Summer Issue 2010 by Rose Rich Media

Volume 3, Issue 1

nd An n i 2 l Sp e c i a

Is su y r a s r ve

Summer 2010

Celebrating the Twin Cities of the Gulf South & Surrounding Areas

M A G A Z I N E

Tony Masraff: A Man on a Mission

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Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 Not • affiliated with the Sweet Tooth Bakery in Rosenberg.

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contents

Volume 3, Issue 1 • Spring 2010

Band of Brothers: The Fossums – What happens when one brother in a closeknit family decides to become at dentist and graduates from UTMB? All four sons end up being graduates of UTMB and dentists. Their story is both funny and inspiring. u Page 23

Living with Intention – Riverpointe Community Church pastor, Patrick Kelley, and his wife began the series, Living with Intention at the onset of 2010. The fourth in the series, Diversity, didn’t come without a bit of controversary. It also led to a few amazing realizations too. u Page 45

features Tony Masraff – Restauranteur. Jefferson Award Winner. Prostate Cancer Survivor. The diagnosis that changed his life also led to the creation of Tony’s Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. u Page 36

Curtis Chang – At age 4, Curtis Chang started in a tumbling class as a fun, weekend activity. Now, 6 years later, he’s reaching for the stars. u Page 29

departments editor’s note u Page 11 area news u Page 13 texas in history u Page 65

colorful character: Fred Felcman u Page 19 texana talks u Page 69 New Feature! inside kendleton u Page 52

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

editor’s note Publisher/Founder/Editor-in-Chief: Leslie C. Ferdinand Graphic Designer Katey Arnold Photographers Aaron Nelson Alison Carlino Ken Gimmi Cindy Brown Web Design Jim Galley Printing Publication Printers Accounting Thomas Crayton, CPA

Sales Executive Cyndia Rodriguez Cindy Brown Contributing Writers Bryan Blonder, D.O.FA.C.O.G. Andrea Brown Cindy Brown Peter Chang Parker Knapp Cling Drake Cyndia Rodriguez Mark Vann, MD Susan Whitacre

A publication of Rose Rich Media, LLC. Printed in the USA ©2010. ISSN: 19424477. 24200 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 402, PMB 360, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Tel: 281769-8321. Online at: www.RoseRichMagazine.com. Inside Rose Rich Magazine is published quarterly by Inside Rose Rich Magazine. Inside Rose Rich Magazine is distributed free of charge. Additional or back issues are available at the office for $4.00 per copy. Annual subscriptions are $16.00. Reproduction in whole or part without express permission is strictly prohibited.

Check out our re-designed website! www.RoseRichMagazine.com

Care l Support l Education

24-hour Crisis Hotline

1-800-633-5686

Open to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Dear Reader,

When tragedy strikes, we momentarily cease to think of the future. We are human, after all. We feel. We fear. We bleed. I have discovered, firsthand, the depth and breadth of tragedy. Who knew that in January 2005 my life would be irrevocably and forever changed, not only by the birth of my third child but by a storm named Katrina? Certainly, no one could have predicted when I appeared on the Rachael Ray Show in December 2006 that by July 2010 I would be celebrating the second anniversary of a magazine that I founded. The question of the day at my house has been a subject of lively debate. How much of your life has been mapped out beforehand and how much of your life is determined by choices? At the dinner table, we’re always questioning. Our questions range from the ridiculous-- (why is a tree called a tree and not a flower? I kid you not)—to the sublime—(why question the events in your life when there’s always a plan, a new day, ahead?). On the days when my girls, my mom, and myself aren’t arguing over etymology and just having plain old fun with our questions, we are left to ponder. And, we are left, with a deep, abiding gratitude. For every tragedy we face, we endure. We look inside of ourselves and choose to turn lemon into lemonade. It would seem that I have answered my own question. But, of course, I haven’t. Answers aren’t that easy or simple with me, much to the frustration and bemusement of my family. I want to thank all of you who support me for the continued success of Inside Rose Rich Magazine and giving me the encouragement to go forward. I want to thank all of my detractors for making me stronger and giving me the determination to forge ahead. For this, our 2-year anniversary issue, we are releasing two issues of Inside Rose Rich Magazine. In our main magazine, we feature Tony Masraff, a recent recipient of the Jefferson Award and a man who is undaunted by whatever comes his way. In our supplemental magazine, we have an interview with Tramon Williams, a Green Bay Packer CB and a Louisiana native, who fell in love with our area and now calls Richmond his home. Was it his choice or his destiny to play pro ball? The stories of both these men are extraordinary and reminds us, in the face of adversity and overwhelming odds, how resilient we are, God bless you for two amazing years and thank you from all of us at Rose Rich Media, LLC.

COVER PHOTO © Sandy Buller/Buller Photography Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Ditch the workout. Join the party! Dance your way to a fitter you! Exciting and unique latin moves and rythyms. ZUMBA, the class that is taking the world by storm! Cyndia is a personal trainer, and also teaches Zumba classes at the TW Davis YMCA in Richmond, TX. She was trained by none other than Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba! Call the YMCA for class schedules, or visit www.zumba.com.

Photos © JT Photographers, in Rosenberg. Make-up by Oscar Flores at Salon Maciel.

TW Davis YMCA 911 Thompson Road Richmond, TX 77469 (281) 341-0791

Increase Your Business Today! “You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win”! —Zig Ziglar

Mary Ann Markarian Experience more success in your business in 2010! Make the choice to utilize the “Power of Referrals”! We offer a proven success system that uniquely helps you to meet other business owners face to face, as well as, in print and on the internet! Find out how you can create strategic alliances in 2010 to grow your business through Referrals!

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is a contemporary Christian artist who has written all of the music on her newest CD entitled “Because of You”! She has fresh lyrics, and a bold new sound that will encourage and inspire you! You can hear Mary Ann’s music, see her videos, find her CD’s, or book her for your next event by going on-line to: www.MaryAnnMarkarian.com. Her music is also available in Spanish! Get your copy today!

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Area News — Rosenberg, TX Fort Bend Symphony Strikes a Cord with 2010-2011 Season Halloween, Christmas and movie nights are always popular with children. Now they will be even more anticipated as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra announces its 2010-2011 season that includes a liberal dose of pops music and fun activities to make these occasions even more special. The upcoming season marks the 19th for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and the third year under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero, Jr. Season tickets are now on sale – including a limited-time offer of buy-one-get-one free – for this family-friendly series sure to get even the youngest concert-goers tapping their toes. Hauntcert on Oct. 17, 2010—Enjoy Halloween tunes and lots of treats including a Halloween costume contest for all ages. Deck the Halls on Dec. 5, 2010—Capture the magic of the season with all your favorite tunes and a visit by a jolly old man. Viva Italia! on Feb. 20, 2011—Enjoy a

Richmond, TX

veritable fiesta of Italian music that will have you dreaming of gondola rides and more!

life in our community. Arts and culture is one of three key areas that TI and the TI Foundation support

Special Spring Concert on March 26, 2011—Enjoy an intimate evening of music from some of the world’s greatest classical composers.

Laura Agüero, director of fundraising for the orchestra, accepted the gift at the recent FBSO annual meeting. Leonardo Pierre, a TI digital signal processing engineer and FBSO cello player, presented the gift on behalf of TI.

Night at the Movies on May 22, 2011— From drama to horror to comedy, you’ll enjoy wonderful songs from the world’s greatest movies. All concerts are at the Stafford Centre, except the one on March 26. It will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Katy.

“We are grateful for the generosity of TI,” said Agüero. “As an all volunteer organization, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra depends on the support of the community to help us sustain and grow our family-friendly programming.”

Season Ticket Information—Season tickets to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-2011 five-concert series are priced at $50, $70 and $100 and are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free, but must have reserved seats. For a limited time, the FBSO is offering buy-one-get-one free to promote affordable family fun.

Leonardo Pierre of Texas Instruments presents a check to Laura Agüero, director of fundraising for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.

Texas Instruments Awards Grant to Fort Bend Symphony Texas Instruments has awarded a $2,500 grant to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra as part of its ongoing commitment to enriching the quality of

Crystal Gayle Takes the Stage to Benefit WCJC Country music legend Crystal Gayle is sure to fill her audience to the top as she headlines for The Wharton County Junior College Foundation gala on Friday,

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Area News — Rosenberg, TX Aug. 6 at Safari Texas Ballroom in Richmond, Texas. Proceeds from the evening support student scholarships, faculty development, and academic programs at Wharton County Junior College, including its four campuses in Richmond, Sugar Land, Wharton and Bay City. The star-studded evening begins at 6 p.m. and includes a reception, live and silent auctions, dinner and Gayle’s performance. Underwriting the gala for the third consecutive year is The RosenbergRichmond Auto Mile, represented by Finnegan Auto Group, Fort Bend Toyota, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury, and Gillman Honda Nissan. Richmond attorney David Showalter, president of The Wharton County Junior College Foundation Board of Trustees, praised WCJC as an important community asset. “It’s hard to underestimate the contribution of an educated workforce to the economy, especially in a fast-growing area like Fort Bend County. The college offers associate degrees and technical training that prepare students to work in healthcare, manufacturing, information technology and many other fields.” Tickets to the gala are $85 each and may be purchased through July 30 by calling 979.532.6322 or 1.800.561.WCJC (9252), ext. 6322. Additional information is also available at www.wcjc.edu.

The Honorable Hilmar G. Moore On June 24, 2010, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution interviewed the Honorable Hilmar G. Moore and Chris Seger for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Congress created The Veterans History Project in 2000 as a national documentation program of the American Folklife Center (www.loc.gov/folklife/) to record, preserve and make accessible

Richmond, TX

the first-hand remembrances of American wartime veterans from World War I through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Texas A & M Scholarship Winners 2010 Thank you to everyone who helped the Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club raise $19,400 in scholarships for Fort Bend students attending Texas A & M and $3,450 for Texas A & M campus organizations. Scholarship Winners 2010:

Back Row, L to R: Mark Jessup, Chase Murphree, Albert Yen, Taylor Rammrath, Ariana Klein, Sara Butters, Kyle Papso, Alec Palmer Front Row, L to R: Kristen Porter, Bryan Croft, Casey Edmiaston, Lindsey Waddell, Cristina Muko, Monica Lowry, Mary Hesse The top award, received by Mary Hesse, is In Memory of Lauren Baker ‘11. Lauren, whose mother is a member of the Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club, was tragically killed in an auto mobile accident in November 2009. Not Pictured: Laura Glasscock and Mary Kate Pharis

Rosenberg’s Arriaga Excels at Pitch, Hit & Run Competition The City of Rosenberg is pleased to announce that one of its own, 13-year-old Jeremy Arriaga, has advanced to the national level in the Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit &

Run competition sponsored by Aquafina. This event showcases the pitching, hitting and running skills of boys and girls, ages 7 to 14. Jeremy first began his run at the local Pitch, Hit & Run competition hosted by the City of Rosenberg on Saturday, April 27, 2010, at the opening of Seabourne Creek Regional Sports Complex. After edging out other boys in his age bracket, he was invited to the 2nd level of competition – the sectional event in Deer Park on Saturday, May 15, 2010. As the champion of that event, Jeremy’s next stop was the 3rd level of competition, the Houston Astros Team Championship, which took place at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, June 6, 2010. Having won an All-Around Championship there, Jeremy’s scores are now being compared to that of the other Champions of the 13 and 14-year-old boys division from each major league market across the country. If his scores are in the top percentage, Jeremy will have a chance to compete at the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim, California. The City of Rosenberg commends Jeremy on his distinguished athleticism and his fine representation of our local youth. For more information on Major League Baseball’s Pitch Hit & Run competition, please contact Lydia Acosta, Recreation Programs Coordinator, at 832-595-3520.

Austin Powers is BACK at the 2010 Groovy Party presented by Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury Benefitting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. September 17, 2010: 6:3011:30 pm, Safari Texas Ballroom, 11627 FM 1464. For information, visit www. fortbendseniors.org, www.facebook.com/ fortbendseniors or email Kristin Weiss at kweiss@fortbendseniors.org

Rosenberg Mosquito Control Program The City’s Mosquito Control Program began May 12, and will continue through September. Rosenberg works to control the mosquito population through a Citywide fogging program administered by

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Area News — Rosenberg, TX an independent, third-party contractor. Treatments will occur every-other Wednesday, but may be increased to weekly if necessary, depending on the severity of mosquito infestation. The complete spray cycle covers all 125 miles of City streets, and will occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The bi-weekly treatments by the City will help to lessen the mosquito infestation, but will not eliminate all mosquitoes. Residents are, therefore, encouraged to take additional steps to help manage the mosquito population by using overthe-counter pesticides to spray yards and in and around bushes; by emptying, covering, or disposing of all outside containers capable of retaining water; by removing discarded tires; by drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside so water will drain; by cleaning roof gutters and removing debris that prevents drainage of rain water; by turning over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use; by removing standing water from plastic covers on pools or woodpiles; by changing the water in birdbaths every few days so it won’t stagnate; and by keeping swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated. The City also encourages residents to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding outdoor activities at dawn or dusk - the hours mosquitoes are most active; by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; by applying mosquito repellent; by taking special care to cover children’s arms and legs; by using mosquito netting to cover baby strollers or playpens; and by repairing holes in window screens and assuring they are tightly attached. Warm weather and standing water increase the likelihood of mosquitoes and potential exposure to the West Nile Virus. With the precautions mentioned above, residents can help protect themselves from the disease and reduce the mosquito population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain detailed information on the prevention of West Nile Virus and precautions to take at: www.cdc.gov/westnile/. Residents with questions regarding the

Richmond, TX

City’s Mosquito Control Program should contact Citizen Relations at 832-595-3301.

Fans Needed to Help Beat the Heat for Fort Bend Seniors To help cope with the constant high temperatures this summer, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (FBS) is making a plea to the public to help keep the senior citizens of Fort Bend County cool. Donations of new or gently used oscillating or boxed fans or monetary donations, to help offset the high cost of utilities used when running their air conditioners, are needed. “Many of our Seniors either don’t have air conditioning or are too afraid to turn on the air because of high utility bills,” said Manuela Arroyos, CEO of FBS. “We are asking the public to help us keep our Seniors safe and cool this summer.” Fan donations can be dropped of at the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels office located at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg, just behind the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds off of Highway 36. Monetary donations can be made online at www.fortbendseniors. org.

Development at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, at 281-633-7057 or kweiss@ fortbendseniors.org or visit www. fortbendseniors.org.

Save the Date Literacy’s 1st Annual Great Grown Up Spelling Bee Good oldfashioned fun! Are you and your coworkers champion spellers? Or do you just enjoy a little light-hearted competition? Then we want you! The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is seeking teams of 3 adults (age 25 and over) to enter its 1st Annual Great

A Cooling Center, for seniors who need to stay cool during the day, has also been established at the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels office in Rosenberg (same address as above). The Cooling Center will be open MondayFriday (excluding county holidays) until 4:00 pm through the end of August. To donate to or volunteer for Fort Bend Seniors, please contact Kristin Weiss, Director of

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Area News — Rosenberg, TX Grown-Up Spelling Bee! The bee will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 6:00-9:00pm at The Honor Roll School, 4111 Sweetwater Boulevard in Sugar Land. Round up your co-workers and form a team today! Spelling the words will be easy because you can confer with your team mates. Challenge others you know to form their team and let the fun begin! Even if you can’t spell—come and enjoy the delicious refreshments as you watch your friends and neighbors compete! Spectator tickets are $15 each. $5 for children 12 and under. The entry fee for a team of three spellers is $750. Other sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds from this fun, unique event will benefit the life-changing programs of the Literacy Council. The winning team will get a trophy and more importantly—bragging rights as the best grown-up spellers in the county!

