April 2012 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

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Inside:History in the Making Gala page 24

April Autism Awareness Events page 42

Financial Focus page 70

APRIL 2012

Summer Fun Guide

AtoZPage 49

Texana Center’s Stellar Student Isaiah Rodriguez

The Rodriguez Family: Nicole, Juan, Isaiahand Lillianna.

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F E A T U R E S

24 Gala to Usher in a New Era of Sugar Land HistoryCelebrate the opening of Sugar Land Skeeters’ own Constellation Field on Saturday, April 14th with live entertainment, dinner, fireworks and more.

26 MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land Hosted “Pamper Me Night” for Women with Breast CancerThis special event honored – and pampered – Fort Bend patients battling breast cancer.

37 Sienna Plantation Hosts Friends and Family Open Homes TourTour 17 model homes in one of the top-selling communities in the United States April 13th – 29th.

42 Hope for Three Rallies Fort Bend to Recognize April Autism Awareness MonthShow your support for Autism Awareness Month and help empower, educate and support Fort Bend families affected by the disorder.

48 The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Presents Wine & Music 2012 – “A Silver Celebration”Celebrate the council’s 25 years of excellence and support their mission of ending illiteracy in the community with fabulous food, fine wine, live music and a silent auction on Friday, May 11th.

18 Texana Children’s Center for Autism Works Wonders with Isaiah RodriguezBattling the complex developmental disability known as Autism, Isaiah’s family turned to Texana for help. The result? A remarkably changed four year-old boy.

C O V E R S T O R Y

A P R I L 2 0 1 2

49 A to Z Summer Fun GuideSummer vacation is a time for kids to kick back, relax and have fun! Peruse the pages and plan your summer to insure maximum fun!

62 Sugar Land Food & Wine Affair EventsEnjoy internationally acclaimed wineries and chefs in this unique series of wining and dining events.

70 Financial FocusIt’s becoming increasingly important to focus on your financial well-being. Find local institutions that can help you get – and stay – on the right track.

74 Spring Into ColorIncorporate the colors of spring into your home décor and refresh and renew your interior spaces.

76 Eggcelent Easter RecipesThese simple yet satisfying recipes will leave your family and friends full and give you plenty of time to enjoy the Easter holiday!

90 Katy’s Hasta La Pasta Wins Best Bites Buckle for Third TimeWinning over judges once again, Hasta La Pasta took top honors at the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

pg 18

Tyrrell Price and Isaiah Rodriguez.


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Ashton Woods . Christopher Sims Custom Homes . CoventryDarling . David Weekley . Highland . Lespreance ConstructionMeritage . Newmark . Partners in Building . Perry Peterson Homebuilders . Sterling Classic Homes . Taylor Morrison Toll Brothers . Trendmaker . Westin . Westport

One of the fastest growing communities in the nation!

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281.499.8700

Riverstone is hosting a BIG Showcase of Homes from April 27-May 13 with dozens of new homes from the $200s to the millions! Discover beautiful trees, lakes and a great location in the heart of thriving Fort Bend County. Come by and discover one of the best communities in the nation, right in your own backyard.

R i v e r s to n e

From US-59 in Sugar Land, take Hwy 6 south 3 miles

Bigthings arehappening

Showcaseof Homes

april 27–May 13

50+ open homes!

ON THE COVER:The Rodriguez Family:

Nicole, Juan, Isaiah and Lillianna.Photo by Nesossi Studios.

10 Publishers PreviewA few words from our publisher.

22 Focus on FinanceFinancial ups and downs of 2011.

28 Seen on the SceneSnapshots from local charitable events.

33 Fort Bend HeadlinersGet the scoop on the latest news and happenings.

38 Focus on HealthObama Health Care – Are you ready?

40 Focus CaresGerri Brecker lends a hand helping children in need.

44 Focus Film ReviewNick Nicholson reviews Being Flynn.

64 Focus ScrapbookA few snapshots of people, places and happenings.

I N E V E R Y I S S U E

A P R I L 2 0 1 278 Fort Bend Kids Chalkboard

Special news and achievements fromFort Bend’s youth.

80 Business BuzzTap into the world ofbusiness in Fort Bend.

82 Community CalendarFun events the whole family will enjoy.

84 High School Hot ShotMeet commanding cadet Shawn Cleary.

87 Focus Amateur Photo ContestWinning shots by local photographers.

88 Medical FocusMedical news from around the Bend.

93 absolutely Delicious! - NEWYour source for places to wine and dine!

94 Focus Favorites Resource GuideLooking for a service provider? Find one here!

96 Living the Sweet LifeAlisa finds a solution to those sizzling hot nights.

Meet this month’s recipient on page 85!

Will HardeeHardee Investment GroupPage 22

22

Alisa MurrayAlisa Murray PhotographyPage 96

96

Nick NicholsonEntertainment EditorPage 44

44

Lauren DanteFreelance WriterPage 84

84

Sophia VassiliouSophia DesignsPage 74

74

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Whitney HenslerFreelance WriterPage 40

40

Linda K. EavesFreelance WriterPage 18

18

Claudia Richterabsolutely! KatyPage 90

90

Dr. Peter OsborneTown Center WellnessPage 38

38

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Riverstone is hosting a BIG Showcase of Homes from April 27-May 13 with dozens of new homes from the $200s to the millions! Discover beautiful trees, lakes and a great location in the heart of thriving Fort Bend County. Come by and discover one of the best communities in the nation, right in your own backyard.

R i v e r s to n e

From US-59 in Sugar Land, take Hwy 6 south 3 miles

Bigthings arehappening

Showcaseof Homes

april 27–May 13

50+ open homes!

READERS FEEDBACK

P ublisher’s Preview

Publishers

Michael FredricksonLisa Fredrickson

Managing editor

Patti Parish-Kaminski

senior account executive

Jessica Kij

account executives

Robyn MillerMary DoetterlStephenie Cox

office Manager

Norma Loredo

contributors

Lauren DanteLinda K. Eaves

Mary FavreLiz FurmanWill Hardee

Whitney HenslerAlisa Murray

Nick NicholsonDr. Peter Osborne

Brenda PerryClaudia RichterSophia Vassiliou

art director

Grace Belleza

art & Production

consultant

Joey Belleza

graPhic designers

Elizabeth PaceDebi Beauregard

Web designer

Joey Belleza(JOBpagegraphics.com)

PhotograPhers

Alisa Murray PhotographyNesossi Studios

April 2012Vol. 8 No. 6

One year subscription: $25

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400

Stafford, TX 77477

www.fortbendfocus.com

Single copy $2.95

To advertise call 281-690-4242TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469Direct mailed to subscribers andhigh value homes in Sugar Land,Richmond, Katy, Missouri City and Fulshear and picked up at demand distribution locations

throughout Fort Bend.

The views and opinionsexpressed by our advertisers

and columnists do notnecessarily reflect those of

the publishers and their staff.Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.“Like” Us Today!

Facebook.com/FortBendFocus

Subscriber Message...What a wonderful gift to receive Focus every

month without having to hunt down a copy.Beverly B.

Stay Focused!

Lisa Fredrickson [email protected] [email protected]

Hello Fort Bend Friends,

April is Autism awareness month, and we have partnered with Texana and the Rodriguez family to help bring awareness to Fort Bend County. Texana is making a difference in the lives of so many families with such an important cause, and we are proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Texana Autism Conference open to the community on April 21st to help us all learn more about Autism. If you have questions or need resources, please join us.

For your little ones, we have also compiled our annual A to Z Summer Fun Guide. There are so many opportunities in our community to have fun and also learn something. Make plans today starting on page 49.

The month of April also brings the rush of getting our finances in order to pay taxes, make donations, and contribute to our retirement funds. We have an entire section devoted to financial experts in our area starting on page 70.

Our Focus family would like to wish your family a very Happy Easter!

The Fredrickson Family on Spring Break:Michael, Kathryn, Lisa, Carter and Jack

in Keystone, Colorado

Grateful...Dear Lisa,

Thanks so much for your recent auction donation to the Ridge Point High School Booster Ball. We’re thrilled to let you know you helped us raise over $50,000 for our student athletes! We thank you for your help – and look forward to your support next year. People like you are helping shape the future of our students.

Helen BowRPHS 2012 Booster Ball Committee


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An intra-oral camera is so small it fits in your mouth and displays your teeth on a 20” TV. The doctor can see your teeth magnified at 50 times!

Before & After work appointments that fit into your jam-packed schedule. Appointments startas early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 6:30 p.m.,and of course, appointments on Saturday.

Movie Goggles? Yes, a big screen TV right in front of your eyes while you are getting yourdental work done. A movie passes the time quicklyand takes you far away from the dental chair.

We work with our patients to provide easy payment options with no interest. This frees you from using those high interest credit cards.

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No Kidding! What could be more fun than waiting in a comfy armchair watching movies? If you don’t feel like checking your email at the internet cafe, come into the theater and recline and relax. This is not like the dentist when you were a kid!

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I chose MD Andersonin Sugar Land

- Michelle Williams

My team of experts in Sugar Land focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my two boys and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land. Find Your MD Anderson today.

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We invite you to join us in the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Be our guest as we hear the story of God's love for us in the sacrifice of his son.

April 6 - Good Friday Service, 7:00 PMApril 8 - Easter Sunday, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM


women’s health at

A healthy baby starts before you’re pregnant.

If you’re thinking about having a baby, start your planning with a visit to Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. Our prenatal services will give you and your baby the healthiest start possible.

n Obstetrical services for prenatal, pregnancy and post-pregnancy care, including high-risk pregnancies n Identification of fertility issues n Onsite ultrasound and diagnostic services n Treatment of heavy or abnormal menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids n Minimally invasive procedures performed in our office

We’re ready to deliver.Our board-certified OB/GYN physicians provide comprehensive care as you plan your pregnancy, through your delivery and beyond. For added convenience, you’ll find a Kelsey Pharmacy with drive-thru service, onsite laboratory and diagnostic services, including mammography and ultrasound.

Our OB/GYN physicians from the left: Yasmin Engineer, M.D., Eric Peterson, M.D., Yetunde Adigun, M.D., Jagjit Khairah, D.O.

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Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and com-

munication. Symptoms usually start before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that de-velop from infancy to adulthood.

Journey to TexanaChildren’s Center for Autism

Five-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez began saying his first words between 6 and 9 months. Suddenly, somewhere between 12 and 18 months of age, he stopped talk-ing. Parents Juan Rodriguez and Nicole Mottu realized something wasn’t right. “He went from saying a few words to nothing at all. He wasn’t talking. We were

very concerned,” said Nicole.“He wasn’t playing with his toys ap-

propriately, so we thought that was a red flag, too. He would put his toys upside down and spin them around. He’d take his shoe laces and spin the shoes. We couldn’t go to the store without him want-ing to go straight to the toys or straight to

certain games. We couldn’t go anywhere for a while.”

When Isaiah wouldn’t respond to his name, his hearing was tested. His parents enrolled him in ECI – Early Childhood Intervention. “ECI first told me about Texana, but I never knew what it was so I ignored it,” said Nicole. Later she enrolled Isaiah in PPCD (Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities) in the local school district. After several months with-out progress, his teachers also referred her to Texana. Nicole contacted Texana and toured the facilities. “It felt like the right place for Isaiah.”

After Isaiah started attending Texana Children’s Center for Autism, Juan and Nicole noticed a remarkable change. “Right now he can write his name. It’s

Texana Children’s Centerfor Autism Works Wonders

with Isaiah Rodriguez

COVER STORY

By Linda K. EavesPhotos by Nesossi Studios

The Rodriguez Family: Isaiah, Juan, Lillianna

and Nicole at Texana Children’s Center for Autism.


just amazing. It’s a miracle – from hav-ing no skills to being almost developmen-tally on track. Seven months ago he had no language at all, and now he can talk in sentences. He cares about things. He gets emotional because he has feelings now. He loves the people at Texana.”

At Texana Children’s Center for Au-tism, Isaiah receives half a day of one-on-one behavior therapy and half a day in the regular preschool bridge program. He attends Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Biomedical Intervention

Four months before Isaiah ac-tually started Texana in August, Isaiah went through biomedical intervention, specifically, the GFCF diet – gluten free and ca-sein free diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains; casein is a protein found in dairy foods. He is also on nine different supplements.

“After about four months, we started to slowly see a change in repeat words. He started to say words. Before, he couldn’t even say ‘bye bye.’”

Before the GFCF diet, “He was zoned out and wouldn’t respond to his name. He was always like in a gray fog and had dark circles under his eyes. He’s on a strict GFCF diet,” said Nicole. “We know the diet and supplements work because when he did have something not on the diet, he had lots of behavior problems and crying that hasn’t happened since before he was on the diet. The diet and supple-ments are so important.”

Texana Children’s Centerfor Autism Works Wonders

with Isaiah Rodriguez

Present

Autism Conference

In support of National Autism Awareness month, Fort Bend Focus Magazine and Texana are presenting an educational confer-ence for parents, relatives, friends and educators who wish to learn more about autism. The confer-ence will focus on effective meth-ods on how to increase language and communication, teach in the natural environment, teach social skills, and decrease problem be-haviors.

Texana AutismConference

Saturday, April 21, 20129 am to 1 pm

$20 per personBreakfast Provided

Hilton Garden Inn722 Bonaventure Way,Sugar Land, TX 77479

Hwy 6 & University

Registration: 8:30 to 9 am

For more information about the conference or services provided by Texana, visit www.texanacenter.com or call 281-239-1497.

and

“It was so hard getting him on the diet. It’s very strict – there’s no in between. He has to really follow it. One little thing not on the diet can set him off. It’s been stressful and really hard, but we’ve no-ticed an improvement. It was a process. Some people see results after a week – we didn’t – but we stuck to it, and we started seeing results.”

Tyrell PriceTexana Behavior Analyst

As a behavior analyst, Tyrell Price, MEd, BCBA, does assessments for clients at Texana and spends one-on-one time with them. She also supervises a staff of “trainers.” She writes the programming for the child and tells the trainers what to say when they present a task, how to prompt it, and how to reinforce it.

“Since Isaiah came to us, the biggest change has been the decrease in challeng-ing behaviors,” she said. “When he first came in, if you removed something that he wanted from him or he didn’t want to do a task, he would just scream and cry and fall to the floor. He used to hit oth-ers. Now, he’s able to sit with the teacher and work and follow along in a group. He’s always had pretty good social skills in terms of copying his peers.”

“One of the issues Isaiah had when he first came here was he couldn’t ask for things he wanted. If he wanted the iPad, he couldn’t say iPad. Or, ‘I want the

Isaiah leading the pledge of allegiancewith instructor Jessica Jones.

Isaiah’s behavioranalyst, Tyrell Price,

MEd, BCBA, with Isaiah.


METHODIST CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES LEADING CARDIAC CARE

Medical Office Building One16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450Sugar Land, Texas 77479281-275-0330MethodistSugarLandDocs.com

Specializing in treating and managing a wide range of heart problems:

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in Medical Office Building One, Suite 450

Call 281-275-0330 today for an appointment.

iPad.’ He would just point at it and say ‘that right there.’ He would say ‘that right there’ for everything, even if we told him to ‘say iPad.’”

Isaiah speaks in three to four word sentences. If not for articulation problems, he probably would be speak-ing in larger sentences. “We’re working in collaboration with his speech pathologist to improve his articulation. Now he’s able to ask for items he wants,” Price said.

Although Isaiah sometimes still struggles with challenging behaviors, the frequency has decreased drastically be-cause he can express his needs. Recently, a new intervention was put into place to take care of his less frequent challenging behavior. “He has a Croc bracelet with widgets that we use as a token bracelet. Whenever he gets something he wants without crying, he gets a little token. He loves the little choo-choo trains.”

Because he likes people’s attention so much, the bracelet is used as a tool to help him get people’s attention appropriately. “When he engages in screaming, we re-move the bracelet. The bracelet looks like something a kid would wear. He really likes it and was excited when we started using this.”

Research shows that ap-plied behavior analysis is most effective in the early years, preferably as soon as the child can be diagnosed at 18 months old. If a child is not treated early, the lon-ger the process of treating

challenging behaviors. “Peo-ple are becoming more aware

of autism, and we’re getting children earlier,” Price said.“Isaiah is in the half-day inte-

grated preschool. Research shows that kids with autism spectrum disorder are able to generalize and learn faster when they’re surrounded by their typical peers. We have a preschool of typically develop-

ing kids – our staff kids and client sib-lings, aged 3 to 5 years. Isaiah was

transitioned into that class shortly after he arrived here.”

ImprovedQuality of Life

“Isaiah is doing great. He loves his friends He loves go-ing to bridge. He’s actually

the most independent child in his class,” said Price. “He

puts his lunch bag away, puts his other stuff away and sits at

his desk. Our goal is to transition Isaiah to a typical classroom when he

leaves here.”The combination of biomedical in-

tervention and therapy at Texana has vastly improved both Isaiah’s life and his family’s life. Isaiah and his sister, Lillianna, are best friends. They’re al-ways playing together, and Lillianna says she’s happy that Isaiah can talk now.

We’re a lot happier and stronger and living life now, as opposed to being lost in a different world,” said Nicole. “And it’s been an amazing journey for him. We’re so happy.”

For more information about Texana Children’s Center for Autism or April events in support of National Autism Month, contact 281-239-1497 or visit www.texanacenter.com/bttc_day_treatment. n FBF

“We’re a lot happier

and stronger and living

life now, as opposed to

being lost in a different

world,” said Nicole.

“And it’s been an

amazing journey for

him. We’re so happy.”

