September 2019
Magazine
9TH ANNUAL
CLASSIC SAT OCT
19
3☞ 8
T H
P M
CHILI CHALLENGE &
BAKE
OFF
This event honors and celebrates all Fort Bend County First Responders & 100% of the proceeds go to the heroes that protect our families and businesses every day.
Who Has the Best C What About Desser
A pinch of this, a dash of that. You’ve decided this is the year you enter the legendary Classic Chili Challenge & Bake Off hosted by Classic Chevy Sugar Land. Guess what? It’s coming up on October 19th! Now in its 9th year, this event will once again benefit the entire community of Fort Bend County first responders.
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lassic Chevy Sugar Land Operations Director Jerry Parks says, “For chili and desserts, we will be awarding a trophy to both our Crowd Favorite and our Judge’s Choice. Honorary judges are our Fort Bend mayors: Richmond Mayor Evalyn W. Moore, Rosenberg Mayor William T. “Bill” Benton, Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman and other local officials.” Of course, if you make a mean bowl of the official “State Food” of Texas, then the Chili Challenge is your challenge.
Chili categories include Texas Chili, Spicy Chili, Bean Chili and Specialty Chili...and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophy is awarded in each category! Call today for a booth and a chance to win serious bragging rights. Remember, the best decorated booth wins the coveted Spirit Award trophy. Cost is just $150 for team entry and includes one submission (chili or dessert). Each additional submission is $50. But enough about COMPETE, let’s hear about EAT! “That’s right,” says Jerry. “This is a family event. Entry is free, then
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purchase tickets as a donation to our cause. Use your tickets around the event for chili and bake off voting, certain attractions, and additional concession items. We will have more than 50 chilis to sample, made by some of the funnest people in Fort Bend County. Fun and games include a cake walk, bungee jump, rock wall, demolition vehicle, bouncy house, games for prizes, hair and face painting, dunk booth and four-way tug-of-war. A SWAT vehicle, ladder trucks, and an ambulance will be on hand to explore with police, fire and EMS personnel. There will also
Chili in Fort Bend? rt? Is It YOU?
Classic Chevy Sugar Land 9th Annual Chili Challenge and Dessert Bake Off Saturday, October 19th, 4-8pm Classic Chevy Sugar Land FREE entry! Join us for an afternoon of great chili, desserts, family, friends and fun!
be hot dogs, sno-cones, ice cream, water and soda! 100% of donations and ticket sales benefit our first responders.” Classic Chili Challenge and Bake Off honorees and beneficiaries include: Behind the Badge, police and fire/ EMS departments from Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, Needville and Meadows Place, along with the Sheriff and
Constable departments of Fort Bend County. Classic Chevy Sugar Land owners Jeff and Tiffany Sebastian say, “We are excited to again be a part of this event that benefits the men and women in our community committed to keeping our families and businesses safe and sound. We look forward to seeing all of you on October 19th!”
Classic Chili Challenge Raffle Raffle prizes include a fabulous vacation as well as several firearms. Raffle tickets will be available the day of the event or purchase tickets now at Classic Chevy Sugar Land or your local firehouse or police station. For more information, or to become a partner, sponsor, enter a chili team or enter the bake off, contact: Patty Werner 281-263-1321, chili@classicchevysugarland.com Jerry Parks 832-689-4421, jparks@ classicchevysugarland.com hosted by
281-491-9000 www.classicchevysugarland.com SHOP FORT BEND
13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478
“I want to put on little shorts.” by Sara Adams
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hat’s the first thought that came to mind when Yanira Benoni Lopez saw how nice her leg looked after working with Dr. Ulises Baltazar. Vibrant and enthusiastic, Yanira just felt too young to have varicose veins or spider veins. She started having problems with her veins when she was pregnant with her son 22 years ago. Although initially painful, unless she was on her feet for a long time either standing or walking, her veins didn’t bother her too much. Originally from Guatemala City, Yanira has been in Houston for 29 years. She has her own home care business where she helps people of all ages. “Taking care of people is my passion,” she says. Not long ago, Yanira took care of a pregnant mother of twins. Once the baby girls were born, the new mom asked her to stay and help with the newborns. Yanira’s enthusiasm is infectious. When she talks about her family and friends her eyes light up. She says, “I love my job, I love my family, I love my friends.” There is one other passion in Yanira’s life: she loves going to the gym with her husband. Although she didn’t notice any pain or swelling while working out, she did feel pressure in the area of her varicose vein and her friend kept telling her to go see Dr. Baltazar. Dr. Ulises Baltazar is a highly regarded vein specialist. He has extensive experience working with conditions resulting from issues of the circulatory system and is a leader in his field. Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in Vascular Surgery, Dr. Baltazar is a member of Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates’ Sugar Land Vein Clinic—a practice dedicated exclusively to the treatment of venous insufficiency. “Dr. Baltazar has a very nice personality, his staff too. It was like being with family,” says Yanira. “He understands Spanish, which is
Ulises Baltazar MD, RVT, FACS now affiliated with the renowned Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates 281-240-8400 16605 Southwest Freeway Ste 505 (in the Methodist Professional Building 3) 4 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2019
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a good thing. He joked and put me at ease. He talked straight to me. We took care of my left leg first, and he said it was not the right timing to work on my spider veins...we could take care of those later.” Dr. Baltazar performed Yanira’s procedure in his office on a Friday. She was able to go back to work on Tuesday and the gym six days later. When asked if there was anything else Yanira wanted to tell people about Dr. Baltazar, she said, “He’s amazing!”
connected GET by Amy Sharp
“B
ible study small groups at Sugar Land Baptist Church provide individuals of all ages an opportunity to connect with their heads, hearts and hands,” says Davey Gibson, Associate Pastor of Education & Discipleship. “These groups meet on Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 11:00am...that’s both before and after our large worship gathering.” In this holistic small group approach designed for both individuals and families, children attend class by age in the nursery, children’s and student ministries. And for the adults, Sugar Land Baptist Church currently has 27 Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) groups! “Wherever you are in life—newly married, an able senior, an empty nester, or a parent with small children...just to name a few—we help you find a group that allows you to connect with yourself, others and the world,” says Davey. “Our curriculum is based on the Bible. We point people to the scripture and learn and discuss how to apply it in our lives. We follow the school year, with four three-month quarters: a topical study, an Old Testament study, a New Testament study, and a Gospel study. This school year kicks off with ‘Pillars.’ It’s a study of the Ten Commandments.” “We invite new members and visitors to join us any given Sunday,” continues Davey. “You are welcome to hop in at any point. God called us to love one another and be in community with one another. Small groups allow people to connect
and develop deeper relationships. You’re plugged in to people who will walk with you at your highest highs and your lowest lows. They’ll pray with you, and be with you through different life circumstances. It’s the discipleship God called us to. We get to be knights of God, helping each other through the broken times and celebrating the great times!” This year will be a year of missions at Sugar Land Baptist Church. “We are taking the focus outward instead of inward,” says Davey. “We will challenge each small group to identify a local partner or ministry to participate in. It’s a wonderful outlet to go out into the world and love others.” Bible study small groups meet every Sunday of the year except for the Sunday after Christmas. All groups are taught by amazing volunteers, and nursery and youth volunteers have undergone an extensive criminal background check. Additionally, whenever children are in the building at Sugar Land Baptist Church, an off-duty local police officer is also present. We invite you to get connected! Check out a Sugar Land Baptist Church small group Bible study this Sunday!