Richmond, TX

For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to register a team, call the Literacy Council at 281-240-8181 or contact Brenda Crump at bcrump@ftbendliteracy. org or Shayne Newell at shaynenewell@ gmail.com.

26th Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow Takes to the Skies October 23 and 24 at Ellington Airport The 26th Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow takes flight Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 at Ellington Airport with thrilling aerial performances, aerobatics and demonstrations. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will amaze and captivate audiences with the team’s precision formations in the F-16C Fighting Falcon. The 2010 Wings Over Houston Airshow features amazing aerobatic performances by Sean D. Tucker and Team Oracle, Julie

Clark in the Chevron Mentor, and John Klatt Airshows. The always-popular Tora!Tora!Tora! will reenact the World War II air power attack on Pearl Harbor. Other highlights of the 2010 Wings Over Houston Airshow include the “Legends & Heroes Autograph Tent”, 6th Cavalry Historical Association, Military Museum of Texas, and Houston Fire Museum vehicle displays. Ticket Information—Tickets for the 2010 Wings Over Houston Airshow are on sale now. Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 through 11 and free for children 5 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888-4-FLYSHOW or by visiting www.wingsoverhouston.com. Parking at Ellington Airport is extremely limited so riding bus transportation is recommended. Bus shuttles will run from Bay Area Park and Ride & Fuqua Park and Ride (11755 Sabo Road). Shuttles run from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Care l Support l Education

24-hour Crisis Hotline

1-800-633-5686 Open to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

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CHILDREN’S MEMORIAL HERMANN & HOUSTON ROCKETS BRING ‘BE FIT RALLY’ TO SUGAR LAND Commonwealth Elementary won the Be Fit Rally for its high level of student participation in the Be Fit Challenge, presented by Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and the Houston Rockets. The rally featured a high-level performance and inspirational messages from Rockets entertainment designed to inspire all students to be fit. Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and the Houston Rockets present the Be Fit Challenge to Houston area schools to provide children with nutrition and activity tips. Children can also win prizes by participating in fun and educational activities. More than 200 students at Commonwealth Elementary participated in Be Fit Bingo by completing at least five of 25 nutrition, physical fitness and self-esteem activities. The Be Fit Challenge encourages parents to take part in their children’s healthy lifestyles. Revving up students at the Be Fit Rally were Clutch, the Houston Rockets mascot; Steven Ramirez, sports medicine

coordinator at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital; Karen Chitty-Boe, marketing director at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital; Shawn Respert, director of player programs for the Houston Rockets; Toni Scott, nurse at Commonwealth Elementary; and Charmaine Hobin, principal at Commonwealth Elementary.

REV UP YOUR ENGINES WITH ‘TUNE UP FOR LIFE’ Ladies and gentlemen, rev up your engines and prepare for a morning of classics – from cars to music to men. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is hosting “Tune Up for Life” men’s health expo on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. until noon on the grounds of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, 17500 West Grand Pkwy. Come enjoy 50s and 60s music while viewing classic cars and the newest vehicles from Legacy Ford in Rosenberg. A fueling station will supply free breakfast

Important Phone Numbers ROSENBERG City of Rosenberg—832-595-3300 Rosenberg Police Department Non-Emergency*—832-595-3700 Rosenberg Fire Department Non-Emergency*—832-595-3600 Rosenberg Animal Control 832-595-3490 Rosenberg Civic Ctr—832-595-3520 Rosenberg Municipal Court 832-595-3450 Rosenberg Public Housing Authority—281-342-1456 Rosenberg Garbage/Recycling Pickup—832-595-3500 Rosenberg Deaf Community 832-595-3322 Rosenberg Post Office 281-342-3388

RICHMOND City of Richmond—281-342-5456 Richmond Police Department Non-Emergency*—281-342-2849 Richmond Fire Department Non-Emergency*—281-232-2828 City of Richmond Municipal Court 281-342-0578 Richmond Post Office 281-633-0386

NEEDVILLE City of Needville—979-793-4253 Needville Area Chamber of Commerce—979-793-5700 Needville Police Department Non-Emergency*—979-793-4255 Needville Fire Department Non-Emergency*—979-793-4236

for all attendees. Men will have the opportunity to tune up their bodies with free health checks that parallel their car care regiment. As part of the event, they can participate in a scheduled maintenance check that includes non-fasting cholesterol and glucose screenings, a PSA screening, heart check and more. Be sure to pull into these stations during “Tune Up for Life”: • Check Oil for a free blood pressure screening • Chassis Check for an inspection of joints, knees and back • Gas Emission Check to pick up a free colorectal screening kit to test for colorectal cancer at home This fun expo addresses the silent crisis in the health and well-being of men by increasing knowledge about men’s health issues. It also provides a convenient opportunity for men to participate in health screenings that are proven to save lives. “Tune Up for Life” is free, but registration is required to make sure enough fuel and supplies are on hand. To register, please call 713.222.CARE (2273).

Needville Post Office—979-793-4427 Needville Tax Office—979-793-4254

LIBRARIES George Memorial Library, (Richmond)—281-342-4455 Bob Lutts Library, (FulshearSimonton)—281-346-1432 Alfred George, (Needville) 979-793-4270

Environmental Health 281-342-7469 Senior Citizens-281-633-7049 Social Services-281-342-7300 Tax Assessor & Collector’s Office 281-341-3710 Veteran Services—281-341-4550 Voter Registration—281-341-8670

OTHER NUMBERS Lamar Consolidated ISD 281-223-0000 Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce 281-342-5464 Small Business Development Ctr 281-341-5027 TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver’s Licenses)—281-232-4334 TW Davis YMCA—281-341-0791

FORT BEND COUNTY Main Line—281-342-3411 Auto Registration—281-341-3709 County Clerk Dianne Wilson 281-341-8685 D.A. John Healey—281-341-4460 Fairgrounds—281-762-8818 Health Department: Clinical Health—281-342-6414,

*IMPORTANT: PLEASE DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

summer 2010’s colorful character By Cyndia Rodriguez

Fred Felcman I

n Rosenberg native, Fred Felcman, the Fort Bend County DA’s office has one of the most no-nonsense prosecutors in the state of Texas. Born at Polly Ryon Hospital, he graduated from Lamar High School. “ The only time I have not lived in Rosenberg was when I attended the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas law School,” he says. Hands down, his father had the most positive influence on him while growing up. “He went to every event I participated in - sports , music, lectures, etc. He had an immense interest in nature and because of that, so do I.” He pauses before continuing. “The thing that comes to mind when I think of my parents is education. My mother went to college when she was 40 years old and eventually obtained her masters. My father was a voracious reader. He would have gone to college but the opportunity never came so he made certain all of his children had the chance. My parents made it quite clear that college was not to be a growing experience but a serious endeavor to better myself, and hopefully give me an upperhand in succeeding.” Undoubtedly, his first great accomplishment—finishing undergraduate law school within five years—is because of the support and examples set by his mother and father. During his last year of law school, Mr. Felcman interned in the DA’s office in 1976, beginning by trying traffic cases. When DA Bill Meitzen offered him a position, Mr. Felcman immediately accepted. By the age of 23, he was practicing law. Though his tough, no-holds-bar prosecuting style doesn’t allow many to see his sense of humor, especially those suffering moral turpitude, it is there, accessible to those closest to him and with the good fortune and excellent sense to remain on the right side of the law. At mock trials, held for groups such as the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

Leadership Class, he plays the part of an outraged father so well, it’s hard to believe he’s any one other than who he’s portraying. But once the case has been presented, including his outraged father character, who is so quick on his feet that he doesn’t skip a beat in his answers nor his outrage when any scent of doubt hangs in the air and the outcome decided by the “jurors”, that twinkle in his eyes is there. The spark of humor, of mischief, that can bring levity to a trying day. “I am the funniest person in my family and at the same time, the most serious,” he explains. “My sense of humor is reactive. I listen to what other people say and then make a joke. I realize that this can be frustrating for people, and unfortunately, I have cracked jokes at inappropriate times.” The hobbies of this self-possessed man are varied. He enjoys books about astronomy and physics, including quantum physics. He also reads and collects comic books. Though he also enjoys participating in sports back surgery has limited that hobby.

Given how excellent he is at prosecuting, as if he’d been doing it since he was a babe in arms, before his senior year in high school, Mr. Felcman seriously looked at becoming an engineer or architect. Life in a DA’s office is extremely stressful. “It is impossible to quantify the evil that I have prosecuted. A man beats his mother to death because she won’t give him money for drugs; I man beats a child to death and the mother of the child marries him; a man murders his friend just to experience killing a human being; a man kidnaps a witness and violates the witness and then kills him; a man breaks a woman’s neck because she has a car and he is tired of walking; a man kills his wife because she is divorcing him; a man kills a friend and places her body in the street drain; etc. I remember them all. Objectively, the murder case of Bart Whitaker had the most publicity of any of the cases I have been involved with and was the subject of 48 Hours, 20/20, Oprah Winfrey, Forensic

files and other television shows. The case was also the subject of two books.”

On a typical day for Mr. Felcman, the most important aspect are judgment calls. “The District Attorney’s office represents society in criminal matters. The District Attorney’s office does not manufacture a product or seek profit. All we do is make judgment calls. I tell the new attorneys this and remind them that the rules and procedures are taught in law school and that an intelligent individual can learn the rules handily, but fair, good and just decisions are not based only upon knowing the rules but are based upon experience and character. That these choices can have life altering ramifications indeed, some decisions are life or death. “I take pride in my ability to judge the merits of a case, and know how serious the decisions we prosecutors make. Society demands nothing less. The compliment I strive for is that I am fair and truthful in my dealings with the victims, the defense counsel, the judges and the defendant. On a more specific note, I can’t help but enjoy my reputation as an aggressive and insightful cross-examiner.” Despite the many things he loves about being a prosecutor—including his hardnosed reputation—his biggest pet peeve are attorneys who try their cases in the media. “The rules of ethics are quite clear that you are not to do it but for some reason, there are attorneys who feel that it is part of their job to do PR work despite the regulations of the legal profession.” One wonders if he would ever trade jobs with someone, if only for a day. When the question is posed, that twinkle returns and he smiles. “Unfortunately, my sense of humor started thinking of jobs that were not appropriate for the serious nature of the question. I have enjoyed teaching the Penal Code to the cadets at the Gus George Academy, so a professor in criminal law would be a good choice. Of course, astronaut is still in the running.”

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“kevin knows” by Kevin D. Patton, State Farm Agent

Are your records organized for an emergency?

If you were incapacitated, would anyone be able to find your important records and take care of your family’s financial or business matters? Having important papers organized and accessible in advance can be very important in an emergency or crisis situation. Consider the following for organizing your important records. Location: Options for storage might include a home safe, firesecurity box or off-site location such as a safety deposit box. The storage container should be securable and fire resistant. Shoe boxes or cardboard boxes in the closet or under the bed are not appropriate. Who knows? Does someone in addition to your spouse know where these papers are kept? Consider making a list of such papers and records, and on the list state where these documents can be found. Then advise a trusted third party

– an attorney, CPA, relative, or family friend – where this list is kept. The general idea is that someone not living in your residence knows about this list and how to access it. This decision requires a certain comfort level, and you alone are able to make that determination. Which papers? Regardless of who knows what, organized records are always a plus. The following items might be part of your “important documents” list: • Safety deposit box key • Life insurance policies • Deeds, contracts, leases, titles, mortgage(s), loan notes • Banking, savings, investment and retirement account(s) records • Will • Burial arrangements • All other insurance policies (health, auto, home, etc.) • Birth certificates Beyond however you decide to store your personal records, and whatever you decide to include, one fact is clear. If important legal, business and personal documents are organized and accessible, the handling of a crisis situation is made much easier.

lineage & legacy Richmond Co-Founder Wasn’t Here for Very Long By Clint Drake, Ft. Bend Historical Commission You won’t find the founder of Richmond buried in Morton Cemetery, and there aren’t any schools or streets bearing his name. But if you travel nearly 1,500 miles in a northeasterly direction, you will find his grave at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pa. Named for the colonial governor of Maryland, Sir Robert Eden, Col. Robert Eden Handy was born in 1806 to Sewell Handy of the U. S. Navy and Harriot Hutchings, and arrived in Texas in 1834. During the Texas Revolution he was a scout and served as an aide-de-

camp to Sam Houston, who remarked that Handy was “a gallant gentleman, amiable, and intelligent, a man of truth and honor.” Handy was among a group of scouts – along with Erastus “Deaf” Smith – dispatched by Houston from Gonzales to investigate the situation at the Alamo. The trio came upon Susannah Dickinson and several other noncombatants and verified the dreadful fate of the Texian defenders. Following Texas independence, Handy was appointed by interim Republic of Texas President David Burnet as a special agent on behalf of the republic to issue 100,000 acres worth of land scrip – used in place of hard currency – in the eastern U.S., particularly in the cities of Philadelphia and New York. He was charged with arranging for the transport of recruits to the Texas army, soliciting support for the new government, and arranging for the manufacture of military uniforms. Handy established a business partnership with William Lusk at Brazoria, and became a joint founder of Richmond, Texas. Richmond received its first mention in March 1837, was incorporated in May, and lots were advertised for sale in August, with Handy serving as

president and acting treasurer of the venture. Fort Bend County was created that December. Morton Street was the main thoroughfare of the new city, and Handy and Lusk built a mercantile store on the river bank adjoining the Handy residence. When Handy died in late 1838, he was interred locally. In May 1839, Handy’s aunt wrote to Richmond resident Mirabeau B. Lamar – a close friend of Handy – that she had arranged with the Texas Consul at Philadelphia to relocate his remains to Philadelphia for reburial: “Mr. Lamar – we were separated in life – in death we must have his beloved remains.” Laurel Hill cemetery records show that Handy was laid to a final rest on July 4, 1839. Later that year, his sister wrote, “Texas gave a grave to my only brother (tho tis not now his resting place) and tis all it gave him – all it will ever be required to give him – it is not for me to solicit attention and honors that ought to have burst spontaneously from the heart, and been offered immediately upon the dissolution of one of the noblest pieces of God’s workmanship.” Handy had one son – James Hutchings Handy – by his common-law wife, Nancy (Graham) Danforth. His widow married Joseph Barnard, first county clerk of Fort Bend County, and moved to Goliad.

