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FEBRUARY 2011
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Senior Care Center At OakBend Medical Center, our Senior Care Center was designed especially for older adults experiencing mental, emotional or behavioral problems. Our goal is to meet each individual’s special needs while also providing essential resources and support for the families that love them. Together, we’re able to create an environment that maximizes the independence, maintains the dignity and enhances the quality of life of every patient in our community. Signs and symptoms that may indicate your loved one needs treatment: • Personality changes over time • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, extreme fluctuation in weight • Poor hygiene and/or loss of interest in appearance • Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, memory problems • Excessive fears, anxieties, suspiciousness • Withdrawal from family, friends, and others • Needing more medication than should be necessary for a physical condition • Refusal to take needed medication At OakBend, we believe that a patient’s recovery is enhanced when his or her loved ones take part in the process. We place great value upon family involvement in the treatment process by urging family members to participate as much as possible in our program. If you feel your loved one might benefit from the special services we offer, we invite you to contact us today.
OakBend Medical Center 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 Senior Care Center: (281) 238-7880 Fax: (281) 238-7834 Phone: (281) 341-3000 Referral Line: (281) 238-7890
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www.fortbend
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features 23 Alisa Murray to Benefit Imperial Performing Arts
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Join nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist Alisa Murray as she performs a one-woman show entitled “Alisa’s Sweet Life.”
24 The Houston Film Critics Society Awards Houston’s film critics dole out awards for the best - and the worst films of 2010. 24
32 Nick Nicholson’s Year in Review Film and entertainment critic Nick Nicholson reviews his top picks from the silver screen in 2010.
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38 UHV Students Win Awards in MBA Conference Competitions Students from University of Houston-Victoria bring home awards from the Fall Master of Business Administration Conference a culmination of the Strategic MBA program.
60 Valentine’s Day Fun 38
Get the facts and figures on Valentine’s Day and even plan a party for the kids!
62 Things We Love From flowers to the finer things, find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift that your sweetheart will be sure to love. 60
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281-206-4482
The Imperial Medical Center Land, TX 77478 1111 Hwy Hwy 6, 6,Suite Suite185 185• Sugar • Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fortbend
www.cashionandcody.com www.cashionandcodyonline.com
.com • July 2008
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COVER STORY departments 12 Life is Sweet Imperial Sugar Company’s CEO John Sheptor is proud to announce the arrival of a new - and simply sweet - product alternative to pure sugar.
16 Focus on Health 18 Caring for the Community 20 Focus on Finance 26 Seen on the Scene 34 Focus Film Review 35 Fort Bend Headliners 36 High School Hot Shot 40 Community Calendar 48 Fort Bend Kids Chalkboard 50 Focus Cares 52 Focus Scrapbook 54 Fort Bend New Neighbor 58 Business Buzz 66 Photo Runner’s Up 69 Focus Photo Winner 70 Medical Focus 74 Focus Favorites - NEW!!! 77 Focus on Flavor Dining Guide 80 Living the Sweet Life
Alisa Murray Photography fort bend
magazine • February 2011
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P
ublisher’s Preview www.fortbendfocus.com
February 2011 Vol. 7 No. 4 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477 To advertise call
Hello Fort Bend Friends, Love is in the air this month as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. As a tribute to a very special day, we’ve created the perfect Gift Guide to help you make your sweetie’s day even more special. And, after you’ve found the perfect gift, what better way to show someone you love them than to bake them something sweet. We can help with that as well.
281-690-4242
TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469
Patti Parish-Kaminski & Lisa Fredrickson at the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation’s Annual Founders’ Ball.
In January, Sugar Land’s Imperial Sugar Company rolled out their newest product - steviacane™. With only one third of the calories of sugar, steviacane™ is an innovative new product using stevia leaves as a natural sweetner, and it tastes fabulous! Imperial has provided recipes in this month’s issue for you to try using steviacane™. The product is available at H-E-B, and if you visit Imperial’s website, you can download a money-saving coupon to give it a try. Let us know how your sweets turn out!
On our newly designed website – www. fortbendfocus.com - we have included two quick and easy ways to submit community events and news directly to us. Just click on the Community Calendar link or the Fort Bend Headliners Link to submit your information. We want to know what you’re doing in our community and what better way to share the people, places, and happenings in our community.
Keeping our readers informed is one thing Fort Bend Focus loves to do, and now, we have two new ways to do just that. We are now on Facebook and we invite you to “Like” us to keep up with what is going on around town, as well as see pictures from events and excerpts from our issues. Who knows? You might just see a photo of yourself!
Lisa & Michael Fredrickson
Spend some quality time with your sweetheart this month, stay focused and we’ll see you around the bend!
Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com Michael@Fortbendfocus.com
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 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 Will Hardee Don Maines Elsa Maxey Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Dr. Peter Osborne Joan Vogan Melinda Wood Art Director Grace Belleza Associate Art Director Joey Belleza Graphic Designer Elizabeth Pace
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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.
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On
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John Sheptor Cover Photo:
Alisa Murray Photography
The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers and their staff. c 2011
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One year subscription: $25
TEXAS DIRECT AUTO SUPPORTS LOCAL STUDENTS AND THE GRANT-A-STARR FOUNDATION Texas Direct Auto, the nation’s largest independent car dealership, helped kick off the Grant-A-Starr Foundation’s (GASF) sponsorship drive as the presenting sponsor in addition to donating radio spots in support of the Foundation’s 3rd annual 5K race and 1K Family Fun Run. The event, set for Saturday, March 5, 2011, will be held at the Sugar Land Memorial Park located at 15300 University Blvd. The Foundation was founded in celebration of the life of Grant Starr and is a non-profit organization created solely for the purpose of advancing diagnostic testing to save children’s lives. GASF provides financial support to Houston based research projects that are dedicated to the development of diagnostic testing capabilities that will reduce the time required to identify a child’s critical illness from days or weeks to only hours. Texas Direct Auto Director of Business Development Jessica DeMarr stated, “We are proud to be a part of this event and support the Grant-A-Starr Foundation’s dedication in advancing this life-saving research.” The Grant-A-Starr Fun Run is unique because of the student steering committee comprised of local area high school volunteers who have taken a deep personal interest in the event. The group is lead by committee chairperson Paige Lambert. Lambert, a junior at Clements HS, said, “The Student Steering Committee and I are inspired and excited
by the local support from great companies like Texas Direct Auto. We are blessed to live in a community that works together and supports student led programs like the GrantA-Starr Fun Run. Many of us knew Grant and want to keep his memory alive by making each Fun Run event bigger and better than the one before. Texas Direct Auto’s sponsorship will help make that a reality. We would like to thank them for their participation!” Kevin Hohn, Steering Committee Adviser, said “The GrantA-Starr Foundation is thrilled to have Texas Direct Auto as our presenting sponsor for its 3rd annual 5K race and 1K Family Fun Run. Texas Direct Auto’s partnership will help elevate The Foundation’s primary fundraising event to a much higher level. Their enthusiastic support of The Foundation’s efforts and participation in the 2011 5K race are much appreciated.” As race director, Scott Alexander notes, “We encourage companies and groups of friends to organize teams for the 5K run. It’s a great event and all donations go to early diagnostic research programs at two of the best hospitals in the world, Texas Children’s Hospital and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.” DeMarr said, “We encourage everyone to sign up and participate in the Fun Run. This is a great way to contribute to this worthy cause.” Details on how to donate or sign up for this event can be found at www.grantastarr.org.
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COVER STORY
| By Elsa Maxey l Photos by Alisa Murray Photography
Sweet Growth:
Imperial Sugar CEO Announces New Product Launch in Company’s Birthplace
“A
momentous point in history,” is what Imperial Sugar Company President and CEO John Sheptor said of the company’s announcement of a product roll out at a recent Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted event. With approximately one third of the calories of sugar, steviacane™ is the Imperial Sugar Company’s new product complementing its existing line of sweets. The new creation of the corporate sugar producing giant, which is approximately a $1 billion revenue company, was formally made public locally on January 13th by Sheptor. He’s credited with giving the new product its name, said the company’s Senior Marketing Director, Hyuna Lee, and the new “tastes-like-sugar” steviacane™ represents a compounded combination of both sugar from pure cane sugar and pure stevia, related to the carnation family plant. At the product launch, Sheptor treated guests with samples of the new sweetener, and best of all, they tasted baked pastries and other assorted foods made with the new product prepared by well-known pastry chef Eddy Van Damme, host of “Bake It!” There was also a taste test among other stevia products, some with only stevia and at least one other that combined sugar and stevia mixed together.
Product Photos Courtesy of Freed Advertising
“It is with a great pleasure that we launched a new future for the Imperial Sugar Company here at the Sugar Land Chamber of Commerce, in the city’s birthplace of the company,” said the CEO. Of the product launch, Sheptor said that steviacane™ “will change the way that consumers look at sweet things in home baking and home beverage needs.” There’s a secret to all this, he said with a timber in his voice giving away his excitement about the company’s new product, its vision and anticipated level of growth. As a result of a crystallization process, “we have eliminated a bad aftertaste and produced a product that is twice as sweet,” he said. Sheptor, who lives in Sugar Land, offices here locally at the company’s headquarters on U.S. 90A, although since 2003, the company no longer refines sugar at its former original plant, a site now destined for a new future itself. Sheptor also has an office in Port Wentworth, Georgia, a huge refinery where the operations are continuing to be maintained, in addition to those in Gramercy, Louisiana, and through a joint venture, he said the company now has locations in Mexico. Regarding the name “Holly,” Imperial Sugar still owns the brand it is used in a few applications.
Sheptor has been Chief Executive Officer and President of the sugar company since January 2008. Before his ascent to the top job, he served as its Chief Operating Officer and
Sweets for Your Sweet Well-known pastry chef and host of “Bake It,” Eddy Van Damme, created original recipes for Imperial Sugar Company’s newest product: steviacaneTM. Van Damme’s recipes are featured on the company’s website at www. imperialsugar. com, and if you’re looking for a great Valentine’s Day treat for your sweetheart, try these recipes sure to sweeten your Valentine’s Day - with a only a third of the calories!
Executive Vice President. With a historical perspective, he took a moment to talk about how the Imperial Sugar Company has been in Sugar Land since 1843. “We are the oldest continuing sugar company in the state of Texas,” he said, and that “gives us a very important role in the state. We uphold the values and integrities the company has had over the 160 plus history.” At the recent unveiling of steviacane™, Sheptor said that the company has over 600 employees and it is embarking on a new strategy over the next two to three years. Personable among the company employees, he has many face-to-face relationships and strives to maintain trusting associations with them. “We have been investing in a line of organic sweetener products under the Wholesome Sweeteners brand,” showing a 30 percent growth yearly over the last 10 years. The company’s leadership philosophy and function is to inspire its workforce as it follows its development, he explained, and Sheptor also maintains that it is important to create an environment of passion for the services and products provided to customers. Continued on page 14
STEVIACANE® RECIPES Cheesecake
• Serves : Serves 8 • Prep time : 20 minutes • Ready in : 25 minutes Ingredients • 1 prepared 9 inch graham crust • 16 oz cream cheese, softened • 2 eggs • 3/8 cup steviacane® • 2 tsp vanilla • ½ tsp lemon zest www.fortbend
.com • February 2011
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Instructions Preheat oven to 350F. 1. Beat cream cheese and steviacane® until combined. 2. Add eggs, vanilla and lemon zest and beat until fluffy. 3. Pour batter into crust. 4. Bake for 25 minutes. 5. Chill before serving. Top with your favorite preserves or pie filling.
Continued from page 13
Roll-out Cookies
• Serves : 3 dozen • Prep time : 15 minutes • Ready in : 7-9 minutes Ingredients • 3 cups all-purpose flour • ¾ tsp baking powder • ¼ tsp salt • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened • ½ cup steviacane® • 1 egg • 1 Tbs milk Instructions 1. Cream butter and steviacane® together until light yellow and fluffy. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. While mixing gradually, add flour, salt and baking powder. Beat just until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough to desired thickness. Cut into shapes and bake on greased cookie sheet for 7-9 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Frost if desired.
Along these lines, recognizing how the American consumers are showing tendencies to move towards healthy alternatives, Sheptor said that “with steviacane™, we began a second part of that mission of expanding our portfolio and providing solutions to consumers to support their interests for healthier food.” As for the new sugar product’s fused extract, stevia comes from a plant’s leaves. It was found in Paraguay, a South American country. The natural sugars of the plant actually come from the leaf. Sheptor said that indigenous people, who have consumed it for centuries, called the plant ‘sweet leaf’ because they would use the leaf like chewing gum. “In the last 5 years, we’ve seen a very strong interest globally for stevia as a sweetner,” he said. “What we have done with our partner, Pure Circle, the producer of the stevia extract, is to bring two natural sweeteners together in this product, steviacane™, to give consumers the attributes of both products.” H-E-B is one of Imperial Sugar Company’s partners in Texas, and it has all of its new products, including steviacane™ which it placed on its shelves in November making it commercially available since then. In the next few months, steviacane™ will be available throughout the United States, even through Amazon.com. The Imperial Sugar Company may be found on Facebook and a free
Peanut Brittle
• Serves : 1 ½ pounds • Prep time : 15 minutes • Ready in : 1 hour and 15 minutes Ingredients • 1 ¼ cups of light corn syrup • 2 ¼ sticks of butter • 1 cup steviacane® • 1 cup roasted peanuts • ½ tsp salt
sample can also be requested by going to the company’s web page at www. imperialsugar.com. “Use it every way that you have used sugar in the past,” advised Sheptor, and “get the same sugar taste, the same sweetness level with half as much as the sugar.” The company intends to continue to research and develop additional natural sweetener organic alternatives in hopes of establishing it as a leader and positioning Imperial Sugar Company as one of North America’s premier sweetener companies. “It is with a great pleasure that we launched a new future for the Imperial Sugar Company here at the Sugar Land Chamber of Commerce, in the city’s birthplace of the company,” said the CEO. The major U.S. sugar producing company has been in Fort Bend County for over 160 years. It’s what accounts for how the county’s largest city got its name, and later, a city seal with the Imperial Sugar Company’s crown prominently displayed in its logo. Life is sweet in Sugar Land, and with steviacane™, it just got a little bit sweeter at a third of the calories! H
Instructions 1. Add corn syrup, butter, steviacane® and salt to a medium sized non stick pot. Cook over high heat stirring frequently until mixture reaches 260F. Use a candy thermometer. 2. Add peanuts and continue to stir until mixture reaches 310F. 3. Pour mixture onto cookie sheet and let cool. 4. Once brittle is cool break up into pieces and store in an airtight container.
