FEBRUARY 2022
Fort Bend Literacy Council’s Reading Between the Wines Features
Vicki Lawrence
Share the Love this
Valentine’s Day
Gardening in Texas
George Ranch Rodeo Celebrates
Leading Orthopedic Care to
KEEP YOU MOVING Our sports medicine specialists can help keep your body in motion.
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At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, we know every movement matters. Our board-certified sports medicine specialists offer:
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Aliana Sugar Land
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• The latest imaging and technology • Advanced nonsurgical treatments • Minimally invasive procedures • State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or dealing with a complex injury, we can get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.
Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
19 convenient locations across Greater Houston
Same-day appointments for injuries. Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/sportsmed 281.201.0396
Solidifying your foundation. Securing your future. One investment at a time.
Dhanani Private Equity Group Looking Forward To Building On Top Of Record 2021 Year Dhanani Private Equity Group’s Recent Project Sales Dhanani Private Equity Group (DPEG) Had a Record Year in 2021
After the record setting raise amount ($37,000,000) to purchase Fountains On The Lake in Stafford, TX, Dhanani Private Equity Group’s next closing happened shortly after on December 14th where they acquired 100 acres of land alongside a co-investment project with an industrial development company. DPEG plans to construct multi-family and retail shopping on this land which is located on I-10 W and Anserra Trail. With this last acquisition, DPEG capped off a record 2021 year with over $97,000,000 in dispositions and almost $295,000,000 in new sales and acquisitions. Additionally, DPEG also plans to move their corporate office to the Fountains On The Lake center in Q1 2022.
Dhanani Private Equity Group Has 6 Total Projects Lined Up In Q1 2022 Development Locations Include: 1. Sugar Land, TX: 160 Units Senior Living Condos 2. Missouri City, TX: 280 Class-A Units 3. Katy, TX: 280 Class-A Units
4. Spring, TX: 300 Class-A Units 5. East Downtown Houston: 65 Acres 6. Spring, TX: 27.73 Acres
Dhanani Private Equity Group is set to launch their first project of 2022 DPEG will be developing 160 Senior Living condo units in the heart of Sugar Land, TX. This project will be situated on 12.72 acres of land near the southwest corner of Highway 6 and ALT-90 within the HEB complex. The team raised $20,000,000 for this project and got oversold within 24 hours. This is the very first Senior Living concept project by Dhanani Private Equity group and they hope to build upon the monumental success they had with their first exited multifamily project, Territory at Greenhouse which was acquired by a Real Estate Investment Trust last summer.
W
e had a wonderful 2021 with many dispositions and acquisitions and look forward to growing our investor base and project sales in 2022.
Team Dhanani: Nick Dhanani, Nikhil Dhanani, Ali Wadhwani, Ahsan Daredia, Aisha Chanda, Jaiedan Correa, Omoniyi Akindoju, Ola Akindoju, Muhammad Aslam Ansari, Narmeen Walji, Bimbo Akindoju, Adedoyin Siwoniku and Inaara Velani.
– Nadyrshah “Nick” Dhanani CEO and Founder Dhanani Private Equity Group
1455 Highway 6 Suite B, Sugar Land, TX 77478 l 281.561.5135 l admin@dhananipeg.com l www.Dhananipeg.com
{absolutely! Delicious} 8 THE PERFECT PANCAKE FOR YOUR VALENTINE
{Features}
FEBRUARY 2022
10 LOVE IS IN THE AIR
{COVER STORY}
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
16 3RD ANNUAL GEORGE RANCH RODEO CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH On Saturday, February 19th at the George Ranch Historical Park
18 FORT BEND LITERACY COUNCIL’S READING BETWEEN THE WINES NIGHT OF A THOUSAND LAUGHS Features Vicki Lawrence
24 GARDENING IN TEXAS The best parts about living in Texas – we can grow all year long and have sustainability right from our yards!
{Columns} 12 ON THE PORCH WITH PATTI
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Roses are Red, Violets are Not Really Blue
SHARE THE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
It’s that time of year again when Saint Valentine reminds us to shower our sweeties with love. Need some ideas to help let love bloom? Check out this list of heartfelt activities that will make your sweetheart swoon and support your favorite community organizations.
14 FORT BEND STRONG
We are Blessed with the Best!
20 OENOPHILE
Great Values in Red Wines
29 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE
What is LOVE and the Meaning of LIFE
16 Mutton-busting.
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FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
GET YOUR HEART BACK TO WHAT MAKES IT REALLY BEAT
HEART ISSUES SHOULDN’T WAIT. SEE YOUR DOCTOR. Staying on top of your heart health has never been more important. If you are at high risk for heart disease or are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, it’s time to see your doctor. At Memorial Hermann, our network of affiliated cardiologists offers proactive assessments and personalized plans to help keep risk factors in check. Advancing health. Personalizing care.
memorialhermann.org/heart
CONTRIBUTORS
Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 6 & 12
FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 18 | NUMBER 2
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The Honorable Pete Olson Contributor Page 14 Denman Moody theadvanceoenophile.com Page 20
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20 Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com Pages 24 & 29
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24
absolutely! Auto Review
Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 26
2022 FORD BRONCO
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{Newsworthy} {Medical Focus}
5 FORT BEND ISD
To Host “Fall in Love” Hiring Event Saturday, February 5th
23 DON’T DELAY PRIMARY CARE VISITS
11 MAYOR JOE ZIMMERMAN Seeks Re-Election
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Riverstone
13 FBJSL SUPPORTS LOCAL NON-PROFIT AGENCIES
25 COLON CANCER IN YOUNGER ADULTS: KNOW THE RISKS
God’s Garden and Attack Poverty
Houston Methodist Oncology Partners
19 FORT BEND ISD Earns State Award for Excellence in Counseling
{In Every Issue}
21 JIM RICE ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN For Fort Bend ISD Trustee Position 3
22 NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE, INC., SUGAR LAND JEWELS
ON THE COVER: Share The Love This Valentine’s Day
5 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 27 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST
Hosts Annual Mother-Daughter Fashion Show
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FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
Vol. 18 No. 2 February 2022 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore I T S U P P O RT A D M I N I S T R AT I V E / S A L E S A S S I S TA N T Kolton W. Kaminski CONTRIBUTORS Steve Kursar Denman Moody Alisa Murray Pete Olson A D V E RT I S I N G I N Q U I R I E S / E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
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Love and Madness It’s Valentine’s Day my friends, and as Tina would say, “What’s love got to do with it?” Well, an awful lot if you forget February 14th because my beaus, you will be sorely lacking in the love category if Saint Valentine sails by without the appropriate amount of fanfare. So, gentlemen, consider this your official heads up: As I pen this reminder, you have 14 days to get your act together and get your girl something to make her face light up with love. Sweethearts still: Tim and Patti Kaminski. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Our cover story has some heart-felt ideas to do something meaningful with your sweetheart and support your community as well. That’s spreading the love. We can also show you how to make some amazing red velvet pancakes with both a written recipe and a video – in case you require step by step guidance like I do. And, of course, our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide also highlights gifts from some local businesses that are sure to make your honey want to hug you! The best thing about all of these ideas? They are right at your fingertips to purchase, create, sign up or make reservations with our new eZine – just a click away! February also kicks off Rodeo season and celebrates Black History Month. What better way to celebrate both than at the 3rd Annual George Ranch Rodeo honoring Fort Bend’s Black Cowboy Legacy! This year’s Rodeo is on Saturday, February 19th and it promises to be the best one yet. Read all about this year’s events and entertainment on page 16. It’s the perfect place to bring your Rodeo sweetheart! So many people have written about love – what it is, what it isn’t, what they believe it to be – from the Apostle Paul to Shakespeare to Taylor Swift. It’s certainly a slippery slope perhaps defined differently by each of us. German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche spent a great deal of his career writing about good and evil, but he had this to say about love: “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” Cheers to the madness, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Stay focused on love – both giving and receiving.
Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Free Subscription. Sign up at www.FortBendFocus.com. Fort Bend FocusTM eZine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright© 2022 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM eZine 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 eZine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
FEBRUARY 2022 l
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COVER STORY By Patti Parish-Kaminski
So, was Saint Valentine’s gesture purely altruistic or was it a symbol of his undying – or apparently dying – love? We’ll probably never be certain, but one thing that is for certain is that this Valentine’s Day, you can do something meaningful with your sweetheart and do something good for your community – all in the name of love. Here’s a list of some heartfelt activities just in time for the day of love that will make your sweetie swoon and support your favorite organizations. Now that’s love!
Share the Love
this Valentine’s Day
F
ebruary 14th is traditionally the day we shower our sweethearts and those dear to us with gestures of our appreciation and affection for their special place in our hearts. It’s the day for flowers, candy, romantic dinners, jewelry, thoughtful gestures, cards – even convertibles according to a Facebook poll I took last month! Basically, any grand gesture that would make a girl swoon is the perfect target for Cupid’s arrow. There are any number of stories relating to the genesis of Valentine’s Day, and many are related to martyrdom according to Chaucer and the Cult of Saint Valentine. One account is that of Saint Valentine of Rome. In the third century, it seems that Saint Valentine was imprisoned for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire at the time. According to the legend while imprisoned, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. According to Rosemary Guiley’s The Encyclopedia of Saints, the legend later went on to state that his gesture was out of love as it claims he wrote the jailer’s daughter a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell before he was executed. 6
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
3rd Annual Sugar Land Rotary 5K Running with a Heart Saturday, February 5th 7:30 am
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on matching leggings with your free race t-shirts for signing up, and start the day off with your babe burning calories for a cause. The race starts and finishes at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX. Information and To Register: http://www.sugarlandrotary5k. com/#Top. Benefiting: The Fort Bend Rainbow Room.
Valentine’s Fun at the Ranch Saturday, February 12th • 9 am to 5 pm
The George Ranch Historical Park • 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX
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ack up a basket and picnic with your sweetheart under the open skies and majestic oak of your choice at The George Ranch Historical Park. Handcraft a Victorian valentine for your love and enjoy a stroll in the park surrounded by nature. Sample heart-shaped cookies from the wood burning stove, and capture a photo of your love on the Texas plains. Tickets: https://www.georgeranch.org/event/park-admission/ Benefiting: The George Ranch Historical Park.
New Territory Blood Drive Sunday, February 13th • 1 to 5 pm
The Club at New Territory • 1200 Walker School Road, Sugar Land, TX
G
ive the gift of life this Valentine’s Day at the New Territory Blood Drive. The Blood Center needs 1,000 pints of blood to be donated every day to meet the current need, and every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. What better gift to give during the month of love? Contact The Blood Center at CommitForLife.org to schedule an appointment. Use Sponsor Code: S050. Benefitting: The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
Texana Café Exceptional Food from Exceptional People Open Monday – Friday • 11 am to 2 pm 7440 FM 359 S • Fulshear, TX
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exana Cafe’s mission is to make and serve exceptional food while supporting meaningful employment for neurodiverse individuals. Texana Cafe serves exceptional soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee creations and sweet treats – just in time for Valentine’s Day! Place your orders now to pick up a special treat for your Valentine, Galentine or special person in your life for Valentine’s Day! Cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more! All delicious menu items at Texana Café are created by individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. Texana Cafe serves not only as a great option for delicious breakfast and lunch for the Fulshear community but also serves as a training ground for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities to gain important work experience. Information: www.TexanaCafe.com. Benefiting: Texana Center.
3rd Annual George Ranch Rodeo Saturday, February 19th • Gates open at 4 pm; Rodeo begins at 7 pm The George Ranch Historical Park • 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX
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ou’ll be a Rodeo sweetheart with tickets to the only Rodeo at the George Ranch! Featuring bull-riding, barrel racing, steer-wrestling, tie-down calf-roping and much more, the Rodeo is a fun-filled evening of activities honoring Fort Bend County’s Black Cowboy Legacy complete with entertainment and vendors. Information and Tickets: www.georgeranch.org/rodeo/ Benefiting: The Educational and Preservation Efforts of The George Ranch Historical Park. FEBRUARY 2022 l
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absolutely! DELICIOUS
The Perfect Pancake for Your Valentine
F
inding something unique and special to do on Valentine’s Day for your significant other can be a challenge. Every year, the day to celebrate love rolls around and every year it may seem like you’re out of ideas. Many people feel the same way. However, with just a couple bowls, a cookie cutter and a skillet, your Valentine’s Day could start off a lot sweeter. Try these Red Velvet Heart Pancakes, which are one of a kind and a delicious way to spend your morning with your loved one. Celebrating the day of love has never been easier. Start by combining flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk an egg and add buttermilk, butter, vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring. Whisk everything together and pour it into the first bowl of dry ingredients. Prepare a skillet and grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Pour a small amount of batter into the cookie cutter in the skillet, let it cook for 2 minutes then remove the cookie cutter and flip. Let it cook for 1 additional minute. Add your favorite pancake toppings like butter, syrup, powdered sugar or raspberries. In the end, you will have yourself a scrumptious breakfast, made with love and as sweet as can be. Kids also love the fun shape and color of this breakfast. It’s a neat way to have them help in the kitchen and make a meal for the whole family. Valentine’s Day is a big reason to celebrate. You don’t have to stick to the same flowers and chocolates as last year. Mix it up with this delectable recipe meant to spread some love on a significant day. Find more breakfast recipes and sweet treat ideas at www.Culinary.net. Source: www.familyfeatures.com
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Red Velvet Heart Pancakes Servings: 8-10
1 1/4 3 1 1/2 1/2 1 1 2
Cup Flour Cup Sugar Tablespoons Cocoa Powder Teaspoon Baking Powder Teaspoon Baking Soda Teaspoon Salt Egg Cup Buttermilk Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted, plus additional for Garnish 1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract 30-40 Drops Red Food Coloring Nonstick Cooking Spray Syrup, Powdered Sugar and Raspberries, for Garnish In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; whisk until combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Spray heart-shaped cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray and place in skillet. Add enough batter to fill heart. Cook 2 minutes. Remove heart cutter. Flip pancake and cook 1 minute. Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries. Note: If mixture is too thick, add water until desired consistency is reached.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
NEWSWORTHY
To Host “Fall in Love” Hiring Event Saturday, February 5th Registration is now open for the “Fall in Love with FBISD” hiring event, which will be held at the James Reese Career and Technical Center on Saturday, February 5, from 9 – 11 am. Each year, the District hosts the February recruiting event to focus on specific job areas that have current and anticipated vacancies for next year. Qualified candidates seeking positions in the following areas are encouraged to register and attend this year’s event: • Special Education • Career and Technical Education • World Languages • Nursing • Early Literacy Centers (PreK – 1st) ESL/Bilingual During the event, applicants will have the opportunity to network with hiring managers, and department representatives will provide information about the application, selection and hiring process. Pre-registration will close Friday, February 4th, at 8 am., but walk-in registration will be available the day of the event. Facial coverings and appropriate social distancing will be encouraged. To register for the February 5th event, please visit www.fortbendisd. com/fallinlove2022. Note: While the February 5th event is targeted to the above specific areas, FBISD has many employment opportunities in other job areas. Please visit www.fortbendisd.com/careers to review all current job postings and apply.
