March 2015 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

MARCH 2015

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Through collaboration and coordination, Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group makes it possible for patients to stay close to home and still have access to high-quality specialists who have extensive training and experience.

Exceptional Physicians Working Together

“I recommend Houston Methodist doctors to everyone,” said Christiane Balenene, a patient who was referred to two doc-tors in the physician’s group by her primary care physician, Dr. Seva Papageorge.

In November, Balenene was referred to hematologist/oncolo-gist Dr. Jorge Darcourt to treat a blood clot found in her abdo-men. A month later, she was directed to spine surgeon Dr. Jef-frey Wood when she suffered a lumbar strain.

“All of my experiences with Houston Methodist doctors have been excellent,” Balenene said. “Dr. Darcourt took excel-lent care of me. He calmed my fears about my diagnosis and explained exactly what would happen during my treatment. I absolutely recommend him to family and friends. He takes time to talk through test results and makes sure everything is un-derstandable.”

Leaders inWorld-Class Care Close to Home

Christiane Balenene

Houston MethodistSpecialty Physician Group:Houston MethodistSpecialty Physician Group:

“Dr. Wood was just as thorough and compassionate,” she add-ed. “He knew I had been through a lot recently and it showed in his approach to getting me healthy and back on my feet.”

Patient Cathy Sanchez says that she feels fortunate to have outstanding physi-cians so close to home. “Because my pri-mary care physician and the specialists I needed practice locally, I didn’t have to go to the Medical Center. My treatment was convenient and comfortable,” she said. “There was great communication between my primary care physician and my special-ists. My doctor had quick access to all my test results and treatment plans. I really

felt like I had a comprehensive team working together on my behalf.”

Specialized Care CommunityHouston Methodist Specialty Physician Group in Sugar Land

features specialists in the following areas:

CardiologyCardiologists, Dr. Toussaint Smith, Dr. Sherman Tang, Dr.

B. Keith Ellis, Dr. Ronald Mahoney, Dr. Earl Mangin Jr., Dr. John Passmore and Dr. Kesavan Shan, specialize in the diagno-sis and treatment of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, includ-ing coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, hyper-tension and stroke prevention.

General SurgeryDr. Timothy Oppermann, Dr. Ashish Saharia and Dr. Mi-

chael Yaakovian use minimally invasive techniques that dra-matically reduce patients’ hospital stays and recovery times, en-abling them to return to normal activities as quickly as possible.

Cathy Sanchez

H ouston Methodist Specialty Physician Group offers Fort Bend and surrounding counties a wide range of experienced,

skilled physicians who embody the Houston Methodist philosophy of providing world-class care with the latest, most sophisticated treat-ments supported by leading-edge technology.

Gynecologic Oncology

The treatment of uterine, ovarian, cervical and other female reproductive system cancers is led by Dr. Tarrik Zaid, who is also an active member of Houston Methodist Research Institute. He offers patients access to a wide range of clinical trials and the latest therapies to fight cancer.

Neurology

Fellowship-trained neurologists, Dr. Carisa Liew, Dr. Eddie Patton Jr., Dr. Larry Tran and Dr. Toby Yaltho, provide answers and options using the latest technology and therapeutic tech-niques to offer diagnosis and treatment of the most common – and most complex – neurological disorders including migraines, sleep disorders, epilepsy, dementia, complex spine and peripher-al neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and more.

Oncology Dr. Jorge Darcourt specializes in the treatment of a wide

range of cancer types. He offers comprehensive and individual-ized treatment plans for each patient using a variety of screen-ing and diagnostic imaging services to identify risk factors and disease at the earliest stage. In addition, Dr. Darcourt is actively involved in a wide range of federally approved clinical research studies to investigate less invasive ways of diagnosing and treat-ing cancer.

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

One of the largest orthopedic groups in the area includes 13 sub-specialized physicians. Specialty physicians include Dr. David Braunreiter and Dr. Jeffrey Kozak, Sports Medicine and Concussion Management; Dr. Kenneth Renney, Sports Medi-cine; Dr. D. Dean Dominy III and Dr. Vincent Phan, Hand and Upper Extremity; Dr. Carl Hicks and Dr. Eddie Matsu, Joint Replacement; Dr. Mark Maffet and Dr. Timothy Sitter, Knee and Shoulder Surgery; Dr. Anthony Muffoletto and Dr. Jeffrey Wood, Spine Surgery; and Dr. Ray Valdez and Dr. Mark Vann II, Foot and Ankle.

Podiatry

Dr. Nicholas Desai offers patients the best care for foot dis-eases and injuries including diabetic foot care, wound care, cus-tom-made orthotics and heel spurs.

Pulmonary and Sleep MedicineDr. Bhadresh Shah, Dr. Suneesh Nair and Dr. Priya Oolut

treat acute and chronic disorders of the respiratory and pulmo-nary vascular systems, including chronic cough, chronic obstruc-tive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, sarcoid-osis and pulmonary hypertension. They can also help patients who suffer from insomnia, narcolepsy and sleep apnea, and are available to facilitate lung cancer screenings.

Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Pierre Chevray is devoted to restoring form and function

to patients who have suffered from cancer, trauma and other diseases. Dr. Chevray is trained in the full range of reconstruc-tive and cosmetic surgeries and has a special interest in breast reconstruction and reconstructive microsurgery.

RheumatologyDr. Angela McCain and Dr. Susan Mathew offer an interven-

tional approach that is designed to manage the progression of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, joint pain disorders and osteo-porosis at their earliest stages, giving patients the best opportu-nity to lead active, healthy lives.

Vein ClinicDr. Ulises Baltazar is dedicated exclusively to the treatment

of venous insufficiency that can cause painful varicose veins, ve-nous stasis ulcers and leg swelling.

By M.G. Angulo l Photos by Nesossi Studios

Dr. Ulises Baltazar, Dr. Priya Oolut, Dr. Yana Finkelshteyn, Dr. B. Keith Ellis, Dr. Sherman Tang, Dr. Adrianne Scruggs, Dr. Tarrik Zaid, Dr. Bhadresh Shah, Dr. Jorge Darcourt, Dr. Carisa Liew, Dr. Jeffrey Wood and Dr. Timothy Oppermann.

For general health care, these highly-qualified physicians offer preventative care, as well as long-term treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart and lung disease. The group also offers services for women’s health, such as well-woman exams, hormone therapy and menopausal management, and men’s health such as prostate cancer screenings.

These physicians have practices throughout Missouri City or Sugar Land: Dr. Ana Corteguera, Dr. Jennifer Diamond, Dr. Yana Finkelshteyn, Dr. Julie Hung, Dr. Seva Papageorge, Dr. Tayma Shaya, Dr. Mona Sheth and Dr. Melida Tellez, Dr. Deepshikha Sharda, Dr. Adelola Ashaye, Dr. Jessen Rajan, Dr. Adrianne Scruggs and Dr. Paul Tse.

Family Medicine/Internal Medicine

To find world-class care close to home,visit methodistsugarlanddocs.com orcall 281-274-7500 for a physician referral.

Together, we are saving more lives than in any other era in medical history.

I am living proof. Debbie Rothschild Cardiac Arrest Survivor | Sugar Land Hospital Patient

Debbie was found lying unconscious in a neighbor’s yard after experiencing a cardiac arrest during her usual bike ride. She was rushed to CHI St. Luke’s Health–Sugar Land Hospital after one neighbor gave her CPR and another called 911. Yassir Sonbol, MD, and his team initiated therapeutic hypothermia to prevent brain injury and Debbie walked out of the hospital just nine days later after receiving a pacemaker/defibrillator. She is now an advocate for women’s heart health and is working to start a support group at CHI St. Luke’s Health–Sugar Land Hospital soon.

CHI St. Luke’s Health is an alliance of hospitals, physicians,

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C O V E R S T O R Y

M A R C H 2 0 1 5

DREAMS DO COME TRUE INFORT BEND: THE MAKE-A-WISHTEXAS GULF COAST AND LOUISIANA CHAPTERThe national organization recently relocated to Fort Bend and continues to specialize in granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions, giving them hope, strength and joy. Eight-year-old Luke Thomas had one of those wishes.

16

F E AT U R E S

39 absolutely! SUMMER FUNAs warm weather and freedom fromschool approaches, start planning withFort Bend’s best in summer fun.

40 A BIRTHDAY PARTY TO REMEMBEREasy Tips for Children’s Summer Birthday Parties

53 absolutely! HOME LIVINGTurn your house into your dreamhome with these resources.

C O L U M N S

20 FOCUS ON FINANCEWhat Happens If I Lose My Job?

22 FOCUS ON HEALTHThyroid Disease: Can Gluten and Vitamin Deficiency Be to Blame?

24 COMMUNITY HEALTH CAREFOR THE GREATER GOODEstablished in Fort Bend in 2001, the Ibn Sina Foundation now has six community health clinics and a strong team of volunteers.

34 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOTMeet Tyler Turner

80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFEStudy the Facts

Luke ThomasPhotography by Nesossi Studios.


CONTRIBUTORS

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 | V O L U M E 1 1 | N U M B E R 5

24

Zeenat Kassam MithaCultural CorrespondentPage 24

22

Dr. Peter OsborneOrigins Healthcare CentersPage 22

Steve KursarAuto EnthusiastPage 76

76

Will HardeeHardee Investment GroupPage 20

20

ON THE COVER:Teri Andrepont and Luke Thomas.Photography by Nesossi Studios.

Amy GrossVineSleuth/Wine4.MePage 73

73

Alisa MurrayAlisa Murray PhotographyPage 80

80

36

Christopher Hill imagination monkey Page 36

FA M I LY N I G H TAT T H E M O V I E S

36 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE:Sponge Out of Water

N E W T O T H E N E I G H B O R H O O D

38 DR. SHEHNAZ SHIRAZIMoves to Riverstone

N E W S W O RT H Y

46 FORT BEND EMPTY BOWLSHonors SchoolDistrict’s Contribution

48 GRANT-A-STARRFOUNDATION’S 7th Annual Family FunRun and Walk

50 2015 GOLF CLASSIC Supporting All ThreeCounty YMCAs

51 2ND ANNUAL Sugar Land Art Center Arts Fest

52 THE PIN OAK CHARITYHORSE SHOW: A Tradition of Excellenceand a Legacy of Giving

70 CHILD ADVOCATESOF FORT BEND Announces 2015 Gala Plans

M E D I C A L & B U S I N E S S

68 MEDICAL FOCUS

absolute ly!D E L I C I O U S

72 FIVE THINGS TO DOWITH GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

73 VINE SLEUTHIt’s Rodeo Time

74 HOW TO BUILD A BUFFET

absolute ly!A U T O R E V I E W

76 2015 VOLVO S60

I N E V E RY I S S U E

12 PUBLISHER’S POINT OF VIEW

26 SEEN ON THE SCENE

62 OUT & ABOUT IN THEHEART OF THE BEND

71 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST

78 COMMUNITY EVENTS

34

Joan FrancesContributorPage 34

Shane BrunsContributorPage 74

74

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Spring Specials

BeautyBecomesYou.comI’ll be the first to admit it: I love winning. And, it doesn’t really matter to me what it is. I am just as thrilled if I win $2 on a scratch off lottery ticket than if we win a major award here at the magazine. Win-ning gives you a sense of accomplishment; winning just plain feels good.

In this issue, we bring you a winning team: The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our new neighbor, the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter of this or-ganization who has granted more than 6,600 wishes to children diagnosed with a life-threatening medi-cal condition, is a winner. Under the guidance of CEO Teri Andrepont, this chapter’s winning team of Wish Coordinators is making dreams come true for children like Sugar Land’s Luke Thomas. Yes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation are winners, and they truly deserve accolades for all that they do.

Another Sugar Land winner is the Texana Chil-dren’s Center for Autism at Sugar Land. I recently had the opportunity to visit this brand new center where they are making great strides in the lives of children with autism. Our 2014 GEMS of Fort Bend event benefitted Texana, and what a thrill it was for me to see our hard-earned contribution at work helping these children. Check out a photo from my tour on page 64. And, it just so happens that we won a Gold MarCom Award for our original community event! Together, Texana and absolutely! focus media created a winning partnership for our community.

Rodeo means champions, and in this issue, we bring you the winners of the Houston Livestock Show & Ro-deo Champion Wine Garden. From sweet to sparkling to Texas, the winners in each category are showcased on page 73. And if wine doesn’t appeal to you, take a look at our 5 Things to Do with Girl Scout Cookies. I’m sure you can come up with a winning recipe.

The greatest football coach of all time Vince Lombar-di said, “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” Here at absolutely! focus media, we will strive to keep up the habit of winning – to keep bringing you the award-win-ning people, places and happenings in our community. After all, we’re all about you – and we want to be on your winning team!

Stay focused!

[email protected]

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700STAFFORD, TX 77477

281-690-4242

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.COM

Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copy-right © 2015 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or mis-leading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

Vol. 11 No. 5March 2015

EXCLAMATION POINTS!THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP

Subscription requests are free to all Fort Bend addresses. Annual paid subscription

of $25 required outside the Fort Bend area.

