October 2016 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

OCTOBER 2016

Spooktacular

SEASONAL TREATS

20+

BOO-tiful Model Homes

2ND ANNUAL Sugar Shindig

Focus on THE CURE

Greg Haralson, FACHE, Sr. Vice President and CEO; Daisy Yeung, CPA, Chief Financial Officer; Malisha Patel, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer; William B. Riley, Jr., MD, Chief Medical Officer and Leslie S. Norman, MPH., BSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer.

17500 West Grand Parkway South Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.725.5000 memorialhermann.org/sugarland

A beautiful healing garden, visible from the glass walkway connecting the West and East Towers, has as its focal point a soothing water feature.

Expansion Enhances Services

By Nancy V Mills, APR Photography by Mary Favre

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apping off a two-year, $93 million expansion project, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital has opened a new 155,000-square-foot patient tower to meet the growing health care needs of Fort Bend County residents. The project also included expansions and renovations to the original hospital tower and construction of Medical Plaza 2 that houses the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute and additional physician offices.

“This expansion allows us to add new services and provide even more comprehensive health care to the residents of Fort Bend County,” said Greg Haralson, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. “Patients can now stay close to home for increasingly complex health care issues and receive the high-quality care we’ve always delivered.”

The new East Tower includes an expanded ICU where patients will benefit from an expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment, including new diagnostic monitoring systems.

New Tower Adds 60 Patient Beds The new six-story patient tower, on the east side of the campus adjacent to the Grand Parkway, has 60 new beds to bring the total bed count to 149. This new East Tower houses an expanded intensive care unit (ICU) with 14 beds and a new 16-bed adult intermediate care unit (IMU) for patients who require close supervision.

“As the Fort Bend County community grows, we are more equipped to meet our residents’ critical care needs,” said Seleria Fletcher, RN, BSN, MSN, director of critical care. “In addition to our highly trained staff in the expanded ICU and the new IMU, we have added state-of-the-art equipment, including new diagnostic monitoring systems, to enhance patient care.”

The new East Tower includes expanded One floor below the 3rd floor ICU/IMU conference room space. is a cardiac/pulmonary care unit. This floor also contains a one-stop, self-contained endoscopy suite for gastrointestitricians. “Children experience a high level of nal procedures. anxiety, especially when it comes to testing.

“We’re seeing more esophageal and coWhen a pediatrician is involved in providlon cancers being diagnosed in the area,” ing care, he or she understands it’s equally said Haralson. “This endoscopy suite will important to know what tests to order and serve as the foundation for a digestive when not to order them.” disease center, bringing patients and afColorful wall murals, child-sized medifiliated subspecialty physicians together cal equipment, stickers, coloring books and in one place for diagnosis and treatment.” bubbles put children at ease, as does a certiEverything about the expansion On the fourth floor of the East Tower fied Child Life Specialist. With comprehencreates an inviting and healing is a new medical unit, which was relosive training in human development and environment including this wide, cated from the West Tower. This opened psychology, this specialist helps children unlight-filled hallway outside the East Tower Conference Center. up much-needed space in the West Tower derstand procedures with pretend medical for labor and delivery rooms, an expandequipment and other age-appropriate play. ed nursery, neonatal ICU, more beds for pediatric patients This type of environment and targeted care reduces anxiety and additional space for future expansion projects. and promotes healing.

“We want to make every pregnancy and childbirth experience special for the women we serve,” said Haralson. “With Enhanced Heart Attack Care this new space, our very experienced staff can better meet the needs of women and young children.”

Early in the expansion, the Emergency Center, located in the West Tower, increased to 26 beds. Late in the expansion, four more surgical suites were added, bringing the total to Committed to Children 12.

Haralson is particularly proud of the hospital’s focus on “The expansion gives patients faster access to hospital pediatric care. “We have a growing group of affiliated physibeds, whether they’re coming into or out of the Emergency cians joining us who have pediatric subspecialty training in Center or surgery,” said Chief of Staff Thomas Rivers, MD. gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngolThe expanded Emergency Center further enhances the ogy (ear, nose and throat), pulmonology, urology and sleep hospital’s outstanding heart attack care for patients arriving medicine,” said Haralson. “This means children can receive with chest pain. For many years, Memorial Hermann Sugar advanced care close to home.”

Land has been a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center for In addition, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is Fort Bend its superior diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

County’s only Emergency Center designed and staffed to Affiliated physicians are available 24/7 to perform balcare specifically for children. Affiliated emergency medicine loon angioplasty in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization physicians, pediatricians, nurses, anesthesiologists, radiololab. This vital procedure opens blocked arteries and restores gists and other highly skilled pediatric specialists underblood flow to the heart. Other areas remaining in the West stand the unique needs of children.

Tower include outpatient imaging and laboratory services, “Our staff is more sensitive to children’s needs,” said as well as rehabilitation and recovery for patients who unJared Caruso, MD, FAAP, who oversees the affiliated pediadergo elective orthopedic surgery.

A Place of Comfort and Healing Everything about the expansion creates an inviting and healing environment. It begins with the main entrance that provides more space for drop-off and pickup of patients and visitors.

In the lobby, a beautiful healing garden is visible from the glass walkway connecting the West and East Towers. It offers visitors a soothing water feature and flowering plants, as well as various indoor and outdoor seating options.

Continuing through the glass walkway into the new East Tower is the Grand Parkway Café, featuring large photos of well-known Sugar Land and Richmond landmarks. Adjacent to the café is expanded conference room space and a new preadmission testing department.

Continuous Focus on Quality and Safety Since opening in 2006, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land has sought to deliver exceptional and accessible health care to the community. Joining this expansion that has more than doubled the size of the Sugar Land campus are the new Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Sienna Plantation – with 24-hour emergency care plus primary care – and Memorial Hermann Urgent Care at Telfair.

Throughout this impressive period of growth, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land has kept its laser-sharp focus on providing safe, high-quality care to Fort Bend County residents.

“Our core value is safety,” said Haralson. “We live by that.

We want to achieve 100 percent all the time in all our quality metrics. We’re amazingly close to achieving that goal.”

Chantal Nguyen-Tran, MD, an affiliated obstetrician/gynecologist, appreciates this relentless focus, saying, “Memorial Hermann Sugar Land excels in maintaining safety and quality in all aspects of patient care.”

The Quality Texas Foundation recognized Memorial

Visitors can grab a quick snack or beverage at the Grand Parkway Café located in the new East Tower.

Hermann Sugar Land’s commitment to excellence by awarding it the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is one of just three organizations in the state to receive this prestigious award that recognizes strong dedication to quality and high performance.

While awards validate Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s unending quest for quality, that determination is evident in the daily actions of the hospital’s more than 650 employee partners. From superior care delivered in the hospital to compassionate community outreach, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s staff exudes caring and commitment to excellence in all they do. Outreach activities include everything from performing complimentary school physicals, mammograms and health screenings and hosting educational seminars, to collecting donations for flood victims.

“We want to continue to be the health care provider of choice for Fort Bend County and advance the health of those we serve,” said Haralson. “It’s our goal to always be forwardthinking and look for innovative ways to meet the unexpressed wishes and needs of our community.”

Growing with Fort Bend County

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emorial Hermann is recognized as a national and regional leader in high-quality care. The two-year expansion project at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital enables Fort Bend County residents to receive this high-level care close to home for increasingly complex health care issues.

Inside the New East Tower • Expanded 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (3rd floor) • New 16-bed Intermediate Care Unit (3rd floor) • Pre-Admission Testing Department (1st floor) • Endoscopy Suite (2nd floor) • Cardiology and Pulmonary Care Unit (2nd floor) • New Medical Unit (4th floor) • Grand Parkway Café (1st floor)

Inside the Original West Tower • Expanded Labor & Delivery • Larger Nursery and Neonatal ICU • Additional Pediatric Beds • 26-bed Emergency Center • 10 Surgical Suites • Cardiac Catheterization Lab • Outpatient Imaging and Lab An expanded main entrance provides more space for drop-off and pickup of patients and visitors. fort bend

magazine • October 2016

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COVER STORY OCTOBER 2016

F E AT U R E S 27 FOCUS ON THE CURE

Educate yourself and your loved ones

about breast cancer awareness and detection.

47 absolutely! PRETTY IN PINK

See what the community is offering

to support breast cancer awareness.

64 A YARD TO DIE FOR

With a little originality and added realism,

store-bought props can rise above the ordinary for an unforgettably spooky setting.

65 FALL DÉCOR TRENDS

Create your own Modern Farmhouse

look featuring pumpkins, cotton, reclaimed metal and more.

COLUMNS 20 FOCUS ON FINANCE

Put It in a Letter

The foyer of a Gracepoint Homes model home in the luxury gated section of Fox Bend.

Photo by Derrick Bryant.

22 COMMUNITY CULTURE

TEDx Talks in Sugar Land, a Power of Ideas

14 NEW HOMES, NEW AMENITIES, NEW SCHOOLS – ALL IN SIENNA PLANTATION

24 KIDS’ CORNER

Sensory Processing Disorder:

48 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT

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Master-planned Sienna Plantation is buzzing with activity, as construction of new homes, new schools and new amenities continue in the long-standing Fort Bend development. Featuring well-established neighborhoods in wooded settings and a wealth of family-friendly amenities, the 10,000-acre development will provide ample opportunity for prospective homebuyers to tour its many model homes and more this fall.

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The 1 in 20 Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of

62 THE LITTLE BOOKMARK

Thrillers and Mysteries 80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE:

Sometimes a Sweet Life Is Also a Short One

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CONTRIBUTORS

OCTOBER 2016

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VOLUME 12

NEWSWORTHY 50 THE ST. LAURENCE BAZAAR IS BACK

October 15th and 16th

52 COMMISSIONER ANDY MEYERS’ SECOND ANNUAL

Fort Bend Ranchers’ Ball

Hosts 2nd Annual Sugar Shindig

FORT BEND AGGIE MOMS’ CLUB

55 TOUR $1+ MILLION MODELS

“Sticks and Cleats” Golf Tournament This Halloween

RECORD-BREAKING BOWL THROWING

For Fort Bend Empty Bowls

68 THE FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE’S

Sugar Plum Market Is the Perfect One-Stop Holiday Shopping Experience

absolutely!

DELICIOUS 66 A SPOOKTACULAR

Seasonal Treat

20

Keith Borgfeldt Spartan Wealth Management, LLC Page 20 Zeenat Kassam Mitha Cultural Correspondent Page 22

By Opening Store in Telfair Sugar Land

22 Patrick Biron Birons Youth Sports Center Page 24

absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

24

60 2016 CHEVROLET VOLT

Joan Frances Contributor Page 48

BRAIN TEASER 48

63 TRICK OR TREAT TEASER

For an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award

67 FORT BEND CARES’

In Riverstone

58 GOODWILL HOUSTON EXPANDS FORT BEND PRESENCE

Installs the 2016-2017 Executive Officers and Committee Chairs

57 NOMINATE YOUR

FAVORITE EDUCATORS NOW

NUMBER 12

BUSINESS BRIEFS

56 FORT BEND

EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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Nancy V Mills, APR Contributor

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 60

MEDICAL FOCUS 76 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP

Announces New Interventional Cardiologist

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

Leslie Little Contributor Page 62

62

Offering Free Flu Shots to Benefit Santa’s Exchange

Myles Mellor Contributor Page 63

77 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

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63

Ranked Among Top Hospitals in Annual Survey

Cynthia Hand Neely Contributor Page 64

IN EVERY ISSUE

64 Tracy Thornton Tracy Thornton Creative Page 65

12 EXCLAMATION POINTS! 70 OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

65 Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

75 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST 78 COMMUNITY EVENTS

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • October 2016

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EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Vol. 12 No. 12 October 2016

Ghouls, Galas and Great Times October finally brings us a much needed respite from the summer heat, and along with that, so many fun fall activities. From a Halloween golf tournament to numerous galas to Hauntcert, I love our fall community events.

Speaking of fabulous fall activities, make plans to visit Sienna Plantation this month to tour over 20 “boo-tiful” model homes during the master-planned Patti Kaminski, Pamela Bourassa, Leslie Norman community’s Open Homes October. For a and Nancy Zimmerman at Memorial Hermann peek into some of these dazzling model Sugar Land Hospital’s East Tower Grand Opening. homes along with details on the development’s amazing new schools and amenities, turn to page 14.

October is also a time for us to remain focused – focused on a cure for breast cancer. In our special Focus on the Cure section, we bring awareness about early detection, nutrition, breast cancer in men and the most advanced technology available to battle this disease.

The latest and greatest in medical technology is something that we are fortunate to have in our community. The new expansion of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is devoted to meeting the ever growing health care needs of Fort Bend, and their commitment to quality care and specialized physicians makes receiving the best of health care right here in our own neighborhood accessible. Take a look at their new 155,000 square-foot patient tower and their state-of-the-art renovations.

Remember, think pink this month, Happy Halloween to you and your little ones, and I hope to see you out and about this fall!

Stay focused,

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700 STAFFORD, TX 77477 281-690-4242

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.COM

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Jessica Kij M A NA G I N G E D I T O R Sarah Bearden AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S Nancy Dunbar Jennifer Elliott Molly Ellis Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marinela Taylor WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza CONTRIBUTORS Patrick Biron Keith Borgfeldt Joan Frances Steve Kursar Leslie Little Myles Mellor Nancy V Mills, APR Zeenat Kassam Mitha Alisa Murray Cynthia Hand Neely Tracy Thornton O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R AT O R Alexa Goldstein

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

INQUIRIES 281-690-4242

READER FEEDBACK

ON THE COVER: Sienna Plantation’s Open House October

Hi Patti and Jessica,

Thank you for your wonderful coverage of the Fort Bend Cares Grants Reception in the Out & About section of the August issue of Fort Bend Focus. Your support of Fort Bend Cares is truly appreciated.

Melinda Henry, Publicity Chair Fort Bend Cares

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.com • October 2016

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E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Published by

Subscription requests are free to all Fort Bend addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside the Fort Bend area.

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

COVER STORY Photography by Derrick Bryant

The living room of a Gracepoint Homes model home in the luxury gated section of Fox Bend.

New Homes, New Amenities, New Schools – All in

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aster-planned Sienna Plantation is buzzing with activity, as construction of new homes, new schools and new amenities continue in the long-standing Fort Bend development.

The 10,000-acre development features well-established neighborhoods in wooded settings and a wealth of familyfriendly amenities. However, those looking for a new home will find plenty of selection as builders are offering new garden homes, patio designs and executive homes. Plus, buyers will be able to enjoy the signature Sienna lifestyle immediately.

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“Many new home buyers have to wait to access community amenities as it could take a year or more for the first recreational features to open,” said Alvin San Miguel, general manager of Sienna Plantation. “Here, new residents can immediately enjoy water parks, the state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and much more in addition to the luxury and functionality of a brand new home.”