FEBRUARY 2022 l
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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
GIFTS GALORE FOR VALENTINE’S Treat your Valentine to one or more fabulous gifts at Roots & Relics. Gift certificates also available. Roots & Relics Antiques and Garden 828 3rd Street in Rosenberg. Call 832-945-5111; instagram.com/rootsandrelicsrosenbergtx.
TOUCH HER HEART
This Valentine’s Day, touch her heart with a lavish floral arrangement from LC Floral Designs. Send her a bouquet that’s as lovely as her smile and as warm as her heart. LC Floral Designs 204 Highway 90A East in Richmond. Call 281-342-8839; www.LCfloraldesignsshoppe.com.
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VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL
Celebrate your sweetheart with a special Valentine’s Day Menu featuring a gourmet fourcourse dinner. Three seatings are available. Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Rd., Ste. 160 in Missouri City. Call 832-987-1313 to reserve your table; www.Brandanis.com.
PICK A GARDEN GUY GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR VALENTINE
Make someone’s landscaping dreams come true. Gift certificates start in amounts as small as $150. Garden Guy; www.Garden-Guy.com and facebook.com/GardenGuyHouston.
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
NEWSWORTHY
Mayor Zimmerman Seeks Re-Election
Joe R. Zimmerman, Mayor of Sugar Land, ing in neighborhoods to protect homeowners’ infiled for re-election in January, seeking a fourth vestments and quality of life). He has worked with and final term. Mayor Zimmerman was elected community partners to put health first through the the tenth Mayor of Sugar Land in 2016, won pandemic while bolstering businesses and supre-election in 2018, and was unopposed in his porting the economy. 2020 re-election bid. He and his wife Nancy filed Through Zimmerman’s terms as Mayor, he has the official paperwork for his last term as Mayor worked with City Council and staff to address due to term limits. “It is an honor to serve the ciflooding from a number of events, including Hurtizens of Sugar Land. This city is our home, and ricane Harvey, addressed service shortfalls in waI look forward to representing all of our residents ter and trash resulting from Winter Storm Uri, and in this fourth term,” said Mayor Zimmerman. partnered with Fort Bend County to provide locaAs Mayor, Zimmerman continues to keep tions for COVID testing and vaccinations. Sugar Sugar Land the best place to live, work, play, Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman. Land also welcomed the Houston Astros and Trishop, and raise a family. Under his leadership, ple-A baseball and oversaw implementation of the Sugar Land has been ranked in the top five of the Best Small ~$91M in G.O. voter-approved bonds reserved for drainage, Cities to Live in America, recognized as the second safest midpublic safety, and infrastructure projects. size Cities in America, recipient of the “Leading the Way Award” Zimmerman is looking forward to continuing to represent all - Top Ranking in Residential Satisfaction with City Services, of Sugar Land. He and his wife of almost 46 years, Nancy, have and received Best Suburb honors. In addition, Zimmerman will made Sugar Land their home since 1990 and are active memcontinue to work on improvements to public safety, infrastrucbers of Second Baptist Church. Their daughter, Allison, her ture (drainage, streets, water and wastewater), maintaining the husband Chris Wallace, granddaughter Emmy, and grandson transparency and financial strength of the city, economic deCampbell live in Houston. velopment (attracting new businesses and continuing to help The City’s General Election is May 7th, 2022. For more inforthose affected by the pandemic) and redevelopment (investmation, visit www.joezimmermanformayor.com.
FEBRUARY 2022 l
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By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Roses are Red, Violets are Not Really Blue Valentine’s Day month – the official day when we celebrate the ones we love. I have to confess I have mixed emotions about the entire concept of Valentine’s Day. Now I love a good Valentine gift – don’t get me wrong and certainly do not give Mr. Kaminski the idea that he can show up on said day with no goodies. I said I have mixed emotions; I did not say I was crazy. Here’s the rub for me: I am fortunate to love a lot of people, and I convey my love to them frequently. It probably annoys some of my people, but it’s just in my DNA to express love. I’m just not real certain why we only devote one day a year to expressing our love to our people. Doesn’t seem equitable to me, but love has so many forms and incantations, it prompted me to really delve into the true meaning of the word “love.” As a society, we are in love with love. We all want to be “in love” and “loved.” I believe it’s a natural state. We covet the concept, the feeling, and we use the word liberally to describe many things because the word “love” truly means different things to different folks. The dictionary says love is “intense emotional reaction to something.” Well, I have displayed intense emotional reactions to many things in my life – just ask Mr. Kaminski – and let’s just say the majority of them have not been about love. The Bible tells us love is patient, love is kind, love always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. It says “Love never fails.” I like that. There are no guarantees in this life and here is God giving us a guarantee on love. That works for me.
On the porch at Valentine’s Day central – L C Floral Designs in Richmond. Gentlemen, holler at Lucas to make sure your Valentine’s Day is sweet! www.lcfloraldesignsshoppe.com
I must confess, however, that love has led to the two most challenging jobs I have ever had in my life: wife and mother. Neither role is for the faint of heart. I’ve had friends over the years share with me how perfect their marriage, husbands and children were. Really? And yes, I felt obligated to tell them clearly that if all of those situations were perfect in their lives, something was wrong. Love is messy, love is work, love is hard; it is not perfection. If it were perfect and easy, I feel God would have mentioned that. The things that we work the very hardest to achieve are always the most rewarding. Guess that’s why this wife and mother thing has worked out for me – years of constant, brutal, unrelenting effort – all in the name of love. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. See y’all next week - lovin’ on the porch!
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NEWSWORTHY
The Fort Bend Junior League (FBJSL) continues to make a difference within the Fort Bend community through its Community Assistance Fund. The Fund can provide grants of up to $5,000 per League year, per agency, to local Fort Bend non-profits that need financial support to fund a critical need, pilot a program or expand a significant service to the community. FBJSL is pleased to have recently helped through the Community Assistance Fund two worthy Fort Bend nonprofit agencies. The first award was to God’s Garden in the amount of $5,000 for gypsum to prep a new garden section for the planting of vegetables. God’s Garden produces organic vegetables that are offered free of charge to local food pantries in the Fort Bend community. To learn more about God’s Garden, please visit their website at http://godsgarden.us/. The second award was to Attack Poverty for $3,000 to fund the
FBJSL Supports Local Non-Profit Agencies God’s Garden and Attack Poverty
Alexis Geissler, Co-Chair Misty Gasiorowski, Michael and Lorraine Streeb of God’s Garden, Monique Brown, Lori Gorewitz, and Co-Chair Jennifer Bombach. NEW North Rosenberg Neighborhood Resource Center with new books and supplies for the Children’s Room and new supplies for the commercial kitchen. Attack Poverty offers food distribution, home repair, after-school program, ESL, GED prep, job readiness, finance and technology workshops and other
community-based programs. To learn more about Attack Poverty, please visit their website at www.attackpoverty.org. Fort Bend non-profit agencies interested in applying for a grant from the Community Assistance Fund can visit the request support page of FBJSL’s website at www.fbjsl.org.