P U B L I S H E RE DI TOR- I N - C H I E FPatti Parish-Kaminski

A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E RJessica Kij

M A NAG I N G E D I T O RSarah Bearden

AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E SJennifer Elliott

Molly EllisKay Garrett

Juliet HubbellAndrea Rigamonti

Suzanne StilesBonnie Bell Woodrow

A RT DI R E C TORGrace Belleza

G R A P H IC DE SIG N E RErin De Veyra

W E B DE SIG N E RJoey Belleza

O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R AT O RAdrienne Boring

P H O T O G R A P H E RNesossi Studios

C O N T R I BU T O R SM.G. Angulo Shane BrunsJoan FrancesAmy GrossWill Hardee

Christopher HillSteve Kursar

Zeenat Kassam MithaAlisa Murray

Dr. Peter Osborne

I N Q U I R I E S281-690-4242

E D I T O R IA L SU B M I S S I O N [email protected]

Publishedby

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

And the Winner is . . .

Patti Parish-Kaminski proudly shows off the 2014 Gold MarCom Award won by absolutely! focus media for outstanding initiative in a Community Special Event with our GEMS of Fort Bend event. A national creative competition, MarCom winners range from individuals to Fortune 50 companies and is the largest competition of its kind with over 6,000 entries.

More winners at absolutely! focus media! Congratulations to Fort Bend Focus Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha for being recognized for her board service for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce at the Chairman’s Masquerade Ball. We’re proud of you Zeenat for all that you do for our community!

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It was the third wish that Luke Thomas settled on, and it came true thanks to the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation that recently relocated to Fort Bend.

New NeighborsAfter 15 years of being housed out of

a small cottage in Houston’s Museum District, this Make-A-Wish chapter – one of the 65 chapters in the United States – moved into what was the old Ethan Allen furniture store located on Kirkwood and Highway 59 in Stafford.

W hen they arrived, Luke Thomas was ready. The

eight-year-old, slender second grader was waiting with three sheets of paper in his hand, and on each one was a wish. The first: See The Phantom of the Opera. Luke wanted not only to see the production but meet the orchestra, visit with the actors and step on stage. The second: Meet Justin Timberlake and sing a song with him. And, the third: Go to a Philadelphia Eagles’ game, meet the players, run on the field and get their autographs.


COVER STORYBy M.G. Angulo

Photos by Nesossi Studios

Teri Andrepont with Luke and Joyce Thomas.

The Make-A-WishTexas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter

Dreams Do Come Truein Fort Bend

It’s a move that CEO Teri Andrepont said will help this chapter grow and serve more children. The decision to make the move began a year ago with a 500 toy shipment that was delivered to the nonprofit. There simply wasn’t enough space for all of the toys, and Andrepont, as well as everyone else at the nonprofit, realized there wasn’t space for everything anymore.

“We were crammed in that little cot-tage,” Andrepont said, fondly remem-bering those times. “We didn’t want to leave the cottage, but we couldn’t put anything else upstairs or downstairs. We also didn’t have room for volunteer trainings or recognition meetings. We had just outgrown it.”

So, the national organization set their eyes on Fort Bend County, even-tually finding the old furniture store, which as it turns out, fit the criteria they were looking for – easy access off of a highway where the chapter could showcase its brand. In August 2014, the nonprofit relocated after renovat-ing much of the building – bringing the bathrooms to code, installing more windows, laying out 17,000 square feet of donated carpet and even putting on a fresh coat of paint – which Andrepont said wouldn’t have been possible with-out so many donations, volunteers and supporters.

“It’s amazing to see the finished product thanks to everyone who donat-ed,” Andrepont said, adding that there is a donor wall in the building dedicat-ed to those who helped made the reno-vation possible. “It kind of looks like a gallery in here,” she said. “We love it, especially since we’re no longer on top of each other.”

Now several months into their new location, the Texas Gulf Coast and Lou-isiana chapter of Make-A-Wish contin-ues to make dreams come true. Every 38 minutes, Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition through-out the nation and United States terri-tories. Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter has granted more than 6,600 wishes, and in 2014, it set a new chapter record by granting 505 wishes.

Luke’s WishLuke had one of those wishes. The

son of Steve and Joyce Thomas, Luke lives in Sugar Land and is diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the blood that begins in the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Common symptoms of the cancer include persistent fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, easy bleeding and bruising and bone pain or tenderness.

Luke, who loves music and straw-berry cheesecake, also enjoys playing catch with his dad and football, espe-cially watching his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. So, when the Make-A-Wish team came to visit him, he was ready.

“He had clearly put a lot of thought into his wish,” Andrepont said. “We talked it out and explained what his wish would look like. And he thought, and thought, and thought. Then, he said what he wanted most was to meet his favorite team.”

Luke’s mother, Joyce, said it’s hard to adequately express just how thank-ful she and her husband, Steve, were for Luke’s wish being granted. “Luke endured a great deal during his time of illness and treatment. He missed out on so many things and seemed to develop a thankfulness and apprecia-tion for each opportunity to enjoy life, big or small,” she said. “Seeing the en-joyment Luke had during the granting of his wish was beyond a dream come true. He enjoyed every moment. Luke felt so special, from the car ride to the airport, to the hotel stay, to the limo ride to the game, to the warm-ups on the sideline, to the game and all of the places around and in between.

“He got to meet the players, coaches and staff of the Philadelphia Eagles up close and personal,” Joyce said. “The Eagles did such a wonderful job, along with the Make-A-Wish team members, in creating an out-of-this-world experi-ence for Luke.”

Although he said he was very quiet during his visit with the Eagles, Luke said his favorite part was watching the game from the sidelines. He also re-ceived a coin and pin from the president of the team and met his favorite play-ers Leshaun McCoy and Nick Foles. On

T he Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter of the Make-A-Wish

Foundation is dedicated to granting the wishes of every eligible child. The eligibility consideration process begins with a referral for a child with a life-threatening medical condition that comes from the children themselves, parents, family members or medical professionals who have detailed knowledge of the child’s current medical condition.

To be eligible, the child must be at least two and half years old, younger than 18 years and be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. With their imagination as their guiding tool, children can make requests that typically fall into one of five categories:

H A place to go, like their favoritetheme park, a cruise or an exotic beach.H A person to meet, which can range from celebrities, authors or even family members they’ve never met.H A special gift, like a computer, tree house or even a shopping spree.H A gift for others, like raising funds for a cause or helping improve their school.H The chance to be someone they want to be someday, such as a superhero, police officer, model or fireman.

Although requests often fall into one of these categories, they don’t always have to – it all depends on the child’s creativity.

To refer a child, visit http://texgulf.wish.org/refer-a-child to access the online referral inquiry form or contact the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter at 281-491-9474.

Refer a Child



top of that, Connor Barwin gave Luke his glove, and Donnie Jones gave him his towel. Luke also met with the general manager Howie Roseman and signed autographs, too.

“It was really cool to meet the Eagles,” Luke said. “The Eagles are my favorite football team. They picked me up, and I said, ‘One, two, three, Eagles!’ I liked going to the office and meeting everyone and becoming a real Eagle.”

While this chapter of Make-A-Wish has been granting wishes in Fort Bend for some time now, the nonprofit loves the welcoming nature of the Fort Bend area. Since the reloca-tion, many people have stopped by to see what Make-A-Wish is all about. And, what it’s about is simple: “Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medi-cal conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy,” Andrepont explained.

Joyce said she couldn’t agree more. “Teri Andrepont, her husband, Jim, and the team at Make-A-Wish were so very wonderful. When you meet them, interact with them and ob-serve them, you truly appreciate the love and service they provide. Families, perhaps under no choice of their own, go through struggles of all types. As a family with a child facing leukemia, there was a great deal of struggle. It is through the special work and dedicated service of so many that we got through in the manner in which we got through,” Joyce shared.

“The Make-A-Wish team we were privileged in interacting with showed us that there are great people with great hearts out there, looking to help and looking to make a difference. The team and foundation seem to exemplify the characteris-tic of service and giving of one’s self to help others, to bring joy to the lives of children and to improve their quality of life. We love Make-A-Wish, Teri and Jim and their entire team, and we look forward to staying connected.”

Making Dreams Come TrueGranting wishes is a four-step process. First, there’s the

referral, which can come from the child, a relative or someone who cares for the child, like a doctor. Then, the child’s medi-cal eligibility is determined. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition such as a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy. The third step, and perhaps the most important, is discovering what the wish is. A team is sent out to interview the child, and it is at this time that the child gets to reveal what it is he or she wants more than anything.

“We ask them what is that one wish in their heart that they truly want. Then, we sit quietly and let them think,” An-drepont said. “Sometimes it’s a puppy, or they want to meet the president. Other times, they want to meet a celebrity, or they even want us to help their parents reconcile. As long as it’s legal, we’ll do anything.” There was once a request for a four-year-old girl to meet her dad – a man she had never met.

The final step in the process, the most obvious one, is to grant that wish. That little girl who wanted to meet her dad had the chance to, and Luke, who wanted to meet his favorite team, was given the opportunity.

“I am happy that they made my wish come true. My mom-my and daddy told me I could wish for something when I was done with leukemia and my counts were good,” Luke said. “I said I wish no more kids would be sick. My mommy and daddy said that was a nice wish. They asked that if I could make a wish to see something or do something, what would I wish for? Then, I said I want to meet the Eagles and go to a real football game. The Make-A-Wish people are nice, and I like to go to their building, too. My wish made me happy.”

“Being able to listen to a child, to find out what their one wish is and being able to make that happen is unbelievable,” Andrepont said. “But the power of sharing that wish, it’s not just the child who benefits. It affects everyone who is in-volved.”

The Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of Make-A-Wish is always searching for volunteers. Anyone interested can find more information at http://texgulf.wish.org. Joyce said because of their experience, she and her family plan on working with Make-A-Wish. “We look forward to serving through Make-A-Wish and encourage others to take part,” she said. “There are so many ways to help, from donating time, money and resources.”

“Being able to listen to a child, to find out what their one wish is and being able to make that happen is unbelievable.” - Teri Andrepont

Luke Thomas and Wish Coordinator Nikki Eliason.

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Presented by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

What Happens If I Lose My Job?

FOCU$ on FINANCE

L ast month’s article, No More Pain at the Pump, vali-dated the investment theme of investing in energy users, not producers. Unfortunately, we who live

here in Texas will feel the brunt of lower energy prices either directly or indirectly. Energy drives our local economies in a number of ways. Energy company jobs pay well and have good benefits. As companies grow, they hire more. More jobs mean more people buying homes and shopping at local busi-nesses. Banks lend money to real estate developers to buy land and build. The equation is simple: More Jobs = More People = More Money.

The oil business has always been a boom to bust cycle, and this time appears no different. What is different is how quickly energy companies are responding to this bust. Cri-sis management is in place as companies are quick to freeze salaries, cut budgets and announce layoffs. This ripple effect will spread through local economies and may affect home val-ues and growth in our community over the coming year.

One of the mistakes I see investors make is they often in-vest in the same industry they work in because they know and understand it. The problem is that when you lose your

job, it usually reflects the fact that your industry is having hard times. That usually means that stocks in that industry are down in price at the very time you need money. A case in point are the two indices representing oil and gas (XOP) and oil service companies (OIH) are both down 41 percent from their summer highs. When you lose your job, you may have to liquidate assets to pay bills and many times you get hurt twice.

Review your investments, and see if you have this poten-tial problem. These cycles strike swiftly and always seem to last longer and go deeper than we expect. Let us help you prepare for both the good and the not so good times ahead. Call us at 713-853-0879 or visit us anytime online at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com.

This article provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM of the Hardee Investment

Group and a Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President at RBC Wealth Manage-ment in Houston, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Man-agement. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a rec-ommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

There’s Wealth in Our Approach.™

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Thyroid Disease:Can Gluten and

Vitamin DeficiencyBe to Blame?

Thyroid Disease and DysfunctionClassic signs of thyroid hormone defi-

ciency include fatigue, memory loss, cold hands and feet, muscle and joint pain, depression, high cholesterol and consti-pation. Over the past several years, I have seen a large influx of patients who have been placed on thyroid hormones to treat the above symptoms. The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t actu-ally address why the body is not making enough thyroid hormone in the first place.

What You Should Know AboutThyroid Hormone Production

Thyroid hormone production is under the influence of a chemical called thy-roid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is made by the pituitary gland. When cir-culating levels of thyroxine (T-4) are low, TSH sends a message to your thyroid gland to start producing more T-4. The building blocks your body uses to make T-4 come from food constituents that we obtain from the diet (tyrosine – an amino acid from protein and certain minerals – iodine, zinc, etc). Once your body makes T-4, it must be activated by other nutri-ents (vitamins and minerals) into some-thing known as T-31. T-3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that works to increase the body’s metabolism.

However, certain nutrient deficiencies and stress can lead to a reduction in T-3 and instead the production of Reverse T-3. This form of T-3 is not as effective and leads to symptoms of hypothyroid-ism. Unfortunately, Reverse T-3 cannot be distinguished from T-3 in traditional thyroid lab reports, and this is a common oversight by many physicians. Once T-3 is made, it will attach to the nucleus inside your cells and increase the body’s metabo-lism appropriately. Once again, however,

certain nutrient deficiencies can decrease the responsiveness of the body’s cells to T-3, causing symptoms of hypothyroid-ism. For these reasons, lab reports com-monly performed by physicians that look at TSH, T-4 and T-3 can be misleading. A simplified diagram of thyroid hormone production is listed below:

TSH Stimulates the thyroid gland to make T-4 T-4 Converts to either T-3 or Reverse T-3 (RT3) RT3 is inactive. Nor-mal T-3 attaches to the cell nucleus

Once attachment of T-3 occurs the body’s metabolism increases.

