FortBendFocus. com. Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

M edical F ocus UT Physicians’ Cardiologist Shares Six Fitness Tips for a Healthier Heart Regular exercise not only makes us feel better, it can also significantly reduce the risk factors for heart disease. Simbo Chiadika, M.D., a cardiologist with UT Physicians at Sienna Village, shares the following six steps to help you kickstart—and maintain a fitness program that will benefit your heart and overall health.

1. Set realistic goals - Walking 20 minutes at a time may be a good goal for some. For seasoned runners, finishing a 5K in less than 25 minutes might be appropriate.

2. Accommodate your body clock - If you are a morning person, try working out before work or school. Likewise, night owls may be comfortable Simbo Chiadika, M.D. exercising at the end of the day.

3. Be consistent – If you are consistent with your new exercise program, it will quickly become a habit that is part of your weekly routine.

4. Make physical activity fun - This could involve joining a neighborhood soccer team or watching your favorite television program while you ride an exercise bicycle.

5. Work around the seasons – Don’t let the weather sideline your program.

During the summer, joggers may want to run before sunrise or after sunset.

During the winter, walkers may want to hit a mall or an indoor treadmill.

6. Eat moderately - It could take as much as 30 minutes on a treadmill to burn off the 300 or so calories in a doughnut. Eat several and you could be running for a long time!

If you are out of shape, you may want to get a checkup before you hit the jogging trail. Anyone who experiences chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue should see a physician, said Chiadika.

Offering primary and specialty care for children, adolescents and adults, UT Physicians at Sienna Village is conveniently located at 8810 Highway 6, Suite 100.

For information or to schedule an appointment, please call 713-486-1200 or visit www.UTPhysicians.com. H

Got Tickets?

Join us on Facebook to WIN! “Like” Us Today!

Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.

Facebook.com/FortBendFocus fort bend

magazine • April 2011

90

Three in the Houston Region Tapped for Texas Lyceum Three leaders in the Houstonian region were named as directors for the Texas Lyceum, a nonprofit, non-partisan, statewide leadership organization.

They Jacqueline Baly include: Chaumette • Jacqueline Baly Chaumette, AtLarge City Councilmember of Sugar Land, Texas and President and CEO of BalyProjects, • Kevin Krenzke, chief accounting officer, U.S. Oncology, and • Anna Dragsbaek, Immunization Partnership.

The Texas Lyceum is focused on identifying the next generation of top Texas leaders. It is a membership organization made up of 96 men and women throughout the state under the age of 46 who have demonstrated leadership in their community and profession. Past members have included President George W. Bush, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Gov. Rick Perry, former Texas Comptroller John Sharp, state senators Rodney Ellis and Kirk Watson and Houston Mayor Bill White.

Each year, the Lyceum commissions the Texas Lyceum Poll, publishes the Lyceum Journal and conducts public forums statewide.

This year the organization is scheduled to name a 2011 Stewardship of Texas Values Award recipient and award college scholarships to a group of deserving Texas high school seniors. H

David Chaumette Honored by the State Bar of Texas and Earns a “Standing Ovation” Sugar Land resident and Houston attorney David A. Chaumette was honored this month by the State Bar of Texas for his exceptional contributions in 2010 to the State David Chaumette Bar’s continuing legal education efforts. Chaumette received an award from TexasBarCLE, the Bar’s division for providing continuing legal education and one of the premier providers in the nation.

Patrick Nester, Director of TexasBarCLE, explained the significance of the award. “All of our volunteers de-

serve our gratitude for contributing to the continuing education of their peers.

Nevertheless, some stand out each year for extraordinary dedication and commitment. We look forward to singling out individuals that not only gave enormously to our efforts, but also were gracious, easy to work with and—oftentimes—helped us out in a real pinch.”

A member of the State Bar’s Continuing Legal Education committee, Chaumette consistently advocated for the importance of fostering diversity in the State Bar’s pool of volunteer speakers. As one of the course directors for last year’s Advanced Civil Trial Course, he also presented at five courses in 2010. A creative and gifted speaker, Chaumette is known for his clear and well-organized delivery of

difficult and technically complex material.

This comment by an attendee may sum it up the best: “David is an outstanding speaker/communicator on an extremely relevant topic. Thank you for including him in the program.”