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Tag Us as you are Out and About in the Bend FEBRUARY 2022 l
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We are Blessed with the Best!
F
ebruary of every year is American Heart Month. It was started by a native Texan, President Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ). LBJ suffered five heart attacks. He was forty-six years young when he had his first heart attack
on July 5, 1955. That was eight years before he became our 36th president after President Kennedy was shot in Dallas. LBJ’s fifth heart attack on January 22, 1973 killed him. He smoked sixty cigarettes per day, ate the wrong foods and never exercised. When he died, two of the three arteries in his heart were completely blocked; the third artery was eighty percent blocked. LBJ was so unhealthy that a Houston heart icon, Dr. Michael DeBakey, refused to operate as LBJ’s heart was basically dead. LBJ started National Heart Month to encourage others not to make the mistakes he made.
Since 1960, the Texas Medical Center has been the world’s best place to seek treatment for heart problems. We are blessed with two of the greatest heart surgeons ever – that same Dr. DeBakey who refused to treat LBJ, and his partner, Dr. Denton Cooley. They became rivals. Their rivalry drove them to change the world. Dr. DeBakey pioneered the use of Dacron to replace or repair damaged arteries. In 1966, he implanted a partial artificial heart into a 37-year-old woman to replace her left ventricle. Dr. Cooley went even further. In 1969, he hooked up a full artificial heart into 47-year-old patient Haskell Karp. The artificial heart kept Karp alive for three days until a donor heart could be found. Dr. Cooley acutally lived with us in Fort Bend! He would escape to his Cool Acres Ranch near Simonton to relax and rest. Dr. Denton Cooley and Dr. Micheal DeBakey enriched our lives and make us Fort Bend Strong! Dr. Denton Cooley with Dr. Bud Frazier at an annual St. Luke’s Family Picnic. Photo source: https://www.tmc.edu/news/2018/11/cool-acres-the-ranch-developedby-legendary-heart-surgeon-dr-denton-cooley-is-ready-for-its-next-owner/.
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FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Dr. Micheal E. DeBakey.
Because of Dr. Duke, we were blessed to have Christmas dinner with Randy and his wife, Cindy, five weeks ago. Randy confided to me that, while he never would wish a crash like he had on anyone, he is thankful that it happened to him because he saw God’s love and greatness in Dr. Red Duke. Through Dr. Duke, Randy, Cindy, and all of us are Fort Bend Strong! There’s are old saying that, “A picture is worth one thousand words.” Today, that saying is “An on-line video is worth one hundred thousand words.” Here are a few video examples of our blessings in Fort Bend County. I must warn you that you should have tissue paper nearby because your eyes may get “moist,” and your heart will explode with Fort Bend Pride because we are Fort Bend Strong!
Photo source: https://www.bcm.edu/about-us/our-campus/debakey-museum/legacy-of-excellence.
Our blessings are not limited to heart innovations and pioneers. Houston and Fort Bend offer the best medical care the world has to offer. Living in a region of over seven million people, we have our share of life-threatening trauma. Professionals treating trauma live under the “golden hour.” The theory is that if you can get trauma care to a severely wounded person in an hour or less, their chance of survival dramatically increases. God blessed us with one of the best trauma doctors and innovators to ever live, Dr. James “Red” Duke. Dr. Duke was working in the emergency room at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on November 22, 1963. He was the first surgeon to receive the mortally wounded President John F. Kennedy. He was quickly assigned to save the life of Texas Governor John Connally, who had been shot in the chest while sitting in front of President Kennedy. Ironically, two days later, Dr. Duke was struggling to save the life of President Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, who had been shot in jail by Jack Ruby. Two incredible days for a young surgeon who celebrated his 35th birthday the week before. Dr. Duke moved to Houston in 1972 and went to work at the University of Texas Health Science Center and Memorial Hermann Hospital. Before his death in 2015, Dr. Duke saved thousands of lives. One of those lives is a dear friend, Randy. About five years ago, Randy was severely injured; he was nearly cut in half. Amazingly, still conscious, Randy called 911. And that’s when God saved my friend’s life through Dr. Duke. It was Dr. Duke who was the force behind our Life Flight helicopters – essentially mobile state-of-the-art trauma centers. A Life Flight helicopter landed on US90A to take Randy to the Level I Trauma Center at Memorial Hermann at the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Duke actually lived there and came to check out Randy at the request of friends. Dr. Duke oversaw Randy’s care for months. He had a plan to get Randy home. Randy would be okay if doctor’s could prevent Randy’s massive wounds and dead tissue from becoming infected. It would be weeks before Randy’s intestines could be repaired, so Dr. Duke would pack Randy’s wounds with sugar for nourishment. Cutting Randy’s dead flesh out with a scalpel would make things worse, so Dr. Duke ordered hungry maggots to be placed all over Randy’s wounds. Maggots only eat dead flesh. Brilliant!
Dr. James ‘Red’ Duke. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dr-red-duke-acclaimed-surgeon-who-attended-jfk-dies86-n416041.
During the COVID pandemic, many family members were not allowed to visit their loved ones to say “goodbye.” Many of our nurses were and still are the “go-betweens” between the families and the dying. Our nurses were the last touch the dying felt, the last to hold their hand, or the last to whisper in their ear how much they are loved. I will never forget Houston Methodist Nurse Tabatha Ketner taking care of Richard Stuebinger on behalf of his family. Get your tissues out. https://youtu.be/ N8UB5T_fo3Y. Winter Storm Uri surprised all of us. Many of us were without power or water for weeks. Hope Biosciences was in big trouble. They harvest stem cells from a patient’s fat. They are the first research organization in America to undergo clinical trials to control Parkinson’s Disease with stem cells. Their patients must have regular injections of their own stem cells. Hope Biosciences’ water froze. Their patients were on the verge of regression until our Hyatt Place stepped up. Your chest is about to burst with Fort Bend pride! https://youtu.be/fJukUyrHLz8. And there are many, many, many more stories that are Fort Bend Strong. Zip me your best idea on any topic – pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com. And please remember to vote later this month. Voters make Fort Bend Strong! FEBRUARY 2022 l
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3rd Annual George Ranch Rodeo Celebrates
Honoring Fort Bend County’s Black Cowboy Legacy Rodeo Events H Kids’ Activities H Entertainment H Vendors
Saturday, February 19th Richmond’s George Ranch Historical Park
T
he 3rd Annual George Ranch Rodeo will commemorate Black History Month in 2022 by highlighting the legacy of Black cowboys in Fort Bend County. The Fort Bend History Association and the Rodeo committee invite the community to join them at the George Ranch Historical Park, Saturday, February 19th for the festivities! The day will highlight the rich history of Fort Bend County’s diversity by honoring and celebrating two special families and their contributions to the George Ranch: the Buster Jackson family and the Robert and Catherine Jackson family. Buster Jackson worked alongside the George Family and was the first Black man in Brazoria County to obtain a trail riders permit. He also received honors from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Rodeo is proud to recognize him and his family members who carry on the tradition of community leadership. Robert and Catherine Jackson organized the first Black rodeo in 1953 and founded the McBeth Riding and Charity Club in 1960. The McBeth Riding Club joined the Southwestern Trail Riders Association as Wagon Number 1, under the leadership of Fred Gray. The McBeth Riding and Charity Club has received many accolades and honors as the first African American Trail Riding organization, including Number One Overall Wagon at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1983 and Best Show Wagon at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade in 1989.