Photos courtesy of George Memorial Library, Geneology Department. Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Band of Brothers: The Fossums

rothers. There is hardly one word that conjures up such a hodge-podge of emotions. It is as boys that they both connect and compete with one another. Revere. Admonish. Endure. And, although the term ‘band of brothers’ was taken from Shakespeare’s Henry V and made popular as a reference to a closelyknit group of military men by Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, there are biological bands of brothers who have made a marked difference in the course of history. The Marx Brothers. The Wrights. The Montgolfiers. The Sullivans. The Rockefellers. The Bushes. The Kennedys. The Gershwins. Now, we can add the Fossums to the list. Four brothers. Four dentists. Four graduates of UTDB. The eldest, Richard, practices in Temple, Texas. He graduated in 1995 from UTDB.  Steve Fossum practices in Richmond, Texas and graduated in 2006 from UTDB.  Andrew Fossum practices in Harker Heights, Texas and graduated in 2008 from UTDB.  And, finally, there’s Brent, the newest graduate, having received his degree just this past May from UTDB.     The brothers are close, with movie star looks and infectious personalities. Although it isn’t always easy to keep up when they start in with their good-natured ribbing, it is easy to recognize their inestimable bond. The story of how the Fossum brothers all became dentists begins with Richard. Apparently, one of his high school baseball coaches was also an orthodontist, who inspired Richard to become a dentist. “I think that my brothers saw how well I was doing in dentistry and I like to think that that was probably good inspiration for them to become dentists also,” he says now. Dr. Richard Fossum finished his undergrad at The University of Texas in 1991. Although he did not receive his BS, he took all the prerequisites for Dental School and was accepted without the undergraduate degree. Currently, he is 10 hours short of receiving that degree. In 1995, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas Houston Dental Branch, graduating in the top of his class. He was Associated in a dental office in Albuquerque, NM from 1995 until 1998, when he returned to Texas and worked in a clinic in Austin for 3 months while buying a practice in Belton, TX in 1999. In 2004, he moved the office from Belton to Temple, TX, expanded to another office in Harker Heights in 2008, and recently expanded to another office in Copperas Cove in 2010. Growing up, he disliked working menial jobs to make spend-

Steve, Brent, Richard, and Andy Fossum

ing money while in high school and college. “I like to think that it helped me appreciate how hard it can be for people to make a living and how difficult it can be to deal with customers sometimes. It’s definitely helped me in my interactions with patients.” “I had no interest until I went and watched my older brother work a few times,” Steve confirms. “I knew then it was something that I would like doing.” “We all followed our big brother, Richard’s, footsteps,” Andrew concurs. “I assisted Richard on his boards exams when I was 15 years old. That is when I decided to do it.” Dr. Andrew Fossum received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from The University of Texas in 2003. In 2008, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas Houston Dental Branch. Andrew went to work for Richard in Harker Heights and worked with Steve for 1 year in the same office. Even though Richard also influenced Brent’s decision, Brent goes into more detail about his career choice. “Personally, I have always been interested in the healthcare field,” he begins. “It’s gratifying to help people who can’t help themselves. It was an easy decision for me because my oldest brother, Richard, had been a dentist for several years before I had the opportunity to go to college. He lived at home for a while after dental school and would always come home in a good mood after work. I would ask him about how his day was at work and he would always reply, “Great” or “Awesome.” He would also tell me that it would be foolish to not become a dentist if I had

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the opportunity, so I had my mind almost completely made up before I even entered high school at that point.” The newest Dr. Fossum, Brent, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech in 2005 with recognition on the Dean’s List and First Team Academic All Big 12 (baseball). He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas Houston Dental Branch on May 21, 2010.  He’ll be associating at Lifetime Dental Care with Garry Waldrop DDS in Katy Texas. He reflects on a task he hated as a child but proved helpful to him as he got older. “I hated cleaning my room when I was young. It ended up being very helpful due to the fact that I always had to stay organized. Organization is what pretty much got me through most of school.” He considers himself the odd ball of the brothers since he’s the only one who’s not a Longhorn but a Red Raider.

came in helpful when I was in college and dental school.” Dr. Steve Fossum received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The University of Texas in 2002 with recognition on the Dean’s List. In 2006, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas Houston Dental Branch, graduating in the top of his class. He was Associated with Dr. McDonald of Houston TX, and Dr. Gray of Houston TX for his first year out of dental school. He worked for Richard in Harker Heights, TX for his second year because he wanted to work with his brother Andrew in the same office from June 2008 to April 2009. On April 14, 2009, Steve opened his own office in Richmond TX.

Arlo (dad) Steve, Brent, Richard and Andy

It is unbelievable to think that one brother could be any funnier than the other. But there’s a moment’s diversion as the brothSteve, Vikki, Arlo, Richard, Andy and Brent ers conclude who’s the funniest and the most serious of the four. Andrew and Steve say that Steve is the funniest and Brent is They all agree that it was their father, a scientist, who had the the most serious. Richard says he’s the funniest and Steve the most positive, and biggest, influence on them. Their dad never most serious. Brent quells the argument with a swift rebutlet them take the easy way out of anything. They knew if they tal. “Of course it’s me…and the best looking I might add,” he had a problem, their Dad was always someone they could turn chortles with a mischievous smirk. “All the professors at dental to. His love for family has never been questioned and, accordschool said Steve was the most serious of all of us,” Brent says. ing to his sons, he always puts everyone else before himself “I actually thought that was kind of funny because he’s not like with nearly everything he does. He works hard in every aspect that when he’s around the brothers.” of his life whether it’s taking care of family, at work, or playing Growing up, their hobbies were wide and varied. Steve mensports. Despite working everyday, he always, always made time tioned video games, camping, fishing, and waterskiing. “Refor his sons. He was, and is, their idol, hands-down the smartally, too many other things to list.” On the other hand, Richard est person they know, the person responsible for shaping them played baseball and loved snow skiing. “I’ve always had an into their down-to-earth, honorable gentlemen they are today. incurable interest in fast cars,” he says. Brent adds, “I loved “When I was in high school I tried to pick an easy course load, working with my hands when I was growing up so anything that but my dad would not let me,” Steve explains. “He insisted could be done with my hands I would typically do it. Playing that I take the more challenging courses which required more videogames, ping-pong, drawing, or just working out were time studying. This got me used to studying harder which things that I really enjoyed.” For Andrew it was all types of

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sports and video games, “Still today those are my hobbies.” The brothers credit both their parents with teaching them the value of hard work and integrity, love for family, to respect other people, that nothing comes easy in life, that life isn’t always fair, to do their best so they have pride in what you do. “They taught us that hard work pays off and showed us how to stay out of trouble growing up,” Andrew says. Before graduating from college, Andrew had to transfer schools in the middle of it and work for a year before continuing. He spent almost 5 and 1/2 years in college. Steve, Andrew, and Richard consider their first great accomplishment to be graduating from dental school, Brent says this: “I don’t remember my first great accomplishment, but the earliest one I can remember was when I was 12 years old. I was playing baseball in little league on the all-star team and we won the state championship in a 12-inning little league game. That was a huge accomplishment at the time because the other team we were playing was a good team.” If it hasn’t been duly noted yet, they are all high-spirited and highly motivated. So when Steve mentions how brutally boring long car rides are for him and Richard can only miserably nod in agreement, one can only imagine the lengths they must have taken to amuse themselves. Especially given these four brothers, whose love and respect for one another is boundless, their wit and mischief razor-sharp. “Going through some four hour lectures in school,” Andrew groans. “Reading novels ranks a close second,” Richard inserts as Brent begins to tell what he finds the most boring. “Going through the 2nd year of dental school was the longest year of my life.” As the interview begins to wind down, they discuss what they consider the longest projects they’ve ever worked on and the profession they most often mentioned when people asked what they wanted to be as they were growing up. “Finding my wife took longer than anything I can remember,” Steve says. Andrew shakes his head. “School,” he decides. “Let’s see. Twenty-two years of it?” Richard pulls a face. “Finishing the attic in my home. I don’t think I’ll ever be doing that again.” Finally, Brent responds. “I remember the first research project I ever did in 4th grade took me all weekend to complete. I basically really over did it and it was so long that when I was presenting it in class the teacher had to tell me to stop because I was going too long.” As to their original career choices, Steve wanted to be either a professional football or baseball player, Andrew an engineer. Richard always told people he’d be an orthodontist, although if he hadn’t become a dentist, he would have become an airline pilot. “When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a construction worker for the longest time,” Brent says then laughs. “I have no idea why but it sounded fun at the time.” It seems as if Nelson’s reference to his band of brothers—his captains just before and during the Battle of the Nile—were made for the Fossum Brothers. Such a gallant set of fellows! Such a band of brothers! My heart swells at the thought of them! Is there a secret to their amazing bond?

“I believe that our parents had a lot to do with our bond,” Steve says. “They always taught us to respect everyone, and that included siblings. It also didn’t hurt that we are all very much alike in our interests and personalities.” Brent: “I would say to spend a lot of time together and just hang out playing games or sports. The more things you do together the better.” Andrew: “Just help teach each other growing up and have a lot of fun doing it.” Finally, Richard says, “I don’t know that there is anything you can consciously do. We are all very close and I think that just comes from the way we were raised.” Fait accompli. To make an appointment with Dr. Steve Fossum, call 832595-2266. Or visit Fossum Family Dental Care: 8019 W. Grand Parkway South, Richmond, TX 77407. www.fossumfamilydentalcare.com

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“BUILDING A LEGACY ONE MEAL AT A TIME” INCLUDING HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PROJECT Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels announced that they have formed a 5-year business partnership with Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury in Rosenberg, Texas.

The partnership, a collaboration between Manuela Arroyos, CEO of Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (FBS), the FBS Board of Directors, and Ron Ewer, owner of Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury, will include, but is not limited to: the purchase and donation of new Meals on Wheels meal delivery vehicles, discounted service and maintenance of all FBS Fleet and FBS volunteer vehicles, a Legacy meal delivery team, Legacy sponsored monthly birthday party at the Rosenberg Senior Congregate Center, Legacy sponsored “Senior Moments” Volunteer Networking Event – Fall 2010, Legacy logo link on FBS website (www.fortbendseniors.org), title sponsorship of the upcoming Groovy Party benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels on September 17 at Safari Texas and the Legacy logo placed on all agency literature and collateral material. “We are excited about the partnership with Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury,” said Manuela Arroyos, FBS CEO. “One of our strategic goals this year was to form community partnerships that made sense for both parties. We believe that this collaboration will help us fulfill our mission to help the senior citizens of Fort Bend county.”

“We are always looking for ways to help the community,” explained Ron Ewer, owner of Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury. “Partnering with Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels allows our staff many opportunities to serve senior citizens while providing Fort Bend Seniors with valuable assets to help them to alleviate senior hunger in our community. We are proud to be building a LEGACY in Fort Bend County one MEAL at a time!” As part of the partnership, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury will provide 1,800 water bottles for the Hurricane Shelf Stable Meals that will be delivered by May 31 to each of the senior citizens registered in the Fort Bend Seniors program. The Hurricane meals, provided by Gem Foods Services Corp. in Rosenberg, assure that each senior citizens has five meals to eat, which require no electricity to cook, in the case of impending inclement weather during hurricane season. The Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury meal delivery team will be delivering some of these Hurricane Preparedness meals immediately following the press conference.

Ron Ewer; Patrick Sexton; Manuela Arroyos, CEO Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels; David Vasquez, Board of Directors Chairman for Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels along with the entire Board of Directors and Kristin Weiss, Director of Development for Fort Bend Seniors.

batteries, canned goods and other non-perishable food items, bottled water, juice boxes and personal hygiene products, including incontinence items such as Depends. Items can be brought to Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury at 12225 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg on May 25 or on any weekday to the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels office located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a United Way Agency, is committed to helping seniors remain independent by enhancing their quality of life through services and resources. Fort Bend Seniors is qualified under 50lC(3) of the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit corporation, as such contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent as allowed by law. Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury owned by Ron Ewer since 2005 has become a loyal partner to the Fort Bend community. Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury continues to set positive examples by building long-term relationships through community involvement and their customers. Gem Food Services manufactures custom meals and convenience foods for many segments of the food industry. They have a registered dietician on staff to ensure proper nutritional requirements are met. Their focus is on excellence in quality and as a USDA inspected kitchen, they are held to the highest standard of food safety. To donate to or volunteer for Fort Bend Seniors, please contact Kristin Weiss, Director of Development at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, at 281-633-7057 or kweiss@ fortbendseniors.org or visit www.fortbendseniors.org.

To further prepare the senior citizens for hurricane season, Fort Bend Seniors will be accepting donations of flashlights,

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Tom Wilson can be found at Reading Road Storage a couple of days a week. He has always had a love of the written word, however, and is a regular contributor to Inside Rose Rich Magazine. He also serves as an Ambassador for the RosenbergRichmond Chamber of Commerce.

review of two dictionaries, published over 30 years apart, revealed that the definition of the word ethics has not significantly changed. Simply put, the word is looked upon as a principle of right or good. What has changed is the perception some have towards it. For sure, the word ethics is a symbol of moral principles and values. This interpretation, by some standards, has changed with the passage of time. Seeking a reason for that conclusion, one might consider that the trend for self-indulgence regarding wanting everything now may lead to poor choices. In some cases, what used to be taboo is now accepted as ok or just overlooked. Some say that the rules have changed. Time, attitudes, and technology may have changed the face of society, but the rules are basically the same. The function of ethics, in general, is to point out the necessity of these rules and behavioral patterns that set us aside from the uncivilized. Choosing to rationalize wrong that is done does not relieve the burden of guilt. Deciding to do the right thing each day of our lives is not anything to brag about. It is the expected thing for us to do and without fanfare. This spirit of ethics transcends age, sex, race, income, and status. It is what it is for everyone. I believe in the inherent ability of most people to judge the value of doing right over wrong. The choosing of intelligent decisions over bad may be taxing at times, but worth the

Ethics: An Old Idea Revisited by Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self Storage effort and mental process necessary to accomplish it. Think in terms that ethics has a close tie with conscience. In spite of what cynics say, everyone has a conscience. Life’s lessons serve as a reliable guide to knowing and doing what is right, not some of the time, but all of the time. The true value of proper decision making, as it relates to your business or personal life, cannot be overstated. Great character, as it has been said by many, is “doing the right thing even when no one is looking or knows about it.” Cynics may not believe in the fundamental decency of mankind, but the strength of humanity is judged by the level of character it displays. We, each in our own way, should strive to do our part in this quest for ethical achievement and success. There are people everywhere who step forward and do the right thing for the right reasons. The bad news is that there are those who choose a direction that is self-serving with selfish objectives without thinking of the potential impact on those around them. Self created lifestyle dramas caused by unsavory behavior simply equate to what we see on TV in the form of a bad soap opera or reality show. Ethical behavior has a way of creating inspiration in people and this act leads toward a goal of achieving goodness. The core of this concept comes from the mind and heart, but is accompanied by the sheer power of good decisions and choices. The world we now have before us has a profound desire to achieve what is right and good. When it is ultimately accomplished, the result will be incredible. Utilize the good choices in your life to act as a tranquilizer as it will help keep you positive. The profound effect that comes from these good ethical choices during your work and private lives will ripple outward to family, associates, and possibly customers and become far reaching in its impact. Your actions will become your life spokesperson and be certain that they will speak loudly about you.

