July 2010

PEOPLE

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PLA C E S

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H A P P E N I N G S

JULY 2010

Miss Sugar Land 2010

Callie Thompson What’s Inside

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Bio-identical hormones are tailored to your specific needs and must be compounded in a compounding pharmacy.

Not all compounding pharmacies are the same. Significant differences exist in experience, training, facilities, quality and safety. Compounding pharmacies that take the quality and safety of your compounded medications seriously are PCABAccredited. It is highly advisable to get any compounded prescription from a PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy.

This is why we have patients all over the nation requesting we ship to them. Participating in bio-identical hormone replacement is a choice each individual must make based on a risk versus benefit comparison. Make an appointment with your doctor to see if bio-identical hormone replacement is right for you. If your doctor will not assist you, you can call Compounding Corner Pharmacy, Inc.® at (281) 494-7777 for referrals. You may also access more information from our website at: www.compoundingcornerpharmacy.com

281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace, Ste. K, Sugar Land www.fortbend

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GM

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LOVELL LLOYD General Sales Manager

RANDY BOWMAN General Sales Manager

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JIMMY CHRISTMAS GM Parts Manager

RICHARD OLIVER Parts Manager

jchristmas@finneganauto.com

roliver@finneganauto.com

AL GOMEZ GM Service Manager

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Fridays at Finnegan

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Excludes corvettes, synthetic oils and Diesels

JEFF DAVIS Chrysler & GM Parts & Service Director

jdavis@finneganauto.com

General Motors: 281.342.4200 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge: 281.342.9318

JASON LOFTIN Body Shop Manager

jloftin@finneganauto.com

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.com • July 2010

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features 34 Picking the Perfect Pageant Dress The world of pageantry is one of glitz and glamour.

Ephraim Zamzow-Danfoth, the store director for WARDROBE the boutique gives us professional advice on how to pick the perfect pageant dress for your unique body type.

44 Hurricane Preparedness It’s that time again…Hurricane Season is among us.

Are you prepared if a storm were to head our way?

Check out our article to learn about the latest advancements that the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management have made this year.

48 Private Schools & After School Activities Start planning ahead for the fall now.

Browse through our listing of local private schools and after-school activities for the little ones.

Find the perfect “fit” for your child.

60 The Virginian, Mr. James Drury Grab your copy of the timeless television show, “The Virginian” now on DVD, and catch Nick Nicholson’s latest interview with James Drury, star of the show.

62 Pampered Pets We all LOVE our pets! Show your pet just how much you care about them by reading about all of the ways you can pamper them.

fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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Losing your vision is something you cannot afford to do.

Come in by the end of August for a chance to win a back to school laptop.

Call for details.

Losing your vision is something you cannot afford to do...

Dr. Stuart B. Miller 6134 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 499-2020

Don’t wait, call us TODAY at

(281) 499-2020

to schedule your appointment.

COVER STORY 12 Miss Sugar Land 2010 Callie Thompson will be representing Sugar Land in the Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant. With her strong platform, undeniable talent and gracious demeanor, Callie has all of the characteristics needed to become the next Miss Texas.

departments 16 Focus on Finance 18 Caring for the Community 20 Focus on Health 22 High School Hot Shot 24 Seen on the Scene 37 Fort Bend Headliners 40 Community Calendar 58 Fort Bend Kids Chalkboard 60 Focus Film Review 61 Focus Scrapbook 66 Focus Cares 68 Fort Bend New Neighbor 72 Medical Focus 76 Focus Photo Winner 77 Focus on Flavor Dining Guide 80 Living the Sweet Life

Photo by Evin Thayer

fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

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P

ublisher’s Preview www.fortbendfocus.com

July 2010 Vol. 6 No. 9

Hello Fort Bend Friends,

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477

Welcome Summer! A time to enjoy your family, travel and spend time with friends. There is a lot going on over Summer break, and Callie Thompson is gearing up for the event of a lifetime, The Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant. She will represent Sugar Land this July and we wish her all the best. Read about her goals and her platform on page 12.

Jack & Cater Fredrickson Summer Cruisin’

To advertise call

281-690-4242

“Field of Dreams”

Also, you need to be thinking about where to send the little one’s this fall, so we have provided you with a private school and day care guide located on page 48.

Movies are always a great way to beat the Summer heat. Look on page 60 for our most current movie review by our film critic Nick Nicholson.

Continue to check our community calendar on page 40 for great ways to entertain the family this month and every month.

You can always find us online at www. fortbendfocus.com for the most current digital magazine issue, archived issues, subscription form, Seen on the Scene pics and events happening around the county.

Stay focused!

TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Direct mailed to subscribers and high value homes in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, Missouri City and Fulshear and picked up at demand distribution locations throughout Fort Bend.

Single copy $2.95 PUBLISHERS Michael Fredrickson Lisa Fredrickson SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kij

Lisa Fredrickson Email: Lisa@Fortbendfocus.com

READERS FEEDBACK

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dena Perry April Lambert Karen Mawyer OFFICE MANAGER Norma Loredo

Wonderful Article...

Awesome Seen on the Scene...

Lisa, Thank you so much for helping Volunteer Fort Bend celebrate the County Judge’s Volunteer Fort Bend Awards with the FULL page spread... WOW! With warm appreciation, Kathy Renfrow Happy Reader...

You guys are doing a terrific job!! Go Fort Bend Focus!! :-) Cheryl P. 20th Annual Komen Race For The Cure Dear Lisa, You are one of the most passionate and ardent supporters of the Houston and Fort Bend Breast Cancer Communities. I can’t thank you enough for always giving us a voice in the Fort Bend Focus. Houston will be marking the 20th anniversary of Susan G. Komen’s Race For The Cure on Saturday, October 2, 2010. For those interested, registration is now open and can be done online at www.komenhouston.org We are so very fortunate to have the community support that we do. The Houston Livestock and Rodeo even hosted a “Paint The Rodeo Pink Day”. Can we find joy in such a serious cause - you betcha!

Blessings, Rosemary Herron

Michael / LisaI want you to know how pleased I am with Fort Bend Focus and your decision to run the article about Father Drew Wood and his impact on the Sugar Land community. In your quest to showcase the true meaning of “fatherhood,” you could not have chosen a better example. I also wish to compliment Linda Eaves in her writing style as she showed a very human side of a path to priesthood.

As a priest, Father Drew is a spiritual leader to over 20,000 parishioners at St. Laurence ... providing spiritual guidance, healing and strength for so many. But as a father to this community (and not just to the St. Laurence parishioners), Drew Wood has continued to show his love, compassion and direction to all of our citizens. He is a perfect example of the quintessential “father.”

Thank you for reminding all of us about the importance of fatherhood in our community.

David G. Wallace

CONTRIBUTORS Ephraim Danforth Linda Eaves Will Hardee Alisa Murray Nick Nicholson Dr. Peter Osborne Melinda Wood ART DIRECTOR Grace Belleza ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Joey Belleza GRAPHIC ARTIST Elizabeth Pace EDITORIAL INTERN Lauren Dante Matt Howard WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza (JOBpagegraphics.com)

ON THE COVER

CALLIE THOMPSON COVER PHOTO:

EVIN THAYER c 2010

Focus on Women is a proud sponsor for this year’s KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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One year subscription: $25

Who are the Jewels of Fort Bend?

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

Peggy Duggan Carolyn Banfield

Cassandra Wen

proudly announces the 2010

Brigit Engleman

Lynn Halford

Luncheon & Style Show

Safari Texas Ranch Thursday, September Twenty Three, Two Thousand and Ten � 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch � 11627 FM 1464 � Richmond, Texas BENEFITING

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Minerva Pérez LATINA VOICES Co-Host, Executive Producer Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels’ Contributors J Loggins Jeweler - Official Jeweler Alisa Murray - Official Photographer

Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon

Pamela Printing - Official Printer Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities � 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

COVER STORY

| By Linda K. Eaves Some Photos by Evin Thayer

Miss Sugar Land Callie

T

his summer, Callie Thompson, 19, will be the first Miss Sugar Land to compete in the Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant, which selects the Lone Star State representative to Miss America. She won the local title at a pageant on February 6 at Mayde Creek Junior High in Katy. For the talent competition, she performed a lyrical dance to Via Dolorosa.

Callie made her first appearance as Miss Sugar Land at the welcoming reception for the 2010 Meals on Wheels Association of Texas conference at the Marriot Hotel in Town Square.

“Because the conference is taking place in Sugar Land, I thought it seemed fitting that I contact Miss Sugar Land,” explained Samantha Elizabeth

Greenwood of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston.

Recently at Pin Oak Middle School she spoke to students about Callie’s Challenge – stopping the cycle of school violence through character education.

“I’m a very compassionate person, and fighting makes me sad. At my high school there were several fights a day; it scared me to walk through the hallways,” she said.

She also made an appearance at the Rose Ribbon Foundation, which provides free reconstructive surgery to post-cancer patients unable to afford health insurance. “People see the crown and say, ‘Oh my gosh. Who is this?’ And I always get the same question, ‘Is it real?’ No, it’s not real diamonds,” she said with a laugh.

Thompson grew up in Bear Creek Plantation in Katy, which is located in three counties – Fort Bend, Harris and Waller – and where, she said, it isn’t unusual for students on one side of the street to attend one high school and those on the other side to attend another. In 2008, Callie graduated from Cy-Springs High School, where she was captain of the drill team.

Three years ago, she won the title of Miss Teen Texas on her first try. “I had always wanted to be in pageants,” said Thompson, “and I was used to competing in dance, so my dance teacher said, ‘Hey, you should do it.’ It was the talent portion that really convinced me.”

During her reign as Miss Teen Texas, she made about 75 appearances across the state, and now as Miss Sugar Land, she would like to speak at as many schools as possible about Callie’s Challenge.

As a sophomore at Texas A&M University, Thompson lives in College Station where she teaches dance to eighth-graders. “They were so excited for me. They knew I had been involved in pageants and loved hearing about it,” she said.

She majors in business marketing, with a minor in communications, and dreams of opening her own bakery/ coffee shop in Dallas, where she hopes to become a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.

“I have a lot of goals,” she said. “I love to cook, but baking has always been my favorite. I love cook books and usually just try to make different things when I have the chance. I’m always looking up

Callie made many appearances during her reign as Miss Teen Texas, and she continues as Miss Sugar Land.

fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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Thompson to vie for Miss Texas Scholarship Title different recipes, which is how I taught myself,” said Callie.

Her plan is to create healthy desserts.

“Health is extremely important to me, and I know that eating brownies and cookies all day would not be the best thing for your body. Hopefully, when I have my own shop, I can offer healthier selections.”

Although Miss Texas 2003 Sunni Cranfill, who was the choreographer at the teen pageant where Thompson won in July 2007, is a Dallas cowboy cheerleader, that “is not necessarily what sparked my interest,” said Thompson, “but she’s funny, she’s cool.

I like working with her.”

In August 2007, Callie represented Texas at the third annual Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando, Florida. “That was tiring,” she admitted. “We were up at 5 a.m. and practiced non-stop and didn’t get to bed until midnight or 1 in the morning.

But it was a lot of fun. I got to meet girls from all over the country. I shared a room with North Dakota.”

In contrast to the national teen pageant, where she was “sequestered in a hotel with the other girls competing,”

at the state pageant June 28 - July 2 in Arlington, she will stay in a hotel room with her parents, Jeff and Lisa Thompson of Katy. “That will be more relaxing,” she said, “hanging out with my family, because family is supportive.

They will say, ‘You did so good tonight,’ and keep me pumped up.”

The 33 contestants are divided into three groups that compete in different categories on different days. On June 28, Thompson will interview with the panel of judges, compete in evening wear and answer an on-stage question. The next night, she will compete in swimsuit.

Then on Wednesday night, she will perform a dance to the song Footprints in the Sand, sung by Leona Lewis.

Like all preliminaries to Miss Texas, the Miss Sugar Land Scholarship Pageant is open to women ages 18-24 throughout the state, and is not limited to residents of any one locale.

Sheila Milner, pageant executive director, said, “I chose Sugar Land as a locale because it is a great area to represent with its growth as the No. 1 city to live in [in] the United States.”

Callie acknowledges that pageants have boosted her confidence and helped

improve her speaking skills. “Growing up every girl wants a crown. As a child I was pretty shy when it came to speaking in public,” she said.

Her advice to aspiring pageant contestants: “Just be yourself. It’s about who you are as a person and what you can give back to the community.

She looks forward to seeing everyone and to performing at the pageant. In the meantime, she’s working hard to stay physically fit, speaking at schools, interviewing, forming her opinion about current political topics, speaking about her platform – Callie’s Challenge -- and taking time to just relax in the sun.

If Callie wins the Miss Texas Scholarship title, she will be taking a year off of school to move to Dallas. “I will be making appearances everyday all over Texas, so school is not an option,” she said. “As Miss Sugar Land, it’s easier to travel back and forth.

Also, this is a scholarship pageant; my director understands how important my education is to me and doesn’t schedule an appearance unless I can fit it into my schedule.”

Continued on page 14

If Callie wins the Miss Texas Scholarship title, she will be making appearances everyday all over Texas.

www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

13

Continued from page 13

Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant Produced by the Miss Texas Organization, the Miss Texas competition exists for the purpose of providing personal and professional opportunities for young Texas women and promoting their voice in culture, politics and community.

The competition was founded in 1936 by a group of civic minded citizens concerned about higher education. The first Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant has evolved into what is recognized today as one of the best organized and well-managed of all state pageants.

The Miss Texas competition provides a statewide forum for today’s young women to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments to Texas audiences the evening of the telecast and to the public at large during the ensuing year. Almost all contestants have either received or are in the process of earning college or postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss Texas scholarship awards for furthering their education. Hundreds of young women participate each year in the local pageants, culminating in the selection of local finalists who vie for the Miss Texas title each July.

To become Miss Texas, a contestant must first win a local competition, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work and talent. A young woman may compete at the local and state level more than once, but may only compete in the national Miss America competition one time. Hundreds of women participate each year in the local pageants, culminating in the selection of local finalists who compete for the Miss Texas title in Fort Worth in July.

Once chosen, Miss Texas and the local winners become representatives of their generation, using their stature to address community service matters and other contemporary issues, which are of particular relevance to young Texans and women.

To learn more, please visit www.misstexas.org

Callie Thompson has all of the dimensions needed to become Miss Texas... beauty, brain, heart, talent and the support of our community.

Go Callie! fort bend

magazine • July 2010

14

orthopedic pain

should never be a way of life.

Dr. Christopher Smith is a leader in adult and pediatric orthopedics. Let him help you begin to live pain free.

Do you have orthopedic issues related to joint pain, carpal tunnel or a nagging sports injury?

As one of the leading, board certified orthopedic surgeons in Texas, Dr. Smith specializes in orthopedic conditions for both children and adults. His experience and use of state-of-the-art technology allow for quicker recovery times. Let Dr. Smith give you or your child the tailored treatment you need to live free of orthopedic pain.

From total joint replacement and difficult fractures to high-impact sports injuries, Dr. Smith provides leading orthopedic care right here in Fort Bend County.

Call 281-494-MOST (6678) for a personal appointment today.

L E A D I N G M E D I C I N E SM 1201 Brooks Street Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-494-MOST MethodistOST.com

on

Finance

Provided by RBC Wealth Management and H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM – Financial Consultant

How Can You Pay for Your Child’s Private School?

M

any parents are committed to sending their children to private elementary or secondary school.

Yet paying private school tuition can present a compelling cash flow problem.

The reason is that, unlike with college or graduate school, there are fewer outside options to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. For example, financial aid is practically nonexistent at this level of schooling, and parents are less likely to send their young children to distant schools with lower costs.

So, unless the private school you are considering offers some type of financial assistance, the only way to pay for your child’s private school tuition is out of your own pocket. Following is a list of important options; you may implement one or several of the options.

Paying as you go from cash flow involves setting aside a certain amount of money from your paycheck each week (or any other steady income source, such as rents or child support) and applying it toward your child’s private school tuition.

Unfortunately, this outflow of cash may leave parents unable to invest for other goals.

If you have savings and investments to draw on, you might consider withdrawing from savings and investments for your child’s private school tuition. Withdrawing from your savings account can be an easier route than withdrawing from investments.

If you have a Coverdell education sav-

ings account, then this is probably your best option. You can withdraw money tax free to pay elementary and secondary school expenses (not to mention you’ll be able to contribute $2,000 per year--assuming you meet the income requirements). If you don’t yet have a Coverdell ESA, you should consider opening one to take advantage of the tax benefits.

In addition to withdrawing from your Coverdell ESA, you can withdraw from your IRA (traditional or Roth) to pay your child’s private school expenses, although penalties and/or taxes may be triggered by the distribution.

If you own an asset that has appreciated substantially in value (such as stock), or if you own an income-producing asset (such as an apartment building), you may want to gift the asset to your child. The benefit is that the child may pay tax on the gain or income at a lower tax bracket.

However, there may be gift tax implications associated with gifting amounts over the amount of the annual gift tax exclusion, as well as income tax implications for children with income over certain levels.

In some instances, the paycheck of one or both parents may not be enough to meet private tuition expenses. In this case, families may need to consider having a previously stay-at-home spouse return to the workforce, or having one previously working spouse increase his or her hours or obtain another job with better compensation.

Finally, if you are a business owner,

you may be able to implement strategies unique to business owners. For example, you may be able to arrange a gift-leaseback transaction with your child, or gift company stock to your child. In this case, your child can sell the stock and use the proceeds for private school tuition. These strategies can be rather complicated, so you may need to consult an attorney.

For parents who “do the math” and decide they cannot afford to send their children to private schools, an alternative may be charter schools. Charter schools are publicly funded schools run by for-profit companies. They offer widely differing approaches on how best to educate students, from longer school years, varying curriculums, school uniforms or donated computers. One thing is clear--their popularity is increasing. Some view their existence as the start of a revolution in U.S. education.

For others, the jury is out until the educational results are in.

For additional information about the Hardee Investment Group and the products and services we offer, please visit our website at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com.

This article is provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM a financial consultant at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security.

RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. H

Did you know?

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magazine • July 2010

16

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Sex and the City Open House July 22 - 5:30 - 8:00 Must RSVP to rsvp@drshel.com

www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

17

SEX IN THE CITY

US 59 to Hwy 36 South, 1/2 mile - Rosenberg, Texas

Shelena C. Lalji M.D. “Dr. Shel”

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

Caring for the Community Healthcare quality leaps forward with all-digital medical order entry

T

he age-old stereotype that physicians have terrible handwriting is actually true according to an article published in the Journal of American Medicine. All joking aside, it’s ultimately patients who suffer when physician’s orders for medications or diagnostic tests are misread.