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“Use it every way that you have used sugar in the past,” advised Sheptor, and “get the same sugar taste, the same sweetness level with half as much as the sugar.”
Chocolate Chip Cookies • Serves : 4 dozen • Prep time : 15 minutes • Ready in : 9-11 minutes
Ingredients • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened • 3/8 cup steviacane® • ¾ cup packed Imperial® Light or Dark Brown Sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2 eggs • 2 cups chocolate chips Instructions Preheat oven to 375F. 1. Cream butter, steviacane®, brown sugar and vanilla together.
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2. Add eggs one at a time. 3. Gradually add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until just combined. 4. Stir in chocolate chips. 5. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. 6. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. 7. Cool before enjoying.
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.com • February 2011
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on
Health
By Dr. Peter Osborne
When Doctors Have Headaches – What Do They Do?
H
eadaches come in many forms (tension, migraine, cluster, etc.) and have many different causes. Some stem from postural imbalances, tension, and muscle spasms, some from environmental allergies and sinus congestion. Poor nutrition and food intolerances can also cause or contribute to headaches.1-4 Common food triggers for headaches include wheat and other gluten containing grains, chocolate, caffeine cheese, citrus fruits, hot dogs, monosodium glutamate, aspartame, Splenda®, ice cream, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, certain chemicals in processed foods (marinades, soy sauce, lunch meats, etc.) can trigger a neuro chemical release in the brain that causes the onset of headache.4 Finding potentiating foods for headaches can often times be difficult because the onset of symptoms does not always occur immediately after eating the trigger food. Successful treatment of food induced headaches is dependent on identifying the right foods to eliminate. Proper lab evaluation is critical for this. Muscle tension, stress, sedentary lifestyle, and excessive computer work all contribute to muscle spasm in the neck and shoulders. Chronic spasms can lead to long term postural changes that contribute to and cause headaches. When headaches are caused by postural problems, muscular imbalances, and joint restrictions, chiropractic treatment is very effective.5 Recent research points out
that chiropractic care is one of the most efficacious treatments for headaches and chronic neck pain when compared to other forms of treatment.6,7 In cases where nutritional deficiencies are present, supplementation can be very beneficial. Headaches can be related to a variety of different nutrient deficiencies including, magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, CoQ10, water, and many more.8,9 Because the standard American diet is full of nutrient depleted, chemical laden, processed foods, nutritional deficiencies are common. Proper laboratory testing should be performed to rule out nutrient deficiencies as a contributing factor to headaches. There are a variety of over the counter medications that can be taken to alleviate headache pain. However, none of these medications address the actual cause of the headache. In addition, a number of them can have unwanted side effects such as stomach ulceration and bleeding as well as decreased liver and kidney function. When taken on a regular basis, many headache medicines can also cause deficiencies of nutrients like vitamin C, CoQ10, folic acid, and potassium. Long term medication use for the treatment of chronic headaches is rarely necessary if a thorough diagnostic work up is performed. Remember that it is important to have headaches evaluated by a professional because they can be symptoms of deeper and in some cases, life threatening problems. There are a number of factors that
contribute to the onset of headaches. I have seen cases where patients actually suffered with 3 types of headaches at the same time. Accurate headache assessment cannot be accomplished in a 10 minute office visit; it takes time for the doctor to be able to ask the right questions as well as assess the history of the patient, and determine what types of tests (if any) need to be performed to aid in the proper diagnosis. References: 1. Bushara KO. Neurologic presentation of celiac disease. Gastroenterology 2005 Apr;128(4 Suppl 1):S92-7. 2. Hadjivassiliou M, et al. Headache and CNS white matter abnormalities associated with gluten sensitivity. Neurology 2001 Feb 13;56(3):385-8. 3. Patel RM, et al. Popular sweetener sucralose as a migraine trigger. Headache. 2006 Sep;46(8):1303-4. 4. Millichap JG, et al. The diet factor in pediatric and adolescent migraine. Pediatr Neurol. 2003 Jan;28(1):9-15. 5. Haas M, et al. Dose response for chiropractic care of chronic cervicogenic headache and associated neck pain: a randomized pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004 Nov-Dec;27(9):547-53. 6. Boline PD, et al. Spinal manipulation vs. amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995 Mar-Apr;18(3):148-54. 7. Bronfort G, et al. Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: a systematic review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001 Sep;24(7):457-66. 8. Mauskop A, et al. Serum ionized magnesium levels and serum ionized calcium/ionized magnesium ratios in women with menstrual migraine. Headache. 2002 Apr;42(4):242-8. 9. Bianchi A, et al. Role of magnesium, coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 in migraine prophylaxis. Vitam Horm. 2004;69:297-312.
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 • February 2011
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Caring for the Community Breast Services Expand at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Dedicated breast radiologists set this center apart
M
ammograms are primary care physician. At a vital tool in deMemorial Hermann Sugar tecting breast canLand, affiliated breast radicer. So is the radiological ology specialists are availinterpretation of them. So able to provide direct pawhy leave this to a general tient care, from screening radiologist who sees everymammograms to biopsies. thing from broken bones “For every diagnostic to breasts? Board-certified, test, the radiologist comdedicated breast radiolomunicates directly with the gists are now on site at Mepatient, correlating the immorial Hermann Sugar aging findings, history and Land Hospital to read physical exam,” said Dr. these important tests and Rose. “This allows patients meet the needs of breast to receive preliminary repatients. sults before they leave.” This expanded service This radiologist-centeris the result of a collaboed breast work-up experation between Memorial dites diagnosis so women Hermann Sugar Land and Stephen Rose, M.D., a nationally recognized breast radiologist affiliated with diagnosed with cancer can Rose Imaging Specialists Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, urges women to ask the single most explore treatment options P.A., the fifth such col- important question, “Who will read my mammogram?” (Photo by Larry Pullen) when they visit with a laboration in the Memorial breast surgeon. Hermann system. Founded in 1999 by opening a surgical oncology office on our Comprehensive Breast Services Stephen Rose, M.D., Rose Imaging is campus that specializes in the care of paAvailable home to the largest group of breast imtients with breast, gynecological or uroOnsite technologies offered at Memoaging specialists in Houston and one of logical cancers.” rial Hermann Sugar Land include: the largest in the country. Dr. Rose, who is nationally recognized • Digital mammography for screen“Expanding our breast services with as a leader in implementing new teching and diagnostics (digital mammoga breast specialist like Dr. Rose is furnologies to detect breast cancer, said the raphy is better at detecting cancer in ther evidence of Memorial Hermann majority of mammograms are still read premenopausal women and those with Sugar Land’s commitment to commuby general radiologists. Yet, studies redense breast tissue) nity cancer services,” said hospital CEO peatedly show that diagnostic centers • Ultrasound Jim Brown. “This is one component in staffed with breast-imaging experts like • Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies Dr. Rose who read and interpret only • Stereotactic needle biopsies breast mammograms are better able to • Fine-needle aspirations Mammograms Save Lives detect cancer in its earliest stages. • Ductograms Women should undergo an annual “’Who will read my mammogram?’ is Extended hours, including Saturmammogram beginning at age 40, or the single most important question to days, are available and same-day apearlier if there is a family history of breast cancer. Mammograms are an ask before you schedule this test,” said pointments can often be made. important tool in detecting cancer in its Dr. Rose. As any dedicated breast radiologist earliest stages, when treatments are Any woman who has ever had to unwould do, Dr. Rose promotes the immost successful. dergo diagnostic tests after an abnorportance of annual mammograms for To schedule a screening mammogram mal screening mammogram knows how women beginning at age 40, and earlier at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land unsettling it is to wait for results. This if there is a family history of breast canHospital that will be read and interpreted is particularly true if a general radiolocer. “When you’re in your 40s, tumors by a dedicated breast radiologist, please gist reads the report and then refers the grow faster so it’s very important to call 877.40.MAMMO (6.2666). For a woman to a breast surgeon or back to her screen annually.” H physician referral, call 713.222.CARE. Advertorial
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on
Finance
Provided by RBC Wealth Management and the Hardee Investment Group
A Crisis of Confidence- Revisited
I’
ve reprinted an article I wrote back in the “dark” period of December 2008. As you read this, remember where you were, how you felt and reacted during that time frame. Then, compare that time to today. Are you satisfied with where you are and what you’ve done? I recently attended the RBC Master Limited Partnership Conference where I talked to the executive management of the MLP’s we own. To all present, there was a sense of disbelief at what has happened to their stock prices over the last four months. These stocks dropped anywhere from 25% to 60% and it begs the question, “What is going on?” There was a real sense of disconnect between reality and perception. Reality is oil prices have declined from over $140 a barrel to under $50 a barrel. Gasoline was over $4 a gallon in July and can now be found for around $1.50 a gallon. Perception is the MLP’s will have to cut their dividends. Reality is most of the companies have hedged their portfolio for 1 – 4 years. A case in point: Linn Energy is virtually 100% hedged through 2011 at prices between $90 and $102 per barrel of oil, according to Linn. Many of these stocks yield between 15% and 25%. Reality is management and directors buying stock in their companies. Recent examples of this are: Nustar General Partners where Chairman Bill
Greehey has bought 500,000 shares and Eagle Rock management has bought over 200,000 shares. These stocks have been the backbone of our portfolios because they have offered fairly predictable growth and dividend income. The most recent experience to compare to was during the Enron bankruptcy when the MLP group was down over 30% from peak to trough. As we know, they went substantially higher, more than doubling over the next four years. This situation also reminds me of Three Mile Island and the nuclear meltdown of utility stocks in the late 1970’s with many dropping 50% - 70% very quickly only to recover and prosper through the next decade. This has been a very trying period. Years of performance and confidence have recently been called into question. Through November, the Dow Jones was down 31.6%, Standard & Poor’s 500 is down 37.6%, NASDAQ is down 41.7%, MSCI EAFE was down 46.2% and MSCI Emerging Markets was down 56.58%. I started investing in 1973 which happened to be the worst market since the depression. I’ve been through many of them since. They are all different yet the same. Bull markets usually end with great news and portfolios at new highs. In reviewing 2007, our clients had to pay
capital gains taxes because we had few, if any, losses to take. The reverse is true today. Bear markets usually end during terrible news with great fear and panic, as stock prices have already anticipated bad news. The adage on Wall Street is “buy low, sell high.” What they forgot to tell you is when you buy low, the news is horrific, uncertainty and fear prevail and confidence is nonexistent. Greed is nowhere to be found. From there, the market sows the seeds for the next success. It is important to recognize we are in that cycle now. Just as we shouldn’t let greed drive our emotions, neither should we give in to fear. There are positive signs on the horizon. Credit issues are beginning to ease from their September highs, economic stimulus is in high gear and lower mortgage rates may spark a new wave of refinancing. It’s time to begin thinking about making money again. The views presented herein are solely those of H.H. “Will” Hardee, and do not necessarily represent the views of RBC Wealth Management. Current status of issues discussed in this letter is subject to change based upon market conditions and industry fundamentals. Clients should work with their Financial Consultant to develop investment strategies tailored to their own financial circumstances. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The name Hardee Investment Group refers to a group of Financial Consultants working in the Houston, Texas office of RBC Wealth Management. The Hardee Investment Group is not a separate legal or corporate entity. All services offered and all memberships referenced in the presentation refer to the services offered or registrations held through RBC Wealth Management. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. H
When is the last time your financial advisor told you a success story? We have plenty to share. With the right amount of knowledge and experience, good things can happen even during bad times. However, success is rarely achieved without hard work and dedication. If you would like us to begin work on your financial success story, give us a call.