Davey Gibson, Associate Pastor of Education & Discipleship with Pastor Dr. Taylor Sandlin
Sugar Land Baptist Church 281-980-4431 | 16755 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 | www.sugarlandbaptist.org Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 9:45am. This service can also be watched live at live.slb.church.
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Using Your OwnBody
as Medicine
for
W
Pain
by Amy Sharp
hen Dr. Ugochi Azuike was a resident at Baylor College of Medicine, she attended a talk by Dr. Christopher J. Centeno, an international expert in regenerative medicine. “Dr. Centeno kept me awake!” says Dr. Azuike. “This was cutting-edge, frontier medicine...and I wanted to be a part of it.” Dr. Azuike went on to become the first and only female physician to complete an Interventional Orthopedic and Regenerative Medicine fellowship at the Centeno Schultz Clinic in Colorado. Today, Dr. Azuike brings her expertise to Texas Interventional Orthopedics and Regenerative Medicine right here in Missouri City. “What we do here,” says Dr. Azuike, “is use your own body—platelets and stem cells—to heal and repair musculoskeletal and spinal issues. This is not a band-aid and not surgery. We are addressing the root issue. We can use regenerative medicine to help with repair of several body parts, including the knee, rotator FREE Seminar cuff, hip, headaches, neck pain, degenerative Using Your Own diseases, osteoarthritis, sciatica, and more. And my patients range in age from middle schoolers Stem Cells to Help to 90 years and beyond.” So how does it work? “We start with an initial Heal Your Body evaluation that is never rushed. We take a look at September 17 the whole picture. Not only the location of your 6:30pm - 8:00pm pain, but other areas that may be contributing to that pain...plus meds, nutrition and exercise. Texas Interventional Orthopedics and Regenerative Medicine Then we come up with a plan. If you’re a candidate for regenerative medicine, we give you a candidacy rating. The earlier we catch the Learn more about Texas problem the better.” Interventional’s unique stem cell In the United States, stem cell treatments happen and blood platelet procedures. in a single day, and in Texas only physicians are Everyone welcome! allowed to do this. “Everything is percutaneous, meaning we only use needles. I have no scalpel in my office,” declares Dr. Azuike. “For PRP (platelet-rich plasma), we draw blood; for stem cells, we draw bone marrow from the pelvis. Our on-site lab then processes your sample to the right concentration of cells. We then use live x-ray (fluoroscopy) and/or ultrasound to inject your injury with precise placement. We never inject blindly.” Dr. Azuike has not only taken all courses at The Centeno Schultz Clinic, she has also worked directly under Dr. Centeno and Schultz and is now a teacher of Interventional Orthopedics. A Scottish dancer for eight years and a Junior Olympian in track, Dr. Azuike
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has personally had a dislocated patella and a torn meniscus. “I have lax ligaments in my knees,” she says. “So I inject PRP once a year for stability and to prevent future arthritis.” She is also currently working on her own line of cannibodial (CBD) products for pain relief, relaxation and sleep called Rebirth Medicinals. Dr. Azuike enjoys recording music and is featured on a platinum-selling album by G-Eazy. She also works with Sony Records and Netflix and is currently recording her own EP. We can’t wait to hear it! Texas Interventional Orthopedics and Regenerative Medicine 281-601-1321 7110 Hwy 6, Ste. B, Missouri City, Texas 77459 www.texasinterventional.com
THE ONE TO SEE
“HE’S THE REASON MY EYES
are not COMPLETELY HORRIBLE!”
E
by Amy Sharp
ric Wu was the 2019 valedictorian at Clements High School. This fall, he’s headed to Columbia University in New York City. But he’ll be back. He has lots of people to visit here in Sugar Land: his mom, his dad, his brother Jason...and his eye doctor, Dr. Tom Arnold at Today’s Vision Sugar Land.” Jessica, Eric’s mom, says, “Eric had a different optometrist when he was younger. Back then, Dr. Arnold and Today’s Vision Sugar Land sponsored our neighborhood swim team, the Commonwealth Piranhas. We were looking for a change, and gave Dr. Arnold a try. We’ve been going there ever since.” “I was already wearing contacts when we started seeing Dr. Arnold,” continues Eric. “But I have myopia (nearsightedness), and it was getting worse. Concerned, Dr. Arnold switched me to a daily multifocal soft contact lens to stop the progression. It’s worked. Before, we saw a constant worsening in my vision each year. With Dr. Arnold, my vision has stayed the same for the past four years. Dr. Arnold is the reason my eyes are not completely horrible! I will not be switching as I move to Columbia University. Dr. Arnold is still my eye doctor.” Dr. Tom Arnold Eric’s brother Jason,
a junior at Clements, also has myopia. Based on his prescription needs, Dr. Arnold has fitted Jason in monthly bifocal soft contact lenses. These lenses have the same goal: to slow the progression of Jason’s myopia. Jason says, “They are really comfortable contacts, and my vision hasn’t deteriorated at all since I started wearing them.” “Myopia,” says Dr. Arnold, “is the most common disorder affecting eyesight...and it is on the increase. The causes are believed to be both genetic and environmental. The good news is, we have made important progress towards understanding the mechanisms behind the development of this condition. And as we did for Eric and Jason, we are able to slow or even stop its progression with special contact lenses. Controlling myopia in young people is important because as their eyes grow and their myopia increases, the dependency on glasses also increases. Often times, this reduces the child’s ability to participate actively in sports and other activities. While we can’t change their genes, we can take steps to slow the myopia progression for a lot of kids.” Jason and Eric’s mother Jessica says, “We really love Dr. Arnold’s office. He’s great with the boys, and his staff is very friendly. They’re very diligent in filing with insurance and learning exactly what is covered. I’m actually also a patient! We absolutely recommend Today’s Vision Sugar Land and Dr. Arnold!” Today’s Vision Sugar Land 281-242-2020 15337 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.2020sugarland.com
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?
ASK MARGIE The Lawyer Who Cares
THIS MONTH’S TOPIC:
Young Adults Need an Estate Plan Too by Amy Sharp The Rotary Four-Way Test
1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Rotarian Bill Griffin says, “Our Sugar Land Rotary Immediate Past President, attorney Margie Connolly, lives the Four-Way Test to a T. She’s always giving her time and looking out for what’s best for others. She’s involved with Fort Bend Cares, she’s an incredible athlete (Margie’s an Ironman!) and an astute businesswoman. Just unbelievably impressive.” Bill and his wife Linda recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. “It’s hard to believe,” says Bill. “It seems we just got married yesterday. Linda and I have an estate plan. For us, it’s important that we know as spouses we are taking care of each other, and we also take comfort knowing that our six children are taken care of. Since we are
getting up there in age, we’ve also added long term care to our estate plan. It’s important too!” Estate planning is important for everyone, and some don’t realize that once a child reaches age 18, the parents no longer have legal authority to act on their behalf or make medical decisions for them in case of emergency. Young adults need an estate plan too! A simple estate plan can save a lot of frustration, hassles, and potential court fees. Bill and Linda’s son Josh is a financial advisor and the Membership Chair of Sugar Land Rotary. Josh says, “In my profession, I’ve seen it. Your family deals with the same things whether you pass away at 75 or 25. Things are far easier when you have a plan in place...and as a 25-year-old, I do. I want to make sure that if tragedy strikes, my family has as little to deal with as possible.” Josh often refers clients to Margie for consultation and estate planning. Both Bill and Josh highly recommend Margie to assist you with estate planning, wills, trusts, power of attorney and medical directive documentation. Take a look at the Rotary Four-Way Test again...that’s exactly the kind of person you want to make sure your affairs are in order. Give Margie a call today!
