TOGETHER LET’S DRIVE
Together let’s
by Alisha McMillen
Life today moves so fast that it’s hard to slow down and relax. You don’t have to go back in time to find that hometown feeling… it’s alive and well at Classic Chevrolet. Co-owners Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian say, “Our motto is ‘Relax and Enjoy the Difference’ and we take pride in making life easy for our customers. We strive to be the kind of dealership and service center that you’d feel confident sending your mom into, even if all she needs is a little air in her tires. We focus on hiring kind-hearted
individuals and we’d love for you to stop by and experience what we’re all about.”
You’ll love the laid-back atmosphere at Classic Chevrolet, where the sales staff wears jeans and boots in the winter, shorts in the summer. They’re laid back, friendly, caring, and they genuinely want to make you happy. Tiffany says, “Our goal is to take care of you and your family, building the trust that creates a great relationship. Customers love our vast selection, competitive prices, and, most importantly, how we treat them. We want you
Classic Chevy Sugar Land Family Of Performance
Classic Chevy Sugar Land Finance Team
to drive with confidence… that’s the Classic difference.” Classic believes in the power of community involvement. “Your community is more than the place where you live; it’s the people who live there. We encourage our team to join local clubs and network to build meaningful relationships,” Tiffany explains. “Over the years, the dealerships have supported numerous charities, including local schools and the Fort Bend Women’s Shelter. We review every request that comes our way and actively seek opportunities to support our hometown.
That’s the kind of business we want to be…one that gives back!” You won’t have to look far to see the friendly faces behind the Classic Chevrolet brand Tiffany and her family are not only proud residents of Fort Bend County, but she’s also on site at the dealership every day. “Our business is as much about people as it is about cars,” she continues. “I’ve always said I’d rather make a customer happy than make a sale because my team and I are committed to winning your loyalty for the long haul.”
Classic Buick GMC Family Of Performance
Classic Chevy HWY 6 Family Of Performance
Classic Buick GMC Finance Team
Classic Chevy HWY 6 Finance Team
Business
The October 2024 UpClose Dining guide will highlight new restaurants, longtime favorites, and everything in between. In Fort Bend, we have it all. We bring the world to your table.
Guide
john@upclosemagazine.com
From Crystal Clear Vision to Radiant Beauty:
The Oasis Center (formerly the Dry Eye & Wellness Center) is an innovative aesthetics and wellness center located in the heart of Sugar Land. Voted the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best for 2024, it’s become well-known in the Houston community for its successful comprehensive treatment of dry eye symptoms by its founder Dr. Faheem Inayatali.
The Oasis team of specialists also offers non-invasive aesthetics treatments (holistic beauty) to help clients feel their best. The Oasis Center is known for consistently delivering cutting-edge services in innovative and distinctive ways. Their distinguished membership plans stand out by offering shared benefits with your partner and include a majority of core services.
“Unlike traditional cosmetic procedures involving surgery or invasive methods, non-invasive aesthetics focuses on natural and gentle techniques that promote overall health and rejuvenation,” says Dr. Faheem.
by Alisha McMillen
“From facial treatments to incision-free body contouring methods, non-invasive aesthetics empower individuals to look and feel their best without extensive downtime or discomfort.”
The Oasis Center offers Emsculpt Neo body shaping (proven to burn fat and build muscle), Custom Hydrafacials, IPL for discoloration, and the NEW threeminute hyperhidrosis (excessive armpit sweat) treatment. Also included are popular procedures like: Botox and dermal fillers; treatment for droopy lids and longer lashes; Morpheus8 RF Microneedling (non-surgical face lift); hair loss and rejuvenation; chemical peels; PRP facial (“vampire facial”); medical weight loss; IV & IM therapy; bioidentical hormone replacement therapy; nutrition counseling; and the NEW Stage 0 Cancer Detection.
Their ImagePro skin analysis machine and 3D Body Scanner provide a comprehensive assessment for
tailored body and skincare solutions, providing Dr. Faheem’s team with the detailed analysis required to develop the most personal treatment programs.
