Magazine
June 2011
Successful Men in Business
$1.95
Earning Your Trust Sarah Warburton hen you’ve been snake-bit, it’s only natural to be wary. After all, everybody knows the old saying, “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” Well, word is getting out that things aren’t like they used to be. How can you tell that Classic Chevy ‘s a dealership that does things differently? For one thing, they’ve just been named “GM Dealer of the Year” for 2010...after only one full year in business! Out of over 3000 Chevy dealers nationwide, Classic Chevrolet is one of only fifty-one to be be honored as a “GM Dealer of the Year” for 2010. What does that mean? Classic Chevy ranked in the top 2% of Chevrolet Dealers across the country in sales performance and customer satisfaction. “This award is a huge honor,” says Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet. “When I took over this facility, we replaced a dealership with a challenging reputation. Turning things around has taken every single member of our team from service to sales. We’ve only got one chance to impress our customers. Being ranked among the top two percent of Chevrolet dealers nationwide means we’re on the right track.” What makes a “service hero?” Out of the fifty-one Chevy dealers in the Southwest Houston region, Classic Chevrolet placed first in customer retention, on-time response for service, service training, and customer satisfaction...and earned the title of “Chevrolet Service Hero.” Don says, “We’re pleased to be the first dealership to display the new quarterly “Service Hero” award. In addition to getting certified as an authorized Saturn repair center, our team is committed to exceeding your expectations for every make and model.” Are you ready to “Relax and Enjoy the Difference?” Don says, “All of us at Classic Chevy want to make everything from service
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to sales easy and enjoyable for our customers. Our sales teams are empowered to handle transactions from start to finish...without consulting some hidden room. Our team wears jeans in the cooler months and shorts in the summer, so we can be knowledgeable, professional, and still friendly and relaxed with our customers.” The sign’s changed and the name’s different, but some people still don’t get that Classic Chevrolet’s a different dealership than anything that’s gone before. One local customer told his dad he was going by Classic Chevy to look at a Suburban...and the dad snorted and said not to waste his time. The guy said, “Really, dad, it’s not the same place it was before,” but his father just wouldn’t believe him. One great shopping experience later and another Classic fan was born. That’s the kind of story that happens over and over at Classic Chevrolet where they are earning people’s trust one customer at a time. Need more convincing? Don says, “We’re so confident that you’ll love our relaxed, straightforward way of doing business that we’re offering a Classic Challenge. Come on in and see for yourself...we’re everything we say we are!” Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Sales: (866) 498-5485 Service: (866) 500-1660
Classic Chevrolet in Sugar Land earned the title of “Chevrolet Service Hero.” On April 20th, representatives from the South Central Region Division of General Motors including Sam Phillips, Bill Elbert, Steve Flynn the Chevrolet Zone Manager, and Manny Sosa from General Motors Service Division presented Classic Chevrolet owner Don Kerstetter and his service team with the inaugural “Chevrolet Service Hero Award” in Classic Chevrolet's newly remodeled service department. Don says, "Our service team worked very hard over the past year and it's wonderful to see their dedication to quality performance and customer satisfaction rewarded."
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What’s the Big Secret?
Sarah Warburton
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ll of us have a little secret. Maybe it’s “Dancing with the Stars,” maybe it’s an obsession with low budget horror films; maybe it’s your addiction to singing along with your favorite music. Now you can hide the evidence...and still indulge at your leisure. Home Theater Evolutions Owners Richard Machemehl and Scott Crain say, “We’re not here to judge your entertainment choices...we just want you to enjoy them! The newest speakers, subwoofers, and screen covers from Stealth Acoustic or the Vutec Art Screen will keep all your electronics under wraps, while giving you access to the best picture and the clearest sound imaginable.” Your book club doesn’t have to know you saw the movie, too. More than saw it, you experienced it... with a sound so clear you can hear every note, picture so sharp you could fall into it, and a remote so versatile yet easy, you controlled everything with the touch of a finger. Relax and join in the discussion, knowing your plasma screen is concealed behind a beautifully framed piece of art and your speakers are not only set into the wall, but they’re covered with a face panel painted
to match your wall. Richard says, “Really, this comes down to aesthetics. You don’t have to choose between your decor and your home theater any more. The speakers and subwoofers from Stealth Acoustic really are invisible...and they still deliver amazing, nuanced sound.” Want to do a little sleuthing yourself? Come to Home Theater Evolutions state-of-the-art showroom and see if you can find the electronics they’ve hidden in their “invisible home theater” room. Scott says, “If you don’t believe these products are really invisible, come take a look. And once you see how well they’re disguised, you’ll want to listen for yourself. The sound isn’t muffled or dimmed...it’s got all the warmth, realism and depth of sound without any unsightly grills or bulky boxes. Are you sneaking around, trying to get a clue about what Dad wants for a Father’s Day? Here’s a hint... it’s at Home Theater Evolutions. The electronics may be high-tech, but the personal service and attention to detail you’ll find at Home Theater Evolutions is seriously old-school. Richard and Scott have been friends Now you see it... since third grade and always dreamed of going into the electronics business. Scott says, “We started off in 2003 doing only in-home custom installation of electronic equipment. When more and more of our customers asked our advice on which products to purchase, we expanded. We love to talk with you and plan out your electronics...and we’ve handpicked every item we carry for its quality and value. We offer free in-home estimates, without any surprises or hidden fees.” Richard promises, “Our focus will Now you don’t... always be helping our customers choose exactly what they need…while work- Home Theater Evolutions ing within a budget. When it comes to 281-980-2300 customer service, we strive for perfection 3157 Highway 6 at Williams Trace every time.” www.htevo.com
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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A Special Specialist Donnielle Carter aricose veins are not just ugly red lines or bumps, they are a serious health condition. They indicate improper blood flow and can cause severe daily pain, swelling and even venous statis ulcers. The good news is that varicose veins can be easily repaired. And fortunately for us we have one of the best vein specialists right here in Sugar Land. Dr. Baltazar of Sugar Land Vein Specialists is more than “the doctor that takes care of varicose veins,” he is also one of the most highly regarded and respected physicians in the area. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery with a special certification in Vascular Surgery. Building on his talents as a vascular surgeon, he has chosen to specialize in varicose veins so that he can offer true expertise and the best treatment available. Patient Gary Blanchette was grateful for this aspect, “The fact that Dr. Baltazar specialized put me at great ease. He has a caring attitude and made me feel comfortable at an uncomfortable time.” Time and again patients mention how unique he is. Jay Jurica states, “Dr. Baltazar was a very different doctor. He was a real nice guy, he spent time with me, talking about family and asking me about mine. I wish he was my family doctor.” He often has patient referrals from medical professionals. Former patient and nurse Gracy Zachariah says, “He would be the #1 doctor I would recommend. He’s friendly and really knows what he is doing.” During the actual varicose vein procedure Dr. Baltazar strives to make sure that the patients are always comfortable, informed and relaxed. Mary Hernandez said, “During the initial consultation, I was nervous at first but when the doctor came into the room I immediately felt comfortable. He just has an air of knowledge and comfort about him.” Helen Weinwright explained, “He constantly told me
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exactly what he was going to do. He was also very concerned that I was comfortable and pain free the whole time. Honestly, I’m not used to having doctors be that thoughtful. It was a nice change.” Once the procedure is complete Dr. Baltazar’s care and concern doesn’t end. Jay also shared with us, “Dr. Baltazar called me to check and see how I was healing! He is like an old time family country doctor.” And Mary Hernandez told us, “Dr. Baltazar has a wonderful personality and a great bedside manner. I felt so comfortable with him it felt like I was a part of his family. I was sad at my last appointment because I would miss seeing him. He was a friend already.” How often do you hear people speak of their doctor like they were a friend? Not too often. If you have varicose veins don’t wait to get them taken care of. Emily Svoboda declares, “If I had known how easy and virtually painless it was I wouldn’t have waited so long.” Call for your appointment today and go the vein specialist that everyone is talking about. Dr. Baltazar, Sugar Land’s very own Special Specialist.