Today’s New Homes New homes today are filled with luxurious details and must-have features. Kitchen islands that center open-concept living spaces, cool neutrals that serve as a backdrop for personalization and outdoor living areas that are built for year-round use are hallmarks of today’s design. New homes

.com • October 2016

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also exhibit technologically advanced, energy-efficient construction, resulting in reduced utility bills and a healthier environment for owners.

Sienna Plantation’s Village of Sawmill Lake offers a wide selection of new homes that showcase these amenities and more, from designs that appeal to those purchasing their first home to the move-up buyer looking for an estate home in a gated neighborhood.

Offering a wealth of single-family home designs in Sawmill Lake are CalAtlantic Homes, Darling Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Meritage Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers, Trendmaker Homes and Westin Homes. Darling Homes and Trendmaker Homes also offer patio home designs within the Village of Sawmill Lake and Perry Homes has luxury garden homes in The Enclave at Waters Lake near the Sienna Plantation Golf Club.

Gracepoint Homes and Toll Brothers have estate home designs priced from the $580,000s in the gated Fox Bend neighborhood within Sawmill Lake. Luxury buyers can also find available homes by J. Patrick Homes within the Village of Bees Creek.

Prospective homebuyers will have ample opportunity to tour Sienna’s many model homes and more this fall during Open Homes October, which showcases new and existing homes for sale throughout the month, and the November Fall Home Tour, where visitors will be able to tour model homes and try to identify the fragrant seasonal scents featured in each home.

The dining room of a Toll Brothers model home in the luxury gated section of Fox Bend.

Polka Your Way to Sienna This October

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he public will find “boo-tiful” homes and “wunderbar” fun this October in Sienna Plantation as the master-planned community has several treats in store.

Lavishly decorated models and exceptional resale homes will be showcased during the community’s Open Homes October event, happening throughout the month. Visitors can tour Sienna’s 21 model homes showcasing designs for patio homes, garden homes, executive designs and custom homes priced from the $280,000s. Sixteen of the models are found in Sienna’s newest enclave, the Village of Sawmill Lake. Builders will have a cornucopia of money-saving promotions during the event.

Also during the month will be open houses of existing homes for sale in master-planned Sienna Plantation.

Visitors to the community are invited to stop by the Sienna Plantation Homefinder Center at 5777 Sienna Parkway for treats and a chance to win tickets to the Sienna Oktoberfest on October 22nd. The event features live polka music, traditional German fare, games and a Biergarten. The $10 admission provides a commemorative Sienna bierstein, one drink and one food item per ticket. Proceeds from the event, open to those ages 21 and older, benefit the Fort Bend Education Foundation.

Learn more at www.siennaplantation.com. fort bend

magazine • October 2016

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Additional On-Site Schools Fort Bend Independent School District officially broke ground this summer on two on-site schools within the development’s Village of Sawmill Lake.

The 123,079-square-foot, two-story elementary — number 48 for the district — will initially accommodate 850 students.

Scheduled to open in 2017, construction costs for the campus are estimated at $25.56 million. The elementary school shares a 47-acre parcel with Middle School 15, a 228,566-square-foot campus built for about 1,200 students. The district expects the school to cost about $47.55 million to build. It is slated to open in 2018.

Both campuses have been designed to qualify for LEED certification, which means they will use less energy and resources than schools not built to the program’s standards.

They also will each feature district-identified 21st Century Learning concepts, which encourages collaboration and inspires learning.

The addition of the two new schools will bring the number of on-site schools in Sienna Plantation to seven. Already open are three elementary schools, one middle school and a high school, all of which are lauded for academics and extracurricular achievements.

More Fun on the Horizon Work is continuing on a fourth recreation center within Sienna Plantation, the Sawmill Lake Club. The lakeside facility will feature the community’s fifth on-site swimming pool, as well as a second fitness center, a playground and space for events.

“Located within walking distance for many residents in the Village of Sawmill Lake, this newest large-scale amenity will complement the array of features Sienna residents currently enjoy,” said San Miguel.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Fort Bend Independent School District officially broke ground on two new on-site schools in the Village of Sawmill Lake. Elementary #48 and Middle School #15 will be situated on a 47-acre parcel in the neighborhood.

Residents already spend summers relaxing at the Club Sienna and Sienna Springs water parks, which feature beach-entry lagoons, in-the-water activities and twisting water slides. Club Sienna also offers an eight-lane junior Olympic competitive pool that is heated during the winter. A second lap pool can be found at the Brushy Lake recreation complex, which is also home to a play pool designed for younger swimmers and a newly expanded fitness center that offers 62 pieces of fitness equipment and more than 60 exercise classes hosted weekly.

Golfers can spend the day at Sienna Plantation Golf Club, The Sienna Springs Resort Pool. a semi-private course that has an active junior golf program and is home to the highly acclaimed Sienna Golf Academy. Eight lighted tennis courts give residents other options for exercise, as well as several outdoor fitness areas and more than 35 miles of community trails. The 160-acre Camp Sienna hosts numerous youth sports leagues on its 15 lighted sports fields. Two concession areas serve the facility. In addition to the sports park, dozens of neighborhood parks invite after-school play, morning play dates and memorable family time.

Encouraging residents to get out and explore their community is a special events team that plans an array of activities throughout the year. Concerts on the big hill, camp-outs, seasonal festivals, pool parties, outings and more are just some of the many enticing events Sienna residents enjoy.

The public will have a chance to experience the Sienna lifestyle with a series of events through the end of the year.

Happening this month is the Sienna Oktoberfest on October 22nd and Frost Fest — featuring a snow hill and the world’s largest rocking horse — on December 3rd.

To learn more about Sienna Plantation, visit www. siennaplantation.com. .com • October 2016

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Susan Garczynski:

Giving Where She Lives in a Big Way

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eet Susan of the Susan Garczynski Team of KWSW. Garczynski has been with KWSW for over seven years, and while a native Houstonian, she has been a Fort Bend resident for the past 25 years.

Garczynski is an avid supporter of many local charitable organizations, but one is particularly near and dear to her heart. The Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County was established in 2008

by Garczynski after the diagnosis of her now 12 year-old son, Conner. The diagnosis had a huge impact on her family as a whole and on each individual family member in different ways. Because children with autism generally have difficulty socializing, family life can become very reclusive. The goal of the Playgroup is not only to give autistic children an opportunity to socialize in a safe, interactive environment, but also to give families with autistic children an environment in which to socialize with other families.

“It’s designed for the families to come so that the parents and typical siblings can see that there are other families that are just like theirs.”

Garczynski and her 10 to 20 volunteers organize up to seven playdates per year at one of the area parks with plenty of activities for the children, including sensory shaving cream activities, playdough, coloring and arts and crafts.

Aside from park playdates, they also organize Easter Egg hunts and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The Playgroup was a grassroots project, started and funded by friends, family and with help from local businesses.

Currently, there are 450 families who have participated at one time or another, and the playdates host approximately 125 people per session.

But Garczynski’s commitment to

nancial rewards of increased clients because of that exposure. When customers hire me as their agent, they know that customer service is number one and my ability to get the job done and respond to them is the number one thing. It’s the same with my charity work. I’m blessed to have a career that is enjoyable like a hobby. I don’t take that lightly.”

For Garczynski, there is a personal satisfaction that comes from pleasing others and helping meet their needs.

“In Real Estate, it’s the same thing: Can you serve their needs, which are to help them buy or sell a house? And it’s all about customer service.”

Susan and Hunter Garczynski with Leslie Bolton and Conner Garczynski.

children with special needs doesn’t end there. She was an active part of bringing Waves of Impact to the Texas Gulf Coast. This organization provides free surf camps for children with special needs and disabled veterans throughout California and on parts of the East Coast, but also now in Galveston and Corpus Christi, with two free surf camps per year. Their philosophy is that the ocean and surfing provide a great way to wash away stress and minimize sensory overload.

Garczynski is also heavily involved with the First Colony Dream League, which is a local baseball league for children with special needs. She has been a Challenger Division Coach since 2012 and a Buddy Ball Basketball League sponsor for First Colony.

When asked about how she manages her career, family life and plays such an active role in community volunteerism, Garczynski stated that a huge part of it is the flexibility in her career. “It’s family first and giving back to the community, and I’ve always been blessed with the fi-

281.265.0000 www.kwsw.com 1650 Highway 6, Suite 350 Sugar Land, Tx 77478

First Colony Dream League volunteers Hunter Garczynski and U.S. Representative Pete Olson with Connor Garczynski.

Susan Garczynski: Another KWSW Community Crusader, building careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living.

For more information on The Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County, Waves of Impact and First Colony Dream League, contact Susan Garczynski at Susan@susangar.com and visit www.wavesofimpact.com and www. fcdreamleague.com.

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By Keith Borgfeldt

on

FINANCE

Put It in a Letter

A

ctor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they know two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.”

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet many of us have a vision about our memorial service or the handling of our remains. A letter of instructions can help you accomplish that goal.

A letter of instructions is not a legal document; it’s a letter written by you that provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate. It can be addressed to whomever you choose, but typically, letters of instructions are directed to the executor, family members or beneficiaries.

Tip: Contact Information. A letter of instructions might include contact information for individuals who could be helpful in the distribution of your assets, such as your lawyer or financial professional.

Make a Cheat Sheet Think of a letter of instructions as a “cheat sheet” to your estate. Here are a few ideas and concepts that may be included: • The location of important legal documents, such as your will, insurance policies, titles to automobiles, deeds to property, etc.

• A list of financial assets, including savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds and retirement accounts. Be sure to include account numbers, PINs and passwords where applicable.

• A list of pensions or profit-sharing plans, including the

location of their explanatory booklets.

• The location of your latest tax return and Social Security statements.

• The location of any safe deposit boxes and their keys.

Identify Funeral Wishes A letter of instructions is also a good place to leave burial or cremation wishes. You should consider giving the location of your cemetery plot deed, if you have one. You may even wish to specify which hymns or speakers you would like included in your memorial service. Although a letter of instructions is not legally binding, your heirs will probably be glad to know how you would like to be remembered. It also may be helpful to leave a list of contact information for people who should be notified in the event of your death.

There is no “best way” to write a letter of instructions. It can be written in your style and reflect your personality, or it can be written to simply convey information. You should decide what type of letter best fits your estate strategy.

Don’t Wait Nearly 65 percent of Americans say they don’t have even a basic will.

Fast Fact: Going Without. If you die without a will, also called dying “intestate,” the state will decide how your assets should be distributed.

For more information on estate planning, feel free to call Spartan Wealth Management at 281-494-1600.

Keith Borgfeldt is president and owner of Spartan Wealth Management, LLC. Securities and investment advisory services offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Spartan Wealth Management, LLC is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group.

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Private Wealth Management for Select Individuals Keith Borgfeldt

President and Owner

Securities and investment advisory services offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Spartan Wealth Management, LLC is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Spartan Wealth Management, LLC 4690 Sweetwater Blvd. Ste 280, Sugar Land, TX 77479

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By Zeenat Kassam Mitha

C

A

MMUNITY

Culture

group of enthusiastic, intelligent and culturally diverse speakers were part of the TEDx talks in Sugar Land at The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center on August 27th. Many of these speakers shared their passions and how they are making a difference to society. Each speaker kept the audience’s interest, and it was a full house of attendees.

TED is a non-profit organization devoted to making great ideas accessible and spark conversation. TED talks are usually short and powerful, 18 minutes or less. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design came together, and today, the TED talks cover almost all topics, including health, culture, science, business and global issues.

TED talks are done in more than 100 languages by individuals from every background and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world.

“We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world,” said Joshua Evans, curator of the event.

“Independently run TEDx events, such as the one in Sugar Land, help share ideas in communities around the

TEDx Talks in Sugar Land, a Power of Ideas world,” said Alim Adatia, one of the event organizers.

Dr. Huma Jafry began the TED talks speaking about nanotechnology.

She explained the huge potential of great things coming in small packages.

“For example, nano-robots have the potential of curing ailments, and through nanotechnology, scientists have created self-cleaning fabrics and a lithium rechargeable battery in the form of paint,” said Jafry. She explained that to understand the size of a nanometer, one could take a strand of human hair, cut it into 1,000 pieces across its thickness, and the 1/1000 piece is about the size of a nanometer.

Pratyusha Pilla spoke about colorism, which is a lesser known social issue describing discrimination purely on the basis of skin tone. “I hope to bring to light the harmful nature of colorism,” said Pilla. She shared her own experience of discrimination due to not having fair skin. Pilla feels that raising awareness for this issue is the first step in alleviating the damage it causes. She received a standing ovation for her talk.

Dr. Yamile Jackson spoke about giving birth 12 weeks prematurely to her

Speakers, performers and organizers Sonny Domagas, Mary Kobell Joyce, Kathryn Karges, John Evans, Erin Williford, Doug Grady, Raj Mankad, Huma Jafry, Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Pratyusha Pilla, Josh Evans, Erik “Mr. Awesome” Swanson, Barkat Fazal, Murad Ajani, Faisal Momin, Alim Adatia, Munira Panjwani and Nooruddin Lalani at the recent TEDx talks at The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land.

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.com • October 2016

22

son Zachary, who weighed less than two pounds. Three weeks later, Tropical Storm Allison flooded Houston, losing power to the hospital and to all of Zachary’s life support equipment. For nine crucial hours, Jackson and her husband, Larry, along with the hospital staff, kept him alive “by hand.”

Zachary stayed in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit for five months, and his story of survival was the inspiration of the 2005 TNT movie 14 Hours.

Today, Zachary lives a very active and normal life. “Zachary is my Chief Inspirational Officer,” said Jackson, “which led me to develop, using the ergonomic Nurturing Technology, The Zaky, Kangaroo Zak and Zen by Zak Wellness.”

Yixin Wang started playing the guzheng, a Chinese musical string instrument with 2,500 years of history, at the age of four in China. The modern guzheng usually has 21 strings and is 64 inches long. Wang won her first national medal at the age of seven for playing the instrument. She kept the audience captive at TEDx with the soothing melody.

“The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land hosts numerous cultural, knowledge-based and educational programs and events throughout the year which are open to the public to benefit from,” said Murad Ajani, president of the Aga Khan Council for Southwestern United States.

The other inspiring speakers at TEDxSugarLand were Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Dr. Rumi Chunara, John Evans, Doug Grady, Melanie Johnson, Dr. Kathryn Karges, Kevan Kjar, Naveed Lalani, Dr. Raj Mankad, Farid Premani, Erik “Mr. Awesome” Swanson and Erin Williford.

Visit www.TEDxsugarland.org for more information on the event and speakers.

K

r e n or n

C Bir ’ rick t s a id By P

o

Sensory Processing Disorder: The 1 in 20 Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of

E

ach week at camp, around 150 to 200 kids come through our day programs. It is fun and everything that camp should be, and of course, it comes with all of the normal ups, downs, joys and challenges of dealing with that many kids – and parents!

While we are used to the frequent number of children with diagnosed disorders who join us, a large number of undiagnosed children at camp exhibit symptoms of a disorder that most parents have never even heard of: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

According to the Star Institute for SPD, as many as 16 percent of children exhibit the symptoms of SPD. And yet, because the disorder is relatively unknown among parents, and because it shares some symptoms with the autism spectrum, it can be difficult for childcare companies to properly identify the signs and implement an engagement program that best serves that particular child.