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Curtis Chang:

A Champion in the Making

by Peter Chang, M.D.

When he turned 6-years old, he began competitive gymnastics at Level 4. Curtis did poorly at his first meet, but the experience taught him an important lesson. He told his father that he did not like losing. His father asked him, “Does it hurt more to lose or does it hurt more to train harder?” Curtis soon learned the rewards of hard work and believing in himself.

Curtis trains at Iron Cross Gymnastics in Richmond, Texas, the center of excellence for gymnastics in

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Curtis Chang, 10years old, of Fort Bend County began taking gymnastics classes as a fun, weekend activity six years ago. Immediately, his father and coaches saw something special in him. Good coordination, flexibility, and the ability to listen and follow directions enabled him to develop skills quickly. Of the six men’s gymnastics events (floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar), the pommel horse was his favorite.

At the Level 4 Texas South State Championships that year, he won first place in the all-around, floor exercise, and pommel horse. At Level 5 State the following year, he placed first on pommel horse and second all-around. His success continued at Level 6 where he competed at the USA Gymnastics Region 3 Championships. He won first place in floor exercise and tied for first place all-around among gymnasts from the six states that comprise Region 3 (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas). This year Curtis competed at Level 7 and definitively captured the all-around title and was pommel horse champion.

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Fort Bend County. The owners, Jeremy Alspaugh and Grant Qualls, along with the staff strive daily to instill the values of old-fashioned hard work and compassion in the minds and hearts of their students. It is the place where athletic excellence, character development, and crazy fun meet.

hopefully, will earn him high scores. Curtis believes that with continued hard work and dedication, he will one day reach his ultimate goal…to go to the Olympics and represent the United States!

Curtis is coached by Dimitar “Mitci” Dimitrov, an accomplished Bulgarian gymnast. Curtis trains every day, either at the gym with his coach or at home with Dad. Despite sprains and strains, bruises and abrasions, he craves the training and loves being in the gym. He spends hours analyzing techniques and repeating moves over and over again until he perfects them. This year he gets to have fun designing his own routines for each of the six events. He will combine different skill elements into routines that,

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Care l Support l Education

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Gala—October 28th, 2010 Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

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fitness by cyndia rodriguez

[Zumba Instructor & Personal Trainer at the TW Davis YMCA]

I was honored to represent the YMCA of greater Houston at the Group picture of Joe Samudio, Zumba instructor in Kingwood; 2010 Houston Cherita Andrews, contestant on Biggest Loser (Season 9), Cyndia Obesity AwareRodriguez, Zumba instructor at TW Davis YMCA; Victoria Andrews, Biggest Loser Contestant (Season 9); Terri Ellison, TW ness Summit. DAIS YMCA member; and Cindy Samudio, Zumba instructor in I taught the Kingwwod. Zumba-tomic program to children in 45 minutes session. he first group age ranged from 5 years old to 7yrs old,. As each group came in the children got older. At the last session there were 3 contestants from the biggest loser show that took the class. Two are in the pic above and Tracey Yuckich from season 8, not shown. Children who watch more television and play video games are more likely to be overweight or obese. Summer is upon us, and now is the perfect time to give your children involved in physical activities. You can take the whole family swimming or enjoy outdoor bike riding. Make it fun and just dance in your living room for 30 minutes. The possibilities are endless! Don’t just preach about good health in your home, as parents we need to lead a good example by our own actions. Make sure to increase you fruits and vegetable intake, increase your physical activity, decrease TV and video game time, decrease fast food take out and decrease high sugary drinks. I too am a

mom and realize its easier said than done. Take baby steps and add a new veggie twice a week to your dinner menu. Pick one day out of the week to enjoy those cravings in moderation, like a soda pop or a slice of pie. Keeping our bodies healthy and strong is very important for our longevity and quality of our lives as well as our children’s lives. Educatting our children and feeding their minds are just as important. Instead of watching tv, try a book night. You can read a good book as a family and enjoy each others company. In the second pic, it’s a few YMCA members and their children supporting 1 GOAL--education for all, this time for Africa. It’s a universal campaign that supports the efforts that all chidlren deserve an education. We as a nation are so blessed that our chidren can go to school for free, or even that we jave public schools for that matter. Thank you so much for taking the time to read the Inside Fitness and have a blessed and safe summer. —Sincerely Cyndia

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Mayor Gurecky Leads Vogelsang Building’s 100 Year Anniversary On June 4, 2010, Mayor and Mrs. Joe Gurecky travelled in a horse-drawn carriage down Second Street to kick-off the 100 year anniversary celebration of the building housing Vogelsang Antiques. A small gathering to honor former mayors of Rosenberg, listened as Mayor Gurecky addressed the assembled audience. “Good evening and Happy 100th Anniversary to a Rosenberg landmark. We’re here today to honor the Mayors, leaders of Rosenberg and their descendants. The City of Rosenberg has been blessed with people willing to serve this city since 1902 when the first Mayor of Rosenberg, Robert H. McCormick took office. He was quickly followed by R. T. Mulcahy in 1903, one of the earliest settlers of Rosenberg. Mr. Mulcahy has often been called the “Father of Rosenberg”.

Following Mayor Mulcahy was W.H. Whistler in 1904 and then Taylor Ray became Mayor in 1910 (100 years ago). Mr. Ray was from Wabash, Indiana. He was self-educated after the ninth grade. At about 19 years of age he was assigned to Rosenberg by Wells-Fargo Co. and retired after 53 years of service. Mr. Ray was one of the first three aldermen elected to serve the City of Rosenberg in 1902. During his tenure, the first Commission form of government was established and the City’s first electric light system and water system was installed. In 1900, he and Mr. Mulcahy drew up a charter to establish a Board to administer a public school. Mr. Ray served on the school Board for over 25 years. Another Mayor, in particular, was J. A. Carter, and we are gathered here today at the home he built in 1902 for his lovely bride, Louise Ebell, a pioneer business woman~ Mr. Carter was Rosenberg’s eighth Mayor. Mr. Carter was a master mason who built one of the first brick buildings in Rosenberg - The First National Bank building on the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue G. He went on to build many more brick buildings in Rosenberg, Fort Bend County and adjoining counties. His advice as a builder was eagerly sought after during the early days of the city. It was said that any building erected by him withstood the storms and ravages of time and today we can attest to this. This weekend we are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of what is known today as the Vogelsang

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Building, a building he completed for Gray and son in 1910. For a time, Mr. Carter was particularly interested in the affairs of Rosenberg and was elected Mayor in 1924, having defeated A. E. Pleak. There are stories told about how just minutes before the polls closed Mr. Pleak and Mr. Carter were tied. Then the train pulled into the station where the Railroad Museum now stands. A woman disembarked to cast her vote. The crowd hushed and waited for her vote to be counted .... It was a vote for Mr. Carter. All Mayors and their family members know the importance of just one vote, and this wonderful story proves that! The evening of his election, Mr. Carter stood on this very porch to thank his supporters. So this evening, I stand on Mr. Carter’s porch and thank you, former Mayors, descendents of Mayors and their families ... the people who have loved this city and have brought leadership to this city and community. Your legacy is the foundation upon which Rosenberg has been built. Many things have happened over the last 100 years. Just as in the early 1900’s, today we are experiencing difficult economy conditions but Rosenberg continues to prosper and is expected to become the Economic Center of Fort Bend County by the year 2025. I’m confident that the present leaders in this city will continue to welcome and manage the new growth and strive to continue developing a community that supports a high quality of life for all residents. Before I close, I would like to extend my thanks to Jim and Helen Rambo, current owners of the what we know as the Ebell-Carter house, for renovating and opening their home so that all of us could take a moment to remember our past and celebrate our future here tonight. Their graciousness and contribution to this community is most appreciated.” Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Tony Masraff: Faith In Action By Susan Whitacre

You may recognize the face on the cover and wonder, isn’t he the owner of Masraff’s restaurant? Yes, that’s Tony Masraff, coowner with his son Russell, of the fine dining restaurant which has become a Houston institution. Since opening their new location last month, at 1753 Post Oak Blvd, in the heart of the Galleria, they have been enjoying a resurgence. “I describe our new location as Masraff’s, the next generation! My son Russell is stepping up and becoming a greater influence. And it shows in the new design and greater energy we’re enjoying in the new place.” Renaissance Man, Tony Masraff. But successful restaurateur doesn’t begin to describe him. Tony Masraff. High Technology Entrepreneur of the Year, Pilot, Rancher, Sportsman, Community Volunteer, Foundation President, Usher, Marathon runner, Trick Water Skier and Competitive Dancer. A remarkably impressive list of some of the accomplishments of a man 73 years young. When Tony is asked what he is most proud of…without hesitation he responds, “My family”. And it is the legacy he will leave to his family that is

the driving force behind his latest accomplishments. Acting on Faith Tony has been living with prostate cancer since 1999. Rather than sidelining him however, the devastating diagnosis he received propelled him into action! Originally, Tony felt driven to research, analyze and methodically examine all available treatment options and the impact they would have on his particular lifestyle. Along the way however, he was shaken to learn that the genetic component of the disease increased his sons’ probability of developing prostate cancer by 33%. “I immediately realized that this was not the legacy I wanted to leave my sons!” said Masraff. “So, I did what any man would do when faced with the knowledge that the health, security and peace of his family might be threatened. I rose up and took action. I made the commitment to do what I could to spare my sons, my grandsons and generations of men I will never know, the same diagnosis.” Acting on faith that there is hope for a cure in his lifetime, Masraff launched a foundation to fund the cure he couldn’t find. Unlike most foundations formed around medical causes, Masraff’s focus was unique. “ I’m not interested in supporting research for new treatments, surgical

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techniques or medication to control the effects of this disease. I am investing in the pursuit of a preventive vaccine and a non-invasive cure for prostate cancer.” Unique Foundation Captivates Community To raise the original seed money for the foundation Markley Masraff Berg, Tony’s daughter, encouraged and trained him to run the Houston Marathon. Together they ran the race, only to have Tony’s legs give out close to the end. His body collapsed and he crumpled to the ground within sight of the finish line. Determined ‘to finish the race cut out for him”, Tony crawled across the finish line with his daughter at his side, encouraging him. It is his remarkable spirit, the unique mission of the foundation and Tony Masraff’s careful stewardship of the dollars the foundation receives, which has captivated citizens of the greater Houston community and beyond and inspired generous support. ($2.7M to date). Gut Feeling leads to Medical Breakthrough After careful consideration and extensive study, Tony followed his gut feeling and focused his support on the promise of a protein therapy research project being conducted in a small laboratory by Research Scientist Dr. Timothy Thompson. When asked what gave him the confidence to follow a feeling, Tony recounts, “I understand the great potential in going with your gut and taking a gamble on the research and development of a concept. You see, it was early in my career in the field of high technology that I took a gamble, followed my gut and was one of the early developers of computer graphic hardware that has become the norm today.” That gamble made him a millionaire and earned him the honor of Houston’s High Tech Entrepreneur of the Year.

for the cure of prostate cancer. The unique properties and applications of GLIPR1 protein therapy are recognized as promising in their potential to cure prostate as well as many other forms of cancer, including breast cancer. It is now known that the GLIPR1 is a cancer suppressing protein, naturally occurring in the bodies of men and women “ According to Dr. Thompson“It not only kills cancer cells, but also suppresses angiogenic activities and stimulates T-cell mediated immune response against cancer cells... The development of GLIPR-^TM protein therapy in making a critical and timely impact as we are approaching the home stretch of moving this promising new therapy to clinical trials.” Spanning the Globe and Impacting the Future President of M.D. Anderson, Dr. John Mendelsohn wrote that Tony ‘s Prostate Cancer Research foundation’s “…strong commitment to our mission has helped The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center earn its reputation as a world-renowned leader in cancer care. …Philanthropic support such as yours undergirds the outstanding advances in science and patient care for which M.D. Anderson has become known.” Dr. Christopher Logothetis adds “Tony Masraff is a remarkable man and a philanthropist...He has been a strict steward of the resources entrusted to him and has been instrumental in contributing to the cure of prostate cancer for generations to come.” Team Tony Clearly, supporting the research for the cure of prostate cancer and bringing awareness of this disease, is only the tip of the iceberg of the impact made by Tony’s Prostate Cancer Research foundation. “Tony’s efforts as a Patient Advocate have given patients suffering from prostate cancer in Houston a voice.” Said Dr. John Mendelsohn. Tony is on call 24hours a day/7days a week/365days a year to offer support and encouragement and information. (Call Tony (Continued on page 40.)

It appears that Tony’s gut feelings have served him well again. Tony Masraff’s latest gut feeling has lead to major advancements and medical breakthroughs in the research Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

at 713.376.1950 or visit www.tpcr.org). In addition, Tony encourages volunteers, supporters and donors to become involved and assume leadership roles. Quarterly luncheon forums and lab visits attended by the Research Scientist, the Head of the Department of Genitourinary Medicine who oversees the research and often the President of M D Anderson provide an intimate setting to ask questions, challenge assumptions, monitor the use of funds, share perspectives, report the progress and learn of the potential impact the research implies. Around the table, patients, donors, volunteers, the MDA administration and research scientists coalesce as a team in a supportive, hope-filled and empowering way. That kind of teamwork is very unique. According to Dr. Logothetis, it is remarkable that Tony Masraff is able to expand the physician/researcher partnership to include “… the patient into the picture so that he has a voice and can actually drive the direction of the research.” Helping Women ‘GET” Prostate Cancer When volunteer Susan Whitacre was asked why she volunteers for a man’s disease, she said, “. You would be mistaken to believe that cancer of the prostate affects only men. It also profoundly affects the lives of the women who love them; their mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and friends. That’s why I’m driven to make sure that women ‘get’ prostate cancer…. not contract it, but understand prostate cancer. Offering our time and our talents and our resources to the philanthropic efforts for research for the cure, enriches everyone of our individual lives, that of our families and our community as well. It reaches across generations …carrying the promise of a future which is cancer free for our children, it bridges the gender divide…offering information, resources and options to men and hope and support to the women who love them.” Tony Masraff Day in Houston This uniquely proactive and collaborative approach is precisely why Tony Masraff has been honored in the following ways recently; • An Official Proclamation from the Mayor’s office declaring September 14th “Tony Masraff Day in Houston, Texas” will be announced during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, September 2010

• Nomination for Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation, National Association of Fund Raising Professionals. • The prestigious Jefferson Award for public service, an award initiated by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1979 and considered the Nobel Prize for the common man. Tony was recognized for his ability to inspire a community, energize workplaces and engage a diversity of individuals. And That Ain’t No Bull…or is it? Individuals from all walks of life, large corporations and small businesses have all been inspired to partner with Tony’s Prostate Cancer Research and everyone has something unique to offer. Fort Bend County rancher Billy Jaynes, owner of The Jaynes Gang Bucking Bull

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Tony and the Legendary Baseball Hall of Famers at Redstone during the spring golf fund raiser.

Trainers (www.jaynesgang.com), and CEO of Exclusive Genetics (www.exclusivegenetics.com), takes the concept of “ one-of-a-kind auction item” to a new level in the generous donation of an auction item which is creating quite a buzz for the Annual Fund Raiser, An Evening of Hope: Wine Extravaganza, held October 8th , 2010. The item itself is valued at $10,000…with the potential to earn the winning bidder a half a Million dollars ($500,000.00) in three years. You think that in and of itself would be enough to create a stir and generate a scramble for tickets sales. But surprising that isn’t what all the buzz is about. Neither is it the fabulous weekend in Las Vegas during the Professional Bull Riders World Finals, with the VIP treatment that goes along with it…or the opportunity to experience the adrenaline-pumping thrill of the true cowboy experience in an up-close and personal way. People are calling now, wanting to reserve tickets at An Evening of Hope: Wine Extravaganza just so they have a chance to place bids on the Million Dollar Bucking Bull and assure they have a chance at owning their own bucking bull that will be maintained and trained by The Jaynes Gang! As one business owner (who wishes to remain anonymous) said, “I lost my shirt investing in the stock market. It wasn’t fun. I have nothing to show for it. And I look stupid. I’m planning on bidding on this Bucking Bull because this is an investment that will make a positive impact on my life and the lives of future generations…guaranteed! I’ll be supporting the ongoing research for the cure, get tax advantages, I’ll have years of fun with it and I could potentially make a half a million dollars in three years! I can’t say that

about my Wall Street investments, that’s for sure”. Win, lose or draw in The Million Dollar Bull Futurity competition, how can anyone go wrong being the owner of Tony’s Triumph, a competitive Bucking Bull of the finest breeding? If you can’t wait until October to own your bucking bull, call Billy Jaynes or Clint Wade (979-478-2855) and mention Tony’s Prostate Cancer Research. You’ll receive all the same benefits and the TPCR foundation will still benefit from a generous donation from Exclusive Genetics. They’ll even welcome you to their first-class guest home for a stay. Honoring Your Involvement Tony is humbled anew by every new sponsor who extends their support, every dollar pledged, every new volunteer, and by every individual who reaches out to him. Tony recognizes that this is a journey he can’t complete alone. When presented with the Jefferson Award, Tony slowly raised his hand and stated, “ I graciously accept this recognition in honor of you, the volunteers, researchers, friends and supporters and of Tony’s Prostate Cancer Research foundation.” To learn how you can help, see the information box on page 42.

To advertise in our next issue, contact Leslie Ferdinand at (713) 293-2980, or leslie@roserichmagazine.com.

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

HOW YOU CAN HELP • Western Style Belt Buckle, with the Father and Son foundation logo. Purchase an originally designed, limited edition, numbered buckle, signed by Tony. $100.00 (see photo)

Oak Boulevard. Spend an evening with Tony and his family and enjoy the finest wines from across the globe. Make your reservation now with Holly at 713.355.1975 • Make a donation in Honor of someone you love. Call Holly at 713.355.1975 • Join Team Tony as a volunteer or corporate sponsor. Call Bill Bracken at 281-773-8115 • Refer a friend you know who is living with prostate cancer to www.tpcr.org

• An Evening of Hope : Wine Extravaganza October 9th, 2010 at Masraff’s 1753 Post

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AVOIDING SUMMER LEARNING LOSS Tutor Doctor Offers Easy Ways to Keep Your Child Learning During the Summer Months

As the school year comes to and end, many parents start thinking about ways to keep their children occupied during the long summer months. Day camps, pool passes and neighborhood play dates are on everyone’s mind but what will happen to all the important information that children learned in school that year? What many parents don’t know is that kids experience a phenomenon called “summer learning loss”. Essentially, they forget a lot of what they learned in the previous school year over the summer months. In fact, studies have shown that kids lose more than two and a half months worth of math skills in the summertime. For kids that were already struggling in math, this means that they will start off the next school year even further disadvantaged. And it’s not just math. Overall, kids lose an average of 1 month of learning in other subjects during the summer. Think of athletes. Imagine if they stopped training for 2-3 months in the year. You would expect that when they return to their sport, that they would experience a lag in performance. The brain is no different. It needs to be exercised.

budgeting, etc. Many hotels, resorts, and tourist sites offer kids clubs your kids can join online. This is a great way to get the kids involved in the planning and create excitement ahead of time! • Tutoring - Studies find that a third party, objective source can often be an effective means of helping students with their academic struggles while also relieving stress on parents. Enroll in a summer enrichment program. For children that are struggling academically, summer can be the perfect time to address it with a customized tutoring program. • Play - Buy mind-engaging games that focus on interactivity for your children. Encourage them to invite friends over to play. Some children are more responsive to positive reinforcement so build a reward system into a game that requires learning, such as memorization or math These ideas will help your children build up more confidence, and prepare them to start the new school year with a bang. (Continued on page 57.)

“Richmond-area students can get a significant jump on the school year by using Tutor Doctor,” said Parker Knapp. “Many students go through what we call the ‘summer brain drain’ and in many cases forget much of what they learned the previous year. We help students, and parents, achieve their educational goals with programs that are specifically designed to fit the needs of each individual.” So how can you keep your kids learning over the summer? Here are a few ideas: • Read together - Visit a library. Find some books with topics that interest your child so that they are really engaged in reading. Read the books with them and discuss the main idea, character development, cause and effect, etc. • Explore - Visit local museums, zoos and historical sites. Help your child learn about history and the world they live in. • Cooking & Menu Planning – plan your meal, write out recipes, measuring ingredients, shopping for groceries, and send out invitations to family and friends. Ask your guests to write a review of your fine cuisine and make sure to write a review of Mom and Dad’s next creation. These activities can reinforce math, reading, writing and organizational skills. • Vacation/Trip Planning – Have your kids research location online, write or email visitor’s bureau for information, track the mileage, figure out gas needed, cost of trip, Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

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Dear Reader, This is both a disclaimer and an explanation. When I began Inside Rose Rich Magazine, I determined I would stay away from controversial subjects. It is an area magazine, after all, one meant to highlight and celebrate Rosenberg and Richmond and the surrounding areas of the Twin Cities. Recently, however, I saw a 10PM newscast on Channel 11 about William Patrick Kelley, also known as the pastor at River Pointe Community Church in Richmond. His question that so caught my attention? Am I Too White to be Your Pastor? After watching the interview, I ruminated that question for the next two days. I wondered if he’d gotten the answer he sought. I wondered if he’d gotten labeled or prejudged or even, misjudged. I wondered too why did that question flit through my mind so often even as I couldn’t help but admire his chutzpah. In this age of political correctness, he was broaching one of the most taboo subjects on the planet. Race. Specifically, race in America. Before exploring why Pastor Kelley’s question had such a thoughtprovoking reaction in me, I set up an interview with him. My reasons for writing the article and exploring the questions, however, are more complex. After talking to him and watching his sermon online and reading some of the comments posted on a website, I came to a few conclusions: 1.) he wasn’t doing this as a ploy to “grow” his congregation; 2.) this question seemed to grow from a sermon series he’d began in January called Living With Intention. Go to www. RiverPointe.tv and see for yourself. Over four months, the series covered everything from giving to finances and followed the thought of Pastor Kelley and his wife, Lisa, that “if we don’t live intentional lives we will drift”; and 3.) Pastor Kelley asked the question Am I Too White to be Your Pastor? because he was truly curious as to why, in this day of tolerance and acceptance, Sunday mornings remain one of the most segregated in our nation. I realized then that’s why the question evoked so much consideration within me. I’ve walked into a church, in error, and felt all eyes turn to me and the foyer fall absolutely, pin drop silent because I was the only Black person there.

religion

When I brought my three daughters into the world, I gave my solemn promise to them that I would not only provide the things they required, but I would give them my everything. My everything includes asking the tough questions and standing up for my principles and what I believe in and reminding them to never, ever ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. So, Pastor Kelley, here’s my answer to a question that has plagued me for weeks:

No, as everyone else has told you, you aren’t too white to be my pastor. My ex-husband is white, my oldest daughter mixed race. But religion is such a personal thing and we all want to believe that no matter where we worship and no matter our color, we will all meet in Glory one day. My father, however, was a Catholic born and bred. At 18, I turned Catholic too. The two church parishes I lived between, one two miles to the east and the other two miles to the west of my house, had always been led by white priests. At six weeks old, I was christened Methodist and that minister was white. However, I have two uncles who are ministers and when my Uncle Blaise began his own church, I was torn. With family being so important to me, I became a member of his church. For me, skin color has never mattered in religious, business, or personal matters. It is truly the content of a man’s character. In this instance, however, family trumps everything. And although I haven’t attended a service anywhere in months—just another of my imperfections in a list of many—I wouldn’t care if you were blue. You’re just not my uncle. God Bless you and your congregation. I greatly admire a man who seeks answers. I also thank you for snapping me to attention and making me explore another facet of myself and for reminding me that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. –Leslie Oh yeah, I accept your invitation to visit your church. Now, I present Pastor Kelley’s article.

Living with Intention at River Pointe Community Church by Pastor Kelley

At the beginning of the year, Pastor Patrick Kelley and his wife, Lisa, created a series of sermons called Living with Intention. In the first, MLK, Pastor Kelley explained that if we don’t live intentional lives than we will drift. In the second, Pastor and Mrs. Kelley told their congregation that God wants people to be intentional with their finances. The third in the series was Giving, and was simply a continuation of the Living with Intention sermons. But it was the fourth, and the last, Diversity, that drew attention from all fronts. The attention didn’t come as a Continued on page 53. Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

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By Any Other Name It is famously known that Margaret Mitchell considered naming her infamous heroine, Scarlett O’Hara, Pansy. When one considers Scarlett, it is hard to imagine her as a pansy, in name or in deed. Parents the world over agonize over a fitting name for their babies. Some opt for names with meaning. Others add in a bit creativity to name their children. And, yet, others opt for names that are inherent within their families. So when met with someone bearing an unusual name, our curiosity is piqued. As we become better acquainted and more comfortable, our curiosity gets the best of us and we want to know the whys and wherefores of such an unusual name. Hence, the case with Echo, one of the nurses at Sweetwater GYN. “I’m adopted,” she says. “When my mom got the call, that she was getting me, she’d seen an old Clint Eastwood movie. The name of the female lead character was Echo and my mom really liked the name.” Although Echo’s mom liked the name, Echo’s dad wasn’t too certain. She laughs now at the story her mother related to her. “My dad was a merchant marine and he was away when my mom got me. When

he called, she told him, he was a daddy.” After getting over that shock, he gathered his surprise and asked a crucial question: the name of his brand new daughter. “My mom told him it was Echo and he said, you are not naming my daughter Echo. My mom said, ‘too late. That’s her name already’.” So Echo’s mom won and Echo became, well, Echo. Beyond the name being a name of Beverly D’Angelo’s character in Every Which Way But Loose, the origins of Echo dates back to Greek Mythology. From Bulfinch’s, The Age of Fable, which in part begins: Echo was a beautiful nymph, fond of the woods and hills, where she devoted herself to woodland sports. She was a favorite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. But Echo had one failing; she was fond of talking, and whether in chat or argument would have the last word. The Echo in the fable of Narcissus and Echo has a very sad ending, but the Echo who graces the rooms and corridors at Sweetwater GYN is bubbly, friendly, down-to-earth, and, yes. Talkative and the world is a better place because of her.

In 1634, (John) Milton alludes to the story of Echo and Narcissus in A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle. The poem was reprinted anonymously in a quarto in 1637 and named Comus. In it, Echo is seeking her brothers in the forest, and sings to attract their attention. “Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph, that liv’st unseen Within thy aery shell By slow Meander’s margent green. And in the violet-embroidered vale, Where the love-lorn nightingale Nightly to thee her sad song mourneth well; Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair That likes thy Narcissus are? Oh, if thou have Hid them in some flowery cave, Tell me but where, Sweet queen of parly, daughter of the sphere, So may’st thou be translated to the skies, And give resounding grace to all heaven’s harmonies.”

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Library News George Memorial Library 1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond, TX 77469

Albert George Library

Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch

9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461 NEEDVILLE BOOKWORMS TO DISCUSS THE SHACK AT ALBERT GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY The monthly meeting of the Needville Bookworms will take place on Tuesday, August 17, beginning at 12:00 noon, in the Meeting Room at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville. The book to be discussed during August’s meeting is The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, a novel by William P. Young. Mackenzie Allen Phillips is a grief-stricken father whose 6-year-old daughter, Missy, is brutally murdered on a family vacation in the Oregon wilderness. After four years of intense anguish, during which everything he had ever believed about God is questioned, Mac receives a mysterious note -- apparently from God -urging him to revisit the cabin where evidence of his daughter’s murder was found. Face to face with his darkest nightmare, Mac discovers where God was during the depths of the grieving father’s most unspeakable pain. This reading group is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 979-793-4270.

LIBRARY SALUTES ALASKA – AMERICA’S FINAL FRONTIER Throughout the month of August, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville, will salute America’s final frontier with an exhibit, “Alaskan Gentle Wilderness.” The exhibit is located in the lobby of the library, and may be viewed during regular library hours. Items in the exhibit are from the collection of Victoria Schultz of Needville. Schultz lived in Alaska for 12 years and taught at the University of Alaska. While there, Schultz collected Alaskan artifacts such as native death masks, pieces of jewelry carved from whale baleen and ivory, paintings, and other folk pieces. “The collection is a reminder of America’s last frontier,” says Schultz. “The pieces remind me to appreciate nature and to value another perspective of how to treat and value animals.” For more information on the exhibit, call the branch library at 979-793-4270.

TAKE AN AFTERNOON BOOK BREAK AT GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Book-lovers are invited to take a Book Break on Thursday, August 19, at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond, beginning at 12:00 noon, in Room 2D. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a literary discussion of The Forgotten Garden, a novel written by Kate Morton. This book club is free and open to the public. Call the library at 281-341-2677 for more information.

LEARN ABOUT AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILYHISTORY RESEARCH AT LIBRARY PROGRAM Researching African-American family histories may present special challenges for the genealogical researcher. Library staff from the Genealogy and Local History Department at Fort Bend County Libraries will present an introductory program, “African-American Genealogy 101,” on Tuesday, August 24, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Get a basic introduction to many of the resources that are available to the beginning family-history researcher, with special focus on tools to help individuals who are researching African-American family histories. Learn about online resources, such as the Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest USA databases, items that are available on microfilm, and print resources. The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “George Memorial,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-341-2608, or by visiting the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department.

FREE “SAT” PRACTICE TEST AT GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Representatives from the Princeton Review will conduct a free practice SAT test at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library, on Saturday, August 14, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, which is located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. A followup strategy session will take place on Saturday, August 21, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, in the library’s Meeting Room.

8100 FM 359 South, Fulshear, TX Students will take the practice test during session one, and will review their scores and learn strategy tips to increase their future scores at the second session. The SAT is used by U.S. colleges to determine admissions and to award scholarships and grants. The test is three hours and 45 minutes long, and consists of three sections – Critical Reading, Writing, and Math. The sessions are free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Registration begins June 28. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “George Memorial Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-341-2604, or by visiting the library.