Gluten Sensitivity andThyroid Dysfunction

Gluten sensitivity is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction. Gluten exposure can trigger an autoimmune reaction (Hashi-moto’s disease) that disrupts normal thyroid hormone production. For more on this, visit www.GlutenFreeSociety.org under the Glutenology tab.

There are also many other environ-mental factors that can effect thyroid hormone production. Oral contraceptives and estrogen containing medications have been shown to reduce the conversion

of T4 to T32. Many herbicides and pesti-cides contain estrogen mimicking com-pounds known to effect thyroid hormone production. Soy foods and sodas can cause a reduction in thyroid hormone. Certain food allergies and selenium deficiency are linked to autoimmune thyroid dysfunc-tion3,4. Heavy metal exposure through air, water and dental fillings have been linked to poor thyroid function.

Remember that thyroid disease is nev-er just as simple as taking a medication whether it is bio-identical or not. Thyroid dysfunction has a cause. An astute physi-cian will take an active roll in care and seek to perform a comprehensive exam and laboratory work up that will identify the cause.

Keep in mind that your body has the ability to make its own thyroid hormone providing that all the essential nutri-ents necessary are present in the diet or through supplementation, providing that the environment is conducive to the expression of good health, and providing that the individual is properly educated in the care of his/her body. Many patients who come to me initially are taking some form of thyroid medication. Many were instructed that the medication was a lifelong necessity. And in many, it is very common that the medication becomes un-necessary.

1. Moncayo R, et al. The role of selenium, vitamin C and zinc in benign thyroid diseases and of selenium in malig-nant thyroid diseases: Low selenium levels are found in subacute and silent thyroiditis and in papillary and fol-licular carcinoma. BMC Endocr Disord. 2008 Jan 25;8:2. 2. Pansini F, et al. Effect of the hormonal contraception on serum reverse triiodothyronine levels. Gynecol Obstet Invest 1987;23:133.3. Mazokopakis EE, et al. Effects of 12 months treatment with L-selenomethionine on serum anti-TPO Levels in Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyroid 2007 Jul;17(7):609-12. 4. Negro R, et al. The influence of selenium supplementa-tion on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. J Clin Endocri-nol Metab 2007 Apr;92(4):1263-8. Epub 2007 Feb 6.

FOCUS ONHEALTH

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DID YOU KNOW?You have one of the country’s most advanced alternative medicine clinics right here in Sugar Land

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n Dr. Osborne• Is the only Board Certified Nutritionist in Sugar Land• Is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition• Is a Doctor of Pastoral Medicine• Has held teaching appointments at Texas Women’s University and HCC’s nursing program • Lectures nationally to other physicians on the topic: drug induced nutritional deficiencies

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

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When a community comes to-gether to bring low cost medi-cal and dental care to the

uninsured or the underinsured or those who cannot afford health care, it gets acknowledgment from the Governor of Texas. During his last week in office, Governor Rick Perry spent time in Hous-ton opening the sixth Ibn Sina Founda-tion Community Clinic at 5012 North Shephard Drive. The first clinic opened at 11226 South Wilcrest Drive in Stafford by Governor Perry 13 years ago, and it is now the flagship and main administra-tive office for all of the clinics.

The Ibn Sina Foundation was estab-lished in 2001 by a group of local physi-cians, business and healthcare profes-sionals to bridge the gap between the health care needs of a rapidly expanding population of underserved families and the ability of existing public institutions to meet their needs. “We wanted to give back to the community, people of all cul-tures and backgrounds, and what better way to do this than through the gift of health,” said Nasruddin Rupani, Chair-man of the Ibn Sina Foundation.

In 2001, Rupani asked me to assist as a volunteer through my professional ca-pacity to get the word out to the Greater Houston community about the clinic. I agreed, because I immediately saw this as a humanitarian effort to assist people who greatly needed healthcare. Over a 45 day time span, I handled public relations, media and communications at a vigorous level, and in the first month of the open-ing, the clinic was busy from opening to close. I was also asked by Chairman Ru-pani to co-emcee and handle media as a volunteer at the opening of the Wilcrest location in Stafford, where Governor Per-ry was the keynote speaker at the clinic. The Ibn Sina Foundation received full support from the mayor, the city council and neighboring businesses and friends of the community. Thirteen years later, that support remains, and I continue to

volunteer as I see the immense value these clinics have brought to the commu-nity-at-large who otherwise could not af-ford healthcare.

To date, the Ibn Sina Foundation has six community health clinics that have provided health care to over 39,000 undu-plicated individuals through more than 80,0000 patient visits. Since its inception, the Ibn Sina Foundation has provided free or reduced cost medical, specialty and dental care through 450,000 patient visits. “In addition to a comprehensive primary care program, Ibn Sina’s clinics provide specialty care services that in-clude cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, dental services, cancer prevention and screening, women’s heath including mammograms, pediatric care, diabetes management, nutrition, vision and mental health and counseling pro-grams,” said Dr. Dilawar Ajani, founding board member.

The six clinics are: Wilcrest Medical and Dental Clinic, Wilcrest Pediatric Clinic, Clear Lake Medical and Dental Clinic, Port Arthur Medical and Dental Clinic, South Post Oak Medical and Den-tal Facility and North Shepherd Clinic. The clinics began with many physicians as volunteers and employed only two part-time staff members in 2001. Cur-rently, in addition to their volunteers, they have more than 100 full-time and part-time staff employees.

Today, Ibn Sina’s annual budget is

over $6 million, and 95 percent is gener-ated from small patient fees, state funded programs and a medical discount pro-gram for families and small businesses. Five percent of the Ibn Sina Foundation’s revenue is generated from philanthropic resources, such as individuals, organiza-tions and foundations. The patients pay a $30 fee for primary care. Appointments are encouraged, but they are not neces-sary, and walk-ins are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. They also offer specialty medicine for $35, dental exams (includes panoramic x-rays) for $40 and a “sliding scale” if a patient is unable to pay the standard fee. Ibn Sina Community Clinics do not accept Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

“Ibn Sina partners with regional healthcare providers to increase ac-cess to care for patients,” said Dr. Aijaz Khowaja, Chief Executive Officer. These include physician groups, local imaging centers, Memorial Hermann Hospital for specialty procedures, West Houston Hos-pital, Aga Khan Health Services, Angle-ton Danbury Medical Center, Gateway to Care, Harris County Healthcare Alliance and The Rose. Ibn Sina also partners with many community organizations, volunteer groups and support services. “Ibn Sina Foundation has a great team of volunteers and individual donors,” said Khowaja.

If you, loved ones or friends need health or dental care, visit the Founda-tion’s website at www.ibnsinafoundation.org or one of the community clinics for more information.

TO SHARE YOUR IDEASfor upcoming cultural stories and events, contact Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha at [email protected]

Collaborating on the work ahead to provide health care at the sixth Ibn Sina Community Clinic were Zeenat Mitha, Aijaz Khowaja, Rick Perry, Dilawar Ajani, Nasruddin Rupani, Shahnaz Ajani and Farida Rupani.

By Zeenat Kassam Mitha

Community Health Carefor the Greater Good

Community Health Carefor the Greater Good




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The 2015 Founders’ Ball Benefiting the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation

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The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 2015 Chairman’s Gala Honoring Chamber Volunteers

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Reading Between the Wines Benefiting The Literacy Council of Fort Bend

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10th Annual Road Trip Through the French Countryside Benefiting Fort Bend Cares

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Meet Tyler Turner

By Joan FrancesPhotography by Prestige Photos.

Ridge Point High School in Fort Bend Independent School District

(FBISD) has a reputation for thorough-ly preparing students to take the next step in life. With a diversified curricu-lum and a variety of extracurricular activities, students can find their talent early in their high school career. One student who has excelled in sports, aca-demics and leadership is Tyler Turner.

Baseball was Tyler’s first love. Un-fortunately, an arm injury benched him for nine months. After his re-covery, Tyler joined a premier team and went on to win the sophomore division national championship. Be-cause his father loved the sport, Ty-ler began to play football, and he was voted most valuable defensive back player his freshman year. For the next three years, Tyler played varsity foot-ball with commitment and drive, and this year, he is varsity team captain.

When asked what it is he appreci-ates about football, Tyler said, “Foot-ball is a team sport. Everyone has to work together to win games. I enjoy working with and motivating the team to accomplish goals set by my coach and teammates. Being in the school system all 14 years, I have acquired great friends who play football.” As a sophomore, Tyler was awarded the

HOT SHOTHigh School

FBISD Student Athlete Academic All-District award, and this year, he was given the Texas Academic All-State Ath-lete Second Team award. Tyler donates his free time as a volunteer coach for the Columbia Youth Football Associa-tion, teaching position skills, as well as coaching and mentoring young players.

In a class of 468 seniors, Tyler ranks 37 and is consistently on the all “A” hon-or roll. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. Tyler was one of two students selected from his junior class for the American Legion Texas Boys State honor. He has received Academic Excellence awards for Physics, Algebra II, Sociology, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, as well as Outstanding Excellence in Chemistry.

When asked what value Tyler lives by, he replied, “Faith in God. I feel God has a plan for us all, and having faith makes getting through all of the bad times eas-ier. Putting my future in God’s hands allows me to make decisions that will guide me down the right path to success.”

Tyler’s favorite teacher is Rusty Hill, his freshman English teacher. “I liked the way Mr. Hill structured his Eng-lish class, straight forward and well-defined. He invests his time in his stu-dents, is attentive and easy to talk to.”

Tyler is a respected leader. He was elected to the Student Kickoff Peer Mentoring program, where he ad-vised, led and guided incoming fresh-men in support of their transition ex-perience, and he interacted bimonthly at freshman advisory classes. As a member of the High School Football Leadership Council, Tyler helped with player interaction, uniform selec-tion and disciplinary procedures. He was also elected to the FBISD High School Diversity Conference, which is designed to increase awareness, improve communication and devel-op mutual understanding of diverse groups among high school students.

Tyler feels that to be a good leader one must “lead by example to re-late with everyone. I get immersed in the work with my peers to accom-plish the goals we set. Some leaders say what they think people want to hear, but a good leader gets involved and follows through to the end.”

“Putting my future in God’s hands allows me to make decisions that will guide me down the right path to success.” – Tyler Turner

Tyler will pursue an undergraduate degree in accounting and plans to at-tend law school with a focus on energy industry government relations or prac-tice law as a prosecutor. He aspires to attend school at Georgetown in Wash-ington D.C. or The University of Texas in Austin. Congratulations on your continued success, and good luck as you prepare to take the next step in life.

Tyler


By Christopher Hill

The laughter is not from the audi-ence. Instead, it comes from the

Nickelodeon executives who decided it was time to roll SpongeBob SquarePants back to the big screen to improve bonuses

the Avengers, all have odd and amusing skill sets, where they each conveniently find their way to stopping the bad guy and turning everything back to normal by the time the credits roll.

Watching the review in a theater filled with children, including one of my own, had me braced for raucous laugh-ter. The theater was relatively quiet. Sure, everyone applauded at the end, but I wondered if it was for the crafts-manship or for the brief duration of the film. As an adult, I think one of the best parts of SpongeBob is the nods above the heads of their main demographic — stray comments crafted to keep the older set engaged. Will kids like it? Sure. Will you enjoy sitting through it? Probably not. There just isn’t enough for adults to enjoy over the full 92 minutes of the film.

Of course, this wasn’t written for adults. It was written for college-aged kids in between bouts of the munchies and for young kids. If you are in those subsets, you will find reasons to enjoy the film — and there are moments to enjoy. Unfortunately, these moments are just too few and far between. This is a typical show from the series slightly dressed up to rob you of your gold. No wonder the main villain is a pirate. Arghhhhhh!

Are you ready, readers?Aye, aye, reviewer!I can’t hear you!Aye, aye, reviewer!Ooooooooooh Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?SpongeBob SquarePants!A marketer’s dream of a cash grab is he!SpongeBob SquarePants!If nautical nonsense be something you wish,SpongeBob SquarePants!Then this unmemorable feature is a perfect dish!SpongeBob SquarePants!Ready? SpongeBob SquarePants, SpongeBob SquarePants,SpongeBob SquarePantsSpongeBob SquarePants! Ha, ha, ha!

this year. For fans of the series, of which I am one, there is a similar ring to the story as Bob’s arch nemesis Plankton is back, and as always, he is trying to steal the famous formula for Krabby Patties, the apparent addiction of choice for the residents of Bikini Bottom. The recipe mysteriously disappears, and their home rapidly turns into an apocalyptic mess. For the uninitiated, if neither of those sentences makes sense, don’t worry — neither does the movie.