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Ulises Baltazar MD,RVT,FACS Sugar Land Vein Specialists 281-240-8400 4660 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 130 www.slveins.com
Body by Ahmadi
When You Want the Best… Donnielle Carter
…you want to check out Dr. Ahmadi at Avante Plastic Surgery. When you want to sculpt your body quickly and have superior results…you want to check out the exclusive Lipotuck™ pioneered by Dr Ahmadi. Lipotuck™ blends together a traditional tummy tuck with liposuction to give you a lovely abdomen contour and a streamlined waist all in one procedure that provides an enhanced body shape with more ease. One of the biggest differences is that this procedure also attends to the upper abdomen, hips and love handles areas that a traditional tummy tuck does not. One pleased patient stated after she underwent Lipotuck™, “Most of the time I had to buy large or extra large sizes because of my stomach, now I can wear medium or small sizes.” Dr. Ahmadi, one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in Houston, created Lipotuck™. He is not only certified by the prestigious American Board of Surgery, he is also the only one specially certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to provide all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Ahmadi has channeled his natural artistic talents and his desire to help people to create the bodies they truly desire into plastic surgery and the creation of the amazing and unique Lipotuck™ that has won him local and national recognition. And Lipotuck™ is ONLY done at Avante Plastic Surgery in Sugar Land by its inventor Dr. Ahmadi. Dr. Ahmadi and his staff take great strides to not only meet but also to exceed a patient’s expectations before, during and after a procedure and it truly shows. “I really enjoy Dr. Ahmadi and his office staff. They are very nice, friendly and caring.” Still looking for the best you that you can be? Take the advice of one happy person who changed her life by going to see Dr. Ahmadi, “I’m very pleased with my surgery results and happy that I did it. If you are thinking about having Lipotuck™ done, go for it!” The results are extraordinary, unrivaled and undeniable. Go to the website and check out the before and after pictures or call today for your consultation with Dr. Ahmadi. Let yourself be the best you can be. Don’t you deserve it?? Avante Plastic Surgery 281-265-2639 (BODY) 1112-A Soldiers Field Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.lipotuck.com
Visit www.lipotuck.com and see Dr. Ahmadi explain the Lipotuck procedure in his own words during a television interview
To advertise, 281-235-0600
before - size 18
after - size 8
before - size 14
after - size 6
before - size 14
after - size 5
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Ready When You Need Them Donnielle Carter inderella needed a fairy godmother with a magic wand to get her deluxe ride to the ball but luckily you don’t. Whether it’s a ride to the airport, prom, a special night on the town or even your wedding all you need to do to get a luxurious ride is call Andrew Silva at Millennium Town Car Service. Having courageously served our country in the Marine Corp for 6 years Andrew wanted to settle down to family life and create a business that serviced the Fort Bend Community with integrity and ethics. From that desire Millennium Town Car Service was born. Satisfying every customer is Andrew’s goal, “We want to give everyone great service not good service but GREAT service.” As a Marine Veteran, Andrew wanted to build a business where he could employ other veterans
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who have bravely served our country. Millennium Town Car Service is both owned and operated by Marine Veterans, like Andrew Silva and his Client Relations Director, Marcos García. One Sugar Land resident who recently used his service remarked, “Usually I arrive at the airport stressed out; but when I used Millennium Town Car Service I got there completely relaxed, on time, and didn’t have to find a parking spot. It felt like I started my vacation early!” Wow, that’s just like magic. Andrew has successfully created the business he dreamed of…and that family life he was look-
ing forward to? Andrew is now the proud father of two beautiful daughters; a 10 year old and a newborn who just arrived at the end of May. Millennium Town Car Service offers services for many things including; corporate events, airport transportation, shopping, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, sporting events, a special evening and much more. If you have a transportation need, Millennium Town Car Service with their fleet of luxurious sedans and SUVs, with courteous and respectful drivers can assist you, no job is too small. To get that deluxe ride there is no need to wave a magic wand, just check out their website or pick up the phone and call Andrew at Millennium Town Car Service – On Time, Every Time. Millennium Town Car Service 832-434-8312 www.MillenniumTownCarService.com andrew@MillenniumTownCarService.com
Getting a “Green” Grin
Sarah Warburton hances are that you drive past this amazing place every single day. At EcoDental, local dentist Dr. Danny Nguyen, D. D. S. and his staff are dedicated to keeping your teeth and our planet healthy. Dr. Nguyen says, “We chose eco-friendly products—from the carpet made from recycled material to the low-VOC paint on the wall to the SaniTreet Green hospital-grade cleanser —to fit with our practice’s philosophy of dentistry. Innovations like digital x-rays that reduce films and processing chemicals also make life easier for our patients. Going green really makes our patients smile!” Eco-friendly dental “goodie bags” and green choices aren’t the only reasons patients love EcoDental. The soothing, spa-like atmosphere, massaging dental chairs, and gentle, empathetic staff have won over timid dental patients from all over Fort Bend! Dr Nguyen says, “Helping people achieve healthy smiles starts with comfort and convenience. We offer free wireless internet and have a separate children’s waiting room with beanbags, a PS3, Blu-Ray movies, and toys. We also accept all major insurances
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including Medicaid and CHIP, offer interestfree financing through Care Credit, and have evening and weekend appointments available. In addition to English, our office provides treatment in Vietnamese and Spanish.” Why did Dr. Nguyen become a dentist? To help people feel confident enough to show the world their smile. He says, “After working as a dental assistant, I went to dental hygiene school. While working as a dental hygienist, I saw all the ways dentists make a positive impact on people’s lives… and I wanted to help people more and more. That’s what motivated me to go through school to become a dentist. I want to thank the amazing people in Fort Bend for helping our practice blossom this past year. Caring for patients really is my passion and my calling…and all of us at EcoDental love to see you smile!” Dr. Danny Nguyen, D. D. S. 281-491-9494 Ecodental 15870 SW Freeway #500 (59@ Hwy 6 next to Whole Foods) Sugar Land, TX 77478
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After the Storm W
Sarah Warburton hen a hurricane sweeps through our neck of the woods, it leaves damaged homes, broken fences, battered trees behind...but that’s not all. After every major storm, we get an influx of out-of-town roofing companies in its wake. Remember those pickup trucks with tarps we saw after Hurricane Ike? Don’t gamble with a strange company during hurricane season. Call Ameristar today for a free-inspection from the one local company with a longstanding reputation and the know-how to keep you covered. If a roofing company’s new to our area, they may not know the kind of installation and documentation your roof needs. By the time you realize something’s wrong, your fly-by-night roofer may be long gone...with any money that you handed over. Joe Rangel, owner of Ameristar Roofing, says, “I can’t tell you how sad it makes me when a homeowner
has to call me because another roofing company dropped the ball. Those of us in Gulf Coast Counties need certifications for our roofs. Without the proper installation and the paperwork to prove it, you may not be able to get your insurance to cover the work.” When a homeowner calls Ameristar because of a problem with another company...chances are that other roofer is gone with the wind. Joe says, “Ask anyone here in Fort Bend and they’ll tell you Ameristar’s really a part of this community. I went into the roofing business over a decade ago. I grew up here, my kids go to school here...we’re not going anywhere! We carry two million dollars worth of general liability insurance, so you won’t have to worry and we won’t ask you for a single cent until the job’s completed to your satisfaction.” No matter what Mother Nature throws at you, you can count on Ameristar. Their rigorous
training placed them in the one percent of roofers nationwide that offer CertainTeed’s 3 Star, 4 Star, and 5 Star Extended Warranties—the gold standard in shingle protection. Joe says, “We’ll earn your recommendation and take care of you...through this hurricane season and beyond!” Ameristar 281-238-4230 3821 F.M. 359, Richmond, TX 77406 www.ameristarroofing.com
It Takes More Than a Hat to Make a Cowboy Donnielle Carter s Orville LeBlanc walks forget them. Mr. LeBlanc’s through the world, history phone began ringing off the hook with people requesting and tradition walk with him. He is a true cowboy. Mr. LeBlanc has pecans and more. Then they been involved in so many endeavors found his daughter Brenda’s it’s hard to list them all. He ran Big number and started calling Bob Smith’s ranch for almost 20 her. She convinced him to years, did the Rodeo circuit, worked open again with Brenda his own 20 acre pecan grove, raised taking over the cheese cattle and horses and owned a feed ball making duties. company. Mr. LeBlanc has lived in With a rich drawl Fort Bend County since the age of 8 Betty and Orville measuring a Pecan tree for he’ll tell you, “I used to and has been an entrepreneur most the Pecan Festival Largest Pecan Tree contest have horses, now I have grandkids.” And the spirit of his life. Today at the age of 75, he in Fort Bend County. spends his days running several successful businesses and of entrepreneurship continues with them. People always compliment him on his family. “Pecan people consulting for others. For 30 years LeBlanc’s Pecan & Feed Company has are super nice,” he responds modestly. LeBlanc Pecan been an important part of the rich history of Richmond, and Feed Company is open from 9:00am - 6:00 pm Texas, the seat of Fort Bend County. With its candy, starting in October and if you need something before infamous cheese balls, jams, and pies it has been warming then you can just call. the hearts of many and even inspired a Pecan Festival or With a charm rarely seen these days, Mr. Orville two. The original location was a country store that was LeBlanc is a true original. “You don’t find many cowconverted to a BBQ restaurant. Mr. LeBlanc then opened boys now,” he says. No, Mr. LeBlanc, we don’t…but up the feed store so his employees would have work all we found you. Thank you. year long. One gentleman has worked for him for over 25 years. Mr. Orville LeBlanc After the passing of his wife Betty, for a brief time they 3407 Skinner Lane, Richmond, TX 77406 closed up shop but their former customers just wouldn’t 281-381-5590
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To advertise, 281-235-0600
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Do You Need Vitamin “T”? G
Sarah Warburton uys, are you having trouble recovering after a workout? Maybe your energy, your libido, and your get-
up-and go have all gone? We asked Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. D., R.Ph. about the underlying cause of the male “blahs”...and you might be surprised at what we learned. “Most men start to experience a decrease in testosterone after the age of twentyeight,” says Dr. Campbell. “When women go through menopause, it’s a sudden drop in hormones, but for us guys the decrease is gradual. By the time you reach your mid to late thirties, you may start to notice decreased muscle mass and bone density, insulin resistance, decreased sex drive, less energy, irritability and feelings of depression...and that’s all due to a natural decrease in your body’s production of testosterone. The good news is that with the right hormone therapy, we can get you back to a healthy level again!” “Low-testosterone can lead to more problems than a thicker belly and a ‘whatever’ attitude. Studies show that men who have a low testosterone level after age 40 may have a higher risk of death over a four-year period than those with normal levels of the hormone. I know this is an issue that’s taboo to many men....but as a regular guy who’s also a pharmacist, I’m able to answer your questions about this and other sensitive issues. That’s what I’m here for. At the direction of
Symptom Check List
Do you have fatigue? Do you have a lack of drive? Do you lack initiative? Are you less assertive? Do you have a decline in your sense of well being? Do you have depressed moods? Are you frequently irritable? Has your self-confidence declined? Do you have a difficult time making decisions? Have you had a decline in your mental sharpness? Has your stamina and endurance lessened? Have you lost muscle mass, strength or tone? Have you gained body fat around your waist? Do you have elevated cholesterol? Has your libido decreased? Has your sexual ability declined? Is it difficult to obtain or maintain an erection?
Neck and back Pain? Our Sugar Land team iS the anSwer.
Ask hsrc What are some of the services you offer? The Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers performs a complete range of services for your neck and back pain, from Diagnostic Services, Chiropractic Care, Spinal Decompression (Vax-D), Phyisical Medicine, Aqua Therapy, Pain Management, Weight Loss programs and Neurology.
most private insurance accepted
Dr. Joshua r. akerman, D.c.
Dr. Jason schell, D.c. Dr. mark yezak, B.s., D.c.
Dr. Lynnette orrick, D.c.
Dr. scott Neuburger, B.s., D.c.
Excluding Medicare & Medicaid
For an appointment or additional information 281.362.0006 • spineandrehab.com Hablamos español HSRC
SoCial netwoRk
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Download our iPhone App spineandrehab.com/app
Visit us at our Sugar Land Location 2655 Cordes Drive, Suite 130 Sugar Land, Texas 77479
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the woodlands
3101 College Park The Woodlands, Texas 77384
midtown
2000 Crawford Street, Suite 1220 Houston, Texas 77002
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your doctor, I can compound your testosterone replacement in a cream, an injection, or a troche (a lozenge like a cough drop which dissolves in your mouth). Getting out in front of your health will pay off for you and your family!” As recipient of our “Neighbor’s Choice Award,” Dr. Campbell’s got the kind of credentials and accessibility guys can count on. This busy father of Cole, Chloe, and baby Catilyn says, “I’d like to wish all my fellow dads a Happy Father’s Day. Remember, we’re here to help you...stop in anytime, neighbor!” Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy 281-980-2555 4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 www.CampbellsCompounding.com
Don’t Sweat It!