Margaret McCullough Connolly, PLLC
281-433-9488 • 346-309-4236 4610 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 200, Sugar Land, TX 77479 mmconnollylaw@gmail.com • www.mmconnollylaw.com
F CUS
Can You Save Money by Compounding Your Medication?
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by Amy Sharp
e’ve all been there. We pull up to the pharmacy window, pick up our medication, look at the price tag and our jaws drop. Even with in network prices and copays, some medications can break the bank. But there’s good news—really good news! One of the most frequently asked questions Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. D., R.Ph., owner of Campbell’s Compounding, receives as a practitioner of compounding is: Can I really save money using compounds? And the answer is, in many cases, yes. “First, it’s important to understand what a compounding pharmacy does,” Dr. Campbell explains. “Compounding is the creation of a prescription drug by a licensed pharmacist to meet your unique needs. For instance, you may not be able to tolerate the commercially available version of your prescription. What we do is customize the strength or dosage, flavor your medication (to make it more palatable to you, your child or your pet), reformulate the drug so that it doesn’t include ingredients like lactose, gluten or any allergens, or change the form of the medication for people who experience gagging or upset stomach when taking a traditional oral medication.” So how does that translate into savings? “When assessing the cost of a compounded pharmaceutical, there are two factors you have to consider,” says Dr. Campbell. “Labor and the cost of the ingredients. The more complex a medication is to make, the longer it takes to make it—and that certainly affects your bottom line. For example, capsules and suppositories are more time-intensive than most creams and gels. At Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy, a lot of our compounds carry highvalue, low-cost ingredients...especially if those ingredients are commonly used. If we have to special order, that obviously raises the cost, but we rarely need to do that.” “The best way to maximize your savings is to ask if we have the ingredients in stock, ask if there is a price break for purchasing multiple months of medication at once, and be open to less expensive alternatives. It may
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not seem like good business practice, but here at Campbell’s Compounding, we really do put your needs first. Let us help you find the most costeffective way to take your medication.” In addition to customized, compounded medication, Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy carries all commercially available medication as well, making it your perfect one-stop-shop. They also accept and bill insurance. “No matter how much we grow, our mission remains the same as it ever was— family first. And everyone who comes to Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy is family.” Dr. Campbell, his wife Rakel, and their four children, Cole, Chloe, Caitlyn and Claire wish you the very best! Stop by one of their neighborhood locations today.
Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy “If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!” Sugar Land • 281-980-2555 4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 Houston • 713-668-4833 6603 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77005 www.campbellscompounding.com
Service and
Integrity Play Fore the Pink Golf Tournament
Saturday, October 5th 11am – 3pm Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club
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by Amy Sharp
hree years ago, Joe and Chris Bergalia needed to replace the air conditioning system in their master suite. “Joe did internet research,” says Chris. “We wanted a Trane system, and we were very impressed with the reviews we found for Jackson Air and Heat. We also loved that they are a local, family-owned company.” The Bergalias got a quote from Jackson Air and a few others, including other A/C brands. “We honestly expected Tranes to be more expensive because they have the highest ratings. But to our surprise, the prices were comparable even though the quality of a Trane is much better.” That installation went well. Chris reports the Jackson Air crews showed up on time and did the work promptly. The guys were “clean and did things the exact way one would hope professionals would operate.” So this summer when the Bergalias’ upstairs system was not functioning properly, they called on Jackson Air and Heat once again. “We wanted another Trane upstairs, the top-of-the-line XV20i. Owner Brian Jackson came out personally to give us a quote. I explained to him that our downstairs system
Chris Bergalia is the fundraising chair for Pecan Grove Plantation Women’s Golf Association’s annual tournament benefiting The Rose, a local breast cancer awareness charity providing mammograms and other diagnostic services regardless of ability to pay. This is a great day of golf with a 4-person scramble, lunch, dinner, awards, live and silent auctions, and music.
was about the same age, and probably about Jackson Air and Heat is a proud to die too. I asked if it was more economisponsor of this event. Visit www. cal to do both at the same time, and Brian pecangrovewga.com/play-for-pinkexplained there were certain savings in doing online-reg to register or contact them together. Once again, we were very Chris at ChrisB@bergalia.com for impressed. Joe is a real stickler for how more information, sponsorship and donation opportunities. things look. Jackson Air put in new concrete pads for the new systems outside, and they look really nice. And they installed both recommended them to our grandson. His systems in one day...I was amazed. Brian home is not that old, and he was experiencwas here in person during the installation. ing problems. He wanted someone to take I also own a business, and I know what it a look at the A/C without running up a takes to be successful: service, integrity, and big bill or recommending unnecessary fixes. doing what you said you were going to do. Jackson Air and Heat fixed the problem with It always impresses me when someone runs the kind of integrity I expected!” their business this way...and Brian does!” Jackson Air and Heat, Inc. Jackson Air and Heat is the oldest indeSugar Land’s Oldest pendent Trane dealer in Sugar Land. The Independent Trane Dealer XV20i systems that Chris and Joe selected License #TACLB29585 are the best on the market. They run at only 281-240-1037 the capacity necessary to cool your home, remove humidity, and can be zoned to your comfort liking. Trane offers instant rebates or 0% financing, and there are also huge rebates available from Centerpoint. “We absolutely recommend Jackson PROUD SPONSOR OF THE HOUSTON TEXANS Air,” says Chris. “In fact, we recently
www.LicenseToChill.us
Consistently Consistent
by Amy Sharp “The best way to describe hree years ago, David and Nancy Finch’s housekeeper took on a second Mahoney’s is consistently consisjob. David says, “It was getting more tent,” continues David. “And you inconvenient to get our house cleaned. The can tell they clean. I myself am times would change, or she wasn’t able to come. guilty of ‘complaining” about things I started checking around the neighborhood being slightly moved, but Nancy for other people’s good experiences. Mahoney’s always reminds me they move House Cleaning Services was recommended by things so they can clean! The team is very pleasant, dependable and several of my neighbors.” honest. Once they tried Mahoney’s House Cleaning to remove a food stain from our Services is locally-owned by dishwasher. They rubbed a little Imelda Mahoney and her daughtoo hard, and a bit of the finish ter Casandra. “Casandra came rubbed off. The team left a out to do our initial assessnote, and Casandra followed ment,” says David. “She up with a call. As far as I gave a quote and scheduled a convenient was concerned it was normal wear and tear, but I apprecitime to do what ate that they report things they call a ‘move and do not try to hide them.” in’ clean or first All Mahoney’s teams are time heavy clean. Then we scheduled a team to come bonded and insured and arrive in a clearly-marked car. every other week after that.”