Of course, that is a part of the charm of SpongeBob. The bottom line is that Sponge and his team have to go to the surface to find and return with the rec-ipe. If you had seen the film preview or any of the advance marketing, you would have thought the movie was a three-di-mensional SpongeBob adjusting to life in our world, a sponge out of water story, so to speak. Instead, it takes an hour just to get to the surface, and unfortunately, not much is done with the 3-D world. In-stead, the executives cash in on trends, with Sponge and his team being granted powers. As the Bikini Bottom version of

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water

Now Showing: In Local Theaters

MPAA Rating: PGViolence: Cartoon-based

Language: NoneSexuality: None


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17510 W Grand Parkway S.Suite 590

Sugar Land, TX 77479

UrogynecologyCenter

Caring for women with pelvic floor

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is fellowship-trained and board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Urogynecology combines expertise in urology and gynecology to provide women with comprehensive care for conditions such as prolapse, incontinence, pelvic pain and other pelvic floor disorders.Common conditions treated:

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Dr. Dereska and her compassionate staffwill allay your fears and educate you aboutthe latest technology in testing and treatments so you can get back to living your life.Services include:H Multichannel Urodynamic TestingH CystoscopyH PessariesH Pelvic floor physical therapyH Sacral and peripheral nerve stimulationH Botulinum toxin bladder injectionsH Interstitial cystitis therapyH Surgery for pelvic organ prolapseH Surgery for bladder or bowel incontinence

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Kurt M. Andreason, Attorney-at-LawBoard Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specializationin Estate Planning, Probate Law andCommercial Real Estate.

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

Shehnaz M. Shirazi, DDS is a cos-metic, family and implant dentist who has been practicing for the last 22 years. Dr. Shirazi graduated from New York Univer-sity College of Dentistry, and Houston has been her home for the last 15 years. Pre-viously, Dr. Shirazi practiced in the New Hampshire and New York.

Dr. Shirazi’s passion is creating beauti-ful smiles. She is very committed to her patients and takes pride in making every patient comfortable in the dental chair and in having a solution for every patient’s need by combining different treatment options, making sure they meet the finan-cial needs of the patient.

As dentistry has advanced to meet all types of conditions, Dr. Shirazi feels that every patient should have healthy and functional teeth. She is very effi-cient in providing all services needed for her patients, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, implants, bleaching, root canals, dentures and partial dentures.

Dr. Shirazi is very proud of her state-of-the-art practice with the latest technology, located at 4502 Riverstone Boulevard, Suite 501 in Missouri City. She feels it is important to have one office that pro-vides all needed dental services where the whole family is welcome. Her philosophy is that it is critical to have a caregiver rela-tionship, where the patient is a person and not a number.

Now accepting new patients of all ages and most insurances, as a wel-come gesture for her new location Dr. Shirazi is proudly announcing 20 percent off all services and a free exam for the month of March. For more information, visit www.shirazi-dds.com or call 281-778-8527.

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SUMMERFUN


S ummer vacations

are a time for kids to

kick back, relax and most

importantly, have fun. And

just because school is out

doesn’t mean that children

need to forego learning in

the pursuit of having fun.

There are many activities

that have the potential to

be learning experiences.

Parents can foster learning

throughout the warm-

weather months. Here

are numerous ideas for

maximum fun. Enjoy!


With bright and cheery weather as your inspiration, there’s no shortage of exciting party theme ideas you can use to impress guests and make your little one feel extra special. When their birth-day occurs in a warm weather month, it’s even easier to plan a colorful soiree with a laid-back atmosphere inspired by summer. Here are some tips for fun and easy party planning.

Pick the Perfect Party ThemeSticking with a common theme

throughout the party planning process is a great way to let your hosting skills shine through, while highlighting your child’s interests.

Start by making a list of your child’s favorite things. Does the birthday boy or

girl have a special toy, book or hobby? Or, perhaps your child is inspired by an animal or movie character. Once you have a few ideas in mind, give your child a short list of options and let them ulti-mately choose the party theme.

Have a little one who loves cars? A child who finds wonder in the circus? Then, consider a hot rods or vintage circus themed party. “A birthday party that truly represents your child’s pas-sions will leave lasting memories,” said Valerie Gimre, owner of Charming Touch Parties. “Focus on a few key elements to spotlight the theme and let the creativity flow.”

Creating the InvitationsA special party deserves a special in-

vitation. It’s not only the way to let guests know about your big day; it also creates their first impression of the event. From the color of the paper to the font, it’s the

fine details that count. Skip the electronic invite and opt

for the personal touch of sending homemade invitations with spe-cial details, like an eye-catching stamp that coordinates with the party theme. If you want to save on paper, a postcard design is a fun way to announce the party.

Each year, the U.S. Postal Ser-vice issues limited-edition stamps

that honor American passions and pastimes like the new Hot Rods Forever stamps or Vintage Circus Posters For-

ever stamps. These highly visual stamps cost the same as all Forever stamps but are the perfect detail to introduce your guest to the party theme, showcasing fast, powerful vehicles that thrill car lov-ers of every age and colorful clowns and amazing acts such as acrobatic gym-nasts that remind us of the wonder of the circus.

While designing the invitations, re-member to keep the language as simple and concise as possible, while includ-ing all of the specifics, such as the date, time, name of place and the address. Also, be sure to include details about the RSVP, including an email and phone number, as well as a deadline for their response.

Tie in With Other Party ElementsBeyond invitations, a great birthday

party also includes creative home deco-rations and fun food and dessert ideas. For example, you can build on the circus theme by creating a concession stand table, complete with popcorn, animal crackers and other treats that kids love.

End your perfect party by sending off each child with a gift they can take home as a memento. Kids will love to receive a stationary kit, complete with paper, en-velopes and pens adorned in the party’s color and theme. Be sure to place an eye-catching stamp on each envelope – from clowns and acrobats to classic cars. Visit www.usps.com/stamps or the local post office to see the broad array of limited-edition stamps available.

A BirthdayParty to Remember

A BirthdayParty to RememberEasy Tips for Children’sSummer Birthday Parties

I nvite over the family and friends and celebrate your child’s big day with a fun-filled summer birthday party that’s as

unique as the guest of honor.

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TAKE ON SUMMERSummer Programs at the Fort Bend Family YMCA

Register today at ymcahouston.org.

Join and enjoy the member ratefor your summer programs.

Y summer programs offer the perfect opportunity to make playing and learning a family goal.

Day Camp Swim Lessons

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text YMCAHoustonto 41411YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

Fort Bend’s Finest Equestrian Center

Spend Summer Break atRiding Camp with Sienna Stables!

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• Summer Camps beginning June• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday - Friday• Youths aged 6 - 16 years old• Students grouped according to ability & age• Horse Show exhibition and awards for all!• Now taking reservations

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Summer Dance Session

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June 9 – July 15 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Morning &Afternoon Camps

Ages 5-14Lessons in drawing, painting and sculpture with

creative projects for each new theme. Camps run Monday thru Thursday, Campers participate in a Juried Art Show where everyone gets a ribbon and prizes go home for “Best of Show.”

New This Year! Purchase a Kids Art Camp apron – perfect for keeping kids clean during their fun-filled art sessions.

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Empty Bowls toHonor School District’s Contribution

Grayle James, Charles Dupre, Jackie Martinez, Tim Nyberg, Pamela Shaw, Vickie Coates, Kip Johnson, Linda Day and Ashley Aborisade.

The 6th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls will honor Fort Bend Independent School District for their enormous contri-bution to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry’s programs for 25 years. The event is set for Friday, April 17th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Safari Texas Ranch. Fort Bend Empty Bowls is the single largest fundraising event benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry.

Guests of the event are served a sim-ple meal of soup and bread as a remind-er of families in Fort Bend County who don’t have enough food to eat. Tickets for Fort Bend Empty Bowls are only $40 per person and may be purchased at East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry or at humanneeds.org.

Vickie Coates, executive director at East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry,

approached district board leaders after reflection of the ongoing partnerships with schools and educators in the dis-trict. Schools like Lakeview Elementary and Dulles High School hold annual food

drives for the pantry. Additionally, Re-becca Root at Ridge Point High School volunteers to fire the bowls for Empty Bowls each year. “Students, organiza-tions, faculty and staff have given so much in donations and volunteer time,” said Coates. “There’s no way to count how many tons of food we’ve been giv-en.”

Honorary Steering Committee mem-bers include Charles Dupre, Ed.D., Fort Bend ISD Superintendent of Schools, and Grayle James, School Board Presi-dent. They have met with staff of the ministry, along with staff members of both organizations. The meeting also in-cluded Tim Nyberg, manager of Whole Foods Sugar Land, who sponsors the event each year. The aim is to discuss long-term, positive change that could come about from the partnership.

Fort Bend Empty Bowls will feature hand-painted soup bowls donated by local professional and amateur artists, which will be available for purchase. There will also be silent and live auc-tions. Commissioner James Patterson will serve as the event auctioneer.

For more information about Fort Bend Empty Bowls, contact Ashley Aborisade at [email protected], visit www. humanneeds.org/empty-bowls-2015.html or call 281-261-1006.


For sponsorship, tickets or more information contact Lisa Moore at [email protected] or 281-344-5108 or go to www.cafb.org

May 2, 2015Sugar Land Marriott

Town Square6pm

™

The Secret Garden Gala

Honorary Chairs:Fulshear Mayor Tommy & Rhonda Kuykendall

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Dr. Stuart Rimes welcomes Dr. Nisa Dadjoo, DDS, MSD to the practice.

People seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer services in state-of-the-art

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NEWSWORTHY

Grant-A-Starr Foundation’s7th Annual Family Fun Run and Walk

Student steering committee members Jeremy Brener, Austyn Stoltenberg, Arpam Dutta, Lane Prado, Rashawn Slater, Evan Young, Jason Rodriguez, Ashley Dinges, Riley Spengeman, Meredith Prado, Madison Coffey, Jacquie Gann, Rachel Wang, Lizzie Anderson, Blake Jameson, Dylan Alexander, Kaitlyn Gascoyne and Julia Jameson.

Plans are underway for the 7th Annual Grant-A-Starr Foundation Family 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Walk to be held on Satur-day, March 28th at Sugar Land Memorial Park. In addition to a 5K chip-timed race, there will be a one-mile event. A com-munity oriented post-race party will fol-low the awards presentation, as well as plenty of food, freebies and an area just for the kids. The Kid’s Zone, sponsored by St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, will have games and activities galore.

To celebrate the life of their son Grant, a precious seven-year-old boy who passed away from an unidentified virus the summer before he was to be-gin second grade, Dolores and Rod Starr founded the Grant-A-Starr Foun-dation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization created solely for the pur-pose of saving children’s lives through the advancement of rapid detection of life-threatening childhood infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis. It provides financial support to Houston-based research projects that are dedi-cated to the development of rapid di-agnostic testing, which will reduce the time required to identify an illness and ultimately save children’s lives.

What makes the Grant-A-Starr Foun-dation Fun Run unique is the student steering committee. It is made up of

local area high school volunteers who have taken a deep personal interest in the event. This year’s teen board presi-dent is Kaitlyn Gascoyne, a senior at Clements High School. “The committee itself has become a family within itself,” Gascoyne explained. “I have really tried to implement team-building activities for the committee this year. We spend a lot of time together, and true friendships have developed with kids who have been part of the race for all of their high school years!”

After six successful years, the stu-dent sponsorship committee, led by student chairperson Rachel Wang, is

setting even more aggressive sponsor-ship goals for the 2015 event. “We have been honored with great sponsorship in the past, and now we want to take it to the next level!” said Wang, a sophomore at Clements High School. “Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 for the Founda-tion. There are many levels of support available, and both businesses and in-dividuals are encouraged to participate. We welcome them all!”

For sponsorship information, please call 281-731-7691. To learn more about the Grant-A-Starr Foundation and reg-ister for the race, visit www.grantastarr.org.


Enjoy casino stylefun with a Texas flair! Featuring casino and

other games, dinner, live and silent auctions

Must be 21 to attend. If you are unable to attend,

please consider a cashdonation or an auction item.

281-344-4286www.goVSC.org

UnderwritersHigh Roller - $10,000Pit Boss - $7,500Texas Hold ‘Em - $5,000sponsorsWrangler - $2,500Branding - $1,500Lariat - $1,000

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Supported Living Centerpresent

friday, March 27, 2015George Ranch Historical Park

6 – 11 pm

SPO

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PinPointe is a quick, safe, and painless procedure that involves no anesthesia. It’s usually effective after only one treatment.

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Have your weddingdetails and photospublished in print

and online inour magazine!

Remember the day you said “I do” like

it was yesterday.

Real Weddings

If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Real Weddings, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent(s) reside in the Fort Bend area. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos – all absolutely free!

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Coming in June


NEW LOCATION

NE

WS

WO

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HY 2015 Golf Classic

Supporting All Three County YMCAs

On March 23rd, all three YMCAs in Fort Bend County will work together to host the 9th Annual YMCA Golf Clas-sic, sponsored by Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus. This year’s event will be held at Pecan Grove Country Club with a shotgun start at 11:30 am.

“We are excited to again be team-ing up with an organization that does so much for youth and families in our region,” stated Joey Dupuis, Sterling McCall Lexus general manager and co-event sponsor. The Y event will have a best ball scramble format and includes several on-course competitions, includ-ing the Hit the Green Contest sponsored by Jeff Tallas Farmers Insurance.

The event will include a lunch do-nated by Macaroni Grill and a barbecue dinner donated by The Swinging Door. In addition, golfers will enjoy complimen-tary beverages and snacks during their round. Each golfer will receive a goodie bag that will include a shirt, balls, snacks and more. During the dinner and awards ceremony, golfers can participate in both silent and live auctions.