For this reason, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital was the first Fort Bend County hospital to use electronic medical record technology and computerized bedside charting. Early this month the hospital will take its final step to become fully digital. The move further emphasizes Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s consummate commitment to continuous improvement in quality healthcare and patient safety.

Effective July 5, all patient orders will be submitted via the hospital’s computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system and paper orders will cease to exist. With CPOE, also known as e-ordering, physicians enter medical orders into the computer system where they are integrated with patient information.

Orders are automatically checked and alerts are instantly issued if there is a potential for a patient drug interaction, allergy or overdose. In addition to issuing alerts, CPOE standardizes order entry, thereby eliminating interpretations that can lead to errors.

Various studies have credited CPOE systems with a reduction in the rate of serious medication errors. One study at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital demonstrated that CPOE reduced error rates by 55 percent. Other studies have Advertorial

shown even higher declines. As a result, national experts in healthcare quality and patient safety are urging the inclusion of CPOE into safety standards.

“There is less room for error if our nurses see the medication dosage written the same way every time,” said William B. Riley Jr., M.D., chief medical officer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. “If several physicians are caring for a patient and they’re all prescribing the drugs that their specialties mandate, the computer issues an instant alert if it detects the possibility of a cross reaction. Previously, this might not have been recognized until the patient had a drug reaction.”

Along with improving the quality of care, CPOE has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stays.

Kulvinder Bajwa, M.D, the hospital’s former chief of staff, said the fort bend

magazine • July 2010

18

real-time CPOE provides increased efficiencies. He explains that paper orders usually require a nurse to make a follow-up phone call that can take 30 minutes or more if scheduling an X-ray.

“Now I enter the X-ray order into Memorial Hermann’s CPOE system and by the time I’ve done a couple of other things, my patient is in the Imaging department undergoing the X-ray,” said Dr. Bajwa. “The computer tells us where the order is in the system.”

Dr. Bajwa notes that moving to 100 percent e-ordering since the opening of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land in 2006 has forced other area hospitals to start moving to a digital environment.

“E-ordering is better,” he said. ‘It’s the right thing to do for patients. It’s the future and Memorial Hermann offers it now.” H

Heritage Baptist Church

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.com • July 2010

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on

Health

By Dr. Peter Osborne

Weight Loss Myths

A

wonderful thing happens every Summer. People commit to new fitness and weight loss programs as part of their attempt to get ready for the beach and poolside. Why is this so wonderful? It increases awareness about the importance of diet and exercise and improves the health of those involved. Unfortunately, most people fall off of the proverbial wagon after the first month or two.

The Problem with Traditional Weight Loss Programs The problem with many weight loss systems is that they cater to the masses without considering individual need.

They use a “one size fits all” approach.

This approach works for some but leaves many to ponder why the weight will not come off the way it used to.

Most diet plans are based on Calorie consumption. Not enough thought is given to the quality of the Calories being consumed. For example, there are a number of companies that provide Calorie controlled meals. This concept works well for portion control; however, the quality of the food being used is poor and as the age old adage goes – “You are what you eat.” Chemicals, radiated foods, ultra pasteurization, processing, lack of nutrient density, genetically modified foods, cloned meats, unidentified food intolerances, etc. all taint many of these so called “healthy foods”. Many of these factors can cause internal inflammation when ingested leading to an increased risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and more.

As if that were not bad enough, weight loss is not just about Calories. The concept of the Calorie is based on the amount of heat a food generates when it is burned in a sealed chamber. Although Calorie estimation can be useful, it does not take into consideration the affect that food can have on hormone levels. To make things even more confusing, different foods can affect people’s hormones differently. For example, some people do not tolerate carbohydrates very well. For these individuals, carbs cause excessive insulin production which in turn tells the body to store fat.

This can happen even if the individual is not “over eating” on Calories.

Exercise Programs Exercise is also a critical and key component for successful weight loss. The common perception is that performing cardiovascular exercise is enough to help a person with weight loss. This concept is not entirely true. Cardio is over rated as a form of exercise. Although it helps tone blood vessels, it does very little for muscle tone. The key to weight loss with exercise programs is achieving adequate lean muscle mass. I am not talking about working out with weights to become Herculean. Many fear that this will happen, but it is just not true. The fact of the matter is that muscle utilizes energy. The more tone your muscles, the more energy your body expends while at rest.

Additionally, maintaining solid muscle tone as we age has been shown to increase the life span.

A common problem with exercise is time. People typically do not want to take an hour or more daily to go to a gym and exercise. I recommend The 10 minute rule. Everyone has at least 10 minutes to give to exercise. The key to this rule is that the exercise must be intense. Try the following exercises: push-ups, pull ups, lunges, and squats. Perform two sets of each exercise within a 10 minute time frame. Don’t worry if you can’t perform a lot of repetitions of these exercises when you first get started. The key will be consistency over time. If you do it daily your body will get stronger and build lean muscle mass. As this happens you will notice your clothes fitting better, your energy increasing, your sleep improving, etc. Do not weigh yourself on a scale. As you lose fat, you will gain muscle. Therefore, your weight may not fluctuate down as much as you want it to. Weight is not as important as body composition.

Once Again, Common Sense Applies – People are different and unique. No one diet is right for everyone. The same can be said for exercise. No one program is right for everyone. If you are having problems with weight loss, know what your options are. You might not be responding for a number of different reasons. Specialized genetic and laboratory testing can help you identify what type of diet and exercise program will work better for you. Put the odds in your favor before you get frustrated with a lack of progress. H

DID YOU KNOW?

You have one of the country’s most advanced alternative medicine clinics right here in Sugar Land n Dr. Osborne

• Is a Diplomate and the Executive Secretary of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition • Is the only Board Certified Nutritionist in Sugar Land • Is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition • Has held teaching appointments at Texas Women’s University and HCC’s nursing program • Lectures nationally to other physicians on the topic: Drug Induced Nutritional Deficiencies

n Town Center Wellness:

Dr. Peter Osborne

• Offers genetic testing to match your lifestyle and diet to your genes • Offers complete laboratory nutritional analysis to identify vitamin and mineral deficiencies • Offers traditional and specialty lab services to assist in patient diagnosis • Offers state of the art Spinal Decompression therapy to prevent back surgery • Offers genetic and laboratory testing to identify gluten sensitivity • Offers chiropractic care

4724 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 102, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-2229 • www.TownCenterWellness.com Advertorial

fort bend

magazine • July 2010

20

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Graduation Memories

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281 690-4280 www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

21

By Melinda Wood

High School HOT SHOT Flying High

T

he sky is truly the limit for Sydney Stavinoha. A 17-yearold with many passions, the Kempner High School senior’s love of adrenaline rushes encouraged her to seek out her pilot’s license.

Sydney has been flying for three years now and loves every minute of it.

“I heard you could take flight lessons at the airport and asked my parents if I could start taking them,” Sydney said. “They supported my decision, and I have been flying ever since.”

Sydney describes flying as an “amazing experience” and will never forget her first lesson.

“Actually, the very first time I ever rode in an airplane was my first flight lesson where I was flying the plane.”

She adds, “And it was storming...what a day! Every time I fly, it is different.

Something new happens each Saturday and I get to learn neat things.”

Sydney takes her flight lessons every Saturday at the Sugar Land Regional Airport and hopes to receive her license some time this year.

In addition to flying, Sydney participates in the Student Council at Kempner High School and will serve as Student Body President during the upcoming school year. Sydney says that Student Council is a “big part of her life” as she has held an office every year. “[Student Council] has impacted my life in such great ways,” Sydney said. “I have learned valuable skills on being a leader, and I have met

Sydney

many great people from all over Texas. I love how student council brings you closer to other students from around the state, and I always have an incredible time when I go on our trips.” She continues, “Student Council took over my life, but in a good way.”

Sydney is also involved with the Yearbook and will serve as editor-in-chief for the new school year. She is also a member of the Y.E.S. Club, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Though school commitments take much of her time, Sydney still manages to give back to Sugar Land by serving on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council as well as the Keep Sugar Land Beautiful Committee in which she helps with the annual tree planting and clean-up.

“Every time I finish a community service project, I feel overwhelmed with happiness,” she said. “It feels so great to know that I took part in helping a good cause, and seeing the outcome of the community service project is such an amazing reward.”

As she begins her senior year in August, Sydney is looking toward the future and hopes to attend the University of Oklahoma for its journalism and aviation programs.

“I love the Oklahoma campus and I could see myself being a student there,” she said. “I want to major in journalism and hopefully work for a news station one day.”

With all of her accomplishments and a bright future ahead of her, Sydney credits her parents as her biggest inspiration.

“They have helped me become the person I am today,” she said. “They are always encouraging me to be successful, and they keep a positive attitude about everything. They have shaped my future because I am using them as an example of how I should be when I am an adult.” H

“Every time I finish a community service project, I feel overwhelmed with happiness,” she said. “It feels so great to know that I took part in helping a good cause, and seeing the outcome of the community service project is such an amazing reward.” fort bend

magazine • July 2010

22

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Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

Fort Bend Baptist Academy presents

How Sweet It Is! 2010 Gala Friday, April 16, 2010 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Sherry & Kenneth Land

Angie Schaner & Teresa Goodwine

Norm & May Slosted, Todd & Nelda Prince, Jimmy & Gay Thompson, Josh & Jenn LaRocca, Mike & Eileen Mulcahy

Sandy & Charles Parker

Lisa & Buzz Baker

Amy & Tom Rivers

Renee Garrett, Laura Millis, Melanie Skeler, Pam Jacobsen, Nancy Benavides, Tanya Sterling, Sally White, Kim Rice, Debbie Campbell, Jenn LaRocca, Donna Hubert, Nelda Prince, Linda Howell

Kathy & Bill Fusco, Cindy Cook, Marti Batson, Renee & Bruce Garnett, Jenn & Josh LaRocca, Donna Hine, Linda Woodruff

Riaz Investments & Securities Table

Marlon & Shadia Anderson

Tanya & Jevaughn Sterling, Michael & Lisa Fredrickson, Duncan & Michelle Griffiths

Donna Hubert, Sheila Cox, Sally White, Pam Jacobsen, Kim Rice, Tanya Sterling, Nelda Prince, Linda Woodruff, Jenn LaRocca, Donna Hine, Linda Howell

Diane & Scott Orth

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Senior Vice President - HCB 20 Years of Experience

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Seen

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Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

Holy Rosary Catholic School Presents

An Evening in OZ Friday, April 23, 2010 • Safari Texas Ranch

Benny & Claudia Wleczyk

Betsy & Susan Nahavitza, Fr. Howard Drabek

Bill & Ninfa Bradbury

Carl & Mary Whitlock

Chris & Debbie Langdon

Darren & Pam McCarthy

Doris & Joe Gurecky

Doug & Ramona Krenek

Tama & John Dorman

Grady Sr. & Stacy Gage

Isabel & Jaime Ibarra

Karen Lassiter-Fuller & Colleen Hermann

Laverne & Barbara May

Mike Whimberly, John Healey & Fr. Bill Bartniski

Nancy & Jim Moore

Patty & Kenny Kocich

Deborah & Robert Contreras

Shirley Stavinoha & Mary Beth Haas

Walter & Tracey Cabucio

Wendy Reue-Collins & Rebecca Tullar

HOT Looks in the Summer Time!

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Seen

on the

Scene

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

Pot of Gold Classic Golf Tournament

Benefiting the Fort Bend Rainbow Room Monday, May 10, 2010 • Sugar Creek Country Club

Photos by Mary Favre & Brenda Perry

Sylvia & Dean Carpenter

Dinner & Awards Host Michele Fisher

(Back row, L to R) Kelley Stephenson, Lacie Chambers, Alison Fawthrop, Peggy Sepulveda (Front row, L to R) Tonya Lewis, Julie Hathaway and Wende Lewis-Buckley

Cody & Aimee Frederick

Phil Klosowsky, Candace Cagle, Stephen Longoria & Sam Dick

Evelyn Traylor & Lisa Reese

Wende Buckley & Raquel Smith

Mike Willis, Bill Losa, Jason Bolin & Dave Clark

Tonya Lewis & Harvey Zinn

Commissioner James Patterson

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Go to www.FortBendFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of Fort Bend FOCUS.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County celebrates

20 Years of Wine & Music 2010 Friday, May 21, 2010 • The Stafford Centre

Brenda Crump & Carrie Askew-Walker

Lucia Street & Laura Leatherwood

Jacquie Chaumette & Brenda Bowman

Brenda & Larry Pullen

Elizabeth Duff & Carol Drozd

Jim & Kay Hudnell

H.D. & Leah Chambers

Becky & Jim Pruett, Cindy Bedient

Nancy & Pete Olsen

Jeff & Julie Wiley

Aimee Ordeneaux & Matt Raley

Jeff & Tracee Tallas

Will & Lena Hardee

Mona & Bob Elberger

Amy Mitchell & Bob Hebert

Kelly Crow & Caroline Kelley

Heather & Trey Reichert

Celia Olson & Jake Messinger

Andrea Tabor & Alex Wukman

Ann & Jimmy Cantu

Lizz Sansone & Gena Horak

Michael Schiff & Sharon Hymes

Opening Soon “A Boutique for the Home”

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Impact A Hero

Hall of Fame Gala Sunday, June 6, 2010 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Madeline & Aaron ManKin

Jessica & Jim Kij

J.J. Adams & T.J. Holmes

James W. Bailey, Maria Madrigal, Roger Toriz, David Billen

Tom & Dianne Terry

Samantha Haynie & Macon Fife

Richard & Carol Young, Taylor & Edwin Loftin

James Latimer, Mario Cardonas, Terrance Clark

Bob & Carole Brown

Sergio Trejo, Natashia & Richard Massimino

Jim & Patty Hoelker

Ron McGaughy, Sherry Richard, Samuel Cliftone, Carol Khalaf

Temra & Jeff Krehmeier

Jack & Kelly Swanson, Joe Hoelker

Sara Rios, Dan Hines, Ece & Adam Tesanovich

Mike & Lana Flores, Pete Olson

Don & Jackie Kersteter

Kathy & Dave Wallace

Photo by Larry Pullen

Mandy Bronsell, Jacquie Chaumette, Ginger Potthost

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Picking the Perfect Pageant Dress

By Ephraim Danforth

I

f you have a daughter it is a question that may very well come up at some point, “Can I enter a pageant?” Many parents cringe or begin having heart palpitations at just the thought. However, there is so much to be gained from competing. I speak not only as a wardrobe consultant who works with many pageant contestants, but as a father of a daughter who hopes someday his little girl will carry herself with the same grace and poise as my clients.

Everyone has an opinion about beauty pageants. EVERYONE, even guys, I promise you. Most of these perceptions are based on movies like Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock or reality TV shows that portray moms giving their six year old daughters waters pills to prevent bloating.

The reality is that pageantry is really not much like either of these. As someone

who has been to his fair share of pageants, I have yet to see a contestant put a grown man into a choke hold and still place first runner-up. Nor have I ever seen a six year old who looked like they needed to work on their water weight.

I work with girls who are just out shopping for a pretty dress, and I also work with girls who are preparing for competition. The difference in most, but by no means all, is remarkable. The young women who have competed posses sharply refined communication skills, a clear understanding of their goals and accomplishments and a strong sense of self. At first glance, it seems hard to understand how walking around on stage in an evening gown and strutting in high heels and a swimsuit could accomplish this, but the answer is simple. The evening gown portion of a beauty pageant fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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epitomizes the qualities of a beauty queen: grace, poise and elegance. The great part is EVERY woman can apply the same principles to choosing a gown for themselves. Choosing the appropriate gown or wardrobe for your body, coloring and the type of pageant ensures that you will make the very best impression during the competition and anywhere you go.

Here is some valuable information a future contestant might benefit from: Is there a difference between pageant and prom dresses? Yes! • To accommodate the 4-5” heels that pageant contestants wear, the pageant line of dresses are constructed several inches longer than the prom line of dresses. So petite ladies, look in the prom line of dresses, too. That way you might not have to cut off a decorative bottom to make your dress the correct length.

• There is more fine detail in the construction of a pageant dress than a prom dress. In a pageant dress, there are usually multiple layers throughout, particularly in the bodice to provide proper support and ensure a snug, smooth fit.

Higher quality crystals are usually added to pageant dresses so they really sparkle under the stage lights. The quality of the fabric between the two lines is different as well. For example, pageant dresses will be made of real silk where the prom line of dresses will not. The quality and weight of the material used determines how the gown will fit and flow with your body when walking on stage. This is why pageant gowns are more expensive than prom gowns.

• Every designer uses different measurements to create their dresses so don’t get hung up on what size the tag says.

You need to try on every dress because a Tony Bowls size 4 may be different from a Sherri Hill or Jovani size 4. Forget the numbers. It’s all in the fit.

Continued on page 36

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Continued from page 34

• Avoid cutting your body in half with the line of the dress. As a guide, think of the body in thirds. Notice the gown below, about 1/3 of the dress is focused on the waist up and 2/3 from the waist down, thus creating a longer line. The 2/3 to 1/3 ratio is a great guide for petite ladies. For petite ladies, it’s better to wear one color from head to toe to create length and be very careful not to have too much volume in the skirt as this will shorten you and look too overwhelming on your frame.

• To have a custom made gown, expect to spend $2000- $6000 and allow plenty of time for the gown to be created.

• Try on a number of different colors and different shades of the same color.

Your perfect shade is the color that makes your skin look radiant, healthy and glowing when you put it on. For all three of my daughters, the colors we went into the store THINKING we

wanted to buy were not the colors we walked out with. You have to be open to trying on a lot of dresses. When you find the perfect one, you’ll feel it and know it!

• Try on different necklines to see which one brings emphasis not only to your chest and shoulders, but draws the eyes up to focus on your face. Halter, sweetheart, scoop, off the shoulder, v-neck, straight…try them all on.

See which neckline accentuates your positive assets.

• Be open to trying on different cuts of gowns to see which style line creates proportion, symmetry and curve for your body type. Empire waist, mermaid, Grecian, wrap around, gowns with a drop waist… designers are having so much fun, you have fun too! Try on a variety of styles to see how your body looks in it, but be careful to not overdo it. Putting on too many gowns is like eating too much cake. The end result is the same. After awhile, you can lose perspective and get burnt out trying things on. Expect to go out several times and allow at least 2 hours per shopping trip.

