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

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Sugar Land.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

Your health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.

The Woodlands

Early Voting: October 24th – November 4th

With a life dedicated to service since the age of 19 in the US Army National Guard defending our freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait and protecting our citizens as a law enforcement professional in Fort Bend, Colonel Trever Nehls now stands ready to lead Fort Bend as County Judge.

My goal is to unite Fort Bend residents and officials with an aim to work towards a Fort Bend future. It’s my extensive leadership experience that will bring that goal to fruition. We must work together in the best interest of Fort Bend County.”

Pro-Business

One hundred percent pro-business, Trever believes government should support businesses, the lifeblood of our economy. As County Judge, he will work directly with business to streamline burdensome government regulation and processes making Fort Bend a sought-after county to attract business growth and investment.

Cutting Unnecessary Spending

Cutting waste, unnecessary spending and lowering the tax burden on Fort Bend residents is a priority for Trever. As County Judge, he will use his experience managing county and corporate budgets to streamline expenses.

A Safe, Secure Community

Serving 30 years in law enforcement and as the former Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Constable, Trever knows what it takes to make Fort Bend County safe. As County Judge, he will use his decades of experience to make certain our law enforcement professionals have the resources they need to keep our community safe.

The Nehls family: Parker, Madison, Kerri, Trever and Wyatt.

Pol. Ad. Pd. For by Supporters of Trever Nehls.

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{COVER STORY}

HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGAR LAND

Mammograms Save Lives

Featuring a spa-like environment that helps patients feel comfortable and at ease, Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers the full continuum of care – from diagnosis to treatment and beyond – all conveniently located in one place.

{Features}

11 FORT BEND’S CONSERVATIVE JUDICIAL CANDIDATES Meet eight Republican candidates on the November ballot.

16 GENERAL ELECTION Early Voting Schedule October 24th to November 4th, 2022

26 FOCUS ON THE CURE Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to educate yourself and your loved ones about breast cancer awareness and detection.

42 SCARY GOOD Healthy Halloween recipes for kids

{Columns}

22 FORT BEND STRONG Hurricanes and Me

30 THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST A Quick Tour of the Loire Valley

33 ON THE PORCH WITH PATTI Dancing From One Season to the Next

38 THE SWEET LIFE GARDENER Sage

44 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE Now We’re Talking! “Tricks, Rubbers and Grand Slams!”

Clive Shkedy, M.D., Brendolyn Herbert, Michelle O’Shea, M.D., Natasha Bradley and Patrick Prath, M.D. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Meet eight Republican Judicial candidates on the November ballot. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Early Voting:

Election

M E E T R A Y

A Collaborative Vision

“My vision is to be a collaborator – to be a resource. I will bring people together regardless of politics. My vision for Precinct 4 is to inspire people to go back to taking care of each other – not to be polarized by a party. I believe in a future that is all inclusive, consistently strategic and delivered with excellence – by partnering with the people.”

Accessible, Responsible Governance

“As a Commissioner, I’m my constituents’ employee – I work for them, so listening to their concerns and needs is my job. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. I believe in being accessible and having open lines of communication. My door will be open, and if a citizen has a concern and can’t come to the office, we’ll go to them.”

Making a Difference

“I’ve been to every city in this county and served in different capacities from delivering meals to seniors, bringing supplies to flood victims, to building young leaders through chamber leadership programs. I truly give a damn. As a Commissioner, I can find out what the need is, have the conversation and do it. And that makes a difference in people’s lives. That’s a heartfelt concern for me – to make a difference – and as Commissioner for Precinct 4, I can make a difference.”

P R I O R I T I E S

Public Safety

Ray will work closely with our first responders to provide them with the tools, skills, equipment and fair compensation they require to best serve and protect our community and develop positive relationships in our neighborhoods.

Taxes & Spending

Eliminating unnecessary spending and utilizing grant funds most efficiently in our communities is a priority for Ray. He believes in putting tax dollars where it belongs – investing in our communities.

Preparing for the Future

Establishing a long-term plan that will ensure our mobility and drainage infrastructure is adequately prepared for both growth and weather emergencies is a priority for Ray.

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY RAY AGUILAR CAMPAIGN, JOHANNA COMPEAN, TREASURER.

Alex, Diana and Ray Aguilar with Sara and Nathan Hackley.

ON THE COVER: Clive Shkedy, M.D., Brendolyn Herbert, Michelle O’Shea, M.D., Sindhu Nair, M.D., Natasha Bradley and Patrick Prath, M.D.

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Patti

Campaign,

POINTS!

Fabulous Fall Fun

Cooler weather is finally here, and it makes me want to get out and about and enjoy all of the things that the Fall season is famous for – the festivals, the outdoor events and of course, the foot ball games! From the Great Pumpkin Round Up to the Sugar Plum Market to the ARC’s “Best in the West,” we’re bringing all of the details of your Fall favs to you in this issue.

While Fall fun is top of mind this month, there are some important issues on our to do list for October. As we focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we meet two wonderful ladies who share their stories about how mammograms saved their lives at Houston Method ist Breast Care Center in Sugar Land. We also share some great resources in Focus on the Cure to make certain our readers have everything at their finger tips to be educated about breast cancer awareness and detection.

Another Fall festivity - Kolton and Patti celebrating Mr. Kaminski’s birthday!

Another must do this month is vote! Early voting for our November election begins on October 24th, and we share a list of early voting locations in Fort Bend on page 16. We also introduce eight judicial candidates who are on the ballot for you to learn more about before heading to the polls.

For some reason, Fall always makes me feel energized. Perhaps it’s the cooler temps or the sigh of relief when a more normal schedule returns from the lazy days of summer. Yes, I’m a routine kind of girl. I like a good plan. F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” I believe he was onto something.

Enjoy the weather, enjoy all of the activities that Fall has to offer and I hope to see you out and about in the Bend. And Happy Halloween to our little ghouls and goblins!

Stay focused – and on schedule!

Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Vol. 18 No. 9

October 2022

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Mammograms Save Lives

compassionate,” said Herbert. “She has such great relationship skills; she really becomes your friend. She put me at ease from the very first day and made herself accessible to answer any questions I had throughout my treatments.”

Herbert had surgery in late March to remove her tumor and surrounding lymph nodes. “I was up and out walking the next day, trying to get my exercise in,” she said.

Hebert later began 24 radiation treatments with board-certified radiation oncologist Clive Shkedy, M.D. and completed those sessions in early July. She continues to see Sindhu Nair, M.D., board-certified hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land, for ongoing care.

“It’s been a journey, but I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by people who are so caring,” she said. “Everyone at Houston Methodist Sugar Land treated me like royalty, and I will always love them for that. They treated me, the person, rather than just my specific cancer, and this made the difference for me.”

Collaborative Approach is Powerful

Brendolyn Herbert was in good health. She exercised every day and watched her diet. With no family history of breast cancer, she never worried that it might one day impact her life.

Natasha Bradley was healthy, too, and like Herbert, she had no family history of breast cancer. But breast cancer found both women, and like so many others, they quickly found themselves in a fight for their lives.

“I never expected to get that news,” Herbert said of her diagnosis. “It was a big shock.”

Fortunately, both Herbert and Bradley had a full team of experts by their side – the physicians, nurses and staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Compassionate, Personal Care

Herbert skipped her annual mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic. But in early 2022, she decided it was safe to return to the hospital. When her exam revealed a lump in her breast, Herbert was referred to Michelle O’Shea, M.D., board-certified surgeon with Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land, for further evaluation.

A follow-up MRI discovered another, smaller lump, though a biopsy later determined that only the first one was cancerous.

Herbert was scared, but O’Shea gave her strength. “Dr. O’Shea is so

“The heart of the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land is an experienced, multi-disciplinary team that works together to develop individualized care plans that meet each patient’s unique needs,” said O’Shea. “This includes everything from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy to nutrition, physical therapy, emotional support, financial assistance and a survivorship program.”

After diagnosis and throughout treatment, team members share information and ideas to ensure that every aspect of care is being considered and included. Along the way, physicians and staff provide ongoing guidance and help, with specially trained nurse

T eamwork and compassion enable the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land to help two local women overcome their cancer diagnoses.

Sindhu Nair, M.D., Brendolyn Herbert, Clive Shkedy, M.D., Michelle O’Shea, M.D., Natasha Bradley and Patrick Prath, M.D.

COVER STORY Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography

navigator Rose Gonzales facilitating appointment scheduling, serving as an information resource and connecting patients to valuable services.

Those specialists are supported by the latest and most sophisticated 3-D mammography technology and fellowshiptrained breast imaging radiologists.

“Our collaborative approach is powerful,” said Shkedy. “It is entirely possible to defeat breast cancer, but you can’t do it alone. It takes a team of dedicated people working together. From that first moment of diagnosis, we are standing by our patients’ sides to help them regain their health and rebuild their lives.”

In addition to comprehensive care, Houston Methodist Sugar Land is accessible and convenient. Everything a patient needs is available on the hospital’s campus with easy access and free parking.

“Having everything a patient needs under one roof is a major benefit for our patients and gives us an advantage in diagnosing breast cancer at the earliest stages, which provides the best chance for complete recovery – all at one location close to home,” said Nair.

Cancer-Free and Feeling Good

Natasha Bradley had gone in for a well-woman checkup in late September 2021, and had her first-ever mammogram. She had noticed changes in her breast months before but assumed that they weren’t serious.

The decision to finally seek a doctor’s opinion saved her life – because by the time of her mammogram, her cancer had progressed to Stage 3. “Everything moved very quickly after that diagnosis,” said Bradley.

When her care team reviewed the details of her breast cancer, they confirmed that starting treatment with chemotherapy would protect her survival from an aggressive plum-sized tumor and potentially allow her breast to be saved by shrinking the tumor before surgery.

So, Bradley underwent two different regimens of chemotherapy with board-certified hematologist-oncologist Patrick Prath, M.D., one prior to the new year and one after.

From Screening to Treatment –

All Under One Roof

The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land offers the full continuum of care –from diagnosis to treatment and beyond – all conveniently located in one place.

Clive Shkedy, M.D., Patrick Prath, M.D., Natasha Bradley and Michelle O’Shea, M.D.

The Breast Care Center’s spa-like environment helps patients feel comfortable and at ease.

“At the beginning of that second regimen of chemotherapy, Dr. Prath told me that the tumor had basically disappeared,” said Bradley. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Chemotherapy was challenging, but her care team made it as easy as possible. “Dr. Prath was amazing,” she said. “He would come in and check on me, and he was always so compassionate.”

