February 2016 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings by Fort Bend Focus Magazine

FEBRUARY 2016

Breath of Life

LOVE IS

in the Air

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Super Bowl Bash Tips Valentine's

Day Tips $2.95

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 600 HOUSTON, TEXAS

Caring for the Community:

Chris

Bronsell

hris Bronsell has spent more than 20 years serving the citizens of Fort Bend County. Just when you think he’d be ready to sit back and slow down, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Deputy is signing up for more.

Not only is he anxious to devote more time to his Precinct 1 community, Bronsell is bringing with him a vision that the Pct. 1 Constable’s Office should be a fullservice law enforcement agency. “There is so much the constable’s office can offer to the citizens of Pct. 1,” said Bronsell, who is running for the top job. “Everyone seems to assume that the constables only deal in civil law, serve legal papers and baliff the Justice of the Peace Courts, but there’s so much more we could be doing to serve the taxpaying citizens. “The constables are Texas Peace Officers just like every other law enforcement officer in the state,” Bronsell emphasized. “They receive the exact same training and are given the exact same authority as any other Texas Peace Officer. I want to give the citizens of Pct. 1 the service they deserve – a full-service law enforcement agency.” Although he’s no stranger to politics, throwing his hat into the political arena to run for the job of Fort Bend County Pct. 1 Constable is Bronsell’s first venture into mounting a campaign for himself. According to Bronsell, who turned 44 in December, he and his wife Mandi have been involved in the Republican Party in Fort Bend County for about 20 years. Mandi owns a political and non-profit fundraising and consulting business that has worked on campaigns from local school board and municipal races all the way to statewide races and everything in between.

By Trish Johnson l Photos by Studio Ainsley Photography

w w w. v o t e b ro n s e l l . c o m

Family and Community First The Bronsell family is committed to their community. They spend much of their time volunteering with local charities such as the Fort Bend County Fair, Lunches of Love and Toys for Tots, and both are members of the Rosenberg Lions Club. They believe that giving back to their community is important and want to teach their children to do the same. The Bronsells, who met in junior high school, are raising three children: sons Ty (16) and Cody (12), and 10-year-old daughter Hannah. “Hannah is into cheerleading,” shared Bronsell. “She is all cheer, all the time. She has cheered with a competitive team for Texas Thunder for three years. “Cody is my baseball player,” Bronsell grinned. “He played youth football for a while with the Pecan Grove Hurricanes, but finally settled on baseball.” The Wertheimer Middle School sixth grader plays first and second base for Lamar Little League. Ty, also a former Pecan Grove Hurricane youth football player, now plays for Foster High School where he takes the field as a center on offense, as well as a defensive lineman. Ty also is a member of Foster High School FFA and participated in the Fort Bend County Fair this year raising rabbits to show. Together, the Bronsell clan enjoys mostly outdoor activities. “We have a travel trailer, and we like to go camping. We try to go about once a month, and we’re usually at Texas state parks where we enjoy kayaking, hiking and fishing together.” They are also avid hunters and enjoy spending time together at their deer lease in west Texas. The family attends River Pointe Church where Mandi volunteers at children’s church and Chris works with the traffic control team. “The kids are very involved in youth church,” Bronsell noted. “They enjoy many youth activities through River Pointe such as mission trips, summer camp and Sunday school.” When the couple, who have been married 21 years, manages to have some free time together, “We enjoy antiquing and traveling together. We love to go on walks with the kids and our dog Roxie,” Bronsell said.

The Bronsell Family: Cody, Chris, Ty, Hannah and Mandi.

Mandi, Hannah and Chris Bronsell volunteering with Lunches of Love.

Fort Bend Roots A fifth generation Texan and a 1990 graduate of Sugar Land’s Dulles High School, Bronsell attended Sam Houston State University, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. “We were married two weeks after I graduated and quickly settled into the Richmond community we loved.” Following his college graduation, Bronsell graduated from the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy in 1995 and was the first cadet out of his class to be hired by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. He has been a Fort Bend County Deputy Sheriff for 20 years, earning a reputation for integrity, honesty and an unrelentless dedication to duty. “I have seen firsthand how Chris Bronsell’s professional work ethic, fiscal conservatism and strong character will carry over to the office of Pct. 1 Constable,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, a friend since Hegar first ran for the Texas State House in 2002. “For 20 years, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to serving Fort Bend County with professionalism and honor,” Hegar continued. “Chris has the experience and conservative credentials to make tough decisions, to do what’s right for Fort Bend citizens and to be a tireless leader in the protection and service of the community. I’m proud to endorse my friend Chris Bronsell in his candidacy for Pct. 1 Constable, Fort Bend County.” Retired Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Billy Davis, who worked in Fort Bend County with Bronsell, doesn’t hold back when asked his opinion of Bronsell. “I know Chris both professionally and personally, and I’ve been in law enforcement over 38 years,” Davis said. “During that time, I have met lots of people. I found that only a handful were knowledgeable, honest and well-mannered. Chris is one of them. He would treat a homeless person with the same respect he would treat a millionaire. Chris would be an excellent constable. He has good integrity and high morals. He will be an asset to Fort Bend County.” Bronsell’s plan for the constable’s office simply boils down to wanting to expand the services available to Pct. 1 residents and business owners while keeping the quality of the services high. “When I’m constable,” the lawman said, “we

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will have a good working relationship with all other law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff’s office, the local police departments and Department of Public Safety. This is imperative for the safety of the community. The Pct. 1 Constable’s Office is comprised of many qualified, hardworking employees. I hope that my vision of a full-service police agency will be greeted with a positive response and that we can all work together for the good of our citizens. In the future, as the county grows, I would see all constables’ offices increasing to have a traffic unit, narcotics unit, as well as a crime prevention unit. The visibility of the constables in our community is one of the most important things that we can provide as a crime deterrent.” Bronsell’s career path through law enforcement has given him experience

in the jail division, patrol division and criminal investigations division. “I’m a pretty well-rounded deputy,” he smiled. “I’ve been a jail deputy, patrol deputy, motorcycle traffic deputy, commercial vehicle enforcement deputy and a crime scene investigator. I’ve done a lot and have learned a lot, being out on the streets for 20 years.” In 2005, Bronsell received his Master Peace Officer license, which is the highest license a law enforcement officer can receive, based on years of experience, education and hours of training. “I grew up in Fort Bend County, I’m raising my family in Fort Bend County, and I plan on retiring here,” stated Bronsell. When asked why he is running for Fort Bend County Constable, Bronsell simply replied, “Because I care. I care about this county, and I care about protecting our citizens.”

Chris and Mandi Bronsell at Lamar Education Awards Foundation’s “Surf’s Up, School’s Out.”

Perhaps Chris Bronsell’s life credo is most notable in its simplicity:

Service to others, to the best of your ability.

n many ways, it is markedly refreshing in a political candidate – especially a candidate who wants most of all to give of himself. His decision has given him the experience and knowledge to formulate a positive plan of advancement for the Pct. 1 Constable’s Office. Bronsell wants to provide Pct. 1 residents and business owners with a “full-service law enforcement agency.” His future vision includes: A good working relationship with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments and The Texas Department of Public Safety. Bronsell: “The county is growing so fast, it is imperative that we have a good working relationship with all of the law enforcement agencies in our area.” A true patrol division. Bronsell: “I want our deputies to use their law enforcement training to really be able to help people when they are in a time of need, whatever the situation may be.”

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Bronsell.

A traffic division. Bronsell: “We need more traffic control. Traffic congestion around Greatwood and the Sienna Plantation area is a nightmare.” A narcotics division. Bronsell: “The narcotics problem isn’t going away. Even if we just have a couple of deputies working the highways and assisting the schools in Pct. 1, we could really make a difference.”

A crime prevention unit. Bronsell: “Deputies who will inspect your home and business and give advice on how to better protect your property and self will also be instrumental in organizing Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs in the subdivisions. We must be proactive instead of reactive. I want to have a close working relationship with the citizens of Pct. 1.” Bronsell’s plan focuses on simply service. “I want to move the office of Pct. 1 Constable forward and give the people the service they deserve,” said Bronsell. Dr. Shannon Orsak, a board certified emergency medicine physician and longtime Bronsell friend, summed Bronsell up: “He has the great values of the community I live in and all of the Fort Bend area. Anyone who runs for constable has to have great integrity, and he does. I think Chris Bronsell is a very honest person.” Visit votebronsell.com for more information.

Paid political ad by The Chris Bronsell for Constable Campaign, Dr. Shannon Orsak, Treasurer

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fort bend

magazine • February 2016

F E AT U R E S 26 TICKETS ON SALE FOR 4TH ANNUAL READING BETWEEN THE WINES

COVER STORY FEBRUARY 2016

Benefiting Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

28 LOVE AND MARRIAGE BLENDED CULTURES IN FORT BEND Meet Fort Bend couples who have found a common ground: love.

32 VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS & TIPS

Look no further than these 10 ideas and budget-friendly tips to make your Valentine feel special – and even more loved.

34 LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Fort Bend Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

40 LOVE YOURSELF THIS MONTH

The Breast Care Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers high-tech medical imaging.

47 BUSINESS PROS

Meet the finest business professionals in Fort Bend.

74 10 EASY SUPER BOWL PARTY TIPS Bump it up to the next level as a party host with these top tips for a touchdown of a time.

COLUMNS 20 FOCUS ON FINANCE Interest Rates Rising?

Dane Thanoo, Medical Physicist; Larry Duyka; Dr. Clive Shkedy, Radiation Oncologist and Winston Phillips, Radiation Therapist. Photo by Mary Favre.

22 LEGAL FOCUS

Proper Use of Beneficiary Designations to Complete Your Estate Planning

16 BREATH OF LIFE Physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital are using advanced technology and a collaborative treatment approach to give patients a fighting chance against lung cancer. Sugar Land resident Clifford Price is a living example of how technology and collaboration are coming together to successfully diagnose and treat the nation’s deadliest cancer at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

38 KIDS’ CORNER

Accept Your Kids, Even When You Disapprove

42 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT Meet Karen L. Yang

44 HOMETOWN HEROES: Sandra Janak

52 INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR CAMBODIA: A Time for Reflection and Giving

80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE: Time for Some Turmeric

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CONTRIBUTORS

FEBRUARY 2016

VOLUME 12

NUMBER 4

Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 20

NEWSWORTHY 27 THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF SUGAR LAND’S

BRAIN TEASER 37 HEARTS AND FLOWERS 22

29th Annual Spaghetti Dinner

46 INTRODUCTORY ACRYLIC PAINTING CLASS At Sienna Branch Library

51 GOVERNOR ABBOTT NAMES CHAIR, VICE CHAIR AND APPOINTS EIGHT To OneStar National Service Commission

absolutely! AUTO REVIEW

Zeenat Kassam Mitha Cultural Correspondent Pages 28 & 52

54 2016 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN

Preparing for Upcoming Concert

56 SANDWICH BAG COLLECTION CAMPAIGN

Zips it up for Hungry Preschoolers

58 THE FORT BEND EDUCATION FOUNDATION Presents Its 23rd Annual Bollywood Nights Gala

Myles Mellor Contributor Page 37

MEDICAL & BUSINESS 37

62 STEVE GRIFFITH NAMED TREASURER

55 FORT BEND ISD’S ELEMENTARY HONOR CHOIR

Special Olympics Texas’ Board of Directors

Patrick Biron Birons Youth Sports Center Page 38

70 MEDICAL FOCUS

Trish Johnson Contributor Page 40

absolutely! DELICIOUS

77 SWAP UP For Big Game Day

Joan Frances Contributor Pages 42 & 44

FORT BEND PANHELLENIC

Announces Recruitment Workshop and 2016 Scholarship Program

59 2016 GRANT-A-STARR Family 5K Fun Run/Walk

60 ANGELA MCCAIN BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY At George Memorial Library

63 MATTRESS MACK

Set to Speak at Hope For Three Luncheon

T. Aaron Dobbs & Kelley M. Bentley Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC Page 22

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 54

24 SEEN ON THE SCENE 64 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

54 Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

76 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST 80

78 COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Vol. 12 No. 4 February 2016 4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700 STAFFORD, TX 77477 281-690-4242

The Month of Love “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Mother Teresa in her infinite wisdom and genuine love for mankind summed up her feelings about love and sharing it with others with these words. I couldn’t agree more. February, the month of love, is about reminding those we love most how much we cherish them, be they sweethearts, spouses, children or that someone special we have in our lives. And if you need help with some extra special ideas, we’ve got you covered in this issue. From budget-friendly gift ideas to our Valentine’s Day Tim and Patti Kaminski at the Fort Bend County Republican Gift Guide to Fort Bend love stories, we are celebrating Party’s Christmas celebration. the month dedicated to love in a big way. Speaking of celebrations, our cultural correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha shares the history behind a Cambodian celebration – Independence Day – and the Fort Bend Cambodian Americans who participate in celebrating their heritage. These wonderful community leaders are making a difference in the lives of Cambodian women and children with their incredible work through the Abbassi Foundation. We salute their efforts and hope you will enjoy their story on page 52. We love telling the stories about the amazing individuals in our community – our very own super heroes – and we have started a monthly column designed to do just that: share what we call our Hometown Heroes. This month, we bring you Sandra Janak. Read all about this Hometown Hero on page 44, and if you would like to nominate someone as a Hometown Hero, please send us an e-mail. Fort Bend is full of super heroes, and we would love to tell their stories. Mother Teresa also said, “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” Spread the love with a smile this month, and we’ll do the same as we are out and about in the Bend. Happy Valentine’s Day! Stay focused,

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.COM

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Jessica Kij M A NA G I N G E D I T O R Sarah Bearden AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S Jennifer Elliott Molly Ellis Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Camille Hay Marinela Taylor WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza PHOTOGRAPHY Mary Favre CONTRIBUTORS Kelley M. Bentley Patrick Biron T. Aaron Dobbs Joan Frances Will Hardee Trish Johnson Steve Kursar Myles Mellor Zeenat Kassam Mitha Alisa Murray INQUIRIES 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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Dane Thanoo, Medical Physicist, and Dr. Clive Shkedy, Radiation Oncologist. Photo by Mary Favre.

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Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright© 2016 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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Breath of Life Dane Thanoo, Medical Physicist; Charles Conlon, MD; Clive Shkedy, MD; Priya Oolut, MD and Clifford Price.