Donnielle Carter ellooooo Summer! Temperatures are rising, humidity is getting thicker and the sweat is dripping. Summer is in full swing and it’s hot, Hot, HOT! Brian Jackson, owner of Jackson Air asks you, “Is your a/c system keeping you cool and comfortable?” You may think that by not replacing your old a/c system you may be saving money but think again. Brian warns that an a/c system that isn’t functioning properly can actually raise your electric bills and may unexpectedly break down. Yikes! Might be time to move on from that energy monster. But don’t sweat it! Trane systems like the XL20i two stage unit can actually be up to 60% more energy efficient giving your house more comfortable temperatures with less humidity while lowering your utility bills. In addition, Trane has rebates up to $1000 or 0% financing and there are also Federal Tax credits you could qualify for. Seeing the growing need
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for a good air conditioning service provider, in 1982 Jackson Air was founded by Johnny Jackson with the comfort and safety of Sugar Land families as the company’s number one priority. During his teenage years, Brian began working with his father Johnny and learned the importance of customer satisfaction and honesty. He has carried on this tradition and has found ways to improve upon that philosophy. Including teaming up with Trane 27 years ago because he knew that Trane systems were built with the highest quality and technology to take our long hot humid summers. As a matter of fact a whopping 80% of Jackson Air business comes from satisfied customer referrals. Which is why the Better Business Bureau just awarded Jackson Air the Award of Excellence for 2011. Dealing with your a/c system shouldn’t make you sweat. With a tradition of
honest advice, no pressure sales and lots of choices, the air conditioning experts at Jackson Air can keep you sweat free this summer. Jackson Air, a family company steeped in a history of customer satisfaction with a cool reputation – so cool they have a license to chill. Sugar Land’s Oldest Independent Trane Dealer Jackson Air 281-240-1037 www.LicenseToChill.us
Unique Twists On Old Favorites Sarah Warburton
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ne local family has handed it down through the generations... and now you can reap the delicious benefits. Kevin Rios says, “I grew up around the restaurant business, working in several Houston restaurants. My dad helps with brainstorming, my mom does our books, and our staff’s been with us for so long, they’re like family, too. When we opened the Post Oak Grill in Sugar Land three years ago, we wanted to combine fine dining, a superb wine experience, and superior service. Now we’re celebrating our first year at our new location at Lake Pointe...and we’re excited to continue offering an upscale experience and exquisite food at reasonable prices.” Don’t your taste buds deserve a culinary adventure? The Post Oak Grill offers USDA Prime Center Cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, and unique twists on old favorites. Fried green tomatoes get Texas flair with jumbo lump crab meat and a spicy remoulade. A Classic Mixed Grill is modernized with petit filet, domestic lamb chop, and duck confit with a blackberry reduction sauce. Talk about craveable food! One of Chef Alex Mendoza’s creative off-menu options won the “Best
in Fort Bend:” the Bone-in Blackened Rib Eye with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat and a Cajun butter sauce served with vegetable medley. Finish it off with a luscious dessert like chocolate creme brulee cheesecake and you’re guaranteed sweet dreams. What fine dining experience would be complete without the wine service to match? Kevin says, “We keep our wine cellar at fifty-eight degrees and it holds up to 4,500 bottles. We’d like to welcome you to purchase a wine locker and become one of the Post Oak Grill’s wine members. We also offer a selection of 715 wines. If you need some advice on pairing a wine with your meal, I’m a sommelier and we have two more on staff.” Ready to treat yourself to the fine dining, extensive wine menu, and stellar service at the Post Oak Grill? Kevin says, “Come see us for lunch, dinner, or happy hour...we’re ready to impress you!” Post Oak Grill 281-491-2901 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.PostOakGrillSugarLand.com
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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Three Simple Solutions for Better Health Sarah Warburton
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s a small businessman, as well as a doctor,” says local physician Dr. Jeffrey Alford, “I really understand the challenges we all face with our healthcare. I became a physician to help people feel better and learn to take care of themselves.... in today’s world that means giving people healthcare options that work with their lifestyle and pocketbook. That’s why I offer three different healthcare solutions.” If you’re happy with your insurance and your deductible, visit Dr. Alford at the Sweetwater Medical Associates family practice office. In this convenient location you’ll find traditional, insurance-based healthcare. He says, “Many patients are pleased with this familiar approach, but for those who want concierge patient services, I’m also able to offer a second option...individualized care personalized to your schedule and your needs. I want to make it easy and uncomplicated for people to get good healthcare. Maybe you need a physical or a preventative exam but have a high deductible, you’re self-employed, or have no current health insurance. At his Sugar Land Wellness and
Weight Loss office, Dr. Alford offers a third option: simple, fairly priced health exam packages. Getting preventative health examinations combats issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke with early detection and intervention. Dr. Alford says, “We’ll have a simple menu of tests for
Maybe you need a physical or a preventative exam but have a high deductible, you’re self-employed, or have no current health insurance. different ages, family histories, and genders. You can opt for the basic recommended tests or the comprehensive package…and you’ll know upfront exactly what it will cost. No hidden fees, no worrying about your high deductible, no getting one co-pay at the doctor’s office and another bill from the lab and another from radiology. Everything will be
included and easy to understand…your cost and your results!” Understanding the changing face of today’s healthcare options can make your head spin. Keep it simple with three easy options from local doctor (and small business owner) who understands. Dr. Alford says, “I also offer a weight-loss program that can dramatically improve your overall health. My goal is to make taking care of you easy and affordable!” Dr. Jeffery Alford 281-494-4900 Sweetwater Medical Associates 16651 SW Freeway #100 www.sugarlandwellness.net
Get Your Business Out of the Dark Ages Sarah Warburton
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hen you do the books for your business are there still books involved? Bring your accounting into the twenty-first century with a full suite of business services that will help you move at the speed of life today. Make your business mobile, fluid, and efficient with Trevathan, CPA. He says, “We can move your business to the “clouds,” give you any help you need, and train your team. You’ll have online access to your ‘books’ any time, any place. We can sign into your system and fix the problem now…not two days from now! And that’s just step one of revolutionizing the way your accounting happens.” Imagine the possibilities of having your accounts “in the clouds,” completely secure and available to you whenever you need them. Your own personal client portal will keep your scanned documents safe, backed up daily and tightly secured with your password in your “virtual file room.” John says, “Once we’ve got your accounting ‘in the clouds’ we can move to the second level...moving all your books and schedules there. You’ll get reminders like when it’s time to file your sales tax, liquor tax, or quarterly tax returns, and you’ll have ‘round the clock access to all the data you need.” You’ve built your business on your area of expertise...but in this day and age you also need a “business expert.” John says, “At Trevathan we also have a good relationship with the comptroller of public accounts and the secretary of state’s office. When you set up a new entity, we can advise you whether a DBA, LLC, C Corp, partnership or other type of entity would be best for you. If you’re business isn’t in good standing, we can help
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you turn that around. We’re here to make running your business easier and more efficient across the board!” Ditch the dusty old books, the green eyeshade, and the pencils. Bring your business into a new age of accounting…with Trevathan, CPA, PLLC. Trevathan, CPA, PLLC 281-207-1333 19901 Southwest Freeway john@cpajet.com www.cpajet.com
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Good Guys Do the Best Work Sarah Warburton or over fifteen years, the good guys at Alan’s Plumbing have offered superior plumbing service to the families of Fort Bend. Master plumber,Alan Burkhalter, along with his brothers, Chris and Brian, son Beau and the newest member of the team Zach Wagner, has made a name for Alan’s Plumbing as professional, prompt, and precise. Getting the good guys to do the work means you’ll have a solid company you can count on for quality work at a fair price. Rain or shine, Alan’s Plumbing’s just a phone call away for all your plumbing problems. They’ve got you covered with the knowledge and experience to tackle any plumbing problem like repairs, remodels, and installations. They show up on time, polite and in uniform. From members of the family to the “new guy” Zach, you’ll know exactly who you’re dealing with as they get right to work. Alan says, “This is a real family business, we’ve got two mothers and six brothers—me and my brothers and my three sons—working together. Zach’s got the same attitude towards hard work and good
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values that I grew up with, so I knew he’d be a great addition to our team!” Alan’s wife Jennifer says, “When you call us, you’ll know who’s coming out to help you. These guys work well together, they’re ontime and courteous, and they’ll get you the plumbing help you need.” The “young guns,” Alan’s three sons Beau, Luke, and Jake have grown up around the business, earned their apprentice plumbing licenses, and they look forward to living up to the example set by their dad. Luke and Jake are home from school this summer and you’ll see them diggin’, haulin’, even crawlin’ in the attic to help you out. When you see a drip, reach for the wrench to turn off the water…then reach for the phone and call Alan’s Plumbing. Alan says, “We’re a family business, and we love offering superior service to our neighbors here in Fort Bend. Call us when you’ve got a plumbing problem or need a remodel...we’re here for you!” Alan’s Plumbing 281-261-1064
Great Food at the Right Price!