“Without volunteers,” Nester continued, “CLE from the State Bar couldn’t be nearly as high quality, as abundant, or as affordable. Attorney volunteers are the reason TexasBarCLE can claim the slogan, ‘Education by the Bar, for the Bar.’” The award, a handsome cobalt blue obelisk, is inscribed with “A Standing Ovation for an Outstanding Volunteer of 2010.” It also bears Chaumette’s name, the logo for the TexasBarCLE, and the seal of the State Bar of Texas. H

Renowned Builder Sueba USA Selected as Builder Partner for Imperial With a reputation for building quality, upscale mid-rise multi-family homes, Johnson Development Corporation’s Imperial has selected Sueba USA as their multi-family builder partner. With a host of luxury mid-rise projects in the Houston and Phoenix areas, Sueba was the builder of the 167-unit City Plaza at Town Square in Sugar Land.

“Sueba’s quality speaks for itself,” said Shay Shafie, General Manager of Imperial. “With a continual need for more housing in Sugar Land due to the forecasted growth rates, Imperial is dedicated to meeting that need with upscale, luxury multi-family homes perfect for individuals in transition, young professionals and couples, empty nesters and our ever-increasing work force.”

According to a preliminary report released by the Census Bureau, Fort Bend County has been named the second fastest growing county in Texas moving up a spot from the 2000 Census where it ranked third. The county experienced an over 65% growth in ten years. Fort Bend remains the tenth largest county in Texas with an annual average population increase of 23,000 people, and it is

the fastest growing county in the Greater Houston area.

Imperial plans call for phasing of the multi-family units beginning in the spring of 2012. The majority of the multifamily housing will be mid-rises located within the community adjacent to and near the new Star Tex Power Stadium.

“Sueba is extremely excited to have the opportunity to partner with Johnson Development in creating a high quality, long lasting and desirable mid-rise development within the Ballpark District and with the residents of Sugar Land,” said Douglas Bergen, Vice President, Sueba USA. “We look forward to Sueba continuing its relationship within the Sugar Land community and participating in the growth and success of the Imperial development.”

The mid-rise development will include many amenities such as a resort style pool and spa, poolside veranda, clubroom and catering kitchen, an athletic center and an executive business center with a conference room. Residents will be impressed with the high quality of the architectural design, construction and property management. These mid-rises www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

91

can be described as Class “A” luxury lofts due to their custom and distinctive interior and exterior features.

Plans for Imperial, a 700 acre MasterPlanned Community located in Sugar Land, Texas, will include the redevelopment of the historic Imperial Sugar Company refinery site and the preservation of several of the iconic structures dating back to the early 1900’s. Imperial has been selected as the site for the City of Sugar Land’s new minor league baseball stadium which has been aptly named the Star Tex Power Stadium. Just over a year ago, Johnson Development was selected as Imperial’s development manager by Cherokee Sugar Land LP and the State of Texas General Land Office.

Johnson’s charge is to bring life back to the old Imperial Sugar Refinery site with a mix of retail, commercial, hospitality, restaurants, office and urban residential land structures. The master plan also includes a significant amount of land across from the Sugar Land Regional Airport being dedicated for the City’s next professional business and technology park.

For more information about Imperial, visit www.imperialsugarland.com. H

FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide Advertising Fort Bend Focus Magazine 281-640-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com lisa@fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s only feature magazine direct mailed to nearly 30,000 homes, subscribers and high value homes in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, Missouri City and Fulshear. Complimentary at on demand distribution locations throughout Fort Bend. Subscribe for free. (10/2010) Focus On Women Magazine 281-640-4242 www.fowmag.com lisa@fortbendfocus.com Finally, the magazine that you have been waiting for. A new publication showcasing one of the best and brightest resources – our women. Full of interesting, thought-provoking stories. Focus on Women is a celebration of today’s women – their lives, their passions and their spirit. Subscribe today. (10/2010)

Counseling DF Counseling Services 281-380-9518 www.dfcounselingservices.com dallaslpc@yahoo.com Change can be challenging. A positive outcome is the goal. I believe that a fulfilling life is complete with supportive relationships, feelings of selfworth, and continued personal growth. If you are struggling with some difficult life issues and need some helpful guidance, hire the Licensed Professional Counselor who is experienced, compassionate, and effective - Dallas Ferguson. Individuals, couples, and families are welcome. (11/2010)

Dentistry Texas Urban Smile 281-277-1545 www.texasurbansmile.com sara@texasurbansmile.com We care for your dental, oral health and beauty.

