May 2022 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

MAY 2022

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Treating Complex Conditions of the Spine and Brain

A Brunch Surprise for

Mom

KEEP YOU MOVING

without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes: • Innovative pain control methods • Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time And, with enhanced safety measures in place, you can rest assured your safety is our priority.

Sugar Land

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain 281.201.0396

{Features}

M AY 2 0 2 2

{COVER STORY}

6 FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

May 7th, Election Day Voting Centers

17 A BRUNCH SURPRISE FOR MOM Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note.

{Columns} 12 THE SWEET LIFE GARDENER Rosemary

14 FORT BEND STRONG Known But To God

Tsz Lau, M.D. and Derrick Sun, M.D. Photo by Morris Malakoff Photography.

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TREATING COMPLEX CONDITIONS OF THE SPINE AND BRAIN

24 THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST

The Texas Two-Step: Barbeque and Wine’

27 ON THE PORCH WITH PATTI Momma Trauma

29 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE It’s The Little Things

At the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center in Sugar Land, Tsz Lau, M.D. and Derrick Sun, M.D. are part of a highly skilled team that includes board certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management specialists, primary care sports medicine specialists and rehabilitation specialists who work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care, designed to help patients return to a productive lifestyle. What this means for residents of Fort Bend County is that they no longer have to leave the area to receive comprehensive neurosurgical care.

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MAY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Page 12 & 29

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MAY 2022 VOLUME 18 | NUMBER 5

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The Honorable Pete Olson Contributor Page 14 Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. thedrunkencyclist.com Page 24

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absolutely!

Auto Review

Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 27

27 Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 28

2022 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

{Newsworthy} 5 COVID-19 IN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY LIVE ZOOM SESSION Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D and Dr. Emily Hotez, Ph.D.

20 FORT BEND SENIORS MEALS ON WHEELS

To Host Friend Day Round Up

Starts May 30th

{In Every Issue} 4 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

DR. BETTY BAITLAND

18 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

22 FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

21 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

Named Child Advocate of the Year

7 LIBRARIES’ SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

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May 2022 Happenings

11 JENNIFER LANE SEEKS RE-ELECTION

For Sugar Land City Council At-Large Position 2

13 40 YEARS . . . STILL STRONG IN SONG! A Fort Bend Boys Choir Spring Concert Celebration

16 LA COCINA MEXICAN RESTAURANT BEGINS PLANNING

15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration Benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels

25 NEWBORNS BORN JUNE 5TH TO 11TH

Receive Special Welcome from Libraries

26 FORT BEND RAINBOW ROOM AND FEDERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC. Announce Partnership for the 11th Annual Pot of Gold Classic

{Medical Focus} 23 TEAM UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR BETTER HEALTH Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

ON THE COVER: Tsz Lau, M.D. and Derrick Sun, M.D. Photo by Morris Malakoff Photography.

MAY 2022 l

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

May Madness For years I have professed that the months of May and December are by far the busiest and most hectic months of the year. In our house, it has just always worked out that way. By June 1st and January 1st, I let out a collective sigh of relief and vow to take a minute of much needed R and R. And it’s looking like the same is holding true for this May. For many of us, May brings the milestone of graduations – for our babies, for our family members and even for ourselves in some cases – and all of the Patti Kaminski and Suzie Beyer at pomp and circumstance that goes along the inaugural Sugar Land Arts Fest with the commencement celebrations. hosted by The Sugar Land Cultural In the Kaminski household, our baby Arts Foundation and The City of Sugar boy graduates from college, and it’s a Land. Congratulations to the organizing bittersweet moment for this momma. committee on an amazing event!

I’m sharing my “Momma Trauma” in On the Porch with Patti on page 27. I hope you enjoy it.

Another May milestone is Election Day. May 7th is Election Day for our Municipal Elections. If you haven’t voted already, please take a moment and exercise your right to vote. These local officials are the ones who touch your lives on a daily basis, and it’s important for you to have a voice in who they are. For a poll location near you, see the complete list on page 6.

Mother’s Day is by far the Super Bowl of days in May, and you best get busy preparing for the big event. To help you make mom feel special on her day, we’re sharing a video recipe for a brunch treat mom is sure to love. Don’t worry – it’s an easy one. Even I could do it!

From Cinco de Mayo to Derby Day, there’s so much to keep your calendar full during May, so choose and choose wisely. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?” Be busy about the things that bring you joy this May and every day.

As always, stay focused!

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Vol. 18 No.5 May 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 Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. Steve Kursar 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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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.

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MAY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D and Dr. Emily Hotez, Ph.D. COVID-19 in the Autism Community Live Zoom Session on May 17th Hope For Three Autism Advocates in collaboration with Access Health is honored to announce an intimate session with world-renowned doctors Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., father of an autistic daughter, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development in Houston, and his daughter, Dr. Emily Hotez, Ph.D. Emily is a developmental researcher and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA. She currently serves on the leadership team of the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health. As a sibling to her autistic sister, Dr. Emily Hotez is committed to carrying out projects that adapt a neurodiversity-oriented lens toward health-promotion.

NEWSWORTHY

Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D. Join the one-hour live, informative, and educational Zoom session on May 17 at 2 pm CST. Pre-registration is required at https://www.hopeforthree.org/events/hotez/ for this once-in-alifetime opportunity.

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Municipal Elections

Municipal Elections May 7, 2022 Election Day Voting Centers

May 7, 2022 Elecciones municipales Election Day Voting Centers 7 de mayo de 2022 Revised 4/19/2022 3:19 PM Page 1 of 2

Centros de votación del día de las elecciones

COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE VotingVOTING COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE Location LOCATION ADDRESS ADDRESS Aki Prof Development Center Prof Dev Rooms 6361 S Stadium Ln Beasley City Hall CITY HALL BACK BOARDROOM 319 S. Third Street Beckendorf Jr High Gym Lobby 8200 South Fry Rd. Bowie Middle Main Hallway by Gym 700 Plantation Dr Brazos Bend Baptist Church Education Building 22311 FM 762 Rd Briarchase Missionary Bapt Ch. Fellowship hall 16000 Blueridge Rd Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 4111 Airport Ave Chasewood Clubhouse Level 1 (Clubhouse Facility) 7622 Chasewood Dr Cinco Ranch Branch Library Meeting Room 2620 Commercial Center Blvd.

Clements HS Auditorium Lobby 4200 Elkins Rd Commonwealth Clubhouse Clubhouse 4330 Knightsbridge Blvd Crockett Middle Girls Gym 19001 Beechnut St Elkins HS Front lobby 7007 Knights Ct Fairgrounds Bldg D Main Building 4310 Highway 36 S Fort Bend ISD Admin. Bldg.

Lobby 16431 Lexington Blvd Four Corners Community Center "Sprint Room" 15700 Old Richmond Road Garcia Middle Schoool Gym Area Hallway 18550 Old Richmond Road George Bush HS Gym Foyer 6707 FM 1464 RD George Memorial Library Large Meeting Room, 1st Floor 1001 Golfview Dr Goodman Elementary TBD 1100 W Sycamore Great Oaks Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 7101 FM 2759 Rd Greatwood Community Rec Center Banquet Hall 7225 Greatwood Parkway Hightower HS Front Lobby 3333 Hurricane Ln Hunters Glen Elementary Gym 695 Independence Blvd Imperial Park Recreation Center Meeting Room 234 Matlage Way Irene Stern Community Center Main Room 6920 Fulshear-Katy RD Jacks Conference Center Main Room 3232 Austin Pkwy Jones Creek Ranch Park Main Room 7714 FM 359 Rd Kempner HS Side hallway thru student park 14777 Voss Rd Kendleton Church of God ED Building 619 FM 2919 Rd Lake Olympia Club House Ballroom 180 Island Blvd Lantern Lane Elem. cafeteria 3323 Mission Valley Dr Lexington Creek Elem Gymnasium 2335 Dulles Ave Living Word Lutheran Church Life Center - Courtyard Side 3700 South Mason Road 6 Conference MAY 2022 Center l TO ADVERTISE, Lost Creek MainEMAIL: Room patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com 3703 Lost Creek Blvd Maryam Islamic Center Multi-purpose Area/Room 504 Sartartia Rd