COVER STORY

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, new technologies are helping physicians team up to defeat lung cancer. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital are using advanced technology and a collaborative treatment approach to give patients a fighting chance against lung cancer. Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in the United States, with approximately 150,000 deaths per year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, largely be.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

cause most lung cancers are not diagnosed until they are at an advanced stage. “Patients with lung cancer often don’t have pain or exhibit any symptoms until the cancer has spread,” said Priya Oolut, MD, a board certified pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “But if we can identify a tumor early, we have a better chance at curing that patient with today’s leading-edge technology.” To help with early detection, physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital now offer low-dose radiation computed tomography (CT) screening, which is recommended by the American Lung Association for: • Current or former smokers 50 years of age or older • Individuals who have smoked the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes a day for at least 20 years • Lung cancer survivors “The availability of low-dose radiation CT screening represents a real paradigm change,” said Oolut. “A CT scan is three times more sensitive than a chest X-ray, enabling us to see even small tumors in the periphery of the lungs. So, we now have the ability to safely and accurately scan patients.”

Collaboration for a Cure Sugar Land resident Clifford Price is a living example of how technology and collaboration are coming together to successfully diagnose and treat lung cancer at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Like many people in his generation, Price smoked cigarettes as a young man. But, he gave up the habit 40 years ago, and the thought of lung cancer no longer crossed his mind. Earlier this year, however, a persistent cough and unexplained weight loss led to a visit to his primary care physician, who ordered a CT scan that showed a small tumor in his lung. Price was referred to Oolut, who performed a bronchoscopy using electromagnetic navigation to obtain a biopsy of the tumor. Under electromagnetic navigation, the original CT scan was used to guide the physician to the exact location of the tumor, even those in difficult to reach areas of the lung, eliminating the need for surgical biopsies. In Price’s case, a bi-

Is a screening right for you? Smoking isn’t the only cause of lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Screening Program at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is designed to identify lung tumors at an early stage, when the disease is easier to treat and possibly cure. To learn more about the Lung Cancer Screening Program, call 281-276-8549.

fort bend

Clive Shkedy, MD and Dane Thanoo, Medical Physicist.

opsy was performed and confirmed his lung cancer. Within the next few days, Price met with Charles Conlon, MD, board certified in hematology and oncology, and Clive Shkedy, MD, medical director of radiation oncology at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land. That rapid response is a key component of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s patient-centric, collaborative approach to cancer care. “We understand how difficult it is when a patient receives a cancer diagnosis,” said Oolut. “It’s the scariest time of their life. So, we collaborate closely to ensure that the patient can be seen as quickly as possible by oncology specialists.”

Technology Makes a Difference Following his initial consultation, Shkedy began treating Price with the Cancer Center’s new radiation machine, known as TrueBeam™, an image-guided technology that gives physicians unmatched control of radiation therapy. magazine • February 2016

I don’t know anything about the technology, but I know I received the best possible care. No matter what your condition is, it’s impossible to leave the center without a smile on your face, because everyone there is so kind and helpful. – Clifford Price TrueBeam uses a CT scan image superimposed on the patient’s body to ensure a precise target for radiation. Its stereotactic radiosurgery beam utilizes motion management technology to synchronize delivery with the movement of the tumor due to the patient’s breathing. “TrueBeam is extremely accurate,” said Shkedy. “And because it is imageguided, we know we are aiming directly at the tumor, even as it moves. As a result, we are able to protect healthy tissue in and around the lungs.” Shkedy believes TrueBeam is a real benefit for patients with lung cancer, as well as other types of cancers where sophisticated, complex radiation therapy is required. TrueBeam can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, depending on the individual patient. “This is the most advanced technology available in Sugar Land and surrounding areas,” Shkedy said. “It is making a real difference in our ability to fight cancer and win.” In the past, radiation treatment often took up to nine weeks. Because of TrueBeam’s power and precision, however, Price underwent just five treatment sessions, lasting a few minutes each. But, what impressed him more was the personal, compassionate approach of the staff at the Cancer Center. “I don’t know anything about the technology, but I know I received the best possible care,” Price said. “No matter what your condition is, it’s impossible to leave the center without a smile on your face, because everyone there is so kind and helpful.”

Upcoming Events Join us for these free community events at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital!

Heart & Vascular Center and Breast Care Center Open House Thursday, February 4th • 5 to 7 pm Join us for a double open house. Tour two state-of-the-art facilities, see our latest technology including cardiac operating rooms and meet our physicians and staff.

Heart Health Screenings Thursday, February 25th • 5 to 7:30 pm Knowing your risk is the first step to heart health. Join us to learn your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.

Colorectal Cancer Seminar Thursday, March 31st • 6 pm Learn about colorectal cancer — the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women — and take home a free colorectal screening kit.

Back & Neck Pain Seminar Thursday, April 7th • 6 pm Whether you’ve had back and/or neck pain for a few days or several long years, we are here to help. Get your questions answered, and learn about the latest treatment options. Registration is required for all events. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281-274-7500.

Priya Oolut, MD and Clifford Price.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

25 16

fort bend

magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

Presented by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

FOCU$ on FINANCE

Interest Rates Rising?

t seems that all we’ve been hearing for the last two years is that the Federal Reserve is going to raise rates. It reminds me of the story of the little boy who cried, “Wolf!” Well, the wolf may really be here. What does this mean to my portfolio, and how did we get here? The root of this zero rate interest policy can be traced back to the financial crisis of 2008-2009. With the bankruptcies of GM, AIG and Lehman Brothers, to name a few, the Federal Reserve cut rates to zero in an effort to stimulate the economy. This forced “savers” who had money in CDs and money markets to change their investment habits, because to remain there earned them zero. Therefore, they had to take more risk to make money. That meant more stocks and longer maturities on bonds. Seven years later, many investors have more volatility in their portfolios. The balance between stocks, bonds and cash has been seriously altered because of this zero rate policy. What do we do now? Everyone has been chasing yield in

the search for income. Rising interest rates will finally benefit savers and penalize borrowers. Many retirees have been savers and chasing yield. Look at your bond portfolios and understand what you own. Rising rates will depress bond prices. It could hurt slow-growth industries and housing. The United States dollar should strengthen, which will hurt multi-national U.S. companies’ sales. Faster growing stocks will be rewarded. Many portfolios are not positioned for this. There are many other effects of rising rates. Do you know what they are? We do. Let Will or Heather review your portfolio to see what effect it may have on you. This article provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM of the Hardee Investment Group and a Managing Director - Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management in Houston, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

TrusT and ConfidenCe Since 1977, we’ve been providing families and businesses financial guidance that’s In The Client’s Best Interest. By listening to you and understanding your objectives, we build long-term relationships based on trust and integrity, and help ensure you and your family are well-positioned to meet your financial goals. HARDEE INVESTMENT GROUP

Hardee Investment Group (713) 853-0879 | (800) 838-0757 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com There’s Wealth in Our Approach.™ © 2015 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. 15-HC-468_7.25x3.125 Trust c.inddTO1 ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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By T. Aaron Dobbs and Kelley M. Bentley

Legal

Focus

Proper Use of Beneficiary Designations to Complete Your Estate Planning

lthough you may have a Last Will and Testament, your estate plan may not yet be complete. Often, clients do not realize that some of their assets may not pass according to the terms set forth in their will. Your estate’s assets can be divided into two broad categories: probate assets and non-probate assets. Probate assets include real estate and personal property, as well as bank accounts and life insurance policies, that do not have a beneficiary designation. Non-probate assets are those that pass pursuant to a right of survivorship agreement, pay on death designation or beneficiary designation. Probate assets will pass according to the terms of your will; however, nonprobate assets will pass according to the beneficiary designation. In other words, a beneficiary designation form trumps your will. Sometimes it is advisable to have one or more of your assets pass outside of your will. In doing so, such asset will avoid being entangled in the probate process. However, there may be very good and well-intentioned reasons why you would want the asset to be governed by your will and pass through probate. For example, you may have minor children or a family member with special needs and your will creates a trust for these beneficiaries. In order to make sure the trust is funded, assets must pass through your will and not a beneficiary designation. Similarly, your will may have tax saving planning to mitigate or minimize estate taxes, and having

your assets pass outside of your probate estate may frustrate this planning. In order to ensure that your will-based estate plan is followed, it is necessary to coordinate all of the non-probate assets that you currently own – or may own in the future – with your estate plan. We recommend making a list of all of your non-probate assets and start with the largest assets first. Each financial institution has a different procedure for changing beneficiary designations, and you may have to contact financial institutions to obtain a specific form to change beneficiary designations. These forms may be available through the Internet, but you will need to make sure that you use the proper form for that type of account/policy. Additionally, some beneficiary change forms must be notarized or signature guaranteed. Finally, you will need to make sure you properly word the beneficiary designation. It may be more complicated than simply inserting the name of an individual. Consider visiting with your estate planning attorney before making any changes to your beneficiary designations to make sure your wishes will be accomplished through both your probate assets and your non-probate assets. T. Aaron Dobbs and Kelley M. Bentley are board certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Aaron and Kelley specialize in estate planning, probate and trust law at Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC from its Fort Bend office.

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Mary Karr, Ph.D. Award-Winning Memoirist and Poet

Tickets on Sale for 4th Annual

Reading Between the Wines Benefiting Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

ne of the most anticipated Fort Bend fundraisers of the year, the 4th Annual Reading Between the Wines benefiting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, returns to Richmond’s Safari Texas Ranch on Friday, April 1st at 6:30 pm. Presented by The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, this year’s Reading Between the Wines will feature New York Times best-selling memoirist and poet Mary Karr, Ph.D. While at Reading Between the Wines, literary and wine enthusiasts will enjoy presentations from acclaimed authors, a generous selection of outstanding wines and expertly prepared cuisine from local restaurants and caterers. Individual tickets for Reading Between the Wines are $125 and can be purchased at www.ftbendliteracy.org. Sponsorship packages including reserved seating, select bottles of wine, meet and greet and photo opportunity with Karr and more also can be purchased at the website and are available starting at $500. Proceeds from Reading Between the Wines, co-chaired by Helen Bow and Gena Horak, will benefit the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. For 28 years, the organization has strived to fill gaps in literacy services for those in need, have the capability to learn and the desire to move forward in life. For more information, contact Nicola Johnson at 281-240-8181 or at njohnson@ftbendliteracy.org.

The planning committee for this year’s Reading Between the Wines: Sonal Bhuchar, Mike Dacey, Mary Gayle Brindley, Cynthia Bartholomew, Nicola Johnson, Pat Hebert, Kelli Metzenthin, Lawren Eckhardt, Gena Horak, Helen Bow and Nancy Olson. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

Mary Karr, Ph.D., an award-winning poet and New York Times best-selling memoirist, will be the featured author at Reading Between the Wines. She is the author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling memoirs The Liars’ Club, Cherry and Lit. Her latest book, The Art of Memoir, is a master class on the fastest-growing literary genre. A television series based on The Liars’ Club and Lit is in development with Showtime starring Mary Louise Parker as Karr and produced by Sarah Timberman. In Karr’s The Art of Memoir talks, she brings a wealth of knowledge that comes from teaching literature and writing for nearly three decades and writing three critically acclaimed memoirs that are routinely named as the best in the genre. Anchored by excerpts from her favorite memoirs and anecdotes from fellow writers’ experience, she lays bare her own process. The Liars’ Club won prizes for best first nonfiction from PEN (The Martha Albrand Award for nonfiction), the Texas Institute for Letters and was a finalist for The National Book Critics Circle Awards. It chronicled her hardscrabble Texas childhood with enough sass and literary verve to spark a renaissance in memoir, cresting the New York Times best-seller list for more than a year. Cherry, her ecstatically reviewed account of a psychedelic adolescence and a moving sexual coming-of-age, followed it into best-sellerdom. Hailed as “the memoir of the season,” Lit chronicles Karr’s brazen battle into adulthood, taking readers on a journey into awe while tracing her search for the solid family she never had.

NEWSWORTHY

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 29th Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Show Her Your Love

Photo by Larry Pullen.

Peyton Wallace is looking forward to fun in the kid’s area at The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 29th Annual Spaghetti Dinner.

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 29th Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be held Friday, February 26th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Fluor Corporation Cafeteria, located at 1 Fluor Daniel Drive in Sugar Land. Local law enforcement agencies and firefighters compete in a Spaghetti Sauce Cook-Off. Their eccentric costumes are always a hit. A children’s area with a cake walk, face painting, games and prizes is just part of the fun-filled event. A live and silent auction, raffle and live entertainment complete this enjoyable evening. This fundraiser provides over $100,000 annually to local non-profits including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Texana Center, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Fort Bend Council on Substance Abuse, Crime Stoppers, YMCA, DePelchin Children’s Center, ESCAPE Family Resource Center, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend and supports Exchange community service projects. Dinner tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for children seven through 12, and children six and under eat free! Raffle tickets for a chance to win a $5,000 gift certificate from Gallery Furniture or a vacation trip worth $2,500 can be purchased for $100, which include two adult and two child spaghetti dinners. For more information, visit www.ecsl. org/spaghetti-dinner.php.

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By Zeenat Kassam Mitha

Love and Marriage Blended Cultures in Fort Bend

ove stories are some of the best stories because they involve the heart. Emotions are at an all-time high when they involve falling in love. Having butterflies in your stomach, being tongue-tied, having shaking knees or sweaty hands – all simply because your loved one is near. What could be better?

Love often leads to marriage, and when people of different cultures marry, the stories involve passion that the heart understands. In Fort Bend, we have several such stories. Here are a few of these during this auspicious month when love is celebrated in such grandeur. Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Bozorkis L

eandra Dewes was born in Porto Alegri, Brazil. She was working in her father’s boutique hotel on the beach and was visited by many tourists from around the world. She was passionate about travel, arts and culture. At the age of 23, in April 1994, she was ready for a new adventure and moved to Clear Lake, Texas with the opportunity to study. Maye Bozorki is from the cultured city of Kashan, Iran and moved to Houston for his education. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Science at San Jacinto College, his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a master’s in Industrial Engineering from Texas Southern University, followed by a B.A. in Business Management from the University of Houston. Maye loves the United States for the many opportunities it offers, including its mix of cultures. Leandra met Maye through a mutual friend in October 1994. They soon became good friends. Maye asked Leandra to join him and meet his family at his birthday dinner on March 21, 1997 at Churrascos on Westheimer, and they took their friendship to the next level. Maye loved her vivacious personality, her love for life and her laughter. Leandra admired Maye’s love for family and his intelligence. They began working together in the real estate and the wireless business that Maye began. In March 2003, both were ready to move

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

forward, and Maye proposed. They married on March 20, 2004 during the Persian New Year. This was a special time, as it is the birth of spring and a time for blessed beginnings with family and friends. Their daughter, Sophia Gabriella, was born on October 10, 2008, and they love to travel and learn about other cultures as a family.

Maye and Leandra Bozorki.

.com • February 2016

The Lathams

Robert and Vicki Latham.

obert, an Australian, educated in Sydney, Australia and Houston, and Vicki, a Houstonian, educated in Houston and Europe, met the summer of 1979 while working at Fluor Engineering. Robert is an engineer and Vicki, educated in public relations, is also a harpist and artist. Love at first sight has its true meaning in this case as both were

struck by Cupid’s arrow immediately after meeting. Robert asked Vicki on their first date a few days after they met for a visit to Astroworld. They enjoyed the Cyclone roller coaster followed by a nighttime drive to Galveston, where they watched the moon and stars on the beach and chatted all night. Two days later, Robert asked Vicki to marry him. Valentine’s Day was the only day when Robert wanted to get married, so they set the date for February 14, 1980. They had two weddings, a civil service and one at their family’s Catholic church. Vicki and Robert are proud parents of two daughters, Candace and Chanel, and they have a Yorkie named Pickles, which makes the family complete. They have had the opportunity to reside in various countries throughout Europe and learn various languages and cultures. Vicki is a professional harpist who is involved in community service. Robert is currently working with a biochemical engineering group to build an innovative and game-changing process for converting municipal solid waste that would otherwise be a landfill, into low-carbon, renewable transportation fuels. Love at first sight turned into beautiful dreams that came true for both – a world of traveling, a lovely family, blended hearts and sharing a beautiful life of service.

The Warrens V

icki Le and Kraig Warren hailed from different backgrounds but met while working to achieve a common goal: obtaining their MBA degrees. A native of southern Illinois, Kraig was raised in the small Midwestern rural town of McLeansboro. Vicki, whose parents emigrated from Vietnam following the fall of Saigon, was brought up in the suburban south Orange County area of populous Southern California. Kraig and Vicki were in the same MBA finance class at the University of Houston Sugar Land in January 2006, where both playfully competed against each other for the top grade. When Vicki asked Kraig to be on their Case Conference Team, Kraig assumed she also liked him and began working closely with her. Following graduation, Kraig asked Vicki on a date to B.J.’s Brewery in December 2006. Vicki wore four-inch heels in the sleet and slipped, first falling on her back inside the restaurant and then again outside while Kraig was holding her hand. Kraig fell down with her, hence also falling in love, at the same time. Kraig coined the nickname “Twinkletoes” for Vicki after that date, and they have been inseparable ever since. Kraig asked Vicki to marry to him on Valentine’s Day 2008, and they tied the knot on August 9, 2008 in Antigua, Caribbean Islands. Today, Kraig is the engineering and fabrication manager

fort bend

Vicki and Kraig Warren.

with the privately held A&A Machine and Fabrication in LaMarque, while Vicki actively pursues her passion in real estate as the broker-owner of MBA Realty. Their hobbies include alpine skiing and snowboarding, as well as traveling. Recently, they welcomed their daughter Kayley Joy into the world on November 24th, 2015. They look forward to teaching their baby girl to snowboard and ski.

magazine • February 2016

The Peffleys

Nazlin and Richard Peffley.

azlin Keshwani and Richard Peffley met at Purdue University in Indiana in September 1975. Richard was a junior tutoring Nazlin’s freshman Chemistry class. One evening, Nazlin was waiting for the bus to go home, and Richard sat down beside her on the bench and started talking to her. He found out Nazlin’s birthday was in a week and

that she had never had a party. He also found out she was an Indian American born in Kampala, Uganda, East Africa, and his eyes immediately lit up. Richard was from Dayton, Ohio, and he had traveled there with his parents and siblings on an East African safari in 1968. At a time when nobody had heard of Uganda, here was an American who knew all about Kampala. Nazlin was smitten! Richard offered her a ride home that day, and she never rode the bus again. A week later, Richard hosted a surprise birthday party for her surrounded by his friends. They began dating soon after. The two married on January 5, 1980, and both Richard and Nazlin received job opportunities in Lake Jackson, Texas as engineers for The Dow Chemical Company. Nazlin took some time off after their daughter, Sultana, was born in July 1989. They added to their family when their son, Majeed, was born five years later. Richard is a consultant in the chemical industry with Lean Six Sigma Technology, and Nazlin works as a freelance project management consultant. They celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on January 5th with a tradition – eating a meal at McDonald’s, where they spent many evenings during their college dating years.

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fort bend

magazine • February 2016

Valentine’s Day Ideas & Tips

here is no other day as Valentine’s Day when love is celebrated with so much zest. Couples wait for this day of love to indulge in romance and prove their chivalry. While some draw inspiration from romantic movies and love stories, others invent their own style of celebrating it.

If you are one of those love-struck individuals with someone special in your life, you want to make your Valentine feel special. While going out for a romantic dinner or gifting chocolates and flowers may be traditional Valentine’s Day ideas, there is always scope for doing something new. To make the occasion even more special, here are 10 Valentine’s Day tips that can make your plan an instant hit with your beloved. So, look no further for ideas to make your Valentine feel special – and even more loved.

Present your Valentine with personalized gift items that are sure to make him feel like a million bucks. It could be a piece of jewelry, photo frames, shopping vouchers or perfume. The options are virtually endless when it comes to personalizing and customizing gifts.

Try creating a treasure hunt with clues leading up to an event or a gift that you have planned.

Wake up your beloved with the sight of a love note that tells your Valentine just how much you love him. Strew them around the house and at every place you know he might look. The fact that he will find your notes of love everywhere is sure to make him feel special.

Try to take your loved one out for a fancy dinner. If you are the home bird kind, then preparing a special meal may be the best thing. Think of a candlelit dinner, talks and the perfect food. What more could the heart want? Try decorating the room with the theme of love. Heart-shaped balloons and decorations are bound to make the day seem as special as it can be.

6 7

For those who love to travel, go away on a sabbatical to a lovely destination.

8 9

Pamper your lover or even go out for a spa pampering session together. It is bound to fill the day with delight.

Relive the tale of your romance. Try recreating the moments that made you fall in love, and watch the sparks fly.

Surprise your sweetheart by preparing a “10 Reasons I Love You” Valentine’s Day breakfast. On your Valentine’s plate, leave a letter or card listing 10 reasons why you love your partner.

Create an intimate Valentine’s Day evening at home. Put on soft, romantic music to set the mood. After a hearty dinner, get on the dance floor and sway to the tunes.

Write a love poem or a love song to your beloved. This will not only make your beloved feel loved, but it is sure to melt his heart too.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

No Money? No Worry

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with $1

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Teens are often left with no or very little pocket money when they have to buy something special for their love on Valentine’s Day. The good news is that it is possible to woo your partner even with a budget as low as one dollar. The best way to fit your celebrations within such a budget is to gift a beautiful rose or make a craft item at home. Rustle up a dish using available supplies, or pluck some fresh flowers and decorate your place with them. Your partner will love the idea of being showered with flowers on Valentine’s Day.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by visiting a park and munching on some light snacks to fit the celebration. Buy a few flowers and some local chocolates while you enjoy each other’s company. You can also make a special Valentine’s Day card for your love with supplies you have at home.

Ideas Under $2 With two dollars to spend on Valentine’s Day, you can still impress your partner with beautiful house decorations. Gather decorative items that have been lying unused for days and use them to adorn the home. Welcome your partner with a love petal shower or prepare a bed filled with roses. Or, present your Valentine with a scrapbook with pictures of the special times that you have shared together.

Ideas Under $5 Prepare morning tea when your Valentine wakes up, and present a bunch of flowers to start the day on a celebratory note. Make a sweet Valentine’s Day card or take a walk at night, and then relish a local brand of ice cream.

Ideas Under $10 With less than $10, you can still arrange to make the day special for your partner. Buy candles or small light bulbs to adorn the table. Talk for hours or gaze into each other’s eyes. Present your Valentine with some homemade cookies or a handmade coupon holder. Let your love read out the messages in each coupon to know how the days ahead with you will turn out to be more lovely and romantic.

Ideas Under $20 Take her out to a place of natural beauty and romantic charm. You can also make a basket of tissue flowers to gift your love on Valentine’s Day. Call over your Valentine to your place and spruce it up with scented candles you already have. Lay down a beautifully decorated table and catch up with your love over hot cups of coffee.

Ideas Under $50 Plan a trip to the botanical gardens or visit a vineyard together. Walk hand in hand as you capture some romantic moments in your lens while exploring the most decorated and lovely plantations. As you roam around the garden, present some small gifts like chocolates, cooking or flowers in different colors. You can also present an artificial ring within your budget.

Ideas Under $75 Take your love out to a café. Reminisce the magic of old days as you enjoy mouth-watering delicacies with your partner. Or, rustle up a special meal at home with inexpensive, yet quality food supplies to impress your partner with your cooking skills. You can hire a local musician for a small fee to play some love songs and romantic tunes dedicated just for your love.

Ideas Under $100 Prepare a dinner table at your home with some homemade delicacies, fruit and champagne. No matter what you are gifting your partner on this day, it’s all about how much effort you are putting to make your partner feel special. Source: www.mydearvalentine.com

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

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

Love

is in the Air

DUVEL BEER SET Beautifully balanced, light in body, pale in color and strong in character, Duvel Beer combines the refreshing drinkability of a lager with the aromas and full body of fine ale. It is best served in a Duvel branded glass at six degrees. Off the Vine Bistro, 2865 Dulles Avenue in Missouri City. Call 281-242-4186; www.offthevinebistro.com.

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

VINTAGE IS IN THE AIR ZO® SKIN HEALTH EXFOLIATING POLISH

Surprise your sweetheart with a vintage silver piece. Vogelsang Antique Emporium has unique and unusual gifts. Vogelsang Antique Emporium, 1909 Avenue G in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. Call 281-342-6804; www.vogelsangantiques.com.

This product is great for all skin types! Ultra-fine magnesium crystals physically exfoliate dead skin cells and increase epidermal turnover for a cleaner, smoother, more even-toned complexion. Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery, 16926 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-313-0555; www.beautybecomesyou.com.

SLIM AND SMOOTH KIT This easy, four-step body care system will enhance the results of Planet Beach red light therapy and weight management services by helping to contour the body and tighten and tone skin. Planet Beach, 636 Highway 6, Suite 400 in Sugar Land. Call 832-939-8086; www.planetbeach.com.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

THE POWER OF TWO Get rid of those age spots, fine lines and wrinkles with this duo. Vitamin C and Retinol delivers a powerful formula to brighten and even skin tone. Mention this ad and receive 20% off your skin care purchase! Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, 3531 Town Center Boulevard South, Suite 102 in Sugar Land. Call 281-242-1061; www.bodybyravi.com.

BEAUTIFYING CARE FOR YOUR VALENTINE Give your Valentine an at-home spa bath experience with a gift set of beautifying composition, cleanser and lotion. Salon Eben & Day Spa, 15510 Lexington Boulevard, Suite G in Sugar Land. Call 281-980-5160; www.salonebendayspa.com.

VALENTINE’S DAY BLOOMS Send your Valentine a special message with a custom made bouquet from LC Floral Designs. LC Floral Designs, 204 Highway 90A East in Richmond. Call 281-342-8839; www.lcfloraldesigns.com.

GIVE YOUR VALENTINE THE GIFT OF SOUND The SONOS speaker starter pack will provide your Valentine with crystal clear HiFi sound. It fits any space and can stream all music from an app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. SARA Appliance & Electronics, 16820 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-277-1522; www.saraae.com.

PERFECT FOR THE PILOT The Pilot Shop at Anson Aviation is loaded with great ideas for your pilot Valentine! Visit Anson Aviation at Sugar Land Regional Airport. Anson Aviation. Call 281-242-2555; www.ansonair.com. fort bend

magazine • February 2016

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

Love

is in the Air

WINES GALORE Treat your love to a wine basket or night out at the wine bar. BR Vino has a vast variety of fine wines, homemade jellies and coffees. BR Vino, 1917 Avenue G in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. Call 832-595-2881; www.brvino.com.

SKINCEUTICALS ADVANCED ANTI-AGING SYSTEM

FOR YOUR VALENTINE Classic meets creative where timeless styles are revitalized by bold splashes of color. Discover radiant rubies, stunning sapphires, enchanting emeralds and more at Loggins Jewelers. Loggins Jewelers, 14015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-242-2900; www.logginsjewelers.com.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM SUGAR LAND PLASTIC SURGERY

PICK A GARDEN GUY GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Pucker up with kissable lips using Avéne Cold Cream Lip Cream for soft, luscious lips and the all-in-one day cream Journée. Your honey will fall even more in love with a face so flawless! Sugar Land Plastic Surgery. Call 281-980-8000; www.MyBodySurgeon.com.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

This system is proven to combat and prevent accumulated signs of damage by providing advanced daytime environmental protection, promoting skin’s nightly repair and increasing skin’s density by 18.9%. Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa, 1437 Highway 6, Suite 100 in Sugar Land. Call 281-313-7435; www.drshelmd.com.

Make someone’s landscaping dreams come true. Gift certificates start in amounts as small as $150. Garden Guy; www.gardenguy.com or www.facebook.com/GardenGuyHouston.

.com • February 2016

By Myles Mellor

Down 1 Word for a loved one 2 Spring flower 3 Classic date time (2 words) 4 Oz man

Hearts and Flowers

5 Romantic flowers 6 “Gone With the Wind,” for example 7 Flower to be kissed under 8 Helen of ___ 9 Most well-known lover of all time? 12 “Fields __ Gold” Sting 15 Rainbow shape 16 Compass heading 18 Alternative word

19 Start & go romance (2 words) 20 Drinks a little champagne, perhaps 22 “Strength, Courage and Wisdom” singer (2 words) 24 Happening! 25 React to a break-up? 28 Mariner’s direction 30 D.H. Lawrence initials 31 Cleopatra’s lover 32 Symbol

D.I.Y. PizZa BLAZE PIZZA. YOU NAME IT, WE BUILD IT.

FRESH, MADE FROM SCRATCH DOUGH. ARTISANAL INGREDIENTS. CUSTOMIZATION ENCOURAGED. 180 SECONDS IN OUR OPEN FLAME OVEN FOR FAST-FIRE’D PERFECTION. SOUND GOOD? ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR DAY.

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

BRAIN TEASER

Across 1 Takes out 4 “Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak _____” 7 Got introduced to 9 Brazilian hot spot 10 Basic building blocks of trust 11 Kind of poodle 13 Mischief-maker 14 “Summer time, when the living is ____” 16 “The Lord of the Rings” good guy 17 A gentleman opens it for a lady 19 Did you find the right ___? 21 Romantic instrument for love songs 23 Wedding material 26 Tango or salsa 27 Taylor and Burton, for example 28 Go word for a latino lover 29 Meeting time, about 32 Banjo sound 33 Madonna’s ex 35 Watch chains 39 One of the most romantic movies of all time 41 Diamond measurement 44 Valentine’s day present 46 Leave 47 Excellent 48 Bank holding 49 Alumna bio word 50 Dearest

34 Lovely! 35 ____ head over heels for 36 Floating ___ (2 words) 37 Snack 38 “__ of a Woman” 40 “Love __ love you, baby” 42 Sharp feller 43 Where are you __? 44 ___-do attitude 45 Garden tool See answers on page 71.

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r e n or n

C Bir ’ rick t s a id By P

Accept Your Kids, Even When You Disapprove

e have a saying at the gym: “Praise the child, punish the behavior.” Put another

way, we should always accept a child for who they are but actively disapprove behavior when needed. This is an incredibly difficult distinction but can be even more challenging when dealing with our own children. Let’s be honest – it’s just way easier to lose our patience with our own kids than others’, blurring the lines between how we view them and how we view their choices. Fundamentally, children require acceptance to live a happy and fulfilled life. If a child feels that he will only be accepted because of what he accomplishes, chooses or avoids, there are negative, scientifically documented consequences that can last a lifetime. Conversely, children who feel assured of their acceptance have higher grades, take leadership positions amongst their peers and are exponentially less likely to bully other children. Richard Lavoie, an expert in child social behavior, said, “The number one need of any human is to be liked by other humans. But our kids are like strangers in their own land. They don’t understand the basic rules of operating in society, and their mistakes are usually unintentional.” Children who don’t feel accepted are more likely to have depression, anxiety, poor grades, experiment with illegal substances and seek out unhealthy relationships later in life. Your child desperately needs to know at his core that he is acceptable to

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

you, especially during those times when he doesn’t succeed, makes mistakes or falls short. An easy way to describe this is unconditional love. Parents need to always be an advocate for their children. Make sure you prioritize them and that they know they are your priority. Stand up for them as long as that acceptance doesn’t blind you toward bad behavior, because after all, they are just children. All of that is very different from approval. Acceptance is all about the child as a person, but approval is all about their choices and behavior. For example, the following are actions you should always disapprove with your child: • When they lie. • When they disrespect others. • When they abuse drugs. • When they hurt others. Disapproving of these actions should be framed in a loving way if possible, such as, “I love you so much, it makes me so disappointed when you make bad choices.” It takes purposeful parenting to walk the fine line between approval and acceptance, but if you apply this correctly, you might even one day hear your kids say that famous phrase, “I want you to yell at me – just please don’t be disappointed!” If you have a topic or question you’d like covered or simply want more information, e-mail Patrick Biron at patrick@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

.com • February 2016

Love Yourself This Month with High-Tech Medical Imaging

By Trish Johnson

here is just no other month better to be in love than February. February 14th – St. Valentine’s Day – is known as the day of love as folks shower each other with candy, cards and flowers. But a couple of other days in February also make it the best time to love a very important person – yourself. February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day and February 27th is No Brainer Day, two perfect reasons to take care of yourself this month as staying healthy is a random act of kindness you do for yourself, and maintaining your health is certainly a no-brainer. With a nod toward helping you along on the journey to take care of your health, the Breast Care Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is offering women cuttingedge technology for detecting and identifying breast cancer and other anomalies. The first hospital in the Greater Houston area to offer low-dose molecular breast imaging (MBI), according to Breast Care Center radiologist Dr. Stephen Phillips, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Care Center also offers tomosynthesis, more commonly known as 3D mammography. “It’s a little bit of a misnomer, really,” Phillips explained. “The research mainly shows a reduction in false positives Stephen Phillips, MD when it’s used, reducing the number of return visits for patients.” According to the radiologist, tomosynthesis was developed for screening patients who show no symptoms of cancer and to screen women whose 2D mammography shows an abnormality. Phillips estimates less than half of U.S. medical facilities can offer tomosynthesis.

Take care of yourself during the month of love with 3D mammography offered at the Breast Care Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

“If you think of a loaf of bread cut into many slices, it’s like tomosynthesis,” Phillips explained. “We’re able to see breast tissue in thin slices. It’s useful in examining high density breast tissue, where glandular tissue may hide small tumors. The way I look at it, it’s another tool in our toolbox.” Phillips estimates perhaps 10 percent of U.S. facilities do offer MBI, which Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Care Center has offered for about three years. The technology was developed at the Mayo Clinic about 10 years ago, Phillips said, while he was there. “We use MBI for problem solving, when there’s a strong clinical suspicion there may be an abnormality,” Phillips said. “MBI is particularly useful for patients who cannot undergo a 2D mammogram as a screening of high density tissue, and as a screening for individuals who have a personal history with abnormalities.” Spotting abnormalities is a team effort, and self-exams are an important part of breast health. According to Obstetrics/Gynecology physician Dr. Deanna McDonald with Sugar Land OG/GYN Associates, many breast tissue lumps are discovered during self-examination. “Breast self-examination is under controversy right now,” said McDonald. “The American Cancer Society says we

The Breast Care Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is offering women cutting-edge technology for detecting and identifying breast cancer and other anomalies. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

Courtesy of Dr. Michael O’Connor, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN.

shouldn’t be teaching breast self-examination. However, I don’t agree, and neither does the American College of Obstetrics/Gynecology. In fact, one study shows up to 60 percent of breast cancers are found that way. We all need to know our bodies, so we can notice changes. “Women should do a self-examination a few days after their menstrual cycle, once a month,” McDonald advised. “For women without menstrual cycles, just pick one day a month, such as the first of the month, to do an exam.” According to McDonald, the American College of Obstetrics/Gynecology recommends monthly self-examinations beginning at age 40. “I think maybe girls and women should start this at the onset of menstruation, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer and are high-risk,” said McDonald.

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Phillips said the American College of Radiology recommends women have mammograms beginning at age 40, or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer. Both MBIs and tomosynthesis are done on an out-patient basis at the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Breast Care Center. Tomosynthesis uses normal compression of the breast tissue and takes about 15 minutes, he noted. MBI uses an intravenous (IV) injection of a low-dose isotope for imaging, uses very light compression and takes about half an hour to complete. “Typically, an MBI is covered by Medicare and most private insurance with prior approval,” Phillips said. “Tomosynthesis, however, is covered by Medicare but not currently covered by private insurance. Most patients pay an up-front charge of $50.” The Breast Care Center is located on the campus of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at 16655 Southwest Freeway. If your physician thinks this technology may benefit you, call 281-242-PINK (7465) for an appointment.

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fort bend

magazine • February 2016

High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

Meet Karen L. Yang

ohn F. Dulles High School in Fort Bend Independent School District continues to graduate students fully prepared to take the next step in life. The teachers and administration prepare all students for the 21st century by “building character, developing technology skills and creating lifelong learners.” Students engaged in academics, sports and extracurricular activities achieve success in making decisions relating to their future. One senior who is an academic scholar and accomplished leader is Karen Yang. Karen has achieved phenomenal success during her four years at Dulles. This year, she received academic honors at the Math and Science Academy by qualifying in the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). She was state finalist at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, as well as a National Merit Semifinalist. Karen is a National Advanced Placement Scholar and a semi-finalist for the 2016 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. A value Karen lives by is, “To work hard and stay humble.” She has credible leadership skills as well. She is co-founder and president of the We Care Student Organization (WCSO), a student run organization that initiates service projects related to disaster relief, education, environmentalism and poverty. Karen is also co-founder of the Math and Science Tutoring Program at the high school and co-vice president of the Math and Science Academy Student Council. Karen is president of the Art Honor Society and president

Ka r e n of Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. When asked why being a leader is fulfilling to her, Karen said, “Serving as the National Art Honor Society President has allowed me to share my love for this form of expression with my audience and the Dulles community. As a co-founder of WCSO and the tutoring program at the school, it is extremely fulfilling to see the support of my peers and the administration for something I feel so strongly about.” Karen’s forte is art. She has achieved numerous awards for her talent. She was the Celebrating Art Contest Top Winner three times and cover winner. She was awarded the Scholastic Art Award Silver Keys twice, and her artwork was published in Teen Ink Magazine three times. In 2015, Karen earned the gold medalist award at the International Art Competition and second place at the “Go Green” Competition. Karen is also an accomplished dancer who participated for the past two years at the National American Miss Texas Jr. Teen Pageant. At the 2015 State Competition Pageant, Karen was the Texas Jr. Teen Academic Achievement

winner and placed third overall. She was the Teen & Coed Title and Talent winner and 2nd place winner in Fashion Modeling at the Coed Texas Jr. Pageant. At the national pageant, she was the Volunteer Service winner and placed third in Talent. Karen is also extremely generous with her time in community involvement. She assists in WCSO service projects, Barton House Alzheimer’s Care Center, she is a model for the Charity Fashion Show and a volunteer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. One thing she treasures most about her high school experience is, “Being able to try new things and finally finding where my passions lie. Through volunteering over 650 hours, joining over six clubs, challenging myself academically and serving in many leadership positions, I was able to discover where my strengths and weaknesses lie.” Karen has not committed to a university yet, but as of now, she plans to attend Harvard University and major in economics. Congratulations on your amazing talent and enterprise Karen, and good luck as you dazzle the world in your future.

“Through volunteering over 650 hours, joining over six clubs, challenging myself academically and serving in many leadership positions, I was able to discover where my strengths and weaknesses lie.” - Karen L. Yang TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

400th District Court • Fort Bend County • Republican

FAIR IMPARTIAL EXPERIENCED

EARLY VOTING

Tuesday, February 16thFriday, February 26th

ELECTION DAY

Tuesday, March 1st

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magazine • February 2016

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• Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgery • Certified Wound Care Specialist • Serving Fort Bend for over 25 years • Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons • Past President & Current Member of the Harris County Podiatric Medical Society. • Member of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association • Member of the American Podiatric Medical Association • Preferred Provider for most Private Insurance Plans

By Joan Frances

Hometown Heroes:

Sandra Janak

e all begin life the same way. What happens after birth molds us into who we become and how we live our lives. Some of us are members of a happy family who love, share, support and believe in one another. Others are not so fortunate. These children are born into situations that can be difficult and cruel. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is the voice of these children to defend and to help nurture them to security and happiness. Since 1991, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has made a difference in the lives Sandra Janak of more than 13,000 abused or neglected children. With a staff of 31 and a volunteer base of more than 800 – 225 of whom work directly with children – there is one person who has worked tirelessly with compassion and love for the past 10 years to be the voice of less fortunate children. This person is Sandra Janak. In 2005, Janak saw an article about Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the need for more volunteers to help advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. She signed up for the six to eight-week course to become a certified Court Appointed Guardian ad Litem and was given a court case with five children who were removed and placed in the foster care system. Janak traveled all over the Houston area to spend time with each one, making sure their home life and academics with the foster family were good and all of their needs were met. Janak enjoyed the interaction, making sure their dreams were not discouraged.

“You go into it thinking you will benefit their life, but they ended up helping my life more,” Janak said. “What counts is love and support and watching these kids make a better life. Many of these children carry trash bags and boxes of personal belongings from foster home to foster home, which makes them feel confused and lost. I look to help them navigate through scary times and the court systems and to make them feel important.” As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Janak has a direct link to the court system and the judges. She is the intermediary between the foster homes and the courts, becoming more involved and directly engaged in each child’s life in the foster home. She takes her work a step beyond her job description by keeping in touch with these children after hours. A few of them even call her for advice and help. Janak has developed a bond and friendship with each child. She also volunteers at the annual Christmas Home Tour, events at the Child Advocates Center and continuing education meet and greet events. Janak has also helped deliver speeches and made a video to encourage more volunteers and public awareness for the CASA program. Janak grew up in Shiner, Texas and attended Texas State University in San Marcos. She is an entrepreneur and the owner of Aspire Sales and Electrical Services in Stafford. She celebrated 39 years of marriage this year and has a daughter and two beautiful grandchildren. Janak’s outlook on life is positive and hopeful. “Think outside the box. Not all people grow up the same way. I encourage my kids to consider life as a day by day challenge to make every situation a learning experience. I tell them to look around. So much is going on out there. Now go and change your world.” Janak is making an impact on so many people and in so many different ways. The world is a better place because of her generosity and kindness.

“A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up.” – Indira Gandhi

Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Wall of Hope was created in 2007 and features tiles painted by clients, supporters and their families. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

STROKE SIGNS SHOW, KNOW WHERE TO GO.

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

NEWSWORTHY

OUR

NEWEST DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW

Kalpesh Thakkar, M.D. Pediatric Gastroenterology

Dr. Thakkar is dedicated to the care of children and adolescents with gastrointestinal, nutritional, liver and pancreas disorders. Two convenient locations: 17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Ste 210 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.725.5970 2100 Regional Medical Drive Wharton, TX 77488 979.532.1700 To make an appointment, call or schedule online at mhmg.memorialhermann.org

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Introductory Acrylic Painting Class at Sienna Branch Library Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will present An Introduction to Acrylic Painting on Saturday, February 13th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard in Missouri City. Illustrator and portrait artist Jan Hampton will provide a basic introduction to painting with acrylics for anyone who is considering starting a new hobby. The Jan Hampton program will be presented in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, where beginning artists can feel free to explore their creativity, according to Hampton, who wants to help beginners calm their “inner critics” so they can participate in this enjoyable pastime. Those attending the program will learn about basic acrylic painting materials and various techniques, such as scumbling, impasto, sgraffito and wet-in-wet. Hampton will demonstrate how to use these techniques to paint a simple still-life or landscape painting. The program is designed to encourage participant success. All class materials will be provided. Hampton has taught private art lessons to children and adults for more than 30 years. She recently retired from teaching art for elementary and middle school grades at The Honor Roll School in Sugar Land. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Sienna Branch Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the library. The class is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch Library” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2900 or by visiting the library.