“With a 95% success rate, we have happy patients and return clients from all over the world,” Dr. Faheem says. Schedule a consultation today!
The Oasis Center 281-800-9050
13440 University Blvd #130 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 oasismedcenter.com
JEWELThe UGAR LAND of S
By Alisha McMillen
When Cathy Stubbs chose her Sugar Land home in 1997, she selected the neighborhood at the first Sugar Land exit off Hwy 59, the “entrance to Sugar Land.” She chose Sugar Creek.
“I’ve raised two children here. We rode bikes on the tree-lined streets. We swam for the Sugar Creek Gators. And we taught our kids to drive here,” Cathy says.
If living in Sugar Creek for almost 30 years doesn’t make Cathy an expert on the community, her profession certainly does. Cathy is the leader of the successful and respected Cathy Stubbs team, Realtors specializing in Fort Bend County neighborhoods for more than 30 years. She knows Sugar Creek’s streets, homes, and the golf courses like the back of her own hand.
“Sugar Creek is so convenient, such an easy in and out. It’s a 12 minute drive to the Galleria, 22 minutes to downtown, and just 20 minutes to the Med Center,” Cathy explains. “It has the lowest tax base in Sugar Land. It is nestled between 27 beautiful holes of Sugar Creek’s golf course and the lush 18-hole course of Riverbend. It’s full of custom homes – no two are alike – and is just a great place to settle. I always say Sugar Creek is the West U of Sugar Land. It has that same cool and comfortable character and tree-lined streets, and an interesting history of its own.”
The neighborhood broke ground in the 1960s. Its distinctive entrance includes a sparkling reflection pool surrounded by five majestic columns. “The eye-catching architecture was originally part of the historic 1898 Galveston County Courthouse,” Cathy explains. “The building, with its stately columns, weathered the Hurricane of 1900. After the building closed in 1966, the columns were brought to Sugar Creek to adorn its entry and reinforce Sugar Creek’s dignified image.”
Sugar Creek introduced country club living to Sugar Land, with its two golf courses, a full-service country club, swimming pools, and a workout facility. “Sugar Creek has one of the few member-owned country clubs in our area,” Cathy continues. “You’ll see families driving the streets of Sugar Creek in their golf carts on weekends – if you belong to the club, you can own your own golf cart.”
“An interesting fact about our unique neighborhood is that right in the middle of it lies a cemetery,” Cathy explains. “The historic San Isidro Cemetery dates back to the late 1800s/ early 1900s. Its graves reflect the rich history of the Mexican American community in our part of Texas.”
With homes ranging from the $450s to well over two million, Sugar Creek offers something for everyone. “It’s a beautiful neighborhood with tons of amenities to serve its community,” Cathy concludes. “And the icing on the cake… it meets the expectations of the top three rules of real estate. Location, location, location!”
Use it or lose it.
When You’ve Already Paid For It, You Should Use It!
by Sara Adams
The days are long, and the heat is hovering near 100 degrees. You’re not alone if you aren’t thinking about ringing in the New Year just yet. However, it IS a good time to think about getting the most out of the money you are spending annually. For example, did you know that each year, millions of people allow their dental benefits to go to waste? That’s why Dr. Thomas Lomonte DDS in Stafford says, “If you’re paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t require treatment, regular cleanings are proven to help prevent and detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.”
Practicing at the same location in Stafford on Murphy Road since 1982, Dr. Lomonte treats adults and children from the simplest fillings to cosmetic reconstruction. Dr. Lomonte and his staff make sure your service is top notch by keeping up with the latest in technology and procedures in the constantly evolving field of dentistry. Their expertise and friendliness are hard to beat.
Dental plans usually have a yearly maximum, which is
F CUS
the most money your plan will pay in a calendar year. If you are not taking advantage of that benefit, the unused money does not rollover and is lost January 1st. That’s why Dr. Lomonte likes to remind his patients, “Delaying dental treatment today puts you at risk for more expensive and extensive dental work down the road. Plus, if you’ve already had some work done this year, chances are you have met your deductible… so it pays to have the additional work done before the year ends.” Remember, like the yearly maximum, the deductible also resets on January 1st.