After giving Bradley’s body a chance to recover from chemotherapy, O’Shea removed what was left of the tumor –a growth now roughly the size of a pin head – along with nearby lymph nodes and other tissue during surgery. Two weeks later, Bradley began radiation therapy.

Eventually, she would receive 35 radiation treatments with Shkedy, one every day, five days a week, for seven weeks, ending in late July.

“I would recommend Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land to anyone,” she said. “The doctors and nurses all treated me so well. Everyone was just phenomenal, so kind and empathetic.

“Best of all, I am cancer-free. I feel like a new woman now,” she said.

The Message is Clear: Don’t Put Off Your Mammogram

“Cancer screening guidelines recommend an annual mammogram for women ages 40 and above,” said Prath. “Getting a mammogram is an important part of good breast health management and should be part of your health care priorities.”

Both Herbert and Bradley have a strong message for other women: Don’t

put off your annual mammogram.

“Make sure you go and have your annual check-up,” said Bradley. “Don’t self-diagnose like I did.”

“No matter what’s going on in the world or what you have going on in your life, get your mammogram done every year,” said Herbert. “Early detection will save your life.”

Patients benefit from:

•

•

• A dedicated team that

effectively

immediately

• Full-time breast radiologists dedicated exclusively to breast care

• A full-time, dedicated oncology nurse navigator to help guide patients and their families through the entire treatment process

• Full-service, coordinated care with the physicians and staff at the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land.

Clive Shkedy, M.D., Brendolyn Herbert and Michelle O’Shea, M.D.

Chad Bridges, Edward M. Krenek, Courtney Rosen Kovach, Judge Walter Armatys, Judge Chris Morales, Dean A. Hrbacek, Steve Rogers and Andrew Dornburg.

Fort Bend’s Conservative Judicial Candidates

One of the fastest growing counties in the nation, Fort Bend County’s needs are ever increasing particularly in our courtrooms. Now more than ever, knowledgeable, ethical, conservative judges are needed to ensure a strong, prosperous and secure future to make our county the best – and safest – place to live, work and raise our children.

The Fort Bend County Republican Party (FBCRP) is dedicated to supporting principled leaders with an understanding of Fort Bend’s heritage and a clear vision for county’s future. For our judicial system, this means supporting candidates who will work tirelessly to create safe communities by implementing a justice system that

protects families and businesses and punishes criminals. Strong families, safe communities and opportunities for all is the Republican campaign for the November 8th election, and eight judicial candidates are on the ballot with the intent and experience to serve Fort Bend with traditional Texas values – strong families, safe communities, opportunity for all, personal responsibility, principled and innovative leadership, quality education, freedom and limited government. These candidates believe that Fort Bend County residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses, streets and schools and are prepared to provide unwavering, principled leadership to keep our community secure.

Pol. adv. paid for by the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.fbcgop.org

County Courts at Law: Four candidates – Judge Chris Morales, Andrew Dornburg, Dean Hrbacek and Courtney Rosen Kovach – are seeking to serve as County Court at Law judges. The County Courts at Law handle juvenile cases, misdemeanors, probate, guardianship, mental health cases and condemnation cases. Additionally, County Courts at Law hear civil cases up to $250,000.

Republican judicial candidates for the November election:

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Judge Chris Morales County Court at Law No. 1

Alifelong resident of Fort Bend County raised in Richmond, Judge Chris Morales has served as Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 for the past eight years overseeing dockets consisting of juvenile, criminal misdemeanor, civil, probate and guardianship, civil mental health commitment and condemnation matters. Addi tionally, Judge Morales over sees the County’s only Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, a court designed to reduce recidivism rates among mentally ill offenders.

Family: Married to high school sweetheart Vanessa, daughter Madelyn and son William Qualifications:

• Former Fort Bend County Prosecutor

• Former Owner of The Morales Law Firm, PLLC

• Graduate of Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law

• Former Administrative Judge of County Courts at Law

• Fellow with the State Bar College

• Adjunct Professor at University of Houston Law Center

• 11th Judicial Region Budget Committee, Member

• State Bar of Texas, Judicial Section, Civil Justice Sub-Committee Member

Community Involvement:

• Lamar Little League Baseball Coach

• Lamar CISD Leadership High School Speaker

• Lamar Education Awards Foundation, Men Who Cook

• George Ranch Rodeo Honoring Black Cowboys

Volunteer

• Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni, Class of 2012

• Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, Bubbles & Bauble

• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Committee Member

“I was a juvenile probation officer with the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Office for over 20 years. During my time with the office, I have seen a lot of Judges over see juvenile matters in the County, but Judge Morales was the only Judge that truly valued everyone’s input and cared deeply about the kids in our system. Judge Morales is com passionate, understanding, hard-working and above all fair. I knew every child before Judge Morales was going to have a chance to succeed and potentially go on to do great things. I am asking the voters of this county to keep Judge Morales on the bench. We need good judges like him,” said Cynthia Durbin, former Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Offi cer.

Judge Morales further believes that to keep our commu nities safe and ensure justice is served for all people, judges must follow the law as written. “Judges have a responsibil ity to ensure the laws of this State and Nation are followed. We cannot just make up the law to fit our particular agenda or needs. I took an oath to follow the law, and I intend to keep it!”

Visit www.JudgeMorales.com for more information.

Andrew Dornburg for Judge, County Court at Law No. 3

For 15 years, Andrew Dornburg has called Fort Bend home resid ing in Cinco Ranch since 2016.

A former Fort Bend County prosecutor, Dornburg served as an Associate Judge for Fort Bend County Courts at Law from 2016 to 2019.

Family: Wife Carolyn, Daughters Emma (12) and Alice (6)

Qualifications:

• Licensed Attorney since 2006

• Former Fort Bend County Prosecutor

• Former Fort Bend County Associate Judge

• Presided over hundreds of criminal, juvenile and civil cases as a Judge

• Graduate of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas School of Law

Community Involvement:

• Member, Texas Bar Committee on Legal Services to the Poor in Criminal Matters (2021-Present)

• Volunteer, Fort Bend County Fair – Grapes on the Brazos (2018 – Present)

• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation (2016-Present)

• Board of Directors, Texas Young Lawyers Association (2013-2017)

“I am honored to support Andrew Dornburg for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3. Drew has the experience, wis dom and integrity required to serve as an exceptional judge. Andrew Dornburg will work diligently to keep our neighbor hoods safe and to serve all people of Fort Bend County,” said Jacey Jetton, Texas State Representative, District 26.

Dornburg’s vast experience as both a prosecutor and judge make him uniquely qualified to serve on the bench with both the knowledge and expertise required for a magistrate. “The decisions made by a County Court at Law judge affect the lives of every person in Fort Bend County,” shared Dorn burg. “From criminal cases to juvenile matters to probate and civil files, what happens in the County Courts at Law affect each citizen’s day-to-day lives. I believe that everyone should have his or her day in court and experience a fair, level playing field. Fort Bend County needs judges who have the experience and temperament to ensure that happens.”

Visit www.dornburgforjudge.com for more information.

Judge Chris Morales

Andrew Dornburg

Dean A. Hrbacek for Judge, County Court at Law No. 6

The Hrbacek’s moved to Fort Bend County in 1987 and live in Sugar Land. Hrbacek served Sugar Land as Mayor and a Council Member for nine years and was instrumental in the creation of Sugar Land Town Square, in reducing city taxes by 33% and in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend County.

Family: Married to Jenny; three adult children – Bradley, Byron and Amanda Qualifications:

• Practiced Law in Fort Bend for over 35 years specializing in civil, probate, guardianship, tax, Real Estate, condemnation and employment

• Board Certified in Tax Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• University of Houston Law Center Graduate

• Fort Bend County Bar Association Member

• State Bar of Texas Member

• Certified Public Accountant

Community Involvement:

• Sugar Land Mayor and Council Member for Nine Years

• Instrumental in development of Sugar Land Town Square

• Reduced Sugar Land’s property taxes by 33% as Mayor and Councilmember

• Instrumental in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend

• Impact a Hero, Board of Directors, whose mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of veterans, active service members and their families

• Fort Bend and Grand Parkway Tollway Authorities, Board of Directors

• Long history of community service: Chamber of Commerce, various nonprofits, Little League Coach

“Dean Hrbacek has every character trait that we want in a true conservative Texas judge – integrity, fairness, a servant’s heart and a commitment to jus tice. He has worked hard to help bring growth, success and a bright future to Fort Bend County, and our future will be even brighter with him serving on the bench. He has my vote, my support and my highest recommendation for this office,” said Rick Miller, Former State Representative, District 26.

“As the former Mayor of Sugar Land and a parent, I un derstand the importance of a SAFE COMMUNITY,” said Hrbacek. “We moved to Fort Bend County to live in a safe community. As a Judge, I will work for YOU in keeping your family safe. I will bring my 35 years of experience to the bench and will be a fair but tough judge. I will respect the rights of every individual and will apply the law with impar tiality, uniformity and fairness. I will follow the law and use common sense.”

Visit www.DeanForCCL.com for more information.

Courtney Rosen Kovach for Judge, County Court at Law No. 4

Thirty-year Fort Bend County resident Courtney Rosen Kovach brings her experience as a felony prosecutor and local business owner in her quest to serve as a County Court at Law Judge. A member of her family’s Richmond-based law firm, Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, Rosen Kovach has served as a defense attorney following in the footsteps of her father, Steven Rocket Rosen, a renowned criminal defense attorney.

Family: Married to John Kovach; sons Kace, Callahan and Cannon

Qualifications:

• Partner at Rosen & Kovach, PLLC

• Former Fort Bend and Harris County Assistant District Attorney

• Felony prosecutor trial experience including aggravated robberies, intoxication Manslaughter, murders and capital murder.

• Served as County Court Misdemeanor Chief

• Supervised over misdemeanor trials including assaults, thefts, driving while intoxicated (DWI’s) and burglary of motor vehicles

• Juris Doctor (JD) South Texas College Of Law

• Longtime Sugar Land, Texas Resident

• Graduate of William P. Clements High School

• Division 1 athlete: Played softball at Florida State University

Community Involvement:

• Attends Parkway Fellowship Church

• Teaches Sunday School with husband, John

• Lamar Little League Baseball

• Family-owned businesses in Historic Downtown Richmond: Trough Juice Bar and Dapple Grey Boutique

Endorsements:

• Rosenberg Police Association

• Missouri City Police Association

Rosen Kovach shares the philosophy of former President Ronald Reagan when it comes to the law and its societal impact. “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.”