.com • February 2016

PROFILES

BUSINESS PROS Meet the Finest in Fort Bend

Michael J. Dobert

Zeenat K. Mitha

fort bend

magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

Wagas Kurjee

$ BUSINESS PROS

PROFILES

Michael J. Dobert, S.P.H.R. SHRM-SCP

HR IN ALIGNMENT, LLC

ffering Strategic Human Resourcing Solutions and beyond, HR in Alignment, LLC was founded in 2009 by the owner, Michael J. Dobert, SPHR, SHRM-SCP,

“Mike.” The idea behind HR in Alignment, LLC was simple: Provide an outsourced strategic HR consulting solution that differentiates in the way it delivers its services. It is the vision that brings distinction to HR in Alignment, LLC and adds true value to the market by being a “resource that brings best practices to our clients not only protecting their businesses through HR compliance efforts, but also helps grow their business.” Human Resources (HR) must be in alignment with an organization’s strategic direction. HR must be a true “business partner,” meaning HR is a function within an organization, and HR professionals must work in a way that supports the organization’s business goals and objectives. HR must also identify metric/KPIs to measure their contributions in terms a business owner, CEO or CFO may recognize. To achieve this strategic alignment, HR has to look at how it delivers its services within an organization with service level mentality and utilize processes and technology ensuring the efficiency of delivery of services. This can be working with a client as an external provider or by partnering and leading an existing HR Department through an HR Transformation, resulting in the HR function becoming a true “Strategic HR Partner.” Another strategic alignment opportunity is often overlooked by an organization within its business planning processes. Many organizations have a Sales and Marketing Plan or Financial Plan,

but do they have a Human Capital Strategy (HCS)? The HCS will generally have three areas: Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards and Talent Development. Dobert works closely and personally with clients to assure not only a HCS, but in many cases facilitates business strategy workshops and retreats to develop overall organizational strategy maps and plans. HR in Alignment, LLC works personally with clients of all sizes with diverse industry representation and multi-state footprints. Services range from assuring compliance with Employment Labor Laws, creating employee handbooks and job descriptions, to developing performance management processes and compensation design aligning employee efforts with organizational outcomes, to developing and facilitating training ranging from Harassment and Ethics to Leadership and Diversity. Dobert also works with clients developing succession plans and facilitating Strategic Planning Retreats. Dobert has over 25 years of human resource and business strategy experience with a degree in finance and Senior Human Resource Professional S.P.H.R. and SHRM-SCP certifications, as well as additional certifications in Diversity, Leadership and Change Management. Most importantly, Dobert supports the community, having served on the Board of Governors at The Center, as well as by serving other United Way Agencies and proudly serving as the 2016 Chairman of the Board for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. He is also a recipient of “A James Patterson Volunteer of the Year” award and the 2013 Ursula Coates Chairman’s Award.

16331 Blossomwood Lane Sugar Land, Texas 77498 Office: 281-494-2985 | Cell: 281-889-9075 mdobert@hrinalignment.com www.hrinalignment.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

$ BUSINESS PROS

PROFILES

Sweetwater Specialty Consulting LLC

Zeenat K. Mitha Founder

6671 Southwest Freeway, Suite 550 Houston, Texas 77074 By Appointment Only 713-922-6622 zeenat.mitha@gmail.com www.sweetwaterconsulting.org

weetwater Specialty Consulting LLC analyzes your current business needs along with market trends for your company’s potential growth. They implement key needs, build upon it and progressively move forward. They strategize, research and advise on prospective business development opportunities and cater to building a positive image and brand. Sweetwater Specialty Consulting LLC works vigorously toward getting your company the awareness needed. They train staff, build bridges, create cohesive relationships and communicate in a realistic, time sensitive and effective manner to key groups, as well as guide in the area of crisis management. They are assertive in Business Development, Communications, Marketing, Media and Public Relations and synergize all of the above to deliver preferred outcomes and feasible solutions for your organization Zeenat K. Mitha has over 26 years of experience working with Fortune 500 Companies, nationally respected institutions and organizations and a world renowned think tank. Mitha has a B.A. in Journalism from Southern Methodist University, an MBA from the University of New Mexico and a Fellowship in Public Policy from Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, she began lobbying for a children’s charitable organization that led her to guide non-profits in their work. She has supported various non-profit organizations through community service, board or committee positions, pro-bono work or charitable contributions, including Asia Society Texas Center, Aga Khan Development Network, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Visit Sweetwater Specialty Consulting LLC’s website for details on how they can assist you in your business needs.

Moody National Bank

Wagas Kurjee

Vice President and Banking Center Manager

6710 Highway 90A Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Office: 281-998-6700 Cell: 832-265-5282 wkurjee@moodybank.com

agas Kurjee is the Vice President and Banking Center Manager for Moody National Bank. His primary focus within his role is to acquire new relationships and grow existing ones in his community. Kurjee has been in the banking industry for over 10 years and has assumed all positions within the bank, starting as a teller, to his current role in management. In his role, Kurjee assists consumers, small businesses and commercial clients to ensure that all of their financing and deposit needs are met with a wide range of products and services offered by Moody National Bank. Kurjee achieved a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas State University at San Marcos with a primary focus in management. He is originally from Fort Bend County, and having grown up locally, he knows the area and the market really well to service his clients’ needs. Kurjee was very active with Junior Achievement and taught middle school students the importance of money and managing their finances. In addition to volunteering at Junior Achievement, Kurjee also taught financial literacy to inmates at the Carol Vance Prison Unit. In his spare time, Kurjee loves spending time with his two-year-old son. He also enjoys golfing, fishing, traveling and playing racquetball. Kurjee is currently a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and is currently participating in the leadership class of 2016. He currently resides in Missouri City and can be contacted at Moody National Bank in Sugar Land.

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

PROFILES

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To advertise: 281-690-4242 • www.fortbendfocus.com Space & Copy Deadline: February 25th

NEWSWORTHY

Governor Abbott Names Chair, Vice Chair and Appoints Eight to OneStar National Service Commission Governor Greg Abbott reappointed and named Ronnie Hagerty as Chairman of the OneStar National Service Commission for a term set to expire on March 15, 2018. He also named Lisa Lucero as Vice Chairman. Governor Abbott additionally appointed Sugar Land resident Sonal Bhuchar, Laura Dixon, Roger O’Dell and reappointed Kirk Beckert for terms set to expire on March 15, 2018. He also appointed Annette Juba and Kate Williamson for terms set to expire on March 15, 2016, and James Senegal for a term set to expire on March 15, 2017. The OneStar National Service Commission Board promotes volunteerism in Texas and oversees the administration of the AmeriCorps programs for the state. Bhuchar is a selfemployed physical therapist at Therapeutic Concepts and office manager at Sugar Land Med-Ped Clinic. She currently serves in leadership positions as a board Sonal Bhuchar member for Child Advocates of Fort Bend, chairman for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend, board member for Fort Bend Cares and board member for the City of Sugar Land Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Streetscapes (PARCS). Bhuchar formerly served as a board of trustee and board president for the Fort Bend Independent School District. She has been actively involved with the Fort Bend Education Foundation, ACCESS Health, Sugar Land Cultural Arts, Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and is a graduate of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2014. Bhuchar earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Bombay University in India.

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fort bend

magazine • February 2016

By Zeenat Kassam Mitha

Independence Day for Cambodia: ort Bend residents from Cambodia celebrate Independence Day for Cambodia each year on January 7th. Cambodians rejoice in this independence as of 1979 with family and friends over food and sharing of history, but it is also a memorial for Cambodians as a reflection of those killed in the genocide from 1975 to 1979. Cambodian Americans also make this an opportunity to reflect on the current status of Cambodia and assist in fundraising for orphanages, schools and other immediate needs. “We are happy for Independence Day, but between April 17, 1975 and January 7, 1979, over two million innocent Cambodians were killed by means of starvation, harsh labor or buried alive,” said Fort Bend resident Leng Abbassi. Cambodia is scarred today, leaving approximately 75 percent of unskilled women to be head of their families, and children must work to make extra money to feed themselves. “Some still live in hut homes with a roof or walls of dried coconut tree leaves and dirt floors, and many young children must work each day,” said Brooke Wallace, a Cambodian American assisting in fundraising. In the villages and suburbs of Cambodia, people still live without electricity and clean water. “Also, sadly, young girls are being sold as sex slaves for as little as $100 because their family cannot afford to feed them,” stated Abbassi. A little bit of history was shared with the group as a reminder to those celebrating Cambodia’s Independence. On January 10, 1979, after the Vietnamese army and the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation (KUFNS) invaded Cambodia and overthrew the Khmer Rouge, the New People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) was established with Heng Samrin as head of state. The Khmer Rouge forces retreated rapidly to the jungles near the Thai border. The Khmer Rouge and the PRK began a costly battle that played into the hands of the larger powers: China, the United States and the Soviet Union. The Khmer People’s Revolutionary Party’s rule gave rise

Photo by Lee Nguyen.

A Time for Reflection and Giving

Terri Wang, Pauline Phan Ung, Dianne Bui Dao, Anita Thao Ly, Maggie Wong and Peta-gay Chen Ledbetter supporting fundraising for Cambodia.

to a guerrilla movement of three major resistance groups – the Front Uni National pour un Cambodge Indépendant, Neutre, Pacifique, et Coopératif (FUNCINPEC), the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front (KPLNF) and the Party of Democratic Kampuchea (PDK), the Khmer Rouge under the nominal presidency of Khieu Samphan. The civil war displaced approximately 600,000 Cambodians, who fled to refugee camps along the border to Thailand, along with tens of thousands of people who were murdered throughout the country. That explains why the country and the people of Cambodia need assistance today with the situations they are facing. “There is a very serious need to assist in the fundraising for women and children and an orphanage,” said Terri Wang, Fort Bend resident and supporter of the Abbassi Foundation. Fort Bend resident Leng Abbassi fled Cambodia in April 1975 on a cargo airplane. Her life was spared, and so were the lives of 22 family members who escaped with her on that flight. She returned to her native home in 2011 and started a sewing project, which intended to rescue the poor and young women at risk of being sex slaves by giving them a skill for life. The project has expanded to teaching children English and other activities. In 2015, the Abbassi Foundation embraced a new challenge of building an orphanage and village school in Leng Abbassi’s hometown of Kampot, Cambodia. In Kampot, people still live in tree-leaf houses and have no running water or electricity. “Our goal is to bring a promising future to the children, women and families through education, skills and inspiration,” stated Abbassi. To volunteer or learn more about the Abbassi Foundation, contact Terri Wang at terri@rocketmail.com.

TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS Children at the Kampot Orphans House in Cambodia. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

for upcoming cultural stories and events, contact Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha at zeenat@absolutelyfocusmedia.com .com • February 2016

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and Guest Authors Lisa Giesler, Matt Minor, Melissa Burroughs-Johnson, and Cybele Hunter Emcee: Nancy Olson Sponsorships Available / Individual Admission 125 Featuring: Local Cuisine and Complimentary Wine! Live and Dessert Auction! Kendra Scott Pop-up Boutique! Helen Bow and Gena Horak, 2016 Event Chairs Congressman Pete and Nancy Olson, Honorary Chairs Visit www.ftbendliteracy.org or call 281.240.8181 for more information. fort bend

magazine • February 2016

absolutely! AU a bTsOo lRuEt eVlIyE!W A By U TSteve O R EKursar VIEW

2016 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN T

he all-new 2016 MINI Cooper Clubman is the answer for parents who long to own one of these iconic sports cars but also need space and cargo room that most families demand. The new Clubman is longer and wider than its predecessor with a roomy enough interior to transport five relatively comfortably without any of the fun parts for which MINI is known. Driving one will assuredly make you one of the cooler parents in the carpool lane. The Mini began life back in 1959 as a cleverly designed small car manufactured by the British Motor Corporation. The car quickly became one of the defining symbols of the hip culture in 1960s

London. Performance versions of the little car were also very successful on the rally circuit. However, due to economic reasons, the brand became part of a group that was sold in 1994 to BMW. In 2000, the German carmaker rejuvenated the brand as MINI but made sure to keep the car distinctive, fun to drive and just plain fun. The new Clubman is available with two different powerplants. The base model, with an MSRP of $24,100, has a 134 hp, 1.5 liter inline three-cylinder twin turbo engine. Mated with the manual six-speed transmission, estimated EPA fuel economy is 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. If you need a little more sports car in your Clubman, then the Cooper S can deliver with a 189 hp, 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder twin turbo engine. This larger engine definitely delivers a lot more fun with just a slight drop in fuel economy getting 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The interior may not rival a full-size SUV, but compared to the other MINI models, the Clubman is in its own class.

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.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

With four doors and room enough for several suitcases behind the back seat, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll easily be able to get the kids and all of their stuff to school and to practice. The split rear doors allow for easy loading, and they look cool too. Some interior design features might seem a bit quirky at first, but being different is a hallmark of the MINI brand. The new Clubman is sure to bring so many new devotees to the brand simply because of its four doors and a roomy interior. But, this is no ordinary family sedan. This car is still all MINI. Follow Steve Kursar at KursarOnCars. blogspot.com.

NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend ISD’s Elementary Honor Choir Preparing for Upcoming Concert The Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) Elementary Honor Choir is busy preparing for its upcoming performance at the 2016 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Concert. The 125 member choir, which includes students representing each of the district’s 46 elementary schools, is one of only two district-wide honor choirs and among only eight choirs from across the state invited to perform at the TMEA annual convention. TMEA selected the FBISD choir to perform based on the group’s February 2015 concert recording. The choir will perform on February 12th at 1:30 pm at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. To prepare for the February performance, the choir meets each Tuesday afternoon at Highlands Elementary School for a 90 minute rehearsal of various gospel, Japanese, modern and patriotic songs by renowned performers, including J.S. Bach, Ella Fitzgerald and Vince Guaraldi. The choir is allowed 20 minutes to perform at the TMEA Concert. This is FBISD’s seventh year of forming an honor choir.