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. Advertorial 10-HC-346_ad 4.indd 1
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Imperial Performing Arts presents
an evening of love songs, sung by your favorite Imperial artists VALENTINE'S DAY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 8:00—9:00 PM $25 adults
$20 seniors/students/military Seniors are age 55+ Recommended for adult couples ages 18 and up Dress is business or semi-formal Cocktails will be available for purchase
THE IMPERIAL THEATRE
SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE / 2210 LONE STAR DRIVE / 77479 Imperial Performing Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) notnot-forfor-profit organization Tickets are available online, by phone, at the box office, and at the door Seating is limited and reserved / Group rates are available / Please call for more information
The perfect date for Valentine's Day TICKETS — theimperial.org / 281.277.7444 fort bend
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A
ward-winning magazine columnist and nationally recognized portrait artist Alisa Murray is performing in a one woman show Friday, February 18th at The Imperial Theatre located at 2210 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land, Texas. The show, entitled “Alisa’s Sweet Life,” will be presented as a benefit for Imperial Performing Arts, and tickets are $50. “Alisa’s Sweet Life” will be based on Murray’s awardwinning column Living the Sweet Life featured monthly in Fort Bend Focus Magazine. Filled with stories from her Southern childhood, the show will feature excerpts from Murray’s life growing up after her mother was tragically killed, dealing with the challenges of a stepmother, and the path to becoming a successful artist, photographer, wife and mother. The stories will be relayed in true Alisa Murray fashion, a fusion of comedy, truth, tragedy and inspiration. “My goal is to be inspiring with brutal honesty,” said Murray. “By presenting the bare-boned honesty of my childhood, I hope to not only entertain because I sincerely could not make most of my family up, as well as inspire individuals to be all that they can be despite what tragedies they encounter in life. The show will feature popular stories from my column along with a few surprises.” In addition to Murray’s monologue which focuses on small town life, the two-hour show will feature stunning photography capturing Murray’s life and career. Nationally renowned for her innovative style capturing newborns and expectant mothers, portrait artist Alisa Murray has become one of Texas’ most sought after photographers. Her artistic portraits are in essence snapshots of her subject’s spirit and have been featured on numerous magazine covers, in her nationally distributed calendars, Hope and Inspiration: Surviving Mothers of Breast Cancer and Small Miracles, and now, in the book, Always Hope, a collection of inspirational stories featuring portraits by Murray published in 2010. With clients from across the United States, Murray’s work has been exhibited at St. Mary’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina, and her collection of fine art newborns hangs in a permanent exhibition at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Sugar Land, Texas. Her work from her Art and Medicine series is on permanent exhibit at MD Anderson Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston’s Medical Center, and a Labor and Delivery room was dedicated to Murray at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. With her success as a portrait artist, Murray spread her creative wings and has become an award-winning columnist. In 2006, Murray began writing her column, Living the Sweet Life, that appears monthly in Fort Bend Focus Magazine. Filled with stores from her childhood, personal triumphs and tribulations and advice from a mom, artist, www.fortbend
business owner and wife, Living the Sweet Life has an avid following and has twice won First Place for the Best Original Column from the Texas Community Newspapers Association. In 2009, Murray began writing Woman to Woman, a column featured quarterly in Focus on Women magazine, and she is a featured speaker at numerous events in the greater Houston area. A favorite on Houston area television, Murray has appeared on NBC, CBS, and FOX. In October of 2009, her Hope and Inspiration: Surviving Mothers of Breast Cancer project was featured on NBC’s Today show. Part of her Art and Medicine series created to merge art and medicine, Murray created the first Hope and Inspiration calendar in 2003 to bring attention to breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from the project benefit cancer research. In 2010, Murray published the second project in her Art and Medicine series entitled Small Miracles, a calendar featuring children with cancer. A joint project with The SnowDrop Foundation, Texas Children’s Hospital and Sugar Land Business Referral Network, the 2011 calendar will debuted in May 2010 in the plaza at Sugar Land, Texas’ Town Square. A large portrait from the project will be showcased permanently at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Murray’s work has been featured in Texas Monthly, Modern Luxury and Popular Photography, and annually, her work is featured on the covers of six Houston area magazines. Murray lives with her husband, Brian, and children, Victoria Ann and James Edward. “Alisa’s Sweet Life” is scheduled for one night only on Friday, February 18th at The Imperial Theatre in Sugar Land. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit Imperial Performing Arts dedicated to developing and producing professional performing arts in Sugar Land, Texas and becoming the resident professional performing arts company in Sugar Land. To purchase tickets, contact The Imperial Theatre at 281.277.7444 or www. imperialperformingarts.org. For more information about Alisa Murray, visit www.alisamurray.com. H .com • February 2011
23
The Houston Film Critics Society Awards: The Best – and The Worst – of 2010 By Don Maines Photos by Heather Jackson, PDL Studios
“H
ouston, you are officially the coolest film critics in the country.” -- Edgar Wright, director of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. That tip of the hat from one of the world’s hippest filmmakers drew the loudest cheers at the fourth annual Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) Awards gala, said its host, Nick Nicholson of Sugar Land, the group’s president and co-founder. The ceremony held on December 18th at the Museum of Fine ArtsHouston won kudos from its biggest audience yet, as more than 200 movie fans enjoyed the 75-minute awards fest that saw The Social Network sweep honors as best movie of 2010 and best actor (Jesse Eisenberg), director (David Fincher) and screenwriter (Aaron Sorkin). Nicholson, whose reviews appear in Fort Bend Focus, is one of the top 22 film critics with a connection to the Houston area who report on movies throughout the year for television, radio, newspaper and/or online outlets. Wright’s acceptance speech from London was shown along with clips of this year’s nominees, as well as
Hector Luna, Cinematic Achievement Award Winner for C-47 Houston Magazine.
highlights of films by actress Sissy Spacek, winner of the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the work of actor to Humanitarian of the Year recipient George Clooney, a United Nations “messenger of peace” and advocate for conflict resolution in Darfur, relief following the earthquake in Haiti, and the 9/11 victims’ fund. Spacek, who hails from Quitman, Texas, and Clooney, who got his start on television, have both won Academy Awards, which is the ultimate honor that Hollywood bestows. Critics’ kudos, press prizes and guild gold lead up to the Oscar telecast this month on February 27th on ABC.
The group's secretary, Fort Bend's T.J. Callahan, revealed that best actress went to Natalie Portman for Black Swan. Callahan reviews films for KRMD-FM radio. Inception, the runner-up for best film, garnered two awards from the Houston critics, for best cinematography and best original score. The rest of the critics’ Top 10, in order, were 127 Hours, Black Swan, True Grit, Winter’s Bone, Toy Story 3 (which won best animated feature), The Kids are All Right, The King’s Speech and Kick Ass, which Nicholson described as “the perfect popcorn flick” in the May 2010 issue of Fort Bend Focus. Restrepo, which followed the deployment of a platoon of American soldiers into Afghanistan’s deadly Korengal Valley, was voted best documentary. The award for best foreign language film went to The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. Sugar Land attorney Larry W. Harrison, who doubles as a film critic at www.larryhmoviereviews. com, announced Christian Bale as best supporting actor for The Fighter. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, now 14, won best supporting actress for the
The Houston Film Critics Society. (L-R) Eric Harrison, Sally Hill, Chris Sawin, Joe Leydon, Michael Bergeron, TJ Callahan, Josh Starnes, Travis Leamons, Nick Nicholson, Larry Harrison, Jared Counts, Daniel Carlson, Regina Scruggs, Peter Vonder Haar, Doug Harris and Michael Sicinski. Not Shown: Danny Minton, Sean McBride, Amy Biancolli, Louis Parks, Scott Chitwood and Jake Hamilton. fort bend
magazine • February 2011
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We’ve Got Your Heart Covered Open on Monday, February 14 10 am - 6 pm
Rakesh Jacob (filmmaker), Nick Nicholson and Mika Brooks (actress)
Serving Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries
re-make of True Grit, and the HFCS heckled Jonah Hex as the worst movie of the year. Fort Bend’s Hector Luna, founder and editor of the Texas film industry magazine, C-47, was voted a Special Achievement in Cinema award. Also recognized was Charles Dove for his work with the Rice Media Center in Houston. Founded in 2007, the Houston Film Critics Society is comprised of critics from the most influential Houston-area newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, and websites with both regional and national audiences. The group was organized for the purpose of increasing public awareness of cinematic excellence and to encourage the publication and broadcasting of substantive critical commentary on film. This is the fourth year the organization has presented Best of the Year awards. “The Houston Film Critics Society established this awards program so the greater Houston community could celebrate the brilliant film performances as voted upon by our local critics,” said Nicholson, HFCS President. “The local arts scene is a welcome part of the celebration, as we have our event at the wonderful Museum of Fine Arts' Brown Auditorium each year.” While only the members of the HFCS vote on the awards, the event is free and open to the public each year. H
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Child Advocates of Fort Bend
Christmas Home Tour Sponsor Party Sunday, December 5, 2010 • At The Home of Dana & Tom Pierson
Randy & Gail Parker
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Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Annual Founders’ Ball Saturday, January 15, 2011 Safari Texas
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of historic Lakeview Auditorium in Sugar Land, brought new meaning to the American Idol concept. The entertainment, Texas Idol - Sugar Land Cultural Arts Style, featured Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce President Emeritus and Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation President Louis Garvin as Simon Cowell, KK West as Paula Abdul, and State Representative Ron Reynolds as Randy Jackson. Former Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace played host Ryan Seacrest to perfection. “Contestants” included Karen Daly, Sugar Land Assistant City Manager; Amy Mitchell, local attorney and president of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land; and Dr. Tim Jenney, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent, as Father Guido Sarducci. Jenn LaRocca chaired the successful event.
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2010 YEAR IN REVIEW By Nick Nicholson
W
ith 2010 now completely under wraps, I am in the unenviable position of ranking the best and worst of the year in film. Over the course of this year, I have seen over two hundred and eighty different movies, many of which I have thankfully long-since forgotten about. I would have to admit; however, this has been a good year for films. I have seen actors really surprise me by pushing the envelope such as Jesse Eisenberg in the Social Network. Then there is the opposite end of the spectrum, where actors really scrape the bottom of the barrel as Brendan Fraser in Furry Vengeance. As the multitude of award shows begin to hit the airwaves this month, you will have the opportunity to see and hear information about films you both have seen and never heard of. When the opportunity arises, check out some of these movies and see how they rate with you. I am anxious to see what the 2011 cinema masterpieces have in store, but until then, here is my list, ranked in order, of The Best and Worst of 2010. Best Pictures: 1. The Social Network 2. Inception 3. True Grit 4. Black Swan 5. 127 Hours 6. Winter’s Bone 7. The King’s Speech 8. Toy Story 3 9. The Kids are All Right 10. Kick Ass
Best Supporting Actress: 1. Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit 2. Jackie Weaver, Animal Kingdom 3. Melissa Leo, The Fighter 4. Julianne Moore, The Kids are All Right 5. Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech
Best Actors: 1. Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network 2. James Franco, 127 Hours 3. Colin Firth, The King’s Speech 4. Jeff Bridges, True Grit 5. Robert Duvall, Get Low
The Worst Films of 2010 1. Jonah Hex 2. Furry Vengeance 3. Sex and the City 2 4. Splice 5. The Last Airbender
Best Actress: 1. Natalie Portman, Black Swan 2. Noomi Rapace, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 3. Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone 4. Annette Bening, The Kids are All Right 5. Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole Best Supporting Actor: 1. Christian Bale, The Fighter 2. Jeremy Renner, The Town 3. Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech 4. Andrew Garfield, The Social Network 5. Bill Murray, Get Low
Best Director: David Fincher, The Social Network Best Screenplay Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network Best Animated Film Toy Story 3 Best Cinematography Wally Pfister, Inception Best Documentary Restrepo Best Foreign Film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Best Original Score Hans Zimmer, Inception Best Original Song “We are Sex Bob-Omb!” from Scott Pilgrim vs the World
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.
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By Nick Nicholson
Kevin Costner and Ben Affleck in The Company Men.
Chris Cooper in The Company Men.
obby Walker (Ben Affleck) is living the American dream: great job, beautiful family, shiny Porsche in the garage. When corporate downsizing leaves him and co-workers Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper) and Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) jobless, the three men are forced to redefine their lives as men, husbands, and fathers. After 12 years on the job at the company, the men are blindsided, though, and struggle greatly dealing with their mental recession. After some time spent with his family, Bobby soon finds himself Ben Affleck and Rosemarie DeWitt in enduring enthusiastic life coaching, a The Company Men. job building houses for his brother-inlaw (Kevin Costner) which does not play to his executive skill set, and perhaps the realization that there is more to life than chasing the bigger, better deal. With humor, pathos, and keen observation, writer-director John Wells (the creator of “ER”) introduces us to the new realities of American life. For Gene (Jones), who was the company co-founder with James Salinger (Craig T. Nelson), the transition has become somewhat confrontational and angry. Gene feels that his co-founder has made poor decisions with the company that essentially led to its less that positive financial situation. He goes off the preverbial deep end while leaving his materialistic wife and examines what he really loved about the job - and work - in the first place. Over time, all three men discover what is most important to each of them, their families and their individual existence. Wow! If more films could take on this perspective! One of the best aspects of this film is that it cut out the fat. There isn’t any droll B-roll, nor is there any problematic exposition. Just the facts ma’am, from one point to the next. This is unbelievably admirable in the film and most blatters will thank you for it. The performances of all involved were deep and very well done. The quality of Affleck’s work of late, as well as that of Tommy Lee Jones, continues to impress me. The story, the charisma of the characters and performances and the cinematography of this film, are brilliant. This picture provides a deep look into the lives of all echelons of society during these trying economic times. How the different classes of society deal with the stress of financial woes, the lack of self worth, and the triumph of the human spirit will no doubt make the viewer think about their own lives and the decisions we make to define us. Just out of the 2011 movie gate, we have an award contender right here. The Company Men Starring: Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Maria Bello & Kevin Costner Director: John Wells Company: The Weinstein Company Now Showing: in Local Theaters MPAA Rating: R Grade: A All photos are courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
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. fort bend
magazine • February 2011
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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.
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Hard at work planning the “Hearts and Hands” Gala are Co-Chairs Beth Thurman and Nancy Caminiti along with committee member Juan Garcia.
Rose-Rich Helping Hands “Hearts and Hands Gala” Scheduled for March 5 Join us for the annual “Hearts and Hands Gala” benefiting RosenbergRichmond Helping Hands, Inc. The gala is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2011, at 6:00 PM at the Safari Texas Ballroom. Proceeds will help the needy right here in Fort Bend County through the efforts of the volunteers at Helping Hands. Laura Reynolds of KILT radio will again serve as mistress of ceremonies for a night of food, fun and fellowship. Entertainment will include a live band, dancing, a raffle and over a hundred wonderful auction items. Tickets are $75 per person or $750 per table of ten. Sponsor levels of $3,000 (Gold), $2,000 (Silver), and $1,500 (Bronze) are available and include reserved tables, priority seating and program acknowledgement. Chair persons for this event are Nancy Caminiti and Beth Thurman. To sponsor this event, donate items for the auction or purchase tickets, please call 281.341.7536, e-mail hhfoodnb@comcast.net, or visit www. roserichhelpinghands.org.
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High School HOT SHOT
By Melinda Wood
Olympian In The Making
Maddie at a USA swimming junior national meet in Atlanta representing her club team First Colony Swim Team.
Maddie
D
ulles High School senior Maddie Locus made quite the splash at the USA Swimming Junior National Championship last December in Atlanta. At the competition, Maddie placed first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle, as well as winning three relays with her teammates. “It was really exciting to be up on the podium five times,” Maddie said, calling it her proudest moment. With raw natural talent and strong self-discipline, Maddie attributes her success to the love of the sport. “I think I’ve always liked swimming. That made it easier because I haven’t burned out,” Maddie said. “I like the competition. I want to reach my potential and I don’t think I’ve done that yet. That’s what’s keeping me swimming.” Reflecting on her teammates, she added, “I think it’s a really great team atmosphere. Everyone cheers for each other.”