CITY

CITY

KATY, TX BEASLEY, TX KATY, TX RICHMOND, TX NEEDVILLE, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX ROSENBERG, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX KATY, TX SUGAR LAND, TX SUGAR LAND, TX RICHMOND, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX ROSENBERG, TX SUGAR LAND, TX SUGAR LAND, TX SUGAR LAND, TX RICHMOND, TX RICHMOND, TX FRESNO, TX RICHMOND, TX SUGAR LAND, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX SUGAR LAND, TX FULSHEAR, TX SUGAR LAND, TX RICHMOND, TX SUGAR LAND, TX KENDLETON, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX MISSOURI CITY, TX KATY, TX SUGAR LAND, TX SUGAR LAND, TX

ZIP ZIP 77494 77417 77494 77406 77461 77489 77471 77489 77494 77479 77479 77407 77459 77471 77479 77498 77478 77407 77469 77545 77469 77479 77459 77459 77478 77441 77479 77406 77498 77417 77459 77459 77459 77450 77478 77479

77417 Kendleton Church of God ED Building 619 FM 2919 Rd KENDLETON, TX 77459 Lake Olympia Club House Ballroom 180 Island Blvd MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 Lantern Lane Elem. cafeteria 3323 Mission Valley Dr MISSOURI CITY, TX COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE VOTING LOCATION ADDRESS CITY ZIP 77459 Lexington Creek Elem Gymnasium 2335 Dulles Ave MISSOURI CITY, TX 77450 Living Word Lutheran Church Life Center - Courtyard Side 3700 South Mason Road KATY, TX 77478 Lost Creek Conference Center Main Room 3703 Lost Creek Blvd SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 Maryam Islamic Center Multi-purpose Area/Room 504 Sartartia Rd SUGAR LAND, TX 77477 Meadows Place City Hall Council Chambers 1 Troyan Dr MEADOWS PLACE, TX 77083 Mission Bend Library Meeting Room 8421 Addicks Clodine Rd HOUSTON, TX 77489 Missouri City Baptist Church Multipurpose Building 16816 Quail Park Dr MISSOURI CITY, TX 77489 Missouri City Visitors Center Main Room 1522 Texas Parkway MISSOURI CITY, TX 77545 Mustang Community Center Classroom 4521 FM 521 Rd FRESNO, TX 77464 Orchard City Hall Room # 7 9714 Kibler ORCHARD, TX 77406 Pecan Grove MUD Admin Bldg Main Meeting Space 751 Pitts Road RICHMOND, TX 77053 Pinnacle Senior Center Multi-purpose Room 5525 Hobby St HOUSTON, TX 77459 Quail Valley Elem Main Room 3500 Quail Village Dr MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 Quail Valley Fund Office Board Room 3603 Glenn Lakes Ln MISSOURI CITY, TX 77479 Reese Tech Ctr B116 - Physical Therapy Room 12300 University Blvd SUGAR LAND, TX 77459 Ridge Point HS Gym Foyer 500 Waters Lake Blvd.

MISSOURI CITY, TX 77489 Ridgegate Community Ass'n Main Room 5855 West Ridgecreek Dr HOUSTON, TX 77053 Ridgemont Early Childhood Ctr Extended Day Room 5353 Ridgecreek Circle HOUSTON, TX 77479 River Park Recreation Ctr. Rec Center 5875 Summit Crk Drive SUGAR LAND, TX 77461 Road and Bridge (Needville) meeting room 3743 School Street NEEDVILLE, TX 77471 Rosenberg Annex Building varies 4520 Reading Rd ROSENBERG, TX Revised 4/19/2022 3:19 PM Municipal Elections Elecciones municipales 77471 2110 Fourth Street ROSENBERG, TX Rosenberg City Hall City Hall Council Chamber Page 2 of8125 2 Homeward Way May 7,Middle 2022 7 deTXmayo de77479 2022 Sartartia Front Area SUGAR LAND, 77459 Sienna Annex Community Room 5855 Sienna Springs Way MISSOURI CITY, TX Election Day Voting Centers Centros de votación del día de las elecciones 77477 Stafford City Hall Large Conference Room 2610 S Main St STAFFORD, TX COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE Voting Location ADDRESS CITY LAND, TX ZIP 77478 Sugar Lakes Clubhouse Clubhouse 930 Sugar Lakes Dr SUGAR 77478 Sugar Land Branch Library Meeting Room 550 Eldridge Rd SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 Sugar Land Church of God Fellowship Hall 1715 Eldridge Rd SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 Sugar Land City Hall - Municipal Election Lobby 2700 Town Center Blvd N TX I:\0.SharedInfo\2022\2 May 7, 2022\Polling Locations\Election Day Vote Centers May 7, 2022SUGAR Vote LAND, Centers 77494 Tompkins HS PAC Lobby or Gym Lobby 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd KATY, TX 77498 Townewest Towne Hall Main Room 10322 Old Towne Ln SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 University Branch Library Meeting Room 1 14010 University Blvd SUGAR LAND, TX 77406 Westlake Preparatory Academy Varies 23300 Bellaire Blvd RICHMOND, TX Source: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/Election-Day-Vote-Centers-May-7%2C-2022_0.pdf

Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge Starts May 30th Fort Bend County Libraries presents special reading challenges during the summer to encourage reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults.

“Oceans of Possibilities” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Online registration for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge, which takes place at all Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) locations, will begin on Monday, May 30th, and continue through August 31st. Library programs and activities for children begin during the week of June 6th, and continue through July 30th.

Children from infancy through school-age are invited to come to the library to read a lot of great books and join in some fun activities to kick off a great summer! Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school

NEWSWORTHY

can participate with adults in the “YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to complete individual online challenges and win prizes.

There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or may register online by going to www.fortbend.lib.tx.us and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 30th. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time.

Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 6th. The last day to pick up awards is August 31st. Prizes must be collected from the “primary library of use” that the reader indicated on the registration form.

For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-633-4734.

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Treating Complex Conditions of the Spine and Brain Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s team of neurosurgeons is providing the most advanced surgical techniques to help Fort Bend patients.

F

or months, Sugar Land resident, Richard Rivera, had been experiencing pain in his lower back that traveled down his left leg, leaving his foot numb.

As the pain progressed, he struggled to walk. After a couple of falls, he realized it was time to see the doctor.

Rivera’s primary care physician ordered an MRI, and the results were surprising – rather than degenerative disc disease or bone spurs, the most common issues related to his symptoms – the 56-year-old had a tumor in the thoracic, or chest region, of his spine that was compressing his Richard Rivera spinal cord.

Microsurgery for Complex Tumors Rivera was referred to board-certified neurosurgeon Derrick Sun, M.D., at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. Sun specializes in diseases and disorders of the spine. He is unique in that he completed both a neurosurgery residency as well as an orthopedic spine surgery fellowship, allowing him to focus on complex injuries and disorders of the brain and spine.

COVER STORY

At the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center, Sun is part of a highly skilled team that includes boardcertified neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management specialists, primary care sports medicine specialists and rehabilitation specialists who work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care, designed to help patients return to a productive lifestyle.

Founded in 2010, the center treats common to complex cases using the most sophisticated techniques and technology, all close to home, for patients from Fort Bend and surrounding areas.

In November 2021, Sun performed surgery on Rivera to remove the tumor using a specialized operating microscope and micro instruments.

“Typically, tumors like this are very defined, almost floating,” said Sun. “They can be removed by just snipping both ends. But in this case, the tumor was attached to the spinal cord. So this was a much more complex surgery than we originally believed.”