“Being a judge is important to me because I believe in law and order to keep our community safe,” shared Rosen Kovach. “I will make sure the law is followed and upheld in my court.”

Visit www.courtneyrosenkovach.com for more in formation.

Pol. adv. paid for by the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.fbcgop.org

Dean Hrbacek

Courtney Rosen Kovach

Photo by Chris Gillet.

District Judge Walter Armatys, 328th Judicial District

A32-year resident of Fort Bend County, Judge Walter Armatys has served 12 years as an As sociate Judge and four years as elected District Judge. Judge Armatys understands the fu ture of this diverse county is dependent on the strength of its families and the children who will one day lead. He believes every child no matter background, race or ethnicity deserves to live in safety and hope for the future, and he has proven to serve the court and community well to help make this happen.

Family: Wife Gail; daughter Madison and son-in-law, Doug; son Logan and daughter-in-law, Lindsey; son Hudson and daughter-in-law, Laura. Two granddaughters, Mila (2), Cora (4 months), and one granddaughter to arrive soon. Plus, a sweet dog, Beaux (15) and cat, Callie (17). Community Involvement:

• Life Member, Fort Bend County Fair

• Co-chairman Exceptional Rodeo for challenged kids

• Fort Bend Ramps volunteer – builds wheelchair ramps for people in need

• Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Prison Bible Study leader

• Bible Study teacher for nearly 30 years Community Awards and Commitment:

• Crime Victims Alliance Volunteer of the Year, 1996

• CASA Professional of the Year, 2021

• Crime Victims Response Team “Carol Rees Award” for commitment and advocacy to crime victims of Fort Bend County, 2022

• 17 years leadership and support of Infants and Toddlers Program reuniting children with parents in a safe environment

• 9 years of service to youth on mission summer camps

“I am proud to endorse Walter Armatys for re-election as Judge of the 328th District Court. As a highly qualified, experienced judge, Walter will continue to support families and guard the best interest of children,” said Jacey Jetton, Texas House of Representatives, District 26.

“Families are the backbone of our community, and it’s important to protect them,” said Judge Armatys. “Being a FAMILY District Court Judge is important to me because I hear CPS cases and protective order cases. Families need to be protected. I also know regarding divorce cases and Suits Affecting Parent-Child Relationships, experience is key. I have 16 years of this experience – it matters.”

Visit www.walterforjudge.com for more informa tion.

Chad Bridges for Judge, 458th Judicial District

Aresident of Fort Bend for over 19 years, Chad Brides was appointed to the 240th District Court of Fort Bend County in 2015. He is cur rently the Chief Prosecutor for the Family Violence Division of the Fort Bend County Dis trict Attorney’s Office and has served as a Chief Prosecutor for over 15 years. Bridges has handled over 150 jury trials as an Assistant District Attorney and dozens of appellate matters in cases ranging from misdemeanors to Protective Orders to Capital Murder.

Chad Bridges

As a District Court Judge, Bridges moved thousands of cases through his docket, including presiding over dozens of trials, and the Texas Council on Family Violence has asked him to train judges to set bonds to protect the community.

Family: Married 25 years to Claudia Torres Bridges; son Matthew and daughter Lauren.

Qualifications:

• President, Fort Bend County Crime Victim’s Response Team

• Member, Texas Council on Family Violence’s Public Policy Committee

• Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Member, State Bar College

• Former member, Fort Bend County Board of District Judges

• 2011 Recipient Carol Rees Award, Outstanding Service to Crime Victims

• Lecturer, George Law Enforcement Academy

• Faculty Advisor and Presenter for the Texas District & County Attorney’s Association

• Advanced Trial Skills and Prosecutor Skills Course

• Published, Texas Center for the Judiciary

• Trained Judges for Texas Council on Family Violence

• Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for The State Bar of Texas

• Adjunct Professor, Houston Baptist University

• Bachelor of Arts, Texas A&M University

• Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston Law Center

Community Involvement:

• Past President, Exchange Club of Fort Bend

• Volunteer Trainer, Fort Bend Women’s Center

• Co-Volunteer of the Year with wife, Claudia, Pecan

Grove Gators of the Fort Bend Youth Football League

• Wharton County Junior College Human Services Program Advisory Board

• Lifetime Member, Fort Bend County Fair Association

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Member, 2011

• Leadership Class

• Parishioners, St. Laurence Catholic Church, Sugar Land

“Fairness in the courtroom and safety in the community. It’s not a slogan,” shared Bridges. “It’s what the Fort Bend County community deserves. I am a proven leader, and I am ready to serve from day one.”

Visit www.ChadforJudge.com for more informa tion.

Judge Walter Armatys

Photo by Bill Robertson/Big Texas Designs

Edward M. Krenek for Judge, 240th Judicial District

Anative Texan and Fort Bend County resident born and raised in Orchard, Edward M. Krenek is double board certified and has practiced law for 34 years. His ex tensive first-chair trial experience in a variety of legal arenas makes him the best candidate for this position.

Family: Married to Tricia; children Carol, Keith, Kelli and Andrea; two grandchildren and family dog, Bella Qualifications:

• Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law 1996 –Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law 1999 – Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Certified Public Accountant 1986

• Tried hundreds of cases to resolution/disposition and handled over a thousand matters in active litigation practice

• Fellow, College of the State Bar of Texas

• NITA National Session in Trial Advocacy

• Member, Fort Bend County Bar Association

• Graduate, Texas A&M University, BBA in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude

• Graduate, University of Texas School of Law, JD with Honors

Community Involvement:

• Board Commissioner, Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4

• Director and Lifetime Member, Fulshear Police Foundation

• Member, Brazos River Rotary Club

District Courts

• Lifetime Member, Fort Bend County Fair

• Member, Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce

• Volunteer, Family Hope

• Fulshear Citizens Police Academy (Inaugural Class)

• Former Precinct Chair, Fort Bend County GOP

• Third Degree Knights of Columbus Member

• Professional Musician

“I am proud to endorse Edward Krenek for Judge of the 240th District Court. Ed has the knowledge, experience and integrity that Fort Bend County voters deserve and will be well-served by,” said Bobby Eberle, Chairman of the Fort Bend Republican Party.

“I want to serve as your judge to make a positive differ ence for all people of Fort Bend County,” said Krenek. “Our community faces a critical crossroads, one that will shape the future of our children and grandchildren. Promoting the tenets of safety and security for all families and ensuring law and order are the paramount principles I will bring to the bench. I will use my extensive trial experience and de sire to ensure fairness for all people appearing before this Court to make this the safest community in Texas that we all call ‘home.’”

For more information, visit www.edkrenek.com.

: Judge Walter Armatys along with three judicial candidates – Chad Bridges, Edward M. Krenek and Steve Rogers – are seeking to serve Fort Bend County as District Court Judges. The District Courts handle serious felony cases including crimes against children and the elderly, aggravated robbery and capital murder, along with significant civil cases including family law. Civil case jurisdiction in District Court is the widest range of all of the trial courts. Examples of civil cases heard in District Court include wrongful death, personal injury, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, Real Estate actions and breach of contract claims. Family law cases include divorce, child custody and support proceedings.

Steve Rogers has called Fort Bend home for over 13 years. His desire to serve his community is based on his belief that “there is a push to turn our judges into legislators and invent law. I am running for district court judge to protect the constitutions of the United States and Texas.

“Being your neighbor has been a blessing and having the op portunity to serve in this district is a privilege,” shared Rogers. “My bench will be one where everyone has equal justice under the law. I will serve and protect the people of Fort Bend County. And I will not give in to peer pressure to do anything less than follow the Law as it is written.”

Family: Married to Rebecca for over 20 years; Children Emily, John, Mac and Will.

Qualifications:

• 19 years practicing attorney in the areas of tax, Real Estate, estate planning, contracts, criminal defense and M & A

• 15 year College Lecturer in Law, Government and Business at Houston Baptist University, HIU and UNCP

• Assistant District Attorney, Brazoria County

• Admitted in Iowa, Arizona, Texas and 7 Federal Courts

Community Involvement:

• Member, St. Laurence Catholic Church

• Marriage preparation teacher for over 12 years;

prepared over 4,000 individuals for marriage

• Fort Bend Lawyers Care, Volunteer Attorney

• Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, Volunteer Legal Counsel

• Stella Maris, Volunteer Legal Counsel

“Steve Rogers deeply respects the Constitution and has the education, qualifications, and temperament to be an excellent judge. Steve Rogers has my full support in his election to the 268th District Court,” said Congressman Troy Nehls.

In 1919, President Coolidge wrote, “Men do not make laws. They do but discover them. Laws must be justified by more than the will of the majority. They must rest on the eternal foundation of righteousness.”

“Lawyers and judges in particular are called to do good,” said Rogers. “They are tasked with doing justice for the com munity. That is my oath to the people of the 268th Judicial District Court.”

Visit www.VoteSteveRogers.com for more informa tion.

Edward M. Krenek

Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers for Judge, 268th Judicial District

Pol. adv. paid for by the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.fbcgop.org

Advenir at Grand Parkway West

5555 Long Prairie Trace, Richmond

Cinco Ranch Branch Library

2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy

Commonwealth Clubhouse

4330 Knightsbridge Blvd, Sugar Land

Four Corners Community Center

15700 Old Richmond Rd, Sugar Land

Fulshear Business Park

29255 FM Rd 1093, Fulshear

Jacks Conference Center

3232 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land

Jones Creek Ranch Park

7714 FM Rd 359, Richmond

Kroger Riverstone

18861 University Blvd, Sugar Land

Meadows Place City Hall

1 Troyan Dr, Meadows Place

Missouri City Visitors Center

1522 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City

Early Voting Schedule

All

EARLY VOTING LOCATION

North Annex

22333 Grand Corner Drive, Katy

Quail Valley Fund Office

3603 Glenn Lakes Ln, Missouri City

Road and Bridge (Needville)

3743 School St, Needville

Rosenberg Annex Building 4520 Reading Rd, Rosenberg

Sienna Annex

5855 Sienna Springs Way Missouri City

Beasley City Hall

319 S 3rd Street, Beasley

Bowie Middle

700 Plantation Dr, Richmond

Chasewood Clubhouse

7622 Chasewood Dr, Missouri City

George Memorial Library

1001 Golfview Dr, Richmond

Great Oaks Baptist Church 7101 FM 2759, Richmond

Hightower High. School

3333 Hurricane Ln, Missouri City

Jordan High. School

27500 Fulshear Bend, Fulshear

Lost Creek Conference Center

3703 Lost Creek Blvd, Sugar Land

Reese Technical Center

12300 University Dr, Sugar Land

Richmond Water Maintenance Facility

110 N 8th Street, Richmond

Seven Lakes High School

9271 S. Fry Road, Katy

Sugar Land Branch Library 550 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land

Tompkins High School

4400 Falcon Landing Blvd, Katy

24-28

All Sites are open

7 am to 7 pm

All Sites are open 7 am to 7 pm

All Sites are open 12 noon to 6 pm

All Sites are open 7 am to 7 pm

All Sites are open

7 am to 7 pm

All Sites are open 7 am to 7 pm

All Sites are CLOSED

All Sites are open 7 am to 7 pm

Source: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/sites/default/files/document-central/document-central/elections-documents/early-voting-schedules/ November-8-Early-Voting%281%29.pdf

The Arc of Fort Bend County Hosts the 44th Annual “Best in the West” November 19th

Come out and enjoy a BBQ dinner, two-Steppin’ to live mu sic and the biggest auctions in Fort Bend County at the Arc’s 44th Annual “Best in the West” on Saturday, November 19th. Presented by Prosperity Bank Sugar Land, the George Ranch Arena will be transformed into a familiar honky-tonk where you can meet-up and party with friends from all over Fort Bend County!