Size doesn’t matter, shape does.

The silhouette, or outline, of your body doesn’t change with diet or exercise because it is based on your skeleton and genes. Your weight may fluctuate throughout the years, but your basic body line cannot be altered. In the book, Color Me Confident by Veronique Henderson, they explain there are basically seven different body shapes.

It’s important to know your body type so you can shop for clothes that emphasize or diminish certain physical features.

See if you can identify yours.

1. Hourglass • Wear the same size top and bottoms.

• Have a clearly defined waist.

• Have a curved bottom.

2. Full Hourglass • Buy a slightly larger top for your bust.

• Waistbands are often too large.

• Straight skirts rise up on you.

• Feel most comfortable in more fluid fabrics.

3. Triangle (pear shaped) • Wear a larger size on your top fort bend

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half than your bottom.

• Have a clearly defined waist.

• Have narrower shoulders than hips.

• Carry weight on your hips and thighs.

4. Inverted Triangle • Wear a larger size on your top half than your bottom.

• Have wider shoulders than your hips.

• Have a straight ribcage.

• Prefer an uncluttered look.

5. Lean Column • Wear the same size on your top and bottom halves.

• Have a minimal bust • Little waist definition.

• Flat hips and bottom.

6. Rectangle • Shoulders and hips in line.

• No waist definition.

• Flat hips and bottom.

• Extra weight around your middle.

7. Round (apple shaped) • Rounded shoulders.

• Fullness in the tummy area.

• Wonderful shapely legs.

• Feel uncomfortable when clothes are tucked in.

The aim in choosing clothing is to create the illusion of having a neat hourglass figure and look proportional.

That means: • Shoulders and hips in line • A defined bust • A waist (even with a softly curved tummy) • A curved bottom To emphasize a physical trait you like, look for a gown or clothing with stones, a style or a special feature to bring attention to that part of your body.

The gown portion is the part of the pageant that a woman can really express herself. Is she a romantic who loves lace? Athletic and wants to show off a well toned body with a sleeveless high collar neckline? Is she zany with a flare for colors? Or is she darkly mysterious with a passion for feathers?

This is a great time to show it!

Ephraim Danforth is the store director for WARDROBE the boutique in Sugar Land, TX. 281-265-0161, www. wardrobetheboutique.com. H

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The Riverstone school ranked highest by Children at Risk is Fort Settlement Middle School, which placed fourth among 253 Houston-area middle schools and is 10th among the 1,720 middle schools on the Texas list. First Colony Middle School also was among the premier schools, ranking 14th in the Houston-area and 51st in Texas.

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1529 S. Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 980-9860 Hours of Operation Sun – Thurs 10:30am – 11pm Fri – Sat 10:30am – Midnight

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CanesSugarland

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Both high schools serving Riverstone placed high on the list, with Clements ranked ninth in the Houston area (22nd in the state) and Elkins placing 32nd among the 140 high schools ranked citywide and 146th among the 1,018 high schools ranked throughout Texas. All new construction in Riverstone is currently zoned to Elkins.

In addition, each of the elementary schools attended by Riverstone students that were reviewed placed in the top 25 percent of the 557 Houston-area schools listed. Most notable is Commonwealth Elementary, which was listed seventh in the Houston area and is ranked 30th among the 3,126 Texas elementaries on the Children at Risk list. One campus, Jan Schiff Elementary, was not included in the rankings because it opened only recently.

“Riverstone is a family-oriented community and our Fort Bend schools have long been a top draw for our buyers,” said Tom Wilcox, general manager of Riverstone. “It is exciting to see so many of our campuses compare well not just among other Fort Bend schools, but also among Houston schools and statewide.

“Education is a vital part of a quality master-planned community and we’re pleased to be zoned to such great schools.

And people are noticing — we just completed our best-selling first quarter and continue to be ranked among the 10 topselling communities in the Houston area.”

This is the fifth year Children at Risk has evaluated public high schools in the Houston area and the first year middle schools and elementaries were included on the list. It is also the first year for the report to extend statewide.

Riverstone, ranked fifth among the 10 top-selling Houston communities by housing consultant Metrostudy, is conveniently located at Highway 6, three miles south of U.S. 59, and offers easy access to several major thoroughfares, including the Fort Bend Parkway. Abundant dining and shopping choices are just minutes away, including First Colony’s booming Town Center.

For more information on Riverstone, visit www.riverstone.com. For information on the school rankings, including the variables used in the school evaluations, visit www.childrenatrisk.org.

g tin sit ble by ila Ba va A

NOW OPEN! May 2010 Tutor Training Graduates: Seated l-r: Bobbie Scott, Sofia Himani, Monica Vallery, Taylor Evans, Rattaya Nagorski. Row 1: Roshan Surani, Shahsultan Lalani, Rachel Chima, Grace Achim, Faith Guerrero, Liz Arquedas, Kathia Camargo, Guillermo Camargo. Row 2: Juan Cruz, Dionne Adamitis, Shehenaz Mohammed, Mahejabeen Maredia, Dilshad Velani, Linda Burks, Kate Majors, Bill Meitzen, Lynn Goodrich. Row 3: Matthew Achim, April Kitchens, Stanley Obgonda. Not pictured: Meghan Janele.

Literacy Council Schedules July Tutor Training Dates Tutor training dates for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County have been scheduled for Monday, July 12 from 6:00-9:00pm, Wednesday, July 14 from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday, July 17 from 9:00am - 4:00pm. All training takes place at the Literacy Center, located at 12530 Emily Court in Sugar Land.

LCFBC volunteer tutors teach adult basic literacy and/or English as a Second Language (ESL). Students will benefit from the individualized attention while tutors will enjoy the rewards of helping improve adult literacy.

Please volunteer and make an important difference in someone’s life. Literacy tutors do not need knowledge of any foreign language, nor do they need formal teaching experience. The most important requirement is that volunteers be committed to helping adults change their lives by improving their ability to read, comprehend and speak the English language.

Tutor training workshops are held every other month and attendance at all scheduled days of training is required in order to become a certified tutor. For more information about LCFBC or to register for the July tutor training workshop, please call 281240-8181 or visit the website at www. ftbendliteracy.org We are changing lives through literacy!

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July 2010

Community Calendar

Pictured above is Ricci Lambert Kelley, the Assistant Sugar Land Methodist MOPS Coordinator for 2010-2011, with her children Luke, Grant and Laurel.

1st – 15th SUGAR LAND METHODIST MOPS REGISTRATION MOPS is an international organization that recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are critical in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs, both for mother and child. The Sugar Land Methodist MOPS meets two Fridays a month from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the SLFUMC located at 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas, during the academic year. If you are pregnant or are the mother of a child aged newborn through Kindergarten, enjoy making new friends and participating in adult conversations, want to share the joys and challenges of motherhood with others, like to occasionally get out of the house and eat a delicious breakfast and would love to do all of these things while your children are under the care of loving, responsible adults, then Sugar Land Methodist MOPS is right for you! Please join this fall in rediscovering your identity as a person, not just as Mommy. Childcare space is on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.

Sugar Land Methodist MOPS is accepting registration from June 1 to July 15, 2010 for their 2010-2011 academic year. Registration forms and instructions can be found at www. sugarlandmethodist.org/mops.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Events, schedules and information may change without notice. Please refer to the event’s contact person or check the event’s website for more information.

1st – 31st SATURDAYS, 1 – 3PM BIRD SCULPTURES BY BOB PACK AT THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE AT SUGAR LAND Meet local sculptor Bob Pack at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land on Saturdays from 1 to 3pm. Bob Pack of Sugar Land is an avid birder and sculptor who uses bronze to bring these birds to life. View statues of twelve species of birds, hear their calls and learn of the challenging but rewarding process of casting bronze. The sculptures by Bob Pack will be on display from May 28 through September 6, 2010 at the museum, located at 13016 University Boulevard. For additional information, contact bob@bobpack. com or visit these websites: www. bobpack.com/ and www.hmns.org/ exhibits/special_exhibits/bob_pack. asp

6th – 22nd DISNEY’S 101 DALMATIANS AT THE FORT BEND THEATER Come see this enchanting family adventure in Award-Winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 am and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm at 2815 N. Main St. in Stafford. Watch Pongo and Perdita and the rest of the Dalmatians escape the clutches of the evil Cruella De Vil and learn the true value of family.

Tickets are available online one month before the show on the FBT website fortbendtheater.com and are $8. For more information, please call us at 281-208-3333.

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1st – 31st SUNDAY, 5 – 10PM MUSICAL THEATER CAMP AT FORT BEND THEATER Cool off with us this summer at Fort Bend Theatre’s summer musical theatre camps for ages 5 - 18! Campers will learn acting, singing and dancing and will perform for friends and family on the final day of class. Each June and July, camp runs Monday-Friday from 1:00 5:00 pm and August camps run MondayFriday 8:30am – 12:30pm or 1:30 – 5:30 pm, with a different show and age group each week. Camps this year include High School Musical 2, Annie, Wicked, Oliver! and Cinderella. The total cost of the camp is $200, which includes a nonrefundable deposit of $50 to hold your child’s place. Camp size is limited and spaces fill quickly. For more information and reservations, call 281-208-3333 or visit www.fortbendtheater.com.

4th SUNDAY, 5:45 – 8:30AM FREEDOM 5K RUN/WALK BENEFITTING FORT BEND CORPS Presented by the First Colony Community Association, the Freedom 5K Run/Walk and Family/Youth Walk will benefit Fort Bend Corps. Participants have the option to run a chip-timed 5K race or walk a 1.5-mile non-competitive course at Sugar Land’s Lost Creek Park.

Entry for the 5K prior to June 25th is $20. Participants may sign up for the Family/Youth Walk for only $10 until July 3rd. Registration will be open until the start of the race. For more information, including a complete list of sponsors, registration fees and to register for the race, visit www. firstcolony.org or call 281-634-9555.

July 4th Celebrate Independence Day!

8th THURSDAY, 7 – 9PM FORT BEND MASTER GARDENERS PRESENTS “INSECTS - THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY” The Fort Bend Master Gardeners sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service will present “Insects – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!” as the July program in the Green Thumb Series on Thursday evening, July 8, 2010. Learn to identify and understand the vast amount of beneficial insects in our gardens. The seminar will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Cinco Ranch at the “Lake House”; 25202 Springwood Lake Drive, Katy, TX 77494. The seminar is free to all, no pre-registration required. Anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For directions, call 281-394-7195 ext. 7001.

For additional information., call 281341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

10th SATURDAY, 9 – 11AM A DAY WITH THE MASTER GARDENERS Visit our 4 acres of Demonstration Gardens and talk to the volunteers who design and maintain them. It’s a great way to learn! Park in front of the Agriculture Center located at 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg, 77471. Take one of the sidewalks back to the area behind the building to find the Master Gardeners.

Gardens are open from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

For more information, call 281-3417068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

15th THURSDAY, 7 – 8PM FORT BEND MASTER GARDENERS PRESENTS “PROTECTING YOUR TREES” Join the Fort Bend Master Gardeners sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service to hear Mickey Merritt from the Texas Forest Service. He is in charge of forest resource development and sustainable forestry. He will speak on “Protecting Your Trees.” The program is from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will be held at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg, 77471. The program is free to all. No reservation required. Anyone with an

interest in gardening is encouraged to attend. For information, call 281-3417068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

24th SATURDAY, 6:30 – 9PM THE 10TH ANNUAL VINTNER’S CELEBRATION AND WINE TASTING EVENT Held at the original Wessendorf Home on Long Acres in Richmond, this event will spotlight several wines, paired with a delicious variety of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and feature a new “beertasting” station for those who enjoy the art of beer-making. All proceeds from the Vintner’s Celebration and Wine Tasting benefit the educational and preservation efforts of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, a nonprofit organization. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information, visit www.fortbendmuseum.org or find us on Facebook to receive real-time updates as they become available.

You can also call us at (281) 342-1256 for more information.

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE EVENTS www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281-313-SLTS Friday, July 2 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Radio Disney’s Starstruck Celebration Saturday, July 3 7 - 9 p.m.

Concert in the Plaza Thursday, July 8 7 - 9 p.m.

Jazz in the Plaza Friday, July 9 7 - 9 p.m.

Concert in the Plaza Saturday, July 10 7 - 9 p.m.

Sugar Land Superstar, Round 2 Friday, July 16 7 - 9 p.m.

Concert in the Plaza Saturday, July 17 9 - 11 p.m.

Minute Maid Presents Movies Under the Moon Friday, July 23 7 - 9 p.m.

Concert in the Plaza

30th FRIDAY, 7:30 - 9PM DANCING UNDER THE STARS PRESENTED BY FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO Make it a date night and learn to dance in the Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square.

Enjoy free Swing, Hustle & Jive lessons

by Professional Instructors from Fred Astaire Dance Studio, newly opened in Town Square. For more information, visit the Sugar Land Town Square website: www.sugarlandtownsquare. com or call 281-313-SLTS

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Thursday, July 29 7 - 9 p.m.

Jazz in the Plaza Friday, July 30 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Dancing Under the Stars Presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio Saturday, July 31 7 - 9 p.m.

Concert in the Plaza

Fort Bend CORPS and Dulles PALS donate home to local family

T

he Fort Bend CORPS and Dulles High School PALS officially handed over the keys to Obdulia Estrada & family at a dedication ceremony held on May 23, 2010. Several family, friends, co-workers and PALS were on hand for the dedication. The 910 square foot, 3- bed room, 1- bath cottage home built to “green standards” was debuted to the awaiting audience who chanted “Move That School Bus”, where the beautiful cottage home was awaiting the family.

The home was dedicated in honor of former Sugar Land Mayor Lee Duggan. Mayor Duggan and wife Peggy spoke to the audience and thanked Obdulia & Family for allowing them to take part in giving back to the community. Peggy reflected on a sermon that was given in church earlier that morning. In her reflection, she emphasized how the work of Fort Bend CORPS & Dullles H.S. PALS was so influential on the project.

PALS Coordinator and teacher, Ms. Kay Slack-Beard addressed the audience and thanked the many people who donated to this project. PALS 2009 raised the money for the project, and PALS 2010 volunteered their time to build the home.

Fort Bend CORPS Executive Director, Ron Castillo, was also on hand to thank the donors and contractors for completing this home project in 30 days. “Not only did we build a home for such a deserving lady, we built a friendship with her family and the surrounding families,” commented Castillo.

Homeowner Obdulia Estrada, a 25 year employee of the Fort Bend ISD school district and recipient of the home, addressed the audience and thanked everyone for this dream come true. As tears of joy rolled down her face, she was accompanied by her husband, children and grandchildren. “I never thought this day would ever come. May God bless each and every one of you,” Obdulia said.

The Fort Bend CORPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides free home repair assistance to the elderly, disabled and low-income residents of Fort Bend County.

For more information on partnering with the CORPS on projects such as the above, contact Fort Bend CORPS Executive Director Ron Castillo at 281-313-2677 or visit www.fbcorps.org.

fort bend

From left to right Rudy & Rick Castillo with RGC Contractors, they contracted the project at no cost.

To the right of the photo is Ron Castillo, Executive Director for the Fort Bend CORPS. magazine • July 2010

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Continued from page 39

Fort Bend Museum’s Summer History Programs Summer’s on the horizon and it’s time to sign up for an exciting week of history at the Fort Bend Museum. Children can experience Texas history for themselves by exploring subjects such as Archeology, Frontier Survival, At Home in 1860 and At Home in 1890. The programs are offered during two weeks this summer: July 13 – 16 and August 10 – 13.

All programs will take place in the morning (from 9 a.m. to noon) and afternoon (from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) on alternate days.

Sessions are suitable for children ages 8 through 12, but younger children may participate with parent supervision.

Each session is limited to 20 children, so be sure and call to reserve your spot!

The Archeology program gives an introduction to archeology and Native Americans. Children will also learn how to identify and dig up artifacts.

During the Frontier Survival program, children will print and sign a land grant with a quill pen, learn the basics of building a cabin, play games of the time period and make a snack.

At Home in 1860 includes a dress-up session, a tour of the Long-Smith Cottage and lessons in carding cotton and other chores.

At Home in 1890 includes a tour of the historic Moore Home, school work examples and Victorian games and dance.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Claire Rogers at (281) 342-6478 or e-mail her at educator@ fortbendmuseum.org. You can also view more information or download the signup form online at www.fortbendmuseum. org/education/summer-programs/.

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281.856.5300 • FCCU.org *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 2.99% for first 6 month introductory period for new cardholders only. Certain credit criteria applies. Actual rate will be determined by creditworthiness and will not exceed 17.99% APR. Rates and terms are subject to change. Minimum payment is $18 or 3%, whichever is greater. Minimum $5 savings account to establish membership is required. FCCU is open to residents in Harris County, Fort Bend County and Tomball.

Kumara S. Peddamatham, M.D. Nitesh Vachhani, M.D. Stacy Meuth, N.P-C Diplomate of American Board of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology

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281 342-9530

Methodist Prof. Bldg 3 16605 S.W. Frwy, Ste 435 • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Doctor’s Center 4911 Sandhill Dr. • Sugar Land, TX 77479

Continued on page 45 www.fortbend

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Are you ready?

It’s that season again

Get hurricane updates at www.fbcoem.org.

I

t’s the time of year again when you should keep your gas tanks full, your pantry well stocked and your bottled water fresh; June 1st marked the beginning of Hurricane Season on the Gulf Coast.

Family Disaster Plans are for everybody, and Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urges all citizens to “Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Stay Informed.” More information about plans can be found at http://plan.fbcoem.org/.

Because staying informed is such an important part of being prepared, Fort Bend County OEM has added some great new tools to their electronic toolbox to ensure that citizens’ stay informed this season.

Following Hurricane Ike, OEM launched a new website, http://www. fbcoem.org. This new website is full of information to help you be prepared in the event of a hurricane. In addition, the new website explains an emergency notification system called “FBC Alert.”

Citizens can register at http:// alerts.fbcoem.org to receive emergency information from Fort Bend County OEM. If a hurricane forecast includes Fort Bend County, OEM will send an email to all registered residents with a storm warning as well as updates if the threat changes. If an impact is imminent, you can receive Text (SMS) Messages and/or Text-to-Voice calls for up to three registered phone numbers.