Using microsurgery techniques, Sun identified the almost invisible border between the spinal cord and the tumor.

Eventually, he was able to cut away the tumor in one piece without damaging the spinal cord. The pathology report showed that the tumor was a type of hemangioma, a noncancerous vascular tumor.

After only two days in the hospital, Rivera was discharged to go home and continue his rehabilitation.

“He is doing very well now,” said Sun. “His leg strength has greatly improved, he is walking with reduced pain and the Derrick Sun, M.D. numbness.”

Relief from Challenging Conditions One of Sun’s colleagues at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center, board-certified neurosurgeon Tsz Lau, M.D., specializes in cerebrovascular procedures, including those involving brain tumors, blood clots and aneurysms. With his specialized training – he completed fellowships in both skull base cerebrovascular surgery and neuro-endovascular surgery – he performs procedures that were previously unavailable in the Fort Bend area.

One recent case involved a patient in her 70s, Maria Campos Torres, who suffered from severe tinnitus, or ringing in the ear. The condition was caused by a tumor at the base of her skull that was compressing two cranial nerves, impacting both her hearing and her balance.

In an intensive, five-hour procedure, Lau removed the non-malignant tumor, providing immediate relief.

The surgery required Lau to make an incision behind the ear, remove part of the skull and then cut out the tumor.

“This type of tumor, although benign, can severely impact a patient’s quality of life,” said Lau. “This patient couldn’t sleep at night due to the ringing in her ears, and she had lost her sense of balance which Maria Campos Torres made walking dangerous.

Photo by Morris Malakoff Photography.

Now she is living with minimal symptoms.”

Lau also recently treated a patient who had suffered an intra-cranial hemorrhage several years ago, due to a rare condition known as Moyamoya disease. April Vernon received an earlier cerebral bypass surgery that was unsuccessful and was told nothing more could be done by her previous doctor.

But when she developed April Vernon stroke-like symptoms due Photo by Morris Malakoff Photography. to continued bleeding in her brain, she made an appointment with Lau. “Using our advanced diagnostic technology – a specialized surgical microscope and micro instruments – we were able to see that the blood vessels in her brain were now large enough to attempt a direct bypass,” said Lau. “I harvested an artery from under her scalp, identified the existing recipient artery in the brain that had been affected by the disease, and bypassed it using the harvested artery.”

These types of procedures are extremely intricate.

The blood vessels involved are typically smaller than one millimeter in diameter.

“April is doing extremely well now,” said Lau. “It’s amazing to see her progress.”

Multidisciplinary Care for Diagnosis and Treatment One of the keys to the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center’s success in performing complex procedures previously unavailable in the Fort Bend area is Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s sophisticated imaging capabilities – enabling specialists to pinpoint issues and accurately diagnose each patient’s condition.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land will soon introduce a new biplane suite, which will allow Lau to perform all of the neuroendovascular procedures. This will be the first and only comprehensive cerebrovascular service in Fort Bend County.

Tsz Lau, M.D. The hospital houses three whole-body, 3-Tesla MRI scanners – the industry’s most powerful technology typically found only in the nation’s top academic medical centers — as well as advanced CT scanners that provide more detailed views than traditional units.

Patients also benefit from the hospital’s highly trained and compassionate nursing staff, who are skilled in caring

for patients both during and after complex neurosurgical procedures.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land also offers one of the country’s leading physical therapy/rehabilitation programs, with four convenient locations across Fort Bend County. Highly trained physical, occupational and speech therapists work directly with Neuroscience & Spine Center physicians to create and implement treatment plans that help patients overcome their injury or condition, reduce or eliminate pain and regain their mobility.

In addition to treating back and neck pain, the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center is also a leader in neurological care, using the most advanced therapeutic options to minimize symptoms, delay progression and improve the quality of life for patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders, multiple sclerosis, and much more.

Complex Care Close to Home The hospital’s commitment to offering the latest, most advanced surgical techniques for complex or uncommon neurological conditions means that patients can receive the care they need close to home.

“We can effectively treat anyone with complex cranial or spinal tumors or conditions using techniques that simply aren’t available everywhere,” said Lau. “And we can do it all right here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

That’s a tremendous benefit to the residents of Fort Bend County who no longer have to leave the area for comprehensive neurosurgical care.”

Sun encourages patients not to delay seeking treatment when unusual symptoms emerge.

“There is no need for people to suffer,” he said. “If you have pain or other neurologic symptoms, we can help. Our team works together to ensure that we have the right diagnosis – and the right treatment plan – regardless of your neurological condition.”

Request an Appointment

T

he Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land has board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management specialists and primary care sports medicine specialists who work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care, designed to help patients return to a productive lifestyle.

Patients can expect: • Expedited, timely appointments • Access to world-class specialists and sub-specialists at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital • Customized, coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team • Comfortable, accurate diagnostic testing with state-of-the-art technology

To request an appointment with one of the specialists at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 3 4 6 . 4 5 0 . 7 5 6 5 .

Lane Seeks Re-Election for Sugar Land City Council At-Large Position 2 Jennifer Lane is seeking re-election to a third term for Sugar Land City Council. In 2018, Lane was first elected and in 2020 ran unopposed to serve as At-Large Position 2 City Councilmember.

“As I continue to serve the residents of Sugar Land, I am truly honored to have the support of the community, and I am dedicated to keeping the City a place to raise your family, conduct business and live a good life,” said Lane, a 21-year resident of Sugar Land. “My commitment to all the citizens is unwavering.”

During Lane’s terms on council, the City of Sugar Land has thrived with 95% of the Citizen Satisfaction Survey being proud to call Sugar Land home. The city also has been recognized as one of the safest midsize Cities in America, recipient of the Distinguished Budget Award and voted Best Suburb among numerous other awards.

Lane serves as Mayor Pro-tem, is on the Compensation Committee, is President of the Sugar Land Development Corporation (4A) and is alternate to the HGAC Transportation Policy Council. Lane is also a current committee member of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation board and is a member of the Sugar

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NEWSWORTHY

Land Lions Club. In addition, she has served on the Economic Development Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee.

From softball and Little League openings to Fourth of July Celebrations, Lane has been involved in many community activities and events. As a councilmember, she helped welcome the Houston Astros and Triple-A baseball team, Space Cowboys, to Sugar Land and is looking forward to the upcoming season.

Through flood events, Winter Storm Uri and the COVID pandemic, Lane has worked with her fellow councilmembers and staff to address flood concerns, find resolution due to trash and debris issues and has helped to support and pivot the economy and businesses. Lane is committed to continue to represent the residents, work on drainage and infrastructure, be transparent and fiscally responsible and keep Sugar Land the safest city to live, work and play.

Lane has three sons, enjoys raising cattle with her father and has a BA in Business. The City’s General Election Day is May 7th, 2022.

Music & Fine Arts Offerings

Group Classes

Private Lessons • • • • •

• Guitar Ensemble • Acting/Improvisation

Piano Voice Guitar Acting Wind Instruments

Little Sprouts Ages: 3-5 Saturdays



Summer Camps

Acting Camp

@fortbendfocus

Tag Us as you are Out and About in the Heart of Bend

Musical Theatre Camp

Ages: 7-14 Dates: June 6-17 June 20-July 1

July 11-22

Guitar Camp

July 25August 5

Little Sprouts Musical Camp Ages: 3-5, July 11-15 Ages: 6-8, July 25-29

Ages: 7-14 Dates: June 27-July 1

Century Fine Arts

Century Fine Arts  3527 Highway 6, #220 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-201-2991  www.CenturyFineArts.com

3527 Highway 6, #220 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

281-201-2991

www.CenturyFineArts.com

MAY 2022 l

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By Alisa Murray www.alisamurrayslivingthesweetlife.com

H

Rosemary

ey Sweet Lifers! By now all of you should have gotten beds prepped and made some decisions about what you’d like to grow in your own gardens. I have been busy as well getting seedlings hardened off and ready to go into the main beds they were planned for. I have in the cutting garden Gladiolus popping through, as well as Zinnias, Cosmos, Sunflowers and Dahlias.