Circle time in Bridge, Texana’s transition classroom. Students Karina, Jayden, Isaiah, Hans and Shaun with Instructors Tyrrell Price and Jessica Jones.

Photographer Geof Nesossishows Isaiah and Lillianna their

pictures from the Fort Bend Focusphoto shoot at Texana.

METHODIST CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES LEADING CARDIAC CARE

Medical Office Building One16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450Sugar Land, Texas 77479281-275-0330MethodistSugarLandDocs.com

Specializing in treating and managing a wide range of heart problems:

• ChestPain

• CoronaryArteryDisease

• HeartFailure

• IrregularHeartbeat(arrhythmias)

• HeartValveDisease

• MitralValveProlapse

• Hypertension

• CholesterolManagement

• PreventativeCardiology

• DiabetesandHeartDisease

• PeripheralVascularDisease

• CarotidArteryDisease

• AorticAneurysm

• StructuralHeartDisease

Dr. Kesavan Shan is a long-time Sugar Land cardiologist who is

highly respected for his skilled approach to medicine. Dr. Shan

uses state-of-the-art technology to identify heart disease at its

earliest stages, such as coronary and peripheral angiography,

echocardiography, nuclear stress testing, coronary CT angiography,

cardiovascular MRI and cardiac catheterization.

• Board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine

• Certified in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography

• Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus

in Medical Office Building One, Suite 450

Call 281-275-0330 today for an appointment.

on

FinanceProvided by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

R ip Van Winkle would have been proud of this past year. For the year, the S&P 500

basically ended unchanged. Sounds kind of boring. It was anything but sleepy. After being up over 8% through April, it proceeded to drop greater than 19% by October, only to recover unchanged by year end. This is a microcosm of a bigger pic-ture, which basically has the stock market unchanged since 1998 leav-ing investors running in quicksand and wondering what to do.

Since 2002, our investment themes have been falling dollar, international equity, energy, pre-cious metals and master limited partnerships. These themes have served us well. However, starting

2011 - The Year that Wasn’t

in 2011, several of these began to under perform the market. Even as the world searches for yield, we are seeing the classic growth stocks beginning to out perform value and yield. Two examples of these devel-oping long term trends are health-care (bio medical, medical devices, HMO’s) and technology (semicon-ductors and software).

It’s possible that long term in-vestors are anticipating the Bush tax cut expiration which could in-crease the tax on dividends from 15% to the maximum tax rate of 36 - 39% while long term capital gains would be taxed at 20%. We shall see as this election unfolds.

For a disciplined approach to investing, contact the Hardee In-

vestment Group at 713-853-0879 or visit us online at www.Hardee-InvestmentGroup.com 24 hours a day. We look forward to hearing from you.

This article is provided by H. H. Will Hardee, AWM, a Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center of-fice, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The infor-mation included in this article is not in-tended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organi-zation or publication. Consult your invest-ment professional for additional informa-tion and guidance. RBC Wealth Manage-ment does not provide tax or legal advice.

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. H

Focused on risks, not retirement?How about we change all of that.We are conscientious wealth managers seeking to help you build a long-term foundation for reliable future income, proactively monitoring financial markets to assist in the improvement of your portfolio’s security.

Isn’t it time you thought about something other than your financial situation?

© 2011 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

Hardee Investment Group(713) 853-0869 • (800) 838-0757www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com

Hardee Investment Group

fort bend magazine • April 2012 22Advertorial

Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair

April 18 - 22, 2012Formerly The Grand Wine & Food Affair

SugarLandWineAndFoodAffair.comwww.facebook.com/sugarlandwineandfoodaffair

Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant ManagementProducing Partner and Beneficiary


C ome to the Grand Opening Gala at Constellation Field on Satur-day, April 14th, and be a part of

“History in the Making.” One thousand people will arrive at this one-of-a-kind event and be among the very first to step onto the field of the brand new, $35 million baseball stadium, home to the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Dressed in cocktail attire or vintage jerseys, guests will be invited onto the field in grand style for commemora-tive photos, specialty cocktails, and live entertainment. A sit-down dinner, auction, orchestra and fireworks round out what promises to be a truly festive and memorable evening. Local personal-ity and KPRC Local 2 Sports Director, Randy McIlvoy, will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and Fort Bend County Com-missioner James Patterson will present historic, one-of-a-kind items for auction.

Imagine taking home one of these unique auction items: home plate, signed by each of the Sugar Land Skeeters on Opening Day of their history-making inaugural season; a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind sofa table, created from wood re-covered from the historic Imperial Sugar Company Char House; dinner for 20 on the premier level behind home plate, The Legends Club, with Team Manager, Gary Gaetti, plus an Opening Day jersey autographed by Brooks Robinson; be

Gala Chair Nancy Olson gives committee members a sneak peek of Constellation Field, home to the Sugar Land Skeeters and the site of the “History in the Making” gala on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Pictured in front, Nancy Olson, Andrea Koop, Dee Koch and Diane Amundson; in back, Ann Smith, Chris Breaux, Sharon Ehrenkranz and Kelly Dunnbier. Photo by Favre/Furman.

in uniform and in the dugout with the team for one special game as an honorary member of the Sugar Land Skeeters; and a package that will thrill any kid – the chance to invite six friends for batting practice with the Sugar Land Skeeters!

Tickets to attend the “History in the Making” gala are $150 each or $1,500 to reserve a table for 10. Please visit www.sugarlandskeeters.com by April 1st, to reserve your spot. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Sugar Land Heri-tage Foundation and Skeeters Youth Foundation. The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation exists to collect, preserve, communicate and celebrate Sugar Land’s distinctive history; funds raised will benefit a future museum located at the historic Imperial Sugar refinery site. The newly founded Skeeters Youth Foundation promotes youth education

and healthy activities; funds raised will help to launch youth related projects for the culturally, racially, and eco-nomically diverse populations of those underserved in Fort Bend County.

Telfair by Newland Communities leads off as the Grand Slam Title Partner of the event. Other major sponsors at the time of publication include Pamela Print-ing, Bud Light/ Silver Eagle Distributors, Classic Chevrolet, Memorial Hermann, Aliana Development Company, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, Fort Bend Focus magazine, Imperial Johnson Devel-opment, Minute Maid and Legacy Ford.

Want to be a part of “History in the Making?” Go to www.sugarlandskee-ters.com for more information about sponsorship opportunities or to pur-chase tickets to attend this epic gala on Saturday, April 14th. H

Sugar Land HistoryGala to Usher in

a New Era of

Sugar Land History


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M ore than 50 people participated in the “Pamper Me Night” at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land on February 14th. Sponsored by MD

Anderson’s Breast Friends support group, “Pamper Me Night” is a special evening held for women in the community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Patients, survivors and their caregivers attended the event led by volunteers from the Sugar Land area. They participated in activities including ceramics, massages, manicures and pedicures, and makeovers by volunteer cosmetologists. In a special ceremony, breast cancer patients and survivors shared personal stories and thanked those in attendance who were instrumental in their journey.

“‘Pamper Me Night’ is about coming together as a community for an uplifting evening of sharing, support and strength,” said Laurie Hughes, nurse navigator at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land. “I was personally touched by the stories shared and hearing survivors recognize their loved ones who saw them through cancer treatment and recovery.”

The Breast Friends support group meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land (1327 Lake Pointe Parkway). For more information on Breast Friends, call Laurie Hughes at 281-566-1908.

To learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land and the services it offers, visit www.mdanderson.org/sugarland.

MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land Hosted

“Pamper Me Night” for Women with Breast Cancer

Myriam Saenz, Colleen Mateer, Susan Hoover, Laurie Hughes, Isadora Arzu & Linda Mitchell.

Vernon & Julia Kerner.

Mike & Barbara Giordanelli.

Rosemary Herron & Susan Wallace.

Theresa Flores & Deborah Bataillon.

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Go to www.FortBendFocus.comSeen on the Scene

Saturday, February 11, 2012 • The Fluor Building

Benefitting Fort Bend Cares7th Annual Road Trip to RIO

Michael Bornstein & David Chaumette

Deb Prihoda & Karen Chitty-Boe

Joe & Jan Mathis Harish & Shashi Jajoo

Betty Ann Williams & Nancy Pritcher Nina & Nick Desai

Dee Koch & Gail McClendonAmy & Rob Morris

Juliet & Scott BreezeMindi & Jeff Snyder

Carol & Mark Smith

Ryan Johnson & Heather Hatfield

Mitzi Evell & Elizabeth Butler

Tammy Brown & Farrah RobichauxCarole & Bob Brown

Liz Furman & Mary Favre

Susan & Juan Martinez

Gwen & Kolbe CurtisMarcia Barham, Kaelyn Bujnoch, Melissa Montemayor, Leena Taneja,Amy Saenz, Parin Shah & Debbie Markesino



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An Concept Salon & Day Spa Since 1989

15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. G, Sugar Land, TX 77478(Between Williams Trace & Hwy 6)

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Enjoy Spring W hile Getting Ready for Summer

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• Massage • Full Body Hair Removal

• Body Treatments• Specializing in Color Correction

Come visit our Newly Renovated Salon as we Celebrate our 23 rd Anniversary!

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com

Saturday, February 11, 2012 • Safari Texas Ranch Ballroom

Republican Party of Fort Bend2012 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner

Kenneth Depew, Himesh Gandhi & Bruce Bond

Ana Valenzuela, James White & Patricia Hoppe

Sharon & Aled Roberts with Debbie Fancher

Robby & Jane Stockton with Star Parker

Jim & Laura Richard

Daniel & Jenni McJunkinBrett Busby & Don Willett

Susie & Robert Kern

Marilyn Jones & Nancy Olsen

Charlie Howard & Warren Chisum

Mandy Bronsell & Lee Duggan III

Craig James & Steve Startzell

Seen on the Scene



Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved..

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Join us for a day of fun!What: Grand Re-Opening

When: Saturday, April 28thfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Primrose School of First Colony 4605 Austin ParkwaySugarland, TX 77479

For additional information please call: 281.565.2707

GRAND RE-OPENING

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BLACK ELK ENERGY PRESENTS

Bene�iting the Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships

May 5thBBQ, Chili & Gumbo Cook-off May 6th

Celebrity Golf Tournament May 7th

www.EmpoweringtheCommunity.comFor more information, contact: Kari Schoef�ler: kschoef�[email protected] / (281) 598-8660

At Sweetwater Country Club ~ 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land, TX Space is limited. Get your tickets today!Space is limited. Get your tickets today!

With Live Auction host John Salley & an intimate performance by Clint Black.

Five Star Black Tie Gala 6:00pm - 10:00pmIncludes Cocktails & Dinner

1:00pm - 9:00pmEnjoy great food and live performances by Jaryd Lane, the Guzzlers and Kevin Black. Also includes a Kids Zone, the Silent Auction and a Meet and Greet with Professional Athletes Gerald McNeil, Roman Harper, Jahri Evans, Lance Moore, Darren Sharper & Malcolm Jenkins.

Tee times are at: 7:00am or 1:00pmIncludes great giveaways and tee shots with PGA players John Daly, Jamie Sadlowski and LPGA players Blair O’Neal & Alison Walshe.Award ceremony follows.

Richard & Allyson Morrison with Alan Sandersen


Saturday, February 18, 2012 • Safari Texas Ranch Ballroom

Benefitting the Lamar Educational Award FoundationMen Who Cook 2012

Randy & Gail Parker

Sean McGuire & Mike Schmid

Paul Clayton & Michael Richard

Margaret & Kevin PattonMatthew Pheleps & Brandon Zerwas

Jerry Hill & Doug Waddill

Shenna Navarro with Justin, Regina & Brooke Morales

Rick & Tina Gibson with Jim Rice & Bruce Fleming

Lee Duggan & George Holmes

Walter Armatys & Brad Bowman

Judi Vernon & Melody Hess

Jan Russell, Tim Kaminski & Alicia Casias Chris Breaux, Allison Wen & Steve Metzenthin Kenny & Kelly Waters

Becky Covell & Kay Beard

Bobby Bass & Lamar Meadows

Bill & Pam Dostal



FORT BEND

HEADLINERSSend your news via www.FortBendFocus.com. Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

The 61st Annual National Day of Prayer

“One Nation Under God” May 3, 2012

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12

Fort Bend County National Day

of Prayer 2012 Locations

Missouri City-City Hall Meadows Place City Hall Sienna Brushy Lake Pavilion Sugar Land Town Square Simonton City Hall Arcola City Hall Fulshear City Hall Stafford City Hall Katy Merrell Center Fort Bend County Courthouse

Churches, businesses, schools, and communities observe National Day of Prayer with prayer events. Organize events at your school, church, business, and community. Plan to attend events being observed for this year’s National Day of Prayer on May 3, 2012.

Contact Mary Cook 832-651-7771 [email protected] Fort Bend County Coordinator for 2012 National Day of Prayer.

For information, to post, or search for an event go to http://www.ndptf.org or www.ndp-fortbend.org. H

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Headliners continued on page 35

I have been blessed to serve as an At-Large Councilmember for two terms of one of the best cities in the country, including presently as the Mayor Pro-Tem. The concerns of the residents in our City, County and District are my concerns as well. I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me, and I continue to work hard to earn that trust every day. I stand behind my conservative record in office and know that I will succeed as your next State Representative.

David, the boys and I thank you for your continued friendship and support! We look forward to the opportunity to sustain and enhance the excellent quality of life we value so highly in Texas House District 26.

Paid for by the Jacquie Chaumette Campaign | Linda Hancock, Treasurer P.O. Box 16452, Sugar Land, Texas 77496 | www.jacquiechaumette.org

Jacquie Chaumette Republican Candidate for State Representative

Texas House District 26

Who is Jacquie Chaumette?

A proven Conservative leader within the Republican Party as a former Republican precinct chair, who has served on several Republican Boards including as Candidates Committee Chair for the R Club (young conservatives) and as Vice President of the Fort Bend Republican Women’s PAC. She has worked on several candidates’ campaigns including Governor Rick Perry, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, former Congressman Jack Fields, as well as many judicial races for Republican candidates.

A gubernatorial appointee appointed to the Brazos River Authority’s Board of Directors by Governor Rick Perry in February 2004.

A small business owner as president & CEO of BalyProjects, LLC, a public policy consultancy with a focus on land use, water, education and infrastructure.

An award winner, including Fort Bend Entrepreneur of the Year, Dynamic Woman of Houston, Outstanding Young American, (The Houston Chronicle’s & Texas Executive Women’s) Woman on the Move, UH Alumnus of the Year, and ABC-13 KTRK Woman of Distinction.

A college professor in public policy and political science at University of Houston.

A well-known speaker who has been featured on KUHF, KTRH, and several radio stations discussing transportation, air quality, education and water policy matters.

An active community participant, including Texas Lyceum (Board Director), Fort Bend YMCA (Past President), Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce (Past Infrastructure Chair), Commonwealth Elementary (PTA Art Re-flections Chair, CBLT and room mom), Fort Settlement Middle School (PTO Publicity Chair), Fort Bend Boys Choir (President of the Board of Directors), The Chinquapin School (Executive Committee and Board Trustee), the Sugar Land Exchange Club, Rotary International. (Board Director), Fort Bend County Mobility Planning Committee and Texas CASA.

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Friday, February 24, 2012 Safari Texas Ranch

Friday, February 23, 2012 Safari Texas Ranch

American Heart Association of Fort Bend

Fort Bend Regional Council

2012 Wine and Cheese Celebration3rd Annual

Helen Cordes Award Luncheon

Carolyn & Neil Banfield

Michael Schiff with Lena & Will Hardee

David Young & Linda Schoonmaker

Patti Parish-Kaminski & Joyce Senior

Joe Freudenberg & Milton Wright

Lizzy Dragon & Linda Schultz

Lisa Payner & Ron CraigSue Hauenstein, Yaffa Steubinger & Betty Baitland

Gary Pearson with Karen & Richard McCarter

Bud & Lila Smith Don Kerstetter & John Novak Jeff & Ann Council

Pat Hebert & Allison Wen

Marian Wright & Yassir Sonbol

Jacquie Chaumette & James Patterson

Pam & Bill Dostal

Janice Knight, Pam McClung, Doris Gurecky & Paul Knight Irene Wisner & John Robson

Donna Kay Tucker & Tim Kaminski

Mike & Tina Gibson



Headliners continued from page 33


Historic Richmond Association is calling for vendors for the first monthly Artisan & Antique Market to be held in Downtown Historic Richmond begin-ning April 15th, and running the sec-ond Saturday of each month through July. This juried event will highlight the best of the best artisans and an-tique dealers in Texas.

“Historic downtown Richmond is the perfect venue for this market. Our goal for this Market is to introduce the qual-ity merchandise from vendors around the State,” said Shereen Lary, chair, Artisan & Antique Market and owner Mesologie Spa in Richmond.

This event is being held in conjunc-tion with Richmond’s upcoming Farm-er’s Market. “We are currently seeking antique dealers who deal in primitives, furniture, glassware, vintage cloth-ing and architectural remnants," said Lary. Additional booth space is also available for artisans, such as painters, ceramicists and jewelry designers. Also, limited indoor space is available with the main focus in the closed streets area. Interested vendors are asked to call Shereen Lary at 832-525-6105, email [email protected] or visit the website, www.historicrichmond.org. H

Calling All Artisan and Antique Vendors

Anson Aviation will help you discover a brand new way of life. We’re based at the award-winning Sugar Land Regional Airport. Call 281-242-2555 or visit ansonair.com.