While the first and best source of information will always be the official OEM Website, another new tool OEM is utilizing is Social Media. The Twitter feed for OEM is found at http:// www.twitter.com/fbcoem/ and is updated frequently with severe weather updates, preparedness tips and Fort Bend County OEM News.

The Facebook page is located at fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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http://www.facebook.com/fbcoem and has more general information like office hours, pictures of CERT graduations and links to articles on the website and blog. OEM’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/ fbcoem has videos about various preparedness topics and links to great videos from other agencies as well.

Fort Bend County OEM urges citizens who use these services to Follow, Like or Subscribe to our accounts now while things are quiet. Remember to bookmark the website and share these resources with family and friends.

If you have any questions about Fort Bend County OEM, or preparing for Hurricanes and other threats, please contact our office at http://contact.fbcoem.org or by calling 281-3426185. H

Continued from page 43

• SlimLipo • Laser Hair Removal • Laser Vein Treatments • Photo Facial Treatments • Botox & Dysport • Dermal Fillers • Customized Acne & Anti-Aging Treatments Alyssa Sandersen

Local student awarded Research Fellowship

• Men’s Skin Concerns • Skin Tag Removal • Chemical Peels

Shana Na Burgess, Aesthetician

• Epiderm Leveling Alyssa Sandersen, has been awarded the Erwin E. Smith Foundation Research Fellowship in Texas History.

Erwin Smith (1886-1947) of Honey Grove and Bonham is known as “the Cowboy Photographer” for his work in capturing the disappearing way of life of the American cowboy at the end of the era of the great trail drives. A major portion of his work was bequeathed to the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth including the portion on loan to the Library of Congress.

Her research into elements of Texas History will be conducted under the direction of Dr. Light T Cummins, current Texas State Historian and Professor of History at Austin College in Sherman. Austin College, a liberal arts school featured in Colleges that Change Lives, was founded in 1849 with the blessing of Stephen F. Austin’s sister, Emily. Sam Houston served on the College’s original governing board. Alyssa is a senior focusing on history and pre law. She is a resident of Missouri City and a graduate of Dulles High School in Sugar Land.

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The Address for Exclusive Eyewear

Dr. George N. Zaibaq & Associates Therapeutic Optometrists and Optometric Glaucoma Specialists

281-265-2000 www.Eyetrendstownsquare.com

16200 City Walk Sugar Land, Texas 77479 We accept most medical & vision insurances

Continued on page 46 www.fortbend

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L & M Trading, Co.

Continued from page 45

Costume Jewelr y & Fashi o n H a n d b a g s

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Bring This Coupon And We Will Take

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6302 Hwy 6 South, Ste. M Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-0936

Mon-Sat 10am - 7pm • Sun: Closed

3291 E. Broadway St. Pearland, TX 77581 281-485-4552

• Costume Jewelry • Handbags • Wedding Accessories • Hats, Silicon Bras • Trendy Accessories • And Much Much More!

Mon-Sat 10am - 7pm • Sun: Closed

www.lmtradingtx.com

Why Drive To Harwin or Pay More At Other Stores?

Retail/Wholesales Welcome (Tax I.D. Required)

LIPO BC™tablets One-On-One Service

• Accredited Ideal Protein health professionals • Support and weekly follow-up with a physician • Measurement and weight checks • Nutrition education: Learn about the good food combinations that will help you keep the pounds off

Celebrating the Life: Lance Corporal Garrett GambleTree Planting Ceremony

Safe and Effective Weight Loss

• Nutritional elements for proper utilization of dietary fats • Lipotropic nutrients for a healthy liver • Increase metabolism & reduce body fat

/ Botox™ & Fillers hCG Diet Bio-Identical Hormones Sugar Land Medical & Aesthetics Call 281-277-3300 for appointment Cell: 281-901-2079 or 713-202-3097

3519B TOWN CENTER BLVD., SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 www.SugarLandMedicalAndAestheticsPA.com fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble, 20, who has relatives in New Territory, died March 11, 2010 supporting combat missions in Helmland province in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense. He was a 2008 graduate of Austin High School who joined the Marines in June 2008. He was amongst the first graduating class from Sartartia Middle School. So, the students, faculty and staff wanted to celebrate his life. On May 17, 2010, the Sartartia Middle School Junior Historians planned a tree planting ceremony in his honor. Trees have traditionally been planted in many cultures in honor of an accomplishment or an important rite of passage. This tradition is also appropriate for honoring the life of a loved one at the loved one’s passing. The Junior Historians decided to plant an oak tree in Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble’s honor since the oak tree is the mightiest of trees and symbolizes strength and courage. The oak tree was regarded by Socrates as an oracle tree. In addition, it is believed the leaves of the oak tree had the power to heal and renew strength.

The tribute and plaque dedication was

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The SMS Junior Historians, Mr. Carl Peters, the Assistant Principal at SMS, Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble’s family, Mr. Nathan Cook from Congressman Olson’s office, Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson, and Mr. Troy Nehls.

done by the Mayor of Sugar Land, the Honorable James A. Thompson. During the ceremony, the colors were presented by the Austin High School ROTC, the SMS Band played “The Lowlands of Scotland”, the SMS Choir sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and Kevin Zhang played Amazing Grace. The Junior Historian recited “Ode to a Marine”. Mrs. Jill Wolosonovich, the sponsor of the Junior Historians, said about the event, “The purpose of the Junior Historian Club is to experience history by doing history.

The club members felt there is no greater sacrifice than to give your life for your country. For this reason, they wanted the memory of Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble to go down in history. They wanted to have a memorial on the school grounds, which would remind the students that freedom isn’t free. They also wanted to recognize and pay tribute to Garrett and the Gamble family for their contribution to the history of our country. The Sartartia Junior Historians were honored to host this event.” The ceremony ended with TAPS being played.

281-980-1733 All Major Credit Cards Accepted

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Continued on page 57 www.fortbend

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Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend The Walden School Keeping pace with Sugar Land’s young families The Walden School is a dynamic NAEYC accredited school providing high quality programs and care for infants through private kindergarten.

Walden also provides a low teacher to student ratio in its’ private first grade, and stimulating before and after school care for children through age 12. Register now for Summer Camp, or Fall 2010!

Summer campers remain busy with themed weekly activities highlighted with enlightening and adventurous field trips, sports (swimming, gymnastics, and taekwondo), visiting guest entertainers, multicultural activities, art and crafts, reading and math enrichment, computers, games, nature explorations and many more fun activities.

Fall enrollment is underway.

Walden families look forward to

participation in programs like soccer and t-ball leagues, gymnastics, tap and ballet classes and community service projects. Low teacher to student ratios, long serving tenured staff, and well-defined programs help keep Walden a nurturing and child friendly environment.

You can visit The Walden School Monday through Friday anytime, and meet the director along with his experienced staff. Several programs are available to fit your family’s individual needs. The Walden School’s website is www.thewaldenschool. com. There, you can connect with NAEYC’s website and find out more about accreditation, read monthly newsletters and get news about what is happening on campus.

Call 281-980-0022, visit www. thewaldenschool.com

The Walden School You have high expectations... and so do we.

• Infants through Pre-Kindergarten • Private Kindergarten through 1st Grade Transportation to Area Schools Kindergarten through Age 13

Visit us online or call about Fall Registration, Enrichment Programs and Summer Camp

www.rightchoiceforkids.org

16103-A Lexington Blvd. (behind First Colony Mall) • 6:15am - 6:45pm

281-980-0022 • www.thewaldenschool.com

Advertorial

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Kids R Kids Choosing a pre-school for your children is without a doubt one of the most important decisions a family can make. Parents should explore all of the available options and take time to find out what makes each facility unique.

We are proud to share our love for teaching and give you a schoolwide tour of what we have to offer. Our experienced teachers and staff share a united focus on early childhood education in a stimulating learning environment.

Come experience our new and improved educational curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities.

Our newly-implemented CITA Accredited Curriculum distributed

by Kids R Kids International Curriculum Department emphasizes a more challenging approach to early childhood development and education.

We know choosing the right preschool is a decision you want to be sure about. We maintain low child/teacher ratios, colorful, kidfriendly classrooms and safe age appropriate playgrounds!

Our internet classroom cameras allow you to view your child and watch their development from a secure internet connection. We know you will be very satisfied with your experience here, and we are confident you will want your friends and family to have the same experience! Stop in and tour any of our facilities to find out why Kids R Kids is right for your family. H

Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend

New Territory 8202 Homeward Way (281) 494-5437

Waterside Estates/Pecan Grove 2000 Waterside Estates (832) 451-1111

Sugar Land 246 Fluor Daniel Drive (281) 240-5437

Stafford 12475 Sugar Dale Drive (281) 240-1111

Woodbridge 11118 Highway 6 South (281) 575-0011

Sienna Plantation 4401 Sienna Circle (281) 778-3600

Greatwood/Canyon Gate 1250 Crabb River Road (281) 343-5437

Across from Fort Bend YMCA 2850 Colonial Lakes Drive (281) 261-6442

Twin Oaks 17317 Bellaire Boulevard (281) 491-4090

Kids R Kids #1 21955 Westheimer Parkway (281) 828-2273

www.KidsRKids .com

EXTENDED HOURS FROM 6:00AM – 6:30PM With Bus Drop Off and Pick Up at Local Schools www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

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Advertorial

Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend Southminster School At Southminster School a child is cared for and nurtured in mind, spirit and body.

Founded in 1990, Southminster School serves children from eighteen months through fifth grade. The exceptional and certified teaching staff, low student/teacher ratio, Christian environment and multi-sensory approach promote a challenging curriculum which exemplifies excellence. Spanish, music, computers, library time, physical education and chapel complement the elementary curriculum.

Fully accredited by SACS-CASI, Southminster School maintains the highest quality education while promoting and utilizing individual learning styles. The preschool program uses developmentally appro-

YMCA

priate activities in a nurturing environment to engage and educate young students. The individual attention afforded by the small elementary and preschool classes permits teachers to be responsive to different learning styles and create challenges beyond the average classroom experience.

The skills and attitudes taught at Southminster School develop educated thinkers and strong leaders willing to make a difference in their world. Learning is a lifelong journey and the voyage begins here.

Located at 4200 Cartwright Road at Brightwater, Missouri City; For more information see www.southminsterschool.org or call 281-2618872 to arrange a tour. H

earning is a lifelong journey... the voyage begins here!

• Elementary • Bridging • Preschool • Accredited by SACS CASI • Loving, Christian Environment • Music Program - Vocal and Instrumental • Extracurricular Activities • Extended Care Programs

Southminster School

4200 Cartwright Road Missouri City, TX 77459 281-261-8872 www.SouthminsterSchool.org Advertorial

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Back to School is just around the corner and the YMCA offers convenient Before and After School Care at Stafford MSD and After School care at the referenced LCISD schools. YMCA Facility Members receive discounted rates at these conveniently located child care sites. Teachers receive a 10% discount at LCISD sites and local area school district employees receive a 10% discount at Stafford with proof of employment.

Stafford Elementary (Ages 3 – 12) T. Pink Elementary Stephen F Austin Elementary Seguin Elementary (bussed to Pink) Beasley Elementary Smith Elementary Huggins Elementary William Velasquez School Jane Long Elementary Trained, caring counselors care for your child in a wholesome and safe environment where each child can develop to his or her full potential. We emphasize the YMCA five Core Values of respect, responsibility, caring, honesty and faith. This program provides homework time and many fun activities including arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, C.A.T.C.H. program (for physical fitness and nutrition), activity centers, snack time and more!

The program operates each day that school is in session. Before School Site Hours: 6:30am until school begins each day. After School Site Hours: from time of school dismissal until 6:30pm Fort Bend Family YMCA, 4433 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, TX 77459. Call 281-499-9622.

TW Davis YMCA, 911 Thompson Highway, Richmond, TX 77469. Call 281-341-0791.

Check out our virtual tour at www.ymcahouston.org. Facility and Program Members with a Login and Pin, may register online at www. registerymca.org H

Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend

Imagine...

Fort Bend Baptist Academy Challenging, college prep academics, competitive award winning sports programs, varied fine arts opportunities . . . you are invited to tour the elementary, middle, and/ or high school campuses and learn about Fort Bend Baptist Academy’s outstanding programs for Grades PK-12. For more information, visit www.fbba.org, or contact the Admissions Office at 281-263-9142, admissions@fbba.org, 1250 Seventh Street, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Fort Bend Baptist Academy is celebrating 24 years of glorifying God through excellence in Christian education. Located on a 35-acre campus in Sugar Land, the school numbers almost 850 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students.

Designed to provide a spiritual and intellectual environment for each student, FBBA utilizes teaching materials that incorporate nondenominational spiritual truths. A variety of Christian curricula are used at the elementary grades to provide a well-balanced educational program. Middle school and high school students receive an academically challenging, college preparatory education. A recent analysis of standardized achievement test results shows that FBBA ranks in the top 10 percent nationally for reading and math scores at every grade level.

Also offered is a competitive, award winning sports program for middle and high school students (TAPPS 4A State Softball Champs 2010, 2009, 2007), varied fine arts productions and programs (State Runner-Up in TAPPS 4A Art Competition), academic competitions, high school interim week travel and special classes, summer elementary programs, and secondary summer school offerings.

Call 281-263-9142 to schedule a tour and learn more about Fort Bend Baptist Academy! H

a foundation for the future 2009-2010 built on a rock-solid college School starts August 17 preparatory education.

Grades ApplyPre-K–12 now for

281-263-9142 • www.fbba.org 1250 Seventh Street, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Your local YMCA offers lots of programs to keep your child or teen engaged as well as Cool Days events throughout the summer for FREE Family Fun!

YOUR COOLEST SUMMER IS AT THE YMCA! ENJOY FREE WITH YOUR FACILITY MEMBERSHIP:

FACILITY MEMBERS RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNTS ON PROGRAMS!

• Wellness Center • Year-round Heated Pool • 3 Gyms and Climbing Wall • Kids in Motion and Teen Boot Camp • 85 Group Fitness Classes including Zumba®, Body Combat™ and Body Step™ • Fitness Orientation and Older Youth Strength Training • Childwatch for ages 6 wks to 12 yrs • Reduced fee on Personal Training Sessions

Visit our website for more information “and to view our Virtual Tour” at www.ymcahouston.org or register online at www.registerymca.org

Fort Bend Family YMCA 4433 Cartwright Rd Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-9622

• Youth/Teen Full Day Camp (6-15 yrs) • Pre-school Fit & Fun (3-5 yrs) • Junior Camp (5 yrs) • Sports Camps/Clinics • T-Ball • Baseball • Soccer Get a Jump • Basketball • Volleyball on the • Art Camp ho Sc ol Year...

• Dance Camp Register for • Cheer Camp • Tumbling After School • Tennis Camp NOW! • Outdoor Camp • Musical Theatre Camp • Swim Lessons • Swim Team • Track and much more!

T.W. Davis Family YMCA 911 Thompson Hwy Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-0791

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA strives to turn no one away due to inability to pay. www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

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Advertorial

Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend “School should foster academic excellence, encourage intellectual curiosity, maturity and expand young minds” Written By Barbara Irving: IPS Parent The International Preparatory School represents a natural and exciting extension of our community in its cultural diversity. Upon entering the school you feel the excitement, see genuinely engaged students and recognize that the students are truly developing their intellectual curiosities.

The faculty reflects an extraordinary combination of scholarship, experience, achievement and most of all, concern for their students. They demonstrate their interest in each individual student, both in and out of the classroom. The faculty of the International Preparatory School prepares students in PreK-8th grade, in a rigorous program of academic excellence. Students from a myriad of cultural, religious and economic backgrounds come together for an active and varied curricular and extracurricular programming schedule.

Cornerstone Christian Academy

IPS students compete in the American Math League, American Math Competition and Sigma Math League under the instruction of Dr. Richard Chiu. IPS is also a member of the Private School Interscholastic Association. Students compete in a wide variety of academic areas such as Modern Oratory, Writing, Math, Art Memory and Drawing.

International Preparatory curriculum supports the development of appropriate leadership skills. Students in the Student Government Program are offered training in leadership and given practical opportunities to lead their peers as well as the opportunity to participate in community outreach.

IPS strives to form diverse, culturally aware and academically capable youngsters to be outstanding contributors to the future while emphasizing, Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others. H

INTERNATIONAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL www.InternationalPreparatorySchool.com

OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 16, 2010 6PM - 8PM

Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others Grades Pre K through 8th grade

Summer Expressions • 2010 Academic Program: Monday - Friday 9am - 12noon • PSIA Camp: Private Schools Interscholastic Association Available for registered students only • Extended Care Option: Monday - Friday 7am - 9am / 12noon - 6pm NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2010 - 2011 SCHOOL YEAR For Entrance Testing and Admission Information, please call: 281-208-1403 or visit us at 1717 Dulles Ave., Missouri City, TX 77459 • Fax 281-208-1426 Advertorial

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Cornerstone Christian Academy, located in the heart of Sugar Land, combines state-of-the-art curriculum with the love of Jesus and is one of the fastest-growing private schools in the area. Our mission is to equip students with skills for life and faith for eternity. As part of our vision, Cornerstone serves all facets of children – spiritual, educational, social and physical.

Cornerstone offers programs for 2-year-olds through students in the seventh grade. We meet the needs of families in our preschool community by offering two-day, three-day, four-day and five-day programs.

Our preschool program follows curricula based on the four facets in our vision - spiritual, educational, social and physical. Children attend music, P.E. and library as part of their weekly rotation.

Our elementary and middle schools focus on developing students’ individual talents and education while integrating Bible-based character traits and beliefs. Our elementary program includes library visits and art, Spanish, computers, music and P.E. classes.

Our middle school students rotate through classes and will choose electives to enhance their education. This fall, we are introducing a competitive sports program for our students and non-Cornerstone students as well. We teach community involvement by participating in service-based projects. Our teachers have years of experience and are active Christians. All of our students attend chapel daily and have Bible stories incorporated into their curriculum. We invite you to come see our facility located in First Colony Church of Christ.

We offer tours weekly. Visit us on the web at www.cornerstonecca.org for more information. H

Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend

DANCE STUDIO

L

earning Stages

A CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

At Learning Stages, we are able to offer a full day Kindergarten class that focuses on reading and math skills.

A full day program also permits a curriculum that includes science, social studies, health, art, Spanish and music.

Infants thru Kindergarten • Full day year round school with limited days closed.