While the vegetable garden is a bountiful resource for feeding your family, it is perhaps the herb garden that plays a vital role in keeping your family healthy and your meals tasting delicious. The herb garden at it’s most basic should include the following: Basil, Rosemary, Mint, Spearmint, Thyme, Sage, Chives and Parsley. However, if you’re thinking you’d really enjoy the ability to walk outside and have a natural pharmacy at your fingertips, you’ll want to also add Aloe, Calendula, Camomile, Lemon Balm, Lavender and Ginger just to name a few. There are countless tonics, teas and tinctures, oils and vinegars that you can readily make to have on ready when you need remedies for simple ailments. You might be surprised in learning the history of some go back thousands of years and offer much more than a little seasoning for your supper!

Rosemary is such an herb that delivers a beautiful aromatic to fish, chicken, potatoes and more. As a member of the mint family, it should be kept away from a bed and best kept in a container so it does not spread. It is said that Rosemary had a white flower and when The Ever Blessed Virgin Mary placed her robe over it, it’s flowers turned blue. Rosemary also has a long history in the making of love potions and has been used for centuries in wedding flowers. Probably the most intriguing tidbit about this herb has to do with men pulling it up out of their gardens in the 16th century. It was believed that homes that

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had Rosemary growing in the garden were ruled by women!

Rosemary, when used as Apothecary, is very helpful with brain function, particularly in getting focused and relieving stress. Used as a tonic or tincture, it will soothe your nerves when stressed, assist in combatting mild depression and because it stimulates the adrenal glands, it also helps with blood flow. It does have some counter indications for those who are pregnant, anyone with kidney issues and allergies to aspirin should avoid it. As with all uses of herbs, if you don’t know without certainty about a plant, it is always best to research it and even consult your physician prior to using it.

Rosemary is safe when used as a culinary herb. Although it does tend to be quite strong, because of this, use it sparingly. It can be dried and cut and kept in an air tight container in your pantry, as well as pulled off the stem fresh and chopped for direct use. I love placing the entire stem under the skin of my chickens with lemons, while stuffing the inside with carrots, celery, onions and garlic.

You’ll find the stock made from such a roasted chicken is delightful and so much more delicious than without them.

Gardening can be so much more than a patch with veggies.

I hope you’ll plant a few herbs both to enrich your life naturally and add some extra delight to your dishes!

Keep on Growing!

MAY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

40 Years … Still Strong in Song!

A Fort Bend Boys Choir Spring Concert Celebration Nothing but good luck will be happening on Friday, May 13th. Why? The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas is celebrating their 40th Ruby Anniversary with a Spring Concert Celebration! Take note of the 7 pm start time of this exceptional event at Christ Church Sugar Land at 3300 Austin Parkway.

The Town-Training Choir will open the evening followed by the award-winning Tour Choir and a special appearance by Cantabilé, their Alumni Choir of changed voices. Tickets are only $18 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at the door or through the website at https://fbbctx.org/product/ spring-concert-tickets/.

This year’s Fort Bend Boys Choir theme – 40 Years … Still Strong in Song!

– is an appropriate one as they navigated safely through the pandemic. When other choir groups were not meeting, the Fort Bend Boys Choir did, following

safety protocols including singing while wearing a mask and social distancing in rehearsal. Their diligence and care paid off this year, as they are celebrating their 40th Ruby Anniversary! Over 7,000 boys have participated in this nonprofit organization’s music programs, providing hope and inspiration through song.

This concert is a great way to herald in the spring season while showing your support of the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! And if you know of any families with young boys, it is the perfect time to invite them to a choir concert so they can see what their sons could be a part of – a time-honored tradition that not only teaches music but also life lessons such as leadership, self-confidence, etiquette and so much more. Audition information can be found on the choir website.

For ticket information, contact the choir office at 281-240-3800 or use the previously mentioned link. More infor-

NEWSWORTHY

Jackson Burke and Jackson Schroeder. mation is available on their Facebook page, too. Attend the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Spring Concert and be a part of celebrating 40 Years … Still Strong in Song!

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Submit your pictures of family celebrations, organizations or school happenings to: grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com Include the first and last names of each person in the picture in order, with a short description about the event.

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Known But To

hose revered four words are carved into the white marble of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, those four words apply to many graves here in Fort Bend County. These forgotten lives have common traits. They tend to be in cemeteries of people of color.

Some are likely the last resting place of slaves. Many are humans who were still denied their basic rights by states clinging to racism with Jim Crow laws after slavery was eliminated in our Civil War. All of these grave sites have been poorly maintained. Some are inaccessible without a chain saw and cutters to fight through dense brush. Many tombstones have fallen over or lie in pieces. Some have fire ants and weeds covering the graves. All of us in Fort Bend should feel concern for allowing this situation to occur.

During Black History Month 2022, I sought to do a weekly social media post on African Americans from Fort Bend who made Fort Bend Strong. I started with the first African American in United States history to be elected sheriff of a county, Walter Moses Burton, here in Fort Bend. Sheriff Burton was born into slavery, became our elected sheriff, and served seven years as our elected Texas State Senator. Next on my list was Olympic Gold Medal swimmer and the pride of Austin High, Simone Manuel.

My third posting was about Benjamin Franklin Williams. I learned Williams lived in the Freedman’s town of Kendleton, but there was controversy as to where and when he was buried.

The Texas State Historical Association said the “date and place of his death are not known.” Other sources said he was buried in Kendleton.

The most extreme example of forgotten gravesites was the “Sugar Land 95.” Ninety-five victims – 94 men and one woman – were discovered in unmarked graves during construction of the James Reese Career and Technical Center in 2018. They were victims of the Convict Lease Program. This horrific program used a loophole in the Thirteenth Amendment to imprison freed slaves on false charges, so they could be turned over to the landowners to work the sugar cane fields. The landowners did not care if they worked these “new” slaves to death. Some of the Sugar Land 95 were buried so quickly that their leg irons were still on their bones. The landowners would then get another prisoner from prison and work him or her to death. This practice went on for nearly thirty years.

We are fortunate for our community’s response to the discovery of the Sugar Land 95. Fort Bend ISD sought advice from local experts like Reginald Moore and other interested organizations. A common plan emerged: mark the graves, get DNA evidence to identify the 95, and raise private funds to build a museum and learning center near the eternal resting place of these forgotten people. The Sugar Land 95 showed that we are Fort Bend Strong!

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God

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Last month, I found Williams’ grave in Bates Allen County Park in Kendleton. A ratty sign that says “Grave Site” is all that marks where his body lies. A distant sign says, “Newman Chapel Cemetery.” Quite frankly, it is offensive that the final resting place of a true Fort Bend hero has been allowed to fall into such disrepair. His tombstone had fallen over a long time ago.

It was impacted deep into the ground. Most of it was covered with grass and fire ants. After twenty minutes of gently digging around tombstone, I was able to move it slightly. A tiny snake crawled out when I finally freed the stone.

Nick Landowski.

Benjamin Franklin Williams’ grave in Bates Allen County Park in Kendleton.

Williams was born into slavery in 1819. He was sold to slave owners in South Carolina and Tennessee before being sold to a Texas owner in 1859. He used his freedom after the Civil War to spread his Christian faith and serve his fellow countrymen.

He was the first ordained black Methodist minister in Texas, a three-term elected Texas State Representative, and Kendleton’s first U.S. Postmaster General. He died in February 27, 1886. To honor his legacy, I used a soft scrub brush, a bucket of tap water and fifteen minutes of elbow grease to clean Representative Williams’ tombstone. Benjamin Franklin Williams was, is, and will always be Fort Bend Strong!