Sarah Warburton eady to relax? Let the smell of roasting tomatoes and freshly baked dough lure you into our favorite neighborhood hangout. The walls are painted with Italian scenes, baseball’s playing on the corner TV, and the kids have found the classic arcade games you remember from your own childhood. The best part? You don’t have to choose between a restaurant for adults and one for kids! Owner of La Magia, Ray Razmdideh says, “Our Italian food is made completely from scratch with fresh ingredients for exceptional quality at prices perfect for the whole family!” Kids, you won’t have to break the piggy bank to treat Dad to a Meatball Sub for Father’s Day. And at La Magia, families are welcome, so you won’t feel out of place. Why not pick a couple of La Magia’s signature pizzas, made in a brick oven for that addictively authentic pizzeria crust. One
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bite will tell you it’s the best pizza in Sugar Land... that’s what thirty years of Italian cooking can do! Mom, why not take the whole gang out for dinner to celebrate the man of the house in style? With choices ranging from Veal Parmesan to Chicken Marsala to pastas galore, there really is something for everyone. The perfect dish for summer is the La Magia Pasta featuring Pan Seared Fresh Tilapia over Herb Potato Gnocchi with Grape Tomatoes, Asparagus and Mushrooms, served with a Garlic Lemon Sauce. Pair it with a glass of wine or an icy margarita and enjoy the pleasures of good food and friendly faces. Why settle for fast food when you could have a nice meal for the same price at La Magia? Ray says, “We offer delicious food made from quality ingredients for prices that real families can afford for daily lunch and dinner specials, take-out, and limited delivery. Visit our website
To advertise, 281-235-0600
for our current coupons and come “Like” us on Facebook to keep up with all our specials.” Mangiamo (Let’s Eat) at La Magia! La Magia 281-565-0366 3699 Hwy 6 South (in the Kroger shopping center) Sugar Land, Tx 77478 www.lamagiacafe.com
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Getting Off to a Great Start Sarah Warburton
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sn’t it funny how things come full circle?” says Dr. Bianca Sanchez. “When I was a little girl, maybe five years old, Dr. Gary Radford spoke at my school about oral dental care. Years later, he offered me a job in Houston after I finished my residency at Eastmen Dental Center in NY. One day a friend of mine told me she’d seen an old yearbook photo of me with Dr. Radford from that long-ago school visit. A year after I started working with with Dr. Radford, I discovered we had also both attended Eastmen Dental Center and specialized in pediatric dentistry. What a coincidence! Now we’ll be working together again. I know all my little friends and their parents will love having Dr. Gary Radford’s orthodontic services available right here...along with our boardwalk, our arcade, the balloons, and all the fun!” We all need a little help to get off to a good start. Dr. Gary Radford says, “My own father was a dentist so I grew up fascinated by the profession. After dental school and the Air Force, I focused on pediatric dentistry. I enjoy the variation...general dentistry, surgery, and orthodontics. My first practice took off like
gangbusters, because I was the only African American pediatric dentist in the area. The more I worked with orthodontics, the more interested I became in them. Now that I’m slowing down and cutting back, I’m pleased to focus on orthodontics and offer my services at Little People’s Dentistry.” “The mouth is the gateway to our existence,” says Dr. Radford. “We use it to eat, drink, and sometimes to breathe...if a child has allergies or asthma. People may think that orthodontics just straighten teeth, but making sure the head, neck, and nose are functioning properly in a growing child is the most important part of my job.” Dr. Sanchez says, “Dr. G. Radford will offer orthodontic exams and braces at Little People’s Dentistry starting this June. Call now to make your appointment....and get off to a great start!” Little People’s Dentistry 281-261-0020 4706 Riverstone Blvd., Suite 200 (behind Kohl’s) Missouri City, TX 77459 www.littlepeoplesdentistry.com
Curing Your Business’s Pain Sarah Warburton ccording to the US government almost 95 percent of all businesses will fail within the first two years because they just can’t bring in the revenue. Surviving and thriving in business takes more than a great product...it takes strategy. Bert Martinez, CEO of Bert Martinez Communications, has been described by CNN as having “a deep understanding of what drives people” And he uses this deep knowledge to help businesses in the areas of sales and marketing. What’s standing between you and true success? Bert says, “Many business owners work in their business and get bogged down in the day to day details...versus working on their business and keeping their eyes on the big picture. Bert Martinez Communications specializes in creating systems that run companies. Some companies need help with everything, while others want to develop a stronger more effective sales and marketing program.” A common business myth is that if you make a better product, the world will beat a path to your door to buy it...that’s simply not true. McDonald’s may not make the best food, but it has a system that allows
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them to sell the most food in the world. So whether a company is sales force driven or driven by advertisement, you need systems to create predictable results. Bert Martinez Communications helps create systems so business owners can experience predictable results . . . systems created the pyramids and put men on the moon” Olympic athletes will tell you that winning means working with a coach, and the same is true in the business world. Bert says, “We work with businesses of all kinds and of every size...start-ups to the well establish organizations. Our real strength is helping businesses grow their revenue, that’s our primary focus. Our Fortune 500 clients utilize Bert Martinez Communications on an on-going basis to avoid hitting a plateau, our smaller clients use us to ramp-up their sales. We’re passionate about business and we’re passionate about sales and marketing. With the right system and coaching, you can work smarter not harder, there’s no limit to your success!” 713-981-3278 www.bertmartinez.com Bert Martinez Communications LLC
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A Roadmap to Recovery
Sarah Warburton as finding the reason for your aches and pains been an uphill journey? The right doctor can help you navigate the challenges of an autoimmune disorder and give you a roadmap back to an active life. At Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates, Dr. J. Edward Hernandez, M.D. specializes in diseases of the joints and soft tissues. He says, “There are no hard and fast rules or simple checklists for the kind of autoimmune disorders I treat, but I promise to spend the time it takes to get to the root of the problem.” An autoimmune disorder takes twists and turns, but a rheumatologist can chart a course of action. Dr. Hernandez serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. He says, “Most of these conditions also require a multi-disciplinary approach, so I coordinate with other specialists for a “big picture” approach. Often we find that autoimmune disorders are linked and affect more than one system...like your skin, your lungs, your heart, and your kidneys. For example, I’ve treated patients for psoriatic arthritis and had their skin clear up as well. Gout is linked to high levels of uric acid in the blood and can cause complications like high blood pressure and kidney dysfunction. Most of these diseases are easily treatable, when they are diagnosed. Once we get control of the disease, the pain usually subsides.” As the father of three children, an avid cyclist who has joined Leonardo Xavier’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and recently completed the Houston Marathon, Dr. Hernandez understands how an autoimmune disorder can slow you
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down. He has expanded his practice and relocated to the Medical Plaza next to St. Luke’s Hospital Sugar Land.
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They offer in-office blood draws, ultrasound guided injections, electronic medical records, an on-site infusion center for IV therapy, and they are adding an MRI. Dr. Hernandez says, “For better or for worse, patients diagnosed with a chronic disease are involved with treatment most of their life…and I’ll be with you every step of the journey!” Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates 281-980-1742 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Suite 515 www.FortBendRheumatology.com
Where Summer Really Sizzles...
Sarah Warburton …like Lupita’s amazing fajitas served with a frosty margarita on the side. The other thing that sizzles at Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant? You’ll love this Mexican food made with quality ingredients at a family-friendly price. Chef Lupe Garcia’s husband of 33 years, Jaime says, “Our biggest secret— besides Lupe’s family recipes—is choosing the freshest ingredients and making the food on-site. We love taking good care of you!” On Father’s Day, treat Dad to a fiesta with the familia at Lupita’s. Kids love the brightly colored piñatas, cheese quesadillas, and tres leches cake; Dads love the reasonable prices, the attentive service...and the food. The hottest new plate is the crawfish enchiladas...muy delicioso and under ten dollars! Looking for something cool and creamy? Try Lupita’s luscious avocado stuffed with fajita beef, chicken, or veggies...a perfect summer treat. Lupe says, “For June we are adding seafood specials like our Shrimp Tostadas, and you’ll need to check our website, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, or ask your server…just like our stuffed avocado and the crawfish enchiladas, they aren’t on the official menu yet.” Chill with appetizers like nachos, crispy chips,
warm picante sauce with roasted tomatoes made on-site daily, and smoky charro beans. Looking for your new favorite place for Happy Hour? Enjoy extra-low Happy Hour pricing on beer and margaritas Monday through Thursday all day long at Lupita’s and weekend Happy Hours are from 4-7. Give your fiesta real flair with Lupita’s to-go or catering services. From graduation parties to summer celebrations to corporate events, every dish Lupe makes brings people together. Jamie says, “You send the invitations, we’ll handle the fajitas…for fiestas of any size!” Jaime says, “It’s been eight years since we opened our doors and since my granddaughter was born...and now she’s learning to make tortillas from her Abuela Lupe. She, Rigo, Leo, and I all say muchas gracias for all your loyalty and support. Feliz Dia de los Padres to all those dads out there...from our familia to yours!” Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant 281-265-6556 Southeast corner of Hwy 6 & Williams Trace www.lupitassugarland.com
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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What’s the Secret?
Sarah Warburton f it’s hidden in the bones and joints of your body, you’ll need an orthopedist to find the answer. Dr. Mark Vann, MD says, “The most amazing and complex mechanical engineering feat one could ever study is the musculoskeletal system…and that’s a large part of why I chose to specialize in orthopedic surger y. The muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments function in harmony to create the mobile, agile, and powerful human body. As an orthopedic surgeon, I have experience in repairing, reconstructing and stabilizing nearly every bone and joint in the human body…this is essential in various aspects of patient care, as complex problems often require knowledge and creativity gleaned from distant body structures.” The evolution of an orthopedic surgeon takes place over the years...first, four
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years of college, followed by four years of medical school, then five in a highly competitive surgical training program called an orthopedic residency. All orthopedic surgeons undergo this training, but some choose to pursue a Fellowship...typically this is an additional year or two of focused, high-volume surgery serving as the lead or assistant surgeon to an established surgeon or surgical practice, with a particular area of interest. It’s not a path that every surgeon takes. After completing his orthopedic residency in Washington, DC, Dr. Vann was selected for a prestigious fellowship in complex surgery and reconstruction of the foot and ankle. He says, “Although trauma and large joint reconstruction was quite rewarding, I really
wanted the opportunity to see and treat some of the most complex and rare foot and ankle problems around. It really challenged me to take my training and skills to the next level.” From the top of your neck to the tips of your toes, Dr. Vann knows the insand-outs of your bones and joints. He jokes, “Orthopaedic Surgeons own the bone...but we do leave the Skull to the Neurosurgeons!” Mark Vann, MD Board Certified, Fellowship Trained, Orthopedic Surgeon Lower Extremity Specialist Sugar Land Medical Plaza 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 520 Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-876-6518 www.MarkVannMD.com
You’ll Flip for This! Sarah Warburton ired of your kids bouncing off the walls? Let them burn off that energy at a place that’s packed with wall to wall fun. At Iron Cross Gymnastics, owners Jeremy Alspaugh and Grant Qualls have lined up a summer’s worth of activities guaranteed to keep kids safe, entertained, and jumping for joy!
