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

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TRADITIONS AND MEMORY-MAKING MEALS

Enjoy Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls and Thanksgiving Stuffing as a delicious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share.

12 absolutely! ’TIS THE SEASON Holiday Entertaining and Dining

20 Picnic for the Park Raises $119,000 for Cullinan Park

14 THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST

Key to Bringing the Right Wine? Know Your Audience

16 FORT BEND STRONG Armistice Day 2022 and The Unbreakable Bonds of 41 Million Americans

SWEET

Parsley

29 LIVING THE SWEET

What You Might Have Missed

FALL FUN

IN FORT BEND

Finally – it’s Fall in Fort Bend!

Whether it’s an outdoor event such as an autumn display or a rodeo, or an indoor shopping extravaganza, there’s something for everyone this season in the Bend. Take a look at a few of our Fall favs, and we’ll see you out and about – in the Bend!

The Jingle Tree 2022 Committee: Lesleigh Morton, Linda Webb, Judi Dai, Jennifer Chiang-Meyer, Kara Taub, Amanda Junker, Pam Gray, Sharon Dimicelli, Stacy Borgfeldt, Ashley van Hoozer, Kavita Self, Lindsay Rolph, Iman Ali, Diane Amundson, Kelley Sweet Jensen and Elizabeth Butler.

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

EXCLAMATION

Horak

M. Kralik, Ph.D.

Kursar

Fall Favs

There’s just something about this time of year – it’s my absolute favorite! For me, Fall is magical. It’s a very special time when we decorate our homes, pre pare for the holidays and share some great times with family and friends. Fortunately for us, Fort Bend has so many Fall fun festivities that make it easy to enjoy the season, and we’re bringing you some of our favs in this is sue. Whether you want to enjoy the cooler weather in an amazing autumn display, attend a rodeo, get your holiday shopping started in style or share a sneak peek at some incredible Christmas creations with friends, check out what’s happening this month on page 6.

Patti frolicking in the fabulous Fall display at The Great Pumpkin Round Up at the George Ranch. Photo by Cee Cee Parker.

Another Fall fav of mine is that it’s the official kick off to the holiday season and gatherings abound. If you need help finding that perfect bottle of wine for your “hostess with the mostess,” Dr. Jeffrey Kralik can help with his column this month: The Key to Bringing the Right Wine? Know Your Audience.

If you’re looking for a new favorite recipe for Thanksgiving, we can help with that as well. We share two of my personal favs – stuffing and Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls – on page 10. Gobble, gobble!

Speaking of Thanksgiving dinner, I ran across this little piece of literary genius that sums up my sentiments about the annual feast:

“May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs!”

I couldn’t find the author of this profound prose, but I feel pretty certain it was a woman.

I wish each of you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Stay focused,

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Fall Fun in Fort Bend

Fall activities abound in the Bend – there’s literally something for everyone! With the cooler temps, it’s the perfect time of year to be out and about enjoying the weather, good friends and great times. Here’s a few of our Fall favs, so get your calendar handy, and start planning for some Fall fun in Fort Bend!

carriage, giant sugar cane vat and other vintage pieces. The design will be built using two semi-truck loads of more than twenty types of gourds, pumpkins and squash along with popular varieties of mums and fall plants.

The Great Pumpkin Round Up is the perfect place for families and visi tors of all ages to take an unforgetta ble fall photo or selfie surrounded by pumpkins that climb structures and cascade to the ground in elaborate designs.

The George Ranch is a great place for families to visit year-round, but there’s something even more special about the Historical Park when the weather finally turns cooler, and the days feel like fall. To help set that autumn tone and back by popular demand, the Great Pumpkin Round Up re turns this year, bigger and better than ever!

Inspired by the eighteen-year tradition at the Dallas Ar boretum, local designer Lucas Chavez will once again create an amazing display that will take your breath away. Chavez has spent several months working with pumpkin producers in West Texas to select and lay out a design surrounding the George Ranch House that includes a hay wagon, training

George Ranch Historical Park Site Director Adrienne Barker said, “The Great Pumpkin Round Up is all about celebrating fall and the beautiful images that come to mind when we think of cooler weather and Thanksgiving. We’ve brought in so many different types of pumpkins and the dis plays are just outstanding. Every place you look, something different catches your eye. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen!”

The experience is included with the purchase of a regular admission ticket to the George Ranch Historical Park. Come for the photos and awe and stay for a day of outdoor fun. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic, tour the park and explore what life was like in Texas decades ago.

The Great Pumpkin Round Up at the George Ranch runs every Saturday in November. The park is open to the public for Saturday visits. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch.org.

The Great Pumpkin Round Up at the George Ranch Historical Park.

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography

The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and Ti tle Sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is excited to announce designated stroller hours during regular market shopping days at the 21st Annual Sugar Plum Market. No vember 3rd, 4th and 5th from 1pm until close, patrons can bring their children in strollers to shop from the over 100 vendors from across Texas. Children 5 and under are free!

The Sugar Plum Market features more than 100 vendors, each with unique items for everyone on your holiday shop ping list. While you shop, stop by one of the bars and en joy a variety of adult beverages, sponsored by Molson Coors Beverage Company, or visit the concession stand provided by Chick-Fil-A Sugar Land for a bite to eat. The market will also feature a Premium Raffle, with each item valued at over $300. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the mar ket for $10 per ticket or three tickets for $25.

Valet parking is available for $15 via cash or credit card, as well as free general parking.

Rodeo at the

It is the first of its kind for Fort Bend Women’s Center (FBWC)! Rodeo at the Ranch is being held on Saturday, No

Proceeds raised by FBJSL from Sugar Plum Market will benefit charitable organizations serving Fort Bend Coun ty. To date, the Sugar Plum Market has raised over $4.8 mil lion thanks to loyal patrons, participating vendors, generous sponsors and FBJSL volunteers.

Doors will open to the general public November 3rd from 9 am to 5 pm, November 4th from 9 am to 8 pm and on Novem ber 5th from 9 am to 5 pm. General Admission tickets are available for pre-sale online at www.sugarplummarket.com for $12. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $15 during the market. Please contact tickets@sugarplummarket.com for questions or to inquire about bulk ticket orders.

vember 12th at George Ranch Historical Park, located at 10215 Fm 762 Rd, Richmond, Texas, in support of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Gates open at 5 pm.

Please join Fort Bend Women’s Center for a professional Rodeo at the Ranch and a fun-filled evening of bull and bronc riding, roping, goat tying, great food, live music and even armadillo races! All to provide funding for FBWC programs that serve survivors and their children.