The story does not end there. One hundred yards from Representative Williams’ grave is another historic black cemetery – Oak Hill Cemetery. There’s a county sign in the middle of a field recognizing Oak Hill, but there are no tombstones visible. For-

tunately, a fellow member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Nick Landowski, had an idea where the cemetery was located.

Nick had been working with interested parties for over ten years to protect this historic cemetery. Nick became an army of one, and the cemetery was swallowed up by the brush. It took Nick and I two attempts to cut through the brush to uncover a tombstone. Five volunteers from Exchange cut an 8’ x 8’ hole in the brush. We discovered almost thirty tombstones, parts of tombstones, or grave markers. My church, Christ Church in Sugar Land, also got involved. Glenn Morrison is a fellow parishioner and president of the Historic Cemeteries of Fort Bend County Preservation Society. Glenn joined Nick and I the next week after we had marked all of the historic artifacts with GPS coordinates. All of the tombstones in Oak Hill are African American, with many born into slavery. There is no pattern to the placement of the graves. There were parts of the brush we could not get through. We uncovered thirty burial locations; there may be thirty more out there waiting to be rediscovered. No one knows.

In a recent article in the Fort Bend Star, the head of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission’s cemetery committee, Robert Crosser, said that over one-half of Fort Bend’s 170 cemeteries are abandoned. Clearly, we have a lot of work to do, together, to address the problem. That’s Fort Bend Strong!

Please do not rush off and take action at our historic cemeteries without first contacting the county for guidance. These are the final resting places of human beings and must be respected. I had to file paperwork with the county to take the corrective actions I have taken thus far. Please contact Nick or me via the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s website, www.ecsl.org, if you would like to join us on future efforts. I’m always available at pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

As always, stay Fort Bend Strong.

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NEWSWORTHY

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant Begins Planning 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration Benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels La Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering is gearing up for its 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo fundraiser benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (FBS). Nearly 300 people are expected to attend the event, held at La Cocina in Richmond on Saturday, May 7th from 5 – 10:30 pm.

“One of the sayings we’ve come to adopt as a team is ‘hunger never takes a holiday’ – and in the past two years, we’ve learned it also doesn’t stop for a freeze or a pandemic. We’ve delivered nearly 800,000 meals over the last two years, and each week the pandemic has continued, we’ve added older adults who have nowhere else to turn for a meal to our programs. The numbers of those in need in our community just continues to rise,” said FBS Deputy Executive Director, Leah Ghobrial. “The generosity and commitment of our local community and businesses like La Cocina ensures that we can continue to support our senior neighbors, despite what challenges may come our way.”

Fort Bend Seniors provides hot, home-delivered meals to nearly 1,300 senior citizens daily, many who live alone and cannot prepare their own meals. In addition, FBS offers older adults meals at seven congregate centers as well as transportation to and from the centers, fitness classes, recreational activities, case management, emergency meals and more.

Andres Novoa first learned about Fort Bend Seniors and its mission to feed local seniors in 2005. Learning that local elders struggle to afford or prepare meals launched one the longest running fundraisers for Fort Bend Seniors, the pandemic’s impact on seniors has only strengthened his commitment.

“The pandemic has been hard for everyone in our community, but

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Jose Vasquez, Katy Lee, Kristie Phillips, Andres Novoa, Kelly Clinton and Linda Nolty. especially difficult for seniors who already struggle with limited resources and support. We’re blessed to be living and working in a county with such incredible organizations, like Fort Bend Seniors, and filled with generous people who want to give back,” said owner Andres Novoa. “At La Cocina, we are thrilled to be able to host the 15th annual Cinco de Mayo, and invite the community to come out, have a good time, and help us crush hunger among our seniors in Fort Bend County!”

The event will include music, silent and live auctions, raffle drawings, drink specials and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, all festively decorated for Cinco de Mayo. While the event takes place in Richmond, donations and proceeds will be used to serve seniors across Fort Bend and Waller counties. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration and support a worthy cause.

Individual VIP tickets can be purchased for $150 each, or VIP tables are available ranging in price from

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$575 for a table for four to $1250 for a table for 10. If unable to attend the event, contributions and donations are welcome. For ticket purchases, contact Andres Novoa at 281-460-6479 and make checks payable to La Cocina Mexican Restaurant or purchase online at www.fortbendseniors.org. Donations (not tickets) are tax-deductible if donated directly to Fort Bend Seniors.

Fort Bend Seniors is qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code as a non-profit corporation, and as such, contributions are tax deductible. For more information, visit www.fortbendseniors.org.

Submit newsworthy items to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

FEATURE

A Brunch Surprise for

Mom

Brunch Fruit Tart

Recipe adapted from www.homemadeinterest.com

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other’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress.

Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note.

With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal.

Visit www.Culinary.net, for more brunch recipes.

Crust: 4 Cups Granola Mixture 1/2 Cup Butter, softened 4 1/2 Tablespoons Honey Nonstick Cooking Spray

Toppings: Strawberries, sliced Blueberries Kiwis, sliced

Filling: 2 1/4 Cups Vanilla Greek Yogurt 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 Package Gelatin To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.

Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely.

Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

Click to watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Source: Family Features / www.Culinary.net MAY 2022 l

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OUT &

The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is pleased to announce the new 2022 Sugar Plum Market Co-Chairs. Due to the overwhelming success of the additional shopping day in 2021, the Sugar Plum Market will offer three full days from November 3rd - 5th. A special Preview Night celebration will be held in the evening of November 2nd. The Market features over 100 vendors at the Stafford Center Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center. Please contact sponsors@fbjsl.com and/or raffle@fbjsl.com to find out more information or visit www.sugarplummarket.com.

ABOUT IN THE HEART

2022 Sugar Plum Market Co-Chairs Chelsi Oestreich, Monica Hasty, Michelle Monterroso, Leah Henley, Cherie Lyne Bouterie and Ashley Stephens.

OF THE BEND

Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship hosted a Derby Day Party with a Purpose silent auction with Derby Day hats for their Derby Day gala. All the hats were created and donated by the Fort Bend Junior League. All proceeds benefited Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship.

Noell Myska and Joanne Couch.

Donna Migura.

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Heather Hernandez Sedillo and Alicen Swift.

Ray Aguilar, Dustin Vacek and Kevin Barker.

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Michelle Vargas.

Noell Myska.

OakBend Medical Center kicked off their Restaurant Weeks with a Brews and Cue event hosted at the Swinging Door. Delicious pairings of local craft beers were provided by a local brewery along with live music.

It was a true Texas evening!

May Tape and Norma Petrosewicz.

Kay and Jim Garrett.

Vicky Tonn, Larry and Christy Willman and Joe Fruendenberger.

Niketa Kurjee and Sydney Davis.

Lana Nguyen, Heather Ekre and Meagan Tape.

The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and the City of Sugar Land celebrated the first annual Sugar Land Arts Fest 2k22 presented by The Cathy Stubbs Team at Smart Financial Centre Plaza in April. Many local artists showcased their talent and gained exposure. Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Artist Joel Anderson.

Artist Peter Wu.

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels to Host Friend Day Round Up On Friday, May 6th, Fort Bend Seniors (FBS) is hosting a Friend Day Round Up at each of its eight senior congregate locations from 9 am – 12:30 pm. Current center attendees are encouraged to bring a fellow senior, 60 years or older, to enjoy a morning of free activities, lunch and door prizes.

“We have been thrilled to welcome back our former center participants in the past few months and are now excited to welcome their friends and neighbors to join us,” said Rick Branek, FBS Field Operations Manager. “The pandemic caused so many to self-isolate and avoid those social activities they once enjoyed. With numbers of new cases going down, high vaccination rates, and our own safety measures, these seniors can finally socialize, have fun and meet new people in a safe and welcoming environment.” All older adults, age 60+, are invited to attend the event and learn more about the free nutrition and wellness programs available through Fort Bend Seniors.