So, what is SPD? While the Star Institute website provides an amazing, in-depth explanation, in a nut shell, SPD refers to the way a child’s brain handles sensory input from their environment and how they respond to those sensory inputs through action and emotion. Un-

like similar disorders, the senses themselves are perceived normally, but the processing of and response to those experiences is abnormal.

Symptoms of SPD include: sensitivity to certain noises, touch, smells or even people; lack of empathy; becoming overwhelmed by large groups, loud

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noises or sensory overload; difficulty making friends; motor skill difficulties and becoming easily distracted, fidgety and aggressive.

Many of these symptoms are the same as those characteristic of other, more well-known disorders. And while your child’s doctor is a great resource and has the knowledge to best assess and treat your child, parents should use caution when a camp, teacher or day care quickly “diagnoses” your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Many of these programs, though well intentioned, don’t have the medical expertise to properly identify your child’s situation. Treating a child with SPD as if they have ADD doesn’t help them, since the former usually involves intense therapy and the latter medication.

So, what can you do if you are worried that your child might have SPD or be exhibiting its symptoms? Luckily, it is treatable if properly identified, and there are a ton of resources available for parents and patients. Visit www.spdstar. org to learn more about SPD, get more resources, find assessments and get in touch with evaluations and treatment options near you. And if one in 20 kids has SPD, all parents should learn more about it.

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Try a FREE Class!

October is

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Educate yourself and your loved ones about awareness and detection.

Learn about treatment options available in our community.

fort bend

magazine • October 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Cancer Screening Is Essential

Dr. Meghana Bhandari Texas Oncology– Sugar Land

Dr. Branden Hsu Texas Oncology– Katy and Texas Oncology– Houston Memorial City

In

the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her lifetime.

While awareness of breast cancer has improved, the disease unfortunately remains the second-deadliest cancer among American women.

This year in Texas, 15,712 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 2,843 women will die from the disease.

Men are at risk, too: 132 men in Texas are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, with 28 cases proving fatal.

Other than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the single most effective way for combating the disease. When detected early before it spreads, women have a 99 percent survival rate after five years.

“We’ve made tremendous strides in the last 10 years due in part to awareness about the importance of screening and early detection,” said Dr. Meghana Bhandari. “Mammograms can detect a high percentage of breast cancer in women who

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don’t have symptoms, but they are not the only way to identify breast cancer.”

Women should begin monthly breast self-exams in their 20s and report any changes to a physician immediately.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam every three years. Women in their 30s should discuss their breast cancer risk level with a physician to determine the most appropriate cancer screening options, including mammograms and MRI screenings. Women ages 40 and older should discuss individual risk factors with a physician to determine recommended timing and most appropriate screenings, including an annual mammogram, annual clinical breast exam and annual MRI screening. Women ages 50 and older should have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam at least every two years after discussion with her physician, and if recommended by a physician, an annual MRI screening. If any changes in the breast are detected, contact a physician immediately to be evaluated. If cancer is diagnosed, women have many treatment options.

“At Texas Oncology, our community-based cancer care gives patients the ability to receive most or all of their medical and support services under one roof in the comfort of their own communities near the critical support of family and friends,” said Dr. Branden Hsu. “We provide high-quality care in just about every corner of Texas, including here in the greater Houston area.”

Advances in the fight against breast cancer are made every day. In fact, Texas Oncology has played a role in nearly 60 FDA approved cancer-fighting drugs, about one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date.

Until a cure for breast cancer is found, regular screenings, awareness and healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and exercising regularly are among the best tools a woman has to reduce her risk of developing the disease.

.com • October 2016

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Debbie McCulloch, Texas Oncology Patient

FIGHT CANCER without going too far from home.

You don’t have to travel to get the cancer-fighting treatment you need. Texas Oncology has more than 400 physicians who bring leading-edge technology and research to more than 165 locations across Texas, so you can fight cancer with your loved ones by your side.

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Cancer Doesn’t Mean We Have to Stop Living: Regain Your Energy and Vitality!

Dr. Shelena C. Lalji Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa

T

oday, there are 14 million cancer survivors in the United States.

Many continue to suffer from the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments as long as 10 years after completing treatment. These patients are looking for help to restore and maintain their health. Oncologists are focused on pathology and destroying cancer cells but are not usually the source of strategies to restore and maintain healthy function. There are natural solutions to help survivors regain their energy, vitality and quality of life after cancer.

Nutritional Testing and IV Therapy Having the proper balance of essential nutrients is important to feel well, have energy and help prevent the reoccurrence of cancer. This is especially important for cancer patients, since the treatments for cancer can deplete the body of key nutrients. Nutritional Deficiencies Testing is a means to identify which vitamins, minerals, amino acids

and antioxidants a person is deficient in so that they can supplement appropriately.

IV Therapy is a method of delivering important nutrients directly into the bloodstream. By bypassing the digestive system, a person can get the benefit of 100 percent of the nutrients, since they do not have to bypass the digestive system. Some of the most important nutrients that are vital for the prevention of cancer include glutathione, which is the body’s master antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation in the body and the Myers Cocktail, which can help with energy and overall wellness.

Supplementation with high quality, medical grade supplements are also important. Some of the more important supplements for breast cancer survivors are DIM, which is important in helping to remove unhealthy estrogen metabolites, and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), which helps the body produce more of the antioxidant glutathione.

Inflammation, Gut Health and Food Sensitivities Inflammation is one of the primary causes of cancer and all diseases, for that matter. Inflammation in the body originates from the gut. One of the primary causes of an unhealthy gut is the overgrowth of a yeast called candida albicans. Candida overgrowth can commonly occur due to the overuse of antibiotics that kill off the good bacteria in the gut that are essential to keep the candida from taking over.

Another common cause of gut in-

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30

flammation is food sensitivities. Most people are aware of food allergies, but food sensitivities are much more common and commonly go overlooked, since they do not cause an anaphylactic reaction. The most common food sensitivities are corn, wheat, dairy, soy and eggs. Food Sensitivities Testing is an important part of identifying food sensitivities so that a person can avoid foods causing inflammation in their body.

MonaLisa Touch for Vaginal Atrophy A woman’s sexual wellbeing is also an important part of a life of vitality.

Unfortunately, a condition called Vulvo Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) can commonly occur in women after undergoing cancer treatments. Breast cancer treatment increases the prevalence of VVA, because the surgical and chemotherapeutic agents used in its treatment can cause or exacerbate VVA. A revolutionary treatment for VVA called MonaLisa Touch can restore the vagina to a healthy state and greatly reduce the symptoms associated with VVA, which can include vaginal dryness, irritation and painful intercourse. This procedure is highly effective, fast, painless and completely safe for breast cancer survivors.

Restoring a life full of health, energy and vitality can be achieved with a combination of these natural solutions.

Be your own health advocate, and educate yourself on integrative treatments to ensure long-term health that is cancer free!

FOCUS ON THE CURE 7 Things to Know About Mammograms

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A

mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself and your breasts. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40 and over get a mammogram every year, along with a breast exam by a doctor or nurse.

Knowing what to expect may help you get through the process more smoothly.

Here is what you need to know before you go: What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to find breast changes. X-rays were first used to examine breast tissue nearly a century ago.

Where to get it? Find a center that specializes in mammograms.

When you find a facility you like, stick with it. Having all of your mammograms at the same facility makes it easier for doctors to compare images from one year to the next.

When to schedule? Schedule your mammogram about a week after your menstrual period. Your breasts won’t be as tender or swollen, which means less discomfort during the x-ray.

What to wear? Wear a two-piece outfit. Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion or ointment on or around your chest on the day of your mammogram.

What to expect? The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. The breast is compressed between two plastic plates for a few seconds while an xray is taken.

Getting the results. You should get your results within 30 days.

If doctors find something suspicious, you’ll likely be contacted within a week to take new pictures or get other tests.

That doesn’t mean you have cancer. A suspicious finding may be just dense breast tissue or a cyst.

What to pay? Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and almost all private insurance plans now cover yearly mammograms, with no co-pay or other out of pocket costs. Medicaid also covers mammograms.

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magazine • October 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Don’t Be Alarmed if You Need Another Mammogram or Ultrasound

Dr. Richard Oria OakBend Medical Center

T

here are numerous reasons why a radiologist may elect to ask for additional views or ultrasounds after reading your mammogram. They are viewing a three-dimensional object in two dimensions. Overlapping tissue can create densities on the mammogram that appear as a mass or area termed “architectural distortion.”

The main reasons a patient may be called back are for areas of architectural distortion, masses or grouped microcalcifications, which are tiny spots of calcium in the breast.

Mammograms are categorized into groups termed BIRADS, or Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. BIRADS 1 is negative; BI-RADS 2 is benign; BI-RADS 3 is probably benign; BI-RADS 4 is suspicious; BI-RADS 5 is highly suspicious and BI-RADS 0 is incomplete, requiring additional imaging including additional views, with or without spot compression, spot magnification views – typically for microcalcifications – and ultrasound. The focus here is on the BI-RADS 0.

Architectural Distortion: This is a very common occurrence but a potential sign for a true lesion. Additional views with slightly different projections and particularly spot compression views are utilized for evaluation of this abnormality. The spot compression views spread the overlapping tissue and remove the summation artifact if there is no true lesion. If a persistent abnormality is seen, an ultrasound is commonly requested to exclude an underlying lesion in the breast. The majority of the time, there is no lesion, and rou-

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tine follow-up may be performed.

Masses: Doctors typically ask for spot compression views and ultrasound on any new mass or enlarging mass from prior mammograms. The spot compression views give an idea of the borders of the lesion with smooth borders typically indicating benign lesions such as cysts and benign fibroadenomas (non-cancerous tumors), whereas irregular borders are more worrisome and may indicate a more aggressive lesion.

Ultrasound is then performed after the spot compression views for evaluation of the consistency of the lesion, primarily cystic or solid.

In addition, the vascularity of the lesion can be assessed with the color Doppler with the more vascular lesions typically being more aggressive. Cysts do not contain internal vascularity. Cysts typically do not require any further followup unless they are painful or they may be aspirated under ultrasound guidance. The vast majority of solid lesions are benign fibroadenomas, but an ultrasound guided biopsy may be necessary for confirmation of the pathology. Short-term ultrasound follow-up may also be performed.

Microcalcifications: The vast majority of microcalcifications are benign and typically either secretory or dermal (within the skin). Vascular calcifications in the arteries of the breasts may also present as microcalcifications. Spot magnification views are performed to determine the number and shape of the microcalcifications. Rounded, well-defined calcifications are almost always benign and compromise the vast majority of our findings. Irregular sharp or serpiginous microcalcifications – particularly if they are numerous and tightly grouped – generally require a biopsy, which may be performed with stereotactic technique and local anesthesia or may be performed with open technique with needle localization for the surgeon, who then completely removes the microcalcifications for pathologic evaluation. Stereotactic technique is much simpler and is used the vast majority of the time for these calcifications.

Over 95 percent of the BI-RADS 0 mammograms turn out to be benign. Having said this, it is crucial not to ignore the recommendations of returning to the radiology department for additional views or ultrasounds, as early detection and treatment of the worst case scenario – breast cancer – results in cure.

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

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FOCUS ON THE CURE Living an Anti-Cancer Lifestyle: Ten Steps to Good Nutrition While Fighting Cancer

Erika Jenschke, RD Oncology Dietitian Memorial Hermann Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center

A

fter a diagnosis of cancer, many patients shift their focus to making changes within their diet – and rightfully so. Good nutrition is an essential part of cancer prevention and treatment. “Both cancer itself and the treatment you undergo can affect your appetite and your ability to tolerate certain foods,” said Erika Jenschke, RD, an oncology dietitian at the Memorial Hermann Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center.

In addition to helping during treatment, changes to diet are increasingly connected to preventing cancer in the first place. According to data from the American Institute for Cancer Research, a third of the most common cancers in the United States may be prevented through diet. The Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers have partnered with dietitians like Jenschke all across the system. They offer cancer patients and others seeking to improve their health 10 easy steps to an anti-cancer diet, along with perks and recipes.

1. Pump up your volume of vegetables and fruit. “The phytochemicals that give plant foods their flavor, color, fiber and texture can help prevent damage to DNA, which may lead to cancer,” Jenschke said. “They also block carcinogens and curb the inflammation that fuels cancer cell growth.” She suggests eating five servings daily of non-starchy vegetables and fruits in a “rainbow of reds, oranges, yellows, light and dark greens, blues, purples and even whites and browns.”

2. Bulk up on fiber. Fiber fights heart disease, diabetes and constipation. It also fills you up. Jenschke advises women to consume about 25 grams of fiber daily and men to eat about 35 grams. “Substitute high-fiber foods such as peas, lentils, black beans, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raspberries, blackberries, bran flakes, whole wheat pasta, barley and oatmeal for white pasta, rice, potatoes, sweetened

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cereals and high-sugar foods.”

3. Switch to healthy fats. High-fat diets raise the risk of breast, prostate, colon and other cancers. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats slow cancer growth. “Ditch high-fat whipping cream and whole milk for one percent milk and reduced-fat almond, soy and coconut milk,” Jenschke said. “Nix coconut, palm and palm kernel oils, which are rich in saturated fats, and use healthy oils such as olive, avocado, almond, walnut and flaxseed. Eat red salmon and white tuna packed in water at least twice a week.”

4. Spice it up. Many herbs and spices are rich in cancerthwarting phytochemicals. Add cinnamon, lemons, cumin, turmeric, limes, cilantro, onions and garlic as you prepare your meals.

5. Give up cured, smoked, salted and preserved meats. Salami, bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs and bologna are high in the carcinogen nitrite. Jenschke suggests avoiding them altogether.

6. Limit red meat. Beef, pork and lamb contain heme iron, which can harm the colon’s lining. In addition, the high temperatures used to grill meat unlock cancer-causing chemicals. Limit red meat to 18 ounces per week, substituting wild-caught fish and free-range chicken.

7. Prepare food differently. Breading foods with flour and cooking them at high temperatures can change their chemistry, harming your cells’ DNA. Bake, broil or poach poultry, fish and meat instead of frying or charbroiling. Read food labels and weed out hydrogenated fats, preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup.

8. Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancers. Suggested amounts are one drink a day for women and two daily for men, either 8 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. Women at high risk of breast cancer may want to consider avoiding alcohol altogether.

9. Get physical. Be active most days of the week, with more than 30 minutes of a sustained elevated heartbeat. Getting your blood pumping helps maintain muscle mass and strength, stamina and bone strength. Exercise can help reduce depression and stress.

10. Start now. Keep a diary of foods and feelings as you progress through your treatment. Seeing it on paper can lead to improvement day to day. “Beginning healthy habits early makes it easier to comply later in life,” Jenschke said. “But it’s never too late. Instead of regretting the past, think of your healthy future.”

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Did You Know?