One more piece of advice: if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), that money can be used to pay for your portion of any dental work. The money you have accumulated throughout the year will not rollover at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. So plan ahead and call Dr. Lomonte’s office today.
Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S. “Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” 281-530-1440 12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 www.drthomaslomonte.com
by Alisha McMillen
Compounded Medications for Your Sexual Health
Many people don’t know that physicians like Dr. N. Ivana Amajoh Anunobi, of Ivana MD in Missouri City, even exist. She addresses issues such as menopause, hormone therapy, sexual health, low libido, and more.
Dr. Ivana looks at patients with a wider lens and considers all the things that contribute to hormonal and vaginal health like diet, stress, habits, relationship dynamics, sleep, and exercise. And she works with Campbell’s Compounding to prescribe her patients the best medication in the best form for each of their individualized needs.
Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph opened Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy in 2003 to be your neighborhood pharmacy. “We take great pride in providing customer service with a family
feel,” he says. “There are many reasons physicians would order a compounded medication. The drug they need may no longer be available. The patient may be allergic to the filler ingredients and want them removed. Or the patient may need a different dosage amount than the traditional pharmacy can offer. We can even make medications in creams and gels that may not be available at your normal pharmacy.”
Dr. Ivana uses Campbell’s Compounding for boric acid, which helps with recurrent yeast that is resistant to azole drugs. “Patients with Candida infections that are resistant to both azole often find they have very few treatment options,” she explains.
Sodium hyaluronic acid provides relief from vaginal dryness and helps prevent sexual discomfort,
itching, and irritation, while testosterone transdermal cream is prescribed for low libido, especially in post-menopausal women. Plus, Dr. Ivana can prescribe a compounded cream that contains ingredients like Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and menthol to boost arousal.
“I like prescribing personal treatments to meet the specific needs of each individual patient, which often include these compounded medications,” Dr. Ivana says. “I can personalize the dosage. I can remove ingredients, like preservatives or dyes, that my patient is allergic to. And I can address hard-to-treat symptoms that don’t respond to other medications.”
For questions about any of the issues described here, contact Dr. Ivana at 346-585-4077 or visit ivanamd.com.
Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy “If our
EBusiness Internet: wired for speed!
The perks of having your building wired for fiber internet go beyond reliable, dedicated, symmetrical fiber internet delivered to your suite. Contact the Ezee Fiber team to get your building wired for speed!
By Alisha McMillen
zee Fiber is becoming synonymous with fast, reliable, and affordable residential internet service. As it quickly becomes available in more Fort Bend County communities, more and more residents are signing up. But the service has been used in schools, businesses, and government organizations for decades. And it is still being used in dozens of commercial locations today.
“We have a huge commercial and government base,” says Josh Schlensker, VP of Enterprise Sales & Business Development for Houston-based Ezee Fiber. “Our business clients are school districts, government agencies, and other commercial businesses.”
“We provide service to 16 different data centers, which is where clients house their servers and create redundancy in their operations,” he continues. “Data centers should never be down.”
Ezee Fiber experienced the importance of data center connectivity in its full scope when Hurricane Beryl hit the area in early July. “We needed to make sure that our client’s data centers stayed up and running with 100 percent reliability. For example, TRG Data Centers had their Tier 1 data center up and running very quickly, right after the storm passed,” Josh says.
According to TRG’s website, they maintained 100 percent uptime through Hurricane Beryl. “That was due to their Ezee Fiber connectivity,” Josh adds. “You don’t see that with other internet companies.”
Because Ezee Fiber is Houston-based, they have fast response times and friendly customer service. “People love Ezee Fiber because we have a local presence with quick response times. We’re agile – we’re able to move very fast,” Josh says. “We offer the same services at half the price and double the bandwidth.” With this local presence and personal touch, it’s an easy decision to go with Ezee Fiber.
“Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass to transmit data via light signals,” says Ezee Fiber’s EVP of Customer Operations Pedro Checo. “Fiber is much faster than the traditional metal wiredbased methods like copper used in older telephone lines and cable systems.”