The Silent Auction Corrals will be filled with items to kickstart holiday shopping. And, the bid board and live auction will offer “staycays,” “fancy vacays,” celebrity lunches and dinners and perhaps a precious, cuddly puppy to take home!

“Best in the West” features a great evening and the oppor tunity to see friends and neighbors because so many people love attending this event, all while supporting The Arc of Fort Bend’s efforts to provide programs and services to improve the “Quality of Life” for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

So, get in your jeans and boots, grab your hat and join the Arc of Fort Bend County on November 19th at the George Ranch Arena for the 44th Annual “Best in the West.” The fun begins when the doors open at 6 pm.

Go online to www.Bestinthewest.givesmart.com for more in formation or contact Jenny Gortney at 281-269-7230 or Cheryl Olivier 281-494-5959.

Co-Chairs Debbie Peterson, Ann Smith, Jenny Gortney and James Patterson round up items for the Silent Auction Corrals at the 44th annual “Best in the West” benefitting the Arc of Fort Bend County.

15th Annual State of the Schools

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Education Divi sion will host the 15th Annual State of the Schools event on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Safari Texas Ranch. This event is generously presented by Title Sponsor Stantec.

The State of the Schools brings together the Superinten dents from Stafford Municipal School District, Lamar Consoli dated Independent School District and Fort Bend Independent School District to present their plans for the future of over 120,000 students they serve in their respective districts. With discussion led by Education Division Chair, Jim Rice, hear their vision and direction for the future workforce and business lead ers in Fort Bend County. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear their plans for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond. This event is sponsored by AG|CM, AUTOARCH Architects, LLC, Bracewell, Karczewski | Bradshaw | Spalding | Nichols | Lamp | Langlois, Linebarger Law Firm, LLP, MWA Architects, Inc., Omega Engineers, Inc., PBK Architects, Inc., Raise Your Hand Texas, Rogers, Morris & Grover, Sienna Art Festival, Smart Fi nancial Credit Union, Whitley Penn, LLP and VLK Architects.

Registration and sponsorships are now open for Fort Bend Chamber members. Details of upcoming events can be found at www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Rebekah Beltran at 281-566-2158 or Rebekah@fortbendcc.org

The Education Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Com merce is under the leadership of Chair, Jim Rice, Rice & Gard ner Consultants, Inc. The Education Division’s passion is build ing awareness and connections between the business sector,

community leaders and education. By keeping its members en gaged with current events impacting education on a local and national level, the division’s goal is to create opportunities for individuals to invest in education.

Submit

to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Jim Rice, FBCC Education Division Chair, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc.; Dr. Robert Bostic, Stafford MSD Superintendent; Dr. Christie Whitbeck, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent and Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, Lamar CISD Superintendent.

Fort Bend Women’s Center is Hosting Rodeo at the Ranch

riding, roping, goat tying, great food, live music and even armadillo races! All to provide funding for FBWC programs that serve survivors and their children. Vita Goodell, Fort Bend Women’s Center CEO, notes that this event is an oppor tunity for a great fall outing and to stand in support of survivors and their children who are working towards safety and in dependence from abuse.

music artist based out of Alabama.

Rodeo at the Ranch tickets go on sale on September 16th, 2022, at $75 per person and include the Rodeo, great food and fantastic live music. Sponsor ship packages are also available begin ning at $2,500. For more information, visit www.fbwc.org.

It is the first of its kind for Fort Bend Women’s Center (FBWC)! Rodeo at the Ranch is being held on Saturday, No vember 12th, 2022, at George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 Fm 762 Rd, Rich mond, Texas, in support of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Gates open at 5 pm.

Please join Fort Bend Women’s Cen ter for a professional Rodeo at the Ranch and a fun-filled evening of bull and bronc

Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) is the event’s pre senting “Texas Legend/Official Bull Rid ing” sponsor and continues its muchappreciated long-time partnership and support of FBWC.

Rodeo attendees will also be enter tained by the music of RYEM the Duo, an American singer-songwriter duo from Houston, and the night will culminate with a performance by Nashville Record ing Artist Neil Dover, an indie country

Flu Shot & Toy Drive

16655

Fwy.

Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the Exchange Club, local rotary clubs and Toys for Tots to bring joy to our local children and help keep our community healthy as the holiday season approaches. Receive a free flu shot when you bring a new, unwrapped toy to our drive at the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center.

To register and schedule an appointment or for more information, scan the QR code, visit join.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl or call 281.274.7976.

Hurricanes and Me

Imoved to Texas as an excited nine-year-old in July of 1972. We bought a brand-new home in Seabrook, because the public schools in Clear Creek Independent School District were very strong, and my dad had a relatively easy commute on Red Bluff Road to his paper mill in Pasadena. I learned the Gulf hurricane season started on June 1st and ended November 30th. I did not really care that we had just moved into “Hurricane Alley.” An occasional big storm was a small inconvenience compared to the excitement of going to school with classmates whose fathers had walked on the moon. One of my most cherished memories is standing on the sidelines of a soccer game cheering with Fred Haise. Fred was one of the heroes who brought the crippled Apollo 13 rocket home after they encountered an explosion heading to the moon. Texas was cool!

In school, we studied the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. No one knows how many people died when a Category 4 hurricane came roaring ashore with no warning on September 8th, 1900. The death toll was estimated to be as high as 12,000. Our fel low Texans had little chance of survival. During the storm, the 10 nuns and 93 children at the Saint Mary’s Orphanage were about to be flooded out of their building. For safety in the flood waters, the nuns used a rope to tie everyone together. They all entered the floodwaters of the raging storm in the middle of the night. A few days later, rescuers found a body buried in the sand with a rope tied around it. They pulled the rope and another dead body came up with a rope around it. To their horror, the rescuers pulled up the bodies of all of the nuns and 90 of the children. Only three orphans survived. If you have time, please read a book entitled Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larsen. It’s an incredible account of the Galveston hurricane. It is still America’s worst natural disaster.

As a new Texan to the Gulf Coast in 1972, I heard a lot about Hurricane Carla from neighbors. Carla remains the most in tense hurricane to ever hit Texas. It roared ashore on Septem ber 11th, 1961 as a Category 4 hurricane. It spawned the rare F4 tornado, killing eight neighbors in Galveston. Since Carla hit Texas fifteen months before I was born, it was not very real to me – only history.

My first personal experience with the dangers of a hurricane was not actually a hurricane; it was Tropical Storm Claudette, which hit our region on July 23rd, 1979. My dad and I really did not know how to prepare our family for a tropical storm.

We mistakenly thought that evacuation would never be neces sary for a tropical storm. Just to be safe, we filled the bathtub with drinking water, put fresh batteries in our flashlights and had towels and buckets ready. We were not too alarmed. Our “no big deal” attitude rapidly disappeared as our street quick ly flooded, with water was rising in our front yard. Dad and I stayed up all night. At 2 am, the water was six inches from com ing through our front door and flooding our home. That was the high-water mark for us. We soon learned the “small tropical storm” dumped a record amount rain on us. Claudette gave the City of Alvin an American record for rainfall in 24-hour period – 43”!

Alvin residents paused at the partly submerged pumps to gaze at the deluge dropped by Tropical Storm Claudette, July 27, 1979. Photo source: John Van Beekum/Houston Chronicle.

In 1982, my Dad was transferred back to Alabama. I had just finished my freshman year at Rice University. I was an indepen dent man on my own. Hurricane Alicia proved I was still a fool needing God’s protection. Alicia formed on August 14th, 1983. I was relaxing in Santa Monica, California with a friend from Rice. His Dad was going to let my friend take the family Pontiac Firebird to Rice for our junior year. The drive from Santa Monica to Rice was 1,561 miles, about 23 hours. We planned to leave California on Wednesday, August 17th and take a leisurely ride to campus. Alicia was messing up our plans, so we decided to leave California on Tuesday, August 16th and drive twenty-four hours straight to beat Alicia to Houston. We left at around 9 am, and 12 hours later, we hit the halfway point – El Paso, Texas. The sun was down. Soon, our eyelids and heads started going down. West Texas between El Paso and San Antonio is pretty desolate. If a sign said, “Next stop in fifty miles,” it was true. More than once, if the passenger nodded off, the driver nodded off, too. We were fools being protected by God. The sun came up outside of San Antonio, and we started to fully wake up. We beat Alicia to Houston despite the deteriorating weather. We had our dorm room, and we had food. Alicia was mostly wind damage, but 21 people died. My friend and I stupidly raced a hurricane, but God was our copilot. My days of being a fool with hurricanes were over.

Do you remember avoiding a direct hit from the most intense Gulf of Mexico hurricane ever, which spawned in 2005? This monster had sustained winds of 180 miles per hour. Two days before it hit land, it was predicted to follow the most destructive path for us – coming ashore at San Luis Pass and paralleling the Gulf Freeway into downtown Houston. On that path, the strongest part of a hurricane would have obliterated Galveston, as well as the world’s largest petrochemical complex along the Houston Ship Channel, the Texas Medical Center and down town Houston. Luckily for us, hurricanes aren’t bound by the predictions of weathermen. The storm weakened and veered hard to the east and made landfall on the Texas – Louisiana border on September 24th, 2005.