Dr. Chau Nguyen-Tran • Dr. Lauren Phillips • Dr. Hillary Patuwo

Obstetrics • Gynecology • Minimally Invasive Surgery

W

hen breast cancer is surgically removed during a surgical biopsy, lumpectomy or mastectomy, the tissue removed is sent to a pathologist. The pathologist preserves tissue samples. Then, he studies the samples under a microscope.

Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue In the United States, the standard way to preserve a tissue sample is called formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. The sample is treated with a substance called formalin, which hardens the tissue and prevents it from breaking down over time. Then, the sample is embedded in a block of paraffin (wax).

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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Frozen Sections In some cases, part of the biopsy sample is frozen in the pathology lab during a surgical biopsy. The pathologist examines thin sections of this frozen sample under a microscope to check for cancer cells or to assess the margins to see how close the cancer cells are to the edges of the sample.

Although a frozen section can give a quick check of the tissue sample, it may show false negative or false positive results. A false negative result suggests cancer is not present when in fact it is.

A false positive result suggests cancer is present when it is not. So, the results from a frozen sample always need to be confirmed by other methods. This can take several days.

Source: Susan G. Komen

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713-578-3823

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Are You at Higher Risk?

On the other hand, Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed, and African-American women are at greater risk of dying from breast cancer. This may be important to consider if another risk factor exists.

Utsavi Shah, MD Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

K

nowledge is power when it comes to these four unchangeable factors in developing breast cancer. You might think you’re safe from breast cancer if no one in your family has had it. But family history is just one of the factors that determines your risk for the disease. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and 85 percent of those diagnosed have no family history.

“It is important for everyone to increase their awareness about their personal risk of breast cancer,” said Utsavi Shah, MD, an OB/GYN on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Here are four of the greatest risk factors for breast cancer.

Your Age The number of candles on your birthday cake affects your risk level most. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are older than 50, and the risk increases as you age.

What’s more, two of every three invasive breast cancers found are in women 55 and up.

Your Background Asian, Native American and Hispanic women have lower odds of developing breast cancer and dying from the disease.

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Your Family Tree If your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, your risk is doubled. But if that’s not the case, you’re not necessarily in the clear. Less than 15 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease, which means it’s important to schedule the screenings that are right for you.

Your Genes Thanks to celebrities like Angelina Jolie, you might know that a woman who has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations is at higher risk for breast cancer, as well as ovarian cancer.

“The goal is to find the gene mutation in women before they develop cancer,” said Shah. “A simple blood or saliva test can tell a woman whether she’s at high risk.”

If your personal and family history warrants it, your physician may recommend genetic testing, which looks for altered BRCA genes and other mutations. The results can help your doctor determine screening recommendations, medications to reduce the risk of a cancer diagnosis and even preventive surgery.

Talk with your physician if you have a family or personal history of the following: • Breast cancer at age 50 or younger • Ovarian cancer at any age • Male breast cancer at any age • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer • Two breast cancers in the same person or on the same side of the family • Triple-negative breast cancer at age 60 or younger • A previously identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the family

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

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magazine • October 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Augmentation and Breast Cancer

Dr. Ravi Somayazula Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

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reast augmentation is one of the most sought after and popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons in this country. This is also one of the most common procedures performed at Body By Ravi.

Widespread use of silicone implants has only recently gained popularity over the last 10 years once again. This is because in 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a moratorium on the use of breast implants to further investigate its potential to cause breast cancer. In 2006, that moratorium was lifted, and silicone breast implants were found to be safe and effective without increasing the incidence of breast cancer. This is why during this period most women who had breast augmentation surgery in this country had saline implants. The Europeans continued the use of silicone implants from 1996 to 2006. Based on this data, the use of silicone implants was found to be safe, and silicone breast implants were once again approved by the FDA. Three manufacturers make FDA approved breast implants: Allergan, Mentor and Sientra.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. It is therefore very important to consider this prior to proceeding safely with breast augmentation surgery. At Dr. Ravi’s practice, every woman is asked

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about a family history of breast cancer and whether she has noticed any masses or lumps in her breast. This discussion helps guide the conversation as to whether the implants can and should be placed above or below the muscle.

Depending on certain breast measurements and their goals and objectives, some women will have a better outcome with implants above the muscle than below the muscle. Women with a family history of breast cancer are better served with implants placed below the muscle. This improves cancer surveillance with mammography, because the muscle acts as a plane between the implant and the overlying breast tissue.

If a woman has a family history of breast cancer, Dr. Ravi will obtain a baseline mammogram five years prior to the age at which her mother had breast cancer. As long as the mammogram is normal, breast augmentation can be performed.

In women without a family history of breast cancer, Dr. Ravi obtains a mammogram in all women who are 40 years old. As long as the mammogram is normal, breast augmentation can be performed safely.

Normal screening mammography after breast augmentation surgery should be performed at normal screening intervals as recommended by the patient’s primary care physician or OB/GYN. When it comes time for the screening mammogram, Dr. Ravi tells patients to let the radiology tech know that they have implants. This way, special compression views of the breast can be performed to displace the breast away from the implant to better image the breast.

Breast augmentation is a very safe and effective way to increase the size of the breast. There is ample evidence showing that breast augmentation surgery does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Screening mammography is very important for the early detection of breast cancer whether a patient has breast implants or not. If you are contemplating breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Ravi strongly recommends being seen by a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many cosmetic breast procedures to ensure that your breast health is a primary consideration when being considered for this procedure.

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FOCUS ON THE CURE AS SEEN ON

How Is Breast Cancer Staged?

A

fter a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors will figure out whether it has spread, and if so, how far. This is called staging. The stage of a cancer helps determine how serious the cancer is and how best to treat it.

Staging is the process of finding out how widespread the cancer is when it is found. The stage is the most important factor in deciding how to treat the cancer and determining how successful treatment might be.

To determine the cancer’s stage after a breast cancer diagnosis, doctors must answer these questions: • Is the cancer invasive or non-invasive?

• How big is the breast tumor? Has it grown into nearby areas?

• Has the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes? If so, how many are involved?

• Has the cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Depending on the results of the physical exam and biopsy, a patient might need more tests to help determine the stage. After looking at the test results, your doctor will tell you the stage of your cancer. The earliest stage cancers are called stage 0 – carcinoma in situ – and then range from stages I through IV. Some of the stages are further divided into sub stages using the letters A, B and C. As a rule, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. And within a stage, an earlier letter means a lower stage. Cancers with similar stages tend to have a similar outlook and are often treated in much the same way.

Source: www.cancer.org

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FOCUS ON THE CURE Fighting Breast Cancer: Early Detection Is Key Self Exams Be familiar with your body and what is normal for you.

The best way to do this is by performing monthly self breast exams. If you notice any of the following changes in your breast, contact your physician immediately: • Lump • Hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area • Swelling • Warmth, redness or darkening of the breast • Change in the size or shape of the breast • Dimpling or puckering of the skin • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple • Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly • New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

Dr. Eric Humble Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery

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reast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with skin cancers being an exception. Screening tests and early detection can find cancer early when chances for survival are highest.

It is important to know your risk for breast cancer. Talking to both sides of your family is important so you can become familiar with your family history. It is also important to talk to your doctor about which screening tests are best for you.

Mammograms Beginning at age 40, women should have a mammogram every year if you are at average risk. Beginning at age 20, women should schedule a clinical breast exam at least every three years and annual exams every year starting at age 40.

Making healthy lifestyle choices is also a good preventative for breast cancer. A key component in a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a healthy weight and adding exercise to your routine. Limiting alcohol intake and menopausal hormone use can also help reduce your risk.

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Waterfront living! Beautiful lake views, open and bright, four bedrooms with both formals or the formal living could be a study with french doors. New carpet upstairs, also has an office and gameroom up. Kitchen with granite counter tops and living room with fireplace and high ceilings. Large backyard oasis has space to play with the kids plus a beautiful pool with new pool equipment and controls! Quick access to fort bend tollway, hwy 6, and 90.

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DENISE MCLARTY 713.876.0233 1650 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.har.com/DeniseMcLarty dmclarty@sbcglobal.net

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Stunningly Gorgeous Sitterle home, gently lived in. Features Hand scraped hardwood flooring, Beautiful kitchen with S/S appliances, upgraded beautiful triple pencil-edge Granite, Electric log fireplace, Great room has Stained built-in Entertainment center and Shelving floor to ceiling by fireplace, plus Mantle. Second bedroom has built-in closets on both sides. Large backyard with room for a Pool and entertaining! 8’’ Crown Molding throughout home. Move In Ready Now!

FOCUS ON THE CURE An

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magazine • October 2016

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Cancer in Men

Liz Thu Ha Lee, MD, FACS Breast Surgeon Memorial Hermann

In

men, breast cancer is a rare disease, accounting for less than one percent of cases. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,600 men will be diagnosed this year in the United States, compared to an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected in women, along with 61,000 new cases of in situ breast cancer.

Last year, a 54 year-old patient was among the men surprised with a diagnosis of breast cancer. “I noticed a lump on the left side of my chest and thought it was a pulled muscle, because I’d been working out the week before,” said the patient. “When it didn’t go away, I went to my primary care physician, who ordered an ultrasound and mammogram, both of which came back inconclusive.”

Given his family history of cancer, including a mother with breast cancer, grandmother with stomach cancer and various male relatives with prostate cancer, his doctor referred him to Liz Thu Ha Lee, MD, FACS, a breast surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann.

Fortunately, the patient’s slow-growing cancer was caught early at Stage 2B, between two and five centimeters, but it had spread to a lymph node. Lee quickly assembled a team and began to formulate his treatment plan. According to Lee, radiation and chemotherapy are the same for men or women.

What differs are the types of surgery and hormonal drugs used post-surgery to cut risks of recurrence. Lumpectomies

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are also rare for men. “Because men’s breasts are so small, it’s hard to get sufficiently wide margins around the tumor,” Lee said.

The patient and his team chose to remove both breasts and all 21 lymph nodes in the arm pit and chest. “Prophylactic mastectomies have not been proven medically to raise survival rates, but it gives some patients more peace of mind,” Lee said.

Due to scarred and stiff tissues from surgery and radiation, the patient experienced limited mobility in his left arm.

He also faced lymphedema, the lifetime risk of tenderness and swelling due to damage to the lymphatic drainage during radiation and lymph node removal. Lee referred him to TIRR Memorial Hermann for cancer rehabilitation. “Physical and occupational therapy is vital,” Lee said. “It improves patients’ mobility and recovery time and shows what exercises prevent lymphedema and stiffness in joints that can occur after surgery and radiation.”

TIRR therapists helped the patient restore his range of motion, flexibility and strength and taught him how to treat and prevent fluid buildup with massage, exercise and compression garments. Unlike chemo and radiation, the twiceweekly, one-hour sessions at TIRR Memorial Hermann over two months “wasn’t something I dreaded,” he said. “It was a learning experience each time.”

Having a disease identified with women meant the literature was geared to female breast cancer and “the only survivors I could talk to were women,” the patient said. “But my doctors and their teams made sure I understood exactly what I’d experience. They answered questions before I asked. They were absolutely fabulous.”

Now, he is passionate about informing men about breast cancer. “If women find something wrong, they go right in to see the doctor, but men don’t,” he said. “We wait. It’s like asking for directions. Women, on the other hand, are incredibly proactive. When I found the lump, my attitude was this is nothing – it will go away. My advice to men is to act fast if you see something unusual on your body. Don’t take it lightly.

We never think breast cancer will happen to us, but it can.”

TIRR is a registered trademark of TIRR Foundation.

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Cancer Myths Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam. He may order breast imaging studies to determine if this lump is of concern or not.

Salman Aly, MD PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN • Board Certified in Internal Medicine • Experienced in Geriatric and Hospital Medicine • Botox, Dermal Fillers, Low T Syndrome • Hyperbaric & Advanced Wound Care

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

Source: www.nationalbreastcancer.org

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST • Board Certified in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine • Hyperbaric & Advanced Wound Care • Travel Medicine For appointments call:

For appointments call:

832-886-4994

832-886-4774

Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 410 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread. A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure.

Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”

Sarfraz Aly, MD

Now Accepting New Patients At Both Locations In Sugar Land And Wharton Sugar Land: 1201 Creekway Dr. • Suite B Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Wharton: 979-282-6151 • 10141 US 59 • Wharton, Texas, 77488

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FOCUS ON THE CURE Breast Reconstruction

John T. Nguyen, MD, FICS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

B

reast reconstruction is one or more operations performed to restore all components of the breast of women who have undergone mastectomy or removal of the entire breast. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy has evolved over the last century to become an integral component in the therapy for many women with breast cancer.

A complete breast reconstruction includes recreating the breast mound, the nipple and areola complex so that the breasts are symmetric with regard to pigmentation, shape, size, projection and position.

The Goals of Breast Reconstruction: To provide permanent breast contour.

To make the breasts look balanced.

To give the convenience of not requiring an external prosthesis.

Breast Reconstruction Can Be Performed Using: Artificial material (a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline) placed under the skin.

The woman’s own tissues (skin, muscle, fat) from another part of the body (flap reconstruction).

Pedicled flap: In this type of flap reconstruction, the tissues remain connected to the area of the body from which they are taken. Specifically, the blood supply to the transplanted tissues is not interrupted.

Free flap: In this type of flap reconstruction, the tissues are cut

off from the original area and grafted to the chest, and a new blood supply is created for the grafted tissues.

A combination of artificial material and the woman’s own tissues.

Timing of Breast Reconstruction: Immediate Versus Delayed Immediate breast reconstruction is reconstruction that is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction is reconstruction that is performed weeks, months or years after the mastectomy.

Surgeons differ in their opinions about when breast reconstruction should be performed. If radiation therapy needs to be administered after mastectomy, then breast reconstruction is generally delayed until the skin in the treated area has healed. Excellent results can usually be achieved by either immediate breast reconstruction or delayed breast reconstruction.

Reconstruction Using Implants Implants are designed to recreate the original breast shape and contour.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline.

A tissue expander or balloon is inserted beneath the skin and chest muscle either during the mastectomy procedure or at a later operation. The surgeon periodically injects saline into the balloon to gradually fill it over several weeks or months so that the overlying skin can expand. After the skin over the breast area has stretched enough, the tissue expander is removed in a second operation and a permanent breast implant is inserted. Some women do not require tissue expansion before receiving an implant; for these women, the surgeon inserts an implant directly.

Flap Reconstruction Flap reconstruction is a reconstructive surgery in which a flap of skin and fat with or without muscle is transplanted from a part of the body, such as the lower abdomen, back, thigh or

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buttock, to the chest area, where it is shaped to form a new breast mound.

Like the implant surgery, this operation can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, or it can be delayed.

Advantages of Flap Reconstruction: May eliminate the use of foreign material in the body.

Reconstructed breast usually looks and feels more natural.

Will last the woman’s life span.

When successful, requires minimal touch-up or redo operations throughout a woman’s lifetime.

Disadvantages of Flap Reconstruction: Increased complexity and length of the surgery.

May require a longer recovery period if muscle is included in the reconstruction.

Additional donor site scars.