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Saturday, February 25, 2012 • Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Benefitting Fort Bend Education FoundationGala 2012 Lights, Camera, Action

Nappinnai Natarajan & Manmeet Likhari

John & Kathy Robson

Chris Berger & Terri Gorney

Leigh & James Mattson

Carl & Selena Accardo

Dennis & Lynn Halford

Terri Wang, Brenna Smelley & Jacquie Chaumette Barbara & Bob Cruz

Jodi & David Rider

Laura & Mark Winters Dick Phillips & Bob Brown Peggy & Steve Jackson with Laura Stoltenberg

Steve Gingsburg & Tracy Hoke

Stacy Bynes & Kelly Metzger

Don Kerstetter & Sam Wang

John & Janet Wantuch

Tracy Lisse & Nell Klingman Fran Steele & Carol Scott

Michael & Dia Bolton

Cliff & Melba Wolf



Ashton Woods . Avanti . Coventry . Custom Classics . Darling Homes . DR Horton . Fairmont Custom HomesMeritage . Monterey Custom Homes . Newmark . Partners in Building . Perry . Plantation . PulteRegan Custom Homes . Ryland . Sterling Classic Custom Homes . Trendmaker . Triumph . Westport

from $170s-Millionssiennaplantation.com facebook.com/siennaplantationSienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777

Friends & Family

Live Where Your Friends and Family Live.Beautiful affordable homes. 3 Waterparks. Bike and Hike. Sports Fields. Peaceful parks.

5 FBISD schools. And more! Come to our HomeFinder Center for maps and more information about Sienna. We will be looking for you. Sienna builders are offering homes from the $170s to the millions.

DowntownGreenway

Galleria

Med Center

Fort BendParkway

Open Homes Tour -April 13-29

Sienna Plantation will host its Spring Open Homes Tour, April 13-29, providing home buyers with the opportunity to tour 17 model homes and “live where your friends and family live” in one of the top-selling communities in the United States.

Low interest rates, Sienna Plantation’s access from the Fort Bend Parkway and a large selec-tion of homes ready for move in make it a great time to visit the award-winning master-planned community. Among its countless amenities, the 7,000-acre master-planned community is home to three water parks including the south’s largest private water ad-venture park with 200 feet of twisting slides, the all-new Sienna Springs Resort Pool, 36 parks and playgrounds, the Camp Sienna Sports Complex, the Sienna Plantation Golf Club, a 6,000-square-foot fitness center, eight lighted tennis courts and lakes for fishing and kayaking.

Sienna Plantation Hosts Friends & FamilyOpen Homes Tour April 13th - 29th

Families in the community attend schools in the renowned Fort Bend Independent School. This fall, Sienna Plantation will welcome the opening of the com-munity’s first private school, Si-enna Lutheran Academy.

A project of Johnson Devel-opment, the community offers homes from the 170s to the mil-lions with purchase incentives available from all Sienna Planta-tion builders.

Visit the Sienna Home Finder Center, 5777 Sienna Parkway, for maps, information on build-ers, amenities, schools and more. The center is open Monday – Fri-day from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.;

Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday from noon – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.siennaplantation.com. Families also can follow the community on Facebook, www.facebook.com/siennaplantation. H

on Health By Dr. Peter Osborne

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

4724 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 102, Sugar Land, TX 77479281-240-2229 • www.TownCenterWellness.com

Dr. Peter Osborne

n Dr. Osborne• Is a Diplomate and the Executive Secretary of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition• Is the only Board Certified Nutritionist in Sugar Land• Is a member of the ACA Council on Nutrition• 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 Town Center Wellness:• 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• Offers chiropractic care

Advertorial

Obama Health Care – Are you Ready?

For the past several years you have probably followed the news and health media on prescription medi-

cation recalls and warnings and been some-what alarmed and confused. Below are some examples of recent events:

1. A study in published in Lancet found that oral contraceptive use doubles a wom-an’s risk of invasive cervical cancer. Medi-cations containing conjugated estrogens are labeled with a black box warning because they increase the risks of myocardial infarc-tion, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmo-nary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis.

2. The pain medicine Vioxx was pulled off of the market because it was found to double the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

3. Fosamax and similar medications used to treat osteoporosis (bisphospho-nates) have been found to cause esoph-geal damage and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

4. Popular acid reducing medications like Nexium and Protonix (PPI’s) were recently found to increase the risk of hip fracture.

5. The FDA’s Pharmacological Drug Advisory Committee decided to put a black box warning on common antidepres-sants (Cymbalta, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro).

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a ground breaking paper. The study was conducted on ad-verse drug reactions (ADR’s) occurring in U.S. hospitals. The conclusion of this study was very alarming. It was estimated that in 1994, 106,000 people died from ADR’s. When put into perspective, the top kill-

ers in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, and stroke killing approximately 950,000, 750,000, and 150,000 people per year re-spectively. Based on the study findings, that makes adverse drug reactions the 4th lead-ing cause of death in the U.S.

The top 3 causes of death are heart dis-ease, cancer, and stroke. They are treated medically with the use of prescription medication. Prescription medication could potentially be the fourth leading cause of death. Following this logic, how does it make sense that we continue following a paradigm that obviously has such a pro-found flaw. The U.S. spends more money per person on healthcare than any other country in the world. Yet among industri-alized nations we rank 26th in infant mor-tality, 24th in life expectancy.

How does all of this relate to Obama Care?

Pharmaceutical companies have a lot to gain with this new plan. The new health care bill does not fund true preventative care. It funds sick care. It funds a medical system that has failed to adequately ad-dress the health care issues in this country. The new bill will dump billions of your hard earned dollars into providing treatments that have been identified as one of the lead-ing causes of death.

Combine the above information with the following: It has been hypothesized that as many as half of the doctors in the U.S. will retire or quit practicing once this new plan takes effect. Additionally, the govern-ment funded healthcare will flood the sys-tem with an additional 30 million patients.

This combination creates long waits and poor quality care. As it is currently, many doctors’ offices offer wait times of 30 min-utes to an hour followed by a 5 minute visit with the doctor. Under the new plan you can most likely expect longer delays and less personalized care from the doctor. Less per-sonalized care leads to sicker patients and more drug prescriptions.

Does it make since to invest billions, perhaps trillions of dollars into a health care system that…

1. Does not focus on the prevention of disease.

2. Focuses on treatments that have historically failed.

3. Does not pay for dietary advice or lifestyle education.

4. Destroys a doctors ability to give ad-equate time and counseling to patients???

There is no such thing as free health care. The future of quality care will rest on the shoulders of doctors who disassoci-ate themselves from government funded care and move toward a fee for service system that allows them to spend quality time educating, treating, and caring for their patients. The future of good health in the U.S. will rest upon the shoulders of the individual. There are no magic pills or products that will miraculously transform your health. Look in the mirror and ask the following questions to yourself:

Do I exercise regularly? Do I drink plenty of water? Do I eat reasonably? Do I manage my stress load responsibly? Do I have good hygiene? Do I get adequate sun exposure? Do I get adequate sleep on a nightly basis? Do I take time to educate myself about the proper care and function of my body?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you are not doing your part. H



Proceeds benefiting Sugar Land Heritage Foundation & Skeeters Youth Foundation

You are cordially invited To

THE EPIC GRAND OPENING GALA

Saturday, April 14, 20126:30 P.M.

CONSTELLATION FIELDHome of the Sugar Land Skeeters

‘Cocktail Attire and Vintage Jerseys’Ladies are encouraged to wear or bring flat

footwear for on-field cocktail reception

Presenting Sponsors

TELFAIR BY NEWLAND COMMUNITIES

BUD LIGHT/SILVER EAGLE DistributorsPAMELA PRINTING

Aliana Development Company CLASSIC CHEVROLET SUGAR LAND

Fort Bend Focus MagazineLEGACY FORD

MEMORIAL HERMANN

For more information, call Kelly Dunnbier

281.240.4588 or

[email protected].



Back by popu-lar demand to cel-ebrate the Literacy Council’s 25th An-niversary is televi-sion chef Christy Rost. Christy will entertain guests with a cooking demonstrat ion complete with din-ner and drinks on April 29th, 2012 at the Aliana Clubhouse.

Christy is an author of two cookbooks, and her second cookbook, Where’s My Spatula? Fast, Healthy Meals When Your Kitchen or Your Life Is A Mess, will be available for purchase at the event. Christy will be personally signing copies of her cookbook. In Where’s My Spatula?, Christy provides quick, easy recipes and solutions for getting delicious, nutritious meals on the table every day of the week.

A television chef and host of her own long-running Texas cooking and lifestyle television series, Just Like Home, Christy is also a spokesperson, radio personality, culinary instructor and popular guest presenter for retailers, home shows and charities. Christy is a licensed Registered Nurse and an avid gardener. She shares her realistic, attainable and signature ap-proach to casual living with an affordable and elegant flair. Her particular sense and commitment makes family feel spe-cial and friends feel like family.

“Christy Rost is one of the most enter-taining individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to meet! She is a dynamic, engaging chef who is also one big ball of fun,” said Brenda Bowman, Executive Di-rector of the Literacy Council. “Her food demonstrations are very informative, but she shares her wit and sense of humor along the way to a great dish. She is just what the doctor ordered for body, mind and soul. You don’t want to miss this cu-linary evening!”

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Literacy Council at 281-240-8181. There are only 25 spots re-maining for this event. Sign up NOW! H

A Culinary Evening with Christy Rost

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T he idea to start volunteering regularly came to Gerri Brecker after she retired. A property administrator in the oil and

gas industry and a full-time mom to two daugh-ters, Brecker had only previously done minor vol-unteering at her children’s school. But she was looking for something to fill her time, and when an acquaintance told her that Child Advocates, a non-profit organization that dealt with abused children in foster care, was trying to start up a chapter in Fort Bend, she decided to go to a coffee they were hosting and see what they were about.

“I heard about them by accident. I had never heard of them before,” she said. “Linda Schultz [then-Executive Director of Child Advocates] was hosting the coffee, and I think it was her passion and enthusi-asm that drew me in to it.”

Now, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volun-teer, Brecker works with children who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services because of abuse or neglect. As a CASA volunteer, she is assigned by a judge to a case involving a child or children who have been placed in foster care. She acts as a voice for the child in the case, and helps them cope with the abuse they’ve suffered.

Brecker says that the work can be very “rewarding” when the outcome is good for the child, but is also “heartbreaking” at times, especially when dealing with older children who are eager to “age out of the system.”

FORT BEND

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Gerri Brecker: Caring For – and About – Children in Need

“For some reason, they think once they turn 18, the world is going to be all different. So many of them just say, ‘I want to get out,’” she said. “It just breaks your heart when you put in years with a child and don’t really know what happens to them. Some of them end up homeless, with-out a family. I would say that for me that’s the most difficult part of the job, that’s probably the hardest part, and there’s not a lot that you can do personally.”

Still, Brecker says she has seen many cases “work out best for the child,” and she has kept in touch with some of the children she’s worked with through the years, including one case that lasted 15 years.

“You can’t just walk away from something like that, when you’ve been with a child for so long,” she said.

Brecker celebrated her 20th year of being with Child Advo-cates this year, and was named 2011’s Child Advocate of the Year, an award which she said “humbled” her. Although she doesn’t plan on taking another case any time soon, she says her involvement as a CASA volunteer has impacted her life.

“I’ve certainly come to know that not everyone lives in a happy home,” she said. “It changed my life.”

For more information regarding Child Advocates of Fort Bend, please visit www.cafb.org or call 281-344-5130. For additional volunteer opportunities in Fort Bend County, call Volunteer Fort Bend at 281-340-1919 or visit www.VolunteerFortBend.org. H

Gerri Brecker

By Whitney Hensler


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Bowling Tournamentto Raise Money for

Local Charity

Fort Bend Regional Council on Sub-stance Abuse, Inc. (FBRC) is announc-ing it’s eighth annual Fort Bend Cor-porate Challenge bowling tournament to be held on Saturday, May 19th. For this year’s tournament, sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad Company, FBRC invites area businesses, orga-nizations and individuals to gather a team and join in the fun.

The tournament will be held at AMF Stafford Lanes located at 4919 South Main from 12 to 3 p.m. Individual team sponsorships start at $500, which includes two games for a four member team and lunch. Corporate sponsorship levels start at $1000.

So, whether you have bowled all your life or you plan to roll your first strike, this is a great event for a very important cause. Proceeds from the Challenge support FBRC’s programs, including Summer Explosion youth camp, Leadership High School, Red Ribbon Week events and other ben-eficial programs that keep Fort Bend County kids and their families safe and drug-free.

This year’s theme will be the Ken-tucky Derby, so get your team together and come Bowl for the Roses!

For more information about reg-istration or FBRC, visit at www.fort-bendcouncil.org or call Irene Wisner at 281-207-2409. H

Fort Bend RegionalCouncil on Substance Abuse, Inc. aims to raise money for

drug-free programs with bowling tournament


[email protected]

H ope for Three, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to expand autism

awareness, empower and educate fami-lies, improve early diagnosis and con-nect families to the care and support they deserve, is honored and proud to announce April will be recognized and proclaimed Autism Awareness Month by all 17 mayors of Fort Bend County.

"Hope for Three received its non-profit status in April 2011. We vowed that come April 2012, we would help bring assistance to families affected by autism and make some noise and share with the community that autism is not a death sentence. It can be the begin-ning of a new chapter with the help and support of family, friends, and com-munity,” said Darla Farmer, Hope for Three founder and president.

In 2007, The United Nations declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity, and the entire month of April has become Autism Awareness Month. Each Mayor has enthusiasti-cally rallied around Hope for Three to increase Autism Awareness. A procla-mation will be signed at each city's re-spective city council meeting in March and April. The 17 cities include Arcola, Beasley, Fairchilds, Fulshear, Katy, Kendleton, Meadows Place, Missouri City, Needville, Orchard, Pleak, Rich-

mond, Rosenberg, Simonton, Stafford, Sugar Land and Thompsons. "Autism has no cure, but early intensive treat-ment can make a big difference. I sup-port Autism Awareness because the number of children diagnosed with au-tism appears to be rising, and we need to support the efforts of organizations like Hope for Three," said Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen.

City employees as well as residents of Fort Bend County will also be given

Pictured are (back row) Mayor Allen Owen, Missouri City; Darla Farmer, Hope for Three President; Hope Montgomery and Mayor James Thompson, Sugar Land. Front row: Mayor Vincent Morales, Rosenberg; Mayor Charles Jessup, Meadows Place; Mayor Tommy Kuykendall, Fulshear; and Mayor Freddie Newsome, Town of Thompsons.

an opportunity to support Hope for Three's Autism Awareness Campaign by wearing light blue on a specific day, wearing an autism advocate bracelet or autism puzzle piece lapel pin. They can also participate and join millions around the world by lighting it up blue.

The Light It Up Blue Campaign was ig-nited by Autism Speaks. Everyone around the world is asked to turn their lights blue in support of Autism Awareness.

Joining Hope for Three and city

Rallies Fort Bend to Recognize April Autism Awareness Month17 Local Mayors Issue Proclamations and a Host of Awareness Events Set


leaders are Brookstreet Bar-B-Que, Chase Bank, Sugar Land Town Cen-ter and more than 50 area high school students. Each Monday in April, Brookstreet will donate ten percent of all "Dine-in" sales to Hope for Three at both the Sugar Land and Missouri City locations. A portion of proceeds from the Sugar Land Town Center's Giving Spirits Concert Series on April 6th will also be donated to the organization. Chase Bank will partner with a couple of Hope for Three teen volunteers. The teens rallied more than 50 classmates from Clements High School to host a Car Wash for Kids. The event will take place April 15th at Chase Bank, 4997 Sweetwater, Sugar Land, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Car Wash for Kids is part of Hope for Three's "It's Cool to Care" Campaign, an effort to educate, empower, and enable youth to make a positive contribution to the lives of other young people with unique differ-ences – Autism.

The unveiling of the Path of Hope will wrap up April Autism Awareness

Month on April 25th. Path of Hope is the Build a Brick Campaign that will help provide much needed funding for fam-ilies affected by autism. It will be constructed near the main entrance and playground area of the Texana Children's Cen-ter for Autism.

Autism is an epidemic. The Autism Society current-ly reports that “1 in 94 children have autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined." The exact cause of autism is unknown and to date there is no cure. What is known is that early diagnosis is key. It is believed that early diagnosis and interventions

George Patterson, CEO of Texana; Tracey Shaw, Director of Development & Com-munity Relations for Texana Center; Darla Farmer, President, Hope for Three; Stacey Milton, Co-Chair Brick Campaign; Kate Johnson-Patagoc, Director of Specialized Services for Texana Center; and Joan Soland, Co-Chair Brick Campaign.

lead to better outcomes for children on the autism spectrum.

Information on symptoms, preva-lence and treatment of autism is avail-able at http://hopeforthree.org/what-is-autism/. For more information on Hope for Three and to assist families affected by autism, call 1-800-317-0787 or visit www.hopeforthree.org. H


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By Nick Nicholson

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star, Fort Bend Focus, Pearland Focus as well as Focus on Women. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization.

A dapted from Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir Another Bullsh*t Night in Suck City, the movie explores

bonds both unbreakable and fragile between parent and child.

Nick Flynn (Paul Dano) is a young writer seeking to define himself. He misses his late mother, Jody (Julianne Moore), and her loving nature. But his father, Jonathan, is not even a memory, as Nick has not seen the man in 18 years. Jonathan Flynn (Robert De Niro) has long defined himself as a great writer, “a master storyteller.” After abandoning his wife and child, Jonathan scrapes through life on his own terms, and ends up serving time in prison for cashing forged checks. After prison, he drives a cab for a number of years, but with his drinking and eccen-tricities now accelerating, he loses his job. Despite the occasional grandiose let-ter to his son, he has remained absent from Nick’s life.