The congregate – or community – centers began reopening last June after the pandemic forced their closure for over 17 months. All locations are now open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12:30 pm, and offer activities such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, bingo, lunch and more. For those who no longer drive, door-to-door transportation is made available through partnerships with Fort Bend County Transit and Colorado Valley Transit.

Carolyn McLean, George Starks, Alton Wilkerson, Lorine Henderson and Anna Wilkerson.

FBS services and programs are offered free of charge and enable local seniors to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. For Friend Day Round Up information, call 281-633-7049 or visit fortbendseniors.org to learn how to donate or volunteer to support the cause. For a list of participating centers, visit bit.ly/FBScenters.

Dr. Betty Baitland Named Child Advocate of the Year

CAFB Board President Nancy Olson, Dr. Betty Baitland and CASA Program Director Metoyer Martin.

Dr. Betty Baitland was recently honored as the Child Advocate of the Year for 2021 at Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Volunteer Celebration at Sugar Creek Country Club. More than 220 volunteers, community partners and staff attended.

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“This advocate has gone above and beyond, and her actions will have a long-lasting impact for the children we serve and for our community,” said Child Advocates of Fort Bend Chief Executive Officer Ruthanne Mefford. “Betty has a lifelong passion for children and has dedicated her career to advancing education opportunities and achievement for children and youth across Fort Bend County.

“Betty served as our Board Parliamentarian for five years, Vice President in 2019, President in 2020 and Past President for two terms, first in 2021 and then when we invited her back to serve this year for a second term as Past President,” continued Mefford. “She was an inaugural member of our Voices for Children sustainable giving program and our Education Council where her vast experience and understanding of resources available to children has informed our educational advocacy for children in foster care. She is someone we seek out for advice and to discuss new programming, strategy and fundraising ideas. Betty is a true gem, and we honor her for her passion for CAFB, dedication to the children and her incredible generosity.”

To see a list of all of the honorees or to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Child Advocates of Fort Bend, go to https://www.cafb.org/events/volunteer-banquet/.

MAY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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May 2022 Winner “Double Rainbow over Telfair, Sugar Land”

By Varshal Shah 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.

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Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center May 2022 Happenings

NEWSWORTHY

Our Voice WonderWeek • May 3 to 7 For over 50 years, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards have recognized the outstanding works of African American authors and illustrators who celebrate African American life and culture.

The award is named for Coretta Scott King, wife and partner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her focus on peace, love and social change made her one of the most prominent African American and women leaders of our time. Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center celebrates this prestigious award with a week-long event filled with creative activities, including community action posters and mixed media collages about life’s important moments.

17th Annual Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières – Fort Bend Brunch • May 6 Get ready to don your stylish hats and gloves again! Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Council is hosting the 17th annual Hats, Gloves and Boutonnières Fort Bend Brunch! This event benefits Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Friday, May 6th at the palatial Sweetwater home of Manmeet and Paul Likhari. Stylish hats encouraged. Register here: https://www.childrensdiscoveryfb. org/may-6-:-hats,-gloves-and-boutonnieres-fort-bend-brunch.

Mr. Leo Puppet Show • May 21 Sponsored by Phillips 66 Here comes the fun! Watch seasoned puppeteer Mr. Leo put on a crowd-pleasing performance created for toddlers.

Children are sure to be delighted as they dance and laugh to this interactive show.

Oh, Bluey! • May 7 Get Ready, Get Set! WonderWeek • May 24 to 28

Meet everyone’s favorite blue heeler pup, Bluey! This adventurous canine from the Land Down Under will be at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center for one day only, so don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with her and have some tail waggin’ fun!

The race to summer is on! Countdown to summer with new, colorful activities to celebrate the sunniest season of all including designing a fun summer vibes outfit, making wind fans designed to look like fruits and more!

Spring Things WonderWeek • May 10 to 14

Fun Vibes Only WonderWeek • May 31 to June 4

Spring is in full swing! It’s time to celebrate green grass, blooming flowers and light rain! Make water cycle bracelets, learn about electrifying science, and celebrate spring by designing 3-D butterflies.

The sun is out, and summer is here! Bask in our fun vibes with a cheery week which celebrates summer fun, including making scenic postcards, designing flower leis and crowns and more!

Story Time with Peter Pan • May 14

About Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

Sponsored by Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry for Children Peter Pan is flying to Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center for a one-of-a-kind story time experience. Let your creativity take you on an imaginative journey to Neverland. Peter will be meeting and greeting, so don’t miss this fun event!

Ranked as one of the “Top 10 Things to Do in Sugar Land” on TripAdvisor, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is a Playground for Your Mind™. It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning with a vision to spark a passion for lifelong learning in all children. Located at 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land, TX 77498 in the Historic Imperial Market, the Discovery Center offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Discovery Center operates as a 501(c) (3) under the direction of a Board of Directors. For more information, please visit www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org or call (832) 742-2800. Can your mind come out to play?™

Plastic Power WonderWeek • May 17 to 21 Plastic - it’s all around us! But did you know it’s recyclable?

That means it can be repurposed into different objects, including creative works of art! Join us for an environmentally friendly week and find out how much fun upcycling can be.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Team Up with Your Doctor for Better Health at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital When it comes to your health, your primary care doctor is your quarterback.

They have a big-picture view and understanding of your overall health, and they can help you make the right moves to stay healthy.

“A strong relationship with your primary care doctor is key for your health,” said Harika Medi, M.D., internal medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. Building a relationship and partnership with your primary care doctor can help you tackle health problems and stay healthy through the ups and downs of life.

It’s A Team Effort Here are some ways to make the most of your health visits and build a winning relationship with your doctor.

Find a primary care doctor. Look for a doctor who speaks your preferred language and offers convenient appointments in a location near you. Above all, you should choose a doctor you trust who listens and makes you feel comfortable.

Schedule an annual exam. It’s important to schedule an annual checkup even when you feel healthy. Annual checkups make it possible to prevent and detect problems early. “Your doctor may review your plan for managing chronic conditions and recommend screening tests to help you stay healthy,” Medi said.

Identify communication barriers.

Resources are available if you or a loved one struggles with hearing, understanding or remembering what is said in your health visits. Bringing a loved one along to your appointment may help you better understand the information shared by your doctor while providing emotional

Harika Medi, M.D., internal medicine physician.

support, if needed. Contact the doctor’s office to let them know if you need help with communication or would like to have a family member or friend join you for your appointment.

Share your health history. Managing your health is easier when you build a relationship with a primary care doctor who knows you and your health history. Your doctor may recommend health screening tests based on your age, personal or family health history, and other factors. “For example, if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer, your doctor may emphasize ways to prevent disease and recommend screening tests to help detect disease early,” Medi said.

Be open and honest. There’s no reason to hold back information because you’re worried or embarrassed. Your primary care doctor is there to support

you in improving your health, not to pass judgment on your decisions. The doctorpatient relationship is ironclad in its confidentiality, with many ethical, professional and legal standards that protect it.

Having open and honest conversations about your health helps the doctor better serve your health care needs.

Talk about mental health. Your primary care doctor can help with mental health concerns, including screening and treatment for depression and anxiety. Your doctor can also connect you with referrals to therapy, counseling or specialized care.

Ask about vaccines. Your primary care doctor can be a great resource to help you understand which vaccines are recommended for you and when to get them. It’s important to have these conversations with your doctor so you can make informed decisions based on the latest medical guidance.

Set goals for your health. If you want to lose weight, quit smoking or make other healthy changes, your doctor can help you get started. Your chances of success improve when you have medical support for making big changes to your health.

Prioritize your health by making an appointment with a primary care doctor. Convenient appointments are available at a location near you throughout Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land, Sweetwater, Brooks Street, Riverstone, Sienna, Aliana and Rosenberg.