Maddie has been swimming competitively since she was nine years old when she decided she wanted to see how fast she could go. Since then, she has racked up countless awards and honors including currently being ranked first in the state of Texas in the 50 freestyle. “It feels really good to be ranked first in the state,” Maddie said. “I’ve been going after it since I was a freshman. I made second, but that was kind of frustrating. It was exciting to finally get it.” As a senior, Maddie is also looking forward to her last state championship and hopes to win both of her events in her final high school competition. But, according to Maddie, she has a much bigger stage in mind. Maddie received two cuts to compete in the 2012 Olympic Trials in both the 50 and 100 freestyle. “I’m kind of scared,” Maddie shared with a laugh. “I’ve been to big meets before, but never one like this. I’ll probably get pretty nervous, but it would be really nice to qualify for the Olympics.” Though swimming takes up much of her time, Maddie is also an accomplished student and member of the National Honor Society. She has also recently taken up a very special project to occupy her free time.
Maddie received her gold medal for the 50 free at state 2010 representing Dulles High School.
“Right now I’m crocheting baby blankets and baby booties to donate to a pregnancy resource center her in Fort Bend,” Maddie said. “We have to do a service project for National Honor Society. We have to come up with the idea and do it ourselves. I thought this would be a good way to give back.” Looking toward her future, Maddie signed with the University of Georgia where she will compete on the swim team and major in bioengineering. “I visited my top four schools, and I thought Georgia was so pretty and everyone was really nice,” Maddie said. “I’m going to try to get in to the 2016 Olympics, but after that I’m thinking about working in bioengineering … maybe something in prosthetics.” With all this in mind, it’s easy to see that Maddie is very hard working – a trait she says she learned from her father. “My dad works so much so he can support us. I think watching him is why I’m such a hard worker.” With her positive attitude and determined spirit, anything is possible for Maddie Locus.
“I like the competition. I want to reach my potential and I don’t think I’ve done that yet. That’s what’s keeping me swimming.” fort bend
magazine • February 2011
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UHV Students Win Awards in MBA Conference Competitions
The winning team in the case competition at the University of HoustonVictoria Fall Master of Business Administration Conference consisted of, from left, Richard Lee and Keseva Chakka of Katy; and Mukhtadar Khan of Sugar Land. Akisha Lakes, also of Katy, is not pictured.
N
ine University of Houston-Victoria students brought home awards from the recent Fall Master of Business Administration Conference at the University of Houston System at Sugar Land. Ninety-five UHV School of Business
Taking top prize in the simulation competition at the UHV Fall MBA Conference were, from left, Arturo Solis-Godinez of Sugar Land, Paul Wenz of Richmond, Tram Dang of Stafford, Gabriel Yemidale of Houston and Alan Laurence of Richmond.
Administration students participated in the conference, which is the culmination of the Strategic MBA program. Students enrolled in “Seminar in Strategic Management,” the program’s capstone course, attended the event. A central part of the MBA Conference
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is the student competitions. The MBA Conference features two tracks: the case competition, in which student teams apply what they learned in the program to real-world business situations; and the simulation competition, where student teams turn struggling companies into successful, profitable businesses. Teams are evaluated on organization, subject knowledge, quality and use of visual aids, audience interaction, public speaking and teamwork. After beginning in 2003, the conference has become a tradition each semester in the business school, and it includes a luncheon for the newly minted MBAs. “The feedback from both students and panelist judges for the event is overwhelmingly positive,” said Farhang Niroomand, Dean of the UHV School of Business Administration. “It’s one part of why our business programs have been recognized by GetEducated.com, Entrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review.” Teams participating in this year’s case competition prepared analyses on the Walt Disney Co. Winning top honors was the team of Kesava Chakka, Richard Lee and Akisha Lakes, all of Katy; and Mukhtadar Khan of Sugar Land. Chakka said the conference was just one of the rewarding experiences of the university’s MBA program. The winning team for the simulation competition was Tram Dang of Stafford;
Alan Laurence and Paul Wenz of Richmond; Arturo Solis-Godinez of Sugar Land; and Gabriel Yemidale of Houston. Winning team members will receive certificates, and their names will appear on a plaque in the School of Business Administration main office in Victoria. They also will be recognized by Niroomand at a reception celebrating their achievements. Members of all winning teams will be invited to participate as panelists at future case competitions, evaluating other MBA students. Participants say the value of the conference comes from the presentation and preparation, and the opportunity to interact with faculty and fellow students. Many UHV School of Business Administration faculty and alumni serve as panelists for the case competition. Since a large portion of UHV’s MBA program is online, students often work in virtual teams, and, for some, the conference is the first opportunity to meet classmates. H
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Community Calendar
February 2011
1st, 8th, 15th TUESDAY, 6:30 PM JAPANESE ANIMÉ FILM SERIES The movies will be shown at the Sienna Branch library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. The movie on February 1 is a film featuring a young girl who must save her parents after wondering into a spirit world. On February 8, the film is about a young boy who encounters a girl when she floats down from the sky into his arms. The last movie features a young girl who is cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman. All movies are free and rated PG. Call 281-238-2900. 5th 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. Held at 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg, 77471. Visit www.fbmg.com. 5th SATURDAY, 6:30 PM 2011 “INTERNATIONAL SOIREE” CHAIRMAN’S GALA This annual event will be held at Safari Texas Ballroom, 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. Complimentary cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and dancing. Tickets are available for $100. Corporate Tables and sponsorships available. Call Shauna Williams at 281-491-0277. 10th THURSDAY, 6:30 PM TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER BRAIN Learn ways of achieving a healthier brain by focusing on nutritional health, physical activity and social wellness at Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, 8100 FM 359 South. Call 281-633-4675.
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.
10th THURSDAY, 7 - 9 PM YEAR ROUND GARDENING The Fort Bend Master Gardeners will present “Year Round Vegetable Gardening.” Hear planting and care recommendations, production and disease control and selections for spring and fall planting. Held at Parkway United Methodist Church, 5801 New Territory Blvd. in Sugar Land. The seminar is free and no registration is required. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com. 11th FRIDAY, 6 PM FORT BEND CORPS’ STEEL TOE & STILETTOS BALL Fort Bend CORPS’ annual fundraiser at Safari Texas Ranch. Wonderful items will be available on the bid board as well as a raffle. For information, e-mail campaignlogistics@yahoo.com. 12th SATURDAY, 10 AM - 12 NOON AUTISM PLAY GROUP This group provides social opportunities for children with Autism ages 1-12 years & their families while building a support network in Fort Bend. Thanks to local sponsors, drinks, snacks and door prizes are provided. Cost is FREE but donations are appreciated. RSVP required. Meet at Sugar Land City Park, 225 7th Street in Sugar Land. Call 281-726-2665. 12th SATURDAY, 6 PM ROMANTIC EVENING AT OLD SOUTH PLANTATION Join us for a romantic evening of fine food and great company at the Old South Plantation, 5227 Skinner Lane in Richmond. All proceeds to benefit the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. Tickets are $100 per plate. Call 281-545-2177 or visit www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org.
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14th MONDAY HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
15th TUESDAY, 11:30 AM - 1 PM ABWA SW AREA PROFESSIONAL EXPRESS NETWORK Join us for our next meeting at Sugar Creek Country Club. Call 281-980-3322 or visit www.abwaswapen.org. 17th THURSDAY, 10:30 AM FORT BEND FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS’ LUNCHEON The luncheon will feature a Mardi Gras theme at Braeburn Country Club at 8101 Bissonnet in Houston. Wear your favorite Mardi Gras attire and come enjoy shopping and signature Creole cuisine. Cost for members is $30 and non members, $35. Email vpluncheons@ fbdn.org or visit www.fbfn.org.
On February 17th, join the Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors for a Mardi Gras themed luncheon and shopping extravaganza! Pictured are Nancy Frank, Vice President for Luncheons and Gail Grace, FBFN President.
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
17th THURSDAY, 7 - 8:30 PM “HELLO SPRING! DO WE HAVE VEGETABLES FOR YOU!” This program, by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, will give you tips on preparing your spring vegetable garden. Held at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg, 77471. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com. 19th SATURDAY, 10 AM - 2:15 PM FREE PRACTICE SAT TEST The Princeton Review will conduct a free practice SAT test at the Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. The sessions are free, but reservations are required. To register, call 281-238-2100. 19th SATURDAY, 6:30 PM MEN WHO COOK FUNDRAISER Join the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation for Men Who Cook. Enjoy tantalizing dishes prepared by “celebrity” chefs in a cocktail setting. All proceeds are used to underwriting educational programs for students in Lamar CISD. For information, call 832-223-0334 or e-mail jknight@lcisd.org. 18th FRIDAY, 7:30 PM AWARD-WINNING COLUMNIST ALISA MURRAY TO PERFORM ONE WOMAN SHOW BENEFITING IMPERIAL PERFORMING ARTS Award-winning magazine columnist and nationally recognized portrait artist Alisa Murray is performing in a one woman show at The Imperial Theatre located at 2210 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land, Texas. The show, entitled “Alisa’s Sweet Life,” will be presented as a benefit for Imperial Performing Arts, and tickets are $50. Call 281-277-7444 or visit www.imperialperformingarts.org.
20th SUNDAY, 2 PM TRAVEL TO ITALY WITH THE FORT BEND SYMPHONY Enjoy an Italian fiesta of music at Viva Italia! at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. Reserved seats are $10 and $15 for adults. Discounts are available. Children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket. Visit www.fbso.org or call 281.276.9642. 24th THURSDAY, 6:30 - 11 PM FORT BEND COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTER’S GIRLFRIENDS GIGGLE Enjoy a big girl’s pajama party that supports the Women’s Center. Come dressed in your favorite PJ’s for an evening of shopping, food, drinks, indulgences, raffle, silent auction, and more! Tickets are $60 a person and includes dinner. Held at Fluor Corporation, 1 Fluor Daniel Drive in Sugar Land. Visit www.fortbendwomenscenter.org. 25th FRIDAY, 6:30 PM AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S WINE AND CHEESE EVENT A popular Fort Bend County tradition, this event features a live and silent auction. Tickets are $25 at the door or they can be purchased online. Visit www.westfortbendaha.org. 26th SATURDAY, 11 AM - 3 PM SIENNA CROSSING ELEMENTARY’S GATOR PALOOZA All are invited to attend this fun, family friendly event at Sienna Crossing Elementary located at 10011 Steep Bank Trace in Sienna Plantation, Missouri City. There are activities for everyoneinflatables, game booths, laser tag, Bingo, bake walk, golf cart rides, silent auctions for fabulous items, and much more! Visit www.scepto.org. www.fortbend
.com • February 2011
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26th SATURDAY, 6:30 PM 18TH ANNUAL FORT BEND EDUCATION FOUNDATION GALA “A Tea Party in Wonderland” will be held at the Sugar Land Marriott. Enjoy dining, music and dancing. Bid on live auction items & bid board items. For sponsorship, tickets or to donate, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation. 27th SUNDAY, 8 AM - 10 AM 5K & 1K DARLING DASH Held at Sweet Water Country Club, 4400 Palm Royale Boulevard, Sugar Land. Visit www.AsOneFoundation.org.
Upcoming in March 5th SATURDAY, 10 AM SOUTHMINSTER SCHOOL’S 4TH ANNUAL MARINER MILE A day of fun for the entire family. This event is held at the school, located at 4200 Cartwright in the Brightwater Subdivision. There is a mile fun run for 12 and under, a quarter-mile run for those 4 and up and a 50 meter run for 3 and under. Lunch will be served after the races. Registration for the 50 meter run is $15 and the quarter-mile and Mariner Mile runs are $20. Lunch tickets are $5 per child and $10 per adult. Register online at www.signemeup.com/73822. E-mail Claudia Vasquez at claudia.vasquez@wallstreettexas.com. 5th SATURDAY, 6 PM ROSE-RICH HELPING HANDS’ HEARTS AND HANDS GALA The Gala, held at Safari Texas in Richmond, will feature a dinner, dance, auction and raffle with all proceeds benefitting Helping Hands efforts in Fort Bend County. For sponsorship or ticket information, call 281.341.7536 or e-mail hhfoodnb@comcast.net.
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Literacy Announces Exciting Slate of Authors 11th Annual Book and Author Dinner “Fall in Love with a Good Book” Sunday, February 13
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This year’s 11th Annual Book & Author Dinner benefiting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County will have you falling in love with exciting books written by entertaining, inspirational and insightful authors. The event, which is presented by Towers Watson, is scheduled for Sunday, February 13, 2011 at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road, Stafford. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. Event guests will have an opportunity to mingle with and purchase books by their favorite authors. All guest authors will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their books prior to dinner. A delicious seated dinner will be served as guests enjoy the featured speaking authors. Following dinner, authors will again participate in book-signing sessions. Event proceeds will be used to carry on the important work of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Emmy nominated broadcast journalist Minerva Perez will emcee the evening. Speaking Authors include: Cassandra King, author of Queen of Broken Hearts a novel that has been hailed as “wonderful” and “uplifting” and “filled with irresistible characters” by fellow writers Sandra Brown and Fannie Flagg. A native Alabama, King currently lives in the Low Country of South Carolina with her husband, novelist Pat Conroy. Susan Baker is the wife of former Secretary of State James Baker and is the author of Passing it On in which she shares her inspirational life experience as a political wife who descended into brokenness and used
her faith to find a way to emerge stronger, happier and with her marriage intact Guest authors include: Kathi Appelt, Catherine Musco Garcia-Prats, Kay Finch, Debbie Gore, Bruce Kelly, Casey Printers, Shubhra Rameneni, Robert Petta, Mary Wright. Individual tickets are $75. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.ftbendliteracy.org, or contact the Literacy Council at 281-240-8181.
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Empty Bowls 2011 to Benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. will be hosting the 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Benefit Dinner on Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Sugar Land Baptist Church. Guests will be served a simple meal of soup as a reminder of families in Fort Bend County who are living with hunger and poverty. Hand-painted soup bowls which have been donated by individuals and organizations throughout the community will be featured at the event. The evening will also include entertainment by local artists as well as a silent and live auction. All proceeds from Empty Bowls 2011 will benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. Services provided by EFBHNM have been helping families in crisis for over 20 years. The Food Pantry and Financial Assistance Program assist over 3,400 Fort Bend residents a month who are struggling to make ends meet. Empty Bowls 2011 tickets are $25 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets or more information, contact Connie Esposito at Connie@HumanNeeds.org or 281.261.4902.