Ezee Fiber has been supplying fiber solutions for Texas businesses for 30 years to provide emergency services, government facilities, school districts, and medical facilities with faster, more reliable internet service.
“I’ve been doing this for 26 years. It’s great to have something I can actually confidently share with my friends and family. I’m comfortable selling this to my grandfather, or my personal attorney. I don’t want them calling and complaining to me personally,” Josh laughs.
“We’re able to achieve this because most of our network is underground, so it stays stable during hurricanes and any wind events. If we have a choice, we go underground… 98 percent of our
system is underground while other providers experience the opposite. They are usually 90 percent aerial, which means they take a hit when the wind blows,” he says. “Ezee Fiber is the best multi-gig offering out there.”
713-255-7500
14850 Woodham Dr. Houston, TX 77073
www.ezeefiber.com
From PAIN to PODIUM
by Alisha McMillen
“O
n April 5, I experienced one of the most painful and debilitating back injuries I have ever endured. The injury resulted in nerve compression affecting my left side down to my ankles,” says Dominic Marconi. “I am a triathlete and competitive medium distance runner (10 miler podium finisher and half-marathoner), but after the injury, I could barely stand.”
After serving the Sugar Land area for more than five years, Dr. David “Zack” Brazzell and his wife, Sophie, opened their practice, Revive Chiropractic and Performance, on Sweetwater Blvd.
“We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neck and back pain, hip, shoulder, and knee
injuries, headaches, disc problems, and more,” says Dr. Brazzell. “I was confident I could help Dominic get back to his normal routine through chiropractic care.”
“Ten days after the back injury, I visited Dr. Brazzell for a thorough evaluation,” Dominic explains. “The MRI showed two herniated discs that were compressing on two nerves and two bulging discs. Normally surgery would be the required treatment.”
Dr. Brazzell’s objective was to relieve Dominic’s
Lago Mariscos
by Sara Adams
Whether you are planning a romantic dinner for two, a team building event for your co-workers, or celebrating with family and friends, Lago Mariscos is the ideal spot! Monica Garcia, Lago Mariscos’ Event and Catering Coordinator, says, “It’s not too soon to book our private party venue for your holiday parties and special events.” Monica and her team have helped companies and individuals experience first class service in their private venue, located just upstairs from the main dining room. You can reserve this secluded, peaceful oasis that has a waterside view and includes a full-service bar, bathrooms, waitstaff, and bartenders.
Light and airy, this banquet space can host up to 120 guests. It features three large smart TVs, a sound system, and a microphone. You can hold a meeting, have a quiet gathering, or host a wedding
pain and move the herniated disc off the nerves through a series of adjustments, core strengthening, stabilization exercises, and soft tissue work. “I started my program on April 16. By May 7, I was able to stand for an extended time without pain. On May 10, I returned to the gym to swim and began the slow process of getting back to my workout routine,” Dominic explains. “I took my last pain meds on May 12. By mid-June, I completed a 35-minute treadmill run without pain.”
“Our customized, targeted approach to individual care can provide long-term results to keep our clients out of pain,” Dr. Brazzell says.
“Thank you, Dr. Brazzell, for your help, care, and knowledge,” Dominic says. “I will be forever grateful.”
Revive Chiropractic and Performance offers a variety of effective and gentle adjustment techniques, soft tissue work, non-surgical spinal decompression, shockwave therapy, spinal rehabilitation, electrical therapy, nutrition, and massage therapy. Dr Brazzell concludes, “Come see us and you’ll Revive and Thrive!”
Revive Chiropractic and Performance 4655 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-909-7317 revivechiroperform.com
shower, a birthday or retirement party. Whatever the occasion, the Lago Mariscos team will make it memorable.
Lago Mariscos is a proud member of the Cabrera family of restaurants. Owners Sergio Cabrera Sr. and Manuel Cabrera Sr. were born in Michoacan, Mexico, with its stretch of coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Seafood dishes come from the heart of these brothers, who brought their eclectic tastes to the Houston area. They opened their first of many Los Cucos restaurants in 1991. Today, they have 19 Los Cucos locations and Lago Mariscos is one of their four seafood-specialty restaurants.