To help you smile, we use top-of-the-line digital, low radiation x-rays, intraoral cameras, and much more. We have practiced general, cosmetic, implant and orthodontic dentistry for over 20 years. For your satisfaction, we offer a free consultation, $299 Zoom Whitening, $999 Bicon Short Implants, $2400 Invisible Braces and much more. Don’t wait! These deals will end soon. Call us and talk to one of our friendly staff and make an appointment today. (02/2011)

Estate Planning and Probate Andreason Law Firm 281-265-1561 www.andreasonlawfirm.com kurtandreason@andreasonlawfirm.com With over 25 years experience in Texas, Kurt M. Andreason can meet your estate planning needs with everything from basic wills and disability planning documents to sophisticated estate planning strategies, including family limited partnerships, life insurance trusts and other recognized methods of estate tax reduction. Convenient Sugar Land location. Handicap Accessible. Board Certified in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate. Listed over 10 years in Best Lawyers in America. (11/2010)

Jewelry Designs In Gems® 713-995-7975 www.designsingems.com brucejsnider@hotmail.com Custom Designs - Hand Made Jewelry by Designs In Gems® since 1984. “Distinctive originals redesigned from your sentimental existing gold and stones.... We make the next generation’s keepsakes.” Custom Jewelry Designer - Bruce J. Snider M.S., G.G.- GIA. Gemological Laboratory Appraisals. Graduate Gemologist - Gemological Institute of America. Listed: Jewelers Board of Trade, Member: BBB. 16180 City Walk (Town Square - Sugar Land) by appointment. (11/2010)

Marketing & Advertising Home Remodeling & Construction Services Villa Construction & Remodeling 281-344-2732 www.villaconstruction.net cindy@villaconstruction.net Villa Construction and Remodeling recognizes the privilege that you extend to us in serving your home construction and remodeling needs. We offer a full range of quality products and professional services. We have served the communities in Sugar Land and Fort Bend County since 1991.

We are members of the Better Business Bureau and Texas Residential Construction Commission.

We accept credit cards and insurance claim work.

Please contact us for a free no obligation quote.

The Marketing Department 281-277-7272 www.tmdtexas.com hspencer@tmdmainstreet.com cspencer@tmdmainstreet.com TMD is a friendly retail environment where small business owners can shop for affordable marketing ideas to help grow their business. The owners, Howard and Christie Spencer, will take the time to get to know you and understand your business - at absolutely no cost to you. This free consultation results in customized marketing strategies designed to fit your needs and budget. We’ll help you sell more -- to more people, more often, for more money! (03/2011)

(11/2010)

Orthodontics Horseback Riding Sienna Stables 281-778-7433 www.siennastables.com The premier Southwest Houston area Equestrian Facility offers horseback riding lessons for youth and adults in both English or Western styles.

Other activities include kids’ camps, birthday parties, special events and therapeutic riding. For the horse owner, horses can be boarded and or trained by professionals. Sienna Stables also hosts many styles of horse shows. Nestled among centuriesold shade trees in Sienna Plantation this little slice of heaven is conveniently located in Fort Bend. (11/2010)

fort bend

magazine • April 2011

92

Pisklak Orthodontics 281-403-5599 www.pisklakorthodontics.com info@pisklakorthodontics.com Carrie W. Pisklak, DDS, MS, is a respected provider of orthodontic care in your community. Located in Missouri City, Texas, the practice’s top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Dr. Pisklak utilizes the latest technological advances, such as clear braces and Invisalign Teen, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible. (10/2010)

FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide Pest Control/Exterminator Integrated Pest Management Inc. 281-341-1761 Fax 832-451-1949 www.integratedpest.biz ipmi@comcast.net Locally owned and operated servicing Fort Bend County for 29 years, Integrated Pest Management’s knowledge and friendly staff can answer all of your pest questions. A convenient retail store located on Hwy. 90 next to the Women’s Center retail store, we are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Stop by to check out our collection of snakes, exotic bugs and rodents. Save money by purchasing the materials yourself and let us educate you on how to apply them. Better yet, let us do the job for you. Thanks, Bob, Frank, Shirley, Daniel and Phil. (03/2011)