Some women may require an implant, in addition to the flap reconstruction, for recreating the breast. If flap reconstruction is the selected option for reconstructive surgery, then the surgeon must decide from which part of the body the required tissues are taken. The tissues for breast reconstruction can be taken from the back, abdomen, buttock or thigh.

Reconstruction of the Nipple and Areola Once the breast mound has been reconstructed, the nipple and areola (pigmented area around the nipple) can be recreated approximately two to three months after the first breast reconstructive surgery. A nipple can be created using skin from the inner thigh, behind the ear, reconstructed breast or labia.

The skin can be tattooed to match the other nipple and areola. The reconstructed nipple and areola have very little sensation. Women who decide not to have nipple and areola reconstruction performed can consider the option of nipple prosthesis.

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Proud Media Sponsor

Improved Breast Awareness Through Wellness Education: The Lymphatic Drainage System

T

he most underrated purifying system in the human body is the lymphatic system, an integral part of the immune system. It is a person’s “Life Flow System.” This system and all of its capillaries are a major part of the body’s cleansing of excess toxic waste. The body contains three quarts of blood and 12 Joyce Long quarts of lymph. The lymphatic system Joyce Long moves approximately 45 percent of the Wellness Institute waste through the body as it helps drain debris from 17 glands and organs in the endocrine system.

Movement pumps the lymph system.

Lymph flows through a network of vessels, nodes and other organs. This system drains fluid from the body’s tissues into the blood stream, transports fats from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood stream and fights infection. Inside the lymph nodes, white blood cells and antibodies filter out foreign substances such as bacteria.

The lymph system is completely independent from the blood system and its capillaries. Blood moves quickly through capillaries, but lymph moves slowly through the capillaries.

It will move even slower if one has shallow breathing patterns and very little exercise in their daily life. Blood takes nutrients to the cells, and lymph picks up toxins and waste fort bend

and takes them away from cells. The lymph system should be cleansing the body constantly to keep one disease-free and healthy.

The lymph moves only in one direction – from the feet up to the chest and down from the top of the head and face into the Thoracic Duct. The body is covered with lymphatic highways, especially in the breast area, and constant movement keeps it flowing. Deep Breathing and Lymphatic Drainage Therapies, along with Colon Hydrotherapy, will facilitate cleansing. When keeping the body from autointoxication, your life force and daily existence should maintain a high quality of living through healthier foods, yoga, deep breathing, rebounding on a trampoline, power plating, stretching, jump roping, high frequency or manual lymphatic drainage.

The tissues of the body, including the organ systems, are made up of a million cells. If diseases block the flow, it cannot discharge its toxic material. Left unchecked, the lymph system continues to fill up and eventually the body swells with its own waste matter. It is very important to rid the overflow of toxins from the body for future health and longevity. When the cells become balanced, the body regains its defense mechanism. Only a detoxified body has the power and potential for healing.

This article is intended to for educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as diagnostic or prescriptive. Joyce Long Wellness Institute does not prescribe or diagnose.

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Imaging Technology Makes a Difference in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Stephen W. Phillips, MD Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

T

echnology can save your life. That’s one of the most important messages women need to hear during October, because today’s advanced imaging technology can make a significant difference in the early detection of breast cancer.

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land uses the latest and most effective imaging tools to catch breast cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. One of those technologies is low-dose radiation tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, which has two major benefits – the ability to pinpoint tumors when they are undetectable in a dense breast on a traditional 2-D mammogram and the lowest radiation exposure of any mammography machine on the market.

The Genius™ 3-D mammogram provides clearer pictures and a more accurate screening than conventional machines.

Radiologists can pull images from varying perspectives to examine anything of concern on screening, which reduces the number of callbacks for more testing. In addition, the system

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requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than traditional 2-D mammogram. The low-dose tomosynthesis system is approved by the FDA as being clinically superior to conventional mammography.

Another tool available at the breast care center is LumaGEM™ low-dose molecular breast imaging (MBI) – the first FDA-approved digital imaging system to provide clear images of lesions in dense breast tissue. Women with dense breast tissue are five times more likely to develop breast cancer, and clinical studies have shown that MBI detects three times as many cancers as traditional mammography, with the same level of radiation. The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land was the first in the greater Houston area to offer low-dose molecular breast imaging, primarily as a secondary diagnostic tool for women with suspicious findings or difficult-to-interpret mammograms.

Today, most women are aware of the importance of monthly self-screening and annual clinical exams, along with annual mammograms after age 40. But many women aren’t aware that not all hospitals offer the same level of screening.

Technology makes a difference, as can the skill and knowledge of the physicians and technologists working on your behalf. Your physician or breast radiologist can help you decide which level of screening is best.

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land is dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. They offer alldigital mammography, molecular breast imaging, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, ultrasound biopsies, stereotactic biopsies and MRI-guided biopsies, all under one roof. If cancer is detected, the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land provides access to clinical trials and the most advanced treatments available, such as chemotherapy, and hormone, drug and radiation therapy. Innovative surgical techniques and breast reconstruction surgeries are also available.

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absolutely

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember, support and honor your loved one with a free fall mum courtesy of Garden Guy. Supplies are limited.

No cash value.

Garden Guy. Call 281-208-4400; www.garden-guy.com.

Power through with pink tourmaline.

This beautiful, sterling silver bracelet

by Sara Blaine is handcrafted with a toggle clasp. The stones are individually prong set in the leaf motif undercarriage.

Loggins Jewelers, 14015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-242-2900; www.logginsjewelers.com.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors is currently featuring the beautiful Mark Roberts 2016 Spirit of Hope Fairy “representing the hopes, dreams and commitment of so many to find a cure for cancer.”

Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors, 2250 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land Town Square. Call 281-265-2250; www.twentytwofiftyinteriors.com.

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Saturday, October 1st is Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the 80th Annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo.

Fairgoers are invited to wear pink to help raise awareness of breast cancer, and a donation will be made to the Fort Bend County American Cancer Society.

Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo, 4310 Highway 36 South in Rosenberg.

Call 281-342-6171; www.fortbendcountyfair.com.

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High School HOT SHOT

By Joan Frances

Meet Ar’mani Johnson

R

idge Point High School, known as the “Home of Scholars and Champions,” runs by the motto, “There is no limit to what we can achieve.” Ridge Point provides a strong academic program with more than 200 course selections including an extensive vocational and technical curriculum. Opened in 2010, the high school currently instructs over 2,000 students. Seniors graduate fully prepared to take the next step in their lives and careers.

One student who has achieved an impressive resume of accomplishments is Ar’mani Johnson.

Throughout his high school career, Ar’mani has taken Advanced Placement classes. His forte is football, and he has played since he was five-years-old. He plays the position of defensive back and safety. Ar’mani is also on special teams as punt return and kick-off return. Last year, his team won district and made it to the semi-finals at the state championships. Ar’mani has achieved awards for Valuable Offensive Player, Most Valuable Team Player, All

Ar’mani District Academic Awards, Most Outstanding Track Athlete and Preseason Defensive MVP Award for 2016.

Ar’mani is a team captain, leading his teammates on the field and off. Ar’mani said, “Being captain is an honor from my coach that I don’t take for granted. It validates his respect for me, which has always been important.

Also, my teammates look up to me and believe I can lead the team in the right direction. Becoming one of the team captains has always been a personal goal of mine. It means I get to help some of the younger players achieve their goals.

“As a captain, whether individually or in group mentoring, I want to inspire them to believe in themselves and step up to any challenges they might face on the football field, in the classroom or with friends or family. It also means knowing how to say, ‘I admit I made a mistake,’ asking for team opinions and acknowledging players for their work

ethics. I realize that I’m not perfect, and in life there is always room for growth in whatever we do.”

One value Ar’mani lives by is individualism. “I always try to lead the way and be myself, not to follow but to be my own person and share my strengths with others to guide them to be their own authentic self.”

Ar’mani’s favorite teacher is Coach Ryan Corey, his English III teacher. “Besides being a great teacher, he was a good mentor on and off the field. He taught me to be a team player, consider everyone I shared the sidelines with and to support my team members during and after the game.”

One thing Ar’mani will remember most about his years in high school is, “First, how God blessed my vision to become reality. My years at Ridge Point High School helped mold me into the person I am today, both mentally and physically. I will never forget the bond between me and my teammates in football through the years, how valuable true friendships are and how hard work and commitment paid off during my high school football career. I understand now that my coaches pushed me to the limit to get the full potential of what they saw. I would like to thank my life coach, my mom. I am so grateful for my parents’ support.”

Ar’mani has committed to Southern Methodist University in Dallas and will major in engineering with a minor in business. Congratulations on your undeniable talent and compassion Ar’mani, and good luck as you achieve your goals in the future.

“I always try to lead the way and be myself, not to follow but to be my own person and share my strengths with others to guide them to be their own authentic self.”

– Ar’mani Johnson TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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NEWSWORTHY

The St. Laurence Bazaar Is Back October 15th and 16th

Al Garcia, Michele Dyogi, Anne Lootens, Arnie Jimenez, Les Fuchs, Father Drew Wood and Tom Barry.

St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land is the place to be for great family fun at the 22nd annual parish bazaar the weekend of October 15th and 16th. A lot of excitement surrounds the return of this popular event, which had to be suspended during the construction of the Ave Maria Parish Life Center, a beautiful new facility for the parish’s religious education and ministry activities. Fittingly, the theme for this year’s bazaar is “Behold, the Bazaar is Back!” which includes many of the old favorites plus some fun, new attractions.

The bazaar will be held Saturday, October 15th from 5 to 10 pm and all day Sunday, October 16th from 10 am to 5 pm. All of the action will take place across the street from the church on the grounds of the new St. Laurence Ave Maria Center at the corner of Sweetwater Boulevard and Austin Parkway in First Colony. Entrance is free. Food, activity and raffle tickets are available for purchase at the event.

There will be plenty of international foods, games and activities, including rides, bingo, live music and a raffle, to entertain young and old alike. Look for new attractions like the Teen Room and an art gallery showcasing the talent of parishioners in depicting their pastor’s parish theme for the year: Behold, I Make All Things New. A new Mini Cooper provided by Momentum Mini of Houston plus four runner-up cash prizes will be raffled at the close of the bazaar on Sunday night. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at $2 each or $20 for a book of 12 tickets at the bazaar and in advance at the parish office.

Bingo will be offered inside the Ave Maria Center from 6 to 10 pm on Saturday and again from noon to 4 pm on Sunday. Tom Barry and Les Fuchs are chairing the event.

Michele Dyogi, Al Garcia, Anne Lootens and Arnie Jimenez round out the leadership team.

Visit www.stlaurence.org or call the parish office at 281980-9812 for a complete Mass and rosary schedule, Spanish Mass and listing of all parish groups and activities, including the parish bazaar.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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400th District Court • Fort Bend County • Republican

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NEWSWORTHY

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Commissioner Andy Meyers’ Second Annual Fort Bend Ranchers’ Ball

Tricia and Ed Krenek, Andy Meyers and Cheryl and Kenneth Stalinsky.

Photo by Sunset Photography. Furnishings courtesy of Red Potato Market.

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Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers will host the second annual Fort Bend Ranchers’ Ball with special Honorary Chairman, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The “cowboy chic” style ball will be held at Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond, on October 22nd from 6:30 to 11 pm. Committee co-chairs are Tricia and Ed Krenek and Cheryl and Kenneth Stalinsky.

The charity fundraiser benefits Fort Bend Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable Texas Corporation that supports various 501(c)(3) charities including the Lone Star Veterans Association, which helps young men and women, some with emotional and physical challenges, transition from the military to civilian life; Katy Christian Ministries, supported by the local churches in the Katy area, which assists the needy in our community with a food pantry and other charitable services; Simonton Christian Academy, which provides an outstanding educational experience to the youth in our area; The Fort Bend Fair and Katy Future Farmers of America (FFA), which provides scholarships to youth to help them further their education, and other worthwhile Fort Bend County charities.

A maximum capacity of 600 in attendance is anticipated, and collectively, attendees can be of great help to the less fortunate in the community. For many of them, it will be just in time for the holidays.

For more information, visit www.fortbendranchersball. com.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Holiday Open House

Thursday, November 3rd

Tour $1+ Million Models in Riverstone Fort Bend’s Riverstone community has added to its array of well-appointed model homes with a newly opened model priced at more than $1 million.

Partners in Building has opened a luxury five-bedroom model at 91 Amber Hollow in The Enclave at Riverstone, a 23 acre gated neighborhood. The home features an open floorplan, impressive outdoor living area and an upstairs library. Luxe amenities include exotic countertops, interior barn doors and a 28 foot turret crowning the stairway. It is priced at $1.486 million. Partners in Building’s pricing in the neighborhood starts at $1 million.

Also available for touring is a lavish custom home by Westport, open in Majestic Pointe, a neighborhood situated along the banks of Lake Riverstone. The model boasts expansive outdoor living, upscale finishes and trendsetting architectural details.

Earlier this year, Meritage Homes and Newmark Homes opened singlefamily executive model homes in the Riverstone neighborhoods of Ivory Ridge and Pebble Creek, respectively. In Ivory Ridge, Meritage offers generously-sized one-story designs – up to 3,300 square feet – and two-story plans that offer up to 4,622 square feet and the possibility for five bedrooms. Pricing is from the $440,000s.

Newmark Homes also is working on a new model in Avalon at Riverstone, where it features home designs from the $520,000s. The model is expected to open this November. Riverstone’s builders have 19 model homes open in the community, where pricing begins in the $330,000s. Visitors can browse models of patio homes and executive homes, as well as see the many community amenities residents enjoy.

Visit www.riverstone.com for more information.

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Education Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Sugar Shindig

Enjoy a sweet time at the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s 2nd Annual Sugar Shindig presented by Safari Texas on Friday, October 21st at 6:30 pm. Shimmy over to Safari Texas, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond, for a casual evening of fun and frolic, including a fajita dinner, a dessert auction and dancing to the music of Password.

This is camaraderie at its finest as staff from local schools and community members vie for the best cakes made by local bakers.

The event is hosted by the Angels of Education Auxiliary, whose mission is to create community awareness for the Foundation’s Grants to Teachers and Schools programs.

Have your cake and eat it too at this shindig!

Visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation to purchase tickets for adults only at $25 per person or to make donations.

The Honorary Sugar Shindig Committee and Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees K.P. George, Noreen Covey, Grayle James, Addie Heyliger, Kristin Tassin, Jason Burdine, Dave Rosenthal and Jim Rice.

Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club Installs the 2016-2017 Executive Officers and Committee Chairs The 2016-2017 Board Officers of the Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club were installed on Monday, June 6th at Spring Creek Barbeque in Missouri City. The Fort Bend Texas A&M University Mother’s Club is one of more than 100 Aggie Moms’ Clubs across the country.

Joining and participating in club meetings and events is an excellent way to become familiar with the university, support local Aggies, provide scholarships and form lasting friendships.

The Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club meets the second Monday of every month at Imperial Park Recreation Center, located at 234 Matlage Way in Sugar Land. Meetings start at 7 pm with refreshments and boutique shopping, followed by program guests and a business meeting. Yearly dues are $25. Remaining 2016 – 2017 meetings are: October 10th, November 14th, December 12th, January 23rd, February 13th, March 6th, April 3rd and May 8th.

Visit http://fortbendmoms.aggienetwork. com for more information.

Among the 2016-2017 executive officers and committee chairs are Debbie Cortez, Melanie Bates, Lisa Gray, Ting Wu, Suzette Peoples, Mona Walker, Donna Parke, Lyn Clark, Sarah McAllister, Grace Belleza, Carol Gaas, Sally Berlocher, Eileen Scamardo, Melinda Ransome and Naomi Miller.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Nominate Your Favorite Educators Now for an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Do you know of an educator who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students and their community? Submit the name of a teacher, school district, early childhood facility or school board today for a 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, placing them on the path toward winning cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Nominations for the awards are being accepted online at www.heb. com/education through Sunday, October 23rd.

Nominees will be sent an invitation to complete an online application, which asks for written responses about education philosophy, learning experiences and insights on key issues facing educators in Texas today. The deadline for applications is Sunday, December 4th.

In the School Board category, up to five public school boards may be recognized and awarded $5,000 towards the district they serve. Additionally, one or more school boards may receive a special judge’s award totaling up to $25,000 that will be announced during a recognition dinner and celebration in May 2017.

Last year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards awarded more than $800,000 in cash prizes, gift cards and grants. Since its inception in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded over $8.5 million to Texas educators, schools and districts.

Nominations are not required for participation. Educators, school districts, early childhood facilities and school boards can go to heb.com/education and complete an application.

Follow the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program at facebook. com/HEBExcellenceinEducationAwards for additional updates.

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Little Monsters Costume Contest New patients welcome to enter

Gilson–Rankin Wedding

K

elly Michelle Gilson and Jason Dean Rankin were married on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in a 5 pm ceremony officiated by the Rev. Garry Moon, a close friend of the bride’s family, on the Pecan Tree Patio at Safari Texas Ranch, decorated with crystal candelabras, cascades of red satin and floating strands of pearls, crystals and red roses. The catered reception followed in the San Antonio room.

The bride is the daughter of Gary and Jeanne Gilson of Sugar Land. The groom is the son of Jim and Jackie Rankin of Deming, New Mexico. The best man was Bob Cole, best friend of the groom, and the matron of honor was Erin Ring, sister of the bride. The nieces of the bride and groom were junior bridesmaids who presented the sapphire and diamond wedding rings – Ryleigh Baldwin, daughter of Mark and Jenny Baldwin, and Audrey Ring, daughter of Justin and Erin Ring. The announcement bearer was the bride’s nephew, Grayson Ring, son of Justin and Erin Ring. The flower girls were cousins of the bride, Amy and Abigail Nolan, daughters of Brent and Andrea Nolan. Readers of The Hands of the Bride and Groom were the bride’s friend Siera Brantley and the groom’s friend Lindsey Brown. The Letters of Love and Laughter written by the bride and groom to each other were read by Mari Moon, wife of the minister. The soloist was Justin Ring singing Everything.

Photography by Complete Weddings.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Goodwill Houston Expands Fort Bend Presence by Opening Store in Telfair Sugar Land

Kelly wore a beautiful champagne, strapless a-line gown with pearl and crystal accents on a shirred bodice with a multi-layer tulle overlay skirt with jeweled T-strap rhinestone sandals. She wore her mother’s heirloom rhinestone hair comb with a champagne Vera Wang veil. Her exquisite bouquet was 36 Baccarat deep red roses accented with pearls representing her alma mater, the University of Mississippi – Ole Miss, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre, along with “hidden Mickeys” highlighting her career as a costumer with the Walt Disney Company.

Jason arranged their engagement and wedding web pages, Twitter and Instagram accounts to share the festivities, as communication is his specialty.

He currently works for FOX Broadcasting Company after graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a mass communications degree. He hosted the “I Do BBQ” rehearsal dinner featuring craft beers at the bride’s family home.

The newlyweds departed the reception amidst swirling sparklers to honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. They reside in Orlando, Florida.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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The first-ever Sugar Land Goodwill store opened recently at 6526 Highway 90A in Telfair, and the neighborhood business will reflect its surrounding community and fuel Goodwill’s mission to “Change Lives Through the Power of Work.”

“We hope this store will become an integral part of the Telfair community as people look to donate used items that are no longer needed,” said Charles Canton, Goodwill Houston Vice President of Operations. “Often, extended family members live far away, making it difficult to pass down gently used clothes, furniture, housewares, home decor and other useful items. Goodwill is a wonderful alternative – and the items benefit people across the community who shop in the store.”

Goodwill Houston is a non-profit organization focused on helping people of all ages from all backgrounds find careers that help them build better lives.

Neighborhood stores fuel this mission in two ways: by employing roughly 25 people from the local community to work there and by generating revenue to support the numerous Goodwill Job Connection Centers located across greater Houston.

“We talk about the cycle that makes such an impact: donate plus shop equals jobs,” Canton said. “When people donate their clothes and shoes, games and books or unneeded furniture, tools, housewares or décor, they are actually changing lives.”

Because Telfair residents cannot host garage sales at their homes, the Goodwill store provides a convenient place to bring unneeded items. “People free up space in their homes or garages, they

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fuel the Goodwill mission to help people find jobs and they get a tax write-off, too,” said Steve Lufburrow, Goodwill Houston president and chief executive officer. “That’s a triple bonus.”

This new Sugar Land location marks the ninth store opened in Fort Bend County and the 64th opened in the Greater Houston region. The Telfair Goodwill location will be distinctive and unique, because each store reflects the community in which it is located.

“The items sold in our stores come from the neighbors living in that community, and this brings wonderful diversity to our stores,” Lufburrow said. “The Telfair region has a large population of individuals of South Asian descent, and we look forward to receiving distinctive clothing and décor that reflect their culture and tastes.”

Asif Malik, a local Realtor and Zonal Counselor at Sabireen Mosque in Sugar Land, said he values Goodwill stores because they give him a place to donate nice items that are not needed by his family. “I feel good about giving clothing, furniture and tools to Goodwill, because I know my gifts will benefit those who later purchase them and will provide funds to help young people, seniors, veterans and others find jobs.”

The Telfair Goodwill store can be reached at 281-586-7057.

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Saturday, October 29th • Live Music, Food & Fun Fine Arts Exhibits and Performing Arts Theater, Symphonic Band and Other Performances Live Performance by Cast Theatrical Company of the Jack Popplewell Play Dead on Nine Live Music All Day Including a Live Performance by the Rosenberg Symphonic Band A Sanctioned Art Show of the Art League of Fort Bend The Bark in the Park Dog Festival

All-day Street Fair with Vendor Booths, Food Trucks and More

Interested in being a vendor at the Autumn Arts Festival?

Call Melissa Williams at 713-447-8706. fort bend

magazine • October 2016

59

absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2016 CHEVROLET VOLT The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid hatchback that’s just about the best choice for Texans looking to shrink their carbon footprint. This second generation Volt can run you around town in all-electric mode, but if you have to drive up to the Panhandle, there is a small gasoline engine that provides unlimited range. It’s a very clever design that has only gotten better in this latest model.

The Volt first appeared back in 2010, but the first generation cars were smaller and had a range of less than 40 miles in battery mode. Unlike other hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, the Volt didn’t switch back and forth from battery to gasoline power, so drivers didn’t experience the constant transition that many find unsettling. When the Volt’s battery is depleted, the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the battery so that there is no sense of transition.

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt features an extended battery range of over 50 miles that will easily get through a daily commute or an afternoon of errands. The battery is recharged by plugging it in at one of the growing number of conveniently located commercial charging stations run by companies such as Charge-

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Point. These are 240-volt charging stations that can fully charge a Volt’s battery in four and half hours if it’s fully depleted. But if you plug it in while shopping or at work, it may be weeks before you ever transition to the gasoline mode. To assist, ChargePoint has a smartphone app that shows charging stations near your location. At roughly $1,000, many electric vehicle owners install a charging station at their home so they can recharge at night when rates are lowest.

With a starting MSRP of $33,220, the new Volt is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. In addition to the electric motor, the Volt has a 1.5 liter gasoline engine that recharges the battery and kicks when you need a little extra oomph when in electric mode. It seats five, but the backseat passengers better be small, because legroom and headroom are both limited.

Cars that use electric power in some form are here to stay, but most either have a very limited range or have hybrid systems that many drivers find unsettling. The Chevy Volt solves that problem with great electric range and unlimited gasoline engine range.

Follow Steve Kursar at KursarOnCars.blogspot.com. .com • October 2016

60

Submit your request and get the next issue of

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Visit www.fortbendfocus.com or Call 281.690.4242

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ROBERT GRACIA Realtor®

By Leslie Little

Thrillers and Mysteries Don’t read with the lights off . . .

The Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin As the execution nears of the man who tried to kill Tessa Cartwright 18 years ago, she faces old ghosts and recurring nightmares of that night she was buried alive with the other “Black-Eyed Susans,” the nickname given to Tessa and the unidentified girls found in a field of those same flowers. Is the killer still free, and is he the one who has been planting those crazy, creepy flowers in her yard every year since she was found? Pick this twisted novel for your next read!

Songbyrd by Anna Silver Innocence Byrd and her mom move around a lot, but all she wants is to stay in one place, meet a nice boy and have a normal life. Her mom has had a long string of boyfriends. The last one ended badly, and they had to leave town quickly again. When her mom is arrested for murder, Innocence learns that the Byrd women have a mysterious secret, and modern-day mythology becomes real life.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware Check your fear meter before diving into this novel. Lo Blackwell finally gets her dream job as a travel writer when she’s invited on the maiden voyage of the Aurora, a boutique cruise ship, but did she really just hear the woman in the next cabin scream and then a body-sized splash? With suspicion at every turn and the unexpected surprise of a jilted lover on the ship, is Lo’s dream job becoming a nightmare?

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • October 2016

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BRAIN TEASER

By Myles Mellor

Trick or Treat

Teaser

Across 1 5 10 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 23 24 27 29 31 33 35 36 38 40 41 42 43 45 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 57

Scary Halloween game (goes with 56 across) Kind of trap Apple pie cooker Picture Harvest carriers, traditionally Place to watch football, perhaps Oz man Bird in the making Nightmare street Kind of pudding Kilogram, for short Thanksgiving potatoes Look into the future Shelter High card Audi-visual, for short Bite of apple pie perhaps “Psycho” bad guy Football position Chargers’ state Came across Thanksgiving fare Last word of a Poe title 2001 computer Turkish title of rank Fall features Conduct Wolf down Batman foe See 5 across Ivan the Terrible, for one

Down 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 14 16 17 22 23 25

Halloween arachnid Halloween color Turkey slicer Passion Turkey seasoning Halloween wear Horror classic, The ___ Sewer mammal School session When Harry Met Sally star, first name Actress, Basinger View Hasty escape Peace item Harvest time action (2 words)

26 27 28 30 32 34 36 37 39 43 44 46 47 49 53

Buckets (2 words) “Is it soup ___?”

Relishes Takes out Land of the euro, for short Pot material Illuminated, at night Crop yield It works like a charm Breakfast food Ghost wear, perhaps Swelled head Not so common Medical organization Augusta state

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FEATURE

By Cynthia Hand Neely

A Yard to Die For A grisly graveyard can lure gobs of ghouls to your manor this Halloween if you have the spirit. With a little originality and added realism, store-bought props can rise above the ordinary.

Haunting Tombstones Make typical foam tombstones thicker. Using only glue meant for foam, glue two identical designs back-to-back.

When the glue is dry, give it more “age” with a drizzle of water tinted with acrylic paint. Fill a spray bottle part way with water and add a few drops of rust colored or deep green paint. Shake to mix.

It should be transparent in strength. Outside, lightly spray the top of your stone allowing the water to run down and leave streaks on all sides. Let dry and repeat until you like the results. Decrepit is your goal.

Size is better than quantity when it

comes to gravestones – think large. Once planted in your yard, the prop that looked so nice and big in the store can look pitifully puny when dwarfed by your lawn’s expanse.

Arrange tombstones as they would be found in an ancient, derelict cemetery. Some should be crooked and others facing different directions. Pile pine straw, leaves and sticks in mounds where the bodies would be buried.

Spooky Spider Webs Instead of the usual packaged spider web product that looks like spun cotton candy, try Spanish moss, the gray moss that dangles from big oak trees in iconic southern plantation photos. It’s available, dried and packaged, in floral departments at hobby stores. Just pull it apart so it is stringy and loose, then drape from low-hanging branches and everything else for instant creepiness.

Eerie Epitaphs Personalize your dead zone with original epitaphs. If you can’t find gravestones with plain fronts, flip and use the blank backsides. Paint family names like “Reserved for (your name here)” TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • October 2016

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or comical epitaphs such as “Here Lies Little Randy, Ate Too Much Candy.” Be sure to use acrylic paint, because oilbased paint will eat through the foam, dissolving it into a mess.

Other Frightening Accents A real shovel propped at a grave, fullsized skeletons posed with fake ravens on their shoulders, lanterns with batteryoperated candles and a fan blowing your fabric ghosts accent this final resting place.

Whether you hire someone to create your display or dig your own, no graveyard is worth its bones without accent lighting. Simple, colored spotlights in green, blue or purple, staked in the ground, do the trick for treaters. Beware of electrical cords that could be a tripping hazard. Aim lights into tree branches, point a few at the tombstones and skeletons, and when darkness falls, you won’t need a full moon for your Halloween decorations to dazzle.

FEATURE

By Tracy Thornton

Fall Décor Trends The Modern Farmhouse look is very popular this fall.

Everywhere you look, you’ll see natural-shaped pumpkins in every color that look like they’ve just been picked up off of the ground.

Cotton blossoms still inside their seedpods are a favorite with designers.

Extra large, fauxstone pumpkins make a large-scale statement for largescale porches.

Oversized lanterns look fabulous all year long with realistic, flickereffect, remote-controlled candles.

Reclaimed metal and wood from hurricane remnants are a fresh approach to repurposing trash into whimsical yard art and door décor.

Life-sized, posable scarecrows look great on a hay bale or rocker and offer a friendly greeting to all who visit.

Happy fall y’all! fort bend

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absolutely!

DELICIOUS

H

ay rides and pumpkin carving aren’t the only time-honored traditions of fall. This time of year also brings the opportunity to enjoy spooktacular and hairraising seasonal treats.

Whether served alone in a glass or incorporated in tasty recipes, limited edition TruMoo Orange Scream can help you whip-up festive sips and snacks. Inspired by orange frozen pops with vanilla ice cream and made with no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no artificial sweeteners, this creamy orange milk is so frightfully delicious and nutritious, it might make you scream with joy.

And this fall, the colorful milk is getting a makeover. In celebration of DreamWorks’ Trolls, Poppy and Branch – the eternally optimistic troll and her overly cautious counterpart – will make an appearance on specially marked bottles of TruMoo Orange Scream and Chocolate milks.