Other supporters for the event to date include BB&T Bank, Fluor, RBC Wealth Management, TDECU-Your Credit U-nion, the Fellowship of Cinco Ranch, Staff Force and Houston Community College. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Annual Campaigns of the Fort Bend YMCA in Missouri City, the T.W. Davis YMCA in Richmond and the Katy YMCA in Cinco Ranch. Combined, the three YMCA campaigns will provide scholarships or subsidized program-ming for over 7,000 youth, families and individuals in YMCA programs, outreach and memberships.

The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information on available sponsorships or team registra-tions, visit www.ymcaspringclassic.org or call Brian Haines at 281-392-5055.

The YMCA Golf Classic leadership team: J. Michael Schaupp, Michael Chawla, Bill My-ers, Ken Ward, Walter Gerlach, Sue Hauenstein, Jess Stuart, Lani Hoyt, Mikel White and Maggie Ochoa.


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2nd AnnualSugar Land Art Center

Arts Fest

Fine art created by the members of the Sugar Land Art Center and Gallery (SLAC&G) and other artists will be fea-tured for sale on Saturday, March 28th at the 2nd Annual Sugar Land Center Arts Fest. The event, scheduled from 10 am to 5 pm at 104 Industrial Boulevard, Suite Q in Sugar Land, will also feature an art show by Fort Bend County ISD art students, entertainment, a kids’ zone with art project participation, a silent auction, live auctions and more.

Proceeds from the event support SLAC&G, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organi-zation whose mission is to provide an inspiring environment for the creative individual, including children and senior citizens, through art lessons, art educa-tion, working studio space, a gallery and fellowship, and to promote an improved society through art awareness. SLAC&G invites artists to take a class, showcase art or rent studio space. The organization offers classes in all mediums for all age levels.

SLAC&G is open normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and its facilities consist of 17 private studios and four classrooms. A children’s art camp and art programs for the elderly, disabled children and adults are among some of SLAC&G’s many projects.

The event is for all ages, and admis-sion is free. For more information about becoming a vendor, sponsor or perform-er, visit www.SugarLandArtCenter.org.

The Sugar Land Art Center and Gallery. Photo from www.SugarLandArtCenter.org.


The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show:A Tradition of Excellence and a Legacy of Giving

Greetings and rider Morgan Erbstoesser were winners of last year’s Week One $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc. (USHJA) National Hunter Derby. Presenting the award were Georgia Carter, Elizabeth Wood, Katie Lambert Boone and Robin Walker. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will celebrate a 70 year tradition of excellence and a legacy of giving when more than 1,200 competitors of all ages and 2,000 horses and ponies of all sizes gather March 17th through March 29th at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy. One of the oldest and most prestigious charity horse shows in the nation, the 70th Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is presented by Irish Day Farm and Haras Dos Cavaleiros. This family-friendly horse show is a series of events that take place in covered and outdoor arenas at 2501 South Mason Road. Most events are free and open to the public.

Proceeds from The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show benefit three organizations that focus on healing sick children: Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Texas Children’s Hospital and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Fam-ily Alliance, which supports the Texas Children’s Cancer Center. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has entered into a $550,000 commitment to the Sports Medicine Program at Texas Chil-dren’s Hospital West Campus, enabling the program to have a Sports Medicine Fellow, which is critical to expanding the care for adolescent athletes. This pledge brings Pin Oak’s giving to the West Campus of Texas Children’s Hospital to $1.25 million in recent years. Pin Oak has also pledged a $100,000 commit-ment to Texas Children’s newest hospital in The Woodlands, which is slated to open in 2017.

“Pin Oak has supported the growth of Texas Children’s Hos-

pital from the very beginning. We’re truly honored to have Pin Oak give so generously to expand our care in the Sports Medi-cine Clinic at West Campus and at our newest campus in The Woodlands,” noted Mark Wallace, president and chief execu-tive officer of Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show combines extraordinary equestrian competition, ringside social events and charitable giving – almost $6 million since the show’s inception in 1945, with a donation of $200,000 in 2014. The vision of J.S. Aber-combie, founder of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, contin-ues to bring the best horse show teams together to benefit the community, specifically children, through the establishment of a pediatric hospital that would turn no child away. In 1947, Pin Oak made the first donation to build Texas Children’s Hospi-tal. That vision became reality in 1954 when Texas Children’s Hospital opened its doors. Today, the hospital serves children not only from Houston or Texas, but from around the world, with over three million patient encounters annually from over 50 nations.

Olympic caliber Grand Prix events and the International Hunter Derby are highlights of the two-week horse show that attract thousands of spectators. Week one of the Pin Oak Char-ity Horse Show, March 17th to 22nd, features various breeds, including American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos, Hunter competition, Show Jumping and All-breed Working Eq-uitation. Pin Oak Week One also includes the Collegiate Invi-tational, with eight equestrian teams competing in Hunt Seat. Riders and coaches will represent Delaware State University, Fresno State, Louisiana State University, New Mexico State University, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M Univer-sity, Texas Christian University and Rice University. Week two finds elegant Hunters and exciting Show Jumpers in all rings from March 24th to 29th.

Lynn Walsh, president of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and an accomplished equestrian, reflected on Pin Oak and its meaning. “The Greater Houston community has extended tremendous support to The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show over these 70 years. Thankfully, this amazing support continues to get better every year. It is gratifying to be part of a mission that endures, yet evolves over time and that delivers value on so many levels. We have outstanding national sponsors, tremen-dous publicity and promotional support from media partners like absolutely! Katy and absolutely! Memorial Magazines and spectators filling our grandstands on Grand Prix Saturday nights.”

General admission tickets for the Grand Prix events on March 21st and March 28th are available for a donation of $10 each for spectators 12 and older. Children under 12 are admit-ted free. For more information, visit www.pinoak.org.

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HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

absolutelyHome Living

F E AT U R I N G

Room-to-RoomHome Additions

Arlene Rolsen, CRS

Garden Guy

J & L Distributors

Lake Pointe Commons

Enchanted Nurseries & Landscapes

Sienna Plantation

Environmental ProTech

Hamre’s

Luckily, there’s no need to knock down walls or move plumbing to make an impact. Simply start with small, qual-ity updates to pack a dramatic punch for less money. Here are some ways to add quality and comfort within the differ-ent spaces of your home.

EntrywayAs the first thing visitors see, your front door should al-

ways provide a good impression, reflecting the beauty that emanates throughout your home. Matching the exterior and interior with doors creates a flow into outdoor living spac-

es. Using doors as a part of the overall aesthetic can also allow for some creativity with glass accents or bold color choices. Choose a reliable door manufacturer that offers a wide breadth of finishes and styles using wood, steel and fiberglass.

Living RoomAdd decorative touches to your living room with repur-

posed items found around the house. Fill a decorative pitch-er or an old tin watering can with fresh flowers from the garden to add elegance to your coffee table. Wrap assorted globe lighting fixtures or mason jars with wire and hang them in a grouping to display votive candles. For an eclectic and shabby chic feel, turn a vintage drawer on end to use as a bookshelf or bring in an old wooden crate to use as a side table.

BathroomFrom tiles and countertops to faucets and showerheads,

the options are endless for bathroom updates. With wall-hung, stand-alone or pedestal styles, your choices for a new vanity are no exception. Dur-ing a renovation, some hom-eowners begin their project by focusing on other bath-room elements like those mentioned above. But start-ing with the addition of a new vanity will set the stage for your bathroom and provide a focal point for the other de-sign elements.

KitchenRefreshing your kitchen doesn’t require a major update.

Add a new color to existing cabinetry by refinishing or add-ing a new coat of paint. Would you like to add a glossy shine to the kitchen? Simply apply mesh-back glass tile to fit the dimensions of cabinet door panels. Finish the update with a modern touch by replacing outdated hardware with the many new, stylish options available.

Rooms ThroughoutFrom the master bedroom to the hall entryway, hardwood

floors provide the ultimate in beauty and ambiance. Refin-ishing gives your existing tired, worn out floors an instant upgrade that shines from room to room.

By focusing on a few quality updates, you can add beauty and comfort to your home to be enjoyed for many years or add value in a competitive housing market. For more design ideas and tips, visit www.ronbow.com or www.masonite.com.

Room-to-Room

Home Additions

W

hen considering a home renovation, think outside of the box for design inspiration

and setting the overall tone. With homeowners staying in their homes longer due to the economy, renovations should focus on usability and personal style. For those homeowners looking to sell, the market is still very much a buyer’s space, so quality additions that increase value are certainly top of mind.

Source: Family Features


absolute ly! HOME L IVING


Advertorialabsolute ly! HOME L IVING Advertorial

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absolute ly! HOME L IVINGAdvertorial

Arlene Rolsen, CRS, has been helping buyers and sellers realize their dreams for over 37 years and believes that this last year has by far been the most unpredictable in her career. “Homeownership is an investment in your future, and it is how many American families begin to accumulate wealth. Despite the recent downturn, home-ownership still matters to many,” Rolsen said.

Arlene Rolsen loves introducing families from all over the world to Fort Bend County where they can find great schools, places to worship, shop-ping, medical care, parks, recreation and diversity. All have helped make her role such an enjoyable one. “We have truly been blessed with a market far different from any other place in the world.” The future continues to look bright for the area as more people continue to discover Fort Bend as such a wonderful place to call home.

Rolsen always remembers one of her sellers’ remarks: “I have given a lot of thought about my house sale, and I have decided that the house is secondary in the process. The buyer is actually buying the hope of a bright, happy future. As for the sellers, we are actually selling a place where memo-ries were made.” This explains why Arlene Rolsen has loved and enjoyed her years of helping buyers and sellers realize their hopes and memories.

For more information, call 281-414-8400 or contact [email protected].

Listen to the sound of the songbirds and see the butterflies sipping nectar from wildflowers. Hear the splash of a cardinal bathing in a birdbath and see your children learning more about God’s creatures. This could be your backyard!

It doesn’t matter what part of Fort Bend County you live in or how much space you have, you can create a habi-tat for wildlife and even get it certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). According to The National Wild-life Federation, there are few key things needed to create a wildlife sanctuary in your yard: food, water, cover and a safe place to raise young.

Food sources include seeds from a plant, berries, nectar, foliage/twigs, nuts, fruits, pollen, suet, bird feeders, squirrel feeders, hummingbird feeders and but-terfly feeders. Water sources include a small birdbath, a pond or a trickling water feature. Small wildlife like a place where they can feel safe. Having bushes or short shrubs where they can feel pro-tected from humans, predators and in-clement weather is a must.

Spring will be here soon, and now is a great time to get a plan for creating a habitat for birds, butterflies and other amazing small creatures that visit the area.

Once you have installed these ele-ments into your yard and created a healthy and sustainable wildlife habi-tat, enroll in the NWF’s Certified Wild-life Habitat™ program at www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Cre-ate-a-Habitat.aspx.

Garden Guy would love to help you create and install the elements for an amazing backyard wildlife habitat! For more information, call 281-208-4400 or visit www.garden-guy.com.

See ad on page 55.

Creating a PrivateWildlife Sanctuary

What an Unforgettable Year This Has Been!

[email protected]

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS“Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

Call Me For More Information

Beautiful Brownstone in the Heart of Sugar Land! Nestled in a Gated Community, Home Features Formal Living Room w/Bright Windows, Open Kitchen w/Stainless Appls and Granite, Hardwood and Tile Flrs; Outdoor Balcony off Breakfast Area; 1st Flr Bedrm w/Private Bathrm & Huge Walk-in Closet; 3rd flr Master Suite with Granite & Double Vanities in Master Bathrm + 3rd Bedrm w/Private Bathrm; Spacious Game Rm on 4th Flr w/Outdoor Enclave. Professionally Decorated and Ready for Move-in.

Lake PointeOpen House Sunday, March 15th 1-4 pm

1326 Lake Pointe Pkwy.

Come experience the definition of luxury—Sienna Plantation. We have assembled the nation’s finest homebuilders to bring to life the

home of your dreams. These incredible luxury homes feature an array

of creative plan options, breathtaking architecture, elegant features and

amenities; it is easy to see this is where luxury lives. Please see any of

our exquisite luxury homebuilders for spectacular incentives.

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Buy a house and receive a

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*Valid only on homes purchased before March 31, 2015 that are priced at $650,000 or more at time of signing. Builder incentives may vary, restrictions apply. See builder for details.

Right now if you sign a contract on a new home for $650,000+ byMarch 31st we will include a Tiffany & Company $1,000 gift card.



Visit the model home village now open at Lake Pointe Commons, a gated community of 46 single-family homes in the Lake Pointe mixed-use develop-ment of Sugar Land. Located minutes from Highway 59 and Highway 6, the epicenter of Sugar Land’s Town Center, Lake Pointe Commons offers luxury, convenience and access to unique lifestyle centers and is within walking dis-tance to Whole Foods Market, great restaurants and shopping.

This new project by Pelican Builders offers five different floor plans, rang-ing from 2,313 square feet to 3,200 square feet with a limited number of lake front lots available, and all homes are elevator capable. With gated access and privacy, elegant architecture giving the community the feel of a European village and a common area with features including a swimming pool, cabana and lake front access, come see why Lake Pointe Commons is a great place to call home.

With a portfolio that spans over 30 years, Pelican Builders is dedicated to making a house a home. They understand the fine balance between design, architecture and the highest quality construction. Each previous homeowner will attest to Pelican Builders’ exceptional reputation of consistently deliver-ing quality homes nestled within defined and well-planned communities. At the end of the day, Pelican Builders’ hallmark continues to be their dedica-tion. Whether presenting a luxury high-rise or elegant single family home, Pelican Builders is passionate about what they do, and it shows.