Known for its creative seafood dishes with an elevated, authentic Mexican style, Lago Mariscos can help you impress family, friends, and maybe even your boss. Call Monica Garcia to plan your next special occasion. She will take the worry out of party planning. She says, “Lago Mariscos can create a menu your guests will enjoy. We can even accommodate special diets, like vegan or glutenfree. The food is always prepared fresh and we can adjust the menu to meet your needs. For larger parties and off-site catering, Lago Mariscos really shines. You will receive the same first-class service and the freshest food. Let our team make your next party unforgettable.”
Lago Mariscos
2329 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478
346-391-5279
lagomariscostx.squarespace.com
The Wound Docs: Your Wound Care
Experts
When you have an infected wound that just won’t heal, it can be frightening. You can trust brothers, Dr. Sarfraz Aly and Dr. Salman Aly, to provide progressive and innovative treatments that help your wound heal and get you back to your normal life.
“So many people are in hospital beds recovering from infectious diseases, often stemming from wounds that won’t heal,” says Dr. Sarfraz. “We focus on advanced wound care… we determine the correct antibiotics and administer state-of-theart treatments, like wound vacs (negative pressure therapy), skin grafts, and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The goal is to expose the patient to 100 percent oxygen, which increases blood flow to the extremities. These treatments are all offered here in our offices in Sugar Land.”
“My brother and I grew up in New Territory and graduated from Clements High School,” says Dr. Salman Aly, Dr. Sarfraz’s brother and business partner. “We love serving the people of the community where we grew up. We are raising our families here. Our mosque is here. Our community is here.”
The brothers’ shared goal is to educate patients on their options, and ultimately save limbs and prevent revision surgeries. “Many wounds are a result of uncontrolled diabetes. If your wound care treatment exceeds the range of services provided by your outpatient provider, come see us for advanced modalities,” Dr. Salman says. “Sometimes recovery requires aggressive treatment.”
by Alisha McMillen
You can be sent home with IV antibiotics instead of requiring prolonged hospitalization. “You get a PICC line and administer the antibiotics yourself at home,” says Dr. Sarfraz. “And you get to sleep in your own bed while getting treatment.”
The practice also frequently sees postsurgical wound complications. “When people have unhealed surgical sites from thoracic, gynecological, plastic, or orthopedic surgeries,” Dr Sarfraz says, “or their surgically-placed prosthetic devices have become infected, we want it to heal quickly so the prosthetic does not have to be removed. We use advanced products, such as collagen and placental tissue, which is basically stem cells, to enhance and expedite the wound’s healing process.”
Non-surgical cases, like vascular wounds, can be caused by a smoker’s arteries becoming calcified, decreasing blood flow to the extremities. “We also see wounds related to radiation injury, especially from treatments related to bladder, prostate, head, and neck cancers,” says Dr. Salman.
Many patients are referred while they’re in hospitals or by their physicians in the outpatient setting, “but we also see repeat patients. If we save a foot, they want us to save their other foot. And they refer us to others going through similar experiences,” he continues.
“There are numerous innovative treatments to heal wounds when you find dedicated experts in the field,” says Dr. Sarfraz “We can help.”
Five organizations in one Sugar Land location
6903 Brisbane Ct #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479
(Or find them in Wharton, Telfair, Bay City and soon in Aliana)
Capital Internal Medicine Associates 832-886-4774 cima-docs.com
Capital Infectious Disease Associates 832-886-4994 cida-docs.com
The Wound Docs:
Capital Advanced Wound Care 979-488-9438 cida-docs.com
Allure Aesthetics 346-309-4955 allureaestheticsmd.com
United Community Foundation 281-853-5555 www.ucftexas.org
See What’s New at Lone Star Floors
by Sara Adams
Over the past 30 years, you may have had the pleasure of working with one of the three cousins/co-owners of Lone Star Floors. Together their three locations enjoy a longstanding reputation for doing things right. And now they have done it again! Mohamed Naser, Ziad Mukhaimer, and Imad Mansour are proud to announce a new product line that meets their standards: Euro Pratik, premium wall panels for indoor and outdoor use. Internationally known as the creator of world-class interior and exterior backdrops, Euro Pratik is driven by design excellence. In their own words, “We strive to craft interiors and exteriors that captivate and inspire.”