• Learning Stages is designed to enhance the children’s social, emotional & intellectual development.

281-240-0480

12780 South Kirkwood Stafford, TX 77477

Visit and find out why Holy Rosary is the Good News in Education!

Summer Dance Session

School Closed: June 14 - August 10 Voice Mail and Email Checked Daily • Tours Available

June 29 - July 21 • Tues. & Wed. Call or see website for schedule

School Reopens: August 11

FALL REGISTRATION: July 6th - 20th • 3-7pm / Tues & Wed

School Begins: August 18

9:00am - 1:00pm

1408 James Street • Rosenberg, TX 77471

281-499-3921

281-342-5813 • www.holyrosary-school.org

3643 Glenn Lakes Ln., Highway 6 • Missouri City

Pre-K thru Kinder: A smooth transition from home to school while enjoying Academic Excellence!

Robinsdancestudio.com

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Advertorial

Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend When’s the Right Time for Children to Start School?

Many parents feel early enrollment in school is a good first step for kids’ academic careers. But some experts warn that too much, too soon may not be the way to lay the ground work of a successful academic career. Some believe that waiting until a child is age 6 for formal education provides the best opportunity for learning advantages.

According to a British study published in The Cambridge Primary Review in October 2008, the concensus was that formal schooling should be delayed until children reach 6. The findings offered that trying to teach literacy and math at a young age is counterproductive.

If children under 6 are in school programs, they should continue to learn through play-based initiatives.

An early start in school isn’t necessarily a good start. Children may show the maturity and the social readiness to attend school, but they may not have the capacity to grasp concepts outside of their play-based way of learning. Forcing information on a child who is not ready could set him or her up for aversion to school.

What’s more, there’s no evidence that early schooling produces a more educated child in the long run. Many countries in Europe start school later than Britain or

the United States. Finland, for example, begins formal training at age 7. When studied, children who started school at the age of 6 or 7 often overtook English pupils in tests of reading before the start of secondary education.

Parents who have little choice but to enroll children in daycare/ pre-school programs because they work should look for curriculums that feature the following:

• Emphasis on play-based learning, with more time geared to kids being kids than sitting behind a desk.

• Access to a computer, since so much of students’ lives involve computer literacy.

• Opportunities to go outside and play when weather permits.

• Interaction with books so parents can read with their children and spend time together.

• Limited focus on grades and performance. Does a 3-year-old child really need a report card?

• Activities that involve the family so Mom and Dad are participating in their child’s education.

• Small class sizes, optimizing the teacher-to-student ratio.

• A relaxed atmosphere with the time and space to explore physical and social environments.

Some children are naturally more advanced than others and may benefit from earlier, more structured schooling. However, the vast majority will do fine during their academic career if they begin formal education at age 6. That doesn’t mean that children can’t attend school at 5. The programs should just be be less structured and more play-based. H Reference: www.metrocreativeconnection.com

Now Registering for SUMMER GYMNASTICS, DANCE CLASSES & SUMMER DAY CAMP: Gymnastics, Ice Skating, Dance, Arts & Crafts, Obstacle Courses, Snacks , And More!

50% Discount

for Either a Sibling or a 2nd Class

20% Discount

for sibling attending Summer Day Camp

FREE REGISTRATION FEE FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS DURING SUMMER ($40 SAVINGS)

Gymnastics 281-240-0999

Dance Academy 281-565-5327

16215 LEXINGTON BLVD. (Behind First Colony Mall) • www.billaustinsgymnastics.com Advertorial

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Private Schools & After School Activities Around Fort Bend Primrose School of First Colony Primrose School of First Colony prepares Fort Bend’s young children for lifelong academic and social successes. This private, family-owned school and child care facility uses the Primrose Balanced Learning® curriculum to provide advanced academics with a nurturing atmosphere for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in its infant through preschool program and up to age 12 in its after-school program.

Children are given individualized attention to enhance their educational growth and progress. The school’s infant, toddler and preschool programs focus on guided activities that develop a child’s basic education fundamentals. Infants are taught to communicate using sign language and are engaged in interactive displays and playthings,

while preschoolers begin learning math and language concepts such as sorting, measuring and phonemic awareness.

Developing and maintaining a school with a safe, loving and nurturing environment is the fundamental goal of the owners, Matt and Tina Koenig. The Koenigs strive to make a difference in the world by educating young children. “We receive many compliments from parents about the wonderful experience their child has at Primrose School of First Colony due to our warm and loving atmosphere,” states Tina. “Our Balanced Learning® Program allows children to thrive and grow in their own distinct way.”

The Balanced Learning® Program has been accredited by two of

the most highly regarded accreditation associations in the United States, the CITA/SACS CASI & NCA-CASI. This program blends two of the most prevalent philosophies of teaching: learning that the child initiates and learning guided mainly by the teacher. In addition, Primrose School of First Colony is accredited by SACS. Each day at Primrose School of First Colony is scheduled to provide your child with the optimal balance of academics, character development and play.

To contact Primrose School of First Colony and learn about the Primrose School of First Colony difference, call 281-565-2707, visit the website www.primrosefirstcolony.com or visit the school at 4605 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479. H

Prmrs_60722_7.25 x 4.75 - Ad #369 - THIS AD CAN NOT BE EDITED

Engage minds and hearts will follow. alth, hool Plan (strict he Exclusive Safe Sc s) rd da y stan safety, and securit andards for Surpasses state st tios student-teacher ra mputer Technology

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Primrose School of First Colony 4605 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479

281.565.2707

www.primrosefirstcolony.com

Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2010 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

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.com • July 2010

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Advertorial

5/18/10 12:12 PM

Sugar Land’s first City Hall, 1960.

Sugar Land High School Football Team 1927-1928.

Happenings at the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation

Company houses along Oyster Creek, 1929.

T 1913 postcard of Sugar Land after a flood.

“The Household Economist” was the first of many recipe books published by the Imperial Sugar Company. The 1915 booklet includes a variety of old fashioned recipes, from Jellied Chicken to Lady Baltimore Cake. (Gift of Marjorie Rozelle)

he Sugar Land Heritage Foundation is gearing up for a very busy summer! Building renovations are under way at the Foundation’s temporary museum and headquarters in the old Imperial Sugar Company Engineering and Personnel Building located at 198 Kempner Street. This building will serve as the Foundation’s home until it moves into its permanent location in the 1925 Char House.

The Foundation’s collection of historical photographs, documents and artifacts is growing every day. Just recently, Marjorie Rozelle donated her husbands collection of Sugar Land memorabilia. Among these items in T.C., Rozelle’s is the very first recipe booklet published by Imperial Sugar in 1915. Entitled “The Household Economist,” it includes not only recipes, but cleaning tips and household budgeting guides based on an annual family income of $1200. The 48-page booklet also contains instructions on how to prepare homemade wrinkle cream, lip balm and toothpaste.

To date, the oldest artifact in the Foundation’s collection is a miniature bible from 1870 that belonged to the Littleberry A. Ellis Family. The bible was a gift from Roger Bollinger, a descendent of the Ellis Family who lives in Pennsylvania. fort bend

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Littleberry Ellis was born in 1827 and settled in the Sugar Land area after the Civil War. In 1868, he purchased 2,000 acres of land and established a sugar cane plantation called “Sartartia.” In partnership with Col. Edward H. Cunningham, a 600-ton raw sugar mill was erected on the property in 1883. Nearly two decades later, the sugar mill and surrounding plantation lands were purchased by I.H. Kempner and W.T. Eldridge, and it was there that the Imperial Sugar Company was born.

Hundreds of photographs have already been donated to the Foundation.

Among these photographs are a postcard depicting a flooded Sugar Land in 1913, a photo of the 15-member Sugar Land High School football team of 19271928, a view of company houses along Oyster Creek dated 1929 and a photo of Sugar Land’s first “City Hall” in 1960 (located in a former shoe shop).

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s mission is to research, collect, preserve and communicate the history, culture and values of the Sugar Land community. Please help preserve the rich and unique history of our city for future generations. Go to www.slheritage. org to donate items to the museum, to volunteer and to sign up to receive email news updates from the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation. H

Continued from page 47

Thomas P. Arnold, OD Melissa C. Moeller, OD and Associates Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists 15337 Southwest Frwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77478 Williams Trace @ Hwy 59

Preparing flyers to distribute are (L to R): Dena Jones, Cindy Anderson and Casey Davis. Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and submit to background screening. For more information or an application, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5171 or cdavis@cafb.org.

281-242-2020

www.2020sugarland.com

Frank Lee, OD Mary Ghoubrial, OD, and Uyen Tran, OD

Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists

Make a Difference This Summer: Child Advocates of Fort Bend Offers One Week Volunteer Training Are you looking for something meaningful to do this summer and interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Beginning August 2nd, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering a week-long training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. This is the first time the agency has offered the opportunity to complete the volunteer training class in a single week.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

8817 Hwy 6 Ste 100 Missouri City, TX 77459

Sienna Parkway @ Hwy 6

281-416-2010

www.todaysvision.com

SUGAR LAND

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VEIN SPECIALISTS

SUGAR LAND VEIN SPECIALISTS • The practice dedicated exclusively to the treatment of varicose veins • We dedicate 30 to 45 minutes during the first visit • Most insurance companies cover varicose vein treatment • Our goal is to make every patient feel comfortable and safe • You will always be taken care of by the same physician, no need to reintroduce yourself to the doctor on call • We are the vein clinic of choice in Fort Bend County

AFTER

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www.slveins.com FREE Vein Screening by Appointment.

4660 Sweetwater Blvd Suite 130 • Sugar Land, TX 77479 • 281-240-8400

Happy 4th of July!

Genesis Day Spa and Salon would like to show our customer appreciation on July 9th with a free hand polish change of your choice!

Continued on page 64

BEFORE

281-265-6001

16255 Kensington Dr. • www.spagenesis.com www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

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FORT BEND KIDS CHALKBOARD

Sponsored by:

The published photos came from Press Releases submitted to Fort Bend Focus by the schools/organizations of these children.

The Exchange Club of Fort Bend presented the Youth of the Year Award and scholarship to Eric Yu. Pictured to the right is Exchange Club member Kelly Orth with the recipient.

Students in grades first through eighth participated in the St. Laurence Spelling Bees. The winners of the third through fifth competition were Celeste Del Pilar (1st), Ryan Knowles (2nd) and Sara Mendiola (3rd).

The winners of the sixth through eighth grade competition were John Knowles (1st), Tyler Tumbleson (2nd) and Brenna Lavery (3rd).

Mrs. D’Oench’s 2nd Grade Class at Scanlan Oaks Elementary rounds out Career Week with a visitor from Fort Bend Focus.

Hightower High School Band Students, Kevin Vega, Steven Loredo, Chelsea Clark, Alyson Miranda and Trevion Henderson recently competed in the Houston Underground Saxophone Quartet Competition hosted by Crossbridge Church in Sugar Land where they won the “Audience Favorite” award.

The Sugar Land Girls Softball Association 10U division girls team, the Blast, went undefeated through the regular and postseason. The girls, led

by Head Coach Joseph Lesak, and assisted by David Kuffel, received trophies at the end of the season. fort bend

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Congratulations to David Belleza of Dulles Middle School for receiving the Most Improved Musician Award in the Symphonic Band.

The Girl Scouts of the Rainbow Stars Service Unit recently helped set-up the 10th Annual Tejas Triathlon event, which hosted approximately 800 triathletes in New Territory.

They helped by working water stations, cheering stations and refreshment stations.

On May 1st, First Colony Swim Team hosted the Mutual Omaha Breakout Clinic featuring Gold Medalists Josh Davis & Dana Vollmer. Forty local swimmers came out to meet the Olympians and learn more about their swimming.

The 8U Lamar Legends select baseball team earned second place in the First Colony Memorial Day Madness Tournament on May 30th.

Dancers from the Studio 03 Jazz 1 Class dance recital performed May 21st at the Stafford Centre & Performing Arts Theatre.

The Clements Stars Dance Team is proud to announce the 2010-2011 Stars Officer and Dance Officer Line. Pictured above are the Dance Line Officers Taylor Rainosek, Victoria Fortenberry, Christina Dillon, Harley Guel, and Anna Busier. Pictured right are the Social Line Officers Morgan Davis, Katherine Saunders; (2nd row) Michelle Shutter, Nasim Heydari, and Lauren Castiglioni.

The Lamar Little League AAA Indians 8U team won the Division Championship & the World Series Championship.

Pictured is the team after winning the World Series Championship on May 21st. Back row, L to R: Coaches Pat Varni, Doug Henderson, Dan Lovelace, John Araiza; Blake Perry, John Henderson, Jack Lovelace, Andrew Reid, Max Villarreal, Ricky Arredondo; Cole Varni, Michael Whigam, Will Dolan, JT Araiza, Harrison Keast, Lance Mclean.

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By Nick Nicholson

THE VIRGINIAN, MR JAMES DRURY An Interview

T

he Virginian was a western themed television show that ran from 1962 - 1971, though the name of the show was changed for the final season to The men from Shiloh. The program is significant as it has the third longest run of any western on television with nine seasons and 249 episodes (behind Bonanza and Gunsmoke). The Virginian was loosely based on a book by Owen Wister and concerned a ranch foreman who simply went by the name, The Virginian (his name was never revealed in the book, nor during the nine year television run). The Shiloh Ranch was located in Medicine Bow, Wyoming and focused on The Virginian’s work keeping everything in line on the Ranch. The Virginian was played

by James Drury and the show costarred Lee J. Cobb as Judge Garth and Roberta Shore as his daughter Betsy. The show also starred Doug McClure as Trampas and Gary Clarke as Steve Hill as the other ranch hands on the ponderosa. The digitally remastered first season of the show is now available in a collectible tin.

I recently had the opportunity to interview James Drury concerning the new release of The Virginian. One of the primary reasons the show was so successful was the energy of the main character. Some forty plus years later, I found James Drury to be just as energetic. “I am so pleased that Timeless Media is rolling out our show. The fact that our stories are being told again I believe will ring true for the kids. The kids are the key - they actually sit down and watch these shows and actually pay attention. That says a lot about what we did so many years ago,” Drury quipped.

While discussing the longevity of the show, I inquired what his thoughts were as to why the show has endured for so long. “First off, the show was 90 minutes long per episode. You had to have excellent writers in order for that to work. We had meaty characters with long story arcs and the guests stars were invaluable, too. Not to mention the show was

also shot entirely in color, which was very unusual for that time.” Drury went on to comment how the potential guest stars would have “climbed over broken glass at the opportunity to have a guest appearance. Guest stars on the show included Art Carney, Charles Bronson and Joan Collins - to name a mere few.”

Drury commented how the work schedule was tough because of the 90 minute format. “We spent a great deal more time preparing our show, which was actually 71 minutes and 30 seconds each (after you remove the commercials). It took us eight days to shoot an episode, which the studio ran every five days. Because of that schedule, we were often shooting anywhere from two to five different episodes at the same time. The cast were running all over from set to set doing two lines here and five lines there just to get everything in the can. Logistically, it was tough and very hectic,” lamented Drury. It wasn’t all work and no play, though, as James shared with me. One occasion, he decided to lighten the stress and tension of the cast and crew. “Everybody seemed a bit overly uptight at five AM call meetings. We were preparing to load a bus to ride out to the set, so I snuck out a bit early and took aim with a fire hose. As the cast moved across the street to load the bus, I let the water fly! Oh, they were a bit upset at first, but then the laughter started. We had a great time on the set - always.”

James Drury is an enigma. One that is a professional and cares about his craft. His show is a timeless piece of art that, for any television fan, is a must see. Many shows today lack the total package that embodied The Virginian. Get your copy today!

The Virginian Starring: James Drury & Lee Cobb Director: Multiple Company: Timeless Media Now Showing: Available for Purchase MPAA Rating: NR Grade: A

THE VIRGINIAN: Season One Timeless Media The Virginian aired in prime time from 19621971 and on May 25, fans of the show can thank the Timeless Media Group as they release the Complete Season One in a tin box collector’s edition featuring fully restored and remastered episodes of this groundbreaking, 90-minute color TV Western. The Show starred James Drury as “The Virginian,” as well as Lee J. Cobb, Roberta Shore and and Doug McClure in recurring starring roles. The show managed to last nine seasons, and for that you can credit three things: the serious adult drama, the rotating talented weekly guest stars and a core cast that viewers embraced. This 90 minute show was broadcast weekly and was a major hit throughout it’s run. Kudos to Timeless Media for putting out this classic show!

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star, Focus Magazine, Pearland Focus as well as Focus on Women. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization. fort bend

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Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s Diagnostic & Interventional Cardiac Catherization Lab and Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Bruce Ennis & Htut Win

HDR Architects, SSR Engineers, J.E. Duan

Daisy Yeung, Humberto A. Lara, Becky Gill, Pam Bourassa, Angela Green

Texas Feast at Sugar Land Town Center

Ron Castagno, Officer J. L. Voltek and Troy Nehls

Boy Scout troop 732 members Steven Gutzwiller, Naveen Jain, Nick Leeson, John Dikeman

Lexi Davis and Leslie Woods

Ted Nugent and Leslie Woods

MadHatter Luncheon

Patti Parish-Kaminski & Lisa Fredrickson

Jalene Palmer, Melissa Colihan, Paula Bays & Dana Dennis

Demarius McRae & Jim Brown

Tri-City Women’s Club Meeting

Tri-City Board Members

hCG Weight Loss Contest Kick Off Party

Dr. Shel and her staff with The Biggest Loser hCG Weight Loss Contest participants at the contest kick off party.

Pampered PETS Honoring the Lives of Our Special Friends: Paws Memorial Service

By Desiree Lonsway When your cherished pet passes, where should you turn? For residents in Sugar Land, Katy, RichmondRosenberg and SW Houston, the answer is Paws Memorial Service, located in the heart (and in the hearts!) of Fort Bend County.

It’s safe to say that today pets have become high-ranking members of our family. One only has to look around at all the new boutiques, products and gourmet foods catering to our special babies to know times have changed.

Now, this transformation reaches beyond life into the memorialization and remembrance of our cherished pets. “Quite simply, they are our family and we want the best for them in life . . . and in passing,” says Catherine (“Cay”) Dalrymple, owner and founder of Paws Memorial Service, a pet funeral home providing cremation services.

“Lucky was more than our pet; he was our baby, our family . . .

When he died, we wanted the best.