ANTIQUE APRONS ON DISPLAY AT FULSHEAR/SIMONTON BRANCH LIBRARY A collection of vintage and antique aprons will be on display at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, 8100 FM 359 South in Fulshear, throughout the month of August. The aprons are from the collection of Ellis Bennett of Waco. Bennett has been collecting the aprons for many years because of their value as a collector’s item. Some aprons are more utilitarian in style and purpose, while others feature delicate handiwork such as embroidery or lace trims. The styles, patterns, and materials used also reflect different eras in American history. Ellis will talk about the background of her collection and explain the history of vintage and antique aprons on Thursday, August 12, beginning at 6:30 pm, in the library’s Meeting Room. She will also show how the aprons reflect many different styles and trends in American culture. The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours, and the program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-346-1432 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY All branches of Fort Bend County Libraries will be closed Monday, September 6, in observance of Labor Day. Regular library hours will resume on Tuesday, September 7.

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kendleton Welcome to the 1st edition of Inside Kendleton, a new feature of Inside Rose Rich Magazine. These are exciting and progressive times for Kendleton and the surrounding areas. Kendleton sits 35 miles southwest of Houston and 14 miles southwest of Rosenberg in western Fort Bend County. Kendleton grew from the small farms that William E. Kendall sold to emancipated slaves.

Standing (l-r) : Commissioner Richard Morrison, Mayor Darryl Humphrey, Irma Bradshaw (Senior Citizen); seated (l-r) : Walker Oats (Senior), Birdie Melton (Senior), and Iris Kindred (Senior). Mayor Darryl Humphrey, Virgie Walker, and Veronica Rodriguez

Amongst Kendleton’s most important sites are the gravesite of the first (early 1800s) African-American Republican Representative and the oldest college in Fort Bend County, Bay Ridge Christian College. Originally founded in Union, MS in 1953, it was relocated to its present location 7 years later. In an effort to encourage unity in our community, we host annual events that we are very proud of: Back To School Bash, Easter Egg Extravaganza, Juneteenth Jubilee, Community Thanksgiving Luncheon, and Christmas Gift Give-Away. For the third year in a row, the Kendleton Revitalization Committee and I have been planning special birthday celebrations each month for the senior citizens of Kendleton. The Seasoned Saints, as we like to lovingly refer to them as, anxiously look forward to their birthday month. For

their birthday lunch, the seniors are served dishes such as: Cornish hens, shrimp fettuccine, spaghetti, and Mexican food. The majority of the time, I have the honor of being the head cook. Before their meal, the seniors enjoy a few games of bingo, in which they have the opportunity to win a prize. It may be a lamp, it may be a blanket, or it may be food storage containers. What ever it is, they get so excited and that makes it all worthwhile for me. It is a blessing to see their smiling faces. My wife, Veronica, who is President of the Kendleton Revitalization Committee, invites anyone who has a heart for the elderly to come and volunteer in serving the seniors their meals, conducting the bingo games, or simply interacting with them. Also, throughout the month, we welcome volunteers to come out and share their musical talents, sing, do arts and crafts, or what ever they think a senior will enjoy participating in.

Seasoned Saints Monthly Birthday Bashes! The Seasoned Saints of Kendleton anxiously look forward to their birthday month! For the third year in a row, Mayor D.K. Humphrey, Sr. and the Kendleton Revitalization Committee have been planning special birthday celebrations each month for the Seniors of Kendleton. For their birthday lunch, the Seniors are served dishes such as: cornished hens, shrimp fetticine, spaghetti, and Mexican food. The majority of the time, Mayor Humphrey is the head cook. Before their meal, the Seniors enjoy a few games of bingo, in which they have the opportunity to win a prize. It may be a lamp, it may be a blanket, or it may be food storage containers, what ever it is, they get so excited and that makes it all worthwhile for Mayor Humphrey: “I love to see the smiles on their faces!” The Mayor’s wife, Veronica, who is President of the Kendleton Revitalization Committee, invites anyone who has a heart for the elderly to come and volunteer in serving the Seniors their meals, conducting the bingo games, or simply interacting with them. “Also, throughout the month, we welcome volunteers to come out and share their musical talents, sing, do arts and crafts, or what ever they think a Senior will enjoy participating in!”

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

ences, he rose to the challenge of letting the world know what everyone in Fort Bend County already knew about: our diversity.

But it was the fourth, and the last, Diversity, that drew attention from all fronts. The attention didn’t come as a surprise. Pastor Kelley, in his search for answers, risked much. He not only created signs that read Am I Too White to be Your Pastor?, but he carried them in Sugar Land’s Town Center. Meanwhile, River Pointe’s Youth Pastor, Terrace, an African-American, carried a similar sign that asked Am I the Wrong Color to be Your Pastor?

In late 1996, he gathered a group of friends, who were all white. A total of five families. “We wanted to be faithful to the great commission and reach community. We know that the people in our community is diverse. But how could five white families reach a diverse population?”

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But that desire carried with it a burden too.

Race and politics are always a hotbed of controversy and Pastor Kelley, in his determination to be faithful and true to the word of God was tackling both in one fell swoop. “Our desire was never to be a racially diverse church,” he corrects. “Just faithful to the word of God. Here at River Pointe we always felt it was a priority. We were just never effective at it until the last eight years.”

William Patrick Kelley is a gregarious man on a perpetual search for answers. He didn’t grow up in a diverse neighborhood nor did he attend a diverse high school. In his entire school, he says, he knew of only one Black student and, “Ironically, his last name was White.” He draws laughter from the congregation as he announces this but he looks into the audience, at someone who knows he is telling the truth and asks, “Do you remember him?”

Charming and charismatic, Pastor Kelley married his high school sweetheart, Lisa, to whom he’s been married for 22 years. They are the proud parents of 4 children: Keaton, 18, Dylan 16, and twins, Matthew and Maddie, who are 14 years old. Born and raised in GrapeRiver Pointe started with five vine, TX, a few years ago, families, but now has 1200, as Pastor Kelley finished his about 4000 people. The avmaster’s degree, while he erage weekly attendance is was on staff at a very large 3200. The church grounds church in Houston. Later, consists of 96 acres. Before Patrick Kelley, Senior Pastor, Riverpointe Community Church he switched to a very small the building off of Ransom church and was there for a couple of years. In 1994, he Road in Richmond was purchased in 2005, Pastor Kelley almost started a church. Instead, he moved to Atlanta, and his congregation lived a nomadic existence, going where he remained a couple of years. Since he wasn’t a from high school to high school to hold services. senior pastor and he felt like he needed to lead a church, “Racial diversity isn’t going to just happen at River Pointe,” he knew it was time to leave. That’s when he rekindled the burden he’d had for Fort Bend County. “Fort Bend County Pastor Kelley stresses. “We live in a very diverse culture but churches are very segregated in Fort Bend County. is one of the most racially diverse counties in the state in Prejudice isn’t a thing of the past or something that the nation,” he amends with passion. As America grew churches don’t deal with.” and became more accepting of everyone’s cultural differ-

Continued on page 55.

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Because of that and because of his never-ending quest to be a better man, a better Christian, a better servant of God, Pastor Kelley wanted to know what the barriers are that keep people of different cultures from worshipping together. He knows River Pointe isn’t, and will never be, for everyone. It won’t stimulate everyone’s faith. He knows too that God’s Kingdom is bigger than one church. “We’re not trying to meet everyone’s needs, we’re just trying to be ourselves. So this tension took off for us and we wondered: How can you be authentic and be ourselves? We don’t want a white guy acting black. That doesn’t work. That would be disingenuous. We knew if we’d reach a diverse population, it was going to be through methods.” During a segment of the May 23rd sermon, (log on to www.Riverpointe.tv), Pastor Kelley broaches this very serious subject with well-timed humor that neither deters his serious message nor detracts from his point. “I’ll never be a Hispanic Pastor. An Asian Pastor. A Black Pastor. I’m trying to be a skinny pastor, but that’s a lot of work. I feel like the fat pastor is coming back.” Laughter resounds; point taken. “I’m white. I’m Anglo. I’m Irish. I’m fat….” In his office, photos of his family on the breakfront behind his massive desk. Degrees grace his wall. At the moment, he’s seated in a wing back chair amidst a big wooden desk and bookcases filled with bibles and religious encyclopedias, textbooks, biographies, dissertations, Pastor Kelley’s earnestness shines through. This isn’t a man on a quest to grow his already large congregation. He isn’t a publicity seeker. He is a man on a mission and he confesses that the question is an admittance of his ignorance. “I don’t know what the barriers are. I held up my sign and asked the question and nobody on camera a hundred percent said no that I’m not too white to be their pastor. No one wants to think of themselves as a racist. I honestly believe that everyone I asked that question to philosophically believed that I’m not too white to be their pastor. But when I asked about what church they went to, nearly all the Black people went to Black churches, the Asians went to Asian churches, the Hispanic went to Hispanic churches, so there’s a disconnect. People

do not go to the neighborhood church anymore. People go to church based on who gathers there, who they feel comfortable with. There’s this tension that rose up amongst everyone. They say that it doesn’t matter but no one is doing it. To change that, we have to be intentional about it. It is the church’s burden of responsibility to extend a hand of fellowship. Not the congregation’s.”

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Pastor Kelley believes that people confuse theory with practice. “I’d like all races to come and sit in our worship center and have an experience that’s authentic and real. In order to do that, the person next to them will have to deal with prejudice in their heart and the other person will have to feel comfortable. Church is the people. Church is the community of people coming together to ward off trouble.” Because he didn’t grow up in a racially diverse neighborhood, Pastor Kelley prayed to God to grant him a diverse array of people in his circle of friendship as well as an understanding of diversity. It seems as if his prayers began to be answered ten years ago when Pastor Kelley developed a friendship with Houston native and former NBA star, Reggie Slater. The two men eat breakfast together everything Thursday after basketball. “Reggie and I have been playing basketball together and I totally dominate him,” he quips during the sermon. “Hey, I got the microphone.” Whether he ever dominates Mr. Slater on the court remains to be seen and is, in fact, a moot point. The pastor’s friendship with Reggie Slater means a lot. There’s no fear between them. “I know I can ask Reggie some stupid questions and he won’t be offended. He loves me as his friend. He tolerates me and shows me a lot of grace. Our country doesn’t tolerate ignorance very well. Ignorance is perceived as racism. But we have to deal with fear and we have to deal with our hearts. Prejudice is in everyone. We also have to deal with laziness. This is work. Having a dialogue about differences isn’t nearly as fun as talking about what we like. Churches are lazy at times and I don’t want us to be lazy.” It is Pastor Kelley’s belief that River Pointe is the most diverse church in Fort Bend County, but, “I hope someone proves me wrong.” Before going public with the question, Am I Too White to be Your Pastor?, he discussed diversity in churches with Mr. Slater. Pastor Kelley mentioned he didn’t know any other white pastors who led diverse congregations. “Reggie said there’s a burden to overcome when the pastor doesn’t know the issues of his congregation, when he or Continued on page 56.

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she doesn’t know where I’ve come from, don’t know what I’ve dealt with. Churches will have to broaden scope on how to reach people in order to be diverse.”

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Indeed, during a taped conversation shown during the sermon, Pastor Kelley and Mr. Slater discuss diversity. Their ease with one another isn’t false. That these two men can and do discuss anything is obvious. Perhaps, it’s because of their experiences—so different and yet so similar. Mr. Slater grew up on the Northeast side of Houston in Cashmere Gardens. The first contact he had with a White person came in high school via a teacher. The church he attended was all Black. But one thing that Pastor Kelley learned from Mr. Slater is that although, “One hundred percent of intent of worship at River Pointe may not hit, but one hundred percent of God’s word will help him.” River Pointe isn’t for everyone, a fact of which Pastor Kelley is more than happy to tell you. His sign was scary because there’s a lot of fear in this country and in our politically correct charged world, people don’t tolerate ignorance. “I was told better be careful. My friends warned me that one wrong word and I’d have an activist at my door calling me a racist.” He looks aggrieved at the thought. “I’m not a racist. But maybe I’m so ignorant there’s a way to turn the sign into something negative and I don’t even realize it. We have to deal with fear in hearts. Things we don’t understand we fear. “ He leans back in his chair and levels a stare. “Perfect love casts out all fear.” While he wants to reach people of all colors with the good news of Jesus Christ, the road hasn’t always been easy. He tells the story of a Chilean lady. When he met her at a gathering at his home and discovered she was attending the English-language service, he asked her why wasn’t she going to the Spanish service, which River Pointe offered at that time. In a letter to Pastor Kelley, the lady said she felt prejudged and hadn’t until, that moment, thought of his color. She was hurt. However, she realized that if she judged others because they judged at some point, then this racial tension will never end.

to remember that despite being a pastor, he is also a man, and all men are fallible and subject to moments of insensitivity and a range of other emotions. And, in extending Pastor Kelley her grace and creating a dialogue, she allowed him to grow. It is this grace that Pastor Kelley wants to gain for himself and every member of his congregation because he imparts the theory that if you’re looking for racism, you’ll find it. “When you become a Christian and accept Christ as savior, your citizenship changes. Everything—ethnicity, race, gender, class, socio economic—changes. You look at people from God’s perspective.” He shifts his weight, uncomfortable from having been in one position for so long, a strained muscle (the result of a basketball game against Mr. Slater) in his leg. “When you look at people from man’s perspective, you divide up. We need each other. Normally, on Sundays, people with very similar in backgrounds, gather together and say amen a lot. Come to River Pointe and that doesn’t happen. There’s all kinds of biblical context to understand God’s truth. If everybody agrees this is the way the world is, there’s no tension to say, ‘well, what does God think about it?’ Our goal here isn’t diversity, just community. Our community is diverse. And I honestly don’t think anyone is doing it better than we are. We are the most ethnically diverse church in the county,” Pastor Kelley reiterates. “So my question, Am I Too White to be Your Pastor? is about me learning. Not making a statement. I’m not trying to reach a Black or Hispanic congregation. I was a little disappointed at people’s responses that it doesn’t matter. Because at some point it does matter. We know there’s a fear of rejection. But we won’t do that here. We laugh at ourselves. We live with intention. You won’t be stared at here. You’ll be welcomed here.” Or as another member of his congregation put it: Hello my brother from another mother but the same Glorious Father. That acceptance, and fundamental understanding and appreciation of diversity and living with intention sums up the essence of Pastor Patrick Kelley and the faithful flock of River Pointe Community Church.