Vita Goodell, Fort Bend Women’s Center CEO, notes that this event is an opportunity for a great fall outing and to stand in support of survivors and their children who are working towards safety and independence from abuse.

Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) is the event’s presenting “Texas Legend/Official Bull Riding” sponsor and continues its much-appreciated long-time part nership and support of FBWC.

Rodeo attendees will also be entertained by the music of RYEM the Duo, an American singer-songwriter duo from Houston, and the night will culminate with a performance by Nashville Recording Artist Neil Dover, an indie country music artist based out of Alabama.

Rodeo at the Ranch tickets are $75 per person and include the Rodeo, great food and fantastic live music. Sponsorship packages are also available beginning at $2,500. For more information, please visit www.fbwc.org

Sarah Poole, Theresa Shmerling, Cherie Lyne Bouterie, Monica Hasty, Matt Kelly, Seleria Fletcher, Kristel Poffinbarger, Malisha Patel, Robert “Chase” Ogden, Tanesha Mosley, Chelsi Oestreich, Ashley Stephens, Michelle Monterroso and Karina Martinez.

Jingle Tree

November

Cue the music: it’s the most wonderful time of the year, as one of Fort Bend’s most beloved events — Jingle Tree — returns to Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) at Sugar Land. During the week-long event, attendees will stroll through the museum’s halls and admire several beau tifully adorned trees and holiday décor that have been spon sored and decorated by local designers, museum supporters and artistic visionaries, and are up for bid during an online silent auction. This year, the Honorary Co-Chairs are long time museum supporters and Fort Bend residents Stacy Borgfeldt and Pam Gray.

The presenting sponsor for Jingle Tree is once again Hou ston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “We’re looking forward to remaining in partnership with our friends at HMNS at Sugar Land for another festive Jingle Tree celebration,” said Chris Siebenaler, Regional Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospi tal. “The museum is an incredible site for discovery and curi osity, especially among our youth, and I have no doubt that the lessons learned at the Houston Museum of Natural Sci ence at Sugar Land have inspired students to pursue careers in health and medicine and other science endeavors. And

with our support, they will continue to do so in the future.”

“Our goal at HMNS at Sugar Land is to be the local science resource for our com munity,” said Kavita Self, Senior Director, HMNS at Sugar Land and the George Ob servatory. “This year, Jingle Tree’s proceeds support innovative sensory-friendly programming and sci ence education for area schools, and expand museum ac cess to underserved communities and 16 local non-profits. Through special events, like Jingle Tree, we can make the natural sciences more accessible and interactive for all. We are so grateful for the support from our Honorary Chairs, Stacy Borgfeldt and Pam Gray, as well as the Jingle Tree planning committee. Their dedication and enthusiasm brings this event to life!”

This year’s schedule of events includes:

• Tree Lighting Friday, November 11th, 10 am

• VIP Experiences: Monday - Wednesday, November 14th - 15th

• The Festive Finale: Thursday, November 17th

For more information, email jingletree@hmns.org or call 281-313-2277.

Tickets are on sale for

• December 11th – Lights and Leashes

• December 13th – Date Night – Patrons can purchase an $85 ticket that includes a Christmas-themed murder mys tery show, entry to Sugar Land Holiday Lights and a meal

• December 29th – Lights and Leashes

beginning on November 18th at Constellation Field. The

by

festival, which will run through January 1st,

three mil lion lights, light shows, 10 themed light areas, visits with Santa Claus, a carnival, holiday shopping and an assortment of theme nights.

The following are key dates for this year’s Sugar Land Holiday Lights:

• November 18th – Opening Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony

• November 20th – Orion Santa-Themed Bobblehead Giveaway (presented by H-E-B)

• November 27th – Lights and Leashes (presented by Hollywood Feed) – Patrons are permitted to bring their dogs and there will be on-site dog adoptions

• December 4th – ‘Holiday Sweater’ T-Shirt Giveaway (presented by Regions Bank)

• December 31st – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show (pre sented by Planet Fitness)

The following promotional nights will take place on a weekly basis throughout Sugar Land:

• Holiday Lights: Santa’s Nice List – Mondays (Novem

•

•

Jingle Tree 2022 Honorary Co-Chairs Pam Gray and Stacy Borgfeldt. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography

Fort Bend Communities Win Trophies During Recent Awards Program

Fort Bend County was well represented in the recent Houston’s Best PRISMS Awards hosted by the Greater Houston Builders Association, with three Johnson Devel opment communities taking home numerous awards.

Jordan Ranch in Fulshear was named Community of the Year and also won Community Amenity Center of the Year – Developer for its 1.5-acre Sunset Farm. Jordan Ranch is currently ranked among the nation’s 50 top-selling masterplanned communities.

Cross Creek Ranch — another Fulshear community — was awarded Charitable Project of the Year for last year’s “Give Back, Build Hope” campaign. Through the initia tive, Cross Creek Ranch donated nearly $20,000 to six Fort Bend charities: Abigail’s Place, Brookwood Commu nity, Family Hope, Fort Bend PAWS, Rainbow Room and Texana Center.

The Cottage House amenity complex in Veranda won Community Recreation Center of the Year – Developer.

“We strive to give each Johnson community a distinct character that guides development, determining what kind of amenities we offer, lifestyle programming in the com munity and how the community is marketed,” said Michael Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Development. “That kind of focused development often translates into awards such as these. But what is most im portant is our residents being happy where they live.”

Johnson Development — which also won the Grand Award for Developer of the Year — has six other Fort Bend communities, including Candela, the new Cross Creek West, Harvest Green, Imperial, Riverstone and Sienna. Cross Creek Ranch, Jordan Ranch and Veranda were the only Fort Bend communities entered into the Houston’s Best PRISM Awards.

Learn more about these communities and others at www.johnsondevelopment.com

Sugar Land Dedicates Traffic Box Wrap Designs by Local Artists

The city of Sugar Land recently dedicated its third in stallment of vinyl traffic box wrap artworks in collaboration with the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation (SLCAF). This year marks the third phase of partnership be tween the city and the SLCAF on the Traffic Box Wrap project, with previous rounds installed in 2018 and 2019. This year, 13 wraps were installed along State Highway 6 from Austin Parkway to Hull Lane. Each design was in spired by the theme “Sugar Land Looks Ahead.”

The opportunity was limited to Sugar Land-area and regional artists living or working within a 70-mile radius of Sugar Land. A selection panel comprised of members from the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and Sugar Land PARCS Boards reviewed numerous proposals and selected the 13 final designs and locations.