Suddenly facing eviction from his apartment, Jonathan impulsively reaches out to Nick and the two come face-to-face. The older man is eloquent and formidable; overwhelmed, Nick nonetheless prepares to integrate his

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Paul Dano stars as Nick Flynn and Robert De Niro stars as Jonathan Flynn in Paul Weitz’s Being Flynn.

setts in the 1970s and his work at a Boston homeless shelter in the 1980s. He reflects, “I hadn’t grown up with my father; I didn’t know him well. It had been 18 years since I last saw him. Then he ended up a guest, a resident in the shelter where I worked. Our

father into his own life. But, as quickly as he materialized, Jonathan flits away again. Moving on, Nick takes a job at a homeless shelter where he learns from Captain (Wes Studi) and Joy (Lili Taylor) how to relate to the guests who arrive night after night. Seeing the homeless – some permanently, some temporarily so – and hearing their stories, Nick finds purpose in his own life and work. He also sustains a ro-mance with a co-worker, Denise (Olivia Thirlby). Then one night, Jonathan ar-rives, seeking a bed, and Nick’s senses of self and compassion falter. To give the two of them a shot at a real future, Nick will have to decide whom to seek redemption for first.

Evocatively told, ruefully funny, and moving in its depiction of the ties that bind, Being Flynn tells a story that reveals universal truths. Paul Weitz began writing a screenplay adaptation of Nick’s memoir in 2004. It took him seven years before it was ready to be filmed as Being Flynn. Both Weitz and Nick were compelled to tell Nick’s story, as well as that of another man: Jona-than Flynn, Nick’s father.

Nick’s memoir chronicles his life growing up in suburban Massachu- Olivia Thirlby stars as Nick’s coworker Denise.


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lives intersected, and we got to know each other a little.” While facing down a painful family history in the form of his long-estranged father, Nick also faced up to his own drug and alcohol addic-tion. Weitz read the book upon its 2004 publication, and immediately felt that it should be a movie. Corduroy Films’ Michael Costigan introduced Nick to Weitz, who lobbied the author for a chance to make the movie.

Nick was so encouraged by their first meeting that he soon gave his blessing for the feature film adaptation. Nick re-flects, “Paul really had a cogent vision of the material from the beginning. Once we decided to move forward and work together, he wrote a first draft of the script that was quite spectacular.” Paul Weitz’s work as writer and director had consistently gravitated to family dy-namics, most often exploring father/son relationships or their equivalents. But Being Flynn would situate him in a new dramatic context, requiring the articula-tion of a compelling point of view on an emotional real-life narrative. H

Paul Dano as Nick Flynn in Being Flynn.



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Fort Bend County has changed quite a bit in 175 years, but local residents still enjoy a good time. Join your friends and neighbors at this year’s Lone Star Stomp

Support theFort Bend County

Museum Association at Lone Star Stomp XXIII


The Fort Bend County Women’s Cen-ter is excited to announce the opening of their new PennyWise Donation Center on Saturday, April 14th. Located at 4737 Highway 6 South in the Colony Plaza Shopping Center near Star Cinema Grill, the new donation center will make it even more convenient for Missouri City and Sugar Land residents – especially those from Riverstone, Sienna Plantation, Lake Olympia, Quail Valley and First Colony – to support the Women’s Center through

Fort Bend County Women’s Center Announces New PennyWise Donation Center

Serving Missouri City and Sugar Land

PennyWise sales associate Cristina Barron and customer Melissa Abrantes.

donations of furniture, gently used cloth-ing, shoes, electronics and household goods.

The Missouri City and Sugar Land Do-nation Center will be open from 9 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday and from noon – 5 pm on Sundays. Donation Center manager Anita Maddox commented, “The Women’s Center has so many dedicated supporters in the Missouri City and Sugar Land area. I am so excited to be the one who opens the doors of our new donation

center right on their doorsteps!” Donations to PennyWise are used di-

rectly by Women’s Center clients or sold to the public at the PennyWise Resale Cen-ters listed below. Proceeds from sales to the public are used to fund the programs and services provided to Women’s Center clients.

The Fort Bend community can support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children by making do-nations at any of the Women’s Center’s four PennyWise locations:

Missouri City and Sugar Land (do-nations only) – 4737 Highway 6 South, Missouri City, 77459; 281-344-5777.

Stafford – 13945 Murphy Road, Stafford, 77477; 281-344-5782.

Richmond – 1120 Highway 90A, Richmond, 77469; 281-344-5770.

Mission Bend – 6808 Highway 6 South, Houston, 77083; 281-344-5791.

To schedule large items for pick up, donors can call 281-344-5770. H


Becky Covell, Chair of Stomp XXIII, and Judi Vernon, Co-Chair, with ‘Red.’


set for Saturday, April 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park. Like early Texans, enjoy music, dancing, eating and socializing, as the Stomp’s Executive Committee has planned a roaring good time.

Becky Covell, Event Chair, along with Co-Chairs, Jessica Rodriguez and Judi Vernon, have put together an evening whose theme is ‘Stompin’ on the Wild Side.’ The original Triumphs will keep the crowd on the dance floor. Steven Onstad and his crew from The Swing-ing Door will prepare a special menu he calls, “Hogs and Chicks,” featuring grilled pork loin and marinated chicken breasts. Guests will enjoy a great array of items in the live and silent auctions and the event will be filled with lots of new surprises.

This year’s Honorary Chairs are Lori and Tom Shirley. Tom says he and Lori are happy to help “preserve the heri-tage of Fort Bend County for our future generations and to introduce this his-tory to our new citizens.” All proceeds benefit the Fort Bend Museum’s edu-cational programs, which teaches new-comers and natives about Fort Bend’s rich local history.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have some fun and support a good cause at “Lone Star Stomp XXIII … Stompin’ on the Wild Side,” Saturday, April 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park. Individ-ual tickets are $65 and reserved tables may be arranged for groups of 8 and above. For more information, call (281) 342-1256 or visit website www.fortbend-museum.org. H

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M ark your calendars to celebrate the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary at the 22nd Annual “Wine & Music!” This year’s event, “A Silver Cel-

ebration,” will be held Friday, May 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. To cel-ebrate 25 years of excel-lence in Fort Bend Coun-ty, the Honorary Chairs for this year’s event are Lucia and Larry Street. Please join them as the event commemorates the Literacy Council’s 25 successful years with a night of fabulous food, fine wine, live music and a live and silent auction.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample food and wine from local vendors while listening to live music from Fort Bend’s favorite local mu-sicians. In addition, the

live and silent auction will be filled with unique and valuable packages. Once again, the event will be offering their 100 for $100 Raffle – selling 100 tickets for $100 for the chance to win the live auction package of your choice. The winner will be chosen at the event, but you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are on sale NOW!

Also at the event, six new Literacy Stars will be honored. These Literacy Stars have made a significant contribution to the Literacy Council through their time, talents, service and dedication to the organization. The six Literacy Stars that will be honored are: Jane Lawrence, Sam Needham, Steve

The LiTeracy counciL of forT Bend counTy PresenTs

Onstad, James Patterson, Lizz Sansone and Robert Wolter. “We are thrilled to be honoring these individuals at our 25th Anniversary Celebration,” said Brenda Bowman, Executive Director, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. “All of these individuals have given so much to the Literacy Council, and this is a small, but heartfelt display of our gratitude to them.”

Sponsorships are currently available for the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, and they range in price from $750 to $10,500 with special underwriting op-portunities. Sponsorship benefits include pro-gram recognition, a table at the event, va-let parking passes, complimentary bottles of wine, naming rights and recognition in media materials. Sponsors will not want to miss the opportunity to become a donor for the Literacy Council’s 25th Anniversary Celebration! In addition to sponsorships, donations of live and silent auction items are currently being accepted.

Please plan on celebrating the Literacy Council’s achievements of the past 25 years at “A Silver Cele-bration” on May 11. Tickets for the event are $75 per person, and they can be purchased by contacting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281.240.8181 or online at www.ftbendliteracy.org.

For more information about Wine & Music 2012 – “A Silver Cel-ebration” or the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, please con-tact the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281.240.8181 or www.ftbendliteracy.org.

Wine & Music 2012

“A Silver Celebration”

Larry and Lucia Street are the Honorary Chairs for this year’s event.

Fun Guide

A to Z

Summer 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!


A to Z Summer Fun Guide


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Stay indoors during thehottest part of the day.



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Learn more about

a place to call home



Open Registration for Summer CampJunior and Senior Campers (preschool – 12 years)

Time—The PastLet’s climb into our phenomenal time machineAnd see amazing sights like we’ve never seen!

We’ll travel back into the mysterious past.Hang on, Time Travelers, ‘cause we’re moving fast!

The Prehistoric EraBrrrrrr! Brrrrrr! Brrrrrr! It’s cold, cold, cold!

We’re in the Ice Age, and what sights we behold!Let’s move to the time when dinosaurs rambled.Uh oh, there’s a T. Rex—we’d better scramble!

Ancient CivilizationAncient civilizations and treasures unknown,

We’ll see the Greek ruins and great Egyptian stones.The Olympic Games will have us ready to run,So come along with us and have some fun!

The ExplorersTake a trip back in time among castles and knights,

Medieval music, and Renaissance sights!Then, buckle up and get ready for more:

The New World is waiting—it’s time to explore!

Moving WestHold onto your hat! Giddy up! Gallop down!‘Cause Western weeks are coming to town!

Our rootin-tootin time machine takes us westTo learn what cowboys and cowgirls did best.

The FutureBuckle up as we travel to future days!

Let’s explore robotics and mysterious ways.We’ll fly in cars and be at home on the moon.Beam me up now! The future is coming soon!

www.KidsRKidsFortBend.com



The Walden SchoolYou have high expectations... and so do we.

Now Accepting Registration for FallInfants through Pre-Kindergarten

Private Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Adventurous, educational & fun

Summer Camp

Call for details

16103-A Lexington Blvd. (behind First Colony Mall) • 6:15am - 6:45pm

281-980-0022 • www.thewaldenschool.comTransportation to Area Schools Kindergarten through Age 13

www.rightchoiceforkids.org

Learning StageS, inc.A Child Development Center

Enrolling for Summer Camp

& 2012-2013 School Year

Camp Explore• Interactive&

educationalactivities

• FieldTrips• SpecialEvents

Since1992

12780 South Kirkwood(BetweenHwy59&Hwy90) 281-240-0480WWW.LEARNINGSTAGES.COM

Guitar • Piano/Piano Prep • Voice • ViolinMusic Preparation for Young Children 4-7

College Trained and Degreed Teachers

20333 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479Conveniently located just off Grand Parkway

281-545-1400www.BachToRock.comx

Gift Certificates



DANCE STUDIO

Summer DanceSession

June 19 – July 18Tuesdays & Wednesdays

281-499-39213643 Glenn Lakes Ln.,

Highway 6 • Missouri City

www.robinsdancestudio.com

Call or see website for schedule

Tutu Train Express

Dance CampAges 4 – 6

June 19th – 23rd

Go Outside & Play

Fun in the Sun! • Attractions • HistoryWild Life • Fishing • Camping

A day at the OCEAN is fun for the Whole Family! Go Outside and PLAY!

Check the web for beaches near you.

Galveston Island • Stewart Beach • Mustang Island • Port Aransas • Sea Rim State

Park

• So

uth Pa

dre

Island

• Port Isabel •

Texas Summer Reading Club • Story Telling Books • Videos • Music CD • Story Kits

Educational Toys • Magazines • CD-ROMs and More!

Check Out Your Favorite Fort Bend Library www.fortbend.lib.tx.us



Fine Arts Camp 2012Flight PlanXylo-Fun! Star Guitar Prime Time SweetsHouston Museum of Natural Science @ Sugar Land Rock N Roll PuppetsSign Language Drama“Hour” ChoirJump Gym Jump Outdoor Fun 24/7 Cooking Class Oil Pastels Clock Stoppers Dance Tutting Fashion Jewelry Sew “A Stitch in Time” Tick Tock MagicGlass MosaicsCookie Joe’s Dance

July 16-19 & 23-26For Kids Entering 2nd-6th Grades $125 for 1 week/$240 for 2 weeks July 16-19 & 23-26

For Kids Entering 7th-12th Grades

www.fineartscamp.net

ugarLandBaptistChurch

2012 CAMP OFFERINGS

WEEK ONE = Drama= Singing= Choreography= Costuming= Set Building= How To Audition

WEEK TWO

www.stagerightcamp.com16755 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 • 281-980-4431 • www.sugarlandbaptist.org

For Fine Arts Camp information or questions, contact Karen at 281.275.6507 or [email protected].

9am - 1pm9am - 1pm



For All Ages!Summer Camps

10% DISCOUNT

for returning students

and siblings

June 11 – 15 K-4th gradeJune 18 – 22 5-8th gradeJune 25 – 29 5-8th gradeJuly 9 – 13 9-12th gradeJuly 16 – 20 K-4th gradeJuly 23 – 27 5-8th gradeJuly 30 – Aug. 3 9-12th gradeAug. 6 – 10 5-8th grade

Summer Acting Camps

Half-Day CampGrades K-4th

9 – 11 am or 1 – 3 pm$100 per week session

Full Day Camp*

Grades 5th-12th9 am – 2 pm

$200 per week session

Each camp is unique and many campers attend several sessions each Summer!

*Full day campers need to bring a lunch and drink.

Join us as we create our own play – from script to

stage – and perform for family and friends on Fridays!

www.FoglesFutureStars.com5503 FM 359, Ste. D, Richmond, TX 77406

832-651-8857

Ask about our After-School Programs for Fall!

V is for Vegetables

FARMERS’ MARKET AT IMPERIALOpen Every Saturday - year around

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. rain or shine

URBAN HARVEST FARMERS’ MARKETSugar Land Town Square

Thursday from 4-7 p.m.

PAVLOCK FARMSLocated right outside of Rosenberg.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WILD WEST FARMERS’ MARKETPecan Grove Area Market

Every Sunday, Noon - 4 p.m.

KATY’S FARMERS’ MARKET LaCenterra Parking Lot

Every Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon



Buy TICKETS at schlitterbahn.com

Free Parking | Free TubesPicnics Welcome

With its huge array of awesome aquatic adventures and TWO great seasons, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island can be your personal happy place all year long! VisVisit schlitterbahn.com for more information and the complete operating schedule or call 409-770-WAVE.

Prices, hours, attraction availability and operating

schedule subject to change without notice.

UP TO $12Save Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Galveston Island ticket window any operating day during our 2012 Heated Indoor Season (March 3 - April 15, 2012 and September 20 - December 30, 2012) or during our 2012 Summer Season (any operating day in April, May or SepSeptember, OR Sunday through Friday in June, July or August) and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-priced, all day tickets.

Not valid Saturdays in June, July or August or with any other offer, discount, special price, prepaid, mid-day, group, two-day or season tickets. Tickets must be purchased at Schlitterbahn and used the same day. Coupon has no cash value and is not for resale. Prices, operating scheduleschedule and attraction availability subject to change without notice.

Coupon expires December 30, 2012.

©2012 Waterpark Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Two Great SeasonsWaterpark

FUNFUNMOST

SUMMERSEASON

Over 33 Attractions!April 21 - September 23, 2012

HEATED INDOOREnjoy a Dozen Heated Attractions!

March 3 - April 15, 2012 andSeptember 29 - December 30, 2012

SEASONHEATED INDOOR



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Contact Patti Parish-Kaminski [email protected]

Learn: • Writing • Editing • Developing Story Ideas • Event Planning • Promotion • Email Marketing

Summer InternsWANTED:

We are looking for High School or College students who want to learn about the exciting world of mag-azine publishing. Class credit available.

Is Growing - Come Grow With Us!

ZOOin here!

It’s a

Quit Monkeying

Around and

Come See Us!

Texas has great zoos for you and your family to visit this Summer!

Some Great Zoos Close to Home

Houston Zoo

TGR Wildlife Park - Spring

Texas Zoo - Victoria

Wonder World - San Marcos

Austin Zoo

San Antonio Zoo

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - New Braunfels

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose

Dallas Zoo

Ft. Worth Zoo

Wednesday, April 18th 6:30 – 10 pmBuen Provecho! Dinner with the Corduas in the Heart of Sugar Land$125 per ticket or Reserved Table for Eight ($1,000) or six ($750)

Joinaward-winningChefsDavidandMichaelCorduaforanunparalleleddin-ing experience as they open the doorsto their latest culinary masterpiece,Churrascos Sugar Land, at 1520 LakePointe Pkwy., exclusively for one nightonly. Explore the fresh, vibrant flavorsofLatinAmericawithanoff-menu,five-coursedinner,accompaniedbyabeautifulselectionofSouthAmericanwines.Finecigarsandpost-dinnerFlorDeCanaRumcocktailsonthelakefrontpatiocompletethismemorableevent.Seatingislimited.

For reserved tables, please call713-SIP-WINE.Individualticketscanbepurchasedon-line.

Friday, April 20th 5:30 pm – 6:30 pmFred Parks Lecture Series Presents Sommeliers Secrets: The Great Old World/ New World Divide with Marnie Old, MS$45 per ticket

Ifyou’veeverwonderedwhyAmeri-canandEuropeanwinesmadefromthesamegrapecanradicallydifferent, thisis your chance to get the inside scoop!

Join world-class wine educatorMarnieOld fora fascinating lookatoneof thekeyconceptsthatsommeliersandinsid-ers use to make sense of the complexlandscape of wine. Taste luxury winesthat spana spectrumof style from the‘OldWorld’ classics to the ‘NewWorld’innovatorsinauniqueinteractivesemi-narledbyoneofthewineworld’smostengagingrisingstars.AtMarriottSugarLandTownSquare,16090CityWalk.