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They work on the schedule of your choosing: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or even when you just want a one-time deep clean. They also never say “no” to one-off projects you may have. David says, “We are getting ready to move. We have our ‘exit clean’ scheduled. We also have a tricked-out garage in this house. We put in a potting area for Nancy...complete with cabinets, a painted floor and sink. Of course, it gets dirty! I asked Mahoney’s if they could clean it up for us before we exit the house. They are taking care of it!”
Mahoney’s House Cleaning Services • 281-777-1526 mahoneyshousecleaning@yahoo.com • www.mahoneyshousecleaningservices.com
A Commercial and Residential Customer of More Than 20 Years
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by Amy Sharp
ike Posey met Lone Star Floor owners Mohamed Naser and Ziad Mukhaimer more than 20 years ago when he coached their daughters in soccer. Mike says, “They became my go-to company. Lone Star Floors redid the floors in my first house. In my second house, they did the floors and also new cabinets and countertops. Then I had them do all new carpet in my 3rd home.” Most recently, Mike remodeled his business space. Mike is the Houston Branch Manager at D&R Signs in Stafford. Since 2002, D&R Signs has served homebuilders, developers, commercial realty companies, and other business professionals in the Houston area. “When I was ready to do the office floors, I did no shopping around,” says Mike. “Both the quality of materials and quality of work from Lone Star Floors are excellent and the price is fair. Plus the service is great! It’s hard to find that. We went with laminate wood flooring at the office. As always, Lone Star Floors’ timeliness was impeccable from coming out to measure to being on time when doing the work. The crews were professional and very easy to deal with. What I like is that they don’t make you feel like it’s a business relationship. I always feel comfortable throughout the process. Lone Star Floors really puts your mind at ease!” Lone Star Floors is locally-owned by Mohamed, Ziad, and their cousin Imad Mansour. The Sugar Land store opened in 1995, and the Katy and Woodlands stores followed. This family-owned and operated business has enjoyed an A+ rating with the BBB every year since its inception. In addition to flooring, Lone Star Floors does full kitchen and bathroom remodeling—including plumbing, shower glass, painting and granite. “I absolutely recommend Lone Star Floors for both commercial and residential work,” says Mike. For more information about D&R Signs, visit www.dr-signs.net.
Lone Star Floors • 3 Locations • www.lonestarfloors.com Sugar Land: 281-564-1345 10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX
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Katy: 281-398-2319 873 South Mason Rd. #300 Katy, TX
Woodlands: 832-813-0813 24627 I-45 North Suite # A The Woodlands/Spring, TX
G E T
M O R E
F R O M
LONE STAR
FLOORS
THIS 38-Year-Old
Bathroom
Now Looks Like a Spa! by Amy Sharp
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rish and Craig Menning’s home is 38 time to expect them the next years old. “We have lived here four and morning. They showed a half years,” says Trish. “We knew up on time every single when we bought we would remodel day. If they needed Your the bathrooms from the ground to work late, they asked up. I don’t think they had been upgraded if it was okay. We have much in 38 years! They were really bad.” three little dogs. Every The Mennings got several quotes, day they were careful to Specialist including one from Teri Gilberg (better close doors, making sure known as the Re-Modelista). Trish says, “We to not let the dogs out. chose Teri because she responded when we They did both bathrooms called. She is super prompt. When we asked at the same time, and Teri questions about our quote, she got back right away. estimated our project would take With some of the others, it took two or three weeks to get about a month. It took just over that questions answered. Teri is on top of it!” because one material we ordered took “I had a lot of ideas on how the bathrooms should longer to arrive than expected.” look,” continues Trish. “With the help of Teri’s contacts— “We call our new master bathroom our Christine at ProSource and Cody at J&K Cabinetry—that spa!” says Trish. “It’s clean and there is plan changed and evolved. Cody provided drawings. They so much cabinetry. Room for everything. really sealed where walls and cabinets should go. For our We can now play music from our vent color scheme, I had an idea in mind. I went with none of it. fans and have mood lighting. It’s so Christine helped so much. She figured out what I like and great! We definitely recommend Teri!” came up with a design that was a million times better than what I came up with on my own! Teri suggested we order Re-Modelista: everything before starting the project. We followed that Your Home Renovation Specialist suggestion to make construction more efficient.” During construction, Trish and Craig moved to a Specializes in Kitchen and Bath Remodels back bedroom. “Teri’s crew was great. They protected “She Gets the Job Done!” 832-535-2501 • cell: 832-731-3191 everything. Every night, Teri texted to let us know what www.theremodelista.com
Bath &Kitchen
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Pit Bulls and Poodles by Marie Page
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he prospect of a divorce is always a deeply saddening contemplation. It is the death of a life once shared. Ronique Bastine Robinson, founder of Bastine Law Group, says, “Even when you are the spouse who is seeking the termination of the marriage, it is often after you’ve tried everything you could to sustain the relationship. When searching for a lawyer to handle a situation as sensitive as your family ties, you should find one you trust, who has similar characteristics to you, and who shares your philosophy on how to pursue your divorce.” 1. Trust - Methods regarding sharing information about your case are important. Is there a support staff you can call directly? How do they communicate with you (text, phone, email, etc.)? What are response times like, and how often can you expect to hear from them? 2. Similar Characteristics - Interview an attorney as you would a dating partner. You are about to trust this person with the most precious of your valuables, be it your children, your resources, or your own person. Do they have children? Are they married or divorced? What are their hobbies? Seeking commonalities lowers the risk of having to change lawyers in the middle of your case. 3. A Shared Philosophy - Do you want the “pit bull,” the “amiable,” or the “pragmatic?” These descriptions give you an insight into how an attorney will pursue your case, and their general philosophy on the practice of marriage dissolution. You can’t turn a poodle into a pit bull... so if you want a pit bull, don’t hire the poodle!
Bastine Law Group believes in securing the best possible outcome for each of their clients. This team of lawyers with varying degrees of experience and differing perspectives approaches every case with measured aggression. Ronique says, “We won’t start a fight, but we won’t run from a fight either. With the advocacy we offer we are capable of handling your very sensitive matter, and we are the best choice to fit your needs. We are the family law firm that cares about family!”
281.240.7979
www.bastinelaw.com 12603 SW Frwy Suite 571 • Stafford, Texas
We Repair & Refinish in 2 Days or Less! BEFORE
Ugly Colors Cracked, Chipped Tile Stained, Moldy Grout Leaking Shower Pan
AFTER!
Modern Colors Tile Repaired Grout Permanently Sealed Shower Pan Repaired Thousands LESS Than Replacement!
Ronique Bastine Robinson Managing Partner
FAMILY LAW
by Trusted homeowners
everywhere! Nobody likes unexpected guests. Call for your Termite Inspection Today!