Of the 10 artists selected for Phase III, four were also commissioned for traffic box designs in Phase I or II. Se lected artists for Phase III include Lani Anderson, Kse nia Annis, Charles Beyl, Joy Chandler, Michelle Florence, Claire Hao, Irene Kwang, Veronique Meggett, Heather Pizzitola and Geetha Prakash. The Phase III designs will join the city’s existing collection of more than 40 traffic box wraps.

The project is a com ponent of Sugar Land’s Public Art Plan, a docu ment approved by the City Council in November 2016. The plan outlines a vision and programmatic direction for public art in Sugar Land. Funding for the project comes from restricted revenue sources and do not include prop erty taxes.

“This public art project represents the continued im plementation of our Public Art Program,” said Director of Economic Development Elizabeth Huff. “It not only en hances the beauty of Sugar Land, but it builds our reputa tion as an art and cultural destination. It’s our goal to cre ate memorable, meaningful places that are focal points for our community and enhance the appearance of our public facilities.

“Our Public Art Plan is designed to support our com munity on several levels, such as helping businesses at tract more customers, provide work for local artists and beautify our city for residents and visitors.”

For more information about the artwork, send email to culturalarts@sugarlandtx.gov

Three Fort Bend communities were awarded top prizes in the recent Houston’s Best PRISM Awards hosted by the Greater Houston Builders Association.

Tis the Season

Thanksgiving Traditions an d Memory-Making Meals

Starting with parades and ending with family meals, Thanksgiving provides all-day opportunities for celebrating life’s special moments with those nearest and dearest to your heart.

Waking up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that brings smiles and happiness for many families, and this year, an iconic brand will join the festivities. Since 1921, Wonder Bread has captured the “wonder” its founder Elmer Cline experienced when first watching a hot air balloon race. It’s often credited with the popularization of sliced bread in the United States and now, for the first time, its legacy will be on display November 24th parading through the streets of New York City.

To celebrate the special occasion and the joy that Thanksgiving brings, you can enjoy Turkey Cranberry Dinner Rolls as a delicious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share. If you’re searching for a tasty side that’ll leave your loved ones stuffed, look no further than this Thanksgiving Stuffing, a classic accompaniment to holiday meals and a favorite of home chefs across the country.

To learn more about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and find familyfavorite recipes fit for Thanksgiving feasts, visit wonderbread.com/macys-parade

Cranberry Dinner Rolls

• Preheat oven to 325 F. Cover 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

• Remove rolls from package in one piece, cutting entire slab in half lengthwise to create one half of “tops” and one half of “bottoms.”

• Place bottom half in foil-covered pan and layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese. Add top half of rolls.

• In microwave, melt butter and whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion and salt and pepper, to taste. Pour evenly over rolls.

• Cover with foil and let sit 5-10 minutes then bake, covered, 20 min utes. Uncover and bake 5 minutes.

• Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Slice into individual rolls.

the Season

Thanksgiving Stuffing

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided

3 cups chopped onion

2 1/2 cups chopped celery

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons celery seeds

1 pinch grated nutmeg

1 pinch ground cloves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 loaf Wonder Classic White Bread, cubed

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth

• Heat oven to 325 F.

• In large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, celery seeds, nutmeg, cloves and salt.

• Cover and cook until onions are soft, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

• In large bowl, toss sauteed vegetables with bread cubes and season with pepper. Melt remaining butter and pour over stuffing along with broth then toss to coat.

• Bake, covered, until heated through, about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 15 minutes.

Riverstone to Make Merry at November

Market

The public will have a merry time picking out holiday gifts at the annual Riverstone Holiday Market 5 to 9 pm, Friday, November 18th.

The annual extravaganza takes place at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard. Dozens of purveyors of unique items including artisanal jewelry, clothing, specialty food items and more will be on hand. Admission is one canned good to be donated to Second Mile Mission Center. The donation entitles attendees to light hors d’oeuvres, three signature cocktails and a custom shopping bag while supplies last.

Learn more about Riverstone at www.riverstone.com

Christmas Home Tour

Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s (CAFB) Christmas Home Tour began 31 years ago as a fundraiser by a core group of volun teers, many of whom are still involved, to keep the agency’s doors open. This hand ful of women decorated their homes a little extra for Christmas, filled the air with the aroma of home baked cookies, showcased the talents of their musical children, then charged sponsorships and admission. The tour was a success and is now a pinnacle Fort Bend County holiday tradition.

Each year a unique group of homeown ers from varying neighborhoods participate by showcasing their incredible homes. There is now an eclectic variety of musical talent from adult and youth choirs, pianists, musicians and even a barbershop quartet. Cookies are baked by girls scout troops, youth in service and honors programs and generous women. CAFB has added fun ele ments, such as a wreath raffle where $10 offers a chance to win an extraordinary wreath of your choice and colorful custom designed holiday t-shirt’s which can be worn during the tour and throughout the season.

Over the years visitors have travelled from all over including groups from retire ment communities, churches, high schools, interior design field trips, and in ladies or couples’ groups via rented limousines, party or school busses and even a trolley. This is more than an event; it’s a kickoff to the holiday season with the added benefit of indirectly helping abused and neglected children.

CAFB is focusing on child abuse as a public health epidemic, and since 1991, has seen over 20,595 children and families with a staggering 20% increase year after year. In fact, over the last 9 years, CAFB has seen a 300% increase in services provided. CAFB’s is a non-profit agency with a vision to end child abuse. This vision requires par ticipation from the entire community.

Join in this year! Ticket or information: https://www.cafb.org/events/home-tour/.

Holidays

Better at Brandani’s

Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

in its sixth year celebrating the holi days with our community. Brandani’s is thrilled to be able to offer many ser vices to help you have a stress-free and easy holiday event. From Thanks giving meals to go, to catering, to lun cheons, to private events, Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar is your one stop to help make the holiday season bright and easy!

Offering Thanksgiving meals to go that reheat beautifully the next day, Brandani’s can supplement your meal, or everything you need to feed your family a special holiday meal can be purchased. Thanksgiving meals be gin pre-selling soon, and availability is limited, so order before they sell out!

Brandani’s dining room can ac commodate holiday luncheons for al most any size group. With a set menu that helps make the event easy and stress-free, Brandani’s offers multiple fresh and delicious menu options per fect for your holiday luncheon.

Brandani’s also offers off-site ca tering for your office or family holiday party with everything you need to have a turnkey event delivered to your door. Call us, and we can customize a menu just for you.