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Remember when Friday night used to be date night? Thanks to Parents Night Out or “PNO” at Iron Cross, it could be again. Enjoy dinner and a movie...while your kids and their friends have an evening of action-
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packed fun! Twice a month on every other Friday from 6:30-11pm, the expert team at Iron Cross provides pizza, gymnastics, games and a movie (PG)...for only $20 for the first child and $15 for siblings. Grant says, “Visit our website to see the themes and schedule for upcoming PNOs. We’ve always got something new in the works!” Nothing gets rid of the summer blahs like summer camp at Iron Cross. Campers race through ramped-up gymnastics training, wild games, and arts and crafts, before winding down with a movie...all in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Jeremy says, “We know everyone’s summer schedule is different, so we offer different options. You can register for a week of camp (M-F from 9-3), a single day, or a half day (either 9-12 or 12-3). Register early to reserve a spot. We can accommodate up to seventy kids each day...but we still fill up, especially on Water Weeks!” Whether your child goes to Tumbling Boot Camp, Parents Night Out, Summer Camps, or signs up for the summer schedule of classes, Iron Cross’s experienced staff will deliver an incredible experience! Jeremy says,
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“You don’t have to have a membership or take a class with us to participate in PNO or camp...or to schedule a birthday party. We offer lots of ways for families to give their kids a great time without a huge commitment. Visit our website and you’ll see what extreme fun means!” Iron Cross Gymnastics 281-342-4766 (IRON) 225 Gonyo Lane Suite 202, Richmond, Texas 77469 www.ironcrossgymnastics.com
This’ll
floor
Solid as a Rock
Sarah Warburton hings come and go pretty quickly these days and it can be hard to find something that stands the test of time. We’ve found a family owned and operated store that’s been in our community for over twenty years...and the products it sells are one hundred percent rock solid. “When my wife Renee and I opened the doors at All About Carpet,” says Bob McKelvey, “our son Shaun was in kindergarten...and now he’s twenty-six years old. I’m proud to say he’s learning this business inside and out.” What better way to learn a business than literally growing up in it? Shaun says, “I’ve been working for my dad just about my whole life...but for the last six years, it’s been official. I started out in the service and restoration side of the business, but now I’m working in the showroom and attending trade shows. That’s where I found a great new
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product by Cosentino.” You don’t have to pull on your hiking boots and apply sunscreen to enjoy nature. A new granite countertop gives that great outdoors feeling right at home...with the durability you need in the busiest room in your house. After all, Mother Nature put in some serious time getting these stones ready. SenSa granite is maintenancefree, premium natural granite brought to you by Cosentino, a world leader in the natural stone industry for over eighty years. Every SenSa Granite slab has SenGuard technology applied in Cosentino’s modern fabrication facilities. This SenGuard protection penetrates into the granite surface and is anchored to the stone, allowing Cosentino to offer an industry leading 15-year warranty against staining. Go ahead and clean your counters...SenSa can stand up to the use of typical household cleaning chemicals. Not only that, but Sensa with SenGuard is safe for your kitchen and is certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. Think about the wonders of the natural world… they’d be nothing without the warmth and beauty of stone. From the shale and sandstone of the Grand Canyon to the granite of the Grand Tetons to the limestone of our very own Natural Bridge Caverns, each stone has its own unique look. Why not bring that unique beauty into your own home?
To advertise, 281-235-0600
you!
Each slab of granite is one-of-a-kind and carefully quarried by Cosentino using stateof-the-art equipment to provide the highest quality stone. You will find that SenSa Granite offers an array of colors to match any decor or project. “You might be surprised to learn,” says Shaun, “that granite is just about the same price as synthetic stone. When you’re updating your kitchen, choosing granite gives you added value without a lot of added cost...and just like All About Carpet, it really stands the test of time. I’d also like to say Happy Father’s Day to my dad. Thanks for teaching me how be a good guy in life and in business!” All About Carpet and Floors 281-265-3700 3145 Highway 6 South (next to Shipley’s) www.allaboutcarpet.com
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Making a Positive Impact
Sarah Warburton
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hat’s the secret to making a positive impact on the future? One local dentist, Dr. Thomas Lomonte, D.D.S. says, “I’ve always believed that we Dads make the biggest impact on the future when we spend time with our kids and teach them what we know. Fishing with my own father and my son, Matt are among the best memories I have.” “A while back Matt and I were replacing an air conditioning compressor into his girlfriend’s car and she asked, ‘How do you
congratulate the winners of this year’s Doug Ludeke Scholarship award and encourage past recipients to get in touch with my office and let us know how you’re doing!” Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients: from Austin High School Kayla Blankenship, from Bush High School Rebecca Stillwagon, from Clements High School Brionne N. Doyle, from Dulles High School Tyler Charis Walker, from Elkins High School Vincent Teran, from Hightower High School Arielle
Belle Tan, from Kempner High School Keila Abigail Garay, from Marshall High School Oluwafemi Adunbarin, from Travis High School Samantha Parsons, and from Willowridge High School Fernando Gonzalez. Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S. 12122 Murphy Rd. Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 530-1440 www.drthomaslomonte.com
Children are born traditions are passed the love continues on... know how to fix cars?’ I told her that my dad taught me...and that got me thinking how big an impact he had on my life. He taught me life-long lessons from how to fix a leaky faucet to how to be a good father. He worked for an Oil Refinery in Beaumont and on the weekends he repaired appliances...and he took me along. Like my Dad, I’ve always been good at fixing things...and a dentist has to be able to fix just about anything. No two patients and no two sets of teeth are alike. Whether I’m making adjustments to your smile with Invisalign or crafting a crown or bridge, I enjoy using my skills to give you healthy, beautiful smile.” If you really want to make a difference in the world, you need to reach out to young people all over our community. Dr. Lomonte’s been involved with the Fort Bend Optimist Club for over twenty-five years. He says, “I really believe in this organization’s goal of ‘honoring high school students who are dedicated to helping others, in an effort to make themselves better people and to make the world a better place.’ I want to
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A Bit of Heaven in Missouri City
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Sarah Warburton ove for his family and a passion for good food brought acclaimed French chef Frédéric Perrier all way to Missouri City. Trained in Michelin starred restaurants, this talented chef won acclaim in New York as an Executive Chef requested by celebrities and heads of state. When he met his now-wife, Michelle she sold him on her home state, Texas. Today he’s the proud papa to two boys and the
Aura Restaurant owner and creative force behind three restaurants...and that’s a recipe for success! Have you tasted the delicious treats waiting at Fort Bend’s only 3-star restaurant? AURA was honored as one of Houston Chronicle’s top ten new restau-
rants because of Chef Perrier’s innovative cuisine...that doesn’t break the bank! Slip in for a serene lunch, enjoy the economical three-course prix-fixe “Sunset” menu, or enjoy French dinner classics like Filet Mignon or whimsical choices like “Frenchy’s Decadent Burger” with prime beef, braised oxtail, and foie gras...and check the ever-changing specials for Thai, Italian, or Mexican-influenced creations. Bring your buddies, your kids, even the whole baseball team to Chef Perrier’s newest venture… Hoggs n’ Chicks, a “Fine Food Shack.” With a menu featuring chicken-fried chicken and pulled pork barbeque, you’ll find tempting treats to please every tastebud. Chef Perrier says, “Hoggs N Chicks has been such a success that we’re converting our Meat-n-Greet Boutique next door to AURA into a Hoggs n’ Chicks Express.
Hoggs n’ Chicks You can still pick up your favorite imports and treats, but we’ll have a Hoggs n’ Chicks to-go menu...perfect for pleasing picky palates on busy nights!” AURA Restaurant 3340 FM 1092 Rd, Ste 160 Missouri City, TX 77459-2215 (281) 403-2872 www.aura-restaurant.com Hoggs n’ Chicks “A Fine Food Shack” 8817 Hwy 6, Ste 200 Missouri City, TX www.hoggsnchicks.com Hoggs n’ Chicks Express 3340 FM 1092 Rd, Ste 180 Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 403-4444 www.hoggsnchicks.com
Are You Ready for Summer? Sarah Warburton re you ready for a summer of baseball, kayaking, camping, hiking, sun bathing or just shopping and catching a movie? If several summers have come and gone since you’ve considered contact lenses, you’re missing out on a world of options. Dr. Anh Doan of Missouri City’s Vision Source says, “Every year we see new advances that make contact lenses easier and more comfortable. Summer’s a great time to come in for an exam...and try something new!” If you’ve got a kid who’s always on the go, contact lenses can keep up with that busy pace. Dr. Doan says, “Most middle schoolers are ready for the responsibility of contacts. Even kids as young as young as eight or nine may be mature enough for contacts...if they are motivated and have a good reason for wanting them. Contact lenses are much easier than glasses for many sports like gymnastics, cheer, football, and baseball. Come in for an exam, and we’ll discuss all the options.” If you sneeze your way through summer, you may still be cleared
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for contacts. Dr. Doan says, “We can try different types of contact lens, like daily disposable contact lenses, which are discarded nightly. Since you’ll replace your lenses each day, irritating deposits don’t build up and make your allergyrelated discomfort worse.” Are you tired of juggling your reading glasses, your driving glasses, and your sunglasses? One pair of multifocal lenses plus one stylish pair of protective sunglasses equals one sensational summer! Dr. Doan says, “Many people are surprised to learn that they can wear contact lenses, even if they wear bifocal, trifocal, or even progressives. If you’re dreading your first pair of bifocal glasses, we’ll consider a contact lens to help you see both close up and far away, as well as correct astigmatism.” A visit to Vision Source is the perfect way to kick off your summer. And Dr. Doan wants you to remember, “With or without contact lenses, always wear sunglasses
To advertise, 281-235-0600
that block 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation...for a safe and happy summer!” Dr. Anh Doan, Therapeutic Optometrist Vision Source! • 281-261-2647 4725 Highway 6 South www.visionsource-missouricity.com
$179 Expires 7-31-11
exam and 6 pairs of Oasys™ contact lenses and care kit. Some Rx restrictions apply. Not valid with insurance or any other offers.
Buy one get one free
FREE Must purchase frame and GLASSES complete pair of lenses. Expires 7-31-11
Free pair must be of same Rx & equal or lesser value. Valid Rx required. Some Rx restrictions apply. Not valid with insurance or any other offers.