7 – 9:30 pm The Grand Tasting$125 per ticket

Featuring the most sought afterwinesintheworldtodayandthetalentsofthecountry’sculinarysuperstars.Theeventwillalso featureTheGrandAuc-tion, a silent auction that benefits anendowedscholarshipfundattheConradN.HiltonCollege ofHotel andRestau-rantManagement.TheGrandTastingisheldattheelegantballroomoftheSugarLandMarriottTownSquare;andwillbethehottestticketintown!Chiccocktailattirerecommended.AtMarriottSugarLandTownSquare,16090CityWalk.

Saturday, April 21st

11 am – 5:15 pm Imperial Shuttle from Sugar Land Marriott Town Square$5 per ticket

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

A reyoureadyforsomefestivity, funandfrivolity? ThensignupfortheSugarLandWine&FoodAffairEventscheduledforApril18ththrough22nd.Enjoyinternationallyacclaimedwin-

eriesandchefsinthisuniqueseriesofwininganddiningevents.Youronlydecisioniswhichonestoattend?Takealookatthissamplingofevents,andenjoy!Fortickets,visitwww.sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com.

Shuttle transportation is available fromthe Sugar Land Marriott Town SquareConferenceCenter entrance, 16090CityWalk,totheentryoftheSip&StrollatImperialandback.

1 – 4:00 pm Sip & Stroll at Imperial$60 per ticket

ThehistoricImperialCharHouseandThree Bay Warehouse will be the newhome for the Sip & Stroll at Imperial.Thisisthelargesteventandwillfeatureover40wineriesandarestaurantshow-casewith culinary delights displayed attastingtables.Guestswillenjoyahostofactivities including cooking demonstra-tions, mixologists and live music. Wearcasualoutdoorattire–historiccostumesareoptional!AtImperialSugarLand,198KempnerStreetinSugarLand.

Sunday, April 22nd

11 am – 2 pm Bistro Brunch at Town Square$50 per ticket

Brunchondeliciousfood&winepair-ingsfromaroundtheworldpreparedbyinternationalchefs fromSouthAfrica,Spain,Texas,France,Germany,Cali-fornia,Japan,NewZealand,Lebanon,Greece, Italy, Oregon, New Mexico& Brazil. Casual Brunch Chic Attire.SugarLandTownSquare,2711TownCenterBlvdNorth.

Sugar Land

Events

Sugar LandWine & Food Affair

April 18th – 22ndEvents

Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair

April 18 - 22, 2012Formerly The Grand Wine & Food Affair

SugarLandWineAndFoodAffair.com

www.facebook.com/sugarlandwineandfoodaffair

Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management

Producing Partner and Beneficiary



Your New OutdoorLiving Room!

Patio Covers • Outdoor Kitchens • Screened PorchesDecorative Patios • Sunrooms • And More!

Call today to schedule a free design consultation.281-265-1994 TexasCustomPatios.com

Family & FriendsMake it an

Outdoor Event

2625 Town Center Blvd. | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.980.2070www.interiorsmarkettx.com

Every story has a bead™

SPRINGSATIONALnew bead release!

Introducing a brand new seasonal collection, the 2012 Universal Decorative Eggs. Beautiful artistic glass tassels available in limited quantities this spring season.



Ticket sales are well underway forthe5thAnnualMadHatterSpringLun-cheon and Fashion Show presented byWellsFargoBank.Theluncheon,chairedbyTerriWangalongwithhonorarychair,JacquieChaumette,isscheduledforFri-day, April 27th, at the Stafford Centerfrom11:30am–1:30pmandwillbenefitFortBendSeniorsMealsonWheels.

Inspiration Keynote Speakers AlyCalvoandAndreaKulberg,M.Ed.,sim-plyknownasAlyandAndrea-identicaltwins and motivational speakers, willsharetheirstorytoinspiretheaudience:They’ve faced their own extremely pre-mature birth, blindness, poverty, rejec-tion, divorce, failure, cancer, andmore.Yet, between them, they carry titles ofWorld Champion athletes, former Uni-versity of Texas Cheerleaders, OlympicTorch bearer, cancer survivor, award-winning internationalCEO,TVspokes-person,authors,andspeakers.RoseannRogerswillserveastheeventemcee.

Fourteen“localcelebrity”modelswilltaketherunwayinspringfashionspro-videdbyCache,WardrobeTheBoutiqueandJos.A.Bankwithhairandmake-upprovidedbySalonEben&DaySpa.

The Stafford Centre will be trans-formedintoadesignandfloralextrava-ganzawithelegantdesignsbythearea’sbest.InteriorsdesignersandfloristsfromtheFortBendandsurroundingareaareinvited to decorate the tables in their“ThemeofChoice.”

Toaddalittlefuntotheevent,Celeb-rity Table Décor Judge, Torie Halbert,finalistinHGTV’s Design Star-Season 4,willtaketothefloortoawardtheOverallTable Design andMost Creative TableDesign,whichwillbeannouncedattheendoftheevent.

For ticket information, please con-tact Kristin Weiss at 281-633-7057 [email protected]

Ladies & Gentlemenof Fort Bend Countyto Take the Runway

at the Mad HatterSpring Luncheon& Fashion Show

Theresa Sullivan & Dalia Ahmad.

Alisa Murray’s Birthday Bash

Victoria Ann & Alisa Murray.

Sejal Upadhyaya, Dr. Nina Desai & Ashley Willis.

Kelly Dunnabant & Candy Howard.

Fort Bend Junior Service League VIP Party

Mandy Boudreaux, Jessica DeMarr & Audra O’Neal.

Nicole Page, Lindsey Cullison & Hillary Watson.

Steve & Kelli Metzinthin.Nicole Snow, Brigit Engleman, Debbie Buckner & Jennifer Belt.

Aliana Model Home Opening

Jackie Wilcox & Monroe Ashworth.

Sylvia & Dean Carpenter.

Linda Kilgore & Mandy DeLeon.

Travis Stone & Tom Afflerbach.



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TheFortBendBoysChoirofTexas,in its 30th anniversary season, hasplentytocelebrate!Theyjustreceived$25,000 from The George FoundationthisJanuary2012.Thisgrantwillpro-vide scholarship assistance to choir-boys for tuition, workshops, vocal in-struction,camps,summerperformancetoursandmore.Inaddition,TheMadi-son Charitable Foundation recentlyawarded $30,000 to the organizationforgeneralprogramsupportforallfiveperforming ensembles; this is after a$10,000grantwasawardedinAugust2011.“Giventhestateofoureconomy,thesegrantshavetrulybeenablessingto our music programs. Now, we canreachouttomanymoredeservingandtalented boys in theGreaterHoustonareawhohavethedesiretosing,”saysWilliamR.Adams,FounderandArtis-ticDirector.

TolearnmoreabouttheFortBendBoysChoirofTexas,oneofthelargestindependent boychoirs in the nation,visittheirwebsiteatwww.fbbctx.org.YoumayalsovisittheirFacebookpageforthelatestinformationontheir30thanniversaryactivities.H

Fort Bend Boys Choir Celebrates30th Anniversary Season with Significant Grants

Dee Koch with the George Foundation presenting grant check to Tiana Mortimer, Executive Director and the Fort Bend Boys Choir.

Areyouinterestedinmakingadif-ference in the lives of children?Well,yourchanceisjustaroundthecorner!BeginningApril16th,ChildAdvocatesofFortBendisofferingeveningtrain-ing class for new volunteers to advo-cateforabusedandneglectedchildren.

Volunteersmustbeover21yearsofage, completeanapplicationandsub-mitabackgroundscreening.Formoreinformation or anapplication, [email protected]

Child Advocates ofFort Bend Offers

Volunteer Training Class


Foster ProStart Management Team’s Colton Coyle, Sponsor Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, Akila Rogers, Victoria Bowman & Diontre Jornet.

Foster ProStart Culinary Team’s Sponsor Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, members Jesus Carrillo, Samantha Rice,

Heidi Morin & Blanca Huerta.

The Foster ProStart Management Team Competes in the 2012 ProStart Regional Competition

Clara Freeman & Claude Leatherwood.

Laurel Wendt, Rebecca Maitland & Andres Novoa.

Miguel Rodriguez & Kevin Kohl.

Shanta Kuhl & Bruce Gingrich.

Fifth Annual Central Fort Bend Chamber Mardi Gras Party

First Ladies of Fort Bend Luncheon & Fashion Show Steering Committee

Joy Dowell, Eloise Lucas, Cheryl Bertrand, Karen Chitty-Boe & Debbie Prihoda.


Pick up a free TCRN Preferred Customer Card today at any of the businesses found in the TCRN Online Business Directory and start saving immediately at different businesses around town!

Current Preferred Customer Card Special

Receive 10% Off Your Food Billwhen using your Preferred Customer Card at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Sugar Land TX!

Want to be a Preferred Customer? It’s Free!

search for more savings online at:

www.TCRN-SugarLand.com

Sugar Land Garden Club plants two trees at Sugar Land’s Pawn Springs Dog Park as part of their Arbor Day Celebration.

Sugar Land Garden Club recentlycelebratedArborDaybyplanting twotrees at the Pawn Springs Dog Park,apartofSugarLandMemorialPark.The club selected a cedar elm and aMexican white oak because both arewell-suited for the Gulf Coast area.The celebrationwas attended by gar-denclubmemberswithseveralvisitorsfromcitymanagement.Visitorsinclud-edJoeChesser,Asst.ParkandRecre-ationDirector;KimberlyTerrell,ParkDevelopment Manager; Phil Martin,Park Supervisor; andVickiGist fromKeepSugarLandBeautiful.

SugarLandGardenClubisa150+member organization that supports avariety of state-wide and communityhorticulturalprojects.Theclubalsoof-ferstwoscholarshipstograduatehorti-culturalstudentseachyear.Theclubhastwofundraisersthatsupporttheirendeavors,agardenartandplantsalethe third Saturday of September andagarden tour the secondSaturday inMay. ThisyearthegardentourisonMay12thfrom9amto4pmandwillfeature gardens in the Sugar Creeksubdivision. Tickets are $12 andmaybepurchasedat802MerrickDr.onthedayofthetour.

One of the oldest garden clubs inTexas, the club celebrates its 80thyear in 2012. Sugar Land GardenClubmeets at theKnights of Colum-bus Hall, 702 Burney Rd, 77478, onthe third Tuesday of the month. Themeetings feature speakers on garden-related topics. The club also offersworkshops and field trips throughouttheyear.Forfurtherinformation,seewww.sugarlandgardenclub.org.H

Sugar Land Garden Club Celebrates Arbor Day




[email protected]

FREE

...LIST YOUR GARAGE SALE NOW FOR

Karen Chitty-Boe & George Gatson.

Memorial Hermann Red Wine

& Dark Chocolate Event

David & Kathryn Tart.

Jim Brown & Majid Basit.

Gerrit Von Wenckstern & Melissa Mielcarek.

Julie Nguyen & Catherine Than.Breanna Ochoa & Claudia Abbott.

Shelby Christinidis, Ofilia Cornejo, Lea Marchesano, Tina Ngo & Amber Blackstock.

Sugar Land Plastic Surgery Open House

Members of the Fort Bend County Links Jean Thompson, Jan Woodson, Margaret A. Graham, special guest Nancy Stephenson Woods, and Margaret Washington.

The Fort Bend County Chapter of The Links, Inc. Presents the 2nd Annual Poster Arts Contest and Exhibit



NEW LOCATION

FF0 %02 YLNO STNEILC WEN ROFtnenamrep

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11333 Fountain Lake Dr. #D17Stafford, Texas 77477

Gallery of Salons

Al e x Burton Salons 2745 D Town Center Blvd. Suite 112Sugar Land, Texas 77479

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CELLULITE REDUCTION - TONE & TIGHTEN SKIN

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On January 28th, The ThunderWolfDistrictoftheSamHoustonAreaCouncilofBoyScoutsofAmericaheldits2012DistrictDinner.Anumberofawardswerepresented.

VinceDonart,ThunderWolfDistrictChairman,announcedthattheDistricthadachievedSilverLevelinScouting’s“Journey to Excellence.” Donart ex-pressedhisappreciationtoDavidVanKleeck, immediate past Chairman oftheDistrict,andtoScoutsandScout-ersoftheDistrict fortheirhardworkto achieve this level. Vince also pre-sentedtwoplaquestoVanKleeck,fromtheDistrictandfromtheSamHoustonAreaCouncil, expressingappreciationforhis threeyears’ serviceasDistrictChairman.

VanKleeck reviewed the events of2011, including the achievement oftheJourneytoExcellencerecognition.CareySnydermadea short presenta-tion in remembrance of Scout leaderslostduringtheyear–WillGawlik,PatMoore, and Pat Thornton. After theinvestiture of officers (Vince Donart,Chairman;KimIcenhower,ViceChair-man; Tim Richard, District Commis-sioner),SusanFredericksonpresentedan update on theOrder of theArrowChapteractivities.

Unit Awards of Excellence werepresentedtoCubScoutPack828,BoyScoutTroops659,441,731,1631,1845,andVenturingCrew1316.

ThunderWolfAwardswerepresent-ed to Roger Hoover (Troop 103), LenKutz ( Troop 441), Don Rakoski andSarahRyan(Troop731),DougAcker(Troop 1631),AndyFriedman (Troop1852), Steffany Leach, and RobertGoodspeed(Troop441).

DistrictAwards ofMeritwerepre-sented to David Rudzinski (Troop1852)andVenieceGriffin.

Thunder Wolf District Sam Houston Area

Council of Boy Scouts of America Holds 2012

District Dinner




Financial Focus

Providing fee-only services

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WJIad_4.75x4.75.indd 1 3/7/08 12:01:06 PM

Spring appears to have come earlythisyear,sowhileyou’recleaningoutthegarageandweedingtheflowerbed,con-siderlookingatyourfinances.Herearesomethingsyoucandotocleanupyourcashflowandenjoyaprosperous2012.

Consider refinancing your mortgage. Rates have droppedsignificantlyduringthelastfewyears,providinghomeownerstheopportunityto save hundreds on their monthlypayments and tens of thousandsthroughthelifeoftheloan.Qualifyingwon’tbeeasy,but it’swellworth it if

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

you bought your home between 2003and2007andareplanningtostayinitforeightormoreyears.

Contribute at least the company match to your 401k.Whilethismaydecrease your take-home pay, thelong-term return to you is huge. Bycontributingthematch,youremployerisprovidingyouwithaguaranteed50-100percentreturnonyourinvestment,and all of it is tax-deferred!No stockorrealestateinvestmentcanofferthis.

Check your credit report. Errorsonyourreportcanhurtyourcreditscore

andpreventyoufromgettingaloan.Ifyouareavictimof identity theft,youarenotlegallyobligatedtopaythedebtsfalselyaccruedtoyourname,butwillneedtocleanupyourreport.Calloneof the three credit reporting agencies(Equifax,TransUnionorExperian)forinstructions.Forafreecreditreport,gotowww.annualcreditreport.com.WJ Interests is a fee-only financial

planningandinvestmentmanagementfirm in Sugar Land. For moreinformation, please contact [email protected]

If you like reading our magazines, you’ll LOVE

working here.

Join Our Team!Call today at 280-690-4242

or send resume [email protected]


Financial Focus

As an independent community bank, we believe our sound banking practices give people a safe place to save, help businesses grow

and ensure that we’ll be here for another 30 years.

Our capital provides a strong fi nancial foundation. We honor our commitment to you, our customer, and to our community. If you are considering a new banking relationship, please give us a call.

Safe andSound!!!

Houston Community Bank, N.A.

Are all banks alike? Absolutely not!

• Strong Capital Position• Fundamental Banking Decisions

• Relationship Banking• Very Liquid• Local Ownership

Here’s what makes our bank Safe and Sound:

19855 Southwest Fwy. Ste 100Greatwood Lakes Office BuildingSugar Land, Texas 77479281.343.7700

13811 Murphy Road (FM 1092)Stafford, Texas 77477281.208.2111

Houston • Humble • Porter • Pearland

CLAUDE B. LEATHERWOOD

JEFF SMITH

houstoncommunitybank.com

An

niversary

AAnn

Are you looking for new ways toachieveyourBusinessGoals?•Areyouconstantlyfacedwith

complexbusinessissuesandcan’t seemtogetsatisfactionfromyour advisors?•Hasyourbankdisappearedorbeen

purchasedbyacompletelyunknown entity?•Doyourememberwhenyouwereon afirstnamebasiswithan experiencedbanker?If youwould like assistance in any

of these areas, Houston CommunityBankwantstoHELPYOU!!!ClaudeB.Leatherwood,ViceChairman

andC.O.O.ofHoustonCommunityBankand a Sugar Land resident stated, “Forover30years,HoustonCommunityBank(HCB)hasbeenassistingsmallbusinessowners with comprehensive solutions totheir financial needs and requirements.HCBBankersare experiencedbusiness-menwhounderstandthefinancialserviceneedsofoursmalltomid-sizebusinesscli-ents,andwewouldliketohelpyou,too.Additionally,theBankalsooffersawiderange of customized business productsand services to assist you in navigatingtheseeverchangingeconomiccurrents.”LeatherwoodexplainedthatHCBhas

steadfastly maintained its Principlesfor SoundBankingPractices. “As a re-sult,ourfinancialinstitutionissafeandsoundandisconsistentlyrateda5StarBank which means we are one of thestrongest banks in the nation.Our en-tireorganizationisextremelyproudandhonoredbythisprestigiousdesignation.”“As you know by now, all Banks are

not alike. HCB’s strong capital positionand sound banking practices providebusinessesandconsumersasafeplacetobanklocallyandasafeplacetomaintaintheirhard-earneddollars.Wealsobelievereadyaccesstocreditisanintegralpartofthelifecycleofeverybusiness.HCBhasover 30 years of experience in assistingbusinesseswiththesetraditionalsourcesoffinancing.Accordingly,HCBiscommit-tedtoworkingwithandcreatingnewrela-

Houston Community Bank, N.A. Is Rated 5 Stars

tionshipsandeffectivesolutionsforyou.”So,ifyouarelookingforconfidence,

reassurance and a personal relation-ship in yourBank, look no further ...Choosingtheright localbankjustgotaloteasier.