This was Hurricane Rita, which made landfall three weeks after Hurricane Katrina had crushed New Orleans, killing almost 3,000 people. The biggest impact Rita had on us was uncon trolled and mostly unnecessary evacuations. Trying to avoid another Katrina, our freeways and highways became parking lots. Nearly four million Texans packed our escape routes. The four-hour drive to Dallas took nearly 24 hours. One-hundred and seven Texans died trying to flee a storm that missed its target.

When I was the Chief of Staff for United States Senator John Cornyn, another tropical storm, Allison, hit us twice in 2001 – June 5th and June 8th. Twenty-three Texans died. Al lison’s legacy is torrential rainfall and ensuing floods. The Texas Medical Center was swamped. Baylor College of Medicine lost 25 years of research. All of downtown Houston’s pedestrian tunnels were flooded, the Theater District was completely un derwater and every single freeway was impassable. The dam age from Allison was over $8 billion! I was not surprised – Tropi cal Storm Claudette had taught me that tropical storms could be just as devastating as hurricanes.

Damage to Galveston’s Flagship Hotel after Hurricane Alicia.

Hurricane Rita Evacuation, September 17, 2005. http://www.hurricanescience.org/history/storms/2000s/rita/

I-69/US-59 flooded by Tropical Storm Allison.

I moved back to Texas in July 2007 to run to for Congress. I was working my tail off to win. The election was eight weeks away when everything changed on September 13th, 2007 –Hurricane Ike came ashore with a vengeance.

This was the first hurricane or tropical storm I experienced with my family in harm’s way. Nancy and I agreed we would stay home during Ike’s landfall. We shut down our campaign indefinitely. We made preparations for days without power at home. We explained to ten-year old Kate and seven-year old Grant what was coming our way. We prayed together to ease our fears. Kate went to bed with Nancy. Grant and I stayed up all night, ready to spring to action if a window was blown out or water was coming in our house. Just after 2 am, our power went out. Grant went to sleep on the couch while I sat beside him with a flashlight in hand. The sun finally came up. We were lucky. There had been a few minor leaks and a big chunk of our wooden fence was down. A cold front had come through, so not having air conditioning wasn’t a problem. We had a nice picnic in the backyard that evening.

Many of our neighbors were not so fortunate, especially those living on the water. They got overwhelmed with Ike’s 22 foot storm surge. Food, water, baby supplies, medicine, etc. were pouring into our region. The only way to get these items to our neighbors was raising an army of volunteers. So, this Sailor joined that Army.

The first full day of recovery operations, I drove to Pasa dena, Deer Park, La Porte, Shore Acres, Clear Lake, Seabrook, Kemah, League City, Dickinson, Texas City, Hitchcock, Santa Fe, Alvin, Manvel, Pearland, Missouri City and Sugar Land. I was in full volunteer mode. The one thing I will always remem ber about those days is the love of others we Texans share. I would show up, ask how I can help and someone I had never met shook my hand, put their arm around me, thanked me and gave me a task. We came together for others in need. I had to smile when the Coast Guard Commander of our region told me the Battleship Texas had tried to do what all fighting ships do when docked in port for a storm – cast the lines off and get to the safety of open seas! As Ike’s storm surge grew, the Texas started floating out of her mud berth, with a heavy lift to port. If she broke away and sank, the Houston Ship Channel would be closed for years as 30,000 tons of steel, underwater, would need to be cut apart. To prevent a disaster, two tug

boats crossed the ship channel, in the worst of Ike, to keep the Texas where she was. Texans being Texans.

Last, but certainly not least, was Hurricane Harvey. It initially plowed through Fort Bend County on August 17th, 2017. Har vey actually hit us twice. It was a slow mover, so the rain kept coming for days. At some spots, we experienced 50 inches of rain over two days. We learned our lessons from Ike and Rita –only three Fort Bend residents were killed in Hurricane Harvey. Just like Hurricane Ike, I spent the better part of August visit ing and volunteering in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. Once again, the generosity of ordinary Texans under crisis was unbe lievable. And there was humor. The funniest story I heard was from a National Guardsman from the Midwest who left his fam ily for 30 days to help us. As we were chatting, he mentioned he had done one of these deployments in the each of the last five years – hurricanes, tornadoes, wild fires and river floods. There are no days off when they are deployed. It’s 18 to 20 hour work days for 30 straight days. This hero was embarrassed. He confided that he normally lost ten to fifteen pounds on these deployments. He was embarrassed because he had gained ten pounds staying with us! He would wake up to the smell of free taquitos or kolaches. He did not know what this new breakfast food was, but he loved it! Lunch was Whataburger as far as the eye could see. Dinner? TexMex or massive steaks. He told me he had never been treated better on a deployment.

This photograph I found of a young boy in Fort Bend ex pressing his gratitude to a deployed Guardsman sums it up. During disaster, Fort Bend is Always Fort Bend Strong!

I am finishing up this column on September 1st, 2022. It will be published on October 1st. I pray that the 2022 hurricane season was quiet for us in September and continues until 2023. I welcome your input on my topic for the November 1st Fort Bend Strong. Right know, I am thinking about the Battleship Texas and its incredible, near perfect journey to Galveston in August. Of course, I may change my mind. There are no guar antees, except zero politics.

Natural disasters always make us Fort Bend Stronger!

President George W. Bush touring Hurricane Ike’s destruction on the Bolivar Peninsula.

A young boy in Fort Bend saying “Thank you” to a National Guardsman.

Focus on the Cure

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Healthy lifestyle choices are linked to a lower risk of some cancers and other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Although not all the behaviors listed below are linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, they are good for overall health.

Everyone should aim to:

• Be physically active (get regular exercise).

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. (People with breast cancer who are overweight or obese should limit highcalorie foods and beverages and increase physical activity to help with weight loss.)

• Eat at least 2 1/2-3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit every day. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. Include dark green, red and orange vegetables, as well as legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas and soy foods.

• Choose 100 percent whole grain foods, such as 100 percent whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, millet and quinoa.

• Eat “good” fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats). These are found in foods such as olive and canola oil, nuts and natural nut butters, avocados and olives.

• Limit or avoid red meat and processed meat, such as beef, bacon and sausage. Choose chicken, fish or beans more often.

• Limit or avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose water or unsweetened beverages more often.

• Limit or avoid highly processed foods and refined grain products, such as fast food, ready-to-heat foods, snack foods and candy.

• Avoid alcohol. For those who choose to drink alcohol, limit to less than 1 drink a day for women and fewer than 2 drinks a day for men.

• Quit smoking (or never start smoking).

Adapted from the American Cancer Society’s Diet and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking [30,335,373].

Being physically active, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and to a lesser degree, eating fruits and vegetables and not smoking are linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. Other guidelines are good for your overall health and may be linked to a lower risk of other types of cancer.

Source: https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/lifestyle/

Organic Foods

• Research shows organic foods are no more nutritious or better for you than foods farmed by conventional methods.

• Some people prefer to eat organic foods. However, people who eat organic meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables don’t appear to have a lower risk of breast cancer than people who don’t eat organic foods.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables

• Organic plants are grown without the use of conventional pesticides. Conventional fruits and vegetables may have low levels of pesticide residue.

• According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh any health risks linked with pesticide residue.

• Fruits and vegetables (both organic and conventional) are part of a healthy diet. Buying fresh (or frozen) conventional produce and thoroughly washing and rinsing before eating is always a good practice.

It’s Never too Late to Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

• Everyone can benefit from a healthy lifestyle.

• Being active, eating a balanced diet and making healthy lifestyle choices can be physically and mentally rewarding at any point in life.

Breast Cancer Screening

Getting regular screening tests (and treatment, if diagnosed) lowers the risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer at an early stage, when the chances for survival are highest.

Learn more about breast cancer screening at https://www. komen.org/breast-cancer/screening/.

Focus on the Cure

Mammogram FAQS: Your Breast Cancer Screening Questions Answered

Creating A Comfortable Experience

What happens during a screening mammogram? The technologist will ask you some questions related to your health, including birth control, family history of breast cancer and any symptoms you may be experiencing. These questions are important to help make sure we’re doing the right type of mammogram. Next, you’ll be asked to stand in front of a 3D mammography machine, and the technologist will take two different X-ray views of each breast.

Sandra Templeton, M.D. Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land

When life is busy, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own. But it’s important to make time for yourself — and your annual screening mammogram. If you’re not sure when to start getting mammograms or what to expect, we’re here to help.

Sandra Templeton, M.D., board-certified surgeon with Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land, answered some common questions women have about getting mammograms.

Preparing For Your Mammogram

When should I start getting screening mammograms and how often? Your doctor may recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40 if you have an average risk for breast cancer. Ask your doctor about your risk for breast cancer and the screening schedule that’s right for you.

Why should I get an annual mammogram? Getting regular mammograms makes it possible to detect breast cancers when they are small and easier to treat. It’s also helpful to be able to review your mammogram history and track any changes in the breast over time.

What do I need to know about scheduling my mammogram? It may be helpful to avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period, when breasts may be more tender. However, it’s important to get in for a mammogram whenever it works with your schedule.

What should I wear for my exam? Life is busy, and it’s okay if you show up as you are for your mammogram. Wearing a two-piece outfit makes it easier to remove your top for your mammogram, and it’s best to avoid wearing deodorant, powders or lotions. You’ll be offered wipes to remove deodorant, if needed.

Does my insurance cover a mammogram? Most major insurance plans cover an annual screening mammogram, but it’s important to call and verify your coverage.

Are mammograms painful? Some women may find the breast compression to be uncomfortable or painful, but the experience is different for everyone. The compression takes about 10 seconds for each image, and our technologists are trained to listen to you and make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Understanding Mammogram Technology

What is a 3D mammogram? A 3D mammogram, also called tomosynthesis, is the latest, most advanced technology to detect breast cancer with the greatest accuracy. 3D technology uses a low dose of radiation, yet allows for more targeted views that help find small cancers.

What is the purpose of a screening mammogram vs. diagnostic mammogram? A screening mammogram is done when you have no symptoms of breast cancer. The purpose is to find cancers in an early stage before you can feel a lump. If an irregularity on a screening mammogram is found, you may be asked to come back for further testing. A diagnostic mammogram may be ordered after a screening mammogram shows a questionable area, if you feel a lump in your breast or have other symptoms.

Getting Your Results

Who will review my images? Board-certified breast radiologists are specially trained to interpret breast mammogram results.

How will I get my results? Once reviewed by a doctor, you can view your results in the patient portal. The lead technologist will call you to share findings and schedule further testing, if needed.