Mohamed says, “We chose Euro Pratik for two reasons. Their products are not only beautiful, but they are also environmentally friendly.” From ethically sourced materials to sustainable production practices, every Euro Pratik panel reflects the commitment they have to reducing their ecological footprint without compromising on style. Mohamed wants to assure new and existing clients, “All the flooring products you’re used to finding at our Sugar Land, Katy and Woodlands locations are still available. We offer hardwood flooring from all the top brands including Shaw, Mohawk, and Stainmaster as well as other popular flooring options like stone or luxury vinyl, engineered wood, laminate, and tile. Adding Euro Pratik could expand or complement your kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs.”
If you are thinking of sprucing up your kitchen or bath before the holiday company arrives, you have plenty of time to consult the cousins at Lone Star Floors. They do full remodels and offer risk-free quotes. “Always by the book,” says Mohamed. “The first step is to schedule a design consultation. We’ll put together something you’ll love. Guaranteed!”
Sugar Land: 281-564-1345 10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX
Time to REPIPE
by Nicole Grace
It’s hard to believe that homes built in the 1980s are more than 40 years old. But keep that in mind if you start experiencing symptoms like brown-tinted water coming from your faucets, low water pressure, or any leaks or water spots… it could mean you have old, galvanized pipes that need replacing.
“These are the first signs that it may be time to replace the pipes in your home,” says Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter, founder of local Alan’s Plumbing. “The brown water that is coming out of your faucets is most likely caused by rust on the inside of your pipes. And if you notice low water pressure from your faucets and shower heads or leak spots on your walls or ceiling, the corrosion in your pipes has eaten its way through the pipe, creating pinholes for water to escape. Leaks are especially bright red flags.”
Alan continues, “It’s not a question of if these pipes will spring a major leak…they most certainly will at some point. And with winter on its way and possible freezing temperatures, these pipes are extra susceptible to bursting.”
You don’t have to wait for damage to occur to remedy this problem. Alan’s Plumbing can repipe your house, installing new PEX pipe on all of your supply lines. This pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. “PEX pipe is clean and rust free, so it doesn’t corrode, and will not contaminate the water it’s moving and holding. No corrosion also results in an increase in water pressure. And because they do not burst, some insurance companies offer breaks to homes with PEX piping,” Alan explains.
“When we repipe your home with PEX pipe, we haul away all of the pipe we remove. And, as always, whether we replace your fixtures or not, every supply line valve is changed and every toilet is rebuilt. For every job we do, our aim is to leave everything in perfect working condition,” he says.
Back in the beginning (about 30 years ago!), the Alan’s Plumbing team consisted of only Alan and his wife, Jennifer. Jennifer answered the calls, and Alan provided service for those calls. Today, Alan’s brother Chris works alongside Alan’s two oldest sons, Beau and Luke, while their youngest son, Jake, does plumbing sales in Houston. This dynamic team includes longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, Anthony, and Nick, with Jennifer running the back office with their alwaysreliable family friend Katie, and Katy (with a ‘Y’) as the voice behind the phones.
Alan says, “If your home has galvanized pipes, it’s not a question of IF they will leak…but WHEN! Good news is...you don’t have to wait for damage to occur to remedy this problem. We can repipe your house, installing new PEX pipe on all of your supply lines before any flooding occurs. Call us today for a pipe inspection.”
Real Estate Investing Without the Hassle
by Nicole Grace
Fort Bend County is still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, which blew through in early July. The final loads of branches are finally being picked up from the sides of the roadways and roofs are being replaced.
“Weather happens and repairs need to be made right away,” says Kristina Chervenka, COO and co-founder of Five Buffalo Capital. “When you invest in real estate as an individual, you’re solely responsible for getting everything repaired.”