Podiatry and Cosmetic Elite FootCare of Texas, Inc. 832-539-1620 www.elites-of-texas.com admin@elites-of-texas.com Podiatric & cosmetic medical facility providing advanced foot/ankle care in a compassionate & caring environment, located in Fort Bend. Dr. Shepherd will make sure you are comfortable, satisfied & well-informed about your healthcare through the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Services include general & cosmetic foot care, with treatments to make feet comfortable and beautiful such as: foot facials/spa and detox, toe nail bleach, treating hyperhydrosis (sweaty feet) and Stiletto Rx (high heel comfort). (03/2011)

Printers / Graphics Star Printing 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com michael@fortbendstar.com Professionally designed and printed flyers, postcards, brochures, magazines, newspapers and catalogs with high-quality digital graphics. (10/2010)

Roofing Ameristar Roofing 281-238-4230 www.ameristarroofing.com ameristarroofing@gmail.com Ameristar Roofing is your full service roofing company, No job is too small or too big. We are a certified “Shingle Master Co” with Certainteed which authorizes us to offer 3, 4 & 5 star extended warranties. We are fully insured and bonded for your safety. At the end of every job we perform a QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION. Our company belief is, THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT. We want your recommendation because of our reputation! THANKS, JOE RANGEL, REUBEN STAFFORD & JOHN YATES, MANAGING PARTNERS. (10/2010)

Transportation The Original Trolley & Limousine Company 281-491-4911 www.originaltrolley.com otrolley@comcast.net The Original Trolley Company brings back a sense of nostalgia for groups who are looking for a truly unique transportation experience. The Trolley Company presently has three trolley cars ready for hire. The Trolleys are fully air conditioned and heated, mahogany trimmed, bar set up accommodations and have a trolley brass bell.

Visit our website at www.originaltrolley.com to view our large gallery of photos. If a trolley is too large for your group, we have added a 120 inch stretch Limousine. (10/2010)

This is now your chance to target your market.

List your business in Focus Favorites and help people find you here!

Focus on our 4Rs

Reach.

Repetition.

Reputation.

Recollection.

Let people CALL you now!

Only $349 for the whole year, published in print and online.

Vacation Rio Raton Duplex 832-788-2294 www.rioratonduplex.com New Braunfels - Guadalupe Riverfront on River Rd. (outside New Braunfels city limits). First-Class riverfront duplex. Minutes to Schlitterbahn or tube the Guadalupe.

Also convenient to Fiesta Texas, Sea World, Gruene Hall, Natural Bridge Cavern and Canyon Lake. 2 units available - each unit sleeps 8. See pictures and rates, and email your dates from webpage. (10/2010)

Video Production

Please call the experts from our list of Focus Favorites.

Attention All Businesses

Star Video Digital Production Services 281-690-4280 Full-service video taping, editing and special effects for your business. Professional writing for commercials, training DVD’s, and corporate videos.

(10/2010)

www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

93

Magazine

To get you started, go to www.fortbendfocus.com and click on “Focus Favorites.”

Fort Bend Loves To Dine List your restaurant here. Call 281-690-4242.

Focus on Flavor

Dining Guide

ARISTOTLE GRILL • The Greeks have landed in Sugar Land! Owner Hamid Panah and his staff have just opened on the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59 providing the best Greek dishes in the area!

Everything from appetizers to traditional Greek salads to plates specials and traditional Gyro sandwiches, this is the place for a nice, relaxed atmosphere and elegant Greek dining! Aristotle Grill also caters employee lunches, business meetings, and corporate gatherings. Their goal is to leave their guests impressed! Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm.

2109-B Highway 6 @ Highway 59 South, Sugar Land. 281-277-7787.

BULLPEN PIZZA & SPORTS BAR Patio is now open!!! All sports, UFC fights, pool tables, darts, golden tee, NASCAR, golf, free wi-fi, great food, awesome pizza, huge lake front patio.

Open Monday-Sunday, 11:00 am - 2:00 am (Food Until 1:00 am). Call 281-242-0190, located at 14019 SW Fwy, Suite 204, Sugar Land, TX 77478. For menu, please visit www.bullpenpizza.com.

DUMAR’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL It’s a great new place serving middle eastern favorites with an outdoor patio and some of the friendliest service in town. The owner, Mr. Bashar F. Dumar and his wife, Ilham are natives of the Middle-East and make everything fresh daily. The Kebeh Balls, Hummus, Taboulih, Babaghanouj and Baklava. In addition to a full line of Middle-Eastern groceries, Dumar’s also features fresh feta cheeses, several types of brined Olives, Gyro Sandwiches, Greek Salads and Spinach pies. Now serving Beer & Wine.