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Today, Ramone Jackson continues the family’s sixty-eight years of Black cowboy heritage with his work as a rodeo stock contractor, Double R.R.J. Rodeo Enterprises, and in hosting rodeos at the family ranch. Debra Greenwood-Sharp, a member of the Fort Bend History Association’s Board of Trustees, is delighted to see the ranching and rodeo accomplishments of these families showcased for the community. “I’m grateful – and so thankful! – for the opportunity to share and raise awareness of the legacy of the many Black cowboys who trailblazed through history here at the George Ranch and elsewhere in Fort Bend County,” Greenwood-Sharp said. “Our committee has worked tirelessly for months to ensure a fun-filled, exciting time here at the Ranch. You won’t want to miss it!”
George Ranch Rodeo committee members Patti Parish-Kaminski, Susan Vanderford, Rodeo Chair Debra Greenwood-Sharp, Paula Boyd, Lauren Soliz, Sarah DeArmond, Constance Bowie, Cee Cee Parker and Fort Bend History Association Executive Director Claire Rogers.
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
For more information, visit https:// www.georgeranch.org/rodeo/ or call 281-343-0218.
To Sign Up for a Rodeo Event: Barrel racing. The Rodeo will feature special guest appearances by Genet Chenier, DJ R.E.M, Southern Konnection Dance Group, Iron Horse Guest Ranch, Buffalo Soldiers and the All Glory Honor Guard. Rodeo events include bull-riding, ladies’ barrel racing, steer-wrestling, tie-down calf-roping, ladies’ steer undecorating and team roping. Children’s rodeo events include mutton-busting, barrel racing, breakaway and tie-down. The activities’ area opens at 4 pm with the grand entry at 6:30 pm and Rodeo beginning at 7 pm.
The stock contractor is R.R.J. Rodeo Enterprises. Entry is via text only starting February 14th from 6-10 pm. Text 281217-3951 to enter. Up-to-date negative Coggins are required; please bring an extra copy to the event. Major events are $65 with $3,100 added money. Muttonbusting is $30; junior/pee-wee events are $30.
Jan Billups-Meitzen, Constance Bowie, Sierra Bowie, Paula Boyd, Mary Miller, Lauren Soliz, Patti Parish-Kaminski, Brenda Patton and Cee Cee Parker.
General Information: The George Ranch Historical Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. General admission for the Historical Park is $15 for adults ages 13+, $12 for seniors ages 65+ and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. Children three and under are free. Operating hours are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.georgeranch.org or call 281343-0218.
Lil Roper. Photo by Andrew Wolf.
Event Sponsors:
Mutton-busting. Pre-sale tickets are currently available online. General Rodeo tickets include admission to the Arena only; advantage seats include admission to the Arena and Historical Park. Pre-sale general admission cost is $5 for children ages four through 12 and $15 for adults. Advantage seats, which include admission to the Historical Park, are $12 for children ages four through 12 and $30 for adults. At-the-gate general admission tickets are $10 for children ages four through 12 and $20 for adults. At-the-gate advantage seats, which include admission to the Historical Park, are $17 for children ages four through 12 and $35 for adults.
George Ranch Rodeo leadership Co-Chair Commissioner Grady Prestage and Chair Debra Greenwood-Sharp.
HEB • Tax Tech, Inc. • C&M Favre Foundation • Citi • Kay Danziger • Mesirow Financial • Patton Insurance and Financial Services • Rice Financial Products Company • Friendswood Development Co. • CenterPoint Energy • Smith, Murdaugh, Little & Bonham, L.L.P. • Adrienne Barker • Tim and Patti Kaminski • Law Office of Brian Knipling • NewFirst Bank • Cee Cee and David Parker • Boyd’s Ministries • Commissioner Vincent Morales • Sins Forgiven Christian Center • Earnest and Debra Greenwood-Sharp.
Committee Members: Co-Chairs: Debra Greenwood-Sharp and Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage.
About The Historical Park: The George Ranch Historical Park is a living history museum that showcases Texas history from the 1830s through the 1930s. The Park is anchored by home sites from four generations: 1830s Jones Stock Farm, 1860s Ryon Prairie Home, 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and 1930s George Ranch House and Cattle Complex. A visit to the Park includes historic home tours, living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, cattle working and dipping vat demonstrations and more! Guests should allow three to four hours to tour the Park and should dress for the weather. The George Ranch Historical Park is a living history partnership between the Fort Bend History Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and The George Foundation, a Texas Charitable Trust.
FEBRUARY 2022 l
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Fort Bend Literacy Council ’s Reading Between the Wines
Promises Laughter and Fun for All
Fundraiser for Adult Literacy Education Friday, March 25th
T
he Literacy Council of Fort Bend County invites everyone to enjoy and evening of fun and fabulous food with Emmy award-winning actress, comedian, singer and author Vicki Lawrence as the featured speaker at Reading Between the Wines - Night of a Thousand Laughs on Friday, March 25th at Safari Texas.
Jim McClellan, presenting sponsor The Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation, with honorees Arlene and Len Rolsen. “We are thrilled to host Vicki Lawrence for this year’s Reading Between the Wines,” said Terri Stuart, Executive Director. “In light of world events over the last 18 months, an evening full of fun, laughter and levity is exactly what our community needs, and we think Vicki Lawrence definitely fits the bill.” Co-chaired by Gena Horak and Patti Parish-Kaminski, the flagship event is presented by The Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation and honors Len and Arlene Rolsen for their long-term dedication and support of adult literacy education in Fort Bend County.
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The event features a restaurant stroll promoting the best menu items from local chefs and restaurants with featured wines, along with music by JJ Essen, a live auction, a super silent auction, a grab bag opportunity called “Pushing the Envelope,” plus a dessert auction. “This is the one event all year long you do not want to miss,” said co-chair Patti Parish-Kaminski. “After a home bound hiatus of television binge-watching, it’s time for friends to get out and have some fun. As Carol would sing at the end of every show, ‘I’m so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song.’ Let’s have a laugh with Vicki, support an amazing community asset and have some much-needed fun!” Featured restaurants for this year’s event to date include Blockhouse Coffee, Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, El Tiempo Cantina, Off the Vine Bistro, Ol’ Railroad Café, Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar and The Swinging Door. Generous event sponsors committed to date include The Richard and Paula Ruskan Charitable Trust, Allegiance Bank – Stafford, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, Eileen Akerson, Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Cadence Bank, CivilCorp LLC, Holly Clay, Comcast, Kris Cobb – Wells Fargo Advisors, Roy Cordes, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Gena and Paul Horak, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Patti and Tim Kaminski, KW Southwest, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Allison Piper, William & Debbie Schwer, Jess and Terri Stuart and Tallas Insurance. Reading Between the Wines is the signature event for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Proceeds from the event support adult literacy education programs and services throughout Fort Bend County. Since 2013, the annual event has raised more than $1 million to invest in programs including English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency/ GED Exam Prep, and United States Citizenship and Civics courses. Sponsorship opportunities between $500 to $10,000 are available, including specialty sponsorships for valet, auction, VIP reception and individual tickets. For more information, contact the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281-2408181 or e-mail Alex Sanchez at asanchez@ftbendliteracy.org. About Vicki Lawrence A multi-talented actress, comedian, and singer, Lawrence is known for the many characters she originated on CBS’s The Carol Burnett Show, where she appeared for the entire series run from 1967 to 1978. One such character, Thelma Harper/ Mama, was the central character of ever popular television situation comedy series Mama’s Family. Both shows can still be viewed today and are syndicated throughout the country. Lawrence has multiple Emmy Award nominations, including a win in 1976. She is a multiple Golden Globe nominee, all for The Carol Burnett Show. In 1973, Lawrence recorded the hit song “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” It reached Number One on both the United States and Canada top charts.