Kick off this year’s fearsome festivities with recipes inspired by the movie and its beloved characters: Truly Colorful Crepes and Poppy’s Orange Scream Pudding Parfaits. It’ll be no surprise when the whole family asks for more.

For more exciting recipes, visit TruMoo.com, and find TruMoo Milk on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Truly Colorful Crepes

Serves: 6 Crepes 2 Large eggs 1/4 Teaspoon salt 1 Cup all-purpose flour 1 1/4 Cups TruMoo Orange Scream milk 1/3 Cup confectioners’ sugar 3 Tablespoons melted butter 1 Teaspoon orange extract

Filling Frozen yogurt Confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon grated orange peel Blue sprinkles (optional)

In large bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, sugar, melted butter, orange extract and salt. Beat with wire whisk to combine well. Cover and place mixture in refrigerator for one hour or up to two days.

Stir mixture with spoon. Heat lightly greased 9-inch skillet over medium heat.

Pour 1/4 cup batter into center of pan; quickly swirl or spread mixture to fill skillet. Cook each crepe 30 seconds. Flip and cook another 10 seconds until lightly browned. Place crepe on large cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining batter. Do not stack crepes on top of each other.

To serve, place two small scoops of frozen yogurt in center of crepe; fold sides over to close. Sprinkle crepes with confectioners’ sugar, grated orange peel and sprinkles, if desired.

Poppy’s Orange Scream Pudding Parfaits Serves: 4 1 Package (16.5 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough 1 Package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding and pie filling 2 Cups TruMoo Orange Scream milk Whipped topping Blue and green sprinkles Prepare cookies as package directs. Set aside. Prepare instant pudding as package directs, using milk. In a glass or parfait dish, crumble one cookie; top with large spoonful of pudding. Repeat layering. Dollop with spoonful of whipped topping; top with sprinkles. Repeat to make three more parfaits.

Source: Family Features / TruMoo TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Fort Bend Cares’ “Sticks and Cleats” Golf Tournament This Halloween Fort Bend Cares is proud to partner with Presenting Sponsor Finnegan Auto Group for the second year in a row on its golf tournament set for Monday, October 31st at Pecan Grove Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament will be used by Fort Bend Cares to pursue its vision to provide access to a better quality of life for disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. In addition, this year’s event will host “Sticks and Cleats” as a way for supporters to drop off gently used or new youth sports equipment – golf or otherwise – that will be donated to the T.W. Davis YMCA and First Tee. Golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in this unique golf challenge. Tournament play will be a best ball modified scramble with two person teams.

Registration begins at 10 am, with lunch available at 11 am and an 11:45 am shotgun start to ensure golfers get home in time to trick or treat with their kiddos. Once again, great prizes for all golfers will be given away. The day will conclude with dinner and awards.

Team prices are $300 until the day of the golf tournament. Sponsorships start at $500. Sponsors to date include Welcome Sponsor Michelob Ultra, Goodie Bag Sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Hospi-

NEWSWORTHY

Drew DeFoor, John Kennedy, Angie Wierzbicki, Juan Alexander, Vince Finnegan, Robert Wills, Lisa Matthews and Jill Curtis.

Photo by Mary Favre.

tality Sponsor Rice & Gardner Consultants, Lunch Sponsor Reef Industries and numerous Hole Sponsors.

Visit www.fortbendcares.org, call 832-819-2005 or email angie@fortbendcares.org to sponsor, sign up a team or volunteer.

Record-Breaking Bowl Throwing for Fort Bend Empty Bowls Local artist Albert Goldreich will attempt to break his own record for the longest a potter has thrown bowls on a wheel in The Book of Alternative Records. His current record is for 18 hours and three minutes. Goldreich will begin throwing bowls on his potter’s wheel beginning at 5 am on Saturday, October 15th at the art gallery at 104 Industrial Boulevard in Sugar Land. Representatives from Fort Bend Empty Bowls will be there from 10 am to 1 pm allowing guests to sign up to paint one of the record-breaking bowls.

The bowls Goldreich throws will be painted, fired and

Lou Ann Newman, Vickie Coates, Pat Pratt and Albert Goldreich.

fort bend

sold at Fort Bend Empty Bowls on April 28, 2017. The money raised will benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM), a food pantry, financial assistance program and resale shop that serves families in temporary financial crisis in East Fort Bend County.

“I don’t like to think of people going hungry,” Goldreich said in preparation for the event. According to Goldreich, things were a bit rough growing up, “but we never went without a meal.”

Goldreich broke his first record in 2009 to raise awareness for the Houston Empty Bowls. He was introduced to Fort Bend Empty Bowls when he met Lou Ann Newman, Bowls committee co-chair, while walking in their neighborhood. Goldreich immediately knew that he wanted to do something to help get the word out.

The event will give people an opportunity to gather and learn more about Fort Bend Empty Bowls, EFBHNM and the people the organization helps. “This is amazing for us, just to bring awareness,” said Vickie Coates, executive director at EFBHNM. “So many people don’t think there’s hunger in Fort Bend County.”

All of the clay is being donated by Pamela Owens at The Ceramic Store in the Houston Heights. There will be 17 judges comprised of Fort Bend community professionals.

For more information, visit www.humanneeds.org.

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NEWSWORTHY

The Fort Bend Junior Service League’s Sugar Plum Market Is the Perfect One-Stop Holiday Shopping Experience Merchants will travel from all over Texas and beyond to showcase their unique treasures at the 2016 Sugar Plum Market. Patrons will be thrilled to see a mix of favorite returning vendors, as well as some fascinating new merchants during the 16th annual holiday shopping extravaganza.

“The committee is so excited to welcome our returning and new vendors! There are new vendors in women’s and children’s clothing, men’s fishing wear, food and many more,” said Katie Harris, Sugar Plum Market co-chair.

“Don’t miss out on all of the wonderful merchandise!”

Presented by the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and Memorial Hermann, this year’s “Making Spirits Bright” themed event will once again be held at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center Friday, November 4th from 9 am to 8 pm and Saturday, November 5th from 9 am to 5 pm. A special Preview

Dr. Katia Lemke, DMD Orthodontic Specialist

• Free Orthodontic Exam & Consultation • Insurance & Flexible Financing Available • Braces for Children & Adults • Advanced Orthodontic Treatment with

A sample of vendors making their Sugar Plum Market debut this year: Follow Your Arrow Boutique, Pinkies Up, Nested Sanctuary, Burlebo and Dirt & Glitter Boutique.

Night will be held from 6 to 10 pm on Thursday, November 3rd. This VIP event offers patrons the chance to be first to shop the Market.

A limited quantity of Preview Night tickets are available for $75 and include light hors d’oeuvres, a drink ticket and Market entry Friday and Saturday. General Admission tickets are $12. Both ticket options are available online at www.sugarplummarket.com. General Admission tickets may also be purchased at local Randalls stores and at the door on Market days.

The 2015 Sugar Plum Market raised a record-breaking $285,000 for local non-profits, and the 2016 Market will once again benefit numerous Fort Bend County charities.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available starting at $250. Top sponsors to date include title sponsor Memorial Hermann, as well as the City of Stafford, Pamela Printing, Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes, absolutely! focus media, Audi Sugar Land, Randalls and HEB. For more information, visit www.sugarplummarket.com or e-mail information@sugarplummarket.com.

& Lingual Braces

NEW ADDRESS

281.277.3555 www.lemkeortho.com

Submit newsworthy items Sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

6514 Highway 90A, Ste. 200 • Sugar Land, Tx 77478 TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • October 2016

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Coming Soon . . .

absolutelyfitandfab.com

OUT & ABOUT

Co-Chairs Giulia Hattan and Lisa Kulhanek unveiled the theme for the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s 24th Annual Gala, Off to Oz . . . the Emerald City Awaits, to the committee chairs at their Meet N Greet. The gala takes place on March 4, 2017 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.

IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Carol Evans, Cheri Vetter, Becky Walker, Peggy Jackson, Lisa Kulhanek, Brenna Cosby, Giulia Hattan, Jessica Kij, Terri Wang, Sue Hauenstein, Laura Winters, Nappinnai Natarajan, Syndee Howgate and Sapana Patel.

The Fort Bend County Fair and its wine committee, known as the Grapes on Brazos, held the 3rd Annual Downtown Stomp in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. Wine lovers and shopping mavens enjoyed an evening of premier wine tasting, shopping and music.

Kay Garrett and Amber McDonald.

Lea Gibson with Matt and Rose Herbst.

Eileen Akerson with Vickie, Bruce and Megan Stevenson.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Nancy Raper and Caylon Wright.

Theresa Shmerling and Megan Blair.

The Memorial Hermann Sugar Land team and community supporters celebrated Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital East Tower’s Grand Opening. The evening featured special remarks, networking, hors d’oeuvres, jazz trio music and tours of the new 155,000 square-foot facility.

Kathryn Johnson, Shannon Surratt and Ashley Quinonez.

Linda Adkins and Nancy Zimmerman.

Rehal Bhojani and Courtney Diepraam.

Steven Ramirez, Jeroen Bergen, Malisha Patel and Kody Freeze.

Richard and Beth Morris.

Robert Kitto, Erin Asprec and Greg Haralson.

Karen Chitty-Boe and Daryl Dichoso.

Kate Willis and Rachel Kelm.

Tracey Shaw and Jessica Kij.

Kathryn Tart, Scott and KK West, Doug and Susie Goff, Benjamin Chu, Sonal Bhuchar, Sam and Valerie Golden, Kelly Burroughs and Subodh Bhuchar.

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OUT & ABOUT

The Fort Bend County Fair’s Stylin’ in the Bend was an evening of style, bling and pizzazz at Safari Texas Ranch. The 2016 Fair Queen candidates, along with a few local celebrities, rocked the runway. The 27th annual event featured various vendors, raffle drawings, a seated dinner and the style show directed by Lucas Chavez.

IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Vickie and Domino Autrey.

The Fort Bend P-16 Regional Council will host their 3rd “Math Summit” on October 29th in Brazos Hall on the Joint Campus of University of Houston Sugar Land and Wharton County Junior College.

Teachers from across Fort Bend County are expected to attend and learn from math teaching expert and featured speaker Greg Tang.

Founded in 2006, the council’s mission is to create a college and career going culture among stakeholders and participants from pre-school through college graduation.

Preparing for the Math Summit were Mary Vazquez, Thomas Randle, Betty McCrohan and Mable Scott Austin.

Margaret Kunz, Donna Hutson and Karen Mullins.

Debbie Voyles and Rosie Karlberg.

Katie and Michelle Koerth.

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land distributed American Flags to a large crowd at Sugar Land Town Square during a ceremony honoring Olympic medalists Simone Manuel and Steven Lopez, who both graduated from Fort Bend County schools.

Sue Lockwood, Brad Porter, Dave Kiger, Carlos Perez, Sue Sanchez, Nick Landowski, Farha Ahmed, John Heineman, Robert Kern and Leo and Donna Weinberg.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • October 2016

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The 17th Annual Fort Bend Education Foundation Back to School Scramble Golf Tournament was held at Sweetwater Country Club. Thanks to the generosity of this year’s participants, the event broke a record, netting $122,700 for the Fort Bend Education Foundation. The 256 golfers who played in the tournament enjoyed breakfast from Chick-fil-A and an awards banquet at the end of the day.

Steve Shiels.

Rick Pal, Parvez Merchant, Atul Puri and Harry Munday.

Claude Leatherwood, Charles Dupre and Terri Wang.

Norwood Richardson and Stanley Stein.

June Stanley and Rita Brown.

Lina Sabouni, Jim Brown and Kay James.

Memorial Hermann is celebrating 40 years of Life Flight® through a campaign called “40 Years of Life Flight, 40 Days of Thanks.” As part of the campaign, Life Flight visited many of the Memorial Hermann campuses to show their gratitude to colleagues, staff and physicians for their partnership in saving lives. The Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital team joined Life Flight crew members on the helipad for an exclusive look inside the aircraft at the lifesaving tools they have available on board.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital team members Martha Rushing, Yasmin Pesnani, Pam Schaeper-Noe, Julie Fonseca, Kelly Junker, Michael Anderson, Courtney Diepraam, John Chessman, John Coberley, Greg Haralson, Jeroen Bergen, Cody Meuth, Efrain Solis, Felicia Coleman, Pam Bourassa, Bonnie Reagan, Cathy Clarke, Michelle Bourgeois, Kody Freeze, Qiara Suggs, Malisha Patel, Leslie Norman, Cheryl McCarthy, Daisy Yeung and Ann Asnaashari.

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OUT &

Fort Bend ISD students competed in the USA National Karate Championship and USA Team Trials in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Around 1,400 athletes from all over the country competed to earn the right to be called the best in the nation. The students won a total of 14 medals!

ABOUT IN THE HEART

OF THE BEND

Proud medal winners James Goodman, Nizar Albagdadi, Ronny Zapata, Rylan Garza, Rommel Gargoles, Cassie Pham, Kaito Sengoku, Nalika Nana, Akira Santoso and Christina Korman.

TEDx Sugar Land held their August 27th talks at The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land. The speakers came from diverse backgrounds, and the event was at full capacity. The talks covered a variety of subjects, including nanotechnology, entrepreneurial bootcamp and much more.

Photos by Quy Tran.

Zeenat Mitha, Mary Kobell Joyce, Waheeda Kara, Munira Panjwani and Larayne Glidewell.

Joshua and Sophia Evans.

Ismail Momin, Muhib Momin, Rizwan Ali, Shama Dhuka and Sahira Sunesara.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Nooruddin Lalani, Faisal Momin, Munira Panjwani, Barkat Fazal, Murad Ajani and Alim Adatia.

Gregory Wu and Waheeda Kara.

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Sanober Ajani, Huma Jafry and Asha Momin.

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October 2016 Winner Aboard the Durango-Silver Narrow Gauge Railroad

By Jackie D. Venuto Congratulations Jackie, you’ve earned a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant!

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 MONTH Each month’s winner receives a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail Alexa at alexa@absolutelyfocusmedia. com or call 281-690-4242.

Please make sure to send some basic information about every photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and daytime phone number.

By submitting an entry, the photographer gives Fort Bend Focus Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is no contest deadline.

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Grace@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Digital photos must be 300 dpi HIGH RESOLUTION at size of at least 10” wide.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

OakBend Medical Group Announces New Interventional Cardiologist OakBend Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Sachin Jain as the newest doctor to join the OakBend Medical Group family of physicians. Jain comes to OakBend Medical Group as an interventional cardiologist. An interventional cardiologist is a cardiologist with one to two years of additional education and training in diagnosing Dr. Sachin Jain. and treating cardiovascular disease, as well as congenital – present at birth – and structural heart conditions through catheter-based procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting.

Jain received a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Management from Annamalai University in India. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency and his General Cardiology Fellowship at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. Im-

mediately following, he completed his Interventional Cardiology Fellowship followed by his Endovascular Cardiology Fellowship at Mount Sinai Heart in New York City.