Also, Party trays available. 4518 Hwy 6, Sugar Land. Mon-Thur 10am8:30pm and Fri-Sat 10am-9:00pm, 281-313-1893.

CHEF REY • Known for his amazing gourmet cheesecakes, Chef Rey is always professional and most importantly passionate about every dish he prepares.

He pays attention to every detail in preparing a mouth watering meal that is presented with style and class. His dedication is evident with every aspect of ensuring each customer is satisfied. Seeking a new spot that offers American Cuisine with professionalism and style together with an ambience that is exquisitely quaint and personal? Then visit Chef Rey’s, 2865 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX 77459. Call 281-403-2900, visit www.chefreynolds. com. Open Thurs. 5-10, Fri-Sat. 5 -11 and Sun 10-4. Restaurant is available for private parties and catering. Gift Certificates available.

EXTREME PITA • We’re fast, fresh, fun and full of flavor. In addition, we’re EXTREME when it comes to our commitment to creating a unique product bursting with healthy ingredients. Lunch, dinner and late night menu items include our Extreme Club, Philly Cheese Steak, Grilled Chicken, Gyros and Falafel, all served with your choice of different vegetable varieties served fresh or sautéed to perfection right in front of your eyes. We also offer a variety of great tasting Flat Baked Pita’s, fresh salads, soups and drinks.

Mon-Thur: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: Noon-10pm, 15810 SW Frwy., Sugar Land, (Lake Pointe Village) TX 281-494-7482

BUY ANY PITA & Get the Combo for FREE fort bend

FERNANDO’S RESTAURANT What’s new in 2011: Steakhouse cuisine, new wine selection, live entertainment by Salsa Bands, special events and more! Join us for live entertainment and dancing on the weekends. Banquets for up to 300 people, casual party room and catering is available.

A special thanks to Focus Readers for your continued support!

Stop by and get a free Fernando’s gift card. Come celebrate with Fernando and join his VIP list at 14135 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. For reservations call 281-494-9087.

Closed on Sundays. Visit www.fernandosrestaurants.com.

magazine • April 2011

94

Focus on Flavor

Dining Guide

LA MAGIA CAFE & PIZZA • If you are looking for casual dining with an easy atmosphere then La Magia is just the place for you! La Magia Café and Pizza recipes and menu are based on 30 years of Italian cooking. The dishes are prepared and cooked in the traditional Italian way, using extra virgin olive oil, and the freshest ingredients and herbs, giving them a home cooked flavor. The pizzas are made with a medium crust and cooked in a traditional stone oven. Limited area delivery. Margaritas are always available for $4.50. Open Sun-Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri-Sat 11am to 10pm. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri 11am to 3pm. Check www. lamagiacafe.com for more specials. 3699 Highway 6 at Settlers Way, Sugar Land.

281-565-0366.

GODFATHER’S PIZZA • Godfather’s Pizza, with the “Thickest Pie” now open! Not just your regular pizza place, Godfather’s offers Video Games and Party Rooms, big screen TV’s, DVD rentals (one night free with first order) and all you can eat lunch buffet (adults $6.99, kids $3.99). Try the all time favorites Taco Pie or All Meat Combo. Visit godfathers.com for online ordering and delivery. Catering available. 609 Dulles, across from Dulles High, 281-208-0200. Su-Th 11am to 10pm, Fr-Sa 11am to 11pm.

LUPITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT • Jaime and Lupe Garcia and son, Leo Rigo, have been serving homemade traditional Mexican food to the community for 6 years. Lupitas is open 7 days a week with over twenty lunch specials Monday through Friday. Don’t miss Happy Hour Monday-Thursday with $2 Domestic Beer, $2.50 Imported Beer and $3.50 Margaritas! Lupitas is now serving Angus Beef. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm.

281-265-6556, 3121 Highway 6, near the Williams Trace intersection. Muchas Gracias from our family to yours for your support the past 6 years!

Must present coupon when ordering. Not valid with any other offers.

Exp. 4/30/11. Delivery charge may apply.

NAPA GRILLE URBAN WINE BAR Combines a warm, cozy atmosphere, excellent wine variety and an exceptional cuisine to provide the ultimate dining experience. Now open and serving lunch & dinner in Sugar Land, just off 59 and Sugar Creek. Come join us for Happy Hour from 4-7pm. Enjoy live music Tuesday - Saturday nights. Napa Grille Urban Wine Bar is also available for private parties. Mon-Fri 11am-11pm Sat 5pm-11pm. 14019 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX. Call 281-277-2599. For full menu and daily specials visit www.napagrille.net.