Pleasecomeinorcallanyofourcon-venient Fort Bend Banking Centers(281-343-7700)andletourexperiencedteamtellyoumoreabouthowHoustonCommunityBank,N.A.canbenefityouandyourbusiness.H


We are pleased to announce the addition of Bruce Mercer as Regional Lending Manager to the First Victoria National Bank Lending Team.

Bruce and the team will take the time to get to know you, your business and what it takes to build a solid financial future. And they are right here to make decisions and loans—faster. They also don’t just make loans...they manage your entire banking relationship.

So come in and meet Bruce and the rest of the Lending Team to ask about the full range of services that we can offer to you.

First Victoria Welcomes Bruce Mercer to the Team.

Bruce MercerExecutive Vice [email protected]

www.firstvictoria.com2012

Financial Focus

Inkeepingpacewiththeneedsof itcustomers,FirstVictoriaNationalBankcontinued its growth in the area. In2011,thatgrowthincludedthenewestoftheirlocationsinFortBendCounty,theRosenbergReadingBankingCenter.ThenewlocationmarkedthesecondinRosenberg,andthefourthinFortBendCounty, along with neighboring loca-tions inRichmondandKaty.Thenewbankingcenteroffersfull-servicebank-ing, four drive-thru lanes, a 24-hourdrive-up ATM and club-style business

First Victoria National Bank Continues Its Growth

amenitiesattheirV-SourceCenter™.Keepingthistrend,FirstVictoriaNa-

tionalBankwillcontinueitsgrowthinbothFortBendCountyandneighboringMontgomeryCounty over thenext fewyears. In Cinco Ranch, construction isslatedtobeginsoonontheirnewretailbankingcenteraimedatusingthelatesttechnology for its customers. The newbanking center will include a smallerfootprintandwillbestaffedbyuniversalbankers,whocanopendepositaccounts,conducttellertransactionsorintroduce

customerstobrokeragerepresentativesor other bank partners via video-cabletelephones.Also, in neighboringMont-gomery County, the newest bankingcenteropenedthisMarch,withanotherlocationscheduledtoopenlate2012.FirstVictoria is the oldest indepen-

dent bank in Texas with more than80,000 customers in the Texas GulfCoast,theI-45corridorofNorthHous-ton, theBrazos Valley and Fort BendCounty. For more information aboutthebank,visitwww.firstvictoria.com.H



The Chartered Partner of the YearAwardwaspresented toTheExchangeClubofSugarLand,whichchartersbothPack 1133 andTroop 731. In additionto supporting scouting, The ExchangeClubsupportsanumberofnon-profitor-ganizationsintheFortBendareawhichprovideservicetoseniors,awarenessandpreventionofchildabuse,servicetochil-drenandfamiliesatrisk,Americanism,andschoolshoesandChristmaspresentsforunderprivilegedyouth.

TheDistrictFamilyoftheYearAwardwaspresentedtotheFrazierfamily.De-niseFrazier isaCommitteeMemberofbothBoy Scout Troop 731 andVentur-ingCrew1003.SheisalsoanAssociateAdvisortotheCrew.Herdaughter,Juli-anneMarie,graduatedfromElkinsHighSchool,whereshewas in thebandandamemberofFFA(Presidentduringhersenioryear),and is currentlya studentatSamHoustonStateUniversity. ShewasCrewPresident,Treasurer,andSec-retary,andisstillamemberoftheCrew.Denise’sson,ZacharyThomas,isamem-berofTroop731andCrew1003,andamember of Tamia Tala Chapter of theOrderoftheArrow.HeisaLifeScout,workingonhisEagleprojectforLanternLane Elementary. He attends ElkinsHighSchoolwhereheplaysbaseball.

Currently, therearealmost1900Ti-gerScouts,CubScouts,BoyScouts,andVenture Crew members served by thedistrict, supported by over 1000 adultScouters,allvolunteers

ThunderWolf District, comprised ofStaffordMISD and the portion of FortBend ISD South of US-59, is affiliatedwith theSamHoustonAreaCouncil inHouston, the largestBoyScoutCouncilintheUnitedStates.

The mission of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica is to prepare young people tomakeethicalandmoralchoicesovertheirlifetimesbyinstillinginthemthevaluesoftheScoutOathandLaw.H

Contact Terese Peabody512-628-8532 office512-699-7711 cell866-894-3488 toll freewww.tpeabody.com | [email protected]

Located in Rockport, Texas on beautiful Copano Bay, this 6.27 acre property boasts an (approx.) 520 ft. waterfront. The (approx.) 5500 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths with an attached garage and a 4000 sq.ft. shop. A must see! By appointment only. $1,710,000.

RelaxingWaterfront Living


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By Sophia Vassi l iou

H O M E F E AT U R E

S pring is a season when the landscape’s visual outburst encourages us to do a double take: Daffodil’s yellow trumpets, azalea’s fuchsia blossoms, and plump chartreuse

leaves. Not only are these great colors, but they also spark new color palette ideas. So why not take time to refresh and renew your interior?

Choosing Color for Interior Design

How do you react to color? Do the warm shades of a sunset move you, or does a clean, cool winter landscape speak to you? What inspires you? Nature’s palette, the ocean’s hues, or bold colors?

Is there a mood you want to capture? Visualize colors that create a calm retreat to a bright kitchen. Get a clue from your clothes closet. Does that one red sweater get passed over time and time again for the neutrals in your wardrobe?

What is the size of the space? Do you want it to feel larger or cozier? How much available light is there, and what time of day will you use the room most? Decorating a room with a view? You may want to incorporate the hues in your surroundings into the palette. The visuals show the relationship of “Inspiration to Interiors” using color. A bold sculptural palette influences an office space with storage boxes and bright artwork.

Using Color in Design

C O OL RSpring into!


An ocean’s turquoise tones and white waves translate to cool colors with white and reflective accents for a foyer. Nature’s colors can be referenced in a piece of furniture for a vibrant focal point.

• For a fun piece of wall art, pick up a large canvas stretcher and some fun fabric of your choice. Stretch the fabric over the frame, and secure with a staple gun for a customized yet inexpensive statement piece.

• Remember to accessorize your space with textures, shapes, and patterns using colors from your inspiration palette.

• If you are decorating more than one room, you can unify them with color as well. Spring into color – it’s fun!

For more decorating tips, visit Sophia at www. sophiadesigns.com.

Sophia’s Decorating Tips

!GASTROINTESTINAL CARE

CONSULTANTS, P.A.CERTIFIED DIPLOMATES OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL

MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY

MADHUKAR KAW,M.D.

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• Heartburns and Ulcers • Colon Polyps, Colon Cancer Screening • Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis • Irritable Bowel Syndrome• Viral and Non-Viral Hepatitis • Pancreatitis, Gallstones• Gastrointestinal &Pancreatic Cancers • Unexplained Abdominal Pain

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9.30 am - 5.30 pm Medicare/Medicaid Patients

and Private/Commercial Insurance Accepted.

Procedures: EGD, Colonoscopy, ERCP, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endoscopic Treatment of Reflux

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:

12121 Richmond Ave., Ste. 424, Houston, Texas 77082

1400 Creekway Dr., Ste. 201B Sugar Land, TX 77478

Guadalupe Riverfront DUPLEXEach duplex can accommodate four adultsand four children or rent both for groups.

More pictures at www.RioRatonDuplex.com 832-788-2294 www.fortbend .com • April 2012 75

springtimeA SAVORY

BRUNCHW arm breezes, blooming flowers, pretty pastels - when spring is in

the air, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. It’s the perfect time to bring family and friends together for a welcoming brunch.

When planning your menu, be sure to have plenty of savory dishes on hand to satisfy your guests. And rest easy, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare your feast. Using ingredients already full of flavor, such as Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage, lets you create memorable brunch dishes without a lot of work.

These recipes are simple yet satisfying - and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the company gathered around your table.

For more savory brunch recipes, visit www.johnsonville.com.

3 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns3 tablespoons melted butter1/8 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon pepper12 links Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage6 eggs2 cups (8 ounces) shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish

Place 12 paper liners in a muffin pan; spray liners with cooking spray.

In bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and divide between muffin cups.

Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Pour over sausage. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.

Amazing Muffin Cups

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 25 minutesYield: 12 servings

1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Links2 containers refrigerated crescent rolls (16 rolls total)1/2 teaspoon cinnamon2 tablespoons sugar

Prepare sausage according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Unroll crescent roll dough according to di-rections on package. Place one cooked sau-sage onto one end of a dough triangle. Roll dough around sausage according to direc-tions on dough package and place on jelly-roll pan with the seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausage and dough. (You will have 2 extra rolls. Bake and enjoy with jam.)

Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over roll-ups. Bake according to directions on dough package. Serve hot.

Suggestion: Serve with warm maple syrup, honey or your favorite preserves for dipping.

Easy Sausage Roll-Ups

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes Yield: 16 roll-ups

Amazing Muffin Cups

Easy Sausage Roll-Ups

Eggcelent EASTER RECIPES


1/2 cup Smucker’s® Strawberry Syrup2 tablespoons Crisco® Pure Canola Oil2 tablespoons white vinegar1 5-ounce package spring salad greens or other salad greens mix4 green onions, thinly sliced1 tangerine or small orange, peeled, seeded, cut into bite-size pieces12 strawberries, sliced vertically1/4 cup sunflower kernels1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled

Combine syrup, oil and vinegar to make vinaigrette. Whisk until blended.

Place salad greens, green onion, orange pieces, strawberries and sunflower kernels in a large salad bowl.

Add vinaigrette. Toss lightly. Crumble blue cheese over top. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Spring SaladPrep: 10 minutes | Yield: 6 servings

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown tenderloin on all sides. In blender, mix teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, orange marmalade, fresh ginger, brown sugar

and garlic. Blend until a smooth sauce. Put browned tenderloin into slow cooker. Slice onion and add to slow cooker. Add mush-

rooms, pepper, salt and pepper flakes. Cover with the teriyaki sauce mixture. Cook on high for about 4 hours. Turn tenderloin a couple of times while cooking.

When done, remove the tenderloin and let rest for about 10 minutes. To serve, slice diagonally and pour sauce, mushrooms and onions over top.

Courtesy of FamilyFeatures.com

BRING THE FAMILY TOGETHER THIS

EasterWITH EASY,

MEMORABLE RECIPES

E aster is a time for honored family traditions. From Easter hats, egg hunts and meals shared with those you love, each celebration creates its own special memories.

Here are ways to bring some familiar flavors to the Easter table in a whole new way, including savory Slow Cooker Marmalade Pork Tenderloin, a family favorite from Tamie J. of Prosper, Texas, last year’s Grand Prize Winner in the Spreading Smucker’s® Traditions Recipe Contest; as well as sweet Citrus Apple Tart, a favor-ite dish from the Smucker family cookbook.

These easy, delicious recipes can be made or prepared in advance, leaving more time to enjoy your family’s cherished traditions.

For more recipes to help your family celebrate, visit www.smuckers.com.

Slow Cooker Marmalade Pork Tenderloin

Cook: 4 hours | Prep: 20 minutes | Yield: 8 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil 3 pounds pork tenderloin 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce 1 cup chicken broth 1 10-ounce jar Smucker’s® Sweet Orange Marmalade2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup brown sugar 3 cloves garlic 1 large onion, sliced 1 package fresh mushroom caps1/4 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Eggcelent EASTER RECIPES


The published photos came from Press Releases submitted to Fort Bend Focusby the schools/organizations of these children.

Fort Bend Kids ChalKBoard Please note:Submitted news must

include complete captions, including

names, to be considered for

publishing.

The Boy Scouts of Katy’s Troop 557 had their Court of Honor recognizing the scouts achievements over the past few months. The scouts pictured

have earned their next rank in scouting. Pictured are Alex Trevino who earned his 2nd Class and 1st Class rank, Daniel Rodriguez who

earned his 2nd class and 1st class rank, Christian Contreras who earned his 1st class rank, Ashton Rocker who earned his Life rank and Nick

Christoffersen who earned his Eagle. Congratulations Scouts!

William P. Clements NJROTC/NNDCC Unit selected 9th grade

Cadet Kiana Farokhpour as the January Cadet

of the Month. She has learned all the

required knowledge and is the only female on the Armed Drill Team. Cadet Farokhpour will receive the Cadet of the Month Ribbon, Cadet of the Month

Certificate and a free uniform day pass.

The Exchange Club of Fort Bend’s February Young Citizen Awards recipients are Caitlyn Wingerson, Marcario Garcia Middle School; Katie Adell, Lake Olympia Middle School; and Shiv Pandya, Fort Settlement Middle School. The students honored were chosen by the teachers and faculty at their school because they have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, academics and work hard at being good citizens at home, at school and in the community.

Congratulations to four Lamar CISD students who are among only 15,000 high school seniors

who have been selected as National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship

Corporation for their high academic performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Pictured

are Foster High’s Stephanie Tsai and Michael Duncan (top) and Lamar’s Conor Danaher and Nicholas Harvey (bottom) who are now in the running to earn National Merit Scholarships.

Congratulations to Kolton Kaminski for winning Second Place in the 2011-2012 ACSI Math Olympics in the category of 6th Grade Reasoning. Kolton attends Fort Bend Christian Academy.


Fort Settlement Middle School recently hosted a Career Day for 8th grade students. Students interacted with local professionals and visited

displays during a Career Fair. Winners of the Most Professional Student Award were Shelby Clingman, Suvedh Srikanth, Chelsea Godfrey, Keith Saylin, Bianca Navisa, Bardia GhasenLon-Damavandi, Abigail Fjord, and

Ahmad Bourkhis. These students were determined to be the most inquisitive, respectful and interested while navigating the fair.

Congratulations to the 12 First Colony Swim Team members who competed at the Austin Grand Prix meet on January 12th-

15th. Senior Daniel Graviss achieved his first Olympic

Trials time with a 7th place finish in the 1500 Free. Daniel had a great meet also achieving new Summer National times in the 400 Free and 400 IM.

Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson meet with leaders of the Clements High School NJROTC/NNDCC Unit. Justin Allsopp and Chad DeCuir met with the Mayor to extend an invitation in person to the Unit’s upcoming Annual Military Ball and share some very good news: for the second year in a row, the Unit has qualified for the State Drill Competition at Texas A&M University. Pictured are Chad DeCuir, Mayor Thompson and Justin Allsopp.

Congratulations to Clements High School senior Kevin

Pham for earning his Eagle Scout rank. Kevin is a member of Troop 1631, and to achieve this rank, he served in many

leadership positions and earned 33 merit badges. For his Eagle project, Kevin built two benches for the entrance at Settlers Way Elementary, totaling 248 man-hours with the help of 20 volunteers.

Hightower High School Regional Science Fair Qualifiers are Anishya Idicula, Kalki Kathiravan, Manisha Vunnam, Jessica Thomas, Zahra Sadruddin, Shreya Mandal, Neerja

Aggarwal, Shawn Aakash Jacob, Umar Siddiqui, Ruhika Roy, Alwin Alias, Diya Salien, Allison Holmes, Krisha Desai, Elizabeth Zhu, and Mariya Fatakdawala. Photo by John Glenn Ramon.



Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

Recognized byBecker’s Hospital Review

Applied Optoelec-tronics, Inc., (AOI) a leading manufac-turer of fiber-optic c ommunica t i ons components, equip-ment, and modules, with headquarters in Sugar Land, an-nounced the 15th

anniversary of its founding.The company, which was founded a

the University of Houston in 1997, has grown to employ over 700 people in facili-

AppliedOptoelectronics, Inc.

Celebrates 15thAnniversary

ties in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China, in addition to its headquarters in Sugar Land.

AOI is the world’s leading manufac-turer of fiber optic components used in Cable Telecommunications networks. In addition to the products used in Cable TV, the company also manufactures products that serve the fiber to the home, data stor-age, and telecommunications end mar-kets. The company has over 300 custom-ers in 27 countries around the world.

“Since our founding 15 years ago, AOI has pioneered new technologies that have revolutionized the optical com-munications business,” commented Dr. Thompson Lin, AOI’s Founder, Presi-dent, and CEO. “But technological in-novation continues at an ever-increasing rate, and AOI is at the forefront of new technologies like WDM-PON that will enable unheard-of increases in band-width available to consumers. These technologies will provide the foundation of AOI’s next 15 years and beyond.”