Our search led us to Paws Memorial Service . . . They made one of the saddest days of our life together a beautiful memory.”

But this memorialization process hasn’t always been available. Until recently, pet owners didn’t have many choices. “Pets weren’t always treated

with the same dignity in death as they had been in life. Our primary choice has been, Do you want ashes returned or not? I wanted to change that empty feeling of just walking out, wondering what happened and waiting for a box to be returned,” said Dalrymple. With a true passion that is undeniable the moment you meet her, Cay has provided pet owners a long overdue alternative in aftercare.

Since opening in September 2009, hundreds of families from all over the greater Houston area have turned to Paws Memorial for comfort and help in saying good-bye to their beloved pet.

And it’s no surprise. When you enter their driveway a sense of peace and relief envelops you. From the sympathy garden area set underneath 100-yearold twin oaks, to a private comfort and viewing room, the Center provides a safe haven to soothe a grieving soul.

“I created the place I wish had been there when I lost my baby,” explains Dalrymple, “an open door Center filled with all the compassion, respect and support possible for our final farewell.”

Finally, owners can participate in the process and no longer have to just leave their pets at vet clinics and wonder what will happen. Providing immediate service, Cay or another

member of her staff will meet the family at a veterinarian’s office and offer comfort and support throughout the process. They will stay there with the family and then take the pet directly to their Center in a lined basket or casket. “No route trucks from our facility,” says Dalrymple, “and, whenever we are contacted in time to prevent it, no garbage bags for the babies we take care of either.”

The best part is you can go too.

With open arms and hugs, they welcome people who want to stay with their beloved pet and create a special farewell. They provide private time for good-byes and allow participation.

“Often owners want to be part of the process and assist us in preparing pawprints and taking hair clippings. I have seen it bring so much peace and help with grief and closure.”

Offering everything from preplanning to remembrance services, Paws Memorial invites people to tour their Center. Focused on making a difference one pet family at a time, they are here truly “honoring the lives of our special friends.”

To find out more about Paws Memorial Service, visit www.

PawsMemorialService.com H

“Definitely a beautiful light in a dark time in people’s lives, the ladies at Paws Memorial Service provide ears to listen, shoulders to cry on and the finest pet aftercare services available.”

Leslie Ferdinand, Inside Rose-Rich

Conveniently located in the heart (and in the hearts!) of Fort Bend County

281.342.PAWS (7297)

Preplanning, Home & Veterinary Office Pickup • www.PawsMemorialService.com Advertorial

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Pampered PETS Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital

For 24 years, Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital has been providing compassionate and extraordinary veterinary and client care. The highly trained, 24-hour nursing staff makes sure your pets are never left alone. Routine appointments are available 7 days a week and should you need after hours emergency care, our doctors are available for our established clients to help with your pet’s needs. We understand our client’s busy schedules. Your pets can be dropped off for services at no additional charge and the veterinarian will discuss your pet’s care upon pick up at your convenience.

Tired of being referred to other hospitals or specialists for additional care? Whether your pets need routine, emergency or critical care, our hospital is able to provide continuity of care. Our specialists are trained in the areas of internal medicine, feline practice, animal behavior and acupuncture.

Lexington’s large boarding facility boosts a large backyard for walking dogs at no additional boarding charge. Our cat condos are located comfortably on our second floor separate from the canine area, where your cat rests in a calm, quiet area. Our trained staff frequently cares for geriatric

and special needs animals that require closer monitoring and doctor care while you are away.

At Lexington, our goal is to provide our clients and patients with state of the art, compassionate, affordable medical and surgical care. Come by for a tour and meet our staff!

Lexington Blvd Animal Hospital 2627 Cordes Dr Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-3737 www.lexingtonpethospital.com lbah@aol.com Jackie Abadia, Hospital Manager

H

Top Notch Veterinary Care 24-Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Located in First Colony, At Lexington Blvd Animal Hospital Your Pet’s Health Is Our Top Priority. � � � � � �

24-Hour Care for Our Established Clients Saturday & Sunday Appointments Board Certified Feline Specialist Board Certified Internist Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Call 281-980-3737 today

Lexington Boulevard

to schedule your pet’s next appointment.

Animal Hospital

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2627 Cordes Dr. • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm Saturday 8am-1pm • Sunday 12pm-4pm

www.lexingtonpethospital.com Our team of experienced veterinarians includes: Nick Schindler, DVM; Lore Haug, DVM, DACVB; Barbara Willhouse, DVM; Cheryl Stanley, DVM, ABVP; Dayna Baxter, DVM; Sandy Seamans, DVM; Steve Taylor, DVM, DACVIM www.fortbend

.com • July 2010

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Advertorial

Pampered PETS

Continued from page 57

Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists act as an extension of your local veterinarian to offer services not commonly available at your family vet. Board certified specialists in surgery, medical oncology, diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology consult with pet owners on a referral basis during routine business hours Monday through Friday. This state-of-the-art hospital includes 2 operating rooms, 2 intensive care units , 9 exam rooms, digital x-ray, color Doppler ultrasound, high speed CT scan, linear accelerator (radiation therapy), special I-131 feline hyperthyroid treatment room, chemotherapy treatment room, oxygen cages, in-house laboratory, a full pharmacy and much more.

Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists is proud to announce the addition of internal medicine to our current specialty services. Referrals for internal medicine will be available starting in August 2010.

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When your pet has a medical emergency, where do you go? In Sugar Land, Fort Bend County and Southwest Houston, the answer is Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists located on the south bound feeder of Hwy 59, between Williams Trace and Hwy 6.

Emergency services operate between 6PM and 8AM Monday through Thursday and on weekends from 6PM Friday through 8AM Monday. Three, full time, highly trained and experienced career emergency veterinarians examine and treat a wide variety of conditions.

At Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists, we understand the trusting relationship between people and their pets, and that this trust has been transferred to us, sometimes as an elective, sometimes as a stressful emergency. For more information, please visit our website: www.slvetspecialists.com or give us a call at 281491-7800.

Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists

did They really a good job!

Board Certified Specialists AR

Y

SPE

(By Referral) • • • • •

Diagnostic Imaging Internal Medicine Medical Oncology Radiation Therapy Surgery

Emergency and Critical Care • Open Nights • Weekends • Holidays 1515 Lake Pointe Parkway (Hwy 59 Southbound feeder before Whole Foods)

281-491-7800 • www.slvetspecialists.com Advertorial

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Sugar Land Inks Deal for Minor League Baseball Sugar Land City Council approved a historic agreement with Opening Day Partners, LLC to bring minor league baseball to Sugar Land.

ODP Chairman Peter Kirk and Partner Brooks Robinson, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and a member of MLB’s All Century Team who won 16 consecutive Gold Glove awards from19601975, traveled to Sugar Land for the historic agreement.

A Letter of Intent approved on May 18 outlines a public-private partnership to fund the construction of a professional minor league baseball stadium in Sugar Land. The LOI identifies ODP as the owner of an Atlantic League expansion team that is committed to play long term in Sugar Land with a 20-year lease and a renewal option for an additional 10 years.

Potential stadium sites are still being evaluated to ensure the greatest benefit for the community. One site that continues to be explored is at U.S. Highway 59 and University Boulevard where the City leases land from the University of Houston System at Sugar Land.

The facility – built to MLB’s Triple A standards with family oriented amenities – will be designed as a flexible multi-use facility supporting year-round community events, college and high school baseball tournaments, concerts and other uses.

The agreement outlines a process expected to result in Sugar Land’s new baseball team taking the field in April 2012.

“This is an historic day for our community,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

“Our partnership with Opening Day Partners is the product of years of community leadership and vision and gets us one step closer to our goal of establishing a destination activity center in Sugar Land. This project will energize our economy for years to come. The long-term economic benefits will not only benefit Sugar Land, but also the surrounding area.”

A Cost Benefit Analysis shows the project will provide an annual benefit to the community of $7.7 million or a return of $169 million over 30 years. The stadium has the potential of attracting more than

Beat The Heat

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Happy Hour 1 PM- 4 PM We will serve peach bellinis & hors d’ oeurves

FUN Sugar Land City Council approved an historic agreement with Opening Day Partners, LLC to bring minor league baseball to Sugar Land. Pictured (L-R) at the City Council meeting on May 19 are ODP President Jon Danos, ODP Vice Chairman Hugh Schindel, ODP Partner Brooks Robinson and ODP Chairman Peter Kirk.

300,000 annually, tourism that will also benefit hotels, restaurants and other retail establishments.

The $30 million stadium will be funded with a portion of sales tax revenues that may only be used for economic development purposes; hotel occupancy taxes; venue-specific taxes, including ticket and parking revenues; and $5 million from ODP. Voters approved the funding tools during a special election on Nov. 4, 2008.

ODP will contribute another $5 million for team franchise and startup costs.

A “name-the-team” contest will be announced soon with the winner to be awarded lifetime season tickets, according to Jon Danos, ODP’s president.

ODP has a strong background in minor league baseball with more than 27 years of experience in developing multi-use ballparks and successfully owning and/or operating minor league teams of all classifications.

ODP -- a community-focused operator that emphasizes year-round community events and activities at their stadiums -has designed, constructed and operated 14 such ballparks since 1982. They have owned and operated their own minor league teams, operated teams for others, assisted in the sale and purchase of teams and advised and consulted with communities, U.S. Olympic committees, MLB and others throughout the world.

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The Andreason Law Firm Now you don’t have to drive to Houston for experienced Estate Planning.

Kurt M. Andreason, Attorney-at-Law Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate.

4840 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite B (at rear), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-1561 www.andreasonlawfirm.com

25 years experience in Texas

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FORT BEND

Focus CareS From Stalled to Full Speed Ahead

I

of her own faith, Barbara n the late nineties, attended Group Guide Charles and Barbara training and eventually Burris relocated to Fort guided several groups at Bend County, where their Parkway. search for a new church home Barbara and Charles brought them to Parkway also began to volunteer United Methodist Church. with AL, printing the Here their faith came alive training manuals. in unexpected and refreshing Together, they printed ways. and bound approximately Charles and Barbara, both 800 sets of training retired, became involved in an materials (over 62,000 African mission, even serving (L-R) Mike Johnson (Group Guide), Kevin Johnson, Nan Masterson, printed pages!). Although three years on its board.

Charles Burris, Barbara Burris and Colleen Spencer.

Ascending Leaders Rewarding as this involvement has grown to the level where it can now afford to engage a was, they felt spiritually stalled, as though a better fit for their professional printer, the ministry is hard-pressed to adequately talents and energies was waiting just around the corner. express its appreciation for the Burris’s contributions.

About that time, Barbara became intrigued by an invitation Executive Director Mike Johnson says, “Barbara and extended by a new ministry, Ascending Leaders, to attend a Charles have provided an essential behind-the-scenes service.

Charting Your Course weekend at Parkway UMC. Charting They played a key role in helping people discover their unique Your Course opened Barbara’s eyes to the fact that God had mission in life, and training individuals in effective smalluniquely designed her, cherishes her deeply, and wants her group facilitation for life-long life-transformation. No one can to grow closer to Him. Barbara and Charles became avid underestimate their faith in this fledgling organization. They students, participating in the small groups that beta-tested commit themselves to helping us reach others.” most of AL’s materials, a small-group curriculum effective in Go to www.ascendingleaders.org for more information creating permanent life-transformation. Barbara found the about volunteering with Ascending Leaders. For information Scripturally-rooted, practical, relational, user-friendly studies about other volunteer opportunities in Fort Bend visit were just what she needed to jump start her spiritual journey. www.VolunteerFortBend.org or call 281-340-1919. H Energized by new insights into the character and dimensions

Doesn’t your smile deserve a specialist’s care?

Replacing missing, discolored teeth!

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People seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care.

As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to before after offer service in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such Actual Patients as: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, complete and removable partial dentures, replacing lost or loose teeth, jaw joint CROWNS, IMPLANTS, COSMETIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY problems (TMD), traumatic injuries, BOARD CERTIFIED PROSTHODONTIST snoring and sleep disorders, oral cancer reconstruction and 15958 CITY WALK, SUITE 230 • SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 continuing care.

E-mail: srimes@comcast.net

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281-313-1565

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Continued from page 65

ALL-AFFORDABLE TERMITE & PEST CONTROL TPCL #9888

all-affordable.com SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY FOR 16 YEARS At the presentation of a check for $20,000 to the Morgan Welch Inammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic: Dr. Vicente Valero, Melinda Kilpatrick, Carol Petrusek, Judy Jackson and Dr. Thomas Buchholz.

281-344-0000

Zeta Tau Alpha Hosts 7th Annual Think Pink Luncheon Zeta Tau Alpha will host the 7th Annual Think Pink Luncheon on October 6, 2010, at River Oaks Country Club.

This annually sold out luncheon benefits The Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, as well as the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Foundation. Over the past six years, this event has raised more than $140,000 in proceeds for these local and national organizations in the fight against breast cancer. Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity has distributed 9.83 million self-exam shower cards and 6 million Pink Awareness Ribbons, volunteered in excess of 50,000 hours annually in more then 115 Susan G. Komen for the Cure events and awarded $379,000 in scholarships for 2009-2010 school year.

Dorothy Paterson, Susan G. Komen International Race Ambassador & Breast Cancer Survivor will be the keynote speaker. Dominique Sachse, KPRC-TV Local 2 Evening News Anchor, will serve as Mistress of Ceremony. Chloe Dao, Project Runway winner and Owner of Lot 8 Boutique, has designed the exclusive Third Limited Edition Think Pink scarf honoring breast cancer survivors. This scarf is a special gift to all Breast Cancer Survivors attending the luncheon.

Individual tickets for the luncheon are $100. For more information about the luncheon, visit our website, www.ztahouston.org. The website also has information about Inflammatory Breast Cancer research funded by the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation and Think Pink. Donations for funding this research can also be made to ZTAF by visiting the website or calling 713-520-8817. H

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FORT BEND NEW NEIGHBOR

Lauren and Teena Caldwell

Come visit Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors & Gifts in Sugar Land Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors & Gifts is a new full service design studio and retail space set to open beginning of July. Teena and Lauren Caldwell, a local mother daughter team, are the two faces behind this new venture.

Teena, an ASID Interior Designer, has been designing homes in the Sugar Land and the greater Houston area for more than 10 years. Lauren, a graduate of Southern Methodist University, has always dreamed of opening a store and once she returned home upon graduation it seemed like the perfect time.

Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors & Gifts will offer a full range of design services, the design team will be able to help clients design from the ground up and offer a unique team to help with all remodel needs, as well.

In addition to the design services, Twenty-Two Fifty will offer custom furniture, unique items of boutique jewelry, candles, bath goods and unique accessories and furniture from around the world. Teena and Lauren’s goal for the store is to offer personal service to every client; our homes are a place of refuge and this new venture will help clients add a little spice to their already wonderful homes.

We invite you to stop by our new location at 2250 Lone Star in Sugar Land Town Square. H

Awakened Yoga Studio – Now Open in Sugar Land Town Square!

Join us for stretching, sweating and awakening at Awakened Yoga Studio in Sugar Land Town Square. Yoga is the union of each person with their true selves, a joining of the mind, body and spirit. It’s not about bending your body into a pretzel. Our mission is to connect to each student and bring yoga that stretches you – body, mind and soul! Yoga builds and tones muscle, increases flexibility and relieves stress. We teach all forms of yoga from sweat-inducing cardio workouts to muscle building endurance training, to gentle, stress relieving stretching. All levels are welcome here! Offerings include: • Vinyasa Yoga • Power Yoga • Traditional Hatha Yoga • Ashtanga Yoga • Beginners Yoga • Gentle Yoga • Kids Yoga • Prenatal Yoga (coming soon!)

• Yoga Parties (children and adult) • Babysitting (Tu/Th/Fr mornings) Besides the fitness benefits of yoga, there are therapeutic benefits as well.

Typical benefits cited by yoga practitioners include:

• Lower blood pressure • Weight loss • Improved sleep • Decrease in back or joint pain • Increased flexibility and range of motion In addition, our beautiful boutique offers the finest in yoga clothing, yoga gear, natural products and inspirational gifts! We are located at 2230 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land Town Square. We have plenty of FREE parking behind the studio. Contact us to take an introductory class for only $1.00! More information at www.awakenedyogastudio.com. Contact us at info@awakenedyogastudio.com or 281.491.0221.

Kabob Café Brings Brand New Flavor to Fort Bend There’s a new, enticing smell in Sugar Land, and it comes from the corner of Highway 6 and Dulles Avenue where Kabob Café is serving delicious, healthy, grilled Mediterranean and Persian food for all to enjoy seven days a week. As the only Persian Grill in Sugar Land and Missouri City, Kabob Café brings a unique taste and flavor to the area with 10 different delicious kabobs, starting at $4.95.

Kabob Café also serves sandwiches and salads as well as Halal food. An extensive range of other attractions are sure to pull people to the café as well, such as hookah and free wifi. Among the deals available to customers are the Lunch deals, which take place Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. which includes a free salad and drink for customer who purchase any sandwich and the Munch deal from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday which includes free fries and a drink with any sandwich. fort bend

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In addition to these attractive offers are the Family Nights on Monday and Tuesday in which kids eat free. The Kabob Café also offers a catering service which allows people to share delicious, healthy Mediterranean and Persian food with all of their friends at any occasion. Also keep an eye out for various weekend specials.

Check out Kabob Café at www.txkabobcafe.com or Facebook. They can be reached at 281-903-7373 or visited at 4645 Hwy. 6, Suite W, Sugar Land, TX, 77478. H

Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer and her friendly staff.

Twenty One Years of Continuous Optometric Care-Expanded New Location Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer has been providing personal and quality care to her patients in Missouri City for the last 21 years. This past December, she re-located her office to the Missouri City Target Shopping Center.

Dr. Wedemeyer, is an optometric glaucoma specialist. The State of Texas issues this license to doctors who have completed many hours of continuing education in the area of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Wedemeyer has all of the latest equipment available to accurately diagnose, treat and monitor the progression of glaucoma and macular degeneration, two of the leading causes of blindness in the senior community.

Dr. Wedemeyer is a board certified provider of specialty care for children with visually related learning disabilities and ocular efficiency problems. Children whose visual perceptual or eye efficiency skills are delayed will have reading disabilities and perform in school beneath their intellectual ability. She and her therapist have been helping children in elementary school through college level to get the help they need to become better students and receive many of the classroom and testing modifications needed to perform to the best of their abilities.