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Stylish Addition to Dining Scene Becca Bragg s my companions and I looked around the Char House Bar and Grille, we saw authentic details everywhere. Named after the Char House on the grounds of the iconic
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Imperial Sugar Mill, historic tools and photos of our past hang on the walls. In fact, the owners support the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the candle on our table stood in a glass filled with authentic “char” used to filter out molasses. Everything we tasted-from the artichoke and chickpea hummus to the flank steak salad with shiraz vinaigrette to the mind-blowing martinis was hand-crafted for a truly “historic” experience. Sometimes it’s all about the details...like the pickled onions that give zing to the house salad or the tomato pineapple chutney that elevates a
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grilled cheese or a crispy chicken sandwich. We were seriously impressed with the signature halfpound Kobe beef burger served with chipotle mayo that really takes it to the next level. Owners Chris Reyes, Michael Garfield and their principal investors also plan to build a Char House steakhouse on top of the actual Char House once renovations are complete...and we can’t wait! Finally, my friends and I had a battle of the forks over the Chocolate Heaven dessert, layers of chocolate cake and fudge topped with chocolate sauce and marshmallows. Like the now-departed Olives, the Char House Bar and Grille boasts a multi-page menu of martinis...along with an expanded food and drink menu. We lingered over choices including the Diamond Martini-a
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Char House Bar & Grille 281-980-2823 2268 Texas Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.charhousebarandgrille.com
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Russian standard platinum vodka, Lillet Blanc, platinum flakes, and a one carat diamond served in a Waterford crystal martini glass. Forget St. Patrick and St. Nick...if his namesake martini is any indication, every day should be St. Michael’s Day! The St. Michael’s Martini combines raspberry-infused Skyy Vodka, triple sec, pomegranate, sweet and sour, champagne, and Red Bull...guaranteed to cure what ails you! We slipped out of our booth planning our next visit...maybe during a Social Hour M-F from 3-7p and M-Th from 9-11pm. The Char House Bar and Grille promises to be a delicious addition to the Sugar Land social scene.
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Ta i l for or M Da ad d e Sarah Warburton
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hat do most men hate to do? Shop for clothes! This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift of custom-made menswear from J. Hilburn Men’s Clothier. Stefani Stone Fitzgerald, our local Style Advisor says, “Our founders, Hil Davis and Veeral Rathod, wanted to offer the highest quality menswear at affordable prices, paired with personalized customer service...and ninety-three percent of our clients return to us for more.” By appointment, Stefani comes to your home or office to take ten measurements (not just your neck and sleeve) as you select from Italian woven fabrics. As your Style Advisor, she’ll quickly guide you to the
most flattering fit and colors. You may not know pleats from plackets, but you will have options and personalized advice: From formal French cuffs to American business looks; from on-trend Sport shirts to Western pearlsnap styles, J. Hilburn will have you properly outfitted. Stefani says, “We offer custom shirts, as well as pants, sport coats, suits, golf shirts, and classic accessories at boldly lower prices.” There is never a required minimum order with J. Hilburn. In fact, “On any custom tailored items, we make one first, then allow you to try it on and approve the fit. Once you are satisfied, we can process a few more items for you or completely update
your wardrobe.” The biggest difference between J. Hilburn and other custom clothing companies is value! Stefani says, “Because we sell directly to the customer and cut out the retail store overhead, we eliminate that markup. Our custom shirts range from $79-$149 and pants are $99-$185… and you don’t have to go to the mall anymore!” Once Dad tries a J. Hilburn shirt or outfit, he’ll want all of his clothes to fit better. Stefani promises, “We’ll keep your measurements and preferences on file, so reordering through me or online is a breeze. Additionally, your wife, girlfriend, or daughter can call me anytime to order a special surprise!” Gift Certificates make a unique gift for Father’s Day, Graduation, and Birthdays. J. Hilburn Stefani Stone Fitzgerald stefani.fitzgerald@ jhilburnpartner.com 713-515-5779 www.jhilburn.com
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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Need a Miracle? Most people don’t want to pull out and replace. They just want to change the color, like this red and white before and after. Miracle Method is able to do that giving the customer something that looks brand new.
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nvest a little cash today, and in time you’ll get a big reward...an incredible improvement in the way your home looks and feels. Paul Barnett, co-owner of Miracle Method says, “Getting the ceramic tile in your kitchen or bathroom professionally refinished is as simple as the Miracle Method.” Don’t be fooled by the words simple and miracle. Refinishing ceramic tile with the Miracle Method takes professional skill and hard work... but you won’t have to lift a finger! After you
consult with Paul’s wife and co-owner Jonee, let the experts take over. First they’ll clean the tile, then they’ll fill in chips and give the grout a thin, new coat. Finally, they’ll apply a professional finish using specialized equipment, primers, bonding agents, top coats and clear sealers. The Miracle Method’s popular Natural Accents stone-look finish can update laminate, tile, cultured marble, Corian and even fiberglass surfaces. Paul says, “Over and over I hear people say the final product looks better than they ever imagined it would. We’re always ready to catch a homeowner who faints from happiness.” Nobody wants the hassle and expense of tearing out and replacing their tile. Ceramic tile refinishing using Miracle Method’s Natural Accents process involves a unique seven-step spray application to give you the most durable refinished surface possible...delivering a finish that is as long lasting as it is beautiful. Miracle
Method’s Natural Accent finishes are seamless, non-porous, heat resistant, stain resistant and easily repaired. Imagine how amazing your shower, bathtub, kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, or backsplash could look...with a little miracle! “I love this job,” says Paul, “especially helping the guys plan the work and seeing it all get done. Not only is Miracle Method quicker and much less expensive than tearing out and replacing your tile, but our guys are on time and keep to a schedule. Call us for your free estimate, give us just a few days...and we’ll give you a kitchen or bathroom that looks like new!” Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 281-240-2284 603 Murphy Road (by appointment only) Stafford, TX www.miraclemethod.com/houstonsw
Getting Girls Good Information
Sarah Warburton here should your teenager get her health information...the internet, television, school? Dr. Leslie Cohan of The Woman’s Place says, “As the mother of a daughter, I know firsthand how confusing and challenging those teen years can be. Even if you have a great relationship with your daughter, there are some things she just won’t want to talk about. As an ob-gyn, I’m a neutral, knowledgeable source of answers to all those questions she doesn’t want you to know she has.” “A good time for that first appointment is between the ages of thirteen and fifteen. I may invite parents to ask their questions...but then I’ll speak with your teen alone for her privacy. Most patients are relieved that the first visit rarely includes a pelvic exam. Having a first ‘get-to-knowyou’ visit with clothes on helps girls trust me enough to talk honestly and really get the
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help and advice they need over the long run. According to new ACOG guidelines, we usually perform the first Pap test at age 21.” “Think about all the things you want your daughter to know before she goes out into the world. By the time she heads off to college, she needs to really know and understand
the importance of preventive care. We’ll talk about normal development, menstruation, sexuality, healthy eating habits, safety
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and injury prevention and date rape prevention. I’m also alert to the warning signs of eating disorders and weight issues, blood pressure problems, and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The right time to talk about safe sex is well before the issue comes up...so I’m able to advise about available birth control options and the human papillomavirus vaccine early, when the advice can make a difference.” “If your daughter has a trusting doctorpatient relationship with her ob-gyn, she’ll have a place to get the right answers and good advice...for all the challenges that face our daughters today.” The Woman’s Place (affiliated with the Woman’s Hospital of Texas) 713-795-0349 16552 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 http://drcohan.womanshealthgroup.com/
Dads Are Going Off-Road Sarah Warburton eep your Dad on the go with the guys at All Out Off Road. They service and accessorize “on-road” vehicles like your family car and your fancy truck…as well as off-road SUVs, heavy-duty trucks, ATVs, UTVs, and Jeeps. Owner Chance Kamp says, “We’ve got lots of ways to take your ride to the next level this summer!” Commuting to work or driving to Disney, All Out Off Road’s got tricks to stretch your driving dollar. Try a Bully Dog performance tuner like the Triple Dog Gas Downloader. It increases power and torque by re-flashing the engine’s control unit with performance improving engine tuning software to calibrate the speedometer for larger or
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smaller tire sizes. Increase your air flow for better gas mileage and more power with AFE Performance Intake Systems...and these AFE filters are cleanable and last forever. Did you know truck bed covers are a great way to save fuel and improve your gas mileage? Undercover Bed Covers are strong, durable, custom fit, and easy-to-remove. Got some hunting, fishing, or camping on your summer calendar? Chance says, “We’ve got all kinds of hitches for your RV. B&W Gooseneck hitches have a 30,000 LB towing capacity and a turnover ball for flush bed use. We can build pretty much anything on a hunting rig, RV, or ATV. We do gear boxes, racks, lights, hunting seats, and everything else.” This just in...there’s another summer of solid sunshine ahead of us. Cool off (makes things better on your interior and keep you cool) with window tinting...that’s how the All Out guys got started! Chance says, “We made a name for ourselves doing residential and commercial window tinting...and our auto window tinting was so popular that we opened All Out Off Road in 1991.” “All our guys love talking about the ways you can accessorize your car, truck, or SUV. If Dad drives it, we can trick it out…and service it, too!” All Out Off Road 1 281-341-9494 708 Hwy 90A Richmond, TX. 77406 All Out Off Road 2 281-499-3806 13261 Murphy Rd. Stafford, TX. 77477 www.alloutoffroad.com
Step Out of the Ordinary H
a v e y o u been searching for something deliciously out of the ordinar y? You won’t have to travel to distant lands to enjoy a culinary adventure that dates back to Ghengis Khan and his Mongolian warriors. Visit Kublai Khan’s new Sugar Land location for Crazy Mongolian Stirfry and add a little spice to your life. If you’ve never tried Mongolian Stirfy before, why not start with the best? Jovi Yousef Beiz, Chief Operating Officer says, “Choose from our high-end proteins like Angus beef rib eye, the freshest calamari, shrimp or whitefish, or quality chicken or pork. Then add crisp vegetables, freshlyground spices and sauces from scratch. We
also have ‘recipe cards’ that give suggestions on what proportions to use for popular dishes like coconut curry, zesty orange, or spicy Szechuan. Our trained chefs will cook it to perfection on the Mongolian grill...for a dinner that’s creative, tasty, and thrilling!” We guarantee you’ve never had the kind of exceptional experience offered at Kublai Khan. You may design your own dinner, but this isn’t a buffet. You’ll have access to a wine list that combines high-end brands with sensible pricing and they are available for catering and corporate events. Jovi’s background in fine dining includes training in Europe, work at the MGM Casino
To advertise, 281-235-0600
and with Wolfgang Puck. He says, “Chef Michael Mina has been a huge influence on my professional life, as have Mr. and Mrs. Tcholakian of Phoenician Specialty Foods here in Houston. Like them, I believe in putting your heart and soul into what you do, using the best, freshest, whole ingredients, and offering your customers extraordinary service.” Kublai Khan “Crazy Mongolian Stirfry” 281-565-7277 15830 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.kublaikhanstirfry.com
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to Make Your Job Easier
This Guy
LOVES Sarah Warburton
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benefits they need at a price that’s right for them. Sharing what I know to help others is why I got into this business in the first place.” Trips to Fort Bend County are like coming home for John. He grew up in Sugar Land and attended Lakewood Elementary and Sugar Land Jr. High from 1972-1978. A family man, he and his wife live outside of San Antonio with their eleven-year-old daughter. He knows the importance of protecting the ones you love and enjoys travelling throughout the state helping business owners find what works for them. “My goal is to design a custom benefits package that meets the needs of the employer, the employees and the bottom line. I get personal satisfaction when I help businesses decide on the right benefits for their most valuable asset, their employees.” If you are a small to mid-size business that is looking for alternative ways to protect your most valuable asset, call John; he loves to make your job easier.