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Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Bunny Hop Set for March 5 The second annual Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Bunny Hop 5K Run or Walk at Campbell Elementary, located in the Greatwood master-planned community, is set for Saturday, March 5 at 8 a.m. “Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is proud to again be the presenting sponsor of Campbell’s 5K run and walk,” said CEO Jim Brown. “This event allows us to support the many families in Greatwood and surrounding neighborhoods, while sharing our expertise in sports medicine and children’s services.” Participants can choose from a 5K chip timed run (USATF certified), Family/Kids 1 mile run and Toddler Dash (for ages 5 and under). Children have the added benefit of “chasing the bunny” while they race. According to Jacqueline Holzman, race organizer and Campbell PTA board member, the fundraising goal is to purchase all new computers for the school’s computer lab that is used by students and teachers. The Post Race Party includes plenty of family activities, such as inflatable moonwalks and slides, face painting, games with prizes and a silent auction. Free health checks will be available, compliments of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. To register for the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Bunny Hop, visit campbellpta.org. or email springfundraising@campbellpta.org. Campbell Elementary is located at 1000 Shadow Bend Drive in Sugar Land.
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2011 FBJSL Charity Ball Honorary Chairmen Chris and Lizz Sansone with Charity Ball Co-Chairs. L to R: Jenn Marker, Shayne Newell, Shannon Bloesch and Robin Alston photographed at Cigar Cigar in Sugar Land Town Square.
Victoria L. Regan, MD Angela Chia, MD Steve Alley, MD Julia Conlon, MD Christa Filak, MD
FBJSL Announces Lizz and Chris Sansone as Honorary Chairmen
UT Physicians Sienna Village
Texas Medical Center
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The Fort Bend Junior Service League is pleased to announce that Lizz and Chris Sansone will serve as Honorary Chairs of the Charity Ball and Casino ~ Vintage Vegas planned for Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Proceeds from the event, presented by Sterling McCall Lexus, benefit Fred and Mabel R. Parks Youth Ranch and the FBJSL Community Assistance Fund. Lizz and Chris have called Sugar Land home for more than 11 years. They formed Team Sansone with RE/MAX Fine Properties in Sugar Land and have more than 14 years of experience in the real estate business. The Sansones are active in the Fort Bend community. In 2009, Lizz was named a Fort Bend JEWEL by the Fort Bend Focus Magazine. She is actively involved with the Fort Bend Junior Service League, the Fort Bend County Women’s Center and the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Chris is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available ranging from $500 to $10,000. Individual tickets are $125. For more information, visit www.fbjsl.com or contact Robin Alston, Shannon Bloesch, Jenn Marker or Shayne Newell at charityball@fbjsl.com.
6400 Fannin, Suite 2110 Houston, TX 77030
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H TE 4T VO Y 1 A M
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OUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Southminster School Prepares for Denim & Diamonds Gala Southminster School is excited to announce the date of its Denim & Diamonds Gala on Saturday, April 9 at the Stafford Centre. The evening features Matt Jackson, morning co-host of SportsTalk 790AM, as the Master of Ceremonies and Judge Jim Richard holding court over the live auction. “Denim & Diamonds promises to be one of Missouri City’s most electric and exciting events,” said Helen Jackson, Southminster’s head of school. The evening will feature a wonderful dinner, unique live and silent auctions and dancing to the music of Group Therapy. In addition, this year’s gala will offer guests the chance to participate in a Diamond Dig, with one lucky participant winning the grand prize, a stunning one-carat diamond. Southminster School is honored to welcome Texas Direct Auto as the presenting sponsor of its Denim & Diamonds Gala. Texas Direct Auto has generously donated a beautiful, fully loaded Chevy Camaro to the event as a raffle item. Attendees are encouraged to dress “Denim Chic,” which Gala Co-Chair Kimberly Williams described as a combination of “your fanciest jeans, shiniest boots, and either blouse-and-bling for the ladies or a sport coat for the gentlemen.” The gala is the school’s primary fundraiser and is open to the community. A portion of proceeds will be used specifically to upgrade the school’s classroom computers. Sponsorships are available. Individual event tickets are $50 each, and reserved tables of 10 start at $750. Raffle tickets for the 2010 Camaro donated by Texas Direct Auto are $100 each. For information, call Southminster School, 281-261-8872, visit southminsterschoo1.org or email gala@southminsterschoo1.org.
• Current Director Fort Bend LID #15 • Past Chairman Chamber of Commerce • Former Member Missouri City Council Paid for by Frank Yonish Campaign, William Rohrbach, Treasurer, 3806 Hogan Ct., Sugar Land, Texas
A Service Standard That is Anything But Standard 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.
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Learn more about Bank of Texas and the complete array of sophisticated Financial services and creative financing solutions by contacting:
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Fort Bend Kids ChalkBoard The published photos came from Press Releases submitted to Fort Bend Focus by the schools/organizations of these children.
The First Colony Swim Team has two swimmers ranked 1st in the nation along with 8 others who are ranked in the Top 10. Pictured are Simone Manuel, Erin Yeager, Meaghan Connolly, Jordan Hancock, Madison Varisco, Romy Landeck; Madeline Locus, Kaitlyn Swinney, Kyle Yu, and April Kwan. The Lamar Legends 9U select baseball team won second place in the Lamar Little League Jingle Bell Dinger. Pictured are (bottom row) Jackson Jobes, Jeffrey Greer, Brandon Kostelnik, Ryan Grace, Nick Cassapo, Hunter Shultz; Ty Maida, Will Dolan, Justin Webb, Kam Mohmand, Tyler Diamond, Michael Imhoff; Coach John Cassapo, Manager Greg Imhoff, Coach Jason Jobes, Coach Sam Maida. The 7th and 8th Grade Cheerleaders at Reading Jr. High School spread cheer during Christmas by throwing a party for the Life Skills class at Reading. Festivities included singing Christmas carols and giving gifts.
Fort Bend Teen Service League members recently presented a check to Keep Kids Connected, an organization that provides netbooks and laptops to kids battling cancer and other illnesses.
The Austin High School football team recently won second place in the State Farm Friday Night Feats contest. High school football teams across the U.S. and Canada submitted a clip of their most exciting play from the 2010 season. State Farm awarded the athletics program with a check for $12,500. fort bend
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Congratulations to Hightower High School Senior Parth Bhateja for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Parth is a member of Troop 1631 and has served many leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader.
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Brand Name Medical Uniforms. Quality You Can Trust.
Quail Valley Golf Course’s El Dorado was cited as a best value in the December issue of Avid Golfer. Photo courtesy of Missouri City.
Quail Valley Golf Course Receives Top Honors in Avid Golfer One year after undergoing a complete renovation, the El Dorado greens at Missouri City’s Quail Valley Golf Course have been ranked among the top golfer attractions in the Houston area by a leading magazine. In the December issue of Avid Golfer, El Dorado was named No. 1 in the category for the “Best Overall Value Under $40.” El Dorado also ranked second among the “Top 10 Value Priced Courses ($50 and under).” “This is truly a great accomplishment to achieve these ratings so early in the life of a new golf course,” said Quail Valley Golf Course General Manager and Head Golf Professional Tyson Stittleburg. “This means we have created a course that is well-respected among the golfing public. It also shows a strong recognition by the public that Quail Valley Golf Course is a legitimate course in the area.” The 18-hole El Dorado course was redesigned by renowned golf architect Jeff Blume. About 20,000 golfers have teed up on the course since it reopened last year. Avid Golfer Magazine covers courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Hill Country and Arizona areas. It is designed to give players an idea of the best places to go for the available amenities. For a schedule of Quail Valley Golf Course fees and information about The Grille, a restaurant at the course, please visit www.golfquailvalley.com.
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ayne Fluke says the biggest reward of being a literacy tutor is watching the “Oh yeah, I get it!” look on the faces of his students as they learn something new. To Wayne, there is no better feeling. Years ago, through a presentation at his church, Wayne learned about the importance of literacy in our community and about the pressing need for literacy tutors. Upon retiring, he then had ample time available for tutoring and contacted the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County to find out about volunteer opportunities. He completed tutor training and began teaching in October of 2009. A retired engineer, Wayne’s strengths were in math and science, so it was a surprise to find that his first tutoring assignment was a writing class. But, there was a real need for tutors at the Ridgemont Early Childhood Center, a new outreach location for the Literacy Council, so Wayne dove in and rose to the challenge! It wasn’t long before Wayne got to share the success of one of his students – a mother of 7 – who received her GED and went on to enroll in college. Wayne and his wife, Nila, have been married for 14 years, have 4 children and 7 grandchildren, so family activities keep him very busy. He is active at Southminster Presbyterian Church, sings in the choir, and enjoys photography.
Wayne Fluke
In addition to helping people learn, Wayne is a outspoken champion of the cause of literacy and readily admits to “bugging people” at his church to also become literacy tutors. He tells them that they don’t have to be teachers to help; they just need to give a little time. Wayne’s willingness to devote his own time and energy to his students as well as to serve where he is most needed has made him a treasured member of the Literacy Council team. To learn more about the lifechanging programs of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, please visit www.ftbendliteracy.org or call 281.240.8181. For additional volunteer opportunities in Fort Bend County call 281-340-1919 or visit www.VolunteerFortBend.org . H
Wayne’s willingness to devote his own time and energy to his students as well as to serve where he is most needed has made him a treasured member of the Literacy Council team.
832-788-2294
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Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Celebrates New Services with Physicians’ Office Staff Luncheon
Mary Montoya & Alana Navarro with the office of J. Raul Soto, M.D.
Mary Cantu, Michelle Boehme & Stephanie Escobedo with Templeton Breast Care.
Frances Zimmer & Kim Chovanec with Internal Medicine Associates of Sugar Land.
Giving Luncheon Benefitting the Fort Bend Women’s Shelter
Sandi Safier, Jennifer Vance & Julia Stoner. Jennifer Vance & Brenda Bartley.
Linda Delgado, Cassie Oppman & Lisa Murphy.
Snowdrop Foundation Fundraiser for Texas Children’s Cancer Center
Kevin Kline, a local morning radio host, spent his New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day running to fight pediatric cancer. Kline began at noon New Year’s Eve with a 24-hour treadmill run at the Republic Harley Davidson in Sugar Land. He then ran a half marathon – 13.1 miles – to Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Photos by Steven David fort bend
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Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Celebrates First Baby of 2011
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital celebrated its first baby of 2011 with the birth of Jaylon Aaron Arias, born January 1 at 3:14 a.m. Jaylon weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz., and was 18 inches long. Pictured are Jaylon with his mother, Maria Gonzalez, and Nwanyieze Amajoh, M.D., OB/GYN.
ABC-13 2011 Women of Distinction Sponsor Party
Jim & Donna Tyler Murray with Jacquie & David Chaumette.
photos: roy kasmir & studio 979
Kristin & Charlie Weiss with Jacquie & David Chaumette.
Women of Distinction 2008 Honoree Cindi Rose with 2011 Honorees Jacquie Chaumette & Christi Hoss Schiller.
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.
David & Jacquie Chaumette with Virginia & Dr. Neal Reisman.
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FORT BEND NEW NEIGHBOR Headliners continued from page 49
Tiaras & Tutus: The Perfect Party Place for Your Princess
Nestled in beautiful Historic Downtown Rosenberg, Tiaras & Tutus offers a spectacular selection of ultimate themed birthday tea parties for the princess in your life! With two specially decorated party rooms, Tiaras & Tutus can accommodate young girls, ages 3 to 10, of all interests and tastes. The Classic Party Room, decorated in a princess theme and complete with a beautiful Enchanted Kingdom mural, offers guests a perfectly pink Princess or Fairy Party. The Funky Party Room, decorated in bold, bright colors, offers a fun, fashionable Glam-It-Up Party. Each guest in attendance is treated to a glitter hairstyle, make-up, nails and then picks out their favorite outfit to wear. Dress-up outfits range from popular princesses to glitzy glamorous outfits with tiaras and fun hats. Also included in the festivities is an age appropriate craft project, a special event related to the party’s theme, and, of course, fancy cupcakes and pink lemonade served on real china. Contact Tiaras and Tutus and let their experienced staff plan your princess’ party today. Located at 808 Third Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471, call 281-238-8503 or visit www.tiarasntutus.com. H
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Dominique Røyem Steps to the Podium as FBSO’s Assistant Conductor Dominique Røyem is no stranger to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra having served as production stage manager for the past two seasons. Now she steps to the podium in an expanded role as the orchestra’s assistant conductor for the 2010-2011 season. Arts critics have praised the seasoned conductor for her boundless “energy and passion” and for her orchestras playing with “zest and style.” As conductor of Bayou City Concert Musicals, Røyem garnered high praise for her performance in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. Røyem is delighted to take on the new conducting role with FBSO and is already adding her dramatic flair that comes from years of working in theatre. “I enjoyed creating the invisible conductor for the Hauntcert concert. The audience heard the conductor’s footsteps and saw the pages of the musical score turn, but no one was there. It was fun to see the expressions of the audience as I peeked out from backstage.” Last December, the Montrose resident earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Houston Moores School of Music. During her studies at UH, she was assistant conductor of the Moores Opera Center conducting operas like Cunning Little Vixen, Turn of the Screw and the regional premiers of Lucio Silla and Signor Deluso. Serving as guest conductor with a number of regional performing arts groups has added to Røyem’s depth of experience that spans opera, musical theatre and classical music.
www.harishjajoo.com FBJSL members present a check in the amount of $3,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. Pictured left to right: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston Director of Development Yara Amer, FBJSL members Catherine Kubala and Rebecca Starling-Klatt, Boys & Girls Clubs Fort Bend Club Education Director and SMART Girls Program Leader Tiffany White and Boys & Girls Clubs Fort Bend Club Unit Director Jason Anderson.
832.338.3202 harish@harishjajoo.com
Political Ad. Paid for by Harish Jajoo Campaign, Kolbe Curtice, Treasurer, 15999 City Walk #250, Sugar Land, TX 77479
FBJSL Awards $3,000 Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is pleased to present a $3,000 Community Assistance Fund (CAF) grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCH). The mission of BGCH is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. They provide services in the areas of character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. FBJSL’s donation will provide financial support to the SMART Girls program at the BGCH Fort Bend Club. The SMART Girls program is designed to help young girls, ages 8 to 17, develop and adopt a healthy attitude and lifestyle, as well as acquire and maintain a positive self-concept, sound decision-making skills and mentor relationships. Visit www. bgclubs-houston.org to learn more about BGCH programs in the communities near you. FBJSL accepts applications throughout the year for grant funding. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Fort Bend County. For additional eligibility requirements or to download an application, please visit www.fbjsl.com. Headliners continued on page 56
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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
Exchange Club of Fort Bend County Members, hosts of the Duck Golf Classic.