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Co-Chairs Gena Horak & Patti Parish-Kaminski & The Reading Between the Wines Committee for
Party with a Purpose Monday, February 21, 2022 5-7 pm
14135 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Admission: $25 Gift Card Donation Complimentary Appetizers $50 Gift Card Donations Include Exclusive Party Favor Benefitting The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County
Please RSVP: asanchez@ftbendliteracy.org or 281.240.8181
Earns State Award for Excellence in Counseling NEWSWORTHY
The counseling programs at Cornerstone and Mission West Elementary Schools and Sugar Land Middle School were named winners of the 2021 Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award for Counseling Excellence by the Texas School Counselor Association. The Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) schools are among the nearly 200 schools recognized across the state and the 53 schools in the greater Houston area named to this year’s list of honorees. “To say that I am proud of our schools is an understatement,” FBISD’s Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck said. “This recognition is well deserved and a testament to the work our counselors engage in every day to support our students in their academic and personal growth.” The CREST award is given to school counseling programs that are committed to using the state model to improve the lives and academic, career and social achievements of students. Through evaluation,
counselors are able to gauge the effectiveness of their programs in five categories: • Introduction to the school and the role of the professional school counselor • Program implementation cycle • Foundation components • Four service delivery components • Program curriculum “These schools join an elite group from across the state, and submitting an application shows how committed these programs are to their students and school community,” CREST co-chair Jill Adams said. The Texas School Counselor Association is a division of the Texas Counseling Association, and supports professional school counselors by advocating for and advancing the role of the professional school counselor and the comprehensive school guidance and counseling program throughout Texas. To learn more, visit www.tsca.txca.org.
FEBRUARY 2022 l
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Oenophile By Denman Moody
Great Values in Red Wines Cabernets
Winter is red wine season. On a cold night, it is hard to beat a burger, roasted chicken or a steak with a perfectly matched red wine. Here are some winners in all price ranges selected from several hundred red wines I have tasted over the last three months.
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 A first growth quality Napa winner. Everything in sync for an almost perfect Cabernet at $240
Other Red Wines
Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Napa Valley 2018 Named in the recently released Wine Spectator Top 100 at $80
La Vieille Ferme Non-Vintage While only stating “France” on the label, this is a Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. Possibly the best red wine in the world at this price at $7.50 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2019 From famous all-Pro defensive back, Charles Woodson. Aged 18 months in French and Eastern European oak. Lovely red fruit flavors at $19.99
J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2018 Only 2,340 three-bottle cases. Best wine I have experienced from Paso Robles from what I now consider one of the great wineries of the world at $100
Green Wing Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (Washington) 2019 Prodigious first release. With 14% Merlot in the blend, this beauty reminds me of one of the earlydrinking St. Juliens at three times the price at $30
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Howell Mountain 2017 Chocolate-covered blackcurrants and blackberries with firm tannic structure and good acidity at $105 Duckhorn The Discussion Napa Valley 2016 Aged in my cellar a couple extra years, this wine has developed an added, subtle seductiveness. Perfect with a rib eye steak at $140 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014 There is a good reason to save a bottle or two from a great vintage like this. Mature, complex, perfect with beef tenderloin at $165
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Davis Bynum Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018 Aged 14 months in French and Hungarian oak. Excellent balance and hard to beat at $32 Gran Passione Rosso IGT (Veneto) 2020 Impressive label and bottle design. Contender for best value, all-purpose red wine at $13.99 Teliani Valley Separavi (Country of Georgia) 2019 Similar to a top Cotes-du-Rhone. Another great value at $15
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Saldo California Zinfandel Non-Vintage A big, bold Zin with 15.5% alcohol. Enjoy with meat pizza at $40 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018 I have yet to meet a Gary Farrell Pinot Noir that I didn’t enjoy! A name you can count on at $40
NEWSWORTHY
Jim Rice Announces Re-Election Campaign for Fort Bend ISD Trustee Position 3
Migration Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2019 Cherries, strawberries and a hint of cinnamon. Roasted chicken. From the Duckhorn Dynasty at $42 Coen Reserve Malbec Uco Valley 2019 Chocolate-covered strawberries with a hint of cinnamon at $44 Ridge Geyserville 2019 Blend of 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan, 7% Petite Sirah and 3% Alicante Bouschet. The Ridge Zins never cease to amaze me at $44 Paraduxx Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel. Lamb at $50 Goldeneye Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2018 Best non-specific vineyard Goldeneye ever at $55 Calera Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard 2018 From a vineyard with 2,200 ‘ elevation, planted in 1984! Lovely juxtaposition between elegance and power at $80
Jim Rice announced he will seek re-election as Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) Board of Trustee, Position 3 in the May 7th, 2022 election. Rice currently serves as the FBISD Trustee, Position 3. “I am proud of my service as a Trustee on the Board for Fort Bend ISD. During my tenure I have served as Board Secretary and twice as Board President. Currently I serve as the Board Vice President, as a member of the Governance Committee and chair the Audit Committee. My goals have always been to provide a quality education for all students, to support our teachers, engage the community and to maintain a balanced budget. I am very passionate about public education and have been actively involved in education leadership positions throughout the community,” said Rice. Rice is President and founder of Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc., a division of Project Controls. He understands what it takes to make payroll, pay taxes and maintain a balanced budget. Rice believes education plays a vital role in providing a competitive advantage to Fort Bend County, our community and our nation. Rice is a 40-year resident of Sugar Land, and has been married to his wife Mary for over 41 years. Their three grown children are all FBISD high school graduates, and all three are Eagle Scouts. Rice has been actively involved as a volunteer at all levels of Boy Scouts. He is actively involved in the community having served or currently serving on the boards for the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Rice and his late friend, Bob McClendon, co-founded Fort Bend Cares — a 501c(3) charitable foundation in 2005. The Foundation provided grants of over one million dollars to organizations serving disadvantaged youth in Fort Bend County for 15 over years until it was dissolved in 2021. In his role as the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Education Division Chair, Rice provides programs and meetings that help better inform the community about public and higher education topics and issues. “I sought election as a Trustee because I believe my leadership and management skills would help the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees govern well in order to provide an outstanding education for all students,” Rice said. “I am seeking reelection to continue to work with the teachers, administration and the community to make responsible decisions that benefit all of our students.” For additional information or to sign up as a volunteer, contribute or make comments, please visit Rice’s campaign website at www.jimricefbisd.com.