What does it mean to have dense breast tissue on a mammogram? Density refers to how much fibrous tissue is in the breast. Having high density on a mammogram makes it more difficult to see a mass. In some cases, a breast ultrasound may be ordered in addition to a mammogram for women with high breast density.

What if I get called back for a second mammogram? Getting called for a second mammogram doesn’t mean you have cancer. It means more information is needed to see what’s going on. When you come in for a diagnostic mammogram, a breast radiologist will meet with you to share the results and answer your questions.

Focus on the Cure

Did You Know?

Female breast cancer death rates are decreasing in the United States.

Highlighting key topics in cancer surveillance, this video from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) looks at trends in the United States.

Click the video below:

Rate of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000

The rate of new cases of female breast cancer was 128.3 per 100,000 women per year. The death rate was 19.9 per 100,000 women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2015–2019 cases and deaths.

Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer

Approximately 12.9 percent of women will be diagnosed with female breast cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2017–2019 data.

Prevalence of This Cancer

In 2019, there were an estimated 3,771,795 women living with female breast cancer in the United States.

Source: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/ html/breast.html

Focus on the Cure

Called Back For Another Mammogram? Don’t Panic!

Dr. Steve Thomas OakBend Medical Center

You are doing everything right. You always go for your scheduled mammograms. Then, out of nowhere, you get the call. “We found an abnormality on your mammogram. You’ll need to come back for further screening.” You start to sweat, your heart starts racing and you might even feel the need to cry. Slow down. Don’t panic. Did you know that, according to the American Cancer Society, one in 10 women (and men) get asked to come back for more tests, such as a repeat mammogram or ultrasound? This does not mean you have cancer. It just means a closer look is needed. This is a good thing. Healthcare professionals want to catch every little detail as early as possible.

So, take a breath, calm down and schedule your follow up tests. Call your doctor and see how quickly you can get more tests scheduled.

Know that there are lots of reasons that you may be called back in:

• The pictures taken at your appointment might not have been clear or didn’t show some of your breast tissue, so they need to be retaken.

• The radiologist, the doctor who reads the mammogram, may have seen something suspicious, such as calcifications or a mass (which could be a cyst or solid mass). This may be more likely for first-time mammogram patients since the radiologist does not have any past imaging for comparison.

• Dense breast tissue can make it more challenging to read mammograms. If a radiologist has difficulty reading your mammogram due to dense breasts, they may call you back to undergo further testing, such as an ultrasound or an MRI.

So, now what? What is going to happen at the next appointment? Well, most likely you will get a diagnostic mammogram – meaning more pictures will be taken so that any areas of concern can be looked at more closely. Most likely, a radiologist will be on hand to advise the technologist on the detailed images that are needed. You may also get another imaging test, such as an ultrasound of the breast, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your breast in the area of concern. In some cases, you might need a breast biopsy. Even if you need a biopsy, it doesn’t mean you have cancer. Most biopsy results are not cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to find out. There are different types of breast biopsies, some of which are done using a small, hollow needle, and some that are done through a cut in the skin. The type needed depends on things like how suspicious the area looks, how big it is, where it is in the breast, other medical problems you might have and your personal preferences.

Waiting for appointments and the results of tests can be frightening, especially if you were told the results of your first mammogram weren’t normal. You might have strong emotions, such as disbelief, anxiety, fear, anger or sadness during this time. That’s okay. Most often, breast changes are not cancer and are not life-threatening. Talking with a loved one or a counselor about your feelings may help. Talking with other women who have been called back after a mammogram may help.

If you do have breast cancer, and you’re referred to a breast specialist, use these tips to make your appointment as useful as possible. Make a list of questions to ask. Take a family member or friend with you. They can serve as an extra pair of ears, take notes, help you remember things later and give you support. You might also want to take notes. If someone uses a word you don’t know, ask them to spell it and explain it. Ask the doctors or nurses to explain anything you don’t understand.

Regular mammograms can be lifesaving. All screening tests can catch breast cancer earlier in its course of development, helping you to get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.

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

A Quick Tour of the

Loire Valley

Understanding French wine is not easy. Sure, there are regions like Burgundy where it is rather straight for ward: red is Pinot Noir and white is Chardonnay. But then there are regions like, say, Châteauneuf-du-Pape where there are six varieties allowed in the white version and 13 in the more widely available red. And don’t even get me started on the Languedoc, where there are no hard and fast rules.

Somewhere in between on the difficult-to-understand scale is the Loire Valley where, for the most part, Melon de Bour gogne is in the far west, Chenin Blanc is mostly in the center, and Sauvignon Blanc dominates the Eastern third of the appel lation. Similarly, Cabernet Franc is grown in the center of the appellation while Pinot Noir and, increasingly, Gamay, can be found in the East (the Western third of the appellation does not produce red wines).

I recently made a bike trip through the Loire Valley, focusing on the towns and vineyards in the East and central parts of the appellation, and visited a few castles along the way.

Sancerre

My trip started in Blois in the Eastern third of the region, and while we did not make it to Sancerre, almost every review of the Loire Valley starts with Sancerre for good reason: some of the best Sauvignon Blanc on the planet comes from the hilltop region in the East ern third of the appellation. The last time I was in Sancerre; however, I visited Henri Bourgeois, one of my favorite producers, and when I saw this bottle at my local Spec’s, I wasted little time.

2021 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes, Loire Valley, France: Retail $30. Under screw cap. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The combi nation of fruit and racy acidity defines for me the queen of Sauvignon Blanc. Outstanding. 93 Points.

Cheverny

Perhaps more than any other variety, Pinot reveals the place where it is grown. Loire Valley Pinot is not Burgundy, it is not Oregon, and it is certainly not California. While some might see it as “austere,” I prefer to see it as mineral driven and tart, a real wine-lover’s Pinot. While the “best” version of Pinot in the Loire Valley might come from Sancerre, I prefer those from the much lesser known appellation of Cheverny. The town is no doubt better known for it’s 18th Century Château, but its wines are sneaky good.

2021 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Delaille, Loire Valley, France: Retail $22. 55% Pinot Noir, 43% Gamay, 2% Côt. Two words on the bottle convinced my to buy this wine from a producer that I did not know: “Kermit Lynch,” one of the best importers of French wine in the US. Tart, “dirty” cherry dominates, but the balance is fantastic and when paired with some food? This is close to other worldly. Excellent. 92 Points.

Château de Chenonceau.

Royal Fortress of Chinon.

Vouvray

Vouvray, almost smack dab in the middle of the region can be a bit of a mine field but in a good way. For centuries now, Vouvray has been known for producing some of the best Chen in Blancs in the world, from bone dry to cloyingly sweet. The problem is that there is often no way of knowing how sweet the wine is by merely looking at the bot tle, but I see that as part of the allure of the region.

2019 Domaine Pichot Vouvray Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette, Loire Valley, France: Retail $20. 100% Chenin Blanc. A classic wine from a noted producer this is, in many ways, the essence of Vouvray. Racy and fruity, but also a bit sweet, this has been the soul of Vouvray for centuries. The key to balance the sweetness, of course, is a zingy acidity, and this wine has it in spades, along with tree fruit a go-go. Excellent. 91 Points.

Chinon

Our next stop was perhaps my favorite town in the Loire Valley: Chinon. The town dates back to the Middle Ages and proudly promotes its history, which notably in cludes a trip to the town by none other than Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France, who came to Chinon to meet with the soon-to-be Charles VII in 1429. It also is home to one of my absolute favorite Loire Valley producers, Couly-Dutheil.

2017 Couly-Dutheil Chinon La Baronnie Madeleine, Loire Valley, France: Retail $22. 100% Cabernet Franc. This wine is spectacular, particu larly after some time open. Dark in the glass in both color and aroma, it is loaded with plum, blackberry and a whole rack of spice. One of my go-to Cab Francs. Outstanding. 93 Points.

Saumur

The last stop on our trip was Saumur, which has an ominous medieval castle dating from the 12th Century. While sparkling wine is produced throughout France (sparkling wine in France made outside of Champagne, in a nutshell, is called “Crémant” ), those from the Loire are some of the best. And among the hierarchy of sparkling wines within the Loire, many see Saumur at the top.

NV De Valloie Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé, Saumur, France: Pale to medium pink in the glass with oodles of red raspberry. The fruit dominates initially, but then the tartness comes in on the midpalate, as does an ever-so-slight level of sweet ness. Excellent 91 Points.

Stafford,

Riding in France.

NEWSWORTHY

Libraries Celebrate 75th Anniversary with Diamond Jubilee on October 8th

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) is commemorating its 75th Anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee on Saturday, October 8th, from 10 am to 3 pm, at George Memorial Library in Rich mond.

Founded in 1947 by 12 women in a Share-a-Book Club, the library system will salute the fabulous ‘40s with a day of good, old-fashioned fun!

An official welcome ceremony will kick off the event at 11 am, in the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater, but activities are planned throughout the day. Food and refreshments will be available at the fountain plaza of the library.

During the welcome ceremony, a time capsule containing memorabilia, current newspapers and a copy of FBCL’s Hopes for the Future book will be sealed and stored in the library’s Genealogy and Local History Department for re-opening at Fort Bend County Libraries’ 100th anniversary in the year 2047! The Hopes for the Future book consists of drawings done by children of the county this fall, and it represents their hopes, dreams and visions of the future of Fort Bend County.

Visitors can stroll through the vintage cars that will be on display in the parking lot and imagine what life was like when the founders of the library system dreamed of making books accessible to all residents of Fort Bend County. Be serenaded by Grandmas’ Boyfriends, a barbershop quartet singing popu lar tunes reminiscent of the post-World War II era. Or tap a toe to the swing-band sounds of Second Street Brass.

Actors from the Creative Learning Society will recreate a Ra dio Theater show with an interactive performance in the Meet ing Room. Gather around the radio, folks, to hear the twists and turns of this week’s tale of mystery.

Children can stop by the Puppet Theater in the Youth De partment to hear “75 Books for 75 Years” – an ongoing Story Time throughout the event – when youth librarians will read beloved stories from through the decades. Their parents and grandparents may even hear some long-ago tales from their childhood.

The Fort Bend History Association will be on hand by the amphitheater with popular games from the 1940s. Players of all ages can also participate in a live-action game of Clue, with real-life actors and hidden clues throughout the library.

Take a walk down memory lane in the library’s Bohachevsky Gallery, where a timeline will be on display, showing the people, places and events that have made significant impacts on the library system and on the communities being served over the past 75 years.

Visitors can also step back in time at FBCL’s 1940s Photo Booth and have their picture taken while recreating the spirit of the ‘40s.