Dr. Wedemeyer, a contact lens wearer herself, is always up on the latest technology in contact lenses and glasses.

Her staff keeps her office filled with the latest designer collection of frames.

Dr. Wedemeyer and her staff invite you to drop in and see her new office and check out their eye glass frame selections.

Please call for an appointment at 281499-2600. H

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ful, caring individuals ort Bend Focus who devote so much of Magazine, the their time and talent to county’s premier our philanthropies, esmagazine showcasing pecially these five wompeople, places and hapen – Carolyn, Peggy, penings, is pleased to Brigit, Lynn and Casannounce their third ansandra – our communual event honoring five nity is a better place,” extraordinary women said Fredrickson. “Fort whose contributions to Bend Focus Magazine our community make is proud to honor their them real gems. commitment to Fort Fort Bend Focus Bend County and be Honors the JEWELS able to give back to the of Fort Bend is alisa murray photography community that has so scheduled for Thursday, The 2010 Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives: Lynn Halford, Carolyn supported September 23, 2010 with Banfield, Peggy Duggan, Brigit Engleman and Cassandra Wen. Join the JEWELS at graciously a premier Luncheon and Fort Bend Focus Magazine Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend on Thursday, September us.”

Fort Bend Focus Style Show honoring 23, 2010 at Safari Texas Ranch.

Honors the JEWELS this year’s Fort Bend of Fort Bend is open to the public and clients live at or below the poverty line.

Jewels – five Joyous, Extraordinary will be held at Safari Texas Ranch in “Because Fort Bend County has a large Women Enriching Lives.

The five Richmond from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on population 60 years of age or older, we felt JEWELS for 2010 are Carolyn Banfield, Thursday, September 23rd. In addition compelled to work with this organization Peggy Duggan, Brigit Engleman, Lynn to the Luncheon and Style Show, to help fund programs for our seniors Halford and Cassandra Wen. From the featuring fashions from Dillard’s, event with the JEWELS event this year,” said Fort Bend Junior Service League to the sponsors will be treated to a private Lisa Fredrickson, publisher of Fort Bend Lamar Consolidated Independent School Champagne Reception with the JEWELS Focus Magazine. “Fort Bend Seniors District to the Tri Cities Resale Shop, prior to the event sponsored by Will and Meals on Wheels program expects to serve these women are all committed to making Lena Hardee/Hardee Investment Group. over 230,000 meals this year, and we are our community the best place to live, Sponsors to date include Emerald honored to assist with this much-needed work and raise our families. Fort Bend Sponsor Safari Texas Ranch; Ruby and worthwhile program.”

Focus Magazine is pleased to recognize Sponsors Alisa Murray Photography, J While the event will be the highlight of their efforts while doing something that Loggins Jewelers, Pamela Printing and Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS they all feel passionate about: supporting Salon Eben and Day Spa; Corporate of Fort Bend, the September magazine our community.

Gems Neil and Carolyn Banfield, PB will feature a beautiful spread showcasing Proceeds from Fort Bend Focus & J Pavement Marketing, Inc and photos and biographies of the five Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend May W. Tape, DDS; and Sapphire JEWELS along with sponsors of the event. will be invested back into our community Sponsor Adbright Healthcare Services Distributed directly to Fort Bend homes by supporting a vital organization: Fort Inc. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to each month, as well as in rack distribution Bend Seniors. This non-profit organiza$7,500 and include magazine advertising. at businesses and retailers throughout tion provides services and resources dediIndividual tickets are available for the county, the special Fort Bend Focus cated to enhancing seniors’ lives in Fort $65. For sponsorship information or Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend Bend County. Regardless of income, Fort to purchase tickets, contact Fort Bend section will pay homage to these special Bend Seniors provides Meals on Wheels Focus Magazine at 281-690-4242 or women and their community service. to all persons 60 years of age and over. visit www.FortBendFocus.com. H “Because of the efforts of the wonderEighty-five percent of Fort Bend Seniors’ fort bend

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Official Rules: 1. Offer expires August 15, 2010. 2. No purchase necessary. 3. Employees and families of Focus on Women are not eligible to win. 4. Entrants must be 21 years old or over to win. 5. You need not be present to win. 6. To enter, simply complete the survey at www.FOWmag.com. A random drawing of all completed entries will be held on August 15, 2010. Only one entry per person is allowed. 7. If you cannot complete the survey online, you may request a copy by calling 281.690.4242 and an official survey will be mailed to you. You must complete the mailed survey and return it via US postal service to: Focus on Women, 4655 Techniplex Drive, Suite 400, Stafford, Texas 77477. No photocopies of surveys will be accepted. 8. Winner will be notified by registered mail. 9. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. 10. Grand prize will consist of Galveston accommodations for two nights, four Schlitterbahn Galveston tickets, and $100 Landry’s Gift Certificate. Estimated retail value $500. 11. Void where prohibited by law. 12. Focus on Women assumes no responsibility for lost, incomplete or misdirected entries.

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M edical F ocus Methodist Sugar Land is first in county to perform rotational atherectomy Cardiologist Sherman Tang, M.D., recently performed Fort Bend County’s first-ever rotational atherectomy at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Sherman Tang, M.D. The procedure uses a tiny rotating burr that is coated with microscopic diamond crystals to safely remove plaque from narrowed or blocked arteries. The burr is attached to a thin guidewire and is inserted into the artery via a catheter. Dr. Tang guides the burr to the blockage using an X-ray camera and an angiogram.

“Rotational atherectomy is a proven technology that ablates, or sands away, the

diseased plaque in an artery with minimal side effects and without impacting healthy tissue,” says Dr. Tang. “It is like drilling a tunnel through the blockage.”

The diamond-coated burr is powered by air, and can be set at speeds of up to 180,000 revolutions per minute. As the rotating tip moves through the narrowed artery, it scrapes away diseased plaque from the artery walls. Those plaque particles are smaller than red blood cells and are harmlessly carried away and eliminated by the body’s circulatory system.

Patients undergoing a rotational atherectomy often receive a stent, or narrow metal tube, at the location of the blockage to keep it from closing.

The procedure takes about two hours, and patients can be up and walking within six hours. “We keep the patient overnight for observation, but most can go home the next day, and return to work within a couple of days,” says Dr. Tang.

The first patient to undergo the procedure in Fort Bend, Bobbie J. Davidson, was pleased with the relative

ease of the rotational atherectomy.

“It is a real relief to know that Dr. Tang was able to clear the blockage in my artery,” says Davidson. “Plus, I didn’t feel any pain during the actual procedure and there was very little recovery time.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Tang or other cardiologists in your area, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand.com.

About Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, part of The Methodist Hospital System and ranked as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by FORTUNE Magazine, is committed to serving the healthcare needs of our community.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has some of the most advanced technology and medical capabilities in the area and has maintained the highest quality of care The Methodist Hospital is known for internationally. Services include aquatic therapy, birthing center, breast center, cancer center, cath lab, diagnostics & imaging, emergency department, endoscopy services, inpatient services, intensive care, joint program, lab services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory services, speech therapy, spine center and surgical services. H

Dr. Matthew Mays, Orthopedic Specialist and Sports Medicine Physician of Richmond Bone & Joint, improves quality of life for the struggling in Guatemala With the same community conviction that drives his orthopedic colleagues at the Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic, Dr. Matthew Mays and fellow physicians from Matthew Mays, M.D. across the United States provide lifechanging medical and dental care to those in need in Guatemala through Faith in Practice.

Similar to “Médecins Sans Frontières” (Doctor’s Without Borders), Faith in Practice is comprised of medical professionals in a variety of specialties who travel beyond the United States to bring medical expertise and care to areas with limited access.

Since early efforts, the team has grown to include physicians from not only Texas, but also across the United States. They have performed hundreds of procedures

to correct such problems as cleft pallet, club foot, herniated discs, prolapsed uterus, impacted teeth and many other minor problems and acute illnesses.

Dr. Mays and his wife seized the opportunity to provide specialized care needed in the area after watching the work of the organization and partnering physicians. He recently transported a small staff and necessary equipment to the area and performed procedures ranging from arthroscopic surgery to joint replacement and deformity correction.

“We’re just there to help improve their quality of life. We have a skeleton crew and limited options, so we have to remain flexible and creative in addressing problems. There is no insurance involved and everyone is there at their own expense. It’s a purity of medicine,” said Mays.

“It’s very rewarding to see the real difference you can make. And you carry away an appreciation for what we have fort bend

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here – even the poorest are leaps and bounds richer than those in countries like this. I encourage everyone to use their talents in such a way, here at home or abroad,” Mays added.

Dr. Mays’ journey comes on the heels of a Haiti Relief effort launched by RBJC, which took a number of its physicians on multiple trips to Haiti following the devastating earthquake.

“The outreach effort of these physicians and the enormous dedication they have to improving quality of life and standard of care in this community as well as those less fortunate than ours really speaks to the core values and culture of our clinic. We have an amazing team and it’s a privilege to be a part of it,” said Cheryl Howard-Bertrand, RBJC Marketing Director.

To learn more about Dr. Mays’ work and that of the other RBJC orthopedic specialists, log onto www.rbjc.com. Or, call (281) 344-1715. H

Keep Aging Relatives Cancer-Free MD Anderson offers Suggestions for Improving Seniors’ Health Family members can help reduce an aging relative’s risk of cancer by encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, according to experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“Thanks to modern medicine, more people are living longer,” said Therese B. Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “But a longer life doesn’t always equal a healthier one.”

About 77 percent of people diagnosed with cancer are 55 or older, according to the American Cancer Society.

Bevers suggests the following lifestyle changes that can benefit the health of senior family members.

1. Encourage exercise “Daily exercise plays a major role in preserving a person’s health,” Bevers said.

Retired seniors often lead sedentary lives. Try these tips to get them moving.

Educate seniors about the benefits of exercise. Increasing physical activity can lower a person’s chances for many cancers, including breast, endometrial, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, every day. Jumpstart increased activity by going for a brisk walk together during your next visit.

Encourage seniors to do activities they enjoy and that will keep them active. Gardening, golfing, playing tennis and swimming are all great choices. “Encourage aging relatives to talk to their doctor about what types of activity they should do,” Bevers said.

2. Encourage healthy food choices Many seniors, especially those living alone, don’t cook much.

“A poor diet may keep seniors from getting the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy body and lower their risk of lung, mouth, esophageal, stomach and colon cancers,” Bevers said.

Here are some tips to make sure aging relatives are eating nutritious meals daily.

Learn about healthy diets for adults older than age 50. Share information on how many calories they should be getting daily and the types of

foods they should be eating.

Share leftovers. Make enough healthy food at home so that you have extra to package and freeze. Then, when you visit, take those leftovers with you.

3. Discourage smoking and secondhand smoke “Quitting smoking is the most important thing anyone can do to improve their health,” Bevers said.

It’s never too late to quit. It reduces the risks for cancer and other diseases, such as heart and lung disease.

And avoiding secondhand smoke can greatly improve one’s health.

Encourage an aging relative to get help by calling one of these free quit smoking lines: • American Cancer Society: 1-800-QUIT-NOW • National Cancer Institute: 1-877-44U-QUIT 4. Reduce financial stress Many seniors experience financial stress due to money management issues.

Psychological stress can affect the immune system, the body’s defense against infection and disease including cancer.

Here’s how to help aging relatives cope with financial stress: Offer advice. Work with them to set a budget and payment system for bills.

Suggest working with the bank to set up automatic bill payment to relieve some of the financial responsibility.

Look into the “representative payee” alternative. If they receive income from Social Security, the Social Security Administration can appoint a representative payee to receive the monthly checks and use the money to pay for living expenses.

5. Encourage regular check-ups and screening exams Cancer screening exams help find cancer at its earliest stage, when the chances for curing the disease are greatest.

Learn what screening exams aging relatives should be getting and make sure they schedule their appointments on time.

“It’s important to take an active role in keeping your senior family members healthy,” Bevers said.

For more information on family health, visit www.mdanderson.org/focused. H www.fortbend

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OakBend Medical Center welcomes Dr. Wael Aboughali to the OakBend Medical Group

Wael Aboughali, M.D.

Dr. Wael Aboughali is originally from Dallas, TX and attended the University of Texas Arlington for undergraduate studies and graduated magna cum laude. He then attended medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

After completing his residency at UT Houston Family Practice in Houston, TX, he completed his fellowship in Primary Care Research while pursuing his Master’s of Science degree. He is Board certified in Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the AMA. In 2008 and 2009, he was awarded the Patients’ Choice Award for service to his patients.

Dr. Aboughali works with patients to understand their problems and provides appropriate diagnostic testing when indicated. He has special interests in Preventative care, Women’s Health, Cardiovascular Health education, Weight Loss management, Smoking cessation and vitamin D deficiencies.

He sees all ages and is interested in shaping children’s futures.

Dr. Aboughali enjoys spending his time educating the community in health-related topics and reducing barriers to health care access for all his patients. He is married with two children and lives in Sugar Land.

Dr. Aboughali offices in the OakBend Medical Office Building at US 59 and Williams Way, 22001Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Richmond. To reach his office, please call (281) 2395020. H

M edical F ocus Doctors perform first robotic partial nephrectomy at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to announce that Dr. Lawrence Baum has performed the first robotic partial nephrectomy in Fort Bend County on patient Mary Sue Cummins, leaving her with a barely visible scar and a quicker recovery time.

Using the robot, Dr. Baum was able to remove the mass while preserving the normal and unaffected portion of the kidney, thus preventing the loss of the entire kidney. With the robotic technology, patients can then often avoid the increased risk of organ failure that results from having a single, healthy kidney.

Today, most kidney cancer patients have tumors that can be treated with a kidney-sparing approach. Our surgeons, including Dr. Baum, are among a select group of physicians in the world who regularly perform this specialized and complicated operation, using the recently acquired da Vinci® S Surgical System.

Patients can often have a minimallyinvasive and kidney-sparing approach because in most instances, the entire

Lawrence Baum, M.D.

kidney does not need to be removed to treat the kidney cancer. This was true for patient Cummins who chose the robotics partial nephrectomy for the overall benefits she would receive.

“After discussing possibly using the robot for my surgery with Dr. Baum, I agreed that this was something I should do. The fact that my entire kidney would not be removed was a relief,” said Cummins.

“The benefit from the robotics partial nephrectomy includes decreased blood loss, less pain and trauma to the body resulting in faster overall recovery from the operation,” said Dr. Baum. “With da Vinci robotic partial nephrectomy, patients return to full activity in less than half the time it takes to recover

from open partial nephrectomy.”

Da Vinci’s advanced level of technology takes surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. “This acquisition compliments our goal of extending minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients,” said Becky Chalupa, Associate Chief Nursing Officer. “It can be used for a multitude of procedures, including, but not limited to: prostatectomy (removal of the prostate), nephrectomy (removal of the kidney), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids), coronary artery bypass, mitral valve repair and colorectal surgery.”

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is initially planning to use robotic surgery for gynecological, colorectal and urological surgeries. The robot has created much excitement for many physicians who are looking forward to being part of the robotics team. “The robotics program is a continuation of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s commitment to bringing the medical center home to Fort Bend County, as well as finding and applying the most precise, most beneficial surgical techniques to put patients on a quicker road to recovery with better outcomes,” said Chalupa.

To make an appointment with Dr. Baum or other specialists using robotics technology, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281274-7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand. com. H

OakBend Medical Group welcomes Dr. Karen Rakers to its New Territory location Dr. Karen Rakers is originally from rural Illinois, and attended Saint Louis University for undergraduate studies and medical school.

She completed her Karen Rakers, M.D. residency at MacNeal Family Medicine in Berwyn, IL and then practiced with Central DuPage Physician Group

in Wheaton, IL. Dr. Rakers is Board Certified in Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Rakers enjoys family medicine because it gives her the opportunity to provide comprehensive, compassionate medical care to all age groups. Dr. Rakers is especially interested in preventive healthcare, women’s health fort bend

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and pediatrics. She was a recent guest expert on KHOU, Great Day Houston, discussing yo-yo dieting.

Dr. Rakers is a resident of Sugar Land. She is happily married with two children. Outside of practicing medicine, she enjoys spending time with family friends, exercising and traveling.

Dr. Rakers practices at 4911 Sand Hill Drive in Sugar Land. To make an appointment with Dr. Rakers, please call 281-341-4800. H

MD Anderson Has Leading Cancer Experts in Sugar Land cians and specialists. I try to keep personal physicians informed about their patients’ care.”

Isidora Arzu, M.D., Ph.D. “It is important that we review each case with a multidisciplinary approach and come to a consensus as a group to decide the best care for the patient. I believe that is why we have the results that we do.”

Shalin J. Shah, M.D. MD Anderson physicians in Sugar Land. From left: Janet Tu, M.D., “I decided to go into oncoAmit Sarma, M.D., Isidora Arzu, M.D., Ph.D., and Shalin Shah, M.D. logy after my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. It is so important to be compassionate and understanding and Janet Tu, M.D. as a whole - their spiritual side, physical to simply listen to what is going on with “I want to provide patients with the strength and emotional well-being.” patients and their families.” most accurate information that they Amit Sarma, M.D. For more information or to schedule need to know about their disease as “Having experience in private pracan appointment, please call 281-566-1800 well as the most cutting-edge care I can tice, I understand the importance of comor visit mdanderson.org/sugarland. H provide for them. I look at each patient munication between primary care physiThe MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land, located on the campus of St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, offers state-of-the-art treatment and advanced technology including radiation treatment, medical oncology and chemotherapy, laboratory and pharmacy services.

Our team of medical and radiation oncologists believe it takes a coordinated, highly experienced team to provide the best patient care.

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July 2010 Winner “Cabo Sunrise”

By Thomas Hensler Congratulations Thomas, you’ve earned a $40 gift certificate to a Fort Bend restaurant

ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. Think you have a great shot? Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary.

A WINNER EVERY MONTH Each month’s winner receives a $40 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Norma @ 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the file to Michael@FortBendFocus. com or send a CD or DVD by mail. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”.

Please make sure to send some basic information about every

fort bend

photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and daytime phone number.

To submit a print or digital photo by mail, include your name, telephone number and a stamped self-addressed envelope, if you would like it returned.

Fort Bend Focus Magazine Photo Contest 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400, Stafford, TX 77477 By submitting an entry, the photographer gives the Fort Bend Focus Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is no contest deadline.

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Focus on Flavor ANTONIA’S • Celebrating our 3rd Anniversary!