High Net Worth Individuals Only For large, permanent life insurance policies • $5,000,000 plus for estate planning / legacy / charitable / business buy-sell agreements • Dramatically lower cost • Utilizing leverage and the time value of money Please call for a complimentary consultation:
Denman Moody Jr, J.D. • 713.202.5229 Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant Former Senior Vice President & Trust Officer of a major Houston bank. FEBRUARY 2022 l
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National Charity League, Inc., Sugar Land Jewels Chapter Hosts Annual Mother-Daughter Fashion Show $3,295 Raised For Local Charitable Organizations
Fashiongroup22: Shanna Crain, Rebecca Perez, Molly Lootens, Ava Crain, Emarie Schweikhardt, Gaby Smith, Alex Perez, Kate Bourgeois, Cassidy Watts, Kaitlyn Burns, Kylie Stubbs, Bailey Harris, Campbell Cox, Hadley Boudreaux, Lori Schweikhardt, Nora Damiano, Veronica Messersmith, Sydney Messersmith, Karin Deshon, Gabriella Zezatti, Zoe Councill, Lauren Jonas, Alycia Watts, Toni Burns, Morgan Leaman, Michelle Harris, Ann Lootens, Jennifer Cox, Mandy Boudreaux, Ellie Damiano, Shelly Stubbs, Susan Councill, Susan Bourgeois, Rita Jonas, Reinette Zezatti, Rachel Leaman, Anna Williams and Jessica Williams. Members from the National Charity League, Inc., Sugar Land Jewels Chapter recently held their 4th Annual Mother-Daughter Fashion Show featuring the Class of 2023 at Liberty Venue in Richmond. Traditionally a part of the Chapter Tea, the committee chose to make the style show a stand-alone event due to the large number of models from the
NEWSWORTHY
Center. Each house chose a theme of decades, western, college game day and pretty in pink, and models were encouraged to thrift their outfits or shop their own closets. It was fun to see the model’s interpretation and personality on the runway. The event was emceed by voice actor and former radio talent, Michele Fisher. A new aspect of the show was to make it a fundraiser to benefit some of the philanthropy partners supported by the Jewels Chapter through sponsorships, VIP seating and a silent auction. This exclusive, in-house show raised an incredible $3,295 that was split evenly among the four philanthropies, equaling $823.75 to each. What an incredible blessing! The National Charity League, Inc., Sugar Land Jewels would like to thank Waddell Law Firm, P.C. Lauren Waddell, Crumbl Cookies - Aliana & Annette Chairess - Aztec Events & Tents for their generous sponsorship and donations to make the event a success. Do you want to make an impact in your local community? Visit https:// www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/ sugarlandjewels/ to find more information on how to get involved.
Jennifer and Campbell Cox in 70s fashion.
Alycia and Cassidy Watts in 90s fashion.
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participating class. With that being said, “Phashion for Philanthropy” was born! The class was divided into four fashion houses, each representing a philanthropy partner supported by NCL: Lunches of Love, Gigi’s Playhouse, Hope for Three and Fort Bend Women’s
Anna Williams in Boho/Western chic.
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
MEDICAL FOCUS
Don’t Delay Primary Care Visits Delaying primary care visits can put your health at risk. It’s important to prioritize primary care visits even when you’re busy juggling other responsibilities in life. And with cold and flu season here, taking steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness can give you and your family peace of mind. Here’s a look at key primary care visits to get caught up on:
ton Methodist Primary Care Group at Riverstone. “They provide protection for you and others against flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.”
Cancer Screenings
If you have been putting off primary care wellness visits, you may not be aware of cancer screenings that are appropriate for your current age. “Your primary care proLola Okunnu, M.D., family medicine, and Zenithe Pierre Ware, M.D., vider may recommend getting a internal medicine and pediatrics Annual Wellness mammogram, colonoscopy, lung Checkups cancer screening, prostate screening or another cancer screen“Seeing a primary care provider who knows you and your ing test at a wellness visit,” said Okunnu. “These tests help find health history can help you manage your health — and even certain cancers early, when they are more treatable.” save your life,” said Lola Okunnu, M.D., board-certified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Chronic Disease Management Group at Sugar Land. “Your primary care provider can also help coordinate your care with specialists, which is essential when you’re managMental Health Screening ing diabetes, heart disease, asthma and other conditions,” said You can talk to your primary care provider about mental Ware. health concerns, such as anxiety, depression and other mood Don’t delay in getting caught up on your family’s preventive disorders. wellness checks, screenings and vaccinations. To schedule inperson or virtual appointments with Houston Methodist Primary Vaccinations Care Group, call 713.394.6639 or visit www.houstonmethodist. “It’s more important than ever to stay on schedule with recorg/pcg/southwest. ommended vaccines,” said Zenithe Pierre Ware, M.D., boardVisit www.houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more certified internal medicine and pediatrics physician with Housabout Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
Want to know what’s going on in your community?
Check out Community Events at FortBendFocus.com
And list your non-profit Community Event for Free! E-mail patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com FEBRUARY 2022 l
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By Alisa Murray
H
ey Sweet Lifers! I love to plant seeds and watch them grow and share my knowledge about herbs, flowers and of course, veggies with anyone who will listen. I have a pretty patch of veggies, flowers and herbs going year round and that is one of the best parts about living in Texas. We can grow all year long and have sustainability right from our yards! At each season there’s always things to do, and digging in the dirt is my therapy! February is a great month to start growing, and the most important thing you need to do is make sure you have prepared your soil. It’s like building a house in that your foundation has to be right in order for everything to thrive. Then it’s really a matter of figuring out what you like to eat and how your garden will serve both you and the wildlifes and then sprinkle your seeds and watch things grow! There are three general types of gardens. The Herbal Garden, which will provide you with not only fabulous seasonings and spices for your dishes, but also serves to help create your apothecary for home remedies. Many herbs are companion plants that also serve to protect vegetables from common pests. Planting them alongside your vegetables allows them to help you while letting them do what they do best. The second type of garden is The Vegetable Garden, which is pretty self explanatory. The real task in creating one of these is how much to plant to sustain your family and planting things that you eat regularly. The third type of garden is the Cutting Garden, which is composed of flowers from both seeds and bulbs to use in salads and in making arrangements to decorate your home. Many flowers are used in apothecary and in making bath and beauty to enjoy and gift. Over the next several months I will be showing you how and when to grow in each of the different gardens, as well as suggestions for what to do with the fruits and flowers of your labor.
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February in the Herbal Garden is time to start seeds. These should be done in small containers that can then be transferred directly into the garden after the last frost. Because I also do a lot of cooking, I actually plant all of the main herbs and keep those going year round. You will want to think about what you like to eat and let that dictate what you grow. If you love Italian foods, then you’ll want parsley, both curly and flat-leafed, oregano and thyme as an example. If you already have herbs growing, cutting them back regularly and adding nutrients to the soil is a must. Converting your clippings to dried herbs restocks your pantry all the time. You can also sprinkle them in ice cube trays filled with olive oil and freeze them to pop into soups, stews and sauces. In the Vegetable Garden, colder crops grow better now, such as Swiss chard, peas, onions, lettuces, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, beets, mustard greens, collards, carrots, turnips, radishes, spinach, cauliflower and broccoli. For the Brassica’s, keeping them pest free can be done by planting the companion herb rue. In the Cutting Garden, it is time to sprinkle seeds of zinnias, poppies and dahlias, tulips, daffodil, dahlia and lilly bulbs can be put in as well, although in my garden the deer have dug up and eaten bulbs, and those that do bloom, the deer come along and munched on the blooms, so I just toss seeds into composted prepped spaces and keep them watered. This has provided me with a sea of blooms to use in arrangements, and the buzzing wildlife seem to really enjoy dedicated spaces for blooming plants. I like it best to have an area close to the vegetable beds so that the butterflies and bees are fed, and they then meander over next door to pollinate the cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. This has worked very well and looks much nicer. Each type of garden brings so much joy and has lessons in patience and perseverance. I encourage you to just pick something and get growing!
FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
MEDICAL FOCUS
Colon Cancer in Younger Adults: Know the Risks Lower Your Risks It may be hard to believe that colon cancer could develop in your 20s, 30s or 40s — but the risks are real. In 2020, the death “Some of the factors that increase your of actor Chadwick Boseman at age 43 risk for colon cancer are beyond your confrom colon cancer underscored the threat trol,” said Nautiyal. “However, you have the of colon cancer to younger adults. With power to make healthy lifestyle choices colon cancer increasing in younger adults, to help reduce your risk.” Nautiyal recomit’s important to raise awareness about the mends the following: risks and be proactive about prevention and • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet with early detection. plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains The American Cancer Society estimates may help prevent colon cancer. that 12% of all new colon cancer cases • Avoid highly processed foods. Lunch in the U.S. will be diagnosed in patients meats and foods containing added chemiyounger than 50. “Lifestyle factors, such cals and preservatives may increase colon as having a poor diet and being overweight cancer risk. may be contributing to the increase in Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D., • Exercise regularly. Having a sedentary Hematologist-Oncologist. cases in younger adults; however, much is lifestyle has been linked to colon cancer. not known yet,” said Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D., • Lose weight. Being overweight or board-certified hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodobese can also increase the risk of colon cancer. ist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “Adults ages 50 and older • Quit tobacco and limit alcohol. Both are linked to many are still the highest risk group for colon cancer, but the risk of cancers including colon cancer. colon cancer for younger adults is rising faster.” Colorectal Cancer Screening Early screenings and detection of colorectal cancer make it possible to find the disease early when it’s more treatable. The National Cancer Institute recommends colorectal cancer screening, including a colonoscopy, starting at age 45 for people with an average risk of colon cancer. If you have an increased risk for colorectal cancer, screening should start before age 45. You may be at increased or high risk for colon cancer if you have: • A strong family history of colon cancer • A personal history of colorectal polyps • A hereditary syndrome that increases your risk • Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease • Radiation to your abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer. How do you know if you have a strong family history of colon cancer? Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer increases your risk. The risk goes up if your relative was diagnosed before age 50 or more than one relative was diagnosed.
Watch For Warning Signs Colon cancer is more likely to be overlooked in younger people and tends to be more aggressive, so it’s important to get checked out if you have concerns. Some of the warning signs include: • Rectal bleeding • A change in bowel habits • Unusual abdominal pains • Unexpected weight loss. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nautiyal or another hematologist-oncologist, call 281.276.5200. Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
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absolutely AUTO REVIEW By Steve Kursar
2022 FORD BRONCO
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he 2022 Ford lineup brings back one of the iconic nameplates for the automaker and does so in spectacular fashion. Ford Motor Company took its time bringing back the legendary 4x4, and it was worth the wait. The all-new Bronco will not disappoint anyone who is looking for a true off-roading machine that will look good and handle well whether you’re on a tough rock-crawling expedition or just heading to the Galleria. The original first-generation Bronco appeared in dealer showrooms back in 1965 and was a very basic 4x4, with a simple, boxy two-door design. The Bronco was introduced long before the SUV craze took over American car buyers, but it was popular with a niche group of owners. That original design played a huge part in influencing the design of this newest Bronco generation. A base 2022 Bronco comes with an MSRP price tag of 28,500, about $1,000 less than a base Jeep Wrangler. All Broncos are available as two or four-door models and with two engine and two transmission options. The base engine is a 300 hp, 2.3 liter Ecoboost in-line four-cylinder that can be mated to
the seven-speed manual transmission or an optional ten-speed automatic transmission. That seventh speed on the manual is actually a super-low geared crawl gear that’s engineered to get you safely through an extreme rocky trail.
For an extra $1,896, you can outfit your Bronco with the more powerful engine available, a 330 hp, 2.7 liter Ecoboost V6 that can only be mated to the available ten-speed transmission. Both powertrains get understandably mediocre EPA estimated fuel economy numbers with the four-cylinder model getting 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway and the V6 getting 17 mpg for both city and highway. But, don’t even contemplate getting a Bronco if saving gas is your big priority, because the Bronco is built for fun and should be driven with that in mind. There are six trims offered, each with interesting names like Sasquatch and Wildtrak. Just know that every Bronco is built to take whatever trail you decide to drive. The newest Ford Bronco is exactly what it should be and kudos to Ford for getting it right. Whatever trim you choose, it’ll put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel whether you take it out to get dirty or you keep it shiny.
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February 2022 Winner “Blooms Abuzz” By Lisa Davis Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate! ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary. The entry must not have previously appeared in any publication. A WINNER EVERY ISSUE Each issue’s winner receives a gift certificate and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.
Please make sure to send some basic information about every photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and 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 300 dpi HIGH RESOLUTION at size of at least 10” wide. FEBRUARY 2022 l
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By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.
Living the Sweet Life: What is LOVE and the Meaning of LIFE
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ey Sweet Lifers! What is this thing called love? Over the years countless sonnets, stories and songs have been written on the subject and through searching for the answer to the question of love, yet another answer most profound reveals itself. The answer to the question, “What is the meaning of life!” The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthian church, wrote one of the most beloved accounts of what love is and should be. The Corinthians were in a culture war and were in need of some insights on how to be sweet. Very appropriate for our times now too, don’t you think? Paul, as you know, calls each person to examine their lives and reflect on how they are living, and in his words, exemplifies what it means to live in Christ. The epistle states on love and loving, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”(1 Corinthians 13) The Apostle Paul covers every possible instance that occurs in the human experience. More profound than that though is in coming to terms with the meaning of life through love and loving. Over my 52 years I’d like to think that I have finally figured out the answer to the question what is love? This has not been easy, and it is ever evolving as most humans are. When love is explained through patience and kindness, I have mastered that. I find myself taking a deep breath; even when someone says or has done something that is not sweet, I now just smile. Granny used to say, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” I certainly do not at my age want to be another “wrong.” As far as envy and boasting goes . . . well, there’s still a tinge of heart tugs when I see a really fine ride and then I remind myself that I have no car payment. I have had the rude part down since a child as I was raised correctly, but
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that part about self-seeking has been more difficult to master. Thinking of others first I think comes with age, and the older I get, the better I get at it, especially once I became a mother. Oh I have the anger thing down like you would not believe! I have replaced any anger with a great response that I encourage you to try too…disappointed! This is especially effective with your children and friends. Keeping tabs on things done or left undone I tend to at church during the confession. God’s got His own list of bad stuff we’ve done, should have done and flat out just did not do, and I ain’t got time to worry about that! The good and evil of this world is His battle too; ours is to simply and beautifully love one another. The answers to life’s biggest questions come in duality and in simple and small things. Life can seem hard to figure out, but when you examine it fully, it’s really very simple. The acceptance that everyone is a child of God and even the most different from us are to be loved unconditionally is paramount. When we realize that to love completely we are shining our light and gifting the world with God’s intentions our lives have meaning and purpose, and we are able to share and care for one another and make a difference while we are here. You have to start with yourself first and love yourself, then you’ll become empowered to fully love others. Only then you can truly show love and “live a sweet life!” Take Care of YOU & stay “sweet!”
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