We Also Repair & Refinish: Over 1,000,000 • Bathtubs & Tile Walls Satisfied Customers • Kitchen Countertops Since 1979 • Sinks & Vanities Estimates are Always FREE • Fiberglass Tubs & Showers Each Miracle Method franchise is independently owned and operated.
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BUGCO Pest Control 281-240-2157 www.bugco.org Stop by to see our new showroom location! 12705 S Kirkwood Rd Suite 203, Stafford, TX 7747
281-240-2284 www.MiracleMethod.com
www.upclosemagazine.com
9720 Harlem Road #B3 Richmond, TX 77407
KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY SOUTHWEST ®
The Champions For Charity mission: KW Southwest Agents embracing the Keller Williams philosophy by serving their clients and charitable organizations “giving where we live.” KWSW is home to more than 500 agents who embrace this philosophy of giving back. UpClose magazine and the KWSW Facebook page will be featuring a different charity each month presented by one of KW Southwest’s Champions for Charity!
A Keller Williams Experience
Bibin and Dhanya Mammen’s Story
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by Amy Sharp
hen newlyweds Bibin and Dhanya of wind and sideways rain,” says Bibin. “A shingle Mammen started looking for their first became displaced and we were in freak-out mode. home, they were disappointed in their We got in touch with Angelia. She recommended lack of success with their first real estate agent. we call a home inspector from her list of vendor Biben says, “We were looking for new options, contacts. It ended up not being a big deal. and a co-worker highly recommended KW (Keller Thanks to Angelia, we did not file a claim! We appreciate Angelia so much. She has advised us Williams) Southwest agent Angelia McDaniel.” “We were impressed from the start,” continues on our property tax assessment, and she’s helping Bibin. “Angelia first scheduled a meeting where us decide if it’s better to lease or sell my parents’ she showed us a flow chart that walked us through home after they retire. She’s a numbers person... the buying process. She was very organized. Then and those numbers are important in decision we started looking for homes. When we making. Heck yeah, we recommend Angelia!” found a home we loved, Angelia had a viewing scheduled within a few hours. The rest was a breeze thanks to her efficiency. She pulled median and bell curve costs for the home, we put in an The mission of the Rose B. Johnson offer, and had a contract a day later. Colon Cancer Awareness Foundation is It’s also important to Dhanya and to inform, educate and communicate I that we get our extended family’s medical information regarding point of view. That weekend, colon cancer, its treatments, Angelia arranged to have all eight of prevention and procedures, and our family members visit the home. assist those who need financial Everyone loved it. When it’s your assistance for screenings. future home, you just know it!” KW Southwest agent Angelia Two weeks after Bibin and Dhanya KW Agent McDaniel met colon cancer survivor moved in, a huge storm blew through Angelia McDaniel and founder Rose Johnson at a local our area. “The kind of storm with lots
A Champion for Charity
monthly networking event. Angelia says, “Rose is a wonderful lady and a past client of mine. The Blue & White Crusaders Ball benefiting her foundation is this month. Please join us for a fun evening of live entertainment, fashion shows, dinner and dancing for a very worthy cause!”
Blue & White Crusaders Ball “Advocates Against Colon Cancer” September 28th - 7pm Holiday Inn Southwest - Sugar Land $50 single / $80 couple For tickets, vendor spaces and more information: 713-204-9554 or 281701-5029. Rose B. Johnson Colon Cancer Awareness Foundation www.rbjohnsonfoundation.org
281-265-0000 • 1650 Highway 6, Ste 350 • Sugar Land, TX 77478
Your local destination for your real estate needs. KWSW.com provides comprehensive school, master planned communities, and neighborhood information on homes for sale in our hometown.
UPCLOSE ~ September 2019 ~ 13
A “Boomerang” Patient Ready to Fix Her Smile by Amy Sharp
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hristine Davis started seeing Thomas Lomonte, D.D.S. back when she was 10 years old. “My entire family saw Dr. Lomonte,” says Christine. “Then I grew up! I’m what you might call a ‘boomerang’ patient. I moved to Austin and then back to Houston. Then I moved to Dallas and now I am back again. Every time, I came back to Dr. Lomonte. He’s like a friend of my family. He sees my aunt, and my husband Bradley is also a patient. When I go in, we talk about what’s going on in our lives!” Christine is about to start Invisalign with Dr. Lomonte. She says, “I had braces when I was young on the uppers, but I never wore my retainer... so my teeth kicked back out. Dr. Lomonte estimates I need a 10 week Invisalign course to get my smile straight again. We are just waiting for my trays to come in!” So what is Invisalign? “It’s braces you can’t easily see!” explains Dr. Lomonte. “Invisalign is a transparent, plastic form of dental braces used to adjust teeth. These ‘trays’ pop out like a retainer, but are super effective at correcting orthodontic issues. In order for them to be maximally effective, you must wear them at least twenty-two hours a day (you take the device out whenever you eat or drink, unless it’s water). But the good news is, Invisalign is not painful or inconvenient to wear. Most people forget they even have the device in their mouth. Better still, you’re not self-conscious about Come in smiling because not only does Invisalign work, hardly Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S. anyone will know you’re using it.” as a patient “Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” “I’m so excited to get started!” says Christine. “And I 12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 and leave absolutely, positively recommend Dr. Lomonte. He’s the best!” 281-530-1440
as a friend!
www.drthomaslomonte.com
Growing our team of experts in
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Backed by the advanced technology of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Dr. Miller is committed to providing comprehensive care to women of all ages so they can live full and healthy lives.
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Board-certified OB-GYN, Rosalyn Miller, DO, joins Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates in Sugar Land, where she will provide a full range of care, including: • Prenatal care • High-risk pregnancies • Postnatal care • Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries • Well-woman exams
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16605 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 3, Suite 335 Sugar Land, TX 77479 houstonmethodist.org/spg
Schedule an appointment:
281.882.3130
A portion of the editorial content contained in this publication is controlled and contracted by the advertisers contained herein and is part of their advertisement. UpClose Magazine is not responsible for content of these editorials or advertisements. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
A BoutiqueStyle VIP Hair Salon by Amy Sharp
Meet & Greet
Sunday, September 22nd, 1-3pm Tour the salon and meet the Hair Bar team! Enjoy fabulous giveaways, lite bites and champagne. All are invited!
HAIR BAR MANAGER Christina Ramirez “I like to feel welcomed when having my hair done,” says Hair Bar Manager Christina Ramirez. “It shouldn’t be chaotic, and one should never feel rushed. What we have created here at Hair Bar is a relaxed environment. Everything here is brand new and custom. Our stylists are all young professionals, energetic and specialize in their craft. It’s homey, you feel pampered, and you are never ever rushed to get out!”
STYLIST Ashley Avila This Dulles High School graduate has been doing her own hair since middle school. She says, “I got so many compliments. I thought everyone did their hair every single day. I didn’t even realize that wasn’t the case!” Licensed since 2012, doing hair is Ashley’s way of bringing joy into the world. “I love making people feel good about themselves.” She specializes in haircuts and hair styling, hair extensions, smoothing treatments and updos. Schedule with Ashley at www.vagaro.com/SugarLandHairBar or 281-691-2155.