Jain is board certified in nuclear cardiology, registered peripheral vascular interpretation and adult echocardiography and a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases.

Jain speaks English, Hindi, Tamil and Marwari and enjoys playing chess, swimming and golf. His career plans involve his desire to be an interventional cardiologist with extensive peripheral endovascular skills and knowledge to allow him to be a well-rounded cardiologist. According to Jain, “My interest is to develop these skills in order to provide a myriad of therapeutic options to my patients.”

Jain’s office is located at 1601 Main Street, Suite 502 in Richmond. For more information, call 281-633-4925.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Offering Free Flu Shots to Benefit Santa’s Exchange With the holiday season around the corner, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is once again offering Fort Bend residents the opportunity to “give a gift and beat the flu.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land, Rotary Club of Fort Bend and Toys for Tots Fort Bend, is offering free flu shots on Saturday, October 22nd to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend and surrounding area residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from 8 am to noon in exchange for a free flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area.

“We are proud to partner again with the local exchange and rotary clubs and Toys for Tots to provide this community offering,” said Chris Siebenaler, chief executive officer of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season.”

In 2015, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to more than 5,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. “Everyone’s assistance is needed to meet the challenge of providing toys for children who will not have toys this year without our help,” said Jenn Cole, co-chairman of Santa’s Exchange 2016.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for a seventh year. This is a great collaboration. Get a flu shot, and in return, you are able to give back to the children in your community,” said Cole, a 14 year member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land.

“Our community is well known for its philanthropic values, so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys or clothTO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

2015 Flu Shot Toy Drive volunteers Kaelyn Bujnoch, Filipinas Sison, Siu Lim, Ancy John, Amalia Gonzales, Robin Smith and Leena Taneja.

ing even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.

The flu vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Vaccination with the flu vaccine may not protect all people who receive the vaccine. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome or rubber latex allergy. If you are pregnant, please visit your obstetrician-gynecologist or primary care physician to have your vaccine administered.

To participate in this community event, bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to the Main Pavilion lobby of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital between 8 am and noon on Saturday, October 22nd. For more information, call 281-274-7910. .com • October 2016

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Ranked Among Top Hospitals in Texas in Annual Survey

lywed w e ion N

s!

Coming January 2017

Here Comes the Bride Submit your info today and have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the Houston area and the state of Texas in U.S. News & World Report magazine’s prestigious “Best Hospital” annual rankings. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is ranked No. 9 in the Houston area and No. 23 in Texas in the magazine’s 2016 list.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible progress we’ve made in bringing complex, sophisticated medical care to the community,” said Chris Siebenaler, chief executive officer of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “The teamwork between our physicians and our staff – with a focus on continuously improving quality and safety – is making a significant difference in the lives of patients from across Fort Bend and surrounding areas. We are all very proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report.”

The magazine’s annual analysis of hospitals includes data from nearly 5,000 centers across multiple clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. Scores are based on a variety of patient outcome and care-related factors, including patient safety and nurse staffing. During 2015, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital had 13,132 admissions, and physicians on staff performed 4,149 inpatient and 7,684 outpatient surgeries.

Houston Methodist Hospital is also named the No. 1 hospital in Texas for the fifth consecutive year and is the only hospital in Texas to earn a spot on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll. The Honor Roll, which includes 20 hospitals throughout the country, recognizes hospitals that are the “best of the best” in patient care, patient safety, outcomes, nursing, advanced technology and reputation. To view the hospital rankings, visit usnews. com/best-hospitals.

Learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral. fort bend

Contact: sarah@absolutelyfocusmedia.com or visit www.fortbendfocus.com Answers from page 63.

Trick or Treat Teaser

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EVENTS October 4th, 5 pm National Night Out

October 8th, 2 – 4 pm NASA: Have Rocket Will Travel

October 15th, 8 am – Noon Out of the Darkness Walk

Kick off National Night Out with an evening of celebrations beginning in the Target parking lot at 6000 Highway 6 in Missouri City. Members of the Fire & Rescue Services and the Police Department, including the Dive, SWAT, Bike Patrol and ATV Search Teams, will greet participants.

Police vehicles, tactical equipment, a ladder truck and rescue boat will also be on display.

Email jheard@missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-5825.

The Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway in Missouri City, will present a special program on the past, present and future of space exploration. Don Cooper, a retired NASA physicist, will discuss the history of United States rockets, his role in designing technology that helped make space travel possible and his experiences with Apollo 11 and Apollo 13. Then, Leonard Ferguson of the Fort Bend Astronomy Club will discuss NASA’s New Frontiers program.

Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-238-2100.

Walk to fight suicide at Sugar Land Memorial Park, located at 5300 University Boulevard. The Fort Bend County Walk aims to bring those who suffer from and those who have been affected by mental health issues “out of the darkness.”

Funds raised support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by 2025 through research, education, advocacy and support. Registration is free.

Visit www.facebook.com/ ootdcommunitywalkfortbend or call 832-578-9338.

October 11th, 6 pm Tips on Making Healthy Mexican Food

October 15th, 9 am – Noon Sugar Land 5K and Team Hope Walk

Bryan Pulliam, Bryce Mortimer, Baldwin Lee, Tyler Sutton and Keon Sisemore at the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Walk in Concert.

October 8th, 9 am Walk in Concert with the Fort Bend Boys Choir The Fort Bend Boys Choir is gearing up for its 13th walk-a-thon! Walk in Concert will be held in Oyster Creek Park, located at 4033 Highway 6 in Sugar Land. Participants will complete a three-mile walk, and proceeds will help support the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s music programs, including scholarships for young boys in need.

To pledge or register to participate, visit www.fbbctx.org or call 281-240-3800.

Dianne Gertson will demonstrate how to make Mexican dishes healthier by substituting a few basic ingredients. This delicious event will take place at the University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land.

Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us to register.

October 14th, 6 – 9 pm Meadows Place Haunting Join the fall festival at McGrath Park, located at 12001 Brighton Lane in Meadows Place. There will be fun activities for the whole family, including zombie laser tag, giant zorb balls, a haunted bounce castle, a light show, face painting and more. Most activities are free of charge.

Visit www.cityofmeadowsplace.org or call 281-983-2950.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECH Water Treatment Specialists

Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine 198 Kempner St. at Imperial Sugar Land

.com • October 2016

October 16th, 7:15 am Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Try Andy’s Tri The 24th annual triathlon will take place at First Colony Aquatic Center Pool, located at 4530 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. The event includes a 300 meter lake swim, 10 mile bike ride and a three-mile run followed by a party at the finish fine, and proceeds benefit 13 great causes.

To register, visit www.slfinishlinesports.com or call 281-242-7700.

October 19th, 10:30 am FRIENDS of Child Advocates of Fort Bend Fall Coffee

Presented By:

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Walk in support of Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) mission to improve the lives of everyone with Huntington’s disease. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers and neighbors walk together each year to support HDSA’s fight to improve the lives of people affected. This community walk takes place at Oyster Creek Park, located at 4033 Highway 6 in Sugar Land.

To register, visit www.hdsa.org/teamhope.

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FRIENDS of Child Advocates of Fort Bend will host its annual Fall Coffee social at the home of Zeenat Mitha. In addition to coffee, mimosas, light fare and learning about the FRIENDS mission, guests will be treated to a holiday decorating presentation by Danielle Hames, owner of Sugar Land Interior Services.

For more information and to RSVP, email jmaddison@windstream.net.

EVENTS October 21st and 28th, 7 – 11 pm Museum of Madness and Mayhem Haunted House Fort Bend’s only haunted house for ages 15 and up is coming to the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, located at 13016 University Boulevard. This interactive haunted house features zombies, strolling characters, Wilbur’s Mine of Madness, the Dollhouse of Death, Night of the Living Dead and the Paleontology Hall of Horror exhibits and a hair raising horror mini-film.

Visit www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land or call 281-313-2277.

October 22nd and 29th, 10 am – Noon Magical Maze and Goose Bumps Haunted House Put on your best costume and bring out the whole family for some early trick or treating, games and face painting! This friendly event will be held at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 13016 University Boulevard in Sugar Land.

Visit www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land or call 281-313-2277.

October 28th, 6 – 9 pm Oktoberfest

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Enjoy the sounds and tastes of Germany.

Food trucks will be on site offering German Fare, beer and desserts for purchase. The Texas Legacy Czech Band will perform throughout the night, and there will be activities for the kids. Admission is free. Bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a night out at McGrath Park, located at 2001 Brighton Lane in Meadows Place.

Visit www.cityofmeadowsplace.org or call 281-983-2950.

October 29th, 8 am The Fort Bend Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

October 22nd, 9 am – 3 pm Sugar Land Garden Club Fall Garden Tour The Sugar Land Garden Club will host its 17th annual garden tour, Across the Bend, featuring six diverse and exceptional gardens with locations in Colony Bend, Oyster Point, River Park, Orchard Lake Estates, Imperial Park and Bridle Path. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at any of the homes the day of the tour. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

All funds raised through the 5K walk further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The walk takes place at Constellation Field, located at 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land. Participants will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities and clinical studies enrollment to support programs and services. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony.

Call 713-314-1346 or visit alz.org/walk.

Full of spine-tingling music and interactive pieces that are perfect for kids, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra brings the magic of the orchestra to Fort Bend families in a Halloween themed outdoor concert. No tickets required!

This is a free, outdoor event at Sugar Land Town Square, located at 15958 City Walk in Sugar Land.

Visit www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642.

October 29th, 4:30 – 7 pm Tricks and Treats in the Park Enjoy an evening of family fun at Buffalo Run Park, located at 1122 Buffalo Run in Missouri City. The event will kick off with a Monster Mile, and free T-shirts will be provided while supplies last. The race will follow with the Trick and Treats Trail, which includes a petting zoo, moonwalks, a pumpkin patch photo station, games and candy!

Visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.

fort bend

magazine • October 2016

4th Annual Flying Saucer Beer Fest Saturday, October 1st 2 – 6:30 pm

Kindermusik with Sessions Music Thursday, October 6th 9:30 – 10:30 am

Giving Spirits Benefiting Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition

October 29th, 2 pm Hauntcert

The Sugar Land Garden Club welcomes visitors to six unique garden retreats.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS

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Friday, October 7th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Houston Disc Dogs Take on Town Square Saturday, October 8th 12:30 – 2:45 pm

Dancing Under the Stars Friday, October 14th 7:30 – 9 pm

Serious Wheels: Corvette Owners Club of Houston “Open Car Show” Saturday, October 15th 10 am – 3 pm

Rock the Block with Sessions Music Saturday, October 21st 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Movie Under the Moon Saturday, October 22nd 7:15 – 9:30 pm

Haute Halloween Friday, October 28th 7:30 – 9:30 pm

City of Sugar Land’s Halloween Town Sunday, October 30th 4 – 8 pm

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS E-mail events@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

Include the event date, time, location and a short description of the event.

When everything seems to be falling apart, there is always a sign – like the perfect collection of pinecones to mark a life.

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

Living the Sweet Life:

Sometimes a Sweet Life is Also a Short One

S

omehow, despite knowing the facts, we tend to “forget” that we are never promised tomorrow. We do not live our lives daily as it would be our last. Perhaps it is healthier to pretend . . . but I do not think so.

I have seen my fair share of sweet lives being short ones. The worst kind of this is when you lose – although no one is really ever “lost” – a child. It goes against the natural ways we like to think the world works. Both my mother and father died before their parents, and now it has happened again. Sometimes things work out differently.

A few weeks ago, my sweet 19 yearold nephew Jennings was killed. He was the star football player, graduated with honors chemistry and had just started college. He was full to the brim with jokes and life. In one split instant, he was gone. As I gaze at my pictures that I have taken over the years of him, I am reminded yet again that what I do as an artist is priceless.

When sweet lives become short ones, we ask ourselves the usual questions of “why?” I’ll tell you why. Bad stuff just happens, and my friends, God has nothing to “do” with it. Truthfully, as I stared back at over 400 young folks and family speaking to them and trying to both comfort and explain that life happens, I myself felt a sense of calm and resign.

My nephew was, as we Christians say, “saved.” In being saved, the Holy Spirit is always with us, and when he passed, the Holy Spirit was with him.

That is what makes it all ok to die when we do and under whatever circumstances. Everyone must acknowledge that life’s last push is death. We will all die, but with God, we don’t real-

ly. Lots of people that day got that message. What they also saw was a sweet life well lived.

Jennings traveled to the Philippines with his youth group and helped countless families stricken with poverty, touched all of their lives and befriended them with smiles even on their worst days. Through his passing, he gave his heart, liver, kidneys and limbs to save and make others’ lives better – even possible. Although short, he lived a sweet life.

Sometimes, when we are paying attention, God winks at us. It’s at the most desperate times and the most joyful that He demonstrates that His love is always around us and that when we die, we are never really gone if under His loving care.

We as a family traveled to North Carolina to provide comfort and to say in each of our own ways goodbye to a wonderful young man. He wanted to be a forester and loved the woods. Y’all know that I do not like anything that doesn’t involve air conditioning and room service; however, we decided to rent an RV and make the trip. The required time to travel was a forced down time to gather as a family and process this awful, unthinkable experience.

The morning we awoke and headed on our last leg back to Houston, I went outside and found that the “park” we had rolled into that night was really a bunch of tall pine trees. Oddly enough, it was a place my nephew would have loved. I started shooting the sunrise, and as I did, the bright rays through the trees formed a perfect cross. Then, I noticed several pinecones on the ground in various states of development. I began gathering for a shot of

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the lifecycle of a pine.

As I finished gathering, the last I needed were the tiniest of seeds that had been blown away from the cones in order to make new trees. I began counting out the tiny seeds, and as I was working, all of the children gathered around me. I wanted 19 seeds – one for each year of Jennings’ life. I placed the seeds on the old picnic table, and as I counted out loud, I stopped at a perfect 19 laid there before me! There was not another seed to be found anywhere. I looked up and saw the faces of my family staring back at me, and I said, “If you needed any proof that Jennings is right here with us, I think you just got it!”

God is good all the time. You just have to be aware of signs letting you know that even in the darkest of hours, it’s all going to be ok.

Do you have a story of a God wink?

If so, I’d love to hear it!

Take Care of YOU!

alisa@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

A beautiful sunrise peeking through the trees Jennings loved so much resembled a cross and brought comfort.

FINDING UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS FOR ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CANCERS. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we take an aggressive approach to fighting breast cancer. From accelerating highpotential research to creating unique treatments based on a tumor’s genetics, we offer more innovative options to fight breast cancer at every stage.

Our breast cancer specialists are here to help with • Mammography, using the most advanced imaging technology • Specialized programs for high-risk patients and aggressive forms of breast cancer • Surgery and the latest options for breast reconstruction • Support services including patient navigators and spiritual care • Clinical trials and innovative research focused on prevention and survivorship To schedule your mammogram, call 281.242.PINK(7465).

Visit houstonmethodist.org/fightbreastcancer to learn more about our breast cancer services, or call our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.

16655 Southwest Frwy.

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Sugar Land, TX 77479