“Mistakes also happen. Humans are humans, kids are kids, and pets are pets,” she continues. Some things Kristina and her husband, Dustin, Five Buffalo’s CEO and co-founder have seen and handled as acting property and asset managers… Kids playing with matches in a toolshed and caught the wood floor on fire, which traveled to the nearby home. When a newly married couple put a box on the stovetop, a burner was mistakenly turned on and all of the wedding gifts burned, plus the water sprinklers ruined much more. Someone’s clothes washer malfunctioned, causing flooding at three floors of one apartment building.
“A gamer put a pizza in the oven, then proceeded to play his game for five hours, forgetting about the pizza,” Kristina explains. “It caught fire and he didn’t realize it until he was startled out of his gaming daze by the firemen who broke through the door to put out the fire.”
“When you have a property manager and asset manager, you get a report with information about what’s being done,” she continues, “but you don’t have to be directly involved with the repairs. And expenses are spread out over other investors in the fund.”
Kristina says that you can also run into difficulty insuring your rental properties. “For one property, the insurance increased 300 percent in a one-year period,” she explains. “You can also face challenges with actually finding insurance coverage in some areas.”
Five Buffalo Capital is a 506(c) fund, restricted to Accredited Investors. “It’s for people who want to be in real estate, but don’t want the responsibilities of sole ownership,” Kristina concludes.
All investments have risk. This is not a solicitation for investment.
“It’s All
About Feeling Healthy”
Elizabeth Ann Pistole (Lizzie) lives in the Richmond/Rosenberg area with her husband of 28 years, Tommy, and her two basset hounds. She is also the primary caretaker of her 68-year-old disabled brother who lives with them.
“When you’re a caretaker, you don’t always take care of yourself. I hadn’t been to the dentist in years. I’m from that generation that is still scared of the dentist,” Lizzie says. “I walked into Smile Solutions for other reasons, but left with an appointment as a new patient instead. It just felt right.” Smile Solutions is conveniently located off of the
By Alisha McMillen
Grand Parkway between Mason Rd. & West Bellfort Rd. Practicing General Dentist Dr. Asha Patel and her team stand behind the Smile Solutions mission statement: “We want to ensure that each and every one of our patients are informed, engaged in the treatment planning process, and feel like family in our office.”
“When I’m 70, I want to have my own teeth,” Lizzie says. “Fixing my teeth is the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. For me, it’s all about feeling healthy. Dr. Patel made me appreciate what dentists do.”
The first step for Lizzie was coming in for a comprehensive exam that consisted of a full series of radiographs and intraoral photos, which helped Lizzie visually understand the condition of her teeth. Dr. Patel developed a treatment plan that consisted of a cleaning, followed by professional teeth whitening. “I also had a fractured tooth that wasn’t hurting, but would become a problem in the future. So Dr. Patel recommended that I complete an extraction of that compromised tooth and have a bridge placed, which she completed in a matter of a few short weeks,” she explains. “Dr. Patel and her staff were wonderful, all very gentle. They have great chairside manners. They’re very calm and low key, while giving good instructions. I felt really great in their hands.”
Lizzie’s grown daughter, also named Elizabeth Ann, commended Lizzie on taking this big step in
www.fivebuffalocapital.com
regards to her oral healthcare. “Lizzie was so excited I was finally taking care of myself because I always put others first. I’m trying to stay healthy for her,” her mom says.
Taking care of her teeth was one big step toward being more healthy. She also stays healthy by riding every weekend more than 20 miles at CycleBar with her daughter, a class leader and fitness expert leading the charge. Lizzie says, “My daughter inspired me to take steps to get healthy like she is. I hope I can inspire others to do the same, both with their bodies and their teeth.”
Smile Solutions
Dr. Asha Patel, DMD, FAGD 832-449-5442
7963 W. Grand Parkway S. Suite A Richmond, TX 77407 smilesolutionsrichmond.com
Dustin and Kristina Chervenka Co-Founders
DENTAL Health: Pro Tips for Parents
The Coolest
by Amy Sharp
The aquarium-themed space at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental was dreamed up by its founder, Dr. Faisal M. Khan DDS. After a huge expansion two years ago, Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental is bigger and better than ever!