Sister restaurant, Brandani’s Burg ers, Tacos & Brews, also offers cater ing, burgers, tacos, gallons of tea and everything needed to host your next relaxed event. Brandani’s Burger Box es to go make feeding your office or family a breeze and can be picked up or delivered for a small fee.

Brandani’s for our Holiday Wine Tasting on Sunday, November 6th, and give us a call at 832-9871313, and let us help make your next event easy and delicious!

drunken cyclist

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. www.thedrunkencyclist.com

the Season

The Key to Bringing the Right Wine?

Know Your Audience

Now that Halloween is now in our rearview mirror, albeit only slightly, the holiday season is beginning and will carry us all the way through the end on the year. Office parties, neighborhood celebrations, family visits, they all get started in earnest this month, soon followed by Thanksgiving, Channukah, Christmas and ending with New Year’s Day.

In most instances, you will have no idea what food will be served at a given party, so it is best to opt for a wine that can go with a variety of food. Pinot Noir is the most versatile of all red wines as it can work in just about any situation. Zinfandel is another red, which usually has a lot more body than Pinot, but still has the requisite acidity to make it a good choice, and let’s not forget Chardonnay, the most popular white variety in the world. Sparkling wine is really the single best choice for a ton of reasons, and next month, we will dive into the bubbles in time for New Year’s.

You also want to bring a bottle that you yourself would not mind drinking since, let’s face it, often the booze selection at these get togethers can be rather bleak (I hope those who are excited to see Bud Light at a party are not too offended).

Perhaps it goes without saying, but all of these “parties” are inherently different and thus require a modicum of forethought when deciding what wine to bring. The first step is what my college basketball coach referred to as “KYP” or “Know Your

Personnel.” Basically, before acting, make sure you know the other players involved.

There are, essentially, three tiers to which just about every person you encounter this holiday party season can be attributed, and for each you will find three wine suggestions. In descending order:

Tier Three ($30-50): This is a group that you hope to impress, or might be a bit more sophisti cated when it comes to wine. Maybe it is your own office party, and you’re bucking for a promotion or perhaps you want to impress the neighbors up the street who also have a second house in Vail. This is where you break out the big guns, so to speak.

Chardonnay: Jordan Vineyard and Winery ($40). One of the top producers in Sonoma, never oaky or buttery, it will certainly impress.

Pinot Noir: Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Selection ($45). Gary Farrell makes a slew of Pinots, but it is hard to beat the flagship RRV Se lection.

Zinfandel: Ridge Benito Dusi ($37). Ridge is perhaps the name in Zinfandel, and the Benito Dusi is al ways one of my favorites.

Tier Two ($20-30): With this group, you might have a good time, but you also might need to

make sure your phone is fully charged as your spouse pretends to be all chummy with the same people about whom you have heard nothing but complaints for the last twelve months. You do not want to bring complete swill, but you also don’t want to feel bad leaving the bottle behind when you have to leave early because you’re not “feel ing well.”

Chardonnay: Qupé Y Block ($22). A pleas ant quaffer from the Central Coast with the added benefit of a screw top.

Pinot Noir: Raeburn Russian River Valley ($25). It is difficult to produce quality Pinot under $30, but Raeburn does, every year.

Zinfandel: The Federalist Dry Creek Valley ($28). You can bring a solid wine and show your patriotic (or Broadway) pride with this Zin featuring Alexander Hamilton.

Tier One: To put it bluntly, this is the group that you wouldn’t be caught dead socializing with other wise. For some, that might be your (or your spouse’s) office party. For others, it might even be family. (Cousin Jimmy, you’re 53 years old, time to start going by Jim?) This group will grab the bottle out of your hand and fill their glass to the rim, only to discard it completely after a single sip.

Chardonnay: Rodney Strong California ($18). It is a shame wasting a wine this good, but despite my efforts to convince the folks at Rod ney Strong otherwise, this wine remains crazily inexpensive.

Pinot Noir: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve ($15). I am al ways amazed that this is a top per former in my yearly blind Pinot Noir tasting.

Zinfandel: Pedroncelli Mother Clone ($20). It might require a bit of searching, but this might be the single best value on this list. It might make Cousin Jimmy like wine, but don’t hold your breath.

Making Memories, Beautifully

Lucas Chavez

Florist

Armistice Day 2022 and The Unbreakable Bonds of 41 Million Americans

Armistice Day is a very special day of honor for our nation’s military veterans and their families. Armistice Day was created to celebrate the end of the “War to End All Wars” – World War I. The end of hostilities between the Allies and Germany would be formally signed in 1918 at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to permanently lock down the significance of the global peace the end of World War I promised. November 11th became Armistice Day.

Sadly, twenty-two years later, the promise of Armistice Day’s global peace ended when Nazi Adolf Hitler invaded Poland. For six years, our world endured the unimaginable horrors of the Second World War. The deaths of 20 MILLION service members, 100 MILLION CIVILIANS, the Holocaust, ballistic missiles and atomic bombs shattered the hope of Armistice Day. Congress acted in 1954; Armistice Day became Veterans Day. November 11th of every year is now a day we honor the service and sacrifice of every man or woman who has worn our country’s uniform.

Our military does not discriminate. It does not matter what your skin color is, how much money is in your wallet or purse, where you chose to worship or what school awarded you a diploma. You cannot be drafted to serve. Since 1973, our ser vice members have been 100% volunteer. Our military is the most diverse, caring and lethal the world has ever known.

Fort Bend Heroes

Since Fort Bend is the most diverse and patriotic county in the United States, we see the service and sacrifice of neigh bors who are veterans every single day. Most of these veter ans have one timeless, American trait: they use their military service to empower themselves to make society better after they leave the military. Richmond City Commissioner Barry Beard is one of our heroic neighbors. Beard was an Army he licopter pilot in Vietnam. He flew combat missions, classified missions with the Green Berets, rescue missions and medical

evacuations, routinely returning from these missions with more than 100 bullet holes in his aircraft.

Beard never flew with Army Medal of Honor awardee Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, but I’m sure they would have made an amazing team. On May 2nd, 1968, Benavidez jumped on a helicopter to rescue a 12-man Special Forces team that was getting mowed down. His body was ripped apart by small arms fire and hand grenades. His head was smashed by the enemy with a club. Despite these life-threatening injuries, Benavidez was able to get all the wounded and dead on the last helicopter. He collapsed on the flight home. His fellow soldiers thought he was dead and tried to put him in a body bag. Benavidez could not speak, but he could spit. He spit on the soldier zipping him up in the body bag. Benavidez has ties to Fort Bend – he was a regular at Bob’s Taco Station. His Medal of Honor license plate is on the wall, along with the Medal of Honor citation.

Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez

Celso “C.J.” Pacheco, Jr. is another Fort Bend friend deserv ing recognition. Pacheco deployed multiple times in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and now uses the skills he learned in the Army to prevent a 9/11 from happening in Fort Bend. He has won awards working for us in the Houston Office of Emergency Management. If we are hit by another hurricane, or there’s an accident at a chemical plant, or God-forbid, we experience an act of terror, Pacheco has already made plans to minimize injury and loss of life. Barry Beard, Roy Benavidez and C.J. Pacheco, Jr. make us Fort Bend Strong!

On Veterans Day, we also remember and honor Fort Bend neighbors who have come home from service in a flag-draped coffin or with severe physical wounds or mental wounds from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My friend, Curtis Brown, was severely injured in training accident in California when a large mobile artillery vehicle broke away and ran over his small vehicle. He saved other soldiers’ lives, but his spine was se verely broken. The severe pain caused him to become addict ed to powerful painkillers. His faith allowed him to break his addiction. Brown created a charity, Front Line Forces, to help fellow service members avoid addiction and PTSD.

While I never met him, Marine Lance Corporeal Garrett Gamble is a hero of mine. Gamble’s mother, Michelle, told me her little 11-year-old boy stared at the television in anger on September 11th, 2001. Gamble was going to join the Marine Corps to make sure no religious zealots were going to kill in nocent Americans ever again. His family and friends thought his comments were teenage bravado, until Gamble came back from lunch at Austin High School and told his best friend that he had joined the Marines. His best friend could not believe that Gamble actually became a Marine. He chastised Gamble for such an impetuous, irrational decision. He told Gamble, “You may get killed. I would NEVER join the Marines.” In act of pure love, Gamble put his arms on his friend’s shoulder and calmly said, “That’s why I did it.” He died in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on March 11th, 2010 after stepping on a land mine. My hero was only 20-years-old. I was able to get Congress to name the U.S. Post Office on Grants Lake in Sugar Land after Gamble. I visit him every year at the Houston National Cem etery, Section R1, Site 761.

We will never forget the courage and sacrifice of Casey, Gar rett and the nearly 1.5 MILLION other Americans who have died for our freedom. They make us Fort Bend Stronger!

PTSD took the life of a friend, Marine Casey Owens. Owens grew up and attended school in Katy. After we were attacked on 9/11, Owens joined the Marine Corps. On patrol in Iraq, Ow ens’ vehicle hit a double stacked bomb. He was thrown from his vehicle and severely wounded. He lost both legs, his left hand was disabled and he developed traumatic brain injury and severe PTSD. He seemed to be doing well. He had moved to Colorado to train as a snow skier to represent the United States in the Paralympics. He was still struggling with PTSD. In 2012, Owens told a national television audience on CBS News, “I re ally don’t think I’ll ever be free. I don’t think the burden of war is ever gone.” Ten years of the burden of war was too much for my friend. On October 16, 2014, Owens took his own life.

Finally, there is group of largely forgotten Americans who ensure our men and women in uniform have the support they need to defeat our enemies. They are our business leaders and the families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. No civil ian business owner in Fort Bend County and Greater Houston has done more to support our veterans than Jim McIngvale, Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture. Mack NEVER sings his own praises, because he does not care about good publicity, glow ing public accolades or strong profits. Mack only cares about taking care of our heroes and their families. That is why he paid for 110 veterans, being treated for PTSD at Camp Hope, to do something I have only dreamed of – watching our Astros play in the World Series! Mack summed up his patriotism and gen erosity with these simple words, “I never served, but I’ve seen the trauma that these guys have been through. It gives all of us at Gallery Furniture great joy to help these veterans who have done so much while I did so little.”

Marine Casey Owens

Celebrating Our Veteran Families

All of the family members of our troops should be remem bered and celebrated on Veterans Day. A great example of the importance of the family to American men and women in uni form is Jamay Schadrien. I was fortunate to meet Schadrien when she spoke to the Exchange Club of Sugar Land last year. She spoke about Career Gear, a non-profit she started in Hous ton in 2004. Schadrien talks the talk and walks the walk. She is the child and wife of warfighters. She saw first-hand how unprepared our troops are to find employment after military ser vice. These troops have never had a resume. They only own civilian leisure clothes – they had uniforms with strict guidelines as to how that uniform is the be worn at work. These troops have no idea how to make their work in military applicable and beneficial to the private sector. How does the career of a gun ner in an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank mean something in the private sector? (Answer – TEAMWORK!) Schadrien knows what the veterans need for success. She gives them confidence and makes us better.

I know the importance of a supporting spouse first-hand. My Nancy is the epitome of a loving, supporting spouse. We were married on September 25th, 1993. She knew that in less than seven months, I was going to leave Hawaii in May 1994 and go to the Persian Gulf for six months. Minimum. There was no phone communication – only slow mail sent from Ma sirah, Oman or Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean. She knew that she would be alone for our first anniversary. The families of many of my squadron mates left for their parent’s home the day after we left on deployment. They could not bear the loneliness. My Nancy was determined to have our home, so she stayed on Oahu. She used our separation to get a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

A few months before coming home, my squadron was told that we were a casualty of the end of the Cold War – we were being totally disestablished. GREAT NEWS – Nancy and I could stay in Oahu for two to three months with no burden of training for the next deployment! We could catch up for lost time and enjoy Hawaii, starting on November 6th, 1994 when I returned home. I remember shutting the engines down and flying into Nancy’s arms. We were together again! I was only home for one week when the Navy ended our relaxation dreams. I received orders to report to the Pentagon by December 10th, 1994, to prepare for an internship for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. So, four weeks after coming home, I left Nancy again. Now she had to sell one of our cars, pack up our furniture, clean up and re pair our condominium for the next renters, and start looking for a new place to live that was 8,000 miles and seven time zones away in Northern Virginia. Two days before Christmas, I picked Nancy up at the airport. Nancy was, is, and always will be the greatest Christmas present EVER. Military families are Fort Bend Strongest!

I’m sure you have stories of veterans, fallen heroes and military families. If you feel comfortable sharing these personal stories with me, please email me at pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com so I can share them, too. On Veterans Day and every chance you get, please thank a veteran for their service. They will probably respond by saying, “That’s very kind, but unnecessary. America has given me more than I’ll ever be able to give to her.”

That’s Fort Bend and America Strong!

Jamay Schadrien

Parsley

Hey Sweet Lifers! Of all the herbs I grow, parsley is the one that I can never get enough of. I grow it every where, and as soon as the root forms, I move it to the main garden so it can flower and spread it’s seeds for even more!

Parsely is a member of the Apiaceae family, along with cel ery and carrots. Its uses in both culinary and medicinal are vast as it has a distinct flavor; however, it is neutral enough to be likable by almost everyone.

Native to the Mediterranean, parsley dates back to more than 2,000 years! In Greece, they believed it to have been cre ated from the blood of Archemorus. It was never used for food but rather in their religious ceremonies, specifically funeral wreaths. The Romans decorated their homes with it. Old folk lore has recorded many sordid tales surrounding this versatile and easy to grow herb. One saying is “Where the Mistress is the master, the parsley grows faster.”

There are two types of parsley: curly and flat leaf with the latter being preferred amongst chefs. In French cooking, it is one of the four fine herbes, coupled with chives, chervil and tarragon. Rich in Vitamins A and C, it also contains iron and multiple B-complex vitamins. Additionally, it maintains a high level of K1, known to decrease coronary artery calcification and folate, which decreases the levels of homocysteine, a contrib uting factor when levels are high in strokes and heart attack risks. Chewing parsley can reduce bad breath naturally as well!

At my house I love to incorporate handfuls of the chopped leaves of both varieties into our salads. I use it often sprinkled on rice and risottos as a “finishing” herb, and as that last dol lop of butter melts into it, the savory crispness comes through on fish, chicken and pork. I most often use it to make dipping sauces as those are some of our favorite ways to enjoy pita chips and toasted French bread. One such dip is my “Verde.” When prepping the peppers, I always remove the seeds and pulp so it is never too hot!

Parsley is very easy to grow and enjoys a perennial life. The first year you enjoy the leaves, the second, enjoy until it forms its root base. Soon after it will flower and scatter seeds, and the mother plant dies. Texas is one of the top producers of pars ley in the United States and definitely should be added to your home herbal gardening!

The Cullinan Park Conservancy (CPC) raised $119,000 for park improvements at its 6th Annual Picnic for the Park presented by Memorial Hermann. Supporters of the park gathered on October 7th at River Pointe Church to raise funds for the expansion and improvement of trails, beautification of White Lake and design and construction of a future Learning, Exploration and Play (LEAP) area for children.

Picnic Raises $119,000 for Cullinan Park

In an effort to promote healthy lifestyles in our community, Memorial Hermann has partnered with the Conservancy to support Cullinan Park and the outdoor nature experience the park offers to all. Studies show that spending time in nature can improve both physical and mental health, and the medi cal providers at Memorial Hermann want to support and pro mote outdoor experiences. Malisha Patel, Senior Vice Presi dent and CEO, Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, facilitated an eye-opening discussion with Drs. Sameer Murali and Melissa Kwan on wellness, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to nature and how that positively impacts community health.

“Many thanks to our generous sponsors, loyal patrons and new donors who support our efforts to enhance and protect the natural beauty of Cullinan Park. It’s wonderful to see that so many in our community value Cullinan as much as I do,” said Development Chair Gay Thompson.

“We were also honored to present the Nina Cullinan Award to faithful supporters Doug and Susie Goff,” added Thompson. “The Goffs have been instrumental in supporting our mission for many, many years, and we appreciate their leadership and generosity.”

Winners of the 2022 Cullinan Park Photo Contest were announced at the Picnic. The contest drew more than 300 entries from across the greater Houston area including in

credible images of the birds, wildlife, flora and scenery found at the 754-acre nature park.

“We had a huge spike in the number of photographers vis iting Cullinan this year, and that is reflected in our contest entries. We were blown away by the quality and variety of images, making the judges’ task very difficult. The winning shots are amazing, and many of our honorable mention pho tos are magazine cover-worthy,” said contest organizer Rob bin Mallett.

Three accomplished local photographers served as contest judges: Mary Favre, John Whitt and Greg Lavaty. The con test was sponsored by Oxbow Advisors, LLC, and all entries had to be taken within Cullinan Park, located just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport at 12414 Highway 6 South in Sugar Land.

In the adult group, the following entries won first place in their respective categories: Birds – “Tangled Up Little Blues” by Sue Mitchell; Wildlife – “Baby Possum” by Roger Hutchison; Eagle/Osprey – “Live Another Day” by Clarence Yeung; Landscape – “Morning Reflection” by Kent Lim; and Flora – “Spreading Out” by Janaki Wallooppillai.

The youth winners ranged from ages seven to 15. Winning first place were: Wildlife – “Creature Hidden in the Deep” by Saketh Tammisetti; Birds – “Standing Watch” by Tyler Lock wood; Landscape – “Waiting for the Right One” by Rishi Eti; and Flora – “Golden Bloom” by Tyler Lockwood.

All of the winning photo contest entries can be viewed at www.cullinanparkconservancy.org

Friends of Mamie George Branch Library Host Annual Book Sale

The Friends of the Mamie George Branch Library will host their Annual Book Sale on Friday, November 18th, from 12 noon to 4 pm, and on Saturday, November 19th, from 10 am to 1 pm, in the lobby of the library, located at 320 Dulles Avenue in Stafford.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale. Gently used hardcover children’s and adults’ books will be available for sale for $1 each, DVDs and discs will be $1 and paperback books will be 25¢.

The Friends of the Mamie George Branch Library orga nization is instrumental in funding library materials not cov ered in the regular library budget. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming at the Mamie George Branch Library.

For more information, see the Fort Bend County Librar ies website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, or call the Mamie George Branch Library at 281-238-2880 or the library sys tem’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

Stafford MSD Education Foundation Annual Golf Classic Supporting Public Education

Join the Annual Golf Classic benefiting Stafford MSD teachers and graduating seniors. The Stafford MSD Edu cation Foundation will host an 18-hole scramble golf tour nament on November 7th. Registration is at 8 am and Tee Time at 9 am at Quail Valley Golf Course, located at 2880 La Quinta Drive in Missouri City. The player entry fee starts at $125 and will include the following: A light breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, Fajita dinner, presentation of awards, tickets for door prizes, live and si lent auction.

For more information, contact Coordinator of Grants, Partnerships and Community Relations Cherise Roberts at foundation@staffordmsd.org or 281-208-6134.

The Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) Educa tion Foundation’s mission is to increase educational op portunities for SMSD students through scholarships and classroom grants for teachers generated by partnerships with educators, parents, community members, businesses and civic leaders committed to bridging the gap between needs and resources. To learn more, visit www.stafford msd.org/meet-stafford/education-foundation

November 2022 Winner

“King of Botswana”

By Joe Schmitt

ENTER TO WIN

Congratulations

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

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.

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.

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 CADILLAC CROSSOVER & SUV

The 2022 Cadillac Crossover and SUV lineup is one that has upped the bar for its competitors. Known as the ultimate in luxury, Cadillac has taken that cue and created a group of four vehicles that will be the envy of all your neighbors. And, there’s a size to fit all families, from empty nesters to large families that always need more room.

For those who are looking to move up to a luxury brand ve hicle, the Cadillac XT4 is the perfect choice. It’s the entry level model that is also designed for buyers who want the luxury but don’t need a great deal of room behind the front seat. With a base MSRP of $36,295, this compact crossover is powered by a 235 hp, 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four cylinder engine and delivers impressive fuel economy numbers of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It may be just an entry level crossover, but it’s still a Cadillac through and through.

gine as an option. So, if you feel the need for more power, then you choose the 310 hp, 3.6 liter V6 engine that will give you 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The largest crossover Cadillac offers is the three-row XT6. This is the crossover to choose if you have to have a third row but you don’t need all the room the big Escalade can provide. The XT6 is offered with two powertrains, the same ones that power the smaller XT5.

The Cadillac Escalade is the biggest, roomiest and most powerful Cadillac in this lineup. With a starting MSRP of $79,795, the Escalade comes standard with a massive 420 hp, 6.2 liter V8 that gets 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. There is an alternate powertrain, a 277 hp, 3.0 liter turbo-diesel that delivers much better fuel economy numbers of 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Whatever your needs, there’s a luxurious Caddy to fit your needs like a well made suit.

If you need a roomier interior with a larger back seat, then step up to the Cadillac XT5. With a base MSRP of $44,195, the XT5 was designed for families and those owners who just need extra cargo space. The base engine for the XT5 is the same as its smaller sister the XT4, but there’s a larger more powerful en Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac XT6

Cadillac Escalade interior.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Welcomes Orthopedic Surgeon Alessandra Falk, M.D.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is pleased to welcome foot and ankle sur geon Alessandra Falk, M.D.

Dr. Falk comes to Houston Method ist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas, where she completed a fellowship in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery.

Prior to that, she completed a BA/ MA at Johns Hopkins University, where she also studied and taught ballet. She earned her medical degree with distinc tion in clinical research at The Albert Ein stein College of Medicine in New York City. She completed an orthopedic resi dency, where she serves as chief resi dent at Montefiore Medical Center, also in New York.

Dr. Falk specializes in Achilles tendon disorders, ankle arthritis, foot and ankle deformity, foot and ankle nerve com pression syndromes, ankle sprain, flat

feet, foot and ankle fractures, and more.

“My goal is to restore maximum func tion to patients suffering from foot and

ankle injury and paint,” said Falk. “I tailor my plan of care to the individual, explor ing both operative and non-operative solutions based on their needs. Restor ing independence, mobility, and patient comfort is one of the joys of my job. It has been my privilege to work with some of the best thought leaders in this field and I look forward to serving the patients in the Sugar Land community and be yond.”

Dr. Falk is located at Houston Meth odist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s state-of-the-art facility at 16811 South west Fwy. on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. To make an appointment with Dr. Falk or another specialist at Houston Methodist Ortho pedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedicssl or call 281.201.0409.

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

Alessandra Falk, M.D., orthopedic surgeon

Poland Named Sugar Land Police Department (SLPD) Police Chief

Sugar Land City Manager Michael W. Goo drum selected Loudoun County Undersher iff/Colonel Mark J. Poland to serve as Sugar Land’s next police chief. He is expected to be gin November 1st.

Poland was identified through an extensive, nationwide search. He replaces Eric Robins, who retired in July after 33 years of public ser vice that included 30 at SLPD with four years as chief.

Poland most recently served as undersher iff for Virginia’s largest full-service sheriff’s de partment (LCSO) where he supervised 841 law enforcement officers and civilians and man aged a $111 million budget.

Poland’s 26-year law enforcement career includes a diverse and strong background in many facets of law enforcement, management and leadership. He credits integrity, work ethic and leading by example as the attributes that led to his appointment as undersheriff.

Most recently, he implemented a complex public-private partnership involving numerous community stakeholders work ing toward the resettlement of Afghan refugees. Partnering agencies included the Department of Homeland Security, Fed eral Protective Services, INOVA Hospital System, Loudoun County Administrator, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Na tional Conference Center, the All-Dulles Area Muslim Society, local church leaders and many others.

“I am looking forward to joining the Sugar Land team and working together to ensure we remain among the nation’s saf est cities,” said Poland. “I am a hard-working leader who de mands professionalism from law enforcement individuals. I also believe as a law enforcement official, leaders within our pro fession must continue to expand our knowledge and grow as

professionals to keep ahead of ever-changing trends in crime.”

Poland has a passion for partnerships such as the one he fostered between LCSO and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR). Both LCSO and LCFR leaders created joint High Threat Teams and Command Competency Lab training for all personnel to be prepared to immediately respond to active-violence in cidents.

Poland joined LCSO in 1997 as a patrol deputy before promotions to detective, ser geant, lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel and undersheriff/colonel. He served in and provided leadership for several divisions including patrol, major crimes, special victims’ unit, narcotics and gangs, internal affairs and criminal investigations.

From 1995 to 1997, Poland worked at the Winchester City Police Department, and started in 1997 with Loudoun County serving over 430,000 residents in the fastest growing county in the nation.

Poland earned a bachelor’s degree in Police Science from George Washington University and a master’s degree in Home land Security from The Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of the 260th session of the Federal Bureau of Inves tigation National Academy and recently assisted as a subjectmatter expert for the Department of Justice Commission on Law Enforcement report.

He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Virginia Chapter, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Vir ginia Sheriff’s Institute, the Virginia Sheriff’s Association and the National Sheriff’s Association.

Forever Friends Looking Forward to First-Ever PAWp Up Shop Event

The city of Sugar Land’s first ever PAWp Up Shop will be held November 19th, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the animal shelter, 101 Gillingham Lane.