Additional information is available at www.ao-inc.com. H

Dr. Thompson Lin

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CEO Jim Brown

Becker’s Hospi-tal Review has pub-lished its annual list of hospital and health system leaders under the age of 40. This list recognizes 25 men and women across the country who have spearheaded hospital initiatives, integrated state-of-the-art technologies and overseen hospital expansions while working determinedly to strengthen their organizations in the midst of economic pressure and healthcare reform. Given their accomplishments, these men and women are likely to achieve great things throughout their careers. Memorial Her-mann Sugar Land Hospital’s CEO, Jim Brown, was recognized. To compile this list, Becker’s Hospital Review accepted nominations and conducted research on each individual listed. H


Today’s Vision Sugar Land Celebrates 20 Years in Practice

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to Host Notes from the Capital

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host Notes from the Capital with Con-gressman Pete Olson on Monday, April 2, 2012. The luncheon will be held at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, from 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Congressman Olson took the oath of office for the 111th Congress on January 6, 2009, for his first term as Congress-man for the 22nd District of Texas. At this event, Olson will provide an update on his efforts in Congress to strengthen our economy, address our debt and spending problems in Washington. He will also re-

view his work to implement an energy pol-icy that creates American energy through American jobs.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Division contin-ues to provide Chamber members with ac-cess to local and state government officials and to provide the business community with an opportunity for input on these is-sues. Details of upcoming seminars can be found at www.FortBendChamber.com.

Keep informed and engaged by attend-ing this important and relevant luncheon. Sponsor tables are available for $1,200,

Chris Breaux, Keri Schmidt, and Congressman Olson.

When Dr. Tom Arnold signed the lease for his new location in Sugar Land in 1992, he had no idea that this independent optom-etry practice would become one of the largest in Fort Bend county. Today’s Vi-

sion Sugar Land now has three optom-etrists and a full-time staff of fourteen.

“When I first opened,” says Dr. Arnold, “we didn’t have any computers, just a cash register and two employees. In fact, I

signed the lease on the First Colony Com-mons location before the center was actu-ally built.”

As Fort Bend County has grown, To-day’s Vision Sugar Land has kept pace. The office is now equipped with the latest technology in order to deliver the highest quality care available. The Optomap reti-nal camera takes detailed photos of the inside of every eye which, in many cases, replaces the need for dilation. Patients can return to school, work or recreational activities with no visual compromise. So-phisticated instruments measure the cur-vature of the eyes, the pressure, as well as a computerized eyeglass prescription from

the Zeiss iProfiler.Drs. Melissa Moeller and Jocelyn

Horiszny care for patients ranging in age from infancy to seniors. Dr. Moeller specializes in pediatric optometry and contact lens evaluation of young athletes while Dr. Horiszny concentrates on spe-cialty contact lenses, external eye diseas-es and glaucoma. Dr. Moeller joined Dr. Arnold in 1997; Dr. Horiszny completed the team in 2001.

Today’s Vision offers a wide selec-tion of eyeglass frames featuring names like Prada, Gucci, Polo, Coach, Oakley, Flexon, Ray-Ban and Silhouette. The office is open six days a week, accepts many major insurance plans and loves to see new patients. For more information, visit http://2020sugarland.com or call 281-242-2020. H

and corporate tables are available for $400. Individual member reservations are available for $35 and non-member reservations are available for $45 along with tickets at the door. Register today at www.FortBendChamber.com or con-tact Farrah Gandhi at 281-566-2152 or [email protected]. H

Dr. Tom Arnold


PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Events, schedules and information may change without notice. Please refer to the event’s contact person or check the event’s website for more information.

April 2012Fridge Friendly

Display Me

2ndMONDAY, 1 PMKEMPNER ATHLETIC BOOSTER ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENTHeld at the Pecan Grove Country Club, this fundraiser supports all Kempner High School sports programs. For information, call 281-491-3752 or visit www.kempnercougars.org.

5th THURSDAY, 4 - 8 PMCLASSIC CHEVROLET’S 2ND ANNUAL CHILI CHALLENGE Taste great chili from dozens of competing teams and help raise money to benefit the Sugar Land Police Officers Association. We’ll have plenty of beverages available to wash down the best chili Sugar Land has to offer. With your help, we’ll announce the “Crowd Favorite” – the team that raises the most money. And don’t forget to join the Silent Auction bidding and get in on the action to win great prizes. Call for more details at 281-491-9000.

5thTHURSDAY, 7 - 8:30 PMCOASTAL PRAIRIE CHAPTER OF THE TEXAS MASTER NATURALISTS Katy Emde of the Native Plant Society of Texas – Houston will speak at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. The program is free, and reservations are not required. For information, call 281-633-7033 or visit www.txmn.org/coastal.

7thSATURDAY, 6 - 9:30 PM RICHMOND ROTARY CLUB FISH FRYSponsors and volunteers are needed for the 13th annual Richmond Rotary Club “Cowboys in the Carribbean” Fish Fry fundraiser at the George Ranch Historical Park. The event benefits area school scholarships and local charities. For information, call 281-341-0791 or email [email protected] for more information.

14thSATURDAY, 8 AM - 3 PMDOWNTOWN RICHMOND’S MONTHLY ARTISAN & ANTIQUE MARKETThe second Saturday of every month, April through July. Visit the Artisan & Antique Market located in Historic Downtown Richmond on Third Street, between Calhoun & Jackson Street. Booths include antiques and architectural remnants, (pre-1980) artisan or upcycled handmade jewelry & accessories, original paintings, drawings, or photography. For information, please visit www.historicrichmond.org.

April 14th to May 6th SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, 3 PM DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLANDWhen Alice follows the White Rabbit, she encounters a cast of wild, unforgettable characters that will delight your entire family. Don’t be late for a very important date! For information, call 281-208-3333 or visit www.fortbendtheatre.com.

27thFRIDAY, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM5TH ANNUAL MAD HATTER SPRING FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON It’s time to get out your spring hat and head to the Mad Hatter Luncheon, benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. The event will be held at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. For information, call 281-633-7057 or visit www.fortbendseniors.org.

27thFRIDAY, 6 - 9 PMTINA TRAMPLES CANCER : SPAGHETTI DINNER & AUCTIONTina Ober is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and mother of three battling pancreatic cancer. A dinner and auction will be held at Austin Parkway Elementary. All proceeds go directly to help the family pay Tina’s medical costs. For information, visit www.tinatramplescancer.com.


SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARECALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, April 7th6 - 9 PMMagic in the Plaza

Friday, April 13th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PMOpry in the Square

Saturday, April14th 10 AM - 3 PMAnnual Spring Corvette Show Saturday, April 14th 7 PM - 9 PMMovie Under The Moon

Friday, April 20th 7 PM - 8 PMDancing Under The Stars Saturday, April 28th7 PM - 9 PMSugar Land Jr. Superstar Finals

ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS:

Thursdays, from 4 – 7 p.m.April 5, 12, 19, 26 Urban Harvest Farmers Market

Fridays, from 9 – 11 a.m.April 6, 13, 20, 27 Fitness in the Plaza

Send your events via www.FortBendFocus.com. Deadline for submission is on or before the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.


CommunityCALENDARSend Your Event

May 5thSATURDAY, 8 AM - 2 PMPANTHER FEST 2012Ridge Point High School’s Panther Fest 2012, presented by The Sienna Running Club, will include 10K, 5K, and 1 mile runs, as well as live entertainment, carnival games, food, shopping, and more. The purpose of this event is to raise funds and help provide RPHS students and faculty with continued state of the art educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.pantherfest.com.

May 5thSATURDAY, 6 PM STEP UP TO THE PLATE WITH FIRST COLONY LITTLE LEAGUE!First Colony Little League is hosting its bi-annual Parents’ Night Out and Auction on Saturday, May 5, at the new Sugar Land Skeeters Ball Park. Step Up to the Plate with us at 6 pm for dinner, live music and a live and silent auction. All proceeds will benefit First Colony Little League. Ticket sales begin March 24. Advanced registration is required as no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, visit www.fcll.net or contact Co-Chairs Neome Novak [email protected] and Carol Evans [email protected].

May 5th, 6th & 7thSATURDAY, 6 PM EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY CHARITY EVENTThis year’s 3 day event begins May 5th with a Black Tie Gala at Sweetwater Country Club featuring a Texas country star. Sunday is the BBQ, Chili & Gumbo Cook-off with live music and a host of celebrity guests. On Monday is a golf tournament featuring pro golfers, including golf great John Daly. For more information, call 281-598-8600, or visit www.empoweringthecommunity.com.

27thSATURDAY, 7 PM2012 RELAY FOR LIFEJoin the 2012 Relay For Life event at Oyster Creek Park. Each team walks or runs around a track, relay-style, overnight. This fun, family event allows every member of the community a chance to celebrate the lives of those who have survived and empower others to fight back against cancer. For more information, call 281.455.2326

28th SATURDAY, NOON - 10:00 PMBIKES & BUGS 5TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISERBikes & Bugs will be held at the Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land. Cajun food, raffles, silent and live auctions, live music, great food, cold beer, vendor booths, a moonwalk, clown for the kids and much more all benefitting Epilepsy Research and Awareness. For more information, visit www.BikesAndBugs.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS


HOT SHOTHigh SchoolBy Lauren Dante

Shawn Cleary: A Commanding Cadet

Shawn

S hawn Cleary is a senior at Aus-tin High School in Fort Bend In-dependent School District. Early

in his life, Shawn discovered his love of the sport of competitive rifle. Through his involvement in the Fort Bend 4H Outdoor Sports Club and NJROTC, Shawn has been able to perfect his aim and excel in competitions while also developing his leadership abilities and improving his problem-solving skills, self-discipline and work ethic.

At the age of eight, Shawn joined the Fort Bend 4H Outdoor Sports Club. “My Dad got me interested in the sport, and I started practicing with a BB Rifle at the age of 7,” said Shawn. “I look at the sport as my football because just like football and any other sport, it is competitive and requires my focus and concentration in order to hit my target.” Currently, Shawn serves as the 4H Shooting Sports Club President where he trains the other members in shoot-ing sports and plans and organizes the club’s events. In his final year as a member, and due to his stellar per-formance at the qualification match, Shawn has qualified to represent Texas at the USA Shooting National Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs in April. Shawn is only one of five students who were asked to attend from Texas.

Shawn’s involvement with the 4H

Outdoor Sports Club and the sport of competitive rifle sparked his interest in NJROTC for high school. Shawn chose NJROTC for his elective for ninth grade and has been a member all four years of high school.

During his involvement with NJROTC, Shawn has received many awards and held multiple leadership po-sitions. For both his junior and senior year, Shawn has been the Air Rifle Team Commander. Under his leadership, the team’s scores have improved 20 to 30 points to make the team one of the most competitive teams in Texas. Shawn is in-dividually ranked as 2nd in the State of Texas in Air Rifle. In 2010 and 2012, he qualified for the Navy Service Nationals in Air Rifle. At this competition, Shawn qualified for the next level of competition at the JROTC National Championships in a few weeks. He is only one of eight students that qualified for the National Championships.

However, Shawn is not only talented in Air Rifle, he has been the Commander of the Academic Team as well as the Ju-nior Commander for the Academic Bowl team. As the Academic Team Command-er, Shawn led his team in fifty question tests over memorized facts at Drill Meets. His team finished third place in the state in 2011. For the Academic Bowl, Shawn served as the Junior Commander of the

team. His team was named the Navy National Champions and won a spot at the National Compe-tition to compete against the other branches of the JROTC. At the Navy National Competition Fi-nals, Shawn’s team competed

against a team from Guam. Their last question that would determine the win-ner was about the Texas icon, Sam Hous-ton. Obviously, the Austin High School team had an advantage over the team from Guam for this particular question, and their win was easily clenched. “The Academic Bowl taught me that hard work leads to success,” said Shawn. “We practiced while everyone else was at the pool on those hot summer days, but our dedication paid off in the end.”

Shawn’s dedication to not only the Ac-ademic Bowl, but also to NJROTC as a whole is impressive. As a senior, Shawn holds the top leadership position as the Unit Commanding Officer of a unit of 100 cadets. This is Shawn’s most signifi-cant role in NJROTC, and he is honored to hold this leadership position.

Shawn is a leader in many facets of his life. In addition to participating in 4H and NJROTC, Shawn has been in-volved with Boy Scouts for 11 years. For his Eagle Scout project, Shawn stripped and repainted 400 feet of metal fence at his church, and laid 40 cubic meters of mulch on the church playground. In to-tal, his project accumulated 250 hours of work.

Looking toward the future, Shawn would like to continue his ROTC career and become an Air Force or Naval Officer upon his completion of college. Thus far, Shawn has been accepted to The Citadel, Texas A&M University and the United Sates Naval Academy. For his genuine character, desire to serve our country and his integrity, we wish Shawn the best of luck in the future. H

Academic Bowl team: Aaron Callegari, Shawn Cleary, LCDR Ed Sellards (instructor), Michael Brand and Robert Nguyen.


Register now and win a


Find complete details and forms atSCHOLARSHIP!

$1,000

Congratulations to Taylor Nichole Turner, a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Hightower High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for April! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Taylor’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities include Journalism, Hightower Media Academy Council Vice President, Future Business Leaders of America - American Enterprise Project State Competition where she won 1st Place and Houston Chronicle Summer Journalism Workshop Most Outstanding Student. Taylor is currently a Broadcast Journalism major at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to being on the University of Texas Dean’s List, she won the 2012 UT Freshman Award. Taylor is a Travis County Tax Office Volunteer Deputy Registrar, a member of the University of Texas Innervisions Gospel Choir and a volunteer at the Austin Food Bank. Taylor was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Taylor Nichole TurnerCONGRATULATIONS!

ATTENTION: Fort Bend

High School Seniors


See some of the ads in print in the Star every week.

Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast

FIND YOUR NEXT CAR

Scan with your smart phone to launch website

See thismonth’s photo contest winner

on page 92.April Runners-Up to ourAmateur Photo Submission

Focus Readers’ Photo Album

“Setting for a Calm Evening” By Julia Garza

“Evan’s Tail Slide”By Clancy Nelson

“Cockrell Butterfly Center” By Ken Robinson

“Woodpecker, Sugar Land” By Julia Garza


Medical Focus

Methodist Sugar Land is First in County toSuccessfully Perform Rhomboid Flap Surgery for Pilonidal Cyst

Ali Mahmood, M.D., board certified colon and rectal surgeon at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, is the first surgeon in Fort Bend County to complete a rhomboid flap surgery to help a patient with a painful, chronic condition called pilonidal disease.

The disease starts as a small cyst, which can often become infected. The

disease manifests itself from an infected hair follicle. They are more common in men than women, and typically found in men under 40 years old. The cysts can be quite painful and make everyday tasks, like sitting, difficult.

Dr. Mahmood performed this complex surgery by cutting a flap of skin around the cyst, removing the cyst and a large section of tissue around it, and then repositioning the skin to cover the area that was removed.

“I am pleased to offer this procedure to people in the Ali Mahmood, M.D.

The industry’s most powerful whole body 3 Tesla MRI technology has been upgraded. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH) is now home to the Discovery MR750w 3T MRI system from GE Healthcare—the first in Texas.

This MRI machine features a new sophisticated design and upgrades that benefit both patients and technicians alike.

New features such as the wide bore and redesigned table cushion enhance patient comfort during the exam. The wide bore accommodates larger, claustrophobic, elderly or young patients, or those who are in pain by providing a widened, roomier machine. The wide bore is 70 centimeters, 10 centimeters larger in diameter than the standard MRI and provides more headroom, more legroom and more elbowroom so that patients don’t feel like they are “nose-to-magnet”. The new MRI provides a comfortable, nonthreatening experience for claustrophobic patients and an increased weight limit of 500 pounds.

The flexible coils on the new table cushion embrace the patient, helping to minimize anxiety and motion during the exam by naturally following the contours of the human body. “In addition, the new magnet is very quiet, allowing patients a more relaxing experience,” stated Janet

GE 3T Wide Bore MRI – First in Texas – Now Available Only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Robert Malone, board certified

radiologist and Medical Director of Radiology at MSLH, is enthusiastic about the new MRI. “This new MRI is the best, state-of-the-art technology available with twice the strength of a conventional MRI and four times the strength of an open MRI. Now, patients who are uncomfortable in a traditional MRI or those who are claustrophobic can feel comfortable with more room all around. Plus, in all exams patients can now enter feet first rather than headfirst and we can provide rapid

The Discovery MR750w 3T MRI.

screening of multiple areas of the body without repositioning the patient.”

The Discovery MR750w 3.0T MRI system from GE Healthcare helps doctors definitively diagnose the most complex cases. From sports injuries to life-threatening heart conditions, doctors can diagnose with confidence. The Discovery MR750w 3T, which is more powerful than previous generation MRI systems, uses the latest High Definition (HD) technology to produce superb, high-resolution images while producing faster scans.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnet field rather than X-rays to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

“We are pleased to be the first in Texas and the third in the Nation to offer the latest in MRI technology and to provide the highest quality diagnostic power to our patients and their doctors,” says Leatherwood.

For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com or to schedule an MRI, please call 281-274-7170. H


FORTUNE Ranks The Methodist Hospital System Among “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2012

For the seventh year in a row, The Methodist Hospital System is ranked among FORTUNE magazine’s 2012 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” remaining the only health care organization ranked in Texas.

Methodist is ranked No. 53 and is one of four companies in Houston to receive the prestigious distinction. FORTUNE listed 11 Texas-based companies on its 2012 list.

Among the other companies listed, Methodist ranked No. 2 for the hiring of minorities and No. 12 among the country’s large companies. “Our employees and physicians make it possible to be honored as one of the “100 Best Companies” for seven consecutive years,” said Marc Boom, M.D., president and CEO of The Methodist Hospital System. “Methodist is a great place to work because of them and because of their complete and selfless dedication to our patients and to our values.”

The Methodist Hospital System, which includes a flagship teaching hospital, four community hospitals and a research institute, was awarded the national ranking for providing an exemplary workplace for employees.