For more information on Lake Pointe Commons, contact Lizz or Chris Sansone at 281-753-0333 or visit www.lakepointecommons.com.

Now is the time to “dig in” and play in the dirt! Enchanted Nurseries carries everything needed for those who have always wanted to have a kitchen herb garden, pick fruit from their own trees or have a vegetable garden from which they can harvest healthy, organic food for their family.

Enchanted Nurseries carries the larg-est selection of herbs around that are grown particularly for our hot and humid climate. Did you know herbs are not only grown for their taste but for the health benefits as well? For example, rosemary is often used to help increase memory and focus, but it also contains many cancer fighting agents.

Fruit trees are easy and fun for those with a little space. While many variet-ies can be grown in pots, fruit trees are beautiful and fruitful in the landscape. Enchanted Nurseries carries varieties suited to the harsh Gulf Coast climate, ranging from lemons, limes and oranges to figs, apples, pomegranates and more. Shop early for the best selection!

Growing vegetables in this area re-quires a few more skills and a little plan-ning. Some vegetables prefer the cooler climate of fall and winter, and others love the warmth brought by spring and summer to thrive and produce in abun-dance. Enchanted Nurseries brings in the healthiest plants at the right time and season to help ensure success.

Enchanted Nurseries carries the plants, seeds and trees to get started, as well as the best soil, amendments and fertilizers. Their friendly staff will guide gardeners along the path to a success-ful spring garden. For more information, visit www.myenchanted.com.

Dig In atEnchanted Nurseries

Lake Pointe Commons: A Well-Planned Community

Think of how your mood changes when a rainy morning turns into a sun-soaked afternoon or when a glaring afternoon becomes a soothing sunset. The secret is light. Light has the power to change not just what you see but how you feel.

With J&L Distributors’ products, homeowners are able to master light, as well as shape and control it. They are able to keep the mood, yet at the same time be more energy efficient, have privacy and feel safe. Light can be used as a way to create peaceful and calming moods for your surroundings.

Of course, this light-controlling power also has its practical side. Turn a south facing breakfast area or great room into a cool and private retreat, or convert a brightly lit bedroom into a haven that welcomes sleep. There are endless possibilities for window coverings.

Stop by J & L Distributors’ Custom Window Coverings Showroom at 707 Avenue East in Stafford, where their talented staff will assist you with the right fit for your home. To learn more about J&L Distributors’ custom drapery programs, schedule a home consultation by calling 281-403-6733. For more information, visit jlblinds.com.

See ad on page 4.

The Power to Change Light



WWW .M Y ENCHAN T ED . COM



For the last 20 years, Environmental Protech, led by owners Robert and Min-dy Kersey, has made it their mission to improve the quality of lives in and around the Greater Houston area. By providing high-quality water treatment equipment at a fair price and keeping the cus-tomer’s interest as top priority, Environ-mental Protech has established itself at the forefront of the Houston area water treatment industry.

Robert and Mindy Kersey continue to thank their success to God and the mis-sional projects Environmental Protech supports. In October 2014, employee Bronson Kersey traveled to a children’s home near Lake Volta in Ghana with hopes to help end the slave labor pres-ent in the region. Upon arriving, Bronson met a young boy, given the name Mr. Cool, with a unique story.

Three years ago, Mr. Cool was traf-ficked to a fisherman and his wife to work on Lake Volta. Daily labor became his life until a crippling injury left him helpless and in agonizing pain. Fortu-nately, the intervention of Eric Peasah, the director of Right To Be Free, and the Department of Social Welfare saved him from an uncertain fate. After a court or-der and intervention from the police, Mr. Cool was saved and placed in the care of a children’s home. Mr. Cool awaits the funds for his surgery, which are being raised at Crowdrise.com/believeincool.

Environmental Protech plans to keep supporting projects like Mr. Cool by do-nating 10 percent of profits toward his surgery.

For more information, call 281-495-4420, e-mail [email protected] or visit EnvironmentalProtech.com.

Environmental Protech: Sales, Service, Installation

Two of Texas’ premier luxury home builders will build a collection of 45 luxury homes in Sienna Plantation’s Village of Sawmill Lake as the first phase of the continuation of the Fort Bend master-planned community begins to take shape. Located in a secluded, gated section of Sienna Plantation’s new-est village, single-family luxury homes by Toll Brothers and J. Patrick Homes will be built on wooded home sites spanning 100 feet in width. Buyers can choose floor plans up to 7,000 square feet with custom amenities and luxury, high-end features.

Construction of Sawmill Lake’s luxury homes will begin this spring, and 12 model homes ultimately will open later this year in the Village of Sawmill Lake to create one of Houston’s largest model home collections. Currently, Sienna Plantation has five amenity centers that include waterparks, tennis, sports fields and fitness. The next amenity center is planned to open in 2016 along the banks of Sawmill Lake in the northeast corner of the village.

Named after the historic sawmills that operated on the property in the mid 1800s, the Village of Sawmill Lake will offer 500 home sites along with an el-ementary school and middle school to be built by the Fort Bend Independent School District. Children in Sienna Plantation currently attend three on-site elementary schools, an on-site middle school and a new high school, among others in the highly acclaimed Fort Bend ISD.

For more information, visit www.siennaplantation.com. See ad on page 57.

Sienna Plantation’s New Village of Sawmill Lake

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Jamie andPatricia Hamre

Serving Fort Bend County since 1997

See our new Photo Gallery atwww.HamresRemodeling.com

Kitchen & Bathroom RemodelingCarpet • Wood Floors • Tile

281-494-92004111 Greenbriar Drive in Stafford

Gorgeous Hill Country Home SiteWaterfront Lot in Comal County

For Sale By Owner

281.728.1204

Just 20 minutes from San Antonio and minutes from the Guadalupe River in Spring Branch, this 1.72 acre lot is your Hill Country dream come true! Amazing views on the hillside lot that features a meadow with waterfront along Spring Creek, The Crossing at Spring Creek, an acreage home site community, is the perfect place to build your Hill Country getaway. The commu-nity offers all underground utilities, paved, county maintained roads, plus a beautiful 10+ acre owners-only park with scenic hiking trails, a swimming pool and pavilion and a playground.


Hamre’s Remodeling & Flooring has everything needed to make a kitchen re-modeling, bathroom remodeling or floor-ing project a great success. They offer kitchen and bath remodeling featuring Mid-Continent and Fieldstone Cabi-netry in beautiful door styles, with rich stain or paint colors and improved stor-age, countertops and backsplashes that make a design statement and creative lighting that can illuminate dark spots and add ambiance.

Imagine a shower with beautiful stone in durable porcelain or ceramic tile and a larger shower footprint with a relax-ing bench and shampoo niche. Replace that monster whirlpool tub with a sleek, contemporary, freestanding soaker tub. Then, imagine painting that ties it all to-gether, performed by painters who have worked with Hamre’s Remodeling & Flooring for years and have the skills it takes to create a luxurious retreat.

With porcelain and ceramic floor tile in beautiful transitional and contempo-rary looks, Hamre’s Remodeling & Floor-ing can provide the anchor and flow for an entire flooring project. They also of-fer luxurious carpet and the warm look of wood floors that extend into the rest of the home to complete a whole interior renovation.

Open Monday through Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm, Hamre’s Remodeling & Flooring’s Selec-tion Center is located at 4111 Greenbriar Drive in Stafford. View Hamre’s Remod-eling & Flooring’s new photo gallery at www.HamresRemodeling.com. For more information, call 281-494-9200.

Hamre’s Remodeling& Flooring: ServingFort Bend County

Since 1997

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IN THEHEART

O F T H E B E N D

OUT&ABOUT

Shape Up Fort Bend Youth Crew leaders in wellness paddled to first place in the Mixed Youth Division at the October Regatta.

Joshua Suen, Marina Tan, Matthew Tran, Connie Cheng, Hannah Nguyen, Han Hu, Ariel Ramos, David Nie, Lisa Chenh and Rachel Wang.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Sweetwater Country Club to celebrate and thank a number of volunteers who contribute to the organization’s mission of providing a voice, healing the hurt and breaking the cycle of abuse for children in Fort Bend County.

Irene Wisner and Jessica Jubin. John Healey and Albert Glover. Lindsey Castellanos and Ruthanne Mefford.

Ron Pope, Sylviane Hoare and Scott Dixon.

Rob and Laura Thompson. Linda Schultz and Anne Bulan.


Third Graders from Colony Meadows Elementary recently put on a Trash Art and Fashion Show celebrating a unit on studying natural resources and conservation. Students showcased items made out of reused items that otherwise would have been thrown away.

Pam Filip and Scott Elmer.

Stacy and Keith Borgfeldt. Lee Ann and Tim Stubenrouch.

Burke Randolf and Leslie Wood.

Patti and Tim Kaminski with Sharon Hilburn.

Hilary Brawner and Tony Clark.

The Fort Bend YMCA kicked off their annual campaign by celebrating old Hollywood glitz and glamour at Star Cinema Grill in Missouri City. Contributions received from the annual support campaign fund the growing number of scholarships awarded to individuals and families in need of vital YMCA programs and services.

Julia Saman created a license plate purse.

Elizabeth Robinson displayed her cereal box backpack.

absolutely! focus media’s Sarah Bearden finished the Chevron Houston Marathon in January. Way to go Sarah!


IN THEHEART

O F T H E B E N D

OUT&ABOUT

Congratulations to the successful production of Dulles High School’s Seussical under the directorship of Melanie Burke, Blake Minor, Jennifer Marrero, Danielle Bunch and Gregory McDaniel.

absolutely! focus media Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski recently toured Texana Children’s Center for Autism at Sugar Land, where Texana’s Development and Community Relations Director Tracey Shaw and Center Manager Ellen Catoe showed the SMART Table that was purchased with the proceeds from absolutely! focus media’s 2014 GEMS event.

Tracey Shaw, Patti Parish-Kaminski and Ellen Catoe.

Cast members Jolene Smock, Ben Powell, Emma Clark, David Belleza, Emily Baucum, Atticus Finch, Jane Cloninger,Lexie Holm and Emil Jraissati.


Mark Kolon and Keith Borgfeldt. Sterling Carter and Glenn Smith.Mary Von Tungeln, Keri Schmidt and Juliette Bloomer.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted an Elected Officials Reception and 5-Star Accreditation Celebration. Joined by the Greater Fort Bend County area business community, the Chamber recognized regional elected officials, thanking them for their commitment to the region’s continued growth and prosperity.

Linda Adkins and Dee Koch. Stuart Denton and Nell Ciancarelli.Claude Leatherwood, Vincent M. Morales, Jr. and Lynn Krauss.


IN THEHEART

O F T H E B E N D

OUT&ABOUT

Jill Curtis and Cheryl Brown.

Kevin Patton and Juliette Breeze.

Gail McClenden and Patty Ward. Cindy and Steven Reiner.

The Fort Bend Cares’ sponsor reception at the ranch of Scott and Juliet Breeze recognized and celebrated sponsors of the organization’s 10th Annual Road Trip Through the French Countryside held in February.

Bob McClenden with Alison and Greg Haralson.

Sunday Coffman, Jessica Kij and Pat Houck.

Sonja White, Angela Mason and Angie Wierzbicki.


ADVERTISING SECTION

To advertise: 281-690-4242www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com

COMING APRIL 2015

MEDICALFOCUS

As a medical professional, you’ll want to be seen in our Medical Focus section. Bring new clients to your office, and distinguish yourself among the medical professionals

in the area with this unique opportunity to showcase your skills.Our advertising section is the ideal format to inform readers about your

advanced training, specialties, client-friendly environment and community involvement.


MEDICALFOCUS

Houston Methodist Primary Care GroupWelcomes Dr. Paul Tse

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is pleased to welcome internal medicine specialist Dr. Paul Tse. Dr. Tse will join Dr. Adrianne Scruggs, also an in-ternal medicine physician, with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, located at 4660 Sweetwater Boulevard, Suite 210 in Sugar Land. Dr. Tse is board certi-fied in internal medicine, and his practice serves adults.

“I am excited to be a part of Hous-ton Methodist Primary Care Group,” said Dr. Tse. “I’ve lived in Sugar Land for 10 years and am looking forward to estab-lishing long-term relationships with my

patients in Sugar Land and surrounding areas. I am especially pleased to be af-filiated with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and to have access to the hospital’s leading technology and excel-lent staff.”

Dr. Tse has been in practice for al-most 25 years and is fluent in Canton-ese. He earned his medical degree at Creighton University in Omaha and his undergraduate degree from the Univer-sity of Nebraska.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tse, visit www.houstonmethodist.org/primarycare or call 281-276-0933.

OakBend Medical Center Announces Dr. Enrique Hernandez

Dr. Enrique Hernandez is considered a new breed of interventional cardiolo-gists. He completed fellowship training in General Cardiology at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in New York, Interven-tional Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical

Hernandez is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology and is board eligible in Vascular Medicine and has joined Leachman Cardiology Associ-ates, P.A.

OakBend Medical Center is proud to announce that Dr. Hernandez is on staff working with the STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) and other cardio-vascular programs. STEMI is a deadly type of heart attack that is caused by a prolonged blockage of blood supply in the heart.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hernandez, call 713-600-9321 or email [email protected].

Dr. Enrique Hernandez

Dr. Paul Tse

Submit newsworthy [email protected]

Center in New York, where he developed expertise in complex coronary inter-ventions using both radial and femoral approaches (wrist and groin access, respectively) and advanced peripheral vascular interventions at the Texas Heart Institute.

Dr. Hernandez’s interest and skills, in addition to complex coronary interven-tion, include the treatment of carotid ar-tery disease, renal and lower extremity arterial disease, aortic aneurysms and lower extremity venous disease, which includes aggressive early intervention for deep venous thrombosis, as well as ab-lation of varicose veins and spider veins (therapeutic and cosmetic) and stenting of deep veins.

Dr. Hernandez has been an investi-gator in numerous clinical trials of new therapies for coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease and has written several book chapters on these topics, and his research has been published in major medical journals. Dr.


According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. “Because of screening tests, colorectal cancer can be caught early, increasing the survival rate for those diagnosed with the disease,” said Dr. Swarna Bala-subramaniam, board certified colorectal surgeon on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon or rectum. While the exact cause is unknown, Balasubramaniam cites the following as risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of de-veloping the disease.

• Age – The odds of developing colorectal cancer increase after age 50. Over 90 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are age 50 and older.

• Family History – Having close rela-tives, including parents, siblings or chil-dren, who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer increases your risk. Therefore, earlier and more frequent screenings may be recommended by your physician.

• Personal History of Colorectal Pol-yps or Colorectal Cancer – A polyp is a growth that develops on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps may become cancerous. If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the

Colorectal Cancer Affects One out of 18 Americans

past, the disease may reoccur.• Lifestyle – Other risk factors include

unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, smok-ing and bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease.

“Although some risk factors like age and family history cannot be avoided, other factors are within your control,” said Dr. Nasrullah Manji, board certified gastroenterologist on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Choos-ing to follow a healthy lifestyle may help lower your risk of developing colorec-tal cancer.” Balasubramaniam warned, “Colorectal cancer usually does not present symptoms in its earliest stages.”

But, as the cancer progresses, the fol-lowing symptoms may develop:

• Irregular bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea

• A constant feeling that you need to have a bowel movement

• Rectal bleeding or bloody stools• Anemia (low blood count found on

lab tests)• Frequent stomach pains or crampsIf you or a loved one exhibit any of

these symptoms or are at risk for devel-oping the disease, don’t hesitate to con-sult a physician about being screened for colorectal cancer. Early screenings can save lives. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Balasubramaniam, Dr. Manji or another colorectal surgeon or gastro-enterologist in your area, call Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physi-cian referral service at 281-274-7500.

Consumers’ Research Council of America Honors Dr. Peter Chang

A plastic surgeon’s level of education, experience and skill are undoubtedly the most important aspects influencing pro-spective patient selections. The greater the training and background, the more understanding a plastic surgeon is to the aesthetic desires impacting this modern age. Dr. Peter Chang at Timeless Plas-tic Surgery, located in Sugar Land, per-forms these cosmetic surgery principles while implementing concierge care for all of his patients.

The Consumers’ Research Council of America recently selected Dr. Chang as one of the Top Plastic Surgeons in the

United States based on meeting a strict point-based criteria involving board cer-tification, education, years in practice and his involvement in medical asso-ciations. Dr. Chang’s continued success and testimonials prove his well-earned spot in SLD Industries’ search engine “Guide to America’s Top Plastic Sur-geons” 2014 edition.

Dr. Peter Chang is honored to accept this celebratory recognition and plans to continue the pursuit of “keeping Texans beautiful” by “relentlessly chasing per-fection and in the process, achieving ex-cellence.”

Dr. Peter Chang

Join Dr. Swarna Balasubramaniam and Dr. Nasrullah Manji on Thursday, March 26th at 6 pm at Houston Meth-odist Sugar Land Hospital’s Con-ference Center to learn more about colorectal cancer and take home a free colorectal cancer screening kit. Registration is required. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281-274-7500.

Free Colorectal Cancer Seminar and Screening Kit

Swarna Balasubramaniam, M.D. and Nasrullah Manji, M.D.


NEWSWORTHY

Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) and National Oilwell Varco invite you to join them May 2nd at 6 pm in the Ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square for The Secret Garden Gala. National Oil-well Varco has generously under-written this exciting event. From the moment you step out of your car, it promises to be an enchanting eve-ning of inspiring stories, fine food and entertainment and a live and silent auction filled with fantastic opportunities and beautiful objects. CAFB is thrilled to have Fulshear Mayor Tommy Kuykendall and his wife Rhonda serving as honorary chairs. Michele Fisher of Michele Fisher Voice Overs will serve as emcee, and Randolph Holford will be the auctioneer.

“The work Child Advocates of Fort Bend does has such tremendous impact on so many children and their families.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Announces 2015 Gala Plans

Looking forward to a great gala are Rhonda and Tommy Kuyk-endall with Ruthanne Mefford.

Rhonda and I are honored to be part of this event,” said Mayor Kuykend-all. Early, McClintic & McMillan, LLP and Exchange Club of Sugar Land are Presenting Sponsors.

“At the very heart of this event is the belief that every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood. Com-munity participation in our gala fundraiser is a crucial part of our mission to help children and fami-lies affected by child abuse,” said Ruthanne Mefford, Chief Executive Officer at Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

Want to join in the fun? Sponsorship and underwriting op-portunities are now available and range from $2,000 to $15,000. Individual tickets are available for $150. For more information on becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item, volunteer-ing or attending the event, call 281-344-5108 or visit www.cafb.org.

Submit your request and get the next issue of Fort Bend Focus delivered to your mailbox!

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

A WINNER EVERY MONTHEach month’s winner receives a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Adrienne at 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIESTo submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to [email protected]. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”.

Please make sure to send some basic information about every photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and daytime phone number.

By submitting an entry, the photographer gives the Fort Bend Focus Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is no contest deadline.

March 2015 Winner

“Fishing on Maegens Bay”By Matt Diehl

Congratulations Matt, you’ve earned a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant!

A M A T E U R P H O T O C O N T E S T


Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) encourages ev-eryone to help girls develop these skills by purchasing cookies throughout the 2015 Cookie Program. Don’t know what to do with just one more box? Not to worry! Here are five fun and practical things to do with all of the packages of Girl Scout Cookies you will purchase this year:

1 Stockpile your freezer. This tried and true method for storing Girl Scout Cookies is a fan favorite for a reason. There’s nothing better than feeling overcome

by the Texas heat in late July and discovering one more box of Thin Mints tucked away in the freezer. They’re a cool summer snack and freeze well.

2 Create a recipe. This one is for all of the Food Net-work fans. Ever thought about making your Girl Scout Cookies into something else? Whether you’re crush-

ing Shortbread cookies for a piecrust or layer-ing Caramel deLites in the middle of your

brownies, incorporating Girl Scout Cookies into a sweet treat is tons of fun. For recipes, visit abc-smartcookies.com and click on Recipes under the Cookies tab.

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3 Give them as gifts. Girl Scout Cookies are some of America’s favorites for a reason. Did you know despite being sold only three months a year, Thin Mints are the

third best-selling cookie in the country year-round? Buy a few extra boxes of your friends’ and family’s favorite flavors and tuck them into their next birthday gift.

4 Give back. Ask the Girl Scout selling to you if she or her troop participate in the Cookie Share or Virtual Cookie Share programs. These programs allow a cus-

tomer to purchase a package of cookies that is donated to a lo-cal organization in need. From local shelters to military, GSSJC Girl Scouts donate thousands of packages to people in need each year. Be a part of it!

5 Commit a random act of kindness. Share the cookie love! Whether it’s a coworker having a bad day or just because you love someone, give a box of cook-

ies to someone for no reason at all. Kindness is contagious.

Ready to buy one more box and support your local troop? Visit girlscoutcookies.org or download the Cookie Finder App to find a cookie booth near you. The Cookie Program ends March 29th.

Things to Do with5Girl Scout CookiesE very box of Girl Scout Cookies sold helps girls do great things. Whether girls use

the proceeds earned from the sale to give back to a local homeless shelter, attend a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workshop or make new friends at camp this summer, each sale helps them learn valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

I had the pleasure of serving with 99 other judges to select the most de-licious wines to be awarded Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLS&R) medals and be served not only at the Best Bites competition, but also at the HLS&R Champion Wine Garden. And you thought the Rodeo was just about the livestock, concerts, jeans and boots. For me, it’s all about my favorite agri-cultural product – wine!

The Champion Wine Garden is the perfect place to kick back at the Rodeo and try a few wines until you find your favorite of the night. You can purchase drink tickets for a taste, a glass or a bottle (or two). All of the wines served have already been judged by trusted local and national wine people in the know to determine the very best ones

for Houston palates. As one of those judges, I have to tell you, there are some really delicious winners this year!

I have often shared that one of the best ways to learn which wines you like is to taste a lot of wines. Where else can you taste so many award-winning wines in one place, all while contrib-uting to agriculture scholarships for kids? Does it get any better than that?

Admission to the Champion Wine Garden is free with a Rodeo ticket or NRG park admission. It is open every day of the Rodeo, Monday through Thursday 4 to 11 pm, Fridays 4 pm to midnight, Saturdays 11 am to mid-night and Sundays noon to 10 pm.

Do you want to enjoy delicious HLS&R wines at home? Check out the list of top winners this year.

By Amy Gross

G iddy up y’all, its Rodeo time in Houston! And I’m sure that means Champion Wine Garden time for most of

you, right? Well, it should!

Grand Champion Best of Show:

Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley, California

Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show:

Charles-Le-Bel Champagne, France

Top Texas Wine: Driftwood Estate Winery Longhorn Red

Texas, 2012

Top Region Wine:Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon

McLaren Vale, Australia, 2010

Top Winery Shannon Ridge Family of Wines

Top Wine Company Trinchero Family Estates

Top Red Wine:Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso

Bolgheri DOC Superiore, Italy, 2011

Top White Wine:McManis Family Vineyards Viognier

River Junction, California, 2013

Top Sparkling Wine: Ricossa Winery Moscato d’Asti

Italy, 2013

Top Sweet Wine:Yalumba Antique Tawny South Eastern Australia

Top Value Wine:Fancy Pants Red Blend

California, 2012

Swing by your favorite grocery store or wine shop, grab a few bottles, pop a few corks and enjoy.


It’s Rodeo Time

GeographyGeography plays an important role as well. When creat-

ing the menu and knowing who your guests will be, you more than likely want to keep menu items regionally inspired and use locally sourced ingredients. The complexity of the menu and the recipes must be taken into consideration. When en-tertaining, you would like to at least have a conversation with your guests while they are about to join you in a feast. You don’t want to be in the kitchen the entire time. Cooking simple food simply is the key. There is no need to be avant-garde or whimsical in menu approach.

Budget Budget plays a key role in what you will have as your main

entrée or protein for the buffet, ranging from a single pro-tein to multiple or from chicken to lobster. Selections should be balanced and colorful. Ideally, you want to offer guests a variety of dishes that will represent these main categories: protein, salads, fruits, vegetables and sweets.

Themed buffets/stations can also be a fun route to take. Get creative with the presentation, especially if there are young ones in attendance, where you may have a separate buffet just for the kids with their own offerings, such as cot-ton candy.

How to Build a

BuffetT here are many opportunities in the coming months to put

together a home buffet for Easter, Mother’s Day or for graduating seniors. If you are ambitious enough to try one at home, here are some tips on building a buffet to remember.

SeasonThe seasonality of ingredients is very important, as you want to create a buffet that fits the season

or holiday. For example, you would not want to serve fresh strawberries in the middle of De-

cember. Even though people are very re-sourceful and can fly almost anything

in from around the globe, strawber-ries taste better when they are

local and in season.

absolutely!DELICIOUS

By Shane Bruns


Location and FlowPlacement is crucial when choosing a spot to create the

buffet, as you don’t want bottlenecking to occur. Sometimes, it is better to create stations instead of a buffet so that the crowd can spread out, eliminating long waiting times in a line. That way, guests are free to visit the station they are most interested in.

Sequence of FoodWhen placing creations on the buffet, it is typical to start

out with chilled offerings, such as composed salads and chilled soups. Then, lead into lighter fare and hot items, such as vegetables and starches. Next, place the focal point – the entrée – toward the end. Desserts should be separated from the main buffet, as most guests do not have room on their plate after going through the buffet. This allows you to become more creative in the dessert presentations. For ex-ample, fill martini glasses with chocolate mousse or display “loaded spoons” of tiramisu.

BeveragesBeverages should be on a separate table from the food

station. If coffee and tea is served, you can add it your des-sert station, depending on how big the guest list is. Beverage selection should be focused. Know your guests, and possibly create a specialty cocktail for the evening. For guests who don’t drink alcohol, create a “mocktail.”

It is important to offer a balance of wines. Weather can play a big part in this. On a hot summer day, a nice rosé may fit the bill for a light and crisp wine, followed by a medium body red like Pinot noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon for a more robust, heavier wine. Always choose the wine that you think will go best with the buffet items. Don’t forget about dessert wines, such as a nice, late harvest wine or a port to finish chocolate cake with.

DécorTry to utilize florals, candles and accent pieces within

empty spaces to create a full and decorative look. Don’t go overboard – sometimes less is more. You don’t want to lose focus of the food and beverages being offered.

Now that you have the tools to put together your own buf-fet, all you need to do is decide the menu. Enjoy!

China, Glass, Silver and Linens Choosing the right plate for the right function is also im-

portant. If the buffet is more of a reception instead of din-ner, the size of the plate should convey that to guests. Small plates at the beginning mean that the event is meant for grazing. Large plates send the message of a dinner.

Once the style of the event is determined, place plates at the beginning of the buffet or station. Cutlery can either be preset at the table settings, or silverware rolled up in nap-kins can be placed at the buffet. At a reception, cocktail forks and spoons are typically displayed at the buffet.

Depending on the beverages being served, glassware is key. For a reception-style approach, in most cases, glassware should be placed at the bar or wherever the beverages are located. For an elegant dinner, glassware is usually preset. Be sure to choose the right glass for the right wine.

Serving vessels on the buffet can be part of your creative approach in creating a memorable experience for guests. In-stead of using chafers for hot food items, there are many ways to display offerings. Griddles, mini grill tops with le Creuset Dutch ovens or casserole dishes can make items more appeal-ing to the eye. Remember, guests always eat with their eyes first.



absolute ly!AUTO REVIEW

absolute ly!AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

T he 2015 Volvo S60 is a prime example that the entry-level luxury car segment is changing

for the better. The newest version of Volvo’s mid-size sedan maintains its pared-down Scandinavian style with pumped up performance and sharp handling. No longer a smaller version of its dowdy big brother the S80, the new S60 is ready to go toe to toe with the best that Germany has to offer.

Volvo, an iconic automotive brand that dates back to the 1920s, has al-ways been known for being in the fore-front of safety. We can thank the en-gineers at Volvo for promoting safety features that we now take for granted such as the three-point seat belt, the

rear-facing child seat and rollover stability control. And although Vol-vo is still based in Sweden, it’s been owned by the Chinese automaker Geely Automobile since 2010. It’s an odd international relationship that has proven very beneficial for Volvo. And if you need proof, just check out their current line up.

The latest version of the S60 con-tinues to build on the heritage of safety that made Volvo famous with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, an innovation that scans the area ahead. If a cyclist heading in the same direc-tion suddenly swerves in front of the car as it approaches and collision is imminent, there is an instant warning

and full braking power is applied. This technology also detects if a pedestri-an steps out into the road in front of the car and can automatically activate the brakes.

But the 2015 S60 has also moved into the per-formance realm that BMW and Mercedes once thought they owned. The base model T5 Drive-E

with an MSRP of $33,750 comes stan-dard with a 240 hp, 2.0-liter turbo-charged inline-4 engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmis-sion. This little powerhouse can move from zero to 60 in six seconds with impressive fuel economy estimates of 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The T6 Drive-E boasts a turbocharged and supercharged 302 hp, 2.0-liter inline-4 that’s only drinks a touch more gas with estimates of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury car, but you don’t want to fol-low the pack in the direction of Lexus and BMW, the 2015 Volvo S60 is a sol-id choice with a lot to offer in terms of safety, styling and performance.

Follow Steve Kursur at KursarOnCars.blogspot.com.

VOLVO S60 2015


ALLOW US TO SPOTLIGHT YOUTO YOUR COMMUNITY

As a Real Estate professional, you’ll want to be seen in our special Key Realtors’ section. Bring new clients to your office,

and distinguish yourself among the top Real Estate professionals in the area with this unique opportunity to showcase your skills.Our PROFILES are the ideal format to inform readers about your

advanced training, specialties, client-friendly environment and community involvement.

KEYREALTORS

COMING APRIL 2015

PROFILES

To advertise: 281-690-4242www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com


E V E N T S

Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine

Presented By:

198 Kempner St. at Imperial Sugar Land

Water Treatment Specialists

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECH

March 2nd, 5:30 – 6:30 pm A Seuss-ical Celebration Children of all ages are invited to a special Read Across America Day celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday at the First Colony Branch Library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Families with children of all ages may listen to stories by Dr. Seuss, participate in crafts and munch on birthday snacks. Call 281-238-2800.

March 5th, 7 pmThe Battle and Fall of the AlamoIn recognition of Texas History Month, Fort Bend County Libraries will present a historical program at the Sienna Branch Library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard in Missouri City. Dr. Nicholas Cox, a U.S. History professor at Houston Community College, will discuss the political conflict leading up to the Texas Revolution, with a focus on events at the Alamo in 1836.Call 281-238-2900.

March 7th, 10:30 am Get Tips on Starting a Vegetable GardenSeasoned gardeners, as well as beginning gardeners who would like to start a vegetable garden, are invited to “Get Your Vegetable Garden Growing” at Sienna Branch Library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard in Missouri City. Learn how to plan the layout of your garden for optimal sun, shade and drainage. Certified Vegetable Specialist Joe Vinson will discuss vegetable varieties that grow well in the area, as well as places to buy plants, seeds and other gardening necessities. Call 281-238-2900.

March 11th and 25th, 6:30 – 8 pmThe Southwest Project Management Toastmasters Meeting Improve communication, public speaking and leadership skills with the Southwest Project Management Toastmasters club, which is open to everyone. Meetings are held at the Schlumberger Forum, located at 210 Schlumberger Drive in Sugar Land. Come early to socialize. Visit www.swpmt.org ore-mail [email protected].

March 13th, 11:30 am – 1 pm Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon All women are invited to hear speaker and actor Jeannette Clift George at a luncheon at Sweetwater Country Club, located at 4400 Palm Royale Boulevard in Sugar Land. Cost for the luncheon is $20 and includes complimentary valet parking. To make a reservation, call 281-208-3124 or contact [email protected].

March 14th, 10 – 11:30 amHeritage ToursJoin the historic walking tours of Old Sugar Land. Start at the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Museum, located at 198 Kempner Street for a walk that lasts approximately 1.5 hours and covers about 1.5 miles. Reservations are appreciated but not required. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 to 18. Children under 12 are admitted free. To make a reservation, contact [email protected] or 281-494-0261.

March 14th, 10 am – 2 pm Friends of the Library Book Sale The Friends of the University Branch Librarywill hold their spring book sale at the library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. Books, CDs, DVDs, LPs and VHS tapes for adults and children will be available. Most items are 50 cents to $1. Proceeds support reading and other educational library programs. Good condition books, CDs and DVDs may be donatedto the library during the sale or at any time. Call 281-633-5100.

March 9th – 14th Teddy Bear Camp The University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land, invites children to sign up a teddy bear or toy for Teddy Bear Camp any day during the week, but the earlier in the week they come, the more adventures their teddy bears will have! Registration opens at 10 am on March 9th. Throughout the week, the library’s Youth Services staff will e-mail photos to the children, showing them the fun activities their teddy bear is having at the library. After all of their adventures, children can pick up their teddy bears on March 14th, enjoy a snack and see how much fun everyone had during camp. Call 281-633-4734.

March 7th, 10 am – 3 pm6th Annual Cultural Kite Festival Vibrant kites will accent the sky at Sugar Land Memorial Park, located at 15300 University Boulevard. Activities and entertainment include kite competitions for all ages, cultural performances and more. Throughout the event, children can create their own kites! Call 281-275-2887 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Teddy Bear Camp at the University Branch Library.


E V E N T S

Submit calendar events atwww.fortbendfocus.com

March 28th, Noon – 3 pmEGGStravaganza Egg HuntHop on over to Eldridge Park, located at 2511 Eldridge Road in Sugar Land, and enjoy a wide variety of free activities at the City of Sugar Land’s 31st Annual EGGStravaganza. Children will search and scramble to collect as many eggs as possible and have an opportunity to redeem their eggs for a bigger prize! Additional activities include free pictures with the Easter Bunny, carnival games, temporary tattoo stations, a petting zoo and much more. Call 281-275-2825 or e-mail [email protected]

March 14th, Noon – 4 pm Comic ConThe Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway, invites comic book lovers to an afternoon of fun, beginning with a sci-fi adventure movie, followed by a presentation by comic book store owner Mike Steenberger on the comic book industry. Hear about upcoming comic book creators and stories, get ideas on what to read next and learn about careers in the field of comics. Call 281-238-2100.

March 15th, 5 pmLeneten Vespers Hymn Festival Join the Sanctuary Choir of New Hope Lutheran Church as they sing beloved hymns of the season, as well as anthems and solos by musicians from the congregation and organist Michael David Ging. The free event takes place at 424 FM 1092 in Missouri City. Call 281-499-7611.

March 19th, 9:30 – 11 amBreakfast and BingoSenior citizens ages 50 and up are invited to fellowship with peers, enjoy breakfast and play competitive rounds of bingo for great prizes at Missouri City’s Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive. Get your ticket at the Recreation and Tennis Center by paying the $5 program fee. Call 281-403-8637.

March 21st, 7:30 am Education Expedition Bike Ride The 12th annual Education Expedition Bike Ride benefiting the Fort Bend Education Foundation promises to provide a quality ride. Riders have the option of three routes ranging from 10 to 79 miles long beginning at the Fort Bend ISD Ken Hall Stadium, located at Hightower High School in Missouri City. Themed rest stops are staffed by Fort Bend ISD students and teachers to entertain bikers along the ride! Stay and enjoy lunch after the ride. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

March 21st, 8 am – NoonTrash Off Keep your community clean and beautiful by participating in this year’s Trash Off at the Civic Center Complex, located at 1522 Texas Parkway in Missouri City. Groups and individuals will be asked to clean sections of various parks around Missouri City, and all volunteers will receive breakfast and lunch. Please wear closed-toed shoes and long pants. To register, visit www.missouricitygreen.org or e-mail [email protected].

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

www.sugarlandtownsquare.comCall 281.313.SLTS

Movie Under the MoonSaturday, March 14th11 am – 2 pm

Sartartia Middle School’s Art from the Heart SaleSaturday, March 21st 11 am – 2 pm

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land St. Paddy’s Half MarathonSunday, March 22nd 7:45 am – Noon

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Light of Hope CeremonyFriday, March 27th6:30 – 9:30 pm

March 30th An Introduction to Watercolor Painting for Senior Citizens Watercolor artist Jan Hampton will provide a basic introduction to painting with watercolors for senior citizens. The program will be presented in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere at the First Colony Branch Library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land, where beginning artists can feel free to explore their creativity. Learn about basic watercolor materials and various painting techniques, such as washes and brushstrokes. All class materials will be provided. To register, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-238-2800.

Watercolor artist Jan Hampton.


By Alisa Murraywww.AlisaMurray.comNationally recognized

portrait artist and award-winning columnist.

S o, y’all can call me old school, but I am really having a hard time having pa-tience with this measles thing. As a

mother, as an educated person and as a doctor’s daughter, I wonder why no one is demanding that, in any public space, if someone has chosen to not get vaccinated, then they are not allowed to be there. We cer-tainly have isolated smokers to the point that there is barely a public space where that behavior is possible, because we as a society have learned that smoking endangers lives, and people cannot impose their bad choices on the rest of the population. What part of spreading a very dangerous com-municable disease is any different?

When a disease is preventable, it is even more aggravat-ing. When I was a child, it was un-heard of to question getting vaccinat-ed. You could not go to public school if you did not have your shots, and in light of this latest tragedy, it makes me pause to ask why we have not demanded the same rules of a place such as Disneyland? Here is a little history lesson about this disease.*

Measles was identified in the third to 10th century by Asian and North African physicians. In 910, a diagnosis of the disease was published by a doctor named Rhazes. When Christopher Columbus brought mea-sles to the New World, along with other diseases, it killed as much as 95 percent of the Native American population over the next 150 years. The 1800s saw its effects as it continued to kill. Most notably, the king and queen of Hawaii both died within a month of contracting measles as they were travel-ing to meet King George IV. In the late 1800s, the HMS Dido brought measles to Fiji, and it killed 20,000 people.

The U.S. began to require doctors to report instances of the disease in 1912. In 1954, Dr. Thomas Peebles found the disease in an 11 year-old boy named David Edmonston. Through his studies, Peebles pioneered the vaccine. In 1963, just a few years before I was born, the vaccine was made available as a regular program for preventive care. I got one

and so did Brian, and hopefully you did too. In 1998, the year Victoria Ann was born, a report claimed

to link the vaccine to autism. Later, the report was pulled and the doctor lost his license, but the public had been ill in-formed. In 2014, the worst outbreak in two decades erupted with more than 600 cases, and now this outbreak at Disney-land has occurred. The disease killed 145,700 people in 2013.

Measles is a childhood disease that is preventable. I feel like it is the responsibility of the parents to be informed

and to make the best choices for their children. I cannot tell you how many conversations I have had in my studio and amongst other mother friends regarding the pros and cons of vaccines. But this is out of control.

It is no surprise to my readership that I am very pro-medicine. I am that way for a variety of reasons. In this case, it seems obvious that the

only choice is to get the measles vaccine. The World Health organization stated that measles is “one of the leading causes of death amongst young children even though a safe and cost effective vaccine is available.” As a mother, as an educated person and as a doctor’s daughter, I want you to make in-formed decisions, especially since the general public seems to be lazy to study the history of a disease that is absolutely preventable.

Take Care of YOU!

Living the Sweet Life:

Studythe Facts

*Facts and data were sourced from History of Measles by Matt Pearce.

The World Health organization stated that measles is “one of the leading causes of death

amongst young children even though a safe and cost effective

vaccine is available.”

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