STYLIST Kayla Evans Kayla started rolling her Nana’s hair when she was just eight years old. “Then she started letting me cut it,” says Kayla. “She swore her best haircuts were from me!” Encouraged by her cosmetology teacher, this small town girl moved to the city and brought her talent with her. Licensed since 2015, Kayla specializes in gray coverage, balayage, highlights and shadow roots. Schedule with “Hair by Kayla Jannia” at www.vagaro.com/SugarLandHairBar or 979-215-1526.
Hair Bar is appointment only and is currently accepting new clients. Interested in joining this incredible team? Hair Bar has permanent, day and weekend chair rental available. Christina says, “This is a happy place, a place where artists come together and collaborate. We would love to see if you are a fit for our team!” Contact Christina at hairbar.mgmt@yahoo.com or direct message her on Instagram @hairbarmgmt for more information.
STYLIST Meaghan Ledet A graduate of Stafford High School, Meaghan was doing everyone’s hair in middle school. By high school, she was in high demand for prom and homecoming hairstyles. Meaghan won a scholarship to her cosmetology school in a social media makeover contest. She says, “I submitted a photo, and my makeover got the most likes!” In the business for nearly eight years, Meaghan specializes in color, cuts, extensions, updos, braids, balayage and lashes. Schedule with “Love is in the Hair” at www.vagaro.com/loveisinthehair5 or 832-567-5296.
Hair Bar 16103 Lexington Blvd STE I Sugar Land, TX 77479
UPCLOSE ~ September 2019 ~ 15
Don’t Make Me Laugh!
I
by Olivia Cane
f you’re a woman who’s had kids or even if you’re just a woman over forty, you know the drill. Every time you cough, sneeze, laugh, or even do squats at the gym, there can be embarrassing leakage. It’s hard to experience your best life when you’re having to worry about urinary incontinence. But there are other side effects of vaginal laxity, too: painful intercourse, decreased sexual arousal, and vaginal dryness...none of which are fun. “There is a solution to vaginal laxity,” says Dr. Julia Ward. Dr. Ward is the owner of Balanced Body Functional Medicine, an anti-aging, integrative medicine and metabolic health practice in Sugar Land. “Viveve is a non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation procedure that can work wonders. It’s clinically proven, comfortable and safe, with no downtime. In just one sixty-minute session, Viveve provides sustained tissue tightening and strengthening by heating the tissue at depth. Side effects include increased lubrication and strong orgasms, which, trust me, no one complains about! What the procedure does is stimulate robust neocollagenesis, which is just a fancy way of saying it makes your own body rejuvenate itself by creating new collagen connections in the tissue. Finally, you can ditch the pad. It’s depressing when you can’t laugh as hard as you want, jump, run, or even wear cheeky panties or a thong. Plus we’re running a special introductory offer right now of $300 off your session.” At Balanced Body Functional Medicine, Dr. Ward uses a holistic, integrative medicine approach to help every woman become the best-looking and best-feeling version of herself. “The good S P E C I A L news is you’re not stuck with the body you’re in right now,” says Dr. Ward. Introductory Offer “Whether you’re suffering from menopausal mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog or night sweats, empowering women to look and feel their best $300 off a one-time, nonpainful Viveve treatment. is what I do. And I often work with busy moms or moms whose kids are grown Enjoy pee-free workouts and and gone. What’s the one thing they all say? ‘I wish I’d done this years ago!’” laughing with family and “Life is beautiful, and so are you. We look forward to rejuvenating you, inside friends once again! and out.”
Balanced Body Functional Medicine Julia Ward, M.D. • 281-710-3380 • 3533 Town Center Blvd Ste 200, TX 77479
www.balancedbodyfunctionalmed.com
HAPPENING AT SCOTTY’S SALOON Sept 7th
STEEL COUNTRY IN CONCERT 9PM-1AM
Sept 28th
DUELING PIANOS 8PM-12AM
SUNDAY FUNDAYS Sept 6th DVS MYNDZS
Sept 21st JOHNNY Sept 15th ZYDECO BAND RINGO Sept 22nd BAND COUNTRY ACOUSTIC DUO Sept 29th STEEL COUNTRY TRIO
Sept 14th
CALEB AND THE HOME GROWN TOMATOES 9PM-1AM
16 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2019
Scotty’s Saloon at the OTP
(Located at the Old Trading Post in Booth—just minutes from Greatwood!) 713-560-1804 114 Agnes Rd, Richmond, Texas
www.upclosemagazine.com
New Name,
Same Heart T
he staff at The Auberge at Sugar Land invites everyone to, “Be our guest!” Auberge, French for inn, suggests an atmosphere of warmth and charm in a pastoral setting...and this highly rated memory care community does not disappoint. Formerly known as Silverado Memory Care, The Auberge is conveniently located on Seventh Street, where it rests among mature trees and offers lush courtyards. This safe and peaceful haven blends compassion, innovation and clinical excellence into an unmatched living environment for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Voted Best Memory Care in Fort Bend County three years in a row, the staff of The Auberge at Sugar Land earn that title every day. Their dedication is the heart and soul that creates the home-like atmosphere their residents experience. It’s not a surprise that the staff feels like family, some team members have been there for 14 years. Lead CNA, Mercy, has been there since this community became one of the first memory-care-only communities in Sugar Land 18 years ago. This staff is committed to delivering a quality of care that meets
by Sara Adams
Your Presence is Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Food Trucks, Live Music, Door Prizes. September 10th at 3:30pm ‘The New Frontier’ the residents’ physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. It is the goal of the entire staff to keep residents linked to resources and opportunities that will fulfill their needs and interests. As one caregiver says, “Every day we try to go above and beyond to enrich the lives of our residents, treat them with dignity, and ensure their quality of life.” www.upclosemagazine.com
The Auberge at Sugar Land’s management company, Frontier Management, has introduced Spark®, a unique and awardwinning lifestyle approach that closely aligns with and enhances the quality of care that has gained this memory care residence accolades in the past. Meeting residents as they are today and celebrating the successes that come is a hallmark of this program. The staff encourages residents to do what they are able; historical knowledge is celebrated and acknowledged, and new abilities are recognized and utilized. You may be surprised at the variety and level of activities the residents enjoy. Based on personal interests, they can join different clubs and committees such as Science Club, Pet Care Club, Quilters Committee and Gardening Club as well as relax in a secure, inviting setting with 24-hour, on-site nursing support. The Auberge at Sugar Land 281-277-1221 1221 Seventh St. Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.aubergesugarland.com
UPCLOSE ~ September 2019 ~ 17
Old-Fashioned
Service
is at the Heart of Alan’s Plumbing A by Olivia Cane
bout a hundred years ago, inventor Gideon Sundback received a patent for his “separable fastener,” which would take off in the 1920s by the name we call it today—a zipper. People drove Model-T Fords to the theater to watch “moving pictures” starring silent-film beauty Mary Pickford. Alcohol was illegal, thanks to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, and the average cost for a loaf of bread was ten cents. A lot has happened in a hundred years! And yet, before we started leading our present-day bustling lives, neighbors took the time to know each other. That was especially true of companies providing services to the community. Everyone was raised in the same neighborhoods, went to the same schools, and played on the same ball teams. When someone called you out to the house to fix a leaky pipe, you weren’t meeting as strangers. You were already friends. And that’s exactly what Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter of Alan’s Plumbing is to every client who asks for his help. “At Alan’s Plumbing, we aren’t some nameless, faceless corporation out to meet our bottom line,” explains Alan. “We grew up here. Our kids went to school with your kids. We’ve all coached football and baseball together. That’s really important to us because as a family business, we think of you as family, too. Not a number on a call slip. Not ‘just a customer.’ Family.” Is that old-fashioned? Maybe so. But to a multi-generational business like Alan’s Plumbing, that’s the only way they know how to be. “All three of my boys work with me,” says Alan. “My brother Chris and my son Luke are Master Plumbers like me. My son Beau is journeyman-licensed and close to receiving his Master Plumber license. Longtime employee and journeyman-licensed plumber Jeff Johnson is family, as are apprentices Jake Burkhalter (my son), Jaime, Christian, and Trevor. My beautiful wife Jennifer answers the phone and handles dispatch. We’re a team organization, no two ways about it.” Giving employees trust, respect, and responsibility is another way Alan Burkhalter proves
that old-fashioned service is at the heart of Alan’s Plumbing. “Employees that are loved and valued provide the best customer service. That’s why so much of what we do is repeat business or word-of-mouth. Knowing you referred us to someone else is the highest compliment of all. It’s a sacred trust, and we take it very seriously. We believe that lasting success is built upon some very simple practices. We work hard and smart, we put in long hours, and we manage our fees for service as though every single one of your dollars count—because they do!” “Give us a call today and see for yourself what old-fashioned friendly service at Alan’s Plumbing is all about!”