Schedule an appointment with a doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group by visiting houstonmethodist.org/ pcg/southwest or calling 281.930.6639.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

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the drunken cyclist

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D.

The Texas Two-Step: Barbeque and Wine

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hen I moved to Southeast Texas several years ago, I needed to adapt quickly to many aspects of living in the area, but there were three at the forefront: the traffic, the humidity and the barbecue.

While the first two involve mere acceptance, there is a bit of wiggle room with the third, particularly when it comes to accompanying beverages.

While I understood that the “traditional” pairings with Texas barbecue range

from sweet tea to beer, I was rather surprised to see limited effort to pair wine with the region’s version of smoked and grilled meat. Unlike other regional preparations, which often involve slathering the selected meat in a variety of rich, tangy, and often sweet sauces that can make wine pairing difficult, the Texas version is far less complicated. A simple salt and pepper rub is the mainstay of barbecue in the Lone Star state, fo-

California

Italy Barbecue in Italy includes the vast variety of fresh fish available from the Mediterranean, but the meats involved come pretty close to those used in Texas: beef, sausage, chicken.

2019 Giacomo Borgogno and Figli Barbera d’Alba Piedmont, Italy Retail $24. 100% Barbera.

From a famed producer of Barolo, this beauty has oodles of dark fruit, laced with herbs, spice and earth.

The fruit here will work equally well with a smoky brisket or a garlic-laden sausage.

2019 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Retail $20. 100% Sangiovese.

Another well-known producer, this one a bit further south, in Tuscany.

Fairly light (in color, but not flavor) with black cherry, black raspberry and well, black earth. Particularly tart, this would be a great counter-balance to a juicy brisket.

cusing on the flavors and texture of the smoky meat.

Surprisingly, perhaps, this simple approach to grilling and smoking meat is practiced in many other countries around the world where barbecue is more frequently paired with, you guessed it, wine. Here are a few wines from around the world, all available here in Texas, that pair fantastically with what I consider the best style of the American staple.

Barbecue from the Golden State can be all over the map as can the wines. But when it comes to pairing wine with Texas barbecue, there might be no better choice than Zinfandel.

Spain As in Italy, Spanish barbecue involves plenty of seafood, beef and chicken. There is more pork, though, and of course, paella.

2017 Juan Gil Jumilla Red Blend Murcia, Spain Retail $20. Closer to a New World style with tons of fruit, a bit of spice, fruit and well, more fruit.

Did I mention the fruit? There is also mocha and a bit of pine needle. Another fantastic wine for brisket and sausage, plus pork ribs.

2016 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva Spain Retail $20. 90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha Tinta and Graciano. One of the larger producers in perhaps Spain’s most renowned wine region. Dark fruit, a touch of anise, black pepper and clove in a quintessential Old World way. Much more subtle than the Juan Gil, but also more sophisticated.

A killer brisket pairing.

2018 Michael-David Vineyards Zinfandel Freakshow, Lodi, CA Retail $20. Quite dark in the glass with cassis a-go-go, black cherry and raspberry, vanilla, clove and sage. Really, really fruity on the palate as well, this might classify as a “quintessential Zin” with all that fruit at the fore, mid and finish.

When looking for a bold wine, look no further than the Freakshow.

2019 Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County, CA Retail $24. Dark fruit (plum, blackberry) paired with a host of spices and herbs (clove and sage for starters). One of the more versatile wines on this list, it will work with just about anything your grill master wants to throw your way.

NEWSWORTHY

South America Both Argentina and Chile do barbecue big, usually involving an enormous fire, with plenty of beef and sausage.

Newborns Born June 5th to 11th Receive Special Welcome from Libraries For Children’s Book Week

2019 Trivento Malbec Golden Reserve, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina Retail $20. On the fruity side with black pepper, cassis, plum. All that fruit is paired with what seems like just the right amount of acidity, resulting in a nicely balanced wine. Quite versatile, handling the fattiest of briskets and the leanest pork with aplomb.

2019 Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Colchagua Valley, Chile Retail $25. Wonderful blackberry, cassis, black pepper, black cherry along with an intense acidity, drying but subtle and integrated tannins and an impressive finish. Widely available and fits Texas BBQ to a “t” with all that fruit and spice.

Texas It makes perfect sense that Texas wines might offer some of the best pairings for Texas barbecue.

2019 Reddy Vineyards The Superior Texan, Texas High Plains Retail $45. Mostly Sangiovese and Tannat, this wine is quite dark and on the big side, but there is more than enough acidity to slice through the beefiest brisket and spiciest sausage.

2016 Spicewood Vineyards The Good Guy, Texas High Plains Retail $42. While the fruit is more tame than other wines on this list (due, at least in part, to the additional aging), this wine still has a zingy tartness that will stand up to just about anything you can pull out of the smoker.

FBCL staff member Amanda Cox. Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will continue its annual tradition of welcoming newborns to the wonders of books. Every Fort Bend County baby born during FBCL’s Children’s Book Week – June 5th through 11th, 2022 – may receive a special baby book bag, courtesy of the Friends of Fort Bend County Library.

Each bag contains a book, a bib, a special certificate, a list of suggested reading for children and information on parenting and on library services.

These bags represent the library system’s commitment to providing library services for county residents throughout their lives, beginning at birth.

“We hope to start every child born in hospitals in Fort Bend County on a successful road to life-long learning,” said Susan King, Coordinator of Youth Services for FBCL. “We distribute the baby book bags to babies born during that week at area Fort Bend County hospitals, but ALL Fort Bend County babies who are born during the week of June 5 through 11 are eligible to receive one, while supplies last.”

Families of Fort Bend babies born at other locations during this period should call the Youth Services department, at 281-633-4762, to receive their book bag.

Not only is reading to a child a wonderful opportunity for bonding between parent and child, it has also been shown to stimulate brain development. Even the youngest baby can benefit from the chance to develop eye focus by looking at the page of a book, while being comforted by the familiar voice of a parent. Reading aloud to children exposes them to the sounds and cadences of a human voice, resulting in an earlier and stronger grasp of vocabulary skills.

Helping children develop early-literacy skills is a major goal for FBCL. Parents are encouraged to register their children for FBCL’s annual “Summer Reading Challenge.” Children from infancy through school-age earn rewards for the number of books they read (or are read to them) during the summer.

Parents can register their child for the Summer Reading Challenge by going to the FBCL website, clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up image, and using the link for the Beanstack app to sign up. Easy-to-use online reading logs are available.

For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Rainbow Room and Federal Maintenance Services, Inc. Announce Partnership for the 11th Annual Pot of Gold Classic Fort Bend Rainbow Room is pleased to announce Federal Maintenance Services, Inc. as the Title Sponsor for the 11th Annual Pot of Gold Classic. “We have been involved with the Fort Bend Rainbow Room since 2010 because we felt it was in our best interest to associate with a program in our local community. Knowing that our financial contributions are an investment that help provide emergency and transitional supplies to Fort Bend County children and adults, our decision was not a difficult one. We will continue to contribute to this fine organization for as long as we are able,” said Tim Garcia, Federal Maintenance Services, Inc. The Pot of Gold Classic will be held at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land on Monday, May 2nd. Lunch and registration begin at 11:30 am. The tournament will kick off with a shotgun start at 1 pm with dinner and awards to follow at 6 pm. Player and team registration is open on the Rainbow Room’s website at www.fbrr.org/golf. Players have the option to register individually for $150, or as a foursome for $600.

The Fort Bend Rainbow Room is grateful to the community for their support of the tournament through spon-

Want to know what’s going on in your community?

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Title Sponsor Federal Maintenance Services’ Tim and Clay Garcia.

sorships and donations. In addition to Federal Maintenance Services Inc., the Rainbow Room is pleased to recognize other notable sponsors including: PJs of Houston, Planned Community Developers, NRG – WA Parish Plant, Always In Season, Dr. Suleman Lalani, Professional Janitorial Services and Rob and Emily Calbert.