A complete schedule of activities is available on Fort Bend County Libraries’ website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us; see the “Celebrating 75 Years” icon. To see a history of the Fort Bend County library system, visit https://bit.ly/FBCL_LibraryHistory

All library events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4723. Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

Bryan Bankston, Sandy Johnson, Michele Pettigrew and Denise Fojtik.

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Professional Porch Sitter

Dancing FromOne Season to the Next

mas last year. On a Sunday afternoon last December, Mr. Kaminski hosted a holiday brunch for all of our kids’ grand parents, his Granny, Aunt Joyce and our family so we could spend some time to gether for the holidays – a very special treat. With COVID still a concern and grandparents in their 70s and 90s, Mr. Kaminski arranged for a private area at Ol’ Railroad Cafe with Daniel Ornelas, a dear friend gone to glory just a few days ago. We spent many family holidays at Ol’ Railroad Café – Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day – and we will always have our very special Christmas brunch, the last Christmas we spent with Granny.

In

1989 I saw Steel Magnolias at the movie theatre. It tore me up. Still does even though I know what’s com ing. I remember thinking at only 24 years old that this was what life really boiled down to: marking time from holiday to holiday making memories as they came and went, but the one sure thing was that the next holiday was coming around, and as a Southern woman, the die was cast and you simply pulled your self up by your big girl panties no matter what hand life dealt you and got spruced up for the next holiday.

It really bothered me that I boiled life down to this simplistic cyclical calendar. I thought to myself, “Is this it? Just get ting from one season to the next with the best decorations and casserole at the church social despite the tragedies of life?” I’m certain my lack of culinary prowess had something to do with my

blue take on the entire situation. I had no idea how to make a red velvet cake with gray icing shaped like an armadillo or how to beautifully dye and decorate 12 dozen Easter eggs, nor did I have any such aspirations of learning those particular skills. This epiphany was be fore Mr. Kaminski, before in-laws and outlaws, before babies – and I already knew the game plan, or so I thought I did. Sure, you throw in there a lot of re silience because these women were like the women I grew up with – Southern strong – with a dash of wit and whole lot of love – but who regularly showed up at the Easter picnic with the pink cup cakes sporting bunny whiskers, sparkly reindeer mix at Christmas and beautiful heart-shaped cookies at Valentines. It’s just what you’re supposed to do. Wit I could do; heart-shaped cookies, not so much.

Of course, the character I most asso ciated with at age 24 was Weezer – still do. After all, she did what she wanted, said exactly what she thought, ate her groceries while wandering around the Piggly Wiggly before she actually pur chased them when forced to go to the God-forsaken place, ran around in over alls and big hats, threw a mink coat over the aforementioned ensemble as need ed and had a super sweet man eye her adoringly no matter what she did. Sound familiar?

Baby girl posted a picture on Facebook this week that made me think of Steel Magnolias. It was a photo of Kas sidi, Kolton and Granny taken at Christ

Kassidi, Kolton and Granny Ernest at Christmas Brunch 2021.

September 27th was Mr. Kaminski’s 58th birthday; September 28th we laid his Granny – Eleanor Stavinoha Ernest –to rest. She was 97 years young, and Mr. Kaminski was her first grandchild. They spent nearly 60 years together, and they shared a very special bond. We never went to Austin without stopping on the way home to pick up Granny’s favorite kolaches, which Mr. Kaminski would promptly deliver to her delight. Today, I know Granny’s dance card is full in heaven – she loved to dance – dancing with her loved ones who have gone on before her. And I know that when Mr. Kaminski sees her again one day, he will be looking for a spot on that dance card, so Granny, save a very special spot for your firstborn grandson.

I suppose Robert Harling was onto something when he penned Steel Mag nolias. Life is all about the moments, no matter how often they come back around, and how you handle them. See y’all next week – on the porch!

Sorting through the holiday madness trying to represent.

FBISD Announces Impact Award to Recognize Extraordinary Community Members

Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) is excited to an nounce a new recognition program which presents any staff member, student, parent, teacher or community member with an Impact Award – presented to those who have contrib uted in extraordinary ways to the success of FBISD students and staff.

The position, role, age or stage of life of nominees is inconsequential. The main point of the award is to recognize those who are tak ing phenomenal actions to demonstrate kind ness, generosity, loyalty, service, support or dedication to the students and staff in FBISD.

Impact Award recipients will be recognized at monthly board meetings, receive social me dia shout-outs, an FBISD website mention, a district goodie bag and may be featured in FBISD Magazine

The district’s inaugural Impact Award recipient was a staff member who was recognized at the board’s September 19th, 2022 meeting. She is Carolyn Melton, an FBISD Transportation

Department employee who has worked for the district 45 years – with perfect attendance for 44 of those years.

Melton has faithfully served the district as a monitor on FBISD buses that transport spe cial needs students. She began working as a monitor when she was a teenager, fresh out of high school. She is known for being depend able, good-natured and staying cool under pressure.

To nominate an unsung hero in the FBISD community who is doing exceptional things for students and staff, community members are asked to submit the person’s name and specific information that demonstrates why the person is an outstanding candidate for dis trictwide recognition. Click the link of the Impact Award Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QWJ 9SRo5d0KRrL3SqZ9wVCRUdqdxqGBEtxzRoUBS93FUMjc0T EdLSEpaVFFaWEtPQ09EMFM1M042Qy4u

Retired NASA Scientist to Share Memories of Apollo Missions at First Colony Branch Library Program

NASA launched Apollo 11 to the moon 50 years ago on July 16th, 1969. What exactly did it take to accomplish this suc cessful, history-making mission? Hear a behind-the-scenes account from one of the NASA scientists who helped make that dream a reality, at a special program at Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Col ony Branch Library on Saturday, October 22nd, from 10 am to noon, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land.

In the program “Apollo: To the Moon,” retired NASA physicist F. Don Cooper will share his experiences creating the technol ogy that helped launch Apollo 11 in 1969, and the efforts that his team went through to successfully bring the Apollo 13 crew home safely in 1970. Cooper will also discuss the history of U.S. rockets, and his role in designing the Saturn V ascent guid ance and trans-lunar targeting equations that would help make space travel possible.

Retired NASA physicist F. Don Cooper.

from earth orbit to the moon. His career then led him to Houston’s Johnson Space flight Center, which would later become known as the Johnson Space Center. During his years there, Cooper worked on eight Apollo missions, the Atlas Centaur, the Air Force Dyna-Soar, and the Mars rocket NOVA. For the Apollo 13 mission, he provided the trans-lunar coast abort op tions to Houston Mission Control.

Cooper retired in 2002, and soon found a new calling – that of encouraging a new generation of students to pursue a future in the physical sciences. He enjoys speaking to youth groups, community organizations, schools and colleges, hoping to inspire the technology leaders of the future with his first-hand account of the events as they actually happened.

An Oklahoma native, Cooper became fascinated with math and science while still in high school. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where he majored in physics and mathemat ics with a minor in chemistry. His career after college took him to Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked at the George C. Mar shall Space Flight Center on NASA’s Apollo program, devel oping the targeting equations to guide the manned spacecraft

“Of the seven primary people who did this, I am the last one alive,” said Cooper. “Students do not know much about Apollo since it all happened before they were born. My objective is to show them how it happened, emphasize that education is essential, and show how math and physics solve real-world problems.”

The program is free and open to the public. For more in formation, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the First Colony Branch Library at 281-238-2800 or the library system’s Com munications Office at 281-633-4734.

Carolyn Melton

OUT & ABOUT

IN THE HEART OF THE BEND

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Foundation hosted their Inaugural Law Enforcement and Community Champions Awards Gala and Fundraiser on August 27th at Safari Texas Ranch. The event highlighted members of Fort Bend’s Law Enforcement community in the categories of Rookie of the Year, Investigator of the Year, Deputy Dhaliwal Community Relations Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Medal of Valor, and Officer of the Year. Additionally, the Foundation recognized five outstanding community champions. The five inaugural community champions honored were Felicia Jane Thomas, Founder, See you at the Polls; Vita Goodell, CEO, Fort Bend Women’s Center; Gary Poon, Executive Director, Humane Society; Irfan Motiwala, Owner, Alings Chinese Bistro; and Jimmy Cantu, Owner, Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Photos by Mary Favre.

Diana and Ray Aguilar

Commissioner Grady and Fheryl Prestage

Pat and Allen Houck

2022 Rookie of the Year Colton Walker

Sugar Land City Council Member Naushad Kermally and Fort Bend County Clerk Laura Richard

Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton and former Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey.

OCTOBER 2022 l 35 Fort Bend Women’s Center CEO Vita Goodell was honored as a 2022 Community Champion.

absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 GMC DENALI

For 2022, General Motors GMC Denali brand raised the bar in the very near luxury segment. Denali customers tend to be extremely loyal to the brand that delivers beautifully finished interiors that don’t overwhelm the senses with glitz. It’s the brand to choose if you’re looking for under stated elegance without the bling. And, for 2022, GMC pushed the bar even higher with their Denali Ultimate vehicles that bring self-driving ease to those long Texas highway drives.

The GMC Sierra 1500 pickup and its SUV counterparts, the Yukon and Yukon XL, are mainstays here in Texas. We like driv ing trucks and large SUVs because of all the tasks they allow us to accomplish. Also, these are tough body-on-frame vehicles that are engineered from the ground up to take a lot of punish ment and to last for years.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with a base MSRP of $67,895, is powered by a standard 355 hp, 5.3 liter V8 engine mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Both a 277 hp, 3.0 liter turbo-diesel and a 420 hp, 6.2 liter V8 are available op tions. The diesel engine is a particular favorite for owners who tow trailers on a regular basis.

For an extra $15,000 or so, you can get yourself into a new trim introduced for this model year, a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate. The 6.2 liter V8 engine is standard with the

turbo-diesel as an available option. The Denali Ultimate trim features unique exterior styling cues, along with exclusive in terior trim and features. The Denali Ultimate’s Alpine Umber interior builds on the already luxurious Denali cabin, with fullgrain leather appointments and open-pore Paldao wood trim. The wood’s darkened finish creates a distinctive color blend, while the unique graining adds particular attention to detail.

And, if you’re brave enough to take the Sierra Denali Ulti mate off-road, you can be confident that capability is enhanced with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Air Ride Adap tive Suspension, standard Active Response 4WD system with electronic limited-slip differential and Auto Track two-speed transfer case. It’s posh and uber-tough at the same time.

For large SUV buyers, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL both get Denali Ultimate for their 2023 model year which should make them quite sought after. Both Yukon models will include all the same standard features that make the Sierra Denali Ul timate so special. They could become the latest need-to-have Texas luxury item.

Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for their Annual Flu Shot Toy Drive

With fall around the corner and the holiday season not far behind, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is once again offering Fort Bend and surrounding area residents the opportunity to donate a gift and receive a free flu shot.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land, 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 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, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season.”

In 2021, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to nearly 5,000 underserved 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,”

“We’ve been working with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for 13 years, and we look forward to working together again this 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 Brad Porter, Exchange Club of Sugar Land.

“Our community is well known for its philanthropic values, so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.

Flu Shot Toy Drive October 22nd

If you want to participate in this community event, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to Houston Methodist Sugar Land, 16655 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479, between 8 am and 2 pm on Saturday, October 22nd. Registration is required. One flu shot per unwrapped toy. No stuffed animals or clothing items allowed. Please make sure to wear a mask.

To register, visit join.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl or call 281.274.7976.

The flu kills as many as 20,000 people a year. The 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 distribute a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and who are not pregnant. High dose flu vaccines will not be provided during this event. Please consult with your primary care doctor if high dose flu vaccine is the right option for you.

Flu Shot Toy Drive volunteers 2021.

By Alisa Murray www.alisamurray.com

Hey Sweet Lifers! This summer has really poured a lot of hurting on the garden. We have set records by having the hottest one since 1913. As you can imagine some herbs survive and even thrive in that kind of temperatures, while others said “adios!” Because I do so much cooking, preserving and making homemade remedies, I try to always have growing a wide variety of herbs. One of my favorites is sage. Sage is used by most of us at least once a year during Thanksgiving in recipes, specifically our stuffings. However, sage has a lot to offer to help with hot flashes and with insect bites, too. Sage is a perennial plant, meaning it reseeds itself and comes back, or with our climate, actually never leaves. It does have flowers that it shoots off and bees and other pollinators love it, making it another wonderful part of providing sustainable food sources to the “sweet” critters in our gardens.

The herb sage (salvere) means literally to be saved. It is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and native to the Mediterranean region. During Roman times it was heavily relied on for digestive issues, particularly with regards to consumption of fatty meats. Sage is a great preservative for meats generally as well. In me dieval Europe it was used to promote wisdom and thought to have memory “helping” properties.

Sage is also a powerful antiseptic, and as I mentioned ear lier, a reliable herb that regulates hormones. Prepared for use in this way is best to make either a tincture, infusion or simply a tea using the leaves and crushing them a bit before making your choice of delivery. You can use this for digestive tea, gargle it for sore throats, and rub the crushed leaves directly onto the skin where you have received an insect bite. In just a few min utes, the stinging will dissipate!

One of my families’ favorite ways to enjoy this herb is with my brown butter sage sauce. It’s very simple to make and goes really well poured over roasted cauliflower or carrots and pork and chicken. Another way to get that sage into our diets be sides just at Thanksgiving!

Here’s how to make Brown Butter Sage Sauce:

As always, I hope you will grow stuff in your garden and try some new things. Sage is a delightfully resilient herb that has many uses that I am sure you will enjoy. Keep on growing and stay “sweet!”

Keep on Growing!

Melt 1 stick of butter in a cast iron skillet, and when it starts to brown, add in 6-8 sage leaves and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Let that simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of fresh pepper and enjoy!

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

Benefiting Fort Bend County Charities

Preview Night

Wednesday, November 2nd 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Market Days

Thursday, November 3rd 9:00am to 5:00pm

Friday, November 4th 9:00am to 8:00pm

Saturday, November 5th 9:00am to 5:00pm

at

CONTEST

October 2022 Winner

“Hello, Pumpkin”

By Sheri Lindsey

Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate!

ENTER TO WIN

Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary. The entry must not have previously appeared in any publication.

A WINNER EVERY ISSUE

Each issue’s winner receives a gift certificate and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES

To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Grace@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Digital photos must be 300 dpi HIGH RESOLUTION at size of at least 10” wide.

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

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

Scary Good

Take The Fear Out of Trying

Unfamiliar Produce

Introducing kids to unfamiliar flavors doesn’t have to be a frightful experience. Getting creative and taking cues from some beloved characters may be all it takes for families to explore produce in a new way and discover how delicious, satisfying and enjoy able fresh fruits and vegetables can be.

A passion for produce may begin with America’s favorites, like bananas, apples, citrus, celery, carrots and broccoli, but that’s just the beginning.

Whether it’s their angry names and tough exteri ors, or simply a fear of the unknown about taste and preparation, dozens more diverse and exotic fruits and vegetables like dragon fruit, horned melon and Brussels sprouts are often the sources of produce paranoia.

An initiative from Dole, in collaboration with Dis ney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., is helping to take the scare out of specialty fruits and vegetables and widen America’s produce horizons. That’s because, like a good book or the characters in a beloved film, you can’t judge a fruit or vegetable by its appearance; na ture’s true beauty often lies within.

The campaign offers character-inspired recipes, serving suggestions, digital and social activations, family-friendly activities, fun trivia and influencer part nerships that celebrate the not-so-scary world of the planet’s more unusual fresh bounty.

One easy way to introduce new flavors is by trying a variation of a familiar fruit or veggie. For example, there are more than 500 edible banana varieties in the world. You might sample a red banana or a Manzano, or even an ice cream banana, with a taste resembling vanilla custard.

These fun and kid-friendly Green Slime Nacho Cups feature plantains, for example, a member of the banana family with a different taste and texture than everyday yellow bananas – more firm and starchy like a potato. Increase your family’s produce intake even further with a Slippery Slimy Smoothie and Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads, which call for green grapes, cel ery, avocados, strawberries and blueberries.

Find more recipes, visit www.dole.com

Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads

Prep time: 15 minutes • Servings: 3

1 Cup Cubed, Cooked Chicken Breast

1/2 Cup Dole® Green Grapes, Halved

1/4 Cup Chopped Dole Celery

1/3 Cup Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/4 Teaspoon Pepper

1 1/2 Dole Avocados, Halved, Pitted and Peeled

6 Whole-Wheat Pretzel Twists

18 Whole-Wheat Pretzel Sticks

1 Dole Strawberry, Sliced 3 Dried, Sweetened Blueberries

In bowl, stir together chicken, grapes, celery, yogurt, salt and pepper. Scoop three equal portions onto serving plate. Shape each into oval. Top each with upside down avocado half. Decorate each avocado half to resemble Roz’s face. Using sharp paring knife, trim each pretzel twist to create horn-rimmed glasses lens by cutting off double loop section of each pretzel twist and discarding or enjoying as snack, keeping single loop portion, which will become one lens. Two lenses are needed per Roz Head.

Place two pretzel lenses on each avocado to form glass es. Add pretzel stick to each side of avocado to form arms of glasses. Push four pretzel sticks into top of each avocado to form hair. Add strawberry slice, trimmed to look like lips for her mouth, and place blueberry on lower left side of face to form mole.

Disney/Pixar. Roz.

Green Slime Nacho Cups

Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 20 minutes • Servings: 4

1 Green Starting to Turn Yellow Dole® Plantain, Peeled and Thinly Sliced on Bias

1 1/2 Teaspoons Canola

1/4 Teaspoon Salt,

1 Dole Avocado, Halved, Pitted and Peeled

1 Tablespoon Lime

1 Clove Garlic, Minced

1/2 Cup Thinly Shredded Dole Purple Cabbage

Preheat oven to 375 F. Toss plantain slices with canola oil and season with pinch of salt. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange slices in single layer with no overlapping.

Bake 18-20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly gold en. Cool completely and set aside.

Using spoon, scoop flesh of avocado into small bowl and mash, reserving one half avocado shell. Stir mashed avocado with lime juice, garlic and remaining salt. Stir in slaw, reserving some for garnish. Scoop into reserved avocado shell and smooth top with back of spoon. Stick reserved cabbage shreds out of avo cado mixture to look like hair.

Serve slime nacho cups with plantain chips.

and

until smooth. Pour smoothie into two glasses and serve.

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com

Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.

Living the Sweet Life: Now We’re Talking! “Tricks, Rubbers and Grand Slams!”

Hey sweet lifers! I must say it does feel a bit strange finding oneself playing bridge in the middle of an afternoon on a weekday. Most people give me a look when I say I am busy on this particular day and then tell them why. They then pro ceed to say things that would indicate that in their minds I am getting old and that’s such an old person’s thing to be doing with my time. They, of course, would be wrong.

First of all I have wanted to learn how to play bridge since about the age of six. My mother and father hosted a bridge club, and I distinctly remember the “don’t touch it room” being laid out in full display for their occasion. Tables draped in red checked cloths, wooden bowls filled with nuts and those cute little pads and tiny pencils just waiting to jot down scores! I would press my face between the slats of the staircase and watch them play and listen to conversations about patient cases (the days before that was not a thing you didn’t do) and children’s doings (that was often me and my siblings). I would try to decipher what it all meant with “tricks” and “rubbers” and “grand slams!” It could have been taken way out of context had I not been so little.

After mother was killed, of course all those bridge par ties stopped, and I guess I forgot all about my desire to learn the game. Life tends to do that, and a childhood filled with all sorts of “extra” kept me on my toes and not honed into such frivolous things as a game of bridge. Not many children I grew up with wanted to learn and so I

never did. It was always in the back of my mind as a “bucket list” sort of thing to do.

Turns out the time is now for learning it, and I am not alone. I did a little research and stumbled into a rabbit hole of little did I know stuff. Bridge, otherwise known as Whist, dates back to the 16th century. It was a popular fa vorite game amongst nobility and clergy. George Washing ton loved the game and even played with small wagers. In 1893 the game was officially introduced with formal rules that still carry with the play ing of it today. But the best part of all? According to the American Contract Bridge League, over the last five years it is our children who have picked this game back up!

My neighbor has played for years and somehow our conversation led to us discussing the game. It did not take me long to ask her to teach me, and she was delighted to take the time and brush up on her skills with me. What I thought (and honestly she probably did too) would be a few afternoons of lessons has turned into a weekly bridge game! You should see sweet B when Thursdays come around. He’s getting used to me being down the street for a few hours with Nancy. I am aiming to become a great bridge player and maybe even start a club. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll have it mastered by the time I become a “Gigi” and can teach all my littles how to take tricks, make rub bers and grab some of their own grand slams!

Take care of YOU and stay “sweet!”

Nancy Storey and Alisa Murray playing Bridge.