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Hello, Fulshear H Simonton 2011/2012 NEWCOMER GUIDE AND VISITOR DIRECTORY
have a great shot? Enter ouronCteosvte!r Photo C
ENTER TO WIN Richmond-Rosenberg Fulshear-Simonton Newcomer Guide is looking for a photo to be used as the 2011 cover image. The photo should focus on people, places or happenings around Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear or Simonton.
Deadline: March 2, 2011 WINNER OF THE YEAR Only one winner will be featured on the cover; however, other entries may be used throughout the publication. This is a fantastic opportunity for amateurs and professionals. Have your work distributed all over town- on the cover! You will receive photo credit! NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a photo, e-mail it to Grace@fortbendfocus. com with a subject line of “RR-FS Photo Contest.” Photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION- at least 300 dpi and an actual size of at least 4”x 6”. Please include some basic information about the photo such as: who, what, where, your name and phone number. By submitting an entry, the photographer gives Richmond-Rosenberg Fulshear-Simonton Newcomer Guide the right to use and publish their photograph. Published by Focus Magazines fort bend
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Fort Bend County Comes Through Again The second annual Duck Golf Classic was recently held at Pecan Grove Plantation and was a total success due to Fort Bend County residents coming out and supporting this great cause. “The Exchange Club of Fort Bend has a motto to work hard supporting our goals and have fun doing it, and this is exactly what took place during the Duck Golf Classic this year. All funds raised will go toward our goals of helping to prevent child abuse in our area and supporting education,” said Dorothy Nall, chairman, Duck Golf Classic and Exchange Club of Fort Bend member. One hundred and twenty-five people or 31 teams of four, filled Pecan Grove Plantation’s golf course, where the fun kicked off around noon. Around 5:00 p.m., golfers returned to the club house for a reception, dinner and to see how they rated on the score board. The Exchange Club of Fort Bend also offered a raffle and live auction with unique and great items, which Commissioner James Patterson served as auctioneer. The Exchange Club of Fort Bend noted a number of times that they cannot begin to thank all who came out and supported the event, as well as the many sponsors such as Texas Safari, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, Silver Eagle Distributor and Pepsico. The next tournament will be held in October, so watch for the announcements and be sure to sign-up quickly for this event fills early.
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend Receives $10,000 Grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Kasey Gillespie-Eaglin, Patti Abshire, and Walter Rimbau of Bank of America present a check to Executive Director Brenda Bowman and Diana Turner.
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County (LCFBC) received a $10,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation on October 28, 2010. Bank of America is committed to creating meaningful change in the communities they serve through their philanthropic efforts, associate volunteerism, community development activities and investing, support of arts and culture programming and environmental initiatives. The funds awarded in October will enable LCFBC to provide instructional materials, tutor supplies and ongoing tutor support for our adult English as a Second Language and GED students. The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is committed to ending intergenerational cycles of illiteracy in our county by improving adult literacy skills and generating community-wide literacy awareness. Formed in 1987, LCFBC is now celebrating our 24th year of helping adults who have made the commitment to change their own lives through literacy. Well-trained and supported volunteers work one-on-one with adults needing to strengthen their basic literacy skills in small groups with those learning to speak English as a second language. LCFBC instruction focuses on inspiring self-motivated adults to continue working to reach their full potential through improved literacy skills. For more information on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, call 281-240-8181 or visit www.ftbendliteracy. org. Headliners continued on page 58
Trunk Show February 11th – 13th
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Headliners continued from page 57
Kaelyn Stolhand (Methodist Sugar Land Hospital), Shannon Woodruff (FBTSL/FBJSL), Leena Taneja (Methodist Sugar Land Hospital), Bonnie Amaris (FBTSL/FBJSL) and Megan Scruggs (FBTSL).
Derek Finley Earns Certified Financial Planner ® Designation WJ Interests, LLC, is pleased to announce that J. Derek Finley has completed the requirements and is now a Certified Financial Planner, as designated by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP® designation is one of the most difficult certifications financial planners can earn, and denotes such planners as having achieved the highest levels of education and fiduciary responsibility. WJ Interests’ president Bill Jameson was certified in 1999; Derek Finley chief investment officer Jared Jameson earned his certification in 2000. “Derek has worked hard during the past three years to meet the stringent requirements of this designation,” said Jared Jameson. Finley joined WJ Interests in December 2007 and is the first associate to be added since the company was founded in 1996. He is a 2007 graduate of the financial planning program at Texas Tech University, one of the few financial planning college programs in the country. CFP® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP® Board. They then must pass a comprehensive twoday, 10-hour CFP® certification examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regular research of what planners do, the exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance. WJ Interests provides financial planning and investment services to an array of clients, including individuals, families, businesses and foundations. Headquartered in Sugar Land, the firm works with clients from across Texas and the US. “We work to assist clients in realizing their financial goals,” said Bill Jameson, “by providing fee-only, objective financial planning and investment management with a focus on personalized service and open communication. We want to understand each client’s unique financial goals and keep those goals at the forefront of each financial recommendation.” For more information, please contact WJ Interests at 281-634-9400 or wj@wjinterests.com.
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2011 Glitter & Gloss Seeking Sponsors and Glam Station Vendors The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and Fort Bend Teen Service League (FBTSL), a mentoring project of the Fort Bend Junior Service League, are seeking sponsors and glam station vendors for Glitter & Gloss – a day of fun and fashion for girls, sponsored by Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The event, with a theme of Red Carpet Rendezvous, will be held on April 2, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Honor Roll School in Sugar Land and will include pampering, paparazzi, spa parties, shopping and two runway-style fashion shows. FBJSL and FBTSL are actively recruiting sponsors to join Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in presenting this fun event. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available from $250 to $5000. The event will also feature “glam stations,” health and wellness, beauty, style, pampering and spa-themed booths staffed by local vendors. To support the event as a sponsor, underwriter or glam station vendor, please contact Bonnie Amaris or Christi Selph at glitterandgloss@fbjsl.com or visit www.fbjsl.com and www.fortbendteenleague.org. Proceeds from this event will benefit FBJSL’s Community Assistance Fund (CAF). The CAF allows FBJSL to extend financial support in the community by providing multiple smaller grants to a greater number of charitable causes in Fort Bend County.
Child Advocates of Fort Bend Announces Magic Carpet Gala
Register Now For Spring Classes
BILL AUSTIN’S GYMNASTICS
& Academy of Dance Celebrating 32 Years of Service to Fort Bend!
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• Fully air conditioned • Foam filled training pits • Moon walk-Air tumble trak Welcome Our New Coach!
Lorenzo Martinez
Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) invites you to join them for a Magic Carpet Ride on April 2, 2010 at Safari Texas Ranch. Presented by Sysco Corporation, Exchange Club of Sugar Land and the Indo-American Forum of Fort Bend, the evening promises to be glamorous and exotic while helping children whose lives have been torn apart by abuse and neglect. Sponsorship opportunities are now available and range from $1,500 to $8,500. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item or attending the event, please call 281-344-5106 or visit www.cafb.org for more details. Child Advocates of Fort Bend serves children in Fort Bend County whose lives have been torn apart by abuse or neglect through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program and Children’s Advocacy Center. With a force of more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates touches the lives of more than 400 children each month. If you are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate or Children’s Advocacy Center Volunteer, your chance is just around the corner. Volunteer Training begins January 31. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5171 or go to www.cafb.org. H
Monroe Moore
30 Years Experience as Gym Owner and Coach
Our New Director of Dance
Gymnastics 281.240.0999
16215 LEXINGTON BLVD.
Getting into the theme of it are (L to R): Harish Jajoo, Chair of Indo-American Forum of Fort Bend; Amy Mitchell, President of Exchange Club of Sugar Land; Child Advocates of Fort Bend Executive Director Ruth Anne Mefford, and Al Gaylor, Vice President Industry Relations and Diversity of Sysco.
• In-ground trampolines • Fun filled colorful tot gym • Comfortable waiting room Under New Direction! Come Meet
(Behind First Colony Mall)
Dance Academy 281.565.5327
• www.billaustinsgymnastics.com
DENTURES -THAT-FIT! Esthetic, Natural Looking, Custom Dentures Made for Each and Every Patient by a PROSTHODONTIC SPECIALIST from Start to Finish. 2 Locations to Serve You! Sugar Land/Richmond Area and Medical Center. thedoctor@denturesthatfit.com
713-520-8400
Hello, Fulshear H Simonton 2011/2012 NEWCOMER GUIDE AND VISITOR DIRECTORY
You’re in...
THE Official BOOK and it’s FREE!! List for FREE your business* or organization in our 2011/2012 Newcomer Guide!
E-mail your listing today! E-mail: elizabeth@fortbendfocus.com with a subject line of “RR-FS Business Listing” and include the business or organization name, address, phone number and website. (Must be in Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear or Simonton area) *Business listings accepted in the following categories: Child Care Centers, Private Schools, Arts & Entertainment, Gardening Centers, Recreation/Golf Clubs, Churches and Restaurants.
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Source: metrocreativeconnection.com
Did You Know?
O n average, $400
million in domestically produced cut flowers and $24 million in domestically produced cut roses are sold every year for Valentine’s Day. There are roughly 20,000 florists in the United States, many of which are very busy delivering and selling flowers for Valentine’s Day. However, Valentine’s Day isn’t the busiest time for florists. In fact, a greater percentage of fresh flowers and plants are sold during the December holiday season and on Mother’s Day (30% and 24%, respectively).
43,322 people were employed by establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2004. California was home to 136 of those establishments, leading the nation. The average American consumed 25.7 pounds of candy on 2005, which actually represents a significant decline from 1997, when Americans consumed roughly 27 pounds of candy on average. There are roughly 2.2 million marriages per year in the United States.
Valentine’s Day Facts & Figures E
very year, couples get together on Valentine’s Day to express their affection for one another. This February 14, consider the following interesting facts and figures when celebrating Valentine’s Day. According to research from Hallmark, more than half of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased within six days prior the holiday. That’s especially interesting as Hallmark research also indicates more than half of the United States population celebrates the day by purchasing a greeting card.
There are more single men than single women. For every 100 single women in their 20’s, there are 119 single men in the same age group. Dating service establishments continue to be popular means for meeting a prospective soulmate. Nearly 1,000 dating services, which include online dating Web sites, exist and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue annually. Hallmark research indicates that more than 140 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. fort bend
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In 2005, there were slightly less than 5 million opposite-sex cohabitating couples in the United States, reflecting a growing trend of couples living together before walking down the aisle. Men and women in the northeastern United States tend to get married for the first time later than their male counterparts throughout the rest of the country. For example, men in Massachusetts were a median age of 29.1 years of age at first marriage, while women were 27.4 years old. In Utah, however, men averaged 23.9 years of age at first marriage, while women were a median of 21.9 years. Seventy percent of men and women between the ages of 30 and 34 in 2008 had been married at some point in their lives.
Host A Fun Valentine’s Day Party For Kids
Facts About the Human Heart
V
alentine’s Day is often a time for adult couples to show their affection. But Valentine’s Day is a fun time for kids, too. Kids often enjoy handing out and receiving Valentine’s Day cards, and parents often enjoy seeing their kids’ crushes. Another Valentine’s Day tradition kids enjoy is the annual Valentine’s Day party. Parents hosting the party this year can make the most of their holiday party with the following tips. Let kids make the invitations. Kids will get a kick out of making Valentine’s Day invitations for all their friends. Tools of the trade include construction paper, glitter, stickers, and any other accessories kids might feel are necessary. Parents who want to go the extra mile can take their kids around the neighborhood to hand deliver the invitations to their friends. Go big with balloons. No kids party is complete without balloons, and a Valentine’s Day party should include pink, red and white balloons. If time permits, create an archway of balloons at the front door or tie balloons to the mailbox so other parents know where to drop the kids off.
No Valentine’s party is complete without chocolate cupcakes.
T
he heart is one of the essential components of human life. It was once also believed to be the center from where love and other emotions emanated. Many feel a heart can break and that it can know no bounds of love. Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch” was said to be nasty because his heart was “two sizes too small.” Although there is mystery surrounding matters of the heart, there is much known about the physical makeup of the human heart. Here are seven facts about the human heart. Heart attacks and heart disease may be viewed as an illness that primarily affects men. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, women have more cases of heart-related illnesses than men, and heart disease kills 500,000 American women, which is 50,000 more women than men. A bigger heart isn’t necessarily a sign that a person is more inclined toward love. An enlarged heart is actually a medical condition, which can lead to heart failure. A hearty laugh is good for the heart. This laugh attack can actually cause the lining of blood vessels to relax, enabling more blood to flow through for at least 45 minutes afterward. Romantic endeavors in the bedroom can be as good for the heart as a brisk 15-minute walk. Intimate acts can burn up to 200 calories and be the cardiovascular exercise a person needs. A glass of wine can be good for the heart because of the antioxidant properties contained in grapes. Alcohol can also thin the blood, enabling better flow. Just be sure to stick to one or two drinks per day. Over-indulgence won’t make the heart healthier. The heart is a fist-sized muscle that can beat an average of 100,000 times every day. In under a minute the heart can deliver oxygen-rich blood to every cell in the body. A woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s. In some cases doctors are able to predict the gender of a fetus by the baby’s heart rate.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Don’t forget the candy and cupcakes. Kids might have ulterior motives for enjoying Valentine’s Day that go beyond giving and receiving valentines. Candy and cupcakes are as much a part of Valentine’s Day for kids as they are for adults. Chocolate and cupcakes are favorites for kids and adults alike on Valentine’s Day, so be sure to have some on hand for the party. Host a few Valentine’s themed games. Instead of standard fare like “Pin the Tail On the Donkey,” spice things up for Valentine’s Day with a few games with a Valentine’s Day theme. If the weather www.fortbend
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permits, host a Valentine’s scavenger hunt in the backyard. Include prizes like Valentine’s stickers and, of course, chocolate. If the weather is too cold for a scavenger hunt, plan other activities that can be done indoors. This can include some dancing to kids’ favorite music or even letting kids decorate the house themselves with Valentine’s themed decorations they made at the party. Accessorize. For the party, purchase heart-shaped plates and red, pink or white utensils for the kids to eat with. For dessert, serve up a heart-shaped chocolate cake.