Alan’s Plumbing
281-261-1064 License M-18995
WWW.ALANS.PLUMBING
18 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2019
That Small Company Feel is Huge! by Amy Sharp
P
aige and Drew Alford recently moved back to Pecan Grove, the neighborhood where Paige grew up. “We knew we wanted a pool,” says Paige. “So my mom started doing the legwork to locate a pool company for us. She found several, including Bratton Pools and Outdoor Living. We liked that Bratton Pools is a small, local operation that has been around for awhile. When we called, co-owner Brent Appelt was able to come out almost immediately. In fact, we did not even own the home yet, but had it under contract. We were closing in May and wanted to get the pool built and be able to use it still this summer!” The Alfords had a rough idea of what they wanted: a free form pool as big as possible with no spa. “After that,” says Paige, “I needed help. I’m not a very creative person, but I can tell you if I don’t like something. During this process, Mike Bratton (co-owner) was extremely helpful. He used 3D software to design the pool and show it to us on the big screen. I would say I didn’t like something, and he would adjust the design. We did this a few times. He never made me feel that I was annoying, even though I’m certain I was. But when you spend that kind of money, you want it just right! I would even say I want two lounge chairs here and a BBQ pit over there, and Mike would draw them in so I could see if they fit. He also helped us pick tile that went with our brick, and incorporated the pavers on our porch into the pool design.”
The hole for the pool was dug before Paige and Drew moved in. “Then we lived here for the remainder of the construction. Brent was here just about every day cleaning up. When we changed our mind at the last minute to go with pebble instead of plaster, it was not an issue. Construction took exactly eight weeks and Brent was available 24/7. If we texted or called, he got back with us right away. That’s that small company feel and that is huge! He walked us through the process whenever we needed it, and we always felt like we had somebody on our team. We love our finished pool, and we do recommend Bratton Pools to others!” Custom pools, total pool makeovers, and everything to do with the outdoors—including covered patios, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, fire pits, etc—is in the scope of what Bratton Pools & Outdoor Living does. As Paige and Drew learned, this small company is very hands-on and supervises the process directly every step of the way. Call to see what Bratton Pools & Outdoor Living can do for your backyard today! Bratton Pools & Outdoor Living 281-988-7700 Design Center 403 S 5th Street #B, Richmond, TX 77469 www.brattonpools.com
www.upclosemagazine.com
UPCLOSE ~ September 2019 ~ 19
Non-invasive. Non-surgical. Pain-free.
IMMEDIATE Results! U
{} Limited Time Spec ial Offer s
by Amy Sharp
ltimate Beauty owner Joslyn M. Johnson was a Licensed Vocational Nurse early in her career. Then she became a police officer and worked her way up to Lieutenant with the Houston Police Department. She says, “My husband was killed in the line of duty, and I was back on patrol. My adult children did not want me on the streets, so I retired. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I’ve always been interested in beauty and helping women. Gravity starts to take its toll, and there are so many new things out there that do not require going under the knife.” Joslyn’s life changed when she flew out to California and tried this amazing “Ultimate Look” three step state-of-theart radio frequency cellulite and fat reduction system. “I lost inches immediately,” says Joslyn. “And I kept losing them. It really worked...so I bought the system, got trained and brought it home!” An “Ultimate Look” three-step treatment at Ultimate Beauty consists of targeted fat and cellulite loss with Lipo Sculpt Lite and Ultrasonic Cavitation, and skin tightening with Therma-Lift. All procedures are noninvasive and pain-free with no down time, and the results are immediate! Joslyn says, “Your only job is to do 30 to 45 minutes of cardio within 24 hours of treatment. We can treat any body part, and we also offer Ultra-Lift for the face and neck. All treatments are done in a salon environment, and with “Ultimate Look” packages we offer a complimentary body wrap, use of our shake machine, and fruit infused water. When you’re done, the results are
$249 “Ultimate Look”
targeted fat and cellulite treatment
$179 “Ultimate Lift” for the face and neck
immediate and you can go about your day! Maximum results are achieved with repeated treatment. This is easy and affordable. Zero interest financing and recurring withdrawal payment plans are available.” Joslyn loves life with her children and three grandchildren. She enjoys comedy shows, plays, live music and dancing. Let Joslyn help you regain your youthful body of yesterday effortlessly with this easy radio frequency treatment featured on Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, and more. It all starts with a consultation. Schedule yours today! Ultimate Beauty 832-886-0700 Located in Tuscany Village Salons 4807 Highway 6 #17 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.ultimatebeautyskinandbody.com
Creating environments that celebrate life. D E V201 8 & 2019 ELO YEA PE R OF T HE
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Amazing communities. So many ways to live. At Johnson Development, we make more than just places to live; we create amazing communities for what you enjoy most. Whether you’re seasoning dinner with herbs from our Harvest Green community garden, walking the lakeside trails in Viridian or splashing at our huge waterparks in Sienna, you’re sure to find that life is special in a Johnson Development community. Houston • Austin • DFW • Atlanta
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More top-selling communities than any other developer in America 2014 – 2018
Upclose Ad 2019_7.875x5_MECH.indd 20JOHCO-103 ~ UPCLOSE ~ Sept September 2019
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8/7/19 1:55 PM
Fort Bend’s got
T
by Olivia Cane
he Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and flight to the imagination.” But learning to play music actually does a whole lot more than that. It increases your abstract reasoning skills (a requirement for excelling at all science, technology, engineering, math, or STEM subjects), improves verbal memory, and enhances spatial relations abilities. Students who study music score higher on their SATs than students who don’t learn an instrument. Yet just as important, studying music keeps kids off social media and gives them an outlet for their boundless creative energy. It also gives them an impressive social circle of like-minded, achievement-oriented peers. At Fort Bend Music Center, it is understood and recognized that all people have music in their hearts. Fort Bend Music Center offers the highest quality instruction
so that every student can experience the joy of making music, whether that student is nine months old or long past retirement age. “If you’d like to study voice, piano, guitar, drums, or any band instrument, we have one of the best lesson programs in the world,” says Lindsey Thielsen, Lessons Department General Manager. “And that includes topof-the-line musical instruments. In our piano department, for instance, you have the option to rent a piano, buy a pre-owned instrument, or even a brand new piano... from an upright all the way to a grand. We carry all the top brands, including Yamaha, Knabe, Seiler and Bosendorfer.” “As far as teaching music,” explains Rick Cochran, owner of Fort Bend Music Center, “we use the world-famous Yamaha program and the Harmony Road program for beginning students. And you can either take private lessons or group lessons...where
you’re starting with people at your exact same level.” Fort Bend Music Center is also dedicated to serving both the band and orchestra programs in local school districts. By offering new and pre-owned instruments with the option to purchase, finance upon approved credit, or rent-to-own, Fort Bend Music Center has established itself as the go-to music store for musicians of all stripes. “Real confidence doesn’t come from being told how great you are,” says Rick. “It comes from having a sense of achievement. The best way to build patience, resilience and character is to let yourself or your child work toward a goal. That’s why learning to play music is the world’s greatest confidence builder.” It doesn’t matter how young or old you are. Fort Bend Music Center will change your life. Stop by today!