The event is an opportunity for the community to learn more about shelter operations, volunteer opportunities and meet the adoptable pets available at the facility. The family-oriented event will include fun activities for all ages, including:

• Those who think they have what it takes to make it at the animal shelter are encouraged to participate in the “poop” scooping relay races! Prizes will be awarded.

• A “Pup Strut” will be live streamed the Tuesday prior to the event to advertise the shelter’s finest adoptable pets that will be

present at the event.

• Participants may bring their family pets for low-cost mi crochipping. The cost will be $15.50 per pet. For pets already microchipped, city staff will be available to verify information on file and make any necessary updates to contact information.

• Animal shelter tours will offer an opportunity to meet staff, see the facilities and visit with adoptable pets. Those consid ering a forever home for one of Sugar Land’s pets can visit https://trello.com/b/MYX8eRlX/petopia-adoptables before ar riving at the shelter.

To learn more, go to www.sugarlandtx.gov/pawpup.

Mark J. Poland

OutRun Hunger 5K Raises More Than $30,000 for Charity

Hundreds of people turned miles into meals during this year’s OutRun Hunger 5k Family Walk and Run hosted by Harvest Green, raising more than $30,000 to feed hungry Fort Bend families.

This is the most money the event has raised since its incep tion in 2018. The annual race benefits East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, a non-profit organization helping families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis.

“It was a definitely an amazing day,” said Stacey Williams, development director for East Fort Bend Human Needs Min istry. “We had perfect weather, almost 500 runner and walk ers and more than $30,000 raised for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry.”

The run also attracted 52 sponsors who contributed $19,750 toward the total. Approximately $97,500 has been raised by the run since its launch four years ago.

Last year, 300 participants and 50 sponsors raised $19,000 for the non-profit.

The money will be used by East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry to provide food and financial assistance to children, families and seniors. In 2021, the organization distributed $1,842,832 worth of food to families in need.

The race ended with an after-party at the finish line for par ticipants and their cheering squads. The top three male and female finishers received awards. Kids received completion

This year’s OutRun Hunger event in Harvest Green raised more than $30,000 for charity East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry and attracted its most participants ever.

ribbons for participation in a separate Kids Run. Overall win ners in the race were Justin Arnosky, 34, first place with a time of 18:10; Adam Hawks, 38, second place, 18:41; and Kayla Shelky, 21, third place, 19:24.

“Hosting the OutRun Hunger 5K is one of the highlights of our year,” said Jerry Ulke, General Manager for Harvest Green. “We love seeing so many families turn out for a great cause.”

For more information about East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, visit https://www.humanneeds.org.

Visit https://www.harvestgreentexas.com for more informa tion about Harvest Green.

Second Phase of Improvements Planned at Cullinan Park

Sugar Land City Council recently approved the donation of more than $1.2 million from the Cullinan Park Conservancy for the second phase of improvements at Cullinan Park.

The recent donation from the conservancy combined with a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Recreation Grant of $200,000 will fund the construction of 1.2 miles of concrete and decomposed granite trails, 30 head-in parking spaces along the entry road and a small parking lot with 45 spaces tucked in the woods south of the restroom. These improvements will provide the community with additional walking and jogging op portunities in nature, while preserving existing native hardwood trees. This phase also provides access and infrastructure for the planned third phase of improvements that will include a na ture play and exploration area.

The conservancy has now donated more than $2.7 million for park improvements since the city annexed Cullinan Park.

The city of Sugar Land annexed the 754-acre Cullinan Park in January 2016 under an interlocal agreement with the city of Houston and a memorandum of understanding with the Cul linan Park Conservancy. The city is responsible for park se curity, maintenance/operations and management of design and construction projects while the Cullinan Park Conservancy

is responsible for fundraising for capital improvements to the park.

“The Cullinan Park improvements have truly been a dem onstration of a great partnership among multiple agencies,” said City of Sugar Land Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Chesser. “Staff of the city of Sugar Land are excited to work with the conservancy on this second phase of Cullinan Park improvements.”

The first phase of improvements was completed in 2019. They were designed to expand recreational opportunities for Sugar Land residents and the surrounding community and in cluded the addition of a restroom facility, a 1/3-mile trail around White Lake, a boardwalk, an overlook, two trailheads, three donor recognition walls, site furnishing and native hardwood trees. Other amenities included clearing overgrown, dense ar eas to increase visibility at the park entrance, the driveway and a portion of the White Lake edge. Signage was also installed throughout the park to provide wayfinding and environmental education to the public.

For more updates, visit www.cullinanparkconservancy.org For more information about programs, events and forestry initia tives, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/parks or call 281-275-2825.

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

Living the Sweet Life: Finding What You Might Have Missed

Hey Sweet Lifers! During a roadtrip back from North Carolina, it struck me as we were wan dering around in the Blue Ridge Parkway and through various states, there’s a lot of things you miss when you fly. Things that you should stumble upon and allow yourself some time to enjoy . . . others that make you wonder, just well . . . wonder. How did this become a “thing?” The time involved in traveling over the years has been the thing that encouraged that flight, and I’ll be the first to appreciate the convenience, especially with small children. How ever, time taken to get from place to place, I have re cently discovered is some of the best time spent. Mainly to think and occasionally to find stuff that you might be missing.

Take, for example, the ducks that seemed to gath er around me and want to have my company along side their pond. When they realized I was not packing any food, they stayed and talked and were quite nice, reminding me of the summers of my childhood feeding them with Granny and Big Daddy. Memories flooding back of happy times when each day was filled with won der and fun that did not cost a thing.

Then there were the wind ing roads with canopy trees and the sunroof down, Van Halen tunes, “You might as well jump” blaring as the clouds casted shadows through gleam ing sun rays on the dash. The smell of fresh air and honey suckle heavy and not another soul on the road.

Silence passing for hours to let the mind rest without the worry of a lost piece of luggage, a cooler in the back seat filled with crisp apples and cookies and, of course, chocolate. Eventually, around the bend in small towns, with little glimpses of towns that has passed them by. Once bustling with neighbors and churches full, small children and farms and life being lived…well, quite sweet! It made me think a lot about these last years as so many of us have had too many changes. Others have been trying to find what they might have missed.

I discovered that I no longer need to fly, and in fact, I might choose to never do that again. I also realized that given time to wan der, not only do you find new things like the cast iron fac tory alongside the road (who knew?), but you rediscover many things that as you’re in the rushed days of hustling, you really do miss. The ducks, the sunshine, the peace that comes with basking in the silence of a car with some snacks and be ing in the presence of the people you love. That my dears is “Living the Sweet Life!”

Take care of YOU and stay “sweet!”