“That’s what we need in our community—Grace,” he says now. The incident took place some two years ago, but this lady had the grace to look past her hurt, Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

Tutor Doctor, a rapidly expanding one-on-one, in-home tutoring service designed to help students from ages three to 103, in Fulshear is offering the community and students a private, easy way to catch-up or get ahead in their education. Local entrepreneurs Ken and Parker Knapp have seen first-hand how valuable tutoring services can be for students heading back to school. “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of interest from parents in our summer enrichment programs right now,” said Ken Knapp. “In our summer enrichment programs we strengthen the foundations in what the students’ have just learned and then we provide a “sneak peek” into the new concepts they’ll see in the coming grade, so they can enter the new school year with an extra boost of confidence.” Tutor Doctor uses a variety of educational materials to supplement its customized programs, but the franchise primarily leverages the curriculum and text the student is currently working with to ensure the most relevant tutoring is provided. Tutor Doctor also works with the students’ current teacher to ensure that they are meeting both the student’s and teacher’s expectations. In addition to servicing school-age students needing help in various subjects, many families also hire Tutor Doctor to help students get ahead and prepare for larger challenges, such as advanced classes that could help them get into a preferred

college or university. Tutor Doctor has also proven valuable for the rapidly growing home-schooled population, as well as for seniors wanting to sharpen their technology skills. About Tutor Doctor: Tutor Doctor was founded in 1999 as an alternative to the “one-to-many” teaching model most extra-curricular learning centers offer by providing a personalized one-onone, in-home tutoring service to students. The company quickly grew and in 2003 turned to franchising as a way of expanding the company’s impact and meeting the vast market demand. Now with offices internationally in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, the Tutor Doctor vision is becoming a reality as the lives of students and their families are being positively impacted throughout the world. Tutor Doctor is affiliated with the National Tutor Association (NTA) whose mission is to foster the advancement of professional and peer tutoring, support research into best practices and standards for all tutors, support tutor training, advocate for tutor certification, and uphold the NTA Code of Ethics. For more information about Tutor Doctor visit the web site at www.tutordoctor.com.

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Article Written by 1st Global Capital Corp.

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Is Your Business Stagnant? How About Your Systems? by Diane Elko

System--A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole. Sometimes things are so complex that we do not know where to begin to fix them or make them better. Have you reviewed your systems lately? If not, how do you know if they are performing in a manner to meet all of your requirements? Many of us in business wonder how to improve our systems because that is the right and profitable thing to do. Maybe we do not even have many systems in place or maybe we do not even understand the details of our systems, the elements that work together to achieve an end result. We’re often asked where and how to start implementing systems. There isn’t one answer; it depends on each business. Because each system within our business possesses so many unique elements, it’s something that we all need to explore if we want to improve our overall business. Do you know what systems comprise the core or heart of your business? If you think about it, you already have many systems in place. Your whole business is a system, with a series of sub-systems that all interact with one another. Problems arise when your systems aren’t optimized, when they aren’t working in concert, and when they don’t yield the results you want. In other words, they are not effective. Lack of

proper systems might be revealed in the normal, everyday business frustrations we all run into. An order doesn’t get out on time, we do not have enough tools to do the job right, a customer has a bad experience, and paper work is not complete… A great place to begin your focused systems building effort is by examining these frustrations and identifying the root cause of the problem: the standard procedure that is missing (or isn’t being followed). Many of us address the symptoms of our diseased processes instead of identifying and treating the illness at the source. Root cause analysis is easier than it sounds, but if we do not try it, nothing is healed. The status quo becomes the accepted way, opening the door only a crack so that we see a very limited perspective and a stagnant way of doing business. The employees are not energized, the atmosphere is not an exciting one, and our customers may eventually get tired of working with us—especially since we are not trying to continually improve everything we do. There are many tools available to help us with this effort and there are hundreds of articles on this topic, but in order to be successful we first need to adopt the right attitude, an attitude that promotes questioning and creativity. Incremental improvement is what we are

trying to achieve. Usually the smaller and more gradual changes we personally author have a more lasting impact than some high dollar software package we purchased and no one cares to use it or even wants to learn how to use it. Start off small by analyzing one system at a time. Build a process map of any system you are familiar with and see what pieces of that system may be eliminated, streamlined or simply improved. If you keep at building a process map for each and every system in your business, you will achieve the benefit of continual improvement—a complex operation that is not only effective but is the result of creativity and determination. No more late or wrong orders, less problems with staff and customers, and a business that seems to do things right the first time. Imagine what all you may achieve because you looked more closely at your systems and refused to accept the status quo.

Diane M. Elko, President of Improve It! Consulting & Training in Fulshear, Texas, assists organizations with team building, process improvement, quality, and creative strategies. She is a licensed representative for Insights Personality Profiles and designs effective management systems that improve productivity and performance. Diane may be reached at 281.799.0930, dmelko@txun.net, or visit www.improveitsolutions.com.

dining Buena Vista

A Rosenberg Treasure

There are hidden treasures for your dining pleasure just off the beaten path the in RosenbergRichmond area. One of the outstanding gems is Buena Vista Restaurant, which is well known by plenty of locals. Rudy Pichiya bought the restau-

rant in Rosenberg when he was just 24 years old. Thirteen years later, the restaurant is still growing and is “a home away from home” for many of his loyal customers. Rudy had a dream and a vision to have his own restaurant from the time he was a teenager. He mentioned, “that he knew it would not be easy but not be impossible.” Now, at only 37 years old, his vision and dream has been fulfilled. It has taken many hours of hard work and dedication to achieve his goals, but Rudy is not a stranger to hard work. Through the years, Rudy has worked in various types of ethnic restaurants. Starting out as a dishwasher, Rudy advanced himself into restaurant management.

Buena Vista: By Cindy Brown

While working as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant, he couldn’t help but notice and admire how the cooks did their work. Soon, he started helping the chefs by slicing vegetables and meats, and preparing Chinese food dishes. From the hands on training, he advanced to become a chef himself, and traveled around the country to further his career as a Chinese restaurant chef. Speaking Spanish of his home in Guatemala, Rudy adapted himself not only to English, but to speak some Chinese as well. It is not just the blending of languages, but of cultures and tastes, that has inspired Rudy and the types of cuisine he serves. When it was time to buy his own restaurant, Rudy had several locations to choose from, and decided the best place for him was in Rosenberg, Texas. The locals that frequent the restaurant are delighted he chose Rosenberg for his business. Rudy states, “many of the same people may come in several times a day or a week.” They may be there just to have tea or coffee, happy hour or drinks, or perhaps just to visit. He feels that “he has a large family of all his loyal customers”. Likewise, many of his customers feel Rudy is a part of their own families. It is not surprising, because you feel at home when you visit Buena Vista. Many customers do not even need menus. The staff often know what you want to order when you arrive. Rudy says, “I enjoy talking to my customers and making them feel welcome. I miss them when I don’t see them for a period of time.” Many of his customers will tell him when they are going out of town and when they will be back. He quipped, “they sometimes even bring me souvenirs from where they have been when they come back.” Customers love the fact that he is almost always there with a friendly

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dining Buena Vista

face to visit with his friends. The waitresses are also the familiar faces you see every time you come there. The food is fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere floods your senses with the sights, sounds, and fragrances of your favorite visit to Mexico. “The food at Buena Vista is truly Mexican, and not Tex-Mex,” says Rudy. “The menu items are consistent, ingredients are fresh and the salsas are homemade. I have developed the recipes myself.” The menu has everything from fajitas to fresh seafood items. Just a few of the numerous favorites are fajitas, shrimp cocktail, chile rellenos, fried shrimp, green enchiladas, tamales, homemade soups, and breakfast tacos. Homemade tortillas are served fresh and hot. Prices at Buena Vista are very reasonable and portions are large, which are one of the many reasons the locals are so fond of the restaurant. Lunch menu specials and breakfast plates are available for less than $5.00. Dinner menu items range from $5.50 - $12.00. Question regular patrons of Buena Vista and they will say it is home to some of the best margaritas in town, which is one of the countless reasons they love to come back often. Catering is also available by Buena Vista as pick ups or delivery for small to extra large crowds. You will find that the atmosphere of Buena Vista to be very casual. The decor is traditional Mexican with bright colors and Spanish music. There are TVs around, but the sound is off, to not be distracting. Recently, Rudy also put in Wi-Fi at the restaurant..... so if you are the type to bring your laptop for a little extra work-time, it is a good place to hang out. The waitresses are always happy to serve you and to refill your Texas size tea glasses, coffee, or chips and salsa. Restaurant hours are from 6:30 AM until 10:00PM on M-Th., and 6:30AM to 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturdays. It is located at 1709 Avenue H close to the 723 turnoff near downtown. Who wouldn’t admire someone that was able to open his own business by the age of 24 and realize his teen-

age dreams with success? When asked what Rudy’s advice would be for people wanting to open their own business, he says, “number one is to work hard and spend smart. Number two is to set goals. And, last, save money.” He feels like it is very important to be there at your business to personally manage it. He is a believer “that dreams can become reality, but every individual is responsible for making it happen.” Check out the website and VIP specials at www.buenavistarosenberg.com When visiting, look for the musical red peppers trio logo, and you know you are at Buena Vista Mexican Restaurant. Don’t miss the happy hour specials that are from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday - Thursday. There is no need to rush because there is alway “manana!”

Buena Vista Mexican Restaurant 1709 Ave H, Rosenberg, TX 77471 • 281-341-7013

Hours Sunday thru Thursday: 6:30 am to 10:00 pm

See our website for coupons & promotions!

Friday & Saturday: 6:30 am to 11:00 pm

A family atmosphere ready to serve you breakfast, lunch or dinner with a smile. Join your neighbors and friends for food and friendly talk around the dinner table.

www.buenavistarosenberg.com

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Great Italian food in the heart of Historic Richmond! Now serving lunch and dinner! Over 10 Years Experience in Corporate and Private Catering.

300 Morton Street, Richmond, TX 77469 • (281) 344-8955 • www.ItalianMaidCafe.com

Featuring “Menu of the Day”

819 2nd Street Rosenberg Texas 77471 AnAmerican-ContinentalRestaurant forRomanticDiningintheCountry

Featuring:

Wild Game Aged Steaks Fresh Fish Prime Rib Roasted Bone-In Wienerschintzel Atkins-Friendly Dinners Extensive Wine Selection Full Bar

281.232.5358

Hours: Tuesday thru Thursday 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Soup & Sandwich Specials

Sunday Brunch 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

ReservationsRecommended

281-238-9300 Tue–Sun 11:30 to 5pm

Fri & Sat 11:30 to 9:30

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texas in history by Anthony P. Megahey

Shamrock, Texas 1902, The Chicago, Rock Island & Gulf Railroad build a line across Wheeler County and set up a station in town naming it “Wheeler” like the county. 1903, Wheeler changes its name to Shamrock in honor of George Nichols, an Irish immigrant sheep rancher who had lived six miles north of town. 1911, Shamrock is incorporated with E. L. Woodley as first mayor.

Photo courtesy of www.theroadwanderer.net.

1926, oil is discovered and the operation of natural gas wells by the Shamrock Gas Company help spur continuing growth. Today,

Shamrock located in the eastern portion of the Texas Panhandle contains some of the largest gas reserves in the nation. 2000, according to the census, Shamrock’s population is at 2,029 down from 3,113 in 1960. The town of Shamrock is proud of its name. The high school football team is called the Fighting Irish, Shamrock’s official anthem is “My Wild Irish Rose,” and the beauty queen is dubbed “Miss Irish Rose.” The town owns a fragment of the Blarney Stone taken from Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland, and every St. Patrick’s Day shamrocks are flown in from Ireland. Located a little under 600 miles from Rosenberg in the Panhandle, Shamrock, TX was also a town on the Classic Route 66.

Anthony Megahey is a native of Northern Ireland, but has resided in the US since 1994. Currently, he works as an electrician in Houston, and was a former Navy Reservist SeaBee. He is the father of one daughter.

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Staff (281) 342-5464 — www.CFBCA.org 4120 Ave. H (Hwy. 90) — Rosenberg, TX

Gail Parker

Mia Monroe

Jeremy Heath

Alica Davis

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Yazmin Garcia

Brian Lee

A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR EXPECTANT FATHERS AND USEFUL HINTS FOR MOMSTO-BE By: Dr. Bryan J. Blonder, D.O. FA.C.O.G Sweetwater OB/GYN Associates and Denise M. Blonder, RN From the moment a woman finds out she is pregnant, she becomes the lead actress in the play of life entitled, “Now We Start Our Family”: and men are cast as “Actor in the Supporting Role”. Women expect their significant other to jump into this role without hesitation, whole –heartedly to fulfill her predetermined definition of what that role is to be. Most men have the expectation that a pregnancy shouldn’t change the dynamics of a relationship where men are typically viewed as the most important figure in a women’s life or at least until the baby is born, right? Taking on the supporting role may be easier for fathers of planned pregnancies, and slightly more challenging for unexpected pregnancies. It may take men longer for the idea to soak in that their lives will forever be changed. Being a father-to-be, and evolving into the father role after the birth of a child can be just as exciting and rewarding for men as being pregnant and becoming a mother is for women. Thankfully, fathers of today have the option to be far more involved and included throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and child rearing years than decades ago. However, fathers of the modern day could stand to participate even more in the process. Given the true effort and participation men should find their relationships strong and secure with both mother and baby.

The key to a successful and happy “New Parent” experience is readily accepting and understanding that both men and women share the lead as well as the supporting roles intermittently throughout this new life venture. Men and women think and process information and expectations for life changes differently. The majority of women comprise an instant maternal instinct switch that is turned on immediately when they discover they are pregnant; and seem to be very emotionally charged and steadfast in seeking out a plan for this new life. A good number of men however do not function in this manner. They are a little slower to project the emotional attachment to the pregnancy. Men typically like to be in control of a situation and this is one life event that they are in no way able to control or predict. Chartering the fatherhood expedition and accepting all of the new responsibilities and commitments that this role entails, though exciting, can be a tad bit overwhelming for some. According to a recent article published in USA TODAY, a Neuro-Psychiarrist, Louann Brizendine, author of The Male Brain (Broadway Books) was referenced stating, “Men actually go through hormonal changes as they prepare for fatherhood. At first, those hormones tell them to panic, or at least pay attention. Levels of a stress hormone called cortisol—the same ancient chemical that instructs men

to fight or take flight—tend to spike about four to six weeks after men learn they are going to be fathers, subsiding as the mother’s pregnancy progresses”. Brizendine continues to say, “It is a cortisol surge that wakes our brains up every morning. So this surge may put the father-to-be’s brain on alert and in a sense wake him up to the impending reality of a new baby’s coming and alert him that he’d better get things ready”. During the course of a normal pregnancy, women endure 180 degrees worth of bodily changes including extreme fatigue, and sheer and utter hormone chaos. It is without a doubt, that your pregnant significant other will most definitely need to be supported throughout all phases of the pregnancy and post partum period. Women who have high risk and complicated pregnancies will require even more TLC. The pregnant female desires their partner to be tolerant and patient with their justifiable mood swings triggered by pregnancy induced hormonal changes. It is imperative to respond to their calls of need, including but nor limited to: helping more around the house and frequently incorporating into your dialogue encouraging and thoughtful words when addressing her (she needs to feel like she is just as beautiful in your eyes when she is pregnant as she was the day you fell in love