L ve
From flowers to finer things, find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift that your sweetheart will be sure to love.
things we
COLORESCIENCE PRO STARTER KIT
Experience this powerful combination of Colorescience Pro high performance cosmetics designed to address specific skin concerns and provide protection from the damaging effects of the sun and environment. Our Primers, Sun Protection, Foundations and Setting Mists blend and layer together to achieve an instant and moisturized beautiful face. JAVANI Med Spa. Call 281-491-1151.
WHY GLUTEN FREE DIETS FAIL...
RED HOT HEARTS Dazzle your darling on Valentine’s Day with this Red Purse Set, complete with a heartshaped bracelet and earrings embellished with red stones. L&M Trading, 6302 Highway 6 in Missouri City. Call 281-499-0936; lmtradingus.com.
OVER THE TOP PROTECTION
Starting the new year off gluten free? A major reason people fall off their diet is lack of variety and food ideas. Glutenology- Health Recipes for the Gluten Free Warrior will keep the ideas coming. Order your copy today. Call 281-240-2229; www.glutenfreesociety.org.
Your skin deserves all the protection from daily exposure to the sun’s damaging rays and environmental conditions that cause premature aging. Dermesse Vitamin C Serum 10% contains potent antioxidants that are specially formulated to minimize the skindamaging effects of free oxygen radicals. Get over the top protection from Sugar Land Plastic Surgery. Call 281-980-8000; www.MyBodySurgeon.com.
GET YOUR VALENTINE’S HEART GOING Wherever great sports cars gather, Corvette is front and center. Corvette has carved a permanent niche into the sports car landscape, yet it defines state-of-the-art technology and modern efficiency. Classic Chevrolet of Sugar Land, 13115 SW Fwy @ Hwy 90A. Call 281-491-9000, classicchevysugarland.com.
BEAUTIFUL SKIN REVEALED 20% off on all Obagi® products for Valentine’s Day! The Nu-Derm System transforms skin cell functions at the cellular level, enabling skin to look younger and healthier. Forever Young Skin Care. Alex Burton Salons: 2745 D Town Center Blvd. Ste 122; Gallery of Salons: 11333 Fountain Lake Dr. #D17; 713-269-9955; lindasforeveryoung.com.
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FABULOUS EYEWEAR One-of-a-kind, hand made frames. Friendly staff. Most insurance welcome. The Address for Exclusive Eyewear. Eye Trends @ Town Square, 16200 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Call 281-265-2000; eyetrendstownsquare.com.
RITUAL OF RELIEF Luxurious care for hands and feet. Pamper your loved one with the gift of smooth and nourished skin. A touching gift for hands and feet. Salon Eben & Day Spa, 15510 Lexington Ste. G, Sugar Land. Call 281-980-5160; www.Salonebenanddayspa.com.
LOVE THOSE LASHES CUSTOM KEEPSAKES Get distinctive originals redesigned from your sentimental existing gold and stones... the next generation’s keepsakes. For your custom jewelry, appraisal & repair needs. Designs in Gems®, Bruce J. Snider Jewelers, Inc., 16180 City Walk Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479. Call 713-995-7975; designsingems.com.
ELASTIlash: Do you want to fall in love with your lashes without wearing mascara? Obagi’s ELASTIlash helps lashes grow thicker, longer and stronger in just 6 weeks. Available at Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa for $60. Call 281-313-7435; 1437 Hwy 6 Suite 100, Sugar Land; www.Dr.Shel.com.
VALENTINE HEART FAIRY Get struck by love this Valentine’s Day with our new Valentine Heart Fairy. He is ready with a bow and arrow to pierce the heart of your loved one. Nothing says “I love you” more than giving this special fairy to the one you love. Interiors Market, 2625 Town Center Blvd. Call 281-980-2070; www.interiorsmarkettx.com.
LOOK YOUR BEST FOR VALENTINE’S DAY Spread the love by treating yourself or your special someone to the long-lasting gift of smooth silky skin with laser hair removal at Amerejuve. Amerejuve Sugar Land, 2507 Williams Trace Blvd, Ste 102, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Call toll-free (877)9MEDSPA or (713) 960-6262; www.amerejuve.com.
SKIN TRANSFORMATION The Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Transformation Starter Set for skin that looks and acts younger and healthier. The Nu-Derm System is the physiciandispensed, prescription-strength skincare system that can actually transform your skin at the cellular level. MediSpa & Nails. Call 281-565-0009; MediSpaAndNails.com.
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EYE CANDY Adorn your sweetheart with some cool new sunglasses from the Maui Jim Collection. Purchase these shades at Today’s Vision, 15337 Southwest Frwy. in Sugar Land at Williams Trace and Hwy 59. Call 281-242-2020; www.2020sugarland.com.
PUPPY LOVE
Adopt Me!
This Valentine’s Day, steal their heart and Save our Strays! Open your heart and home to one of these precious animals! Visit Benny and some of his friends at Darci’s All About Dogs, 7110-B Hwy 6, Missouri City. Call 281-208-9700; www saveourstraysfortbend.org.
RED HOT RIDE Get your engines going with this red hot Chevrolet Camaro. Test drive one today at Finnegan Auto, 26529 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg. Call 281-342-4200; www.finneganauto.com.
WE HAVE YOUR HEART AND WALLET COVERED Open on Monday, February 14th from 10 am - 6 pm for your special someone. Enjoy Champagne and Chocolate Strawberries while perusing the many possibilities. Purchase your Girlfriend Giggles tickets at J Loggins and receive a Sterling Silver Crown Charm. J Loggins Jewelers is located at 14015 Southwest Fwy. Call 281-242-2900; www.jloggins.com.
LOVELY LOCKS
FOCUS ON WOMEN
After getting your new look for the New Year from the color experts, use Pureology styling, finishing & conditioning hair products to give your hair a shine you love! J’Adore Salon, 5022 Hwy. 90A East, Ste. H, Sugar Land. Call Tara Phillips at 281-802-4777; Call Christina Saenz at 713-385-4742.
Send a gift subscription of Focus on Women Magazine to the lucky lady in your life and Inspire, Educate & Empower her! It’s the ultimate magazine for the modern woman. Call 281-690-4242; www.FOWmag.com.
VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL Surprise your sweetheart today with the award winning Obagi Skin Care line. Contact our office today at 281-242-TIME (8463) and receive 10% off Obagi Products. Limited time offer. Timeless Plastic Surgery, 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Ste. 300; TimelessPlasticSurgery.com. fort bend
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Focus Readers’ Photo Album
February Runners-up to our Amateur Photo Submission
See this month’s photo contest winner on page 69
“A Canal to Calmness” By Jared D. Middendorf
“Oahu, HI” By Clancy Nelson “Garden of the Gods in Colorado” By Laura Mendenhall fort bend
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FIND YOUR NEXT CAR Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast
www.FortBendAutoMarketplace.com
See some of the ads in print in the Star every week. www.fortbend
.com • February 2011
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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!
• 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
281-690-4221 fort bend
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February 2011 Winner “Texas Lightening Show” By Sarah Shimek Congratulations Sarah, 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”.
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M edical F ocus
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospitals Present Red Wine & Dark Chocolate for Heart Health A glass of red wine, some dark chocolate and plenty of insights into living heart healthy lifestyles is a great way to usher in American Heart Health Month. It’s all available at the Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Event, hosted by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, on Thursday, February 10, 6 until 8 p.m. at the new Hyatt Place Sugar Land. Memorial Hermann affiliated physi-
cians will share the keys to heart health and help participants understand how easy it is to start making small lifestyle changes. Free blood pressure screenings will also be offered. Free registration for this social and informative evening is available by calling 713.222.CARE (2273). Hyatt Place is located at 16730 Creek Bend Drive in Sugar Land’s Lake Pointe Town Center just north of U.S. Highway 59. H
OakBend Medical Center Opens New Senior Care Center Now providing full-service family care in Fort Bend, New OakBend Senior Care Center staffed with specialized teams to treat complete patient, provide family support OakBend Medical Center opens the doors of a new senior care center, now making the leading Richmond medical facility a full-service family care center within the Fort Bend Community. The new OakBend Senior Care Center received its first patient January 1, 2011 and celebrated its opening with an open house December 29. The 16-bed facility is equipped not only with the latest technology and a specialized medical team, but also the warmth and supportive environment associated with family care giving. Physicians specializing in the psychological, physical and emotional disorders and conditions many seniors face today work together to establish a plan back to better overall health. Geriatric and Psychiatric physicians will be available at all times to serve the needs of the patients. According to OakBend Senior Care Center Unit Director Judy Storms, the center is designed with seniors and their specific needs in mind – and guided by the goal to achieve optimal well-being for each and every patient. “Our first priority is to assess their situation and determine if current treatments and standard of care match their unique needs. Too often we find that this is not the case,” said Storms. “Unfortunately, we often find that
Joe Shull, Jody Jones-Noirot and Martha Shell.
the wrong or unnecessary medications are prescribed – resulting in adverse physical and psychological issues. For example, the early stages of Alzheimer’s can resemble depression and may be incorrectly diagnosed and treated as such. We first determine the right diagnosis and adjust treatment accordingly. We then help our seniors achieve a state of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through therapy, exercise programs and nutrition. Our team treats the whole person while also providing families with valuable resources and support,” added Storms. According to OakBend Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Joe Freudenberger, the new senior care center now rounds out the comprehensive care that fort bend
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OakBend Medical Center’s elite staff of specialists offers the Fort Bend Community from birth to adulthood. The center now provides seniors and their care givers easy access to a fully staffed medical psych unit as well as geriatricians and physical and rehabilitation therapists specializing in senior care. “We are pleased to be able to fill a void that has existed in our community. The senior care center offers valuable support to our seniors and their families. We are proud of the program offered at the center,” said Freudenberger. In addition to the inpatient care the new OakBend Senior Care Center offers, senior-focused programs include Activity, Goals and Health Education Groups to help address and overcome challenges seniors face. Officially opening with 51 beds in 1950, OakBend is today one of the largest full-service medical facilities in Fort Bend County, ready to respond to growing community needs and a mission to achieve the highest quality of life, health and well-being for every patient for whom they have the privilege to care. To learn more about the new Senior Care Center and other OakBend Medical Center services, log onto www.oakbendmedcenter.org, or call (281) 2387880. H
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Brings Advanced Interventional Cardiac Equipment to Fort Bend County— FIRST of its Kind in the Country
Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates is Launched
Heart disease is one of the nation’s largest health problems. As the leading cause of death for all Americans aged 35 and older, making advancements in the medical technology used to diagnose and treat this condition is critical. In an effort to provide faster and better cardiac care to Fort Bend County residents than ever beSohail Jalal, M.D. in the new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization X-ray fore, Methodist Sugar lab—the first of its kind in the country. Land Hospital is now utilizing a new state-of-the-art cardiac cian to perform a case in the new cath lab. catheterization X-ray lab—the first of its “Methodist Sugar Land Hospital now has kind in the country. the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art mapMethodist Sugar Land Hospital is ping system which allows me to perform now able to conduct minimally invasive complex catheter ablations to correct abprocedures on this new system to treat a normal heart rhythm, right here in Fort wide range of clinical problems including Bend County,” stated Dr. Jalal. Equally coronary artery disease – a leading cause important, the Allura exposes patients of heart disorders in the U.S. as well as to less radiation during the actual proceminimally invasive procedures for the dures than other systems. correction of heart arrhythmia. These “Both our patients and clinicians will catheter-based procedures are designed benefit from the speed and superior imto enhance therapeutic results and reage quality of this new X-ray system,” duce recovery time found in traditional explained Janet Leatherwood, CNO at surgical approaches. Many benefits of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “It will catheter-based interventions include: allow our physicians to complete a variety • shorter hospital stays of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures • reduced recovery time without faster, and that means the patient is off the pain of a large incision the table and on their way to recovery and • minimal surgical scarring. discharge much sooner. It also means less These procedures can be performed on radiation exposure for the patient.” both the heart and peripheral blood vesThis flexible system can aid in the diagsels. nosis and treatment of a range of patient Specifically, Methodist Sugar Land conditions and can be used for procedures Hospital will use the Allura Xper FD20/10 such as diagnostic catheterizations, stentX-ray system from Philips Healthcare. ing, and balloon angioplasty. The newly “This fully digital system enables physioutfitted lab is also fully prepared to percians to capture and view detailed images form diagnostic electrophysiology (EP) of a patient’s cardiac vasculature, thereby studies, ablations, as well as pacemaker facilitating faster and more accurate diagand defibrillator implantation cases. nosis and treatment of cardiac disease,” To make an appointment with Dr. said Sohail Jalal, M.D., board certified Jalal or another electrophysiologist in electrophysiologist on staff at Methodyour area, call Methodist Sugar Land ist Sugar Land Hospital with 15 plus Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274years of experience, and the first physi7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand.com. H
Long-time practicing cardiologist, Dr. Kesavan Shan, has established Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates. The new practice is focused on General and Interventional Cardi- Kesavan Shan, M.D. ology and is located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building One, Suite 450. Dr. Shan is board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine. He is also certified in Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography, and has had extensive training in Coronary Computerized Tomography, Angiography and Cardiovascular MRI. Dr. Shan has assumed the role of Director of Cardiac Imaging at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Dr. Shan completed his Cardiology training at Baylor College of Medicine, and has been practicing in the Sugar Land area for 10 years. He has been elected for inclusion in the Best Doctors in America database since 2003 and has also been selected for inclusion in The Consumer’s Research Council, America’s Guide to America’s Top Physicians and Top Cardiologists. Furthermore, he has authored over 25 publications and book chapters on cardiac disease and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He is active in teaching residents and medical students, and has received several teaching awards. “Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has quickly become the leader in cardiology throughout Fort Bend by providing state-of-the-art technology, highly trained and experienced nursing staff and vital ancillary resources,” said Dr. Shan. “Opening a practice here enables me to provide better, more flexible care for my existing patients as well as expand outreach to new patients.”