ITALIAN MAID CAFE • ‘Where the locals go!’ Gourmet cuisine, priced affordably in the heart of Historic Downtown Richmond. Owners, Chef Alex Ciocca and sister Lanie Alvarez invite you to a unique dining experience. Try our delightful old world sauces over pasta, thick-crust pizza, zesty house salad dressings, flavorful soups, mouth watering desserts and of course, our great house wine. Perfect for business lunches or a romantic dinner. We serve nightly specials including creatively prepared fish, chicken and beef. Pot Roast on Tuesday night. Located 2 blocks North of the Fort Bend County Courthouse on 300 Morton Street. Call for reservations or for more info at 281-344-8955 or 832-433-0032 for catering. www.italianmaidcafe.com.

OLD HICKORY INN BARBECUE • More than 40 years in business in the Houston and Fort Bend area, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue is famous for their Old Fashion Hickory Smoked Barbecue and numerous Homemade Side Dishes, made fresh daily.

3 convenient locations, with a drive-through window at the Hwy 6 location. Open 7 days a week, SundayThursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday 11am-9:30pm. 3334 F.M. 1092 @ Hwy 6 Missouri City 281-499-8904 / 8000 Hwy 6 @ Beechnut 281983-5020 / 5427 S. Braeswood @ Chimney Rock 713-723-8908.

J & L CAFÉ • “Home of the Best Peach Cobbler in Texas” located at 1110 Texas Parkway in Stafford. Serving a homestyle menu that changes daily! Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am-7pm. Call us for our changing menu, 281-499-9895.

RAISING CANE’S • We’re all about ONE

$9.99 LARGE PIZZA (UP TO 3 TOPPINGS)

BUY ONE MEAL, GET A LESSER ONE FOR HALF OFF

Excludes meals $9.95 & up, not valid on Sundays or with other offers. Present this coupon. Exp. 06/3/2011

LOVE - chicken fingers. Our simple menu focuses on fresh, never frozen chicken tenders, warm, buttery Texas toast, creamy coleslaw and crinkle cut French fries. Our legendary Cane’s sauce is made in-house daily and provides the perfect compliment to our cooked-to-order chicken fingers. Don’t forget a cup of our freshly squeezed lemonade or freshly brewed sweet tea for the road. What are ya...chicken? 1529 HWY 6 in Sugar Land. Sun-Thurs: 10:30am-10:00pm, Fri-Sat: 10:30am-12:00am, Phone: 281-980-9860. Stay connected with us on twitter.com/CanesSugarLand & facebook.com/CanesSugarLand.

RAY’S GOURMET COUNTRY •

KARL’S AT THE RIVERBEND • Offering romantic dining in the country, Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind serves a wide variety of delicious cuisine including venison, Angus beef, fresh fish and wienerschitzel. Enjoy budget dinners as well as our regular dinner menu Tuesday Thursday with the Neighborhood Menu, featuring entrees under $11.00. Regular Dinner Menu Tuesday - Saturday. Best Sunday brunch in town, including over 50 items served buffet style and featuring eggs benedict and carved roast beef. Reservations suggested, but not required. Tuesday-Thursday 5-8:30pm, Friday & Saturday 5-9pm, and Sunday 11:30am-2pm. 5011 FM 723, Richmond, TX. 281-238-9300. Visit www.karlsrb.com.

A unique concept of a neighborhood bar and grill with a “field to table” menu specializing in recipes made from the highest quality of seasonal and organic inspired ingredients. Daily Specials and menu selections are created based on the local availability of organic fruits and vegetables, Natural Select meats and wild game and seafood. All seafood is purchased direct and filleted in-house to ensure the freshest quality. The restaurant and bar are available for private parties and a catering menu. Located at 8502 FM 359, Fulshear, TX 77441. Call 281-533-0099, www.raysgrill.com.

KABOB CAFE • The warm and cozy Kabob Cafe is located at 4645 Hwy 6, corner of Dulles Ave in Sugar Land. We serve over 10 different Kabobs (wraps and entrees). Our Happy Lunch Hour is Monday - Thursday from 11am-2:30pm, Happy Munch Hour from 2:30pm to 5:00pm, and Family Nights with kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check us out on Facebook for specials, and our website, TXkabobcafe.com, for menu and directions. 281-903-7373.