All tournament proceeds support the mission of Fort Bend Rainbow Room to provide emergency and transitional supplies to Fort Bend County children and adults involved with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Visit www.fbrr.org/golf or contact potofgoldclassic@gmail.com for more information.

Check out Community Events at www.fortbendfocus.com

And list your non-profit Community Event for Free!

E-mail patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

MAY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

Momma Trauma

As

I pen this in late April, we are T minus 22 days away from baby boy graduating from – gulp – college, and it’s getting real. I’m feeling a certain kind of way on the daily, and it is not necessarily a good thing.

Just ask Mr. Kaminski.

Sure, there are days that I’m super excited. Graduating from The University of Texas McCombs School of Business is a huge accomplishment, and W. has done it all on his own. He’s made the grades, he’s made the commitment, he’s done it on time, he’s stayed the course.

He’s worked part-time for the past 18 months, and he has a big boy job all buttoned up. And, of course, this being off of momma and daddy’s payroll thing absolutely is something to celebrate.

Of course, there will be the appropriate pomp and circumstance to celebrate the precious prince – all deserved, all beyond emotional for the momma.

Because on the flip side of the coin are the other days – the not so shiny ones – that keep turning up like a bad penny. These are the days that I think about my 275-month-old baby, my virtual newborn, who I brought home from the hospital a week ago. I still have the baby weight to prove it. I thumb through his baby pictures, and I can literally still

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Momma and Kolton last week.

smell his baby smell. You know how each baby has their own scent, and as a momma, you know your baby by simply a brief whiff? It’s true gentlemen. Ask any momma; it’s a thing.

To make matters worse, seven days after baby boy graduates, he will turn 23 years-old. Now how he can be 23 when I’m only 29 is completely perplexing to me. But honestly, just how much momma trauma am I supposed to endure in a brief 30-day period? This just doesn’t seem right.

Kolton W. a.k.a. Momma’s Baby Boy and always will be.

My matriarchs have always imparted that we raise the babies to leave the nest – to provide them with the resources to soar on their own – having completed our task as caregivers, as providers, as nurturers, as parents. I admit – I like the whole soaring thing. Even the Bible talks about us soaring like eagles. I can get behind that. It’s the leaving the nest thing that bothers me. You see, this is not my first rodeo. I know how it works out.

Kassidi graduated – with two degrees, my babies are smart – got a big girl job, moved and is living large, as she should.

But we’re lucky to get a baby girl drive by at the Kaminski homestead, so I see the writing on the wall.

Maybe I should get another baby. I have experience and references. I know how to do it. I ran this idea up the proverbial flagpole, otherwise known as Mr. Kaminski. Oddly enough, it didn’t sail.

Caught a lot of wind – gale force type – but it was more destructive than doting.

Imagine that.

All I can say is it’s going to be a month full of juxtapositions. I’ll cry because I’m happy; I’ll cry because I’m sad. I’ll be angry because I don’t have a baby; I’ll be angry because I have two babies, they are bigger than me and can drive. I’ll be mad for no apparent reason and happy for the same. Y’all pray for Mr. Kaminski.

This month-long momma trauma is going to be a wild ride.

See y’all next week – on the porch!

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 MERCEDESBENZ E-CLASS

T

he 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recently refreshed with a more dynamic and sportier exterior, redesigned headlamps and taillamps, radiator grille and bumper and even more comfort. It also packs in so much more technology that you may need to study the owner’s manual thoroughly in order to fully appreciate the car.

The E-Class and its predecessor models are the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Although the very first E-Class mid-sized models were technically produced starting in 1953 and are highly prized today by collectors, the first true E-Class sedans began life in 1993 as “executive cars.”

Those E 320 sedans were both luxurious but could also drive comfortably and travel safely on Germany’s famous Autobahn where an enforced speed limit really doesn’t exist.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class base E-350 sedan comes with an MSRP price tag of $54,950. Under the hood, you’ll find a 255 hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder inline turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

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The next step up is the E-450 with a 362 hp, 3.0 liter sixcylinder inline turbocharged engine that’s also mated to the nine-speed transmission. What makes this model special is that the powertrain is enhanced with the addition of the electric EQ Boost mild hybrid feature which results in improved performance and efficiency. Fuel economy numbers for the E-450 are 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The E-Class interior is beautifully appointed as can be expected from Mercedes-Benz. The cockpit boasts some very advanced technology engineered to allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. The MBUX infotainment system is powered by a powerful system that incorporates brilliant screens and graphics, a customizable display, learning-capable software and Voice Control with natural language recognition. It takes a bit of learning to master it, but in time the MBUX system becomes second nature.

The top-of-the-line E-Class sedan is the AMG E 63 S which really takes this car into a very different strata. Powered by the iconic handcrafted 603 hp, AMG 4.0 liter, V8 biturbo engine, this AMG sedan gets fast really fast. With a base MSRP of $107,500, the AMG E 63 S is a supercar masquerading as a family sedan.

If you’re shopping for a new luxury sedan that’s a pleasure to drive and is designed to impress, any level of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan will fit the bill.

MAY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Living the Sweet Life:

I

It’s the Little Things

hope that somewhere tucked in a bookcase or perhaps hanging on your wall there’s a piece of art that has been created either by you, a dear friend or by someone in your family. As all of you know, both my parents left this world way too soon, and it’s very different living without parents.

This month is always so special to me because of their birthdays, Mother’s Day, and of course, sweet Brian’s birthday, too. May is full of people that I care deeply for and think of often.

In my home there’s a handful of little pieces of art that mother somehow got done prior to her passing, and they are sprinkled in all my books on the shelves in my library. There’s a bunch of strawberries that at first glance appear to be some test to see if she could learn how to do crewel. There’s a tree with little apples that she covered carefully with thread that hang off her work. There’s a tiny board where she etched little mushrooms. In my kitchen there’s a painting of a field of flowers with a little girl with brown hair that my Daddy painted of me.

There’s a vase full

of roses that he also painted hanging in my bedroom and a clock, a chair and a pull done by my dear Nana.

These little things were created with love and are reminders that I am always surrounded by my loved ones.

Recently my daughter dropped by and fell in love with something I had been working on. “I said you can take it!”

And she replied, “No, I want to remember it here with you, and when you are gone, I’ll take it then to remember you by.” That’s what got me to thinking about my little things. It also got me to thinking about more little things that I want to create in my time right now.

Recently, my boys and I redid what for twenty years what has been our “presentation room.” This was a big deal for me because a lot of my hours have been spent showing my portraits to our clients in that space.

Unlike many of my real estate clients that just love open concept houses, I do not like them at all. I want each room to serve a specific purpose, and when I was not selling photography, it was just perfect to close the door and “be done” working for the day. I realize y’all are just starting to understand that with the changes in work from home we have come to see dur-

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.

ing the last few crazy years. But, I have always worked from home and having that separation has been my way of being balanced and “turning work off.”

Anyway, the space needed to be reconfigured for our lives now, where clients come to see us and then select their images over zoom instead of being in that space. I decided to use it for my painting and for my coaching students.

You should have seen the faces on both of our children when I announced that.

They helped me sort and bring down the canvases and paints and helped me create the space where a new beginning of creativity will blossom for me and for my entrepreneurs seeking their calls for the Kingdom.

I found a stack of tiny canvases amongst my supplies and have some big ideas for these little things. I’m thinking about painting them out like my parents would have and then stitching into them beautiful herbs and flowers with butterflies and bees and lady bugs like my Nana. They will be portable, and of course, made with love, and one day they will sit on a shelf or be tucked into a library and give my loved ones a little reminder that although I am gone, I am always with them, too.

Take care of you, and of course, “Stay sweet!”

MAY 2022 l

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