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See Dr. Shan continued on page 72
M edical F ocus Free Weight Loss Seminar
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
Losing weight through diet and exercise is easy for some people. But for the 9 million Americans classified as morbidly obese, eating right and working out may Guillermo Ponce de not be enough. Leon, M.D. There is help. Safer than gastric bypass, Lap-Band® surgery, a laparoscopic weight loss procedure, may be an effective option for some adults diagnosed as clinically obese. The Lap-Band procedure is appropriate for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Most insurance plans will cover the procedure for patients who have a BMI of: • 35 with medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. • 40 or greater. The average body mass index for men and women is between 25 and 30. “The key things about this procedure are that the Lap-Band is adjustable and the procedure is reversible,” says Guillermo Ponce de Leon, M.D., a general surgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Because the size of the stomach is smaller after surgery, patients feel full longer. They basically eat very small meals that keep them full.” Dr. Ponce de Leon, along with general surgeons Kulvinder Bajwa, M.D., and Sheilendra Mehta, M.D., are board certified by the American Board of Surgery and are specifically trained to perform Dr. Shan continued from page 71
Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor
281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459
“Methodist Sugar Land is the first hospital in Fort Bend to perform openheart surgery, coronary angioplasty, abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, electrophysiology procedures and more,” he said. “I believe Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is on the leading edge of cardiac care and I am looking forward to helping grow the program.” “Dr. Shan brings a wealth of fort bend bend fort
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the FDA-approved Lap-Band surgery as a safe, long-term solution for weight loss. The procedure is performed through five tiny incisions into the stomach. Using laparoscopic instruments, the physician places a band around the stomach creating a small adjustable pouch where food is stored. This procedure offers a variety of advantages over stomach stapling and gastric bypass surgery. “Patients recover more quickly. It is an outpatient procedure and less expensive than the other alternatives,” Dr. Bajwa says. While complications are minimal, the Lap-Band isn’t a “magic pill” to cure obesity. “It is a tool to help patients lose weight,” says Dr. Mehta. “Patients also need to follow a good diet plan and exercise. The band is successful when patients are motivated to make a lifestyle change.” Patients seeking the procedure should discuss it with their physician and then seek surgery from a physician with advanced laparoscopic skills. Free seminar — Learn More! Come and meet Drs. Ponce de Leon, Bajwa or Mehta, board certified general surgeons, as they host free weight loss seminars about the latest information on LAP-BAND® and Gastric Sleeve procedures and answer your questions. Seminar dates are February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18 and June 15. Each seminar starts at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms A-D at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Seating is limited. Call 281-2747500 to reserve your seat. H
experience and knowledge with him, and we are thrilled that he is relocating to be a part of the Methodist family,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “He will play a major role in helping us continue to expand our cardiology offerings here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.” To make an appointment with Dr. Shan, call Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates at 281-275-0330. H
Non-Surgical Renessa® Treatment Now Available for Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence Local physician offers a single 30 minute in-office treatment covered by Medicare as of January 1, 2011 Local Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Carlos R. Hamilton III, now offers a new, non-surgical treatment for women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUI is the involuntary leakage of urine which occurs during routine activities such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercise. SUI is often a result of childbirth and occurs when pelvic muscles no longer provide adequate support to prevent the opening of the bladder. Many women are not interested in undergoing a surgical procedure to treat their SUI. Others mistakenly accept SUI as a natural consequence of aging or childbirth. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of solutions to this embarrassing condition. One of the non-surgical options is the Renessa® treatment. During the Renessa® procedure, controlled, low temperature heat is applied to multiple, very small sites in the urethra and bladder. Upon healing, the treated sites are firmer, providing greater resistance to leaks. The Renessa ® treatment is performed in Dr. Hamilton’s
office in approximately 30 minutes using local anesthesia. There are no incisions, bandages or dressings. Unlike surgery, Renessa® requires little or no downtime. Women can safely resume most normal activities the same or the next day. “Although SUI is not a life-threatening condition, it can severely impact a woman’s quality of life,” said Dr. Hamilton. “Many women are looking for an improvement in their symptoms so that they can enjoy routine activities again such as exercising or playing with their children. The Renessa® treatment offers women a nonsurgical option to reduce or eliminate their incontinence episodes so they can get back to enjoying their lives without worrying about leaks.” Most women treated with Renessa® experience improvement within 60-90 days. In two large U.S. Clinical Trials, three quarters of women treated with Renessa® experienced a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life, and nearly 60% were able to eliminate pad use. In
Third Party Reproduction Third party reproduction refers to the use of eggs, sperm, or embryos that have been donated by a third person (donor) to enable an infertile individual or couple (intended recipient) to become parents. Donors may be known or anonymous to the intended recipient. Third party reproduction also includes traditional surrogacy and gestational carrier arrangements. Traditional surrogacy refers to a treatment in which a woman is inseminated with sperm for the purpose of conceiving for an intended recipient. The surrogate has a genetic and biological link to the pregnancy she might carry. In contrast, a gestational carrier is an individual in which embryos created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) by the intended parents are transferred into the surrogate’s uterus, which has been prepared hormonally to carry a pregnancy. The gestational surrogate has no genetic
link to the fetus she is carrying. Traditional surrogacy arrangements often are perceived as controversial with the potential to be complicated both legally and psychologically. Despite the requirement for IVF to create embryos, the utilization of a gestational surrogate, legally, is a lower risk procedure and is the more common approach conducted in the United States. The options available through third party reproduction provide many couples the opportunity to make their dream of parenthood a reality. The comprehensive nature of the screening and counseling of intended parents and their donors or surrogates ensures that the process meets the needs of all involved. Recent increased utilization of egg donation has required a reconsideration of the social and ethical impact this technology has had on prospective parents, their www.fortbend www.fortbend
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addition, the Renessa® treatment is very safe; there have been no serious complications reported to date. Medicare coverage includes the Renessa® procedure as of January 1, 2011. The Renessa® procedure is also covered by some private insurance companies. About Dr. Hamilton: Dr. Carlos R. Hamilton III, a board certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, has opened the first Office based Interventional Radiology practice in the Greater Houston area. His cutting edge practice specializes in providing the most effective and least invasive Carlos R. Hamilton III, treatments in the com- M.D. fort of an office. For more information about the Renessa® treatment, contact The Hamilton Institute at 281-565-0033 or visit www. thehamiltoninstitute.com.
offspring, and the egg donors themselves. Surrogacy has been acknowledged within the reproductive medicine community. The arrangements, nevertheless, remain controversial and are subject to both legal and psychosocial scrutiny. Third party reproduction is a complex process. As it is more widely used, there continues to be a broader understanding of the ethical, moral and legal issues involved. The ultimate goal of physicians, mental health professionals, and attorneys specializing in reproductive law is to enable this process to move forward as smoothly as possible and bring joy and satisfaction to all parties involved in ensuring the conception and C. James Chuong, delivery of a healthy M.D. child. By: C. James Chuong, M.D., Medical Director, Cooper Institute for Advanced Reproductive Medicine, 7500 Beechnut St., Suite 308, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: (713) 771-9771. www.cooperinstitutearm.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, NAJA. Gemological Laboratory Appraisals. Graduate Gemologist - Gemological Institute of America, Member: National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Listed: Jewelers Board of Trade, Member: BBB. 16180 City Walk (Town Square - Sugar Land) by appointment. (11/2010)
Orthodontics 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. (11/2010)
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)
Please call the experts from our list of Focus Favorites. fort bend
magazine • February 2011
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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)
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)
FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide
Attention All Businesses
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.
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)
Let people CALL you now! Only $349 for the whole year, published in print and online.
Video Production
Magazine
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)
Do you have an area business service such as health, dental, finance, legal, insurance, remodeling, air conditioning, plumbing or auto service that you would like to have reach 60,000 readers in Fort Bend and increase the growth of your business?
To get you started, go to www.fortbendfocus.com and click on “Focus Favorites.”
Call 281-690-4242 www.fortbend
.com • February 2011
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ATULATION R G N S! O C Caroline Neal
Congratulations to Caroline Neal, a senior at Foster High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for January! Neal receives $1000 from Jessica DeMarr, Texas Direct Auto Director of Business Development. Neal is currently Colonel of the Foster Flair Drill Team, actively involved in her church and volunteers in charity organizations in the community. She plans to further her education at Texas A&M University majoring in Education or Communications.
Register now and win a
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fort bend
magazine • February 2011
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Make Your Valentine’s Reservation Early Specials Monday
Thursday
1/2 Price Bottle of Wine Night
Martini Night
with the purchase of two entrees
Saturday
Tuesday
King Cut $25.90
Dinner for Two
Prime Rib Of Beef
$49.90
Wednesday Live Jazz
$17.90
See our Menu @ www.NapaGrille.net
Happy Hour
Food~Drinks and More
Monday-Thursday 11 am - 11 pm Friday 11 am - Midnight Saturday 5 pm - 1 am Closed Sunday
Monday - Friday 4 - 7 pm Saturday 5 - 7 pm
Full Bar & Live Music Tuesday - Saturday
14019 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 • Call 281-277-2599
Focus on Flavor
Dining Guide
ANTONIA’S • Celebrating our 3rd Anniversary! Come in and enjoy our wine and dinner specials and help us celebrate. Famous for our Awe-inspiring Hospitality and Great Food, our reputation is that we are a family oriented, family run business. This has been “Our Recipe For Success.” As we grow, we continue to stay close to our roots, always grateful for what we have, remembering where we came from. Thank you, for choosing Antonia’s for your dining experience. We appreciate your business. Two locations: Antonia’s Cucina Italiana: 2001 Katy Mills Boulevard, Suite. A, Katy, Texas 77494, call 281-644-6000/Fax: 281-6446001. Antonia’s Italian Cantina: 26281 NW Freeway, Ste 950, Cypress, TX 77429, call 281-256-2796 / Fax: 281-256-2790. www.antonias.us.
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.
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.
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.
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.com • February 2011
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Fort Bend Loves To Dine List your restaurant here. Call 281-690-4242.
Focus on Flavor 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.
List your restaurant here! Call 281-690-4242.
fort bend
Dining Guide 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 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 caterings are 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.
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Focus on Flavor
Dining Guide
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 coming in January. Catering available. 609 Dulles, across from Dulles High, 281-208-0200. Su-Th 11am to 10pm, Fr-Sa 11am to 11pm.
5 OFF ANY LARGE PIZZA
Not Valid With Another Offer. Dine In Or Carry Out Only. Expires March 1, 2011. Mention “Focus”
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
$
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 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.
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.
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.
RAISING CANE’S • We’re all about ONE
Buy one entrée and get the second one
50 % OFF
Second entrée is equal or less value. Not valid with other offers.
LA COCINA • Is proud to be serving the Fort Bend Community fine Mexican dishes for 13 years. Since our beginning in Rosenberg in 1997, quality and value has been our motto. At La Cocina we understand that to be successful in the food and beverage business, we have to execute a great product and a great dining experience as well as contribute and support our county. We are proud to say that we have raised over $60,000 for “Meals on Wheels.” We invite you to come try our wonderful and exciting new dishes. Call La Cocina for your next event, to-go or catering is available or reserve our banquet room for any occasion. Don’t miss our Breakfast Sat & Sun 8-12, Happy Hour 11-7 pm. 515 FM 359 in Richmond, 281-238-0872 www.lacocinarestaurant.com. www.fortbend
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 •
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. .com • February 2011
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Living the Sweet Life:
One Life,
By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.
One Woman,
“I
t had to be you”.... “I’ve got the world on a string”.... These are just a few of my favorite things. Remember last month I asked you about cleaning your life up and finding your passion while ringing in the New Year? I mentioned having been asked to do a one woman, one night only show to benefit our new theatre in Sugar Land – The Imperial Theatre. On February 18th at 7pm, I will take the stage as none other than myself in a show entitled “Alisa’s Sweet Life.” My plans are to share with you stories from my childhood, sprinkle in a few moments of laughter and even perhaps, a few tears along our journey. I mostly hope that you will find spending an evening listening to me as entertaining as you have found following my column over the past four years. Finding your passion is simple. Or rather, I should say, it is a simple thing to those that have found it, which really means it’s not that simple at all. I have found mine, and I have been one of the lucky ones to not only have found what God gave me as a real talent, but I have further been gifted enough to develop these talents in ways that enrich my life, give back to my community, and allow me to make a living. Incredible, really, to be able to have accomplished these things, and I thank God daily for allowing me to be born at this time when being a woman is celebrated and my life’s work as a artist is in demand. A few years ago, I was working on developing a seminar called
“Creating Your Sweet Life.” I wrote a little and planned a little, but I got distracted with other projects and the timing was off. I went in a different direction with my work with children with cancer, developing the Small Miracles projects and writing a song for them. Yes, life last year was busy, and the idea of sharing what I have done and continually do daily to keep me creatively challenged and in demand was not exactly on the top of my priorities list. Fast forward a few months: a request to write, direct and perform in a one night only show and whew.... voila! I found myself ready for the challenge. In addition to presenting you with an entertaining evening filled with stories from my childhood and a few other surprises, I will be offering a registration to a seminar I will be hosting to help you find out what you are great at and how to develop that into a life-changing
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One Show career. Do you want to truly wake up and never feel like you are working again? That is my life; that is my Sweet Life. Everyone can live like this. You only have to tap into the talents God has given you and uncover what you alone are meant to give to the world. I’ll share with you on February 18th what I have done and more of me than I have ever shared publicly before. Then, I’ll offer you an opportunity to spend a different afternoon with me this spring where we will work through how you can create as I have a path to living your own Sweet Life! The seminar will be a close look at personality, talent and just how understanding who you are and how you see the world is unique. Then, reveal how tapping into your talents, when discovered and then, developed, will transform your life from ordinary into extraordinary! The way to living a create and spirit-filled life is by understanding how to make a living doing exactly what you love and are indeed best suited to doing. That is what all the fuss is about with Living a Sweet Life. Pretty simple when explained and followed. So, I am excited to see you at the show. Go to www.theimperial.org or call 281-277-7444 for tickets. The seats are $50.00 and all of that goes directly to support the theatre. Take Care of You!
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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®