“I wanted to have a ‘WOW’ factor the moment you walk in the door,” explains Dr. Khan.“A place that little patients enjoy. This is an interactive environment that’s fun while promoting learning about each procedure, including x-rays, orthodontic evaluations, cleanings, and more. Games and TV screens help distract patients during cleanings and procedures. Children that do well during treatment are rewarded with tokens for prizes.”
When Dr. Khan launched Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental 12 years ago, it was just him in a small (but still cool!) office. Today, at more than 7,000 sq ft, it’s one of the largest pediatric dental offices in all of Fort Bend, Houston, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Khan says,“As we have grown, so has our staff. Dr Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Annie Zheng, and Dr. Khadija Khan join me in providing high-quality dental care for your children. We specialize in providing care for infants, children, and teens, as well as other individuals. We provide pediatric dentistry for children with special needs and children with dental anxiety or dental phobia. Our team is sincerely dedicated to providing a welcoming and imaginative experience for all children.”
Like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Khan recommends parents bring kids to the dentist around one year of age. “Kids that young rarely have anything wrong. We just want to introduce your child to our fun office and staff. I have three children of my own. I know how
Pediatric Dental Office In Texas
nervous kids can be about going to the dentist. My number one priority is education, for both parents and children. Kids should feel at ease during routine cleanings and other pediatric dental procedures. Visiting our office while they’re very young will make coming to the dentist in the future so much easier…for all of us! I also understand that parents with multiple children do not want to spend half a day or more at the dentist. With our latest expansion, we now have more than 20 examination surfboards (that’s the cool beds kids lie on for dental exams). We can see all of your children…simultaneously!”
“I built this ‘dream’ office because I’m passionate about children’s dental health,” says Dr. Khan. “Together, we can make going to the dentist a very positive experience for your children.”
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS
832-246-7255
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406
www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
Timeless and Understated
for Big Celebrations
Lby Alisha McMillen
inda and Cesar Corredor have lived in their home for 35 years. They raised their three grown children there. Their kids and five grandchildren still live nearby in Sugar Land and Houston. Linda works from home for two days a week in IT with Texas Children’s Hospital. The couple is settled in their home of more than three decades with their two cats, Holly and Mistletoe (Missy). And, somehow, they’ve lived without a pantry for the entire time.
“I love my new pantry cabinets – I don’t know how I ever lived without them before,” Linda says. “Teri (Gilberg, the ‘ReModelista’) suggested them when she was updating our kitchen and they’re one of my favorite things now.”
The couple’s well-used kitchen was original to the house with linoleum floors, single light bulb fixtures, and traditional brown cabinets with furr downs. They knew it was time for an update.
“Our vision was to create something timeless and understated. I love to cook, so we wanted something easy to cook in, with lots of space,” Linda explains. “We do big Thanksgivings here.”
After Cesar saw Teri in UpClose Magazine, they used her for updating the primary bedroom and closet build-out. “When the time came to update our kitchen, we knew just who to call,” she continues.
Teri’s team did a full tear out, adding all-new crisp, white cabinets up to the ceiling, re-did the ceiling, installed new granite countertops and new large rectangular floor tiles, painted the walls and trim, placed a large, deep composite sink, added an intricate gray and white hexagon backsplash, and installed the two pantry cabinets.
“Teri was very responsive to calls and text messages. She sent a daily text with status updates. It took about four weeks to complete,” she continues. “We added things, like more lights and re-doing the entire ceiling… and Hurricane Beryl happened in the middle of it. But they still had it done quickly. Teri’s team only missed two days of work
after Beryl – the day of the hurricane and the day after.”
“Teri’s work crew is great. The coordination between contractors was so seamless. And she worked with us to keep the cost down. You don’t feel nickel-anddimed for everything,” Linda says.
“I love everything about my new kitchen! I love my new, deep sink. I love the brightness of the room. I have already rec ommended her to a co-worker. And whatever we do in the future, I will have done by Teri.”
Did you know?
The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!
Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
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