During the choir’s first five years of performing, students practiced in a “festival format” where they learned the music on their individual campuses prior to joining the mass choir for one or two days of workshops and concerts. Last year, the practice format changed to a “rehearsed choir” style to allow students to meet as a large group and as two separate sections for five weeks of rehearsal prior to the group’s festival weekend with a guest clinician. The choir is led by Honor Choir staff Kirsten Jordon, director and coordinator; Derrick Black, assistant director; Cathy Patton and Linda Koistinen, accompanists, and Tracy Patterson, elementary music facilitator. The team, along with the district’s Fine Arts Department, has been working on the concert details since June when the District received TMEA’s invitation to perform. The community is invited to come out and experience the spectacular sounds of the FBISD Honor Choir on February 9th at 7 pm at Christ Church Sugar Land, located at 3300 Austin Parkway.

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magazine • February 2016

•

Sugar Land, TX 77479

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NEWSWORTHY

Sandwich Bag Collection Campaign Zips it up for Hungry Preschoolers

Perry built 5 year young family home. Located in the heart of Cinco Ranch, only 4 miles from Grand Parkway + walking distance to Stanley Elementary. 1st floor offers: Hardwood floors in dining room and study/library. Island in cook’s kitchen, bright breakfast area, 2 story family room. Spacious master suite with private bath. 3 bedroom 2 baths, media & game rooms on 2nd floor. Covered patio, sprinkler system & 2 car detached garage. $379,900.

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CAI Executive Director Stephanie Ferrante and Kids’ Meals Development Director Beth Harp.

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.com • February 2016

The holidays are always a time for giving, and the usual needs such as toys, clothes, food and money are generously covered by many. One group decided to think outside of the box and found an unusual way to give back. In Harris County, there is an estimated poverty rate of 16.4 percent for individuals, but children under five are disproportionately affected by a poverty rate with over 88,740 pre-school children living in food insecure homes. Kids’ Meals is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing free meals to these children in need. In December, representatives from the Community Association Institute (CAI) collected and donated over 100,000 sandwich bags for hungry preschoolers. “We go through 2,500 sandwich bags a day! When school is out, we feed the siblings in the home as well. These supplies are our first ones to run out. This is a vital and important way

to help our program in big way, and we thank the CAI members in Fort Bend and Greater Houston area for their support. This is the largest donation of this kind we have received and we are so very grateful,” stated Cristina Vetrano, Kids’ Meals Executive Director. The Greater Houston Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) is a membership-based organization that includes community association volunteers, professional community managers and business partners who provide services to community associations. It provides education and networking opportunities to members in order to maintain and improve the quality of life in Houston area neighborhoods. Recently, CAI and its membership base of over 45 Houston area community management companies held a donation drive to collect sealable sandwich sized bags for the Kids’ Meal program. Over 45 management companies across Houston served as a collection center to drop off sandwich bags that often are not considered as a need. “Yearly, our community management members typically get involved in some kind of charitable event, such as clothing and food drives, volunteering to assist less fortunate neighborhoods and more. This year, we wanted to search out a need that was not being serviced and got an overwhelming response from our members with the sandwich bag drive for Kids’ Meals. Our mission is always to improve and maintain the quality and value of Houston neighborhoods,” stated Stephanie Ferrante, CAI Executive Director. For more information, contact Susan Steely at 832-878-1219 or visit kidsmealshouston.org.

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Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

Appointments and Information:

NEWSWORTHY

The Fort Bend Education Foundation Presents Its 23rd Annual Bollywood Nights Gala The Fort Bend Education Foundation’s Bollywood Nights, presented by Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, promises to be a fantastic journey filled with possibilities at the Bollywood Filmfare Awards. This exquisite and stylized evening will occur on March 5th at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Guests are invited to transform into their best celebrity look as they don beautiful and bejeweled saris. Add that defining touch of brilliant gold to become truly opulent, and mix and mingle with Fort Bend’s finest in support of children’s education. Enjoy a fabulous feast and thrilling entertainment while being surrounded by the Bollywood experience. Dance drama while dancing to the music of the band Password will further engulf guests. Then, guests can do their best celebrity walk over to the silent auction and bid board area for a vast array of most interesting and must have items. The highlight of the evening will be the much anticipated bidding on the live auction items, where guests can place a bid or get together with friends and create their own awards category as “Best Bollywood Bidders.” The tantalizing auction items and packages will be auctioned

Fort Bend Panhellenic Announces Recruitment Workshop and 2016 Scholarship Program

Collegians who have benefited from recruitment registration include Leah Fontana, Chandler Romere, Emily Pantera, Ginger Camp, Erinn Prophy and Reyann Taylor.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

2016 Underwriters star in Bollywood Nights: Lina Sabouni, Terri Wang, Ray Aguilar, Ron Holleyhead, Jaqueline Preston, Austin Roncancio, Ron Bailey, Sonal Bhuchar, Jamie Fairchild, Carol Voelkel, Mike Siwierka and Vijay Bhuchar.

by none other than James Patterson. Make full use of your celebrity buying power! Come away from the Bollywood evening feeling rewarded for the awards you have bestowed upon the Fort Bend Education Foundation. For table sponsorships, individual tickets or auction donations, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic is preparing for its annual Sorority Recruitment Workshop for girls who are high school seniors or collegians and their parents. This free event will be held at Parkway United Methodist Church, located at 5801 New Territory Boulevard, on Saturday, February 27th from 10 am to noon. Attendees will learn about participating in recruitment and membership in the 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities. The organization is also pleased to announce their Scholarship Program for 2016 to support active members in good standing of an NPC sorority who will have completed 48 hours by the end of spring 2016. Eligible collegians include permanent residents of Fort Bend County who graduated from area public high schools, private schools or home school. Criteria considered will include scholastic achievement, campus and community involvement and leadership in sorority. Scholarship funds will be awarded to defray the recipient’s sorority expenses and will be announced at the Fort Bend Alumnae Panhellenic meeting in May. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 19th. Registration, recruitment information and scholarship applications are available at www.fortbendpanhellenic.org.

.com • February 2016

2016 Grant-A-Starr Family 5K Fun Run/Walk The 8th Annual Grant-A-Starr Foundation Family 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/ Walk is back again with a board of exemplary teens looking forward to organizing another successful event to celebrate the life of Grant Starr. The event will be held Saturday, April 2nd at Sugar Land Memorial Park and will include both a 5K chip timed race on the USATF course and a one-mile event. A community oriented post-race party will follow the awards presentation. As always, there will be plenty of food, freebies and fun for the whole family. Celebrating the life of their son, Grant, a precious seven-year-old boy who passed away from an unidentified virus the summer before he began second grade, Dolores and Rod Starr founded the Grant-A-Starr Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization created solely for the purpose of saving children’s lives through the advancement of rapid detection of life-threatening childhood infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis. The foundation provides financial support to Houston-based research projects that are dedicated to the development of rapid diagnostic testing that will reduce the time required to identify an illness and ultimately save children’s lives. One characteristic that makes the Grant-A-Starr Foundation Fun Run unique is the student steering committee. The committee is made from local high school volunteers who have taken a deep personal interest in the event. This year’s teen board president is Dylan Alexander, a senior at Clements High School. Dylan, who was a childhood friend of Grant Starr, believes that this year’s committee of young leaders truly reciprocates his sentiment for the foundation’s cause. Dylan is motivated to contribute more to his community through the foundation’s events and provide more crucial funds to early diagnostic research. After seven successful years, the student sponsorship committee, led by Vice President Rachel Wang, is setting

Will Haase, Dylan Alexander, Riley Spengeman, Rashawn Slater, Meredith Prado, Naveen Jain, Sydney Bynes, Blake Jameson, Jason Rodriguez, Julia Jameson, Audrey Vanderzyl, Lizzie Anderson and Emme Le.

even more aggressive sponsorship goals for the 2016 event. Rachel, a junior at Clements High School, said, “We have been honored with great sponsorship in the past. Now we want to take it to the next level! Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 for the foundation, and obviously, we need generous donations from the Sugar Land and Greater Houston busi-

ness communities. There are many levels of support available, and both businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate. We welcome them all!” For sponsorship information, contact Terri Wang at terriw@rocketmail.com. To learn more about the Grant-A-Starr Foundation and sign up for the race, visit grantastarr.org.

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magazine • February 2016

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George Memorial Library will host an exhibit of spectacular bird photography from January 31st through March 18th in the Bohachevsky Gallery of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. An opening reception for the fine-art bird-photography exhibition, Angela McCain Photography, is planned for Sunday, January 31st from 2 to 4 pm. The public is invited to attend. The exhibit will feature a selection of photographs from Dr. Angela McCain, who specializes in bird photography when she is not practicing medicine. A board certified rheumatologist in Sugar Land, McCain discovered a passion for nature photography seven years ago. She found that the quiet and beauty she experienced while exploring nature with her camera was a perfect respite from her busy medical practice. McCain found her photographic “North Star” in birds while visiting family in East Texas for Christmas. An ice storm left the landscape frozen over, but the contrast of a vibrantly colored red cardinal against the icy background caught her eye, and she could not resist the temptation to try to capture the beautiful tableau with her camera. She does not consider that early photo, Cardinal in a Frosted Bush, particularly good in retrospect, but it sparked her interest enough to continue with photography on a deeper level. McCain’s desire to perfect her photographic skills has led her to many parts of the world to study with worldrenowned bird photographers such as Brian E. Small and Alan Murphy. “Alan Murphy is considered by many to be the

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person who changed bird photography as we know it today,” said McCain. “His specialty was not just shooting photos of birds but making them the most stunningly beautiful, artfully done photos you have ever seen.” McCain’s travels have taken her to Alaska, where she captured the grandeur of eagles in their natural element at close range. This past summer, she went to Kamloops, British Columbia in Canada, where she photographed loons swimming with their babies on their backs in crystal-clear, spring-fed lakes with the majesty of the mountains behind them. The previous year, she journeyed to South Africa, where she photographed birds and large mammals on the wildlife preserves of Kruger National Park. While there are still other parts of the world she would like to explore, McCain finds that many birding opportunities can be found practically in her own backyard. “I hadn’t really started out wanting to be a bird photographer, but it was something that was always there,” said McCain. “I feel very lucky to live on the Texas coast – one of the ‘birdiest’ places in the world!” The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours. For more information, call the library system’s Public Information Office at 281-633-4734.

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magazine • February 2016

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Steve Griffith Named Treasurer of Special Olympics Texas’ Board of Directors

Steve Griffith Photo from City of Sugar Land.

The City of Sugar Land’s 1st Assistant City Manager Steve Griffith has been re-elected an officer on Special Olympics Texas’ (SOTX) Board of Directors. He will serve a two-year term in an at-large position as the board’s treasurer. Prior to his most recent appointment to this position, Griffith served the board as a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) representative. Griffith has been actively involved with Special Olympics Texas for more than 24 years. Griffith is the former Greater Houston Area 4 chairman, a position he served in for six years. During four of those years, revenue for Area 4 surpassed $100,000. Griffith served SOTX’s Law Enforcement Torch Run director for the state for two years. During his tenure as state director, he worked to integrate the state prison system into the Torch Run and generated $2 million annually for the Texas Torch Runners. The Texas Torch Run received national awards for revenue growth and totals. Griffith served on the SOTX Board of Directors for 10 years, including serving as the chairman of the board for two years. A Houston area native and a 35 year law enforcement veteran, Griffith was named the City of Sugar Land’s Chief of Police in August 2005 and was promoted to 1st Assistant City Manager in 2014. He oversees police, fire, public

safety dispatch, municipal courts, the airport and communications. Griffith is actively involved in the Sugar Land community. He serves on the Board of the Fort Bend Council on Substance Abuse, where he served as treasurer from 2010-2011. He is a member of the Sugar Land Exchange Club and served as president from 2011-2012. Prior to his employment with the City of Sugar Land, Griffith served as executive director of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center for two years at Texas State University in San Marcos. His leadership was instrumental in the design and creation of a partnership between the University, the San Marcos Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office to address the need for active-shooter response training for first-responders. The ALERRT Center has since trained more than 80,000 police officers nationwide in dynamic, force-on-force scenario-based training. Griffith was police chief for the City of San Marcos from 1998 to 2003, the City of West University from 1987 to 1998 and spent eight years with the Bellaire Police Department, where he served in the positions of captain, lieutenant, patrol sergeant and senior patrol officer. Early in his career, Griffith also served with the University of Houston Central Campus Police. From 1976 until 1979, Griffith was employed by the University of Houston as a patrol officer. Griffith earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in criminal justice management from Sam Houston State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the public executive institute at The University of Texas Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs. Griffith holds a master peace officer and instructor certificate and served as an adjunct criminal justice instructor at Texas State University. He is a member of the International Association of Chief of Police, the Texas Police Chief’s Association, Texas Police Association and Harris County Area Chief of Police Association. In late 2007, Griffith accepted a request by Governor Rick Perry to serve as a Commissioner on the Board of Commissioners for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). Griffith and his wife, Wendy, have two sons. Adam completed his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Texas State University. Tim obtained his master’s degree in Criminal Justice and is a police sergeant in Kyle, Texas.

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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NEWSWORTHY

Changing the Way the World Rejuvenates! Mattress Mack Set to Speak at Hope For Three Luncheon

PRODUCTS

Planet Beach offers a variety of products that are formulated to work in conjunction with our services in order to offer our members maximum benefits. Skincare Products Nutrition Products Tanning Products

Jim Mclngvale

Join Hope For Three Autism Advocates and their special guest speaker, the one and only Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, for a Pasta-ability Luncheon on Thursday, February 4th from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Parkway Fellowship Church, located at 27043 FM 1093 in Richmond. The afternoon will highlight Hope For Three’s Puzzle Pasta, art created by young adults grappling with the issues of autism, and a talk from guest speaker McIngvale, who is best known for his energetic, fast-paced sales pitches typically ending with some variant of his catchphrase “saves you money!” His distinctive sales style originated from an incident that occurred early on in Gallery Furniture’s history. The delicious puzzle piece pasta lunch and creative program will educate guests on Hope For Three, a rapidly expanding, local non-profit focusing solely on autism and no other disorder. Established in 2011, the organization has two primary focuses: creating awareness through outreach, education and events, and providing resources and financial support exclusively to families with children on the autism spectrum. The generous support of individuals, organizations and the corporate community is needed in order to meet the needs of families with “ausome” children. For more information, call 281-2450640 or visit www.hopeforthree.org.