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with her. And after all, you should believe that she is extraordinarily gorgeous, she is carrying your beautiful child. Keep that in mind to those of you out there who have a problem with the physical changes that pregnancy presents). We recommend being active in the educational process of the pregnancy. Try to attend all or as many of the doctor appointments with her as possible and read many books and literature such as What to Expect When Your Expecting: 4th edition by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. These types of books discuss and show pictures of the different stages of fetal development which will fascinate you and peak your curiosity as you watch her belly grow. Another great reason to hit the periodicals is that pregnancy calendars reference what women are feeling and experiencing during each stage of the pregnancy. Paying attention to these details will cue you in the right direction as to how to best support your partner’s current needs and will enable you to understand and empathize with what she is going through. Provide plenty of massage and comforting techniques for her throughout the pregnancy. Fathers-to-be, should talk regularly to the baby while in utero. It has been proven that when a father and/or mother speak to their baby after birth when the infant is crying, the baby is almost immediately soothed and will begin to stop crying. They have a sensor to voice recognition. Keep in mind that babies are super intuitive; they pick up on your cues and stress levels as well. For example, if you have a baby that is very fussy, it is easy to become tense and frustrated. Your baby is ultra sensitive and will respond to that tension. Try taking a few deep breaths and relaxing your voice level as well as your hands and hold when touching or holding the baby. The baby is more likely to calm down when experiencing a calm and nurturing hold and environment. Sign up and attend prenatal education classes with her. Most fathers’ report feeling like they have a clearer understanding of the labor and delivery process and feel much more connected to mom and baby once the course is complete. Breastfeeding classes if she is planning to breastfeed, are great for men to attend as well. Believe it or not, fathers can playa huge role in the breastfeeding process. Tired mommies may need some redirec-

tion and guidance when their frustrations peak from dealing with a baby that is fussy and doesn’t seem to want to latch onto the breast. Mother’s appreciate all of the support that active fathers provide just by helping her position herself in a comfortable fashion with the aid of pillows for support. Along with bringing the baby to mom to feed, dads can participate by burping the baby after feedings are finished, or even give a bottle to the baby that mom has prepared after pumping her breast milk. Parents who are planning to use Formula as their child’s nutritional source can also share the responsibility of preparing the formula, bottle feedings, and bottle cleanings. Changing diapers, making dinner or ordering take-our, doing the dishes, or helping do the abundant loads of baby clothes to be washed are an ways fathers can participate and help pull the family closer together as a unit. One of the greatest difficulties after the addition of children to a relationship is the decrease in desire for women to have sexual relations with their partners. There seems to be a distance that occurs sexually in some relationships and a great start at addressing this issue is simple. Women are far more receptive to address the needs of their partner ... even if they are sleep deprived, when their partner is consistently contributing to the responsibilities of the household, playing active roles with the children, as well as addressing her emotional needs. Test this theory and you will see that you have just scored, and scored big. Even though there should never be a tit-for-tat tally in relationships, it is all about a person’s perception of feeling appreciated and fulfilled.. Women are complex by nature and their needs are very multi-faceted. It may seem difficult to achieve, but if you set a precedent to develop a cyclic pattern of squashing your partner’s stressing factors, then your benefits will tar outweigh your expenditures. Ladies are not the only shining stars of the stage production. Women also need to understand, that it is extremely important to keep an open line of communication with their partners. All too often women rend to harbor frustrations that turn into resentment. These can most always be alleviated by use of dual lines of open communication. Men are nor as complex as one may think, and the majority of their needs are

fairly ~ to address. Be patient and speak your mind to him in a calm and respectful way and you too will see a different side of your mate. Most women tend to take on the nagging approach with a man, and it has been proven a failure every time. The demise in these situations persists, even in the event that the male eventually caters the nagging request. This is because they too will develop and harbor resentments toward their significant other. Dads commonly become just as eager and excited about the baby on the way as the mommies are from the start, especially first-time dads. However, not all men are outwardly expressive with their emotions; so don’t presume that he is dreading the baby’s arrival. Patience is truly a virtue and in good time mat excitement should reveal itself. Even the burliest, tough guy kind of man has cried upon first sight of their newborn child. Most men’s hearts melt like Jell-O after hearing their baby’s first cry. You see, men are very visual beings; therefore, it becomes a true realization once they can actually visualize the child in real life and that bond is solidified. Parents preparing for the adoption of a child are typically exuberating excitement and joy for this long awaited day. Some of these folks have gone through many hoops to bring this adoption to fruition and alas have a family of their own. The stresses endured during the uncertainties faced awaiting the papers to be signed., sealed, and official can overwhelm a couple to harsh extremes. These parents experience just as many stressors and growing pains as families undergoing a normal pregnancy. There is one commonality all humans possess, no matter the race, religion, color, or creed most of us share the similar experiences and excitements of planning and preparing to have a child. The birth of a child is a beautiful blessing for parentsto-be, and with the right preparation and key understandings in place can make for a smooth transition in the creation of a happy, healthy, and strong family unit. Sweetwater OB/GYN Associates specializes in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility. 281-242-1400, Town Center Medical Building, 16545 Southwest Fwy, Ste. 150, Sugarland, TX 77479, www.sweetwaterobgyn.com

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The Perfect Dad By Ashley Perales

As I stood there in the baptism pool, staring nervously at the congregation I listened to his testimony. “Many people have the opportunity to adopt a child but very rarely does a child adopt parents, which is why I am honored to be the one performing the baptism; because many say that it is an honor to finally be baptized.” I looked down into the water silently and began to wonder if he knew just how honored I felt calling him my dad. Ken came around at a very obscure and nebulous time of my life. I admit I disliked him at first. His care free and compassionate personality was very annoying to me. When he had invited me to help him work at the Rail Road Museum for a Hobo Festival, I accepted as a way to learn some history and escape my depression; though I dreaded the fact that I would have to be around him. However, this is when I started to see him as a dad. It all started when he established trust with me by giving me his professional Fujifilm camera. “Why are you handing this to me? Aren’t you worried that I’ll break it?” He smiled and placed the strap around my neck, “You have a good eye for art, just go out there and take pictures. If you break it then I will have to break your fingers.” Next thing I knew a few weeks after I was saved on Easter Sunday. I had asked him to be my mentor after finding out that he is a reverend. I still acted as if I didn’t like him because I didn’t want him to know that I had seen him as a dad. He invited me to his house for a bible study, which I thought was more strange, but I said yes because I was the one that asked him to be my mentor. My first visit there was interesting. When I first walked into the room the first thing I noticed were the books that filled the room, which showed his intellectual side and the titles of his books hinted that he wasn’t just a reverend but also a photographer. As time went on, the more I started to crave his wisdom. And he would gladly give it to me. Asking him question after question about the lord and why things are the way they are, I watch him as he prepares for tonight’s bible study. “Dad, why are you so understanding?” He took a deep breath and held it before exhaling. “Because there is always a reason behind something. You just have to understand why and how to deal with it. What would you accomplish by being mad? It’s better to just let things go and go on.” A little confused about what he said, I would sit on the floor in front of him like a child and began to rock back and forth. I had to know why he cared so much. “Why do you care so much? I’m not your biological child and in reality I don’t matter to you.” I watched as he gathered his thoughts before speaking again calmly, then leaned down to kiss my forehead. “Little Drip, you being my biological child has nothing to do with why I care. I care because I want you to grow up to be the best that you can be.” I felt touched by these words, but I had to keep asking him questions, as if my way of hinting to him that I see him as a dad. “But why do you love me as if I was your child? I don’t get it…A-aren’t you worried that you‘ll regret claiming me as your child? What if I do something to really upset you?” I looked up at him wondering what he might say, in a bit of fear as well. He smiled gently closing his bible, “I love you uncondi-

tionally, and I want to show you love through the Lord so that you as a baby Christian can learn and grow to be strong in him. I love you like God loved the world. So no matter what you say or do, it won’t change that. Now, are you ready to start bible study?” At that moment I had something build up inside me before we started our bible study. As I put the equipment together so we can start video taping, before placing my head phones on I threw his microphone at him playfully. “We’re created in the Lord’s image right? Well… Perhaps he spent extra time on you, cause you are everything that I have ever wanted and wished for in a dad. You are more than that, you are the perfect dad.”

“My hands are broken and time is going on and on, it goes forever... The only way out is letting your guard down and never die forgotten.. Forgive me my dear loved one, I stand here all alone and I can see the bottom. Promise me you’ll try to leave it all behind ‘cause I’ve elected hell, lying to myself. Why have I gone blind? Live another lie.”

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

By Cindy & Andrea Brown

Defining

Domestic Abuse

ost little girls grow up in a dream world thinking that they one day will be happily married to the man of their dreams. They may have visions of being a ballerina, a veterinarian, or teacher and living with their spouses happily ever after. Sadly, however, reality isn’t the perfect dream world we all want; some will inevitably end up in abusive or broken relationships and unable to fulfill their dreams. Statistics show that 7% (3.9 million) of women in the U.S. are physically abused by their partners, and 37% (20.7 million) are verbally or emotionally abused. Domestic violence takes on many different forms; it can range between or include physical, sexual, economic, or verbal abuse. Physical abuse, which is probably the most recognized, involves contact to create bodily harm. Sexual abuse is the forcing of sexual behavior, and economic abuse is the use of financial power to trap another person in a situation. Verbal or emotional abuse refers to intentional behavior to create psychological harm, and for women, this type has proved to be some of the damaging and most prevalent within relationships. Physical abuse is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by the spouse or partner to gain power and control. Domestic violence may involve punching, assault, throwing objects or anything that causes pain or discomfort. Women commonly have bruising, knocked out teeth, broken bones, internal injuries, brain concussions, miscarriages, and even death. Women may walk around not knowing when, or if, it will happen again. They may feel guilty about the abuse, thinking that it is their fault. Some other women live in denial. Physical abuse consists of anything one person does to another that causes physical pain. Many women report that the violence escalates when they are pregnant or have small children. The increase in abuse may be because the abuser may have feeling of jealously for the children in the relationship, or even

the unborn child. Women frequently do not report the violence because their spouses threaten to harm themselves or other family members and the women believe that he will carry out on his threats. Within many relationships involving verbal abuse, women may assume that since there is no physical abuse, then there is no abuse at all. Verbal abuse requires no physical strength, leaves no physical marks, and can be hard to pinpoint, so it has become prevalent and nearly untraceable to outsiders; this is a discouraging fact because it can be just as violent as physical abuse. Constant criticism, name-calling, and statements that damage the victim’s self-esteem are all common forms of emotional abuse; relationships like this can be draining on the victim’s happiness and self-esteem. Emotional abuse can also include actions or statements that are designed to confuse or create insecurity in a victim. This kind of behavior can lead a woman to believe that the abuse is her fault or deserved; from this she may consciously or unconsciously try to change her behavior so as not to upset the abuser. In these types of situations, arguments or conversations become one-sided in an attempt to appease the abuser. Unfortunately, verbal abuse is often unpredictable which can shock the woman being abused and leave her unable to react or change her behavior quickly. Women suffering from emotional abuse often suffer from depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, and are at a risk of suicide. Sexual abuse is another form of domestic violence. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assulted. Sixty percent of the sexual violence attacks are not reported. Sexual abuse is defined as force which is used to obtain participation in unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity. Forced sex, even by an intimate partner or spouse with whom consensual sex has occurred, is an act of aggression and violence. Women whose partners abuse them physically and

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sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or killed. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Economic or financial abuse is another type of the abuse where the spouse has control over the victim’s money and other economic resources. Financial abuse happens at all age ranges, ethnic, educational and financial levels. In its extreme (and usual) form, this involves putting the victim on a strict “allowance,” withholding money at will and forcing the victim to beg for the money until the abuser gives them some money. It is common for the victim to receive less money as the abuse continues. The abuser may not allow the victim to go to school, or get a job. They also may squander money themselves from their community resources. Financial abuse many times can lead to physical abuse as well. Forced isolation is also a common occurrence in spousal abuse. This keeps abused women from contacting friends or family, and it is intended to eliminate others who might try to help them leave the relationship. This not only creates a lack of resources available for them

Garcia-Martin & Martin, P.C.

to rely on if they were to leave, but also results in damaging the victim’s sense of internal strength, leaving them feeling helpless and unable to escape from the situation. This is unfortunate because the symptoms gained from abuse usually lessen once a relationship is terminated, and most abused women do not repeat the abuse experience in a second relationship. Only about 10% experience abuse in future relationships. Women involved in spousal abuse often truly need initial help from others to leave their situations. It is worthy to note that domestic violence occurs all over the world and in various cultures and affects all people of different economic status. To make successful and permanent separations from abusive relationships, women need help from easy access organizations dedicated to aiding victims of abuse. We are fortunate to have a facility in Fort Bend County that helps women with counseling and housing for themselves and their children when faced with the decision to flee from their abusers. No one is turned away and the services are free. For help or information, please call 281-342-HELP (4357).

Visit our newly re-designed website at www.RoseRichMagazine.com

A full service law-firm with the knowledge, experience, and ability to handle all of your business and personal needs. Melissa G. Martin

Lionel Martin

One Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 1065 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Office: (281) 277-3066 Fax: (281) 277-3067 www. mgmartinlaw.com Credit Cards Accepted

Located in Richmond, Texas, Garcia-Martin & Martin, P.C. primarily serves clients in Fort Bend County (including Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, and Missouri City) and the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area.

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To advertise in the 2010 / 2011

or the next issue of

M A G A Z I N E

contact Rose Rich Media, LLC at (281) 769-8321. Inside Rose-Rich Magazine is released quarterly in January, April, July, and October. The Fulshear-Simonton Area Resource Guide is released annually in August. Be sure to visit us on the web at

www.RoseRichMagazine.com To advertise in the next issue of the Fulshear Area Resource Guide, call 281-769-8321.

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Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Breast Augmentation • Liposuction Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Facelift • Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) All Facial Surgeries • All Breast Surgeries Labiaplasty • Botox and Juvederm Peter Chang, M.D., P.A., Having received two Ivy League degrees and two doctorate degrees, Dr. Chang is considered to be one of the most educated plastic surgeons in the community. He has over 15 years of experience and training. Over the years, he has numerous award winning articles, publications, and presentations during his illustrious professional career.

1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy., Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (Next to St. Lukes Sugar Land Hospital)

www.TimelessPlasticSurgery.com 281-242-TIME (8463) FREE Consultations!

www.alexaur.com

Commercial & Residential

Computers have you frustrated?

When & Where You Need Us—Your Full Service Computer Company Spyware & Virus Removal Remote Support Networking / Wireless Solutions Security Operating Systems

Software Backup Solutions Printer Problems PC Sales & Support Corporate Server Support

or On-Site Service & FREE Pick-Up Delivery

281-646-1200 Sean Priddy

Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •

“Dedicated to providing services to the families of Fort Bend County and surrounding counties with care and compassion.”

Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home

Funeral Services Pre-Planning Online Memorials Powerpoint Presentations

722 Grillo Way

Rosenberg, TX 77471

(281) 238-4500

Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home is dedicated to providing services to the families of Fort Bend County and surrounding counties with care and compassion. We serve every family in our community with great pride. We are able to offer a wide range of services to meet your families needs and customs. We will listen to you and your wishes to help plan a celebration consistent with your expectations. We will take the time to plan every detail and help to relieve the burden on your family during your time of loss.

Newly Remodeled Exclusive Reception Area In House Florist Open 24 Hours if Requested We Honor Pre-Arrangements from Other Funeral Homes

www.caballero-ryderfuneralhome.com Summer 2010 • www.RoseRichMagazine.com • To advertise, call (281) 769-8321 •