Methodist was selected based primarily on a confidential survey sent to randomly selected employees, who answered questions on the level of trust, pride and camaraderie within their workplace.

Methodist also submitted documentation about its work environment, from benefits to corporate policies to employee demographics. Methodist offers competitive benefits, diversity in the workforce, recognition for employees and a unique environment focused on integrity, compassion,

greater Houston area experiencing pilonidal cysts,” said Dr. Mahmood. “The main advantage over other treatments is that the cyst is far less likely to return with this procedure, giving people long-term relief and a better quality of life.”

Until now, the only treatments for pilonidal cyst involved incision and drainage of the cyst, leaving either an open or closed wound. People with this condition often face multiple surgeries over many years, as the cyst frequently returns. In addition, complications often arise from the older forms of treatments.

“Performing the rhomboid flap surgery at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital allowed the patient to receive outstanding care close to home. I am glad that I was able to use this procedure to relieve the patient of his painful and debilitating condition,” said Dr. Mahmood.

After a brief recovery period, the patient was able to

return to work and his normal activities.The rhomboid flap surgery is the latest in a long list of

procedures that were first performed in Fort Bend County at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. In the last few years, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physicians have successfully performed abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, angioplasty with stents, brain surgery, carotid artery stenting, gastric lap band surgery, open-heart surgery, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, single port laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, urinary bladder reconstruction, video-assisted esophagomyotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

To make an appointment with Dr. Mahmood or another colon and rectal surgeon in your area, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500 or visit MethodistSugarLand.com. H

accountability, respect and excellence.The Methodist Hospital consistently is ranked by U.S.

News & World Report as one of America’s best hospitals, ranked in 11 of 16 adult specialties for 2011-2012, the most in the state. Methodist also was ranked by the magazine as the No.1 hospital in Houston.

The Methodist Hospital System, with more than 13,000 employees, comprises The Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Methodist West Houston Hospital, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown and The Methodist Hospital Research Institute. Methodist is affiliated with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral. H



This year’s entry, a beef tenderloin served on top of cilantro and poblano risotto and topped with a chipotle and port wine reduction, showcased the talents of Chef Teresa Guzman. This year is the sixth year that Hasta la Pasta has participated in the competition.

Hasta la Pasta and sister restaurants, The Lasagna House, have been providing the greater Houston area with excellent food and wine for more than 16 years. Their newest location is The Lasagna House located in the Sugar Land Town Square.

for Third TimeWinning over judges for a third

year-in-a-row, Hasta la Pasta took top

honors at the Best Bites competition

at the Houston Livestock

Show and Rodeo.

BEST-BITESB U C K L E

Hasta la PastaKaty’s

By Claudia Richter


Beef Tenderloin on Top of Cilantro and Poblano Risotto topped with Chipotle and Port Wine Reduction

Chef Teresa Guzman

Jeff and Susan Smith of Hasta la Pasta at the Best Bites Competition at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

HASTA LA PASTA'S BEST BITES BUCKLE WINNING RECIPE

-

-

Add one cup of Port wine to the sauté pan you used to seal the beef. Add 2/3 of a cup of beef broth reduced until about half. Meanwhile, soak the chipotle peppers in hot water until soft. Puree the peppers, garlic and *piloncillo. Add the puree and thyme to the wine mix; bring to a boil. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

To serve, spoon desired amount of risotto onto plate. Place sliced Beef Tenderloin over rice. Pour Port Wine and Chipotle reduction over all.

*Piloncillo is pure, unrefined sugar that is pressed in a cone shape and becomes very hard. Piloncillo means “Pylon” and is named for its conical shape. You can use it anywhere you would use other sweeteners.

Port Wine and Chipotle Reduction

1 cup of Port Wine½ cup of beef broth2 dry chipotle peppers

½ tsp of *piloncillo2 roasted garlic cloves¼ tsp of thyme

Cilantro and Roasted Poblano Risotto

1 cup uncooked rice3 cups chicken broth2 Tbs olive oil3 Tbs butter1/ 2 tsp black pepper1/2 cup diced onions

1/3 cup diced roasted and peeled poblano pepper

1/3 cup chopped cilantro1/4 cup grated

parmesan cheese1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Saute onion in oil and butter until translucent. Add rice, stirring for about 2 minutes. Add one cup of the chicken broth and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding one cup at a time until all the liquid is absorbed. Turn it off and finally, add the cheeses, cilantro and roasted peppers.

Prepare your beef tenderloin trimming the fat first, add salt and ground pepper generously. Sear all the sides of the beef in a very hot pan with olive oil for a very nice brown crust. Preheat the oven to 450° and cook until the meat registers 120° on a meat thermometer for medium rare. Let the beef rest in a warm place for about 10 minutes before slicing.

RoastedBeef Tenderloin


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 Norma @ 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.

April 2012 Winner

“Rockport Sunset” By Joyce Eben

Congratulations Joyce, 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


DINING GUIDE TO FORT BEND RESTAURANTS

!Delicious

DINING OUT | RESTAURANT PROFILES

absolutely

Each advertiser in the Dining Guide receives a FREE LISTING with your Logo and a 60 word story in each issue.

F E AT U R I N G

Restaurant Reviews, Local Recipes and

Feature Storieson some of Fort Bend’s

Finest DiningEstablishments

To Advertise, Call 281-690-4242

INDIANGreat W’kana Cafe11720 West Airport and Kirkwood832-886-4291

Great W’kana Cafe (which means “harmony” in Sanskrit) is a unique dining experience with vibrant colors, friendly staff and excellent food. Authentic and contemporary Indian dishes, such as avocado naan, tandoori, and spinach and paneer (simple Indian farmers cheese) appetizer, are prepared by owner Chef Sunil and wife Anupama in an open kitchen atmosphere right before your eyes. Try the “dum” cookery, a steaming technique that in more primitive times used tightly sealed dough to cook a dish over a charcoal fire. All of the meat served is halal. Open Mon -Thurs for lunch 11:00 to 3:00 and dinner 5:30 to 10:00, and Fri and Sat until 10:30 with a special brunch on weekends. Visit www.greatwkanacafe.com.

GREAT W’KANA CAFEBoutique Indian Cuisine

Honors the

Thursday, September Twentieth, Two Thousand and Eleven11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Safari Texas Ranch u11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas

Tickets & Sponsorship opportunities281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

Sandra Billingsley u Jacqueline Chaumette Mary Favre u Melissa Hayslip u Kathy Huebner

BENEFITTING

Casa de EsperanzaMASTER OF CEREMONIES

Michael GarfieldThe High-Tech Texan®

5th Anniversary

Luncheon & Style Show


FOCUS FAVORITES... Your Community Resource Guide

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Books With Integrity281-978-6916www.bookswithintegrity.netSandra@bookswithintegrity.netAssisting small businesses with bookkeeping & payroll. Services range from onsite training to full-charge bookkeeping. Have your receipts or Excel data turned it into a valuable resource for your business. Already have a set of books? We can en-sure they are set up properly. Using QuickBooks? Let us assist you with utilizing all the software features available to optimize your bookkeeping process. We provide accuracy, professionalism & enthusiasm, allowing you to focus on big-picture issues. (07/2012)

Acupuncture

LIFEnhance Acupuncture Clinic713-661-8822www.acupuncturetx.netwww.lifenhanceclinic.comwendy4chz@yahoo.comHealth insurances accepted. Our clini-cal services include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, evidence-based botanical medicine, dietary supplements, and special diets. We treat: Headaches (Migraine, Facial, Sinus, Muscle Pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia), Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Back Pain, Joint Pain, Chronic Pain due to Trauma, Bell’s Palsy, Infertility (IVF/IUI) Support, Meno-pause, Cancer Support, Stress/Depression, and Weight Management. We accept many health insurances. (05/2012)

Advertising/Printing/Graphics

Focus On Women [email protected], the magazine that you have been wait-ing for. A new publication showcasing one of the best and brightest resources – our women. Full of interesting, thought-provoking stories. Focus on Women is a celebration of today’s women – their lives, their passions and their spirit. (10/2010)

Children Sports/Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer

GYMTEX Gymnastics & Cheerleading [email protected] free morning gymnastics class for new students 10 months to 5 years old. Call to reserve a spot! Ten years in Fort Bend has allowed GYMTEX to provide families with children ages 3 to 18 quality gymnas-

tics and cheerleading training in a safe, fun and clean environment. Not only does GYMTEX produce state champions, but they build your child’s character! Take advantage of Olympic caliber gymnastics equipment, an indoor rock wall, rope-net climbs, 40 foot tram-poline and a giant foam block pit and more! Change your child’s life today with classes at GYMTEX and produce a champion for life! (06/2012)

Estate Planning and Probate

Andreason Law Firm281-265-1561www.andreasonlawfirm.comkurtandreason@andreasonlawfirm.comWith over 25 years experience in Texas, Kurt M. Andreason can meet your estate planning needs with everything from basic wills and disability planning documents to sophisticated estate plan-ning strategies, including family limited partner-ships, life insurance trusts and other recognized methods of estate tax reduction. Convenient Sugar Land location. Handicap Accessible. Board Certified in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate. Listed over 10 years in Best Lawyers in America. (11/2010)

Finance/Wealth Management

Hardee Investment Group713-853-0879www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.comHardeeInvestmentGroup@rbc.comWith over 85 years of collective experience, the Hardee Investment Group is your ultimate finan-cial planning resource. Our team is comprised, of five diversified professionals, working primarily with family wealth and businesses up to $100 mil-lion. Our Group has been awarded national recog-nition by RBC Wealth Management, the National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices, the Houston Business Journal and Barron’s, a sis-ter publication to the Wall Street Journal, for our award winning service and advice. (10/2011)

Jewelry

J Loggins Jewelers281-242-2900www.jloggins.comFor all of your jewelry needs. Come view a large selection of beautiful pieces by various design-ers. Expertise in original design and construction with an emphasis on providing the best in quality and value sets J Loggins Jewelers apart from all of the rest. Take advantage of the wide array of services including simple solders, repairs in all precious metals, repairs of some fashion and base metals, heirloom restorations, makeovers, engrav-ing, watch battery replacement, restringing and appraisals. (05/2012)

Marketing & Advertising

The Marketing Department [email protected]@tmdmainstreet.comTMD is a friendly retail environment where small business owners can shop for affordable market-ing ideas to help grow their business. The own-ers, Howard and Christie Spencer, will take the time to get to know you and understand your busi-ness - at absolutely no cost to you. This free con-sultation results in customized marketing strate-gies designed to fit your needs and budget. We’ll help you sell more -- to more people, more often, for more money! (03/2011)

Medical Services

Synicare Medical281.378.8040 • Fax: 888.397.1240 [email protected] Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet your expectations. We specialize in durable medical equipment and medical supplies. We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. If there are any com-ments or questions, please feel free to contact us.(12/2011)

Pediatrics

MedCare Pediatric Group, LP713-995-9292www.medcarepediatrics.cominfo@medcarepediatrics.comMedCare has been providing quality healthcare services to area families since 1991. Our mission is to enhance the lives of children, and our dedi-cated team carries out this vision with the utmost care & compassion. In addition to our caring team, MedCare reaches out to families in the commu-nity through our non-profit foundation, MedCare Milestones. Our MedCare services include Home Health Nursing & Therapy, and 3 Outpatient Re-hab facilities located in Stafford, Northshore, & Spring. (01/2013)

Pest Control/Exterminator

Integrated Pest Management Inc.281-341-1761 • Fax [email protected] owned and operated servicing Fort Bend County for 29 years, Integrated Pest Manage-



ment’s knowledge and friendly staff can answer all of your pest questions. A convenient retail store located on Hwy. 90 next to the Women’s Center retail store, we are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Stop by to check out our col-lection of snakes, exotic bugs and rodents. Save money by purchasing the materials yourself and let us educate you on how to apply them. Better yet, let us do the job for you. Thanks, Bob, Frank, Shirley, Daniel and Phil. (04/2013)

Podiatry and Cosmetic

Elite FootCare of Texas, Inc.832-539-1620www.elites-of-texas.comadmin@elites-of-texas.comPodiatric & cosmetic medical facility providing ad-vanced foot/ankle care in a compassionate & car-ing environment, located in Fort Bend. Dr. Shep-herd will make sure you are comfortable, satisfied & well-informed about your healthcare through the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Ser-vices include general & cosmetic foot care, with treatments to make feet comfortable and beauti-ful such as: foot facials/spa and detox, toe nail bleach, treating hyperhydrosis (sweaty feet) and Stiletto Rx (high heel comfort). (03/2011)


Resale Shops

PennyWise Resale CentersBenefitting Fort Bend CountyWomen’s Center281-344-5770www.fortbendwomenscenter.orgAre your closets and home overfilled with un-wanted, usable items? Declutter your home and donate your lightly used home furniture, house-wares, clothing, appliances, computers and elec-tronics, shoes and jewelry. We accept everything from jeans to wedding gowns and designer wear. PennyWise Resale stores (Richmond, Stafford and Mission Bend) depend on the community’s gener-ous donations, and all proceeds assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children. Shop for unbelievable savings. (09/2011)

Transportation

The Original Trolley & Limousine Company281-491-4911www.originaltrolley.comotrolley@comcast.netThe Original Trolley Company brings back a sense of nostalgia for groups who are looking for a truly

unique transportation experience. The Trolley Company presently has three trolley cars ready for hire. The Trolleys are fully air conditioned and heated, mahogany trimmed, bar set up accommodations and have a trolley brass bell. Visit our website at www.originaltrolley.com to view our large gallery of photos. If a trolley is too large for your group, we have added a 120 inch stretch Limousine. (10/2010)

Vacation

Rio Raton Duplex832-788-2294www.rioratonduplex.comNew Braunfels - Guadalupe Riverfront on River Rd. (out-side New Braunfels city limits). First-Class riverfront du-plex. Minutes to Schlitterbahn or tube the Guadalupe. Also convenient to Fiesta Texas, Sea World, Gruene Hall, Natural Bridge Cavern and Canyon Lake. 2 units available - each unit sleeps 8. See pictures and rates, and email your dates from webpage. (10/2010)

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Living the Sweet Life: By Alisa Murraywww.AlisaMurray.com

Nationally recognized portrait artistand award-winning columnist.

Some like it HOT, but I do NOT!

S izzling hot sisters ... that is what I had turned into. Waking up in the middle of the night with a thermo-stat set at a daunting 67 degrees and a husband liter-

ally with ice cubes in his beard. Something had to be done about it, and done quick!

I did some investigating and after all the years of work-ing with mothers who had breast cancer, it became clear that synthetic hormones were not a safe choice. I know....my dad prescribed them, my own OB prescribed them. But that little inner voice was saying “bad idea, bad idea!” Making matters worse, I would feel myself almost like a curtain dropping get hot. This would happen at the most inopportune time like when I became flustered looking in my bag for my debit card or most aggravat-ingly while I was sitting with a heater on me while coaxing a naked newborn into one of my poses.

“ T H I S ” went on for a few months without warn-ing, and it slowly drove m e c r a z y . Nights were spent covered in sweat, and then freezing, and having slept in the basement as a child, I have learned to sleep with tons of covers; this bedtime ritual still lingers to this day. So, you can just imagine the stress this placed on sweet and mostly easy going Brian!

I went to Whole Foods. I looked around for something ... anything really that might alleviate the symptoms. Not so much luck. And, I tried several tonics and homeo-pathic remedies, let me tell

you! My friend Shelena “fixed” me! She has the Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa, and I have been taking care of her for years. I walked in there and a few tests and tweaks later, she had literally taken me out of burning up all night long back into sleep! Bio-Identical hormones is what she does, and there’s MAGIC in the potion. Two, three maybe four squirts and voila! You will be sent back to the land of who you once were! And sisters, I was past ready to go!

The Dream Team Birthday bash was so much fun, and I want to thank each of you for attending! As promised

this year, I am offering all of my readers multiple opportunities to join me in becoming a better you in 2012! I am hosting two workshops this month. First, on April 17th, “Living the Sweet Life: Part ONE Finding the TRUE YOU” will be held at my home studio from 10 am to 4 pm. Snacks and

lunch will be provided and the cost is $200.The second lecture series is entitled “Wellness

from the Inside Out” on April 25th from 11 am to 1 pm. Dr. Shel will be the guest

speaker for our first event held at the studio in Montrose (1210

West Clay, Suite 12). She will be discussing HCG,

Hormones and Cool Sculpting. All at-tendees will receive specials and when

you mention Sweet Life, my readers re-

ceive special discounts towards these and other

services. This event is free. Cool huh? Speaking of “cool,”

Shel and I will be cranking up her cool sculpting machine here shortly .... I want Kelly Rippa arms. I am hoping the shrinking will have the desired effect!

Please call or email me at [email protected] to register for either event. See ya soon!

Take Care of You!


Being diagnosed with breast cancer is difficult.

Reconstructive Surgery

Breast Surgery

Radiation Therapy

Support Groups

Chemotherapy

Oncology

SURVIVAL!

Diagn

osis

Maria Socci, RN

The path to survival shouldn't be.A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and make you feel lost. Our Breast Care Navigator, Maria Socci, RN, will guide you through the challenges of breast cancer so you can focus more on healing. Maria will be there to explain your options, schedule expedited appointments, coordinate second opinions and provide emotional support and guidance throughout your journey to survivorship.

The path to survival can be difficult—but it does not have to be. Maria, your Breast Care Navigator, will be there for you every step of the way.

For more information, please call Maria at 281-276-8989 or email [email protected].

To schedule a mammogram at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital call 281-242-PINK (7465).

16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479MethodistSugarLand.com

Breast Center

Documents

April 2012 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings