january 2012- absolutely katy magazine

Inside• The 5th Annual Liberty Festival to Benefit Homes For Our Troops• ARTreach Heroes Among Us• Milk 4 Many Helps Others• A Healthy You in the New Year• Churrascos Review & Recipe

CARINGFOR KATYMeet The People AtThe Helm of MethodistWest Houston Hospital

JANUARY 2012

INSIDE FRONT

INSIDE FRONT

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Methodist West Houston Hospital’s emergency department is committed to treating all your family’s needs. From minor cuts and sprains to severe symptoms of stroke or heart attack, our staff provides superior treatment to all patients who walk through our doors. We will work closely with your primary care physician to ensure continuity of care.

Emergency Department Highlights • Board-certified, board-eligible emergency medicine

physicians and emergency-trained nurses

• 18 private treatment rooms, including five for major trauma

• Able to perform lifesaving heart procedures with 24-hour cardiac catheterization team on call

• Full digital radiography suite, low-radiation 64-slice CT scanner, ultrasound and full lab services

• Free parking and fast service

• Accepts all commercial insurance, Medicare and Medicaid

• Works closely with all EMS services

If you or someone you care for requires emergency medical attention, we’re here.

Methodist West Houston Hospital Emergency Department

18500 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77094 (at Barker Cypress)

Main hospital: 832-522-1000

Emergency department: 832-522-1800

methodistwesthouston.com

RIGHT HERE. ALWAYS HERE.

Methodist West Houston Hospital Emergency Department

A leader in the field of children’s mental health, DePelchin Children’s Center offers support for children and families struggling with behavioral or emotional issues.

Our new Katy location offers expert psychiatric and counseling services for a wide range of concerns including ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and more.

To make an appointment, call 713-730-2335or learn more at www.depelchin.org/katy.

You know when something is troubling your child.

DePelchin is here to help.

DePelchinChildren’s Center

®

DePelchinAbsolutelyKatyFullPage.indd 1 9/1/11 10:13:57 AM

On the way home from a visit with my mom, I started having chest pains, so my wife urged me to go to CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. After a stress test, they scheduled a radial artery catheterization for the next day. Within hours of the procedure by my cardiologist Dr. José Díez, I was on my way home, with the prospect of a much quicker recovery than more traditional catheterization. We were very impressed with how smoothly and professionally the process – from diagnosis to dismissal – was handled.

CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital helped me get back to doing things I really love, like woodworking!

The last stop on our trip was a lifesaver. Now I’m back in my workshop where I want to be.

www.christusstcatherine.org701 S. Fry Road, Katy, Texas 77450 | 281.599.5700 Physician Referral Center 281.599.4343

World-Class Care. Hometown Heart.

CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital Cardiac Care Center

• Innovative: Katy’s first full-service heart program, now the first to offer radial artery catheterization and intervention.

• Comprehensive: A complete array of diagnostic, surgical and cardiac services.

• Expert: Board-certified specialists supported by a highly experienced surgical team.

• Caring: Patient-centered service including the Mended Hearts support group.

Follow us at CHRISTUS St. CatherineTo visit our website, scan this

code with your phone’s QR reader.

Terry Shelton979.418.0197

Grace Simpson281.798.6631

Cynthia Wiles281.546.2556

Cindy Wingo713.927.4910

Kim Thaler281.788.4710

Stacy Thompson832.630.1909

Ed Ware713.882.4547

Al Foster281.451.6706

Bob Gilbert 281.904.6772

Carolina James832.243.2896

Jennifer Jackson832.922.8695

Aliona Maturan713.584.9284

Scott Mendell281.433.7621

Rachael Monroe832.623.2834

Cynthia Semaan832.282.0858

Fadi Semaan832.282.0201

Cheryl Nelson281.382.0378

Phillippa Chevalier281.235.8245

Bob Christian832.875.8555

Darla Dever832.419.1970

Associates Serving the Katy and Ft. Bend Areas

281.392.0200 n andersonprops.com n bhgrealestate.comLa Centerra Center at Cinco Ranch n 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite C-140 n Katy, Texas 77494

Cert if ied reloCation Professionals 713.882.4311

Katy office conveniently located atLa Centerra Center at Cinco Ranch

23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. C-140

281.392.0200

Conveniently located in the heart of West Houston, Texas Children’s Hospital West

Campus now brings the highest level of pediatric care available right to your community.

Children are our only focus, from our highly trained pediatric physicians and staff to

our brand new state-of-the-art facility. So when you need the best pediatric care in

Houston, as ranked by U.S.News & World Report, come on over. We’re just up the road.

I-10 and Barker Cypress | westcampus.texaschildrens.org

We’re here!

West Campus

Follow usTo visit our website, simply scan thiscode with your phone’s QR reader.

©2011 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WC073

WC073_Were Here_FtBend L&H_Layout 1 7/29/11 11:50 AM Page 1

JANUARY 2012 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.42426

EXCLAMATION POINTS!T H E I N S I D E S C O O P S T R A I G H T F R O M T H E T O P

Every January when we are presented with a clean slate to start a new year, a good many of us take the time to reevalu-ate our health and wellness plan to see where we can improve. In Katy, we are fortunate in that we have such an incredible selection of physicians and medical profes-sionals that can make this an easy process – as long as we are pre-pared to follow their direction.

Whenever I visit one of our hospitals, it’s hard not to walk out with the feeling that we are in really good hands. The last cou-ple of years we have highlighted CHRISTUS St. Catherine, Me-morial Hermann Katy Hospital, Texas Children’s West Campus and the newest addition to the Methodist Hospital System, the West Houston Campus. This is-sue, we are introducing you to the staff of the Methodist Hospital West Campus and including some of the highlights from their first year in Katy. You are sure to be impressed, as I was, and see how their dedication to the health and wellness of our community is their top priority.

If you are feeling pretty good but just need to rev up your physical activity, please read Jason Hodge’s article A Healthy You. I think his words will strike a chord with many and possibly serve as an inspiration to get going on the road to looking and feeling happy and rejuvenated.

I would also like to point out that the 5th Annual Liberty Festival to support Homes for Our Troops is taking place January 27 & 28 at the American Shooting Centers in George Bush Park. This event, which features a Sporting Clays contest, raises money for homes to be built for veterans who come home with multiple life-altering injuries. I am so proud that Texas has become such a big supporter of this great organization and to my good friends Carla and Lucille Patton, who dedicate so much time to making it a success. I hope that I see you there and that your New Year is filled with good health and much happiness!

Publisher, CLAUDIA RICHTER

absolutely! Katy staff: Claudia Richter, Sarah Ware & Tara Collins.

E X E C U T I V E P U B L I S H E R S Michael & Lisa Fredrickson

P U B L I S H E RClaudia Richter

M A NAG I NG E DI TOR Patti Parish-Kaminski

AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E S Sarah Ware Tara CollinsJessica Kij

A RT DI R E C TORGrace Belleza

A RT & P RODU C T IONC ON SU LTA N T

Joey Belleza

G R A P H IC DE SIG N E R S Debi Beauregard

Elizabeth Pace

O F F I C IA L P H O T O G R A P H E RSam Schultze,

Country Park Portraits

C O N T R I BU T I N G W R I T E R SClaudia Richter

Lara BellJason Hodge

Mika Rao KalapatapuTerri Bieber

Sophia Vassiliou

SU B M I S SION S & I NQU I R I E S

OF F IC E M A NAG E R Norma Loredo

SALES & RATE INFORMATION281-690-4242

[email protected]

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 400STAFFORD , TX 77477

281-690-4242

WWW.ABSOLUTELYKATY.COM

absolutely!TM Magazines are published by absolutely! Focus Me-dia, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 400, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2011 by absolutely! Focus Media. All rights reserved. Repro-duction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely!TM Magazines does not knowingly accept false or misleading ad-vertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely!™ Maga-zines welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

Vol. 9 No. 1January 2012

www.absolutelykaty.com l JANUARY 2012 7

By Kimberly Cress, M.D.TMS SERENITY CENTER

A S K T H E E X P E R T

C U T T I N G E D G E T E C H N O L O G Y T R E A T I N G D E P R E S S I O N :

4545 Sweetwater Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 | 281.240.4322 | www.tmsserenitycenter.com

Do you have a question about mental health?

Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Work for You?

Dear Dr. Cress, I’m 56 and my doctor has diagnosed me as

menopausal and has prescribed hormones to help with the symptoms. But the one symptom that I can’t deal with is that I feel very sad all of the time, very depressed. I’m not normally a sad or moody person so this is new. My doctor says it will pass once my hormones get regulated but it’s starting to affect my every day life. Is this common and is there anything that can be done to help with this horrible feeling?

- Shelby H.

Dear Shelby,Women are twice as likely to have

an episode of major depression during perimenopause even if there is no history of major depression. Perimenopause is defined as 2 to 8 years prior to your last menstrual cycle and 1 year after your last menses. It has been speculated that some women may be more vulnerable to developing depression due to intense hormonal fluctuations during this time. Abrupt hormone changes can affect mood and behavior by altering the equilibrium in several neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. Regarding the risk of depression during menopause, there is less of a risk compared to perimenopause because even though estrogen levels are low, they are stable. If a woman is experiencing intense sadness that is impairing her ability to enjoy life, I would recommend she see her clinician to evaluate for depression. Depression can be effectively treated with antidepressant medication or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Life is too short to not enjoy it.

- Dr. Cress

T ranscranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS is a new alternative treatment for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder without the traditional side effects seen in antidepressants. Dr. Kimberly Cress has

treated over forty patients with this alternative technology and is one of the first psychiatrists to offer it in the greater Houston area.

But does TMS work? Let’s see what one of Dr. Cress’ patients has to say:

It was May 2009. My life as I knew it was completely gone. I had no feelings, no emotions about anything. I would see my daughter cry, and there was nothing in me to comfort her. I remember just looking at her and not being able to do anything. I was paralyzed. I could not move. I had severe insomnia, a 50 pound weight loss, absolutely no appetite whatsoever. My senses of taste and smell were affected also. They didn’t exist either. Every last ounce of joy I had had in my life was ripped away from me by the most horrific disease imaginable. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Different antidepressants were tried with absolutely no results at all.

Then one day, I was watching the Debra Duncan show and saw a doctor explaining a new treatment for depression. I saw Dr. Cress and the patient she helped. The patient looked great and had been depressed just like me. I wrote down the name and showed my husband when he got home. I tried to think about it for several weeks and during that time, I knew I never had a chance of getting better. I was desperate. I decided I wanted a first meeting with Dr. Cress and so my husband arranged it. Dr. Cress said I was an ideal candidate for TMS.

So my sessions started in late November 2010 and continued through part of January 2011. I began to feel different after the first week. After six weeks, I remember the first thing I did was drive to the post office to mail a letter. That seems like a trivial thing to most people, but to me it was a giant step forward. I’m not sure how everything happened, but I started to feel better and was looking forward to the future instead of seeing my life as hopeless and bleak. Something changed in me and today, I have more energy, my sleep is better, and I’m no longer on Ambien or any anxiety medication. I do everything I used to do. But, the old An-nette isn’t really back. I’m the new and improved Annette, and she is here to stay.

TMS worked to save me from depression. I enjoy life and cannot wait to get up in the morning and plan what I have to do. I enjoy so many things now and see the world completely differently. I look forward to the future instead of dreading it.

– Annette K.

ASK THE EXPERT...

E-mail your questions to [email protected]


ON THE COVER:Methodist West Houston Hospital Vice President

and Chief Nursing Officer Vicki Brownewell, Chief Executive Officer Wayne Voss, and

President of the Medical Staff Robert Vanzant, M.D.Photography by Country Park Portraits

THERE ’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN abso lu te ly ! MAGAZINE

Contentsabsolutely!

10 CARING FOR KATY Methodist West Houston Hospital Joins Katy Area Medical Facilities

14 5TH ANNUAL HOUSTON LIBERTY FESTIVAL Benefiting Homes for Our Troops

16 MILK 4 MANY Teaches Children and Serves Families in Need

34 absolutely! INTERVIEW Shannon Sniff, M.D.

F E AT U R E S

12 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTINGS

24 BUSINESS BRIEFS

30 absolutely! Q&A Sports Medicine

32 MEDICAL PROFILE Dr. Aleksandra Lawera

32 MEDIAL BRIEFS

35 MEDICAL PROFILE Dr. Bao-Quoc “Core” La

37 MEDICAL PROFILE Methodist West Houston Hospital

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

36 A HEALTHY YOU

a b s o l u t e l y ! H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

6 PUBLISHER’S PREVIEW

18 HEART OF KATY

28 EVENTS

29 absolutely! SCRAPBOOK

39 SEEN ON THE SCENE

43 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

44 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY

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

40 CHURRASCOS Third Location is More Than a Charm

42 DINING GUIDE

a b s o l u t e l y ! D E L I C I O U S

7 ASK THE EXPERT: Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work for You?

C O L U M N S

22 DESIGNING YOUR NEW YEAR Time to Celebrate!

H O M E

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2 | V O L U M E 9 | N U M B E R 1

CONTRIBUTORS

Kimberly Cress, MD TMS Serenity CenterPage 7

Mika Rao KalapatapuRao CommunicationsPage 16

Sophia VassiliouSophia’s DesignsPage 22

Lara Bellabsolutely! MemorialPage 24

Terri BieberARTreachPage 26

Jason HodgeMedical Fitness ProsPage 36

Steve KursarAuto EnthusiastPage 38

26

22

36

24

16

7

38

26 ARTreach The Heroes Among Us

T H E L I V I N G A R T S

38 2012 FORD F-150

a b s o l u t e l y ! A U T O R E V I E W


At Tradition, this isn’t a New Year’s resolution, it’s how we do business every day.From local answers to cookies in the lobby, your banking traditions start here.

Grand Parkway • Pin Oak • Fry Road • The Plaza The Woodlands • Alief • Bellaire

713-666-2511www.TraditionBank.com

KNOWING YOUR NAME

Recognized • Respected • Recommended

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RE/MAX Westside RealtorsEach Office is Independently Owned and Operated

21306-A Provincial Blvd.Katy, TX 77450

Office Phone: 281.599.6590Email: [email protected]

Website: www.KarapashaTeam.comTeam Blog: www.KarapashaTeam.blogspot.com

Call 281.599.6590 for Your Complimentary Consultation or Packet!


Methodist West Houston Hospital JoinsKaty Area Medical Facilities in Defining Medical

Center West — Meet the People at the Helm

COVER STORY

By Claudia RichterPhotography by Country Park Portraits

Caring For Katy

With a one-year anniversary cel-ebrated in December, Method-ist West Houston Hospital, has

quickly cemented Katy’s Medical Center West designation, joining other hospitals in the area to meet the growing health care demands of Katy and West Hous-ton. As of November of 2011, milestones

Wayne VossWayne Voss is a senior vice president

with The Methodist Hospital System and CEO of Methodist West Houston Hospital. The Methodist Hospital Sys-tem consists of the flagship Methodist Hospital, Methodist Sugar Land Hos-pital, Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital and the West Houston Methodist Hospital. Voss is the lead executive over the de-velopment and operations of Methodist West and has been with the system for four years, but overall has more than 25 years of executive operations experi-ence in healthcare. Most of that expe-rience has taken place in the Houston market, as CEO of both Memorial City and Northwest hospital locations for the Memorial Hermann System. As CEO, his role is to oversee general day-to-day management of the hospital and to drive his team forward in implementing their strategies and goals.

Voss has lived in the Katy commu-nity for over 20 years. “I thoroughly en-joy working with our physicians and our exceptional employees to bring the very best quality services to our community,” he says. “My hope is that we will make a major, positive impact on patient care in this area and if this year’s accomplish-ments are an indication, we are already making a difference.”

For Voss, having a family-centered environment is always at the top of his list of priorities and he relishes his role in helping to make that happen. “How often do you have the opportunity to build a hospital from the vision for-ward?” he says. “It has been the experi-ence of a lifetime.”

Robert Vanzant, MDAs President of the Medical Staff

for Methodist Hospital, Dr. Vanzant is responsible for working collaboratively with Methodist West Houston and Meth-odist leadership to administer and lead the medical staff to further the mission of providing the highest quality medi-cal services in the West Houston/Katy communities. As a community servant, Vanzant serves as a medical advisor for The Christ Clinic, the free walk-in med-ical clinic in Katy that serves the medi-

include 1200 mammograms reached, a 1000th surgical milestone, 500 endoscopic procedures, 346 Cardiac catheterization procedures, 70 robotics surgical proce-dures and 40 open heart surgery cases.

Since opening its doors with 182 em-ployees, the staff has grown to 600. There are 539 physicians with medical staff priv-ileges. I recently met with Wayne Voss, the chief executive officer, Robert Vanz-ant, M.D., president of the medical staff and Vicki Brownewell, the vice president and chief nursing officer for Methodist West to learn more about them and their commitment to the health and wellness of our community.

Methodist West Houston Hospital Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Vicki Brownewell,Chief Executive Officer Wayne Voss, and President of the Medical StaffRobert Vanzant, M.D.


Key staff at Methodist West Hospital include, left to right, back row: Adam Kawley, MD, Hector Herrera, MD, Peyton Elliot, Todd Holt, MD, Craig Bradley, Amanda McAuliffe, Gretchen Sump-Mills, Connie Reed, Tia Butler, Melissa Hood, Marcia Ozdenvar, Gina Lee, David Bortz, Vicki Brownewell, Wayne Voss, Robert Vanzant, MD, and Bryan Pannagl. Left to right, middle row: Jerry Polasek, MD, Lana Baker, Josalyn Gloyd, Yvette McNeil-Murray, Scott Remlinger, Lorraine Smith, Dennis Thornblom, Karin Hoesl, Echefula Agbara, Kahlee Cole, Winfield Campbell, MD and Beverly White. Left to right bottom row: Beverly Gracin, Tony Burditt, Everett Hood, Kahla LaPlante, Harvinder Kaur, Cynthia Fulbright, Suzanne Fernee and Erica Espirit.

One of the Methodist Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Teams. Left to right: Luis Rivera, RN, Stacy Caster, RN, Christine Harrell, Katie Yousef, RT, Ifran Ifikhar, MD, Linda Thomas, RT, Stephanie Russell, RN, Jason Reynolds, and Hasib Abdallah, RCIS.

Methodist Hospital staff Harvinder Kaur, Linda Bixler, Virginia Gissel, Sharri Honarvar, Myrna Varona, Jamila Vincet, Alma Hollins, Kristy Mount, Angela Geeker, Josette Day, Debra Davila, Alma Villanueva and Jaunice Venson.

cally indigent in our area with medical and dental services, free medications, referrals to community resources, coun-seling and spiritual guidance. He is a supporter and consultant for medical mission work in Guatemala and Hondu-ras, currently provides camp physicals for Houston inner-city Boy Scouts who could not otherwise attend scout camp due to financial concerns and has served as a volunteer physician for clinics in re-cent years.

Other professional activities include Assistant Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, teaching medical students and Assistant Clinical Profes-sor at the University of Texas Health Sciences at Houston.

Vicki Brownewell, M.S., R.N., NFA-BCVicki Brownewell is the chief nurs-

ing officer and vice president of Method-ist Hospital responsible for nursing and all patient care services at the hospital, including several ancillary areas such as laboratory, pharmacy and radiology. In 2009, she was named among the 20 outstanding nurses selected by the Tex-as Nurses Association – District 9.

“What I enjoy most about my job,” says Brownewell, “is that I get to do so many different things in a week. There is never a dull moment because there are so many facets to my job and I cover such a wide range of areas.” Brownewell enjoys the challenge and says she learns new things all the time.

A nurse is important because they spend the most time with a hospital-ized patient. “Nurses care for the whole patient, addressing physical as well as emotional needs,” says Brownewell. “Nurses also involve family in that care. This is something we take pride in at Methodist, patient and family-centered care.”

Previous to this role, Brownewell was vice president of operations at the Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medi-cal Center. There she was responsible for services provided by Medicine, On-cology, Neuroscience and Psychiatry inpatient units. She also served as hospital incident commander during tropical storm Allison and Hurricanes

Katrina, Rita and Ike.“Patients and their families should

expect a nurse to be knowledgeable, competent in their skills, respectful,

compassionate and a good communi-cator,” says Brownewell. “Much is ex-pected of a nurse, but the best ones are really amazing people.”


Serving Katy Since 2004

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Compassionate & ProfessionalDental Care for Your Family

Serving Katy Since 2004

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24210 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 800, Katy, TX281.3923022 www.FamilyKareDental.com

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

October 22 • Trebah Village19501 W. Little York, Katy, TX 77449

November 22 • Tilt Studio5000 Katy Mills Circle, Ste. 100, Katy, TX 77494

November 9 • Heritage Texas Properties23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. 200, Katy, TX 77494

November 10 • Verizon Wireless - Katy Main Street25705 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77494

November 10 • Another Round23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., at LaCenterra, Katy, TX 77494

Recent Ribbon CuttingsKaty Area Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS BRIEFS


Safari Texas Ranch281.277.7888

11627 FM 1464, Richmond, Texas 77407www.safaritexasballroom.com | e-mail: [email protected]

Your Premier Event Facility

WEDDINGS | GALAS | CORPORATE MEETINGS | SPECIAL EVENTS


L i b e r t y F e s t i va lSporting Clays Competition and Festival Benefits Homes for Our Troops

P lans are underway for the 5th Annual Houston Liberty Festival at the American Shoot-

ing Centers in George Bush Park on January 27 and 28. The event benefits Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes at no cost to veterans who have suffered multiple life-alter-ing injuries.

“Everything is coming back this year,” says Carla Patton, of Energy Corporation of America, a sponsor of the event. Carla, along with her moth-er Lucille Patton, and a whole host of additional sponsors and volunteers have helped put Texas on the map for raising funds for HFOT. Currently, a home is being built in Tomball for an injured veteran and other homes have been built in Texas as well as other parts of the United States.

In all, around 500 volunteers come together to make this event a success. New attractions this year include a carnival, complete with carnival-type concessions, such as cotton candy, funnel cakes and corndogs. Olym-pian Glenn Eller will be on hand for a marksmanship exhibition, as well as Travis Mears, from Team Beretta.

Veterans will be attending the event and this is a wonderful opportunity to meet them and thank them for their service to our country. Without this event and others, these veterans and their families would not have the chance to live in a home together as a family.

A flag retirement ceremony will take place on Friday evening on Janu-

ary 27th. If you would like to register a team for the Sporting Clays Event, call 281.575.0123 or if you would like to sponsor the event, call Cody Jones at 936.520.1872.

Attractions for the 2012 Houston Liberty Festival

• UH-1E Huey - Ride in a Huey! – From The Collings Foundation, Vietnam veterans will pilot each excursion on this famous American battleground icon. The UH-1E Huey was one of the most successful heavy lift and troop transport helicopters ever used. It initially saw combat in Vietnam where its use as an infantry transport craft into the dense jungles made its type famous on television in some of the first news broadcasts from the bat-tlefields. The basic design lasted long beyond Vietnam and is still in use by some National Guard and Reserve units. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the thrill of this eagle of the battlefields.

See a Huey Helicopter during the Houston Liberty Festival.

Flags lining the drive of The American Shooting Centers.

5th Annual Houston


• Liberty and the Law – See the only traveling replica of the Liberty Bell. Mounted between the tablets of the Ten Commandments, this exact replica is rung for funerals, ceremo-nies and educational activities. Histo-rian James Battersby accompanies the Bell with a presentation and to answer questions.

• The 6th Cavalry Historical As-sociation – See a static display of military vehicles, tents, weapons and equipment accompanied by historians in period dress. A complete WWII Mobile Army Unit is recreated on Saturday only.

• Battle Reenactment – Experience the 6th Cavalry teams with the Coll-ings Foundation Huey as they recreate an authentic Vietnam battle.

• 386th Texas National Guard – The Texas National Guard will mobilize its heavy equipment in an exercise to assemble at the event. See their equipment that will remain on display throughout the event.

• The Texas Memorial Wall – Pay homage to all post 9-11 Texans killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• Powered Parachutes – These lightweight aircraft fly early morning and early evening. More than 20 will take to the air on Friday and Saturday.

• West Houston Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force – Enjoy aerial performances by WWII replica planes from the West Houston Squad-ron of the Commemorative Air Force directly over the tournament site.

• US Coast Guard – A search and rescue helicopter will be on site from 10:00am till noon Friday for inspection and questions, and Saturday for fly over only.

• Classic and Exotic Car Exhibit – See over 100 new and privately owned exotic and classic cars on exhibit Saturday.

• Rhythm and Beat – Enjoy the dance routines of the Harris County 4-H Gaited Drill Team. These young ladies help choreograph their routines, design costumes and care for their own horses. Cheer them on as they lead the Rolling Tribute to our post 9-11 Wounded Warriors and former POWs from WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

An Armored Carrier is just one of the military vehicles that will be at the festival.

• General George S. Patton – Impersonator Denny Hair brings Gen Patton to life! Driven by staff in his meticulously restored replica of Gen Patton’s Command Car, his entou-rage includes English Bulldog, Willie. Saturday only.

• Flags of Our Nation – Enjoy an exhibit of every flag that has every flown over our nation accompanied by historian Ed Raines and Ginny Evans as “Betsy Ross.”

• War Dogs – Several retired mili-tary and contract working dogs who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will be on site to promote the adoption of retired War Dogs.

• Former POWs – Former POWs from WWII, Korea and Vietnam will be escorted to the site each day with a Rolling Tribute by Rolling Thunder, Patriot Guard Riders, Blue Knights and other motorcycle groups. The caravan enters the site riding be-tween more than 300 flags.

• Homes For Our Troops Veterans – Meet more than 22 veterans who are living in homes built by Homes For Our Troops. These courageous men and women travel from across the country to help raise money to build future homes.

• Huggins Elementary Children’s Choir – Enjoy a truly entertaining performance by one of the best chil-dren’s choirs around on Saturday.

• GNAT Shooting – Basically, it’s an airplane just like the ones the big boys in the military use for target practice, but much smaller and spe-cifically designed to be shot at with shotguns. Once you have shot at the GNATs, plain old clays will seem, well, a little dull.

• Inland Empire Shows Carnival – January 25 – 29 each day until 10pm. More than 30 rides, midway games, concessions, cotton candy, funnel cakes and food vendors. Fun for the

entire family!• The Houston Military

Museum will showcase equip-ment and memorabilia mostly from the Vietnam era. They will be joining the 6th Cavalry and the Collings Foundation HUEY in the battle reenact-ment. Even more exciting, they will be offering rides in a fully tracked M113 armored personnel carrier!

• The Lone Star Wildlife Rescue will present two programs on Saturday with live birds and mammals to highlight their rescue and rehabilitation facility.

• The US Army Marks-manship Unit will send two of their shooters to perform Exhibitions on Friday and Sat-urday. Mark Weeks and Glenn Eller will be on hand to shoot, visit and perform.

K.R. Wood will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. He is a native Texan, singer, songwriter and historian. He has performed throughout Texas for the past decade with an emphasis on Texas history music. K.R. has per-formed at the Texas State Capitol, The Alamo, The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, elementary and middle schools state wide and many other rec-ognized state and community events.

For more information about the January 27 thru 28 event, visit www.homesforourtroops.org.


By Mika Rao Kalapatapu

Teaches Children and

Serves Families in Need

With the support of West Memorial Elementary School principal Melissa Steiger, the program flourished and has found support from many in the district. The concept is simple: coolers sit waiting by the trashcans in the school cafeteria. Children who have not opened their milk and juice cartons (and there are many) are asked to recycle instead of throwing the cartons in the trash. After lunch, volunteers deliver the goods to Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) where it is made available to families in need.

For Bruce Kingwell, Director of the KCM Food Pantry, this initiative fills a critical need. “Our food pantry serves an average of 550 families a month or over 1,500 individuals,“ he said. Something many do not realize is that while pan-

tries offer canned goods, the poor have limited access to fresh milk and pro-duce. “This program has allowed us to offer fresh products and provide families with better nutrition,” shared Kingwell. He is grateful to Linda Sheffield for generating the concept and implement-ing the plan.

Like all innovative ideas, Milk 4 Many is one that has spread through contagious enthusiasm. Last summer, Griffin Elementary School parent Jen-nifer Brown heard about the program. She immediately reached out to Linda Sheffield to learn more and then, pro-posed it to Griffin Elementary School Principal Jacki Keithan. As luck would have it, Griffin had been selected to pilot a program on recycling; Milk 4 Many was a natural extension of the school’s waste-not-want-not initiative.

“Our school’s focus on giving is ingrained in everything we do,” said

Keithan. “We come from plenty, and this program gives our students a daily reminder

“Reduce, reuse and recycle” are more than just words for children at Cinco Ranch

Junior High, Griffin Elementary, Stephens Elementary, West Memorial Elementary and West Memorial Junior High schools. Thanks to the pioneering Milk 4 Many program, students at these schools are learning important lessons about waste and helping families in need at the same time.

Milk 4 Many began when West Memorial Elementary School mom Linda Sheffield approached Katy ISD after noticing the number of unopened milk cartons trashed in the school lunchroom. “I knew that there were too many people in need that could utilize this milk and juice being thrown away,” Sheffield recalled. “I went straight to the Katy ISD Nutrition and Food Services Department to ask if the milk and juice could be collected and donated to a local food pantry.”

Milk 4 Many

First-graders at Griffin Elementary, Mason Byrd and Noah Gurfinkel, recycle their unopened milk and juice cartons.


the first week of the program, Griffin Elementary School delivered 371 cartons of milk and 348 cartons of juice to KCM. “Now that the initial logistics are worked out, it pretty much runs itself,” said Brown. She is hopeful the program will not only continue on at Grif-fin, but that parents who move up to the junior high schools will carry it with them.

The response at KCM’s food pantry has been over-whelming. By all accounts, the milk has been flying off the shelves into the hands of grateful families. Typically, whatever is delivered is gone by the next day. “Last month, we received over 4,000 cartons of milk and over 2,300 boxes of juice from participat-ing schools,” shared Bruce. That’s over 6000 cartons that would have ended up in the trash. “In my opinion, the value of this program is untouchable,” said Linda. “The little milk and juice cartons are thrown away by the thousands through-out the year at every school in America. This program is right on track with

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about how others can benefit from our ex-cess.” At the same time, as principal, she was concerned that the initiative be com-municated with care. “We did not want the kids to give away milk they should be taking for themselves.” For this reason, the program was positioned as another opportunity to recycle, and the students are on board with that. “The kids have been amazing,” said Brown. “They are already policing the program themselves and remind their classmates not to throw away something that can be recycled and put in the cooler instead.”

According to Sheffield, “The Milk 4 Many Program strongly encourages kids to drink their milk. However, the message is if you don’t drink your milk, there are other kids just like you that will drink it.”

At Griffin, the program has found tre-mendous success with two large coolers being filled every single day not only with milk and juice cartons, but also packaged fruit, cheese and yogurt containers. “It has been a true partnership with admin-istration, staff, students, and especially parent volunteers,” said Keithan. In just

‘Going Green’ in our world today. We’re going green with milk!”

To learn more or to bring Milk 4 Many to your school or workplace, please contact Linda Sheffield at [email protected] or Jennifer Brown at [email protected].

“The Milk 4 Many Program

strongly encourages kids

to drink their milk. However, the message is if you don’t drink your milk, there are

other kids just like youthat will drink it.”

– Linda Sheffield

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IN THEHEART

K AT Y

OUT&ABOUT

Ashleigh Tremblay, a 2007 graduate of Katy High School, was recently inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society, which recognizes the exceptional academic accomplishments of top-performing college students. Ashleigh graduated in December from Sam Houston State University.

Sarah Harvey and Alyssa Wessels had a fun time cheering for the Beck Bulldogs seventh-grade football team this fall with the Beck Junior High Pep Squad.

Garrett, Kelli, Erika and Kiersten Ashmore at the Katy Triathlon at Firethorne.

Corissa Ayala of Mayde Creek High School received a Superior and Honorable Mention in photography and Dinora Rodriguez, also of Mayde Creek High School, received a Superior in photography at the Texas Association of Journalism Education competition in San Antonio competing with over 700 high school photographers. They are pictured with journalism teacher Shetye Cypher.


Joshua Jeffrey, Alice Beckett, Daria Lissotchenko, Alexander Kyriakides, Sarah Schneider, Chris Darden and Freya Manuel were the winners of Pattison Elementary’s Be a HOT Potato Book Character decorating contest.

The Beckendorff Junior High Choir wowed their audience with a fall concert at the Seven Lakes High School Performing Arts Center. They are directed by Janet Menzie.

The Seven Lakes High School Junior Varsity Volleyball Team became district champs in October and only had one loss during their season.

Katy High School senior and Varsity football player Taylor Wooden celebrating a win over Memorial High School with cheerleaders Carly Roseberry and Victoria Dresden.


IN THEHEART

K AT Y

OUT&ABOUT

The Solana Senior Living home in Katy received a visit from the WoodCreek Junior High Seventh-Grade Cheerleaders who performed a dance, many cheers and tumbling and helped with fall decorations during their time with the residents.

Students from Katy ISD, Houston ISD, and Alief ISD auditioned for the Region 23 Junior High Honor Choir. Over 600 students auditioned and only 120 girls and 90 boys were selected. McMeans Junior High students chosen for this honor are Carol Cox, Elia Wray, Nikki Bilbao, and Megan Bucher. The choir is under the direction of Anne Guess.

Second-grade students Elizabeth Wang, Seth Lumsden, Bjornar Schei, and Sofia Cortes take the stage to ask questions after a Katy Visual and Performing Arts presentation of Tacky the Penguin at Pattison Elementary.

Rachel’s Challenge speaker Douglas Brandl, pictured with Emily Kimmich, Elisa Schmitt, Connie Laing, and Mason Newman, delivered some big messages on bullying, life and how to treat others during his presentation to the McMeans Junior High eighth-grade students.


Congratulations to the Cinco Ranch High School Choir Students who participated in the second round of auditions for a chair in the Texas Music Association’s All-State Choir. The students each earned a chair in the Mixed or Treble Region Choirs. Of these students, 28 will advance to the Pre-Area audition for the Texas All-State Choir. They are under the direction of Dorothy Wilson and David Lee. Pictured left is the Mixed Choir and the Treble Choir on the right.

The Cinco Ranch Junior High Volleyball eighth-grade B and C Teams won the district championships, sweeping all. Pictured is the C Team: Coach Susan Evans with Channell Bryant, Julie Calcagno, Priscilla Carter, Katie Funkhouser, Jennifer Kluppel, Catherine Ludolph, Raeann Marino, Hannah Nguyen-Cao, Claire Sullivan, Shae VanCleave, Madelyn Wagner, Jordyn White and Kylee Wilkinson.

The Cinco Ranch Junior High Volleyball eighth-grade A Team won the district championship in October. Pictured are Juliana Ansley, Alli Avant, Anna Butschek, Yvonne Goodwyne, Corin Evans, Ashley Kosub, Jada LaGrue, Alyssa Palermo, Georgia Rollins and Harleigh Tally. Congratulations girls!

In October, the KYF Senior Varsity Saints Football Players wore pink mouth guards and sweat bands and the cheerleaders wore pink socks and ribbons to represent breast cancer awareness month. The boys and girls loved representing a great cause, and the team went on to win their game 35-22.

HO

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OP

HIA

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SS

ILIO

UDesigning Your New Year

Lighten UpLighting is especially important during the shorter, darker days since light helps improve our moods in the winter months. Bottomless hurricane lamps or any large clear containers and strands of holiday lights make a glowing addition to a mantel or a sideboard. Connect the strands and voila!

Fruit for ThoughtCreate a great look by coring green or red apples for votive candle holders. Use with fresh flowers, foliage and branches from your garden for this simple yet elegant effect. Light the candles in your kitchen or dining area just for you.

I enjoy decorating for winter, especially after the busy holiday season. External runaway pressures, real or perceived, from the fall season to New Year can put us in a frenzy of activity. The very thing that

bothers people about this time of year, the stopping, is really a great opportunity to prioritize and reassess. It is also a wonderful time to organize your home.

As you are storing your holiday decorations, try using a few things in a new way for a clean, fresh look to the New Year. Then, read a book or take a walk. You will feel as refreshed as your home looks.

Enjoy these decorating suggestions during the New Year as you entertain, relax and regroup. Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!

Time to

Celebrate!


CheersUse leftover ribbon to tie around stems of your Champagne flutes and stemware for fun. Choosing a different color for every glass also helps guests keep track of their drinks.

Take a WalkEnjoy the sunshine when it’s out or just head outside for a quick walk. Pair a vibrant scarf and fun gloves with your dark parka. The splash of color will bring a smile to your face and those around you.

Collect Pine ConesUse holiday decorative or natural pine cones in cylinders with natural greenery from your garden or sparkly twisted twigs for a great look.


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T his past September, Cotton be-gan phase one of the relocation of their entire corporate opera-

tion to Katy, Texas, transitioning into their new state-of-the-art corporate campus. Currently the headquarters of Cotton executives and the Cotton Foundation’s recreational grounds, plans are underway for the develop-ment of the 33-acre property, dubbed the “Cotton Campus,” and will consist of multiple high tech buildings to sup-port the global growth of the company including their Situation Awareness Room and various specialized wings. After ten years at their staple Hwy 290

The Cotton Companies Continue to Growand Set the Stage for Global Success

BUSINESS BRIEFSB Y L A R A B E L L

location in Northwest Houston, Cotton has outgrown its current space. With the acquisition of additional acreage in Katy, the stage is set for future expan-sion of facilities in anticipation of con-tinued operational success.

“The Cotton Companies have suc-cessfully built their reputation of excel-lence to expand throughout the world. Our move to Katy will be a continued development of standing at the fore-front of major disasters. Through our extensive fleet with high tech equip-ment, highly skilled personnel and years of operational expertise, we will continue to set the expectations of cli-

ents in our indus-try and build last-ing partnerships on a global level,” said CEO and co-founder Pete Bell.

Along with the corporate move, strong efforts have been made inter-nally to solidify Cotton’s growth

among employees. Current team mem-bers have strategically been positioned to streamline the multiple specialized divisions and provide better direct lines of communication companywide. And this year, Cotton has acquired several seasoned industry professionals into its family bringing additional subject matter expertise to an already highly

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E SN Health of Katy is among the top 100 companies named to the 2011 Aggie 100 honor-

ing the fastest-growing companies in the world, owned or operated by Texas A&M University former students. ESN Health was recognized as number 63 on the list with a growth rate of 22.43 percent. The Aggie 100 honors gradu-ates from across disciplines and is a program created by the Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship in Texas A&M University’s Mays Busi-ness School.

ESN Health was established in 2005 by Ryan Kobermann on the principle that exercise, natural supplements/vi-tamins, and proper nutrition work syn-ergistically together to achieve total health. With this founding principle, ESN Health opened its doors in Katy, TX in February of 2008 offering 1-on-1 personal training, fitness coaching, nutritional coaching, and nutritional products. To date, ESN Health has helped over 600 clients achieve their fitness goals & maintain a sustainably healthy lifestyle.

“We are both honored and humbled to be recognized as an Aggie 100 com-pany, and would like to recognize the entire ESN Health team with this achievement, as well as thank our cli-ents for their continued support,” said owners Ryan and Beth Kobermann.

The 100 Aggie-owned or managed companies with the highest compound annual revenue growth from 2008 to 2010 were recognized at a formal lun-cheon in the Zone Club on the Texas A&M University campus, in Novem-ber. More than 600 honorees, employ-ees, faculty, administrators, and well-wishers were in attendance. “Since the founding of Texas A&M University, Ag-gies have been leaving a legacy across all businesses and industries,” said Dr. Richard H. Lester, Executive Director

Katy’s ESN Health Namedto the 7th Annual Aggie 100

Honoring the Fastest Growing AggieOwned or Managed Companies Worldwide

experienced team. Daryn Ebre-

cht, CFO and co-founder said, “We are extremely excited about the new additions to our team and the move of our i n t e r n a t i o n a l headquarters to Katy, Texas. The

Cotton Companies are committed to providing the highest quality service in disaster recovery and is one of the world’s most experienced full service companies. We have always exceeded client expectations and with our new state-of-the-art Cotton Campus, we look forward to serving our clients into the future.”

The Cotton Campus will provide support to Cotton’s Logistics Center in Dallas and other regional offices throughout Texas, the U.S. and the Ca-ribbean. The recent implementations of new facilities and staff are made possible by the collaborative efforts and goals of the long-standing Cotton members that make up the executive management team, who have a unified vision of Cotton’s global brand in the marketplace.

“The strength of the Cotton family is second-to-none in our industry. With the same core management group of eight individuals working together for the last decade and leading our team, we operate in a stable environment and have earned trust among our corporate partnerships over the years. Cotton executives are committed to making decisions together that will have the ultimate positive outcome for our em-ployees, clients and stakeholders as we move ahead in the disaster recovery field,” said Bryan Mikolsky, Chief Fi-nancial Officer.

Daryn Ebrecht, CFOof Cotton Companies

of the Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneur-ship. “Over the last seven years, the Aggie 100 companies have continuous-ly proven that even in tough economic times, solid business ideas and hard work pay off.”

The Aggie 100 list in its entirety may be viewed at www.aggie100.com and to learn more about ESN Health visit www.esnhealth.com. About ESN Health

ESN Health is located in the Vil-lago shopping center, on the corner of Westheimer Parkway and South Peek. Open Monday through Saturday, offer-ing the following services to women, men, and teens of all fitness levels: Personal Training, Fitness Coaching, Nutritional Coaching, and Nutritional Products. As an ESN Health client, you will be provided with the personalized attention you need to improve your health, change your body, and enhance your life. To become an ESN Health client, call 281-395-0827 or visit www.esnhealth.com to schedule your fitness assessment, and be on your way to a sustainably healthy lifestyle.

Ryan and Beth Kobermann.


THE L IVING ARTSBY TERRI BIEBER

The Heroes Among UsE ach Fall, ARTreach hosts a campaign to raise the dollars needed to sustain

program operations in its hometown of Katy. The campaign calls out to the ARTreach Heroes Among Us. These are the individuals and corpora-

tions in the local area that support arts education and outreach with annual gifts of $500 or more to ARTreach. The campaign also recruits volunteers, and recog-nizes the heroes behind the scenes that donate hours weekly to support outreach programs delivered to children at risk, the elderly and the disabled.

Great ARTreach Heroes were recognized on December 5th at the Katy Culture and Arts Alliance’s “Spain in Texas” event at Babaloo International Café in the Vil-lagio Town Center. Heroes included Grand Vision, FALA Creative, Tradition Bank, Epiphany of the Lord, Greater Katy Area Exchange Club, Katy Culture and Arts Al-liance, Becca and Greg House of Richmond, Clint and Kathy Capshaw, Scott and Terri Bieber, Dave and Kathy Odermatt, Maria Masson, Katie Biggers and Aleta Patrick of Katy.

Did you know that ARTreach is headquartered in Katy, Fort Bend Coun-ty and was founded in 2003 specifically to address needs related to this area’s rapidly growing population with special attention paid to children at risk in the school districts, foster care, juvenile jus-tice, special needs groups, immigrants and the elderly?

Did you know that since 2003, ARTreach has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in the field of arts education and outreach serving targeted neglected populations? This work has impacted the decisions of leg-islators who recognize the impact the arts have on our children’s education and our society’s future.

Facts about ARTreach

Katy Biggers

Fatima Donaldson

ARTreach

Did you know ARTreach method-ologies support education, health and wellness?

Did you know that through re-source sharing and strategic art partner-ships, ARTreach promotes expanding outreach across the state and serves as an advocate for social justice and equal-ity nationwide?

Did you know that the goal of ART-reach’s Mentoring through Art program is to re-engage students in the learning process, to help keep children at risk from dropping out of school to be safe, off the streets, and off drugs?

Did you know that youth partici-pating in ARTreach Programs report a higher sense of self worth and accom-

plishment, a better connection to peers, and less drug and alcohol abuse? Did you know that the arts contribute to higher brain function and the creative whole brain thinking process?

Did you know ARTreach Programs supporting health and wellness are proven to help keep seniors and the fragile elderly healthier and happier? The Arts make people feel better. ARTreach senior participants report improved health, less depression, a reduction in pain medications and fewer trips to the hospital.

Did you know that ARTreach programs are ranked 98% for artistic integrity and impact by the state peer review process? ARTreach programs are approved by the Texas Commission on the Arts for grants that will assist any school, social service agencies or gov-ernment entity serving children at risk, low income seniors, the elderly, and children or adults with special needs. If your organization or school needs finan-cial assistance to support an ARTreach Program - all you have to do is ask!

Did you know that our offices in Fort Bend County and administrative services are donated in kind to support ARTreach? This saves the organization Maria Masson


Brett and Ryan Donaldson

Kavin and Downy Vickery

Schottsie Hill

the equivalent of $100,000 per year in administrative fees, rent and general expenses to allow the organization to focus resources on programs serving neglected populations.

Did you know ARTreach operates on a budget of $100,000 per year to de-liver over $300,000 worth of programs and services annually? Our programs are directly benefiting thousands of children at risk, individuals with specials needs, the elderly and the disabled. • 360 seniors are served quarterly

through weekly workshops offered at Mamie George Community Center in Richmond and other senior living com-munities in the ARTreach service area.

• 5000 students benefit directly and indirectly from campus mural projects and after school Mentoring through Art programs serving children at risk in the Houston, Fort Bend and Katy school districts.

• 120 youth at highest risk are benefit-ting through the Harris County and Fort Bend County juvenile justice sys-tem and through foster care programs and residential treatment centers.

• 100 children and adults with special needs are benefiting annually from specialized life skill programs and cultural arts presentations in schools and communities.

• 50-100 refugees and immigrants are benefitting from workshops that sup-port literacy, nutrition and health.

Did you know that ARTreach volunteers, program directors, teaching artists, translators, and mentors are our most valuable asset? Their donated time and talent is equal to $100,000 dollars in kind annually.

Did you know that The Houston Endowment donates between $10,000-$25,000 per year to support program op-erations? The organization also receives grants from the Simmons Foundation, Isla Carroll Turner Trust, Congregation of Emanu El, Aubrey and Silvia and Aubrey Farb Community Service Fund, Ray C Fish Foundation and other private Hous-ton foundations to help deliver programs to neglected populations in this area.

Did you know ARTreach NEEDS YOUR help too? ARTreach relies on community donations most of all and seeks $17,000 a year – that’s 35 heroes, donating $500 annually; these are the individuals and corporations that ap-preciate the impact of arts education and outreach in their own community. Please be a hero among us and join the campaign to support ARTreach in 2012. Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made online: www.artreachon-line.org.


E V E N T SJanuary 7th9: 00 - 11:00 amSaturday with the Master GardenersVisit the four acres of Demonstration Gardens and talk to the volunteers who design and maintain them. Park in front of the Agriculture Center, 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg, and take one of the sidewalks back to the area behind the building to find the Master Gardeners. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

January 19thHidden Treasures, Banquet of LifeThe Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston invites you to a wonderful evening that features speakers Abby Johnson and Shawn Carney and a lovely menu. This event is dedicated to raising funds to provide services of The Pregnancy Help Center and takes place at Second Baptist Church West Campus, 19449 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, 77094. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.donate-phckaty.org or by calling Lisa Marlowe at 281.578.0078, ext. 103.

January 21stFort Bend County Libraries’ Family Reading ClubStarts January 21st and runs until March 3rd. Read 36 books or six hours, six books per week or 60 minutes per week and be entered to win a $50 dining card. Drawings will take place on March 5th. Register at any branch or visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us and click on Family Reading Club Sign Up. Call 281-341-2677.

January 21st3rd Annual Mustang Family Fun Night at Taylor High SchoolBingo, a live and silent auction, concessions, door prizes and a grand prize supporting Taylor High School athletes. E-mail [email protected].

January 21st & 22ndThe Sugar Land Home and Garden ShowAt the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. Visit www.SugarLandHomeAndGarden.com. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and children 12 and under free. Cash only accepted.

January 27th & 28th5th Annual Liberty FestivalSporting Clays Tournament benefiting Homes for Our Troops at American Shooting Centers in George Bush Park, 16500 Westheimer Pkwy. Call 281-556-8086.

January 28th9:00 – 11:00 amMcMeans Junior High Recycling Drive-ThroughThe McMeans Junior High Student Council will be hosting a recycling event for the community at the school parking lot, 21000 Westheimer Pkwy. in Katy. Bring catalogs, magazines, newspapers and other recyclable paper. The students unload the cars, so you don’t even have to get out!

January 29thLiterary Council of Fort Bend’s 12th Annual Book and Author DinnerHeld at Safari Texas Ranch. This year’s theme, Warm Up With a Good Book, highlights authors Jeff Abbott and Lester Smith. Visit www.ftbendliteracy.org.


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NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE STAR CHAPTER

Holiday Philanthropy FairSunday, December 4th • Beckendorff Junior High

absolute ly! SCRAPBOOK

Kristen Richter and Lauren Lipp.

Kindra and Kieryn Ota with Grace and Mary Yu.

Lauren Chamberlain, Paige Redmon and Laken Loveless.

Robin Bowden, Gini Erin Henleyand Kelly Gesoff. Makayla Achee and Bruce Kingwell.

Leisa Winters and Debbie Stoddard.

Pam Lipp, Chris Bowden and Cynthia Anthis.


Q: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG FOR MY CHILD TO GET INVOLVED IN ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES?This really depends on a number of factors including

the sport, the child and the family. For instance, young children can safely begin participating in structured low or non-contact sports such as soccer, tennis and basketball at an earlier age. It’s recommended that children who want to engage in high contact sports such as football and hockey wait until they are a bit older and always use the recommended protective equip-ment.

Q: HOW LONG SHOULD MY CHILD STRETCH OR WARM UP BEFORE HE/SHE PARTICI-PATES IN SPORTS?Warming up and stretching is essential for all children

and young adults and should last for a minimum of 10 min-utes before beginning physical activities. Warming up helps to elevate your child’s heart rate at a more gradual pace and pre-pares the body for activity. After the warm-up stretching is ap-propriate. All major muscle groups, especially those most used in the activity they will be participating in, should be stretched. It’s important to hold each stretch for at least 20 seconds.

Texas Children’s WestCampus PhysiciansAnswer Your MostCommon SportsMedicine Questions

Participation among younger athletes in year round sports is now more common than ever. It’s important that parents, coaches and athletes be mindful of the preventative meas-ures that should be taken to mitigate injuries. Experts from Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus’ Sports Medicine Program answer some of the most common questions and pro-vide recommendations to ensure young ath-letes have safe and injury-free seasons.

Now open at I-10 and Barker Cypress, Tex-as Children’s Hospital West Campus houses 19 subspecialty outpatient clinics, inpatient hospital services and the only 24/7 dedicated pediatric emergency center in the West Hou-ston area.

Experts: Brian Scully, Dr. Jorge Gomez, Dr. Megan May, Dr. J. Herman Kan, Dr. Scott McKay and Lisa Hughes.

Abs

olu

tely

!

Q A&

Stretching helps your child’s muscles get prepared for use and helps protect your child or young adult from potential damage as “cold” muscles can rip or tear more easily.

Q: IS IT NECESSARY TO STRETCH AFTER PAR-TICIPATING IN SPORTS? WHY IS THIS

IMPORTANT?While many parents and young athletes have gotten

into the habit of warming up and stretching prior to workouts, many may not realize the importance of stretching after an activity. Like warming up, stretching after activities or sports helps to cool the muscles down and gradually slows your child’s heart rate. Also, stretching after exercise may increase flexibility as the muscles are warm.

Q: HOW CAN I HELP PROTECT MY CHILD AGAINST SPORTS INJURIES?

You can help protect them by keeping them active and in shape. Insist that they follow safety rules for their sports and use the recommended protective equipment; this includes the proper padding for high contact sports, mouth and shin guards, cups, gloves, and most importantly, helmets and masks to protect against potential serious injuries to the head which

S p o r t sM e d i c i n e


could have long-lasting effects. Playing a variety of sports and taking time off between seasons is also important in prevent-ing injuries.

Q: TELL ME ABOUT THE SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S

HOSPITAL?Texas Children’s Hospital has set out to provide a

sports medicine program comprised of highly trained special-ists in primary care sports medicine, orthopedic sports medi-cine, musculoskeletal radiology and sports physical therapy in order to provide the best available care for child and adult athletes in the Houston area. All of our specialists are both clinicians and academicians, meaning that patients and parents can be assured that we will remain on the cutting edge of sports medicine science.

Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SPORTS-RELATED INJURIES YOU SEE IN YOUR

CLINIC?Common injuries that we see are sprains of the

ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists; fractures of the collarbone, elbows, wrist and fingers; and overuse injuries, especially of the knees and shoulders.

Q: WHAT SPORT LEADS TO THE MOST PATIENT VISITS FOR YOUR CLINIC?

This time of year, it’s football. However, we see injured athletes from many sports including basketball, soccer, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse and tennis.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF HEALTH SCREENINGS SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE BEFORE

PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS?Before beginning any type of physical activity, espe-

cially structured sports, all children and young adults should get yearly sports physical from their dedicated pediatrician or medical home. Your medical home should already have a his-tory of your child’s previous sports injuries, their vaccine record and a history of their growth/development. In addition, your pe-diatric provider will also ask you to complete a medical history form specifically for athletes. This is essential for identifying problems that could be made worse by athletic participation.

These visits are crucial as they allow for the identification of silent problems and help young patients with chronic issues – such as asthma – to create a plan of action with their pedia-trician. Knowing your child’s history, pediatricians can help reduce the risk of re-injury for athletes who suffer from similar repeated injuries. Your pediatrician can also help identify the proper screening and testing your child needs based on family history and previous visits.

Most sports physicals will include a normal exam that checks for vision and hearing, examination of the heart and a musculoskeletal examination.

Q: MY CHILD HAS ASTHMA, IS THERE ANY-THING DIFFERENT THEY NEED TO DO IN

ORDER TO PREPARE FOR SPORTS?It is very important for all children with asthma to see

their pediatrician regularly and have their symptoms under control, but it’s especially important for the young athlete. If a child is having coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath

with exercise, they likely are having symptoms at other times too and these need to be controlled with appropriate control-ler medications. The young athlete should have their rescue inhaler with them at all times, and many youngsters need to take two to four puffs of their rescue inhaler before athletics. However, if they also need their rescue inhaler during athletics; it’s a sign that their asthma is not well controlled. In addition, it is also important for young athletes with asthma to stay in shape always; they don’t need another reason to get short of breath while playing their sport.

Q: WHAT CAUSES SUDDEN DEATH IN YOUNG ATHLETES?

It’s important to begin by saying that sudden death is extremely rare. The causes of sudden death vary, but a vast majority are linked to heart abnormalities. According to the American Heart Association, the best available screening for cardiac problems in young athletes is a careful history and physical. Providing accurate, honest answers to questions about a family history of heart problems or chest pain with exercise can save a child’s life. Getting the proper physicals and screenings before beginning athletic activities can help to identify potential cardiac issues in your child.

It is also important to practice proper heat safety. Children should always be drinking more when they are, or are plan-ning to be, outdoors. Children and young adults should take frequent water breaks and never get to the point where they are thirsty because by that time it’s too late. Drinks containing carbohydrates, such as sports drinks, can be given to children and young adults involved in strenuous sports or activities; however, water is the preferred drink of choice for all exposed to the heat.

Q: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG FOR MY CHILD TO START WEIGHT TRAINING?The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on

Sports Medicine has recommended that strength training not begin before age 6. In the elementary-school age child, strength training should consist primarily of body weight exercises, like push-ups and sit-ups. We strongly recommend that children and teens at least be able to perform the number of push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups/hangs recommended for their age by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness before lifting weights. When children and young adults do engage in weight lifting or weight training it’s important to have an adult present at all times to ensure proper technique and ensure a safe training environment.


Dr. Aleksandra Lawera is a graduate of University of Texas in San Antonio. She completed her internal medi-

cine residency in York, Pennsylvania, and practiced hospital medicine on East Coast for a number of years. Upon returning to Texas, Dr. Lawera estab-lished her practice in Katy. Aleksandra Lawera, MD – Medicine & Compete Wellness is located on the CHRISTUS St. Catherine campus and dedi-cated to providing medical services to residents of Katy.

Dr. Lawera firmly believes that wellness begins with absence of physical illness but encompasses much more than that. Being healthy means physi-cal well being, emotional happiness, spiritual bal-ance and fulfillment, and overall satisfaction with one’s appearance and fitness. “ In our practice, we start with treatment and prevention of disease, and then go beyond it, helping our patients achieve whatever wellness means to them.”

Dr. Lawera offers BiosLife Slim – a scientifi-cally proven, safe, natural, and effective product to help with weight reduction, cholesterol lowering, and improvement of diabetes control. Scientifically developed and rigorously tested over the past 20 years, BiosLife Slim offers safe and lasting weight loss with no side effects and no harmful stimulants to worry about.“Incorporated into our proven, su-pervised exercise, fitness and weight loss program, BiosLife Slim delivers more than weight loss – it is a lasting, sustainable, easy to maintain and ad-here to lifestyle change that truly turns people’s life around – toward healthier, happier living.”

Find out more about Dr. Lawera and all wellness modalities her practice offers at www.AleksandraL-aweraMedicine.com. She is a certified Zerona pro-vider – an FDA approved, non-invasive way to shed fat and inches.

Dr. Aleksandra Lawera

MEDICAL PROFILE

East Meets West for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Seminar

From Wudang Mountain in China, Taoist Priest Master Yun Xiang Tseng - known to many as “Master Chen” - recently offered his insights at a dynamic discussion on Eastern and Western medicine. The symposium, sponsored by Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, featured Master Chen and Memorial Katy Gastroenterology Associates specialist Dr. Keith Fernandez as they explored the spiritual, medical, and emotional origins of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Master Chen comes from a direct line of Taoist teachers, a lineage that is over 700 years old and completely unbroken. At age six, he was chosen to study ancient Taoist traditions and now lives in the United States and Wudang Mountain, where he shares his wisdom.

Dr. Ramon Solis, a primary care physician with Katy Internal Medicine Associates is among Master Chen’s disciples and for years has integrated Eastern teachings such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Acupuncture into his medical practice. “I was approached by some of my medical colleagues here in Katy about the idea of their sharing the podium with Master Chen to offer patients and community members insights from both Western medicine and Eastern traditions,” said Dr. Solis. Master Chen visits Katy regularly and is excited to visit again with this concept in mind.

The presentation took place in Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital’s Tiger room to filled capacity as Master Chen and Dr. Fernandez discussed combining the brain and gut with GI Disorders – in particular Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Dr. Fernandez spoke first, presenting on the Western medical model of IBS, mechanisms, theories, and treatment options. Next, Master Chen gave his knowledge from a traditional model from mind, body, and spirit. Master Chen shared how there is an

Jimmy Salvaggio, Reuben Starishevsky, Ramon A. Solis, M.D., Master Chen, Andrzej Janecki, M.D., Keith Fernandez, M.D., and Colleen Herman.

MEDICALBRIEFS


705 South Fry Rd. Suite 300, Katy, TX 77450Phone (281) 599 – 0300, Fax (281) 599 – 7807

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imbalance related to the five elements theory. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water and each of these elements affect medical conditions. Master Chen discussed how the spirit, mind and body interact in harmony or disharmony and their relationship with the five element theory. The engaged audience had many questions for both speakers and left refreshed, uplifted and hungry for more knowledge combining Eastern and Western concepts for health, wellness and healing.

“It was a delightful, enlightening experience with two tremendously gifted speakers who are not only excellent in their knowledge, but have a gift for teaching as well,” stated Dr. Solis.

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital plans to host future joint seminars with physicians and Master Chen focused on cardiac disease, neurological disorders, joint pain and other ailments. For more information on upcoming seminars, call 713.222.CARE or visit www.memorialhermann.org.

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital was again awarded the Pathways to Excellence™ designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The designation is given to healthcare organizations that create work environments in which nurses can flourish and is a testament to professional satisfaction among nurses. It also identifies best places to work for nurses. The hospital was first designated in 2008.

Memorial Hermann Katy HospitalAwarded Pathways to Excellence ™ Award


AK How common are psychiatric disorders in children and teens?

SS Statistics from the National Institutes of Mental Health

show that about 20% of children currently have, or previously have had, a serious psychiatric disorder. Psychiatric disorders include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorders.

AK Do many conditions for this age group go untreated?

SS Yes, unfortunately only about half of children with

a psychiatric disorder have received treatment within the previous year. Children with anxiety disorders are the least likely to receive treatment.

AK What signs should parents look for when deciding to

seek help for their child?

SS Any time a parent notices a change in sleep, appetite,

mood, behaviors, self-esteem, lack of interest in activities, or other changes from the norm, he or she should

absolute ly!INTERVIEW

By Claudia Richter

Shannon Sniff, M.D. l Staff PSychiatriSt at DePelchin chilDren’S center

consult with a pediatrician, therapist, and/or psychiatrist.

AK Are most conditions easily treated?

SS Many conditions can be well treated with therapy

and/or medications over a period of months. One of the most important factors is addressing concerns early. Early interventions usually lead to faster and more robust improvement.

AK Have there been advancements in recent

years in the treatment of psychiatric disorders for children and teens?

SS Fortunately, new medications and other

methods of treatment continue to be developed for psychiatric disorders. We have new medications with fewer side effects which are very effective in treating psychiatric disorders.

AK Is medication always necessary?

SS No, medication is not always necessary.

Oftentimes, a combination of

Shannon Sniff is a board certified staff psychiatrist at DePelchin Children’s Center. A native Texan, Dr. Sniff graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University and earned her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. After fulfilling her residency in general psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dr. Sniff remained at UTMB to complete a two-year fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry, during which time she also served as chief fellow.

Dr. Sniff specializes in treating a number of psychiatric disorders in children and teens, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sensitive to the needs of each patient, Dr. Sniff utilizes a range of treatment techniques including medication management and therapy.

Dr. Sniff is an active member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians and Texas Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

absolutely! Katy magazine had the opportunity to pose these questions to Dr. Sniff regarding common concerns for psychiatric disorders in children and teens.

medication and therapy works better than either alone, but the use of medication is always an individual and family decision that should be made together with a professional. There are certainly alternative methods to addressing behavioral and emotional concerns, though more severe situations may warrant medication management.

AK If a child requires treatment with medication, how long

will they need to continue it?

SS If a child responds well to a medication, we usually

recommend that he or she continues for six months to one year before considering discontinuing it. There is no set rule for how long a child should take medication. Child psychiatrists base the decision on what is best for the individual.

AK How common is ADHD, and do kids eventually grow out of it?

SS Most recently, studies have shown that about 9% of

children have ADHD, and about half of these children will still meet criteria for ADHD during adulthood.


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Dr. Bao-Quoc “Core” La is a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist bringing over 15 years of experi-

ence to the West Houston/Katy communities. After graduating summa cum laude from Baylor Univer-sity, Dr. La received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Dr. La returned home to Houston and completed his internship and residency at the Me-morial-Hermann Hospital at the Texas Medical Center.

Dr. La specializes in routine and high risk preg-nancies with an emphasis on patient education and personalized care. “I feel blessed and honored to be allowed to participate in such a personal experience with my patients.”

Dr. La has a special interest in minimally inva-sive gynecologic surgery, focusing on laparoscopic “no stitch” hysterectomies. His patients are rou-tinely amazed to experience minimal pain, tiny in-cisions, and a quick recovery.

“Although I see patients from different cultures and all walks of life, every patient wants the same thing,” said Dr. La. “They want their doctor to lis-ten to their complaints, identify and help them with their problems, answer their questions and treat them with respect. With each of my patients, I can identify in them my mother, my sister, my wife, or my daughter, and therefore, treat them the way I would want a member of my family treated.”

Dr. La’s office is centrally located by the new Texas Women’s Hospital at West Houston Medical Center. He also has admitting and surgical privi-leges at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hos-pital and will soon be opening a satellite office at Westpark tollway and Grand parkway.

Dr. Bao-Quoc “Core” La

MEDICAL PROFILE


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• The shape you are in does not dictate who you are. The beauty of the body is that it is adjustable. Saying that a mistake (weight gain) defines who someone is implies that one can never change or improve. No matter what shape we are in, we are all still human. Don’t allow a poor self image keep you from trying to improve your health or push you to take dangerous

risks. It is never too late to make a positive change in your health.

• There is black and white, but there is also a lot of grey. We seem to know the difference between what is healthy and what is unhealthy, but we fail to remember there is a lot of grey. This forces many to try quick fix solu-tions of extreme diets and dangerous medical procedures. When we real-

ize that we don’t have to be perfect to be successful, we can relax enough to tackle our weight loss issues the right way. Take your time and make small, positive changes. Do things that will create long-term, positive results, in-stead of another quick fix.

• The gym is a training ground for the things you enjoy. We often think working out 3-5 times a week is our goal, but that is a boring goal that often results in people burning out and stopping their weight loss resolu-tion. Formal exercise is to help you live an active, fun life full of adven-ture. Working out in a gym is just a way to condense a lot of exercise in to a short period of time; not necessarily an entertaining experience that makes you excited to come back again. If you want to be healthy and in shape, strive to find activities you enjoy and use the equipment in the gym to help you achieve it.

• Mind your thoughts. It is so easy to be critical of ourselves. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are usually right.” You have to think posi-tively about your future goals, speak it consistently, and believe that you are capable of achieving it. If you are not confident in your plan, find help.

• Seek help from people that care. Take the time to do your research and choose someone you feel comfortable trusting your health and emotions with. Weight loss is both physical and mental. Finding someone who will walk with you through your journey is important to your long term success.

2012 is a great time to start mov-ing towards a permanent solution to achieving a healthy weight. It might be an old habit to be negative and hard on yourself through this process, but you are more likely to be success-ful when you make safe, long-term, positive mental and physical changes. Seeking help from health care profes-sionals could be necessary for you, but make 2012 the year you regained con-trol of your health.

When striving to achieve a New Year’s Resolution of weight loss, there are some things you need to know.{ }

Y ou or someone you love is struggling with their perception of their body. It affects their self-confidence, attitude, and decisions. They think about it when they look in the mirror, get dressed, see a model in a magazine, eat

dinner, etc… It haunts them day and night.As a personal trainer, my career is helping people achieve the healthy body they

desire in a safe way. I hear the heartbreaking stories on a daily basis as people struggle to gain control of their health. There is a disturbing trend of desperation and failed previous attempts at achieving a perfect body. They follow extreme diets, undergo surgeries and injections, and are willing to try anything that prom-ises to work. Rarely do they achieve permanent results, and this leads to more emotional and mental baggage from another failed attempt of trying to regain their health. Taking steps to get healthier can be a life saving decision for many of the people I meet, but how they get there is crucial to their chance of success.


Take back your health. Take back your life.

We educate, motivate, and inspire you to overcome your obstacles and achieve the change of life you desire.

Whether you need to lose weight, overcome back pain, decrease your blood pressure, or exercise with diabetes, our personal trainers will design a customized �tness and nutrition program for you to achieve your goals.

Jason Hodge, MES Founder and Fitness DirectorMedical Fitness Pros

281.500.6055

MEDICAL PROFILE

E mergency medicine physicians and nurses, all specially trained and certified, are ready 24/7 to provide patients exceptional emer-

gency care, treating a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries, including severe symptoms of stroke or heart attack at Methodist West Houston Hospital. Methodist cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons use advanced technology to diagnose and treat the most complex cases of heart and vascular illness. The state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab is al-ways on call, equipped with the tools and expertise that can make the difference between life and death to a heart attack victim.

The medical staff can open blocked coronary ar-teries, diagnose problems and perform interventions with speed and precision like no other center in Katy or West Houston. Methodist West Houston operates

the only hybrid operating room within 20 miles, an imaging and surgical combination that can save time – and lives.

Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, Methodist West Houston is constructed for 193 beds, 28 emer-gency treatment rooms and 15 operating rooms, with room to grow. Specialty care includes cardiol-ogy and cardiovascular surgery; orthopedics, sports medicine and rehabilitation; comprehensive wom-en’s services—labor and delivery, neonatal ICU, gy-necology and breast imaging; comprehensive cancer care; neurology and neurosurgery; plastic and recon-structive surgery; urologic and gastrointestinal sur-gery and robotic surgery.

For a physician referral, call 713-790-3333 or visit methodistwesthouston.com.

Methodist West Houston Hospital Brings Latest Innovative Treatments to Katy and West Houston


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Wow! Did you see what Ford did with their F-150 lineup for this new model year? They

didn’t just introduce a new engine. Nope. They completely revamped the entire powertrain lineup and put four new engines and more modern and fuel efficient six-speed transmissions into their popular trucks. Pretty gutsy move until you realize that these new engines just changed the game for everyone else in the truck market.

The base engine is a toughened up version of the 302 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 that first appeared last year in the 2011 Mustang. As far as I’m concerned, that’s all the engine you’ll need if you’re not looking to do a lot of hauling and towing. It’s the perfect engine for a guy like me who wants to drive a truck but doesn’t work in construction or own a boat. If you gotta have a little more pow-er and torque, there’s the base V8 that’s got the truckified (I just made up that word) version of the 360 horsepower 5.0 liter V8 that’s also in the new Mustang.

But if you’ve got a wad of cash burn-ing a hole in your pocket and you want to have the coolest pickup truck engine on your block, then step up to the 365 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost en-gine. EcoBoost is what Ford calls their

version of a direct injection, twin turbo charged engine and it’s a blast to drive. It’ll take you a few thousand miles to properly break it in, but when you do, you’ll smile every time you step on the gas. What makes it so much fun is that the low end torque curve delivers the engine’s full power as soon as you step on the gas.

If you think that a tur-bocharged engine just isn’t tough enough for a pickup, then you didn’t follow what Ford did last year with the EcoBoost challenge. As subjecting a random Eco-Boost engine to a ridicu-lous regimen, they then tore down the engine be-fore a 1,000 spectators at

this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Here’s the link to Jim McCraw’s great article from PickUpTrucks.com: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/01/what-the-inside-of-a-torture-tested-ecoboost-v-6-looks-like.html.

And if you just have to have the biggest F-150 gas engine, then the 411 horse-

power 6.2 liter V8 is your baby. The V6 EcoBoost will still make it look silly in a drag race but you’ll have the satisfaction knowing that you have the same engine that’s also in the truly amazing F-150 SVT Raptor. But I’ll write about that beast later. Drive safely out there!

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Go to www.AbsolutelyKaty.comSeen on the Scene

Monday, December 5, 2011 • Babaloo at Villagio Town Center

ARTreach Heroes Among Us Dinner

Terri & Scott Bieber

Ana Villaronga Roman & Ana VillegasPatricia, Reed & Richard Kyzar

Fred Routon

Katie Biggers & Maria Masson

Ryan & Nikki Donaldson

Jan Johannessen & Elena AzualaFatima & Brett Donaldson

Carol & Mark Bonaccorso

Bob & Felicia Bryant

Lu & Schottsie Hill


B y taking ingredients we know exist but have never had prepared in such a way, the newest member of the Cordua family restaurants, Churrascos in Sugar Land,

opened with plenty of fanfare on December 1 in Sugar Land. And, we are so lucky they did.

I have to admit, I was somewhat taken aback at the exquisite signature Churrasco steak. With the chimichurri sauce and grilling technique, the result is excellent. I may never look at another steak the same way again. If you are not familiar with chimichurri sauce, take note: the flavor of the meat shines through and is enhanced but not overpowered by the perfectly balanced flavors. Did you know that it was voted one of Esquire Magazine’s Top 20 Steaks in America?

My next observation during my visit was that everything on the menu is a well-honed combination of Latin American ingredients prepared with due respect to classical European cooking methods – a match made in heaven. Knowing the Cordua name, as we do in Houston, Michael Cordua has made great food, with the hospitality to match his trademark. Americas, Artista, The Amazon Grill and the Churracscos locations in River Oaks and Westchase have achieved a reputation for only the highest caliber dining experience.

I also sampled the Pargo de Lujo, which is a pan roasted Gulf Coast red snapper with jumbo lump crab, shrimp, peeled grape tomatoes, basil and habanero citrus beurre blanc with mascarpone mashed potatoes. The snapper melts in your mouth and is heaped with a generous amount of lump crab, but those peeled grape tomatoes and mascarpone mashed potatoes are really such a lovely surprise with an entrée that has everything going for it.

Third Location is More Than a CharmBy Claudia Richter

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The Churrascosdécor is designed as

a family gathering place with rustic, wood finishings.

Considered a pioneer in advancing Latin American cuisine, award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Cordua is the only Texas chef to be inducted into the Food and Wine Hall of Fame and was also voted one of America’s Top Ten Chefs. He is the recipient of the Robert Mondavi award for culinary excellence and is currently a semi-finalist for the 2011 James Beard Foundation Restaurateur Award.

MICHAEL CORDUA

DAVID CORDUA

With a Grand Diplome in Pastry and Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, David Cordua has carved out his own path in the culinary world, working for some of the finest restaurants in France and specializing in wines and front-of-the-house training as well.

C H U R R A S C O S :


Before you even consider an entrée, I would suggest an assortment of appetizers to share with the table. I had the Angel Wings, Corn Smoked Crab Fingers and the Ceviche Copacabana because they came highly recommended. The Angel Wings are a light chicken wing with brown butter, habanero papaya sauce and a classic blue cheese dressing. You have to try them! The Corn Smoked Crab Fingers are delivered with a lovely and ample serving of sweet crab with red pepper, jalapenos, scallions, lemon butter and crispy yucca cake. They are out-of-this-world, lick-your-plate-clean good! The Ceviche Copacabana is a Peruvian-style ceviche of fresh market catch and gulf shrimp, avocado, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro served in a carved pineapple. The presentation is impressive and the flavors make it a joy to devour – almost as much as the two desserts I also included in my meal.

The original Tres Leches is billed as a holiday tradition in Houston, and I now understand why. I would even give up chocolate for it, and I realize that’s a pretty bold statement. The cake is soaked with sweet vanilla-laced cream and then, topped with a decadent Meringue

CHIMICHURRI SAUCE FROM CHURRASCOS

Ingredients

6 garlic cloves

1 cup curly parsley, chopped

2 cups olive oil

½ cup white wine vinegar

3 tsp oregano

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Method

In a food processor, pulse garlic

finely. Chop the parsley by

hand. Combine all ingredients

in a large bowl. Store in an

airtight container. Best if used

the following day. Baste on

your favorite protein before

grilling. Chimichurri sauce

should not be used in a sauté

pan since the parsley can turn

bitter when fried.

CHURRASCOS1520 Lake Pointe ParkwaySugar Land, TX 77478832.532.5300

The famous Churrasco steak is flavored with chimichurri sauce before it is grilled to perfection.

Italiano. I think every special occasion should include it! I also tried the home-made Triple Cream Coconut Ice Cream, which is served in a caramel tuile basket and fresh berries—sublime! If you do prefer chocolate, don’t worry, I saw a Chocolate Truffle Cake with chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache on the long list of desserts as well.

With respect to the rest of the menu, I couldn’t get to it all. I will tell you that it lacks nothing. You can find soups and salads, side dishes and accompaniments to suit a wide variety of tastes. The lunch menu includes The Churrasco signature steak, Amazon Burger, Torta de Pollo (grilled chicken sandwich), salads and many other selections along with a Churrasco Lunch Trio served Monday thru Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. There is also a Sunday Brunch. If you have not been to Churrascos and experienced first-hand, the expertly developed dishes from the ingredients of the Americas, you are doing yourself quite a disservice.

A tres leche cake soaked in sweet vanilla laced cream and then topped with a decadent meringue Italiano.

Fried plantains are served with chimichurri sauce for dipping.

The Ceviche Copacabana is a Peruvian-style ceviche of fresh market catch, Gulf shrimp, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro served in a carved pineapple.

“The presentation is impressive and the flavors make it a joy to devour - almost as much as the two desserts I also included in my meal.”


BAKERIES

OOH LA LA23920 Westheimer Pkwy., 77494281-391-2253 20155 Park Row, 77449 281-492-6166www.oohlalasweets.com

There is always room for dessert when it comes to Katy’s Ooh La La Dessert Boutique.

Native Texan Vanessa O’Donnell stocks made-from-scratch treats such as cupcakes, pies, cakes, pastries, cookies, dessert bars and cheesecakes daily and fills custom orders with a 24-48 hour advance notice. Most items can be bought by the slice or whole and can be enjoyed in the beautiful dining room with a specialty coffee drink or at home. There is a handy drive-thru window and delivery available.

CHOCOLATIERS

ARAYA ARTISAN CHOCOLATE1575 W. Grand Parkway S., Ste. 1000, 77494.832-967-7960 www.arayachocolate.com

Araya Artisan Chocolate creations are made from fresh ingredients and premium Venezuelan chocolate. Currently offering 32 different flavors ranging from Pink Salt to Passion

Fruit, Margarita and Orange Marzipan, Araya Artisan Chocolates are an unusual alternative to the bottle of wine when invited to a dinner party or to any other special occasion.

Eat In · Take-Out · Delivery · Drive-Thru (Westheimer Location Only)23920 westheimer pkwy. katy · 281.391.2253

20155 park row katy · 281.492.6166now open in town & country village:

770 w. sam houston pkwy. north, ste. 500 houston · 713.465.6338

facebook.com/oohlalasweets twitter.com/oohlalasweets www.oohlalasweets.com

Bakery SelectionsCatering · Custom Cookies and Cakes

Cupcakes · Pies · Specialty Coffees · Corporate Gifts

Love at first bite.

River Oaks Shopping Center2013 W Gray St,

Houston, TX, 77019 1575 W Grand Pkwy S,

Katy, TX, 77494

The Plaza´s at Grand Parkway

(281) 395-1050(713) 364 - 9276

[email protected]

artisanchocolate

A unique gift for someone specialLocally handcrafted in Katy, TX

DINING GUIDE TO KATY RESTAURANTS

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DINING OUT | RESTAURANT PROFILES

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

To Advertise, Call 281-690-4242


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> BAKERIESOoh La La The Dessert Boutique23920 Westheimer Pkwy., 77494281-391-225320155 Park Row, 77449281-492-6166770 W. Sam Houston Pkwy., 77024 www.oohlalasweets.com

> BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS/FINANCIAL

Members Choice Credit UnionGrand Pkwy, N. Fry, Park Row, Mason Rd.8951 S. Fry Road @ Katy Gaston23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd @ Grand Pkwy, Ste. K100281-398-9900www.mccu.org

Tradition Bank1515 S. Grand Pkwy., 774942117 Fry Rd., 77449550 Pin Oak, 77494713-666-2511www.traditionbank.com

> CHOCOLATIERAraya Artisan Chocolates1575 West Grand Pkwy. S., 77494713-364-9276 • 281-395-1050www.arayachocolate.com

> CHURCHESBridgepoint Bible Church13277 Katy Freeway 77079832-448-1330www.bridgepointbible.org

> DÉCORTista’s Fine Furniture and Bedding403 W. Grand Pkwy. S., 77494281-347-5289www.tistashome.com

> DENTAL & ORTHODONTICSFamilyKare Dental24210 Westheimer Pkwy, Ste. 800, 77494281-392-3022www.familykaredental.com

Lifetime Dental Care970 S. Fry Rd., 77450281-579-2233www.lifetimedentalcaretx.com

> EVENTSSafari Texas Ranch11627 FM 1464, Richmond, 77407281.277.7888www.safaritexasballroom.com

> FITNESS/HEALTH/SPORTSESN Health22756 Westheimer Pkwy, Suite 160, 77450281-395-0827www.ESNHealth.com

Medical Fitness Pros21938 Royal Montreal Dr, 77450281-500-6055www.mfpros.com

> HOSPITALSCHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital701 South Fry Rd., 77450281-599-5700www.christusstcatherine.org

Methodist West Houston 18500 Katy Freeway, 77094832-522-1000 www.methodistwesthouston.com

Texas Children’s Hospital-West CampusI-10 @ Barker CypressToll free 800-364-KIDS (5437)www.texaschildrens.org westcampus.texaschildrens.org

> MEDICALDePelchin Children’s Center515 Park Grove Dr., 77450713-730-2335 www.depelchin.org/katy

Elite Woman’s Care Center23920 Katy Fwy., Ste. 470, 77494281-391-7500www.torripiercemd.com

Bao-Quoc Core La, M.D., P.A. 12121 Richmond Ave., Ste. 315, 77082281-589-0156www.doctorla.com Lawera Medicine and Wellness705 S. Fry Rd. Ste. 300, 77450281-599-0300AleksandraLaweraMedicine.com

> MENTAL HEALTHTMS Serenity Center for Depression 4545 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479281-240-4322www.tmsserenitycenter.com

> MILITARYUnited States Air Force19918 Park Row Road, 77449281-579-7291www.airforce.com

> PHOTOGRAPHYCountry Park Portraits555 Park Grove Lane, 77450281-398-8707www.countryparkportraits.com

> REAL ESTATE / DEVELOPMENT/RENTALS

Anderson Properties/ Better Homes and Gardens23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., C-140, 77494281-392-0200andersonprops.com

Guadalupe RIVERFRONT DUPLEX 832-788-2294www.RioRatonDuplex.com

Heritage Texas Properties14340 Memorial Dr, 77079281-493-388023123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. 200, 77494281-493-3880www.heritagetexas.com

Karen Karapasha Team, RE/MAX21306-A Provincial Blvd., 77450281-599-659015119 Memorial Dr., 77079281-599-6590

www.karapashateam.com

> RESIDENTIAL SERVICESTexas Custom Patios281-265-1994www.texascustompatios.com

> RETAIL/SHOPPINGAce Hardware & Gifts1720 S. Mason Rd., 77450281-392-5200www.cincoranchace.com

> VISIONGrand Vision1534 S. Grand Pkwy., 77494281-693-EYES (3937)www.grandvisionkaty.com

17. Ace Hardware & Gifts

4. Anderson Properties/ Better

Homes and Gardens

42. Araya Artisan Chocolates

12. Bridgepoint Bible Church

3. CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital

IBC. Country Park Portraits

1. Depelchin Children’s Center

35. Elite Women’s Care Center

29. ESN Health

12. FamilyKare Dental

28. Grand Vision

Your Source for Local Business

17. Guadalupe Riverfront Duplex

Back. Heritage Texas Properties

9. Karen Karapasha Team

35. La, Bao-Quoc Core, M.D., P.A.

33. Lawera Medicine and Wellness

2. Lifetime Dental Care

37. Medical Fitness Pros

27. Members Choice Credit Union

IFC Methodist West Houston Hospital

42. Ooh La La The Dessert

Boutique

13. Safari Texas Ranch

5. Texas Children’s Hospital

24. Texas Custom Patios

23. Tista’s Fine Furniture

7. TMS Serenity Center for

Depression

9. Tradition Bank

23. United States Air Force

To advertise, call 281.690.4242

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it a narrative of life as seen through the eyes of the New England Puritan tradition. Squares were labeled with opposing moral positions which led to inevitable consequences up or down the board - bravery upwards to honor, idle-ness downwards to disgrace. The object of the game was to achieve “Happy Old Age” instead of “Ruin.”

In 1858, John McLoughlin, Jr. formed McLoughlin Brothers, a compa-ny that reached its heyday in the 1880s and manufactured games such as The Derby Steeple Chase Game and Game of the District Messenger Boy, until it was bought out by Milton Bradley in 1920.

Perhaps the best known board game of all time, Monopoly, was originally created during the Great Depression by Charles Brace Darrow, who sold the rights to Parker Brothers, who then went on to make it a money-making sensation and an icon of American pop-ular culture. So many variations of Mo-nopoly themes have been produced over the years. Even the city of Houston had a version in the 1970s called Houston Scene with properties such as the As-trodome, Hermann Park and Johnson Space Center. One of the Chance cards reads, “You Forgot Your Husband’s Birthday – Advance to Sakowitz to Buy Him a Pair of Lucchese Ostrich Skin Cowboy Boots.”

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F amily game night has become an enduring part of American life. The shelves at today’s large retail

and toy stores hold an amazing variety of board and card games. But how did America’s love affair with the modern board game begin?

As industrialization altered the fab-ric of American society during the 19th century, more people were able to enjoy a certain amount of leisure time in their daily lives. At the same time, this newly emerging middle-class had more dispos-able income, which fueled a burgeoning game industry. Companies sprang up to fill this growing demand, producing an array of board games, puzzles, table-top and card games. And much like today, the board games of yesteryear were ad-vertised as a means of bringing the fam-ily together.

While some board games, such as chess and checkers, had been around for decades, the board game industry really took off during the 1890s with improvements in printing and paper

manufacture. Games that emphasized morality were eventually replaced by games focused on sports, industry and current events. Mirroring the change in American culture, winners of these new games were no longer the most pious players, but instead were more often the player who had accumulated the most wealth.

By the 1890s, three major competi-tors dominated the game industry: McLoughlin Brothers, Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers. In 1860, at the age of 24, Milton Bradley formed the Milton Bradley Company to produce lithographs for local businesses in Springfield, Massachusetts. Bradley’s first game, The Checkered Game of Life, borrowed the format of the famil-iar checkerboard and incorporated into

Family Game NightTHEN & NOW

Milton Bradley Company, Circa 1910.

Parker Brothers Inc.Circa 1900.

Parker Brothers, Circa 1895.

Groovy Games, Inc.Circa 1977

INSIDE BACK

INSIDE BACK

BACK

BACK

WE’RE SOLD ON KATY

KELLY CHAMBERLAIN281.582.3984

RITA DONNELLY281.582.3930

CHRISTINE DUNCAN281.582.3959

MARTHA CLARK281.582.3949

MARCIA SERAFIN281.582.3908

ROBIN MUECKPresident/CEO

JULIE PICKETT281.493.3880

ANITA PICKETT281.582.3985

her i tagetexas .com

14340 Memorial Drive • 281.493.3880 23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite 200

heritage expands to katy

UPSTAIRS IN THE ICON BANK BUILDING23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite 200

Katy, Texas 77494

CAROLYN JOHNSTON281.582.3952

JANICE IRELAND281.620.8427

CLARANN MCCOY281.582.3907

BARBAR MARCHBANKS281.582.3943

LIZ LEGROS281.582.3909

january 2012- absolutely katy magazine

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