Fort Bend Music Center 281-494-5885 12919 SW Freeway, Ste 160 Stafford, TX 77477 www.fortbendmusiccenter.com
“We are the BEST...because we CARE!”
UPCLOSE ~ September 2019 ~ 21
“It’s more than just dance steps!” by Amy Sharp
T
hat’s what Keith Navel told us about dance lessons at Arthur Murray. Truth be told, Keith’s wife Kathy had tried to talk him into dance lessons for 20 years. So when Kathy saw an Arthur Murray dance studio open a mere mile from their house, she took action. “I stopped and visited with the owners, April and Chris Muller, before it was even open. I asked about giving Keith dance lessons for Valentine’s Day. April suggested a three lesson gift certificate. It was perfect!” Six months later, Kathy and Keith are still dancing. “I was sold in three lessons,” says Keith. “We started with the two-step and country and western dancing. We quickly opened up to other things. With our personal lessons, we get a variety of group classes and practice parties too. I can’t believe all the dances we know--the two-step, polka, waltz, foxtrot and rumba. And Chris and April are the icing on the cake. They’re both very warm and great confidence builders. We’ve even joined our new Arthur Murray friends for a night of dancing at Whiskey River. We would have never had the confidence to do that before. We’re also learning a spotlight dance for the next studio party. Our son Kyle is coming to watch, and we plan to give Kyle and his girlfriend dance lessons too. It’s lots of fun, great exercise and a great stress reliever...because you can’t be stressed and dance at the same time! We’ve also heard dancing may help prevent Alzheimer’s. My mom has Alzheimer’s, so that’s important to us.” Kathy is a member of Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors (FBFN), a social and philanthropic organization open to
all Fort Bend County women residents. She says, “I’m so impressed with the way April and Chris give back to our community in lots of ways. Our upcoming FBFN silent auction benefiting our scholarship fund will include dance lessons donated by Chris and April. Keith and I absolutely
recommend Arthur Murray dance studio. We’re always recruiting our friends to join us!” Arthur Murray Sugar Land 713-899-3606 16525 Lexington Blvd., Suite 170 Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.arthurmurray.com
Corelli’s Italian Cafe Authentically
Italian. (NO PASSPORT REQUIRED)
SINCE 1997
3229 HWY 6 @Williams Trace 22 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2019
281-491-8900 www.corellis.com www.upclosemagazine.com
HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR. STEVE HARRIS, DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC WHERE PAIN RELIEF COMES NATURALLY
REAL HOPE
FOR NEUROPATHY SUFFERERS
J
by Sara Adams
ohn Thornton is a former captain of the United States Air Force who served two combat tours during the Vietnam War. Prior to his enlistment, John earned two master’s degrees, one in civil engineering and one in ocean engineering. Though originally from New York City, John chose the Houston/ Sugar Land area as his new home when he left the service. After about ten years working for large engineering firms, John started his own company, J. T. Engineering. In 2008, due to complications from an injury he received while serving our country, John lost his left leg. He has been dealing with surgical pain and neuropathy since that operation. The pain is intense and unbearable. John says, “After I lost my leg, I was on 150mg of morphine a day, which is enough to kill a cow.” John believed there was no cure for the pain of neuropathy until he read Owen’s story in UpClose Magazine. Owen’s neuropathy was so bad he was unable to drive his own car for 3.5 years. After working with Dr. Steve Harris, Owen is not only driving, he has been able to cut his prescription drug use in half. Feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time, John scheduled a consultation with Dr. Harris. Dr. Harris offers a wide variety of chiropractic care, modalities and associated therapies to help people with neuropathy and chronic pain. He helps his patients improve their overall musculoskeletal function and health. Dr. Harris opened Sugar Land Health Center in 1982 and has been in practice for over 40 years. Known for incorporating new technology and techniques that complement his safe and holistic approach, Dr. Harris offers gentle chiropractic care. Through his years as a chiropractor, Dr. Harris has developed his own methods and treatments for every layer of the body to promote healing. His natural, noninvasive, gentle approach promotes relief from pain. During his consultation, John understood that Dr. Harris had
Follow us! sugarlandhealthcenter @sugarlandhealthcenter DrSteveHarrisDC Check out our new look!
a methodology to improve his neuropathy. “Dr. Harris’s program lets me control the pain on my stump with significant reduction in pain,” says John. “As an engineer, I always go to, ‘Why?’ When I work with Dr. Harris I realize, I don’t care why it works… I only care that it works. If you are suffering from neuropathy pain, I highly advise you to try Dr. Harris and his program.”
New Patient Special
COMPLIMENTARY Exam & Consultation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(. .$125 . . . . .VALUE . . . . . . . .) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you live in pain, we are here to help.
281-980-1050 - Does not apply to Medicare or Personal Injury. - X-rays at regular charge. - Additional charges may apply.
. . . . . . . . . . . . CODE: . . . . . . .THORNTON19UP ........................... Bring this publication to receive the offer.
Sugar Land Health Center 281-980-1050 3425 Highway 6, Suite 101 (behind McDonalds near Williams Trace Blvd) Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com UPCLOSE ~ September 2019 ~ 23
The expertise to
KEEP YOU MOVING At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land, we know every movement matters. Our specialists offer: • • • • •
The latest imaging and technology Advanced nonsurgical treatments Minimally invasive procedures Customized treatment plans State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy
Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or dealing with a complex injury, we can get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.
Long Meadow Farms Sugar Land
Sienna Plantation
Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/sportsmed 281.201.0396