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magazine • February 2016

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OUT &

Cruz Javier Canales was the first baby born at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital in 2016. Cruz weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and arrived at 9:49 am on January 1st.

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Proud parents Juan Javier Canales and Tiffany Bedingfield with baby boy Cruz.

The Fort Bend County Republican Party celebrated the season of giving by hosting a Christmas Party on December 8th. Guests brought new, unwrapped toys to benefit the Fort Bend County Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelter.

Don Smithers and Bob Hebert.

Maria and Daryl Segura.

Tina Gibson, Dale Gibble and Sharon Hemphill.

Vincent and Chris Morales.

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.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

Amy Mitchell and Gordon Berkstresser.

Continuing a tradition he began in 2013, Rick Miller, State Representative District 26, presented to Dennis Parmer, Executive Director of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, the 2014 Sugar Land ornament that adorned the Texas House of Representatives Christmas tree in Austin. Sugar Land resident Seeju Dupre designed and painted last year’s ornament. The ornament features the historic Sugar Land Auditorium, the last remaining public building of the original companyowned town of Sugar Land and the only building left from the original Sugar Land Independent School District #17. Miller commissioned an ornament for the 2015 tree and said he plans to continue a tradition of presenting the former year’s ornament to the Foundation for its archives. Dennis Parmer, Rick Miller and Seeju Dupre.

Sponsors of the 24th annual CASA Christmas Home Tour benefiting Child Advocates of Fort Bend were treated to a special Preview Party the weekend before the tour.

Claude and Laura Leatherwood.

Lisa Moore and Anne Bulan.

Susie and Doug Goff and Ruthanne Mefford with Scooter.

Jim McClellan and Marhia Coane.

Kathy and Bill Rohrbach.

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

Tracey and Jim Shaw.

OUT &

Fort Bend residents showed their support at the Pratham Luncheon and Fashion Show in December. Held at The Junior League of Houston, the event raised $170,000 for education.

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND Anali Khanna, Salima Merchant and Zeenat Mitha.

Pankaj and Asha Dhume.

On November 10th, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court unanimously named Toni Rencher Wallace as the interim judge of the newly created County Court at Law #5 effective January 1st. With a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the South Texas School of Law, Wallace is a practicing attorney and currently employed with the Fort Bend County District Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. The position will be open for public candidacy in the 2016 general election, and Wallace has agreed to fill the position until the time a new is elected.

Arefa Merchant and Nevin Noorani.

Bharti Desai.

Geeta Anand and Preet Munday.

Anil Shah, Vijay Bhuchar, Swatantra Jain, Marie Goradia and Ash Shah.

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.com â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

The First Annual Sweetwater Holly and Roses Holiday Luncheon was held December 4th at Sweetwater Country Club. The event raised approximately $5,000 for the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, whose mission is to better serve those in need who cannot afford reconstructive surgery after undergoing certain types of cancer treatments. The Foundation also grants college scholarships to those who have cancer or lost a parent to cancer, supports hospital art programs for children with cancer and more. Photos by Herb Hochman.

Kelly McLeod, Birgitt Van Wijk and Lily Paxson-Salinas.

Sharlene Jacobson, Diana Collins and Lisa Giesler.

Cindi Rose and Rachel Novoa.

Amy West.

Teresa Cox Reading and Sonia Guimbellot.

Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators (FBHRE) thanked the Sugar Land Police Department for their service with a box of healthy snacks.

Carla Meuth, Eric Pino, Harris Johnston and Mary Ann Dolezal.

fort bend

magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

Connie Kwan-Wong and Judy Yan.

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

St. Laurence Catholic School (SLCS) celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas with a wonderful celebration that brought together students, faculty, staff, parents and community friends. For this special occasion, mass was celebrated by Father Drew Wood. The SLCS Spanish Culture Club reenacted the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the miracles and the image she left almost 500 years ago.

Fr. Drew Wood, Debra Haney, Carlota Guerra and Bryce LaRue.

Ridge Point High School’s Booster Ball 80s Gala, themed Panthers Just Want to Have Fun, starred the 80s band The Spazmatics.

Joy Maier, Juliana Ewer and Kim Thaman.

Dario and Candie Beistegui, Nicole Miller, Elissa Ajami, Anita Khija and Brenette Edwards.

absolutely! focus media was pleased to have two bright and helpful university students during their winter breaks. We wish them the best in their studies this semester!

Kassidi Kaminski is a freshman psychology major at The University of Texas at Austin’s Liberal Arts Honors College.

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Camille Hay is a senior at Sam Houston State University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Leading Cardiology Groups Merge to Create New Fort Bend “Super Practice” Two of Fort Bend’s leading cardiology practices have come together to form Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates. The new practice includes eight of the area’s most experienced and highly skilled heart specialists – working in concert with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s new Heart & Vascular Center – to deliver the latest and most innovative cardiac care for local patients. “The formation of Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates is a major step forward for cardiac care here in Fort Bend,” said board certified cardiologist Sherman Tang, MD, one of the founders of the new group. “Our combined team of physicians includes specialists in

interventional and diagnostic cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmia and much more. Together, we can serve more patients throughout the area with a true team approach that is centered on innovation and collaboration. And we are supported by the trained staff and leading edge technology at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its outstanding Heart & Vascular Center.” The new practice has six office locations throughout Sugar Land, Houston, Wharton and El Campo communities. The physicians at Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates speak multiple languages, including Korean, Mandarin,

Sangeeta Saikia, MD; Kesavan Shan, MD; John Passmore, MD; Sherman Tang, MD; B. Keith Ellis, MD; Toussaint Smith, MD; Julia Adrogue, MD and Michael H. Koo, MD.

Hindi, Bengali, Assamese and Russian. The practice’s physicians include: Julia Adrogue, MD; B. Keith Ellis, MD; Michael H. Koo, MD; John Passmore, MD; Sangeeta Saikia, MD; Kesavan Shan, MD; Toussaint Smith, MD and Sherman Tang, MD. The formation of Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates further strengthens Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s cardiology center of excellence. Over the years, Houston Methodist Sugar Land has achieved an impressive list of cardiac care “firsts” in Fort Bend, including the first open heart surgery, the first coronary angioplasty, the first abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery and more. “All of us at Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates are proud to be associated with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and we are committed to continuing the hospital’s tradition of excellence and delivering the best possible care to patients in Fort Bend and surrounding areas,” said board certified cardiologist John Passmore, MD. Learn more at houstonmethodist.org/ spg. To make an appointment with a physician at Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates, visit houstonmethodist. org/online-scheduling.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Is First in Fort Bend to Offer Unique Pain-Control Procedure for Breast Cancer Surgery Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently performed Fort Bend’s first PECS II block, a procedure to minimize the pain of breast cancer surgery. PECS II is a relatively new pre-surgery approach to pain management. Using ultrasound technology, the anesthesiologist identifies the exact location of two major pectoral nerves and “blocks” them from pain with injections of a local

anesthetic and a steroid. The procedure requires the anesthesiologist to place the medications at the precise depth between the layers of thoracic wall muscles to ensure the block is successful. Working together, the two medications numb the surgical area for 24 to 36 hours, reducing the patient’s discomfort during the most difficult part of recovery. The procedure was performed on

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Brenda Murray of Missouri City by anesthesiologist Karl Nazareth, MD, prior to a partial mastectomy and lymph node dissection/biopsy performed by Michelle Shen, MD, and reconstructive work by Melissa Crosby, MD. Murray was painfree long after the surgery thanks to the new technique. “I read that some patients have a lot of pain after their mastectomy surgery,

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Karl Nazareth, MD, Brenda Murray and Michelle Shen, MD.

especially when lymph nodes are involved,” said Murray. “But I didn’t have any pain at all, and I was back to my old self in no time. I even went to the grocery store three days after my surgery!” Breast cancer surgery can be extremely painful, requiring a recovery period of days or even weeks when patients must rely on powerful opioids for pain management. With the PECS II pain procedure, however, patients typically require minimal pain medication and are much more comfortable in the days immediately following their procedure. Murray, however, did not take any pain medication following her surgery. “Reducing or eliminating the use of narcotic or opioid pain medications is important, because they often have side effects,” said Nazareth. “Some of those side effects can be quite serious, such as respiratory depression. Others – such as extreme drowsiness or constipation – can inhibit the healing process or add to the patient’s discomfort. With PECS II blocks, many patients need smaller doses of pain medication, if any at all, and they may get up and move about with less discomfort much sooner.” Nazareth said the use of PECS II may reduce the need for an overnight hospital stay following some forms of breast cancer surgery. “One of the main reasons patients stay overnight postoperatively is to ensure that we can control their pain,” Nazareth said. “The goal of the PECS II block is to keep patients comfortable enough to return home.” For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281-274-7500.

Visit www.fortbendfocus.com or Call 281.690.4242

Hearts and Flowers Answers to the puzzle on page 37.

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

MEDICAL FOCUS

OakBend Medical Center Announces 2015 Physician of the Year Dr. Ed Uthman, OakBend’s Laboratory Medical Director, has been named OakBend Medical Center’s 2015 Physician of the Year. The presentation was made at the annual physician party held at the home of Dr. Amitabh Shukla. The Physician of the Year award, OakBend’s highest recognition, is presented annually to one outstanding physician who possesses significant practice experience, compassion, kindness and sincerity that translate not only to patients, but to nurses and other staff members who work closely with them. These physicians look and act professional at all times and are role models both professionally and personally. The hospital received several nominations for the award. Colleagues, nurses and patients praised Dr. Uthman for his support to OakBend Medical Center and its staff and for being a true patient advocate who is warm and friendly to everyone he encounters. According to Madilyn Zbranek, an RN at OakBend, “Dr. Uthman exemplifies commitment to OakBend Medical Center. His focus is on quality and efficiency in all areas of patient care and operations. He is first to be called to ‘get that quorum!’ He attends willingly and with deliberation. He is one of the most participative physicians at OakBend Medical Center. He is always willing to give you an opinion and point you in the right direction while keeping his focus and the facts intact.” Dr. Uthman is on the board of directors at OakBend Medical Center and is a former two-time chief of staff. He is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, but has lived in Texas since 1986. He has worked in the health care field since 1968, beginning as an emergency room nursing assistant at age 16. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Rhodes College in 1974 and his MD degree from the University of Tennessee – Memphis in 1977. Uthman is currently an adjunct professor of pathology at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine and participates in the lecture series in the sophomore pathology course for which he has received an additional three teaching awards. Dr. Uthman served as the Deputy State Commissioner for Inspections and Accreditations of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for nine years. He maintains a website containing numerous original pathology-related documents and is the co-owner of PATHO-L, the longest-running online discussion group for pathologists. Dr. Uthman is the author of the book Understanding Anemia, published in 1998 and still in print. He served as president of the Houston Society of Clinical Pathologists in 2006-07 and as president of the Texas Society of Pathologists in 2014-15. He is a long-time photogTO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Joe Freudenberger, Dr. Ed Uthman and Barry Beard.

raphy enthusiast whose images of medical and non-technical subjects have been published in a variety of books, magazines and blogs. He is married to Margaret Uthman, MD, Professor of Pathology and Associate Dean at the University of Texas Medical School, Houston. Shocked and surprised by the award, Dr. Uthman stated, “I am greatly flattered to receive this award from the community hospital that has been the focus of my practice for the past 26 years. It is OakBend’s dedication to excellence in patient care that has made my work here especially fulfilling. While I always enjoy the diagnostic challenges in pathology and laboratory medicine, it is the attitude, diligence and talent of the doctors, nurses, technical staff and administrators of OakBend that keep me coming to work every day.” “Dr. Uthman is an outstanding doctor and very deserving of the Physician of the Year Award,” stated Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center. “His dedication to his field of work is unsurpassable. We are honored to have him serve at OakBend not only as our Laboratory Medical Director but on our board of directors.”

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

.com • February 2016

Special Advertising Section Coming March 2016

Home Is Where the Heart Is • • • • • •

Banks Developers Financial Institutions Furniture Home Builders Home Improvements

• • • • • •

Insurance Interior Designers Landscape Architects Pool & Spa Services Real Estate Yard Maintenance

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magazine • February 2016

Easy

By Michelle Lynn Buckley

Super Bowl Party Tips L

et’s be honest. If it came down to bare essentials, you could have a successful Super Bowl party with a big screen television, a bowl of chips and a room of pals. But, wouldn’t it be nice to bump it up to the next level and be the party of the year? Here are the top 10 tips for a touchdown of a time.

Send Invites. Send these out early. As soon as you say “go” on the party being at your place, send out a “save the date” text, email or tweet.

Prepare Ahead. Everyone knows the stress of that early guest ringing the doorbell when you’re sweeping the floor and moving furniture. Don’t let that happen! Make sure to prepare ahead of time. That means clean the house, set out chairs, place serving platters out on the table or counter – do everything but bring out the food. This will greatly reduce your stress and make sure that you are ready to go before the pre-game coverage starts.

Add Décor. What separates a dime-a-dozen party from a memorable one? Décor! Bring in the big guns and make it festive. Skip balloons and go for linens and tissue poms in team colors. Linens are easily rented, and you can make your own poms. No need for candles or flowers. This is a football game, not a wedding! Banners are also a great addition.

Spice up Pools. Half of the Super Bowl fun is the accompanying pools! Make it even more exciting for guests by buying a couple of prizes, such as a bottle of whiskey or movie passes, for the big winner at the party. Put them on display so people know what they’re playing for.

Beverage Diversity. Most guests will be in beer mode, so have iced tubs ready to go. Make sure you have plenty of options available, including a non-alcoholic punch, lemon-lime infused water and soft drinks. To up the ante, create a signature drink with a football name to greet guests upon arrival and get them in the game mood.

Babysitter. Your friends will think you’re an absolute genius! Hire a babysitter from a certified agency who will provide games and fun for the younger kids who haven’t quite developed a love of the game yet. Kid-proof a room in your house and let guests know that their kids are welcome, and they can sit back and enjoy the party.