Come in and enjoy our wine and dinner specials and help us celebrate. Famous for our Awe-inspiring Hospitality and Great Food, our reputation is that we are a family oriented, family run business. This has been “Our Recipe For Success.” As we grow, we continue to stay close to our roots, always grateful for what we have, remembering where we came from.

Thank you, for choosing Antonia’s for your dining experience. We appreciate your business. Two locations: Antonia’s Cucina Italiana: 2001 Katy Mills Boulevard, Suite. A, Katy, Texas 77494, call 281-644-6000/Fax: 281-6446001. Antonia’s Italian Cantina: 26281 NW Freeway, Ste 950, Cypress, TX 77429, call 281-256-2796 / Fax: 281-256-2790. www.antonias.us.

Dining Guide BLUE FISH HOUSE II – SUSHI & GRILL • A very popular restaurant that has been loved by many customers for 8 years. The sushi is extremely fresh! Fish needs to be fresh at a sushi restaurant, and the fish pieces are the perfect size. The amount of fish a customer gets is very satisfying.

The beautiful presentation of the dishes and reasonable prices please our customers. Featuring great vegetarian selections; Tofu is a high protein, low fat energy source. Enjoy a wide selection of tofu dishes made with various vegetables and pick your own topping. Located at the corner of Town Center Blvd. North and Texas Drive in Town Center. Casual dining, simple but chic, a very inviting atmosphereforanyoccasion.Formoreinformationcall281-295-0707orwww.bluefishhouse.com.

Express Lunch Starting from $5.50 Happy Hour, Monday - Saturday, 5:00 - 7:00 PM NAPA GRILLE URBAN WINE BAR Combines a warm, cozy atmosphere, excellent wine variety and an exceptional cuisine to provide the ultimate dining experience. Now open and serving lunch & dinner in Sugar Land, just off 59 and Sugar Creek. Come join us for Happy Hour from 4-6pm, $5 select wines. Enjoy live music every Friday night. Napa Grille Urban Wine Bar is also available for private parties. Mon-Fri 11am11pm Sat 5pm-11pm. 14019 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX. Call 281-2772599. For full menu and daily specials visit www.napagrille.net

List your restaurant here, call 281-690-4242

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Focus on Flavor

Dining Guide

Dine in these places and tell us what you think.

Share your REVIEWS Email: Lisa@fortbendfocus.com

CUPCAKE CAFE • New Owner / New Pastry Chef. Come try our huge cupcakes! We have new as well as our familiar flavors. We serve gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads. We offer special feature foods of the day. We can fill that order for your next special event with our cakes and cupcakes. We are located at 16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 160, Sugar Land, Tx. 77479. You can contact us by phone: 281-242-2744. Our hours are: Tues., Wed., Fri. 9AM - 8PM, Thurs. and Sat. 9AM - 6PM, Sun. 11AM-3PM. Closed Mondays.

INDIAN OCEAN • Come to enjoy coastal cuisine with fresh fish all the way from India. Serving North Indian favorites and Tandoor Specialties such as Tandoori Pomfret, Lobster, Kababs, Tikka, and chops as well as unique dishes to Indian Ocean. Try the lunch buffet with selections of fresh seafood for 8.99 on weekdays and 10.99 on weekends. Open for lunch 11 am to 2:30 pm and 5pm to 10pm. Closed Mondays.

Located at 3559 Highway 6 in Sugarland. 281-240-0377.

10 % OFF

Lunch or Dinner Expires 7/31/2010

CHEF REY • Known for his amazing gourmet cheesecakes, Chef Rey is always professional and most importantly passionate about every dish he prepares.

He pays attention to every detail in preparing a mouth watering meal that is presented with style and class. His dedication is evident with every aspect of ensuring each customer is satisfied. Seeking a new spot that offers American Cuisine with professionalism and style together with an ambience that is exquisitely quaint and personal? Then visit Chef Rey’s, 2865 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX 77459. Call 281-403-2900, visit www. chefreynolds.com. Open Thurs. 5-10, Fri-Sat. 5 -11 and Sun 10-4. Restaurant is available for private parties and catering. Gift Certificates available.

ITALIAN MAID CAFE • ‘Where the locals go!’ Gourmet cuisine, priced affordably in the heart of Historic Downtown Richmond. Owners, Chef Alex Ciocca and sister Lanie Alvarez invite you to a unique dining experience. Try our delightful old world sauces over pasta, thick-crust pizza, zesty house salad dressings, flavorful soups, mouth watering desserts and of course, our great house wine. Perfect for business lunches or a romantic dinner. We serve nightly specials including creatively prepared fish, chicken and beef. Pot Roast on Tuesday night. Located 2 blocks North of the Fort Bend County Courthouse on 300 Morton Street. Call for reservations or for more info at 281-344-8955 or 832-433-0032 for catering. www.italianmaidcafe.com.

DUMAR’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL • It’s a great new place serving middle eastern favorites with an outdoor patio and some of the friendliest service in town. The owner, Mr. Bashar F. Dumar and his wife, Ilham are natives of the Middle-East and make everything fresh daily. The Kebeh Balls, Hummus, Taboulih, Babaghanouj and Baklava. In addition to a full line of Middle-Eastern groceries, Dumar’s also features fresh feta cheeses, several types of brined Olives, Gyro Sandwiches, Greek Salads and Spinach pies. Now serving Beer & Wine. Also, Party trays available. 4518 Hwy 6, Sugar Land. Mon-Thur 10am8:30pm and Fri-Sat 10am-9:00pm, 281-313-1893.

J & L CAFÉ • “Home of the Best Peach Cobbler in Texas” located at 1110 Texas Parkway in Stafford. Serving a homestyle menu that changes daily! Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am7pm. Call us for our changing menu, 281-4999895.

BUY ONE MEAL, GET A LESSER ONE FOR HALF OFF

Excludes meals $9.95 & up, not valid on Sundays or with other offers. Present this coupon. Exp. 06/3/2011 KABOB CAFE • The warm and cozy Kabob Cafe is located at 4635 Hwy 6, corner of Dulles Ave in Sugar Land. We serve over 10 different Kabobs (wraps and entrees). Our Happy Lunch Hour is Monday - Thursday from 11AM-2:30PM. Check us out on Facebook for specials, and our website, TXkabobcafe.com, for menu and directions. 281-903-7373

EXTREME PITA • We’re fast, fresh, fun and full of flavor. In addition, we’re EXTREME when it comes to our commitment to creating a unique product bursting with healthy ingredients. Lunch, dinner and late night menu items include our Extreme Club, Philly Cheese Steak, Grilled Chicken, Gyros and Falafel, all served with your choice of different vegetable varieties served fresh or sautéed to perfection right BUY ANY PITA in front of your eyes. We also offer a variety of great tasting & Get the Flat Baked Pita’s, fresh salads, soups and drinks. Mon-Thur: Combo 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: Noon-10pm, 15810 for FREE SW Frwy., Sugar Land, (Lake Pointe Village) TX 281-494-7482 fort bend

magazine • July 2010

78

Focus on Flavor

Dining Guide

KONA GRILL • Kona Grill puts an exciting twist on American cuisine. We prepare over 40 sauces made from scratch everyday, bringing new excitement to an incredible variety of delicious appetizers and entrees.

Try our signature Macadamia Nut Chicken, Sweet-Chili Glazed Salmon or our Kona`s Big Island Meatloaf. We also serve award-winning sushi, hand-crafted daily by talented sushi chefs at our elegant sushi bar. Relax and watch our colorful exotic fish in our mesmerizing 2,000 gallon seawater aquarium.

Great selection! Great atmosphere! So whether it`s for lunch, dinner or happy hour, escape to Kona Grill! Happy Hour 3-7pm M-F, Reverse Happy Hour 9-11pm M-Sat, 16535 Southwest Frwy (First Colony), 281-242-7000 www.konagrill.com

POST OAK GRILL RESTAURANT & BAR Since 1989 the Post Oak Grill has been a synonym for the highest quality food & service. Imagination & dedication to excellence brings the subtly delicious flavors to our menus which have maintained the Post Oak Grill as a distinctive destination for the perfect dining experience. The Rios Family of Sugar Land, Texas, welcome you to enjoy the same quality, service, freshness and atmosphere that you have come to love at Polo’s original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring the finest center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood and international wine list!” Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4pm ‘til 7pm $2 Wells, $3 Domestic Beer, $5 Featured Wine By The Glass, & Appetizers starting @ $3 • 281.491.2901• PostOakGrillSugarLand.com.

FERNANDO’S RESTAURANT Celebrating 6 years in Sugar Land. Expect the unexpected! DINE AND DANCE ON WEEKENDS (FRIDAY & SATURDAY) LIVE MUSIC. Look for new menu items, new events and new hours.

Come celebrate with Fernando and join his VIP list at 14135 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. For reservations call 281-4949087. Closed on Sundays. Visit www.fernandosrestaurants.com.

RAISING CANE’S • We’re all about ONE LOVE - chicken fingers. Our simple menu focuses on fresh, never frozen chicken tenders, warm, buttery Texas toast, creamy coleslaw and crinkle cut French fries. Our legendary Cane’s sauce is made in-house daily and provides the perfect compliment to our cooked-to-order chicken fingers. Don’t forget a cup of our freshly squeezed lemonade or freshly brewed sweet tea for the road. What are ya...chicken? 1529 HWY 6 in Sugar Land. Sun-Thurs: 10:30am-10:00pm, Fri-Sat: 10:30am-12:00am, Phone: 281-980-9860. Stay connected with us on twitter.com/CanesSugarLand & facebook.com/CanesSugarLand.

RAY’S GOURMET COUNTRY •

LA COCINA • Is proud to be serving the Fort Bend Community fine Mexican dishes for 13 years. Since our beginning in Rosenberg in 1997, quality and value has been our motto. At La Cocina we understand that to be successful in the food and beverage business, we have to execute a great product and a great dining experience as well as contribute and support our county. We are proud to say that we have raised over $60,000 for “Meals on Wheels.” We invite you to come try our wonderful and exciting new dishes. Call La Cocina for your next event, to-go or catering is available or reserve our banquet room for any occasion. Don’t miss our Breakfast Sat & Sun 8-12, Happy Hour 11-7 pm. 515 FM 359 in Richmond, 281-238-0872 www.lacocinarestaurant.com

A unique concept of a neighborhood bar and grill with a “field to table” menu specializing in recipes made from the highest quality of seasonal and organic inspired ingredients. Daily Specials and menu selections are created based on the local availability of organic fruits and vegetables, Natural Select meats and wild game and seafood. All seafood is purchased direct and filleted in-house to ensure the freshest quality. The restaurant and bar are available for private parties and a catering menu. Located at 8502 FM 359, Fulshear, TX 77441. Call 281-533-0099, www.raysgrill.com.

MANGOLA’S FINE ITALIAN RESTAURANT Serving fine Italian food, exceptional wines in a romantic atmosphere to Southwest Houston and Fort Bend County for over 20 years. Conveniently located at 11786 S. Wilcrest @ Highway 59 S. Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a week.

Check out our website www.mangolasrestaurant.com. Call 281498-6790 for reservations or to schedule your special event.

RED OAK GRILL • What happens when All-American cooking collides with the flavors of the Mediterranean? Answer: Red Oak Grill. A family owned and operated restaurant, this eatery offers diners both down-home comfort foods and a taste of the exotic. What’s more, it does so at prices you’ll find very appetizing.

Fresh Salads, Wraps, 1/2-lb. Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Fried Steak... they’re all part of the line up. But so are Gyros, Chicken Shawerma, Shish Kabobs, Beef or Chicken Kabobs and Falafel Platters. To start, sharing appetizers of Hummus, Tabouleh, Stuffed Grape Leaves and Spinach Pie is a must. Save some room, though, because the freshbaked Baklava, Eclairs, Cakes and Cookies are unbelievable! Mon-Sat 10 am- 9 pm, Located at 203 Century Square Blvd, Sugar Land, 281-491-2890, www.redoak-grill.com.

FREE LUNCH OR DINNER ENTREE

(up to $15.00) with the purchase of one entree of equal or lesser value.

NAPA GRILLE URBAN WINE BAR Combines a warm, cozy atmosphere, excellent wine variety and an exceptional cuisine to provide the ultimate dining experience. Now open and serving lunch & dinner in Sugar Land, just off 59 and Sugar Creek. Come join us for Happy Hour from 4-6pm, $5 select wines. Enjoy live music every Friday night. Napa Grille Urban Wine Bar is also available for private parties. Mon-Fri 11am11pm Sat 5pm-11pm. 14019 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX. Call 281-2772599. For full menu and daily specials visit www.napagrille.net OLD HICKORY INN BARBECUE • More than 40 years in business in the Houston and Fort Bend area, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue is famous for their Old Fashion Hickory Smoked Barbecue and numerous Homemade Side Dishes, made fresh daily.

3 convenient locations, with a drive-through window at the Hwy 6 location. Open 7 days a week, SundayThursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday 11am-9:30pm. 3334 F.M. 1092 @ Hwy 6 Missouri City 281-499-8904 / 8000 Hwy 6 @ Beechnut 281983-5020 / 5427 S. Braeswood @ Chimney Rock 713-723-8908. www.fortbend

TAO JAPANESE HIBACHI AND SUSHI Located at 11325 Fountain Lake Dr, Stafford TX 77477. (Next to AMC Loews Fountain Movie Theater). Open 7 days a week with Houston’s best quality Japanese Hibachi. “Japanese table cooking” items such as Steak, Chicken, Shrimp and Scallops and freshest ingredients of the day to make our Sushi stand out from the others. Daily Lunch Specials from 11-3 & Happy Hour from 3-7. For reservations: 281-277-2877.

10 % OFF

Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per visit per table. EXP: 08/2010

THE FISH PLACE • Great little seafood place located at 3303 Hwy 6 at Williams Trace. Open MonSat 11am-9:30pm and Sun 11am-8pm. You will find all your Cajun seafood favorites including boudin balls, etouffee, crawfish tails, gumbo and poboys. Grab the popular grilled or fried fish tacos to go, or stay for the All You Can Eat catfish and tenders. Call 281-491-0003.

FISH TACOS ( Fried or Grilled) .com • July 2010

79

Living the Sweet Life:

Reflections on the Sanctimonious Institution of Marriage

A

bout....no, exactly twenty years ago, Brian and I were in front of approximately 800 people, promised to each other and our families and our Lord to honor and cherish one another until death parted us. I was only twenty and he was barely twenty-one.

Thinking back on that afternoon with all of that knowledge of years behind us, I think that not knowing the magnitude of making that decision so young has been our saving grace. Who can really, after all, just know that any one person in this world is their perfect soul mate? Who can confidently ever know if making babies with someone is the right someone? Who can, without reservation, give their only life to someone in the hopes for the ultimate reward.... happiness?

Well, what’s all the fuss about anyway? If you don’t like the one you’re with, you can easily file for divorce. They probably have a form online somewhere that you can download, if not just wait a few months and I’m sure there’ll be an app for that! Yes, I am kidding...well, at least I hope I am! Seriously though, when it was announced that Tipper and Al were throwing in the towel, I could not resist writing on the subject. I could make a long list of others who have fallen to the same fate, and every time I hear of people doing it, all I can think of is how stupid. There was the obvious reasons to divorce, and I am never one to give my opinion about others unions....how am I to know what really goes on behind closed doors? I don’t agree, as I am quite sure neither do you, with marriages that are so filled with abuse that surely the choice to count ones losses is the best decision for all parties involved. However, I’m not talking about those kinds of marriages. I often hear of 25 year, 40 year marriage dissolving. Why? Has it not occurred to these people that they should have been long gone? Is it a mid-life or now, perhaps an old age crisis?

Does one really think they have something extra special to offer a younger version of their spouse? Because we all know that is always what ends up happening.... right?

It just has to be a self-centered act and a last attempt at doing something scandalous before one dies. Better argument still... Who wants to start over? Good Lord! It takes time to learn about a person. You have to set the ground rules for a lasting partnership - take it from a real pro! In the big picture part of life, it’s in the last twenty years that couples can finally sit back and enjoy each other. Years have been spent making money and rais-

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

because I am not just going through some mundane routine with Brian. We actually enjoy seeing each other and talking and working and sharing and the whole lot of it. Yes, I am quite tired of trying to retrain him... LOL. At some point, I am sure my need to fuss about underwear left on the floor will be filed away with the already long list of “given up all hope of ever changing him things,” and God love him for having those. I just know that my life was intended to be shared with him. I also know that after twenty years of sharing and creating and living, we are closer now than we were even capable of being at twenty and twenty-one years old.

I remember fondly Granny and Big

ing children ... it’s time now to enjoy life and each other. Who would want to do that with a perfect stranger?

I am reminded of the new sitcom Modern Family. The father has remarried a Latino woman half his age and has the odd roles of playing both grandparent to his children’s children, while parenting his newly acquired son via his wife. And, as if that wasn’t enough, he has to keep up with her... well... you know.... Ahemmmm. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll pass on that.

A few years ago, one of our friends who had been married for many years decided to get divorced. Out of nowhere it seemed they decided, and quite nonchalantly and without too much fuss, to just move out and move on. Why after 25 years, I asked them, having been close enough to her and him to know the reasons were not due to the usual suspects such as abuse or infidelity or money issues. “We were just done,” she replied. She said it as a matter of fact as if she had stated some well-known fact about the universe.

“What exactly does that mean?” I asked.

She then tried to explain to me how she had over the years grown away from the same likes and dislikes, how each of them still cared deeply for one another but no longer romantically. They had made and raised both children and run a successful business. Now, in retirement, they found themselves unable to connect on even the most basic level. I remember thinking how stupid. How can you after dedicating years to living and loving and creating together just walk away?

Then, came the latest news about the Gore’s and the strange sadness that I feel for them and their children. Maybe it is fort bend

magazine • July 2010

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Daddy. They were so well-established as an institution by the time I came along.

They could finish each others sentences and would not have dared to live without having the other to hold. Endearing and true examples of just how fantastic long, seasoned to perfection marriages can be!

That is, after all, how it should be. So when I think about marriage, it is not with my eyes rolling in some bored state. I wish for everyone the peace that emerges when you can look into someone’s eyes, and they know what you are thinking without you ever having to say a word. Now that kind of love takes years to establish and just ain’t something I think you should be real quick about letting go of! By the way, Happy Anniversary Brian! :) Cheers to us for making it for the first twenty!! I love ya good:) Take Care of You!

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