inding someone who knows how to make your job easier is a godsend, and for John Sommer, Jr. it’s the thing he likes to do best. He says, “For the past five years, I’ve been spending my days talking with CEOs and HR departments to help them establish or revise the group benefits they offer their employees...and I absolutely love it!” In this economic climate, it can be difficult for owners to balance what is best for their business and their employees. That’s where John comes in. As an Employee Benefits Account Executive for SWBC, one of the largest insurance broker/ consulting firms in the state, he has access to all the major insurance carriers at the best rates available. Working with his Account Management team, John can assess what your specific needs are and match you with carriers and providers that offer the kind of coverage that sets you apart and saves you money. Plus, the carriers they represent can provide ongoing reviews of your coverage to ensure that you continue to have the right protection and policies in place. SWBC is a privately-owned, Texasbased company founded thirty-five years ago in San Antonio by Gary Dudley and Charlie Amato with just two employees, today they have over fourteen hundred. John says, “SWBC is a relationship-centered company that gives ten percent of its proceeds right back to the community. We’re part owner of the Spurs and we love to do business with the folks that are doing business with us. SWBC has provided me with the atmosphere to grow personally and professionally.” “We handle group benefits for companies with as few as two employees or as many as five thousand...although most of our clients have around 25 to 100 employees. One of our biggest clients is Schlitterbahn; that always gets us some grins! I really love taking care of my clients, checking in to make sure that we’ve got the
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John Sommer, Jr. Employee Benefits Account Executive 210.321.7342 SWBC 9311 San Pedro - Suite 550 San Antonio, Texas 78216 jsommer@swbc.com
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The Royal Treatment!
Donnielle Carter uring the royal wedding preparations when England’s Prince William married Kate Middleton the royal staff went to cleaning. And they cleaned EVERYTHING including the streets and the sewers. Can you imagine? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a staff of your own to clean your home, that gives you the royal treatment but doesn’t cost the crown jewels? Then check out Professional Maid Service. Max McCammond wanted to create a company that treated people as individuals instead of a number, met their needs and just made people feel better. So in 1999 Max founded Professional Maid Service, and it has become Fort Bend County’s most popular and most trusted cleaning service. “All of our maids are bonded and insured to guarantee the comfort level people require and deserve.” Max knows people are so busy in these times that it isn’t easy to find time to thoroughly clean your house…which can actually add aggravation to your life. Having a clean home can create an atmosphere of peace so Max recommends, “Come home and relax. Leave the cleaning to the professionals.” Making sure clients get the royal treatment at a great price is one of the many reasons that Max and his maids have such a regular and loyal client base. His clients who travel a lot have told Max, that they are grateful for the maids cleaning while they are gone. The house gets checked on and they come home to a clean house! Ahhh, talk about being treated like royalty. Always quick to laughter, Max inspires a fun, happy and relaxed working environment. And you can feel that when the maids enter
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your home always wearing a smile. “Our maids enjoy cleaning and it shows in their work. They receive the highest training and only use top-quality products. Our professional maids are really very good.” Want your house clean enough for a royal wedding but at affordable rates? Call Max of Professional Maid Service today for your free in home estimate and get the royal treatment you deserve. Professional Maid Service 281-342-6500 www.ProfessionalMaidService.com
Men Do It Too… S
Donnielle Carter ome men have discovered a beauty secret women have known about for years… laser hair removal. So gentlemen, if you are tired of shaving every morning or you are bothered by the ingrown hairs and rashes you deal with from shaving, we are going to let you in on a beauty secret right here in Sugar Land. The first-class medical spa, Kalologie, is a full service medical spa that offers services including; laser hair removal, facials, chemical peels, waxing, botox, Juvederm® and MD Weight Loss system. Laser hair removal is quickly becoming the hair removal method of choice for unwanted body and facial hair. Unlike waxing or shaving that can cause ingrown hairs or painful tweezing laser hair removal is permanent; leaving you with smooth, hair free skin with no contra indications. Manager Jennifer Blichmann stated, “More and more men are coming in for hair removal on their face, back and chest.” Kalologie medical directors have studied many different systems and chose to use the StarLux 500 by Palomar because of its safety and effectiveness. Different from other systems, the StarLux 500 allows Kalologie’s certified technicians to treat any skin type from
the lightest to the darkest. Jennifer says that the treatment itself is individualized and with little to no discomfort, “For most it feels like a rubber band being snapped on your skin. Some people don’t feel anything.” Kalologie is now offering: buy laser hair removal for one area and receive a second area for free. And for men in the month of June, if you buy a laser package you will receive free facial (a $90 value) to you or to that special someone in your life. Kalologie will beat any major competitor’s prices on laser hair removal. So if you are ready to give up that shaggy bear look and do something more with your morning than shave yesterday’s hair growth off your face, call Kalologie today for a laser hair removal consultation. Because you know what, laser hair removal is not just for women, men do it too! Kalologie Skincare/Medspa 281-265-0880 15890 Southwest Freeway Whole Foods Shopping Center Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.kalologie.com
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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Offering Our Special Brand of Care for Patients in Fort Bend County Our goal is to provide a high standard of care to every patient, every day. At St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, we combine expertise, quality and technology with our special brand of caring for the whole person – body, mind and spirit – to serve the patients of Fort Bend County.
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StLukesSugarland.com St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital • 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77478 • 281-637-7000
Stealing Lives D
id you know that Texas is number three in the countr y in identity theft? Every 6 weeks in the US ten million social security numbers are bought and sold...many
belonging to children under the age of eighteen. Identity Theft Specialist, Patti Nelson says, “Our children have clean records and credit histories. Once thieves get hold of those numbers they can be bought and sold virtually undetected until the debt collector calls or you go to get your sixteen-year-old a car or a credit card. Identity theft can ruin a child’s financial life before it even starts. ” The second fastest growing area of identity theft could cost you your life! Patti says, “Medical identity theft is the fastest growing sector of an already rapidly growing crime. Having the wrong information in your medical records—whether it’s an operation you didn’t have, a blood type that’s not yours, medications you don’t take—can cost you your life in an emergency. And when an employer has a few employees whose medical records are compromised, it drives up premiums and costs everyone more!” Patti knows firsthand the damage identity theft can cause. She was working as a physical therapist when she became the victim of identity theft. She couldn’t renew her professional license...because she appeared to have four outstanding felony warrants. Her income and her professional reputation were at stake. As she worked to clear her name, several companies sued, because one of those felonies was for writing hot checks. She says, “My case was mostly straightened out in a year...so I was lucky, although I didn’t think so at the time. I’ve heard of cases that are still causing problems years later. Now thieves are creating synthetic identities where they use one person’s birthday, another’s social security, and another’s medical information. Untangling that mess can take years.” What’s the difference between the protection offered by PrePaid
To advertise, 281-235-0600
Legal Services, Inc. and other companies? PrePaid Legal Services, Inc. is the only company that provides you with full restoration...and they also offer that protection to children under the age of eighteen. Patti says, “Children are the fastest growing target of identity thieves. We monitor you and your child’s information and will restore your identity when it is compromised ..not just your social security number. We’ll keep watch over that as well as your driver’s license, your medical identity, your credit and debit activity, your checking and savings, and your character and criminal background. Reimbursement means you do the work and turn in a claim; resolution means your call an 800 number to find out what steps to take. We offer full restoration... we do the work to restore your name to pre-incident status.” Protect yourself from identity theft...call Patti Nelson at 832-860-1786 today. Patti Bolli Nelson, CITRMS, PT Group Security and Benefit Specialist PrePaid Legal Services, Inc. 832-860-1786 patti@pbnconsulting.net www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/nelson43
Tips to reduce identity theft: 1) use a gel-based pen on checks so if they’re laundered, the gel stains the paper 2) If shopping online use a pre-paid credit card so that it doesn’t capture your information. 3) Never respond to emails you didn’t initiate (phishing scams) asking for your information or to validate your information. 4) Always use credit instead of debit – credit has more protection!
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Art and Soul F Stacey Keith our things define the modern cowboy: his gun, his hat, his horse, and his saddle. Especially his saddle, which is why Nicholas Pizzini of Longhorn Leather Works devotes the
greater part of his day to custom-making saddles, chaps, horse tack, harnesses for mule teams, even hand-tooled cell phone cases. “In my early youth, I apprenticed to a saddle maker in Dallas,” Nicholas says. “He showed me that life is too short not to do what you love. And my love for the ‘cowboy arts’ led me to choose this as my life’s work.” Working with leather introduced Nick to another love, his wife Annick. It was Annick’s grandfather who introduced her to the art of tooling leather. He had been in law enforcement in Arizona and enjoyed making his own gun belts and holsters. When his fellow officers admired his work and kept asking him to make their belts and holsters, a career was born. Nick and Annick met when she was working at a popular leather shop in Bandera. As the story goes, she thought Nick was there to take her job and she did her best to ignore the tall Texan. It wasn’t long before they realized they had more in common than the love of their craft. Known for their custom and restoration work, Longhorn Leather Works can return leather goods to their original glory or give them a modern look with names and logos. You can even send them a picture of something you like and they can make it to your taste. Nicholas also creates saddles with the horse and rider in mind, first creating the base or “tree,” then working with the leather to make it smooth and resilient. The saddle is handtooled or stamped in the traditional cowboy way. Custom made chaps are another work of
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cowboy art, but of a more practical variety. “Chaps,” Nicholas explains,” help your legs stay dry and warm when it’s raining. But they also protect you from cactus thorns, mesquite thorns, and cockleburs.” “Most people consider cowboys to be uniquely American,” Nicholas observes. “But in truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to our neighbors south of the border. What we know of as our American cowboys were originally Mexican nationals called vaqueros, who were hired by the missions to keep cattle out of the corn. I try to bring that influence to the work I do. When you come into Longhorn Leather Works, we want you to leave with a fresh perspective on our fascinating Mexican-American history. All traditions are honored here.” That tradition of American craftsmanship is something Nicholas and Annick Pizzini would like to pass on to their own family. With the recent addition of baby Sophia, the two have found doing the thing they love with the people they love is the art and soul of their business. Longhorn Leather Works Custom Orders, Repairs and Restoration 210-459-4819 http://longhornleatherworks.webs. com/customwork.htm http://www.enchantedspringsranch.com 242 State Highway 46 West Boerne Texas 78006
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When Life Gives You Lemons……
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hirteen years ago, Tim Weyand got laid off as an oil industry machinist. With free time on his hands, he hauled his tool box to his back yard and built a fence. Even out in the hot sun he found the work extremely rewarding. Neighbors marveled at how beautiful the fence was and how little time it took him to measure, saw, drill, sink posts and hammer nails. Tim’s family looked at it for a time and smiled up at him and said “We think you found yourself a new profession”. Tim thought that made a lot of sense to him and within five years of opening Tim’s Fences he added his own crew. Now, thirteen years later, he is not only doing residen-
tial but commercial installations which include building driveway gates with automatic operations. Some of his ornamental iron projects include gates which keep children safe, adding puppy bars and he has even built fences and cages around fruit trees to keep them safe from deer and squirrels. Among other projects he builds breezeways to your specifications. Tim uses top quality products on all his materials, which include high-grade galvanized, powder coated material for all his ornamental iron projects. Tim has found that using raw steel in our climate gets
heavy condensation and within two years they rust through and need to be replaced. When replacing your cedar fence using a baseboard will preserve your pickets for a much longer time. Besides the quality of his workmanship, there are two other things Tim takes great pride in: his stellar consumer reviews on Angie’s List (a website devoted to home improvement and the 2011 Home Service Review Book (A 5 Star Homeowner Referral Guidebook). Tim’s Fences, L.L.C. 281-980-2290 www.timsfences.com
Cancer Diagnosis—Explore Your Options-Free Seminar!