Favors. Yes, it is enough to feed guests, but it’s that much nicer when you send them home with something. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but a football cookie for the ride home, a keychain or a beer koozie are wonderful “thank you for coming” gifts. Place in a bowl by the door, and you’re good to go!

Photo Booth. You’ll really impress guests and give them a memento in photo form by setting up your own photo booth. Clear an area near the front door and hang a colorful cloth, a banner or even streamers to create a backdrop. Encourage guests to mug for the camera when they arrive. Add a helmet and football for props, and watch the fun begin!

Dessert. Sweets are a must for any party. Consider setting up a candy display in team colors. Bake cookies and cupcakes to set out during half-time when guests will start craving sugar. Think easily accessible, handheld sweets for less stress on your part.

Team Menus. Make the menu planning easy, and base it on the hometown of the teams. If you have a little extra in the budget, consider contacting your favorite local restaurant and see if they could deliver some of your favorite dishes in party form. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Source: NFL.com

.com • February 2016

t n e t t A

s! d e w wly e N ion Coming June 2016

Blushing Brides Submit your info today and have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine. If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Blushing Brides, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent/s reside in Fort Bend area. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos.

Contact: sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com or visit www.fortbendfocus.com fort bend

magazine â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016

February 2016 Winner “Sugar Land Memorial Park” By Luke Draper Congratulations Luke, you’ve earned a $50 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 $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Sarah at 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 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 Grace@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”.

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.com • February 2016

absolutely! DELICIOUS

Swap up for Big Game Day

hicken wings, guacamole and cheesy dips are America’s top choices for most big game day menus, but the same recipes year after year can get tiring. Forget the same-old spread, and surprise your guests with a little more taste and pizazz this year. Put these tips into play for a winning combination your team can celebrate.

Swap Up with Sausage. Transform typical dishes by swapping sausage into recipes, such as chili and nachos, which typically incorporate ground beef. The built-in flavor lends great taste and convenience to these dishes. Instead of chips and queso, add brat sausage to nachos to make “brat-chos.” Or, give this MVP Chili recipe a try! Use Unexpected Ingredients. Many dips and sides prominently feature the gooey goodness of cheese. Put a fresh spin on these dishes with high-quality, sophisticated options that feature more robust flavors, such as pungent blue cheese, smoked Gouda or tangy goat cheese. Sweeten up Your Spread. To mix in sweet with the savory options, find a spot on the table for some fresh fruit flavor. Favorites such as fruit salad, fruit pizza or fruit kabobs can make for a delectable treat to accompany the rest of your game-day fare. Mix It Up. Smoky flavors and bourbon are trending upward in kitchens, backyards, bars and restaurants across the country. Combine the two for a creative spin to your beverage spread. Seep Johnsonville Fully Cooked Smoked Brats in bourbon for about a day to extract smoky and savory flavors, and mix the bourbon for a modern twist on the Manhattan cocktail. Find more creative recipes to spice up your game-day spread at Johnsonville.com.

MVP Chili Ingredients: 2 Packages of Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausage Links (use mild links for less spicy chili) 1 Large onion 3 Cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons chili powder (use mild chili powder for less spicy chili) 1/4 Teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper

Directions: 1. De-case sausage and sauté in large pot; use wooden spoon to crumble sausage as it cooks. 2. Once sausage is nicely browned, stir in onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin and continue cooking until onion softens, about 5 minutes. 3. Add beer or broth and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. 4. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste and allow it to simmer, uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on medium-low, stirring occasionally. 5. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. 6. Finally, stir in beans and corn. 7. Let this come to a simmer, and it’s ready to serve! Can be prepared a day ahead.

Source: Family Features fort bend

1 Bottle (12 ounces) dark beer or one cup beef stock 1 Can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 2 Tablespoons tomato paste 1 Can (15.5 ounces) red kidney beans 1 Can (15.5 ounces) black beans 1-1.5 Cups corn (frozen or fresh off the cob)

magazine • February 2016

EVENTS February 8th, 1 – 3 pm Internet Job Search Workshop

“Travel” to Barbados for the afternoon! The informative presentation led by Lionel and Phyllis Cave at the Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive, will highlight the cultural customs of the unique Caribbean country. The presentation will follow with Bajan snacks and a time of questions and answers. RSVP at the Rec and Tennis Center or by calling 281-403-8637.

The Missouri City Branch Library will present an Internet Job Search Workshop in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. Michael Clement, program manager of employment services for Family Services of Greater Houston, will explain how to effectively complete an online application, how to submit a resumé and cover letter online and how to search for jobs on the Internet. Call 281-238-2100.

Photo from wikipedia.org.

February 3rd, 2 pm Cultural Exchange: Barbados

February 4th, 1 pm Mah Jongg: 2016 Kickoff Mah Jongg, a tile game usually played by four people, has been embraced all around the world. During this special 2016 kickoff event, Mah Jongg player Larry Chan will give an introductory lesson to guests at the Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive. Free snacks will be available. RSVP by calling 281-403-8637.

February 4th – 8th, 7 pm GHOST the Musical Don’t miss GHOST the Musical at Clements Auditorium, located at 4200 Elkins Drive in Sugar Land. So many details are attended to in this high school production down to the red couch, red refrigerator and choreography. Surprises will captivate the audience. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults at the door. Call 281-634-2150.

Teddy Bear Camp at the Missouri City Branch Library.

February 6th – 13th Teddy Bear Camp The Missouri City Branch Library invites children to treat their teddy bear to Teddy Bear Camp at the library! Children can bring their second-favorite teddy bear or toy and sign them up any day during the week. The library staff will email photos showing the fun activities their teddy bear is having at the library. After all of their adventures are over, children can pick up their teddy bears, enjoy a snack and see how much fun everyone had! The Missouri City Branch Library is located at 1530 Texas Parkway. Call 281-238-2100.

February 9th, 7:30 am – 4 pm Senior Field Trip

February 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 10 am Historic Walking Tours

February 11th, 7 pm Celebrate Black History Month

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation conducts a historic walking tour of Old Sugar Land on the second Saturday of each month beginning at the Museum, located at 198 Kempner Street, and the walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering about 1.5 miles. Ticket fees are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 to 18. Children under 12 are free. To make a reservation, schedule a private tour or for more information, contact slheritage@slheritage.org or call 281-494-0261.

Fort Bend County Libraries will present a historical program, African-American Elected Leaders in the Post-Civil War Era in Fort Bend County, at Sienna Branch Library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard in Missouri City. Dr. Nicholas Cox, a United States History professor at Houston Community College, will discuss the changes experienced by African-Americans in Fort Bend County in the 1860s, during the period before and after emancipation in 1865. Call 281-238-2900.

Join the Missouri City Parks and Recreation on a Senior Field Trip to enjoy some of College Station’s finest attractions! Senior citizen trip participants will be led on a guided tour to check out the recent renovations at Kyle Field followed by a visit to the Bonfire Memorial. The spirited trip will conclude with lunch at the Dixie Chicken, a timeless favorite for locals and visitors alike. Register at the Recreation and Tennis Center or call 281-403-8637.

Presented By:

February 5th, 7 – 9 pm River Pointe Church’s 17th Annual Father-Daughter Dance Dads, granddads and friends, escort your date to an enchanting evening of fun at River Pointe Church, located at 5000 Ransom Road in Richmond. There will be crafts, s’mores, photo opportunities, music, food, special guests and of course dancing! Tickets are $35 per dad. Register at www.riverpointe.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECH Water Treatment Specialists

Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

198 Kempner St. at Imperial Sugar Land

.com • February 2016

EVENTS The First Colony Branch Library will present a special performance for children by Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go!” of an original production, The Puffed-Up Prima Donna, at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. This familyfriendly light opera, sung entirely in English, is recommended for children in grades two through eight. This comedy explores how collaboration can counteract bullying by telling the story of a group of fictitious opera singers who are struggling with artistic differences among themselves. A free hand stamp is required for admission and will be available one hour prior to the performance. Call 281-238-2800.

February 18th, 5:30 pm Senior Bingo Night The Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department hosts senior bingo monthly for area residents who are ages 50 and up at the Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive in Missouri City. Fellowship with peers, enjoy refreshments and play friendly rounds of bingo for great prizes! Refreshments are available from 5:30 to 6 pm. Bingo rounds will follow. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Call 281-403-8637.

February 21st, 8 am 7th Annual Campbell Elementary Fun Run and Cougar Carnival

February 25th, 6:30 – 10 pm 7th Annual Helen Cordes Award Dinner

The Campbell Elementary Fun Run and Cougar Carnival will be a day of enjoyment benefiting the educational needs of Campbell Elementary teachers and students. With a 5K at 8 am, a Toddler Dash at 9:15 am and a Family and Kids 1 Mile Run at 9:20 am, there is an event for everyone! All participants will receive a participant medal as they cross the finish line. Then, stick around to enjoy the food and games at the Cougar Carnival. The event takes place at 1000 Shadowbend Drive in Sugar Land. Visit www.campbellpto.org.

February 21st, 2 pm At a Viennese Ball The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO) presents At a Viennese Ball at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road. Glorious waltzes, marches and traditional dance selections transport the audience to Vienna during its most glamorous time period. The concert features performances by the winners of the FBSO Marielle Ogletree Concerto Competition and the Houston Music Teacher Association Concerto Competition. Call 281-276-9642 or visit www.fbso.org.

February 20th, Noon iPhotography Workshop Learn tips and tricks for improving iPhone photos at a special iPhotography workshop at the Sienna Branch Library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard in Missouri City. Houstonbased photojournalist and digital communications instructor André Hermann will discuss unique aspects of mobile-phone photography. Learn about iPhone-specific apps and filters that can be used to turn regular pictures into artistic creations and fun images. Those attending the workshop are encouraged to bring their iPhones to practice the new techniques being taught. Register at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-238-2952.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS E-mail events@absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Include the event date, time, location and a short description of the event.

Each year, Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse’s Helen Cordes Award Dinner honors an individual who has given time, experience and expertise to Fort Bend Regional Council. The honoree for 2016 is Superintendent of Fort Bend ISD Dr. Charles Dupre. The event takes place at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road. Visit www.fortbendcouncil.org or call 281-207-2400.

Photo from www.sugarland.com

February 15th, 2 pm The Puffed-Up Prima Donna

February 27th, 10 am – 3 pm 7th Annual Cultural Kite Festival Participate in activities such as a kite-making workshop, kite flying lessons and a children’s craft area. Local community groups will entertain the crowd with various cultural performances throughout the event. Kite flying is a popular activity and sport in many countries around the world, and it has proved to be a major hit in Sugar Land as the city represents a mixture of cultures. Call 281-275-2885 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov.

February 29th, 6 – 7 pm Discover the Creative Craft of Amigurumi Toussaint Smith, MD.

February 25th, 5 – 7:30 pm Free Heart Health Screenings Visit Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center at 16655 Southwest Freeway to learn your 10 year risk for heart disease and receive cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Screenings are by appointment only, followed by an opportunity to speak to specialists. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281-274-7500.

fort bend

magazine • February 2016

The Mamie George Branch Library in Stafford will provide a free, introductory demonstration, Crochet Amigurumi Toys: Tips and Tricks, at 320 Dulles Avenue in Stafford. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals or figures. Novices and experienced crafters alike can learn how to create these imaginative toys by using just a few stitches. Library staff member Jessica Robbins will demonstrate, so even beginners are invited to attend. Discover how a variety of figures can be made, including adorable tiny animals, people look-alikes or colorful monsters. Call 281-238-2880.

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and awardwinning columnist.

Living the Sweet Life: Time For Some Turmeric

s far as spices go, my favorite is garlic, closely followed by onion. I rarely cook without both, and it’s funny because my late father-in-law swore off garlic for 83 years whilst applauding me for my dishes and their secret ingredients. As I generously sprinkle them in, it appears that I should be adding some turmeric because, well it’s personal, and we will get to that shortly. Turmeric is a spice that packs a punch for maintaining a healthy brain. Turmeric offers up a vast array of benefits. According to Daniel A. Marano in his article Supplemental Science published in Psychology Today, the spice “counters inflammatory activation, combats hyperactivity of the stress hormone, protects against the dysfunction of the cell powerhouses, the mitochondria. It defers neural degeneration such as Alzheimer’s, restores synaptic plasticity, modulates neurotransmitters and decreases oxidative stress in our bodies.” In a nutshell, turmeric delivers good stuff to the brain that prevents and staves off depression and degenerative diseases in the brain. Now, my Big Daddy had Alzheimer’s and gradually forgot that I was born, favoring a happier time in his life before my mother was killed. He and I had a wonderful relationship, and as I grew up under his care and looked just like my mother, I could completely understand as his mind went there why he parked himself in her memories. Marano explained that “Turmeric is approxi-

Turmeric is a spice that offers up a vast array of health benefits.

mately two to eight percent curcumin. Curcumin protects the brain in multiple ways, most strikingly by preventing – even dissolving – the distinctive buildup of amyloid-beta proteins that clog nerve pathways in Alzheimer’s patients.” Furthermore, standing the tests of time, turmeric has long been used by Indians and in Ayurvedic medicine. The heavy use of turmeric in curries has led scientists to believe that is one reason why Alzheimer’s is a rarity in India. Alzheimer’s runs in my family, and because of that one single reason, I have added a daily dose of turmeric in my diet. If there’s a spice that nice on the body, I think you should add a daily dose too! Take Care of YOU!

Standing the tests of time, turmeric has long been used by Indians and in Ayurvedic medicine. The heavy use of turmeric in curries has led scientists to believe that is one reason why Alzheimer’s is a rarity in India. TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2016

1 IN 3 WOMEN DIE FROM HEART DISEASE. EARLY DETECTION CAN PREVENT IT. The signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease in women are not easily recognizable. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, our expert cardiologists offer the most advanced technologies and specialized treatments to help women avoid the disease. By assessing the individual risks of every patient and helping establish a plan to maintain greater heart health, we’re preventing heart disease in women before it can even begin. To learn if you’re at risk, visit connect.houstonmethodist.org/heartquiz and take a heart disease risk assessment, or call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral. Houston Methodist Sugar Land is the only hospital in Fort Bend to provide 24/7 interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery services. In a cardiac emergency, there’s only one place you need to be — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.