SUSHI SUN & AUTHENTIC THAI SEAFOOD • “Home of the Best Papaya Salad

Buy one entrée and get the second one

50 % OFF

in Town” located at 5211 Highway 6 in Missouri City.

Try the super spicy Thai food and vegetarian meals or sit close to the action at the sushi bar to watch the experienced culinary artists. Happy Hour meal specials all day!! BYOB!! Carry out and limited delivery available. Open Monday-Saturday. 281.403.9200.

20% OFF YOUR BILL!!!

Exp 05/31/11

Second entrée is equal or less value. Not valid with other offers. www.fortbend

.com • April 2011

95

Living the Sweet Life:

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.

Look outside and tell me what you see

I

can’t remember the last time I was really hungry.

Can you? That’s what I had swimming through my mind the other day as I watched the latest reports about the economy. 60 Minutes aired a story a few weeks ago showcasing what has been happening all over our country, and no one has been talking about it. As a mother, it breaks my heart. As someone who holds a degree in Psychology, in particular that of children, these latest figures are disturbing. After watching it, and thinking on it, and watching it again, I am angry and shocked and need for all of us to make sure we do something to stop this swirl of psychological damage being done to our most important assets – our children.

Yes, childhood poverty in America is creeping up at 25%, the largest percentage since we as a nation started even counting it 51 years ago. The figures are staggering. Two million children will find themselves HOMELESS this year.

Let me repeat that: Two million babies are without shelter in OUR COUNTRY. Children are being forced out of their homes through foreclosure and because our homeless shelters want to split boys and girls up, families that choose to go there find themselves with the dilemma of separation. As a result, many families choose to move to their next largest asset, their car, for shelter. Children are crammed into the family vehicle to figure out a way to sleep where at least the doors can be locked and everyone can stay together. The personal items, such as portraits (this one got me crying) and dolls have been placed in storage only to become de-funk, sold at auction, never to

be seen again. Why would anyone throw away someone’s portraits or a child’s lovey knowingly? It is despicable.

The family pet brings on a whole other column about pet homelessness and anyone who knows the love between a child and their dog or cat or what have you will know to loose that loved one is almost unbearable. Difficult times calls for difficult acts. We all know you feed your child before you feed the family dog. All of this resulting in irreparable psychological damage to the children. PERIOD. In addition, there is a tight relationship between hunger and homelessness. It is most upsetting to know that children are hungry especially in America. When interviewed, the children said, “You can’t sleep. You wake up again and try to, but your stomach won’t let you. It’s like a black hole....”

Through tears, they told of having to get food from a church, one even said, “It’s kinda embarrassing when you go to school, and you fort bend

magazine • April 2011

96

walk around and ask your friends if they want their cereal or something.”

Heart breaking as it is, most of these children will not be fed adequate amounts of food to perform at their best and taking into account the other variables of psychological stressors placed on these children, they will not leave their childhood undamaged by this experience. They are the largest group in our society to see real, knock down and dirty poverty since The Great Depression, and we all know what lasting effects that had on those that lived through it.

What worries me the most is in twenty years. What kind of adult is made from homelessness, hunger and disparity? What recipe for disaster are we as a society cooking up to let all this go unchecked?

With children dropping out of school to try to find work as a mere teen just to keep their families together, what kind of life will there be for that selfless act? With uneducated children, what hope do we have for their greatness in a successful life?

We are in sad shape, and we need to take a good look and seriously think about the ramifications of all of this for our society. In a country that boasts to everyone how rich we are, where commercials urge us to pledge to sponsor a child far, far away, we need not go three miles away from our very own door.

Take Care of Us!

back pain? neck pain?

The Spine Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the comprehensive, coordinated option for you in Fort Bend County.

For back and neck pain, there’s only one premier choice – Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine center. Whether you’ve had pain for just a few days or several long years, you’ll find everything you need to diagnose and treat your condition in a convenient location, with access to premier spine specialists and a complete range of treatment options.

Getting started is easy. We will guide you through a customized treatment plan, with expedited access to world-class neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons and interventional pain specialists. plus, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the most advanced imaging and surgical technologies in the world are available on-site.

Stop enduring pain. Call today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-313-BACK (2225).

Spine Center 16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-274-7000 • MethodistSugarLand.com

LEADING MEDICINE®