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pproximately half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop some form of cancer during their lifetimes. “A diagnosis of cancer is sure to bring feelings of denial, anxiety and fear,” says Alexander Wong, M.D., board-certified oncologist on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “It also may become necessary to make important decisions about treatment options quickly. Suggestions to help through this difficult process: Ask detailed questions. Find out the name of the cancer and its stage, size and location. Where did it start, and has it spread to other areas? “Some cancers are slow-growing, while others are more aggressive,” Dr. Wong says. “You may be facing different treatment options. Ask about the success rate of each option and possible side effects. Do not be misled by statistics, as each individual is unique and so is survival.” Consult an oncologist. A cancer specialist or oncologist has information about the latest treatment options and clinical trials that you may want to consider. Care provided by an oncologist in the local community can significantly reduce the hazard of traveling while going through treatments. Each treatment has its own set of side effects. Complementary therapies like acupuncture, acupressure and herbs are available to help improve side effects. Your oncologist can help you evaluate options and explain realistic expectations. Explore your options. The National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov, is a good starting point for learning about surgery options, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and integrative therapies. Your doctor can also supply you with patient education materials. If
too much information overwhelms you, let your doctor know. He or she can recommend evidence-based treatment strategies appropriate for your situation. Enlist a support system. Bring someone you trust with you when the diagnoAlexander Wong, M.D. sis and treatment options are explained. At an emotional time when it may be hard to comprehend everything, it is valuable to have someone who can understand the information and ask more questions. Maintain a positive attitude. Ask for help from your family, friends, spiritual advisors and health professionals. Dr. Wong says. “You have to forget about what is behind and focus on what is ahead.” For a referral to Dr. Wong or another oncologist in your area, please call 281-274-7500. FREE SEMINAR! Join Dr. Alexander Wong as he presents Integrative Cancer Treatments and answers your questions on July 13 at 6 p.m. The free seminar will be held in Conference Rooms AD at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Seating is limited. RSVP required, please call 281-274-7500. Refreshments will be served and FREE acupuncture trials offered.
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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Some Enchanted Evening
Becca Bragg great idea is worth repeating and that’s what happened Saturday, May 14th. For the third year in a row the businesses of TCRN-Sugar Land hosted their Annual Sugar Land BASH to raise money and awareness for Snowdrop Foundation. The Sugar Land Town Square Plaza served as a perfect venue for families, friends and business owners to join in the fun and support Snowdrop Foundation that raises funds to provide college scholarships for young people…either struggling with cancer or cancer survivors from Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Stafford. The evening was emceed by special guest Michael Garfield, the High-Tech Texan, and the crowd was entertained with live music from three different bands. Additional entertainment was provided by a magic performance by “Gen X Magic” sponsored Ameristar Roofing. This was the second time State Farm Scott Wong Agency sponsored the “Tug of War” between the Sugar Land Police Department and the Sugar
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Land Fire Fighters Association. This year, the Sugar Land Police Department’s team, led by Officer Wayne Coleman again claimed victory over the Sugar Land Fire Fighters Association. Their leader, Donnie Tomlinson, is already planning for next year’s BASH to claim the title. The “Tug of War” was not the only heated competition, the Principal Tricycle Race sponsored by Fort Bend Toyota challenged local school principals: Jeanna Sniffin from Sienna Crossing Elementary (WINNER), Kellie Clay from Edgar Glover Jr. Elementary, Irma Nurre from Wertheimer Middle School and Jerrie Kammerman from First Colony Middle School. Congratulations, Jeanna Sniffin, your students and teachers should be very proud. Younger racers competed in the “Diaper Dash” sponsored by UpClose Magazine. Look for pictures of the winners in upcoming issues of UpClose.
Terry Kurtz from Second Baptist of Houston experienced the “sweet” taste of victory, narrowly taking the title from Paul Ebert of Oak Lake Baptist Church in the Pastor Cake Eating Contest sponsored by Julie’s Cakes. The night was filled with excitement. Raffled prizes were given out all evening and the big prize was awarded to Amy Mitchell, who won the 2011 Harley-Davidson, provided by Republic Harley-Davidson. This evening of laughter and popcorn, cakes and prizes raised $15,000 for the Snowdrop Foundation. Thank you, TCRNSugar Land! www.TCRN-SugarLand.com www.SugarLandBash.org
TCRN-SugarLand www.TCRN-SugarLand.com
Everyone was a champion at the first annual UpClose Magazine Diaper Dash in Sugar Land Town Square! Thank you to all our participants in helping champion the Snowdrop Foundation at the 3rd annual Sugar Land Bash. Snowdrop Foundation was created from the inspiration of Chelsey Campbell and all of Kevin and Trish Kline’s other courageous friends and their families treated at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Special Thanks to our Business sponsors Dr. Thomas Lomonte D.D.S., John Trevathan CPA, St. Michael’s ER, and Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy.
Diaper Dash Magazine
Allison Rowland, 11 months Alexa Rowland, 11 months Addison, 14 months Tristan McWashington, 7 months Bailey Elliot, 8 months Sindey, 15 months Arwen Ford, 14 months
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A portion of the editorial content contained in this publication is controlled and contracted by the advertisers contained herein and is part of their advertisement. UpClose Magazine is not responsible for content of these editorials or advertisements. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land - Michelle Williams
When I had breast cancer, the world’s leading care was right here. My team of experts in Sugar Land focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my two boys and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land. Find Your MD Anderson today.
Appointments Available
FindYourMDAnderson.com
METHODIST SUGAR LAND NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES Personal attention, high-tech care for your peace of mind Dr. Jeffrey Jackson and Dr. M. Faisal Khan are pleased to welcome Eddie Patton, Jr., M.D., to Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates. Together they offer diagnosis and treatment of the most common – and most complex – neurological disorders. From sleep apnea, migraines, epilepsy, dementia and neuromuscular disorders to complex spine and peripheral neurological disorders, the physicians at Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates can provide answers and options using the latest technology and therapeutic techniques, backed by the resources and staff of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Regain your quality of life. Call Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates today. Board-certified neurologists with a special emphasis on neurophysiology, neuromuscular disorders and sleep medicine.
Jeffrey Jackson, M.D., Eddie Patton Jr., M.D. and M. Faisal Khan, M.D.
Medical Office Building Two 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 131 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-494-6387
Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building Two, Suite 131.
Call 281-494-6387 to schedule an appointment.
A
ll Out
Comfort!
Crunching the Numbers for Sarah Warburton
S
ummer’s right around the corner, is your air conditioner choking under the pressure? If you can’t take the heat, it’s time to ask yourself the hard question: repair or replace? Owners of All Out A/C, Chance Kamp and Bryan Bellamy have seen it over and over again. Bryan says, “Eventually that old air conditioner is not just costing you the time, trouble, and expense of repairs...it’s also having a major impact on your energy bill. That’s when it’s really time for a little cost and comfort analysis.” If you have a Comfort Membership with All Out A/C, their preventative maintenance can extend the life and up the efficiency of your air conditioner. Bryan says, “If the problem is an isolated incident, then a repair is the right answer...but if your unit’s in the process of a gradual breakdown, it doesn’t make sense to put off the inevitable. We’re seeing air conditioners now with SEERs (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of no lower than 13 and as high as 18. An old air conditioner might have started as a 10 and be functioning at a 6. That makes it harder and more expensive to cool down your house... especially with another scorching summer on the way!” Can switching to a new air conditioner really make a difference to your pocketbook? Bryan says, “We replaced an air conditioner for one family that called us up to tell us we cut their energy bill in half...and they’re finally cool again, too! A new, energy-efficient air conditioner is easier on the environment and easier on your bottom line. We’ve even got a special financing offer to kick off summer right. For no money down you’ll get thirty-six months at zero percent interest and you can pay off in full at anytime without a penalty. You’ll get all the benefits of a new air conditioner with a full warranty...and we’ll throw in peace of mind for free!” All Out A/C and Heating 281-238-9292 626 Highway 90A Richmond, TX 77406 www.alloutacandheating.com
To advertise, 281-235-0600
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PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS REHAB TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Physical Therapy
Aquatic Therapy
Whether you have been sidelined by an injury, are recovering from surgery, or have chronic pain, we can help. Our experienced
Occupational/Hand Therapy
Schedule Now: 281-201-0405
staff of physical, occupational and aquatic therapists will work
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital*
with you to reach your optimal mobility and achieve your
16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
rehabilitative goals. And with two state-of-the-art physical therapy and sports rehabilitation centers here in Fort Bend County, we can get you on the road to an active lifestyle quickly and conveniently. We’re here to get you on the road to recovery. Call 281-201-0405 to schedule an appointment today.
Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab MethodistSugarLand.com
*Rehab Services located in the Spine Center off Town Center Boulevard
Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas 1201 Brooks Street (and Highway 6) Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Monday – Thursday | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday| 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.